I've been listening to a lot of dance music lately, and kept getting ideas for a one-shot of Rogue and Gambit. We'll just consider this an honorary sequel to "Before It All Went to Hell" or "Poolside".

I'd place this as just at the end of episode 1 in X-Men '97, like a day before Magneto shows up to the mansion during the basketball scene.

This particular one is inspired by some songs in particular, but I've included one that I think fit well into the atmosphere, so I've added an annotation for when the song is used:

(1) Of The Night — Bastille

Special thanks to roguegambit97 on Twitter/X who's been such a great cheerleader for me and these '97 fics! Hope you enjoy this one!

"Chèrrre! You lookin' mighty sinful in that dress," Remy drawled as he watched Rogue open her bedroom door. He'd come to pick her up for their date and the man was looking like he'd been dying of thirst in a desert, the way his gaze trailed over her form like it was the tallest glass of water he'd ever seen.

She'd gone out shopping with the other ladies to find an appropriate dress after her search through her own closet ended in disappointment. She wanted to wear something that kept her covered, but still felt revealing. They managed to find a perfect dress; it was black, but made out of a sheer mesh material that ruched along the sides, hugging her curvy form. With a lining underneath that matched Rogue's creamy complexion, the dress was an illusion of nudity without revealing anything. Topped off with a set of her thinnest leather gloves and pair of black pumps to match, Rogue hadn't ever felt more exposed.

Rogue's dress was only beat out by her brilliant smile at his compliment. She could practically feel his eyes burning a hole through her clothes with the way he was staring at her, and set her heart aflame.

She giggled as she flirted back, pushing her styled hair behind her ear as she closed her door, "Yer one t' talk, Cajun."

Remy certainly never missed an opportunity to get dressed up. While he wasn't in his finest, Rogue certainly thought he was looking damn fine. His hair was tamed back into an attractive style that she wanted to desperately run her fingers through. He was fitted with a crisp button-down shirt that gapped at the top, all the while wearing a leather jacket that was better for riding his motorcycle on.

"I try," he replied as he offered her his arm, which she took seamlessly, leading her down the hallway to head out for their date.

Rogue's cheeks went bright red as she mounted the bike behind Remy. She initially gripped onto his jacket, not knowing how to hold him, but she didn't have to wonder for long. Remy soon took her hands and pulled her closer to him, looping her arms fully around his midsection. His hands smoothed and lingered over her arms for a second as he drawled out playfully over his shoulder, "Don't wantcha t' fall off now."

She scoffed, "You know I'm invulnerable, right? And I can fly?"

"Oui… and yo' point is?" he asked tauntingly, in that way only Remy could do that made him even more charming.

She shook her head with a smile, "Let's just get goin'."

"As the lady wishes," he answered, starting up the bike and pulling out of the estate.

Rogue watched the night roll by them, as they headed closer and closer into the city. Remy had kept the details of their date from her; only telling her that they were making a few stops and that one had food involved.

She rested her head against his shoulder, leaving no separation between their bodies, letting herself enjoy this moment as if she may never experience it again.

As they got into the city, Remy pulled up to a hole in the wall restaurant in Brooklyn, and shut off his bike. He pulled off his helmet and secured it while Rogue dismounted with relative grace.

"What's stop one?" she asked, turning to look back at him as he joined her on the sidewalk.

He smirked, "Some o' the best food in town, chère."

Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, "Good, 'cause I'm starvin'!"

They wined and dined for hours, occasionally reverting back to their flirtatious habits, but mostly, they talked about their past lives, their current dreams, and their possible futures.

Rogue was pleasantly surprised to find out that if Remy had not been born a mutant or been raised by the Thieves Guild, he secretly always wanted to become a chef.

"That explains your talents in the kitchen," Rogue laughed.

He explained, "My Tante Mattie taught me everythin' I know. She is the one who made me think I had a knack for it."

"You could still always change careers," Rogue offered, though a small sadness came into her eyes, "I mean… if we ever do manage to reach a day where mutants don't need t' be fightin' anymore..."

Remy sensed her hesitation. They both knew it was unlikely there would be a time where they wouldn't be needed as X-Men; at least not in their lifetimes. He reached for her gloved hand across the table, brushing his thumb over her hand as he said with a comforting look, "I go where you go, chère. Y' know that."

She smiled back at him, "So if I were to, say…" she tapped her chin, feigning deep consideration, "Leave the X-Men t'morrow and join the circus?"

He scoffed, "Gambit would do well in the circus. You seen my acrobatics, Rogue."

She laughed at his charismatic aura. How did he manage to so thoroughly make her swoon over him?

After dinner and some dessert, Remy drove them to his second spot of the night.

"Where're we goin' now?" she asked impatiently, looking around as Remy ushered her towards a side entrance to a building.

"Y' don' care much for surprises, do ya?" he asked back, refusing to give in to her request.

She smirked, "How could y' tell?"

Remy chuckled, "Gambit'll keep that in mind fo' the future," walking them up ahead of a line of people and heading straight to the bouncer at the entrance, "Bonsoir, mon ami."

"Hey Remy," the bouncer replied, "Long time no see!"

He opened the door for the couple, which Remy allowed Rogue to enter first.

"You come here a lot?" she asked with a raised voice, the music definitely louder than what Rogue was used to, but she adjusted quickly.

Remy replied, "Not lately, but back in the day — my pre-X-Men days — oui."

They made their way down a flight of stairs and into a large open room, filled with probably over 300 people — dancing, drinking, or sitting and hanging out by various tables and couches. The place was a bit underground, but it had a lot of charm and character to it. It was dark but the little lighting was atmospheric. It was busy, but not too overcrowded for the space. Still, it was a little overwhelming to her.

Rogue took a small step back, moving into Remy's space.

"Remy… I—I'm not sure about this," she said to him, leaning in close so he could hear her.

He leaned down, speaking near her ear, "Gambit promises he won' let nothin' happen t' ya, chère."

She took a quick look around. As much as she wanted to be careful, she also didn't want the night to end either. She spotted a few booths that were towards the side, away from the dance floor and crowds, "Can we sit for a bit?"

He agreed, following her as they headed back to a booth. The lush cushioned seats were a nice comfort as Rogue slid in, with Remy not far behind. It felt like they had a soft barrier around them and they could people watch from a safe distance.

She looked on despondently, watching as friends and couples danced together, completely uninhibited and able to enjoy themselves without fear. Jealousy started to creep into her neck, causing her to reflexively flinch her gaze away. It was hard to watch other people enjoy what she could never have, and seeing them take it for granted when she'd give anything to have just one night where she didn't have to care about hurting those she was closest to.

"Y' want Gambit to get y' somethin'?" he asked, again so close to her ear. She wasn't used to someone being so within her bubble, and it sent a tingling shiver up her spine.

She shook her head, "I'm good. Just wanna sit a minute and… enjoy this."

He smirked down at her as she decided to lean into his side, with Remy taking the initiative to wrap an arm around her shoulder.

"So… what's so special 'bout this place?" she asked.

Remy shrugged, "I used t' know the owner. We went way back down in the bayou."

"What made 'em wanna own a club in Brooklyn?"

"He always wanted to get out o' the criminal life in N'Orleans. He made a break for it and decided to start up somethin' new fo' himself… a new life," he paused before looking back down at Rogue, "Can't say I blame 'im."

She smiled, "Y' said "used t' know". What happened?"

Remy sighed as his eyes hardened a little, "Ol' life caught up wit' him."

Rogue understood what Remy meant and decided to not press it further, "I'm sorry, Remy."

Remy shook his head, "Nothin' fo' you to be sorry 'bout, chère. We all got our demons. But, at the end of the day, carpe diem, oui?"

Rogue laid her hand over Remy's chest in small comfort as she turned to watch the crowd again. Remy caught her looking at the dancefloor and decided to ask, "Care t' dance?"

Remy could feel her body tense initially at the suggestion, making him instantly regretting asking her.

After they went to find Roberto at that warehouse party, Remy thought it'd be a nice change of pace for them to go out dancing for a night. She seemed to enjoy the atmosphere, even if she couldn't be down in the crowd. She shouldn't have to worry about her mutation, and Remy wanted to treat her the way she deserved; like any woman wanted to be treated.

Luckily, before he could retract his offer, Rogue smiled up at him, "Why the hell not?"

Remy reached for her hand that was placed on his chest, pulling it up to his lips and kissing it, "Y' sure, chère?"

She nodded as she moved to leave the booth, pulling his hand with her, "Yeah, I'm covered plenty. And besides…" she paused as he stood to meet her, her arms looping around his waist as she gazed up at him, "I wanna see what kinda moves yer workin' with, Cajun." (1 - Of The Night)

The dazzle in her eyes was intoxicating and Remy wondered how he'd gotten so lucky in life to be blessed by this woman. It took every ounce of control he possessed to remember to not lean in and kiss her right then and there.

"Lead the way," he uttered to her, leaving her to take control of their circumstances, as they made their way down into the crowd.

The music was hypnotic as they weaved seamlessly through the crowd, finding a small spot towards the back they could claim for themselves. Rogue turned to him, enticing him in with her sensual stare. Remy met her halfway as they began to fall into the rhythm of the music and each other. Arms draped around one another, Rogue felt Remy take her waist and spin her, with her back to his chest and their bodies moving in time to the bass that dominated their every sway.

The world gradually faded away as they could only sense the feeling of each other; cocooned in their own universe where nothing else mattered.

Rogue relished in the sheer desire that began to overwhelm her. Every one of her senses was only filled by Remy LeBeau, and she wanted to live in this haze for all eternity; from the way his hand smoothed over her waist and arms in a way that was delicate and precise, to the heat of him on her neck and back that screamed with passion, she wanted this to be her everything. She could feel Remy lean his cheek into her, slowly dragging her hair from her neck and letting him envelope himself around her. Remy held her like she was the most precious thing in the world to him, and Rogue could feel it in every touch.

Lacing their fingers together over her hips, Rogue tempted looking back at him, and she could see his own eyes were a raging inferno. They glowed stunningly, in a way she wasn't sure she'd ever seen before, and she wondered if it was that glow that made her feel like she could explode at any moment.

She used her hand to brush against Remy's neck and into his hair, pulling him ever temptingly closer, but leaving the critical gap between them, which became harder and harder to maintain with each passing second.

Thankfully, Remy managed to find the best middle ground as he leaned forward and kissed her head through her hair, nuzzling into her mane. Rogue leaned back into his arms and just let the moment be.

After a while of dancing, Rogue couldn't stop wishing she could be with him wholly and completely…

A curious thought ran through her mind. She wondered if it was a good idea, but figured there was no harm in proposing it.

"Remy…?" she asked, stirring the lovesick Cajun from his stupor.

"Oui, chère?"

"Can we… head home?" her voice sounded weak, even to her own ears. She realized she must've come off as insensitive as Remy's arms quickly loosened from her waist to give her space.

"Sorry, chère. Gambit didn't mean to push too far," he apologized immediately.

"Oh, no…" Rogue realized her mistake, "I want this, Remy."

"Then… what's wrong?" he asked, trying to clarify what she wanted.

"Nothin'. I just… I want to show you somethin'," she offered.

Remy's brow arched in a curious way as his devilish smirk started to return, easing the tension between them once more, "Oh? And what might that be?"

She smiled in a teasing way, reciprocating his energy, "Since y' like surprises so much… you'll just have to wait 'n see."

He smiled heartily as he said, "Y' gonna make Gambit regret ever keepin' surprises from you, eh?"

Rogue bit her lip before she replied, "Just a li'l."

Without much delay, the pair were back on Remy's bike and heading back to the mansion, and Rogue was sure she could feel the man vibrating under her arms the whole way.

When they arrived, Remy helped her off the bike, not at all concerned with making sure it was parked or stowed away where it should be. He was like a little kid who'd been promised a sweet treat for good behavior and Rogue couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm.

Rogue leaned into his side as they walked up to the mansion and she explained, "I'll meet ya in yer room. I just need to grab somethin' real quick."

"The mystery keep gettin' more mysterious," he replied dashingly before kissing her hand, "Gambit be waitin' fo' y', mon coeur."

He watched as she walked towards the elevators, and Rogue headed down into the underground base of the mansion.

Remy tried his best to keep himself composed while waiting for Rogue. His curiosity was getting the better of him, and he didn't want to make any assumptions about what she had in mind, so he chose to not do anything too theatrical like he normally would. The night was a rousing success so far, and he'd be damned if he screwed things up with her now.

After about 5 minutes, he heard a knock at his door, which he opened to find Rogue, a dusting of red over her cheeks as she was looking around, like she was making sure no one spotted her sneaking into Remy's room — if they were teenagers or something. It was well after midnight, and most of the other X-Men would either be asleep or out for their own Friday night festivities. And in any case, they were all adults…

Remy stepped to the side, letting her move into his room, "Enchanté."

Rogue had something tucked away behind her back, and Remy gauged that that was what she must've needed to grab. She hadn't changed out of her dress, so it was a decent assumption.

He closed his door, and leaned against it, giving her her space so she could take whatever next step she needed to. Her eyes seemed to be fixed to the floor, or somewhere in the room other than him… like she was nervous.

"Everythin' alright, chère?" he asked tentatively, pushing away from the door and taking a step or two closer to her, but still giving her room to breathe.

"Yeah. I just…" with a shaky voice and her head still hanging low, she looked up at him with expectant eyes as she asked, "Don' freak out?"

He smiled and shrugged his shoulders, "Now why would Gambit freak out?"

She gave him a small look before pulling the item she had from behind her back…

Gambit's eyes widened, "Mon dieu."

He eyed the piece of tech in her hands that Cyclops, Storm, and Bishop had pulled off Roberto just a few days ago, and given to Beast to analyze — the inhibitor collar.

Rogue looked at it and said, "T'night's been wonderful, Remy… truly. It's everythin' I could've ever wanted. But… I want… more… with you."

The words hung in the air, the weight of them not lost on either of the young mutants.

Remy let out a soft sigh as he stepped in closer to her, lifting his hands to cradle hers around the device. He smoothed his hands over her leather covered ones, sending that familiar tingle across Rogue's body.

"Chère… as much as…" Remy hesitated to speak, "As much as Gambit appreciates the thought… dunno if this be best fo' us… fo' you."

She looked up at him in confusion, seeing a more resolute stare from him, "Why?"

He answered thoughtfully and precisely, "Rogue, these things are designed to take away our powers; take away a part of us. It ain't a solution or a bandaid. We don' know what kind o' long-term damage it could do…" he paused, thinking back on when he'd been collared in Genosha, unable to use his own powers, "And Gambit'd hate fo' you to feel like you need it, or become dependant on it in order for us to have somethin' special… fo' us to be together."

She shook her head as she could feel her eyes getting glassy, "I know what we've got is special, Remy. It's why… I want to do this right with you. Even if it's just once… or just for now."

She could feel Remy's hands slide up her arms as he held her that much closer, pressing his lips to her hair as he cradled her head in his hand, barely breathing out, "I know, chère. But…"

Rogue pressed her face into his chest as she shuddered, her heart beating out of her chest as she waited for him to reject her. She knew this was a longshot, but she wanted to believe he wanted this as much as she did… even if she knew she needed it more.

He sighed, "Gambit will only permit it just this once."

It felt like the most intense whiplash she'd ever experienced in her life as she pointedly looked up at him, her shock evident, "Really?"

He nodded with a adoring look in his eyes, "So long as it what you really wan', chère."

She smiled as the tears that had been threatening to fall finally cascaded down her cheek, "Oh Remy…"

He was quick to brush the stray tear off her cheek, careful with her skin, as he locked his eyes with hers before whispering, "I love you, mon coeur."

"I love y' too, Remy," she reciprocated with a shake in her voice, unsure this was all real.

Feeling that magnetic pull to be close to him, she looked down at the collar and offered it to him, which he accepted. She lifted her hair, letting her man slide the cold metal across her neck, snapping it into place, and activating it instantly.

"The hangover fo' that is pretty rough, chère. Be ready for the worst migraine of yo' life when it come off," he said, the deep discomfort Remy felt placing that collar on her—like it were a muzzle on a dog—was clearly evident in his tone.

It certainly wasn't a pleasant feeling — a constriction over her neck she wasn't terribly comfortable with or used to.

"How that feel?" he asked softly, making sure she was always his first priority.

She rolled her neck, "Tight, but I'll get used t' it."

"That what Gambit afraid of…" he murmured.

She looked at him with sad eyes, "This how it felt? When you were in Genosha?"

He shrugged, not really wanting to relive that time, "Never knew what it was like to not have m' powers. When y' so used to feeling the vibration of everything you touch… it can feel… bizarre when it all go so still."

The silence between them grew, giving the air a palpable tension as they let their eyes drift to focus on one another.

Rogue tempted making the first move, sliding her gloves off her hands, letting them fall to the floor. She lifted her hands to Remy's chest, brushing over his shirt and feeling the broadness of his frame beneath her touch.

"I don't want to think about anything else like that t'night, Remy, "she spoke so quietly, but assuredly, "T'night… it's just us. Nothin' else… and no one can take this from us."

His eyes shifted back and forth between hers as she slowly smoothed her hand over his neck, finally feeling his skin against hers; the roughness of his stubble a welcome and exhilarating sensation, she laced her hand into his hair like she had longed to do all night, and silently beckoned him to her.

It all became a sudden whirlwind of sensation as she felt Remy's hands hold her neck and cheek, caressing her soft, unblemished skin as he leaned down and captured her lips in his.

Stolen kisses had become commonplace for Rogue, especially when it came to Remy. But this was different. This wasn't hurried, rushed or brief.

It was slow, burning, and tasted of bourbon and something she couldn't quite place; something from a distant memory. She'd never been able to really taste someone on her lips before, and she found it incredibly addictive. It became her profile in her mind of how Remy should always taste; something so uniquely perfect to him.

The scratch of his stubble along her chin drove her insane, and she soon realized she was starting to crave more of him.

But just as she was plotting her next move, she felt Remy pull away slowly, and her lips attempted to follow, not wanting to feel the loss of warmth he'd blessed her with.

"Chère…" he breathed with a husky chuckle that seared her skin, "We gon' have all night to do this thing right. Let's go slow, and we can do whatever yo' heart desires."

She smiled as she bit her blushed lip expectantly, "I just need you."

The pair of lovers would spend all night becoming well acquainted with every inch of each other's skin and bodies, committing every scar, dimple, and ridge to memory through touch alone. Rogue quickly learned there was a big difference between fucking and making love, along with everything in-between. That Remy was patient and practiced enough to show her every side of what it could mean to be with someone so wholly, it felt like they owned your heart, she would never be able to repay him for what he'd given her that night.

By the time the early morning birds could be heard and the sun had started to make itself known in the sky, the two mutants were spent, finally relenting to their body's desperate need to rest.

They laid together beneath Remy's sheets, their bodies covered in a soft sheen, enjoying the last of this time together. Remy finally started to feel himself drifting into sleep, but he didn't want to lose this feeling, letting his hands move over her of their own accord, drawing circles and patterns over her skin, as a final bid to prolong this bliss.

Rogue held him close, her head pressed to his chest, softly listening to his steady breath and beating heart—the one he'd so poetically said beat only for her. And now, she knew she could feel that pulse.

Intrinsically.

Eternally.

She'd never go another day not knowing what it meant to be with someone who saw you for everything you are,—flaws and all—and loved you anyways, in every way a person could be loved.

She lifted her head from his chest, looking up at him with a dazed and euphoric look in her eyes, and her hair a wild mane once more as she sighed, "I don't want this to end."

Remy rolled his head as he chuckled, "Gambit knew this might be a problem."

"What?" she laughed.

"You gettin' addicted to this," he answered.

A small frown came over her lips, "All this does is motivate me even more to get control over m' powers."

"An' in the meantime…?" he asked.

"In the meantime…" she thought about it as she pressed her hand to his heart, leaning down to kiss his chest, "We remember this night… treasure it. And if we can do that, we can weather anythin'."

Remy's soft smirk lit her up as he pulled her to him for a sweet kiss.

"One for the road," he said against her lips, feeling her softly giggle against him.

"Can't we just stay together like this for a li'l while longer?" she asked, kissing him again.

"Mon dieu… what has Gambit created?" he joked.

They decided it was best to get some sleep before the rest of the mansion rose for the day, and they both knew Rogue needed to get the collar off.

Remy offered her one of his oversized hoodies and sweats to get dressed in so that she wouldn't have to put on her dress from the previous night to head back to her room.

Once they were both in a better state of dress, Remy sat beside her, holding her ungloved hand for a few moments longer between both of his. Who knew something as simple as holding another's hand could mean so much to someone?

He reached up, brushing his thumb over her cheek, kissing her one last time before resting his forehead against hers, saying, "We take it slow."

She nodded, feeling him work his hands to the back of her neck, and once the collar popped off, the sudden wave of headaches hit her like a freight train.

"Oh lawd," she moaned, holding her head in pain.

Remy immediately headed to his bathroom and grabbed some intense pain killers, "These should help some."

She gratefully took them, "Thanks."

"Gambit did warn ya, chère," he asked jokingly, "Still worth it?"

As she swallowed the pills, she tried her best to smile at him, "Absolutely!"

Gambit lifted the collar, inspecting it more closely, "Gambit'll get this back down to Hank's lab. You get on t' bed and nurse that migraine."

"Thank you, Remy," she replied, standing from his bed and moving to hug him, suddenly conscious again of her need to be careful. He returned the gesture, knowing it was bittersweet, but much needed.

He kissed her hair, skillfully sliding his hands down her back side as he groaned, "Now git! Don' wan' Hank realizing this thing went missin', do we?"

Rogue relented with a soft whine and made her way to her own room, whispering a good night as she left.

Remy sat back down for a second, toying with the collar. For all his mixed emotions about the damned device, at least it provided one shining light of hope for him and Rogue.

Hope you all enjoyed this fic! I honestly didn't intend for it to end up involving the collar at all, but as I was writing it, I realized that they had access to the collar during episode one, so I figured I'd work it into this one-shot.

Let me know if you enjoyed it, either with a comment or a like/kudos! Really helps me out and to stay motivated!

Until Next Time…