Gambit flicked a card upward into the tree tops hung with moss. He watched it explode with a satisfying bang. He was unhappy as a whole with the way his life had turned. He could live with taking Government jobs against mutants. What he couldn't live with, or more accurately probably wouldn't live through, was a marriage to Belladonna, the Queen Swamp Witch.

She was the assassin princess who wanted nothing more than to sink her claws into him. Once upon a time they had been friends, best friends even. Then he had hit puberty and begun to date. A few months later he noticed that everyone he slept with or even showed interest in was disappearing. It didn't take him long to realize that Bella was the one killing them off.

As it turned out, she had gotten it in that pretty little blonde head of hers that they were meant to be. That was the point where he had cut her out of his life and started looking for romantic interests outside of the New Orleans City Limits.

His cousin Emil had called a few hours ago to give him the heads up that Bella had finally broken Marius down and talks of marriage had begun.

Remy would be damned if he would be tied to her in any way whatsoever.

He needed to get out of New Orleans tonight. Once he was away he could figure a way to get out of this catastrophe. Maybe he would head to New York City, he could always find work there.

XxX

Rogue walked uncertainly into the Professor's Chamber. She always felt so uncomfortable being in the same room with his unconscious form even when there were others in the room. She looked around and saw Logan standing next to the Professor with his arms crossed.

"You wanted to see me, Logan?" She asked coming to a stop in front of him.

"Not me." He said and jerked his head toward the bed.

The room changed around them into a white space that didn't seem to end. The Professor's telepathic form appeared next to them. He looked a lot better than when she had first seen him in this state. He looked like the man she had first met, with a kind smile on his face and a nice suit. She hated seeing him dirty and with torn clothes.

"I needed to see you, Rogue." His voice inspiring calmness in her. "I have a mission only you can complete."

Rogue nodded knowing that she would be needed to absorb information from someone. It was her specialty after all.

"A recruitment mission that you must take alone." He shot a look at Logan and she turned her head to see he was wearing a sour expression. "I need you to recruit Gambit."

"What? Why?" The questions flew from her mouth before she could stop them.

He gave her a gentle smile. "If I send anyone else he will run. When you offer him a place with the X-Men he will make a counter offer. I'm afraid it is asking quite a lot of you, but please consider it carefully."

She nodded slowly. If the Professor needed this of her then she would do it. Plus she owed that no good dirty rotten thief a kick. "I'll do it."

Logan growled softly beside her. "I still don't like this." he spoke up. "Can't someone go with her?"

The Professor shook his head. "I'm afraid not. It must be Rogue, and she must be alone." He turned his attention back to her. "You will find Gambit in New York City. Book a hotel room and pack for at least two to three weeks."

Rogue nodded at the instructions. What on Earth was she going to do with Gambit for thee weeks in New York City?

She excused herself so she could prepare for her mission. She was not looking forward to this at all.