Professor Charles Xavier tiredly sighed as both Scott and Logan followed him out of the office. "Something on your minds?"
"Quite a few things actually." Logan couldn't stop the sarcasm in his tone as he saw the man wheel himself around to face them. "How about we start with letting the kid stay here."
"Professor we know you want to help, and we do too."
"Tch, speak for yourself." Logan huffed as a few students walked by.
"Alright, well everyone but Logan here wants to help." Scott reiterated. "But to take someone in when we barely know a thing about him. Are you sure that's wise? Especially with the way we found him."
"I understand your concerns." The professor glanced between both men. "But if you'll look around, you'll understand too that some of these children didn't come from decent homes. Some of them are orphans, lonely, hiding and in need of a place to belong. To call home. Surely you both can't honestly stand there and tell me you don't know what it feels like."
"I do." Logan nodded, placing his hands on his hips as he lowered his voice. "But this guy managed to take out all our surveillance and security alarms like it was child's play in less than 2 minutes."
"Did he now?" The professor quietly asked receiving a nod from both men.
"You think he's done this type of stuff before?" Scott asked Logan who was already confidently nodding.
"Can't say for sure, but I've seen his kind." Logan glanced from Scott back to the professor. "All I'm saying is that this kid has trouble written all over him."
"All the more reason for us to help him." The professor briefly paused before continuing to speak. "And I am well aware of Gambits… trespassing's."
"What you mean he's been here before?" Scott frowned perplexed that he managed to get the drop on them before without their knowledge. "When?"
"Not but a day prior." Professor Xavier gave a slight upturn of his lips as his eyes focused on something neither one of them could see. "Rest assured I was tracking him the whole time and I didn't sense any ill will from him."
"Thought you couldn't get into his head." Logan said.
"I can't. That's what perplexes me." He admitted with a frown. "Perhaps something to do with his mutation."
"Which we still don't know about."
"More than a reason to keep an eye on him." Scott pointed out.
"I don't know something smells off." Logan raised his voice when he saw the professor begin to turn. "And I don't like it."
"Logan-"
"Look I get what you're trying to do. We both do." Logan gestured to them both. "And I appreciate all you've done for me professor. I do. But I don't trust him."
"Well do you trust me?"
"Or me?"
Turning their heads they saw Ororo stepping out of the office with Remy in tow.
"'Ro-"
"Whether you like it or not Logan, Remy's staying here for now." Her stoney voice held no room for arguments as she brushed past him with Remy right behind trying to suppress a smile by rubbing his bottom lip.
"We'll talk some more later. I promise." The professor put in when he saw Logan about to protest. "Now I'm supposed to meet Hank down at the medlab soon."
"Are you coming or not?" Ororo spoke without turning to see if Logan was following. As far as attitude goes, she believes she's had plenty enough today to last her a lifetime. Between Logan and Remy, she couldn't for the life of her figure out who was more stubborn, hardheaded or plain childish.
"Might wanna ease up dere Stormy." Remy looked over his shoulder to see the Wolverine begrudgingly follow a few feet behind. "T'ink you've gone now an' hurt dat poor hommes feelings."
"He'll be fine." She mumbled. "It's not the first time."
"Is dat so?" He quirked a brow as he stared down at her while they continued on down the hall. "Don't t'ink I'd ever wanna see the Wolverine shed a tear. Isn't dat right Logan?" He playfully glanced back fully aware of the other man's heightened sense of hearing and knew he'd been listening to them this whole time.
"Keep talking and see where it'll lead ya."
"All dis talkin' has let dis one to a whole lotta great places I assure you." Gesturing around with his hand he waited until he saw a slight tick in Logans brow. "Might learn a thing or two from me mon ami."
After learning where the kitchen and bathrooms were along with the library, teacher offices, and classrooms, he thought any normal person would already have a hard time keeping up. But he only found himself more and more intrigued about how big this place really was and knew he wouldn't have a hard time finding his way around with all his years training as a thief, he found himself proudly smirking at having a photographic memory when it came to these matters.
He continued to follow her into the hallways until they hit the grand foyer that held the impressive staircase and towards another larger room.
"And here we have the rec area also used by many of the students at the institute for entertainment." Storm said as a small kid walked up to give her a hug. "Hey Leech, could you mind asking the others over there to quickly join us." she nodded her head towards a small group of students slouched down in some of the chairs by one of the larger windows.
While Remy was busy eyeing the various electronics and an impressive pool table pushed off to the side where a few more students were playing. He wasn't aware of the three students making their way over to them.
There was also a large Tv, video game consoles and a very impressive collection of movies with plenty of couches, and beanbag chairs that the students could use.
"Hey Ms. Munroe, you asked for us?" Kitty asked her, Jubilee and an apprehensive Rogue walked up.
"Yes, I hope I'm not interrupting anything. But I was told that you guys have already met so if you're not busy I'm actually showing Remy around the mansion."
Shaking her head Rogue was more than ready to decline when she saw him turn. "Well actu-"
"We'd love to!" Jubilee bounced up and down on her feet while linking her arm with hers. "Is he staying? Are you staying?" she reiterated.
"No." Logan quickly answered.
"Haven't decided."
"It's complicated." Storm finished saying after the two men.
"O…k…" Jubilee awkwardly said and began following them out of the room. "I'm Jubilee by the way."
"Kitty." Kitty watched with wide eyes when he stopped to grab each of their hands in a dramatic bow.
"Name's Gambit. Always a pleasure." With a charming smile that successfully made both girls let out an audible gasp, Remy took satisfaction in watching each one begin to blush.
"Alright let's get on with this tour." Rolling his eyes Logan nudged him forward before Remy had the chance to address the last person.
As they passed the entry way Jubilee quickly pointed over to the elevator that was situated against one of the walls which could easily be missed if you didn't know it was there. "That's the elevator that'll take you anywhere in this place…"
"Why are we here?" Rogue whispered to Kitty making sure to pull her aside by grabbing her around her covered arm while the others were busy explaining what was included in the lower levels without giving too much away to the restricted areas.
"Why what's wrong?" Kitty quizzically frowned as Rogue continued to whisper.
"Ah just have places to be that's all." Rogue stubbornly crossed her arms over her chest.
"Is everything alright?" Storm worriedly asked once everyone stopped what they were doing when they noticed the two girls whispering.
"Yes, everything's fine." Kitty reassured and ushered them to keep going.
Inhaling deeply, Rogue turned to see the newcomer also staring but as soon as she did, she could see the small smirk on his lips slowly growing. She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but she could've sworn that his eyes seemed to shine red despite wearing his sunglasses as his gaze continued to fixate on her. Looking away she tried to force the incoming blush away thinking she was just losing it since there was no way that could be true and was thankful when the group began moving again.
"Here we have some of the lockers in case students decide to use them since all the bedrooms are upstairs." Storm pointed towards a few lining the walls before gesturing them up the stairs.
"All of dem?" Remy innocently looked at Ororo while she patiently inhaled.
"Girls on the east wing, boys in the west wing. With some guest rooms on the upper levels." She pointed towards each side of the staircase.
"This is a school." Rogue's tone hardened which made Logan proudly grin back at her.
"It sure is." Remy lowly chuckled as Ororo continued to lead them up the stairs again. Discreetly he made it a point to slow his pace until he was walking right next to her, much to her displeasure. With his hands behind his back, he subtly leaned closer so only she could hear him. "So, one must wonder where your room is…"
"Hey!"
Snapping their heads in the direction of the cheerful voice, they could see a blonde-haired boy walking up to them with the same burly giant Remy remembered from before.
"There you are. I've been looking for you." Bobby smiled at them once they made it to them. "Hey, I'm Bobby Drake or Iceman whichever you prefer." Bobby held out his hand in a friendly gesture which he shook.
"Gambit."
"Piotr Rasputin." Piotr shook his hand next. "But you can just call me Pete like everyone here."
"We're giving him the grand tour." Jubilee eagerly smiled. "Wanna join us?"
"Um actually we can't." Bobby cringed in apology. "Ms. Danvers wants us down at the…gym."
"Really, now?" Jubilee whined as her shoulders dropped hoping they'd at least get a day off from the danger room. Rogue on the other hand couldn't have been more thrilled to get out of the situation being one of the first to leave.
"Duty calls." Bobby shrugged watching the girls pass him before following down the hall with Piotr. "Hey man if you're still here maybe we can all hang out-OW what you do that for?" Bobby quietly hissed as he grabbed his side walking next to Rogue.
"Alright let's keep going shall we, we've still got plenty to cover." Ororo swiftly turned back to the stairs.
"Très bien."
"…and here we have some of the rooms shared by the younger students." Ororo said after she had already shown him some of the other rooms around the mansion all the while talking about the school and the curriculum, but he stopped listening once his mind began to wonder and tried his best not to yawn. "While over here…" she quickly moved down the hall. "…we have the rooms for the older students.
"Do we get to choose who our roommates are?" He instantly glanced back down the hall thinking of a certain brunette.
"No way in hell." Logan grumbled.
"What's wrong Logan? Did you want me as your bunk maid?" He grinned. "I can assure you dis ones a wonderful roommate. Although I don't mind sharin' a room with someone else…"
"Watch it bub, otherwise the only roommate will be these." He quickly extended his claws.
"Remy this school has very strict rules here." Ororo frowned as she opened the last door on the right. "Even for you."
"Never been one for rules Stormy."
"Yeah, well things change." Logan huffed leaning against the doorframe. Once they were inside Remy couldn't help but let out an impressed whistle while eyeing the room. To their right was a good-sized dresser with a mirror hanging right above it while on their left was a closet right next to a door leading to his private bathroom and a good-sized study desk and chair. Nodding in approval he could see his duffle bag already sitting on top of the queen-sized bed which was in the middle of the room situated between two large windows overlooking the mansion grounds.
"This will be your room. Anything you need is already here including some extra clothing and towels, but should you need anything else…" Ororo stopped midway when she saw him give her a pointed look. "Just let me know."
"So, I won't have to share?" he curiously asked.
"No, since you're a big boy you get your own room." Logan smugly grinned when Remy turned to him.
"Anything you need for classes you'll already find at your desk there, as well as your locker information."
"Great." Remy couldn't keep the sarcasm dripping from his tone at the thought of attending school as he looked out the window. "An' will Logan walk me to school too?"
Slowly inhaling through his nostrils, Logan caught Remy's amused brow knowing he was just wanting to get a rise out of him.
"Why don't you get settled in and I'll come get you in a few minutes." Ororo warmly smiled as she walked out the door. "It's good to have you here Remy."
Nodding he watched her go while the Wolverine remained where he was. "Don't know 'bout you mon ami but never been too fond of anyone watchin' me." He turned his back to look through his bag knowing that he was usually the one doing the watching.
"Well then you better start getting used to it now kid because imma have my eyes on you. Every day and all day if I have to." Logans voice dropped down to a dangerous level as he gripped Remy by the shirt. "You might have the professor, Storm, and everyone else fooled. But not me. Any wrong move, anything out of place or even if I think you're up to no good and doing anything to harm or hurt anyone here…. you'll deal with me."
"Dat's not what I want." Clenching his jaw, he hoped he would believe his sincerity and didn't even flinch when Logan's grip tightened. He knew that Logan only meant well and cared for everyone's well-being here. So, it wasn't something he would argue. "Logan-"
"Did you hear me?" he sneered watching the boy slowly nod.
"I did."
"Good." Roughly releasing his hold, Logan turned making sure to slam the door on his way out, letting his echoing footsteps be all that Remy heard.
-X-
Walking into his classroom the next morning with a hot cup of coffee in hand, Scott Summers also known as Cyclops tried to enjoy the small time of silent bliss he had left before the classroom would be filled with the energetic chitter chatter of students walking in. It was these moments he cherishes above all else that made him proudly remember why he was here in the first place.
The first time he set foot in this place he remembered he looked about things in a different way. Very skeptical and unsure of whether or not he really even belonged here, but luckily for him he had people here that welcomed him with open arms and showed him that this is where he was supposed to be. This is where he was supposed to make a difference. And this is where he would start a new day helping other kids find their place too.
Going over the professor's last conversation with them the other day he slowly began to see things a little differently. If this place could help someone like him then maybe he should give this guy a try too.
Looking over the one picture he had sitting on his desk he carefully lifted it up with a small smile, seeing himself standing next to a beautiful red head who had her arms around him. 'Jean, I only wish you were here to see us now.'
They say the wounds of losing someone never truly fades and Scott knew this to be true. If things we're different he knew that she would still find a way to try and safe everyone even at the cost of her own life. Which was one of the things he loved about her.
Placing the picture frame back down he took another sip of his coffee before lifting up his folder with his agenda for today. Everything seemed fine until a very familiar name stood out to him for his first class of the day. "Oh crap…"
"What's the matter Mr. Summers?" Kitty asked with an overly enthusiastic smile for being this early in the day.
"Nothing Kitty." Dropping his folder on his desk, he downed what remained of his coffee knowing he would definitely need it today.
Shrugging her shoulders Kitty playfully smiled at the others who began walking into the room with her.
"Get those damn legs moving Gumbo! We don't have all day." Logan growled, stopping only by the door and having to yank Remy in with one hand by the collar before letting go. Ororo practically had to drag him out of the room this morning and Logan wasn't a morning person to begin with so those two didn't mix. "Looks like you got a new student Cykes."
"So, I've heard." Scott pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Strom practically had to drag his ass out of bed today."
"Logan." Scott shook his head at the students slowly filing up the classroom.
"What can I say? Not much of a mornin' person, more like a night owl." Remy's lip twitched when he saw both men glare at him unamused. "Guessin' you two ain't either."
"You're here too?!" Jubilee squealed stopping next to them.
"It appears so." He forced a sarcastic smile aimed directly at Logan right before he grunted after being shoved forward by the same man and next to Scott's desk.
"Say hello to Gumbo here, he'll be your new classmate."
Swiftly walking pass them while clutching her books to her chest, Rogue didn't bother to look back at the small crowd as she quickly found her seat and found it pretty easy to avoid starring directly at the guy.
She was determined to have a good day and there was nothing that could ruin it.
"If you need me, I'll be elsewhere." Logan spoke over his shoulder addressing Scott before giving Remy a warning glare.
"Of course you will…." Scott mumbled before turning to address the other students who continued to stare, and whisper having heard they were getting a new student. "Alright everyone calm down and take your seats. I know you've already heard me and…professor Logan talking." He forcibly said always finding those two words odd to say. "That we have a new student."
Turning to look over her shoulder Rogue could practically see Kitty and Jubilee bouncing in their seats while others in the classroom- mainly the female population- continue to giggle and whisper.
"Alright would you like to introduce yourself?" Scott asked knowing that anyone who've had to change school one time or another always had to be put on the spot on their first day and usually felt bad about doing that, but something told him that this guy wasn't like everyone else.
"You mean right now?".
"Yes. Just make it quick."
"D'accord." Nodding he placed one hand behind his back while his other gestured dramatically forward as he bowed. "Don't mind if I do. Name's Remy LeBeau but I usually go by Gambit." Standing back to his full height, his lips curled up to the most seductive of smiles eliciting a few giggles in return. "I'm from de most beautiful place known to men and women N'awlins. And anythin' you all wanna know, dis one be more den happy to answer mes amis."
Rolling her eyes when his eyes suddenly stopped at her, she quickly looked away to stare out the window trying her hardest to ignore all the fanning and early excited girls in the room.
"Alright thank you. Feel free to find a seat." Scott gestured forward as he began writing on the board.
"Any seat I want?" He raised both his brows as Scott turned to him.
"As long as it's empty." He clarified before returning to his work.
"Merci." Bowing, he lazily began walking down the aisle with his hands in his pockets. He smiled whenever he'd see another girl ushering him to an empty seat next to them until he found one a little towards the back.
Clicking her tongue, Rogue began fidgeting in her seat when she realized he had chosen the seat directly behind hers. When she realized Bobby had turned from his seat next to her to watch her reaction, she gave him a tight-lipped smile which he returned before giving a friendly nod to Remy.
As Scott began his lesson for the day, she couldn't help but take a small peek over her shoulder only to jolt upwards in surprise when Remy caught her looking and didn't miss the smug smile he shot her way when she did. She just knew this was going to be a long class and her good mood rapidly began going out the window along with her patience.
-X-
Irritably tapping her pencil against the blank sheet of paper, Rogue continued to listen as Hank McCoy continued on his lecture in Science until she felt another light tap on the back of her seat and decided to ignore it yet again.
It seemed like this whole day he made it his personal mission to annoy her for some reason and she didn't even know him! In every class they had he always made himself comfortable in the seat just behind her even after she discreetly begged Kitty to switch with her. But the other girl reminded her that last time they did they got an earful from Mrs. Danvers that still stuck with them. Besides, Rogue knew that Mr. McCoy wouldn't have a problem with it, but Science was one of the subjects Kitty loved doing along with computers which was why she found the girl constantly sitting in the front eagerly raising her hand to answer questions.
Parting his mouth with the hint of a smile, Remy lightly scoffed when the brunette once again ignored him. He'd been trying to get her attention since this morning but found himself at a loss as to why she was doing her outmost to avoid him, even going as far as to try and switch seats multiple times which he caught.
He was about to give up several times since he wasn't one to go where he wasn't welcomed but anytime he'd catch her sneaking glances his way that just made his resolve to speak to her grown ten-fold and find out why she was so adamant to ignore him.
Pivoting sideways to make sure Mr. McCoy was still busy answering one of Kitty's questions, he began tapping on the legs of her chair again with his foot.
'Breath, just breath...' she continued to tell herself until it became too much and she just snapped, whirling around in her seat she gave him the meanest glare she could muster. "What?!"
Smiling like the cat that swallowed the canary, he enjoyed the way her angry emeralds continued to glare at him. "Apologies but dis one's havin' a hard time keepin' up with what's goin' on. Mind helpin' a homme out?"
Glancing down at his notebook she could vividly see all the organized notes he'd been taking even while bothering her the whole time. "Ah think you're fine."
Following her line of sight he lowly chuckled before leaning forward. "Correct me if I'm wrong here, but do my ears deceive me or are dose de wonderful melodies of the south I'm hearin'?"
Unable to keep the shock from her face at the realization of her slip up, she quickly turned back around to stare at the board, ignoring the sudden pain she felt in her heart from memories back home.
"Guess dat be my lucky day den. Of all de people I could possibly come across in dis place an' here I met one belle femme such as yourself. Makes a poor fool homesick."
Smiling, she began jotting down her notes in an attempt to keep herself busy.
"Dis one could use a personal tour guide in dis big, lonely place you know…" he drawled trailing his eyes across the side of her face until she slightly turned.
She was about to tell him she didn't have time when a couple of girls on the other side of the classroom caught her attention. "Seems to me you have plenty of people willing to help ya."
Furrowing his brows he followed her line of sight until he realized what she meant when he saw a pretty green-haired girl waving.
When she heard Bobby clear his throat, she turned in time to see Mr. McCoy turn to them to find someone to answer his question.
"Anyone?" Glancing around, he fondly smiled when he saw a familiar hand shoot up. "Yes Kitty."
-X-
The bell rang signaling the long-awaited sound that classes were done for the day, and Rogue couldn't make it out of the classroom fast enough after nearly avoiding getting detention from Mr. McCoy of all people. The last few minutes felt like they dragged on forever until she almost screamed in frustration.
After visiting the infirmary, she would make plans in the danger room for a little workout if Logan wasn't busy to get all her anger out which he usually never declined, finding it healthy.
She was just about halfway through the hall when she heard a familiar voice she rather not be ten feet near call out to her.
"Hey!" Jogging to catch up with the furious looking brunette he was surprised when she made a bee line to the door before he even had a chance to talk to her.
When he finally caught up to her while avoiding running into other students with book in hand, he made it a point to stop right in front of her.
"What do you want?" she flatly asked, watching as other students walked on by.
"Well for starters dis one can't help but wonder what I've done to deserve dis kind of treatment from someone such as yourself."
"Well, if you don't know ah can't help you." She bitterly smiled before walking past him.
"I don't even know your name!"
"That's because I didn't give it." She spoke without bothering to turn around.
Watching her storm down the hall he exasperatedly lifted his hand until the book smacked against his tight deciding to give her space since he had an appointment with the doc in the infirmary anyways.
-X-
"Professor!" Logan came barging into the office just as a group of students began walking out. "I'm so close to cutting that little punk into shreds."
"To whomever are you refering to Logan?" The professor warmly smiled as he closed his book. "Although I must implore you to keep all the students in one piece."
"Gambit." Scott answered walking in a few seconds later with Ororo in tow. "During both of my classes he did nothing but cause trouble."
"Same here." Logan scoffed remembering the way he distracted some of the students during their outdoor run.
"He even told me that he didn't need any homework because he's going to be sick tomorrow." Scott stopped short of the professor's desk as he placed his hands on it. "Who does that?! Not to mention he made the French teacher upset by constantly correcting her and then offering to teach the class!"
Lightly Chuckling from standing next to the door Logan didn't miss the unamused expression Scott shot his way.
"That's not funny Logan."
"Look, I'll have a word with him ok." Ororo reassured them. "Just after his check up with Hank."
"He's in the infirmary?" Logan quirked a brow.
-X-
Was she upset? No not really. Was she tired and annoyed? Quite possibly. She had hoped that once the bell rang, she wouldn't have to see his face again. Yet here she was shocked to find him already waiting downstairs along with Hank once she left her room.
"Ah Rogue, so nice of you to join us. Come have a seat." Hank gestured her in.
With a forced smile she did what was asked, still refusing to look at him but given the way he tensed up when she arrived, she knew she wasn't the only one surprised. "What is it Mr. McCoy?"
"Just doing our daily checkup for one of my favorite patients." Hank smiled down at Remy who sat patiently waiting on the infirmary bed before gesturing for Rogue to grab some of the equipment. "So, may I ask how you've been feeling? How's your first day?"
"Can't complain." He halfway shrugged until she returned carrying a tray. "Although could be better."
Clearing her throat in a clear sign of irritation, she turned to Hank next. "Is there anything else you need from me Mr. McCoy?"
"Oh my apologies, if there's some place you need to be, please don't let me keep you." he gestured towards the door.
Guilt hit her like a freight train knowing he was only offering his expertise in teaching her about how to care for patients since they rarely had anyone coming down here nowadays- which was good of course. But now that they had a life person it would only make sense that he'd be the one to practice on.
'But why did it have to be him?!' she inwardly screamed. "No, it's fine." She genuinely smiled at Hank which in turn made his eyes wrinkle when he did that same and began to sit on his computer.
"Thank you Rogue." Putting on his glasses he began to wheel himself closer to the computer. "If you would be so kind as to remove your shirt Mr. LeBeau-"
"Say what now?!" Rogue blurts out as soon as she stopped in front of a smug looking Remy.
"For his injuries my dear." Hank briefly looked back over his shoulder.
"Oh." Nodding Rogue quickly took a step further back to allow him as much privacy as she could in a room without walls hoping both men didn't notice the red growing on her face.
Removing his coat, he laid it on the side of the bed before raising the hem of his black shirt but stopped. "Hey nurse, dis one might need some help."
Pursing her lips together she met Remy's mischievous smile with an icy cold stare of her own. "Ah believe you'll be fine."
"Are you in any discomfort?" Hank curiously asked as he turned around.
"Maybe." His lips lifted up in a seductive smirk.
"Ah think he can do that just fine Mr. McCoy." Rogue said to the doctor before strongly narrowing her eyes at the cocky cajun. "Otherwise, he might need more medical attention than we'd be able to provide him here, wouldn't you think?"
Smiling down at himself he began to lift the shirt off until it lay next to his coat on the bed. He had to give it to the girl, she wasn't one to accept any of his advances- but hey that never stopped him before. Boredly looking around the medical office he remembered how many books still remained on the shelves lining the wall. Rolling his right shoulder that was still bandaged he gave a barely noticeable squint before turning to glance at her.
Her eyes glazed over as soon as she saw the black fabric lifting up to reveal the same well-built muscles and chiseled abs she only gawked at just the other day and that her fingers ached to touch. As much as she didn't want to, she couldn't deny the way his body moved until the shirt was completely discarded or even control the way her mouth slightly parted.
Gripping the tray tighter when she felt herself almost dropping the metal thing, she was just as quickly brought back to reality once she heard a low chuckle nearby.
"What's wrong Chere? See something you like?"
Blinking once, twice she tried and failed to hide the flustered expression on her face as the traitorous blush slowly creeped its way all the way up to her cheeks and remembering why she didn't like this guy in the first place, instantly bringing her back to their first meeting in this same room.
"Now if you don't mind answering some questions just so we know that everything's healing the way it should, then you'll be on you'll be on your way." Hank's voice cut in.
"Dat I can do." he nodded.
"Rogue, if you would." Hank saw her timidly nod as she began rummaging through one of the cabinets to pull out some gloves.
Thankful that he reverted his gaze to Hank, she could now see the calm and relaxed posture he held as sat on the bed with one hand on his thigh.
"Has there been any changes since the last time you came in?"
"Non."
"Any symptoms that have developed or discomfort in your shoulder?"
"Nope. Never felt better doc." Remy waved his hand around.
"Allergies or medications we should be aware of?"
When Hank saw him shake his head, he continued to type on the computer. "Any um…any changes in other aspect of your life?" Hank carefully worded which Remy quickly caught on, but it seemed Rogue was too busy making sure she had everything she needed to listen to their conversation.
"I can assure you sir everythin' in tip top shape here."
With deep calm breaths she began to turn hoping they didn't notice her eavesdropping in on their conversation while staying clear of looking directly at him.
"And other than smoking, do you also indulge in alcohol?"
Wrinkling her nose in disgust she carefully began pulling on the plastic gloves.
"I believe I enjoy de occasionally drink here or dere." He answered as his eyes followed her every movement, from the way her nose crinkled to the way her timid gloved fingers placed the cuff around his arm and firmly tightened it in place to monitor his blood pressure. "Knew you couldn't resist touching dis one."
Watching as the cuff deflated, she roughly removed the cuff from around his arm making it a point to briefly glare at him before placing it aside and jotting it down notes on the small clip port she had.
"You don't like dis one very much, do you?"
"Whatever gave you that idea?" Her hard tone made his smile grow.
"Call it a hunch."
"Call it what you like. Ah don't care about you enough to care." Placing the Stethoscope in her ear she quickly began to listen to his heart and pressed her lips together from responding with a smile when he flinch at the contact before he once again relaxed.
Her eyes remained trained on the spot on the right side of his chest and continuing to move along the left as he silently continued watching her in a way that made her nervously find herself meeting his gaze. She couldn't figure out what he was thinking but something in the way he was simply staring at her let her know there was burning intensity hidden behind those sunglasses.
"What's with the glasses?" she quietly asked, keeping her eyes on him.
"Sensitive eyes Chere."
His voice held so much pain. Pain she wasn't even sure that she heard when he masked it behind his usually cocky expression as if it were never even there to begin with. "Ah suppose that explains the other day."
Slowly nodding he silently watched her begin carefully working on removing the bandage around his shoulder.
"Look…I t'ink we got off on de wrong foot here." He said letting his eyes trail between his shoulder then back to her remembering how mad she looked when they first met here. "An' I don't t'ink we've properly met."
"Ah know who you are." She raised a pointed brow. "You're Ms. Munroe's friend."
"Dat I am. But what kinda gentleman would I be if I didn't properly introduce myself." He lowly chuckled before swiftly grabbing her hand in his. "Names Remy LeBeau, at your service Chere."
Parting her mouth in a silent gasp, she watched with wide shocked eyes as he leaned down while still maintaining eye contact, his lips only briefly brushed against her gloved knuckles before she snatched it away. "Thought it was Gambit."
"Not to you."
Scoffing, she quickly continued to remove the bandage least she continued to look like a flustered idiot in front of the one guy she really didn't want to be this close to.
"Mississippi if I ain't mistaken." He carefully watched her, sensing the same discomfort from before. Even without his empathy he could tell something was hurting this girl, and that something was what was keeping her from bringing her true self to the forefront. Or maybe he was just wrong, after all he didn't really know this girl so who was he to guess.
"That you'd be right to assume Swap Rat." She impressively hummed. During her whole stay here, she had worked on trying to make that part of her life fade away no matter how hard it was. The life she left behind wasn't one she was fond of leaving, but it was better than remembering all the people she had hurt along the way and the people she left behind. And therefore, slowly she began trying to face out her accent during all her time here. But when being caught off guard by someone from around the same neck of the woods she couldn't help but find relief in it instead and was surprised that a complete stranger had still caught it.
"So would dat make you my little River Rat den?" He playfully winked in a way that made her give an amused smile in return and he took that as any win on a good day.
"Now you're assuming too much."
"Nothin' wrong with dat Chere." He gave her a lopsided smile which automatically made her eyes wander back down to his shoulder.
"This doesn't mean were friends." She clarified. "I still don't like ya."
"Thing's change Chere." He saw her finally remove the bandage. "T'ink dis will too."
Shaking her head, her smile slowly faded once she laid eyes on what remained of his wound.
"Oh my word…" Hank quietly gasped as he sat up from his chair to examine the wound up close.
Forgetting that the doctor was there Rogue quickly stepped aside to watch him lean in closer.
"This is simply remarkable!" Excitingly staring between the two Hank reiterated what he found so fascinating. "It seems my dear boy, that your body is healing at an extraordinary rate. The wound you have sustained has almost healed completely- well it will in a couple of days at least if my calculations are correct Whereas a wound such as this could longer sometimes weeks to heal."
"What can I say, never been one to stay in hospital beds too long." He shrugged off, never fond of going further into his life than was absolutely necessary.
"Fascinating." Hank remarked before leaning away and walking back over to the computer.
"How did you get this?" She said barely above a whisper and began to gently clean it. When realizing he wasn't going to answer her, she looked up to see him avert his eyes towards the opposite wall.
"Slight tussel is all." He offered and instead decided to change the subject as she began patching him back up. "You know you never really told me your name."
"And what makes you think I'll give it?" she raised a challenging brow.
"Only common courtesy dat once a homme gives you his name, dat he should get yours in return non? Or have you lost dat southern charm we're so famous for."
"Fair enough." Suppressing a smile she nodded in agreement. "Rogue."
"Dat your real name Chere?" he quirked an eyebrow.
"It's Rogue." She repeated and made an extra effort to lightly tap on the bandage when she was done.
He thought it over realizing she wasn't going to offer any more than that. "Guessing de name suits de lady in question. So, Rogue it is." He nodded. "Pleasure to meet you Rogue."
"Likewise Gambit."
"Remy." he insisted with a raised finger.
"Gambit." She smiled before disposing of the plastic gloves while he began putting his shirt back on.
Part of her wanted to protest but she quickly shook that thought away reminding herself she wasn't some hormonal deviant.
"Alright seems everything checks out fine. Please make sure to come by again tomorrow if you could."
"Sure doc." He finished putting on his trench coat next and his smile turned into a sly one. "Will my nurse be here too-Oof!" Grunting, he rubbed his stomach when the back of her hand lightly smacked him.
"Don't go holdin' your breath Cajun."
"Was worth a shot non?"