Whoa, Nelly! It's a longer one. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I'm not creative enough to think of these characters so I just borrow them.

Roaring 20's – Part II

"She's not competition, she's not competition, she's not competition . . ." Rogue chanted in her head.

As if he heard her, Kurt whispered, "She ain't got nothing on you."

Rogue flashed him a grateful smile and strode confidently from behind the counter. She walked up to Jean and shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, Jean. That gentleman over there is my brother, Kurt. He runs the bar and acts as the assistant manager to the club. Do you have any experience?"

Jean shook her head. "Not really. I've just served guests when my parents have parties. I've never had a real job at it. I'd venture to say that I'm pretty good at balancing trays and stuff, though."

Rogue smiled and patted the girl's arm. "Don't worry. I had zero experience when I first started. The visitors pretty much know who's a regular and who's new so they'll go easy on you, service wise. No doubt they'll try to get under your skin just to see how much you can take. Just flash them a pretty smile and try to flirt your way out of a bad deal and you'll be okay. Now just follow me. We'll get you all dolled up for tonight."

Jean followed Rogue through a door next to the stage. Inside the room was a large dressing area, complete with a changing screen and four vanities. Hundreds of gowns lined the far wall, all sequenced by color and length. A small bathroom was situated near the door. Rogue opened a door next to one of the vanities and pulled out a short, thin-strapped dress. "Here, put this on."

Jean moved behind the changing screen and quickly put on her uniform. She reemerged and Rogue surveyed her look. The dress came right above her knees and was then trimmed with about an inch of fringe. It was bright red satin, complementing her hair color, and very sequined. The waistline was dropped and the neckline hovered right above her breasts. The dress was snug at the chest as not to expose much when she served but then fell straight down to her knees. Not really the form fitting type of dress that the singers donned. "Not too bad," Rogue thought. "How do you like it?"

Jean looked in one of the mirrors. "I like it very much but I feel like I'm wearing really fancy underwear."

Rogue laughed. "You get used to it. Sit down and we'll go over some of the rules." They sat at the vanities. "As you know, our joint is not exactly on the good side of the law. This makes your job more than just being a waitress. You've gotta keep your eyes and ears open for any potential threats to the club. We don't really have a problem with the cops but we do have competition. We really don't expect you to catch anyone but we just wanted to give you a heads up." Jean nodded. "Okay. As far as interacting with the customers, it's up to your comfort level. We don't make you try and be friends with them. If you just want to serve, that's okay. If anyone gets too friendly, though, just tell Kurt or Scott and they'll take care of it. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays we open at six and go until about one or two, depending on the size of our crowd. Every other day it's seven to midnight. What shifts do they got you working?"

"Friday, Monday and Wednesday for now."

"Not bad. You get to work with all the singers. I sing on Fridays and Sundays and Ro is our Jazz singer on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On Saturdays I'm here as extra help. I don't waitress anymore but will help serve our regulars. I'm mostly with Scott entertaining. Kitty sings every other day of the week. She'll be back on Sunday so you'll get to see her on Monday. We have five other girls serving in addition to you and they're all real sweet. No doubt they'll welcome you with open arms." Rogue gave her an assuring smile. "Tonight is our annual poker night. Anyone can join, but it's a first come, first serve basis. Because of the event, we're opening at five. We expect a lot of people so don't feel overwhelmed. Oh, and as a general rule, try to have everyone's drinks refreshed before eight. That's when the singing starts and most people don't like to be interrupted during the show." Rogue stood up. "So, you think you're ready?"

Jean managed a small smile. "I guess so. I'm just nervous about messing up."

"Don't be. You'll be fine."

*****************

By six o'clock the club was in full swing. Only five more entrants were needed for the tournament to get started. Jean was fitting in quite nicely and Rogue found herself enjoying their occasional chats. The girl was still a bit nervous but was flowing through the job very well. She was getting along with the other waitresses and was slowly opening up to the customers.

Meanwhile, a pair of eyes scanned the crowd from the bar. After entering himself into the tournament he figured it would be best to conduct his business before it started. He soon spotted One Eye sitting in far corner with several other gentlemen. Before heading over he grabbed his drink off the bar and polished it off, rolling the taste around in his mouth. "My contacts were right," he thought. "X does have the best." He stood to walk over to the far table when he was distracted by the sound of melodious laughter. He looked around and let his eyes land upon the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. His eyes traveled up her shapely body to look at her face. He could only see her profile but could not miss the full red lips and bright green eyes twinkling from her recent amusement. Her silky hair was tied up in a bun, showing off what he figured to be equally silky skin. Something about her seemed strikingly familiar. "Do I know her . . .?" He turned to the man at the bar. "Excuse me, sir, but can you tell me who that lovely green-eyed beauty over there is?"

Kurt followed the man's line of sight and saw his sister standing with Jean. "I'm sorry, sir. You're going to have to be more specific than that."

The man looked again and saw that the lovely vision was standing with another girl with green eyes as well. "Ah, yes, I see what you mean. Didn't notice her the first time around. I was referring to the one with what I believe is a white streak through her hair."

Kurt eyed his sister and sighed. "That's my sister, Rogue. She is one of the singers here. I would leave her alone if I were you. She's taken."

He looked at the stunning beauty once more. "Taken? I have no doubts about that. She is quite breath taking. Do you think that she would ever change her mind about her current beau?"

Kurt looked over at his sister as well. "I highly doubt it. She's One-Eye's girl. They've been together for a while now."

Remy was surprised but not at all dissuaded. From what he had heard, Scott was every bit the ladies man that he himself was. "Then again," he thought, "I'd be willing to bet that she'd be all the woman I needed. No wonder why Scotty boy is still hanging on to her."

Jean looked over to the bar and saw Kurt and another man looking their way. She nudged Rogue a bit. "I think you have an admirer." Rogue looked up to the bar. True to what she said, Kurt and another man were watching them. Kurt gave a small wave while the man winked at her. She blushed unconsciously and gave a small wave before turning back to Jean. Jean looked at the man and then back at Rogue. "He's quite handsome. Maybe you should go say hi."

Rogue shook her head. "No, I can't. Don't want to get the nice man in trouble with Scott now."

"Oh, come on. A little interaction with the customers doesn't hurt. He probably just wants to be friends."

Rogue snuck a peak at the man. She had to admit he was quite attractive. His muscular frame could still be identified through the finely tailored suit he wore. He looked to be quite tall, probably about six feet. His chiseled features rivaled Scott's own but it was his enchanting eyes that had captured Rogue's attention. They were a soft red on black. Something about those eyes . . .  "Wow," she breathed.

Jean's ears perked up. "What was that?"

"Nothing. Maybe I'll say hi later." Rogue slipped away into the dressing room.

Remy watched her go. "Until next time." He walked over to Scott's table, which now only occupied three people. "Good evening, Mr. Summers. I was told that you would be expecting me." He extended his hand. "Remy Lebeau from New Orleans."

Scott stood and shook his hand. "Yes, Mr. Lebeau, please have a seat. Meet my accountant, Robert Drake, and our production manager, Warren Worthington." Then men exchanged pleasantries. Scott then spoke up.

"I understand you are looking for a supplier?"

"Yes. Our previous supplier has proved to be less than stellar manufacturers. I have sampled what you have to offer and I am quite impressed."

Scott nodded. "Good. I'm glad you like it."

They continued on for about fifteen more minutes, working out the details. They were interrupted when Kurt called for all tournament players to sit down at the tables. The four gentlemen proceeded to get up and sat at four different tables. Kurt surveyed the room. There were a total of five tables set up, five players each, in the center of the room, right in front of the stage. All of the participants were taking their seats. The other club patrons were seated at the tables lining the walls. A small area had been cleared as a makeshift dance floor. Up on stage, Kurt cleared his throat.

"Welcome to our annual poker tournament. As you can see, we have a total of twenty-five participants. Each table will play five games, with no bets being placed. The person with the most wins will advanced to the winners' table in set up in the middle. It is in this game that the bet placing will be allowed. The person who can achieve three consecutive wins will be proclaimed winner. In addition to the winnings at the table, the winner will be awarded $100. In order to assure fairness and kill any suspicion of cheating I ask that all players remove their jackets and roll up their sleeves for the duration of the tournament." The players did so, hanging their jackets on the back of their chairs. "I would also like all tables turned over so that the players may see nothing has been placed under them." The tables were turned and when each player had inspected them to their satisfaction, they turned them back. "Alright gentlemen! Take you seats and let the tournament begin. Best of luck to you all!" Five waitresses stepped up to the tables, all holding a fresh deck of cards. They laid out each card face up to show the players that the deck was a complete set of fifty-two. Once done, they gathered the cards together and left them in the center of the table for the elected dealer to shuffle. Rogue walked over to Scott and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.

"For luck," she said.

"Thanks, baby," he said, keeping his attention focused on the cards dealt to him. Rogue wandered around to the other tables, greeting the players and wishing them all good luck. When she finally reached the table Remy was sitting at, she stopped to address her accused admirer.

"I hear that you have been asking about me, sir."

He looked up to see Rogue smiling down at him. "That smile seems so familiar . . ." He smiled in return.

"Why yes, mademoiselle. I wanted to congratulate the woman who was able to tame the great Scott Summers. Remy Lebeau. It is most certainly my pleasure to meet you." Concealing his cards with one hand, he used the other to take her own hand and planted a soft kiss on her knuckles.

The velvety softness of his lips set her skin afire. She graciously took her hand back and tried to fight the blush invading her skin to no avail. Seeing her change in skin color only made Remy's grin wider.

"Likewise, Mr. Lebeau. Well, I must be on my way but I wanted to wish all you the best during the tournament."

"A kiss for luck, chere?" He really wasn't sure why he called her that. It just sounded appropriate.

"I'm sorry, but that has already been given up to another." She winked at him before sauntering off to the bar, a bit more swing to her hips.

Kurt watched his sister walk towards him. When she was within hearing distance, he spoke.

"I saw that."

Rogue feigned innocence. "Saw what?"

"You're still blushing you know."

She put a hand to her face. True to his word, she could still feel the heat. "It's nothing, Kurt."

"Sure doesn't look like nothing. Planning on playing with fire?"

"No, I'm not."

"Pity, you should, with the way you are with him and with the way he's drooling all over you. He's quite taken with you, you know."

"He was not drooling over me and it was just a little harmless flirting. I wouldn't do that to Scott."

Not looking at his sister, Kurt replied, "Just like I'm sure he wouldn't do that to you."

Rogue followed his gaze and saw Jean at Scott's table taking orders. Scott was unsuccessfully trying to coax Jean onto his knee.

For some reason, this didn't bother her as much as it should.

***************

Around the beginning of the third game for most of the tables, Rogue ascended the stage. She would only be singing one song tonight and hoped that her choice didn't distract the players too much. When the music started she closed her eyes and let the words flow out of her mouth.

Sweet one, fairer than the flowers,
Never will I meet one sweeter than you.
Would you turn away or could you
Really every care, If I'd ever dare
To say, "I Love you?"

She opened her eyes and found herself staring straight into Remy's familiar ones.

If the nightingales could sing like you,
They'd sing much sweeter than they do,
For you brought a new kind of love to me.

If the Sandman brought me dreams of you,
I'd want to sleep my whole life through,
For you brought a new kind of love to me.

Rogue looked for Scott and saw him completely engrossed in the game.

I know that you're the queen, and I'm the slave,
And yet you will understand
That underneath it all
You're a maid, and I am only a man.

I would work and slave the whole day through
If I could hurry home to you;
For you brought a new kind of love to me.

The listeners applauded quietly as to not rouse the players and Rogue stepped off the stage. She sat at the bar chatting idly with Kurt as they waited on the last table. Each player had won one game apiece and were finishing off the sixth game. When they were done Kurt walked up to the stage to congratulate all the players.

"You have all done very well. May I please have all of the winners from each table stand?"

They stood, with Remy and Scott's friend, Robert, among the five.

"You gentlemen have advanced to the winner's table. We will break for a couple of minutes and then conclude the tournament."

Remy walked over to the bar and sat down by Rogue. "That's some voice you got there, chere."

She flashed him a sunny smile. "Thank you. Congratulations, by the way. You're table seemed to be done quite quickly."

He chuckled. "That we were. It seemed to me that I was seated at the table with the lightweight drinkers. They were so drunk that I was able to win the first three games, enough to be the winner."

"Too bad all the lightweights weren't at your table."

Both turned at the new voice and saw Robert and Warren walking towards them. "Hey, Rogue. Scott's had a bit too much to drink. I'm going to take him home," Warren told her.

"Okay, I'll help Kurt close up. Oh, and can you tell Scott I'm sleeping at my house tonight? I don't want him to worry when I don't show."

"No problem." Warren cracked a smile. "That's probably a good idea anyway. Last time I saw him this drunk he woke up the next morning and didn't quite make it to the bathroom, if you know what I mean."

Rogue laughed at that. "Don't I know. Take care of him for me, Warren."

"Don't worry I will."

Warren left but Robert took the other seat next to Rogue and ordered a water. She patted his arm.

"Good job, Bobby. Maybe you'll give Mr. Lebeau here a run for his money." Before either could say anything Rogue told Remy, "Bobby here was last year's winner."

"Well now," Remy started, "I didn't know I would be facing the defending champion."

"I don't know how well I'm going to defend it this year," he admitted. "The people I had to play with were giving me a run for my money." They all shared a laugh. "Well, I'll see you at the table, Remy. Oh and Remy," he said as he walked away, "watch out for Pietro. He looks to have a short fuse tonight."

Remy looked confused. "Who's Pietro?"

Rogue sipped her water. "He's one of the other winners. Silver-haired guy. Really competitive and self-proclaimed ladies' man. I personally think he's trouble. Had to turn him down a few times. Just doesn't know how to respect a lady."

He seized one of her hands in his. "He disrespected you? Don't worry, chere, I'll be sure to put him in his place." He kissed her hand lightly again. "If you'll excuse me, I have to return to the tournament." He smiled at her before turning towards the tables. Rogue watched him walk away. "Chere," she thought. "Why does it feel so right to be called that?"

**************

It was around one thirty in the morning and tension in the club was running high. The winners were on their fifth game. True to his prediction, Bobby proved to be a less than worthy competitor. Pietro had won the first two long, drawn out games, but Remy had bounded back, winning the next two in quick succession. Right now they were both vying for the fifth game win. The other three players had folded some time ago. The pot was rumored to be around $100 already and both men were not backing down. Since all of the remaining patrons were all engrossed in the game, Kurt had sent all of the waitresses home at one. Anyone who still wanted a drink could come to the bar. Rogue had pulled up a stool and was perched behind Bobby. She looked at the stack of chips sitting in the middle of the table. "We have some definite high rollers here," she thought.

"Well," Pietro said, breaking the silence, "I do believe it is time to show our cards." He laid down his cards. The crowd gasped. "I'm sorry, Mr. Lebeau, but it looks like your victory will just have to wait." In front of him laid a straight flush, nine to King, in spades.

Remy whistled. "Well, well, well. It looks like you weren't bluffing after all." Pietro smirked. He moved to reach for the chips when Remy interrupted him. "However, as you can see," Remy laid down his cards, "neither was I." Pietro was dumbstruck. In front of Remy lay a royal flush in hearts. It was his turn to smirk. "Looks like I win."

The crowd erupted in applause. Pietro's could do nothing but hang his head in defeat. Both got up and shook hands. "You put up a good game, Mr. Lebeau."

"Ah, but so do you." Remy replied. "You had me on the run for a bit."

Pietro pulled out his wallet and paid what he owed. He then turned and filed out the door along with the dispersing crowd. Rogue was glad to see him go without any trouble. She walked over to Remy and asked him to stay behind so that he could be paid his award. When the last patron had exited Kurt locked the front door. Remy was seated at the bar, waiting for Rogue to return with his earnings. When she returned she handed Remy a crisp $100 bill. He took the money and quickly put it away. Upon returning his attention to her, he saw that she was yawning. "You look tired. I would be more than happy to escort you home."

Rogue found herself not being able to resist the offer. "You know, I'd like that. Let me just go tell my brother." She walked over to Kurt where he was wiping down the tables. "I'm really tired. Remy's going to walk me home, okay?"

Kurt looked over at Remy. "I suppose. I'll be home soon anyway. He seems quite nice, you know. The way he's been looking at you all night makes me think he would kiss the ground you walk on if it was acceptable."

"Stop it, Kurt!" She kissed him on the cheek. "See you at home."

Rogue walked back over to Remy and together they walked out the back door and down the alley leading to the street. Being the gentleman he was, he had offered his arm to her and she had accepted. They walked along the sidewalk all smiles, unaware of the car sitting across the street. The figure in the car glowed with anger.

"Enjoy it while it lasts, for it won't last long."

This is where I got the idea for the waitress outfits:

The song Rogue sings:

You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me
Maurice Chevalier

Thanks for all the reviews!