Title: Blood of Heroes

Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)

Website: http://www.oocities.org/morganalebeau/

Rating: NC-17

Pairing/main characters: Gambit/Iceman

Series/Sequel: The Fallen Angel Arc 2

Summary: Slash. Gambit is rescued from certain death on the ice by Magneto who later forces him to return to the X-Men to face his past. Back at the manison Remy and Bobby grow attached to each other.

Disclaimer: Gambit and X-Men is (c)copyright of Marvel Comics. No copyright infringement is intended.

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Blood of Heroes 1

By Morgana

 

Chapter One

Hank truly relished that last sip of black coffee this morning. In a moment he was going to check on Remy and knowing how irritating the Cajun could be, he wanted to clear his head before getting into an argument. They had stayed rather late at the charity dinner and he wished he'd been able to get a little more sleep.

"Good morning," Jean whispered as she took a seat and deeply inhaled the coffee fragrance.

"And a good morning to you too," Hank replied and smiled. It looked like Jean had missed out on some sleep as well.

"You're up early." Jean only stared at the food.

"Yes, that's correct," Hank quipped. "Is something wrong?"

"I don't know." Jean eventually sipped from the hot liquid and focused her sleepy eyes on Hank. "I'm picking up something, but?" Again, she concentrated on the sensation and slowly a smile formed on her face. "Do you still have to check on Remy?"

"That's another yes. I planned on doing that after finishing breakfast? which I did." Hank got to his feet and wondered why Jean had asked him that particular question.

"I've got this feeling you might be in for a surprise." Jean smiled brightly. "And no, I'm not going to tell you what to expect." Oh, she wished she could tell Hank and Scott what she was picking up, but she was certain Bobby and Remy would be upset with her.

"I will be on my way then," Hank said puzzled and left the room. As he climbed the stairs he tried to figure out Jean's cryptic remark. A surprise? What could possibly surprise =him=? Politely, he knocked on the door and waited for a response. He expected Remy to be catching up on sleep and the Cajun probably hadn't heard the knock at all! "Gambit?"

There was still no response and Hank wavered on what to do. Eventually he decided to enter and wake Remy. The young man needed to get breakfast anyway. As he pushed open the door, he realized that the dimmed lights were still on and the curtains closed. Hank started to pronounce Remy's name, wanting to tell him to get out of bed but his jaw practically hit the floor with amazement.

What was Bobby doing in Gambit's bed and why was he holding Remy in his arms? Why was there a sparkling grin on Bobby's face!? Bobby and Remy? Hank shook his head. Maybe he'd had too much of the bubbly yesterday and he was still in bed, dreaming.

No, he hadn't drank that much and? Jean did say he was in for a big surprise! Leaning against the doorway he watched them sleep. Bobby was possessively holding Remy in his arms, Gambit's head resting on Bobby's chest. Remy's soft smile formed a deep contrast to Bobby's smug grin and Hank was determined to find out what had happened here last night. Well, at least they were still clothed so things hadn't gotten out of hand, he hoped.
Bobby had confided in him that he was attracted to men, but the young man felt incredible insecure about his sexuality, even though he'd reassured Bobby that there was nothing wrong with being gay.

But he had urged Bobby to be careful. Aids was something everyone had to take seriously and Bobby had firmly nodded his head, taking that warning to heart.

Hank honestly didn't know what to make of this discovery and closed the door behind him as he retreated in to the corridor. //Jean? // he sent, trying to reach the telepath.

//Yes?//

//I just found Remy and Bobby in bed together? well cuddling? and they looked kind of cute, but?// Hank suddenly realized just what he had witnessed and couldn't help a chuckle. //I take it this is the surprise you hinted at?//

//I picked up a deep sense of contentment from Remy and Bobby? mixed in? with passion,// she cast, carefully picking her words.

//I did not think our Cajun friend was interested in Bobby,// Hank mused. And certainly not after his recent confession in the medlab. It surprised him that Remy would be attracted to men after what he'd gone through in his youth. Now that he thought about it, he'd only seen Remy with women, but of course that didn't say that much. Considering the hurtful remarks Warren had made Remy would try and hide his affairs.

Maybe he should go easy on them and wait for them to wake up, but then again?. It might be more fun to startle them just a little!

//Hank!// Jean sent, but had a hard time to sound berating. //I don't think Remy instigated this and Bobby would never forgive you if you exposed them like this! You of all people should know how hard it is for him to come out!//

Yes, Jean was right of course! //I will knock harder this time,// Hank sighed and banged on the door. "Remy! Rise and shine, young man!" and wished there was a way to see the expression on their faces at hearing his booming voice! "I want to see you in the medlab in 10 minutes and after I checked on you, you're going to have breakfast." Carefully listening he overheard a muffled yelp and his grin broadened.

Bobby was the first to open his eyes and search his surroundings. What was he doing here and just where was =here=? And why was there a warm body pressed in to his? Suddenly Hank's command echoed through the room and panic set in.

Remy? He was in Remy's room and the conversation they'd had drifted back in to his mind. Looking down at the still sleeping Cajun he smiled weakly. Luckily Hank seemed to retreat and he started his attempt at waking up Remy. It seemed such a sin, to wake up this sleeper and he briefly reconsidered. No, Hank had been right. Remy needed to go to the medlab.

Only now he realized he didn't really feel uncomfortable waking up like this. Yes, a little odd perhaps because he'd never held Remy in his sleep before, but his feelings for this man hadn't changed overnight. I still love you. So much for your charm power, he thought amused, remembering the utter confusion on Remy's face at hearing his admission.

Remy shifted in his sleep and his right hand slipped down Bobby's abdomen and? Bobby grunted softly. Trust that Cajun to grope for his groin during his sleep! He couldn't deny his arousal however, as he was almost instantly erect. He'd never had sex with a man and he wasn't going to start this morning. For both their sakes they had to take this slow.

Am I really thinking this? The irresponsible clown of the X-Men is thinking about slowly building a relationship with another man? A man who has been hurt in the past! Bobby didn't know what he had gotten himself in to, but he did know he craved Remy close to him.

"Wake up, gorgeous," he mumbled, as no other word seemed fit to describe the man in his arms. "Wake up, Remy!" he repeated a little louder as the Cajun didn't stir.

"Sleep," Remy muttered in return, turned on to his other side and suddenly they laid spooned against each other.

You're doing this on purpose! Bobby berated Remy mentally as smooth buttocks pressed in to his groin. It was hard to move away from Remy, as he had never felt such an attraction before and this time he wondered if it was Remy's charm power influencing him subconsciously.

"Remy?" he tried one last time and giving in to temptation he brushed his lips against Gambit's neck. "Hank is waiting for you and I've got a training session in the danger room in one hour!"

"Lemme sleep," Remy whispered.

"No way!" Bobby stated in return and got out of bed. After opening the curtains he peeked outside. The snow hadn't melted yet and he planned on taking Remy for a walk later that day. He'd seen the fear in those red eyes as Remy had stepped in to the snow-covered garden yesterday.

He slightly opened the window to let fresh air float in to the room and returned to the bed. Remy had curled himself in to a tight ball. "Wake up, Remy!" Softly he pushed the other man on to his back.

This time Remy reacted by opening his eyes. Why wouldn't they let him sleep? It had been the first time in a very long time that his dreams had been undisturbed by the mistakes he'd made. Slowly he focused on the face hovering above his.

Bobby? What was =he= doing in his room? Although the blankets tried keeping him down, he managed to sit up. "Bobby?"

"Don't tell me you've forgotten about last night!" Bobby said cheerfully, sensing some of the confusion Remy subconsciously was sending his way.

Remy looked down. He was still wearing his clothes, so? What was Bobby talking about? As his memory finally cleared up, he remembered the rather emotional night they had shared. "I fell 'sleep in y'r arms?"

"Yes," Bobby quipped. "But now you need to go to the medlab. Hank was pounding on the door and for one brief moment I feared he would actually walk inside!" Bobby smiled weakly as Remy's eyes sought out his.

"Feared?" Not yet really awake Remy swallowed hard. "Changed y' mind 'bout m'?"

Bobby shook his head, almost expecting such a remark. Considering the things Remy had told him yesterday it was understandable the Cajun felt insecure about this. "No," he whispered and his stomach made a somersault as he leaned in closer to press a gentle kiss on Remy's lips. Releasing those soft lips proved challenging as he found himself wanting more.

"I'm the insecure one. I mean?" he started and watched Remy's baffled eyes. "I doubt anyone besides Hank, and you of course, knows I'm gay." A blush spread over his face and he'd to admit he wasn't looking forward to telling the team about his rediscovered sexuality.

"Not'in' wrong wid dat," Remy replied slowly, as his brain tried to wake up as well. "I've always been attracted t' bod, men and women," he explained.
"But I only like =men=," Bobby said thoughtfully.

"Not'in' wrong wid dat eider." Remy started to realize how insecure Bobby was about his sexuality. "Y don' have t' tell dem," he suggested. It would make things a lot easier; especially after Bobby had realized he wasn't interested in a relationship anyway.

"Why did you say that?" Bobby asked, recognizing the doubt on Remy's face. He'd thought they had discussed this yesterday.

"Dey won' like us bein' toget'er," Remy said eventually. He could already hear Scott's chiding remarks. He would be the one who had seduced Bobby. But in reality it was Bobby seducing m', Remy thought.

Bobby sat down on the bed and grasped Remy's hands in his. Why did Remy look this depressed all of a sudden? "Talk to me, Remy."

But Remy broke loose and rose from the bed. "I shoul' go down t' de medlab," he said softly.

"Hey!" Bobby had crossed the distance between them in a second, as he jumped over the bed. "I don't like that expression on your face. Tell me if you've got doubts about us, now!" Bobby sucked in a deep breath and remembered how surprised Remy had been to learn someone was in love with him.

"Je suis si désolé, cher," Remy whispered.

"Sorry about what?" Bobby had heard that expression enough times to understand its meaning. Remy wasn't looking at him, so he possessively clasped his left hand instead.

"I don' know," Remy admitted. His head was swimming and he was too afraid to hope Bobby really meant all the things he'd said yesterday. No one loved a traitor!

"You can read feelings, right?"

"Oui."

"Then I want you to read mine. I do love you, Remy," Bobby said and smiled at the shock on Remy's face who'd never expected that move. "Do it. You've got my permission."

"You can' be serious!" Remy exclaimed.

"I am, Remy." Steadfast, he grasped the Cajun's other hand as well. "I've got nothing to hide. I love you."

"Are y' sure?" Remy asked hesitantly. "I've never done dis 'fore, consciously den."

"See for yourself. I love you," Bobby pleaded, wanting this over with.

Gingerly, Remy nodded his head and carefully reached out to touch Bobby's mind. Unexpectedly fierce notions of love and a promise of protection enveloped him and Remy fought for breath. "Y' do love m'," he whispered deeply touched by Bobby's willingness to let him read his emotions.

"Told you so!" Bobby quipped and pulled Remy in to a hug. He'd barely felt Remy touching his mind and seeing realization on the other's man's face was certainly worth extending the invitation to read his emotions.

Gratefully, Remy couldn't help himself and sent his emotions in return to Bobby, not hiding a thing.

As Remy's guilt and shame crashed in on him, Bobby gasped for breath. He'd never thought Remy would be this angry with himself! The Cajun was blaming everything on himself, not even considering Sinister and the Marauders being guilty as well.

Then the overwhelming sensation retreated a little and next he felt the hesitant love Remy felt for him. The disbelief that someone really cared about him as a person was tangible. There was so much doubt in Remy's mind! "I didn't know," he mumbled apologetically and buried his hands in Remy's soft hair. "I will try and be there for you whenever you need me," he promised.

Remy was speechless hearing that vow, knowing how serious Bobby was at the moment. "Je vous aime," he whispered.

"And I love you too," Bobby replied softly. "But now you've got to clean yourself up and see Hank." At least they weren't getting in to 'the I don't deserve you' argument.

"Oui," Remy sighed and disentangled himself from Bobby's warm body. "Will I see y' later?" he asked gingerly.

Bobby nodded his head and checked the time. "I will meet you downstairs in? 2 hours? We'll go for a walk."

"In de snow?" Remy objected weakly.

"Yes." Bobby saw resignation in Remy's eyes and quickly brushed his lips one more time. "I've got to report in for that danger room session or else Scott will show up looking for me!"

"And we can't have dem find out 'bout us?" Remy added saddened.

"I never said that!" Bobby reminded him. "I just need some time to get used to this?"

"I'm not complainin'."

But Bobby did hear the self-doubt in those words.

 

Chapter Two

"Y' wanted t' see m'?" Remy reluctantly walked up to Hank. The medlab was still one of his least favorite places in the world to be, but he understood McCoy's need to keep an eye on him. The look Hank gave him was questioning and he barely refrained from peeking at the other man's feelings. "Somet'ing wrong?"

"You tell me," Hank replied and gestured him to sit down while he checked Remy's pulse which was a little rapid.

"I feel better." Remy didn't know what to make of Hank's posture and decided to wait for him to speak up, in the back of his mind still counting on being judged for his past.

"Good. Anything you want to tell me?" Hank sat down, realizing that Remy needed time and rest to recover. He'd told Scott that Gambit wouldn't be participating in any training sessions for at least two weeks.

Feeling distinctly uncomfortable Remy noted the awkward silence, which had settled on to the room. No way was he mentioning Bobby's admission yet! Although Bobby seemed rather determined to make this work, he still had doubts.

After he'd sensed Bobby's feelings he knew the young man was sincere, but... the others would probably shut him out because of the lover he'd chosen and he didn't want Bobby to become an outcast.

"Remy?" Hank noticed the distant expression and realized that Bobby wasn't the only one having a hard time dealing with this recent development.

"Dere's somet'ing y' can do for m'," Remy whispered eventually, uncertain how Hank would react to his request, but he had to know the truth before even considering accepting Bobby as his new lover.

"Yes?"

"I wan' y' t' run a blood test." There he'd said it. Now he was waiting for Hank's berating remark.

"And check on what?" Hank made sure no judgement slipped in to his tone.

"AIDS and STD's," Remy whispered in a choked tone. He'd always been careful, had always used all necessary precautions, but one never knew. The last thing he wanted was to infect Bobby.

Hank got to his feet, retrieved a syringe and nodded his head. He did approve of Remy's cautious manner; maybe he should ask Bobby to come down as well. But he would have to approach Bobby more carefully.

"Roll up your sleeve," he instructed and studied Remy's troubled gaze. There was no sign left of that contented smile he had seen as he had caught them in bed. "Any special reason why you want me to do this =now=?"

That question caught Remy off guard. "Maybe," he remarked and kept quiet as Hank drew the blood he needed. "When will y've de results?" An irrational fear had found its way in. What if he'd been infected with...? Non, can' t'ink dat way now, he berated himself.

Hank stored the sample away and returned to his friend and patient. "I will have the results by tomorrow afternoon." He hesitated to breach another subject, but in the end decided he had no choice. "Remy, we need to address certain matters."

A sigh escaped his lips as he rolled down his sleeve. He'd been waiting for this lecture since his arrival. "Oui?" he said fatigued.

"Two things." Hank sat down and stared in to Remy's red eyes. "One, have you talked to Jean about exploring your empathic abilities?"

"Non," Remy admitted immediately. "Didn' 'ave de time yet,"... and he still wasn't sure whether he could confide in her or not.

"If you don't tell her, I will." Hank shook his head. "You need to learn how to control this ability. For your own sake and for the team's!"

"D'accord." Remy gave in, knowing Hank would carry out that threat. But McCoy had mentioned two things he wanted to discuss. Steeling himself he waited for the accusations.

"When you where in here yesterday you mentioned... things which happened to you during your childhood," Hank started cautiously and immediately picked up on the defensive look Remy shot him. "Did you ever get counselling to work through that?"

"Don' need dat," Remy spat and quickly rose from the chair.

"I'm sorry if I upset you," Hank said honestly, "but pretending it never happened, or ignoring it, won't make the pain go away." He was playing a dangerous game here as there was a distinct possibility that Remy would shut him out completely. This was something so private, so painful. But he had to try. He owed it his to friend to offer him some help. However, he doubted Remy would accept it.

Remy shook his head. "I don' wanna talk about dis," and headed for the exit.

"You know where to find me if you change your mind," Hank offered, and wondered if being an empath had made the trauma even more shattering. He suspected that Remy must have felt his abusers' emotions at some point. Had he managed to shut them out or not? Those were questions which needed answers and he wasn't certain Remy knew those answers himself.

Remy ignored the offer and marched out of the medlab.

"Don't forget to eat breakfast!" Hank called out after him.

"Merde!" Remy spat and returned to his room. Thinking about food made him feel nauseous. Right now he wanted to be alone and think about his present situation. How the hell had he managed to mess this up? Why had he allowed Bobby to get that close to him?

"'Cause I need him," he answered his own question. He needed touch and affection like others craved food. Without them, he'd starve and Bobby had offered them to him. He'd been too weak to decline the offer.

Sinking down on the bed he clutched his head between his hands. When Magneto had talked him in to returning to the mansion, he'd never envisioned that Bobby could fall in love with him, with or without the influence of his charm power. The truth was that he simply didn't deserve another shot at happiness, not after the deaths he'd caused!

A soft knock on the door forced him to stop this endless circle of thought. "Oui?"

"Remy?" Bobby stepped inside and a worried expression slid in to his eyes. "I was waiting for you and when you didn't show up..." A moment later he sat down next to Remy and slung an arm around the Cajun's shoulders. "You look upset."

The truth was that Hank had sought him out right after the training session had ended and had hesitantly inquired whether he was going to see Remy in the next few hours. Something in McCoy's voice had triggered his protective feelings and he'd immediately hurried to Remy's room.

"I'm fine," Remy whispered and couldn't help leaning in to the embrace, craving the touch, craving the affection which was =his= food.

"No, you're not." Bobby pulled away to look in to Remy's red eyes. "Let's go for a walk."

"I don' wanna," Remy said fatigued, remembering the snow that surrendered the house, making him feel trapped.

"Have you had breakfast yet?" Bobby suddenly realized Remy had lost weight.

"Not hungry," Remy remarked and wondered why he was still fighting this. Bobby would probably drag him downstairs and supervise his food intake. If he wouldn't have felt this depressed he would probably tell Bobby to stop babying him. But right now he didn't have the energy to work himself in to a frenzy.

"Food first!" Bobby decided and hauled Remy to his feet. "You can't hide in here, you know that, don't you?"

Bobby was right of course, but that didn't make things easier. Please, don' let anyone be dere, he thought apprehensively. Obediently, he followed Bobby downstairs and sighed relieved at the sight of the empty room.

Bobby watched in silence as Remy nipped at morsels of bread. Frustrated, he wondered what he had to do to draw the Cajun out of this depressed state. It made sense that Remy was feeling down, but he hated seeing the hollow expression in those eyes. "More coffee?" he offered.

"Non," Remy opted for tea instead, not fond of taking in too much caffeine in his present condition. That hot chocolate Bobby had made last night had tasted great though!

Realizing Remy wasn't going to eat more than that Bobby walked in to the corridor to get their parkas. "C'mon," Bobby said in a cheerful tone, "let's see if that snow man is still wearing Scott's visor." Remy didn't react and that troubled Bobby even more. "Remy?"

"Not sure goin' outside is a good t'ing."

"Why?"

"What if... dey're out dere?" Hesitantly, Remy locked eyes with Bobby. "I'm bad company right now."

Bobby swallowed hard. The amount of guilt and shame Remy had shared with him earlier that morning reminded him that he wasn't the only one who felt insecure here. "I'll stay close."

"Y're goin' t' make m' do dis, anyway," Remy complained, but slipped in to the parka.

"If you wanna return to the mansion, tell me," he instructed the Cajun and added a soft, reassuring smile. Walking over to the door he realized something else as well. He had to decide whether he was ready or not to show the others how he felt about Remy.

As he opened the door he caught the shivers coursing through Remy's body at the sight of the snow and ice. Bobby couldn't imagine how this felt to Remy. Snow and ice were his friends and his ability had saved his life many times, but it had almost killed Gambit. "Ready to go?" he asked softly.

"Not sure."

The sigh that left Remy's lips shook with remembered panic and Bobby wanted nothing more than to lessen that ache. After quickly scanning their surroundings he realized they weren't alone. Jubilee and Logan were having a snowball fight.

This was his personal test. Was he ready to reach out to Remy, thus showing how much he cared for another man? Hell, they're going to find out anyway and Remy needs the reassurance that I truly care for him. I can do this. I' ve got to do this, no matter what =they= think. It's time to find out if they're real friends or not! Bobby thought and folded an arm around Remy's waist.

Surprised, Remy stared in to Bobby's eyes. The last thing he'd expected was for Drake to show his affection this openly... at least not this soon! Bobby had to know that the others would never let this go by unnoticed. "Are y' sure 'bout dis, cher?"

"You keep asking me that!" Bobby said nervously, as Logan's eyes registered the whereabouts of his arm. I'm holding Remy in public! I did it, he thought a little triumphantly, but at the same time he felt nervous as hell. Then he remembered Remy's question. "Yes, I'm sure about this, Remy."

"Look what the cat dragged in," Logan grunted and shot a look at Jubilee who was staring wide-eyed at Bobby and Remy. Good thing he'd picked up on those scents coming from Gambit's room when he'd come home yesterday, although seeing the two men like this surprised him. But studying their eyes he realized their insecurity. "Never knew ya liked Cajuns, Drake," he muttered beneath his breath and threw a snowball at Jubilee who had been distracted.

"I'm discovering new things about myself every day," Bobby replied with weakening courage. Jubilee was still staring at him and Remy was starting to pull back. I never wanted to be the strong one! Why do I have to pull us through this? Remy could handle Logan with one smart ass remark and all I do is stutter like an idiot. Bobby tightened his grip on Remy. "Stop it! Do you think this is easy on me?"

"I know it isn'," Remy admitted. Dat's why I can' understan' why y're doin' dis!

"As long as ya keep the noise down at nights, I don't mind the discoveries ya're going to make, Drake!" Logan grinned. If Gambit had shot off his big mouth again, he might have reacted differently. "Live and let live." He snarled as Jubilee returned the favor and delivered one snowball right between his eyes.

"See? That wasn't that bad, was it?" Bobby sighed in an attempt to keep his own courage up. His hand snaked underneath Remy's sweatshirt and softly caressed cold skin. This feels wrong. Remy shouldn't be this passive, this... uncaring. No, that's the wrong word. Bobby felt Remy's breathing quicken and concerned he looked up. "What's wrong?" How many times had he asked that during these last 48 hours?

"Y're serious 'bout dis? Us?" he specified at seeing Bobby's expression. Only now realization was hitting him fully. Bobby was willing to risk his bond with the X-Men to be with him?

Before answering him Bobby stopped in his tracks and took a deep breath. "=Yes, I am=," he said, stressing every word. "And I'm going to prove it to you as you keep asking me that question." Oh my God! Jubilee and Logan can see what I'm doing and it won't take them long to tell the others. But I know I'm doing the right thing. Have been hiding in the closet for far too long and Remy... I love him.

"What are t' goin' to do den?" Remy whispered, unable to label the confusing emotions Bobby was radiating. There was nervousness, passion, love and... suddenly Bobby's lips claimed his, tracing the insides of his mouth... a tongue slipped inside and challenged his to a duel. I can' believe Bobby is doin' dis!

I can't believe I'm doing this... and I can't believe how good this feels! Softly exploring Remy's mouth he sighed, as the Cajun deepened the kiss and caressed his face. Panting slightly, he smiled as Remy ended the passionate encounter. "Satisfied?"

"Oui," Remy said and felt equally breathlessly. "I'll never again ask y' dat question, cher!"

"Good," Bobby breathed and peeked at Logan who was grinning. Jubilee however was running off to the mansion. "You do realize she'll tell the others?"

"Dat's what y' wanted?" Remy inquired as a tranquil serenity overwhelmed him. He'd accepted the inevitable and would walk this path with Bobby, regardless the consequences.

"Let's go back," Bobby said with a hint of mischief in his voice.

Remy merely nodded his head and exchanged a glance with Logan. The man had always been hard to read, but suddenly he realized he was capable of sensing Logan's emotions. It was almost like his stay in Antarctica -shudder- had strengthened his abilities. "Logan doesn' mind us bein' toget'er like dis," he whispered in to Bobby's ear.

Bobby sped up, pulling Remy along.

"Ya're in an awful hurry to get back to ya room, Drake!" Logan stated as the two men passed him by.

Bobby smiled and looked at Remy. He'd had the greatest idea to brighten Gambit's dark mood. "Ever played Twister?"

 

Chapter Three

Remy watched in disbelief as Bobby spread the Twister mat onto the floor. What had he gotten himself in to? "Y' really wanna do dis?"

"Yeah, although it would be more fun if we'd had some alcohol," Bobby quipped delighted and also placed the spinner on the floor. "You can go first."

"I? "Remy shook his head. "Remy LeBeau doesn' play? Twister!" he stated confused, not expecting such juvenile behavior from Bobby. But the determination on the other man's face told him Bobby was serious all right.

Bobby moved closer, suspecting that he'd easily wind Remy around his little finger. "Indulge me. It might be worth your while," he hinted and leaned in to press a passionate kiss on Remy's lips. "And there's more where that one came from!"

Cursing softly in French Remy stared at the spinner. He'd do anything to please Bobby, even this. "Don' y' dare an' tell anyone 'bout dis!" he warned and watched the spinner as Bobby set it in to motion.

"Red!" Bobby whispered. "The first moves are easy!"

Still in denial, Remy placed his foot on a red spot. Remy LeBeau playing Twister! If Jean-Luc ever found out about this, his entire family would learn about it in no time.

Bobby placed his right hand on a blue spot and as the game evolved, Remy started to smile, much to Bobby's pleasure. The brooding mood that had engulfed the Cajun earlier seemed to have disappeared. I knew this was a good idea; he complimented himself and grinned as he manoeuvred his left foot underneath Remy's body, almost ruining the man's balance.

"Merde! Look out what y're doin'!" Remy cursed, in spite of every thing getting caught up in the game. He'd been so resolved to hate it and Bobby? Merde! What was that hand doing on his buttocks? "I don' t'ink y're playin' accordin' to de rules?"

"Rules need to be broken sometimes," Bobby replied and managed to twist his body so he ended up underneath Remy. "Your turn."

"Merde! I can' reach de spinner!"

"Well, that makes me the =winner=!" Bobby whispered and loved seeing the shine to Remy's eyes. "We should play more often! You need practice!" It was amazing how Remy's expression and mood had changed during these last few minutes and Bobby wanted that change to stay, so he grabbed Remy's waist and pulled him down on to the mat.

Remy expected that move and wanted to roll on to his back, but Bobby's hands kept him in place lying sprawled on top. Drinking in that bright smile Remy rested his forehead on the other man's brow and listened to Bobby's heartbeat, which was steady and strong. "Cher?"

"Shst," Bobby placed a finger on Remy's lips. "I just want to hold you."

Feeling uncomfortable, though he couldn't figure out why, Remy obeyed and returned the gaze. As Bobby's hands slipped underneath his sweatshirt to stroke his back, he quavered at the touch. There was so much affection and consideration in that single gesture that it touched something deep inside his soul.

Except for Jean-Luc, who had adopted him when others had been intent on taking advantage of a street kid, no one else had ever made him feel this? cherished, like he was some sort of treasure that had to guarded carefully and Remy closed his eyes to imprint this moment in his mind.

"I love you," Bobby whispered against Remy's lips, sensing some of the turmoil the Cajun was in and then pulled Remy's head down, until it rested on his chest. Enveloping his lover in a warm embrace he wished time would stand still and freeze this moment for all eternity.

Speechless, Remy simply absorbed the love Bobby emanated and felt its strength grow. Yes, =this= was the only food he craved. But he couldn't lose himself in these emotions, he had to remain sensible and stop this. They had to discuss so many things, but? he couldn't pull free as Bobby's lips traveled down his throat. "Bobby?" he breathed.

"Yes, I admit to staging this. You looked so gloomy and brooding that I had to try and?" Bobby paused, seeing the stunned expression in those aflame eyes and knew instinctively that this wasn't about playing Twister.

However, he refused to let go and intensified his grip on Remy by wrapping one arm tightly around the Cajun's waist. Can things get more intimate than this? No, he wasn't comparing this to sex, this was much more intense and he wondered if Remy felt the same way. "What do you want to talk about?"

Remy wished Bobby would release him. Being this close messed up his senses, as he couldn't concentrate on anything else. "Us," he finally whispered and resigned himself to this situation. If Bobby wanted to hold him while they were talking, so be it. "I wen' t' see Henri an' asked him t' run some tests on my blood."

"What kinda tests?" Bobby was trying hard to listen to Remy's words, but those red eyes were distracting him!

"An Aids test an' I asked him to look for STD's in my blood." Remy held his breath, uncertain how Bobby would react to this admission. "I tried bein' careful, but?"

Sobering up quickly Bobby loosened his embrace and nodded his head. He should have expected this topic. "Too many people think you only get Aids when you're gay and that assumption? is stupid."

"I'll get de results tomorrow. Will y' come t' de medlab wid m'?" Remy asked slightly awkwardly. Don' even t'ink 'bout de results bein' positive! But what if they were?

"I'll ask Hank to test me as well," Bobby whispered and smiled seeing Remy's questioning look. "What did you think? That I'm a virgin? I just haven't been with a =man= before!"

Remy released the breath he had been holding. Bobby was taking this much better than he'd expected. "I'm not goin' t' ask if y're sure 'bout us," he started and looked in to Bobby's eyes. "Y' convinced m' of dat, but? what do y' expect from dis relationship?" Talking about things now would prevent misconceptions later, at least he hoped.

"I'm a monogamous kinda guy," Bobby admitted, turning serious and forgetting about seducing Remy. "And I want to try and make this work for the long run. Being X-Men we know how? dangerous and short life can be. What about you?" Suddenly his nerves kicked in. What if Remy wasn't looking for a lasting relationship? I'm just scared that he'll find someone else and then dumps me? what will happen once Rogue returns? Does he still love her?

Remy didn't need to read Bobby's feelings to identify the thoughts in those blue eyes. A rare smile graced his face as he realized how insecure they both were. Before Antarctica he would never have taken this so seriously? or would he? What am I lookin' for? What do I want?

"Remy?" Bobby disliked seeing the far-away look in Remy's eyes. Had he said something wrong?

"Jus' y' an' m' den?" Remy whispered at last.

"I'd like that," Bobby admitted shyly.

"D'accord!" Remy sighed relieved. "Den we're in dis toget'er!" But his relief disappeared rather quickly and why? just why is he lookin' at m' like dat? Makes m' nervous!

"You know," Bobby remarked and shifted underneath Remy in an attempt to get a little more comfortable, "I can see us as an old married couple, me preparing hot chocolate and you?what?" he said, noticing the hurt expression on Remy's face. "C'mon, we're already bearing our souls here! I can take one more soul shattering admission."

"I'm married, kinda," Remy admitted and rolled off Bobby's body to lie next to him. Staring at the ceiling he explained. "Mon père arranged de marriage t' settle an? argumen' between de Thieves an' Assassins' Guild. Our marriage? was a disaster. I had t' leave N'Awlins an'?"

"Do you still love her?" What a great question to ask him, Bobby, you moron!

"Non, we were never lovers, jus' friends," Remy whispered. "I only love y', cher!"

"That's good enough for me!" Bobby's voice trembled and he wondered what other secrets Remy was hiding. I'm bound to find out in time! "Remy?"

"Oui?" Remy turned on to his left side to look at Bobby and smiled weakly, reassured that the love in those eyes hadn't diminished after his confession.

"While we're waiting for those test results," he said in a mock sulking voice, "can we go back to kissing in the meantime?"

"Cher," Remy exclaimed and a suffocating darkness lifted from his soul. It was unbelievable that Bobby still wanted him in spite of all the things he had done. "Oui," he replied and surrendered to his lover's lips.

Looking in to the mirror Remy wasn't sure if the face staring back at him was his. Those red eyes weren't that drained any longer and there was even a shadow of a smile on his face.

Running his fingers through the wet hair he reminded himself to thank Bobby for the suggestion to take a long, hot shower before attending dinner.

Dinner, the idea of sitting in a room full of people scared him. Jean had told him that Storm had returned this afternoon and he realized he had to face her? and the others as well.

Well, how bad could it get? =Bad!= he realized. First, he'd betrayed their trust and now? They'd call it messing around with Bobby of course, taking advantage of a confused kid.

Perhaps it would be better if he stayed in his room instead of going downstairs. He wasn't hungry? wasn't even sure whether he could eat anything as they'd try and stare him in to submission.

And Bobby? they'd probably warn him that he was heading for trouble, that Bobby should stay away from him. The thought startled him as he realized that he couldn't imagine living without Bobby? not any more. He'd starve without Bobby's love.

"Are ya in there, kid?"

Logan? Remy spun around and looked at the door, sensing a steady heartbeat at the other side. I don' wan' t' look at his feelings, merde! Hank was right, he realized. He should ask Jean to help him explore and control this empathic ability. "Oui."

"Good, 'cause I'm coming inside. Hope for ya sake ya're decent!"

Logan was coming inside? Remy shivered momentarily, uncertain why. Where were his one-liners? His quick wit and smart-ass comments? Maybe I lef' dem in Antartica, he thought nervously. He couldn't deny that he'd changed since Rogue had left him out there to die.

Logan stepped inside and quickly took in Gambit's disheveled appearance. The kid had lost weight, but at least those dreadful black circles under his eyes were growing less. Sleeping in Drake's arm might have helped.

"What do y' wan'?" Remy tried hard to shut out the tremors that rocked his tone. "If dis is 'bout Bobby den?"

"Stop looking like I'm gonna bite ya head off!" Logan said irritated. Damn kid should know him better than that! "This isn't about Bobby. I hope the two of ya will work out, but that's not why I'm here."

"Why did y' come here?" Remy asked with trepidation.

"After ya got back from the ice? I picked up scent on ya." Logan paused, giving the kid a chance to explain things. But Remy retreated to the window, more withdrawn than he'd ever seen the Cajun before. But then again, this was a different man. Logan knew what facing death could do to someone and stepped closer, trying to find a weakness in the man's defences. "It was Magneto's scent."

"I can' tell y' what y' wan' know," Remy replied in a nervous tone. He'd given Magneto his word to keep silent. The man had saved his life and he wouldn't make the same mistake twice! He wasn't going to tell on Magneto.

Logan noticed how jumpy the kid had suddenly become and knew he had to back away from this topic? just a little though. "Must have been cold."

"Oui, it was," Remy whispered and shivered, remembering his body surrendering to the cold. As he stared out of the window and saw the snow he thought he'd go mad. "It's still cold."

"'cept for when Drake is near?" he ventured.

"Oui." Remy sighed deeply.

"Why did ya have Magneto's scent all over ya? Did he help ya?" Logan said, returning to their former topic. As Gambit's eyes closed he knew he'd hit bull's eye. "Got a base in Antarctica? Ya got lucky then!"

"Lucky?" Remy repeated in disbelief. "Lucky! Y' don' know what y're talkin' 'bout! I should have died dere!"

"Why?" Logan asked genuinely concerned. "Because ya fell for Sinister's tricks? We've all been there, done that. Ya know, Cajun, that's why there are second chances!"

"But people died 'cause of my mistakes," Remy objected. "De Morlocks?"

"Remy," Logan started, using the name on purpose, "Jean turned in to the Dark Phoenix at one time and ya don't think anyone got hurt in the process? And that's just one example!"

"But dat's different, she?"

"I had enough of this crap. Dinner is ready." Logan shook his head and walked in to the corridor. "Are ya coming, Cajun? Drake will drag ya down if ya refuse, or else I will," he added after a moment's thought.

Remy knew better than to fight an already lost battle and quickly slipped in to a heavy woollen sweater. "I'm comin'."

Logan grunted softly, satisfied for now.

Bobby was feeling nervous and wondered if Remy was having the same problem. Jean was giving him winks and bright smiles, while Scott looked grumpy and a little upset. Hank was doing a great job inspecting his utensils and Jubilee had asked Storm to help her carry the dishes from the kitchen to the dinning room. All were accounted for except Logan and Remy and that little fact worried him even more.

Suddenly someone bumped their right foot against his leg underneath the table. Looking up, he caught Jean's grin. Why was she looking at him like that?

"I'm about to explode!" Jean suddenly exclaimed, "I'm soooo happy for the two of you!"

Storm overheard that remark and had no idea what Jean was referring to. She had noticed the tension in the mansion, but had attributed it to Remy's unexpected return.

"Jean, please darling," Scott muttered and squeezed her hand. Although he adored her, he couldn't understand her excitement. She'd been almost ecstatic when Jubilee had told them that she'd witnessed Bobby kissing Remy. He'd been surprised like hell to find out about Bobby's interest in the Cajun, but didn't really have any problems with it, as long as it didn't influence their team performance.

"Come on! It's sweet!" Jean quipped and looked at Hank for support, but McCoy was still busy inspecting his fork.

"I think it's sweet!!" Jubilee whispered as she placed the food on the table. Sitting down she rested her chin on her hands and dreamy eyed, stared at the wall. "I wish someone would fall in love with me!"

"Jubilation!" Hank exclaimed. "You are too young for? that!"

"Wake up, Hank! I'm old enough to date," she protested.

Bobby thanked whatever god was listening that Remy and he were no longer the focus of this conversation. Oh boy, was he wrong! Storm choose the seat to his right and whispered, "Are they telling the truth about you and? Remy?"

"Yes," he stated and told himself to feel proud because he wasn't hiding any longer. "I love him." Did I really say that? Admitting to loving Remy in public? Will Remy do the same, or?

The subject of his thoughts suddenly walked in to the room and a wave of nervousness washed through him. Quickly he glanced at Jean, but she was still grinning and didn't seem to feel the things he was receiving.

The seat to Bobby's left was still vacant and Remy beat Logan to it and quickly sat down, carefully avoiding their eyes. Storm's presence was unsettling, as he knew that she couldn't forgive him, but Bobby's presence reassured him slightly.

"It =is= cute!" Jean stated suddenly in a very loud tone and her remark shattered the awkward silence.

Bobby took a deep breath and placed his hand on Remy's, showing them they were an item as far as he was concerned and challenging them to make any condescending remarks. He'd defend Remy with his last breath. It turned out that it wasn't necessary and he relished the fact that his lover gently squeezed his hand.

Remy felt like something bad was going to happen any moment now. His luck couldn't last, it never had and by the way Storm was looking at him? he shivered.

But dinner conversation was polite and their small talk idle. No one voiced any disapproval of their relationship and Remy finally allowed himself to relax a little.

When dinner was over he got up and excused himself. He needed some time alone? well, he wouldn't mind Bobby's company, but he had a lot of thinking to do.

As he walked in to the corridor his senses told him someone was following him. Turning around he faced Storm.

 

Chapter Four

A trial.

Remy felt like he was being judged without having had a fair trial, but then again, how could it ever be fair? Maybe... Looking in to Storm's eyes he made a decision. "Even a murderer gets a trial," he whispered fatigued. He just wanted it over with.

Storm gasped hearing that remark. She hadn't even said a single word yet so how had Remy reached the conclusion that she was going to sentence him? Studying his expression she realized how haggard and worn he looked. That spark of life she had witnessed during dinner when Bobby had been at his side had vanished. For a moment she even feared for his sanity... his will to live. Storm inhaled deeply and was about to reply as another voice cut roughly through the corridor.

"Over my dead body."

Remy trembled hearing that vow and shook his head, seeing Bobby's determined blue eyes. "Cher, dis has t' be done."

"C'mon!" Bobby exclaimed angrily as he approached the Cajun.

Storm couldn't take her eyes off the two men. Was this really the Bobby she'd always known? The insecure youngster who used pranks and jokes to fit in? Shivering, she noticed that his eyes were turning in to ice. "Bobby," she started, but the young man didn't even acknowledge her, so intent was he on Gambit.

"Yeah, right, we're back to that discussion," Bobby stated in an angry tone. In the depths of his heart he was convinced some evil spirit had taken possession of him, where else would he get the audacity from to challenge Remy and Storm on top of that? "You're the only person alive who ever makes mistakes!" Bobby paused, uncertain how those words had found a way passed his lips, but enough was enough. I love you, damnit, can't you see that? Can't you see we all make mistakes!

Storm smiled weakly. A youngster had reminded her that they weren't supposed to pass judgement. Bobby was right. It was the easiest way out to blame everything on Remy and her friend was more than willing to accept sole responsible for the massacre. Bobby now stood in front of her and she watched his back, noticing the tense shoulders and knew he was close to completely icing up. "Bobby?" she tried again and placed a hand on his right shoulder. "You are right."

Speechless, Remy stared at the ice in Bobby's eyes. Shivers ran down his spine as he remembered the blue eyes, which had looked at him with so much affection and love in them. He released his breath and simply waited for things to come. All strength had been sapped out of him.

"Bobby is right," Storm repeated and took a step forward so she stood next to Bobby. "The Goddess knows we all make mistakes," she whispered and remembered her own dark moments. "There will be no trial, my dear friend." She smiled warmly; thankful Bobby had reminded her of her own imperfection.

"There!" Bobby stated triumphantly and the ice disappeared from his eyes. "You are =not= a murderer, Remy. You made a =mistake= and I suspect it won't be the last one an X-Man ever made."

Too emotional to hide his amazement Remy lowered his eyes and stared at the floor. He'd never thought that Bobby would step in there and Stormy... "Where does dis leave us?" he asked apprehensively.

"At a new beginning," Storm replied and rested her other hand on Remy's shoulder. "You saved my life once, thief."

Remy wondered why she'd suddenly stopped talking. It felt like she'd wanted to add something, but Storm grew silent. She'd had given him a gift though. She had given him hope that she would forgive him and he had to offer her something in return. Utterly concentrating on Storm he hesitantly reached out with his empathic powers and offered her a silent apology, extended his feelings of guilt and shame as a peace offering.

Storm fought for breath as Remy's feelings unexpectedly flowed through her. "In the name of the Goddess, what are you doing?"

Remy looked at Bobby instead. "Guess I've been hidin' in de closet for too long."

Bobby knew what he was trying to say. "Tell her." This had to be hard on Remy and he concentrated on sending him all the love and confidence he could muster.

Remy picked up on those feelings and sighed briefly, grateful for Bobby's support. "Stormy," he whispered in a shaky tone. "I'm some sor' of empat'. Henri hasn' figured it out yet, but... I can sense y' feelings and show y' mine." There, he had said it.

Storm's eyes widened at that admission. She'd always suspected her friend was hiding something, but never this! An empath? And he never told us? Oh, Goddess, if he can truly feel someone else's emotions then...

Remy terminated the connection which had formed between them, but kept the one which linked him to Bobby open, sending him his gratitude for being there for him.

"You're welcome," Bobby whispered relieved and trembled as he realized he'd shaken off his insecurity to back up the man he loved. Maybe I'm taking responsibility for my life at last.

What would Hank say? During these last few days he'd discovered a side to his personality he'd never known existed. Some part of him was determined to be the strong one for Remy and to keep him safe from further harm. He has been hurt too many times already.

"But then..." Storm was struggling to find the right words as she'd reached a terrible conclusion. "You must have sensed their pain in the tunnels..."
This got Bobby's attention as well and he focused on Remy's eyes, which told him the truth.

"Oui," he said offering no other explanation.

"And when Warren lost his wings?" Bobby ventured at last, wrapping his warm fingers around Remy's cold ones and realized that whenever they touched, the Cajun felt cold.

Concerned, he rubbed that cold hand. It had been that concern which had urged him to comfort Remy in the first place, to take that step and be there for him. It had pushed his insecurity in to the background.

"I..." Remy hesitated. "I fel' dat too, but couldn' help him. I wish I could have," he whispered remorsefully.

After she had composed herself again Storm caught Remy's still evasive eyes and asked, "Do the others know?"

"Know what?" Remy asked confused.

"That you possess these empathic powers."

"Only Henri and... Bobby of course... an' now y," Remy replied softly.

"You should tell Jean. Do you know how much she cares for you?" Storm asked and then also looked at Bobby, "And you, the both of you!"

No one 'cept for Bobby cares 'bout m', Remy thought miserably. His entire life he'd fought for acceptance, but so far he'd only experienced that trust with Jean-Luc and now Bobby.

"I'll leave the two of you alone now," Storm said and smiled warmly. "Remy?" She addressed him, before returning to the dining room. The look he gave her made her heart grow heavy.

"Oui?"

"I promise by the Goddess to work on that forgiveness. Do not lose faith."

"Merci," Remy whispered and closed his eyes, listening to her retreating footsteps. When he was certain she couldn't hear him any longer he whispered, "I don' wanna be alone." Remy peeked at Bobby's blue eyes and hoped he'd stay with him.

Bobby nodded his head. Remy's face didn't hide a thing. "Your room or mine?" Geeze, that sounds like I'm trying to talk him in to bed!

Remy stood undecided and shrugged his shoulders. "I don' care," he admitted frankly. All he wanted was to be alone with Bobby and curl up in his arms. It slightly frightened him as he realized that Bobby had become his lifeline.

"C'mon," he said eventually and pulled Remy along as they headed for his room. He had to find a way to stop Remy from brooding. If only I could convince him that we do care! But it felt like banging his head in to the wall and his head was starting to hurt from all his attempts to try getting through to the Cajun.

"I'm going to make hot chocolate first," he told Remy, remembering how much Gambit had liked it. "The door to my room isn't locked. I'll join you in a moment, awright?"

Remy hardly reacted and slowly climbed the stairs. As he reached Bobby's room he hesitantly stepped inside, feeling like an intruder. A smile crept over his face seeing the Twister map. Bobby had completely surprised him when taking him down during the game. During those carefree moments he'd felt like the man he used to be. He'd lost part of his soul in Antarctica.

Rolling on to the bed he stared at the ceiling but something in the bed was pushing against his shoulder blades and as he pulled away the sheet, he discovered a plastic Spiderman toy. "Bobby," he whispered amused. Even during his absence Bobby had made him laugh.

"Hey, give me a hand here!" Bobby exclaimed and kicked the door.

Remy was with him within a heartbeat and gladly accepted one of the hot mugs. Warming his hands by pressing them against the mug he followed Bobby to the bed.

Bobby sat down and rested his back against the headboard. His eyes never left Remy's face, searching for that hint of depression he knew was lurking underneath the surface.

Am I strong enough to deal with Remy's fears? I can hardly believe this is actually happening. Our roles are reversed and I've never been in this position before! No one ever depended on me! As Remy crawled closer to snuggle up to him he raised an arm and pulled him in to an embrace. "Feeling better?""

"Not sure 'bout dat," Remy admitted and rested his head on Bobby's shoulder. For so long he'd kept it all inside and he couldn't burden Bobby with his problems. That didn't seem right after everything Bobby had done for him!

"You can talk to me, Remy." Bobby waited patiently and relished the hot chocolate. Remy emptied his mug even faster. Have to remember to make hot chocolate before going to sleep. "There's no need to shut me out."

"Perhaps not..." Remy sighed and placed the empty mug on the floor. Folding his arms around Bobby's waist he deeply inhaled his scent. I'm safe, no longer in Antarctica. Rogue ain't here an' Bobby loves m'.

Bobby decided not to push him. Remy would open up when he was ready to talk about the things that haunted him. "Wanna get some sleep?"

"Can' sleep," Remy whispered and his fingers played with a strand of Bobby's soft hair. "Dis is such a mess."

Bobby smiled. "Why?"

Remy didn't know the answer to that question. Everything seemed to be working out just fine. They had allowed him back in, Storm had even accepted his peace offering and he was lying in the arms of Bobby, who loved him. Just what was wrong then?

"It's in my head," he said eventually. "I know... feel dat you an' de oders accept my presence... somet'ing else is messing wid my mind." Did I really say dat?

"Thanks for being that honest," Bobby muttered and his hands tangled in Remy 's hair, softly massaging his scalp. "And I've got to agree with you," he said after taking a deep breath. "Maybe you should talk to Hank? After all he is a doctor."

"Henri wants t' drag up my entire past, Bobby... and I don' wan' t' go dere." Remy suddenly shuddered. "Past can' be changed, cher."

"But talking about it might help," Bobby suggested and shivered himself, remembering Remy's admission in the medlab. "Do you still have nightmares about... living on the streets?" Part of him couldn't believe he was asking Remy such personal questions, but the fact that he was the only one Remy trusted left him no choice. Being in love had changed him as well.

Swallowing hard Remy realized he had maneuvered himself in to a corner. "Had dem for a long time, but lately I've been dreamin' 'bout the ice."

"I know," Bobby mumbled. "But at least at night I can hold you."

Remy tried hard not to show his relief. "Wan' me to stay overnig't?"

"You don't think I'm letting you go again, do you?" Bobby asked in a semi-upset tone. "We could turn in early for a change," he remarked, remembering Remy would get his test results tomorrow. How would Hank react to his request to test him as well? Probably thinks I'm doing the right thing for a change!

"Jus' needed t' hear dat," Remy whispered, drifting in to sleep.

Bobby shook his head, seeing red eyes close and Remy's body relaxed against his. Softly stroking Remy's hair he studied the man -the man! - in his arms. "I'll never let you down," he promised in an emotional moment. "Never!"

The next morning Bobby quietly slipped out of bed. Remy was still soundly asleep though and Bobby sighed relieved. Nightmares had disturbed the Cajun' s sleep and although he gathered that some of them featured Antarctica, he realized there had been others as well.

It had been a tiring night and he wasn't looking forward to this morning's danger room training session. He could use more sleep as well, but it had made him feel good to be the one to sooth Remy and to lure him back in to sleep.

As he walked in to the bathroom he considered calling Scott and asking if it were all right if he skipped this morning's session, but he already knew the answer, no.

After he'd dressed he returned to the bed and smiled, seeing Remy curled up in his bed, hugging a pillow. He pulled the blankets over the silent form, making sure Remy was warm and then snuck out of his room.

Luckily Scott quickly called it a day and Bobby was almost out of the room when Jean placed her hand on his arm. He halted at the touch, almost afraid to think why she had stopped him.

"Bobby?"

"Yes, Jean?" He really, really liked her, but at the moment she was keeping him from returning to Remy and impatiently he waited for her to continue.

"Hank told me about Remy's empathic gifts."

"Well, that was to be expected," Bobby said ill at ease. Why was she talking to him and not to Remy? Shuffling his feet, his old insecurity and nervousness began to sneak up on him and he couldn't look her in the eyes. It felt wrong to discuss something this painful for Remy with her.

"Do you think he'll want to talk to me tonight? Hank is right you know. Remy needs someone to help him deal with this ability." Jean sensed his confusion and hid her grin to the best of her abilities. She'd never seen Bobby this... full of life before. He was happy, she realized, now that he'd stopped hiding his true nature.

Jean's warm voice made him smile. "I'll talk to him," he promised, still hesitant to say more about this matter, but in the end he couldn't stop himself. The truth was that Remy's nightmares had scared him. They had been so... crushing. Remy had shivered in his arms and at one time tears had crept down his cheeks. "But he knows he needs help," he admitted gingerly.

Jean cocked her head hearing that admission. "Is it already causing him problems?"

"I don't know if it's his empathy is causing it," Bobby sighed and realized he shouldn't be telling her this, but... "Last night was terrible. He had nightmares all night long!"

Although he felt like betraying Remy he had to talk to someone! And Hank, although his best friend, was no telepath. Jean however was and he believed she could help Remy if only the stubborn Cajun would let her in!

"What about?" Jean's eyes searched the danger room to see if anyone else had stayed behind. No, they were alone. Assured there weren't any eavesdroppers she added, "You can trust me, Bobby."

"I know," Bobby admitted. Jean had accepted him just the way he was and that meant a lot to him. "Remy mumbled something about ice, Rogue and being alone. Then... I don't know what the other dreams were about, but he always kept repeating how alone and abandoned he felt." Bobby's tired eyes finally sought out Jean. "And then he called out for someone called Jean-Luc."

Jean evaluated everything she'd heard and found her suspicions grounded. There was more to this than the massacre and Antarctica. Seeing Bobby's troubled gaze she smiled reassuringly. "You're doing the best you can and I think Remy knows that."

"Which reminds me... I need to get back! When I left he was still asleep." Bobby smiled at Jean and then remembered to say, "The nightmares stopped at dawn."

Jean nodded her head. "Go on, don't keep him waiting."

Bobby dashed out of the danger room and in to the kitchen. He might as well take some sandwiches with him. Remy would probably be hungry after missing breakfast. Grinning from ear to ear Bobby wondered if Remy would allow him to feed those delicious strawberries to him!

 

Chapter Five

Slowing opening his eyes he wondered where he was. This certainly wasn't his room and then he remembered that he'd spent the night with Bobby. Remy smiled, recalling the way Bobby had held him at night when the nightmares... Non, don' wanna t'ink about dem!

But he didn't really have a choice. Bobby now knew about the nightmares, which haunted him at night and would probably make him face whatever was causing them. I know what's causin' dem, but no one else needs t' know, he thought resolved. He wasn't going to burden any one with his past.
Stretching his body he realized he still felt tired and drained. If only he would get a good night's sleep! He refused to think about how bad the nightmares would have been without Bobby there to comfort him!

Noise coming from the corridor caught his attention and he shifted in the bed until he sat upright. Quickly, he glanced at the clock and realized with a start that it was almost noon. Why had Bobby let him sleep that late?

The door swung open and Bobby entered, a warm smile illuminating his face. He was not so elegantly balancing a tray with one hand, as he had to use the other to close the door. Just seeing those sparkling eyes reassured Remy everything was fine and he relaxed, pushing his back in to the comfort of the pillow.

Bobby's eyes lit up, seeing Remy lying comfortably in his bed. In my bed! He 's in my bed, he repeated in disbelief and sat down. "I thought you'd be hungry," he explained with a sudden shyness.

"Merci," Remy said thoughtfully and stared right in to Bobby's eyes until the other man averted his gaze.

"Had to attend training, but I'm yours for the rest of the day, if you want me," Bobby informed him, feeling slightly guilty for having left that early. He wished he had been there when Remy had opened his eyes. "Hank expects us in an hour," he added and watched Remy slowly devour one of the sandwiches.

His appetite seemed to be improving, Bobby noticed relieved. "Even brought you these," he pointed out the strawberries next to the coffee.

Remy rested his head back against the pillows and licked his lips.

Bobby's nervousness was back now that there weren't any monsters to drive away and he gingerly selected one strawberry. I can't believe that I'm doing this! But, slowly he raised one hand and watched in fascination as Remy opened his mouth and offered him the tip of his tongue.

As he placed the strawberry on Remy's tongue he noticed an arm sneaking up his chest, pulling him closer. "We've only got one hour," he whispered for no apparent reason and swallowed hard. Are my thoughts, no feelings, that obvious? All I want is to kiss those lips and taste his mouth and... I don't even feel guilty for wanting it!

Remy brushed Bobby's lips in a teasing motion, slow and lazily. Amused, he noticed Bobby's passionate reaction to that simple gesture. "Y' feel starved, cher," he whispered thoughtfully. For how long had Bobby been repressing this side of his personality?

Deepening the kiss Remy coaxed Bobby in to sliding closer against him. Both craved the touch, the physical contact, but there was one thing Remy hadn't taken in to consideration. The physical contact made him lower his shields and Bobby was now receiving most of his feelings. Perhaps I'm even sendin' dem subconsciously...

Bobby gasped, feeling Remy's love, passion and gratitude melt in to one. "I love you." He couldn't help whispering that admission and his fingertips trailed up Remy's soft neck until they finally tangled in silken hair.

Remy wanted to answer, wanted to confirm his love for Bobby, but his lips were otherwise engaged. =Heat= was building in their minds and Remy knew he had to stop this before they'd do something they might regret later. After all, he was still waiting for those test results. "Cher, I need t' get dressed," he mumbled reluctantly, wishing they could cuddle up beneath the blankets and do a lot more than kissing!

'Yeah, I know," Bobby murmured, incapable of letting go of those eyes. Never before had he felt this connected to anyone. Duh! Remy is an empath! What do you expect? Bobby chided himself softly and wondered in which other ways Remy's abilities might manifest.

What about when we... get together for the first time? What when we have sex? No, I don't like that word, what when we make love for that first time? Feeling a little woozy he crawled off the bed and got to his feet.

Remy sighed at the loss of warmth, loss of closeness, but composed himself again. First, he had to know whether Hank had found something in his blood. Mon Dieu, I don' wanna lose Bobby! Remy prayed fervently.

After pushing away the blankets Remy rose from the bed and walked over to the door. He hated leaving Bobby behind, but his clothes needed changing.

"Will be back in a sec," he muttered and softly touched Bobby's bruised lips with his fingertips. Abruptly, he turned around and rushed out of the room.

Amused, Bobby watched Remy flee back to his room. It if hadn't been for this link, which seemed to form whenever they were touching, he'd feel a lot more insecure. But knowing how much Remy loved him had an amazing effect on him!

Humming softly he slid back on to the bed, grabbed a strawberry and switched on the TV with the remote. "Great! Spiderman and the Fantastic Four are on! I almost missed them!" Making himself comfortable he realized Remy's scent still lingered in his bed, -my bed- and inhaling it, he hoped Remy would spend a lot more nights in his bed!

Hank gestured them to sit down and was oddly pleased to see Bobby accompanying Remy. That might indicate his friend had already decided to play it safe and request a blood test himself. It would make things so much easier, Hank mused. He smiled as Remy hesitantly reached for Bobby's hand. That simple gesture said much more than words ever could.

At first he'd a hard time believing Gambit really loved Bobby. His doubt might have something to do with the fact that he felt so protective of his friend. He'd witnessed Bobby angst over his sexual preference, hiding it, afraid that someone might fight out the truth about him.

And then Remy had returned from Antarctica and Bobby had seemingly forgotten about his insecurity and nervousness. Why? Because someone needed him to be the strong one and Bobby had risen superbly to that challenge.

"Hank?" Bobby looked up and cocked his head. It wasn't like the Beast to be lost in thought. Remy tensed up and Bobby reassuringly squeezed his hand. Everything will be fine!

"I take it you are here to find out about the test results?" Hank started and took a seat opposite them. He had to admit Jean had been right yesterday. This was kinda sweet and they might even work out. Taking care of Remy was doing wonders for Bobby's self esteem!

"Oui," Remy mumbled softly, disliking the time it took Hank to inform him of those results. Maybe something was wrong and... He was afraid to end that thought. It probably meant losing Bobby as well.

"All tests came back negative," Hank said pleased.

"And dat's good?" Remy wondered, slightly afraid to believe his fortune.

"Yes, you're as clean as a whistle!" Hank grinned and then addressed Bobby. "Do you want me to check on you too?"

"Yes," Bobby said resolved. In his heart he'd never doubted that Remy was healthy, but hearing Hank confirm it, did ease his mind. As he rolled up his sleeve he smiled at Remy who was obviously very relieved.

Merci, mon Dieu, I'll try an' do t'ings right wid Bobby, he promised, grateful for this second chance.

Bobby grew uncharacteristically quiet after their visit to the medlab. Until now he hadn't realized how serious Remy had taken that blood test. After hearing everything was fine Remy had started to smile and hadn't stopped yet.

So he simply enjoyed that smile, realizing how little he'd seen it since Remy's return from Antarctica. "Remy?" he started softly. This time it hadn't taken much to convince Remy that it was safe to go for a walk in spite of the snow.

"Oui," Remy replied with a broad grin on his face. As long as he didn't think about the nightmares he could pretend life was great. Even the snow didn't seem that cold and hostile when Bobby was near. He slung an arm around Bobby's waist and rested his head on his lover's shoulder. "What do y' wan' t' know?"

"I hope you don't think I'm trying to..." Bobby started, uncertain how to bring in Jean's request.

"Jus' ask m'," Remy replied; only receiving confused feelings. Bobby was worried about something.

Bobby didn't know whether to mention the nightmares as a reason to accept Jean's offer and in the end he decided against it. Remy might feel embarrassed and the discomfort might drive him away. "Jean knows about your empathic powers," he said instead and watched Remy's face carefully. For once it revealed absolutely no emotion, so he had to guess to how Remy was taking this. "She wants to talk to you after dinner."

Well, at least Remy hadn't pulled his arm back so Bobby ventured a glance at those alien eyes. "She only wants to help," he added, hoping Remy realized that truth as well.

Remy thought it over. This didn't come as a big surprise. Hank had already told him that he would inform Jean if he didn't. "D'accord," Remy whispered, "I'll talk t' her."

Relieved, Bobby drew in a deep breath, but there was another matter he wanted to discuss. But how to ask Remy about Jean-Luc without addressing those nightmares?

Remy realized that there was more when Bobby continued to radiate confusion. "Jus' ask m', cher," he repeated and wondered why Bobby was acting this shy all of a sudden while he'd contradicted Storm without hesitation.

"Who's Jean-Luc?" he asked softly, terrible afraid he was stepping over some boundary.

"Dat's it?" Remy smiled relieved. He didn't know what he'd expected Bobby's question to be, but... "Jean-Luc LeBeau, mon père." Seeing Bobby's expression he realized he needed to translate it in to English. "My fat'er,"

"Your father?" Bobby echoed. Yeah, who did you think it was? His secret lover? A man Remy is attracted to? He hasn't been off the premises since his return and there haven't been any calls...

"Why are y' askin'?" Remy studied Bobby and didn't know what to make of his expression. And Bobby's confused feelings weren't helping either.

"You mentioned him last night," Bobby said, a slip of the tongue, as he didn't want to bring up last night and certainly not the nightmares. "What about your mother?" he asked, trying to distract Remy.

A sad expression flashed across Remy's face. Why did Bobby have to bring this up now? But he couldn't hide the truth either. He just didn't want to go through the pain of admitting everything again. But Bobby had a right to know. "Jean-Luc adopted m'," he admitted at last, noticing the perplexed look on Bobby's face.

"Adopted you?" Bobby halted and sought out Remy's eyes. "I didn't know that."

"It ain' a pretty story," Remy whispered and suddenly noticed how far away they had walked from the house. And all around him was only snow... even with Bobby standing next to him, he felt alone... Remy always felt lonely.

"I'm not trying to pry, but..." Bobby had never expected such revelation and realized a little upset how little he knew about the Cajun.

"My 'real' parents didn' wan' m'," Remy said, shrugging his shoulders, trying hard to act callous. "Dey lef' m' an' I had t' learn how t' survive on de streets. I was... 12 when Jean-Luc caught m' trying to pick his pockets." Yeah, dat sounded awright, not a single word 'bout m' livin' on de streets! Remy complimented himself. An' I ain' tellin' Bobby a t'ing 'bout livin' on de streets, bad enough he knows why I hate the medlab.

"And he adopted you?" Bobby's mixed feelings urged him to wrap his other arm around Remy's frame as well. The professor had never mentioned any of this to them, probably not wanting to breach Gambit's privacy, but... Hell, it explains everything! His fear of being alone, feeling abandoned and then, oh God, if Rogue really left him there to die... Too scared to end that thought he looked at Remy's eyes instead. "Were you born with those eyes?" he suddenly wanted to know.

"Oui, de oder kids didn' wan' anyt'ing t' do wid m' 'cause of dese eyes, but Jean-Luc didn' mind. He was de only person who ever accepted m' jus' de way I am..." Remy noticed the uncertain expression on Bobby's face and added, "'Cept for y', of course."

"Must have been hard on you, with those eyes and everything," Bobby mumbled upset. "Lemme get this right, you spend the first 12 years of your life on the streets?" Shivers ran down his spine, wondering how Remy had survived that long and then remembered the stuttered admission in the medlab. That's how he survived, you moron! He told you he did anything for food!

Remy read the realization on Bobby's face and discouraged, he turned away. That's why he didn't tell people about his youth. He hated seeing the loathing on their faces and now Bobby would look at him differently too.

"Remy," Bobby sighed and went to stand in front of him. "Whatever you did was in order to stay alive. I don't love you less because of that." Wow, he complimented himself, that sounded like I meant it and I did. "Hey, I understand you still have nightmares about it," he whispered, deadly afraid he'd offended Remy, but he wasn't going to pretend last night had been peaceful and undisturbed.

Remy didn't react, simply stared at the snow at his feet. Maybe I can deal wid Bobby knowin' de trut', as long as no one else finds out. To his surprise he was pulled in to a warm hug and he allowed Bobby to caress his face. Part of him had never expected Bobby could deal with this. Let's face it; he wasn't an easy person to be around, but Bobby...

"Wanna go back to the house?" Bobby 's stomach started to growl.

"Oui, cher," Remy replied and after inhaling the cold air deeply he composed himself. Against all odds, Bobby was still at his side and Remy loved him even more for it. The insecure Iceman, the prankster..."Y've changed too," he remarked thoughtfully. Bobby had matured a lot these last days.

"Tell me about it!" Bobby exclaimed. "I even challenged Storm openly. It's like something snaps inside of me when you're in trouble." Bobby smiled warmly. "I guess I'm awfully protective of you!"

"I don' mind dat," Remy admitted honestly. Only a few people had ever fussed over him and he drank in the attention and love Bobby radiated.

"BTW, did I already mention that I've got another version of Twister in mind for us tonight?" Bobby asked mischievously.

Remy shook his head in mock disbelief. "What do y' have in mind?"

"It's a more daring version called Touch and Feel. Do you think you can handle that one?" Bobby loved seeing that smile on Remy's face. God, I'll do anything to make him happy.

"Touch and feel?" Remy pondered that title briefly and decided it was payback time. "Sure, I'm up for it, are y'?"

 

Chapter Six

"Touch an' Feel?" Remy whispered amused as Bobby unpacked the game. "Never t'ought y'd be hidin' dat one in y'r closet." Remy couldn't deny the relaxed feeling that had taken possession of him. Ever since their talk earlier he'd let go of some of his fears. Bobby accepted him the way he was and that was everything he craved!

"Here, these are yours," Bobby said and handed Remy a set of stickers in the form of colored circles. He'd bought this game years ago, but had almost given up on ever using it. And the idea of playing it with Remy made him shiver.

"What do I do?" Remy asked a bit puzzled.

"You stick them on your body, well clothes? and yes, you get to chose the spots," Bobby started to explain and knew he'd gotten himself in trouble. Hopefully he won't stick them on his groin and? Oh, what have I done? Remy will make me pay for playing this game, but it keeps him from brooding!

"Stick dem on my body?" Remy decided he might like this game after all. "An' den what happens?"

"Roll the dice," Bobby said and showed him, "and then you have to place your hand on the sticker on my body? if you're brave enough to try!" Bobby suddenly didn't feel that brave anymore. At least I can determine where my stickers go!

Remy looked at the stickers in his hand. This was too tempting not to act on it, but? he didn't want to scare off Bobby, realizing darn well how insecure his lover was when it came down to touching and exploring. Sighing softly he waited for Bobby to place his stickers first. That might give him an indication of how far Bobby wanted to go.

Okay, I can be a little bit brave? not much but a little, he thought, seeing Remy's indecisive stanch and placed one on his lower back. That was all the daring he was going to get.

Remy took the hint and decided to mirror Bobby's moves and stuck one on his lower back too. The others got attached to arms; legs and one went on his chest. "Feel stupid," Remy quipped, catching his reflection in the mirror.

"Didn't you play games when you were young?" Bobby asked and was having second thoughts about this. The grin on Remy's face spelled trouble. Well, he'd dug his own grave this time!

"Let's play den!" Remy said and rolled the dice. "Red."

Bobby swallowed hard. This might actually get embarrassing. Quickly, he checked the position of that color on his body and breathed relieved, left knee, which was quite uncompromising!

"Y'r turn, cher," Remy whispered and watched Bobby's expression as his hand curled itself around his knee.

"Yeah, right," Bobby mumbled as his face turned flustered. What if I get blue? That sticker is almost on his buttocks and I can't possibly touch him there! Rolling the dice he prayed it would be red, that sticker was on Remy's elbow, but that hand on his knee was distracting him!

"Blue," Remy stated pleased and loved seeing the shock on Bobby's face. "C'mon, cher, y're not dat shy!"

"Well, I am!" Bobby replied in a mocking tone and closely watched his own hand descend on to Remy's back.

"Sticker is way down, cher," Remy quipped amused. It wasn't really fair to tease Bobby like this, but the man had suggested the game himself! And mon Dieu, it did feel great when Bobby's fingers touched his back, even with the fabric between them.

"Y' picked a grand game!" Remy whispered and rolled the dice. Blue, that was a little disappointing and he rested his other hand on Bobby's elbow. "How much longer do y' wan' t' play? I can t'ink of anot'er game we might wanna try," he whispered sensually.

"We can play those later," Bobby replied nervously, knowing only too well which games Remy had in mind.

A knock on the door saved him and he drew in a deep breath before speaking up. "Would you remove your hands?" he asked Remy, but that grin told him Remy had other plans. "You don't know who's standing behind that door!"

"It's Jean," Remy whispered, amazed to pick up on her amusement. "Guess we can' hide t'ings from a telepat'," Remy mused aloud and reluctantly stepped away from Bobby. "We'll play 'gain 'fore goin' t' bed," he decided and smiled seeing Bobby's choked expression.

"Are you serious? You can't be serious!" Bobby babbled. Remy wasn't supposed to like this game!

"Close y' mouth, cher." Remy sat down on the bed. "Ain't y' goin' t' tell her t' come inside?"

"Yeah, of course," Bobby muttered slightly confused, still getting used to this more relaxed side of Remy. "But I want to clean this up first."

Remy sighed, told Jean to enter and saw the knowing smile on her face as she noticed the dice and stickers all over their bodies. He could almost hear her in his mind? This is so cute? and barely managed to contain his laughter. He hadn't felt this good in years!

Bobby had left the room to give Remy and Jean some privacy, relieved that the Cajun had agreed to talk to her about his newly discovered talents. So he went outside to take another walk. Unlike Remy he loved the snow and ice all around him and on impulse he lowered his temperature until his body was solid ice.

Creating an ice slide he looked at the mansion and wondered what they might be discussing. Would Jean bring up the nightmares? How would Remy react to that? What if he finds out I mentioned them to Jean? But I was only worried! I didn't mean to?

Bobby forced himself to calm down. Remy =trusted= him. He'd felt that trust when the link had manifested.

As he reached the outskirts of the grounds something Remy had said drifted back in to his mind. Rogue had left him there to die! An insane rage started to build in the pit of his stomach!

She'd proclaimed she loved Remy and yet she'd signed his death warrant?someone should question her. Remy had mentioned to Storm that even a murderer deserved a trial. Rogue had almost killed him and she hadn't even been disciplined! Scott, their team leader, had to do something!

Changing direction he headed for the section of the mansion where Scott and Jean had their rooms. While Jean was talking to Remy he planned on having a serious conversation with Scott! Shifting back to human form he climbed the stairs and knocked on Scott's door.

"Enter."

Steeling himself for whatever excuse Scott would produce for Rogue's actions he stepped inside. Scott was sitting behind his computer, probably updating the professor via email and suddenly Bobby didn't feel that brave any more.

Scott looked up and noticed the wavering expression on Bobby's face who stood in the doorway, ready to bolt. "Bobby?"

"Can we talk?" Bobby ventured at last. Scott looked comfortable and in a good mood so he decided to take his chances.

Scott stifled a smile. "Is this about Gambit?"

"Yeah," Bobby whispered softly. "Kinda? I wanna talk to you about Rogue and what she did."

"Leaving him behind and telling us he'd died?" Scott summarized.

"Yeah." Nervously, Bobby shuffled his feet. "It was wrong what she did."

"I know," Scott sighed. "I've been trying to get a hold of her, but? I can't locate her."

"So you think she was wrong too?" This would be a lot easier if Scott would back Remy up. For some reason he'd thought Scott would take Rogue's side.

"Yes, no matter what mistakes Remy made, he's still an X-Men and Rogue should have taken him back."

Satisfied that Scott was looking in to the matter he headed back for the corridor, but Scott's voice made him halt momentarily. "Jean told me about you and Remy."

Bobby's mouth had gone dry hearing that remark. Just what had Jean told Scott? Not that there is much to tell! Bobby thought partly reassured. Waiting impatiently he wondered what the 'Fearless leader' had to say about his rather unexpected coming out.

"Just be careful, Bobby," Scott started, saw the glint in Bobby's eyes and specified his request. "What I'm trying to say is... Remy survived a very traumatic event and... Jean said he's sort of vulnerable at the moment."

Jean said, echoed in Bobby's mind. They've been talking about us? Us, as in an item? Some foggy part of his brain thought, They've been discussing Remy and me? It surprised him greatly that Scott seemed this? concerned. Bobby wasn't even sure if that was the right word.

"I know he's vulnerable," he replied eventually. I'm the one holding him during the night when he's having those nightmares. Of course I know he's vulnerable!

"Good," Scott said, hoping Bobby hadn't taken his remark the wrong way. "Remy needs some peace after the mess Rogue created."

That statement surprised Bobby even more. "I thought you didn't like Remy?"

"Well, maybe I made a mistake in judgement." Maybe he'd read Gambit wrong all this time. Suddenly feeling uncomfortable he pretended to pay once more attention to the screen. "Anything else?"

Bobby shook his head. He'd addressed Rogue and Scott would talk to her once she'd been found. "No, I'm going back to my room and see if Jean's done talking to Remy."

"She's on her way back," Scott informed him, but didn't tell Bobby that Jean's thoughts radiated unease. Talking to Remy had upset her, why?

"Great, I'll be on my way then!" Bobby turned about to head back to his room when he bumped in to Jean. It only took one look at her eyes to see she was distressed. "Is something wrong?"

Jean took a deep breath, remembering the promise she'd made to Remy. Everything Remy had told her was confidential and she couldn't violate that trust. Remy wouldn't give her a second chance. "Maybe you should go back and see how Remy is doing. He might need you."

Bobby didn't hesitate and dashed down the corridor.

"Remy?" Bobby said as he opened the door. Quickly he scanned the room and tensed up, as the Cajun wasn't in sight. But hearing water running in the bathroom, he sighed. "Remy?" he repeated and peeked inside.

Remy had quickly splashed some cold water on his face. Jean had lured him in to talking about things he'd buried deep inside his soul. It turned out that she had been more interested in his youth than his empathy. Oh, they'd discussed both but?

"Bobby?" he whispered and forced himself to smile. He'd already burdened Bobby with too many problems during these last days. "Wanna play anot'er game of Touch an' Feel?" he said, trying to act like nothing had happened.

"Have you been crying?" Bobby stuttered nervously. Remy's eyes were swimming and although the alien eyes were at times hard to read, he realized with a start that his assumption had been right. "You =have= been crying!"

"It's not'in', cher," Remy said, not wanting to discuss this right now. He needed time to put everything Jean had said in to the right perspective.
"Don't shut me out," Bobby said in a soft tone. "We're in this together, remember?"

"Later, cher," Remy promised and dried his face. "Wanna grab somet'ing t' eat?"

"You're hungry then?" Bobby smiled. He'd hoped Remy's appetite would return with a vengeance.

As they made their way to the kitchen, Remy remained quiet and Bobby knew better than to push him. He suspected Remy would open up during the night after the nightmares had started.

It was a little too early to go to sleep so Bobby suggested a short walk.

Remy agreed, realizing he needed to get his stamina back. An' I need t' get over dis fear of snow an' ice.

They grabbed a quick snack and then slipped in to their parkas. Remy smiled as Bobby's arm crept around his waist. The fact that Bobby was giving him the time he needed to get his thoughts ordered, touched him. The depth of Bobby's love still baffled him.

Shivering, he stepped in to the garden. It had grown dark outside and the moon was the only source of light. It reminded him of?

Concerned, Bobby studied Remy's face, guessing what was upsetting him. "This reminds you of Antarctica?"

"Oui, at night it was even colder?" Remy trembled as the memory came alive again. "It was so cold?"

Bobby wrapped Remy in an easy embrace and waited until his lover was ready to continue their walk. "And you still don't remember how you survived?" Bobby knew he should stay away from that question, but his curiosity had gotten the better of him.

Remy closed his eyes; uncertain he could lie to Bobby. He didn't want to lie to him in the first place! Magneto?

"Remy, it's awright if you don't wanna answer that question," Bobby said in a soft tone.

"Non, y' should know, but I promised not t' tell any one." Remy leaned in to the embrace and sought out Bobby's eyes. "I don' wanna lie t' y'."

Bobby walked over to a bench, removed the snow and sat Remy down. "You don't have to tell me. I should never have asked that question." Rubbing Remy's cold hands he waited for whatever would follow. It was obvious Remy was struggling with something and needed time to make a decision.
But something else was upsetting Remy as well. A presence, cold and angry, filled with hate was tugging at the edges of his mind. Remembering Bobby's question he hoped he was doing the right thing.

"Magneto found m', took m' in an' brought m' back," Remy whispered and averted his eyes. Was Bobby feeling this angry or was something, someone else closing in on him?

That admission surprised Bobby. "Magneto?"

"Oui, he found m' de second night. Wit'out him I'd be dead now," Remy added and looked to his right. A threat, dark and dangerous was dancing around him and he didn't know what to make of it. He'd never felt something that? =evil= before.

"Well, it will feel odd fighting him in the future, knowing he saved your life," Bobby said and accepted the truth. "He took you back to the mansion?"

"Oui, he felt I should face my demons," Remy replied and forgot to breathe as the threat became tangible and suddenly he knew for sure that these weren't Bobby's feelings. Something, someone else was close.

"Yeah, I understand why you would want to keep that to yourself. Thanks for telling me though. It means a lot to me that you trust me," Bobby said sincerely and then noticed Remy's tense expression. "What's?"

Bobby never got the chance to finish that sentence, as a winged figure broke loose from the dark midnight sky, descending on to the snow covered garden.

 

Chapter Seven

As their eyes met, Remy shivered violently and remembered something he'd read on an Egyptian artifact while stealing it. 'Death comes on swift wings...'

The winged figure's feet didn't touch the ground, but hovered in front of them. Finally Remy realized that he'd been picking up the hate the other man emanated.

"Warren?" Bobby whispered shocked and quickly got to feet to stand protectively next to Remy. Both were dumb-struck at the sight of the blue skin, metal wings and infuriated glare to those eyes. "Warren?" he repeated entranced. This couldn't be Angel!

"I am Death," the winged figure stated in a hollow tone, "and it's time for you to die, LeBeau." The words were spat in venomous hatred and eyes burned with a deadly passion.

"Ange?" Remy sighed, already surrendering to the inevitable, yet at the same time wondering about Warren's changed appearance. This wasn't the Angel he knew. "What happened t' y'?"

"I am Death."

The sharp voice cut through the dark night and Remy shivered apprehensively. "Eye for an eye, mon ami?" he said knowingly, knowing Warren was here to claim his vengeance.

An infuriated growl fled in to the cold darkness and Remy realized he should start running. He had to do something before Warren made his move. "Get back t' de mansion, Bobby," Remy instructed in a shaky tone, giving his lover one last glance and then ran away from him. He couldn't take the risk of Bobby getting injured accidentally. Warren only wanted =him=!

"Yes, run, but you can't hide!" Warren exclaimed furiously and took to the sky. The moment he had gained enough speed and height he fell back to the earth, extending his arms to grab LeBeau's torso. He'd forgotten about Bobby 's presence, didn't even want to know why the two men had been sitting that close as he only wanted to repay his tormentor with pain equal to the one he 'd felt in those tunnels.

Because of that pain he'd given in to Apocalypse, who had turned him in to one of his horsemen and once again he soared through the sky being carried by wings, which could take him even higher.

Revenge was all he craved, pain all he felt and a terrible desire to inflict pain like the Cajun had never experienced before consumed him and then... he'd kill LeBeau, slowly and painfully. I sold my soul to have my revenge!

His heart had died when Apocalypse had changed him in to Archangel.

Bobby watched Warren fly away from him and felt indecisive. He should return to the mansion to warn the others, but he couldn't leave Remy alone either with...Warren? No, the man who had addressed them wasn't Warren any longer, at least not the Warren they'd known for years. This was a stranger and Bobby finally made up his mind, fearing that Remy wouldn't defend himself as the Cajun still wanted to repent for his supposed crimes.
A second later Iceman followed Warren's silhouette in the darkness. Desperately, he tried reaching out to Remy via their link, but his lover had completely shut himself off. Cursing softly he picked up speed and finally made out Remy's shadow.

Remy knew he couldn't outrun Warren and hoped fervently that Bobby had made it back to the mansion safely. Short of breath he came to a standstill and turned around to face Warren. He wasn't going to run any more. This was the end.

Warren grinned seeing LeBeau's exhausted expression and grabbed him harshly, took to the air again and hissed, "Prepare to die."

Remy didn't struggle, accepting fate, but regretting leaving Bobby behind. But Drake was still young and would quickly find another lover. Sensing the immense hatred in Warren's mind he shivered as it seeped through his psi shields. By the looks of it Warren would unexpectedly drop him and he would fall to his death.

Je suis si désolé, Bobby, Remy thought, I never wanted it t' end dis way. But he made sure Bobby never received that message, not wanting to distress his lover. "Jus' get it over wid, Ange," he whispered and wished he'd had a chance to say good-bye to Jean-Luc.

Warren laughed harshly. "Don't worry. Your death will be painful!"

Bobby, trying to catch up with them, realized he was too slow and bit down the anger and pain he felt at Warren's actions. This way he wouldn't be able to stop Angel from whatever he planned on doing to Remy!

Looking down, Remy watched the earth pass by quickly and focused on Warren's pain and hatred. If he was going to die, he might try and take some of that pain he'd caused with him in to the grave.

Carefully he probed Warren's mental defences and easily slipped inside. Warren's emotions actually frightened him. There was so much rage and pain that it almost took possession of him as well and he allowed the anger to wash through him, absorbing it, taking it deeply in to the depths of his own soul. He filtered it, cleansing the emotions until the core was exposed. Remy gasped, seeing the pain Warren was in. The loss of his wings had pushed the man over the edge.

"What?!" Warren yelped, as something pure, warm and soothing coursed through his mind, his very soul, applying a balm to the hurt, taking away the sharp edges to the pain. Something warm wrapped itself around his hungry soul and instinctively he yielded to it. A cure for his pain was within reach and the starved part of his soul embraced it greedily.

Remy shook as Warren began to draw in part of his energy, but he didn't prevent it from happening. Instead he added his feelings of remorse to the stream and poured everything straight in to Warren's soul.

Warren screamed, throwing back his head at the intrusion and he gasped for breath as pain and anger were coaxed to leave his soul. Remorse and apology touched his mind and he lost his hold on LeBeau as he raised his hands to clutch his head, which was about to explode.

Bobby's blood would have frozen in his veins if it hadn't been ice already the moment Remy began to fall towards the earth. Faster, faster! Bobby urged himself on, extending his arms to catch the falling thief.

While gaining speed Remy managed to sever the link, which had formed between Warren and him during these last moments. He'd succeeded in absorbing most of the hate and pain, but had no idea, if and how it would affect Warren.

Realizing he was only seconds away from death he closed his eyes and sent one last message to Bobby. Je toujours vous aimerai, Bobby, forever.

Receiving that last testimony of Remy's love Bobby gritted his teeth and leapt forward, catching the Cajun before he hit the earth and quickly formed an ice slide. "Remy?" Scanning him with his eyes Bobby noticed the closed eyelids. Sometime during his fall Remy had lost consciousness. "I've got you, Remy. You're safe." He murmured the words to reassure himself, as Remy couldn't hear them.

As he finally stepped on to solid earth again he looked questioningly at his surroundings. Ice and snow surrounded him and he didn't want to lie Remy down in that cold, so he simply kept holding him and shifted to human form to offer Remy the little body heat he radiated. A sharp scream made him seek out Warren and he shivered at the intensity of that voice.

The world around him was falling apart and Warren only had Remy's remorse to hold on to as the hate and anger vanished, leaving him empty. As his wings took him higher he shuddered at what he'd done.

I handed my soul on a silver plate to Apocalypse and the bastard took it! I sold my soul for these metal wings and all this for revenge. Saddened and frustrated he tried to regain control over his senses and emotions. This is LeBeau's doing! He's trying to confuse me, to render me helpless... but... his remorse feels so damned sincere and... Now that the blinding rage had left his soul he realized what he'd done. Death! Apocalypse turned me in to one of his fucking horsemen! But he could only do that because I was so intent on killing LeBeau! I can't live without the ability to fly!

LeBeau... Where was he? Warren stared at his empty hands and shivered. Quickly, he steered towards the earth to search for the Cajun's shattered body. This isn't what I wanted! This isn't right! I'm not a cold-blooded killer!

And then his eyes found Bobby's form in the snow. Bobby? What was Bobby doing here? Warren vaguely remembered that LeBeau hadn't been alone when he' d carried out his sneak attack.

Bobby returned Warren's stare and prepared himself for battle if necessary. At the moment he was the only thing standing between his lover and the man who wanted to kill him... a man who once was my friend! Warren, damnit, what's wrong with you!

"Bobby?" Warren muttered softly and descended at a safe distance from his friend. Bobby was tightly holding LeBeau and he couldn't label the expression in those blue eyes.

"Stay away from us! You almost killed him!" Bobby warned Warren and was ready to turn in to Iceman the moment Warren made a threatening move.

"Bobby, I?" Warren grew silent, uncertain what to say. "The madness is gone," he whispered eventually and tucked his wings away behind his back. "I don't know what?"

"Why are your wings made out of metal? And what happened to your skin?" Bobby slowly rubbed Remy's arms, wishing the thief would regain consciousness.

"Apocalypse did this to me," Warren admitted ashamed and peeked at LeBeau's face. Had he really tried to kill the man? Had he really sold his soul to become a murderer? Yes. "I'm sorry," he offered and took one step closer.

"Don't move!" Bobby warned him again, this time more forcefully. Remy stirred in his arms and he focused on his lover instead. "Remy?"

Hearing the intimate tone to that word Warren's head jerked. He didn't know Bobby and LeBeau were friends!

"Bobby?" Remy mumbled absentmindedly, drawn to both Bobby's love and Warren's confusion. Opening his eyes he gazed at Warren who only hesitantly returned the stare. "So much pain an' hate," Remy murmured and gathered his last strength to lure Warren's hurt closer and then absorbing the last remnants.

Warren realized that LeBeau had something to do with him regaining his wits, but didn't understand what had happened. He only knew this peaceful sensation descending on to his mind, warming his soul until its flame burned with its former compassion.

Remy's head lolled back as he fainted a second time.

Bobby was torn between concern for his lover and anger aimed at the man who had inflicted this pain. "Get out of my way, Warren. Hank needs to check on Remy."

But Warren had dropped to his knees, arms folded around his waist as warmth drove away the cold... as a burning sensation slid across his back... he screamed in agony.

Bobby involuntarily took a step backwards hearing that scream and couldn't bring himself to walk away from Warren.

His face contorted as pain sliced through him. Something was splitting his body in two and... his metal wings shattered, had to make way for the real feathers that had formed underneath them.

Bobby swallowed hard seeing the transformation. Warren's blue skin tone remained though, but those awfully grotesque metal wings had disappeared and the old ones rustled softly as the wind hit them. "Warren? We need to get back to the mansion." Remy's limp body was growing heavy in his arms. He could change in to ice, but then Remy's body temperature would drop even more.

But Warren was lost in his own sensations and stared in disbelief at the wings that sprung from his shoulder blades. "I don't understand," he whispered stunned, but as his hands wandered over the feathers he couldn't deny reality. His wings had grown back!

Bobby gave up on getting through to Warren as Remy shook violently in his arms. Determined he started his way back to the mansion. He'd tell the others to search for Warren, but he doubted the man wanted to be found.

Warren got to his feet, trying out his new wings and his feet lost contact with the earth. Ecstatic, he sighed relieved. The nightmare was over! Only then he realized Bobby was running away from the clearing, carrying LeBeau in his arms. Calculating the distance to the mansion Warren doubted Bobby would make it all the way, certainly not in his human form.

Torn, he wondered what to do. He'd been the one who had injured LeBeau and to his astonishment he found that he regretted his former actions. Death, I called myself Death and told him I was going to kill him. LeBeau... I made a terrible mistake.

Finally allowing that truth in, he changed direction and quickly caught up with the two men. The look Bobby gave him spoke of suspicion and alertness.
Warren composed himself and said, "Let me take him back to the mansion. I can cover the distance much faster."

"And give you another chance at killing him? No way!" Bobby spat defensively.

"Bobby, I was out of my mind! Please!" Warren pleaded and stole a gaze at LeBeau's face, which was pale and drained. "He needs help."

Bobby couldn't deny the truth to those words. It would take him 20 minutes at least to get to the mansion, 10 if he iced up, but then Remy would lose his only source of warmth. Warren was right. Angel could cover that distance in a few minutes, but... how could he entrust Remy to... whatever it was that Warren had turned in to. He no longer trusted Angel!

"Bobby, please. I no longer want to hurt him." Warren waited for Bobby's answer, suddenly recognizing the emotion in those blue eyes, which he had learned to read a long time ago. "You love him?" he stuttered surprised.

"Just leave us alone, Warren!" Bobby's eyes concentrated on the outline of the mansion. Hold on, Remy. Just a few more minutes and we're home!

"I'm sorry, Bobby. I don't know what possessed me to act like that! Apocalypse did something to me..." Warren stopped pushing Bobby, as he realized that he would rather die than hand Remy over to him.

Bobby bit his lip until it bled. The last thing he needed was for Warren to wallow in self-pity. "And all this because you lost your wings?"

"Yes," Warren admitted in a guilty tone, counting the minutes left until they'd arrive at the mansion. He'd have some explaining to do once they saw his blue skin color. Accepting the fact that Bobby no longer trusted him he concentrated on the serenity that was still washing over his soul. Had LeBeau instigated this? His 'transformation' had something to do with the Cajun, he was certain of that, but he would have to wait until LeBeau had regained consciousness before he would get those answers.

Bobby's fingers checked Remy's pulse. Too slow, much too slow and suspected Remy had gone in to shock after linking with Warren. Bobby felt ashamed as he discovered a hint of envy within his thoughts. Remy was =his= lover and Warren had tried to kill him! Remy's reaction had been to link with his attacker and to draw out the anger and replace it with remorse and reassurance. He couldn't help wondering about the damage Remy had inflicted on himself by absorbing Warren's rage like a sponge.

He ignored Warren's surprised sigh as he placed a tender kiss on Remy's brow. "Hold on, Remy," he whispered concerned and didn't waste a moment as Warren opened the door to let him pass by. Bobby immediately headed for the medlab.

 

Chapter Eight

Bobby gently laid Remy down on a bed and then wanted to head for the com to tell Hank to get down here as he heard Warren contacting McCoy in a soft tone. Focusing on Remy, Bobby noticed the shallow breathing and outburst of cold sweat on the Cajun's brow. Apparently linking with Warren had taken a lot of out him. "Just hold on," he told Remy and squeezed his hand. "Hank will look after you."

Remy didn't seem to hear him; at least he didn't get any response. Worried, Bobby draped some blankets on top of Remy's cold body. Shaking his head he wondered why Remy had reached out like that to Warren. Considering the animosity between the two men he'd expected Remy to hold on to his psi shields. But then again, Remy had been in emotional pain too and that might have been the reason why he'd suddenly felt connected to Warren.

"Bobby?" Warren wasn't sure what to do. They probably wanted him to leave the medlab, but seeing Bobby distressed like this made him nervous. He'd never suspected his friend felt attracted to Gambit. But the look on Bobby's face, the way his fingers were curled around LeBeau's, didn't leave any room for doubt and he wondered whether Gambit returned those feelings.

Warren felt lost. Nothing made sense any more. His metal wings had disappeared, Apocalypse no longer had a hold on him and the pain and hurt had vaporized in to thin air. He desperately needed to find out what Gambit's part had been in this recent development. Had the Cajun really touched his mind and drawn out the hatred? But that was impossible! LeBeau wasn't a telepath!

"Warren," Bobby asked in a tired, yet dangerous tone, "what do you want?"

"I want to help," Warren whispered softly, before he'd realized what the answer would be.

"If you really wanna help, go and get Jean," Bobby instructed and pulled a chair closer to the bed, never letting go of Remy's hands.

"Consider it done." Warren looked one more time at LeBeau's closed eyes and then left the medlab to get Jean. It also gave him a moment to think things over. Scott would demand an explanation and he better got his act together before knocking on the couple's door.

It was Jean who opened that door after hearing his frantic knocking. Her facial expression told him she knew something was wrong and he nodded his head, not paying any attention to the questioning look in her eyes as she noticed his changed skin color. "LeBeau is in the medlab and needs your help."

Jean dashed out of the room, down the corridor and finally disappeared as she descended the stairs.

"Warren? Is that you?" Scott stepped closer and cocked his head, studying the other man. "Why don't you come inside? I think we need to talk."

Warren realized it would be best to get this over with right now and accepted that invitation, not looking forward to confessing to his actions.

Still tired and not really awake yet Hank wished he knew why someone had 'ordered' him to come to the medlab ASAP. Puzzled, he tried identifying the voice he'd heard. He knew it was someone familiar, but couldn't decide on a name.

As he opened the door, the last remnants of sleep vanished. Remy was lying on an exam bed and Bobby protectively hovering over him. "What happened?"

Within a heartbeat he was next to the Cajun and checked pulse, breathing and heartbeat.

Bobby looked up, a sad expression coloring his eyes. "Warren tried to kill him and then Remy somehow linked with him."

Hank forgot to have a look at the readings hearing that startling bit of news. "Warren is back?" and finally realized who'd called him down to the medlab.

"He has changed though," Bobby warned him. "How is Remy doing?" He would deal with Warren later; first he had to know Remy was going to be fine.

"Shock," Hank said as he rubbed his chin. "I will ask Jean to come down and..."

"I'm here, Hank." Slightly short of breath because she'd been running, Jean smiled reassuringly at Bobby. "We'll take care of Remy."

Relieved Bobby released a strangled sigh and then told them what had happened between Warren and Remy. "The link must have been too much to handle for him," he concluded concerned.

Jean looked in to Bobby's eyes. "I'm going to ask you to step outside, Bobby."

"No," Bobby started, but Jean's determined look silenced him.

"I've got to scan him, see what damage was done and I can't take the risk that you'll distract me or Remy should he wake up. I'll call you the moment I'm done," she promised.

Reluctantly Bobby let go of Remy's hands. "Be gentle with him?" he asked Jean pleadingly.

"Always," she replied and shot Hank a look.

"Come with me." Hank understood the hint and walked Bobby to the corridor. "You wait here. Now, don't fret about Remy. He's strong and will recover quickly."

"Thanks," Bobby whispered and noticed the concern in Hank's eyes, which was aimed at him for a change. "I'm fine. You get in there and work your magic."

Hank smiled tenderly and then returned to his patient.

***

"I can't believe you did that!" Scott exclaimed frustrated. Warren had told him about Apocalypse, his transformation and the attempt to kill Gambit. "Did you lose your mind? You're one of the original X-Men! Damnit Warren, you should know better than trusting..." and then he grew silent, struck silent by the similarities between Remy and Warren's mistakes, but this time there was also a big difference. "Remy trusted Sinister because his powers had gone berserk and he needed help... Help, we couldn't or wouldn't provide, but you... You took Apocalypse's offer because you wanted vengeance. You tried to kill another X-Man!"

Warren stared at the floor. His first reaction had been to defend his actions, but then he'd realized Scott had every right to lecture him because he had messed up big time! Look what his holier than thou attitude had gotten him in to! "I know what I did was wrong, Scott!" he exclaimed in a strained tone. "I can't explain why I acted that way."

"What changed your mind? Confronting Remy?" Scott asked, suddenly feeling a need to defend the Cajun who had been through so much lately. It was only because of Jean that he knew just how hurt Remy felt. Telepathically she'd shown him the depths of that pain and it had resulted in a new sort of understanding. =This= time he was going to make sure they were watching Remy's back. =This= time he was going to show Remy they could be trusted. =This= time they wouldn't let him down.

"I guess so," Warren admitted gingerly, "though I can't explain what happened. I... it felt like hearing Jean or the professor in my mind, but there weren't any words... just =feelings=."

"Remy is an empath," Scott said, trying to be patient, wishing Warren had never drifted that far away from the team. "He probably picked up on your emotions and... You have to ask Jean about this. I'm still not sure what the extent of his power is. He kept it hidden from us since he joined."

Warren's eyes grew big. "An empath?"

"Yes," Scott whispered and made a decision. "Listen, I don't want this to get out of control. Remy made a mistake, so did you. I suggest you go down to the medlab and talk things out. I need Remy on the team and I'd like you to return as well." He didn't know if this was a wise decision or not but the two men had to deal with this =now=.

Warren's hand now rested on the doorknob and softly he asked, "I don't know what to say to LeBeau and then there's Bobby...."

Scott took a deep breath and said, "They're lovers, Warren, get over it." After he'd spoken those words he shook his head. This was Jean's influence talking.

"I never knew... never suspected..."

"What? That Bobby was gay?" Scott finished for him. "We didn't know that either, but... if that's who he is... does that matter? He's been part of this team for years and I consider him a friend."

"And LeBeau..." Warren whispered and then remembered the foul remarks he'd cracked directed at the Cajun. "Do you think he heard the things I said behind his back?" Warren didn't know why hearing the answer was that important all of a sudden.

"Jean mentioned something..." Scott hesitated to continue. "Yes, he does and know what? I feel guilty for letting it go that far. I should have stopped it."

"I owe him an apology then," Warren said, wondering why his anger, hate and pain weren't rearing their ugly heads. "But first I'd like some answers," he muttered privately, leaving the room.

"Good luck with getting them," Scott remarked, knowing from first hand experience how hard it was to gain Remy's trust. He was still working on it.

***

Jean sighed deeply as she managed to puncture Remy's shields. An immense amount of alien emotions were swirling in his mind and had no way out. They should have discussed this technique when they'd talked earlier, but Remy had become too emotional, as she'd asked him about the nightmares.

"Jean?" Hank said softly, not wanting to distract her, but in need of information. Remy's readings were unstable and indicated neural activity was exceeding the limit.

"Just give me a little more time, Hank. I'm almost there," she whispered and moved her hands over Remy's brow. She was unable to reach Remy, as he was unconscious so she had to do this on her own.

Slowly, she began pushing the excessive emotions through the holes in his shield, which she would have to repair later. But these negative emotions were poisoning him and needed a way out. "That's better," she sighed relieved and opened her eyes.

Hank nodded his head as the readings dropped to normal levels. "Can you tell me what you did?"

Jean smiled fatigued. "I opened a door," she said eventually. "Remy will be fine. A little tired and drained, but he'll recover."

"Can I get Bobby now? He's been pacing up and down the corridor." Hank felt confident his patient's condition was improving and he estimated that Remy would wake up shortly. "You should rest though," he said as Jean swayed on her feet and guided her to a chair. "Is there something I can do for you?"

"Contact Scott, I don't think I can walk back to our room." Jean closed her eyes and began to repair Remy's shields. She doubted she'd manage to do so in one go, but she had to try.

As Hank walked over to the doorway to let in Bobby, he wondered if he should ask Scott to take Warren with him when he came to pick up Jean. Taking everything that had occurred in to account Warren should be pretty shaken up too.

First, he sent Scott a message who promptly answered him, informing him that Warren was headed for the medlab and that he would be there in a few minutes himself to take Jean back to their rooms.

Satisfied, Hank gestured Bobby to come closer. Apparently the young man had been biting his fingernails and Hank smiled seeing the anxiety in those blue eyes. "You can see Remy now," he whispered and laughed warmly as Bobby ran in to the medlab.

"Boys will be boys," he muttered privately, but grew silent as Warren appeared in the corridor. "Before you go in there, we have got to talk," he stated determined. No way he would allow Warren to upset his patient.

Warren didn't object and halted in his tracks to listen to Hank's lecture, which he knew was about to be delivered.

 Bobby's first glance was for Remy. Seeing him soundly asleep he sighed relieved. Noticing Jean's tired expression he peeked at her face. "Are you awright?"

"Yes," Jean whispered and smiled warmly. Sensing the question in his mind she said, "Remy is going to be fine. You might want to sit with him until he wakes up."

"What was wrong with him?" Bobby sat down on the side of the bed and gently caressed Remy's brow.

"He couldn't deal with the sensory overload," Jean said, trying to explain an alien concept to Bobby. "He absorbed a huge amount of Warren's feelings, mostly hate and pain and Remy hasn't learned yet how to release them again, so they stayed locked within his mind."

"Thanks, Jean," Bobby muttered touched.

Jean simply smiled, not even bothering to reassure him they were welcome.

Scott appeared and immediately walked over to Jean. "You need rest," he said knowingly, sensing her fatigue. "I might be tempted to carry you upstairs," he added.

Jean's smile sparkled hearing that remark. "I won't stop you," she whispered, feeling too tired to put one foot in front of the other.

Scott took her in to his arms and lifted her to his chest. "We should do this more often," he whispered.

Jean nodded her head, and then looked at Bobby. "Should you need me..."

"Go and get that rest," Bobby said softly, exchanging a look with Scott. "Where is Warren?"

Scott sighed. He wasn't going to get in to another discussion. If they couldn't settle the issue he was willing to mediate, but now he had to take care of Jean. "Just give him a chance, Bobby," he whispered eventually and left the two lovers alone.

"A chance..." Bobby whispered privately. What if he hadn't given Remy that chance? But this was different. Warren had tried to kill Remy!

Remy's eyelids fluttered and then he drew in a deep breath. Waking up slowly he felt disoriented and instinctively reached out to the nearest presence. "Bobby," he whispered and smiled. Even now Bobby was at his side. Slowly, Remy opened his eyes and lovingly examined Bobby's feelings more closely. He couldn't help himself, as he felt strangely empty. "Y're here, cher?"

"Of course I am!" Bobby sounded frustrated. "I would have stayed here the entire time if Hank hadn't thrown me out of the medlab."

Remy smiled lazily at that comment. Something strange was going on. The last thing he remembered was Warren's pain and hate nearly overwhelming him and now those dark feelings were gone.

"Something wrong?" Bobby asked, seeing the confused expression on Remy's face.

"I'm not sure," Remy replied hesitantly. It was like an immense burden had been lifted from his soul and he felt strangely at peace. Even his dark, brooding tendencies seemed to have disappeared. But how?

Raising a trembling hand he cupped Bobby's face in his palm and rubbed his thumb over the warm skin. Slowly, he pulled Bobby closer until he could brush those lips with his. A fire was growing inside his mind and he yearned for the contact, for Bobby's love. As he deepened the kiss he registered Bobby's muffled protest. But he =needed= something to fill that void in his mind.

Bobby answered that kiss with all the passion he could muster; wondering whether Hank or someone else was watching them. It wasn't that kissing Remy embarrassed him, not any more, but the Cajun was still recovering from whatever damage that link had done and the last thing he expected was for Remy to kiss him this passionately.

Remy emanated a need, which was sneaking in to his mind. The need to be touched, to touch. The need to feel his love, the need to return that love. What was it Jean had said? She'd found a way to deal with Remy's dark and broody feelings? Suddenly understanding what was going on he pressed his lips even tighter on to Remy's. He would give whatever Remy needed, honored the Cajun had accepted him as his lover.

Warren watched them from the doorway. Hank stood next to him, a hand resting on his left shoulder, obviously meant to keep him back should he decide to charge LeBeau. But attacking Gambit was the last thing on his mind after Hank had told him about the relationship which had developed between them.

He took Hank's word for it that Gambit was sincere, knowing how hard it was to fool McCoy. Swallowing hard he realized he had to face both men... now.

 

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