So, first off, er, this is chapter three. Not four. The other chapter three was an imposter. Actually, I didn't catch the mistake until just now...eeks. Interestingly enough, no one cared about the absence of a chapter...hmmmm. Well, I'm sure its because you all realized that I made a mistake in the titling, right? RIGHT? okay, good.

Now, um...Hi! Oh yeah, sorry about the loooong delay with this chapter. Things kinda spiraled out of control for me. First, I took a week off to just catch up with my fanfiction reading/ addictive game playing. That accidentally grew into more weeks. Then, when I was about to return, Word decided it didn't want to open without crashing my computer anymore, so there went another week. It would have been up last night, but I accidentally watched Signs instead. O_O And then I couldn't log on to ff.net. And here I am now, FINALLY putting on the fitting touches. So, sorry. Thanks ever so much for the reviews, they were like a tiggerific birthday present, and have a nice day! Or night. Whatever.

The Freedom Caper
By Eileen Blazer
Chapter Four: Can't Get You Off of my Mind

Attraction was an interesting thing.

It was strong, though it didn't hold the power of love or devotion. Fun, though it
lacked the pleasure and playfulness of real intimacy. Frightening, but less than the
fear of commitment. Attraction was possibility, a chance, an unlocked door yearning to
be opened. It was secretive, it didn't share its mysteries with anyone, nor did it
leave clues to the treasure at the end of its rainbow. You had to follow the path
yourself, and sometimes you got lost.

Remy knew he was really attracted to Rogue. It wasn't just an acknowledgement of her beauty, not it was an itch. Any part of him that had tried to deny or ignore that was squashed when he looked into the seat beside his, twenty minutes after
take-off, and seen her slumbering peacefully, her sooty lashes contrasting against the
porcelain of her skin. The deep red of her lips. The small, gloved, delicate hands
folded into her lap. She was beauty in a rare and precious form.

And oh, how his hands itched to trace the contours of her face, all the right words to
say playing in the back of his mind. Remy knew how to seduce the opposite sex, and the
sleeping girl beside him was practically begging to be seduced.

Only she wasn't.

The very instant her eyelids fluttered open, the wary gleam would taint her eyes and
she'd scoot an inch away from him, pressing against the window to avoid contact. She
wanted to be as far from Remy as she could be. Not without cause, of course. Her touch
was deadly.

And damn it all it that didn't make Remy want her more. He felt like Eve, in arms reach
of the forbidden fruit. But the cost -not an immortal life, but his own brief
existence. That thought alone calmed the urge of his hands. Not even the touch of an
angel was worth death.

As Bella had said, Remy LeBeau only looks after red eyed Cajuns. Self-consciously, Remy
felt for his glasses, before sipping the soda the stewardess had brought him.

Besides, Rogue was quickly turning into one of his only real friends. He wasn't going to ruin that for a brief encounter. But, he wondered, despite himself, if he had had the time and motivation, just what new wonders could that attraction have unlocked?

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

Rogue was in love...with the new jacket she'd picked up. A long, puffy coat, with wide buttons and a curved collar, warm, perfect for snuggling against. Who knew that Maryland International would have such a treasure amidst its souvenier teddy bears and ten-dollar-priced, two-cent quality t-shirts. Naturally, it had been expensive, but Gambit -Remy- had shelled out the cash without the slightest reserve, paying for not only the jacket but a whole new outfit as well.

Odd, that he would have so much loose cash.

But, that was a thought for other times. Presently, Rogue was preoccupied by the brochure in her hands.

California -home of Disneyland and The Golden Gate Bridge. You couldn't walk outside without walking smack dab into a redwood tree, tripping over a movie star, or getting perfectly tanned and being discovered by a passing agent. At least, that's what the pamphlet said.

Where the air is clean...Rogue paused to bury her face in her sleeve and cough, as a greyhound bus turned the corner and blasted her with exhaust fumes.

Where the sun always shines...that seemed true enough. It was almost warm enough to make her regret the beloved jacket. Almost, but not quite.

And dreams come true. Would her dreams come true? Honestly, she hadn't much been thinking about the reason for her desertion of the x-men. Or even of the x-men. She didn't want to imagine the hurt in their eyes, the anger, the dissapointment. But she did have a reason, and she was going to solve the riddle of herself.

But where to start?

Remy tapped her shoudler, bringing her back to the land called reality. He gestured to a yellow taxi cab. "Dats for us."

Inside the cab, Simon and Gerfunkel serenaded Mrs. Robinson while Rogue and Remy sat in silence. The ride was smooth, or at least felt like it since there was much less traffic than in New York. The windoes were rolled down halfway, so eighty degree air filled the interior. The driver, a middle-aged woman in a washed out jean jumpsuit, tapped a constant beat against her steering wheel. Occassionally, she could glance in the rearview mirror, but it was a while before she actually spoke.

"So...you kids look young. Visiting relatives or something?" There was a sincerity in her vocie; she didn't hold any suspicions, and it relieved Rogue. She didn't want lectures or stern frowns.

"Or somethin'. Gotta vacation from school an' we decided ta see mah great aunt Jerrica."

"Really. I think its nice when kids aren't afraid to visit the older generations. Where is home? I hear something southern in your voice."

"Ah grew up in Mississipi." No need to mention New York at all.

"How sweet!! I love that Southern charm." The driver's eyes fell on Remy. "And you? Is that French I hear?"

"Oui."

"So how do you like America?"

"Mais," Remy said, "Everyone here says French women are de best, but in Paris, 'f I call a cab, I get picked up by an ol' baldin' man with whiskers an' a missin' tooth. I do the same here, an' a belle drives up t' escort me. I love America."

"Oh you." She addressed Rogue again. "You're both very lucky to have each other. You seem so happy. You're gonna have a wonderful life. You know some people live their wholes lives empty and alone."

"Well, er, um..." Rogue fiddled with a button. It wasn't worth an explanation. "Yeah, we are."

"Well, we've arrived. The Romanoff Hotel. Nice chioce, wish I could stay here."

Remy unlocked the doors, paid the woman, and stepped out, patiently wait for Rogue. She soon followed him, gasping when the doors of the Romanoff Hotel greeted her.

It had over ten stories, the entire exterior painted a rich maroon and antique gold trim. The windoes were laced with thick light draps, some partially opened, revealing wooden furniture in the background. The glass doors entered into a long hall where several impressionistic pictures ornamented the walls.

"Oh mah Gowd,," Rogue breathed. Was this the kind of hotel Xavier stayed at? "How did ya find this place? How can we afford it?" It wouldn't have surprised her if Remy spun her around and pointed out a smaller, quaint hotel across the street, But the words Romanoff was etched along the glass, drawn out in beautiful caligraphy.

"One question at a time." Remy drew her attention to the side of the marbled path, to the shrubber and flowers. The were all pretty, but Rogue was capivated by the ones along the edge.

"Lilies!" She cried in delight.

"Dey asked where we wanted t' stay an' I didn' have a good idea, so I said t' find somewhere wit' lilies o' the valley." He chuckled. "We could've ended up at Card Board Box Inn, beside the muddy highway if dat's where dey'd been growin' 'round here. Lady Luck, she loves me."

"Yeah, just wait'll she finds ya romancin' Madam Destiny in the parlor."

"Or peers into our hotel room an' sees you dere."

Rogue blushed. "Sure, Gumbo. Now answer the next question. Where's the money comin' from. Tell meh ya didn't nab it from an elderly woman on her way to pay the rent."

He acted shocked. "Chere! Dis Cajun don' ever steal from grandmas. Or grandpas," He added hasitily when she narrowed her eyes.

"Then?"

"Its money I had...lyin' around, all right? Leftovers from a job I did wit' m' brother in N'Awlins."

Leftovers? When he'd said he was a thief, a good one, she'd pictured him sliding a wallet out of a tourists pocket without anyone noticing. But what kinds of things did he really steal?

The receptionist gave them easy instructions and they found their room -which turned out to be even more lovely on the inside. It was very long, with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and several closets. Windows were on all the walls, offering a fantasitic view of the city.

"Ah gotta hand it to ya, LeBeau. You Cajuns really know how ta live."

He shrugged. "Dat's what everyone says."

"Oh, an' y'all don't believe it?" She threw herself onto a loveseat, kicked off her shoes and stretched her toes.

"Don' know. Y' hear people rave 'bout t'ings, how dey finally been enlighted, like a blind man dat can finally see de world. I ain't never had dat feelin'. How do I know I'm livin' at all?"

"So how are ya gonna find out?" She asked, dreading the serious turn their talks had taken. "How does anyone find out stuff like that?"

"I t'ink y' just walk around 'til it finds you."

"Sounds like an old RPG, ya know, the kind where ya gotta fight the bad guys in the forrest until ya strong enough ta take on the big boss." She blew a strand of white hair away, feeling decidedly uncomfortable. "Don' start gettin' all philosophical on meh. Ah'm happy with mah own ignorant self. Ah don' need ta be enlightened."

Gambit gave her a single look that conveyed a thousand meanings. "Den why'd y' run away?" It wasn't a question, but a reminder. The smile washed away from her face. The whole discussion was too heavy, like it might crash down upon her shoulders.

Luckily, a knock at the door interrupted them. As Remy opened it, the feeling drifted out like a dissipating fog. Remy turned back to her with a basket of fruit. "Maids forgot t' leave it." he explained, setting it on the table.

"Oh."

"Y' ever been t' California before, Roguey?"

"Naw. Ah haven't been anywhere west o' the Rockies before."

"Why are we here? We need t' enjoy ourselves."

"What do ya have in mind."

"Mais...don't matter none. Dere are others ways to entertain each other. C'mon."

**********

Scott Summers was the quintessential good boy. He was clean cut, well mannered, polite, intelligent, and sincere. He was a leader, an ambassador, a mediator. His voice could be firm and authoritative, or soothing and calming. In school, he was an A student; at home, all his chores were finished early. He played some sports, occasionally coached and tutored younger kids, and dated a kindred spirit.

His girlfriend, Jean Grey, was like-wise successful and thoroughly charming, Winning the favor of her teachers, heading many student councils, and kicking the soccer team to victory, Jean glided through her days with a kind of shinning grace. The adults respected her because of her honesty, integrity, and easy smile; her peers, because she was lively, spirited, and knew of fun that didn't end with them in detention.

Together, Scott and Jean were the most responsible, trusted kids at the mansion.
It would have shocked all who knew them to learn that the duo was organizing and heading a secret mission for the x-team. Operation: Rescue Rogue.

Why?

There had been a lot of talk when news of Rogue's disappearance broke, cried for immediate action. Logan, Hank, and Ororo were, in fact, creating an emergency plan. But when approached with the idea, they refused to use the most valuable tool available -Cerebro- without notifying the professor. The professor, however, was currently out of contact range. Nothing short of a nuclear bomb falling on the mansion would draw him out.

Also, they'd disapproved of the truce. The Acolytes, Storm said, worked for a dangerous man. Teaming up without Xavier's consent could spell serious trouble.

But who knew Gambit better than his teammates? Their own files were sketchy at best: Cajun, ability to charge objects, slight emphatic powers, reported 'charm'. Further details unknown. And so, they'd fallen back on Jubilee's words...

"Without the adults." Jean said aloud as she scribbled onto the paper.

"Shh," Scott chided. "Don't say that so people can hear you."

She grinned, folded the paper and stuffed it into a waiting envelope. "Here, this is for Kitty."

"Is she the last one?"

"Up. Kurt and Jubilee have already agreed."

"Jubilee?!"

Jean gave him a sheepish smile. "She was genuinely concerned and I though we could use a fifth person. Besides, she gave us the idea."

"Some idea."

The redhead felt hesitation in her boyfriend as she handed him the note. It must so hard for him to make that kind of choice. To risk everything he'd earned. "Are you sure you want to be involved, Scott? You still have a chance to back out."

Rogue's safety, she could tell, was more important. He shook his head. "I'm positive."

"Good. Now get out there and deliver this paper." He headed for the kitchen door.

******

Logan was at the table, diagonally across from Kitty, pouring sugar onto his cereal while the brunette watched, amazed. "That is a lot of sugar."

He just grunted and added more.

Scott walked in, casually handed her a note, asked if she needed a ride to the mall too, heard her answer, and left. The note burned in Kitty's hand. Then she noticed Logan's curiosity had also been aroused.

Can't have that, she thought.

"From Jean," she explained. "She, like promised to tell me if Henry McDoogle had told Shane Carpenter if his best friend's brother, Patrick Markaby, thought I was cute, so that I could tell Jessica Lansy to tell-"

"That's real nice kid," Logan interrupted, gathering his bowl and spoon. "But uh, I just remembered I'm supposed to meet Hank somewhere..." He left, his voice lingering a bit longer, muttering something about adamantium not being strong enough to withstand adolescence.

She giggled and unfolded her letter.

Rest of team agreed. If still willing to join, meet this afternoon 2:00 Kurt's room, for Keanu Reeves-themed moviefest. If questioned, watching Speed, Speed 2, Matrix, and Chain Reaction. No need to bring popcorn, Kurt's providing.

Kitty nodded to herself and quietly tucked the paper into her pocket.

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

Everything was normal. The DVD was ready. The smell of extra buttery popcorn wafted through the air. Kurt's room had all the appearance of a cozy, happy setting for an innocent, happy, afternoon for nice young adults. Well, except for the silvery communicators he'd taken from the lab when Hank wasn't looking.

Kurt exhaled loudly and dropped his weigh onto the couch. What had happened to Rogue? Where was his sister? He'd never been so worried.

The bonds between families were so unique. With romantic love, it was easy to drone on and on about 'the right one', soul mates, love at first sight, etc. But family affection had to be built from scratch. Sure, there were compatible friends, sometimes things clicked, but really, it was growing up together, depending on one another for support, teaching and learning.

It was an easy process for siblings raised from birthin the same household. For two strangers thrown together by chance, there was considerable work involved. When Kurt had first learned about Rogue's background, he'd been stunned. Thrilled, yes, excited, happy, welcoming. But mostly stunned. Only after several private talks and a lot of thinking had they begun the process of understanding what it meant to be brother and sister.

Somewhere along the line, though, it got easier to see her as his sister and harder to imagine life without her. If she wasn't there to playfully punch his arm, sneak with him to the kitchen for a banana and jelly sandwhich, or talk with him about Mystique, what would happen to him?

He would make Gambit pay for stealing her.

Kitty arrived first. They shared a look but refrained from speaking their minds. Instead, they used small talk to kill time.

"So...what movie's first?

"Matrix."

"Good movie."

"Yup."

"So is Speed."

"Vould you prefer I change it?"

"No."

"Okay."

"Sooo..."

Time streched on for hours and hours, though it was probably more like minutes for normal people. The silence grew and grew until Jubilee bounded in.

"Hey guys, how's it going? God, I love Keanu Reeves. Ha ha. Where's fearless leader?"

"Right here," said Scott, coming in behind her, linked at the arm with Jean. "Mind if I close the door? I can hear Bobby's music from here."

Jubilee snorted. "You should try having the room next to his. Its terrible. I have to wear headphones all the time." Everyone found a seat and the movie started. After ten minutes or so, the real meeting began.

"Is everyone sure they want to get involved? Because now would be a good time to bow out if your having second thoughts." No one said anything. "Remember, we're doing this because Rogue is our friend and time is vital to her recovery, that's what we believe. We could get in a lot of trouble if anyone finds out, so we have to keep this a secret. We must also participate with the general rescue plan, as designed by Storm. Is that clear?"

There were nods.

"Good. I've created assignments for everyone. To find the location, Jean and I are going to get to Cerebro. I'm on cleaning duty tomorrow, so I have an excuse to be in the area. Jean'll use it and try to find their location. But it may not be specific enough, so I want Kitty and Jubilee to talk with the Acolytes. We need to know what kind of a person Gambit is, why he's gone, where he would be going to. Make them swear to secrecy too, and don't say anything until you're as sure as you can possibly be. Kurt, I'd like you to search the hills again for any other clues. We'll meet at the movies tomorrow at twelve. Be prompt. Don't talk of this again inside the mansion or in earshot of anyone."

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

The next day, at approximately 11:10...

"Well, Mate, we're rooted." St. John viciously stabbed the cheeseburger on his blue and white checkered paper place mat, glaring at the mutilated food when he was through. "The figjam's a thief, disappearing is what he does! How are we supposed to track him down now?"

His partner, Peter, bit down into his lunch, moving the food around his mouth in time with the circling thoughts of his mind. They had searched the clubs, talking to any female who didn't ask them where their mommy was. Gambit was well known, though his age had come as a shock to several, but no one had seen him lately. "Maybe we need to expand our search to neighboring cities."

"Right, then, why don't we just interview every sheila in whole world. G'day, luv, do you recognize this man? No, well, can you send in Ms. Nine-million-and-fifty four?"

"Be serious. Magneto is going to want an update. We need something to tell him."

But St. John persisted. He tied a napkin around his head and raised the pitch of his voice. "LeBeau's the name? Let's have a gander at the picture again. Hmmm red eyes, auburn hair, brown trench coat. He does look familiar. Blew threw town about a month ago, I believe. Said something about flyin' to Africa."

"Shut up."

"Oh come on," a lone fry was stuck into the burger, where it stood proudly like a flag pole. "If I have to die, you can at least allow me a bit of fun first."

Several feet away, the bell chimed and a young mother and her son entered. The boy ran for the counter, proclaiming his order loudly. Peter sighed. "Doesn't he have a mother?"

"Well, duh, she's right there sitting beside him."

"I think I'm going to make you my human shield when Magneto comes from us."

"You talk big now, but which one of us is metal? Hmmm?" There was a pause. "No, he doesn't have a mum. He was adopted, remember. Something about being an orphan until the LeBeaus picked 'im up and blah blah blah."

The bell chimed again and this time, two of the X-girls walked in. It was the brown-haired girl from the library, Pete noted. They looked around, eventually settling on the Acolytes, much to Pete's surprised. They usually avoided all contact unless there was a battle brewing.

The younger one whispered something into the brunette's ear, and she responded by clenching her fists and nodding dutifully. They started walking towards them. "I think we've got guests." Pete informed his partner.

"Hi." The brunette said. What was her name...Hyde...Pryde. Kitty Pryde. Pete nodded in acknowledgment.

"Hello."

"We didn't do a thing this time, officer, I swear." St. John added.

Kitty seemed hesitant. "Can...can...can we, like, talk with you guys?"

"Why not. Its not like we can make the ol' kitchen magnet any angrier. We may need their help soon in seeking asylum." St. John told Pete, scooting over, leaving room, and Jubilee quickly slid beside him. Peter was slower, but he did move, and Kitty sat next to him.

She wrung her wrists over the Bargain Burger's mat. "This is about Gambit." Pete raised an eyebrow. Suddenly, they were in a whole different ball game.

"I heard you guys talking, at the library, and uh, I know that Gambit's run away." She paused, as if summoning her strength and courage. "We want to establish a truce and help you find him."

"You X-people are all about kindness, aren't you. What's the catch?"

"You have to share all your information with us and you can't tell Magneto."

"Damn." St. John muttered. "You could've warmed us up a little, before dropping that bomb. So...I guess its time for the ah, disbelief, suspicion, questioning of motives, etc, etc."

Kitty sighed. "Look, we're willing to extend the first olive branch and elaborate, just a smidgen. We've found evidence to suggest Gambit's kidnapped Rogue. We can't find her if we can't find him. That's why we want to work with you."

"Why no adults? Isn't that going against you're code of honor or something? Won't your professor be disappointed in you?"

"That's our business." Jubilee said, curtly. "And that's the rule. We don't want Magneto involved with this. Just us."

"What is this evidence that makes you think Gambit's the one you're after? I've known him long enough to know he doesn't need to force shielas into his company."

"We're not going into detail without an agreement."

"We're not making an agreement until we know you aren't gonna ditch us the minute you discover Rogue's run away on her own."

"Then," Kitty said, "I guess we're at a dead end. Come on, Jubes. Maybe this was a mist-"

"But then again," Pete went on, "that doesn't mean we can't figure something out." If they had a chance to learn more about Gambit's disappearance, wasn't it worth a risk?
"If you'll make us a promise. Give us your word to lend a hand once we've swapped information, despite what happened to your friend, we'll give you ours to not betray your trust, so long as the truce lasts."

The brunette grinned, relief brightening her face. She was pretty, now that he had a chance to really look at her. The kind of quiet sweet charm that reminded him of his own family.

Kitty extended her hand. "Then let's do this." Pete reached out and shook it.

"Teammates, are we?" St. John shrugged. "This is getting more interesting by the minute."

*******

Jean Grey stepped out of a large room, clutching her head, falling into the open arms of her waiting beau. Her breathing was uneven, her skin paler than normal, and Scott worried they'd made a terrible mistake. "Jeannie, are you all right? C'mon, just relax."

"C...c...contact the others. I th...ink I've found them." She whispered, lightly.

"How are you?"

"A little...dizzy, but noth...ing permanent. We don't have a lot of time. I felt Gambit's powers in...California...they might travel again..."

Scott examined the communicator given to him, a shinning, glittering reminder of their plans. He blew breath slowly from his parted lips; they'd crossed the line of no return. He'd have no regrets. Just confidence, like a good leader. "Team X, this is Leader Blue. Report to the designated place in two hours for briefing. Assignments will be handed out."

Jean smiled at him, the color returning to her cheeks. "Does this mean we're going to California?"

********

Meanwhile, in Sunny California...

"Somehow, Ah don't think Ah'm gonna solve mah riddle by hangin' out at Louis's Late Night Club," Rogue told Remy, who sipped from his cup. The lights around them shifted, the music went louder, and Rogue's tolerance eroded even more. "Ah cain't believe Ah let ya talk meh into this."

They'd spent the entire day shopping, sightseeing in San Fransisco, and then just walking around. Louis's place was a stop on their path down the California night scene, halfway between The Galaxy and McTavish's Pub. Strictly for 'grown-ups', it'd taken a bit of charm to get the teens inside. Once in, however, it seemed a bad move. The music was Disco and Rap, the beverages were all spiked with something foul-smelling, and numerous creepy old men had waggled their eyebrows suggestively at her.

Rogue was tired, hungry, bored, irritable, and ready to sit down with a TV and watch Nick-at-Night. She tugged at the bottom of her beloved coat. "Y'all can stay heah if ya wanna, but Ah'm gonna go on back ta the hotel."

"Don' go, Roguey, C'mon. Dance wit' me. It'll be fun."

"Ah don' dance ta Donna Summer, thank ya very much."

He winced as the disco diva continued her attack on the ear, finding no way to contest her comment. "Fine den, we make a deal. If de next song is somethin' nice, we'll dance. If not, I'll escort y' home."

So she waited. Soon, one song faded into nothingness, and the next began.

Life is just a lonely highway
I'm out here on the open road
I'm old enough to see behind me
But young enough to feel my soul
I don't wanna lose you baby
And I don't wanna be alone
Don't wanna live my days without you
But for now I've got to be without you

I've got a pocket full of money
And pocket full of keys that have no bounds
But then I think of lovin'
And I just can't get you off of my mind

Babe can't you see
That this is killing me
I don't want to push you baby
And I don't want you to be told
It's just that I can't breathe without you
Feel like I'm gonna lose control

I've got a pocket full of money oh yes I do
And a pocket full of keys that have no bounds
But when it comes to lovin'
I just can't get you off of my mind, yeaaah

Am I a fool to think that there's a little hope
Yeah yeahhhhhheee yeah
Tell me baby, yeah
What are the rules the reasons and the do's and don'ts
Yeah yeahhhhhheee yeah
Tell me baby tell me baby, yeah
What do you feel inside?

I've got a pocket full of money
And a pocket full of keys that have no bounds
Oh yeah
But when it comes down to lovin'
I just can't get you off of my mind, yeah
I just can't get you off of my mind, yeah.

Rogue didn't even realize she was being led onto the dance floor until someone bumped into her and gave her a funny look. It occurred to her that all people around her were dancing and swaying to the music...and then she saw her own feet...

Gambit's arms were holding onto her waist, his glasses reflecting the shimmering light. "Are ya sure ya don't wanna take those off?"

"I'm positive. Gotta keep a mysterious air, non? How else am I gonna captivate de filles? With my good looks?"

She laughed as though it were funny, though the truth of his statement was becoming ever more clear. Her *friend* did have a certain attractiveness to him, founded in both his charismatic personality and pouty lips, an appeal women were quick to notice. She had spotted handfuls of girls and ladies who eyed the Cajun, until she accidentally obstructed their view. Of course, not on purpose or anything like that. She'd just walked into their line of sight by chance and wasn't going to move so some pathetic lovesick girl could fuel a few fantasies.

She'd grown clumsy too, spilling soda all over the waitress's lovely uniform. Maybe the next time around they'd get her an outfit that fit properly, so she didn't have to fall out of it every time she leaned down. But really, that had nothing to do with Remy.

Rogue sighed as he twirled her, reminding herself that Remy wasn't her type. She wasn't his either. She'd seen him writing down a number for another waitress, flirting with the girls who swooned for him. Kissing their hand.

He was so physical. Always touching, caressing, holding. Not the kind of guy she was looking for. He would need something from her she couldn't give. Things were better as they were, with the Cajun acting as her friend, protector, why...almost a brother.
The thought clashed horribly in her mind, though, disagreeing with her memory of Kurt. It wasn't the same feeling. So then, the title of friend would have to suffice.

Friend. Friend. Friend.

Gambit whispered into her ear, the sound tickling her bared skin like a soft feather. "See, Roguey. Look at dat expression on your face. Y' havin a good time, non?."

She clutched him closer so he couldn't see her anymore. "Shut up an' dance."

Friend.

Boy.

Pal.

Boy pal.

"Never tol' me you were dis good a dancer. Y' makin' me look bad."

Pal friend.

Friend boy.

Boy friend.

It was silly, she knew, but Rogue allowed herself to consider the possibility -just for fun. He seemed to like her, paid more attention to her than anyone else. He could make her laugh, they had great conversations, and had a lot in common. Surely it wasn't so far a stretch...

She could picture them on a bench outside the mansion, his head in her lap while she played with the golden red locks of his hair. The birds chirped in the background, a cheerful melody. She imagined his lips brushed gently across her own, him staggering back, just a step or so, the look of pure possession in his eyes when she introduced him formally to Scott, her former crush.

It was the kind of relationship she never imagined herself in before. Suddenly, dancing with Gambit, it didn't seem so far-fetched. It felt...natural...and in her dreams, she wasn't broken at all. Could that be the missing key to her happiness?

"Mind if I cut in?" She was snapped back to reality when a pretty girl in high heels tapped her shoulder. The taller, female stranger crossed her arms and smiled, a smooth line of carnation pink, glossy lipstick and white teeth, her long black pony tale twisted down her shoulder. "I've gotta go soon and Remy promised me a dance."

Remy bowed his head. "I don' t'ink-"

"Naw, its all right." Rogue said, pulling back. "Ah was gonna get some fresh air anyway."

The nameless girl drifted into Remy's arms and the two twirled off together. Rogue felt the burn of her flushed face and turned away, still picturing the dancing couple.

The girl had looked so happy the instant she found Remy's embrace, lost in her own thoughts. She could have easily been dreaming of Remy, too. Maybe he just brought out that in people. Maybe that's what sex appeal really was, making others happy to be with you.

Of course that's what it was. Charm did fall under his list of powers, didn't it?
In the end, he just moved on to the fille, and she was as empty as ever. Rogue turned up her collar and walked outside.

She leaned against the brick wall, star gazing, loving the California setting. She didn't need a guy to validate her. She was a lone wolf, and happily so.

"Excuse me, Miss?" She turned her head and saw a slightly older, relatively attractive guy. "You're name is Rogue, isn't it?"

"Yeah."

"You're just like the description, that's how I knew. I'm so pleased to meet you."

She smiled. "Uh, thanks, Ah guess."

"Its such an honor."

"Well..."

"Won't the Master be pleased."

"What?!?"

"If you'll please come with me, we can-"

Master?

MASTER?!?! Isn't that what Remy said they called the crazy cult had called their leader...

"Ah ain't goin' nowhere." Rogue back away from him, but didn't have much room to escape. She crashed into the chest of another man, this one much more burly. Her hands tugged at the gloves, but they stuck like glue.

The first man uncoiled a robe, pulling it out of his jacket. "You see, Miss Rogue, the Master's been waiting for you for a very long time. Don't be afraid," he added. "Peace is at hand." The other one opened up a large sack. Big enough to stuff a person in.

By the time she regained enough sense to scream, it was too late.

*****

1. The song is Can't Get You Off of My Mind, by Lenny Kravitz, in his second appearance in this story. Tee hee!

2. I forgot to mention this, but in the previous chapter the whole conversation about wearing sunglasses at night, its alluding to the song Sunglasses at Night. The whole 'so I can watch you weave and breathe your story lines, etc. Great song, if you haven't heard it, hear it.

3. If a thing or two is out of place in the time line, forgive me. I'm doing the best I can.

4. If you're looking for mush, I swear, next chapter. It was originally planned for
this one, but then there was the whole Word ordeal, and this got completely redone.
Grr.

5. Um...ahahaha, I know that oui is spelled oui and not qui, but for some reason my hands don't seem to understand that. Thank you, for pointing it out. I feel so foolish now. But no more. Ouiouiouiouiouiouiouiouioui.

6. THE CREDITS

The Flying Pen: I'm glad too! And even gladder you reviewed! Thanks a bunch!

Kao: Reall cool of you to review! :)

Rogue Star: I promise, this stories getting finished. Even if I have to write it in the middle of my psychology class. Tee hee. Thank you much.

Always Krissy: Aw, I can see the size of my head expanding. Hey...is this just a clever ploy to make my head so big I can't wear my hats anymore, so I send them to my kind hearted reviewer...never realizing it was all apart of her plan??!!!?? Thanks anyway.

Girl4chat86: Next chap, I'm plundging into the mushiness. I hope you come back to read!!!! Thank you for sharing your opinions.

Neurotic Temtress: Oh gosh, its always cool to have the author of a story you really like tell you that they really like your story. That does make sense, doesn't it? Right. Thanks a bunch. Glad ya liked it.

Rita: Thanks!!! Now will you keep reviewing?

Vagabond: yay! This chapter is long too, mostly because I couldn't bring myself to post a 2 paragraph notey thing after a month's delay. V. pleased to you hear you still enjoy this story. :D

Gambitgirl: Ahahaha. My make-believe treat for the day is donut holes, so if you like them, you can have some. Just think...no fat at all!!! Thank you for the review. Makes me so happy.

Ishandahalf: okay, no eyes again, but I promise you: she will see them in the next chapter. And it will be a special moment. I have already written out that scene. Tee hee hee. Let the real mushiness begin. Also, thanks for telling me about the french. I swear, it is a miracle I even passed high school, or a testimony to our poor school system, what with the way I process information. Gosh. Thanks. I will not lose interest!!!!!! Not if you and all the other nice people keep reviewing!

Panther Nesmith: Funny you should say that...I was rereading it, thinking..hmm....a cult who wants to sacrifice person who can't make physical contact, adventures while trying to seek their dreams...is this an x:me story, or a retelling of Bubble Boy? AAaaahhhh. But then again, there was no one like Remy in that movie.
Its a deal, but I expect your reviews, or else....something will happen.

Kanshisha Tenshi: You also get a fat free, non-existant supply donut holes, but if they aren't satisfactory, you can specify what kind of mock-treat you really want. I'll make sure ya don't get it! Thank you for reviewing again!!!!! Please don't stop!!

Bunny Angel: Aha, I have thought about the eye situation, when I was thinking about ways to cover his eyes. Wow, that was a bad sentence, anyway, I didn't think contacts would work, because its not just his pupils that are weird, its also well, the rest of it. He's got the whole red on black thing going on, right? And I don't know why anyone would not like them, but who knows. People are weird. (like me). Thank you so much for the review!!

J.Dax: Jeepers, you guys are so nice. Also, like your story. Sorry if I haven't reviewed, I am so incredibly horrible at that. But I've been reading and it was a lot of fun. Thank you, for sharing both your opinion of this story and your own written adventures.

Ginger: thank you for the review!!! Glad ya like the cult thing, 'cause they're baaaaaack. And wait'll you see what role they're going to play in our fav. couples little adventure. Bwahahahahaha!!!

Lotus Pen: All right, not a lot of Pyro and Petey, but some, and there'll be more. I decided not to add in so much Brotherhood, and instead focus on the Acolytes, so they'll have their chance in the spotlight. And the question remains...how many times can I use the word: so? Thanks for the review!!!

Carla: Tee hee. if you think Remy was a hero there, wait'll the fun starts. Thanks for the review!!! Glad you're liking it!

Goth Gypsy: Wowsers. Thank you so much for liking my story!!! Its the coolest thing to know that people like what you're writing. If I could, I give you my chocolate stash. Well, not all of it, just half. Well not half, but some. Well...maybe a bar. Or a nugget...Muchos Gracias!

TO EVERYONE: THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS!!! Keep reading!!! Buy spam!!!! no wait...not that last one...

I lurve email, so for questions, comments, and yes, even coconuts, I'm at eileenblzr@yahoo.com

Also...if I write a story about stupid sunny California, shouldn't mother nature be nice enough to not make it rain? Grrrrrrr. Me want the beach. Sun. Happiness. Not rainy yickiness.

Oh yeah, and if there really is a Romanoff Hotel...um, sorry. Don't own that either.