X-Men Fan Fiction ❯ The Angel's Gift ❯ Ch 8 ( Chapter 8 )

Title: The Angel's Gift, ch 8
Author: Jukebox
Pairing: Remy/Secret Santa
Rating: PG-13
Feedback: Always appreciated
Archive: If you think it's worthy, then absolutely. Permission
granted. Just let me know where so my fragile ego will be stroked.

Disclaimers: I don't own any of these characters.  Didn't ya know they belong to Stan Lee?  Now that's a man with a truly brilliant imagination!  And, I usually think poorly of my own writing, so I'll never make money off of this or any others like it that I write.

Summary: Gambit doesn't see what's so special about Christmas, especially when Rogue is sent away on secret mission. But the others and a secret Santa are going to try to help.

Warnings: I don't know French or Cajun French, so my apologies to people of those areas if I butchered the language in this fic. If I put any in this fic, it came from online translators and LA library archives. Last, but not least - there are thousands upon thousands of X-men fics on the internet. So if this one resembles another you've read, it's purely oincidental. But, let me know who & what so I can go check it out for myself to see. If I see it's real similar, I'll write that author and offer him/her condolences for having a mind like mine.

Few little notes: 

~ represents telepathy and thoughts

CH 8

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His eyelids cracked slowly, testing the light in the room.  Satisfied that it was sufficiently dim, he opened his eyes fully and he propped up on one elbow.  He felt completely rested, like he had been asleep for days.  ~How did I get to my room?~  Pushing the covers back and glancing down, he saw that he was wearing only boxer shorts, his clothes discarded in a pile by the closet. 

"Merde!  Dis be de second time I wake up in my room and not know what happen.  Damn Wolverine."  He stumbled out of bed and was about to make his way to the bathroom when he saw a box sitting on the floor in front of his door.  There was no missing it seeing how it would have to be moved or stepped over in order to exit his room.  He knelt down and carefully unwrapped it.  After removing the lid, he pushed back the tissue paper and pulled out the most revealing ladies negligee he had ever seen.  It was deep green with spaghetti straps.  Most of the teddy was see through lace, however there was sufficient silk in the right spots to cover the most sensitive, sexual parts of a woman.  His mouth watered involuntarily as he traced his fingers over the lingerie. 

After a few moments, he regained his composure and placed it back in the box, retrieving the note that had been on top.

-         ~ It is time we got together.  I want you to see this lovely outfit on me.  Meet me under the mistletoe on your mansion's front porch at midnight tonight.

Anxiously waiting, your Secret Santa~

He was rereading the note and trying desperately to figure out what he should do when the phone rang and startled him.  He ran over to the bed and grabbed it up.

"Qui?" he huffed in the phone without thinking.

"Remy, sugah?  It's Rogue."

He closed his eyes and exhaled, instantly calming his nerves.  "Chere.  So glad to hear your voice."

"What's the matter, hun?  Ya sound a little out of breath." 

"Not'ing, chere, just ran to catch de phone."  Well, it wasn't really a lie.  He had, after all, sprinted across the room to grab it.

"Uh huh.  Well, I wanted to call and wish ya a merry Christmas, sugah!  Y'all getting ready for the feast today?"  She was radiating enthusiasm through the phone.

"Sure, chere.  Gonna make some gumbo today."

"Gumbo?  That ain't no Christmas dish, swamp rat."

"It be one of my favorites and Stormy said I could have it.  So, I'm gonna make it.  Too bad you won't be here to try it."  Gambit sounded almost like a spoiled child the way he responded.

She laughed on her end at his little comeback.  "Alright, sugah.  Didn't mean to diss your dish.  I'm sure it'll be delicious, being your such a good cook and all."

"Sorry, chere.  Didn't mean to sound like a chile.  I, just….I got a lot on my mind.  When you coming home?" 

"Now Remy.  We've been through this.  Ya know I'll see ya when I see ya and not a moment before."   Rogue sighed into the phone at the rehashing of the same conversation they had already shared several times over the last few days.  "Sugah, I want ya to participate in everything today and try to have a good time for me."

"I've been doing just what you ask me, Rogue.  I made a promise to you and I'll see it t'rough."  There was a long pause before he found the nerve to make the next statement.  "Chere, dere be somet'ing I need to tell you, but you not gonna like it.  I need you to wait 'til I finish 'fore you say somet'ing, d'accord?"

After she agreed, he told her about all the gifts and notes he had received over the last few days.  He also told her that he was planning to meet the mystery person tonight to make it clear that he wasn't interested.  When he finished, there was a couple of minutes with nothing said. 

"Chere?  You still dere?  Say somet'ing, anyt'ing."  At this moment, Gambit wanted her to yell at him and get it over with.  What she said and the way she said it, however, surprised him.

"Wow, that's….that's….I don't even know what to say about that swamp rat.  But, I'm glad ya told me.  I don't know how I feel about this meeting tonight." she finally admitted.

He released the air he had been holding in his lungs before continuing.  "You trust me, chere?"  She told him she did.  "Den let me handle dis." 

"Alright sugah.  I better go.  You enjoy the family thing today and think of me.  I love ya fool."

"Dat's my chere.  Love you too."  With that he disconnected, smile plastered on his face as he felt a huge weight lift from his shoulder.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind.  The smells from the kitchen most of the day were mouth-watering.  Wolverine found it very difficult to stay away as his stomach protested loudly.  Finally, the food was served and blessings given.   All of the dishes were scrumptious, but nothing was as big a hit as the gumbo.  After Bobby made the foolish statement that he had never had it before, Remy flashed him a look of horror as if Bobby had just grown three horns out of his head.  Everyone laughed at the scene and agreed verbally that Gambit shouldn't wait for next Christmas before making another batch. 

The meal was finished and all the food put up, dishes cleaned.  Everyone retired to the den to begin the gift exchange.  Laughter filled the room as each person opened their presents. 

"Thanks for the Cubans, Gumbo" Wolverine exclaimed as he placed one in his mouth. 

"Also tuned your Harley, mon ami."  Gambit stepped smoothly out of reach of Wolverine.

Everyone paused at the growl that came from the feral man.  "WHAT!!  Ya touched my baby?"

"Purrs like a kitten now ole man." Gambit smirked.  Logan didn't know whether to smile or be pissed.  Jean politely reminded him that it was Christmas after all and he should accept the gift in the spirit it was given.  With a nod towards his team mate, Wolverine continued opening his gifts.

A gasp from Cyclops stopped everyone once again.  He put the sunglasses on and could see a few shades of basic colors other than red.  "I….I don't believe.  Gambit, how…who…what" he stammered as he was overcome with emotion.

All eyes turned to Remy and he was instantly self conscious, causing him to blush.  "Uh, Henri helped me.  Took us some time to get de lenses right.  De material dey made of not too easy to find." 

"It was all in the interest of science, my dear friend." McCoy added.

Cyclops didn't say anything.  His vocal chords seemed to freeze.  Jean decided to help her husband out.  "I think what Scott is trying to say is thank you for such a thoughtful gift."  Scott nodded enthusiastically at his wife's response.

Such were the sentiments of everyone towards the Cajun as each opened their gifts from him.  Each was awed at the consideration and care that must have gone into picking out just the right thing.  The most emotional response, however, came from the person everyone least expected.  The Professor remained silent as he stared at the cover of the book.  Even Jubilee and Bobby stopped opening presents to look at him. 

When he realized that all his students were staring, he cleared his throat and floated towards Remy.  He reached out and grasped one of the thief's hands to squeeze gently.  Tears had formed at the edge of his eyes as he looked up at Gambit. "I don't know how you found this, or how you knew, but I will treasure it always.  Thank you truly, Remy LeBeau." 

The sincerity flowing from the Professor was overwhelming.  Gambit looked down at his feet as he whispered "You are welcome, Professeur."  The Professor looked around to the rest of his family and smiled warmly.  He bid them all a good night and excused himself. 

Storm decided to shift the attention back to opening presents and drinking eggnog.  Everyone was pleased with their loot.  Even Remy made out like the thief he was, claiming among many trinkets a new pair of gloves, several new packs of cards, several new sweaters, cologne, and a copy of the book 'Cajun Night Before Christmas' courtesy of Bobby. 

As the evening wore on, Remy grew more and more apprehensive.  Slowly, individuals began excusing themselves to take their new treasures up to their respective rooms.  By 11:30, only Storm and Wolverine remained in the den with Remy. 

"Well, it be almost dat time, mes amis.  If Cyclops knew I left de front gate open, he'd torture me wit' 4 a.m. danger room sessions."  Gambit paced nervously back and forth in front of the fireplace absently fingering several cards he had pulled from the deck in his pocket.  He didn't feel like he would need them to meet his secret admirer, but then one couldn't be too careful. 

"You want us to stay with you, brother, in case there is trouble?"  Ororo stood in front of him to stop his pacing and placed a hand on his shoulder. 

"Non, chere.  Gambit gotta do dis himself."  He flashed her a charming smile and cupped her face.  "But t'anks for caring."

"Well, we'll be in the kitchen just in case Gumbo.  Ya better leave that front door open so we can hear ya call if ya need us."  Wolverine stood and grabbed Storm's hand to lead her off into the kitchen.  Remy watched them depart and then headed for the front porch, wrapping his trench coat around him.

Despite the frigid temperatures and the snow covering the ground, the porch was relatively warm.  ~Stormy~ Gambit smiled to himself.  He looked up at the mistletoe hanging down from the light and sighed.  He really didn't know what to expect or how to let the person down easy.  He began pacing again as he struggled to come up with just the right words to avoid any hurt feelings.  So caught up in his thoughts, he didn't realize he was being watched from the edge of the porch.  Slowly, the shadow moved towards him.  His back was turned to the shadow when the words startled him.

"How like ya my gifts…..sugah?"

His pupils dilated as he recognized the voice.  He spun quickly around to stare at the most beautiful creature he knew. 

"Chere" he whispered before closing the gap between them and sweeping her up in his arms.

He clung to Rogue for several minutes until she started giggling.  "I'm gonna suffocate swamp rat."  She pushed him away gently but held onto his arms, staring deeply into his red on black eyes.

"Chere, what, when you, why did…"  She stopped him cold when she suddenly reached up and pulled him down to her in a passionate kiss.  His eyes widened in disbelief and he pulled back with a gasp.

"Qui?" he blinked with his mouth slightly agape.

She smiled lovingly at him and pointed to a necklace.  "It's a variation of the Genoshan collar, without the bulkiness.  It negates powers, but doesn't weigh ya down.  And, I can remove it any time I want."

"All de gifts, dey be from you?" he asked.

"Yep.  What ya think?"

Instantly, his confused expression changed to irritation.  "I don't understand.  I t'ought you were gone on a mission.  You been here de whole time?  Why you lie to me?"  

"I didn't lie to ya, sugah.  I was on a mission, but I found what was needed late yesterday, a lot sooner than I thought I would.  This was part of that mission, a souvenir sorta."

"But, de gifts, how you…" he was cut off again with another deep kiss.  He melted into her touch and concentrated on tasting her, touching her.  When they broke again for air, he was panting with eyes closed.

"I had some inside help, sugah.  Hadn't ya figured that out by now?"  She brought her naked hand up to his face, tracing his lips with her finger.  "Now ya didn't answer my earlier question.  How like ya my gifts?"

"Chere, dose be de best gifts dis poor ole t'ief ever got." He answered breathily.

"Well, I got one more to give ya upstairs." she winked.  "But first, did ya save me any of that gumbo?  I've been traveling all day and haven't had a bite to eat." 

"Oui.  Dere be a little left in de fridge."  With that, he grabbed her hand and headed for the door.  Pausing at the threshold, he looked back at her and asked "What was de mission, chere?"

"It was a secret, sugah.  If I tell ya, I gotta kill ya."  She reached her hand up to grasp his neck and pull him down to her until he could feel her breath on his ear.  "There's a lot of things I want to do to ya tonight, Cajun, and killing ya isn't one of them" she whispered.  As if to drive her point home, she gently nibbled on his lobe. 

She pulled back and smirked at his flushed expression.  His breathing had quickened as he looked at her and replayed her words in his head.  Though his throat was dry, he finally managed to find his voice to reply.  "I dunno, chere.  You may kill dis ole t'ief before de night is over after all."

He continued to stare at her, bringing one hand up to trace along the outline of her face and jaw.  She grabbed his finger, closed her eyes and kissed it before turning back her gaze to him.  "Gumbo?" she asked.

"Oui, chere" he purred with eyes half closed, lost in the moment.

She giggled at him for a moment, then continued.  "In the fridge, right?"  Her stomach decided to chime in at this point to bring him out of his trance.  He smiled when he realized what she meant and turned to guide her into the house.  ~Oh yeah~ she thought, ~I'm gonna enjoy several Cajun dishes tonight.~

As they entered the foyer, she stopped him to look at the tree.  She led him into the den and stood in front of it, taking in all the ornaments.  She looked over at him and smiled sweetly.  "What ya get me, sugah?"

He reached into his trench coat and pulled out a little box to hand her.  She arched an eyebrow at the location of her gift.  He shrugged and reminded her that his trench coat was the safest place for her gift to be since no one ever touches it and he never goes anywhere without it.  She slowly opened the box and gasped.  Inside was a beautiful emerald ring, surrounded on both sides by diamonds.  Tears formed in her eyes as he placed it on her finger.

"Dis be a promise ring, chere.  Je t'aime gros, Rogue."  He leaned down and kissed her tenderly on the cheek. 

She squeaked and ran into the kitchen to show the ones she knew were there, leaving Gambit standing by the tree.  He looked up at the radiant angel and smiled.  "T'ank you for giving me de best Christmas present of all, mon ange."  Then, he left to join his love.

The End.

Translations

je t'aime gros - I love you very much

Qui - what

Author's note:   I really enjoyed writing this fic.  It literally came to me overnight.  Don't know what was in that meal I ate before I went to bed that night (hahaha).  Thanks again to everyone that has reviewed and may review this fic in the future.  Reviewers are true inspirations!!!!!