Master Thieves

The first time Rogue stole, it was from her parent's safe in the basement, and it was so she could afford a one way bus ticket away from home.

She followed her plan, tracing her road trip northward. The only thing she didn't plan was falling into Cajun country.

The second time, there was a backpack left at a park bench and she was desperate.

After that, she lost track of how often she stole. Living on the streets and only just scraping by, Rogue only took in small amounts, never enough to draw attention to herself, either by authorities, civilians, or other thieves.

She found that her mutation saved her from falling into other ways of making money on the streets.

When she realised this, she hated it just a little less.

She was quick, noticing vulnerabilities in any situation and taking advantage of them. It was a risky move to take. Rogue had just enough money for rent and food, but her gloves were wearing thin and wouldn't last much longer. In her defence, he was asking for it.

The trench coat was hanging from his side and the outline of a thick wallet bulged out of the tan material. The man was leaning heavily against the wall; wearing sunglasses even thought it was well after dark.

Rogue approached with her hands shoved into her hoody, her head tucked down and looking up through her brown bangs.

She bumped into his side.

''scuse me.' She mumbled, tucking her hand back into her pocket. She turned to continue when the man shot out.

He grabbed her wrist and twisted it, spinning her and trapping her against the wall, arm pinned painfully above her head.

'Rookies don' take from master t'eives.' He growled, annoyed.

Rogue's expression stayed nonchalant. 'Right, not presumptuous at all, then.' She said dryly.

The man smirked and plucked the stolen item from her hand. He waved it in front of her face. 'At least try to tell a pack of cards from a wallet.'

'Get off me!' Rogue yelled pushing forcefully at his chest.

The man stepped back, of his own choice rather than her push.

'You're a rookie.' He spat the word like it was sour.

'Maybe.' Rogue shrugged. She held up a thick leather wallet she lifted from him moments ago. 'But I'm a fast learner.'

He didn't pat his pockets, but grinned, impressed.

'Not half-bad, rook.' He said, frowning slightly at her.

Rogue suddenly realised the danger of what she'd done and held the wallet out.

'I was just proving a point.' She said.

'Keep it.' The man shrugged. 'I believe if something's stolen, it should stay stolen.'

'You took the cards back.' Rogue pointed out.

'I like my cards.' He shot back.

'And you don't like,' she paused to look inside the wallet, 'half a grand in cash?'

'I really like my cards.' The man said.

Rogue pulled the money out and tossed the empty wallet at him. 'Well, at least take that back. I wouldn't get five bucks for it at a pawn shop.'

'Pawn shop!' the man exclaimed, offended. He moved forward to examine her closer, frowning behind his dark glasses. 'You might as well throw talent into the garbage.'

'I bet you know everything about garbage, don't you, Swamp Rat?' Rogue sneered.

He clutched both hands to his chest. 'You wound me.' He mocked. 'Sharp tongue.'

Cold steel pressed into him, just below his belt.

'Sharper blade.' She replied. He tensed for a moment but didn't move.

'What's your name, chere?'

She tightened her grip on the knife threateningly. 'Rogue.'

'The name's Gambit.' He answered, even though she never inquired.

'Do I look like a girl that cares?' Rogue said angrily.

'Calm down, Rookie.' Gambit laughed. 'I only asked because I see potential.'

'You're awful confident and… what's the word I'm looking for?' Rogue added a little pressure on the knife. 'That's right. Cocky.'

Gambit chuckled quietly to himself. 'How long you been on the streets?'

Rogue glared at him. 'About a month.'

'Mississippi girl?'

She nodded.

'Tired of the streets yet?'

'Not right now.' Rogue grinned. The pressure on the knife increased. 'Right now it's got pretty interesting.'

Gambit stepped back, putting some distance between himself and the blade.

'You've got talent, rook.' He said. 'You shouldn't be wasting away on the streets like this.'

Rogue laughed disbelievingly. 'You think you're the first one to try that?'

'Not me, chere, Ms D.' Gambit corrected. 'She's got a soft spot for people like you.'

'Like me?' Rogue challenged.

'Strays.' Gambit corrected. 'Runaways.'

He caught the emotion that flicked behind her eyes, second guessing herself.

'Hot meal, warm bed.' He continued. 'Ms D. helps out a lot of us street kids.'

Rogue's passing thought turned into strong longing as she imagined sleeping in a proper bed in a real house.

'What do you say, Rook?' Gambit asked. 'I can take you there.'

Rogue shivered as a cold wind picked up in the deserted street.

Gambit smirked. 'I'll take that as a yes.'

'Two rules.' Rogue said sharply. 'Number one: Don't touch me.'

'Don't worry, chere. Gambit got no ill intent.' He cocked his head. 'Less, of course, I'm invited.'

'Rule two;' Rogue continued forcefully, 'don't ever touch me.'

Gambit held up his hands in defeat. 'I get it, I get it.'

She eyed him sceptically. 'We have a deal?'

'I don't see much of a deal, chere.' He pointed out smoothly. 'Just Gambit running errands for you.'

Rogue held out the money she had taken from him earlier. 'I'll pay you five hundred dollars.'

'How about, once you're all settled,' he picked up the cards and made them dance between his hands, 'I'll play you for it.'

Rogue agreed and tossed her hair over her shoulder. 'So where's this Ms D. then?'

Gambit stepped back and held out an arm, gesturing down the street and inviting her to follow. They walked side by side for a while, Rogue casting occasional side-long glances at the Cajun. Self-consciously, Gambit adjusted the dark glasses covering his eyes.

'What's with the glasses?' she asked.

'What's with the gloves?' he shot back.

Rogue tugged at her gloves to make sure they stayed on and pulled her hood up, indicating that this conversation was over.

For now.

An AU of if Rogue had run away, but never made it to Laughlin City. Romy, angst, solid plot with some comic book crossovers. Please review!