Disclaimer: Gambit and the X-Men are copyright and property of Marvel Comics. I am making no money from this. Besides getting money out of me would be like getting blood out of turnip, it isn't gonna happen so don't even try to sue me. Any other characters you don't recognize and the plot in this story are owned by Tammy Zuleger. Anyone wishing to use them must get permission from me first.


Recovery
Part Nine
Tammy

"Bout time ya'll got back," Austin chastised from the front door.

"Worried about me?" Tammy asked sweetly.

"Mmmm yeah," he smiled taking her into his arms and kissing her squarely on the mouth.

"Would you min' takin' dat upstairs?" Remy asked tappng his foot on the steps.

"I'll show ya how much later," he promised with a gleam in his eye. "Need any help?"

"Only all we can get. Remy practically bought himself a new wardrobe," she smiled standing back from him.

"Did not," Remy shot back as he carried a large bag through the door.

"Did ya buy anything ta perform in?" the Texan asked.

"Yeah, I show you later," Remy said from the hall.

"Did he?" Austin asked Tammy.

She rolled her eyes in response.

"Please tell me he won't look like Porter Wagoner or Little Jimmy Dickens," he almost pleaded.

"He won't," she replied. "Now how 'bout some help."

*****

"Hmm, not too bad," Austin said walking around Remy. "Now let's see if ya can play in that outfit."

"No problem," Remy smiled picking up his fiddle and bow.

"Just a minute," Austin said and took the globe off the overhead light. Then he walked over to the other lamps in the den and aimed each at the Cajun.

"What you tryin' t' do? Blin' me," Remy complained shielding his eyes from the bright light.

"Thought so," Austin sighed. "Go put yer dark glasses on."

"Still too bright, turn off a couple lamps," Remy complained.

"Nope, 'sides stage lights are brighter than this," he replied.

"Great, I gonna go blind," the Cajun groaned.

"Here, try this," Austin suggested and put his hat on Remy.

"It's too big," he complained.

"Jus' open your eyes," Austin sighed. "Well?"

"Hmm, dis works," Remy said adjusting the hat on his head.

Tammy walked into the den and had to cover her mouth to suppress a smile.

"What so funny chere?" Remy asked.

"Nothing . . . Dwight," she giggled.

"What?" Remy asked confused.

"Austin, I didn't know that Dwight Yokam was visiting," she laughed.

The Texan stepped back and looked at Remy. "Me neither," he chuckled.

"Ha, ha. Very funny," Remy frowned and stomped upstairs.

"Hey Cajun, tomorrow I'll take ya shopping for decent performing clothes and a hat that fits ya," he called after the retreating mutant.

*****

Two weeks later at the Stagger Inn, Remy was standing back stage with the rest of the group nervously awaiting the owner/manager to introduce them. He was on his eighth cigarette when Tammy came up to him.

"Nervous?" she asked.

"Nope," he answered and took a deep drag on the Marlboro.

"I brought you something," Tammy smiled.

"Aw chere, you didn' have t' do dat," he said.

"It's for luck and courage," she said handing him the gift wrapped box. "Open it."

Remy tore the paper away and opened a cardboard box.

"I hope you like it," she smiled as he pulled out a denim jacket.

The jacket had a royal flush in spades done in black rhinestones on each sleeve. The tips of the collar each had a spade. The front was covered in various aces. Remy turned the jacket over to find the phrase "Ragin' Cajun" written in red rhinestones over a huge black spade that glittered. "Chere, I don' know what t' say," he stammered still examining the jacket.

"Thanks would be a good start," she smiled.

"T'anks Tam. Would you help me put it on?" he smiled.

"Sure, then I've gotta go back to my table," she replied.