Hi guys. As promised this time I managed to update faster. I hope I can keep this up in the future, although I wouldn't hold my breath as my schedule is very hectic. Anyways I'll try my best… On to the good stuff. 

Tayrion

…And the truth shall set you free?

"Gambit! Get up!" Shouted Logan moving towards the fallen Remy and Rogue who was kneeling over him, her face heavy with concern.

"Why are you calling him that?" asked Rogue confused.

"That's the name he goes by in these places darlin'. I said get up!" Shouted Logan again.

"Can't you see that he is unconscious!" Said Rogue.

"Well then… I'll wake him." The frustration obvious in Logan's voice.

Rogue immediately stood up in front of Logan, with an angry attitude. "But He is hurt! We must take him to the mansion! Hank must see him!"

"Take him to the mansion? Are you crazy Rogue! This man is not who you think he is!" said Logan, his words peeking Scott's interest.

"What do you mean Logan?" said Scott now coming near his two teammates.

"This man has been lying to all of us! He is a professional thief! He goes by the codename Gambit in the underground. I've heard of him before!" said Logan to an awestruck Scott.

"I knew there was something not right about him, the first time I laid eyes on him!"

Rogue throughout this remained quiet, and stared Logan in the eyes unphased. "So what do you have to say to that Rogue." Asked Logan somewhat annoyed by Rogue's attitude.

"I already knew that. He told me." Said Rogue, without changing the expression on her face.

Logan and Scott both widened their eyes in surprise. "And you didn't tell any of us?" said Scott still not able to believe what he heard.

"Darlin', what has this man done to you? You're not thinking straight! You should have told someone about this! He is a wanted criminal! That's not something to be trifled with!" said Logan trying not to sound too mad at Rogue.

"As opposed to beating the crap out of people and sending them to the hospital for money?" said Rogue to the older X-man with a defiance he hadn't seen in her before.

Logan frowned. "That was below the belt Rogue. And it's not the same thing. Those people fought with me willingly."

"Oh I'm sorry. I forgot you told them all about your healing factor and your metal skeleton! Yeah you're right. It's not the same. But you know what… Everyone deserves a second chance, and all the while we're talking, he needs medical attention and neither one of you seems too eager to do anything about it. What does that say about you?" Said Rogue in an angry voice.

Both Scott and Logan remained silent for a while.

She is right Logan. It's ok. Bring him back to the mansion and Hank will see to him. Said Xavier in their minds.

Professor! I forgot that you could hear all this time. But are you sure… I mean can we trust him? Said Scott who was caught surprised by the professor's intervention.

Right now Scott he needs our help. We'll talk about what Logan found out later. 

When Remy opened his eyes, he was laying on a bed in the medical facility of the mansion. His body still ached by the blow he got. But at least nothing felt broken. As he tried to lift his head, he felt a sting on his side, which caused him to grunt.

"Take it easy my friend. You might be fine, but you should try and avoid abrupt movements for a couple of days." Hank approached him.

"Hey Hank! I'm sorry if I'm not too crazy about seeing you right now!" said Remy with a smile.

"Hmmph! Always blame the doctors! We don't cause diseases! We just cure them!" said Hank with a chuckle. "Why is it every time someone is in a hospital or is consulting a doctor, his face drops as if it's the doctor's fault that he is hurt or ill or whatever… You should be happy to see me! Cause that means that I'll take care of you! We don't have the plague you know!"

Remy laughed, which caused the sting on his side to be felt again. "Ouch! Please Hank don't make me laugh. What is dis ting?"

"You have a minor fracture in one of your ribs. Nothing serious, but it won't let you forget about it for the next couple of days. Needless to say danger room and combat in general are out of the question for at least a week."

"Ok so we'll just put that in the answering machine, for all the bad guys to know! We're closed for the week."

Hank did not smile and seemed troubled.

"Hank… What's wrong?"

"Remy, Logan found out some stuff about you. Stuff about your past that you have been hiding from us. Something about Gambit."

"Ahhh… So it's out is it?" said Remy thoughtful.

"So it's true?" Asked Hank almost wishing the answer would be no. He really liked Remy and he wasn't crazy with the idea that he was dealing with a thief.

"'fraid so Hank. I haven't told anyone about dis, and for dat I apologize Hank." Said Remy really sincerely.

Hank chuckled. "It seems that you can't help it Remy. You lied to me again. Rogue told us that you told her your secret."

Remy was caught off guard with that. "Ahh… Right. Hank…"

"It's ok Remy. I know that just know you lied to protect Rogue. That kind of lies I understand." Said Hank smiling.

"Thanks Hank." Said Remy a bit relieved that his teammate seemed to take things better than he thought he would. "But you have to know dat Rogue didn't tell anyone because I made her promise not to."

"I'm sure you did. But the fact remains that Rogue should have known better than to hide something like this, as should you. I mean you should have both told the professor about it."

"I must disagree wit you on dat Hank. I mean you're right about me, although I have a feeling de professor knew about me, but de fact dat Rogue didn't tell anyone, shows character and faith in people. Dat is never bad!"

At that point the Professor entered the room. "What is not bad Remy?"

"Noting Professor. Just a friendly chat wit de good doctor here."

"Hank will you excuse us for a minute. I want to have a talk with Remy." Said the Professor to Hank, who left the room to let them talk privately.

"Remy I'm sure Hank told you about what happened."

"Just de fact dat a certain secret of mine is out." Said Remy smiling.

"I must admit that I suspected it. I mean, I knew about the suspicions the authorities had concerning you, before I asked you to join the team. I thought that if I met you I could clarify it once and for all, but as you might know, I have trouble seeing into your mind."

Remy looked surprised. "You do? I thought you were de greatest telepath on de world from what de others have been telling me."

"Come on Remy, don't lie to me. I'm sure you were very aware of the fact that I couldn't read you, which is why you were holding back from the start."

Remy smiled once more. "Ok you got me dere. I mean, I was never certain, but I had a feeling dat you couldn't from de way you were trying to figure me out when we first met."

"Anyway, the point is that if you want to be a part of the team, you have to be honest with us. And if you feel that you can't be completely honest with any of the others, I give you my word that I will listen and help out with anything I can. Plus anything you say to me confidentially, will stay that way. On that I promise you. And to prove my point, I'm willing to forget about what we found out. I'm sure that you feared that we might go to the authorities if we knew about your secret. But the Institute is all about second chances. I'm giving you this second chance, if you're willing to forget your past life, and promise me that you have cut all your ties with that life and that from now on you will be honest with me. That is of course if you want it."

Remy remained thoughtful for a minute. He looked at Xavier with admiration. Maybe it's not such a good idea after all. Thought Remy. I mean… I don't even want to do it. …Maybe he could actually help me out, but I can't afford to be wrong about dis. Taking a risk on dis one is a luxury I can't have and dat's saying a lot for someone called Gambit. I'll have to consider dis better. I just don't know how long I can keep on hiding dis.

Remy smiled at the professor. "You got a deal prof. But what about de others. Will dey be ok wit dis?"

"Well Remy this one is up to you. You have to earn their trust." Said the professor smiling. "I really believe in you Remy. I think that you have a lot to offer and I hope that you won't disappoint me."

Oh great. Make dis worse dan it already is. Thought Remy with bitterness.

As the Professor turned to leave, he stopped and turned to Remy once again. "Oh and before I forget. I didn't like one bit the fact that you told Rogue about this. I'm sure that you didn't mean it that way, but in a way you made her your accomplice and also made her lie for you to the rest of the team. I'm sure you're smart enough to realize that you made things worse for her. …I'm always speaking in regards to her position in the team."

"I know professor, and for that I will apologize to her. But I hope that the others understand that this has nothing to do with Rogue. It was my fault. I just felt that I could really open up to her, and that she would do the same in return. I really want to help her professor, and with all the respect that I have for you, I must say that I disagree with the way you've been treating her."

The professor looked at Remy with understanding. "I believe you mean well Remy, but this a very complicated situation that I don't believe is that cut and dry. Believe me, I have dealt with many different cases of youngsters with problems before and Rogue's case is very unique. We will talk about this again in the future. I also want you to tell me about your previous 'occupation'. Anything that could 'come back to haunt you', as we say, so that we know what we could be dealing with. You should better rest now." With that the Professor left the room and Remy lost in his thoughts soon fell to sleep.

Out in the mansion's gardens, Logan was taking a walk lost in his thoughts. Despite that though, his keen senses recognized Rogue slowly coming up behind him. "You trying to sneak up on me Rogue?" said Logan without turning around to face her.

"What are you doing out here?" asked Rogue innocently.

"What does it seem like I'm doing?" said Logan finally turning around. "Enjoying this beautiful day by taking a walk."

Rogue seemed hesitant. "Logan… I… I wanted to apologize about what I said before. You know I just said them because you made me mad right?"

Logan smiled. "I know kiddo."

"Then why are you still like that? You haven't said a word to anyone beside the Professor since we returned."

Logan remained silent for a while. "Because… you meant them darlin' and because they were true." Said Logan bitterly.

"But that was in the past!" Said Rogue trying to sound supportive. "I'm sure many of the X-Men and even the professor have done things in their past that they're not proud of. The fact remains that you proved your quality many times over while you're with the team. And as for me, maybe I did mean what I said, but I also know that I admire you, I love you and I owe you my gratitude for all the times that you saved me, on many levels." Rogue slowly started getting very emotional. "I don't want you to be mad at me over something that I said on the heat of the moment. You are the closest thing I have to a family, and I wouldn't want to lose you." As Rogue uttered the last part tears started flowing from her eyes.

Logan who was very moved by what the girl told him, almost panicked when he heard her utter her last words. He immediately rushed forward and put her in a tight embrace. "Where on earth did you get such a silly idea darlin'. You are never gonna lose me. I promised you that I would look after you and I intend on keeping my promise." While Logan was saying these things to Rogue he was stroking her hair trying to calm her down. "Besides… I ain't mad at you. I'm mad at myself. I… I want to be someone who you, the professor and Jean would be proud of. I just don't know if it's in me."

Rogue having calm down now, broke off the embrace and looked Logan in the eyes. "You don't have to try that hard. I'm already proud of you. And even though Jean is not with us, I'm sure she is also very proud of you."

Logan smiled back at Rogue. "Thank you kiddo. But now we must clarify a certain subject. About Remy…"

Rogue remained silent and waited to hear what Logan had to say. "I want you to know that I ain't crazy about the guy. I'm afraid he is hiding things from us and I fear that he will end up hurting you."

At that moment Rogue was ready to protest but Logan kept on talking. "But… since the professor decided to trust him and give him a second chance and since you are practically a woman now, I figure it's your decision to make." Rogue hearing Logan smiled relieved that he finally seemed to accept Remy. "I will though, be watching him. I do not trust him and if I see anything suspicious I will act."

"Logan, I just don't want you to be acting upon misconceptions you have about Remy. If something is indeed wrong I promise I will be the first to come to you. Besides you don't have to worry about the other thing… if that was what you were worried about…"

Logan looked at Rogue with amused suspicion. "What other thing do you mean?"

Rogue seemed uncomfortable trying to make Logan understand. "You know… Me and Remy decided to be just friends…"

"Oh… That other thing… " said Logan smiling. "And who decided that if I may ask?"

"Well… I did… I just don't think it would be possible… Not just with Remy I mean… With anyone…" Said Rogue starting feeling depressed again with her own admission.

Logan sensing her sadness wanted to say something to make her feel better. He just didn't know what. "Hey now… I don't think you believe that. I'm sure that when the time comes and you are ready, it will happen. I believe in you kiddo."

Rogue smiled weakly at Logan as he hugged her once more. "Anyways… thanks for the vote of confidence Marie. I think I'll go inside and grab something to eat. You interested?"

"No thanks Logan. I'll just go and see what Jubes and the others are doing."

Logan looked at Rogue one last time before he went into the mansion and smiled supportively at her. "Don't you worry about a thing sweetheart. Everything's gonna be alright. I'll make sure of that. I promise."

Logan walked into the mansion and went straight downstairs to the sub-levels of the mansion where the medical laboratory  was located. He opened the door and saw Hank reading a chart and Remy sleeping on the bed. "Hank will you please go outside. I have some things to take care of with our friend Gambit here."

To be continued…

Ishandahalf- You're definitely right about Remy not being your usual knight. For starters he is a thief, secondly he… oh wait. I'm not going to spill the beans yet. Heh heh. Sorry about that. That's just me being silly. Sorry to disappoint you but as you saw no Remy Logan confrontation yet. That's just coming up. But Logan seems to have mellowed up a bit hasn't he?… :) this time around it was more like Rogue coming to Remy's rescue… sort of. Anyways hope you liked this one too.

Streetwise Girl- Well… What do you think? Is Remy out of the woods yet? Rogue kinda tried to salvage the situation. I guess only time will tell… :)

NightGoddess- Hope you liked this one as well. I know about Gambit in the 3rd film. I read an interview of B.Singer where he said that Gambit would have a major part in the third film if things remained as he currently planned. But he was quick to point out that these things change. Let's hope that this one doesn't! :)

Out-foxed- Glad you liked it. And … sinny ???????????????????? That's no way to treat one of the most feared villains in the X-Men's universe!!!!! Do you know what Essex would do if he heard that? … No? Well neither do i… But I'm guessing it wouldn't be good and it would involve something to do with a certain squirrel… :)

Star-of-Chaos- Seems you were right about Rogue. Whether she was successful in convincing Wolvie though, that's another matter… Oh and by the way… you win the prize of the day, as you were the only one to figure out my riddle with Mystique. :) The prize is a whole day with… said squirrel, BUT… without its flute. :-)

Enchantedlight- Thanks for your kind words. I hope this was quick enough for you. If not… sorry but that's probably as quick as I can get :-) hope you like where this is going.

Leann- Remy knowing what guy? You're just talking crazy now… yeah… that's it… you're imagining things… :-) I will stop horsing around riiiiiight now. Heh… hope you liked it, though no remy/Logan … pose down… Heh heh…

4Rogue- I don't know if this chapter seemed anti-climatic to you all, as you all seemed to expect reactions similar to …hmm… say… the trial of gambit where they left him to freeze in Antarctica??? Well… I won't lie to you… That would have been Logan's first reaction, if he could convince the guys in the Antarctica airlines office to give him back his mileage… and shoot the damned penguin. … Sorry… I don't know what's wrong with me today. Too much coffee probably…:-)

Peace215- SO YOU'RE THE SQUIRREL!!!!!!!!!!! I thought it was just Ricky Martin. … Sorry again… for explanation read the above paragraph… :-) Glad you liked it though. I did try to make it a bit more dark and dangerous than the others, but the silly mood that I'm constantly in lately seems to just pour itself on the keyboard all by itself… I swear it! Damn you Monty Python Marathon! Why did I do it??????? :-)

Next: Logan and Remy clear things up, and a squirrel… :-) no… I won't do it again… this time it's a penguin with artistic aspirations playing the banjo, but then he kills himself because he realizes that he can't tell the difference between music and a watermelon. Plus I will try to be more serious. :-)