Unchained Instinct ( Complete)

Chapter 9


“Man, Ah’ll be glad when this is over,” Rogue stated. She and Kurt stood alone among a class of over two hundred students, relative exiles in the midst of their peers. She looked down at her gown and her cap shifted, falling over her eyes.

Kurt reached up and straightened her cap. She smiled gratefully at him and glanced over the field of graduating students and crowd of happy spectators.

“It’s kinda weird, isn’t it?” she said.

“Are you thinking of something in particular or our lives in general?” Kurt countered with sarcasm.

“Ah don’t know...just you and me comin’ together here in a place so far away from where we were born not knowin’ we had people in common in our lives.”

“You mean Mystique?” Kurt’s tone went from sarcastic to just plain sour.

“Yeah, Ah guess. Have you seen her? Is she here?” Rogue asked, scanning the bleachers.

“How would we know?” Kurt replied. “She could look like anyone.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Mystique showin’ up last week really gave me the willies. She hasn’t tried to talk to ya, has she?”

Kurt’s expression turned pensive. “No. But she won’t give up so easily. I’m afraid her target is my parents. She obviously believes I can’t think for myself.”

Rogue offered him a sympathetic gaze. “Ah know. She’s shifted her focus of obsession from me to you, with her motherin’ instincts finally kickin’ in. Ah don’t envy you, bro.”

“I don’t know how much it has to do with mothering instincts. I think she’s just a control freak. Anyway, I wish she’d just crawl back into whatever hole she crawled out of and leave me alone.”

Rogue scanned the bleachers and found Kurt’s parents sitting next to the Professor, the younger students sitting all around them, hopeful protection from Mystique getting to Kurt’s parents before he had time to break the news to them of his and Logan’s relationship.

“Where’s Logan?” Rogue asked. “He’s been keepin’ his distance from ya since your parents arrived.”

Kurt let out a sigh. “Three rows up from the Professor, sitting next to Kitty, Scott and Jean.”
“It’s been hard the last few days. Just when I need him most, I can’t be with him. And I feel bad about keeping Logan at arm’s length, but I need the right time to tell my parents and tomorrow morning, after tonight’s celebration, I will tell them.”

“It’s gonna be hard. Ah don’t envy ya that either.”

“Hard is an understatement, Rogue. I’ve been running this scenario through my head for months and still can’t come up with a good way to tell my very Catholic parents that I’m in love with a man. This will not end well and I will have to choose between the parents who raised me and the man I now love.”

“Hey,” Rogue said, putting an arm around his shoulders. “It’s gonna be okay. They’ll come around even if it takes some time. Even if they jump on a plane and fly back to Germany right away...give them some time to process. Y’know, they were pretty open minded when they fished you outta that river when you were a baby. Give ‘em some credit.”

A smile brightened Kurt’s features. “You’re right. I’m not being fair. And we have other things to think about right now.”

“Yeah, look at that.” Rogue turned Kurt and pointed across the field. “Lance Alvers in a cap and gown. About time. But then Ah don’t have alotta right ta talk.”

“You’ve had good reason. He just didn’t try,” Kurt pointed out.

“Ah guess. Not that Ah was tryin’ all that hard.”

Lance caught them looking at him and strolled towards them with that signature smirk in place.

“Is either of you as glad as I am to be leaving this place behind?” Lance said, pulling the cap off his head and shaking his hair out of his face.

“You could say that,” Rogue replied. “And Ah won’t be waitin’ for an invitation to the five year reunion either.”

Lance gave a snort and gazed up to the bleachers. Kitty waved down at them and Lance waved back. “She’s something else, you know?”

“Yes, Kitty is very special. Be good to her,” Kurt stated, his voice just short of a warning.

Lance turned his smirk on Kurt. “Hey, you know what would be funny? When you get up on that stage to get your diploma, something happening to that holo watch you wear and the real you appearing. Wouldn’t be as good as Rogue’s performance last year, but it would be a hoot to see how everyone reacts.”

“As I recall,” Kurt shot back. “You and the rest of Magneto’s lackeys didn’t help things much that time.”

Lance made a conciliatory face. “You’ve got a point.” He shifted his weight and crossed his arms against his chest. “Mystique’s back.”

“I know,” Kurt replied. “She’s already trying to cause trouble for me and Logan.”

“When Momma’s not happy nobody’s happy.”

“Well, she might as well get glad, cause Kurt and Logan aren’t breakin’ up just because she wants them to,” Rogue injected.

Lance shrugged and put his cap back on his head. “Mystique can be real persuasive when she wants to be.”

“Doesn’t matter, Alvers,” Kurt said through gritted teeth. “What she thinks means nothing to me. I love Logan and there is nothing she can do about it.”

“Except give you a whole world of grief,” Lance stated then winked. “See ya around.”

They watched him walk away in a confident swagger.

“What does Kitty see in him?” Rogue asked, watching him cross the field to where his buddies waited.

“He’s good looking,” Kurt replied. “Not unintelligent.”

“He’s a cocky asshole.”

“Not so unlike that Gambit dude you’ve taken a liking to.”

Rogue whirled on Kurt. “Who says Ah’ve taken a likin’ to him? Not me.” Kurt tried to suppress a smile and Rogue narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t be sayin’ things like that or Ah’ll have to hurt ya.”

Kurt put up his hands in defense. “Just calling them like I see them, sis. And speak of the devil. Isn’t that Gambit up there in the bleachers?”

“Where?”

Rogue scanned the rows, following Kurt’s directions and there sat that blasted Cajun, dressed in grey slacks and a button down black silk shirt, suit coat hanging over his arm. She’d never seen him without the headgear or costume and now realized Gambit’s hair was long, hanging down his back in a ponytail. He had on sunglasses and he pushed them down on his nose and looked her straight in the eyes with that scarlet gaze. A little smile pulled at his mouth...a mouth she’d kissed...only vaguely remembering taking his talent from him while under the influence of that shit, Mezmero. He put two fingers to his lips and blew a kiss across to her.

“Oh my gawd!” she said, grabbing hold of Kurt’s arm. “What’s he doin’ here?”

“He’s come to see you graduate, what else?” Kurt said and Rogue heard the smirk in his tone. She wanted to punch him for it. “He’s certainly not here to see me.”

“Why would he care if Ah graduate or not?” Rogue felt an uncomfortable pleasure roll through her at the thought that Gambit would come to a simple high school graduation just for her. The feeling made her grit her teeth.

“What’s wrong, Rogue?” Kurt asked close to her ear. “He likes you. That’s why he’s here.”

“But...but he’s one of them. One of Magneto’s boys.”

“Magneto has gone into seclusion from what I’ve heard. His boys are on their own now. Maybe he has some redeeming qualities.” Kurt’s tone sounded skeptical. “You never know about people. Maybe you could bring him over to the good side.”

Rogue turned on Kurt. “What do Ah look like, a career counselor? Gambit’s a big boy. Ah’m sure he can decide on his own what to do with his life.”

“Yeah, but maybe like Kitty influencing Lance, people can change.”

Rogue wasn’t certain Lance Alvers had changed all that much, his only interest impressing Kitty.
That boy had too much anger inside him and a short temper to set it off without much of a spark. More than anything she hoped Kitty didn’t get hurt too much when Lance got tired of performing his reformed bad boy act.

Yet, Gambit didn’t possess that short temper, his laid back manner only belying a sharp mind and sharper reflexes. He was an enigma, this Gambit who she didn’t even know his real name. Of course, no one knew her real name either.

Marie. She’d never been a Marie. Even as a child. Rogue fit her like the gloves she had to wear.

She started to counter Kurt’s remark when Mrs Exline appeared and grabbed Kurt, hugging him against her full bosom.

“I’m so proud of you, Kurt,” she said. “I saw your final grades and they are excellent. You’ve come through a difficult year and that you’ve done so with such flying colors shows your strength and courage.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Exline,” Kurt replied in a strangled voice.

Mrs. Exline finally let go of Kurt and turned to Rogue, hesitated then took Rogue’s gloved hand. “My dear, Rogue. I’m so proud of you. You’ve had some hard times as well and now you’ve come through the fire strong and ready for the future. And I personally wish to thank you for helping Kurt. I’m certain having such a good friend has helped him through this trying year.”

“Thanks, Ma’am,” Rogue replied, flustered by the compliment. This woman had been a big part of why Rogue had finally managed to graduate, Mrs Exline’s encouragement and support in a sometimes hostile environment had definitely helped Rogue since they’re mutant abilities had been revealed.

“I just know both of you are going to do great things. Exciting futures lay ahead for both of you.” Mrs Exline glanced at her watch. “Oh my, well, time for everyone to take there seats. Commencement is about to begin.”

Rogue watched the woman hurry off with a bemused smile. “Y’know? Ah really like that woman.” She glanced to Kurt and saw him watching her as well.

“Not many like her,” Kurt replied in a wistful tone. “Not nearly enough like her. Come on. We’d better take our seats and get this over with.”

Rogue smiled at her adoptive brother. “Ah’m with you, bro. Ah’m like so ready to blow this pop stand.”

They found their seats, but boredom spread over Rogue like a plague and she tuned out the speeches just to survive the ordeal. Her cheeks burned with the thought that Gambit was in the stands watching her. She stole a glance his way and just as before, he sat there, leaning back with one leg crossed over the other.

She let out a huff of breath and turned back to face the stage and listened to the list of names rolling off one after another, realizing Lance had already picked up his diploma and was heading down the stairs. Her row was soon called up to wait in line and Rogue stood, examining her nails, trying to decide what color she should paint them next.

When Rogue heard Kurt’s name called she shot up her gaze and straightened, watching her adoptive brother accept his diploma. Pride warmed Rogue’s insides. Kurt had overcome so much in life and in the last several months. Then to graduate Magna Cum Laude after everything he’d been put through.... Rogue shook her head with a smile plastered on her face. She clapped and hooted as did all the students from the Institute, none of them caring if they got dark glances and sneers from the majority of the audience who now knew them all to be mutants.

She accepted her own diploma with a snatch and walked away uncaring of the looks she got. Now, she could walk away from this place for good, this school where mutant or not, she’d never felt accepted...except by her family who cheered for her as much as they had Kurt.

The ceremony finished, Rogue headed across the field at a run and Kurt met her, swinging her around.

“All right!” she exclaimed. “We did it, bro. We made it through Bayville High!”

“We sure did, sis. I’m glad we got to graduate together. It feels right.”

“Yeah,” Rogue replied, feeling shy suddenly. “It does. Yer the best Kurt. The best friend and the best brother.”

Rogue hugged him again, careful not to let their faces touch.

“Gambit hates to break up this little private moment, but....”

Rogue whirled and he stood there, tall and handsome and cocky as ever. “What’a ya doin’ here, Cajun? Checkin’ out the coeds?”

“Aw, cherie, is that any way to talk to Gambit. He came here to congratulate you and you insult him.”

“I’ve got to go see my parents,” Kurt injected. “Can I leave you two alone without worrying about you ending up on a train heading south?”

“Get on along, Nightcrawler,” Gambit offered in a congenial yet menacing tone. “Your boyfriend’s getting antsy up there by hisself. And Ah thought Ah heard your momma callin’ ya.”

Kurt’s mouth pulled into a sneer, but he turned to Rogue and said, “will you be okay? Or do you want to come with me now?”

Rogue flung a glance over to Gambit then back to Kurt. “Ah’ll be fine. He knows not to mess with me anymore. Go on. Ah’ll see ya at the party.”

Kurt turned one more sneer on Gambit then stalked away.

“That boy protective of you. If Gambit didn’t know better he’d say Nightcrawler jealous a him.”

“He’s ma brother. Of course, he’s protective.”

“Ah...yeah, that right. Mystique. Not a great common denominator for a relationship.”

“That might be true, but Kurt and me have more in common than Mystique. We care about each other. We’re family and that’s what counts.”

Gambit nodded sagely. Then the smile returned and with a sweeping bow, he took her gloved hand and pressed it to his lips. “Mon cherie, congratulations.”

Rogue felt her color rise, her cheeks burning. She pulled her hand away, but not till after he’d held it for a moment longer.

“Yer full of it, Gambit.”

He put a hand to his heart as if her words wounded him. “Now, Ah just sat through that borin’ ceremony just ta hear your name called and this be the thanks Ah get.”

“What do you want.”

“Nothin’...’cept maybe for you to invite me to your little celebration. Ah could be your escort.”

Pulling off her cap and pushing her hair from her face Rogue replied, “like Ah need an escort in ma own home.”

Gambit gave her an inquisitive glance. “You think of that place as your home?”

“Well, yeah,” Rogue replied, trying to fathom the purpose of this conversation. “The Institute’s a great place ta live.”

Gambit nodded again. “Ah guess it is...all that money. All those luxuries.”

“It’s not about that,” Rogue insisted. And it wasn’t. If the Institute was nothing but wooden floors and walls, no pool or million dollar artwork, it’d still be a great place. “Those people up there in the stands, they’re ma family...like I told ya before. Ah love them...and they love me. No matter what’s happened or what a pain in the ass Ah’ve been, they still have me back. That’s family, Gambit.”

“Yes, it is, cherie. You’re a lucky lady...as lucky as the Queen of Hearts.” Gambit gave her a searching expression. “Ya still got that card Ah gave ya?”

“Card?” Rogue pretended to think though she knew right where it was, in a favorite book, marking a favorite passage. “Oh yeah, the Queen card. It’s around...somewhere.”

A smile tugged at Gambit’s mouth. “Aw, Rogue’s got a soft spot for Gambit after all.”

“In yer dreams, Cajun.”

His smile broadened. “So, how ‘bout it? You think Xavier would let Gambit in the door if he came with you?”

“Ah don’t know. Ah guess Ah could ask him.” She made no move to do so and Gambit made a gesture of friendly impatience. Rogue let out a sigh and said, “Okay, wait here.”

“Gambit would wait forever for a beau petite femme like Rogue.”

“Whatever,” she muttered and walked away towards the gathering of her fellow house mates, still feeling Gambit’s gaze on her.

She saw Kitty talking to Lance, hugging him with a smile on her face. Kitty never looked prettier nor more smitten.

Be careful with that one, Kitty. He’s a heartbreaker.

Lance looked smug, still wearing his gown and cap. A few yards off stood Pietro and Fred and Todd looking bored. Rogue did a quick sweep of the area, searching for anyone out of place, fearing Mystique’s interference with Kurt.

But no one piqued her suspicion and as Rogue drew closer she saw Kurt’s father with his arm around his son’s shoulders, pride beaming from him. Mr. Wagner stood a head taller than Kurt, sturdily built and still strong even into later middle age, dressed in a grey suit fitting the occasion. Rogue hoped the man would still be proud of his son come tomorrow morning when Kurt broke the news to them of his and Logan’s romantic relationship.

Glancing up into the stands, Rogue’s gaze caught Logan’s and she raised a hand to wave to the man who had helped her through so much, had put himself in danger to do so and to protect the others.

He gave her a little salute, but she sensed his wariness, his gaze leaving hers and watching the scattering crowd with intensity, nose to the wind to catch any hint of Her.

Rogue took a deep breath and sidled up to the Professor to wait for him to finish his conversation with Mrs Wagner. The woman was pushing the outer edges of middle age, pleasantly plump with a nice smile and kind eyes. Her hair was greying, but her dress was well fitting and flattering to her matronly form.

The woman spoke English with a heavy accent, but her knowledge of the language was more than fair. She bent down and hugged the Professor while he patted her back affectionately.

When Mrs Wagner pulled back she said, “you have done so much for our son and for that we are forever grateful to you.”

“He’s a fine and talented lad, Mrs Wagner. Kurt has been a pleasure and we look forward to helping him continue his education.” The Professor’s gaze caught Rogue’s and realized she was waiting to talk to him. His eye caught sight of Gambit across the field and a slight smile pulled at his lips.

“Rogue,” the Professor said, reaching out to her. She came and held his hand. “Congratulations. I am very proud of you.”

“Thanks, Professor. Ah...Ah don’t know what would have become of me if you hadn’t been there when everything went so crazy in my life. Ah don’t think it would have come to any good though.”

“We’re all pleased that you came to us. The last few years have been difficult for you, but we can look ahead now knowing you’re on the right track.”

She nodded, looked away towards Gambit then back. “Uh...ya saw Gambit over there. He’s wantin’ to come to the celebration. Ah don’t know why. Maybe he’s bored.”

The Professor’s smile broadened. “There is good in him, Rogue. Magneto’s influence has ended. Gambit is looking for and towards the future just as you are. And he likes you.”

“But...he’s done some not so nice things,” she countered. “He was a thief...sometimes still is,” she added as an after thought. “Ah don’t know what ta think a him.”

“We need to give him a chance to prove himself and to decide where he stands in the scheme of things to come.”

“So...Ah guess that means it’s okay to bring him ta the party?”

“Yes. Bring him, by all means. Let him get a taste of true camaraderie, of family.”

“Thanks, Professor. Why Ah care, Ah don’t know. But maybe yer right. Maybe Ah see it in him too. He might make a good X-Man.”

“Perhaps,” the Professor said, his eyes going hooded and unreadable. “We shall see.”

She gave him a smile and turned back towards Gambit, but Kurt caught her arm and gently pulled her to a stop.

“What’s going on with that dude, Rogue?” Kurt asked, a skeptical gaze looking out over the field to where Gambit still stood with arms crossed against his chest. “What’s he want?”

Rogue shrugged. “To escort me to the party. Why, Ah don’t know, but the Professor said it was okay...so Ah guess Ah’m bringin’ ‘im.”

Kurt’s mouth pulled into a smile. “Hmmm. Should be interesting. Scott’s going to blow a circuit though.”

“That could be a hoot ta watch,” Rogue replied, grinning.

Kurt patted her on the back. “Have fun...but not too much.”

“Listen ta you. At least, you’ve got a boyfriend to have fun with.”

Kurt made a face. “No fun right now...not with the parents here. See you later...and be careful, sis.”

“Will do.” She headed off towards Gambit again, watching his face as she drew closer. His scarlet eyes flashed amusement. Her body tingled with her attraction to this man, anxious anticipation sending a giddy feeling through her.

“Damn your hide, girl,” Rogue muttered. “Get a hold a yerself.”

She watched him uncross his arms and shift his weight from one hip to the other, his body language casual and relaxed, but Rogue knew, if threatened, Gambit was capable of instantaneous transformation to a lethal-minded mutant.

“Good news, cherie?” He asked as she stopped before him.

“Yeah, Ah guess. The Professor says you can come, but you’d better behave yerself cause nobody’s gonna put up with any funny stuff from you.”

He bowed to her with a flourish. “Gambit will be on his best behavior.”

“Ah know you’ve got another name, Cajun...Remy isn’t it? Ah remember now those boys in the bar in New Orleans called you that.”

“Remy LaBeau, at your service,” Gambit said with another bow. “So ya know my given name...it’s only fair Rogue reciprocate...right?”

Rogue smiled. “Maybe some other time. Right now...all Ah feel like is a Rogue.”

“Then Rogue it’ll be, mam’moiselle. Ah’ve gotta car nearby. Shall we take a ride before headin’ to the party?”

Rogue pierced Gambit with a scrutinizing gaze. “No tricks?”

“No tricks.”

“Just a little ride then go to the party?”

“That’s all. On my word...and Remy LaBeau is a man of his word.”

“Good enough...cause ma family would hunt ya down and beat the shit outta ya if ya don’t play straight with me.”

“Gambit well aware of what your “family” is capable of doin’, cherie.”

He offered his arm to her and after a moment’s hesitation, Rogue slipped her arm through his and said with a sigh, “Come on, Cajun. Show me a good time.”