Author's Note:HI i hope you'll like this chapter, Gambit and Natura dine together!Also in case you didn't know, 'Lebeau' means 'the handsome'.
Meaning of cuts in chapters + scene happening at the same time.
Sophielied before Sidney, in a coma. The previous encounter did not seem to have affected her in any way.
She seems so far away, out of reach from everyone - even me.
Sidney walked to the other side of the room and arranged her bouquet in a nearby vase. It seemed useless, Sophie would never get to see the flowers and compliment on their beauty but still it reassured Sidney to be doing something - just anything to make her cousin happy.
She's still here, she's still with me. Don't forget, she's a strong girl, always has been - But - she's all I have left -
Tears renewed themselves in her eyes as she approachedSophie and took her hand. She stroked it gently, it was soft and warm.
See, there's still hope. Sidney tried to convince herself. Her hand has the same touch, the same warmth -
Gambit stood outside in the corridor. Many unanswered questions appeared in his mind about Sidney. Who was she exactly? Some part of her past seemed to have caught up with her tonight and she was still unwilling to divulge the rest.
T'night t'ough - t'onight'll be different. His smile once again spread out on his face. De angel ain't gettin' past me so easily t'night.
Leaning against the door, he slowly turned around and peered discreetly into the little door window. Startin' from - now.
He could see Sidney sitting by her cousin, holding her hand and talking to her. Her speech was inaudible but Gambit could read on her lips.
"Hey Sophie. I'm sorry I couldn't come earlier and that I missed the transfer. I hope you'll forgive me later - Jean and the others say hi and hope you're doing better."
Pause.
"Gosh I feel stupid, I don't know what to say to you anymore. I'm still expecting to see you wake up any moment from now."
Sidney wiped a tear rolling down her cheek. She hated seeing her cousin in such a state, it tore at her insides.
Why of all people did they have to end up being mutants? Hadn't they already suffered enough from 'him'? Besides how could people be so intolerant towards mutants? Didn'tSophie look and act like any other teenage girl?
Sure she had some psychic powers - but she never harmed anyone with them! Didn't mutant haters even bother to know that she had feelings, dreams and a whole life of her own?
It's so unfair! She didn't deserve this - nobody does -
Stretching out her hand, Sidney caressed her cousin's face and smiled at her. It was odd how though in a coma, Sophie's face still had a shiny, olive complexion and seemed so serene. She was at peace, probably not having the faintest idea of all the trouble they were in, especially since 'he' seemed to have found them.
She hid her face in her other hand, unable to control the flow of tears.
"I love you and I miss you. Of course they're all very kind at the Institute especially Rogue and the Professor Xavier but it's not the same without you. - I miss you so much - I don't know what to do without you, I can't go on if you don't survive. I need you -"
By now Sidney was up on her feet and holding her cousin by the shoulders, shaking her gently.
"Sophie, please, wake up! Professor X gives us the chance to stay together in his team as X-Men forever! We'd be safe there. Please, wake up - "
Letting go of her, Sidney sat back down in her seat. Seeing her cousin, her only family left like this was an unbearable sight. She couldn't stand seeing her so vulnerable and helpless.
She's always been there for me, I have to do the same for her.
Unfortunately there was nothing she could do but wait. She finally got up and kissedSophie on the cheek. Before leaving though, Sidney turned around and showed her dress.
"Oh yeah, I nearly forgot, I cleaned up good to go out tonight. You were right, I'm finally going out on a date. Don't worry though, he's nice and very - charming."
As he deciphered her last sentence, Gambit smiled to himself. She seemed interested in him and that idea warmed his heart. It bugged him how little he knew about her and yet how much he seemed to like her. This didn't resemble him: he was the one who made women swoon at his sight, he was the one who picked women up like flowers and never got attached.
Merde! He cursed. Dis ain't good.
Sidney walked out quietly and looked up at Gambit. She had carefully wiped her tears and added make up around her sparkling green eyes. She was grateful that Gambit was taking her out tonight. This was just what she needed, a quiet night.
Gambit couldn't help but feel confused when he looked at her. He knew for sure that there was some kind of physical attraction for her.
F'sure. He thought grinning. She'd make all de o'her women jealous.
His devil eyes suddenly locked up with her deep green eyes. No, this was different. It wasn't just a sexual attraction like he had had with Belle. There was more to it than that. Maybe it was because she was French - maybe.
She smiled warmly at him. "You ready?"
Hearing her soft words, he returned his devilish grin. "Always."
"My oh my! An actual Chinese restaurant, my favourite! How did you know?" Sidney turned to Gambit, who always the gentleman, opened the door for her.
Though she wouldn't admit it to herself, Sidney felt the same turmoil within her about Gambit.
"Rogue told me. M'guessin' dat I was right?"
"You certainly are." She walked in fascinated by the restaurant's decorations. It was the best one in town and Gambit just happened to know the owner.
The restaurant was quite impressive Sidney observed. It was decorated all in red, black and golden materials. Chinese ornaments decorated the numerous walls of the labyrinth.
Indeed each table was set apart from the next with different height walls, thus creating private cubicles, the very romantic type. The most impressive sight though was the glass floor revealing a real aquarium beneath with exotic fish and tortoises. Small cascades and pools glittered where the glass floor opened up beneath colourful engraved bridges leading to other compartments. It was spectacular!
Sidney couldn't help gazing in wonder, as the couple was lead to their table. She seemed like a little girl discovering some kind of fantasyland. It made her even more nervous to see how many efforts Gambit had put into their 'date'. Gambit chuckled to himself seeing her reaction.
It was nice to see her smile, see her happy for once. At the institute, she always seemed lost in her thoughts, quite distant.
Her eyes especially betrayed her, they looked much older, as if they had already lived a whole life of their own. After the hospital incident, Gambit was now sure that that whole other world was true.
Gambit still a gentleman pulled a chair out for Sidney who graciously sat down, smiling at his newborn manners.
"Thanks for taking me here Gambit. I haven't had a night out like this for months. It really means a lot to me."
She blushed a little at her own words and even more as Gambit grinned like hell back at her. She scolded herself for making it so obvious the effect he had on her.
There was no way she would let him intimidate her like this. It was the best way to get her talking and he probably knew that. Again she knew though that he would never harm her, at least not on purpose. It was the same sense of security that brewed inside her when he was close.
Gambit had taken his trench coat off and she could finally get a good look at his outfit. He was very handsome, dressed all in black though his sunglasses gave him a funny look.
Suddenly, her forgotten inquiry came out of the blue. "Um - Gambit - don't you think it's time you told me your real name? I heard Rogue call you Rem' last night, is that your name?"
Gambit's grin faded out slightly but quickly he caught her hand on the table and held it firmly. He had noticed the way his presence made her nervous and decided to play along with it.
"N'thin's f'free chere. What's yours?"
Sidney was surprised at his question but also his move. His hand was surprisingly soft though and he gently caressed her palm as he awaited an answer.
How come he always managed to turn the conversation to his advantage? Turning a simple question into - a game?
"You already know it, it's Sidney." She lied calmly, trying her best to keep up with Gambit's stare. If she lowered her eyes now, he'd be sure she was lying. On second thoughts it was best not to retrieve her hand and admit her weakness. Instead she squeezed his hand gently, giving him a reassuring smile, but Gambit was less than convinced.
From behind his sunglasses, he looked deep into her eyes, as if to penetrate her soul, discover her secrets and figure out what she was hiding with such will. Before he knew it, his empathy powers took over him and he let them take control.
Though he was almost convinced she was lying, his empathy could not confirm it as he failed miserably in receiving even the slightest trail of emotion from Sidney.
"Fr'what I heard, in de hospital, y'definitely French but Sidney ain't a French name, trust me - I know. So, y'lyin' t'me or did I miss sumthin' out?"
His response was a cold glare from his female partner. She let go of his hand and casually looked into the menu. "What's wrong - Rem? Can't you figure that out without your powers? Isn't empathy working with me?"
Gambit knew the shift to a sarcastic tone was purely defensive. Her stare alone would have dissuaded anyone from continuing to ask more questions but being a natural player himself, Gambit dared to go on.
"Guess Rogue told ya 'bout m'empathy. Still don't understand how dat don't work wit' ya."
"Simple, Sophie." Sidney answered on the beat without looking up from the menu.
Gambit looked confused. "Sophie?"
She put down the menu, amused by Gambit's bewilderment. "She's a psychic, remember? She taught me how to build up strong mental shields as I arrived in Virginia. I guess it was her way to protect me from him -"
She stopped abruptly, realising her fault. Once again her tongue had slipped before she knew it. Quickly she changed subject before Gambit had time to pick up her words.
"Question is, how come you're using your empathy to get answers? Or aren't you living by the advice you kindly gave to me?" Her voice had softened though it remained bitter.
Once again, Gambit was confused. "Advice?"
"When I tried to hack Cerebro you told me: If y'want t'know more, y're gonna have t'ask." She tried imitating Gambit's accent but wasn't very successful. It still got her a small laugh from the Cajun himself.
"De angel tryin' t'imitate de devil?" He paused. "Y're smart, really, I like dat - Ok, we play by yo'rules. No more powers, no more mind searchin'. Just you an' me wit' straight answered questions an' de truth!"
At that moment the waiter arrived with the menus and the card wine. Gambit ordered the best red wine he had and the waiter scurried off.
"That's fine by me."
He narrowed his eyes behind his sunglasses, voice dropping lower. "De truth Sidney!"
She couldn't help shivering as he said her name. No one had ever whispered it as Gambit had. It was a pleasant feeling though and that she could not deny. The way he said her name could drive her insane - "The truth, only the truth, bla, bla, bla - I know, I got it. - So why are you so interested about my past?"
"Where d'y'come from exactly?" He asked on the beat. This was finally his chance to get some answers.
Sidney couldn't believe it. Again he was trying to get his way. "You didn't ans- Fine. What's your real name?"
"What's yours?"
"Why ask me out for dinner or more likely on a date?"
"Why did y'accept?"
She paused and then grinned knowingly. "What happened between you and Rogue?"
As Gambit's mouth gaped open, the waiter came back with the bottle of wine. He poured the red alcohol in both glasses then left rapidly, attending to other customers.
The table remained silent a few moments until Gambit picked up his glass and ceremoniously drank the whole content.
With his devilish grin, he looked back intently at Sidney. "Y're new t'the team, just wanted t'know more 'bout ya. Don't like no secrets."
"I use to live in Paris." She answered casually.
Gambit took her hand once again and brought it up to his lips. "De name's Lebeau, Remy Lebeau."
Sidney felt her heart race away as Gambit softly kissed her hand. Never before did she think he could be so sweet and romantic with her or any other girl. She was just all the more attracted, her body craving for more - until she realised what he had said.
Lifting his eyes up, Gambit saw Sidney burst out laughing bringing the entire restaurant's attention upon them.
Gambit politely smiled back to the other customers as she continued to laugh loudly. Seeing this wasn't enough for the more curious ones, he hooked a threatening eyebrow with a "what?" look. The other clients quickly turned away and Sidney seemed to calm down.
"What de fuck 'so funny?" He spat at her annoyed. When he kissed her, he noticed her eyes widen in surprise, her cheeks turn pink and then her whole body urging for more. But now she was 'laughing' at him?
"LE - BEAU!" She breathed heavily recovering. "No wonder you're a womaniser, you surely live up to your name. This is so ironic -"
And with that she fell into another fit of laughter.
After several moments, Gambit's frowned face gradually grinned. "Hey, s'not m'fault if m'charmin'!"
Recovering from her fit, Sidney finally looked up at Remy. "Oh God, I never thought I'd laugh like this tonight. No offense, it's just - Wait a sec, Lebeau!"
Her face fell to a confused look. "I know that name - I mean, I think I've heard it somewhere -"
Shit, she's avoidin' m'questions again. Remy debated. Maybe de kiss scared her a lil'.
Finally anger took over: there was no way, she would get out of this tonight. He had the whole thing planned out to discover more about her and alcohol was definitely part of it. Not that I'd like de angel t'get drunk de first night.
Remy watched carefully as Sidney took her glass of wine. For him, alcohol often helped people open up. "Chere, y'didn't answer de other questions. Whats yo'name?"
Looking up at the ceiling, Sidney drank the wine slowly. She was trying to think and neglect her physical desires. Her body told her to forget the damn name and get closer to Remy. Her mind, on the other hand, urged her to remember. It always got the upper hand.
"Lebeau - I'm telling you I know that name -just can't remember -"
Anger seethed through Remy as she spoke. She's fakin'. Dere's no way she could know me. Plus, a girl like dat, I'd remember!
He watched her once more drink from her glass then filled it up again. "Com'on, chere. Y'promised t'be truthful, whats yo'real name?"
Slamming her fist down on the table, Sidney faced Remy. "Look, I'm fucking telling you your name rings a bell, ok? - Lebeau - Merde, where did I hear that?"
She picked up her glass again, carefully played around with it and drunk the whole, always deep in thought. She served herself again; at this rate she was sure to finish the bottle by herself.
From across Gambit glared in anger at her words. He abruptly took off his sunglasses revealing a pair of fiery red eyes. "Y'better not swear like dat again or I'll -"
Before he finished though, Sidney's glass smashed on the hard aquarium floor, red wine spreading everywhere. Sidney though had turned very, very pale.
"Le Diable Blanc." She stuttered, as the realisation sank through her body. Her heart skipped a beat as her gaze locked with Remy's. His eyes had gone back to normal, meaning utter confusion within the Cajun. He was dumbstruck.
"OH MY GOD!" Sidney suddenly cried out, quickly standing up. "You're one of them FROM THE THIEVES GUILD, aren't you?"
Her words resonated through the room as the restaurant went dead quiet. Every head turned to face them. Sidney knew perfectly well that crying out the Guild's name in public was a courageous act. Some had even died for more harmless sayings but right then she was unable to form a single coherent thought.
Recollecting himself, Gambit stashed some money on the table and grabbed Sidney by the arm. He pushed her forward, keeping a firm hand down her back. Passing the waiters, he smiled politely.
"Just keep smilin' 'til we get t'the parkin' lot!" He muttered in her ear.
Sidney though could not hide her shocked expression. A million questions zoomed through her mind as she was dragged outside. Her lips were finally able to move again. "Oh God this can't be! Oh please, tell me I'm mistaken and you're not part of that gang -"
"Chere, I can explain-" Gambit whispered back as they approached the car. His voice had become deadly serious and it only sent more chills down Sidney's spine.
"Oh fuck!" Sidney whimpered to herself. Oh God, he's gonna kill me - Merde, it's Remy Lebeau and I never even noticed!
Keeping his hold on her, Gambit pushed her towards the passenger door. "No listen, m'not wit' dem anymore. Now get in de car before-"
Panicked, Sidney pushed him aside hard and ran to escape but Gambit quickly caught her back around the waist. She screamed at his hold. "No I can't - let me go!"
"I SAID GET IN DE CAR!" Opening the door with a free hand, Gambit pushed Sidney violently in the passenger's seat. Gambit hurried next to her and speed out of the parking lot. The tires screeched in the dark night as the car turned onto the main road.
As he drove, Sidney was desperately trying to open the door.
"Whatcha doin'?" Gambit asked as he turned onto the highway. He was looking every two seconds in the rearview mirror.
"I'm not staying here with a fucking murderer next to me!" Sidney snapped back, pulling once more on the door handle.
Convinced they weren't being followed, Gambit swerved the wheel violently to the left and stopped the car on the sideroad. Next, he grabbed Sidney's wrist and then caught the other as she tried to hit him.
"Chere listen t'me, Sidney -" Gambit said softly. He hated to see fear in her eyes once more. He hated even more the fact that he had ruined the dinner. It was his past identity, who he was, that had ruined it.
"Don't touch me." She screamed back trying to pull out of his grasp.
"I don't work wit' dem anymore, I quit - understand? De Thieves Guild is m'past an' de X-Men are m'future chere - Y'understand?" Gambit's clasp loosened as Sidney stopped pulling.
She knew the danger she was in if he was lying but somehow she didn't react as much as she had thought in such a situation. She didn't scream, or kick or bite. His words managed to calm her down and Gambit's presence somehow soothed her. She didn't feel in danger.
"If y'know de Thieves so much, y'd know dat I don't kill - at least not anymore." Gambit continued as he started the engine again. Sidney nodded at his words as she massaged her once strained wrists.
"Good. Now let's grab a bite someplace else an' y'll explain how de fuck y'know 'bout me an' de Guild."
Digging hungrily into her hamburger and fries, Sidney looked around her suspiciously before she spoke. Gambit had chosen a deserted diner along the road back to the mansion, someplace called Jim's. No one seemed around, except an old man at the counter.
"Well I know you and the Guild because of the French Mafia. For years, both groups have been fighting for the exclusive ownership of the French market, both claiming national rights or something like that." She whispered between two bites.
She couldn't look up at Gambit though, she was too afraid of his reaction when he would know the truth, the whole truth. It was too late now to conceal anything. He would probably reject her, so would the X-Men, everything was so messed up now - maybe it was better like this.
"Dat's right." Gambit followed. "De Guild's new enemy's the head o'dat Mafia branch. Some guy named Monsieur Toni I think. He came 'round 'bout two years ago an' changed de whole organisation. Since his arrival de Mafia have grown bigger, stronger an' more dangerous. De key t'his success apparently was t'make de French Mafia, a family business just like de Guild. Dey not only in de black market t'ough but also in arms sales an' politics. Dey gettin' more an' more influence in de world now an' dey sponsor dif'rent terrorist groups- Dey real dangerous chere, how do y'know 'em?"
Sidney stopped eating and put her burger back on the plate. Looking anxiously down at her hands, she spoke softly almost frightened. "Well - well -"
Slowly she looked up at Gambit and met his devil eyes. It was just too bad that her past would separate them tonight when things looked so promising.
It suddenly struck her that she would be lonely again and on the roads - but the X-Men knew about the Guild and Remy was still part of the team. Maybe the Professor would understand - On second thoughts, it was best nobody knew, then their lives wouldn't be in danger.
"Please, Remy, promise me you won't turn me in! Please don't tell anyone about me. I promise you I have no links whatsoever with them - anymore" She said rapidly.
Gambit laughed softly as he pressed Sidney's arm in his hand gently in reassurance. "Don't worry chere. Y're secret's safe wit' me. " He sensed her fear as she spoke and silently promised himself never to see her in such a state again. She was too young to live in this fear, to have her life threatened if she spoke.
Reluctantly, Sidney faced Gambit and breathed out distinctively. "You mentioned Monsieur Toni, right? Well - he's - he's my brother."
Gambit froze, he wasn't expecting this - not one bit.
Well what do you think? Like the final revelation? Sorry about the cliffie but I couldn't help it here. This chapter would have been way too long otherwise. I liked writing this chappie though, coz its real important, finally things are getting started and heading somewhere. But Bad Remy, trying to get her to drink - tsk, tsk really - anyway romance is appearing but I dunno where that's headed - Oh well, PLEASE R&R, I really need your opinions on this one for the next chapter. By the way it won't be posted for a while coz I'm leaving in two days. But I'll be back in September -
Agent Goodnight-23: I'm really glad u like this fanfic - its my first. I spend most time on Remy and his character, so it really helps when u say I got him down. Thank you very much! ( Otherwise I'm not sure about Rogue but things won't go smoothly with her - Hope u enjoyed this one!
Equinox: Hey, its great that my explanation helped. I hope you enjoyed this chapter coz u had basically guessed right. Thanx for reviewing!
I'll see u guys soon, thanx for reading and let me know what YOU think!