At this time, Rogue waited for Scott to return to the abandoned club. As such, she was completely bored to tears. Rogue had already gotten sick of listening to both records after listening to them repetitiously. She started pacing back and forth like a restless animal in a cage, exploring every crevice of the empty dance club in a desperate attempt to find something interesting. Needless to say, the place hadn't anymore more stories to tell. Rogue periodically popped her head outside to see if Scott had returned only to find an empty street. The longer Scott took to return, the more fearful and obsessive she became. She had the sneaking suspicion that she might have been ditched. Rogue allowed this possibility to coalesce within her consciousness, becoming more obsessed by the minute. She probably would be more hurt than angry. But after that, she would be furious. Of course she knew in the back of the mind that Scott wouldn't be capable of anything so callous. He had always treated her with the utmost respect. It was a great part of him that appealed to Rogue. It also meant that he would never, ever make a pass at her, even if he wasn't with Jean. She assumed Jean had to do all the work.
"Not like that would be so bad," she mused to herself. "It might be kinda fun to see what Scott would do. He might put up a fight for a while…but after that, he could simply give in…"
But Rogue knew deep down that it wasn't going to happen. But that was what she struggled with. Sometimes the hearts stills yearns for the things the brain tells you are out of your reach. Tonight kind of proved that the brain was right after all, she revealed all her feelings to Scott and yet, nothing had really changed for the better. Rogue may have just alienated Scott, and made Jean into a permanent enemy. At the end of the day, she just felt kind of guilty. All this effort to arrange this date, the deception, the manipulation; there hadn't been any great payoff. And Scott had suddenly rushed off, leaving her alone. Rogue started to question the means she had used since the ends did not seem to turn out the way she had anticipated.
Just as she started to fear for the worst, Scott burst into the club with a great deal of enthusiasm, as if he struck gold in the middle of the city street. He had a curious smile on his face; it was so unusual, since Rogue had never really seen him so excited. She might have been thrilled at his reaction, hopeful that he was reacting to her in that matter, yet past events told her that it probably wasn't. But his face was strange, not just emotionally but physically. Something about it was a bit off. She couldn't put her finger on it, any yet there it was. Scott seemed a little perturbed by Rogue staring at him.
"What?" he asked.
"You're up to something," Rogue stated plainly.
"As a matter of fact I do. I told you I had a surprise for you."
"And where exactly is this surprise?"
"Right in front of you," Scott replied.
Rogue was puzzled by his answer.
"Ah don't get it."
"Remember when you said that you felt limited by your powers? That you couldn't touch anyone physically to experience any kind of affection? That you couldn't even give someone a peck on the cheek with killing them?"
"Yeah, so?"
"Well, not anymore."
Scott inched closer to Rogue. She immediately backed away as Scott's face came dangerously close to hers.
"Scott, are you crazy?" she screamed. "Do you want to die!"
"Trust me Rogue, I know what I'm doing."
"Scott…"
"Rogue, do you trust me?"
"Yeah Scott but…"
"Then trust me. Trust me now."
Although she couldn't see his eyes through the opaque shielding of his ruby quartz glasses, she could feel his eyes staring into hers. She could imagine what they might have looked like, how beautiful they probably were, like the rest of him. As well, they were probably just as honest. Rogue didn't want say no. She didn't want to say no to anything at this point. She conceded with his request and nodded her head. Rogue waited nervously as Scott drew closer to her. She tried to calm herself but she was trembling. She was afraid of what might happen that Scott would die and she would be responsible. And yet, she was morbidly curious about what it was going to feel like. Rogue thought that if she closed her eyes, she wouldn't feel as nervous but unfortunately, it made her even tenser as she waited. It seemed to take forever. She longed to have something like this happen to her and yet she also feared the worse. As she wrestled with her conflicting emotions, it happened.
Scott kissed Rogue on her cheek.
It wasn't a long kiss. It didn't seem to last long enough for anyone to consider it sensual. Some might say it was almost superficial, as if you were kissing a relative or a stranger. But this was Rogue, a girl without any real physical affection in her life. Whatever small instances where she touched anyone, there was never an opportunity to appreciate the quality of such contact since the result was often dire and negative, along with absorbing a person's thoughts and personality, as well as powers. There was never any time to reflect of study such feelings, there was only the fear that any contact would result in something unpleasant happening. But not this time, this time nothing happened no one was seriously hurt, no one else's thoughts entered her mind, there were no optic blasts or healing factors to think about, just this mild, temporary sensation on the side of her face that she continued to feel. Rogue held the side of her face, she felt herself blushing. It was showing, even through her makeup. Normally she would rather die then let anyone see her like this, but she didn't care. It was the most wonderful experience Rogue had ever had. Her eyes were tearing. Scott didn't expect this, and he was surprised that she would be upset over his actions. He went to console her.
"Rogue, are you alright?" Scott asked, seeing her on the verge of crying.
Rogue didn't say anything. She just looked at him as the tears flowed from her eyes. She still held her face as if in disbelief. Rogue was amazed and bewildered.
"Oh Rogue, I'm sorry," Scott continued. "I thought that this was a good idea. I just wanted to show…"
Rogue stopped him; put her hand over his mouth. She caressed his cheek, as if she were trying to figure how all of it was possible.
"Uh..Rogue?" Scott mumbled through Rogue's hand.
"H...H…How?" she asked, as if the impossible had suddenly become possible.
"Oh yeah, of course," Scott replied absently, not quite understanding the ramifications of his act. "You remember that movie we saw earlier at the theatre? You know when that guy, the secret agent who was kissing that girl only it was the bad guy in disguise under a mask that he tore off and the girl didn't realize it?"
Rogue didn't answer. She just wanted to know how it was possible.
"Well anyway," Scott continued. "I figured that she didn't seem to notice that it was a mask he was wearing. I know it's only a movie but you'd figure they'd be going for realism, right? So maybe it was possible for someone to not know if they were kissing someone with a mask on but how often does that come up, right?"
Rogue still didn't say anything, but she looked extremely annoyed since Scott had once again failed to get to the point. Scott sensing this, decided to cut to the chase.
"So, what I figured was, hey, maybe if someone wore enough masking putty it might provide enough of a barrier to allow you to have physical contact with someone while still having that sensation of being touched. You're sleeves are covered by some pretty flimsy material, so I figured it would work."
Rogue remained silent. Scott was unable to read exactly Rogue emotions as she seemed to go into a reflective state. She then looked directly at him; her face contorted in anger and punched him in the arm.
"Oww! Hey!" he exclaimed wincing.
"That was a really stupid thing to do!" she snapped. "What woulda happened if it didn't work!"
"I…"
"You'd of gotten hurt or worse! An' then what?"
"I…"
"Ah'd have to explain what happened to everybody! That means everybody would know that you kissed me: The Professor, Logan, Jean…and how'd you explain that to your girlfriend, huh?"
"Well, I…"
"You couldn't cause you'd be in a coma, an' then she'd blame me cause Jean would never think that her boyfriend would do anythin' so stupid, so ah probably did it cause ah was tryin' to steal her boyfriend. An' you know what would happen next?"
Scott just stood there and didn't say anything.
"Well?" Rogue continued. "Do you know?"
Scott continued to stay silent and listened.
"Ah'm askin' you a question Scott!"
"Oh really, uh sorry, it's just that…"
"What?"
"I thought you were going to interrupt me again."
"What!"
"Well, every time I try to answer you keep inter…"
"Oh, ah'm sorry, it's my fault that ah care enough about you to tell not to risk your life to do somethin' stupid an' risky like that without bein' sure."
"But it did work," Scott countered.
"But it might not have," Rogue returned.
"But it did."
"Still, if you do anythin' like that again, if you live ah'll be the one to kill you!"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Don't be cute."
"Sorry."
Rogue grabbed both of Scott's hand and grasped them firmly and looked at him with a great deal of intensity.
"That bein' said," she said in soft voice. "It was the greatest gift anyone has ever given me. Thank you, Scott." She let go of one of hands and clasped his one hand with both of hers, holding it with care.
Scott seemed to relax since Rogue didn't seem as upset anymore. Her tears had dried up and it was replaced by a comfortable smile.
"So, uh, how'd it feel?" he asked.
"Like ah said, it was wonderful," Rogue replied, puzzled by the question.
"No, I mean could you tell it was masking putty?"
"No Scott, ah didn't," she replied, irritated by the fact that he was more curious about that aspect of the kiss.
"What did I do this time?" Scott asked, sensing her annoyance.
"Never mind, Scott. It's nothin'. Don't worry about it."
Scott put two and two together and realized how he managed to trivialize Rogue's experience by asking something that seemed to undercut everything.
"Oh Rogue, wait. I get it now. It was a stupid question. I'm sorry."
"It's okay, at least yer learnin' how to catch on."
"Funny thing is, I could feel it too when I kissed you."
"Really?" Rogue asked whose interest was piqued with curiosity.
"Oh yeah," Scott continued. "I put all around my cheeks lips and nose, you know, just in case. I actually didn't think that I would feel anything."
"Sooo, if ah kissed you on your cheek, you'd feel it huh?"
"Um, I guess so."
"Well why don't we find out?" Rogue asked, with a mischievous smile on her face.
Scott was a little nervous but in a strange way he felt that it would be necessary to confirm that this would be a possible alternative for Rogue to experience physical contact. He still felt uncomfortable and yet curious as well.
"Okay then, on the cheek then?" Scott said nervously.
"Oh Scott, you're so forceful," Rogue replied mockingly.
"You know, for someone who says that I gave them one of the best experiences in their life, you could lay off the sarcasm a little bit."
"Oh ah forgot how sensitive you are."
"Funny. Real funny."
"Okay, okay," Rogue said assuredly. "Ah'll cut it out. Time to take yer medicine."
"Be gentle with me," Scott quipped.
"Now whose bein' funny by not bein' funny?"
"Just getting even."
"Well, now so am ah," Rogue said. "Enjoy."
Rogue pulled Scott a little closer to her as he was already hunched over. She pressed her lips against his cheek and kissed Scott softly.
"Well now," Scott said, looking a little bewildered.
Rogue acted a little coyly, which seemed very out of character. But she seemed very pleased with herself.
"Ah kind of wanted to somethin' like that for a long time."
"I can understand that. There are probably a lot of people you'd like to kiss."
"That's not exactly what ah meant," Rogue said with all seriousness.
"Okay then," Scott replied laughing nervously.
"Scott?"
"Yeah?"
"Ah'd like to kiss you again."
"On the cheek?"
Rogue didn't reply, she simply wrapped her arms around his neck, drew him close and kissed his other cheek, a little longer this time, with a little more of kick to it. Scott sensed the difference but figured it wouldn't go any farther. Rogue still held on to him, her eyes fixated on him dreamily.
"So…I guess you got some closure, huh?"
Rogue didn't say anything but seemed to be at full attention.
"I mean…hey! Now you can have a relationship with someone with physical affection and contact. No problems right?"
Rogue stared in his eyes which seemed to have a strange quality within them. As if she wasn't quite herself.
"So, uh…anything to say?"
Rogue started to kiss Scott again, multiple times in fact, all over his face, almost erratic in their frequency and scope. Rogue's strength seemed to increase with the passion that was flowing through her. She was a female mutant possessed with the desire that she wished to pursue. Scott tried to resist but Rogue overwhelmed him, as he was unable to restrain her or get her to let go of him. She just got fiercer with his attempts to get away. Rogue lips locked unto Scott's lips and she drew him into a long, passionate kiss. The blood seemed to rush to Scott's brain and he seemed to have lost his resolve to fight. He also lost his balance, causing his knees to buckle. Scott fell back first to the floor with Rogue landing right on top of him.
The fall to the floor seemed to snap Rogue out of her somewhat trance-like state and she was surprised and a little embarrassed to find herself on top of Scott, who seemed a little out of it as well, her lipstick marks covering his face.
"Oh, oh my gosh, Scott! Ah'm sorry! Ah don't know what happened, ah just started kissin' you and ah kinda lost my mind, it's just ah didn't think that everythin' would feel so strong and my mind was like gone an'…"
Rogue stopped speaking and realized that Scott was completely out of his gourd. He seemed to be groaning, possibly due to an injury he sustained while falling.
"Whaaa……………..?"
"Scott?"
"Whaaa…………….?"
"Scott? Wake up Scott!"
"Whaaa……………?"
"Scott!"
Rogue lightly slapped the side of Scott's face a number of times in an attempt to revive him. Scott seemed to snap out of his stupor as he lifted his head a little in an attempt to access his surroundings.
"Oh thank goodness, ah thought ah killed ya," Rogue said with a sigh of relief.
Scott didn't say anything right away as he was still a little out of it. But he managed to utter one coherent word.
"Wow!"
Rogue blushed and covered her mouth with both her hands to contain her laughter. Scott seemed to finally unscramble his brain and quickly gained his composure.
"Are you going to get off me now?" Scott asked, as Rogue was still very much on top of him. "You're cutting of my circulation."
"Ah don't know," she said playfully. "Ah haven't decided."
Scott simply groaned.
"Ah'm kiddin' you dummy!"
Rogue punched Scott's shoulder.
"Ow!' Scott yelped. "Take it easy! I'm the injured party here!"
"Oh, don't be such a baby!"
"Do you mind telling what in the world got into you?"
"Ah don't know, that's the truth. Ah just…kinda…gave in to the moment."
"Well, I think you got enough closure. Or are you going to attack me again?"
"Yeah, ah think so," Rogue said amused. "Maybe not as far as ah might want it go but it ain't gonna go no farther. But don't pretend you didn't like it."
"I plead the fifth," Scott replied sheepishly.
"Thought so," Rogue said with a grin on her face.
"Rather than tempt fate again, it would be best that you get off me before you succumb to my natural charisma."
"Ha, ha, Summers…yer lucky ah actually like you, otherwise ah'd smack you!"
"I'd like to see you try."
"Yer askin' for it Summers."
"Tough words for a girl."
"Oh, it's on now!"
Rogue and Scott had an impromptu but playful wrestling match. Both were cracking up as they struggled with one another. Unfortunately, they picked a really bad time to do so as their fun was about to be shattered by the most unholy of screams.
They turned in horror to see both Jean and Gambit standing there. While Gambit seemed only a little shocked and perturbed, Jean was absolutely livid. The scream had come from her. The eyes seemed to take in every detail of the scene: both Rogue and Scott on the floor, her on top of him, her makeup smeared and his face covered in her lipstick. Her nemesis and the man she loved, together in a questionable position. As she took all of it in, she began to seethe with rage. The rage seemed to pulse and throb with a life of it's own as the moments passed. It filled the entire room as if it were a emanating a deafening sound that blocked out everything else. No one, not even Gambit said anything, because nobody was sure what Jean would do next. Rogue, of course, feared the worst. And she felt the guilt swell within her. Gambit, although pensive, still lit a cigarette and waited with interest. His emotions were in turmoil as well, but he felt it was best not to commit to anything yet, which was fine with him. Scott, on the other hand, felt a need to rectify the situation, not realizing that Jean did not want to hear it.
"Jean…"
Jean's face became less unreadable as her eyes exploded in a flash of anger. Suddenly, Scott and Rogue were elevated off the ground by her telekinetic powers. Random objects seemed to fly all over the place with reckless abandon, a testament to how furious Jean was. Gambit nimbly sidestepped most of it but was unable to disguise his concern. Rogue and Scott were unable to move as Jean restrained both of them telekinetically. Jean moved methodically towards them, eyeing them suspiciously. Her face was flush with anger and tears, both flowing simultaneously. She shook uncontrollably, struggling to convey her emotions. Jean whispered loudly under her breath and looked directly at Scott.
"How could you do this to me?"
"Jean, please…" Scott pleaded, trying to her to listen to reason, but she was not ready to listen.
"How could you do this to me!"
She then looked at Rogue with the same accusing look. Rogue wanted to say something but her guilt overwhelmed her. She was so ashamed that she allowed things to get this far. Rogue had made Jean an enemy, an enemy that she didn't need have and didn't want. Seeing Jean, at the edges of both despair and madness, really showed her how destructive her deception and jealously was. Maybe subconsciously she wanted to tear down Jean from her supposed pedestal, just to see her humbled, to feel as vulnerable as she always felt, to feel the inadequacy she felt every day, to show her that she could be someone that Scott would want and kick her in her complacency. But the problem was never Jean, it was her. Rogue resisted Jean's gestures of friendship. She drew a line in the sand. She created the bad blood that was between them. But whatever she had done to create the rivalry, the rallying point was always Scott. Maybe if he wasn't there or maybe if she never felt the way she did, things would never have escalated. All that she had done to assuage her longing for him only created a bigger problem and it was now consuming both her and Jean. They were all caught in the mess she made and now it was all coming to a head. Rogue felt she had to make things right, but in her own way, even if it involved Jean breaking every bone in her body, which looked like a real possibility at this point.
"It's my fault Jean. Ah'm sorry…for everythin'…"
"Sorry!" Jean screamed.
Jean violently slammed Rogue up against the wall.
"Sorry!"
She slammed her harder against the wall.
"Sorry!"
Jean slammed her into the wall a third time. Rogue was visibly hurt. Gambit attempted to run to her and help her but Jean held him back with a telekinetic force field. She seemed to treat it as an afterthought as she was now completely fixated on Rogue.
"We're past sorry missy! We're so past it! You can't fathom how far we are past sorry! I have taken all of your garbage and I'm tired of it! I tried to be nice and understanding but you just smack it way! I tried everything to figure you out but I got nothing but your abuse! But now you want steal my boyfriend! Now you want to take the man I love away from me! Well, that is not going to happen and I'm going to make sure that you get that through your striped head!"
"You're right, Jean…I deserve it," Rogue replied not meeting Jean's gaze. This seemed to infuriate Jean even more.
"What kind of game are you pulling now!" Jean roared. "You think I'm going to listen to anything you have to say!"
"No Jean," Rogue said with regret. "No more games. Ah'm ready to get what's comin' to me."
Jean paused as she was confused as well as aggravated by Rogue's unexpected behaviour. She studied her enemy looking for clues to what the deception was this time. But Rogue did not look up at all. She just seemed to be waiting for Jean to hurt her physically in some way. But moments were passing them by. Rogue lifted her head to see what the delay was, only to meet Jean's gaze, who looked as angry as ever. Both stared at each other, as if to see who would blink first. Rogue, growing impatient, decided to egg Jean on, and do to her what she felt she deserved.
"Well, whatcha waitin' for? Just do it already!"
But Jean still did nothing but stare.
"What's wrong with ya? Don't you know how to kick someone's butt!"
Jean was unmoved by what Rogue was saying.
"Oh ah get it. 'Ms. Perfect' is too good to let herself get all riled up. Ah mean, what would everyone say? What would everyone think? 'Ms. Perfect' can't lose control! It would be unbecomin'"
Jean was irked by that as she hurled Rogue up against the ceiling and lowered her down towards her.
"I hate that. I've always hated that. You always call me that and I hate it. You call me that behind my back, to other people, even in your own mind you think of me that way. I'm not perfect! I have flaws like everyone else!"
"She does Rogue," Scott added, trying and failing to be helpful.
"Shut up Scott!" Jean snarled.
Scott clammed up.
"So ah was out of line in what ah said. You're mad, so do somethin' about it. Give me whoppin' ah deserve!"
"Why do you want me to beat you up!" Jean asked in frustration.
"Because ah deserve it, Jean," Rogue said, lowering her eyes. "Don't blame Scott, it's all my fault."
Jean didn't know what to do. She didn't what to think. Her rage was cooled and replaced with confusion. She didn't anticipate this reaction from Rogue. While Jean wanted to see Rogue bleed, her wanting her to do it made it less appealing. Jean screamed again in anguish and more small objects seemed to fly about the club. Rogue flew up against the wall again and Jean pulled Scott towards her.
"I don't know what you're trying to do but I'm not falling for it. I'll deal with you soon enough."
She turned to face Scott and her expression softened. Her heart was aching within her chest. Jean never thought she would ever feel such doubt about Scott as she did at that moment. Feelings of love and new ones of bitterness and resentment seemed to flow within her. Part of her wanted to simply hold him and forget everything as if it were a dream that could be dissipated and never return. But it was still there, etched within her memory, Scott and Rogue all over each other. She didn't want to imagine it but there it was. Jean still saw the guilt on Scott's face in the form of lipstick, the stains of Rogue's kisses covering his face. There it was again, and the pain was terrible.
"Why Scott?" she whispered in sadness.
"Jean," Scott said pleadingly. "You have to listen to me, nothing happened."
"I want to believe you Scott. I really do. But look at you. I saw you with her…"
"Jean, it's not what you think…"
"You were kissing her…"
"Jean, stop and listen to me…"
"You were on the floor laughing together…"
"Come on, Jean…."
"What were you laughing at?"
"Jean…"
"Were you laughing at me?"
"No Jean! Of course not! I would never do that!"
"Why then? Why did I find you with her! Why did I find you like that!"
Jean's face seemed to twist in conjunction with her despair. Scott wanted to assure her that it was unwarranted. But he wasn't able to get through to Jean. He had to be blunt and that wasn't going to make things easy.
"It's true Jean, Rogue did kiss me."
"He kissed me first!" Rogue chimed in.
Jean reacted negatively to that bit of news as her eyes widened in shock. Scott tentatively tried to repair the situation.
"Nonetheless," Scott continued. "It was a peck on the cheek, that's all."
"And how did she manage to slobber all over you!" Jean asked, unconvinced.
"Rogue just got carried away. She doesn't get kissed that often and things got out of control. She didn't mean anything by it."
"And you couldn't stop her? Maybe you didn't want to stop her!"
"Well, it might seem unbelievable but…"
"I thought she couldn't touch anyone without killing them. Unless…she was faking all this time just so she could get you alone…"
"No Jean, that's crazy!"
"Don't call me crazy!" yelled Jean, shaking the entire building like an earthquake.
"I'm sorry Jean," Scott said meekly. "Bad choice of words."
"Sure, shakin' a buildin' ain't crazy, huh?" Rogue muttered under her breath.
"Rogue, please stop helping!" Scott commanded as Jean was on the verge of another fit. "No Jean, Rogue didn't fake anything. I simply put on some masking putty on my face to act as barrier to her absorption powers. Go ahead feel it."
Jean reached with her hand to touch Scott's face and to her surprise it revealed an odd texture. She peeled a bit of the putty and rolled it between her fingers, studying the material. She looked at the tiny roll of plastic with curiosity, and then she looked at Scott's face and the area that was pealed off. Then without warning, she ripped a large chunk of the putty off of his face. Scott howled in pain due to the shock.
"Yeaoooohhhh!" he screamed. "What was that for!"
Jean ignored his question with her own line of questioning.
"You went to all the trouble of breaking and entering into a store, stealing this junk, for her!" she cried in anger.
"First of all, I left the money on the counter, so technically I didn't steal anything. Secondly, I fixed the door back after I left."
"Dat's true, chere," quipped Gambit from the shadows.
"Shut up!" Jean ordered, not at all interested in what Gambit had to say.
"Shuttin' up, chere," Gambit replied, bowing out gracefully.
"Jean, you don't understand. I just wanted to show Rogue that she didn't have to be limited by her powers, no matter how difficult. I know what it's like to feel that way and I think I've managed alright. I just wanted to show her that she had nothing to be afraid of her."
"You expect me to believe that you went to all this trouble just to make her feel good about herself!"
"You should know by now, that is the way it is," Rogue added.
"I didn't ask you for anything!" Jean retorted angrily, pointing her finger at Rogue in accusation.
"No ya didn't," Rogue replied. "Ah'm telling you because you're lettin' yerself get all riled up over nothin'. If you knew Scott, you'd know he only had yer best interest at heart and that he'd never do anythin' to hurt you."
Rogue looked at Scott as she said those words. Jean noticed this and it made her even angrier than before.
"How dare you!" Jean yelled. "How dare you say that to me! I know Scott Summers. I've known him longer than you. We have been through it all together. You don't know him like I do so don't presume to tell me what I don't know!"
"Maybe ah don't know him like you do," Rogue replied admittedly. "But you don't know what ah know."
"Oh great, more games from the misunderstood Goth girl," Jean snorted. "I'm sick of your mind games. Why don't you just admit that you're in love with my boyfriend and you trying to steal him from me! At least admit that much!"
Rogue looked at Scott, who looked curious as well. Gambit's mouth was open in anticipation as well, not noticing that his cigarette had fallen out of his mouth. Jean waited, with a cruel, judgmental stare. Rogue felt their eyes upon her and she turned her head away to try not to meet their gaze.
"Ah do love him," she said softly.
"Aha!" Jean screamed in a perverse sense of satisfaction. "I knew it all the time! All this time I knew it!"
Scott was blown away by all of this. There was a huge difference between a simple crush and full-blown love. Gambit stumbled as well, as if his hopes had been dashed as suddenly as Rogue finished her statement. However strong he could contain his emotions with jovial behavior, nothing could mask his dismay and sorrow.
"But," Rogue said, adding to her statement. "That doesn't matter."
"Oh, I think it does! I think it means quite a bit. From day one you were gunning for him, waiting for your moment. I knew you had a crush, I just didn't realize it was something more until that Christmas when you gave him that sweater! You did it just for him! I knew you were after something…"
"Why exactly did you care?" Rogue countered, interrupting Jean despite being pinned to a wall. "You had your football player, didn't ya?"
"Ww-h-a-t-t-t?" Jean stuttered.
"You had Duncan, didn't ya? What did you care who Scott went out with? You went out with who you wanted to, right? Why couldn't Scott? Ah was interested, why could ah?"
"I…I…" Jean mumbled. She really didn't have anything to justify her actions. It was true. She was going out with Duncan, not Scott. He could go out with whoever he wanted to. He had that right. She just didn't like it.
"But that's right; Scott shouldn't be allowed to date anyone, right? He's supposed to pine for you while you were out with someone else. He was supposed to wait for you to gather enough courage to say what you really feel. Meanwhile, Scott gets to watch while you have fun with your boy toy…"
Scott smirked a little at that. Gambit enjoyed the burn as well. Jean seemed to be at a loss for words. But before she could justify herself, Rogue turned around to face Scott.
"And you…"
"Me!" Scott exclaimed, unsure of what he had done exactly.
"How long exactly were you goin' to wait to tell Jean how you felt? You had it bad since day one an' what prêt ell did you do about it? Nothin'! You just sat back and got all worked up over Jean and her beau, an' unfortunately oblivious to everyone else! An' then you up an' hooked up with Tayrn of all people. Now ah ask you, what was that about exactly?"
"Hey!" Scott exclaimed, not enjoying the third degree interrogation he was getting.
"Yes Scott, please enlighten us all about that particular relationship," said Jean, who was very curious to find out about his previous relationship.
"Uh," Scott said stuttering. "Uh, well…you see…hey, wait a minute! I don't have to justify anything to either of you! You wanted to go out with a jerk and you rather than tell me how you felt, decided to stay quiet and let me figure it out! So what was I supposed to do? Not date anyone? Be lonely?"
Jean and Rogue looked at Scott unsympathetically. Apparently, that was exactly what they wanted. Scott waited for someone to agree with him, and then finally someone did.
"No way, frere," Gambit said. "You a free man, do what you want!"
"Nobody asked you 'bout anythin' swamp rat!" Rogue shouted. "Who invited your sorry hide anyway?"
"If you must know, chere, de lovely Jean Grey invited Gambit as her personal driver an' escort."
Rogue was surprised by this and looked at Jean with suspicion as did Scott. He couldn't believe what he just heard.
"Looks like you've had a busy too, 'chere'," Rogue said sarcastically.
"Hold it!" Jean responded in protest. "Hold on just a minute! Don't try to turn this around on me! He's the one that told me about your 'card tricks'!"
Rogue wanted to march over to Gambit and throttle him but she was still pinned to a wall by Jean's telekinesis. Jean didn't feel the need to let her go. She still struggled in vain to try and get a piece of Gambit. While it was futile, it didn't stop her from giving him an earful.
"Why you no-good, cheatin', lyin', thievin' squealer of a swamp rat! Ah'll teach you to mind yer business!"
"S'pose you could chere, but seein' dat you's over dere an' Gambit is way over here, is not gonna be anytime soon, non?"
As Rogue continued to hurl insults at Gambit, she was interrupted by Scott who was confused about past events and wanted to have some clarification.
"What's going on here, Jean?" Scott asked directly.
Jean lost her control and dropped Scott from her telekinetic grip, causing him to land back first onto the ground.
"Oh Scott, are you alright! I'm sorry!" Jean rushed to Scott's aid and helped him to his feet. Scott didn't seem all that fazed by what happened. His thoughts were singular in focus.
"Jean," he reiterated. "What's going on?"
Jean was unsure what words would put the best spin on things. She was afraid to tell Scott her own role in this whole incident.
"Well, you see Scott; we were playing poker you know, at the slumber party? Well, we were playing for real money which is always a bad idea and well that how things go sometimes. Uh, anyway, I was winning, well, not exactly, because somebody set things up for me to think I was winning while all the time it was just to set me up to lose…" Jean gestured to Rogue as she was saying this, Rogue just rolled her eyes.
"…So I had a straight flush, right? Which is really good, so I thought it made sense for me to make a big ante but then Goth girl over here upped the ante so much that I didn't have enough money to match it, right? So she suggested that if I lost the hand, I would have to grant a wish that I would have to carry out to the letter which was so stupid, I know. I mean, I thought I was dealing with an honest person instead of a no-good cheat and liar with incredibly stupid hair…"
"That was a cheap shot, Grey! If you weren't so cheap in usin' yer powers ah'd give you beatin' ah should've given you before!"
Jean dropped Rogue on her face but she sprang right up, ready to deal out some damage.
"Well what do ya know? You actually gonna fight fair?" Rogue queried.
"I don't have to cheat to win my battles," Jean returned. "I'm going to give a 'perfect' beating and it's not going to take too much of my time!"
Rogue roared and sprinted to meet Jean who was also charging. Scott stood between them both and stiff-armed them, preventing either of them from making contact.
"Knock it off you two, right now!" Scott snapped, holding them both at bay. By Scott's tone of voice and facial expression the girls knew that he meant business, so they went back to their respective corners.
"Now," he continued. "Both of you owe me an explanation right now! Tell me what is going on.
"Uh, you tell him," Jean told Rogue.
"He's yer boyfriend," Rogue countered.
"Gambit settle dis, Gambit tell him!"
"Shut up Gambit!" cried the girls.
"This is all your fault, you should tell him," Jean argued.
"Uh, yeah, maybe, but…ah didn't make you do anythin'…you coulda just owed me the money…"
"Owed you?" Scott interrupted, looking at Jean as he said this.
"Uhh…," Jean stammered. "You see Scott, I lost that poker hand and more to the point, I was 'conned' by that cheater who made me think that I lost fair and square and that I owed the cheater and 'boyfriend stealer', eight-hundred dollars, that I didn't have so I had to fulfill the wish instead. So I let her have her wish…"
"You sold me to her!" Scott exclaimed accusingly.
"What! No Scott! It's not…"
"To be fair, Monsieur Cyclops," Gambit interjected. "It sounds more like Jean jus' rented for the evenin' is all."
Jean gave Gambit a look of death, but she was distracted by the image she saw in the corner of her eye of Scott being hurt. He was really taken for a loop.
"I can't believe you did that…" Scott uttered under his breath.
"It wasn't like that Scott! If I knew what she was up to…?"
"You could have just paid me off," Rogue retorted.
"You knew I didn't have that kind of money! You manipulated the entire thing and you manipulated me!"
"You coulda tried a little harder to stop me!"
"You could have told me the truth!" Scott yelled at Rogue accusingly. "You set this whole thing up and you didn't have the guts to tell me! And neither did you!" Scott pointed at Jean who was absolutely devastated. Rogue cowered in shame.
"All this time I've been nothing but a prop in your little game. You didn't care how I felt; you just did whatever you wanted. Then you make me feel bad about things I didn't have a right to feel bad about! It was all you two! Two people who say they care about me didn't care enough to not use me or lie to me!"
"Shame, shame," Gambit muttered, shaking his head.
Jean and Rogue were about to tear up and cry because of the guilt they felt. It was hard to hear Scott talk to them that way and it was even more painful because it was true.
"I'm sorry, Scott," Jean said softly.
"Me too, Scott," Rogue said.
Scott didn't respond as he was still fuming. He didn't say anything for a while. The girls had never seen him so angry so they waited nervously for him to say that everything was fine. From past experiences, Scott was always the forgiving type and that everything would be alright. But Scott didn't look any different. He didn't even turn to look at them.
"This time 'sorry' isn't good enough," he said quietly.
"What are you saying Scott?" Jean asked in a worried tone.
"What I'm saying is, 'sorry' is not going to make this go away, both of you used me, so I think it's fair that you make amends by doing something for me!"
"Anything Scott!" Jean replied.
"Yeah, Scott, whatever you want to make things right."
Scott turned to look at both Jean and Rogue to see if their intentions were sincere.
"It's going to take something big," he said sternly.
"Look, I'm willing to do whatever it takes Scott," Jean replied enthusiastically. "I love you, you know that right?" Scott didn't answer.
"Ah'll go along with anythin' you say Scott," said Rogue eagerly. "Ah want your trust again. Ah want us to stay friends." Scott just looked at Rogue coldly.
"There is one thing…" he said finally.
"Yes?" Jean replied eagerly.
"What is it Scott?" Rogue asked, also eager to find out.
Scott didn't say it right away. He seemed to reflect on it, ignoring the fact that both girls were waiting for an answer.
"I think it could make everything all right but I don't think either of you would be willing to do it."
"Scott, I said I would do anything and I meant it. Whatever it is I'll do it," Jean replied with the utmost sincerity.
"Ditto," Rogue added, not wanting Jean to one-up her.
"So if I ask you to promise me that you will do exactly as I tell you, you'll do it, without question?" Scott asked mysteriously.
"That sounds awfully familiar," Rogue said suspiciously.
"Yes it does," replied Jean, echoing the same sentiment.
"Those are the stakes, take it or leave it! I thought you girls liked gambling?"
"Ah'll do it Scott, ah have faith in you," Rogue said confidently.
"You both have to agree."
"You can count on me Scott, you know that," Jean said. "You don't have to second-guess me."
"Couldn't resist could you?" Rogue asked, acknowledging Jean's shot.
"Just stating the obvious," Jean retorted.
"Just stating the obvious," Rogue repeated in a mocking tone.
"Why don't just shut your mouth…"
"That the best you can do? Yer breakin' my heart…"
"Hold it!" yelled Scott.
Both girls fell silent, as they were unaccustomed to Scott yelling at them.
"Stop fighting and make a decision right now! Do you both agree yes or no!"
Both girls looked at each other. They knew that they had to agree to earn Scott's forgiveness, even though they hated to do it.
"We agree," Jean replied.
"Yeah, whatever it is, we'll stand by it," added Rogue.
"Good," Scott said simply. He cracked a smile. He almost looked as if he was laughing. Rogue and Jean were looking at each other. They were confused but both of them were sure that whatever Scott had in mind couldn't be good. Both Jean and Rogue eyed Scott and scowled.
"What did we just agree to do, Scott?" queried Jean.
"Yeah, spill it already!" added Rogue.
"Well, in a nutshell, you've both agreed to bury the hatchet, forgive each other and be friends! Congratulations!"
"What!" they shouted.
"Bravo! Bravo!" shouted Gambit, with applause.
"You can't seriously expect after all that's happened tonight that I could possibly be friends with…her!" Jean asked breathlessly.
"Yeah, Scott, there ain't no way that we could possibly get along," Rogue said, confirming exactly what Jean said.
"Well, it's not like you to have a choice," Scott said simply shrugging.
"Scott we just said…"
"Jean, you promised me! Are you going to break your promise?"
"C'mon Scott…"
"Rogue, you told me, 'whatever I want!'"
"And this is what you asked for?" Jean gasped. "You're asking the impossible!"
"But you two agreed, and this is the only thing that will make things right. I think both of you can do this; I have faith in both of you. And if you care about me, you'll do this for me."
"Ah man!" exclaimed Rogue, knowing that she would rather get beat up with Jean than be friends with her. She folded her arms and sulked. Jean sulked as well, folding her arms in a similar fashion. Scott placed his hands on both their shoulders.
"Please," he reiterated. "Try."
"Alright fine," Rogue replied reluctantly. "For you."
"If she can be civil," Jean said. "I'll try. I'm glad you have faith in me." She smiled at Scott, seeking his approval.
"Great," Scot said enthusiastically. "Let's resolve all of this, without any name calling, yelling or anger. I think you'll find that you have a lot more in common than you think."
Both of them grunted skeptically.
"Ok then," Scott said trying to make the best of it. "Let's start with something positive. Alright, let's get the apologies out of the way, put them behind us, and move forward. Can we do that?"
Rogue and Jean were disinterested and unenthusiastic about this process and didn't respond.
"Can we do that?" Scott asked more forcefully.
They both realized that they committed to doing this so they reluctantly acknowledged that they would apologize.
"Yeesss!" they both replied apathetically.
"That's what I like to here, Jean, you go first."
Jean looked at Scott resentfully but his reassuring smile forced her to go on against her will.
"Okay, okay," Jean said to herself. "I can do this."
"I'm…sorry I smacked you against the wall," Jean announced.
Scott looked to Rogue for her to say something as well.
"Ah'm sorry ah kissed Scott…ah was out of line."
Jean was about to say something derogatory but it was if Scott sensed it and gave her a stern look. Jean suppressed that urge and continued to keep it civil.
"I'm sorry I called you 'Goth girl'. I was being mean."
"Ah'm sorry ah fer callin' you 'Little Miss Perfect'. Ah didn't mean to hurt yer feelins' like that."
"I'm sorry I made fun of your hair, I actually like it a lot."
"Really? Thanks. Ah actually wish ah had somethin' like yer hair. It's really beautiful."
"I don't know. Sometimes I think I ought to cut it."
"Nah, ah think long hair suits your face. It's brings out all yer features."
"You don't think it makes my face look fat?"
"No way, yer in great shape, you look jus' fine. Ah'm the one whose gotta worry."
"Are you kidding? You're so beautiful!"
"Yer jus' sayin' that."
"I'm not kidding; I wish I could look half as good as you do."
"Wow, ah never thought you'd want to even look like someone like me."
"You've got everything going for you: great skin, gorgeous eyes, and killer body. It's no wonder so many guys like you."
"Not as much as you, girlfriend. You gotta fight 'em off with a stick."
"But your so much more confident with the way you carry yourself. Boys like that sort of thing. I'm too shy for that."
"Ah think you can be bold when ya want to be, Jean. My bruised ribs are a testament to that."
"I hope I didn't hurt you too badly…"
"Nothin' that won't heal, anyway, ah think it was appropriate. Ah set all this into motion, it's only fair ah gets some licks fer it."
"No, it's not. I let my anger and jealousy get the best of me. And you could have been seriously hurt. Will you forgive me?"
"Only if you'll forgive me, for bein' such a jerk to you."
"Oh, I'm sorry! I think I might start to cry!"
"Don't you dare cry on me or ah'll start cryin'!"
"I can't help it, you're being so understanding."
"No it's you who's understandin'. Scott's lucky to have someone as great as you!"
"I'm going to hug you now and don't try to stop me!"
"Me too!"
And most unexpectedly, Rogue and Jean hugged each other and had a good cry. Scott and Gambit were perplexed by this since it was only moments before that they were bitter rivals. Scott looked to Gambit for some kind of explanation but Gambit simply shrugged his shoulders.
"Uh," said Scott. "That seemed to work out better than I could have ever possibly anticipated. I think there were a few moments there where both of you could have given the other a cheap shot and you didn't."
"Gambit count about seven," interjected Gambit.
"Not everythin'," Rogue admitted. "But we'll work on it."
"Maybe we can even be friends," added Jean. "That is, if you want to try."
"Yeah, ah do," Rogue replied beaming. "Ah can swing that!"
"Well then," Scott stated. "I think we've all had enough craziness for one night."
"There's still one more thing," said Rogue.
"Really? What?" asked Scott.
"Tell Jean that you love her," Rogue stated simply.
"Uh, what?" Scott asked perplexed.
"Don't be a dummy Scott! Tell Jean how you feel. It's no wonder she's so insecure. Tell her how you really feel!"
"Rogue, it isn't necessary," Jean said calmly. "Scott isn't ready yet. He'll tell me when he's ready." Despite what she said, it was apparent that she was a little disappointed that it wasn't something that came naturally.
"Jean, you know how ah've admitted why ah was jealous of you?" said Rogue.
Jean nodded in acknowledgement, listening with interest for the follow-up. Scott seemed to blend in the background, as if he had no say in the matter.
"Ah was also jealous of both you and Scott."
Both of them were a surprised to hear this. Gambit interest was piqued as well, since the previous discussion was of little interest to him.
"Ya see," she continued. "Ah've absorbed both of your powers before. But when ah absorb powers ah also absorb thoughts, memories, feelins', whole personalities even…"
"We know all of this Rogue," Jean said interrupting. "What does that have to do with Scott and me? Is it because of your powers? Scott showed you a way of overcoming it. Which by the way, he could have just held hands with you to show it!"
She gave Scott an angry look. Scott threw up his hands in aggravation.
"We'll talk about that later," Jean replied continuing on. "All I'm saying is that you don't have to worry anymore about that. So there's no need to be jealous."
"Thanks Jean," Rogue replied. "But that's not what ah meant at all. It's somethin' else."
"I don't understand," stated Jean.
"If you let me explain, ah'll tell you," Rogue was annoyed with the interruptions. "Like ah've absorbed both yer powers an' yer thoughts an' feelins' an' all that. That is to say, ah know how you two feel about each other."
Jean was intrigued by this revelation. Scott seemed a bit mortified. Jean sensed his apprehension. As much as she would like to know, she wanted Scott to so willingly, because he wanted to tell her what he felt inside. There wouldn't be any gratification in forcing an answer out of Scott, saying what he felt he had to say instead of what was true.
"Rogue, don't force the issue for Scott. He's not ready."
"An' he'll never be ready," Rogue countered. "He'll never say it even though it was how he's always felt. I liked Scott right from the start but after ah absorbed his powers ah got a little insight into who he was. My feelins' grew from that point on, but along with that knowledge ah gained more than ah wanted to know. Ah found about his feelins' fer you an' after that, even if you didn't know, ah resented you. Ah thought ah had a chance with guy who understood me an' then…bam! He's in love with someone else. Ah wanted to tell Scott how ah felt but it the back of my mind ah knew that whoever he was with had to live up to you."
"I didn't know that," Jean said thoughtfully. "I had no idea you felt that way, I'm sorry."
"You got nothin' to be sorry about Jean. You didn't know anythin' about it; it was just fate is all. An' when ah absorbed yer powers ah found out how you felt, but then again, it weren't much a secret."
Jean actually mused about that one. Rogue cracked a smile as well about that. Scott wasn't sure what the joke was. It certainly wasn't obvious to him.
"Anyway, it was torture havin' to sit there an' watch him carry a torch fer you while all the while you feel the same way about him. An' just when ah thought you two would never get together…bam! Rogue is left out in the cold again…"
"Hey, only Gambit allowed to talk in de third person," said Gambit, interjecting himself into Rogue's diatribe.
"Pipe down before ah smack you!" Rogue shouted. Gambit liked it when Rogue got angry. It was both fun and easy. Rogue continued with her explanation. "Anyway, ah lost out. An' like a dummy ah thought tonight was goin' to what ah needed to move on. Instead, all ah did was the two of you an' as much as ah wanted to believe ah wasn't doin' that, ah knew deep down that it was true. So, that bein' said, ah have to make things right, so, you have to tell each other how you feel. Get it done with! No more secrets! No more being afraid of the truth!"
After Rogue finished, Jean thought about what she had said. She looked to Scott to see if he approved. Although he seemed nervous about, Scott moved closer to her. He reached for her hand and Jean gave it to him without hesitation. They both gazed into each others eyes for a brief moment. Jean broke the silence with the obvious question.
"Well, Scott?" Jean asked. "Any thoughts?"
"This isn't easy for me, Jean," Scott replied. "But I…don't want to feel unsure about us."
Scott held her by both her hands. Jean squeezed his hand in reassurance. They were both nervous with the small audience watching them. Jean was still more eager than Scott was, but since he was willing to try, it gave her hope that he could finally tell her openly.
"You ready?" queried Jean, putting her heart on her sleeve yet again.
"Uh, yeah," Scott replied cautiously. "Ready."
"Okay, who goes first?" Jean asked excitedly.
"Uh, well…"
"I love you Scott! I always have and I always will! You're the only one for me! I love you! I love you! I love you!" Jean preceded hug and kiss Scott aggressively. Scott was a little overwhelmed but he was happy that Jean felt that she could express her feeling in any way she wanted to.
"Jean?" said Rogue.
Jean was so absorbed embracing Scott that she failed to hear Rogue speaking.
"Uh, Jean?" repeated Rogue, increasing the volume of her voice.
Again, Jean was still caught up in the moment. Rogue was getting frustrated.
"Jean!"
"What? Oh, hi Rogue, what's up?" Jean asked cheerfully, still attached to Scott.
"It's Scott's turn, Jean. You know, the whole point of this exercise?"
"Oh right," Jean replied, a little embarrassed at her burst of emotion. "Okay Scott, go ahead, tell me how you feel."
"Uh…" Scott said, unable to form a coherent sentence. Jean felt maybe a little encouragement would help.
"It's okay, Scott. Just say what you feel."
"Uh…" Scott replied. He knew he had to say what he felt but it seemed like he couldn't get the words out.
Scott couldn't get the words out.
Jean was looking at him now, not with reassurance but with disappointment. She let go of him as he continued to mutter his words, unable to make any sense or communicate any words. Jean was dejected, she slowly back away from him. Scott felt powerless. He couldn't understand what was blocking him. He knew he had to look within and look for that strength but he just couldn't do it. Scott knew he had to say it, he wanted to say it, and it was what he felt. Why couldn't he?
"For cryin' out loud Scott, just say it!" screamed Rogue.
"Come on Cyclops," Gambit stated. "Gambit say 'I love you' all de time. See? 'I love you', it easy, see?"
"It's easy when you don't mean it," stated Rogue caustically.
"Dat's true," Gambit quipped.
"You're hopeless!" Rogue grunted. She turned her attention to Scott, who was still stumbling. "C'mon Scott! Ah know you how you feel about Jean! Just tell her! You can do this!"
"No I can't," Scott announced. "But maybe I don't have to. Jean, look into my mind! I can't seem to get the words out right! Maybe it's because I'm scared, that I've never had anything in my life that I cared about last! The school, the Professor, the other students, Logan and Ororo, and you! It all means so much to me! I'm afraid that somehow, I'll lose it like I lost everything else! I want to say it! Please go into my mind! Then you'll know how much I love you…"
Scott stopped himself as he couldn't believe it. Jean turned around, looking completely in shock. Even though Rogue had prodded to say it, she was still taken aback. Gambit just rolled his eyes.
"Finalement," he simply stated.
Jean had a look of elation that Scott had never seen before and it made him happy. He knew what he felt and now Jean did too. She ran up to Scott and embraced him.
Scott then looked at Jean and spoke softly to her.
"I love you, Jean."
"So was that so hard?" she said jokingly, with her eyes tearing with joy.
"Yes, yes it was. But you deserve to be loved by someone. And I hope it will always be me."
"I wouldn't want anyone else."
And they both shared a kiss together in celebration.
"An' now we have closure," Rogue announced proudly.
"An' what 'bout Gambit?" Gambit asked, in an annoyed tone. "What Gambit get out of all dis? If it weren't fer Gambit, none of y'all would get any closure!"
"Are you kiddin'?" Rogue stated angrily. "Without me, none of y'all would have reason to be here! Ah was tryin' to tell Scott how ah felt fer selfish reasons. But instead ah helped bring him an' Jean closer together. So if anythin', if inadvertently, ah made all this possible."
"But if I hadn't agreed to go along with your wish, none of this would of happened either," argued Jean. "And if I didn't go along with Gambit to find you, we wouldn't be at this point now! And if I wasn't so forgiving, you two would have been in the hospital! So really, I provided closure."
"To be honest," Scott proclaimed. "I don't care who's to blame or who takes credit. All I know is, Jean and I have told each other how we feel, you and Rogue have finally buried the hatchet, Rogue expressed her feelings and I helped her deal with her powers! Everyone has closure! So I'm ready to go home now!"
"But Gambit got nothin' out of this!" Gambit replied. "What's Gambit's closure?"
"Alright," Jean said, moving towards him. "I'll give you a reward! In the form a small thank you!"
Jean grabbed Gambit by his coat and planted a firm kiss on his lips. Scott and Rogue looked at the scene before and then looked at each other, not exactly sure how to react to this unexpected act from Jean.
Gambit was shaken up in a good way as he was clearly thrilled by his reward. Jean just smiled and explained herself to Scott and Rogue.
"I think we're even now, right guys?" she asked jovially.
"Yeah, Jean," Rogue chortled, amused by her actions.
"I guess," Scott replied, a little annoyed.
"Are we a bit jealous?" Jean asked, relishing the idea.
"I just hope this isn't going to be a habit of yours!" Scott answered sulking.
Jean moved up beside him and kissed his cheek.
"Never again."
Scott couldn't keep up the façade of jealously and smiled. Then he picked Jean up off her feet and swung her around. Jean laughed at Scott's exuberance but she wouldn't stop him for anything.
"An' what 'bout you, chere?" Gambit asked Rogue. "You have a little somethin' fer me?"
"Ah sure do," Rogue replied with a wicked smile. Rogue went up to Gambit and promptly sucker punched him in the stomach. Jean and Scott were taken aback by this.
"If you ever rat me out again you little swamp rat ah'll knock you into the middle of next week!"
"Take it easy, Rogue," Jean said calmingly. "He did it because he was jealous."
Gambit couldn't defend himself since he keeled over and fell to his knees.
"Whaddaya mean jealous?" Rogue asked, still simmering in anger.
"Gambit has a major crush on you," Jean replied. "He's just afraid to admit it. He's afraid that he'd look 'uncool' if he fell for anyone seriously. But personally I think you two might make a good couple."
"What!" gasped Rogue. "Me an' that no good swamp rat! You gotta be kiddin' me!"
Rogue turned to look at the Cajun with disdain. Her hard expression softened as she looked at him holding his stomach in pain. She did find him appealing. Rogue found a lot of things appealing about him. But she found just as many negative things to consider, including recent events. However, Rogue was conflicted as she found herself a little remorseful after hitting him. It felt good at first, but now Rogue only wanted to help him.
"Ah don't know," Rogue replied, eyeing Gambit suspiciously.
"You could do worse," Jean added.
"Not much worse," countered Rogue.
"He is cute," Jean retorted. Scott made an almost inaudible grunt.
Rogue smirked but then nodded in agreement.
"Alright, ah'll give ya that," Rogue replied reluctantly. "But there other things to consider."
"I'll admit he's rough around the edges, but with the right kind of woman by his side, he might surprise you. He surprised me." Scott grunted again in disdain.
Rogue stared at Gambit who was still struggling to catch his breath. It did appeal to her that he went to all this trouble just for her. Although he did rat her out to Jean, it only made sense that he would do it because he liked her, which was kind of nice. Still, she wasn't sure she was ready for another risk. But then again, there might be a payoff.
"Get up you big baby!" Rogue ordered. "Ah didn't hit you that hard!"
"Sez you!" wheezed Gambit.
"Come on," Rogue replied irritated. And she hooked her arms around Gambit's armpits and helped pull him up to his feet. Gambit was still reeling from Rogue's punch. It was apparent that she didn't know her own strength.
"There," she said. "All better now?"
"Halfway dere, chere," Gambit replied in a gravely voice. "Many thanks."
"Ah'm still mad at you," Rogue stated harshly. "But if you're interested, you can make it up to me."
"Gambit is willin' to make amends; if it means dat you'll stop hittin' Gambit."
"Ah'll try, as long as you behave yerself."
"No promises, chere, 'cept that Gambit will try."
"Ah guess that's all ah can ask for, but maybe with a little work…"
"So are we done here?" Scott groaned, hoping that it was finally over.
"I don't know Scott," Jean responded. "The night's still young. And you know, we could…?"
"What?" Scott asked naively. Jean just sighed.
"Gambit don't believe dis," coughed Gambit. "Summers, you de only guy who can have two belle filles fightin' over him an' still not get lucky!"
"Hey, I have something better than that," Scott replied. "I'm in love. And nothing beats that!"
"And who says he's not getting lucky?" Jean replied surprisingly.
"What?" Scott asked in surprise.
"You didn't catch that one?" Jean asked sarcastically.
"Uh, yeah I did it's just that…"
"Scott, let's take a drive and I'll show you exactly what I mean."
Jean grabbed Scott by the hand and dragged a befuddled Scott to his car.
"We'll see you guys later," announced Jean. "Don't wait up!"
And with a wink and a smile Jean and Scott disappeared. Rogue couldn't help but grin as she was happy for them both. And she was surprised; she couldn't find an ounce of jealously within herself. And it felt amazing. She still had her feelings for Scott but she had a newfound respect for Jean that she would never have thought possible. It wasn't that hard. And it made sense, they loved each other. It was a strange thing to her as she pondered previous events, that what made her happiest was that she had helped make two people that she cared about even happier. Their love seemed infectious. It seemed to make all things seem possible.
"Like Gambit said," said Gambit shaking his head. "Nothin' but dumb luck!"
Rogue folded her arms and stared at Gambit without saying anything. She just looked at him for a while as if studying him, or at the very least, trying to figure out what his motives were.
"What, chere?" Gambit asked, not understanding why Rogue was looking at him so intensely.
"Ah don't get you," Rogue stated accusingly.
"Many people don't chere," answered Gambit whimsically.
"Do you have a thing fer me or not?" she asked quite boldly.
"Dat depends," Gambit replied. "If de feelin's mutual."
"Don't bluff me, Cajun! Ah want a straight answer from you fer once!"
"S'pose you deserve dat much. Gambit did spoil your good time. D'Accord, Gambit tink you is the most beautiful girl he ever laid eyes on. You always call Gambit's bluff. You don't like de charm or de sweet talk. You don't fall fer nothin' an' dat makes you de most interestin' girl he has ever known. So you want Gambit to lay it on de line? Well, Gambit will tell you straight, dat he'd like nothin' more den to be wid you."
Rogue blushed a little from what Gambit had said but she quickly turned to hide her face. She tried to cover up her reaction.
"Ah'm sure you would," she replied, trying to sound as sarcastic as possible. "Fat chance in that happenin'"
"Now who's bluffin' chere?" Gambit said teasingly, sensing her discomfort.
Rogue broke down a little. She knew that Gambit intrigued him with his bad boy image and his good looks. But those types of guys were always unreliable in her estimation. Could she really afford to let herself get involved with such a sneak?
"Alright then, swamp rat, if you're so eager you can have the honour of escortin' me this fine evenin' for some fun."
"It would be a pleasure, chere."
"But we're goin' have a few ground rules if we gonna make this work."
"Absolutely chere," he replied as he lit a cigarette. Rogue grabbed the cigarette out his mouth.
"An' yer gonna give up this disgusting habit," she commanded.
"Nonsense chere, cigarettes are good for you." Gambit then took out and lit another cigarette.
"Really?" she asked sarcastically.
"Well, dey feel like dey are."
"Well, that's too bad because if a certain someone were to clean up his act, he might find his luck changin'."
Gambit paused. This was a point he had to consider.
"Elaborate, if you please, chere?"
"All ah'm sayin' is that our night on the town might include a detour to a certain costume shop is all."
Gambit tossed his cigarette away.
"Gambit can learn to change. Dat is, if de offer is sincere."
"You're a gamblin' man, right? Only one way fer you to find out. So what will be?" Rogue moved closely towards and looked seductively into Gambit's eyes.
"Gambit tink his luck is about to change."
And with that, both mutants walked arm in arm out of the abandoned club and made their way to a night on the town and a future of endless possibilities.