If Ever - REVIEW THIS STORY

Written by Painted Eyes
Last updated: 01/02/2007 02:01:11 AM

Chapter 19

He looked at the mansion, quiet and still in the dawn, breathing deeply of the warm morning air. It felt like a memory being made and yet he didn't regret it, turned back to packing his bike. He had spoken to no one since last night, had gone straight to the garage, uncovered his bike with real affection and, with some painful trouble, kicked her over and took off, stayed gone until this early morning when he'd finally done his thinking and made his plans.

Didn't want to see them now, either, didn't want to spoil the finish it had felt like and risk disturbing the deep pervasive peace that had settled over his soul. Those here who were his friends would hear from him, he would not lose what had been gained at such a price. Sorrow deep, yes, it would hurt a long time, and he knew with a certain prescience that he would never love with the intensity and purity he felt for Rogue. But he would find a place that would ease his soul, a purpose that would fill his days doing whatever good he could for whoever needed it. Find his redemption somehow.

"Remy." He closed his eyes a moment, his heart swelled and ached and he cursed himself for not having left an hour ago.

"Stormy." Soft and profound.

"Do not call me that." He shook his head, smiled in spite of himself.

"Can you not even look at me, my old friend?"

He sighed, tightened the last strap on the saddlebag and dropped his head. Answered her with his heart in his voice.

"Don' wanna say good-bye t'you, 'Ro."

A battered canvas bag dropped to the ground by his knee, and when he looked up, Storm was dressed in leathers and smiling at him.

"Then don't."

For a stunned second he did nothing, then he launched himself to his feet with incredulous joy to see the decision she had reached, to feel her friendship and love, the truth of her forgiveness. He grinned at her with all the old spirit she adored and grabbed her in a sudden tight embrace bursting with the emotions he could express no other way. His face, when he leaned back from her, was so like the old Remy it made her laugh out loud with welcome.

"C'mon, 'den, mon ami ... cousin 'Em be throwin' 'd annual Fais Do Do n' I got a terrible cravin' t'dance."