The door to the Danger Room slid open. "Ch�re, you 'wake?" A soft accented voice came from the door of the room. She turned her head to see the speaker. It was one of the men from outside. He was holding a tray out to her. In the brighter light she could see her was slender but well built. Most of his long dark red hair was caught in a pony tale but some of it escaped, falling over one of his red on black eyes. He smiled at her and sauntered into the room, the door sliding shut behind him. His jeans were ripped over one knee and he wore a baggy red silk shirt that was untucked.
"Konichiwa." She sat up, sitting cross-legged.
"'Allo. Hungry?" He set the tray down on the floor in front of her.
She nodded, watching him. "What is your name?"
"Call me Gambit, ch�re." Gambit smiled at her.
"You were on watch earlier."
"Oui. Mais wasn't earlier. Y' slept fer t'ree days straight. Dey said y' fell from pretty high." He watched her as she ate, her movements with the fork graceful.
"Three days? They will know I have failed. They will be coming for me."
He looked at her. "Who's dey ch�re?"
"The Hand." She said simply. She pushed the tray away and stood. "I must prepare if I am to have a chance to survive."
"If y' need anyt'ing ch�re, call." He picked up the tray and left. Her voice stopped him.
"Gambit?"
"Oui, chere?"
"I'm sorry. If I hurt you."
He shook his head. "Gambit okay chere. Don' y' worry."
She nodded and turned away from him to begin her practice.
Ashby was sparing against an invisible partner when the door slid open again. Gambit reentered the room, carrying some blankets and pillows.
"I t'ought you might wan' somet'in' more comfortable t' sleep on."
She bowed and turned to him. "Thank you." She reached down and helped him spread out the blankets.
"Bonne nuit."
"Good night Gambit."
He was restless. Logan wandered around the house listening to the silence. He found himself in the observation room looking down at Ashby's sleeping form.
She had grown only a few inches but there was more muscle on her. Her violet eyes had an edge now, constantly watching and scanning the area around her. Now, while she was sleeping, though she looked almost like her younger self. The one they had to leave in Japan. The child was gone though now just a little wisp of a girl, on the verge of womanhood. The silk pajamas she was wearing were way too big for her.
Suddenly he noticed a change in Ashby, her sleep no longer peaceful. She tossed and turned, crying out. He froze when she cried his name. He ran down to the danger room. Ashby was trashing about in her sleep. He cradled her in his arms, calming her. He smiled remembering the last time he had held her while she had nightmares.
"I can't remember." She murmured.
Logan leaned closer to her. "What darlin'?"
"Can't remember."
He smoothed back her hair. "Shh. Go ta sleep darlin'."
When she woke, Ashby became aware that she wasn't lying on the floor. Strong arms held her, keeping her safe from the dreams. Her head rested on his chest as it had so many times before. His steady breathing lured her back to sleep.
Logan realized she was awake. He pulled back from her. She looked up at him.
"This seems so familiar." She said quietly.
"I used to hold you like this when you'd have a nightmare." He told her.
"I think I remember." Shaking her head, she pushed away from him. "I don't know."
"We'll figure it out." He got to his feet. "Are you hungry? Want breakfast?"
"Please." She stretched and ran a hand through her dirty hair, grimacing at the tangles she found there.