Gambit's face was grim as he arrived at the farmhouse. He'd parked his bike a ways back in the woods, preferring not to give Kroker any warning. In Gambit's line of work you didn't just walk up to the front door. Especially when the person you were coming to see about a job had taken the time and trouble to dig up information on your personal life. Carefully, he crept across the lawn like a shadow. Extending his kinetic sense, Gambit sensed no movement in the main part of the house. Creeping around the corner, he spotted a light coming out of a small basement window. Looking through the dirty glass, Gambit could make out the figure of an older man, working intently on something in front of him. The man was lost in concentration and didn't notice the stealthy figure watching him from the window. Gambit was silent as he moved to another higher window. In seconds he was inside, making his way down to the basement. It was almost too easy to sneak up on who he assumed was his employer.
"Gambit hope he didn't keep you waitin'," he said casually.
Kroker jumped like he'd been shocked and spun around. Gambit raised an eyebrow as he noticed the mans' arm automatically shoot out to cover what was lying on the table. He relaxed when he saw Gambit.
"Mr. LeBeau, how nice of you to come."
"You tell me where dis computer is and what account you want transferred where. Den you tell me what you know about de Wolverine," Gambit said abruptly.
He'd slipped on a pair of sunglasses before he entered the basement. His red on black eyes didn't miss the large robotic arm on the table behind Kroker and Gambit was glad he'd thought to put them on as he recognized the robotic part from the news. It was from the large robot that had been at the Mutant Registration Center. Gambit wasn't sure what it was doing here, but for now he figured it was best if Kroker didn't know he was a mutant.
Kroker nodded briskly. "Very well. Go to 5288 Silverdale Drive. The computer is on the second floor in the study, third room on the right when you go up the main staircase. The account is number 620919. Transfer all the funds in that account to account number 056521."
Gambit raised an eyebrow at the details Kroker was spouting.
"Seems to dis Cajun dat you know a little more dan you should 'bout dis account. How you know so much, and what make you 'tink dey not gon notice a whole account bein' transferred?"
"If you must know, my son dated the man's daughter, a blond bimbo named Jeanette. Originally, he was to get the money from me through a fake kidnapping he and Jeanette had set up. Unfortunately, that plan fell through and my son was forced to do some actual work getting me this information."
"Den why don' your son do de work?" Gambit asked in amusement. Rich people were morons.
Kroker rolled his eyes. "Because he is incompetent and he decided to follow his penis to Mexico after some whore."
Gambit chuckled. "Ah. In dat case, Gambit return before morning."
Making his way out of the farmhouse, Gambit was careful to make sure Kroker didn't have him followed back to his bike. As the Prince of Thieves, Gambit knew there was no honor in this business.
It didn't take him long to get to his destination. After that, it was only a short matter of time before Gambit was sitting at the computer, his fingers flying over the keyboard. As he transferred Kroker's desired assets, Gambit's mind raced in anticipation of the information Kroker had promised him. Finally, he was going to get his revenge. Gambit gritted his teeth as he remembered Alexandra's funeral. She had been an old and dear friend, killed in her prime at her London home. She had been one is a series of killings, all suspected to have been committed by a crazed serial killer. When Gambit had gone to London, every lead had led him to Wolverine. Then suddenly the trail had gone cold. He'd never found Wolverine again.
As Gambit finished his task and made a graceful exit, his adrenaline began to flow. In less than an hour he would have the information he needed to get his revenge.
* * *
Rogue groaned and rolled over. She was freezing. Groggily, she lifted her head and glared over at Wolverine. Just as she'd expected, he had managed to wrap the covers around his body once again, pulling her own half off of her. Growling, Rogue grabbed the edge of the covers and yanked as hard as she could. Her enhanced strength was sufficient enough to send Wolverine's body spinning off the edge of the bed. Rogue snuggled down into her newly reclaimed comforter, ignoring the sound of Wolverine hitting the floor.
From inside her soft cocoon, Rogue watched as Wolverine's arm swung back up onto the bed. She stared idly at his knuckles wondering if he would release his claws. A few seconds later, his head popped up and Rogue found herself staring into his murderous gaze. She waited for him to say something, but he was silent as he slowly crawled back onto the bed, never taking his eyes off her. Rogue's heart began to beat a little faster.
"You hogged all the covers, Ah'm not a bit sorry!" she protested indignantly.
Wolverine kept moving, reaching out to take a hold of the edges of the blanket on either side of Rogue and looming over her. Suddenly, he ripped the blanket out from under her and threw it to the side. As he stared down at her, Rogue did the only thing she could think of. Grabbing a pillow, she heaved it up and into Wolverine's head.
The pillow hit its target with a muffled thump and the fight was on. Rogue squealed and scurried out from under Wolverine's shadow. Getting to a safer point on the bed she turned in time to see Wolverine lunge at her. Dodging out of the way, Rogue grabbed for another pillow and swung it around towards Wolverine. He blocked her shot and then grabbed the pillow, tugging it hard. Rogue was still holding on tightly and his violent action jerked her into his chest. Immediately his arm swung around her back and she was trapped against his body. Breathing heavy, Rogue felt her body grow warmer as she became very conscious of the fact that she was only wearing her usual shirt and panties. Wolverine's jogging pants weren't leaving much to her imagination and Rogue was very aware of his reaction to their proximity.
"Wolverine," she breathed.
Wolverine's eyes darkened and suddenly their mouths were fusing together in a searing kiss. Rogue moaned and treaded her fingers through his hair, trying to pull him closer still. His hand at her back began to move up and down, encouraging her body to mold itself to him completely. Heat from his roaming hand burned through her shirt and suddenly the shirt was too constricting. Rogue's hands slid out of Wolverine hair and groped at the buttons on her flannel, but she was shaking too bad to make her fingers work properly. With a tiny growl of frustration, Rogue ripped the shirt open, sending the offensive buttons shooting off to the sides before throwing the shirt off the side of the bed. Wolverine made a deep sound of appreciation as Rogue's hands moved back to their place in his hair and he found himself with a clear path to her breasts. Raising her arms pushed her breasts tantalizingly high and Wolverine ducked his head to take one into his mouth. Rogue gasped as the sensation of his hot tongue swirling in circles around her sensitive nipple before teasing it lightly with his teeth.
Her head spun as Wolverine finally released her breast to give the same treatment to the other one. She whimpered and instinctively ground down on the growing erection she could feel pressing against her from under his sweatpants. The friction of her movements tore a groan from Wolverine and Rogue felt him lift her slightly and push her backwards. They toppled over, never breaking contact, until Rogue felt her back hit the bed. Wolverine lowered himself onto one arm to avoid putting his full weight on her as he stretched out next to her. When he finally dragged his mouth up to her neck, he was breathing hard.
"Rogue," he said hoarsely.
Rogue made a small sound of disappointment when his mouth left her skin. She looked up at him, amber eyes hazy with desire.
"You . . . all right?" Wolverine asked. The strain of holding back was evident in his voice and Rogue smiled. Remembering what Mystique had told her about telling him what she wanted, she reached over and took his free hand in hers. Slowly she lowered it down to where her panties were already soaked. Wolverine groaned, ducking his head down to take hers in another searing kiss. His fingers stroked her lightly through her panties for a few minutes, drawing little sounds of pleasure from her. The Rogue heard the metallic sound of a single claw extending. She held her breath as the warm metal slid up her thigh to her panty line. Cutting first one side and then the other, Wolverine ripped her panties off her, throwing them to the side. Rogue turned her head to the side to speak softly into his ear.
"You didn't have to destroy them," she whispered.
"You ripped the buttons off my shirt," Wolverine responded against her skin.
Then all conversation stopped as Wolverine slid a finger inside her. Rogue's hips lifted off the bed, as she strained to push Wolverine's finger farther inside her. He chuckled at her impatient reaction.
"Easy, baby," he whispered. "Shhh . . ." Still, moving inside her with one finger, he slid another one in.
Rogue whimpered as her body began to ache with need. As she felt herself getting out of control, she gritted her teeth together and pulled her body up, away from Wolverine's pleasuring fingers. Wolverine immediately began to pull away, interpreting her movement as a sign of doubt, but Rogue grabbed his shoulders and pushed him over, rolling until she was on top of him. Lowering her head to his neck, she laved the area with her tongue before biting down slightly. Wolverine hummed slightly in pleasant confusion and Rogue smiled at the encouragement. She bit harder, nearly drawing blood and then soothing the spot with her tongue and Wolverine growled his approval. Moving her mouth down his chest, she trailed a path of hot kisses to each flat male nipple, taking a moment to lick and bite each one. As her head moved farther down, her hands reached to push his sweatpants down his legs and Wolverine obliged her by kicking them off the rest of the way. She smiled against the flesh of his toned stomach before moved her lips to his straining erection. Wolverine sucked in his breath as her mouth closed around him. He groaned as she sucked and licked him into a frenzy. Her hand slid up and down in the same rhythm as her mouth.
Suddenly a sense of deja vu came over Wolverine as he remembered that day in Rogue's mind. Looking down at her and feeling the erotic sensations sweeping over him, Wolverine felt his body tighten in final warning.
"Darlin'," he groaned.
Rogue ignored him and increased her efforts. With a growl Wolverine felt himself go over the edge. Rogue continued her ministrations until his body shuddered for the last time. Pulling back, she looked at him wickedly.
Wolverine snarled at her smug expression and grabbed her by her upper arms, flipping them over so he was on top. His eyes shone with desire and Wolverine kept his eyes on hers as he slowly slid his way down her body. Rogue gasped when his mouth found her sex. She felt him smile against her and then her concentration broke. Her head spun as delicious sensations wracked her body under Wolverine's experienced tongue. Rogue lost track of time, until in one explosive moment, she felt a surge of electricity throughout her body as her orgasm hit. Wolverine's mouth continued to torment her until the last wave of pleasure ebbed.
As her body went limp, Wolverine gave her one last lick before sliding back up her body and wrapping his arms around her. He maneuvered her so she was cradled against his body. Rogue took a wavering breath and sighed.
"Oh. Mah. God."
* * *
The next morning, Jean hurried down the hall to Wolverine's room. She had to be quick if she wanted to be on time meeting Scott for their walk. Jean spotted Wolverine's door and picked up her pace. She just wanted to check on him and Rogue to make sure everything was all right to soothe her conscience. Last night she had heard some commotion from Wolverine's room, but no one had called out mentally for help and she hadn't responded. Now she wanted to make sure everything was as it should be. She squashed the voice in her head that pointed out that she could have easily just done a simple mind probe to check on them. Specifically, it was squashed by another voice that hoped for another glimpse of Wolverine's body.
It was that last thought that drove Jean to open the door without knocking. Thus it would be fair to say that what happened next was entirely Jean's fault. Just as Jean swung the door open, Wolverine and Rogue both woke up. Immediately, their enhanced senses registered an intruder and instinct took over. Wolverine's claws shot out as he sat up just missing Rogue, as her skin flared to life. Unfortunately, Wolverine's bare skin was still in contact with Rogue's naked body. His body twitched as the transfer opened and he fell back onto the bed, unconscious. Rogue's eyes widened as Wolverine's memories and strengths rushed into her and she quickly stopped the pull. Jean, who had froze in the doorway at the sight of Rogue and Wolverine's naked bodies entwined around one another, was jolted into action. Calling out telepathically for Cyclops, she rushed over to the bed where Rogue was already cradling Wolverine.
"Rogue, please get back, we've got to get him down to the Med Lab."
"No."
Jean looked up in shock as Rogue leaned over to keep her from touching Wolverine.
"Rogue, he's hurt and he needs medical attention!"
Rogue's voice was steady as she raised her eyes to meet Jean's.
"It'll wear off soon, it won't hurt him."
Jean's face was grim. "Rogue—"
"Just leave, Jean. Ah don't know what you were doing here in the first place, but you can leave now. Ah've been through this before and Ah know he'll be fine as soon as it wears off and Ah'm bettin' he'd rather wake up here with me than down in the goddamned Med Bay with you."
Jean's jaw dropped. She wanted to say something, but it was clear that Rogue was prepared to physically prevent her from moving Wolverine. Briefly, Jean considered hitting Rogue's mind with a bolt of telepathy, but Rogue seemed to guess what she was thinking.
"You'd rather deal with Sabretooth?"
Jean frowned and backed away. Rogue stilled and seemed to be listening to something only she could hear.
"Cyclops is on his way up," she said suddenly. "Would you be so kind as to meet him in the hallway. Ah'm just not dressed for company."
Jean's face flushed as she was suddenly aware of Rogue's nude state. Straightening up, she walked quickly out of the room, closing the door behind her before rushing to meet Cyclops.
Rogue sighed and looked down at the unconscious Wolverine.
"Guess Ah'd better get started on that steak."
* * *
From the shadows of a nearby building, a silent figure watched as the two X-Men walked down the sidewalk across the street. The sun shone down on the redhead, making her hair look like a halo of fire. She was a passionate woman with expressive green eyes, gesturing empathetically, caught up in what was no doubt a wild story. Her companion, a younger looking man with a red visor, stared sullenly down at the sidewalk. He didn't seem to be enjoying the conversation.
Gambit smiled grimly. Turning his attention a short distance ahead of them, his keen red on black eyes spotted a man standing with his face buried behind a newspaper. His slouch was overly casual as he held the paper with headlines screaming out about the mutant menace, the X-Men pictured dead center. As if he felt Gambit's eyes on him, the man looked up from behind his newspaper to where Gambit was hidden. Even with the bright sun shining, the thief blended in with the shadowy alley. Gambit nodded slightly, allowing his eyes to glow for the man to see. He nodded back and, shaking the paper, he turned abruptly, purposefully running right into the two X-Men. The one in the red visor immediately apologized, but the other man dropped the newspaper and started yelling angrily. Gambit smiled. Showtime.
* * *
"Scott, I'm serious. She's too reckless. Wolverine could be seriously injured and she won't let me help him!" Jean protested adamantly.
"Jean," Scott said tiredly. "Rogue has known Wolverine longer than we have. If she says this has happened before and is confident he is all right, I don't see that it's our place to challenge her. In fact—" suddenly he was cut off as a man standing on the sidewalk turned and ran into him.
"Excuse me," Scott said in surprise.
"Watch where you're going, asshole," the man snarled.
Cyclops rolled his eyes behind his visor and moved to step around the man.
"Hey, wait a minute," the man said suddenly, grabbing Scott's arm and blocking their departure. "You're those muties ain't ya?"
"Sir, we really must be on our—" Jean began.
"You are! You're those damned X-Men! Freaks! Muties!"
Jean stepped closer to Scott as people on the street began to turn and stare. Several surly looking men began to move towards them, alerted by the first man's cries.
"Scott," Jean said in a low voice. "This is not the area of town to have a battle with our powers. Innocent people could get hurt."
"Yeah," Scott said grimly. "Us."
* * *
Gambit watched in satisfaction as several of the men began to shove the two X-Men. It was a mere seconds before a brawl had broken out and Gambit was sickened by how little it took to start an anti-mutant mob in this world.
Just as he'd known they would, the two X-Men were fighting valiantly without their powers, refusing to use their poweres on a crowded street. Quickly, he leapt into action, moving across the street with long graceful strides. Skirting the gathering crowd, he slipped into the building behind the fight. Moving up to the second story, he put on a pair of dark sunglasses and opened the window facing the street.
* * *
Jean frowned in concentration as she tried to use just enough of her telekinesis to hold of the brunt of the attack, without being too obvious. Two men were glaring at her and stepping closer. If Jean hadn't known how deep their hatred of mutants was from the feelings they were projecting she would have sworn they were hesitation because she was a woman. Taking a few steps back, she crouched down slightly, making herself a smaller target. As one man stepped forward and reached out to grab her, Jean took his arm and threw her hip out into his midsection. Usually this move wouldn't work unless the man was charging her, letting her use him momentum, but Jean used her telekinesis to throw him over her shoulder, into the building behind them. Just as she'd suspected, his buddy didn't know the first thing about martial arts, and didn't think twice about the physics of what she'd just done. Big shocker there. He swore and swung his fist towards her face. Jean dodged the blow easily, and returned the favor with a swift kick to the man's ribs. In the few seconds that move allowed her, she looked over to see how Scott was faring.
Scott was starting to breathe heavy as the brunt of the attack fell on him. Jean had been dismissed as little threat, so most of the mutant-haters were focusing their attention on him. One of the men landed a punch in his stomach, and Scott grunted in pain. Recovering quickly, he lifted his hands in front of his face to protect himself as best he could before darting a fist out to connect with the man's nose. As the man raised his hands to his face, Scott turned to another man, blocking the attempted punch and returning with one of his own. Quickly following his punches up with solid kicks to the man's solar plexus. As the two men backed away slightly, Scott realized that three more men were already approaching.
He was starting to realize that their powers might be necessary after all, when something dropped down beside him. Suddenly there was a soft hiss as a stranger reached into his trench coat and pulled out a retractable bow. Then everything seemed to speed up. The man swung the bow in a wide circle, directed out at the men. One then the other fell to wicked hits in the sides of their heads. Scott watched for a few moments in shock, but he quickly shook himself out of it. As if they had choreographed it ahead of time, the two men began to move together against the crowd and in no time, the mutant haters had realized the odds were no longer in their favor and scattered like the cowards they were.
When the fight was over, Scott turned to Jean to make sure she was all right. They hugged briefly, before they both turned to face their savior. Gambit watched them with a steady gaze, his dark sunglasses still perfectly even on his face.
"Thank you," Scott said, extending his hand.
Gambit accepted the handshake.
"'Tink no'ting of it, mon ami," Gambit replied easily.
"Hardly. We owe you quite a bit. Not many people would come to the aid of two people being attacked by a mob."
Gambit looked at him and slowly removed his sunglasses. Jean and Scott both stared in surprise at the red on black orbs that seemed to glow as they looked at them.
"We got t' stick together, non?" Gambit said quietly.
Scott started to respond, but Jean laid a hand on his arm.
"Scott, maybe we should continue this conversation elsewhere," she said softly, gesturing across the street where their attackers were starting to gather again.
Scott followed her gaze and nodded.
"You're right." He seemed to consider what he was going to say next carefully. Finally, he turned to Gambit.
"I'm sorry, I didn't get your name?"
"Jean-Paul Beaubier," he said with a nod.
"Jean-Paul, my name's Scott and this is Jean."
"Y' girlfriend?"
Scott looked surprised. "Yes, how did you know?"
Gambit tapped his head. "Empath."
Scott looked strangely pleased at his observation and Gambit fought the urge to smile. He had sensed the tension between them when they were walking down the street and knew things weren't all roses between Scott and Jean. Just as he had planned, his observation seemed to endear him to Scott.
"Well, Jean-Paul, why don't you come back with us? No use waiting around for those guys to get anymore ideas."
Gambit nodded. So far so good.