The branches of the trees whipped at his skin as he ran through the woods. His blood was pumping loudly in his ears as he ran, and the silvery moon seemed to call to him. His nose twitched and he could tell his mate was near. His body responded and he ran in the direction of her scent, but no matter how hard he ran, he got no closer. Then the smell of food drifted to him from the same direction. He stopped short, his chest heaving. Raising his face to the moon he howled.
Rogue froze as Wolverine howled in his sleep. Her feline eyes dilated as her body reacted to his primal call. Some part of her recognized the pure masculinity in the sound and Rogue set the steak and beer down on the nightstand before crawling onto the bed. Her nose twitched as she took in the minute changes in Wolverine's scent.
Suddenly, he shot up in bed. His eyes were wild and when he saw Rogue he growled and grabbed her shoulders, pushing her down onto the bed. Pinning her body down with his own, he buried his face in her neck, taking in the scent of her skin and hair. His hands scrambled for the hem of her shirt and then he was pushing it up, moving his head down to the exposed skin. Rogue trembled as his mouth hovered over her breast. Like a bolt of lightening the realization hit her that the spot Wolverine was nuzzling right now was the spot where Sabretooth had bit her that horrible night in the cabin. The beast in Wolverine seemed to sense Sabretooth's mark on her and Rogue gasped as his mouth closed over the spot, teeth sinking into her to claim her as his. She could feel an answering call in her own blood. Then Wolverine was pulling back, lapping lightly at the two tiny dots of blood that were already healing.
Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the connection was gone. Wolverine bolted upright again, rolling off of Rogue. For a minute, he just sat there staring off into space. Rogue sat up and watched him quietly, giving him time. After what seemed like an eternity of silence, she sighed and reached over to the nightstand. Picking up the beer and the steak, she set them down in front of Wolverine.
Wolverine's eyes squeezed shut and he drew a shaky breath.
"I don't deserve you," he said quietly.
Rogue rolled her eyes. "You're the one who shredded mah panties and insisted Ah don't sleep in any clothes. Ah was perfectly willing to get dressed last night—"
"That's not what I meant and you know it," he said firmly. He turned and looked her in the eyes, and Rogue saw a deep sadness in those depths.
"Then what did you mean?" she asked softly.
Wolverine shook his head and looked away. Rogue sighed.
"Look, either you can tell me what's wrong, or Ah can flip through your memories and find out. It's your choice."
A ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of Wolverine's mouth.
"I thought you didn't nose around other people's memories."
"Ah'll make an exception," Rogue said dryly.
Wolverine stifled a groan. He had never been good at talking about his feelings; it was all too girly. Finally, he took a deep breath and decided to just get it out.
"I've been out of work too long. I need jobs to keep me sane. When I'm not working I start . . . feeling different."
Rogue furrowed her eyebrows. "Different how?"
Wolverine couldn't meet her gaze. "More like an animal, less than a man."
Rogue looked confused for a second before his words sank in. Suddenly, understanding dawned on her and she felt a rush of emotion for the man in front of her. Reaching out slowly, she put a hand on Wolverine's shoulder.
"Logan," she said gently, deliberately using his name. "Ah know exactly what you mean. Ever since Ah absorbed Sabretooth, Ah've felt the same way. Ah'm already so used to the enhanced senses and the cat's eyes, sometimes Ah feel like Ah'm more of him and less of me."
Wolverine looked up at that.
"I guess you would know what I'm talking about then," he murmured. His eyes were serious. "Then you know that I'm afraid of hurting you."
Rogue rolled her eyes. "Ah love how you can say that with a straight face when Ah've nearly put you in a coma how many times?"
Wolverine laughed a little and nodded. "Yeah, you do pack quite a punch." Then he was serious again. "But it's not just that I'm afraid I'll attack you. Well, not exactly. It's just . . ." *Christ this was embarrassing* "When I start to lose myself to . . . the animal in me everything pretty much boils down to food and . . ."
"Sex?" Rogue supplied helpfully.
Wolverine nodded miserably. He wished he could go back to the times when narrowing life down to just food and sex was actually an acceptable game plan.
Rogue's voice was a little hoarse when she spoke again. "Ah don't think Ah mind that so much, actually."
Wolverine shot her a look at that. For a minute he started to wonder if maybe he could let himself go with her. Then he shook his head. He couldn't do that to her.
"I don't want to hurt you. Christ, you just got control of your powers, I don't want to take you like some sort of animal."
Rogue looked at him and he could see her mind working. Her eyes had a far away look in them and her scent shifted slightly.
"Tell me you're not picturing it," he demanded, flustered.
Rogue smiled slowly and Wolverine groaned.
"See? You're not helping matters any."
Rogue laughed, breaking the tension. "Eat your steak, beastie. And then get dressed and we'll go find some way for you to feel all manly again."
Wolverine rolled his eyes, but he picked up the steak. A fight was a fight, but food is food and Rogue's powers seemed to have sucked all the sustenance out of him too. So, he let the subject drop. After all, he figured. He could control himself.
* * *
Gambit's posture in the car was the epitome of casual as he and the two X-Men drove up to the gates outside of the mansion. They had taken Jean's convertible and Gambit was lounging in the back with one arm over the side of the car. The rushing wind felt good and brought out a smile on his face that made him the picture of relaxation. However, behind his sunglasses, his thief's eyes and mutant kinetic senses, were riveted on Cyclops' every movement as he pulled up to punch in a code to open the mansion's wrought iron gate. As a thief, Gambit could have gotten in without Cyclops' information, but as a professional he knew that time was money and opportunities should never be wasted.
As they drove, Gambit took the opportunity to study Scott and Jean. The two made a good couple, even if she was obviously a bit older. Gambit smiled at that. He was known for his way with women almost as well as he was know for his talent as a master thief, and if there was one thing you didn't remind women of it was their age—especially when it's more than their significant other.
Using his empathy, Gambit could sense different emotions coming off each of them. Scott was easy since he was practically humming with importance as he escorted the new mutant towards enlightenment with the X-Men. Gambit smirked. He was probably a Boy Scout. Teacher's pet and the whole nine yards.
Then he turned his attention to Jean. He could feel a tension coming off of her in waves, and Gambit was curious as to what the cause was. She seemed to feel his gaze, hidden as it was by years of practice, and she blushed slightly, deliberately keeping her eyes forward. Careful to stay under her telepathic radar, Gambit expanded his empathy a little. Sexual tension lashed out at him and Gambit quickly threw up a block. His eyes widened behind his shades. *Mon Dieu* he thought, impressed. *Dis femme gonna explode.*
With a renewed interest, Gambit turned back to Cyclops, this time probing deeper. Just as he suspected, there was a serious jealousy complex lurking under the fearless leader façade. Gambit wondered whom it was that was causing these emotions in the ostensibly happy couple. As they pulled into the spacious garage, Gambit realized he was most likely going to find the answer to that question very soon.
They got out of the car and Scott motioned for Gambit to follow him into the mansion. They led him through the high paneled halls towards what Gambit was certain would be the Professor's office, and Gambit couldn't help but notice an enterprising thief could retire on the spoils pinched from this place. Quickly, he pressed that thought down into his subconscious and strengthened his mental blocks. Not the kind of thoughts to be having around the world's most powerful telepath.
"The Professor will want to meet you, Jean-Paul," Scott said as they approached the door. "I trust you've heard of him?"
Gambit nodded. "Oui. De Professor is well known among all mutants for his work."
"He's done wonderful work in his field," Jean agreed absently.
Gambit noticed her distraction and looked over at her. He recognized the concentration in her eyes and realized she was using her telepathy. For a moment he worried she may be trying to read him, but his empathy was picking up bits of jealousy and he quickly guessed she must be searching for someone in the mansion. Gambit wondered if it was the object of Scott's jealousy.
Cyclops knocked on the door to the Professor's office before opening it. As they entered, the Professor looked up expectantly. He'd sensed their arrival and was curious as to the identity of their guest.
"Professor, I'd like you to meet Jean Paul Beaubier. Jean and I ran into some trouble in town and Gambit helped us out."
"I'm pleased to meet you, Jean-Paul," the Professor said sincerely. "It seems we owe you our gratitude."
"Non, Professor, I'm happy to help," Gambit replied easily.
"That's refreshing." The Professor noticed Gambit's accent. "Where are you from, Jean-Paul?" the Professor asked.
"Lots of different places. It's never good to stay in one place too long, considerin' how most people feel about mutants," Gambit said, giving his pre-considered answer. He was used to people asking that question when they heard his accent.
Xavier nodded in understanding, but wondered why Gambit would have to worry about that. He didn't seem to have a physical mutation that would interfere with him passing for a normal human. "Does your mutation make it difficult for you to blend in with the rest of society?" he asked curiously.
Gambit reached up and slowly removed his shades. He looked at Xavier solemnly, blinking his red on black eyes.
"Oui."
"May I ask what the nature of your powers are?"
Gambit smiled. "After you," he said graciously, gesturing to the X-Men.
Scott stepped forward. "They call me Cyclops." His visor flashed. "I can shoot optic blasts from my eyes."
Gambit nodded. "'Y need the glasses, non?"
"The glasses are ruby quartz. It helps me control them," Cyclops explained.
Gambit nodded and turned to the redhead.
Jean stepped forward. "My name is Jean Grey. I'm a telepath with some telekinetic abilities."
"No codename?" Gambit joked, quirking an eyebrow.
Jean looked at the Professor briefly before smiling.
"It's a long story."
Gambit shrugged and turned to the Professor expectantly.
"I am a telepath," the Professor supplied.
"The most powerful telepath in the world," Jean added proudly.
Xavier smiled.
Gambit took a deep breath. "Dey call me Gambit. Along with my empathy, I can also charge 'tings wit kinetic energy." He reached into the pocket of his trench coat and pulled out a playing card. It flared up with a bright pink energy and Gambit flicked it into the air, where it exploded harmlessly.
Xavier watched with interest. "A very nice demonstration."
Gambit smiled. He didn't mention the fact that he also had an enhanced natural agility. There was no reason for him to let them know the full extent of his abilities and enhanced agility had helped him surprise his opponents on a number of occasions.
Professor Xavier concentrated briefly and smiled at Gambit. A few minutes later, a tall well-built young man with closely cropped black hair opened the door to the office.
"You wished to see me, Professor?" he asked politely.
Gambit could hear the trace of an accent and speculated that the young man was Russian.
"Yes, Peter," the Professor spoke up. He turned to Gambit. "I would like you to take our guest, Jean-Paul, on a tour of the mansion."
Peter nodded, and waited for Gambit to accompany him from the room. Gambit nodded at the Professor and turned to leave. He had figured that the Professor would want to speak to Jean and Scott about him in private.
When he and Peter closed the door behind them, the Professor turned to Jean and Scott.
"Well, what do you think, Professor?" asked Scott.
"Jean-Paul seems to be an earnest young man, and his eyes would make it difficult for him to blend into society. In a way, it is much like Rogue. Just as it is unusual for her to be covered head to toe in the summer, I imagine it is unusual for Gambit to wear sunglasses at night. I believe it is safe to offer him a place here," the Professor said thoughtfully.
Jean furrowed her eyebrows. "I'll admit he seems quite charming, but I'm a little perturbed as to his thoughts. I wasn't able to get a reading on him at all. It's almost as bad as reading Rogue, to make yet another comparison between the two."
The Professor shook his head slightly. "I don't think that's peculiar at all, Jean. Because Gambit is an empath, it is entirely possible, indeed if not probable, that he projects the emotions of others somewhat. Just as it is difficult to sense Rogue because of the bits of others' memories in her mind, it would be difficult to sense Gambit's thoughts because of his awareness of the emotions of others."
Jean nodded. "You're probably right."
* * *
Gambit took in the scenery around the mansion as he listened to Peter talk about the different parts. It was an enormous place, which seemed to easily house the many mutants that he knew lived there. Turning his attention back to his guide, Gambit respectfully waited for Peter to pause before asking the question that had been on his mind since he'd seen the man.
"So what are your powers, mon ami?"
Peter turned to him and smiled. Suddenly, there was a metallic sound and Gambit watched with interest as Peter's flesh was encased in a shiny layer of metal. He seemed to get bigger with the transformation and when he was through, he had gone from 6'7" to 7'.
"In this form, I am quite strong," Peter said, smiling. "I am called Colossus."
Gambit couldn't help but wonder if he would be able to charge Colossus' metal skin.
"Must be a handy power in battle," he commented.
Peter shook his head. "I have not yet joined the team. Though I hope to do so soon. I feel I could help."
Gambit nodded. "You'd 'tink de X-Men would want all de help dey could get."
Peter shrugged. "They have very powerful mutants on the team already. Not to mention, Rogue and Wolverine have expressed a willingness to help if they're needed, in appreciation for the help and hospitality Professor Xavier has provided them."
Gambit tried to keep his voice light, hiding his reaction to the mention of Wolverine's name.
"Rogue and Wolverine? Are dey members of the team too?"
Colossus shook his head again. "No. They are merely here as guests while the Professor is helping Rogue."
"Helping Rogue?" Gambit prodded.
Colossus nodded. "I am not sure exactly what the Professor is working on with her." He turned to Gambit. "Would you like to meet them?"
Gambit's eyes flashed behind his sunglasses.
"Oui."
* * *
Wolverine grunted as he lifted the 300 lb barbell for the fourteenth time. Once again, as he opened his eyes, he found himself staring at Rogue's crotch about six inches from his face.
"Dammit woman, you're killing my concentration," he growled.
Rogue didn't look away from the barbell. "If Ah'm gonna spot you, Ah've gotta be able to lift the weight if you need me to. Ah can't stand behind you, cause with mah arms extended Ah wouldn't even be able to slow down 300 lbs, let alone keep it from crushing you."
Wolverine looked up at her position again. He was lying back, pushing the barbell straight up. Rogue was standing with her feet on either side of his head, following the barbell with him in case he fumbled. Her legs were bent slightly in case she had to take the weight. The result was obscene.
"I don't even need a goddamn spotter," Wolverine grumbled petulantly.
Rogue rolled her eyes. "Tough shit, you've got one."
"Sadist."
Rogue laughed and was about to respond, when they heard a strangled sound from the doorway. Wolverine quickly replaced the barbell and moved to sit up. Rogue had turned to look, but hadn't moved from her position, so his face ended up buried in her abdomen. Rogue grunted and fell back, recovering enough to make a graceful landing. She glared at Wolverine before turning back to their visitors. Colossus was standing in the doorway next to a tall man in a brown trench coat and sunglasses.
"Petey, if you blush any harder, your metal will melt," she commented wryly.
True to form, Peter blushed even harder and Rogue smiled. Peter was a farm boy in Russia and he'd never quite gotten over the naiveté that comes with that kind of isolation. Rogue and Wolverine both liked him because he was honest and sincere. Plus, he could kick some serious ass if he had to.
"'Y have to forgive de boy, Mademoiselle. In the presence of such a beautiful femme, even de best of us blush a little."
Rogue stared at the newcomer. He was a little over six feet tall and built lean. Even under the trench coat, Rogue could tell he was strong though. His accent was undeniably Cajun, and he had that confident stance that one only got from knowing he can take care of himself. In minutes she had sized him up and determined he would be a formidable adversary. Being raised by Mystique had taught her not to be taken in by a pretty face, and made her somewhat cynical of men's flattery so she kept her guard up.
She could hear Wolverine growl behind her and guessed he wasn't impressed either.
"Who the hell are you?" Wolverine demanded, standing up. He didn't like the newcomer already.
Gambit fought the urge to look at Wolverine and kept his eyes on Rogue. Something primal in him wanted to hit Wolverine with all he had, getting his revenge right then, but he held back. He would have his revenge in time and Wolverine deserved to suffer for what he'd done. Right now Gambit needed to keep his wits about him. He couldn't do anything until he had all the information he could get. First thing's first, he had to know exactly what the relationship between Wolverine and Rogue really was.
Keeping his perfect smile in place, Gambit looked at Rogue.
"'Forgive my rudeness, Chere. I am Jean-Paul Beaubier. Dey call me Gambit."
Rogue nodded. "Ah'm Rogue." She gestured behind her. "This is Wolverine."
Gambit turned to Wolverine. "Bonjour, Wolverine." Immediately, he looked back at Rogue, not giving Wolverine a chance to respond. He walked forward and moved to take Rogue's bare hand in his gloved one. As he lowered his face as if to kiss it, Rogue cleared her throat.
"Wouldn't do that if Ah were you, Cajun."
Gambit stopped, looking up at her questioningly.
"Mah powers."
He waited for her to explain, but Rogue just left it at that. Gambit hadn't been able to get any information on the exact nature of Rogue's powers, so he decided to err on the side of caution. Slowly, Gambit lowered her hand.
"Beautiful and strong. Is dere anything you can't do, Chere?" he asked lightly.
Rogue looked him in the eye. "Not with a little help from mah friends."
Peter and Wolverine both smirked a little at the reference to her absorption powers.
Gambit recovered easily. He had the information he needed. His little show with Rogue had inspired enough emotion in Wolverine for Gambit's empathy to determine that they were indeed romantically involved. He also knew that Rogue was much more cynical than most women, since he wasn't picking up the usual attraction from her that he did from most women. Wolverine was protective, but that had been obvious from the beginning. All in all, Gambit thought things went well.
Just then, Peter cleared his throat.
"Excuse me, but Professor Xavier would like to speak with you again, Gambit."
Gambit nodded. Shooting Rogue a dazzling smile, he bowed.
"Chere." He didn't look at Wolverine. "Wolverine."
Then he joined Peter and the two of them left the room.
After they left, Wolverine turned to Rogue.
"I don't like him."
Rogue giggled. "Oh really? Ah hadn't noticed."
Wolverine scowled. "He rubs me the wrong way. I don't trust him."
Rogue walked over and put a hand on his arm.
"Relax, Wolvie. He's not our problem."
"He could be. You know the Professor's gonna offer to let him stay." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "You shoulda let him kiss your hand and zapped him. At least then we'd know more about him."
"Mah head's crowded enough as it is," Rogue commented wryly. "Anyway, Ah have a feelin' Ah'm gonna have to watch you two bickering and Ah don't need to listen to ya'll in mah head too." Wolverine didn't look convinced and Rogue put her arms around him. She pressed her body to his and grinned as his body reacted. "Besides, you don't have to worry about me. Ah kin handle the Cajun."
Wolverine put his hands on her hips and groaned appreciatively. With one last look at the door Gambit had exited through, he let it go. Whatever the Cajun was up to, he would find out eventually.
* * *
"I've talked with Jean and Scott, and they both agree. If you'd like to stay here, Gambit, you're welcome."
Gambit's eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses, so the others couldn't see him looking at the filing cabinets behind the Professor. A man as responsible as Xavier no doubt kept nice detailed files on every one of his students. And every one of his guests. He turned to the Professor and smiled.
"I'd love to Professor, thank you." His eyes drifted back to the files. "You have no idea how much this means to me."