Rogue looked around what she knew to be Magneto's hide out. What was his purpose for showing her this? Magneto called Gambit into his office, having a new assignment for him. The others followed behind. So this would be a group effort. Mystique sat on the edge of Magneto's desk, looking like her usual shape shifting, bitchy self. Gambit rolled his eyes. He really couldn't stand that woman, but he tolerated her. At least until he was higher up on the food chain. Magneto had taken an interest in Gambit. Particularly his stealth skills. Magneto came to realize why Gambit was so prized by Jean Luc. He also saw why Jean Luc was so reluctant to give him up. The seventeen-year-old had much potential for being the youngest member of his elite team. He was also the best. Quick and silent with combustible, swift hands.
"You will all be going up against the X-men today," Magneto announced, turning to face them, "Those bothersome do-gooders have been a thorn in my side long enough."
"Anyone specific in mind or just an all-out attack," Sabertooth inquired, a murderous smile spreading across his face.
Magneto looked at him, "Attack whomever you desire, except you," he looked at Gambit, "You are solely responsible for going after the one called Rogue. Everything you need to know is in this," he handed Gambit her file, "I want you to get close to her. Make her trust you, maybe even love you. Then bring her to me. This shouldn't be an issue for a man of your talents however, I'd advise against touching her. Her skin is…poisonous would be the best word to describe it."
Gambit nodded then looked at the photo, "Hm," his mouth formed into a smirk, "Mon chere, I guess I get your name after all. Cela devrait être intéressant."
"Will this be a problem," Magneto asked.
"I think I can manage," he handed the file back.
"He means it, keep your hands off," Mystique sneered, "My daughter is not some disposable plaything for you. The idea of her even remotely caring for you is just disgusting."
Magneto sighed, "Yes, you've made your feelings quite clear already. However, he is the only one that will not fall. We need him so you will have to deal with it."
He rolled his eyes then looked at the others, it was time to leave. After Pyro set the place ablaze Gambit would use a few cards to separate his new objective from the others. Pyro was interesting yes, but completely insane. Gambit meant that in the most literal way, the man had more than a few screws loose. Gambit shuffled his cards while flying in the metal orb, his staff collapsed and in his pocket. He heard Pyro's laugh as he jumped out of the orb. Several crates were on fire already. Gambit let out a deep sigh, the X-men hadn't even shown up yet. Gambit launched himself on top of a crate and sat lazily, waiting for the "good guys" to arrive. He looked up as he heard Saber tooth snarl. Then, to his surprise, heard someone snarl back. He looked in the direction of the second snarl.
He noted the man with the claws as Wolverine, who was already charging at Saber tooth. He looked past Wolverine to a red head, Jean Grey. Next to her was a boy with a visor over his eye, Cyclops. Next to him were two blue people, the larger one being Beast, the smaller being Night Crawler. Next was the small brunette that Avalanche was always going on about, Shadow Cat. But where was she? His sweet and spicy southern belle was nowhere in sight. He scanned the crowd of people again. He charged his deck of card, sending them flying one after another in all different directions. Maybe that would draw her out of hiding. He scanned for a third time but felt something near his neck.
He turned as her bare hand almost touched the side of his face. He smirked and leaped out of the way, ducking behind a few crates. She was good, he had to admit but he'd have the upper hand next time. He watched as she leapt into the aisle of crates, just one turn away from him. He pulled the King of Hearts out. He counted in his head. Three, two, one. There she was, standing in front of him. She seemed mesmerized, transfixed on his eyes that were now brown instead of red and black. One of Magneto's better ideas, the contacts made it easier for him to see in sun light. He smirked at her, holding the card up. He extended it towards her. She grabbed it, holding it as if it was the most fascinating object in the world. His moved his face closer to hers, she did the same thing. He charged the card, letting it go then stepping back. He gave her a small salute then ran. The next thing he heard was the blast.
"I really hope you threw that card," he mumbled to himself.
He felt something tackle him, "You tried to blow me up, you bastard!"
He turned over and kicked her off of him, "Oh, so we are skipping introductions and going straight to pet names chere?"
"Chere," she gawked at him, "Wait, that voice…no, never mind. You think you can just try to fucking blow me up, asshole."
"Language," he tisked, "and from such delicious looking lips."
She threw a punch followed by a kick, "Are you seriously trying to flirt with me? In the middle of a fight?"
He grabbed her leg, pushing her back, "It's at the top of my list of priorities," he asked as he straddled her, "Hope you don't mind, I like being on top."
"You're disgusting," she hissed as she pushed him off of her then straddling him.
He raised an eyebrow, "But if you prefer to be, I'm always open for compromise."
Rogue knew at the time she'd been pissed but looking back she couldn't help but smile at his memories. Their banter had always been one of the things she enjoyed about fighting him. He never seemed ready to hurt her, just keep her on her toes. She looked back to the fight.
She gave him a disgusted look, pulling off one of her gloves. He quickly kicked her off. She landed on her feet as he kicked his leg, getting back up. He pulled out his staff, using it to block her. She jumped as he tried to take her feet out from under her. He used the staff to charge at her, pinning her against the crates. Her hands couldn't move to his bare skin. He moved his hand up towards her face, his eyes locking with hers. He carefully brushed some hair out of her face. He moved his face closer to hers.
She smiled, "I wouldn't if I were you. Unless you're in the mood for a nap."
He continued to move his face towards hers. His head moved sideways, smelling her hair. She held her breath as his lips kissed the top of her head. He smiled as he leaned his forehead against hers, making sure the head gear he wore was the only part touching her skin. She looked up, her eyes meeting his. He dropped his staff and smiled.
"I know what will happen if I touch your skin," he moved his body a little closer, almost touching hers, "So go ahead, touch my face or hand. Absorb me."
She moved her hand towards his face, "Why aren't you moving?"
He grabbed her wrist, pulling her hand even closer to his face, "I'm not afraid of you or your powers. Go ahead and touch me."
She began to panic and tried to pull her hand away but he placed it on his heart. He let go of her wrist but her hand remained. He moved even closer, his body pressing hers against the crates. He ran his hand through her hair, being careful not to touch her skin. He couldn't explain why but he wanted to kiss her, to just melt into her. To have her want him, to be close to her. He'd never wanted anyone more than he wanted her in that moment. It was such a thrill to him, a challenge to chase a woman that couldn't be touched.
He heard her breath catch in her throat. He looked, his hand had slid from her arm down her side. He looked back at her, never once pulling his head away. If she joined them he could have her, he could be with her. Whenever he wanted, however he wanted. He could work around her skin. He slid both hands up her sides, over her chest to her neck. He leaned into her even more, causing her to move her hands around his neck. He moved his head to the side of hers, moving his hips slightly.
"You can't, we can't," she all but whispered as his pelvis grinded into her.
She gripped his shoulders, pulling him a little closer. He gritted his teeth as he heard the sound of footsteps coming towards them. Not now, he wanted more time, needed more time. He wasn't sure why but he needed to touch her, have her touching him. The footsteps were getting closer. He begrudgingly pulled himself away from her, grabbing his staff and collapsing it. She gazed at him, her eyes seemingly in a haze.
He kissed her hand, "Until next time mon chere," he saluted then ran.
She blinked a few times then ran after him. He charged a card, not wanting her to get any closer. He watched as the card came floating down in front of her. She jumped out of the way and he couldn't help but laugh as it exploded. She picked herself back up, brushing her uniform off. She glared at him as he jumped from crate to crate, only to get picked up in a metal orb. He blew her a kiss before the orb closed.
"YOU ROTTEN BASTARD," he heard her scream from inside the orb.
Rogue blinked as she landed back to Magneto's hide out. She braced herself for whatever conversation was about to happen. She'd known from the bits she'd absorbed that this had been Remy's mission but seeing it happening in front of her was something entirely different. She knew he was just trying to be as open and honest with her as possible about his feelings for her, but this…
"Well," Magneto asked as Gambit sat, "How did things go with the girl?"
Gambit smirked, "Cake. I have her right where I want her."
"Good," Magneto smiled, "Very good."
"If I may sir," Gambit leaned forward, "What will you do with the girl once she gets here? Will she be available…?"
Magneto laughed, "I have reasons for wanting her. But if you wish to use her for…entertainment then be my guest."
Gambit smiled, "Perfect. Well I'll be going. I have a lot of work to do."
Magneto waved his hand, meaning Gambit was dismissed, "Oh, I almost forgot," Magneto added before Gambit could leave, "How would you like a promotion? I think you'd be an excellent right hand and I'm sure you'd enjoy the pay increase."
"I'd be honored. However, please don't think this is me being ungrateful but what about Creed," Gambit asked.
"Creed," Magneto sighed, "is an uncaged animal. Yes, he gets the job done if I need someone exterminated but you, you're quick on your feet. You are the best and most skilled that I have. You are a good tactical planner and your hand to hand skills are unmatched. I need someone with your…expertise helping me lead this team."
Gambit nodded, "Then I graciously accept your offer. Thank you sir."
With that he took his leave. He made up his mind that the planning could wait until tomorrow, tonight he was going to go out and celebrate his new promotion. He was growing restless sitting around the base, waiting for their next attack. It'd been weeks since their last attack. So he was decided, he'd go out, have a few drinks and pick up a lady or two. He grabbed his trench coat and motorcycle keys. No one stopped him as left to head to the closest bar. For whatever reason, despite his age, bar tenders never seemed to card or refuse him. Hopefully, tonight wouldn't be any different. It was Friday so the place should be packed with ladies. He smirked as he drove by a girl with white bangs. Lady luck must truly be smiling upon him today. He pulled next to the sidewalk and killed the engine, removing his helmet. He waited for her to pass a bit.
Rogue could feel his excitement in seeing her. Could feel the little leap in his heart that he refused to address. She even remembered the way she felt when she heard his voice call to her.
"Evening chere," he said loud enough so she could hear but not loud enough for others to look.
She turned, smiling, "Evening Cajun."
He smirked, "If I'm not mistaken that is a smile you're wearing. Is it possible that you're happy to see me?"
She walked over to him, "Wouldn't you like to know. Nice bike," she leaned against it, "Maybe it's just nice to see you out of uniform and not trying to blow me to bits."
He raised an eyebrow, "I can arrange it so you see me in nothing at all if you'd like."
She laughed, "I'm sure your boss would love to find you in bed with an X-Man. What are you doing here anyway?"
He shrugged, "Just needed to get out, blow off steam. Find myself some alcohol," he looked her up and down, "and a lady. You?"
She looked up at the sky, "Going out helps clear my head. Got a lot of people in there. Besides it's summer, most of the normal kids are out with friends. Kissing on the beach or whatever it is that people who can touch do."
He handed her a helmet, "Well, if you'd like the company I'm sure I can show you a good time."
She took it then looked at him, "Why should I trust that this isn't a trap?"
He shook his head, "If this was a trap I wouldn't bother with the helmet. Just offering you a chance to have some fun."
"What the hell, not like I'm doing anything better," she pulled the helmet on, hopping on the bike after him.
He revved the engine, "Hold on tight."
She gripped around his waist as the bike sped off. She giggled a bit, holding on to Gambit even more. He loved the way she held him, a little more than he knew he should. She scooted closer, pressing herself against his back. She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. He smiled to himself. If she joined the team he could get used to this. They stopped at a red light. She looked to the side only to see Scott and Jean looking at her. She nervously smiled and waved. Gambit looked over, watching both of their expressions change. He saluted them then revved the engine. Scott and Jean listened to her laugh as they tore down the street.
He drove up a dirt road, stopping by a single tree. He killed the engine, pushing out the kick stand. He pulled his helmet off then turned as Rogue shook her hair. She looked amazing. He knew it was just a normal outfit for her but still. She swung her leg around, straddling Gambit while sitting on his lap. He stared at her. God why did she do this to him? She pulled herself closer to him, so their chests were touching. He noticed his manhood beginning to harden, not that she seemed to notice and if she did then she sure didn't seem to mind. She looked into his eyes, running her hand through his hair.
"I really do love your eyes," she stared at them, "Much better than those contacts from before. Why are you always willing to get so close to me? One touch and I could kill you right now."
He touched her face with his gloved palm, "Why shouldn't I? I like being close to you," he moved his face closer, pulling her into him more, "You really aren't used to people touching you, are you?"
"What makes you say that," she said breathlessly.
"Well," he smiled while running his hand along her spine, "You seem to be getting pleasure out of me just running my hands up and down your back, not to mention you're breathless. I can only imagine what would happen if I kissed you."
She draped her hands over his shoulders, "I think we both know that's bad for your health."
He pulled her down a bit, "True. Should I just keep teasing you this way then?"
She rested her head on his shoulder, hugging him, "Do you actually like me? Or do you just see me as a challenge and wonder if you could pull off actually getting in my pants?"
Rogue could feel a tug in her chest. This confliction, she'd never realized how much he felt. She could feel the fine line he'd been starting to walk between this being a job and him actually caring for her. How had he managed feeling this torn?
"I," he rubbed her back with his hand, pulling her even closer, "I'm, I'm not entirely sure," he leaned his chin in her head, moving his hand to her head and running it through her hair, "It's complicated petite. We're fighting on two different sides. I shouldn't have platonic feelings for you, let alone romantic," he let out a sigh.
She moved so her lips were near his ear, "What if I told you that I've started to have feelings for you?"
He pulled back and looked her straight in the eyes, "I'd tell you not to do that. I gave my heart away a long time ago. Besides, I'd be no good for you."
She touched the side of his face, "I don't think you are as evil as you think you are. Even when we fight you hold back, like you're trying your best not to hurt me. I…I trust you."
He laughed bitterly, "You shouldn't do that either."
She placed her hand over his mouth. He stared as she kissed the back of her hand. He couldn't help but smile when she pulled her hand away. He grabbed her face and pulled it towards his, putting up every mental block that he could. He lightly kissed her lips, not feeling anything. He then pressed harder, feeling a slight pulled. He pulled away, grabbing his head. She stared at him as he moved back in for another kiss.
"What? Are you crazy," she spat.
"If I say yes, do I get to kiss you again," he joked.
Her expression softened as he brushed the hair off of her face. He pulled her into him, embracing her. She hugged him back, snuggling into him. He couldn't do this. He couldn't collect her. He'd lost someone special already and something about this girl drew him to her. He couldn't betray her like this. She was so blindly trusting and nonjudgmental, just like that little girl. Maybe he could let her go and move on. He thought he could if it was with the girl in front of him.
"Gambit, I hate to be a kill joy but it's getting late," she looked up at him, "I should be getting home."
"Well then you might wanna swing your legs back over the bike," he handed her the helmet she wore, "Just hang on tight."
She swung herself back over, "I will, I promise."
"Good," he patted her leg, "I can't let anything to happen to you."
He turned the bike on, making a sharp turn then heading back to the mansion. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the summer's air. Her hands moved back to Gambit's chest. He grabbed her hand. He knew if Magneto found out he'd developed feeling for her he'd be dead. Or worse, she'd be left to someone else and he couldn't let that happen. She opened her eyes as soon as she heard the bike turn off. She climbed off the bike, handing Gambit the extra helmet.
"Thanks for the ride," she said.
"Any time chere," he smiled, "I'm always around."
She touched his shoulder, "I know Cajun."
He took his helmet off, taking her face in both hands, "One for the road."
Before she could object he pulled her face to his, pressing his lips to hers until he felt a slight tug. He pulled away and she was instantly flooded with feelings of lust. She blushed at some of the things he thought about her, which only made him smile. If everything else in his life was a lie he could say this with absolute truth…that girl had one hell of a kiss. It was simply addictive.
"You better get going before Wolverine sees you," she turned and placed her hand on the scanner, causing the gate to open, "Hey Gambit," she asked as she turned back around.
"Yeah chere," he said, his head feeling less dizzy.
"Are you," she played with a bit of her hair, "Are you still gonna go out and pick up girls?"
He smiled, "Non, I think I'm gonna call it a night."
She ran over and threw her arms around him, "Thanks for everything. Sleep well, Gambit."
He hugged her back, "Any time. Sweet dreams, Rogue."
She nodded and ran up the path. He did another sharp turn and headed back to base. Man was he in trouble. This girl found a way. She found a way to get into his heart. He couldn't help but feel guilty for a number of reasons. His heart had belonged to someone else for so long, how could he make space for someone new? Was it disloyal to her? He felt the metal of the necklace press against his skin. If he kept this up he was going to lose her too, to something far worse than a car. He had to figure out a way to crush these feelings before things went too far. He parked his bike next to Saber tooth's then headed for the base.
Rogue felt the bile rise up in her throat again. She knew this wasn't how he felt but having to listen to him talk about her in such a way always let she stomach in knots. He was so damn good at his job, maybe even too good.
He heard a growl from the kitchen, "I smell a pretty little X-men. Wolverine's pet if I'm not mistaken."
"As usual, your nose is on top of things," Gambit said, a bored undertone in his voice.
Saber tooth snarled, "I don't think boss will be happy with you spending time with her."
"That's quite literally my job," Gambit rolled his eyes, " A battlefield isn't exactly the best romantic setting."
"Mates got a point," Pyro chimed in, "Can't really charm a sheila and throw punches at the same time, unless she's into that sort of thing."
"If you ask me," Mystique said from the doorway, "Gambit's getting a bit attached to his assignment."
Gambit turned and looked at, a tight smile on his face, "Good thing no one asked you then, isn't it?"
"You arrogant boy," Mystique walked towards him, "Unless it's in battle you'll stay away from my daughter. And keep your filthy hands off."
"Oh but she likes it so much when my hands are all over her," he lifted an eyebrow, "We had so much fun tonight and trust me, no one kept their hands to themselves," he strutted past her then turned, "Or their lips."
He walked away, hearing glass break. He laughed as Mystique's frustration but something about the situation didn't feel right. He shouldn't be talking about her like that. IT was no one's business what they did when they were alone. He walked into Magneto's office, sitting on the seat in front of his desk. Magneto turned the chair, facing the young boy.
"How are things going," he asked.
Gambit smiled, "Exactly as planned."
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation in the kitchen," Magneto noted, "And quite frankly I find it to be brilliant. You are correct. Getting to know her just in battle will do no good. Seeing her outside of battle will. Get her to trust you then pull her in, making her join us. She's extremely valuable and important to me Gambit. I can't have any mishaps. Are we clear?"
"Crystal clear sir," Gambit stood, "I will make sure I see her again."
"Good," Magneto smiled, "Now go. There is much work to be done."
Gambit walked out of Magneto's office, "You have no idea."