Chapter Eighteen
Departure
Part One
"How is he," Xavier murmured as he wheeled his chair into the infirmary. His gray eyes were dulled with sorrow and the burden of failure. He wished he could have accompanied his team into battle; maybe things wouldn't have turned so bleak.
"Pas si bon," Gambit replied, shaking his head. "The doc say Logan in a coma, professeur."
The professor nodded sadly, gently resting a warm hand on Logan's arm. His skin was cool and moist. "Mr. LeBleau," he spoke softly. "Why is it you're really here?"
"To help, mon ami." Gambit pursed his lips in thought and added, "Gambit's got a score to settle. You know that, professeur." Remy tapped his left temple. "You got in my head, non?"
Xavier smiled wanly. "I am sorry for the intrusion, but I had to be sure I wasn't placing them into further danger. I had to be sure I could trust you." He rolled towards the door, glancing back when he reached the entry. "You're a very intriguing man, Mr. LeBleau. It would be a shame if I must lose my trust."
"Oui, le monsieur. It would." Remy stared at the doorway long after Xavier had left. He sighed, muttering, "But Gambit's gotta look out for number one."
"There you are, médecin," Gambit said cheerfully as he jumped off the counter he had been sitting on for the last hour. "You say you be back shortly, non?"
Beast smiled sheepishly and readjusted his reading glasses that were perched on the brim of his nose. "I am sorry, Mr. LeBleau…"
"Gambit, mon ami."
"Yes, Gambit. But I got carried away with my research." Dr. McCoy waddled over to tower over Logan. "His coloring is better," he mused as he pried open one of Wolverine's eyelids. "And his pupils are no longer dilated." Beast picked up the clipboard on the side tray and began scribbling as he muttered medical terms under his breath.
"This is all interesting, but Gambit's got to go." Remy hesitated, staring at the limp form on the bed and then up at the gentle doctor.
Hank smiled knowingly. "Good luck, Gambit."
The thief nodded then made a hasty retreat.
"Damn," a hoarse voice groaned. "I wanted to kill him."
Beast chuckled and went to a drawer to retrieve his stethoscope. "Remy's got a past, but he's a good man. You should understand that more than any of us."
Logan scowled and, struggling, he sat up and ripped off the monitor devices taped to his chest. "Where's Rogue?"
Hank shook his head. "I'm sorry, Logan, but we haven't found her yet."
"Then I'm going to," he hissed.
Logan leapt off the bed and stormed out of the room. All he wanted was to get to Rogue.
Part Two
"This isn't a good idea," Bobby whispered as he strapped himself into the driver's seat. "The professor is going to be pissed."
"We'z got ta do someteng," Kurt reasoned. "Storm and Cyclops are gone. Der Professor would never let'z uz go wit'out them."
"You're right. And it's not like there's any danger, right?" Bobby glanced into the review mirror at Kitty. "Are you sure you're up for this?"
"Sure. Sneaking into military bases? It's my hobby."
"I hope Gambit isn't leading us into a trap," Bobby voiced his concern. "That would suck." He put the car into gear and –
his door flew open.
"What the hell are you doing," Logan boomed.
"Uh, going out for ice cream," Kitty offered, then peered down at her feet: we're so busted.
"Look, Logan, we got a tip," Bobby spoke up confidently. "We know where we can get a copy of the disc."
"Why the hell didn't you tell Xavier?"
"Who says we didn't?"
"Because I know he would have never let you three go."
"Logan, we're wasting time! Gambit said that…"
"Oh," Logan snarled. "Gambit told you."
Bobby ignored him. "He said that they're going to wipe it out of the system in less than hour. We don't have time to screw around because it's simple, Logan: no disc, no Rogue."
Logan growled. "Move over."
End Chapter Eighteen
NOTE: Remember, I abbreviate names. Try to find yours:
Angry Gumball: I can get a lot worse.
BoredReal: Hey, you can always ramble with me. I don't mind! Lol.
Snooboo: Well, now you know!
Goldensnid: Please, don't hurt me! AHH!!
Starshine: Thank you so incredibly much! And I never read Logan knowing a bit of French, but I don't see why not. He lived in Canada for 15 years!
4Rogue: I'm sorry you feel that way, but I understand it. If this were based off the original cartoon, Gambit would be the center of attention. I've always adored him, too. Yet, in the movie world, I can't help but be a Logan lover. I hope you find a fic that is to your satisfaction.
RogCher: EEK! I guess I should find myself a Beta reader. Anyway, I'm glad you like it even though it is flawed.
Jessi (Creeggnator): Thank you a million times! I couldn't help but smile when I read your review. I hope you continue to like it.
Galxy: He always as to get to her!
Asder: He meant what he said. He's already told the real Rogue two times that he loves her.
Loganlover: I'm glad I've got you questioning; it's what usually keeps people reading – they want the answers!
MademMorte: Miss Death? Cool. And I don't think you have a problem, unless I have one, too. I love it when he goes crazy and all protective over her.
Krypt: I'm enjoying Released, but when will you update Abuse?
Fan-crazy: I think I'll have to float with the majority: romance. Yet, we'll see just how deep their relationship goes. As for your Chapter 17 review, thank you tremendously. I'm thrilled you're enjoying it!
Cassandralee: Sorry about the wait.
Rog/Kit/Dan fan: Thanks!