Title: Blood of Heroes

Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)

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

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Blood of Heroes 2

By Morgana

 

Chapter Nine

As Remy released Bobby's lips, a familiar presence came crushing in on him. He looked to the doorway and sighed seeing Warren standing there. For some reason he'd expected the man to leave the mansion as quickly as possible.

Maybe it had something to do with Warren's confused emotions, which he was receiving. Remy tried empowering his psi shields but they felt weak, as if they were recovering from a severe attack.

Bobby followed Remy's stare and shot Warren an angry glance. Why couldn't Angel let Remy get some rest? Warren was the reason Remy was in this state in the first place. He was about to tell Warren to get out as Remy shook his head.

"Bobby, don'."

"What?" Bobby asked, wondering what Remy was trying to say. Remy looked relaxed and he wanted to keep it that way. Talking to Warren would only upset the Cajun who was obviously too weak to even sit up, as Remy had to abandon that effort.

With a sigh he resigned to lying down. How could he explain this to Bobby? Turning Warren away was the worst thing they could do. "Don' tell Ange t' leave," he whispered and closed his eyes again as fatigue hit him. He was sleepy, yet somehow he suspected the nightmares wouldn't torment him as heavily as they used to and he might even enjoy his rest if only they would stop talking!

Bobby didn't object hearing Remy's request, but wondered why the Cajun was making it. "Remy?" he asked and sucked in his breath as his lover's feelings softly washed over him. Apparently Remy was too tired to talk and tried telling him something this way. "I think I understand," he said hesitantly.

Remy knew how it felt to be shunned for the mistakes he'd made and he didn't want the same to happen to Warren. "You know something?" he started and Remy 's smile brightened like the Cajun already knew what he was going to say. "Every time I think I got you figured out you do something... and..." Bobby grew speechless, seeing and sensing the emotion in Remy's eyes, which differed from what he had witnessed before. "Want me to call him over here?"

Remy nodded his head and enjoyed the sensation as Bobby's left hand tangled in his hair. As long as Bobby stayed close everything was perfect.

"Warren?" Bobby said in a tense tone and gestured Angel to walk up to the bed. He was going to monitor every move and when he didn't like what he was seeing, or hearing, he would step in there. Remy needed rest! "Don' get t' protective of m'," Remy whispered nervously. Never before had someone cared this deeply about him and it slightly frightened him. He wasn't sure if he could ever repay Bobby for the effort he was making. Somewhere along the road he would screw up again and lose Bobby's love.

Bobby sighed sensing the turmoil in Remy's mind. The link between them had strengthened and he'd been sensing Remy's feelings since the Cajun had woken up. Instead of assuring Remy vocally he loved him, Bobby concentrated hard and hoped that the affection and passion he felt for the Cajun was flowing across the link back to Remy.

Remy felt the manipulation and slowly nodded his head. Bobby would be there to catch him should he fall. "Merci," he whispered and then hesitantly looked up at Warren who had now reached his bed. Remy hated the fact that he was lying down, which made him feel even more vulnerable. Trying hard not to pry on Warren's feelings Remy found it impossible to shut them out, they were too intense. As he made eye contact, Warren's face reflected confusion and Remy remained quiet. Warren needed to talk to him, even if Angel had difficulties finding the right words. Warren's emotions already told him what would follow and Remy waited patiently, trying to assure Bobby with his eyes that everything was fine.

Warren didn't know where to start, or what to say. Bobby had never before looked at him with such anger in his eyes and that startled him. And then it hit him. By taking out LeBeau I tried to kill his lover... Bobby in love with LeBeau, somehow I still can't believe it! "Ange?" Remy said softly, privy to that sudden revelation that was upsetting Warren.

"Yes," Warren sighed and straightened his shoulders, suddenly aware of the familiar feel of his feather wings. "I don't know what to say," he finally admitted, "but then again I suspect you already know that and... other things as well, being an empath and all."

So Scott and Jean had told him, Remy realized. It didn't really matter, as this strange serenity which had taken possession of his mind, made it hard to get upset about anything at all. I wonder if dis is how people feel who are high on drugs or Valium!

Warren marveled at the peaceful expression as well and cocked his head. "Le..." and stopped himself. This was about settling their differences and getting rid of whatever stood between them. "Gambit?"

"Funny feelin'," Remy quipped, uncertain just how to describe it, "but I'm listenin'." He knew from personal experience that this was important to Warren. Stealing a glance at Bobby he felt relieved that Drake was listening and not talking.

"What I'm trying to say is... " Come on! You know you've got to say it! "Is that I'm sorry I tried to kill you." Staring in to Gambit's alien eyes he waited for a reaction, which never came. "Gambit?" he said questioningly and looked to Bobby instead.

"Just give him a moment, Warren. His mind is pretty..." Bobby grinned and quipped, "vacant at the moment."

"Vacant?" Remy growled, but then dismissed the comment. Bobby was right after all. "What do y' wan' from m'?" he asked Angel, already knowing the answer.

"You were in my mind when I dropped you..."

"Oui," Remy admitted, "tryin' t' ease de pain."

"I sensed your... regret," Warren said after a moment's thought. "I never stopped to think about what happened, you know."

Remy cocked his head, as that statement puzzled him. "'Bout what?"

"Why we... dislike each other that much among other things," Warren considered the answer. They were the opposite in almost every aspect of their character... or weren't they? Suddenly it was important to him to find the source of that animosity between them. Why had he talked down on Gambit all that time?

Remy shrugged his shoulders, too tired to ponder that question. "Dunno know," he replied in the end and squeezed Bobby's hand. Bobby wanted to speak up so badly, but Remy tempered him, knowing it was Warren's turn to bare his soul.

"Do you know I left the team once because I couldn't stand Wolverine?" Warren didn't know where that thought had come from. "I hated his..."

"What?" Bobby suddenly said. "Was it because Logan wouldn't accept the fact that you have all the answers? Are you finally going to admit that you felt he wasn't worthy of being part of the team because he sometimes goes feral? Are you that much better? Remy here, grew up as a street kid who had to fight to stay alive... =you= never had money problems," Bobby suddenly stated, frustrated that this conversation wasn't leading anywhere. "I used to like you a lot, Warren but I hate that damn arrogant superiority you radiate!"

"Cher, don'," Remy started, but smiled approvingly. Bobby would always be honest with the people he cared about and no matter what; Bobby did like Warren a great deal.

"Maybe you're right," Warren sighed and nodded once. "Perhaps I need to change."

"Y' already did, mon ami," Remy whispered, knowing about the change deep within Warren's mind which was taking place right now caused by Angel's downfall.

"And I also owe you an apology," Warren continued, ignoring Gambit's raised eyebrow. "I was wrong when I cracked all those nasty jokes about you, calling you a..." and by God, he felt embarrassed for ever saying it, "a whore."

Bobby hissed, uncertain Remy was up for addressing that matter, drained as the Cajun was.

"Ange... It's okay," Remy said softly.

"Hank told me about that charm power... and you not realizing it was empathic." This was the longest and hardest apology he'd ever made and he wasn't finished yet. It was strange though, as he realized he was started to feel... good for a change. "Bobby is right, I'm arrogant and..."

"Ange, stop it," Remy whispered and locked eyes with Warren. "Someone told m' dat we all make mistakes an' dat makin' dem is okay. Same goes for y'."

Feeling Bobby's pride took him by surprise and he shifted his glance from one man to the other.

"So, you did listen?" Bobby said pleased.

"T' y'? Always." Remy quipped and then his eyes involuntarily closed. "Y're forgiven, Ange," he whispered as he slid in to sleep.

Warren suddenly realized that his eyes were watering and what was causing it was hard to say. So many things had happened since he'd shown himself a few hours ago. Taking a step back from the bed he noticed the sparkling smile on Bobby's face and he couldn't remember ever seeing his friend this happy. "I should go now," he announced.

Bobby didn't react and Warren took that as his cue to leave. Unexpected Bobby's voice cut through the room. "Warren."

Warren stopped in his tracks, exchanging a look with Hank who was walking over to Remy to have another look at those readings. Bobby walked up to Warren and pushed him in to the corridor. This was obviously something Bobby didn't want Gambit to hear and quietly he waited.

"You know I'm your friend, Warren," Bobby started after he closed the door. His blue eyes radiated determination.

Warren refrained from speaking; Bobby wasn't finished yet.

"But if you ever try hurting Remy again I will..." Bobby's voice dropped suddenly.

Warren took that opportunity and replied, "When I was Death I wasn't myself, Bobby. If I hadn't been out of my mind I would never have attacked him. I know you can't believe that right now, but... "

Bobby shook his head. "Scott asked me to give you a second chance. I will, for old times sake. You helped me through rough times when I couldn't talk to anyone else." Bobby paused and looked at Remy through a window. The Cajun was soundly asleep.

"I never knew you liked him that much," Warren whispered hesitantly. "You never told me you're gay."

"I've only admitted that to myself very recently," Bobby sighed, "but I didn't have any choice. I'm in love with Remy," he mused and wondered how Warren felt about his coming out.

"And he loves you too?" Warren marveled about the strange turn this conversation had taken.

"Oh yes," Bobby said and smiled. "I know how much he loves me, one of the advantages of being in love with an empath."

"So this works both ways? You can feel his emotions as well?" Warren asked interested.

"Yes, if he allows it or sends them to me."

"I felt his remorse before I dropped him," Warren confessed.

Bobby froze hearing those words, as he was reminded how close Remy had come to dying. "Are you going to stay?" he inquired, eager to get back to Remy.

"Yes, that's if Gambit and you don't mind?" Warren realized there would be a few awkward moments if he stayed, but felt confident he could handle them. "There is still a lot I want to discuss with him," he explained. "Like how he made these grow again," and he pointed at his wings. "They grew back the moment hate left my mind."

"You'll have to ask 'him' yourself, Warren," Bobby said in an odd tone. "And by the way, he has a name, Warren. It's Remy."

"Okay, I deserved that." Warren suddenly realized that Gambit only addressed him as Ange, not Warren, only Ange. Taking a deep breath he stared in to Bobby's eyes. "You're dying to get back in there, Bobby, so what are you still doing out here?"

Bobby nodded his head once and quickly disappeared in to the medlab.

Warren, however, realized there was another person he wanted, needed, to talk to while he was burning bridges behind him. If he truly wanted a second chance he would have to swallow his pride and get rid of that arrogance. Bobby had been right. It was time for an attitude adjustment and he knew just the person who would give it to him!

First he headed for his old room to change his clothing. As he looked in to the mirror the only thing left that reminded him of Death was his blue skin. He doubted he would ever get rid of it and cursed Apocalypse. Until now he had refused to think of the things he had done in return. He'd done Apocalypse's dirty work.

The only one who really knew how bad he felt was LeBeau, no Gambit, no... Remy, Bobby was right to correct me. I wish I had someone to support me like that. God, am I really feeling envious?

Refusing to continue that line of thought he closed the door behind him and thought about Bobby and... Remy, who would be spending the rest of the day in medlab. Hank had been pretty determined when he had made that decision. Not that... Remy had objected, the man had been deeply asleep, but even in sleep a smile had persevered on his face.

Warren walked in to the danger room. It had taken him a moment to locate Wolverine and he wasn't really surprised to find him in there. No program was running and Warren simply watched for a moment as Wolverine went through his training session. Leaning against the wall he realized what a deadly killing machine the Canadian was and wondered whether this was a good idea after all. But there was no way back.

Logan had caught his scent even before Warren had entered the danger room and decided not to let it disturb his training. Whatever the man wanted could wait. Scott had told him what had happened earlier that evening and Warren was the last person he wanted to see.

"What do ya want?" Logan said eventually, as he performed the ceremonial bow that completed his training.

"To talk to you," Warren replied and goose flesh formed on his blue skin seeing the expression in those predator like eyes. Somehow it felt good to confront this part of his personality, but in another way he was scared for the outcome of this conversation.

"Then talk!" Logan grunted as he stood opposite the winged man.

"You don't like me, do you?" Warren started.

"Have ya ever givin' me a reason to like ya?" Logan asked in return. This youngster had so much to learn!

"No, I guess I haven't," Angel admitted. "We started off on the wrong foot."

"Hey, kid, you never gave me a chance!" Logan pointed out to him, taking in Angel's changed expression. It would take time to get used to that blue skin.

"True," Warren admitted and wondered about Wolverine's self-control or lack of it. "Your powers are a danger to the X-Men! I remember you going primal."

Logan suddenly grinned, like a cat that had just swallowed the birdie. "=Me= going primal, Death?"

Warren wanted to swing a punch at Logan's face, but then realized he had wanted this confrontation himself. As he locked eyes with the Canadian he was surprised to find the grin gone. A rueful expression had appeared in its place.

"Ya know why ya don't like the Cajun and me? Because we =know= our dark side. We've seen it, faced it and ya don't like to be confronted by it. It scares ya, to know that we're capable of killing, doesn't it?"

Warren nodded. Logan had hit bull's eyes. Yet there was more and he waited patiently, not interrupting the man.

"And now ya know ya got it in ya too. To seek, destroy, maim and kill. Truth is most of us never get that low, never let the beast out of the cage," Logan continued, pleased that Warren wasn't denying the truth. The look in those blue eyes told Logan that Warren was trying to understand why he had allowed Apocalypse to turn him in to Death.

"Ya know what triggers it? Ya know what makes the beast rip apart his cage?" Logan wasn't sure Warren was listening as an empty look had appeared in those eyes.

"Pain?" Warren whispered questioningly. Everything Logan had said this far made sense and he was surprised by Wolverine's insight. He'd always assumed the Canadian wasn't capable of rational thinking. Like he was all beast and not human at all.

"Yeah, pain. I went through it when they gave me this," and he extended his claws which seemingly caressed Warren's throat, ready to end his life... or not. "Ya went through it when ya lost yar wings, Worthington."

"And what about Gambit?" Warren asked on impulse.

Logan's eyes narrowed dangerously, what would he gain by telling Angel the truth? Would Warren understand? Really understand? Remy would never confide in Worthington and Logan didn't blame the Cajun one bit, but Warren seemed sincere in his effort to understand everything which had happened. He decided to take his chances.

"Have ya ever asked the Cajun when it's his birthday?"

"No," Warren replied puzzled, "why?"

"Ever asked the kid who his parents are?" Logan continued ruthlessly. Warren had asked for this kick in the butt and he was going to get one.

"No," Warren replied thoughtfully. "What are you trying to tell me?"

"Did ya ever ask him if he cried himself to sleep after he'd made enough money to buy food and find some shelter when he was a kid?" Remy had never told him these things, but sometimes it was the silence that revealed the truth and Logan was a good listener.

Warren's head jerked back. "Bobby mentioned something about... Remy being a street kid."

"Kid doesn't know when his birthday is, who his parents are," Logan answered his own questions and saw Warren's eyes change expression. "Ya figure out what he had to do to stay alive on the streets. Ever been to the slums? Every major city has them and every street is filled with kids who sell their bodies and souls in exchange for money or food." Logan took a deep breath as he realized he had revealed too much to Warren, but he had to see this through now that he had started it. "There are many different kinds of pain in the world, Worthington, but he's been through the worst of them all."

Warren looked at the floor. Suddenly certain things started to make sense. The little things he had noticed and irritated him. The way the Cajun always avoided personal matters and the way he had looked when they had accidentally touched during training. "I never knew."

Logan nodded his head. "Kid will be mad with me for telling ya this."

"Why didn't he tell us?" Warren asked. "It would have made things easier."

"Would it?" Logan replied with another question. "Or would you have felt even more revolted? Cajun's eyes would have been filled with shame and guilt. Kid would never have dared to look ya in the eyes again." Logan paused and then asked in a sharp tone, "How do you feel about Bobby being with Remy?"

"Bobby," Warren whispered and returned Logan's glance. "Actually, knowing what I know now, I'm not surprised he managed to get through to Gambit."

Logan was slightly surprised by that admission. "Drake has matured a lot since Cajun returned from Antarctica. We're so used to him bein' the clown of the team that we forget... Worthington?" Logan noticed the upset look and inclined his head to study the man better.

"You're right all along," Warren admitted. "I never gave you any credit, did I? But what you say makes a lot of sense. Actually," and he grinned hesitantly, uncertain what Logan's reaction would be like, "you sound like a wise man."

Logan laughed warmly. "Took me 150 years to get there, kid. Maybe if ya live long enough... Close ya mouth before yar jaw hits the floor," he said amused, seeing Warren's amazed look.

"How many years?" Warren whispered.

"So ya wanna bond?" Logan bared his teeth. "Lets start with beer then!"

 

Chapter Ten

Chuckling wickedly Logan watched Warren drown another beer. It had taken him some time to convince Worthington to have one, but after Warren had emptied that first can he had immediately reached for a second, then a third and...

Three empty six-packs were lying on the floor and Warren had just hauled in a new one. "Ya should stop drinkin'. Ya're not used to it," Logan warned him, uncertain whether to laugh or fear the consequences. He should probably do both.

"Haven't...been drunk... for years!" Warren quipped triumphantly. "And =you=... were the one... who wanted to bond!" His speech was slurred and his eyes rolled in their sockets.

Logan had to admit he was having a great time watching Warren. As he pried another empty beer can from Warren's fingers he encountered resistance. "Come on, kid, ya had enough."

"Noooo," Warren exclaimed upset and leaned forward to grab the can. "You said... that you were my friend now!"

Logan shook his head. "I better take ya to ya room before..."

"Now, Logan..." Warren gave him a wink, "it's nothing personal, -hiccup-, but I don't... want you in my bed!"

"Oh, boy," Logan sighed and got to his feet. "Maybe I choose the wrong way to loosen you up." From the corner of his eye he noticed Bobby vanishing in to the kitchen and by listening to the noise Drake was making, Logan realized he was fixing something to eat. Maybe... maybe if I time this right we can have some fun!

"I'm willing to give you...-hiccup- a nice hug in exchange for that can, -hiccup-."

"Worthington, ya're drunk!" Logan stated and grabbed Warren's shoulders, pulling him to his feet. It was funny; the things alcohol did to people who weren't used to drinking! Hugging me? Wonder what's really going on in that mind of yars, Worthington! But I can wait until ya're ready to talk about Apocalypse and Death. One day it'll suffocate you and then we'll talk.

"Do you think... -hiccup- we can be friends now... Wolvie?" Warren quipped and shot Wolverine an endearing smile. Subconsciously Warren knew it was the alcohol talking, but if felt so good not having to pretend a thing, to just let go and show a side he had always kept carefully hidden.

"Don't call me Wolvie!" Logan grunted and made a mental note to never feed Warren beer again. Bobby had left the kitchen and had disappeared in to his room. That could only mean Remy was being held up in the medlab and would show his face any moment now. Oh, he was going to have some fun with this one and it would hopefully lift this dark mood, which had been hanging over the mansion for far too long.

Leaning in closer he whispered in to Warren's ear, "Maybe Remy likes being hugged." Logan noticed the grin on Worthington's face and pushed him in to Remy's direction who was walking around the corner.

"Got something for ya, Cajun!" he called out to Remy and then quickly disappeared upstairs. Leaving behind a drunken Angel and confused Remy.

Remy was now staring at Warren whose exultant emotions were battering against his shields. "What have y' done t' y'rself?" he asked drained and was only just in time to catch Warren as he swayed dangerously on his feet, ready to dive face first in to the carpet. "An' =you,= Logan, come back here!" he called upstairs, never getting a reply.

"I'm going to be...-hiccup- sick," Warren whispered suddenly as his face took on a greenish color. Clinging to Remy he looked up the stairs to where his room was. He was never going to make it up the staircase.

"Grande!" Remy growled. "I'm goin' t' get y' for dis, Logan!" Trust Wolverine to leave an intoxicated Angel on his doorstep! An' Bobby is waitin ' for m'! But looking at Warren he realized the man needed to lie down quickly.

Resolved he grabbed Warren's waist and pulled Angel's right hand over his shoulder to offer him the necessary support as he was still too weak to carry Warren all the way. "Y' can do dis," he said encouragingly and started hauling Warren up the stairs.

Warren giggled suddenly and rested his head against Remy's shoulder. "I called him Wolvie, -hiccup- and he hated it!"

"Why are y' drinkin'?" Remy asked as he kicked open the door to Warren's room. He knew the lure of using alcohol to drown sorrows but after he'd had once woken up with a major hangover he'd been cured of that desire. Why had Logan done this? There was no doubt in Remy's mind Wolverine had done this on purpose to Warren. He'd never seen Angel drink beer before and the alcohol must have hit him pretty heavily. "Lie down," he instructed and pushed Warren on to the bed.

"Wolvie wouldn't let me, -hiccup- hug him!" Warren stated disappointed. "So I'll hug you instead!"

Remy tried to escape but Warren was determined and so he ended up clutched to Angel's chest in a possessive hug. Mon Dieu! Don' let Bobby walk in on dis! Dere's no way I can possibly explain dis t' him! And he felt terrified that if it would happen he would lose Bobby.

Feeling comfortably tipsy and too brave for his own good Warren grinned. "Wolvie was right! -Hiccup- "

"Ange..." Remy stuttered as Warren pulled him even closer. "Y're drunk!"

"Yes, and loving every minute of it!" Warren looked in to those big eyes and managed to calm down a little. "I want to ask you...-hiccup- something."

"Mon Dieu... dis is embarrassin'," Remy whispered and tried one last time to free himself of the possessive embrace, but Angel tightened his grasp.

"How old are you? When is your birthday? Where were you born?" he asked in a sudden tender tone.

Remy remained quiet. "Dunno. My mot'er abandoned m'," he admitted in a choked tone. Why was Warren asking him these questions and how was he getting out of that embrace?

Warren locked eyes with him during a sober moment. "You never celebrate your birthday?"

"Kinda difficult if y' don' know when y' were born," Remy replied resigned. Warren was still holding on tight and his only concern was that Bobby found them this way.

Warren suddenly realized he was lying in his bed, tightly holding Remy and loosened his grasp a little. As Remy tried sliding off the bed, he stopped the Cajun. "Don't. I just want to talk and -hiccup- I don't think I will have the courage to do so when I'm sober again."

Remy realized it was probably the truth, but moved a little away from Warren. "Why y' wanna talk 'bout dis?"

"I realized I don't know a thing about you," Warren replied and stretched his body. Tucking his arms underneath his head he looked at Remy. "Birthday..." he mumbled. "Christmas eve."

Remy raised an eyebrow. "What are y' talkin' 'bout?"

"I just decided that your birthday is on December 24th, got a problem with that?"

Remy stifled a grin. "Y' always dis... irritating?"

"Ask Bobby," Warren quipped and shifted on the bed to better accommodate his wings. He did however notice that Remy's eyes were drawn to his feathers. "How did you do it?" Seeing Remy's perplexed expression he added, "Make them grow again."

"I didn' do dat!" Remy protested.

Warren decided not to get in to the matter, as Remy seemed reluctant to address it. "Do you think we can become friends?" he asked instead and took hold of Remy's left hand.

Remy's first reaction was to pull back, but as Warren placed his fingers on those soft feathers he couldn't resist and tenderly caressed them. "Dey're soft."

"Yes?" Warren encouraged him, seeing a sad expression in Remy's eyes.

"After Jean-Luc adopted m' he used t' take me t' church every Sunday. He's Catholic an' I loved watchin' de statues an' glass stained windows. I always loved lookin' at dose angels."

Warren listened as closely as his foggy mind allowed him to. "Why?"

"Dey were so beautiful so... pure..." Remy stared at the ceiling. "I wanted t' be like dem."

Warren turned on to his left side to observe Remy. "You wanted wings?" he said in an effort to cheer up the Cajun. Pain had appeared in red eyes and he wondered why.

"Non," Remy smiled in spite of the serious tone their conversation had taken. "I wanted t' be like dem. Pure, innocent," he whispered and wished he had left the room the moment Warren had let go of him.

Warren nodded his head, remembering what Logan had told him. "I never knew you're religious."

Remy shrugged his shoulders. "I don' go t' church any more. Dere isn' much point in doin' dat after I got de Morlocks killed."

"Remy," Warren sighed, drifting off in to sleep. The alcohol had finally made him give in.

Hearing Angel use that name surprised him. Warren had never before addressed him like that. His shields, still fragile from Jean's probing, dropped briefly and Remy trembled feeling Warren's sincere compassion.

"Y're goin' t' regret openin' up t' m' in de morning," Remy whispered and fought the single tear that was threatening to leave his eye. His hand still rested on soft feathers and he relished the feel of them. "Don' worry, Ange I won' tell anyone."

Bobby smiled turning away from the open door. He'd heard them stumble upstairs and had given Remy five minutes to drop off Warren. But those minutes had passed and still there had been no sign of the Cajun, so he'd stepped outside to see what had happened.

Amused, he'd watched Remy trying to struggle free from Warren's embrace and he'd almost giggled seeing the shocked expression in his lover's eyes. Bobby knew from first hand experience that Warren turned sentimental when drunk, but this scene had surprised even him.

Then he'd felt a sting of pain hearing Remy confess that he didn't know when his own birthday was and he loved Warren's suggestion, Christmas Eve sounded great.

As he returned to their room he headed for his computer, sat down and stared at the screen, counting the days left to Christmas. Exactly one week left! What can I get him for his birthday? Troubled, he listened to Remy closing the door and walking up to him.

"Cher?" Remy asked softly, hoping, no praying Bobby wouldn't ask him why it had taken him so long to get from the medlab to their room. He didn't want to embarrass Warren or himself by telling Bobby the truth, as he wouldn't lie to him.

"Remy," Bobby said and turned about, noticing the hesitant eyes caressing his face. "You're a thief, know of any addresses where I can buy, =legally buy, mind you=, antique jewelry?" Bobby raised his hands, placed them on Remy's hips and pulled him down until the Cajun straddled him.

Remy never expected that move and his brain was trying to work out two things at the same time. Why is he interested in antique jewelry an' what am I doin' sittin' on his lap?

"Antique jewelry?" Remy asked. "What kinda jewelry?"

"Necklace, pendants, rings, stuff like that," Bobby replied and decided it was time for a distraction. He only wanted the answer to that question and not Remy pondering why he was asking it!

Growing a little bolder he clasped his hands behind Remy's neck and pulled him close enough for a kiss. Remy's lips separated and he explored the softness inside, so luring, so seductive. After he ended the kiss he panted slightly, seeing Remy similarly breathless. "The jewelry," he reminded his lover.

"I'll write y' down some addresses," Remy promised, afloat on Bobby's desire which he couldn't shut out. "What are y' plans?"

"Hank told me that my blood test was just fine." Bobby whispered and pushed his left hand underneath Remy's sweatshirt. His fingertips caressed the soft skin and he couldn't resist moving to one nipple and circle it. Amazed, he noticed Remy's pupils dilate and he drank in the moan that left his lover's lips.

"Cher?" Remy mewed sensually, completely overwhelmed by the passion he was reading in Bobby's mind.

"I never thought I'd ever say this to a man," Bobby started nervous as hell, "but I want to make love to you, Remy."

"Bobby," Remy whispered, for some reason touched by the choice of words. T' make love, no one ever said dat t' m'!

Bobby read confusion in Remy's eyes, but wasn't sure what was causing it. Had he said it wrong? Was he going too fast? Was he supposed to let Remy make the first move? "I'm sorry, Remy, I'm new at this."

Remy placed a finger on Bobby's lips. "Don' apologize, cher. Y' didn' say anyt'ing wrong." Now that they had finally admitted the need he realized it wouldn't be as simple as he'd thought.

"Then what is it?" Bobby asked. He knew Remy was aroused, wanted this as much as he did! Damn, his lover's erection pressed against his stomach, so what was wrong? Burying one hand in Remy's hair he fingered a lock. "I'm nervous too, you know. I've never been with a man," he confessed, hoping it would take away some of their nervousness.

"Dat's it, isn' it?" Remy whispered and felt too ashamed to look in to those blue eyes he loved so much. "I have an'..."

Bobby suddenly realized what was upsetting Remy. Snaking his arms up Remy's back he brought him in for another hug. As Remy rested his head on his shoulder Bobby listened to his lover's too fast heartbeat.

"It won't be like =that=," Bobby said softly, trying to lure Remy in to talking. "I love you and won't hurt you... you love me and won't hurt me. We can take this slow, even discuss the things that..."

"Cher," Remy whispered in to Bobby's shirt. "I don' wanna be..."

"What?" Bobby sighed. "Nervous?"

"Scared," Remy finally admitted. Bobby could never understand the things he had been through as a kid and he didn't want him to know the depths he had ascended to in order to get food.

Bobby cradled the back of Remy's head in his left hand and smiled. "I'm scared too."

"You?" Remy exclaimed and looked at Bobby's eyes.

"Yeah, where to put my arm, knee, to make sure I'm not poking you in the eyes!" he quipped and loved seeing the smile on Remy's face.

Slowly getting to his feet, Remy slid off his lap and took a step back.

"The bed is way more comfortable," Bobby informed him and tenderly curled his fingers around Remy's. Slowly, giving Remy a chance to say no, he pulled the Cajun over to his bed. I'm trying to seduce =him=? I always assumed it would be the other way around, Remy being the more 'experienced' one and now he wants =me= to guide =him=? I'm not sure I can do this!

"I trust y'," Remy whispered and followed Bobby to the bed and then lay down on his back.

Bobby joined him and gazed in to Remy's eyes. "Think I should lock the door?"

Remy was too busy trying to figure out what to do next and forgot to answer Bobby. "What do y' wanna do?" he asked apprehensively. Being raped as a kid, Mon Dieu, I can finally admit it! had left its mental scars.

Bobby thought hard about that question. No, the question is what do you want? But you'll always consider my needs first. "Do you ever fantasize?" he asked instead. Remy opened his arms and Bobby snuggled up to him while his left leg settled between his lover's thighs.

Remy smiled weakly. It was ridiculous that he was scared of making love to Bobby who would never hurt him. "Fantasies?" he repeated. "Why don' y' tell m' y'rs?"

Bobby sarcastically complimented himself on asking that question now that it was backfiring on him. Licking his lips he whispered, "Last night I had a rather erotic dream."

"Oui?" Remy smiled and forced himself to calm down. He loved Bobby and trusted him. Merde! I ain't a chile any more! Swallowing hard he started to unbutton Bobby's shirt.

Bobby stirred at the touch and returned that hesitant glance. He wished he could understand how hard this was on Remy. "You were taking a shower," he said and sucked in his breath as Remy's fingertips trailed down his belly. "And you were naked, of course."

"Of course," Remy muttered amused, slowly unzipping those jeans, watching Bobby the entire time to catch that first indication of unease. But Bobby sighed and his grin brightened.

"I opened the shower cabin door and water was dripping from that soft skin of yours."

"Soft?" Remy quipped and eased down Bobby's jeans, trying hard to keep all horrid memories in the depth of his mind. He didn't want to be reminded of what he'd done to survive. This was different. Both of them wanted, craved this... this was about love.

"Yes and then you pulled me inside," Bobby whispered in a dream like tone. "First I had to lecture you about getting my clothes wet and then..." Bobby looked up, hearing Remy's warm laughter. Good, that got you away from brooding. I love you so much, but you angst over our first time even more than I do and honestly... I understand why. I'd never hurt you, Remy. How can I prove that to you? You might not say the words, but you're still scared.

Nimble fingers slipped inside his waistband and Bobby sighed blissfully. Right then and there he knew what to say. "I want you to take me, Remy."

 

Chapter Eleven

"Y' wan' what?" Remy stuttered baffled, hoping he'd been briefly delusional. Bobby couldn't be serious! Yes, he had fantasized about their first time, but it had always been Bobby doing the taking. He just couldn't picture himself? taking Bobby.

Remy stared in to Bobby's warm blue eyes. In the past he'd always been taken, controlled by men he couldn't fight, as his kinetic powers hadn't manifested yet and? "Cher, I can'? " and then choked up, remembering the pain he'd gone through when he'd been forced to surrender to unwanted attention, Bobby felt part of Remy's fear. His lover's mind was wide open and he had to say something to reassure the Cajun. "You won't hurt me, Remy. I plan on showing you that making love is beautiful. You need to trust me on this, Remy. I want our first time to be? special." If only I could convince you that there won't be any pain. I can sense your fear, a hint of remembered physical pain as well and? panic... Remy!

"But I'm not good at?" Remy failed to finish the sentence. "Doin' de deed," he added after a while. He couldn't go through with this. "I don' wanna hurt y' cher and?"

A weak smile appeared on Bobby's face. As he spoke, his voice was tender and caring, displaying understanding and patience. "I want to make mad, passionate love to you, Remy LeBeau."

Remy shook his head. "Bobby?" Panic started to build in his mind. He couldn't believe Bobby was going to make him do this!

"Not now, dummy!" Bobby whispered softly and stroked back a lock of Remy's hair. "What about Christmas Eve? Would save me buying you a present. Instead I'll just wrap myself up! Put a ribbon around my neck and?" His fingers continued to tangle in Remy's soft hair and suddenly he forgot about telling Remy his fantasies. Remy's hands were no longer exploring his body and it told him he had to stop this now. Remy had to set the pace, had to be the one in control.

Remy couldn't stop himself and he shook with warm, genuine laughter, trying to imagine what Bobby would look like, gift-wrapped like that.

"I could even stick a note on my brow? Christmas pressie, please unwrap carefully!" Bobby caressed Remy's face and watched in amazement as a tear made its way down Gambit's face. "You like that idea!" Bobby continued, on a roll. "Want me to jump naked out of a birthday cake or something?" Oops, that was supposed to remain a secret! I don't want Remy to know he's getting a birthday present! But thankfully Remy didn't seem to register that last remark and Bobby softly kissed Remy's collarbone, trying to lure him in to an even deeper state of relaxation.

Remy slowly calmed down and wiped tears of merriment from his face and realized that his panic was gone. "What is it 'bout y' dat always makes m' wanna laugh?" he asked in a semi serious tone. No matter how hard he tried he would never succeed in telling Bobby =how= much he loved him.

"Instincts and years of training!" Bobby quipped; relieved they had done away with that awkward moment. Those 7 days would give Remy the time he needed, Bobby hoped.

Relieved, Remy lazily kissed Bobby's slightly bruised lips, engaging their tongues in a duel. "I haven' felt dis warm for years," Remy admitted, as warmth and heat tingled throughout his body and soul. The source of that incredible sensation was Bobby and he clung to it, determined to never again let it go after having searched for it his entire life.

Feeling tired all of sudden Remy stifled a yawn. His shields still needed more work and linking with Warren had taken much out of him. He desperately wanted to sleep, holding Bobby close, drowning in that warmth, but Bobby looked awfully energetic and awake.

"You're tired, aren't you?" Bobby whispered, seeing Remy's eyelids drop every so often.

"Oui," Remy admitted and released Bobby as his lover wanted to get to his feet.

"Want some hot chocolate before turning in?"

"Oui. Y're spoilin' m'."

"You need to be spoiled!" Bobby quipped and placed a quick kiss on Remy's brow before leaving the bed. "If you wanna change your clothes you can use mine. Looks like we're almost the same size anyway."

"Merci," Remy replied and dragged himself away from the bed. As Bobby left the room he wondered if Warren was doing all right. What if he'd passed out or had turned sick after he'd left? His conscience told him he should check on him.

First he slipped out of his sweats and then he opened Bobby's closet. Closet? wonder how long he'd have continued t' hide dere if I hadn' returned from Antarctica. And suddenly he realized how little he'd thought about Rogue, Magneto or the cold. Didn' have much time t' t'ink 'bout dem!

Not really surprised he noticed that Bobby apparently collected shirts with Spiderman, Firestar, and Avengers' prints. In the end he put on a 'Spidey' shirt and chuckled softly to himself, seeing his reflection in the mirror. If he still wanted to check on Warren he better hurry up or Bobby would be back before he'd even left the room.

Silently he made his way through the corridor and growled passing Logan's door. "I'll get even wid y' for dis!" he promised solemnly, counting on Logan to hear him.

"Talk's cheap, Gumbo!"

"Of course he has t' be 'wake," Remy muttered and moved on. As he reached Warren's door he opened it and then peeked cautiously inside.
Warren had rolled himself in to the blankets and was peacefully asleep, a huge grin on his face. Reassured, Remy wanted to close the door as he suddenly noticed Bobby standing behind him.

"Here," Bobby said and offered Remy a mug filled with steaming hot chocolate. He'd returned to an empty room and curiously he'd sought out his lover, almost certain where to find Remy. "Warren will be fine. He always goes to sleep when he's had too much to drink, not that it happens often, you know."

Remy gave him a puzzled look. Just how much did Bobby know? "What did y' see?"

"Warren hugged me once too," Bobby admitted with a smile, closed the door and slung one arm around Remy's waist. "Don't worry about it."

"Y' saw dat an' didn' help m'?" Remy stated nervously.

"I had too much fun watching you struggle free!" Bobby admitted, realizing that he had to come clean on this one.

They had reached his room and as Bobby closed the door he said, "You know, I think Christmas Eve is a great day to celebrate your birthday."

"Y' heard dat too?" Remy sat down on the bed and clutched his head, after placing the mug on the floor.

"Hey, I know the hug was Warren's idea," Bobby said, intent on not giving in to the fear on Remy's face. Sitting down next to him he massaged Remy's tense muscles with one hand. "Your chocolate is getting cold."

Remy picked it up again and looked at the steamy liquid. "Celebratin' my birt'day on Christmas Eve is? ridiculous," he finished, trying hard to find a better word to express his sentiments. Non, dat should be blasphemous!

"Want another date?" Bobby asked and smiled warmly. "Need to set the alarm clock. Fearless leader announced a danger room session for 08.30. You're lucky you don't have to get up that early!"

"Bobby? Why do y' need dose addresses? Y're not buyin' m' a present, you hear?" Remy didn't know how to react.

"You'll get presents anyway, as it's Christmas Eve," Bobby pointed out to Remy and finished his drink. Sliding further on to the bed he pushed back the covers. "Are you gonna join me?"

Remy sighed, realizing Bobby would do whatever he thought best and get him a birthday present just to prove a point.

"Did I already tell you how handsome you look in that T-shirt? I =love= Spiderman!" Only after he'd spoken those words he realized they could be taken the wrong way.

But Remy beat him to it. "Already cheating on ol' Gambit?" he said playfully and crawled over to his lover. "Or are y' plannin' a t'reesome?" Remy smiled seeing the fierce blush on Bobby's face. Mon Dieu, it feels so good t' laugh like dis!

Remy doubted very much the nightmares would torment him tonight. Feeling a little light headed he folded his arms around Bobby and they snuggled up to each other. "I won' feel cold tonight," Remy sighed blissfully.

Bobby was still trying to deal with that remark about having a threesome and kissed Remy's lips to make sure his lover hadn't taken things to wrong way. Remy responded at once and satisfied, Bobby closed his eyes, hoping for another erotic dream featuring Remy.

Warren woke with a yelp as a terrible headache made him run for the bathroom. Dropping to his knees he emptied his stomach and quickly flushed, eager to get rid of the appalling stench. My God, what did I do last night?

Slowly his memories returned and he remembered seeking out Logan and getting his kick in the butt. After that, the man had challenged him to have a beer and that had been the moment where things had gone wrong. He had a low tolerance for alcohol and he should have known better than drinking that much!

But it had been such a relief to be? 'normal' again, just one of the guys drinking and talking nonsense, even if his drinking partner had been Wolverine. I made such a fool of myself! I can't believe this! Yesterday I was Death, working for Apocalypse and now I'm trying to bond with Wolverine! Sounds like I'm having a major identity crisis!

Shedding his clothes he took a quick shower and started to feel better. That was until he stared at his reflection in the mirror. Blue skin kept mocking him, reminding him of the role he had played in Apocalypse's schemes and he shuddered at the memory.

Quickly pushing those memories deeper in to his mind he concentrated on getting dressed. He didn't want to accept or admit that Logan had been right, but a cold-blooded killer is what I've become. Scott is right. I knew what I was getting myself in to by accepting Apocalypse's terms, but? blood, at times he could smell blood on his hands? dripping with red, warm blood.

Appalled Warren shook his head after banging his fist in to the wall. Control, he told himself, Look at Logan, look at his control and make it yours. Warren did realize though that at one point he would have to talk about this, but not now, not yet? the wounds were still too fresh.

Quickly he put on some clean clothes and sat down on the side of the bed, trying to remember how he'd gotten back to his room in an attempt to distract himself.

"Remy," he whispered, suddenly remembering pulling the Cajun with him on to the bed and keeping him from leaving by hugging him. Logan thought this out in detail and set me? =and= Remy up!

Someone knocked on the door and demanded his attention. "Yes?" he said in a tense tone.

"It's me, can we come inside?"

Recognizing Bobby's voice it didn't take him long to figure out who was with Drake. Groaning, he buried his face in his hands and said, "Enter." He was =not= looking forward to this. Bits and pieces of the things he'd said to Remy were turning up in his mind and he felt strangely shy as the two men entered.

Bobby was carrying a mug with strong coffee and handed it to Warren. "Here, you might need that."

"Thanks," Warren muttered and noticed the amused sparkle to Bobby's eyes. Remy's eyes however, looked dark and brooding. They always look like that; he suddenly realized and felt the need to know why.

"I hope I didn't do or say anything that offended you, Remy," Warren said at last, looking up apologetically.

Slowly, Remy shook his head. "Don' worry 'bout it, homme," and exchanged a look with Bobby before he addressed Warren again. "Cycke wanted y' t' in de danger room t' train wid de team," Remy explained. "I told him dat wasn' a good idea."

"Thanks," Warren repeated and struggled to his feet. Looking in to Remy's eyes some of his unease disappeared. He's nervous as well, why? Warren suddenly realized he no longer felt uncomfortable around the Cajun. The moment I get the chance I'm going to take him apart and talk to him!
Warren still remembered everything Remy had told him about going to church, loving angels and? somehow that admission had touched his heart. Living on the streets, surviving the best he could had taken a great toll on Remy and Warren was surprised to find that he wanted to make it up to the Cajun for his miserable childhood.

Then he remembered Remy's confession that he didn't know when he'd been born. "What did I say? Christmas Eve?" referring to the birthday he had picked for Remy yesterday.

"Oui," Remy whispered in a soft tone, surprised Warren still remembered their conversation. "Merci for suggestin' it, but?"

Bobby cut him off, "I like the idea, Warren. I kinda adopted the date." The look Bobby gave Remy was meant to dare him to protest that declaration.
Warren smiled seeing Remy's embarrassment and Bobby's amusement. "Great, another present to buy," he remarked and made sure a smile accompanied that sentence. Until now he hadn't realized just how sensitive Remy was, taking everything in a negative way, like people were constantly talking down on him. Which I did, Warren admitted and realization began to dawn. Is it possible that in reality he feels inferior and insecure and that his big mouth is just a mask to hide behind?

"Wanna join us for breakfast? I already had some, but Remy slept in late and you look like you need food too," Bobby suggested, sensing the odd understanding between the three of them. Smiling, he realized the Warren he had always liked, was making a comeback.

"Don't mention food," Warren said, remembering spilling his guts in the bathroom. "By the way, has any of you seen Wolverine yet?"

"Wolvie?" Remy said, remembering Warren had called Logan that last night. He couldn't let this pass by, smelling a chance for some sweet revenge. "Payback time, Ange?"

"Maybe," Warren nodded his head. "Are you willing to help?"

Remy and Bobby both nodded their head. "If you've got a good plan!"

Bobby took off with Storm's car and Remy watched him leave the premises. Under protest he'd written down the addresses Bobby had been wining about. Drake had grinned wickedly.

Remy felt a little apprehensive about this. Had Bobby been serious about Christmas presents? If so, he was in trouble. He'd 6 more days left but couldn't possibly think of a present for Bobby. The best wasn't good enough for his lover.

"Remy?" Jean had walked up to him without Gambit noticing it and that slightly worried her.

"Chere?" Remy smiled warmly and turned around. "I still owe y' a t'ank y' for helpin' m' out after Ange's attack." Bobby and Hank had filled him in on Jean's part.

Jean's thoughtful gaze rested on Remy's eyes. "I don't understand why the professor didn't detect your empathy. It's not like him to? be this negligent," she said eventually.

"Maybe he had oder t'inghs on his mind?" Remy shuddered, remembering Onslaught.

Jean caught that thought and realized she still needed to show Remy how to improve his shields. "Come with me, Remy. I need to show you a few things."

Remy wiggled an eyebrow at that comment.

"Concerning your empathy." Jean grinned. "No matter how attractive you are, Remy, I would never compete with Bobby? Scott might get jealous!" She quipped lightly, wanting to see those eyes sparkle with life.

Remy nodded his head. "I knew dere was a reason I liked y', chere."

"That's nice to hear," Jean whispered and pulled him along in to the corridor. "No one will disturb us in the Professor's study."

"Chere, been meanin' t' ask y' dis," Remy started nervously. "When y'? " Remy suddenly sighed, not knowing how to say this, "opened my shields t' let out Ange's hate an' de oder stuff? what did y' see?"

Jean never considered lying. "Everything, Remy." She trembled; remembering the pain so deeply locked away in his mind and although she had been able to release most, some had stayed behind, anchored in Remy's soul. "I won't tell anyone," she assured him, as shame flowed through him and she wish she knew of a way to take that shame away.

"Not even Cycke? Scott? an' de professor?" He wasn't sure how he felt about this, but at least her attitude towards him hadn't changed. She didn't seem horrified or disgusted.

Involuntarily she picked up on those thoughts. Remy's shield was still fragile and revealing more than usually. "Remy, I know how you feel deep down inside your heart," she said as she closed the door behind her, craving the privacy of the room. She wanted to talk to him about this, help him, but; the professor should be here to help him! I'm no psychologist!

And Remy realized that he couldn't deny her statement. She'd been in his mind, had seen his fears and shame. "Je regrette cela," he whispered, "I never wanted y' t'..."

"Remy, I can deal with it," Jean assured him. "But the question is, can =you= deal with it? We should have addressed this a long time ago," she sighed regretfully. "But your shield was too strong. I couldn't get passed it and the professor?"

"It's okay, chere," Remy said in an emotional tone. He was trying hard to keep a grip on his composure, but Jean was radiating so much compassion?
"No, it's =not= okay," Jean corrected him in a sudden shaken tone. "You needed help and we choose not to see it."

"Chere," Remy called on all his calm and reached out to Jean, carefully, scared to somehow hurt her.

Jean smiled sensing that tenderness. "You shouldn't doubt yourself that much, my friend. We do care about you and yes, you're more than worthy of our concern." A fragile expression appeared in Remy's eyes and encouraged her to continue. "I know you're hurting, Remy. The child you once were is hurting, crying to be acknowledged, to be cared for."

Remy suddenly turned away. Her words mirrored the truth, but? "How do I stop de hurtin'?" he asked in a muffled tone.

"I don't have any answers for you, Remy." She walked up to him and by cupping his chin in her hand made him look at her. "But I think Bobby might have them. You've got to trust him."

"Oui," Remy whispered in disbelief, "still can' believe he loves m'."

"You never experienced unconditional love, Remy." Jean nodded her head. "But Bobby's love is?" and she left him to finish that sentence.

"Unconditional," Remy added and a smile broke through on his face.

"Being an empath caused most of the 'surplus' pain you're now experiencing, but those same powers can also show you how it should be. Open your mind for Bobby, let him in."

Remy bit his lip in a nervous fashion. "Y' t'hink I deserve his love?" he asked, trying to keep the doubt and bitterness out of his tone.

"Oh, Remy," Jean sighed, wondering why he was still trying to hide from her. She couldn't help wrapping an arm around him. Remy broadcasted his need to be comforted subconsciously and she couldn't turn away, not again? never again. "Of course you do!" she stated determined and hugged him.

"Funny," Remy mused as he allowed her to hold him.

"What's funny?" All of a sudden a bright sparkle was moving through his mind and she looked him in the eyes.

"Never been hugged dis much in my entire life! First Bobby, den Ange an' now y'."

"Warren hugged you?" Jean quipped amused and did her best to repair those last holes in Remy's shield. "He's brooding, you know, like you're doing most of the time," she said and pointed at the window.

Remy walked over to it and looked outside. Warren was sitting on a snow-covered bench, kicking the snow underneath his boots like trampling on? "Apocalypse," Remy whispered suddenly.

Jean took a deep breath and studied her friend carefully. There was something she'd wanted to ask him for a long time, but had been afraid to push for answers. Maybe the time was right now that they'd established a basic sense of trust. "Remy, are there times when you can also pick up thoughts?"

Remy subconsciously held on to the breath he had just drawn in. He should have expected that question sooner or later. No longer looking at Warren he faced her shyly. "Sometimes I can' tell t'oughts from feelings," he explained awkwardly. "Dey aren' separated, jus' one."

"I think I understand," Jean replied, the professor had once told her that empaths usually also had some telepathic potential. "Can I tell the professor what we discovered?" she said, asking his permission.

"Sure, chere," Remy shrugged his shoulders. Charles Xavier was on Muir Island and probably not very interested in this discovery.

"Thank you, Remy," Jean said sincerely. "I will also ask the professor how to best develop your abilities."

Now that got Remy's full attention. "Why?"

"Because if you don't learn to control it, your ability will backfire on you, believe me," she stated in a determined tone. "We don't even know how strong you are. You said that you've been hiding this for? how long? Repressing it is more like it. Please consider my offer?"

Remy was reluctant to even consider training his mental abilities. "Gimme a reason why."

"You might find a way to stop the hurting," she whispered compassionately.

"D'accord." Remy felt her resolve to make him comply. "Y're a real friend," he said in a half choked tone.

"I'm honoured to be your friend, Remy." Jean was sincere, knowing how much the term friend meant to Remy and how hard the tests were people had to pass before he'd even consider letting them in.

Remy took her right hand in his and placed a single kiss on the back. "Merci, chere."

"How many more times do I have to assure you that you're welcome, Remy?"

Remy nodded his head. "I'm workin' on it." Maybe one day he'd actually believe he was worthy of her friendship and Bobby's love. "Please excuse m' now, chere," Remy said in a shaky tone, "I t'ink Ange needs cheerin' up."

As he left the room Jean quickly caught the tear she had managed to keep back. We should have had this conversation before things went wrong, Remy. Then you might have trusted us enough to tell us about Essex/Sinister? The X-Men carry part of the blame?

A wave of caring and understanding washed over her and she suddenly knew Remy had somehow read that thought in her mind. How strong was he? Jean's hand turned in to a fist; they had to find out for Remy's sake!

 

Chapter Twelth

As Remy opened the door, a gust of icy wind almost made him slam it shut again. But Warren's eyes radiated a sadness that convinced him he possessed the necessary courage to venture out in the cold on his own. He did wish Bobby was at his side, but Remy eventually stepped outside and walked over to Warren who still sat on the bench.

Pulling his parka closer to his already cold body Remy wondered how cold Warren felt. "Wan' company?" he asked hesitantly. Although Warren's mind told Remy Angel craved someone to talk to, he wasn't sure he was the right person.

Warren might have tolerated his presence since he'd come to his senses, but somewhere the old feelings of animosity had to be slumbering, ready to wake up and take over again.

"Sit down," Warren whispered and moved to the side to make way for Remy. The Cajun's appearance didn't surprise him. "I was waiting for you to show up," he revealed, earning a confused look from Remy.

Remy shivered as the bright ice started to hurt his light-sensitive eyes. The ice reflected sunbeams and the result was highly uncomfortable. Half closing his eyes he asked, "Why were y' waitin' for m'?"

"It took me some time," Warren said and tried catching Remy's elusive eyes, "to figure out your behavior."

"Que? What are y' talkin' 'bout, Ange?" Remy's eyes narrowed, partly due to the painful light, but also because of the look in Warren's eyes. He was trying so hard not to read Warren's mind that he'd forgotten their topic.

Still feeling confident Warren managed to make eye contact. "Logan mentioned some things that got me thinking. You aren't as arrogant and cocky as you want us to believe."

Remy didn't reply, instead he wondered how quickly he could make it back to the house.

"Scott told me about Antarctica, Rogue and how Bobby and you ended up together. I know for sure Bobby would never want anything to do with you if you were the kind of person I always thought you to be." Warren paused to draw another deep breath. "Truth is you think you don't deserve to be here."

It was a statement that Remy couldn't deny for it was true.

"You're wrong, you know," Warren continued. "You just need to realize that and accept it. Bobby will see to that."

Remy swallowed hard and started to say something, but stopped again.

Warren smiled and nodded his head. "Want to go for a walk? We'll stay close to the mansion."

Automatically Remy got to his feet and fell in to step next to Warren. If anyone had ever told him he would one day befriend the man, Remy would have declared this person insane. "Where are we goin'?"

"I want to show you something," Warren explained. "It's only a 15 minute walk."

They walked in silence for a few minutes and then Warren said, "You know, =I= feel like I don't deserve to be here too."

Remy had been waiting for such a statement, ever since Warren had brought it up. "'Cause Apocalypse got his hands on y'?"

"Yes and no," Warren replied, "Apocalypse offered me something I wanted and I took it, never considering the consequences."

Remy remembered the Morlocks who had died because of his ignorance and understood Warren's pain. "Y' can' turn back time," he said at last.

"I know that." Warren gestured Remy to follow him as he took an almost hidden path uphill. "But because of Apocalypse I can't look in to the mirror without hating myself. I did his dirty work."

Remy's response was to place a hand on Warren's shoulder. "Y've got t' learn t' live wid it. I can' tell y' how t' do dat."

"You know what I see when I look at these hands?" Warren extended his arms and stopped in his tracks.

Snowflakes twirled around them and he noticed the expression in Remy's eyes as they settled down on his parka. The Cajun immediately removed them. "I shouldn't burden you with..."

"Non, continue," Remy said determined.

"I see blood," Warren choked out. "I never thought I could murder someone in cold blood."

"Whom did y' kill?" Remy asked and stared straight in to Warren's eyes.

"That's the fucking beauty of it," Warren spat. "I don't even remember their names or faces. I only remember their screams."

Remy sensed Warren's pain and was attracted to it, drawn closer like a moth to the flame. He wanted to help, make the pain go away, even if it was at his own expense. "Ange, y're strong, y' can deal wid it. Talk t' Logan. He can help." And little by little he engulfed Warren's troubled mind in warmth and comfort.

Warren realized what the Cajun was doing, but didn't tell him to stop. "How can I stop the hurting?" he asked lost.

Remy shuddered. He'd asked Jean that same question only moments ago. "I doub' it'll ever stop hurtin'," he said softly.

"Great!" Warren grunted. "How can I live with the fact that I killed?"

Remy's eyes swam hearing those words, but he fought the tears until he'd won. "I'll let y' know de moment I find dat answer," and his own pain surfaced that moment.

"Remy," Warren choked out, realizing they were both struggling with the same problem.

They stood silent. Cold wind was tugging at their clothes and Remy's hair fell in front of his face like a curtain. It was Warren who reacted first and placed his hand over Remy's, which still rested on his shoulder.

Remy accepted the gesture, but what he didn't expect was for Warren to briefly hug him. Angel released him as if burned and started to walk again.
Remy followed quickly and suddenly managed to make out the outline of a church. "What are we doin' here?"

"You said you loved angels, didn't you?" Warren gave him a wink, which was accompanied by a dirty smile.

"Ange..." Remy suddenly wondered whether his charm power had kicked in unwanted. Warren couldn't be suggesting... =that=!

"Relax," Warren added quickly, seeing the panic on Remy's face, which for some reason amused him. "I just wanted you to see this," and led the way down in to the cellar.

Hesitant and alert Remy descended the stairs, peeking at Warren's emotions, making sure Worthington wasn't going to try something. Reassured by Warren's thoughts he sighed, wishing Bobby was here with him. Drake had only been gone for an hour and already he missed his lover and that ache was getting worse.

"What do you think of this angel?" Warren asked and closely observed Remy.

Remy's eyes wandered up the statue, made of white marble, wings spread, almost reaching the walls on either side. The eyes were closed in prayer, hands folded and utterly impressing.

"Dat's un grande ange," Remy muttered and strolled closer. Thief's eyes told him this statue was old, very old and very valuable. "What is it doin' here? Church seems deserted."

"An old priest minds the church," Warren informed him, leaning against the wall. "I like to come to this place to clear my mind, get some rest."

Remy looked at him questioningly. "Must feel strange, t' know y' got wings too, like dem."

"Yes, always wanted to live up to my name and..." Warren stopped and pointed at the statue. "Think he's one of the good guys in this eternal good versus evil war?"

Remy chuckled at that comment. "Oui, he looks like a good guy."

Warren made a strange sound, something between a moan and a mumbled 'right' and gestured Remy to step inside the next room.

Remy followed, as curiosity had a tight hold on him. Why was Warren showing this to him?

"And what about this one?" Warren lowered his eyes, finally truly understanding the story the priest had once told him and which he was about to reveal to Remy.

The first thing Remy noticed was the black marble and then -suddenly hypnotized- he stared in to =red= eyes. This angel was holding a sword and his jaw was set in firm determination. Contrary to the other angel who had been dressed in robes, this one wore battle armor. "Bad guy?" Remy whispered ill at ease.

Warren laughed bitterly. "That's what I told the priest the first time he showed them to me. Only now I understand how deceiving looks can be. Take us for example," Warren pointed at Remy, then at himself. "Don't we look like eternal adversaries? You, with those red eyes and I with these wings?" Warren shrugged his shoulders. "I think that's why we disliked each other."

Remy stopped asking himself what was going on and let Warren continue his tale, but couldn't take his eyes off that angel in front of him. An angel that stared back at him with =red= eyes.

"Actually, you got it wrong," Warren whispered. "This is the good guy."

Remy shifted his glance and stared at Warren instead. "Que?"

"According to the priest his name is Azrael," Warren said, pointing at the black statue. "He was one of the first angels to follow Lucifer to hell."

"An' he's de good guy? Don' wanna know what de oder one did!" Remy tried to sound casual but couldn't pull it off.

"The other one is called Daziel, a loyal servant of God... until he murdered a human because they'd gotten in to an argument. In his arrogance Daziel never considered the human had made a valid point and had fairly won the discussion. In his rage he killed more humans, declaring their inferiority."
Remy wished Warren would stop beating about the bush and make his point.

"Azrael however had realized his mistake and had left hell to ask God to take him back. He was sent to discipline Daziel as a test of faith. If he succeeded Azrael would be redeemed. They fought," Warren moved over to Remy and cocked his head.

"Who won?" Remy asked, in spite of the topic the history had captivated him.

"Neither did." Warren replied. "Legend says they're still fighting. An eternal fight."

Remy felt strangely saddened. "Why are y' tellin' me dis?"

"Because I don't want us fighting =their fight= for the rest of our lives."

"I never t'ought of it dat way," Remy whispered.

"Never did I, until you reached out to me and broke the hold Apocalypse had on me. I'm tired of playing games, Remy." Warren's face reflected his fatigue, mental exhaustion. "What do you say? Peace?" and he extended his hand.

Remy was briefly speechless. Was that why Warren had taken him here? To offer him his friendship? "Y'got it, mon ami." Clasping Warren's hand tightly he added just to irritate him a little, "Daziel."

By the time they returned to the mansion Remy was frozen to the bone and shivering he hurried inside. One look at the car park told him that Bobby was back. Warren climbed the stairs to his room and Remy stayed behind, cold and teeth chattering.

"Where have you been?" Bobby asked as he stepped in to the living area.

"Sightseein'," Remy told him and slid out of the parka. Remnants of snow and ice dropped on to the floor, leaving behind wet spots. "What have y' been up t'?"

"I've been buying presents." Bobby grabbed Remy's hand and pulled him upstairs towards his room. "You're cold. I know a way to get you warm!" An impish smile appeared on his face as he opened the door. "Tomorrow it's Sunday and that means no danger room sessions. We can sleep late!" Bobby dropped on to the bed and watched Remy. How long would it take the Cajun to notice the small gift-wrapped box next to the computer?

Not long.

"Y don' need t' buy m' gifts." But a smile on his face proved the opposite.

Picking up the small box Remy knew it had to contain some kind of jewelry. "Dis better not be for m'!" he said, placing it back.

"Why?" Bobby hadn't released Remy hand and now used the hold to pull his lover on to the bed next to him. "And don't even think of peeking inside! You can unwrap it Christmas Eve, not a day earlier! Now, did you miss me?"

"Oui," Remy admitted in a heartbeat.

"Good, I missed you too," Bobby said pleased, "And now," he pushed Remy on to his back, straddled his hips and leaned down to claim his lips. "I plan on kissing your mouth =very= thoroughly!"

Remy chuckled, but was silenced as Bobby carried out his promise. Then the comfortable silence was ripped apart by one very angry yell, tearing through the house. "Dat sounds like Logan."

"Yeah, changed the temperature setting of his shower... and filled the pipes with ice. I guess he wasn't expecting a =cold= shower. As long as Warren has no plan to get some payback I plan on enjoying myself," Bobby whispered in to Remy's ear while his tongue discovered all those sensitive spots on the back of his lover's neck.

Remy moaned, "Don' ever do dat t' my shower, cher. I hate cold."

"I know that, Remy," Bobby assured him and ignored Logan's threat which echoed through the house. Right now the only person that mattered was Remy, who was squirming underneath him. "Let's get back to kissing," Bobby decided hungrily.

"I'm so glad you'll be joining us for Christmas," Jean said relieved.

"I'm looking forward to it as well." Charles Xavier nodded his head. "Please look after Gambit until I return. I'll train him myself."

"That's an excellent decision," Jean complimented him and exchanged a glance with her husband who looked worried and relieved. She knew why. The professor's return might cause problems. They all remembered Onslaught. It would take time to settle back in to their former routine.

"I'll be seeing you and the others on Christmas Eve then," Charles said and terminated the connection. Eyes, aimed at his back made him impatiently turn around. "Is there anything else you want to discuss, Magnus?"

"No," Magneto replied, "I just want to ensure Remy's needs won't be neglected." He'd watched the young mutant for some time and had almost intervened when Death had made his appearance. But Remy had mastered that situation superbly and he vaguely felt a sting of pride.

"I haven't yet thanked you for helping him," Charles said and wondered about his old friend. "You haven't told me =why= you rescued him. I didn't know you had an interest in him."

"Question is why didn't =you= have an interest in him?" Magneto countered. "How could you ignore the fact that he needed your help? He's an empath, one who doesn't know how to handle his abilities!"

"I don't know why I let it happen," Charles said fatigued. "So many things demanded my attention and..."

"Remy wasn't important enough? I don't believe you." Magneto stared in to Charles' eyes. "I want the truth."

"What!" Charles suddenly exclaimed. "Do you want me to admit I failed? I did!"

"But why?" Magneto urged him on.

"I won't fail him again, Magnus."

"I do hope so, Charles." Magneto walked away from Charles, eager to return to the safety of his home, but made one last remark. "There was a time when I almost believed in your ideals, Charles, but the X-Men failed. =You= failed and I will make sure our kind won't ever again suffer such humiliation like our Cajun friend did. No mutant should have to hide because of his appearance or abilities."

Charles watched him take to the sky and felt strangely ashamed for letting down Gambit. "But =your= way leads to destruction, death and pain, Magnus. I have to pursue my ideals, rebuild the X-Men and make sure we're once again the tight family we used to be."

 

Chapter Thirteen

As the first beams of sunlight caressed his body, Bobby lazily opened his eyes and felt immensely thankful that it was Sunday. Scott had given them the day off, which meant no training sessions, no obligations and 5 more days to Christmas!

Christmas, he loved a white Christmas! It was time to get out the old plastic tree and decorate it! Maybe he could get Remy to help him? Remy?

He was painfully aware of the warm body spooned in to his. Remy was holding him in his sleep and was softly breathing down his neck, which caused goose flesh to appear all over his body. Not to mention I woke up with one hell of an erection! And by the feel of it, I'm not the only one or it's his Bo poking me!

They'd decided to wait until Christmas Eve before doing the deed, but he wondered whether a little stimulation might convince Remy to take him now. Maybe if I drive him crazy, make him horny like hell he'll forget his worries. It's worth a try!

Bobby managed to turn on to his back without waking his lover and studied the up and downward movement of Remy's chest, which was regular and steady. Remy hasn't had a single nightmare these last two nights. That must be good sign! I won't ever forget those first nights when he screamed himself awake because of Antarctica. He actually scared me. What if he hadn't pulled through? What if he had died in Antarctica? I would never have known how much I love him!

Enjoying touching Remy's skin he exploratory ran his hands over that smooth chest. Well, maybe there is a God and I should thank him for letting Remy sleep in the nude!

At his gentle touch, Remy mumbled something intelligible in his sleep. Stroking that long, hard body Bobby tried to remember what spot resulted in which reaction and as he brushed the area underneath Remy's left ear, the Cajun whimpered. Just stay asleep, Remy.

Slowly, he pulled down the blanket that Remy had wrapped around them before falling asleep and took in the rest of that agile body.

This was his first chance to study Remy's body this thoroughly and he drank in every seductive aspect of it. The sight of that body utterly aroused him. He wanted Remy as he had never wanted anyone before. It physically hurt to look without touching him and his fingers brushed Remy's flat abdomen in anticipation, half hoping Remy would wake up.

His fingers trailed down to Remy's groin and curiously he lightly touched his lover's erect shaft. Finally, Remy reacted and moaned softly in his sleep.
Bobby smiled and nodded to himself. This might work, if he could evoke enough lust to swamp Remy's mind with? Good thing he's an empath! I might actually pull this one off!

Slowly, to prevent Remy from waking up, he curled his fingers around Remy's erection. He had never before been with a man and he'd promised Remy their first time would be special and he intended to keep that promise! But why do I have to be the one with no experience? Hey, hold on, why am I getting upset about that? We're both guys. I know what he likes!

A soft, seemingly pleading moan escaped Remy's lips and amused, Bobby noticed the Cajun was changing position to get closer to his hand. Yeah, I can do this! Just relax, Bobby. If what he told me about his empathic powers is true I can get him in the right mood by being aroused myself and by the looks of it? I'm horny!

Bobby's hand trembled as he hesitantly squeezed Remy's shaft, deeply inhaling his lover's scent, burning in to his memory. This is something Logan would do, it suddenly flashed through him. Well, maybe it's time to explore my feral side? if I have one! Bobby couldn't help giggling at that thought.
Another soft moan drew his attention. Remy arched up against his hand, as if urging him to continue and Bobby stroked a little harder, watching him carefully.

Still asleep, Remy moistened his lips and that simple gesture took Bobby's breath away. Even in sleep the Cajun possessed an uncanny sensuality and he realized that he wanted to be the one to make Remy come and come =hard=.

Sliding down the bed Bobby gently pushed Remy's knees apart and seated himself between his thighs. His fingers caressed the insides of those long thighs and his mouth started to water.

Remy's body was =perfect=. Smooth hairless chest, washboard abdomen and? that's nine inches at least! well endowed. As his eyes traveled over Remy's body they encountered two pink nipples, which screamed for his touch. They had hardened and Bobby leaned forward to lap at one of them, kissing and suckling it.

Remy's body twitched and Bobby turned his attention to the other neglected one. Rolling the shriveled flesh between his fingers he licked his lips and then circled it with his tongue.

Eager to explore other areas as well, Bobby slowly nuzzled Remy's body, taking his time. After softly kissing Remy's belly button he twisted his tongue deeper inside and finally satisfied moved down to return to his lover's thighs.

Grinning, he couldn't help himself and said, "Hello there," directing the comment at the pink tip of his lover's erection, which was now starting to drip with precum. "What did Remy name you? " and he tried to remember all French names he'd ever heard in his life. "Claude? Louis?" This is actually fun! And blew softly over the sensitive head.

"Who are y' talkin' t'?" Remy mumbled, still in a state between sleep and waking up, only realizing he was feeling extremely well, but also extremely aroused. His erection was throbbing and he suspected Bobby had something to do with it.

"Go back to sleep, Remy," Bobby quipped, not allowing his lover to distract him and rubbed his thumb across the tip of his Remy's slick shaft.

"Cher," Remy started, "what are y' doin'?" Hadn't they agreed to wait a little longer before getting intimate? But Bobby's mind told him differently. Remy tasted a fierce mix of curiosity, passion and lust! Merde, Bobby wants t' tango!

"Developing a healthy sex-drive. Now stop talking and go back to sleep! You're distracting me!" Bobby peeked at Remy's closed eyes. The Cajun's breathing had quickened though and his fingers were burying themselves in the sheets. "And don't tell me you want me to stop, because we both know that would be a lie!" He wasn't bluffing, as he sensed Remy's arousal seep in to his mind.

"Now, back to business," Bobby said, addressing Remy's erection again. "You were going to tell me your name," and slowly, teasingly he licked it in an upwards motion, like devouring a cone filled with ice cream and found he loved making Remy squirm.

"You're not going to tell me?" he said rather disappointed and carefully brushed the tip of his finger over Remy's shaft. But he wanted Remy to gasp and wrenched his lover's fingers free from the blanket and slowly, one by one, sucked his fingertips. Geeze, I had no idea I wanted to do this to him?
Remy struggled for breath at the simultaneous stimulation. A firm hand was stroking in a slow rhythm and a hot warm mouth was sucking his fingertips. The sensations set off tiny explosions in his brain and then Bobby's voice pulled him back from the edge. Mon Dieu, I'm 'bout t' come!

"What about Francois? No? Napoleon?"

"Bobby?" Remy whispered in a tense tone and involuntarily arched up as soft, wet lips returned to tease his throbbing erection and sucked it =greedily=. He wanted to come so badly, craving release and was not too proud to beg for it. "Bobby, please!"

"Bobby? No, that can't be your name! That's =mine=!" he quipped and wrapped his fingers around the base so his tongue could lavish the head. =Heat= was slipping in to his mind and he knew it was Remy, who had opened his mind for him. "Ialwayswantedtodothis," he mumbled while trying to take in more of his lover.

Remy bit his lip until it bled in a moment of unguarded desire. His hands now tangled in Bobby's hair, trying to pull his lover closer to kiss his lips. Soft mews and moans floated through the room.

But Bobby had other ideas and slid his tongue up and down, scraping his teeth along Remy's shaft and loved seeing the red eyes suddenly open in complete abandon. The look in those eyes almost made him come right there and then. They reflected all the trust they had established during these last days, trust and love?

His right hand squeezed Remy's buttocks and he relished the feel of his lover trembling under these caresses. =I= am doing this to him! The insecure prankster Bobby Drake is making him squirm and beg for more!

Then he moved his other hand and cupped Remy's scrotum in his palm. Softly stroking the velvet like skin he watched Remy's reactions before taking it between his lips, nibbling on it.

Mon Dieu, I can' take much more of dis? Where did he learn how t' do dat? Remy had started to pant for breath and Bobby's actions grew even bolder. Hands were caressing his most private parts and then there was this hot, willing, no greedy mouth wrapped around him. A tongue, teasingly touching the sensitive head, made his erection throb in painful waves and then? Bobby's teeth scraped his flesh. Remy couldn't help thrusting in to his lover's mouth, wanting more, needing him so badly. "Mon Dieu," he panted and threw back his head.

So far he seems to like it, Bobby thought pleased, still worried he was doing something wrong. Tasting Remy he tried to analyze the flavor and texture, but then waved it away. Sweet, he tastes sweet, he concluded in deep contentment and concentrated on pleasing his lover.

Remy realized he was going to come any moment now and wanted to warn Bobby, telling him to stop before? His hands moved to tenderly pull Bobby close to him and as he stared in to those dilated pupils, he realized Bobby had been fantasizing about this all along.

"I know," Bobby whispered as he briefly released Remy's erection, feeling Remy's concern and placed one quick kiss on already bruised lips before moving back down to take in as much of his lover as he could.

"Cher?" Remy had never felt like this before. His body was aflame, legs twitching, hips bucking and his mind was imploding with passion. Liquid lava was pushing through his veins and he wanted Bobby to share this pleasure with him so he slowly, sensually, poured the sensation in to his lover's mind, completely surrendering to Bobby's ministrations.

Passion suddenly sliced through him and Bobby grabbed Remy's hips for support, also making sure his lover couldn't thrust that deeply. "Youredistractingme," he managed to mumble and quivered.

Thanks to Remy broadcasting his arousal it felt like he was going to come as well. He was hard and his erection ached for release, but he pushed the need away? concentrating on his lover's needs. You'll probably take me with you when you find release?wonder if I'll experience your orgasm too? and quavered at that prospect.

Remy couldn't keep back any longer and as he came, he catapulted his ecstasy in to Bobby's mind, unable to stop this urge to share his pleasure with his lover. The sensation left them both breathless.

Bobby rocked back on the bed, letting go of Remy's shaft and leaned back, overwhelmed by the intensity of the orgasm he was experiencing. He didn't even realize that he'd come himself.

"Mon Dieu," Remy whispered as waves of ecstasy swept through his mind and body. Bobby had completely taken him by surprise. Focusing his eyes he purred, "Merci, cher."

"You're welcome," Bobby panted. White cream was dripping down Remy's thighs. "That was like? wow!" he whistled and shook his head.

"You like, cher?" Remy whispered and pulled him on top of his now cooling body, craving Bobby's warmth.

"Very much. I always wanted to do that, but? guess I felt a little insecure whether I could pull if off or not."

"Y' succeeded brilliantly," Remy complimented him and sought out Bobby's lips. Completely relaxed he kissed his lover, deepened the kiss and engaged Bobby's tongue in a duel.

It was then when Bobby noticed something was still poking him in the abdomen. "You're still hard!" he moaned in disbelief and licked the sweat from Remy's throat, biting him teasingly. "Think you can come again?"

"Bobby?" The question made Remy wiggle an eyebrow, his lover couldn't be suggesting?. that! Remy didn't want to read Bobby's mind, but? he was already inside, had been the entire time and Bobby hid nothing from him, giving him complete access to his mind.

"I want you, Remy. I need you!" Bobby exclaimed, forgetting about their intention to wait until Christmas Eve. Passion had taken over and he hoped Remy wouldn't deny him. C'mon, you're an empath; you must know how much I love you!

Bobby grabbed Remy in a hug, before rolling him on top of his trembling body. In a silent invitation he nudged his knees apart, telling Remy what he wanted without the use of words or thoughts.

Remy suddenly found himself lying between Bobby's thighs and Mon Dieu, it's right where I wanna be! Desire sliced his mind, part his, part Bobby's, but he no longer cared. In mind they were already one? Keeping his mind wide open to receive Bobby's thoughts and feelings, his lips slowly trailed down Bobby's soft skin, pausing to kiss his collarbone and suckle the sensitive skin there.

Bobby quavered and grabbed Remy's head between his hands, forcing him to return to kissing his lips. "I want you, Remy," he breathed heavily as his lover's fingers teased against nipples, slowly rolling them between his fingertips and then pinching them.

It was way too late to say no, Remy realized. Bobby had lit this fire and it had to burn them both before it would extinguish. "I want y' too," Remy whispered passionately.

"Then take me and stop talking!" Bobby demanded and rested one hand on Remy's hipbone. "You have no idea how long I've waited for this!"

"I do know, cher," Remy said, reading the answer in Bobby's mind, which had somehow wrapped itself around his, still drawing him nearer with insatiable lust. "But?"

Bobby grinned, receiving the thought that ended Remy's sentence. Wildly grabbing at the nightstand he opened the drawer and flung a tube at Remy. "Originally I wanted to wrap it up as a Christmas present," he said and giggled. No way they were going to wait until Christmas Eve! His body was screaming for Remy's touch and as his lover opened the tube Bobby reached up and licked the sensitive skin underneath Remy's left ear.

Remy stared at the tube in his hand, briefly regaining his senses. "Bobby?"

"Stop Bobbying me!" he exclaimed and raised his legs until they rested against Remy's chest. "I want you now, damnit. I want you to =take= me!"

The certainty of that remark and the mad passion that accompanied it, convinced Remy and he rubbed the lube on his still throbbing erection. Bobby's need was pulling him closer and he slowly pushed inside, moaning at his lover's tightness and touch. Then he was inside and the heat, warmth and this incredible tightness almost made him come again.

Remy managed to regain his control and looked down at Bobby. Words had fled his brain and instead he directed his love, his passion at Bobby's mind, engulfing his lover in those emotions.

"Remy," Bobby moaned and pushed down to take in more of him, wanting to devour him. He'd never known there was this wild side to him, but he didn't have the time to ponder that discovery. All he wanted was for Remy to start moving, thrusting deeply and taking him to heaven.

"Remy, please," he moaned his need, grabbed Remy's buttocks and pulled him closer. A sigh of ecstasy left his lips as his lover slid even deeper in to him and while looking Remy in the eyes he said, "I love you." In response, Remy dove to his mouth, claiming his lips and then mumbled something incoherent in French. Bobby moaned helplessly.

Remy used his hands to support Bobby's legs, trying to take the strain off them and pushed a pillow underneath his lover's hips. As he differed the angle he was thrusting in, Bobby screamed his rapture.

Fire was consuming both and with every thrust the heat increased. With every kiss Bobby moaned harder and Remy's panting became frantic, sweat covering his brow.

Entranced, Bobby screamed, "Harder, Remy, faster!" And he pushed back to meet each thrust with one of his own.

"Cher," Remy moaned in a desperate want to give Bobby what he needed. Increasing the pace and speed, they lost themselves in the motion and finally Remy lost himself in Bobby's mind.

Together, they rode this wave of lust until fire finally erupted. Remy bruised Bobby's lips in one breath-taking kiss. Coming hard for a second time he realized Bobby had climaxed with him and all they could do was stare in to each other's eyes as ecstasy coursed through them.

"What the hell was that?" Bobby stuttered a few minutes later and hugged Remy close to him, unwilling to break this intimate connection. Clinging to his lover Bobby realized Remy was shaking in his arms. Bobby stroked his back, mumbling soft declarations of love.

And Remy let him. Exhausted he collapsed on his lover's warm body and rested his head on Bobby's chest. Mon Dieu, oui, what was dat?

"Good to know you're equally baffled," Bobby whispered, composing himself. Cocking his head he looked in to Remy's eyes and only then realized what had just happened. "Remy! Your thoughts! You're in my mind!" That can only mean you're a telepath as well!

Tired, but utterly satiated, Remy raised his head to look in to Bobby's eyes. "Cher, I wanted t' tell y', but?" and felt scared Bobby would be upset with him for not confiding in him earlier.

But Bobby smiled reassuringly. "It's okay, Remy. Guess, our love life will be very exhausting!" A soft wail of pain left Bobby's lips as he realized that his left leg had cramped up from the uncomfortable position it had been in and he started to massage the tense muscles, watching Remy who had rolled on to his side.

"I t'ink I need a smoke," Remy remarked and watched Bobby closely, as if waiting for a particular reaction.

He got one.

"Hey? I haven't seen you smoke since?" Bobby smiled fondly. "Don't think about taking up that disgusting habit ever again!" Don't want you dying of lung cancer, he thought protectively.

"Remy, that was incredible," he complimented his lover and allowed Remy to massage the tense muscles instead, enjoying his lover's touch. Those agile fingers moved up his thigh, driving out the cramp. "I can't begin to describe that sensation! It was like? switching places constantly and it felt like I was the one taking you!"

Remy nodded his head. There had been moments when he had felt Bobby's weight on top of him and his lover had been thrusting in and pulling out in a wild rhythm. He couldn't look Bobby in the eyes, wondering whether this had been his doing, his manipulation. Had it only been lust? Lust, which he had poured in to Bobby's mind without his lover being aroused? Had he forced Bobby to comply?

"Don't even =dare= thinking that!" Bobby exclaimed upset. He still wasn't used to hearing Remy's thoughts in his head, but it was certainly enlightening. "We =both= wanted this and =I= made the first move, seducing you! Remy, Do you have any idea how much I wanted... still want you?"

Bobby took a deep breath and buried his fingers in Remy's hair, pulling him close until their lips touched, "I love you. We both wanted this? and what happened was beyond my wildest dreams!" It was the truth and he concentrated on the pleasure he'd experienced, realizing Remy was insecure. "You can read my mind whenever you need to, Remy."

Remy listened, uncertain what to say, or to think for that matter so he let Bobby do the talking.

"My God, Remy, if I had known it would be like this I would never have suggested waiting until Christmas. Fuck Christmas Eve! I want to make love to you for every day of my life."

Remy's eyes watered as Bobby's determination slid passed every defence he'd ever build to keep himself from getting hurt. "Oui, d'accord, y're right," he admitted. "We both wanted dis."

"Good," Bobby said pleased and looked down his body. They'd made quite a mess. "Shower?" he suggested.

"Sure," Remy replied in a soft tone and slid off the bed. "Don' forget de lube," he quipped before disappearing in to the bathroom. "An' de name is Renard."

It took Bobby a moment to register those remarks. He wants to make love again? He vividly remembered that insatiable desire, need he had felt while their minds had been one, finding release. Renard? He named it Renard? Sounds French, I wonder what it means.

Unable to resist temptation he hurried over to the computer, accessed the translation site he sometimes used and typed in the word Renard.

#Fox.#

"Fox?" Picking up the tube he grinned from ear to ear. This was going to be one interesting Sunday!

 

Chapter Fourteen

"Scott? It's almost lunch time," Jean purred in to his ear. "I'm hungry."

"Leave me alone, woman!" Scott grunted and buried his face underneath the pillows. "I can't even lift my little finger right now!"

"Oh, come on, Scotty, we only did it =three= times!" Jean quipped amused. "Once in the bathroom, once in bed and... once using the professor's desk."

"You're insatiable! What did I do? I only wanted to get some sleep!" Scott mumbled from underneath the pillow, trying hard to keep the merriment from his voice and thoughts. Once Jean picked up on it, he was a dead man! He couldn't do =it= again!

Jean decided to be merciful. "See Scott, it wasn't something =you= did? It was something Remy did."

Peeking from underneath the pillow Scott asked, "What are you saying?"

"Didn't you =feel= them?" Jean said amused and flipped locks of hair away from her face. "Remy and Bobby?" she explained and licked her lips.

"Jean! You can't be serious! I thought Remy knew how to use those psi shields!" Scott moaned. "Does that mean you =felt= what they did? Oh, that's just great! Every time they're having sex, you're going to jump me?"

But his tone revealed no irritation and his eyes trailed down Jean's naked body. He hoped Remy would need a long time to optimize those psi shields. He had definitely loved Jean going down on him!

"Those are naughty thoughts," Jean quipped, grinned and leaned in for a kiss.

"Don't tell me you mind me having wicked thoughts!" Scott returned the kiss and pulled her on top of his body until she straddled his hips. "What about the others? Think they felt =them= doing the horizontal mambo?" Suddenly he grinned broadly. "Will have to ask Remy to show a little more restraint then!"

"Don't you dare do that!" Jean admonished him. "They are so good for each other! When the professor returns Remy will learn how to shield his thoughts and emotions and until then?"

Scott groaned as her lips trailed down his chest. "Why don't we go and get some lunch?" he suggested as his stomach growled hungrily.

Jean nodded her head, a little disappointed. "I'm just going to take a shower first."

Scott stretched on the bed as Jean disappeared in to the bathroom and wondered =if= the others had received Remy's 'enthusiasm' as well. Grinning, he decided he had to talk to the Cajun.

***

Logan stared at his mug filled with strong coffee. Something unsettling, although pleasant, had happened and he knew whom to blame for it. "Kids," he muttered in to his mug and took a long sip.

Looking back he was glad he hadn't stormed in to Drake's bedroom after that icy shower. The kids would discover what he had been up to soon enough. Christmas Eve, he decided.

"Logan?" Storm walked inside, hungry and craving some tea. Her dreams had been filled with sensual longing and she had found herself staring in to the night. "You look tired, my friend."

"Didn't get that much sleep last night," Logan mumbled and then looked up. "Ya look tired as well."

"I?" Storm hesitated. "I couldn't sleep last night."

"Kids kept ya 'wake too?"

"Kids?" Storm sat down and started eating a sandwich.

"Yeah, Gumbo and Drake were at it for hours!" Logan complained. "I told Drake to keep the noise down and?"

Storm grinned. "Remy still has no control over his empathic powers then?"

Logan shook his head. "Well, at least they had some good sex!"

Trying to look embarrassed, but not pulling it off, Storm reached for her tea. "You could have expressed yourself in a more subtle way."

Not reacting to that comment Logan peeked at the doorway.

"Are you waiting for someone in particular?"

"Yeah, our playboy."

Storm leaned back, still trying to get the mental picture out of her head of Remy and Bobby actually doing the deed. Trembling, she concentrated on her friend's remark. "Warren? Why?"

"I heard him pace most of the night. It's this Death thing."

"He will come to you when he's ready," Storm said assuringly and followed Logan's gaze as she heard some giggling.

Jean and Scott walked in to the room. Grinning, Jean sat down and devoured the scrambled eggs Scott had handed her.

Logan raised an eyebrow, hardly allowing himself to admit why Jean might look this sensual. "Ya received Cajun's broadcastin' too?" he inquired and grinned as Scott flushed a crimson red. Cycke was hard to embarrass but this time Scott's blush refused to go away.

"I already asked Jean to help Remy empower his shields," Scott announced and sat down, only staring at the food.

"I still think it's a pity," Jean commented, "we can use a little stimulation after what we've been through recently."

"But not =that= kind of stimulation!" Warren whispered and shot Logan a probing look.

"Sit down, Worthington," Logan grumbled. "At least Drake didn't freeze the water in =your= bathroom!"

"He did that?" Warren smiled weakly and remembered Logan pushing him in to Remy's arms. After thinking things over he had a hard time staying mad at Logan. After all he'd learned a lot about Remy because of that stunt.

"So who's goin' to tell our Cajun friend that he broadcasted his? ecstasy all over the house?" Logan groaned, seeing Jubilee strolling in to the room, blush on her face and a wicked expression in her eyes. "Ya didn't do anythin' stupid, did ya, kid?"

"Nope," Jubilee replied, but sighed sitting down. "Just had the best dream ever!"

"You too?" Hank commented and leaned against the wall. "This might be entertaining if it didn't cause certain problems?"

Scott nodded his head and looked at the X-Men. He'd been fortunate enough to have Jean who had stimulated him in order to get it out of his system, even unnoticed, but the others?

Concerned he studied Warren who looked pale and withdrawn. Maybe he should talk to the man, but Wolverine would be a much better choice!
Soft screams emanating from the corridor caught their attention. "Kids need to be disciplined!"

"Stop it, Logan!" Jean smiled tenderly. "Remy hasn't been this happy in years and Bobby just let them have some fun. I will help him adjust his shields."

Logan remained quiet, eyes fixed on Warren, determined to talk to Worthington the moment the man left the room.

"Remy! Stop dawdling! I'm hungry!"

The X-Men grinned; realizing the source of their 'problem' was approaching and looked towards Scott to inform the couple of what had happened.

Remy felt uneasy. Apprehensively, he followed Bobby down the corridor. Something =felt= wrong. Something bad was going to happen any moment now. The hours he had spent in heaven had to end. His luck couldn't last. Bobby's love, he would lose it somehow.

"Stop brooding," Bobby whispered, folded an arm around his lover and pondered an answer to Remy's troubled thoughts. He had realized by now that Remy could read his thoughts if the Cajun concentrated, but Remy seemed uncomfortable using the link that existed between them, so he reverted to speech.

He'd learned so much about Remy since the psi link had appeared. It had saddened him to learn just how insecure and vulnerable his lover was. "Nothing will keep me away from you, Remy. I love you," and realized that Remy still hadn't registered that truth yet. For some reason Remy still expected this relationship to end any moment. "I know you can't believe I love you," he whispered. "But eventually you will."

Bobby shivered as Remy's hand came to rest on his shoulder. Remy's uncertainty was understandable; after all he had never experienced unconditional love. "Just give it time," Bobby advised.

Tired, Remy whispered, "Cher, I love you too, it's jus'? I can' believe I can be dis lucky."

Bobby smiled and pulled Remy in to the dining room. He was hungry and it was lunchtime. Only paying attention to his lover's eyes he pinned Remy to the wall and started kissing that delicious mouth.

Remy was about to deepen the kiss as he sensed that they weren't alone in the room. Completely terrified he stared in to the eyes of the X-Men who were grinning at him. He tried to speak, to warn Bobby, but his lips were being ravished so he had no other choice than to use the link. //Bobby, turn 'round, cher!//

As if bitten by a snake, Bobby turned around and... "Shit!" The dirty grin on Logan's face caused his skin to turn in to goose flesh.

Remy wished the floor would open and swallow him. Why were they staring at him like =that=?

"Uhm," Scott started and looked at Jean for help. Jean however, smiled and made a grande show of licking her spoon. Scott swallowed hard and shifted his glance to Logan. No help there. Warren, seemed confused and... shy?

Bobby immediately registered Remy's beginning panic and wondered what had caused it. //Hey, it's okay, Remy. They've seen people kissing before!// and pulled the Cajun closer.

//But?// Remy objected weakly. Looking at Jean he felt relieved to see her sparkling smile.

//No buts,// Bobby countered and a smirk surfaced on his face.

"Remy? I need to talk to you," Scott started uneasy. Jean poked him in the ribs, telling him telepathically to handle this matter tactfully. Sighing, he dismissed any thoughts he'd had about pestering Gambit with this development. "I suggest you ask Jean to help you put up stronger shields, Remy."

"Why?" Bobby asked, certain he was missing something.

"'Cause ya're broadcastin' all over the place!" Logan snapped, content to get his revenge this way. "We all had fuckin' erotic dreams 'cause of ya two!"

"Logan!" Jean yelped and shook her head.

"Y'? what?" Remy stuttered helplessly, refusing to look at anyone and quickly closing his eyes. This couldn't be happening! He should never have listened to Jean to try and use his mental abilities! Now he had unwillingly invaded everyone's privacy by sending? //Mon Dieu? what have I done?//

Bobby's smirk vanished briefly only to make another stunning comeback. "Hope you enjoyed yourself then, Wolvie!"

Soothingly rubbing Remy's back Bobby relished the fierce blush on the Cajun's face. //That's the first time ever you blushed, Remy,// he sent and smiled. //You didn't do it on purpose and they know it. Everything will be okay.// "Hope you all liked your Christmas pressie, even if it was a bit early," he quipped amused.

Jean silently complimented Bobby on that comment. "That's right, Bobby. No need to feel ashamed and I certainly enjoyed that present!"

Remy peeked at them from underneath the locks, which had fallen in front of his face. He could tell they weren't angry with him, even Logan wasn't upset. Warren's feelings, however were focusing on a completely different subject; Death.

"Y'll help m' get dis under control?" Remy asked, addressing Jean pleadingly.

Jean nodded her head and got to her feet. "Come on, I'll show you how to properly use your shields." Smiling at Bobby she added, "Don't mind if I burrow your lover for a moment?"

//Lover! Yes, we're lovers, aren't we, Remy?//

Remy wondered about the ease with which Bobby had settled in to using the link between them. //Oui, cher, lovers.//

Jean pulled him towards the professor's study and with he a sigh he addressed Bobby again, //Love y', cher.//

Sitting on his bed Logan pondered his next step. Warren's room, which was next to his, echoed pacing. It was obvious Warren was having another sleepless night. Logan realized Warren wouldn't come to him to talk. Maybe Worthington didn't want to show his pain and weakness openly, maybe?
Logan got up and walked over to the door. If Warren wasn't coming to him, he would have to seek out Worthington. He dreaded what might happen if Warren would reject any help. What if Warren had developed suicidal tendencies? They had almost lost Remy because they'd abandoned him. He couldn't allow for the same thing to happen a second time!

As he opened the door he realized that he wasn't the only one in the corridor. Dressed in one of Bobby's shirts, Remy stood a few steps away of him, red eyes drawn to Warren's door. Course, bein' an empath means he's drawn to Worthington's pain, Logan thought and noticed the distant look in those eyes. No way in hell I'm goin' to let him deal with Warren! Kid's still tryin' to handle his own pain!

"Go back to bed, kid," he said softly, realizing the trance like state Remy was in. "Ya look cold and Drake will miss ya," he added, relieved to see life return to Remy's eyes. The Cajun was shivering all over his body.

//It's Ange,// Remy cast unwillingly, barely escaping the raw feelings nagging at him.

Logan nodded his head, remembering Remy had told them he was a telepath as well. It must have taken a lot of convincing on Jean's part to make Remy admit that to himself and them.

"I'll take care of Worthington. Ya're goin' back to bed now," he said determined and placed a hand on Remy's shoulder to fully bring him back to reality.

"Didn' know y' felt dis?" Remy searched for the right word to describe the feeling he was receiving, "protective of m'." Blinking his eyes he looked at Logan's. "Maybe I can help Ange?"

"I'll call ya if I can't handle it," Logan stated resolved, knowing how desperately Remy wanted to help. "Drake?" he called out and registered Remy's surprised yelp. Hearing the muffled reply coming from inside the room he addressed Remy again. "Get some sleep, kid, you need it."

Remy didn't reply, still tasting Logan's concern. For m'! He's concerned 'bout m'!

Logan caught an echo of that thought, as Jean still hadn't succeeded in teaching Remy how to properly shield his thoughts.

At first Logan wanted to wave the thought away, but then he sensed Remy's true amazement. "Course I'm concerned about y', kid. Haven't ya figured out by now that I like ya?"

"It doesn't quite register in his heart yet," Bobby explained in a soft melancholy tone as he appeared behind his lover. After wrapping his arms around Remy who looked like a sleepwalker at this point, he pulled his lover inside, lead him to the bed and made sure he lay down.

Logan closed the door and Bobby sighed seeing the look in Remy's eyes. "Let someone else comfort Warren, Remy. You've been tossing and turning for some time." Bobby spooned his body against Remy's and tucked them in. "Try and sleep," he advised and wondered whether Warren's angst was keeping Remy awake.

Remy closed his eyes, soothed by Bobby's closeness, but Warren's pain kept battering against his shields. Yes, he could shut it out, but that felt like turning his back on Angel and he didn't want to do that.

"Logan will deal with Warren," Bobby reminded Remy, relaxation slowly drifting in to his lover's mind. //Want to know about my latest fantasy?// Bobby asked, using the link.

//Oui,// Remy replied and snuggled up to Bobby. To his surprise he'd found that he loved listening to Bobby's voice in his head, as it tended to fill him with love and passion. Smiling, he allowed Bobby's thoughts to wash through him and finally he was lured in to sleep.

Logan didn't knock before entering Warren's room; knowing Angel wouldn't let him in otherwise. He sucked in his breath seeing Worthington, hunched down in a corner, beating his fists against the floor. Mentally reviewing his possibilities he decided to give Warren a chance to start this conversation.
Walking over to the messy bed he sat down, back against the wall, pulled up his knees and rested his hands on them. "Wanna talk?"

"No," Warren hissed, not raising his head, still staring at the floor. "And I can't remember telling you to come inside."

"Ya didn't. " Logan took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for what was to come. "I wouldn't have listened to ya anyway. Ya need to talk this out, Worthington."

"Talk about what?" Warren raised his burning eyes, glaring at Logan in obvious embarrassment.

"Death," Logan replied calmly. "Ya can't hide from yar past."

"I guess you're speaking from personal experience?"

Warren's tone carried arrogance and Logan knew what Angel was doing, trying to get him out of the room again. "Yeah, that's why I know how ya feel right now."

Warren laughed embittered. "I feel like begging Apocalypse to change me back in to Death!"

"Yeah," Logan grunted, "'cause then the pain will go away. You didn't feel anythin' 'cept rage when ya were a Horsemen." It was a guess, but an educated one.

"I didn't =feel= anything, except for this need to carry out Apocalypse's commands." Warren stroked back his hair and pushed himself to his feet, using the wall as support. He hadn't slept these last two nights and his guilt was driving him insane. He'd hoped Logan would show up? or Remy? to talk to him. They understood what he was going through.

"That's the easy way out and ya never struck me as a coward," Logan commented, carefully observing Warren. "Want company?"

"Yes," Warren admitted and moved over to the bed. He sat down as far away as possible from Logan. "How do I deal with it?" he asked eventually.

Logan growled. "Ya can't brin' back the dead, kid. Ya'll have to accept what ya did and ya have to realize that it can happen again. Once ya tasted blood?"

Warren silently sobbed, head turned away from Logan, feeling ashamed for letting tears drip down his face. "I don't ever want to be like =that= again. I'd rather take my own life!"

Logan sighed and slid down the bed to sit beside Warren. "That's no solution and ya know it."

"But?" Warren tried fighting the tears and the pain but failed. "I still hear them screaming."

"And they will for the rest of yar life," Logan said compassionately, "But the screams will also remind ya that ya can't let it happen again."

"I'm?" Warren didn't know what he wanted to say and looked helplessly to Logan for answers, letting go of his pretended arrogance.

"Lost," Logan finished for him. "Ya'll find the way back again. Every life ya'll save from now on will have a new meanin'. Ya've taken life, but ya can also protect it. It's a choice ya have to make."

Logan wasn't sure if he was reading the man right, but decided to trust his instincts and gently placed an arm around Warren's shoulders. "Ya don't have to do it alone, ya know. Ya can talk to me and Cajun wants to help too."

Warren had frozen at the feel of an arm slung around his frame, but then forced himself to calm down. "Promise me something?"

"What?" Logan said alert.

"That if I ever turn in to Death again that you'll kill me?" Warren locked eyes with him, pleading from the pit of his soul.

Logan berated himself. He should have expected that request, which he had once made himself after he'd gone feral for the first time. "Ya'll make sure it won't happen again," he said soothingly and was surprised as Warren leaned in to the embrace.

"I feel like I betrayed everything I ever believed in," Warren whispered and stared at his shaking hands. "I still see blood dripping from?"

Logan placed a finger on Warren's lips, silencing him. "Ya killed? now start makin' up f'r it f'r the rest of yar life, 'cause that's how it's goin' to be."

"Is that why you're still with the X-Men?" Warren asked as Logan removed his finger.

"Yeah, kid. This is my way of makin' up for what I did and I'm even gettin' back things I never expected. Friendship, concern, ice in my bathroom."

Warren finally smiled hearing that last comment. "I wish there was something I could do to make up for what I did."

Logan approvingly nodded his head. "Concentrate on the things ya can do, kid."

Warren closed his eyes as Logan's fingers massaged the back of his neck. It felt so good to know he wasn't alone, that someone was willing to back him up and catch him should he fall. "Any ideas?"

Logan shrugged. "Ya got all that money? use it."

"I could?" Warren started to feel sleepy; relaxing as Logan pulled him closer, needing this contact so badly right now. He didn't want to be alone with his thoughts, the blood on his hands and his pain. "I could set up a fund for? street kids? provide more shelters," he said suddenly, remembering what had happened to Remy.

"That's a good start," Logan stated. "Ya might wanna ask Gumbo's help."

"Remy?" Warren nodded his head. "Yes, he might know where the shelters are needed most."

"Now, why don't ya try gettin' some sleep? I know ya've been pacin' these last two nights." Logan disliked the dark circles underneath Warren's eyes and sensed the tremors rocking Angel's body.

"I don't want to go to sleep. I keep having nightmares and?" Warren stopped as Logan pulled him further on to the bed, allowing him to use his chest as a pillow. "Didn't I once say I don't want you in my bed?" Warren said hesitantly, uncertain what was going on.

"Just close yar eyes and sleep. I'm goin' to do the same," Logan replied, as Warren started to tense up. "Figured ya don't wanna sleep alone."

"Thanks," Warren whispered, as it was the truth. "You know, you're complete the opposite of the man I thought you were."

Logan smiled, knowing Warren couldn't see it.

"And why do you keep calling me kid?" Warren asked, as his eyes dropped shut. "I know you're 150 years old, but?"

"Stop talkin', Wings. I'm tryin' to sleep." Sensing Warren's regular breathing he knew the man was asleep. He recognized his own pain in Warren and wanted to help him find the way back.

Warren's right hand snaked upwards until it found his and Logan squeezed it, realizing Warren was making sure he was still here and not alone. "I'll help ya work through this," he promised and gave in to sleep himself.

 

Chapter Fifteen

The four remaining days until Christmas passed by rather uneventful. Peace and a joyous feeling settled over the Mansion as the X-Men were preparing for Christmas.

Remy was learning to control his abilities with Jean's help and Bobby never strayed far from his side. The psi link between them was unsettling at times, but the two men seemed to be getting used to it and Bobby was determined to use it to their mutual benefit. The link offered him a new insight in to Remy's feelings and thoughts and he used it to calm the Cajun at nights when Remy suffered from a rare nightmare.

At first Warren often turned to Remy to talk to him about his experiences as Death but quickly realized Remy was in no condition to mentally support him, as the Cajun was struggling with his own memories.

In the end he only confided in Logan and none of the others ever commented on the fact that Logan spent most nights in Angel's room, offering support and a listening ear.

This was obviously a time for injured to heal, to reach out to the other and settle in to a new routine in which no one felt left out.

Warren had already contacted several people to set up a fund for street kids all over the US and followed Logan's advice in trying to get Remy to help him. But every time he breached the subject of living on the streets Remy tried hard to avoid answering them.

As he made another attempt at addressing the matter Warren quickly backed off, seeing Remy's watered eyes. Warren knew he'd pushed too hard as Remy simply walked away. "Remy, I'm sorry," he called out as the Cajun quickly left the room. Damn! He'd only asked what would make street kids accept help!

"Give him more time," Jean stated compassionately. She had overheard part of the conversation. Except for Bobby she was probably the only one who knew what horrors Remy had been subjected to as a child. She had seen the dark images in his mind as she had helped him release Death's rage and the memory still made her tremble.

"Jean?" Warren got to his feet and joined her in the corridor. "You know why I'm asking him those questions." He had told her about his plans, wanting to know if she felt he was doing the right thing. She had been enthusiastic and had even encouraged him to get Remy involved.

Jean nodded her head, trying to find a way to make Warren understand how badly hurt Remy felt. "Remy hasn't dealt with his pain yet. Now that he feels safe, sheltered and accepted the hurt is finally surfacing and for the first time in his life he's trying to work through it, something he couldn't do as a child. I know you mean well, but don't push him, Warren." Jean spoke in a gentle tone, knowing Warren's motives to be genuine.

"I'm trying hard to understand him," he admitted, "from what Logan told me I know what probably happened to him, but?" Warren sighed. "Need any help preparing Christmas dinner?" he offered. He'd do anything to escape his own pain. At nights Logan was there to offer support and guidance but during the daytime guilt and shame came crashing in.

"Sure," Jean accepted and took hold of his arm. "I still need someone to peel the potatoes."

Remy retreated back to his room, a place where he had hardly spent any time recently. For some reason he usually ended up in Bobby's room. His lover's name brought a smile to his lips and he couldn't help reaching out, //Bobby? Are y' still in de cellar?//

//Remy!// came the reply at once. //I just found the Christmas decorations!//

Remy smiled warmly, relieved Bobby was having a good time, digging out the Christmas stuff with Hank and Jubilee.

//Are you okay, Remy? Are you brooding again?//

That was the one disadvantage to the psi link as far as he was concerned. He didn't want Bobby to experience his memories, mood swings or pain, but Bobby had told him he could deal with it. No need to shut down the link and the truth was that Bobby's presence in his mind was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

//Are you going to help us decorate the tree and house? Please?// Bobby asked in a pleading/giggling tone.

Remy's smile broadened. //Later, cher,// and tried putting more emotional distance between them. Bobby was right. He was brooding, trying to make sense of these last weeks.

"Remy?"

The soft voice made him turn around. "Stormy?" Why would she come to his room?

"Brother," Storm said and was delighted to see that the smile actually reached his eyes. Walking over to the window she took in his appearance. "You look well," she said, knowing very well what Bobby's part in his recovery was.

"Y' look beautiful as always," he replied sincerely. Staying away from her thoughts and emotions he looked at her questioningly. Something seemed different about her tonight.

Storm sighed softly and then wrapped her arms around him. "I forgive you, Remy, brother, friend, thief," she whispered compassionately, realizing he was probably experiencing her sincerity.

A tear surfaced in his eyes. "Merci, chere, means a lot t' dis thief."

Storm sought out his eyes. "Yet something is bothering you. You can tell me, Remy," she offered and smiled as he gently, almost hesitantly returned the embrace. "What is it?"

"I don' know," Remy whispered against her neck as she refused to break the embrace. "I've never been dis happy before, can' last."

"The professor will join us this evening and once more take up residence at the mansion. Do you think you can confide in him?" Jean had hinted at the enormity of the pain her friend was carrying in his heart.

"No one can help m' wid dis, Stormy." Remy finally broke the hold she had on him and stared at the snow, which refused to go away. "It's my past."

"Remy?"

"Dere was a time when I? lived on de streets, before I was a thief," he refused to meet her eyes. "Ange is askin' a lot of questions 'bout dat time an' it's bringin' back memories I'm scared of."

Scared? Storm thought. Her friend was admitting something frightened him?

"Dey called me Devil spawn, demon eyes, son of satan," Remy confessed. "An' after all dese years it still hurts."

"Remy," Storm started and raised his chin. "You know who and what you are. A mutant, born with special, very special gifts. Do you know how much you've given us these last days? You've shown us that we'd strayed from our chosen path. The way you?" she paused, searching for the right words, "showed Warren compassion when he needed it most, opened our eyes. You, my friend are a shining example for the rest of us. You've found a family, home and even a lover here," Storm ended, not repressing a grin as she spoke those last words.

"Stormy," Remy started in a shaky tone.

"Come, my friend. Robert wants your help decorating."

Storm pulled him in to the corridor and Remy allowed a smile to break through.

Remy muttered softly, as he was sent outside to fetch firewood. Bobby had this great idea of using the old fireplace to make it 'cozy'! "Merde, an' I've got t' get de wood!" It was cold and he shivered, remembering a different cold.

Suddenly the wood dropped from his arms as he picked up a presence, close, getting closer all the time? "Non," he moaned miserably and quickly closed the psi link. It would take Bobby a moment to realize the connection had vanished, but he hoped that by then the worst was behind him.
Staring at the sky he watched Rogue and Joseph land, her arms filled with presents. He almost averted his eyes, too painful to look at her.

"Remy?" Rogue exclaimed in an odd tone.

Remy's stomach twisted, convulsed and he fought the urge to throw up the hot chocolate Bobby had made him moments ago.

"Yuh still 'live?" Rogue stuttered, glancing at Joseph who'd taken a step back. "Ah thought yuh'd died!"

"Why?" Remy whispered, trying hard to shut out her emotions. He didn't want to =feel= her =feelings=!

"Yuh told me tuh leave yuh behind, swamprat, or don't yuh remember? Yuh invaded my mind!" Rogue said vehemently. "Yuh wanted tuh die!"

"I didn'," Remy objected weakly as Rogue advanced on him. She was still beautiful to him, but something was battering against his shields and it wasn't love. "Why, chere? Why leave m'? I don' have a deat'wish!"

"Sure yuh have, swamprat!" Rogue unceremoniously dropped the gifts in to the snow. "Yuh were in my mind! Ah know the truth!"

"Non," Remy leaned against the wall. "I don' believe dat! I would never violate y'r mind like dat! I t'ought y' loved m'."

"Yuh betrayed that love, sugah!" Rogue stated. "When yuh kissed me I saw treason! Yuh got the Morlocks killed."

"I didn' know Sinister's plans!" Remy defended himself softly. "If y' really were in my mind y' must know dat."

Rogue exchanged a glance with Joseph who looked uncomfortable. "Yuh never loved me, Remy. =Really= loved me," she whispered.

"I was willin' t' forget 'bout touchin' y for de rest of my live!" Remy moaned and shook his head. "I loved y', chere."

"It ain't good 'nough!" she finally spat. "Yuh deserved tuh die out there! Look at what yuh did tuh flyboy! Look at what yuh did to =me=!"

Remy felt queasy as he suddenly realized what kind of emotions he was picking up. Hate and? she was toying with him like a cat with a mouse. "Chere, please?"

"No, ah ain't finished yet!" Her eyes widened a little as they noticed movement to his right. A door had opened and someone had stepped on to the porch. "Flyboy," she whispered.

"Ange?" Remy looked up pleadingly. Rogue's emotions were suffocating him. He couldn't handle more hate directed at his person, but?

Rogue was right. Warren had every reason to hate him. Warren might have made an effort to befriend him, but now that he was reminded of just how treacherous he had been, Angel would surely regain his senses.

//I know y' hate m',// he cast in to Warren's mind. //I'm sorry?// and bowed his head in defeat.

Warren flinched hearing those words and his jaw was set in firm determination as he looked from Remy to Rogue. "I think that's enough, Rogue. =You= left a teammate behind to die. If there is a traitor among us, then it's you!"

Remy's head jerked back. "Ange?" he whispered stunned. Was Warren really defending him?

"Swamprat's responsible for the loss of yor wings!" Rogue protested in a venomous tone.

"No," Warren walked over to Remy, seeing panic in those red eyes. "The Marauders did that to me. Remy fought them as well."

"He put them together, sugah in case yuh forgot that!" Rogue took a step back, closer towards Joseph. "Ah ain't the traitor here!"

"Child," a voice came from above, "You better leave the mansion now." Storm descended, using her control of the winds to ensure a soft landing. "You've hurt my brother." A saddened expression appeared in her eyes. "You almost killed him."

"Storm!" Rogue said pleadingly. "He told me tuh leave him behind!"

"Even if he did that, somethin' I doubt very much," another voice said from the left, "Ya don't leave the kid out there to die! We X-Men take care of each other!" Logan cocked his head and the look he gave her was menacing. "They're right. Ya better leave the mansion."

Remy was still in shock. The X-Men had chosen to defend him? They'd taken his side? "I don' understand, mes amis," he whispered and studied their faces. "Mon Dieu! Y're serious!"

"Yes, we are!" Bobby shrugged off Hank's hand, which had kept him back. He'd wanted to help Remy carry the firewood as they'd seen Rogue's arrival and they had heard her accusations. "You don't leave someone to die in Antarctica, Rogue!" Bobby admonished her and took up position next to his lover. "Don't you have any feelings at all? How cold is your heart?"

"Bobby, cher," Remy whispered, sensing Bobby's anger. His lover was about to explode with rage.

Rogue looked up hearing that particular tone. Remy had often used it addressing her. "What's goin' on here?" she whispered, realizing how close the two men were standing.

Scott and Jean slowly approached and Cyclops felt thankful Joseph was staying out of this discussion. "They're right, Rogue. At the moment you aren't welcome here. I suggest you contact the professor tomorrow. Maybe he can work this out, but I don't want you to ruin Christmas for us. We've worked hard to?" and then he realized the truth.

"To become the family we once were," Jean finished with a smile. "If you want to return to that family, Rogue, you'll have to earn our trust again."

"But the Cajun is a traitor! He violated my mind and?"

"Stop this!" Charles Xavier exclaimed. They hadn't even noticed his arrival, too caught up in their discussion. "Rogue, I will contact you tomorrow, but for now you'll leave the premises!"

Rogue glared at Remy and he felt the impact of that hate. "Dere's a t'in line between love an' hate," he whispered, "Why cross it, chere?"

"Yuh ain't good 'nough!" she spat again and kicked the presents deeper in to the snow. "Yuh don't know what love is!"

"Oh yes, he does!" Bobby countered and brushed a lock of hair out of Remy's face before kissing his lover gently. "You threw away the best thing that could have possibly happened to you," he told her, not making a secret of the fact that they were lovers. "Somehow, I pity you, Rogue."

Hissing, cursing, Rogue returned to Joseph. "Ah will be back!"

"Hopefully not," Bobby whispered, as Remy trembled in his arms. His lover was cold and? "Stop blocking your thoughts, Remy. I want you to open the link," he said, desperate to comfort Remy any way he could.

Remy wasn't sure that was a good thing, but did as he was told.

//Remy, I'm so sorry she said all those things to you? and no! They aren't true!// he sent Remy, feeling his doubts. "Even Warren defended you, remember?"

Remy nodded his head, hesitantly locking eyes with Angel. "Merci, Ange?"

Warren patted Remy's back. "I'll get the firewood. You get inside with the others."

Remy allowed Bobby to pull him back inside and as he sat down he could only stare at the X-Men who had formed a circle around him. "Professor?" he stuttered awkwardly.

"We'll talk later," Charles decided. They had a lot to discuss. Magneto would be one of their subjects, Rogue another. "But I'm glad to see my X-Men rose to the occasion," he complimented them. "Maybe my absence forced you to grow," he pondered aloud and smiled, feeling the love flowing between Bobby and Remy.

Outside, Warren stared at the sky. Rogue had reminded him of how he used to think about Remy. He hoped she would one day realize her mistakes. His wings itched underneath the fabric and he smiled.

Logan helped Jubilee to get all dishes back to the kitchen and the others settled down in front of the fireplace, which was burning and radiating heat. Charles wondered about the psi potential he sensed in Remy's mind. It was much stronger than he'd ever suspected.

Looking at the young man Charles felt his confusion. It was probably a rare thing for the Cajun to have people actually watching his back and coming to his rescue.

"Remy?" Bobby sat down next to his lover and squeezed his hand. "It's time to open the presents."

Jean was fidgeting with the CD-player, trying to get it to play the song she wanted. A moment later, Last Christmas by George Michael echoed through the room.

"I don' have any presents t' give," Remy reminded his lover awkwardly.

"That's okay, kid," Logan grunted. "You've already given us enough."

Remy looked up, wondering what that remark had been about, then saw Warren sitting next to Logan. Yes, maybe he'd managed to give them something, though he wasn't sure what it was. He still felt bad though.

"In the professor's absence,." Scott started, "You made us remember what the X-Men are about, Remy. You forced us to think about the parts we played. Truth is," and he looked at Charles who nodded his head. "We made a mistake when we didn't go back to search for you in Antarctica."

Jean took over, smiling warmly at Remy. "Truth is we never made you feel like you could trust us."

"Or to turn to us when you needed us," Hank sighed. "We regret that."

"And we're glad for the second chance we've been given," Warren whispered. "I don't know how you survived that cold, but I know we're glad to have you back with us. Especially Bobby should be happy about that," he added and glanced at Logan who had lit a cigar.

"Wings is right, ya know." Logan said and grabbed a gift-wrapped box from underneath the Christmas tree. "That's for ya, Drake!" Logan disliked Remy's watered eyes and wanted to break the tension in the room.

Curious, Bobby tore the paper of the box, which eventually revealed an audiotape. "Wolvie?"

"Jean, do me a favor and play it!" Logan said and gave her a wink.

Jean took the tape and pressed play. They heard soft panting, rustling sheets and then, "Stop Bobbying me! I want you now, damnit. I want you to =take= me!"

Bobby gasped hearing his own voice, staring at Logan. "You taped that?!"

"Yeah, will teach ya to freeze the water in my shower!" Logan remarked and enjoyed his cigar.

Remy however smiled weakly. No matter what would happen, he wasn't going to feel ashamed or embarrassed about the most special night he'd ever had. He would cherish Bobby's passion for the rest of his life. This time, he squeezed Bobby's hand reassuringly. //Love y', cher.//

Bobby looked relieved at that message and placed a kiss on Remy's lips.

"Harder, Remy, faster!" Bobby's taped voice screamed through the room.

Scott flushed crimson red and Jean giggled, slapping her knees. "Priceless, Logan!" She stated amused.

Jubilee had crawled towards Logan, sitting on the floor. "Harder? Faster? Wolvie, do you happen to have a vid as well?"

Logan shot her a desperate glance. "Ya way too youn' too look at somethin' like that!"

Charles was hardly able to contain his laughter, but it was the look on Hank's face that caught his attention.

"Who would have guessed," Hank said, looking at Bobby, "that Remy is the silent type and you the screamer, Robert?"

That set off a genuine smirk on Bobby's face. "Hey, at least Remy and I had some phenomenal sex!"

Warren looked away, slightly embarrassed and found himself staring in to Remy's red eyes. "I still have to get used to this," Warren said apologetically and felt Logan's eyes glide over his face.

"Can I have a copy of dat tape, mon ami?" Remy requested, briefly forgetting about Rogue and the hate she had emanated.

"Sure," Logan growled. "Ya might also wanna listen to the conversation Bobby and? Renard had durin' ya sleep, Cajun."

Now, that did cause a flush to appear on Remy's face. "Y don' need t' tell all secrets," he said pleadingly, but Logan only grinned.

"Renard?" Storm quipped. "Who is Renard, Remy?"

Jean, sensing Remy's beginning embarrassment stopped the tape and then threw it at Bobby. "I'm afraid my present will only make things worse."

"Y'r present?" Remy moaned. "Are Bobby and I de only ones getting' dem?"

"No," Bobby corrected and showed them his gifts.

Jean smiled handing them hers. "Enjoy," she whispered and then sat down, resting her head against Scott's shoulder.

Bobby started to unwrap the gift, a little more cautious by now. "What's this?"

"Fluffy handcuffs?" Warren said, standing behind them and having an excellent view. "Fluffy handcuffs?" he repeated stunned.

"Looks like I'm going to cuff you to my bed, Remy!" Bobby smiled and shook his head. //Should have known they would do something like this!// he told Remy using the link.

Sensing his lover's emotional turmoil he used the link to reassure him. //It's okay, Remy. It's their way of telling us they are okay with this, with us.// He could tell that Remy felt uncomfortable and that this was kinda new to him. "We'll put them to good use, Jean!"

Giggling, Jean said, "I'm sure you will!"

Charles had watched the scene with growing? admiration. His X-Men hadn't let him down. Maybe he hadn't made such grave mistakes, perhaps the damage could be repaired after all. He'd start with training Remy and deciding what to do about Rogue.

"Logan? Got something for you too," Warren said unexpected and handed the Canadian his gift.

"For me?" Logan whispered flabbergasted. "Are ya sure ya ain't mixin' somethin' up?"

"I'm sure," Warren said determined and then, almost as if trying to get away from Logan slid next to Bobby on to the couch, furthest away from Wolverine, Whispering something in to Bobby's ear, Warren watched Logan closely.

//Remy? You won't believe this,// Bobby sent to his lover who quickly looked up at him. //You might wanna cover your ears.//

"Cigars?" Logan grunted contented. "And they ain't the cheap kind either!"

Warren grinned as Logan lit one cigar. "Any moment now," he whispered softly.

A loud bang echoed through the living room and smoke gathered above Logan's head. His cigar had exploded and left his face blackened.

"Well done!" Bobby complimented Warren. "Looks like we're even now!" he quipped, laughing warmly, hearing Logan growl.

"X-Men!" Charles said chidingly, but the smile, which had formed on his face revealed his true feelings. "No more practical jokes! And Logan? Don't swing your claws at Warren!"

Storm was doing her best to appear dignified, but the giggling was contagious and as she rose from her chair she tried to look calm. "This is for Bobby and you," and handed Remy an envelope.

"Stormy?" Remy whispered surprised.

"Hank, Jubilee and I thought you deserved a break," she explained as she made her way back to her chair.

Bobby realized that Remy's hands were trembling as he opened the envelope. Out fell two pieces of paper. "Wow!" Bobby exclaimed. "Those are tickets! We're going to? Paris!" he stated ecstatic.

Remy however swallowed hard. "I can' accept this, chere," and looked Storm in the eyes.

"Sure you can, my friend," Hank cut him short. "I made reservations in Hôtel Normandy, an excellent hotel. I stayed there myself while attending a medical convention."

Shakily, Remy got to his feet and hugged Storm who immediately returned the embrace. Bobby ran over to Hank, patting the blue furry skin and winking at McCoy like a madman. As Remy reached Jubilee he placed a gentle kiss on her brow. "Merci, petite," and surprised he realized she was blushing.

"Come here, handsome," Bobby said and pulled Remy back on to the couch. "I'm saving my present until we're alone!"

Remy sighed resigned, as he had never expected this obvious show of affection. He felt like he'd finally found a home, a family.

"Anyone else who's still holding on to a present?" Charles inquired. "If not I'd like to start on the punch and eggnog."

Warren seemed about to say something, then shook his head. Charles smiled. "Hank? are there any snacks left?"

As they moved over to the drinks Warren walked up to Remy and said, "Can I talk to you? In private?"

"Cher?" Remy looked to Bobby for a reply.

"Sure, Warren, as long as you return Remy to me."

Bobby joined the others and Warren asked Remy to join him in the corner of the room.

A little nervous Remy waited for Warren to speak up. "What's wrong, Ange?"

"I don't know how to say this," Warren sighed and produced another envelope. "It's not really a Christmas present, but... I want you to know this."

Fingers trembling Remy opened the slip of paper. "A cheque?"

"Well, yes? I want you to help me run the homeless shelters I've been setting up all over the country. A? joint venture so to speak. It's more a symbolic gesture really, the cheque, as the money is already spent."

Choking up Remy stared at the amount written down on the paper. "Y' can feed a lot of hungry mout's wid that money."

"I plan on doing just that. I know I've been asking? unpleasant questions, but I don't know where to find the right people for this job. I need your help."

Touched, Remy nodded his head. //Mais oui, I'll help,// and realized too late he'd used telepathy to tell Warren that.

"Good, then let's join the others, before Bobby freezes the punch. He did that once, you know."

Remy stared at the cheque during his way over to Bobby who had heard everything via the link.

"Here," Bobby offered Remy some punch.

"I ain't sure dat's a good idea, Bobby," Remy objected at the sight of alcohol. In the past his charm power had acted up when intoxicated.

//You're an empath? as well as a telepath,// sounded Xavier's voice in both their heads. //There is no charm power, Remy.//

Nodding his head, remembering Magneto pointing out the same thing to him, he slowly sipped from his glass.

"And now, if you excuse us, we're going to have a private party!" Bobby stated and pointed his finger at Logan. "And don't you dare taping it!"

Logan cocked his head. "Perhaps I will, perhaps I won't."

Remy smiled as Bobby pulled him upstairs.

"You didn't peek at the present, did you?" Bobby wanted to know.

"Non," Remy assured him, "I didn'."

 

Chapter Sixteen

"Sit down on the bed," Bobby commanded in a soft tone, suddenly nervous and uncertain if Remy would actually like his gift. Maybe it was way too soon and was he making a grave error. Even the link was useless at a time like this.

"What is it, cher?" Remy made himself comfortable on the bed, stretching his long legs and pushed a pillow underneath his back. He was still trying to comprehend all the things the X-Men had said, the way they had told Rogue off. Only Jean-Luc had ever backed him up all the way and he missed?

Bobby sat down, receiving most of Remy's thoughts. Whenever the Cajun was depressed his control over the link faded a little. "You miss your father?"

"An' tante!" Remy added. Seeing Bobby's confused smile he added, "She took care of m', tried raisin' m', was de mère I never had."

"I hope I'll get to meet them one day." Bobby sat down cross-legged, with the present in his left hand. "You can't go and visit them, right?" He remembered Remy telling him New Orleans was forbidden turf.

"Oui, had t' flee de city years ago," Remy admitted. "Would like t' see dem once in a while dough."

"Why don't you invite them over?" Bobby suggested. //Or are you afraid they won't come?// Almost automatically he'd switched in to using the link. He had found himself doing that whenever the topic was personal to Remy.

"Père can' leave like dat an' tante? I don' know," Remy tried brushing off the subject. "So, y' got m' a present?" he said, switching subjects.

Bobby placed a hand on Remy's knee, squeezing it gently. For the moment he would let the subject rest, but later on he'd try and get Remy to at least phone or write his family.

//Bobby, cher?// Remy sent, seeing the thoughtful expression in his lover's eyes.

"Yeah, right, the present," Bobby said and his eyes brightened. "I hope you'll like it."

"Bobby," Remy started, wanting to tell him that he would always love presents coming from his lover, but the look Bobby gave him silenced the Cajun.

"Here, you unwrap it." Bobby handed the box over to Remy and relished the disbelief he still felt in his lover's mind. It was hard for Remy to accept that people actually cared for him, even loved him.

Remy's fingers removed the paper carefully, not tearing it impatiently like Bobby had done earlier. "Y' didn' ave t' do dis," he said in a tone heavy with accent.

"I wanted to do it," Bobby countered and smiled as the small jewelry box finally appeared. "C'mon," he encouraged the Cajun, "Open it!"

His hands were still trembling as he opened the box. "Rings?" he stuttered.

"Well, you might think it's too early for that," Bobby said soothingly and took out one of the rings. "I had yours engraved. If you want to wear it, that's fine. If you're uncomfortable with the idea you can put the box away." Bobby noticed the odd expression to Remy's eyes. Concentrating on the link he only received confusion.

"Engraved?" Remy mumbled. "Dese must have been expensive, cher," he commented with an expert's eye. The rings were made of silver and he slowly turned it around to have a look at the inscription. "Forever, my angel." he whispered, more upset than he wanted Bobby to know. Someone had actually bought this for him? Had it engraved? "Bobby?"

Bobby smiled, finally realizing what was upsetting his lover. "You're an empath, Remy. How come you still can't accept I love you?"

//I don't know, cher,// now it was Remy lapsing in to using the link.

"Well, want me to put the box away or slide the ring on to your finger?" he quipped, comfortable with whatever Remy was going to decide.

"What 'bout y'r ring?" Remy asked and noticed the absence of an inscription.

"You can go back to the jeweler I bought it from and have an inscription put in, if you want that," Bobby told him and gently brushed Remy's lips.

"You know, Remy," he started in a tender tone. "I've never loved anyone as much as I love you." And I would have frozen the cells in Rogue's body had she even tried to harm you. God help me, but it's true. Bobby hoped Remy hadn't received that particular thought.

"Merci, cher," Remy whispered awed, took the other ring from the box, closed it and began to slide the ring down Bobby's finger. "I'll have it engraved," he promised. //But I have no idea what it should say.//

"Remy?" Bobby smiled seeing the stunned expression in his lover's eyes and took hold of the other ring. "You're okay with this?"

//Oui, cher,// Remy told him and watched in disbelief as the ring fit perfectly. Bobby hugged him, tightly, making sure he was aware of his lover's presence.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Charles said after clearing his throat. He'd had felt the emotional exchange and hated to intrude, but? "Remy someone wants to say good-bye."

"If it's Rogue she can?" Bobby said defensively.

"No, it's not Rogue," Charles calmed him and then looked at Remy again. "He's waiting for you at the clearing."

Remy's eyes grew big. Xavier couldn't know about? Magneto. Only Jean and Bobby knew about his savior.

"I know he won't mind Bobby accompanying you as the snow is still thick outside," Charles said, not in the least surprised to learn Remy had told Bobby even this secret.

But something else =was= bothering him. Remy's shields were so weak in comparison to his psi powers. Just how strong was he? Charles wondered baffled. Nothing had ever indicated this psi potential. Yes, he had suspected, no known, about the empathy but this manifestation of Remy's latent telepathy had taken him by surprise and he realized he had to train Remy well.

"Monsieur," Remy whispered in a soft tone. "Y' know 'bout? Magneto?"

Charles smiled warmly. "We go way back, Magnus and I, Remy. He was the one who urged me to return to the mansion. Magnus still worries about you. I think he almost suffered a heart attack when Warren attacked you, although I doubt my old friend will ever admit to that!"

"I was 'fraid y'd t'ink m' a?" Remy was unable to finish the sentence.

"A traitor? Because Magnus saved your life, Remy? No," Charles said reassuringly. "Now get going. Gambit."

Remy looked to Bobby who had fetched their parkas. "Are y' comin' 'long?" he asked, uncertain he could make it to the clearing alone in the middle of the night and with all that snow surrounding him.

"Sure I am!" Bobby stated determined and slid in to his parka. As Remy briefly left the room to put on a sweater Bobby turned to the professor. "I'm glad you're back, sir."

"It's good to be back!" Charles admitted. Then he turned thoughtfully. "You have done a great job with Remy, Robert. I can feel the change within him."

Bobby sighed. "He's still depressed though and something is eating him. Maybe you can try and talk to him?"

"I will," Charles promised. "And I will examine his abilities closely. Robert, do you realize how strong his telepathic talent is?" Charles muttered, more to himself than to Bobby. "I never knew?"

Bobby was about to reply as Remy appeared again. Laughing warmly he helped Remy in to his parka. "Do you know you impressed the professor?"

Remy shot Xavier a troubled glance. "What are y' talkin' 'bout, cher?"

"We will discuss your latent telepathy tomorrow, after a good night's sleep," Xavier decided and watched them leave, wondering why Magnus had insisted on speaking to Remy one last time.

Magneto quickly noticed the two figures approaching the clearing and waited patiently for them to arrive. He only had one thing to say to Remy and then he'd disappear again. The next time they'd meet would probably be as enemies. And he regretted that for several reasons.

//Bobby?// Remy asked and felt reassured as his lover pulled him closer.

//He saved your life. I can understand he wants to talk to you a last time.//

//Merci.//
Bobby shook his head. //C'mon, we shouldn't keep him waiting.//

As they arrived at the clearing Magneto was pacing, but looked up seeing the two men. "Remy," Magneto started and didn't repress the pride he felt concerning the young man, hoping the Cajun would pick up on it. He gave Bobby a polite nod and then focused on the other young mutant.

"Seems to me like you touched their hearts, Remy," he said in an odd tone and quickly composed himself again. "You didn't believe me at the time, but returning to the mansion was the best thing you could do, wasn't it?"

"Oui," Remy replied a little nervous. "Merci for takin' m' back."

Bobby watched with growing interest. What was he missing here?

"I'm proud, Remy. If I had a son, I would have liked him to be like you. Charles can be proud of you." Magneto drew in a deep breath. "I've got to go now, destroy the world, things like that," he added remembering Remy's comment, trying to get rid of the tension between them.

Remy smiled hearing that. "I won' judge y' dat quickly 'gain."

"Good," Magneto said pleased, then turned to Drake. "As far as I'm concerned you better look after him if you don't want me breathing down your neck."

Bobby shrugged his shoulders, not in the least impressed. He was too busy trying to figure out what this was about. This wasn't typical behavior for Magneto. "I'll take care of him."

Magneto seemed to stall, as if unwilling to leave. He moistened his lips, about to say something, then seemingly dismissed the idea. "We'll meet again, as enemies," he said at last and used his magnetic powers to take to the air.

Bobby and Remy watched him leave, both with unspoken questions. In the end it was Remy who said, "I'm cold, cher."

"Yeah, let's head home," Bobby studied Remy's eyes and asked, "What's wrong?"

" I sensed his pride," Remy admitted. "I don't understan' why he feels like dat."

"Neither do I," Bobby whispered and began pulling his lover back towards the house. "But I do know I want another discussion with Renard tonight!"
Smiling, Remy placed a kiss on Bobby's brow. //Renard might be up f'r dat, cher!// he sent wickedly.

 

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