"Homme, answer me jus one t'ing, an I won't ever bring dis up again," Gambit said into the silence that descended on them after Cadie had gone. He turned to look at Wolverine, and found the Canadian watching him, a speculative look on his face.

Wolverine forced himself to remain calm. Nonchalantly he pulled out a cigar and started to light it, but the Cajun did the honors for him. "Much obliged, Gumbo," he said quietly. "Ask yer question, kid."

"D' y' love de girl?"

He considered the question for a minute. "Why don't you tell me, kid?" he asked quietly.

The Cajun pulled out his cigarettes and lit one, a strange look on his face. He was obviously trying to find the words he wanted. "Gambit t'ink so, mon ami," he said slowly. "Jus like he know Cadie love y' wit' all she is, all her heart. But Gambit, he see oder t'ings too. See y' tryin t' fight it. See y' not wantin t' accept it. Gambit know y' been hurt, homme. Y' 'fraid t' let her get too close, neh? 'Fraid somebody come 'long an steal her from you." The Cajun gave him a lopsided smile. "Gambit been down dat road, mon ami, dat's how he know what y' feelin. T'ink bout dis. Y' ain't de only one been hurt b'fore. Dat Cadie, she carryin 'round a whole bunch o' hurt, an she still open herself up t' y'. Don' y' owe her at least de courtesy o' tryin t' do de same?"

Wolverine nodded slowly, thinking. *Boy, you don't know the half of this. Of course I love her. She's beautiful and kind and she loves me. What's not to love? But if I get involved with her, she becomes a target.* Finally he spoke, when he thought he had the right words. "I ain't too good with words, Cajun," he said slowly, weighing each word. "But I'll tell you one thing. That girl means more to me than anyone else has in this lifetime. And I'll do whatever I have to do to make sure she stays safe. Too many people could use her as bait to get to me. I don't know if I can ask her to take that risk."

Gambit laughed. "Y' should hear y'self, Wolverine!" he sputtered through his laughter. He threw his arms wide. "Look around y', homme! We take risks all de time. She already leadin de kinda life y' talkin bout protectin her from! She an X-Man, Wolverine. Jus like y' an me. Takin de same risks. Runnin de same chance o' dyin, or havin somebody she care bout used against her. Y' know Sinister wouldn't hesitate t' use _either_ o' us if he t'ought dat bring her back t' him." Remy's voice dropped to a more normal volume and he put his hand on Wolverine's shoulder. "Gambit know. Y' scared o' what y' feel, so y' make up excuses not t' face it. Gambit do it all de time."

"I'll think about it, Gumbo. Now lemme get out of here and go get a shower." He stopped and turned to the younger man, an odd look on his face. "Now it's my turn to ask a question, kid," he said slowly. "Why are you so flamin' worried about her? It ain't like she can't take care of herself. I know, you practically raised her. But she's an adult, right?"

Gambit laughed again. "Old habits die hard, mon ami. She always gon' be Gambit's petite soeur, little sister. She could be your age an Gambit still try t' protect her."

Wolverine nodded, satisfied with the answer. He'd made it almost to the door when the Cajun caught up with him and fell in step beside him.

"By de way, Wolverine," he began, a smile twitching at his lips. He lowered his voice almost to a whisper. "Gambit won't tell nobody de petite mop de floor wit' you, hehn?"

Wolverine growled at him and went up to take his shower.