The day had finally come where there were no more excuses left in the world. Nicky let the family and Gambit stay at his B & B for a whole week with no charge while the twins recovered. For the first three days, Ava couldn't even use her powers, she knew the energy was there but couldn't let it form like she used to. It actually scared her to think that she was no longer a mutant, it was all she had ever known and actually loved that about herself. So when the faintest of a white glow came from her fingertips, she couldn't help but smile and know that the hunters didn't take everything from her.
That was before she was woken up from a slight stir. Through the almost dawn's slight light, she could see Gambit smiling down to her. Ava groaned and turned to the side before she turned back around and saw his duffel bag on the floor. She suddenly sat up as she noticed he had a look of sadness in his own eyes.
"You're leaving?" Ava asked.
Gambit sighed, "Yeah… I have to skip town now"
"Why, Gambit?" was the only word that she could muster.
"Don't say it like that, Ava" Gambit looked up to her, "You knew that I wouldn't be able to stay especially in New Orleans. I love my home but the more I stay here the more I put your life at risk now with the Assassins"
"I think you need to rephrase that sentence" Ava let out, "The hunters gave your assassins a run for their money"
"But now they're gone and we have this to worry about" Gambit pet the side of her head, "I almost lost you once, I don't want to think about losing you again"
"And what are you doing now?" Ava asked, "Not losing me?"
"Cherie-"
"No, Gambit, I want to know" Ava let out, "If you're leaving, I want to know what you think about me. It's the least you can do since you just sprung this up on me"
Gambit stayed quiet for a moment before he said, "I don't know, and that's what scares me the most about it. I've never felt this crazy about anyone before; the need to be with, to keep my distance, but also protect. You're just this big mystery to me, Ava, and having that by me with the enemies I have is not so good"
"I wished that you would stop worrying about me" Ava mumbled.
They stayed quiet together before Gambit asked, "Care to walk out with me?"
Ava didn't respond but pulled the blankets off of her and climbed off the bed. She didn't care that she was in a T-shirt with shorts, nothing mattered anymore as Gambit led her out of her room. They walked in silence as Gambit placed a hand on her waist gently pulling him close to her as they made it down the stairs. Nicky was barely waking up but doubletaked at Gambit and Ava before he gave a solemn smile and nod, probably used to him coming and going in his life. When they stepped out into the cool air, Ava could only stop on the porch as Gambit took a couple of steps down but turned to face her so they were the same height.
"Where are you going to go?" Ava asked.
"I don't know" Gambit answered back, "Where are you going to go?"
Ava thought for a moment before she answered honestly, "I don't know"
"I guess that was sort of expected on both of our parts" Gambit cracked a smile, "Well… you have my number in case-"
"I need you" Ava finished.
"Right"
"And what about when there will come a time when you will need me" Ava countered, "Will you text?"
"No" Gambit objected, "I would call you in a heartbeat"
"Didn't have to make this moment so cheesy" Ava shifted onto her other foot.
"Well, I can't help it if I like being a gentleman" Gambit cracked a smile.
Ava couldn't help it as she tried to hide hers, "I will let you know when we settle down"
"You don't have to do that" Gambit lifted up his arms wide, "You're free, you can do whatever the hell you want now"
"The possibilities are endless" Ava shrugged, "I don't even know where to begin"
"I know" Gambit said, making her look to him, "Just jump on a train and see where it leads, but this time try to buy a ticket"
"Would you?" Ava asked.
Gambit couldn't help but let out a chuckle as he shook his head making Ava mirror his movement. A car drove down the street as Gambit turned and glanced in its direction, looking inside to see if he could recognize anyone. Just that small gesture made Ava remember how he shouldn't even be there. The reality hit once again as she remembered that this was goodbye just as Gambit turned back and looked to her. She struggled to smile once again but this time it was hard.
She reached out and cupped the sides of his face, studying him as he already was closing his eyes. Ava leaned in and gently placed her lips on top of his, trying to memorize every little moment that they had. She felt hands on her hips as Gambit traces tiny circles as he leaned into the kiss. She wished that this kiss had happened in her room and not out in the street where just about anyone could turn the corner and see them.
They broke the kiss as Gambit licked his bottom lip, tasting the wild cherry lip balm that Ava puts on every night before bed. He could still feel her caressing his hair, sending him chills down his spine. He deeply inhaled before he took a step down the stairs, signalling only one thing.
Ava swallowed as she nodded and mouthed out a bye as Gambit turned and walked down the pathway. He tried his best not to look back but had to before the B & B left out of sight, she was still there, waiting for him.