"Gambit? That really you?" Rose petals scattered from above as the figure stood, his trench coat billowing like a cape. He grinned at her, a crocodile's smile as the sun shined over her silvery bangs. The light reflected off of his irises as he gazed at her, making her feel wanted with just a stare. Like he'd been fighting to get back to her this whole time.

He drops a card and the wind carries it to her, along with his kiss. "Miss me?" She wrinkles her nose and sticks her tongue out of perfectly painted, blue lips.

"Nah." He wrapped his arms around her like it was the most natural thing, like Rogue even liked hugs. She was lying, he could always tell. She'd been waiting for him to show up and look after her, like he promised. For a moment, just the warmth cycling through each other was enough.

At least... That's how he thought returning to the institute would go.


What he really learned was that the mansion installed silent alarms. Rogue stood in front of Kitty and Kurt with a book in her hands. The seasons were starting to change. She had one of Wolverine's leather jackets on, an emerald green hoody underneath, and faded black motorcycle pants. She's still heavy handed with makeup, but her eyes are rimmed in black and lips in a dark red. She was scowling, eyeing her roommate and younger sibling with a frigid glare. One, at nineteen, is much warmer than it used to be.

But, the girl still loved her alone time, a novel tucked in her hand. "Vhy don't you read it in here, vhile Kitty and I vatch a movie?" Her adoptive brother suggested with a grin. She only arched an eyebrow, looking between him and Kitty. She was swallowed in one of Piotr's massive, blue sweatshirts (she never wore her own clothes, anymore). Kurt in a sleek black sweater and a gold chain his sister had gotten for him.

"Cause... Then I wouldn't be alone." She reminded him, blankly. He only scratched his head.

"Oh, right." She turned and walked outside, noticing the lawn lights flashing in distress. 'Shit,' She thought. Someone had tripped off the silent alarm Logan had spent a lot of time installing. She dropped her book and took off running, much to Kitty and Kurt's confusion.

"What was that?" Kitty cried, looking around for what she hadn't noticed. She tucked short hair behind her ear.

"Dunno," Kurt answered with a cocked eyebrow, his tail swishing in agitation.

Rogue's combat boots slammed the ground as she raced towards the source of the intrusion. Sure, most of her teammates had social lives. Romantic lives. Where there was a gaping hole for Rogue, she filled with training. Practicing. Honing her skills as an X-Man. And, she'd been itching to get rid of some pent up energy.

But, she wasn't ready to see the silhouette of a trench coat on the horizon. A staff, glinting in the sun. Red and black eyes leering evilly at her. Rogue's breath caught in her throat. What was he doing here? Was he back for her? Another teammate? A student? A long buried, irrational rage bubbled up inside of her. They had left on somewhat sentimental terms, but she'd forgotten that.

All she can remember is absorbing his deceit, how flippantly he stole her. Like her life didn't matter or wasn't as hard as his. And maybe she survived it, but she'd be damned if he stole a more vulnerable kid to help him on his thefts or the Young And The New Orleans.

"Chére," He barked down to her as her face twisted into a snarl. He flipped his staff behind his head as he glided down in front of her. She can't even contain her surprise and excitement. "Mis-" He reached for her face but she slapped his hand away. He frowned, realizing he'd severely misjudged the situation. "Ro-" She grabbed his wrist and cranked it the wrong way. Remy exhaled in surprise when he looked in her eyes and saw... Tears? 'Oh god,' He thought. He'd upset a woman and disappeared for two years. How could he be so-

"Swamp rat." She hissed, her eyes locked with his. She released his wrist but her elbow came flying at him, barely blocked by his forearm.

"Rogue-"

"Come to kidnap me a second time?" She swung again, her gloves grazing the tip of his nose. He backed up in shock. "Or maybe steal a little kid this time, help ya keep your little thefts, up?" He pressed his mouth in a grim line. Why wouldn't she think that? He had shown up, interrupted her life, then inserted her in his own drama. Then, disappeared.

"Chére, Remy no-"

"Dont' call me that!" He narrowly moved out of the way of a graceful kick, her hands clutched in fists. She lunged for him again and he was forced to hold his staff up in defense.

"C'mon now, Rogue. Lemm-" He paled when the skies grew black, and thunder crashed overhead. Magneto had told him enough about the weather witch. She was no student of Xavier's, she was as powerful as he was. And, she sounded angry. Rogue huffed as the humidity rose, then harsh winds whipped behind her. She looked so beautiful, less cliche than when he last saw her. Freckles mottled her skin, hair that waved naturally and hung just above her shoulders. Her skin glowing through cracks of lightning, he froze as he stared at her.

Seconds later, the silver haired mutant was floating behind Rogue, her eyes white.

Remy stepped back, maybe this hadn't been a good idea. But, when Wolverine tackled him from the side and slammed him onto the lawn, he knew it wasn't. Rogue crossed her arms as lighting struck right beside Logan and Remy. The New Orleans native watched her in awe as the storm raged. "Explain yourself. I will not miss again." Logan held his claws up for emphasis as Remy thought.

Storm would fry Logan if she struck them, so he knew it was a bluff. But, as he stared into the Canadian's eyes, he saw no bluff. He would cut him first and ask forgiveness, later. "Say goodbye, pretty boy..." He snarled, his voice so low it was barely audible. Remy swallowed as he began to press his blades to his flesh. Ororo didn't say anything, but Rogue huffed.

"Aw, Ah had him, y'didn't have to come out here. Ah'm almost twenty," Rogue pouted. Logan didn't take his eyes off the southerner. He hadn't forgotten the last time he'd saw him.

"He ain't strong. Or smart. Or honorable..." Logan sniffed as Remy sighed. 'Kick a man while he down, why don' ya...' "But he is crafty. Gas in the staff," He shot Rogue a dark look. "Remember? All he needs is for you to engage." He looked back down into the strange, unconventional eyes. "I say you let me cut him..." Remy can't help but notice Rogue's complexion pale when he says that. 'Fille do care...'

"Come now, Logan." Ororo half sighed. "Is this really necessary?"

"Ah was about to kick his ass. Y'don't need to kill him." He only grumbled to himself, eyeing the man as he slowly stood. Remy looked around, half expecting another attack. When none came, he burned under their expectant stares.

"Get to talkin', gumbo." He pressed a heavy fist under his goatee.

'Perhaps we could all speak, in my office.' A voice rang as clear as a bell in all their minds. Remy's heart skyrocketed. What else he could see in his mind? The girl, at least, would never assume centuries old memories were his. But, could the telepath tell his true secret? 'Don't worry. I would not and cannot read your mind, Gambit. Only communicate in this way.'

He feels embarrassed, standing uncomfortably on the lawn. Logan was growling.

"Come, Gambit." Ororo offered, waving a hand as she gave him a curious stare. "This way,"


Rogue was leaned against a wall, her head dipped in annoyance. Remy was going to ask to stay. Logan and Scott were going to have conniptions. She was only present in the telepath's office because she knew she would be a topic of discussion. The New Orleans incident. She figured she might as well be there if she had to have her name tossed around like she was an invalid.

"He takes, Charles." His glance wandered to Rogue. "He's done it, before. He's in a thief guild-"

"I used to thieve, Logan. Would you rather I leave?" His face darkened as Scott watched from the corner of the room, his jaw clenched.

"You know that's different, darlin'. And y'ain't carry the habits into adulthood." He was struggling not to unsheathe his claws. Gambit had barely spoken, making him even angrier.

"Piotr was allowed join the team. Todd, too." Kitty had kept her relationship with the Acolyte a secret, at first. But now, they had all but Logan's blessing. She didn't really feel bad for Remy, but fair was fair. And, she didn't want them thinking they had to cast him out for her protection. She couldn't care less. Logan huffed in exasperation as Charles only watched, his fingers interlocked.

"We know Todd is harmless." Scott answered, speaking finally. His glasses were locked on Remy. "And, Piotr tried to turn himself in once we rescued Illyana. I'm not so sure Gambit has a good bone in his body." The Remy in Rogue's head had a reaction to this. He wasn't that awful, wasn't he?

"Oh, Scott..." Ororo sighed, her head beginning to hurt.

"Why don't we ask Rogue how she feels about... That incident." The room went quiet when Charles spoke. Rogue's earlobes burned. Everyone had their own opinions about how she got kidnapped. She kicked off the wall, her icy stare on Gambit.

"It was low. And, sleazy." Remy dipped his head when he realized how much he'd truly offended the girl. She deserved better than that. "But... He had the right thing in mind. He wanted to help his dad. I would do the same for one o'yall." Logan rolled his eyes.

"Then why were ya goin' secret agent on him on the lawn?" Remy noticed a slight smile on her face.

"To get him back for last time." She placed her hands on her hips. "Wouldn't it be better if he were here for a while? Where we could, Ah dunno... Keep an eye on him? Or somethin'?" Ororo stifled a chuckle, at least for Remy's sake. He looked like his face might crack like glass. Charles stroked his face in thought as Scott shook his head.

"Sounds like trouble, to me." Scott chimed in, his finger pointing at the ground. "And, you don't need trouble. When he comes arou-"

"We have been in need of another team member. Remy would need considerably less training than even the New Recruits before we let him on the field. Then, there's the students still getting acclimated to the Danger Room..." The weather mutant brought up slyly. Logan snarled, his claws shooting out in feral protest.

"No way," Scott began, flustered. "Storm-"

"Remy, do you wish to join the X-Men? Is that why you are here?" He'd expected being grilled, but this was the 9th degree. He looked around at the angry, curious eyes on him. Then, he landed on her grey ones.

"Yes. Das why Remy here, not to start trouble. Désolé." He scuffed his boots awkwardly along the carpet. Charles stroked his chin before smiling.

"Very well. Ororo, could you see Remy to a spare room in the boy's wing?" Charles didn't wince when Logan let out another animalistic yell.

"There's a spare room right next to mine, 'Ro." He growled, his face in a sneer. Ororo only chuckled. "You've got some good stealth skills, keep my senses sharp." Remy kept his face cool and even, thousands of years of living paying off.

"Welcome to the X-Men, Remy. I hope you survive the experience." She walked out, white hair splaying behind her.

"Bon." Scott shook his head, knowing it was best to keep his mouth shut. But, he stopped in front of Remy with a scowl.

"I'll have my eye on you." Remy was about to take the opportunity for the joke, but Rogue's glare silenced him. He only nodded. He turned his attention to the psychic.

"Ah, Merci. Remy won't let you down." The look in his eye hardened.

Charles nodded as both he and Rogue moved towards the door. He only sighed once they left.

Remy wiped his forehead when they entered the hallway. That was much harder than he'd ever expected. He looked down at the girl, showing a little more milky chest than she had on the bayou. But, her clothes were soaking wet, and it left no imagination to the woman she was growing into. She's traded the goth schtick for leather jackets and boots.

His stare lingers on the neck line of the black cami she has on, and the alabaster bust beneath it. She catches his stare and she doesn't look pleased. "Why ya go t'bat for Remy in dere..." He pressed forward, like he did the first day they met. This time, she didn't move. She stared through his Mardi Gras eyes.

"Don't get any ideas. Fair is fair." He almost believes her. Those kicks and punches had been real. And, she meant them. He crossed his arms and smirked down at her. For such a holy terror she sure was petite. He could fit her in his trench coat.

"Very well." He leaned back, surprised and tantalized to find the girl so immovable. She's just as obstinate as he left her. Maybe more, that hand hold and touch went a long way back then. Her prices have gone up. "De way y'handle y'self, y'tink dey be over it." He rolled his neck, careful to keep his face cool. All he got was a scoff in response.

When he looked up from his nails, the girl was frowning fiercely at him from halos of silver hair. Her eyes look too old to be just nineteen. Maybe it's because she's got chunks of his long life floating in there. "Ya really jus' don't get it, do you?" She folded her arms, her stare managing to make Remy feel embarrassed. Like a child. "Look, Ah know ya had a lot of serious stuff goin' on back home. Ah get it, the south is... Dramatic."

He watched her carefully as she wrapped her arms around her slender rib cage, one that's begging to be held but nobody does. She really did get it. The south was suffocating. So much tradition and history. "But, a lot of stuff happened here, too." Apocalypse. He knows, he should've been there to support and help. But there were hits out on every member of his guild and "family". "Right before you kidnapped me, Mesmero kidnapped me. And, forced me to touch every mutant you can think of, includin' you."

He remembers that night, her stalking through the compound. The kiss. Frantically searching for her. "Before that, my powers already had a meltdown because Ah'd touched too many." Remy's face softened. "That day ya took me, Ah fought with Kurt. We never fight," He sees tears forming in her eyes and his stomach sinks. He'd made everything worse. He remembers how bitter, angry, and exhausted she seemed. How he really tried to lighten her up. "When Ah didn't come home they thought Ah'd been hurt or hurt myself. Or worse, kidnapped again. Left dead... You didn't jus' hurt me, you hurt them-"

She gasped when he grabbed her slender wrist, warm beneath a jacket and an unzipped hoody. "Ah'm sorry, Rogue. Remy was selfish. Ah..."

"Gumbo." Logan's claws were still out, his face red from the proximity between the two southern mutants. "Room's down here." He gestured with his claw, studying the rare, red tinge on Rogue's cheeks. "Stripe, why don't you help Katherine with dinner? The youngin's loved your potatoes and chicken fried steak. Her casserole surprise... Not so much." He went green just from the memory.

Remy watched as her face lit up for Logan, like it tended to. She tucked her silver bangs behind her ear and he studied the earrings in her cartilage. "Okay. Don't want the hazmat guys to come again..." She broke away from Remy's side to head to the kitchen. Logan grinned at Remy as he passed by.

"Just realized we forgot to assign laundry duty, this week. Might wanna get started before dinner." He clapped a hand on the cajun's shoulder as he grumbled. It was going to take forever to die.


Apocalypse stroked Baella's lip with a massive, grey finger. She was woman. She felt more than him, different things. She thought the other mutants were her people. He had seen before his time and after. The toils of mutants beneath them would be their end. He was back to do it this time, and the Twelve needed to stand together. To seize control of the world while they still could.

"They will drown us. I have seen it, Baella Celaris. Felt it. Lived it." He stared into her face, so timeless. Like a beautiful sphyinx. Hair the color of a black hole, shrouding her. "Even if they are our kind, they must be subservient of us. There are those of us who would betray their own race. Time is only a cycle repeating in that." Baella watched, the mutants under their protection building a new Pyramid a day.

"I believe." She responded, her stare on one mutant in particular. The only one with different eyes. "We can rule together. Mutants shall inherit the earth." The only thing En Sabah Nur hadn't figured out was how to get his urgency transferred to others. She was wrong, and only he knew why. He stared out over the scorching sands. She would have to see for herself.