A/N: Okay, according to the 90's cartoon Gambit is 6'2 and something like 185 lbs (due his muscles). Because I want Gambit to be tall, we're going with 6'2 Taylor is about 6' even (looks tiny next to Hugh) but you can imagine his looks if you want or make something up yourself, it's entirely up to the reader what these people look like. Now according in IMDB both John and Gareth are 6 foot (1.83 m), if this is accurate I don't know. I know they're about the same height with John maybe being a centimetre taller. I once looked at GDL's Myspace page and it said he was 6'2, I don't know, he could be lying or he might not know how to convert centimetres into inches. If anyone is sure of their exact heights please let me know.

"UK to US"

Remy

So fags were cigarettes were they? I knew I should have gotten a British slang dictionary. Damn embarrassing choking on my own smoke. But let me back track a little.

When Ianto fainted he hit the ground before I could catch him which annoyed me. My reflexes are pretty damn good but I hadn't slept in a day so I guess I was a little out of it. I checked Ianto over, he'd hit his head hard on the ground. There was no blood and his skull didn't feel cracked but his pulse was steady and his breathing was fine. Even so, he'd be out for awhile, I'd have to carry him back to the motel—I didn't want to deal with hospitals, too many questions. I didn't give a damn about the fat ass also on the ground, he'd wake up with a headache but he'd be fine, unfortunately.

I picked up Ianto easily, for a fifteen year old boy who was nearly six feet tall (probably would be before long) he was too damn skinny. Nothing but skin and bones I swear, he needed to eat something fierce.

When I got to the motel I laid him on the extra bed and put a cool cloth on his forehead. Then I called the mansion. Cyclops answered.

"Xavier School, how can I help you?"

I glanced at my watch which was still set to New York time; it was about five which meant that dinner was probably cooking. No wonder I was hungry. "Hey, it's Gambit" I said.

"Did you find the boy?" he asked.

"Yeah, wasn't hard. Poor kid looks like death warmed over though. The Professor around?"

"Yeah, just a minute."

When Xavier got on the phone I told him what I had learned about Ianto's cocaine problem and that he was currently unconscious. I left out what had happened in the alley though, figured it was too personal. Of course if Ianto ever resorted to something like that again I'd have no problem telling on him.

"I see," Xavier said after a moment of silence "well, I can understand why he would resort to drugs. I've never done it myself but I have been a young telepath, I know what he's going through."

"So, uh, what do you want me to do?"

"Wait a few days before bringing him home; let the drugs leave his system. And if he gets any worse, Remy please take him to the hospital."

He also instructed me to of course feed the boy and buy him some new clothes before we left for New York. I decided to ask Xavier about Mr. WWII coat later. After I got off the phone it wasn't long before Ianto woke up, throwing the cloth off himself like it was a bug. After he calmed down a bit and that whole cigarette thing I told him about the school.

Over the next few days I watched him closely to make sure he didn't go off and get more cocaine. During that time he was a brat—no, worse than a brat. I mean I get cranky if I can't have nicotine on a regular basis but Ianto without cocaine, way worse. Really. It wasn't as bad as it could have been though since I gave him that special ear pierce the Professor had sent with me. That way Ianto didn't hear anybody else's thoughts not even mine which was probably a good thing.

At one point when Ianto was sleeping (I may have slipped something into his breakfast, his moodiness was driving me crazy. Yes, I know it was wrong) Captain 'I like to wear fifty year old clothes' showed up. Without knocking I might add.

I stood up straight to remind him I could beat him up without breaking a sweat "Do dey not have knockin' in dis country or somehtin'?"

The guy grinned; it was quite dazzling I have to admit, "I'm Captain Jack Harkness. It's Gambit, right?"

I nodded "Something you what?" I spoke quietly and indicated Ianto who was still sleeping.

He looked at Ianto then back at me and whispered "He understand French?"

"Non," I had come to that conclusion the day before "pourquoi?"

"I take it you do," Harkness said in French.

"Standard and Cajun," I replied also in French "is what you want to talk about something he shouldn't hear?"

Harkness nodded "Yes, some things children shouldn't be privy to."

I scoffed "He's not much of a child if you go by what comes out of his mouth. He swears in two languages, at least I assume since I don't speak a lick of Welsh. The things he mutters at me have got to be swear words and insults by the tone." I shook my head "what are you doing here, Captain?"

"Professor Xavier is an old friend of my family's. He knew my father."

I arched my eyebrows. Harkness was a good liar but I didn't believe him. Nobody looks that much like their daddy, no way. Maybe he was a clone. I played along anyway "I figured, I've seen his picture. Your point?"

"I'd like it to stay that way. You live with at least two telepaths; I don't want to risk using Retcon on you."

"And what is retcon?"

"Nevermind, I'm here to make sure you don't tell anyone what you saw the other day."

I lit a cigarette "well, I haven't so far but getting home, I don't know, as you said I live with two telepaths and my thoughts can be very loud when I want them to be."

He looked worried for a moment but blinked it off "If Xavier trusts the X-Men then so do I. I'm not sure about you, you seem shifty."

I smiled "I seem shifty, do I? You're the one with 40's film star good looks, that's the classic face of a con man and you say I'm shifty?"

He smiled slyly and there was a sparkle in his eyes. I knew I had guessed something about him, whether it was current or in the past I couldn't tell. "Don't get me wrong, Gambit you are very handsome yourself," his tone had become flirty and the sly sparkle had turned to lust as he stepped closer. Then all of a sudden he blinked and backed off and he looked at me with furrowed eyebrows.

I didn't care to find out why "If that's all Captain, you can leave. I won't tell anyone about what I saw. I swear on my mother's grave." Of course that didn't mean anything as I had no idea who my mother was and certainly wouldn't know if she were dead.

He seemed satisfied though because he nodded and then he left. I couldn't help but notice the wrist strap on his left arm. I wondered what it was for but I forgot all about it when Ianto woke up demanding to know why he'd been sleeping when it was still daylight.

Ianto

The Xavier School was set up by Professor Charles Xavier as a safe place for young mutants to go to learn how to control their powers. It was also a haven for mutants who had no where else to go and I had no where else to go.

Gambit watched me like a hawk over the next few days. Coming down off of cocaine is not pleasant and the experience was enough to make me not want to go through it ever again.

"All right, Yankee, you're right, I need help," I admitted on the fourth day.

"Good, firs' step to recovery dey say an' don' call me Yankee."

"But you're American" I said innocently.

"Yankees are north of Virginia."

"Well, I'm afraid you're all Yankees to us."

He rolled his eyes "Whatever, 'ave you made a decision?"

I knew he was asking whether or not I was going to the school "Well" I said "you told me about the school, now tell me about your other team mates. Why should I be glad you're not Wolverine? Who's Wolverine?"

Gambit sighed then smiled slightly "I t'ink he's Canadian, which would explain so much about what he does in his spare time. Jus' never play the Lumberjack song around him, I speak from experience."

Saving the 'you've seen Monty Python?' for later I said "Why is he called Wolverine?"

"I t'ink it has somethin' to do wit' his temper and claws but don't quote me on tha'. Supposedly his real name is Logan but he's got issues, bes' not to ask. Oh and never make fun of his height; it's not a wise idea."

Making note of that, I said "Who else is on the team?" though I knew somehow that asking Gambit wouldn't get me the whole story.

"Dere's Scott Summers a.k.a. Cyclops. He's de field commander an' de main pilot—needs to work on his landings though. Nice enough guy for a pain in de ass, he's a bit by the book. I t'ink his daddy was in the air force or somethin.'"

"Why is he called Cyclops?"

"No idea, he's got both his eyes. It's jus'…well, it's like he's got uncontrollable laser vision. He has to wear special glasses to keep from blasting holes in everythin'. Den dere's Jean, Scott's Missus, she's telekinetic and telepathic and empathic."

"Professor Xavier's telepathic too, right?"

"Strongest in de world, oui. Ororo Monroe, Storm she's called, weather witch and belle of Africa. Pretty thing but I t'ink she prefers Wolverine for some reason. No matter, Storm's probably my best friend out o' them all. Henry McCoy is called Beast, genius, geneticist, a very nice guy. He looks like his name, only he's blue."

I blinked "Blue?"

"You'll see, anyway… Jubilee is de youngest, not much older than you, cute little Asian American, she makes neat little destructive light shows with her hands. Finally, dere's ma chere, Rogue, my southern princess, de most gorgeous green eyes you ever did see."

I smiled, feeling his current emotions (apparently, I'm also slightly empathic) "You're very sweet on her."

"Yeah" he sighed "too bad she playin' impossible to get."

"Why's that?"

"I'm hopin' mainly her power, not 'cause she t'inks I'm a jerk."

I couldn't help but chuckle at that, he didn't seem like a jerk to me—now that I was thinking clearly "What's her power?"

"She absorbs de powers and/or thoughts and energy of others through touch. So, a physical relationship is out o' de question."

"Oh my god, that's horrible" I didn't know what else to say. The poor woman.

"Anyway, because of her main power, she can also fly and has super strength, long story how dat happened."

"What about you? What's your power exactly? You know, aside from being really sexy?"

"Boy, I was born sexy an' you better stop right dere."

I felt myself blush "Sorry, I couldn't help it. So, what's your power?"

He reached into his coat and pulled out a single playing card. He made it glow bright red, he threw it into the air where it disintegrated like flash paper. "We gonna have to be somewhere a bit more open for de real show. So, whatchya t'ink? You wanna go?"

"Might as well. I've no where else."

…

Gambit already had a passport made for me. He said that he was perfectly capable of flying a jet himself ("and better than Cyclops too, thank you very much") but the Professor thought it would be best if I left the country legally. Gambit, real name Remy Lebeau by the way, bought me some new clothes and suitcases and then we left. He also gave me an ear piece the Professor made to block out the thoughts of others till I could control my powers.

It was my first time on a plane, so I didn't sleep much. Although, staring out the window at the water is only interesting for so long. It was when Gambit pulled out a book of Mad Libs that we started having fun. I think we annoyed the whole plane. The flight attendant came over to shush us but Gambit flirted with her and she left us alone (after she gave him her phone number).

We did shut up for the in flight movie though, well, we tried. I can't remember what film it was but we made fun of it. I think when the plane finally landed, the other passengers sighed in relief. Anyway, by the time the plane landed I was exhausted.

"Welcome to New York City, Ianto" Gambit said as we stepped off the plane "Welcome to de United States."

After we went through Customs and got our luggage we stepped outside. Apparently, there was supposed to be a car waiting for us. And there was, Gambit headed straight for a red van with a man no taller than him leaning against it. He was wearing ruby red sunglasses so I assumed that he must be Cyclops.

He straightened up and opened the sliding door. He then nodded at Gambit and held out his hand to me "You must be Ianto Jones, I'm Scott Summers, we're glad you decided to attend our school."

Cyclops was obviously the more diplomatic one, so why the hell did they send Gambit to me? Anyway, I shook his hand "It's nice to finally meet you Mr. Summers, Gambit spoke very highly of you" well it wasn't a total lie.

Gambit nearly dropped a suitcase he was loading into the van, but other than that there was no reaction from him.

A single eyebrow rose over the rim of Cyclops's right lens "Did he?" the tone of voice told me that he was rather confused by that and didn't believe it for a second "well, we've heard some good things about you as well. I think you'll be very happy here and call me Scott by the way or Cyclops, whichever you feel more comfortable with."

"I'll try sir, but I was brought up to respect persons of authority."

I heard Gambit mutter "I guess I ain't a person of authority."

Cyclops apparently heard that too because a smirk touched his lips "Well, it's nice to finally meet a young man with manners."

Gambit snorted "He wasn't polite when he was goin' through withdrawal let me tell you. Can we go home now?"

Cyclops sighed as if he were dealing with an annoying child and said "Of course, get in, Gambit."

Gambit sauntered into the front passenger seat and I slid into the back. Cyclops closed the door behind me as I pulled on my seatbelt. He got into the driver's seat. Now, I knew that in America everything about cars and driving was pretty much opposite but it was weird actually seeing it. The airport was a mad house and it didn't look like we'd be getting out soon so I closed my eyes. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew Gambit was shaking my shoulder gently.

"Wake up, Ianto, we're here."

…

He told me that someone would take my things up to my room (which I'd be sharing with four other boys) but I had to see the Professor first. The first clock I saw told me it was only a little after three in the afternoon and even though it was only about eight across the Atlantic I was still sleepy from the plane ride. Jet lag, I suspect. I didn't pay much attention to details as Gambit led me to the Professor's office; I was too tired to really care. Perhaps I'll describe the mansion later.

We stopped outside an oak door. Gambit nudged me forward "Go on in, and you can take the ear piece out, nothing will get you in there."

I was suddenly very nervous, but I took out the ear piece anyway. I don't like things in my ears "Aren't you coming in…" a sudden onslaught of thoughts and feelings from around the mansion stopped me from completing the sentence.

Gambit looked me in the eyes "You're a big boy, but I'll wait out here as much as I'd rather be sleeping" I only barely heard him over the din of thoughts invading my mind.

Then another voice made itself stronger than the others, the accent I supposed must have been well educated New England Come inside, Ianto and the onslaught will cease, I promise.

I did as the voice beckoned and entered the office shutting the door behind me…well all right, maybe I slammed it but I didn't mean to. I took a deep breath feeling immense relief at the sudden quiet. I pressed my forehead against the cool oak of the door.

Remy

I leaned on the wall opposite Xavier's office, I was damn exhausted. All I wanted was to sleep for a day or more and then have a big bowl of gumbo, after which I would sleep some more. But I had bonded with Ianto, he was like the little brother I never had and I felt it was my duty to look after him, make sure he was all right. Not that I was about to admit I actually liked the little brat.

After a few minutes Wolverine came stomping past me carrying a folder. He went into Xavier's office without knocking. And without acknowledging my presence.

"Hello to you too, Wolverine," I called to him sarcastically. You know, it really creeps me out when he sniffs people like that.

Ianto

"Welcome to the Xavier School, Ianto."

I turned around somewhat startled by the kind voice now outside my head and saw a man in a wheelchair and a nice suit. And I couldn't help but thinking if there were a Patrick Stewart look-alike contest…

Professor Xavier smiled at me "I must admit; only Gambit has said that to me before."

I blinked and sputtered "Seriously?" I glanced over my shoulder at the closed door and then back at the Professor "is he a Trekkie or something?"

"I believe so though I doubt he would admit it."

I bit my lip to keep from laughing; Gambit, the cool, savvy and sexy Cajun was a Trekkie and he liked Monty Python. Things were just getting more amusing.

The Professor's smile widened and he held out his hand "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Ianto."

I shook his hand "And you sir. Gambit spoke very highly of you" that was actually the truth "Thank you for…for helping me."

"No thanks necessary, Ianto and I'll have to offer Gambit a raise" he added with a wry grin. "Now, before we take you up to meet your room mates, I would like to teach you a quick exercise to help you block out the thoughts of others, at least for today. You may of course keep the ear piece until you have complete control."

"I would appreciate it sir, but I might be a bit too tired right now."

Just then the door burst open and a gruff looking muscular man walked in. He had black hair and was shorter than me. Ah, must be Wolverine, I thought.

The Professor nodded his confirmation.

"Hello to you too, Wolverine" Gambit called from the hallway.

"Professor" Wolverine nodded at him and handed him a folder "I got it."

"Thank you Logan" The Professor set the folder on his desk "this is Ianto Jones, our newest student."

I smiled at him (despite Gambit's advice of 'never smile at him') and on reflex held out my hand "It's a pleasure Mr. Logan sir, Gambit spoke kindly of you" if not highly, I added silently.

He looked slightly baffled "Since when did they start making kids with manners?" but he shook my hand anyway, gruffly and firmly. Ow. That's all I have to say on Wolverine's handshakes.

"And Gambit said you wouldn't shake hands" perhaps I shouldn't have said that.

"He did, huh?" he sniffed as if he smelt something curious. If it was me I didn't blame him, I hadn't showered in more than a day, I think. He looked back at Gambit "What you been telling this kid, Gumbo?"

Gambit was standing just inside the office, leaning against the door frame. He straightened up "Nothing but de honest truth, Wolverine" he looked at me "and you and I are gonna have a chat later."

Wolverine sniffed me more closely and then he walked over to Gambit and sniffed him. Gambit scooted away from him "What? You know it freaks me out when you do that."

Wolverine looked back and forth between us and then at the Professor "Professor, can we talk, alone?"

The Professor nodded "Certainly, Logan. Gambit, why don't you take Ianto up to his room where he can rest? Ianto, I'll teach you that exercise once you've slept a little."

I gave him a smile "Thank you Professor."

…

For any new readers: Don't worry about that folder, it's just grown-up X-Men stuff.