Author’s Note: This scene was inspired by a dream I had of Gambit showing Rogue his powers. It was so fun that I had to write it down before I forgot it. I’m sharing it here, since if I do decide to turn it into something (which I am getting some intriguing ideas for) I’d have to tweak it a lot to not infringe on X-men. Enjoy!
Even in the airconditioned mansion, Marie felt hot. She set her bags down and loosened her scarf for a breath.
Ahead of her, the man in the wheelchair turned to look at her. “Am I going too fast for you?”
“No, sir,” Marie picked up her bags in her gloved hands. “I’m good to go now.”
“I can wait if you wish to take off your scarf and things.”
“Thank you, sir, but I’m fine.” She followed the man, Professor Xavier, into the elevator and they silently went up two floors. As they exited the elevator, Marie saw a man and a woman turn to look at her. The red haired woman whispered something to the man, who wore red-tinted glasses. Sunglasses indoors? Marie thought. Maybe I could be accepted here even though I cover every inch of skin.
The professor led Marie past several doors until they reached one that was open. “This will be your room. The bathroom is at the end of the hall, which you’ll share with the other girls. If you need anything, ask for Storm. She’s in charge.”
Marie set her bags down and entered the room. It was smaller than her room at home. The desk was simple, and her bed didn’t even have a headboard. At least it had sheets and blankets. Momma had worried for nothing then. Still, it would be nice to sleep under her own green comforter instead of the plain brown one.
“Thank you sir, it looks nice.”
“Hey, prof, you wanted to see me?” A boy who looked a few years older than Marie appeared in the doorway.
“Yes. Remy, this is Marie. Marie, Remy. I’d like you to give her a tour of the mansion, introduce her to the other students, help her feel welcome.”
“Sure thing, prof.” Remy held out a hand to Marie that was covered with a glove with the fingers cut off. “Pleased to meet you, cherie.”
“The pleasure’s mine.” She shook his hand, though was surprised that he didn’t attempt to grip her hand at all. A very weak handshake.
“I’ll leave you two be, then.” The professor turned his wheelchair around. “I have some business to take care of. See you at dinner, Marie.” He took off down the hall.
Remy lounged against the doorframe, hands in the pockets of his trenchcoat. “So, I guess we should start by getting to know each other.”
“I guess so.”
“Why don’t you start by taking off your scarf, cheri?”
“No, the scarf stays.”
“Come on, you must be roasting in that thing.” Remy took a couple steps closer.
“Believe me, it’s better for it to stay on.”
“Why?” Remy snatched an end of the scarf before Marie could step away in time.
“Let go! You don’t know what could happen if I touch you!” Marie twisted to keep the scarf around her face while she tried to yank it out of his hands.
“Sure I do. I just don’t plan on touching your face unless I was going to try for a kiss.”
“Who told you?”
“The professor of course.”
“He said he would let me keep my secret!”
“I’m sure he intends to. He just made an exception in my case.”
“Then you should know that you need to leave me alone!”
“Then take off the scarf, cherie, so I know who I need to leave alone.” Remy twisted and tugged. Suddenly, the scarf started to glow red, starting at Remy’s fingers and shooting it’s way up towards Marie. “Shoot!” Remy dropped the scarf and backed up a few steps.
“What did ya’ll do to my scarf?” Marie could hear a faint buzzing. Marie moved to lift the end of the scarf better in to view, to see what could possibly make each individual thread glow.
“Don’t touch it!” Remy’s voice was so stern, Marie immediately froze. Remy ran his fingers through his thick brown hair. His eyes darted here and there around the room. He started to say something, but kept stopping and changing.
“Look, just tell me what happened.”
Remy sighed and thrust his hands into his pockets. “It’s easier if I show you.” He pulled a playing card out of his pocket. “No red glowy.” He threw the card against the wall. It bounced off and fell to the floor. He pulled another card out. He held it for a moment, and the edges started to glow. “Red glowy.” He threw it against the wall. It burst into a brief flame, destroying the card and leaving a char mark on the wall. Remy rubbed the mark with the side of his hand. “So, unless you want that scarf to blow up in your face, you better let me take it off, cherie.”
Marie looked from the charred wall to her glowing scarf. “Isn’t there a way to turn it off?”
“Sorry, cherie. None that I’ve found.”
“Then make it quick.”
Remy stepped over and tenderly untwisted the scarf, starting with the end that wasn’t glowing. “For what it’s worth,” Remy said. “The professor told me about your ability because he thought that we could help each other, since we both have problems with touch.”
“So why don’t ya’ll do us a favor and wear real gloves?”
“I’ve tried that, cheri. I’ve exploded more gloves than I care to count. My fingers are safer in the air. There, now I can see your pretty smile.” Remy grinned as he pulled the scarf free. Marie gave him her best pout.
Remy shrugged as he wadded the scarf into a ball. The red glow spread until it engulfed the entire scarf. Marie took a step back as Remy looked around. Then he threw the scarf in a perfect hook shot into the metal wastebasket. He pumped his fist into the air as it exploded in a burst of flames.
“Ya’ll owe me a new scarf.”
“Sure. I’ll give it to you at Christmas. Now, is there any chance of you lowering your hood?”
Marie yanked the strings of her hoodie tight. “You touch it, you die.”
“Fair enough. Now, how about a tour of the school?” Sticking his hands in his pockets, Remy sauntered out of the room.
Marie scowled and followed, her curiosity winning out. If he tried any more funny stuff, maybe she would touch him. He certainly deserved to get drained.