“Here goes everything,” he thought as he slowly placed his hand upon Rogue’s cheek.

Everything was silent.

Time stopped.

Smirking, Gambit watched the display. Part of him really wanted this to work. Most of him really wanted this to work.

In his mind he saw Rogue’s face light up as she found that she could touch someone. He had imagined it a hundred times before. Of course in those dreams it was he who had discovered the way to so to speak turn her powers off.

He dreamt of taking her to a secluded restaurant and as they got up to go home he would pull her close and kiss her.

There was one question in Remy’s mind.

Remy loved Rogue, that he wasn’t questioning. He loved her more than anyone he had ever met and anyone he would ever meet.

He wanted her to be happy, with all his heart and soul but yet a tiny piece of him wondered if Joseph being a big idiot and this whole thing not working would be so bad.

The bad side would be that Rogue would have to go through some trama from absorbing Joseph’s memories. He didn’t want anything bad to happen to her but what would she really absorb? Three months worth of memories. That wouldn’t kill her.

But the good side, oh the good side would be seeing Joseph’s limp body fall to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Joseph would be in a coma for weeks, if not months. He may not even survive depending on how long he held on.

“Wat horror!” Remy joked in the back of his mind. Joseph deserved it. It wouldn't be that bad at all."

“Wat am I thinkin’,” he thought as he shook his head in disgust. This was probably Rogue’s only chance and here he was hoping it didn’t work. What was wrong with him? Why was he being so selfish?

Who was he to deny maybe the only chance at happiness Rogue had? He wasn’t living with this power, she was.

“I hope dis be successful “ he finally told himself, “Roguie finally get wat she always wanted... So wat her and Joseph been gettin’ close, nothin’ for me to worry about. Yeah!... Sure!...hopefully.”

“Merry Christmas, Rogue,” Joseph quietly spoke as he laid his hand flat.

“Joseph...”

“I knew how much you wanted to be able to touch someone...”

“Thank you.” She floated up level with Joseph and softly kissed him. “I love you.”

Stroking her white stripe, “And I love you, Rogue.”

A loud thunder erupted; Joseph and Rogue wheeled about to see what had been the cause. Rogue was quite sure it was Gambit throwing a fit because of what just transpired but to her surprise...

“It worked!”

“Who would have thought?”

“I did!”

“Did you hear what they said?”

“No what?”

“Weren’t you listening?”

“Maybe we’ll hear wedding bells!”

“Or at least see a working relationship!”

A dark figure emerged from the shadows and strode toward Rogue. Stillness over came the room. Two crimson orbs pierced through the darkness. She knew it could only mean trouble.

“If ya do anything Remy, Ah swear....”

The silence broke, the shadow spoke, “I’m happy for you ma cherie.”

“Ah can’t believe....”

“Chere, de gift opening wore me out. I’m not usually up dis early and I didn’ get much sleep last night so I’m going to finish my sleep. Excuse me.” He quickly turned and ascended to the top of the stairs where he disappeared into the early morning shadows.

Complete confusion hovered over her head. He didn’t try to take a swing at Joseph or even rant about how she was wrong trusting Joseph and that he was going to betray them and break her heart if not worse.

Remy just left the room to go finish sleeping.

He just didn’t cause any trouble but gave her his blessing.

“Ah gave him less credit than he deserves. The sugar sure took it better than I thought.”

“Better than you thought? Better than anyone of us thought possible,” Ororo worriedly gazed up the steps, “I am going to have a talk with Remy. Start the party without me.”

“No problem.”

The winds lifted Ororo up as she floated up to the top of the stairs. She hovered there for a moment looking down at the celebration below her.

Rogue hugged Joseph in a strong embrace; Joseph laugh echoed happily to everyone’s ears. They looked so happy and peaceful this Christmas morning yet still a strange feeling came over her.

She didn’t know what it was but she could not deny its existence. The winds stopped before Remy LeBeau’s door.

“Remy, can I come in?”

“Stormy? Sure go ahead, free country.”

In the midst of the striekes of light and the patches of darkness sat a man on the edge of his bed. It seemed that the light of the sun was holding his head so low.

Ororo walked quietly to her friend’s side. Sitting down beside him she reassuringly took his hand.

“Remy, she is very happy at the moment.”

“I know dat, Stormy. Could tell by the glimmer in her eyes and the racket dat dat party is makin’.”

“It would make her happier if you were there to help make the racket.”

“She don’t want me dere, I’d ruin all her fun.”

“Remy...”

“Listen Stormy, I think I’ll just sleep dis one out. Wake up at eight and everything will be calmed down.”

Storm looked at her friend. His red eyes were watery, she knew it would be better if he was left alone.

“You look like you do need your rest Remy, but before you do, do me one favor.”

“Wat is it?”

“Stop calling me ‘Stormy’!”

He laughed as he stretched out upon the mattress, thrown over him was a thick cover, bundled up at the shoulders and barely covering his feet.

“If you want to talk you know where to find me.”

“Thanks Storm.”

She quietly closed the door only pausing for an instant to make sure he was really sleeping. Remy rolled to his back, his eyes were closed, his breathing lighter than usually. He was sleeping soundly.

“Good night and may you have blissful dreams.” she whispered.

Ororo stopped again at the top of the stairs to look down at the party. She heard hoots and hollers of all magnitudes, all of joy and happiness. Still though she felt a strange feeling and once again could not deny its existence.