Title: Ghosts of the past 6

Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)

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

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Ghosts of the past

By Morgana

 

Chapter Twenty-Nine

"What the hell?" Logan stepped closer and noticed the draped expression in the girl's red on black eyes. Confused, he shook his head. //Can't be happenin'!// he thought upset. Her stare was emotionless and indicated that she was most certainly drugged.
Looking up and down the tube he wondered how to get her out. It never crossed his mind to leave her behind to run after Creed. Even if she hadn't possessed such familiar eyes he would have tried to help her.
She was adrift in a transparent liquid and several lights switched on and off on the control panel. He would probably harm her if he tried to short-circuit it. Eventually, he extended his claws and drove them through the glass like casing.
A hundred questions circled in his mind, but the most important one was, //who are ya? Why do ya have Remy's eyes, his hair and even his features?// Damn, they even were of the same age!
He felt revolted and attracted to her at the same time. Her appearance mirrored Remy's and although that fact urged him to extend his protection to her, it also made him recoil in horror. //Did Sinister somehow clone Remy?// Had the bastard used DNA from his lover to create this woman? One way or another, he was going to get his answers!
The tube imploded and the glass like material shot through the room. Shards buried themselves in the walls and the liquid dripped onto the floor. The girl slowly dropped to her knees now that the liquid no longer supported her. Only then he noticed her shackled hands.
"Somethin' tells me ya don't wanna be here," he whispered and used a claw to undo the restraints. Her body sank onto the floor and her unsettling eyes closed. Her scent had changed and Logan stole closer, realizing she had turned unconscious.
"Can't leave ya here, kid. Shouldn't matter who ya are and how ya got here," he berated himself. Turning around, he snatched a lab coat from a chair and wrapped it around her naked body. She shivered underneath his fingers from the cold and he wished he had some blankets to fold around her. "Who the hell are ya? Why do ya look like Remy?" he whispered now that she couldn't hear him.
Suddenly, he realized that his fingers were caressing her face and he jerked back his hand. A troubling thought swirled through his mind. "Yer ain't goin' to tell me that ya got some sort of flamin' charm power!" How else could he explain his sudden attraction towards her?
As he scooped her up in his arms, he vowed that Sinister would never lay a finger on her again. No matter who she was, it was obvious that Sinister had kept her prisoner in that tube. "C'mon kid, let's find a way outta this rat hole!"
"Dis doesn' look bien, mon ami," Remy whispered crestfallen. Blockbuster and Riptide had shackled their hands and Prism was walking behind them, making sure they had no way of escape.
"Never lose hope, my Cajun friend," Hank said reassuringly. The rest of the team was close and would get them out of this mess. As he studied Gambit's eyes, he recognized the defeat in them. Those red eyes had shone with hope only moments ago, but now they were dark and brooding.
Gambit tripped over the robe and awkwardly, Hank caught his almost falling body with his own. He grew enraged, hearing Blockbuster's amused laughter. "Don't pay any attention to them," he advised and managed to rest his hands at the small of Remy's back. Contrary to the Cajun's, his hands had been shackled in front of him.
Remy appreciated the silent support and allowed McCoy to pull him along. He wanted to know what had happened to his lover! Merde! Why had Logan run off after Creed in the first place? They should have stayed together instead of splitting up!
He desperately wanted to talk to McCoy about their situation, but the Marauders would hear every word they exchanged. That was a risk he couldn't take and therefore he kept quiet. But the looks that McCoy gave him spoke of hope. Henri would kick his butt if he gave up now.
"Where are we goin'?" Remy inquired eventually as the silence got to him.
Blockbuster looked over his shoulder and hissed "Sinister misses his pet."
Remy flinched, but Hank's agile fingers managed to rub his back in small strokes. "Don't listen to him, Remy."
Remy's upper lip twitched. //I will do whatever it takes to ensure dat Sinister releases Henri. Don' want him to end up hurt aussi?//
Scott gestured Storm to follow him through the corridors. Storm, still airborne nodded her head. The remaining Marauders had taken the bait and were now chasing after them. "Sinister isn't following us!" she informed Scott.
"I know? damn!" Scott cursed, but didn't bother to stop. "We can't go back. This will have to do. Let's hope Remy and Hank reached the Black Bird by now."
Storm shot a blaze of lighting into Vertigo's head, who reeled and dropped to her feet. "Vertigo's down."
"Good," Scott used his optic blast to cut through the wall. Before coming here, he had memorized the map and he was going straight through the heart of the lab to reach the Black Bird ASAP.
"Harpoon appeared to your right!" Storm warned him and prepared to send another blast of lighting into this Marauder's body. But Scott beat her to it.
"Harpoon's down as well!" Scott quipped and reached out for Jean. //Give me an update on our situation. Where's everyone?//
The thoughts he received were undecipherable, seemed scrambled. ""Storm, I can't reach Jean any longer. Guess Scrambler is close."
"Most unfortunate. What do you suggest?" Storm landed and looked at him questioningly. "I will not leave this place before I know that Remy is safe."
"I know," Scott agreed. "But at the moment we need to get to the Black Bird. We've got to assume that Hank is waiting there for us."
Reluctantly, Storm agreed. "I feel like a lab rat running around in a maze." It wasn't a comforting thought at all.
Sinister checked his monitors. A grin surfaced on his face as he realized that Remy LeBeau was still his prisoner. They had even captured McCoy! "Excellent!" he mumbled privately.
But the X-Men had managed to take out most of his Marauders and he had to take matters into his own hands. "I love a challenge," he whispered maliciously.
Logan pulled her closer. Her dead weight was slowing him down and the whole situation irritated him. Even Jean's thoughts had disappeared a few minutes ago. "Great, now I'm stuck here with no way of knowin' what's goin' on and? " he looked at her and saw the deep lines edged onto her brow, which made her look older than she really was.
"What am I goin' to do with ya?" he mumbled and turned into another corridor. Suddenly, he halted, picking up multiple scents. "Will come back for ya later," he promised and put her down onto the floor.
Slowly, he moved in closer. Remy's scent was easiest to identify. //At least he's close!// and Hank was with him, but? //Marauders!// he growled privately. If he wasn't mistaken it were Blockbuster, Prism and Riptide.
"Keep on movin', pretty boy!"
"Blockbuster," Logan whispered. "Looks like they managed to outsmart Hank and Remy." Sliding closer, his claws popped out. From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Hank supporting Remy, who stumbled forward. His lover looked drained and barely coherent. "Hold on," he mumbled and sneaked into position.
"Henri?" Remy's voice turned into a whimper before it reached McCoy's ears. "I can' keep on walkin' much longer?" He hated admitting it, but his legs had turned numb moments ago. Only his will power was keeping him going.
Apparently, Blockbuster had heard that remark as well. "You," and he pointed his finger at McCoy. "Carry him."
"Don' wanna be carried like a babe," Remy objected and leaned against Hank's powerful chest for support.
"Please hold on tight," Hank said gently and managed to lift the Cajun in his arms. The shackles hampered him, but he succeeded in getting a good grip on his friend's body.
"Yer makin' a habit of lettin' people carry ya 'round!"
Remy's eyes widened at the sound of that voice. What followed happened too quickly for the human eye to see.
Logan jumped from his hiding place. One claw buried itself in Riptide's throat and warm blood flowed from the wound. Mortally injured, Riptide went down.
"Two more to go!" Logan hissed and used his claws to cut away McCoy's shackles, moving cautiously, as he didn't want to accidentally hurt his lover. The blazing expression in Remy's eyes assured him that his lover was only drained and certainly not giving up.
Prism tried his previous trick, but Hank was on to him and knocked him out cold with one targeted left blow. "Only one more to go."
Logan nodded his head. Remy had pushed himself against the wall, staying away from the fight. He was too weak to contribute in a positive way. Better to let them do the fighting and stay clear.
"Oh no!" Logan exclaimed as Blockbuster made a run for it. "Yer goin' no where, bub!" Catapulting himself into the air, he extended his claws and slashed Blockbuster's back. "Yer only fuckin' clones, anyway!" he snarled, as he finished the job. "Just how many times did we already kill ya?"
Pleased with his handiwork, Logan kicked one more time into Blockbuster's side to make sure the clone was dead. Only then, he turned around and hurried to his lover. "This time I ain't lettin' ya outta my sight. Yer trouble!"
Remy smiled weakly. "Good t'in' dat you like trouble, cher," he whispered breathlessly, as Logan's lips brushed his lightly.
Discretely, Hank cleared his throat. "Gentlemen, I hate to be the one to point this out to you, but?"
"Shut up, Hank," Logan quipped and grinned wickedly.
Remy drew in a deep breath and steadied himself as Logan pulled him away from the wall. But then Logan turned away from him and? "Where you goin', cher?"
Logan felt uncomfortable. "I found someone who needs our help. I'll be back in a sec." Logan marched into the corridor and wondered how Remy would react to seeing his female mirror image.
But as he reached the spot where he'd left her behind, she was gone.

"Hello darling," Sabretooth breathed into her neck. She'd been careless and he had used his chance to wrap his fingers around that elegant throat. "Too bad Cyclops ain't here to save you!"
Jean fought for control. After her link with the others had mysteriously disappeared she had run into the monster. Although she had tried fighting her way out, Creed had been too strong. Now, she was gathering her strength to lash out into his mind with one ferocious attack.
She clung to her silence and watched him closely. He'd obviously been in a fight and she hoped Logan was close. Maybe he would identify her scent and locate them. //Can't count on that,// she realized. She had to battle the monster herself.

As Scott and Storm arrived at the designated landing area, they realized their mistake. There was no sight of the Black Bird or any of their team members. "Why can't I reach Jean?" Scott wondered in frustration.
Storm laid a hand on his shoulder. "We've got to go back and trust our instincts."
"You're right." Scott immediately agreed and nodded his head. "What are we waiting for?"

"Cher? Somethin' wron'?" Remy was hanging onto Hank for support and sensed that something had upset his lover. //Mon Dieu, merci for takin' off de collar and shackles,// he prayed and felt even more thankful that Logan had removed them personally. He had been so afraid to believe that they had come for him.
"She's gone," Logan whispered and gestured Hank to let him support his lover.
Hank did so and took the lead, giving the two men a chance to have a word in private.
"She?" Remy repeated and sighed, as Logan's love and concern washed through him. //Missed feelin' dat!//
Trying to reach a decision Logan eventually realized that Remy deserved to know what he had discovered inside that tube. "Remy, I need to tell ya somethin'. Listen closely and don't cut me short!"
"Oui," Remy whispered barely audible. It was growing increasingly difficult to concentrate on walking, keeping his eyes open and even breathing exhausted him. More than anything he wanted to rest, get off his feet, but that wasn't an option so he didn't complain.
"Found a youn' girl in a tank? Got her out and?" Logan stopped in the middle of his sentence as his senses warned him. "Hank, we're no longer 'lone." Remy suddenly jerked in his arms.
"Sinister?" Remy asked nervously. His empathy was unreliable due to his exhaustion.
"Ain't sure," Logan growled irritated. "But we'll find out pretty soon!"

//Scott!// Jean exclaimed as she unexpectedly sensed her husband's presence. He wasn't alone. Storm was with him! Relieved, she sighed. Apparently, her telepathy still worked, but the others had to be close.
//Jean! What happened?//
//Careful, darling. Creed's close? too close.//
//The bastard!// Scott replied and as he looked at Storm, he knew she had overheard their talk. "We're moving in and will take out Creed!"
"Goddess, listen to your child! I summon the winds, lighting and? fog."
Approvingly, Scott kept a close eye on the rising mist. "Let's do it." Addressing Jean, he said, //Are you ready?//
//Yes, I am!// Jean gathered every ounce of her strength and channelled it into Creed's mind.
Sabretooth cursed wildly as he went down. "Bitch!"
"Don't ever call my wife that again," Scott defended her and blasted away at Sabretooth.
Creed, already weakened from his confrontation with Logan, decided he wasn't getting into another fight when he was clearly outnumbered. "Fuck Sinister! I'm leaving!" and dashed into a corridor. He wasn't staying here any longer!
"Jean!" Storm descended and walked towards her friend. "Did he hurt you?"
"I'm fine," Jean whispered and shrugged off the experience. "Where are the others?"
"We lost track of them. Can you feel them?" Scott asked concerned. Part of his team was missing and he wasn't leaving Sinister's base until they were all safely onboard the Black Bird!

Sinister closely monitored the progress they made. Wolverine was now carrying Remy LeBeau and the mere sight of them together infuriated him. "He's mine!" It stopped here. No more hide and seek! As they entered one of his labs, he acted.

"Cher?" Remy closed his eyes, trying to identify the presence that was sneaking up on them. "All I feel is? Sinister," he admitted in a guilty tone.
"It's Sinister all right," Logan said softly. "Hank, keep an eye on my Cajun. I've got a score to settle."
Displeased, Hank raised an eyebrow. "We do not have the time to indulge in personal vendettas, Logan." His hands moved quickly and caught Remy as Logan stepped away from the Cajun. "Remy needs you," he reminded the Canadian.
"I need to do this, for both of us!" Logan stated resolved and uncovered the katana.
"Cher, what are you goin' to do? Why de katana?" Hank's strong arms were wrapped around his waist and his feet barely touched the floor. Hank was practically carrying him.
"This is a blood debt, Remy and I will settle this my way. The sword is made of adamantium. It's unique and I plan on buryin' it in Sinster's chest to avenge yer honor, darlin'."
"I lost my honor many years ago, cher," Remy reminded him, startled to feel this amount of outrage in Logan's mind. "Don' make it personal. He'll kill you, Logan."
"This is personal," Logan replied and shook his head. "The bastard's got to pay for what he did to ya! The code of the samurai demands it!" Now, where had that come from? Briefly, he saw himself, moving in slow motion. His sword had brought justice before.
"Ah, there you are. You've come to return to me what's mine?" Sinister revealed himself and focused on Logan. Amused, he laughed loudly. "You think you can hurt me with that toothpick? Quite amusing!"
Hank distinctly noticed the violent tremors, shaking Remy's body. "You're safe. Sinister won't get to you," he said reassuringly.
"I t'ought dat for too many years, mon ami," Remy whispered nervously.
"We're gonna settle this? now!" Logan announced and raised his sword.
"And the winner gets to take LeBeau? How tempting!" Sinister said maliciously.
"Henri? Ami?" Remy mumbled as vertigo hit him. "Ain' feelin' dat well. Sinster's tres evil?"
"Maybe we should increase the distance then," Hank suggested, but Remy shook his head, indicating that he wouldn't cooperate. "Want to stay close."
From the left, another figure crept closer. Even in her weakened state she wanted to be part of Sinister's demise.

 

Chapter Thirty

Unexpectedly, Logan leaped towards Sinister with every intention of beheading the bastard, but only too late he realized that Sinister was ready for him. Attacking Sinister was a mistake!
Damn! Why did he always act this rushed? He should have listened to Hank, but he'd set aside his friend's advice! Remy needed him and he should have remained at his lover's side, but? his hatred had overwhelmed him! This bastard was responsible for Remy's nightmares and pain. It was Sinister who had raped and hurt his lover and he wanted Essex to experience an equal amount of pain. "Yer gonna pay for what ya did to Remy!"
Sinister grinned. "I only took what is mine. He'll never be yours. Why do you want him? Remy LeBeau's mind will always wear the scars of my? lust." A ferocious blast left his right hand and knocked the sword from his attacker's fist. "Child's play!" he roared, "and I never play fair!" His eyes fixed on Gambit and he provocatively licked his lips. "You're mine!"
Remy flinched, hearing the sadistic pleasure in Sinister's voice. "I rader die dan be yours!"
Sinister raised an eyebrow. "You don't have a choice in this matter, Gambit." Irritated with Wolverine's perseverance, he sent another blast into Logan's body and this time the X-Man crumbled into a heap at his feet. His malicious laughter vibrated through the lab and he loved seeing the terrified expression in Gambit's expressive eyes.
"Cher! " Remy exclaimed, scared that the blast had wounded his lover. He wished he'd succeeded in keeping Logan back. What if Sinister had killed his lover? //Not sure I can live t'rough dat!//
But Logan shook off the blast and quickly climbed to his feet. He'd registered Remy's upset yelp and wished he'd never left his lover's side. But it was too late and he had to finish what he had started. Sinister had to die for what he had done to Remy.
Angry eyes searched the surroundings for his sword. "I still got my claws, bastard!" Logan hissed infuriated and launched another attack. His berserker rage was building and he wasn't sure he could control it. //Ain't sure I wanna control it! All I want is to gut the bastard!// Sinister had to die in order to avenge his lover! Sinister would never let Remy be and the only way to ensure his lover's future was to kill Essex.
Hank considered getting the sword to prevent Sinister from using it against Logan, but as he moved forward something hard and heavy slammed into him from behind. Surprised, he looked over his shoulder. "Creed!" He'd assumed that Sabretooth had left this game!
"Surprise!" Creed quipped and lashed out.
Remy barely managed to stay on his feet unaided. His head was reeling and these intense feelings were hurting him. Logan's anger, Creed's madness and Sinister's evil were too much to handle! His hands changed into fists and he pressed them into his temples, trying to regain control.

Watching from her hiding place she kept a close eye on Remy LeBeau. His empathy caused his pain. Obviously, Gambit lacked the experience and knowledge to keep it under control and he needed help. //I can help him, but I can't reveal myself yet. Nathaniel mustn't know I'm free yet!//
Gently, she reached for the link she had established after he'd arrived and began pouring warmth and energy into his mind. Problem was that she didn't feel that strong herself, but she didn't mind growing even weaker. Remy had to survive and get out of this rat hole. Nothing else mattered and she would gladly lay down her life to ensure his escape.
Remy trembled as the warmth, which he had come to know so well, suddenly returned. It took away the sharp pain, made the pressure bearable. Relieved, he sighed and focused on Logan, who was losing his fight against Sinister.
"Don' look bien," he realized. Sinister had lifted Logan from the floor and those metal fingers were tightly wrapped around his lover's throat. Slowly, apparently savoring the moment, Sinister pressed the life out of his lover. He had to do something!
"Henri!" Remy exclaimed, looking for help. He'd know from the start that his lover couldn't handle Sinister on his own, but Logan hadn't listened!
But Hank was busy fighting off Sabretooth, who had gone berserk with anger. No help there and Remy grew disencouraged, knowing only too well that he lacked the energy to fight his nemesis. "Please, don'," he whispered crestfallen, his eyes pleading with Sinister to have mercy on Wolverine. "Will do what you want me to," he mumbled terrified.
Sinister grinned hearing that offer. He was going to make sure that Gambit knew he was in charge. "Come closer," he said resolved, holding Logan up in the air with one hand only. //Puny insect,// he thought dismayed. //You'll die at your 'lover's' hand.// He had such delightful punishment in mind for his pet.
Shivering, Remy tried to move, but his body felt paralysed. Logan no longer moved and his breathing had turned shallow.
"Gambit, bring me his sword!" Sinister commanded, delighted to see the Cajun tremble. But LeBeau didn't move. //Maybe he needs some encouragement,// he thought and squeezed a little harder, completely shutting off Wolverine's air supply.
Logan was now fighting for breath. Darkness rose in front of his eyes, concealing his lover's form and he realized he would lose conscious any moment now. His rage had vaporized and only sadness and a sting of guilt remained behind. He had failed his lover for a second time. Why had he tried to take on Sinister alone? //Please forgive, me, Remy,// he thought saddened, before giving into the void that dragged him into unconsciousness.
Their situation had become critical and she knew she had to do something. Remy's lover was about to die and the young Cajun himself was shaking badly. She had waited for this moment her entire life and she would fight to see Remy safe, even if that meant sacrificing her life for his. //Use the sword!// she cast into his mind.
Remy's eyes grew big as the words hit him unprepared. Looking about, he wondered whose voice he had heard in his mind. It hadn't been Jean and neither Hank nor Logan were telepaths? It felt like someone was trying to help him, lending him the strength he needed, but? who was it?
//Use the sword! Charge it and bury it inside his chest. Then, make a run for it!// She nodded her head, hoping it would work. Remy's thoughts were barely coherent, but she sensed his love for Logan. It would drive him to try one last time.
//Who are you?// Remy replied, desperately needing that answer. His eyes searched the lab, but found nothing. //Tell me who you are.//
//I'm a friend,// she replied and then grew silent again. //I will try to help you, but you've got to take hold of that sword and walk up to him.// Doing that would be hard on him. Nathaniel Essex terrified her as well.
Realizing that he didn't have a choice Remy gingerly picked up the sword and slowly approached Sinister. Logan had lost consciousness and had stopped to breathe. In panic, Remy reached out. Logan's mind was still warm. His lover was still clinging to life.
"Young one," Sinister said approvingly and stared into LeBeau's eyes and then revealed his plan. "You - will - kill - him," he stated, emphhasizing each word. //After killing Wolverine you can never return to the X-Men and you will be mine as long as I desire! Killing your 'lover',// and he gritted his teeth at that word, // will destroy you. Remy LeBeau, you'll be mine in body and soul!//
Remy trembled hearing Sinister's command. // Jamais! I won' harm my lover!// Determinedly, he raised Logan's katana. In order for this to work he had to charge the metal within seconds and immediately plunge it into Sinister's chest. Cautiously, he peeked at Logan's closed eyes. His lover needed him!
"Kill him," Sinister turned Logan around so LeBeau was face to face with Wolverine. "Kill him and I will let the others go!" Pleased that LeBeau had raised his sword, he waited for the fatal blow to end Wolverine's life. Actually, it was a pity that Logan would never knew that his so-called lover had killed him!
While mirroring obedience in every move, Remy took a deep breath and focused on his task. Sinister was the only one who would die! Die at his hand!
She threw back her head as she guided her remaining strength into Remy's mind. //You can do this! You have got to terminate his existence. Do it now!// She collapsed after sending that last message into his mind. Exhausted, her body slid down onto the floor.
//I will!// he replied steadfast and quavered as the warmth inside his mind intensified. It sparkled with energy and fed his determination. As he charged the sword, his eyes met Sinister's and he released this terrible, alien energy into the katana.
The adamantium cut easily through Sinister's augmented skin and ate itself deeper into his body. Sinister's red eyes exploded with shock and Remy hissed, "Die!" Simultaneously, he catapulted every ounce of his pain and hate into the katana, hoping it would tear apart Essex' mind.
Hank, who had managed to momentarily incapacitate Creed, turned around and gasped hearing Sinister's outraged yell. "Remy??" Hank whispered stunned at the sight of that golden glow that engulfed the Cajun's body. The glow slithered over the sword and changed into an angry red fire. Finally, it disappeared into Sinister's body, whose eyes nearly popped out of its sockets. Sinister staggered from pain and Hank could hardly believe that Remy had risen to the challenge and was actually fighting Sinister.
Sinister stared at Gambit in complete shock. "You?" He failed to finish the sentence as a terrible pain spread through his body. This was impossible! No weapon could kill him! Finally, he realized that his arrogance had become his downfall, as he never expected LeBeau to turn on him. //I would have failed to break his will,// he realized that instant.
//Justice at last,// she thought drained. She'd channelled her entire energy into Remy's mind and helpless, she hugged her waist, rocking back and forth.
Sinister threw Logan's body onto the floor as his strength left him. Justice at last? the words crawled into his mind and Sinister's eyes drifted away from Gambit's. Someone else was here, had found a way into his mind. Finally, his eyes met hers and he realized she had aided LeBeau, had lent him her strength to strike this fatal blow.
//Should have killed you a long time ago, my dear,// he thought in hindsight, before falling onto his knees. The sword still stuck in his chest and he folded his fingers around the adamantium to pull it free.
Shocked, Remy took a step away from Sinister. His hands dropped to his sides and briefly, he considered running away before Sinister could recover from the attack. But then his eyes connected with Logan's and quickly, Remy crawled closer to his lover. "Cher?" he whispered afraid.
Logan fought hard to keep his eyes open. His healing factor was taking care of his injuries and as he managed to focus his stare, he noticed Remy's big eyes. "Darlin', I'm fine? don't worry." A vicious growl sounded to his left and acting on instinct, Logan crawled onto all fours. Sinister was still on his knees, trying hard to pull the sword from his chest.
"Cher?" Remy stuttered confused and frantically, he shook Logan's shoulders.
"Did ya do that to him?" Logan whispered hoarsely. He smelled the stench of death on Sinister.
"Didn' have a choice, cher?" Remy whispered at a loss.
After regulating his breath, Logan leaped to his feet and dragged Remy with him. "We're outta here!"
Hank joined them quickly, no longer paying any attention to Creed who had sneaked off into a corridor.
"LeBeau! Come to me, LeBeau!" Sinister's words were barely audible. His body fought the convulsions, which made him shake violently.
"Ain't goin' to make that mistake 'gain!" Logan sneered, grabbed Remy's hand and pulled him close. Sinister wouldn't get another shot at hurting his lover. Then, his eyes discovered a collapsed shape behind Sinister's lab equipment, which looked awfully familiar in her lab coat. "Hank, get the girl!"
Confused, Hank's eyes searched the area Logan was pointing him in. Only then, he noticed the young woman. His breathing quickened, seeing the familiar hair and eyes, which dropped shut. "I'm on it," he assured Logan and started moving. //Those eyes!// he thought curiously, //are Remy's!//
Sinister was down and Remy wondered if Essex was still alive. But he wasn't too keen on finding out and shut Sinister out. "Want out of here," he whispered into Logan's ear.
"I know, kid." Logan was just in time to catch the fainting Cajun. Dealing with Sinister had obviously sapped Remy's last strength. Cradling his lover in his arms he whispered, "But ya did a great job, takin' out the bastard! Ya saved my ass!" He would have died if Remy hadn't found the courage to stand up to his nemesis.
"Logan! Remy!" Jean called out. Scott and Storm quickly joined her in the lab. She'd followed her instincts and they had led her here. Seeing Sinister's motionless body Jean couldn't repress a smug grin. She glanced at Remy and the girl Hank was pulling into his arms and realized both needed medical attention.
"The Black Bird! Now!" Scott instructed and ran over to Logan and Remy. Quickly, he checked on the Cajun. "He's still alive," he stated relieved.
"Remy fainted," Logan explained, appreciating Scott's apparent concern.
"Storm, Jean, cover their retreat and you," Scott looked at Logan, "get moving!"
Logan reacted at once and started to run. " Don't forget the girl?"
"We'll take care of her," Scott said reassuringly and waited until they had disappeared into the corridor before addressing McCoy. "Hank, who is she?" Her features were identical to Gambit's and Scott looked at Hank questioningly.
"Your guess is at good as mine," McCoy said eventually, making sure she was resting comfortable in his arms. "Poor girl! She hardly weighs a thing!"
As if to convince himself that their nemesis had been defeated at last, Scott moved to Sinister, whose eyes had closed. Essex appeared lifeless, but Scott feared that the scientist would leap to his feet after they'd turned their backs on him.
"Scott!" Hank exclaimed urgently and ran into the corridor as well. "We need to depart ASAP. Remy and this young lady need medical attention."
"Don't ever try hurting Gambit again," Scott hissed at Sinister, uncertain whether Essex was dead or alive. Sinister wasn't breathing, but that didn't convince him!
//Scott!//
Scott turned around and ran after his teammates. This time they'd reclaimed Gambit and emerged victoriously.

 

Chapter Thirty-One

~~~ The mansion ~~~
Soundlessly, Jono sneaked over to the couch where Bobby had fallen asleep a few minutes ago. They'd spent several hours surfing the web, chatting with strangers and laughing at the bizarre and funny sites they'd come across.
But Bobby had started to yawn and his eyes had dropped shut every so often. Eventually, Jono had suggested he lay down for a catnap. Bobby had dragged his tired body over to the sofa and had been asleep within seconds.
//That's something I can no longer do, sleep,// Jono thought saddened. He missed having dreams, missed even his nightmares. //Even had the occasional erotic dream once in a while.// But all that was in the past now. He envied Bobby. Drake had easily fallen asleep, something that was out of his grasp forever!
Stealing closer, he cocked his head. Bobby's breathing was slow and deep and the motion underneath his eyelids indicated that he had started to dream. Feeling melancholy, Jono sat down on the couch as well, but kept his distance. He didn't want Bobby to think he was prying on him, should Drake wake unexpected.
//What are yer dreaming about, mate?// he wondered curiously. He'd always dismissed the concept that people needed dreams to work through day's events, but since the accident he realized it might be true. Maybe if he still possessed the ability to sleep or dream he wouldn't be this messed up in his head.
Bobby shifted on the couch, apparently seeking a more comfortable position and Jono moved away too late. Bobby's head now rested against his shoulder and Drake continued to snuggle up to him.
//Bloody hell,// he thought nervously. It had been weeks, maybe even months since he'd been this close to another person without panicking. He considered waking Bobby before this got more awkward, but he couldn't bring himself to disturb Bobby's sleep. Drake looked tired and had stayed up most of the night to keep him company.
In the end, Jono decided that he liked Bobby's closeness. Having someone this close made him feel relaxed and wanted. Hesitantly, he raised an arm to fold it around Bobby's shoulders.
//Oh my?// His nervousness increased as Bobby's right hand retaliated. It now rested in his lap and his body reacted instinctively; growing aroused. //No! I'm fooling meself. There's no bloody way that Bobby Drake wants me. Get a hold on yerself!//
His other hand seemed to possess a will of his own and suddenly it tangled in Bobby's soft hair. He dreaded to think what Bobby's reaction would be like if he woke up now.
//Am sorry, Bobby, but I need someone close!// he apologized. It felt like taking advantage, but he couldn't stop himself. Since he'd left the hospital months ago he had been alone, which had been a novel experience. When he had still been part of the band people had always been swarming about him and now?
Hesitantly, but relishing the contact, Jono rested his head on Bobby's. A lock of hair teased his skin and mentally he smiled. //Thanks, mate.// It was the strangest sensation; Bobby was making him feel again.
In his lap, Bobby's hand moved about and he quickly disentangled his fingers from the soft hair and curled his fingers around Drake's. Their fingers twined and Jono closed his eyes. Why was it so bloody easy to let go when Bobby was close?
Eyes closed, he tried not to infringe on Bobby's dreams, but eventually he lost the fight. Somehow, Bobby's dreams pulled him close, lured him inside his mind. Jono stared in surprise at Bobby's dreamscape, which consisted of miles of ice.
Jono never realized that his eyes stayed closed or that his thoughts stopped circling. Bobby's dreams became his and for the first time in months, he slipped into a peaceful sleep.
~~~~~~
From the doorway, Charles observed the two young men, who held onto each other in their sleep. Charles nodded his head, glad he had insisted that Emma sent Jono to the mansion. The young man desperately needed to get away from Paige. Jono didn't know how to deal with that situation and had desperately needed a change of scenery.
However, he hadn't counted on the attraction between Jono and Bobby. Only a few days ago he had picked up on Bobby's broken heart and it had taken him great effort not to bring up the subject in private. Looked like Bobby's problems might solve themselves.
Bobby needed someone close to his own age to have fun with and who would assure him that there was nothing wrong with being gay. Jono, on the other hand, needed someone to show him that his appearance didn't really matter and Bobby could do just that.
His smile changed into a smirk as Bobby nuzzled Jono's neck in his sleep. Charles steered his wheelchair back into the corridor. //Love is in the air!// he thought amused.
//And Remy's safe as well.// Only moments ago, Scott had sent him a message, telling him that the team was on their way back with Gambit and a stranger who possessed Remy's features and eyes. Now, he was on his way to the med lab and eventually the hangar to prepare for their return.
~~~ The Black Bird ~~~
Logan held onto Remy while Hank withdrew a blood sample. "Will be over in a sec," he said reassuringly, finally realizing that Remy disliked medical treatment because of Sinister. Somewhere down the line he would have to push Remy into telling him the complete truth about what happened between him and Sinister.
"I am sorry, but I need to determine if Sinister fed you drugs," Hank explained and pulled a warming blanket over Remy's body. The Cajun had regained consciousness after they had reached the Black Bird, but hadn't spoken a single word yet.
"Hank?" Logan said questioningly, as Remy's head lolled to the right.
"Shock. Remy's suffering from shock. He needs time to recover," Hank reassured the Canadian. "And even more importantly, Remy needs your support."
"I'll stay," Logan vowed. No more running off after enemies while Remy needed him this badly. "Go to sleep, darlin'," he whispered and pulled his lover's body close to his.
Remy was sitting upright on the exam bed. Even in his dazed state he'd struggled when Hank had tried to lay him down. Eventually, Remy had given in and had rested his back against Logan's chest. Immediately, Logan had wrapped his strong arms around his trembling body.
"Yer safe, Remy. I won't leave ya," he repeated over and over again until it had finally reached Remy's mind. His lover had calmed down and complied when Hank started his battery of tests.
Satisfied that Remy was in good hands, Hank turned to his other patient. The girl was still unconscious and looked ghostly pale. The first thing he had done was to run a scan on her. The results had reassured him. She was mostly exhausted. "Now, who are you, my dear?"
She didn't answer and Hank continued his examination. As far as he could tell, the red on black eyes were real, no contacts. Not that he'd ever believed she was wearing any, but he had to make sure. //Should run a DNA test on both of them.// But he needed their consent first.
"Our guest will be asleep for several hours," he whispered softly, making sure only Logan heard his words.
Logan stroked Remy's locks, fingering them and every so often he leaned in closer to press a kiss on his lover's brow or lips. "Good thin' yer outta it," he mumbled absentmindedly. He wasn't sure Remy would take the news well that he had a female counterpart.
"We will tell him once he's feeling better," Hank decided and tucked her in. The blankets would keep her warm. Her skin felt icy cold and he couldn't deny the concern he felt for her well-being. She was a mystery and right now, he didn't know how to help her.
~~~~~~
Scott, who was piloting the Black Bird, locked eyes with Storm. "Remy will be back to being a pain in my butt in no time," he reassured her.
Storm nodded her head. " Yes, Remy will recover. Logan will see to that, but? but what about her?"
//Her?// Scott thought. He'd noticed the disdainful tone in her voice. Storm disapproved of his decision to take her along. "You think this is one of Sinister's traps?"
"Yes, we don't know anything about her. What if Sinister 'designed' her for this purpose? He knew that we would take her with us because of her familiar appearance."
Scott had to admit that Storm had made a valid point. He should be distrustful as well, but there was something about the girl that made him want to help her. "We'll be careful," he promised.
Jean walked up to them and sat down. "Hank's confident that Remy will be back on his feet in a few days, but the girl?" Jean paused. "We'll have to wait until Hank ran more tests on her."
"But we've got him back and in one piece!" Scott sighed relieved. "We've got to make sure that this can never happen again. The mansion and the boathouse's security must be improved."
"Do you think that? Sinister's dead?" Storm ventured at last.
"I sure hope so," Scott said grimly.
~~~~~~
Logan sat partly on the exam bed, holding Remy in his slumber. They'd survived the ordeal and he had reclaimed his lover. Remy's brow was furrowed and he moved restlessly in his sleep. "Yer fine, darlin'," and pulled Remy a little closer.
From the corner of his eye, he looked at the girl in the other exam bed. She wasn't facing him and he studied the steady up and down movement of her chest. Hank had hooked her up to an IV after realizing that she needed nutrients. "How is she doin'?" he asked McCoy, who was evaluating her test results.
"She doesn't have any severe injuries, but she does need rest." McCoy placed the file on a chair and walked over to his other patient. "Your presence has a soothing effect on our Cajun."
"Do ya want him in the med lab or??" Logan preferred taking Remy to his room instead. He'd considered moving back into the boathouse, but had decided against it. The house wasn't safe and Remy would be a lot more comfortable at the mansion. It would also stop Remy from alienating himself from the team.
"Logan," Hank said softly, after making sure that Remy was really asleep and not only pretending. "I want Remy in the med lab. Before I can release him into your care I have to be sure that? Sinister didn't inflict any injuries."
Logan lowered his eyes and his glance travelled over Remy's face. "Didn't rape him, ya mean," he said in a hoarse tone.
"We both know that it's a possibility," Hank admonished him softly. "And we know Remy well enough to assume that he will try and act like nothing happened."
"I'll stay with him," Logan decided. "He'll need the support."
"Good." Hank looked at the girl who had turned onto her left side in her sleep. "I will ask Jean and the professor to assist me. I can't do this on my own."
Logan nodded his head and then focused on his lover. //Did Sinister rape ya, darlin'? Yer acted like nothin' happened, but I know ya! Ya'll try and keep it all inside!//
Remy stirred in his sleep, subconsciously picking up on Logan's worry, but was still too drained to wake up. He simply snuggled closer to his lover and surrendered to his dreams.
~~~ The mansion ~~~
The persisting doorbell abruptly pulled Bobby away from his sweet dream. He'd managed to shuffle a heap of ice into Jono's pants and had slapped his knees in merriment when Jono had tried to get rid of the cold substance. It was a great dream and he didn't want to wake up, but the doorbell sounded again, angry and impatient. //Go away!// Bobby thought annoyed.
Suddenly, the irritating noise stopped, but his dream had already fled. Reluctantly, he opened his eyes. He was warm and comfortable and really didn't want to get up to see if the doorbell had been answered.
Yawning tiredly, he suddenly realized that someone had folded an arm around him and that a warm body rested against his. //What?// he thought surprised and looked to his left.
"Jono?" he whispered stunned. The younger man was tightly holding him in his sleep and their fingers were twined, resting in Jono's lap. He almost panicked, realizing the compromising position he was in.
Jono's soft auburn hair teased against his eyelashes and before he could stop himself, he'd greedily inhaled Jono's scent. //Geeze,// he thought, //how did this happen?//
He remembered falling asleep on the couch after surfing the net for hours. Jono must have joined him and had fallen asleep as well, but wait! His file had mentioned that Jono no longer slept! So what was this about?
Unwilling to wake Jono, Bobby remained motionless. He became aware of the fingers laced with his and Jono's skin was incredibly warm and soft. Briefly, he freaked, realizing that Jono wasn't breathing, but then remembered that Jono no longer needed oxygen.
Bobby relaxed a little and leaned into the embrace. Maybe he was still dreaming! Maybe this was a dream within a dream! //I just wanna sit here forever!// he thought resolved. He would always treasure this moment, no matter what happened when Jono woke up.
Hesitantly, afraid to waken the peaceful sleeper, his fingers caressed Jono's. //I am sorry, Hank,// he thought distressed, //but I'm falling in love with Jono.// This felt different though. With Hank, he'd never had the urge to pull the clothes --lab coat-- from McCoy's body to have his way with him, but Jono??
His hands itched to wander over the young man's body. He wanted to run his fingertips over Jono's most intimate parts and give him pleasure. //Want to make him mine? want to be inside him?// The realization hit him hard.
//Can't be doing this! Can't be thinking this!// But his hormones had broken loose and he was growing hard. //Need to get away from him!// Bobby realized and jerked away from Jono.
Jono startled as the dreams suddenly vanished. The warmth he had clung to was speeding away from him and something had pushed him into the comfort of the couch. His eyes flashed open and he stared into Bobby's shocked ones. Even unintended, he read the desire, the passion inside Drake's mind and couldn't believe how intense those feelings were.
Quickly, he moved away from Bobby, sensing the other man's sudden discomfort. Jono couldn't help but notice that an erection had formed underneath Drake's jeans. Bobby emanated confused thoughts, filled with passion and horror. //What's wrong, mate?//
"The doorbell," Bobby stuttered embarrassed and flushed crimson red. "Need to check on it!"
Jono rested a hand on Bobby's arm. //Wait, something upset yer!//
"Don't want to talk about it!" Bobby whispered upset and was about to jump up from the couch as a familiar voice addressed him from the doorway.
"Bobby? Why are you holding that man? What's going on?"
Shocked, Bobby stared at Warren who was eying him suspiciously. "This is not what it looks like!" he exclaimed nervously and jumped to his feet.
//Bobby?// Jono tried again, wondering what the hell was upsetting Bobby like this. //Yer feel asleep and I?// his thoughts suddenly took a different turn from what he had wanted to say. //I slept for the first time in months, thanks to yer!//
"I should never have returned," Warren hissed and marched into the corridor, where he almost bumped into Charles' wheelchair.
"Warren, we're going to talk? now. Follow me to my study!" Charles said steadfast, surprised at Warren's reaction at finding Bobby and Jono in such an intimate position.
//I don't tolerate prejudice,// Charles told Jono in a soft tone. //I will straighten this out.//
Jono's eyes fixed on Bobby who looked thoroughly shaken. //Come on, mate, we need to talk!// and gestured Drake to sit down again.
Undecided, Bobby remained on his feet. "Not sure that's good idea, Jono. There's nothing to discuss and I need to get back to the repairs," he whispered in a pained tone. However, before leaving the living room, his eyes locked with Jono's. "I'm glad you got some sleep, Jono. I really am," and dashed out of the room.
Jono remained behind, puzzled and angry with Warren Worthington the Third. He'd never met Angel before, but the loathing in the man's eyes had been apparent. //No wonder Drake's scared to come out of the closet.// Warren's thoughts had shaken him as well.
//Faggot.// He had read the word in Warren's mind. Oddly enough the remark had been aimed at him and not at Bobby. Jono got to his feet and was determined to talk things out with Bobby. If what he had read in Drake's mind was true, Bobby was in love with him.
//With me? a monster? a freak?// Jono shook his head. It was beyond his wildest dream that someone could love him. Paige had tried? //At least I think so, but she gave me the cold shoulder after that disastrous kiss.//
He couldn't really blame her. Who wanted to kiss bandages instead of lips? Paige had certainly made her decision quite clear. First, she had ignored him and then she had started to date another boy at the Academy. //A normal boy, who isn't a mutant with problems like me!//
It would only be a matter of time before Bobby realized his mistake. //Better talk to him now and save us both the pain.// Head bowed in defeat, Jono stepped into the control room.

 

Chapter Thirty-Two

Bobby slammed the door shut behind him and stared at the control panel he needed to repair. He'd made such a fool out of himself! He should had been more careful, should have gone to his bedroom to catch some shut eye. Instead, he had manoeuvred both of them into an awkward situation!
His right hand curled into a fist and he barely resisted the urge to slam it into the control panel. This was utterly embarrassing! Had Jono seen his arousal? Damn! He was still hard! "Get a hold on yourself, Drake!" he admonished himself upset.
A determined knock on the door startled him. //Go away!// he thought privately. He didn't want to talk to Jono. Things would only grow even more awkward and Jono didn't need him messing up their lives!
//Bobby? Want to talk to yer, mate!// Jono sent resolved. He couldn't let this go. Why was Bobby reacting like this? //Talk to me, Bobby.//
"Nothing to talk about," Bobby whispered nervously.
//I'm coming inside, mate.// Jono's hand closed over the doorknob and slowly, he stepped inside. Bobby stood facing away from him, shoulders hunched forward, head bowed. Suddenly, Jono realized that he wasn't nervous at all. With Paige, he'd been angsting all the time, but with Bobby it was different. //What are yer running away from?// he asked in a soft telepathic tone.
"Myself," Bobby whispered, hoping Jono hadn't heard that admission. Warren's reaction had reminded him of the fact that this was wrong. It was wrong to feel attracted to another man and he clung to that 'truth'.
//Bobby?// Jono quickly covered the distance between them, wondering what to say to make Bobby feel more comfortable. But first, he should apologize. //I'm sorry, Bobby.//
"What for?" Surprised, Bobby turned around. What was Jono sorry for? Chamber hadn't done anything wrong. HE was the one with no self-control, not the young Brit!
//For. . . sliding into yer dreams like that,// Jono said sincerely. Brown eyes met hesitant blue ones. //Never happened before. Didn't know I could do that.//
Bobby waved away the apology. "Don't worry about it."
//No, I want to make this perfectly clear,// Jono continued. His sadness increased seeing the lost expression in Bobby's eyes. //Haven't slept for several months and I only wanted to. . .// Suddenly, words failed him.
"You didn't want to be alone," Bobby supplied and nodded his head. "I understand, Jono. Must have been hell, surviving those sleepless nights. I really don't mind you. . ." Carefully, he phrased his thoughts. " I don't mind you sharing my dreams. They're about ice anyway and kinda boring."
Hesitantly, yet determined, he rested his right hand on Bobby's shoulder. Drake tried to back away, but he stopped Bobby. //Yer got any idea how much hearing yer say that means to me?//
This time it was Bobby who dismissed the remark. "You can slip inside my dreams whenever you want, Jono. If that's the only way you can get some sleep I'm not going to take that away from you."
//Yer would let me do that?// Jono whispered into Bobby's mind. Paige would never make such an offer. She valued her privacy and Bobby. . . //Why did yer freak out on me?// For Bobby's sake, he had to address the attraction between them.
Bobby shook off Jono's hand and moved a few steps away from him. Better do this now and put an end to the charade. But it was the hardest confession he had ever made aloud. "I'm gay and. . ."
Jono's eyes softened and he wished he could give Bobby a reassuring smile. //I know that, Bobby.//
"But it's wrong! Look at Warren's reaction! I. . ." His voice trailed off. "Don't want them to know. . ."
//Yer scared,// Jono realized deeply touched. //Scared that they will shut yer out.//
"Yes," Bobby admitted in a heartbeat. "And my parents will never accept me being gay. . . I don't want to make things even more complicated," he tried to explain. Finally, after gathering his courage, he lifted his eyes and looked at Jono. "Only a few days ago I told Hank that I was in love with him and now. . ."
//Now yer attracted to me,// Jono finished for him.
Bobby's eyes grew big with shock. "That obvious?"
//Yes, am afraid so.// Jono took another step closer. //Though I can't figure out why yer want me.//
"You can't be serious!" Bobby exclaimed. "You're. . . handsome, Jono! And every time when I hear that mind voice of yours, I. . . You have no idea how sensual you sound when you're in my head!" The sudden outburst of passion surprised him and ashamed, he looked away. "I need to get back to the repairs."
//Yer can't run away from this,// Jono admonished him, equally taken aback by Bobby's words. //Sensual? My thoughts? Yer. . .//
"It's the truth," Bobby objected softly. "When I picked you up at the airport I got goose flesh the first time you spoke to me."
//Bobby,// Jono tried hard to come to terms with the fact that Bobby was in love with him. //I'm a freak. . .//
"Hey!" Bobby almost shouted. "We had a deal. You would stop calling yourself that!"
//And yer would accept being gay,// Jono reminded him. //Just what are yer running away from?//
Bobby's resistance broke. Jono wouldn't leave him alone until he had spilled his deepest thoughts. "I'm pretty desperate huh? Pathetic really. . . falling for the first guy who. . ."
//Bloody idiot!// Jono scolded him. //Stop beating yerself up for this! Yer like me and I. . .// Jono stopped, realizing he had to tell the truth. //And I like yer too! So what's the problem?// Had he really said that? Seeing Bobby's perplexed expression he realized he had to explain. //It's the first time that I'm not angsting about the person I'm in love with. Paige. . . I blow up the dormitory because we kissed! I was so bloody nervous, but with you it's different. Can't explain why!//
Mouth agape, Bobby could only stare at him. "The person you're in love with? Does that mean what I think it means? Are you in love with me?" Couldn't be true. Any moment now Jono would snap out of it and admit his mistake.
//I said that, didn't I?// Jono fidgeted with his hands, unwilling to bury them in his pockets as he wanted to grab Bobby's and rub them for comfort. //Can't believe yer in love with me, Bobby. Look at me face! Look at the bandages! I can't even bloody kiss yer!//
Bobby's eyes filled with shallow tears, which he managed to hold back. "It's your eyes, Jono. They're beautiful. Who needs lips when I can. . ." Blushing, he looked away.
//Finish that sentence, please,// Jono's mind voice trembled.
Bobby drew in a deep breath. This meant a lot to Jono and he would immensely hurt Chamber by walking away now. He'd never pictured himself in this position. Had never believed that another man could love him back and certainly not someone like Jonothon Starsmore who didn't even know how damned attractive he was!
//Please finish.//
"You don't need lips, Jono," Bobby said eventually and moved a little closer. "All I want is to kiss your eyes."
A telepathic sigh drifted through the room. //Do yer really mean that?//
"You're going me make me prove it to you. . ." Bobby realized and swallowed hard. "Jono, I never kissed a man before."
Jono cocked his head. //Figured that much, love. Yer don't mind me calling yer that, do yer?//
"No," Bobby whispered. Feeling dizzy, Bobby raised his left hand and gently caressed Jono's skin. His fingers travelled down Chamber's brow, soothingly stroking his temples and finally touching the bandages that covered almost half of Jono's face.
Jono flinched and experienced a brief flash of panic.
"Don't," Bobby whispered, suddenly calm and completely in control now that he had made his decision. "No need to be nervous, Jono. I love you just the way you are. I drown in your brown eyes, love to listen to your Cockney accent and even those black bandages are... sexy."
//Sexy?// Jono repeated flabbergasted.
"Yes," Bobby confirmed and sent a quick prayer skywards, hoping that he wasn't committing a major mistake in leaning in closer. Gently, his lips brushed Jono's brow. His lips descended down the handsome face, kissing Jono's eyes, which instinctively closed. Eyelashes teased against his lips and Bobby smiled. "Are you okay?"
//Wondering who's shaking more,// Jono thought in utter surprise. //We're both shaking, love.//
"But this time you didn't blow anything up! You're definitely making progress!" Bobby said teasingly, immensely relieved that Jono had taken his admission this well. He was still in shock after learning that Jono felt the same way about him.
Jono's fingers hovered over his skin, not yet touching though. Passionately, Bobby clasped his fingers around Jono's and placed them on his cheek. He cocked his head to lean into the touch.
//Yer incredible,// Jono admitted in a hoarse mind tone. Gingerly, his fingertips moved down to Bobby's throat, probing the texture of his new lover's skin. //Yer sure about this?//
"Yes," Bobby replied without any hesitation. "I can't deny that I'm in love with you."
Jono grew silent. Emotionally, he felt lost.
"We'll take this slow, Jono," Bobby promised softly. "And now. . ." Stealing a little closer his fingertips reached out for the bandages. "I want you to know that I'm okay with this." Cautiously, trying not to startle Jono, he pressed his lips on the bandages underneath Jono's ear.
Jono closed his eyes. //Yer don't have to do that,// he objected weakly. The realization that Bobby's lips were moving over the bandages made something inside him snap.
"I want to," Bobby stated and pulled back to look at Jono's eyes. "Hey, why are you crying?"
Hot tears dripped down his face and Jono tried to compose himself. He failed. //Yer the first to kiss me like that, me bandages,// he explained.
"Jono," Bobby sighed and slowly wrapped his arms around Chamber's trembling body. "I love you, will you let me?"
//Yes,// Jono admitted honestly. //How come yer want me?//
Bobby sensed the underlying question. "You're NOT a freak, Jonothon Starsmore. You're my first lover," and his blush returned. "I want to. . ."
Jono nodded his head, reading Bobby's intention in his mind. //Can't promise I won't freak out on yer.//
"You won't," Bobby said determinedly and placed a kiss on the bandages, right were Jono's lips had once been. Briefly, he held his breath, praying to God that Jono wouldn't blast away the control room. When nothing happened, he sighed relieved. "See? You're gonna be just fine. . . love."
Hearing that little word stopped Jono's tears. Maybe he wasn't a monster after all.
~~~~~~
"Warren, sit down."
Reluctantly, Warren obeyed. Charles' tone indicated that he wouldn't tolerate protest. Great! This was what he'd wanted to avoid in the first place. He should never have given into the urge to return to the mansion.
"You will apologize to Bobby and Jono after we're done here," Charles announced and took his position behind the desk. "You were out of line!"
Warren stared at the wall, not reacting at all.
"Warren!" Charles was growing worried, seeing the distant look in Warren's eyes. His student had changed since Apocalypse had turned him into one of his horsemen. "What's this really about?"
Stubbornly, Warren refused to talk.
"Warren, I've known you for many years and something is troubling you," Charles started. "I rather not take the answer from your mind."
"Don't you dare to reach into my mind like that!"
The vehement words surprised Charles and he manoeuvred his wheelchair until it stood next to Warren's chair. "Warren, why are you hurting?"
Nervous, Warren licked his lips. "Betsy left me," he whispered eventually.
"I. . . didn't know that."
"Happened a week ago," Warren mumbled and fought hard to hold onto his mask of indifference. "The shadows took her away from me. . . I lost her. She changed. . . we stopped talking and. . ." Finally, he raised his eyes to look at the professor. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "You've always been a father to me. I didn't want to sound disrespectful, but. . ."
Warren needed to get this out of his system and Charles asked, "Is this why you returned to the mansion?"
His breath came in spurts when he finally let go. "After my dad died this became my home, sir. You know that. I didn't know where else to go and fled back here in the hope that. . ."
"That Bobby would be there for you," Charles ended for him. "And when you saw him with Jono. . ." Charles paused to ponder the man in front of him. "You must have known or at least suspected that Bobby's gay."
"Oh yeah," Warren sighed. "But I never saw him with another man before."
"Why are you so mad at Jono? Why call him faggot? This isn't like you, Warren. You care about Bobby, why hurt him?" Charles sighed deeply and caught Warren's elusive eyes with his.
"I don't know why I reacted that way," Warren admitted at last. "Maybe. . . it was seeing Bobby and Jono like that. . . maybe I'm scared that Jono will hurt Bobby like. . ."
"Like Betsy hurt you."
Lost for words, Warren's eyes pleaded for understanding. "I never wanted to hurt Bobby."
"I know that, Warren, but you did. You've got to apologize."
"Maybe I should just leave the mansion," Warren murmured, "Before I do even more damage."
"Running away won't solve your problems, Warren," Charles pointed out to him. "You need friends right now."
"You know, sir. . ." Absentmindedly, Warren stared at the ceiling. "Betsy is. . . was the only one who knows what I went through when I realized what Apocalypse did to me. She was there when I got my wings back. I didn't need to talk to her. She already knew what I wanted to say."
"Betsy is a telepath. Of course she knows your thoughts," Charles agreed. His glance softened, recognizing the torment in Warren's eyes. "But you can't punish others for what Apocalypse did to you."
"You think Bobby and Jono will accept an apology? I can't blame them if they don't want to listen to me." A pleading tone had slipped into his voice. "I don't want to lose his friendship. Bobby's always been honest with me, has always been there for me when I needed support and now. . ."
Carefully, Charles chose his next words. "Maybe you reacted like that because you're jealous?"
"Jealous?" Lost, Warren waited for an explanation.
"Jono and Bobby. . .they're in love. Things will never be the same between you and Bobby. I think that's why you lashed out at Jono like that. Faggot. . . hearing you think that greatly surprised me," Charles admitted.
"Me too." Warren clasped his hands in a hopeless gesture, rubbing his fingers. "Professor, please be honest with me. Am I still welcome here?"
"You'll always have a place here, Warren." Charles wondered about the self-loathing in his former student's mind. What had happened to this young man? "Go and talk to Bobby. Apologize to Jono and. . ." Charles placed a reassuring hand on Warren's twitching fingers. "Make sure this doesn't happen again. Logan will react a lot more violently should you insult him or Remy in such a manner."
"So it's true?" Warren peeked at the professor. "Heard that they are 'together'."
"Yes, it's true. Can you accept that and respect them?" Charles already knew the answer but wanted to hear Warren say it. But in the back of his head another question surfaced. Why was Warren hurting? Angel was trying to hide that fact from him, but no one could fool a telepath. Obviously, Warren wasn't telling him everything.
"I can. . . I will," Warren replied resolved.
"Good, I will update you later on recent developments. But first, you need to talk to Bobby and Jono!"
Briefly, and with uncharacteristic tenderness, Warren squeezed the professor's fingers. "Thank you for letting me stay, sir."
Charles grew even more worried, when Warren avoided his eyes. Something was wrong with Warren, very wrong and he was determined to keep a close eye on Angel.

 

Chapter Thirty-Three

Warren halted as he reached the door and gathered his courage. Doing this wouldn't be easy, but Charles was right; he had to apologize right now. Softly, he knocked on the door.
"Yes?" Bobby whispered absentmindedly, mesmerized by Jono's eyes. They held him captive and he finally had to accept that the attraction was mutual. Jono felt the same way about him and he shivered, as a flash of them being intimate shot through his mind. But he also realized that they had to take this slow or Jono might blow up part of the mansion after all!
"Bobby? It's me. I want to apologize for my earlier behavior," Warren said honestly and prayed that Bobby would give him one more chance. If only he could explain matters! Could explain why he had reacted that way! Maybe then, they would understand and forgive him!
"Oh shit," Bobby mumbled, hearing Warren's tone. Jono's eyes shot fire and warned him to act carefully. "I want to know why he freaked out on us, Jono. Warren isn't usually like this. A little arrogant and stuck up perhaps, but I've never seen him prejudiced."
Bobby waited for an answer, faintly aware of the fact that something else had passed between Warren and Jono in the living room on a telepathic level. He hadn't heard it, but the professor had. "Please keep your cool, love."
//Can't make any promises,// Jono replied, inwardly torn. He wanted to please his new lover, but Warre. . .? It wasn't the first time someone had called him faggot, but this time it had happened unexpectedly and an X-Man had said it. That changed matters. Finally, he managed to get a hold on his temper. //Yer sure Warren is a real friend, Bobby?//
"Yes," Bobby stated resolved. "He probably has a plausible explanation for his behavior. Give him a chance? Please love?"
Reluctantly, Jono nodded his head. He'd try to be polite for Bobby's sake. //Will try.//
"Warren, you can come inside," Bobby called out and suddenly realized that his arms were still tightly wrapped around Jono's waist. He didn't plan on letting go though. He'd made his choice to be with Jono and he would stick to it! Bobby even tightened the hold he had on his lover. //Lover,// he thought privately. //My first real lover.// The girls he had dated had never made him feel like this!
Gingerly, Warren stepped inside. He instantly froze, seeing Bobby and Jono locked in a tight embrace.
//Yer testing him!// Jono realized amused. His anger, which was aimed at Warren, started to diminish seeing the now pained expression in Angel's eyes. Apparently, Bobby had faith in his friendship with Warren and he had to respect that, especially since he also realized that Warren's reaction had been overly emotional. Maybe Warren had a reason for freaking out like that.
While shuffling his feet, Warren managed to remain in control of his emotions and thoughts. Jono was a telepath and would easily pick up on another emotional outburst.
Jono stayed motionless, although he was tempted to take a swing at Warren. His fists still itched to make skin contact, but he held back. . . for Bobby's sake.
Bobby drew strength and comfort from Jono's closeness and said, "Why did you freak out, Warren? I don't know you like that!"
"Well," Warren started and forced himself to lock eyes with first Bobby and then Jono. He owed them an explanation. "I want to apologize to both of you."
//Why? Why call me faggot?// Jono wanted to know. However, he made sure that Bobby didn't receive that thought as well. Bobby didn't need to know what had passed between them at this point.
Warren's eyes closed briefly and he decided to answer that question in his mind. //That was uncalled for; you're right. . . but I've got my reasons for. . .//
//What reasons?// Jono noticed that Bobby was giving him an odd look and decided to include his lover in the conversation. //Warren, what did I do to piss you off?//
Jono took a step closer to Warren and caught himself studying the alien blue skin. The expensive suit hid angel's wings and he wondered what those feathers would feel like underneath his fingertips. Sean had told them during classes what Apocalypse had done to Warren and he somehow pitied Angel. //I want an explanation.//
Feeling extremely uncomfortable, Warren sat down and leaned back. His fingertips tapped on the broken control panel. "I never planned on telling anyone. Even my dad never knew about this." He avoided Jono and Bobby's inquiring eyes, as his mind drifted off into the past. Even after all these years he felt a little ashamed.
//I'm still waiting, mate.// Jono pulled Bobby along until they stood beside Warren. Bobby had turned awfully silent and he shot a quick look at his new lover. Bobby's face only reflected curiosity and concern.
Warren took a deep breath to steady himself. "My dad always wanted me to get the best education available and sent me to boarding school when I was 6. It was an all boy's school in Britain and I grew to appreciate the 'elite' education." Warren smiled melancholy.
Jono waited patiently, now and then picking up on Bobby's curious thoughts.
"When I was 10 my physics teacher decided that I needed some tutoring because my grades were dropping. He selected one of the older students, an eighteen year old called Matthew."
Bobby cocked his head to exchange a look with Jono. //What is this about?//
//We'll find out, love,// Jono replied and concentrated on Warren again.
Warren's voice grew soft as his mind returned to past days. "At first I liked Matthew and I really made progress; my grades improved. But then. . ." Warren licked his lips. "He started to touch me. I didn't like feeling his wandering hands and they would travel up my arms or down my waist. I didn't know what to do."
Warren looked at Bobby, pleading for understanding. "Finally, one of the teachers walked into the room when Matthew was making me take off my clothes. They expelled Matthew and I picked up my old life."
Shocked, Bobby stared at his friend. "I never knew that!"
"Not something I want people to know." Warren shrugged his shoulders. "But when I saw the two of you. . . " Warren's glance now shifted to Jono. "I was. . . scared that Bobby didn't want that sort of attention from you. I know it doesn't really make sense, but. . ."
"Warren," Bobby said and smiled gently. "You can be such a pain in the butt!"
Warren's eyes lit up. "I know you're gay, Bobby," he whispered and amused, noticed Bobby's flushed face. "And I don't have a problem with that. It's just that Matthew made me extremely. . . cautious."
Jono finally understood what had happened and he couldn't stay angry with Warren. Considering Angel's childhood experience his reaction was understandable.
"Jono," Warren flinched briefly, remembering what name he had called the younger man. "I'm very protective of Bobby. Sometimes, people try to take advantages of him and I don't want him to end up hurt."
Bobby licked his lips and nodded his head. "Thanks for being concerned about me, Warren, but I think Jono's sincere."
Jono re-established the embrace he'd had on Bobby, who had slipped away from him to comfort Warren. //Yes, I am sincere, mate. I also understand yer concern. Bobby's very special and I would try to protect him as well. But he's old enough to make his own choices and even his mistakes.//
"You're right," Warren admitted and felt incredibly relieved that they hadn't insisted on more details of what had happened between Matthew and he. Thinking back to that incident still made him feel queasy. It also made him wonder what would have happened, hadn't his physics teacher grew suspicious of Matthew.
//So, yer got no problem with Bobby and me being lovers?// Jono wanted to see how Warren would react to hearing it phrased like that.
Bobby made a strangled sound, but realized that Warren and Jono had to set things straight. In his heart, he'd already forgiven Warren for reacting like that.
"As long as you don't hurt Bobby, I'm fine with it," Warren stated resolved. His right hand closed around Jono's wrist and he held it in a vice like grip. "Hurt him and you'll answer to me."
Jono tasted the sincerity in Warren's thoughts and held Bobby back, who wanted to reprimand Warren for talking to him in that way. //It's okay, Bobby,// he sent soothingly.
"But. . ." Bobby whispered softly and realized that Warren would always consider him his little kid brother.
//Warren,// Jono started and made sure he had the man's full attention before continuing, // yer have no reason to be concerned. I won't hurt him.//
"Don't ever forget that promise," Warren whispered and got to his feet. This conversation had strangely drained him and he longed to talk to Betsy and. . . then it him. Betsy had left him a week ago. He was all alone.

After they'd picked up Jono's bag they moved to his room and Bobby held the door open. "Welcome to my little place in the universe," and he closely monitored Jono's reaction.
//Bloody hell!// Jono cursed softly as he stared into one life size Darth Vader cart board figure. Then, his eyes scanned the room. //Why is there a Daffy poster above the bed?// he asked and picked up several action figures, which lay sprawled across the room.
Bobby grinned. "You'll get used to it."
//Not so sure about that, love. . . // Jono walked over to the bed and sat down. His bag slipped from his fingers and his body dropped backwards onto the bed.
"Get into your jammies!" Bobby ordered and disappeared into the bathroom. He desperately wanted some sleep. It was 0500 already and it had been a draining night.
While changing his clothes, Bobby's thoughts drifted off to Remy. Yes, the professor had reassured him that the others had been successful in reclaiming Gambit, but he couldn't help but worry. Remy had confided in him that Sinister had raped him the first time when the scientist had gotten his hands on him. Hopefully the past hadn't repeated itself!
He felt helpless, knowing that he couldn't do anything to help his friend. Stuck at the mansion, all he could do was wait for the Black Bird to arrive. Xavier had told him that it would take the plane several hours to get back to the mansion and he planned on visiting and talking to the Cajun the moment Hank would allow it.
Unaware of Bobby's shielded thoughts, Jono reluctantly fished a black T-Shirt from his bag. //Yer sure yer want me to sleep here?//
Bobby's reply sounded distorted.
Jono realized that his lover was brushing his teeth and read his thoughts instead. Yes, Bobby wanted him here.
First, he slid out of his boots and then he got rid of his jeans. He was hesitant to remove his shirt. What if Bobby walked in on him and saw the bandages? For all his bravado, he still feared Bobby's reaction. His lover had no idea what he really looked like.
Bobby reappeared and watched Jono fight his inner battle. "Love, it's okay. You know that."
Jono's head snapped back, hearing the unexpected reassurance. He'd just removed his shirt and felt vulnerable when Bobby's eyes drifted over his bandages. //Please don't look at me like that,// he asked pleadingly.
"Hey, remember our deal!" Bobby softly admonished him as he approached his lover. "I love you just the way you are. Bandages and temper included," Bobby quipped.
Jono relaxed slightly and looked at his lover. //Hard to believe that yer find me. . .//
"Sexy," Bobby finished for him. "Guess I have some repressed bondage fantasies!" Jono laughed loudly at that and Bobby relished hearing that telepathic laugh. "C'mon, let's get some sleep."
Jono's laughter instantly died and Bobby drew a deep breath as he folded one arm around Jono's waist. "My dreams are yours."
Meekly, Jono put on the T-shirt and followed Bobby to the bed. //This is so bloody weird!//
Bobby smiled reassuringly. "I know that, love."
Smiling in turn, Jono took in Bobby's appearance. //What the hell are yer wearing?//
"My Tweety bird jammies!" Bobby exclaimed and pulled Jono close. "Got any problems with Tweety?"
Jono couldn't control his laughter any longer. It started somewhere deep in his stomach and it fought itself a way to the surface.
"Feels good to laugh, doesn't it?" Bobby said knowingly as Jono slapped his knees. "Now, do I see a tear sitting on your cheek?" Leaning in closer, he watched silently as tears of merriment strolled down Jono's face. "That's the second time I've made you cry! Geeze!" Bobby smiled wickedly. "I do hope that certain other bodily functions still work too!" and he wiggled his eyebrow.
Jono collapsed on the bed and didn't have any time to roll away as Bobby followed him down. //Yer a blast, love!// Jono quipped light-headed. //Can't believe I'm laughing like this!//
"You are. Believe it, love," Bobby said reassuring and spooned his body against Jono's, who immediately wriggled closer. "Stop that!" Bobby berated him. The wriggling was getting to him and he was growing hard.
//Yer just want to sleep?// Jono inquired, as Bobby's arousal pressed against his back.
"Yes! And now stop thinking about all the naughty things you want to do! I'm going to make you wait anyway!" Bobby loved Jono's strangled yelp.
//Yer a big tease!// Jono wriggled just a little closer to tease Bobby and then rested his head on his lover's arm. Bobby's left arm closed around his waist and he snuggled into a comfortable position underneath the comforter. The fact that he would be asleep within moments took him aback. It baffled him that Bobby was so willing to let him be part of his dreams.
//Thanks, love. . .// Jono sent as he closed his eyes. His thoughts became one with Bobby's and he realized that his lover was really tired as an enchanting slumber sneaked up on him.
Bobby stroked his lover's soft hair and pressed a kiss underneath Jono's ear. His lover flinched as his lips touched the bandages. "I'm going to get some sleep, Jono. . . hope you'll enjoy my dreams."
//I will, love,// Jono replied and mentally sighed as Bobby fell asleep behind him. Eagerly, he gave in and followed Bobby into his dreamscape.

 

Chapter Thirty-Four

~~~ The Black Bird ~~~
One more hour and then they'd be back home. Logan stroked back a lock of Remy's hair that had slipped in front of his face and rested his head against the cold metal wall.
"It's over," he finally realized. "The ordeal is over. I got ya back and I ain't lettin' ya slip away ever again!"
Hopefully, Sinister was dead. He was now angry with himself for not making sure, but they'd been in a hurry to get Remy and the girl some medical attention and had run out of the lab. //If Sinister survived I will take care of him personally?//
Hank had managed to give them a little privacy by drawing a curtain between the two exam beds and he really appreciated the thoughtfulness. On the other side of the curtain, the girl slept peacefully and he hoped that she wouldn't wake yet.
Remy moved about in his arms and Logan smiled as a very familiar presence appeared at the edges of his mind. "Remy?" he said, realizing that his lover was waking up. "Darlin'?" he tried again, remembering only too well how special hearing that word was to Remy. He shifted the Cajun in his arms until he could monitor his lover's fluttering eyes.
Slowly, Remy opened his eyes and quickly closed them again. It was an automatic reaction to find out if the light was bearable. Reassured, he opened them again and needed a moment to focus on his surroundings. "Cher?" he whispered pleased and then gave his lover his most charming smile. "Missed you, cher."
Relieved, Logan sighed. Remy's eyes were a little draped, but that was probably due to the sedative Hank had administered to the Cajun. "Yer okay?" he asked in an awkward tone. This was their first opportunity to talk freely since Sinister had abducted Gambit.
"Je suis bien," Remy said reassuringly and stretched his body like a cat. Logan's protective embrace made him feel comfortable and he savored the perfect moment. But he grew serious when he remembered what had happened at Sinister's base. "What 'bout? him?" he asked gingerly. "Did I kill him?"
Logan decided to be completely honest. "Don't know for sure, Remy. But he wasn't movin' when we left."
Reassured, Remy smiled warmly and closed his eyes. "Knew you'd come for me, cher. Merci."
Logan tightened the hold he had on his lover and felt lost for words. Remy seemed all right and wasn't trying to get away from him. Maybe they had arrived in time and Sinister hadn't had the time to sexually assault his lover.
"Hank wants you to stay at the med lab once we get back to the mansion," Logan explained and continued to caress soft locks of Remy's hair.
"C'est bien," Remy mumbled, completely at ease in Logan's arms. Only a few hours ago he had abandoned all hope that he would feel his lover's touch ever again and now Logan was holding him.
However, he stirred, suddenly picking up on a very familiar warmth. It had lost a lot of its former strength but it was unmistakably present. This warmth had supported him in his darkest hour and he still didn't know who had helped him. Curiosity took over.
"What's wrong, darlin'?"
"Who else is here?" Remy whispered taken aback. He wanted to find out who had helped him. Wanted to thank this person and at the same time he wanted to get as close as possible to the source of this familiar warmth.
Logan swallowed hard. How would Remy react to seeing his female mirror image? Was Remy strong enough to cope with that?
Sensing Logan's hesitance he reacted at once. "I can deal wid it," Remy assured him. "I know you want to protect me, mais I'm a lot stronger dan you t'ink. Please, cher."
"Yer right," Logan admitted gingerly. Remy didn't need his protection. It had been the Cajun who had taken Sinister down, saving his ass in the process. He had to stop protecting Gambit. "I found a young girl in one of Sinister's tanks and freed her. She's in the exam bed behind the curtain."
"You're keepin' back," Remy admonished him, sensing Logan's confusion and concern. "Stop protectin' me, cher."
Logan sighed. Why did Remy have to be this incredibly stubborn? But he had every right to know the truth. "She has your eyes, your hair color and even your features. If she were a little older, she could be yer twin sister."
"I want to see her," Remy stated determinedly as his eyes fixed on Logan's. His lover had to understand that he didn't need a baby sitter. Resolved, Remy pushed himself into a sitting position. He ignored his dizziness and stared into his lover's eyes.
"Yer sure?" Logan asked after a moment's thought.
"Oui, cher." Impatiently, he waited for Logan to reach a decision.
Eventually, Logan gave in. He knew that Remy would find a way to get what he wanted. Logan peeked behind the curtain to make sure that she was still asleep and only then pushed back the curtain. He constantly kept a close eye on Remy, fearing that the Cajun might go into shock for a second time.
Remy's heart missed a beat. The girl had turned onto her left side and he devoured her features with his eyes. Mon Dieu, Logan had been right! She was his mirror image! But the warmth inside his mind had flared into brightness the moment he had laid eyes on her and perplexed, he mumbled, "Logan, she helped me escape!"
The yelp attracted McCoy and Hank quickly joined them. He'd been talking to Scott, updating him on his patients' condition. "Remy?" Hank said concerned, wondering about the Cajun's flushed face.
Remy promptly ignored McCoy and looked at Logan instead. "Help me, cher. I want to get closer to her."
"Is that wise, Remy?" Hank asked, furious with Logan for removing the curtain. He'd warned Logan to keep Gambit away from the girl for now. Remy had to rest!
"Logan, cher?" Remy pleaded in a miserable tone. "Trust me, cher. I know what I'm doin'." His tone changed to frantic, seeing Logan's wavering glance. "You can' deny me dis, please!"
Logan realized that they had reached a cross road in their relationship. He had to stop making decisions for Remy and trust his lover. "I'll help ya," he said eventually and steadied Gambit when the Cajun almost stumbled over his own two feet. The sudden glow in Remy's eyes took him aback.
"Merci, cher."
"It's okay, darlin'."
With help, Remy managed to move over to her bed. Hank shook his head. "I advice against this." But neither of them listened.
Remy couldn't explain why he was doing this. Something was pulling him closer and he had to convince himself that she was real. He didn't even register that Logan had folded his arms around him to prevent him from taking a fall.
Refraining from berating his lover for exhausting himself like this, Logan simply supported Remy. He wanted to warn his lover, to remind him that she could be one of Sinister's pawns, but told himself that he needed to trust Remy's instincts. Gambit was an empath and knew what he was doing.
Remy raised an arm and his fingertips hovered over her brow, not touching her yet.
Watching Remy closely Logan remained alert, ready to defend his lover should the girl prove dangerous after all.
Hand trembling, Remy finally rested his fingertips on her brow. Tremors rocked his body, as a soft glow formed between his fingers and her skin. "I ain' doin' dat," he told his lover. The warmth disappeared into his fingers and the glow died. "I feel like I know her," Remy explained apologetically, "Mais I can' explain it. I do know dat she helped me."
"What do ya mean?" Reassured that Remy wasn't in any danger Logan focused on the warm expression in his lover's red on black eyes. Remy seemed to trust her, not even considering she might be a spy or one of Sinister's creations. "What are ya tryin' to tell me?"
"When I? stabbed? Sinister?" Remy whispered nervously, re-living the moment, "She was in my mind, tellin' me I could beat Sinister."
"Remy, I want you to lay back down now," Hank stated. "And this is NOT up for discussion!"
Remy considered protesting, but recognized Hank's determined tone. McCoy had a habit of turning VERY protective of his patients.
"Cher?" Remy reached for Logan's hand and allowed his lover to walk him back to his exam bed. Reluctantly, he lay down, but his eyes never left the girl's face. "Henri? Please take good care of her?" He couldn't explain why her well-being was this important to him, but he needed to know her safe and cared for. They shared a connection that completely baffled him.
McCoy smiled grimly. "Gambit, you should know by now that I take care of all my patients, regardless their identity!"
"Mais oui," Remy replied reassured and leaned deeper into the comfort of the bed. He still felt exhausted.
"Remy?" Logan leaned in closer and covered his lover's body with a warming blanket. "Do ya know who she is?"
Smiling a sad smile, Remy nodded his head. "She's a friend, cher. She helped me. I touched her mind 'fore I attacked Sinister? she doesn' want to harm us."
Suddenly, he realized how the others might react to her presence and pleadingly he locked eyes with his lover. "Cher, don' know what de oders will do. I worry? you'll protect her?"
No way he could deny his lover. "Don't worry about her, darlin'. I got her outta that tank and I'm not desertin' her now. Ya got my word that I will look after her, and now get some sleep, kid." Remy's word was good enough for him. His lover was convinced that she was a friend and he trusted Remy's judgement.
Relieved, Remy closed his eyes and smiled. "Knew I could count on you, cher."
"Go to sleep, darlin'," Logan whispered and wondered what the future had in store for them. No matter what would happen next, he would keep his promise and guard both his lover and the young girl.

~~~ The mansion ~~~
Worried, Charles noticed the empty stare in Warren's eyes. Minutes ago, he had asked Warren to accompany him to the hangar. Warren had been sitting in the living room, listlessly and motionless, but had risen automatically when he'd heard the professor's voice.
"How did your talk with Bobby and Jono go?" Charles asked concerned. He'd never seen Warren this? depressed.
"They accepted my apology," Warren replied obediently, but had no desire to analyse that conversation. The professor would insist on details if he gave Xavier a chance. "We straightened things out. No need to worry, sir."
"Good," Charles said pleased, but mentally he was growing more concerned with every passing minute. He hesitated to voice his concern and to force Warren to open up, but he refused to make the same mistake twice.
Remy had retreated to the boathouse to avoid such a conversation and he had learned from that mistake.
"Warren, I want you to know that you can always talk to me. I'm a good listener." Hopefully, Warren would find the necessary courage when he needed to get things out of his system. He couldn't force Angel to accept the invitation, but he would keep a close eye on his former student. Now that Betsy had left him, Warren had no one to turn to and would keep it all inside.
"Yes, sir," Warren whispered absentmindedly, uncertain what the professor had asked him.
Both men looked up as the ceiling of the hangar opened. The Black Bird appeared and made a perfect landing. A moment later, the doors opened and revealed Scott and Storm.
Charles gestured Scott to join him. "I want a complete update," he informed Cyclops. From the corner of his eye, he distinctly noticed Storm's frustrated expression. Had something gone wrong after all?
"We managed to get Remy back," Scott announced in a proud tone and wondered what Warren was doing here. When had Angel returned to the mansion? Warren looked strangely lost and Scott made a mental note to talk to his old friend later.
"Continue," Charles said and noticed that Jean looked worried.
"Scott insisted we also took one of Sinister's experiments with us," Storm stated displeased. "I advised against it."
Charles raised an eyebrow. "Scott?" Remy and Logan now appeared and slowly, the two men made their way out of the hangar, meekly following Jean to the med lab. Remy looked drained, but still on his feet. A sense of pride sneaked up on him and he nodded his head. "You did well, Scott."
"Thank you, professor," Scott replied and ignored Storm's protest as Hank stepped into the hangar, carrying his newest patient. "Logan freed her. Sinister kept her in one of his tanks. We couldn't leave her behind."
Charles' breath caught, taking in her appearance. Why hadn't they warned him that she looked like Gambit? "But?"
Storm interrupted the professor. "Sinister cloned Remy and now we're welcoming his experiments in our midst. This is wrong, sir."
Charles never expected such a remark from Storm. "We're here to help ALL mutants, Storm."
She remained silent and walked off, lost in thought.
"Warren? Help Hank!" Charles instructed. He wanted a private word with Scott.
Warren mechanically did as he was told and walked over to Hank who gave him a questioning look. "Don't ask, Henry. It's a long story," Warren said dismissively. Peeking at the girl, he shivered. "She could be Gambit's twin."
"Maybe she is?" Hank hinted.
"You think so?" Warren cocked his head. "She looks too young for that. Maybe she's his younger sister? Sinister loves to experiment with DNA." He slipped out of his jacket and placed it on top of her trembling body. The medical gown did little to keep her warm. "Need my help in the med lab?"
Hank considered the question. Warren seemed desperate to help. "I would be delighted. You can help me with the tests I need to run on Jonothan Starsmore." He'd almost forgotten about the young man. A secretive smile appeared on Warren's face and Hank wondered what he had said that was so funny.
"Sure, I'll assist," Warren confirmed. That way he could show Bobby and Jono that he was serious about accepting their relationship. He caught himself looking at the girl again, wondering who she was and why she had Remy's features.
She pretended that she was still asleep, uncertain where she was and what these X-Men wanted from her. After being Nathaniel Essex' prisoner for years, she had grown extremely cautious and suspicious. She was determined to use her first chance and flee this place. Somewhere, she had to be safe from Sinister and her past.

 

Chapter Thirty-Five

"Logan? Why don't you use this opportunity to take a quick shower and to change into some sweats? I need a moment in private with Remy." Hank wanted Logan out of the room to discuss some personal matters with his patient.
"Go 'head, cher," Remy said and nodded his head. "I'm fine." He tried to push Logan out of the room, but because he was still confided to bed, he failed miserably. Logan was obviously very reluctant to leave.
But eventually Logan realized that Hank needed to finish his tests and probably had some personal questions for his patient. He shouldn't get in the way of that, "Will be back in a sec," he growled displeased and gently kissed his lover's lips. It was such a relief to have Remy back!
The Cajun however, surprised him greatly. Remy deepened the kiss and separated his teeth to slip his tongue inside. "Easy, darlin'," Logan said, trying to calm him down. "It's great to see ya smile 'gain!"
Remy let go, after giving him one last seductive smile.
As Logan left the room, he wondered about that sudden burst of passion on Remy's part.
Hank pulled up a chair, sat down and studied his patient. He wasn't looking forward to discussing his findings with Remy, but the Cajun had a right to know what he'd discovered. "I need to ask you a few personal questions."
Remy nodded his head. "I'll answer. What do you want to know, Henri?"
Hank took a deep breath, telling himself that the direct approach probably worked best. "You know that I to let you sleep through most of the tests." Hank had reached that decision after realizing how drained Remy was. He also wanted to prevent any panic on Remy's part.
"Oui," Remy replied and pushed himself deeper into the pillows. "Merci for dat. Hate bein' in de med lab."
"I know that, Remy," Hank acknowledged. "But I discovered something that greatly disturbs me," Hank paused and looked into Remy's eyes, "Did Sinister sexually assault you?"
Remy looked away. Although he had expected that question, hearing it embarrassed him. "Henri, ami? don' ask."
"I have to, Remy. As your doctor I need to know what happened. Otherwise I can't recommend treatment," Hank pointed out to him in a soft tone, seeing Remy's ashamed expression.
Remy appreciated the fact that Hank refrained from pushing him further. McCoy waited patiently for him to find his courage. "He tried, oui, mais?" Remy wondered how to tell Hank that he didn't really remember what had happened after Sinister had started to touch him.
"Sinister touched me," Remy tried again, holding onto his faith that no matter what had happened Logan still loved him. "Mais I blacked out? don' remember, Henri."
Hank sighed. Considering Remy's behavior he should have expected something like this. But this made it even harder for him to share his findings. "Remy," he started and gently curled his fingers around his patient's. He'd found before that gentle touch comforted the Cajun and he would need the comfort once the truth was known. "I discovered minor tearing along the anal region. Remy, I fear that?"
"Don' say it, please Henri," Remy pleaded as he grew terribly pale. He'd always feared that Sinister had taken advantage of that black out and now he knew the truth!
"I must," Hank admonished him. "I think that Sinister attempted to rape you, but considering the small amount of damage I suspect he didn't follow through. I am sorry, Remy. I really am," he offered in honestly.
Remy shook his head. "Sinister had me 'fore? don' really matter, mais dis time I didn' feel him do it? C'est bien." He was holding back tears, which threatened to escape his eyes. Sinister had raped him again and this time while he had blacked out! "Won' let him ruin my life 'gain, Henri. Dis time I won' break!"
Slightly relieved, Hank sighed. "You should tell Logan. He needs to know what happened or do you want me to tell him?" Hank wasn't sure what to make of Remy's reaction, but the Cajun seemed to accept what had happened without turning hysteric.
"Henri, Logan doesn' need to know!" Remy stated resolved. His tone changed to frantic as Hank shook his head in disapproval. "Please understand, Henri. Let me tell him? when I am ready? let it be my choice!" Telling Logan would complicate matters as his lover would reassume his protective behavior.
"Fine," Hank said eventually and got to his feet. "YOU tell him, but Remy, tell him!"
Remy couldn't look into Hank's eyes, suddenly feeling terribly ashamed. "Can I go now?" He desperately wanted out of the med lab.
"Yes." Hank realized how much the med lab probably reminded Remy of Sinister's lab. "You've got several bruises and you need to take things slowly for a few days, but I see no reason to keep you here." Hank placed a pair of sweats on the exam bed. "I advice you to wait for Logan to escort you to your room. You're still rather wobbly on your feet."
"Merci, Henri. " Remy smiled and picked up the sweats. His hands shook violently and he distinctly sensed McCoy's concern. "I'm just a little nervous."
"I'll keep my eye on you, monsieur LeBeau!" Hank warned him and was about to step out of the room, when Remy spoke again.
"Henri, 'fore you go? what 'bout de girl? Is she bien?" Remy didn't even try to conceal his concern.
"She will be fine," Hank assured him. "Do you want to be notified when she's ready to have visitors?"
"Oui," Remy said quickly. "Want to talk to her."
Hank nodded once. "I'll let you know."
Remy returned to his exam bed and looked at the sweats. Slowly, he slipped out of the medical gown and relished feeling the texture of the sweats on his skin. "Never goin' to wear his robe 'gain!" he vowed passionately.
//Minor tearing?// Hank's words returned to haunt him. He couldn't repress a shudder, realizing that Sinister hadn't even held back when he'd been out of it. //Not goin' to tell Logan! Don' want his pity! Don' remember Sinister rapin' me? as far as I'm concerned it never happened!// Sinister wasn't going to ruin his life again! He would find a way to deal with this!
Soft whistling coming from the corridor alerted him. His lover was approaching and he recomposed himself. Remy walked over to the doorway, eager to leave.
Logan stopped whistling, seeing the odd expression in Remy's eyes. "Hold yer horses, Cajun," he said and blocked the doorway. "Has Hank given ya his okay to leave?" Logan studied his lover and wondered about the draped eyes. Remy seemed uncomfortable and the Cajun's scent revealed discomfort.
"Oui, I can leave. Henri discharged me? and he'll let us know when we can talk to de girl. Cher, want out of here," Remy pleaded and cocked his head, conjuring up his most charming smile. "Please cher?"
Logan cursed. "Yer ain't playin' me, are ya, Remy?" The red on black eyes widened at that accusation, but the change in Remy's scent told him that he'd been right. // Cajun's hidin' something. If I push him, he'll only shut me out. Have to wait until he's ready to tell me.//
"Can we go now, cher?"
"Sure." Logan stopped his lover as the Cajun wanted to pass him by and pulled him close to his chest, carefully monitoring Gambit's reactions. But Remy didn't flinch or pull back. Instead, he melted into his arms. //That's good.// Somehow he knew what Remy needed to hear. "Love ya, Cajun."
"Je t'aime," Remy replied instantly. "Your room or mine?"
"Yer room. Ya got the bigger bed!" Playfully, he slapped Remy's butt.
Remy grinned, realizing they both needed to express the way they felt about each other. He already had a few ideas on how to deepen their bond, but first? "Want to tell Bobby I'm fine? Don' want him to worry."

//I'm going to get yer, love!// Jono sent and continued to chase Bobby through the endless landscape of ice. It didn't feel cold though and he enjoyed the little hunt. Bobby was in his ice form and had a head start, but he was confident that his lover would allow himself be caught eventually.
Jono had been right. After catching up with the Iceman, he tackled Bobby and threw him off the ice slide. //Surrender!//
Bobby changed back to human form and laughed warmly. His arms closed around Jono's form and after rolling a few meters, Chamber ended up sprawled on top of him. Bobby loved the way his lover's weight pushed him into the snow.
As he looked up at Jono, his breath caught. "Jono!" he exclaimed perplexed.
//What is it, love?// Jono smiled and gently caressed Bobby's face. He was definitely having a great time!
Bobby panted softly, as Jono's fingertips hovered over his skin and travelled down his throat. He didn't know how to say this, or how Jono would react. "It's your face, love."
Startled, Jono pulled back, desperately checking if his bandages were still in place. To his horror, he found that they were gone.
"Your face, love. It's whole again," Bobby whispered softly.
Jono's hands frantically moved over his face, but they only encountered skin instead of bandages. He whimpered in pain, too shocked to speak. Stunned, he realized that he was drawing icy cold oxygen into his lungs. His lips moved to form words, but failed to pronounce them. He smelled the cold in the air and shivered. Looking at Bobby, he saw wonder in the blue eyes. "Bobby?" he whispered, shocked to hear his voice after all this time.
Soothingly, Bobby pulled him close and folded his arms around his lover. "Jono, love." He couldn't help himself and brushed Jono's luscious lips.
Jono whimpered at the sensation. A hot tear slid down his cheek and he trembled, tasting its salty texture. "I don't understand? what the hell happened?"
"I? WE are dreaming, Jono. We shape our own reality and you? your whole in our dreams." Tenderly, his fingers traced the outline of his lover's lips. "You're gorgeous, love."
"Course, we're dreaming," Jono whispered, "That explains it."
"Guess we found a little piece of heaven in our dreams, love. Something tells me we'll be turning in early for the rest of our lives," he mumbled against Jono's lips.
Emotionally shaken, Jono's eyes watered with even more tears. This was a DREAM come true!
"It will be a shock for you to wake up again and find the bandages instead," Bobby said compassionately. "Think you can handle that?"
Jono dismissed his lover's concern. Yes, waking up would be tough, but at least he now had his dreams in which he was whole again. It was better than nothing! //I'll treasure every moment we spend here, love. Now, I've got something to look forward to during the day. This will pull me through. In our dreams I can kiss yer, love? Thanks for?//
"Shst!" Bobby silenced him and licked the insides of his lover's lips.
Jono squirmed and wondered about Bobby Drake, who had given him so much in so little time!
"I love hearing your voice," Bobby admitted and smiled shyly. "Always wondered what it would sound like and it's just as sexy as your mind voice."
Jono smiled. //I can smile again!// and licked his lips, which was a truly exquisite sensation. "I want to kiss yer all night long!" he revealed in a shaky tone.
"Then let's not waste a single moment!" Bobby decided and instigated another passionate kiss.

Logan wanted to knock hard on Drake's door, but Remy grabbed his wrist and jerked him back.
"Don'," Remy commanded and tried making sense of Bobby's euphoric emotions. Love, affection and even lust swirled in Bobby's mind. He had never felt anything like this in Drake's thoughts.
"What?" Logan asked confused. Remy's action puzzled him.
"Bobby's feelin'? happy right now. We can talk to him later, non?" Remy cuddled up to Logan, as Bobby's emotions affected him. "And he ain' 'lone, cher. Someone's wid him? an homme."
Logan grinned. "So Ice cube followed my advice and got himself a lover!"
"C'mon," Remy pulled him along and opened the door to his room. Smiling seductively, he prowled closer to the bed.
"Wipe that smirk of yer face, kid! We're gonna SLEEP!" Logan quipped and ignored the obvious disappointment on Remy's face.
"C'est très bad." he whispered, realizing that he couldn't change Logan's mind, which was set on getting some sleep. "Want to make love to you," he tried one last time and lay down on the bed, patting the space next to him. "Cher, join me?'
Logan gave him a grave look, wondering why Remy was acting like this. "It ain't gonna work, darlin'. Give up and get some rest." Logan sat down and stared into Remy's eyes. "We just fought Sinister and ya need to deal with the abduction. We'll talk 'bout this in the mornin'."
Resigned, Remy pulled Logan onto his back and melted into his lover's arms. Mon Dieu! How he loved to feel those strong arms wrapped around his frame! "Je t'aime," he whispered before falling asleep. The short walk to his room had sapped his remaining strength.
Logan however, remained awake, cradling his lover close to his chest. "Got ya back," he whispered determinedly and he finally let go of all the tension he had kept inside. A single tear crept down his cheek and he vowed to never fail Remy again.

 

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