"Um, Mr. LeBeau?" Gambit heard as he opened his eyes to see a girl from his first class shaking him softly.

His eyes flew open and he sat up quickly. "Fuck!" He said, looking at the clock before looking at the girl. "I be right down."

After the girl left, he jumped out of the bed and quickly got dressed. Rogue sat up on her elbows and looked at the clock, seeing it was eight nineteen, as she watched him throw a shirt on.

"F'got t' set de alarm." Gambit said, walking into the bathroom and throwing water through his hair. "Saturday t'row me off." He gathered his laptop and folder. "See y' later."

Quickly heading downstairs, he jogged into the kitchen and stopped in front of them. "I 'pologize, les filles. F'got t' set de alarm last night." He said, raking his fingers through his hair as he opened his folder.

"It's alright." The girl that woke him, said.

"T'anks fo' wakin' me." Gambit said, winking at her. "Don' go tellin' on me, eh? Y' girls get a free tardy since I be late."

"Awesome." Another girl said as they watched him take out a paper.

"A'right. We gonna be makin' some croissants." He said, rubbing his eye with his right wrist. "I wanna see y' be takin' notes, 'cause t'ese can be tricky fo' some people."

He waited as they all took their pens and turned to a clean piece of paper before he began.

–

Lying in bed, Rogue took in a deep breath and tried to wake up. She didn't want to get out of bed, but she knew she'd better. Getting dressed, she felt a little nauseous as she slipped her flip flops on. Taking her water, she drank a bit of it before heading out of the room. She had read that she needed to keep herself hydrated to help with the morning sickness as well as ginger. So, she decided that she'd make herself some ginger tea.

Heading down and into the kitchen, she mouthed 'sorry' to Gambit, and the girls, as she walked over and grabbed the tea and some water in a mug, microwaving it before heading out and into the entertainment room to fix it up. It smelt really good and she couldn't wait to drink it. Letting it seep on the end table, Jean poked her head and and motioned for her to follow her. Taking her mug, carefully, Rogue did just that.

"What's up?" She asked, following Jean down to the elevator.

"I want you to welcome a new student. He'll be arriving any minute." She said as they headed down to the hangar. "Probably here already."

"And ah didn't even try ta look presentable." Rogue said, fixing her hair.

"You look great." Jean said, placing her hand on Rogue's shoulder as the elevator stopped.

Walking out they headed down a hall and into a room where the jet was powering down. The door opened and Cyclops walked out with Charles and a young man. He was dressed in black sweatpants and a black hoodie with a gray shirt underneath. He was carrying a military-style shoulder bag on his right shoulder and had his left hand in his pocket. As he walked closer, she could tell he was probably seventeen to twenty years old. His hair was straight, dark brown and just touched his shoulders. His eyes were hazel and he had a little stubble along his jawline. He was a good looking kid.

Rogue smiled as the boy walked closer. "Welcome." She said, extending her hand. "I'm Anna."

The boy looked at her hand before he looked into her eyes. "Don' do well wit' touchin' people." He said. "M' name's Craig."

"That's alright, Craig." Rogue said, suddenly feeling sympathy for him. "Ah know exactly what ya goin' through. Until the Professor helped me, ah couldn't touch another soul with my bare skin for years."

Craig looked down at Charles. "Hope y' can help me." He said, looking at Scott and then Jean. "Where we headin'?"

"We'll take you to your room so you can get unpacked and rest from the flight." Jean said. "Would you like some help with your things?"

"Sure." Craig said, looking back at the jet. "I go get Scarlet."

"Scarlet?" Rogue asked, raising an eyebrow.

"She my cat." He said, smiling.

After he grabbed Scarlet's cage, they walked with him into the elevator. Rogue smiled as he held the cage close and looked at the ground.

"Ah noticed ya accent." Rogue said, causing him look at her. "Cajun?"

He smiled. "Don' speak French." He said. "I jus' speak ghetto Louisianan."

Rogue liked his humor. "Where 'bouts are ya from?" She asked.

"Jean Lafitte." He said with a smile. "It be a small town of about two thousand, just Sout' o' N' O'lan's. Not'in' excitin'."

"Well, I know another teacher you'll feel comfortable talking to." Jean smiled at Craig as they reached the main hall. "I'll introduce you to him later on."

Craig chuckled. "A'right." He said as they headed upstairs and to the right.

"Your room is on the end on the right." Jean said as they headed down and she opened the door. "Let me know if you need anything."

"Feel free ta let me know too, hun." Rogue said. "We want ya ta feel welcome here."

Setting Scarlet's cage down, Craig turned to them and smiled. "T'anks." He said as he turned and looked around the room. "Dis is nicer dan I t'ought it be."

"Well, I'm glad it exceeded your expectations." Jean said with a smile. "I hope you, and Scarlet, like it here. We look forward to working with you."

His smile continued as Jean left so he looked at Rogue. "Y' said y' couldn' touch nobody b'fore de Professor helped." He said, getting her attention. "Wha' happened b'fore y' control dem?"

Rogue smiled at his wanting to talk. "Ah absorb people's energy, strength or powers. Whatever they have ta give, ah take it." She said. "Ah also take on their memories. So, they sorta keep livin' inside me after I knock 'em out cold or put 'em in comas."

"Shit." Craig said, but suddenly corrected himself. "Sorry. Didn' mean t'‒"

"It's alright, sugah." Rogue said, seeing him smile. "What are ya powers?"

"I burn people when I touch dem. Give dem t'ird degree burns and even melt t'eir skin." He said. "Havn' touched anyone for t'ree years."

"Ah know what that's like." Rogue said, reaching out and placing her hand on his shoulder. "Tha Professor can help ya. Just gotta work hard at it ya self and meet him halfway. Most importantly, ya gotta believe in ya self."

She took her hand from his shoulder as he nodded and took a sip of her ginger tea. Looking at his luggage, she noticed a guitar case.

"Ya play?" She asked, seeing him look in the direction she was.

"Yeah." He said. "I write songs."

Rogue smiled. "Ah'd love ta hear ya play sometime." She said. "Maybe ya can perform for us one night?"

"I t'ink 'bout it." He said, placing his hand on the back of his neck. "T'anks for y' help, by de way. Wit' m' luggage."

"No problem." Rogue said as she took a step backwards to the door. "Ah'll let ya get settled in. If ya need anything, my room's the second on the right just past the stairs if ya comin' from this direction."

Craig nodded. "A'right." He said. "Den I see y' later."

Rogue winked at him before she turned and left the room. The boy was clearly an introvert since his powers flared, but she knew the students would help him feel more comfortable. Especially the female students. She made herself laugh as she walked down and into Jean's office.

–

When it was time for lunch, Gambit turned around and made coffee. He hadn't had any, since waking up late, and he was suffering from a caffeine headache. He was feeling like a zombie.

As he watched it brew, he heard a few girls talking. "Have you seen the new guy?" One of them asked.

"No." Another said.

"Oh my god." She said. "So hot."

Gambit smiled and shook his head as they went outside for lunch. "Hey hun." He looked at the kitchen's entrance to see Rogue entering with her mug.

"Hi." He said.

"Aww." She said, walking up and placing her hand on his face. "Ya look horrible."

"T'anks." He said, standing up straight and leaning against the counter.

"We got a new student today." Rogue said, seeing him nod.

"Jus' heard." He said, crossing his arms over his chest. "An' I heard he's hot."

Rogue chuckled. "He's a good lookin' guy, not gonna dispute that." She said. "And he's from Louisiana."

Gambit smiled, reaching out and placing his hand on Rogue's lower stomach. She smiled back at him as she stepped closer and kissed his lips softly.

Pulling away, he turned and poured a cup of coffee. "S'ppose I oughta say hi, den." He said, glancing back and smiling at her. "Oh, an' don' be t'inkin' since we getting' married y' have special privileges, like interrupting my classes."

"Ah think ya can let it slide, since ah was feelin' a bit sick this mornin'." She said, reaching up and playing with the back of his hair. "Mr. Tardy."

He smirked, looking at her. "Y' should've reminded me t' set de alarm." He said.

"Ah ain' tha one teachin'." She said giving him a wink. "Not my responsibility."

"Ouch." He said, taking a sip of coffee. "Y' bad, chère."

Taking his hand, Rogue led him out of the kitchen. "Ah want ya ta meet Craig." She said, leading him up the stairs. "He's a sweet boy. Little shy, but sweet."

"He probably need t' sleep. Dat ain' a short flight." Gambit said, stopping at the second landing. "I'll meet him when school is out. B'sides, I'm starving."

Rogue chuckled, thinking about how quickly he had jumped out of bed and gotten dressed this morning. "Ah don't doubt it." She said as they headed back down to the kitchen.

"Y' want anyt'in'?" He asked, walking over and grabbing things to make a sandwich. "I make y' one too, chère."

"Ah don't want a sandwich." She said. "Sorry. Not feelin' that."

He shrugged. "Don' got time t' make y' anyt'in'." He said, starting to put his sandwich together. "Wish I did."

"Don't worry about it, hun. Ah'll find something." Rogue said. "If not, ah'll go out."

"Wish I could go out." He said. "But, hélas, I stuck here."

She smiled at him as he finished his sandwich and put everything back where they belonged. "Can always go out after school." She said, watching him take a bite.

He shook his head as he finished chewing. "Not today." He said. "Je vais dormir, after school. Go t' sleep."

She watched him for a few more moments before she headed to the door. "Ah'm gonna kill time." She said, waving to him as she walked out.

Finishing his sandwich, he saw the students were heading back inside and to their classes. Throwing his paper plate away, Gambit finished his sandwich and grabbed some water before the girls started showing up for class.

–

After grabbing her favorite book from the library, Rogue headed up to her room and relaxed on the bed as she started reading from where she left off the last time she was reading the same book. When she finished a few chapters, there was a soft knock on her door.

Looking up, she placed her finger in the book. "Come in." She called, watching the door open slowly and Craig poking his head in. "Hey, hun. Is everything alright?"

He nodded as he opened the door and walked in. "Was wonderin' if y' could show me 'round." He said, placing his hands in the pockets of his sweatpants.

"Sure." Rogue said, closing the book and standing. "But before we do that, ya have ta do somethin' for me."

Craig raised his eyebrow. "Wha's dat?" He asked.

"Ah have ta meet Scarlet." She smiled, seeing him smile back and nod.

"A'right." He said as they headed down to his room.

Walking in, Rogue saw a beautiful gray and white striped cat sitting on a cat perch by the window. She smiled as Craig walked over and picked her up, bringing her closer to Rogue. Reaching out, she pat the cat on the head and gave her chin some scratches.

"She's beautiful." Rogue said. "And really soft."

Craig watched as Scarlet leaned into Rogue's scratching. "T'anks." He said as Scarlet climbed over into Rogue's arms. "Dat's a good sign."

Rogue cradled the cat in her arms as she continued to pat her under her chin. "How old is she?" She asked, looking at Craig.

"Nine." He said, reaching out and patting her head. "Got her when I was eleven."

"Why tha name Scarlet?" She asked, walking over and setting her on her perch.

"When I got her, mom was watchin' Gone Wit' de Wind." He said with an embarrassed smile. "I had a crush on Scarlet, so dat be de first name dat came t' mind."

"That's adorable. So ya twenty, then." Rogue said. "Ah know several girls that are gonna be all over ya like white on rice."

He smiled shyly. "Tryin' t' avoid people 'til I can get dis under control." He said, looking Rogue in the eyes.

"How 'bout that tour?" Rogue asked as they headed out of his room. "So, ya know these are tha dormitories."

Craig walked along side her, with his hands in his pockets, as they headed down stairs. Turning right, they walked down the hall.

"That's Jean's office. She and Scott are married." Rogue said, as she pointed to her left. "There are several class rooms on the left and right, as ya can see, and at the end on the left is the lab. Ya have ta meet Hank. He looks scary, but he's a big Teddy Bear."

Turning around, they headed back down the hallway and past the stairs.

"That's tha kitchen, but it's in use right now for a new class this year. It's closed until lunch and then from one until four." She said as they looked in. "That's tha teacher Jean was talkin' about earlier. 'Bout introducing ta ya later."

"Yeah." Craig said as he followed Rogue down the hall.

"There's the elevator, which ya know about." She said as they kept walking. "And these are the entertainment and library rooms. The entertainment room connects to tha kitchen, so really ya wanna stay away from there while the cookin' class is in session."

Craig nodded as he walked into the library. "Nice." He said, seeing the room was surrounded by shelves of books.

"This is my favorite room." Rogue said, pointing to the big, comfy chair. "And that's my favorite spot in this whole place." She looked at him to see him smiling. "Time ta head outside."

Taking the exit at the end of the hall, they walked out and on to the basketball court. Rogue took him around the side and over to the pool before letting him know that the basketballs and other sports equipment were kept in the pool house. She showed him the garden before they headed back through the side door.

"And that's pretty much it." Rogue said, as they walked to the stairs. "Ya can wonder around anywhere ya want. Curfew is at ten, but since ya ain't a student of the scholastic side of this place, ah'm sure we can let that slide."

He smiled when she winked at him. "Was told I'd be startin' m' trainin' in de mornin'." He said. "Where dat gonna happen?"

Rogue crossed her arms just under her bust. "You'll be startin' in the Professor's office." She said.

"Are y' gonna be there?" He asked.

Rogue smiled and shook her head. "Nope. This is a one on one session with just tha Professor and ya self." She said. "It's nothin' scary, hun. Trust me, ah've been there. We pretty much all have."

He nodded as he looked down the opposite end of the hall. "Jus' wanna get it over wit' now." He said. "Waitin' be killin' me."

Rogue reached out and pat his right shoulder. "Ya need ta rest after that trip." She said. "After a good night's sleep, ya feel more inclined ta work with tha Professor."

Students suddenly began to spill out of the class rooms at the opposite end of the hall. Rogue watched as Craig placed his hands in the pockets of his hoodie, just so he wouldn't touch anyone.

"We don't have ta stay here." She said, motioning for him to follow her. "That's the last class of tha day. Time for ya ta meet some other staff members and students."

As they headed down the hall they passed several students who made sure to check Craig out as he walked by. Rogue winked at him as they turned left and headed into the kitchen.

"This," Rogue said, getting Gambit's attention as they walked in. "Is Remy LeBeau."

Gambit turned and looked at the kid, noticing him looking at his eyes and swallow hard. "I don' bite." He smiled, playfully.

"Remy, this is Craig." Rogue said, smiling.

"So, dis be de new kid." Gambit said, extending his hand. "Bienvenue."

Craig looked at his hand before he looked at Gambit. "He doesn't touch." Rogue said, lowering Gambit's hand. "He's like how ah was with people."

Gambit nodded. "A'right." He said. "I hear y' from Lou'siana."

"Yeah. Jean Lafitte." Craig said, quietly.

"Dat be a short drive from m' hometown." Gambit smiled as he placed his hands in the pockets of his jeans. "De Big Easy."

Craig smiled. "N' O'lan's." He said, seeing Gambit nod. "I like it t'ere. Got memories of m' first time wit'‒" He stopped and looked at Rogue with a blush. "Well...y' know."

Gambit chuckled. "Le' me guess. Mardi Gras?" He asked, seeing Craig smile and nod.

"Parents don' know 'bout dat trip." Craig said chuckling. "Went wit' some friends after school."

"How old were ya?" Rogue asked.

"Seventeen." He said, looking at her. "Dat was right b'fore m' powers surfaced."

"A late bloomer." Gambit said. "When y' discover yo' powers?"

Craig bit his bottom lip. "I was engaged in some...'physical activity' wit' m' girlfriend." He said, seeing Gambit nod his head. "I guess de overload of emotions and pleasure...m' body couldn' handle it."

"And ya burned her." Rogue said, seeing him nod.

"Bad." He said, looking at Gambit. "I burn people wit' touchin' dem. Dat's why I couldn' shake y' hand."

"I ain' offended, homme." He said. "Ya burn all de time?"

Craig shrugged. "Don' know when I do it." He said, looking down at the floor. "It jus' happens. Ain' no fire or glow or not'in'. Dey jus' burn. Melt. I could be burnin' now and not know it."

Gambit gave a warm smile as he gave a firm pat on Craig's left shoulder. "Well, we help y' out here. De Professor help dis one." He said pointing to Rogue. "An' he help you, too."

"I hope so." Craig said. "I haven' touched anyone in t'ree years. After I burn m' girlfriend, her parents turned me in wit' de registration act. And den I burn my mom on accident."

"Ya poor thing." Rogue said. "Ah know exactly how ya feelin'. If ya ever need ta talk, please don't hesitate. Ya come find me."

"T'anks." Craig said, looking at Gambit. "So, y' Cajun?"

Gambit nodded. "Oui. I be one o' dem fucked up people." He said, feeling Rogue slap his arm.

"Remy!" She said, making Craig laugh. "We don't say those kinds of things here, Craig. Don't pay no mind ta him."

Craig nodded as he chuckled. "Well, dey are fucked up." He said, seeing Gambit smile.

"See. He know, chère." Gambit said looking at Rogue.

She shook her head. "Ah'm gonna just leave ya here with LeBeau. Ya seem ta be doin' just fine warmin' up ta him." She said, winking at Craig before leaving.

Gambit noticed Craig watching her leave and his eyes wondering over her backside. "So." Gambit said, getting his attention. "Meet any o' de ot'er young people yet?"

Craig shook his head. "Jus' got here dis mornin'." He said, seeing a few girls walk through the kitchen and look at him. "Everyone be in class."

"Well." Gambit said, motioning for Craig to follow. "I know a few dat y' should meet."

Gambit decided to head into the gym first, knowing someone would be in there. As they headed down the hall, Gambit noticed him put his hands in his pockets when a group walked by.

"Y' got a nickname?" He asked, seeing Craig smile.

"Sure I got a few." Craig said. "Bastard. Son o' a bitch. Mot'er fucker. Mutant shit."

Gambit smiled and chuckled. "De usual." He said as they came to the gym. "Well, we have t' find y' a nickname. A code name. If y' hear anyone talkin' 'bout Gambit, dat be me. An' if dey be talkin' bad, le' me know, eh?"

Craig chuckled as they walked into the gym.