-1Disclaimer: I own nothing X-men. Gosh I wish I did. However I do own Austin/Shifter and Skylar/Nightshade. Oh…and I did add a few new random mutants in just for class and background stuff.
***Rated M for later content***
A little bit out of the X-Men Evolution Universe. Mutants are a bit older, no one is dead or missing.
Oh…and I don't write accents. It's not fun for my spellchecker. We all know how they sound. And we can all imagine their voices. Sometimes I'll add some accents in…but it's rare.
ROMY- Rogue/Remy
*Trouble This Way Comes*
Skylar raised an eyebrow. "Wolverine? Hot damn…this is really heaven." Her eyes got dreamy. She stood up to head for her class. "You know, sweetie…good men are hard to find. Gambit obviously is head over heels for ya. Don't let him go. And don't push him away."
Chapter Two
Has Cupid's Arrow Struck Me So?
Rogue stared at her new friend's retreating figure and sighed again, drinking her coffee quickly and hurrying off towards her class. She loved history. It was her chance to be at peace with the haunting memories in her head. After all…weren't memories just that? A part of history?
Rogue's charges were eager young men and women…much like she had been 5 years earlier. They had a desire to learn…even if classes did get off topic much of the time. Today, they were going to be discussing the Holocaust. A touchy subject…and the source of many passionate discussions. Some mutants related to the holocaust…they too were destroyed for being "different"
Opening the door to her class, she breezed in with a smile. "Morning class!" Setting down her bag, she perched herself on the edge of the desk. "Today we're discussin the Holocaust. Let's keep the blood letting to a minimum. K?"
Thirteen young and eager faces grinned back at her. Rogue smiled. "So…World War Two. What was so significant about it?"
A young girl raised her hand. "Well…there were a lot of significant factors in the war. The first jets, the advancement of warfare rules, techniques, and standards. Also World War Two introduced us to the atom bomb and nuclear weapons. It also set off the Cold War. But if you're headed in the direction of the Holocaust…then I guess you want to hear that World War Two was also the stage for the massive Genocide of the Jews." Rogue grinned. Misery was a good girl. A smart student, and a capable mutant…she could make people feel what she was feeling. And sometimes…it wasn't good.
"Good job, Misery. You pretty much hit the nail on the head." She looked at the rest of the class. "So what about concentration camps? Who knows what those are?"
A handsome boy in the back raised his hand. "They were the camps the Jews were forced to live and work in until either disease or the Nazi's killed them." Rogue nodded again.
"Correct. Good job." Before she could continue, Misery raised her hand again.
"Rogue…isn't it true that some people want to send US to camps? Wouldn't that be kind of fringing on the Holocaust?" Rogue groaned mentally, knowing it was going to come to this. There went her lesson plan.
Another girl, Poppy, a manipulator of plants, snorted. "Everyone knows that humans don't have the strength to keep a bunch of mutants locked up."
Misery looked at the other girl, narrowing her eyes. "But that's what they want. To keep us separate." She used quotations for "separate."
Rogue sighed, might as well run with it. "So…can we agree that maybe the treatment of mutants is very similar to the treatment of the Jews? And that a few core people can factor the thoughts of many?"
Poppy nodded and made a rose grow in her hand. "It's kind of like plants. Everyone knows that this rose couldn't kill you. But if I managed to convince this entire room that it could…then it would be a pandemic."
Misery snorted. "You're a loony. That thought is based off of the divine theory. If X believes he's Y, and he convinces everyone that he is Y, then he is Y."
Rogue blinked. Shit, this was way over her head. Thankfully she was saved by a tap at the door. She looked at her class. "Hold that thought Misery." Hurrying to answer the door, she grinned at the man standing on the other side.
Gambit was casually leaning against the doorframe, his black and red eyes dancing as he took in the sight of Rogue. "Sorry, ma Chere…but my class isn't today. Mind if I sit in on yours? Get to know the students?"
Rogue nodded and ushered him in. "Sure. Class…this is Gambit, he's a professor here as well. He'll be sitting in with us. Maybe we can convince him he's Y."
Misery snickered. Poppy raised her hand. "But Rogue! Everyone knows that together, as a team…mutants can overcome the bad rep they've gotten."
Rogue nodded. "True…but how do you insure that all mutants behave?"
The students thought about this for a moment. Gambit raised an eyebrow. "I thought y' taught History, no?"
Rogue laughed. "We've gotten off topic."
Gambit grabbed her hand and kissed it, smiling as the girls in the class sighed. "So I figured, my chere."
Rogue snatched her hand away and made a face. She turned to the class. "Ok…so this is the perfect homework assignment. I want ya'll to write a 'theory' on why mutants should pay close attention to history for survival. It'll be due at the end of the week. Alright?"
The students groaned, but gathered their stuff up as the bell rang. Gambit snickered and watched them leave. "Yeh have a way with them, Chere. They really like this class." When Rogue only blushed, he grabbed her hand. "Come on, we have the danger room with Logan."
----
Logan was not an easy person to fight. In fact…fighting him was quite the opposite. Rogue slammed against the wall, groaning as she slid to the floor after a rather ridiculous toss from Wolverine. Gambit stepped out of the shadows, a lit playing card in his hands. "Come on, Chere…you can do better than that."
Rogue growled and shot up into the air, dodging the two of clubs that exploded inches from her ankle. She picked up a large rock and hurled it at Gambit. While he was distracted with dodging the potentially dangerous flying object, Rogue lunged at Wolverine. Ripping off her glove, she managed to get her hand around Logan's bare arms. But nothing happened.
All action ceased, Rogue staring down at her bare hand on Logan's flesh. Logan looked from her hand to his arm and frowned. "Not good Stripes."
Rogue pushed him and a single tear ran down her face as she sunk against the wall. "Dammit, Logan. I can't fight like this. I can't function like this." Logan watched her with a worried expression. He wasn't good at women crying. And by the looks of Gambit, neither was he. Pure panic was written on both their faces.
Thankfully, they were saved by an angel's voice. "Why don't you boys take a breather. Maybe I can help." Skylar stepped into the danger room, her black and blue uniform snug against her voluptuous curves. She winked at Wolverine and offered a hand to Rogue. "What do you say, Sweetie? How about you try me? I promise I don't bite…hard."
Rogue looked up at her new friend. "Don't know how much I can do…"
Skylar grinned and backed off to get ready. "Don't go easy on my account, girlie." Rogue grinned and stood up, nodding to Logan and Gambit. They backed off to watch the fight. Skylar's eyes glowed red and energy seemed to seep out of her. "Now watch as Nightshade truly comes alive."
Her body turned a bright flaming orange, and flames engulfed her hair and body. She was beautiful in her fire form, and deadly serious, as Rogue found out…barely dodging the fireball Skylar hurled in her direction. The two women began to fight, Skylar dodging in and out of Rogue's grasp…trying to entice her to absorb her powers. Rogue was amazed by the quickness of the new X-man, and the fluidness that Nightshade changed from one elemental form to another.
Rogue threw a punch at Nightshade's head…only to be stopped by a rock hard version of the woman. Her Earthen form. Nightshade grinned. "Sorry honey, I don't fall easily."
Rogue grinned, and the two clashed again. "Come on, Nightshade…you've barely touched me." She was instantly silenced by a blast of cold air that sent her flying into the wall.
Nightshade smiled a gleaming smile. "Point for me."
Rogue lunged forward again and grabbed Nightshade around the wrist, picking her up and slamming her into the ground. Skylar groaned as her head cracked against the ground, and slumped forward, eyes closed. Rogue panicked and let go of the woman's arm. "Shit! Gambit, Logan!"
The two men came running forward, Logan gently picking up Skylar. "She's okay. I don't think you hit her too hard." True to his word, Skylar opened her eyes.
"What in the hell's name happened?" Gambit grinned.
"She got you good, my friend." Skylar smiled at Rogue.
"Thatta girl, Rogue."
Rogue sighed. "But I didn't drain your power." She threw her hands up in frustration. Sweat dripped from her body, and she was panting for air. "It's no use, Logan. I can't do it anymore."
Logan shook his head and leaned against the danger room's wall, arms around Skylar's waist…holding her steady while she re-oriented herself. "Yes you can. You were doing so well. Tell her Gambit."
Gambit looked down at Rogue from where he stood beside her. "Wolverine is right, ma Chere. You're just adapting. There has to be a secret somewhere."
Rogue groaned and punched a hole in the ground. "No! My powers aren't working! Damn it!" She hit the ground again, her tears now flowing freely.
Gambit sighed and pulled her towards him, his hands tight around her arms. His lips met hers and he kissed her passionately. As a tingle surged through him, he knew she was absorbing his power…and his memory…so he brought forward only the best memories he figured she would want to keep with her. The moment he had first seen her, in Xavier's office…the sun bouncing off her hair. And their first kiss…the one that had left him dizzy.
The moment Gambit started to feel the black edges of his consciousness pulling around him, he broke the kiss…pulling away with a smile. "No Chere…they still work." And he sank to the ground, attempting to steady himself. Logan and Skylar watched the exchange in silence…curious looks on each their faces.
Rogue looked surprised as she touched her lips. "Gambit…"
Gambit looked up, a goofy grin on his face. "Yes, love?"
She bent down, hovering inches over his face. "Thank You."
Gambit touched his gloved finger to her lips. "No, Chere…the pleasure…it was mine. Never underestimate yourself. Just because your powers have changed…doesn't mean your heart or your will has." He stood up and waved a silly goodbye to the other two X-men. "Now, Gambit is gonna lie down for a bit. I feel…tired."
Skylar threw her head back and laughed as Gambit shuffled away. "That boy is head over heals for ya, Sweetie. I knew it the moment I saw ya'll in the kitchen." Logan rolled his eyes and helped Rogue up. Skylar thought for a moment, rubbing the back of her head. "Logan…d'ya think that maybe Gambit acts like a switch for Rogue?"
Logan thought for a moment. "That would explain why she was able to absorb his powers twice."
Rogue thought about Skylar's theory. "So maybe I have to train with Gambit…see how to call my absorbing out."
Skylar nodded. "Yes. And next time…I'm gonna get me a helmet!"
---
Gambit knew he was in over his head. Falling in love with a woman who he couldn't touch was not in his best interests…but he was doing it anyways. With a heavy sigh, he let himself into his room and shut the door behind him. Poor Rogue…she was so frustrated with herself. As an empath, he could feel it rolling off of her body in furious waves. Thankfully, Gambit had learned how to create walls for himself.
Shuffling into the small bathroom adjoined to his room, he leaned against the sink and looked at his reflection in the mirror. Kissing Rogue made him crazy. He blinked at his reflection, watching his own eyes. They were demon eyes, his trademark. But they were also his downfall. How could Rogue ever fall in love with someone who looked like him? How could she want to see these eyes every day?
So far he was the only one who had initiated anything more than just friendship. But she seemed to enjoy being around him. And the smile she had given him in the classroom. Maybe he was reading too much into this. Gambit ran a hand over his face, stripping off his clothes and starting the shower. If he kept kissing Rogue like that…cold showers were going to be more than just an occasional occurrence. They were going to be his full blown routine. He finished his shower and stood in the bathroom, hands on the sink, dripping water onto the floor.
Oh but to touch her. He knew that if she didn't learn how to turn off her powers, he would never be able to anything more than just a quick kiss. She could kill him…and then she would never be able to live with herself. As a criminal, Gambit had learned how to overcome the death of people close to him. But would Rogue? Would she ever recover if she killed him accidentally? And all because he had practically forced his way into her life?
With a heavy resolve, Gambit decided he would back off. For now. Let her come to him…if and when she was ready. It would be better for the both of them. Until then…he would be the best friend. The one she could learn to trust like Logan. The one who would help her along the road to recovering her powers. He would be the sidekick…and maybe someday…the lover.
A knock on the door made him wrap a towel around his waist. Logan was at the door. "Want to go down to the pool? A lot of the faculty are meeting down there. I think Scott's even going to bring a grill out."
---
Rogue and Skylar walked down to the poolside in a comfortable silence. Skylar was oblivious to the looks she was getting in her black bikini, with a black wrap around her hips. The weather was ridiculously warm for a September, with the sun out and temps in the eighties. They had decided to meet Storm, Kitty, and Jean at the faculty pool. No youngsters allowed.
Skylar smiled at Rogue. "You feelin' better?" Her voice drawled out sweetly, trying to gauge Rogue's mood.
Rogue nodded. "Yea. Being outside will help." She looked down at her own bathing suit…a barely there scarlet bikini. "Finally get a tan."
Skylar grinned. "Yea girl…you could use the color."
Rogue smiled. "So how do your powers work?"
Skylar frowned. "Not exactly sure. Me and Austin both got the X gene. But as twins, it manifested differently. I became an element witch…I can control fire, earth, air, water, and I can heal…but healing drains the hell out of me. Austin can shape shift into any animal he has seen, and he has a shadowy power that makes him very stealthy." She opened the gate to the pool. Storm, Jean and Kitty were already there, lounging on floating rafts. "My powers are still developing…it's a new experience every time."
Rogue nodded and they hopped on rafts and paddled their way to Kitty and Storm. Storm opened one eye and smiled at the two women. "Hello Skylar, Rogue. Let's lash our rafts together." The five women belted their rafts together in a floating circle…and began to talk.
Jean wanted to hear all about Rogue's kiss with Gambit…so Rogue was forced to retell, much to the other women's amusement. Skylar sighed. "That is sooo romantic! I gotta get me a man."
Kitty nodded and her eyes turned dreamy. "I wish Piotr would join the X-men again…I miss seeing him all the time."
Storm smiled. "He will when he's ready, Kitty."
Skylar nodded. "All men eventually end up where they belong. It just takes patience and a little time for them to realize where that place is." She grinned at Rogue. "Or in some cases…men appear in the strangest place…but that's where they're supposed to be…they just don't know it yet."
Rogue rolled her eyes. "Can ya'll stop goading me on about Gambit?" But she smiled and closed her eyes. That kiss had left her wanting more. Much more.
Kitty grinned and nudged Jean's foot with her own. "Just wait till Rogue learns how to shut off her powers…we're not going to see those two for quite a while."
Jean looked shocked. "Kitty!"
Kitty shrugged. "It's the truth."
Rogue ignored her friend and the five women fell silent as they soaked up the sun rays, floating together on the giant pool. Emma eventually joined them with a quick hello, joining her raft in between Storm and Jean. Skylar opened one lazy eye and noticed Logan and Gambit headed their way…Scott in the background dragging a grill along. Logan had his eyes on her, and Gambit…well…he was beyond recovery staring at Rogue.
---
Gambit couldn't believe his eyes. He had to pinch himself to be sure that what he was seeing wasn't some trick. Rogue was lounging with the other women in a circle of rafts. All the women were stunning…but Rogue…she was fantastic looking. A scarlet red bikini wrapped around her creamy skin, hugging her fierce curves with amazing sex appeal. Her hair was pulled up into a ponytail as she rested with her eyes closed against the rays of the sun. Gambit groaned and looked over at Logan.
Logan was staring intently at Skylar, who was staring right back at the moment. She was magnificent in a black bikini that left very little to the imagination and matched her ebony hair. The man was head over heels in lust. Gambit could feel it. Austin joined them and his jaw dropped at the sight of the beautiful women. Scott, who was slightly more immune to the effects, grinned and examined his pretty girlfriend, Jean.
Skylar's perfect eyebrow raised as she made eye contact with Logan, and with a sly grin she stretched…artfully arching her back, making Logan groan. Austin snickered and muttered something about a crazy sister. Gambit returned his stare back to Rogue, who now had her eyes open as well…sending Gambit a very heated look.
---
The women were all well aware of the stares they were getting from the men who had arrived with a rowdy atmosphere and a grill. Logan and Skylar were locked in a staring contest. Rogue was pretty sure that Skylar would win…she was practically oozing sex. Storm was watching the newest X-man with a casual smile. Rogue turned her gaze onto Gambit. His red eyes flashed brilliantly for a moment as he captured her stare, returning it with a strange look on his face.
He looked delicious in magenta swim trunks that matched the shirt he always wore. Though right now, he was shirtless, and Rogue thanked her lucky stars. His heavily muscled upper body was magnificent, as was his narrow waist that angled into strong legs and hips. His shorts hung low on his hips, showing rolling abs and tan skin. Gambit was beautiful. A work of art. Not as meaty as Logan, he was more like a jungle cat. A prowler…built for speed and short bursts of power. Stealth was his forte.
Skylar smiled to the other women and lowered her voice to a whisper. "Watch Logan's eyes." She dipped herself into the water, swimming underneath the surface in a fluid motion. Dripping wet, she hoisted herself out of the pool in front of Logan and the other men. Not one man could deny that she was stunning as the clingy fabric hugged her curves. Skylar grinned and ran a finger down Logan's jaw. Rogue had to snicker as Logan's eyes darkened. Skylar leaned in close to Logan's ear, her lips barely touching him. "Care for a swim?"
And then all hell broke loose. Logan grabbed her and together they fell into the pool with a splash. The wave from their impact knocked Jean's float over, which twisted Emma's around. As Emma tried to keep her balance, she knocked Storm off of hers, who in turn lunged to grab Kitty's to avoid getting her hair wet. Kitty screeched and tipped the raft, dunking both herself and Storm. Rogue was the only one left actually sitting on the raft. With a sigh of relief she looked back up as the women surfaced laughing. Gambit was no where in sight.
Suddenly, her raft twisted, and strong arms wrapped around her waist, bringing her close to his body. Gambit smiled down at her. " 'Ello, Petite." Rogue was suddenly grateful that her powers weren't working as she realized she was wrapped around Gambit's strong chest, her legs pressed against either side of his waist.
She smiled up at him. "Heya, 'Suga."
He swam them over to the shallower end so they could both stand up. Kitty was settling down on a lounge chair, and flashed Rogue a thumb's up sign. Jean and Scott were laughing by the grill, and Skylar had disappeared with Logan. Austin, who had transformed into a black dolphin and swum over to Emma was now cuddled up with her on a blanket on the grass, telling her ridiculous stories about his shifting adventures.
Gambit looked at all the forming couples and grinned at Rogue. "I'll never look at this pool the same way again."
TBC
