Author's Note: In case y'all didn't know. I replaced chapter 5 with a new chappy, it's not just an Author's note anymore!! We find out more about Rogue's feelings about Joseph and Remy's feelings for Rogue. I know Betsy's kinda OOC from the Comic world but I basically made her a psychoanalytical busybody. Yeah. She's one to state her opinion and try to make people realize their feelings and such. I hope people enjoy this chappy. Yeah. Adios.
Best Friends?
by, Caliente
Chapter 6 – The Date
Joseph led Rogue out to his sleek black Porsche. Like a gentleman he opened to door for her with a gracious bow. Rogue giggled slightly at his proper manners. He then slid across the back of the car and hopped into the driver's seat. Rogue applauded lightly at his little show. "Ah bet ya practice that fo' all the girls, right?"
"Only the ones I really like," Joseph replied innocently with a smile.
Rogue smirked back. "Why Joseph, Ah do believe ya are a bit o' a charmer." She favored him with a grin and a wink.
Joseph just put the car in gear and sped off the mansion grounds.
~*~*~*Back at the Institute*~*~*~
Elizabeth Braddock was a woman who rarely apologized for anything. She often felt little guilt or remorse for her actions and knew it. So, as she approached Remy LeBeau's door she didn't much care that she would be "interrupting" him. She knocked hard on the door and his mind. Remy!
Betsy heard a loud thud and a string of French curses before a disheveled, half-dressed Gambit answered his door. He openly glared at the Brit as he all but snarled a "What do y' want?" clenched teeth.
"Remy, luv, we need to talk," Betsy said calmly.
"Why Betts? We breakin' up?" Gambit retorted sarcastically. "Remy be busy now, come back later." With that he turned to head back through his door.
It's about Rogue she replied telepathically, knowing that was an argument the Cajun couldn't resist.
"What about 'er?" he snapped, turning over his shoulder to glare at the younger mutant.
"Let's cut the crap Remy," the purple-haired telepath stated bluntly. "We both know you love Rogue." Sensing his hesitation she added, "And I don't mean that friendship-love crap. I mean, honest to God, once in a lifetime, kinda love."
"So what if I do?" the Cajun argued, resorting to the first person in his conflicted stat. "She don' care about dis t'ief like dat. De fille, she wants Joseph." 'Ugh. Joseph. How I loathe that name,' he thought angrily.
Betsy tried to keep her calm demeanor, but her impatient nature was threatening to take over. "Gambit," she chided gently, "she didn't know how to react to you, so she pushed you into the "Just Friends" category. She made you safe to be around. And you," she sighed, "you gave up."
"Gambit never give up," Remy argued. "I jus'…" he trailed off. "Betts, what should I do?"
"Why don't you try being honest with her?" she suggested. "And yourself. Tell her how you feel. Maybe then she'll see how she feels."
"You really t'ink dis Cajun has a chance wit' de Southern belle?" the normally suave thief asked hopefully.
Betsy just smiled slightly as she turned away. "Doesn't matter what I think, luv," she told him with a smirk. "And it's what I know." Don't forget who's in your bed right now Remy she added.
"Merde," Gambit muttered as he headed back into his room, knowing he was about to have one pissed off metal manipulator on his hands. 'And another after I try to get Rogue,' he reminded himself.
~*~*~*In a Diner in Westchester*~*~*~
Rogue broke down in laughter as Joseph finished his story about how Scott's white shirts were "accidentally" turned pink and nobody could calm down enough to tell him. Poor guy can only see shades of red. Rogue was having a blast, but she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be out with Remy LeBeau. 'Stop it girl,' she scolded herself. 'He ain't here and he don't want you for anything more than a friend.'
Joseph launched into another narrative about how all the clocks got changed by 12 hours so all the school bells went off at night. Rogue smiled and listened patiently, enjoying Joseph's company. Suddenly it hit her like a ton of bricks. She didn't feel "it". The spark. The passion that she felt with Gambit. Sure she was attracted to Joseph, he was a handsome man. But the feeling just wasn't there. 'Things just got a whole lot more confusing,' she thought sadly to herself.
Poor Rogue, unsure about what she feels. And poor Gambit, unable to tell Rogue he loves her. Wonder what'll happen next? ;P Next chappy, cameo by Rogue's first love. Guess who I mean by that? Please review. I'm down on my knees, begging you!! Pathetic, thy name is Caliente. Hehe. 'Til next time, y'all. Adios.