A/N Here we go again ladies and germs. Reviews are appreciated.
Rogue expected rumors about her and Gambit to explode, but end of the semester stress seemed to have grabbed the mansion. Students were cramming for finals and struck with thoughts of going home for Christmas. Teachers had to reprimand students more than once. Only Logan wasn't having disciplinary problems, thought when Gambit blew up a pencil, his students started paying more attention.
"Dis is ridiculous," Gambit said to Storm as they tried once again to figure out an easy way to safely get everyone home. "We can get everyone home but we can't protect dem once dey're dere."
"I know," Storm said, running a hand over her face. "But we can't refuse to let them leave either. We'll just have to do the best we can."
Gambit just sighed. He was right. It was another week long endeavor shuffling students home and giving them all the panic communicators. When Rogue and Logan returned from shuffling the last kids home, even Logan looked tired.
"I'll see you guys later," Rogue muttered.
"Where yo' going chère?"
"I need a nap, I'm exhausted."
"Take me wit' yo'?" Gambit suggested with an eyebrow waggle. Logan growled.
"Nice try," Rogue said. Gambit kissed the top of her head and she turned, nearly staggering up the stairs.
"Why's she so exhausted lately?" Logan asked. Gambit winked and Logan. "Cajun…"
"Relax. Emma said it's something t' do wit' learning t' control her powers. She's getting closer and it's take a lot of out her," he said.
"I hope so," Logan said.
Gambit was starting to get worried, despite Emma's assurances that Rogue was fine. It wasn't like her to be lacking energy, but he did notice she was taking longer and longer to absorb him and the absorptions were weaker.
All the adults were staying at the mansion over the break, just in case any of the students needed help. Gambit's family wasn't thrilled.
"Remy Etienne LeBeau!"
"I know Mercy," Gambit said, pinching the bridge of his nose. He was holding the phone a foot away from his ear and could still hear his angry sister in law.
"You weren't back for Thanksgiving either!"
"It's not safe for the kids or for yo' guys!"
Mercy snorted derisively. "Like anyone could get to you or us here."
"I don't know who dese people are. I don't want t' put yo' in danger," Gambit said seriously.
"Remy…"
"I'll make it up t' yo' Mercy. I promise. Just…no dis year." Gambit hung up and sighed. He hated missing holidays with his family. He leaned back on his bed.
"I'm sorry," Rogue said from the doorway. "I know you wanted to see them."
"Oui," Gambit sighed. He held his arm out to her and she crossed the room. Crawling on his bed, she curled next to him under his arm, careful to not accidently absorb him. He absently ran his hand up and down her arm, fingers tracing abstract patterns. After a few minutes, Rogue began to fully lean on him, relaxing inch by inch. Gambit was shocked when her breathing started to even out. She was almost to the edge of sleep when she jerked awake, heart beating way too fast.
"Sorry," she said quickly, making a move to sit up. Gambit clamped his arm around her and eased her back down.
"Whoa where yo' going? Nothing t' be sorry for. Sleep happens t' de best of us, yo' know. Though if you fall asleep dis Saturday I might take offense."
"Saturday? Christmas eve?" Rogue asked.
"Dat's de day."
"And why am I not allowed to sleep on Christmas Eve?"
"Because we have plans," Gambit said.
Rogue raised an eyebrow. "Oh we do?"
"Oui," Gambit said satisfied. Rogue laughed.
"And where are we going?"
"Dere's a club dat's having a genuine N'Awlins jazz band. Dey're very good, I've seen dem at home. I think we should go."
"You asking me on a date, LeBeau?" Rogue teased.
"Strange concept isn't it?" Gambit answered. "Though if they didn't count as dates before, we've been doing something seriously wrong." Rogue laughed. "I would love t' see de look on Logan's face if he walked in right now."
Rogue paled at bit. "No cruel jokes, Cajun."
Logan did growl when he saw the dress Rogue was wearing to the concert. "What the hell is that?" he demanded, circling Rogue in her pale grey dress and Gambit in black. The dress was backless and though she paired it when a coat, she felt especially daring.
"That's two thousand dollar silk," Emma said from behind him. "And it's mine, so think twice about that little idea you have about shredding it. You break it you buy it." Logan growled.
"Never knew yo' wanted t' get Rogue naked before me."
"BEFORE you?"
"Time t' go," Gambit said. He grabbed Rogue's hand and rushed her out while Emma grabbed a telepathic hold on Logan.
"Since when do you conspire with Gumbo?"
Rogue laughed as Gambit drove them away from the mansion. "You do have a death wish," she said.
"Of course not," Gambit said. "Dat would be silly. I just like t' antagonize Logan."
"You like to antagonize a man named Wolverine with six metal claws? Yeah, okay."
The club wasn't as packed as rogue expected considering it was Christmas Eve. Three quarters of the tables were full. Gambit managed to get them a secluded table, very close to the front of the stage. It was hot enough and they were far enough away from anyone else that he even convinced her to shed the long jacket.
Rogue fought Gambit about what food they'd eat. He insisted it was an authentic band so they should order Cajun food and complete the experience. Rogue patted his hand.
"Okay Remy? You know I care about you, but you have me here in public, in this ridiculous dress, listening to your choice in music, which I'm all fine with. But if you try to keep me from eating a cheeseburger, I'll break your teeth," she said.
Gambit grinned and kissed the back of her hand. "Dat's my girl."
Rogue got her cheeseburger. Gambit ordered something she'd never heard of, but she wasn't too curious as long as his fingers kept away from her fries. He took her gloved hand in his as the main band began to play on the small stage. One of them saluted Gambit and he nodded back.
"You know him?" Rogue asked.
"Oui," Gambit said. "I've helped him out of a jam a few years ago. And I appreciate good music."
Rogue had to admit she liked the music. Gambit's leg was bouncing happily along to the bass line under the table. She grinned at his enthusiasm then felt a pang of sadness for him. This was as close to New Orleans as he was going to get, as close to home as was possible without putting any of his family in danger. She squeezed his hand. He glanced over and squeezed back, a slightly confused look on his face before his attention returned to the stage.
About an hour in, the band's front man addressed the room. "Well den, New York does have some people with good taste after all!" The crowd laughed. "Well we're very honored dat yo' chose t' spend your Christmas Ever listen t' us tinker away on dese instruments. We have a few more t' play for yo' but here is one dedicated t' all yo' silly people in love." He turned to look directly at Rogue and Gambit. "M'sieur LeBeau and de beautiful lady with yo', we send dis out for yo." Rogue looked at Gambit startled, as the band struck up a slower tune.
"Don't look at me," he said. "I didn't tell dem t' do dis."A few couples were taking to the dance floor. "Shall we?"
"I don't know…" Rogue said uncomfortably.
"Chère," Gambit said quietly. He ran two gloved fingers lightly over her bare shoulder. "I promise I won't let anything happen. Just let yourself relax."
Rogue bit her lip nervously, and Gambit was momentarily worried that she'd refuse him, but she broke into a grin and took his hand, following him onto the dance floor. He pulled her right up to him, the front of her body pressed right against his and she was suddenly very aware that the backless dress had prevented her from wearing a bra. One of Gambit's hands snaked around her lower waist resting on her very lower back, right where the silver grey cloth started. He took her hand in his other and they started slowly moving to a jazzy rendition of 'O Holy Night'.
"This was always one of my favorites," Rogue admitted.
"Really?" Gambit asked, glancing down at her. "I've always liked it, too." Rogue smiled and they continued their elegant movements. When Gambit could tell they were nearing the end of the song, he took the chance he'd been waiting for. "So Rogue, it takes yo' what, ten seconds before yo' start t' absorb me?"
"Something like that," Rogue said as Gambit delicately twirled her.
"So, I was thinking I want t' try something."
"Uh, what?"
Instead of answering, he took her bewildered face in his hands and pulled her in. He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her, running fingers along her jaw line. She froze at first, but in his surprise she kissed him back instead of slapping him. Her lips were just as soft as he'd imagined. He counted to ten before pulling away. She stared up at him, green eyes wide and stunned.
"Please don't be mad chère, I just wanted-"
"Shut up for a second," Rogue said. She frowned slightly and whispered. "I got it…Remy, I got it!"
"Rogue?" Before he could ask anything else, Rogue ripped her elbow length gloves off and grabbed his hand. Nothing. She nearly squealed and threw herself at him, kissing him as if she'd never get another chance. She barely registered the trumpet wailing in the background or the front man jovially proclaiming, "That's love, everybody!"
Logan was still riled up hours later when he heard Gambit's car pull up. He growled and stood, marching to the door. He hadn't expected it to burst open in his face. He had to jump back and even then only barely avoided being smacked into by a very excited Rogue.
"Logan!" she shrieked.
"Yeah, kid?" he asked warily.
"Logan I got it!"
"Got it?" he asked blankly.
"Yeah I've got it!" She ran up and thrust her bare hand at him. Confused, he reached out and took it. He stared at her in astonishment as she grinned. There was no pull, no tell tale signs of energy leaving him, nothing. He looked over her head at Gambit, all the terrible possibilities of what they could get up to together flashed through Logan's mind. Gambit seemed to recognize this because he put a huge smile on his face and pointed forcefully at Rogue who was still staring at Logan, waiting for his reaction.
"Congrats kid," he said. Rogue grinned and threw her arms around him. He hugged her back, palms against her skin. She shivered and pulled away, grinning p at him. "Seriously, good job, how'd you do it?"
"Yeah, I was wondering that myself," Emma said, waltzing into the room.
"You were right," Rogue said excitedly. "It was like a muscle. Well, it's like retractable fangs, and it was a matter of finding the right muscles to control them."
Emma grinned triumphantly as Logan spun Rogue around in circles. Gambit came to stand next to her. "Yo' seem please," he said to her. She glanced at him before turning her attention back to Rogue who was now dancing rather enthusiastically with Logan.
"I am," she confirmed. "Not only have I helped Rogue gain control and lead to her ultimate happiness, even if it's with you, it lends credibility to my abilities to assist mutants."
"So dis is about yo'?" Gambit asked.
"Partially, of course. No good deed is completely selfless. The point is I did help her and she is going to be happy because of it," Emma said.
"True," Gambit said. "But selfish or not, I thank yo'."
Emma turned. "I didn't do it for you, though you are welcome. I will attempt to help you remember what you've lost, though I'm not sure if I'll be able to."
"All we can do is try, de way of life I suppose."
Rogue twirled out of Logan and right into Emma. She gave the surprised woman a tight hug. Emma's arms were straight at her sides before she reluctantly patted Rogue on the back. "Thank you!" Rogue said, smiling broadly at Emma.
"Control is your doing," Emma said. "It's all you. I gave you the tools, but you figured out how to use them."