Heading out to pick up Leila, Gambit smiled when he saw Rogue and his dad heading his way to do the same. "Hey, hun!" Rogue called out as they kept walking to Leila's classroom. "Ya release 'em early?"
"Yeah, jus' rules and de like." He replied, stopping and looking at Jean-Luc. "Wha' y' been up to?"
"Been in contact wit' yo' brot'er. Seein' how t'in's be back home." He replied. "When dey gonna let mon petit out?"
"Gotta clean up." Rogue said smiling at Jean-Luc. "Ya know how messy a five year old is?"
At least one parent of each of the children showed up to pick them up for lunch. The door opened and Rikki walked out, holding the door open for the kids as they each found their parent.
"Daddy!" Leila said as she ran up and hugged his legs.
Smiling, he picked her up and placed several kisses on her cheek. "How's class?" He asked as they head toward the kitchen. "Y' enjoyin' it?"
"Yeah." Leila replied as she smiled at Jean-Luc.
"What all did ya do?" Rogue asked, tucking some hair behind Leila's left ear.
"We talked about what our favorite animals are and colors." Leila said as they walked into the kitchen, seeing it being overrun by students of all age.
"Good t'in' lunch be an hour and a half." Gambit said as he made his way to the fridge. "Wha' y' want t' eat?"
"Pizza!" Leila said, swinging her legs.
"Ain' got time fo' pizza. Maybe t'night. How 'bout a grilled cheese?" He asked, getting a positive response from her. "A'right. Y' go to mommy an' I cook up some grilled cheese."
"Speaking of tonight." Rogue said, placing Leila on her right hip and turning toward Gambit. "Ah ain't gonna be here tonight."
"Why?" Gambit asked, buttering slices of bread for them.
"Ah'm gonna head back ta Washington with Dani and help her grab more of her belongings. Ah'll be back tomorrow morning. Noon at the latest." Rogue said, looking at Leila. "Uncle Logan is gonna pick ya up from school today and take ya by daddy's classroom alright?"
"Okay." Leila said, not really paying attention as she watched her dad prepare lunch.
Rogue knew she didn't hear her, so she kissed her cheek and leaned against the counter so Leila could watch. She smiled at Sam when he walked in, seeing him smiling from ear to ear. Watching him, he walked up and hugged Gambit from behind.
"Remy, oh my god." Sam said as he sighed. "I'm in love."
"Oui, I know dat." He said, trying to placed the slices of bread on the griddle.
"Not with you." Sam said, letting go and leaning against the counter and looking at Gambit. "I saw the most beautiful man this morning."
"Did y' now?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at him. "Chere, y' might wanna take Leila somewhere else."
Chuckling, Rogue winked at Sam before she walked off.
"Where y' see dis beautiful man, eh?" He asked, sprinkling cheese on the hot slice of bread.
"By the gym. I think he was teaching some kids how to lift." Sam said, sighing again. "Oh my god, I've never seen a more perfect human being. Well, besides you."
Gambit chuckled and shook his head. "I know who dat homme be." He said, looking at Sam. "Name's Gavin Vasquez. I introduce y' t' 'im. He be right up yo alley."
Sam raised an eyebrow. "He's gay?" He asked, a bit shocked.
"Mm hmm." Gambit said.
"I'm not sure if it's too soon for me to start dating." Sam said, crossing his arms over his chest. "I mean, I like the companionship of relationships, but I'm still really hurt and feel I can't trust anyone, you know?"
"I und'e'stand." Gambit said, flipping the grilled cheese sandwich to cook on the other side. "It be all up t' you. I can intr'duce y' two an' y' can see where it go from t'ere."
"Yeah." Sam said, looking over his face. "Thanks, Remy."
"Mm hmm." He said, placing the hot sandwich on a paper plate. "Take dat over t' Leila, eh?"
Taking the plate, Sam walked over and sat it in front of Leila. "There you go, beautiful." He said with a smile. "How are you liking school?"
"Fine." She said as she picked up the grilled cheese and took a bite.
"Is there anything I can do for you while you're gone?" Sam asked, looking at Rogue.
"Ya a doll, Sam." Rogue said, placing her hand on his forearm. "But ah wouldn't make ya deal with my crazy family."
Sam smiled and shrugged. "I don't mind. I mean, you guys let me live here until I can get back on my feet." He said, taking a seat beside her. "It's the least I can do. I mean, I can keep Remy warm for you."
"Good lord!" Rogue laughed as she looked back at Gambit who looked at them with disapproval.
"I mean, I can." Sam said, looking back at him. "Just throwing that out there."
"I be fine alone." He said, cleaning up the pan before he prepared himself a deli sandwich.
"Thanks for ya services." Rogue said, wiping her eyes.
Wolverine walked in and smiled when Leila met his gaze. "Hey darlin'." He said, walking over and grabbing a soda out of the fridge. "I'm gonna come get ya after school."
"Okay!" She said as she took another bite. "Can we go to the park?"
"We'll see." Logan said as he looked at Gambit. "Am I bringing her by right after or should I wait a bit?"
"Wha'ever y' wanna do, mon ami." He said, walking over and delivering the sandwich to Rogue.
"Thanks, lover." She said, watching him sit beside Leila. "Gotta eat up and get ready ta leave."
"Y' jus' a travelin' woman." Gambit said as he took a bite of his sandwich.
Shaking her head, she took a bite. "Ah'm exhausted." She said. "Ah just hope there ain't no more flying for a good while."
Rogue looked down and watched as Leila played with her ring.
"Ah need ta get it cleaned." She said, smiling at Leila as she placed her hand on her head. "Ah love you."
Leila smiled as Rogue kissed the top of her head. "Maybe y' do dat when y' out in Washin'ton." Gambit said. "I give y' some money."
"It ain't dire, hun." She said, looking at it. "It can wait 'til ah get back."
"Anna?" Dani called from the kitchen entrance.
"Hey hon." Rogue said, with a smile "Come over and join us. It's a long flight. Ya need ta eat somethin'."
"Yeah, I will." She said, walking in and grabbing an orange and peeling it over the trash. "Just seeing if you're ready."
"Yep. Just gotta finish this sandwich." She said as Cyclops walked in.
"Anna, I'm glad you haven't left yet." He said, crossing his arms over his chest. "The Professor approved of you taking the small jet out to Washington."
"Really?" Rogue asked, seeing Scott nod.
"Ororo's going to go with you as a co-pilot." He said.
Rogue smiled. "That's great news." She said. "Ororo knows we're leaving in like an hour, right?"
"Mm hmm. She's been informed and will be ready to go. She'll meet you in the hanger." He said.
"Well, we're gonna have a party." Rogue winked to Dani. "Ah haven't had a girls night in years."
Dani smiled as she split the orange in half and peeled the first piece off and popped it into her mouth.
When the lunch hour was over, Rogue walked with Gambit to Leila's class and dropping her off. Turning to Gambit, Rogue kissed him and gave him a hug.
"Ah'll see ya tomorrow around noon." She said. "Love ya."
"Have a good trip." He said, hugging her again before heading to his classroom.
When it was time to leave, Rogue smiled as she walked with Dani to the hanger and saw Storm standing there ready to go. "Let's get this show on the road." Rogue said as they walked to the small jet.
The day drug, but the last class was finally over. Gambit dismissed the students and they left in a hurry to meet up with their friends. Sighing, he erased what was on the board as he heard footsteps behind him. Turning his head to the left, he saw Jean out of the corner of his eye.
"T' wha' do I owe de pleasure?" He asked, setting the eraser down and turning to her.
"How was your first day?" Jean asked, walking up to him and looking around the room.
He shrugged. "A'ways dull." He said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Ain' not'in' t' report."
"Well, something's been brought to my attention." Jean said, looking up at him.
His eyebrows dipped in curiosity. "An' dat would be?" He asked.
"I was informed you threw an eraser at a student." Jean said, seeing him smile and chuckle. "Remy, you can't throw things at the students."
"He was bein' a li'l shit." Gambit said. "Jus' went over de rules and he give me lip. Ain' no place fo' disrespect in my classroom."
"Even so. You can't throw things at these children." She said, making him chuckle again.
"Dey Ain' children. Most in m' class be eighteen. He definitely eighteen." He said, seeing her sigh as she placed her hand on his arm.
"He's asked to be transferred to another class." She said. "I don't want the students to feel threatened."
"He be de first one I ever t'row somet'in' at an' I get de lecture." He said. "Lucky I didn't backhand 'im."
"Remy." Jean said in a serious tone. "Promise me this won't happen again."
"A'Right." He said. "Won' happen again. Y' have m' word, chere."
Jean smiled. "Thank you." She said. "I know how challenging these students can be."
"Psht!" Gambit said as he turned to his desk and gathered his things, placing them in his bag. "Challengin' ain' even de half o' it."
"I know." Jean said walking with him out of his classroom and down the hall. "We have to be patient. Most of these students were terrorized before they came here. We have to welcome them and be the example."
"I try m' bes'." He said, giving her a smile. "Now if y'll excuse me, I gotta go rescue Logan from a crazy li'l girl."
Jean chuckled. "Have a good evening." She said as she turned and head toward her office.
Slinging his bag over his right shoulder, Gambit went on the hunt to find Logan and Leila. After looking everywhere he could think of, he finally took his phone out and called Wolverine. Turns out, he took Leila to the park to wear her out. With that, Gambit made a quick snack before heading upstairs and preparing for the next day. After getting everything situated, he decided to head down to the gym and work out for a bit. It had been a week since he last lifted, so he decided to get back into the routine.
The flight took less time, as they didn't have to stop and they were there in almost 4 hours. When they landed, Dani's mom was there waiting for them with her car.
"Evenin'." Rogue said with a smile as she stepped out of the plane behind Dani.
"Hey baby." Dani's mom said with a smile.
"Hi." Dani said, smiling back.
"Hello again." Dani's mom said as she put her hand out for Rogue to take.
"Call me Anna. Ah know tha last time we met it was brief and ya didn't get my name." Rogue said. "This here is Ororo Munroe."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Hickerson." Storm said, shaking her hand with a smile.
"Well, let's get home. I've made dinner, if you all are hungry." She said as they loaded their suitcases in the trunk of the car and headed to Dani's house.
After arriving, Rogue and Storm got settled into the guest bedroom before they met Dani and her mom in the kitchen.
"Was the flight alright?" Mrs. Hickerson asked.
"Wasn't bad." Rogue said, taking a seat at the table. "Didn't hafta deal with layovers or connecting flights or any of that garbage."
"So," Mrs. Hickerson said. "Danielle, you're really liking the school?"
Dani nodded. "I do. Everyone has been really nice. You should come see it! Can't my mom come and see it?" She was all of a sudden excited.
"Well, there was some talk about it." Rogue said. "We'll have ta talk more with tha Professor."
"I'd love to come see the school." Mrs. Hickerson said. "You know, I dated a mutant. Anyway, it was a while back. He was an interesting guy. Very edgy, but very fun. Lived quite dangerously."
Rogue smiled. "At that time in ya life, it's fun." She said, taking a sip of the sweet tea. "So, since ya dated a mutant, ya ain't scared of them."
"Not at all." Mrs. Hickerson said. "They're just people with a little more genes that decided to go haywire."
"Ain't that tha truth." Rogue said. "Maybe we can get ya ta come up and visit this weekend. I'll talk to the Professor about it and see what we can set up."
"I'd love that. Just keep me informed." Mrs. Hickerson said.
"Ya got it, Mrs. Hickerson." Rogue said.
"Please, call me Gabby." She said.
"Can do." She said as they finished their dinner.
After talking for two hours, getting to know each other, Rogue and Storm retired to the guest room and got ready for bed. Slipping on the sweatpants she stole from Gambit, Rogue pulled the oversized shirt over her head and pulled her hair through.
"Ah love bein' comfy!" She said, turning the sheets down.
"As do I." Storm said, taking a seat on the bed.
"Gal, ya always look comfy." Rogue said, sitting down as well.
Storm gave a smile. "True. I am." She said, looking over Rogue ensemble. "Sweats and a T-shirt?"
"It's kinda cold at night here." Rogue said. "Plus, they smell like Remy."
Turning the lights out, they got under the sheets. "It warms my heart to think you two are still madly in love." Storm said.
Rogue smiled to herself. "He's my world. Ah mean sure, he knows how ta get on my damn nerves, but I love him." She said.
"Does he still make your heart flutter?" Storm asked.
Rogue chucked. "Depends." She said. "Does my heart flutter when he walks through the bedroom door after a school day? Not really. It flutters when he genuinely makes a statement about my beauty or tha random 'ah love ya' notes he puts on tha dresser for me ta find. It's tha little things like that, that make my heart flutter."
"I only hope to find a love like yours, if it is meant to be." Storm said.
"Whoa, whoa." Rogue sat up and turned on the lamp. "Ya thinkin' ya need a man?"
Storm sat up. "I said if it is mean to be." She said. "I am not avidly looking."
"Ya got a man ya checkin' out?" Rogue asked turning to her. "Come on, hun. Let's talk. We don't ever talk as much as we use to."
Sitting back against the headboard, Storm smiled. "Well, with the help of your daughter, I have discovered someone has feelings for me." She said.
"Oh lord." Rogue said, worried. "Who?"
"Logan." Storm said.
"Oh." Rogue said nonchalantly. "Everyone knows that."
"Everyone but me." Storm said.
"Are ya serious, gal?" Rogue asked. "Tha way he looks at ya and talks ta ya, ya had no clue?"
"I did not know." Storm said, lying back down.
Rogue slightly shook her head as she turned the light out. "Well, ah think ya should give it a go." She said as she got comfortable under the covers. "Night, hun. Ah'll try not ta cuddle ya."
Storm chuckled. "Good night, my friend."
With the alarm going off, Gambit woke to find Leila asleep beside him. Turning the alarm off, he gently slipped out of bed and got ready before heading down to get some coffee. He nodded at Wolverine, who had beat him to it and was already sipping on a cup of coffee, himself.
"Mornin'." Wolverine said, leaning up against the counter.
"Y' rested from yeste'day?" Gambit asked, pouring himself a cup of coffee before leaning on the opposite counter.
"Girl's gotta lot of energy, that's for damn sure." Wolverine said as he took another sip.
"Tell me 'bout it." Gambit agreed as he took a sip of his coffee. "Gonna hafta go wake her up in a bit."
"You feeding her breakfast?" Wolverine asked.
"Dat be de plan, homme." He said as he pushed off the counter and gave Logan a wave. "I see y' later."
Heading upstairs, he made his way down the hall and smiled when Rikki walked out of her bedroom.
"G'mornin'." He said, slightly nodding.
"Morning." She said, giving him a wink as she head downstairs.
He shook his head as he turned the corner and opened the bedroom door to see Leila still asleep. Setting his mug on the night stand, he sat down on the bed and placed his hand on her forehead.
"Leila, gotta wake up." He said, leaning over and kissing her forehead. "Come on, now."
She stirred before she stretched and yawned. Gambit smiled as he pulled her into his arm and walked her into her room. Setting her on her bed, he opened her dresser drawers and got some clothes out and ready for her.
"Day two o' school. Y' excited, petit?" He asked, setting the clothes beside her.
"I don't wanna go." She said, rubbing her eyes. "I'm tired."
"I know, but y' gotta." He said, motioning for her to stand up. "C'mon. Le's get dressed now."
Another yawn escaped her as she lifted her arms and Gambit slid her nightgown off over her head. Taking the shirt he picked out, he placed it over her head and she put her arms through.
"Dere. Now get yo' pants on and I make y' somet'in' t' eat, eh?" He said, patting her head.
She nodded as she put her pants on and then sat down on the floor to put her socks on. "Will you tie my shoes?" She asked, looking up at him and lifting her right foot up.
Chuckling, he knelt down and put her shoes on, tying them, before he helped her up. "Wha' y' wanna do wit' yo' hair? Up o' down?" He asked.
"Ponytail!" She said, excitedly, letting him know she was waking up.
"A'right." He said, grabbing a hair tie from the top of her dresser and a brush before sitting down on her bed. "Stand right here."
She did and put her back towards him as he brushed through her hair and he put her hair up. Standing, he kissed the top of her head before he took her hand and walked with her out of the bedroom, making sure he grabbing his coffee on the way out. They passed several of the older students as they made their way downstairs and into the kitchen.
"Uncle Logan!" Leila called out as she ran over and hugged his legs.
He chuckled. "Hey, darlin'." He said as he pat her back. "I had fun yesterday."
"Me too!" She said, looking up at him. "Will you be getting me from school again?"
"Can if ya want." He said, looking up at Gambit. "If ya need me to."
Gambit shook his head. "Don' mind, mon ami." He said, turning and starting to make French Toast.
"Good morning, my friends." Jean said, walking into the kitchen.
"Morning, Jeanie!" Leila said, standing beside Wolverine and holding his hand.
"Hey, Leila." Jean smiled as she knelt down. "Are you enjoying school?"
"Mm hmm." Leila nodded.
"Good." Jean said as she started to stand up but struggled.
Gambit quickly went to her side and helped her up. "Shouldn' be kneelin' down." He said.
"Yeah, I just found that out." She said with a smile. "Thanks for the help."
"Yo' welcome." He said, returning to the breakfast that was almost done.
"When's Anna and Ororo suppose to be back?" Wolverine asked, taking the last sip of his coffee.
"Late morning, I believe." Jean said, placing her hand on her stomach and leaning against the counter.
"Well, y' tell whoever be sendin' her off on t'ese trips t' stop." Gambit said.
"You miss her?" Jean asked, knowing the answer.
"A'ways." He said, plating up the first piece of French Toast for Leila. "Get at de table, petit."
Running over, Leila pulled out one of the chairs and climbed up in it. Gambit placed the plate in front of her and chopped the pieces up before returning to the oven to cook some more. He knew everyone in the kitchen at that time was hoping he would, anyway.
With their alarm going off, Rogue stirred awake first and turned it off before lying on her back. Placing the back of her left wrist on her forehead, she closed her eyes again. The time change was killing her already. She felt like she had just gone to bed, then again, she had a long day, technically.
"Ya awake, hun?" Rogue asked.
"Mm hmm." Storm answered as she sat up. "I suppose we should gather our things."
"Damn, how can ya just hop outta bed like that?" Rogue asked, rubbing her face.
Storm smiled. "I welcome the morning. It is the beginning of a new day." She said.
"Well, yeah." Rogue said, sitting up and yawning before she smelt bacon. "Is she cookin'?"
After getting dressed, they walked into the kitchen to see Dani's mom cooking pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon.
"Good morning." Gabby said to them, with a smile. "Great timing. It's almost done."
"Ya didn't have ta make us breakfast." Rogue said, as they took a seat at the table.
"Nonsense." Gabby said, taking four plates out of the cupboard and plating up the food. "You guys are taking care of my baby. Only right that I show you some kinda of hospitality."
"Well, thank ya kindly." Rogue said as she delivered the plates to the table.
Dani walked in and smiled at them. "I'm glad you're awake! I can't wait to get back!" She said, taking a seat in front of Rogue. "Are we leaving right after we eat?"
Storm smiled. "We will leave as soon as we can." She said, taking her fork and cutting a piece of pancake.
"We'll get there, don't worry." Rogue smiled, adding a wink, as she took a bite of scrambled egg.
After their breakfast, they gathered their things before Gabby took them back out to the private runway at the airport. After their security check, Gabby hugged Dani before she hugged Rogue and Storm.
"Please do let me know if I can come check the school out." Gabby said. "I'd love to see the place my daughter is so stoked about."
Rogue smiled. "Ya got it." She said, placing her hand on Dani's shoulder. "Ya got all ya stuff?"
Dani nodded. "Yeah, I think so." She said.
"Good." Rogue said leading her to the plane. "Let's get home. Talk ta ya later, Gabby!"
"Bye!" Gabby called out as they boarded their private jet.
Their flight back seemed quicker, but Rogue didn't mind. She was tired of being cooped up in a plane cabin and just wanted to stay home. After touching down and powering down the jet, they got out and gathered their luggage before heading to the elevator. Of course, after crossing three time zones, it felt like the day was over, but that also meant she was closer to seeing Leila and Remy.
"Welcome back, guys!" Kitty said, walking with Madison.
"Thanks." Rogue said as they helped Dani take her things up to her room.
"I suppose you will start your training soon, as you are one of us, now." Storm said, with a smile.
"Thanks." Dani said, smiling ear to ear.
"Ah'll head down and talk with the Professor about ya mom coming ta visit." Rogue said, pointing her thumb over her shoulder. "Ya got my number if ya need anything."
"Yep. Thanks, Anna." Dani said, as Rogue and Storm left her room.
A/N: Not a very exciting chapter, I know. But, just you wait!
Also, not much steaminess going to be going on for a bit.
Don't worry, it'll return in a few chapters. We're gonna get to know Dani.