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 11 - A New Beginning
By Morgana
What the hell was he doing here? He had never before visited a city's red light district and now he was roaming the streets, looking for company. Had he really become a john like he had always feared? Non, don' wanna use anyone... just need someone to hold me.
He had tried meeting someone at the clubs and the bars. Had gone to museums, plays, concerts, hoping to find someone who was interested in him, who would want to share his burden, but most of them backed out the moment they saw his eyes. In the end, his loneliness had driven him back here, back to his past.
The crushing loneliness had started right after losing Benjamin and Dave. He had only stayed at their place for ten days, but they had become family to him. Julien killing them had been cruel and sadistic, only meant to hurt him. Why was the monster in New York anyway? But the Assassins operated all over the world. Their actions weren't limited to New Orleans.
Shivering, he recalled carrying their bodies outside while Sinister had laughed at him. He ain' my fat'er, non, ain' my fat'er. He's a liar, playin' head games wit' me. He couldn't accept being Sinister's son and was doing his best to forget Sinister's admission, living in denial. All these things were nagging at his soul, draining him of his spirit.
So why was he here? To pay someone to care about him.
He didn't pay the girls any attention. That wasn't why he was here. He already knew he liked girls, Belle had shown him that, but the question that was haunting him was whether he liked men as well. After all, he had jerked off after watching Benjamin and Dave make out. Was he bi? That possibility scared him.
"Hey, gorgeous, I'll be yours tonight for a hundred bucks."
Remy studied the male prostitute, using his empathy to probe the man's mind. Non, he ain' what I'm lookin' for... a greedy bastard and a crack addict... he's too much like Philippe... Mon Dieu, I might still be workin' de streets if Jean-Luc hadn' taken me in!
"Sorry, you ain' my type," he apologized and moved on. He shook his head in disbelief, realizing just how many men were trying to sell their bodies. Some of the prostitutes even seemed underage. Have to open dat shelter soon...
He had decided to fund a shelter in which volunteers would try to reach the prostitutes and hopefully show them the way to a better life. The young ones would get special attention; he had even contacted Child Protection Services to help them find new homes for the young boys and girls. Hopefully the shelter would open in a few days.
Suddenly, his empathy picked up on an interesting mind and his eyes scanned the young men, finally settling on a man, who was leaning against the wall, studying his fingernails. The man was older than most of the prostitutes. Probably thirty... or even older. But he was still handsome and he possessed charisma.
Remy cringed, the man reminded him of Dave, having a brush cut as well. The only difference was that this man had black hair and the bluest eyes he had ever seen. The man had drawn his attention because he seemed to care about the younger hustlers. His mind showed no signs of addiction, greed or sexual perversions and Remy decided to make his move. "Salut," he said, walking up to the man.
The prostitute smiled lazily. "Hello handsome, what are you doing here? You look good enough for the pimps to make a move on you. Be careful around these parts."
Remy blinked his eyes. He clearly sensed concern; the other man was concerned for his safety! "I'm Remy," he introduced himself, studying the man further. He was well build, even muscular, like Dave was, and he probably worked out a lot.
"Name's Mike." Mike returned the studying gaze. He had seldom seen such a beauty trying to pick up men. Surely Remy could get anyone he wanted?
Remy actually blushed, realizing what he was doing. He didn't want to be alone tonight. The days were no problem; he spend them stealing from the rich and giving the money to the poor. He enjoyed seeing the big eyes when his chosen ones found the money in their living room. Kids who had never seen a toy because their parents couldn't afford them suddenly found themselves surrounded by teddy bears and dolls while their parents were trying to figure out how the toys had gotten into their kid's room. Seeing their eyes and feeling their gratitude kept him going.
"So what are you looking for, handsome?" The distant expression on Remy's face puzzled Mike briefly and he wished Remy would take off the sunglasses so he could look into the man's eyes.
"I t'ink I was lookin' for you..." His hands had turned clammy from nervousness and he was trying hard not to stutter. "Would you spend de night wit' me?"
Mike cocked his head. "Twenty if you want me to jerk you off, forty for a blowjob and I don't allow anyone to fuck me."
"How much for the whole night?" Remy felt strangely pleased that Mike wasn't selling his ass. At least Mike had been able to hold onto to some of his dignity. Hugo took 'way mine...
Mike's eyes narrowed. "The whole night?" That was a first. "Let's see... one fifty?"
Remy uncovered his wallet and took out the money. "Here." He handed the money to Mike, who quickly put it away in his pocket.
"You want to party, handsome?" Mike placed a possessive arm around Remy's waist and was surprised to feel the tremors that moved through the other man's body. Come to think of it, Remy didn't look any older than eighteen. "Or is this your first time with a man?"
"What gave me 'way?" Remy stared at the pavement.
Mike smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry about a thing. I'll take care of it."
Remy started to walk, leading Mike down the street. Several of the other male prostitutes whistled as they passed by.
"They're just jealous," Mike teased, wondering where Remy was taking him. Most of the customers preferred to rent a room for the hour in one of the cheap hotels. "Where are we going, handsome?"
"Back to my place... is dat 'kay wit' you?" As a boy he had taken his johns to his room, never trusting them when they offered to take him to their place.
"Sure, kid."
Remy flinched. Kid, Dave called me kid as well.
"Are you okay? You look tired, Remy." Mike was surprised when Remy turned left, heading for the wealthier part of New York. He didn't get an answer and they walked for at least thirty minutes. In the end, Remy stopped in front of an apartment building and opened the door. After stepping into the elevator, Remy pressed the button for the penthouse and Mike whistled, impressed. "Should have asked for more money, huh?"
Remy startled briefly, but then felt the gentle amusement in Mike's mind. Remaining silent, he opened the door to the penthouse and stepped inside. Behind him, Mike entered as well.
"Great place you've got here." Mike's gaze traveled from the valuable paintings to the sculptures, high-tech TV and audio set and he finally ended up looking out over New York. This penthouse cost more than he could ever earn in his life.
"Glad you like it." Remy moved into the kitchen. "What would you like to drink?"
"What are you having?" Mike joined Remy in the kitchen. The younger man puzzled him.
"Tea."
"Sounds fine with me." Mike watched Remy closely as he prepared the tea and found that Remy's hands were trembling, which confirmed his suspicion; Remy had never picked up a prostitute before.
Remy handed Mike the tea and walked over to the couch in the living room, where he sat down. Sighing, he waited for the tea to cool down. Mike sat down opposite him and Remy felt awkward and embarrassed for actually taking Mike home with him. He placed the cup of tea on the coffee table to remove his boots, but suddenly Mike moved, kneeling in front of him. Remy froze, staring at Mike in a panic that was quickly building.
"Let me do that. After all, you're paying me for my time." Mike saw the panic in Remy's eyes and slowly removed the boots. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, he realized that he had never been in such a strange situation before. "What do you want me to do tonight?"
"I need companionship," Remy replied softly. "No sex... don' want dat, mais... would you hold me tonight?" His empathy told him that Mike could be trusted, that the man already cared, worried about him.
"Sure, if that's what you want." What other surprises had Remy in store for him? Fuck, Remy had taken off his sunglasses and the eyes were red on black! The kid was a mutant! Mike licked his lips; did this make a difference? No.
After finishing his tea, Remy got to his feet and walked into the bedroom. Mike followed him, feeling curious. He even smiled when Remy disappeared into the bathroom to take off his clothes. Mike stripped quickly, but left his boxers on, not sure what Remy wanted from him and the kid seemed insecure at best.
When Remy returned he was wearing sweat pants and a long sleeved shirt. Mike raised an eyebrow. "You sure you won't be too hot wearing all that?"
"I'm bien," Remy said softly, shuffling his feet.
Mike walked toward him, took Remy's hand in his and led him to the bed. They slipped between the covers and instinctively he spooned up behind Remy. "This okay?"
"Perfect." Remy was fighting the tears, which were building in his eyes. It had been so long since someone had held him like this that it seemed like an eternity. It didn't matter that only three months had passed since he had lost Benjamin and Dave.
Mike kept one arm wrapped around Remy and let his other hand tangle gently in the long auburn hair. "You want to go to sleep now, or...?"
"Sleep, oui." Remy closed his eyes and relaxed against the muscular body behind him.
Mike continued the caresses until Remy's breathing evened out. Remy seemed innocent and honest. Maybe he should tell Remy that he wasn't a real prostitute, but an undercover cop.
///
The next morning, Remy woke rested. At first, he panicked, not understanding why someone's arms were wrapped around him, but then he remembered Mike. Slowly, he turned in the embrace until he faced Mike, who was still asleep. Now that the sunlight illuminated his bedroom, he realized just how much Mike resembled Dave. The two men could have been twins if it hadn't been for the different hair and eye color.
Maybe he could convince Mike not to go back to working the streets. Maybe he could help Mike find a decent job and support him financially until Mike was able to support himself without prostituting himself. Those were a lot of maybes.
"Hey, good morning, handsome." Mike had felt Remy's eyes on him and the sensation had woken him up. Just don't try anything, kid, or I'll put the fear of the law in you.
Remy blushed. "Breakfast?"
"Sounds great. Need help?"
"Non, why don' you take a shower instead?" Mike would be leaving soon and Remy wanted to spoil him a little.
Mike nodded his head. "Thanks." Yeah, maybe he should tell Remy...
///
"Please sit down." Remy had made bacon and eggs and put a generous amount on Mike's plate.
After Mike sat down, he studied Remy again. "What's this all about, kid?" He started eating while he waited for Remy's answer. "It's dangerous to pick up men like that."
"I know dat," Remy admitted, poking his food. "Mais I needed someone close last night."
"I liked holding you." It was the truth. Sleeping that well with a stranger in his arms had surprised Mike as well.
"Mebbe you can come back tonight?" Remy asked, hopefully. "Money ain' an issue. Could even financially support you so you wouldn' have to go back to de streets."
Mike almost choked in his bacon and eggs. "What?" Was this kid offering to take care of him? He suppressed a chuckle. His captain had sent him undercover to find out more about a serial killer and now this kid wanted him off the streets? "Sorry, sounds tempting, but I want to be independent."
Disappointed, Remy nodded his head. He had hoped Mike would accept his offer.
"I'll be back tonight, okay, kid?" Mike didn't know why he suddenly felt like a bastard. Maybe it was the vacant expression in the alien eyes. He was still trying to get used to them. "Don't go back out and picking up a man. I will be here at midnight, okay?"
"Oui..." Remy played with his bacon and eggs, moving them about on his plate. "I'm serious, you know. Don' want you back on de streets."
Something about that tone set off Mike's alarms. I'll be damned... Did he work the streets once and is he trying to help me? The thought touched something deep inside him. He hadn't felt this deeply since his brother had died. "I know you're serious and I really appreciate it."
"Mais de answer is still non."
"I'm afraid so. Look, kid, I have to go now, but I'll see you tonight. Don't come looking for me if I'm late."
Remy smiled, pleasantly surprised by the warm concern in Mike's mind. "I'll stay in tonight."
"Good." Mike grabbed his coat and slipped into his boots. "Be careful, kid."
"You too," Remy whispered, wondering why he was feeling dizzy.
///
"It's true, LeBeau. Dere's a new t'ief in town. We got several tips from informants dat a young girl is workin' de territory and she ain' wit' de Guild."
Emile, Remy's contact seemed worried and that worried Remy in turn. "I'll look into de matter."
"It's bad for business." Emile looked expectedly at Remy LeBeau, the Patriarch's adopted son. "You're pretty much in charge here in New York."
It was true. All thieves respected Jean-Luc LeBeau and once the news had spread that Remy had taken up residence in New York, none of the resident Guild thieves had challenged him. "What do you know 'bout de girl, mon ami?"
"She's dark skinned, has white hair and white eyes. Dey t'ink she's a mutant too."
Remy flinched. "A mutant?" That meant he had to find her as quickly as possible. The Guild Thieves considered mutants an abomination as he had experienced first hand when Jean-Luc had introduced him to other thieves. He had felt their loathing. "Tell dem dat I'm takin' care of de matter. If someone hurts her he has to answer to me."
"I'll tell dem." Emile finished his coffee and rose from his chair. They always met in this little coffee shop; it was quiet and personal here. "You got a message for your père?"
"Tell him I'm bien." Remy closed his eyes behind the sunglasses, trying to control the raging need to ask Jean-Luc to visit him. When he opened his eyes again, Emile was gone. Checking the time, he found that it was close to midnight. Mike... Would Mike keep his promise and come to his apartment tonight? There was only one way to find out.
Remy paid for their drinks, pulled his long coat closer to his body and left the coffee shop, heading back to his penthouse.
///
Remy's eyes grew big, seeing Mike pace the entrance of the building. "You're early."
"And I told you to stay home. Where were you? Did you go back out looking for someone else?"
Remy raised an eyebrow. His empathy picked up on concern and... jealousy? Was Mike worried that he would turn to another prostitute? If that was the case, it wasn't because of the money. What he felt was real jealousy. Does dat mean he cares? His heart beat a faster rhythm, realizing that Mike really wanted to see him. "Come inside," he offered, opening the door and heading for the elevator. "Same price as last night or has de price gone up?" Part of him hoped that Mike would refuse the money, but he was deluding himself. Mike was a hustler, trying to make money.
"Same as last night," Mike said eventually, leaving the elevator as they arrived at the penthouse. He dropped his coat onto a chair and sat down on the couch. Remy was in the kitchen again, preparing tea. "I've got to ask, kid... where does the money come from? How can you afford this place?"
Remy handed him the tea and sat down on the other end of the couch. "Got a wealt'y père."
"Where are you from? You're not from around here."
"N'Awlins."
"Cajun, huh?"
"Oui." The silence returned and Remy began to feel shy. He should probably pay Mike first. "Here." He placed the money on the coffee table.
Mike nodded once. "Same routine as yesterday?"
Remy simply stared at him. He wanted to touch Mike, caress his face... Mon Dieu, I can' be fallin' in love wit' him! He'll never give up hustlin'...
"What is it, Remy?" Mike placed his coffee mug on the table and moved a little closer. Gently, he removed the sunglasses. "Do you really need them at night?"
"Non," Remy whispered, breathlessly. "Jus' don' want people to see my eyes." Mon Dieu, Mike was close and his mind felt warm and inviting...
"Looks to me like you want to do more than me holding you." Mike smiled reassuringly. He shouldn't get involved with Remy, but maybe...
"I'd like to kiss you," Remy admitted, shakily. "Mais I can' do dat."
"Why is that?" Mike raised his left hand and gently stroked the auburn locks.
"You're a hustler, doin' dis for money. It'd be a lie." He had set himself up, thinking he could convince himself that he could do this. Mike was a hustler; this wasn't about feelings.
"Then forget about the money," Mike said firmly. "The truth is that I like you too. If we hadn't met this way I would have asked you to date me."
"Wouldn' work, chèr," Remy laughed, embittered. "Been searchin' for l'amour my whole life... I can' settle for less."
"What if I told you that I've been thinking about you all day?" It was the truth. He had been less alert than usual and although he had found new clues that might lead him to the serial killer, meeting Remy again had been on his mind constantly. Was this love at first sight?
"Mike?" Remy tried to sort out his feelings for Mike, realizing he felt attracted to him as well. Mon Dieu, dat means I'm bi!
"Remy, can I kiss you?" The cornered expression in Remy's eyes worried Mike. Were his suspicions correct and had Remy been a prostitute himself? How old could the kid have been when he had worked the streets? Had he been a minor? His blood was beginning to boil. He was out there on the streets every day and tried to talk to the really young boys, even called in his colleagues to have them arrested, hoping someone would look after them and make sure they didn't end up on the streets again.
"I ain' sure," Remy said, shyly. "I'm scared."
"I figured that much." Mike nodded his head. "I'll be gentle, kid."
Remy pinched his eyes tightly shut and waited for Mike to take the initiative. When nothing happened, he searched the other man's gaze. "What?"
"I want you to kiss me. I think you need to be in control here."
Remy trembled. "You know..."
"I think so... how old were you?"
"Nine..."
"Nine?" Anger burned in the pit of his stomach. "Nine? Where were your parents, Remy?"
"Don' have any." Non, Sinister ain' my fat'er... he was jus' playin' games!
"Come here..." Mike carefully wrapped his arms around Remy, encouraging him to rest his head on his shoulder. "I need to tell you something before we take this any further." Remy trembled in his arms.
"Oui?" He finally relaxed in Mike's arms, feeling like he had known the man for years. This had to be love.
"I'm not really a hustler." Mike held his breath as Remy freed himself of the embrace to lock eyes with him. "I'm a cop, undercover." The tremors grew worse. Shouldn't hearing that he was a cop reassure Remy?
"A cop? Are you arrestin' me?"
"No, you didn't do anything illegal."
"I paid you to come home wit' me..."
"To hold you in your sleep. That's not against the law. If you had paid me to have sex with you..."
Remy abruptly got to his feet. "Please leave."
"Why?"
Remy shook violently. Dave had been a cop... "I can' do dis anymore... Please don' come back here ever 'gain... I'll probably move somewhere else."
Mike rose from the couch and came to a halt in front of Remy. "Look at me, please?"
"What?" Why had he fooled himself into thinking he could do this? Why did I have to fall for him? I want him close... Is it jus' 'cause he reminds me of Dave?
"Why don't we start all over again? Let's meet for dinner tomorrow evening and then we'll see what happens?"
"A date?" Non, don' do dis to me! Jus' leave me, get outta my life! Being in love with a man scared him and now Mike was offering to start dating?
"Yes, a date. Let's say about eight? I'll pick you up and you can choose the restaurant." Realizing that Remy needed a moment to compose himself, he considered leaving, but Remy had asked him here to hold him during the night. "What do we do now, Remy? It's your call, kid. Want me to leave or to stay?"
"What will happen if you stay?" His voice trembled.
"I'll hold you in your sleep, just like last night... nothing else will happen."
Tell him to go 'way! He's a cop and you're a t'ief! It will never work out! Oh mon Dieu, what if Julien is still watchin' me, gettin' ready to move in and kill Mike like he killed Benjamin and Dave? I can' take dat risk. "You'd betta leave and never come back. I'm trouble."
Mike heard the words, but was convinced that Remy didn't mean them. There was something about the tone that was too damned off. "Why are you trouble?"
"De people I care 'bout die... de last two people I cared 'bout were killed by... someone from my past. He might come after you too." Why was Julien doing this to him? Why was Julien making his life miserable? Hadn't he suffered enough?
"This man killed your friends? Did you go to the police?"
Remy laughed, embittered. You have no idea who you're dealin' wit'. De police can' take on de likes of Julien, Creed or Sinister. De only way I can protect you is by leavin' you.
Mike was startled, hearing Remy's frantic laughter. "Hey, calm down, kid." Acting on instinct, he folded his arms around Remy and guided the younger man to the bed. When Remy didn't object, Mike stripped him quickly, took off his own clothes as well and held Remy close, lying spooned behind him. "I don't know what happened to your friends, but you should talk to the detective in charge of solving the case."
I can' do dat, chèr... dey'd never believe me... and I'd endanger deir life. Remy closed his eyes and clung to Mike, who held him through the night.
///
"De girl was seen 'gain, LeBeau. She was near de museum, checkin' out de security system. De Guild is gettin' impatient. You need to deal wit' her." Emile sipped his coffee, trying to pinpoint the change in Remy LeBeau. The young thief looked rested, but at the same time restless.
"Anyt'ing else?" Remy stared into the dark coffee, trying hard not to think of Mike.
"Looks like de Shadowking is interested in her. Last thin' I heard was Lian released de hounds to track de girl down."
"Merde!" Remy slammed his fist into the table. He had tried tracking her down as well, but the girl was smart and didn't leave any traces to go by. It didn't help that he was thinking about Mike most of the time either. "I'll find her," he vowed.
Satisfied, Emile left the coffee shop. Remy was lost in thought, trying to figure out how to find her and didn't notice Mike walking up to him.
"Remy?"
"What?" Startled, Remy looked up. "Mike, what are you doin' here?"
"I could ask you de same thing, kid. We arrested the perp I was after and the case is closed. I'm back to my normal routine. Do you know we're watching this place because a lot of known thieves hang out around here?"
"T'ieves? Non, didn' know dat." Remy acted like he didn' care, but grew alert. Why was Mike here?
"Care to explain this to me?" Mike shoved a letter across the table. "It's from my brother." Calm, he had to stay calm and give Remy a chance to explain himself. Long, gracious fingers, opened the envelope and Remy's eyes grew big. "Why don't you read it aloud?"
Remy licked his lips... I can' do dis! But he started reading it anyway.
Hi Mike,
I know it's been a while since I invited you over, but we're having a guest over and the kid scares easily, but I should start at the beginning. Benjamin and I are fine. We just celebrated our fifth anniversary and we plan on throwing a party later this month. You're invited of course and feel free to bring a friend.
Work is stressful, but what's new? I don't have to tell you about being a cop. Man, we really should get together again and catch up. We'll do that at the party, all right?
You're probably wondering about our guest. Yeah, we don't usually take people in, but you should meet this kid. Remy's nineteen years old and... Benjamin turned into a mother hen and can't stop fussing over Remy. I found the kid in a dark tunnel, his back and chest had been slashed open. He didn't have a place to stay after Bennie discharged him and he accepted our invitation to stay with us. Bennie thinks Remy was abused as a child, but it's hard to find information on the kid, as I don't know his last name. By the way, Remy's a mutant, an empath. He has the most unique eyes I've ever seen, red on black. Man, you really have to meet him. Remy's a great kid. If I'd had a son I would have liked him to be like Remy...
"Non, please, can' read any furt'er." Mon Dieu, dis can' be happenin'! But he was holding Dave's letter in his hands; a letter Dave had written his brother. Sacre mère... Mike and Dave are brot'ers. Dat's why Mike reminded me so much of Dave! What if he t'inks I killed dem? Dey'll never catch Julien... "I didn' kill dem... I cared 'bout dem..."
Mike watched Remy closely; so many different emotions were flashing across the younger man's features that he was an open book to the cop. Whatever suspicions he'd had were gone now. He didn't believe for one moment that Remy was the killer. "What happened? I have a right to know."
"Julien happened..." Remy wiped away a stray tear and tried to compose himself. "He's a professional assassin and hates my guts... He's probably still 'round, watchin' you, watchin' me... dat's why I wanted to stop seein' you... don' want you dead."
Mike leaned back in his chair. "What's an empath?"
Remy swallowed hard. "I can read your feelings."
"My feelings?"
"Dat's why I picked you dat night... You felt warm and honest. You seemed worried 'bout de ot'er boys and I felt safe wit' you." Remy dropped the letter onto the table. "Didn' know Dave and you were family."
Mike nodded his head once, slipping the letter back into his pocket. "What does this Julien look like?"
"You can' go after him, Mike." Remy shivered. "He'd kill you."
"Don't worry about that. I know now that he might come after me, I'll be careful."
"You don' understand..." He couldn't tell Mike about the Assassins Guild. Mike would never believe him. "Dis has got to end now."
"Remy?" Mike frowned.
"I can' keep seein' you. I have to move on, disappear from your life 'fore Julien makes his move."
"No, we're going to my place and find a solution to our problem." Mike got to his feet and extended his hand. "Come on, kid."
Remy dropped some money on the table to pay for their drinks and followed Mike out of the coffee shop, never accepting Mike's hand.
///
"Make yourself comfortable." Mike collapsed onto the couch in the living room, realizing how cheap and small his apartment looked compared to Remy's penthouse.
Reluctantly, Remy sat down on the chair opposite the couch, keeping his distance. "Dis has to be adieu, Mike."
"Are you in love with me?" Mike leaned forward, locking eyes with Remy. "Because I'm in love with you."
"Oui, I'm in love wit' you too, mais it can' be..." Julien will kill him... Julien will kill him... Gotta move on...
"So you're dumping me?"
"Mike, understand! I don' want you to die! Julien will move in and kill you!" Remy was shaking with anger. Julien was ruining his life again. Maybe he should go after the bastard and make sure he was dead by burying his bo staff in the man's heart. How hard was it to kill one of the living dead? How powerful was the Elixir?
"I can't change your mind?"
"Non, sorry..." Remy got to his feet, eager to leave. He wanted to put as much distance between them as possible to convince Julien that Mike meant nothing to him.
"Before you go..." Mike moved quickly, stepping up to Remy. Gently, he folded one arm around Remy's waist and pulled him close. "I need a memory..."
Remy held his breath as Mike claimed his lips. He moaned, squirmed in the embrace, parted his teeth and invited Mike's tongue in. Growing hard, he bucked against the other man. "Non, please, we can' do dis..."
"Why?" Mike asked, releasing Remy's lips.
"We can never see each ot'er 'gain..."
"I want to be with you, Remy... just this once... Please say yes..." Mike gently stroked the soft hair, traced Remy's jaw line and teased his bottom lip by running his tongue along it.
"I've never been wit' a man..." Old fear slipped back into his voice. "Can' be on de bottom..."
Yeah, Dave mentioned you'd been abused... "You can be on top, Remy."
"You'd let me do dat?" Remy felt boneless; only Mike was keeping him on his feet. "Don' know if I can get it up."
"You feel hard to me, handsome..." Mike teased, kneading Remy's erection through the fabric of his jeans. "Let me love you... just this once..."
Remy was lost, feeling Mike's love and affection. We could have worked out... Saddened, he fought back his tears. The fear was lurking, ready to stop him from taking the next step, but he was determined not to let the fear beat him this time.
"I'll be gentle... you'll be on top... we both need this, Remy..." Mike held his breath while Remy made up his mind. Would Remy accept his invitation? It would be Remy's first time.
Butterflies tickled his insides. I really want to make love jus' once in my life... "Oui," he whispered, barely audible. "Make love to me?" It was time to conquer his fear; he couldn't let his past rule his life.
Mike's smile sparkled. "Let's move this to the bedroom... we'll be more comfortable there."
Entranced, Remy followed him. Mike's king size bed looked extremely comfortable. His hands shook as he began to unbutton his shirt.
"No, let me do that." Mike caught Remy's hand in his and kissed the knuckles one by one.
Remy was trying hard not to tremble as Mike slipped the shirt off his shoulders after unbuttoning it.
"You're beautiful, Remy," Mike complimented him. The poor kid looked like a deer caught in the headlights with no way out. "Say no and we'll stop, okay?" After Remy nodded his head, Mike slowly unzipped his jeans. He pulled Remy's briefs down as well when he removed the jeans.
Remy stood naked in front of him and Mike swallowed hard, finding that scars marred the beautiful body. He grabbed the sheet from the bed and wrapped it around Remy. "Why don't you lie down? I'll join you in a sec. I need to get some condoms and lube."
Remy lay down, but continued to tremble uncontrollably. He and Mike were going to make love... An ugly memory tried to lure him into a flashback, but he banished Hugo to the depths of his mind. I don' wanna think 'bout him! I'm wit' Mike now!
When Mike returned he had shed his clothes as well. He placed the condom and Glide on the nightstand and joined Remy in bed. "We're going to take our time, handsome..."
Remy clutched the sheet, biting his lower lip as Mike's hands began to explore his body. He jerked as Mike touched his right nipple, teasing it into hardness.
"Can I remove the sheet, Remy?" Mike concentrated on rolling the now hard nub of flesh between his fingertips. Slowly, his lips descended on Remy's and he kissed him lazily. Remy began to relax and his fist loosened enough for Mike to pull away the sheet. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are, Remy?"
Shakily, Remy shook his head. "I'm scared..." he admitted.
"You don't have to be afraid. Trust yourself to me, Remy. I won't let you down." Mike waited for Remy's permission to continue his exploration, always keeping in mind that their first time would also be their last time. He wanted to make this as good as possible for Remy.
"Oui," Remy whispered his consent after probing Mike's mind again. The other man was sincere; he wasn't in any danger and it was safe to let go.
"Great..." Mike kissed Remy again, but this time he let his tongue travel down his lover's throat, still further down until it met a hard nipple, which he gently suckled.
"Oh, mon Dieu!" Remy bucked, and tiny tremors of arousal pooled in his groin. He was hard... growing harder still.
"You can touch me too," Mike whispered and guided Remy's hand to rest on his back. The tenderness in Remy's caresses almost made him choke up. How badly had Remy been hurt in the past? Would he be able to deal with the memories or freak out on him? "I like it when you touch me, Remy."
Encouraged, Remy stroked Mike's broad back, marveling at the man's soft skin. Mike moved, placed his knees at either side of his lover's hips and Remy tensed again.
"It's okay, Remy... I just want to touch you... You'll be inside me later when we make love..."
Remy was fighting his tears. Mike's love and affection was pouring into his soul, finally pushing back his fear. He welcomed Mike's tongue as it explored his mouth and raised his hips in want as his lover's fingers first touched his erection. Unable to speak he tried to use his body to tell Mike he really wanted this, but he was still scared, scared of the pain and the memories.
"We both want this, Remy... no one is forcing us to do this. I want to make love with you and you want this as well... we both want this... everything's okay..." Mike felt Remy relax and his tongue left a wet trail down his lover's belly; his destination was Remy's straining erection. "Want to taste you..." Closing his lips around the tip of Remy's cock, he teased the slit with his tongue.
"Non!" Remy abruptly sat upright, pushing Mike away. "You don' have to do dat!"
Mike managed to remain calm and cupped Remy's chin in the palm of his hand. "Someone forced you to go down on them?"
"Oui..." Remy was too embarrassed to look at Mike and kept his eyes pinched shut.
"Remy, I want to do this... I want to taste you. Want to see you squirm with need, to know that I'm the one who's driving you out of your mind..."
Remy finally felt confident enough to open his eyes. Mike was being honest. "Bien... touch me..." Giving Mike permission to proceed was easier than he had thought. Although his erection had faltered, Mike's talented tongue made him hard again. He surrendered to the butterfly kisses, which Mike pressed against his belly, the soft caresses that set his thighs on fire, and he lost himself in the sensations.
Mike smiled, grabbed a condom and opened the small package. With practiced ease he slipped it down Remy's throbbing cock. "You're close, aren't you?"
Remy could only nod his head. His entire body was on fire, demanding release and he yelped softly as Mike took one of his heavy balls into his mouth and then suckled the other. "Please..."
"How do you want to do this?" Mike wanted Remy to call the shots, but seeing the dazed expression in the alien eyes he knew Remy was too close to think coherently. "Okay, I'll make this good for you..." He took hold of the lube and coated Remy's erection generally with the Glide. "Are you ready?"
Remy nodded his head. "Are you sure? You don' have to..."
"But I want to..." Mike leaned in closer, kissed Remy's eyes and then lowered himself on the hard rod of flesh.
Remy gasped, tensed and his eyes grew big. "Chèr... be careful..."
Mike smiled and took in another inch of Remy's cock and another... until his buttocks rested against Remy's skin. He moved a little, then rose and let Remy's cock almost slip out of his body. Remy cried out when he pushed down again. "Remy, are you okay?"
"Oui... Mon Dieu... you're tight... ain' I hurtin' you?"
"No, you feel great..." Mike impaled himself again and set up a rhythm, watching Remy constantly. The younger man was squirming and started to thrust upward. "Yes, that's it... forget about your fear... make love to me, Remy... you can do this... I want you to do this..."
Remy brought up his arms behind Mike's back and pulled him close enough to kiss his lips. "Mon coeur... never felt like dis 'fore... what are you doin' to me?" Unable to hold back any longer, he began to thrust more forcefully, watching Mike slide up and down his cock. "Mike, chèr, mon coeur..."
Mike chuckled and curled his fingers around his own cock. "Remy, you don't know what you do to me..." Pumping himself in the same rhythm as Remy was thrusting, he brought himself to orgasm, shooting his come across Remy's belly.
Remy cried out helplessly as Mike's inner muscle clenched around him. "Oh... oh... Mike... mon Dieu... mon coeur!" Climaxing, he held on to Mike, pulling him close to his chest, burying his face against his lover's shoulder.
Mike wrapped his arms around Remy, clinging to him as well. He shouldn't say the words, knowing this would never happen again, but he did. "I love you, Remy..."
"Je t'aime..." Remy replied, without giving it a second thought. Life was cruel... he had finally found love, but couldn't stay. Staying meant certain death for Mike... Julien was lurking somewhere, waiting for his chance to kill his friends and lovers.
Mike rolled Remy onto his side, until they lay facing each other after Remy's sated sex slipped from his body. "That was my first time on the bottom," he confessed. "Never thought I'd like it that much."
"You did dat for me?" Remy nuzzled the skin beneath Mike's collarbone, only now truly understanding what Mike had done for him. The man was a top and had never bottomed before!
"Let's spend the night together?" Mike asked hopefully.
"Oui," Remy sighed; his eyes were closing and he felt safe in Mike's arms. "Sleep."
Mike smiled, pulled up the comforter to warm their cooling bodies and followed his lover into sleep.
///
Remy freed himself of Mike's embrace and sneaked soundlessly out of bed. After gathering his clothes, he retreated into the living room to get dressed. He didn't want to leave, didn't want to live without Mike, but he didn't have a choice. Julien had already killed Benjamin and Dave and he couldn't take the risk that his nemesis would kill Mike as well.
After getting dressed, he picked up Mike's coat and uncovered the letter, which he wanted to take with him as a constant reminder of the people that he cared about. Maybe he should leave Mike something personal? He removed the small diamond stud from his right ear and placed it on the table. He was tempted to write Mike a goodbye note, but decided against it. It would only add to Mike's pain.
Soundlessly, he left Mike's apartment, never to return again.
///
Waking up, Mike knew at once that he was alone in the room. Remy was gone. Sighing, he sat upright and left the bed. Listlessly he walked into the living room and immediately noticed the diamond stud on the coffee table. His fingers closed around the stud and he decided that he needed to get his ear pierced so he could wear that stud for the rest of his life.
///
Remy had returned to his penthouse, changed into his armor and pushed all thoughts of Mike out of his mind. He had promised Emile to find the girl and it was time to keep his word. Closing the door behind him, he carried his personal possessions with him in a duffle bag. He wouldn't come back here, couldn't take the risk of running into Mike again.
///
His empathy easily picked up on the Shadowking's hounds and he took up pursuit. Seeing the white-haired girl running for her life, he realized he couldn't turn his back on her. He had to take out the hounds. Moving quickly, he ran toward her, extending his bo staff, charging it and attacked the hounds. A few minutes later he had disposed of them and stared at the little girl in front of him. The things he saw in her eyes and felt in her mind made him dizzy. She wasn't what she appeared to be. He felt an adult inside a child's mind. "Need help, petite?"
She studied him closely. "Maybe."
"Name's Gambit, petite," Remy said, bowing gallantly and kissing her hand.
"I'm Storm..." she introduced herself.
In the distance he felt Lian's presence. Hounds were still searching the area, closing in on them. "We'd betta leave, Stormy..."
"Yes, you're right," she agreed. "Let's leave this place."
///
"Take a breat', chère, we got air!" They struggled to the surface, spitting out the water that had kept them from breathing.
"Nanny... Orphanmaker!" Storm was still panting, sucking oxygen into her abused lungs. She remembered now, remembered who she really was.
Nanny and the Orphanmaker had done their best to capture them, but had failed. Their plane was sinking rapidly behind them."Barely able to save our backsides, Stormy. Not even a ghost of a chance to try for dem. Dey don' get out on deir own, dey're still inside de ship. At de bottom of de swamp. Won' hear no sobs from me 'bout dat. Good riddance, I say." Looking at her, he smiled. He had really been worried about her.
"Thank you for the rescue." Storm accepted his help and allowed him to pull her along, away from the crash sight.
"Jus' doin' what comes natural, chère, same as you." How did I come to care dis much 'bout you, Stormy? You're de sister I never had. "We work pretty well toget'er. Be a shame to break up de team when we're jus' gettin' started." He simply wasn't ready yet to let her go and mourn the loss of another friend.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm afraid there is more to this than just you and I." How was she going to tell him that she remembered who she really was?
"You're talkin' different. Voice sounds...older..."
"It is. I am... no longer quite the girl you befriended."
Remy stared deep into her eyes. Oui, 'ways knew dere was somet'in' old hidin' in your mind...
"Tell me, Gambit," Storm started, after making her decision to take Gambit to Westchester. He would make a great addition to the team. "Have you ever heard of a band of mutant heroes called the X-Men?"
Note: The last fragment is from the X-Men comic, number 267, Early September. No copyright infringement is intended. I just thought it might be nice to finish with some canon. This is where "Eyes of a Child' ends, but the story will continue in a sequel, which I hope to start soon.