Ororo had gone to find Remy after he was left behind, but by the time she got to the arctic, he had already found a transport out of there. He returned to the team a few months later.
"Excuse me! Excuse me, I am looking for a man who was brought in here. He was in a motorcycle accident. His name is Remy LeBeau…"
The nurse flipped though the papers on her clipboard.
"LeBeau… LeBeau… LeBeau… Ah, yes, here he is. He-- oh, Dr. Davis," she flagged down a doctor who was walking by. He came back to them.
"These women were inquiring after Mr. LeBeau in four- oh- eight."
"Yes, the motorcycle accident. Are you relatives?"
"I'm his sister, Jean Summers." Jean interjected before Ororo could answer. She was picking up that this man was very strict about the hospital's family only policy. It was emitting from his mind like radar. She gave Ororo a mental nudge letting her know. "And this is Ororo Munroe, his fiancée." She added, covering all angles.
"I see."
The doctor motioned with his hand that they should follow him.
"How is he?" Ororo asked.
"Well, he's got to be one of the luckiest son of a guns I've ever seen. He should be dead, riding around without a helmet like that…"
"Remy has a very hard head." Ororo said dryly.
"Indeed. He has suffered a serious concussion, several broken ribs, a fractured left arm and a broken right leg. Some internal injuries and bleeding but we've managed to care for those. He has already regained consciousness, which we really were not expecting."
"Well, if anyone knows how to play the odds…"
"Which brings up another subject." The doctor said stopping with his hand on a doorknob. He lowered his voice. "If your brother is prone to riding motor cycles in heavy traffic, with those eyes of his-- I suggest you buy him a helmet. There are doctors here who are not so open minded as I. Although it is illegal, another doctor might have found a way to-- delay his treatment, if not ignore him completely."
"Thank you doctor." Jean told him. He nodded, opened the door and let the two ladies pass him into the room.
"Just remember, he still needs his rest." The doctor said as he closed the door.
"Don' hit me, Stormy."
"Give me one reason why I should not."
"Dis bandage on my forehead."
"Expect a rain check, then."
"Knew dat was comin'."
"What happened, Remy?" Jean asked.
"Weren't my fault dis time. Even d'cops say so. Truck came outta nowhere, car beside me didn' see it, next t'ing I know, somebody be stickin' dis damn t'ing in my arm." Remy lifted up his left hand brandishing the I.V.
"Do you have any idea how frightened I was when we got that phone call? I could scarcely remain standing."
"You didn't." Jean added. "You would have hit the floor if Sam hadn't brought you a chair, remember?"
Ororo gave her a wry look.
"So when I get sprung from dis place?"
"I have a good mind to leave you here." Storm said under her breath.
"Hank is on his way back from that conference in Buffalo. He'll arrange for you care transfer to the mansion as soon as he gets here."
“Ugh…”
“Do not complain. I have a mind to tell him to let you stay here. And do not give me that puppy face, you know it only makes me madder.”
“Sorry.”
“Hmph.”
“So what dey got to eat in dis place. I’m starvin’.”
* * * * *
“Good work everybody. Session’s over.” Cyclops called from the control tower.
The X-Men began to file out of the Danger Room. Gambit stood his ground, resting his chin on his extended Bo-staff. Ororo, standing by the door, waited until the others had left before approaching him. His eyes half open, she wasn’t even certain he was aware she was there at first.
“What is wrong with you?” She asked quietly with concern in her voice.
“Huh? Oh, nuthin’ Stormy.” He stood up straighter.
“Nothing?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Jus’ a little tired is all.”
“Tired.”
“Uh, huh. Still gotta get some of d’cobwebs out.”
“And why do I not believe you?”
He kissed her on the cheek. “Cause you too suspicious. An’ you too good t’me.”
“Do not try to sweet-talk your way out of this…”
“Already done.” He said with a sly grin as he backed out of the room.
Ororo shook her head and followed after him.
Twenty minutes later showered and changed; Ororo entered the kitchen where the others were gathering for breakfast.
Remy was not present.
“Jean, has Remy come
downstairs?”
“No, not yet.”
Ororo looked back at the door.
“Is something wrong?” Jean asked, continuing the telepathic conversation.
“Remy just did not… seem
right to me this morning. His balance
was off.”
“I didn’t notice
anything. He seemed at top performance
during at the session.”
“…Perhaps I am just imagining
things.”
“Well, it was his first session since his recovery. Maybe he’s just babying himself.”
She sat down at the table.
Remy came down when breakfast was nearly over and only had a cup of coffee. Although she wanted to, Ororo did not press their earlier conversation.
She did however take notice of how Rogue was silently staring at Remy. And Remy seemed oblivious to it.
Since his return from Antarctica, Remy’s relationship with Rogue had been strained. He had tried speaking to her in the beginning, but she always found an excuse to be elsewhere. Ororo often felt Remy had been more charitable that she would have been in his position. For months after that Remy had seemed to stop trying. He had spent more time with Ororo and their friendship had strengthened to the point where it had been before Remy’s obsession with Rogue.
Yet since the time of his accident, nearly three months earlier, Remy had been drawing away from Ororo as well… away from everyone. This worried her greatly. She did understand that Remy had his pride and didn’t like having to have anyone take care of him. With two opposite limbs out of commission, a wheelchair was provided for him to get around that first month. It was like pulling teeth to get him to use it, but after he nearly fell down the stairs trying to hobble around awkwardly on one crutch, Ororo had thrown the item into the lake, leaving him no option other than the chair. It was easier moving a mountain than to get him to let anyone help him with anything else.
What worried her even more was Rogue’s altering behavior towards him. Not long after his return from exile, Rogue began communicating with Remy again—not necessarily for the better. She would appear affectionate one day, then return to her reserved state the next. She obsessed over the fact she could not touch anyone, then would tempt fate by walking around in halter tops and cut-offs. Storm knew this yo-yo attitude could do nothing but harm Remy. And that was making her angry.
* * * * *
“I’m goin inta town, Stormy.”
“On what?”
“Walkin’. Fresh air’ll do me good.”
“Take care my friend.”
“Sure. See ya.”
Remy walked out the door. The sadness in his down disposition was evident.
Ororo walked to the door of the Professor’s office and knocked.
“Come in.” he said.
He was sitting behind his desk when she entered.
Although he was considered to be the most powerful telepath on the planet, the Professor’s powers were not needed to see how troubled Ororo looked.
“Child, what is the matter?”
Ororo sat down. “Has… has Remy spoken to you lately?”
“No. But I have noticed how quiet he has become as of late.”
“I am worried about him. He has never been this withdrawn before.”
“Hmm. I thought he would have at least spoken to you at the very least.”
“No. Sometimes… I think he has even been avoiding me.”
“Do you think it could be…”
“…Rogue? I…” She shook her head. “Perhaps… I can think of nothing else.”
“What are you going to do?”
“…Perhaps a different approach is warranted. I just wish I knew what that was.”
* * * * *
“Remy, could Ah talk to ya.”
“Not now Rogue.”
“Ah, really think we need t’talk.”
“Not now Rogue.”
“Remy—”
“Not now Rogue!”
He shook her hand off his arm and continued on his way down one of the underground corridors. Rogue hugged her arms around herself and fought the urge to tear up again. She turned and walked in the opposite direction. Storm stepped out from a doorway Rogue had just passed.
“I think you should stay away from Remy.”
Rogue jumped at the sudden voice and turned around.
“What?”
“Stay away from Remy… at least for a little while.”
“What are you talking about, Ororo?”
“You are hurting him. Your flagrant on again off again affection, is causing him nothing but heartache. You expect Remy to be there whenever you are ready for him. And at a whim you turn him away again. You cannot continue to treat him this way.”
“Ah love Remy, Ororo.”
“Today.”
“That’s not fair. Ah have always been there for Remy when he needed me!”
“Do I need to bring up Antarctica? And where were you when he was in that accident. Why did you not come to the hospital with Jean and I?”
“…When…When that call came, I was in the middle of a Danger Room session. You wanted to leave right away. There wasn’t time for me to shower and change—”
“SHOWER and CHANGE!!!? He could have been killed Rogue! --And you were worried about personal hygiene?!”
“Would ya rather Ah show up at the hospital in full uniform? That would’a done a lot for our security!”
“Yes. I am certain you were concerned about team security.”
“You have no idea how hard it is for me, Storm. You—you’re free to love anyone you want! You can touch someone without worry—you don’t have to be afraid.—”
“Goddess—would you stop whining! I am sick and tired of hearing you cry over this like a baby, again and again! You are not the only one with problems Rogue. Your powers do not make you the pity case of the planet. There are those worse off than you. There are those that would trade places with you in an instant!”
“Oh, get real, Ororo. I can’t touch anyone—”
“What are you? Fourteen years old! Grow up Rogue! There is more to life and loving someone than the physical. That should be the least of your worries! Your heart is free Rogue. That is the most important thing. Stop being so selfish!”
Ororo walked away from her.
Rogue stood with her jaw open, her eyes wide.
* * * * *
Storm sat in a window seat in her attic, reading. Remy stuck his head in and knocked, a sullen look on his face. She looked up and smiled despite of the sinking feeling in her stomach.
‘He has bad news.’
“Come in Remy.” She said closing the book.
“Didn’t wanna bug ya.”
“It is no bother. Is there something on your mind?”
“—I—I…” stuttered.
“Look Stormy…” he started over with a sigh.
“I, um… I t’ink it’s time I be movin’ on. Wanted t’tell ya b’fore I told d’others.”
“What?!” she asked bringing her feet to the floor.
“I’m movin’ out.”
“Why?”
He shrugged slightly. “Got my reasons.”
“Then tell them to me.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not.”
“Jus’ can’t.”
“Then I am going with you.”
“Dis ain’t a vacation I’m goin’ on Chere. I ain’t comin’ back.”
“I will go with you and stay with you until you give me a viable reason not to.”
“Stormy…”
“Are you in some sort of trouble Remy? If you are, please do not conceal it from us—from me again.”
“I ain’t in no trouble, Stormy. Promise you dat.”
“It is Rogue then, is it not? If you are leaving because of her, you are being very selfish. She shows no regard for your feelings, and so you show no regard for mine. I- do – not- want you to leave, Remy.”
Remy winced at the heartfelt statement. He spoke more quietly.
“Dis ain’t about her.” He said shaking his head. “Be a hellova lot easier if it was. But it ain’t.”
Ororo bit back the urge to ask the ‘What is it?’ question again. She closed her eyes a moment.
“When were you planning on leaving?”
“End of the week.”
“So soon?!”
“Yeah.”
“…Give it a month Remy. Please. If it is not urgent, give it another month. Think about it some more.”
“Stormy…”
“Please, Remy… for me. One more month.”
‘Hate it when she look at me like dat.’
“…Alright, alright. One month.”
Ororo put a hand to the side of his face.
“Thank you, Remy.”
* * * * *
“I really appreciate you doing this Remy.” Jean said looking down into the engine. “It just didn’t feel right and no one else is around.”
“No problem, Jeanie.” Remy rolled out from under the car. “Actually, ‘s a good t’ing you came back right away.” He stood up and wiped his hands in a rag. “Your brake fluid leakin’ like a sieve. You gone all the way inta town and you would’a had t’use your powers t’stop the thing. I can fix it though.”
“Ugh. Thanks Remy.”
“Don’ worry ‘bout it.”
She turned to walk out of the garage.
“Jean…”
She stopped and faced him again.
“Can I ask ya somthin’?”
“Of course.”
“…What… What do you t’ink of me?”
She couldn’t help an awkward smile.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean… what do you t’ing about me… as a person.”
“Uh—Remy… I… don’t know what to say.”
“Looser, liar… dat help ya any?”
“Remy, don’t.”
“Well?”
“You’re too hard on yourself.” Jean walked back towards the car. “You’ve made mistakes, but show me someone who hasn’t. At least you’re willing to atone for them. That is a rare trait.”
Remy dropped his head at the compliment.
“You’ve got your rough edges, but those of us who have gotten to know you, know that you have the kindest of hearts. You are a good person, whether or not you are willing to admit it. You are caring and considerate of others feelings… I must say that I’m happy to have you as a friend.”
Remy scratched an eyebrow in an embarrassed manner.
“Is that along the lines of what you were looking for?”
“Wasn’t expectin’ dat.” He replied, still not looking directly at her. Jean could see that he was blushing.
“Well, it’s true. Now what brought on this question?”
“…Nuthin’.”
“Remy… you are not the kind of person who likes to leave himself open for self criticism. Come on. I was straight with you…”
“…Maybe a little too kind.”
“Remy…”
He sighed.
“Is it Rogue?”
“Why does everyone in dis house t’ink dat everyt’ing I do and say has t’do with dat woman?”
“…Probably because before Antarctica, everything did…”
“Yeah, well… not no more. Done wit playin’ games.”
“So what is it? Is there someone el— Oh, my god. That’s it isn’t it? You’ve fallen for someone else.”
“…I… better get back to work.”
He quickly dropped to the ground and wheeled himself back under the car.
“When you started really falling for Rogue,” Jean continued, talking more to herself. “you behaved the same way. You were suddenly very quiet and withdrawn… Oh!” she slapped herself on the forehead. “How could I have missed this? Jean moved over and looked down at him through the engine parts. “Who is she?”
“Bye, Jean. T’anks for d’help. Gotta work on d’car now.”
“Come on, Gambit. This isn’t like you. The quietness maybe, but you’ve never been the shy type. Who is it?”
Remy began banging loudly on something under the car with a wrench.
“You can’t get out of this that easily.” She said in his mind.
Remy dropped the wrench.
“Don’ matter who she is. No chance dere anyway.”
“Why?”
“‘Cause she outta my league. Way out.”
Jean got down on her knees and looked at him under the car.
“Have you asked her out?”
“No, an’ I ain’t gonna.”
“Why?” She gave a little gasp. “…Does she live here? Is that why you’re leaving? Is it someone on the team?”
“Since when you become such a gossip?”
“Hey, someone had to pick up the slack where Jubilee left off. Besides, I’m not gossiping, I’m helping you. It’s not good to keep things bottled up, you should know that by now.”
Remy rolled himself out from under the car again and sat on the cement floor of the garage. He leaned back against the car’s bumper, his forearms resting on his knees. Jean crawled around the side of the car and knelt beside him, listening.
“I lied.”
“What?”
“Back in d’hospital. I lied. I said dat, d’truck hit d’car an’ d’car hit me an’ dat I didn’ r’member anyt’ing after dat.”
“Yes…”
“I did—I do remember what happened. Car hit me, I went flying. Leg hit d’lamppost, kept goin’, hit full force inta d’wall of a bank.” He gave an air-laugh. “Ain’t dat fittin’. Me hittin’ a bank. Anyway, I hit d’ground. An’ I’m layin’ dere… Thought ‘dis is it Gumbo. Your number’s up.’ Didn’ see my life flashin’ b’fore my eyes though, not all of it anyway. Jus’ kept seein’ one face. But it weren’t just dat I was seein’ d’face, it was d’way dat I was feelin’. Thought dat was my last moments an’ I didn’ want no one by my side but her. Didn’ want t’be nowhere dat she wasn’t. Always want to be wit her.”
“Oh, Remy,” Jean put a hand on his shoulder. “That’s so sweet. So why don’t you tell her?”
“Like I said, she outta my league. She too good for me. She deserve someone better d’an just some ole swamp ra— d’an some old t’ief like me.”
“Remy, as much as a ladies man as you have been, I’m going to give you a piece of advice that will help you with any woman you ever meet.” She leaned in closer. “Let the lady decide. We like to be asked. We don’t like to have things assumed for us.”
“…Can’t do that Jean. Dere’s… somethin’ else. She’s… she a friend. If I say somethin’ an’ she don’ feel the same way…”
“You’d be miserable.”
“T’say d’least.”
“And are you that happy now?”
“…”
“Well?”
“…She… I mean I… Ya don’ understand.”
“Why not?”
He ran a hand through his hair forgetting about the grease.
“I tell you… you don’ tell no one right.”
“I swear it.” She said with all seriousness, and she did the cross-your-heart action.
He lowered his head. “It’s ------” He mumbled.
“What? What was that?”
“Stormy, okay. It’s Stormy.”
“Ororo?!” Jean said sitting back in surprise. “I—Wow. I-I, never saw that one coming.”
“You never saw dat comin’?! How you t’ink I feel. All dis time I just t’ink of her as my best friend. Den I’m lyin’ dere dyin’ an’ I can’ do nuthin’ but t’ink how much I’m in love wit her. It blindsided me. When I wake up in d’hospital, I thought maybe it was jus’ my imagination. Den d’two of you show up, an I see dem blue eyes…” He shook his head. “She had gods and demons an’ kings makin’ plays for her. She turn every one of dem down. What I got t’offer her?”
“So you decide to avoid her for months then move out. That’s smart.”
“You got a better idea?”
“You already know what I think. My opinion doesn’t change knowing who it is.”
He shook his head again. Jean rested her elbow on the bumper.
“…Well… what’s the worst thing that could happen?”
“She make a joke of it, don’ feel d’same way an’ feel awkward around me from den on to d’point where I loose d’best friend I ever had.”
“And what’s the best thing that could happen?”
Remy continued to stare off into space. But his aura seemed to change. The smallest beginnings of a smile could be seen on the corner of his lips. His eyes seemed brighter—not glowing, but brighter like a child on his birthday. Jean was not one to use her powers to invade other people’s thoughts or feelings, but Remy was emitting such a feeling of joy, that she could not help but sense it and smile her self. She put a hand back on his shoulder.
“Now isn’t that feeling worth the risk?” She asked quietly.
Remy raised an eyebrow.
To Be Continued…
On To Part 2