turning point [part v - vi]
X-Men Evolution: Turning Point
Part V
“Hey Zaire!” The raven haired female stopped when she heard her name. Turning to face Scott with Kurt and Evan draped on his shoulders.
“Training for something?” Zaire asked, eyebrow elegantly curved upwards. Looking past Scott she noticed that Kitty was still in the sitting room, sprawled out on the sofa. “Want a hand with her?”
“Would you?” Scott sounded almost desperate. “I told Jean I could handle it but,” he looked back over his shoulders to where Kitty was then down at Kurt and Evan, “I don’t think I can.” Zaire smiled, shrugging a little.
“No worries Cyke.” She moved towards the sitting room, turning so that she was still facing the team leader. “I’ll get Kitty Kat and you take care of the boys.” Scott sighed, calling back his thanks before heading up the stairs slowly with Evan and Kurt. Zaire shook her head wondering why males were so stubborn. Shaking Kitty till she was half awake Zaire managed to get the girl up the stairs and to her room.
“You know, I never really thought about it but,” Kitty started to ramble while Zaire got her bed ready, deciding to just let Kitty sleep in her already creased clothes, “Kurt’s fur is the same colour as Scott’s uniform.” Zaire raised an eyebrow at this.
“Okay Kitty. Sleepy sleep time now.” Zaire said with a laugh, putting Kitty in her bed and pulling the duvet over her smiling and half-asleep form. Zaire sighed and left the room, Kitty’s mumbling following her out. So, Kitty had finally realised what a little cutie that fur ball was? Maybe now she’d stop this madness with that Brotherhood boy, she was always complaining about him, always going on about how he didn’t appreciate her. Kurt already worshipped her. After everything that happened with Amanda, Kurt needed someone like Kitty. Someone who knew who he was, someone he already trusted with that information. With a smile on her face and a spring in her step, Zaire went to her room, hoping to catch a nice long sleep.
- - -
Rogue and Remy stayed in the kitchen, talking and laughing, for most of the night. Rogue enjoyed being with Remy while he was in the mansion. He seemed so much different than what he was like when they were in any sort of confrontation. Rogue liked him when he wasn’t being someone else, when he wasn’t having to put up a front. She could relax around him more, get to know the real him and maybe let someone in.
“Haven’t you got a session tomorrow, petite?” Remy asked her after looking at the clock. Rogue smiled and shook her head.
“Nah, ah’ve got one today.” Truly it was after two and perhaps she should be going to bed, but sitting with Remy was so much better than being in bed.
“Chere, as much as I like your company, maybe y’ should be goin’. Don’t want to be de cause of your trouble wit’ the fearless leader, non.”
“It’s not Scott that takes the session. It’s Logan.” Remy slowly nodded.
“In dat case, please go to bed. De fearless leader is one t’ing. De Wolverine is another.” This time Rogue laughed. He had a point; Logan was much more of a training Nazi than Scott ever was. Sometimes it was Scott who complained about the training before Kurt could get it in, usually because Kurt was yawning.
“Alright, ah s’pose your right.” Rogue said, mocking her annoyance. “Ah’ll see ya tomorrow then Remy.” Blowing a quick kiss at him before heading up the stairs, Rogue managed to keep her grinning to a minimum. Why was she suddenly like this with him? Before she had been able to conceal her emotions rather well. No one but Kitty had figured out that she did like the Cajun. And that was only because Rogue had admitted it to her roommate.
Opening the door to their room Rogue saw that Kitty was already passed out, still in her clothes with only her shoes on the floor by her bed. Rogue hastily changed for bed, brushing her teeth and then her hair, before climbing into her warm bed. She decided to forget the reasoning behind her change in attention towards Gambit. The only thing that really mattered was that he was there in the mansion, and he was acting more like the person Rogue knew she could like. Maybe one day soon she would make a break through with the Professor on controlling her powers, now that she had some incentive to really focus on it properly, maybe she’d be able to kiss him without the coat next time.
With a smile on her face, and happy thoughts running through her mind, Rogue fell asleep thinking about the day she would be able to touch Remy.
- - -
At half two in the morning, Pyro woke up. His stomach was growling for some food and he had to answer its call. The Australian climbed out of bed, wandering slowly towards the kitchen in his PJ shorts and tank top. He couldn’t really tell if anyone else was awake. Usually Piotr was doing something, the Russian never slept for too long at any one time, but it appeared that he was currently still dead to the world, for when he did sleep not even an earthquake could move him. Yawning widely, John wandered about in the kitchen for a moment, going through the fridge and cupboards before deciding on eating some ice cream. Picking up the tub, taking a spoon with him, he went to the living room, sitting in front of the TV and flipping through the channels to find something interesting, which was unlikely to happen considering the early hour.
John flicked through the channels quickly, hardly stopping to see what was on. When there was a creak on the stairs he paused to turn, wondering if he had woken up Piotr. Turning to the doorway and waiting, John didn’t hear the noise again.
“Stupid old houses.” He muttered, turning back to the TV and eating his ice cream. It was quiet for another ten minutes before there was a crash from the kitchen. John bolted up, hitting mute on the TV and putting down the tub of ice cream. Picking up a box of matches from the table John slowly walked through to the kitchen, his heart thumping in his chest like a marching band. A breeze blew through the room, the blinds at the window drumming off the frame, shattered glass sitting around the sink and floor. Someone was outside? Trying to break in? Why would anyone be trying to break in to…Remy?
“Bloody thief!” John sighed, turning around and heading for the front door; he unlocked it and stepped outside, locking it again after himself with the keys. “Gambit, if this is you I swear to God I’m gonna get the furball to ya!” John said nervously, the box of matches turning over in his hands. Walking around the house John couldn’t see anything; there was no sign of anyone or any vehicles. There was no way Gambit would’ve walked here! Not from that stupid little mansion in the middle of no where, especially since this stupid mansion was in the middle of no where as well. “This is warped.” He muttered to himself, heading the rest of the way around the house to the front door, intent on going in, finishing his snack and going back to bed.
That was until he hear another noise, right at the front door. It wasn’t a bang or a crash. It was a low, constant growl that John was more than aware of.
- - -
John rushed to try and get back into the house. His hands shook violently, shocking him with his fear, the key to the door dropped, landing on the doormat.
“God damn it!” John moved to get the key but found himself pressed against the door harshly, the weight of another person pushing against him, the rough sound of growling in his left ear. John tried to get his breathing under control, knowing that if he couldn’t do that then things would be so much worse. “What you doing here then mate?”
“I’m not yer mate, and I want some answers, bub.” Three adamantium claws shot out right beside John’s face. “Now, just what was that about at the Institute tonight?”
“Dunno what your talking ‘bout. Just giving ol’ Gambit back his things.” John said, pushing against the solid door, hoping to get some space between him and the Wolverine. “What do ye want?” John asked, failing to get the space he needed, his ribs were being crushed under the pressure.
“I want answers.” He said, giving the lithe male a shove just for enforcement.
“I told ya!” John said, bringing his legs up against the door and pushing back until he got his feet against it. “I,” he straightened his legs, “don’t know,” bending them slightly before pushing back with as much strength as he could muster, “ANYTHING!” Wolverine jumped back, watching John scramble to his feet, grab the matchbox and the key and quickly pull out one of the matches. “Just go away Wolverine. This has nothing to do with ya.” John said, not yet striking the match.
“What are you planning boy?” John rolled his eyes, why couldn’t anyone just stop asking questions and trust him? Just for once? He knew it was hard but surely just this one time someone could give him the benefit of the doubt.
“Well, nothing. If you don’t clear off and not get me killed I might think of something but with you hanging around here, getting all scent like and stuff, old tooth and claws up there is gonna get a little territorial. That, old mate, would not bode well for this little fire-starter!” John ranted, his temper flaring like his favourite bird of fire. Wolverine cocked an eyebrow, clearly mulling over what had been said.
“Anything goes down, and it goes wrong,” the three claws from each hand popped out again, emphasising the Wolverine’s point, “I’m holding you accountable.” Slowly he stalked off, leaving John on the porch, keys and matches in hand.
“Anything goes wrong mate,” John murmured to himself, looking up at the huge house behind him, “and I’m already dead.”
- - -
Zaire lay on her bed, eyes open, staring at the ceiling. She was having trouble sleeping again, her hip itching and burning to make her pay attention to it. The stench of fear, or what she thought fear would smell like, filled her senses every time she closed her eyes. Zaire slowly sat up in bed, wondering if perhaps Gambit was up, the Cajun didn’t sleep much, maybe he was having nightmares too. But then maybe Rogue was still with him. Zaire didn’t want to intrude on their time alone; they didn’t get much of it because of Logan or Scott. An unjustified wave of jealously washed over the young runaway, her eyes starting to water once more as the room drew in on her. She wanted something like what they were having. Rogue and Remy, the way they just looked at one another, the way she smiled or he smiled when the other told a joke or made a stupid or sarcastic comment. She wanted that, but for some strange reason she didn’t want to go out and find it.
Getting out of her bed, pulling on her stolen Harvard sweatshirt, Zaire made her way down stairs and sat on the living room sofa. The main room in the downstairs area was larger than any other. Since the attack by Sabertooth only a week ago Zaire had been suffering from mild bouts of claustrophobia. She had always thought her room to be big, but it was far from it. She couldn’t take the elevator down to the lower regions of the mansion now and she had panic attacks even at the mention of the Medical Bay. Her hopes of ever making it into the medical profession were completely shattered. If she couldn’t go and see Hank down there then there was no way she’d be learning anymore. Zaire wondered if maybe she would be able to eat any more ice cream, or if that would just cause a tummy bug or something making her feel lousy. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Zaire tried to focus on relaxing herself. There wasn’t a sound from the mansion, everyone was probably in bed, and rightfully so at nearly five in the morning. Relaxing her body completely Zaire attempted to put herself into a deep trance, hoping that it might give her back some strength.
“Kid?” A hand clamped down on her shoulder and Zaire jumped out of her skin, falling off the sofa and causing the coffee table to tumble making a loud banging sound. Zaire cringed, looking up at Logan’s confused face. There was the sound of a door opening and Remy skidded to a halt in on the polished wooden floor. Zaire glanced over at him, Remy’s expression rather similar to Logan’s.
“Chere?” Remy asked, bewilderment creeping into his tone.
“Umm, sorry.” Zaire sad lamely, looking from one male to the next. “Okay, nightly dose of embarrassment over, I’m going back to my room.” Zaire stood up, smiling at Logan and Remy before trying to leave without making a bigger fool of herself.
“You sure you’re okay kid?” Logan asked, and for once Zaire didn’t mind the ‘kid’ being added on.
“Yeah, Logan,” Zaire answered, looking over her shoulder, “just my pride that’s hurt.” With that she ran up the stairs, along the hall and into her room, closing the door as silently as she could.
“I am such a moron.”
- - -
Logan stood where he was for a while, not saying a word and just watching the Cajun. Gambit was standing exactly where he had when he dashed into the room to see what was happening, watching the spot on the stairs where Zaire had turned to reassure Logan of her health. Logan watched with fascination. After all the mess Gambit had been through, he was still willing to care for people? Even though few had given him the grace of caring back. Logan wondered slightly, which of the two females it was that held Gambit’s affections. The untouchable or the unreadable?
Sure, Stripes and Gambit could probably work around the whole no touching thing, but did they have enough in common? Could they bury the past of betrayal and lies? Could they move on from their separate pasts and make something of a future? Logan found he wasn’t too averse to having Stripes try to work something out with Gambit. For some reason he was far more worried about Zaire being the one who took on the Cajun.
Zaire was a free spirit; Zaire was happy young woman who enjoyed her life. Her incident with Sabertooth left a permanent mark, and Logan wasn’t meaning the neat little scars on her hipbone. Logan knew of the fears that crept up on Zaire, Logan could smell her fear whenever she was stuck in a tight space or when she was stuck with a large crowd. She was good at hiding it, but not that good.
“You want a beer Gumbo?” Logan asked, walking into the kitchen. Remy seemed to have to take a second or two to process the question.
“Non, merci.” Came the reply. Logan looked at the clock, noticing that maybe beer wasn’t a great idea.
“How ‘bout some coffee?” The Wolverine quickly went about the kitchen area getting the bits and pieces he needed to make a decent cup of coffee.
“You t’ink coffee a good idea for me?” Remy asked incredulously. “I be jumpy as it is. Non, don’t t’ink that coffee be a good idea, mon ami.” Logan nodded, hoping that Gambit would realise that he wanted to talk. Luckily the thief seemed to catch on. Sighing, the red eyed male jumped up, sitting in the middle of the kitchen on top of the counter. “What you wantin’ to say to me?” Damn the kid was blunt.
“I don’t want you hurtin’ those girls.” Remy frowned, and Logan wondered if maybe he was too blunt.
“Der be more than one?” Remy asked, frown raised and the lines in his forehead creasing.
“Yeah, as in Rogue and Zaire.” Realisation dawned on Gambit’s face, understanding now that Logan wasn’t just looking out for Rogue.
“So I’m being warned away from Zaire too huh?”
“I’m not warning ye away. I’m just saying, don’t hurt them.” Logan said, putting the kettle on and turning to face Gambit, leaning against the sink.
“What make you t’ink I’m gonna hurt them?” Logan sighed at the question.
“I don’t, but I just want you to know, they ain’t just some girl ye can pick up and then throw away.” Logan said, feeling slightly like the over protective father. “If ye hurt either one of them, I’ll hurt you. Understand?”
“Oui.” Gambit said in a soft voice. Logan frowned, why was he quiet suddenly? Shaking his head Logan turned back to the kettle and poured the boiling hot water into his mug. When he turned back to face the thief, he was gone. Logan heard the click of a door and shook his head. The kid sure was light on his feet.
- - -
Come Saturday morning the living room and kitchen were buzzing. Remy stood in his doorway, completely unnoticed and watched them all. It was a total turn about from life at the Acolytes place. If John beat everyone to the kitchen then there would be enough pancakes made to feed an army, and then there was the fresh orange juice he loved to make. Remy knew that the juice squeezer had been a bad idea, John had a thing for gadgets, any toy he could get his hands on he would play with. True enough, Remy almost missed Saturday morning pancakes a la John. Smiling to himself he entered the kitchen and sat at an empty seat, happy to observe the others.
“Scott, quit hogging the milk!” Kitty complained, phasing through Scott’s stomach to get the milk for her cereal. “It’s not just for coffee you know.” At the sound of the word coffee Gambit perked up immediately. Coffee that Creed didn’t make? That sounded like heaven!
“Morning Remy, sleep well?” Jean sat down beside the Cajun, smiling brightly and Remy wondered how she managed it first thing in the morning.
“Oui.” He answered, not going into detail and not telling the truth what so ever. After his ‘talk’ with Logan, Remy had been unable to sleep. Why was the Canadian worried about Zaire being hurt? Zaire was a good friend, something like John. She was always bringing his mood up and always understanding him without him having to spell it out to her. Why would she get hurt in all this? Plus the fact that Logan had admitted he had no problem with how close Rogue and he were getting. Remy was sure that Logan did have a problem but wasn’t going to say anything for fear of losing Rogue as a friend, cause Remy knew that’s what they were, maybe even a little more.
“You want some coffee? You look like you could use it.” Scott asked, standing behind Kurt. Remy looked up and nodded his head, trying to remember how to speak.
“Merci.” Hope they knew a little French. They should by now, what was this, a non-multi language equality halfway house? Bah, to early in the morning for those thoughts, intelligent thoughts take more coffee. Scott placed a mug in front of Gambit, the Cajun wrapping his hands around it and taking in the warmth of the mug. After lifting the mug to his lips and taking a sip of the hot liquid. “Gah!” Everyone turned to Remy, wondering if Scott had poisoned him by mistake or not. “You call dis coffee, mon ami?” Kitty laughed and Jean just shook her head.
“What’s wrong with the coffee?” Scott asked, completely oblivious. Remy got up and went over to where Scott stood, the tin of coffee granules on the counter behind him. The Cajun picked up the tin and put another spoonful of coffee into his mug.
“What’s wrong? Der’s no coffee in it. Needs to taste like coffee.” Remy replied, hands wrapping around the mug again, this time to heat up the liquid and dissolve the newly added coffee. After a glance around the kitchen Scott discovered that most people agreed with Remy on this one.
“Well, that’s how I like my coffee.” He argued, not about to back down from what he liked; Remy just shook his head, drinking his coffee happily now. “So what was breakfast like with the Acolytes?” He asked, catching Remy slightly off guard.
“Breakfast?” He thought it over. “Pretty normal. If you count John having his ice cream and fritters.” Remy said with a shrug, why did Scott want to know about breakfast with the Acolytes? It seemed to be a rather strange topic of conversation.
“So, it’s not all that different being here then?” Jean asked, everyone’s attention was now on Remy, something he would rather not happen. Strange discussion this, very strange.
“Oui, I guess.” Remy said slowly, “Creed not usually there for breakfast, just John, Piotr and me. Three hommes having breakfast, one be slightly crazed but,” Remy shrugged, “de numbers just be multiplied here.” Remy put his empty mug in the sink and made to leave the kitchen, but was stopped by Kitty.
“Wait, like, who’s the crazed one here?” She asked, a small frown on her face while she thought it over.
“Dat one you gotta figure out on your own.”
- - -
“Please Professor?”
“It’s not like we’re asking to go to a party, it’s the library. A place where we can learn and progress as human beings.” Zaire and Rogue stood in front of Professor Xavier trying to convince him to let them go to the library on Sunday with the rest of the students. Zaire had already mentioned it to Kitty and Kurt, thinking of it as a way to get out of the mansion and into town for some fun. What Kitty and Kurt didn’t know was that Zaire had been scheming with Rogue and Remy. They had went along with it and convinced the others that it would be a good idea, now all they needed was to convince Xavier that it was a good idea.
“I am shocked merely by your eagerness to go to the public library, we do have a library here.” The Professor argued, raising his eyebrow at the two girls.
“But ah’m looking for a vampire novel, there ain’t none of them here.” Rogue said, knowing that the Professor didn’t have any of the literary material that she enjoyed reading.
“Yeah, and I’ve read all the medical books. I’m looking for something new, a challenge as it is.” Zaire chimed in, a grin on her face while she rocked back and forth on her heels. For some unknown reason Charles felt the beginning of a headache start, neither of them would stop till they got there own way.
“Very well,” he finally gave up, “talk to Scott and Jean, and I want either Hank, Ororo or Logan to accompany you.”
“Can Remy come?” Both asked at the same time.
“Why would we exclude him?” Charles knew both of the young women had accepted the abused Cajun as one of the team now, even though he was not an X-Man and would not be until the matter of his abuse was addressed and he passed a full physical, he also had to agree and want to join the team. Charles let Zaire and Rogue leave the room, both debating who was better to come along to the library; Zaire was tempting Rogue into asking Logan just to annoy him but the young goth was leaning more to the side of asking Ororo.
Charles sighed and turned to look out of his office window. He had yet to have a session with Gambit to try to sort out the problems that Magneto may have caused. Perhaps on Monday, while the students were at school, he could try to talk to the young man. This would be a difficult obstacle to overcome, but with guidance and help, perhaps it would shape Gambit into a better person, or at least to be the person he was meant to be.
- - -
Part VI
“KITTY!” Rogue yelled through the house, running down the stairs to try and find the cheery girl. “Where are you!” Everyone who was in earshot, which was just around half of Washington DC, cowered in terror. An angry Rogue was a scary thing, and right now, no one knew just what it was that had Rogue so mad. Just that Kitty was a major reason for the rage. Remy raised an eyebrow when Rogue dashed through the living room, heading through the kitchen and out the back door.
“She always like dat?” Remy asked Logan, who was skipping through the channels on the TV. Logan looked up at Remy, shrugging his head before looking back at the TV. Remy looked at the spot Rogue had been in moments earlier before looking back at the book he’d been reading. Sitting around the mansion for the last week or so had really left the Cajun with an itch, needing desperately to do something. Dr McCoy hadn’t cleared him for training, Logan had suggested a few danger room sessions to see what he could do, but there were still problems with his leg that had to be addressed first. Of course, Remy would rather have Zaire take a look at it; maybe he should ask her later.
“Have you guys like, seen Rogue?” Kitty emerged from the door leading into the garage, holding a bag in her arms and smiling wildly. Remy raised an eyebrow and pointed towards the kitchen where Rogue had ran. “Thanks.” Kitty said, her smile broadening even further as if it were possible, and she ran off up the stairs.
“You shouldn’t have gotten involved, Gumbo.” Logan said, not even looking away from the TV this time.
“So, Kitty make Rogue mad, Kitty plays with Rogue’s head, den she act like not’ing happened?” Remy asked, completely amazed at the strange behaviour of the girl he once thought of as an ice queen.
“Pretty much,” Logan said, “they do it every other weekend I think. I tend not to pay attention.” He muttered, flipping from one hockey match to another.
“Oui, I can tell.” Was the Cajun’s reply before returning his attention to his book and trying to ignore the next few minutes off insanity.
“When you getting another physical?” Logan asked suddenly. Remy looked up; eyes wide thinking he’d missed someone else entering.
“Umm, I don’t know?” He said, wondering why it suddenly came into the conversation. Sure it had been mentioned that he should get a physical once every two days to see how his leg was healing, sure Logan had, in passing, mentioned Danger Room sessions so that the strength returned to the limb, but Remy wasn’t so sure that they meant right then. Rogue and Zaire had been there during the conversation involving Danger Room sessions. Both saw it as Logan looking for fresh meat. Scott had however defended it later as a way to assess Gambit’s abilities, and as a form of stress relief, anger management and physiotherapy. None of which Remy knew he needed.
“You should think about doing it soon then.” Logan said, not even looking at him. Remy slowly nodded, closing his book.
“How ‘bout I go see Dr McCoy now, mon ami.” Remy made a hasty, yet dignified retreat from the living room, getting the anxious feeling that maybe Logan was pushing this. Why right now? Remy thought about it while making his way down to the Medical Bay, where Beast almost always was. When the doors opened the large blue doctor looked up expectantly then looked away again.
“Not who you were hoping for, eh?” Remy said, wandering in and noting the distinct lack of anyone else. “Well dis place sure is deserted.”
“Yes, I was hoping that maybe Zaire had decided to return. Alas it is not.” The doctor seemed to mull on that for a moment before turning back to Remy. “What can I do for you?”
“Wondering if I could get a physical.” Remy said simply, no need to mention what had brought on the sudden desire.
“Of course, I was meaning to speak with you about that. Well, Ororo tells me that you are all going to the library tomorrow so how about Monday morning?” Remy nodded, filing it away in his head.
“One other t’ing.” Remy said, still pondering the idea behind this. “Don’t suppose you maybe have some t’ing to help me sleep, non?” Dr McCoy turned, smiling slightly and nodded.
“Yes, I do.” He said sadly, clearly not all that enthusiastic about giving out the medication. “Take one with your meal before bed and it should help. I take it that the nightmares are what’s keeping you awake.” Remy nodded once, taking the bottle of pills from the doctor. “Well, maybe you should also try to address the issue of your nightmares.”
“How?” Remy didn’t quite understand the meaning.
“Talking about it usually helps,” he was told, “if you talk it lets out some of your feelings and someone else may be able to help you cope. If you need to, I will be here and more than willing to listen. Anything you tell me will remain in strict confidence unless you are comfortable with someone else knowing. Please do not hesitate to speak with me.” Remy nodded.
“Merci Dr McCoy.” These people here, all of them, were willing to help? They had put the past in the past and were willing to help him through whatever they could, even the people who barely knew him.
“Please, call me Hank, or Beast. One more thing Gambit,” Remy stopped his exit and turned to the large blue man, “if you see Zaire, could you tell her I would be delighted if she would visit me when she’s ready?” Remy nodded.
“Oui, and call me Remy.” With a small smile the Cajun left the Medical Lab, the sleeping pills going into his pocket.
- - -
Rogue was still fuming. She’d finally tracked down Kitty, who didn’t have her stuff, and then found everything where it had been. Her make up, her brush, her books, all of it was back in her room where it belonged. She knew it was Kitty, it was always Kitty. Rogue made her way down the stairs, bumping into Scott as he went up.
“Hey Scott,” she said, not showing her signs of frustration or anger.
“Hey, we missed you at breakfast.” He said, stopping on the stair above her. “What happened?”
“Ah had training with Logan,” she answered, a little exasperation creeping into her voice. “Ah seem to have a lot of them lately.” Scott smiled; it was a smile that used to get Rogue’s heart going a little faster, when she had been crushing on him hopelessly.
“He’s just making sure you can defend yourself, what with your hesitation to use your powers, it’s understandable.”
“Yeah, ah suppose. But it doesn’t mean ah can’t still complain.” After a laugh and a nod Scott continued to where ever he was going and Rogue did the same, heading into the kitchen to get a glass of orange juice. Sighing Rogue wondered where everyone had run off to, the place was nearly deserted, and it was only the start of the afternoon.
“Bonjour petite,” Rogue smiled, enjoying the accent and language. “Where did everyone go?”
“Ah was just wondering the same thing.” Rogue said with a smile, she hopped up on the counter, Remy standing across from her and smiling at her. “Well, we’ve got some time to kill. Whatcha wanna do swamp rat?” Remy seemed to ponder over the question for a while, biting his lower lip and watching the ceiling.
“Well, der are a few t’ings but I ain’t too sure you’ll wanna play.” Rogue raised an eyebrow, gathering that he was talking about card games; it was his trademark, wasn’t it? His smirk however told her something else.
“Like what?” Remy shook his head and smiled at her.
“Maybe later chere.” He told her, his smile never wavering. The pair sat in the kitchen, talking about random things and discussing Remy’s accelerating recovery with a few interruptions, one from Zaire, whom Remy told Hank was hoping to see when she was ready, at that the girls face and slightly paled before a small sad smile appeared on her face. Rogue had wondered what it was that had caused the strangeness in the usually carefree girl, but didn’t get to ask as she left out the back door, she said she had some ‘stuff’ to take care of. The next interruption had been Scott, who stood at the door with a confused little look on his face.
“Hey Scott,” Rogue had said politely, once more confused by her house mates reaction. “What’s up?”
“Nothing,” he replied a little too fast. “What are you two up to?” He asked, going to the fridge and coming out with an apple. He steeled them both with a gaze, the presence of his ruby quartz glasses not only saving their lives but also hiding their view of his distrusting glance towards Gambit.
“We were just talking. Ah was just saying how much ah miss home,” Rogue said with a wistful smile, “what about you Scott, where are you from before you came here?” Rogue asked out of curiosity.
“I’ve always been here, Rogue. I can’t remember my life before here.” He said, forgetting that she didn’t know about his lack of a past. The concerned look on her face reminded him and he flashed a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, this is my home and I’ve accepted that. Besides, I still keep touch with Alex. That’s enough for me.” Rogue’s concern seemed to ebb away slowly, probably assisted by Scott’s smile. “What about you Gam…Remy?” Scott asked, saving himself at the last minute.
“What?” Remy asked, not understanding the question. “What about me?”
“Where about’s is it that you come from?” Scott asked, wondering if he was from the same southern area as Rogue or not.
“N’Awlings.” He said simply, Scott picking out that he meant New Orleans. Of course, the whole thing with his kidnap of Rogue before the Apocalypse thing, while Magneto was missing.
“Do you miss home?” He asked, taking a seat at the table with the other two.
Remy shrugged, “Not really. Been around a lot, me. Never really thought of a home as anything more than a place to stay.” He said, almost nostalgically. “Can’t go back anyway.” This peeked Scott and Rogue’s curiosity.
“Why not?” Scott asked, taking a bite out of his apple.
“Long story short?” Gambit asked with raised eyebrows, “Fighting Guilds, Remy ain’t welcome wit’ any of dem.” That was when Rogue noticed the third person. It hadn’t made an appearance in Remy’s speech for a while, why now?
“Well, why not?” Scott asked, clearly not catching the defensiveness in Remy just yet. Rogue wasn’t sure if Remy would answer, and if he did how much of it would be the truth?
“Responsible for a lot of stupid t’ings, me. De two Guilds be fighting a lot, me and Belle, she an Assassin, we try to bring de Guilds together. Didn’t go too well and we ended up wit’ another Guild. Now der be t’ree fighting Guilds. Lotsa people getting hurt. Remy be exiled and not allowed back wit’out a reason.”
“Jean-Luc’s kidnap be a reason?” Rogue asked carefully.
“Oui,” Remy nodded, “de T’ief’s an Assassins don’t get along to well, but wit’out Jean-Luc to run half of N’Awlings den there be trouble. Dey t’ink Henri be de only one to fix it, Henri t’ink Remy be de only one to fix it. Dat why Remy allowed in there again that once, even then there was trouble.” Rogue remembered that trouble, but she still enjoyed the outing all the same. Remy’s eyes had dropped and were slowly dulling to the way they had been when the X-Men had found him, beaten and sore by Sabertooth. It was a way she never wanted his eyes to get again. Scott finally seemed to realise this was something the Cajun would rather not talk about, he excused himself but Rogue was sure Remy didn’t even notice. She left the table, taking his gloved hand in hers and pulled him through to his room where she did something no one would believe she did. She turned him to face her and pulled him close, hugging him tightly to her, her head rested safely against the fabric of his coat’s shoulder. Slowly his arms encircled her waist and held her to him with the same comfort she held him in.
- - -
Saturday night was very quiet, not something Remy’s Saturday nights usually were. But he was glad to have this, Zaire was on the floor beside his bed, reading from a magazine and asking strange questions. Rogue laughed every now and then, the rumble of her laughter spreading through Remy’s chest. They were both on the bed, Remy laying sprawled on his back, head over the edge close to Zaire while she chatted away happily. Rogue lay with her head on his chest, playing with the edges of his sleeve. They were the picture of contentment. Remy wished that this could have been his life. Two great friends, although Piotr and John were great they never managed to do this relaxing thing, and a somewhat safe environment. Rogue was strangely comfortable to be near him now; their touching barred only by clothing. She would skim her hands over his chest sometimes, the clothe of his T-shirt shielding him from her powers, although he couldn’t care less about it, she did. And to think of it, having his memories in her head might be too much for the young goth to handle. Zaire was similar to what John was like; trying to get the insanity and normalcy evened out, balancing one another to times in which she can be mad but still sane. Eventually she had just let her nature take over, it made her far more comfortable to be around, much like John.
It occurred to Remy that John had been slipping into his thoughts far more, they would meet tomorrow to arrange what hopefully would result in Magneto and Sabertooth's downfall. Remy wasn’t sure if he wanted it to be their end yet. They may have made his life hell for months but did he want them both dead? Losing Sabertooth wouldn’t be hard, but what about Magneto? Although Magneto was a bastard there was still Eric. The man was different from the leader. He had shone through at brief moments, if they were injured badly then it was Eric who took care of the wound and helped them, not Magneto. Sabertooth was always Sabertooth, even when he was Victor Creed. Remy was sure the man and animal were one now, there was no way they could be separated, even within Creed’s own mind.
“Okay, final question before I hit the sack. If you were stuck in a burning building, all exits blocked and the fire raging, what would be the last thing you do?” Zaire asked, chewing on her bright orange pen lid. “I think I would use my powers to extinguish the fire. They really don’t make these things for mutants do they? I mean, what would a mutant do? Use their powers to save themselves, obviously.”
“Well, what if you have mah powers then? What would you do?” Rogue asked, looking down towards Zaire. “Ah would pray. Ah ain’t one to believe in God right now, but ah would pray before ah died.” Zaire seemed to think about it.
“Put my head between my knees and kiss my butt goodbye?” She said in a questioning voice. Rogue laughed and Remy smiled.
“Dat would be just like you petit, find humour in your demise.” He said with a smile, she knew he was teasing.
“Well, what would ya do Cajun?” Zaire asked, rising to lean against her elbows.
“Dunno, I ain’t never thought about it. How do you know what you’re gonna do before you die? Nearly died twice me, did different things both times.” Zaire raised and eyebrow in question and Remy knew by now to elaborate. “A building fell on me once, I t’ought ‘bout mon pere and tante Mattie dat time.” Remy said, remembering the collapse of the theatre around him. “The other time I nearly bleed to deat’. Cried then, mes ami had just died.” Rogue’s arms went around him again, her way of comforting him, and truth be told it worked. Zaire gave him a sad smile.
“You’ve been through way too much,” she said, rising and folding her magazine into her pocket. “I’ll see ya both tomorrow morning. Sleep tight kids.” She said, petting both of them on the head. Rogue had scowled, but Remy smiled, his own arms around the girl on his bed to keep her there.
“You’ve made a lot of revelations today, ya feeling alright?” Rogue asked, half in joke and half serious. She snuggled into his chest, and Remy enjoyed the feeling of having her there.
“Oui chere, I’m fine.” He said, he was very tempted to press a kiss against her head, but was worried about startling her and breaking the moment.
“You speak in third person when you’re tense.” She stated, not leaving much room for argument.
“Not so much when I’m tense as nervous or…when I don’t trust. It’s a way to protect myself.” Remy clarified, knowing full well that Rogue would pick up on his hiding meaning.
“You trust us?” She looked up at him, those gorgeous green eyes peering at him. “You trust me?” Remy smiled at her, his eyes dancing with a gleam in the red orbs, she placed so much on the fact that he trusted her, he knew it meant the world that someone would trust her, that someone wouldn’t flinch when she touched them, as uncommon as it was. But he did trust her. With a small nod of his head he answered both the questions, knowing they were both true. “Ah…ah trust you too.” She said softly, a small smile on her tight lips. Remy ran a gloves hand through her hair, caressing her cheek and let his hand rest on her back, rubbing soothing circles along her spine. Rogue moved, pressing her hip against something in his pocket. “Remy?”
The scared look on her face made him laugh, shifting slightly he pulled the bottle of pills Hank had given him early, producing them to ease Rogue’s discomfort. “Just somet’ing to chase away the nightmares.” He said, not meeting her gaze this time.
“Maybe ah can chase them away for ya.” Rogue said, looking more than hopeful. “You mind if ah stay the night?” She asked shyly. Remy shook his head, currently not trusting his own voice. “Ah’m gonna go and get changed. Ah’ll be right back, Kay?” Remy nodded his head, letting her climb out of his embrace. He watched her slink out of his room, amazed that he had been given a chance with her.
When he first met her she had shown interest, he had thought of her as another notch for his bedpost, until he found out her powers. Then she was a challenge, something he liked very much. Eventually he had been intrigued, he wanted to help her, he saw her scarred soul, the damage and hurt done to the heart of a young girl. She needed more than some attention, she needed protection. And so Remy took it upon himself to help her find her way, whether he was in her future or not. Maybe this meant he would be in her future, maybe this meant she’d be part of his.
- - -
Rogue positively reeked of the Cajun. As nice a smell as the Cajun was, all spice and tang, it started to worry Logan. Sure, he didn’t mind their budding relationship blooming, but was Stripes setting herself up for a downfall? The annoying thing was they were going out today. A Library outing and Logan sure as hell wasn’t gonna go with them, keeping an eye on Rogue or not. They had Ororo for that. But the strength of the scent meant they had been together, and in close proximity, all night. Possibly sleeping together in the same bed, more than likely his.
“Ya sure ya don’t wanna come with Logan?” Zaire asked, jumping down the stairs. Logan watched as she jumped down three, up two, down three, up two. The girl was bonkers.
“No, I ain’t coming.” Logan said gruffly. Zaire eventually made it to the bottom of the stairs, smiling wildly, eyes twinkling.
“Well, I’m getting Twinkies for Hank while I’m out, ya wanting anything gruff stuff?” She said, winking seductively. Logan shook his head.
“There’s a word for people like you kid.” He said, turning to walk away, he knew she was waiting for the word, so decided to humour her. “It’s jailbait.” She laughed wholeheartedly, wandering off to the kitchen while doing so.
“Everyone’s jailbait to ya Logan!” She shouted back, getting the last word as usual. In a way, Logan thought she might almost be right, but that didn’t matter right now. The whole lot of them were off to the Library today, with Ro. As much as he was uneasy about it, there was no way that he was gonna go. He’d tell Ro to be careful; it wasn’t like much could happen anyway. Logan decided to trail them to the city and that should cancel out any worries he had. Whose idea was it anyway to go to a Library of all things?
- - -
“Remind me again why we decided the Library was best?” Zaire asked, sitting at the table with Remy and Rogue. Everyone else was still slowly getting out of their bed, both Remy and Rogue still in what counted as their PJ’s. Rogue was still half-dead and Remy hadn’t yet finished with his coffee fix. Zaire had noticed that she and Kitty were really the only two in the mansion who were even remotely alive in the morning. Rahne and Bobby had their moments, but it only happened every now and then. Rogue just sat there, her tank top and sweat pants contrasting with her eyes wonderfully. Remy on the other hand looked far different from what Zaire had previously seen the Cajun wear. He had a long sleeved t-shirt on; his hands covered in his two fingered and thumb covered gloves, along with his baggy pants. Zaire raised an eyebrow, noticing that Rogue indeed also wore her gloves.
“Um, can I just ask what happened after I left you two last night?” Neither of them got to answer as Kitty came flying into the room at top speed.
“Oh, here you are! I was like, totally worried. I was gonna get everyone together for a full scale search. Like, why didn’t you come to bed last night?” Zaire’s eyes almost popped out her head. They slept together? In her mind, a small chibi impersonation of herself just fell off the chair; eyes wide and sweat drop falling, a loud explosion shaking the room as her chair hit the ground after her. In real life she sat there, stunned. Obviously it had been in the most literal sense since all that they could do was sleep. Rogue seemed to be struggling with an answer to Kitty’s question, probably not to keen to give out all the details so soon. So, being the angel of mercy that she was, Zaire stepped in.
“Rogue slept in my room.” She said, looking up from her bowl of Lucky Charms. Rogue sent a grateful smile in her direction and Zaire smiled back, when Kitty turned her back to find the Pop Tarts, Rogue mouthed ‘thank you’ to which Zaire replied ‘no problem’ with a shrug. The shock and confusion had worn off and Zaire was now silently gleeful that Rogue and Remy had spent the night together, it bound them together just that little bit more. The elementalist could see quite clearly that, despite what people may think, the pair were made for one another. Before she had thought she was jealous of Rogue having Remy, but she didn’t feel that way about it, she knew it was more like a bond of friendship, she could never love him like a lover should. Then she realised; it was what they had she envied. So, since she didn’t have it, she would make sure they nurtured it, keeping what they had special. If that meant covering up for them when she needed to, so be it. If that meant lying so that they didn’t suffer, so be it. If that meant putting up with lovey-dovey crap from them, so be it.
Zaire was determined they would be happy!
“Oh, okay.” Kitty seemed to accept that at face value, and she had no reason not to. Slowly, one by one, the rest of the group started to appear, half of them dead on their feet.
“Vhy Sunday? Vhy not after school tomorrow? I hate ze mornings.” Kurt complained, his image inducer not yet turned on. His blue fur was everywhere, ruffled hair and spiky. He actually looked kinda cute. Kitty giggled at him and petted his head, messing up his hair even more.
“We’re going today so that ah can read tomorrow when school is boring. Which it always is!” Rogue argued, happy to have the attention diverted. “What else were we gonna do today anyway?” She asked, looking around to group for someone to answer.
“Well, I had a training session planned.” Scott informed them, picking up a mug of coffee that seemed to offend Remy. Zaire frowned, didn’t Remy like coffee? He practically poured a whole tub of coffee granules into his mug earlier…
“See, there ya have it elf boy. Rogue and I saved ya from training sessions!” Zaire nearly broke her own face with the grin that was plastered there. “Okay, Remy, Rogue, go get yer butts in gear. Ya can’t go out in public like that!” Rogue sighed and left, heading towards her room to get changed; Remy got up, placed his mug in the sink and then went to his room. No argument offered from either.
“Are they upset or something?” Jean asked, looking at Zaire.
“No, I’m just training them to be my mindless zombie slaves. I need to start somewhere for my plans of world domination.” Zaire picked through her Lucky Charms, listening to the conversation around her, wondering if any of them would ever pick up on things that were right in front of their faces.
- - -
Luckily the library was nearly empty; no one was keeping much of an eye on anyone. This made it much easier for Zaire, Remy and Rogue to sneak off somewhere out of the way and wait for John to show up. It took a few minutes for the other male to show his face, in that time both Rogue and Zaire had managed to find a few books to make the trip appear to be educational. The girls stood chatting quietly while Remy watched for John, not really bothering with their conversation due to lack of interest in the breakdown on the social class barriers which stood in the modern day society. Thankfully, John showed up just before they dragged him into the conversation.
“Alright mate?” John asked, smiling stupidly when he approached. Remy shook his head, still amazed at the utter carefree nature that the semi-psychotic male possessed.
“Sault mon ami,” Remy said, a small smile gracing his face at the sight of his friend. At last, something he knew how to handle. John was easy to handle now, threaten to remove his lighter from his possession and you had him under control. With anything else in his life right now, it was total chaos.
“And how are you my lovely Sheila’s?” Remy noticed Rogue’s harsh exhale of breath, her eyes had narrowed and Zaire stood beside her, smirking.
“We ain’t been properly introduced,” Zaire said, holding out her hand, “my name’s Zaire.” John took it and shook it once.
“John,” was the simple reply. “Okay then, what say we get down to business?” The Aussie clapped his hands together, rubbing them and smiling wildly. “I have devised something.”
“Mon Dieu, we all done for.” Remy mocked, a smirk on his face. John looked black affronted.
“Hey! I put a lot into this,” John said, hands on his hips with an outraged look on his face. “Well, not really, I kinda came up with it last night.” John broke out with a grin, worrying Remy slightly more. “Come on mate, lets just sit down, I’ll tell ye all me thoughts and you three can tell me what ye think.” The two males and two females sat down at a table in the back of the library, Remy beside Rouge, with John and Zaire sitting opposite. Remy noticed the lingering look John gave Zaire, even though the spunky girl didn’t.
“Right, what is it you’ve thought up?” Rogue asked, her arms crossed over her chest in a very defensive manner.
“Well, to be perfectly honest, very little. Basically, you’re good with computers, right Rem?” Remy nodded; sure he knew where this was all going. “I figured, shut down the main system, wipe it clean, leave a happy little note, Piotr heads home to Russia, I bugger off anywhere far from here and you live happily ever after with your Sheila.” John said in a rush.
“You going home?” Remy asked, wondering just where John would be able to get to without Sabertooth tracking him down.
“Nah, can’t. The number of things I burnt down,” John grinned wildly, “I’d be lucky if they didn’t just throw me in jail!” Remy laughed a little at the pride in John’s voice. Remy recognised it as pride instantly, there had always been in his voice over how many heists he had completed successfully. It always came in ones line of living. Pyro understood that, probably more than he should’ve.
“When is Piotr out next?” Zaire asked, facing John. “If you don’t want him involved, we’ll need to wait till he’s out, right?”
“Yeah,” John replied, looking at Zaire with a smirk, “he’s out on Wednesday. His little sister is being released from the hospital.” Remy nodded, glad that young Illyana was on the mend. She seemed like a sweet girl the one time Remy got to see her.
“So how are we gonna get in without Sabertooth finding out we’re there?” Rogue asked.
“That is where your help comes in.” John said. “I haven’t figured that bit out yet.” Rogue sighed and Remy shook his head. He just hoped that the others weren’t wanting to leave too soon.
- - -
Part V
“Hey Zaire!” The raven haired female stopped when she heard her name. Turning to face Scott with Kurt and Evan draped on his shoulders.
“Training for something?” Zaire asked, eyebrow elegantly curved upwards. Looking past Scott she noticed that Kitty was still in the sitting room, sprawled out on the sofa. “Want a hand with her?”
“Would you?” Scott sounded almost desperate. “I told Jean I could handle it but,” he looked back over his shoulders to where Kitty was then down at Kurt and Evan, “I don’t think I can.” Zaire smiled, shrugging a little.
“No worries Cyke.” She moved towards the sitting room, turning so that she was still facing the team leader. “I’ll get Kitty Kat and you take care of the boys.” Scott sighed, calling back his thanks before heading up the stairs slowly with Evan and Kurt. Zaire shook her head wondering why males were so stubborn. Shaking Kitty till she was half awake Zaire managed to get the girl up the stairs and to her room.
“You know, I never really thought about it but,” Kitty started to ramble while Zaire got her bed ready, deciding to just let Kitty sleep in her already creased clothes, “Kurt’s fur is the same colour as Scott’s uniform.” Zaire raised an eyebrow at this.
“Okay Kitty. Sleepy sleep time now.” Zaire said with a laugh, putting Kitty in her bed and pulling the duvet over her smiling and half-asleep form. Zaire sighed and left the room, Kitty’s mumbling following her out. So, Kitty had finally realised what a little cutie that fur ball was? Maybe now she’d stop this madness with that Brotherhood boy, she was always complaining about him, always going on about how he didn’t appreciate her. Kurt already worshipped her. After everything that happened with Amanda, Kurt needed someone like Kitty. Someone who knew who he was, someone he already trusted with that information. With a smile on her face and a spring in her step, Zaire went to her room, hoping to catch a nice long sleep.
- - -
Rogue and Remy stayed in the kitchen, talking and laughing, for most of the night. Rogue enjoyed being with Remy while he was in the mansion. He seemed so much different than what he was like when they were in any sort of confrontation. Rogue liked him when he wasn’t being someone else, when he wasn’t having to put up a front. She could relax around him more, get to know the real him and maybe let someone in.
“Haven’t you got a session tomorrow, petite?” Remy asked her after looking at the clock. Rogue smiled and shook her head.
“Nah, ah’ve got one today.” Truly it was after two and perhaps she should be going to bed, but sitting with Remy was so much better than being in bed.
“Chere, as much as I like your company, maybe y’ should be goin’. Don’t want to be de cause of your trouble wit’ the fearless leader, non.”
“It’s not Scott that takes the session. It’s Logan.” Remy slowly nodded.
“In dat case, please go to bed. De fearless leader is one t’ing. De Wolverine is another.” This time Rogue laughed. He had a point; Logan was much more of a training Nazi than Scott ever was. Sometimes it was Scott who complained about the training before Kurt could get it in, usually because Kurt was yawning.
“Alright, ah s’pose your right.” Rogue said, mocking her annoyance. “Ah’ll see ya tomorrow then Remy.” Blowing a quick kiss at him before heading up the stairs, Rogue managed to keep her grinning to a minimum. Why was she suddenly like this with him? Before she had been able to conceal her emotions rather well. No one but Kitty had figured out that she did like the Cajun. And that was only because Rogue had admitted it to her roommate.
Opening the door to their room Rogue saw that Kitty was already passed out, still in her clothes with only her shoes on the floor by her bed. Rogue hastily changed for bed, brushing her teeth and then her hair, before climbing into her warm bed. She decided to forget the reasoning behind her change in attention towards Gambit. The only thing that really mattered was that he was there in the mansion, and he was acting more like the person Rogue knew she could like. Maybe one day soon she would make a break through with the Professor on controlling her powers, now that she had some incentive to really focus on it properly, maybe she’d be able to kiss him without the coat next time.
With a smile on her face, and happy thoughts running through her mind, Rogue fell asleep thinking about the day she would be able to touch Remy.
- - -
At half two in the morning, Pyro woke up. His stomach was growling for some food and he had to answer its call. The Australian climbed out of bed, wandering slowly towards the kitchen in his PJ shorts and tank top. He couldn’t really tell if anyone else was awake. Usually Piotr was doing something, the Russian never slept for too long at any one time, but it appeared that he was currently still dead to the world, for when he did sleep not even an earthquake could move him. Yawning widely, John wandered about in the kitchen for a moment, going through the fridge and cupboards before deciding on eating some ice cream. Picking up the tub, taking a spoon with him, he went to the living room, sitting in front of the TV and flipping through the channels to find something interesting, which was unlikely to happen considering the early hour.
John flicked through the channels quickly, hardly stopping to see what was on. When there was a creak on the stairs he paused to turn, wondering if he had woken up Piotr. Turning to the doorway and waiting, John didn’t hear the noise again.
“Stupid old houses.” He muttered, turning back to the TV and eating his ice cream. It was quiet for another ten minutes before there was a crash from the kitchen. John bolted up, hitting mute on the TV and putting down the tub of ice cream. Picking up a box of matches from the table John slowly walked through to the kitchen, his heart thumping in his chest like a marching band. A breeze blew through the room, the blinds at the window drumming off the frame, shattered glass sitting around the sink and floor. Someone was outside? Trying to break in? Why would anyone be trying to break in to…Remy?
“Bloody thief!” John sighed, turning around and heading for the front door; he unlocked it and stepped outside, locking it again after himself with the keys. “Gambit, if this is you I swear to God I’m gonna get the furball to ya!” John said nervously, the box of matches turning over in his hands. Walking around the house John couldn’t see anything; there was no sign of anyone or any vehicles. There was no way Gambit would’ve walked here! Not from that stupid little mansion in the middle of no where, especially since this stupid mansion was in the middle of no where as well. “This is warped.” He muttered to himself, heading the rest of the way around the house to the front door, intent on going in, finishing his snack and going back to bed.
That was until he hear another noise, right at the front door. It wasn’t a bang or a crash. It was a low, constant growl that John was more than aware of.
- - -
John rushed to try and get back into the house. His hands shook violently, shocking him with his fear, the key to the door dropped, landing on the doormat.
“God damn it!” John moved to get the key but found himself pressed against the door harshly, the weight of another person pushing against him, the rough sound of growling in his left ear. John tried to get his breathing under control, knowing that if he couldn’t do that then things would be so much worse. “What you doing here then mate?”
“I’m not yer mate, and I want some answers, bub.” Three adamantium claws shot out right beside John’s face. “Now, just what was that about at the Institute tonight?”
“Dunno what your talking ‘bout. Just giving ol’ Gambit back his things.” John said, pushing against the solid door, hoping to get some space between him and the Wolverine. “What do ye want?” John asked, failing to get the space he needed, his ribs were being crushed under the pressure.
“I want answers.” He said, giving the lithe male a shove just for enforcement.
“I told ya!” John said, bringing his legs up against the door and pushing back until he got his feet against it. “I,” he straightened his legs, “don’t know,” bending them slightly before pushing back with as much strength as he could muster, “ANYTHING!” Wolverine jumped back, watching John scramble to his feet, grab the matchbox and the key and quickly pull out one of the matches. “Just go away Wolverine. This has nothing to do with ya.” John said, not yet striking the match.
“What are you planning boy?” John rolled his eyes, why couldn’t anyone just stop asking questions and trust him? Just for once? He knew it was hard but surely just this one time someone could give him the benefit of the doubt.
“Well, nothing. If you don’t clear off and not get me killed I might think of something but with you hanging around here, getting all scent like and stuff, old tooth and claws up there is gonna get a little territorial. That, old mate, would not bode well for this little fire-starter!” John ranted, his temper flaring like his favourite bird of fire. Wolverine cocked an eyebrow, clearly mulling over what had been said.
“Anything goes down, and it goes wrong,” the three claws from each hand popped out again, emphasising the Wolverine’s point, “I’m holding you accountable.” Slowly he stalked off, leaving John on the porch, keys and matches in hand.
“Anything goes wrong mate,” John murmured to himself, looking up at the huge house behind him, “and I’m already dead.”
- - -
Zaire lay on her bed, eyes open, staring at the ceiling. She was having trouble sleeping again, her hip itching and burning to make her pay attention to it. The stench of fear, or what she thought fear would smell like, filled her senses every time she closed her eyes. Zaire slowly sat up in bed, wondering if perhaps Gambit was up, the Cajun didn’t sleep much, maybe he was having nightmares too. But then maybe Rogue was still with him. Zaire didn’t want to intrude on their time alone; they didn’t get much of it because of Logan or Scott. An unjustified wave of jealously washed over the young runaway, her eyes starting to water once more as the room drew in on her. She wanted something like what they were having. Rogue and Remy, the way they just looked at one another, the way she smiled or he smiled when the other told a joke or made a stupid or sarcastic comment. She wanted that, but for some strange reason she didn’t want to go out and find it.
Getting out of her bed, pulling on her stolen Harvard sweatshirt, Zaire made her way down stairs and sat on the living room sofa. The main room in the downstairs area was larger than any other. Since the attack by Sabertooth only a week ago Zaire had been suffering from mild bouts of claustrophobia. She had always thought her room to be big, but it was far from it. She couldn’t take the elevator down to the lower regions of the mansion now and she had panic attacks even at the mention of the Medical Bay. Her hopes of ever making it into the medical profession were completely shattered. If she couldn’t go and see Hank down there then there was no way she’d be learning anymore. Zaire wondered if maybe she would be able to eat any more ice cream, or if that would just cause a tummy bug or something making her feel lousy. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Zaire tried to focus on relaxing herself. There wasn’t a sound from the mansion, everyone was probably in bed, and rightfully so at nearly five in the morning. Relaxing her body completely Zaire attempted to put herself into a deep trance, hoping that it might give her back some strength.
“Kid?” A hand clamped down on her shoulder and Zaire jumped out of her skin, falling off the sofa and causing the coffee table to tumble making a loud banging sound. Zaire cringed, looking up at Logan’s confused face. There was the sound of a door opening and Remy skidded to a halt in on the polished wooden floor. Zaire glanced over at him, Remy’s expression rather similar to Logan’s.
“Chere?” Remy asked, bewilderment creeping into his tone.
“Umm, sorry.” Zaire sad lamely, looking from one male to the next. “Okay, nightly dose of embarrassment over, I’m going back to my room.” Zaire stood up, smiling at Logan and Remy before trying to leave without making a bigger fool of herself.
“You sure you’re okay kid?” Logan asked, and for once Zaire didn’t mind the ‘kid’ being added on.
“Yeah, Logan,” Zaire answered, looking over her shoulder, “just my pride that’s hurt.” With that she ran up the stairs, along the hall and into her room, closing the door as silently as she could.
“I am such a moron.”
- - -
Logan stood where he was for a while, not saying a word and just watching the Cajun. Gambit was standing exactly where he had when he dashed into the room to see what was happening, watching the spot on the stairs where Zaire had turned to reassure Logan of her health. Logan watched with fascination. After all the mess Gambit had been through, he was still willing to care for people? Even though few had given him the grace of caring back. Logan wondered slightly, which of the two females it was that held Gambit’s affections. The untouchable or the unreadable?
Sure, Stripes and Gambit could probably work around the whole no touching thing, but did they have enough in common? Could they bury the past of betrayal and lies? Could they move on from their separate pasts and make something of a future? Logan found he wasn’t too averse to having Stripes try to work something out with Gambit. For some reason he was far more worried about Zaire being the one who took on the Cajun.
Zaire was a free spirit; Zaire was happy young woman who enjoyed her life. Her incident with Sabertooth left a permanent mark, and Logan wasn’t meaning the neat little scars on her hipbone. Logan knew of the fears that crept up on Zaire, Logan could smell her fear whenever she was stuck in a tight space or when she was stuck with a large crowd. She was good at hiding it, but not that good.
“You want a beer Gumbo?” Logan asked, walking into the kitchen. Remy seemed to have to take a second or two to process the question.
“Non, merci.” Came the reply. Logan looked at the clock, noticing that maybe beer wasn’t a great idea.
“How ‘bout some coffee?” The Wolverine quickly went about the kitchen area getting the bits and pieces he needed to make a decent cup of coffee.
“You t’ink coffee a good idea for me?” Remy asked incredulously. “I be jumpy as it is. Non, don’t t’ink that coffee be a good idea, mon ami.” Logan nodded, hoping that Gambit would realise that he wanted to talk. Luckily the thief seemed to catch on. Sighing, the red eyed male jumped up, sitting in the middle of the kitchen on top of the counter. “What you wantin’ to say to me?” Damn the kid was blunt.
“I don’t want you hurtin’ those girls.” Remy frowned, and Logan wondered if maybe he was too blunt.
“Der be more than one?” Remy asked, frown raised and the lines in his forehead creasing.
“Yeah, as in Rogue and Zaire.” Realisation dawned on Gambit’s face, understanding now that Logan wasn’t just looking out for Rogue.
“So I’m being warned away from Zaire too huh?”
“I’m not warning ye away. I’m just saying, don’t hurt them.” Logan said, putting the kettle on and turning to face Gambit, leaning against the sink.
“What make you t’ink I’m gonna hurt them?” Logan sighed at the question.
“I don’t, but I just want you to know, they ain’t just some girl ye can pick up and then throw away.” Logan said, feeling slightly like the over protective father. “If ye hurt either one of them, I’ll hurt you. Understand?”
“Oui.” Gambit said in a soft voice. Logan frowned, why was he quiet suddenly? Shaking his head Logan turned back to the kettle and poured the boiling hot water into his mug. When he turned back to face the thief, he was gone. Logan heard the click of a door and shook his head. The kid sure was light on his feet.
- - -
Come Saturday morning the living room and kitchen were buzzing. Remy stood in his doorway, completely unnoticed and watched them all. It was a total turn about from life at the Acolytes place. If John beat everyone to the kitchen then there would be enough pancakes made to feed an army, and then there was the fresh orange juice he loved to make. Remy knew that the juice squeezer had been a bad idea, John had a thing for gadgets, any toy he could get his hands on he would play with. True enough, Remy almost missed Saturday morning pancakes a la John. Smiling to himself he entered the kitchen and sat at an empty seat, happy to observe the others.
“Scott, quit hogging the milk!” Kitty complained, phasing through Scott’s stomach to get the milk for her cereal. “It’s not just for coffee you know.” At the sound of the word coffee Gambit perked up immediately. Coffee that Creed didn’t make? That sounded like heaven!
“Morning Remy, sleep well?” Jean sat down beside the Cajun, smiling brightly and Remy wondered how she managed it first thing in the morning.
“Oui.” He answered, not going into detail and not telling the truth what so ever. After his ‘talk’ with Logan, Remy had been unable to sleep. Why was the Canadian worried about Zaire being hurt? Zaire was a good friend, something like John. She was always bringing his mood up and always understanding him without him having to spell it out to her. Why would she get hurt in all this? Plus the fact that Logan had admitted he had no problem with how close Rogue and he were getting. Remy was sure that Logan did have a problem but wasn’t going to say anything for fear of losing Rogue as a friend, cause Remy knew that’s what they were, maybe even a little more.
“You want some coffee? You look like you could use it.” Scott asked, standing behind Kurt. Remy looked up and nodded his head, trying to remember how to speak.
“Merci.” Hope they knew a little French. They should by now, what was this, a non-multi language equality halfway house? Bah, to early in the morning for those thoughts, intelligent thoughts take more coffee. Scott placed a mug in front of Gambit, the Cajun wrapping his hands around it and taking in the warmth of the mug. After lifting the mug to his lips and taking a sip of the hot liquid. “Gah!” Everyone turned to Remy, wondering if Scott had poisoned him by mistake or not. “You call dis coffee, mon ami?” Kitty laughed and Jean just shook her head.
“What’s wrong with the coffee?” Scott asked, completely oblivious. Remy got up and went over to where Scott stood, the tin of coffee granules on the counter behind him. The Cajun picked up the tin and put another spoonful of coffee into his mug.
“What’s wrong? Der’s no coffee in it. Needs to taste like coffee.” Remy replied, hands wrapping around the mug again, this time to heat up the liquid and dissolve the newly added coffee. After a glance around the kitchen Scott discovered that most people agreed with Remy on this one.
“Well, that’s how I like my coffee.” He argued, not about to back down from what he liked; Remy just shook his head, drinking his coffee happily now. “So what was breakfast like with the Acolytes?” He asked, catching Remy slightly off guard.
“Breakfast?” He thought it over. “Pretty normal. If you count John having his ice cream and fritters.” Remy said with a shrug, why did Scott want to know about breakfast with the Acolytes? It seemed to be a rather strange topic of conversation.
“So, it’s not all that different being here then?” Jean asked, everyone’s attention was now on Remy, something he would rather not happen. Strange discussion this, very strange.
“Oui, I guess.” Remy said slowly, “Creed not usually there for breakfast, just John, Piotr and me. Three hommes having breakfast, one be slightly crazed but,” Remy shrugged, “de numbers just be multiplied here.” Remy put his empty mug in the sink and made to leave the kitchen, but was stopped by Kitty.
“Wait, like, who’s the crazed one here?” She asked, a small frown on her face while she thought it over.
“Dat one you gotta figure out on your own.”
- - -
“Please Professor?”
“It’s not like we’re asking to go to a party, it’s the library. A place where we can learn and progress as human beings.” Zaire and Rogue stood in front of Professor Xavier trying to convince him to let them go to the library on Sunday with the rest of the students. Zaire had already mentioned it to Kitty and Kurt, thinking of it as a way to get out of the mansion and into town for some fun. What Kitty and Kurt didn’t know was that Zaire had been scheming with Rogue and Remy. They had went along with it and convinced the others that it would be a good idea, now all they needed was to convince Xavier that it was a good idea.
“I am shocked merely by your eagerness to go to the public library, we do have a library here.” The Professor argued, raising his eyebrow at the two girls.
“But ah’m looking for a vampire novel, there ain’t none of them here.” Rogue said, knowing that the Professor didn’t have any of the literary material that she enjoyed reading.
“Yeah, and I’ve read all the medical books. I’m looking for something new, a challenge as it is.” Zaire chimed in, a grin on her face while she rocked back and forth on her heels. For some unknown reason Charles felt the beginning of a headache start, neither of them would stop till they got there own way.
“Very well,” he finally gave up, “talk to Scott and Jean, and I want either Hank, Ororo or Logan to accompany you.”
“Can Remy come?” Both asked at the same time.
“Why would we exclude him?” Charles knew both of the young women had accepted the abused Cajun as one of the team now, even though he was not an X-Man and would not be until the matter of his abuse was addressed and he passed a full physical, he also had to agree and want to join the team. Charles let Zaire and Rogue leave the room, both debating who was better to come along to the library; Zaire was tempting Rogue into asking Logan just to annoy him but the young goth was leaning more to the side of asking Ororo.
Charles sighed and turned to look out of his office window. He had yet to have a session with Gambit to try to sort out the problems that Magneto may have caused. Perhaps on Monday, while the students were at school, he could try to talk to the young man. This would be a difficult obstacle to overcome, but with guidance and help, perhaps it would shape Gambit into a better person, or at least to be the person he was meant to be.
- - -
Part VI
“KITTY!” Rogue yelled through the house, running down the stairs to try and find the cheery girl. “Where are you!” Everyone who was in earshot, which was just around half of Washington DC, cowered in terror. An angry Rogue was a scary thing, and right now, no one knew just what it was that had Rogue so mad. Just that Kitty was a major reason for the rage. Remy raised an eyebrow when Rogue dashed through the living room, heading through the kitchen and out the back door.
“She always like dat?” Remy asked Logan, who was skipping through the channels on the TV. Logan looked up at Remy, shrugging his head before looking back at the TV. Remy looked at the spot Rogue had been in moments earlier before looking back at the book he’d been reading. Sitting around the mansion for the last week or so had really left the Cajun with an itch, needing desperately to do something. Dr McCoy hadn’t cleared him for training, Logan had suggested a few danger room sessions to see what he could do, but there were still problems with his leg that had to be addressed first. Of course, Remy would rather have Zaire take a look at it; maybe he should ask her later.
“Have you guys like, seen Rogue?” Kitty emerged from the door leading into the garage, holding a bag in her arms and smiling wildly. Remy raised an eyebrow and pointed towards the kitchen where Rogue had ran. “Thanks.” Kitty said, her smile broadening even further as if it were possible, and she ran off up the stairs.
“You shouldn’t have gotten involved, Gumbo.” Logan said, not even looking away from the TV this time.
“So, Kitty make Rogue mad, Kitty plays with Rogue’s head, den she act like not’ing happened?” Remy asked, completely amazed at the strange behaviour of the girl he once thought of as an ice queen.
“Pretty much,” Logan said, “they do it every other weekend I think. I tend not to pay attention.” He muttered, flipping from one hockey match to another.
“Oui, I can tell.” Was the Cajun’s reply before returning his attention to his book and trying to ignore the next few minutes off insanity.
“When you getting another physical?” Logan asked suddenly. Remy looked up; eyes wide thinking he’d missed someone else entering.
“Umm, I don’t know?” He said, wondering why it suddenly came into the conversation. Sure it had been mentioned that he should get a physical once every two days to see how his leg was healing, sure Logan had, in passing, mentioned Danger Room sessions so that the strength returned to the limb, but Remy wasn’t so sure that they meant right then. Rogue and Zaire had been there during the conversation involving Danger Room sessions. Both saw it as Logan looking for fresh meat. Scott had however defended it later as a way to assess Gambit’s abilities, and as a form of stress relief, anger management and physiotherapy. None of which Remy knew he needed.
“You should think about doing it soon then.” Logan said, not even looking at him. Remy slowly nodded, closing his book.
“How ‘bout I go see Dr McCoy now, mon ami.” Remy made a hasty, yet dignified retreat from the living room, getting the anxious feeling that maybe Logan was pushing this. Why right now? Remy thought about it while making his way down to the Medical Bay, where Beast almost always was. When the doors opened the large blue doctor looked up expectantly then looked away again.
“Not who you were hoping for, eh?” Remy said, wandering in and noting the distinct lack of anyone else. “Well dis place sure is deserted.”
“Yes, I was hoping that maybe Zaire had decided to return. Alas it is not.” The doctor seemed to mull on that for a moment before turning back to Remy. “What can I do for you?”
“Wondering if I could get a physical.” Remy said simply, no need to mention what had brought on the sudden desire.
“Of course, I was meaning to speak with you about that. Well, Ororo tells me that you are all going to the library tomorrow so how about Monday morning?” Remy nodded, filing it away in his head.
“One other t’ing.” Remy said, still pondering the idea behind this. “Don’t suppose you maybe have some t’ing to help me sleep, non?” Dr McCoy turned, smiling slightly and nodded.
“Yes, I do.” He said sadly, clearly not all that enthusiastic about giving out the medication. “Take one with your meal before bed and it should help. I take it that the nightmares are what’s keeping you awake.” Remy nodded once, taking the bottle of pills from the doctor. “Well, maybe you should also try to address the issue of your nightmares.”
“How?” Remy didn’t quite understand the meaning.
“Talking about it usually helps,” he was told, “if you talk it lets out some of your feelings and someone else may be able to help you cope. If you need to, I will be here and more than willing to listen. Anything you tell me will remain in strict confidence unless you are comfortable with someone else knowing. Please do not hesitate to speak with me.” Remy nodded.
“Merci Dr McCoy.” These people here, all of them, were willing to help? They had put the past in the past and were willing to help him through whatever they could, even the people who barely knew him.
“Please, call me Hank, or Beast. One more thing Gambit,” Remy stopped his exit and turned to the large blue man, “if you see Zaire, could you tell her I would be delighted if she would visit me when she’s ready?” Remy nodded.
“Oui, and call me Remy.” With a small smile the Cajun left the Medical Lab, the sleeping pills going into his pocket.
- - -
Rogue was still fuming. She’d finally tracked down Kitty, who didn’t have her stuff, and then found everything where it had been. Her make up, her brush, her books, all of it was back in her room where it belonged. She knew it was Kitty, it was always Kitty. Rogue made her way down the stairs, bumping into Scott as he went up.
“Hey Scott,” she said, not showing her signs of frustration or anger.
“Hey, we missed you at breakfast.” He said, stopping on the stair above her. “What happened?”
“Ah had training with Logan,” she answered, a little exasperation creeping into her voice. “Ah seem to have a lot of them lately.” Scott smiled; it was a smile that used to get Rogue’s heart going a little faster, when she had been crushing on him hopelessly.
“He’s just making sure you can defend yourself, what with your hesitation to use your powers, it’s understandable.”
“Yeah, ah suppose. But it doesn’t mean ah can’t still complain.” After a laugh and a nod Scott continued to where ever he was going and Rogue did the same, heading into the kitchen to get a glass of orange juice. Sighing Rogue wondered where everyone had run off to, the place was nearly deserted, and it was only the start of the afternoon.
“Bonjour petite,” Rogue smiled, enjoying the accent and language. “Where did everyone go?”
“Ah was just wondering the same thing.” Rogue said with a smile, she hopped up on the counter, Remy standing across from her and smiling at her. “Well, we’ve got some time to kill. Whatcha wanna do swamp rat?” Remy seemed to ponder over the question for a while, biting his lower lip and watching the ceiling.
“Well, der are a few t’ings but I ain’t too sure you’ll wanna play.” Rogue raised an eyebrow, gathering that he was talking about card games; it was his trademark, wasn’t it? His smirk however told her something else.
“Like what?” Remy shook his head and smiled at her.
“Maybe later chere.” He told her, his smile never wavering. The pair sat in the kitchen, talking about random things and discussing Remy’s accelerating recovery with a few interruptions, one from Zaire, whom Remy told Hank was hoping to see when she was ready, at that the girls face and slightly paled before a small sad smile appeared on her face. Rogue had wondered what it was that had caused the strangeness in the usually carefree girl, but didn’t get to ask as she left out the back door, she said she had some ‘stuff’ to take care of. The next interruption had been Scott, who stood at the door with a confused little look on his face.
“Hey Scott,” Rogue had said politely, once more confused by her house mates reaction. “What’s up?”
“Nothing,” he replied a little too fast. “What are you two up to?” He asked, going to the fridge and coming out with an apple. He steeled them both with a gaze, the presence of his ruby quartz glasses not only saving their lives but also hiding their view of his distrusting glance towards Gambit.
“We were just talking. Ah was just saying how much ah miss home,” Rogue said with a wistful smile, “what about you Scott, where are you from before you came here?” Rogue asked out of curiosity.
“I’ve always been here, Rogue. I can’t remember my life before here.” He said, forgetting that she didn’t know about his lack of a past. The concerned look on her face reminded him and he flashed a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, this is my home and I’ve accepted that. Besides, I still keep touch with Alex. That’s enough for me.” Rogue’s concern seemed to ebb away slowly, probably assisted by Scott’s smile. “What about you Gam…Remy?” Scott asked, saving himself at the last minute.
“What?” Remy asked, not understanding the question. “What about me?”
“Where about’s is it that you come from?” Scott asked, wondering if he was from the same southern area as Rogue or not.
“N’Awlings.” He said simply, Scott picking out that he meant New Orleans. Of course, the whole thing with his kidnap of Rogue before the Apocalypse thing, while Magneto was missing.
“Do you miss home?” He asked, taking a seat at the table with the other two.
Remy shrugged, “Not really. Been around a lot, me. Never really thought of a home as anything more than a place to stay.” He said, almost nostalgically. “Can’t go back anyway.” This peeked Scott and Rogue’s curiosity.
“Why not?” Scott asked, taking a bite out of his apple.
“Long story short?” Gambit asked with raised eyebrows, “Fighting Guilds, Remy ain’t welcome wit’ any of dem.” That was when Rogue noticed the third person. It hadn’t made an appearance in Remy’s speech for a while, why now?
“Well, why not?” Scott asked, clearly not catching the defensiveness in Remy just yet. Rogue wasn’t sure if Remy would answer, and if he did how much of it would be the truth?
“Responsible for a lot of stupid t’ings, me. De two Guilds be fighting a lot, me and Belle, she an Assassin, we try to bring de Guilds together. Didn’t go too well and we ended up wit’ another Guild. Now der be t’ree fighting Guilds. Lotsa people getting hurt. Remy be exiled and not allowed back wit’out a reason.”
“Jean-Luc’s kidnap be a reason?” Rogue asked carefully.
“Oui,” Remy nodded, “de T’ief’s an Assassins don’t get along to well, but wit’out Jean-Luc to run half of N’Awlings den there be trouble. Dey t’ink Henri be de only one to fix it, Henri t’ink Remy be de only one to fix it. Dat why Remy allowed in there again that once, even then there was trouble.” Rogue remembered that trouble, but she still enjoyed the outing all the same. Remy’s eyes had dropped and were slowly dulling to the way they had been when the X-Men had found him, beaten and sore by Sabertooth. It was a way she never wanted his eyes to get again. Scott finally seemed to realise this was something the Cajun would rather not talk about, he excused himself but Rogue was sure Remy didn’t even notice. She left the table, taking his gloved hand in hers and pulled him through to his room where she did something no one would believe she did. She turned him to face her and pulled him close, hugging him tightly to her, her head rested safely against the fabric of his coat’s shoulder. Slowly his arms encircled her waist and held her to him with the same comfort she held him in.
- - -
Saturday night was very quiet, not something Remy’s Saturday nights usually were. But he was glad to have this, Zaire was on the floor beside his bed, reading from a magazine and asking strange questions. Rogue laughed every now and then, the rumble of her laughter spreading through Remy’s chest. They were both on the bed, Remy laying sprawled on his back, head over the edge close to Zaire while she chatted away happily. Rogue lay with her head on his chest, playing with the edges of his sleeve. They were the picture of contentment. Remy wished that this could have been his life. Two great friends, although Piotr and John were great they never managed to do this relaxing thing, and a somewhat safe environment. Rogue was strangely comfortable to be near him now; their touching barred only by clothing. She would skim her hands over his chest sometimes, the clothe of his T-shirt shielding him from her powers, although he couldn’t care less about it, she did. And to think of it, having his memories in her head might be too much for the young goth to handle. Zaire was similar to what John was like; trying to get the insanity and normalcy evened out, balancing one another to times in which she can be mad but still sane. Eventually she had just let her nature take over, it made her far more comfortable to be around, much like John.
It occurred to Remy that John had been slipping into his thoughts far more, they would meet tomorrow to arrange what hopefully would result in Magneto and Sabertooth's downfall. Remy wasn’t sure if he wanted it to be their end yet. They may have made his life hell for months but did he want them both dead? Losing Sabertooth wouldn’t be hard, but what about Magneto? Although Magneto was a bastard there was still Eric. The man was different from the leader. He had shone through at brief moments, if they were injured badly then it was Eric who took care of the wound and helped them, not Magneto. Sabertooth was always Sabertooth, even when he was Victor Creed. Remy was sure the man and animal were one now, there was no way they could be separated, even within Creed’s own mind.
“Okay, final question before I hit the sack. If you were stuck in a burning building, all exits blocked and the fire raging, what would be the last thing you do?” Zaire asked, chewing on her bright orange pen lid. “I think I would use my powers to extinguish the fire. They really don’t make these things for mutants do they? I mean, what would a mutant do? Use their powers to save themselves, obviously.”
“Well, what if you have mah powers then? What would you do?” Rogue asked, looking down towards Zaire. “Ah would pray. Ah ain’t one to believe in God right now, but ah would pray before ah died.” Zaire seemed to think about it.
“Put my head between my knees and kiss my butt goodbye?” She said in a questioning voice. Rogue laughed and Remy smiled.
“Dat would be just like you petit, find humour in your demise.” He said with a smile, she knew he was teasing.
“Well, what would ya do Cajun?” Zaire asked, rising to lean against her elbows.
“Dunno, I ain’t never thought about it. How do you know what you’re gonna do before you die? Nearly died twice me, did different things both times.” Zaire raised and eyebrow in question and Remy knew by now to elaborate. “A building fell on me once, I t’ought ‘bout mon pere and tante Mattie dat time.” Remy said, remembering the collapse of the theatre around him. “The other time I nearly bleed to deat’. Cried then, mes ami had just died.” Rogue’s arms went around him again, her way of comforting him, and truth be told it worked. Zaire gave him a sad smile.
“You’ve been through way too much,” she said, rising and folding her magazine into her pocket. “I’ll see ya both tomorrow morning. Sleep tight kids.” She said, petting both of them on the head. Rogue had scowled, but Remy smiled, his own arms around the girl on his bed to keep her there.
“You’ve made a lot of revelations today, ya feeling alright?” Rogue asked, half in joke and half serious. She snuggled into his chest, and Remy enjoyed the feeling of having her there.
“Oui chere, I’m fine.” He said, he was very tempted to press a kiss against her head, but was worried about startling her and breaking the moment.
“You speak in third person when you’re tense.” She stated, not leaving much room for argument.
“Not so much when I’m tense as nervous or…when I don’t trust. It’s a way to protect myself.” Remy clarified, knowing full well that Rogue would pick up on his hiding meaning.
“You trust us?” She looked up at him, those gorgeous green eyes peering at him. “You trust me?” Remy smiled at her, his eyes dancing with a gleam in the red orbs, she placed so much on the fact that he trusted her, he knew it meant the world that someone would trust her, that someone wouldn’t flinch when she touched them, as uncommon as it was. But he did trust her. With a small nod of his head he answered both the questions, knowing they were both true. “Ah…ah trust you too.” She said softly, a small smile on her tight lips. Remy ran a gloves hand through her hair, caressing her cheek and let his hand rest on her back, rubbing soothing circles along her spine. Rogue moved, pressing her hip against something in his pocket. “Remy?”
The scared look on her face made him laugh, shifting slightly he pulled the bottle of pills Hank had given him early, producing them to ease Rogue’s discomfort. “Just somet’ing to chase away the nightmares.” He said, not meeting her gaze this time.
“Maybe ah can chase them away for ya.” Rogue said, looking more than hopeful. “You mind if ah stay the night?” She asked shyly. Remy shook his head, currently not trusting his own voice. “Ah’m gonna go and get changed. Ah’ll be right back, Kay?” Remy nodded his head, letting her climb out of his embrace. He watched her slink out of his room, amazed that he had been given a chance with her.
When he first met her she had shown interest, he had thought of her as another notch for his bedpost, until he found out her powers. Then she was a challenge, something he liked very much. Eventually he had been intrigued, he wanted to help her, he saw her scarred soul, the damage and hurt done to the heart of a young girl. She needed more than some attention, she needed protection. And so Remy took it upon himself to help her find her way, whether he was in her future or not. Maybe this meant he would be in her future, maybe this meant she’d be part of his.
- - -
Rogue positively reeked of the Cajun. As nice a smell as the Cajun was, all spice and tang, it started to worry Logan. Sure, he didn’t mind their budding relationship blooming, but was Stripes setting herself up for a downfall? The annoying thing was they were going out today. A Library outing and Logan sure as hell wasn’t gonna go with them, keeping an eye on Rogue or not. They had Ororo for that. But the strength of the scent meant they had been together, and in close proximity, all night. Possibly sleeping together in the same bed, more than likely his.
“Ya sure ya don’t wanna come with Logan?” Zaire asked, jumping down the stairs. Logan watched as she jumped down three, up two, down three, up two. The girl was bonkers.
“No, I ain’t coming.” Logan said gruffly. Zaire eventually made it to the bottom of the stairs, smiling wildly, eyes twinkling.
“Well, I’m getting Twinkies for Hank while I’m out, ya wanting anything gruff stuff?” She said, winking seductively. Logan shook his head.
“There’s a word for people like you kid.” He said, turning to walk away, he knew she was waiting for the word, so decided to humour her. “It’s jailbait.” She laughed wholeheartedly, wandering off to the kitchen while doing so.
“Everyone’s jailbait to ya Logan!” She shouted back, getting the last word as usual. In a way, Logan thought she might almost be right, but that didn’t matter right now. The whole lot of them were off to the Library today, with Ro. As much as he was uneasy about it, there was no way that he was gonna go. He’d tell Ro to be careful; it wasn’t like much could happen anyway. Logan decided to trail them to the city and that should cancel out any worries he had. Whose idea was it anyway to go to a Library of all things?
- - -
“Remind me again why we decided the Library was best?” Zaire asked, sitting at the table with Remy and Rogue. Everyone else was still slowly getting out of their bed, both Remy and Rogue still in what counted as their PJ’s. Rogue was still half-dead and Remy hadn’t yet finished with his coffee fix. Zaire had noticed that she and Kitty were really the only two in the mansion who were even remotely alive in the morning. Rahne and Bobby had their moments, but it only happened every now and then. Rogue just sat there, her tank top and sweat pants contrasting with her eyes wonderfully. Remy on the other hand looked far different from what Zaire had previously seen the Cajun wear. He had a long sleeved t-shirt on; his hands covered in his two fingered and thumb covered gloves, along with his baggy pants. Zaire raised an eyebrow, noticing that Rogue indeed also wore her gloves.
“Um, can I just ask what happened after I left you two last night?” Neither of them got to answer as Kitty came flying into the room at top speed.
“Oh, here you are! I was like, totally worried. I was gonna get everyone together for a full scale search. Like, why didn’t you come to bed last night?” Zaire’s eyes almost popped out her head. They slept together? In her mind, a small chibi impersonation of herself just fell off the chair; eyes wide and sweat drop falling, a loud explosion shaking the room as her chair hit the ground after her. In real life she sat there, stunned. Obviously it had been in the most literal sense since all that they could do was sleep. Rogue seemed to be struggling with an answer to Kitty’s question, probably not to keen to give out all the details so soon. So, being the angel of mercy that she was, Zaire stepped in.
“Rogue slept in my room.” She said, looking up from her bowl of Lucky Charms. Rogue sent a grateful smile in her direction and Zaire smiled back, when Kitty turned her back to find the Pop Tarts, Rogue mouthed ‘thank you’ to which Zaire replied ‘no problem’ with a shrug. The shock and confusion had worn off and Zaire was now silently gleeful that Rogue and Remy had spent the night together, it bound them together just that little bit more. The elementalist could see quite clearly that, despite what people may think, the pair were made for one another. Before she had thought she was jealous of Rogue having Remy, but she didn’t feel that way about it, she knew it was more like a bond of friendship, she could never love him like a lover should. Then she realised; it was what they had she envied. So, since she didn’t have it, she would make sure they nurtured it, keeping what they had special. If that meant covering up for them when she needed to, so be it. If that meant lying so that they didn’t suffer, so be it. If that meant putting up with lovey-dovey crap from them, so be it.
Zaire was determined they would be happy!
“Oh, okay.” Kitty seemed to accept that at face value, and she had no reason not to. Slowly, one by one, the rest of the group started to appear, half of them dead on their feet.
“Vhy Sunday? Vhy not after school tomorrow? I hate ze mornings.” Kurt complained, his image inducer not yet turned on. His blue fur was everywhere, ruffled hair and spiky. He actually looked kinda cute. Kitty giggled at him and petted his head, messing up his hair even more.
“We’re going today so that ah can read tomorrow when school is boring. Which it always is!” Rogue argued, happy to have the attention diverted. “What else were we gonna do today anyway?” She asked, looking around to group for someone to answer.
“Well, I had a training session planned.” Scott informed them, picking up a mug of coffee that seemed to offend Remy. Zaire frowned, didn’t Remy like coffee? He practically poured a whole tub of coffee granules into his mug earlier…
“See, there ya have it elf boy. Rogue and I saved ya from training sessions!” Zaire nearly broke her own face with the grin that was plastered there. “Okay, Remy, Rogue, go get yer butts in gear. Ya can’t go out in public like that!” Rogue sighed and left, heading towards her room to get changed; Remy got up, placed his mug in the sink and then went to his room. No argument offered from either.
“Are they upset or something?” Jean asked, looking at Zaire.
“No, I’m just training them to be my mindless zombie slaves. I need to start somewhere for my plans of world domination.” Zaire picked through her Lucky Charms, listening to the conversation around her, wondering if any of them would ever pick up on things that were right in front of their faces.
- - -
Luckily the library was nearly empty; no one was keeping much of an eye on anyone. This made it much easier for Zaire, Remy and Rogue to sneak off somewhere out of the way and wait for John to show up. It took a few minutes for the other male to show his face, in that time both Rogue and Zaire had managed to find a few books to make the trip appear to be educational. The girls stood chatting quietly while Remy watched for John, not really bothering with their conversation due to lack of interest in the breakdown on the social class barriers which stood in the modern day society. Thankfully, John showed up just before they dragged him into the conversation.
“Alright mate?” John asked, smiling stupidly when he approached. Remy shook his head, still amazed at the utter carefree nature that the semi-psychotic male possessed.
“Sault mon ami,” Remy said, a small smile gracing his face at the sight of his friend. At last, something he knew how to handle. John was easy to handle now, threaten to remove his lighter from his possession and you had him under control. With anything else in his life right now, it was total chaos.
“And how are you my lovely Sheila’s?” Remy noticed Rogue’s harsh exhale of breath, her eyes had narrowed and Zaire stood beside her, smirking.
“We ain’t been properly introduced,” Zaire said, holding out her hand, “my name’s Zaire.” John took it and shook it once.
“John,” was the simple reply. “Okay then, what say we get down to business?” The Aussie clapped his hands together, rubbing them and smiling wildly. “I have devised something.”
“Mon Dieu, we all done for.” Remy mocked, a smirk on his face. John looked black affronted.
“Hey! I put a lot into this,” John said, hands on his hips with an outraged look on his face. “Well, not really, I kinda came up with it last night.” John broke out with a grin, worrying Remy slightly more. “Come on mate, lets just sit down, I’ll tell ye all me thoughts and you three can tell me what ye think.” The two males and two females sat down at a table in the back of the library, Remy beside Rouge, with John and Zaire sitting opposite. Remy noticed the lingering look John gave Zaire, even though the spunky girl didn’t.
“Right, what is it you’ve thought up?” Rogue asked, her arms crossed over her chest in a very defensive manner.
“Well, to be perfectly honest, very little. Basically, you’re good with computers, right Rem?” Remy nodded; sure he knew where this was all going. “I figured, shut down the main system, wipe it clean, leave a happy little note, Piotr heads home to Russia, I bugger off anywhere far from here and you live happily ever after with your Sheila.” John said in a rush.
“You going home?” Remy asked, wondering just where John would be able to get to without Sabertooth tracking him down.
“Nah, can’t. The number of things I burnt down,” John grinned wildly, “I’d be lucky if they didn’t just throw me in jail!” Remy laughed a little at the pride in John’s voice. Remy recognised it as pride instantly, there had always been in his voice over how many heists he had completed successfully. It always came in ones line of living. Pyro understood that, probably more than he should’ve.
“When is Piotr out next?” Zaire asked, facing John. “If you don’t want him involved, we’ll need to wait till he’s out, right?”
“Yeah,” John replied, looking at Zaire with a smirk, “he’s out on Wednesday. His little sister is being released from the hospital.” Remy nodded, glad that young Illyana was on the mend. She seemed like a sweet girl the one time Remy got to see her.
“So how are we gonna get in without Sabertooth finding out we’re there?” Rogue asked.
“That is where your help comes in.” John said. “I haven’t figured that bit out yet.” Rogue sighed and Remy shook his head. He just hoped that the others weren’t wanting to leave too soon.
- - -