A Warm Welcome? (May 2012)

Saturday morning Serena and Gambit packed an overnight bag and then drove back into the city. They would be spending the afternoon and evening with her parents and the Avengers team and then on Sunday they would drive back to the mansion. Serena missed the Tower and hadn't been there since Evan's death.

Isabella was preparing some snacks and felt rather nervous. Things had been stressful for Serena for the last few months and she wanted her to feel relaxed at the Tower. They knew that she was bringing Gambit and despite her reservations about the man she wanted this visit to go well since clearly this man meant something to her daughter.

Tony stepped into the kitchen to get something to drink and she addressed him. "Tony, I want you to be respectful towards Gambit while he's here. Let's just consider this a fresh start, alright?"

As he drove Serena would notice Gambit’s unease. He knew Tony did not approve of him and he supposed if Serena was his own daughter, putting himself in the man’s shoes, he would feel the same way. It wasn’t all that long before he had spent his nights in Rogue’s bed. Now he was with Serena and he knew how that could be perceived. But Logan was there at the tower and so that gave him some hope to an amenable evening.

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“Good luck with that! I only have one child dearest and I do not like the man. That and they are both obviously in a rebound mode,” he said. When Isabella stood and her hands went to her hips he reiterated once again what he had said before. “He’s gunna hurt her Isabella. These kids today, they should spend less time thinking about sex and more time with personal developement,” Tony said.

Serena let Gambit drive and she sat in the passenger seat. Gambit was unusually quiet during the drive and she could sense his growing unease. They had to stop to get gas and before he got out of the car she stopped him and looked at him.

“We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. We can just go back to the Tower and I can arrange another time for me to go by myself. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

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Isabella sighed at what Tony said and turned and looked at him. “Serena had been through a lot this year. I would hate for her to leave here thinking that she and Gambit can’t come back. Please, just take her feelings into consideration...please.”

“All the more reason to discourage them Isabella. You know this is just a temporary thing and Serena’s...well she’s just not thinking,” He said. He saw Isabella’s expression though and sighed. “Alright FINE! But I’m doin it for you and Serena...NOT for HIM!” Tony said in a huff as he made himself a drink. He gave himself a large pour and nearly threw the ice cube into his glass. Bourbon splashed onto his wrist from the force of it. “You’re her mother, can’t you talk to her?” Tony asked in a calmer voice.

This whole thing with Gambit had him on edge. He loved Serena fiercely and didn’t understand her and Gambit at all. She was far more intelligent than him and he felt that he did not offer her very much.

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“Hmm?” he asked. He had not heard a word she said but then his brain recalled it somehow. “Oh, uh...Is that what you want? If we’re going for my benefit then I’ll be the first to tell you that I definitely think it’s too early but we’re almost there,” he shrugged. “I don’t think your father likes me and I can’t say I blame him. “It’s a pretty sudden development. It just feels like, one moment I’m with Rogue, your with Evan and then you and I are together. I feel like I’ve known you for a long time, as if we’ve been dating for a long time but we haven’t,” he said. “Just...keep your cool ok? Don’t defend me, I’m a big boy, I can take care of myself,” he said.

Isabella wooed her hands on a dish towel and turned so she was fully facing Tony. She slowly walked over and reached out and gently caressed his cheek. She knew that always calmed him down.

“Logically, since Serena is so smart, she must see something in Gambit that we have yet to see. I trust our daughter and I think we should support her.”

She hoped hitting Tony with logic would help.

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Serena sighed and looked at Gambit. She knew it was too late to turn back. They had decided to do this and would see it through. “How about this. Don’t think of this as us going to see my parents. Think of it as me showing you around the Tower and you just happen to eat something delicious I know my mother’s going to make.” She gave him a little smile. “If you want me to just sit back and not say anything then I’ll do that.”

“If we are using Logic Isabella, Serena would have kept it in her pants,” Tony said. “I sometimes forget she is only 21 and ‘my’ daughter. I have contributed to half of her genetic code. At 21 I hardly thought with the head on my shoulders,” Tony said. “Gambit is a gambler, a player, Logan even says so,” Tony said then furled his brow. “All I want is to keep her from getting hurt again babe, is that so wrong for a father to want that? She’s barely given herself time to deal with her loss,” He said.

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“You, say nothing? In what world does ‘that’ version of Serena exist? I’d love to meet her,” He said with a grin. It faded quickly though when she narrowed her large, dark eyes at him. In truth he loved it when she did that. He loved her eyebrows. “All I’m asking is that if there is an argument, don’t enter into it and don’t defend me. Doing that will only make me look weak in his eyes. Like I needed you to shield me from him. I know you didn’t see it but I saw the way he looked at me. I’m not certain if this is a dinner, or an inquisition,” Gambit said then winked at her

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Finally they arrived and Serena’s codes all still worked. There were several more security personnel than Serena remembered as well as cameras on the outside of the building, which was new. The large fireplace crackled with a warm, inviting light. The table was set for a feast and Logan and Natalya busied themselves by adding ice and pouring water in the water glasses. Logan wore a dark blue polo shirt and black dress pants and shoes. Steve Rogers was in an off white button down shirt and black slacks and Tony was in a light gray suit with an off white shirt with brown dress shoes. Isabella noticed that she couldn’t recall him not having a drink in his hands and he looked...a bit loose in his movements. He along with Kate and Steve were watching a baseball game. Steve’s favorite team was playing, the Dodgers and not doing well at all. Gambit was in a dark suit with the violet shirt Serena had bought him. He also wore his hat which did make him look very much like the Gambler but he was ‘Serena’s’ Gambler, which he proved to her every night.

The elevator door opened...

Isabella had not seen her daughter in a few weeks and was looking forward to spending some time with her. She had prepared a spring pasta dish and had chive garlic bread and a salad to serve on the side. She had gone to get changed and came back wearing a knee length sleeveless dress with a beautiful floral pattern and a green high waisted cardigan that matched one of the green colors in the dress. Despite the fact that she was getting older, Isabella still looked incredible and kept her body in shape. She was aging very well and she could still turn heads.

As she walked back out she noticed the drink in Tony's hand and began to realize that he had probably been drinking all afternoon. That was not a good sign at all. It meant that he probably was not going to be respectful towards Gambit like they had discussed. She couldn't do anything about it now unfortunately except hope that maybe the drinking would improve his attitude. It was always a tossup.

She heard the elevator doors opened and she looked over and smiled when she saw Serena and Gambit. Serena had not been back to the Tower since Evan's death and as her mother embraced her she felt a few tears come to her eyes. She had missed the Tower and everyone there.

As Serena pulled back Isabella smiled at Gambit and motioned for them to come in to the living room. "Welcome to the Tower Gambit. We're very pleased to have you both here tonight."

Logan was the first to shake Gambit’s hand. “How the hell are ya, you rapscallion you!” Logan said. “Better than you old man,” Gambit said and they both slapped one another’s shoulders. “You’ve already met Steve Rogers and Kate Blackwell,” Logan said as Gambit smiled and shook Steve’s hand but then took Kate’s hand and kissed her knuckles in a bow. He did the same with Natalya and Serena jumped into Logan’s arms and gave him a great big bear hug.

“Well Isabella, it seems like you, your daughter gets lovelier every time I see her,” Logan said. Steve and Kate both hugged her but Natalya just waved to her. Finally Tony was there and had set his drink down on a side table. “Hello kiddo,” he said and gave her a great big hug then kissed her cheek. He smelled like strong Bourbon but he was all smiles. “Hello Gambit,” Tony said and shook Gambit’s hand.

“Mr. Stark, it’s very good to see you,” Gambit said but even before he had finished what he was saying Tony had turned and gestured to Isabella. Tony smiled as he held his women, one in each arm. It felt like ages since he had been able to have his family together like this. He had a whole evening with Serena. A rare occurrence these days.

“Ok, who wants a drink?” Tony asked and he moved to the mini bar to make them. “So, Mrs. Stark, Serena’s Life Sciences class, the students all love her though I’m not certain the older boys in her class are learning much. They all just stare at her,” he said. Steve chuckled at that. “I had a pretty teacher too in high school. Miss Cromwell she had...a nice smile,” He amended though clearly that wasn’t what he was going to say. Tony came over with the drinks and even made one for Serena now that she was 21.

“So, Gambit what do you do when you’re not out on missions?” Tony asked out of the blue while Gambit was talking to Logan. Gambit shifted to look at Tony. “Well I help Serena with her classes sometimes, watch over the kids while on recess or during field trips. But I play professional poker a few times a year,” He said. Private games, nothing televised,” he said.

“And thats how you make your living?” Tony asked. Gambit’s lips turned up into a small smile at that. He knew what Tony was doing. “Well, an X-men’s salary is only so much, I usually clear more than I make in a year as an X-man in a single tournament,” he said. Tony only looked at him though both men knew the types of people that played in those kinds of games. Fairly unsavory types who got their money in fairly unsavory ways. Gambit was more than happy to relieve them of it though. This was something he had never said to Serena though and no one but Logan really knew anything about that.

Serena smiled and hugged Logan first and then Steve, and Kate. Her mother had warned her about what was going on with Natalya so Serena only smiled and waved at her. She didn't want to overwhelm her. She then hugged her father and kissed his cheek. He smelled like bourbon and she hoped he was going to behave himself tonight. While he went to go make them all a drink, she stood with Gambit and the others. As Gambit began to brag about her and then talk about how the boys in her classes loved her she blushed and smiled and playfully hit his arm. She had found that she loved teaching. It was a great outlet for her and she enjoyed seeing the kids discover that they loved science, particularly the girls. There weren't many girls in the science field, particularly engineering, and she hoped to change that.

She accepted the drink her father brought over for her and took a small sip as her father asked Gambit what he did when he wasn't working with the X-Men. She gave him a level look because she knew what he was doing. He was trying to prove that Gambit wasn't good enough for her. Gambit was honest about his work as a professional gambler and Serena smiled at him.

"Gambit is one of the best poker players out there. He's actually been teaching me a little. I'm not nearly as good as he is, but I can hold my own in a game now."

Tony looked at Isabella when Serena said she was becoming a decent poker player. It wasn’t a pleased look either but in the interest of civility, he just let it go. Gambit wasn’t ashamed of what he did. Everyone had their own talents.

“Well you certainly came a long way since LeBeau eh?” Tony said. Gambit’s smile faded fairly suddenly at hearing that name. He had not really touched on this either with Serena. “Yes, quite a long way,” Gambit said. Logan knew about this and his lips drew in and a concerned look came onto his face. It wasn’t common knowledge and only a few people in the X-Men knew where Gambit had really come from. The council of Thieves and Assassins, a criminal organization that located and hired men and women who killed people. Gambit was supposed to lead that council. He had been raised and trained for that. Adopted by Jean-Luc LeBeau to be his successor but Gambit let that life behind. Not before he helped hire a group of assassins who killed a group of mutants. Tony had done some research and he said nothing to Isabella or anyone. The room grew decidedly chilly as Tony and Gambit looked at one another.

‘Oh yes, I know you Gambit, I know who and what you are’ Tony thought.

“Well, I don’t know about you, but that pasta is calling my name Isabella,” Steve said and that appeared to disconnect the two men from their steely gaze toward one another.

Serena glanced between her father and Gambit as her father commented that he had come a long way since 'LeBeau'. She knew that he used to be known as Remy LeBeau, but he had not really touched on his life before the X-Men with her. Clearly, her father knew something that she didn't. She didn't really like what her father was doing, but she had promised Gambit she would remain quiet so she held her tongue. She was glad when Steve broke the icy silence that had settled between everyone.

Isabella forced a smile and nodded when Steve mentioned dinner. "Yes, let's all have a seat." Everyone took a seat at the table and Isabella brought over the large bowl of pasta and then the salad and bread and everyone passed the bowls around and served themselves, with Isabella serving herself last, as the good hostess always did.

"So, did you and Logan meet at the mansion?" Isabella asked Gambit.

“No, Mrs. Stark, we first met in New Orleans. Logan was on the run and I met him as I came out for a smoke while I was in a card game,” Gambit said. “He ‘embroiled’ me into his troubles and we’ve been friends ever since,” Gambit said.

“Well ya left out all the good parts!” Logan said in between bites. He usually ate pretty fast and his plate was already nearly empty. “He thought I was going to take him back to the Island. See, Striker had held him for 2 years there and he earned the name Gambit because he kept taking their money when they played him in poker. Well, when he thought I was going to take him back he attacked me with his playing cards and blew me through a frickin wall!” Logan said. “Well when we finally figured out we were on the same side we found we didn’t hate one another and the rest is history,” Logan said.

Isabella realized that she didn't really know what Gambit's powers were. "What exactly are your powers Gambit?" Serena took the opportunity to explain them to her mother and Isabella looked at Serena.

"So, because Gambit can create, control, and manipulate kinetic energy are you able to use some of that kinetic energy yourself?"

Serena nodded. "Yes, I can. Gambit and I tested it out in the Danger Room at the mansion and it worked. We make a great team in that respect."

“I can turn potential energy into Kinetic energy. I can charge a small object, a person or a larger object. I can make it small or powerful enough to level a house,” Gambit said, seemingly happy to move on from the last conversation. “I intend on taking Serena for a couple weeks to New Orleans. Show her Bourbon Street, a bit of jazz, blues and a bit of poker,” Gambit said excitedly and he winked at Serena.

“I’ve never been to Louisiana but I’ve always wanted to go,” Steve said. “Isabella, didn’t you and Tony go during Mardis Gras?” Logan asked. “Mhm, she had alot of beaded necklaces too,” Tony aid just as Gambit took a drink of his Bourbon. He choked a bit, coughed and sputtered. If Isabella’ face was more paler, her cheeks would have been pure crimson. Gambit couldn’t help but look at Isabella’s breasts then and it took a force of will not to look at them after what Tony had alluded to. Natalya and Kate though shared a smile then looked down at their plates. Steve looked at Kate curiously.
“Wrong pipe,” Gambit said.

Isabella looked sharply at Tony. Her eyes narrowed dangerously at him. She wanted to say something, but she wasn't going to do it in front of everyone else. He would know that he was going to get an earful later on for sure. Her face turned red from embarrassment and anger. Kate quickly decided that she needed to get the subject changed and allow Isabella a moment to relax.

"So, Serena, you're enjoying teaching?"

Serena nodded and was thankful to Kate for changing the subject. She didn't want that image of her mother in her head.

"Yes, I am."

"Gambit, do you teach?"

Gambit shook his head. “Serena is the smart one. Academically anyway. Common sense...not so much,” Gambit said playfully and did not look at Serena either. “Logan and Steve chuckled together. “Better watch it Gambit or you’ll find out how uncomfortable that couch is to sleep on,” Logan said. Gambit finally looked at Serena.

“No I’m just joking. She’s probably one of the most intelligent people I know, besides you Mr. Stark,” He said. ‘Kissing a little ass can’t hurt, can it?’ He thought.

“So, when do you think you’ll come back Serena?” Steve asked. “We’ve missed you,” He said and just about everyone turned to look at her.

Serena suddenly felt very much in the center of attention. She could see seven pairs of eyes looking at her. Six of those wanted her to come back to the Tower, while the other pair wanted her to remain at the mansion. She didn't know what she was going to do. She missed the Tower and her family, but she also enjoyed the freedom she felt at the mansion. She enjoyed teaching and being away from the city. She suddenly felt pressured to give an answer and she didn't know what to say.

"I...I don't know..."

Dinner went on for some time and Tony said very little. Kate, Steve, Tony and Natalya had decided to turn in and that left Gambit, Logan, Isabella and Serena enjoying some beer as Gambit taught them a card game. As Isabella won the next hand they all laughed as she took the last trick. Natalya opened her door and looked out toward Logan. She gave him ‘that look’ and he tossed his cards in.

“Well, I’ve been summoned. It was nice seeing you two, don’t be such a stranger Serena,” Logan said then stepped away from them toward Natalya’s room. He entered and shut the door behind him. Now it was just the three of them. “Uh, did you two want to talk awhile? It won’t hurt my feelings if you do,” Gambit asked.

Serena blinked when Logan said he had been summoned and then got up and walked to Natalya's room. It was then that she realized that Malcolm wasn't there and there had been no mention of him all night. That left just Gambit, her mother, and herself. Serena could sense that her mother wanted to talk to her alone. She looked at Gambit and gave him a little nod.

"If you don't mind," she said with a little smile. She waited until he was gone before looking at her mother. "So, when did Logan and Natalya become a thing?"

“Just a few days ago. Natalya…” She began than schooled her emotions. “The SSB tried to take Natalya. Before Logan could get to her, they managed to get some kind of mobile version of ‘the helmet’ onto her. It wasn’t on for very long, but long enough,” She said and began to felt sick just talking about it.

“It might have set her back a year...or longer,” Isabella said. “Malcolm couldn’t deal and Logan stepped up and made his feelings for her known,” She said. “And that's where we are at,” She said. “Logan’s got her on some kind of schedule and half the time she goes to him late at night,” Isabella said.

“I wanted to talk to you about Gambit,” Isabella said.

Serena was upset to learn what had happened to Natalya. She had heard about 'the helmet' and it disturbed her to know that they had made a mobile version of it She had been able to tell that there was something different about Natalya all night, but now she knew what was going on. It broke her heart and she couldn't imagine what Logan was going through emotionally right now with all of that.

Serena sighed, but wasn't surprised when her mother told her that she wanted to talk to her about Gambit. She began to clean up the cards.

"What did you want to talk about exactly?"

Isabella felt as if Tony was onto something but she was also irritated...perhaps more than irritated that he hadn’t told her about this Jean-Luc LeBeau. Since she didn’t know anything about it, she decided to address what she did know. She turned in her seat to face Serena. She felt pride when she looked at her daughter and took her hands into hers.

‘I’m concerned that you rushed into this thing with Gambit. He lost someone, you lost someone, people close to you both. The pain can mask ‘other’ things. Make you ignore a concern or a bad taste in your mouth. We all liked Evan and I just want you to keep an open mind about Gambit. He seems like he cares for you but I’m concerned too. He’s not normally someone I’d see you with Serena,’ she said softly.

Serena had known this conversation was coming, but hearing her mother say the words actually hurt more than she wanted to admit. She pulled her hand back from her mother's and looked at her. "And who would you see me with? Harry Osborn?" It was no secret that her parents had wanted her and Harry to get together. Harry had been interested in her...but she had never been interested in him in that way. "I'm an adult Mom. I'm capable of making my own decisions and if its a wrong decision then that's on me. Gambit and I are helping each other out right now. We both understand the pain of losing someone we loved. Do I know what the future holds in regards to us? No. But for right now I'm not looking at the future. I'm focusing on the present and Gambit makes me laugh and smile again. Is that so wrong? I would also like to point out that your parents did not approve of Dad...at all and yet you married him."

“Tony and I were older Serena and he had to convince me to even get my attention. But nice try turning the conversation away from you. So then does Gambit think as you do? You’re just with each other for now having fun?” She asked. “But I’m pleased to know that our approval means so much to you,” Isabella said sarcastically and also a bit harshly as well. That remark from Serena bit pretty deep. Then Isabella shifted toward her and her face took on a very serious look.

“I knew exactly who and what Tony was before I shared his bed, can you say the same? You think about that young lady and you watch your tone with me,” she said.

Serena was not interested in talking about Gambit any longer. Her parents were acting like they were getting married. They didn't seem to want to look past what they thought they knew about Gambit to learn what they didn't know. They had both judged and sentenced him without a fair trial. She stood up from the table. "Goodnight." She didn't let her mother get another word in. She turned and walked away and down to Gambit's room. She knocked and then opened the door and walked in and looked at him.

"I think I would like to go back to the mansion tonight."