-1Disclaimer: I own nothing X-men. Gosh I wish I did. However I do own Austin/Shifter and Skylar/Nightshade.

***Rated M for later content***

A little bit out of the X-Men Evolution Universe. Mutants are a bit older, no one is dead or missing.

Oh…and I don't write accents. It's not fun for my spellchecker. We all know how they sound. And we can all imagine their voices. Sometimes I'll add some accents in…but it's rare.

ROMY- Rogue/Remy

*Trouble This Way Comes*

Chapter One

Of Meetings and Opportunities

Rogue frowned at her reflection in the mirror. She looked like hell. "Not much of a surprise there…sleep deprivation will do that to ya." Her voice even sounded hallow and dull. None of the usual spice that she trademarked herself of having. Sighing, she brushed a comb through her thick hair and styled it so the shocks of white landed perfectly around her face. Why she bothered, she had no idea. But Jean had insisted they go shopping today, on their day off from teaching. Storm and Kitty would be coming along as well.

Dressed in her best jeans and a fitted camisole, Rogue threw a black leather jacket over her shoulders and slipped on her gloves. Grabbing her sunglasses and purse, she hurried down to meet the other women.

Storm greeted her in the foyer at the base of the steps. "Change of plans, Rogue. We have a new arrival, Xavier wants us to show him around. He's the new teacher."

Jean muttered under her breath about it being a bad idea, but smiled up at Rogue. "He's in Xavier's office…care to go meet him together?" Rogue looked at Storm and then at Jean and sighed, setting down her purse.

"Yeah, alright…let's do this." She had just wanted a day of relaxation. Away from the mutants. Away from the nightmares, the memories, the strange problem with her powers…she needed a vacation. But steeling herself up to the task of playing chaperone to the new teacher, she followed Jean and Storm into Xavier's office.

Xavier looked up as the three women entered, a smile creasing his face. The man in the chair across from turned his head slightly. His auburn hair was messy and long, in a rock star sort of way. A strong body accented his sharp features and stunning looks. But the most surprising part of him to the women were his eyes. Pitch black, with irises a brilliant scarlet, he had the eyes of a demon, and the smile of a snake charmer as he glanced the three women over.

Xavier cleared his throat. "Ladies…have a seat. This is Remy Lebeau, also known as Gambit. Gambit, this is Storm, Jean Grey, and Rogue." Gambit nodded a hello to each women, his lips turning up into a smile as he appraised Rogue.

"Da pleasure, it's all mine, mademoiselles." He turned back to Professor Xavier. "I look forward to teaching alongside your staff."

Xavier nodded. "You're most welcome here. Logan and Scott will be around shortly to meet you as well. They're currently in Mexico picking up two new mutants. You three are the only male staff currently, aside from Beast." Gambit nodded and stood up, shaking Xavier's hand.

"Den, I can't wait to meet them. Thanks fer everything, Professor." He turned to leave, smiling at the women. "Ladies…again, a pleasure." Jean stood up and followed him out, Rogue could hear her telling him about the grounds and the rules the faculty and students lived under. Storm grinned at Rogue and got up too. Rogue was about to leave when Xavier stopped her.

"Rogue, sit down. We have to talk." Rogue groaned inwardly, but sat across from his desk…tense. Xavier rested his chin on his fingers and looked at her for a moment. "You aren't sleeping." It was a statement, not a question. Of course the Professor would know something was wrong.

Rogue shook her head, looking down at her gloved hands. "No sir. I keep having these crazy dreams, and memories that I don't even think are mine. And, Professor…my power, it's changing. I can still fly, and I'm still strong. But my absorption…it doesn't always work."

Xavier nodded. "I'm going to send you to Emma for some psychic help. She may be able to discover the cause of the memories. I'd do it myself, but I will be gone for a length of time. Storm will be in charge until my return. As for your powers…I'd recommend some training with Logan. Maybe the two of you can figure out what's going on. It could be that your powers are manifesting again…making themselves work a little differently."

Rogue nodded. "Yes sir." She stood to leave as he dismissed her. Walking out of his office, she picked up her bag, and walked out the door to her car. Might as well get some shopping done. With her head down, and her mind in thought, she didn't notice the man in front of her until she ran into him. His arms snaked around her waist, catching her mid fall.

"Careful, Chere…you might run someone over." It was the new teacher. Gambit. His dark eyes stared into hers as he helped her regain her standing balance.

Rogue blushed. "Sorry. I was kinda lost in thought." Gambit nodded.

"I noticed. You leave mansion, now? I must say, chere, I've never chased a woman away with my arrival before." Rogue laughed and shook her head.

"Shopping. Your arrival postponed my shopping trip. I was supposed to go with Storm and Jean, but now they're busy."

Gambit looked relieved for a moment. "Then you shall allow Gambit to accompany you. I make excellent bag carrier, and my eye for shoes…it's gotten me high ratings in Paris."

Rogue grinned and pointed to her car. "Alright, you can come along. But no funny business Suga'. I'm stronger than I look."

Gambit grinned and followed her to her car. "I don't doubt it, Chere. Not for one moment."

---

The ride to the mall was uneventful and filled with easy conversation. Both Rogue and Gambit were Southerners by birth, and they compared accents and life compared to the 'Yankees'. Gambit explained his power, and Rogue explained hers…to a point. Gambit appeared crestfallen when she said she couldn't come into contact with others…or else risk their very lives.

Rogue looked at his sad expression. "What's a matter, Suga? You look like a croc just ate your puppy."

Gambit looked surprised. "Who told you about dat?"

Rogue pulled into a parking spot and burst out laughing. "I meant…you look like someone just told you Santa wasn't real."

Gambit frowned. "I was just imagining what it would be like to kiss you. But I must say…I didn't factor in dying."

Rogue frowned and opened her car door. She didn't like the fact that this man she had just met was already falling for her. Rogue also didn't like that…in the short time she had known Gambit…she was falling for him too. "Sorry. That's the way it is though."

Gambit wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close enough so their noses were close to touching. His breath smelled of peppermint, and it's cool scent made Rogue shiver. "It's a shame, my chere. A damn shame." Releasing her, he started walking towards the mall.

Rogue blinked and recovered quickly. Together they walked the mall. Ducking into stores, Gambit very courteously holding the bags, while Rogue tried on new clothes. She couldn't ignore the stares he sent her way. The way he watched her, a look in his eye that spoke many promises. None possible with her powers. Her disappointment grew when she saw a young couple kissing in the food court.

Never would she be able to that. To feel a man's lips on hers. To be touched the way a woman wanted to be touched. Skin on skin contact was an absolute no-no. Rogue couldn't have any of those things. Ever.

Gambit watched her with a curious gaze as her expression turned wistful. He knew what she was thinking, and throwing caution to the wind, he dropped the bags onto the floor beside them, and grabbed Rogue's arms, pulling her close. Before she could protest, he crushed his mouth to hers in a kiss that made her see stars.

He could feel the very life energy being drained out of him, and as he felt the black edges threaten to overtake him…he pulled away with a gasp. Rogue looked shocked, and then she growled and hit him. "You idiot! I could have killed you!" But as she saw him still standing, albeit a little bit shaky…she gasped and put a hand to her lips. "You…you…you ain't unconscious!"

Gambit sat down on a bench near them and looked up at her with wary eyes. "No. Was I spose'd to be?"

Rogue sat down next to him, checking his pulse. It was strong. "Yes! The amount of power I drained from you should have killed you!"

Gambit shrugged. "Care to try again?" Rogue pushed him away. "Fine. You're loss, ma chere." Grinning he shook his head, as if trying to clear the cobwebs, and stood up. "Let's go get us some ice cream. I need something sugary afta that. You a damn good kisser, Rogue."

She made a face, but stood up to follow him, grabbing a bag off the floor. As she touched it, it energized…glowing a brilliant orange. "Gambit! I absorbed your power! How do I shut it off??" Gambit laughed and grabbed the bag, taking away the energy that threatened to explode.

"Ah, Rogue…maybe you should let me touch the stuff for now. My power is not one to be taken lightly." Rogue readily agreed and together they headed off back to the mansion.

---

"You mean you kissed Gambit!" Kitty's excited voice carried over the loud music coming from her room. Rogue nodded and sighed, putting her face in her hands. Kitty was ecstatic. "This is sooo cool! Like, you've kissed the most handsome man in the whole world!"

Rogue looked up. "Kitty…"

Kitty grinned. "Right. Aside from Colossus…" Rogue rolled her eyes. Her lips still tingled with Gambit's kiss. She wanted to smack him. She wanted to explore why he didn't drop. But most of all…she wanted to kiss him again. And never stop.

Standing up, she looked out the window at the van that had pulled up. Logan and Scott were home. She wanted to talk to Logan. Kitty came to the window. "Oh yea…the two newest recruits. Twins." The two women watched as Logan helped a young woman and her brother unload the van of their belongings. The woman was beautiful…with long black hair and an easy smile. Her brother was equally handsome. Kitty sighed, and grinned at Rogue. "OK…so maybe Gambit isn't the most handsome after all."

Rogue laughed. "Whatever you say, short stuff. I'm going to go talk to Logan." She left the room and ran into the new girl. They fell to the floor in a heap of boxes, and limbs. Rogue groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. She had to start watching where she was going.

The new woman grinned and helped her up. "You must be Rogue. Logan said I'd recognize you cuz of you're amazing hair. I just love the white." She stuck out her hand to Rogue. "The name's Skylar. But you can call me Nightshade."

Rogue shook the woman's hand, instantly loving the carefree attitude of the recruit. "My name is Anna. But you can call me Rogue."

The girl flashed a dazzling smile. "Pleasure. Logan said you're from Mississippi? I'm from Texas. Dallas to be exact." Her drawl was lengthened when she talked about her hometown.

Rogue grinned. "I guessed as much. You have big hair." True to the statement, Skylar had a massive amount of ebony hair, falling from her head in a cascade of waves.

With a surprised look she grinned. "Yes ma'am. If you don't got big hair in Dallas, then you ain't a Texan." She picked up the box of clothes she had dropped. "My brother should be helping me right along. That boy is lazier than a horse at high noon."

Rogue nodded, understanding the southern terminology. She had a feeling that Nightshade was going to be one of her closest friends. With a smile, she picked up a box that was still on the floor. "Well…I'll help you. I'm sure the ladies of the household have detained your brother." Skylar snickered and the two women made their way down the hall towards the faculty's wing. "So…whatchya teaching?"

Skylar made a face. "I'm teaching self defense. My brother will be with Gambit doing only the Lord knows what." She rolled her eyes and lightly punched Rogue in the shoulder. "I hear you're the resident history teacher."

Rogue nodded. "If it's old or dead, chances are, my students will learn about it." Skylar burst out laughing and dropped the box onto the carpeted floor of her new room.

"Damn. This place is like Graceland. Ya know…I was there once, when I still had mah pigtails. Momma said it was like visiting the White House of the south, and that the Yankees knew nuthin about buildins." She opened the curtains to the windows. "Well…she sure was wrong."

Rogue nodded. "The mansion is the most beautiful house in the area. You'll find yourself getting lost quite a few times. Just hollar if ya need anything, ya hear?"

Skylar nodded. "Will do. Thanks Rogue. I was afraid I wouldn't make friends here."

Rogue smiled at the woman and left the room to let her unpack. She crossed the mansion's giant courtyard towards the boys dormitory, waving hello to the various mutants she passed. Logan was outside, chatting with Gambit. Rogue sighed and marched up to the men.

Logan gave her a quick hug. "Hey there, Stripes. Did you meet Skylar yet?"

Rogue raised an eyebrow. "Wolverine…if I didn't know better, I'd say you had your eye on her…"

Logan gave her a feral grin and turned to Gambit. "Good women are hard to find. Don't you agree, Cajun?"

Gambit grinned at Rogue, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Aye, Wolverine. A good woman…now dat is the ultimate goal in life." He winked at her then, his eyes filled with an emotion that Rogue couldn't quite decipher.

Rogue smiled at Logan, but the smile was forced. It took a lot for her to admit a weakness…but she knew Logan could help. They were close enough where she could trust him with anything. Although the confidentiality was kind of shattered with Gambit there. However, Rogue didn't want to ask him to leave. She wasn't that rude, and she figured that maybe he too could be someone she could trust. "Logan…something's wrong with my powers."

Logan's grim features looked even grimmer. "You losing them?" Gambit looked intrigued. He had no idea what Rogue could actually do…other than absorb.

Rogue shook her head. "No. I still got Ms. Marvel's flight and strength, but I'll be damned if my absorption isn't always working right. Today I managed to zap Gambit. But I couldn't even lay him flat."

Logan now looked amused. "How'd she get you, Gambit?"

Gambit made a sheepish grin. "I kissed her." Logan roared with laughter, his small body shaking. Rogue rolled her eyes and waited.

Logan wiped the tears from his eyes and smiled at Rogue. "Don't worry, Stripes. We'll figure it out. I promise." He winked at Gambit. "Good luck with this one, Cajun. She's a firecracker." And with that, he walked away, still chuckling, leaving Rogue and Gambit alone.

Rogue looked at Gambit with an exasperated expression. "Don't think you won this Suga. I'm not so easily surprised a second time."

Gambit grinned and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Don't worry, ma Cherie…I'm much more stealthy the second time." He stepped close, so he could whisper in her ear. "And touch or no touch, I'll won't give up. You're too appealing."

With a gentle kiss on the top of her head, he walked into the dormitory. Rogue sighed and walked back to her room…her mind tired, her body drained. She needed sleep…and damn it all…she was going to get it.

---

The next morning was none the better. Rogue woke up in her bed with a pounding headache after having a dream that she thought she would never wake up from. Rogue sighed and rolled out of bed, running a hand through her hair. Dragging herself to the bathroom, she showered and dressed for class, wearing a long sleeve sweater and black slacks.

Feeling much better after her shower, she made her way down to the kitchen, meeting Skylar on the stairs. Skylar looked like she had a rough night and grinned at Rogue. "I'm not a morning person."

Rogue laughed. "Neither am I…you'll get used to it." Skylar nodded and they walked into the kitchen. Austin, Skylar's brother greeted the two women and threw his sister an apple. Skylar kissed the top of his head and sat down next to him, contentedly munching on the fruit.

Gambit pulled out a chair for Rogue. "Good morning, Mon Ami. You slept well, I hope?"

Rogue sighed. "Not really. But I'm used to that. Want to book the danger room with me for a training session later? I only have one class today." Gambit nodded and handed her a playing card.

"Call me." With a laugh, he walked off towards his class. Rogue looked at the card in her hands and sighed, shaking her head with a smile. The Queen of Hearts. Skylar glanced at Gambit's retreating figure.

Then her eyes focused back on Rogue with a smile as wide as the Mississippi. "Well well…looks like the Rogue got herself a man. And honey…that is one fine lookin' piece of man if I do say so myself. He got any brothers?"

Austin snorted into his coffee and left the girls alone, muttering something about it 'not being right knowin' his sister's love live' Rogue grinned. "No. No brothers…but I think Logan likes you."

Skylar raised an eyebrow. "Wolverine? Hot damn…this is really heaven." Her eyes got dreamy. She stood up to head for her class. "You know, sweetie…good men are hard to find. Gambit obviously is head over heels for ya. Don't let him go. And don't push him away."

TBC

~Wow…I had fun writing this. Now…as you can tell, Skylar and Logan will eventually have their own story. As will some of the other future pairings. But right now, I'm focused mainly on this ROMY story.