(Eight)
The Professor broke ground in late fall on a new addition to the school. This was actually a dorm to be constructed for some of the teaching staff. That was what he was calling it anyway, but it was soon clear this was no ordinary building. It was attached to the house, but had reinforced walls and high tech security systems. This was a quad, a four apartment complex. With all the mutants living here and contributing their skills to the construction effort, the building went up quickly.
When the list came out for who would be moved in, it became apparent early on that this quad was built for Kimble's care and protection against any would be bounty collectors who might happen by. The heaviest hitters and most senior folks were moving in, an unusual mix of people. Jean and Scott were moved into one of the lower level apartments, their seniority giving them first choice. Jean was just about ready to deliver their first child so no one complained about them having a first floor flat.
Logan and Karen took an apartment as well. They chose one of the upper level spaces, liking the balcony there that overlooked the woods. The apartment was spacious, plenty of room for all. As Karen's ward, Molly would be moving in with them. Molly didn't complain about moving away from the big house, she was closer to Gambit now.
As if sensing her closeness, Remy chose the other upstairs flat. Kimble would be his roommate, Remy was still Kimble's Master as far as everyone else was concerned and the Siskan still needed looking after. Gambit didn't complain about having to move from the Mansion. There were several reasons for this of course, one being that he had received a serious upgrade in his living space. He had gone from a tiny single bedroom to a three bedroom apartment with all the privacy and amenities he could want.
The privacy was very important to him. Once he had taken that first step, it became that much easier to allow Kimble into his bed night after night once they moved into the quad. He had found Kimble's intimacy intoxicating, almost addictive. There was something to be said for that blast of love that Kimble slammed into him every time. It reached a place inside of him that had been hurting for a long time now, healing him and bringing him a sense of great peace. They kept their lovemaking as quiet as possible of course, making sure they were never compromised. It wasn't that Remy was embarrassed to admit he had finally gone this far, it was because in spite of how great all of this was, his conditions still stood. He was still waiting for Molly and their physical relationship would not last forever. He didn't want Molly to misunderstand and walk away from him. He didn't want to lose her.
Kimble understood this and did his best to behave normally around other folks, maintaining Gambit's secrecy. There were no public kisses or hugs or the holding of hands. Truth was, Kimble had had enough of the prejudicial behaviors of the others to want to avoid any uncomfortable moments. Their couplings were kept as silent as possible and always late at night or only when the house was empty. He enjoyed his Master's attention far too much to risk Remy's ire, he felt happy in a way that was much too good to give up.
Gambit saw to it that Kimble settled in properly. Kimble had his own room, one he shared with Angel. He could have had his own space in the three bedroom flat but he insisted on bunking with his Mistress, wanting her close. They installed bunkbeds to conserve on space, all the better to fill the room with toys. Kimble was thrilled, he took the top bunk, taking advantage of a sky light that was there, giving him a good view of the moon and stars.
Remy made sure the place was well stocked with toys and fine pieces of art, knowing that Kimble enjoyed them so very much. Showcased of course were two lovely good sized watercolor paintings of Siskan castles. These Aiden had made at Remy's request and sent them along to his friend, happy to paint something he knew another Siskan might enjoy as well. Kimble was delighted when he saw them, the views were not all that different than the ones he had seen from Sheyman's windows. Remy was sure to send a letter back to Aiden thanking him for his work, inviting him to send more along.
The fourth and last flat was taken by a new addition to the crew and a new mother, Cindi Landry. She had the ability to create bio-electricity as Sabretooth's Davis had. She hadn't been on the team long, and was an ex-mutant terrorist that had come to the Institute looking for a better way. She was well trained in the use of her power and had won over the trust of the X-men, proving herself time and time again. She would be a quick and ready opponent to any who might try and attack the quad. Her daughter, Chelsea was two months old.
Now it was clear this building served a dual purpose. All the folks moving in were either expecting or had kids themselves. Logan groaned in agony as the quad filled up with infants. Gambit of course, was thrilled. From famine to feast as far as he was concerned. The more rugrats the better. He saw it as fatherhood in training and was happy to be around all the kids. His apartment was kept unlocked and all the children were freely invited in to take advantage of the many toys and games he had bought for Kimble and Angel. Logan wasn't so elated. He grumbled unhappily that he was being deliberately picked on. He was about to be in the thick of an impromptu daycare center and wasn't sure how he was going to take it.
It turned out that the four families turned out to be a good arrangement. Kimble was still restricted as to where he could go so he was always around. His constant presence made it so that he got indirectly lumped with babysitting the other kids and it was soon discovered he had quite a talent for it. He handled the kids easily and organized things in such a way that made his services convenient for all. As more infants came to live at Xavier's, they were added to the mix. Kimble had found himself a job and was thrilled.
Molly had never really joined the X-men as a warrior and she found herself helping Kimble out with the kids quite a bit. The two of them were given space in one of the large common rooms in the Mansion and an official daycare center was set up. Their friendship grew as they worked together and soon both the two of them and Remy were inseparable. When Gambit had said the three of them were a team, he had meant it. This only proved him right. None were closer.
The arrangements helped in another way as well. Logan and Kimble had grown closer to each other since moving in. They would never be buddies, but formed a kind of respect for one another over time. It began in a most usual way. On one of the first mornings in his new digs, Kimble stepped out onto the newly made patio, his eyes still heavy with sleep. The mornings were hardest for him from going all night without power. He came out now everyday at dawn to recharge.
This quad had been finely built with Kimble's comfort in mind. The quad also had a large common great room for all to share and it was split into two parts – most of the area was an elaborate recreational room with a jukebox and a large stone fireplace. There were also some pinball machines and a pool table. The other half of the room was an inside patio with large green plants and a huge glass door that allowed for Kimble to sun himself if it was too cold to actually go outside. It was still decent out now so Kimble passed quietly through the glass door to the outside area.
Wolverine had beaten him out here, being an even earlier riser than Kimble was. He was out on the nice new patio stones, lightly dressed in spite of the chill in the air. His eyes were closed in concentration as he went through the gentle gliding moves of a Tai Chi exercise routine. He used to do this at the big house patio by the pool, but this was closer to his new wife and actually gave a better view of the grounds.
Kimble was quiet, trying to stay out of Logan's way. They had made peace, but Kimble didn't think they would ever be friends. He set Angel's carrier gently down next to a lawn chair and sat, spreading his wings to the rising sun. Angel was a good sleeper and hadn't even woken up from the move from inside to outside, she was out cold asleep and bundled up warm.
Kimble offered no greeting to Wolverine and the guy acted as though the Siskan wasn't even there. The pilot watched this seasoned warrior move, a small smile on his face. He could appreciate the skill with which Logan was moving, he was liquid and beautiful in a way Kimble found pleasing. He watched him close, memorizing the steps to the dance, thinking perhaps to try it himself sometime.
Logan finished his exercise about an hour later. He was refreshed and relaxed, ready to start his day. He knew the Siskan was out there and was grateful for his silence. He looked on Kimble's face and saw that he'd acted out of respect and not fear. He also saw the appreciation and pleasure his motions had caused in the pilot. He nodded at him. "If ya like, come earlier tomorrow an' I'll show you." He didn't wait for Kimble's reply but walked back into the quad, ready for breakfast.
The next day, Kimble was there and ready. He walked out and took a position at Logan's side and assumed a stance, letting Logan know that he'd learned some already from yesterday. Wolverine just smiled and began to move. Kimble shadowed him perfectly, pausing only when Logan showed him something new. No words passed between them, there was no need. This began a new morning ritual that lasted for many years.
Logan's new relationship with the pilot worked out well for all. There was peace in the house and he taught Kimble ways to control his temper and build inner peace and harmony. They exercised, but Wolverine had also taught him to meditate and other practices that helped to keep him stable. Kimble also found outlets with his art. He continued to draw and later to paint as Aiden did. It seemed as though the Siskan was finally settling down for good.
The time passed quickly and the beginning of a new year brought some more changes, mostly in Gambit. He had been bunking with Kimble since they moved into the quad together, but really the separate bedrooms had been a farce. Kimble was in his bed most nights and the two of them had shared a whirlwind romance that had gone on now for a few months. It was great, something they had both needed but it was destined to come to an end. Remy knew this, he just wasn't sure if Kimble still did. As the year came to a close and a new one began, Gambit's eyes were often on the calender, his thoughts on the girl next door.
He was restless and walking up in the middle of the night now. Just last night he had slid out of bed, careful not to disturb Kimble who lay tangled there asleep and slipped out to the balcony to look out at the sky and think. Remy had done his best to keep the affair between himself and Kimble a secret, he didn't want to cause a stir at the house, nor did he want Molly to think she had been left behind for good. He didn't think she knew that it had continued beyond just a couple of quick tumbles and was doing his best to keep it that way. He was terrified of losing her.
Remy had many reasons to stay as he was. He loved Kimble, he did. He couldn't deny that he had been seriously spoiled these last weeks. Kimble had maintained their quarters with his usual efficiency. In spite of the kids always being in here, the flat was spotless and the toys cleaned up at the end of the day. Kimble was always cooking something good, snacks and full meals alike, and Remy had gained weight, a good thing in his case. Kimble washed his clothes, got him drinks, waited on him and served him just as well as he did his Mistress.
To show his appreciation and to offer Kimble more security, Gambit had even gone so far as to give Kimble his legal name, changing it even through the SHIELD identity cards Fury had given the Siskan, Kimble was now an official LeBeau and his Angel as well. Bank accounts had been set up with Sabretooth's money, Kimble would want for nothing.
Remy was active in Angel's life, he had in many ways, unofficially adopted her. Even though she would be calling him Uncle as she grew, the bond was much closer. Remy had asserted himself in subtle ways. He saw to it that she was baptized and himself named as her godfather though Kimble knew little more of religion than what Leon and Kurt had told him. Remy had every intention of seeing to it she had some kind of religious education when she got bigger. He had been raised that way and it was just in his heart that that was the right thing to do. Kimble was happy to go along with it, anything that made Gambit happy was fine with him.
But Remy knew even all of that wasn't enough.
The flip side of all that was that Kimble was needy, he was constantly around and Remy was used to more independent lovers. From the moment Gambit would enter the apartment, Kimble was at his side and there, wordlessly demanding his attention even as Remy was being spoiled in return.
There was also Kimble's low hum of melancholy – even though the Siskan was integrated, he was still damaged and unwhole. It left its mark on him in the form of a constant vibration of disquiet. Remy had hoped that their love affair would have been the finishing touches on Darken's repair and that wasn't the case at all. It had done Kimble some good, that total acceptance, but it wasn't enough to smooth Kimble out for good. There had even been some trouble in their coupling – just once. Kimble, on a night they had gotten a little more rowdy than usual, had gone so far as to ask Remy to hit him while they were making love. Of course Remy had refused, but then Kimble had dared to slap him, hoping to provoke him into it instead. It had the opposite effect Kimble wanted – Remy was furious and stormed out, staying away for a few days. When he returned, Kimble was practically groveling at his feet in complete shambles and begging for forgiveness. Of course Remy had forgiven him, but Kimble never dared to ask him for that again.
As if in unspoken compensation such an egregious error, Kimble waited on him hand and foot even more than before and it was more than Remy was used to, something that began to rankle just a bit over time. It made Gambit sick to see that kind of subservience from his friend, he didn't want Kimble to think of himself as his servant. Gambit just knew that if that one spat was any indication, the longer they stayed together as a couple, the more likely they would tear each other apart.
As time passed and their relationship grew more and more strained, Remy began to consider his other options. As much as Remy was enjoying the heck out of Angel, he wanted kids of his own. Yes, if he stayed with Kimble he could adopt as many kids as he liked, but he was inwardly a bit selfish. He wanted his own flesh and blood if he could have it and Kimble couldn't provide him with that. As winter turned to spring, all those reasons combined had Remy was thinking it was time for a change.
Gambit was perplexed. How was he going to graciously withdraw from his Siskan with minimum damage? He had been slowly backing off, finding excuses to work more and the like. Kimble never outwardly questioned this, he just changed his routine to accommodate. At first Remy thought his weaning tactics were working, but there were times he would come home from an all nighter only to find the Siskan buried deep in his bed, out cold asleep but still waiting for him to come home. He would gently shift Kimble over, wanting to sleep, and invariably those slender white arms would come around him, blast him with Kundatesh, and it was all over. They would make wild, passionate love and he was too needful of that powerful magic to stop it. What was he going to do?
Gambit was in the city now, walking down the rainy streets of New York as his mind whirled with possible solutions to his dilemma. He paused when he found himself in front of a small pet store. He couldn't stop himself from walking in and looking around. He stopped once more when he was confronted with an eye level metal cage full of kittens.
He had always been fond of cats, finding a kind of kinship with their acrobatic grace and style, their playful independence. It was like looking at an animal version of himself. Just like his love for babies, there was no greater happiness for him than to curl up with a nice fat cat on his lap.
Remy carefully slipped his hand inside the cage and reached out to the tiny fuzzy kittens, a small smile teasing the corners of his mouth. He gasped softly when he saw their bright tiny shines click on as they came close and rubbed against him. He had never dreamed his empathy would work with animals as well and it was a happy surprise. They came at him playfully, / Love me! Play with me!
He couldn't help but smile again. This was an unexpected pleasure, one that thrilled him beyond measure. Oh, this was too good. He gleefully turned to his internal sister for guidance. Did you know about dis? Dat dis power would work fo' animals, too?
/ Not exactly, but if you think about it, there's not much difference between an animal and a human...or a Siskan for that matter. They are just as emotional as anything else. /
Fair enough. Which one we choosin', Shi'ow-ri?
/ Touch them all, she replied in her gentle whisper.
He petted them all, these wonderful tiny beasts, his fingers dancing lightly over them. He sent out a vibration, just to see what would happen. / Got a friend of mine, someone I care about a lot. Gotta break some real bad news to 'im and I need some moral support. 'E's kinda sick inside an' he gonna need a friend after dis. Which one of you petites gonna be de one to 'elp me do dis?
/ I will,/ came a tiny reply from somewhere within the cage.
Which one dat?
/ The grey tabby in the back, Shi'ow-ri replied.
She seem kinda quiet.
/ Quiet, yes. Thoughtful. Reach out, feel her love. /
Remy reached out and spoke to the tiny kitten, / How about it, chere? You de one gonna make my Kimble smile?
/ Love me. /
/ He will. /
/Take me with you. /
"I'll take dat one dere," Remy said to the store clerk when she came over.
"You can pick her up if you like. Bring her out."
Remy smiled and carefully raised the tiny kitten out from the kennel. She clambered up against him and put her tiny paw to his chin. / We go now?
"Got to give dis nice lady some money first, petite. Den we go."
A half hour later, Remy found Kimble in the common room for the quad. It was still raining and chilly out, too chilly for the Siskan to be outside so he was sitting here with his wings fanned out to catch what sunlight there was leaking in through the glass of the patio slider. He was crosslegged on the floor, his eyes half closed as he meditated - this was another thing that Logan had taught him and it had helped him maintain an inner peace and serenity. He looked so calm and quiet, happy.
Once Kimble had been restored and returned to himself, most of the time he walked about topless as he had always done. He was sitting now without a shirt and his new Mark clearly visible. That was the weirdest thing, the hardest change that Remy had to deal with. He just couldn't get used to that big purple Mark, it just seemed wrong somehow. He wasn't the only one who felt this way, he had sometimes catch Kimble looking in their full length bathroom mirror, stroking his hands up and down that large tattoo, a strange, perplexed look on his face. Kimble never commented on why the change had been made, he had known the truth of it the moment he first saw it on his body.
Angel was asleep on a blanket next to her Siskan, her face the picture of contentment. She was bigger now, almost a year old and already walking around and becoming more of a handful.
Kimble looked up as Remy came closer, sensing him as always. "Hey."
"Bonjour, mon amoureux. Nice day for it, eh?"
Kimble cocked his head. "You look chipper."
"Got a present for you."
"More chocolate?" Kimble asked, his eyes hopeful.
"Better dan dat." Remy crouched down in front of him and carefully eased the kitten from one of his large roomy pockets. "Dis fo' you."
Remy knew Kimble was going to react in some way and was relieved and hopeful when it wasn't a violent attack. The pilot gasped in fear and backed away to the glass doors on his hands and feet as if that tiny kitten was the most fearsome creature in the world. "I cain't haves that! You knows that!"
Remy petted the small creature between them now, calming it with a gentle vibration that asked for patience. "You all fixed up now, Kim. You come full circle 'round. You ain't 'Shay no more."
Kimble put his head down in shame. "It don't change what I done."
"What you done in de past don't matter, cher, it's what you do now dat does. When sumptin' scare you, you gotta take it head on, show it dat it don' have no control over you. You gotta face it. You done some of dat already. You can love dat baby dere? You can love dis petite, too. Show me dat you strong."
Kimble looked up at the kitten. It was small and grey, a tiny tabby that winked up at him with soft grey eyes. It scampered towards him playfully and he reached out gingerly to touch. He waited for the screaming to start from within, for the call to murder, but all was quiet. He couldn't help but smile when he saw the kitten's tiny shine and felt its vibrations of love. It circled his feet fearlessly of him, rubbing against his ankles and purring.
"Not so scary now, eh?" Remy asked, folding his legs under him to sit cross legged on the floor.
"Guess not," Kimble replied, his voice soft. "Why didja do this?"
"After all dis time, you still gotta ask Gambit questions like dat?"
Kimble carefully scooped up the kitten and held it to his chest. He returned to his place, sitting close to Remy so that their knees were touching. Kimble always liked to touch, a trait that he and Remy shared. He placed the kitten on his legs and toyed with her, no longer afraid. "Thanks. I promises ta takes good care of her."
"Gambit knows you will. We'll take care of 'er together."
"Where didja'all go t'day? I mean, besides fer this."
"Gambit done some t'inkin'."
Kimble laughed softly. "Molly's birthday's next week."
" 'Ard to get anyt'ing past you, mon amoureux."
"You gonna ask her?"
"Ask 'er what?"
Kimble snorted with gentle impatience. "Ta marry ya, silly."
Remy was still. He had been worried about this for days and couldn't believe he was going to get off the hook this easy. "You okay wit it?"
"Of course." Kimble scooped up the playful kitten and gently brought it to his chest again, wanting to feel that soft silky fur up close. It didn't fight him, it felt his need, his love, and was there for him. "I'm yer friend, Remy. I always known you an' me wuz on borrowed time. You just gots ta keeps yer promise and always keeps me with ya."
What Kimble wasn't saying of course, was that he was terribly relieved. He and Remy were bonded on levels that few ever realized existed. This was wonderful and frightening to Kimble all at once. He enjoyed Gambit and the love they had shared, but he was also very afraid. He had been partially integrated and some of what his other selves had felt, he now felt as well. He was like tiny Lin, fearful that if Remy stayed too long, he would fall in love permanently. If that were to happen, some terrible accident might befall him. Gambit might be killed by his bad luck disease, the same as his other Masters had. Just the tension that had grown between them was enough to convince him it was possible and this Kimble did not want. Now that Remy was letting him go, he made a solemn vow. No one would ever stay. They could love him for a short time, but no one would stay except for Angel. She was his Mistress and not his lover. That would keep her safe.
Remy was unaware of his friend's thoughts. He smiled at Kimble and reached out with a hand to gently brush his cheek. "You always gonna be wherever I'm at, always. Gambit ain't leavin' you alone. Besides, if she say yes, den you gotta be my best man."
Kimble laughed. "What's that?"
"De best man a place of honor. It reserved for de groom's best friend in de whole worl'."
"Like the Professor wuz for Logan at his weddin'?"
"Dat's right. Dere wouldn't be no one else Gambit'd rather have."
Kimble trembled and a tear spilled from one eye. He would always cry easily, he would never be able to hide what he was feeling. "I loves ya."
Remy leaned forward and gave him a deep, passionate kiss, one full of his love. He had no fear of being overseen, the team had been packed off on a mission and wouldn't be back for hours. He had skipped out early and missed them on purpose, wanting some personal time. At this moment, he wasn't going to deny what he felt for Kimble, not when the Siskan so desperately needed to be reminded of it.
"Je t'aime aussi, mon amoureux. Dat ain't never gonna change."
"I'm glad ya found yer wife."
"She ain't said yes yet, cher."
"She will. She's got her eyes on ya, I seen it."
"Hope you right. She mean a lot to me."
"This mean evrathin's gonna be okay now?" Kimble asked quietly, petting his kitten.
"What you mean?"
Kimble sniffed. "Seth's out, gots his Fallen. Logan's married, got a kid just born. Now you gonna git yer girl, too. This is the way it shoulda been when we come back from Cerise, not...not the way it all worked out."
"What about you, hein? Gonna get you square, too."
"I am square. Angel's all I need, I toldja that. It wuz fun with you, havin' ya, an' I'm gonna miss it, but I'd rather see ya all happy for real. I ain't worried 'bout me. Gots a new friend t'day, maybe I'll git another one tomorrow."
Gambit turned within for backup. Does he mean it, Shi'ow-ri?
/ Yes, love. I think he does. He's healing, thanks to you. You've done well, my friend. /
Remy smiled at the pilot. "Now dat's de Kimble Gambit want to see. De one who dance so fine, got such spirit in 'is eyes. Dis de Kimble Gambit fall in love wit, de one dat stole 'is 'eart fo' all time."
Kimble grinned up at him, his eyes shining bright with love. "Keeps me ferever."
"Pour toujours, cher. Dat's forever. Fo' as long as Remy live."
(break)
Gambit awoke on Molly's seventeenth birthday, unable to contain his excitement. They had a date to tour New York City and he was eager to take her to some of his favorite places. She was just as excited as he was, happy to be spending time with him away from Kimble and the Mansion. They left early in Remy's Jeep, taking the whole day to explore.
Remy walked the streets with Molly until he got to where he wanted to stop and paused, covering her eyes. He had stopped in front of one of his favorite shops and he turned her to the window. "Dis yo' birt'day. You get to pick which one you want, chere."
He released her and took a cautious step back.
Molly took in the window, puzzled at first. He had brought her to a jeweler's store and the window was filled with rings — engagement rings. Her eyes widened with understanding and shock. You said I was too young!
He came back to her, encouraged that she hadn't run away screaming. He slid his arms around her, pressing her back to him so she still faced the window. "You seventeen t'day, fille. You wear Gambit's ring a year. You still want 'im den, we get married. Anyt'ing you want, any place you want." He paused to reach into his pocket and gave her a piece of paper. "Gambit even let 'Enry check 'im out. Dis paper say Gambit clean. 'Ad an AIDS test an' everyt'ing."
You didn't have to do that, she signed awkwardly.
"Oui, Gambit did. Got a reputation. Didn't want you to worry none."
She trembled, unable to contain her happiness. Remy felt it and was smiling behind her where she couldn't see. Her next question came as a surprise. What about Kimble? I know you and him have a thing.
"A t'ing, chere?"
Yes. I saw you kiss him last week when you thought no one was looking. It was more than friends. I've actually known about you guys for a long time, I just...I just thought I'd wait and see what was going to happen. If you still wanted me.
Remy shivered nervously and swallowed. If she had known about how serious it had been between him and Kimble in spite of his efforts to keep it a secret, how many others did as well? No one ever commented to him about it. He chose to answer her honestly. "Remy an' Kimble 'ad a t'ing, oui. Ain't gonna deny it. But it was a t'ing wit rules. 'E always knew Gambit was just waitin'. Waitin' fo' you. Told 'im dat day last week dat him and me, our t'ing gotta change. 'E always gonna be a part of me, a special friend, an' 'e always gonna be around. Dere can't be a t'ing wit me and you if 'e can't be a part of m' life in some way, you 'ave to know dat. I gotta watch after 'im, keep 'im safe. But Gambit knows, him and me, we can't be like we was, not any more, an' I told 'im so. 'E okay wit it, 'e got 'is Angel now, he not so lost like 'e was. You understand what I'm sayin', chere?"
You're asking me to trust you.
Remy bowed his head, fearful of rejection, and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Oui, chere."
You're going to wait another whole year alone for me? Why?
" 'Cause Gambit love you, chere. Since dat very first kiss. Me an' Kim, we got each other t'rough a rough patch, it all smooth now. Gambit's gonna wait for you 'cause 'e knows what 'e wants. It gonna be wort' de wait. You wort' de wait."
Molly leaned back against him, closing her eyes and feeling him there. How she had wanted this, since the first time they had officially met, really. She knew he loved her and had always thought he would wait for her, but when he took up with Kimble, she had grown nervous. He had been trying to hide the relationship and most folks probably were not aware that anything was going on between him and his Siskan, but she had a special interest in Remy and had been watching him closely. She had been disappointed when she though he had made his choice for good, but at least she had taken some small comfort that he wasn't in the arms of another woman. Now today he was granting her wish after all, quite the birthday gift.
He gave her a squeeze and whispered softly. "Marry me, chere. Mon coeur. Feel me, you know my heart. Gambit ain't gonna 'urt you."
A tear leaked out of one eye and she shivered. Yes.
"You trust me, den? Me an' Kim?"
Yes. I'm as close to him as I am with you.
He shuddered with relief. "Merci, chere. Merci."
I love you.
"Gambit love you, too, fille. Fo' all time."
She turned to face him now and squeezed him tight, burying her head into his chest, sobbing quietly. People passed them on the street, some of them smiling. This probably wasn't the first proposal in front of this window. Remy held her tightly, blessing this day and whispering soft prayers of gratitude. He let her cry a minute longer, then gently turned her back to face the window. "Now, petite. You pick. Any one you want."
Molly wiped her tears, laughing softly and took a closer look. Her eyes grew wide. But, these are all so expensive! The cheapest one is a thousand dollars!
"Dis de best jeweler's in town. Gambit admit dis de first time 'ere to buy an' not to steal, but dis yo' day, yo' ring. It don't matter, de money. Gambit got plenty."
Are you sure?
He chuckled softly. "One t'ing you gotta know wit Gambit, 'e live poor but 'e got money to spend. Jus' been waitin' fo' de right t'ing to spend it all on, de right girl."
Molly smiled and another tear of happiness leaked out of one eye. They're all too pretty, I can't decide. Help me.
"Si bien, fille. Gambit like dat one dere, got some pretty antiquin' on it. Not so plain, n'est ce pas?"
It's pretty and I like it, but it's one of the most expensive ones here. I can't really.
"Oui, chere. You can and if dat's de one you want, you will."
Okay. I mean, yes. But it's so expensive!
Remy just chuckled softly and took her hand, towing her into the store. This place was seriously upscale and the clerks watched them enter with quiet scowls. Remy was dressed in yet another long, rumpled trench coat, his hair a little wild. He had tossed on the usual obnoxious sunglasses before walking in, always concerned about his eyes. Molly was in worn blue jeans and sneakers, not the sort of clothes one expected to see in such a high priced jewelry store. One of the bolder clerks approached them warily and spoke to Remy, "Can I help you?"
"Oui, monsieur. Want one of de rings in de window, s'il vous plait."
The clerk gave him a pained smile. "Maybe you should try Claude's down the street. He's probably a bit more in your price range, sir."
Remy knew Claude's well, it was a glorified pawn shop and the thief had used him to hock stuff many times. Claude was a good man but the insult, however, was unforgivable. He opened his wallet and slid out the Diamond American Express card. This was a very special card only issued to clientele with big money, it was almost impossible to get and most civilians didn't even know it existed. The clerk did, however. He watched with greedy, widened eyes as Gambit tapped it on the glass top of the counter. "Y'know, p'etetre, we try Claude's after all."
"My apologies, sir. That won't be necessary. I'll have to check your limit of course."
"Bien sur, oui. You do dat," Remy replied arrogantly, laying the card down on the counter.
"Do you have ID?"
Gambit gave him his driver's license and another smaller credit card. The clerk took his cards to a back room to verify them, Remy could see him on the phone through a small window. Gambit said nothing more but chewed defiantly on his gum now, popping bubbles loudly. He took off his glasses and slid them into a pocket, done with them now in front of this fool, and slid his other arm around Molly's waist. She was nervous from the tension in the room, but keeping quiet.
The clerk returned, his face beaming and overly bright. "Very good, sir! Mr. LeBeau! How may I be of service?"
"My girl 'ere want de one in de front, second from de right."
"But of course!" He scurried off to the window, returning with the tray of rings that had the one Molly had selected. For the next half hour he fussed and fawned over Molly, treating her like a queen as he sized her finger. She was in luck that the display ring was the right size, she wouldn't have to wait for one to be made. If the clerk noted her claws, he said nothing, but it was painfully clear she was a mutant.
Remy sat back, happy now, but still vibrating cool anger at the way they had been first treated. The clerk's hands were nervous whenever he touched Molly and Remy did hear one evil snicker from another clerk in the back about how mutants shouldn't be allowed to marry, never mind breed. Truth was, if he hadn't liked this ring as much as Molly did, he would have left. Molly had heard the comment, too. Her hearing was far greater than his and she scowled slightly. The clerk attending them was quick to reassure and heap flattery on her, whisking them closer to the register. He was thrilled at the large commission he was making from this purchase, but couldn't wait to get them out of here.
It didn't take long for the transaction and Gambit was thrilled when Molly wanted to wear the ring out of the store. It was a cold day and she should have put her gloves back on, but she was just too taken with the sparkling treasure that she just couldn't cover it up. They left and spent the rest of the day walking about and eating at cafes. Gambit smiled every time her soft blue eyes strayed to her finger, twisting the ring so that the diamond glinted in the lights. It was a beautiful stone, a beautiful ring, and as far as he was concerned, it was the prettiest girl in town who wore it.