Magneto called Gambit into his office, having a new assignment for him. The others followed behind. So this would be a group effort. Mystique sat on the edge of Magneto's desk, looking like her usual shape shifting, bitchy self. Gambit rolled his eyes. He really couldn't stand that woman, but he tolerated her. At least until he was higher up on the food chain. Magneto had taken an interest in Gambit. Particularly his stealth skills. Magneto came to realize why Gambit was so prized by Jean Luc. He also saw why Jean Luc was so reluctant to give him up. The eighteen year old had much potential for being the youngest member of his elite team. He was also the best. Quick and silent with combustible, swift hands.
"You will all be going up against the X-men today," Magneto announced, turning to face them, "They have been a thorn in my side for quite some time now and the Brotherhood just isn't getting the job done."
"Do we all have specific people or just attack," Sabertooth said, a murderous smile spreading across his face.
Magneto looked at him, "All of you may attack you please, except you," he looked at Gambit, "I want you and only you to go after Rogue. Here is her picture," he handed Gambit her file, "You're job is to sweet talk her, flirt with her, make her want to be with you. Make her fall in love with you then bring her to our side but don't touch her skin. It's poisonous."
Gambit nodded then looked at the photo, "Hm," his mouth formed into a smirk, "Mon chere, I guess I did find a way to get your name. Cela devrait être intéressant."
"Can you do this," Magneto asked.
"I think I can manage," he handed the file back.
"Don't get handsy with her," Mystique sneered, "You'll woo her but treat her with respect. Just thinking about her even remotely caring for you makes me sick. My daughter deserves someone who doesn't think women are disposable."
Magneto sighed, "We all know how you feel Raven. But Gambit it the only one who would be capable of getting into her heart while not getting his own taken."
Raven, why did that name sound so familiar to him? Wait, Rogue was Mystique's daughter and Mystique's real name was Raven? Anna, Anna's one mother's name was Raven. Was it possible? The little girl, the girl he danced with in Louisiana and Rogue, could the all be the same person? Did this mean that she was alive and he had found her? He took a deep breath. If that was the case he was in big trouble. He tried to calm his thoughts and focus on the task at hand but he couldn't help but let that little bit of hope sink in.
He looked at the others, it was time to leave. He would start the fight with a few cards after Pyro set some stuff on fire. Pyro was interesting yes, but completely insane. Gambit meant that in the most literal way, the man had more than a few screws loose. Gambit shuffled his cards while flying in the metal orb, his staff collapsed and in his pocket. He heard Pyro's laugh as he jumped out of the orb. Several crates were on fire already. Gambit rolled his eyes at Pyro's unstable behavior. The X-men hadn't even come yet. Gambit launched himself on top of a crate and sat lazily, waiting for the "good guys" to arrive. He heard Sabertooth snarl. Then, to his surprise, heard someone snarl back. He looked in the direction of the second snarl.
He noted the man with the claws as Wolverine, who was already charging at Sabertooth. He looked past Wolverine to a red head, Jean Grey. Next to her was a boy with a visor over his eye, Cyclops. Next to him were two blue people, the larger one being Beast, the smaller being Night Crawler. Next was the small brunette that walked with Rogue the one day in Louisiana, Shadow Cat. But where was she? His sweet and spicy southern belle was nowhere in sight. He scanned the crowd of people again. There she was, sneaking away from the rest. He charged his deck of card, sending them flying one after another in all different directions.
He turned around before her bare hand could touch her. He smirked and leaped out of the way, causing her to lose track of him. She was good, he had to admit but he'd have the upper hand next time. He watched as she leapt into the aisle of crates, just one turn away from him. He pulled the King of Hearts out. He counted in his head. Three, two, one. There she was, standing in front of him. She seemed mesmerized, transfixed on his eyes that were now brown instead of red and black. One of Magneto's ideas, it made it easier for him to see in sun light. He smirked at her, holding the card up. He extended it towards her. She grabbed it, holding it as if it was the most fascinating object in the world. He moved it between them, holding it out flat. His moved his face closer to hers, she did the same thing. He charged the card, letting it go then stepping back. He gave her a small salute then ran. The next thing he heard was the blast.
"I really hope you threw that card chere," he mumbled to himself.
He felt something tackle him, "You tried to blow me up, you bastard!"
He turned over and kicked her off of him, "So you wanna give me nicknames now chere?"
"Chere, oh my god," she gawked at him, "No, you've gotta be shitting me. You're the sweet talker from Louisiana. You work for Magneto? God I knew there was something I didn't like about you. And now here you are trying to fucking blow me up."
"Language, chere, language," he tisked, "Such foul words shouldn't come outta such a pretty girls lips. Which look absolutely delicious if I do say so myself."
She threw a punch followed by a kick, "You're gonna flirt with me and sweet talk me in the middle of a fight."
He grabbed her leg, pushing her back, "When else am I gonna do it chere," he asked as he straddled her, "Hope you don't mind, I like to be on top."
"You're disgusting," she hissed as she pushed him off of her then straddling him.
He raised an eyebrow, "So you like to be on top then? Well I guess we can come to some kind of compromise."
She gave him a disgusted look, pulling off one of her gloves. He quickly kicked her off. She landed on her feet as he kicked his leg, getting back up. He pulled out his staff, using it to block her. She jumped as he tried to take her feet out from under her. He used the staff to charge at her, pinning her against the crates. Her hands couldn't move to his bare skin. He moved his hand up towards her face, his eyes locking with hers. He carefully brushed some hair out of her face. He moved his face closer to hers.
She smiled, "I wouldn't if I were you. Unless you wanna take a nap."
He continued to move his face towards hers. His head moved sideways, smelling her hair. She held her breath as his lips kissed the top of her head. He smiled as he leaned his forehead against hers, making sure the head gear he wore was the only part touching her skin. She looked up as he looked down. He dropped his staff and smiled.
"I'm not afraid of you. I know what will happen if I touch your skin," he moved his body a little closer, almost touching hers, "So go ahead, touch my face or hand. I'm not scare of being absorbed," he gazed at her, "God, you're still so beautiful."
She moved her hand towards his face, he didn't move, "Why aren't you moving?"
He grabbed her wrist, pulling her hand even closer to his face, "I told you, I'm not afraid of you or your powers. You think I was joking then touch me."
She tried to pull her hand away but he placed it on his heart. He let go of her wrist but her hand remained. He moved even closer, his body pressing hers against the crates. He ran his hand through her hair, being careful not to touch her skin. God he wanted to kiss her, to just melt into her. To have her want him, to be close to her. He'd never wanted anyone more than he wanted her in that moment.
He heard her breath catch in her throat. He looked, his hand had slid from her arm down her side. He looked back at her, never once pulling his head away. If she joined them he could have her, he could be with her. Whenever he wanted, however he wanted. He could work around her skin. He slid both hands up her sides, over her chest to her neck. He leaned into her even more, causing her to move her hands around his neck. He moved his head to the side of hers, moving his hips slightly.
"Gambit," she breathed, "You can't, we can't," she tried to think as his pelvis grinded into her.
No one had ever gotten close enough to try anything like this. He wasn't afraid to be close to her. Either that or he was completely insane. At the moment she didn't care, savoring the touch. She gripped his shoulders, pulling him a little closer. There was the sound of footsteps coming towards them. He pulled himself away from her, grabbing his staff and collapsing it. She gazed at him, a goofy grin on her face.
He kissed her hand, "Until next time mon chere," he saluted then ran.
She blinked a few times then ran after him. She didn't want him to leave, she wanted him to stay the way he was. She looked around a few crates until a card came floating down in front of her. She jumped out of the way while hearing the laugh of a certain Cajun as it exploded. She picked herself back up, brushing her uniform off. She glared at him as he jumped from crate to crate, only to get picked up in a metal orb. He blew her a kiss before the orb closed.
"GAMBIT, YOU ROTTEN BASTARD," she screamed at the orb.
"Well," Magneto asked as Gambit sat, "How did things go with the girl?"
Gambit smirked, "Cake. I have her right where I want her."
"Good," Magneto smiled, "Very good."
"If I may sir," Gambit leaned forward, "What will you do with the girl once she gets here? I mean, does anyone get her?"
Magneto laughed, "If you want her, you can have her. I have different reasons for wanting her. But if you wish to use her for…entertainment then be my guest."
Gambit smiled, "Alright, well if you don't mind, I have some planning to do. She may be cake but she isn't exactly melting into a puddle just yet."
Magneto waved his hand, meaning Gambit was dismissed, "Oh, I forgot to mention," Magneto added before Gambit could leave, "You are my new right hand man. This means more pay. You're doing well here Gambit, extremely well."
"Please don't think this is me being ungrateful but what about Creed," Gambit asked.
"Creed," Magneto sighed, "He's an animal. Yes he gets the job done if I need someone exterminated but you, you have the mind of a thief, feet like a cat and words like a romantic. Not to mention your various other skill. Particularly your hand to hand combat. You're agile. I need someone like you as my right hand man. You're the most skilled member I have, not to mention I think you'd make a great assassin if need be."
Gambit nodded, "Well I'm honored sir."
He left. He was going to go out tonight. He was tired of just sitting around the base doing nothing. So that's what he'd do. He'd go out, have a few drinks and pick up a lady or two. He grabbed his trench coat and motorcycle keys. No one stopped him as left, going to the closest bar. It was Friday so the place should be packed with ladies and possibly their men. He drove by a girl with white bangs. He smirked, it must be his lucky day. He pulled to the side and killed the engine, removing his helmet. He waited for her to pass a bit.
"Evening chere," he said loud enough so she could hear but not loud enough for others to look.
She turned, smiling, "Evening Cajun."
He smirked, "If I'm not mistaken it looks like you're happy to see me."
She walked over to him, "Maybe I am. Nice bike," she leaned against it, "Maybe I like talking to someone that's Southern. It's nice seeing you out of uniform."
He raised an eyebrow, "So now you're thinking about me naked chere? I may have to stop talking to you. My virgin ears can't handle such innuendos."
She laughed, "Oh I'm the one with dirty thoughts? What are you doing here anyway?"
He shrugged, "Just needed to get out. Find myself some alcohol and a lady. You?"
She looked up at the sky, "Going out helps clear my head. Got a lot of people in there. Besides it's summer, don't wanna stay inside. I hate staying in a busy mansion."
He handed her a helmet, "How about a bike ride to take your mind off things?"
She took it then looked at him, "This isn't a setup is it?"
He shook his head, "Non, jus' meh talking to you and offering you a chance to have some fun."
"What the hell, not like I'm doing anything better," she pulled the helmet on, hopping on the bike after him.
He revved the engine, "Hold on tight."
She gripped around his waist as the bike sped off. She giggled a bit, holding on to Gambit even more. He loved the way she held him, a little more than he knew he should. She scooted closer, pressing herself against his back. She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. He smiled to himself. If she joined the team he could get used to this. They stopped at a red light. She looked to the side only to see Scott and Jean looking at her. She smiled and waved. Gambit looked over, watching both of their expressions change. He saluted them then revved the engine. Scott and Jean listened to her laugh as they tore down the street.
He drove up a dirt road, stopping by a single tree. He killed the engine, pushing out the kick stand. He pulled his helmet off then turned as Rogue shook her hair. She looked amazing. He knew it was just a normal outfit for her but still. She swung her leg around, straddling Gambit while sitting on his lap. He stared at her. God why did she have to look so sexy all the time? She pulled herself closer to him, so their chests were touching. He noticed his manhood beginning to harden, not that she seemed to mind. She looked into his eyes, running her hand through his hair.
"I really do love your eyes," she stared at them, "The contacts didn't look right. I really liked you being close to me today. No one ever gets that close. Why aren't you afraid? I could kill you right here and now with one touch."
He touched her face with his gloved palm, "Why should ah be afraid? Maybe I'm crazy but I have no reason to be afraid of you," he moved his face closer, pulling her into him more, "Besides, I like a challenge. You really aren't used to people touching you, are you?"
"What makes you say that," she said breathlessly.
"Well," he smiled while running his hand along her spine, "You seem to be getting pleasure out of me just running my hands up and down your back, not to mention you're breathless. I dare you to kiss me."
She draped her hands over his shoulders, "Not gonna happen Cajun."
He pulled her down a bit, "Oh really? So you just wanna pick up where we left off?"
She rested her head on his shoulder, hugging her arms around him, "Do you really like me or do you just see me as a challenge and want to get in my pants?"
"I," he rubbed her back with his hand, pulling her even closer, "I'm, I'm not entirely sure," he leaned his chin in her head, moving his hand to her head and running it through her hair, "It's complicated petite. I'm not supposed to be around you. We're enemies. I can't like you," he let out a sigh.
She moved so her lips were near his ear, "What if I told you I kind of like you?"
He pulled back and looked her straight in the eyes, "I'd tell you not to do that. I'm not the best person to have feelings for petite."
She touched the side of his face, "I'm a pretty good judge of character. I don't believe you're as bad as you think you are. You wouldn't act like this around me if you were. And a bad person doesn't walk thirteen year old girls home to make sure they're safe."
"I knew that was you," he smirked, then his expression darkened, "A lot of things have changed since then."
Her expression saddened, "And yet here I am trusting you again."
He laughed bitterly, "You shouldn't do that either."
She placed her hand over his mouth. He stared as she kissed the back of her hand. He smiled when she pulled her hand away. He grabbed her face and pulled it towards his. He lightly kissed her lips, not feeling anything. He then pressed harder, feeling a slight pulled. He pulled away, grabbing his head. He had a goofy smile painted on his face. She started at him as he moved back in for another kiss.
"What? Are you crazy," she spat.
"If it means I get to kiss you again then yes, yes I am," he smiled.
She couldn't help but laugh at the goofy expression on his face. He stopped moving towards her and laughed too. He caught her as she slid off the bike, holding her stomach from laughing so much. He brushed the hair off of her face. He pulled her into him, embracing her. She hugged him back, snuggling into him. It was her, it had to be. Anna, she had to be his Anna. He couldn't do this. He couldn't collect her if she really was his Anna. But he couldn't lose her again.
"Gambit, I hate to be a kill joy but it's getting late," she looked up at him, "I should be getting home."
"Well then you might wanna swing your legs back over the bike," he handed her the helmet she wore, "Just hang on tight."
She swung herself back over, "I will, I promise."
"Good," he patted her leg, "I don't want anything to happen to you."
He turned the bike on, making a sharp turn then heading back to the mansion. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the summer's air. Her hands moved back to Gambit's chest. He grabbed her hand at each red light. He knew if Magneto found out he'd had feelings for the girl for quite some time he'd be dead. Or worse, he wouldn't be able to see her anymore, which was something he didn't want to happen. She opened her eyes as soon as she heard the bike turn off. She climbed off the bike, handing Gambit the extra helmet.
"Thanks for the ride," she said.
"Any time chere," he smiled, "I'm always around."
She touched his shoulder, "I know Cajun."
He took his helmet off, taking her face in both hands, "One for the road."
Before she could object he pulled her face to his, pressing his lips to hers until he felt a slight tug. He pulled away, the same goofy smile plastered on his face. If everything else in his life was a lie he could say this with absolute truth…that girl had one hell of a kiss. It was simply addictive.
She laughed a bit, "Get outta here you crazy swamp rat," she turned and placed her hand on the scanner, causing the gate to open, "Hey Gambit," she asked as she turned back around.
"Yeah chere," he said, his head feeling less dizzy.
"Are you," she played with a bit of her hair, "Are you still gonna go out and pick up girls?"
He smiled, "I think I'm gonna just call it a night chere."
She ran over and threw her arms around him, "Thanks for tonight. I really needed some fun."
He hugged her back, "Any time. Now you better get inside before they see who you're with."
She nodded and ran up the path. He did another sharp turn and headed back to base. Man was he in trouble. This girl found a way. She found a way to get into his heart. But it was wrong. His heart belonged to someone else, someone he'd lost a long time ago. He felt the metal of the necklace press against his skin. He was going to lose her to. He had to find a way to keep this strictly her feeling for him and not the other way around. He'd noticed a chain around her neck. He wandered what was connected to it. He'd find out at some point. He parked his bike next to Saber tooth's then headed for the base.
He heard a growl from the kitchen, "I smell a pretty little X-men. Wolverine's pet if I'm not mistaken."
"As usual, your nose is on top of things," Gambit said, a bored undertone in his voice.
Saber tooth snarled, "I don't think boss will be happy with you spending time with her."
"My job is to make the girl fall in love with me then bring her to our side," Gambit rolled his eyes, "Do you really think I can do that in the middle of a fight?"
"Mates got a point," Pyro chimed in, "Can't really charm a sheila if there's a bunch of fight going on."
"If you ask me," Mystique said from the doorway, "Gambit's getting a bit attached to his assignment."
Gambit turned and looked at, a tight smile on his face, "Good thing no one asked you then, isn't it?"
"You arrogant boy," Mystique walked towards him, "Unless it's in battle you'll stay away from my daughter. And keep your filthy hands off."
"What if I told you she likes it when I run my hands all over her," he lifted an eyebrow, "What if your innocent little girl isn't so innocent? Because we had a lot of fun tonight. And trust me, neither one of us kept our hands to ourselves," he strutted past her then turned, "I didn't keep my lips off either."
He walked away, hearing glass break. He walked into Magneto's office, sitting on the seat in front of his desk. Magneto turned the chair, facing the young boy.
"How are things going," he asked.
Gambit smiled, "Exactly as planned."
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation in the kitchen," Magneto noted, "And quite frankly I find it to be brilliant. You are correct. Getting to know her just in battle will do no good. Seeing her outside of battle will. Get her to trust you then pull her in, making her join us. She's extremely valuable and important to me Gambit. I can't have any mishaps. Are we clear?"
"Crystal clear sir," Gambit stood, "I will make sure I see her again."
"Good," Magneto smiled, "Now go. There is much work to be done."
Gambit walked out of Magneto's office, "You have no idea."