A/N: I apologize for any typos you find. I write most of these on my iPad and we all know how fantastic the auto correct is on Apple devices...
After their three hour layover in Houston, the plane finally made it to New York and they were soon on their way to the mansion. When the taxi dropped them off, they gathered their suitcases and head inside where Rogue took Dani up to the third floor to an empty room.
"Not sure how ya feel about bein' by ya self, but ah know ah wanted ta be when ah first joined tha school." Rogue said, turning the light on. "It ain't tha Hilton, but ah hope ya find it cozy."
Dani smiled as she walked over and placed her backpack on the bed. "This is great. A lot bigger than my room back home." She said, turning around and facing Rogue. "Where's your room?"
"Ah'm actually on tha second floor. So ah'm a ways away." She said, taking out a piece of paper from her purse and a pen, jotting something down. "Here. That's my number. If ya need anything, call or text or whatever ya want and ah'll come meet ya here."
Dani took the paper and smiled up at Rogue. "Thanks, Anna." She said, putting the paper in her pocket.
"Mm hmm." Rogue said, a yawn escaping. "Goodness. Sorry about that." She looked at her watch. "It's almost four. We better hit the hay. Feel free ta text me when ya wake up. Ya can always explore on ya own. No ones gonna bite ya."
Dani smirked and nodded. "Okay." She said.
"Sleep well, sugah." Rogue said, winking as she left Dani's room and walked to the stairs.
Descending to the second floor,mRogue yawned again and she walked down the hall and took a left before walking down and taking another left. When she reached the bedroom, she opened the door slowly and quietly, seeing the room was pitch black.
She was surprised Gambit wasn't sitting up in bed, typing away for his class. She was actually a bit disappointed he wasn't awake. Shrugging it off, she head across the room and opened the door to the hall. Walking across, she gently pushed the door to Leila's room open and walked inside.
She smiled as she walked over to the side of her daughter' shed and saw her sleeping. Leaning down, she kissed her forehead before she head to the bathroom and brushed her teeth. Returning to the bedroom, she stripped from her clothes and slid under the sheets, moving close to Gambit. He didn't move, so today had to have been busy.
The man was out.
Smiling, she draped her arm over his chest and rest her head on his shoulder and she closed her eyes. It was so good to be back in her own bed and with that feeling, she let sleep come and take her away to dreamland.
A beep stirred Gambit awake and he noticed Rogue cuddled close to him. He wasn't sure when she had gotten home, because he didn't hear her come in. Rolling to his right side, he draped his arm around her and pulled her close, kissing her forehead. She stirred, but didn't wake.
There was that beep again.
Looking over Rogue on her nightstand, he saw her phone had received a text. Gently reaching over, he took her phone and checked to see who it was.
The text read, 'Hey it's Dani. Just texting so you'll have my number.'
'Who de fuck is Dani?' He thought to himself as he reached back over and placed the phone back on the nightstand.
By the spelling of it, and the trip, he put two and two together. It had to be the new kid. At least, he hoped it was. Looking over Rogue's face, he gently kissed her forehead before he lied his head down next to hers.
Hearing the bedroom door to the hall open, he lifted his head to see Leila walk in rubbing her eyes. He put his index finger to his lips, letting her know to be quiet. Leila's face beamed with excitement as she saw her mom.
Running over, she climbed up on the bed and crawled her way in between them. "Soyez prudent." He whispered. "Y' gonna wake her up."
Leila looked at Rogue and then at Gambit before she lied her head down and cuddled close to Rogue. He smiled as he did the same, wrapping his arm over both of his girls. He was surprised Leila stayed there as long as she did as they lied there.
The sunlight started to fill the room, causing everything to turn a light blue color, because of the curtains. "Can I go downstairs?" Leila whispered loudly.
"Oui. Go terrorize whoever's up." He smiled, watching her climb out of bed and head out the bedroom door without closing it.
Sighing, he got out of the bed and closed the door before he returned under the covers and returned to the position he had been in, but it wasn't comfortable any more. His body was now awake.
"Merde." He muttered as Rogue took in a deep breath and rolled on to her back, opening her eyes and blinking a few times. "Fuck, didn' mean t' wake y', chere."
Rogue turned her head to him and dipped her eyebrows. "Watch ya mouth." She said, before rolling to face him, placing her hand on the side of his face. "Hi."
"Hi." He repeated, giving her a smile. "When y' get home?"
Taking in a deep breath and blinking slowly she looked at him again. "Almost four when ah got in bed." She said, combing through his hair. "When did y'all go ta bed?"
"Put her t' bed 'round eight-t'irty and I got in bed 'round ten." He said, running his hand up her side.
"What time is it?" She asked.
"Prob'ly eight." He said.
Rogue moaned as she closed her eyes. "Ah'm gonna try and get some more sleep. Ah'm so tired from the time changes and the jet lag." She said, pulling the covers up under her chin.
"Jus' go on an' sleep, mon amour. We talk later, eh?" He said, kissing her forehead before he got out of bed and got dressed.
Heading out of the bedroom, he made his way down the halls and down stairs into the kitchen. Scott was at the table drinking coffee and reading the paper while Kitty was helping Madison eat. Walking over, Gambit poured himself a cup of coffee and leaned against the island counter.
"How we doin'?" He asked, taking a sip.
"Fine." Scott said with a smile.
"Well, Madison didn't sleep last night." Kitty said. "That's why Craig isn't down here."
Gambit smirked. "De joys o' parentin'." He said, pushing off the counter and walking over, sitting beside Madison and placing his hand on her head. "Y' keep yo' mommy an' daddy awake, petit?"
Madison smiled as she took another bite of oatmeal. "So Anna and the Professor are back. Leila was announcing that her mommy was home." Kitty said with a smile.
"Yeah, she up dere sleepin'." Gambit said, pointing his thumb up toward the ceiling. "Got home 'round four."
"Poor thing is probably exhausted." Kitty said, wiping Madison's mouth.
"She look it." He smirked, glancing at Kitty and then Scott. "Don' tell her I said dat."
Scott smiled and shook his head. "I know better." He said, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Aww." Kitty said, looking at Gambit. "The trip was short. Wasn't she suppose to be gone a week?"
"Oui, but de girl come back wit' dem las' night, er, dis mornin'." He said. "Guess t'ings went smoot'er dan expected."
Scott put the paper down. "That's never a good sign." He said, looking at Gambit.
"Y' a'ways t'inkin' de worst, mon ami." Gambit said. "Wha' dey gonna do?"
"You never know." Scott said, picking the paper back up, knowing arguing with Gambit about this was a dead end.
Logan came in the kitchen holding Leila. "I think this belongs to you." He said, delivering her to Gambit.
Giving her a concerned look, Gambit sat her in his lap. "Wha' kinda mischief y' get int' now?" He asked, looking up at Logan.
"Messin' with my bike." Logan said.
"I was just pretending to ride it." Leila said, looking down at the table.
Smirking, Gambit glanced up at Logan. "Y' wanna ride dat motorcycle?" He asked her.
"Yeah." She said.
Standing, Gambit held her as he picked his coffee up in his other hand. "Den Uncle Logan, le's give dis fille a ride on de bike." He said as Logan smirked and nodded before they head to the garage.
"Your wife gonna kill me?" He asked, walking into the garage and over to the bike.
"Non." Gambit said, waiting until Logan got on the bike before he sat her on the back. "Y' gotta hold on t' Uncle Logan tight, now. Don' move yo' feet from dis spot, d'accord?"
"I won't." Leila said, wrapping her arms around Logan's torso and gripping his shirt.
"You ready kiddo?" He asked.
"Yeah!" She said with excitement as Logan kicked the engine to life and revved it up.
"Hold on tight!" Logan said over the roar as he slowly took off and circled a few times on the circle driveway.
Gambit watched and smiled as Leila laughed and yelled. Logan brought the bike back into the garage and killed the engine before he stood and took Leila in his arms. Chuckling, Logan bounced her in his arms before they head back inside.
"Ya know, you're letting that girl walk all over you." Logan said with a smirk.
"So?" Gambit smirked back as they noticed someone standing in the hall.
Logan gave two sniffs. "New kid." He said.
Setting Leila down, Gambit walked closer to her. "Guessin' y' mus' be Dani." He said with a smile.
"Yeah..." She said. "And you're Anna's husband?"
"Y' a'ready know 'bout me?" Gambit asked. "Hope it was all good."
Dani smiled shyly. "Of course it was." She said, looking at Leila. "And you're Leila. Am I right?"
Leila nodded her head before she hid behind Gambit's right leg. "C'mon now. Dani gonna be livin' wit' us. Don' be hidin'." Gambit said, trying to pull her around in front of him. "Wha' y' doin'? Y' ain' never shy, petit."
"It's alright." Dani said. "She doesn't have to say anything if she doesn't want to."
"The kid's friendlier than anyone I know." Logan said. "This is strange. I'm Logan, by the way."
"Nice to meet you." Dani said, slightly waving. "Anna showed me pictures of all you guys on the plane."
"O' course she did." Gambit said, shaking his head and rolling his eyes slightly. "She gotta have pictures o' everyt'in'g."
"Well, she's a mother. I think she's allowed." Dani said.
"Daddy?" Leila asked, getting his attention.
Gambit knelt down and gave her his full attention. "Wha's on yo' mind?" He asked as she moved in and whispered in his ear, hugging his neck, before she pulled away and looked into his eyes. "Non. Ain' not'in' wrong petit. She here t' learn t' control her powers."
Looking at Dani one last time, Leila ran off toward the stairs and ran up them. "What's gotten into that kid?" Logan asked, looking at Gambit.
Rogue stirred to Leila whispering in her face, so she opened her eyes. "What, baby?" She asked, groggily, reaching out and touching the side of Leila's face.
"When are you going to get up?" Leila whispered.
Closing her eyes again, Rogue shook her head. "Ah don't know." she answered. "Mommy's really tired, sugah."
"But you've been sleeping." Leila said.
Rogue smiled as she opened her eyes and looked at Leila. "What time is it?" She asked.
"Ten, one, seven." Leila said.
Letting out a yawn, Rogue stretched her arms and legs before she sat up. "What did ya wanna do?" She asked.
"Can we go to Angie's?" She asked.
Rubbing her eyes Rogue shrugged. "Ah don't care. Where's Daddy?" She asked, getting out of bed and getting dressed.
"He's down stairs." Leila answered, standing on the bed and jumping.
Rogue turned around and dipped her eyebrows. "Ya better stop jumpin' on that bed." She said, causing Leila to stop and sit down.
After getting dressed, Rogue put her hair up in a bun before she left the room with Leila. Looking at her phone, she saw the text from Dani and smiled. Reaching the ground floor, they head into the kitchen where Jean was sitting with Charles. They looked her way and smiled as she entered with a yawn.
"Sorry, y'all." Rogue apologized. "Ah don't see how ya ain't still sleepin', Professor."
Charles smiled. "Need to start the week." He said.
Grabbing a mug, Rogue poured herself a cup of coffee and put a bit of vanilla creamer in it before she joined them at the table. "How ya doin', hun?" She asked Jean, placing her hand on Jean's forearm.
Jean smiled and placed her hand on Rogue's. "I'm fine. Thank you." She said. "This pregnancy has been more rough than I thought it would or should."
"Y'all've had a rough time, what with tha miscarriages and all." She said, giving her a comforting smile. "This baby's gonna be amazing."
"Thank you." Jean said. "I'm just disappointed this didn't happen sooner so Leila would have someone to run around with."
"Hey, c'est la vie." Rogue said, knowing she butchered the pronunciation. "Leila's just fine."
"Mommy, when are we going to Angie's?" Leila asked.
"Mommy's talkin', baby. Go find ya dad and ask him if he wants ta go." She said, watching Leila run out of the kitchen. "So, Professor, have ya see Dani this mornin'?"
Charles smiled and nodded. "She's been exploring." He said. "I believe she's met most of the staff already."
Rogue smiled. "She's gonna fit in here." She said. "She's got a bit of a feisty personality, but she's a sweet girl. When did ya wanna start her training?"
Charles shook his head. "She's here to observe us for the week. If she likes what she sees, then she's more than welcome to stay and we'll decide on when to start her training." He said.
"So, we're just gonna let her walk around with her powers all outta control?" Rogue asked.
Jean raised an eyebrow and smirked playfully. "We let you, didn't we?" She asked.
Rogue chuckled sheepishly. "Ya got me there." She said, taking another sip of coffee. "Lordy, ah'm tired. Remy just might have ta take Leila ta Angie's by himself."
"Still feeling the jet lag?" Jean asked with a smile.
"It's bad." Rogue said, rubbing her eyes with the backs of her hands. "Forgot how much of a headache flying commercial was. Might have ta go get some fresh air."
Leila ran back into the kitchen and over to Rogue. "Mommy?" She asked.
"What, love?" She answered, placing her hand on the side of the girl's face.
"Daddy said he wants to go." She said, tapping her feet impatiently. "He told me to ask you if you're ready."
Letting out a sigh, Rogue took her phone out and sent him a text. "There. We'll be able ta talk face ta face instead of through a five year old." She said, taking another sip of coffee while she waited for Gambit to show up.
After a few minutes, he showed up and smiled at everyone in the kitchen. "Y' rang?" He asked, walking closer to them.
"Ah'm ready ta go out if ya are." Rogue said, wiping something off of his shirt in the front.
Looking down and watching her, he shook his head. "Dat ain' comin' out." He said.
"What is it?" Rogue asked, stopping and looking up at him.
He shrugged. "Don' know, but it ain' gonna come out 'til it gets washed." He said.
"And ya gonna wear that?" Rogue asked, standing.
"Y' embarrassed t' be seen wit' me?" He asked, putting his hand on her waist.
Rogue smirked. "Can it." She said, lightly patting the side of his face as his phone rang.
Taking it out of his pocket, he looked at the screen. "It be fo' you, petit." He said, pressing answer and handing the phone to Leila before he looked at Rogue.
"Hello?" Leila asked, curiously, before her expression turned to pure joy. "Bon-papa!"
Rogue smiled at him as she looked back at Leila, who listened to what was said on the other end.
"Good." Leila said. "Uh huh. We saw the animals."
"Bring de phone." Gambit motioned for her to follow as they head for the garage.
"I got to feed the giraffes." Leila said as they walked into the garage and head over to one of the sedans. "Yeah, they're my favorite."
Helping her get strapped in, Gambit opened the door for Rogue before he walked around and got into the driver's seat and buckled up before turning the engine on. Pulling out of the garage, they head down the driveway and toward Angie's.
"Uh huh." Leila said, looking out the window. "Yeah! When?"
Gambit narrowed his gaze at Leila in the rear view mirror. There was no telling what his father was saying to her. Putting the sun visor down, Rogue opened the mirror and positioned it to watch Leila.
"Okay!" She said, excitedly. "Bye!"
Reaching back, Rogue took the phone and handed it to Gambit. "What did Papa Jean-Luc have ta say?" She asked, looking at Leila.
"I'm going to stay with him for a week." Leila said.
"Who said?" Gambit asked, looking at her through the mirror.
"Bon-papa." Leila said.
"But did we say dat was a'right?" He asked. "He ain' yo' daddy. Y' got school startin' next week. I'ma hafta call him later and tell him t' quit lyin' t' his granddaughter."
"He ain't lyin'." Rogue said. "He probably forgot that she's startin' school."
"He didn' fo'get." Gambit said as they pulled on to the street that Angie's restaurant was on. "He know."
Rolling her eyes and shaking her head, Rogue looked back at Leila and smiled. "Ya can't go visiting Papa Jean-Luc, because ya startin' school. Remember?" She asked, seeing Leila think about it.
"I can start later." Leila said.
Rogue smiled at her suggestion. "It don't work like that, sugah." She said. "Maybe Papa Jean-Luc can come visit ya here."
"But I've never been to his house." Leila slightly whined.
"Dere a reason fo' dat." Gambit said as he pulled into the parking lot and parked the car.
Dropping the subject, they got out of the car and head for the entrance of the restaurant. Gambit slipped his hand in Rogue's and smiled when she looked at him. Opening the door for them, they walked inside and were greeted by Angie.
"My favorite people in the whole wide world!" Angie said, kneeling down to hug Leila. "You guys skipped this last weekend."
"That was my fault." Rogue said. "I was away on business."
"Well, away on business can be excused. I've got your table ready." She said,me scoring them to their usual table. "Daughter will be right over. Good to see you all."
Moving his chair closer to Rogue, Gambit placed his hand on her right shoulder and began to massage it. "Y' sleep a'right, chere?" He asked, massaging the left.
Closing her eyes at the sensation, Rogue lulled her head forward. "Yeah, just didn't get enough is all." She said, lifting her head and smiling at him. "Thanks."
"Get a bat' when we get home, eh? Massage yo' back an' all." He said, running his hand down her back before he placed it on her thigh.
"That sounds wonderful." She said as Angie's daughter walked up.
"Well, there's the happy family. What can I get for drinks? Usual?" She asked.
"Soda!" Leila said.
"No. Ya drinking either juice, milk or water." Rogue said.
"Apple juice, please." Leila said, taking the green crayon that was provided and began to doodle.
"Ah'd like some grapefruit juice, please." Rogue said, looking at Gambit. "What about ya, hun?"
"T'ink I jus' want water. Be coffee'd out, no?" Gambit said, looking at Angie's daughter.
"Alrightie. I'll have those out in a minute." She said, heading to the back.
Leaning back in the chair, Gambit smiled as he watched Leila draw, what looked to be, a giraffe. Looking to his right, he smiled at Rogue before he leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"Missed you." He said, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. "I know it only two days."
"Ah always miss ya." She said, stroking the side of his face with her left hand. "Ah just need ta catch up on my sleep."
"By de way." He said, taking her hand. "Booked us a bed an' breakfast fo' t'morrow."
Rogue smiled. "A little getaway?" She asked.
"Be somet'in'." He said. "Wish I coulda planned somet'in' mo' extravagant."
"Just getting away, just tha two of us, is fine with me, lover." Rogue said, kissing his cheek as Angie's daughter returned.
"Here you go. What are we eating?" She asked, taking out her notepad.
"Wha'chu want, petit?" Gambit asked, leaning over and pointing at the kids menu on the coloring page. "Pick somet'in'."
"I want..." Leila said, looking at the pictures. "Pancakes with strawberries."
"Good choice." Rogue said. "That sounds yummy."
"Maman." Gambit said, looking at Rogue.
"Ah'd like ta have tha breakfast stir fry, please." Rogue said with a smile.
"Okay." Angie's daughter said, jotting it down before looking at Gambit. "And for Papa Bear?"
He smirked, handing her the menus. "Y' know Wha' I want." He said as she took them.
"Yep. I'll put these in for you." She said, walking into the back.
Leaning forward, Rogue rest her chin on her hands as she looked at Leila. "So, tell me about tha zoo, love. What did ya do? What animals did ya see?" She asked.
"We saw Hippos and Zebras and Monkeys and Giraffes and Crocodiles." Leila said. "Oh! And Tigers and Lions."
"Wow. That's a lot. Did ya have a good time?" Rogue asked.
"Yeah." Leila answered.
"Had a good time 'till she give me a heart attack." Gambit said.
"What do ya mean?" Rogue asked, looking to her left at him.
"One minute we be lookin' at de monkeys, next she be gone. Jus' up an' left on her own t' de Giraffes." He said.
"I wanted to see the Giraffes." Leila said, looking at her mom.
"But ya too little ta be runnin' off by ya self, hun." Rogue said, smiling at Gambit. "Ah can only imagine what was goin' through ya mind."
Shaking his head, he sighed. "All de worst." He said, leaning over and gently stroking Leila's hair. "Luckily we have Uncle Logan wit' us. He track her down, t'ough I knew she be wit' de Giraffes."
"Ya don't ever run off without one of us with ya." Rogue said to her.
"I know." She said, continuing with her coloring.
Smiling, Rogue turned her attention back to Gambit. "So, when are we leavin'?" She asked.
"In de morning." He said, taking her hand. "Nine o'clock."
"Ah feel bad leavin' Dani. Tha Professor wants me ta be her personal mentor." She said, watching Gambit take her hand.
"Y' only be gone 'bout a day." He said. "Ain' a long trip. Jus' stayin' de night."
"Am I going?" Leila asked.
Gambit smiled at her. "Not dis time, petit." He said.
"Why not?" She asked.
"Daddy and ah are takin' a trip ta celebrate tha day we got married." Rogue said. "It's what husbands and wives do. Mommy's and daddy's."
"But why can't I go with ya?" Leila asked, confused.
"We ain' gonna do anyt'in' fun." He said.
Rogue raised her eyebrow and smirked. "That's debatable." She said, getting him to smirk back as Angie's daughter returned with their food.