The flowers sparked a multitude of reactions throughout the school. There was no hushing this up. Though this wasn't another haiku, and people were looking for one, this was clearly part of the same flirtatious game. The air was full of noise as the gossip and rumor escalated.

"Well, I think it's cute. She's really going to a lot of effort for him."

"And making him give a lot of effort, too. She blocked off the hallway. All of it, floor to ceiling."

"How do you know it's a she? Guys usually give flowers."

"Oh, his face was priceless. I've never seen him so floored, and I've TRIED."

People were talking.

"I don't think Rogue ever went to such lengths for him before."

"What did he do? That's what I want to know."

"I want to know who she is."

"I wish he'd say, but he just smiled at me and said he was having a really great day when I asked."

Students whispered in classes.

"I wish there were more poems."

"Me, too."

"…so cool! I wonder what he's gonna do."

"Probably something way bigger."

"They must be in love."

"No duh, stupid!"

Even the adults were unable to ignore it.

"Ja, an interesting gesture."

"It does provide one with some insight into the abilities and interests of the female half of the pairing."

"Sure. But will it last?"

One person wasn't talking. He stalked through the halls and heard the gossip, but he'd said he was staying out of this one, and he was. So he remained silent, but there was a slight spring to his step and a light in his eyes. She had gotten into a fret over nothing, the Cajun was hooked, and he was glad for them both.

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

She'd taken back her pillows when she left the flowers for him, but he wasn't after them this time. He'd had to search for what he wanted. She had some good hiding places, tres bon. Not good enough for him, but that was okay. The note he left in their place ("You won't be needing these, chere. You already unlocked Gambit's heart.") wouldn't be immediately visible, but he knew she'd find it. It wasn't all he was leaving.

He pulled out the special cards he had for her and fanned them out on a pillow. Deuce through Ace, all hearts. He'd already given her the King, so he slipped a Joker into its place instead. C'etait parfait, of course. Now, all he had to do was escape and wait.

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

He listened for a few minutes to make sure no one was in the hallway before he exited her room. Nonchalantly, he headed back to his own room in the opposite wing. Just in time. Here she was, coming toward him, probably headed to her room. It didn't hit him until his red eyes met her blue ones. She was coming from the same place he was going to, and he could see the same revelation touch her. Almost as one, they brushed past each other and dashed to their respective rooms.

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

He ran into his room and looked around. A lucky lady was sitting on his bed, the Queen of Spades. A little note kept her company. It said, simply, "Wrong Queen."

Oh, this was getting interesting.

His staff was usually on top of his dresser, collapsed neatly, easily available. It was gone, but another note was in its place. And this time, the haiku was hand-written, not typed. (That had been her mistake, of course; she'd typed the last haiku, but the little addition that told him she had noticed his trap had been penned in afterward.)

The Queen of Spades stood,

Watching the Jack of Hearts,

Staff held loosely.

She spoke on the wind.

"Drop your weapon, warrior.

No more conflict.

Let us have a truce."

Only the Jack? Only the JACK? Oh, he was gonna have to have a talk with this lady…