-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 laughed, her first true laugh in a month. "As long as I'm with you…I'll do anything, and go anywhere you ask me to."

Gambit smiled again, this time his eyes flaring with a mixture of lust and love. "Don't say that, Chere…I may just take you up on that offer."

Chapter Seven

New Teammates, New Year

Gambit woke late in the morning, a smile on his face. He and Rogue had spent a long night talking and recapping the past week since their reunion. They discussed the rising activity of Poppy, the upcoming Christmas holiday, and most importantly, they had discussed their future together. And the outlook was good. Rolling over, he expected to find Rogue, to kiss her awake…but her side of the bed was empty. He frowned and sat up, looking around. Her uniform was gone, but a note was taped to the mirror.

"Remy, hope you slept well. I know I did! Went out for a spin in the air. Skylar is working on the GTO if you're bored. Love ya! Rogue."

Gambit smiled and made his way to the shower. The only reason Rogue would ever tell him to go see Skylar was if she knew Skylar had something to tell him, or worse… He sighed under the hot water, already missing his love. After a quick shower, he dressed in faded blue jeans and a black t-shirt. His hair had grown long over his month long absence, he would have to trim it back a little bit.

Skylar was underneath the GTO, swearing as she searched for the source of a rattle. Gambit leaned against the car, and Skylar slid out from underneath, glaring at him. "Don't say a thing, Gambit. I'll find this rattle…without your help."

Gambit grinned. "You wanted to see me?"

Skylar laughed. "Yes. Ya know…when you were gone, me and Rogue did some extra training…" Gambit was intrigued. Of course, anything concerning Rogue captured his attention. Skylar bit her lip, her blue eyes concerned. "Well…I stepped in to help her learn control. You know…you leaving really backfired on her. She won't tell you this, but she lost control of some of the psyches in her head. She was in a self-induced coma for three days while Emma, Jean, and Professor Xavier tried to sort out the mess of her head."

Gambit's jaw dropped. "She didn't tell me, why?"

Skylar rolled her eyes, crossing her arms in front of her. "Because moron…she didn't know what to think. Now you're back, and she's happy again. But for how long? You gonna disappear again, Cajun?" Gambit shook his head. Skylar nodded. "Ok then. Anyways, I took over her training. I've developed quite an immunity to her zapping. Austin on the other hand could learn to fare better." She sighed. "But now that you're back, we'll see what she wants."

Gambit nodded and kissed Skylar's hand. "Merci, Nightshade. Merci."

Skylar grinned at her friend. "No problem. I love Rogue like a sister, she was kind to me when I was new. But if you ever hurt her again, I'll break your balls off. 'K?"

Gambit gulped and nodded. Skylar grinned and winked, before returning to her work on the car. Gambit turned, heading out to the lawn, pulling his jacket tighter around his body. It was freezing in New York, with snow covering the land, and ice forming on the windows. Christmas was only four days away…and Gambit had the perfect gift picked out. He looked up and smiled as Rogue landed, brushing herself off with a huff. She smiled at Gambit, stepping into his arms.

"Was Skylar nice to ya?"

Gambit nodded and kissed the top of her head, deciding at the last moment not to say anything about her coma. "I missed you this morning."

Rogue smiled up at him. "Sorry. It was just so pretty outside the window, I couldn't resist. It's so beautiful above the clouds. Peaceful."

Gambit pushed a stray piece of white hair back behind her ear. "Did you find your peace, then?"

Rogue nodded. "Yea. I did, suga. Everything is good." Gambit frowned, an action missed by the beautiful woman in his arms. He wasn't sure how to approach the news that Skylar had told him. If Rogue didn't feel comfortable talking about it…then he would respect that. For now.

Holding her at arm's length, Gambit smiled down at Rogue. "You and the other femmes goin' Christmas shoppin for 'ol Gambit?"

Rogue snorted. "Yea, Cajun. We're goin' later today. Which is why I want to get a move on. You doin' anything special today?"

Gambit nodded. "Austin, Wolvie, and Gambit be goin' out for the ladies. Was thinking of taking along Cyclops." He made a face. "Dunno how much fun we'll have then." Rogue snickered and, kissing her lover goodbye, she headed to go clean up and find the other women for shopping.

---

There were two things Rogue hated about Christmas. The cold weather that usually came with the holidays, and shopping malls. The crowds were almost unbearable, as Skylar, Rogue, Jean, and Misery made their way through them, all their arms laden with bags and gifts. They were all here in an attempt to finalize their last minute gift ideas. Misery had asked Rogue about tagging along, and the older women had enthusiastically agreed, feeling sorry for the young mutant. Not only had Poppy thrown her universe for a loop, but her boyfriend had broken up with her the day before.

Jean sighed as the four women collapsed into chairs at a free table in the food court. "I suggest we go get food one at a time, and avoid losing our table."

Skylar grinned. "Feet hurtin' again?" Jean nodded glumly, it was an ongoing joke about Jean's feet hurting since she had stupidly worn heeled boots. Skylar's grin grew. "I'm feeling like a kind soul…ya'll tell me what you want, and I'll be the gopher." The other three gave their orders, and she sashayed off.

Misery looked at the other two women left at the table, her big eyes thoughtful. "Thank you for letting me tag along. I needed to get out of the mansion for a while."

Rogue nodded sympathetically. Misery was the only student at the mansion who wasn't returning home for the holiday break. Her parents had clearly told the Professor that she was a freak, and as soon as she left the house, she would be forgotten. No daughter of theirs was a mutant. To put it gently, Misery had been devastated at the betrayal from her parents.

Squeezing the other girl's hand, she grinned. "But just think…you'll have two whole weeks alone with all your favorite grownups. Maybe we can even convince Logan and Cyclops that you're ready for a uniform." Misery smiled in excitement. Jean was about to comment when Skylar made it back to the table, setting down trays laden with various foods.

Skylar passed out the meals and they began to eat. Jean munched on a French fry thoughtfully. "Ya know…Misery won't be the only student at the mansion. Professor Xavier said something about sending Kurt to retrieve a mutant from a bad home. Supposed to arrive today." She made a face. "I hate the thought of any child suffering."

Nodding in agreement, Skylar took a bite of her sub, and immediately dropped it with a groan. "Shit. Here comes trouble."

Rogue turned and frowned as she saw Poppy making her way towards them. Flanked by two other girls. She didn't look as terrifying as she had in New Orleans. Her skin wasn't green, but instead it shimmered a bit…almost like a light glitter had been dusted over her entire body. Her long red hair was piled high on her head, a ring of thorns holding it in place. Her hazel eyes were dark and alert. She had schooled her features to be casual while she greeted the X-Men. "Well, well…what a pleasant surprise."

Skylar looked unhappy. "Girly, I don' know what to do with you. Hug you, kill you, or turn you over my knee and spank you."

Poppy blinked, her eyes narrowing. "I honesty don't recommend any of your ideas. I'm not here for trouble, but you will find trouble if you so touch me. Christmas is a time for peace….I refuse to make a scene." She flicked her gaze to Rogue. "And how is Monsieur Lebeau?"

Rogue forced a smile. "He is well. Considering you almost got him killed last week."

Poppy smiled and looked down at Misery who was watching her former classmate with a mixed expression of hurt and pity. And for just a moment, Poppy's façade of confidence faltered, and the X-men were treated to a glimpse of her raw emotions. But as quickly as it had slipped, it was put back into place. Her lips turned up into a strained smile. "Misery…"

Misery held up her hand, struggling to control her emotions which were her power. "No. Do not speak to me as a reunited friend. You're not the Poppy I knew. You're the terrorist, Thorn. And although you may look more like Poppy than Thorn, the evil in your heart is like a black mark upon your soul. You are the mutant who has created trouble for the rest of us. You betrayed me and you betrayed the X-Men. Do not expect an ounce of forgiveness or pity from me. You are dead to me."

Poppy's eyes tightened, and the girl behind her growled. Poppy held up her hand to silence the girl. "If you have learned anything from these X-Men, Misery…is that you should watch what you say to someone twice as powerful as you. Have you forgotten what you are? Who you are?" She shook her head. "You are a mutant, Misery. And with so much undeveloped potential…you have the ability to become so much stronger."

Misery stood up so quickly that Skylar didn't have time to pull her back. "And had you stayed at the school, you would have learned that a true X-Men doesn't back down. Yes, we know when to pick our battles…but we also know that good is a much better choice. I don't want to fight you…you were my friend…but the next time we meet…don't expect me to say much. I won't rest until you are no longer a threat to our kind."

Poppy laughed, and the girls behind her stepped closer. "Silly girl. You're not even a true X-Man yet. You have no uniform, you have no friends. You are simply a charge. Hell…even your parents didn't want you."

Misery growled, and her dark eyes turned even darker. Energy seemed to crackle from her. Rogue swore quietly and stood. Poppy's lips trembled, her eyes blanking out, and it was clear Misery's power was working. Misery smiled darkly, her voice coming out cold and wraith-like. "Feel my wrath, Thorn. Feel the fear you harbor. Feel the pain. I have made you void of confidence, I have stolen your happiness, have killed your optimism. Do. Not. Cross. Me." Her eyes brightened, and Poppy was released from the trance.

Skylar stepped forward. "You should leave. Before we create a scene." Poppy glared quickly at the X-Men and snapped her fingers. The two girls filed out behind her. Misery sighed and collapsed back into her chair, idly picking at her French fries.

Jean smiled proudly at the young woman. "And I think that performance, and that control, has earned you a uniform and a place on our team. Jubilee was your age when she joined…don't see why there would be any objections to you. Girls?"

Rogue and Skylar nodded, Rogue hugging Misery proudly. Misery smiled weakly, and hugged her favorite teacher. "Thank you." Her whispered voice was barely caught by Rogue, but it warmed the older woman's heart. She was proud of Misery. The girl had exercised great control. The women ate quickly, and headed back into the throng of shoppers. But this time, their moods were brighter. After all, it wasn't every day that their students proved themselves above and beyond the call of duty.

----

The women returned home in high spirits. Misery's outstanding performance, and the excellent shopping had filled the day with optimism. They were cheerful and talkative as they unloaded their bags. The men hadn't arrived home yet, so Jean used her telepathic abilities to lift the bags up for the ladies. Laughing, they went inside, being greeted by Nightcrawler, Xavier, and a new person.

Rogue grinned and hugged her younger brother tightly. Since he had graduated from high school, he had decided not to stay at the mansion to teach. Instead, he and Xavier worked together to find mutants and bring them to safety. He still called the Institute home, but his travels often kept him away. His beautiful fiancé, Amanda, was currently studying in Germany, mastering her new-found love of witchcraft. That's right…sweet little Amanda was a powerful witch…not as stylish as the Charmed ones…but certainly just as badass.

Pulling away from her brother, she smiled at him. "Missed ya blue boy. How was your trip?"

Kurt grinned, his yellow eyes sparkling. "Successful. How are your powers? Last I saw you, Gambit still hadn't come home…and you were just getting out of a coma."

Rogue blushed. "Yea…I'm all better, thanks to Xavier, Jean, and Emma. And Gambit is back. Been back for about a week now. And before you say anything…don't."

Kurt flashed her a fanged grin and nodded. "Very well." He motioned to the boy standing next to him. "Rogue, this is Jason Stone. Jason, this is my sister, Rogue…and the other teachers, Jean Grey, Nightshade, and one of their students, Misery." The boy smiled at the women shyly, his grin growing as he laid eyes on Misery. She blushed and smiled back.

Skylar noticed the exchange, and a wide smile crossed her face as she elbowed Rogue. The boy was about 16, very tall with a toned definition to his arms and chest. He was dressed in dark jeans with a red t-shirt and hoodie. Jason had messy hair that fell down to his shoulders in stylish layers, and his eyes were a bright blue that sparkled with youth. Rogue also noticed that he had a very new, very large bruise on the side of his face…somewhat taking away from his handsomeness.

Jean had noticed too. "How'd you get that shiner?"

Jason frowned, gingerly touching his eye. "My father doesn't like the idea that I'm a mutant."

Misery stepped forward and offered her hand to the new student. "Neither does mine. Can I show you to your room? I'll tell you how I dealt with the rejection." Jason looked surprised but nodded, and followed her to the student dorms.

Nightcrawler watched her go, confused. But then he remembered who she was. "Oh…that's right. I remember recruiting her. Her father was livid…broke the poor girl's heart."

Skylar nodded. "Yep. Me and Austin went through the same thing with our Daddy. Our Ma was indifferent. She just hated it when I would burn up her carpet, or Austin would get stuck in mid shift. But our Daddy…he ignored us completely. We were dead to him." She frowned at the memory.

Xavier smiled at the women. "Jason is a strong young man. And will someday be very apt at controlling his abilities. Until then, he will need our guidance." Rogue was about to ask what his power was, but Xavier beat her to the punch. "Mr. Stone is…for lack of better words…an illusionist. He can make people believe they are somewhere else. Unfortunately his power isn't fully controllable…so he had Kurt thinking he was in Burger King, rather than flying the jet." Jean snickered. "But when he focuses, he can make anyone believe that they are in a rainforest, or in a different location. He did it to me once, it's quite amazing. A very defensive power…he calls himself Fable."

Rogue thought for a moment. "Misery would make a good teammate for him. She can manipulate emotions, and Fable can manipulate the senses…"

A gruff voice from behind made her jump. "Stripes isn't playing matchmaker is she?" Rogue turned and grinned at Wolverine. Gambit and Cyclops were right behind him, their arms filled with wrapped packages.

Rogue smiled at her friend, and locked eyes with Gambit. "No. No matchmaker. But we do have good news."

Gambit put the gifts under the tree as they all made their way into the giant living room. "Oh?" He pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head.

Rogue nodded, but Skylar spoke first. "We want Misery to get a uniform."

Xavier nodded, not at all surprised. "You think she has earned it?"

Rogue smiled. "She stood up to Poppy today, completely diffusing what could have been a nasty situation. She's earned the uniform and then some."

Logan looked thoughtful. "I guess we could put her on the Blue Squad." Gambit made a face. "What, you have a better idea, Gumbo?"

Gambit nodded. "Oui. Put her on the Shadow Squad we've been talking about forming."

Skylar shook her head. "No way. That's a dangerous team."

Rogue bit her lip. "But Misery might be able to handle it. She's a strong girl."

Jean squinted her eyes and looked up at her fiancé. "Why not the Red Squad? Cyclops needs to fill an extra spot."

The X-Men were divided right now, into three squads. The red squad was Cyclops, Jean, Storm, Beast, and Emma. They did the general missions. The blue squad was Shadowcat, Magma, Cannonball, Angel, Havok, and Jubilee, they were the younger bunch, and did the easiest tasks…although they were just as formidable. And the Shadow squad was the nitty-gritty bunch. This team consisted of Rogue, Gambit, Wolverine, Shifter, and Nightshade. They were willing to break the rules to get the job done.

Cyclops thought for a moment. "Why don't we let her decide. There are enough of us to form a fourth team, now that Bobby is back." Both Rogue and Skylar made faces. Bobby was also known as Iceman…and he was a difficult person to be on a team with. Although they were divided into teams, all the X-men worked together. It was more for training and competition. Bobby made the rivalries grow.

Smiling, Xavier turned to face the doorway, at Misery who had been listening the grownups decide her team. "Why don't we let Misery decide for herself who she wants to team up with?"

Misery looked surprised, but then smiled at Rogue. "The Shadow Squad." Skylar rolled her eyes, but Gambit and Rogue looked pleased. Gambit smiled at the younger girl.

"Ok. Welcome to the squad. But it ain't gonna be easy. You and me…we're gonna work on controlling that emotional state of yours." Misery nodded and winked at Jason, who was watching with an amused smile on his face. He knew he would have to work for the chance at being on a team…but secretly he hoped that if he made it…he would be with Misery.

Xavier smiled proudly at the young student. "Misery, I think you have officially earned your patches. I'll see to it that the X's are sewn on pronto. Fable, your recruit uniform will be ready for your first danger room session. Logan has agreed to go easy on you for the first week or so…get you into the swing of things." Logan nodded, a smile creeping across his face. Skylar punched him in the arm, laying her head on his shoulder.

The group got ready to disperse, Jean made sure the packages were secure under the tree for the Christmas Eve opening in a few days. Rogue motioned for Gambit to follow her, and the couple went upstairs to their bedroom.

---

Rogue collapsed on the bed with a sigh of content, burying her face into the pillows. She smiled as Remy climbed over her, gathering her body up in his arms, holding her close. His warm breath tickled her ear as he whispered little French nothings to her. Rogue smiled and opened one emerald eye. "Oh, Remy…you should have seen Misery today. She was excellent."

Remy smiled at her, his crimson and opal eyes shining. "Good. I've always known she would do good. And now that I'm back, we can really focus on her training. I may not be as good of an empath as her…but I can definitely teach her the control she'll need to be part of the team."

Rogue nodded and kissed his chin. "Have I told you how glad I am that you are back?"

Remy's face twisted into a wolfish grin. "Non, Chere…you haven't yet today." He gently rolled her onto her back, hovering himself over her. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?"

Rogue smiled, running her hands up his chest. "Oui. All the time. But I'll gladly take the compliment."

TBC

Sorry for the abrupt ending. I haven't been too inspired to keep writing this. Don't worry! I will prevail!