22
Rogue woke up in the morning, feeling down. Sure, she had made up with Colossus last night, but she still didn't like that she was a prisoner once again. Rogue had got up and sat on her bed, focusing as she entered Blob's memories to do the report Magneto had been asking for last night. She wasn't happy having to fight off a massive house of a guy every five or ten minutes, but luckily, he wasn't as cleaver and Kitty and seemed to struggle escaping her prisons a lot more.
Rogue was so lost in Blob's memories, she hadn't heard the knock on her door.
Gambit had been knocking on Rogue's door, getting no response. She hadn't joined them for breakfast and he saw that Colossus had been on edge, worried that she'd done a runner. Gambit had calmed the big fella down and came to look for Rogue to tell her the good news about today. Of course, when he got no answer, he became worried himself.
He opened her door and was relieved to find her sat on her bed, meditating. He walked over to her, smirking. She looked almost peaceful. He reached forwards to shake her shoulder gently as he called out her name. What he didn't expect was for Rogue to jump, grab his wrist in a tight lock and flip him over her bed onto the metal floor on the other side.
Gambit cried out. He heard Rogue gasp as she realised who it was, but Gambit was more interested in the pain filling his body than anything.
"Remy! What the heck are you doin' in here?" Rogue demanded to know.
"Good mornin' to you too Cherie." Gambit said, beginning to get up.
He'd seen the surprised look on Rogue's face and watched it go as that spitfire attitude took over.
"What do you want?" she asked, her arms folded over her chest.
"Was wonderin' if you wanted breakfast, but if you really so 'gainst de idea, we could skip straight to a candle lit dinner." Gambit said.
Rogue raised her eyebrow at that. "How hard did ya hit your head?" Rogue asked.
"You got moi pretty good cher. You gonna kiss de bruise dat's formin' better?" he asked, smirking.
"Not that hard then." Rogue said, rolling her eyes and standing up. "Didn't really feel like eatin'." Rogue said.
"So you be meditatin' instead?" Gambit asked.
Rogue tsked, "I wasn't really meditatin' the way ya think. I was lookin' through Blob's memories for Magneto. Now, if ya don't mind, I'd prefer just ta get the report done for the day and be done with it."
"So Mags ain't told ya?" Gambit said.
"Huh?" Rogue said, confused.
Gambit smiled broadly, "You be gettin' de day off Cherie. Spoke to de man last night and told em 'bout our date."
Rogue's face dropped, "Wait, ya told 'em were goin' on a date?" Rogue asked, seeming appalled.
"Oui, he be fine with it." He said.
Rogue growled then, pulling at her hair, frustrated.
"Why did ya tell him that!" She demanded to know. Getting annoyed that now Magneto might try and use Gambit against her too.
Gambit wondered why she was so mad with him. Sure, he knew she didn't like whatever relationship she had with him being made public to the Acolytes, but he'd got her a free day out of it.
"Thought you could use some time off. You know, use de time to prepare for our date. Don't women normally take hours to get ready? Why you so upset?" He asked.
"Because-" Rogue huffed, but didn't finish it.
She was upset because she didn't trust Magneto. She didn't want Magneto trying to blackmail her more by using Gambit against her. If it was just Colossus' sister then there might be a chance she could escape when she got better, but if he found something on Gambit, then there was no telling how long she'd be trapped there for. She was surprised Magneto hadn't already come to find her to blackmail her over Gambit.
Gambit watched Rogue fold her arms and turn away from him. Her lips had become pursed, as if she was trying to hold her tongue.
"It doesn't matter. And I don't need hours ta get ready. Can ya go now so I can finish up with ma report?" Rogue asked.
"Really? You ain't even curious where we be goin' and what you need to wear?" Gambit asked, not wanting to leave her just yet.
Rogue huffed again, then asked, "Where we going?"
Gambit's smirk got wider and she regretted asking as she'd walked right into his trap.
"Now dat be a surprise, non." He said.
Rogue rolled her eyes at that.
"Hope you packed a ball gown though Cherie, 'cause I only show a girl de best of de best." Gambit said.
"A ball gown?" Rogue questioned, feeling uncomfortable already. "Why would I pack a ball gown?"
"'cause your gonna need it." He said.
"Well, I don't have one." She replied.
"Den you best get one, non? See, told you you be needin' de full day." Gambit said, smirking.
Rogue growled, getting frustrated. Being in Blob's head was making her dumber than she was and she was walking right into all of Gambit's word traps.
"Will ya just get out already! I need ta write up ma report first 'fore I can even think about a date!" Rogue snapped.
Gambit held his hands up, showing he surrendered.
"Alright Cherie, I'll go since I be getting' you all to monself later. Just don't spend all your time typin'." He said.
Rogue walked after Gambit, slamming the door closed a little too harshly as he left.
As Gambit made his way back towards the kitchen, he meet Colossus heading towards Rogue's room. He had a nervous look to him. He guessed he was worried that Rogue had done a runner and that his sister's life was in danger.
"Wouldn't bother her right now mon ami. She be in one hell of a temper." Gambit said.
Colossus stopped in his step, glancing at Gambit. He had confirmation that Rogue was still there, but he didn't look happy. Gambit guessed it was because of last night and that the big guy still felt bad for what he did.
"Hey, if you wanna make de femme feel better, then I got just de thing dat'll help mend the cracks." Gambit said, patting Colossus on the shoulder and leading him to the garage with him.
Xxxxx
Rogue had just finished typing up the last of what she learned from Blob which wasn't a lot. Apparently, Mystique didn't tell the Brotherhood much either. They knew very little about her where abouts most of the time or her plans. Blob didn't seem to know much more about the Brotherhood member's powers either. They just spent most of their days lousing around doing nothing. No training. No school. Nothing. To Rogue, it was a very boring way to live. She had many written about their encounters with the X-Men. There was quite a few, but they were short as the Brotherhood always lost.
Rogue glanced at the clock, not liking how fast time had gone by. She was feeling tired and had very little time to sort herself out her date. That made her feel down. Gambit had been great to her last night but she still couldn't see what going on a date would do for her. Or him. It was only going to leave him disappointed, but, then again, maybe it was for the best.
Rogue went and knocked on Magneto's office, taking the laptop with her. He was sat at his desk when she entered. Rogue didn't say anything to him. Simply placed the laptop down in front of him, glaring the whole time and then left. He said nothing in return, rather surprised that Rogue had done the work he set her after he'd agreed to give her a day off. Then again, he would not complain.
As Rogue was heading back towards her room, stressing over what she would wear, she noticed Gambit and Colossus appear from the corridor that lead to the garage. Rogue stopped and folded her arms as she saw Gambit holding a few bags and Colossus holding something that looked like a dress in a protector.
"Should I ask?" Rogue said, bringing the two men to look at her in surprise.
"Cher! We got a surprise for you." Gambit said.
"Why am I more worried now than I was before?" Rogue asked.
Gambit chuckled, "What, you really think dis gentle giant do something to make you worry?" Gambit asked, patting Colossus' shoulder.
"When your around, I doubt every sane person near you," Rogue said.
"Awww, so admittin' you be a little crazy? Always did like a girl with a bit of a wild side to her." Gambit said, winking at Rogue.
Before Rogue could say anything, Colossus hit him gently upside the head for Rogue which made her smile. Although, she did question what Colossus was doing out with Gambit.
"Do not tease her Gambit." Colossus said, then turned to smile at Rogue. "We do have something for you." He said, beginning to take the bags out of Gambit's hands. "I will bring these to your room."
"Oooook," Rogue said, rolling the O.
She followed Colossus towards her room, glancing back at Gambit who just seemed amused. Yeah, she was worried.
When they got to her room, Colossus began to unload the bags onto her bed.
"I hope you do not mind, but Gambit said you needed a dress for tonight." Colossus said.
"So, you decided ta give em a hand?" Rogue said, leaning against her door.
Colossus looked worried, like he'd done something wrong.
"I thought it would be something nice for you." Colossus said, glancing back at bags and at the dress in his arms.
Rogue smiled gently. "It is, I just never thought ya'd be jumpin' on the back of Gambit's van wagon ta get him and meh datin'." Rogue said.
"I must admit, I am not extremely, erm, how'd you say, on bored, with the idea. But Gambit said you had already agreed to it and I did think it may be nice for you to have a pretty dress. Have I done-"
"No, no," Rogue said, picking up what Colossus was going to say. "It's fine. Guess I just kinda wanted a reason not ta get too dressed up for our date tonight. Just didn't wanna give 'em the wrong idea I guess." Rogue said, glancing down at the floor.
Colossus stepped forwards towards Rogue and placed a hand on her shoulder, getting her attention. "Although, I do not believe a date with Gambit is the best idea, I do believe it will be good for you to go out and try to enjoy yourself. You have faced many challenges this week and desire to let your hair down. Gambit, although a troublesome one, does have his advantages for being quite good at having a good time."
Rogue chuckled once at that, then looked passed Colossus at the dress on her bed.
"Thank ya for the dress. I'm sure it's beautiful." Rogue said.
Colossus smiled at her, then went to walk past her. "I shall leave you to get changed then. Oh, and Rogue," Colossus said, stopping to look back at her, serious, "If Gambit steps out of line or there is any trouble, please let me know and I will step in."
Rogue laughed at that. Colossus smirked too before leaving Rogue to get ready.
Xxxxx
Gambit had had a shower and got changed quickly, putting a suit on and contacts in. He had given Rogue as much time as he possible could, but it was starting to get late. He left his room, ignoring Sabretooth's comments on his dress and knocking on Rogue's door.
"One minute!" Rogue called out.
Gambit smirked, giving her that minute as he leaned against her door. It took less than a minute though and Rogue appeared in the doorway. Gambit looked her up and down whistling as he did. Rogue stood before his wearing a red dress. The sleeves hung off her shoulders and long red gloves covered her arms, making up for her bare shoulders. Her hair that had been left down and wavy helped to protect her shoulders. Her long skirt slipped open and she really did look sexy. Especially when she smiled at him.
"Gotta say cher, I'm impressed. You definitely put de manikin to shame." He said.
Rogue tilted her head to one side at him and cocked her eyebrow. She was wondering why he had contacts in. She didn't much care for them. In fact, they were weird to her. Kind of made her feel uncomfortable, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she just focused on what he said.
"Ya comparin' meh ta a manikin?" Rogue asked.
"Well, de manikin did have de face and body of a famous super model, but 'fraid that's all I got to compare you to," he said, taking her hand and kissing the back of it. "no other femme's wore dis dress before and none dat have look as belle as you."
Rogue's eyebrow was still raised. She'd heard comments like that before, but it was just so much more amusing coming from Gambit's mouth. It must have been that charm thing he had, Rogue thought. Gambit wrapped Rogue's arm around his.
"You ready to get goin'?" He asked.
"Guess ready as I'll ever be. Let's just get this over with," Rogue said, closing her bedroom door.
Gambit placed a hand dramatically over his heart, "Awww cher, ya wound me." He said.
Rogue just chuckled as they made their way towards the garage.
What Rogue didn't see was Colossus waiting for them to leave, catching a glimpse of how beautiful she looked, before entering Rogue's room with a couple of extra bags in hand.
Xxxxx
Rogue had been surprised to find that Gambit had rented out a beautiful sports car for the night. She had suspected that they would just take his bike and, as much as she liked it, she wasn't looking forward to riding it in her dress.
Gambit had pulled up outside a fancy looking restaurant. One that Rogue would normally be taken to by men she was set up with by Mystique. As she glanced out the passenger window, Rogue swallowed, feeling uneasy which was strange for her.
A shofar opened her door for her, helped her out of the car and then Gambit gave him the keys to his car. Rogue automatically took Gambit's arm which surprised him. But he smiled all the more as he lead her inside. She didn't even realise she was doing it.
They were lead to their table that was near the middle of the room. Gambit wasn't happy about that, but he had booked the table rather late and he didn't have many great connections to the owner of the restaurant so it would have to do. He was surprised how smiley and graceful Rogue was as they were escorted to their table and seated.
"Well, this is a beautiful little restaurant. You have great taste." Rogue said, being unable to help her smile.
She questioned the words that were coming out of her mouth. She knew they were little white lies. This wasn't the nicest restaurant she'd been to. And the thing about great taste, well, sitting in the middle of a room full of people wasn't great, but she tried to remember that Gambit wasn't one of those men she'd dated. She wondered if what she said had been right? Was it right to compliment him on something like this when she'd seen better? It didn't seem like he was used to this kind of luxury, even though he looked like he was making himself at home. But, then again, was being kind too risky of a move?
"Well I'm glad your impressed Cherie." Gambit said, glad that Rogue was smiling and seemed ok with the venue.
He leaned in towards her. And, surprisingly, Rogue leaned into him.
She had no idea what she was doing. It felt like she didn't have control over her body as she did.
"So, you wanna start tellin' meh something I don't know about you sugar?" she asked, regretting her use of the word sugar. Sugar was the word she used for men she was trying to charm. That and so she didn't accidently mix up any names. And it seemed to have worked well on swooning Gambit.
Gambit reached forwards, taking Rogue's hand in his. "What's de fun in tellin' when it be more fun to show?" he asked, kissing the back of her hand.
Rogue pulled her hand away, forcing herself to sit back. She kept a smile forced on her face though as she saw Gambit looked a little confused as to why she was pulling away.
Rogue was thinking about her past dates. Now, if a man had told her that, she would have said, "Then what we hanging around here for?", then led the man back to a hotel room or something and touched him.
But she couldn't do that with Gambit. At least, that wasn't the plan and she didn't want to do it. But she had to think of something to say. Gambit, from what she'd understood so far, wasn't exactly a quiet guy.
"Well, I'm guessin' ya gonna show meh later. But till then, what is it ya wanna talk about?" she asked, hitting herself mentally upside the head at that, "ya gonna show meh later" part. They both knew this wasn't going to go anywhere and she didn't want to lead him on to make him think it was. Then why had she said it! Why did she feel so out of control of herself? Why did she feel like, inwardly, she was freaking out?
" How's 'bout us, Cherie?" he said, smirking.
Rogue raised her eyebrow at that.
"And what about us?" she asked.
"Come on Rogue. You can't deny there be something there." Gambit said.
"And what might be there?" she asked.
"You tellin' moi ya ain't findin' dis here Cajun sat before you attractive?" he asked, grinning and raising an eyebrow himself.
"Now, ya must know ya are very handsome indeed Remy. Any woman would be lucky ta have ya on their arm." Rogue said, feeling like she wanted to cut her tongue off. What was she doing? Why was she flirting with him? "So why you lookin' at meh?" she asked, leaning forwards again.
"You Cherie," Gambit said, taking Rogue's arm again and beginning to kiss up it in-between words, "are la plus belle femme de Bayville. Je serais idiote de ne pas te choisir parmi les autres femmes."
Rogue gasped at the kisses and how close Gambit got to her skin. Her eyes closed and a part of her seemed to come back. When he got too near, she pulled her arm back and shuck her head. "You know I don't speak French swamp rat."
Rogue opened her eyes then, not realising that her smiling face had broken and now she looked uncomfortable. Gambit looked confused at her with his hands still in the air where her arm had been.
Rogue closed her eyes again, finding that to be the only way to speak honestly about things. "I think this was a mistake. I wanna go."
Rogue stood up, her eyes still closed as she did.
Because her eyes were closed, she didn't see Gambit reach out and grab her arm, halting her.
"Wait, what's wrong?" Gambit asked, confused as hell. Everything seemed to be going alright. She looked like she was enjoying herself. Why the sudden twist?
Rogue opened her eyes to see Gambit still looking confused and rather hurt. She felt like they were making a scene and she didn't like it.
"Nothing, I just have to go. I'm sorry. Maybe another time." Rogue said, pulling her arm out of Gambit's grasp and speeding off quickly towards the exit.
"Rogue wait." She heard Gambit call.
She managed to get to the reception desk where they had signed in under his name. Rogue felt a little better not having people surrounding her. But, she stopped for a moment, feeling a little surprised that Gambit hadn't followed behind her.
She turned to see that a woman in a beautiful gold dress was stood in front of Gambit and was pointing a finger at him. Rogue had heard the commotion as she left, but she hadn't realised that it involved Gambit.
Gambit had moved to go after Rogue, but a flash from his pasted stepped out into his way. Gambit felt a little taken back, cursing himself for not recognising the woman.
"Well if it isn't Remy LeBeau?" The woman said looking angry.
"Tanya, dis isn't de place or time to-" Gambit said, trying to move passed Tanya, but she was having none of it.
She blocked his path, shoving him back and her voice had risen.
"Really? You think you can run out on me again!" She snapped, getting the two of them a lot of looks.
Gambit's attention moved from Rogue who had neared the reception desk to Tanya. This was bad. He'd been hired some time ago to steal something from this woman who was filthy rich and now she stood before him, pissed, and causing a scene.
"You waltzed straight into my life, took what you wanted and left. You're a damn thief and a criminal Remy LeBeau! And now that I've found you, I'm gonna make sure you go down for what you did. Now where's my rubies!" Tanya demanded to know.
Gambit placed his hands in the air and said to Tanya, "Tanya, I don't know what you be talkin' about."
"Don't you dare give me that!" She snapped.
Rogue had begun to walk back into the restaurant as she heard what the woman, Tanya, was saying to Gambit. She could see that Gambit looked unsettled. She felt kind of bad for him. Rogue realised she was going to have to step in and help him as soon as the woman Tanya started calling for security.
Rogue had moved to stand beside the table she had saw the woman in gold sat at. There was a man there who was hiding his face in shame, looking miserable. Rogue slipped her glove off and touched the back of his neck, taking in what information she could about Tanya. Rogue gasped as she realised something, glancing down at the open bag besides the man, Liam. Liam had fallen forwards and his had was on the table now. No one seemed to have noticed that she had touched him then made him pass out. Rogue's eyes glanced over the ring on his wedding finger. She became confident in what she was doing and stepped up towards Tanya. It had been a while since she'd created a public drama in a high society like this.
"Excuse meh," Rogue called out to Tanya rather firmly, "but I believe ya have the wrong man."
Tanya had turned her head to glare at Rogue, her anger now moving off Gambit and onto her. Gambit glanced at Rogue, wondering what she was doing.
"Keep your nose out of other people's business that doesn't concern you!" Tanya snapped at her.
"Oh, but this does concern meh considerin' ya accusin' ma fiancé of a crime he most definitely didn't commit!" Rogue snapped back at Tanya.
Rogue just said fiancé because it was the easiest thing to be in this situation. She had saw Gambit's reaction. He hid his surprise well, but not his smirk at her. Rogue tried not to roll her eyes and just focus on Tanya.
Tanya turned her body to face Rogue fully now, getting up close in Rogue's face with that same finger she had been pointing at Gambit. Rogue didn't budge. Instead, she just looked folded her arms and looked bored.
"Your fiancé? Your fiancé? Yeah right! This man can't commit to any woman! He's just a user and your being dupe if you think he's with you because he loves you. That man is only after your money and jewels. He's a thief! A no good scoundrel." Tanya said.
Rogue huffed, "Your one ta talk. You're Tanya Bleggings, right? Wife ta Liam Bleggings who's one a the leadin' business' men of Krypton industries? Been married seven years or so, right?"
"Eight actually. And what does it matter who I am? I was robbed and I want my jewels back!" Tanya snapped, turning back on Gambit
"Oh, I think adultery does matter, Mrs Bleggings." Rogue said. There were gasps around the room at the new information. Tanya turned on Rogue. Rogue saw a look of disbelief on her face, but she quickly replaced it with anger.
"What the hell did you just say?" Tanya demanded.
"You heard what I said. You're stood here, embarrassing ma fiancé by claiming him ta be a thief when the biggest crime he's possibly committed is sleepin' with a woman who was married at the time for what, about five ta six years? And even then, ya tricked him inta believin' ya were single. You used him and for what? 'cause you were miserable in your marriage or some other pathetic excuse like that?" Rogue said, matter of factly.
"H-he knew what he was getting involved in!" Tanya said, pointing her finger back at Gambit. But she was panicking now and it was showing very clearly in her shaky hand movements, "He planned everything right from the start. It was all him!"
Rogue snorted at that, "No, it really wasn't. I've known Remy for a long time and I was speakin' with him before and after he made a decision which really had meh questionin' his tastes," Rogue said, shooting a look at Gambit which told him she was not impressed.
Gambit held his hands up and glanced down and away, playing the part. Honestly though, even though Rogue was kind of making a dig at him, he still felt mug. Mug that she was defending him. Smug that she was calling herself his fiancé. Smug that she was defending him. He had to admit, he did sleep with Tanya about three years ago while he was on a job. It had been a great excuse at the time to get what he needed, but now, it was turning out to be a massive mistake. However, he noticed that Rogue was defusing the situation of him being a thief by focusing the attention on him sleeping with Tanya. He had to admit, he didn't much like everyone knowing who he'd slept with. Usually, he didn't mind, but it was slightly embarrassing. But, he guessed he preferred this to having Tanya continue to go on about how he was a thief. When he'd glanced around, he noticed everyone seemed distracted from what Tanya was accusing him of and were now glued to the drama that was unfolding between Rogue and Tanya.
"But, I also saw then what a good and kind hearted man he really was." Rogue said, turning her attention back to Tanya. "You wanna know where I found him after he found your weddin' ring? He was in a bar, drinkin' his guilt away at havin' done something so horrible ta your husband. I stayed with him all night, tryna convince him that he was a good man. That it was just a mistake on his part and that it was the verminous harpy of a woman that was at fault for first, cheatin' on her husband and then lying just 'cause she was so desperate ta get laid."
"And another thing," Rogue continued, taking a step closer to Tanya to intimidate her, "Remy couldn't have stolen ya rubies considerin' he was with meh in a bar all night when they went missin'. It was in all those magazine's that it was later that night when ya were supposed ta attend that cancer charity event that ya found your home had been broken inta and ya rubies were gone. Ya were awake and with Remy the whole time ya did the dirty and ya woulda caught him if he stole those rubies, but ya didn't 'cause he never did it! So you, kickin' off at him right now when he's tryna forget all about what horrors ya put him through and enjoy his night with his fiancé, are completely in the wrong again!" Rogue snapped at her.
"I…I- He went into the room where the rubies were! I took my eyes off him for two seconds. He could have grabbed them then." Tanya said.
Rogue snorted at that, glancing back at Gambit. Rogue had to use Emma's powers to quickly dip in Tante's mind. Luckily, the night Gambit slept with her was replaying in her mind and Rogue saw something that just saved her face.
"Yeah, right, 'cause ma fiancé coulda found ya safe, cracked ya code and pocketed all your jewels in two seconds? No, he found ya weddin' ring in those two seconds, didn't he? Ya told him there were spare clothes in ya husband's second office, of course, he didn't know that then, but when he found the ring ya left on his desk, then he put two and two together and saw ya for what ya really were, didn't he?" Rogue said.
Tanya was stuttering, trying to find something to say.
Rogue had glanced back at Gambit, seeing a small, but grateful smirk on his face. The way he was looking at her too, with his head tilted to the side, it made Rogue's insides feel hot and warm. It… was kind of confusing to her. She turned away, trying to get rid of the blush forming on her cheeks as she noticed people watching.
Her eyes then fell on Liam and she thought she best put the nail in the coffin and wrap this up.
"Ya know what Tanya, ya really are a horrible person and a terrible wife," Rogue said, her eyes still on Liam as she approached him and touched his back.
Tanya followed Rogue, stepping closer to Liam as she watched Rogue shake his shoulder.
"Hey, hey, you alright?" Rogue said, shaking Liam's unconscious body, knowing he wouldn't respond. But that worked all the better for her as she straightened up, acting the part of a scared and shocked woman as she said, "Somebody call an ambulance!"
There were gasps followed by the chiming sounds of people pressing buttons on their phones. Two waiters came over and took over Rogue's position, sitting Liam up and trying to get a response out of him. As Rogue moved, she purposely kicked over the bag by Liam, knocking a lot of pills out of his bag. Rogue reached down and picked one up, reading the label. She already knew what it was for though from Liam's memories.
Rogue glanced at Tanya, showing hate in her eyes. She shuck her head at the woman.
"Ya really are a horrible human bein'. Ya husband's clearly sick and has been for a long time. These pills are ta help with cancer!" Rogue said, holding the pills up.
Tanya gasped, placing her hands over her mouth and shaking her head.
"I didn't know," she stuttered, "I didn't know."
"You didn't know?" Rogue scoffed, her voice getting louder, "Ya didn't know ya husband's diein'? Maybe it's because ya goin' 'round findin' whatever poor fella ya can ta trick inta sleepin' with ya rather than actually payin' attention ta the man ya supposed ta love. Who ya swore ta be there for through sickness and health."
Rogue through the pills down on the table, shaking her head.
"You really are a monster!" Rogue said, glaring at Tanya. Then, Rogue stretched her hand out towards Gambit, "Come on Remy. Let's get outta here. I don't wanna be anywhere near this woman."
Gambit, who was trying to hold back his smirk at the grand performance Rogue had made, shoved passed Tanya and grabbed Rogue's hand. She was storming off, dragging him along with her but he really was not fussed about being dragged. Although he never expected nor wanted his first date with Rogue to go like this, he had to admit, he was happy that Rogue had come back for him and defended him the way she did. He was in awe of her right then, thinking she was an incredible woman for staging such a dramatic plot twist.
Rogue, on the other hand, wasn't too happy. She wasn't new to causing a scene like that, but she hoped she never would have to again. This date Gambit had brought her on, it reminded her too much of her old life. Of what she used to be. Or more, what she was forced to be and she hated it.
When they got outside Rogue, abruptly, dropped Gambit's hand and began walking off. Gambit noticed the coldness in her and how she picked up her pace, walking away from him.
"Rogue?" he called, becoming worried. He guessed she was upset that the date had gone so terribly. He was cursing himself for bringing her to this restaurant now and not forking out more to take her to a nicer place.
He chased after Rogue who was walking past the cars that were pulling up and towards the exit.
"Rogue, let me get the car-"
"Just leave meh alone Remy! Go home if ya want, but just leave meh alone." She said, not slowing down in her pace and not stopping to turn around and face him.
"Cherie-"Gambit called. A shofar was before him, about to ask if he wanted his car, but Gambit quickly stopped to brush the man off.
He had to jog to catch up to Rogue.
"Cher!" he called again, walking besides her, "Look, I know it went wrong, but, I promise, I'll make it up to you." He said, taking her hand and kissing it.
Rogue snatched it back and wrapped her arms around herself again. The cold air that was hitting her was making it easier for her to think. That and getting as far away from the fancy restaurant was helping too.
"I don't want you ta make it up ta meh. I just wanna be left alone." Rogue said, walking around Gambit and passing through the gates.
Gambit watched her go, unsure what to do. He'd never been this bothered by a woman storming off on him before. He decided he just couldn't let Rogue wander the streets alone at this time of night, even if she could look after herself. He jogged after her.
Rogue noticed that he was following her as she walked down the long road that was surrounded by trees and nothing else to get back to Bayville's centre.
"I said leave meh alone!" She snapped again.
"Look, Rogue, I really am sorry 'bout what happened." Gambit said, still following behind her. He hated himself right then. Not for what happened, but because he was apologising. He was a thief. He never had to apologise. What was done was done and he couldn't change that. But this woman, boy, she had him running around in circles. "What happened with Tanya, it shouldn't of and I'm sorry." He said.
Rogue tsked, rolling her eyes. She was a bit frustrated that Gambit thought that was the reason she was upset. But then again, she doubted him to get the answer right as to why she truly was upset. It was a bizarre one after all. A girl not wanting to be taken to a fancy restaurant to be wined and dined, ha! She bet any of the girls at school would have loved it, but she had to be different didn't she? She couldn't just be normal! Mystique had to take that away from her.
"I really couldn't care less who ya've slept with Remy." Rogue said, feeling down at her own thoughts and continuing to walk away.
"It wasn't like dat Rogue." Gambit said, cursing himself. He felt like his reputation was coming to bit him back in the arse. He never regretted what he did with women in the past, but this woman, she was making him start to. What pull did she have on him?
"Ya can sleep with whoever ya want. Ain't like we're really together anyway or like we're gonna get together." Rogue said, rolling her eyes. Gambit taking her to that restaurant tonight, well, it just enforced what it was she really was.
Gambit chased up to her again and took hold of her hand, "Cher, don't say dat! It just be a bad start to de evenin'. Dun't mean we can't still enjoy ourselves. Dat this can't go anywhere."
Rogue grunted out annoyed and shoved Gambit back. "Don't you get it!" Rogue snapped at him.
Gambit was a little taken back by Rogue's outburst and the anger aimed at him from her, but he'd take it over her not giving him anything.
"This ain't gonna go any further 'cause it can't! What? Do you think we're gonna hold hands or something? Kiss under the moon light? Have sex? Where do ya possibly think this is goin'? What were ya even thinkin' askin' a girl ya can't touch out on a date, huh?" Rogue snapped folding her arms over her chest again.
Gambit had watched her outburst. He watched her anger raise and then it almost deflate as she looked sad. Was she jealous? Of Tanya? Gambit took a step closer to Rogue. He didn't need to touch her to know that she was in pain, but he did anyway. He took her hand and held it in-between one of his.
"There be more to things dan just touchin' Rogue." Gambit said.
Rogue scoffed, "Like what? Please, enlighten meh."
Gambit thought for a moment. He knew there were ways around the no touching thing. He had to admit a part of him believed that he could charm Rogue tonight and they'd try out a few of the ideas he had about getting around her skin. Now though, he felt like any mention of touch was off the table. And, he knew, it hadn't always been about bedding Rogue in the first place. There was something more. Something he wanted out of her, but he just couldn't quite put his finger on it either. She just intrigued him. Made him want to be near her. Make him want to please her and have her approval.
"Dis date, it be a way to get to know each other better." Gambit said, guessing, if he hadn't brought Rogue out just to bed her later, that that must be the reason he was working so hard to get her to stay. What he wanted to know about her though, he didn't know.
Rogue rolled her eyes again. "Why'd you wanna know me?"
"Same reason you wanna know Pete, right?" Gambit said, glancing harshly at her, "Or John, or Risty, or the X-Men."
Rogue shuck her head, confused. "So ya wanna be friends? Friends don't take each other out on a date. That's for…" Rogue trailed off.
Gambit snorted, "You don't give moi de same thing you give dem, Cherie." He said, bitterly.
Rogue snatched back her hand, huffing and putting weight on one leg. "And what's that swamp rat?"
"Ya give em a chance ta get to know ya. Me, you just push moi away!" Gambit said, throwing his hands up in the air. He had to admit, the chase, the challenge, it was fun and all, but now, it was just becoming stupid. Frustrating. For crying out loud, they were on a date together and she was still running away from him.
"Huh, maybe that's because ya don't respect ma personal boundaries like they do. Or, because ya constantly flirt with meh and claim meh as your own!" Rogue snapped at him.
"You flirt back just as much!" Gambit snapped and Rogue's mouth fell open.
"I do not! I mean, maybe in the beginning, but not since-"
"You just been flirtin' with me now! Back there, you were lovin' de attention." Gambit said, throwing his hands up. Again, he didn't understand why she was hot one minute, then cold the next.
"No, I wasn't" Rogue snapped, turning away, unable to meet Gambit's eye. She knew she had been and she felt embarrassed.
"Oui, you were! You know, you really are a headache sometimes Rogue! You say one thing, then do another and I can't keep up. If you weren't likin' it before then why'd you flirt?"
"'cause that's what I do!" Rogue snapped, turning on him with tears in eyes. "I…I've never come ta a restaurant like that one without needin' ta flirt with someone. I didn't know how to act, ok? So, I just followed what Mystique taught meh without even thinkin' 'bout it. It's why I stormed off the first time." Rogue said.
There was a pause between them. Gambit was thinking.
"But you came back." He said, starting to put things together.
Rogue shrugged her shoulders, not meeting his eye. "I couldn't just leave ya there!... You've never left meh in a tough spot on ma own before."
Gambit frowned at that. "So, you just came back 'cause you thought you owed me?"
"No!... Yes! I don't know, ok." Rogue said, covering her face with her hands.
"That 'cause of some trainin' off Mystique that you came back?" Gambit asked, wondering if everything tonight had just been Rogue playing him. Was this still just a bargain to her? Didn't she feel anything towards him? Want to go on a date with him just a tiny bit?
"No! I came back 'cause I saw ya were in trouble and I didn't wanna leave ya behind like that…. I thought what I was doin' was right. It felt right." Rogue said.
Gambit's eyes softened. So… She'd come back to a place where she felt miserable because of memories Mystique had caused her just to help him out? That was…something. There was silence for a moment. Rogue wasn't storming off anywhere just yet and he was glad about that. With this new information that he'd just learned though, Gambit began to playthings back in his head. Rogue had tried to go on a date with him and forced herself into a situation she didn't want to be in to try and have that date. He could appreciate that. Although, the flirting still made him question whether Rogue was serious or not? Had he really just been another target like Mystique would set her up to knock down? Or was some of that flirting genuine? But then, she had run out on him. Only, to come back and find out what he truly was. Well… she didn't know, did she?
Gambit turned to look Rogue straight in the eyes. She looked uncomfortable. He wondered, did she know what he was? Was that the thing that was making her uncomfortable?
"You know, I did steal those rubies." Gambit said, staring right into Rogue's eyes without flicking away. He wasn't ashamed of being a thief. Although, he did worry about Rogue's response to him being one for some reason.
Rogue snorted, "Yeah, I figured. Give meh some credit."
Gambit watched Rogue. She seemed annoyed. Irritated, but… not at him.
Rogue was playing the night back to herself as well. Figuring out what is was she could have said or done instead of flirt. She felt embarrassed and so humiliated! She'd just flirted with Gambit and lead him on, now she was telling him no because she'd realised that nothing was going to happen. Could happen. Not unless he wanted to be taken back to a hotel room just to have her suck his brains out. But who'd want that?
He didn't believe she'd heard him right so he repeated himself. "I'm a thief Cherie. A low life just like Tanya said."
"Yeah, don't think she can talk." Rogue said and Gambit thought she was deflecting where really, Rogue was only half paying attention to what he was saying.
"But I am a thief Rogue." He said, still looking her directly in the eyes with all seriousness. Was him being a thief really that bad?
"What?" Rogue said, folding her arms, shrugging her shoulder and now looking him directly in the eyes now he'd repeated himself once again. She guessed what he was saying, he must have been taking seriously. "You think that bothers meh? Ma mother practically sold meh ta men. Guess that makes meh an escort or somethin', but… I just did what I had to ta get by." Rogue said, looking down, feeling ashamed of herself.
Gambit felt somewhat alright with that response, but there was something that bothered him there. Not just about how Rogue looked upset about calling herself an escort. Something else.
"I was thievin' when I was a kid. Doin' it just to get by. Then, I just found dat I love it. I love stealin' cher. I'm a thief and I ain't gonna change." He admitted. He hadn't admitted that to any date before. Actually, he never admitted this to no one.
"Then I'm glad you've got something that you're passionate about." Rogue said, shooting Gambit a small smile. She had saw how tense and serious he had been. She didn't understand why, but she guessed him admitting being a thief was just something important to him. "Although, really?" Rogue said, raising her eyebrow at him, "Sleepin' with ya target? Come on Remy, ya musta had a better way in than that?"
"It was de easiest way in." Gambit said, finally relaxing. He didn't like how he still felt like Rogue was upset that he'd slept with Tanya, but he was sure he could make her see that woman was nothing to him. If she rejected him being a thief though, well, he doubt anything would happen between them and he really wanted it to. "Merci for coverin' in der for me Cherie. I really do appreciate it."
"You woulda done the same for me." Rogue said, shrugging off Gambit's thanks and looking away with a little blush on her checks. She guessed something Mystique had taught her did come in handy. Well, for Gambit. She was glad she could get him out of their though. It made her feel less… crap about herself.
"No doubt 'bout that." Gambit said, small smile on his face. He still noticed though how Rogue looked upset and defended. He sighed, scratching the back of his head. Tonight had really not gone that great. Rogue had felt uncomfortable with the place he took her and now felt like crap because of it which was something he never wanted to make her feel. Tanya had come and messed things up. He wasn't sure if Rogue was jealous of her, but he was sure that it had put her in a foul mood because of how she was talking about touch before. Then, he had come clean and admitted to her what he was which actually didn't turn out bad. Thinking about it, he actually felt quite happy with her response. What normal girl would be alright knowing she was dating a master thief? But there she stood before him. And, having her accept his profession, seeing it as if it was just normal, like any other, well, that made him definitely want to try and cheer her up again. After all, she'd just put a smile on his face. He wanted to return the favour.
" Look, dis date, it didn't start out right. If I'd had known that goin' ta a place like dat would make ya feel uncomfortable I woulda never took you."
"It's fine. I guess we might as well go collect the car and head back." Rogue said, moving to go back.
"Oh no Cherie." Gambit said, reaching out and taking her arm. "De meal mighta been ruined, but our date ain't over yet."
Rogue looked up at him with wide eyes. Confused at first, then she shuck her head, looking in disbelief. "Remy, I already told ya, it ain't gonna go nowhere."
"Oh I think de opposite. See, now I just learnt something 'bout you you never woulda told moi before." Gambit said, realising it was true. He doubted Rogue would have just randomly told him one day why she didn't like being taken out to fancy restaurants. "Dat's what des dates be about, non?"
"I coulda told ya that I don't like fancy restaurants without a date." Rogue said.
"Non, you wouldn't of. You woulda just been more focused on findin' away to push moi away."
"'cause ya won't stop touchin' meh!" Rogue said, trying to pull her arm away from Gambit's grip.
Gambit pulled her in towards his chest though. Rogue's eyes widened as he held her chest his well-built chest with both hands.
"I know you like it Cherie." He said, looking down into her eyes.
"No, I-" Rogue said, trying to struggle out of the grip.
"Oui, you do. I've seen you cher. Watched you. You afraid of what your powers can do. They hurt you too in so many different ways. I seen the way you became scared that Pete and John wouldn't be friendly to you or even touch you after they found out what your skin could do. But I know you relish in it. You wanna be held despite de fact that your skin be deadly. Everyone wants to be held Rogue and I'm gonna keep holdin' ya and remindin' ya that you're a person too. Not just some machine dat Mystique or Magneto try and make ya be. You be a real person cher, with needs and feelin's."
Rogue had stopped struggling in Gambit's arms, listening to every word he spoke. That… pretty much summed things up for her, yes. She… was surprised he got all that. Surprised he was telling her he wasn't going to let her feel alone. She didn't believe it but, for once, she really want to.
"I-I can't take that risk." Rogue found herself saying. Even though she wanted him to take that risk. Even though she wanted to take that risk, her mouth just spoke what was best for them both.
"I be careful. I have talented hands after all." He said, rubbing his hands up and down Rogue's back. "Now" Gambit said, quickly taking his blazer off and wrapping it around Rogue's shoulders, "let's go back and continue our date, non?"
Rogue huffed, "We're not goin' back in the restaurant, are we?" she asked, letting him lead her back towards it with his arm around her shoulder.
"Non, I got something else in mind." Gambit said, smirking.
Xxxxx
"Where are we?" Rogue asked, glancing up at a brick building. Gambit had parked somewhere around the back of the building so she couldn't make out what it was, but all the lights seemed to be off and no sound was coming from it so she guessed it was closed.
"It be a surprise, non?" Gambit said, smirking besides her. He walked up to the building, expecting Rogue to follow after.
"Remy, I know ya a thief and all, but I really don't think we should be breakin' inta a place." Rogue said, following behind him hesitantly.
"Relax Cherie. You be in good hands. I am a professional after all. Things like dis, it be a piece of cake."
Rogue then watched Gambit scale a wall using a water pipe to help him. Rogue folded her arms, glancing around the empty car park anxiously. Then, the door that was a little to her right opened and Gambit came out of it, smirking. Rogue made her way towards him.
"That was fast." Rogue said.
Gambit looked chuffed at her then. "Awww cher, ya flatter me. Now, close your eyes." He said.
"What?" Rogue said, now stopping to peep inside the building and look questioningly at him.
"You heard moi, close em." Gambit said,
Rogue huffed, but closed them. She felt Gambit take off her long glove and wrap it around her eyes, putting her on edge. She felt Gambit's hands then touch her shoulder which made her jump uneasily. Gambit muttered soothing words into her ear though and began to move her forwards. Rogue was tense and on edge as Gambit lead her. She couldn't believe she was trusting Gambit like this. She felt like it was a huge mistake. And what was scarier was she didn't know where he was taking her.
Gambit, on the other hand, found this quite amusing. He thought that he'd have to blindfold Rogue quite often since he released this was like a trust test for her. That and he actually had an excuse to hold her.
"What's that smell?" Rogue asked, wriggling her nose.
Gambit chuckled at that, but didn't say anything.
Rogue noticed that they had moved passed the smell and that Gambit had to stop and open a few doors for her. Eventually, they came to a stop. Rogue waited patiently considering she just wanted to rip her blindfold off. But she didn't have to. Gambit took the blind fold off and Rogue gasped as she looked up at a massive tank of water filled with sea life.
"You like it cher?" he asked, smirking at the astonished look on Rogue's face.
"What is this?" she asked.
"It be an aquarium. You never been to one?" Gambit asked, confused. He didn't think it was that great of an idea considering he just threw it together when driving, but now, seeing Rogue in awe, he felt like he'd won a game of poker.
"No! Don't people pay ta come and see fish and stuff here?" Rogue asked, glancing at him.
"Oui, dat be de place. You got a favourite sea creature, Cherie? Gotta say, I do like de sharks." Gambit said, still smirking as Rogue couldn't seem to shift the awed look on her face.
"They have sharks here?" Rogue gasped.
"Oui, bit further down, but we can take our time." Gambit said as he reached to hold Rogue around the waist as they made their way slowly towards the sharks. Rogue became uncomfortable a bit again and tried pulling away. But Gambit just pulled her in closer. Eventually, she stopped fighting him.
The two didn't say much to each other as they walked around. Gambit mainly just watched Rogue who watched all the colourful fish swim up to her and away. Out of all the luxuries Gambit could have given her tonight, he was surprised at how such a little thing had made Rogue happy. But, then again, they never did have a normal life, he remembered. She'd always been locked up so doing things like going to the movies or shopping or swimming must have been an experience she craved. He'd have to make a note of that, he realised. Rather than taking Rogue on big grand dates, he'd have to take her to little entertainment places like this one. At least, maybe convincing her to go somewhere like this would be a lot easier as well than trying to convince her to go on a date. And at least he'd be able to spend time with her as well. And, if Rogue was as distracted as she was now when he took her to places like this, then that would mean he'd get to hold her more like he was doing now.
They soon stopped in a room where people could sit and watch the sharks swim. Gambit moved towards the benches and lay out his blazer so that they could sit on it. Rogue had followed him, but just stood around with her arms folded as she watched a shark swim above their heads.
Gambit sat down, then, reached up and tugged Rogue down with him. Rogue near fell on top of him. Panicked, she began to try and stand up. Gambit placed a hand on her lower back to stop her struggles.
"Relax Cherie. I ain't gonna bite ya. Not unless you ask real nice." He said, raising his eyebrow at her.
Rogue still struggled.
"Again with the flirtin'? Thought ya wanted ta get ta know meh? Not flirt with meh?" she snapped.
"What can I say? Sometimes, I just can't help it." He said, smirk on his face.
He loosened up on his grip though and Rogue moved so that she was sat beside him. Because he'd let her up without a fight this time, she didn't squirm away as quickly as she normally would. Instead, she didn't move from his side. She tried to pay attention to the sharks, but something he said bothered her.
"Why do you flirt so much?" she asked.
Gambit shrugged, relaxing where he lay.
"Guess it be de way I know how to get a woman to like moi. Well, dat and by touchin' em. All of em practically become jelly in moi hands soon as I seek em out and start flirtin' with em. All except you that is." He said, glancing at her once again rather than the fish.
Rogue snorted at that, but had a smug smirk on her face.
"Guess ya can't win em all," she said, beginning to feel a tiny bit upset actually. When it came to men and relationships, she couldn't even win one. Well, she guessed so. Gambit might have been trying to win her over, but she guessed that was because he still saw her as a challenge.
"Don't know 'bout dat Cherie. I've flirted with a lot of women, but you be de first to turn down mon advances and keep rejectin' em." He said, still admiring her.
"Guess that's 'cause I know a lot 'bout flirtin'." Rogue said, glancing back at him. "And havin' poisonous skin kinda helps that." She said, turning her eye away from his. He was staring at her so intensely. She'd never received that kind of look before. It was making her blush.
"Even so, I still managed to charm women who been more difficult than you cher." He said.
Rogue glared at him then, but he just smirked, enjoying her reaction.
"Got to say though, you be de first femme to ever make a move on dis here Cajun." Gambit said, tilting his head to the side as he began to open up to her about what attracted him to her in the first place.
"What are you talkin' about? Surely some a those girls your talking 'bout came onta you." Rogue said, not realising how serious Gambit was actually being.
Gambit shuck his head, no. "Just you Cherie. If I ain't perusin' em, they don't see moi. Dat, or they see mon eyes and run for de hills." Gambit said, now frowning at the memories he had of people fearing him and calling him so kind of monster. "Used to call moi de diable blanc." He said.
Rogue noticed how Gambit's tone had changed. How he seemed angry almost, but mostly upset. He was no longer glancing at her with that intense admiration like he had been. It looked like he was remembering something. Rogue felt bad for him. Felt bad about what she'd said about not caring about other mutants with visual mutations. Although Gambit was a bit of a creep at times, he didn't deserve to have people run away from him just because of his eyes. He had contacts in now. White and brown ones. She kinda missed his regular eyes.
"Ain't nothin' wrong with ya eyes." Rogue said.
This brought Gambit out of his memories and looking back at her. It took him a moment longer to realise what she had said to him, especially when she was looking at him with such a sweet, kind, sympathetic smile.
"You be one of de first to think dat too. Your rather intriguin' dat way cher. Actually, I think you flirtin' with mon was what made me want dis date so badly." Gambit said, sitting up so he was more at level with Rogue.
Rogue snorted, "Great, so it's ma fault," she said, but with a slight smirk on her face.
Gambit smiled at her gently. She really was a woman who had just walked into his life, messed with his head and heart and here she was still messing with them. "I like it when you flirt with moi." Gambit said gently.
Rogue turned to eye him, looking somewhat serious "I don't…" Rogue broke her composer, rolling her eyes so she was no longer looking at him and said, "alright, maybe I do, but I don't mean-"
"I know. It just be tiring to have to always seek out de affection. It's rather nice havin' dat without seekin' it. At least, not de way I usually seek it. You really do make me work for it Cherie." He said, chuckling.
"You talkin' 'bout you only gettin' this date 'cause ya had ta pull me out from under some collapsed rafters, get meh away from the X-Men and lie to Magneto so I could keep goin' ta school?" Rogue asked, smirking again. She knew she was teasing but… this was nice. No one had ever thought of bringing her to a place like this and she really appreciated it. Appreciated that he was still trying with her.
"Oui, it be some adventures you take me on." Gambit said, unconsciously moving closer to her.
Rogue snorted, "Actually, about that." Rogue said, now thinking and becoming questioning, "You bargained with meh that night, but then you blew up at meh when I tried ta do it the next day. I don't get it. Why can you bargain but I can't?"
"Honestly, Rogue," Gambit said, sighing, "I probably ain't de best person to be takin' advice from. I knew it was wrong forcin' ya into dis date, but I couldn't help it. I wanted dis 'bout as much as you wanted to go to school."
"But why? I really don't understand what it is you want from me." Rogue said, looking sad.
"You just have dis effect on me." Gambit said, knowing that he'd usually play this off with some flirting or a joke. But… he didn't want to. He wanted her to know the truth. Wanted her to know what affect she had on him. Maybe, if she knew, she'd stop driving him crazy. "You saw me when no other femme has, you flirted with mon and, well, you just made me feel worth something. I've done many jobs before, but not many leave mon feelin' de way you did. Probably, 'cause they only grateful after I done the job they paid me to do so it doesn't count. I didn't ask for anything from you. You had no reason to approach me from what I can gather, but you did.
Then, when you were bargainin' with mon. Your reputation for a lie, well, it made me feel pretty lowly Cher. Low dat you'd think I'd ever do dat." Gambit said, not being able to meet her eyes as he confessed his true feelings to her. How she had hurt him. He didn't do this. Not often and not as calmly as this. It was slightly uncomfortable for him. "If I would have been dat type, den the rumour would be out der and there'd be nothin' you could do to stop it… Guess I got so arsey 'bout de flirtin' and de bargainin' 'cause it made me feel like I was any old tool for you to use. Comin' from a girl I was workin' hard to impress, well, it rather stung mon ego."
"You've really been doin' meh all these favours just 'cause I flirted with ya?" Rogue asked, kind of amazed that Gambit had just told her all of it. It didn't seem like a lie either considering the agony that cross his face as he told her. It made her feel even guiltier for what she did. "Remy, I didn't flirt for the reason ya think. I was just flirtin' 'cause, well, that's how I know how ta make the guys like me." Rogue said, realising she had just repeated something that he'd said a little while ago. A half-hearted smirk graced her lips.
"You walked straight into mon empathy, cher." Gambit said, eyeing her up. "I knew your attraction was genuine." He said, smirking now himself.
"Your empathy was what made me say that thing 'bout your eyes?" Rogue said, raising her eyebrow. She knew he had some charm to him!
"It was already on your mind, moi empathy just helped you speak it." Gambit said, still smirking. He could see Rogue's smirk too that was only making him smirk more.
"I don't see ya as a tool, Remy." Rogue said gently. "I mean, maybe I did in the beginnin'. I saw all of you as a way ta gettin' ma freedom, but… I don't know! I use everyone. I never excepted ta start carin' for yas." She couldn't meet his eye as she said that last bit.
Gambit chuckled at that. "We be in de same boat there then cher. Gotta say, when I learnt you been flirtin' with dat football captain, I wasn't impressed."
"That was a mistake!" Rogue said, becoming embarrassed, "Well, kinda. It was a means ta an end."
"Oui, I figured dat out." Gambit said, glad that she didn't seem serious about that Matthew's boy. "What I didn't like though was what situation you put yourself in. De rumours woulda died down Rogue, but dat jock, I don't trust em. Same with dat other schoolboy, he be a sly one and no good for you."
Rogue snorted, "Is that jealously I hear?"
"Non, it's concern. Rogue, I don't like it when you go flirtin' with garcons like dat. They ain't smart and they ain't nice. I don't want em puttin' you in a situation where you feel uncomfortable or helpless and they gained dat power just 'cause you shot em a smile here or there." He said, seriously.
"I can handle maself Remy. I been handlin' maself with boys like that for a long time. I can even handle you" she said, smirking proudly.
"Oui, cher. I know you can. But I don't have de intention to hurt you. Those garson, well, let's say they ain't fully matured. Just 'cause you can handle yourself dun't stop me worryin'." He said.
The two hadn't realised how close they were to each other, or how they kept glancing from their eyes down from the other's eyes to their lips.
"You know, you're a lot easier ta talk to when you ain't flirtin' or tryna force yourself upon meh." She said.
"Awww Cherie," Gambit said, lunging forwards and wrapping his arms around Rogue's waist. Rogue gasped as Gambit pulled her back down onto his stomach. "You know just what to say to dis here Cajun." He said, chuckling.
Rogue was bouncing on his stomach which made it even more of a struggle to try and get up and away from him.
"Remy! Let go!" she snapped.
"Shhh, just relax Cher." Gambit said, moving his arms more around Rogue and placing one on her head where he began stroking her hair. "I ain't gonna hurt you or touch your skin. Not unless you keep strugglin' like you are."
"I don't care 'bout hurtin' you!" she snapped.
"You ain't gonna get hurt either Rogue. I promise. Just take it easy. You've cuddled up with me before, non?" he said, raising his eyebrow at her as he remembered the happy moment.
Rogue had hesitated in her struggling, blushing as she remembered what she had done. She went to go back to struggling again, but Gambit had eased his grip profoundly. His hand moved to stroke down the side of her face. She stilled instantly as he wasn't wearing any gloves. Gambit used Rogue's hair as a shield and focused as his fingers moved. He saw Rogue's eyes wide with fear.
"Don't worry," he said, ever so quietly and gently as if he was talking to a child, "dis stays 'tween us just like when we slept in de same bed."
"We didn't sleep together!" she snapped, but still again, his hand still close to her face.
"Not in dat context, non. But we were asleep and we were in a bed. Just relax and enjoy de touch Cher. It make us both happy, non?" he said.
"I can't take that risk." Rogue muttered back to him, finding herself in the same position as she was earlier. She wanted to, but her mouth spoke sense.
"Then let me take it. Let me hold ya Cher. Enjoy de risk dat I take. And if you do absorb me, well, dat be mon own fault and not yours. I'll have no one to be angry with but monself and I'll have a lotta grovin' to do, non?" he said, smirking softly.
Rogue finally caved and lay her head down on Gambit's chest. He moved so that she was lay on top of him more and so that she could become more comfortable. She just let him. Rogue did enjoy being held by him. She enjoyed moving up and down with his chest and touching it as she felt the air come in and leave his body. He was so warm. Warmer than anybody she'd been held by. But, most importantly and strangely, she felt comfortable being held by him. Maybe it was because she didn't have to be on her guard. Because she didn't need to have control over the situation. Gambit had just taken that control out of her hands. Maybe, it was because it was Gambit who was holding her. Whatever the reason, Rogue closed her eyes and enjoyed focusing on his fingers running up and down her side and back, going nowhere else. The dress wasn't that thin and she kind of wished it was so she could feel his fingers more. But she would take what she could get. When she had left Mystique, she had never expected to have this. To be held. It wasn't on the front of her mind since she'd accepted a long time ago that this was something she was never going to have. But, it was a nice surprise. One that felt even better than going to school. She knew it wouldn't last. Couldn't. So she worked on burning the touch and feelings she had right now into her memory.
She opened her eyes and watched the tropical fish swim.
She glanced up at Gambit once. Looking into his eyes. She felt like she wanted to remember him too in this memory. Remember the man who'd lied and done all sorts with her just so he could apparently have this.
Gambit glanced back down at her and it made Rogue blush. His eyes were gentle, but filled with an intensity. It shuck her to her core and she couldn't keep glancing up into his beautiful orbs much longer.
She turned her head away, watching the fish again. But she knew, that look she'd received from him just then, that was never going to be able to be erased from her memories, no matter how much she tried.