Ace's High

Title: Ace's High
By: MC
Universe: X-Movie
Characters: Remy LeBeau, Rogue, Logan, Professor Charles Xavier, Scott Summers, Bobby Drake, Dr. Jean Grey, Dr. Michaela St Matthews (OFC)
Synopsis: The X-Men meet a young mutant thief
Rating: PG-13. Language and violence.

Disclaimer: Remy, Professor Xavier and all things X-Men belong to Marvel Comics. The movie was made by 20th Century Fox, so they deserve some credit to. Basically, I don't own 'em, never claimed to either.

Author's Notes: This story follows "Keeping Faith". It is not necessary to read it before this one, but it might be good to.

"You've GOT to be kidding me! 'Singin' in the Rain'?" Bobby Drake yelled. He held out the movie box, wrinkling his nose. "Who picked a lame movie like that?"

Assorted teachers and students from Professor Xavier's School for the Gifted lay around the rec room. Movie night always drew a big crowd.

"Doctah St Matthews and Ah," Rogue replied, brushing a white and brown lock off her face. "It's funny. Bettah than watching 'Scream' again."

"But it's old and has people singing!" Bobby sat down, crossing his arms. He hated when the girls chose a movie. "If you don't want to watch 'Scream' we can watch 'The Faculty'."

"Bobby," Scott Summers sternly said. "I told you no more horror movies. If you don't want to watch, you don't have to."

Dr. Michaela St Matthews sat cross legged on the floor. "Besides, as you so enthusiastically agreed yesterday, humour is good for the soul. It's just this is more sophisticated humour than 'Dumb and Dumber'."

The man known only as Logan groaned, burying his head in Michaela's lap. "Wake me when it's over."

"Since Storm is away, Jeannie is with Cyke and all the other girls here are jailbait."

"Hey, isn't that Princess Leia's mom?" Kitty Pryde asked, stuffing some popcorn into her mouth.

Red on black eyes scanned over the room. This was a boarding school, all rich brats. Looking at this room, he tried to pick something worth stealing. It was all girl stuff; teenaged girl stuff. He looked over the dressers, trying to find a jewelry box, a wallet.

There was nothing here he could hock. Nothing really worth the trouble, anyway. Letting out a snort, he sat on the bed. "Remy LeBeau, Master o' T'eves.. Right. You be gettinš sloppy."

Professor Xavier laughed as he watched his students and faculty. Life at the school had been quiet in the last few months. Save for Loganšs adventures in Canada six months ago, the X-Men had been living normal lives. Jean and Scott had set a date to get married finally. Ororo was currently off recruiting a new student, a young man named Kurt. Michaela had become full-fledged member of the team. Her abilities in psychotherapy aided many of the students. While Logan still kept to himself, he made himself useful. He was teaching combat classes, training a new generation of X-Men.

Xavier stopped laughing suddenly. He felt a foreign presence. While he did not probe the minds of his students regularly, he was aware of who was around and who wasnšt. This presence was completely new. The intent within the mind was not of malice, but needed to be taken care of.

Xavier's eyes were wide. "We're being broken into. Scott, Logan.... Please go investigate."

Standing up, he adjusted his long auburn hair. It was in a disarray, covering his eyes. No matter how much he fussed with it, bangs covered his eyes.

He wasnšt going to find anything worth money here. Two years ago, he had been a member of the Thieves Guild. Now he was reduced to stealing cheap jewelry from a boarding school. This was depressing.

"Cyke, I smell somethin'. In Rogue and Kitty's room." A rough voice called out. Remy's eyes went wide. He hit the floor, rolling under the bed.

He listened to the two sets of footsteps. He shut his eyes, praying the wouldn't find him. Some thief he was, not even being able to rob a dorm room. He must have tripped a security system.

Remy yelped as a man poked his head under the bed. "What do you think you're doing?"

Rolling out from under the bed, Remy jumped up. His trenchcoat fluttered around his ankles. "Mon Dieu!" He made a mad dash for the door.

The hairy man leapt over the bed, chasing after him. He was faster, catching up to Remy quickly. The other man, his face covered by a red visor, was slower.

Remy reached into jacket. Where were they? His fingers brushed against a deck of cards. Tugging three out, he held them in the air. They glowed yellow in his gloved hand and he threw them at the hairy man. He yelped out as they exploded, sending him barreling backwards.

"Adieu, mes amis," Remy called triumphantly as he ran into a dorm. A young Asian girl shrieked, running from her books as he ran in. "Jus' borrowin' de window, p'tite."

The two men behind him ran into the room. They were just in time to see him jump out the window.

Xavier silenced both of them. "He was just a boy. He came here to rob us. Did he take anything from Rogue and Kitty?"

Logan shook his head. "We scared him off before he had the chance. Rogue and Kitty have all ready gone through all of their things. So that's it?"

Shutting his eyes, Xavier went through the boy's thoughts. "I want you to find him."

"'cause the kid's a mutant," Logan replied. "He used this power on me. Glowing playin' cards."

"I will search with Cerebro for the boy," Carefully turning the wheels on his wheelchair, Xavier moved from behind the desk. "You four get to sleep. There's nothing more that can be done tonight."

"Bobby! Stop it!" Rogue shrieked as she slid on the ice at her feet once again. "Ah wanna walk without slippin' all the time!"

Bobby and Rogue walked down the streets of town. They had gone out with the group. Kitty and Jubilee had wanted to go into a store, so Bobby and Rogue decided to walk around the block. Waiting was getting dull, so Bobby was mixing things up.

He created a particularly slick patch and Rogue's feet slid across it. She shrieked as she started to fall backwards. Just when she thought she was to hit pavement, a pair of strong hands caught her.

Rogue turned. "Fine." She took in a gasp. The young man who had caught her was nothing short of beautiful. His long auburn hair was back in a ponytail. Wild bangs fell loose, framing his forehead. A pair of dark sunglasses masked his eyes. He had a strong jaw, with scattered stubble.

"Wouldn' wan' t' bruise dat pretty white skin." He reached up to caress her cheek.

"No.... Ah mean, he's not ma boyfriend." Rogue blushed deeply. This guy was cute. Being touched by him wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, if it weren't for her 'gift'. "And no.... It's just.... Ya can't touch ma skin."

Rogue bit her lip. "You're right. Kitty and Jubilee are probšly waitin'. It was nice ta meet ya, Remy."

"A pleasure, Rogue." Remy kissed her hand. He patted Bobby on the side. "Rober'."

Bobby scowled, watching the mysterious young man walk by. Extending his hand, he created a patch of ice. Both Rogue and Bobby heard Remy wail as he hit the pavement. Containing the chuckle was hard for Bobby.

"Sure." He reached for his wallet, but found his pocket empty. "Wait.... That guy stole my wallet!"

Logan and Michaela sat on the bench outside the small strip of stores the kids had decided to check out. Scott and Jean were busy, so they were stuck watching the students on their outing.

"I'm sure you'd rather be here with JEAN." Michaela rolled her eyes. An arm wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her close.

"Come on, Mika.... Ya know I like ya." Logan shot her a grin, which always seemed to resemble more of a snarl.

Bobby nodded. "Some guy who was flirting with Rogue. Long reddy hair, sunglasses, trenchcoat. Around our age."

Remy settled in the alley and went through the kid's wallet. He didn't have a lot of money, but it was nice to triumph. That botched job last night at the school embarrassed him.

"Rober' Drake.... Hmmmm....." He flipped through the ID. Remy's eyes widened as he settled on his school ID. The kid attended Xavier's School. Wasn't that ironic?

"I don't think that's yers, Kid," a voice growled. Remy froze, the voice shocking him to the core. It was familiar. He had heard it only the night before.

Reaching into his coat, Remy prepared to pull a card. The hairy man grabbed his collar before he could. "I'm not too fond of card tricks."

Remy fought fiercely to get away. The man held him tightly. "Now, ya tried to rob my friends last night.... Now ya steal my friend's wallet. Yer in trouble."

Being hauled out of the alley was humiliating. Remy shut his eyes tightly as he was literally carried to a group of kids.

A pretty blonde woman looked at the man who held Remy. "Aren't you being a little rough on him, Logan?"

The man now known as Logan shook his head. "This is the kid who broke int' the school last night."

Remy kicked himself mentally; king of thieves, my derriere. He was pathetic. "Can we please talk about this?"

"Logan, let him go," the woman said. She took Remy's sunglasses off, staring into his red eyes. "I'm Dr. St. Matthews. We don't want to hurt you. We just want you to talk to our friend."

The ride to the school had not been fun. Rogue had to stop Bobby from punching Remy. Rogue herself was rather angry, as was her roommate, Kitty. Well, how was Remy to know he broke into their room? He was remembered also by Jubilee, the young woman he had startled during his escape.

The only one the least bit compassionate was Dr. St Matthews. Remy made a mental note to try the pitiful kid routine on her. There was a soft touch if ever was one. Her boyfriend didn't seem so friendly.

"I be really sorry 'bout de break-in, and de wallet.... Can you please let me go?"

Dr. St Matthews turned in her seat to look at him. "Don't worry, Remy. We're not going to hurt you. Professor Xavier would like to talk to you about your powers."

Remy raised an eyebrow. Many people were interested in seeing his power. But no one dragged him off the street. Except.... "Lemme go!"

Remy reached for the handle of the car. Logan slapped the child lock on. "You're not getting out."

Concentrating his power, Remy prepared to charge the door. He'd be able to escape then.

Two soft hands covered Remy's face. A piercing scream escaped his lips as he felt emotions flow through him.

Remy sat back down in his seat. He felt a hand touch his arm. Rogue smiled softly. "The Professor will help ya, Remy."

Logan and Michaela hauled the young thief down the hall of Xavier's school. To be more precise, LOGAN hauled the young thief down the hall. Michaela was next to him, trying to get Logan to be gentler. Remy dangled like a worm on a hook. He had tried hitting the man, but nearly broke his hand. It felt like there was concrete in his chest.

A elder man in a wheelchair rolled to meet them. "Well, Remy... Welcome to my school."

"It would be nice t' know why you want me, homme." Remy grunted as Logan let go of his collar.

Nodding his head, Xavier gestured for Michaela and Logan to leave. The pair turned, walking back down the hall. Remy couldn't help but look back, watching Michaela sway her hips.

Being drawn back to Xavier, Remy listened to the gentleman. "Remy, you are aware of your gifts?"

Grasping the wheels of his chair, Xavier rolled towards an oak door. "Come with me, Remy. There is still much you need to learn."

Remy shifted uncomfortably in the chair across from Xavier. It wasn't that the chair was uncomfortable. It was one of the most comfortable things Remy had ever sat him. Xavier's presence was too overpowering, intimidating. Yet the gentleman kept a smile on his face.

Shutting his eyes, Xavier attempted to break through the barrier in Remy's mind. Wincing, Xavier met with a mental brick wall.

Little splinters of information peeked through. Most others completely surrendered to his mind probes. Those with abilities like his, telepaths and empaths, were often able to block his manipulation. There might be powers deep inside Remy he did not know about.

"No, it isn't, Remy." Professor Xavier folded his hands in his lap. "Remy, everyone here has special powers, much like yours. The students here learn to harness their powers. Let them grow strong. We then use them to benefit mankind."

Nodding, Professor Xavier moved towards Remy. "We have all been given extraordinary gifts. It is our job to harness them. If you wish, you may stay here at my school. You can learn about your powers, all of them."

"What do I do for you?" Remy asked cautiously. This trap had been set for him before. He was not about to fall for it.

"You don't need to do anything." Xavier replied. "Just accept your powers, and use them to benefit the world."

"The mindprobes haven't worked at all?" Shaking his head, Scott tried to make sense of the situation. "But I thought he charged objects. Is he a telepath as well?"

Xavier shook his head. "I do not believe so. But he does have powers he hasnšt explored."

"Scott, any person with strong enough will power can halt mindprobes. They just need to be aware of it." Michaela said, leaning against the desk.

"Michaela is right. She herself was able to resist mindprobes due to her empathy."

She shrugged. "His feelings were mixed. He wants to trust us, yet part of him resists. I believe someone might have used him before. Tricked him into using his powers for their own gain."

łI would like to do a physical on Remy,˛ Jean said. łHe seems to be in good health, but I would like to get a little more in depth.˛

The response was seconded by Michaela. "He's a very sexually-charged young man."

Xavier listened to his X-Men's responses. "Jean, you may do a physical on him tomorrow afternoon. Michaela, set up a session with Mr. LeBeau for tomorrow morning."

Rogue had been listening intently at the door to Xavier's office. Oh, the Professor probably knew she was there. There was an insane curiosity in her. She wanted to know more about Remy LeBeau. He intrigued her. With his charm and good looks, Remy was quickly winning a place in Rogue's young heart.

"Hear anythin' interestin', Chere?" A smooth voice cooed in her ear. Rogue was about to shriek, when he clasped a gloved hand over her mouth. "Don't want t' scare 'em."

Rogue yanked his hand off her face. "Be more careful!" She hissed. "If you touch ma skin... It won't be good!"

Throwing her arms up in the air, Rogue felt like she was about to scream. There was nothing more she wanted then to let Remy touch her. If she did that, she would kill him. "Ah would take your powah. If ah held on long enough, ah'd kill ya."

"Dat be a shame, Chere...." He ran a gloved finger over her cheek. "Dat no' be a gift. Dat be a curse."

"Only Professah Xaviah an' Mistah Summahs are real teachahs. Doctah Grey is the physician and Doctah St Matthews is the therapist. Logan kinda just hangs around."

"Oh.... LOGAN...." A grin dominated the young man's features. "You close t' 'em?"

"Kinda. He brought me here. Saved ma life." Rogue blushed deeply. She had kept feelings for Logan harboured deep within her.

"He be my competition, no' Rober?" Reaching into his coat, Remy pulled out a deck of cards and started shuffling them. "Den dere be no challenge. Logan be wit' Dr. St Matthews."

"Logan is not wit' Doctah St Matthews!" Rogue said, starting back to her room. She didn't want to hear any more from Remy. Persistent, he followed. "And ah don't want 'em! Logan's ma friend!"

Remy grabbed her arm. "It be in your eyes, Chere. You wan' 'em.... I see it 'n Dr. St Matthews' eyes too."

A pit grew in Rogue's stomach. She knew what Remy said was true. Most of the women at Xavier's held some sort of fancy towards Logan. He seemed to only notice Dr. Grey. When Dr. St Matthews had entered the picture, Logan had flirted with her. Dr. St Matthews always rebuffed the advances though. She couldn't secretly desire him, could she?

"Just go ta bed, Remy!" Rogue begged. "Ya gonna have a bunch o' tests wit' Doctah Grey and Doctah St Matthews."

Dreams of Rogue would have been a welcome change. Unfortunately, Remy did not find himself dreaming of the beautiful mutant.

The images pounded into Remy's head. Memories of the past he desperately wanted to forget.

He awoke in the dead of night. The room provided to him was cold, empty. Going to the window, he sat and looked to the moonlight. Drawing his hand into his jacket, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes. Letting one of the white cylinders rest between his lips, he struck a match. Lighting the end, he inhaled. Smoke filled his lungs. Remy slowly exhaled, smoke curling around his head. It caressed his skin, like an old friend; a lover. The only thing he would let close to him.

Could Xavier help him forget all he had done? He certainly couldn't survive on the streets any more. He had gotten sloppier with his thievery. Like he....

He would wait until morning, sitting in the window. Maybe Xavier would have more insight.

Dr. St Matthews' office was warm and inviting. At least, it had the appearance of being such.

It was designed to be inviting. A room where someone could spill their guts out to a woman they hardly knew.

Yeah, Dr. St Matthews seemed nice enough. She was attractive, not the most beautiful thing in the world. That didn't mean Remy wanted to tell her everything.

Remy pulled a deck of playing cards from his jacket. Aiming for the wastebasket, he tossed the cards in one by one.

The door opened, but Remy didn't pay attention. He knew exactly who was coming into the room.

Sitting down in his chair, Michaela surveyed Remy. "Are you going to empty my wastebasket when you're done?"

Michaela rolled her eyes, opening her file. "I can empty it myself later. Now Remy, will you tell me about where you come from?"

Silence plagued the room. Red eyes stared into blue. This was no a subject Remy was ready to tackle.

A grin grew on Remy's face. "Is bein' able t' fly worth smellin' like a chicken?"

"I never thought I smelled like a chicken. Most people think I smell quite nice."

Michaela's anger was being held in. The nerve of this kid, trying to goad her into leaving him alone. "No, it's not worth it. I smell, they get in the way and I'm molting. Do you want to know the worst part?"

The corner of Remy's mouth twitched. It then quirked up in a smile. Finally, he started laughing. "You're afraid of heights."

His laughter was joined by Michaela. "I know it's stupid. I just haven't gotten used to the fact that falling is pretty much an impossibility for me."

Remy tried to get control of himself. His breath came in gasps as he chuckled. He wiped a tear from his eye. "Oh sorry, Chere...."

"Mebbe you take me flyin', get you over your fear." he licked his lips, visibly giving her the once over.

Shaking her head, Michaela's grin became a small, wry smile. "Remy, you are about eight years younger than I am. You have no chance of ever getting with me."

He narrowed his gaze. "Mebbe your tastes fall more towards de dark, animal brute, non?"

Michaela bit down hard on her lower lip. "If you're referring to who I think you are... NO."

Remy slid off the couch, slithering towards her. Like a cat, or a snake; whichever way she chose to look at it. He brought himself close, too close. No one got this close to Michaela. Last time someone had tried, he ended up with a sore groin and she with a broken kneecap. "I don' believe you."

"If I was interested in Logan," Michaela breathed, "It would be because he is a man and not a boy like some I know."

Pulling back angrily, Remy set is firm jaw. "A boy? You t'ink I am a BOY? I single-handedly broke into the--" he cut himself off.

Shrieking, she hugged them close to her body. Why did he insist on bothering her? He wasn't at all interested in knowing about Remy. It was just a matter of bugging the hell out of her. "You wouldn't understand my notes anyway."

Michaela slide the file down her sweater. "No. I just don't think you care that much about Remy."

Letting one of his claws unsheathe, he popped the buttons on her sweater. "Didja really think that would stop me, Darlin'?"

Her jaw dropped in shock. Logan triumphantly grabbed the file. "Never try ta keep things from me." He opened the file, but instead of reading, looked over at her. "Ya look a bit cold there, might want ta find something warm ta nuzzle with?"

Michaela shut her sweater quickly. "And I'm sure you'd just love that job!" Her cheeks took on a crimson hue.

Tightening her arms around her, Michaela started to get up. Logan halted her. "Don't leave, Mika. I didn't mean...."

He took off his flannel shirt. The difference in their size made it possible to slide it overtop of her wings and button it up. "Perfectly decent now."

She had to admit, Logan's flannel was very comfortable. It was indeed warm. The rustling of papers was heard as Logan shut the file. He threw it back into Michaela's lap. He hadn't read a single word!

"It's just too easy ta get a rise outta you." Logan grabbed her, pulling her close. "Ya know ya love me, Darlin'."

He then stopped, going still. A small squeaked escaped someone coming into the TV room. Michaela turned her head to see Rogue. She was wide-eyed, mouth agape. "Am ah interuptin' something?"

Logan's arms left Michaela's waist and he returned to his side of the couch. Rogue's crush on him was obvious to everyone. He didn't want to hurt her by making her think he and Michaela were involved. "I was just teasin' Dr. Mika."

"I have work to do. I'll see you two later." Michaela got up. Why was she so bothered by this situation? Was it because Rogue had feelings for Logan? Or was it because they were interrupted?

Glancing down at Logan's shirt, Michaela blushed. "I'll return this later. I'll wash it too."

A large grin crossed Logan's face. She looked good in his clothing. "Good. I'd rather not smell like chickens."

Rolling her eyes, Michaela left. "Take a load off, Kid." Logan said, clearing off the space Michaela had just been in. She had left a trail of loose feathers. "Ya can always tell where Mika's been sittin'."

Rogue sat down. Her body was stiff, filled with nervousness. Logan's flirtations with Dr. Grey were bad enough. At least with Dr. Grey there was no chance of them getting together. "Ya get along well with Doctah St. Matthews."

"You implyin' what I think ya are, kid?" Sure, Michaela was cute. He had wanted to get her when they first met. Now, he just flirted with her for sport.

"Yer askin' fer it, Kid." He picked up one of the stray feathers. Bringing it to Rogue's face, he started to tickle her with it.

Shrieking, she attempted to get away. The thought of Logan accidentally touching her face crossed her mind. She pushed it away. Her life would be devoid of any enjoyment if she had to stop every activity because of the threat of contact.

"He's nice, definitely chahmin'...." The blush crept into Rogue's cheeks. Logan had a nose for these things.

A low growl escaped Logan. This new guy was sniffing around Rogue. It wasn't that Logan wanted Rogue for himself. That idea was completely ridiculous, though he knew several people had fancied the notion. He just didn't want some little punk messing with her head. Especially with her restrictions due to her powers. "Ya know, he's been charmin' Mika, Jeannie and every girl he comes across."

The blush quickly left Rogue. Anger now welled within her. Logan had no interest in her, yet he guarded against her going out with Bobby, now Remy. "It's ma business, Logan. If ah want ta be chahmed by Remy, then ah will."

"Ya know I just worry 'bout ya, Rogue." He brushed a hand over her gloved hand. "Yer like--"

"-- Like a sistah ta ya!" Rogue stood up. Her body shook with controlled anger. "Ah'm a big girl. Ah can watch maself." She stalked out of the rec room.

"Wait! Rogue!" Logan jumped up, preparing to run after her. He stopped himself, realizing she needed to cool down. He slumped down on the couch. "Good goin'."

Jean looked over her charts, pacing around the room. Sitting on her examination table shirtless was Remy. He was grinning. "So Chere, will I live?"

Smiling, Jean nodded. "You're in very good health, Remy. You seem to have an increased agility and speed."

Remy shrugged. "Dat be unfair, Chere. De Professor be a psychic. Remy LeBeau can get out of mos' places."

He put his shirt back on, grinning from ear to ear. "An' mebbe this place be good enough to stay at."

Rogue stalked down the halls. She had been waiting for that moment. It had been coming, she knew it. Logan thought of her as a sister, and nothing more.

It was stupid of her to believe that he could ever think of her as more. She was a kid and he would never see her as anything more.

What did it matter if Logan saw her as a romantic interest? It wasn't like she could touch anyone. Logan needed someone he could express physical love with.

"Chere?" a voice called out. She turned around. Remy was running towards her. She sighed, stopping.

"Nothin'...." she whispered, trying to hold back her tears. "Ah just wanna be left alone."

He brought his hand to her face, bringing a gloved finger across her cheek. Wiping her tears away gently, he tried to smile. "You be t' beautiful t' cry, Chere."

"Logan." Remy was already starting to despise the name. The mysterious man seemed to have Rogue's heart firmly in his hands.

"What did he do?" Bringing a hand around the back of her neck, Remy pulled her closer.

Rogue trembled beneath the touch of the Cajun. His red eyes seemed to stare right into her soul. Her mind begged to be closer. Logan didn't want her, but Remy did. Now all she wanted was for Remy to touch her, kiss her.

The still sane part of her cried no. She couldn't just touch him, bring his death. Not for a kiss.

"Remy'll take care of you," he whispered, moving closer. She tried to pull away, really she did. Her body refused to make the action. Before she could stop him, their lips touched.

A yelp escaped the young man. Rogue violently pulled away. Memories flooded her body; his memories. Staggering, Remy fell to the ground. Rogue screamed, backing away from him.

The scream echoed through the hallway, alerting people to the trouble. Logan came running from the rec room. He knelt by Remy. "What happened?"

"He kiss me! Ah tried ta stop him...." Tears rolled down Roguešs cheeks. "Really, ah did!"

"Don't touch anything!" Logan barked while scooping Remy up in his arms. "Ya'll use his power if ya do. Donšt wanna blow anything up." He lowered his voice. "Rogue, he'll be okay. Just gotta get him ta Jeannie."

Swallowing hard, Rogue tried to hold back the flow of tears. "He... he... kissed me. He knew what would happen."

Turning her head to Bobby, her eyes flashed red. "'Cause he cahes 'bout me! He didn't cahe that ah could've killed him... 'Cause Ah wanted him ta..."

The dam broke and she started sobbing. With the speed of a cat, Rogue was off running.

"Remy.... Remy.... Can you hear me?" Jean checked his pupils. With his arms crossed, Logan stood in the corner.

Jean nodded. "He's probably going to be out for a while. I don't think the contact was long enough to kill him, just knock him out."

Shaking his head, Logan looked at the unconscious boy. "Kid must care an awful lot 'bout Rogue to nearly kill himself just for a kiss...."

Her lips felt like heaven and hell. The feeling of kissing Rogue went through Remy. How close to death was he? Maybe he was dead. He certainly wasn't alive at the moment. He was somewhere in between. In a darkness where all he felt was Rogue against him. Rogue, his angel with the touch of Death.

Where was that voice coming from? No, it couldn't be. Remy had left him long behind. Yet he was the only one who called him Gambit.

"You think here at a mutant school you can forget? The face of every one of these mutants will remind you of one you killed."

"They might as well be. Every time you look at one of Xavier's mutants, you will see one of the Morlocks."

NO! Remy was not who he had been. He was misled. Just a kid... He made a mistake!

"A mistake that cost hundreds of lives. You murdered them, Gambit. Their blood is on your hands."

Bobby shuffled his feet, watching Logan casually smoke his cigar on the front porch. The mysterious mutant looked so cool, it was no wonder Rogue preferred him.

Of course, right now Logan wasn't the problem. The problem was Remy. Ever since he had come to the school, Rogue had practically needed a bucket for the drool. It was the same with the other girls; they all liked Remy.

Bobby jumped about two feet. It took a moment for him to stop the rapid pounding within his chest. "I didnšt think you knew I was here."

Looking back down, Logan took a puff of his cigar. "Got a problem, eh? We've got a therapist who gets paid t' listen t' yer problems."

Eyes averted, Bobby wrung his hands. "It's... Ah... Something I wanted to talk to you about."

Grunting, Logan glared at Bobby. "Why should it bother me? Rogue knows she can't go 'round kissin' people. S'not my job to remind her."

A smile crossed Logan's face. "I don't think you can trust him." He started to stroll away. "But I don't think you can trust me either."

Pain. There was so much pain in Remy's mind. It flooded Rogue's senses. She could not get through the muddled blackness distorting her senses.

She could feel Remy deep inside her. His powers had now subsided. It was only the memories.

There were so many memories in Rogue's mind: David's, Logan's, Magneto's.... And now Remy's. Less and less her memories were her own. Was it possible that someday Rogue's mind would just go?

Turning, Rogue faced Michaela. A worried expression plagued Michaelašs pretty features. "You will never disappear, Marie," she sat down.

Surprise flooded Rogue. Michaela shook her head. "Don't be surprised. I know as much about you as the Professor does. I have files on every mutant on premises."

"Who you are will never disappear, Rogue." Michaela put a comforting arm around the young girl's shoulders. "We will get your powers under control. It will take a lot of work. I swear, you will get control."

Rogue carefully put her head on Michaela's shoulder. The elder mutant was covered well. How Rogue wished she didn't have to worry about things like that! "Is Remy gonna be okay?"

"He'll be fine. He just needs to regain some strength. Jean says he will wake up soon."

"Ah liked it." A reddish hue filled Rogue's cheeks. Her thoughts were filled with the brief moment her lips touched Remy's.

Michaela's lips parted in a large grin. "The kiss? I heard they are quite enjoyable."

Extremely flustered, Michaela blushed. "Well... I have kissed people. No one really special... When I was fifteen I went to my senior prom. I had skipped a few grades in school." She smiled. "My date's name was Al Geddis. He was the older man... Eighteen. I had a big crush on him. He looked like Rob Lowe."

There was a blank look on Rogue's face. Michaela laughed. "I guess Rob Lowe isn't as much a heartthrob as he was when I was in school. Anyway, Al kissed me right here." she gestured to the corner of her mouth. "Nothing big. Just a sweet little peck. That's the most passionate kiss I've ever had."

Michaela wrung her hands together. "No. Not really. Romance is not high on my list of things to do."

Rogue shook her head. "Ah may not be empathic, Dr. St Matthews.... But Ah can tell you're lying."

Pushing a lock of hair behind her ear, Michaela tried to look busy. "That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard."

"I am just another woman he likes to flirt with," Michaela said, her cheeks reddening. "I will admit.... Logan has a certain.... Animal magnetism. But could you really see him and I in a relationship?"

"He would want to use his claws on me within five minutes." Michaela laughed. Rogue smiled softly. Just then, they heard footsteps. They looked up to see Scott.

Behind his ruby quartz lenses, Scott's eyes twinkled. "Remy's awake. And he's asking for you."

Immediately, Rogue jumped up. She hesitated for a moment, looking at Michaela. "Should I go? I'm the one who put him in there."

"Oh... Mon Dieu..." Remy rubbed his forehead. His long, shaggy hair fell onto his shoulders.

The footsteps coming closer to him echoed painfully in his ears. He laid back on the bed. "Chere? Is that you?"

Her cheeks when red as she moved next to him. "Ya could've killed yourself! Ah told ya not ta touch me!"

"Please, Chere.... I have a headache." Remy moved his hand to take hers. He stroked the nylon covering her deadly skin. "I am not sorry for kissing you. It be wonderful. I would do it again."

Taking in a deep breath, Remy shut his eyes. His mind was filled with his coma-induced nightmare. "I hear you know stuff about my life. You have my memories."

Guilt flooded Remy. Hearing someone else say that name was too much. He had tried to deal with what he had done. But how could he deal with being a murderer?

"It be... A kind of mutant." Remy's hands started to tremble. "Išve done a lot of t'ings I'm not proud of, Chere. T'ings I've left behind."

"You're still Gambit. Gambit is Remy LeBeau, the guy Išve started ta... Really like. Now, ah don't know everything you did in the past... But ah know ya were pushed inta it. You're a good man."

Rogue ran her tongue over her lips. łYoušll have to deal with what happened someday. But there will be lots oš people ta help you. The Professah, Mr. Summahs, Doctah Grey, Ms. Munroe, Doctah St Matthews, Logan... Theyšll all help you deal with it.˛

Rogue bent down, placing a kiss on his gloved hand. łAhšll help ya the most.˛

The staff of Xavieršs school gathered in the headmasteršs office. A grim look plagued Xavieršs features.

łI get a feeling our new arrival is trouble,˛ Scott said, looking at the Professor. łI donšt need to be a telepath to sense that.˛

łI probed Roguešs memories for what she learned from Remy.˛ Xavier sighed. łThere is a lot of pain in his past. Pain that he caused.˛

Sighing, Jean replied, łit means Michaela and I are going to have our hands full.˛

łFraulein Munroe,˛ Kurt Wagner, her young companion spoke up. łAre you sure this is the right place for me?˛

As they headed for the door, Ororo stopped. łKurt, just go in. Išm going to look at my greenhouse. I havenšt checked on my plants in a while.˛

Nodding, Kurt continued into the mansion. Ororo went around the back, opening the glass door of her greenhouse. She heard someone inside. Keeping alert, she called out, łWhošs in here?˛

Slowly, a young man came out. His red eyes glowed in the soft moonlight. He held several cut roses in his gloved hand.

Ororo placed her hands on her hips. łIšm Ororo Munroe. Those are my flowers.˛

The boy held them out to her. łI am Remy LeBeau... And I cannot catch a break.˛

Having the good nature to blush, Remy shuffled his feet. łDere is a girl here... Rogue. Dey are for her.˛

łYoušre a new student here?˛ Ororo smiled. łAnd you have a crush on Rogue? Well, I happen to know Roguešs favourites are daisies. Why donšt we find some for her?˛

Going through the rows of plants, Ororo and Remy searched for the perfect ones for Rogue. Remy ran his fingers over the delicate leaves. łMademoiselle Munroe.... Do you believe in second chances?˛

Ororo thought for a moment, then nodded. łI believe if a person is willing to work to redeem themselves, they can have as many chances as they need.˛

Rogue awoke to the sound of shrieking. Jumping up, she saw Kitty kneeling on the floor. She was holding a bouquet of white daisies. łWhat is it?˛ Rogue asked tiredly. łYa got a secret admirah?˛

Kitty grinned, thrusting the flowers into Roguešs hand. łTheyšre for you. And the admirer isnšt so secret.˛

Slowly, Rogue opened the card. A small smile crossed her lips. The card read: To Mon Coeur --Remy.

łWell, maybe shešs like you more if YOU sent her flowers!˛ Kitty hissed at Bobby. łNow be quiet before Logan gets angry.˛

Logan heard every word they said, but chose to ignore it. He went on with the class. łNow, Išve been teachinš ya the basics of self-defense for a while now. Can anyone demonstrate what Išve taught?˛

łI can.˛ a voice said from the doorway. The class turned to see Remy casually leaning in the doorway.

Remy advanced, but Logan was ready for him. The class watched as the pair exchanged hits. It was getting quite violent, each matching the other. Logan was the clear winner in brute strength. Yet Remy had many things he didnšt. Agility, speed, a certain cunning.

Logan tried to keep his beserker instinct down. He wanted to pull his claws out and rip into this kid. His mind wouldnšt let him remind himself this was just a sparring match.

In his lull, Remy attacked, pouncing on Logan. The larger man hit the mat with a thud. Groaning, Logan tried to get up. łNice going, Kid.˛