turning point [part iii and iv]
X-Men Evolution: Turning Point
Part III
Remy and Zaire were both ordered away from the Infirmary. Although Sabertooth had only really come for Gambit, Scott had made sure that Zaire was under permanent care. She was asked to remain in the upper Institute, where there were more cameras and security set in place. Remy was asked to stay in a guarded area of the house, with Logan constantly close by. Zaire was quickly getting tired with all the surveillance, she couldn’t ever feel comfortable anymore, not even when she was alone because she always figured that there was someone watching her, even if she couldn’t see them.
Luckily she had an escape. She was still taking care of Remy, so that meant she could leave her room without the entourage of Kitty or Rogue. Not that she didn’t like the two girls, it was just that she wasn’t partial to the constant watch, or the constant presence of other people. They made her feel unsure about herself. When people were watching her she remembered back to when she lived with her parents, back to when she still had to attend a public school, back to all the staring and gossiping.
Sighing, Zaire picked up her medical equipment that Logan had retrieved from the Infirmary when she asked him, and headed towards the room that Remy was being kept in. Even though it was for his own safety Zaire couldn’t help but think they were treating him like an animal, locked in one room for days. Rogue had already brought it up with Ororo, but the weather witch had reasoned that it was only until further security could be added to the Infirmary, and then Remy would be back there until his wounds completely healed.
“Hey Logan, still playing watch dog?” Zaire asked as she approached the room. Logan was siting outside, looking thoroughly bored.
“Hey there kid,” Logan said, looking up at her, “what you doing here?” Wolverine asked, standing up and clearly sniffing her for some reason.
“I do have to visit my patient ya know, Logan.” She told him, mildly annoyed at his use of the word ‘kid’. “Is that a problem?” Zaire challenged, knowing full well that Logan would roll his eyes and turn away from her. Which he did. Zaire sighed, pushing the door open to Remy’s room. The Cajun looked up as she entered and a brief smile graced his lips.
“Dis Cajun be going crazy soon chere, Remy been kept in dis room too long.” He told her, moving to sit on the bed as she had motioned.
“I know, sorry but there ain’t nothing I can do. They’re doing it to me too. Think I’ll end up with Cabin Fever. I keep singing that stupid Muppets song.” Remy laughed slightly, pulling up the top of his shirt to allow Zaire to check his ribs, after she had finished he dropped his top and she took his fragile wrist in her hand.
“This doesn’t hurt?” Zaire asked, turning the cast on the arm over in her hand. Remy shook his head, his face a mask.
“Did he hurt you?” Remy asked suddenly, his eyes not meeting Zaire’s. Absentmindedly the elementalist put a hand on her hip where Sabertooth's claws had cut into her skin. Remy clearly noticed this. “Remy sorry, maybe Remy should just go back to the Acolytes. Stop anyone else from getting hurt.” Zaire pulled his chin up so that she could look him in the eye.
“If he did that to me, and I don’t even know the guy, he’s done worse to you. There is no way ya going back there, Gambit.” She told him, using is alias for the first time. Zaire removed some of the stitches from Remy’s face and arms, her fingers trailing across the scar on his wrist. “What made ya do it?” She asked quietly. Remy looked at the scar, his face becoming expressionless.
“It was a while ago. Before Remy join the Acolytes.” He told her, his eyes trailing along all the cuts on his arms. “Remy just see it as a way out back then.” Zaire frowned; she didn’t know anything about Remy’s past, all she knew was what she had been told while she had been treating him. Remy had been a thief in New Orleans, she had heard about the time he ‘kidnapped’ Rouge and taken her there during the Mardi Gras.
“So, Magneto isn’t the first to do this?” Zaire asked tentatively. Remy seemed shocked at her words, she figured he was wondering how she knew it was Magneto when everything pointed to Sabertooth. “We found some of the metallic toxins.” She explained simply.
“Well, Remy been through dis before, it not exactly somet’ing Remy can’t handle.” Zaire sighed, kneeling on the floor in front of the Cajun.
“This is something ya shouldn’t have to go through. It’s not right and no one deserves this.” Zaire smiled slightly at him, hoping that maybe she could get him to open up. “Why does it happen?” Remy looked at her, biting his lower lip slightly, without the façade of being something he wasn’t, without the carefree attitude, he seemed almost helpless.
“Remy be a thief, and with de thieves if somet’ing go wrong, and you be to blame, then der is a penalty. But through the years dis no longer happen, but Jean-Luc, Remy’s père, he be one of de older thieves, he believe dat the old ways be de better ways. Remy be the one that Jean-Luc blame for t’ings. So, Remy get used to it.” Remy’s eyes had dulled, the memories of the past returning to the Cajun mutant. “Fighting it don’t help, so, Remy just take it now.” Zaire couldn’t help but feel her heart break for this male; he had to go through this his whole life? Never knowing what it was like to feel safe at home?
“You’re staying here now Cajun,” Zaire said with a firmness that told Remy not to argue. “The professor will be back today, I’ll talk to him. But you should be healed in a few more days. Except for that knee, it’ll hurt for a while and we’ll just leave the bandages around your wrist for a day or two.” Remy smiled at her, a spark returning to his haunting red on black eyes.
“You’re an angel, petite. Remy be very grateful.” Zaire smiled at him.
“What’re friends for?” With a ruffle of his hair and a laugh from the Cajun, Zaire left, hoping that Logan wouldn’t talk to her. Thankfully he had his eyes closed, opening one when she left and then closing it.
- - -
When Professor Xavier and Dr McCoy returned, both were bombarded with information about the events of the past two or three days which stunned both to think so much could happen in so little time. Hank had gone down to the Infirmary to check over the damage and assist in the repairs which were being made along with security upgrades, while Charles headed for his own office, where Zaire, Rogue and Scott were waiting for him.
“Scott, Zaire, Rogue, what can I do for you?” Charles asked, entering the room and going to his desk while the three young mutants rushed into talking. “One at a time please. Zaire how is Gambit?”
“He’ll be fine, as long as he never has to deal with Sabertooth or Magneto getting their grubby paws on him. His injuries will heal but,” Zaire paused, thinking over her next words, “well, I ain’t no psychiatrist but the emotional and psychological damage might not heal.” Charles nodded, he had expected that there would be after effects of Gambit’s abuse, and he had also hoped that perhaps one of his students would pick up on the problem.
“Professor, both Zaire and ah think that Gambit should stay. Here, for good.” Rogue said, looking at Scott with a glare. “Some people are opposed to that idea though.” Charles raised an eyebrow at Scott.
“Sabertooth attacked the Institute, and hurt Zaire in the process. It was like he’d do anything to get Gambit back to the Acolytes; I just think we should discuss this before jumping into anything.” Scott said, trying to sound reasonable.
“What is there to discuss?” Zaire asked, turning on Scott. “If we send him back they’ll probably kill him!”
“You heard what Colossus said Scott; if Remy goes back there it will be the death of him. How could you even suggest that?” Rogue asked, just as angry as Zaire. Scott raised both hands in defence.
“I didn’t say anything about sending him back the Acolytes, just that we shouldn’t make rash decisions. What about him going back to New Orleans?” Scott asked.
“You think that Magneto and Sabertooth wouldn’t be able to work that one out? They’d still get him.” Rogue answered, Charles watched as the two female students argued with Scott, surprised at how quick both Rogue and Zaire were to protect their former enemy, and very pleased at it.
“Something tells me he’d be just as bad off there too.” Zaire muttered, turning her back on Scott. Charles looked at Zaire, taking in her unusual state, the bags under her eyes and the concern on her face.
“Scott, Rogue, would you please leave Zaire and I for a moment.” Scott nodded, Rogue leaving quietly. “Rogue, before you leave, would you have one of the guest rooms on the lower level of the house made up. I think it’s time we moved Gambit to a more comfortable room. And tell Logan we won’t be needing him to stand guard on the room. Gambit is free to move around the building.” Rogue smiled, pleased with the Professor’s decision while Scott clearly wanted to argue.
“Right away Professor.” Rogue said, moving past Scott and running down the hallway. Zaire smiled slightly before Charles closed the door telekinetically and asked Zaire to take a seat in front of the desk.
“What is troubling you Zaire?” Charles asked, not wanting to push at the runaway but wanting to help.
“Nothing, I was just wanting to talk ya into letting Remy stay. That was all really.” Zaire said with a shrug.
“Have you been having difficulties sleeping?”
“No, just last night. But that was because of Sabertooth.” Zaire answered, Charles raised an eyebrow encouraging her to continue. “It was the wound, the stitches I put in burst so I had to re-do them.” She told him, not meeting his gaze.
“Zaire, I understand that you have a distressing past, and I am fully aware at how well you are coping with it. Perhaps your interaction with Gambit has brought old memories to the surface.” Charles said, mainly to himself.
“It’s not that. I’ve dealt with my past and I’m not gonna go all Carrie on ya but,” Zaire stood up and moved so that her back was facing the Professor, “it’s what Gambit went through. I just have trouble understanding why someone would do that to a person. And I almost was one of them.” Zaire spat out with contempt.
“Zaire, Magneto offered you a place within the Acolytes, it was your choice to turn him down. It is our own decisions that make us stronger, and for that you are stronger for realising that your place was not in the Acolytes.” Charles tried to comfort her, remembering the conversation that had a few months previous, when Zaire first arrived at the Institute.
“What if I told ya the only reason I wasn’t one of them was because I was scared? Because they expected me to use my powers a lot, and I wasn’t ready to admit that I was a mutant?” Zaire said, looking at the ground. “Before he came to me I had been doing things to take away the attention from my powers, changing habits and doing rebellious teenage things to make me think I was normal. I was close to joining the Acolytes, cause then maybe someone would accept me, but I wasn’t ready to use my powers, I hadn’t got used to them back then.” Zaire said, her voice shaking slightly, but she continued none the less. “Even now, I don’t know how powerful I could be, I don’t really want to find out. Burning down one house is enough.” Zaire turned back to the Professor. “I know that your trying to teach us to be proud of who we are but, I don’t think I can just yet.”
“Acceptance comes in time, and you will eventually accept who and what you are. Until then you shall continue to grow as a person and learn from experience. That is the way of things, and not even I can change that.” Zaire smiled slightly at the Professor.
“If it’s alright with you, I think I’m gonna go help Rogue get the room set up for Remy.” Charles nodded and Zaire left the room, heading to the lower level where the newly decorated guestrooms were.
- - -
Red on black eyes snapped open, the mutant sitting up quickly and looking around the room. Swallowing hard, Remy forced himself to take steady deep breaths, slowing his thumping heart to a speed that was closer to normal. There was a damp sheen of sweat covering his torso and face, his hands shaking from the memory of the dream. Remy tossed his legs over the side of the bed, his head resting in his hands.
He hated the memories that came back to him at night; he hated reliving the moments in his mind, with no escape from the emotions. Sometimes it all just felt too real; this was one of those times. He ran a hand over his now healing side, feeling the bones that were once more knitting themselves together. It had to have been the fourth break of his ribs in as many months. Maybe this time they’d actually heal instead of being shattered again so soon.
Sighing the Cajun got out of bed, grabbing an over sized T-shirt he had been given after being moved to the downstairs room. Professor Xavier had been adamant about Remy being treated as a guest and not a prisoner, and so the young male mutant was now able to walk around the Institute. Which suited him just fine, the same four walls would get rather dull after a while. It had been almost a week since Gambit had woken up in the downstairs MedLab to Zaire’s gentle probing. Almost a week since his life had taken another drastic turn, this time possibly for the better. Now Gambit was starting to feel far more comfortable around the mansion, thanks largely to both Rogue and Zaire.
Gambit went into the kitchen, opening the fridge he looked for something to get the dry feeling out of his throat. At the bottom of the fridge there were three bottles of cool beer, smiling Remy took one out, twisting the cap off and downing half of the cool liquid. It had been a while since he had drank a beer.
“If Logan finds out you’ve been drinking his beer, he ain’t gonna be happy.” Remy turned to see Rogue standing in the doorway to the kitchen, her black sweatpants hanging from her slim waist and her small T-shirt running up, exposing a small amount of her smooth looking skin. Remy smiled at her, shrugging slightly.
“Remy just buy him more,” he said with a drawl, “be sure and remind me.” Rogue smiled at him, walking into the kitchen. Remy moved away from the fridge, leaning against the counter top. Rogue reached into one of the cupboard above her, pulling her shirt up at the back, exposing yet more skin. Gambit just watched her stretch out, getting a glass before running the tap for some water.
“What’s up Cajun, ya having trouble sleepin’?” Rogue asked, her back still facing Remy. He grunted in response, not giving more than that and taking another drink of the beer in his hand. “Ah couldn’t sleep either. Kitty’s been listening to that damn stereo, every two or three minutes she starts to mumble some words. It’s grating on m’ah nerves now.” Rogue said, jumping up to sit on the counter. “So, what’s keeping you up?” She asked, her usually dark purple lined eyes no longer lined. Remy could see the dark brown that was almost black of her eyes, the purple tint in them gleaming when she moved her head.
“Memories.” He said simply, wondering if she would push the subject or let it lie. She smiled a little, her white streaked hair falling across her face as she tilted her head.
“You wanna talk about it or just hole it up inside?” She said, okay, so this wasn’t pushing, but it wasn’t exactly letting it lie either. That was when the Wolverine decided to make his appearance. Logan entered and stopped when he saw the two younger mutants in the kitchen. Then he spotted the beer in Gambit’s hand.
“How old are you, Cajun?” He asked; walking past and retrieving his own beer, pulling off the cap and drinking most of the yellow liquid in one go.
“Twenty.” Remy stated, he frowned for a moment. “What month is it?” Rogue thought for a second.
“July. It’s the 24th of July. Why?” Remy shook his head, taking another drink of beer.
“Remy lie, be twenty-one now.” Logan looked at him, one eyebrow raised, bottle just lowering from his mouth. Sniffing he moved to leave the kitchen.
“Just don’t go finishing it on me. And you can buy the next lot.” Were his last words before he left Rogue and Remy in the kitchen, alone once more.
“When’d ya turn twenty-one?” Rogue asked, finishing her water and putting the glass in the sink.
“July 6th.” Remy replied.
“Listen, Cajun, ah’m not going back to bed for a while so,” Rogue paused, biting her lip slightly, “do you wanna come and watch a movie or something? Until you think you could sleep again.” It was clear she was trying to be as casual as possible and Remy smiled at the slight tint in her cheeks.
“Remy would like that, chere.” He said, dropping the empty bottle in the bin and following the goth girl through to the sitting room. “But Remy not be watching no chick flick.” He added as an after thought.
“Like ah would wanna watch one of those.”
- - -
When morning came Scott came downstairs to find Rogue curled up on the sofa with her head resting on Gambit’s shoulder. Raising an eyebrow he noticed that the Cajun male wasn’t sleeping, but watching the untouchable girl sleeping beside him.
“Um, Gambit?” Red eyes looked up at Scott, not showing a hint of embarrassment or nerves. “What’s going on?”
“The petit fall asleep during Resident Evil. Gambit not have de heart to wake her.” Scott nodded his head once, leaving the two in the living room while he headed for the kitchen. It was strange seeing Rogue so comfortable with another person. She was even sleeping on him, with his arm around her shoulder! Scott sighed, shaking his head. Maybe he should have a word with Gambit, or get Logan to do it. Hell, the Wolverine was slightly more intimidating than he was.
“In your own little word there?” Scott snapped out of his thoughts, seeing Logan standing beside the freezer. “What’s on your mind?”
“Gambit and Rogue.” Scott said, before he could even stop himself. Logan closed the freezer door, sighing. Had he seen them this morning too? Was Gambit asleep when he had seen them?
“I gotta say, I’m a little concerned about those two as well. Stripes is getting a little close to him.” Scott raised an eyebrow.
“You don’t trust Gambit?” That wasn’t the issue with Scott. After almost going back to the Acolytes so that Zaire wouldn’t be hurt, Scott wasn’t thinking that it was some scheme. Scott was more concerned about Gambit’s presence in the Institute causing harm to the other students here.
“I don’t know yet.” Logan answered slowly. “There’s something he’s not telling us. That leaves enough room for him to be lying about something.” Scott shrugged; he hadn’t noticed a drastic change in Gambit’s behaviour. Nothing really seemed out of the ordinary except for that fact that he was on the other side now. “Don’t you let it concern you though, I’ll deal with things.” Scott let Logan leave the kitchen and heard the sound of others arriving. Kitty’s giggling and Kurt’s whispering informed him that Rogue and Gambit were still in the living room. Was something happening between those two? Could anything really happen?
- - -
“Are you sure, Chuck?” Logan stood with Charles in the small study on the second level in the Institute. After revealing his concern over Rogue and Gambit’s progressing relationship, Logan had been given some startling news from Charles.
“I’m afraid so. Last night I awoke from a dream, a nightmare to be exact. Only, this wasn’t my nightmare. It has been a long time since one of the students nightmares have worked their way into my consciousness. I shouldn’t be surprised, as I do not really have any barriers from Gambit’s mind just yet. Although he seems to be able to keep me out while he is conscious and alert, his subconscious is not in as much control.” Charles said, looking out over the gardens of the grounds, the roses blooming and the birds taking their first flight of the day.
“So, the Cajun has been abused more than Zaire first thought?” Logan ventured. Charles hadn’t given him full details on Gambit’s nightmare, but it was enough to know that there was something troubling the red eyed male.
“He is afraid of sleep. From what I can tell he has managed to block out everything that has happened to him while he is awake. But sleep causes him to remember things.” Charles appeared to be talking more to himself than to Logan.
“He was up last night. It was the back of one when I found him and Rogue in the kitchen. They were still in the living room this morning.” Logan supplied, remembering his surprise at finding Rogue sleeping on the Cajun and the Cajun resting his head on Rogue’s. That wasn’t something he had expected first thing in the morning, Stripe’s hardly ever trusted anyone enough to make herself vulnerable to them.
“I think that Rogue and Gambit may be able to help one another.” Charles said, a small knowing smile on his lips. “There are wounds that only understanding can heal. They understand one another more than others would know.” Logan sighed.
“If you say so,” he turned to leave Charles to himself, “but I got a feeling about that boy. And it’s not a good one.” With that Logan left the room, watching the students run around to get ready for school. Rogue ran down the stairs in front of him, pulling her gloves over her hands as Kitty called out to her.
“Come on Rogue, like, Jean will be leaving in a second.” The half-pint handed Rogue her backpack and the pair ran off together, hoping to catch Jean and their ride to school. Logan stood at the bottom of the stairs and watched them all leave; it was like every other day.
“Opps, watch out Logan.” He turned in time to avoid Zaire hitting him with the red box she had in hand, heading down towards the Gambit’s room. It seemed it was time for a change of bandages. Logan sighed, heading along to the danger room. He needed to do some training.
- - -
“Hold still, ya know this would be easier if ya just let me take the thing off.” Zaire complained, kneeling in front of Remy, who was sitting on the bed, clad only in his too large sweat pants. “Okay, there. See, it’s not like I was removing your liver or nothing.”
“Chere, wit you Remy no know what to expect.” He told her, frowning at the discarded bandage that was just removed from his torso.
“What ya talking ‘bout?” Remy raised an eyebrow at her, indicating to her outfit and hair. “Oh, yeah, that.” A sheepish smile crossed her lips. It was true that this would be a shock to Remy, all he had seen her in before was shorts and a t-shirt, varying shade and styles, but that had been all she wore. Today however she was wearing a pair of light pink crops and a tank top with a blue butterfly on it, not to mention the sudden appearance of blue streaks through her hair. “I just kinda roll with my mood.” Remy nodded.
“You just give Remy a slightly different outlook on you.” He told her, inspecting her work on his wrist as the bandages were cut off and the healing wrist was shown. “It wasn’t broken then?” Remy asked, knowing that the healing had been too fast for a broken bone.
“No, I had a look over the x-rays, what I thought was a break was just a sprain. The way ya had broke it previously just made the bone look broken. Sorry if the restriction annoyed ya.” Remy shook his head.
“Is everyone out today?” He asked while Zaire put a new bandage around his wrist for support. Remy clenched his fingers when she was finished, glad that they moved without too much pain.
“I think it’s just Logan and the Professor that’s going to be around today. Ororo is going to see a friend of hers, and Hank is taking me to meet a doctor friend of his.” She told him, closing up her first aid box. “Why?”
“I need to go somewhere today.” He said, Zaire picked up the lack of 3rd person when he spoke. “Don’t suppose they’d let me just leave for a few hours?” Zaire smiled sadly.
“No, they wouldn’t. No one knows if Sabertooth is still crowding around or what. It’s safer for ya to be with Logan or someone. Can’t it wait? I know that Rogue and I wouldn’t mind heading out with ya. And Kitty and Kurt would be happy to join us.” Remy shook his head.
“Can’t wait. And Remy t’ink it be better if fewer people know of dis.” Zaire frowned.
“What’s on your mind, Cajun?” She was worried, if he didn’t want others to know, if he didn’t want Rogue to know, then maybe this was something to do with his abuse.
“Chere,” he looked away from her, “you be the one who examined me, oui?” Zaire nodded her head, making a noise of agreement. “You not wonder why Remy had claw marks on his hips?” His eyes met hers and after a moment of silence, Remy’s eyes showing untold stories of pain, she finally understood what it was.
“Oh God.” A hand covered her mouth, her eyes widened in shock. “He…oh, Remy.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a hug. She didn’t expect him to return it, but his hands rested on her back, holding her close to him. He sighed against her, and relaxed in the friendly embrace. “I’m so sorry.”
“It not be your fault, you not know chere.” Remy breathed against her, his head resting on her shoulder.
“I’ll see if Logan is doing anything. He’ll take ya into town I’m sure.” She told him, pulling back and running a hand down his healed face. “Ya didn’t deserve any of this, sugar.” Remy took her hand in his and smiled against her palm. “I’ll let ya get dressed.” She said, leaving the room for Gambit to change his trousers and top.
- - -
Logan left the danger room after a telepathic call from Charles. When Logan entered the same room he had been in earlier that same morning he saw Zaire sitting on a table, her legs swinging in time with one another, while Charles sat in front of her, talking about this Doctor Connor she was meeting that morning with Hank.
“Okay, what’s wrong now?” Logan asked, his arms crossed over his chest. Charles turned when Logan asked this.
“Ah, Logan, I was wondering if you were busy this morning?” Logan raised and eyebrow, Charles knew he had nothing to do.
“Not really. Why?”
“Remy needs a lift into town. The Professor thinks it’s better if someone’s with him. Ya’re kinda the best candidate for the job since no one else is really gonna be here.” Zaire said, smiling wildly, leaning forward on the table. Logan rolled his eyes. That girl was nuts; she was a cross between Bobby, Kitty and Evan, which was scary sometimes.
“Why? Where’s he need to go that’s so important? Can’t this wait till someone else can take him?” Logan wondered, couldn’t it wait till after the others were back from school? Scott could go with him or something.
“Nope. So, ya going be babysitting today.” Zaire said, looking at her watch. “Well, I have ta get going.” She jumped from the table, her flip-flops making a slapping sound against the wooden floor. “Have fun, oh and Logan, can you maybe see about taking him to get some new clothes? He needs stuff that fit, and are his own. Building a new home and stuff.” She said with a wink, walking past Logan. He watched her leave with a raised eyebrow. Yep, she was nuts.
“Chuck, you sure it’s safe to have her here?” He asked, half in joke and half in all seriousness. Logan closed over the door.
“So, what is it the Cajun needs to do so drastically that it can’t wait?” Logan asked, not at all happy with the situation.
“Zaire asked me if I would be agreeable to Remy leaving the mansion for the morning. She expressed concern over his welfare if he went alone and asked if you would be willing to accompany him.” Charles said, a small smile on his lips. He was teasing, Logan could tell. Growling low in his throat he relented.
“Fine, I’ll take him in.” Logan muttered, leaving the room. “When did I get so soft?” He asked himself. Between caring too much about Stripe’s and Half-pint getting too close to Gambit and Avalanche, now there was Zaire? This was too much. “Damn kids.”
- - -
Logan had been driving the jeep for nearly ten minutes; he still didn’t know where it was Remy wanted to go. The Cajun didn’t really want to let the other male know. This was a bad idea. Logan sighed; the silence was starting to get on his nerves now.
“Listen, if I don’t know where it is I’m taking you, I’ll turning around and leaving you out here to walk.” Logan threatened, knowing full well he wouldn’t because he would never hear the end of it back at the mansion.
“Dat might be better.” Gambit replied quietly. He hadn’t stopped staring out the window since the jeep started moving. Logan looked at the uncharacteristically reserved mutant, finding at spot further down the road to pull over. Gambit was about to get out when Logan stopped him, a hand on his elbow.
“Okay, gumbo, Zaire some how managed to land me with this, so you’re gonna tell me where exactly I’m taking you. When we get there you’re going to go do whatever you have to, I’ll wait out in the jeep. Then you come back, we go get you some new clothes, go to the store and buy more beer and then go home. You got that?” Gambit stared at him like he’d lost him mind, completely. He gave an exaggerated sigh before sitting back in the vehicle.
“I’m going to the sexual clinic on the street next to de health centre.” Gambit said, completely foregoing the 3rd person this time. Logan frowned, not only had he never thought about the possibilities of taking Gambit there but he hadn’t heard the Cajun say ‘I’ in a sentence either. “Got monthly check ups der, just in case.” The last few words were whispered and Logan felt a sense of guilt. Clearly this was something that Gambit hadn’t really wanted people to know. And Logan could see why, it wasn’t exactly knowledge that he wanted.
“Okay,” he started, hesitating on what to say next, “I… I’m sorry.” Gambit shrugged, slouching in the seat. Logan restarted the engine, heading back into the town, grateful for the silence this time.
- - -
Remy walked out of the clinic slowly, heading down the stairs and along to where the Wolverine had said he would wait. Every time, each month one after the other, Remy would steal himself for the check ups, build up the emotional barriers so that nothing could really get through and then he’d set off. But for some strange reason, this time it had been different. The barriers didn’t work; he was depressed thoroughly before heading in and for some reason elated when he left. He usually kept himself devoid of any emotion or reaction when the time came for the blood tests. He suddenly stopped, a few yards short of Logan’s jeep, realising what it was that was different.
This could be the last time. This could be the end of all these stupid needles because of Sabertooth, because who knew where that creature went before or after his ‘sessions’ at the Acolytes base. Sighing, Remy went the last few steps to the jeep and climbed in the passenger side.
“Well?” The man, formerly known as Weapon X, sat in the drivers seat, chair reclined, eyes closed and his arms crossed over his chest.
“They call in a few days. Usually take about a week before word come.” Remy said, trying to avoid letting anything seep into his voice. He didn’t need to break down, especially not here, in public with the Wolverine.
“Right,” the elder male sat up, turning the key in the ignition. “Now to get your clothes and some beer.” Remy allowed a small laugh, bitter and resentful, while Logan began driving towards the mall. Supposedly, shopping - be it clothes or for booze and other household items - would add some normalcy to this little outing. Surprisingly enough, Logan was taking the same approach that John had taken the one time he had gone with Remy. That time the Cajun had been unable to drive due to a broken hand and possible concussion. After the clinic the Aussie had insisted that the kitchen in the base needed restocked, even though the large grey monstrosity was almost bursting with food and drink. It had amused Remy afterwards, but not at the time, just like now. He was still too dazed; it was always the same, no matter how many times he had been there it never seemed real.
They went to a clothes shop first, Logan telling Gambit to get whatever he wanted or felt he needed, that the Professor had given him money for it, part of an allowance that Remy would receive now that he was at the school. Although hesitant at first Remy eventually conceded and picked a few pairs of jeans and some long sleeved t-shirts along with some sweat pants to fit him and a jersey to wear to bed. After paying for a the clothes, and Logan buying the Cajun a new pair of sneakers and gloves, they headed out to K-Mart for the beer.
Logan stopped the jeep outside the store. He just watched the Cajun for a moment, before shaking his head and leaving the jeep. Remy just sat there, waiting for Logan to get his beer and get back, his head resting against the dashboard. Maybe the day would just fade away. It had worked once or twice before, when Remy allowed his mind to just shut down, nothing getting through to him or leaving him. Just unconsciousness.
“Remy?” Then again maybe not. Gambit looked up at the surprised uttering of his name, this wasn’t the Wolverine as he would never call him by his name and didn’t have a soft, smooth southern belle accent. “Why are you out here, alone?” Rogue stared at him, eyebrow raised, hands on hips. She looked…cute.
“Remy waiting for Logan. He’s getting de beer.” Gambit told her, his voice monotone. She didn’t seem convinced at first, before she just shrugged and climbed into the back of the jeep.
“Ah guess ah can just hitch a ride back home then.” She tossed her back on the seat next to her, looking at Remy with a strange expression. “Is he making you pay then?” The words didn’t register with the Cajun for a moment, until he recalled the discussion last night.
“Didn’t take money from me.” He muttered, his mood seriously deflated, and not even Rogue seemed to be able to help lift it.
“Are ya alright?” She asked, a hand on his shoulder gently. Remy smiled slightly, the motion not reaching his eyes and the goth behind him noticed this. He nodded his head and sighed.
“Will be.” In about a week. In a week he would know if he would be fine, and it would probably - hopefully - be the last time he had to worry if he’d be okay in this manner again.
- - -
Part IV
Logan stopped dead in the parking lot when he spotted his jeep. Sitting in the back was Rogue; in the seat that he had been left in was Gambit although he had positioned his body so that he could see Rogue while she was talking. And talking she was. Logan couldn’t remember ever seeing Rogue talk in such an animated fashion. She was laughing, using her hands to signify some things and sounding genuinely happy for once.
“You two having fun?” Logan asked, climbing in the driver’s side. “You owe me ten bucks Cajun.” Rogue stifled another laugh, seeing the expression on the Cajun’s face.
“Logan, why you being like that? He drank one beer!” Rogue said, scowling slightly. “If ah didn’t know better, ah’d say you were being a stick.” Was Stripes teasing him? Yes, he was pretty sure that Rogue was teasing and acting very much out of character.
“Whatever,” Logan replied, not bothering with any other comeback. “We have to get back. Half Pint will complain if we’re late again.”
- - -
That night was a most relaxing there had been for a while. The group of X-Men sat in the sitting room, enjoying a night of rented videos one after the other. Kitty and Evan sat arguing during the changing of one video for another.
“I’m telling you, there is like, no way, that George Clooney is better than Brad Pitt.” Kitty argued. Evan sat three people down from Kitty, with Kurt and Ororo in between them.
“Please. You only think that cause you have the hots for Pitt. Clooney is totally the better actor. Kurt you agree with me?” The German was about to answer when a small growl from Kitty got his attention.
“I plead de fifth on de grounds dat, I don’t want to die.” The furry mutant said, holding up two of his three fingers. Kitty giggled, only just realising how cute Kurt looked when he did that little face.
“Well, Scott, Hank, you guys agree with me, don’t cha?” Evan tried, convinced that he would get at least one of them on his side.
“I’m not getting involved with this one.” Hank replied, turning his attention back to fast forwarding the video. Scott however, didn’t reply. He was too busy watching Rogue, sit in between Gambit’s legs with a blanket wrapped around her front and over his bent knees. She wasn’t paying any attention to anything other that what Gambit was quietly saying in her ear.
It was a far cry from what the Cajun had been like that afternoon. He had been very distant, and didn’t seem to be paying much attention to anything until Rogue and Zaire did some stupid stunts and teased him till he at least smiled. Although it had been funny to watch the two mutants, who normally weren’t too friendly with one another, make fools of themselves just to see the depressed male smile; it had made Scott worry even more over the developing relationship between Rogue and Remy. Rogue was much more trusting with Remy now, before she would have just brushed him off, but now she seemed to spend a lot of her time with him, which was confusing considering that she had said she hadn’t liked him before.
“Hey Scott.” Jean’s hand on his shoulder brought Scott out of daze. “Come on and sit down. The movie’s starting.” He smiled at her and allowed her to steer him to a seat beside her. They were watching some thing that Zaire had picked out, she had decided they needed to watch a comedy and so they were about to watch LiarLiar. Something Scott really wasn’t interested in.
About half way through the movie, the doorbell rang, which was strange considering the security system. Logan went to check on the camera system, Ororo went to check on the alarm system and Scott moved to answer the door, flanked by almost all of the X-Men.
“Be careful Scott,” Jean warned, “it’s pretty late.” Scott nodded before opening the door. Kitty, Kurt and Evan glanced past Scott, curious to see who it was at the door. Scott raised his eyebrows, glancing back at Gambit, who was just now approaching the door after receiving the look, and back to the visitor.
Leaning against the hand railing, in a pair of worn jeans and a diesel stained shirt, flicking his lighter opened and closed, was Pyro. He didn’t even look like he was on the land of his supposed enemy; he stood there, looking as if he were just calling in on a friend.
“What do you want?” Scott asked, his arms crossing over his chest. He tried to look intimidating, hoping that Pyro would just leave.
“Just stopping by for a friendly chat, mate.” Pyro replied, a smirk over his tanned face showing that he was being as insolent as ever.
“John?” Gambit stood behind Scott, his eyes scanning over the Gardens of the Institute cautiously.
“No worries mate, Magneto thinks I’m with Piotr,” Pyro said, noticing Gambit’s movement, “he’s up at the hospital visiting his sister.” Pyro picked up a box that had been lying at his feet. “Came by with what was left of your stuff.” The box was handed to Gambit, who moved in front of Scott to take it. “And your key.” The Australian held up the small brass item, his face altering from his insolent smirk to a conniving grin.
“What you be t’inking now?” Remy asked, raising an eyebrow at the slightly crazed looking blond. The other’s had now taken almost permanent places by the door, listening to the conversation between the two former team mates.
“Well, the ‘Tin Man’ wants to go home. His baby girl is getting all better now, and we both know that’s the only reason he was ever even here. So, since I don’t really fancy being left all alone with the furball and old loon there, I was thinkin’ you’d be up for one last home coming? With fireworks and sparklers like?” Remy laughed openly as Pyro wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
Remy shook his head slightly, “You be mad, mon ami.” Remy’s eyes flashed with something and Pyro’s face seemed to harden. It looked like he was completely determined with this.
“What’s wrong Pyro; don’t you have something to burn down?” Scott asked, strangely worried over Gambit’s silence on the matter. Pyro turned his attention to Scott, the smirk back in place.
“Well, no. I got bored last night. Spent the whole time wondering what I could get up to.” John threw the key at Gambit, the Cajun catching it easily in his left hand. “See ya kids.” Pyro winked before jumping down the stairs and taking off across the lawn in a run. He still managed to look arrogant as he did it.
Remy picked through the box, noting his wallet, a few pieces of paper, two decks of cards, his staff and a cell phone he didn’t recall owning.
“What’s up Remy?” Rogue asked, noticing his perplexed look.
“Remy be right back.” The Cajun grabbed his trench coat, dropping the box and heading out after Pyro with a mutter of, “Je vais le frapper.” Scott frowned, trying to remember his French lessons.
“Gambit!” Rogue went out after Remy, causing Scott to try and stop her.
“Rogue! This could end badly.” Kitty slowly raised her hand, causing Scott to stop calling after Rogue and turn to her.
“I was just wondering what it was Remy said.” Zaire sighed, annoyed by Scott’s pessimism and Kitty’s strange need to ignore important things and stick to the insignificant details.
“He’s gonna hit Pyro.” Zaire turned to the returning Logan. “Well, any big cat’s on the ground?” Logan shook his head. “Right then, I’ll go get those two back.” And Zaire quickly left before Scott could object.
- - -
“John, attente!” Remy caught up with John at the gate of the Institute. John had started to climb the wall when Remy had called to him.
“What’s up mate?” The blond asked, jumping down and leaning against the large wall.
“What’s de phone for?” Remy asked, slightly suspicious.
“For me to call when it’s time for the cake to be lit, of course.” John said, as if it should be obvious. Remy shook his head, why did everyone he know have to be slightly crazy?
“Gambit, come back inside.” Rogue appeared, standing beside Gambit, shivering slightly. Remy noticed and removed his coat, draping it around Rogue’s shoulders, earning a smug smile from the firestarter. “Come on, it’s cold out here.”
“Well, that’s what ‘appens at night, Shelia.” Pyro said, sniggering slightly at the gothic girl. Pyro then noticed the other female approaching, a blanket pulled tightly around her shoulders to ward off the cool air. “Is the whole family coming out to freeze their butts off?” He asked, becoming mildly annoyed at the entire entourage coming out.
“No, you two get back inside.” The new comer said. John raised an eyebrow. There was no way she was older than himself, or Gambit. Was she one of the new teachers or something? Come to think of it, John had never seen her with the X-Men, of that he was sure.
“Well, you must be one of the newbie’s, eh. They pick a lot of them up.” John said, mainly to himself, while scratching the back of his head. However, the glare the girl shot at him shut him up quickly. Not because he was intimidated, but because she looked just too cute when she did that. Her eyebrows drew together, a few strands of her bangs falling in front of her jade green eyes. Said eyes were drawn to slits, the sparkle of green only just visible.
“John, what you plannin’ now?” Remy asked, almost repeating his previous question. John tore his attention away from the streak haired girl; he smiled slightly, shrugging at the Cajun.
“Well, nothing much. Just really don’t wanna stay there no more. Used to just be about the roof over my ‘ead, but now, mate it’s just got way outta hand.” John said, letting the façade drop momentarily. “Piotr has already said, once his sister’s better, that’s him, he’s going home. Well, I doubt Magneto is gonna stand for that, two of his henchmen leaving and what not.” John pulled out his lighter again, flicking the lid on and off like he had done before. “I was thinkin’ last night, what if he didn’t have to bother with bucket head and fangs? Then there would be less confrontation.” John explained. He didn’t actually have a plan. It was all up in the air. If Gambit helped him, then he could iron out the rough draft of a plan he had. If not he was just gonna have to…what? Burn the place down?
“Second good deed this month, Remy t’ink you going soft?” Gambit joked, John smirked half heartedly.
“Nah, just can’t stand those two no more.” He replied, he had to shake himself before he turned completely soft and just didn’t go back to the manor. “I’ll call ya later mate, tell you what I’m up to and you can decide if you’re gonna help or not.” John said, slipping the lighter into his pocket again before climbing over the wall.
“Hey.” John looked back at the sound of the girl’s voice; Gambit and Rogue were already walking back towards the Institute. “Shower and change your clothes when you get back.” John frowned, tentatively sniffing his sleeve. She laughed, a smile breaking out on her porcelain skin. “You don’t smell bad, but Sabertooth will smell Remy off ya. Change and shower before he finds out. Or your goose'll be cooked.” John made a face of realisation and once more she laughed, shaking her head. “You’re hopeless.” She waved a little before running off, John shrugged, running back off down the street, heading back to the hospital to get Piotr before going back to the manor.
- - -
“Do you think he’s serious? About the whole leaving thing?” Rogue asked Gambit as they walked across the grass, his arm around shoulder while she leaned into his side to get some warmth from his body.
“John only be with de Acolytes to have somewhere to stay. Maybe t’ings get too bad for him there.” Remy mused out loud. What if John was wanting out for a different reason? What if Magneto was taking his anger out on him? But then, would Piotr leave John alone there? No, the Russian had risked a lot in helping Remy leave, there was no way he’d just leave John to face the two bullies on his own. In a way John was probably the weakest of the three of them. Remy and Piotr at least had their powers to defend themselves, but without a source of fire, John was powerless. “Remy gonna help him.” Gambit said, he had to return the favour; he had to make sure that John wasn’t getting hurt.
“Cajun, ah’m not lettin’ you go back in there alone.” Rogue said, stopping in the middle of the lawn. She looked up at him, her hair falling around her face. Remy carefully slid his fingers across her cheek, hooking her white streaks behind her ears. She closed her eyes and leant into his touch, even though he wore his gloves once more. “Ah’ll come with you. It’ll be better if there’s someone else.” Rogue whispered.
“Sorry to break the moment,” Zaire said from behind, “but I’m coming too.” She stood there, her hands on her hips with her blanket pulled over her shoulders. “Like Rogue said, it’ll be better with someone else there, and Rogue and I can be those someone else’s.” Gambit smiled at the pair gratefully, it was strange for him to have people who genuinely cared about him. It was nice to have Rogue care, having her there made it seem like he could turn his life around, that his fakeness didn’t have to last anymore. “When John calls, ask him to meet in the library the next day. Tell Rouge and I when he does and we’ll set things off so that everyone is there.” Rogue nodded, Zaire standing beside her.
“Yeah, that way, if something goes wrong everyone is there, and if it’s all fine then we can make the arrangements with Pyro while the others are wandering around.” Remy smiled and shook his head. “What?”
“You two petite’s, going to all dis trouble jus’ for Gambit.” Rogue and Zaire both smiled, Remy surprised that Rogue actually smiled at him. Zaire moved to the other side of the Cajun, both females wrapping their arms around his waist.
“Don’t go getting any idea’s Swamp Rat,” the southern belle told him, “ah just think that Zaire would be very annoyed if somethin’ was to happen to you. After all, she did mend you all up.” Zaire laughed, her arm leaving Remy’s waist.
“Yeah, and I think that if ya were to get hurt, then Rogue would be very disappointed.” Zaire stopped, looked at the door to the mansion and then back to Rogue. “She’d have no one to drool over and cuddle with.” Once she finished her sentence, the black and blue haired girl started to sprint across the lawn, leaving Remy with a blushing Rogue. Remy chuckled, noticing that Rogue wouldn’t look at him while they slowly wandered back to the house. Zaire was long gone; probably back in the warmth of the living room watching the rest of LiarLiar with the others.
“You know chère, Remy never t’ink you be one to blush.” Remy said, making her blush more.
“Ah’m gonna hurt her when ah get in there.” Rogue said, the blush fading slightly, anger seemingly taking the place of her embarrassment. Remy hooked a finger under Rogue’s chin, pulling her face to see him. Red eyes met brown, Remy growing far too comfortable in her gaze, this had never happened before; he had never felt like this with another person, least of all a female.
“Maybe you just say thanks.” He whispered, Rogue didn’t respond, she just stared at him. “See, now would be when Gambit kiss you, non?” Rogue managed a weak smiled, the blush returning slightly.
“Ah wish you could Cajun.” She answered, her eyes casting down to his chest. Remy pondered something for a moment, before lifting her chin once more. “What?”
“Remy have an idea.” The Cajun tugged at the collar of his trench coat around Rogue’s shoulders, the flap of the collar cover Rogue’s mouth and Remy quickly leaned down and placed his lips over hers and his collar. He pulled back and noticed the shocked expression on Rogue’s face. She looked far too innocent like that.
“Cajun,” Rogue seemed to struggle to find her voice, “ah…” Once more Rogue’s gaze fell from Remy’s. “Thank you.” They wrapped their arms around each other, hers around his waist and his around her shoulder, walking back to the mansion in silence.
- - -
John walked out of his room, damp towel still over his head as he rubbed his sodden wet hair. It was just as well that chick had told him to wash and get changed. Other wise he’d have completely forgotten about Sabertooth and thus given the game away. Never knew I was so careless, he thought to himself.
He and Piotr had arrived back only moments before Sabertooth returned from where ever he had been that evening. The over grown kitty seemed to disappear constantly; maybe he had to run to the malls to get some cat-nip. So John had successfully made it to the bathroom, washed, shoved his clothes in the machine and changed into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.
“Why have you showered?” Sabertooth asked, John turned, surprised at the beasts sudden appearance. He sniffed at John, growling at the young male.
“Hate the smell of hospitals. Can’t stand smelling like a Doctor.” The blond answered quickly. “Ha, can you imagine, me a doctor?” John made his get-a-way, heading towards Piotr’s room, still laughing for appearances. Damn, that bloody idiot was really getting on his nerves. “Hey, Rasputin, you in here?” John slowly entered the Russian’s room, wondering why it was so quiet. “You alright mate?” Piotr turned, sad brown eyes looking straight at the blond.
“What do you want?” He asked, slightly more deflated that John could remember him ever being.
“How’s your sister?” John asked, trying to make polite conversation. The large male shrugged, clearly not really in the mood for talking. “You still gonna go when she’s better?”
“You think I’m going to be able to just leave? Magneto will hold this over my head until he has completed what it is he needs me for.” Came the reply, that must be what all this is about, John thought. His sisters’ finally recovering and he’s stuck here doing things for a mad man with a dorky helmet.
“What if there was some way you could get out?” John asked, sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed. “What if, when she was ready to leave the hospital and go back home to Russia, there was a way for you to go too? Would you take it?” John didn’t look at the other mutant; he kept his gaze on the floor.
“What is it you are up to now?” Piotr asked, probably wondering why John was being so out of character.
“Nothing really. Well, nothing that you need to know about mate. Just let me know when your sister is ready for leaving, alright?” Piotr seemed very confused, but he nodded none the less. John smiled wildly, leaving the room in his usual troublesome nature.
Problem was that he walked straight into Sabertooth. Trying to laugh it off, John muttered something under his breath before heading back towards his room. Feeling Sabertooth watch him the whole way. Once in his room, he picked up the phone and dialled the number he knew was for the cell he gave Remy.
- - -
Kitty lay on the sofa, her head on Kurt’s lap as she dozed softly. The German had his head against the armrest and Evan was sprawled on the floor beneath the other two, mumbling in his sleep. Scott and Jean sat talking in the opposite corner of the living room, the others already having excused themselves earlier.
“Look at Kitty and Kurt.” Jean whispered, smiling at them wistfully. “Do you remember when you were that age? Trying to drop hints on your crush?” Jean questioned; Scott glanced over at Kitty and Kurt before looking away.
“I didn’t really have a crush when I was their age.” Scott said, not looking Jean in the eye. He wondered briefly if she would see if he was lying by going into his head, but quickly dismissed the thought. Jean wouldn’t do that, not without his consent. “I was busy with my studies then.” Scott said, turning to face Jean.
“Really? I had a crush on Gabe Mason when I was 16. It lasted about a month. Then I ended up dating Duncan.” Jean sighed, thinking about her ex-boyfriend. “You know, I’m actually glad that everyone found out we were mutants,” Jean said out of the blue, “it showed me who Duncan really was.” Scott didn’t care much about why Jean was glad people now knew what they were. He didn’t like the way that the others were treated now at school. Although Kitty, Kurt and Evan seemed to fit in fine, Rogue seemed to distance herself more from the others now that Risty was gone.
“I don’t know, I think maybe it would’ve been easier on everyone if we had been the ones to tell people who we really are.” Scott said, glancing back to where the kitchen door was. Rogue and Zaire had dragged Remy in there once the movie had finished, talking about some strange ice cream challenge for him. “Did the Professor mention why Zaire wasn’t attending school? She’s the same age as Rogue right?” Jean nodded.
“Yeah, she’s that age, but the Professor never said anything. Maybe it’s because of her studies with Hank. That’s pretty much what she’s been doing since she came here. I think she might be attending next term though.” Jean sighed, leaning to one side. “You know, I’m getting pretty tired. I’m gonna head up to bed.” Jean stood, facing the three younger students on the sofa. “You want a hand with those three?” Scott shook his head.
“No, it’s fine. You go and rest, I’ll see to them.” Jean smiled at him, leaning down to kiss his cheek.
“Thanks Scott.” She walked away, leaving a blushing Scott in his chair. “Goodnight.”
- - -
After three tubs of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, Remy and Rogue had brain freeze and Zaire was hugging her stomach which now tingled every time she took a breath. The challenge had been to see who could hold the most ice cream in their mouth for the longest. Remy had won but both females were pretty sure he had cheated.
“Okay, so we need something to heat us up now.” Zaire commented, opening the fridge, handing a bottle of beer to Gambit while getting two sodas for herself and Rogue. “What about pancakes? We could heat them up?” Zaire asked, turning to see if the others agreed.
“Ah don’t know,” Rogue said, “is eating out the whole fridge a good idea?”
“No.” Zaire agreed, “But what else are we gonna do? Sleep?” It was half past one and not one of them were in a rush to sleep. Even if they were supposed to have a training session in the morning. Just as Zaire returned her head into the fridge there was a strange beeping sound. Both girls started checking all the kitchen appliances before Remy cleared his throat, holding up the cell phone John had given him.
“Oui?” He asked, still rubbing his temple.
“Good day mate.” Even over the phone Rogue and Zaire could hear Pyro’s voice. “So, you in or what?” Remy looked at the two girls, who were for some strange reason thumb wrestling before answering the Aussie.
“Yeah, we’re in.”
“We?” John sounded confused. “Mate, please don’t tell me your little bunch of super hero friends are all involved.” John complained.
“No, just Rogue and Zaire.” At John’s silence Remy remembered he didn’t know Zaire. “The two girls from tonight.”
“Ah, well, I guess it’ll help.” John said, as if committing himself to a life-binding contract of debt. “So, you wanna meet me somewhere or you wanna talk about this over the phone?”
“No, mon ami. You know what a library is?” Remy joked, hearing John’s laugh.
“Is that the place with the books?” He said, chuckling slightly. “Okay then, well it’ll have to be on Sunday, we’re going on a family picnic tomorrow.” John said, Remy could almost picture the roll of the eyes. Remy chuckled slightly, John usually caused some sort of bother when the team went out, but he always enjoyed the mischief he got into.
“Okay mon ami, we’ll see you then.” Remy hung up the phone, looking at Rogue and Zaire who were both sitting watching him. “Well? You heard.” Zaire smiled while Rogue just mock glared.
“Well yeah we heard. But what day? We can’t just go and hang out in the library everyday! Someone would figure that something was up.” Zaire stretched and yawned while Remy spoke.
“It’ll have to be on Sunday.” He paused, “The library is open on a Sunday?”
“Well yeah, the city library is open everyday.” Rogue said.
“Okay, I give in. I’m going to bed.” Zaire said, clearing up her own mess. “You two sleep tight. Rogue, ya wanna talk to the Prof in the morning or afternoon?”
“Afternoon ah guess. Ah’ve got a training session in the morning.” Rogue told them with a frown. “Wonder why ah’ve had so many of those damn morning training sessions with Logan. It’s like ah’m supposed to be able to take on an army ma’sel.” Zaire laughed, waving behind her as she left the kitchen and headed up to her bedroom.
- - -
Part III
Remy and Zaire were both ordered away from the Infirmary. Although Sabertooth had only really come for Gambit, Scott had made sure that Zaire was under permanent care. She was asked to remain in the upper Institute, where there were more cameras and security set in place. Remy was asked to stay in a guarded area of the house, with Logan constantly close by. Zaire was quickly getting tired with all the surveillance, she couldn’t ever feel comfortable anymore, not even when she was alone because she always figured that there was someone watching her, even if she couldn’t see them.
Luckily she had an escape. She was still taking care of Remy, so that meant she could leave her room without the entourage of Kitty or Rogue. Not that she didn’t like the two girls, it was just that she wasn’t partial to the constant watch, or the constant presence of other people. They made her feel unsure about herself. When people were watching her she remembered back to when she lived with her parents, back to when she still had to attend a public school, back to all the staring and gossiping.
Sighing, Zaire picked up her medical equipment that Logan had retrieved from the Infirmary when she asked him, and headed towards the room that Remy was being kept in. Even though it was for his own safety Zaire couldn’t help but think they were treating him like an animal, locked in one room for days. Rogue had already brought it up with Ororo, but the weather witch had reasoned that it was only until further security could be added to the Infirmary, and then Remy would be back there until his wounds completely healed.
“Hey Logan, still playing watch dog?” Zaire asked as she approached the room. Logan was siting outside, looking thoroughly bored.
“Hey there kid,” Logan said, looking up at her, “what you doing here?” Wolverine asked, standing up and clearly sniffing her for some reason.
“I do have to visit my patient ya know, Logan.” She told him, mildly annoyed at his use of the word ‘kid’. “Is that a problem?” Zaire challenged, knowing full well that Logan would roll his eyes and turn away from her. Which he did. Zaire sighed, pushing the door open to Remy’s room. The Cajun looked up as she entered and a brief smile graced his lips.
“Dis Cajun be going crazy soon chere, Remy been kept in dis room too long.” He told her, moving to sit on the bed as she had motioned.
“I know, sorry but there ain’t nothing I can do. They’re doing it to me too. Think I’ll end up with Cabin Fever. I keep singing that stupid Muppets song.” Remy laughed slightly, pulling up the top of his shirt to allow Zaire to check his ribs, after she had finished he dropped his top and she took his fragile wrist in her hand.
“This doesn’t hurt?” Zaire asked, turning the cast on the arm over in her hand. Remy shook his head, his face a mask.
“Did he hurt you?” Remy asked suddenly, his eyes not meeting Zaire’s. Absentmindedly the elementalist put a hand on her hip where Sabertooth's claws had cut into her skin. Remy clearly noticed this. “Remy sorry, maybe Remy should just go back to the Acolytes. Stop anyone else from getting hurt.” Zaire pulled his chin up so that she could look him in the eye.
“If he did that to me, and I don’t even know the guy, he’s done worse to you. There is no way ya going back there, Gambit.” She told him, using is alias for the first time. Zaire removed some of the stitches from Remy’s face and arms, her fingers trailing across the scar on his wrist. “What made ya do it?” She asked quietly. Remy looked at the scar, his face becoming expressionless.
“It was a while ago. Before Remy join the Acolytes.” He told her, his eyes trailing along all the cuts on his arms. “Remy just see it as a way out back then.” Zaire frowned; she didn’t know anything about Remy’s past, all she knew was what she had been told while she had been treating him. Remy had been a thief in New Orleans, she had heard about the time he ‘kidnapped’ Rouge and taken her there during the Mardi Gras.
“So, Magneto isn’t the first to do this?” Zaire asked tentatively. Remy seemed shocked at her words, she figured he was wondering how she knew it was Magneto when everything pointed to Sabertooth. “We found some of the metallic toxins.” She explained simply.
“Well, Remy been through dis before, it not exactly somet’ing Remy can’t handle.” Zaire sighed, kneeling on the floor in front of the Cajun.
“This is something ya shouldn’t have to go through. It’s not right and no one deserves this.” Zaire smiled slightly at him, hoping that maybe she could get him to open up. “Why does it happen?” Remy looked at her, biting his lower lip slightly, without the façade of being something he wasn’t, without the carefree attitude, he seemed almost helpless.
“Remy be a thief, and with de thieves if somet’ing go wrong, and you be to blame, then der is a penalty. But through the years dis no longer happen, but Jean-Luc, Remy’s père, he be one of de older thieves, he believe dat the old ways be de better ways. Remy be the one that Jean-Luc blame for t’ings. So, Remy get used to it.” Remy’s eyes had dulled, the memories of the past returning to the Cajun mutant. “Fighting it don’t help, so, Remy just take it now.” Zaire couldn’t help but feel her heart break for this male; he had to go through this his whole life? Never knowing what it was like to feel safe at home?
“You’re staying here now Cajun,” Zaire said with a firmness that told Remy not to argue. “The professor will be back today, I’ll talk to him. But you should be healed in a few more days. Except for that knee, it’ll hurt for a while and we’ll just leave the bandages around your wrist for a day or two.” Remy smiled at her, a spark returning to his haunting red on black eyes.
“You’re an angel, petite. Remy be very grateful.” Zaire smiled at him.
“What’re friends for?” With a ruffle of his hair and a laugh from the Cajun, Zaire left, hoping that Logan wouldn’t talk to her. Thankfully he had his eyes closed, opening one when she left and then closing it.
- - -
When Professor Xavier and Dr McCoy returned, both were bombarded with information about the events of the past two or three days which stunned both to think so much could happen in so little time. Hank had gone down to the Infirmary to check over the damage and assist in the repairs which were being made along with security upgrades, while Charles headed for his own office, where Zaire, Rogue and Scott were waiting for him.
“Scott, Zaire, Rogue, what can I do for you?” Charles asked, entering the room and going to his desk while the three young mutants rushed into talking. “One at a time please. Zaire how is Gambit?”
“He’ll be fine, as long as he never has to deal with Sabertooth or Magneto getting their grubby paws on him. His injuries will heal but,” Zaire paused, thinking over her next words, “well, I ain’t no psychiatrist but the emotional and psychological damage might not heal.” Charles nodded, he had expected that there would be after effects of Gambit’s abuse, and he had also hoped that perhaps one of his students would pick up on the problem.
“Professor, both Zaire and ah think that Gambit should stay. Here, for good.” Rogue said, looking at Scott with a glare. “Some people are opposed to that idea though.” Charles raised an eyebrow at Scott.
“Sabertooth attacked the Institute, and hurt Zaire in the process. It was like he’d do anything to get Gambit back to the Acolytes; I just think we should discuss this before jumping into anything.” Scott said, trying to sound reasonable.
“What is there to discuss?” Zaire asked, turning on Scott. “If we send him back they’ll probably kill him!”
“You heard what Colossus said Scott; if Remy goes back there it will be the death of him. How could you even suggest that?” Rogue asked, just as angry as Zaire. Scott raised both hands in defence.
“I didn’t say anything about sending him back the Acolytes, just that we shouldn’t make rash decisions. What about him going back to New Orleans?” Scott asked.
“You think that Magneto and Sabertooth wouldn’t be able to work that one out? They’d still get him.” Rogue answered, Charles watched as the two female students argued with Scott, surprised at how quick both Rogue and Zaire were to protect their former enemy, and very pleased at it.
“Something tells me he’d be just as bad off there too.” Zaire muttered, turning her back on Scott. Charles looked at Zaire, taking in her unusual state, the bags under her eyes and the concern on her face.
“Scott, Rogue, would you please leave Zaire and I for a moment.” Scott nodded, Rogue leaving quietly. “Rogue, before you leave, would you have one of the guest rooms on the lower level of the house made up. I think it’s time we moved Gambit to a more comfortable room. And tell Logan we won’t be needing him to stand guard on the room. Gambit is free to move around the building.” Rogue smiled, pleased with the Professor’s decision while Scott clearly wanted to argue.
“Right away Professor.” Rogue said, moving past Scott and running down the hallway. Zaire smiled slightly before Charles closed the door telekinetically and asked Zaire to take a seat in front of the desk.
“What is troubling you Zaire?” Charles asked, not wanting to push at the runaway but wanting to help.
“Nothing, I was just wanting to talk ya into letting Remy stay. That was all really.” Zaire said with a shrug.
“Have you been having difficulties sleeping?”
“No, just last night. But that was because of Sabertooth.” Zaire answered, Charles raised an eyebrow encouraging her to continue. “It was the wound, the stitches I put in burst so I had to re-do them.” She told him, not meeting his gaze.
“Zaire, I understand that you have a distressing past, and I am fully aware at how well you are coping with it. Perhaps your interaction with Gambit has brought old memories to the surface.” Charles said, mainly to himself.
“It’s not that. I’ve dealt with my past and I’m not gonna go all Carrie on ya but,” Zaire stood up and moved so that her back was facing the Professor, “it’s what Gambit went through. I just have trouble understanding why someone would do that to a person. And I almost was one of them.” Zaire spat out with contempt.
“Zaire, Magneto offered you a place within the Acolytes, it was your choice to turn him down. It is our own decisions that make us stronger, and for that you are stronger for realising that your place was not in the Acolytes.” Charles tried to comfort her, remembering the conversation that had a few months previous, when Zaire first arrived at the Institute.
“What if I told ya the only reason I wasn’t one of them was because I was scared? Because they expected me to use my powers a lot, and I wasn’t ready to admit that I was a mutant?” Zaire said, looking at the ground. “Before he came to me I had been doing things to take away the attention from my powers, changing habits and doing rebellious teenage things to make me think I was normal. I was close to joining the Acolytes, cause then maybe someone would accept me, but I wasn’t ready to use my powers, I hadn’t got used to them back then.” Zaire said, her voice shaking slightly, but she continued none the less. “Even now, I don’t know how powerful I could be, I don’t really want to find out. Burning down one house is enough.” Zaire turned back to the Professor. “I know that your trying to teach us to be proud of who we are but, I don’t think I can just yet.”
“Acceptance comes in time, and you will eventually accept who and what you are. Until then you shall continue to grow as a person and learn from experience. That is the way of things, and not even I can change that.” Zaire smiled slightly at the Professor.
“If it’s alright with you, I think I’m gonna go help Rogue get the room set up for Remy.” Charles nodded and Zaire left the room, heading to the lower level where the newly decorated guestrooms were.
- - -
Red on black eyes snapped open, the mutant sitting up quickly and looking around the room. Swallowing hard, Remy forced himself to take steady deep breaths, slowing his thumping heart to a speed that was closer to normal. There was a damp sheen of sweat covering his torso and face, his hands shaking from the memory of the dream. Remy tossed his legs over the side of the bed, his head resting in his hands.
He hated the memories that came back to him at night; he hated reliving the moments in his mind, with no escape from the emotions. Sometimes it all just felt too real; this was one of those times. He ran a hand over his now healing side, feeling the bones that were once more knitting themselves together. It had to have been the fourth break of his ribs in as many months. Maybe this time they’d actually heal instead of being shattered again so soon.
Sighing the Cajun got out of bed, grabbing an over sized T-shirt he had been given after being moved to the downstairs room. Professor Xavier had been adamant about Remy being treated as a guest and not a prisoner, and so the young male mutant was now able to walk around the Institute. Which suited him just fine, the same four walls would get rather dull after a while. It had been almost a week since Gambit had woken up in the downstairs MedLab to Zaire’s gentle probing. Almost a week since his life had taken another drastic turn, this time possibly for the better. Now Gambit was starting to feel far more comfortable around the mansion, thanks largely to both Rogue and Zaire.
Gambit went into the kitchen, opening the fridge he looked for something to get the dry feeling out of his throat. At the bottom of the fridge there were three bottles of cool beer, smiling Remy took one out, twisting the cap off and downing half of the cool liquid. It had been a while since he had drank a beer.
“If Logan finds out you’ve been drinking his beer, he ain’t gonna be happy.” Remy turned to see Rogue standing in the doorway to the kitchen, her black sweatpants hanging from her slim waist and her small T-shirt running up, exposing a small amount of her smooth looking skin. Remy smiled at her, shrugging slightly.
“Remy just buy him more,” he said with a drawl, “be sure and remind me.” Rogue smiled at him, walking into the kitchen. Remy moved away from the fridge, leaning against the counter top. Rogue reached into one of the cupboard above her, pulling her shirt up at the back, exposing yet more skin. Gambit just watched her stretch out, getting a glass before running the tap for some water.
“What’s up Cajun, ya having trouble sleepin’?” Rogue asked, her back still facing Remy. He grunted in response, not giving more than that and taking another drink of the beer in his hand. “Ah couldn’t sleep either. Kitty’s been listening to that damn stereo, every two or three minutes she starts to mumble some words. It’s grating on m’ah nerves now.” Rogue said, jumping up to sit on the counter. “So, what’s keeping you up?” She asked, her usually dark purple lined eyes no longer lined. Remy could see the dark brown that was almost black of her eyes, the purple tint in them gleaming when she moved her head.
“Memories.” He said simply, wondering if she would push the subject or let it lie. She smiled a little, her white streaked hair falling across her face as she tilted her head.
“You wanna talk about it or just hole it up inside?” She said, okay, so this wasn’t pushing, but it wasn’t exactly letting it lie either. That was when the Wolverine decided to make his appearance. Logan entered and stopped when he saw the two younger mutants in the kitchen. Then he spotted the beer in Gambit’s hand.
“How old are you, Cajun?” He asked; walking past and retrieving his own beer, pulling off the cap and drinking most of the yellow liquid in one go.
“Twenty.” Remy stated, he frowned for a moment. “What month is it?” Rogue thought for a second.
“July. It’s the 24th of July. Why?” Remy shook his head, taking another drink of beer.
“Remy lie, be twenty-one now.” Logan looked at him, one eyebrow raised, bottle just lowering from his mouth. Sniffing he moved to leave the kitchen.
“Just don’t go finishing it on me. And you can buy the next lot.” Were his last words before he left Rogue and Remy in the kitchen, alone once more.
“When’d ya turn twenty-one?” Rogue asked, finishing her water and putting the glass in the sink.
“July 6th.” Remy replied.
“Listen, Cajun, ah’m not going back to bed for a while so,” Rogue paused, biting her lip slightly, “do you wanna come and watch a movie or something? Until you think you could sleep again.” It was clear she was trying to be as casual as possible and Remy smiled at the slight tint in her cheeks.
“Remy would like that, chere.” He said, dropping the empty bottle in the bin and following the goth girl through to the sitting room. “But Remy not be watching no chick flick.” He added as an after thought.
“Like ah would wanna watch one of those.”
- - -
When morning came Scott came downstairs to find Rogue curled up on the sofa with her head resting on Gambit’s shoulder. Raising an eyebrow he noticed that the Cajun male wasn’t sleeping, but watching the untouchable girl sleeping beside him.
“Um, Gambit?” Red eyes looked up at Scott, not showing a hint of embarrassment or nerves. “What’s going on?”
“The petit fall asleep during Resident Evil. Gambit not have de heart to wake her.” Scott nodded his head once, leaving the two in the living room while he headed for the kitchen. It was strange seeing Rogue so comfortable with another person. She was even sleeping on him, with his arm around her shoulder! Scott sighed, shaking his head. Maybe he should have a word with Gambit, or get Logan to do it. Hell, the Wolverine was slightly more intimidating than he was.
“In your own little word there?” Scott snapped out of his thoughts, seeing Logan standing beside the freezer. “What’s on your mind?”
“Gambit and Rogue.” Scott said, before he could even stop himself. Logan closed the freezer door, sighing. Had he seen them this morning too? Was Gambit asleep when he had seen them?
“I gotta say, I’m a little concerned about those two as well. Stripes is getting a little close to him.” Scott raised an eyebrow.
“You don’t trust Gambit?” That wasn’t the issue with Scott. After almost going back to the Acolytes so that Zaire wouldn’t be hurt, Scott wasn’t thinking that it was some scheme. Scott was more concerned about Gambit’s presence in the Institute causing harm to the other students here.
“I don’t know yet.” Logan answered slowly. “There’s something he’s not telling us. That leaves enough room for him to be lying about something.” Scott shrugged; he hadn’t noticed a drastic change in Gambit’s behaviour. Nothing really seemed out of the ordinary except for that fact that he was on the other side now. “Don’t you let it concern you though, I’ll deal with things.” Scott let Logan leave the kitchen and heard the sound of others arriving. Kitty’s giggling and Kurt’s whispering informed him that Rogue and Gambit were still in the living room. Was something happening between those two? Could anything really happen?
- - -
“Are you sure, Chuck?” Logan stood with Charles in the small study on the second level in the Institute. After revealing his concern over Rogue and Gambit’s progressing relationship, Logan had been given some startling news from Charles.
“I’m afraid so. Last night I awoke from a dream, a nightmare to be exact. Only, this wasn’t my nightmare. It has been a long time since one of the students nightmares have worked their way into my consciousness. I shouldn’t be surprised, as I do not really have any barriers from Gambit’s mind just yet. Although he seems to be able to keep me out while he is conscious and alert, his subconscious is not in as much control.” Charles said, looking out over the gardens of the grounds, the roses blooming and the birds taking their first flight of the day.
“So, the Cajun has been abused more than Zaire first thought?” Logan ventured. Charles hadn’t given him full details on Gambit’s nightmare, but it was enough to know that there was something troubling the red eyed male.
“He is afraid of sleep. From what I can tell he has managed to block out everything that has happened to him while he is awake. But sleep causes him to remember things.” Charles appeared to be talking more to himself than to Logan.
“He was up last night. It was the back of one when I found him and Rogue in the kitchen. They were still in the living room this morning.” Logan supplied, remembering his surprise at finding Rogue sleeping on the Cajun and the Cajun resting his head on Rogue’s. That wasn’t something he had expected first thing in the morning, Stripe’s hardly ever trusted anyone enough to make herself vulnerable to them.
“I think that Rogue and Gambit may be able to help one another.” Charles said, a small knowing smile on his lips. “There are wounds that only understanding can heal. They understand one another more than others would know.” Logan sighed.
“If you say so,” he turned to leave Charles to himself, “but I got a feeling about that boy. And it’s not a good one.” With that Logan left the room, watching the students run around to get ready for school. Rogue ran down the stairs in front of him, pulling her gloves over her hands as Kitty called out to her.
“Come on Rogue, like, Jean will be leaving in a second.” The half-pint handed Rogue her backpack and the pair ran off together, hoping to catch Jean and their ride to school. Logan stood at the bottom of the stairs and watched them all leave; it was like every other day.
“Opps, watch out Logan.” He turned in time to avoid Zaire hitting him with the red box she had in hand, heading down towards the Gambit’s room. It seemed it was time for a change of bandages. Logan sighed, heading along to the danger room. He needed to do some training.
- - -
“Hold still, ya know this would be easier if ya just let me take the thing off.” Zaire complained, kneeling in front of Remy, who was sitting on the bed, clad only in his too large sweat pants. “Okay, there. See, it’s not like I was removing your liver or nothing.”
“Chere, wit you Remy no know what to expect.” He told her, frowning at the discarded bandage that was just removed from his torso.
“What ya talking ‘bout?” Remy raised an eyebrow at her, indicating to her outfit and hair. “Oh, yeah, that.” A sheepish smile crossed her lips. It was true that this would be a shock to Remy, all he had seen her in before was shorts and a t-shirt, varying shade and styles, but that had been all she wore. Today however she was wearing a pair of light pink crops and a tank top with a blue butterfly on it, not to mention the sudden appearance of blue streaks through her hair. “I just kinda roll with my mood.” Remy nodded.
“You just give Remy a slightly different outlook on you.” He told her, inspecting her work on his wrist as the bandages were cut off and the healing wrist was shown. “It wasn’t broken then?” Remy asked, knowing that the healing had been too fast for a broken bone.
“No, I had a look over the x-rays, what I thought was a break was just a sprain. The way ya had broke it previously just made the bone look broken. Sorry if the restriction annoyed ya.” Remy shook his head.
“Is everyone out today?” He asked while Zaire put a new bandage around his wrist for support. Remy clenched his fingers when she was finished, glad that they moved without too much pain.
“I think it’s just Logan and the Professor that’s going to be around today. Ororo is going to see a friend of hers, and Hank is taking me to meet a doctor friend of his.” She told him, closing up her first aid box. “Why?”
“I need to go somewhere today.” He said, Zaire picked up the lack of 3rd person when he spoke. “Don’t suppose they’d let me just leave for a few hours?” Zaire smiled sadly.
“No, they wouldn’t. No one knows if Sabertooth is still crowding around or what. It’s safer for ya to be with Logan or someone. Can’t it wait? I know that Rogue and I wouldn’t mind heading out with ya. And Kitty and Kurt would be happy to join us.” Remy shook his head.
“Can’t wait. And Remy t’ink it be better if fewer people know of dis.” Zaire frowned.
“What’s on your mind, Cajun?” She was worried, if he didn’t want others to know, if he didn’t want Rogue to know, then maybe this was something to do with his abuse.
“Chere,” he looked away from her, “you be the one who examined me, oui?” Zaire nodded her head, making a noise of agreement. “You not wonder why Remy had claw marks on his hips?” His eyes met hers and after a moment of silence, Remy’s eyes showing untold stories of pain, she finally understood what it was.
“Oh God.” A hand covered her mouth, her eyes widened in shock. “He…oh, Remy.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a hug. She didn’t expect him to return it, but his hands rested on her back, holding her close to him. He sighed against her, and relaxed in the friendly embrace. “I’m so sorry.”
“It not be your fault, you not know chere.” Remy breathed against her, his head resting on her shoulder.
“I’ll see if Logan is doing anything. He’ll take ya into town I’m sure.” She told him, pulling back and running a hand down his healed face. “Ya didn’t deserve any of this, sugar.” Remy took her hand in his and smiled against her palm. “I’ll let ya get dressed.” She said, leaving the room for Gambit to change his trousers and top.
- - -
Logan left the danger room after a telepathic call from Charles. When Logan entered the same room he had been in earlier that same morning he saw Zaire sitting on a table, her legs swinging in time with one another, while Charles sat in front of her, talking about this Doctor Connor she was meeting that morning with Hank.
“Okay, what’s wrong now?” Logan asked, his arms crossed over his chest. Charles turned when Logan asked this.
“Ah, Logan, I was wondering if you were busy this morning?” Logan raised and eyebrow, Charles knew he had nothing to do.
“Not really. Why?”
“Remy needs a lift into town. The Professor thinks it’s better if someone’s with him. Ya’re kinda the best candidate for the job since no one else is really gonna be here.” Zaire said, smiling wildly, leaning forward on the table. Logan rolled his eyes. That girl was nuts; she was a cross between Bobby, Kitty and Evan, which was scary sometimes.
“Why? Where’s he need to go that’s so important? Can’t this wait till someone else can take him?” Logan wondered, couldn’t it wait till after the others were back from school? Scott could go with him or something.
“Nope. So, ya going be babysitting today.” Zaire said, looking at her watch. “Well, I have ta get going.” She jumped from the table, her flip-flops making a slapping sound against the wooden floor. “Have fun, oh and Logan, can you maybe see about taking him to get some new clothes? He needs stuff that fit, and are his own. Building a new home and stuff.” She said with a wink, walking past Logan. He watched her leave with a raised eyebrow. Yep, she was nuts.
“Chuck, you sure it’s safe to have her here?” He asked, half in joke and half in all seriousness. Logan closed over the door.
“So, what is it the Cajun needs to do so drastically that it can’t wait?” Logan asked, not at all happy with the situation.
“Zaire asked me if I would be agreeable to Remy leaving the mansion for the morning. She expressed concern over his welfare if he went alone and asked if you would be willing to accompany him.” Charles said, a small smile on his lips. He was teasing, Logan could tell. Growling low in his throat he relented.
“Fine, I’ll take him in.” Logan muttered, leaving the room. “When did I get so soft?” He asked himself. Between caring too much about Stripe’s and Half-pint getting too close to Gambit and Avalanche, now there was Zaire? This was too much. “Damn kids.”
- - -
Logan had been driving the jeep for nearly ten minutes; he still didn’t know where it was Remy wanted to go. The Cajun didn’t really want to let the other male know. This was a bad idea. Logan sighed; the silence was starting to get on his nerves now.
“Listen, if I don’t know where it is I’m taking you, I’ll turning around and leaving you out here to walk.” Logan threatened, knowing full well he wouldn’t because he would never hear the end of it back at the mansion.
“Dat might be better.” Gambit replied quietly. He hadn’t stopped staring out the window since the jeep started moving. Logan looked at the uncharacteristically reserved mutant, finding at spot further down the road to pull over. Gambit was about to get out when Logan stopped him, a hand on his elbow.
“Okay, gumbo, Zaire some how managed to land me with this, so you’re gonna tell me where exactly I’m taking you. When we get there you’re going to go do whatever you have to, I’ll wait out in the jeep. Then you come back, we go get you some new clothes, go to the store and buy more beer and then go home. You got that?” Gambit stared at him like he’d lost him mind, completely. He gave an exaggerated sigh before sitting back in the vehicle.
“I’m going to the sexual clinic on the street next to de health centre.” Gambit said, completely foregoing the 3rd person this time. Logan frowned, not only had he never thought about the possibilities of taking Gambit there but he hadn’t heard the Cajun say ‘I’ in a sentence either. “Got monthly check ups der, just in case.” The last few words were whispered and Logan felt a sense of guilt. Clearly this was something that Gambit hadn’t really wanted people to know. And Logan could see why, it wasn’t exactly knowledge that he wanted.
“Okay,” he started, hesitating on what to say next, “I… I’m sorry.” Gambit shrugged, slouching in the seat. Logan restarted the engine, heading back into the town, grateful for the silence this time.
- - -
Remy walked out of the clinic slowly, heading down the stairs and along to where the Wolverine had said he would wait. Every time, each month one after the other, Remy would steal himself for the check ups, build up the emotional barriers so that nothing could really get through and then he’d set off. But for some strange reason, this time it had been different. The barriers didn’t work; he was depressed thoroughly before heading in and for some reason elated when he left. He usually kept himself devoid of any emotion or reaction when the time came for the blood tests. He suddenly stopped, a few yards short of Logan’s jeep, realising what it was that was different.
This could be the last time. This could be the end of all these stupid needles because of Sabertooth, because who knew where that creature went before or after his ‘sessions’ at the Acolytes base. Sighing, Remy went the last few steps to the jeep and climbed in the passenger side.
“Well?” The man, formerly known as Weapon X, sat in the drivers seat, chair reclined, eyes closed and his arms crossed over his chest.
“They call in a few days. Usually take about a week before word come.” Remy said, trying to avoid letting anything seep into his voice. He didn’t need to break down, especially not here, in public with the Wolverine.
“Right,” the elder male sat up, turning the key in the ignition. “Now to get your clothes and some beer.” Remy allowed a small laugh, bitter and resentful, while Logan began driving towards the mall. Supposedly, shopping - be it clothes or for booze and other household items - would add some normalcy to this little outing. Surprisingly enough, Logan was taking the same approach that John had taken the one time he had gone with Remy. That time the Cajun had been unable to drive due to a broken hand and possible concussion. After the clinic the Aussie had insisted that the kitchen in the base needed restocked, even though the large grey monstrosity was almost bursting with food and drink. It had amused Remy afterwards, but not at the time, just like now. He was still too dazed; it was always the same, no matter how many times he had been there it never seemed real.
They went to a clothes shop first, Logan telling Gambit to get whatever he wanted or felt he needed, that the Professor had given him money for it, part of an allowance that Remy would receive now that he was at the school. Although hesitant at first Remy eventually conceded and picked a few pairs of jeans and some long sleeved t-shirts along with some sweat pants to fit him and a jersey to wear to bed. After paying for a the clothes, and Logan buying the Cajun a new pair of sneakers and gloves, they headed out to K-Mart for the beer.
Logan stopped the jeep outside the store. He just watched the Cajun for a moment, before shaking his head and leaving the jeep. Remy just sat there, waiting for Logan to get his beer and get back, his head resting against the dashboard. Maybe the day would just fade away. It had worked once or twice before, when Remy allowed his mind to just shut down, nothing getting through to him or leaving him. Just unconsciousness.
“Remy?” Then again maybe not. Gambit looked up at the surprised uttering of his name, this wasn’t the Wolverine as he would never call him by his name and didn’t have a soft, smooth southern belle accent. “Why are you out here, alone?” Rogue stared at him, eyebrow raised, hands on hips. She looked…cute.
“Remy waiting for Logan. He’s getting de beer.” Gambit told her, his voice monotone. She didn’t seem convinced at first, before she just shrugged and climbed into the back of the jeep.
“Ah guess ah can just hitch a ride back home then.” She tossed her back on the seat next to her, looking at Remy with a strange expression. “Is he making you pay then?” The words didn’t register with the Cajun for a moment, until he recalled the discussion last night.
“Didn’t take money from me.” He muttered, his mood seriously deflated, and not even Rogue seemed to be able to help lift it.
“Are ya alright?” She asked, a hand on his shoulder gently. Remy smiled slightly, the motion not reaching his eyes and the goth behind him noticed this. He nodded his head and sighed.
“Will be.” In about a week. In a week he would know if he would be fine, and it would probably - hopefully - be the last time he had to worry if he’d be okay in this manner again.
- - -
Part IV
Logan stopped dead in the parking lot when he spotted his jeep. Sitting in the back was Rogue; in the seat that he had been left in was Gambit although he had positioned his body so that he could see Rogue while she was talking. And talking she was. Logan couldn’t remember ever seeing Rogue talk in such an animated fashion. She was laughing, using her hands to signify some things and sounding genuinely happy for once.
“You two having fun?” Logan asked, climbing in the driver’s side. “You owe me ten bucks Cajun.” Rogue stifled another laugh, seeing the expression on the Cajun’s face.
“Logan, why you being like that? He drank one beer!” Rogue said, scowling slightly. “If ah didn’t know better, ah’d say you were being a stick.” Was Stripes teasing him? Yes, he was pretty sure that Rogue was teasing and acting very much out of character.
“Whatever,” Logan replied, not bothering with any other comeback. “We have to get back. Half Pint will complain if we’re late again.”
- - -
That night was a most relaxing there had been for a while. The group of X-Men sat in the sitting room, enjoying a night of rented videos one after the other. Kitty and Evan sat arguing during the changing of one video for another.
“I’m telling you, there is like, no way, that George Clooney is better than Brad Pitt.” Kitty argued. Evan sat three people down from Kitty, with Kurt and Ororo in between them.
“Please. You only think that cause you have the hots for Pitt. Clooney is totally the better actor. Kurt you agree with me?” The German was about to answer when a small growl from Kitty got his attention.
“I plead de fifth on de grounds dat, I don’t want to die.” The furry mutant said, holding up two of his three fingers. Kitty giggled, only just realising how cute Kurt looked when he did that little face.
“Well, Scott, Hank, you guys agree with me, don’t cha?” Evan tried, convinced that he would get at least one of them on his side.
“I’m not getting involved with this one.” Hank replied, turning his attention back to fast forwarding the video. Scott however, didn’t reply. He was too busy watching Rogue, sit in between Gambit’s legs with a blanket wrapped around her front and over his bent knees. She wasn’t paying any attention to anything other that what Gambit was quietly saying in her ear.
It was a far cry from what the Cajun had been like that afternoon. He had been very distant, and didn’t seem to be paying much attention to anything until Rogue and Zaire did some stupid stunts and teased him till he at least smiled. Although it had been funny to watch the two mutants, who normally weren’t too friendly with one another, make fools of themselves just to see the depressed male smile; it had made Scott worry even more over the developing relationship between Rogue and Remy. Rogue was much more trusting with Remy now, before she would have just brushed him off, but now she seemed to spend a lot of her time with him, which was confusing considering that she had said she hadn’t liked him before.
“Hey Scott.” Jean’s hand on his shoulder brought Scott out of daze. “Come on and sit down. The movie’s starting.” He smiled at her and allowed her to steer him to a seat beside her. They were watching some thing that Zaire had picked out, she had decided they needed to watch a comedy and so they were about to watch LiarLiar. Something Scott really wasn’t interested in.
About half way through the movie, the doorbell rang, which was strange considering the security system. Logan went to check on the camera system, Ororo went to check on the alarm system and Scott moved to answer the door, flanked by almost all of the X-Men.
“Be careful Scott,” Jean warned, “it’s pretty late.” Scott nodded before opening the door. Kitty, Kurt and Evan glanced past Scott, curious to see who it was at the door. Scott raised his eyebrows, glancing back at Gambit, who was just now approaching the door after receiving the look, and back to the visitor.
Leaning against the hand railing, in a pair of worn jeans and a diesel stained shirt, flicking his lighter opened and closed, was Pyro. He didn’t even look like he was on the land of his supposed enemy; he stood there, looking as if he were just calling in on a friend.
“What do you want?” Scott asked, his arms crossing over his chest. He tried to look intimidating, hoping that Pyro would just leave.
“Just stopping by for a friendly chat, mate.” Pyro replied, a smirk over his tanned face showing that he was being as insolent as ever.
“John?” Gambit stood behind Scott, his eyes scanning over the Gardens of the Institute cautiously.
“No worries mate, Magneto thinks I’m with Piotr,” Pyro said, noticing Gambit’s movement, “he’s up at the hospital visiting his sister.” Pyro picked up a box that had been lying at his feet. “Came by with what was left of your stuff.” The box was handed to Gambit, who moved in front of Scott to take it. “And your key.” The Australian held up the small brass item, his face altering from his insolent smirk to a conniving grin.
“What you be t’inking now?” Remy asked, raising an eyebrow at the slightly crazed looking blond. The other’s had now taken almost permanent places by the door, listening to the conversation between the two former team mates.
“Well, the ‘Tin Man’ wants to go home. His baby girl is getting all better now, and we both know that’s the only reason he was ever even here. So, since I don’t really fancy being left all alone with the furball and old loon there, I was thinkin’ you’d be up for one last home coming? With fireworks and sparklers like?” Remy laughed openly as Pyro wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
Remy shook his head slightly, “You be mad, mon ami.” Remy’s eyes flashed with something and Pyro’s face seemed to harden. It looked like he was completely determined with this.
“What’s wrong Pyro; don’t you have something to burn down?” Scott asked, strangely worried over Gambit’s silence on the matter. Pyro turned his attention to Scott, the smirk back in place.
“Well, no. I got bored last night. Spent the whole time wondering what I could get up to.” John threw the key at Gambit, the Cajun catching it easily in his left hand. “See ya kids.” Pyro winked before jumping down the stairs and taking off across the lawn in a run. He still managed to look arrogant as he did it.
Remy picked through the box, noting his wallet, a few pieces of paper, two decks of cards, his staff and a cell phone he didn’t recall owning.
“What’s up Remy?” Rogue asked, noticing his perplexed look.
“Remy be right back.” The Cajun grabbed his trench coat, dropping the box and heading out after Pyro with a mutter of, “Je vais le frapper.” Scott frowned, trying to remember his French lessons.
“Gambit!” Rogue went out after Remy, causing Scott to try and stop her.
“Rogue! This could end badly.” Kitty slowly raised her hand, causing Scott to stop calling after Rogue and turn to her.
“I was just wondering what it was Remy said.” Zaire sighed, annoyed by Scott’s pessimism and Kitty’s strange need to ignore important things and stick to the insignificant details.
“He’s gonna hit Pyro.” Zaire turned to the returning Logan. “Well, any big cat’s on the ground?” Logan shook his head. “Right then, I’ll go get those two back.” And Zaire quickly left before Scott could object.
- - -
“John, attente!” Remy caught up with John at the gate of the Institute. John had started to climb the wall when Remy had called to him.
“What’s up mate?” The blond asked, jumping down and leaning against the large wall.
“What’s de phone for?” Remy asked, slightly suspicious.
“For me to call when it’s time for the cake to be lit, of course.” John said, as if it should be obvious. Remy shook his head, why did everyone he know have to be slightly crazy?
“Gambit, come back inside.” Rogue appeared, standing beside Gambit, shivering slightly. Remy noticed and removed his coat, draping it around Rogue’s shoulders, earning a smug smile from the firestarter. “Come on, it’s cold out here.”
“Well, that’s what ‘appens at night, Shelia.” Pyro said, sniggering slightly at the gothic girl. Pyro then noticed the other female approaching, a blanket pulled tightly around her shoulders to ward off the cool air. “Is the whole family coming out to freeze their butts off?” He asked, becoming mildly annoyed at the entire entourage coming out.
“No, you two get back inside.” The new comer said. John raised an eyebrow. There was no way she was older than himself, or Gambit. Was she one of the new teachers or something? Come to think of it, John had never seen her with the X-Men, of that he was sure.
“Well, you must be one of the newbie’s, eh. They pick a lot of them up.” John said, mainly to himself, while scratching the back of his head. However, the glare the girl shot at him shut him up quickly. Not because he was intimidated, but because she looked just too cute when she did that. Her eyebrows drew together, a few strands of her bangs falling in front of her jade green eyes. Said eyes were drawn to slits, the sparkle of green only just visible.
“John, what you plannin’ now?” Remy asked, almost repeating his previous question. John tore his attention away from the streak haired girl; he smiled slightly, shrugging at the Cajun.
“Well, nothing much. Just really don’t wanna stay there no more. Used to just be about the roof over my ‘ead, but now, mate it’s just got way outta hand.” John said, letting the façade drop momentarily. “Piotr has already said, once his sister’s better, that’s him, he’s going home. Well, I doubt Magneto is gonna stand for that, two of his henchmen leaving and what not.” John pulled out his lighter again, flicking the lid on and off like he had done before. “I was thinkin’ last night, what if he didn’t have to bother with bucket head and fangs? Then there would be less confrontation.” John explained. He didn’t actually have a plan. It was all up in the air. If Gambit helped him, then he could iron out the rough draft of a plan he had. If not he was just gonna have to…what? Burn the place down?
“Second good deed this month, Remy t’ink you going soft?” Gambit joked, John smirked half heartedly.
“Nah, just can’t stand those two no more.” He replied, he had to shake himself before he turned completely soft and just didn’t go back to the manor. “I’ll call ya later mate, tell you what I’m up to and you can decide if you’re gonna help or not.” John said, slipping the lighter into his pocket again before climbing over the wall.
“Hey.” John looked back at the sound of the girl’s voice; Gambit and Rogue were already walking back towards the Institute. “Shower and change your clothes when you get back.” John frowned, tentatively sniffing his sleeve. She laughed, a smile breaking out on her porcelain skin. “You don’t smell bad, but Sabertooth will smell Remy off ya. Change and shower before he finds out. Or your goose'll be cooked.” John made a face of realisation and once more she laughed, shaking her head. “You’re hopeless.” She waved a little before running off, John shrugged, running back off down the street, heading back to the hospital to get Piotr before going back to the manor.
- - -
“Do you think he’s serious? About the whole leaving thing?” Rogue asked Gambit as they walked across the grass, his arm around shoulder while she leaned into his side to get some warmth from his body.
“John only be with de Acolytes to have somewhere to stay. Maybe t’ings get too bad for him there.” Remy mused out loud. What if John was wanting out for a different reason? What if Magneto was taking his anger out on him? But then, would Piotr leave John alone there? No, the Russian had risked a lot in helping Remy leave, there was no way he’d just leave John to face the two bullies on his own. In a way John was probably the weakest of the three of them. Remy and Piotr at least had their powers to defend themselves, but without a source of fire, John was powerless. “Remy gonna help him.” Gambit said, he had to return the favour; he had to make sure that John wasn’t getting hurt.
“Cajun, ah’m not lettin’ you go back in there alone.” Rogue said, stopping in the middle of the lawn. She looked up at him, her hair falling around her face. Remy carefully slid his fingers across her cheek, hooking her white streaks behind her ears. She closed her eyes and leant into his touch, even though he wore his gloves once more. “Ah’ll come with you. It’ll be better if there’s someone else.” Rogue whispered.
“Sorry to break the moment,” Zaire said from behind, “but I’m coming too.” She stood there, her hands on her hips with her blanket pulled over her shoulders. “Like Rogue said, it’ll be better with someone else there, and Rogue and I can be those someone else’s.” Gambit smiled at the pair gratefully, it was strange for him to have people who genuinely cared about him. It was nice to have Rogue care, having her there made it seem like he could turn his life around, that his fakeness didn’t have to last anymore. “When John calls, ask him to meet in the library the next day. Tell Rouge and I when he does and we’ll set things off so that everyone is there.” Rogue nodded, Zaire standing beside her.
“Yeah, that way, if something goes wrong everyone is there, and if it’s all fine then we can make the arrangements with Pyro while the others are wandering around.” Remy smiled and shook his head. “What?”
“You two petite’s, going to all dis trouble jus’ for Gambit.” Rogue and Zaire both smiled, Remy surprised that Rogue actually smiled at him. Zaire moved to the other side of the Cajun, both females wrapping their arms around his waist.
“Don’t go getting any idea’s Swamp Rat,” the southern belle told him, “ah just think that Zaire would be very annoyed if somethin’ was to happen to you. After all, she did mend you all up.” Zaire laughed, her arm leaving Remy’s waist.
“Yeah, and I think that if ya were to get hurt, then Rogue would be very disappointed.” Zaire stopped, looked at the door to the mansion and then back to Rogue. “She’d have no one to drool over and cuddle with.” Once she finished her sentence, the black and blue haired girl started to sprint across the lawn, leaving Remy with a blushing Rogue. Remy chuckled, noticing that Rogue wouldn’t look at him while they slowly wandered back to the house. Zaire was long gone; probably back in the warmth of the living room watching the rest of LiarLiar with the others.
“You know chère, Remy never t’ink you be one to blush.” Remy said, making her blush more.
“Ah’m gonna hurt her when ah get in there.” Rogue said, the blush fading slightly, anger seemingly taking the place of her embarrassment. Remy hooked a finger under Rogue’s chin, pulling her face to see him. Red eyes met brown, Remy growing far too comfortable in her gaze, this had never happened before; he had never felt like this with another person, least of all a female.
“Maybe you just say thanks.” He whispered, Rogue didn’t respond, she just stared at him. “See, now would be when Gambit kiss you, non?” Rogue managed a weak smiled, the blush returning slightly.
“Ah wish you could Cajun.” She answered, her eyes casting down to his chest. Remy pondered something for a moment, before lifting her chin once more. “What?”
“Remy have an idea.” The Cajun tugged at the collar of his trench coat around Rogue’s shoulders, the flap of the collar cover Rogue’s mouth and Remy quickly leaned down and placed his lips over hers and his collar. He pulled back and noticed the shocked expression on Rogue’s face. She looked far too innocent like that.
“Cajun,” Rogue seemed to struggle to find her voice, “ah…” Once more Rogue’s gaze fell from Remy’s. “Thank you.” They wrapped their arms around each other, hers around his waist and his around her shoulder, walking back to the mansion in silence.
- - -
John walked out of his room, damp towel still over his head as he rubbed his sodden wet hair. It was just as well that chick had told him to wash and get changed. Other wise he’d have completely forgotten about Sabertooth and thus given the game away. Never knew I was so careless, he thought to himself.
He and Piotr had arrived back only moments before Sabertooth returned from where ever he had been that evening. The over grown kitty seemed to disappear constantly; maybe he had to run to the malls to get some cat-nip. So John had successfully made it to the bathroom, washed, shoved his clothes in the machine and changed into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.
“Why have you showered?” Sabertooth asked, John turned, surprised at the beasts sudden appearance. He sniffed at John, growling at the young male.
“Hate the smell of hospitals. Can’t stand smelling like a Doctor.” The blond answered quickly. “Ha, can you imagine, me a doctor?” John made his get-a-way, heading towards Piotr’s room, still laughing for appearances. Damn, that bloody idiot was really getting on his nerves. “Hey, Rasputin, you in here?” John slowly entered the Russian’s room, wondering why it was so quiet. “You alright mate?” Piotr turned, sad brown eyes looking straight at the blond.
“What do you want?” He asked, slightly more deflated that John could remember him ever being.
“How’s your sister?” John asked, trying to make polite conversation. The large male shrugged, clearly not really in the mood for talking. “You still gonna go when she’s better?”
“You think I’m going to be able to just leave? Magneto will hold this over my head until he has completed what it is he needs me for.” Came the reply, that must be what all this is about, John thought. His sisters’ finally recovering and he’s stuck here doing things for a mad man with a dorky helmet.
“What if there was some way you could get out?” John asked, sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed. “What if, when she was ready to leave the hospital and go back home to Russia, there was a way for you to go too? Would you take it?” John didn’t look at the other mutant; he kept his gaze on the floor.
“What is it you are up to now?” Piotr asked, probably wondering why John was being so out of character.
“Nothing really. Well, nothing that you need to know about mate. Just let me know when your sister is ready for leaving, alright?” Piotr seemed very confused, but he nodded none the less. John smiled wildly, leaving the room in his usual troublesome nature.
Problem was that he walked straight into Sabertooth. Trying to laugh it off, John muttered something under his breath before heading back towards his room. Feeling Sabertooth watch him the whole way. Once in his room, he picked up the phone and dialled the number he knew was for the cell he gave Remy.
- - -
Kitty lay on the sofa, her head on Kurt’s lap as she dozed softly. The German had his head against the armrest and Evan was sprawled on the floor beneath the other two, mumbling in his sleep. Scott and Jean sat talking in the opposite corner of the living room, the others already having excused themselves earlier.
“Look at Kitty and Kurt.” Jean whispered, smiling at them wistfully. “Do you remember when you were that age? Trying to drop hints on your crush?” Jean questioned; Scott glanced over at Kitty and Kurt before looking away.
“I didn’t really have a crush when I was their age.” Scott said, not looking Jean in the eye. He wondered briefly if she would see if he was lying by going into his head, but quickly dismissed the thought. Jean wouldn’t do that, not without his consent. “I was busy with my studies then.” Scott said, turning to face Jean.
“Really? I had a crush on Gabe Mason when I was 16. It lasted about a month. Then I ended up dating Duncan.” Jean sighed, thinking about her ex-boyfriend. “You know, I’m actually glad that everyone found out we were mutants,” Jean said out of the blue, “it showed me who Duncan really was.” Scott didn’t care much about why Jean was glad people now knew what they were. He didn’t like the way that the others were treated now at school. Although Kitty, Kurt and Evan seemed to fit in fine, Rogue seemed to distance herself more from the others now that Risty was gone.
“I don’t know, I think maybe it would’ve been easier on everyone if we had been the ones to tell people who we really are.” Scott said, glancing back to where the kitchen door was. Rogue and Zaire had dragged Remy in there once the movie had finished, talking about some strange ice cream challenge for him. “Did the Professor mention why Zaire wasn’t attending school? She’s the same age as Rogue right?” Jean nodded.
“Yeah, she’s that age, but the Professor never said anything. Maybe it’s because of her studies with Hank. That’s pretty much what she’s been doing since she came here. I think she might be attending next term though.” Jean sighed, leaning to one side. “You know, I’m getting pretty tired. I’m gonna head up to bed.” Jean stood, facing the three younger students on the sofa. “You want a hand with those three?” Scott shook his head.
“No, it’s fine. You go and rest, I’ll see to them.” Jean smiled at him, leaning down to kiss his cheek.
“Thanks Scott.” She walked away, leaving a blushing Scott in his chair. “Goodnight.”
- - -
After three tubs of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, Remy and Rogue had brain freeze and Zaire was hugging her stomach which now tingled every time she took a breath. The challenge had been to see who could hold the most ice cream in their mouth for the longest. Remy had won but both females were pretty sure he had cheated.
“Okay, so we need something to heat us up now.” Zaire commented, opening the fridge, handing a bottle of beer to Gambit while getting two sodas for herself and Rogue. “What about pancakes? We could heat them up?” Zaire asked, turning to see if the others agreed.
“Ah don’t know,” Rogue said, “is eating out the whole fridge a good idea?”
“No.” Zaire agreed, “But what else are we gonna do? Sleep?” It was half past one and not one of them were in a rush to sleep. Even if they were supposed to have a training session in the morning. Just as Zaire returned her head into the fridge there was a strange beeping sound. Both girls started checking all the kitchen appliances before Remy cleared his throat, holding up the cell phone John had given him.
“Oui?” He asked, still rubbing his temple.
“Good day mate.” Even over the phone Rogue and Zaire could hear Pyro’s voice. “So, you in or what?” Remy looked at the two girls, who were for some strange reason thumb wrestling before answering the Aussie.
“Yeah, we’re in.”
“We?” John sounded confused. “Mate, please don’t tell me your little bunch of super hero friends are all involved.” John complained.
“No, just Rogue and Zaire.” At John’s silence Remy remembered he didn’t know Zaire. “The two girls from tonight.”
“Ah, well, I guess it’ll help.” John said, as if committing himself to a life-binding contract of debt. “So, you wanna meet me somewhere or you wanna talk about this over the phone?”
“No, mon ami. You know what a library is?” Remy joked, hearing John’s laugh.
“Is that the place with the books?” He said, chuckling slightly. “Okay then, well it’ll have to be on Sunday, we’re going on a family picnic tomorrow.” John said, Remy could almost picture the roll of the eyes. Remy chuckled slightly, John usually caused some sort of bother when the team went out, but he always enjoyed the mischief he got into.
“Okay mon ami, we’ll see you then.” Remy hung up the phone, looking at Rogue and Zaire who were both sitting watching him. “Well? You heard.” Zaire smiled while Rogue just mock glared.
“Well yeah we heard. But what day? We can’t just go and hang out in the library everyday! Someone would figure that something was up.” Zaire stretched and yawned while Remy spoke.
“It’ll have to be on Sunday.” He paused, “The library is open on a Sunday?”
“Well yeah, the city library is open everyday.” Rogue said.
“Okay, I give in. I’m going to bed.” Zaire said, clearing up her own mess. “You two sleep tight. Rogue, ya wanna talk to the Prof in the morning or afternoon?”
“Afternoon ah guess. Ah’ve got a training session in the morning.” Rogue told them with a frown. “Wonder why ah’ve had so many of those damn morning training sessions with Logan. It’s like ah’m supposed to be able to take on an army ma’sel.” Zaire laughed, waving behind her as she left the kitchen and headed up to her bedroom.
- - -