Chapter 6

Rogue finished her shift and felt exhausted. She sat down for a while in the cafe as she watched Tanya and Nataile close up. She had helped them clean up, but then Tanya shoed her and Natalie away to get changed. Rogue looked down at her shopping bags which were filling the locker room floor.

"Hey, can I help ya pick out an alfit for tonight?" Nataile asked. Rogue smiled at Natalie. She and her had become good friends in no time at all. And since Rogue was new to dating, (was that what this was? Her first ever really date?) she defiantly needed help off a friend. The smile said it all as the two started looking through the bags.

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Gambit came back to a closed cafe. He was breathing a little heavy and wiped away a little blood from his coat, but apart from that he looked alright. The front of the cafe was shuttered down, so he went to the back and knocked on the door. Tanya popped her head out first and smiled at him. "She'll just be a minute." She said, before closing the door.

It was a little longer than a minute, but when Rogue stepped out of the cafe he would have waited all night for her. She was dressed in a tight black dress with black tights and a black leather jacket. Her face wasn't heavy in gothic make up, but there was some black eyeliner and dark red lipstick. Gambit felt his heart skip a beat and burst to life.

"So, where did you disappear to anyway?" Rogue asked him.

It took him time to reply and a few more blinks, but he answered,"Just had to take care of some business."

"It didn't have anythin' ta do with those boys from before, did it?"

Gambit said nothing. "How 'bout we get those bags in a cab and send em back ta the resort room?"

So they sent the bags back in a cab and Gambit made a quick call to the resort telling them to take the bags and put them in their suite. They walked along the streets. It was calm and the first few stars were starting to come out.

Gambit smiled at this. He led Rogue to sit on the edge of a beautiful fountain which sparkled in the moon light. From out of one of his many pockets from his coat he took out two coins, handing one to Rogue and keeping hold of one himself. Rogue clicked on from all the coins in the fountain what he was doing. She smiled. She had never done this before. At that moment in time everything was perfect. Only, a small voice or two in her head told her it wouldn't last. Happiness and goodness never did for her. "Close your eyes, make a wish then tose the coin behind you."

Rogue closed her eyes and made what seemed like an imposable wish to her, then threw it behind her. She listened to the splashing. She hadn't heard Gambit's coin splash. But she felt someone take the hand in her lap. When she opened her eyes and looked down there was a Gambit on one knee with a red velvet box in his other hand. Rogue was stunned to see Gambit on one knee with an engagment ring, smiling at the twinkle in her eyes.

"What's this?" Rogue near gasped.

"A thank you... For everything. For agreein' ta marry me. Ta savin' mon life twice... Ta makin' this a magnificent day for me. For agreein' ta be mon femme."

"We went shopping and watched movies. Ah don't see how that's so magnificent."

"I know. I don't usually like shoppin', but ya made it entertaining. Like how you dropped that jar of jam ya were holdin, and walked away in a hurry with ya cheeks flushed red."

"Hey, that wasn't funny. That was embarrisin'. Tha way that woman looked at meh... Are ya laughin' at meh?"

"It wasn't the action, it was your reaction. The way your face turned bright red, it was cute. I should try comin' up from behind ya more often when ya holdin' things just so I can see that blush."

"No, ya wont. Y'all keep ya sticky paws to yaself ya slippy swamp rat."

"Swamp rat? Dat your pet name for me chére?"

"Ain't a pet name if it's true."

"You must be mon river rat then, non?"

"Non," Rogue mocked.

"Open it," Gambit said, pushing the box into her hands.

Rogue took the box from him. The smile spread wider as she was about to open it. But then it sadden and she reclosed what little she had opened of the box as those negitive thoughts crossed her mind.

"What's wrong chérie?"

"...ah had a nice time today too. Just relaxin' this mornin and gettin' shoppin' over quickly. Usually Kitty would try draggin' meh or trickin' meh inta goin' shoppin' and then spend hours in one shop lookin' at the same dress... Do ya think every day will be like dis?" she asked.

"I hope so... There will still be the thievin' jobs I need ta do, and then there'll be de family and... It probably won't be like dis for a while after we're married." Gambit seemed to come down with the mood.

To make it a little bit lighter though, she opened the box. And her eyes sparkled brightly as she looked down at the beautiful ring inside. The ring was a gold band with the words "Je t'aime" imprinted inside of it, she noticed. She loved it. It wasn't big and flashy, but it wasn't plain and boring. And those words... They made her heart skip a beat as she guessed what they meant. Gambit felt happy seeing her expression. He was a little worried about how plain it was and he thought the writing inside it might have been taking it a step too far, but she was smiling so warmly and so gently; it was a wonderful sight to see.

"It was my mother's ring. The only thing she left me with when she abandoned me. To moi, it was still a sign ta say she loved me even though she weren't there, and dat she'd be the only woman in my life that I'd ever be dat close to. I love my tante Mattie and Merci, but it never felt right to give it to either woman. I struggled to imagine une femme I would be willin' t' give dis to ta take care off. A woman who'd understand how important dis ring is to me."

Rogue was touched by Gambit's tale behind the ring. She had waited and waited for him to say something else though. Something that he'd said about three other women, but not to her and something which was to do with the ring's symbolism. But then, when he looked up at her, she saw that he looked almost devistated in giving the ring away. She figured, how could he tell her something like that and mean it when he looked so pained at just giving her the ring?

"Remy... Are ya sure bout this?" Rogue asked never looking away from those hypnotising eyes and luscious lips.

"Oui," He said while he quickly pulled off her glove and slipped the ring on her marrying finger."Guilde wouldn't believe it if I gave you any other ring."

That felt like a punch to the chest for Rogue as she glanced down at the ring.

"Ah could give it back as soon as this is all over with?" Rogue offered, felling quite devistated.

"Non," Gambit said after a small moment of thinking. He'd been staring at the ring hard, finding it really hard to let it go. But, somehow, hearing Rogue offer to give the ring back made his current dilemma easier. It reminded him that he'd chosen a girl who was, obviously, loyal and kind and caring even though she tried not to show it. She was already helping him out of a dark patch for the second time around. He guessed this definetly wouldn't be the last time she would come to his aid either. It was more than his birth mother ever did for him. It just made what he said next easier to say after hearing Rogue speak. " Non, you don't need to return dis. Just look after it. I'm most definetly sure it is where it belongs," he said while he swam in her green pools and felt the need to bite those juicy lips.

Rogue softened at hearing this. She guessed it was as good of a confession she was going to get from him. One that, obviously, she wouldn't hear for ages if she was actually in a normal relationship with him. So why should she expect it now? Still, the gesture was sweet.

"Thank ya." Rogue whispered. It was hard to keep her breath straight or even remember how to breath normally with Gambit so close, and those lips of his so plum.

But she kept her head. Remembering her powers. And turned away. She saw the look of confusion in his eyes first, then the sadness. She was sure she made him feel rejected. Rogue reached over for his hand and squeezed it a little.

"How bout we go get that food, non?" Rogue asked.

Gambit attempted a smile but was upset at the almost kiss. He'd really felt a connection there. Not just physically, but emotionally. He badly wanted to kiss Rogue in that moment, but because of her powers he couldn't. Reality had set in for both of them, but Gambit wouldn't let that stop him. He stood up, pulling her up with him, wraping his arm around her waist and led her to the restaurant. It was just a shame Rogue had to pull her gloves on over the most romantic and wonderful gift she'd ever received.

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By night fall Gambit had learnt quite a bit about Rogue. He'd been asking her simple questions like what her favourite horror movie was, what was her favourite dance, and what her favourite Disney movie was. Rogue had learnt all of Gambit's answers to his own questions and possibly more than he had learnt from her. She wasn't used to being open so for her to just relax and open up about everything it was rare, but it seemed easier with Gambit around. She didn't know what it was, but even when he'd kidnapped her she just found it easier to open up to him. Guess it has something to do with a similar upbringing, Rogue thought. Gambit had taken her to a little restaurant on the streets of bourbon street. He said it was a little risky, but it did the best gumbo. They came to sit down at the lively little restaurant in a booth where they ordered their drinks and food.

"Though ya said that little Jazz club was tha best."

"Oui, but dat be in de assassin's territory. Your gonna need ta know 'bout where the guilde's territory is and de assassins. You know where we past dat antiques shop? Dat's where the thieves' territory begins on Bourbon Street. Don't ever go past dat shop without a thief with ya. The square is for both de assassins and thieves. The south side and west side is thieves' territory from the square, and the assassins' have the north and east side."

"Oh. Fair enough."

Just then the drinks came and the woman placed them down on the table. Again, this woman was a ginger haired girl, who wasn't shy, and showed her best side to Gambit which got his attention.

"What's it gonna be handsome?" She asked him, completely ignoring Rogue who's eyebrow had shot up. Gambit looked a little uncomfortable, but gave his signature grin that Rogue had recognised to be his seducing grin. Rogue felt a little hate heat up inside of her and she felt the need to make the other girl back off.

"Just your special gumbo tonight. No ginger on the side." Said Rogue with a smug grin. The ginger turned around giving Rogue an evil eye.

"Oh, that's so sweet of you bringing your younger sister out." Said the ginger. "I lika kind man."

"She's-" Gambit began to say.

"Oh, thanks for the complement. Gotta say, I do enjoy it when people tell meh I'm young and beautiful and mistake meh for someone's sister. Bet it must be hard gettin' them at your age." Said Rogue to the woman, but before the woman could retaliate Rogue turned round to Gambit."So, what's the plan then sugar?"

"Huh?" Gambit asked looking between both girls, a little confused but understanding the insults.

"For tha wedding?" Gambit's head turned and Rogue watched as the waiteress' lip dropped and then hurried off in a huff. Rogue felt smug now, smiling in triumph and turned to face a bewildered Gambit.

"The weddin'?"

"Yes, the wedding," Rogue said, wondering why it seemed so hard for Gambit to understand what she was talking about. She couldn't help but glance after the pretty waitress, wondering if Gambit would have turned her away if she gave him the chance.

"You were jealous." Gambit smiled. "Admit it."

"The weddin?" Rogue enforced.

"Ya know, I never would have left ya for that trash, Rogue. She all body and no personality. She ain't you." Gambit said.

That... was something nice Rogue liked hearing and put her at ease a little bit. Maybe marriage to this man wouldn't be so bad after all, Rogue thought. Rogue just had to keep that in mind. Today had been a good day. They had talked and got on through little bickering over clothes and sharing memories and agreeing on other things they liked. No, it wouldn't be so bad marrying Gambit and living with him. Not if every day could be like that. Rogue could get used to it. The life of a married woman. It was so simple and normal. She'd love a normal life with Gambit. Someone who would love her and take care of her.

"The weddin'?" She repeated, trying to change the subject.

"Well, tonight we'll retire after a meal and few drinks. I will leave you in de mornin' to go out and collect my best man."

"Oh, and who might that be?"

"Mon frère, Henri."

"Your brother?" Rogue felt a little deflated at hearing this. Gambit had talked of Henri and his shenanigans when they were little or on missions together. They were as close as two turtle doves. But still, he was family. Gambit had said there wouldn't be any family. Not his or hers. He lied.

"Oui. I sent a codied text to him last night tellin' him to take his wife, Merci, out tomorrow mornin' for de whole day. It's so we can meet. Henri will help me find a suit and sort out other things, while Merci will go to the resort room you'll be waitin' in. She'll pick you up and you two can bond over wedding dresses and other girly things like getting your hair and nails done-"

"Ya've had this planned all along, haven't you?" Rogue said, not quite believing what she was hearing. Remy had told her no family. No family, and he was inviting his to the wedding. Sure, it wasn't that big of a deal, but he'd lied to her! Was there anything else he was lieing about? was the question that ran around her mind.

"Oui, thought I already told you dis-"

"You said no family." Rogue confronted.

"Oui, but-"

"What is havin' a wife to ya?"

Gambit was caught off guard when the question came and now he blinked at her. Rogue's expression was determined and there was a hint of anger along side frustration. He wondered what he had done now. Was she talking about what he thought she would do after they were married? "Having her happy. Having her do whatever her heart desires. If she wants to explore the world she can do. If she needs money then-"

"No, what do you want from a wife. Not what a wife wants. Not what ah want. If you were to find that one perfect person for you, what would it be like?"

"That's a strange question...?"

"If it wasn't meh and ya could find another wife, what would she be like? Be truthful!" Rogue demanded, not too sure what she was getting at herself, but she just wanted to know what Gambit actually thought about all this. What he thought about marriage. What he thought he was getting into.

"...I guess, whatever is in a good relationship. Trust, honesty, love. Someone to come home to after a long day of thieving. Someone who can take care of demselfs and me. Someone who can cook and clean and do what I tell 'em ta do. Someone beautiful and kind and good in bed. Non, lively in bed and has stamina. Lots of it." He grinned at the fought of some beauty rubbing his feet and waiting on him. While he daydreamed he didn't see Rogue's saddening frown.

What he described couldn't be her. They didn't have honestly because Gambit lied to her about things like his family coming to the wedding, then, of course, there was no trust there because of that. Love, well, that was a tricky one, but since Gambit refused to say it and mean it, she doubted they had it. And then, having someone to come home to and who was good in bed; she couldn't touch! And she'd already said she'd wanted to travel, so,unless he came with her, then he'd never be able to come home to her. Everything he'd said was just confiming more and more that, after this wedding, she was going to be all alone and watching her husband possibly go off with another woman like that ginger haired waitress. It hurt.

"So having a wife to you is basically having someone serve on you? Having someone that does only what you want and nothing what they want? Just a play mate that'll be willing to lay down whenever ya feel like it?"

"Huh? No, No, der has to be love."

"And what is love to you?" Rogue asked, feeling her anger rise in defence of her sadness.

"What are all des questions 'bout?" Rogue was silent as she looked away and took a drink of the red wine in front of her. Gambit reached out and took her hand, but she pulled it away. "Chére?"

"Ah'm an idiot, aren't ah?" Rogue said, her sadness turning to vemon as she turned to face Gambit with a fire in her eye. "Ya can have any girl ya want, can't ya? And anything ya want"

"Rogue, I'm-"

"Lost? Ya want meh ta tell ya what ah'm really thinkin'? What ah'm reallah feelin'? No, guess ya wouldn't. Why would you care? Tha only reason ya interested is ta keep meh sweet."

Rogue got up to leave, but Gambit's hand shot out and grasped her wrist, pulling her down. "Rogue, stop dis. What makes ya think I don't care 'bout ya? You really think I would have gone shoppin' all day with some girl I didn't care 'bout?"

"Yeah. Gotta keep 'em sweet, haven't ya."

"Stop dis! Sit down and tell me what I said wrong. Gez, I don't know when we're right or wrong. It's like ya deliberately pushin' me away." Gambit said.

"Ya wanna know what you've said? Or more what ya've done?"

"I wanna know why ya keep turnin' on me. Ya weren't like dis the first time."

"Ah didn't know how much of a spoilt little brat ya were back then. But ah can see it more clearer now. Ya a guy whos' grown up always gettin' his own way. Ya've got money from ya family and all the stuff ya've ever wanted. Ah'm so stupid ta only just see it now."

"Rogue, is this just 'cause I invited Henri and Merci's ta the weddin'? It'll be good for witnesses. Make it more believable-"

"Finah, ya know what, ah ain't hungry anymore. Ah gotta headache. Ah'm goin' back ta tha resort ta be alone."

Rogue stood up and walked out of the restaurant. Gambit couldn't believe this. Another argument? The day was going so well, what went wrong? Before Rogue could walk off into town and get herself seen by anyone, Gambit pulled her back down a corridor. She told him to let go and leave her alone. "Ya not backin' out on me, are ya?"

"What?"

"Rogue, ya said you'll marry me. Promise me you'll still be there tomorrow for the weddin'. Promise me!"

"Why should ah? Why should ah marry ya? Ta save ya life? Ya know what, ah've saved you and your father's life once before and ah'm tired of it-"

"Marry me and I promise, I'll give ya whatever ya want?"

"Oh what, ya'll let me be free ta travel tha world? Ah could do that with or without ya permission Gambit. Ah've got a job now. Ah can easily find a home. Ah could save up and do what ah want for a change. Not go ta school or college 'cause the Professor wants meh to. Not fight bad guys 'cause the X-Men want meh to. Ah could take care of maself and not owe anyone anythin'. Ah could give ya back these clothes ya bought meh taday and go now."

"Go where? Ya not got enough yet. I get ya want your freedom Rogue, but do ya really think you'll be able ta do all the things ya want on an income like that?"

"Ah could get more than one job."

"Rogue please. Money, family, protection. I can give ya whatever ya want. Just marry me."

"And then what? You get stuck with a wife for the rest of your life who can't touch? Won't serve you after a job. Hell, a wife who doesn't even agree with what you and your family do."

"I don't-"

"Be truthful Gambit. What good are we together."

He was quiet while he thought about what Rogue said. "Ya right chére You're not what I expected... Not what I wanted as a wife."

"Ah know. " Rogue said quietly, turning her head away. It stung to hear the truth actually come from Gambit's mouth, but at least it was the truth. She just couldn't take any more lies or people trying to manipulate her.

"But things change. People change. Minds change. Feelings change. Man do they change...having a future with you is better than not having a future at all without you." Gambit said which made Rogue sader.

Again, it was all about just surviving for him, which she could understand. But the marrage wouldn't actually mean anything to him past that.

"Gambit...Remy," Rogue said gently. "Ya can con any girl ya like inta marrin' ya. A girl just like ya discribed. Ya still have time. Go find yaself a pretty girl who wants ta be ya wife. Someone like that ginger in there. Tell her we broke off the weddin' and ya need some company for a while or somethin'... Ah don't want ya dead, but ah can't marry ya. Ah can't give ya what you want."

"Rogue..." Gambit lifted his hand up to stroke the side of Rogue's face. She looked just as upset as he felt. "I know I can have any other woman. But I want you."

Rogue closed her eyes as if she'd just been stung. "Gambit please. You might like a challenge, but you can't do this ta meh."

"Can't tell ya the truth?"

Rogue closed her eyes tighter. She knew she just got a bit of the truth out of him, but that still didn't mean she could trust every word out of his mouth.

"No. Ah ain't a challenge Gambit. Ah'm a person. A person who can't have relationships. Someone who's been used too many times and ah can't take anymore. So please Gambit." Rogue pushed him away from her by the chest. "Remy, leave me be."

Gambit shuck his head and pushed forwards so Rogue became trapped between the wall and his body. "Non, I know all dis Rogue. But when ya gonna get it threw dat thick head of yours that I don't want any other woman? I want you. Not for ya powers and not ta hurt ya... Ya probably the only woman I've gotten this close to... I've not got much ta offer that ya want... But I promise, if you promise ta marry me tomorrow, I'll...I'll give up thieving." Gambit said, looking like his dog had just died. "I'll do anythin ya want. Just please chére, have merci. Promise to come to the weddin tomorrow ," Gambit said, almost tempted to fall to his knees and beg.

Rogue didn't know what to say. She could see how pained he looked about othering something like that up just so she would marry him. She had a feeling that, just like anything, Gambit would find a way around the promise he made to give up thieving and still thieve anyway. But, it was the gesture. Him willing to sacrifice something he loved just to keep her as his wife. She really didn't understand why her. But... She had agreed to this. She couldn't just string him along. Even if he was only using her. She had used him to get a free ticket away from the X-Men and her old life and to start a fresh. Hell, Gambit was still offering to help her start a new life. Whatever life she wanted. The life she kept invisioning for herself was a silly one, she knew. Where she was loved, happy with a husband. She didn't get attacked for being a mutant. She and her partner could travel the world and then settle down and have some kids together. A normal life.

But then, she was never going to get that from the begining, Rogue reckongised. This silly marriage thing had given her hope. Stupid hope. Stupid her. She'd just been kidding herself when it came to having a husband that actually wanted to be with her. Who would want to be with someone who couldn't touch unless there really was something in it for them? She figured, Gambit was the closest thing to a husband she was ever going to get.

With these thoughts, Rogue came to a conclusion.

"Ah'm sorry Gambit. But Ah dont want you ta promise your life away. Your a thief and it's in ya blood and ah don't wanna take that away from ya... Ah'll marry ya, but only if ya promise me that you'll keep ya distance..." Rogue said feeling quite dissapointed. But she really didn't want to see her husband flirting with other women. Sleeping with them. Loving another. "Your right, ah dont want ya ta die, and if your bein' dat stubborn 'bout who ya gonna marry, then looks like ah got no choice. But ya can't hurt me Gambit." Rogue pushed him away. "Just... Promise you'll stay away from me. Ya not gonna try any moves, ya not gonna use meh or trick me. Just...just friends... Just, we get married, go your place for a while to convince ya family ya in love, then we can say we're gettin' our own place, or somethin, and we can just go back ta how we used ta be. Ya can keep on bein' a thieve... Goin' out with other girls if ya want. Just don't tell meh."

"Rogue," Gambit said, properly looking at her. It looked as if tears were in her eyes. It was eating him up inside. He was also wondering how she could think that he'd walk off with another woman. Didn't she realize how important his vows were to him? "I wouldn't cheat on you. Not when were married."

Rogue looked down not believing him. And he knew she didn't believe him, but he was struggling to think of something to say that would convince her otherwise.

She moved out into the street and tried catching a cab, but it was hard. Gambit was a gentleman and stopped one. Before Rogue could climb into the back he stepped slightly in front of her. "Thank ya. For agreein ta do dis... If ya really want... Really want me ta stay away from ya. Leave ya alone. Then... I will. Just... Know that I'm really greatful Rogue. Really."

Rogue looked up to those eyes. They looked sad and serious. She didn't know what to say. So she said nothing at all. It was a sad night. Gambit felt angry with how the night had gone and slammed the door shut hard. Rogue noticed but just told the driver where to go. She had money in her bag from Gambit and the key card. But she felt badly that she was forgetting something. Or leaving someone behind. And it made her want to cry.

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That night Gambit went back to a familiar bar where he drank shots and watched hot girls dance. He'd been thinking of Rogue all night and turned down all the girls that approached him. Gambit felt so rejected. He didn't know how to cope. He'd always been able to charm women into doing what he wanted and keep himself distant. But someone he had become closer to Rogue than anyone in his life. He wanted to tell her how he felt during that argument, but he just couldn't. It seemed too soon. Too fast. They hadn't known each other that long but he was sure of what he felt for her. But he was scared to admit it to himself.

While thinking of Rogue it made him drink more till he thought it was time to go home. Gambit stumbled up into a dark-haired woman with bright green eyes who had been trying to seduce him all night.

"Easy big fella. How bout we take this somewhere else?"

"Rogue...?" Gambit questioned, his vision blurry and thinking speed slow."No...no. I... I gotta wif...fìan...girl...friend waitin'...I think. Need ta get...back to...her." Gambit slurred. The green eyed girl just wrapped him up in her arms more.

"Easy now sugar. This girl of yours doesn't seem ta know how ta appreciate ya. So how 'bout I do it for her?"