Title: The Ante
Chapter 9: Table Talk
Fandom: X-Men: Evolution
Author: Kira Coffin
Summary: When Gambit left Rogue on the shores of Blood Moon Bayou, he slipped a solitary playing card into her hand. More than a conciliatory gesture, it signaled the start of a game that carried the understanding: Never bet more than you are willing to lose.
Rating:Teen/Mature
Pairing: Rogue/Remy
Warnings: Crack humor.
—
The Ante
Chapter IX: Table Talk
—
"Rogue!"
"Hi, Kurt."
"Where are you?"
"Uh… well, Ah —"
"Everybody's here; we're all in the kitchen, and boy is Logan mad. The Institute is a wreck, and the front lawn is totally trashed, but we totally kicked the Brotherhood's — Wait — What? Oh, Logan says its completely Gambit's fault and he wants to know — What? — I am not telling her that — Hang on — Okay, okay: 'Rogue, are you okay we were worried sick what were you thinking?' His words, not mine."
"Well, Ah —"
"Wait — Really? I can't believe it. She wouldn't — What? No way!"
"Kurt?"
"Tell me you didn't run off with… run off with… Has he done anything to you, Rogue? I'll kill him."
"Kurt —"
"Just tell me where you are, exactly, and I'll 'port as close as I can... like on Gambit's head."
"Kurt, Ah'm fine. I'm in…"
"Hold on, Keetty! Rogue? Are you still there?"
"Kurt, listen —"
"Stop it, Katchen! I said stop it! No, you can't have the phone! Ow! She bit me! Ow! Ow, that's my tail!"
"Kurt!"
"Not my tail!"
(More shouting.)
"Kurt? Kurt, are you alright?"
"Hang on, Rogue; Keetty wants to yell — I mean, she wants to talk to you."
"— I'll just be a second Professor, I swear! Rogue? Rogue, are you there?"
"Hey, Kit."
"Oh my gosh! You totally did not do what I think you did."
"What did Ah do?"
"Did Gambit, I mean, like, did Gambit, you know…"
"What? Kit — I can't hear ya — listen Ah'm on a public phone in —"
"Rogue? Rogue!"
"Kitty!"
"I can't hear her. She's breaking up… This phone totally sucks."
(Loud smacking sounds, much like a telephone being beaten against a countertop.)
"Kitty?"
"— Pass it over half-pint. Stripes? That you?"
"Logan! Finally, someone with enough sense ta listen..."
"The reception's garbage, kid. Can ya hear me?"
"Yeah, Ah can hear ya fine, Logan. Y'all okay over there?"
"We're just peachy. Are you all right? Where are you?"
"Ah'm in Virginia — listen, I was just calling ta say —"
"But you're not staying in Virginia, are you?"
"N-no, but listen, it's fine, okay? Just trust me on this one. Ah don't know how long Ah'm going ta be, but Ah'll check in once we're settled, alright?"
"Where are you headed?"
"Logan? Ah don't like that tone you're using."
"Don't be smart with me, kid. Where's that damned Cajun taking you?"
"He's not —"
"Eh?"
"He's not 'that damned Cajun'. He's got a name."
"You don't sound so sure of yourself. What's he done? Tell him I'll rip him a new one if he thinks he can get away with this."
"Logan! It was my choice."
"…"
"Logan did you just snort at me?"
"Sorry, kid. Kurt's shedding… Elf, if you flick me in the face with your tail one more time…"
"Logan! Y'all gotta relax. Gambit's… Gambit's…"
"What's he done? If he's laid one stinking, slimy finger on you…"
"It was nothing she couldn't handle, mon ami."
"(Indecipherable snarling.)"
"Bonjour, Monsieur Wolverine —"
"— Swamp rat! Give me back that damned phone!"
"Désolé, chérie. Let th' grown-ups discuss this. Wolvie? That you? Don't growl at me, homme, that's impolite."
"If you hurt her, Cajun, I have no trouble turning you into a shish kebab. Ya hear me, bub?"
"Logan?"
"Stripes? Steal the phone back? Good."
"Yeah, sorry. He's just peachy — Gambit, I mean."
"Sounds to me like Gumbo's being grabby. Tell him to keep his paws off ya if he knows what's good for him. Where can we pick you up?"
"Ya can't."
"What?"
"Ah told you, this is my decision. I'll be home soon. I just needed ta let ya'll know that Ah'm fine."
"This isn't kosher, Rogue."
"Look — you all keep telling me that Ah've gotta sort out my own business, be more responsible, and Ah'm trying to but —"
"Rogue! OHMYGOD!"
"Kitty?"
"Like, Mr. Logan dropped the phone. Apparently he can't hold the receiver when he pops a claw... So, is it true?"
"Is what true?"
"Oh, don't sound so paranoid! This is so romantic, like — the cards, Rogue! I didn't understand what you were talking about, you know, when the Brotherhood was attacking us and all — but now I get it! I mean, it is a little creepy, what with Gambit sneaking around our bedroom and all — don't you think that's a bit, you know, risky? Whatever. Don't answer that. Did he want to meet for a secret rendezvous? That's why he left you the King of Hearts! It makes so much sense now: you being all secretive and grumpy when he wasn't around —"
"What? NO! No, it ain't like that at all —"
"You are so totally lying right now!"
"Kitty!"
"It's just so sweet! He went to all that trouble just to get your attention. What kind of guy does that?"
"Lance knocked ya on your ass enough times for you ta know, Kit —"
"That's not in the same context at all. Like, you know that I know that he knows that by doing that he totally has a thing for you."
"…"
"Rogue? Are you still there?"
"Ah'm trying ta decipher what you just said, Kit —"
"Oh, whatever. The point is that this is the most romantic thing anyone has ever done in like, the history of Bayville."
"Ah take it the Brotherhood didn't tear down the mansion?"
"What? No, of course not. Like they stood a chance. They weren't too happy when they left, though. OW! Mr. Logan!"
(Sounds of a struggle in the background.)
"YA HEAR THAT SWAMP RAT? AH'M NOT GONNA KICK YO' ASS FOR DESTROYIN' MY HOME!"
(Distant laughter.)
"Stripes?"
"Hi, Logan."
"I can hear ya blushing from here, Rogue."
"Ah am most definitely not blushing."
"Oui, she is. It's sorta cute."
"GAMBIT!"
"CAJUN! You keep your distance from that girl or your skin will decorate the seat of my motorbike! It needs reupholstering!"
"Geez, Logan, stop yellin' please. No, swamp rat, Ah'm not tellin' him that! Go use the other phone if ya need ta yammer at someone… No, not that one… Farther. Ah said farther! Can't ya give a girl some privacy? Damnit! Ah swear as soon as Ah find somethin' ta throw at ya Ah'm gonna blow ya ta kingdom come!"
"Rogue?"
"Professor? Oh my gawd, did y'all just hear that?"
"That's quite alright, Rogue. I'm certain I will regain the use of my left ear later this afternoon. Logan, are you still on the line in the kitchen?"
"Hey, Chuck. Yep."
"I'd like to speak with Rogue for a moment privately, if I may."
"Me and Gumbo were having words, Charles."
"I'm afraid that will have to wait. Would you…?"
"He's gone, Logan. Ah made him go to the far side of the building. Ah think he's callin' his MAWMAW! BECAUSE HE'S GONNA NEED HIS MAWMAW WHEN AH'M DONE WITH HIM!"
"You tell him, Stripes. Chuck? I think I do feel a bit better about this situation now."
"That's good to hear, Logan — even with the dull ringing in the background."
"Sorry Professor. Bye Logan!"
(Muttering.)
"Hi again, Professor."
"Hello, Rogue. Are you well?"
"Ah am, sir. Ah'm sorry to have caused all this trouble."
"I can hardly place the blame on your shoulders. After all, Gambit is acting in your best interests, is he not?"
"Ah… Ah think so. At least he says so, and… well, he sort of… gave me a little demonstration."
"We have discerned as much. Gambit has permitted you to absorb his memories and powers?"
"Well, the first time, he… well, Ah think there was a deliberate slip of the wrist, if ya catch my drift. Ah didn't even know he'd done it at the time, really… Bit of a surprise in the Danger Room for me. But Ah suppose it makes more sense ta me now."
"Are you referring to the discussion shared beneath the oak tree?"
"Yes, sir. Ah'm sorry… well, Gambit's sorry about that, though maybe not so much the tresspassin' part. I think he thinks that's old hat by now. But it was his fault that the branch broke."
"Please inform Mr. LeBeau that it was an old tree. It had seen many better days, and he should think nothing of it."
"Ah will, sir."
"Rogue, I must be frank with you, as I am sure you are eager to continue on your journey. Henry has analyzed the new patterning of Gambit's abilities that you displayed in your Danger Room session post-absorption. There are significant changes in his genetic makeup that I am certain you are aware of."
"Ah know, Professor."
"If I may, has Gambit informed you of how he came to acquire these… enhancements?"
"We… well, we haven't really discussed it much yet."
"I would advise that you do so immediately, Rogue. There are many potential hazards in the sudden augmentation of a mutant's abilities that may put you at risk. Henry has informed me that while Gambit's mutation has indeed evolved at an exponential rate, this may not indicate complete stability. Due to the nature of his mutation, the data we have is inconclusive. What we do know is that the inconsistencies of his powers manifested through your imprinting are significant. Accordingly, any current symptoms he may be exhibiting could be temporary at best. As tempting as control may be, I must caution you to exercise extreme discretion while considering possible avenues of.. Ah… exploration."
"…"
"Rogue?"
"Did Dr. McCoy say what sort of 'symptoms'?"
"Well, with respects to yourself, I would imagine, Gambit appears to have developed a passive energy field around himself. It is merely an outward manifestation of his inherent powers. Henry feels that this particular aspect of Gambit's mutation is not as stable as it should be, or could be, given the degree of control it requires to maintain for long periods of time."
"You're saying… you're sayin' that Gambit's powers aren't fully baked?"
"Whatever he may have told you, Rogue, please keep in mind that Gambit may know little more than we currently do about his present physiological state. Henry is still conducting tests, however, the data we have is from a secondary source — you."
"Ah see."
"I must ask you, knowing that I cannot prevent you from continuing on if your mind is set, please to —"
"You want me ta consult with ya first?"
"…"
"Professor?"
"It is for your safety, Rogue. Any and all information you can provide us with to study would be beneficial to everyone."
"So… so you're not coming ta get me?"
"At the present time, no. You are an adult, and I have the utmost confidence that when the time comes, you will make the right decision."
"WHAT?"
"Ah, Logan, there you are."
"Damn telepaths…"
"As a matter of fact, I could hear you breathing through the phone."
"You're not the best when it comes ta stealth, sugah."
"Don't you get all cocky with me, Stripes. Charles might think you're capable of handling yourself, but that Cajun is bad news…"
"Ah can handle him, Logan."
"So he is giving you grief! I'm coming. I'll take my damned bike if I have to, Charles... Hey! Give that back!"
"Rogue."
"Scott?"
"Professor?"
"Scott."
"Logan?"
"I took the phone from him. This is Scott. Rogue?"
"Scott?"
"Rocky!"
"…"
"Sorry, Ah couldn't help myself."
"This is highly irregular."
"I'm sorry, Professor, I'll only be a moment. Rogue? We're coming. You can tell us where you're going, or I'll have Kitty trace you. She's already set up the laptop and configured her global positioning software to locate your genetic signature."
"What!"
"Scott…"
"Professor, we're a team. As the leader, I feel it's necessary that I exercise at least some authority in this matter — even if it's only to keep Gambit in line."
"Oh my gawd, you cannot be serious. You can't veto the Professor, Scott. It's called seniority."
"My apologies, Rogue, allow me: Scott, I understand your concern, but I must remind you that this has not been agreed upon collectively."
"There's nothing 'collective' about Rogue running off like that —"
"Don't Ah get a say in this?"
"Until we gather more data, I have to say that answer would be 'no way.'"
"Oh forget it. Y'all just stay put, you hear? Ah don't need your help."
"How many times have we heard that?"
"Right, Ah'll just be the resident charity case. Ah'm done with this. Professor, Ah just wanted ta mention — when Ah absorbed Gambit last night, there was a memory of his Ah picked up. Ah think there was a stone. A red gemstone. It might've been a ruby or a quartz, but Ah never saw anything like it before."
"Rogue, wait —"
"Ah'll be in touch. Ah've gotta go."
"Wait, Rogue!"
(Click.)
"Great."
"Scott? Come to my office and bring Logan. Immediately."
"Mate?"
"Alright, Pyro?"
"Yeah, what a bloody trip, though. Hope the sheila's worth it."
"It's all set, then?"
"Yeah, yeah…"
"Allerdyce?"
"S' fine, pumpkin. Don't you worry that pretty head of yours. Cor, this is the last time, though. You have no idea what Colossus did to my poor Stella. It damn near broke me heart ta see it happen —"
"Stella?"
"Yeah, you bloody seppo – about that…"
"I'll take care of it."
"You promise? We had a deal, Gambit."
"Aren't I always good for these things? When this is all over, even the devil gon' get his due, homme. Trust me."
"Considering the last time you said that you bailed with half buckethead's — god rest his sanity — security system beneath that trench coat of yours, and we didn't hear from you for six months..."
"Do they suspect anything?"
"Naw, mate; not enough brains to give themselves a headache. Also... I am a brilliant actor."
"Merveilleux."
"So, I'll see ya there, mate?"
"Can y' give me a few days?"
"What? Why?" (A considering pause.) "Something come… up?"
"Mind y' mouth, John. I've got a bar of soap with your name on it."
"Crikey, you getting pissy in your old age or what? They're getting shirty, mind. They want your head, you know, and Wanda wants your bits fricasseed. Think she might just do it too…"
"Did you say 'hi' t' Pete for me?"
"What do you take me for? And I saw that coming a mile away, mate — you're just as dodgy as ever. Waltzing off in the middle of the night, all gallant-like, while I had to take the heat for your smarmy arse. Petey was none too gentle either, I might add."
(Laughter.)
"That bloke's the one that bent Stella all outta shape — which, by the way…"
"Relax, mon ami. Just give Gambit a lil' time and he'll sort out your lost kit. Got plenty on m' hands right now."
"I'll say — Rogue's turned into something else, hasn't she?"
"It's not like that, John."
"Of course not. Look, you just do what yeh need to, and I'll see you this weekend."
(A sigh.)
"Like they say… Laissez les bon temps rouler."
(Click.)
Post Script:
- Table Talk: (Poker) Any discussion at the table of the hand currently underway, especially by players not involved in the pot, and especially any talk that might affect play.
- "Rocky!" Tip of the hat to Rocky Horror.
Translations:
Désolé: Sorry
Homme: man
Laissez les bon temps rouler: Let the good times roll.
Merveilleux:Brilliant
Mon ami: my friend
