A/N: Sorry for the slow update but life got in our way for a while and may continue to do so now that show season is upon us. Please note that Sky and I are both from Canada and have never actually been to Vegas so everything about Sin City in this chapter is based on internet research. Don't take any of this for actual fact. We just wanted to play in Vegas! Now…

Darkness Gathers

Part One of the Darkness Trilogy

Chapter 13

Kat and Gambit ended up taking the stairs back up to the room after being caught by security in the elevator. As usual Gambit had his arm wrapped around Kat's hips though it was resting considerably lower than it had been at any other time. Kat only shook her head as they reached the room and she pushed the door open. Gambit chuckled at the sight that met them; Renegade was leaning back against the wall watching as Logan paced the room grumbling under his breath. The instant the door opened they both turned towards the Cajun and the feral.

Renegade grinned at the two of them and the way that Kat was almost leaning into Gambit's side, "Looks like I win."

Kat quirked a brow at her, "You win? Do I even want to know?"

"Oh, just a little wager I had going with Big Brother over there. So…"

Logan growled and glared at Renegade as Kat and Gambit moved to sit on one of the couches, "I didn't agree to nothing."

"You didn't disagree either though."

"What you win, Cher?"

"Mr. Growly has to go out and actually have fun."

"I don't think he know da definition of da word."

"Stay outta this, Gumbo," Logan growled as his glare switched over to Gambit instead but the Cajun only laughed it off.

"Well…I guess we're going to head to the bar then. A few beers should improve his mood at least a little. You guys care to join?"

Logan threw his hands in the air before crossing his arms over his chest continuing to alternate between glaring at Gambit and Renegade; Kat appeared to be safe from that particular look anyway. Gambit considered the offer, but then again he had just spent a good amount of time in the casino and if this meant he'd actually get some time alone with Kat…of course if she went that would kill that idea off just as fast. Red eyes turned towards the feral next to him, his arm still around her but he'd shifted it so that it was draped over her shoulders when they'd sat. Kat didn't miss the look he gave her but her own gaze continued to switch between their two roommates.

"I don't think so tonight anyway. I'm just going to crash," she finally responded to Renegade's question and the other woman shrugged.

"Gambit had his fun downstairs already but you two crazy kids have a fun date. We be here when you get back."

Almost before Gambit had even finished speaking, Renegade and Logan replied simultaneously, "It's not a date!"

Kat chuckled to herself and shook her head at Renegade, "Gee, this conversation sounds mildly familiar…only it was reversed."

Gambit only snickered and shook his head as the other two headed for the door. As Logan stormed out of the room, Renegade paused briefly and shot Gambit a smirk of her own.

"You kids behave yourselves. We'll be back in a few hours."

With her parting comment the door swung closed behind Renegade and Kat found herself alone with the Cajun. Stifling a yawn, Kat pushed to her feet not long after they'd left deciding that she may as well actually just grab some sleep while she could. That was one thing that was still difficult for her to manage on a consistent basis. As she stepped past Gambit to head for her room, she heard him push to his feet as well and an instant later he had a hold of her left wrist and spun her back towards him. She found herself suddenly only a few scant inches away from him with his free hand sliding to rest warmly on her lower back.

"Where you off to in such a hurry?"

"Bed…"

"What? Gambit don' even get a good night kiss?" he grinned just before he lowered his head and caught her lips in a light kiss.

As soon as he'd turned her back to face him, Kat had placed her free hand on his shoulder and as he moved to pull away from the kiss, she wrapped one arm around his neck pulling him back to her. As soon as she pulled him back, he pulled her flush against his body by the hand on her lower back. As he deepened the kiss he released her wrist from his grasp, sliding his hand up her arm and neck to lightly grip the back of her head, fingers sliding through her hair. With her other hand released, she moved to slide it into his trench coat. As soon as she melted against him and he'd literally kissed her breathless, he released his hold on her with a grin and started to turn away.

"Wha…" Kat started as he moved away from her slightly and she caught hold of the collar on his coat. "Oh no you don't, Cajun…"

There was a slight growl to her voice that made Gambit smirk as she pulled him back and pressed herself back in against him even as she caught his lips again. Before he could get his arms around her again, she managed to push his coat from his shoulders and almost immediately following that she leapt up and wrapped her legs around his hips. Not that it affected anything Gambit was doing at the moment as he caught her under the thighs as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Moments later he shouldered the door closed to the bedroom. Once it latched he spun, pressing Kat back into the door, his lips sliding away from hers to trail light kisses over her cheek and jaw slowly working down to the side of her neck as her fingers played through his hair after pulling the elastic from it.

Upon reaching her neck, his kisses turned rougher as he nipped at the more sensitive skin there. Kat dropped her head back against the door even as she slid her hands from his hair and down over his chest, tugging his shirt out of his pants before quickly unbuttoning it before pushing it off his shoulders, letting her fingers slide over flesh as she did. As soon as his shirt hit the ground, Gambit pulled her away from the door, his lips once again finding hers in a rougher, more heated kiss and headed for the nearest bed. His fingers dug into her thighs slightly before he laid her in the bed and crawled over her, his teeth once again teasing over her neck.

With his hands once again free, he took his time exploring her body over her clothes as her hands slid over his bare torso. As his fingers slid under her shirt he moved a leg between hers pressing more of his weight onto her as his hands slid her shirt up slowly his fingers grazing over her body eliciting a moan from her lips in the form of his name. He pulled his head away from her neck to grin at her.

"Wake me up inside. Wake me up inside. Call my name and save me from the dark," the first few lines of Evanescence's Wake Me Up spilled from his lips shattering the illusion as Kat's eyes snapped open to the very early morning light in the room.

Renegade awoke in the room she was sharing with Kat to the sound of the feral moaning in her sleep. She was pretty sure there was even a muffled 'Remy' buried in the noise as well. She shook her head and chuckled to herself as she stretched in her bed a few short moments before the chorus of Evanescence's Wake Me Up burst from her cell phone's speakers. This had been her alarm for a number of years; the irony having always amused her. Groggily she silenced the phone just as a pillow collided with the side of her head and she rolled out of bed to the sound of Kat's dissatisfied groan.

"I was just getting to the good part of that dream," the feral protested.

"I thought I heard you moaning," Renegade smirked over at her friend.

"What are you talking about? I did not!"

"Are you trying to tell me this good dream didn't have a co-star?"

"Maybe."

"Oh there's no maybe about it…unless you named you're vibrator Remy," Renegade teased taking great delight in the feral's embarrassment.

"Don't you have a workout to go and do?" Kat snapped with a slight glare though she knew this teasing was all in fun…for the most part anyway.

"Yeah, I do. We can't all get our cardio in our dreams after all," Renegade began digging through her suitcase as she spoke looking for her usual workout clothes.

"Then you need to start thinking on Logan harder."

Renegade felt annoyed with herself though she tried to bury the feeling knowing the feral would pick it up far too easily at the moment. Apparently the only one who hadn't figured out her feelings for Logan was the man in question but if she was this transparent to everyone else he was going to figure it out sooner or later. Then again she guessed Kat wasn't really a good one to judge her transparency on since she'd gotten that extra boost to her empathy.

"Just the opposite," she muttered to herself though there was no doubt that Kat's ears would easily pick up the words, "I need to get him outta my head in more ways than one."

"Or…you just need to let him in. Sooner or later he's going to figure this out for himself, Renegade."

"I'm going for a run," Renegade cut the conversation off as she finished getting changed and grabbed her iPod off the nightstand. "Have fun sleep banging."

Quietly Renegade crept through the room and to the front door, trying not to wake Gambit and Logan. After all it was Logan's vacation as well and she figured he would want to treat it as such rather than training like usual. She headed for the stairs rather than the elevator and had just reached the door when she felt she was no longer alone. She was already feeling more than a little on edge having broken nearly every rule the Agency had set in place for her, and they always seemed to know when their rules were broken by one of their people. So far she had no reason to believe that they knew but she also had no reason to believe that they didn't and so her guard was up and firmly in place; especially since this was the first time she'd been away from the relative safety of the mansion for more than just a day trip and she was feeling a little exposed now. Feeling someone touch her wrist, Renegade spun towards them, opposite hand clenched in a fist as she swung at her pursuer. The punch never connected however as Logan caught her fist in his palm and quirked a brow at her even as she tried to recover from her surprise that it was him.

"Sorry, Logan; I…" she trailed off and shook her head at herself.

"You what?"

"I didn't know it was you. Guess I'm a little on edge," she was a little flustered with her hand still encased in his.

"Why are you on edge?"

"It's complicated."

"Then un-complicate it," he growled quietly.

Renegade stared at him; for him life was all black and white but for her life was all just shades of grey, "You say that like its easy."

"You're the only one making it difficult."

"That's half true. I have my reasons and as far as I'm concerned you already know too damn much about me but all you ever want is more. You don't need to know everything about me."

"I don't know why the hell you think I know too much about you already when I don't know a damn thing."

"Our pasts are more similar than you know. If you knew too much about either one it wouldn't just put you in danger but everyone you care about. Everyone at the mansion."

"The X-Men are a team," Logan was beginning to wonder when he took over Scott's job of talking up teamwork and how that's what made the X-Men work even as he continued to speak. "We work together and we watch each other's backs. Every day we wake up we're in danger but together we make it through and survive everything that's thrown at us."

"You X-Men are heroes. You always do what's right no matter how hard it is…I…I'm just a whole lot of trouble I'm not worth."

Logan sighed and shook his head, "You're trouble, Gambit's a thief, I'm an animal and Kat's…well…I'm not even sure what she is anymore. Not a single one of the X-Men are perfect, we all have darkness in our pasts somewhere, demons we haven't faced yet and maybe we never will, but that doesn't mean we aren't worth the trouble…and that includes you."

"You're right; you are an animal. You are fiercely loyal, would do anything to protect those you love and care about, you're tracking skills are unmatched and you growl a lot. A trait you've managed to pass to Kat by the way. How about the next time you call yourself an animal you say it with some pride?"

As they'd talked the two had headed down the stairs and out of the hotel but now at her words Logan was a little taken aback. He had long fought against his animalistic side, and taught Kat to do the same, determined to never let it get the best of him. This was the first time he'd ever begun to feel like at least part of it was worth embracing. He was at a loss for words as they approached the city streets.

"So…where do you want to run? City streets or I think there's a park not too far from here," Renegade interrupted his thoughts and he shook his head slightly.

"Park sounds good to me. I'm starting to feel like a damn houseplant with all these damn fluorescent lights."

Renegade chuckled as she waited on the valet to retrieve her car, "I suppose Vegas isn't really you're scene is it?"

"No," Logan replied with a growl as the pair slid into her car and he prepared himself for her driving again.

"Well if we ever wind up on a vacation together again we'll have to do something you might actually enjoy; go camping in the mountains and do some white water rafting or fishing or something."

"What do you mean 'if'? You plannin' on goin' somewhere?"

Kat sighed as Renegade disappeared out of their room. She'd done so much to try to help Kat and Remy finally get past things but Kat just wasn't that good at meddling. She supposed she could just tell Logan herself but that wasn't really fair either. She heard the main door to the room close behind Renegade and only a couple of minutes later she heard Logan head out of the room as well. Silence settled back over the suite and Kat rolled over burrowing under her blankets with the plan of just going back to sleep. At the mansion she'd be up and out in the stables by this time but she was on vacation and she was damn well going to take advantage of it. For an hour she tossed and turned before ending up on her back and staring at the ceiling finally admitting she wasn't going to get anymore sleep. Rolling her eyes, she pushed out of her bed figuring she may as well grab a shower while Gambit was still asleep and make some coffee for when Renegade and Logan got back; which wouldn't be for at least another hour based on their usual routine.

Kat didn't bother to grab clothes as she headed to the bathroom to shower figuring Gambit would be out for at least another couple of hours. She took her time in the shower still contemplating what to do about Renegade's refusal to let anyone really into her life. As she contemplated, Gambit found himself pulled back to the waking world by the sound of the shower running. He knew Logan had headed out after Renegade for their usual morning routine; the feral male had made no effort to be quiet and let the Cajun sleep. That meant it had to be Kat in the shower and he felt a smirk tug at his lips at the thought though he quickly tapped down his imagination of that scenario. Instead he decided to just get out of bed and wait to see if she appeared fully dressed or…less so. Not bothering with a shirt, the Cajun headed out of his room and tossed himself onto the couch after retrieving a full deck of cards from his coat. He ended up playing solitaire for twenty minutes before the shower stopped and moments later the door opened. He casually glanced up as Kat appeared from the doorway and froze when she realized he was up.

Gambit let a grin grace his features as Kat appeared wrapped in a large white towel, her hair still dripping wet. As he stood and headed towards her when she froze he found himself amused at the flush that spread over her face even as she gripped the towel around her body. He brushed past her with the intention of having a shower himself, though he was pretty sure it was going to be a colder one than normal now.

As he passed her, he spoke quietly next to her ear, "Dat a good look on you, Cher."

At his words, Kat literally bolted to her room and slammed the door closed though the soft chuckle her actions brought from Gambit reached her ears with ease. Groaning to herself, Kat dressed in jeans and grey tee shirt after towel drying her hair. She reappeared seconds before Gambit pulled the bathroom door open with a towel wrapped low over his hips water still glistening on his lean, muscular frame. Once again Kat froze at the sight of him but this time there was a distinctively predatory look to her eyes which were glued to his form. The look on her face and in her eyes only brought a smirk to Gambit's face as he strode into the living area rather than heading for his room, and grabbed an orange from the complimentary fruit basket on the coffee table. He continued to watch Kat as he moved though he did so casually in an effort to show her that predatory look wasn't scaring him off. In fact he found he actually kind of liked the way she was watching every move he made as he peeled the orange and split it in half. She followed every move he made and when he finally stopped she took a couple of steps towards him, the movements mimicking that of a predator stalking something they wanted and Gambit's smirk widened into his usual grin.

"You want some?" he questioned lightly before popping a section of orange into his mouth and offering her the half in his other hand. "You lookin' a little hungry, mon chatton."

His voice seemed to snap Kat back into reality and she took a quick step back realizing exactly what she'd been doing; this was definitely not good, "Remy…I'm…I'm sorry. I just…God…I never should have left the mansion…"

"It's alright. Gambit don' mind."

"I do…I lost control of the feral…again," she sighed and dropped her head instantly going from predatory dominance to submissiveness something Gambit found he really didn't like to see in her.

"I trust you…all of you. You need ta do da same. Sit down, eat dis," he stepped to her quickly enough she didn't react immediately and placed the rest of the orange in her hand. "Gambit go put some clothes on."

Kat nodded and dropped onto the couch as Gambit disappeared to get dressed. As instructed she ate the orange and promptly dropped her head into her hands. That was how Gambit found her when he reappeared a few minutes later dressed in jeans and white tee shirt. He shook his head and dropped down next to her on the couch. He debated briefly but when she made no move when he sat, he sighed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against his side. For once there was no resistance from the feral as she shifted to lean against him, laying her head on his shoulder and dropping her hand to rest lightly just above his knee.

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Gambit finally broke it, "I trust you, Kat. So…you just trust me, no?"

"I've always trusted you…even when I was told I shouldn't. Why don't they ever listen to the empath about people?"

Gambit only shrugged at her question, "Because dey only saw what dey wanted where you see da real person. But if you trust Gambit den why so worried? You're not gonna hurt me."

"I already have, Remy," she sighed and he began to see what was really bothering her…or at least some of it. "I can't tap down the feral side like I used to."

"Maybe dat's da problem; maybe instead of fighting it an' just tryin' ta fight yourself all da time you need to embrace dat side of you too."

"Maybe," she muttered but he detected the slight fear in her voice at what embracing that side might make her into.

"Dere's da problem; you fear dat side of you…but you shouldn't. Feral…empath…all of it makes you…you; and I, for one, wouldn't want it any other way."

"Even when I try to kill you?"

"It was no big deal and partially my fault, mon chatton. I wear dis mark with pride though."

While his words seemed almost flippant about the whole situation there was a depth of emotion to his final remark that resonated with her. She couldn't really explain the emotion behind it all but it was as though that scar from her claws had made him hers and he liked that. She shook her head slightly but relaxed nonetheless against him, if only a little. She had a long way to go before she could accept or embrace the feral…it was unpredictable and dangerous…but now that she knew he was afraid of her for it or angered about it her mind was more at ease. Once again the two lapse into silence though this time it was relaxed and neither felt the need to fill the silence with conversation. It was several minutes before Gambit carefully slipped out from under her head and wandered over to the stereo, Kat watching him with a slight look of confusion and curiosity. A few seconds later and music wafted from the speakers and Kat shook her head a little as she ran a hand through her hair.

Gambit grinned as he walked back over towards her and offered her a hand, "Dance wit' me, Cher."

Kat quirked a brow and shook her head, "Oh no, Cajun. I don't dance."

"You do wit' Gambit. Come on, dere no one here but me," he broke out the most charming look he had and he saw in her eyes it made her cave.

"Fine but don't blame me when I stomp on your foot."

"We both barefoot…I don' think I mind too much," he continued to grin as she took his hand and he pulled her to her feet his free hand sliding to the small of her back as she draped her free arm over his shoulder.

The song started out slow enough and Gambit easily led the feral into a slow dance, manoeuvering them away from the furniture as he did so. Gradually Kat relaxed into the movements and he grinned again. The feral may not dance but it wasn't because she wasn't any good at it and she happily let him lead her through the movements, losing herself slightly to the scent of the man before her and the sound of the music drifting through the room. She wasn't even sure when, exactly, the song had changed or how she suddenly found herself led into something resembling a tango. She had to admit the Cajun knew what he was doing as he easily led her from one move into the next and she found herself mirroring his grin as he tugged her closer against him, never faltering in their dance. Not that it lasted much longer than that as he dropped his head and stole a kiss from her lips. The instant his lips touched hers, Kat pressed in against him, wrapping both arms around his neck as he slid both around her waist. Without breaking contact, he nudged her back towards the couch which she half fell back onto when the back of her legs hit the edge. Gambit chuckled as they found a comfortable position, his lips never leaving hers as she wound up on her back with one foot on the floor and the other leg stretched out along the length of the couch with Gambit above her.

As Renegade pulled into a parking lot near the park she was unsure of how to respond, she didn't want to leave now that she finally had a home but she could not put what she wanted over the safety of a school full of kids. She couldn't lie to him but if she told him the truth well there was no telling what he'd do so she just said nothing she slipped in her ear buds hit play on got out of the car and took off into the park with Logan hot on her heels she doubted that he dropped the subject but with music blaring in her ears she couldn't hear him anyway. After their usual five miles they found a secluded clearing for their usual yoga and tai chi. Renegade was finding it hard to concentrate on tai chi this morning the sun was gleaming through the trees and Logan had taken his shirt off after their run, and the light beaming through the trees cast a warm light over his rippling muscles. As she tried to ignore the deep sense of longing she felt through her body an unsettling thought washed over her. She put so much effort into denying all the things that could make her happy, she wondered about the person she might become if she continued to push people away. In the recent months she had been surprised to learn that she was still capable of letting people in at all. She thought about the days that lay ahead and the things that she would have to do to keep her freedom. She had never taken a life before despite the agency's best efforts to make her do so, but now she was walking a dangerous line. A normal life may never be an option for her again, when the time came she could run and hide but then she could never stop running. The alternative was to fight but an all-out war with the agency was something she would never win if she wasn't willing to end lives and more than a few. Either way this was a road she had to walk alone, and it began to weigh on her mind the kind of person she might become once again she stood on the brink of losing everything in her life and the cost of keeping her freedom might be becoming exactly what the agency wanted her to be to begin with a cold blooded killer. She didn't want that, she never had, more than anything she wanted to be an X-men to stay with the friends she had made, she wanted to tell Logan how she felt and just be happy. But she knew she couldn't live with herself if her happiness came at the cost of innocent lives, especially considering that forever is long time to have to live with yourself. Renegade forced these thoughts from her mind and they wrapped up their work out she got back in the car and popped out her ear buds as Logan slid in beside her.

"You never answered my question, you goin somewhere?"

Renegade gave him the only honest answer she could, "I don't want to go anywhere."

"Good."

"So I was thinking about finding some rocks to climb this afternoon, you in?"

"You know it…but breakfast first."

"Yeah, I'm with you."

A short while later the pair walked back into their sweet only to find Kat and Remy on the couch making out like a pair of teenagers.

"Ugh I think I'm gonna be sick," Logan uttered, at which point Kat and Remy became all too aware of their audience.

"You sure know how to kill a mood Wolverine," Gambit protested, while Kat sat there lobster red looking quite mortified.

"That's not all I know how to kill so watch your step, Gumbo," Logan growled back.

"Easy does it big brother, behave yourself; I'm gonna grab a shower," Renegade said, and headed towards the bathroom, but was stopped abruptly by Logan's hand on her shoulder.

"Me first, you take too long," and with that he disappeared into the bathroom and Renegade headed into the kitchenette.

"Oh come on, you found time for that but you didn't even start coffee?" Renegade protested as she tossed a pot on to brew and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.

"Sorry Cher, but Gambit have other priorities."

"I saw that," Renegade chuckled as Kat was turning from red to purple. "What's the matter cat got your tongue?" Renegade giggled as she saw the cross look on her friends face. "Don't worry you lovers will get a little more private time later Logan is coming rock climbing with me this afternoon."

"Just try and keep him gone a little longer next time will ya?" Kat finally spoke.

"I will try," Renegade promised as she poured herself a cup of coffee and squeezed into the small space of couch between Gambit and Kat, "Now I just want to make sure you kids are being safe." Renegade teased.

"Oh god," Kat groaned covering her eyes with her hand.

"Don' worry Cher, safe is Gambits middle name," he said with his usual charm.

"I hate you," Kat sputtered.

"No you don't," Renegade answered cockily as she rose to grab a refill on her coffee just as Logan emerged from the bathroom wearing nothing more than a towel, his still damp muscles gleaming in the light and Renegade was overcome by a wave of desire that caused her to almost drop her coffee cup. Get a hold of yourself girl she scolded herself.

"It's all yours," Logan said gesturing to the bathroom.

"Thanks, there's a pot of coffee on if you'd like some," Renegade said trying to sound nonchalant.

"Don't mind if I do," Logan said walking past Renegade so close they almost touched.

Her heart practically skipped a beat and adrenaline started coursing through her veins, and fear washed over her once again the intensity of her feelings for him terrifying her once again. She quickly disappeared into her bedroom for a change of clothes and hit the bathroom for a shower. Once she was all cleaned up and dressed to kill in short ruby drape dress with a matching set of pumps she finally emerged from the bathroom.

"So who's ready for some breakfast? I'm starving," Renegade asked.

Kat was still seated on the couch with Gambit and shivered as the sheer force of Renegade's desire slammed through her still recovering empathic shields. If she hadn't had so much training in her past with the professor on differentiating between her own emotions and those of someone else she would have done something really embarrassing. The previous night's dream along with the morning make out session with Gambit was not helping her shrug off the emotional overload since Renegade's feelings were close enough to her own at the moment. Of course she figured it could always be worse…she could be telepathic. It was weird enough knowing who was drawing that feeling from Renegade without having to experience it for the same person. Logan was great but…he was like a really over protective brother. Still, the feeling washed over her followed by a flash of fear and Kat sighed as she closed her eyes in an effort to solidify her shields before she was completely swept away in Renegade's emotional turmoil.

"So are we and we have been for like an hour; what do you do in there that takes so long?" Logan grumbled.

"I was creating art, it takes time to look this good."

"We are just goin' for breakfast not the damn opera."

Renegade looked at her companions and realized he may be right at least compared to her companions she was definitely over dressed, she didn't really need to be all done up. This had seemed necessary to her it was part of her camouflage, by making herself spotlight worthy it made people less likely to think she had reason to hide. Since she didn't feel like explaining that she was standing out to hide, or why she still felt she needed to hide she just let the point go.

"Whatever let's just head down to the buffet and eat, arguing about my beauty regimen won't put food in our stomachs."

Logan let out a low growl, and the four of them headed downstairs to hit the breakfast buffet. Breakfast was a rather quite event as no one could manage to keep their mouth empty long enough make conversation.

After breakfast Renegade slipped out into the city telling the others she would be back after she found a suitable location for her and Logan's afternoon workout. Logan looked almost as though he wanted to follow but after that morning he was in no hurry to leave the Cajun alone with his little sister from another mister. That suited Renegade just fine after all she would need some supplies to cash in on the bet she had won, and it would be easier without Logan protesting about it. So she grabbed a cooler packed it with beer, ice, smokies, and s'mores supplies and of course some Johnny walker then she nabbed some Zero gravity chairs, firewood, and portable fire pit and some hot dog sticks. Technically their little bet called for a night on the town but she knew Logan would never have any fun as long as they were in the city; all the noise the people would just drive him crazy. Then a quick search on her phone later she was sure she had found the ideal location and headed back to the hotel to pick Logan up.

While Renegade was out buying supplies to fulfill her bet with Logan, Kat and Logan headed back to the room to avoid the crowds. Ferals in loud, noisy, crowded places usually wasn't a good thing though Kat had to admit she was enjoying the time away from the mansion and the pressure of trying to teach and figure out everything. Gambit managed to catch her just before she stepped on the elevator to head upstairs and Logan growled as the doors slid closed…with him on the elevator and Kat talking to the Cajun.

"Good…Gambit didn't really want to deal wit Logan having a meltdown. What you say we go out tonight? Just the two of us?" Gambit grinned.

"Like an actual date?" Kat questioned.

"Oui, like an actual date; I'll set everything up, you just have to say yes."

Kat laughed and nodded, "Sounds like a plan though getting Logan to agree to this may not work out so well."

"We can worry bout dat later. Now…Gambit got some planning to do…and some poker players to relieve of money."

"Have fun, Cajun…"

Gambit only grinned and disappeared into the crowds as Kat slipped onto the next elevator and headed upstairs again. Logan met her in the room but despite his best efforts couldn't get her to explain the smile on her face or tell him what Gambit had wanted to talk to her about.

A few hours later after Renegade was finished shopping she and Logan were at the base of a red rock formation and just as Renegade had hoped there didn't appear to be a soul around. She knew there was something up with Gambit and Kat but Logan had been ever present and she hadn't been able to get any information about it. Still she was eager to try out this new location and Renegade quickly began her ascent. Sweat poured off them both as they climbed since neither was used to the desert heat. They were both glad they had waited till the early evening so they at least got to climb in the shade. As they made it back to the base of the rock formation, that all too familiar growl was sounding in both their stomachs.

"I can't wait to get back to the room. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

"Not so fast there, Wolvie. I seem to remember you losing a bet," Renegade said with a laugh; he hated it when she called him Wolvie.

"Don't call me that and I never agreed to your bet," he growled clearly unimpressed.

"Yeah but I have the car keys," she replied smugly before giggling and popped her trunk; they were essentially alone, a good hour from the city and nothing in sight but sand and rocks for miles.

Renegade started unloading the trunk, and Logan begrudgingly helped her.

Once Renegade and Wolverine left, Kat debated on what she was going to wear for the night. She had no idea yet what Gambit had planned for them. He still wasn't back at the room and she ran both hands through her hair in frustration. She couldn't help but wonder if he was going to remember or not but she had to have some faith in him. She really wished she could have got Renegade's help in getting ready again as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. A light dusting of makeup graced her naturally tanned skin and she shrugged a shoulder. It would have to do since that was about as good as she could do. Her hair she debated on before deciding to just wear it down for the night, letting it fall in waves over her shoulders. Clothes…she sighed as she turned to her suitcase and dug through it trying to remember what she'd brought that would be date-appropriate.

She came up with an emerald V-neck, wrap around dress. It was around knee length and the color complimented her skin tone and hair beautifully. She smoothed the silk over her hips before putting the necklace Gambit had given her the night before around her neck. Finally she supposed she was as ready as she was going to get when she had no idea where she was going and she pulled on a pair of black flats when she heard the main door open and she recognized Gambit's footfalls as he disappeared into his own room to change no doubt.

It took the Cajun considerably less time to get ready than it had Kat. He stepped back into the living room where he expected Kat to be waiting only to realize she wasn't there. He frowned briefly before he heard the door behind him open and Kat stepped out behind him. She paused when she caught sight of him in a white, button down, long sleeved dress shirt, charcoal tie and black dress pants. Of course the tie was loose around his neck and the top two buttons on his shirt were open but he was incredibly good looking when he dressed up. His hair, as usual, was pulled back and loosely secured into a ponytail at the nape of his neck. She shook her head when she realized he was giving her much the same look she'd been giving him and she flashed him a smile. Gambit found his mouth dry at the sight of Kat when he turned around and unable to tear his eyes away from her. He'd seen her dressed up before but she'd had Renegade's help then. This time there was barely a hint of makeup on her face and her hair was loose. This was the Kat that he was used to seeing…just in a whole new light.

"So…does this fit the dress code for the night?" she asked lightly.

Gambit nodded a grin on his lips, "That should work…"

He snatched a fedora she hadn't noticed from the arm of the couch, placing it on his head at a slight angle giving him his usual roguish look even in dress clothes. He slipped his trench coat on as well before offering her his arm grin still firmly on his lips. Kat rolled her eyes at him and wrapped her arm around his before they headed out of the room and out into the city.

"So where are we heading, Remy?" she finally asked

"Dinner at Top of the World followed by something a little more fun and unique though…it may be a bit crowded. After dat…who knows, Cher?"

Kat chuckled and shook her head, "Fun and unique? I'm not sure I want to know when you're the one who planned it."

Gambit feigned being hurt by her words, "You don't trust, Gambit? Dat hurts my feelings."

Kat only laughed and shook her head, "No it doesn't you crazy Cajun. So are we walking or what?"

"You think I'd make my girl walk? You're da crazy one," he teased right back at her as they stepped out of the hotel and Gambit headed for the hired sedan waiting for them. "I told you I'd make all the arrangements didn't I?"

"True…but you do sometimes overlook the obvious."

"Hey!" he exclaimed before she slid into the backseat of the car and he followed her as their driver for the night closed the door and headed back to the driver's seat.

The two continued to talk and tease one another on the drive to the restaurant and once seated Kat had to admit, the Cajun had definitely put a lot of effort into his choice of restaurant. The view was spectacular and as they talked quietly and ate, Kat reining in her usual vigor due to the class of the restaurant, she was beginning to realize the effort he put into trying to make her happy on a regular basis. She even indulged when he ordered a bottle of expensive French wine and actually drank a glass at dinner.

"Sorry, Cher. I ordered dat without really thinking about it," he apologized when she'd stared at her glass for a few seconds.

"Its fine, Remy. As long as I don't have too much I should be okay."

They had just ordered their meal when Kat's cell phone ran in her bag and she sighed. Still she couldn't not answer; after all the only people who had her cell were those at the mansion and her family in California. Neither of which would call if it wasn't important. So she pulled the phone out and answered quickly, not even bothering to glance at the call display.

"Hello?" she saw Gambit roll his eyes at her and she gave him an apologetic smile.

"Hey, Kat," it was Renegade's voice that greeted her ears.

"Hey, Renegade what's up?"

"Just wanted to check in…" Kat missed what Renegade said next as Gambit licked his lips and she momentarily zoned in on that action drawing a seductive smirk from the Cajun across from her.

"Did Logan put you up to this?" Kat asked still slightly distracted.

"Yes and no."

"Have you told him how you feel yet?" Gambit gave her a questioning look and she shook her head at him.

"No."

"Well…I'll have to scold you later. I'm out for dinner with Remy right now."

"Alright I won't keep you then. Have fun."

"I will and for fuck's sake just tell him how you feel already."

"Not happening. Bye."

Kat didn't even hardly say 'bye' in return before she ended the call and narrowed her eyes at Gambit, "Why must you break out that grin? It's distracting."

"Because you respond so well to it," Gambit shot back with another grin. "Renegade still not telling Logan how she feels?"

"Nope…but we can deal with those two later."

The rest of the meal passed quickly for the two of them and after Gambit paid their bill, which almost gave Kat a heart attack when she saw their total, they once again headed for the car. This time he refused to give her any information on where they were going as the car threaded through the city and finally they arrived at his next destination for their evening…Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Kat quirked a brow at his choice but followed him inside. She'd thought she was over the whole tongue-tied and flocks of butterflies in her stomach but both returned when he suddenly took her hand in his and laced their fingers together.

They took their time wandering through the aquarium. Gambit hadn't noticed her sudden relapse into being tongue tied when he took her hand but they remained like that and gradually she started to relax again and return to their usual conversation and teasing. He had to admit to himself that she was very quickly burrowing her way into his heart and into a place that he hadn't thought anyone could ever reach again. He pushed the thought aside as they explored contenting himself with the thought that it was still possible for him to have a deep emotional attachment to anyone.

Finally they headed back to the car for the final time that evening, Gambit declaring that he needed a drink after dealing with the crowds at the aquarium despite the relatively late time. They'd still ended up staying there until the place closed for the night. Kat cringed at the idea of going to a club or a lounge having had her fill of people for the next week or so. Her ears were still ringing from the noise of a group of kids in the aquarium.

"Don't worry, mon chatton," Gambit smiled as he leaned back in the leather seat of the sedan. "We just going to have a drink at the room. I had enough of crowds tonight too."

Kat breathed a sigh of relief and flashed him a lopsided grin, "That's a relief. I may have had to maim the next person who yelled in my ear."

"They weren't dat close to you."

"When you're me…they were," she pointed out and Gambit chuckled.

Once they got back to the hotel, Gambit was true to his word as they headed back to the room, his arm around her waist in his usual habit. Kat kicked her shoes off as soon as they were inside and Gambit tossed both his hat and his coat on one of the chairs in the room before he headed to the bar to get himself a glass of bourbon.

"You want anything?"

"Maybe just water; I'm bloody thirsty after all that walking around. I am so glad I didn't wear heels like that night you took me to the poker game."

"I would have warned you that you'd want ta change them," Gambit chuckled as she dropped onto the couch with a sigh and he headed over with his bourbon and her water.

"Thanks," she muttered as she took the glass of water he offered her before he dropped down beside her, draping his arm over the back of the couch behind her as he took a sip of his drink and closed his eyes, laying his head back as he did so.

Silence stretched over the two of them as they relaxed but like before it was comfortable and neither felt the need to break it as they sipped their drinks. Only the occasional clink of ice against a glass broke the quiet they'd fallen into and Kat closed her eyes as well as she laid her head back on Gambit's arm. After a few more minutes she sat forward and Gambit opened his eyes to see what was wrong as she set her half empty glass on the table in front of them. There was an unusual look to her face, something that made him think she'd just made a decision about something and his mind started to race as she turned towards him. The look in her eyes was hard to read but there was a slightly feral look to them. He was so busy trying to figure out what that look could mean he didn't immediately catch on that she was moving towards him until her lips were against his.

Up until that point he'd been the one who initiated anything that went on between them. Her movements were a little hesitant but there was no question that she'd made up her mind to quit trying to run away from him now. His own glass was set aside on the end table next to the couch and he let his fingers slide up her neck and into the soft waves of her hair. He really didn't think she'd take the kiss much further and he was just about to make his own move when she managed to surprise him again. As though she'd decided to just go for it and damn the consequences, something he'd never known her to do, Kat shifted so that she was straddling his hips and sitting on his thighs. That move started to strip his own control as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into a deeper, harder and more passionate kiss as his tongue explored her mouth and teased her own.

As the kiss continued, he slid his hands down over her legs slowly letting his fingers work under the hem of her skirt but she showed no signs of stopping. Still he moved slowly, not really sure how far they were going to get before Logan stormed back into the room but as time wore on and he moved his lips to her neck finding every sensitive spot she had the thought of being interrupted fled both their minds. Gambit seemed to know exactly what she wanted and where to tease and she threw caution to the wind as she worked on getting her slightly trembling fingers to unbutton his shirt.

"Why is it you're so determined to make me have fun?" Logan grumbled.

"Couple of reasons; one I like to meddle, it's kinda my MO; two sometimes when I look at you I wonder if that's my future. You know the whole immortality thing. Have you simply been alive so long that life no longer holds any joy for you or do you just really love brooding?" Renegade paused for a moment hoping for a response but Logan remained silent so she continued. "At any rate I'd like to see you smile, to have a little fun, 'cause if there's no hope for you then I shudder to think what may become of me someday, and I do enough worrying about that as it is; so please just try and have a little fun I'd consider it a personal favour."

Logan looked up at her as he started the fire, "Why do you worry about what you will become?"

"Well up until the X-men all people have seen in me is a weapon, and if I weren't so damn stubborn I'd be a really good one. I've spend years refusing to care about anyone, telling myself that's okay because caring can only lead to hurt, I guess the true price of immortality, is watching everyone around you die, and your just standing still, So here I stand at this crossroads torn between having no one or losing everyone. Over time either one could drive anyone mad."

"What do you mean could have been a good weapon?"

"Weapons kill, I haven't, a fact that's been a disappointment to my employers if they had their way I'd be an assassin right now and we... never would have met."

"So you're not capable of killing, I wouldn't really say that's a bad thing."

"I wouldn't say that, I'm sure I'm perfectly capable, I enjoy the heat of battle I might even enjoy it."

"So why haven't you killed."

"I'm immortal; I can't justify it, there are no kill or be killed situations with me. If I ended a life it would be in cold blood nothing more and while I could do it that's not the person I want to be, a decision that has had consequences but that's my line in the sand. I don't want to be a killer, and defiantly not for someone else's reasons. But we are getting more than a little off track here, tonight is supposed to be about having a little fun." Renegade said as she tossed Logan a one of the hot sticks and pulled out the bag of smokies and loaded up her stick.

"And how to propose we go about that."

"I'm not exactly sure anymore, used to be an open fire, couple of drinks. Some good company and it just sort of happened naturally. Of course it was a lot easier to get drunk back then." She said with a laugh as she tossed Logan a beer and cracked one for herself. He took a long swig

"Fun ain't why I'm here."

"I know your just here to play the part of the overprotective big brother and make sure nothing bad happens to Kat well here let me put your mind at ease at least for now." Renegade picked up her cell phone and dialled Kat's number

"Hey Kat."

"Hey Renegade, What's up?"

"Just wanted to check in make sure everything is alright."

"Did Logan put you up to this?"

"Yes and No."

Did you tell him how you feel yet."?

"No."

"Well I will have scolded you later. I'm having dinner with Remy."

"Alright I won't keep you then, have fun."

"Thanks, you too and for fucks sake just tell him already."

"Not happening, bye."

"bye"

With that Renegade hung up the phone and turned to Logan, "There she is fine, her and Gumbo are headed for a night on the town, chaperone free"

"What's not happening?"

A wave of panic and fear shot through Renegade at the prospect of answering this question, the possibility of telling him was becoming very real in her mind, she had gotten used to being fearless, and now here she was practically cowering over her feelings, and the consequences they might have. She didn't want to be afraid anymore, and began to think about facing them, one way or another she had a war to face it was inescapable it may be better to just get it over with, just not tonight.

"It's not happening, so you don't need to worry about it."

"If tonight is supposed to be fun why are you so determined to set me off." he growled.

"'Cause I want tonight to be fun for me too," she teased pulling out her bottle of Johnny Walker and taking a few belts before passing the bottle to Logan.

"Now what?" Logan grumbled as he finished his dinner and washed it down with scotch.

"Hmm we could tell stories around the campfire... but pasts are off limits tonight."

Logan shot her an annoyed glance. "You know there is one story I'd like to hear, how in the hell did you beat the Cajun at poker."

"Ha-ha you heard about that eh, well I won by losing... at first anyway. Body language is a funny thing you know, any poker player as skilled as the swamp rat will be watching for tells, so I lost on purpose for a while, and when my cards were good I'd gently tap the back of them, and when they were bad I scratched my ear, and after a few rounds I had him lulled into a false sense of security, then every time I thought he was bluffing I'd tap my cards, he'd fold and I took his money. When my cards where good I'd scratch my ear drive up the pot and take more of his money. Once he caught on to me we called it a night. Probably wouldn't work twice but if you give people exactly what they expect that leaves you room to do the unexpected."

Logan chuckled "I dunno if that's evil or genius, but I'm not surprised a woman came up with it."

"Ah don't go holding my whole gender responsible for me; it's not their fault I tend to take advantage of men that underestimate the fairer sex."

"A mistake I've made a time or two."

"Well we can't all be damsels."

"Somehow I doubt anyone'd accuse you of that darlin'."

"No probably not." Renegade said as she pushed to her feet.

"Hey where you goin' or am I off the hook here?"

"Ha you wish, just doesn't seem like a proper campfire without a little music." Renegade said as she grabbed her acoustic guitar out of her car, she didn't usually like to perform for an audience, she believed it conveyed too much vulnerability and emotion for her to feel comfortable with it, but in Logan's case she figured an exception could be made since he was a damn blood hound and could smell every lie and every hint of emotion anyway, she strung the guitar strap around her neck and sat back down at the campfire and helped herself to another belt of scotch. Her fingers glided effortlessly over the fret board as she began picking when she had finished playing the intro she started singing "No one knows what it's like to be the bad man, to be the sad man, behind blue eyes." Her voice was sweet but powerful; she lost herself to the music as she continued to belt it out. When she finished the song she reached for the scotch one more before starting another. Logan looked at her bewildered.

"That's quite a talent you got there Darlin' how come I've never heard you play before."

"Thanks, and I don't usually play for other people it's something I do just for me you know."

"Why, what's the point of being that good at something if no one ever hears you."

"I guess for me it's never been about being good, I just love music It's my happy place my own little world I can disappear into when I need to, I guess I never really wanted to share it."

"Then why are you sharing it with me now."

Renegade shrugged "'Cause if anybody needs a happy place it's you my friend, and since you don't seem to have one of your own I thought I should share mine." Renegade teased, for her it felt strange to say the word friend out loud on some level she was still getting used to having friends. She decided to launch into the next song before her motives came any more into question, and started to play Roadside by Rise against, as she played she couldn't help but notice Logan watching her quite intently, she was glad he seemed to actually be enjoying himself a little bit, but she still couldn't help feel a little uncomfortable even though she was playing for an audience of one she couldn't help but feel a little too in the spotlight. Her uneasy feeling began to fade as she continued to play. Somehow in that moment all her fears felt laid to rest at least for the time being. In the calm of the desert beside the crackle of the fire life felt pretty good.

After playing for an hour or so Renegade put her guitar back in its case, and busted out the marshmallows, chocolate and gram crackers and started making s'mores. Logan joined in they chatted lightly between stuffing their faces with sugary goodness.

When the s'mores had all been devoured, Logan turned to Renegade, "So any more fun on the list or can we go back yet?"

Renegade checked her cell phone 9:00, by all accounts she had kept him busy far longer than she had thought possible but as per usual she had to push her luck. "One last thing." she answered as retrieved a stack of campfire colors from her glove box she tossed a few on the fire and sat back down reaching for another shot of scotch. "See pretty colors... fun."

Logan shook his head at her, but didn't bother to protest it as much as he didn't want to admit it he was having a good time. The peacefulness of the dessert was a welcome change from Vegas, and while he did have some issues with the Cajun he knew at the very least he wouldn't let anything happen to Kat. So he sat back a while and just relaxed watching shades of blue and green dance in the light of the fire, and chuckled at Renegades never ending stack of campfire colors. Logan couldn't deny that he was developing feelings for the girl who still had no name. She had a lust for life that was infectious, she seemed almost as though she viewed the world through a different lens, and she was beautiful her jet black hair cascaded in soft ringlets perfectly framing her ivory, heart shaped face. Just looking at her you might think she was innocent, except for her eyes when they first met Logan saw sadness there but as of late now and again he saw a flicker of mischief Thanks to her healing factor she looked to be no more then 20, though Logan was sure she had to be older than that. He cursed himself out for always falling for women he could never be with; though he was kind of glad his feelings for Renegade had taken away his infatuation for Jean. While Renegade always pushed him away and kept him at arm's length, and she was afraid of him now he had no idea what she saw in his past that had invoked such fear but he knew it had to be bad. Still though even if he couldn't have Renegade she was alone, this was easier to deal with than seeing her with someone else. He was happy that Jean was happy but it didn't make it any easier to see her with Scott. Eventually the fire burned down and Renegade finally ran out of campfire colors, so they packed up, and drove back to the city, Renegade felt rather pleased with herself positive that she had kept Logan busy more than long enough, but a short while they were back at the hotel and there was Kat and Gambit making out the couch oblivious to her and Logan's return.

"Don't stop on my account." Renegade said with a laugh alerting them to her presence.

Kat jerked away from Gambit's lips at the sound of Renegade's voice but she didn't turn nearly as red as she had only that morning. Logan glared daggers at the Cajun as he slowly let his claws slide through his hands the distinctive sound seeming to echo in the room and once they were fully extended he sharpened one hand's claws on the other. Kat shifted to move off of Gambit's legs but he tightened his grip on her hips effectively holding her in place on top of him as she shifted to crane her neck back at the two new arrivals.

"Not you dat stops up, Cher."

Kat narrowed her eyes at Gambit and lightly slapped his chest. It wasn't so much what he said as the tone he had as he said it. Some days she wondered if he really did have a death wish the way he taunted Logan about things.

"I'm not sorry," Logan growled in response, "but you're gonna be, Gumbo."

Gambit only grinned, "Oh I seriously doubt dat, Mon Ami. Gambit have no regrets…well when it comes to Kat anyway."

"Still gonna have no regrets when I take a kidney?" Logan continued to growl.

"Go 'head…Gambit got two anyway."

Renegade slipped between the two men and mentioned awkwardly in an effort to distract Logan, "So…Logan…drinks? Downstairs? Anywhere that isn't here at the moment."

Logan growled at Renegade but he retracted his claws as soon as she'd stepped between them even though he wouldn't have actually hurt the Cajun, "You're outta your damn mind if you think I'm leaving now."

Renegade gave him an exasperated eye roll, "I know."

While Renegade was trying to distract Logan, something she was doing a good job of and Kat didn't miss the way Logan immediately retracted his claws when she'd stepped in front of him, Kat spoke quietly to Gambit, "So…can I get off you now? This is getting a little awkward and I'd rather not have a nasty cramp in my neck tomorrow."

"If you really want…but I don't mind if you stay where you are either," still Gambit released his grip on her hips though she knew he really didn't want her to move; so she compromised and shifted so that she was sitting across his legs with one arm around his neck but this way she could see everyone involved without having to twist her head around like she was trying out for a role in Poltergeist.

An awkward silence fell over the four of them as the conversations ended. Still based on the looks and the tension she was getting from Logan and Gambit the two were still posturing. Finally she just got fed up with it all and with trying to block it all out and slowly slid off Gambit's legs much to his disappointment.

"Kat?" he questioned as she regained her feet.

"It's one in the morning, Remy. I'm sick of dealing with you two posturing like a couple of roosters and my shields are weak enough as it is and then you add in being tired to boot. I'm going to bed. We can figure things out in the morning, Swamp Rat," normally when he was called a Swamp Rat it was when people were angry at him or annoyed but it sounded like an affectionate term the way she said it and he relaxed about it.

"Figure what things out?"

"How to avoid awkward interruptions for starters."

A/N: Please excuse any grammatical errors that may have occurred in this chapter. I tried to get them all but I may have missed a few. As always please review. We loves the reviews and our muses eat them for treats!