Hey everyone! I finally updated! YAY! First, I want to thank everyone who read my fic. Still can't believe how you guys like it! You make me so happy! And I also want to send out a special thanks to: TriGemini, Emma134, PetiteDiable, HopelessAzn, Peanutbutter1, 4Rogue, Chica De Los Ojos Café, Kerrilea, Gemma-ladyhope, Rogue-Slayer13, Mela, Irisheyesrsmiling, and FluidDegree. Thank you so much you guys for reviewing, you guys are the best!
Chapter 3 – Disturbing stability
Present time – New York, Westchester
Professor Xavier tapped his fingers gently on his desk, a serene smile crossed his aging features as a soft melody flowed inside the room, warming its atmosphere and soothing its occupant. His heart felt light and his mind was at ease, wandering here and there, but always assuring itself not to approach the dark and restless subjects. He needed this, he needed this moment to escape, he needed this moment to allow himself to live, to be free and be at peace. Sadly, just a little too soon, the melody started fading away. And as the silence started to creep back into the room, Xavier's eyes started to hardened and he voluntarily let them drop to his desk, letting them graze over the sheet of paper, over the words and over the sense of it all.
What I am going to do? He repeated, and repeated and repeated. It was the only thought plastering his mind, the only question left unanswered. He was tempted to laugh; was this even his choice? Was he the one calling the shots? Was he the one leading this operation? No, he wasn't. For as far as Xavier could remember, he had been the one taking charge, he had been the one organizing, he had been the leader. But in this situation, he was merely a spectator, agreeing and watching; unable to do anything else. Something important was being form, great decisions were going to be taken; and he had no control over it because he wasn't the core; they were.
Amazing, he often thought, it was just amazing what they could do, how they controlled the situation, how organized they were, how determined and how devoted. Amazing…
"Come in Ororo." He spoke softly, letting his mind come back to the present and letting his hands tuck away the sheets of paper.
Ororo's beaming face greeted him, and Charles couldn't help but smile sadly as a pang of guild ripped through him. No one knew…
"Good morning Charles. How are you feeling?" She asked the genuine smile never wavering as she took a seat in front of him, crossing her legs and letting her arms fall at her side, a trusting position.
I'm terrified, I'm uneasy, I'm restless, he wanted to admit, but he never dared. "I'm well. What can I do for you?" he replied, instead, focusing all of his attention on her.
"I have a friend who just dropped by…" She trailed off, certain that the Professor already knew.
Charles smiled, "Yes, the young Gambit. I sensed him last night, I should have told Logan and Rogue to back off…"
Ororo waved a hand between them, dismissing him politely, "No, Gambit can hold is own, and I think he enjoyed his fight with Rogue a little to much if you ask Logan." She laughed softly -lightheartedly.
Charles shrugged his tensed shoulders and a small smile formed, "It's harmless." He stated. "How is he?"
Ororo's smile faded, instead her lips tightened as she cast her eyes to the floor before looking back at the Professor. "Not as good as I would have like. He ran away." She admitted, pausing as the Professor raised an eyebrow and abstained himself from asking 'why?' knowing he wouldn't obtain an answer.
"He's alone, even though he preaches that he likes his solitude. He's lost, even thought he admits that he just hasn't found the right path yet…" Storm tapped her foot impatiently and crossed her arms. "You know, that's just like him. He hides, he won't let anyone in, and he won't let anyone get close. He's lost, Charles, I can sense it. And I think he just needs some guidance…"
"…And you would like him to find his guidance here?" Xavier's inquired, smiling knowingly.
Storm returned the favor and smiled back. "I think it would help him. He could have a life here..."
"If I remember correctly, Gambit isn't really the sedentary type. But I will gladly let him stay here."
Ororo's smile widened, "Good. So I trust you'll be talking to him?"
"Of course." Xavier replied gently.
---
The Cajun thief balanced himself expertly over the ledge of his open window, his red on black eyes squinting slightly over the morning sun. He brought his cigarette to his lips, taking a slow and long drag and then exhaling. He passed a hand in his hair, a nervous and smoothing gesture as his thoughts wandered aimlessly over his current situation. He was a runaway, a traitor, hiding and walking among the shadows because he had nowhere to go and held no gaol in life. He was physically homeless, psychologically lost and emotionally guilty.
Things change he told himself and the only thing he could now has to adapt himself. He needed to think about the future, he needed to make plans about what he was going to do from now on, where he would go, where he would stay… He was face with decisions an adult should make, and honestly, he didn't felt like considering all of those things. His mind brought back Storm's proposition. Staying here? He wondered. Staying in a school and being surrounded by innocent kids and protective teachers. Being confined by authority and always being under a few too many watchful eyes. Remy scowled, starting to second guess his judgement, maybe this hadn't been such a good idea. But then again, what had made him come all the way up to New York? It's not like he needed a roof over his head, or food, that he could easily take care of. It was Ororo that had made him come up here. He needed guidance and insights, security and stability, and a good influence. And that's exactly what a place like this could bring to him. And beside, he was never the one to betray his intuition, his gut feelings, because it had never proven him wrong.
'Gambit?' a voice resonated inside his head, almost making him loose his balance. Almost, he wasn't considered one of the best thief in the country for nothing.
"Professor?" he questioned out loud.
Remy could feel Xavier smile, 'Yes. I would like to see you in my office, if that's possible.'
Remy smirked, "Of course." As if he could say no to that man.
'I trust you remember were it is?' Xavier inquired.
"Yes, I'll be right there." Remy replied and took a last drag out of his smoke before throwing it away and casually slipping back into his room. The Cajun didn't bothered to change his clothes as he stepped outside the bedroom dressed in a pair of black jogging pants and a matching hoodie sweatshirt, both sporting the logo of the X-men. He strutted down the hall, completely at ease while his eyes re-familiarized itself with the place.
The hallways were quiet and he assumed that every one would be busy with teaching, studying or learning. In front of him, two people exited a room. A couple, he noticed as the young woman grasped the young man's hand. They were probably just a few years younger then him; Remy pondered when they passed each other. The young man, a little shorter then him, with piercing blue eyes gave him a suspicious and curious look while the young woman, a petite femme with straight brown hair and hazel eyes, cast him a smile before looking down at her feet. And of course Remy allowed himself to smirk at the couple.
The encounter was already forgotten, when Remy slowed down his pace before stopping in front of a large wooden door. He hesitated, bouncing lightly on his feet as if he was prepared to run for his life. Run from what? He had nothing to run from where, he could find peace here and stability. So why did he felt so jumpy, was it out of habit? Was it because he was taught that all his life?
'You can come in Gambit.' Xavier's voice echoed in his mind.
Remy took in an imaginary breath and turned the door knob, entering the office.
Xavier's smile widened as the young man walked in, oozing of confidence and tact. But the feelings he has emitting resembled nothing as to what he tried to portray. "It's nice to see you again." He declared, mentioning to the chair were Ororo had previously been seated.
"Likewise Professor. It's been a long time, non?" Remy grinned, sitting down and forcing himself not to pull out a deck of cards out of his pocket.
"Yes, almost two years I think." He replied, taking in Remy's appearance, "You've grown up."
Remy threw him a smirk, "Unfortunately."
"So what brings you here?" The Professor asked, getting right to the point, knowing that Remy would dodge the unnecessary small talk.
Remy's grin never weakened, "What exactly did Storm tell you?" He asked instead.
"Only that you weren't living in New Orleans anymore. She would like you to stay here and I'm offering you my hospitality." He offered with a sincere smile.
Remy smiled, bowing his head down and letting his doubts resurfacing, "Thank you, but honestly, I don't even know why I truly came here." He admitted, looking up.
"Maybe it was something you need to do, or maybe you think that you need to see another side of life. By what I could understand from Ororo, you're starting a new life and you need to think about what you want, what you need."
Remy nodded, "You're right and I know that. I just didn't think it would happen so soon... If I stay here, what would you expect from me?"
Charles smiled, "If you plan to stay here for a couple weeks; nothing. But if you plan to stay a little longer…" He trailed off, giving Remy an opening, wondering if he would take it.
"Then, what would your plans be for me?" He inquired, eyebrow raised.
"This is a school Gambit, and the headquarters of the X-men. If you plan to stay, I would admit you to the team. We could certainly use your abilities; you have an amazing power and you're a skilled fighter with sharp reflexes. As for teaching, well, we would like to teach the children more interesting subjects, other then mathematics, physics, english, history, etc… So we've establish a few extra curricular activities to busy them and offer a more diverse atmosphere here at the school. As of today, we're offering basketball, soccer, dance, gymnastics and art."
"Let me guess, you want me to be a gymnastics instructor?" Remy snickered as he imagined himself in tights and being surrounded by little giggling girls.
"No. Although, it wouldn't be a bad idea considering your agility." Xavier laughed softly, as Remy shook his head from side to side. "No, Rogue is actually the one giving the class."
Remy's eyebrow raised itself, "Well that's interesting to know." He smirked, "I must admit, you've teach them well."
Xavier gave him a knowing smile, "Yes, Rogue has been training with Logan for the past year, she has become very good. Anyways, like I was saying. I would have like you to teach a mechanics course and I would probably put you in charge of training with the younger kids. Logan isn't really patient with children. Gambit, this is your decision to make. Take you're time to think about it."
Xavier proposed and wheeled himself next to Remy. "In the meantime, you may use the gym, the poll, the recreation room and danger room if you feel like it. And I will re-activate your fingerprints and digital signature for the security system, even though I don't think it's really needed."
Remy smirked, "Yeah. Thank you Professor."
Okay this was a hard chapter and a boring one if you ask me… Sorry! I just needed to establish how Remy was going to stay at the institute and how it was functioning. This chapter was also made to introduce the beginning of the PLOT! Yay! So… Charles knows that something is going on… and he's keeping it to himself. I wonder who else knows about this situation… And who's they?
The next chapters will revolve around Rogue, Remy and the other student.
Next chapter: Remy and Rogue meet up again, I wonder if it will go smoothly?