As the ongoing shuffling in the room continued to invade his ears he tiredly groaned as he blinked away the fog and found himself laying on his stomach. Rubbing a hand through his face, he squinted his eyes at the blinding light coming from the opened curtains before turning to see what all that noise was.
He knew where he was since he made sure that his feet led him back to the hotel room he shared with Rogue instead of waking up somewhere he rather not think about right now.
"You're awake."
Raising his groggy head, he found Rogue standing at the foot of the bed with her arms folder over her chest and an emotionless expression on her face which made it hard to decipher if she was still mad or not.
Out of reflex he quickly jolted back until the headboard smacked him in the back of his head, but he ignored the pain, raising his hands just in case she decided to shower him with cold water again.
"And alive." She added raising an eyebrow.
"'fraid so Chere. So long as you don't got 'nother bucket of water close by." He tiredly croaked as he reached for the glass of water beside the bed. He wasn't too hung over since he knew when to stop before he'd feel the complete after effects of drinking, but that didn't stop the uncomfortable dryness in his throat anytime he swallowed.
Raising the glass to his mouth he briefly stopped when his eyes met her cold ones and couldn't help but look down at it before giving it a small sniff.
"It's not poisoned if that's what you think." She irritatingly answered but felt her lip raise at how skittish he seemed to be around her right now.
"Can't blame a fella fo' bein' cautious." He said before gulping down the whole glass "Merci."
"Which is more then what you deserve."
Ok so she may still mad.
"Je suis vraiment désolé Rogue." He allowed his hands to fall back down as he contemplated his next words. "I never meant to…" What was he supposed to say? That that was the reason why he wasn't counting on her coming with? That it would only make things harder when he told her the whole reason for this trip. He had already made sure Forge had his number in case there was a breakthrough with finally sending him home. But until that day happened, the best thing for everyone would be for him to stay here. And as far away from her as he could.
Ororo would eventually understand, and he was sure she wouldn't mind coming to visit him. But the thought of spending another day locked up in the mansion just made his skin itch. And as much as he tried, he couldn't understand how someone like Logan did it when he himself could never just stay put.
He understood what the X-men were doing and found it quite admirable, but that wasn't him. He was outside the law while they did everything to defend it. And once he was back in his time they'd just as quickly forget about him the way he had no choice but to also do.
He already stayed here longer than he needed to and, in the process, found himself drifting further and further towards something he shouldn't. Just knowing that if he did…that if he allows himself to, then there would be no coming back from it.
Rogue had her life already. A life with someone who could give her what she needed, not someone who would just leave her whenever his time was up. And that was one of the things he shouldn't even have to think about.
"I'm sorry Chere." He apologized again. "Just one day is all I ask."
"You're unbelievable." She narrowed eyes. "And you're a lousy liar."
"So are you." He gave her a small smile. "So, it seems we're perfect for each other."
Parting her mouth, she was thankful when her phone suddenly rang, and she didn't hesitate to answer.
"Hello?"
"Rogue!" Kitty's voice made Rogue smile when she heard the excitement in her tone. "We're not interrupting right?"
"We?"
"Yes, Jubilee's here too."
"Hey Rogue!" Jubilee's voice could be heard close to the receiver.
"Jubilee that was my ear!" Kitty yelped and then all Rogue could hear was the two of them arguing.
Using this time while both girls were distracted, she placed her finger to her lips to silence Remy before turning towards the window.
"Hey guys, what's going on?"
"Nothing much, but I made sure to take plenty of notes for you while you're away and I've got all your assignments from our classes ready for when you come back."
"Of course you do." Jubilee laughed.
"It's what I do!" Kitty tried to defend herself but knew it would only get her nowhere. "Nothing wrong with being prepared."
"Thanks Kitty." Rogue smiled. Despite her not looking forward to the growing pile of schoolwork, she could appreciate that her friends were at least looking out for her.
"You already filled some of them out, didn't you?" Jubilee asked and Rogue could tell it was directed at Kitty.
"Just a little bit." Kitty shyly admitted. "I couldn't help myself!"
"Oh, please don't apologize." Rogue laughed as she looked over her shoulder to see Remy still in bed eyeing her with immense curiosity. "And you know what Kitty, be my guest." She heard both girls laugh just as Remy yawned and stretched his arms out before shoving the covers aside and swinging his legs off the bed.
Luckily she turned back towards the window since she really didn't wanna see if what he said about sleeping naked was true and that he perhaps was going bottomless.
"So, when are you coming back?"
"Hopefully soon." Rogue said ignoring his slow approaching steps as he kneaded his shoulder from sleeping wrong. "How's everyone?"
"Good if you're not counting Logan and Bobby of course. Ms. Munroe has had her hands full with both of them and the Professor has been locked downstairs with Cerebro all day long." Kitty's concerned tone told Rogue that she wasn't the only one.
"Hope everything's fine." Rogue worriedly frowned.
"Oh you know it never is." Jubilee answered. "When have we ever been that lucky?"
Smiling Rogue found herself missing all her friends back in school and just hoped that indeed everything was fine and that she had nothing to worry about.
"Anyways make sure you come home soon since it's not the same without you." Jubilee said.
She was about to tell them that she missed them too and that they would hear from her soon until she felt Remy stop dangerously close behind her, making her momentarily close her eyes to try and suppress the familiar pleasant shiver running up and down her spine.
"Chere, I'm tired…come back to bed." His voice was a sensual caress, a sweet velvety whisper that sent shivers dancing along her skin. He allowed his nose to be an inch from her neck where he could smell the strawberry scented shampoo still lingering in her hair.
"WHAT?!" Both Kitty and Jubilee shouted.
"He's joking." She shot him a furious look that told him he would pay for it later as she moved further away which only made his smile slowly widen. She was just glad it wasn't Bobby on the other end otherwise she would never hear the end of it.
"Bonjour petites!" He said a little louder so they could hear.
So, he knew who she'd been talking to after all she confirmed. "Just ignore him."
"Hey, no judgments here Rogue." Jubilee's smile could be heard through the phone. "I'd only judge you if you didn't do anything."
"Bobby." Both Kitty and Rogue said in unison.
"Oh yeah! Ok yeah don't do anything…yet." Jubilee quietly added receiving a small shake of her head from Kitty. "What?"
When Rogue finished her call, she whipped around to see him leaning back with his hands on the small table behind her. "You were just dyin' to say somethin' like that."
"Perhaps." He mused out loud. "So how 'bout it Rogue? One more day is all I ask, two tops." When he saw her reluctance, he couldn't stop the playfulness in his smile finding the way she chewed on her lip to be cute. "I'll even let you keep insultin' me an' allow you to come with, how's dat?"
A little blush appeared on her cheeks when she saw the way his brows shot up and his boyish grin made her resolve slowly dissipate. "Ah'll consider it."
"Sounds fair." He raised his chin to regard her for a moment longer before walking towards the bathroom.
"Where are we goin' anyways?" she asked rubbing her temple at the slow headache approaching.
"Gotta meet someone at dis place." He casually shrugged.
"No." she adamantly shook her head. There was no way she was about to go to another one of his stupid strip clubs.
"Come on, it be fun." He gave her the biggest puppy dog eyes he could which only made her calmly take a deep breath to try and not kill him. "Have Ah told you how infuriating you are?" she asked as he entered the bathroom.
"Not today." He lightly chuckled as he began washing his face. "But I take dat as a compliment. Meanin' you're t'inkin' about me.
"Take that whichever way you want." She shook her head as she walked back over to the bed and allowed him his privacy.
"Dat reminds me. Be ready to check out of de room."
"Huh?" Turning her head, she saw him leaning against the door frame as he held his toothbrush. "Why?"
"Didn't I tell you?"
"No you didn't." she frustratingly folded her arms. She should've known better than to trust him. "Why do we need to change hotels Gambit?"
"Trust me, it's better dis way." He spoke over his shoulder as he disappeared again. Did he know that that answer would infuriate her? Yes, but he couldn't necessarily tell her that that growing sense of danger continued to nag at the back of his head, and the best way to avoid any unwelcome situations was to keep moving.
The only thing he would succeed in doing if he told her this would be that she'd instantly want to contact the x-men and head back, which honestly he'd understand. But leaving now would only allow him to miss an opportunity to find out exactly what he'd missed since he'd been gone as well as any possible leads to what happened to his family.
Another reason why he was hesitant in telling her was that the thought of her leaving…brought forth an unpleasant feeling of desertion, loneliness and something that he rather not think about.
The thought of being away from Rogue as well as being too close continued to make his head and heart fight an internal war that neither was prepared to lose. It continued to make him question every decision he made, question his sanity and question every part of him that made him him.
There was no room for mistakes, no room for anyone to distract him more than he already was. He had a clear goal, find a way to get home while dodging any lackeys Nathaniel Essex sent his way and get back to his time. Back to where he belonged.
And Rogue unknowingly seemed to pull him in another direction. One he could never see himself going. One that allowed him to feel things for the girl he long had wanted since he saw her by the window.
So when they were all packed up and driving away from the hotel, he couldn't stop himself from stealing small glances when she still hadn't spoken two words after he told them they needed to leave.
"Do we have water?"
"No." she quickly snapped which made him turn to her.
"Anythin' to eat?"
"No."
He frustratingly ran his hand through his hair. "Do we have anymore snacks left?"
"Nope." She smugly said. "We might have if ya didn't blow it all on booze."
He looked like he wanted to argue further but decided against it knowing she was just taking out her frustration on him and for good reasons he supposed. "Can't fault dis one fo' doin' what needed to be done." He simply said as memories of her dancing flashed into his mind. "'sides, it was de only way I'd make it back to de room an' sleep without…"
"Without what?" she innocently looked back.
Clearly this woman had no idea how much her little unexpected number impacted him. "Would you really like me to answer dat Chere?"
Furrowing her brows she was about to tell him yes but based on her history with him, she thought better of it when she saw the small mischievous smirk edging its way along his face. "Ah think Ah'll pass."
"Good choice." He slowly nodded, allowing the silence to drag on for some time while they looked around for any vacant hotel rooms. "Regardless of what you might think of me Chere…I'm glad you came."
The sincerity in his voice had her staring at him as if what she heard was only in her imagination. But when he briefly shot her a small smile that seemed to only enhance the sadness in his red on black eyes, she couldn't stop herself from looking out the window and forcing herself not to want to smile in appreciation of what that meant to her.
-X-
As the sky darkened to make room for the blanket of stars, the city at night came alive like it always did with lights that sparkled like a jeweled necklace adorning the neck of the world outside. Rogue found herself staring at the girl in the mirror as she placed her hair back in a high ponytail. That way she wouldn't have to worry about it much during the night and keep those stubborn curls from running wild.
After finding a hotel Remy had told her they were to leave soon, but of course didn't bother to tell her exactly where they were going except that she wouldn't need to worry about going through the back way again -which she was at least grateful for. So she decided to complete her look with a plain black form fitting short skirt and white long sleeved V neck shirt.
She wasn't out to meet or impress anybody, but unlike last time she wanted to at least be dressed for any occasion, especially if she was to go home soon -hopefully with an arrogant Cajun in tow.
He had mentioned that since this hotel only had room for one night, that they'd have to be up early to find another which she found really annoying. What was the deal with just staying put until it was time to leave anyways?
"Rogue if you ain't comin' out, I'm leavin' without you." He smiled as he placed the keys in his trench coat and the bathroom door timidly creaked open. "How's 'bout I give you to de count of five to-" any snarky remark went out the window when he saw her briskly walk on over to her bed where her duffle bag still lay on the floor next to it.
"Can't you let a gal get ready without ever wantin' to tear the door down?" she scoffed, leaning forward to bend and pick up her back before quickly placing all her items she had just used back inside and searching for her gloves and black pantyhose. She wasn't sure at first whether she wanted to wear them considering how hot she might be, but when she didn't hear another peep out of him, she paused to quizzically look over her shoulder.
She turned just in time to see him swiftly avert his eyes with a sly smile on his face.
"Kinda make it hard not to Chere." He honestly answered letting his eyes bounce around the room instead.
"Were…were you lookin' at my butt Swamp rat?" Placing her hands on her hips she didn't know why that suddenly made her want to tease him instead of feeling embarrassed.
With a disbelieving laugh he met her head on as he looked back. "What if I did?"
Instead of giving him the pleasure of watching her squirm she quickly made up her mind, grabbed the black pantyhose and stomped her way back to the bathroom.
What the hell did she expect him to do when she practically walked out dressed like that? Only to bend down, making him momentarily short circuit and black out. Dangling her tempting body like forbidden fruit to a starving man was not his idea of starting the night of great.
Didn't she know that if he only tilted his head just the right way, he could have had a rather delicious view of her- Groaning he silently turned towards the window, squeezed his eyes shut and placed his hands on his head.
Just a few more days, that's all he had to keep thinking about to remind himself that after that he wouldn't have to be forced to be in such close proximity with her unless he wanted to. Even in the mansion there could be plenty of other girls that could help pass the time.
But until then, all he had to do was keep his shit in his pants and keep his hormones in check least Logan starts what he promised he would.
-X-
"Are you sure this is the place?" She anxiously whispered as she wrapped her arms around herself.
"Don't worry it is." He briefly looked over his shoulder to shot her a playful while standing in line.
She seemed unconvinced but nevertheless followed him anyway, which only made his smile grow. He knew she'd eventually come around so maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to have her come along after all. Maybe it'll help with her obvious insecurities, help loosen her up some and allow her a moment to relax instead of fighting with whatever was going on in that mind of hers. He knew firsthand that bottling things up never amounted to anything good, so while they were here he may as well help her along the way too.
But first he'd have to make sure she was ok with it.
"So how 'bout it Chere? Last chance to back out." He saw her timidly looking back at the long line of people waiting to get into the club.
"Who said Ah'm backin' out?" she shot him a defiant glare before. "Ah'm more worried about you cuttin' in line." She heard him exhaustively sigh again after she continued to complain about it. That didn't change the fact that she could feel everyone behind them shooting daggers to the back of their head. After all who knew how long they'd been standing in life for.
"Sometimes you just take de fun out of things." He quickly pulled her next to him before adding. "Allow me to correct dat when I get back."
"Say what now?" When he briskly walked away leaving her standing there alone, she anxiously rubbed her hands up and down her arms trying her hardest to ignore the hated stares aimed solely at her. "Ah'm goin' to kill him."
When it was finally her turn in life she nervously gulped before forcing a friendly smile. "Hi."
"Name?" the woman in front asked as she looked her up and down before disinterestedly looking back to the clip board she held next to a rather burly man who kept his stern gaze on Rogue, ready to throw her out if the need shall arise.
"Oh um Ah'm not on the list." She quickly admitted.
"Well, it's a hundred-dollar entrance fee." The woman impatiently snapped, taking far too much pleasure in announcing that as she purses her lips, giving Rogue another slow once over.
"Just to get in?!" Did she hear this woman right? Who in their right mind would pay that much just to get into a measly club?!
"Yup sorry." The woman smiled with an excessively sweet voice that had Rogue seriously fighting to remove it. "Now if you don't mind-"
"Actually, Ah do mind." Rogue angrily snapped back. "Ah mean what kind of stupid snot nose club charges-"
"Dere you are Chere!" Before Rogue could say anything else that would surely get her kicked out of this place before she even got in, she felt Remy jog over before wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her towards him. She didn't mean to flinch, but she hadn't expected him to do something like this or even run off in the first place. She tried getting out of his hold, but his grip only tightened as he remained smiling at the other two. "Thought I almost lost you."
"What are ya playin' at Swamp Rat?" she whispered between clenched teeth as she twisted to face him.
"Tell ya later." He smiled down at her before turning back to the Woman and bouncer. The confused look on Rogues face had him seriously doubting now whether they would let them in or not. Worst case scenario he'd just have to find another way inside. "Je suis désolé to keep you waitin', didn't want to go in without de most beautiful woman in de world on my arm tonight."
Snorting Rogue felt the blush staining her cheeks by the compliment but couldn't possibly understand why he thought that lie would even work-
"Wait you're with him?" The frown on the woman's face was priceless and made Remy's smile only widen as he tightened his hold on Rogues' shoulder even as she tried pulling away.
"Actually, I'm with her. She allowed me de pleasure to accompany her tonight." This time the blinding smile Rogue gave him just about robbed him of his breath, momentarily forgetting what he was supposed to do.
"Remy?" Rogue watched him take a moment longer to reply before turning to the woman again and slipping her the money.
The bouncer tilted his chin upwards as recognition flickered in his dark eyes when he heard his name. "…Gambit."
"So you know who I am." He thoughtfully squinted his eyes trying to see if he could recall ever seeing this man before.
"Got quite de reputation 'round here Gambit." The bounder nodded as he looked around.
"Do I know you?"
"I should hope so." The man deeply chuckled as he shook his head. "Made quite de impact on my little sister."
"Unbelievable…" Rogue disapprovingly whispered under her breath when he opened his mouth to respond, but instead of listening to his explanations she moved around the woman to where the bouncer gestured to another man already waiting. She'd seen others walk on over here, so she didn't think anything much by it.
"Alright miss, spread dem."
"Excuse me?!" she sputtered, rapidly blinking back at the man. Has everyone lost their minds around here?!
"He means dey need to check an' make sure you ain't hidin' anythin'." Remy answered.
"A pat down." The bouncers entertainingly smiled, turning his head just enough to give her a reassuring smile. "It's regulation to enter de club."
"You're kiddin' me?" her mouth dropped open as she turned to look at Remy.
"'fraid not Chere."
The apologetic smile he gave her did nothing but fuel her annoyance. First, he ran off to God knows where, then she had to face the snobby woman who deemed her unworthy to enter these doors only to have to pay 200 dollars to get in and be patted down like some kind of criminal. Didn't they know that compared to Remy whom apparently had earned his name in ways she rather not want to understand, she was nothing but a saint. Yet they didn't seem to be in a hurry to pat him down!
Sighing heavily, he must've picked up on her irritation when he looked back at the bouncer who only nodded as if they had a silent conversation she didn't know about.
"Here Chere, allow me." Remy said as he moved closer.
"Oh no nononono." She frantically shook her head as she took a good step back. "Forget it."
"You're blocking the line." The woman spoke over her shoulder, and it made Rogue take a step closer to her before Remy grabbed her attention again.
"Rogue."
"Listen, ain't nobody gettin' in without bein' frisked first." The bouncer said a little more firm now.
"Look Rogue you can either let me do it or… him." Remy nodded his head to the same man that was waiting before. "Either way we're not gettin' in unless you get patted down."
Oh she was SO tempted to wipe that arrogant smile off his face when she finally took a good look at the scrawny man waiting.
Remy's eyes darted between them like he knew what the easy answer would be and just daring her to try otherwise.
"You know what? Ah think Ah'll take my chances with him." Squaring her shoulders, she made to move forward and without even batting an eye Remy extended his arm and briskly stepped aside to allow her to see just who would have the pleasure to get their slimy hands on her.
Stubbornly looking at the scrawnier man she tried to not let her disgust show as he grinned at her showing of a set of imperfectly yellow and black teeth. "Hi, what's your name?"
"Bérenger Guillhaume Descoteaux."
Blankly blinking back, she only gave a curt nod. "Ok Ah'll call you Bob."
"But it's Bérenger." He frowned as she reluctantly turned around to face an overly cocky Cajun.
"Fine." She groaned, swallowing up her pride and dragged her feet back to where Remy was already leaning against a small white table unfolding his arms and patting his hand on it in a playful manner.
"Ya'll are just lovin' this ain'tcha."
He watched her slowly turn as she nervously swallowed and placed her hands on the table in front of her.
"Au contraire, don't like dis anymore den you do trust me." He mumbled as he slowly made to walk around her, only stopping when he was directly behind her.
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
He couldn't help but noticed the offended tone in her voice which only made him curiously smile.
"Can't believe had to pay all that money for this." She frustratingly grumbled.
"Trust me Chere, you ain't de first one to want to pay good money to get my hands on dem."
Oh she could definitely hear the humor in his voice, but she didn't dare turn around. "Goin' back to that whole male escort thing…"
"Now now Chere I ain't ever said I accepted deir offer now, did I?" he leaned slightly closer so only she could hear. "'Sides…you ain't ever need to pay me Rogue. All you've gotta do is ask..."
"That'll never happen." She nervously swallowed while closing her eyes.
The sound of her yelping and jumping in surprise as soon as his hands landed on her hips startled some of the other people waiting in line. She shot him a warning glare that only made him raise his brows in amusement. "Relax."
"Ah'll relax when Ah know you'll keep your hands to yourself." She muttered, taking a deep calm breath.
"Now Chere, dis one can be professional."
He knew that what she had said before still rang true, that she didn't fully trust him yet, which he couldn't fault her for since it was the smartest move on her part. But he couldn't help but feel pleased that she felt better about him being the one to do this rather than someone else. So there had to be some part of her that had trusted him enough for him to do so.
Some part of her that felt comfortable enough with him.
"Spread your feet apart." He murmured and it only made it harder for her to breathe.
"No." she said knowing that he only meant to check every possible way she could be hiding a weapon. But the way he said it made it seem rather dirty than professional, and it only made her heart beat faster.
"Rogue.
"Somethin' tells me you've done this before."
"Part of de job." He answered as his eyes took in the way she hesitantly moved her legs a little further apart. "Can never be too sure 'bout people." He couldn't stop his eyes from lingering on her thighs despite them being covered. They were thick and toned from all her years training as an x-men, and that only made it harder to think straight.
As he began patting her down, she was quite impressed with how his hands moved with meticulous precision.
"Got that right." She grumbled and it only made his eyes snap up at her.
He kneeled down, lightly patting her ankles and she couldn't help but blush at the thought how his face must've probably been in clear view of her ass right now. And the thought made her shudder as his patting became softer and intoxicating as his slow caress moved up her legs and towards her thighs in a way that made her close her eyes to suppress a small whimper until something made him swiftly pull his hands away and stand upright.
"Could you hurry up and get on with it?" she impatiently asked, thankful he couldn't see how flustered she really was.
"See Chere, all done." He tilted his head as she quickly turned around. He took a long thoughtful look at her before flicking his eyes to the bouncer who now held the door open for them.
"Finally." She breathed out briskly walking past him and into the club, trying to erase any lingering feelings about where Remy's hands had been, including the remaining tingling in her skin. She was just glad she had the decency to cover up as much skin as she could before coming here. "What are we doing here anyway?" she shouted over the loud music as her eyes bounced around the place.
Something about how crowded the place was even from the outside made her question whether she should be here or not. What if something went wrong?
"Got business here." He shouted back. "So I guess you owe me again."
"Owe you for what exactly?" She shouted back in order to be heard over the music and watched the way his lips turned up into a lopsided smirk.
If truth be told, he had to force himself to remove his hands from her tempting body otherwise he would've lost his mind and taken her right back to the hotel, and neither of them could effort that right now. Not when he had things to do.
The instant they stepped into the club Rogue could've sworn that if the music stopped and she stayed very very quiet, she would be able to hear the sound of various panties drop because of the man next to her. "Just great..." She muttered as she began pushing her way through the crowd trying to be as far away from him as possible. "Ah'll be elsewhere."
"Wait hang on!" he quickly made to follow her until he managed to make her stop by stepping in front of her. "Thought you wanted a night out?"
"Ah do, but unlike you Ah rather not be the center of attention."
"Kinda late for dat non?" he smirked in that seductive way that made her want to look elsewhere.
"No thanks. Ah rather not be the gal at the receivin' end of all the nasty looks." When she finally turned back to face him, she was startled to see the perplexed expression on his face. "Look Ah'll just be somewhere else and meet ya back at the hotel." She shrugged, turning to walk away until she felt him grab her gloved hand and pull her right back.
"You ain't got nothin' to worry 'bout Rogue. I told you dis is a business meetin' dats all."
"Ah don't mind." she began tugging her hand back but stopped when he pulled her closer.
"You really t'ink I'm 'bout to let you wander alone in dis place? Non Chere. Stay close."
"What Ah-" she began to argue against it, but it seemed to be useless as he briskly pulled her along with him and towards the bar which was when she felt a few heads turn as they passed.
"Messieurs, I suggest keepin' your eyes to yourself if I were you." Remy voice turned cold as he looked to his left, which made her curious to see what he was looking at that had him suddenly tightening his hold on her hand, but stopped when she decided it was best not to fall flat on her face first as he continued walking until they reached the bar.
"What was that?"
"Nothin'." He continued glaring over his shoulder before leaning over the bar to talk to the bartender there. "Is she here by any chance?" He shouted over the blaring music just as the bartender nodded.
"Alright, you had your man handlin' moment for tonight. Satisfied?" she frustratingly removed her hand from his grip. "Now if you'll excuse me…"
When he still made no attempt to let her leave, she exasperatedly exhaled. "Don't you've got some gals to sweet talk or somethin?"
"Now Chere, why would I want to be anywhere else but here with you?"
"That was suspiciously smooth." She raised an unimpressed brow. "Can't believe people actually fall for it."
"Things have a way of workin' out fo' me I s'pose." He explains as he orders them two drinks.
"Do they now? Must be nice." She takes it reluctantly between my fingers as her eyes stray over at the crowd before stopping to a few girls already eyeing him like he was their catch of the day. "Think you have an audience."
Following to where she tilted her head, he only gave a faint nod in return with one of his charming smiles, used to the regular attention he was getting. "Show off." She laughed to herself, taking a sip of her drink which surprisingly wasn't too bad. "You probably have a dozen of those napkins with numbers on them stuffed away in your drawer somewhere." She waved her hand remembering the ones he'd already received just on their way driving here.
She was definitely wrong in assuming that, but he decided to let it be and instead took this moment to look around to hopefully find what he was looking for.
While he was busy, she took this time to give him a quick sweep of her eye. Even with clothes on the obvious fact that he had a very well built, almost frighteningly perfect physique couldn't be concealed even if he tried. He wore a dark purple buttoned shirt that clung to his sculpted chest perfectly with just the top few buttons undone. The sight of him made her raise the glass to her lips again after suddenly finding herself parched.
This guy was like any woman's fantasy on legs. Their naughtiest daydream come to true. These girls knew it- hell she even knew it. And she couldn't help but think that Jubilee perhaps was right. This man was the embodiment of allure, something she knew was dangerous territory and would never allow herself to get close to.
"Now dis be de part where you compliment me." He secretly smiled before looking back at her.
He loved the way he caught her off guard before she half chuckled at his remark. The sound itself was pleasant to his ears, like warm honey…and the way her eyes shined with laughter made him want to stay here and watch her for the rest of the night. But instead, he knew he had other matters to attend to soon.
"Well, you do clean up nice Swamp Rat." She admitted since there was no hiding that he knew she'd been checking him out. But in her defense, it wasn't her fault that he was practically walking around like; 'Hello, I'm your secret fantasy walking around like some delicious treat.'
"I'll take dat compliment." He chuckled and the sound of it made her smile into her drink. Just as couple of men walk by them, he sucked in a breath through his teeth when he caught one of them staring. "Hate to say it Chere, but tonight you may be de most exquisite femme here."
"May be?" she raised a teasing brow which made the corner of his lips raise before he averted his eyes and began scanning the crowd again.
It was another few minutes before he snuck another glance at her, watching the way her hair bounced back and forth as she lightly bobbed her head to the music, the way her eyes continued to shine brighter after every song and the excited smile she briefly allowed herself to show made something inside him stir. Something he long thought wasn't possible anymore. Not after Bella Donna…
With an unsure smile he briefly looked down before feeling Rogue playfully nudge him when she felt him being unusually quiet. Tapping the side of his glass he leaned sideways so she could hear him. "I did mean what I said earlier Chere. You do look beautiful."
Meeting his gaze, she could see him staring at her for longer than he needed to before she nervously smiled and had to look away. "Thanks." She timidly said before raising the drink to her mouth.
"Ring and I come" A woman's booming voice echoed around them as she exited the back of the bar with her arms dramatically outstretched. She was gorgeous with long black hair that lay flat past her hips and eyes to match.
He stopped whatever he was about to say next as they both turned to look at her.
"Does my eyes deceive me or is that an order of one Gambit?"
"Tanya." He greeted her as she walked over to them.
"Not that I'd mind since I'd sure like a taste of that again…" Tanya seductively bit her lip which made Rogue wonder if these two had more than a working relationship before which was unsettling.
"Ole friend." He cringed at his misfortune, aware of what must be going through Rogue's mind right about now.
Tanyas gaze bounced between them before extending her hand out to Rogue as she shook it. "Tanya Sealy."
"Rogue." Quizzically stared from the woman and back to Remy.
Nodding the woman didn't hesitate to return her attention to him as she leaned forward on her elbows. "Remy LeBeau, I must admit I didn't expect to see you of all people. Considering no one has for many years. So, do what do I owe this visit since last I recall we saw each other it was quite…interesting."
Disbelievingly smiling Rogue saw him briefly look away before he repeatedly opened his mouth. "Did you sleep with her?" her smile slowly vanished when it hit her and it he took a moment too long to answer. "You did, didn't you?"
"Jus so I know are you goin' to ask me dat 'bout ever femme I talk to?" he asked a little more irritated.
"Did you?"
"A little bit." He squinted his eyes when he heard her scoff.
"What?!" Rogue incredulously asked as Tanya began busing herself with other customers.
"Dis was a long time ago an' she was our age." He defended himself as he gestured to Tanya painfully aware of Rogue's judging eyes. "…an' she didn't look like dat."
Scoffing, she felt angrier at the confirmation that here was yet another reason why she shouldn't take compliments like the one he just gave her to heart. "Like that would stop you."
"Now dat's just…" He was about to argue against that and how ridiculous that was but instead found himself thoughtfully thinking about it.
"Remy!" Unamusingly folding her arms over her chest, she didn't realize that it just made her look even more beautiful…even more provocative than she already was and it took a great deal of focus on his part for his eyes not to linger there. Furiously getting out of her seat she turned to see him already leaning against the bar. "You're unbelievable."
"Thanks." He arrogantly grinned.
"Here sweety, how about a drink on the house huh?" Tanya began pouring two glasses before Rogue thanked her and swiftly tried to make her fast escape before he lightly grabbed onto her arm.
"Rogue?"
"Ah'm just goin' to look around." She was a bit startled to hear the concern in his voice. "Ah can take care of myself Remy, or did you forget?" she felt him hesitantly pull back before he nodded. She was about to tell him that she'd eventually meet him back at the hotel but stopped when she could feel him undressing her with his eyes.
So much for his caring side.
Even now despite her not dressing as provocative as some of the girls in this place, she still couldn't help but feel naked with the way she could feel his burning eyes roaming her body through his shades. "Eyes up here Cajun." She sternly pointed her finger up to her face as her other hand rested on her hip.
His lips rose into a lopsided smirk before he quickly looked away after being caught. He could feel his damn face heating up, which was a rare occurrence for him, but she seemed to bring forth a lot of new things he wasn't even aware of or counting on.
Some he took pleasure in but others like this he could live without.
She knew she should be disgusted, but she couldn't deny feeling somewhat flattered that she managed to make the infamous Gambit look this flustered. The pink on his cheek made him look cute and she couldn't help but silently laugh to herself. Underneath all that bravado and confidence he seemed to ooze out, he was still a man. A man who seemed to find her at least appealing.
Wanting to test that theory, she seductively stepped close enough to watch him uneasily look away. "What's the matter Cajun? Thought we were supposed to enjoy ourselves, right?"
"Is dat what you're doin'?"
"It's not my first time at a club."
"Not one like dis I wager."
"Relax it's just one drink."
"Rogue-"
"Remy…?" As she stepped closer, he could practically feel her glossy lips only inches from his as she stepped in between his legs making his eyes trail down her lips. "Ah know what Ah'm doin' sugah ok. It's just one drink and before you know it, Ah'll come back with you to our hotel room."
'Mon dieu…' he nervously swallowed as she backed away only to watch him silently nod again like a nervous schoolboy. He knew she didn't mean it the way it came out, and she sure as hell wasn't thinking it in the way he was. Because if she did, she would surely kick his ass all the way back to Xavier's if she knew. "Stay close an' try not to cause trouble."
"Easy enough." She spoke back over her shoulder.
He didn't realize that his eyes tracked the sway of her hips as she disappeared through the crowd. Deciding to finish off the rest of his drink before turning back to Tanya, hoping to keep his mind busy from a certain southern belle he couldn't stop thinking about.
"I see you eyeing somethin' in specific and it ain't my rack either." Tanya good naturally laughed as she continued pouring people's drinks. She raised a brow when she saw the annoyed expression on his face. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you seem a little too interested in that friend of yours." She seductively grinned. "Girlfriend perhaps?"
"None of dat. De fille's already spoken fo'." He irritatingly looked over his shoulder before asking her for another drink.
"Well, doesn't seem you're too happy about it."
"Enough 'bout dat. Tell me what you know 'bout de guilds?"
"Straight to business as usual." She approvingly nodded. "Guess dat was one of the reasons why Bella Donna was so smitten with you and why we never would've worked out."
"Or perhaps it was because you were a contracted assassin an' one of Bella Donnas close amis." He swirled the drink in his glass before taking a big gulp.
"Would that have stopped you?"
"You're right it wouldn't. Which is why I know it wouldn't have worked out since you an' I both knew what dis was. Nothin' else, nothin' more." He honestly confessed. Back then when he made the decision to mess around with her or any other woman, it was only to spite Bella Donna since he knew firsthand that she wasn't as pure and innocent as she made herself out to be either when she decided to lay in bed with other men besides him. But that was before. Before Stryker's Island…before Sinister and before the fight with Julien that never should've happened to begin with.
"Let's go somewhere a little less noisy." Tanya began to alluringly grab his hand which he swiftly pulled back from. "You have changed..." She acknowledged before gesturing towards the furthest end of the bar where the music wasn't as loud.
-X-
She felt it. Something unpleasant shifting in her stomach when Rogue witnessed the woman lean forward to grasp Remy's bare hand before deciding to turn and weave her way through the random placed bodies crowding the place.
It was the same feeling she had that day she saw Bobby and Kitty ice skating by the fountain. But unlike last time she didn't want to understand why this seemed to bother her more.
'Rogue…' Halting in the middle of the dance floor she stood frozen when she saw the familiar figure of Cody staring back at her. 'Rogue…'
"C-Cody?" She stuttered, blinking once and just as quickly he was nowhere to be found. She hurriedly began to walk where he stood not but a mere seconds ago when the building headache didn't allow her to ponder it further as she reached a small unoccupied table overlooking the dance floor. "Ah must be losing my mind…"
-X-
"Relax, she'll be alright." Tanya eyed the way he impatiently continued tapping his fingers against the glass as he snuck glances over his shoulder every now and then. "Allow the girl to have some fun." Tanya smiled. "The Gambit I knew wouldn't care about anyone but himself…unless something precious was threatening to be taken away from him that is."
"Don't know where you're goin' with dis." He shook his head as he took another drink.
"Sure you don't." she amusingly hummed. "As for your previous question, I have no idea where they're hiding. But then again, I never thought to see the day when you would come passing through my doors either. So one can never know I suppose."
"Hidin'?" He found that word unfitting since the Thieves Guild were around for centuries and there was no way the leader of the guild would hide, especially from the Assassins. He would never allow that. "Why would dey be hidin'? De Thieves Guild don't hide."
"Don't get me wrong but after all these years of fighting, someone was bound to be on top. It was just a matter of time until one side lost." Upon his unwillingness to believe her, she continued. "But for someone like me…that pretty much puts me out of business." She thoughtfully paused. "After you were exiled and a couple of years passed, word got out that you broke the truce on purpose Gambit. Same kind of rumors that almost spread when you disappeared the first time around. Hence the guilds didn't take too kindly, blood was shed for a while until Bella Donna took charge. No one knows why she decided to stop all the killing, but she did."
Thinking over what she had said, it still didn't make sense. Sure, he'd heard of the rumors when he was captured by Stryker. People began talking that he had ran away from the engagement, but for it to come to this? "Den why go into hidin' when de fight was over?."
"Got me." She shrugged. "I know that once Bella Donna took charge and with the support of her father and family doctor Nathaniel Essex, things were fine for a while at least."
Remy's skin crawled at the mention of that man's name. "What of Essex?"
"Don't know. Wasn't one to really care for the man and the only ones he stayed in contact with were the Assassins leaders and no one's seen him for years."
By the sly smile on her lips, he couldn't help but wonder if she was in on whatever had happened to him. She hadn't asked any questions about his physical appearance which only made him unsure whether to trust this woman or not since she had worked for the Assassins in the past.
"It's best to leave things as they are Gambit. No need to drag out the past unless it finds you of course." She pursed her lips. "And as for the mutants…"
"Who said anythin' 'bout mutants?" he frowned.
"Have you heard about the Friends of humanity? Word around here is they're planning something."
"T'ink I heard 'bout dem." He frowned remembering hearing something about that on the news back in New York and again on the car ride. He placed his glass down eyeing her carefully.
"I figured you'd wanna know." She settled him with a stern look.
Nodding he looked back over his shoulder where he could see Rogue smiling at all the dancers.
"Word of advice Gambit." She leaned forward following his line of sight. "Let it be."
"An' why would I do dat?" he mockingly smiled back but it was only short lived when she nodded her head towards Rogue.
"Think we both know why."
-X-
The place was hot and noisy, making her wish she could just allow herself the same freedom these people did. Dancing without a care in the world. Unbeknownst to them there were people out there who couldn't afford such simple pleasure, not in the way these people seemed to do. Not without feeling like you were trapped in your own skin, like any moment could be someone else's last since she didn't know when her mutation would return.
From where she stood, she honestly couldn't see any end result of her mutation returning turning out for the better. Not for her, and not for Bobby.
But what she did know was that when that inevitable day happens, Bobby would be there for her the same way he was when she still had her mutation. That was at least somewhat of a comfort that she could still count on.
Remy on the other hand seemed to love attention just as much as ever, and the host of women constantly eager to get his attention only seemed to fuel that. Furrowing her brows she wondered if he ever permitted someone else to see the sweet, playful yet caring side of him that he wasn't aware she took notice off. But she did.
And if she had to be honest with herself, she rather enjoyed it. Enjoyed spending time with him, despite his incessant need to flirt with her or anyone else for that matter. He made her feel things she wasn't even aware she was missing which only confused her further.
He was also unpredictable, which was something that unnerved yet thrilled her. But one of the most concerning things was that he seemed to know how to read her the way no one had in a long time.
The mystery that seemed to shroud over him did make her curious about the man he was. He could easily get along with most people, seemed to know them too. He could catch anyone's attention as soon as he stepped into any room while also being able to blend into the shadows and disappear if he wanted to. Perhaps it was one of his trainings as a thief. So why hasn't he?
And this Tanya person seemed to know more about him than she did. Heck she was pretty sure that a stranger on these streets knew more about him than she did.
She let her eyes wander around until she saw him walk along the bar as the girls he passed seemed to practically fawn all over him.
But now wasn't the time to think about him. Her shoulders hunched to try and avoid as much physical contact as possible within this jungle they called a night club when a few people brushed passed her as she remained seated overlooking the dance floor. Her eyes roamed around the place some more as she drank everything in. "You'll be fine." She told herself as the tingle of nerves itched up her trembling fingers.
She was feeling hopeful. Wondering what the night might bring. Hoping that it would be a fun distraction from the everyday mutant hating groups, or the stress that came with being a mutant in general.
Nights out like this was only something her and the girls would see on TV despite living in New York. So she may as well make the most of it while she could she thought to herself.
She dropped her gaze and busied herself by staring at the crowd. Hoping she was just imagining the feeling of being watched.
-X-
Pushing his way through the crowd his gaze never left the familiar and rare two-toned hair which so happened to be his target after Tanya said she would check with some old contacts. As he made a quick stop to fill up his drink along the way, he passed by a stunning woman who sauntered her way over to him when he leaned against the bar to order his drink.
Her long legs were making a statement as she sat herself right next to him. The dark blue dress she wore molded her form perfectly accentuating her body. Her makeup was immaculate with nice dark red lipstick that could make any guy wonder what else they could do. Clearly, she was dressed to impress, and she hadn't failed he could give her that much.
"Hey there gorgeous." She seductively smiled when she caught him briefly look over his shoulder towards the other side of the club.
He saw her tossing her long blond hair over her shoulder which only allowed her cleavage to nearly poke out of the top of her dress.
''Pleasure's all mine.'' He smiled back and watched her order two drinks before returning her attention to him.
"Not yet at least." She smiled as she moved one of the drinks towards him. "I don't know about you. but I'm glad I came out here tonight."
"Are you now?" He allowed his eyes to trail down the line between her breast as she teasingly bit her lip as she raised the glass to her mouth.
"You're an attractive man and everyone here just wants to eat you up you know that? Me included."
"I'm flattered you think so too." He chuckled before letting his eyes wander over to the same girl he'd been watching all night now talking to some guy he hadn't seen a second ago.
Leaning forward the woman placed a hand on his thigh. "How about we just get out of here already?"
"A femme who knows what she wants." He grinned raising the glass to his lips before stopping and putting it down and instead grabbed his own drink. "Not a bad trait if you ask me."
"Was never one for small talk." She admitted. "Why wait when we can go right now?"
"Would love to. But I'm afraid dis homme needed elsewhere." He politely bowed before excusing himself and making a bee line to the other side of the club.
The woman's eyes followed his movements right before she allowed a small smile to graze her lips, eyes glowing a dangerous yellow.