Rogue, Gambit, and the stories they read (and sometimes write).
Happy Rogue/Gambit Week! I have another Rec List for y'all. Inspired by this week's prompt, "You and I, we could write a book about it.", I’m rec’ing fics featuring Rogue, Gambit, and books. As I compiled this list, I chose fics in which the books (or the reading/writing thereof) played a part in their relationship and not just the mention of books/libraries/bookstores. With that said, I did read a bunch of great fics which were book-related, but just didn’t quite meet my requirements for this list. Also, there are a few fics I remember reading in the past, which I wanted to include on this list, but, alas, I could not find them again (and therefore can’t include them). So, as always, if your favorite fic isn’t on the list, no slight was intended.
Happy reading!
So, in the immortal words of Remy LeBeau, "I have a list..."
📚 10 Fics Where Romy Reads a Book...
Jolabokaflod by Ginger2375 ( @ginger375 ) [ao3] [ff.net]
Rating: G | Universe: X-Men: Evo | Words: 562 | Status: Oneshot | Date: December 25, 2020
it's not love, but it's something by Julia456 [ao3] [ff.net]
Rating: T | Universe: X-Men: Evo | Words: 2,616 | Status: Oneshot | Date: January 20, 2025
He Ruined a Perfectly Good Book by LaylaYuy [ff.net]
Rating: T | Universe: X-Men: Evo | Words: 1,076 | Status: Oneshot | Date: October 22, 2011
As In The Gold of Troy by LaylaYuy [ff.net]
Rating: T | Universe: X-Men: Evo | Words: 2,338 | Status: Oneshot | Date: June 14, 2013
Oliver Twist by PleaseTakeAwayMyInternet [ao3]
Rating: G | Universe: XtAS | Words: 1,984 | Status: Oneshot | Date: December 10, 2021
Smut as a Social Activity by Rosetintedshades [ao3]
Rating: G | Universe: X-Men: Evo | Words: 707 | Status: Oneshot | Date: December 23, 2022
Chapter 2 - Words of To Carry My Heart by DayenuRose ( @dayenurose ) [Ch 2] [ao3] [ff.net]
Rating: T | Universe: X-Men: Comics | Words: 2,198 (14,247) | Chapters: 5 | Status: Complete | Date: February 6, 2020 - January 27, 2021
A Year With Romy: January - Snow Day by DayenuRose ( @dayenurose ) [ao3] [ff.net]
Emyryld's fanart ( @emyryld )
Rating: T | Universe: X-Men: Comics | Words: 2,035 | Status: Oneshot | Date: January 28, 2023
Choices by DayenuRose ( @dayenurose ) [ao3]
Rating: G | Universe: X-Men: Comics | Words: 638 | Status: Oneshot | Date: August 10, 2024
... +1 Fic Where They Wrote a Book 📝
Chapter 10 - Day by Day of Threads by Ludi_Ling ( @ludi-ling ) [Ch 10] [ao3] [ff.net]
Rating: M | Universe: X-Men: Comics | Words: 9,147 (94,958) | Chapters: 10 | Status: Complete | Date: May 14, 2004 - January 4, 2011
Rec List created for Rogue/Gambit Week 2026 ( @roguegambitweek ).
Prompts:
Day 1 - “I have a list”
Day 5 - “You and I, we could write a book about it. Been down the same roads.”
Continue below the cut for summaries and notes! Thanks for reading.
10 Fics Where Romy Reads a Book...
Jolabokaflod by Ginger375
Rating: G | Universe: X-Men: Evo | Words: 562 | Status: Oneshot | Date: December 25, 2020
Summary:
Post-series. Remy introduces Rogue to her new favorite holiday tradition. Just a little Christmas ficlet for y’all.
Notes: This is a short, sweet, and fun little read. It's a cozy fic for a cozy holiday. I like to read this fic as part of my own celebration of Jolabokaflod.
It’s not love, but it’s something by Julia456
Rating: T | Universe: X-Men: Evo | Words: 2,616 | Status: Oneshot | Date: January 20, 205
Summary:
Tonight Gambit may have bypassed the Institute’s security system and picked the lock on her bedroom window, but he’s polite enough to make noise while he’s doing it. Or: Rogue’s just trying to read a book. Gambit interrupts.
Notes: This is a sweet fic where Rogue’s reading material provides a springboard for conversation, forgiveness, and some flirty banter. On a side note, have you ever notice how many books Rogue reads about thieves and scoundrels as the love interest? I think she has a type.
He Ruined a Perfectly Good Book by LaylaYuy
Rating: T | Universe: X-Men: Evo | Words: 1,076 | Status: Oneshot | Date: October 22, 2011
Summary:
Arriving back at the mansion after the events of Cajun Spice Rogue finds out her little adventure in Louisiana had some unexpected consequences.
Notes: Have you ever read a book and thought, ‘that character reminds me of Gambit’? Yeah, so has Rogue. For the record, I do think the lady doth protest too much. (And, I don’t think her other reading option will help her ‘forget’ about Remy anytime soon. You’ll just have to read the fic to decide for yourself.)
As In The Gold of Troy by LaylaYuy
Rating: T | Universe: X-Men: Evo | Words: 2,338 | Status: Oneshot | Date: June 14, 2013
Summary:
The further adventures of Rogue reading with Gambit (unintentionally or otherwise) on her mind… A loose sequel to ‘He Ruined a Perfectly Good Book.’
Notes: Obviously, this is a sequel to LaylaYuy’s other fic. I love these two fics. When I decided on the theme for the rec list, this was the first fic I thought about including. There’s just something so relatable about Rogue’s experience. And, as a bonus, I was introduced to a new-to-me book series and author through this fic, which is always a delightful treat. (Yes, that’s a book rec in a fic that is on a fanfic rec list…)
Oliver Twist by PleaseTakeAwayMyInternet
Rating: G | Universe: XtAS | Words: 1,984 | Status: Oneshot | Date: December 10, 2021
Summary:
Learning to read without being able to go to school isn’t the easiest thing. But if you manage to do it, those first books you read stick with you forever.
Notes: This one is a little light on the ‘Romy’, but I like that it’s one of the few fics where Remy is the focus of the reading. We get to know a little more about our favorite thief through his choice of literature.
Smut as a Social Activity by Rosetintedshades
Rating: G | Universe: X-Men: Evo | Words: 707 | Status: Oneshot | Date: December 23, 2022
Summary:
What better way to meet someone than catching them reading a fic on your phone over your shoulder?
…there a bunch better ways to be honest, but that’s the one Anna Marie got.
Notes: Another short, fun fic. There’s something that feels slightly transgressive about reading fanfic in public—especially if you’re reading smut—but, who knows, maybe you’ll make a friend.
Of Heists and Hearts by Verthril
Rating: T | Universe: X-Men: Comics | Words: 57,380 | Chapters: 16 | Status: Complete | Date: January 2-December 28, 2013
Summary:
Ororo Munroe, thief extraordinaire the world over, has played a game of cat and mouse with him for years. But when James “Logan” Howlett finally catches her, he makes an offer she can’t refuse. AU - No Powers - RoLo, Romy
Notes: Romy is definitely the secondary couple here, but books and bookstores play a definite role in their relationship. There is so much flirtation through reading romance novels. This fic really ought to have more reads on ao3. Please give it a chance. This fic has it all--action, books, family feels, and romance. It's great and the Romy is endearing. Definitely worth a read.
Chapter 2 - Words of To Carry My Heart by DayenuRose
Rating: T | Universe: X-Men: Comics | Words: 2,198 (14,247) | Chapters: 5 | Status: Complete | Date: February 6, 2020 - January 27, 2021
Summary:
Rogue discovers another item Remy keeps in his pockets and learns a little more about him.
Notes: Typically in fics around this theme, the focus is on Rogue and her book collection, but this one features Remy’s reading habits. Besides, bonding with the love of your life over poetry, what can be better? This fic is a 5+1, but each chapter works as a oneshot.
A Year With Romy: January - Snow Day by DayenuRose
Rating: T | Universe: X-Men: Comics | Words: 2,035 | Status: Oneshot | Date: January 28, 2023
Summary:
Rogue hates the cold and snow. She thought Remy did as well, but he is positively giddy at the thought of a snow day Will he be able to change her mind Or, will Rogue remain shivering until the spring thaw?
Notes: On a cold, snow day (or a rainy one), there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. Right? Honestly, even if you don’t read the fic, check out Emyryld’s fantastic fanart which inspired this fic.
Choices by DayenuRose
Rating: G | Universe: X-Men: Comics | Words: 638 | Status: Oneshot | Date: August 10, 2024
Summary:
Rogue has an important decision to make.
Romance or Adventure?
Adventure or Romance?
If she can only have one, which should she choose?
Notes: I have such a soft spot for stories which seem like they might be about one thing, only to turn out to be about something else. Hopefully that’s not too much of a spoiler here.
... +1 Fic Where They Wrote a Book
Chapter 10 - Day by Day of Threads by Ludi_Ling
Rating: M | Universe: X-Men: Comics | Words: 9,147 (94,958) | Chapters: 10 | Status: Complete | Date: May 14, 2004 - January 1, 2011
Summary:
One single romance writer plus one married art dealer equals Rogue and Gambit in the real world.
Notes: This is not the first time I’ve recommended a chapter of Threads for one of these lists, and it probably won’t be the last. Each chapter is an alternate universe, and can be read on its own. Although, with this chapter (Ch. 10) being the last chapter, you will get more out of the chapter if you read the whole fic. It's a good fic and worth the read, even if the rest of the chapters aren't about books or writers. This is one of the few fics where it actually features Rogue as a writer (instead of just a reader). Therefore, proving they really can write a book.
Hope you enjoyed this rec list and found something new to read (or re-read). Please share the love with these authors by commenting and kudos-ing/liking their fics. 💖
Author’s Synopsis: “There's an old adage that goes, the greater the risk, the greater the reward. As a thief, Remy LeBeau knows full well that oftentimes the greatest risks come with the greatest rewards. When he starts to fall for the enigmatic Rogue, Remy must decide if the risks are worth the possible reward.”
Notes: A series of vignettes set over several years, told from Remy’s point of view, ab out how the nature of Gambit and Rogue’s relationship changes and how it changes Remy.
Rogue/Gambit Week is a celebration of all things Romy. This means you can use any version of Rogue and Gambit from across the Multiverse and at any point in their relationship. Have fun. Be creative. Try something new.
We look forward to seeing all your endeavors.
Special thanks to @go-haywire for helping make this possible. She made all the amazing .gifs. Thanks Haywire! You are amazing.
Images from (starting at the top left):
“X-Men: Evolution”
“X-Men” (image) and “X-Men: Gold” (quotation)
“X-Men: The End”
“X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and “X-2: X-Men United”
A Tim rare pair—Tam, Cassie, or a mysterious even rarer pair😉 —who get dragged into a crazy time travel plot. And it might (probably) include vampires.
One of these days, my love for the time travel trope will overcome my fear and laziness about writing something with a meticulous attention to timeline. You make a valid point that I may as well toss in some vampires when the day arrives. ;)
For the 'Fic I won't write' ask -- Title: 'Two-Thirds Through the Night'. Pairing: Jamie and Maddie (from Code Name Verity)
Ooh, I’ve never even thought about writing CNV fic! I’m afraid it’s been ages since I’ve read the books, but I feel like this would be some sort of exploration of the effects of losing Julie on each of them. Probably with some sort of nightmare component (oh boy, that would be PAIN).
Hi, I'm excited to have a sneak peek into your WIP folder. :) I would loved to hear more about “Parents In Crime” and/or “Death Becomes Her”
Thank you friend!
Parents In Crime is a canon compliant short story set right after Astonishing X-Men #62 aka the issue where Gambit is gets the cats. I like to think that after having their ups and downs they’d learn to be honest with one another, and Remy would definitely want Rogue to hear it from himself that Mystique payed him a visit. Which would of course lead to him telling her about the cats and Rogue offering to help. So ultimately it’s (meant to be) a sweet fic about their friendship and parenting kittens and some longing. I don’t usually write about 616, hence I find myself struggling with the tone of voice and making it flow naturally.
Death Becomes Her is a Rogue-centric fic set in the Evoverse. In short, it’s about Rogue struggling with her powers and life (and acting out) while befriending (and falling for) Remy. It has definitely an angstier tone. I have some mixed feelings about it myself. While I quite like few of the scenes I’ve written, it’s like I go back and forth between thinking the premise is even worth writing.
I started a time travel story before the Rogue/Gambit Week themes were revealed. While I tried to come up with a shorter time travel story to fulfill this prompt, I kept being drawn back to my original time travel story. Since it involves the interweaving of about three different timelines, I’m not going to start posting the story until it’s completed.
In the meantime, I still wanted to participate in Rogue/Gambit Week. So, I thought I’d share a snippet from the story. (And, today is WIP Wednesday, so it felt like appropriate timing.)
Hope you enjoy this sneak peek into what’s to come...
Title Withheld for the Moment.
Part of Rogue/Gambit Week 2021.
Day 4 - Time Travel
He collected the chips and markers and began sorting them into neat piles before him. The money he won tonight was just the tip of an iceberg compared to what he intended to make on the job he was planning for tomorrow night. But, when the markers were thrown in, he knew he needed to win that hand. He was now the proud owner of a small plane. While it might not be as impressive as her jet, his gut told him this would bring him one step closer to finding his Rogue. He wouldn’t risk the possibility of finding her for all the money in the world.
He tipped the brim of his hat in a jaunty nod and secured the plane’s papers in the secret pocket sewn into the lining of his coat. Once he was certain the papers were secure, he collected the remainder of his winnings. “Well, gentlemen, t’ank you for the game. I believe it’s time for me t’ call it a night.”
“But, you can’t go yet. I need to win back my baby,” the previous owner of the plane slurred.
For a split second, the thief and gambler side of Remy was tempted. The other man was an easy mark. He hadn’t so much as won a single hand since he’d started drinking half way through the game and even now he was more buzzed than sober. By all accounts the man ought to be easy pickings.
But no, the side of Remy which had promised Rogue the world would not risk losing this opportunity. It was already taking too long to find his heart and soul. He wouldn’t rest until he found her. And, this plane was key. “Désolé homme, but she’s my baby now. And ‘m callin’ it a night.”
Stay tuned to find out.....Will Gambit ever find Rogue? Why are they separated? And how long will it take me to finish this story?
15, 23, & 25 — For the end of the year fanfic ask. Please. 😊
15. something you learned this year
You do not, in fact, grow out of bubble baths. You just forget how good they are and rediscover them. Oh, writing wisdom? Sometimes writing time and editing time do not balance, and that's okay. Do whichever has the deadline and chill. (Even if the deadline is self-imposed. And nothing sucessfully self-imposes like telling everyone and their neighbor's dog what your goal is.)
23. fics you wanted to write but didn’t
Had a cool Irondad idea I call The Malibu Monster 'verse. It's a plot mashup of my favorite movies (which can be a bit on the obscure side). I'm keeping the notes handy, but it was just too big for me to handle with where I am at writing-wise this year. Basically, it features Peter Parker, teen would-be puppet of Oscorp getting mentored out of his dilema by beach bum!Tony Stark.
25. a fic you read this year you would recommend everyone read
I'm gonna go with The Force of Many Sights series by DasObiQuiet. It's a fic that's been going on for a while, but it's been pretty formative in how I see the Jedi and Darth Vader being at odds, even as Anakin returns to the light. It's got time travel, and therapy, and intrigue, and nuanced critique... just overall awesome.
