Gambit arrived back at the x-mansion late.
The party had started an hour ago.
He hadn't meant to be late, that wasn't his intention when he hopped on his bike that afternoon.
But before he realized it, he had driven over 2 hours away from the house and knew..after checking his watch, that there was no way he would get back in time.
He felt guilty, but hoped that Rogue wouldn't be angry.
After parking his motorcycle in the garage, he took off his trench coat and glasses and put them on the seat of the bike, he would retrieve them later.
He decided he wouldn't change, but go straight to the party.
Remy checked his image in one of Scott's rearview car mirrors and after combing his hair out with his fingers he deemed himself presentable.
He made his way through the house and to the back, where the celebration was being held-outside in the backyard.
Everything was in full swing, he felt the music vibrating through the walls and could hear laughter and conversation.
The first thing he noticed when he walked outside were the balloons, streamers and the multicolored lights that shown in the early twilight.
He saw that the professor had hired a live band and people were dancing around and having a good time.
A table was piled with an assortment of food, another was covered with gifts and he felt some relief that she hadn't opened them without him.
The second thing he did was hone in on Rogue. She was past where all the dancing was going on-off to the side.
She was talking to Jean and Scott about something animatedly and they were all laughing cheerfully.
He couldn't see exactly what she was wearing but he did notice that her hair was in a french twist.
He saw something glitter on her neck and knew she was wearing his necklace.
She seemed to feel his presence because right away she turned away from the couple and looked immediately at him.
Rogue then said something to Scott and Jean and started in his direction.
Even from as far away as she was he could see that she didn't look very happy, although her expression was unreadable.
She made her way through the crowded dance floor. And came to a halt in front of him.
Her expression still hadn't changed.
"Your late" she finally said. Her hands on her hips.
"Remy know and he's sorry" his head hung down in slight shame.
Rogue saw that, slowly smiled at him and then leaned into him. She then kissed him softly allowing him to taste her favorite strawberry lip gloss. Remy was somewhat taken aback, she had never actually kissed him in front of any of the x-men and he found it somewhat of a turn on that she was showing her affections for him so openly in front of everyone.
She must be in a really good mood. he told himself.
She ended the kiss and pulled away from him. That was the first time he allowed himself to take in her outfit. His eyes had been on her face the whole time trying to read her emotions as she made her way toward him. The long dress she wore was a shimmering emerald color and when the light played across it changed different colors, the sides had two slits on it that went all the way up to mid thigh. She wore a see through jacket over the dress and he saw that it was strapless, it showed off her curves and accentuated her lithe figure. She also wore matching gloves that went almost all the way up her arm.
She noticed him eyeing her and her eyes started to twinkle.
"Ya like what y'see sugah?"
He looked up at her a cocky grin planted on his features. "Definitely chere, although it makes Remy tink about dat which he don't see"
She playfully slapped him on his arm.
"Remy!"
"And it does give Remy sometin' t'dream about" he grabbed her hand before she could respond, and he led her to where all the dancing was going on. "So ya want t'dance?"
"Only with you" she whispered quietly.
Two hours later, the party was still going on.
They had danced, ate cake and some other foods, opened presents, talked to several people, and unknown to Rogue, Remy had kept an eye on Joseph who seemed to always have his eyes on her.
Remy knew he wasn't as angry as he had been earlier. And after time he stopped giving the white haired guy any thought.
Another ten minutes later after saying bye discreetly to Jean and Kitty, Rogue had grabbed Remy and led him away from the party.
"Where ya takin' me chere?"
"I want to show you something"
He allowed himself to be led away.
He noticed that they were heading toward her bedroom and that is when his heart rate went up a couple notches. Not knowing what to expect.
They quietly entered her room and before she was able to turn her lights on, he saw a pair of eyes looking at him in the dark.
Curious eyes.
He was about to say something but was glad he didn't. When the lights came on he saw what it was.
It would have been a silly fuss about nothing.
He looked down at the object the eyes belonged to.
"Chere ya know dat dere is a kitten on your bed don't ya?"
She giggled as she took off her jacket and threw it on the back of her chair.
Walking over to the bed she sat down on it and pulled the kitten to her. Cradling the furry creature in her arms.
That is when his eyes lost contact with the feline, and went to Rogue's leg that was sticking out of the side of her dress.
He also noticed the way the dress tightened around her when she sat down. He found his thoughts were straying and it wasn't until he heard Rogue say something that he was pulled out of his reverie.
"What?" he said softly his voice husky.
"I said are ya goin' t'stare at me all night or do ya want t'know what I am doin' with a kittin?"
"Is dis a trick question?" he asked while lifting his head to capture her eyes with his.
She laughed at that and then got up off the bed, she carefully placed the kitten down on the floor.
That is whenRogue started to pull her gloves off. That act was enough to drive him over the edge.
He went up to her and stopped her. She looked up at him puzzled.
"Can Remy?" he asked her.
She shrugged her shoulders and held out her hand to him.
He took her hand in his and lightly led his fingers up her arm to the top of her glove.
He started to pull the glove down the length of her arm...
Slowly, taking in the soft feel of her arm as he did so.
He then repeated it with the other and then threw them over his shoulder,allowing them to fall behind him.
"Dats better"
"Thanks" Rogue sighed when he was done.
"Anytime chere, and Remy do mean anytime" he kissed her softly on her hand that he was still holding and then let it go.
She gave him a soft smile.
"I think I will change, this is gettin' a little to uncomfortable" Rogue went over to her dresser and pulled out some clothes before heading to the bathroom.
She turned her head to look at him "Be right back"
"Remy not goin anywhere"
"Good" she said before shutting the door behind her.
He went and sat down in the chair. He wasn't there more than 20 seconds when he felt something tugging on his pant leg.
He leaned down.
The kitten.
Remy didn't really like animals.
But his one was looking at him in such a way that he found him self leaning over and picking up the little cat.
He/she started purring immediately. He used both hands to bring the cat level with his face.
The cats huge yellow eyes watched him waiting to see what he was going to do.
"She's cute isn't she!" Rogue said coming out of the bathroom so silently that Remy hadn't heard her. She was now wearing a pair of loose fitting jeans along with a black tank top.
He saw the necklace was tucked underneath the shirt. She had also removed the light makeup she had been wearing and her radiant skin shone healthy under the bedroom light. Rogue had also taken her hair down and in now flowed freely around her shoulders.
He held out the cat to her and she took the kitten from him, immediately petting the kitten who started to purr even louder with delight.
"Don't ya want t'know who gave her t'me?"
"Sure Chere"
"Logan!" she said excitedly "I couldn't believe it when I opened the box! Who would have thought that Logan could get me something as adorable as a kitten for my birthday!"
she frowned slightly "I've never had a pet before"
"Remy don't count?"
She rolled her eyes at that.
"He even got me a litter box" she paused when she saw Remy scrunch his nose at that but them continued "and a bed and a collar and he said he would buy me a tag as soon as I named her"
He hadn't seen her act like this in a long time, so childlike and innocent. He enjoyed it. He leaned back in his chair more comfortably and continued to watch her as she continued to gush.
"I don't know what to name her though" she tilted her head to the side and raised her right eyebrow "Do ya know of a good name?"
"Just don't name it Wolverine...ones more than enough"
"Ha Ha"
She put the kitten back down on her bed and made her way back over to him.
"So ya ready for a long night?"
He knew that question could have a lot of answers and a lot of possibilities to it as well.
"What did ya have in mind petite?"
"I thought since it is my birthday that we could stay up all night and watch my favorite movies"
"Ya know we could stay up all night doin' somethin more entertainin dan dat" he said while getting up and moving toward her, a suggestive look on his face.
Rogue blushed as he approached her.
He started to lean toward her, his eyes fixed on her lips...his mouth was about to make contact with hers when someone started to knock on Rogue's door.
He pulled away from her reflexively. But that didn't stop Rogue.
She found his lips with hers immediately and kissed him, his desire roseand he pulled her more firmly against his body.
Rogue allowed him to. His hand made its way to the back of her neck and he lightly touched the chain of her necklace enjoying the cold feel against his fingers.
Her hands were in his hair lightly caressing his head, making his thoughts muddled.
And then the knock came again. Louder.
And then Remy knew who it was. It could only be one person.
Logan.
That realization in its self was enough to make him pull away from Rogue..again.
"He'll go away." Rogue insisted as she started to kiss him again. And he was almost drawn in to it.
But then the knock came again.
Even louder than before.
Remy was surprised the door didn't break wide open from the pressure that wolverine was applying behind his tremulous knock.
He pulled away from her and lightly caressed her face with his hand.
"Ya can get da door Rogue, Remy don't mind"
"And then we can watch some movies?"
"If dats what ya want, sure"
She kissed him softly on the lips one more time before going to open the door.
Wolverine and his timin' Remy thought somewhat bitterly. Or does he do dat on purpose?
Remy got on Rogues bed and after retrieving the remote from the nightstand turned on the TV.
That is when Rogue opened the door, she didn't allow Logan in, but she herself went out into the hallway.
She closed the door behind her.
The kitten got up from it's sleeping position, cuddled up near Remy's leg and then curled up into a ball.
He decided to let it be and didn't bother moving it.
After watching the news channel for a couple minutes, since nothing else seemed to be on, Rogue came back in.
She was carrying a big bowl of popcorn and a six pack of cold Pepsi. Her jean pockets were also bulging. Obviously she had made a stop at the kitchen after talking with Wolverine.
Rogue handed the popcorn to him and placed the Pepsis on the floor.
She then started to empty her pockets.
Hershey bars, snickers and butterfingers started to pile up on her comforter.
After she was finished she leaned over Remy and grabbed the remote. Then she got on the bed took of her shoes with just her feet and propped the pillows behind her head.
She turned the DVD player on and a lion roaring filled up her room through her surround sound speakers as the movie started.
Then after leaning over Remy once more she picked up the kitten and placed her between the two of then.
Smiling at Remy she turned off the lights.
And it was just Remy, Rogue, one unnamed kitten and an unknown movie title playing on a flat screen TV. All alone in the dark on a very comfortable bed.
Remy wouldn't have had it any other way.
Except he could have done without the kitten, and even the movie.
And the fact that they could only touch for short periods of time.
That always put a damper on his mood.
The kitten got up, stretched and jumped off the bed.
That was fine with Remy.
He moved his body closer to Rogue until they were touching, he then positioned the popcorn bowl on both of them.
The opening sequence started and he saw that they were watching Batman Returns.
Could be worse, Could be some sappy love movie
She handed him a Pepsi and then Rogue proceeded to open one for herself.
He watched her through the flickering of the TV light, as she drank the pop thirstily.
Rogue then put it on her night stand and started to eat the popcorn.
He was enjoying watching her in the dark.
"Your doin' it again Remy" Rogue said turning toward him, she threw some popcorn at him.
"Doing what?" he asked, although he knew the answer.
"Starin' at me"
"Remy can do more dan stare if ya like"
"Is that an offer?" her eyes shown mischievously.
"Anyting' y'want it t'be" he said returning the playful banter.
"Are ya tryin' to proposition me?"
"Don't see anyone else in da room"
"Thought we were goin' to watch movies!"
"Nobody said we had to turn it off" he moved in closer to her.
She moved away. He moved in again.
She moved away from him once again.
And then fell off the bed.
Remy rolled over onto his side and looked down on the floor.
There was nobody there.
And that is when he felt something. Something that knocked him over and right onto the carpet.
He heard her laughing above him.
"Bet ya never thought ya would ever get kicked out of a girls' bed" she said looking down at him.
"Well Remy must admit dis is da first time" he got off the floor, Rogue moved over and he sat back down on the bed.
"Serves ya right Cajun"
She grabbed his hand and pulled him further onto the bed...
Unfortunately for Remy all they did the rest of the night was watch movies...until they both fell asleep.
Remy woke up to the sound of soft knocking on the door.
For a minute he didn't know where he was, but then it dawned on him that he was once again waking up in Rogue's bed.
That brought a smile to his lips, but it disappeared when he realized there was a stowaway sleeping on his body.
The kitten. It was curled up and sleeping on his stomach. He could feel the vibrations of the purring through his shirt.
He was about to sit up, (thus knocking the cat off of him) but before he could the bedroom door opened and when Remy turned to see who it was he immediately knew,
the long red hair giving her away.
Jean's eyes widened just enough for Remy to notice and then she took on a "Oh isn't that cute" look when she saw the cat sleeping on Remy's belly.
"Can Remy help ya with someting petite?" he asked her as she made her way further into the room. He yawned, and laid his hands behind his head so he could watch Jean a little more comfortably.
"I was looking for Rogue"
"She's not here"
"So I see" Jean said as her eyes quickly took in the bedroom "Do you know where she is?"
He sat up slowly. The cat begrudgingly got up off of him and the jumped onto the floor. It them went over to Jean where she started to rub against the red heads legs.
"What time is it?" he asked tiredly.
"8:30" she stooped down and picked up the kitten. She started to speak to it in a babying tone as she petted it.
Remy rolled over and stuck a pillow over his head.
"It's too early for Remy," he said his voice muffled. "Rogues probably downstairs"
"Ok, thanks," Jean said. "Do you mind if I take the kitten with me for a while? I want to show the others"
"Remy don't care" he muttered, waiting for her to go away.
The door finally closed behind her and he drifted back off to sleep.
A couple hours later he awoke once again. This time he knew he was up for good.
He saw that someone had placed a blanket over him while he had slept.
And they also had left some orange juice for him along with a couple of croissants.
Rogue of course.
Remy got up off the bed, stretched lazily, yawned loudly and then left Rogues room, tiredly making his way back to his. But not before downing most of the orange juice and grabbing the two rolls.
He needed a shower, and was in a desperate need of a change of clothes.
It didn't take Remy long to complete his shower and get dressed.
He already was making his way downstairs.
Taking the glass down with him, he dropped it off in the empty kitchen.
He was a neater person than most people thought.
On his way there Remy passed the rec room where Joseph, Bobby and Scott were in the middle of a pool game.
Remy didn't bother stopping, normally he would have, it was always easy suckering the x-people out of money in games. But he didn't feel like it that particular morning.
He decided he could use a good workout, his muscles were aching a little and he knew they could use a good stretching out session.
So he headed to the danger room.
After entering his code the doors slid open swiftly. At that is where he found Rogue.
She was jump roping, headphones on, listening to some music on her small mp3 player that was attached to her hip.
She noticed him right away, offered him a small smile and then continued what she was doing.
He went to the men's locker room and changed into his workout clothes. Sweat pants and a tight fitting black tee shirt that accentuated his well formed abs.
He also placed his staff into his right side pocket, he never liked it to be far from him. He had already decided he wouldn't need his cards.
After he entered the room once again he found that Rogue was done with the jump rope, her breathing was erratic and she was now lying sprawled out on the exercise mat.
"Good workout chere?" he asked after he was standing behind her. He looked down at her.
Her breathing was regulating quickly and with Remy's offered hand she stood up.
"Dang, you wouldn't think jumping with a little rope could take so much out of you, I feel like I have run about 20 miles"
"How long did you do it today?" He asked while looking at her body which glistening softy from sweat.
"Six minutes, four times at three minute intervals" She said while stopping her watch on her wrist. "think that is enough exercising for today."
Her face suddenly became playful. She had her rope folded in half and it was wrapped around her shoulders. Her hands made there way to the end of each side of the rope, then in one fluid movement she threw the rope over Remys neck and pulled him to her.
Her mouth was inches from his, it stayed there for a couple long seconds teasing him with every breath he took, she then leaned her head toward his right ear.
"Unless of course ya want t'wrestle" she said seductively her voice like honey. And twice as sweet.
"With you?" he asked his voice caught in his throat. Only Rogue could do that to him.
"Of course sugah" she took a couple steps back and looked at him almost haughtily. "Unless of course ya don't want t'get you butt stomped...again...I guess I would understand"
He straightened up and matched her look with one of his own.
"What's da rules?"
"No powers, weapons ok and..." she narrowed her eyes at him "no dirty tricks"
"Remy don't fight dirty" he said while trying to give her a innocent look. He failed.
Rogue gazed at him reproachfully.
"Well not wit you"
"Ya right swamp rat, and what do you call last week when you used your empathy on me to make me take it easy on you?"
"Dats not true!" Remy demanded.
"The more ya say that the less I believe you"
"Ok, so Remy bend da rules a little" he shrugged his shoulders "dats what they are dere for"
"You would know" she said, rolling her eyes.
She placed her right hand on her hip.
"So ya game Remy?"
"Oui"
"Good..I'll Be right back, let me get my extra pair of sais" she walked slowly emphasizing the movement on her hips, knowing full well he was watching her.
Rogue returned quickly and stopped short of him at a couple feet.
She looked more refreshed then when he had first seen her that morning and looked more than ready to take him on.
Dis is goin' t'be fun.
They started circling one another, each looking for an opening.
Rogue made the first move.
She kicked at him high, her foot almost making contact with his face, but he leaned over quicklyas he heard her leg whiz pass him, mere inches from his ear.
She then dropped to the ground and went for his legs, he easily evaded, as he rolled over to the side.
Jumping back onto his feet he was suddenly knocked down by Rogue, she could be very quick when she wanted, and that was obviously one of those times.
She got on top of him and straddled him, if his adrenaline wasn't already pumping his blood would have started to then.
She placed her hands over his upper body and leaned into him.
"Ya give up?" she asked, her warm breath fanning over his face.
"No," was all he offered as he rolled, bringing her with him until he was now positioned on top.
"Do y'give up chere?" he asked his body pinning her quite securely to the ground. His hands holding her down.
"Never!"
"Don't tink y'have much choice petite, ya aren't goin' anywhere"
She squirmed underneath him and he became even more aware than before what a precarious position they were both in.
His hands went down the length of her body until they made contact with her weapons, he then disarmed her.
"Don't tink you'll be needin' those"
She suddenly stopped moving and looked at him. Her eyes were clouded over and her breathing was slightly erratic.
"Remy?" she said his name softly and that was all it took. He was thoroughly distracted. He brought his mouth readily down on hers and enjoyed the feel of her hands running along his body. He was just about to start kissing her near her collarbone when he heard something strange...She was laughing. And it wasn't a nice laugh either.
He suddenly realized what was about to happen when he heard a small click.
The sound of his staff behind extended to it's full length.
And that was when she used it to shove him roughly off of her. She then turned it around and brought it down into his stomach.
He doubled over. It wasn't as painful as he knew it could have been but it still knocked the breath out of him.
How did she do dat without Remy noticin'?
She retracted the staff and put it into her pocket. Rogue then reached down and picked up her sais holding them in her hands. Flipping them expertley in the air, she caught them and placed them back into the loops on her leather belt.
Rogue waited for him to get off the ground. It didn't take him long, as soon as he caught his breath he flipped back onto his feet.
"Thought we weren't playing dirty chere!" he said pursing his lips at her. "Ya can't always seduce your opponent"
"Seduce you?" she looked at him humorously. "It was either that or knee you were it counted" she lowed her head down emphasizing her point.
"Don't expect Remy t'thank you" he said scowling at her openly.
"I don't" her mouth started to curl up into a smile.
He eyed his staff that was sticking out of her pocket. She followed his gaze.
She caressed the metal rod and looked back at him.
"Ya want this Remy?"
He nodded his head slowly.
"Well then come and get it!"
She started to run from him and he started after her. Enjoying the chase.
Twenty minutes later they were both panting. Both breathing heavyily.
They were both lying on the mat. Rogue had her head lying on his stomach and at the moment her eyes were closed.
Remy had one hand touching Rogue and the other around his staff which he had finally gotten back.
He knew he was smiling.
Dropping the staff to his side, his hands went up to Rogue's head where he took her hair out of the pony tail she had it in. He then started to touch it lightly enjoying the feel of her silk like hair between his fingers. She opened her eyes and looked at him.
"Thanks for stayin' up with me last night"
"Of course chere"
"I didn't hurt ya too much did I?" she said a soft smile forming on her face.
"Remy will live"
"Glad t'hear it"
"How 'bout you chere?"
Her hand made its way up to her head where a small bump was now located. He had hit her harder then he had meant to during there little match.
"I'll be fine"
"Dats good"
She suddenly sat up and Remy allowed her hair to flow out of his fingers.
Standing up she started stretching, Remy laid back and enjoyed the view.
Looking at her watch, slight shock rippled through her naturally pale features.
"Oh no, I didn't know it was so late, I promised Logan that I would go for a ride with him today"
"Ya have to Chere?" he asked picking himself and his staff slowly off the floor.
"Yes, haven't spent anytime with him lately," she frowned slightly "Unless y'call Danger room sessions quality time"
He took her hand and softly brought her to him. He then kissed her gently on the corner of her mouth.
"Well den you best be goin' "
She smiled at him, turned around, and then walked quickly out of the room.
"Ill see ya later Remy" she called out over her shoulder.
"Ya can count on dat chere" he whispered quietly as the doors closed swiftly behind her.
Remy had just finished changing out of his clothes in the back of the men's locker room when he heard voices.
Scott's and Joseph's. He was about to make his presence known, but he then found himself edging backwards after hearing what there topic of conversation was.
Rogue.
At the moment Scott was doing the talking.
"Yep, she's now 21"
"She looks younger than that"
"I suppose she does" Scott agreed.
"How long has she been dating that Gambit guy?"
Scott paused as if thinking..
"A little more than a year, are you ready to start?"
Joseph shook his head yes.
"Computer activate program sentinal4A level 3"
"Program activated, please state preference" the danger rooms computer voice bellowed.
"Survival mode" Scott stated.
"Program initiated, please stand by"
Remy heard a slight whoosh and knew the danger room was changing its surrounding. Looking out he saw that it now looked like a parking lot. Sentinels were landing coming toward the two.
They both tensed ready for action.
Remy found he was curious as to what the Joseph guys power was, he hadn't bothered asking.
Scott started blasting the oversized robot with his optic blasts, and Joseph started hovering off the ground. He then brought his hands out in front of him and pointed upward at the sentinel, the sentinels head started sparking, and then fell off, landing loudly on the ground. Joseph then put his hands together and made a shoving gesture, the sentinel toppled over backwards.
The sentinels then disappeared. Since they both had been destroyed.
"Ready for level 4?" Scott asked.
"Sure...do you think they will last?"
"Gambit and Rogue? Scott shook his head "I don't know...why are you so interested in her anyway?"
"You've never been?" Joseph asked sidestepping the question.
Scott didn't answer.
"Computer start level 4"
This time four sentinels landed and came toward the two.
They defeated them as easily as the first two.
"I've got Jean" Scott finally said after the second bacth of sentinels vanished.
"So you care for Rogue?"
"Of course I do, she is a fascinating person, and a great team member"
"You've never thought about her romantically?"
Scott seemed hesitant about answering.
"I don't know" Scott finally answered his words having a curious quietness to them.
"Did she date anyone before Gambit?"
"Not that I know of"
"So he's her first?"
"What do you mean by that?" Scott asked his voice on the defensive side. He didn't wait for an answer "she can't touch anyone you know"
"She doesn't seem to have any difficulties touching Gambit"
Scott didn't say anything to that.
"Computer start level 5"
The scenery changed from the parking lot to the front of the Xavier Mansion.
After the sentinels arrived, Remy found it was a good time to make a discreet exit. He had heard enough.