Author's note: Ha! Such an accomplishment! I actually got this chapter up in only a week! Yippee! Allswell let me know what you think- hope this chapter isn't too stufft or mushy or whatever... gotta like Rogue and Remy though...anywhoo I haven't gotten a chance to fix ch 5 and I don't have time to fix this one completely- so I'll do that later. In other words if you see any mistakes on accents and characterization- I'll be fixing it soon...figured you might want the chapter sooner than later! Hehe See yah in Ch7...OH AND I STILL WANT PEOPLE TO LET ME KNOW IF THEY WANT TO WRITE A FIGHT SCENE (for info look in author's notes on ch5..) K then bye for now!

Disclaimer's notice: none of these characters belong to me (cause then I'd be rich) they belong to marvel, etc. However the story line is mine.

Crossing Paths

By: Dark Elf

Rogue turned around slowly. Her pulse picked up pace causing her heart to throb harshly in her constricted chest. Her voice felt as though it would catch in her throat, and she swallowed to wash away the feeling of uncertainty. She knew surprise shown in her eyes; as well it should, for she was utterly baffled at the sudden appearance of a stranger behind her. She had heard nothing – not a rustle, a whisper, or a breath that would have warned her about the presence of an approaching person. As a quick second in time passed, a variety of thoughts sped recklessly through her mind. They fluttered around creating a queasy feeling in the depths of her stomach. The feeling plummeted back down as the charming voice reached and easily caressed her ear. Her natural tendency to react harshly at any given or shown sign of affection was subdued at the growth of an incipient emotion of excitement. Just as rapidly, however, she rebelled gallantly against that irregular sentiment of rapture and went on the defensive. The words flew out of her mouth before she could gasp at the botechellian sight she saw before her.

"What do yah care?"

She regretted the words the minute she spoke them. The acid cruelty in them was clearly reflected in the small grimace the stranger made. And even then he was beautiful. Her heart beat harder telling her he could never be anything but.

Long shaggy auburn hair softly draped itself across a face seemingly formed by sculptured hands. Smooth, milky, and yet tanned, skin was pulled tight against high cheekbones. His eyes concealed behind chic glasses that gave the feminine man* before her a sultry look added atop an angelic one. Thick, sensual, and most likely experienced lips grinned back at her with a smile that knew what she saw. Her eyes browsed his tall, lanky, but athletic, physique that stood in a self-assured and sexy stance. Black, form-fitting jeans hugged his agile and well-built legs as a tight white long sleeved shirt carefully covered the distinct muscles in his perfectly made torso. He looked a model straight out of a dream, showing off a well-defined body while still being masculine. Mixing the dangerous with the innocent. With a small tilt of his head the rest of his hair, earlier hidden by his position, flowed comfortably around him, framing his face in a halo of color. Rogue inwardly sighed as his shoulder length hair settled on his delicate shoulders. Delicate. Dangerous. Rogue couldn't quite place it. His look completed by a dusty and worn brown trench coat that protected him from outside elements, as was shown by its frayed and rent edges. Naturally narrower and gathered in at the hips, it flowed around him as the wind brushed through its opened front and blew out through the back. Waving around him, the coat seemed alive as it clung to the warmth of its owner.

Rogue let the cold reality settle in- she wanted him to care. No reason for it; she just did. But why should he- why would he? She definitely had not given him a reason to even consider it. She stopped her inspections as he replied to her egoistic question.

"Jus' offerin' a bella femme a ride. T'ought y' might be in need o' one."

His words rolled off his tongue, trickling out of his mouth, as easily as she had imagined they would. Rogue opened her mouth to reply- cut short by his quick interruption.

"In all due respect dough, Remy jus' wanted t' offe' a fellow student help. T'ought he could play de Good Samaritan."

"A fellah student? Ah ain't nevah seen yah 'round 'ere 'fore." Rogue rapidly inquired.

"New t' dis place. Figured me'be it wouldn' be s' bad if Remy made a friend 'fore school called him t' attendance – n' a ride seemed sometin' simple he could accomplish, non?"

A prize-winning smile found its way onto his face, making him even more radiant than before.

"Well Remy, Ah guess yah got a point there- but yah sure got balls 'pecting a gurl to up n' leave wit' a stranger."

Rogue emphasized her meaning with a pointed glare that showed her outward contempt for his cocky attitude. Inwardly she was elated. A guy actually wanted to get to know her! A guy had actually called her beautiful! He wasn't repelled by her. Even if he did address himself in third person, she liked his aggressive attitude. He wasn't scared of her like everyone else, obviously he didn't have a reason to be, but he wasn't shy either. She felt normal for once. Just a girl talking to a guy; meeting a stranger and not having to worry what they thought about her mutation. But she wasn't foolish. Of course her skin provided her with protection from any assault, but she was being wary all the same. No sense in taking risks. She needed a reason to trust this guy first.

A look of shock and embarrassment crossed Remy's face.

"Remy's truly s'rry. Down sout' everyt'ings a bit different; well de rural parts. F'got Remy wasn' in Mississippi n'more. Some folks too trustin', Remy's one o' 'em – never figured it'd be an insult."

His floundering apology calmed Rogue down but didn't stop her from further accusing him.

"Mah name's Rogue. Ah'm a southern gal too. And ya' accen' ain't Mississipian- that's where Ah grew up."

Without a stop, a hesitation, or a pause- which would clearly indicate a lie- Remy replied to the girl before him.

"Well, Remy spent some time in Louisiana 'fore he came up here. 'riginally Remy's from Mississippi, jus' caught de swamp accen' mo'."

She smiled up at him. It didn't seem as if he was lying. He was being nice. The trust in the south was a questionable aspect, but everything else he said seemed to weave her deeper in an invisible spell. Furthermore, he had made no comment about her name being weird or odd. He accepted it for what it was. He accepted her.

"Well swamp rat, yah a real character-

Remy grinned charmingly back at her. All of her remaining inhibitions sped away as she looked at him. It dawned on her that she already trusted him. Senseless or not, she felt as if she knew him and could have complete and utter faith in him.

Ah think Ah'll take yah up on dat ride- what do yah have tah offe' a gal?"

"Remy'd be more dan 'onered. Mode o' transport' o'er der."

She followed his hand's sweeping gesture with her eyes. Her mouth parted slightly as she viewed the black sleek motorcycle that apparently belonged to Remy. A full fleshed smile appeared on her pale features.

"Let's go then, swamp rat- ain't no time lak the present."

Rogue followed the boy's retreating figure. Thinking about the current situation, she couldn't help it as another smile graced her features.

This is gonna be fun. Ma'be tahday ain't gonna be as bad as Ah thought.

* * *

Remy smiled languidly at the female before him. She was so breathtaking. But he'd been extremely foolish. Initiating a conversation with someone he definitely should not be getting close to. She was an X-men for God's sake! He continued to rebuke himself silently as he made conversation with her. He presented himself in the most innocent and alluring way he knew how; and he knew what she saw. Her rude attitude was most obviously a cover or natural reaction she had towards people. Of course! Her skin, that was her mutation- never being able to touch. No wonder she wasn't flirting with him like he thought she would. But, he liked it, her angry and reserved style. It made him want to entrance her even more.

Remy made every natural expression that a person would make in reaction to some of her comments. A small grimace, a smile here, and turn of the head there – all showing him off one way or another, like an unattainable doll, and at the same time appearing real, just another kid. He stumbled over a quickly made up apology that he knew would please her- she was obviously not one for assertive guys, it made her strong individualism flare up. Then again, she probably wasn't one who would get close to anyone either. Time was passing by and a small restlessness gripped Remy. He hated being in one place for too long. He had to speed this conversation along. He wasn't getting anywhere – and the telepath still lingered in her head; beautiful dark brown curly hair, with a streak of startling white, innocently hid and covered the threat beneath. He needed her to accept his invitation so he could end what he started. He needed her to send that spook away.

He could feel she didn't trust him. And why should she? She almost caught him in his lie about being from Mississippi, and even then he was a complete stranger! Remy had never been turned down, and he didn't plan any change in his role with the women now. He didn't plan to get involved with her- he knew it'd be futile- but he wanted to get to know her, he wanted her to trust him. Which he knew he didn't deserve. But which he knew he could easily create.

Well, if de feelin' isn' dere den Remy can' bring it out – but if jus' a little of dis Rogue wants t' trust...

He reached out with his empathy and softly brushed her heart- or where ever feelings resided. He smiled inwardly when he sensed it – she did want to trust him. She did like him, she was just being cautious. Remy cleared his mind and sent an invisible puff of emotion towards her. He began to wrap his consciousness around that grain of trust. Remy pulled at it- adding a little here and there- stretching it, making it grow. It was so easy now. Almost like if he had never had to learn how to control it. Without thinking or concentrating too hard he was able to 'charm' anybody into doing what he wanted. A soft rush of exhilaration filled him when he realized it had worked. The 'trust' was of a prominent size now...and she accepted his offer.

Wish dat Remy had brought a less flashy auto... Well jus' got t' get rid o' de bike later. Can' 'ave de femme recognize Gambit in anyway.

He majestically showed her his motorcycle- adding a new dramatic and animated style to his actions. His recently 'acquired' ride clearly surprised her. And it was a good feeling of surprise. He knew. She was excited to ride it. Then a sudden feeling of regret filled her- or was it regret? Remy smirked. She had probably just remembered the telepath that had been conversing with her earlier. Well, as long as that flame of trust stayed ignited within her he wouldn't have to worry too badly. She'd get rid of the spook. And then he would disappear until a better opportunity appeared. Just a few days... and they would all trust him.

* * *

Rogue?

O' Proffesah! Ah completely fo'got Ah was talkin' tah yah!

Rogue felt completely ashamed. She had just cut the professor off – with no warning. He must have wondered what was going on. She was glad his patience had prevailed however.

Well it appears as if forgetfulness is currently affecting more than one X-men.

Rogue felt his mental smile. Well at least he wasn't mad. Then maybe rejecting his help, for that of a stranger, wouldn't be taken badly either... well one could hope right?

Yea. Umm...by the way, Ah don' need that ride anymo'.

Ah. So I was not mistaken. There was somebody there with you. But... aren't they gone? I don't sense anyone there anymore.

Gone? Nah – he's 'ere... ma'be he's got shields... either way Ah already accepted his offe' so Ah'll be home soon-

Rogue- you don't know this guy and for whatever reason I can't read him- maybe it's best if you do not-

Rogue's quick anger rose. How dare he not trust her decision-making abilities! Why didn't he believe in her?! He had no right to...God! It wasn't as if this guy could do anything to her! And he was a nice guy too- the professor needed to learn to be more accepting.

Ah'm a big gurl Xavier! I can make mah own decisions. And Ah've made this one! It's not lak he can hurt me! Ya' need tah learn tah trust people without rummagin' through their every thought – it ain't healthy and it ain't nice!

I'm aware of that Rogue. Just - be careful. If you need anything I'll be here.

Rogue calmed down. She felt a bit of remorse now. Reacting to him that way- and Xavier being all respectful... only worrying for her like a father. At least he cared where she was and who with. Unlike Scott.

Yea... Thanks. And if Scott gets back tell 'im Ah found someone else tah take me home... tell 'im Ah don't need 'im anymo'.

Saying those words seemed to release her anger and disappointment that she had been carrying around and feeling towards Scott... brought out by Jean. Without her noticing, a sense of relief was born within her – eventually, if Remy really wanted to care for her, then maybe she wouldn't distress herself so much over Scott, and his choices.

Rogue- I respect your decision to accept this stranger's ride. Just keep your eyes open... you never know when someone is not who they appear to be.

Ya' concern's been duly noted- Ah'll be fine. Bye!

Rogue turned sharply on her heels and continued to follow Remy. There was nothing to fear here. She trusted him with all her heart.

* * *

Professor Xavier rested his chin in his hand. Deep in thought he considered the options before him. This new person that Rogue had encountered... why couldn't he sense him? In his experience only mutants were able to have that strong of shields... which worried him. If this boy was a mutant, than he was a powerful one- and his inability to sense this guy- for Xavier was the leading telepath on the planet- worried him. Danger could be so near and they would not know it until it was too late.

Then again, he also had encountered regular humans, without the X-gene, that had had natural, formidable, though not impenetrable, shields due to traumatic experiences- or mental practice from doing things like meditating. Rogue was correct. He did judge people too quickly- he depended too much on his mutation. Xavier recognized his own need to back away from that- he needed to be able to trust others blindly; what was it in unseeing faith that scared him so badly? As any good psychiatrist would ask- what was his fear?

Xavier mentally sighed.

There is no fear. I just know this world, this life, all too well.

He frowned as he contemplated what he needed to do. Should he check up on this guy, take precautions and not allow his students near him? Or should he wait. Trust Rogue... why was it this hard to decide?

"What's wrong Charles? You look worried."

Xavier raised his eyes and met Storm's questioning stare. They were in the kitchen together, preparing dinner for the students. Or well he had been until Rogue contacted him. Storm had quietly waited until she knew he was done, but now she wanted to know. And Xavier didn't hesitate to elicit her opinion – he would gladly accept any input he could get on this subject.

"Rogue met someone, he's bringing her home- but even I can't get any thoughts from him. Should I trust him with her?"

Charles was blunt in asking her opinion. There was no reason to beat around the bush. Storm lightly raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"By the goddess, you should Charles. If Rogue has made a friend, - do not take that from her. Not now when she needs it."

"I worry."

"So do we all from time to time. But it is not always beneficial to do so. Will they be here soon?"

"In a little while."

"Then I will do you a favor. I will watch her for you- I will make sure she is alright."

"I appreciate that Ororo. I fear Rogue may be displeased with my mistrust of her choices."

"It happens, Xavier. She is still a child. Now, if you will excuse me, I will go watch the door for her return"

Xavier gave her a nod- indicating she should go on. Maybe he wasn't doing such a poor job at the institute as he sometimes though he was. Storm was a clear indication of the effect his lessons had had. He deeply treasured any kindness his pupils expressed towards him- it made him feel as if his dream was truly attainable. With another imperceptible nod Xavier willed himself to go on too. He slowly resumed the task of cooking once more- no longer worrying.

* * *

"Where ya' headin' off to Storm?"

Wolverine had encountered Storm on her way to the front door in the hallway.

"Rogue is coming home. I am here to check she is safe when she arrives. Charles was worried about the stranger who would be accompanying her here."

"Why?"

"He could not read him Logan. It worries me too but I do not think there is anything to be feared. I offered to take a look at this guy for him."

"Well I'll go 'long with ya. Wanna see this guy for myself."

Storm laughed.

"Don't we all Wolverine... Rogue- who would have thought-"

Logan returned her smile with one of his own.

"It's 'bout time though. Come on- I gotta see this."

Logan followed Storm as she continued on her way. He strutted down the hallway in a feral way that was natural to him- giving an obvious feeling of protectiveness around him. Even so, he appeared outwardly calm- an unnatural state for him. But as he neared the door his muscles clenched and his claws began to itch. Before anything unexpected ever occurred his body always tensed up and prepared for it. His natural instincts had never let him down before- for that reason he perked up all of his senses and stood ready for a confrontation if there should be one. He suspected nothing would happen... but still-

Ain't got a good feelin' 'bout this one 'ro – letsee who we're dealing with.

* * *

*Feminine man – I know! A bit contradictory... he's not gay. Just trying to describe how he's beautiful not just handsome. Hope you understand... the long hair, feminine style – but still manly (oohh imagine Legolas from Lord of the Rings movie...that's what I mean by beautiful – but mixed with a ruggedness caused by Remy's childhood...). It doesn't make sense if you think too much about it. But if you know Remy... than you know what I mean.

Author's Note: I spent some time here describing Remy. I'll do the same with Rogue later. At some later incident...when their paths cross again. Didn't want to make it too sappy. Ooh! And like I said a while's ago I will describe Remy's eyes in due time. (don't know if you really care or not – but that's my favorite part of his character...)

Review Responses:

Stupid Trekkie: Hehe hamsters... gotta love those little fella's. Thanks so much for readin'- I appreciate every minute you spent lookin' at my story. Hmm I'll have to think about the Maddie suggestion- I don't know much about her...isn't she like Jean's counterpart (or she looks like her?) I'm not really sure. If you think I can tie it in and you really want me too e-mail me and give me some info on her. See ya in ch7 hope you read and like this one too!

Amazonestar: Glad you like it!

Anonymous: THANK YOU SOOOO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTS! I feel so happy knowing that you actually really liked my approach to the characters. Your WOW says everything I need to know- thank you thank you thank you.....you know us writers live of reviews like this -Hope you like this ch too!

Lady MR: Sorry it took so long. * hangs head in shame * hey but this ch was up much sooner! Letsee how long i can keep that up... hehe well then hope you like it- 'till later! Oh and I know what you mean about the brooding...i think i mentioned that to Ice Angel in my review response in the last ch...I'll try to fix that a bit ..byeeee

ishandahalf : I'm sooo happy you like this story....hehe and this chapter should be mushy enough for you..hope you like it!

vagabond: Oh i wanna hug remy too! that'd be sooo great! Thanks for the review! Hope you like this ch!

Anonymous: Hope this R&R time satisfied you! Glad your liking it! See ya in ch7!

Trunks-Girl: Well even though reviews are nice I don't necessarily write for them yah know? But i do appreciate them! I'm soooo happy you like the story! Hope you like this ch too!