Chapter 5

It was Friday, the day the school board was going to decide if mutants would be allowed to attend public school. There wasn't any school today because the faculty members were going to be in meeting giving their view on the subject, and their report on how well the students acted in school. Since most of the teachers are against mutants all the students at the Xavier Institute knew what they were going to say.

"Man this isn't fair! You know their going to make things up to make us look bad." Spike paced the room talking to Kurt.

"Yeah, but the parents have a say too. If Jean gives a good enough speech tonight that could tip the scale into our favor." All the words Kurt was saying went in one ear out the other. Nothing could convince Evan that they would be allowed back into school.

"Look at the bright side if they say no, then we don't have to go to school anymore!"

"Actually, Kurt, if that was to occur then we would be the ones who would be teaching you." The professor followed by Storm and Beast entered the room where all the students were gathered. "Hopefully we wouldn't have to prepare for that outcome."

The professor took in the groans and excited whispers. He also noticed someone standing away from the rest of the group with a distant look on his face.

[Is something wrong, Gambit?] Remy gave no physical reaction after hearing the Professor's voice in his head.

[I'm...just thinking about the past.] The connection was cut shortly after his reply and the Professor left at that. There were many things he didn't know about the Creole and probably never would. But the one thing he did know was that he was working for their side. At least for now.

~~~~~~~~

Rogue stood with Kitty and Jubilee, complaining about how both options to continue their studies was horrible.

"If we, like, go to Bayville High, then we get made fun of..." Kitty pouted and thumbed through a teen magazine. "And if we stay here we can't, like get away with anything!"

"Yeah they'll know if are uncle really died, and that the dog couldn't eat out work since we don't have a dog." Jubes popped her gum and pulled it back into her mouth. "And they would know if we really have no homework to do."

"But we get the protection the school offers, and they would understand if you ended up blowing up your paper or having it destroyed by one of your classmates." Scott's points, though solid, earned him glares. It seems that the girls want to wallow in misery and complain. So stepping slowly he escaped back to where the boy's were standing.

"But then you are stuck in the mansion all day, which is bad." Rogue chewed on the end of her pencil as she tallied up the score of her 'How Approachable Am I Test.' "10! Beat that!"

"10 means you're cold and distant." Kitty recites the contents of the quiz from memory.

"What? You expected me to want to be the Go-To girl that understands?" Rogue snorts and turns the pages until she reaches a section full of shirtless guys.

"OH! They had the sexist guys' list already?" Snatching the magazine away from Rogue, Jubilee placed it on the table so she everyone could what she was talking about. "This guy is single...married...divorced...shouldn't even be on the list...single."

"Why does it matter if they're single? It's not like you're going to date let alone meet any of them."

"Well isn't it nice to dream, Rogue?" More of the girl population of the school gathered around them admiring the drop-dead gorgeous guys.

"If you are just dreaming then it shouldn't matter if their married or not anyways." There was a silence as the girls considered the words spoken by their friend.

"She's right." It seemed that Rogue's idea had brought them to a new level of fantasizing. They could now imagine themselves with the married guy. Rolling her eyes, Rogue got up and left the group without them even noticing.

Heading towards the door she spotted the Cajun leaning against the wall staring at nothing. It was almost sad seeing him alone like that and she got the odd urge to comfort him. Blowing the notion off she was about to retreat from the room when Remy lifted his and their eyes met. /He does look sad.../

"How about you and me do a little sparring in the training room. I've been meaning to get a new punching bag." Flipping her hair back and giving him a look of indifference made Remy smile.

"Why of course, chere, I would love to. Suited up by 10:30?" His eyes brightened a bit and she couldn't help but smile.

"Sure." Once she was out of the room she glanced at the clock. /Thirty minutes./ Taking her time up the stairs she entered her room and went to her closet. Pulling out her sweatpants she noticed a package. Opening it she found the new outfit she needed since her recent physical changes. Quickly thinking it over she took the outfit and went to the shower.

/The Cajun better appreciate this.../

~~~~~~~~

Remy leaned against the far wall watching the others in the training room fight. He was wearing his usual trench coat over a tight fit, full-sleeved shirt, and normal pants. Also on his face was a half mask. Since he was going to train with Rogue he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable, so he tried to cover up most of his skin.

"You know most people come in here to work out not just stand around." Bobby lifted some weights with his shirt off. Obviously trying to impress the girls that were on the treadmills.

"I'm was just waiting for someone. But I could just stretch out a bit." Taking off his coat he dropped it on the floor and did some basic stretches. Glancing from the corner of his eyes he could see the girls staring at him now and Bobby glowering a couple feet away.

"All that stretching ain't going to do you no good, Remy." Continuing until he was satisfied that he got all the knots out he faced Rogue. /I guess I didn't really need to cover up./ Standing before him was Rogue dressed up in the most tight fitting outfit that he ever seen. The sides of her outfit and the arms were a dark green while the rest of her was covered in black. The only symbol on her body that identified her as part of the X-Men was a dark green X on the left side of her chest.

"They gave you a new outfit?" /And I thought the last one left nothing to the imagination./

"Yeah. The other was a little too small. And before you say anything I like the fact that it's tight. It makes it easier to move and lessons the chance of part of it getting caught on something and ripping." The words didn't register in his mind. All he could think about was the fact that he was going to be up close with Rogue while she's wearing that. "So are we just going to stand here like idiots or are we going to fight?"

Remy nodded and went to the center of the room where the mats were. Surrounding the center of the room was all the exercise and weight equipment. Everybody had to work out in here at least an hour a day whenever they didn't have a danger room session. It was to ensure that everybody would stay in top physical condition.

"So we just start punching and see where it goes?" Remy was feeling cocky and wanted to get started.

"There are some basic rules. One: no powers. Two: no groping. Three: no hitting the guy in his privates." Remy was still smirking from hearing the groping part. "But that rule could be excused if the opponent broke rule two. Then I have full right to kick you there, and probably multiple times too."

Remy's ideas about how this could turn out went right out the window. /Can't take chances with this girl. Odds are she'll actually do it./ Getting into positions they stood at opposite sides of the mat. Rogue was the first to strike with a punch to chest but he dodged it and came up behind her. Moving his body closer to the ground he swept his leg trying to trip her but she just did a backwards flip and landed on her feet.

They continued fighting neither doing too much damage to the other. Everyone in the room started at the two duke it out, but after 45 minutes they grew bored and left. Fifteen minutes later the room was clear and the fighting got serious. Rogue twisted her body in mid air and planted a kick on his shoulder making him fall back. Gambit came close and was able to get a couple good hits in before she jumped back and created some distance between them.

Catching their breaths Rogue went into full fight mode and kept on throwing out punches and kicks. Their fight was balanced. Every hit she made he deflected, and every hit he made she deflected. They were moving faster and faster trying to wear the other out. If the rest had stayed they would commented on the fact that it looked like a choreographed fight scene. The way the other would know which punch was coming was too perfect.

Gambit could see that Rogue was wearing out and getting desperate. He was still impressed how she kept her movements precise when all her body probably wants to do at that moment was to collapse. /Need to end this quickly./

When she took a swing at his face he caught the fist before it made connect. Then he struck with his leg at her feet causing her to trip. Before she could hit the ground he twisted her body so she would fall on her back. Securing her arms above her head he pinned her down with his body.

"I...won..." Remy felt her body beneath him, her breathing was just as labored as his and the up and down movement of her chest was proof of that. The feel of her body beneath his was distracting, and as soon as he let his body relax he was flipped over and was being straddled by Rogue.

"How about...we call it a tie." Gambit could have easily flipped her over, but he was liking the new position too much.

"We call it whatever you want, mon chere." She smiled down at him before she leaned and stretched out her back still while she's on top of him. /Concentrate. Don't think bad thoughts./ Then keeping her back straight she sat down on his hips. /Does she know what she's doing?/

"Remy, where were you yesterday?" His eyes traveled to her full lips, which were painted red instead of its usual dark colors. An image of him kissing her right then crossed his mind and he couldn't figure out what was keeping him back. "Is something the matter?"

Her hand came up to his face and stroked it gently. His mind came back from wherever it was and he turned his head, laying a soft kiss on her palm.

"Everything's fine, petite. I was just thinking about something. Same with yesterday. But I've stopped now." A smile grew on her face.

"So you're not going to think anymore?" Nodding his head in agreement they both started laughing.

~~~~~~~~

[Jean calm down.] Sitting in the front of the auditorium a red headed girl looked serene and in control while her mind was full of worries. She was about to say a speech in front of a crowded room of people that would determine the fate of all mutant friends.

[Are the others here yet?] A quick reply of 'no' made her worry even more. It was 7:00 PM and nearly all the seats were full so they would be starting anytime now. /I hope they show up soon./

~~~~~~~~

"Told you we would get here first." Rogue smiled down at the death grip Remy had around her waist. "Come on it wasn't that bad."

"That bad! You know that even if no one is there you should still stop at a red light!" She rolled her eyes. "And then those turns..."

"So you nearly flew off a couple times. Big Deal. It'll teach you to hold on tighter the next time."

"Oh there isn't going to be a next time." Both of them took of their helmets and strapped it on the bike.

"That's what you think." Brushing a hand through her hair she took in the filled up parking lot. /I wonder if Devlin's parents are here./ She felt a little depressed about the fact that she wouldn't be seeing him for another three days.

"There are the others." A red convertible stopped next to them and the older members of the group, except for Kurt, came out.

"We go in and support Jean alright?" Scott took the lead and the rest followed each one knowing that this day would effect their lives.

So having the uncertainty of what's going to happen added to the fact that the brotherhood was waiting for them it wasn't a surprise that they weren't in a welcoming mood.

"Lance, like move it. We have enough problems without you guys showing up too." Kitty was tired of all of it, and when Lance made the ground shake, well she wasn't amused. "You're just a hood!"

"I could never be good enough for you!" The harsh words were followed by another tremor. Quicksilver, Toad, and Blob split up and started to attack the others.

"Can't-catch-me." Rogue was beyond pissed off and was about to get into the fight when she felt someone pull her off to the side.

"Gambit!" He placed a finger on her lips and turned her around so she could see the floating cars. "Oh..."

Concentrating she was able to put them back down before the parents came rushing out of the building. Remy and Rogue joined in the fight to occupy the Brotherhood while Kurt and Jean protected the bystanders.

Gambit was able to knock out Lance, and Rogue was able to grab onto Pietro's skin. Spike pinned Toad to a tree so only Blob was left.

"You ain't getting me that easily." Blob threw a car at Kitty but she easily flipped out of the way before it could hurt her.

"Fred we're leaving!" Lance picked up Pietro and they ran to the jeep followed by Fred who was able to pry Todd from the tree. They drove off leaving the mess they made behind.

~~~~~~~~

"They totally ruined our chances." After helping clean up the mess the Brotherhood made, they returned home.

"How much of a chance did we have in the first place?" Evan fell on the couch with a scowl on his face. Rogue would have joined in on the complaining, but her attention was fully taken by the Cajun that was holding something in his hand as he creped out of the room.

Wondering what he was up to, she followed him out of the room and into the study. One side of the room was full of books while the other side had chairs and tables. At first glance she couldn't see anyone in the room, but she went in to make sure. /I saw him come in here.../

When she entered the room something tackled her from behind and brought her to the floor.

"Rogue?" Rogue was able to turn around and found herself pinned down by Remy. Again.

"Do you always jump people, or am I just special?" The words came out harsh, but that didn't stop the smirk that came to Remy's face.

"Special. Definitely special." His hands that were above her head before, wandered down and settled down on her hips. Her eyes widened as his gloved fingers touched the bare skin of her sides. Then they grew even larger when his face came down only an inch away from hers."

"What do you think, your doing?" Though her words sounded calm her mind was in panic. As if sensing her emotions Remy got up and leaned down too offer her a hand. But as he was moving forward a metal box fell from his coat pocket and hit the floor, spilling it's contents.

"Why do you carry toothpicks?" Remy rolled his eyes as he stooped down to pick them up. Working efficiently he had all the picks, but the box wasn't on the floor anymore. Instead it was in Rogue's hands, and she was reading the inscription placed in there. "For my son, A thieves kit worthy for a master thief."

/Remy a thief? Yeah right./ *He did still a car. *And a plane. *He also fits the profile. *Stealthy *Always watchful. *Quick. *Good with his hands. /Kitty!/ *What? /Could Remy be a thief?/ The sudden sound of the door closing brought her out of her thoughts. "Chere..."

"Are you a thief?" Her eyes were glued on the box and the inscription. /Wouldn't his father be a thief too? Or does the guy just approve of it?/

"Yes. I steal. I'm a thief. And the Professor already knows. You could ask him." As he was saying this Rogue had gotten up and now placed a finger on his lips silencing him.

"Are you planning on stealing anything of importance from us and giving it to the bad guys?" He vigorously shook his head. "Than I don't see what the problem is. I guess you don't want the others knowing about this though?"

"If you wouldn't mind keeping it to yourself." She agreed and gave back the box letting him place the picks back. Making sure he had the box carefully but away she opened the door and exited the room.

~~~~~~~~

/I'm an idiot./ Remy stood in the back of the house after dinner leaning against a small fence. He knew that he was lucky that Rogue was the one to find him. If the box had slipped when one of the others was around they would have blabbed to the rest of the school. It wasn't that he was embarrassed that he was a thief. He just wanted them to find out while he was picking a lock to save their lives or helping them get into a heavily secure compound with ease. Not having his equipment fall out of his coat.

/I've just been lucky that nothing terrible has happened yet this past week. Week isn't over yet./ All the stress was started to get to him and he pulled out his pack of cigarettes. /Last one./ Placing the last one on his lips his hand came up to light it only to find it gone. /What!/ The sound of laughter to his side showed Rogue holding his cigarette.

"Not a very good thief, are you?" Her eyes sparkled at his curious gaze. Rogue took her hand and phased it through the fence. "I'm getting control over some of the powers."

"That's very nice Rogue. Can I have it back now?" Even though he really wanted to smoke right then, his curiosity over what Rogue would do stopped him from just reaching out and grabbing it from her.

"If you want it then you have to come and get it." Winking at him, she took off into the house with Remy close behind.

~~~~~~~~

She zigzagged, jumped and slid all over the place trying to make as great a distance as possible between them, and he easily kept up with her. Soon she reached the kitchen where Rahne and Amara were doing the dishes.

Rogue tried to go under the table, but Remy blocked her and now she was trapped in the corner. As he stepped closer her instincts took over her common sense and she stuffed the cigarette into her bra. The act stunned Remy for a second but his smirk quickly returned.

"Do you really think that's going to stop this ole Cajun?" His hands were still stretched out, but before he could do anything a growl came from his right. The growl made Remy reflexively take a step back, and Rogue took this opportunity to run out of the room and up the stairs.

She opened the door to her room hoping he wouldn't think to look in the obvious place. This plan could have worked if it wasn't for the fact that Remy was right behind her. Just as she was about to close the door he tackled her. Both of them landed on the bed and tried to get the upper hand.

It didn't take that long for Remy to have her pinned again. /I could always throw him off with my powers, but I'm sorta liking this position./ Grinning down at her Remy eyes were more light and carefree, and she couldn't help but get lost in them. But, like with all mutants, the peace doesn't last.

"What do you think about me?" His eyes became clouded and his voice wasn't it's usual cocky self, but laced with insecurity.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean what do you think about me being a thief." For some reason she didn't think he meant it that way the first time he asked the question, but she didn't call him on it. Biting down on her lip she conjured up a face of thoughtfulness even though she already knew what her answer was going to be.

"Well I've never heard of someone have a profession as a thief before..." His eyes became darker and she couldn't tease him any longer. "But in your case, I would say it makes you seem...sexy."

"I'm serious Rogue." He tried to sound harsh but his eyes started to return to normal.

"I am serious Remy. I'm not going to think less of you because you're a thief." Here she stopped and gave him a hard look, "Unless you steal from poor or helpless people."

"Nope just from the cruel and rich." He was smirking down at her when someone knocked at the door.

"Rogue do you have my CD player?" Jamie entered the room and from his angle he saw Gambit was all over Rogue. "So have you seen my CD player?"

"Didn't you put it under your bed?" Rogue asked over Remy's shoulder.

"Oh yeah! Thanks." Jamie closed the door and Remy half collapsed on her.

"You know if that had been any one else..." He mumbled next to her ear.

"YOU would have gotten your ass kicked." At that moment there was another knock on the door and then a phased head came through.

"Did you see...Opps. Sorry. I'm just going to..." A blushing Kitty pointed to the doorknob as the two occupants in the room stared at her in surprise. "Leaving now."

"I think you should leave too before everyone walks in." Remy chuckled and moved to the side of her bed. Lifting her hand he placed a kiss on it before opening the balcony doors and jumping off.

Confident that he wouldn't crash on the ground she stretched out in her bed. /The cigarette./ Checking her bra she couldn't find it. /It's not possible.../ Racing out the balcony she half fell when leaning over to check it was true.

At the back of the house standing against small fence constructed there, was the demon-eyed man, blowing smoke from his mouth.

~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~

Author's Note: Okay all the questions from the last chapter are still open for opinions so please review. And Rogue's outfit looks the same as the yellow/green one she wears in the comics. Just replace the yellow with black and make the green darker and that's how it looks.

Misa1124: At least he gets Rogue to look after him.

PomegranateQueen: No drama in this one.

rage-girl-05: And that is all you need to say.

ishandahalf: Well he's feeling better. Now all he needs is a kiss.

DemonRogue13: Less dramatic, but more taking care of Remy. If you want more Drama just say so.

CajunBelle: That would be great. But I like the name Marienna so I'll just put that in. Oh and Thanks again for the name, now names if I'm going to use Marienna.