Disclaimer: Owning the X-Men is kind of like dreaming of flying. Only flying is more possible--after all, there are such things as planes.

Written place before "Xtreme Measures"

This isn't war
But these are still battles
"A Hoax to Live For," Dead Poetic

Dear Remy,

I've been thinking since our meeting, and I still can't believe it. I mean, I can, because you're obviously you and you were most definitely there, but joining up with Magneto? Doesn't the fact that the man walks around in a cape and with a bucket on his head provide a clue to his mental instability?

I'll have you know that all those months ago my "vacation" to Hawaii was anything BUT that. He forced confrontations with the Brotherhood and kidnapped the winners. Since I was one of the 'lucky ones' he drugged me, plopped me in one of those giant pinballs, and planned on turning me into a frickin' zombie super-mutant slave! And over Christmas, when I was in New York--that 'angel' like business man I told you about? Well, he really was the New York Angel--Magneto tried to kill a little girl and convince Warren that it was all his fault. Not to mention exposing mutants to the general public, unleashing that Sentinel on us, and making it so that now it's dangerous even to walk the streets by myself. He's a madman; he endangered mutants who've been in hiding all around the world all so he could start his own private war. Somehow, I thought you had more sense than to get involved in something like that. I'm not saying that "normies" wouldn't have found out eventually, but there are better ways to expose that we're different than taking out a frickin' city block! It's like a nightmare come true.

And don't you dare tell me that I'm making any of this up, or exaggerating. I was there, Remy. I know what I saw.

I've been going over the letters you sent me (don't get cocky; gmail automatically saves them) and you said that contracting with him was the one way that you could stay in contact with your family, because your family was "very exclusive--selective--about what jobs we can take and when." I didn't bug you about this before, because I wasn't going to go fishing in your personal life, but there's got to be more here than what you're telling me. Something drove you to work for Magneto.

You say you want to be friends still? Fine. But you better have a damn good explanation for all this. And I want the truth, Remy.

Rogue

X

Dear Rogue,

Dieu, it's strange writing that.

I don't suppose congratulations would be in order on being considered one of the more superior mutants on earth? No? Believe me, Magneto is quite impressed with your skills, and he regrets the day you ever left the Brotherhood. Well, you can't fault the man for taste.

I'll agree that Magneto's methods are unorthodox, even barbaric at times. But the man has his reasons, and he is determined that mutants as a race will not suffer like he had to in the past.

Hell, I'll tell you flat out--I don't like more than half the stuff he's done, and I hate all of the things that he did to you. If he had tried to wipe my mind, he'd be a dead man by now.

But like I've said: there's a war coming either way. I know from experience that it's better to start a fight on your terms. I figure out of all the evils out there, and I've seen some, I choose being alive. And I think that fighting this war and winning is the best way to do that. And that's what Magneto's trying to do, with as minimum mutant casualties as possible.

This explanation still not good enough? Ah, you know me too well. Yes, there's more and yes it has to do with my family. I told you the truth when I told you that my contract with Magneto was the one way I could stay in touch with them. But you don't know all the details. How could you? The information is sensitive, and I couldn't tell you it any more than you could tell me that you were a mutant who couldn't touch and that's why it was dangerous to get close to you. Guess what chere--too late. Mais, now that we are this close, I'll make you a deal.

You agree to meet me without storming off in a flustered huff, and I'll agree to a fair trade--the full truth with nothing held back on both sides. Nothing that would compromise either of our teams, just some of that personal information that we both tried so hard to avoid. I think it would clear things up a bit, neh?

After tonight I'm leaving town until Friday. How does this weekend look for you?

X

I think you know where you can tell Magneto to stuff his approval. And I know about Magneto's reasons--I've absorbed him, remember? I don't know if you know about how my power works, but if I'm satisfied with your explanation in that little tête-à-tête you're suggesting, I just might explain them to you. Let's just say, I've got an inside track on the man. I know what he's done, and why he's done it--and there's no way I can excuse it. He wants the rest of the world to bow to his will, he tried to take our choice from us--if he's so right in goal, I would think he'd have more than you four working with him. And there are other ways that you can ensure safety besides killing off everyone else.

And I didn't "go storming off." I had to help rescue Scott. Going up against Mystique's no joke. But Jean had that whole 'pissed-off girlfriend' thing going for her and it was all over before I got there. Pity.

Weekends aren't really a good time to meet, because the X-kids are all around town… Evan's got a skateboard competition this weekend, I can slip away from the show while everyone's occupied there.

It's downtown, so anywhere in public there is fine with me.

Rogue

X

Aww, chere that's not very nice. After all, the man's approval is hard to earn. But I suppose I can't blame you, like I said, sometimes the man's methods leave a lot to be desired.

We can argue philosophy as much as we want when we meet. There are some reasons I have that I'm not comfortable talking about online.

I'm not making light of you, chere. But some things…they're not as simple as they seem on first glance.

So the X-Men saved the day, eh? And Scotty-boy finally made it official? Oh, I'm sorry, it looks more like Jean finally made it official. You might be having a hard time believing who I'm working for, but I'm having a hard time believing that all this time you've been crushing on Cyclops. I think I'm gonna need to have a serious talk with you about taste when we meet next. I'll be in touch with you about the details.

X

Yeah, well I'm writing to you, aren't I? That should speak volumes of my good judgment. (rolls eyes)

Remember, I'm gonna have to slip away from my teammates so you'd better make it good.

X

Aww, chere, I'm touched. I knew you'd eventually come around.

And don't worry. I'll be discreet.

X

I know you're touched--in the head, you're touched. Stop coming on to me. Are we gonna play poker or not?

X

(Laughs) I'll meet you at the table, chere.

Guess this will have to do till we can have that private game…

X

Remy, it's not happening. Just give it up.

X

I don't give up easy, chere. Now were you planning on playing, or just sitting here emailing all day?

X

Oh, I am so going to wipe the floor with you.

X

We'll see, chere. We'll see.

XxXxXxX

"Rogue, hurry up!" Kitty called from the open end of the hallway.

"Ah'm comin'!" Rogue slammed her locker shut and turned around with her history textbook still in her hands. She slipped it into her messenger bag, which had been so thoroughly decorated with pins and band names that she wasn't sure she could remember what color it had been originally.

"Scott and Jean are going to leave without us!" Kitty shouted again.

"In a minute," Rogue yelled back. She always avoided the sardine can press of crowded halls, if she could help it. Scott and Jean would wait. They're probably too involved in each other ta even notice that Ah'm late, she thought as she made her way towards where Kitty was waiting impatiently.

Kitty frowned at her, "I've got, like, a ton of homework to do. I don't know if I'm ever going to breathe again."

Rogue shrugged, "So don't do it."

"Not all of us can not do our homework and still make good grades, Rogue," Kitty said as they started walking to the parking lot.

"Ya ever tried it?"

"Well…no."

Rogue offered Kitty a half smile as they exited the school, "Maybe ya should. An' ya know as well as Ah do that my grades aren't 'good.' Or has having your own room started ta make you forgetful?"

"No, but it lets me make as much of a mess as I want," Kitty laughed. "You should have seen Kurt the other day, he BAMFED in and then asked what I was doing in Bobby's room."

Rogue shook her head, "Ah think you're doing it just ta confuse him."

Kitty grinned and then became serious, "Well, maybe. But I miss having you in the room, too Rogue. It's totally not the same."

Rogue raised an eyebrow, "Ya mean now ya don't have ta worry about your N'Stink posters gettin' shredded?"

"N'Sync," Kitty corrected automatically. "And no, that's not what I mean. You know what I mean, don't you?"

Rogue spotted Scott and Jean leaning against Scott's convertible and laughing at the end of the parking lot. She sighed as she and Kitty walked towards them and said, "Yeah, Ah know what ya mean, Kit. But it's not like we don't still see each other, and besides, it's--"

Rogue was cut off by the sound of a very strong motor approaching from behind them.

Rogue turned her head and then grabbed Kitty's arm and tugged her hard towards her, out of the way of a speeding motorcycle. It slowed down as it approached them and circled around them in a large curve, circling closer and closer until it raced barely a foot away from them. The rider pulled to a graceful stop in front of them and gunned the engine.

The part of Rogue's brain that wasn't sputtering obscenities at the idiot driver noticed that it was a beautiful bike, a black Mongoose, and that the leather and trench coat clad rider had handled it like a pro.

Ya've got ta be kidding me.

The rider kicked down the motorcycle's stand, but left the machine running as he lifted his partially gloved hands to his tinted black helmet, removing it and shaking free his thick mane of auburn rat-hair.

"Bonjour mes filles," he said with a lazy grin and a wink of a brown--brown!--eye.

"This isn't good," Kitty whispered.

"No joke," Rogue whispered back. Ya have no idea how not good this is.

Her heart was beating much too hard; she felt it vibrating against her lungs as Rogue wondered if he was going to blow their cover.

His eyes were sparkling all too mischievously for Rogue's liking--despite the fact that they were somehow brown again--and he was entirely too smug. Everything about his casual demeanor screamed a challenge to her: Can you play my game?

Watch me, punk. Rogue put a hand on her hip and jutted it towards him, "What are ya doing here this time, lackey?"

His grin spread in a slow, predatory manner as he casually dismounted his from his bike. "Just passin' by, cherie. Nice day."

Ah'll 'nice day' ya, Rogue gritted her teeth. "Ya best keep passin', Swamp Breath. Nobody wants ta see ya here."

"I don't think it's a good idea to antagonize him, Rogue," Kitty muttered urgently as Gambit took a few steps towards them.

"Aww, cherie, ya don't mean that. Have y' forgotten our last meeting so soon?"

Rogue vaguely noted the sound of running coming from behind her.

Great, the new dynamic duo. Oh crap--telepath! She quickly flung up her mental walls and hoped that Remy was smart enough to do the same.

"Sorry, ya didn't make that much of an impression on me," Rogue smiled in a predatory fashion. "Maybe if ya leave an' don't come back again, Ah'll have more time ta ponder."

Gambit smirked at her and moved sinuously to circle her. Rogue followed his movements with her eyes carefully, willing herself not to move or show any response. Kitty tensed beside her, ready to grab her and phase if he tried anything.

After circling behind her he stood at her right side, just by her shoulder and leaned over her ear, "Maybe Gambit should see if he can make dis meetin' more memorable. How do y' t'ink he can--"

"Hey! Get away from her!" Scott yelled, hand on his glasses, prepared to fire a shot.

"He's always interrupting us, neh?" Remy whispered softly without moving his mouth before straightening up to stare at the X-Men's leader.

Rogue didn't dare respond as Scott and Jean had finally arrived.

Remy didn't move away from her.

Scott reached out to shove him back, but Remy evaded it easily, "Easy, homme. Gambit wasn't doin' any harm. He was just sayin' hello."

"What are you doing here?" Scott gritted, his fists clenched at his sides.

"Ah was just askin' him that," Rogue said, crossing her arms and turning to face them.

Kitty's eyes were wide, and she was watching everyone carefully, still ready to grab Rogue and phase if need be.

"You heard me," Scott said, still not looking away from Gambit.

"Scott, calm down," Jean said. "He hasn't done anything yet. Please don't make a scene."

"Well, dat's very kind of y', belle. Y' certainly live up t' your reputation--beautiful and compassionate," Remy turned to Jean with the full force of his smile.

Jean blushed.

Oh please, Rogue fought against rolling her eyes. Don't tell me she's buying this? Aren't telepaths supposed ta be perceptive?

Scott growled and said, "I'll give you to the count of five to be on your bike and out of here." He lifted his hand to his glasses again.

Remy winked imperceptibly at Rogue again and smirked at Scott, "Y' sure y' want t' do dat, homme? In de middle of de school parkin' lot? T'ink dere be rules about dat, non?"

Rogue caught on to the new game and felt an illicit pleasure in going along with it. "He's right Scott. After all, look at him! Nobody knows he's a mutant--the newscast got us on tape fightin' the Sentinel, but Magneto's lackeys were long gone. If we do anything, it'll be seen as startin' an unprovoked attack upon a human."

"Why dat's a very pretty bit of logic comin' from a girl with an even more beautiful… face. Gambit must say, he is very… impressed."

"Listen here ya no-account lummox, just because Ah'm stopping Scott from blastin' your sorry ass doesn't mean that you're welcome, wanted, or worth mah time. Ya said your hello, Ah think it's high time ya said your goodbye."

Gambit pouted, "Y' don' really t'ink m' ass is sorry, do ya chere?"

"Why are you still here?" Scott interjected.

Gambit's eyes narrowed dangerously, "'s funny, homme. Gambit was just t'inkin' de same t'ing 'bout y'."

Scott's hand returned to his glasses. "Leave."

"Gambit will be seein' ya, Shades," he said, sliding back onto his bike. He picked up his helmet and held it loosely in one hand while he kicked up the bike's stand and then reved the engine again. He turned the full force of his smile onto Rogue and then trailed his gaze slowly down her body and then back up to her face. Gambit's smile slipped into a smirk, "He'll be seein' y' too, cherie. After all, it seems like we have a disagreement or two dat needs resolvin'. Not in de least determining de value of our various…assets, non?"

"The only asset ya have that Ah give a damn about is your bike. Drive safe, but feel free ta trip as soon as ya get off."

Gambit laughed, winked at her again, then slipped on his helmet and drove away, leaving a single card drifting back towards them.

They all jumped back before Kitty said, "It's not charged." She walked over to pick it up while Scott turned to Rogue.

"What was that all about?" he said.

Rogue shrugged. "How the hell should Ah know? But maybe next time Ah tell ya Ah saw someone suspicious around had ta follow him, ya'll be a little more understandin'."

Scott frowned, "I don't like the way he was looking at you."

Rogue's glance flickered quickly to Jean before cutting back to Scott. "Ah don't see how the way he was lookin' at me is any of your business! After all, it's not like he can touch me, Scott."

Scott winced and ran a hand through his hair. "I know…I know you can take care of yourself. Just be careful, all right? If you do see him again, call me. I don't want you facing him alone."

Jean stepped closer to Scott and placed her hand in the crook of Scott's arm. "Call any of us. You're not alone, Rogue."

Oh, the irony, Rogue thought with a twist of her lips. "Since when did this turn into a therapy session? Let's just go home."

Jean frowned, her gaze concerned, "But Rogue, we have to talk--"

"She's right," Scott said abruptly. "We should go. We should tell the professor about this. Come on," he gently placed his hand on the small of Jean's back and turned her towards his car.

Rogue smirked as she watched them walk away, and she shook her head slightly.

"Ace of Spades," Kitty said matter-of-factly. She held it out to Rogue.

Rogue looked at it, shrugged, and said, "Not much good without the other fifty-one cards. Maybe he threw it at us ta show that he's playing with a short deck?"

Kitty snorted, but sobered quickly. "You OK?"

Rogue turned toward her friend, noting that Kitty's eyes were narrowed in calculation. "Ah'm just swell, Kitty."

"You're not worried that he seemed, well, interested?" Kitty said cautiously.

Rogue laughed, "This from the girl who dated Avalanche. C'mon, Kitty, he was just messin' with us. If he was keepin' an eye on us for Magneto or somethin', it's not like he would have walked up and introduced himself ta us. An' like Ah said, it's not like he can touch me. It ain't nothin', Kit."

"And you're really not worried about this," she stated, still carefully evaluating Rogue's response.

"Worried? Nah. Happy about it? Not especially. But we're gonna have even more to worry about if Scott and Jean take off without us. And Ah thought ya had homework?"

Kitty's eyes widened, "Oh crap!" and she took off for the car.

Rogue laughed fondly, and shook her head again before her eyes narrowed. That's his idea of discreet? Ah swear… And around Kitty, no less. She's not as dumb as she sounds.

She started to walk towards the car, but felt something poke her in her back pocket. She glanced around her and saw that no one was paying any attention, so she reached back and investigated.

It was a note.

AN: Oh that Gambit (shakes head). Always playing games. Well, I hope you all enjoyed that. I have the next chapter partially written, so maybe an update by Friday? I was hoping to post them together, but this chapter was being persnickety, and their next meeting, well, it's gonna be kinda long. No saved by the bell phone call for Rogue this time...probably.

Review responses for chapter 24 are now UP on my livejournal. The link is on my profile page. I also host snippets, update updates and other things, so feel free to come by and check it out! I always appreciate your feedback, it's very encouraging to hear what you think. So let me know:0)