Rogue laughed to herself as she watched him gracelessly sneak out of Magneto's lair. How had this man ever become a master thief? She felt that flutter again, he was leaving to see her.
He killed the engine of his bike, resting it against the wall. He pulvolted over the wall, dodging all the security Wolverine had installed. Luckily the keen smelling man was out, though he wished he'd known that earlier. He spotted a tree just outside her window. He climbed it, looking in to see where she was. He found her lying in bed facing him. She looked so…peaceful. He lightly jumped, landing on the balcony. He tapped lightly on the doors. Thank god all the mutants at Magneto's base were asleep or he would have never made it here in the first place. He tapped again, watching her sit up and glare at the doors.
She jumped out of bed, walking towards the doors. She had nothing but a form fitting tank top and short black shorts on. He'd never seen her showing so much skin. Delicious, porcelain skin that just begged to be touched. Why did she have this affect on him? She opened the doors and stared at him. He stood there, dumbstruck. That tank top clung to her in all the right places and it was very apparent that she was not wearing a bra. She waited for some kind of explanation as to why he was there but got nothing. She slid out of the door, quietly closing it behind her. The air outside was warm with a slight breeze.
"You are aware that a handful of telepaths live here, yes," she hissed.
He recollected himself, "Yes but how could I pass up the opportunity to see you in that."
She shook her head, "You aren't turning into some perverted stalker, are you?"
He smirked, "Non, was in the neighborhood and wanted to see if you'd want to go to a night club with me."
She lifted an eyebrow, "Are you asking me on a date?"
"More like a good time," he gave her a devilish grin, "But if you are opposed to sneaking out, I'll be on my way."
She placed her hands on her hips, "You're joking right? Give me a minute."
He watched her go back into her room, emerging ten minutes later in low cut, purple tank top, black skinny jeans and ankle high boots. He gave her a once over, loving the bit of cleavage she showed. He noted the high gloves that covered up to her shoulder. She noticed the tight fit of his black shirt and loose, worn out jeans. He also wore boots.
"Ready," he asked, bringing her attention back to him.
"Is the club gonna be packed," she asked nervously.
"Don't worry chere," he grabbed her waist, pulling her next to him, "I'll make sure I'm the only one touching you tonight."
"That in itself is a scary thought," she remarked.
He hopped back into the tree, giving her his hand. She followed, proving to be as fast and agile as him. He must admit he was impressed with her. Wolverine had trained her well. They got past security with no problem. He helped her over the wall before pulvolting over it himself. She already had her helmet on when he landed. He pulled his on, hopping on the bike. She followed suit, holding on tight. He did a sharp turn, driving away from the mansion. Rogue eyes widened when she saw Jean and Scott pass them yet again. It would be her luck. She heard the car come to a screeching halt. Gambit noticed head lights behind him. Shit, he'd hoped everyone had already turned in for the night.
"Chere," he called back to Rogue, "I'm gonna lose your friends so hold on."
Rogue nodded, "You better not get us killed."
He couldn't help but laugh. He wouldn't risk her life. He mentally kicked himself for, yet again, caring about her. He was Gambit, his heart melted for no woman. They were toys, entertainment. Nothing real. Yet here he was, wanting her to be safe. He turned down an alley, praying the car couldn't fit. Sadly, luck didn't seem to be on his side at the moment. He turned into another alley way.
He was surprised when she swung herself so she was sitting in Gambit's lap. She turned, facing the front of the bike. She took his hand, signaling him to let go and let her drive. He willingly scooted back to the passenger's seat. He nearly choked when she turned to face the car. What was he doing? He'd never let anyone drive his bike before. Yet here he was, letting her take the wheel so to speak and head right towards the very people they were trying to avoid.
"Are you insane," he shouted.
She revved the engine, "Just trust me."
She sped towards an open dumpster. Gambit's eyes widened, what in the blue hell was she doing? Scott's car continued to speed towards them. She swerved out of the way, using the lid of the dumpster to launch them in the air. She tore out of the alley way as Scott's car came to a stop. The alley way was too narrow to turn. She laughed as she felt Gambit tighten his grip on her. She turned back into the street then into another alley way and killed the engine. They both watched as Scott's car flew past them. Rogue motioned for Gambit to take the wheel again. He gladly obliged though he was impressed with the way she got rid of the 'issues'. He started the bike again, pulling out of the alley way.
They arrived at the club a few minutes later. Gambit parked in the back, in case the other X-men came by. He turned and smiled at Rogue, she looked great on the back of his bike. He'd never admit it but her driving was more reckless then his, though effective. She swung her leg over to get off, meeting Gambit. He stood in front of her, smirking. He grabbed her hips, sliding her off the bike and into him. She looked up at him as his face lowered to hers. She found herself going up on her tiptoes, meeting him half way. He lightly kissed her lips, savoring the taste. They both smiled as they pulled away. He took her hand and led her to the club entrance.
They had no problem getting in. Despite the number of people Rogue went immediately to the dance floor, pulling Gambit with her. She began to dance to the music, moving her hips seductively. Gambit watched for a moment then grabbed her by the hips pulling her into him. Their bodies melted together as they danced. Her hips moved with his, his hands running up her sides then back down. She moved away from him as she felt someone else take hold of her and pull her close. He could feel his blood begin to boil as the stranger ran his hands along her hips and thighs. What was this feeling? Was it…jealousy? Whatever it was, he didn't like it and had seen enough. He pulled her back into him, earning a raised eyebrow and a questioning look. She lifted her hands up as they danced, letting Gambit take hold of them. Her hands stayed raised as his slid back down her side, grabbing her ass. She moved her hands up and down his chest and shoulders. They danced for a few hours to upbeat music, never pulling apart from each other.
"Alright, we're gonna slow things down a bit," the DJ talked into the microphone, "So ladies find a man and pull him real close."
The song was slow and seductive. Rogue smiled and pulled herself away from Gambit. She moved her hips slowly, running her hands through her hair. He watched, his eyes laced with a new kind of desire. His heart raced as she moved her hips back and forth then in a circular motion. He loved the way her hips and chest moved. He pulled her in again, placing his leg between hers. He rotated his hips in the opposite direction, placing his hands on her back. He pulled her in even closer, leaving no space between them. She smiled as she ran her hands through his hair. He closed his eyes and breathed her in. Her hair had that familiar strawberry smell that was somehow becoming intoxicating. But something about it was soothing, like home.
"You having a good time," he whispered in her ear.
He looked down at her when she didn't respond. He followed her gaze, landing on a red headed girl and a boy with red sunglasses. He glared as the two of them gawked at the current situation. He looked back at Rogue, her eyes still not leaving the two who were now walking through the crowd towards them. Gambit grabbed Rogue's chin, forcing her to tear her eyes away from them. He raised an eyebrow and gestured towards the door, she nodded. He smirked, looked back and gave a two fingered salute then pulled Rogue by the hand in the opposite direction. He smiled as he heard her laugh. They left through the back, quickly running to his bike.
"You wanna call it a night," he asked as they put on their helmets, "I don't want to get you in any more trouble."
She laughed, "Why would I want that? Unless you're getting tired, Cajun."
"Non," he smirked, "Just wasn't sure if you could actually keep up."
She wrapped her arms around his waist, "Please, just try to stay on my level. Wouldn't want you embarrassing yourself."
They tore off as Jean and Scott came out the door. He felt her turn towards them as he revved his engine. There was no way she could talk her way out of this one but at this point she didn't seem to care. Though he was sure she could just say it must have been Mystique shaped like her to confuse them. Her grip tightened as he tore out of the parking lot.
"ROGUE," Scott called.
Gambit chuckled. He liked her feisty side. He loved seeing her being happy and playful. He felt her kiss his shoulder before resting her head on it. He didn't know why but it caused him to get butterflies in his stomach. He was also…happy. Surprisingly, genuinely happy. He hadn't felt that way in a while. It was her, it had to be. Oh man he really was in trouble. He felt Rogue's grip loosen her grip. He grabbed her arm, she instantly sat up. She must have dosed off from the nights air. Gambit motioned for her to get in front of him. She sat with her face and chest facing him. She then spun herself around to face the street. He knew that he should probably take her home but he didn't want to. He wanted more time with her, needed more time with her.
Gambit leaned his head closer to hers, "Can't have you falling off the bike. You like looking at the stars?"
She nodded, "I do. Why do you ask?"
He smiled, "You'll see."
Rogue felt a sense of apprehension but peace wash over her. She remembered this night so fondly. All of the emotions he had been feeling swirled around her. His utter unwillingness to let her go, his overwhelming desire to just be with her, be near her. She was actually surprised at how little the feeling of lust was present. She'd thought at the time that was all he felt when he was around her. But most of all, she felt the genuine happiness that she'd not felt in him since before the accident.
He turned right, heading for the park. It was always open and it was a perfect place to look at the stars. For once he was grateful that he kept a blanket on him. Not that he thought she'd mind laying in the grass. If truth be told he spent a lot of nights at the park, just thinking. This would be the first time he had someone with him, though. She leaned back against Gambit, a small smile breaking across her face. He pulled into the park, going off the path. He parked the bike near a tree, pulling the blanket from one of the saddle bags. He lay in on the ground then sat, patting the spot next to him. She shook her head but curled herself up next to him.
"If I had planned better I would have brought some food," he lowered his head a bit.
Rogue looked up at the sky, "No, no. This is great. I haven't had this much fun in a long time."
He felt his face start to burn, "Oh, well I'm glad then."
She looked back to him, "Is the great Cajun charmer blushing?"
He smirked and rolled so he was on top of her, "I think you're the one that's blushing mon chere."
He brushed some hair off her face, leaning his face down towards hers. She looked up at him with those beautiful eyes that made him dizzy and weak in the knee. They always looked so distant and distracted from afar but when she looked straight at you, it was like she had the ability to look straight into your soul. Your very core, like she was trying desperately to find the good in people. But even then the way she looked at him was entirely different. Her eyes were warm and almost…loving? No, it wasn't possible, it had to be lust. There was no way she could…but what if she did? He didn't deserve that. All he was doing was lying to her, making her believe he actually cared…did he?
"Finally afraid," her expression saddened a bit.
He lowered his head and kissed her, "Non. In fact I wanna kiss you again."
He grabbed the back of her head, kissing her more passionately. He did his best to put a kinetic field around himself, just so he could kiss her a little longer. Her lips felt so good. He felt the familiar tug and knew he needed to pull away soon. But my god, it felt so right to be kissing her. He could feel his body getting weak. He reluctantly broke away, gasping for air.
"I'll tell you what, Cherie, you got one hell of a kiss," he laughed before passing out.
She pushed him on his back, resting her head on his chest, "What am I gonna do with you?"
His eyes fluttered open, "What…," he went to sit up but stopped.
He smiled at the girl using his chest as a pillow. He stroked her hair back and looked at the sky. His eyes widened. It was morning, or at least the beginning of it. He'd been out with Rogue all night. Better yet, she enjoyed being out with him all night. He moved her head gently, placing it on the blanket. He bent down and kissed her cheek quickly. Her eyes opened. She sat up and smiled at him.
"Morning chere," he stroked the side of her face.
"Morning," she sounded confused, then she looked around, "Morning! Shit! I'm gonna be in so much trouble."
Gambit rested a hand on her shoulder, "Relax cherie, you're already out. Why not get some breakfast," he checked his watch, "It's only 4:30. I'm sure no one is awake yet and I can sneak you back in. Might as well end the morning right, non?"
"Alright, you win," Rogue stood up, "If I keep sticking around you, I'll end up grounded for life."
He stood up and folded the blanket, "That won't be a problem for moi. Means we spend more time in your bedroom."
She blushed, "Yeah, that's a sure-fire way to get yourself killed. Besides, I can't imagine Magneto would want you hanging around the X-Men instead of working."
"I can pretty much do as I please. One of the perks of being Magneto's right-hand man," he said casually.
"You're," she looked defeated and betrayed, "I, I gotta go."
She broke into a sprint. Gambit looked confused then realized what he'd said. Damn it, he was usually more careful than this. Why would he tell her that so casually? He quickly jumped on his bike and tore off after her. Damn, she was a fast runner. He caught up with her just outside one of the parks entrances. He stopped the bike in front of her.
"Chere, it's a long way back. At least let me take you home," he insisted, turning the bike off and pulling out the kickstand, "Chere, stop walking. Rogue."
He chased after her, grabbing her by the shoulders. She tried to pull away, but he spun her around and pulled her into him. She pushed against him, but he held on tighter. He couldn't blame her for being hurt. Honestly, everything that was running through her mind was probably true.
"Be still chere," he said, one hand on her back, the other rubbing her head, "Please, please be still."
She pounded her fists into him, "You lying asshole. I started to trust you. But you're his, his right-hand man. Did you think I wouldn't find out eventually? What, are you trying to get close to me for information?"
"It's not," he had to be honest, he couldn't afford to blow this, "It's not like that. I just wanted to be around you, spend time with you. I don't want information, that's why I never asked. You have no reason to trust me but I'm asking you to please believe me. I would never use you like that or hurt you."
She pulled away and slapped him in the face, "Bullshit! Just," she looked down, "Just take me home."
He went to hug her again but she pulled away. His hands fell to his sides. Why should he care, why did he care? It was just a job, nothing that he couldn't recover from. But her being angry with him, wanting nothing to do with him, bothered him. He wanted her to want to be around him, wanted her to smile and for him to be the reason. So, acting on impulse, he grabbed her face and kissed her. She pushed away and slapped him again.
He hung his head, "I'm sorry, I'll take you home," he sounded defeated.
She simply walked over to the bike and put on 'her' helmet. He did the same. She held on as he started the bike. She didn't kiss his shoulder or move her hands to his chest. She just held on so she wouldn't fall off. He resisted the urge to place his hand over hers. He knew he shouldn't care but he couldn't suppress this sinking feeling in his chest. She was a bit off base in her accusation but she wasn't entirely wrong. His feelings for her were lies or that's what he kept repeating to himself. They pulled up to the mansion around 5:00 am. Luckily everyone was still asleep. Gambit killed the engine and leaned the bike against the wall. He looked at Rogue. Her expression was blank.
"Chere I…," he began.
"Just help me over the wall and get out of my life," she hissed.
He pushed her against the wall, using his body to hold hers, "No," he said aggressively, "That's not an option for me."
"Well luckily for you it's my life so you don't really get a say," she spat back at him.
"But I do get a say about mine and I want you in mine," he growled, "You know what your real problem is? You're scared to let someone actually care about you. Let someone be with you. No matter who I work for and what position I hold, you know that with your skin I'm the only person crazy enough to take that risk."
"No, I have no issue with that," she snarled, "You just don't want to accept that you failed in whatever mission you had and even if there wasn't a mission, you can't accept that I don't want that person to be you!"
He backed away from her. He felt like he'd been stabbed in the chest. He would have rather have all his teeth pulled out without a numbing agent than hear her say that. He held his hands together, allowing her to step on them as he helped her over the wall. She hesitated at the top for a moment, waiting for him to leave. He paused for a moment, but thought better than to say anything else. He climbed on his bike and looked back one more time but she was already gone.
He drove away feeling what he could only describe as defeated. What did he honestly think was going to happen? She was going to fall madly in love with him and they'd live happily ever after? He scuffed as he parked in the parking lot under the base, noticing Creed's motorcycle was gone. He looked at his watch, 5:30 in the morning. It was time for him to get some not power draining induced shut eye. He walked quickly and angrily to his room. He shed his clothes, turning the shower on. He let the hot water hit his bare skin. He tried his best to clear his mind but couldn't shake this feeling of sadness. He dried off quickly, pulling on a pair of shorts and lay in bed. His was surprised at how tired he actually felt. He woke with a sudden start. He looked at his clock. He'd been asleep for an hour. He still felt so exhausted.
"He went where," he heard Magneto shout.
"His motorcycle wasn't here when I went down to check," Mystique said, "I don't know where he went. All I know is that he's not here."
Gambit pulled himself out of bed. He should let them know that he was back in case they were looking for him. With the way they were going on it sounded like they were. He pulled on a pair of boxers and pants then a shirt. He bent down to put on his socks and shoes. After that he made his way to the door but paused when as he heard Magneto speak again. They weren't talking about him.
"How does he know her morning schedule," Magneto hissed.
"He doesn't need a schedule, just her scent," Mystique spat, "That animal is hunting my daughter. We need to find him, you need to stop him!"
Gambit didn't wait for them to finish the argument and didn't care as they watched him sprint down the hall, keys in hand. He stuck the key in the ignition and sped off. He couldn't let Saber tooth get a hold of Rogue. He had to find her first. She could still hate him and be pissed at him for the rest of her life, but he needed to find her. He pushed all the questions he knew he'd be asked later to the side. No way could he shrug this off as just dedication to the mission.
He considered checking the mansion but Saber tooth wouldn't attack somewhere that she could easily get help. He decided going into town would probably be his best option. As he drove a motorcycle passed him. Saber tooth. He gave Gambit a sadistic smile. Gambit sped up, passing Saber tooth. This man couldn't stay out of trouble for one day. He spotted her up ahead. She turned at the sound of the two bikes, her eyes wide as she recognized the drivers. Saber tooth sped past Gambit, towards Rogue. She leapt back as he took a slash at her. She looked back and saw Gambit.
"Jump," he yelled, getting closer to her.
She took a bit of a running then jumped, gripping Gambit's arm. She swung her leg over then grabbed the helmet on the back of his bike. She pulled it on quickly then held on. Gambit turned in the opposite direction, hoping to get away from Saber tooth. Sadly, it didn't work. Saber tooth made a sharp turn and followed them. Gambit looked behind him and sped up even more. He had to lose the animal before they both got into some serious trouble.
"Gambit, what in the hell is going on," she screamed over the roar of the bikes.
"Saber tooth's disobeying orders. Probably because you're special to the Wolverine," Gambit responded, "Just hold on tight, I'm not gonna let anything happen to you."
"He's your teammate. Couldn't you just order him as Magneto's right-hand man," she tried to reason, "Or is this your sick way of trying to get me to trust you?"
"Seriously," he fumed, "All I want to do is keep you safe and I am risking both my neck and job to do so. Now I don't know what kind of authority you think I hold, but if he's disobeying Magneto what makes you think he'll listen to me? So, unless you have any better ideas shut up and let me protect you."
"I have an idea," she began to pull off a glove.
"Don't even think about it," he growled, "I refuse to lose you or let you turn into an animal."
She stared at the back of his head, "Do you actually care about me?"
"I," he stammered, "I do."