Hi everyone! I hope you're enjoying this fic so far!
Just wanted to say that I may post a side-quest, one-shot, NSFW-type interlude between last chapter and this one, only because I want to finish this fic before I burn out and leave it abandoned (like I do with many of my multi-chapter fics lmao). But keep an eye out for it, as I'll likely post it after this series is finished.
Also, just wanna say thanks for coming on this ride, as I know many of you are nervous with how the next few chapters are gonna play out. It makes me excited that so many of you are following along and interested to see what happens next.
Again, there is a playlist for this chapter, so please feel free to listen along when the fic indicates to hit play. This is totally optional and is meant to help be immersive. The songs are mostly anachronistic to the 90s, but some are covers of/are heavily influenced by 80s/90s music, and fits the vibe I was aiming for:
(1) - Cruel Summer — Daniel Liebt (originally by Bananarama)
(2) - Californication — Lost Ways (originally by Red Hot Chili Peppers)
(3) - Stargazing — Marcelo De Carvalho
(4) - CHERIE — Darius, Darianna Everett
(5) - Last Train — The Midnight
(6) - Rain — Samantha James
(7) - The Lost Soul Down — NBSPLV
(8) - Dancing in the Moonlight — Cannons
(9) - Happy Nation (Radio Edit) — Ace of Base
Please enjoy!
Genosha…
Rogue and Remy spent most of the next day in bed, lazily catching up on some much needed sleep — largely due to the jet lag, but they indulged in a few other activities…
The hotel suite offered a suitable respite for them, as they enjoyed a few of the amenities, like ordering some top quality food through room service, the lavishly lux rooftop pool, and a stop at the spa for Rogue to get her hair and nails done for the evening's festivities; a pampering experience she'd never had the opportunity to experience before. Now she understood why women prioritized these beauty routines on the regular. Her hair had been immaculately crafted into an effortless looking updo, with small tendrils framing her face, and her freshly done french-tipped manicure made her feel like a polished gemstone after being a diamond in the rough for years.
Once they'd reconnected, the two Southern X-Men were back in their room, getting ready for the night's events.
"Do ya think maybe we shoulda went and greeted the others when they arrived?" Rogue asked Remy as she delicately applied her makeup at the vanity mirror, dressed only in a silk robe and her undergarments as she watched Remy in the reflection, buttoning up his crisp white shirt, his hair neatly tied back in a low ponytail that had become his go-to style for special occasions.
They'd watched the Blackbird fly overhead while they were at the pool earlier in the day, and Rogue got a little giddy at seeing Storm and Beast again. These few months away had been the longest time she'd spent apart from the team since she first became an X-Man, and she was looking forward to catching up with them.
"We see them plenty tonight and the rest o' the time they here," he replied, shifting his arms in the shirt so as to button the cuffs, smirking at Rogue in the reflection.
Rogue giggled a little as she finished applying her mascara, setting the bottle down as she turned to him, coyly grinning as she said, "Yer just sayin' that 'cause you were too busy enjoyin' the sun up on the deck."
"Guilty as charged, chère," he admitted, before leaning down over her, resting his weight against the chair she was in and the vanity table as he said under his breath, "Though I enjoyed more the jus' the sun, lil' River Rat."
The tease brought to mind the bikini Rogue had chosen to wear while sunbathing, knowing it'd get a certain rise out of him. She smirked before pressing a sweet kiss to his lips, "Mind the gutter, Cajun."
She noticed he'd buttoned up the shirt all the way to the collar, "You wearin' a tie?"
"Bow tie. It be a formal occasion, after all," he answered, standing upright as he snagged the piece of black fabric from his garment bag.
She laughed a little, "I think you can go without, sugah. I always preferred you a little more undone."
She nearly missed the smirk Remy gave her as he tossed the fabric to the side, undoing the top two buttons of his shirt, as she turned back to the mirror to finish applying her lipstick. Remy leaned over her shoulder and said in her ear, "That's 'cause you ways makin' me come undone, chère."
She smiled at him as she finished her lip, "I'm gonna have t' mind yer mouth all night t'night, aren't I?"
"Depen's on the kind o' night we plannin' on havin'."
"Behave…" she warned with a sultry look, "We'll have more time fer that later."
"O' course, mon amour," he replied, pressing a kiss to her cheek as he returned to the bathroom to finish getting dressed.
Rogue stood from the vanity, reaching for the garment bag that contained her silk red dress that she'd managed to somehow keep secret from Remy for years. She'd had the damn thing in her closet for an eternity, hoping to one day wear it for some special occasion, but the time never seemed right. Thank goodness she decided to add it to the luggage they'd packed when they left the Institute, hoping she'd get the chance to wear it sometime during their sabbatical.
She quietly slipped off her robe and slid the delicate fabric over her form. As she got the last bit over her shoulders, she heard Remy let out a low whistle. Looking over her shoulder, she saw him just leaning against the doorframe—fully dressed in his suit jacket with that scarf he loved to wear and a pocket square to match—his glowing eyes admiring her from afar. He looked so handsome. Strikingly confident too, like a man who knew he had the whole world on a platter before him.
She felt almost more naked than before, with the way he looked at her, it had her stomach filled with butterflies.
"No one gon' be able t' keep they eyes off ya, chère," he said matter of factly, though Rogue wondered if he was speaking for himself, or had some other people in mind, "I ever tell you that red be my favorite color?"
She smiled demurely at the compliment, a light blush dusting her cheeks as she asked, "Help a gal out, would ya, Cajun?"
She turned her back to him, showing him what she meant with the back of her dress wide open. She heard him approach and quietly felt the back of her dress slide closed as he seamlessly pulled up her zipper and fastened the collar at her neck, like a man that had practiced dressing and undressing the woman dozens of times. His hand lingered on her skin for a few seconds, brushing over her back and arms in gentle motions that made Rogue shiver in delight.
She turned to face him, watching his eyes look her over, just as she did him.
"Y' look perfect, sugah," she said in quiet admiration.
Remy slid his hand down her bare arm, taking her hand in both of his, kissing the back of it, never taking his eyes off her, "Et toi, ma chérie, look jus' as beautiful as the day I met you."
It brought Rogue back to that first time she'd ever set foot on the grounds at the mansion — Remy was there with Storm, smoking a cigarette. She remembered the way she could always feel his eyes burning through her as he watched her, just like they did now.
She laughed with a light scoff, "I was in ratty ol' clothes and hadn't had a decent shower in days when we first met."
"An' yet, y' stole m' heart all the same," he said sweetly.
What she wouldn't do for this man. Rogue rested her hand on his stubbled cheek, pulling him down for a quick kiss, making sure her lipstick hadn't smeared all over him.
She could've stayed there the whole night, just standing in Remy's arms, but knew they had places to be, "Come on, Dark Eyes. Let's get a wiggle on."
The citadel was decorated to the heavens, every corner of the massive palace made to scream decadence and exquisite attention to detail. Gilded in ornate decor that would've made the gods jealous, it far exceeded anything Rogue had been expecting.
Mutants were all dressed in their best, and it made the pair of X-Men feel all the more comfortable seeing everyone having put as much effort into their attire as they did. The quiet anxiety that they were going to be over or underdressed had gnawed at Rogue, after hearing from Storm that they were encouraged to dress extravagantly, but luckily, it turned out they were exactly on par with the other guests.
In the grand foyer, they passed by many familiar faces — some good, some not so good.
Warren Worthington — looking incredibly sharp in a suit that Rogue guessed was designer — flew overhead as he joined Dazzler by the main entrance. Rogue wondered if it was just her mind playing tricks on her, or if Warren had caught her staring. She swore she saw him give her a sour look, but one that resembled remorse more than anything else.
Remy had spotted Emma and Sebastian nearby, both dressed as regal as ever like they were part of Genosha's nouveau-riche, while staring at Rogue and Remy from down their noses, as if they were too backwater for this kind of event. Remy just hoped they wouldn't have to face meaningful interactions for the night to avoid any nasty confrontations.
"Seems like this be a real who's who of mutants, eh, chère?" Remy commented in her ear.
She shook her head, "Yeah, well, I guess if yer gonna have a place fer all mutants, there's gonna be some faces poppin' up that we ain't the happiest t' see. Best t' just let bygones be bygones… least fer t'night."
As they walked up towards the main ballroom, music playing as they approached, they stopped just outside in the hall as they heard their names called out by a familiar voice. (1)
"Rogue! Remy!"
The shock of red hair and a fuschia pink dress was a pleasant surprise. Rogue was instantly as a wash with excitement, she felt like she wanted to fly again just so she could zip right over to Jean, "Oh Jean! It's been too long, gal! We thought you and Scott weren't gonna be comin'."
Jean's face instantly fell, as if realizing something in that moment. Rogue felt a little put out when she had reached to hug her friend, but Jean commented, "Actually… I'm… not Jean."
Rogue gave her a confused look as Remy joined them both, "What d'ya mean?"
Jean offered Rogue her hand, an incredibly foreign gesture from her teammate and friend, "I go by Madelyne Pryor these days."
"Madelyne…?" Rogue repeated the name, her tone pitched high as she wondered what was going on.
The red-headed woman shrugged her shoulders awkwardly, "It's… kind of a… long story."
"Hahaha, I think we may have some much needed explaining to do with our vagabond friends."
Rogue nearly gave herself whiplash at the sound of Hank's voice. She couldn't have been more overjoyed as he approached them, dressed in a tailored suit that fit his larger frame just perfectly.
"Beast!" she said, hugging him enthusiastically as he returned the gesture, "Lord, I've missed seein' that blue mug o' yers!"
"Not as much as we all have missed you and Remy. It's been far too quiet at the mansion these days without you two there," the furry mutant chuckled as he and Remy exchanged hugs before commenting, "You look positively radiant tonight, Rogue. And as dapper as ever, Monsieur LeBeau."
She smiled at her friend, before turning back to Madelyne, "So… what's the story?"
Madelyne and Hank explained what had happened with Mister Sinister, and that Madelyne was Jean's clone that he'd created as a way to get close to her and Scott's son.
Rogue and Remy couldn't believe what they were hearing, and yet, they knew it must've been true, based solely on how Madelyne's face grew somber as she explained how her life had been completely up-ended in one day. She fell silent as she thought about Nathan and how he'd been taken into the future with Bishop for his own well-being.
Rogue's heartbroke for her, and she offered comfort to the woman that she felt like she knew as a sister, but now realized they would have a lot more catching up to do.
Madelyne nearly cried as she said, "I just hope Nathan doesn't think poorly of me… or Scott… because of what we did. I just hope he knows… how much we loved him."
Rogue held Madelyne's hand as she said, "He knows, sugah. I'm sure Nathan will understand why ya did whatcha did. If not now, then someday."
Madelyne smiled and thanked her, "I appreciate that, Rogue."
"I'm just sorry Remy and I weren't there for you when this all went down. It must've been so hard on you and the others."
Madelyne waved it off, "You two had other priorities. We can't expect you to drop everything just because of what happened to us."
As the group of X-Men made their way into the main hall, Rogue asked, "So… what brought you to Genosha then?"
"I'd gotten word that the Interim Council was in need of an X-Man — luckily, the team could spare a Jean."
They went to the bar and grabbed some drinks as Madelyne asked, her eyes bouncing back and forth between Rogue and Remy, "But enough about me. I want to hear about you two! How have you both been?"
Rogue looked over at Remy, as he did in return, a knowing look passing between them as Remy said, "How much detail y' wan', chère?"
"Remy," Rogue warned, but there was no bite to it. Only an affectionate drawl.
Madelyne laughed, "You two… always so easy to read."
"Hey!" Remy chirped, "Ain't polite t' snoop 'round our heads."
Madelyne smirked, "I never had to. You both were just always so… obvious."
Rogue's cheeks flushed violently red at the innuendo as Remy shook his head with a smirk and ordered their drinks, moving to chat with Beast, "So, where's Stormy?"
Hank took his tumbler as he said, "She should be here momentarily, along with another friend. She was still getting ready, last I spoke with her."
Remy smiled, thankful that he could talk with her. A lot had been on his mind these past few weeks… (2)
Hank took the opportunity to comment, "I must say, Remy, that you and Rogue look like you've become completely different people since we last saw you two."
"I do hope y' mean that as a compliment, mon ami," Remy joked.
Hank chuckled, "Indeed. I can't recall the last time I've seen you both so… at ease."
"Well, things been a lot easier these last few weeks. Not gon' lie. Life's jus' been… makin' a lot mo' sense these days."
Hank gave a knowing nod in understanding, "I'm overjoyed for you both."
As the men continued on, Rogue and Madelyne talked, their own cocktails in hand. Madelyne asked her about how things had been going with Remy, and Rogue answered, "Honestly… it's like things were always suppose' t' be this way. Like… everythin' just kinda fell int' place."
"Like it all just clicked?" Madelyne said, understanding what she meant.
"Yeah. We… had some really hard conversations an' we've gotten so much closer than I ever thought would be possible. I… can't imagine a life without 'im now."
The heartfelt smile Madelyne gave went all the way to her eyes, "I always hoped you two would figure this all out one day."
"It just came at the expense of m' powers," Rogue commented dryly, taking a sip of her drink.
Madelyne's hand laid over Rogue's on the bar, "Rogue, powers or not, you will always be one of the X-Men. You will always be family, and you will always be one of us. Don't let one version of yourself hold you back from your future."
Rogue laughed under her breath, the irony of hearing that advice from a clone of one her closest friends was not lost on her.
Rogue shook her head, realizing she really needed to stop going down this road in her mind. Rogue had everything she ever wanted. She had her friends and family around her, she had a safe place to call home, and she had the love of her life who adored her. There was nothing more she could ask for nor expect, and yet, she felt like there should have been a higher cost to be this happy.
Rogue and Madelyne heard the few puffing sounds overhead, as the small stages above the main dance floor filled with mutants who were enjoying the festivities got the party underway. The sound of air being displaced was the tell-tale sign that Kurt had made his way into the gala, and Rogue was eager to say hi.
Madelyne stood from the bar, finishing her drink as she said, "I'm going to go talk to the Council. Go say hi to your brother, and I'll meet back with you all later."
Rogue waved, "'Kay. See ya in a bit."
Rogue looked up and watched as Kurt started dancing with some of the other guests, "Looks like this is more his kinda thing."
"What y' say, chère?" Remy cooed in her ear as he and Beast rejoined her.
"Oh, just sayin' Kurt looks like he's havin' a blast up there."
Rogue watched as some of the mutants who could fly started to dance together in midair. It mildly made her wish she could still fly, so she and Remy could share a dance together like that. (3)
"Well, aren't you two a sight for sore eyes."
The atmosphere changed instantly as Storm walked into the room. Rogue was unsure if the weather goddess was floating or if she was just moving that smoothly, but Storm exuded regal elegance.
"Stormy!" Remy said, walking to her with open arms as she greeted him in an equally keen manner.
"Remy LeBeau, I swear to the goddess, I will strike you if you call me that again this night!" she said with a tone that mocked authority.
"Like you could," he joked, "You'd never put scratch on this face and you know it."
He pulled back, seeing how stunningly dressed she was in a black gown with golden accents and jewelry that rivaled royalty, "Y' lookin' like you brought the sunshine t' the room, 'Ro. Beautiful as ever."
Her laugh was light and airy, "Thank you, Remy. I must say, you look splendid."
He chuckled, "You say that like I ain't always this dashing."
She rolled her eyes as she asked, "Now, where is Rogue?"
Remy stood back as Rogue made her way to hug the woman, "I've missed you, sugah."
"Not as much as we all have missed you," Storm said back in her ear, hearing the authenticity in her voice.
Rogue laughed as they spoke, "So we've been told. Hank was jus' tellin' us 'bout how quiet it's been at the mansion."
"It was nice at first, but after the first few weeks, and some other events, it became quite dull."
Rogue suddenly became aware that Storm wasn't alone, and noticed a tall, dark and handsome man dressed in a fairly standard black suit and tie had been staring at her. Rogue asked with a friendly and curious roll on her voice, "An' who's this?"
Storm turned and made a sound like she'd forgotten herself, "Oh, my manners. Rogue, this is Forge."
Rogue reached her hand out to the man, noticing he was wearing formal white gloves, which seemed excessive. It made her wonder if perhaps it had something to do with his own powers… much like her own gloves. It'd been so long since she'd had to wear the damn things, and she swiftly found herself projecting onto the man. Rogue tried not to think much of it, "A pleasure."
As they shook hands, Rogue could feel his grip was firm. There was no give under her own hand, like it was made of steel. Their hands went lax as she listened to Storm continue.
"He was a friend of the Professor's for many years. He arrived at the mansion around three weeks ago and has been working with Hank on some… how would you describe it, Forge?"
"I guess you could call it a 'pet project'," he answered with a charming smile.
Rogue had to admit he was quite attractive, and she felt like she noticed a small look between him and Storm. Perhaps there was more to his man than they were letting on.
Remy shook Forge's hand as well before Rogue felt his hand on her waist, as if finding its home there with minimal effort.
"We will have more time to discuss that later," Storm said, "For now, I'd like to learn about what you two have been up to these few months."
After an hour or so of socializing and trading stories and catching up with old friends, Rogue excused herself from the party to the restroom for a minute. She kissed Remy's cheek before she left, his eyes following her until she was out of sight. As his attention returned to the conversation, he saw Ororo give him a delighted, but coy, smile. (4)
He smirked as he took a drink, "What's that look fo', 'Ro?"
"It's just… I cannot believe how much you've both progressed in such a short amount of time. It is like I'm watching an old married couple — the way you both act with each other. It appears effortless."
He nodded his head to the side, "Y' ain't the only one who be sayin' that," he replied, looking over to where Kurt and Hank were talking with Forge and a few other mutants.
Storm laughed, "We can all see it. You would have to be blind not to."
After a moment, she asked, "How… is Rogue? In regards to her powers."
"Whatchu mean?" Remy asked, a slight tone in his voice.
"Do not misunderstand me. I just wonder…" Remy's brows furrowed a little, but Storm quickly clarified, "She seems… elated… as if she does not miss her powers at all. That is all I mean."
Remy understood what she was asking, "Yeah, she… she have her moments. But it usually be mo' about feelin' like she lost her footing and she jus' adjustin' t' walkin' again. On the daily… she never really talks 'bout missin' her powers much. Sometimes she say somethin' like missin' flyin', o' she miss bein' home with the rest o' the X-Men. Lately… I think she just been feelin' a little like an outcast again; not feelin' like a mutant no mo'. But other than that… I think she accepted what happened."
Storm gave a slightly uneasy look, as she stared at her own hand, "I do not know what I would have done… had I been in Rogue's position. I cannot imagine not feeling the rain… the air… to not feel the wind in my hair nor the current of lightning at my fingertips. I would feel quite… beside myself. And in that way, I admire her resilience. The fact that she has made the best out of these circumstances is… nothing short of admirable."
The smirk on his lips didn't evade Ororo's notice, "She do be somethin'. Stronger than any other woman I know… Though you ain't a far second, chère."
"That goes without saying," Storm laughed before she took a drink.
Remy took a quick glance around to make sure no one else was within earshot as he said, "Listen… I need t' ask you 'bout somethin'."
"Anything," she replied easily.
Remy set his drink down on the counter top of the table they stood next to, before reaching into his left breast pocket, and pulled out a small, silver band ring with a single diamond at the center, as he said, "Y' think she'll like it?"
"Oh, Remy…" Storm gasped, her hand covering her shocked expression, looking from the ring back to her friend's face. Remy was nervous, almost scared — like a little boy who was about to ask his first love out on a date and was unsure of what she'd say.
"I snuck off earlier t'day to buy it fo' her. Didn' have much time… couldn' get exactly what I had in mind, but…"
He hesitated for a moment as Storm rested her hand on his shoulder in quiet comfort. He said, in a sincere voice, "I wan' a life wit' her, 'Ro. I know it now. She be it fo' me. These last few weeks have made me realize that… powers or no powers… I'd rather not go on another day wit'out her beside me. I jus' hope… she accepts me."
Storm hugged him with excitement and support in the gesture, "It is beautiful, my friend. And I'm sure she will love it… because it is from you."
Remy hugged her back, a heavy sigh of relief escaping him as he felt more at ease. If Storm thought he was on the right track, he knew he could do this.
As she pulled back, she asked with a light enthusiasm, "When do you plan on asking her?"
"Was hopin' t'night, when the moment's right," he answered, "Dressed t' the nines, one of the most beautiful spots in the world. What could be better?"
"Well, you may wish to find your moment sooner than later," she said, spying Forge and Beast as they talked with Rogue, "Her time seems to be quite preoccupied."
Remy chuckled to himself, taking back his drink as he finished the last of it.
Rogue had just come back from the restroom when Hank and Forge had spotted and caught her on her way back inside.
"Rogue, could we have a moment?" Forge asked her.
"Sure. What's up?"
Beast gave her a hopeful look, "I want to first give context for this conversation. Forge here is a mutant who is incredibly gifted with engineering and invention, and had come to the Institute in the hopes of providing some… assistance."
"Assistance with what?" Rogue asked, confused as to why they were talking to her about this.
"Neutralizer technology," Forge answered in a somber tone. (5)
Rogue's mouth formed a small "oh", suddenly understanding now what this conversation was about.
Beast continued, "We just wanted you to know that… what we are offering is by no means obligatory. We understand that this would be a personal choice for anyone in your position — I myself would not be entirely sure what choice I would make — but we… felt you should have the option."
"You fellas figured out a way t' reverse the neutralizer's effects… that it?" she estimated aloud.
Forge nodded, saying hesitantly, "I had… particular insight into the development of the technology that went on to be incorporated into the inhibitor collars."
Rogue's eyes went wide as he explained, "I was under contract with the government at the time, and while I didn't build them myself, my concepts were what were eventually adapted into the collars we know of today."
"So… you're responsible for those things?" she asked incredulously, turning to Hank, "Do Storm and the others know?"
"Yes. Forge was quite forthcoming with this information, and he told us that he came to us as a way to pay reparations for what he'd helped to create. He'd hoped to help you regain your powers, but by the time he arrived, you and Gambit were already halfway across the country."
Rogue eased her discomfort towards the man, and saw the regret in his eyes, "I've made many mistakes, and I'm here to try and set them right. I was able to work with Hank these last few weeks to develop this…"
He pulled out a small, cylindrical device from his suit's pocket, almost looking like an automatic injector, and showed it to Rogue, who eyed it cautiously.
Forge explained, "It's a portable version of a full-scale model we built back at the mansion. We figured that even if you decide not to use it, it would still be best to have something in case that weapon were to be used against any other mutants in the future."
"That's real nifty," she commented with a tone of astonishment, "How's it work?"
Hank took the device from Forge, which was about the size of a small flashlight, as he gestured, "You remember how an EpiPen works, correct?"
She nodded.
"It is a similar delivery method. Just pop this cap and inject it in the thigh. It works by restarting the X-genes in your cellular structure, which have been, in a way, made dormant by the radiation of the neutralizer."
"Sooo… like usin' a jumper cable to restart a car's battery…" Rogue surmised.
"Precisely!"
Hank held it out to her, and she gingerly took hold of it, eyeing it with a worried look on her face, "You boys tested this thing?"
Forge nodded, "We were able to simulate the effects from the neutralizer gun and test the technology's efficacy. It works, but we haven't tested this version of it. It may not be as immediate, but it should work."
She took a deep breath in, and she knew Hank could sense her weariness.
"You are by no means obligated to use it, my dear. It's simply an option… if you ever wish to use it."
She nodded with a half-hearted smile, not wanting to appear ungrateful for their efforts, "I understand, Hank. I appreciate ya both fer workin' on this. I know if, God forbid, this happens ta anyone else, it'll be good ta have a remedy for it."
She offered the device back to Hank, who shook his head and said, "Keep it. We can always produce more if needed."
Rogue gave a soft smile in thanks before she slipped the device into her clutch. Perhaps one day she'd change her mind and decided she wanted to return to this life, but for now, she had everything she could possibly want as she glanced Remy's way, watching as he and Storm talked.
The night went on without much disruption, as Rogue finally caught up with Kurt, and she'd even chatted with Moira, Sean, and Warren a bit.
Rogue could tell that Warren had grown a lot since she'd last seen him. Gone was the revenge-driven mutant that she tried to help, leaving behind a man who was making amends and learning to move on with his life. His new partner, Betsy, seemed to suit him well, and was stunningly beautiful to boot.
Moira and Sean largely talked politics with the state of Genosha and its future, and Rogue got some meaningful insight as to how the process had been going for them. They shortly excused themselves, telling her that there would be an announcement soon about who would be officially taking over as Genosha's new leader. After they left, Rogue quickly looked around, noticing that someone was missing from the crowd… someone she had been nervous about running into all night. (6)
Just as the dance floor started to get more crowded, Rogue had started wondering where Remy had gotten off to, when she felt his arm slide effortlessly around her waist, and that familiar honey-dripped timbre cooed in her ear, "Care t' dance, mon amour?"
Her smile lit up the room, "Thought you'd never ask, sugah."
She loved seeing the way Remy beamed as he led her to the dance floor; like he was the luckiest man alive. Though she knew Remy's attention was focused only on her, she couldn't help but feel the various stares from others watching them.
Rogue was used to being a wallflower; watching everyone else having their fun while she stood apart from it all. A spectator of life, she'd accepted that as her role for years. She remembered as she watched Jean and Scott dance at their wedding, or how all the others would enjoy time at the pool together. And as much as they had always included her in as much as they, she could never be truly a part of it all.
Now, she was no longer spectating, but getting to take center stage in her own life. The feeling had gotten easier as she and Remy had traveled the country together — as she started to find herself — but getting to feel in control of your life while still living privately was completely different than having a room full of people watching your every move like an animal at a zoo.
Even last night, while they'd danced at the party in the square, it never felt as intimidating as it did now, because they could more or less get lost in the sea of anonymous faces. Even if a few strangers recognized them, they were left alone to enjoy their night and celebrate like any other mutant did. But here, everyone's face was recognizable. Everyone here was somebody important or known, and it made Rogue all the more self-conscious. She wasn't used to being the center of attention, but the arm she held onto gave her all the courage she could need.
Remy pulled her close, as if intuiting her unease, "Fo'get they even here, Rogue. It jus' be you an' me."
She smirked at him, "Kinda hard when it feels like the whole of mutantkind is watchin' and waitin' fer me t' fall over my two left feet."
He chuckled, as he spun her into his embrace, "The only thing they be wonderin' is how a scoundrel thief be dancin' with the most beautiful woman on this here island."
She laughed, "Always my scoundrel…"
They pressed in close together, Remy taking her hand in his while the other looped around her waist, her right hand laid over his chest as they slowly swayed to the music, and Rogue started to forget the rest of the world around them, getting lost in the smell of bourbon and sandalwood cologne and Remy's warm embrace.
"Our friends… they be real nosy folks," Remy joked lightly, "They been keepin' us occupied all night long."
She laughed, checking over her shoulder to see Storm and Forge dancing together, along with Hank and Madelyne sharing a drink, and Kurt back dancing with some others on the higher platforms, "Can ya blame 'em? We've been gone fer so long, they just wanna know how we're doin'."
Remy nodded, "Oui, it do be nice that they care. Stormy been askin' 'bout you especially."
Her brow quirked up in curiosity, "Really?"
He nodded, "I think they all jus' wan' t' make sure y' doin' okay, chère. Wit' everythin' that happened… sure there be a lot of people who saw whatchu did, and jus'… lookin' out fo' ya."
She smiled, "An' I appreciate them fer worryin' 'bout me. Hank… and Ororo… everyone. But… I'm the best I could possibly be. How can I complain, when I've got you with me, sugah?"
The glimmer in his eye told her he could find a way, ""M sure you get tired o' me eventually, chère."
She leaned her head to his chest as she said, "Though ya may drive me up a wall from time t' time, Cajun… I could never get tired of ya. I dunno where I'd be without ya."
She felt his arm tighten around her just that little bit more as he kissed her hair. She could feel him breathe against her, "Anna—"
"Ladies and gentlemen… Citizens of Genosha!" Sebastian Shaw's voice interrupted the music, drawing everyone's attention to the top of the grand staircase.
The pair never let go of each other, just turning their attention to the Council, all gathered around as Shaw continued, "As your Interim Council and representatives for a free Genosha, we'd like to extend our sincere gratitude that you all could join us on this special occasion. We welcome you to this celebration of Genosha's admission to the United Nations and a day to be remembered as the start of a new era for mutant rights."
The applause from the crowd was boisterous as Rogue and Remy joined in, finally relinquishing their hold on each other to applaud with the rest.
"In light of our new status, the Council has determined that Genosha is in need of steady leadership. One who has recently followed in the path of diplomacy that had been paved by the late Charles Xavier, who devoted his life to the peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants."
The weight of Rogue's heart in her chest sank with dread as she looked to Remy, who's face masked his own acknowledgement, but she knew… Remy had guessed it exactly right.
The Council members moved to reveal the guest Rogue had been more nervous about running into the entire evening, "And so, may we introduce Genosha's new Chancellor; Erik Magnus Lehnsherr."
Erik joined the rest of the Council, as he only offered a polite wave while Shaw concluded his speech. Rogue shifted uncomfortably to spot her fellow X-Men, who didn't seem as surprised as she was, but they also didn't seem as enthusiastic about the idea as the rest of the crowd did.
She didn't have much of a chance to think on it more before she felt Remy's arm tightened around her waist as Erik and the rest of the Council rejoined the guests and the party resumed. (7)
How did the evening go from a wonderful reunion to a whirlwind of confusion so quickly?
Rogue watched from a distance as Valarie Cooper approached the Council, looking quite perturbed by the announcement, but before she could see what was going on, she heard Storm nearby, "Forge?"
She and Remy turned to see Forge running off, as if chasing someone in a hurry.
"Where's he off to?" Rogue asked under her breath to Remy.
"Dunno," he said, unsure and confused, neither of them seeing anything else out of sorts, "Maybe we should…"
"Rogue… Gambit…"
The sudden chill that ran down Rogue and Remy's spines made their bodies stiff with unease as they heard Erik greet them in a way that expressed pleasantry, but only offered mild distress.
"Erik…" Rogue replied, trying her best to appear happy to see him, though she immediately leaned into Remy's side as she eyed him. He was dressed simply but he looked stylish, in a manner more modern than she would have ever expected of the older man.
Erik shifted his attention to Remy, holding a hand out to in a gesture of good faith, "I'm glad to see you both are doing well."
She could feel Remy hesitate to reciprocate, his body stiffening against hers, but eventually, he reached his own hand out, shaking Erik's in kind, "Doin' better than that, mon ami. We be thrivin'."
She could sense Erik didn't know how to address her without saying something potentially inappropriate for the occasion or their company.
So she beat him to it, "That was… quite the announcement. Never thought I'd see the day where you became a diplomat, Erik."
He chuckled a little as he said, "Funny, Ms. Cooper was just expressing a similar sentiment."
Rogue asked, "What's this mean for you and the X-Men then?"
"That has… yet to be decided. I haven't had much of a chance to discuss it with the others as of yet. But that will be a topic for tomorrow, as there are a few other… details to sort out."
Rogue's curiosity got the better of her as she asked, "How'd they convince ya t' do it?"
With his hands behind his back, Erik explained, "It did not take much convincing, truth be told. It is what Charles would have wanted. And perhaps… I have been more influenced by you and the others… in the mission of Charles's dream… then I would care to admit."
Rogue could feel herself soften a little at his admission, but Remy wasn't having any of it.
"You feed the Council that line?"
"Remy…!" Rogue said briskly as she turned to him.
"It is the truth, Gambit. You may distrust my motives, but all I can offer you is my sincerity. I wish for peace."
"Really? Fo'give me, mon ami, but I always struggled t' see you turnin' the other cheek the way the Professor would have if he were still here. You ain't never been the type t' fo'give an' fo'get."
Erik's eyes squinted in scrutiny, "I may certainly have learned to forgive acts for which the perpetrators express genuine remorse… but we should never forget past transgressions, lest we become complacent and vulnerable."
Remy's eyes flared dangerously as he warned, "On that, we can agree."
Rogue knew that Remy never trusted Magneto. Long before he'd learned about their past relationship, Remy never trusted the man's intentions for taking over the X-Men. Erik had his own sordid history with terrorism, and Rogue knew that there was always a chance for Erik to fall back into his old habits. But for tonight…
"Stop it, both of ya," she chastised them, "This ain't why we're here t'night."
Erik turned to her as he asked, resuming a more agreeable tone, "Speaking of which; a little fuzzy blue bird might have told me that you two were considering making Genosha a more permanent residence."
Rogue's eyes widened. She hadn't expected to have to talk to him about that. Rogue inwardly made a note that she'd have to talk to Kurt later.
Erik continued with a warm voice, "If so, I can make some arrangements for you both… help get you settled in."
There was an awkward beat of silence, as Rogue thought to answer.
"Uh… thanks Erik, but we…" she paused as she saw Remy, who's disgruntled look had never dropped from his features, "We haven't made a decision."
"Are you considering rejoining the team in Westchester then?" he pressed.
"Anything's on the table right now," she explained, holding onto Remy's arm tightly, drawing her love's attention back to her for a moment as she touched his cheek affectionately, "We're just… tryin' to find what's best fer us."
Erik nodded, "I understand. Well, if you both decide to make Genosha your new home, do not hesitate to ask for assistance."
"Thank you, Erik," she said kindly, but the worry on her face didn't leave, "We appreciate that."
With a small head nod, Erik turned to leave them and continue his parade around the party.
She could feel Remy start to relax a little as Rogue said quietly, "I need some air."
They headed out to the open balcony where the fireworks and stars flashed brightly over the city, and the calm ocean breeze cooled her skin dramatically. The music could still be heard in the distance, but Rogue only cared that she could hear herself think for a moment.
She watched as Remy sat on a marble bench that faced back towards the light of the ballroom, leaning his elbows on his knees as he let out a beleaguered sigh while rubbing his neck to relieve his frustration. (8)
"Sugah?" she asked as she sat beside him, resting her hand on his thigh, "You alright?"
He was quiet for a moment, which was never a good sign. He was always quick to make a remark, a quippy joke, or at the very least, to reassure her if everything was alright.
"It Magneto, chère…"
Her face fell, though she timidly brushed his leg in comfort, "Don't let him get t' ya, Remy."
"I jus' don' trust him," he said plainly as he sat back, "I don' trust him when he says he wants peace, or t' be what the Professor was. I can' help but think that if he had a chance at power, he'd throw whoever he needed under the bus fo' it… even the X-Men."
Rogue shook her head, "Erik's done a lot of terrible things, Remy, but he was misguided. He'd only want power if it meant it came with protectin' mutants."
She watched as he turned to give her a questioning look, "Y' defendin' him?"
She shook her head abruptly, her hands raised up in a show of surrender to prevent a fight, "No… just… givin' context. It don't make up fer all the wrong he's done, but we ain't ones t' be callin' the kettle black. We've done our fair share of awful things over the years. If we can change fer the better, who's t' say he can't?"
She watched as Remy processed what she'd said, but the disturbed look on his features didn't alleviate much.
She reached her hand to his cheek as she turned him to look at her, "Everyone deserves second chances, sugah. You and I both got ours when we became X-Men. Maybe this is his chance to prove himself… the way we did. T' earn the trust he's been desperate for."
Remy sighed, as he laid his forehead against hers, "I know y' right, chère… I jus'…"
She could feel his hesitation, like there was something on his mind he was afraid to admit.
"What?" she asked in earnest curiosity, giving Remy the room to be open with her.
He sighed, "Sometimes… I wonder if y' chose right… Maybe y' were meant t' be with him… 'stead o' me."
Her eyes widened in shock as she pulled back a little to look him over. She had hoped to see something that told her he was joking, but his face was somber and serious; both atypical for her man, "You don't mean that."
He shrugged, his voice distant, "Why not? Y' could be rulin' all of Genosha with him if you'd chose different… could be a queen. 'Stead, yer here wit' the good fo' nothin' thief—"
"Where's this comin' from?" she asked abruptly.
He didn't answer her question, but continued his diatribe, "—that ain't worth the ground y' walk on."
"Stop it," she said blatantly, taking his hands in hers, not wanting to hear this coming from him. She couldn't stand to hear him talk like this, "I ain't lettin' you get away with talkin' down on yerself like that—as if it's true. 'Cause it ain't."
The air between them went oddly silent before Remy spoke again, "There be plenty o' people you coulda picked 'stead o' me, chère; people who could give you the world…"
"But none of them are you," she retorted, brushing her hand over his, "No one else mean more t' me, or makes me feel like you do, Remy."
She couldn't help but let out a small laugh from her chest as she said, "Who else could call me 'River Rat' and make it sound like the most wonderful compliment?"
She managed to get him to scoff a little at that as she smiled at him, "Or make me feel like I'm floatin' on air everytime we're together? Makes me feel safe… and seen… in a way I ain't never had b'fore."
She reached her hand out to hold his cheek, "I don't wanna rule or lead. I never wanted any of that. All I ever wanted was a home… a family… real love. Someone who sees me fer me. And I was never gonna have that with him."
"Chère…" he breathed, sounding almost resigned.
"No!" she interrupted him, her grip tightening on his hands, "Remy… what I have with you, I ain't never had with no one else. Not Cody, not Erik… no one."
She raised his hands to her lips as she kissed them, mirroring the small act that he had done for her millions of times before, "What we've got… it's deeper than skin. We loved each other long b'fore I lost m' powers… and if they ever come back… I know we'd still love each other long after that."
She watched as Remy's eyes shimmered in the explosions of light, emphasizing how deep her love for him ran as she breathed against him, "I would give up everythin' if it meant bein' with you, sugah. I love you…"
Their kiss could have powered the Sun. Never had anything felt so affirming and overwhelming as it did in that moment they shared, with only hazy firework lit skies in their periphery.
As they regained their composure, their eyes unable to leave each other, Rogue was in daze. Her cheeks were flushed pink and she felt like she could fly all over again. (9)
"Anna…" she heard him say quietly as their noses brushed against one another, "I…"
She saw him reach for something in his jacket, but as he did, a bright green flash went off in the distance. Rogue probably wouldn't have even noticed it had they not felt a small rumble beneath them that followed shortly after.
"What was that?" she asked as they looked out over the city, the both of them standing from the bench to look over the balcony edge as they saw the flashes getting closer to the citadel, each followed by another shutter.
"Remy…?" she said in a worried tone. Their brows furrowed as they tried to get any visuals on what was going on.
Within seconds they watched as the giant head of Sentinel revealed itself from behind one of the buildings, and took aim in their direction.
"Get down!" she heard Remy shout abruptly before she felt herself being thrown to the floor of the balcony, her head covered by Remy's arms and his body to shield her if need be. The flash of light consumed everything above them, as the marble balcony provided decent cover for them both, but they quickly feared that there would be others who weren't as lucky as the massive structure that currently housed the elites of mutantkind was delivered a direct hit, exploding into debris around them.
The next chapter is the attack on Genosha… buckle up, everyone.
I'll hopefully have the next chapter out sooner than later, but I definitely have been taking my time to write these, as I want to do this story justice and not rush.
Please leave a kudos/like/comment/etc if you enjoy this fic! It really helps!
Until Next Time…