Mail Call: PsycheX – thanks for taking the time to review! I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far and I hope you continue to enjoy future chapters. Your feedback is appreciated!!!!
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They landed in a predetermined location just outside the city. Leaving the plane cloaked, they proceeded on foot to a nearby gas station, where a cab had been arranged to pick them up and carry them into the city.
No sounds were made in the cab. Kitty was too busy gawking at everything they past, Logan was trying to unwind from the flight, Rogue watched Gambit who was next to her, and Gambit just stared out the car window. His thoughts were a million miles away.
Wolverine couldn't resist the opportunity to goad the Cajun. "So, how's it feel to be home Gumbo". He smiled as he said it, knowing it would push Gambit's buttons. But, Gambit didn't take the bait, didn't even flinch. He continued to stare out the cab window at the buildings passing by. Rogue threw Logan a threatening look and Wolverine held his hands up in a mock surrender as everything went silent again.
They arrived at the motel that the Professor had arranged for them. It was fairly quaint, in the shadier end of the French quarter. As they stepped out of the cab, Kitty made the first comment. "Eewh, it's totally low class. Why couldn't the Prof put us up in, like, one of the nicer hotels?"
"The key is to be inconspicuous, Kit cat" Rogue frowned at her as she unloaded the bags.
"And it's so humid. I'll never be able to do anything with my hair. Is it always this humid down here Gambit?" Kitty's complaints continued.
"No, petit. Sometimes its worse." Gambit just smiled as he looked up to the balconies of the inn. He had been apprehensive about coming back here. But, now that he was back, taking in all the sights, all the sounds, all the smells, he realized just how much he missed it.
As they checked in, they were informed by the front desk that three rooms had been reserved. In the Professor's infinite wisdom, he thought it best to pay extra for Logan and Remy to have separate rooms from each other. All their rooms were conveniently on the same floor. They made their way upstairs and each went to their rooms. Logan was the first to enter his. Glad to see Charles spared no expense he thought as he sniffed the mustiness of the room and sneered.
Rogue helped Kitty bring her bags into their room. "Geez, Kittycat, you think you packed enough clothes?" Her exasperation was evident as she put down the luggage. "It's not like we have a lot of room for all your stuff."
"I'll unpack and put my clothes in the dresser. Then we can put the suitcases and bags out of the way. Besides, I like never know when I might need something." Kitty smiled and began opening up the bags. Rogue rolled her eyes at her, knowing this was going to take a while, and she told Kitty she was going to check on Gambit.
Gambit's room was the furthest away, at the end of the hall. He had already unpacked his stuff and was sitting in the window sill taking in the sounds of the city he had grown up in. Rogue opened the door and quietly asked if she could come in.
"Of course, cher. You're always welcome in Gambit's room" he smiled at her. He watched her looking around his room. "De last occupants left some dreegailles, no?"
Rogue wrinkled her nose at what he said and started scanning everything. "Well, is it contagious swamp rat? Maybe you should ask for another room. I got some spray if ya need it."
Gambit just looked at her, then bust out laughing. "No cher, not what you t'ink." He pointed to some beads hanging from the mirror. "Dey left dose trinkets daer." Rogue's mouth formed a circular shape as understanding came to her. She noticed that his accent seemed thicker than it had been earlier in the day.
"How ya feeling, sugah?" she looked at him with genuine concern.
Gambit sighed and leaned his head back against the window frame. "Feels strange being home, no lie." He turned his face towards her and stared at her.
"Yeh, I reckon I know what ya mean. Been a long time since I've been down south myself." She looked into his red on black eyes trying to read his thoughts. She was always mesmerized by his beautiful eyes.
"I'm worried. Worried dey going to find me. Scared dat because of me, dey may hurt…" he paused for a moment before continuing "…you."
"Aw, honey. Don't ya know I'm indestructible" she smiled warmly at him. "Don't ya worry your scruffy mop about me." He chuckled slightly at the proud Southern belle standing before him. She turned to leave back to her room dreading the long night of listening to Kitty ramble on about the excitement of being here.
"Marie?" Gambit called after her. This stopped her cold. It had been awhile since he had called her by the name she told him was given her. She turned to look at him with concern on her face. "Will....will you stay wit me tonight?" his eyes pleading with her.
"Oh, well, I dunno Remy. That might not be a good idea." She was biting her lower lip as she decided what to do. He lowered his eyes away from her and she began feeling very guilty. "Oh, alright. But you get the chair." she finally decided.
"Relax, cher. Gambit won't try not'in." Then he smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Unless, of course, you want me too." Rogue through him a quick scowl as she headed out the door to tell Kitty.