Chapter 23

"Ah got your -" Rogue began as she stepped into the bedroom, "message?"

She closed the door behind her, looking around for Gambit. She didn't see him, but she did see a trail of rose petals leading to the balcony. She smirked a little, taking off her gloves, and made her way to the doors, noting his strategic position on the balcony behind the curtains.

"Bonjour ma chére," Gambit greeted as he took her hand and kissed it. "Bon appetit."

He gestured to the little table, on which were two plates of food. There was a small vase with a couple of red roses in it, and two lighted candles. On the floor was a bottle of champagne in ice and two glasses were already poured.

"Aww," she said. "This looks nice."

She kissed his cheek gently, and he held out the chair for her to sit down before sitting down himself.

"Have I ever told yo' how beautiful yo' are?"

"Frequently," Rogue smiled at him.

"Oh good. I'd hate t' t'ink I'd been remiss in expression mon admiration fo' your exquisite beauty, ma chére. And yo' have a hot body t' boot."

Rogue giggled.

"Flatterer."

"Not flattery if it's true."

"Well, you're pretty stunning yourself," she grinned at him. "And ya have a nice personality too."

Gambit snickered.

"We've just got it all."

Their dinner progressed, part in companionable silence, part in idle chatter about their day. Rogue mentioned she'd been forced to bring out the 'next one to misbehave gets absorbed' threat again, which promptly silenced the entire class. Gambit laughed, remembering what happened the first time she'd done that. She'd needed to go through with it, but after revealing to the entire class a few of Sam Guthrie's bad habits with the added bonus of having a crush on his auto-shop teacher, no student had ever dared try Rogue's patience again. Gambit had been having a tiresome day training some of the new students in self defence. He looked forward to when they had a few skills under their belts and things would finally start to get interesting.

Rogue sat back in her chair and looked out. The days were starting to get darker sooner and right now the western sky was a glorious red and orange as the sun began to set. The grounds of the mansion were quiet and dark and a cool breeze blew past them. Rogue sighed and turned her head back to the table. Gambit was looking at her with an expression on his face that Rogue couldn't quite read. She picked up her glass of champagne.

"So, Roguey," he said. "Dere's somet'ing I want t' ask yo'."

Was he nervous? That was weird. Mostly because Gambit generally preferred not to let anyone see when he was nervous. Besides, they'd had romantic dinners on the balcony before. What could there possibly be for him to be nervous about?

"Shoot," Rogue replied.

She brought the glass to her lips to take a sip. Abruptly a frightening thought occurred to her.

"Well, chérie, I was hoping dat yo' might -"

He wasn't going to... ask her to... was he? Rogue eyes scanned the bottom of the glass to make sure there wasn't anything in there that shouldn't be. Like a ring.

"- let me make love t' yo' t'night."

"Oh good," Rogue replied, relieved. "Ah thought ya were going ta ask me something else for a second there."

Well, that hadn't been the reaction he was expecting.

"Umm, okay," he said slowly. "What?"

"Never mind. Ah really need ta stop listening ta Jubes," she muttered before leaning across the table, grinning at him mischievously as she put down her glass. "Sooooo ya wanna take away muh virginity, huh?"

Gambit took her hands. The wicked gleam in her eye told him that she had indeed been thinking about this and that helped relieve his nervousness. On the other hand, the wicked gleam in her eye also told him that she was up to something.

"Oui," he said as he rubbed his thumbs over the back of her hands. "I t'ink it'll be alright, chére. Yo' haven't absorbed moi fo' weeks now."

"Ah've been thinking the same thing," Rogue nodded.

She pulled her hands out of his, took hold of the table and pulled it away. Now with nothing between them, Rogue moved into Gambit's lap and kissed him.

"Y'know what else Ah've been thinking?"

Gambit ran his hands up her legs, over her behind and finally rested them on her hips.

"What's dat's chérie?"

"Ah've been thinking that you've been a very considerate lover, but Ah'm getting a little tired of being the one ta call the shots."

Gambit's hands stopped.

"And if it's not me, it's muh power calling the shots."

She kissed him again, then with her lips close to his ear said: "Ah think it's well past time you started callin' them."

Gambit's grip on her hips tightened.

"Chére..."

"Anything ya want," she went on between kisses on his neck.

"Dis is your first time... I... are yo' sure yo' want t' go dere right now?"

Rogue ran her hand through his hair as she moved her head to look him straight into his eyes.

"Ah wouldn't make the offer if Ah didn't mean it. Ah trust ya completely, Remy LeBeau. Ah know you can make this special for me, but Ah want it ta be special for you too."

This time it was Gambit who kissed Rogue. As their lips pulled away, their foreheads rested on each other.

"Yo' have no idea how hot yo' just made me."

Rogue gave a throaty chuckle as she moved into kiss him again.

Sometime later, they were lying naked in the bed next to each other. Gambit, on his side, gazed at Rogue who was on her back. His fingers trailed up her side.

"Ah've decided something."

"Mmm?"

"Sex is much better first hand."

Gambit chuckled and Rogue grinned at him.

"Sore?"

"A little, but... not in a bad way."

"Again?"

Rogue rolled onto her side and kissed him. Gambit took that as a yes.

Later.

Much later.

Many hours later in fact.

Gambit has a lot of stamina okay?

Actually Rogue doesn't do too badly on the stamina side either, but it's hard to compete with a guy who has a mutation which enhances his already considerable capacity.

Sorry, where was I?

Oh yes, many hours later, well into the wee hours of the morning, Rogue was finally exhausted enough to fall asleep. Gambit watched her for a time, knowing he wouldn't be far behind her. He ran his finger down her cheek, smoothing her hair out of the way. With a sigh he reluctantly pulled away from her. There was just one last thing he needed to do before he went to sleep himself.

Rogue was roused by the annoying beeping of her alarm clock going off. She threw her hand out, hit the button and sighed. She didn't want to get up. Grumbling to herself, she reluctantly sat up and glanced over at Gambit who was still fast asleep. She smiled, and then noticed a sign stuck to the headboard.

DON'T WORRY ROGUE!
I'M NOT DEAD
JUST ASLEEP

She pulled a face, undecided whether she should laugh or beat him up for mocking her. In the end she decided just to let him sleep and deal with him later. Rogue got out of bed and made her way over to the wardrobe, where the first thing she pulled out was her green dress that they'd bought back in June. Four months ago.

Four months of practice and she finally had her powers under control.

She'd been worried, even expecting it to take years.

There was no mistaking the big grin on her face. Rogue knew there was no possible way whatsoever she'd be able to hide her great mood, even if she wanted to. She was glad that the party they'd planned was tonight, because there was no way she could contain herself for long and this would be the best opportunity to show off. She'd just spent the most amazing night of her life with the man she loved more than anyone else in the world, and there could be no doubt that she finally gotten her powers under control.

Rogue put the dress back into the wardrobe and pulled out the clothes she intended to wear for the day. As she pulled on her gloves, the idea that she would never have to wear gloves again thrilled her. Well, unless she went out in the snow or something, but that was normal. She wouldn't have to be all covered up in the middle of summer. She could wear her bikini without her wetsuit in the pool. She could hug her friends, kiss them goodbye or good luck, shake hands, walk around the mansion barefoot, the possibilities were endless.

She looked towards Gambit again, and kissed his cheek softly before making her way out of the room and down to the kitchen. She was too happy to bother walking down the hallway, and instead she flew.

Gambit's phone rang while he was in the auditorium, setting up for the party that night.

"Remy LeBeau."

"Remy! In case anyone asks, Ah'm in our room," Rogue said merrily. "Ah won't actually be in there, but Ah've locked the door, okay?"

"Uhh okay -"

"Ah've decided Ah'm gonna visit a salon ta get muh nails done. And maybe muh toenails too if there's time."

"Really?"

"Yup. Because Ah can. Because Ah can without worryin' about hurtin' the nail artist or the beautician or whatever it is they like ta call themselves. Because four months ago Ah never would have done this. And plus Ah have engine grease under muh nails."

Gambit chuckled.

"So I take it you're flying there?"

"Yep!"

"Well, have fun chérie."

"Ah will! Love ya sugah."

"Love yo' too," he grinned as they hung up.

She was so cute when she was excited.

Gambit was still in the auditorium sometime later when Storm directed the caterers in. While they set themselves up, Storm wandered over to him.

"Remind me again why you hired the caterers instead of cooking dinner tonight, like you're rostered on to do?" she asked.

"Because I always seemed to be on the kitchen during special events," Gambit replied. "Could be coincidence, but personally I'm beginning to suspect dat dere's some sort o' conspiracy against moi having any fun."

Storm chuckled.

"Well, please just... try to keep them out of trouble."

"Relax already, Stormy. They're mutant friendly and professional types. Yo' don't need t' worry about anti-mutant prejudice or security risks."

"Yeah? So what's with all the cameras you're setting up?"

Gambit gave her a sly grin.

"Would yo' believe me if I say they're fo' security reasons?"

"Not when you phrase it like that."

He chuckled and Storm shook her head.

"That's the only answer you're going to give me huh?"

"Oui."

"Typical," Storm said, but she was grinning at him. "Rogue's been in a good mood today. She was flying around the mansion for half the morning."

"So I heard. Sorry I slept through it," Gambit chuckled.

"It's certainly novel to see her so happy."

"Dat it is, chérie. Dat is is."

Logan sat down with Gambit at his table in the middle of the room and put down his plate.

"Where's Stripes?" he asked.

"Oh, she'll be along soon enough," Gambit replied. "I just messaged her t' tell her she'd better get here before her dinner gets cold."

Logan had noticed that there was an extra plate of food on the table, no doubt where Rogue was going to sit.

"Haven't seen her all afternoon."

"Yeah, neither have I," Gambit chuckled as his phone beeped at him, and he checked it. "Ahh, dere we go, she's on her way here now."

He shoved the phone back into his pocket and then picked up the remote control for the cameras.

"What are you planning, Gumbo?" Logan asked with a tone of suspicion.

"Now, now, Wolverine, dat would spoil the surprise," Gambit said smugly. "You'll find out soon enough anyway."

Rogue took a deep breath as she put her hands on the door handles. Well, this was it. She was wearing her beautiful new green dress, which came down mid-thigh. Her usual gold hoops had been replaced with her emerald earrings and on her feet she wore a pair of open-toed silver shoes. Her short hair was combed back, except for her white streak which she allowed to dangle to the side of her face. The manicure and pedicure she'd gotten that day on her whim had paid off.

No gloves. No stockings. No scarf.

Rogue pressed down on the handles and opened the double doors. She stepped through, allowing the doors to shut themselves behind her. With her head up high, she sauntered casually over to where Gambit was waiting for her. A smile filled her face, which only broadened when she saw the looks of astonishment from those around her in her peripheral vision. Someone dropped a plate.

"Miss Rogue?"

"Oh my..."

"Rogue!"

Someone wolf-whistled.

Gambit stood up as she approached. He was grinning too, partly because she looked so damned hot right about now, and partly because he too was enjoying the reactions from those around her. Oh yes, the camera footage of their faces later would make for excellent viewing.

"Rogue-chérie," Gambit greeted her. "Yo' made it."

"Yes, yes Ah did," Rogue grinned back at him.

Gambit swept her up in his arms and kissed her thoroughly. A chorus of "aww" and "woohoo" filled the air.

"Rogue!" Kitty practically squealed as the couple pulled apart. "Does this... do you... Your powers..."

"Are under control," Rogue nodded, grinning at her.

Kitty immediately pounced on Rogue and gave her a hug.

"Omigod! I'm soooo happy for you!"

"Ah'm happy for me too."

"No wonder you were flying around all morning."

Rogue giggled, and immediately found herself receiving congratulations from Pete, Professor Xavier, Storm, Hank, Kurt, Augustus and a number of the students.

"Hey, Remy," Bobby said. "I'm going to borrow your girlfriend for a second."

"You -" Rogue began.

Before Rogue could say "are?" Bobby wrapped one arm around her waist, pulled her close and kissed her lips softly.

"I knew it," Gambit muttered. "I knew I was going t' have t' take t' the boys with mon staff... and I went and left it upstairs."

He looked around for something else to use while Logan chuckled.

"Huh," Bobby said as he pulled away. "So that's what it's like."

"And now you know," Rogue replied, giving him a Look. "And if ya ever do that again, I will beat ya to a pulp, ice cube."

"Duly noted. Hey!" Bobby objected as something hit him. "Remy! Don't flick peas at me."

Gambit smirked at him. And flicked more peas at him. Bobby held up his hand to fend them off.

"Oh and Rogue? I'll lay off asking you about your sex life now."

"Ah'd appreciate that."

"So Rogue, you know what this means," Jubilee said, practically bouncing on the spot.

"What?"

"You. Me. This Saturday. We're going clothes shopping!" she said gleefully. "I know some stuff you will look soooooo cute in. And hot."

"Rogue looks hot in anyt'ing," Gambit put in, still flicking peas at Bobby. "Yo' could dress her in a potato sack and she would still look amazing."

Rogue giggled.

"Psh you," Jubilee dismissed. "This is going to be sooooo much fun."

"Okay, but just so we're clear?" Rogue said. "Just because Ah can bare skin now does not give ya license ta dress me up like a tramp. And we have to be back by four."

"We do?"

"Unless you're going out on Friday."

"Going out where?"

"Why," Rogue grinned, her eyes bright with mischief, "on your date with Bobby, of course."

"We're not dating," Bobby said even as a look of comprehension appeared on Jubilee's face.

"No?" Rogue said with a smug twinkle in her eye. "Ah'm sorry, what was that? Ah thought it was decided that you two would start datin' when Ah got muh powers under control. And guess who's got her powers under control?"

Logan and Pete chuckled while Kitty giggled and Gambit smirked.

"Oh right. I forgot about that," Bobby said, not looking at Jubilee.

"Rogue, umm, can't you just pretend that never happened?" Jubilee asked hopefully.

Rogue shook her head, grinning all the while.

"Well... look on the bright side," Bobby said. "We never actually said how long we'd date for."

Jubilee's face lit up.

"This is true," she agreed.

"So we only actually need to go on one date. Then we can say we've dated and thus fulfilled our side of the bargain."

"I'm amazed! You might actually be smart, Bobby."

"I have my moments," he paused. "I don't suppose you put out on the first date?"

"Then again."

Another pea hit him.

"Dammit Remy, stop that!"

"Weren't me, Iceboy. I ran out o' peas," Gambit informed him with a slight smile.

"It was me," Logan said.

"I... it... you? Why?"

"I just felt the need to come to Jubilee's defence. She does have my blood running through her veins now."

"Ha!" Jubilee said smugly. "You mess with me, you mess with Wolverine."

Bobby looked pained.

"Y'know, I do have some carrots on dis plate I could flick at him," Gambit mused.

"Oh, yeah, well, well, well," Bobby stammered, then lifted his hands, filling them with ice cubes. "I have an endless supply of ice, so unless you want to get hit, I'd suggest you stop flicking food at me."

"Take your best shot, homme."

So Bobby did. Gambit ducked the flying ice, which hit Logan's strategically placed claws instead. Logan looked at Bobby after the ice had done flying.

"Eeep!"

Logan picked up his carrots and sent them flying. Bobby dodged out of the way and the carrots hit the students on the table behind him.

"Hey!" objected Jimmy.

Rogue tried to stifle her giggles as the kid turned around. Jimmy picked up his own carrots and threw them back at their table. The carrots hit Bobby and he pulled a face.

"Why is everyone conspiring against me?"

Some more peas and carrots hit him. From both sides. Many peas and carrots missed him and hit the opposing table.

"Food fight!"

Just as the vegetables were running out, Storm stood in amongst the flying food, raising a slight breeze to shield herself.

"And just what do you think you're doing?" she said, glowering at all of them. "Who started it?"

Bobby pointed to Gambit and Logan.

"They did," he said the same time they proudly declared "I did."

"I see," Storm said tersely.

"Aww, Stormy," Gambit grinned at her. "I t'ink yo' need t' lighten up, no?"

He picked up his baked potato.

"Don't you dare."

He charged the potato lightly. The aluminium foil reflected the magenta glow well.

"Remy," Storm said warningly.

"Duck!" yelled Sam.

"Fire in the hole!"

"She's gonna blow!"

Gambit tossed the potato through the air. Storm's wind, while strong enough to deflect the light weights of peas and sliced carrot was not sufficient to deter the potato.

It exploded.

White potato flesh flew everywhere. Storm bore the brunt, with Bobby and the floor contending for second and third. The rest landed on the tables and whoever happened to be sitting there.

"Remy LeBeau!"

"All right! That was awesome!"

"Do it again!"

"Huh," mused Rogue, her tone matching Gambit's cheeky expression. "So that's how ya mash potato."

End!

A huge, heart-felt thanks to all my reviewers! Your feedback has meant a great deal to me.

I hope you all enjoyed the story as much as I did writing it.

If you're interested, the fourth installment is now up: We Probably Should Have Locked the Door