The Best Friend, The Gown, and The Moment

Chapter 1: The Best Friend

Rogue sat quietly on a high branch in the old oak tree in the back yard. It was a cool early spring day, the sun high in the sky and the breeze light and refreshing. It reminded her of afternoons by the river, watching the boats roll by. It was days like today she missed her home the most.

Not to say she didn't think of the mansion as her home, but it just wasn't the same. That's why in only a few short months, at the end of summer, she would be attending college classes at Louisiana State University. It wasn't Mississippi exactly but anything south of the Mason Dixon line was home.

A light breeze blew past her carrying the scent of cigarettes, Cajun spices and warm beignets. She opened her eyes and looked down through the branches to see a fellow southerner. He didn't seem to notice her as he leaned back against the trunk, a lit cigarette between his fingers.

She smirked. Rogue looked around her searching the branches for the little acorns that had already started to grow. She reached forward after locating a small bunch and picked a few. Rogue then looked down to see Gambit was still there, oblivious to her presence. She watched for a moment as he drew from his cigarette and then when he put it down she carefully picked an acorn from her palm. With practiced precision she tossed the acorn toward the ground successfully hitting him on the top of the head.

Gambit jumped rubbing his head as he looked up into the tree. The most beautiful sound in the world reached his ears as he saw Rogue looking down at him. She laughed at his baffled expression.

Gambit glared up at her before speaking.

"What was 'dat fo'?" he asked incredulously. She shrugged, giggling.

"Jus' felt like it sugah." she replied. Gambit smirked, making to climb up the tree with her. He stopped in front of her on the large branch. He straddled it, facing her head on.

"What yo' doin' up 'ere Chere?" he asked. She smiled lightly.

"Shhh." she hushed. A light breeze blew through again. Rogue closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as did Gambit.

"Spring on 'de bayou." he stated after a time of silence. She opened her eyes and smiled.

"Reminds meh of Spring on the riva'. Used tah sit out an' watch the boats pass." she closed her eyes again and took another whiff of the air. When she opened her eyes again, she found Gambit's intense gaze on her. She blushed slightly looking away.

Gambit chuckled. "Yo' know yo' some kind a special petite." he said. She looked back up at him blushing even more.

"Well yah not exactly mundane yahself, swamp rat." she smiled coyly. He laughed, a deep manly laugh, that turned her insides to mush.

"Tell moi Roguey." Gambit started. "What yo' favorite part o' spring in 'da south?" he finished. Rogue thought for a moment looking out over the yard. A sweet smile grew on her face.

"The strawberries." she replied. "We had a little strawberry patch in the back yard. Before they were completely ripe, Ah used to sit out between the rows and jus' breath in the smell. Then when they were ripe mah mom and Ah would pick'em and make jam and preserves and all kind of stuff." she licked her lips absently. Gambit smiled as he watched her.

"What about you sugah?" she asked.

"Hmm," he started. "Remy never t'ought 'bout it chere. But he suppose it'd be 'da cherry blossoms." he explained proudly. She looked at him surprised.

"Really?" she questioned. "Yah mean it's not the new influx of tourists and their unprotected wallets?" she teased. Gambit looked at her hurt.

"Yo' wound moi Roguey." he said, putting his hand over his heart as if he'd been shot. She laughed.

When she finally settled down Gambit shifted on the tree branch, swinging his leg over so he was facing toward the mansion. They looked on, watching the rest of the residence in or near the pool. Rogue chuckled as she watched Kitty push Kurt in the pool, and then Piotr throwing her over his shoulder and jumping in. Gambit then laughed as he watched Tabby flirt with Pyro (whom had already decided she was way too young) and seemed uncomfortable.

As the two sat in silence, a thought struck Gambit.

"Chere?" he questioned grabbing her attention. She turned to look at him. When he was sure he had her attention he continued. "What 's Remy t' yo'?" he asked seriously. She blushed lightly, looking back out at the yard.

"Well." she began. "Yah mah friend." she replied.

"Is 'dat all?" he continued. She paused to think for a moment.

"Well honestly." she started again. "Ah kinda think of yah as mah best friend." she continued a blush creeping across her cheeks. Gambit smirked.

"Best friend eh?" he thought. "We'll see"

A/N: Ok chapter 1 done. These are going to be short chapters. Please review.

-RED