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Remy LeBeau is in the shower, deep in thought. It had been a hot day but that hadn’t stopped them from playing a good game. It had almost felt like being among friends instead of teammates. Who would have guessed Jubilee would be good for his ego? And showing up the Wolverine is always a plus. The physicality had felt good, so much more satisfying than the drills in the Danger Room the professor made them run. Even as the game intensified, it had all been in playful fun. They had been accepting of him more than he realized.
Unintentionally, his mind starts to drift. Starts to dig around in the dark parts that he prefers to keep hidden. They tolerate him now, but if they knew…? There are so many factors that may come into play, so many that may blow over his carefully stacked house of cards. The Thieves’ Guild, would they take him back? (It’s been long enough - surely they would welcome him home?) Sinister might want another favor. (The screams of those poor mutants still keep him up at night). Belladonna… (He doesn’t want to think of Belladonna… How long has it been since they’ve spoken? How long has it been since they’ve touched…).
He closes his eyes, trying to reach out onto something that isn’t connected to his past. She is the first thing that enters his mind. Rogue . She has been on his mind constantly since he had arrived at the mansion. A welcome distraction to the darkening intrusive thoughts that have been haunting him lately.
Stormy had brought him to the X-Men, misguided faith that she had in him. And it’s been nice, for a while, pretending to be the hero. Pretending that there is some actual good in the world he could do. Pretending that this might be a family worth keeping. He knows his track record though, and if he was to be smart about it, he’d take off and not look back. It’d be better for them in the long run. Maybe better for him, too.
For as much as he feels the need to go, he doesn’t. Because she’s there. A beacon of light enticing him. A smirk climbs on his lips as he thinks back to the court, about holding her in his arms, about what it would be like if she were really under him. Or above him. Or anywhere close to him would do. The beautiful apple of Eden; forbidden to touch despite knowing how sinfully delicious the taste would be. He knows better, he does. But she’s not just another pretty girl. There’s something more going on with this one. He just doesn’t know what it is yet.
…Or maybe he does just have a death wish.
He turns the shower to cold, needing to cool off. They are, after all, community showers.
The sound of a muffled jazz song floats through the air. Intrigued, he finishes his shower. He then grabs a towel off the rack, giving himself a quick dry down, before wrapping it loosely on his hips. If he’s hearing it right, the music is coming from the room next door. And he knows whose that is. He steals a quick look in the mirror, grinning at his own form, wondering how she will react when she sees him.
Just his luck, Rogue’s bedroom door is wide open and welcoming. The stereo on her dresser is playing a slow, soulful tune as she sits curled up on her armchair, reading a book. She’s changed out of her uniform, and looking relaxed in a pair of sweats and an oversized t-shirt that hangs off one shoulder. God have mercy on his soul. She doesn’t have to do a thing to be breathtaking. Wanting her is a constant state he doesn’t mind having to contend with.
She’s so buried in her book that she doesn’t notice him standing there, casually leaning up against the doorframe. He takes a moment, just to watch her, just to enjoy the wonderful creature that she is before he lets himself be known.
“That a good book, chere?” he asks.
Startled, she looks up, finally noticing he’s there. Her eyes bulge when she sees him, in shock but not with disinterest. It’s enough to make him grin wider.
“Gambit,” she says. There’s a blush on her cheeks as she turns her head away. “You have no clothes on.”
“I was just walking by from my shower,” he says, ignoring her observation. “And heard Glen Miller on the radio. Beautiful sounds that old boy makes, I just had to stop and listen.” He takes a step into the bedroom. Her eyes narrow, but she doesn’t stop him. “Surprises me, though. Figured you’d be the type who’d like something a little more…country.”
She rolls her eyes at him, but smiles. “I’m allowed to like more than one thing, you know.”
“So, country isn’t off the table?”
She bites her lip, looking towards the ceiling as he walks in a little further. “What do you actually want, Gambit?”
He comes in close and leans over, nearly whispering in her ear. “You already know what I want,” he says. Her entire body tenses as he lingers over her. He makes her nervous. He enjoys that he makes her nervous. He knows when to push and he knows when to stop. The fact that she hasn’t kicked him outright from her bedroom is a score for the day. With Rogue, it’s the long game he’s playing. “What’s this book that has you so engrossed?”
“Oh,” she finally faces him, surprised. “It’s nothing.”
“ A Duchess in Need ,” he says, intrigued by the title. “A romance book?”
“I doubt you have any real interest in my book.”
“Nothing wrong with a good romance book.” he licks his lips. “I find them inspiring.”
“I’m sure you do.”
“So, you wouldn’t mind me having a look?” He makes a grab for the book. She tears it away, just out of reach. He goes for it again, this time using both hands. The lunge forward causes the towel drop.
“Gambit!” she cries, dropping the book in order to cover her eyes. She’s scandalized but he doesn’t much care as he scoops down to pick up the towel and grab the book. He loosely holds the towel up to cover himself as he flips open the book. He knows his ass is hanging bare. He knows, as she peeks through her fingers, that she can see it in the reflection of the vanity mirror. He wants her to.
“Oh, this be a dirty book,” he says, very amused as he starts reading. “ Her lips tremble and quiver with desire… ”
“Gambit, give it back.” She jumps out of her seat, attempting to get the book out of his hands.
“ His manhood throbs in her hand... ”
“Gambit, I swear, I’ll…”
“ She finally submits to her lust. ”
“Gimme that.” She finally tears it from his hands, pulling it close to her chest. “I get that this may seem silly to you, but I’m allowed to enjoy my books.”
He may have pushed a little too far this time. She is more closed off than ever, holding herself tightly, her eyes once again looking off in the distance. Only this time there is anger. “Chere, this book - it’s no good for you.”
“Why? Because they should only be reserved for perverts like you?” Her voice is sharp. Cutting.
“Because it isn’t real romance,” he says. It’s the seriousness in his voice that gets her to pay attention. Up until now it’s been all flirty games and teasing words. Most women he’s encountered, that’s all they need. Not Rogue. She’s going to need more. How far is he willing to go? He isn’t sure. But he knows there’s something stirring in his heart. Something he can’t quite figure out.
He wants her. He’s known that much since the day he met her. But he’s learning he may want all of her. And that’s a much more dangerous game to play.
“Like you know what real romance is,” she spits out.
“I do.” He takes a moment to pull the towel fully around his hips, securing it tightly. The gesture is not lost on her. “We get dressed up nice. I take you to a nice dinner. We can find some live jazz and dance in the moonlight. We can talk…”
“And then?”
He gives her a suggestive glance. “And then I take you home like a proper gentleman.”
She scoffs at him. “I doubt that.”
“Your call, chere.” He plays it nonchalant, but his chips are all in.
A long moment passes. Her eyes flicker as the wheels turn in her mind. It’s like he can see them. Whatever she’s thinking…
“Okay,” she says carefully.
“Okay?” He almost can’t believe it.
“But if you try anything, I’ll break you in two.”
“I would expect nothing less.”
He turns to leave, knowing that her eyes are lingering on him, and smiles.