-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***

**Any translations needed will be written at the end of the chapter. I apologize for my messy French…it's been a while.**

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*

Rogue was surprised again. She didn't respond right away. Gambit, realizing he had caught her at an awkward moment, caressed her cheek with his hand. Rogue's lips parted. "I think I love you too, Gambit."

Gambit laughed and pulled her close. "That's all I need, Chere. All I need."

Chapter Four

That Which Doesn't Kill

With Gambit drained of most of his energy, he called in Skylar who happened to be walking by with Austin. The twins came into the danger room, Skylar grinning ear to ear. "Hey Ya'll!" She hugged Rogue, her sapphire eyes filled with mischief.

Gambit shook Austin's hand and smiled at Skylar. "Was wonderin' if you could help me with Rogue. She drained me pretty good…I dunno if I could be tapped again."

Austin grinned. "With pleasure." He bowed low before Rogue. "If the lady permits?"

Rogue shot Gambit a worried glance, but he waved her off, settling against the wall to regenerate some of the energy with him. Rogue then nodded to Austin, who grinned and shifted into a giant black stallion. Skylar grinned at her brother. "They don't call him Shifter for nothin!" She jumped onto the horse's back and ignited herself into her flaming figure.

Rogue watched in fascination as the horse beneath her took on the elements of the flame. It's eyes turned a fierce red, and it's mane and tail turned to streaks of flame. Together the twins were a terrifying sight. Rogue crouched in a ready position and took off her gloves, tossing them to Gambit.

He caught them and smiled at her encouragingly. "'member, Chere…you can absorb if you concentrate. Think of it as an on/off switch. You gotta want it." She nodded and Skylar urged Austin into a gallop, heading straight towards Rogue. Rogue deftly stepped away from Skylar's mounted blow, and pulled them down. Austin fell to the ground with a sharp neigh. Skylar rolled off her brother and charged at Rogue while Austin turned into a snake, hissing at Rogue in rage.

Rogue caught the flaming Skylar in her arms and flew them into the air. Skylar grinned, a strange site coming from a woman bathed in flames. "You lose Rogue." She turned herself into her Earth form and tumbled back to the ground, bring Rogue down with her. Rogue hit the ground and narrowly avoided being bit by the black snake that had been waiting for them to hit the ground.

She did however grab Skylar in the middle of Skylar's next transformation, and felt Skylar's power drain into her. Gambit watched quietly as the two women struggled. Skylar started to weaken, and Rogue let her go. Austin ran to his sister's side and helped her back up.

"I don't know what you talkin' 'bout, Gambit. This little wildcat seems perfectly capable of her powers." Gambit nodded and heaved himself back into the standing position. Rogue hurried to his side.

Gambit smiled down at her. "See? If you WANT to absorb someone's powers…then you can will it. If you don't want to, then you will it off."

Rogue nodded. "I think I understand."

Skylar grumbled as Austin helped her to the door to take her back to her room to rest. "Good. Cuz I don't think I can take another beating from you. I'm going to sleep for the next 22 years. GTO is put on hold for today. I don't think I have the strength. Enjoy my powers while they last…and no peeking at my memories!"

Rogue snickered as her friend limped off. "Don't worry," she called after her, "I won't pry into you and Wolverine!" Skylar flipped her the bird.

Gambit laughed and brought his nose down to inhale her hair. "I'm proud of you, chere."

Rogue grinned. "I did good."

Gambit nodded. "Yea. Now let's go relax. I want to explore some more theories about these memories of yours."

---

The day had flown by marvelously fast. Rogue thought quietly to herself as she stared out at the moonlight from her position on her bed. Gambit was asleep next to her, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist. She could feel his heart beat, and she reveled in his warmth. They had so far discovered that if she concentrated on him and him alone…the memories were held at bay. And she didn't think of the other psyches inside her mind. Gambit had an idea that Emma could help with, so tomorrow, after Rogue's class, they were going to go see her.

Rogue shifted and smiled down at the man that had captured her heart. He was so intent on keeping her safe, that no dirty thoughts had crossed his mind…even though he had shared her bed twice now. She closed her eyes and sighed happily. She had her peace…for now. But for how long? How long would Remy be willing to stay with her? Did he really love her enough to weather the bad times that her powers often gave her.

As if he heard her thoughts, Gambit opened one crimson eye and stared at Rogue. "Trouble, chere?"

Rogue shook her head and kissed the tip of his nose. "No. Get some sleep. You'll regret it come the morning." Gambit tightened his grip on Rogue's waist, turning so he was once again hovering over her.

"But what if Gambit ain't tired?"

Rogue grinned and shook her head. "Then Gambit can read a book."

Gambit grinned. "Gambit don't want books." His hand rubbed ran down her side, making her shiver. Rogue knew what he wanted…she just wasn't sure if she was ready yet.

She parted her lips to speak, but Gambit silenced her with a kiss. She felt the heat flare south of her navel, and threw caution to the wind. Returning his kiss, she allowed her hands to roam down his backside, playing at the hem of his pants.

Gambit stiffened. "Rogue…ya sure?" He wanted her more than anything…but he didn't want to push them. It had been less than a week since they had first met. Rogue thought about his question for a moment. Granted, it had been a short time since they had known each other…but that didn't stop other people. Look at Skylar and Logan. Hell…even Austin had managed to hook up with Emma already. Why should she be any different?

Rogue looked up into Gambit's eyes and smiled. "Ah'm sure," she drawled. Gambit nodded and in a flash he had ripped off her nightgown, tossing it onto the ground with a grin. His eyes widened appreciatively as he took in her body. She was only in a pair of black bikini briefs, and her ivory skin shined in the moonlight. Her curves entranced him, as did her well defined muscles and toned limbs. She was beautiful.

Rogue shivered has he trailed kisses down her throat and chest. His delicate lips circled her breasts, the warmth of his tongue making her sigh in content. While his mouth explored, so did his hand. Working around the barrier of her panties, his finger hovered over her slit, feeling her warmth, sensing her desire. With a feral grin he slipped a finger inside of her.

Rogue gasped and clenched her muscles around him as he probed deep inside of her. Remy groaned as she moved against him. He was well beyond aroused, but she deserved this…he refused to just end the pleasure. He could feel her fluid warmth spread onto his hand as he prepared her. She was slick in just a few moments, her body tightening in anticipation.

He looked once more up into her eyes. She was watching him with a dark stare of arousal. "Yeh sure, mon amour? We can stop…"

Rogue shook her head, unable to find words at the current moment. Gambit nodded and shimmied her panties down, tossing them onto the floor as well. He slipped his shorts off and Rogue's eyes grew wide at the sight of him.

Gambit felt his pride swell. Sure, he thought of himself as well endowed, but it was always nice to have the opposite sex think so too. Of course, he lost points because of her virginity. He was her first…and he had the strange feeling that he wanted to be her only. Rogue sat up and circled her hands around his hard shaft, and he groaned.

Pushing her back against the pillows, Gambit let her guide him to her parted center. He kissed her once. "This may hurt, Chere."

She nodded. "I'm not afraid."

Gambit chuckled and slowly started to push forward, filling her with himself bit by bit. She was tight, and every movement made him fight for control. A whimper escaped her lips as he filled her, but the instant pain from him breaking through her barrier caused a tear to run from her eye.

Gambit kissed her softly. "I'm so sorry, Chere. Da pain will go away."

True to his word Rogue felt the sharp pain dissapate. Gambit held still inside of her, waiting for confirmation to continue. She nodded to him and he slowly began to move within her, holding himself back with all his strength. As her body grew used to him inside her, Rogue began to move with him. When he pulled out, she pushed her hips to meet him on his way back down. Together their bodies were in sync. They had become one with their love. With their passion.

Remy moved against her, groaning as the tight muscles of her body gripped him, coaxing him towards the blissful orgasm that lurked nearby. Rogue moaned in ecstasy, her nails digging into the flesh of his back. He picked up his pace, driving himself into her with more speed and force. She writhed on her back as the sensations grew closer. Gambit hoped she wouldn't scream…that he wouldn't scream…he doubted the walls were soundproof. But she was just so good.

Rogue felt it before she even knew what hit her. Her orgasm burst through her body, making her see stars. Remy exploded to a finish right after feeling her, and they collapsed onto the bed in a tangle of sweaty limbs and deep breaths. Rogue kissed Gambit's damp hair and nuzzled her face against his cheek.

Gambit smiled and rolled over, bringing her onto his chest to hold. "You okay?"

Rogue nodded. "I'm great." Her voice was dreamy and her eyes half closed. "Thank you, Remy."

Gambit looked surprised as she used his real name, but he smiled. "Thank you, Anna." He kissed her softly.

And as Rogue drifted off to sleep, he heard him speak. So softly it didn't even seem meant for her ears. "Vous êtes celui que je veux passer le reste de ma vie avec. J'aspire à vous, je rêve pour vous. Un jour, ma beautê. Un jour. (1)" But she had already drifted off into a deep sleep, and his words hung in her dreams.

---

Awkward mornings were Gambit's fear. He didn't like waiting for the particular women he bed to wake up and regret their action. Especially if it had all been done under the influence of potent alcohol. So he sat in the easy chair in Rogue's room, watching her…tension plain across his features. Her alarm went off, and Rogue opened one emerald eye. With a sleepy smile, she glanced at him, locking eyes.

"Mornin' Suga."

Gambit grinned, awkward moment neutralized. "G'morn Cherie. You sleep well? No dreams?"

Rogue nodded and got up, stretching as she did so. "No…no dreams. Or…at least no bad ones." She gathered up her clothes and pointed to the bathroom. "Care to join?"

Gambit nodded and headed into the bathroom after her. He watched with schoolboy fascination as she started the water and stepped gracefully under it's hot stream. The most basic movements from her drove him wild. He joined her under the jet of water, wrapping his arms around her waist, placing a gentle kiss on her shoulder.

Rogue turned to face him, feeling his heated gaze upon her as she washed his body. For the first time, she had the opportunity to truly appreciate his physique. And, with a frown, she noticed quite a few scars that criss-crossed his chest and arms. Gambit stood absolutely still while her fingers explored the crevices of his body, running up and down his abs, tracing the muscles in his arms.

She frowned again when she noticed his hands. "Remy…where'd these scars come from?" His hands were an intricate web of scars.

Gambit looked down at his hands, his eyes dimming as he remembered. "Sometimes I didn't realize I had to let go of the glowing object." His voice was soft. "That's why I wear gloves…to hide them."

Rogue kissed each hand. "I think they're beautiful."

Gambit grinned and she resumed her exploration of his body. Someday, she would make him tell her all the stories behind each scar. But not yet. She didn't want to scare him away with her desire to learn everything about him. Together, they enjoyed the shower in silence. Rogue had to hurry because of her class, so Gambit kept the fooling around to a minimum. He only pinched her ass three times. When Rogue dressed into a casual skirt and peasant top, he grinned in approval, his eyes flaring brilliantly with his desire for her.

Rogue kissed him chastely on the lips. "Rememba…we got Emma after my class."

Gambit nodded and stroked her cheek, kissing her goodbye. "I be there. No worry."

Rogue snorted and left the room. Once again she met Skylar at the stairs. Her friend grinned sleepily at her. "How was…um…your night?"

Rogue laughed. "Fine. How was yours?"

Skylar grinned. "Logan's still asleep. I wore him out last night."

Together the two women gossiped about their sexcapades, laughing the entire time down the stairs. Rogue headed immediately to her class after saying goodbye.

---

Misery was the first to raise her hand when Rogue asked for their assignment to be handed it. "Rogue…are you and Gambit…an item?"

The whole class silenced to hear her answer. Rogue smiled and couldn't help but sigh. "Why Misery? You hoping for a chance?"

Misery grinned. "Oh no, ma'am. I would never dream of being with a man that talented and THAT handsome." She pointed out the window where Gambit and Austin were playing with a Frisbee. Both had their shirts off in the still warm weather. Rogue's jaw dropped as she watched Gambit catch the Frisbee in midair, throwing it back to Austin who transformed into a big black dog and brought it back.

Poppy sighed, twirling a strand of hair around her fingers, her big eyes misting. "Wow…he's so sexy."

Rogue shut the blinds, and heard the men laugh from the other side. "Who? The dog or the man?" The girls in the class giggled. "Ok…enough ogling. We have work to do."

Misery winked. "Apparently so do you. You are so lucky." Rogue blushed and quickly turned the topic over to the history lesson.

She had 13 papers to read, and was looking forward to each one. All her students were very bright, albeit opinionated, young men and women. They discussed some more on the holocaust, and finally, it was time to go.

Rogue waved goodbye to them, opening the blinds finally. Gambit was no where to be seen. "Have a good weekend, ya'll."

She gathered up her items and headed out the door, but a large body blocked her way. Gambit was leering down at her, dressed in casual jeans and a red t-shirt. "Ah, mah belle…you tryin to keep out Gambit? De shades…pulling 'em down wasn't nice, non?"

Rogue laughed as he kissed her. "You were distracting my class."

Gambit grinned slyly. "Was I distracting you?"

Rogue blushed and grabbed his hand, dragging him down the hall to Emma's office. The psychic was waiting for them, a smile on her beautiful face. They immediately got down to business.

---

Gambit whistled as he wandered around the giant mirrored room. Rogue was by his side, clutching his hand nervously. Emma had said Rogue's mind would appear as a giant box, filled with the memories and psyches of the people she had absorbed. Behind each mirrored door, was a different psyche and different memories.

Gambit was convinced that somehow, Rogue and him had a special connection that allowed him to calm her mind. And also withstand her absorbing his powers. Emma agreed and she sent them both into a trance to try and clean up Rogue's mind.

Gambit opened a door and shut it quickly. "Der be a Wolverine behind this one."

Rogue laughed. "So open it, dummy…we gotta clean house."

Gambit gingerly opened the door and Wolverine stepped out, stretching. "Heya Stripes."

Rogue smiled. "Logan."

Wolverine scratched his head. "You've been having some nightmares. I can help with that." He looked at Remy. "What's Gumbo doin' here?"

Gambit made a face. "I help ma darling with this."

Wolverine nodded. "Figured you two would get together. Your problems with the memories aren't with me. Or any of the other X-men you absorbed. It's more along the lines of the strangers you've absorbed along the way." He pointed to one door a few down. "That's where ya outta start. The rest of us are pretty happy here. And we can't wait till you figure out the other part of your powers."

Rogue looked confused. "Other?"

Wolverine nodded. "Recalling past absorbtions. It can be done. It's why you can fly and have super strength. Except Ms Marvel ain't here. She's been gone for a while…you absorbed her powers into your body."

Rogue nodded in understanding and went to the door that Wolverine pointed to. Wolverine returned to his door, muttering something about Gumbo and inappropriate thoughts.

Gambit grabbed Rogue's arm. "You sure you want to open this?"

Rogue nodded. "It's the only way." She opened the door and screamed as the memories hit her like a punch in the gut.

----

Emma broke the physical trance and hurried to Rogue's side. Gambit shook himself out of his dazed site and quickly checked on Rogue. She opened one eye. Emma sighed in relief. "I couldn't hold it. Too much pain."

Rogue nodded. "That's okay…I managed to shut the door."

Gambit looked at her curiously. "What was it behind that door?"

Rogue sighed. "Something I don't feel like dealing with right now. Emma…can we continue later?"

Emma nodded, looking tired. "That would be most desirable. Tomorrow?"

Rogue looked at Gambit who nodded. "That sounds fine. Thanks, Emma." Tomorrow would undoubtedly be the hardest day of her life. But as long as Gambit was by her side…nothing could go wrong. Right?

TBC

**TRANSLATIONS**

(1) Vous êtes celui que je veux passer le reste de ma vie avec. J'aspire à vous, je rêve pour vous. Un jour, ma beautê. Un jour.

You are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I yearn for you, I dream for you. Someday my beauty. Someday.