Disclaimer: Marvel's, not mine.
Notes: I know that during the time period I set this in, Rogue had short hair, but I'm changing that. Also, I may insert some characters that weren't part of the X-Men yet, but hey, Gambit wasn't there yet either so it's ok. Sorry this is moving so slowly right now, it will pick up! Read and review! I appreciate any advice or suggestions.
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Storm was watering the plants in her attic loft, so absorbed in her efforts, that she did not notice the figure in her doorway.
"Evenin' Stormy." Remy leaned against her door frame, a cocky grin splattered on his face, hands in his jean pockets. A tight black t-shirt was his only other article of clothing, as she silently noticed he was barefoot.
"Gambit, we do not know each other well, therefore, you have not earned the right to call me that ridiculous nick name.
"Ah come on Storm, y'can call me anytin' y'want to.
With exasperation, Storm looked back in Remy's direction. "What do you want Remy?
"Just t'talk, was bored was all.
"Hmm, very well. What do you want to talk about?
Remy's eyes had begun to wander, roaming over the entire attic. "Dis be a nice little place y'got yourself Ro'. How come I didn' get a place dis nice?
Storm smiled at this, but said nothing.
"So, I hear dat you be a leader of some underground mutant group. Dis be true?
For some reason, this question put Storm at a slight unease. She looked to Remy's face, but he wore nothing but a poker face expression, his eyes still looking about.
"Yes, Remy I am. I take care of the Morlocks that live in the sewers beneath the streets.
"Do y'visit dem often?
"On occasion. Why?
"Nothin', just curious bout a population of mutants livin' in de sewers I guess. Can' imagine livin' down dere.
"It is not there choice Remy. Their un-human looks have banished them to the sewers.
"Oh.
Storm mistook his answer as one of arrogance. "I imagine a good looking man like you would not understand their peril, nor be concerned by it." She stood, her watering put off, looking him straight in the eye.
Remy would have reacted in anger at her accusation, but he found he liked her goddess like demeanor. "Actuall' Stormy, I spent a good part of my childhood on de streets, abandoned by my parents. In case y'forgot my eyes ain't exactly normal." Remy let a touch of sadness fill his eyes at this.
Storm felt ashamed. "I am sorry Remy. I spoke irrationally, in defense of my people I suppose. I believe I may have misjudged you.
"It's ok Ro', no harm done. I'm headin' for de kitchen, y' want t'come?
Storm smiled. "No thank you Remy.
"K', see y'later Ro'.
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Remy stood, body hunched over, looking through the fridge. He felt her presence enter the room. He also felt it try to enter his mind.
"Havin' a hard time getting' in chere? Didn' think it was de X-Men's policy to go snoopin' through other people's minds." His tone was somber. He stood up, closing the fridge with a bit more force than necessary. He came face to face with a purple haired woman, shock evident on her face.
She quickly recovered. "How did you know?
"Know what? Dat y'were in my mind, or dat you were in de room?
"Both.
"I'm a thief, and an empath.
"I see. Well, sorry for trying to enter your mind, I'll let you get back to the fridge.
Remy was behind her in seconds, grabbing hold of her left arm. "Not so fast chere. How much did y'see?
"Wh-what? Let go of me!
"Not until you tell me what y'saw! Who de hell are y'anywa'?!" Remy tried to keep his voice low as he tightened his hold on the women.
"My name is Betsy. I live here, look, I've been gone a couple weeks, and I had never see you before.
"Do you always read de minds of complete strangers Betsy?" Remy asked, releasing her from his grasp.
"No." Betsy's look turned sly, looking Remy up and down. "Hmm, now that I think about it, Xavier did mention a new recruit. You must be the new resident bad boy." She gave him an appreciative stare.
Remy approached her closely, gently placing one hand on her waist. Leaning in he questioned, "So, I take it y'didn' catch any o'my thoughts or memories? "I just got a jumbled mess of anger, frustration and fear. I have to admit it felt like a hot knife slicing my mind," Betsy whispered, obviously not scared by what she had experienced in his mind. Or she was playing dumb. Either way, she posed a threat to Remy.
"Alright chere, I'll let y'go for now." Remy gave her a dazzling smile, releasing his hand from her waist, as he returned back to the fridge. He was going to have to keep an eye on this one.
Betsy left the room, not even asking for a name.
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It was about 9:30 when Rogue caught the smell of something good. The familiar spices entranced her sense, but she wondered why someone was cooking so late in the evening. Walking into the kitchen she caught sight of Remy at the stove.
Placing herself on a stool at the center island, Rogue perched her elbows up, placing her head in her hands. Remy put down his stirring spoon, and turning, he reached for a stool, sitting down directly across from Rogue.
"Y're just in time chere. My southern cookin' is almost finished.
Rogue smiled. "I had dinner about four hours ago Remy, with the rest o'the mansion.
"Well den cherie, will you give Remy de honor of at least tryin' his cookin'?" Remy's eyes gave a sad, pleading look, and she had to admit he looked adorable, hair dangling in his eyes.
"Fine Cajun, but only cause Ah don' get much southern cookin' round these parts.
With a bright smile, Remy stood and began to dish out his creation. Placing a plate in front of Rogue, he once again sat down and began to enjoy his own.
Rogue took a couple of bits, and swallowing, she looked up at Remy. He had already begun engulfing his food, his eyes on his plate, paying no attention to her. "Remy, this is pretty damn good. Maybe y'all will be useful round this mansion after all.
Remy met her eyes, and once again they shared a moment similar to the one at the bar. After several seconds Remy replied. "Thanks chere. Y're too kind.
Rogue playfully kicked him under the table.
"Careful, I'm not wearin' any socks.
"I noticed swamp rat. This isn' the bayou y'know.
"Chere, people walk bare footed around dere houses everywhere." With that Remy's foot began to roam up her panted leg.
"Remy ah-
"What chere, dis bothering y'?" Remy smirked, but did not look like he intended to stop.
Rogue looked confused. "Actually Remy, it scares meh. No one has evah dared ta touch meh like you have. No one ever comes near meh.
Remy felt a sudden tinge of guilt looking at her eyes, and he began to drop his foot, but Rogue grabbed it. "No, Remy, don' stop, please.
And so Remy wrapped both his feet around her legs, massaging them. This girl had never even experienced a bit of footsie before. It was just a simple movement, his bare feet on her clothed leg, and yet it meant so much too her. They continued to stare at one another, their food forgotten.
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Remy sank back against the wall, eyes closed. Rogue had finally reached across the table, giving his hand a squeeze, and muttering thank you, before standing up and leaving the table. Remy had watched her retreating form, unable to move. Now, he stood, leaning against the wall, deep in thought.
He couldn't get involved with her. He couldn't get involved with any of them. Yet, his heartbeat sped up in her presence. She was so fucking beautiful, so inherently strong, so incredibly pure. He didn't deserve her, but he couldn't help but crave her. Sighing, he pushed himself away from the wall, and headed for his bedroom to grab his jacket and shoes.
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"You paid me ta round up some bad folk. I done what I was paid ta do." (1)
Remy stood still, facing the vile creature, unwavering in his stature.
"Yes, a most peculiar fee to request, but a reasonable one, for me, at least. I trust for you as well." (1)
"Trust all ya want. Bout does men I gathered-scalphunter an' de others-what makes dem worth dis much to a man like you? You could've got em yourself." (1)
Essex said nothing. Having been involved with this man for awhile, Remy knew his job wasn't finished.
"I suppos' y'want dose blueprints?
"The men you gathered were not for the X-Men Mr. LeBeau, at least not yet.
"Den who were dey for?
Essex merely smiled.
Remy silently cursed.
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(1) exerted from The Uncanny X-Men issue 350.