Chapter One: Returns From the Past

It was night. The dark blue sky was occupied with few stars that shimmered dully. The moon was at its brightest and fullest. Clouds occasionally bypassed it uninvited, covering parts of itís radiant surface. The gentle breeze sweeping through the surroundings of the X-Mansion, leaving no part uncovered.

Remy LeBeau aka ìGambitî leaned on the steel railing on the balcony of his room. A loose tendril of brown hair came over his face but he didnít swipe it away. His handsome face was unshaven while a lit cigarette dangled casually from his lips. Itís glow brightened up whenever he inhaled. A flow of white smoke released from his nose was soon captured by the breeze. His eyes, red as molten lava, glanced over the long black land that stood before him. There is my life. A long and lonely one.

Suddenly the clouds uncovered the moon and light shone upon this long and black land. It made Remy smile. That, he thought, was Rogue. The woman he loves and still does. She was the light of his life, the burning torch that brightened his life at once. He turned to gaze at the moon. His mind spun to Rogue. She was bright and beautiful. Absolutely flawless.

Remy snapped out of his trance when the cigarette ash burned his hand. He flicked the cigarette away and studied the burn. It had turned into a small blister. Even though it was small, it hurt. Just like Magnus. A small problem that hurt too much. He stole Rogue away from him, blew off her light and in place came as a menacing and sinister glow. Like the lit cigarette.

Rage devoured Remy at once as he stamped the little burning stick to tiny pieces. He continued to glare at the grey matter, thoughts running wild in his mind. Thoughts of killing Magnus just like he stamped the evil glow out .

ì Well, Iíve gotta hand it to you, Maggie. You sure stopped me from lightiní a cig again.î Remy said as he walked away from the balcony, leaving the blackness alone. Leaving his past behind.

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ìHey! Whereís the pizza? Iím hungry and so is my stomach!î Bobby Drake demanded as he got up from the chair and marched towards the window, only to have the blackness of the night stare back at him.

ì Cut it out , Drake. You're starting to make me loose my appetite.î scolded Logan. His fingers handling the cigar with great expertise.

ì Yeah, shugah. Lighten up a lilí.î

ì LIGHTEN UP A LITTLE!î Drake blasted. ì It has been half an hour since we made our order and you tell me to ëLIGHTEN UPí!î Everybody put their hands to their ears, they didnít want to go deaf before their time. Drake was ranting and raving like a madman, pacing up and down.

ì They say that they will be here in 30 minutes! 30 MINUTES! But nooooo! They take their own little sweet time to get here!î

ì Cool it , Drake. Or youíll wear out de floor.î A deep Cajun voice emerged.

Everyone turned their attention to the doorway. There stood Remy, as rugged and handsome as usual. Silence suddenly gripped onto all of them. Even Drake had shut up. All of them knew what had happened between Gambit and Rogue, not forgetting Magneto . Rogueís eyes immediately turned down to look at the table cloth, which was nothing pretty to admire. Remyís eyes gazed at Rogue, relishing the sight while his heart slowly tore apart .

ì Well, Remy, youíre just in time for dinner. Pizza is the main course for tonight .î Jean announced happily, breaking the still silence that hung in the air.

ì You mean the only course, Jean.î Beast said, steering away from his book , his glasses propping themselves on his nose.

Everyone laughed. Remy sat down, deliberately taking the seat across Rogue, fixing his eyes onto her like a target. The world surrounding him became oblivious, his mind only focusing on her.

Rogue knew his tricks and she didnít want to look up, knowing fully that her green eyes would meet with his. She didnít want to see the hurt that those red eyes portrayed even though he was smiling. She knew she had hurt him too many times and ultimately going for another man. Rogue felt like plucking out his eyes so that he could stop looking at her like that, making her feel 'guilty'. She hoped something could steer his attention away.

" Good evening, everyone. What's for dinner?" Erik asked, interrupting Rogue's thoughts. Everyone greeted him. Rogue immediately stood up and greeted him with a hug and a kiss.

" Hi,hon."

" Hi yourself." Erik said, a smile plastered across his face.

Remy turned away.

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"DING DONG!"

" PIZZA!!" Drake shouted excitedly like a five year old, running to the front door in a flash.

" Didn't know Drake still had the energy left to run to the door after behaving like an idiot." murmured Logan.

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When the pizzas were brought in, everyone attacked them like sharks. Everyone was eating in peace when there was a scream.

" THEY FORGOT THE EXTRA CHEESE PIZZA!! HOW CAN THEY FORGET THE EXTRA CHEESE PIZZA?!" Drake shouted furiously.

"DING DONG!"

" Ooo.... They remembered to bring it back! How sweet!" Drake instantly changed back .

" I'll get de door." Remy said, licking his fingers clean.

He ran to the door, swinging it open with great gusto. Not that it was heavy or anything.

" Yes. Can I help...." Remy's sentence hung in mid-air. There, standing before him, was a woman wearing a blouse and skirt suit. Her hair was blond with luscious curls. Her face symmetrical with features so beautifully shaped. She was at a nice height with a figure to die for. Two suitcases accompanied her, standing rigid by her silky smooth legs. Definitely the woman to die for.

" Hello, Remy." The woman's voice emerged. " It's been a long time , mon amour. Miss me?"

" Monique."

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" Can I come in, Cajun? You wouldn't want me to stand out here in the cold....would you?" Monique's eyes glimmered . Her face suddenly projecting an image of innocence and modesty, easily making Remy feel shameful of himself. Imagine calling yourself a gentleman, he thought, when you don' even invite a girl in.

" Non, Monique. Dat's no way ta treat a lady,neh?" Remy gestured her to come in. Monique bent down to take her suitcases when Remy made a charge for them and took them first. Monique smiled, a row of perfect white teeth showing.

" You haven't changed one bit, Remy LeBeau. Still as handsome as ever! Dat's for sure!"

" You haven't changed too, chere. Flattering men and makin' dem fall right into your lap." Remy chuckled, leading her to the hall.

" You were one of dem, Remy."

At that instant, Remy looked into her eyes and felt a familiar warm feeling that coursed through him. A warm feeling that somehow always drove his loneliness away.

" So,erm... how did you find me?" Remy said, rubbing the back of his neck.

" Well, I..."

" Hey! Where's the pizza?! Everyone's.. WHOA! " Drake came running into the room and stopped in his tracks when he saw Monique. He started grinning like a stupid idiot. In his eyes, he saw the perfect figure and the most beautiful eyes.

" Well, ahem, aren't you gonna introduce us, Gambit?"

ì Gambit?î Monique whispered, sneaking a smile.

"Iíll explain later. Monique, dis is Drake. Drake, dis is Monique."

Drake hurriedly put out his hand and shook Monique's, reluctant to let go.

" Drake. Bobby Drake." His grin was still there.

" Pleasure to meet you, Bob. Mind if I call yer 'Bob'?"

" Not at all! Not at all! Actually..."

" Let's go an' meet de rest, shall we?"

" Jus' lead de way, Monsieur LeBeau."

The both of them headed towards the dining area, leaving Drake running behind them.

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As the couple entered the room, everyone fell silent...again. Beast and Warren had pizza dangling from the ends of their mouths, not bothering to wipe it off. Everyone stared at them wide-eyed. Remy could tell that Rogue had a hard time keeping her mouth from hitting the floor. Taking a deep breath, he announced, ì Everyone, dis is Monique. My old friend.î

Hmp! Yeah, Remy. Old enough ta be yoh grandmother. Even after their breaking up, Rogue was amazed that she could still feel the jealousy well up in her just like that.

The X-men all shook hands with Monique, telling her what a pleasure it was meeting her.

ì Nice to meet you, Monique. Always knew Gambit had excellent taste in women!î Logan teased. Remy chuckled.

Oh!Yes! Excellent taste indeed, Remy! Rogue thought . And when it came to her turn...

ì Hi, Monique. Mah nameís Rogue. Itís nice knowiní ya.î Rogue said with the nicest hypocritical smile.

ì Thank you, Rogue. Aní itís nice knowiní you too.î Monique smiled.

Rogue eyed her with curiosity. She didnít like this woman one bit . Maybe Ahím jusí beiní paranoid. After all, she was going to be his new girlfriend.

After the quick introductions, Remy and Monique went to his bedroom.

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Remy and Monique entered the mirrored room. Monique was actually quite taken in by the mirrors. It reminded her of the time when she and Remy went to the carnival together and entered "The Hall of Mirrors." But that was "donkey years" ago.

She put her coat down and admired the ceiling which was also mirrored. I wonder what for, she thought, smiling to herself.

Remy sat the suitcases down on the floor and closed the door.

He opened the balcony doors, permitting the breeze to flow through the room.

Monique sat down on the bed, testing it's sponginess. Remy sat down next to her.

" Well, chere, what do you think of it?"

" Not bad at all, Remy. I always knew you had excellent taste, especially in women."

Remy kept quiet.

" So, chere, how did you find me?" He said, changing the subject.

" I had a few contacts that told me where you were. Why? Does dat bother you?"

" No. Look, Monique, I don' know why you jus' come down to visit me like dat." Remy abruptly stood up.

" Can't I jus' come for a lil' visit?"

" Yes, you can but not now."

" You havin' some woman trouble?"

He didn't reply.

" With the woman with de white patch on her hair. What's her name? Rogue?"

He looked at her, stunned. Is it dat obvious? Do I have a sign saying' dat I miss Rogue or somethin' on me?

" How did you know?"

" De way you looked at her while introducing me to your friends told me."

Remy paced up and down in the manner of a caged lion. Finally he walked out of the room onto the balcony. Monique followed him.

Earlier this evening , he was all alone with no one to talk to. Remy wanted so much to talk to someone about Rogue, someone that understood him pretty well. Now, his wish was granted. Monique was with him and she understood him very well indeed. But now he felt all clamped up, words rushing to his mouth but refusing to let them out. He stared out to the black land again.

" Remy, what's wrong?" A voice as sweet as Rogue's ,he thought.

He laughed. Maybe it was Rogue that was standing behind him but he sees Monique in her place. Maybe this was all a dream.

He turned around to face Monique. No, it wasn't a dream. It was really Monique standing there,arms folded and looking very beautiful. And somehow, he wasn't disappointed.

" Nothin' , chere. I'm jus' glad you're here." His charming smile flashed across his face, stretching his arms out. She smiled too and went to him for a hug.

Remy treasured the hug. It was time to start anew, he thought.

It was time to cut the strings that attached him to the stick which Rogue handled, like a puppet on a string . At that moment, he decided that Rogue chose Magnus for her happiness. It was time for him to do the same. He was free.

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Chapter Two: Well, What a Surprise!

For the next few days, Remy toured New York city with Monique, showing her the latest attractions in the city. He took her to the annual carnival at New York which had one of the highest roller coasters. She was thrilled. He brought her to French restaurants to eat and they would reminisce about the times they had together when they were pups.

Remy took her to Central Park.

As they walked through the dimly lit walkways, he would casually slip an arm around her neck, allowing Monique to rest her head on his broad shoulders. He never asked her when she was leaving but he didnít care. In his mind, he saw a seed being sown and soon it started to bud. Remy knew he had began his new life, his seed. The seed that was soon accompanied by a bud, that was Monique. Yup, this was the life for him . And he loved it.
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Meanwhile at home, Rogue didnít give a care in the world where they went. She had Erik and for that she was thankful. She felt secure whenever he held her in his arms and kissed her. In the evenings, they would always watch the sun set . Rogue was amazed at how God was so great that he created everything that worked in a pattern . These were the days which she would savour...for a long, long time. Especially when the big day arrived....

One evening, Rogue was sitting comfortably in her deck chair on the balcony admiring the view which she had seen umpteen times and yet appreciated the sight. The breeze around her slowly caressed her hair, making her feel peace and tranquillity inside her. God, did she love this moment of the day.

Suddenly her eyes were being covered and all she saw was darkness.The ravishing sight taken away from her. Someone was covering her eyes. She put her hands to her face, feeling the outline of the hands that diminished her sight. The hands felt rough and sort of hairy. Unmistakably they belonged to...

ì Erik!î

ì Watching the sun go down again?î Erik smiled while giving her a warm quick kiss on the cheek.

ì No, Erik. Ahím sittiní here watchiní ta see when the cows come home!îRogue replied sarcastically, her eyes glimmering with the sunís reflection .

Erik took a moment to look at her carefully, scrutinizing her facial feature. He looked at her skin which glowed with radience while he could easily get lost in the green depths of her eyes. To sum it up, Rogue was a masterpiece- perfect . Erik snapped out of his hypnotic stare when Rogue spoke.

ì Why doní ya sit down?î

Ignoring her question, Erik got down on bended knee and took her hand in his his.

ì Rogue, you are my love and my life. I would not have gotten past a day if it wasnít for you . Will you marry me?î

It was like a scene taken out from a movie. Rogue just sat there,dumbfounded. Her eyes extended as wide as they could possibly go. Gradually, Rogue beamed. She felt like she wanted to fly high in the sky and shout for joy. She felt like announcing it to the world.At that point, her times with Remy LeBeau slowly faded away while images of her and Erik manifested themselves.

ì Well? How about it, Rogue?î Erik stood up, unable to kneel any longer.

ì YES!î The words burst out of her mouth . Rogue threw her arms around Erik, his body nearly couldnít take the impact . Erik laughed and hugged her as tight as he could, not wanting to let her go.

Her eyes were wet with tears and she closed her eyes, dreaming about the wedding and children that she would have. OH! What a life, she thought joyfully. To have children was the greatest dream that she thought impossible, but now, Erik had made it possible for her dream to live on.

Rogue tugged his hair up and kissed him so hard that he was too dazed to do anything. Eventually, he responded back. As they kissed, the sun had set and soon, night had settled in .

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That night,as she got ready for her dinner with Erik, Rogue didnít want the X-men to know just yet. She felt overjoyed but something was bothering her and she didnít know what. She paced up and down wandering about what was disturbing her.

Finally, the answer hit her like a brick.

ì Remy.î She mumbled to herself. She sat down heavily on her bed.

ì What will he think when Ah announce the news tomorrow?î All of a sudden, Rogue was baffled . So what if she announced the news in front of him? Why should she give a damn as to what he will think? After all he always wanted her to be happy. Did she still love him? she asked herself. Her question didnít need to wait long for the answer. Yes,she still did. Although she didnít want to admit it , in her heart she knew that she would always love Remy LeBeau .

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Chapter Three: Unexpected Happenings

Remy woke up the following morning with a headache. He laid in bed, reluctant to get up. Today, he didnít feel rejuvinated like the last few days. As usual, Monique was already out of sight. His body ached with pain like those of an eighty year old man. Still lying face down on his pillow, Remy contemplated about whether to head down for breakfast or just lie like this for the rest of the day like a slothful person . He got up painfully and frowned. Maybe a good breakfast will charge me up.

Remy thought he could never made it to the bathroom . Pain knifed through his whole head and body. Heh . Now I know what they mean by mind and body. He felt so handicapped that it took him ages just to pull down his pants and.... . God, did he hate days like these. Even Rogueís breakup didnít hurt dis much, he thought as he stepped out of the bathroom.

By the time Remy got down to the kitchen, Storm,Beast,Logan, Jubilee and Monique were seated down and eating.Professor X, Scott, Jean and Drake went on a mission .Rogue and Magneto werenít even down yet . Guess Iím not the only one who woke up late. He leaned against the doorway before he could manage another step. Storm looked up from her newspaper and greeted Remy.

ì Remy, are you okay? You look terrible!î Boy, wasnít dat an understatement.

ì Yeah, bub. You donít look so good.î

ì Remy. What happened to you?î Monique quickly went to help him to his seat . She got his cornflakes ready and put it in front of him.

ì Doní know. Feel drained, datís all.î

ì You better eat den .î Monique urged.

Remy gazed at his cornflakes, he wasnít even hungry.But he just picked up the spoon and started slurping the milk.

Hank eyed Remy soberly and thoughtfully. ì Gambit, youíd better come with me to the Med.Lab later.î

ì Agreed. Dat is if I can make it dere.î

ì Make it where?î Rogue and Maggie entered with expressions of joy. They were grinning like the joker in ëBatmaní.

ì Morniní, you two. Whatís with the stupid grins?î Logan asked as he finished the last of his coffee.

Rogue and Erik stood there restlessly, staring down at the floor as if searching for an answer there.He took her hand and squeezed it tightly Rogue suddenly began giggling.

ì Well, Erik and I have decided to...î

At this point, Remyís hearing went deaf and his vision blurred; his cornflakes seemed longer than they really were. He tried to spoon them up into his mouth but he always missed them . He glanced up to see whether the world around him warped like his cornflakes did. Whoa! Beast looked like his face was gone and his bluish fur took over.Remy shook his head and opened his eyes again. Same thing. Stormís hair looked overgrown .His ears thumped with the beating of the pain in his head. He looked at Rogue, she looked kind of happy except that her mouth was bigger than ever. His hearing unexpectedly came back when he heard...

ì ...get married!!î Rogue exclaimed excitedly.

At that point,Remy felt his body thrust over the chair before he was thrown into darkness.

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ì Remy?î Gambit heard his name echo through his dazed mind. Opening his eyes slowly, his eyelids became slits. The images in front of him were like a jiggsaw puzzle; disconnected. But his vision was getting better every second.

ì Heís awake. Thank the Goddess!î Remy looked at the direction where he heard the female voice. A big white patch that seemed like fungus stood on his right. Dat must be Storm . She always had this thing about calling and thanking the ì Goddessî.

Voices started buzzing around him . All female. He was glad even though he didnít know who was there. Dis is fun! Gettiní ta guess who here and whoís not.

He glanced around the room. He was in the Med.Lab. A tube and wire running from his body to machines.

ì Remy! How are you feeliní?î Monique asked as soon as she saw Remyís eyes open. Her soft smooth hand caressing his unshaven face. He felt like a pet dog. He looked at Monique,her face was perplexed. Remy found it sweet. At least he had a woman to take care of him.

He didnít bother to reply and turned his head away, closing his eyes once again. Waves of pain racked his body. His hands clutched the bedsheets while he clenched his teeth. His eyes were clamped shut.He felt like his body was soaked in lighter fluid and set on fire. The beating of pain hummed in his ears, the anguish burning through his body.

ì Gambit? Whatís wrong?î Monique frowned, helplessly standing there. A big frowned came across Rogueís face. Somethingís not right, she thought. Rogue rushed towards Remyís bed, she pushed Monique to one side and touched his forehead.

ì Mah God!î Rogue felt as if Remyís forehead and burned her hand.

ì Someone call Hank! Remyís bad!î It was obvious. Storm ran off. Monique stood to one side, ready to burst into tears any minute.

HMP! Ya call yaself a girlfriend when ya canít even take care of yoah boyfriend! Rogueís mind flared with anger.

Suddenly, Remy started threshing about, sending the nearby machines crashing to the floor. It looked like a scene from ëPoltergeistí. His face was as red as a beetroot while tears unexpectedly streamed down. Rogue tried to pin him down if all her might. It wasnít easy.

ì Shugah! Hold still!î His limbs kept slipping from her grip with ferocious jerks.

Hank came running in, a big injection in his hand that it made Rogue terrified.

ì Ya mean yer gonna give him that!!î Rogue practically screamed at Hank.

ì You wouldnít want to wrestle with Gambit all the time, would you?î

Rogue sighed. Hank plunged the big thin needle into Remyís arm. Almost immediately, Remyís muscles relaxed and he drifted off to sleep. Everything was peaceful again .

The silence hovered the scene for a while. From what everyone saw, it sure wasnít a good sign.

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Everyone waited in the Communication's Room, although there was hardly any communication going on. Professor X and his troop wasn't back yet. Rogue sat in a chair while Magnus stood behind her,rubbing her shoulders. She squirmed uneasily in her chair. She was worried about Remy; nothing like this had ever happened to him before. She glanced around the room, her eyes catching their target onto Monique, who was crying. Storm tried to comfort her in vain, telling her that Remy was going to be alright when she didn't even know herself. Careful, Storm. Ya wouldn't want tears ta wet yer new clothes! Rogue thought, her mind full of hatred and anger for the newcomer. Jinx!

" Oh, Storm. I don' know what I'll do if Remy goes!" Monique bawled. " He means so much to me and done so many things for me!!"

" Monique, Remy will be alright. He's strong and he'll fight it with all he's got." Storm whispered to her. Monique nodded.

The doors slided open, Hank briskly walked into the room holding a clip-file. His face was sober and as dark as hell. Everyone stood up, anxious to hear what he had to say.

" Is Remy alright? Is he out of danger?" Questions targeted at him.

" Please, everyone! Calm down and I'll tell you what I have to say."

There was quiet at once.

" Thank you. I assure you that Remy is out of danger for the time being. I analysed his blood sample and found something most unsual."

Hank typed furiously on the keyboard and soon a translucent image appeared before them. It was like macaroni but curlier and green.

" This is a kind of rare virus called " Leznuk". It lives in the bloodstream and attacks whenever it wants. The symptoms are overwhelming pain in the body and produces a high temperature. If it continues, Remy will suffer from these symptoms, only worst. And... it can result to death." It was like a sermon at a funeral. Everyone was speechless. They couldn't believe what they just heard. Monique's eyes welled up with tears, waiting to spill over.

" Is it contageous?" Magnus asked, obviously worried that he might get it too. Coward.

" Unfortunately it is." Everyone gasped, no longer worried about Remy but about themselves.

" How?"

" Well, it could be passed through the blood."

" Is there any cure for this, Hank?" Monique asked hopefully.

Hank took his glasses off. " Yes, Monique. But I'm still doing research on it."

Everyone looked at one other. What was this new virus? The question showed in their eyes. Their fearful eyes. This new fear was passed through their eyes to others. There was no need for communication now for they all shared this same new anxiety

Rogue didn't know how to react. She was afraid of Remy dying, along with all the things he taught her. But to some extent, she was scared about this new virus. Magnus and her still had their new life together. What would they make out of it?

Was Remy going to survive this? What about the cure? Where could it be found? What if others in the X-Mansion contracted it? There was a million questions which they couldn't answer.

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Chapter Four : Questions.Questions.

One week later.....

ì Howís Remy, Monique?î Storm asked anxiously, as if expecting a different answer that she had been getting from the last week. She set the tray of food down on the table.

Remy was out of this world while his condition worsened; his fever was still there and fits had occured now and then . Beast isolated himself in his lab searching for a cure. Prof. Xavier and his troop wasnít going to come back ëtill a few months later. But people around the Mansion didnít care. The atmosphere at the Mansion changed; there were no more sounds of laughter that echoed through the halls and everyone just moped about. The weather wasn't that great either.

ì Still de same, Storm.î Monique replied in a monotonous tone. Her hair lost its shine and bags formed under her eyes. To sum it up, she was exhausted. All day and night, she would sit beside Remy, rubbing his hand and talking to him . Sometimes,she would break down and cry.

ì Why donít you go and take a rest, Monique? You could use it.î

ì Thank you, Storm. But I want to be here when Remy wakes up.î

ì I understand, Monique. But...î

ì NONE OF YOU UNDERSTAND!!î Monique jumped up from her seat angrily. Storm was shocked that she was lost for words. She glanced down at Remy and a kind of sadness overwhelmed her. She was ready to burst out into tears but she held them back. She walked towards Monique and put a hand on her shoulder.

ì Yes, I do understand you, Monique. He is one of the closest friends I will ever have and I donít want to lose him.î Monique turned around and hugged Storm, her tears flowing freely. Her body racking with uncontrollable sobs.

ì Oh, Storm! I...I doní k-know what...what Iíll do..do if Remy..î Her words trailed off for she didnít want to say that word.

Storm stole a glance at Remy, a single tear streaming down her cheek.

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Rogue stood solitary on her balcony, her beautiful brown hair gently caressed by the wind. Her arms folded around her tightly while her eyes wandered out. There was no sunset today, instead black threatening clouds filled the sky. Hmp. Maybe Mother Natureís feeliní sorry for Remy too. She glanced down at the diamond ring which was wrapped around her finger. It wasn't too big and it wasn't too small either. It didn't sparkle today.

Jus' three more weeks b'fore Ah become a married woman. Somehow, she didn't feel so estatic about it now even though her wedding dress was ready and the invitations were sent out. All the preparations were finished. Maybe it's the gloom that's goin' around the house that's bugginí me. Maybe it's not. No,it wasn't. She was feeling bewildered. Her feelings toyed with her. Her sad emerald eyes turned up to take one more glimpse at the depressing scenery before going inside.

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Where de heck am I? Wonder where's everybody. Monique? Hmp. She gone too. It pitch black. He walks around aimlessly, stretching his hands in front of him. He didn't want to bang into anything. Wish I had a flash light or somethin'. Hey! Wait a minute. Dere's a light. It's gettin' bigger and bigger. Someone's comin' out . Chere?

What she doin' here? She comin' towards me.

Remy stood there, unable to move. There was Rogue, wearing her wedding gown. She looked stunning. Her brown hair was let down, her gorgeous eyes sparkling. Remy walked towards her.

Suddenly, his face hit against something so hard that he fell backwards.

What the...? A transparent glass came between them. He banged his fist against it. His red molten eyes hurriedly looked at Rogue.

Rogue's face stopped smiling . She dropped her bouquet and felt the glass with her fingers. He could see her opening and closing her mouth, but he couldn't hear a thing. She started banging her fists too.

Suddenly, she turned around. She stood there, frozen before she turned back to Remy. Her face stricken with panic. Remy could see the fear in her. Rogue kept looking behind her. Her eyes poured tears.

Remy stopped banging, he could see something behind her. A shadow towered over Rogue. It had no face. It's arms swiftly picking up Rogue and headed back to the light. Rogue struggled with it; kicking her feet into it's gut and pounding her hands against it's chest. Her perplexed face looked at Remy, her arm stretched out to him.

" REMY!!!" The glass was gone.

He could hear her scream echo through his ears.But it was too late; Rogue was gone with her captor.

Remyís knees buckled and he fell to the ground. Tears rapidly rushing to his red eyes that lost their glow. His mind was filled with hurt and pain.

ì WHY?! WHY MUST YOU DO THIS TO MEEE!!!î He yelled to the dark emptiness. The only thing that answered him back were his own echos. For the first time in his life, Remy LeBeau started crying hysterically. He covered his eyes with his hands and wiped the tears away.

All of a sudden, he heard a sound in the distance. A kind of tumbling sound of something made out of metal. He listened carefully. The sound was directed at him, becoming louder and louder.

It knocked against his knees and there was stillness in the air.It was a big object as he had to use two hands to pick it up. His big hands felt itís shape, it was a helmet. Erikís helmet. Remyís hand clutched the helmet tightly, taking all the force out of him to try and squash the damn thing. He couldnít think straight,all he wanted to do was to kill him. Frustrated, he threw the helmet to one side.

ì Damn you! Damn you, Magnus!îHe choked.

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ì WHAT HAPPENED!?î demanded Beast as he rushed through the door. He entered an arena filled with chaos; machines were pushed down and the girls were trying in vain to pin down Remy, who suddenly snapped out of his coma and started to thresh about. It looked as if he was wrestling with someone. Beast snatched a injection from a nearby tray and let the liquid in it flow through Remyís IV tube. The effect came fast; he was off to slumber land again . Monique and Storm panted furiously and threw a

ë what took you so longí glance to Hank. Beast glared at them.

ì Did either one of you aggrivate him physically?î

Both of them shook their heads. The three of them stared at each other blankly.

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Evening approached as the day ended with no sunset. The small remaining group of X-men were dining in the hall, even Erik. Everyone excepted him comfortably. They were all there. All except the Southern Belle, who was myteriously missing from her seat.

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She crept into the Med.Lab silently, cautiously coursing through the room.

Her movements were as light as a feather although she knew that she didnít wake the sleeping beauty. Rogue approached Remyís bed and gazed at him with her emerald eyes. His unshaven face and his chisled features made her lick her lips. It was like drooling over an ice-cream cone.

From then on, memories flooded her mind. The dam that she mentally built was broken. She thought of the time when they played a basketball game together with Wolvie and Jubilee. The style he held her, it was so gentle. Lucky his sweaty hands could hold her or else she would have slipped from his grip. And how about their first date? It was something worthwhile to savor. It was then that she knew he was her sanctuary, her safety. But there were also the bad times; they broke up and Erik came running. Or was it the other way round? The number of memories with Remy beat those with Erik any time. She smiled. For the first time since that day, she smiled. Rogue glanced around the dim lit room . Only machines filled it. She...

Rogue abruptly turned her head to Remy, her beathing stopped and so did her heart. She was sure she heard him say something. She stared intently into his closed eyelids, waiting for the moment that she would see his molten eyes once again .

ì Come on, Remy. Ah know you said somethiní.î Her doubts slowly rising.

His eyes fluttered open and then closed again. Rogue couldnít believe, she froze. Remy LeBeau opened his eyes again, the colour red swirling in his eyes weakly. Rogue covered her mouth in disbelievement, her eyes were laced with tears.

ì C-Chere? Is d-dat you?î Remy asked weakly.

ì Y-yes, Remy. Itís me.î Her gloved hand caressed his face,amazed that he could talk. But best of all, he was awake. Rogue was choking on her tears.

ì Why you c-crying, cherie? Did you m-miss me dat m-much?î He forced a smile. At least he had his humour back.

Rogue laughed. She nodded her head. It felt so good to have him back in the real world. Rogue sensed a warm nice sensation to gaze into those eyes and that face again.

ì How do you feel, hon?î

ì Weak.î He paused awhile before he said, ì Youíre getting more beautiful each time I see you,chere.î

Rogue blushed. Then there was silence. The two of them just gazed at each other. They knew that words couldnít help express all they felt but by each otherís facial expressions.

ì Ah...Ah bettah get the others. Moniqueís been dyiní ta see you...awake.î Rogue smiled and left the room .

Monique. He had forgotten all about her. He frowned sadly. Who was he kidding? His feelings still burned strong for Rogue. It was never for Monique. But all the things that Monique did for him; she loved him and cared for him. He couldnít repay her back by pushing her to one side. And how about Rogue? She was going to get married to Erik, the bastard, or maybe she was already married while he was comatose. Did she have the same old feelings she once felt for him?

Remy closed his eyes, suddenly tired of life and a wanting to go back to sleep. This time, he wished that it was for forever. A good way to escape the problems.

*****************************************************************************

She leaned against the metal-plated door. She was overjoyed that Remy had awoken from his coma. Infact, she never felt better. But she felt so much melancholy. Why was she so miserable? She was getting married to the man who could touch her and have children with her. She looked at her ring. It was beautiful; sparkling and big. She frowned. God, she really didnít know what to do!

She begun to walk down the hall. Her shadow following after her, her shadow of confusion and dubiety. Following......following......

*****************************************************************************

Chapter Five: Reunion

" Oh! Remy! I thought I'll never see you again!" A very estatic Monique dashed across the room to embrace the very, very weak Remy LeBeau. He forced a smile when he saw her. A smile to hide all his feelings and guilt.

" Oh! I'm sorry, mon amour! Does it still hurt?

" I'm okay, cherie. Sit down, Monique. We've got a lot of things to catch up on."

Monique obeyed and sat down. She caressed his unshaven face and gazed at him lovingly.

" So, let's get started."

*****************************************************************************

Since Rogue broke the news that Remy had waken up, everybody heaved a sigh of relief and each of them went to pay him a visit. The most relieved one was Hank. The bluish furball finally caught up with sleep.

But no one could understand how Remy suddenly felt better, except that he still had a slight temperature. It was a mystery.

*****************************************************************************

Rogue gazed into the medical room where she saw Monique talking and laughing with Remy. She stood outside, imagining that she was in Monique's place. She was unconciously smiling to herself. Dreaming really helped her get through life. But something happened that broke her dreaming- Monique reached out to hold Remy's hand with her bare hand.

" What's my future wife standing out here all alone? Why don't you go in and say "hello' ?" Erik appeared out of the blues, his eyes sparkling with happiness and life.

" Hi,hon." She kissed him lightly on the lips. It made her tingle all over.

" Nah. Don't want ta interrupt those two lovebirds." She hated that word. Lovebirds. Yuk!

" Well, it won't be long before our wedding. Aren't you excited?"

" Yeah, Ah am." Ah guess.

" It feels as if God is giving me a new life. To start over again, you know? To correct all the mistakes that I've done. God! It feels so good! It feels even better when you have someone close to spend it with." Erik sneaked his arms around Rogue's neck and nuzzled his nose with hers.

" Yeah. Ah know. Ah know." Rogue whispered as she took one more glance before she walked away with Erik.

*****************************************************************************

" Ha Ha!" Remy laughed aloud, tears of laughter rolling down his cheeks. He was currently reading the latest Archie.

Monique bought it for him when she went to the supermarket.

He felt that he was never too old for comics. Used to enjoy them when he was a kid.

The doors slid open and Rogue slipped in, wearing the polka-dotted scraf as a headband. Remy had given it to her for her birthday. Finally, he got to see it on her and it looked great.

" How ya doin' , Cajun? Feeling better?" Rogue pulled a seat next to the bed and sat down.

" Never felt better, chere."

She didn't know what to say to him.She rubbed her neck and looked down at the floor. It was the same for Remy. He had never felt so speechless in front of a woman. Usually he was very chatty.

" So, I heard that you're gettin' married in...."

" Two weeks time." She continued his sentence for him.

" Yeah." Remy muttered,he turned away.

Now she felt derelict; she knew that Remy had done far more than Erik did. So why was she still going to marry Erik?

" So, hmm... congratulations, chere." Remy stretched his hand to her. The 'congratulations' didn't sound so enthusiatic. But who could blame him? She shook his hand with her gloved one.

" Hope you'll be happy... for a very long time."

No! Rogue thought. She couldn't do this anymore! She couldn't go on pretending and trying to feel differently when she it was not what she really felt. She couldn't listen to Remy wishing her happiness when she knew that she'll never be happy. He was her real happiness.

She stood up unexpectedly and paced up and down.

Remy looked at her , frowning.

" What is it, chere?"

" Remy, Ah can't take this anymore! It's drivin' me crazy! Ever since you went into that coma,you made me sick with worry! Ah thought mah world would crumble on me! Ah didn't know if you would ever wake up! And when Monique arrived, it made me so angry that Ah wanted to wring her neck so badly that it'll snap from her head! Ah still love you , Remy! But Ah'm not sure if you still feel the same foh me!"

Rogue said it all in one breath. Remy looked dazed for a minute, as if he was trying to comprehend what she was trying to tell him.

Soon, his face brightened up and a smile slowly formed. Rogue bit her lip;she felt so stupid! Thinking of how she blurted all that! Now how would he respond?

Remy blinked.

" Sit down , chere. Dere's somethin' dat you should know."

Oh no! Oh no! This is it! Ah'm finished! Rogue's heart raced. She wet her lips nervously and sat down. She was so scared that she could pee in her pants.

" Chere, all this time even before Erik came, I've always loved you. Jus' dat I couldn't tell you because he was dere. It really pained me to see him wit' you. When Monique came, she brightened up my life. She made me feel so alive again. But I couldn't deny my feeling for you in my heart." He took her hand and stroked it. He stared right at her, his red glowing eyes never twitching away to look at anything else.

Rogue couldn't believe what he just said! It was like a dream come true! She thought that she would faint if he wasn't holding her hand. Tears were running up to her eyes but she tried to swallow them. She thought that he loved Monique. But it was her! Her! Rogue!

Remy searched her face for any expression. She was biting her lip, almost as if she was afraid to smile or laugh or even cry.

She jumped up from her seat and hugged him. She hugged him so tight. She didn't want to let him go. She was stupid to have let him go the first time.

" Ah'll never leave ya again, Remy. Never! Ah love ya." She whispered into his ear.

" I love you too, chere. Forever."

****************************************************************************

" It must have been a hallucination. It couldn't have been real." Rogue said to herself. She pinched herself for the tenth time just to make sure it wasn't a dream. Both of her arms started to become black and blue all over.

She was heading towards Remy's room to get him his favourite candybar. It seems that he had bought a small fridge for his room.

She entered the room. It smelled so good; the smell of him was all over. It was mesmerising; for a moment Rogue stood there to appreciate the smell. There was a tinge of Monique's perfume but Remy's smell overpowered it.

Rogue saw the fridge and headed towards it. She opened it and a rush of cool air hurried out of the fridge. She grabbed the candybar from the shelf and was about to close it when something caught her eye. There were two medium sized bottles standing there by themselves.

Inquisitive, Rogue picked up one of the bottles. It was quite heavy and it had a label.

" Hmm... ëInsuliní?"

She put the bottle back,closed the fridge and went out of the room.

*****************************************************************************

"Remy, what's the two bottles of 'Insulin' doin' in ya fridge?" Rogue passed the candybar to him. He tore the wrapper and perpectually gulped down his first bite.

" Dat's ....dat's Monqiue's. She's a diabetic."
" A diabetic? Ah didn't know that." Rogue raised an eyebrow. Thatís interesting. Very interesting.

***********************************************************

Chapter Six: Something Smells Fishy

ì Ah canít marry ya, Erik.î

ì What?! What did you just say, Rogue?î Erik couldnít believe his ears. He knew that he hadnít cleaned them for a while but this was ridiculous.

ì Ah said Ah canít marry you.î Rogue said with a firm tone and walked to the other side of her bedroom.

ì Canít? What do you mean canít?î Erik frowned, he was still shocked from the news which he just received. He crossed his arms and glared at Rogue. Specifically, Rogueís back.

ì Yes. Ah canít.î

ì Canít?Is there someone else?î Erik roughly grabbed her by the

arm as he felt his ferocity build up in him. ì Is that it? IS THAT IT?!î

ì YES!î Rogue pulled away from him and looked at him angrily. He didnít own her!

ì Itís the stupid Cajun. Isnít it?!î Erik shouted. His face was becoming beet red.

ì YES! And so what if it is?î Rogue defiantly snapped back.

Erik sat down the bed. The both of them didnít speak for a long time.

ì Why? Why? WHAT HAS HE GIVEN YOU THAT I HAVENíT GIVEN YOU?!î Erik stood up and marched towards her while yelling at the top of his voice.

ì HE HAS GIVEN ME HIS LOVE! DAMN IT! YOU NEVER GAVE ME YOUR LOVE! YOU ONLY WANTED MY BODY BECAUSE YOU COULD TOUCH ME AND REMY CANíT! WHAT! DOES THAT MAKE YOU SOME BIG-SHOT THAT CAN WALK AROUND FEELINí LIKE YOUíRE ON A PEDESTAL!?î Rogue yelled, matching his tone of yelling.

He couldnít intimidate her that easily. Not anymore.

Erik was at a total loss of words; he just stood there stunned by Rogueís actions. He turned around and started walking away.

ì Youíre going to regret this Rogue! You hear me! Iím the best thing that has ever happened in your life and this is how you repay me!?î

ì Would ya like a medal or a red carpet rolled out for ya ,Erik? Yeah. Ahíve regretted somethiní that Ah shouldnít have done in the first place.

That is accepting yoh damn ring! Take it back! Ah donít want anythiní slimy around mah finger! Ya should know that!î Rogue roughly pulled out the engagement ring and flung it at Erik. Rogue stormed out of the room without a second glace, leaving Erik to stare after her.

***********************************************************************

Rogue was infuriated at what Erik threw in her face, the words that only his ego produced.

The halls echoed with the thuds from her heels, making it seem as if a thunder storm was coming. Maybe flying was a better alternative.

She leviated herself,the cool air brushing against her hair and face. She decided to pass Remyís room just to catch the lovely smell again . She made a turn to the left and flew on .

***********************************************************************

Rogue reached her destination and pushed the red button. The doors obeyed their intructions and slid open . Again the aroma from the room attacked her nostrils.

She flew around the room, admiring the mirrored ceiling and walls.All of them reflected her image. Hmp. Looks like someone decided to do some housekeepiní afterall.

Her attention drifted towards the fridge and she directed herself to it. Landing lightly on the floor, she opened the fridge. Once again, the two bottles of ëInsuliní stared at her in the face.

Rogue frowned. Funny,if Monique was goiní ta stay foh a long time, two bottles wouldnít be enough foh her!

Suddenly, Rogue heard footsteps coming approaching. She slammed the fridge door shut and went into hiding in the bathroom .

The door slid open again and in came Monique.

Rogue peaked from behind the bathroom door, careful not to make a sound.

Monique was wearing one of her most elegant and expensive suits. Her blond hair was bunned up and she looked ravishing as usual. It was no wonder that Drake was drooling after her.

Her face was set in a somber expression that Rogue didnít know what to make out of it. Monique walked towards the phone. She picked it up and dialed a number.

ì Hello? Ya, itís me. I was goiní to call you sooner but I got tied up with the Cajun. I... So you heard about it too,eh? Donít throw it away. You can give it to me.î Monique smiled slyly.

ì Yeah. I know what I gotta do. Doní worry ëbout it. I can handle it. Right . Listen I bettah go, Gumboís waitiní for me. He said dat he wanted to tell me somethiní important. Bye.î With that, Monique put the receiver down and departed from Gambitís room.

After making sure that it was safe to come out, Rogue came out. Her mind was bobbled by the strange conversation. Who was it on the other end? What was she going to do?

Rogue was determined to find out.

************************************************************************

Evening came and it was quiet . The air was cool and silence pervaded the surroundings. Crickets and frogs did a melodious tune together while the sun slowly set,leaving the day and welcoming the night.

Rogue entered Remyís medical room with two trays of food. Remy was fast asleep. Rogue grinned and gently layed the trays on the table. She appraoched his bed with caution.

She sat down and gazed at him. She thought the best time to study his features was when he was sleeping. She considered him a masterrpiece of God. Her gloved hand took his hand and she held it there for a moment.

ì Hon, itís time for dinner.î Rogue said, shaking him gently. But he didnít strir.

ì Remy, shugah, time ta eat.î She said a little louder. There were no signs of movement.

Something was wrong. She frowned and shook him. Nothing. Rogue felt his forehead.

ì Geez!î His head was as hot as a hot plate. It was like before he fell into the coma. Rogue dashed to the other side of the bed and slammed the plam of her hand against the emergency button .

Suddenly, she sensed something and looked at his IV tube. There was an injection with its needle pierced into the tube. The stopper was all the way to the end, its contents gone.

Rogue stared in horror. She looked down at Remy,his face was turning white and there were still no movements.

Her senses were on the alert. Rogue swiftly turned around when a black figure seized her and pushed her down. Both of them struggled for a while when Rogue saw something shiny held in her attackerís hand.

Rogue fought with the figure, knocking the knife out of its hand.

The figure used its elbow and hit Rogue hard on the head. Rogue winced as a throbbing pain beat in her head. She was holding her head with care, her eyes barely able to open themselves fully. The figure was standing in front of her, but she couldnít identify who it was.

A hand grabbed Rogueís neck and plunged a needle into her tender flesh. As its contents flowed into her, a burning feeling ignited and Rogue was slowly drowned in blackness.

*******************************************************************

ì Rogue? Can you hear me?î Storm whispered, stroking Rogueís forehead.

As Rogue slowly came around, recent events flooded to her mind. She got up in a panic,her eyes big and round were filled with alarm. The dull pain in her head was overcome by her hysteria.

ì Remy! Where is he? Is he okay? TELL ME!î Rogue grabbed Storm by the collars and shook her. Storm could hardly believe what Rogue was doing to her.

ì Calm down, Rogue! Remyís stable now! Someone injected the same virus into his bloodstream, making his conditon even worse. Hank said that if he can get through the night, heíll make it.î

Make it through the night! Why did she always have to be thrown into this kind of situation? Was God always going to be putting her faith to the test?

ìCould I go and see him?î

Storm nodded. Helping her off the bed, Storm led Rogue to the Med.Lab.

*************************************************************

Everyone was gathered around Remyís bed, even Erik. Rogue threw a dirty glance at him. He must be soooo happy, now that Remyís hurt bad.

Monique was sitting next to the bed, holding his hand and crying softly. Rogue didnít know whether it was for real or she was just shedding croc. tears. She really wondered.

Everyone parted like the Red Sea for Rogue, leaving an aisle for her to walk.

Rogue sauntered up to the bed, looking at Remy. His face was still pale but it was better. He seemed so peaceful She felt like this was a funeral and Monique was the poor sobbing widow. She layed her hand on Remyís soft brown hair, stroking his head.

Monique looked up, tears still streaming down her cheeks. Her makeup was ruined by the tears and her face was set in a tortured expression. For a minute, Rogue almost felt sorry for her. Her green eyes looked striaght into Moniqueís, searching for something but she couldnít find it. Monique was a good actress alright.

ì Rogue,Iím sorry but if Remy doesnít make it through the night...î Hank said.

ì Ah know, Hank. Stormy already told me.

For that crucial moment, everyone kept their mouths shut. They didnít know what to think; who attacked Gambit and why.

Rogue knew there was a motive hidden somewhere and she was going to find it.

Chapter Seven: Another Atempt, Another Chance

Half way through the night,Monique fell asleep on the chair.Hmmp.She couldnít stand the woman and the hypocrisy that strived in her.Rogue was certain that Monique bored the same hatred as her.

Rogue was still wide awake. She was sick with worry, she was also prepared for what might happen during the night. Who knows what might happen?

She couldnít stand the suspence and got up. Most of all, she couldnít endure the monotonous beeping of his heart monitor. Walking around and stretching, Rogue yawned. She was exhausted; her bones ached and the pain still throbbed in her head.

ì Ah canít stand being cooped up with this.î She muttered and walked out to the balcony.

The night was cold. Too cold. Rogue shivered despite the warm clothing she had on. She looked out to the land surrounding the mansion. It looked all the same to her; big and spacy. It would be a nice time for someone to hug her, give her the warmth.

All of a sudden, the balcony doors flew open and Remy walked out. Rogue stared in disbelievement, her mouth open.

ì No! It canít be!î

Remy didnít say a thing, he just kept smiling at her that charming smile. He was wearing what he had been wearing the last few days: his robe.

ì Remy! Ah thought...Ah...î Remy walked up to her and put a finger on his lips. His red eyes glowed brightly. He turned Rogue around and put his arms around her. Rogue closed her eyes. Surprisingly, she started to feel warmer and warmer.

His hand went down to her waist and he left it there. He nuzzled his head in her hair, smelling itís sweet smell. He held her tightly. Rogue loved it! She put her hand around his neck, pushing his head closer to her.

He spun her around and stared intently into her green eyes. She felt shy and turned her head away. Remy smiled and used his finger to direct her back to his face. His hand gently caressing her face. Her eyes began to be laced with tears. She put her arms around his neck and hugged him. Rubbing her face in his robe while her hands held on to him.

He gently pulled her away from his chest and looked at her. He studied her lips. He closed his eyes and gently pushed her head towards his. She closed her eyes and was lost. His hand placing itself on her ribcage. Their lips getting closer and closer.

Finally, their lips met and his tongue started exploring her mouth. He wanted him to do that.God! Was he a damn good kisser or what! She slowly introduced her tongue into his mouth, feeling its surroundings. Better, much,much better than Erikís.

Slowly, they parted. Still gazing into each otherís eyes. She giggled and looked down, her fingers playing with the string of his robe. It was unbelievable.

But suddenly, something hit Rogue like a brick. She pulled away from Remy and looked down at her hands. Her bare hands. It was impossible! Remy was standing there,looking great. Nothing happened! The kiss! No! Something was wrong. Very wrong.

Remy just stood there, still not saying anything. Rogueís face changed into a frightened and panicked expression. She felt as if her heart had stopped and was frozen. Her hands put to her mouth while she shook her head. Tears uncontrollably meandering down her cheeks.

ì No! NO! REMY! OH MAH GOD!NO!î She screamed. He was dead. She turned towards the balcony doors and they were shut. She looked behind. Remy LeBeau was gone.

*********************************************************************

Rogue burst through the balcony doors. There was Hank doing CPR on Remy, using the CPR machine to pump currents into his body.

Monique stood to one side,her arms wrapped around herself while Wolvie, Storm, Jubilee, Drake and Erik dashed into the room. Jubilee couldnít believe her eyes. She rushed towards the bed but Wolvie managed to hold her back.

Rogue rushed to the bed. Remy had turned white. Hank charged up the machine.
ì CLEAR!î

Remyís body jumped as the current flowed through his body.

ì 440; CLEAR!î

Rogue didnít know what to do; she stood there helplessly. Monique was pouring tears while Storm tried to calm her down. Stormís white eyes were also soaked in tears.

Pray, gal! Pray! Rogueís inner voice urged her. And she did. She prayed.

After 5 minutes, Hank gave up. Panting hard as he set the machine aside, Rogue snapped the rubber gloves off, a weary expression plastered on his face.

ì Time of death : 2.37am.î

ì NO! REMY!DONíT YOU DARE LEAVE ME!î Rogue pushed Hank away and pounded her fists on Remyís chest.

ì YAíRE NOT GONNA LEAVE ME THIS TIME!î

ì ROGUE! STOP IT! HEíS GONE!!î Hank tried to pull her back.

Again and again, Rogue pounded her fists on his chest. Tears flooding down her face and onto his chest.

ì CíMON! DAMN IT!î

Anger and impatience flared throughout her mind and body.

Everyone just stood there, shocked. They all knew that it was hopeless,that the chances were futile. That Rogue was justing wasting her energy. But they didnít say anything.

Rogue didnít want to give up hope just yet. And she was right.

The heart monitor suddenly came back alive! The monotonous beeping was suddenly a nice and melodious tune to Rogueís ears. She stared in amazment. He was alive. It was a miracle!Everyoneís waterworks switched off.Monique was appalled that she was totally speechless, her face paralysed in shock. Rogue put her ear to Remyís mouth. The breath of life flowed through him.

Hank couldnít believe it; he felt ashamed. Rogue, who wasnít even a doctor, saved Remyís life.

ì Put the oxygen mask on him. Heíll need it.î

Rogue complied.She slipped the plastic mask over his .Teardrops of joy and relief dropped down from her eyes. She was overjoyed that she got Remy back.

She knew that God had given him and her a chance to start something together.

A seed was planted, a seed of hope and love. And it was planted in Rogueís heart. It was their second chance. Never will it rot away. Never will it die...

Rogue glanced up at the ceiling. Thank you,Lord.Thank you.She looked up gratefully and smiled.

***********************************************************************

Morning prime came as the sun greeted the Earth with its bright yellow rays. Everything that had gone to sleep and awoken with much life. The cold air was gone and in its place came the warmth from the sun. A layer of mist covered the Mansionís ground, making the atmosphere cosy.

Rays of light streamed through the open window and into Rogueís face. She had been sleeping on the bed next to Remyís,listening to the stable beating of his heart made her fall asleep. The eyes gradually opened, the colour green appearing in them.The first thing she laid her eyes on was her love.Rogue quietly crept out of the bed and towards Remy.

She smiled broadly when she saw that the pale colour had vanished and a his normal colour was back. She used her hand to swipe a loose tendril of hair away from his eyes. She took once more glance before she left the room.

Not watching where she was going, Rogue bumped into Monique who looked as if she was about to drop dead on the floor. She had developed bags under her eyes and she seemed thinner than she really was.

ì Morning, Rogue. I didnít expect to see you here so early this morning. What are you doing here?î Monique yawned while she carried a tray of food.

ì Ah stayed with Remy the whole night. What are you doiní here so early?î Rogue said.

ì Why? Is dere anythiní wrong wití me visitiní my boyfriend?î Monique tried to push her way through Rogue. But Rogue didnít budge, she just stared at Monique.

ì Ya know that he ainít yer boyfriend anymore, donít ya?î Rogue asked, knowingly.

Monique immediatly changed to an angry but tolerant exposition.

ì How would you know whether he ainít my boyfriend anymore,mon ami? Did he tell you so?î Monique said.

ì As a matter of fact, he did. He told me two days ago.î

ì I doní believe you! I wonít!î Monique pushed through Rogue and walked right up to Remyís bed. Setting the tray of food on the table. Monique turned back to Rogue and set her hands on her hips.

ì Doesnít matter you believe me or not, Monique.Itís still true. Remy says that he loves me and only me.You know it.î Rogue pointed her finger at her.

ì Doní you know his tricks already,gurl? Remy LeBeau always says dat to every beautiful woman he meets, he...î Rogue shut her hearing off when she saw something that she couldnít believe. A ring of bruises were wrapped around each of Moniqueís wrists.

ì Erm... Monique, tell me somethiní,how didja get these bruises on your wrists?î Rogue walked briskly towards Monique, catching hold of her hands and lifting them up. Rogue angrily glared into Moniqueís eyes. The fear that always had been in those eyes were gone,instead coldness and hatred appeared.

ì Didnít Remy tell you,Rogue? Doesnít he tell you everythiní?îMonique said coldy.

ì Tell me or youíll have plenty more bruises to go!î Rogue stiffened and tightened her grip on Moniqueís wrists. Monique wrentched her wrists from Rogueís grip.

ì It was duriní one of our passionate lovemaking sessions. Remy was on top of me and gripped onto my wrists when he was being thrown over the lake, forcing bruises to appear.He is one helluva lover. Too bad youíll never be able to experience dat.î Monique said without compunction.

ì Ya liar! Ya just doiní this to me bícause ya know Ah love him! Jusí because yaíre jealous!î Rogue yelled at her, slamming her back against the wall.

ì You never know,will you?î

ì How can bruises last foh so long anyway!î Rogue spat at her, forcing her up against the wall.

ì Oh! You should know Remy. Heís rough when heís haviní sex.But I forgot! You can never have de intimacy which I shared with Remy because he canít touch you!!î

ì You bitch!?!î

That was the last straw,Rogue slapped the woman with all she got. Monique fell to the floor,stunned but laughing maniacally. She held her face with care, struggling to get up.

Rogue was so hurt at what the woman just said to her but it was true. She could never touch Remy or anyone for that matter. She could never experience the intimate feeling that was shared between couples. Rogue felt like puching Monique inside out! She very well knew that Rogue had the inability to have any physical contact with anyone and she had to rub some more salt on a wound that already hurt like hell.

ì Youíre jusí a loser, Rogue! Youíll always be one!î Rogue couldnít tolerate this any longer.

ì Ah donít have ta listen ta ya! Yaíre jusí someone who hasnít got a life and comes here to take someone elseís!î Rogue turned away and marched towards the door.

ì Well,well,look whoís talkiní? Whoís de one dat doesní have a life?!î Monique wiped the blood that was slowly dripping from her nose.

ì Oh! Ah have a life, Monique. Itís Remy! Heís mah life and always will be! Yer just a woman full of bullshit and lies! Even the bull back home has a cleaner hide than ya!î

With that, Rogue stormed out of the room.

ì Be careful, Rogue! One day, you might jusí lose dat life!! You hear!î Monique yelled.

The sliding doors slammed shut, allowing Moniqueís rantings to fade away. But the damage was done. Rogue was deeply hurt. It was the reality that hurt and that she had to face it bravely. It wasnít the creature of envy that lived in her, that was gone. And she knew it.

*********************************************************************

Jubilee, Wolvie and Storm were in the kitchen having breakfast when Rogue walked in.She wasnít in the mood to talk after the fight.The three of them just stared at her, watching her every movement knowing that Monique and her had a qurrel. Rogue poured herself a coffee and sat down next to Jubilee.

ì Howís the Cajun?î Wolvie asked, taking a spoonful of cereal.

ì Heís okay. Never seen him as stable as that!îRogue tried to crack a joke.

ì Rogue, we heard what you and Monique were yelling about. You shouldnít have treated her that way. Sheís a friend of Gambitís and a guest in this house.î A fiend more like it.

ì But ya donít understand, Stormy! She was the one that attacked me that night! Ah saw the bruises around her wrists. Theyíre as blue as a blueberry!î

Storm looked at Wolvie who just shrugged.

ì Ah know that yaíll think Ahím crazy ta think that but itís true! Just take a look at her wrists when you see her and tell me!î

ì Rogue, I think youíre over-reacting! Monique isnít that kind of person! Youíre just upset and tired from what happened the last few days.î Jubilee said.

ì Over-reacting! Ya must be jokiní! Ah think she was the one who tried to kill Remy too.î

No one said anything. They didnít believe Rogue and just thought that she was tired and needed some rest.

ì Now,Rogue, you canít prove that! Monique was with us most of the time! How could she possibly try to kill Remy? Sheís like a wife to him; so loyal and caring. She would never try to do anythng to even hurt him.î

ì Oh! Youíre wrong,Storm! That really isnít her! Sheís jusí actiní! Canít ya see?î

ì Look, Rogue. Iíve had enough of this nonsense from you! The three of us are going to the fair and it wouldnít help if you tried to ruin our day!î Wolverine said firmly.

ì Ahím sorry , Wolverine.Itís jusí that..î

At that point, Monique walked in with a bruise on the left side of her face. Jubilee and Storm rushed out of their chairs and to her, asking if she was alright and so on.

ì Iím fine. Thank you.î

ì Brrrr,î Rogue pretended to shiver and wrapped her arms around her. ì Suddenly the air has gotten colder! Ahím leavin!î

*********************************************************************

Rogue took her coffee and went to Gambitís Med. room. He was stil asleep when she entered. He needed all the sleep he could get. Rogue sat down on the chair, sipping the warm contents from her cup.

If Monique had a motive, what was it? Was she a spy for one of the guilds? Maybe. God! Everyoneís so nice to her because they havenít seen the real side of her yet.

Remy started rousing and Rogue put down her cup, waiting for the moment when he would speak to her again. But he just drifted back to sleep. Rogue smiled.

Leaning back, Rogue became thoughtful again. What did Monique mean when she said that Ahíll lose mah life? Is it me or is it Remy? Rogue realised that she couldnít leave Remy alone anymore. It just wasnít ...safe.

What was with the phone call? Who was on the other line? Hmm... Gee,this is sooo weird! Hank said that the virus was put into Remyís bloodstream. Where did the injection needle and virus come from?

Rogue gasped. The bottles! The bottles with the so-called ëInsuliní! That was it! Monique had to hide them some place! Somewhere where people,even Remy, wonít have a clue that they contain the virus itself!

She felt so proud of herself! Now she knew most of it, but what about the other half? She just had to find out!

**********************************************************************

Chapter Eight: Getting Somewhere...

Rogue crept into Remyís room once again but this time with a different motive. She sneaked over to the fridge and opened it. The two bottles was still positioned the same way. She picked one bottle up.

ì Yeah,right! Insulin! Ha! Ahíll just take a bit of this and put it in this lilí container Ah have here. There we go. Now ta get out oí here bífore Miss Cowhide comes back.î

Rogue flew towards the sliding doors when she heard footsteps coming her way.

ì Opps! Too late! Gotta hide in the bathroom ëgain!î Rogue swiftly turned herself around and into the bathroom.

Monique and her bruised face came in. She headed straight for the phone again. Picking up her receiver, Monique dialed the number. She scanned around the room, as if she knew that someone was watching her.

My! She looks worse than Cruella in 101 Dalmations!

ì Yah,itís me again. You should know! Iím de only one that calls this number anyway! It didní work! She knows! Uh huh.....uh huh.... yeah. I got dat.î With that, Monique hung up and was about to walk out when she started for the bathroom.

ì Better pee first. Doní want to pee again when dat white haired wants ta hit me again.î

Rogue could barely contain her laughter but she had to.Shit! She's cominí! Where ta go now?

*********************************************************************

Monique entered the bathroom and closed the door. She pulled down her pants and panties and sat down on the toilet bowl. She glanced around the bathroom, studying the tiles which bored a pleasent colour and had fish painted on it.

ì I ought ta tell Remy to change his bathroom tiles.Itís too plain.î Monique said.Rogue, who was behind the shower curtain, was offended. Those were the tiles that she picked for Remy when he was indecisive. Bitch.

Monique finished her business and washed her hands. Rogue was relieved.

ìOh! Better wash my feet, the Mansion is so dirty.î Monique muttered.

Thatís because the rest of us walk around in shoes and ya donít! Stupid!

Rogue held her breath. Monique stepped into the shower and proceded to wash her feet.She turned behind to wash the excess water and drew the curtains. She dried her feet and got out of the bathroom.

Hearing the doors close,Rogue, who was hovering above,descended down. Boy,Ah was wrong.She is cleaner than the bull back home.

*********************************************************************

Rogue returned to her room,she definately needed the rest before she wanted to go and ëvisití Remy. She took a shower and changed. Plonking herself on the bed and closing her eyes helped to ease the tension. She was about to fall asleep when there was a knock on her door. Oh damn!

ì Come in!î Rogue hollered,sitting up and adjusting the towel on her head.

To her surprise,Erik entered. Rogue immediatly got up.

ì Whadaya want,Erik?îShe said in a sober tone.

ì Iíve come to apologise for what I said the other day. Rogue,Iím really sorry. All that you said was true.My ego and how I wanted everyone to worship and respect me.î
ì Ya think itís so easy as that,Erik? Yaíre a bit late, arenít ya?î

ì Iíve been doing some soul searching and Iíve been thinking about you too.î

Rogue looked up and adjusted her head to an angle.Erik did look remorseful of what he said to her the other day.

ì Ah accept yer apology.î

ì Then would you reconsider about us getting married?î

Rogue couldnít believe her ears!

ì You jusí asked foh mah forgiveness jusí because yer want ta marry me?!î

ì Well,yes, I really love you,Rogue. And I wouldnít want to lose you.î

ì Well, too bad foh ya, Erik. Ahím sorry. But yer already lost me the first time and yer not gonna get me back.î

ì What do I have to do to make you happy?!î Erik shouted.

ì You can leave me alone!î

ì Yah! Alone with the asshole!î Erikís eyes narrowed.

ì Who you calliní ëassholeí î Rogue glared at him, putting her hands on her hips.

ì The stupid Gumbo! Thatís who!î

ì Yaíre the asshole,Erik! Ya come walkiní in here askiní foh my hand in marriage after that day! How dare ya?! Ya think Ahíve got no feelings?! WOW! Some soul searching yer did, Erik! Why doní cha search some more?!î

ì Why,Rogue? Why?î Erik asked,feeling totally helpless.

ì Why?! Youíve never really respected me,Erik. Ya only wanted someone who adored ya and would worship the ground on which ya stepped on!î

ì And it was all your fault!î

ì Mah fault?î

ì Yes! Your fault,Rogue! You only came to me when you knew that you could touch me!And yes.I did feel great. But I loved you,Rogue! And I still do. Will you marry me, Rogue?î

She never thought about what Erik just said to her. It was true that she went up to him when she knew. She was so happy. Happy that she could finally touch another. That she could have children of her own. But she didnít love him. Her heart still belonged to Remy. It was always will. Now she knows that.

ì Ahím....Ahím sorry,Erik. But Ah donít love you.Ah canít marry ya just because Ah should feel committed to ya. Ahím sorry.î She could see the devastation in his eyes,the soarness that was building up. She was tempted to turn her eyes away but she didnít. She just looked straight into his eyes,telling him that she meant what she meant.

ìIím sorry too, Rogueî

With that, he left her.

Rogue sauntered to her bed and sat down.She peered into her mind,which unfolded into confusion and guilt. She would never forget the look that he had on his face; sad and perturbed. She felt guilty for what she had done to him but she had to. Rogue knew that she couldnít live life with one which she wouldnít love and only took advantage of him. Maybe she could have grown to love him. Just maybe.

Chapter Nine: The Construction of Something Wonderful

" Danger Room in use. Gambit and Rogue sequence initiated." A monotuous voice sounded inside the Danger Room where Gambit and Rogue prepared for what the computer had in store for them.

" Ya sure ya can handle this, Remy? Ya ain't fully recovered yet."

" Positive, chere." Remy assured her, a smile playing with the ends of his mouth.

" Okay. If ya say so."

Suddenly, an army of missiles came charging through the air, aiming their targets at them.

" Break up!" Gambit shouted.

Three missiles tore through the air and headed for Remy, never letting down their relentless chase. Gambit broke into a run and snatched a few cards from his coat.

" Three cards for three missiles." His hand glowed with a radiant light which quickly transferred themselves to the cards. His hand let go and the cards flew at great speed, hitting the missiles exactly.

" Not bad for a first time." Gambit complimented himself. He scanned the vast area for Rogue. The missiles that chased her was gone but in their stead was an enormous robot. It's claws gripping onto Rogue. The robot continued to walk around, proud of its successful catch. None of her limbs were free and she had a scrowl on her face. Remy laughed.

" Don't jus' stand there, Remy! Help!" Rogue screamed earnestly.

" Oh yeah! I nearly forgot about ma chere!" Remy chuckled.

" Ya mean ya forgot!" Rogue snapped.

Stealing a whole deck of cards from his coat, Remy charged them once more and let them go with an excellent throw. The cards united and sailed sped through the air, landing on the robot right smack in the head. It dropped Rogue making her land with a thud.

" You okay, Rogue?" Remy asked, worried that her beautiful butt was flattened by the impact.

" Oh! Ah'm fine." Rogue struggled to get up.

" Is dis all we're gonna do today?" Gambit asked , surprised.

" Why? Do ya want more?"

" I don' mind."

" Okay. Here goes! Computer! Start new series, danger level three."

" Granted. Program initiated."

*****************************************************************************

Carrying her cup, Rogue walked into a world filled with rich aromas-the kitchen. The brightly lit space was furnished with lavish and modern kitchen appliences. And there was the most beautiful and important applience of all-the cook.

Remy LeBeau had decided to cook dinner for the both of them. He towered over the stove slaving away for their dinner. Wearing an apron and cooksí hat which said ë Kiss the Cook. It may taste better than dinner.í. Rogue leaned at the doorway, her auburn hair lightly touching the wooden sides. A smile slowly formed on her face, her hands carefully clutching her favorite cup. Her fingers gently tapping on its shiny glass surface.

She continued to stare, her mind wandering into another world-her world. She wondered what Gambit looked without all that cloth. Might as well have a little striptease show of mah own, she thought. Dinner wonít be ready so soon.

Oh so slowly did she begin to mentally strip him. The apron and hat floated to the tiled floor. Now he only wore his shirt and pair of demin jeans.Now itís your turn,shirt. She unconsciously smirked to herself. His broad naked shoulders were exposed to her gaze. Her eyes grew wider and wider, a deep hollowness projected in their green depths. And now for the last part-the jeans.

Almost immediatly, the jeansí buckle popped by itself and slided down his well-muscled legs. She started trembling. Not with fear,but with lust. Unaware, she licked her lips. His naked ëimaginaryí butt must have triggered it. She could feel a hot and heavy congestion building itself up between her thighs. She flushed and her trembling fingers lost their grip on the cup. The glass object fell to the floor,hitting it with a loud crack.

Within that second, Remy swiftly turned around with a ladel in his hand. His face containing a startled look.

ì Oh! Chere! You startled me!î

Rogue snapped out of her hypnosis and looked down at the broken pieces of her cup.

ì Oh mah!î She exclaimed after she recovered her composure. She bent down to pick up the remains of her cup. Just like picking up what was left of her dream.

ì Come,cherie! Let Remy help you.î Gambit strode towards her and bent down too. She handed him the remains of her cup.

ì Careful,hon. Thereís a very sharp piece...î Rouge warned.

ì Ouch! Damn!î The Cajun quickly dropped the glass pieces into the dustbin and held his palm with tender loving care.

ì ....thereî She finished her sentence. She walked over to him and examined the cut. It was deep and it slashed right across half of his palm. He must have cut himself while carrying the glass. The cut was pouring blood. She went to the drawer and took out a roll of bandages and some antiseptic cream.

ì Wash the wound first,hon.î Her voice said gently as she pushed him to the sink and turned on the tap.

ì Do I have ta do dis ,chere? It be mighty painful.î Remy frowned, his fine features turning into crooked lines.

ì Itíll take only a second,Remy. Gotta take the germs out and clean it.î

She delicately pushed his hand under the running water, the cool transparent liquid flowing into and over the wound. Remy looked away and winced while his fingers stiffened. She winced too.

Closing the tap, she brought him over to the table and made him sit down. As she smoothed the cream over the wound, she could sense the comforting moment he was having with her.

ì Dose it still hurt?î

ì No. It feels good.î

ì Glad ta hear it, Cajun. Cause if ya doní go back ta work, weíll be starviní.î Her smile returning.

ì On the double, ma chere!î Remy returned her smile and saluted her. He got up at once and went over to the stove again.

For once in her life, she felt good at what she heard. All her life, she had been a glass in peoplesí flesh, hurting them emotionally and physically. But this time, it was going to be different.

**************************************************************************************

ì Yer want me ta cut these greens,hon?î
ì Yah,chere.î Hearing that, Rogue slapped on a pair of plastic gloves and got to work. Cutting into the cucumber and slicing it, stealing a piece here and there.

Putting the lid on the pot and switching the flame off, Remyís eyes sneaked a peak at how his cherie was doing and grinned. She was wearing the blouse and pants suit which she bought the other day. It looked very nice and cute on her, especially on her. Taking off his apron and hat,he went to the drawer and put on a pair of plastic gloves too. Then, he quietly stood behind her, examining her from top to bottom, particularly that bottom.

ì Remy?î

ì Hmm?î

ì Ah have somethiní ta tell you which....well...isnít so pleasent.î

ì What isnít so pleasant,Rogue? Your body didnít miss out a single detail! So whoís complaininí?î

ì Remy! Is that why ya were standiní so silently behind me? Well, Ah canít be bothered with ya anyhow! Ahím in love with this cucumber!î Rogue said with artificial pride

ì Yeah! I can see dat! Yaíre eatiní him up!My! My! You sure know how ta treat a man right, chere.î Gambit chuckled.

ì Thatís it,Remy LeBeau! You come in front of me right now! Ah have somethiní important ta tell ya!î Rogue ordered him in the sternest voice she could create. Obeying, Remy walked in front of the work table.

ì Thatís better! Now, Ah just wanted ta say that...î

But he wasnít listening to her, he had his whole mind focussed on her. His red molten eyes set on her like a target, a serious expression took change in his face.

ì... oh,Remy! I really hope that she wouldnít play games with us and especially with ya.î Rogue discontinued her cutting of cucumbers and looked up. She stared deep into his eyes, the depths of her emerald eyes pleading with his to be aware of Monique. That he should always be on his guard no matter what that bitch might tell him.

For that moment, they just stood there paralysed in each othersí gaze. His gloved hand reached across the table to touch her face, caressing her cheeks sensitively. Rogue closed her eyes while enjoying that sweet caress, her eyes laced with tears. She couldnít think straight; she couldnít mouth the words ë Stop,Remy! Ya know you canít touch me!íor ë Why are ya doiní this ta me! It hurts already as it is!í

Instead she broke the chain of his touch and turned to walk away.Suddenly, there was a tight grip around her wrist.Rogue cried. Actions spoke louder than words. She couldnít bare to face him.

ì Please, Remy.Let me go!î The same old cliche came out.

ì No, chere. I woní.î The seriousness in his tone was stern and hard. He meant it.He really meant it. ìIím not goiní ta let you live your life without knowiní what it feels like.î

ì But Ah already know how it feels,Remy! It hurts!Itíll hurt me and itíll hurt ya!î She screamed and tried to wrenched her wrist loose from his grip.But she couldnít.

ì Only dis time,chere,it woní have to hurt us both.îRemy pulled her back slowly,closer and closer to him. He knew she was indecisive about what to do. Finally, she allowed nature to take its course.

Remy reached into his pocket and brought out something which she had seen before-the collar. She blinked in disbelief while her jaw could have dropped to the floor. He smiled that devilish smile,that unsual flicker in his glowering eyes that she never seen before.

ì Remy,where didja get that?îRogue muttered,her eyes still on the collar.

ì Jusí a lilí present dat I brought back from Genosha a long time ago.î His fingers played with the collar. It was made of metal,not the heavy type. It was glazed with yellow while it had a kind of square box in the centre with a catch. It was a replica of a dogís collar.

Rogue pulled away, her feet sliding backwards.

ì Remy, if ya have somethiní with tha...î

ì Relax,chere. Nate took it out of me when I first met him there. Kept it ever since...for you.î Remy stepped forward and put the collar around her neck and clipped it together. Almost immediatly,a red light ignited in the square box, bringing it to life. She touched the sides with her nimble fingers,feeling the sides and the collar.

Rogue didnít know what to think,what this collar meant to suggest to both her and Remy. It felt like a choker. A choker that would stop her powers completely from reacting.

Remy lifted her hand and slid the plastic glove off together with his. She glanced down to stare at her own bare hands,she took a good look at them. His hand appeared in front of them and she looked up.

She was facing the man she loved and the man who now gave her another chance. Except that now she didnít know him by his facial expressions; he kind of looked different. His face was a mixture of fear and anxiety.

So, he was frightened too,huh? But hey. Who wouldnít be? Her hand slowly approached his, almost afraid to touch his. All her life, whenever she came into contact with someone, she always expected the same old results-the limp figure of that person lying on the floor and her going completely hysterical with their powers and psyche.What was she suppose to expect this time?

Gambit waited patiently; his hand still hanging in the air. She closed her eyes and prayed.

She grabbed hold of his hand and held it there. Rogue didnít flinch away,instead she kept it there. Bursting out crying,she opened her eyes to see Remy giving her the warmest smile she had ever seen.

He embraced her and drops of salty tears ran down his cheek. There,he held the most precious thing to him. Her body was racking with sobs, her fingers tightly clutching his shirt.

She tore away from him and gazed at him, a smile gradually appearing. She caressed his unshaven face and couldnít believe it. She wished with all her heart that this was all reality and not a dream.

ì Pinch me.î She whispered into his ear. ì Ah think Ahím dreaminí.î

ì Gladly.î She jumped as he pinched her on the butt. She laughed softly, melting in his strong arms.

ì Good thing ya saved it.î Her green eyes shining intently into his.

ì Yeah.î He nuzzled his nose with hers and she giggled.

ì How come ya never told me ëbout it?î

ì It was suppose ta be a surprise.î His deep musculine voice rasped. ì Then how ëbout...î

ì Shut up,chere.î His mouth came into contact with hers, his tongue gently forcing itself into it. She could taste the sweet and warm taste of his mouth. He explored her mouth, leaving no place uncovered. Their tongues met and were entwined in the ritual of ëloveí. His big hands ran up the back of her back, causing her to sneak a giggle. He undid her strap and then went down to her butt, squeezing it and feeling it. She wrapped her arms around his neck, tugging at his brown chestnut hair.

Still in the midst of their kissing marathon,he slowly guided her to the worktable. Sweeping everything to the floor, cucumbers and all, Remy LeBeau sat her there and broke away the kiss, his hand supporting her head as he layed her slowly down. She gazed at him, almost afraid of what he would do next. Getting his shirt out of the way, Remy threw it on the floor.

He climbed on top of her,kneeling. His hands working at her blouse and bra, freeing her breasts. He almost ripped her pants while trying to get it down.Well,he definately ripped her panties. She possesed a behavior which she did not know she was capable of; her hands attacked his zipper and drew it down while she tried to shove his jeans down. He smiled and helped her. Drawing his pants down, he could already feel his hard-on jerking strongly.

Gambit lowered himself down and kissed her mouth and breasts with hasty and wild kisses. She adored them. His hands discovering every inch of her ribcage, gliding downwards to her thighs. Rogue gasped. His breath came faster and he buried his head in her neck,smelling the aroma of her auburn hair.

Rogue thanked him by replying his kisses, her hands gradually discovering a new phase. It dove downwards,pushing his bottom up. Remy recognized that signal, a signal that was used many times by women.

He tenderly opened up her legs and slithered into her. His face searching for a painful reaction that would normally appear at the first time. Rogueís eyes flew open as she winced, her back arching towards him. Her arms wrapped themselves around his back,hugging it tightly as a wave of pain overwhelmed her.

Remy waited until the pain was gone when his tongue entered her mouth, brusing her lips with kisses.Kisses that could make a girlís lips go raw. Forgetting the pain which she just received, Rogue concentrated on the sensational feeling which Remyís tongue brought to her.

His hips rocked up and down, a formality that he always knew would be pleasing. Rogueís breath got harsher and harsher. Her mouth sucking in all the air which she could grab from the atmosphere. She intinctively wrapped her slender legs around his hips, pushing him futher inside. She began to rock with him,her pelvis arching itself to him. Her hands gripping onto the tableís sides to hold herself steady, scared that she would break away from the overflow of excitement entering her.

Rogue could feel the thrill building up in her and a most unfamiliar feeling growing in her belly. A feeling that she never knew in her life. It contained of many inexpressible things. Maybe Remyís hot and heavy breathing on her was one of them,she didnít know. She only knew that she could feel a stiff and rigid thing in her pulsating with the warmest and most pleasurable feelings.

At that tiny instant, Rogue cried out in joy. It was followed by Remyís as he thrusted in her a few more times before he completely relaxed. It was the most exquisite orgasm of his life, it was pure animal release.

The weight of his body fell on her. Remy tried to hold himself up and get off but he couldnít; he felt so tired like as if he ran thousand of miles without stopping. The both of them continued to pant.

Mustering up the strength, Remy pulled himself up and fell to the ground. His limbs were drained of energy. Rogue layed there, sprawled on the table. Her opening was wet; very wet.And not to mention sore. Beads of sweat trembled down her forehead, Rogue was totally blurred. Hearing Remy zip up, Rogue turned her head to the side, trying to look over.

Remy LeBeau got on his knees and leaned on the side, his head popping out of nowhere. He grinned,his eyes looking tired and dazed. She smiled too and closed her eyes,too tired to even think.

ì C-come,chere.Remy help ya ta sit up.î Gambit struggled to his feet but made it. Rogue used her elbows to help her get up.Remy helped her.

ì O-ouch!î She winced at the pain between her legs as she sat up. It felt so sore and painful.

ì Careful,chere.Bit sore de first time round.î

ìNo kiddiní!î

Sore wasnít the word, ëparalysedí was it! With much effort, she gathered her legs and climbed off the table. Bending down to get her pants, the soreness was incredible. She zipped up and buttoned her blouse, she didnít care about the bra.

Remy went round to help her as she leaned on him. Something on the table caught her eye. Little drops of blood were smeared on the table.

ì Damn. G-gotta clean that up.î She headed for a wet cloth and wiped it away.

ì Well, there goes your cucumber lover,cherie.î Gambit chuckled. Rogue smiled.

ì And there goes our hot dinner!î

ì We can always warm it up!The both of them laughed. They cleaned the kitchen up and it looked spic and span. Remy relighted the flame and dinner started simmering. Rogue scanned the kitchen to look if she overlooked anything. She did. She reached into the cupboard and took out some air freshener and sprayed it into the air.

ì Whatís dat for,petit?î Gambit asked with a quizzical expression.

ì Doní want tha kitchen ta be smelliní of sex when Wolverine comes back!î

Remy laughed.

ì And itís all yer fault,Mr LeBeau! Now, Ah canít come inta this kitchen without thinkiní ëbout our wild and crazy time here!î Rogue blushed.

ì Ya jusí have ta live wití that.î

********************************************************************************

Chapter Ten: Positively Pregnant for Another

Morning was positively shining with life,the sun was burning bright high up in the sky. Its greeting rays shone through the blinds of Rogueís bedroom.Her eyes twitched opened and then shut again. She turned onto her other side and found something broad and hard facing her. Thinking it was a pillow,her sharp nails dug into it, trying to find a grip. The ëpillowí stirred. Rogueís eyes flew open, her eyebrows sliding down to form a frown. She stared hard before realizing that it was Remy.

She giggled. From her angle,it looked as if the pillow had grown brown hair and had a hard tanned back cut off by the blanket.She moved closer to him and put her arm around his waist. The figure stirred again.

ì Remy? Are ya awake?î She whispered softly, hopping that he was awake. But no reply sounded. She sighed and threw the blanket aside.

Putting her feet at the side, Rogue got up. Her lower half was still aching from the ëactivityí in the kitchen. Recent events soon started filling the spaces in her mind. After dinner, they had gone straight to bed, deciding not to do anything else since she was still feeling sore.

Rogue ruffled her hair and straightened her nightgown. She walked to the bathroom and closed the door.

*************************************************************

ì Well, at least he doesnít snore.î She muttered to herself. Rogue picked up her toothbrush and turned to the mirror. The first thing she saw was not her beautiful face but the collar. She had worn it the whole night. She touched it and felt it once again. Damn. She forgot to ask Remy how to take it off, she didnít want to be like a dog all her life. She tried pulling the collar but it wouldnít budge. Oh well.

The collar was the key to her life with Remy LeBeau, it was the key to success. But she didnít want to have to wear it for all eternity.

Before she knew it, the doors opened and in walked a very sleepy Gambit. She could tell his eyes were half-open. She kept her silence, watching him. Remy dragged his feet ëtill he reached the toilet bowl,he pulled down his shorts and starting pissing. Rogue bit her lips, to keep herself from giggling. Mmm....good shooter!

After that, Remy flushed and turned around. His dazed eyes suddenly turned bright and a sly smile came over him, putting his hands on his hips.

ì Uh huh... and you jusí stood dere watching,huh,chere?î

ì What do ya expect me ta say,Cajun? Ah was mesmerised by the sight of a man peeing.î Rogue shrugged her shoulders.

ì So, how ya feeliní? Still painful from last night?î He slid his arms around her slender waist,nuzzling his nose in her hair.

ì Well, yeah.Except that now its very dry. Makes it harder ta walk without people noticiní.î

ì Put some petroleum jelly,dat should work.î

She turned around and faced him with a very quizzical look. ì How come ya know sooo much ëbout what ta do, anyway?î

ì Hey. Itís a guy thiní.î

ì Suuurree.î Remy wanted to protest but didnít have a chance. ì Címere,chere.î He dragged her away from her brushing of teeth and filled her mouth with warm kisses. Her mouth was filled with toothpaste.

ì Hmp... cough. Kissiní a woman wití toothpaste in her mouth is not such a good idea,neh?î Remy cleared his mouth of toothpaste.

ì Well,itís better than haviní ta kiss a man first thiní in da morniní with bad breath.î

ì Ha ha,chere. Very funny.î Remy smirked at her.

*************************************************************

ì So now ya can kiss me properly.î Rogue said with a brilliant smile as she stepped out of the bathroom . Gambit was sitting on the bed,reading a magazine. At once, he dropped it and stood up.

ì Hmm... datís better.î

ì Ya brushed yer teeth?î He nodded

ì But how? Ah didnít even hear ya sneak out of here?!î Rogue answered with amazment.

ì Well, I did. A thief has his ways.î

ì Uh huh. Ah see. So, how do you get this collar off?î

ì It has a key which is in my drawer.î

ì It has a key?î

ì Yeah.î

ì Donít ëyeahí me. Go and get it!î

ì Okay.î Obeying her orders, he went to get it. Gambit was back in her room in jiffy with a tiny key in his hand. He handed it to her and she took it. Finding a lilttle hole next to the box, she locked the key in place and the collar clicked open,its red heartbeat fading away. She took the collar off and put it in her drawer, together with the key.

ì Remy, this will be our lilí secret. Ah donít want the whole mansion ta know ëbout it. Especially Monique.î

ì Monqiue?î Remy asked in wonderment. ì What ëbout her?î

ì Yer didnít listen to a word Ah tolí ja! Remy! Sheís the one who injected ya withí tha virus and knocked me out!î

It was like as if he was in a trance, he was utterly speechless. He just stood there, not knowing what to think. That maybe Rogue was feeling jealous and wanted to get back at Monique. But what if it was true? Maybe his old girlfriend wanted to kill him. But for what? He didnít do anything to her.

ì But why she be doiní dis?î He mumbled to himself. He couldnít believe it that he plonked himself on the bed.

ì Thatís why ya have ta be careful of yourself.î Rogue kneeled. ì Remy, our new life jusí started and Ah donít want ta go around thinkiní that yaíre canít take care of yerself. Monqiueís a very dangerous woman. She even kinda admitted that she wanted to kill yer or me.î

The words ëor meí struck him hard. He lifted his hand to caress her face but stopped, remembering that she took the collar off.

ì Chere, Iím not de only one in danger. Ya are too. Listen, if I ask her to go some place else,sheíll leave.î

ì Remy, it isnít gonna be that simple. Sheís mean and aggressive; she do anything to harm you or me.î

Remy hugged Rogue, thinking that what Rogue said was right. He had to slowly get rid of the woman. Slowly and discreetly. But how?

************************************************************************

Remy entered the kitchen first, leaving Rogue in the room. He was greeted by faces with smiles and ëGood morningsí. Monique was surprisingly radiant this morning; her hair was bunned up in the most possible beautiful way. She leaped out of her chair the moment Remy walked into the room.

ì Morniní,mon amour.î Her arms slid behind his neck as she kissed him lightly on the mouth.

It took quite a while for Remy to react; he still couldnít believe that she was only projecting this false image of a nice and charming person. It was very difficult to believe. He felt as if her arms had turned into a tail of a snake and was reaching out to strangle him.

ì Morniní,Monique.î He took a plate of pancakes before he retired to a seat. At that second, Rogue came in as if on cue.

ì Morniní everyone. Whatís cookiní fa breakfast?î Her usual chirpy voice emerged.

ì Pancakes, bacon and eggs and the usual.î Bobby replied, turning away from his new computer game for the first time.

ì Ah think Ahíll get mahself some juice.î She strode to the fridge and took a carton out.

ì Everybody. I have an announcement .î Monique said as she hit her glass with a spoon, attracting everyoneís attention.Although Rogue couldnít be bothered to turn around,she just continued to stand at the sink.

Monqiueís smile was from one ear to another. Remy wondered what made her so happy. She put her hand on his shoulder and squeezed it.

ì Everybody,Remy, Iím....Iím pregnant.î Monique blared out the words.Everyone else cheered and congratulated Remy.He just sat there in shock, his blood paralysed in his veins. He felt like a hand of icy skeletal fingers squeezing his heart that he could hardly breathe.

Rogue was in even worse shock that she had the juice still in her mouth. A chill ran up her spine and into her brain. The thought of Remy, the father of Moniqueís unborn child,iced up in her brain. Her fingers grasped onto the glass, ready to break it at anytime. She mind raced like a race track,thousands of questions rang in her but the answers were all missing.

ì What?!?î Remy said, the news not quite registering.

ì Iím pregnant,Remy. Youíre de father.î Moniqueís eyes stared right into his. For once, he didnít recognise this being that stood before him. He dropped his fork and stood up that even Monique didnít expect it.

ì How do you know dat for sure? Did you take a test?!î Gambit started ranting and raving.

ì I asked Hank to check me this morning when I threw up and missed my period.î

Gambit turned to Hank in desperation. ì Hank. Is dis true?î

ì Yes, Remy. Iím afraid so.Sheís three weeks into the first term.î

ì But it was only dat one time and I used protection!?!î Remy shouted in anger and agitation, pushing down a chair roughly.

ìCrack!î Rogue turned around to face him, her eyes soaked with tears. Her

palm with cuts, blood flowing out from the openings. Their eyes met, he pleaded with her to help him but she was too upset to do anything. Dropping the glass pieces into the sink,she walked out of the kitchen with her bloody palm.

ì Rogue! Wait!î He started after her but was held back by Monique.

ì Remy! Ya should be overjoyed! Yaíre goiní ta be a father!î Monique chirped in.

ì Yes,Remy.î Storm followed like a blind sheep without a shepperd.

Remy glared hard into Moniqueís eyes, hoping to find something he knew. But nothing turned up. She just coldly stared back at him.

ì YOU BITCH! YOUíRE LYINí! ROGUE TOLí ME ABOUT DE VIRUS!!!î Anger flared through his nostrils while his lips began to curl. His face red with fury. He raked his hand through his hair as if to relieve the pain that he was being put through.

ìSHEíS LYINí!?! DAT SLUT!?! SHE WOULD DO ANYTHINí TA GET BACK AT ME BíCAUSE SHEíS JEALOUS!?!Monique screamed at him with equal madness. Storm and Bobby had to hold her back. Remy hit the woman to knock her out of her hysteria. He hit her like he was in a boxing contest. He had never hit someone so hard before. Monique dropped to the floor, crying.

ì SEE! REMY LEBEAU! SHEíS CHANGED YOU! YOUíRE LIKE A FIGHTINí ASSHOLE! IíM CARRYINí YOUR CHILD AND YOU HIT ME!!î

He wanted to hit her again. He started crying. He didnít care if the rest of them saw for they were very real.She messed up his whole life.But it was his fault that he had to make her pregnant.Now, he had to carry the guily around. He walked towards the door but stopped and turned around.

ìPack up and leave,Monique.î Thatís all he could say at that point.

ì But Remy,where can I go? I have nowhere.î She looked up at him with a pitiful expression, her eyes strained of tears.

ì Fine. Den stay here ëtill de babyís born.î

ì Oh, den you at least say dat youíve helped me through de pregnancy, right?! Dat you can use dat excuse to justify yerself when I leave!î

ì SHUT UP,MONIQUE!! IíVE ALREADY HAD ENOUGH! JUSí LEAVE ME ALOOONNNE!î Remy yelled at her, his voice breaking.

With that, he left a scene with a pregnant woman sobbing and cursing at the father of her child.

***********************************************************************

Rogue sat on her bed,putting her face in her hands and crying the life out of her. All she felt in her mind was torture and confusion. She really didnít know who to believe or who to defend now. Her hand became a bloody masterpiece, soaking the bed cover. She didnít give a damn if her blood flooded the room.

Maybe Monique was lying! But Hank said that was the absolute truth.The test results definately didnít come in negetive. She knew Hank wouldnít lie at a crucial moment like this. Why?! Why did Remy have to go and sleep with that bitch!?!

A knock suddenly arised at her door. She turned towards it, her face wet with tears. A piece of paper came into her room from underneath her door.She knew that it must be from Remy. She got up and slowly treaded towards the paper. Rogue stared at it, wondering what he had to say in that innocent piece of paper. She was almost afriad to know but yet anxiety and curiousity killed her. She picked it up.

******************************************************************** Remy LeBeau prayed as his back glided down the metal surface of Rogueís door. He prayed that she would pick it up and read it, hoping that their relationship could be renewed... again. He raked his hands through his hair, his glowering eyes losing the fight,permitting the tears to fall through.

ì Oh God! Please let her understand!î He pleaded with all his heart,cries for help overcoming him.

****************************************************************** Rogue,ma chere,

Please let me explain . I thought Iíd lost you forever to Erik when you accepted him as your love. Monique,then, was the love I was looking for. Losing you was the hardest thing that ever happened, but knowing that you were happy kept me alive. From then, I thought that I must start living my own life. Thatís when it happened...

Please,chere, forgive me. I donít want our love to break up...not again.

I love you.

Love,

Remy.

**********************************************************************

ì COWARD!?! EXCUSES!!î Shouts of anger came from Rogueís room. Remy abruptly stood up and hit the ëopení button.The door slid open. There stood up on the floor with bits of paper floating to the floor. Her face was hidden in her palms.

ì Chere?! You okay? Let me help...î He rushed to help her. She fought to get to her knees, pushing Gambit away and refusing his help.

ì GET AWAY FROM ME,REMY!!! YAíVE HELPED ME ENOUGH ... TA RUIN MAH LIFE!!î She screamed at him despite her hoarse voice. He could see the pain and anguish in her face.Not forgetting the blood from her bleeding hand. He moved towards her.

ì Chere,please...î His voice pleading with her.

ì Ya canít fool me anymore! NOT ANYMORE!!î

ì ITíS DE TRUTH! DAMN IT! WHY DONí YA LISTEN TA ME FOR ONCE INSTEAD OF LISTENINí TA YERSELF! I LOVE YOU,CHERE...î

Rogue covered her ears, trying to prevent these words from getting into her head. She screamed at the highest pitch she could reach, drowning out what Remy was saying to her. He grabbed her wrists and wrentched them apart from her ears.

ì STOP, ROGUE! PLEASE STOP!î She began pounding her fists against his broad chest.

ì WHY,REMY?! WHY?!WHY DIDJA HAVE TA DO THIS!?î

ì Iím sorry,chere. Iím so sorry.î

He embraced her in his arms while she still tried to push him away. His arms were like clips,refusing to her go.

Finally she gave up and gave in to his embrace.Admitting defeat, Rogue sobbed in his arms, her cries muffled by his chest. He rocked her back and forth, trying to calm her down. Her face was contorted and red. The both of them dropped to their knees, still in each others arms.

ì Iím sorry,chere. I really am.î

Her eyes opened and the colour green flashed in them. They looked up at Remy. At the same time, both of their eyes closed knowingly. He was forgiven .

**********************************************************************

Chapter Eleven: What in the World!

One month later...

Dearest Rogue,

By the time you open this letter, I would be gone. I am going to stay with a friend in South Carolina . He has invited me to stay there ëtill I can live by myself again.

I cannot find the right words to express my feelings to you . Rogue, you were the light of my life when you agreed to marry me. And you broke my heart when you rejected the love which I wanted so badly to give you. But I have realiased that you are truly happy with Remy , then so be it Maybe someday Iíll find a love of my own once more and be as happy as you are today. I wish the both of you happiness . I hope that weíll meet again... soon. Good bye and take care.

Erik Lehnsherr

*

Rogue folded the letter that she found beneath her door. Her chest heaved as she sighed. Her burden was suddenly lighter to carry; now only Monique stood in her way. The woman had been very proud of her pregnancy just to shove Rogue in the face. Everytime they passed each other, Monique would consciously smooth her abdomen with her hand. Cow. If the darn woman wasn't carrying Remy's child, she would slug her to outer space.

Rogue stood up and put the letter into her drawer. She frowned uneasily, knowing that she had something important to do. After thinking silently Rogue gave up. Minutes later, her door slid open.

ì Morniní,chere.î Remy greeted her with his winning smile. She just had to smile back.

ì Ahíve been waitiní foh ya all morniní aní nearly went foh breakfast without ya, Mr LeBeau.î She muttered as she slid her arms around his neck. Putting his strong hands on her slender waist, Remy gazed at her.

ì Sorry. Woke up late.î

ì Oh well, might as well take off foh breakfast bífore Hank finishes all them pancakes again.î

The both of them were heading towards the door when Rogue wanted to get her sweater.

ì Iíll get it for you, chere.Where is it?î Remy asked, being the perfect gentleman.

ì Itís in mah cupboard, Remy.î

Remy opened the cupboard and seeing the sweater, he took it out. But there was something else which attracted his eye. A small container of transparent liquid.

ì Whatís dis,chere?î He lifted up the container for Rogue to see. It hit Rogue like a brick. She wanted to send the sample of Moniqueís ëinsuliní to Hank for an analysis. She grabbed the container from his hand and pulled him along.

ì Whatís de rush, Rogue? Hank canít eat dat fast!!î
ì Címon! We have somethiní ta find out!î Her voice filled with determination to pinpoint the mysterious Monique.

*

ì Rogue, you were right! The test results on the samples are in fact the virus! But how did you get them?!î Hank dashed into his lab while Remy and Rogue sat down patiently.

ì Good question,chere. How didja get them?î
ìI have mah own ways and means of gettin' things without people's knowldge." She smiled mischieviously. Gambit stared at her with amazment in his eyes. He was filled with admiration of his cherie.

" No, seriously, Rogue, where did you get them?" Beast said in a very sombre tone.

" Ah got it from Monique's bottles labelled 'insulin'." She replied cooly.

Hank acted as if he was fastened to his seat as he shook his head in disbelief.

" It can't be possible! Monique has been so nice to everyone here. Amazing!" He pulled his glasses away from his eyes and still seemed stunned.

" Ah think she's also the one that attacked me while I was with Remy when he was recovering."
" Fascinating! She had this planned this all the while. To win our favour by helping us and doing things for us!"

" She not gonna leave untill she finishes wit' me. " Remy muttered. "She knows dat we can't touch her or tell he to get out because she be havin' my baby!" Remy sat down and raked his ahnds through his hair.

" It's all my fault! Shouldn't have slept with her! Damn it!" He stomped his foot down in the floor like a child with tantrums.

" Remy, hon, it's too late ta regret now. When the baby's born, we'll take it from her before she does something ta it too. All we can do now is to be careful of her."

" Yes, Rogue's right, Remy. We must be prepared for what's coming to us. This woman proves to be a very dangerous one."

*

As she walked along the hall, her heels tap strongly onto the floor. Her soft hands swinging by the sides of her slender sides. Her eyes on their guard, watching for anything that doesn't seem right. Her mind is alert and working fast. She glances at her watch. 6.02 pm. There was plenty of time. Too much.

*

The sun shined through the Earth and its warmth surrounded the land. Everything was fresh and very alive, indeed. Nature was speaking its own language and used it to the best of its ability.

As Gambit and Rogue walked towards the garage, their hands are intertwined as they are engaged in a conversation of their own.

" So, chere, where do ya wanna go?" The Cajun looks lovingly at her.

" Ah don't know, hon. Ah been so exhausted of these cat and mouse games that Ah can hardly think."

" Not enough brain power to think, huh?" Gambit said, teasingly.

Rogue nodded and put her head on his shoulder.

" Tell ya what, chere. What say you and me go to a movie and then for dinner, neh?" He whispered gruffly into her ear, making her tingle all over.

" Ah do believe mah boyfriend has become mah social planner!"

" At your service, mon cherie!" They hopped onto his Harley and sped of into the distance towards the city.

*

Time: 9.23pm

She excused herself from the den and proceeded to his room. She locked the door and made sure of it. She flung the bedsheests of the bed and ripped the pillows 'till the feathers started flying into the air. She quietly turned the chair over and pushed the things off his desk. She picked up a photo frame of Rogue and him together, its shiny surface reflecting their smiles. She looked at it and the end of her mouth twitched a bit. She smashed the glass covering and it cracked, scaring the lovely faces of the couple.

She opened the windows and allowed the breeze to flow through. Her hair was caressed by the wind as she enjoyed the feeling. Her clothes. She nearly forgot. She used all she had to rip them up. There! Now she looked like a rag doll. She walked to the bathroom, taking a metal hanger with her. Her strong fingers straightened the hanger.

She sat down on the toilet bowl, took out her panties and spread her legs into the air. Her hands gently gripping onto the hanger as she pushed it into her.

Her face was contorted into a painful one, tears rolling out of the small openings of her tightly clamped eyes. Her hands forcing more of the metal rod into her untill she could feel its piercing pain.

Her breath came faster as she clentched her teeth. She opened her eyes for the first time and looked downwards, the rod was half-way through. She threw her head backwards and fixed her eyes onto the ceiling, trying to concentrate.

She took a deep breath and braced herself. She plunged the rod inside her and the pain engulfed her immediatly. Though it was painful, she smiled victoriously. She slowly drifted the rod out and it was covered with a crimson colour. Blood. She hung onto it. She would need it.

Swirls of heat and pain gushed into her abdomen as she clutched it. Beads of sweat tumbled down her face and onto the floor. Her hand was stained with blood as she slowly staggered into the bedroom. Her blood stained hand started smearing the bedsheet and it was soon coloured. The smell of blood was everywhere. She dropped the hanger onto the floor, drops of blood splating all over. It was like a murder scene.

By now, her kness and legs were glazed with blood, a puddle forming at the end of her feet. The cramps were getting worse as she choked. Her hands tightly grasping her absomen, trying to force the pain out of herself. She started crying; the pain was at its worst. She choked while gasping for air. She couldn't tolerate it any longer.

" C-can't take any m-more..." Her knees buckled and she dropped to the floor, curling into a ball. She started to scream in pain.

*

"Monique! What's happening?!" Storm and Wolverine barged into the room upon hearing her screams. Monique was lying on the floor and the room was a mess. Her face was drained of its colour while her clothes were stained with blood.

" Goddess!!" Strom exclaimed as she dashed to Monique.

" I'll go and get Hank." Wolverine said without a second to think, acting on human instinct.

" S-storm, it be R-remy. He did dis ta m-me! Arrrgggghhhhh! He stuck a hanger i-in me a-and twisted i-it and.....Arrrgggghhhh!"

Monique continued to scream in pain as Storm stroked her hair, trying to comfort her by doing so. Strom was in a state of shock; she couldn't believe that Remy would do such a thing to anyone! She knew that Monique couldn't be lying and concluded that it must be true.

" ...0h! S-storm! I d-don' wanna lose d-dis baby! It means e-everythin' ta m-me! Argh!"

" Shh! Hush, child! Hank will be here soon and I believe that he'll find a way to save the baby." Oror could feel the rage surge through her. Her trust which was so carefully build in her for Remy suddenly began to crumble down on her.

" I-it's no use, S-storm! It's no use!"

*

Gambit and Rogue arrived home and walked to the front door, laughing at the movie which they saw, " Jingle all the Way"

Rogue took out her key and unlocked the door.

" That's strange! Why is everythin' so quiet?" Rogue asked herself. Before they knew it, Jubilee appeared in fron of the both of them . Her face was expressionless and black. It was like as if she didn't even know them.

" Hey, Jub! What's up?" Gambit approached her upon seeing her and slugged an arm around her neck. She recoiled in disgust. He frowned.

" What's wrong, Jubilee?" Remy asked, concerned.

" You know exactly what you've done and you pretend that you don't even know!" Jubilee shouted at Gambit. She then turned to Rogue. " And you! How could you fall in love with such a pretender like him! Charming and all that bullshit was all a pretense!"

Rogue reacted quickly. " How dare you talk to me and Remy this way, Jubilation Lee! Remy hasn't done anything wrong!"

" Maybe not to you but to Monique!" The name triggered a very sensitive spot in Gambit and Rogue. They looked at each other, sharing the same fear.

" What did I do?"

" You should know!" Jubilee snapped back at him.

" NO! I DON' BECAUSE I DIDN'T DO IT! DAT'S WHY I'M ASKIN'!"

" You stuck up a metal rod in her so that she would lose the baby!"

" WHAT?!" The both of them exclaimed in unison.

" When did this happen?"

" About an hour ago."

" That's impossible! Remy's been with me since this afternoon!"

" Look! I'm sorry if I yelled at you but the others are in the Med.Lab."

With that, Remy and Rogue ran to the lab.

*

ì What happened?!î Remy demanded as soon as they reached the lab. Storm, Drake and Wolverine were crowding around a sleeping Monique. Hank went out to get some more items for Moniqueís recovery.

Before he knew it, Wolverine sprung at Gambit. His claws automatically unsheathed themselves.

ì Cajun Bastard!!î Wolverineís short figure pounced hard onto Remyís body, falling down on impact. Logan began clawing at the Cajun, his teeth baring all while his eyes were maddened with vehemence.

ì Remy! Logan! Stop!!î But Rogueís pleas went unheard as Logan started punching the life out of Remy. He sneaked a card to his hand and charged it right in front of Loganís face. Before he could swipe the glowing card away, Logan was sent crashing into the wall at the other side of the room.

Remy felt like all his teeth had fallen out while he thought that his nose was broken as it was bleeding profusely. Rogue helped him up and gave him a tissue.

ì What was t-that for, mon ami?î But Logan couldnít answer; he was out cold. Storm strode towards Remy and pointed an accusing finger at Remy.

ì How could you do such a thing to Monique, Remy!? I could never believe youíll hurt someone so badly like this!î

ì What de hell did I do?î Remy asked in confusion, feeling a bit dazzled from the punching. He tried to block the bleeding with the tissue but it continued to bleed.

ì You caused Monique to lose your child! Your very own child, Remy! How could you!!î He could sense the anger and disappointment in her like never before.

ì Who said that Remy was the one ta do that, huh?î Rogue snapped infuriated by the outburst of words that came flying.

ì Monique told us herself that it was Remy! Who else could it be?!î Drake butted in at the wrong time, as usual.

ì But he was with me all afternoon! How could it be possible?î Rogue argued her way in.

ì You probably helped him stick the hanger into Monique!î Drake said in such an annoying tone that Rogue was ready to kick him where he needed one.

ì What didja say?! Ya should know me better than that, Bobby! How dare you! How dare you accuse the both of us of something which we didnít even do!î

ì But we never know , will we, Rogue?î Storm replied, her white eyes enhancing the coldness and hardness that was already pressent.

ìDis is ridiculous! We were together all de time!î Gambit raised both his voice and hands in desperation.

ì Yeah! Together trying to destroy Moniqueís life! Not to mention her baby!î Drake yelled back.

ì IT WAS MY CHILD TOO, DRAKE! DONí FORGET DAT!!î

ì Maybe it was better if the kid passed away too, at least Monique wonít have to tell him that his father tried to screw his mother... but in the wrong way!!î

ì YOU LITTLE CHILDISH BASTARD!!î Wrath took over Remyís being as he struck out to lung at Bobby. Rogue tried to hold him back but was too late.Remy settled his hands on Bobbyís neck and started choking the life out of him. Drake stuggled and placed his own hands on Remyís, freezing them up in big chunky ice cubes. Remy winced; his hands were totally frost bitten!

ì WATCH OUT, CAJUN! YOUíRE LUCKY THAT WAS THE ONLY THING THAT GOT FROZEN!!î

It was amazing that Monique could sleep through all the racket.

ì Shut up, Bobby! You wouldnít want a bruise ta go wouldja?î Rogue snapped back. Drake shut up at once. Remyís nose was still bleeding but now he had ice! He knocked his hands against the wall and the ice broke off bit by bit.

ì It was Monique! She did this ta herself! Sheís the one who planted the virus inta Remy!î

ì Rogueís right! Monique isnít de woman dat you should listen ta!î

Storm and Bobby stood there in silence, looking stunned at what was thrown at them. Logan began to stir.

ì This is absurd, Rogue! I canít believe that youíll do anything to hurt Monique even her pride! Youíre so jealous just because she was having Remyís baby!î Storm snapped. Rogue glared fiercely at the white haired woman.

ì After knowing me and Remy all these years, Ororo, donít tell me that ya donít believe us?!î Rogue put her hands on her hips in annoyance.

ì You know, Rogue and I thought dat you all were sensible enough ta listen ta us! But instead, you listen a complete stranger whom youíve only known for a few weeks!!î Remy shouted, shreds of impatients and disbelief in his tone of voice.

ì All I can say is that sheís been a real good friend to all of us and we know that she wouldnít do a thing like that!î Storm started talking in a calm and orderly manner.

ì Ya know! Since yíall like her so much, why donít cha ask her ta become an X-Man too?! Ahím sure that sheíll be sooo happy!!î

ì Now thatís not fair, Rogue!î Drake cut in.

ì Then again, what is, homme?î

ì Why canít cha all believe us?! What is so difficult ëbout that?! She was the one who attacked me tha other night!!î

ì Impossible! She doesnít even have a single piece of knowledge about medicine and hospital equipment!î

ì Why, mon ami, did ya scan her mind ta find out?î

ì Maybe Monique was right, Remy, you have changed!î Storm said.

ì Oh! Come on here!î Rogue burst out in fury, her neves tolerating enough of this nonsensical business.

ì Relax, chere, Iíll handle dis. Look, we doní have ta time ta argue wití you people, are you gonna believe us or not?î

They thought for a moment and then shook their heads.

ì Fine. Címon, chere.î Remy said, as he pulled Rogueís arm gently, signalling her to go.

ì But doní blame us, mes amis, if somethiní should happen to you all, ëcause youíll be de first to be blamed.î

*

Chapter Twelve: Secrets Well Hidden

Walking past Remyís room, Gambit stopped momentarily and considered looking into it. He turned to Rogue, asking her if itís okay to go in for a while through his facial expressions. She nodded and followed Remy as he led the way.

He snapped on the lights and stared in horror for a while; the bed and the floor was covered with blood. At that moment, Rogue looks at him and squeezed his hand. He does the same.

They stood there for a while, trying to imagine what Monique did to herself. Remyís stomach starts to twist and turn; a baby was lost in this very room and he didnít even know about it.

He promised himself that when after the baby was born, he would shower it with the love he never had as a child.

*

Yellow lights came on as Rogue and Remy enter Rogueís room. Each of them proceeded to do their own thing. Remy took of his coat and started to fold it slowly while Rogue walked to the bathroom and closed the door.

They hadnít spoken a word since the arguement at the lab; both of them were too tramatised by what happened. Remy couldnít believe that Storm would rather believe a perfect stranger than him or Rogue. Bobby couldnít be blamed; he was already a born donkey.

The collar sat on the basin and Rogue snapped it on, thnking that sheíll need it for tonight. Her bladder was ready to burst and she went to the toilet five times in the afternoon. She didnít know why; she only drank three glasses of water.

She sat on the the toilet seat and buried her face in the palms of ehr hands. She peered into her mind which began to unfolded itself into one big complicated spiderís web. It was cluttered with so many things that it was impossible for her to even think. Rogue felt like her body would collapse which she didnít get any rest.

After finishing, Rogue stripped of her clothing and stepped into the shower. Hot softening sprays of water came down upon Rogue, relaxing her body immediatly

She washes her face and starts to shampoo her hair. Rogue turned around to wash her hair when she came to face with a pair of red burning eyes. She jumped slightly and giggled.

ì Yah scared me, Cajun. ì He grinned a naughty grin. Heís naked too, his hands holding an amber liquid. Looking straight at Rogue, Remy rubs the cool liquid on her breasts, massaging them. She quivered at his touch as his hands start to run to her ribcage.

ì It be time foh yer to be gettin a proper shower, chere.î Remy Etienne LeBeau whispered seductively into her ear. Rogue just stood there like a dummy, closing her eyes and concentrating on the pleasurable sensation. Remy continued to stare at her, scrutinizing her expressions as he slided his hands to her butt, circling them with a rhythm.

Remyís erection was so obvious that Rogue knew it must hurt.

Rogue moaned and arched to his massaging. He covered his mouth over hers and tastes her flavour that he loved. Their tongues played games with each other.

Remy pulled her closer to him and grounded his hips against hers, forcing her to hold on to him. His hands carried her buttocks as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He leaned her against the wall and entered her.

He covered her breasts with romantic kisses while his hips started thrusting themselves. Remyís breath came faster as he tightly held Rogueís body to his. Rogue entwined her fingers in his hair, panting harder and harder. She tried to move her hips with him but was unable to.

He gasped and threw his head back as he was overwhelmed by a powerful orgasm. He abruplty stopped, his knees nearly giving way. Rogue sensed this and started grinding her hips against his body, thrusting and thrusting. He allowed her to do that, knowing that she wasnít satisfied. Rogue arched her body, rubbing some more force. Her audible panting turned her on even more as she went faster and faster, her back rubbing against the wall. But she doesnít care.

Rogue was rendered helpless at the final burst of release.

*

Next morning came but this time sun refused to come out. Thunder struck the earth and it rumbled slightly. Bursts of lightning zapped across the sky while big black distorted clouds shipped through in slow motion.

Her head stirred with disturbance from the crackles of thunder. She opened her green eyes for a brief moment and then closed them again. Rogue was dazed by last night, she didnít feel very good. Stress, she thought. Must be it.

She could feel Gambitís hand clutching her waist tightly that she could hardly breathe. Have I been sleeping like this the whole night? Gee, no wonder I donít feel good. She felt like she just came back after a hundred rides on rollar coaster. Her eyes remained close, trying to repress the awful feeling in her gut untill she heard...

ì Chere? You be awake?î A very sleepy Cajun voice emerged from behind her. She opened her eyes and turned over and smiled at him.

ì Morniní, sleepyhead. Feeliní better?î

ì Yeah.î Gambit started squinting his eyes untill only the black part could be seen. ì Chere, you doní look so good. You feeliní all right?î He asked, concerned.

ì Yeah, Ahím fine.î But she couldnít hide it, her face was contorted and drops of sweat began dripping down her face.

ì No, youíre not. Sit up! Maybe youíll feel better!î

Rogue complied but the awful feeling doesnít give up. Remy starts smoothing her back, stroking it up and down. But the feeling runs up to her throat instead.

ì Remy...stop! Donít do that. ì Rogue clamped her mouth shut, afraid that she might throw up. He frowned and was visibly worried. She nestled her head in his chest, trying very hard to make it go away. The repression wasnít helping her one bit. She was drained from her colour. no!

She couldnít repress it anymore. Breaking away from Gambitís arms, Rogue stumbled out of bed and made a dash for the bathroom. She slammed the door and crouched next to the toilet bowl, throwing up all she had inside. Now she felt so much better.

ì Uhnnnn...î She gripped onto her stomach and a throbbing pain in her head began to grow.

ì Roguie! You okay?î Gambit opened the door and helped her up. After guggling her mouth, Remy helped Rogue to the bed. She lied down and Gambit lied next to her, stroking her hair. She was visibly shaken by the ordeal; her face ws pale and she looked thinner.

ì Okay now?î

ì Uh huh.î She mumbled, drifting off to sleep again.

ì Food poisoning?î

ì Maybe.î

ì Better go to see Hank.î Remy got up and tried to pull her out.
ì No, Remy. Ahíll see him later or maybe some other day. Ah think this is jusí some food poisonin...î Rogue covered her mouth and she dashed to the bathroom again. Throwing up what was left in her, Rogue leaned on the toilet bowl, too tired to move.

Remy shook his head and helped her up.

ì I doní care if it be food poisoniní! Iím taking you to see Henry!î

ì Remy! Uh! Donít move me so quick or Ah might throw up on ya!î

Her stomach did feel quesy and she was too exhausted to move. Gambit lifted her up gently and carried her in his arms, he carried her down to the lab.

*

As Remy walked through the hall, carrying Rogue, they passed Bobby. He glared at the both of them but wondered at the same time what had happened to Rogue.

ì Gee, I wonder if its safe for women to be around you anymore.î Drake said, with a tinge of jealously.

ì Shut up, Drake. I doní have time foh dis.î Remy muttered.

ì Yeah, Bobby. Lightení up a lil, huh?î Rogue said weakly, her voice barely audible.

For once, Bobby Drake repected her and put an end to his childish behavior, leaving Remy to bring Rogue to the lab.

*

ì So what am I sufferiní from, Hank?î Rogue said as she remained lying down on the bed.

ì From your examination,Rogue, you are just suffering from a stomach flu.î

ì Nothing else?î

ì No.î

ì Den how come she didnít throw up last night?î

ì The toxins in the food need a little time to react, Gambit. Maybe if she was doing something vigorous like dancing could trigger of the poison even faster.î

Rogue blushed while Remy quietly smirked.

ì Oh, Beast! What are we goiní ta do?! Ah mean Storm and Bobby doesnít even believe us anymore? What?! Was it somethiní which we said bífore?î Rogue couldnít take it anymore and thought Henry was the best man or beast to talk to.

ì Yeah, Hen. We didnít even do anythiní to dem and they just snap at us jusí like dat! Even Jubilee was angry.î Remy trailed off. Everyone knew that he was fond of playing and teasing the Chinese-American teenager and she adored him for his charm and handsomeness untill now.

ì Ahíve never seen lilí Jubilee snap at Remy like that bífore!î Rogue sat up, forgetting what had happened to her that morning.

ì Donít worry, my friends. I will try to advice them on the topic and try to convince them that what they are thinking is wrong.î

ì Howís Monique?î Remy asked out of the blue, knowing already that the baby was lost. He still felt concerned about how Monique was doing.

ì Sheís okay, Remy. But the baby is lost.Iím sorry.î Hank put a hand on Remyís shouler. He just smiled and said, ì Hey, Henry. Doní have to apologise. Wasnít your fault.î

Rogue frowned. ì Youíre not blaming yerself foh what happened, are you, shugah?î

Gambit shrugged his shoulers. ì Maybe. If Iíd kept a watchful eye, maybe de baby wouldnít be lost.î Remy heaved a sigh as his red molten eyes fell to look at the floor.

Rogue jumped off the bed and went towards him. ì Hon, it wasnít yer fault! Even if ya kept a watchful eye on Monique, ya canít prevent her from harminí the baby! You donít expect yerself to follow her inta the toilet too!î

Remy chuckled and smiled warmly at his cherie; sometimes the humour in her lightened him up and he was grateful for it.

ì There! Ah believe that Ah jusí made someoneís day! Ahíll go and change and we can go to Harryís foh breakfast.î Rogue thanked Hank and walked off to change.

ì Well, I better go and get changed too, mon ami. Thank you for the quick investigation on Rogueís ìsicknessî.î Gambit laughed and was about to walk off when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

ì I was lying, Remy.î The words that sprung out of Hankís mouth made his blood pumped even faster. Remy LeBeau stood there, confused and very afraid.

ì What?î

ì Rogue doesnít have a stomach flu.î Beast looked at him striaght in the eyes with a somber tone controlling his voice.

ì What do you mean? She has the Virus?î Hank was forced to laugh and then calmed down.

ì Sheís pregnant, Remy. She told me about the collar you gave her."

Remy tried to say something but could only mouth words. His head went up and down very slowly, the news still not quite registering.

ì She be pregnant?î He repeated what Hank said. Hank nodded. The look of astonishment and shock on Gambitís face was precious. The impact on those three words was so great that Gambit had to sit down. He kept on muttering the words ì pregnantî and ì babyî.

Finally, after a few minutes of muttering, Remy turned to him.

ì Does she know?î

ì Yes, she does.î
ì Den how come she didnít want to tell me?î

ì She wanted it to be a surprise and asked me not to tell you untill she did.î

ì Oh! Believe me! Dis is a surprise! ì Remy began to smile.

ì Please, Remy! I would appreciate it if you didnít tell her that I told you. I wanted to tell you because I was afraid Monique might harm her. Look, Remy. The both of you must beware.Please take care of her.î Hank warned Remy very seriously.

Remy nodded and then left the room.

*

Chapter Thirteen: Discovery Never Sleeps

" Chere, you be pretty hungry,neh?" Remy LeBeau commented as he watched wide-eyed at Rogue who was stuffing herself like a glutton. He looked at her thoughtfully, his red-glowing eyes carrying a warm and caring gaze at Rogue.

Rogue looked up at her plate and smiled at him and then continued her eating escapade. The both of them were at Harry's having breakfast.

Remy still had the shock contained in him since Hank snitched on Rogu'e secret;Rogue was pregnant with his child and she didn't tell him. Remy understood why and grinned at the thought. Rogue knew him well. He would have blabbed to everyone in the X-mansion that he was going to be a father and then Monique would know. A sense of sadness overwhelmed Remy as he thought that there was now no one to tell of his bundle of joy; everyone at the X-mansion cast a shadow of prejudice behind them.

The baby he had with Monique was not one out of love but out of sympathy.He had craved for sympathy ever since Rogue left him for Joseph and that's what he got- a baby. A baby who had to pay a price just because his mother didn't want him. Remy cringed at the thought of how Monique dug the baby out,letting it lose its life while she still kept hers. Nobody said that the world wasn't wicked.

The world became an oblivion to Remy as he continued to gaze at Rogue. Her skin seemed to be as smooth as silk and as radient as the sun's rays. Her auburn hair flowed from her head and it had a sheen. Her nose was pert and perfect! Her emerald green eyes shone with life and love.

Remy's eagerness was overwhelming him tremondously; he wondered if the baby was a girl and would be an exact replica of her mother. And remy would take care of the both of them well. Very well. He couldn't wait to be a father and his mind started playing with thoughts of him and his daughter. He chuckled.

Rogue looked up at Remy and smiled; Remy was chuckling by himself and seemed lost in a world of his own. She wondered on what he was thinking. Her right hand left the knife and felt her stomach. A new life was growing in her and Rogue wanted to cry. A life made from her and Remy. Perfect.

"I see you have finished your breakfast,chere." Remy whispered softly to her. Indeed, she had finished her 'breakfast buffet'. She blushed at how much she ate and Gambit grinned.

" Come on,chere." Remy said as he flung a 50 dollar bill on the table and took his cherie's hand in his, sqeezing it tightly as the couple strode out of Harry's.

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" You must listen to me,X-men! Monique is not to be trusted! She tried to terminate Gambit's life and nearly succeeded.You can't trust her!!" Beast raved as he pounded his fists on the table. The X-men and him were all in the war room while Monique was still recovering from her accidentally on purpose 'miscarriage'.

" So, who told you this, Hank? The tooth-fairy?" Bobby sarcastically remarked.

Beast glared fiercely into Bobby's eyes. Bobby stared right back with a new found defiance.

" Tell me how long have you known Monique,huh? And how long have you known Remy and Rogue?Do you think they are having fun playing games with us?! You are mad!" Beast let his rage escape as his wrath took over. His lips curled and he frowned a frown that seemed everlasting.

" So, look who's talking like the thief and his lover. Where did you learn how to talk like that,Hank? Did you have to read it from a script?"

" I learnt it when I found out how shallow the X-men can really be!"

" Hank! You're being unreasonable here! Monique has become family and she has told us about her background whereas Remy has always kept his past in a closet."

" I am not the one being unreasonable when I have to justify my case! You know Monique's past but can you believe it?" Hank said ,finally calming down before walking out of the door and out of a room filled with injustice.

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The sun ray's streamed through the window shades as Monique started stirring.Her eyes finally opened and her mind immediatly started working.

She knew what he had to do next. The telephone on her bedside attracted her as her hand reached for it. Dialling a certain number, she waited impatiently for someone to pick up.

" Pick up,damn it!" She muttered. Her eyes scanning the area around her in case someone interrupted her.

" Hello. It's done. You better have more money ready; my body paid an unsual high price. It's you're turn. You know what to do." She hung up and laid back on the bed, a smile plastered across her face. Now it was her turn to relax. SHe laughed lightly as she thought how she completely and cleverly outsmarted the X-men. Shallow. She silently congratulated herself and drifted back into a sleep.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

She carried the tray of food in to Remy's room. She called him to wake up but he didn't. A needle pierced his IV tube and Rogue was on the alert. She turned around to find a black figure seizing her and knocking her down. Minutes after their struggle, her attacker knocked her down. Rogue, as dizzy as she was,gasped in shock. Her attacker's face started to unrevel itself...Monique! But wait! Her neck was grabbed by someone from the back and it wasn't Monique. Pain engulfed her as she felt a needle plunge into her neck, its contents emptied. Her eyes started to close when she saw the other person. Oh Lord!Her attackers started laughing as she drifted off into sleep, one was Monique and the other was...Joseph.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

"Rogue! Chere!Wake up!" Rogue's eyes flew open as she found Remy's face above hers. She started crying as shock from the dream frightened her, Remy laid her up and embraced her in his strong arms. It was the middle of the night as the lights were on. Rogue couldn't stop crying as slides of the dream kept re-appearing in front of her.

" Shush,chere. It be okay.Don' cry." Remy's comforting voice emerged while he rocked her gently. Her eyes were still wide with fear and alarm, her mind started working but she couldn't think striaght.

" Oh Lord, not again!"Rogue muttered as the nausea overcame her body. The dream shook her so much that maybe the baby couldn't take it either. Gambit climbed out of bed and helped her back.

He didn't need to ask any questions and just kept his silence. The thought of Rogue suffering for the baby heightened his admiration for her. He knew it was hard to carry a baby and wanted to do anything to help lighten her load.

Rogue panicked; Remy didn't bother to ask why she had thrown up. Did Hank reveal her secret to him? If he did, she would have to warn Remy.Or maybe Hank already did warn Remy for her. If Remy did know,why didn't he tell her he knew?? Silly man! Rogue burst into a smile and Remy was surprised at that;he knew pregnant women did have their moodswings but not during the earlier months!

"What are you laughing at,mon amour?" Gambit threw her a quizzical gaze and Rogue's tears disappeared and in thier places came a bright glow of life in her beautiful green eyes.

" Ya know, don't ya,Remy?" Remy died when he heard that. Was what he was doing for her so obvious that even she noticed?! And he was suppose to be the champion pretender! What happened, Remy? You must be losin' your touch,non?

Remy happily nodded his head; at least now he didn't have to hide his joy and happiness. He could now share his joy with her and the hapiness that this little bundle of joy was creating between them.

Forgetting about her dream, Rogue took his hand lightly and placed it on her abdomen. A tear rolled down Remy's cheek as he thought that allowing a new life to grow was magical and a miracle. His belief in God was at its highest; God left his finger prints every where in the world but his finger prints showed the most in Rogue.

Rogue kissed the tear away and Remy kissed her back. A kiss to signify his thanks to her; a kiss to signify his love for her. A kiss that also signified their love would be forever and would never ever die. He knew that now; with this child growing in her, he knew.

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Chapter Fourteen: Pop Goes the Secret!

As the fair sun arose and killed the envious moon, the leaves of trees started their shedding as autumm approached with great diginity as summer faded away.

The light breeze flowed through the Earth's surface, as if clensing the Earth of all its dirt and grime. The fact that Nature was great was inevitable.

Remy LeBeau was already awake at this terribly early hour. But he wasn't the only one that was awake. Screaming and fighting came from the hall and that was what woke him up. He had heard shredds of his name,Rogue's name and Monique's name thrown into the loud and noisy conversations.

Rogue was out like a light bulb and slept through all the racket and Remy counted himself lucky; Rogue would gladly contribute to the racket with her screaming if she was awake. Gambit smiled as he bent down to kiss his sleeping cherie. " You would make one helluva lawyer,mon amour." He whispered to her before silently creeping out of the room.

*********************************************************

" What?! You're telling me that Monique did all that to Remy and Rogue?! I can't believe that!" Scott Summers' voice emerged from the hall. So, the Summers clan was back,huh?Remy thought, Hooray. Salvation has come! Remy rolled his eyes as he listened further.

" Monique is not that kind of person, Scott. At least she has a better and brighter past then our friend, Mr LeBeau!" Bobby annoying character just had to contribue his so-called smartness to the situation.

" Please, Bobby, this is no time to give us your petty little remarks." Prof X said seriously. Suddenly Gambit was very fond of his bald headed leader very much and smile with glee.

" I know Gambit is not that kind of person to do such a thing!" Jean remarked angrily " How could you believe someone you don't even know someone to someone you know for years?! This is ridiculous!"

" Characters can deceive,Jean. I should know." Wolverine finally said something and out of the blue too .

" Ah hah! See! Logan is the wisest here and we should all believe him!" Bobby smiled victioriously and folded his arms. Gambit sighed; Drake probably thinks he's in some sort of children's game:always listen to the wise! Sheesh! What an idiot.

" No one is wise in this, Bobby" Prof X commented.

Gambit glanced into the room and noticed that Storm had not said a word. Come on, Stormy, you should know me better than this! Remy pleaded silenlty inside himself but what was the use? She couldn't hear him,but even if she did, would she believe him? At the beginning, Gambit was sure of all the answers to the questions but now he wasn't sure of anything.

" I still can't believe Gambit would do such a thing to Monique. I could never imagine him doing such a ghastly thing to a woman! Especially a woman!" Storm looked at them with tearful eyes. Angry tears tumbled down her cheeks as she stomped over to the window.

Jean was paralysed in shock that she had to say something. " Ororo, how can you say that! You've known Remy for a long of period of time and is that the way you think of him now?!"

"Yes." That one word triggered Jean and she stood there, staring at Storm in disbelief. " Oh, Jean, we all know that you're siding Remy because you've admired him for his charm since he walked through our front door!" Storm accused Jean.

"What?! I have admired Gambit for his charm and handsomeness but I am siding Gambit because of his innocence you people don't seem to notice." Jean started yelling.

" Is that so,Jean?" Storm strode towards Jean in a defiant manner that no one had ever seen before. " Then how come you told me that you didn't want to marry Scott at that time? Your exact words were " Remy is so charming. I wish I could marry him instead of Scott'!"

" Why you?!I thought you were my best friend but I was dead wrong! I may have said such things like that but it was always infatuation for Remy!" Jean screamed at Strom with all her lung power that could make the X-mansion crumble inro debris. Jean's body shook with anger as she glared at Storm.

"Infatuation,huh,chere?" Remy raised an eyebrow.

" Stop it,my X-men! This fighting will not get us anywhere..." Prof. X interrupted the womens' bickering. But before Charles could finish his sentence, Scott cut him short.

" So! That was why I was being ignored all those times! I see everythng now,Jean! I should have known!" Scott's petty jealousy conquered him as he began shouting at his wife.

" Scott! I told you! It was all infatuation! Is there anything wrong with that?!"

" Yes!" Scott walked towards the window and suddenly there was silence in the atmosphere. Jean couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her very own husband had to permit his childish behaviour strike again. She just had to give in to her temptation...

" And does that give you the excuse to give Betsy an eyeful?!"

Scott turned about,stunned. He started to stutter but he just couldn't pronounce the right words. " Jean...I..."

Remy's eyes danced with laughter in them as he smirked. This was becoming a soap opera; neverending. The whole X-men were so engrossed into their bickering that the telepaths didn't even sense him. Suddenly, his senses were alert and he swiftly turned around. He saw Rogue sneaking up his way as he outstretched his hand to her.

" You makin' a pretty good thief,chere." Remy whispered to Rogue and gave her his morning kiss.

" Good morning,hon. Ah heard the fight and wanted to come and enjoy the show." Rogue grinned.

" How you feelin'?" Gambit asked with care and concern.

" Just dandy,m'love. Just dandy." She replied. They both turned back to watch.

Now the situation was becoming worse as Betsy was involved and Jean started accusing her of lustful things between Scott and her.

"...You dare accuse me of eyeing Remy when you yourself was having tons of fun, Mr Summers!" Jean eyes welled up with tears as things started to get out of control."

" Please Jean, listen to me!" Scott shouted, trying to explain himself but his efforts were futile. " You always had an eyeful for her! No wonder you can't even perform properly in bed,Scott, because you used it all on her!!!" Jean screamed between tears and fury.

That was the last straw for Scott Summers as he swung his hand right across Jean's face, knocking her to the ground. It was a big blow to everyone; they just stood there and watched quietly as Jean struggled to get on her feet. Her lips were bleeding and her eyes accused Scott endlessly of hitting her.

Even the evesdropping couple behind the wall was tramatised by what Scott had done. Rogue covered her mouth in disblief

Something snapped in Logan as he sprung from where he was sitting and unsheathed his claws.

" Always knew you weren't the right man for Jeannie,little man. You'll pay for this!" Logan lunged at Scott with his body weight, throwing Scott to the ground. Logan was about to claw him when Scott threw an optic blast at him, sending Logan flying across the room and hitting the wall. He fell to the ground and was out cold.

" STOP THIS!" Even this was a situation that Charles Xavier couldn't handle with his power, which was ironic. The most powerful telepath in the world and he couldn't do a thing about this. Those two words which the professor shouted wasn't enough to stop the fighting X-men.

Jean rushed over to Logan's side and checked if he was okay. Jean then stared at Scott with a new vehemence. She wanted to sock her petty husband out of the sky and out of this world. She couldn't believe she married a petty little idiot like him.

************************************************************

As Jean walked over to Scott, the surroundings in the room suddenly warped and Jean found herself in Psylocke's mind. Psylocke appeared out of nowhere , wearing her costume and an expression of fury.

" You wanna fight over him, Jean? Let's do it the mental way!" A sword developed in Psylocke's hand and she seized Jean. Jean reacted fast and was soon covered in armour, making Betsy bounce back as she hit Jean's armour.

" You forgot that I am the second most powerful telepath in the world,Betsy?" Jean's pride showed and Besty's hatred heightened.

"I'll kill you with everything I've got to take your place,Jean!" Betsy yelled as her psychic knife appeared, charging at Jean....

" Jean! Betsy!" Prof.X exclaimed, his body went limp as he went to join the two fighting women in Betsy's mind, trying to stop their vicious and non-sensical fighting.

Both Remy and Rogue were speechless at what they saw; the true sides of the so-called peace-loving family they knew. In this family, there were so many things hidden in each of them: Pride, jealousy,pettiness. And the fight between Ororo,Hank and Bobby continued.

"What evidence do I have to present to you just to make you convinced?" Hank asked calmly.

" Make her prove it!" Bobby replied, thinking he was clever to say that.

"Believe me ,Bobby!If the task was that easy, I would have complished it already. Why do you always permit your stupidity to interfere in situations like these,Bobby?" Hank tolerated enough of Bobby's nonsense and started to walk away, shaking his head.

" Hey! What are you trying to say,Hank? That I have always been saying stupid things? Well, excuse me, Mr smart-ass but I didn't get a degree in medicine, you know!"

Hank sighed and was apologetic for what he had said; he hurt Bobby's feelings.

" Bobby, I'm sorry." But Drake wouldn't listen and covered his ears like a stubborn child. He started to walk out of the door, leaving Hank to call after him.

Bobby hadnít even noticed Remy and Rogue as he turned the other way and ran. Rogue started crying silently as she never believed that the X-men would project a choatic image like this.And to think they were trying to save the world when they couldnít even help themselves.

ìNo crying now,mon cherieî Remy LeBeau whispered softly into her ears and wiped the tears away with the back of his hand.The both of them knew that Monique had caused a chain reaction upon the X-men as they threw insults and accusations at each other.

ìCome ,chere. Letís go back to de room.This fightiní be gettiní worse and I doní think we want to hear anymore,non?îRemyís warm and gentle voice said.Rogue nodded her head and the both of them quietly tip-toed back to their room,shutting out all the noise....

************************************************************

The X-mansion was filled with a deafening silence; nobody talked and all had retired to their own rooms after the fight. It was already evening and Remy had taken a trip to the nearest fast-food outlet to buy dinner home. Rogue stayed in her room and watched telly. Sudddenly, there was an unexpected knock at her door and she immediatly turned her attention to the door.

ìWho is it?îHer hoarse voice rang out.

ì Itís Jean,Rogue? May I come in?î

ì Sure,jean. Címon right in.î

Jean Grey walked into Rogueís room, carrying an expression of pain and sorrow. She forced a smile when she saw Rogue and sat down on the bed next to her.

ì Rogue, I just wanted to tell you that I believe you and Remy and that I....îJeanís sentence trailed off as her eyes widened.There was no fear in her eyes,just blankeness. Rogue frowned.

ì Jean? Are you okay?î

Jean seemed lost in her own world and then turned to look at Rogue.

ì I sense three pressence in this room right now.. you,me and another being.A small being.î Jeanís mouth bgan to form a smile.Rogue smiled and then blushed and hung her head. She forgot that Jean was a telepath.

ì Youíre pregnant?!î Jean asked in disbelief as she thought that the inevitable could never be! Rogued smile broadened and she nodded her head. Jeanís expressionless face contorted into an expression of joy as she hugged Rogue. Rogue was touched by Jeanís sincere happiness for her.

ì But?!How?!Whoís the father,Rogue?Remy?î Jean started darting questions at Rogue all at one time.

ì Yes, Jean. Remy is the proud father.îShe said in a bubbly tone.

ì Oh,Rogue!Iím so happy for you!You can finally be happy!îJean hugged Rogue once more.

ìBut how?î Jean shook her head.Rogue had to relive and tell the story about the collar all over again. At that moment, Rogue felt like she had found a new friend to talk too; one she could trust.

Jean listened intently to Rogueís story and giggled. Rogue frowned.

ìIím sorry,Rogue,but it just feels like a fairytale!All happy and nice!î

Happy and nice.. these words struck Rogue like a rock. Something was wrong but Rogue couldnít pinpoint it. Happy and nice...no.. things may be working out for her and Remy but not for long.

************************************************************

He lied once more to her and promised himself that that was the last time he was going to do it to her. Remy was outside of a fast-food joint but somewhere outside a shack. A dilapidated shack with darkness crawling around it.

Remy lighted a cigarette and it ignited into life. He exhaled the smoke through his nose as his eyes darted round suspiciously. He had received a note that was mysteriously stuck in his coat pocket. The note said to meet someone at a little shack outside road 69 at 8pm sharp and warned him not to bring anyone. Remy didnít want to scare Rogue and just kept mum about the note.

The chilly breeze blew through his hair and he pushed up the collars of his coat and strode towards the shack. He threw the cig away as he looked at the door. He smiled to himself as he kicked down the rotting door. The door slammed to the ground and broke into pieces.

A dim light confronted Remy. There was a person sitting behind the candle, Remy figured. He acted as cool as usual and walked towards the table. There was a chair and Remy sat down. The mysterious presence of the other was hidden comfortable in the dark. Remyís eyes narrowed.

ì Who are you and what do you want?î Remyís deep voice question the being. Silence an then a chain of laughter shattered the still silence. That laugh! Confusion hit him as Remy stood up, knocking the chair over. His hand swiftly reached into his pocket and produced three charged cards.

ì What are you doing here, Monique?I thought you should be in bed resting.î Gambit asked with a tinge of sacarsm in his voice.

Monique appeared and her face projected a contrast of beauty with the help of the dim lighting.

ìClever and as swift as ever, Remy. I always knew you had such talent.î Monique stood up and walked round the table. ì I donít need anymore rest. I always heal fast.î

ì What do you want, Monique?î Remy said in a menacing voice, ignoring Moniqueís remarks.

ì Oh....just a little something or somebody.î Remy frowned, never losing his grip on the charged cards in which his hand possessed. ì As you know, Remy, I lost my family when I was little and was normally alone. After you left me, as you usually did, I discovered from my sources that they had found one of my sisters. I was ecstatic!î Monique suddenly began to relive the memory of the time when she heard the good news.

ì Soon, I had discovered where she lived and I was on my way to go and visit her. My heart was thumping with excitement and I could barely contain myself!î Monique said as laughter escaped from her voice.

Remy was wondering why the hell she was telling him all these unwanted stories to him, but he just stood there and listened. At the same time, he was scrutinising her every movement and was on his guard.

ì I arrived late that night at her house and what a big one it was! But strangely, it was dark and I found the front door open. I frowned as I coursed through the door. The place was dusty and dark. I went upstairs to find her dead with Tante Matte beside her.î Moniqueís voice changed into a sinister one.

It hit Remy like a brick and he blinked. Belle was her sister?! Shock ran through his nerves as he dropped his cards and they fluttered to the ground. He shook her head and looked up at Monique.

ì Yes, Remy! Belladonna was my sister! And the only family I had! I got there and she was dead! DEAD!î Monique screamed through tearful eyes.

ìAND WHO KILLED HER?!ROGUE!SHE KILLED MY SISTER BY BACK-STABBING HER!î Monique was already in hysteria and she went towards Remy.

Now he understood everything that was happening in the X-mansion. Monique wanted revenge and she was focusing her target on Rogue!

ìRogue!î Remy automatically exclaimed as he remembered. Now because of him, Rogueís life was in danger and with their unborn child within her. He feared as cold sweat dripped from his fore-head.

ìToo late, Remy. You canít save her now.î

An enormous force pushed Remy from the back and his face hit against the dusty ground. He felt his hands being twisted behind one another and it was impossible to break free. A sharp pain was instilled in his neck. He cursed, a needle. His arms were finally freed and he could see another person with Monique. They were both smiling sinisterly and he recognised the second face.

ìErik..î Remyís weak voice said as he began to drown into darkness.

ì Yes, Remy. Erik.. miss me?î A kick was applied to his face as Remy winced in pain. Drowning..drowing.... Remy was out cold.

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