Title: The eyes of a child

Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)

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

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The eyes of a child 7 - Puberty

By Morgana

 

"Remy, you did extremely well on dis last test," Jean-Luc remarked, pleased. Remy had passed his first Guild test and had achieved the official status of Guild thief. "De next step is startin' your trainin' to become a master t'ief."

"Merci, m'sieur." Remy beamed with pleasure, proudly wearing his new body armor, which Jean-Luc had given him as a reward for passing the test. These last four years had been the best of his life. He had become part of the LeBeau family, Mattie had taught him to control his empathy and Henri acted like a real big brother. Life couldn't get any better and that scared him. Something awful was bound to happen to remind him that he couldn't be this lucky.

"Belle will come over for dinner tonight." Jean-Luc smiled, seeing Remy's eyes flare. Belle and Remy had become good friends through the years and although they were always chaperoned, Jean-Luc was certain they were also meeting in secret. It pleased him that they got along. Marius had agreed to let Belle marry Remy and he had seen the happy expression in Remy's eyes when he had told his son the good news.

Remy grinned. "Can I go now, poppa?" Now that the official part was over, he addressed Jean-Luc as poppa again. "Wanna take a shower and dress up bien for Belle."

"Mais oui, get goin', mon fils. Dinner's at eight." Jean-Luc watched him hurry out of his study and after Remy had left, he leaned back in his chair and indulged himself by smoking a Cuban cigar. Watching the smoke float through the room, he realized how proud he was of Remy. The boy had made a remarkable recovery through the years, but the process wasn't complete yet. Remy still had problems accepting his sexuality.

Remy didn't really want to discuss his problems, but his son still allowed him into his mind at times, offering Jean-Luc information which Remy couldn't put into words. Remy still felt like he didn't deserve Belle, although the young girl was extremely fond of him. But there were other things as well. I need to sit him down for anot'er talk...

///

Remy sighed, enjoying the stream of warm water that caressed his body. While washing his hair, he wondered why Belle was coming over for dinner. They had talked last night, when they had both sneaked out of their homes and she hadn't mentioned coming over for dinner. Had something happened? Non, she would have let him know. They had their ways of communicating secretly.

Relaxing, he closed his eyes and lathered his body with soap. Non, don' let it start 'gain... His groin stirred and his penis was growing hard, fed by his memories of Belle's lips on his. She had first kissed him two months ago. They had both been hesitant and feeling awkward, but then she had taken the initiative and had brushed his lips. He had almost jerked away from her, not expecting the kiss, but had forced himself to accept the caress.

He was painfully erect now, but still refused to touch himself. It was bad enough he couldn't stop the erotic dreams, but he was damned if he would come willingly. His body already betrayed him at night and he wasn't adding to his shame. I ain' touchin' myself! I ain' a john.

Then Jean-Luc's speech came back to him, telling him it was normal and healthy to feel aroused and he began to doubt again. What if his father was right and it was okay to touch himself? He had been tempted to make himself come several times, but had always resisted the temptation. Rationally, he knew that nothing terrible could come from touching himself, but emotionally he felt frightened.

Hesitantly, his right hand traveled down his chest and he curled his fingers around his aching erection. Jus' dis once... jus' dis once... He would never do it again if he felt bad afterwards. Stroking awkwardly, he tried to focus on the arousal that continued to build in his groin.

"Mon Dieu." He panted softly, moving his hips and trying to fuck his hand harder. His eyes grew bigger as he realized what he was doing, but he felt unable to stop. He was about to come and he had to finish, had to take off the pressure that had been building for so long.

Leaning against the cold tiles, he stared at the hard flesh, already leaking pre-ejaculate. He was close, so close... "Oh, Belle..." He sighed the name, pumped harder and, as the orgasm hit him he dropped on his knees, trembling over his whole body.

The sensation ebbed away and left him feeling dirty. Grabbing the sponge, he tried to wipe away his semen, desperately trying to clean himself up. Shouldn' have done dat... it's wrong... dey paid me to do dis for dem!

Feeling guilty and lonely, a strange tingling in his fingertips jerked him back to full awareness. His fingertips... were they glowing? Impossible... Suddenly, the sponge began to glow as well. Tiny sparkles energized the air around the sponge and a strangled moan left his lips. What was happening? Was this happening because he had jerked off? I'll be bien in future... Mon Dieu, please let dis stop!

But the glow intensified and acting instinctively, he threw the sponge away. It hit the floor with a wet thud and Remy quickly ducked when an explosion rocked the bathroom, sending pieces of shattered tile in his direction.

Mon Dieu, why? Why did I do it? I should have known betta dan to touch myself... when will I ever learn? Still feeling shocked, he stared at the hole in the floor. Fragments of tiles had been swept into his shower cabin and a few had even hit his legs, breaking the skin. He was bleeding and the blood mingled with the water that was still cascading down his body.

"Remy?" Jean-Luc knocked on the bathroom door. The explosion had rocked this wing of the house and he had been walking passed Remy's room when the eruption had occurred.

"Remy?" Remembering Remy's panic when the boy had first had an erotic dream, he persevered and continued knocking and calling his son's name. He had to make sure Remy was all right.

Startling from his misery, Remy feared Jean-Luc might simply storm inside; he sounded worried enough to pick the lock and enter without permission. "Jus' a mo...ment..." Remy grabbed a large towel and wrapped it around his body. Standing in the shower cabin, he felt paralyzed. Although he wanted to move, he couldn't.

"Remy, either you open de door right now or I'm pickin' de lock!" Jean-Luc felt truly worried by now. Remy's empathy was leaking and he was picking up on his son's fear and confusion. Something had terribly upset Remy.

"I can' move..." Remy said, hoping it was loud enough for Jean-Luc to hear. "Poppa?" Suddenly, he felt like the nine year old that Jean-Luc had taken in years ago. "Please, poppa?"

Alarmed, Jean-Luc picked the lock in under five seconds and stormed into the bathroom, only stopping when he reached the hole in the bathroom floor. "Remy, what happened?" Looking at his son, he lunged forward, alerted by the panicked expression in the alien eyes. He wrapped an arm around Remy, who was desperately clinging to the towel that hid his groin from view and practically dragged his son into the bedroom where he sat him down on the couch. "Remy?"

Jean-Luc's hands moved over his body, and Remy shivered violently. He knew his father was only checking for injuries, but he couldn't deal with the touches right now; flashbacks were about to surface and he had to get away from Jean-Luc.

Jean-Luc read the fear in Remy's eyes and stopped examining his son. Remy's shins were bleeding and another shard had hit his son in the chest. It was still buried in the flesh and he had to remove it and dress the wounds.

"Remy? Listen to me? Please? What happened? How did de hole in de floor get dere? Why are de tiles shattered?" Remy was still trembling and Jean-Luc grabbed the blanket from Remy's bed and wrapped it around his son. "Remy, look at me?"

"Can'... you'll be mad at me..." Ashamed, he lowered his eyes and stared at the floor.

"Remy, why won' you tell me what happened?" Jean-Luc cupped Remy's chin in the palm of his hand and lifted his son's face, trying to catch the evasive eyes. "Remy? You trust me, remember?"

Remy sighed brokenly and closed his eyes when Jean-Luc's were about to meet his. "I... did somet'in'... bad."

"Bad?" Jean-Luc frowned. "Remy, you've never misbehaved and you were in de shower. In how much trouble can you get while takin' a shower?" Which piece of the puzzle was he missing?

"I... touched myself..." Remy stuttered. He rocked slightly, and Jean-Luc reacted as he had hoped he would, by hugging him and holding him close. "I never did dat 'fore."

Jean-Luc rested Remy's head against his chest and soothingly rubbed his son's back. "You never bought my li'l speech, non?"

"I know it's normal to feel dat way," Remy started, trying to put his confusion into words. "Mais it's wrong for me to feel dat way." It had made more sense when he had thought about it, but now that he was speaking the words, it sounded stupid.

Jean-Luc forced himself to remain calm; knowing Remy needed him close and in control. "Why is it wrong for you to enjoy your body, petit? Didn' we talk 'bout dis years ago? It's been naggin' at you ever since?"

Remy nodded his head against Jean-Luc's chest. "It's wrong 'cause... 'cause..." Words failed him, as he recalled the numerous times that johns had paid him to perform a sexual favor.

Jean-Luc felt at a loss. "Remy? Don' do dis to yourself. You're punishin' yourself for somethin' someone else did to you. You had to survive and it was de only way you knew how. You have to stop punishin' yourself, petit."

Remy shrugged his shoulders. "It's jus' de way I feel."

"Remy, what aren' you tellin' me?" Jean-Luc heard Remy's breathing speed up and he held his breath involuntarily.

"De sponge began to glow... it started right after I'd... I'd..."

"After you came?" Jean-Luc tightened his embrace, feeling Remy tense up. "It's bien, petit. Jus' tell me what scared you."

"I'm fifteen, poppa... and I'm actin' like a bébé." Remy tried to compose himself, but in his mind he experienced the explosion all over again as he tried push the memory into the back of his mind.

Jean-Luc smiled. "Everyone should have a shoulder to cry on if dey feel like it." How the hell was he going to find out about the hole in the floor? "Remy, you said dat de sponge began to glow." Hopefully Remy would get the hint and would start talking again.

Jerked back to reality, Remy nodded his head. "It began slowly, den it glowed stronger... I... I t'rew it 'way from me... de explosion, I didn' expect it and de tiles shattered..."

"You're bleedin', Remy. We need to disinfect de wounds and put some bandages over dem. You still got a small piece embedded in your chest. Will you lemme help you?"

"Why did it happen? You told me it was bien to feel dat way, mais when I did... I finally found de courage to touch myself and den..." Remy rambled on, letting Jean-Luc rock him. It bothered him that he could change back to a small child when something upset him. It had already happened a few times and he hated needing Jean-Luc this badly. He was fifteen years old!

"Remy, you're a mutant... It's possible dat de empathy ain' your only gift." Jean-Luc pulled away from Remy and looked into the swimming eyes. "We'll examine dis later. First we need to tend to your wounds, petit."

"I'm sorry..." Remy cringed, looking over his shoulder at the ruined floor. "Why does nothin' go smoot'ly in my life?"

"Come wit' me, mon fils. We'll get de first aid kit and bandage your wounds." Jean-Luc got to his feet and waited for Remy to rise from the couch as well.

Clinging to the blanket, Remy followed Jean-Luc to his study.

"Sit down, petit."

Remy obeyed and sat down on the chair opposite Jean-Luc's desk. Jean-Luc kneeled in front of him and pushed back the blanket, revealing the still bleeding wounds. "Dis might sting."

Remy remained quiet while Jean-Luc disinfected the wounds and put some bandages over them. The shard sticking in his chest was beginning to hurt and he bit his bottom lip.

"Remy? I need to remove de blanket." Jean-Luc waited for Remy's permission. He sighed relieved as Remy dropped the blanket to his waist, revealing his chest.

Jean-Luc retrieved some pliers and gently removed the ceramic shard. A rivulet of blood flowed down Remy's chest and he quickly cleaned the wound. "Look at me, petit?"

Remy met Jean-Luc's eyes and saw the concern in them. Jus' want you to be proud of me, mais all I do is make t'ings worse. Why did you ever take me in? You should have sent me back to de Antiquary!

"Remy, you don' really mean dat. You know I love you and I'd never let de Antiquary hurt you. You're a gift, petit, and you brought a lot of love and pleasure into my life."

Remy quickly strengthened his shields, realizing he had been broadcasting. "Sorry..."

"Don' be sorry, Remy. It can' be easy for you, bein' a mutant and discoverin' a new power, mais I promise you dat we'll find out what happened." Jean-Luc tucked the blanket back around Remy's shoulders. "Want me to cancel dinner? I'm sure Belle and Marius will understand."

"Can' face dem right now..." Mon Dieu, he had been thinking of Belle when he had jerked off! He could never look her in the eyes again!

"I'll call dem and reschedule de dinner appointment." Jean-Luc felt more worried than he wanted Remy to know. Those months on the streets had done far more damage than he had initially thought. "Wanna stay wit' me tonight?"

"Can I?" He hated himself for being this dependent on Jean-Luc, but he really wanted his father's company.

"Oui." Jean-Luc nodded his head and got back to his feet. "Why don' you go to bed and I call Marius? I'll join you in a few minutes."

Remy rose from the chair and walked mechanically to the doorway. Napoleon suddenly appeared out of nowhere and mewed pitifully. Automatically, not even considering what he was doing, Remy bent down and picked up the tomcat, carrying it with him to Jean-Luc's bedroom.

Keeping the blanket wrapped tight around him, he realized that he wasn't wearing any clothes and pulled some sweats from Jean-Luc's closet. Although the clothes were too big for him, he slipped into the sweats and lay down on the bed. He had worn some of Jean-Luc's shirts before; they usually smelled of his father's spicy cologne and feeling the fabric against his skin gave him a sense of safety. Jean-Luc had never commented on it, just let him be for which he was immensely grateful.

Napoleon settled down in his arms and he hugged the tomcat close to his chest. The animal's mind soothed him and he almost slipped into sleep, but then the door opened and he sat upright in his bed... "Poppa..." he whispered relieved, seeing Jean-Luc step into the room.

"I told them somethin' unexpected came up. Dey were 'bout to head over here." Jean-Luc took in Remy's appearance, recognized his sweats, but didn't comment on it. "It's a bit early to go to sleep, non?"

Remy frowned; if it hadn't been Jean-Luc stepping inside, he would have been sound asleep. "I guess so." He pushed the pillow behind his back and leaned against it, half sitting, half lying down. "I'm scared," he admitted shyly.

Jean-Luc sat down on the side of his bed and uncovered a deck of cards. He had taught Remy Poker some months ago and the boy had turned out to be a natural. "Wanna play cards?"

"Why not?" Remy picked up his cards and studied them. Royal flush. Cards must really like me. Horrified, he felt the return of the tingling sensation in his fingertips. "It's happenin' 'gain!"

The fear in Remy's voice took Jean-Luc aback and he stared at the cards. It was true; one of them was beginning to glow. He had better open a window for Remy to throw it out of because he wanted his bedroom intact, without holes in the floor or ceiling. Within seconds, he covered the distance to the window and opened it. "T'row it!" He couldn't take any risks, not after seeing the hole in the bathroom floor.

Jean-Luc's voice finally penetrated Remy's mind and he threw the card out of the window. An explosion in midair followed and they stared at the smoke, floating through the dark evening sky.

"Dat was close." Jean-Luc closed the window again and returned to his bed. "Remy?"

"It happened 'gain, why? I wasn' bein' bad." Remy's eyes begged Jean-Luc to answer his question. "Why is dis happenin'?"

"It's 'cause you're a mutant, Remy. Dis isn' meant as punishment, Remy. Your powers are growin' stronger and a new one revealed itself. We need to figure out how to control it." Jean-Luc looked at the cards in Remy's hand. "You ain' strong enough yet to charge dem all, mais mebbe in time you will. First, it happened with a sponge and now with a card. You can charge inanimate objects wit' some sort of energy... a very destructive energy."

Remy listened, breathlessly, wondering how Jean-Luc could deal with this so rationally. "Mais I don' wanna have dis power! What if I blow myself or ot'ers up? What if I hurt you or Belle? Or Mattie?" His tone bordered on panic.

"We'll figure out how to control it, Remy." Jean-Luc saw the exhaustion in Remy's eyes. "You didn' feel dis tired a moment ago, did you?"

"Feel drained... started after I t'rew dat card."

"Dat makes sense, Remy. You charged dat card wit' your energy. You need to rest to replace it." Jean-Luc helped Remy to lie down again and covered him with a blanket. "I want you to stay here where I can keep an eye on you."

Remy sucked in his breath. "What if I charge dis blanket and..."

"Remy, don' do dis to yourself." Jean-Luc carefully plotted his next move. "Would it make you feel betta if I stayed awake to watch you? Dat way I can wake you, should you start chargin' somethin'."

"Would you do dat? Mais dat means you can' sleep, not fair." But his eyes were closing and his breathing evened out as he fell asleep.

Watching Remy closely, Jean-Luc drew in a deep breath. "Jus' when I t'ought we'd overcome de worst problems another one pops up. How do I help you control dis?" The poor kid had to be terrified he would cause some horrible accident.

Lying down next to Remy, he encouraged his son to move closer. Remy rarely allowed him this close in his sleep, but the boy obviously needed the reassurance that he didn't have to deal with this on his own. Tucking his comforter around their forms, he held Remy close, already trying to figure out how to help Remy control his charging power.

///

"Remy? It's time to wake up, petit." Jean-Luc gently shook Remy's shoulders, trying to wake up his son. "Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes and you need to change your clothes." He hated waking Remy; the boy had had a bad night. Nightmares had tormented Remy's sleep and at one point, he had even screamed for help. Jean-Luc had done his best, trying to calm Remy down and in the end it had worked.

"Remy? Wake up!" He tried again, harder this time and Remy's eyes flashed open.

"Merde!" Remy cursed as the bright sunlight hit his retina. Quickly, he closed his eyes again and rolled onto his left, turning his back to the rising sun. Huh? What's dis? He was resting against a warm body and arms were wrapped around him, holding him tight. Opening his eyes again, he sighed relieved, seeing Jean-Luc's face. For one irrational moment he had been back in Philippe's room with Hugo holding him down. "Mornin', poppa."

"Mornin', Remy. Feelin' betta?"

Why did Jean-Luc look worried and why was he in his father's bed? "What... happened?" He rubbed his eyes and tried to focus on Jean-Luc's voice.

"You charged a sponge and later a card, do you remember, mon fils?" Jean-Luc half expected Remy to start trembling in his arms and yes, his son was starting to shake like a leaf. "Rien happened while you slept. Chargin' dose objects must have exhausted you."

"I'm dangerous," Remy whispered, scared. "What if..."

"Don' start wit' de 'what if's', Remy. I won' let anythin' bad happen to you. Right now, I want you to return to your room and get dressed. Join me for breakfast in fifteen minutes."

Remy nodded his head. "If I'm still 'live by den."

"Remy!"

"Poppa! What if blow myself up?" Remy couldn't suppress his fears any longer. "I shouldn' stay... too dangerous!" Tears pooled in his eyes and he struggled free from the comforter, finding himself dressed in Jean-Luc's sweats. "I could kill you accidentally!"

"I don' t'ink so," Jean-Luc said, trying to reassure Remy. "So far you only charged lifeless objects. If you accidentally charge another item, throw it as far 'way as possible."

Remy nodded his head. Shakily, he got to his feet and headed for the doorway. "Poppa? Je t'aime," he whispered, wondering if this new power would kill him. It might, if he failed to gain control over it.

"Remy..." Jean-Luc walked up to Remy and hugged him. "Trust me, everythin' will turn out bien. You've got to have fait' in yourself."

///

Remy returned to his room, but at the slowest speed possible, knowing he would find a gaping hole in the bathroom. When he finally stepped inside, he avoided looking at the bathroom and headed for the window. Lost in thought, his instincts kicked in too late. Two arms caught him around his waist and pulled him close. Ready to defend himself, he stared into a pair of sky blue eyes.

"Belle? What are you doin' here?" She had sneaked into his room before and he had managed to steal into her room as well, but only when they had talked about it on forehand. She looked as beautiful as ever; her hair was long and fair, her eyes sparkled with energy and her full red lips beckoned him seductively.

But then his panic returned. I t'ought 'bout her when I was jerkin' off! Quickly, he averted her eyes, hoping she hadn't read that thought accidentally. They had confided in each other about their abilities and it had taken him some time to get used to the idea of marrying a telepath. If it hadn't been for Mattie, he would have told Jean-Luc to call off the wedding, but Mattie had shown him that being close to a telepath didn't have to hurt.

"Remy, why did you cancel dinner? I really needed to talk to you!" Taking in Remy's appearance she didn't have to use her telepathy to feel how shaken up he was. "You look bad, Remy."

Remy calmed down enough to accept her embrace and actually leaned into it. "Belle, I'm sorry, mais somet'in bad happened last night and..."

"Neit'er you nor Jean-Luc left de house, so..." Belle looked at him thoughtfully. "And why is dere a hole in de bat'room floor?"

"Oui, we need to talk," Remy realized. "Mais not here. I need to talk to you in private."

"I need to tell you somet'in' too," Belle said, failing to mask the excitement in her voice. "When can you sneak out? We can meet at our usual place." Belle had the keys to one of her brother's apartments and they used it as their hiding place where they could talk without Marius or Jean-Luc hovering over them.

"After lunch," Remy said thoughtfully. "I'll meet you dere after lunch, mais Belle, why did you come here? A phone call would have been easier. One of dese days you're gonna get caught..."

"And all de explainin' we'll have to do den!" Belle teased and looked into his eyes. Something was troubling Remy, troubling him deeply and maybe she could make him open up. Using her telepathy to find out what was wrong, was out of the question. She would never enter his mind without prior permission.

"I'll see you after lunch..." Belle walked toward the window and opened it. "Don' be too late. Julien's comin' back tonight and I don' want him to find out dat I know 'bout de apartment!"

Remy watched her leave, and sighed. He had to tell her about his sordid past. Until now, he had postponed telling her, but he owed it to her to come clean now that their fathers were discussing the wedding. She had a right to know what he really was.

///

"Remy!" Belle hurried toward the front door, opened it and stepped aside to let Remy pass. Oh, he's so handsome... Remy, I t'ink I'm fallin' in love wit' you. Her feelings were evolving from friendship to love and she was actually looking forward to turning eighteen so she could finally marry him.

"Belle, we need to talk... Can I go first?" Remy collapsed onto the couch and pulled up his legs.

Recognizing the defensive posture, Belle sat down beside him, keeping some distance between them. His shields had never been this tight before and telepathy-wise she couldn't pick up a single thing. Swallowing her own news, she nodded her head; sensing he had to get this out of his system. Mon Dieu, how bad can it be?

"I need to tell you 'bout my life on de streets." Remy sucked in his breath and watched as her expression turned puzzled.

"Life on the streets?" Belle moved a little closer. "What are you talkin' 'bout?"

"You know I ain' a real LeBeau? Dat Jean-Luc adopted me?"

"Oui." Belle nodded her head.

Remy closed his eyes, unable to maintain eye contact with her. This was it. "I spent de first nine years of my life as part of de Antiquary's Velvet Ministry." There, he had made a start, now he had to tell her the rest as well. "He named me Noir and fed off me when he felt weak. Dat's why I overreacted when you told me you were a telepat'."

"De Antiquary?" Her father had told her about the wizard and the children that made up his collection, but she had never known Remy had been part of it.

"He... raped my mind when feedin' off my energy... I decided to run 'way and I did." Remy lowered his shields and he sent her fragments of his stay with the Antiquary. Carefully, he showed her his pain and misery. "I couldn' stay."

Belle drew in a deep breath as the images washed through her mind. She gasped, feeling his pain and she finally began to understand some of his fears. "I would never hurt you, Remy." Please believe me, Remy. I will never hurt you!

I believe you, came Remy's reply. He had to continue his story before he lost his courage. "I ended up on Bourbon Street, didn' have any money or knowledge of de real world. I had to survive... I met a boy called Philippe and he..." Remy shook his head; he couldn't say the words.

"What Remy?" Remy was still broadcasting and she felt his pain, relived that first night on the streets with Remy, saw Philippe and cringed, seeing the track marks on his arms.

"Philippe became my pimp." Remy pinched his eyes tightly shut and tightened his shields, locking Belle out completely. He didn't want to feel her anger, her loathing and rejection.

"Your pimp?" Shocked, Belle stared at him in disbelief. "Your pimp?" Remy, dis can' be true!

"I sucked dem off for a few bucks, mais we needed de money to stay 'live." Remy still refused to open his eyes. "After a few months Philippe sold my virginity to a john and he raped me. I lost consciousness... it hurt so bad and when I woke up de john was gone and Philippe dyin'... I asked Jean-Luc to give Philippe a decent burial and he did..." Remy took a deep breath. "You deserve to know de trut' 'bout me, Belle. You should know you're marryin' a whore."

Belle shook her head in disbelief. "How old were you when dis happened?"

"Nine, ten? I don' really know... Don' even know my birt'day." Remy was surprised that she was still here, listening to him talk. "When Jean-Luc found me I was determined to change my life, mais was 'ready on my way to make money to score some dope. I would have been dead by now if Jean-Luc hadn' taken me in."

"Remy, I need time to... work through dis." Stunned, Belle rose from the couch. Looking at Remy, she realized he feared her reaction, her rejection. She couldn't leave like this. Although she craved some time alone she had to reassure him first. "Remy, open your eyes and look at me?"

Remy gathered his courage and looked at her. He expected to see anger and hate, but instead her eyes were filled with love and understanding. "You've got to understand, Belle. I ain' sure I can perform my marital duties... I can' even... I still get scared when..."

Belle rested a finger against Remy's lips, silencing him. "Remy LeBeau, dis changes nothin' and everythin'. I still like you, like you a lot, mais... it hurts to know dat you've been through this and never felt confident enough to tell me. We've been friends for years now and you knew I liked you... you should have told me a long time ago, but I understand dat you were afraid, you still are."

"You're right..." His eyes stung, but he was determined not to cry in front of her. "I'll understand if you wanna cancel de weddin'. You deserve so much betta."

"Non." Belle shook her head. "I want you. I want you, Remy LeBeau. We jus' have to find a way to deal wit' dis. I need a moment 'lone to t'ink, to accept dis. Stay here, and I'll be back in a few minutes. Jus' gimme a moment here, oui?" Trying to reassure him, she gave him a peck on the cheek. "You didn' lose me... dat's what you're afraid of, non?"

"Oui, don' wanna lose you, Belle, mais you're too bon for me. I don' deserve you."

She cringed, seeing tears pool in his exotic eyes. "We bot' need a moment to compose ourselves. I'll be back in a few minutes, oui?"

"Oui..."

"And remember, you didn' lose me..." Belle smiled reassuringly and then walked out of the room. She needed to clear her head and to deal with the memories that he had downloaded into her brain. Mon Dieu, de pain! He's in so much pain! She didn't go far and sat down on the stairs, trying to get back in control of her thoughts.

///

Remy hadn't moved and still sat motionless on the couch. He had pulled up his knees to his chest, placed his arms on top of his knees and rested his chin on his arms. I'm sorry I hurt you, Belle, never wanted to.

"I 'ways knew you were hidin' a secret."

The voice made him jump to his feet. Remy turned around and faced Belle's brother, Julien. How much had Julien heard? The icy expression in Julien's eyes answered his question, everything!

"You're a fuckin' whore! You don' deserve de name LeBeau and you certainly don' deserve my sister. I want you to stay 'way from her! My fat'er won' let you marry Belle once I tell him you're nothin' but a hustler!" Julien seethed with anger. "Stay away from Belle, you hear me?"

Remy was at a loss. Emotionally, he was still trying to deal with the fact that Belle now knew the truth and he was in no condition to deal with Julien, who had always hated his guts. "Why don' you let her decide?" Remy immediately regretted speaking up, as Julien's right connected with his chin. A sharp pain swept through his neck and he tried to lean against the wall for support, but his head was reeling. "Don' touch me!"

"What?" Julien stalked closer. "You sucked off your johns, but now I can' touch you?"

Remy shivered as Julien's anger and loathing crashed against his shields. He had to keep them up or his empathy would destroy him. Have to keep his hate out! He brought up his hands in front of his face, trying to protect himself when Julien's fist impacted again, but this time Julien targeted his stomach and Remy doubled over in pain.

"Stop it!" Belle stormed inside, threw herself at her brother and managed to knock Julien off his feet. "You heard him! Don' you touch him and get out! I won' have you beat up my future husband. Get out, Julien!"

Remy managed to get to his feet again and stared at Belle in amazement. She was defending him! Why? No matter what she had said earlier, she couldn't possibly still want him!

Julien glared at her, but headed for the doorway. "I'm headin' home to tell our fat'er dat you're marryin' a whore. Belle, you're a smart girl, come wit' me. Dere are enough young men out dere who wanna date you. You don' want him!"

"Mais I do!" Belle stood in front of Remy and when he tried to interrupt, she shook her head. "Don', dis is between Julien and me."

"Belle..."

"Go! I don' want you here!" Belle spat the words. Julien slammed the door behind him and she turned around to look at Remy. "Mon Dieu, I'm so sorry he hit you." A large bruise was beginning to disfigure Remy's chin and left cheek. Remy kept one arm wrapped around his stomach and she pushed him back onto the couch. "Sit down and lemme have a look."

"Non." Remy desperately held onto his shirt.

"Remy?"

"Non, don'... it's not dat bad."

"You don' want me to touch you?" Belle blinked her eyes in sudden understanding. "I ain' gonna hurt you, Remy."

"I know dat..." Remy swallowed hard. "Dere are times when I can' bear Jean-Luc's touch eit'er. It ain' you, Belle, it's me..."

"I t'ink I understand. Dese men hurt you bad in de past..."

"Oui, dey did and dat's why you needed to know de trut'." Remy's instincts told him to move away from her when she placed her hand on top of his, but he remained motionless, watching her fingers rub his knuckles. "Belle, you don' want damaged goods."

"Dat's where you're wrong, cher," she whispered, while bringing the back of his hand to her lips. Gently, she kissed each knuckle. "I do want you, Remy... only you."

Remy couldn't suppress his emotions any longer and dropped his shields, shyly inviting Belle in. She accepted the invitation and caressed his mind. We'll do dis toget'er, Remy... I'll jus' have to cancel my plans.

What plans? Remy looked into her eyes, feeling her nervousness. He felt her affection for him and he didn't doubt she really liked him, but she was hiding something from him nonetheless.

"My fat'er wants to send me to Europe. He t'inks I can learn new skills from our overseas relatives." The sadness in Remy's eyes made her inch closer. "Can I hold you?"

Remy nodded his head and wrapped his arms around her as well. "How long would you be gone?"

"Years," Belle whispered. "I'd return a few weeks before our weddin'."

Remy sensed how important this was to Belle. She wanted to go, had been all excited about it and then he had spoiled it by telling her about his past. "Don'... don' give dis up for me. We can write, call... Dis is important to you and your Guild. You should go."

"Are you sure? Remy, I don' wanna leave you." Belle wasn't sure what had priority; staying with Remy or adding new skills Marius couldn't teach her. One day, she might lead the Assassins' Guild and she had to be sure her people respected her. If she was found lacking, they would never support her.

"I'm sure," Remy whispered. "Go to Europe. We'll keep in touch, chère." His heart was breaking, but he knew he couldn't deny her. "Everyt'in' will be bien."

Belle relaxed in Remy's arms and rested her head against his chest. Mon Dieu, I really love him... I don' wanna leave him, mais I have to. I promise I'll be back, Remy. I promise to make you happy... I promise.

///

Jean-Luc's heart felt heavy as he watched Remy return home. His staff had told him about Belle's visit and Remy sneaking away, and he had allowed it, knowing something important had happened. But when he noticed the growing bruises on Remy's chin, he realized he couldn't pretend nothing had happened. "Remy, my study, now."

Remy jumped, startled, hearing Jean-Luc's voice. He had almost made it back to his room and didn't expect his father to be this close. "Oui, m'sieur," he replied, recognizing Jean-Luc's serious tone. He followed Jean-Luc into his study and waited until his father told him to sit down.

"Who put dat bruise dere?" Jean-Luc's tone was controlled, but still full of concern. It worried him that Remy refused to meet his eyes. "Remy, who did dis!"

"Julien." Remy didn't dare look at Jean-Luc, realizing he had to come clean. "I told Belle 'bout bein' a hustler and..." He paused to take a deep breath. "It's impossible but she still wants to marry me."

"Did she do dis?" Jean-Luc's feelings of protectiveness were getting stronger. Someone had hurt his son, had dared to lay his hands on Remy! He couldn't let this pass unpunished.

"Non, not Belle, she'd never hurt me..." Remy's words were barely audible. "We didn' know Julien was in de next room or I would never had told her at dat moment. He overheard our conversation and got angry at the t'ought dat Belle would be marryin' a whore."

"Remy, you ain' a whore."

"Mais I was one." Remy's fingernails dug into the armrest. "Julien said he was gonna tell Marius and make sure Belle and I would never get married."

Jean-Luc was about to reply when a knock on the door interrupted them. "What?"

"Monsieur LeBeau?" The servant didn't get a chance to finish the announcement as Marius slammed the door to Jean-Luc's study open.

"Marius." Jean-Luc rose from behind the desk and walked toward Marius, trying to gauge the other man's feelings. Jean-Luc's eyes turned cold, seeing Julien enter as well. "You're welcome in my home, but not your fils."

Marius nodded his head and sought out Remy's eyes. Remy flinched, lowered his eyes and wished the floor would open up and swallow him.

"Jean-Luc, Remy, Julien wants to tell you somethin'." Marius roughly pushed Julien toward the two thieves. "Say it, Julien."

Julien hissed, "I apologize for hittin' you, Remy. I shouldn' have done dat."

It was obvious to everyone that the apology was a lie. Julien didn't regret a thing and Remy shivered, picking up on Julien's hatred for him.

"Mon fils had no right to react de way he did." Marius walked toward Remy and waited for the young thief to rise from the chair. Although Remy still refused to meet his gaze, Marius continued. "Julien told me 'bout your past, den Belle came to me, tellin' me how hard it had been for you to confess your past to her and dat Julien had been eavesdroppin'. She also told me she's determined to marry you in t'ree years and I love her dearly, love her so much that I'll give her what she wants."

Remy shyly peeked at Marius, wishing the man's shields weren't that strong so he would know what Marius really felt. Was the man just acting?

"In t'ree years, when she comes back after completin' her trainin', de two of you will marry." Marius hoped he was doing the right thing. Hearing Remy had been a hustler had shocked him and he had been tempted to cancel the wedding, but Belle had set him straight, telling him Remy had admitted everything to her and he had been furious at hearing how Julien had misbehaved. His son had dishonored him by acting the way he had.

Seeing Remy's confusion, Jean-Luc replied for his son. "We accept Julien's apology, but I suggest you discipline him nonet'eless. He was way out of line punchin' Remy for bein' honest to Belle."

Marius nodded his head. "He will be punished."

Remy cringed, seeing the hate in Julien's eyes. Averting his eyes, he looked at his father and found Jean-Luc smiling at him. Lowering his shields, he listened to his father's thoughts.

Everyt'in' will be bien, Remy. Have fait' in Belle and in yourself.

Merci, poppa. Julien and Marius left the study and Remy walked over to his father, shyly wrapping his arms around him. "I wouldn' have made it wit'out you, poppa."

Jean-Luc smiled and Remy rested his head against Jean-Luc's chest. At least I know one t'ing for sure now...

And what's dat, Remy?

Belle really likes me... Mais it'll be t'ree years 'fore I can see her 'gain.

You can call her, or write, Remy. You have to complete your studies as well and pass your final Guild test in two years. You'll make a great master t'ief and you'll be de first at so young an age. You make me proud, mon fils.

Remy nodded his head against Jean-Luc's chest. His father was right. He should concentrate on completing his training and he would find ways to stay in contact with Belle. Everything would be fine in the end.

 

Chapter Eight - Changes

Note: Please remember that this story is AU. I'm taking liberties with Belle's death as I've been unable to read the comics that deal with her last moments.

 

"Here, accept dis token of the Guild's appreciation," Jean-Luc said in a formal tone, handing Remy a small metallic box. Remy turned eighteen today and although it pained Jean-Luc that he couldn't tell his son that it was his birthday, he had found a way to give Remy this gift anyway. Remy had passed his final test and was now the youngest master thief the Guild had ever known.

"Merci, m'sieur." Remy accepted the box and wondered about its content. Cautiously, he opened it. Inside, surrounded by black velvet, he found a short metallic tube. "M'sieur?"

Jean-Luc took the metal tube out of the box and showed Remy where to push to make it extend. "It's a bo staff, Remy. It'll aid you when fightin' your enemies." After retracting it, he placed it in Remy's hand. "Now you try it."

Remy's sensitive fingertips found the correct spot to make the bo staff extend again and he swirled it exploratory, trying to get a feel for it. "It's a beau weapon. Merci."

"Remy," Jean-Luc started and folded one arm around his son's shoulder, "Belle returned home today and tomorrow's de weddin'. Are you nervous?"

"Un peu," Remy admitted, collapsing the bo staff and slipping the metal tube into one of his pockets.

"What do you worry most 'bout?" Jean-Luc sat Remy down on the chair opposite his desk and settled down in his own chair, while studying his son. At eighteen, Remy was a grown man, capable of taking care of himself. Still, he worried about his son. It had started after Belle had left for Europe and Julien had tried to beat Remy up. After that incident, Remy had begun building emotional defenses, building a mask to hide behind, acting arrogant and cocky whenever strangers were close. Except for Jean-Luc, only Mattie, Henri and maybe Belle knew how vulnerable Remy really was. Jean-Luc hated it when that mask snapped into place.

"What I worry most 'bout?" Remy blushed, shyly. "Consummatin' de marriage, poppa." Although he had convinced himself it was okay to jerk off, he still felt uncomfortable after making himself come and nothing Jean-Luc said or did, would change that. Now they expected him to make love to Belle, but he wasn't sure he could perform under pressure. "I've never been with a fille 'fore, poppa."

"Mais you know what to do..."

"Oui, I know what to do, mais..." Remy didn't finish his sentence. "I've been havin' flashbacks 'gain."

Jean-Luc nodded his head. He had walked in on Remy rocking on the floor, banging his head against the wall, trying to rid himself of the horrid memories. It had started after Marius had told them that Belle was on her way back to New Orleans. Remy was nervous and felt pressured and that was bringing back the flashbacks. "Belle knows what you've been through and she still loves you. Remy, have fait' in her."

"Merci, poppa." Remy fumbled the sleeve of his long leather coat, which Jean-Luc had given him a year ago. He had long figured out that this was Jean-Luc's way of celebrating his birthday and it always happened on the same day, May first. "I'm scared I'll disappoint her."

"Remy, de two of you have been on de phone 'most constantly. You know how she feels 'bout you, de distance didn' change dat."

"I know dat, mais..." Remy decided to change the subject. "Who will be performin' de ceremony tomorrow?"

"Mattie." That should reassure Remy and it did. Jean-Luc smiled warmly. "De ceremony will only take a few minutes and den you'll retreat to consummate de marriage and den... den you'll go on your honeymoon to Aruba!"

Remy licked his lips. "Don' you or Tante have some sort of potion dat will make sure I can perform?" He really didn' want to disappoint Belle. She would probably proclaim she had lost her virginity to him even if nothing had happened, just to save his face, but he didn't want her to lie.

"I'd rather have you didn' resort to dat." Jean-Luc got to his feet and walked over to Remy, who rose from his chair as well. "I know you're nervous, every groom is, mais you'll feel betta after de ceremony when you're 'lone wit' Belle. She'll guide you through it, dat's our way."

Remy fell into step beside Jean-Luc as they headed for the dinning room where Mattie was serving diner. Jean-Luc's words hadn't taken away his worries, but he felt relieved, having someone to talk to about his most private fears. I'll jus' have to put my trust in Belle... she'll guide me t'rough it...

///

Remy felt uncomfortable wearing a black tuxedo, but Jean-Luc had insisted he dress up for the wedding. He pushed one finger between his collar and his throat, trying to ease the stiff fabric a bit so he could breathe more easily. It's a good t'ing I control my kinetic charges now or I'd have blown somet'in' up by now!

Learning how to control his kinetic energy had been trying, but Jean-Luc had succeeded in teaching him control. He smiled, thinking back to the days when his power had just manifested. Jean-Luc had forced him to charge cards in the morning and evening, exhausting him until he was near collapse. Feeling empty and drained, he would warn Jean-Luc whenever he felt the power building again and day after day they had repeated that procedure until he finally managed to only release his kinetic energy when he wanted to. He still used the cards, finding them perfect to charge and throw at possible enemies.

"Remy? What are you thinkin' 'bout?" Jean-Luc walked his son down the aisle.

Remy smiled. "'Bout you teachin' me how to control my chargin' power. Did I ever say t'ank you?"

"A million times, Remy," Jean-Luc said, grinning. "You'd betta concentrate on Belle though."

"Oui, you're right, of course." Remy swallowed hard, reaching the symbolic circle Mattie had drawn on the floor. Jean-Luc stepped away from him, leaving him alone. Looking down the aisle, he waited for Belle to join him.

When she finally appeared, his mouth went dry and shivers traveled down his spine. She had grown even more beautiful in the three years during which he hadn't seen her. Her white gown was made of satin and embroidered with hundreds of pearls. A silk veil hid her face from view, but she was reaching out telepathically and he answered that call. You're très jolie, Belle.

Merci, chèr, you're lookin' handsome yourself. Belle smiled as Marius let go of her hand and she stepped into the circle as well, studying Remy closely, liking what she saw.

Remy barely heard Mattie's welcome, too focused on Belle. Do you still wanna marry me? It ain' too late to say non.

Remy, I still want you. Nothin' changed. Belle extended her hand and Remy curled his fingers around hers. The touch was electric and she grinned behind her veil, looking forward to being alone with Remy later.

"Remy! De vow!" Mattie repressed her grin, seeing them this absorbed in each other. She sensed the telepathic conversation, but wasn't privy it.

Remy startled and looked at Mattie. Oui, de vow... Mon Dieu, it's my turn!

Belle giggled privately, sensing his nervousness.

"Bella Donna Boudreaux, I promise to love and honor you and to be fait'ful to you. I'll lay my life down to save yours... Je t'aime, chère." Sorry for de lame vow, Belle, mais I ain' good wit' words.

It's very romantic, Remy, Belle reassured him and watched as Tante tied a silk scarf around their hands, binding them together. Mattie continued to wrap the fabric around their wrists as well and Belle knew it was time for her vow.

"Remy LeBeau, I promise to be a good wife, to love and support you. I love you and accept you as my husband for de period of five years." It was the maximum time span allowed among thieves and assassins. In five years they would either repeat their vows or go their separate ways. It was the way of the Guilds.

Mattie nodded her head and gave them her blessing. Tightening the scarf around their wrists, she said, "Belle, you may kiss Remy now."

Belle pushed her veil aside and smiled at him. Remy fought his blush as Belle leaned in closer to brush his lips. According to their custom, the man was the passive one, allowing his wife to take the initiative and control their lovemaking. "Je t'aime, Belle."

"Je t'aime, Remy."

"De hand-fastin' is complete. Let it be known dat Remy and Belle are now husband and wife," Mattie proclaimed proudly and unwrapped the scarf, releasing them.

"Non, stop! I won' allow dis!"

The anger in those words was palpable and Remy recognized the voice at once. "Julien..."

Belle turned to face her brother, her eyes seething with rage as well. "How dare you ruin' de best day of my life!"

Julien had fought his way through the crowd and was now standing in front of Remy. Clutching his glove, he cracked it across the thief's face. "I challenge you to de deat'! You ain' good enough for my sister and you know it! I can' stand by and let her ruin her life!"

"Julien..." Marius' tone shook with warning.

"It's too late! De challenge has been issued," Jean-Luc whispered into Marius' ear. Julien had surprised him as well.

Marius' eyes became sad. Only a moment ago his heart had sung with happiness for his daughter and now Julien was ruining everything. Why had he allowed Julien to attend the wedding? He knew Julien still hated Remy with a passion. "Julien will kill Remy. Mon fils is an assassin."

Jean-Luc wasn't so sure about that, knowing how inhumanly fast and agile Remy was. "Choice of weapons?"

Julien heard the question. "He can choose whatever he wants. I choose de sword."

And de tip is poisoned. It would take all his cunning to come out of this one alive. Mais dat means I have to kill him! Belle will never forgive me if I kill Julien!

Belle felt torn. She didn't want to have to choose between her brother and her husband. "Julien, please reconsider."

"Non, Belle, my mind's made up." Lowering his voice, he added, "De whore won' touch you!"

Remy flinched, knowing Julien intended those words for Belle's and his ears only. "Belle?"

"Fight him," Belle said calmly. "He's a fool for challengin' you to de deat'. I will mourn his passin', mais won' hold his deat' 'gainst you, chèr." She had made her choice.

"I choose de sword as well."

"Are you sure, Remy?" Jean-Luc hurried to Remy's side. "You're free to pick the weapon of your choice."

"I'm sure," Remy replied, confidently.

Remy's mask slipped into place and Jean-Luc hated seeing the cockiness that masked his son's real feelings. "Remy, you have to know I will be forced to banish you if you kill Julien. Marius will demand I punish you."

Remy's heart missed a beat, but the mask remained in place, the glare in his eyes hardening. Damn you, Julien. No matter what I do, I'll lose. If I don' accept your challenge I will lose Belle 'cause I didn' want to fight for her and if I kill you, I'll lose Jean-Luc, Mattie and mebbe Belle... "I accept de challenge," he said formally and stepped out of the circle to face his nemesis.

///

Jean-Luc, Marius, Mattie, Henri and Belle watched as Remy's sword targeted Julien's chest, breaking the skin and the poisoned tip buried itself deeply in the Assassin's flesh. The two men had been fighting for ten minutes now and Remy had gained the upper hand. Julien was definitely outclassed.

Julien collapsed and remained motionless. A dark stain was forming on the earth; he was bleeding.

Marius was the first to take action and hurried to his son's side, checking Julien's vital signs. They were incredibly weak and Julien would die from the injury that Remy had inflicted. Except if I can get him home in time and give him de Elixir. Calling his men, he ordered them to take Julien home and to tend to his needs. Turning toward Remy, he stared into draped alien eyes. "Julien will die."

Remy cringed. "I didn' want to kill him!"

"Jean-Luc, I demand you banish your son from N'awlins." Marius ignored Belle's soft pleas.

"Mais Julien issued de challenge himself! Remy didn' have a choice!" Belle's big eyes begged Marius to see things her ways. "Don' take Remy 'way from me!"

"It was his decision to accept de challenge... If Julien dies I'll hunt you down," he spat, his anger directed at Remy. "Jean-Luc, if you want de truce between T'ieves and Assassins to continue you'll banish your son within de hour!" Marius grabbed Belle's right arm and pulled her along as he headed for his home.

"Remy!" Belle tried to catch Remy's eyes and when she did, she gasped, seeing the pain there. Je t'aime, Remy!

"Remy, we need to talk." Jean-Luc steered Remy away from the crowd. "If I deny Marius, T'ieves and Assassins will start fightin' 'gain."

Remy perfected the mask he was wearing, not even showing Jean-Luc how he really felt. "So you're sendin' me 'way?"

"I don' have a choice, Remy." Jean-Luc couldn't believe this was happening. Only an hour ago everything had been perfect. "You remember de list of safe houses I made you memorize?" After Remy nodded, Jean-Luc continued. "Dey're yours. Use de money from de trust fund I put in your name. Contact Marcel, he'll give you all de information you need to access de money. Leave N'Awlins, I don' want Marius findin' you. He's mad as hell. Go to our safe house in Lafayette and stay there. I'll try to join you as quickly as possible. Let's pray Julien lives."

Remy moved mechanically, registering Jean-Luc's words, but barely understanding them. He had lost the only home and family he had ever had.

///

Listlessly, Remy sat on the couch in their Lafayette home. Jean-Luc had brought him here once or twice, but he had never expected to hide here one day. The moment Julien had issued his challenge his world had collapsed. No matter which decision he made, he had already lost the game. Now Jean-Luc had banished him from New Orleans and he was on his own again... like nine years ago...

Mais dere are differences, the rational part of his mind reminded him. You have more money dan you can ever spend and t'anks to Jean-Luc you own houses all over de planet. You don' have to prostitute yourself to stay 'live.

That much was true, but he still ached inside from the loss of his family. How was he going to cope on his own? And what about Belle? She was bound to him for five years... would she join him or stay in New Orleans? Would Marius give her a choice?

"Remy! I came as fast as I could!" Jean-Luc entered the room, disposed of his long coat and sat beside Remy on the couch. Remy moved away from him and seeing Remy distance himself made him cringe. Mon Dieu! Remy was shutting him out! "I didn' wanna banish you, Remy, mais... I had to t'ink of de Guilds. We fought for so long and..."

"You don' have to explain yourself," Remy said, coldly. "I'll be out of your hair once I decided where to go."

"Oh, Remy!" Jean-Luc was trembling, realizing he was losing Remy. "Je t'aime, petit. Don' do dis to us!"

Remy laughed, embittered. "Non, you made your choice. You chose de Guilds over your adopted fils. Should have known you'd make dat decision." Den it wouldn' have hurt dat bad.

Jean-Luc's eyes were watering, but he fought the tears. "Remy, you're t'inkin' you can protect yourself from de pain by shuttin' me out. Don' you know it doesn' work dat way?"

Remy shrugged his shoulders. "It has to. I lost everyt'in' today."

"Remy, please, at least look me in de eyes when you're talkin' to me." Jean-Luc reached out, trying to rest his hand on top of Remy's, but the young man jerked away from him. "Mon fils..."

"Don' call me dat! You'd never banish Henri!" Remy jumped to his feet and began pacing the room. "What do I do now? How long will it take de Antiquary to realize dat I'm no longer under your protection? I ain' used to bein' 'lone and now I have to figure out how to deal wit' de loneliness!"

Jean-Luc acted at once, prompted by Remy's obvious panic. He walked over to his son and determinedly wrapped his arms around him. Remy tried to pull away, but Jean-Luc didn't let him. "Je t'aime, Remy. Nothin's changed."

"Everyt'in's changed." Remy stood motionless. "What do I do now?"

Jean-Luc guided Remy back to the couch. "Sit down, Remy." He didn't let go when they settled down on the couch. "You'll travel, ply your t'ievin' skills. We'll stay in contact and I'll talk some sense into Marius."

"What 'bout Belle? Will I ever see her 'gain?"

"I don' know, wish I knew de answer, mais don' count on it." Jean-Luc held Remy tight, rocking him slightly. "I'll ask Marcel to stay wit' you." He trusted Marcel; the middle-aged man had been with him for twenty years and had never let him down.

"Non, Marcel's place is at your side." Embarrassed that he had let go of his emotions, Remy wiped away his tears. "I can do dis on my own."

"Remy, I trust you, you know dat, mais..." Emotionally, you're in no condition to be 'lone.

"I'll jus' have to grow up a little faster," Remy said, trying to sound energetic. "I have to learn to fly on my own, poppa. You can' help me no more. You did a great job raisin' me. You and Tante bot'... and Henri. Mon Dieu, I'll miss Napoleon."

"Don' give up hope yet, Remy. Julien might improve. Marius is very secretive 'bout his condition. My guess is dat he's tryin' to feed Julien de Elixir."

"Dat makes sense." Jean-Luc had mentioned the Elixir a few times before and he knew how powerful it was. It might save Julien's life. "Do you t'ink I'll be allowed back if he recovers?"

"I don' know, Remy. I do hope so..." Jean-Luc released Remy from his embrace. "Stay close for a while?"

"Non." Remy shook his head. "I'd betta put some distance between Marius and me. Dere's no way of knowin' what de Assassins will do if Julien dies."

"Where will you be headin', mon fils?"

"Europe, mebbe."

"I don' like dis, Remy, don' like dis at all. You belong wit' me in N'awlins." Jean-Luc wondered how much longer he could fight his tears. He loved Remy like his own flesh and blood and they hadn't been separated for nine years. They had always been together. "I feel like I'm losin' you, petit."

Remy nodded his head. "I feel de same way, poppa. I don' wanna lose you eit'er." Cherishing Jean-Luc's closeness, he realized he would never feel this warm and protected again.

///

The sharp ring of the phone startled Remy into action and he answered the call, wondering who knew he was here except Jean-Luc. "Oui?"

"Remy? It's Belle! Mon Dieu, I can' believe Marius did dat to us!"

Remy swallowed hard, feeling miserable and guilty. "I'm sorry, Belle, didn' know what to do. I didn' have a choice. If I hadn' fought him I would have lost you."

Belle sighed. "Remy, Julien... he's in a bad way. Marius is keepin' everyone out of his study, mais I've heard screams... dey hardly sounded human."

"Do you t'ink Marius is tryin' to feed him de Elixir?"

"I hope not... Dere's no way of tellin' what drinkin' de Elixir would do to a dyin' man, mais enough of Julien. How are you copin', Remy? Did you 'ready leave N'Awlins?"

"I had to, Belle."

"Where are you now?"

"I can' tell you, Belle, I'm sorry, mais I promised Jean-Luc to keep my hidin' place a secret. Wish I could tell you, Belle, wish I could see you."

"Non, you're right... I understand... you ain' comin' back, are you?"

"I don' t'ink so, Belle. Mebbe if Julien recovers and Marius calms down I can return to N'Awlins, mais right now I can'."

"What are you gonna do, Remy?"

"I t'ink I'll do what you did; go to Europe and try to learn from our overseas brot'ers and sisters. I may be a master t'ief, mais I sure got a lot to learn. Don' worry 'bout me, Belle. I won' give up on you, mebbe we'll be toget'er soon. Mon Dieu, I hope so..."

"Chèr, be careful? Julien and Marius might send deir Assassins after you. Promise me to watch your back, Remy."

Remy gripped the armrest hard, burying his fingernails in the wood. "Means a lot to me dat you still care, chère."

"I'll always care," Belly vowed. "Remy, I've gotta go... I can hear Marius yellin'..."

"Take bon care of yourself, chère..."

"I will," Belle promised and then her voice was gone.

Remy stared at the phone in his hand and listened to the beeping, realizing Belle was gone. The phone dropped onto the table with a loud thud, but Remy didn't care. Just when he thought things couldn't get worse, they had. He had lost Belle as well.

///

Six months later, his heart still ached with longing. He had seen most of Europe, had traveled through Greece, Italy, Turkey, France and was now staying in London. He lived a life of luxury; his money enabled him to stay in the most expensive hotels and now he was heading for a manor house just outside London that belonged to the LeBeau's.

During the last half year he had been in constant contact with his family. Jean-Luc, Tante and Henri called him regularly and they had had long conversations over the phone. But Belle had never called him again and he didn't feel brave enough to call her, for fear Marius might answer the call.
Jean-Luc had told him that Marius had proclaimed Julien's death 48 hours after Remy had left New Orleans, but there were rumors that Julien wasn't dead at all; that the Elixir had made him into a zombie, the living dead. Hearing that, Remy had lost all hope of ever returning to New Orleans, Marius would never allow him back to New Orleans.

That also meant that he would never see Belle again. The last time Tante and he had talked, she had told him that Belle was doing well, taking over more and more of Marius' responsibilities and she was preparing herself to take over leadership of the Assassins' Guild very soon. Although he was happy she was doing this well, it made him feel even more alone.

Six months of loneliness were almost enough to drive an empath crazy. He had never realized just how much he had needed Jean-Luc and Mattie's love, but now that he couldn't have it, he felt empty and drained. There were days when he just wanted to lie down, go to sleep and never wake up again.

Driving up to the manor, he quickly scanned it, his eyes never missing anything out of the ordinary that could indicate he was in danger. The old manor house looked deserted and peaceful. Maybe he would find some peace of mind here.

After putting his Ferrari into park, he left the car and walked up to the house, carrying his duffle bag. The solicitor in London that represented the LeBeau's had already handed him the key. After closing the front door behind him, he dropped the bag onto the floor and climbed the stairs in search of a bedroom.

It was beyond him why he was still trying to carry on, feeling as tired as he did. Suddenly, a loud noise attracted his attention. It came from the outside and within seconds he had uncovered and extended his bo staff, ready to fight off any Assassins.

Running downstairs, he slammed the front door open and halted in his tracks, taking in the scene in front of him. It was Belle, fighting off some horrible creatures, which he had never seen before. Belle, what are you doin' here? Why now, after six mont's of silence?

Reacting at once, he ran toward her, trying to take out several of the creatures that were attacking Belle. "Hold on!" Belle's eyes locked with his and her mind reached out to touch his, welcoming his presence.

The creatures moved in, using the fact that Belle was distracted to their advantage. Two sharp claws slowly penetrated her armor and buried themselves in her heart.

"NON!" Remy cried out in horror, seeing her go down. "NON, get 'way from her!" Using his kinetic power, he charged several cards and threw them at the creatures. They still didn't back down and he wanted to wipe the smug grin from their alien faces. Belle was slipping away from him; she was dying.

Crying out in pain, he released his empathy. The creatures seemed to shrink into themselves and backed away from them, leaving as quickly as they had appeared. Remy ran over to Belle's fallen body and kneeled at her side. Gently, he pushed his arms beneath her body and pulled her close to his chest. "Belle, you can' leave me now... you have to fight, chère!"

Belle's eyes opened and fastened on Remy's. "Mon coeur," she sighed the words, growing short of breath. "I wish I hadn' lead dem here."

"Who are dey?" Remy rocked her slowly, never letting go of her gaze.

"De Brood, be 'ware of dem, chèr." Belle managed to curl her fingers around Remy's. A soft smile appeared on her lips. "Remy, I wanted to tell you..."

"What, chère? Why come here?" Tears flowed down his face. "Why not stay in N'Awlins where you were safe?"

"Had to tell you... still love you... Je t'aime, Remy..." Her last breath carried his name to the wind, her eyes broke and her fingers slipped from his.

"Non, Belle, non, you can' leave me like dis... please, chère, please!" Rocking her in his arms, he sobbed, releasing his pain and loss. Just when he had thought things couldn't get worse, they had. Belle had died in his arms and he had been unable to save her.

"I'll return your body to N'Awlins, chère, I promise I'll take you home..." He couldn't personally escort her body back home, but his father would surely take care of the matter. Right now, he didn't want to think about handing over her body; right now he just want to hold and rock her.

 

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