Title: Ghosts of the past 4

Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)

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

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Ghosts of the past

By Morgana

 

Chapter Eighteen

A question of lust
Kiss me goodbye
When I'm on my own
But you know that I'd
Rather be home
It's a question of lust
Depeche Mode

Hank shook his head in annoyance. Emma Frost and the professor should have cleared this with him first before making their decision. Now, he hardly had any time left to prepare for Chamber's arrival. Apparently, Emma and Charles had felt it necessary to send the young man to the mansion, away from the Academy because Chamber was struggling with severe depression and was isolating himself from the other pupils. But why would Jono be better off here?
He couldn't really refuse their combined request. Yes, technically speaking he could, but if this young man needed his help, he couldn't deny the request. Well, he still had two more days before Chamber's unexpected arrival. That was sufficient time to prepare for the young man's stay. He didn't know too much about Chamber and needed to study the files, which Emma would send him via email, first.
Sometimes, he wished he could just focus on his research and forget about the rest. No, that wasn't true either. He liked helping his teammates, like Gambit who had finally found the courage to open up to them? //a little,// he thought displeased. Remy was still trying to deal with everything on his own and had to learn to accept their help and concern.
While checking the clock he wondered why Gambit was late for his appointment. He'd scheduled a few tests to ensure that the chemicals, which the cylinder had released, weren't causing any complications.
About to pick up the phone to make a call to the boathouse, his hand halted in mid air. His ears picked up on nervous laughter. Directing his gaze to the doorway he realized that Bobby was accompanying Gambit.
His first glance was for Remy, as he wanted to make sure that the young man was doing fine. The depressed, nearly suicidal state the Cajun had been in had worried him. It had been a tremendous relief to find out that alien substances had caused it. Removing the cylinder had only been minor surgery and had seemingly improved Gambit's mood.
Bobby however was a different matter. Drake's eyes were hooded, hiding secrets and that realization saddened him a little. They were best friends. Why would Bobby find it necessary to keep secrets from him? One possible answer popped up in his mind and he hoped he was wrong.
"Bonjour, Henri," Remy quipped and wondered how to handle this. Couldn't be too hard to find out if Hank was interested in men as well as women. Knowing the answer to that question would make things a lot easier on Bobby.
"Where's your shadow, Gambit?" Hank asked in a playful mood. Once Chamber had arrived, he would have little to no time to talk to his friends.
Remy grinned broadly. //Mon Dieu! It does feel good to be moi 'gain!// But Hank was right. Logan had been his shadow these last few days, watching over him, tending to his needs. Logan had committed to their relationship without any hesitation. Had to be love? true love? //After all dese years?// he wondered.
Bobby forced himself to smile at Hank, who had been his best friend for years. Lately though, he had been wondering if their friendship had changed into something else. He wasn't even sure if it he had a crush on Hank. Wasn't sure about his feelings at all. But he had to do something to find out where they stood, even if it frightened him. Losing his best friend terrified him and had been the one reason why he had kept quiet.
Hank had never given him any reason to believe that he was attracted to men. Thinking back, he realized that as long as they had known each other, Hank had only dated women. Tish. Cecilia? he wondered if Hank still loved Cecilia. Although Hank had a habit of making him open up, McCoy hardly ever spoke about his feelings, his desires, and his needs. //I'll die if his answer is no? will never be able to look at him again!//
His empathic powers seeped through the shields and Remy acted quickly, asserting control again. Bobby was terribly confused and Hank's thoughts were occupied by something that worried McCoy greatly. Maybe he should postpone this and try later, once Hank was relaxed. But one look at Bobby told him that this had to be resolved now.
"Henri, mon ami, always wanted to ask you somet'in.," Remy obeyed as Hank gestured him to sit down on the exam bed. A moment later Hank was measuring his blood pressure and his unease increased at the sight of a syringe. "What are you goin' to do, homme?"
"I need a blood sample, Remy," Hank said reassuringly. Although he was talking to Gambit, his eyes remained focused on Bobby, who was now flushing a brilliant red.
"Make it quick, homme, don' like needles." Remy bit his teeth and counted to ten.
Mildly amused, Hank smiled. "I know you hate being here. It must be hard on you to give me this much medical freedom? does that mean you trust me, my Cajun friend?"
Gambit's smirk reappeared. "Mebbe it does, homme."
"And you Robert? Do you require a physical as well?" Hank inquired, still wondering why Bobby's face was this flustered.
His blush intensified. //Don't think about getting physical with him!// he admonished himself. //Get your mind out of the gutter, Drake!// Come to think of it, why was he still stalling? He should tell Hank the truth and let things take their course. Why was he still holding back? //Because? I'm afraid of rejection and losing the best friend I EVER had!//
Luckily, Gambit shattered the awkward silence.
"Always wondered, Henri," Remy started, trying to be as diplomatically as possible. "How do you feel 'bout Logan and moi bein' toget'er? Expected etrange looks, mais?" That should do it. Hopefully, Hank would be tempted to explain his view on gay relationships.
Hank considered the question. Gambit had asked him that for a reason. "I am happy for both of you," he said eventually.
//Merde!// Remy cursed privately, catching Bobby's growing despair at not getting the answer he craved. //Have to push him harder!// As Hank pulled the needle away from underneath his skin, he sighed blissfully. "Ever dated an homme, Henri?"
Bobby nearly choked hearing that question. Gambit was going to ruin it all! But he still lacked the courage to step forward and steer the conversation into the direction he wanted.
Slowly, Hank raised one eyebrow. "You are asking most peculiar questions, Gambit."
"Jus' answer or are you chicken?" Remy quipped and wondered if he could use his emphatic powers on Hank to make him tell the truth. //Non, not goin' to try. Charm got me into trouble? won' let dat happen 'gain!//
Hank took a moment to ponder the situation. His eyes shifted from Remy to Bobby and back to Gambit. There was something going on here. "No, I haven't," he said eventually and got even with Remy by attaching electrodes to the Cajun's temples and brow.
"Ever considered giving it a try? Dating a man, I mean?" Bobby stuttered embarrassed, but realized that there was no way back now that Gambit had addressed the issue. "And by the way, Gambit, you look ridiculous right now!"
Remy barely refrained from sticking out his tongue. //Doin' dis for you, Bobby!// he thought fatigued. //Widout me, you would never have asked him dat!//
"No, Robert, I haven't." Hank realized that he had been right all along. He knew what this was about. "Gambit, you need to lie down now. Running this scan takes 15 minutes. Don't get up and try to relax."
Remy complied, after loudly protesting. "Scan, what scan? What do you need a scan for? I'm fine, never felt better, bien!" The clammy feel of electrodes on his skin made him feel ill at ease. He hated being examined.
"Robert, I want to talk to you? in private." Hank sighed. This wouldn't be easy. He should have seen this coming, but? Gesturing Bobby to follow him, he led his friend to the small office he had created at the back of the med lab.
//I'm going to die? I wanna freeze up and get outta here? This is going to be bad, very bad!// Bobby raved privately. Hank's knitted brow revealed worry and he seemed to mentally prepare for a very disenchanting conversation. After quickly looking at Remy, Bobby realized that this was HIS moment of truth.

Remy stared at the ceiling. The only audible sound in the med lab was his breathing and the silence started to suffocate him. If only Logan were here! Then it might be bearable.
The med lab always reminded him of Sinister's laboratory. And whenever he thought about Sinister, a wave of old, never healed pain swept through him, rocking him off his feet. //Don' t'ink of him, don'!//
"Logan, cher?" he whispered in sudden despair. Maybe? Focusing on his lover he tried to pick up on Logan's feelings. Oui, Logan felt close. //Cher, I know you can' hear my t'oughts, mais please? I need you.// He had been able to send Logan his emotions before, hopefully it still worked.
Remy concentrated every ounce of emphatic energy he had on sending his lover his solitude and apprehension. There was no doubt in his mind that Logan would react to it? SHOULD Logan receive his dark and gloomy feelings. //Logan, need you?//

"Logan?"
His head jerked back as something urgent and pleading slammed into his mind. It weren't thoughts, but? feelings. //Remy!//
"Logan!" Scott tried again. After their talk they had retreated to the kitchen to get some black coffee, as he'd wanted to give Logan a chance to get everything that bugged him out of his system. Hadn't worked though. Logan wasn't keen on discussing Remy's fears, something he actually admired. It told him that there was a lot of trust in their relationship, something both men desperately needed.
Quickly, Logan pushed the mug onto the counter. "Gotta go, Cyke," he whispered absentmindedly. Why was Remy reaching out to him? What was upsetting his lover? Whatever it was, he was going to eliminate the course of that discomfort and left for the med lab.
//It's Remy, darling,// Jean sent into his mind.
//Thought so,// Scott replied as he nodded his head. //I've got this feeling that they are good for each other?//
//I know they are, darling,// Jean agreed and retreated from his mind.
"Isn't it ironic?" he whispered to no one in particular. "I worried about him hitting on Jean for years and now? Life's full of surprises."

Bobby fumbled the sleeve of his shirt, hesitant to look into Hank's understanding eyes. His sixth sense warned him that his friend had already seen through the disguise.
"Bobby, is there something you need to tell me?" Hank asked in a gentle and encouraging tone. No matter what the outcome of this conversation would be, he refused to lose their friendship over this.
"Guess you already know what this is about," Bobby stuttered and stared at his folded hands, resting in his lap. He simply couldn't say the words that could shatter their long years of friendship.
"Robert," Hank started and carefully gathered the young man's hands in his, "I will always be your friend, hopefully best friend."
Bobby realized that he had to come clean. He couldn't crawl back now and leave without telling Hank the truth. "Hank?" he stuttered and apprehensively raised his eyes to meet Hanks. "I'm in love with you."
There, he had said it! His heart beat madly and he even felt dizzy. All ground seemed to disappear from underneath his feet, and he had so hoped that it would open and swallow him.
Looking into Hank's eyes Bobby read the truth in them. He just hoped that he hadn't destroyed their friendship with his admission. He would find a way to deal with being rejected, but would never forgive himself for alienating Hank.
Soothingly, his fingers rubbed Bobby's. "I thought so," Hank admitted and caught Bobby's elusive eyes with his. "I am so sorry, Robert. I saw this coming, but? I wish I had a different answer for you." Bobby tried to pull back his hands, but he didn't allow it.
"Just forget that I ever said it!" Bobby exclaimed upset. His worst nightmare was coming true. He had just bared his soul and his best friend didn't share these feelings. //Moron!// he chided himself. Deep down he had known the truth, but had refused to accept it.
"I still love Cecilia," Hank revealed in a warm tone, "but you, Robert, are my best friend and hopefully we will be best friends until the day one of us dies." Hank desperately searched for words that would take away Bobby's pain, which shone so clearly from those blue eyes.
"Bobby," Hank tried to put all the affection and warmth he felt for his friend in that one word. "Lovers come and go, but best friends always stay together. I am flattered that you think of me in that way and? I can barely imagine what you're going through right now, but please don't let this ruin our friendship."
His mouth had gone completely dry. His eyes however, were swimming. "I've been fooling myself all along, Hank."
"Sometimes we want something so badly that we ignore the truth," Hank replied and lovingly squeezed Bobby's hands. "One day you'll find someone special who will love you back. Give it time, Robert."
Sobbing softly, Bobby met Hank's eyes. "I just hoped that? but deep down I always knew that this wasn't about passion. Had to try though."
Hank smiled gently and enfolded Bobby in a tight hug. "Promise me that once you've found that special person you will tell me first?"
Slowly, Bobby nodded his head. "I will," he promised and rested his head against the soft fur. He might not have gained a lover, but he hadn't lost his best friend either.

 

Chapter Nineteen

Logan dashed into the med lab, urged on by Remy's growing feelings of unease. "What's wrong, kid?" His eyes had already located his lover lying on the exam table, hooked up to a monitor. A large number of electrodes had been attached to his brow and temples.
"Logan, cher?" Remy extended one hand and whished Logan would hurry. "Need you close, Logan."
"Why?" Logan reached the exam table and gently took hold of his lover's raised hand. As far as he could tell, there was nothing here that could have set off Remy's panic. Bobby and Hank were talking in the office and Remy was alone in here. //Alone, is that it?//
"Don' want to be here," Remy whispered and drew in a deep breath. The sterile smell invaded his senses and made him nauseous.
Logan gave him a questioning glance and then removed the electrodes. //Scott was right,// he realized, //should be concentratin' on helpin' him heal.// Resolved, he banished all the anger he felt for Sinister out of his mind, only too well aware of the fact that it would affect Remy negatively. "Let's get outta here."
He wanted to object, but Logan was already pulling him to his feet. "Henri won' like dis, cher."
"That's Hank's problem," Logan said determinedly and handed Remy his shirt. As his eyes sought out Hank's, he saw that McCoy and Bobby were hugging. "Blue won't miss us." Quickly, he wrapped one arm around Remy's waist.
"Don' need de support," Remy whispered slightly embarrassed.
"But I like touchin' ya," Logan quipped in return and loved to see a faint blush crawl across Remy's face. "Yer cute when ya blush." He couldn't help making the remark, knowing that it would make Remy laugh and release some of his tension. It worked.
Remy giggled softly. "Never t'ought you would ever say dat, cher." He had to admit that the arm slung around his body made him feel safe and protected. Sinister couldn't hurt him any longer.
"We're goin' to yer room," Logan decided and closed the door behind him. Hank would understand what had happened and not push the Cajun into returning before he was ready to do so out of his own accord.
"Bobby asked me to draw Jean and Cyke? as an anniversary cadeau." Remy sighed softly as they entered his old room.
"Ya left the sketch book at the boathouse. Want me to get it for ya?" Logan inquired and sat Remy down on the bed. 16.00 hours. They would have dinner here and then return to the boathouse.
"Non, cher, can do dat later. I want you close," Remy said honestly and raised a hand to cup Logan's face in his palm. "You know what I want to do?" he whispered softly, not expecting Logan to go along with his plans.
"Tell me." Logan noticed the mischief in Remy's eyes and realized how much he had missed seeing it there. Leaning back into the pillows, his eyes scanned the four-poster bed. "Nice bed."
"Merci," Remy mumbled and slowly got onto all fours, crawling closer to his lover. "I want to sneak into bed wid you." //Much too early for dat,// he chided himself. Logan would probably want to return to the Danger Room now that he was feeling more at ease.
"Sounds aright to me," Logan muttered and opened his arms to crush the Cajun to his chest.
Hardly believing his luck, Remy straddled his lover's hips and leaned forward. Resting his head and upper body on Logan's chest, he managed to peek at the Canadian's eyes. Logan's fingers slipped underneath his shirt and gently rubbed his back. This felt so incredibly right! He had been waiting for so long to experience this perfect moment in time. "Don' ever want to get out of bed 'gain."
Gently, Logan raised Remy's face and then brushed his lover's luscious lips. "Tell me when ya wanna stop," he instructed, realizing that ugly memories were lurking in the back of his lover's mind. He didn't want to unintentionally scare Remy like he had accidentally done in the kitchen when he had sneaked up on him from behind.
"I trust you, cher," Remy whispered seriously. Logan didn't scare him. But his lover was right. Sinister was still haunting him, overshadowing their happiness. Briefly, he sensed Logan's sheer hatred aimed at Sinister and cringed. There was so much barely contained rage inside his lover's mind that he started to tremble. "Cher, please don'?"
Hearing the pain filled voice Logan realized what had happened. Scott had warned him not to concentrate on getting even with Sinister and immediately, he banned the bastard from his mind. Instead, he concentrated on his love for Remy. "Better? I'm so sorry, kid, but whenever I think of the bastard I wanna rip his body apart."
Remy regulated his breathing. Logan's rage had faded and warm feelings had appeared instead. "Oui, better." Hesitantly, he cuddled up to his lover, lying sprawled all over Logan's body. Strong arms encircled his waist and Logan's lips claimed his again. In the back of his mind Logan's assurance echoed. Logan wouldn't do anything against his will. Knowing that made him want to try something new, take the next step.
In the shower, he had allowed Logan to touch him, explore his body and he wondered if Logan would let him do the same. "Can I touch you aussi, cher?" he asked softly. Seeing Logan's surprised expression, he felt he had to explain his request. "Sinister liked to be in control? wasn' allowed to do anyt'in' widout his permission?"
"Go ahead, darlin'? do whatever ya want," Logan replied in a warm tone, looking forward to Remy's exploration. Entranced, he watched as Remy sat upright, still straddling his hips. Remy leaned forward and supported himself with his hands. Red eyes focused on his, never drifting off. //Kid probably needs to be reassured that I ain't Sinister.// Maintaining eye contact, he lifted his right hand and traced Gambit's lips.
Remy moaned softly, as Logan's fingers brushed against his lips and instinctively, he opened his mouth to suck those fingertips.
Logan growled dangerously, as Remy's tongue curled around his finger, lapping and suckling his fingertip. Then his lover's tongue slid down to his knuckles, licking the spots where his claws regularly tore apart his flesh. Remy's draped eyes made his blood boil and he desperately fought the urge to take this one step further and to make love to the Cajun right now. //Too early! Too soon! We've got to do this slowly!// he reminded himself.
Remy sensed his lover's feelings and realized that Logan kept a tight reign on his lust. It meant the world to him. Logan wouldn't take advantage of him. As he released Logan's fingertips, he dived forward and kissed him hard, forcing Logan to part his teeth. His tongue met Logan's and he couldn't repress a blissful moan.
"Darlin'," Logan whispered, surprised at the apparent passion in Remy's eyes. Warm, yet alien emotions were caressing his mind and he knew it was Remy, using his empathy to share his feelings. "Darlin', yer so? beautiful." //Sounds corny!// he chided himself, but it was the truth. "How far do ya wanna go?" he asked, sensing the building desire in Remy's feelings.
A concerned expression appeared in Remy's eyes and Logan nodded his head. "I understand, darlin'." Yes, he did. Remy wanted to take a first step into slowly deepening their intimacy.
"Want to make you cum," Remy whispered as his nimble fingers tugged at Logan's trousers, unzipping them and stealing inside. He couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed as he found Logan rock hard. But it also brought back memories he didn't want right now. Memories of Sinister getting aroused and seeing diabolical pleasure in those burning red eyes every time when Sinister had thrown him on the floor or an exam table to force him.
"Darlin'? Remy?" Logan said concerned as the Cajun's feelings changed from passionate to tormented. Fear lashed out into his mind and acting at once, he gently clutched Gambit's head in his hands. "Look at me, Remy. I ain't Sinister. We're in yer room and yer safe. Wanna stop?"
Hearing that offer was all he needed to shake off the memories. "Non, cher. Don' want to stop." Resolved, he curled his fingers around Logan's erection. "Je t'aime," he whispered determinedly and slid his free hand underneath Logan's shirt. A hesitant smile crossed his face as his fingertips found two hard and erect nipples. "Why are you lettin' me do dis?" he asked surprised. He had always assumed that Logan would NEVER hand over control.
"Why not?" Logan countered and involuntarily arched his back as Remy increased the speed and pressure, with which he was stroking his aching shaft. "I ain't no control freak," he managed to hiss before surrendering to the sensations Remy was sending into his mind.
Reassured, Remy rubbed his lower body against Logan's, savoring the hard feel of his lover's cock in his fingers. His awareness changed, as his mind floated closer to Logan's, sharing his lover's pleasure. He was no longer just bringing Logan to orgasm, his own shaft ached in sympathy. Somewhere down the line, Logan's aching erection became his and all he wanted was to reach orgasm.
Speechless. Logan stared at Remy's face. The eyes had closed, lips had opened and Gambit's ragged breathing echoed through the bedroom. Remy had completely surrendered to the sensations, was experiencing his ecstasy and that realization pushed Logan over the edge. The loss of self on Remy's face only turned him on more, now that he understood that the Cajun was feeding off his pleasure to reach orgasm himself. "Remy," he whispered, but only got soft mews for an answer.
Unable to hold back any longer, Remy whipped himself into a frenzy of passionate lust. Logan's feelings had melted with his and as his lover climaxed, he shared the intense sensation. His eyes flashed open at the feel of hot semen dripping from his fingers. Briefly, he stared at the pulsing cock in his hand. Logan's feelings were as strong as his, had pushed them away and for one moment he felt incredibly lost.
"Remy," Logan whispered again, seeing the confusion in his lover's eyes. "It's aright, darlin'," and sat up, pulling Remy onto his lap, caressing his lover's face.
Slowly, Remy regained control over his senses, as Logan's feelings grew calmer. "Merde? what did I do?" he asked in a trembling tone. His hand was still sticky with Logan's cum and he raised it to examine its texture.
"That was quite a wild ride," Logan said gently and folded his arms around the trembling Cajun. "Ya lost control in the end, didn't ya?"
"I lost myself in your feelings," Remy admitted in a shocked tone. "Logan, I didn'? do anyt'in' dat??"
Tenderly, Logan's kissed his lover's lips, reading the rest of that question in his eyes. It pained him that Remy assumed that this had happened against his will. //Yer afraid to hurt me like Sinister hurt ya,// he realized with a start. //Makes sense in a weird way. All ya know is rape and bein' controlled.//
"Remy," he started passionately and concentrated on the love he felt for the younger man. "Thanks, I loved feelin' yer pleasure in return. Pleasure, which ya gave me, darlin'. I loved it."
"Are you sure?" Remy asked hesitantly. But Logan's emotions gently rolled over his and warmed his mind with promises of love and soft caresses that spoke of nothing but affection and desire. "Never wanted to lose control, cher, mais? In de end, I forgot where I ended and your mind began."
"I hope ya liked it. I certainly did!" Logan said firmly. No way was he going to allow that memories of Sinister ruined this moment.
Remy smiled weakly. "I did, cher? mais I need to be more careful in future. Might hurt you."
Logan knew he had to say or do something that would take the focus away from Remy's fear. Wickedly, he licked his lips and said, "Looks like ya came too, darlin'." His fingers moved over the damp jeans and he unbuttoned them. "Ya should change yer clothes? I'm gonna take a quick shower." Logan pressed a possessive kiss on Remy's lips, briefly suckling his lower lip.
Remy moaned, but let go of his lover as Logan moved away from him. Licking his lips, he watched Logan's predatory stroll to the bathroom. "You got a mignon ass, cher," he quipped, trying hard to get to terms with Logan's acceptance of this situation. He had to loosen up, throw his fear overboard and try to find out who he really was now that he no longer had to hide behind his walls.
"Ya got a cute little ass yerself!" Logan exclaimed in return and disappeared into the bathroom while whistling an old tune.
Remy rolled onto his back and stretched lazily. A smile curled his lips and contented, he closed his eyes, mentally reliving the ecstasy they had shared.

Disencouraged, Bobby slouched up the staircase. Hank had let him down gently, but it still hurt. Against all odds, he had hoped that Hank would return his feelings. But these things didn't happen in real life. "And I made a fool of myself!" he whispered embarrassed.
"Bobby!"
With an air of hopelessness Bobby turned around. "Scott, what do you want? Can't it wait?" He just wanted to hide underneath the bed covers and pretend he had never told Hank the truth. "I didn't miss training, did I?"
"No, you didn't." Scott noticed the saddened expression in Bobby's eyes, which usually sparkled. Something had upset Bobby and he wasn't sure what to do. He didn't want to infringe on Bobby's privacy, but wondered if Drake would come to him if he needed to talk something through? At the very least he had to make that offer. "I just want you to know that I am a good listener in case you need to talk, Bobby."
Bobby blinked his eyes. Damn, that had sounded sincere! "Thanks, Scott. I know you're trying to help but I just need time to sort out some personal stuff."
"In that case?" Scott tucked away the file he was carrying, "I will find someone else to help me." Suddenly, he realized that Bobby looked haunted.
"I can help," Bobby sighed. It surprised him however that Scott wanted HIS help. Why not one of the others? What the hell was he good at anyway? Screwing up?
"Are you sure, Bobby?" Scott's thoughts raced. He had always suspected that Bobby suffered from low self esteem and that the younger man had some personal issues he didn't want to share with the team, but? "I would really appreciate your help. Don't know who else can do this for me."
Bobby smiled in spite of his gloomy feelings. Was Scott actually trying to lift his spirits? //Thanks, Scott. Owe you one.// Nodding his head, he tried to radiate self-confidence. "Spill it, Slim."
"Here," Scott handed him the file and shook his head, hearing his old nick name. "Emma Frost asked us to take in one of her students for a while. I want Jono to feel at home here."
"Chamber?" Bobby asked, opening the file. "Why is he coming here?"
"Emma and the professor think that a change of scenery will do Jono some good. Kid's been depressed since he arrived at the Academy and Emma isn't making any progress."
"Would be depressed too if I had a hole in my chest and missed part of my face," Bobby remarked honestly.
"It was the professor's idea," Scott continued. "He thinks that our experiences with Remy's mental instability enriched us and that we can handle Jono's depression as well."
"That makes sense," Bobby admitted. "What do you want me to do?"
"Emma put him on her corporate flight to make sure that he didn't wander off. I want you to pick him up at the airport. Jono can only communicate telepathically, try to make him feel welcome? Give him a tour once Hank checked on him."
"Why me?" Bobby asked as he closed the file. He would study it later in the privacy of his room.
"I know you can make him feel at home, feel welcome. That's why I picked you. Jono needs someone close to his own age to relate to."
"Okay, consider it done," Bobby sighed and looked at Scott. "Anything else?"
"No," Scott replied, relieved to see that some of the shadows in Bobby's eyes had lifted. "Are you sure everything's fine?"
"It will be," Bobby muttered and walked away, not believing the words he had just said. It would never be okay again. Hank would look at him differently and he had never felt this lonely before.

 

Chapter Twenty

Bobby felt apprehensive about joining the others for dinner. Would Hank also be there? Usually McCoy stayed in the med lab, but an ominous feeling warned him that things might turn out differently this evening.
As he arrived at the dinning room he distinctly heard Hank's soft voice. //Damn!// he cursed privately. Hank might feel uncomfortable talking to him now and he hesitated.
"C'mon, Bobby," Remy said and pulled the hesitant young man along with him. Bobby's feelings were much too strong to ignore and disappointment and unease echoed all through the corridor. "Let's eat."
Briefly, Bobby considered shaking off Remy's arm, but as he locked eyes with Gambit, he was taken aback by the way they sparkled. Before he knew it, Remy had manoeuvred him to the dinning table, sitting him down to his right.
Stealing a glance at Hank, Bobby fought his blush. Hank however, smiled and gave him a wink. //Calm down, Drake. Calm down!// he chided himself. Hank had made it pretty clear that they were still best friends.
Remy watched Bobby and recognized the sadness in the young man's eyes and feelings. "Sorry it didn' work out," he whispered into Bobby's ear.
Bobby grew a little pale, wishing Gambit wouldn't address this right now.
"Mais you're still friends, non?" He wasn't picking up any rejection on Hank's part, which probably meant that the two men had managed to sort everything out.
"Yeah," Bobby whispered in return. //And now shut up!//
Remy flinched, sensing Bobby's anger and forced himself to keep in drawing deep breaths.
Noticing the way Remy was trying to keep in control of his feelings, Logan leaned forward and caught his lover's hand in his.
"I'm fine," Remy lied. Merde, he had to get out of his this room, away from Bobby, who was radiating anger and frustration. "Will be back in a sec. Stay, cher," he whispered and managed to send reassurance into Logan's mind. "I can deal wid dis."
Bobby raised an eyebrow as Remy fled the room. The expression on the Cajun's face had him guessing. Logan however, was definitely giving him dirty looks. While ignoring the rest of the team, Bobby leaned forward and asked. "What's gotten into Gambit?"
Logan bared his teeth. "Looks like yer brain cells are frozen dead, Drake." He knew it wasn't solely Bobby's fault that Remy was affected like this, but wished Drake would pay a little more attention to what was going on with Gambit. "He's an empath, bub. What do ya think sent him runnin' into the corridor?"
Anger, this time aimed at himself, surfaced. "I did that to him?" Quickly, he exchanged a glance with Hank, who was still gently smiling at him. There was no loathing or condemnation in McCoy's eyes. He'd been angsting about nothing and had hurt Remy in the process. "Excuse me," he whispered and got to his feet.
Logan wanted to stop him, knowing that Remy needed privacy to straighten out his emotions, but Xavier's mind voice stopped him.
//Give Bobby a chance to apologize,// Charles sent into Logan's mind. He was sitting at the head of the table and hadn't interfered earlier. His X-Men had to learn how to deal with Remy's new ability and so far they were doing okay. It was one reason why he had decided to bring Jono here. His X-Men were going through some changes, finally listening to their feelings and Chamber could greatly benefit from that.
//Scott has learned a lot,// Charles thought. Scott had reached out to several of his teammates and was finally turning into a compassionate leader. //Don't need him to be perfect. I want him to care about the others.//
Reluctantly, Logan remained seated and watched Bobby disappear into the corridor. //Chuck is right,// he had to admit. //They need to figure out how to deal with Remy.// Not being close to help out his lover however, made him feel uncomfortable. //Smotherin' him with my concern won't work either,// he berated himself. //Remy can deal with this. He's right.// But letting go was hard.

"Remy?" Bobby called out and forced himself to calm down. He caught sight of the Cajun at the end of the corridor and calmly, he ran up to him. "I'm sorry."
Remy sighed now that Bobby had his feelings under control again. They still seeped through his shields, but were bearable. "Non, no need to be sorry, mon ami." Turning around, he fortified his defenses before looking into Bobby's eyes. "You need to talk," he realized and gestured Bobby to follow him into the kitchen.
"WE need to talk," Bobby corrected him and accepted the mug filled with coffee that Remy had poured him.
The Cajun also poured one for himself and then sipped from it. It surprised him that Bobby had followed him here. "You can talk to me," he said calmly, remembering their earlier conversation about Hank.
"First, I want you to know that I am sorry," Bobby said sincerely. "I'm still getting used to the idea that you're an empath. I forget that my feelings can affect you."
"Don' worry 'bout it, homme," Remy said, feeling slightly embarrassed. Not many people considered his needs. "My fault as well. Need to work on my shields."
Bobby smiled weakly. "You're not mad at me then?"
"Why would I?" Remy asked surprised. Then he changed the subject of their conversation, hoping Bobby wouldn't keep it all buried inside. "You told Hank?"
"Yeah? he doesn't love me like that." Saddened, Bobby shrugged his shoulders. "Can't be that lucky."
Remy moistened his lips. "Bobby, one day you'll find someone who loves you."
"But I am so tired of waiting!" Bobby exploded suddenly. Seeing Remy's eyes grow big, he knew he was affecting the Cajun again and calmed down. "How many years do I have to wait before?" His voice broke and a sob escaped his lips. "Except for Hank, Logan and you no one here knows I'm gay. I don't know how to deal with this."
Bobby's fears washed through him and he patted Drake's hand. "Don' try to force amour," he whispered.
"That's easy for you to say!" Bobby reacted fiercely. "You were always hanging out in town, being a ladies man and now you've got Logan!"
Remy swallowed hard. His eyes quickly scanned the doorway. No one else was near. Logan had honored his request not to come after him. Bobby's jealousy sliced through him. There was only one thing he could do, tell the truth. "I've been tellin' everyone lies."
"What?" Remy was suddenly avoiding his eyes and the elegant hands had started to tremble. Forgetting about his own problems he focused on Gambit. "What are you talking about?"
"Logan is mon premiere amant?. First lover," he explained, seeing Bobby's confused look.
"First MALE lover?" Bobby supplied, not understanding what Remy was trying to say.
"Non, first lover? Oui, like de femmes, but never did de deed?" Bobby's large eyes stared at him in shock. "Tried hard to fool everyone."
"Why?" Bobby asked surprised. "Hey, I've never had sex? with a girl or a man, but I'm not ashamed of that? why are you?" Remy lifted his eyes and shocked, he recognized the unshed tears in them. "What?" he whispered and instinctively squeezed Remy's hand to reassure the other man.
"I never said dat I didn' have sex? just never had a lover." It surprised him how hard it was to tell Bobby the truth about Sinister and him. He'd started to connect to Drake, was even hoping that they could be close friends one day and now he was going to shatter the illusion he had built. Bobby wouldn't easily forgive him.
"Uh, Remy? You lost me. Are you saying that you slept around without having feelings for them?" Bobby shook his head the moment that question had left his lips. "No, you don't strike me as such a person."
"I didn' have a choice?" Remy whispered. Why had he decided to confide in Bobby? Drake wouldn't understand what he had gone through.
Slowly, Remy's words began to make sense, but the conclusion he had reached was hard to believe. "Remy, are you telling me that you were? raped?" No, that couldn't be right. Gambit was an X-Man, could defend himself!
"When I was younger, oui." Remy peeked at Bobby's eyes, expecting Drake to retreat from their conversation. But Bobby's hand squeezed his a little harder and finally he realized that Drake wasn't shying away from this.
"Remy," Bobby sighed. "Why didn't you tell us?" His head was reeling. "Who did this to you?"
"You don' want to know," Remy replied ashamed. "I just wanted you to know dat sometimes you've got to wait for love to find you. You're handsome and you care 'bout people. You will find a lover? believe me, mon ami." Suddenly regretting his admissions, Remy tried walking away from Bobby, but the other man held his hand, keeping him from fleeing into the corridor.
"Who did this to you!" Bobby demanded to know. "And did you tell Logan?"
"Oui, Logan knows."
"Answer my question, Remy. Who did this to you? Was he punished? If no, the X-Men?"
"Merci, Bobby," Remy whispered. Bobby wasn't judging him, only offering protection. "Mais you can' punish him for what he did. Was my charm dat made him act like dat."
"I refuse to believe that," Bobby said firmly. After Remy had let the professor into his mind, Charles had updated them on the situation, also explaining Gambit's charm power to them. "You've lived here for years and I never got the urge to rape you. Someone took advantage of you!"
"Couldn' control de charm back den, Bobby. Was my fault, not his." Bobby took hold of his other hand as well and Remy desperately tried to shut out the compassion that was folding itself around his mind.
"Tell me," Bobby pushed him on. Using the empathy against Remy, he concentrated on the friendship he felt for the Cajun. "Tell me his name. I know it's hard on you, but you've come this far? don't run away now." It had taken him some time to realize how hard this was on Gambit. Damn, he had never suspected that Remy was keeping such a secret.
"Sinister," Remy whispered eventually and tried to pull away from Bobby's grasp.
"Sinister?" Bobby couldn't believe it. "Sinister raped you? But I thought you were working for him and?"
"It's a lon' story, Bobby," Remy cringed. //Not goin' to tell him everyt'in'.// "Couldn' control de charm. Made him feel 'gain and he didn' want to let me go?"
"My God?" Bobby stuttered, trying to imagine the horrors Remy had been through. //I would have gone mad if Sinister had done that to me! Instead, Remy fooled us for how long??// "When did this happen?"
"Before I joined de X-Men."
"And you never confided in anyone? Not even Hank or the professor?" Bobby shuddered. "I'm so sorry?"
Remy forced himself to smile. "No need to feel sorry, Bobby? Just wanted you to know dat I had to wait a lon' time 'fore findin' someone who loved me and? my secrets."
"I've been wallowing in self-pity," Bobby stated frustrated. "I'll just have to wait a little longer for love to find me." Studying Remy's ashamed eyes he finally reached a decision. "Hey, Scott told me that Wolvie and you hug? could use one myself."
Remy smiled warmly. It meant a lot to him that Bobby hadn't turned him away. He'd seriously expected them to react differently. Had expected them to think of him as Sinister's whore. He had thought of himself in that way for a long time and even now that thought sometimes still crept up on him. But they didn't. They placed the blame on Sinister, something he still couldn't understand. "A hug?" he whispered and allowed Bobby to gently hug him.
"Remy, I will make time to listen to you if you need to talk. That's what friends are for, right?" Bobby said awkwardly as he wrapped his arms around the Cajun. "Don't let Logan walk in on us!" he added jokingly.
"We're friends den?" Remy asked softly.
"Oh yes!"

"You talked things out with Drake?" Logan closed the door and watched Remy collapse onto the sofa.
"Oui, mais he made me tell him about Sinister? didn' want dat." Remy picked up the sketchbook and flipped the pages. Drawing would make him focus and take his mind off his history with Sinister.
Logan slid out of his coat and sat down next to Remy, watching as the first lines appeared on the paper. "Wanna talk about it?" At the same time he switched on the TV.
"Bobby actually felt protective of me," Remy whispered and moved into Logan's arms. Setting the sketchbook on his knees he continued to draw Jean and Scott from memory. "I can' believe t'ings are workin' out like dis."
After finding the news channel Logan put down the remote and fingered one of his lover's silken locks. "What did ya expect?"
"Dat you would blame me for bein'?"
"Raped by Sinister?" Logan ended for him, nodding his head. "Yer the victim, Remy, not the aggressor. Sinister used ya."
"Don' you ever feel dirty touchin' me?" Questioningly, he looked into Logan's eyes. "Knowin' dat Sinister did dose t'ings to me? I still feel dirty."
"Nope," Logan answered slowly. "I love touchin' ya. Makin' ya squirm. Ya need time, darlin'. A lot happened since we discovered the cylinder and?" Logan stopped talking and simply brushed his lover's lips. "I love ya."
Remy snuggled closer. "Can I show you somet'in'?"
"Sure," Logan replied reassuringly and watched Remy flip the pages again. Suddenly, Sinister's diabolical face was grinning back at him. He remained quiet.
"I drew it last night? he still scares me." Remy closed the sketchbook and melted into Logan's arms. "What if he comes for me 'gain?"
"I'll stop him," Logan promised. "And ya can fight him too. Ya ain't helpless."
" I can' stop him," Remy whispered. "He's much too stron'."
"Yer really scared that he will be back for ya," Logan suddenly realized and pulled his lover closer.
"Oui, Sinister wanted to achieve somet'in' by implantin' dat cylinder in my brain." He'd been thinking about this for days, but couldn't find a plausible answer. "He don' want me dead?. I don' t'ink so. Could have killed me in Antarctica."
"I won' let the bastard get to ya ever 'gain," Logan promised and kissed him passionately. "Yer comfortable here or do ya want to move this to the bed?"
"I'm fine," Remy replied and returned to drawing Jean. "Can we stay here a little longer? Want to finish dis."
"Sure we can." He tucked Remy's head underneath his chin and held him close.

"Not yet," Sinister instructed. "I want him to feel completely safe before moving in. I want him off balance when we finally get to him."
Sabretooth growled his displeasure. "But I get Logan."
Sinister grinned. "That's the deal we made. I get Gambit and you can kill Wolverine. Just don't damage the goods! I want Gambit unharmed!"
"When can I move in?" Sabretooth asked. He'd taken great effort to stay down wind, making sure Logan wouldn't pick up his scent.
"In a few hours," Sinister decided. "Gambit is most vulnerable when asleep."
"Okay," Sabretooth hissed. "Your pet better stays clear of Logan when I kill him or he might end up hurt anyway."
"I will take care of Gambit." Sinister sneered in return. "I'll tell you when to attack." Sinister grinned approvingly. Only a few more hours and the full-blown empath would be back in his lab! //Finally? finally I will FEEL his fear and panic again?//

 

Chapter Twenty-One

"No, don't want to get out of bed," Bobby whimpered as the phone disturbed his dreams. "I want to eat those Twinkies first!" But the phone continued to ring, not leaving him any other choice as to get up and answer it. "What!"
"Bobby?"
Immediately, he shook off his fatigue. "What's up, Scott?"
"Emma just informed me that Jono will be arriving earlier than planned. You need to get going now! His plane will touch down in an hour."
"Shit!" Bobby cursed. "It's three AM, Scott! Why are you doing this to me?"
"Make a deal with you," Scott said slightly amused. "Do this for me and you don't have to attend training for 2 days."
"Hum? that doesn't sound too bad. Okay, I'll do it." Bobby put down the phone and slouched over to the window. "Great," he whispered. Rain was pouring down from the skies and now and then thunder and lighting joined in. "Doubt that plane can land with this storm any way?"
After splashing some water onto his face, he combed his hair with his fingers and then slid into some Jeans and a warm sweater. As he put on socks and boots, he realized that he'd only read half of Jono's file before going to bed. He grabbed his coat and the file and marched out of his room. "Will read it at the airport." There was a fair chance that he would be stuck there for hours.
It only took him a few minutes to reach the garage and after throwing everything on the passenger's seat, he switched on the radio to keep him company. As he hit the road, he realized how bad the weather really was. He had to concentrate to keep the car on the correct side of the road. Gusts of hard wind tried to change his direction.
"Why do I always get stuck with these jobs?" he mumbled irritated. "Gonna pick Jono up, deliver him at Hank's doorstep and then I am back to bed!" But things never were that easy?

Logan woke in the middle of the night because the hairs at the back of his neck were standing upright. A thunderstorm was raging outside, but something else had set off his senses. Sniffing the air he picked up something, but wasn't sure what it was.
"Remy, wake up," he said determinedly and gently shook Gambit's shoulders. He hated waking up the younger man whose body had melted perfectly into his arms, but something was wrong.
Immediately, his eyes flashed open. He'd always been a light sleeper. Living on the streets had changed him forever. "What is it, cher?" He didn't move yet, as Logan seemed to concentrate on sound and scent.
"Are ya sensin' somethin', someone?" Logan asked puzzled, as he sat upright in bed. After releasing Remy from the embrace his claws appeared. "My nose's tellin' me that we've got company."
Remy fought down his initial fear. Only a few hours ago they had discussed his fear that Sinister might come for him. //You're an X-Men!// he chided himself. //Start actin' like one!// Remembering Logan's question he closed his eyes and tried to home in on the intruder. "Oui, you're right, cher. Someone's here? and he's angry?"
"Get those cards ready," Logan ordered and sneaked over to the doorway. "Stay here. I'll check on the intruder."
"Not stayin' here," Remy said resolved. "Not leavin' you 'lone."
"This ain't the right time to argue," Logan chided him.
"Then stop arguing and let me tag 'long." Remy was determined not to give in. No way was he going to stay here on his own. Logan's annoyance upset him a little. "You got to understand, cher? what if it's? Sinister?"
"Okay, but don't get in my way," Logan said, giving in and nodded his head. As he opened the door, a draft sent a strong scent into his nose, a scent that he immediately recognized. "Ain't Sinister? it's Sabretooth."
"Sabretooth?" Remy repeated softly. "Fought him before." But the real question was, why was Sabretooth here in the first place? He did feel relieved though that it wasn't Sinister.
Logan's instincts had taken over. His claws were ready to draw blood and the adrenaline was pumping through his blood. He'd faced Sabretooth enough times to know he had to be careful. Once Sabretooth realized that Remy was his lover the bastard would try killing the Cajun just to get to him. "Be careful, kid."
Fanning his charged cards Remy nodded his head. He felt apprehensive. It wasn't like Sabretooth to act this carelessly. The next moment a mad scream echoed through their bedroom and he dropped to his knees, as Sabretooth's rage and sheer maliciousness slammed hard into his mind.
His shields collapsed, leaving him helpless. Rocking his body, he tried to escape the rage and bloodlust that was Sabretooth, but it didn't work. The professor still had to teach him how to shut out such overpowering emotions.
"Fuck!" Logan exclaimed, as Remy went down. However, he didn't have the time to worry about his lover as Sabretooth leaped into the room, claws wildly swinging at him. "What do ya want, Creed?" he hissed, as he delivered a blow to Sabretooth's chest.
"You?" Sabretooth whispered and allowed himself one moment to look at Gambit, who was trying to get back to his feet. Looked like Sinister had been right and he whipped his rage up to new heights? "Ganna kill you!" he screamed at his archenemy before attacking again.
Logan delivered a kick to the side of Creed's head and managed to duck away when Sabretooth tried to retaliate. Smelling Creed's scent, his anger, set off his own. Part of him tried hanging onto sanity, another part was pushing him to go primal. He had to take out Creed to ensure his mate's safety. No one was going to hurt Gambit?
"Logan' don'?" Remy whispered, but knew the damage had already been done. Logan's eyes mirrored his berserker rage, as one claw buried itself in Sabretooth's leg.
Creed howled and struck back by delivering a crushing head but to the side of Logan's head. One more look at Gambit assured him that Sinister wouldn't have any problems in taking the Cajun with him. Now he had to get Wolverine out of the room.
A growl, low and inhumane, vibrated through the room and Logan lost the last fragile hold he had on reality. His animalistic side took over and as Sabretooth jumped at him, they both went flying through the window.
"Logan, don'? Creed ain' 'lone," he whispered, folding his arms around his waist, hugging himself. The transformation he had witnessed in Logan's mind didn't scare him. He suspected that if he could get close enough to his lover, he could help Logan regain control, but?
Something cold and unfeeling approached. A presence he feared and instinctively, he tried to shut it out. But Sabretooth and Wolverine's unbridled fury had shattered his shields and he was wide open. Panicking, he tried to reach out to Logan, but all he sensed was insane bloodlust.
Rocking on his knees he closed his eyes, pretending Sinister wasn't here, wasn't moving in on him. His deck of cards lay useless on the floor. In his panic, he forgot that he wasn't helpless. Sinister's presence made it impossible for him to think rationally and his old fear resurfaced. "Non," he whispered shocked. "Non, don'?"
Sinister stepped into the room and nodded his head. "Yes, I'm taking you with me." Predatorily, he approached the shivering young man. Remy's eyes flashed his horror and as the sensation hit him, he revelled in it. This was what he needed. He'd recognized Gambit's potential from the beginning and this time he would guard it, making sure the young mutant couldn't escape ever again.
"Non," Remy whispered and flinched violently as a hand brushed his face. The sheer evil that Sinister radiated immobilized him. He had so hoped that Sinister would leave him alone. Had hoped that this particular chapter of his life had been closed and done with. How wrong had he been! "Don' touch me, please?"
"You've forgotten the rules," Sinister remarked. "Get to your feet."
Remy obeyed, slowly pushing himself up from the floor. The closer he got to Sinister, the more nauseous he felt. He'd never realized just how evil the scientist was. //De rules,// he thought and cringed, remembering them only too well.
"You won't raise your shields ever again, do you understand?" Sinister said in a firm tone. This was just the beginning. There were so many things he wanted to try now that he had reclaimed Gambit. Nodding his head, he continued. "Good, you're not allowed to speak, only when I address you explicitly."
//Logan, please cher?// Remy thought in despair. He'd almost automatically lapsed back into his former behaviour to make sure he didn't displease Sinister. The madman knew many ways to punish him.
"I still terrify you," Sinister said slowly, as if pondering something. "This will do for now, but I expect more from you in time."
Remy stared at the floor, not raising his eyes. Sinister would interpret that as disobedience and his survival instincts were pushing him to take care of himself as best as he could. A terrible sense of deja vu came over him. He had been here before, Sinister controlling every breath he took, every word he said. It had almost killed him once.
Acting without thinking, he tried to raise his defenses, as Sinister's vileness invaded his mind. Sinister was feeding off his fear, adding it to his strength. He'd almost succeeded in locking Sinister out when his nemesis fiercely backhanded him. Whimpering softly, he leaned against the wall for support.
"I told you to keep those barriers down! You will not disobey my orders!" Sinister exploded suddenly.
Remy bit his lip, forcing himself not to speak up. That would only aggravate his situation. Slowly, he raised a hand and wiped away the blood that dripped from his lip. Sinister's fury made him sway on his feet and he tried hard to distance himself from it without raising his walls. //Logan, je suis désolé. Je t'aime, cher?//
"Your life here has come to an end, Gambit. I will have to punish you for betraying me. How could you consort with a low life like Wolverine?"
//Jealous? Sinister's jealous?// The empathy worked both ways. Sinister fed off his fear, but at the same time he gained an insight in the scientist's mind. A sparkle of resistance flamed inside his mind and he hoped Sinister hadn't noticed it. If only Logan survived his fight with Sabretooth! Then he would have a reason to hang in there and try to escape from Sinister's grasp.
"Don't count on it, my pet. Sabretooth will kill your lover. You don't think that I will allow Wolverine to live?" Sinister placed a hand on Gambit's shoulder and raised his chin so the young mutant had to look into his eyes.
Keeping his stare downcast he refused to look at Sinister. He'd survived this once, he would survive again, but at what price? His mental scars hadn't healed from the last time Sinister had hurt him.
"Your empathy is stronger than I suspected. The mix of chemicals worked perfectly." Sinister softly caressed Remy's face, enjoying the sensation of actually feeling the touch. "I knew that turning you into an empath would increase my pleasure. I'm going to enjoy you, my pet."
Remy trembled violently as Sinister's cold lips brushed his. The nightmare was happening all over again!

Sabretooth enjoyed playing with Logan. The berserker rage made Wolverine dangerous, but also lured him into careless actions. He hated the fact that he needed Prizm's help to end Wolverine's life, but he wanted to take out Logan for once and forever. He led Wolverine into a cave and while fighting off his eternal enemy he screamed, "Now!"
A sharp light crushed his eyes, but as Logan quickly closed them the damage had already been done. The light had blinded him and he swung his claws in the direction he suspected Sabretooth was hiding. His feral side was guiding his actions, now that the rational side of his personality had been pushed aside.
Sabretooth slammed into his enemy, pinned him to the ground and growled triumphantly, as Prizm slapped the Genoshan collar around Wolverine's neck. "Gotcha!" he exclaimed. Now that he'd neutralized Logan's healing factor, he started to work on the man's body, burying his claws into warm flesh.
Sabretooth growled his pleasure, tasting Wolverine's hot blood that dripped from his claws. "I wanted to rip you apart?" he started and jumped to his feet. "But dying of adamantium poisoning is more painful."
Wolverine tried getting back to his feet, but his body was bruised, his eyes still blinded and his head throbbed painfully. Dulled by the pain, he managed to register his apparent defeat.
"Told you I would kill you," Sabretooth hissed pleased. "Sinister was useful after all."
That name set off a subconscious reaction in his brain. //Sinister? Remy? damn! Went feral!// Logan, once more in control of his senses, stared in obvious disgust at Creed. "Damn ya to hell!"
Creed laughed loudly. "Will meet you there!" and viciously kicked at Wolverine's body, eventually concentrating his attack at Logan's head.
Logan's last thought before losing consciousness was, //Remy, I failed ya.//

"A two hour delay!" Bobby whimpered and shook his head. "Better find myself a nice warm place to wait." After sighing deeply, he headed for the small restaurant that was open 24 hours a day.
Bobby selected a place in the back and made himself comfortable. From the corner of his eye he had an excellent view of the monitor that kept track of all arrival times.
"What's it going to be, handsome?"
Bobby looked up at the waitress and smiled. She was his own age, had long red hair and freckles all over her face. It was the one thing he was truly thankful for, his ability to pass for a normal. Had to be a lot tougher on Hank or Kurt whose appearance always immediately revealed the truth. "Hot chocolate and pie?"
She nodded her head, wrote it down in her little book and briefly left him.
Bobby opened the file and started reading it.
# Age- 18.
Place of birth- United Kingdom.
Marital status- Single.
Base of operations- Massachusetts Academy, Massachusetts.
Height- 5'9".
Weight- 140 lbs.
Eyes- Brown
Hair- Reddish-brown.
Powers- Chamber is a mutant who is naturally composed of pure psionic energy. With the injuries he suffered when his powers manifested, Chamber has no need to eat, drink, or breathe. It has been theorized that his body is merely an unliving shell to contain his psionic energy, since his body currently lacks major organs, such as heart and lungs.
Chamber is able to project large blasts of psionic energy from the area where his torso existed, and is also capable of telepathic speech. His telepathic speech is his only way of communication, since his initial blast destroyed his mouth, voice box, and lungs. #
Bobby released a deep sigh. Geeze, Jono had to deal with a lot of stuff, which couldn't be easy. It didn't surprise him that Chamber was depressed.
The waitress placed his order on the table and gave him a dazzling smile. //Sorry, darling, but that doesn't work on me?// he thought regretfully. He gave her a nice tip and waited for her to leave him alone again. The moment she turned her back, he continued reading again.
# Personal notes. When his mutant ability manifested itself in a large blast of psionic energy, Jono blew a hole in his body that stretches from his mouth to his chest, and cost his then girlfriend, Lady Gayle Edgarton, the use of her legs. Needless to say that this event greatly affected Jono.
Main reason for sending Jono to see the professor and Hank is that he suffered a setback when Husk tried to kiss him, which set off Jono's panic. His power activated and destroyed the Girls Dormitory. Right after this incident Paige decided that she couldn't deal with Jono's problems any longer and has started to distance herself from Chamber, which spiralled Jono even deeper into a state of depression and repressed anger.
Jono needs to refocus and a change of scenery and proper guidance might help him deal with all recent events.
Sean Cassidy. #
Bobby closed the file and sipped from his hot chocolate. //And Scott wants me to look after Jono? To make him feel at home? Doesn't sound to me like this will be a fun ride home!//

 

Chapter Twenty-Two

Jono wished he had never left the Academy. The storm was causing major problems and he tightly clung to his seat. At times like these he did feel a little grateful that he no longer possessed a stomach. //Can't get bloody nauseous,// he thought a bit relieved.
As he stared out of the window, the light of the airport glowed dimly through the gale. He still cursed Sean for sending him to Westchester. //Never wanted to leave the academy? or Paige.//
Although she had avoided him since their kiss, he still hoped that she would give him another chance. Time, he needed time to get his powers under control. But there was more to it than just controlling his powers.
Missing part of his face and chest made him feel like a monster and kept him from socializing the way he had before that first blast had maimed him. He tried to avoid people, disliking the fact that he had to pass for a burn victim and write everything down when he wanted to say something. Using telepathy wasn't an option in such a case.
//Wonder if anyone will be there to pick me up.// Had Emma had enough time to warn the X-Men that he would be arriving early? The X-Men. He'd heard a lot about them at the Academy and occasionally, they even acted as guest instructors, but he didn't really know them personally.
Jono felt a little nervous. How would they react, seeing him for the first time? Did they even want him at the mansion? Would they pity him? Maybe they would send him straight back to the Academy after they'd gotten a taste of his black humor.
The captain's voice, which sounded a little edgy, echoed through the plane and informed the passengers to prepare for take down. //Am the only passenger here?// Emma had declined his request to travel by train or bus. Instead, she had seen him off at the airport, instructing the pilot and the crew to keep an eye on him and to make sure that he didn't wander off.
He appreciated Emma and Sean's concern, but it wasn't necessary. //Can take care of meself.//
//You can't,// his conscience objected.
Inwardly, he sighed. //I'm not going to discuss this with meself!// he decided firmly.
The plane touched ground and a little relieved, he leant back in the chair. He didn't envy the pilot who had to land the plane in the midst of this bloody storm. //Better get going,// he thought resigned. Hopefully, someone had arranged transportation to the mansion.
Bobby was waiting in the arrival area, keeping a sharp look out for Chamber. //Can't be hard to find a guy who partly misses his face!// The huge crowd of people was making him nervous. His eyes scanned the arriving group of people and he sighed slightly as he recognized the young man from the picture that had been attached to the file.
As he fought himself a way through the crowd, he studied Chamber. His draped brown eyes were hiding something all right and he was eager to find out what it was. The file had mentioned severe depression and a negative self-image, originating from the injury that first blast had caused to his face and chest. "Jonathan Starsmore?"
Jono turned around. He hadn't noticed the young man who had walked up to him. A group of tourists had blocked his vision. Instinctively, he reached for pen and paper.
"Hello, Jono," Bobby said and smiled reassuringly. He gestured Chamber to follow him towards the exit. "I'm Bobby Drake. I'll be your chauffeur for today."
The name rang a bell. Uncertain, he looked at the pen in his hand. Would Drake be offended if he used telepathy to communicate?
Bobby nodded his head. " The professor and Jean always mess with my thoughts anyway. I can deal with one more telepath. Put the pen and paper away," he said resolved. He was trying hard to fight down his initial shock at seeing the bandaged face. The black bandages covered the lower half of Jono's face, creating the illusion of a chin and mouth underneath it.
//Yer sure?// Jono asked cautiously. Before his powers had manifested he hadn't been this hesitant and cautious. Now, he wanted to make sure that people didn't feel uncomfortable when hearing his voice in their minds.
Bobby smiled. "Yeah, I'm sure, Jono." He took a moment to ponder the sensation of hearing Jono's mind voice. "You sound different though."
Jono looked at him questioningly. //In what way?// From the corner of his eye, he continued to study Drake. The Iceman was younger than he had expected. Bobby was in his early twenties and they didn't differ that much in age. Blue eyes revealed mischief and Bobby's grin only added to that impression. In a certain way, Bobby reminded him of Angelo.
Bobby shrugged his shoulders. "Soft?" //It's probably one of the most sensual mind voices I ever heard in my head.//
Still in a sulking mood, Jono followed Bobby to the car park. //So yer got stuck with picking me up?//
"Not really." Bobby observed the younger man. Jono had asked that question for a reason and he wasn't taking the bait. The dark and broody expression in those brown eyes reminded him of Jono's depressed state. "So, how long are you going to stay at the mansion?"
//Why? Want to get rid of me already?// Frustrated, Jono dropped onto the passenger's seat.
Bobby gritted his teeth. "This is going to be a fun ride!" he sighed. "Why not cut the pleasantries and tell me to sod off, bugger off or? eh Jono?" A soft chuckle drifted into his mind. "What?"
Jono's eyes sparkled. //Do you also know what that means, to sod off?//
"Blimey!" Bobby exclaimed in mock aggravation. "Of course I do!" Peeking at Jono, he felt a little reassured. It was hard to tell if Jono was loosening up, but the tension seemed to slip away from those shoulders and the mental chuckle remained. "What kinda bloke do you think I am? Of course I know what I'm saying? By the way, what am I saying?"
//Mate, where did you pick that up?// Jono sat back and allowed himself to relax a little now that Drake was joking around.
"I had to wait for two hours?" Bobby started, thought about it and added, "two BLOODY hours in the restaurant. The waitress, a charming girl called Sally, turned out to be from London?"
Inwardly, Jono smiled. //Maybe I can teach yer more slang!//
Bobby grinned broadly. "Why do I suddenly see us driving Scott and the professor mad by talking in slang? Would be kinda cool if they had no idea what we were talking about?"
As he glanced at Jono, he realized that the telepathic chuckle had grown stronger. Pleased, Bobby nodded his head, determined not to give into Jono's behavior. Chamber wouldn't succeed in shutting him out or alienating him.

Logan's eyes flashed open as lighting split the sky apart. The thunderstorm was moving away, taking the heavy rain and gales with it.
Lying flat on his stomach he tried to move his body. The collar sat tightly around his neck. He tried using his claws to rip it off, but Sabretooth had shackled him before he'd left. His hands were tied behind his back and he couldn't reach the collar.
Slowly, the adamantium was poisoning his body. He had to find a way to get the collar off and then he had to return to the mansion. After Sabretooth had left, he had realized his stupidity. He should have stayed at Remy's side. Instead, he had allowed his rage to take over. Going primal, he'd forgotten that his lover was in danger.
//Remy was the target all 'long,// he thought enraged and tugged again at his shackles. Briefly, he wondered if it were the ones Eric the Red had used in Antarctica. The metal felt peculiar, like nothing he had ever touched before. It seemed to weaken him even further.
//Remy.// The name sent a stabbing pain through his heart. He had to be realistic and assume that Sinister had succeeded in capturing his lover after Sabretooth had lured him away from the boathouse. //I did fail ya,// he thought embittered.
//Should have known that there was a reason why ya were that frightened of Sinister camin' back for ya. Should have moved ya back to the mansion. Ya would have been a lot safer there.
Stop this!// Logan exclaimed mentally. "Have to stop thinkin' like that and get back to my feet instead."
Resolved, his hands clawed into the dirt and with tremendous effort he managed to push himself up, using the cave wall as support. "Gotta get movin'," he whispered, but a terrible fire spread through his body, emanating from his skeleton. Without his healing factor he would eventually die. //And the chains? there's somethin' wrong with them too.//
Taking this step-by-step, he struggled outside. Thankfully, the rain had stopped, but? the ground had turned into mud, sucking his feet in deeper. "Need to get to Remy," he whispered determinedly.
//Remy, Remy?// he repeated the name all over again, until it had turned into a magical chant that supplied him with the energy he needed to reach the subject of his thoughts. "I'm comin', kid. Han' in there!" he whispered, all the while fighting his fear of being too late.

"Geeze!" Bobby exclaimed as a rod of lighting almost struck their car. The thunderstorm was moving away from them, but still had a nasty backlash.
//That's bloody hell, mate,// Jono corrected him, trying to mask his own unease by playing along. Earlier, a few lightning bolts had come to close to the plane and now that he was stuck in a car, he didn't feel that much safer.
"Hey, I thought you were supposed to be depressed and throwing tantrums!" Ever since Jono had gotten into the car, Bobby had decided on the direct approach. Hank would probably lecture him later, but hey, it was working? at least he hoped so!
//I don't do tantrums!// Jono protested fiercely, then realized that Bobby's grin had become a fat smirk. //Yer a bloody wanker!//
"Now, don't start insulting me? at least I think you just insulted me? wanker? That calls for retribution!" Slowly, he started to lower the temperature in the car. Eyeing Jono, he wondered if the cold would affect him. In many ways, Chamber's powers were still a mystery.
//Getting cold in here? eh Bobby?.// Jono couldn't repress a shiver. //Are yer doing that?//
"Yeah, I am the Iceman!" he exclaimed in a booming voice and considered hitting Chamber with a snowball to peg him down to size. "And it will get much colder if you don't start behaving? now apologize for calling me a wanker?"
//Do yer always pester people to get what yer want?// Jono was mentally debating the issue. He definitely wasn't going to apologize! But? Suddenly, he realized that he was enjoying this verbal bantering.
Bobby nodded his head. "Or freeze the water in the shower? works every time."
//So, how's life at the mansion? I've never been there before.// Jono wanted to be prepared when meeting the others.
"Well, we're in the middle of a little crisis, but?" Bobby remembered Remy's confession about Sinister and decided to make a quick stop at the boathouse, just to make sure that they were all right. //Just don't let me catch them doing the wild thing!//
As he informed Jono of the small change in plans, he wondered if Chamber would fit in wit the others. //Yeah, he will,// he realized and smiled. A smile that was wiped away from his face as something heavy slammed onto the hood of the car. "What?"
Chamber reacted instinctively and braced himself, as Bobby hit the brakes. //Wild animal?// he suggested.
"Don't think so." Alert, Bobby stopped the car and slowly opened the door. After a quick look at the window he realized that it was stained with blood. "Whatever it was, its hurt."
Jono got out of the car as well and one hand moved to his bandages. In case of an attack he would use his mutant powers to defend himself. //Please don't let me start a fire or lose control.//
Briefly, Bobby shivered. It was so unlike him to take the lead in such a situation. Usually it was Scott or Storm who told him what to do. Now, he had to protect Jono. //Doubt that he has had much battle experience yet? and certainly not against the likes we usually deal with!//
Jono followed Bobby as Drake moved to the bushes next to the road. A trail of blood led them closer and he wished that he were back at the Academy? not standing here in the middle of the night.
"Stay close," Bobby instructed and iced up. He couldn't take the risk of getting hurt while he was responsible for Jono's safety. A growl, dangerously low, echoed from the bushes. A growl he only knew too well. "Damn, Logan! What are you doing out here!"
Bobby disappeared into the bushes and Jono remained at a safe distance to cover Bobby's back, should that be necessary. To be honest, he didn't feel comfortable accompanying Drake. //Drake's an X-Men. Bloke knows what he's doing?//
"Logan, you look like shit!" Bobby exclaimed upset. After looking into clear eyes, he changed back to his human shape. "You're not feral, are you, Logan?" Wolverine could rip him apart when he lost control.
"Not any? more, Drake?" Logan whispered exhausted. "Get this? off," he muttered in pain.
Bobby sat on his heels and blinked his eyes, recognizing the Genoshan collar. "What happened?" First, he concentrated on pulling Logan back onto his feet. "Jono! Need your help!" After taking another look at the collar he shook his head. "I'm not sure I can get that off, Logan, but I know Hank can."
"Freeze it? off!" Logan demanded. All he could think about was Remy. "Boathouse? Remy?. Sabretooth?. Sinister!" he whispered angered. //I'm too late?//
Hesitantly, Jono ventured closer. //Bobby?//
"We need to get him into the car! Help me!" Bobby gestured Jono to support Logan's other side and started to drag his teammate to the car. Logan's words had made his heart miss a beat. "Are you telling me that Sinister?"
"Wants Remy?" Logan mumbled. He was on the brink of losing consciousness, but continued to fight it.
"We need to get you to the mansion?" Bobby looked about, mentally debating the matter. "Can you drive to the mansion?" he asked Jono and pointed at the lights that revealed the mansion's location.
//Think so,// Jono replied and almost collapsed underneath Logan's weight as Bobby unexpectedly released Wolverine.
"Take him to the mansion. I'm going to the boathouse to check on Gambit. Get going!" he yelled at Jono and changed into ice again.
Jono managed to push Logan onto the back seat. //Don't fight me!// he told Logan as the man struggled to get back to his feet.
"Stay outta my head!" Logan snarled back and tried to hit the stranger.
Bobby realized that Logan would continue to cause trouble and acted. "I'm sorry, Wolvie," he whispered and his icy fist connected with Logan's chin. "Now get moving!"
Jono nodded his head and climbed behind the wheel. Last thing he'd expected when coming to Westchester was to get caught in one of the X-Men's notorious battles. After making sure that Wolverine was really out cold, he watched Bobby take off, using one of his ice slides. Then, he started the car to take the unconscious X-Man to the mansion.

 

Chapter Twenty-Three

Sinister cocked his head to study his prisoner's downcast eyes, which were hard to read. Gambit's shoulders slumped forward and his usual elegance was gone. The Cajun was trying hard to mirror complete submission, but didn't fool him. Gambit's feelings spoke of resistance and hope that the X-Men would come for him and get him out.
//Still not broken,// Sinister thought, uncertain whether that pleased or annoyed him. Years ago, Remy LeBeau had been a delightful challenge? still was. This time he would move subtler though. Pure force and intimidation had gotten him nowhere the first time he'd used the Cajun's body to find pleasure and release.
//Something is wrong.// Sinister thought. An ominous feeling nagged at his mind. Something had changed since Antarctica. Even unconscious, Gambit had radiated lust. LeBeau's charm power had been strong back then and he had barely contained the urge to take LeBeau, who had been sedated and unconscious. But now? the lust was gone.
Instead, Gambit's pain, shame and hurt clawed at his mind. It was a most unsettling feeling, one he had never expected to experience. //I will find a way to deal with this.//
Remy shivered violently. Sinister was a few steps behind him and he couldn't see the madman's face. The sensations he received ranged from sheer anger to curiosity. Staring at the floor, he realized he knew this place. It was Sinister's old base of operations, the same place where the scientist had kept him prisoner before.
For years, he'd fooled himself into an awareness of safety, constantly repeating mentally that Sinister was through with him. That he could finally live his life and start to heal. He'd been so wrong!
"Keep walking, my pet," Sinister whispered and rested his left hand at the small of Remy's back, slowly nudging him forward. This precious little gem was his!
Remy shuddered at the touch and tried jerking away, but stopped himself just in time. He didn't want to anger Sinister unnecessary. //Have to han' in here and hope dat Logan survived de attack? warned de oders!//
Sinister's fingers rubbed his back through the fabric of his T-shirt and nausea wretched his stomach. The touch brought back memories he'd buried deeply inside his mind.
Sinister opened a door and gestured Gambit to step inside. "Take a bath and change into your old clothes."
Remy cringed, as he recognized the old bedroom where Sinister had kept him locked up. Vertigo hit him and he leaned heavily against the doorway. He didn't want to go inside and carry out Sinister's orders, but defying the mad man would only worsen his situation.
Actually, it surprised him that Sinister was showing this much restraint. He had expected to be pinned down again and? //Non!// he exclaimed and panted softly. //Don' want to remember de rapes?//
Feeling uncomfortable, Sinister took a step away from his prisoner and was almost inclined to command Gambit to raise his shields. The Cajun radiated a terrible amount of pain and fear. Damn! He'd forgotten how it felt to be terrified! It was slowly driving him in to the corridor, further away from LeBeau. //Why am I not feeling that insane lust that devoured me the last time I had him?//
Slowly, Remy shuffled inside. The room was unchanged. His velvet robe was on the bed and he flinched remembering everything that had happened to him in here. These four walls had kept him prisoner for months!
"Go into the bathroom and undress." Sinister studied LeBeau closely. Something was wrong. Somewhere down the line he had made a mistake. As he followed Gambit into the bathroom, he mentally retraced his steps.
The charm had still been there in Antarctica. An unsettling thought slipped into his mind. //The chemicals? they triggered his empathy? can it be that the charm evolved into empathy?// He didn't like this particular conclusion. It meant that the charm had transformed into empathy, instead of only triggering it. He'd expected that the charm and the empathy would both be there once he got Gambit back.
Remy stood in the middle of the bathroom and looked at the tub. Sinister was watching him from the doorway, waiting for him to take off his clothes, but he felt paralysed. He couldn't do this! Once he was naked he was even more vulnerable and helpless. At least now his pyjama bottoms and shirt offered a last defense.
Angry with himself, Sinister remained indecisive in the doorway. //I'm an idiot!// he chided himself. //Should have experimented on HER first before implanting the cylinder!// Sinister considered the Cajun and reached a decision. "Take off your clothes."
"Non," Remy whispered barely audible. He wouldn't give in without a fight. He rather had Sinister beat the hell out of him, then surrendering to rape again. This time he would fight?fight for Logan. Fight for their love. //Please be 'live, cher?//
Sinister hissed. "Don't defy me, young one."
"I don' care," Remy whispered and slowly turned around to face his personal demon. "I rader die dan give myself to you 'gain."
It was the biggest mistake he ever made.
Quickly, Sinister covered the distance between them and grabbed his shoulders, pinning Gambit to the wall. "I will take you whenever I want. You don't have a say in this."
Remy swallowed hard. Sinister's body was cold and the metal surface bruised his skin. "You will have to take me by force," he whispered entranced. It was impossible to read Sinister's feelings, as his own were out of control. Shaking with fear he closed his eyes and thought of Logan; the trust they had managed to build, the pleasure the older man had given him. Because of Logan he had started to like himself again. Logan had made him see that it hadn't been his fault that Sinister had abused him and now he was back to square one. "Let me go," he added in a desperate tone.
"Never, my pet!" Sinister snarled and pressed his cold lips on Gambit's. The Cajun struggled to free himself and he tightened his grip. "You better accept your fate, LeBeau. You're mine for the rest of your life. You escaped twice, but this time you won't be that lucky! Now clean yourself up and crawl into my bed!" Frustrated, he slammed the door shut behind him.
Remy stayed behind, shocked and faintly hopeful. Something had upset Sinister and the scientist's departure almost resembled a retreat. //Mebbe I got ways to fight him after all!// But he still felt hesitant to disobey Sinister's orders.
He filled the tub with warm water and after staring at the transparent surface he slipped out of his clothes. A mirror cast back his reflection and a soft sob struggled free from his chest. Only a few hours ago Logan had caressed his skin, giving him all the love he had ever craved and now he had lost it all!
Depressed, he slid into the tub. The warm water caressed his skin and his eyes dropped shut. Tears lurked underneath his eyelids, but he was determined not to cry. Sinister could return any moment now and he wouldn't give the bastard the satisfaction of seeing him cry? never!
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't bring himself to think up an escape plan. Sinister's unexpected appearance had shocked him and had catapulted him back into the past.
Yet, something about Sinister's behavior was odd. Why hadn't the madman forced him yet? Why was he keeping a distance? Yes, Sinister had kissed him, but that didn't compare to what the scientist had done to him when they'd first met. Within the hour he had been pinned down against the wall and Sinister had taken a perverse pleasure in violating his body. The edge to Sinister's behavior had changed. //I don' understand?//
The warm water made him relax and lured him into sleep. Still half in shock his body wanted to shut down and his mind was trying hard to hide from the bitter truth. Maybe this was just a nightmare. Soon, he would wake up and look into Logan's eyes again, feel the possessive arms around his waist, offering him protection and love.
//Non, I ain' dreamin',// he thought embittered. //I'm back in hell.//

"Impossible! I can't have made such a mistake!" Sinister checked his latest test results. LeBeau never suspected that his room was equipped with sensitive sensors. Every scan he ran on Gambit confirmed his suspicions. All the sensors managed to pick up was the charging power and the empathy. Nothing about Gambit's charm power.
"Now what?" he muttered privately. He wasn't prepared to accept defeat this quickly. Yes, he had looked forward to the added effect of the empathy when taking Gambit, but now everything had changed.
All he received from the young man was fear, anger and emotional pain. Had the charm still been there he would have crushed LeBeau to his chest and forced him right there and then, but now?
He needed the charm to get sexually aroused. His body was incapable of lust because of Apocalypse's manipulations and years ago he'd revelled in ecstasy when Gambit had once more conjured that lust in his body.
"What can I do?" he whispered. Maybe he should run a few scans on HER to find the missing answers. He had to find a way to bring back the charm and keep the empathy intact. It might take time, but he was confident that he could do it. And then Remy LeBeau would give him the ecstasy and lust he craved so badly. After having tasted it a few years ago, he wanted it back!

Remy was dozing. The water was cooling down, but he was too listless to get out of the tub and dry his skin. He didn't want to put on the red robe, made of soft velvet that was waiting for him on the bed.
//Easy access, non,// he thought hurt. Sinister only needed to pull the robe aside to touch him.
He kept his eyes tightly shut, trying to lock out reality. Hanging on to memories, he wished he were back at the boathouse in Logan's arms. //What if Creed killed him?// Would the X-Men come after him?
//Please? Mon Dieu, let dem care 'nough 'bout me to go after Sinister.//
Hesitantly, he climbed out of the tub and wrapped his body in warm towels. Nothing had changed, not even the place where Sinister kept those towels. Reality bit him hard and briefly, he wondered if he had ever escaped Sinister's 'care'. Maybe he'd been dreaming about Logan and this wasn't a nightmare at all. What if this was reality?
Emotionally exhausted, he dropped onto his knees and wrapped his arms around his shaking body, hugging himself to gain a little comfort. //Mon Dieu, I can' do dis!//
//You have to,// a soft voice answered him.
Remy's head jerked backwards. He was finally losing his sanity, hearing voices that shouldn't be there. He startled, as something warm and caring touched his mind and suddenly, he realized that this was really happening. It wasn't just his imagination going mad. Something was touching his mind, sending him warmth and hope.
He sighed heavily, still wondering if he'd gone mad at last. //Can' be Sinister? he don' care 'bout me?// As suddenly as the sensation had started, it disappeared again, leaving him with unanswered questions.
Suddenly, he became aware of Sinister's presence, closing in on him again. Steeling himself against the offensive feelings he quickly moved into the bedroom and slipped into the despised red robe. //Want to have some clodes on when he gets here.// The thought of standing naked in front of Sinister almost made him heave violently.
Remy pulled the fabric closer to his body and his fingers dug into the velvet. Involuntarily, his eyes moved over the bed and he trembled fiercely as he located the spot where his fingernails had ripped away the plaster from the wall. Sinister loved to shackle him to that bed. Instinctively, he backed away from it until his back touched the wall.
The door opened and Sinister stepped inside. Remy shivered seeing the diabolical grin on the man's face. //Mon Dieu, help me!// he pleaded mentally. Any moment now, Sinister would make his move.
Sinister used his shape shifting ability to change his form and his metal skin transformed into flesh. Pink skin replaced his armor and satisfied, he nodded his head, seeing shock and apprehension on Gambit's face. Nathaniel Essex had looked like this in the prime of his life, but Gambit had never seen him like this. The unexpected loss of LeBeau's charm power had changed his plans.
Shivering, Remy's eyes narrowed. What kind of game was Sinister playing this time? Essex LOOKED human, but he knew the truth. Sinister was a shape shifter and only his appearance had changed. Inwardly, the bastard still planned on hurting him. The cold, which Sinister emanated, caused goose flesh to appear all over his body. The robe hardly offered him any protection, but he desperately clung to its warmth.
Slowly, Sinister approached his prey. "Come, my pet. I crave being inside your body AND to feel your emotions? now!" A predatory grin crept over his face, as he closed in on the trembling young man.
Remy tried to get away from his nemesis, but the robe tangled his feet and he almost tripped over the fabric. Sinister's hands closed around his waist and he fought the tears that were swimming in his eyes. "Non, please don'?" he pleaded softly and finally looked into Sinister's still red eyes. Razor sharp hate swept through him, being this close to the man he loathed so deeply and in an unguarded moment he hissed, "Hate you, Sinister!"
That hate impacted hard as Sinister locked eyes with his prisoner. He'd never felt something this hot and sharp before and it moved through his mind, slicing it apart. "Damn you!" he yelled in return and threw the Cajun onto the bed. Clutching his head, he changed back to his augmented form. "Damn you, whore! You're wasting your love on Wolverine! You will never see him again!"
Remy remained silent, staring in shock at Sinister's face. The red eyes burned with an unholy fire, but he sensed the pain in Sinister's mind. His hate had hurt the bastard. //Got a lot more where dat came from!// he thought strangely pleased.
Sinister recomposed himself. Looming over his prey he whispered, "Wolverine is dead and the X-Men will never find you. I will keep you here for my personal pleasure and I really look forward to utterly breaking your will!"
//He's serious,// Remy realized in calm resignation. Sinister would never let him leave.
Sinister leaned forward and his right hand caressed the elegant neck. "I can kill you slowly, my pet." Sinister growled. The hate Remy radiated was getting to him. "But I plan on enjoying you first!"
Remy didn't flinch as Sinister slapped him across the face. A nail tore open the skin of his cheek, causing the wound to bleed. Sinister's red eyes revealed determination, but he had realized by now that he could use his hate to defend himself. //It affected him!// In a desperate effort he injected another wave of hate and pain into Sinister's mind.
"Damn!" Sinister exclaimed. //Should have collared him!// As he retreated into the corridor, he slammed the door shut. He had underestimated Remy LeBeau. He wouldn't make that mistake a second time and Creed was just the man to help him realize his plans.
Confused but feeling triumphant, Remy leaped up from the bed. This was just a temporary victory. Sinister would surely return with a collar, but in the mean time he was going to savor this victory.
After crawling into a corner, he folded his arms around his waist and pulled up his legs. He rested his head on his knees and curled himself into a small ball. Panting hard from the confrontation, he tried to steady his breathing.
Suddenly, the alien warmth returned and circled into his mind. It left hope in its wake and he tried to examine its origin, but lost himself in the sensation. //Can' give up now?//
The warmth gave him new strength and he stopped wondering about its origin. It was in his mind and he didn't feel that cold and alone any more. "Logan, cher? je t'aime," he whispered solemnly and finally allowed the tears to run down his face. "Je t'aime?"

 

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