Chapter Text
We need to talk?
Remy looks up and sees Scott looking directly at him. Scott has his arms crossed, and the expression on his face suggests he is happy—something he has never felt toward Remy. That hadn't changed since Ramy moved in and joined the X-Men.
What do you want to talk about?
You, being a complete freeloader, said, "Scott," as he looked around the sitting area of the mansion. All Scott could see were dirty plates and cans strewn across the coffee table and the floor, which made him very annoyed with his new teammate.
Moi a free loader? Remy said in an innocent, playful voice.
Yes, you. This room is a mess here.
Remy heard several voices coming from the hallway, one of which he recognized very well.
"Just in time," Remy thought to himself, rising from the cushy depths of the couch. He swiftly reached for his worn playing cards, their edges well-fingered, resting on the cluttered coffee table. As he turned to leave, he shot a glance back at Scott, who remained sprawled in a chair, still droning on with his relentless banter, a persistent buzz that only added to Remy's growing irritation.
"Hey, Remy, we're not done talking," Scott said, watching Remy walk out of the room.
Scott followed Remy out of the room, down the hall, and spotted him talking to Rogue Kitty and Kurt, seeing Kurt, who was a little bothered by Remy. Kitty, who is all listening to the conversation he is having with Rogue.
Ever since Remy joined the X-Men, Scott had been observing him effortlessly charm the female students and curry favor with the rest of the team. His attention, however, was particularly focused on Rogue, who seemed to be increasingly captivated by the Cajun's charismatic presence. This budding connection sparked unease in both Scott and Kurt, prompting concerns that Remy—once a formidable threat—might have ulterior motives that entangle Rogue in his schemes. The idea of their beloved teammate being drawn into his web was deeply troubling for both of them.
Scott thought to himself, "That's it," as he walked over to his teammates.
Remy walks down the hall and sees his chérie talking to her roommate, Kitty, and her brother, Kurt. She spots him and smiles as he walks over to them.
Well, bonjour! Where are you three going off to? Remy asked, knowing very well where they had been based on what they were wearing in the danger room.
"We're going to the danger room for our training session," Kurt stated firmly, making it clear he had no intention of talking to Remy.
I had an exhilarating session in the danger room this morning with the recruits. I navigated the training exercises like a seasoned pro, showcasing my skills with confidence and precision. The professor commended my progress, noting that my abilities have reached an advanced level. He mentioned that I'm ready to join the more experienced team for training, which includes you, my dear chérie.
As Remy spotted Scott approaching, he felt a sudden urgency—this was the moment he had to make his exit.
‘’Remy.’’
Sorry, Summers. I got somewhere to be, Remy said, walking down the hall, down the stairs, heading out the door.
Two weeks later, Remy was walking to his room after an intense training session led by Summer, who had been pushing him hard. Throughout his training, he had been working with the older X-Men, consistently proving his ability to use his powers effectively. During this particular session, Remy participated in a training exercise with Rogue and Kitty. The exercise went smoothly, and they collaborated well as a team, even beating the clock.
Once everything was completed, the other students and the X-Men were graduating, except for Scott, who didn’t hesitate to tell him what he had done wrong. He ordered him to redo the training exercise, this time on his own. Remy made his excuses and, though it was challenging, he managed to beat the clock. In fact, Remy didn't just beat the clock; he outperformed Scott's time, leaving everyone in complete shock. This included Scott, who exited the control room, but not before pausing to stare at Remy for a moment.
Remy got up when he heard a knock on the door. He told the person to come in, and as Rogue walked in, he closed the door behind her.
Rogue entered the room, glancing at Remy while reflecting on the conversation she had just had with the other X-Men.
A few minutes ago
He doesn't clean up around here. He behaves as if the Institute is a hotel, and I suspect he is engaging in activities that could endanger both the other students and us.
Like what Jean asked, wondering what Scott is thinking.
I’m not sure, but I have a feeling he’s not here for the right reasons, Scott said, glancing at Rogue, who was standing on the couch and looking directly at her.
"What? He mentioned that he felt it was time for a fresh start in his life."
A fresh start?
"It's been a month since he moved into the institution, Scott," Rogue said, her voice steady but laced with compassion. "He deserves a fair chance to adapt." She paused, reflecting on her own experience, recalling the challenging days she faced while trying to find her place in this unfamiliar environment. Adjusting here hadn’t been easy for her either, and she hoped Remy would find his footing more quickly.
I appreciate your perspective, but choosing not to participate in everyday household chores is not a valid excuse. The situation is beginning to affect the younger students noticeably. Scott mentioned that their engagement levels have decreased since Remy joined us. They've started to lounge idly, fixated on the television and snacking, rather than actively contributing to our activities, as Jean pointed out.
Scott is correct; we all pitch in with the chores, and Remy needs to do his part. Strom said she wants Remy to have a fair chance here. However, he hasn’t been contributing, which isn’t helping his situation.
We need to continue our conversation from two weeks ago. Scott mentioned he was about to look for Remy when Rogue blocked his path.
I talk to Remy to let him know how things work around here. Rogue said, seeing the looks and stares from her friends and the X-Men.
You talk to Remy? said Kurt, not liking one bit of this or how his foster sister is spending so much time with this Cajun thief.
Yes, I am going to talk to him, Kurt; it's the only way to solve this issue once and for all.
Ok, you talk to him and tell him that if he doesn’t start pulling his weight around here, Remy and I are going to have the same talk with the professor.
Rogue watched Scott and everyone else walk out of the room, contemplating what she had just gotten herself into.
"Chère, what a delightful surprise! What brings you into my bedroom on this lovely evening?" Remy asked, a warm smile spreading across his face.
“We need to talk,” Rogue said, her voice laced with urgency as she noticed Remy shifting slightly, creating a welcoming cushion of space for her on the bed.
“Have a seat, my chère,” Remy replied, his tone smooth and inviting as he patted the spot beside him, a gesture that spoke of warmth and intimacy, drawing her closer to him.
"No thanks, this won’t take long. Look, Remy Scott and everyone else are complaining that you haven’t been pulling your weight since you got here.
Is it Summers who is complaining?" Remy asked, fully aware that he was the one causing the issue.
"Well, yes. Scott is unhappy, and he feels like you are freeloading and treating the Institute like a hotel. It’s affecting the younger students."
"You’re here to tell me that I need to start contributing more around here. If Summers thinks I’m a freeloader, then fine, I’ll start pulling my own weight," Remy said, hopping off the bed and walking out of the bedroom.
Rogue walked out of Remy’s bedroom and returned to her own bedroom, where Kitty was typing an email to her parents.
"Hey Rogue, how did things go with Remy?" Kitty asked, glancing up from her laptop, her curiosity shining in her eyes.
Well, it's with better than I thought it would be. I hope it goes well for everybody's stake, but more for Remy.
In the evening, everyone gathers in the dining room for dinner. Everyone except Rogue and Remy was seated at the table, leaving the other X-Men wondering where they were.
"Where are Remy and Rogue?" Jean inquired, glancing at Scott, who was seated beside her. Her brow furrowed in curiosity as she scanned the room for their familiar faces.
“Hey Kurt, any chance you've spotted Rouge and Remy today? We are a bit curious!” Scott asked his teleporter friend.
No, not after our training session earlier this morning, Kurt said, wondering where they were—turning to Kitty. "Kitty, have you seen Rogue and Remy? Wait, aren’t you supposed to be cooking dinner tonight?"
At that moment, the doors open, and everyone looks as Rogue and Remy, carrying a huge pot, walk into the dining room, place it in the middle of the table, leaving everyone wondering what is going on and what is in the pot.
" What is going on here?" Scott asked, looking at Remy and Rogue.
Yeah, I thought it was Kitty's turn to cook dinner tonight, and Kurt wondered the same thing.
Remy approached me this morning and asked if he could cook dinner tonight. Kitty held out her bowl, ready to be served.
Are you alright with this? Professor Scott asked himself, looking at his mentor and father figure, who was sitting at the head of the table.
He came to me last night, and I told him that as long as Kitty is fine with it. Charles looked at Scott, who was looking at Remy, who was serving the food.
"What exactly is this?" Bobby queried, his brow furrowing as he peered into the bowl of soup set before him, the steam swirling up like a mysterious fog.
It’s the classic Cajun jambalaya I love to make, featuring fluffy white rice, a vibrant mix of bell peppers, onions, and celery, and a bounty of fresh seafood, like succulent shrimp and tender fish. This dish is a cherished recipe that I prepare back home in New Orleans, where the flavors of the bayou come alive.
“Régalez-vous! Dig in and enjoy!” Remy said with a warm smile as he took a seat next to Rogue, who was already eagerly savoring her serving, each bite bursting with the rich, spicy essence of the south. The aroma of the jambalaya filled the air, mingling with the laughter around their dinner table, creating a perfect moment of joy and camaraderie.
As everyone leisurely scoops up their dinner with eager anticipation, a warm sense of satisfaction fills the air. The tantalizing aroma wafts through the room, a testament to the meal he has carefully crafted for them. When Rogue first suggested it was time to bring Wright into their circle, he took it to heart and envisioned an unforgettable dinner. With excitement, he headed out to shop for the finest ingredients, and Rogue eagerly accompanied him, both sharing in the thrill of the preparation. Once they returned, he poured his energy into cooking, expertly blending flavors and aromas, while Rogue watched intently, appreciating the artistry behind each step.
What are you putting on your food, Remy?
Rogue turns to Remy, who is holding a little red bottle—knowing very well what is in Remy’s hands.
“This is my special family hot sauce,” Remy said proudly.
I saw you with it this morning, putting it on your eggs, Kitty said, remembering that she saw Remy use some.
I typically love to pour some of it into my jambalaya, but this time I had to tone it down to keep it mild for everyone!
“Can I have some of your hot sauce?” Jamie asked Remy, who was sitting a few seats down.
“Sorry, kid, but this hot sauce packs a punch that’s not meant for you,” Remy said, his eyes softening as he caught the glimmer of disappointment in the boy’s eyes. The fiery red sauce sat ominously on the table, a bold declaration of heat that could easily overwhelm even the bravest of taste buds.
How hot is it?" Kurt asked, curious now.
"It's incredibly hot, and only Chère and I can handle it," Remy said while watching the blue teleporting mutant. "Who's back to eating?" he glanced over at Scott. Who looked at him for a moment before returning to his food.
Later that night, while Remy prepared for bed in his room, there was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” Remy said, noticing that it was Scott, who was in his pajamas and ready for bed. “Bonne soirée, Summers. What can I do for you?”
I want to tell you that everyone likes your dinner.
“Thank you! I know they would absolutely adore it,” Remy said, a broad smile spreading across his face, radiating confidence in his culinary talents.
But that doesn’t change that I got my eyes on you and I'm watching you, Remy.
Eyes... huh , Remy said , shuffling his playing cards.
Yes, I know you're here for something, and it's not because of a fresh start.
Remy watches as Scott walks out of the room, closing the door behind him.
I don’t know who needs a chill pill more, him or Wolverine, Remy said to himself as he lay down on the bed. Thinking about what he would have for dinner tomorrow. As he continues setting here at the Institute.