Chapter Text
Disclaimer: I do not own the X-Men characters. All rights belong to Marvel Entertainment and I am not making any money off this story.
I’m Not Leavin’ You Anymore by BookwormDoll
Inspired by “Far Away” by Nickelback
Chapter 1: Rogue
“You’ve been carrying Apocalypse all your life,” I turn to Cable and place the blue gem containing Apocalypse in his hand, “Reckon you’ll know what to do with this.”
He looked down at it and back at me as if he was about to say something but then stopped. I just smiled.
“Rogue really do always come to Gambit’s rescue,” a familiar deep Cajun voice breathed behind me.
I sucked in a breath and turned around, heartbeat on pause. There, only a few yards away, stood the love of my life, alive and well. For a split second, fear gripped my heart, telling me that he would never forgive me for what I did to him.
But as I looked at the cocky grin plastered on his face, I thought, ‘No…fear is what got you into this mess.’
I start walking to him, and eventually we’re running to each other, smiling big and wide. When he reaches me, he picks me up and twirls me around once before setting me back down. And it’s there, him still gripping me as I stare into those eyes full of love, that I remember the deal I made with the celestial. I studied his face, trying to memorize it. His unwavering smile, the stubble lining his chin, and those eyes. Eyes that had scared most other people. Eyes that had been my anchor time after time. This moment, I realize…it was my last. And something inside me told me it was okay to take advantage of it in a way I had been too afraid of before. And so, I cupped his cheek in one hand and pulled him in for a kiss. Those ten seconds might as well have been a lifetime. For a moment, everything went quiet. For a moment, no one else was there except for Remy and I. For a moment…I could feel him. My hand pressed into his chest; I could feel his heart beating…for me. My whole world was lit up as he rested his hand on my back. I never wanted this moment to end…these few moments where I was his Chère again, despite what horrible things I did to him. So, when we finally broke apart, I pulled him right back in for a tight hug, clinging to him, entangling his trench coat in my hands, reminding myself that this was real; Remy was back…he was really back. Then it hits me…my celestial power was gone.
I pull away from Remy, examining myself. How was I still alive? Had the Celestial changed its mind and had mercy on me?
“What’s wrong, Chère?” Remy asks, smile fading.
“To save you…” I started, “there had to be a sacrifice…”
‘And it was supposed to be me,’ is what I don’t add.
I looked past his look of shock and dismay to the Blackbird, which just landed, Beast standing beside it carrying…no…oh no…
My knees buckle and Remy catches me, lowering us both to the ground as I collapse into him, crying. He pulls me closer, wrapping his arms around me and resting his chin on my head.
That elf brother of mine gave his life so I could have my second chance with Remy. I didn’t know how to feel and so I just sat there in Remy’s arms. Eventually he picked me up and carried me onto the Blackbird. That’s when I finally calmed down. Still, we held hands, blocking the aisle all the way home. Every once in a while, Remy would squeeze my hand as if reassuring me, and maybe even himself, that he was here. He was alive. We both were. I didn’t realize I’d been staring at him ‘till he turned to me.
“Admirin’ ‘de view, Chère?” he smirks.
Normally, I would respond with some snarky comeback, but this time, after everything we’ve been through—everything I put him through—I just smiled and said, “Yeah…Ah am.”
His smirk falters, eyes widening slightly as if he was expecting the witty comeback as well. Then he smiled, eyes practically glowing for all the love in his gaze.