(Nine)
Gambit sat on the picnic table, taking in some after supper air. He was sitting on the tabletop, swinging his dangling legs lazily as he looked up into the sky. It was a crisp clear night, full of stars. He was fighting a lingering urge to smoke, it was so restful and peaceful out here and a nice cancer stick would've gone good right about now. He had kept his promise about quitting, holding up his end of his bargain with Kimble, but still had a pack in his coat pocket in case of emergency. It was calling to him, teasing him from the deep side pocket, whispering his name.
He dropped his gaze and turned his head when he heard a door close. He saw a lone figure come towards him from the Main house. Her silhouette was familiar and unmistakable — Rogue.
"Nice night for it, eh, chere?" he asked casually as she came closer.
"Yes, it is," she replied, coming to sit next to him.
He grinned in the dim, outwardly calm, but that wish for that cigarette had intensified significantly. He sensed her mood, her coming out here was no accident. Rogue wanted to talk. They hadn't spoken much since Kimble was repaired and he had an idea this conversation might not be a pleasant one. He knew she was having a hard time letting him go.
"So you're really going to do it?" she asked after a moment of uncomfortable silence.
"Do what, chere?"
"Marry Molly."
He chuckled softly. "Oui."
"You'll never be faithful," she chided, unable to hide her disdain for his promiscuous nature.
"Gonna give it a real try. T'ink mebbe I'm a bit more motivated dis time 'round."
"She doesn't know you like Ah do. Why do ya think Ah let you go all those times? Ah know how you really are," Rogue stated, her Mississippi drawl not sweetening her words a bit.
Gambit swallowed the hot rise of his anger. He couldn't believe how casually she had tossed that out, like all the fighting they had done meant nothing. "Oh? So dat's what it was? You was lettin' me go out of de goodness of yo' 'eart? Merci fo' dat, chere, merci."
"Of course," Rogue replied, shrugging off his sarcasm and his hurt. "Ah know how y'all needed something you could touch. It was good for you, you needed the freedom even if it was just for a while."
"Non. What I needed was you to be dere fo' me, chere. You was always enough fo' me."
"That's not true -" she started to say, but stopped abruptly when he slid down from the table top to his feet in his anger.
He didn't leave though he wanted to, instead his hands found the pack of smokes he had waiting for him in his pocket. Kimble would just have to forgive him this small transgression. He shook one out and lit it with a bright red spark from his fingertips. He took a deep drag before speaking. "Gambit may 'ave needed de other girls, but not de way you t'ink. 'E need dem 'cause you never gave me de real you, de real Rogue inside."
"Ah did, too!" she protested.
"Non! You offer Gambit only what you was willin' to give. Le plus petit morceau, de smallest piece. Only what you dared to risk, an' je suis de'sole, chere, it de tiniest speck dis boy ever did see. Gambit give you everyt'ing! Gambit give you 'is 'eart, 'is very soul, an' still you shove 'im away!" he snarled, oblivious to the fact that he blurted out his hurt entirely in the third person. Already the wall had gone up, the distance between them vast and unsurmountable.
"Your lies shoved you away."
"Gambit never lie when 'e say 'e love you."
"One statement of how many that left your mouth, Sugah?" she challenged. "You only told the truth when it suited your purpose, not when it really mattered."
"Non. Dat was just yo' excuse. Easier to tell y'self dat dan to give Gambit yo' 'eart. You ain't never given dat to anyone 'cept y'self," he replied, taking a step away to calm himself.
Rogue put her head down. These same arguments, they never seemed to resolve themselves. She had come out here to try and repair some of the damage they had caused to one another this past year but, no surprise, it didn't seem to be working. Feeling bold, she jumped right to the point. "Ah'd like to try again."
"Je suis de'sole, it much too late fo' dat, chere," he said softly, his voice gentle as he calmed down. He had known what was on her mind and didn't want to stay angry. Still there were things she needed to understand. Things she should have been able to see on her own, but hadn't. "Livin' dat way wit you, it was killin' Gambit more an' more every day. Dere wasn't too much left when Molly come an' find 'im. She..she save me. Molly.. de voleur de mon coeur... mon ange doux..." he trailed off in French, the words fading when he realized he was rambling. His hands were trembling some, the thought of what Molly really meant to him was still enough to take his breath away.
" 'The thief of your heart' ?" Rogue translated in a bitter retort, unable to hide her hurt at the rejection. " 'Your sweet angel?' What a load of crap. You just found someone too naive to see through your games. Ah'll tell her about you and Kimble. Then she'll see what kind of man you really are!"
Remy laughed and turned to face her, his eyes glinting brightly. Obviously his attempts to keep his relationship with his Siskan quiet had failed miserably. Right now, he didn't give a shit. What had made him laugh was how Rogue thought she could use this against him. Look at the kettle calling the pot black, this player of her own twisted games. At least this time his honesty with Molly was paying off in spades. He announced with some pride, "She already know."
Rogue's face flushed madly, her anger surging. "No way!"
"Oui, chere. She know de first day Kim lay me down. Seen it right in my eyes. Still she do nuthin' but accept it as de way t'ings was fo' a while. She knew I was just bidin' m' time, waitin' on 'er. She also know dat Kim needed me an' I was dere fo' him. She seen all of dat and she fo'give. You crack me up, fille, you really do," he said, laughing again. "You look all around you, but you never see. You tell m' girl bout de Morlocks, she fo'give. She seen all about me an' Kim an' still she take me when I offer m'self to 'er. Y' know why dat is?"
Rogue just glared at him.
"I'm gonna tell you why. She love me more dan you ever did. She got de biggest 'eart of any girl Gambit ever seen. 'Er 'eart big enough to see dat de man who love 'er ain't perfect an' 'e ain't never gonna be. De difference 'tween 'er an' you is dat she love me so much, she can look past all de stupid crap I done an' see me, Remy LeBeau. Dat's sumptin' you never could. You left me in Antarctica, left me to die, never givin' me a chance to make it up to you."
"Ah saw you!" Rogue protested, breaking down into angry tears. "Ah saw a man who couldn't tell his own truth from his own lies! Someone who could never trust me enough to tell me the truth!"
Remy saw her tears and came closer, wiping one away with glove covered fingertips. "Non. Dat's what you allowed y'self to see. Not trustin' Gambit made it easier to 'old back, t' keep yo' 'eart safe. You gotta realize dat love ain't no safe game, fille. It all about risk. No risk, no gain, dat's just 'ow it is. You gotta earn de payoff, it ain't gonna come on over by itself. You an' me, well, we didn't play de game proper an' look what it got us. Two broken 'earts and nuthin' but pain."
"But we can fix all that."
"Non. Molly 'elp Gambit find a way to love 'is'self again. Instead of pointin' out all de shit I done wrong, she 'elp me find de man I was suppose' to be. I got m' feet back on de ground, all 'cause of 'er. You? You still flyin' around, still not sure who y' are. You t'ink dat 'cause you can't be touched all de way, dat you less dan a woman. Gambit make de sweetest love to you, show you dat 'e don't need no bare hands to make you feel on top of de worl'. It wasn't good enough fo' you. You run to Manny, what dat get you, eh? Nuthin'. You fail 'cause you don' give. 'Til you love y'self enough to give it all, you always gonna 'ave dis pain dat keep a man from yo' 'eart."
Rogue didn't want to hear it. She sobbed loudly, crying now. Remy tossed his cigarette and pulled her up against him, hating the sound of her pain. "Paisible, fille. Easy now, girl," he soothed, feeling his own tears rise at the sounds of her pain. "We was just two lost souls, walkin' de off de path. Gambit found it, you still lookin'. C'est bein, you gonna find yo' way, too. I'll always be 'ere fo' you, je promets. Just as yo' friend, not yo' lover, not no more. Gambit always gonna love you, you de firs' real girl 'e ever love wit everyt'ing inside. I'm always gonna 'ave yo' back. Toujours, mon chere. Always."
Rogue fell against him, gripping him tightly and breathing him in. She cried there, lost in the folds of his long leather coat and the smell of him, of the only man she had ever truly loved. It had been so long since she had held him like this, and the thought that she had lost this forever almost destroyed her. She let him feel her pain, her anguish, then shoved him away and ran, taking off to the sky after a few steps and disappearing into the night.
Oh, chere. Dat's one girl in a world of 'urt, Remy complained softly to his inner voice. He wiped at his cheeks, his tears were cold now against his face in the evening air.
/ She'll be okay, Shi'ow-ri answered. / She's a tough girl, strong. She always has been. /
Non, she like me. 'Ard on de outside, all mush on de in.
/ Give her some time, let her think about what you said. Try talking to her in a couple of days. When she sees she hasn't lost you for good, that you're still her friend, then maybe she'll come around. It's not that different than when Kimble was falling apart. /
Dey a lot alike, so stubborn.
/ Perhaps that's why you love them so much. /
P'etetre, chere. he replied, wiping his face on his sleeve. He sent out a strong prayer for Rogue's safekeeping and started to walk back to the quad, pausing when he saw he was to have a second visitor this night, Molly was on her way out towards him, wondering where her fiancé had gone to.
There you are, she signed, smiling at him. She embraced him automatically, but stepped back and sniffed at him. You okay? She had smelled his tears... and those of his ex-girlfriend.
"Oui, chere. Rogue an' me... we just 'ad a little talk."
Is she upset about us?
"Oui. It 'ard fo' any girl, losin' me," he teased, trying to make light of such a painful topic
Pest, Molly returned before pulling him back into her arms. She held him tightly, pushing him gently backwards until he was up against the oak tree. She was a tiny girl, but strong for her size, much like her father. She was powerful enough to command his obedience and he was happy to give it.
Remy allowed himself to be playfully bullied, happier still when she stood up on tiptoe to kiss him, drowning him in delightful vibrations of her love and desire. All thoughts of Rogue were blasted away, replaced with a fierce passion for this precious gift he had been given. This girl, he would never be able to survive without her. He mumbled at her in French, the same words he had spoken to Rogue, telling his future wife of his love, of how he felt. He knew she understood, her vibrations told him so. Lost in the emotions of the moment, his hands embraced her face, gently cupping her cheeks as they continued to kiss and kiss. He turned to her to the tree, hungry for her. She didn't stop him when his hands left her face to unfasten her coat. They disappeared next under her shirt, one finding a firm little breast, the other pressed against her bottom, pulling her even tighter against him. He wanted her close, these bothersome clothes a wall to be torn down.
/ Don't forget your promise! Shi'ow-ri whispered sharply, Remy's personal spoilsport.
Dis so good! It's been so long! It had been a month since his engagement to Molly and he'd had no comfort for his sexual withdrawal pains. He hadn't been fully cognizant of just how high his libido really was until it was left to starve. It hadn't taken him long to grow bored with his hands.
/ If you break this promise, what's to stop you from breaking another?
Remy growled softly in protest, knowing she was right. He had to do this right, to prove he was capable of keeping his word. He had to earn this love, to show he was worthy of her. Gambit was adamant, he wouldn't take Molly all the way, not yet. Not until they were married. That was one promise he intended to keep. Molly, however, had other ideas. She felt him start to retreat and grabbed at him, not wanting him to stop.
"Je suis de'sole, chere," Remy whispered in her ear, his voice thick now with need. "Dis t'ief gonna take 'is leave b'fore dis get out of hand."
She wouldn't release him, instead one hand found his hardness and gave him a loving squeeze, not quite playing fair. He shuddered and groaned, he couldn't help it. He let her work him a minute, fighting with his inner demons again, before yanking himself away once more. He took a step back, trembling now, and grinned at her. "Nice try, fille. Gambit made a promise, 'e gonna keep it."
Why is it so important to you that we wait?
" 'Cause Gambit wanna prove to you dat he ain't after just de one t'ing."
I know you're not.
"You still too young. Eighteen ain't so far away."
She snorted at him. How old were you the first time?
He snickered softly, knowing she had him cold. "Fourteen," he replied, but tried to add in his most mature voice possible as he teased, "But see what it done? It make dis po' boy a scoundrel. Corrupted him. Wouldn't want to ruin you de same way."
Molly just laughed, You wouldn't ruin me.
"Mebbe, mebbe not, But Gambit ain't ready to take dat chance," he replied, giving her a kiss on her forehead. He knew she wanted more, but he simply didn't trust himself. "Let's do de right t'ing, go inside and watch a movie, eh? Gambit will make de popcorn."
You'll burn it, she snorted with a laugh. She was hot and more than a little bothered, but was willing to back down – for now. I'll make the popcorn.
"D'accorde, fille," he readily agreed, laughing as she moved back to the house tugging him along. "But I get to pick de movie, hien?"
She just laughed once more, knowing that she would probably end up doing that as well. Nothing was going to diminish her happiness this night, not even that visit with Rogue. Molly was much too happy, she had so much to look forward to and being a very smart girl, intended to savor it as much as she could.
(break)
Deep down in the belly of the Xavier Institute a Siskan lay sleeping. It was late spring now and the weather cranking up outside, a nice big thunder boomer, but Seth heard none of it. He was out cold in the Lucky Dragon and content in the arms of his Mistress, his mind a empty blank of bliss.
Fallen wasn't so content. Time had passed since Kimble's repair and events at the Mansion had changed things. Logan had married, the quad had been built, Gambit had been engaged for a couple of months now. These things had marked the passage of time, but she would never forget the words of the Games Master. He had given her a warning about Seth, about possessing a hologram with the Mark of the Game, one that had been placed there by chance. "Don't blame me when someone comes here looking for a Channeler and finds a fake. Hope that 'gram doesn't mean that much to you. He probably won't make it once he's found out."
She had agonized long and hard about whether or not to remove Seth's Mark. Seth had put an end to her musings, saying he had no desire to return to the computer system of the Lucky Dragon any time soon. That was what would be required for her to alter his 'skin' codes. The thought of being trapped there again was more terrifying to Seth than being pegged as a token piece of this mysterious Game his brother had been caught up in.
Fallen didn't argue, her love for Seth wasstrong and she felt he was protected enough here that it would never come up again. She would keep him safe, no matter what the cost. She would do her best to pretend those words had never been spoken, that her precious Seth would never be in danger. She would never survive losing him.
Seth stirred in his sleep and shifted, turning onto his side to face her. He nuzzled his chin against her neck and smiled without waking. He was dreaming of their recent coupling, something that always seemed to happen to him when they'd been so close. If he recalled Darken's words, he gave no sign. He had gone about his life as usual, trusting in the others around him to keep him safe.
Of course, he kept his own secrets. He had watched Darken closely during the repair, taking lengthy mental notes. With his perfect memory, he recalled the events vividly. He was keeping that knowledge for his own use. He wasn't happy with his present state of being, of how clumsy and awkward he was. He was going to use that knowledge to repair his own codes. The Mark on his chest would stay, Fallen had put it there as a sign of her love for him and he would die to keep it. What had to go was his fumbling about and his sensitivity to bright lights. The glasses he wore were an annoyance. He vowed not to have them forever. He would keep his stolen knowledge and when he encountered a computer system sophisticated for the repair, he would fix his codes once and for all. He would make one final leap back into a digital world and come out a free man. He would do it for himself. He would do it for his Mistress, all the better to please her. It was just a matter of time.
(break)
Up in the quad, Remy was once more in his bed, counting off the minutes before the inevitable knock would come on his door. There was quite the light show going on outside his window, a nice happy thunder boomer was cranking up out there, and Kimble wasn't nearly as sheltered as his brother was down in the Dragon. This was the first time Kimble had been out of the lower levels for one of these spectacular storms and he was sure to be frightened.
The knock never came. Instead, Kimble rudely barged in unannounced, unable to stop himself from whimpering and shaking. He had Angel in a carrier which he set on the floor next to the bed. It was a good thing Angel was a heavy sleeper, Remy knew her well enough to guess that she would probably sleep through the whole thing. Kimble set her down gently and once releasing his precious burden, dove into the bed. He grabbed for Remy, finding him easily. When the next thunderbolt crashed, he shrieked in terror and renewed his desperate trembling.
Gambit pulled him close. "Paisible, cher. S' Just a bit of t'under, dat's all."
"It's scary!" Kimble cried. "Never liked it much on Siska neither!"
Gambit's bed was tiny, it was only a single. He had pushed it up against the wall for times like this when Kimble would seek him out to spend the night, and hadn't thought to move it out when he had put their love affair to an end. He rolled his Siskan over him carefully and lay him up against the wall, knowing that the smaller the space he was in, the more secure he would feel. Kimble still clung to him, shivering. He tucked his head down against his friend, not wanting to see any of it.
Remy chuckled softly, he couldn't help it. He would never quite grow used to this child in the body of a man. It was nice, however, to hold him close like this. They were friends, they always would be, and it was a pleasure to have Kimble's company in his bed. The Siskan had been quite respectful of his decision to cut off their physical intimacy and hadn't come to him at night since then. He wouldn't be here now if the storm hadn't frightened him so badly. Gambit slid his hands through Kimble's hair, loving the smell of his Siskan so close. Kimble's body might not have a scent, but the soaps he used from his shower that night still clung to him. He lay a gentle kiss on Kimble's forehead. "Paisible, cher. Nuthin's gonna 'appen to you 'ere. Relax, you safe 'ere wit me."
"Thank you!" Kimble whispered, gripping him tightly. "Thank you...!"
Gambit himself loved these storms. Who could grow up in Louisiana without becoming accustomed to such things? He loved the bright flashes, but more than that was the deep rumble of thunder. It wasn't any fun if it didn't rattle the windows now and again. He gripped his Siskan tightly and whispered soft encouragements, doing his best to alleviate his fear. He knew the storm wouldn't last long, they never did around here.
In his own bed, Wolverine was having much of the same thoughts. He loved a big boomer himself and would often have the slider open to hear the rain as well. There was another crash of thunder and he next heard the rain come pouring down all at once, a pleasant comforting sound. He had Karen up against him, her breathing light even though he knew she was awake. When a big crash came, she would jolt a little, startled. He just smiled in the darkness and stroked her long, lovely red hair. "Little jumpy there, darlin'."
She snickered softly, turning around to face him. "It's loud."
He put his arms around her, pulling her close. He rubbed his hands over her belly in slow gentle circles. She had given birth only three months ago, a daughter. Like Angel, Jesse was heavy sleeper and not even stirring in the basinet in the corner.
"Thunder must really loud for you," Karen offered, thinking of her husband's enhanced senses.
"Yup. It's got layers of sound. I can hear it echoin' off of everything. Ol' Chuck did some testin' on me once, said I could hear the thunder comin' b'fore anyone else."
"Maybe that's why Molly hates it. I give her five more minutes before she comes running in here."
Logan closed his eyes, reaching out with his ears. He could sense most of the restless sleepers in the quad. The walls were re-enforced, but not completely soundproof. He had heard Kimble leave his room and the shriek of his fear. He had heard Remy soothing him, calming him down, just as he would a child. Logan had grown more accepting of the Siskan, seeing him over time more like Remy did — a child that played at being a man. It was a phrase that fit for Kimble and Seth equally. The only thing sparing Seth was that the Dragon was well underground, he probably didn't hear a thing.
Logan heard footsteps coming down the hall, Molly's. He smiled, knowing Karen was right, but was next puzzled when they passed them by and continued out of the apartment and across the short walkway to Gambit's and Kimble's place. Looked like Remy was going to have a full house.
Remy turned his head when he heard the knock on his door. "Entre'-vous," he teased in a happy, singsong voice. He already had an idea who it might be.
Molly came in. She was silent, but her vibrations of distress spoke volumes, she was terrified. In spite of her fear, she hesitated when she saw Kimble was already there, an awkward moment.
Remy wasn't about to have an issue made of it. He waved her over without hesitation. "Come on over, chere. Plenty room fo' all. Just mind yo' feet, Angel's right dere nex' to de bed."
Molly closed the door and came over, taking the space on Remy's other side. The thief couldn't help but giggle some as he was now squeezed from both sides. Kimble's hands found Molly's and they grasped each other, a group of three close friends.
Gambit smiled in the dark. He had wondered when a moment like this might happen and how his two friends would react to one another. It seemed as though there would be peace, not a jealous fight. He was grateful more than he could say.
"H-hey," Kimble mumbled to Molly in greeting, jerking violently when the next loud crack of thunder shook the house.
Molly's fingers rubbed against his palm. Hey.
Remy just laughed. "Gambit's gonna need a bigger bed, I'm t'inkin'. Dis poor boy's being squished to death!"
Kimble snickered and released his deathgrip some. "Sorry!"
"Je suis bien, dat's all right. You guys can come squeeze Gambit anytime," he said, squirming around to lie on his back and hug them both closer to him. Kimble still clung to him, but his vibration had changed. / I'm still scared but I'm better now. I'm glad Molly's here. This is nice. /
/ Oui, dis nice alright. Gambit used to be lonely, now he got his t'ree favorite people right here in dis room. It don't get better dan dis. Still gonna need a bigger bed, though. Where's Angel gonna go when she bigger?
Kimble chuckled softly again, message received. He continued to touch Molly, his arm draped across Remy's chest. He loved Molly as much as he loved his former Master, they had all grown that close. He could sense from Molly that she felt the same way. Gambit had once called them a team and it was true. They were all here taking care of Angel, taking care of his Mistress.
The storm blew itself out and Kimble closed his eyes, the first to fall asleep. He was warm and comfortable now, made blissful from the vibrations of love of the two humans beside him. Remy and Molly were kissing gently now, a mutual gesture of love, not one of rising passion. It wasn't long before they calmed as well and the room grew silent.
Logan awoke the next morning well before anyone else. He crept down the hall, unable to resist stopping in front of Gambit's apartment. Molly hadn't shut the door tightly and he moved further inside to Gambit's bedroom. He eased the door open to look in on the small crowd. They were all tangled around one another, fast asleep. Everyone except Angel.
She was awake and cooing softly. Her carrier faced the door and she smiled automatically at her visitor. Wolverine had never been big on babies. They were good for a couple of minutes but the best thing about them was that they belonged to someone else. Once the screaming started, he could flee the scene without remorse. He looked now on this child, unable to stop the smile from crossing his face. Now that Karen had given birth, his perspective was changing. He didn't avoid Angel but would stand quietly, observing her as if cataloging things to come. If he found himself getting caught in the act he would snort and walk away, doing his best to regain his masculinity.
Alone now, Logan found himself waving at her, prompting the infant to giggle at him. Emboldened, he made a face. Angel giggled again, waving her hands in the air and wiggling her feet. One foot had come free of its sock and she wiggled her toes in happiness at his attention. He made another face, this time wiggling his hands on either side of his head and sticking out his tongue.
She giggled louder now, a happy chortle of joy. " 'Ogan! 'Ogan play!"
There was a soft snort from the bed and Logan looked up to see Remy's red on black eyes watching him, that teasing smile firmly in place. The thief was on his back, his two charges snuggled up against him with their hands still locked together across his chest. He had an arm around either one, unable to hide the contentment in his eyes. That and his amusement at catching the great and powerful Wolverine actually interacting with a child. More than that, the mighty warrior had even made faces at her! He was playing! Alert the media!
Logan balked a little, trying to salvage his dignity, but smiled when Remy snickered again and closed his eyes, a promise that all of Logan's secrets were safe with him. Wolverine waved goodbye to Angel and crept away, hoping she wouldn't break into tears at his departure. He need not have worried. She was basically a happy child and could easily amuse herself. She returned to her cooing and all was well. She was Angel, a tiny girl blissfully unaware of the tumultuous future that awaited her and those she loved, a future filled with darkness and changes too devastating to imagine.
THE END
SQ– And so this Kimble series ends, but don't worry, kids. The Game series is just about to begin! Hope to see ya there:)