Disclaimer: I do not own x-men. If I did, the second movie would be out
already. And no, I made no money off of this.
A.N.: Ok, so yeah, I've got a bit of explaining to do. And apologies. I'M SO SORRY! I really didn't mean for the third chapter to take this long to write...but things just kind of got in the way. Things like life. And I want to apologize for that. I promised you all that I would write the third chapter, and I didn't really follow through. Sorry everyone, I forgot to take time out to have some fun. I really should be in bed, cause it's after midnight, and I've got an 8:30 class and a 6 hour shift after that, and I haven't really slept much recently, and this'll take a couple hours to write...but who cares! What better time to write a fic than when suffering from sleep dep? Though I'll have to try harder to remember the spelling of Rogue's name. :P Sorry again about that. Ok, now that the AN is much longer than it should be, I'm gonna say a couple quick words about the fic. Originally I had intended this to be the last chapter of the fic as told from Gambit's perspective (isn't it nice how the chapters fit the title :) That's always fun.) But I've got a lot of ideas running through my brain and I'm not sure if I can fit them all into one chapter or entirely from Gambits pov...oh well, we'll see. Now, onto the fic.
The Girl, the Animal, and the Thief Ch. 3
By Threnody
Remy glared slightly at the card that landed outside the ceramic cookie jar. He hated it when he missed. That meant his mind was wandering and he wasn't focusing on his surrounding. His attention was being drawn away from the task at hand by that young girl. Rogue. Her very name was the epitome of the mystery and fascination that he held for her. He couldn't explain it. There was something about that girl that just begged him to protect and care for. He hadn't figured it out yet. It wasn't anything she did directly, just this way she had of looking at him.
He grinned slightly and continued to throw cards into the cookie jar. 'Course, the fact that she was quite easy on the eyes made things a bit easier. His grin widened as he envisioned her willowy tresses wafting about her shoulders as the white streak framed her face. Yes sir, she was quite the nice little chere to look at.
Remy looked up as the kitchen door swung violently open and Logan stormed through the doorway. At first he seemed not to notice the Cajun. Not that Remy minded, he hadn't quite got things worked out to his liking with Logan. Case in point, he wasn't dead. The younger man frowned slightly realizing that probably wouldn't make the girl happy. Seein' as how she had some strange attraction to the old man. That made Remy frown even more. Something was gonna have to be done about him. He just hadn't figured out what...yet.
When Logan reached the fridge he yanked the door open and searched the contents. "Not one damn, bloody beer in this whole place." Remy heard him mutter. He snickered slightly, enjoying the older man's bad mood. Logan's head shot up and his eyes narrowed into slits at the sight of the Cajun.
He slammed the door shut and strode up to face Remy. Remy stood his ground, defying Logan with his eyes. The two stood nose-to-nose for a moment as Logan glared into his dark, red eyes. He quietly inhaled and smirked at the boy.
"You smell, swamp rat."
It wasn't so much what he said but the way he said it that reached under Remy's skin and disrupted a certain peace and calm that Remy had reached with himself. It wasn't so much of an accusation as it was that he was stating a simple fact. He knew of Logan's enhanced senses and was angry with the older man for finding something to hold against him.
"At least I got a past, old timer."
And with that he clenched his hand into a fist and swung it towards Logan's jaw. He was relying on his wits and physical strength to get him through the fight alive, and Rogue's infatuation with him to win the fight afterwards. He smirked slightly as he watched Logan duck away from the punch and bring his fist towards Remy's ribs. The Cajun got out of the way as fast as he could, but the blow still grazed his side, sending him hurtling back toward the kitchen counter.
Pain exploded in Remy's side as he connected with the marble, but his eyes fell upon the stray card that he had thrown earlier. He grinned maliciously and picked it up, charging it with kinetic energy as he did and hurtling it toward Logan. There was a soft metallic sound and the card seemed to explode in midair. Remy raised his hand above his eyes and waited for the light to fade. It was enough time however for Logan to dash to the young and impetuous man, grab him by the collar and roughly shove him against the wall. Three of the deadly claws were held at his throat, slicing through the layers of skin and drawing a trickle of blood.
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't I slit this scrawny throat of yours you sleazy, back alley swamp trash. I know what you're after Cajun." Logan spit the words out from deep within his throat. "If you so much as look at her wrong, I'll cut you up so bad they'll be piecing you back together from now 'til doomsday. You got that?"
Remy narrowed his eyes and slowly raised a hand to Logan's claws. With one finger he reached up and lightly touched one of the long, shards of metal. Just as he began to send a charge through the claw his mind blanked and the only thought that he was capable of was to stop. His hand dropped listlessly to his side and he stood there, watching Logan do similarly.
Xavier's chair slowly moved into the kitchen. He glared at both the men and sighed slightly, shaking his head and massaging his forehead.
"You gentlemen are going to have to stop this. Killing each other is not going to solve the situation, no matter how much you'd both like it to. You're going to have to resolve this rationally and like the civilized men that you are supposed to be. Now, however, will not be the time for that. Logan, I have some things I need to discuss with you. If you would accompany me to my office please?"
Remy exhaled as he felt control of his thoughts and movement return. He was slightly shaken at what had just happened. The others had talked about how Xavier was a powerful telepath, but he had never imagined exactly what he could do. Remy wasn't sure how he felt about it. It one regard he was impressed by the old man's power, but he also realized that Xavier would be a more than formidable foe if ever they were ever at odds.
Logan glared at Remy as he stalked out of the kitchen. The young man shrugged his shoulders slightly, adjusting his collared shirt. Every minute he liked that man less and less. He looked around the kitchen in discontent. In a fit of anger he stormed out of the kitchen and wondered off into the field. After a moment he began to run. The feelings of pent-up anger and resentment built up and he felt the need to run.
He wasn't sure where he was going or what he was feeling. Without thinking about it he would change direction and speed. Going wherever he felt. After a few minutes he collapsed in the long grass and breathed heavily.
"Dis is exactly what I tried to get away from." He muttered lowly.
It was true that he felt something for the chere, he tried to tell him self that he enjoyed the feeling of innocent and naïve trust she had in him, but there was something more to it than that. He sighed angrily and cursed himself for getting her involved. Things were bad enough as it was. What had possessed him to stay another week? He had told himself when he left that he wasn't gonna hold on to anybody...not anymore.
He sighed wistfully and thought of the young southern girl again. He reminded him so much of her. He growled low in his throat and punched the ground angrily. No, he wasn't going to think about that. He would protect Rogue. To spite Logan, if for nothing else. He wouldn't let it happen again...not again.
The wind shifted slightly and he caught a slight sound on the moving air. Footsteps. Many footsteps. His hand slipped inside of his pocket and he withdrew the small metal object. He kept it concealed within his palm and waited for his attackers to make their presence known.
He didn't have to wait long. One by one the darkly clad figures made their way out of the nearby grove of trees, encircling the Cajun. Remy stood up and assumed a casual but alert stance. He was watching each of them closely through half closed eyes. They were the same that he had faced a week a go. And three weeks ago. And many times before that. They kept following him no matter where he went, and they never gave up. No matter how battered they were. He wished he could just finish them off once and for all, but he knew they were just hired thugs. Killing them wouldn't stop the source of the problem. And he would just have more blood on his hands. He sighed wearily and closed his eyes for a moment. He had actually thought that joining the X-men might help. That going to this school for the gifted would provide a safe haven. He should have known that no place he could go would ever be safe.
"Greeting Gambit." His voice was deep and gravelly. It grated on Remy's nerves and caused him to frown.
"What do you want?" He made no attempt to hide the annoyance in his voice.
"Well, I must admit I'm impressed, swamp rat." The man crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Remy. "I've never had a target pose this much of a nuisance before. You're quite skilled. Of course, the fact that you're a mutant freak helps you case a bit."
It took everything Remy had to display the rage he was feeling at the moment. He returned the man's glare. "So what makes you think you'll ever be able to stop me, mon ami? Might as well give up, no?"
The scared man threw back his head and laughed. "Now that's a good one Cajun. Under normal circumstances I might actually be inclined to consider that option. However, you screwed up."
Gambit's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" his voice was low and dangerous.
The man snapped his fingers and from behind one of the trees another dark figure emerged, holding onto a bound and gagged Rogue. Remy's eyes widened at the sight of her and he instinctively twitched in her direction. Everything in him was screaming to go save her, but he controlled himself and remained still.
The man holding Rogue came to a stop next to the leader of the little group. He smiled slightly and produced a knife from somewhere about his person. He grinned evilly and traced the edge of the knife down Rogue's cheek. Her eyes widened in fear and disgust, causing the man to laugh even more.
"She's very beautiful, don't you think Gambit? It would be terrible if something awful were to happen to the pretty young face, don't you agree?'
A primal growl escaped Remy's lips. "You bastard, if you so much as hurt one inch o' her, I'll make sure you never live ta regret it."
The dark man barked out laughter. "Is that a promise Gambit? Well, I won't have much to worry about then. We all know how good you are at keeping promises."
Remy couldn't hold it in any longer and in a fit of rage he lunged at the man. He could see the triumphant smile on the man's face, and the terrified look in Rogue's eyes, but he couldn't help it. The man had pushed him too far. Pushed him right where he wanted Remy to be.
Remy didn't even notice the man that crashed into his side, or the one that hit him from behind. His staff was quickly extended, but the damage had already been done. He was off balance and wounded slightly. He managed to hold them off for a bit, throwing a few cards here and there, but he didn't fight his best. The man holding Rogue kept moving closer and closer to Remy, causing him to restrict the use of his power. He didn't want to risk injuring Rogue.
The fight waged until both sides where exhausted, Remy used the rest of his strength to concentrate on standing and the leader of the group merely smirked at him.
"I'm going to enjoy this swamp rat. We'll hold onto the girl for a while longer. I'm sure a man of your skill will have no trouble finding us. Take your time, the girl will enjoy our company compared to the likes of you." He laughed again and ran back into the forest, the other men following him.
Remy attempted to run after them but he was too week and collapsed to the ground. He lay there for a moment, breathing heavily and regaining some strength. How could he have been so stupid? He punched the ground again and pushed himself up to his hands and knees. From there he raised himself to his feet. He stared in the direction Rogue had disappeared. Part of him scolded him self for letting the girl into his heart, even if ever so slightly. He should have known she only would've created a weakness in him. On the other hand he was ashamed that he hadn't been able to protect her.
He sighed heavily and slowly made his way back to the school. As much as he hated to admit it, he was going to need help with this. He had been raised proud, but not stupid. He was going to save her, that much he knew. The details weren't important to him right now. He was going to do it. And then he would leave. He had been here too long anyway. He'd already put her in too much danger. He wouldn't do it again, or to any of the others. Except for Logan. He grimaced at the thought of asking him for help. But there was no other way. It was his fault she was in trouble, and he was going to set it right.
He sighed heavily again, wishing he could stop this endless chase.
* * * *
Well, the third chapter wasn't all that great. I had a bit of trouble figuring out how to accurately write Gambit. I will write one final ch. and it'll be a mix of all the POVs. I'll spend more time on the next ch. than I did with this one. I just wanted to get this one posted so that y'all knew I'm still alive and that I plan to finish the story. Sorry again that it took so long...my bed calls to me...I must heed it...zzzzz C&C appreciated.
A.N.: Ok, so yeah, I've got a bit of explaining to do. And apologies. I'M SO SORRY! I really didn't mean for the third chapter to take this long to write...but things just kind of got in the way. Things like life. And I want to apologize for that. I promised you all that I would write the third chapter, and I didn't really follow through. Sorry everyone, I forgot to take time out to have some fun. I really should be in bed, cause it's after midnight, and I've got an 8:30 class and a 6 hour shift after that, and I haven't really slept much recently, and this'll take a couple hours to write...but who cares! What better time to write a fic than when suffering from sleep dep? Though I'll have to try harder to remember the spelling of Rogue's name. :P Sorry again about that. Ok, now that the AN is much longer than it should be, I'm gonna say a couple quick words about the fic. Originally I had intended this to be the last chapter of the fic as told from Gambit's perspective (isn't it nice how the chapters fit the title :) That's always fun.) But I've got a lot of ideas running through my brain and I'm not sure if I can fit them all into one chapter or entirely from Gambits pov...oh well, we'll see. Now, onto the fic.
The Girl, the Animal, and the Thief Ch. 3
By Threnody
Remy glared slightly at the card that landed outside the ceramic cookie jar. He hated it when he missed. That meant his mind was wandering and he wasn't focusing on his surrounding. His attention was being drawn away from the task at hand by that young girl. Rogue. Her very name was the epitome of the mystery and fascination that he held for her. He couldn't explain it. There was something about that girl that just begged him to protect and care for. He hadn't figured it out yet. It wasn't anything she did directly, just this way she had of looking at him.
He grinned slightly and continued to throw cards into the cookie jar. 'Course, the fact that she was quite easy on the eyes made things a bit easier. His grin widened as he envisioned her willowy tresses wafting about her shoulders as the white streak framed her face. Yes sir, she was quite the nice little chere to look at.
Remy looked up as the kitchen door swung violently open and Logan stormed through the doorway. At first he seemed not to notice the Cajun. Not that Remy minded, he hadn't quite got things worked out to his liking with Logan. Case in point, he wasn't dead. The younger man frowned slightly realizing that probably wouldn't make the girl happy. Seein' as how she had some strange attraction to the old man. That made Remy frown even more. Something was gonna have to be done about him. He just hadn't figured out what...yet.
When Logan reached the fridge he yanked the door open and searched the contents. "Not one damn, bloody beer in this whole place." Remy heard him mutter. He snickered slightly, enjoying the older man's bad mood. Logan's head shot up and his eyes narrowed into slits at the sight of the Cajun.
He slammed the door shut and strode up to face Remy. Remy stood his ground, defying Logan with his eyes. The two stood nose-to-nose for a moment as Logan glared into his dark, red eyes. He quietly inhaled and smirked at the boy.
"You smell, swamp rat."
It wasn't so much what he said but the way he said it that reached under Remy's skin and disrupted a certain peace and calm that Remy had reached with himself. It wasn't so much of an accusation as it was that he was stating a simple fact. He knew of Logan's enhanced senses and was angry with the older man for finding something to hold against him.
"At least I got a past, old timer."
And with that he clenched his hand into a fist and swung it towards Logan's jaw. He was relying on his wits and physical strength to get him through the fight alive, and Rogue's infatuation with him to win the fight afterwards. He smirked slightly as he watched Logan duck away from the punch and bring his fist towards Remy's ribs. The Cajun got out of the way as fast as he could, but the blow still grazed his side, sending him hurtling back toward the kitchen counter.
Pain exploded in Remy's side as he connected with the marble, but his eyes fell upon the stray card that he had thrown earlier. He grinned maliciously and picked it up, charging it with kinetic energy as he did and hurtling it toward Logan. There was a soft metallic sound and the card seemed to explode in midair. Remy raised his hand above his eyes and waited for the light to fade. It was enough time however for Logan to dash to the young and impetuous man, grab him by the collar and roughly shove him against the wall. Three of the deadly claws were held at his throat, slicing through the layers of skin and drawing a trickle of blood.
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't I slit this scrawny throat of yours you sleazy, back alley swamp trash. I know what you're after Cajun." Logan spit the words out from deep within his throat. "If you so much as look at her wrong, I'll cut you up so bad they'll be piecing you back together from now 'til doomsday. You got that?"
Remy narrowed his eyes and slowly raised a hand to Logan's claws. With one finger he reached up and lightly touched one of the long, shards of metal. Just as he began to send a charge through the claw his mind blanked and the only thought that he was capable of was to stop. His hand dropped listlessly to his side and he stood there, watching Logan do similarly.
Xavier's chair slowly moved into the kitchen. He glared at both the men and sighed slightly, shaking his head and massaging his forehead.
"You gentlemen are going to have to stop this. Killing each other is not going to solve the situation, no matter how much you'd both like it to. You're going to have to resolve this rationally and like the civilized men that you are supposed to be. Now, however, will not be the time for that. Logan, I have some things I need to discuss with you. If you would accompany me to my office please?"
Remy exhaled as he felt control of his thoughts and movement return. He was slightly shaken at what had just happened. The others had talked about how Xavier was a powerful telepath, but he had never imagined exactly what he could do. Remy wasn't sure how he felt about it. It one regard he was impressed by the old man's power, but he also realized that Xavier would be a more than formidable foe if ever they were ever at odds.
Logan glared at Remy as he stalked out of the kitchen. The young man shrugged his shoulders slightly, adjusting his collared shirt. Every minute he liked that man less and less. He looked around the kitchen in discontent. In a fit of anger he stormed out of the kitchen and wondered off into the field. After a moment he began to run. The feelings of pent-up anger and resentment built up and he felt the need to run.
He wasn't sure where he was going or what he was feeling. Without thinking about it he would change direction and speed. Going wherever he felt. After a few minutes he collapsed in the long grass and breathed heavily.
"Dis is exactly what I tried to get away from." He muttered lowly.
It was true that he felt something for the chere, he tried to tell him self that he enjoyed the feeling of innocent and naïve trust she had in him, but there was something more to it than that. He sighed angrily and cursed himself for getting her involved. Things were bad enough as it was. What had possessed him to stay another week? He had told himself when he left that he wasn't gonna hold on to anybody...not anymore.
He sighed wistfully and thought of the young southern girl again. He reminded him so much of her. He growled low in his throat and punched the ground angrily. No, he wasn't going to think about that. He would protect Rogue. To spite Logan, if for nothing else. He wouldn't let it happen again...not again.
The wind shifted slightly and he caught a slight sound on the moving air. Footsteps. Many footsteps. His hand slipped inside of his pocket and he withdrew the small metal object. He kept it concealed within his palm and waited for his attackers to make their presence known.
He didn't have to wait long. One by one the darkly clad figures made their way out of the nearby grove of trees, encircling the Cajun. Remy stood up and assumed a casual but alert stance. He was watching each of them closely through half closed eyes. They were the same that he had faced a week a go. And three weeks ago. And many times before that. They kept following him no matter where he went, and they never gave up. No matter how battered they were. He wished he could just finish them off once and for all, but he knew they were just hired thugs. Killing them wouldn't stop the source of the problem. And he would just have more blood on his hands. He sighed wearily and closed his eyes for a moment. He had actually thought that joining the X-men might help. That going to this school for the gifted would provide a safe haven. He should have known that no place he could go would ever be safe.
"Greeting Gambit." His voice was deep and gravelly. It grated on Remy's nerves and caused him to frown.
"What do you want?" He made no attempt to hide the annoyance in his voice.
"Well, I must admit I'm impressed, swamp rat." The man crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Remy. "I've never had a target pose this much of a nuisance before. You're quite skilled. Of course, the fact that you're a mutant freak helps you case a bit."
It took everything Remy had to display the rage he was feeling at the moment. He returned the man's glare. "So what makes you think you'll ever be able to stop me, mon ami? Might as well give up, no?"
The scared man threw back his head and laughed. "Now that's a good one Cajun. Under normal circumstances I might actually be inclined to consider that option. However, you screwed up."
Gambit's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" his voice was low and dangerous.
The man snapped his fingers and from behind one of the trees another dark figure emerged, holding onto a bound and gagged Rogue. Remy's eyes widened at the sight of her and he instinctively twitched in her direction. Everything in him was screaming to go save her, but he controlled himself and remained still.
The man holding Rogue came to a stop next to the leader of the little group. He smiled slightly and produced a knife from somewhere about his person. He grinned evilly and traced the edge of the knife down Rogue's cheek. Her eyes widened in fear and disgust, causing the man to laugh even more.
"She's very beautiful, don't you think Gambit? It would be terrible if something awful were to happen to the pretty young face, don't you agree?'
A primal growl escaped Remy's lips. "You bastard, if you so much as hurt one inch o' her, I'll make sure you never live ta regret it."
The dark man barked out laughter. "Is that a promise Gambit? Well, I won't have much to worry about then. We all know how good you are at keeping promises."
Remy couldn't hold it in any longer and in a fit of rage he lunged at the man. He could see the triumphant smile on the man's face, and the terrified look in Rogue's eyes, but he couldn't help it. The man had pushed him too far. Pushed him right where he wanted Remy to be.
Remy didn't even notice the man that crashed into his side, or the one that hit him from behind. His staff was quickly extended, but the damage had already been done. He was off balance and wounded slightly. He managed to hold them off for a bit, throwing a few cards here and there, but he didn't fight his best. The man holding Rogue kept moving closer and closer to Remy, causing him to restrict the use of his power. He didn't want to risk injuring Rogue.
The fight waged until both sides where exhausted, Remy used the rest of his strength to concentrate on standing and the leader of the group merely smirked at him.
"I'm going to enjoy this swamp rat. We'll hold onto the girl for a while longer. I'm sure a man of your skill will have no trouble finding us. Take your time, the girl will enjoy our company compared to the likes of you." He laughed again and ran back into the forest, the other men following him.
Remy attempted to run after them but he was too week and collapsed to the ground. He lay there for a moment, breathing heavily and regaining some strength. How could he have been so stupid? He punched the ground again and pushed himself up to his hands and knees. From there he raised himself to his feet. He stared in the direction Rogue had disappeared. Part of him scolded him self for letting the girl into his heart, even if ever so slightly. He should have known she only would've created a weakness in him. On the other hand he was ashamed that he hadn't been able to protect her.
He sighed heavily and slowly made his way back to the school. As much as he hated to admit it, he was going to need help with this. He had been raised proud, but not stupid. He was going to save her, that much he knew. The details weren't important to him right now. He was going to do it. And then he would leave. He had been here too long anyway. He'd already put her in too much danger. He wouldn't do it again, or to any of the others. Except for Logan. He grimaced at the thought of asking him for help. But there was no other way. It was his fault she was in trouble, and he was going to set it right.
He sighed heavily again, wishing he could stop this endless chase.
* * * *
Well, the third chapter wasn't all that great. I had a bit of trouble figuring out how to accurately write Gambit. I will write one final ch. and it'll be a mix of all the POVs. I'll spend more time on the next ch. than I did with this one. I just wanted to get this one posted so that y'all knew I'm still alive and that I plan to finish the story. Sorry again that it took so long...my bed calls to me...I must heed it...zzzzz C&C appreciated.