A/N: Please note that this story was originally posted waaay back in '05, but I was never quite satisfied with the quality of it. I loved the idea of the story so much that I rushed through it far too quickly, and after re-reading it recently, I decided it was time for a makeover.
So now, I'm re-writing my first fan fiction! I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it! (Oh, and I don't own any of the characters in this story, they all belong to Marvel. Unless they're some arbitrary character who has like 4 lines... then chances are they're just made up. But for safety's sake, let's just give Marvel the credit!)

NEVERMIND THE DARKNESS

And when your fears subside you, and shadows still remain.
I know that you can love me, when there's no one left to blame.
So nevermind the darkness, we still can find a way.
Cause nothing lasts forever, even cold November rain.

Chapter One.

Remy Lebeau sauntered into the library with his hands shoved into his trench coat pockets. He gave a young woman a wink as he passed by her, and instantly noticed the blush that broke out over her cheeks. He'd forgotten why he liked this place to begin with. Could never quite remember the reason he'd shown up on their doorstep, asking in a round-about way for forgiveness and offering up his services to the X-men. But the sight of the young blonde woman blushing at the mere sight of his cocky grin and suave wink reminded him instantly. It was for the ladies of course. No,no... not the ladies; just one. His eyes scanned the study area of the library until he spotted her. She was just where Professor Xavier said she would be, of course; leave it to him to ever doubt a telepath. He stopped, tipping his head as he took her in. She looked different than she had three years earlier. Her hair had grown a bit longer, her outfit was more stylish, and she wore less dark makeup. It was clear to him that she'd outgrown her old Gothic ways. She laughed at something the young lady next to her said, causing her face to light up and he noticed her eyes. Those bright green eyes that shimmered when she laughed were just as vibrant as ever. A smile crept across his lips and he shoved his hands further down in his pockets, slowly swaggering over to them. He came to a stop behind the two girls, resting his hands on the backs of their chairs, and leaned down between them.

"Bonjour chères."

Both girls looked up at him in unison with matching looks of shock on their faces.
"Gambit?" Rogue finally said, knitting her brow together as she twisted in her seat to distance herself from his hovering face. "What are you doin' here?"

"I thought you were like, gone for good... or dead or something." Kitty added with an arched eyebrow.

"Nah, Gambit jus' had some t'ings dat needed t'be taken care of." He gave Kitty a wink.

"You mean... like... thievery?" Both of Kitty's brows perked up this time and Gambit chuckled.

"P'tite, y'never did beat 'round d'bush, did ya? Nice ring by d'way."

Kitty closed her hand into a fist and dropped it into her lap with a nervous chuckle. "Thanks."

Rogue shook her head, scooting even further away from him "An' what are you doin' here?" She tossed a hand into the air "Ah've never seen you in a library before." She added with a perfect poker face, causing Kitty to snicker.

Gambit gave her a smile "I see y'haven't lost dat Southern charm."

He moved around the table, pulling the chair across from them out and flopping down on it, kicking his feet up on the table and slipping his hands behind his neck.

"Remy needs an English tutor. Only one credit away from graduatin', an d' Professor thinks I need some kind o'commitment t'guarantee stickin' around."

"Sorry Gambit, I'm not a tutor. Maybe ask like, Scott or somethin'." Kitty shrugged.

"Or Jean. Ah'm sure you'd enjoy that..." Rogue looked over at Kitty with a smile.

Kitty chuckled with a snort "Oh yeah, I'm sure Scott would enjoy that."

"No no, chère. Not you, Rogue."

Rogue shook her head resolutely. "Nu uh. Ah have mah own problems with school. Y'can't just waltz in here an' assume ah'll-"

"Ain' assumin' chère. Xavier said y'would."

Rogue stared at him, her shoulders stiffening as she leaned forward. "No. He wouldn't..." she trailed off, slamming her pencil down and storming out of the library.

Remy looked at Kitty who simply pressed her lips into a thin line. He stood up and hurried after her, catching up just as she slammed through Professor Xavier's office door.

"Professor!" She ground out.

"Ah Rogue. I've been expecting you." He calmly smiled and rested his his fists on his desk.

"What's this about you volunteerin' me t'tutor?!" She demanded as she clenched her hands into fists and held them firmly against her sides.

"It has recently been brought to my attention that you are at the top of your class in English. So when a former member of the X-men comes, asking for assistance, wishing to re-join, I simply assumed you would be more than willing to assist." He tented his fingers as he spoke.

"Is this punishment for somethin'?" She took a step forward. "Ah'll do anything... anything else. Ah swear. Bathroom duty for a month... just please Professor..."

He let out a deep breath, offering her a soft smile. "Rogue, this is not punishment."

"Professor, ah can't-"

"Yes, you can Rogue. You're ready."

Gambit stared at her while she studied the Professors face. She sure knew how to make a guy feel welcome. If it was this hard for her to be around him, he'd just find someone else. Or better yet, find some place else. He was about to voice his thoughts when Rogue bit her lip and nodded silently.

She spun around on her heel and passed Gambit, leaving the office quickly as she headed back down the hall.

He turned around and followed, a few paces behind her. "Wait... is dat a yes?"

"Yes, it's a yes." She came to an abrupt stop and Remy almost bumped into her. "But no funny business. An' if y'waste mah time Cajun, so help me... you'll wish you'd never been born. Y'got that?" She jabbed her finger into his chest as she spoke and Remy smiled.

"Aye aye captain." He saluted. She rolled her eyes and turned around, continuing down the hall. "When's our first rendezvous?"

"Tomorrow. In the library when ah'm finished classes. An' don't call it that."

"Tête-à-tête? Dat better?" He called out after her and she shot him a scowl from over her shoulder.

"Just be there. An' don't be late."