She ran her hands through his hair, "Why didn't you just move on? You held on for so long. So much pain."

He smiled at her, "Only without you. I tried to move on, but I couldn't. You are the only person that's never rejected me because of my mutation and the times you did reject me were more than deserved. It's you, Rogue, it always has been. There are no other options for me, it has to be you."

She leaned over and kissed his cheek, "I love you Remy LeBeau."

He kissed her forehead, "I love you too Rogue, I have for a very long time," he looked at his watch, "Looks like it's time to open presents. Happy Birthday love."

He moved and walked into his closet. She looked at her phone, had she really been sifting through his mind for three hours? She looked back to him and watched carefully, what could he have gotten that was big enough to require being hidden in the closet? She figured it'd be small enough to fit in a drawer. She watched as he came back out of the closet with a rather large box and a smaller box sitting on top. She raised an eyebrow as he sat next to her, handing her the boxes. She noticed the smaller box's wrapping paper was faded in color and looked to be a few years old. She picked up the smaller box first, placing the larger box next to her. She looked down at the tag that read TO: ANNA, FROM: REMY. She looked back to him.

He shrugged, "I kept it. In case I ever found you some day."

She opened it. Inside was a necklace with a little heart pendant. She looked at the pendant, inside was a little piece of rice with the name Anna on it. She smiled at the necklace then at him. He'd kept the present for almost ten years without even knowing if he'd ever see her again. He took it from her as she moved her hair out of the way. He draped it over her neck, hooking the metal clasp to the chain. She smiled as she felt the cold metal against her neck.

"Okay, now for the big present," he pushed it towards her happily, "I really hope you like it. I had Logan check the system to see the measurements of your uniform and based it off of that."

She laughed but continued to smile as she tore open the wrapping. She opened the box and gasped. Inside was a long, beaded, empire styled dress. It was dark green, the knotted sleeves handing off the shoulders. Underneath the dress were a pair of cream colored, silk gloves. She looked back at him, this must have cost him a fortune.

"Well the dress is for prom," he smiled, "I saw it and thought it would really suit you. The gloves I figured you could wear if you feel like your power's start acting up again. But I do have one more thing for you."

"Remy, I couldn't accept anything else," she protested, "You didn't have to get me anything and this is more than enough."

He pulled something off of his bookcase and handed it to her. She pulled the paper off, revealing a dark green, leather journal with the name ROGUE pressed into the front. She looked back up at him. He smiled as he sat back down next to her.

"Genuine Italian leather, the pages are sown in by hand and the book marker is made of silk," he buzzed, feeling a bit proud of himself, "Custom made and rush delivered just for you."

"How did you…," she was at a loss of words.

"Well," he smiled, "I noticed you looking at the journals when we were in the book store that day we got all the stuff for my room, so I thought you wanted one but I wasn't sure which and I know you like the color green so I just guessed."

She threw her arms around him, "Thank you so much. I love it all. The room, the gifts, everything is perfect."

"I'm glad you like it all," he hugged her tightly, "But it isn't over yet."

She pulled away, "What more could there possibly be?"

"Well stand up and you'll see," he laughed as he opened his window.

He wrapped one of his jackets around her then led her out of his room. They walked out of the mansion and down the all too familiar path. Rogue gasped as they walked up to the gazebo. It was now decorated in fairy lights with a table in the middle. Remy walked over to the table, pulled a lighter out of his pocket and lit the three candles in the middle of the table. Rogue noticed a large basket sitting next to the table. He pulled out a chair for her before taking a seat across the table. She looked down at the plates, cups and silverware in front of her.

"Remy, what is all this," she asked.

"Well," he opened the basket, "it may not be the park, but it's you favorite place and last time I didn't bring food. So I figured I'd redeem myself with all your favorites, including Jambalaya."

"Corn bread," she asked.

"Yes," he smiled, "And one small apple pie and one small cherry pie. Whipped cream too."

She smiled, "I have to admit, you did good Cajun. But I bet you didn't…"

He pulled out a six pack of Mug Root beer and smirked, "Got that too."

She laughed, "Alright, you win."

He laughed as well as they began picking at the food. He enjoyed the October air, but was glad that he'd given her one of his jackets. He wondered if the night would bring trick-or-treaters to the mansion. He was sure that will all the mutant hate this place would be severely lacking in visitors. He packed everything back into the basket once they had finished. He looked back to see Rogue leaned over the gazebo edge, looking at the stars.

She looked at him, "I'm having an amazing birthday. Thanks for all this Remy."

He blushed, "You're welcome."

She giggled, "Are you blushing?"

He smirked as he lifter her up, seating her on the edge, "I do believe you're the one blushing now mon amour."

He brushed the hair out of her face, gazing at the eyes he loved so much. She touched the side of his face as he leaned closer to her. She smiled at how his eyes could still hypnotize her. He stroked her cheek, causing her to blush even more. He saw it again, the look she gave. She was searching, searching for the good. But her expression was soft and this time he didn't think twice. It was love he saw in her eyes, with just a minor hint of lust.

"Finally afraid," she teased.

He lowered his head, his lips brushing hers, "Non," he smiled then lightly kissed her lips, "In fact, I think I want to spend the rest of my life kissing you."

He lowered his head again, his lips brushing hers again. She lifted her head up, meeting his lips. He put his arms around her, feeling her legs wrap around his waists to pull him closer. He felt her smile as he kissed her. The kiss was passionate, loving. She touched his face, running her hands back through his hair. He savored the taste of her lips. She giggled a bit as he ran his hands along her spine and neck. He really did believe that he could still be happy if her lips were the only lips he kissed for the rest of time.

He pulled away and smiled, "You got one hell of a kiss."

She smiled back, "So I've been told."

"It's getting chilly, we should head back inside," he begrudgingly pulled away from her.

He bent over and blew out the candles before placing them in the basket as well. Rogue watched as he walked around the gazebo and turned off the lights. His eyes adjusted to the night easily as he walked back inside and picked up the basket. He held out his arm, gesturing her to take it. She hopped off the edge of the gazebo and looped her arm in his before heading back to the mansion.

"Where in the world have you two been," Logan growled, standing in Remy's doorway, "And why does your room look so…romantic."

"I was just giving Rogue part of her birthday present," Remy scratched the back of his head, "We were just out at the gazebo. I didn't think anyone would mind; Kitty was supposed to tell anyone that came here looking for us."

He looked from Remy to Rogue, "HA, Half Pint is fast asleep, but since you didn't leave the grounds past curfew I can't really be upset. Happy Birthday Stripes."

She ran over to Logan, throwing her arms around his neck, "Thanks Logan."

He handed her a piece of paper, "I know I should have asked you first but Charles and I thought it would make you happy. If it doesn't then you don't have to accept but I'd be happy if you did."

She read the piece of paper, "Is this for real," her eyes lit up, hugging Logan again, "Of course I'll accept. This…it means everything to me. I love you so much Logan! Thank you."

He smiled a bit, "I love you too kid. Well I'll let you and Gumbo finish. Happy Birthday Stripes."

She let go and kissed him on the cheek. He blushed a bit then left, mumbling to himself about getting soft as he closed the door behind him. She turned around and squealed. Remy looked at her, confused. She ran over and handed him the paper. He read it and smiled. It was adoption paperwork.

He hugged her, "I'm so happy for you. I knew he loved you a lot."

She hugged him back, "This birthday is more than I could have ever wanted."

He pulled away and patted the bed, "Why don't we get some sleep? You've been up for a while."

She pushed him on to the bed and climbed on top of him, "I can think of a better idea."

He slid his hands up her thighs, "Of course I'll entertain every wish you have today."

She smiled, "Good, I was very much hoping you'd say that."

She rolled over and looked at the clock, 10:30am. She stretched and rolled back to the other side. Remy slept next to her. She stroked his face. She loved the way he looked when he slept. He looked so innocent and childish. She kissed his forehead. He changed, he was different with her. He wasn't the renowned thief, the heart-breaking Cajun. He wasn't even Gambit. He was Remy LeBeau, the orphan from New Orleans who had been used for years. First from his father, then by Magneto. He was real. No acts, no masks. Just Remy. He was vulnerable. No false cockiness, no lies. He was the person underneath all the bullshit that he put on in front of everyone and she loved him.

He opened his eyes and smiled. She always looked so happy when he woke up. He rubbed her bare side. He loved being alone with her. Alone she was real, she was unguarded and vulnerable. She didn't put on the false face of the tough and unbreakable. She wasn't angry and envious. She wasn't the Rogue, the girl who felt for no one. She wasn't some all-powerful mutant. She was Anna Marie Alders, the orphan from Mississippi who had been groomed and used for her powers by the two women she loved most. She was scared and felt alone. No hiding behind dark clothes and make-up. No being emotionless. Just Rogue. She was the person beyond the smoke and mirrors and he loved her.

"We should probably get dressed and head downstairs," he said through a yawn.

She kissed his chest, "Just a few more minutes"

He groaned as she left a trail of kisses down his chest and abdomen. He knew they should head downstairs, but who was he to deny her on her birthday.