Title: Ghosts of the past 8

Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)

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

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Ghosts of the past

By Morgana

 

Chapter Forty-Two

Sweet? something incredibly sweet slid passed his lips and into his mouth. Remy liked his lips, waking up and relishing the sensual taste of chocolate. Opening his eyes, he smiled at his lover, who was watching him intensely. "Cher, you found dessert!" he whispered and lazily, he raised a hand to wipe some chocolate off his lover's lips.
"Yeah, I did," Logan admitted. He'd been astonished to find out just how much effort Remy had put into dinner and now he felt a little guilty for skipping the meal.
"Sorry 'bout fallin' 'sleep," Remy apologized sincerely. "Ain' a romantic t'ing to do."
"Don't worry 'bout it, darlin'," Logan whispered and stroked back a stray lock that had fallen in front of Remy's eyes. He dipped a finger into the chocolate and ice cream dessert, which he had brought along and offered it to Remy. Sensually, he traced the insides of his lover's bruised lips. They reminded him of the passion they had shared.
Immediately, Remy sucked the delicacy from his lover's finger and squirmed. Logan lay popped up on an elbow, watching him with a predatory glance. Looking about, his brow grew knitted. "Cher, I remember fallin' 'sleep in de livin' room, mais?"
"Carried ya to the bedroom," Logan explained and offered Remy more ice cream. "Ya didn't look very comfortable sleepin' on that hard floor."
"Merci, cher," Remy whispered and licked the ice cream off Logan's finger.
"Hope ya don't mind, but I ate the steak. I even found the beer ya sneaked in."
Remy stretched his body, slowly and seductively. "I forgot de cigars," he suddenly realized and looked up apologetically. "Did I do it right?" he asked hesitantly, uncertain whether Logan wanted to discuss their lovemaking. For some elusive reason he felt strangely shy, knowing what he had done to his lover, what Logan had LET him do.
Logan smiled and suddenly realized that the emotional link that had formed between them last evening was still there. Remy's insecurity, his apprehension seeped into his mind and he wondered about the Cajun. "Ya completely surprised me, Remy. When ya said ya were gonna seduce me I had no idea what ya were talkin' 'bout!"
"Was it what you wanted, cher?" Remy asked hesitantly, afraid to hear the answer. He would die right there if Logan told him no.
"Remy, damn it!" Fear tiptoed into his mind? Remy's fear and he remembered the Cajun's admission that he was afraid of raping him, turning into someone like his own abuser, Sinister.
After setting the food aside, he pulled Remy into his arms and shook him gently. "Listen to me, ya stubborn Cajun! Ya did what I wanted ya to do, but I was too chicken to tell ya 'loud! So stop beatin' yerself up over somethin' I wanted ya to do!"
Remy surrendered, relishing the reassurance and the determined feelings crawling inside his mind. Softly, he whimpered as Logan instigated a kiss, then deepened it and finally chased his tongue.
As he pulled back from the kiss, Logan realized something about Remy. He owed this particular insight to the emotional link, which was showing him what his lover really craved. Last night had been about what HE had needed, but he had also asked his lover what he craved. Remy had avoided answering that question.
Now, he knew why, but he decided not to address it yet, as he didn't want the rapture in Remy's eyes to disappear. Like Remy had done, he would also make plans for a special evening. Masking his determination, he asked, "What are yer plans for today?"
"Today?" Remy repeated mystified and then noticed the sunlight floating into the bedroom. "Ain' it supposed to be night? Why didn' ya wake me!"
"Ya needed the sleep, darlin'," Logan replied honestly. "And I fell 'sleep shortly after ya? Only woke up an hour ago and headed for the kitchen. After eatin' the steak I brought back dessert." His fingers gently tangled in Remy's auburn hair. He might need some time to work out the details, but he was going to make sure that Remy got what he needed as well.
"It's 1300 hours," he informed Remy and leaned in closer to kiss his lover's eyes. The eyelashes tickled against his lips.
"Dat late?" Remy breathed helplessly, relishing the feel of Logan's lips brushing his brow and temples. Then he remembered Logan's question. "My plans for today?"
Logan nodded and continued the gentle exploration of his lover's throat.
"I want to talk to my mère, to Emmy," he admitted in a soft tone. He arched his back in want as Logan's lips stole deeper down his chest. "Still got a lot of questions, cher. Want to know 'bout my père?" Lost for words, his voice trailed off. Logan's lips left behind a trail of kisses along the insides of his thighs.
"Ya really wanna know?" Logan returned to his lover's lips and stared into Remy's dilated pupils. "Sorry 'bout the way this sounds, but what if he's a first class jerk? From what ya told me he left yer mother when he found out that she was pregnant."
"Always honest wid me," Remy said pleased and reached up to kiss his lover's lips. "Need to know the trut', cher."
Logan rolled him deeper into his arms and held him tightly, knowing what Remy needed most, affection and love. "I'm glad ya found yer mother, Remy," he started carefully. "When I found her in that tank, she felt? real? not like a clone. It's hard to explain."
Remy snuggled up to him, savoring these last moments of intimacy before he had to get out of bed and back to the mansion. Emotionally, he felt strangely vulnerable right now and suddenly he realized why. The link! It was still there and Logan KNEW what he was feeling! But he refused to shut it down without Logan's consent first. "Cher? I?"
The link flashed with pain, remembered fear, terror and Logan gasped as it sprang to life in his mind. Why was Remy reacting like this? Everything had worked out fine and? Suddenly, he remembered the incident in the kitchen when he had snuck up on his lover, almost scaring him to death. Sinister had ruined both their lives. "I'm sorry, kid," he whispered, "but she's strong, a survivor."
Remy shuddered. "Cher? What?"
"Ya found a way to deal with the rapes, so will she, but she'll need yer help."
Hearing that reassurance made Remy shake badly. "Mais oui." That was why he was feeling like this! Making love to Logan, allowing his empathy to take them over the edge was his personal victory over Sinister, but Emmy? "22 years, cher? Sinister only had me for a few weeks!"
Logan focused on his love and sent it down the link. Finally Remy calmed down. "She'll heal," he whispered softly while soothingly stroking his lover's back.
"Need to talk to her," Remy decided and tried to crawl out of Logan's arms.
"Shst, darlin'," Logan whispered and pulled him even closer. "We will help her."
"Oui, mebbe togeder we can?" Tears made their way down his face. Would she ever truly recover from this ordeal? Oh, he hoped so!
Now that Remy was calm again, Logan released his lover and got to his feet. Offering Remy a hand, he pulled him up from the bed. "Let's take that shower together. Ya can do my back. Then we'll get somethin' to eat and we'll be in the med lab within the hour," he promised.
"Need to tell her dat I love her?" Remy whispered in a desperate tone and stared helplessly into Logan's blue eyes. "I know how she feels, cher."
"And she knows ya love her," Logan reminded him. "She knows."
"You'll be at my side?"
"Of course." Logan shook his head and pushed him into the bathroom. "I will tell ya as many times as ya need to hear it! I love ya, Remy and I won't desert ya!"
Yes, Logan would always support him, kick his butt if needed and Remy felt eternally grateful for having found a love like this. He was truly blessed.

"I am not sure I can do this," Emmy objected weakly. Seeing the crowd walking up and down the pavement upset her. She would probably disappoint Warren but she couldn't go out there!
"Yes, you can," Warren said in a perfectly calm tone. They sat in the back of the car and Bobby was driving. "We'll be close all the time. You won't be alone."
But Emmy stared at the people and shook her head. "I can't." What if she panicked? What if her panic started the transformation? She couldn't take that risk. Acting without thinking first, she instinctively grabbed Warren's right hand and squeezed it for support.
Surprised, Warren looked at their joined hands. It was the first time she took the initiative to touch him and he smiled. Gently, he returned the squeeze.
Bobby looked at them in the mirror and grinned. Jono caught that grin, followed the direction of Bobby's glance and couldn't help chuckling himself. Warren's face was flustered and he liked seeing the guy slightly embarrassed, but as he looked at Emmy, his chuckle died. He hated shopping because it exposed him to strangers, but she looked absolutely terrified.
Suddenly, Emmy grew aware of his warm fingers curled around hers and she was about to apologize and pull back, when Warren's feelings flashed higher. //He actually wants to protect me!// she realized stunned. His gentle touch and the feelings, which accompanied it, woke something up inside her heart that she had thought dead.
"Where do you want me to park the car?" Bobby asked Warren, and caught the returning amusement in Jono's eyes. "Yes, I know they're holding hands!" he whispered for Jono's ears only.
Warren tried to ignore the remark and pointed out a man in a blue suit to Bobby. "Drive up to him. He will give you directions." He had recognized the store manager from Macy's, who always greeted him when he was in town. Being a major shareholder definitely had advantages at times like these!
Bobby followed the directions and eventually parked the car in a nearly abandoned car park. "Where's everyone?" he muttered surprised as he got out of the car.
Warren opened the car door and helped Emmy getting out of the car, but he never let her hand slip from his. Now that he had a hold on it, he vowed to not let it go again.
She leaned against the car, moaning softly as the sunlight hit her sensitive eyes.
Warren reached inside his pockets and offered her a pair of sunglasses. He didn't know much about Gambit, but he'd remembered that the Cajun's eyes couldn't stand bright light. "Better?" he inquired after she had put them on.
"Yes, thank you," Emmy replied and sighed relieved. She'd forgotten how sensitive her eyes were. In Essex' lab there had never been any sunlight.
"Warren?" Bobby said as the store manager led them inside. "Why are we the only ones in here?"
"Mister Worthington asked us to close the store for one hour so other customers won't disturb you," the store manager explained.
Both Jono and Emmy looked incredibly relieved to hear that. Awkwardly, she smiled at Jono, //It's good to know that you're nervous too!//
//I hate shopping,// Jono admitted softly and then focused on Bobby again, who was pulling him into a certain direction.
The store manager gestured an elderly lady to walk up to him. "This is Kimberly, your personal shopper for today, mister Worthington. She will keep track of all your purchases."
Warren smiled. "Where are we going to start?"
"Ladies clothing," Kimberly replied. "After receiving your phone call I assembled several outfits, which the young lady might like."
Addressing Bobby and Jono, Warren said, "We'll meet at the exit in one hour."
Bobby grinned wickedly. "You're paying, right?"
"This one time, yes," Warren acknowledged. "Behave yourself, Drake!"
"I won't," Bobby muttered and grabbed Jono's waist. "C'mon, you need jammies!"
Ten minutes later, Emmy stared in disbelief at the clothes Kimberly had selected for her. The outfits were perfect and covered every occasion she might need them for. "I can't afford them," she whispered into Warren's ear, slightly embarrassed that she was still holding his hand.
"Just tell us which you like," he soothed her.
"Don't know? " Emmy admitted with a helpless shrug. Even the cheapest outfit cost a few hundred dollars.
Warren nodded his head and indicated Kimberly that he was buying all outfits. Then, he pulled Emmy along to the shoe department.
Emmy didn't know where to look. She had never known there were so many styles of footwear! Feeling lost, she nodded her head every time Kimberly or Warren presented a pair to her.
Next, was the search for undergarments and this time Warren let go of her hand. "Kimberly will advise you. I better wait for you here."
Feeling lost, she followed Kimberly. Her eyes grew big, seeing all sorts of lingerie. "Do women really wear this?" she asked as she closely examined the texture and shape of a thong made of silk.
"Yes, " Kimberly replied and added the item to her list. It was always a pleasure to help Warren Worthington and his guests. "And here we have a selection of nightgowns."
Silk again! Emmy didn't want Warren to spend all this money on her and she tried to only show interest in the cheaper models, but there was one nightgown that took her breath away. It was made of black silk, with red roses embroiled on it. The prize however made her gasp. Quickly, she walked away from it, but didn't know that Kimberly had already added it to the list.
A soft yelp attracted her attention. Bobby and Jono had also found their way here and were now discussing whether or not Jono needed thongs! She giggled and tried to get away unnoticed, but Jono's mind voice killed her hopes.
//Don't giggle! Help me! He wants me to wear thongs!//
//Why don't you get him some in return?// Emmy suggested and peeked at their faces. Jono was blushing! //That's so cute!// she sent, momentarily forgetting her own worries.
"Don't encourage him!" Bobby said and shook his head. "We're buying these thongs? no, technically speaking Warren is and now we're getting some matching jammies. I already got some in mind!'
They walked away and when she saw that Warren was still waiting for her, her smile grew radiant. She was glad he had asked Jono and Bobby to come along. Those two constantly emitted warm vibrations!
"We need furniture and accessories to brighten your room!" Warren informed her and extended his hand. //Will she take it?// he hoped she would.
Emmy stared at his hand and realized that she was blushing. //Blushing like a schoolgirl! I like him too much! Maybe staying at the mansion is a bad idea after all! I need to talk to Warren and tell him not to get his hopes up!//
Eventually, she took his hand and shuffled her feet. The problem was that no one had given her this kind of attention before. She loved Warren's warm feelings and she didn't want to them to stop.
As they walked, he studied her face. How had Logan gained Gambit's trust? What did he have to do so Emmy would trust him? Bobby was right. He couldn't give up on her before he had even tried to convince her that he was in love with her.
Her jaw almost dropped onto the floor, seeing the big four-poster bed at the end. "It's beautiful!" she exclaimed. Because Warren refused to release her hand, she ended up dragging him along. "I always dreamt of having such a bed!" Her hands caressed the dark wood. The bed was crowded with pillows in bright colors and the curtains had flower patterns.
Kimberly gave him a smile as Warren nodded his head. If she wanted this bed, she would get it! Eventually, he had to pull her away from it. "We need to decorate your room as well. What about lamps, pictures?"
Her head started to spin, as he showed her a number of paintings, posters and drawings. "This one is gorgeous," she decided and pointed out a sunset, painted in bight reds and blues.
"Why am I not surprised?" Warren smiled. "What about this one?" It was a painting in black and silver, depicting a star lit sky.
"Beautiful," she agreed. "And this lamp?"
"Jugendstil," Kimberly said and put it on the list.
"I think this covers it," Warren remarked. "Anything else you would like to see?"
"The toys department?" Emmy said on impulse.
Warren raised an eyebrow. "I was hoping to avoid that one as Bobby is running loose there!" He gave her a huge smile.
"Bobby's buying Jono jammies," she corrected him and looked at him pleadingly.
"Sure, we'll go."

//I AM NOT WEARING YER JAMMIES!// Jono yelped mentally, as Bobby held up jammies adorned with Darth Vader print. //Yer can't make me!//
"I can," Bobby whispered seductively. "You tasted the bacon and eggs, didn't you?"
//Yes I did!// Jono said frustrated, crossed his arms and was determined not to give in.
"What if I promise to take you to an Irish pub and have some Guinness or another beer of your choice? And what was your favorite food before the accident? Fish and chips? Wanna taste it again?" Bobby knew he was being wicked and a tease, but everything would do to keep Jono from brooding. Jono looked up and he caught the flicker of interest in those gorgeous eyes.
//Yer would do that for me?//
"Yeah, as long as you take me home afterwards! I've got this suspicion that you'll be begging me to keep on drinking!" Bobby brushed a lock away from Jono's face. "What do you say? I choose the jammies and I'll drink and eat what ever you want?"
//It's a tempting offer?// Jono admitted. //But yer will be pissed after just one beer!//
"Then don't blame me when I end up throwing up all over you!" Bobby quipped. "Now, stay here? I'll get our jammies!"
//Yer already know which ones yer want? Yer have been planning this!//
"If Warren hadn't offered to take us shopping, I would have gone on my own, yes," Bobby replied from the back of the room. "Got them!" He had long thought about what jammies Jono would agree to wear and these might do. "What do you think, Jono?"
Jono's eyes widened and mentally, he laughed warmly. //Yer a blast, luv! I like those jammies!//
"Picked them especially for you. I gathered that since Monty Python is British you might agree to wear them."
The crooked smile of John Cleese stared right back at him and Jono slapped his knees.
"Or you can have this one," Bobby offered him a choice. "Mister Bean is British too, isn't he?" These jammies showed several facial expressions of Mister Bean and his favorite bear.
//Can't make a choice,// Jono admitted. He really liked them both and yes, he would consent to wearing them. //But yer still got to eat fish and chips and drink several pints of beer!//
"All right," Bobby agreed and wrestled himself a way back to collect two more pairs. "We will take both. Warren won't mind buying us four pairs of jammies instead of two!"
//Are we done here?// Jono asked, eager to get back to the car. Shopping always gave him the willies.
"Nope!" Bobby exclaimed and clutched the jammies to his chest. "Next stop are the action figures! I need a Spidey doll!"
Jono shuddered.

Cautiously, she made her way over to the stuffed animals and panted softly as a man-sized teddy bear blocked her way. "It's adorable!" she whispered and couldn't help running a hand through its soft fur.
Warren nodded his head and Kimberly made a note. //Good thing Emmy has no idea I'm buying all this, or she would never tell us what she likes. It's only money,// he told himself. //And I've got more than I can ever spent!//
Still holding her hand, he followed her to the smaller stuffed animals and now her eyes searched with purpose. "What are you looking for?"
"A rabbit? white and with fluffy ears," she whispered absentmindedly. Surely, after so many years they wouldn't be producing this particular stuffed rabbit any longer, but she hoped? and wished?. "That's it!" She'd almost missed the rabbit, as it was hidden behind a frog. Her hands trembled as she pulled the rabbit free.
Warren wondered about the stunned expression on her face and were there really tears hiding in her eyes? "Why does this rabbit mean this much to you?" he asked and squeezed her hand.
"I didn't have much money back then, but I bought this one for Remy?" she whispered in an unguarded moment.
Warren thought he had misunderstood. "You bought it for Remy?"
"Yes, before I got onto the bus? I had it until Essex?" Shocked, she looked up and her eyes revealed her horror. She reached for the sunglasses, which she had taken off in the store and wanted to hide behind them, so Warren wouldn't see her tears.
Suddenly, things clicked in Warren's brain and the pieces of the puzzle were complete. "I thought you were his younger sister? but you're his mother!" he whispered and stared at her. "But you look like you're 18!"
Tears dripped down her face and she jerked her hand free. Turning her back to him, she said, "Didn't want you to know."
"Why?" Warren gently took hold of her shoulders and turned her about until she faced him again. He removed the sunglasses and it pained him to see that she quickly tried to wipe away her tears. "It's okay to cry."
"No?" she took a deep breath. "I am Remy's mother, yes. Essex got to me when I was travelling to my grandmother. He wanted the baby? I managed to smuggle my son outside, but? I stayed in his lab for 22 years." There, she had said it. Warren now knew the truth and would certainly walk away from her and she couldn't even blame him for it.
"Emmy," Warren started and cupped her chin in his hand so she had to look at him. "Remy's your son? and Sinister? damn him! 22 years?"
Lost for words, she looked into his eyes. //Go on,// she thought privately. //Walk away. It's okay, Warren. I know you dislike Remy? // She carefully shielded her thoughts from him.
At a loss, Warren held her stare prisoner and refused to break eye contact. "Must have been hard on you to tell me that," he said eventually. Had it changed things between them? Knowing who she really was? "But that doesn't change the fact that I've got feelings for you!"
Emmy sighed. Maybe they could still be friends. At least he wasn't running away like Remy's father had done after hearing she was pregnant.
Shaken up a little, Warren stared at her hand. Soothingly, he rubbed her fingers. "What do think? Do I need Remy's permission to date you?" He had phrased it awkwardly, but hoped she understood.
"You accept this?" she stuttered overwhelmed. She'd never expected Warren to react like this!
"If you'll have me," Warren added softly. However, this meant that he would really have to talk to Gambit and bury the hatchet. But he would gladly do that for her. Emmy was absentmindedly patting the stuffed animal and he added, "I don't know why, Emmy, but I feel connected to you. It never mattered to me who or what you were. I never asked Hank if you were a clone. I just want to make you happy."
Flattered, but also ashamed, she felt lost for words. "I don't know?"
"Why not give us a chance?" he suggested. "I want to prove to you that I really love you," he said, remembering Bobby's advice. "We'll take things slow."
Emmy sensed the truth and resolve in his words and it acted like a soothing balm to her scarred soul.
"You don't have to answer now," Warren said and smiled warmly. "I can wait."
Emmy returned the smile shyly. "Would you buy the rabbit for me?"
"Of course," Warren replied. It was the only thing she had asked him to buy. She really had no idea that he had bought the bed, the teddy bear and all the things she had liked as well. //Good, hopefully the stuff will be in her room when we get back to the mansion. Need to stall for more time though.//
They hooked up with Bobby and Jono at the exit. Bobby carried a large bag, filled with their jammies. "What's that?" Warren asked and pointed at the action figure in Bobby's arms.
"Got myself a Spidey doll!"
//"Did you get the jammies?"// Emmy asked/sent and looked to Jono for an answer.
//Yeah, we did,// he sighed heavily. //Bobby bought some Monty Python and mister Bean jammies.//
Confused, Emmy looked at Warren. "Never heard of them." She felt lost in this alien world.
"I've got their movies on tape," Bobby announced in a proud tone. "We'll first watch 'Monty Python and the holy grail'. You'll love it," Bobby promised and placed his stuff in the trunk of the car.
"I don't know about you guys, but I am hungry?" Warren said unexpectedly. "Want to get something to eat?"
"Hotdogs," Emmy whispered in a soft tone. "Hadn't had one in? years."
"Okay," Bobby whispered maliciously and wrapped his arms around his lover. "You're gonna taste hotdogs. Hope you'll like them!"
Jono remained silent, looking at Emmy instead. In her arms, she clutched a white stuffed rabbit and her thoughts?
Emmy sensed his concerned thoughts and forced herself to smile. Warren's fingers curled themselves a little tighter around hers and for the first time in her life, she allowed herself to hope that she had found someone who really loved her.

 

Chapter Forty-Three

"Henri? Can I speak to Emmy? Want to introduce mon amant to her," Remy asked softly. Luckily, Logan had agreed to accompany him this time and he took great comfort in his lover's presence. He wanted to ask Emmy about his father and he could use Logan's moral support. Oui, what if his father was a first class jerk as his lover had phrased it? Emmy had already told him that his father had left her because she had been pregnant, but Emmy had fought to keep him!
"Remy!" Hank exclaimed and almost choked on the coffee. He still had to tell Remy that Emily had left the med lab. //And I should tell him about Warren as well. Oh my, this won't be easy!// Coughing, he tried to clear his lungs. "Emmy, you say?"
Logan noticed the sly expression in Hank's eyes and grew alert. Beast was up to something all right. Hank loved to play little mind games if he believed they would teach people a valuable lesson. //And this time it looks like Remy's gonna be his victim!//
"I discharged Emmy three hours ago, Remy. Scott arranged for a room in the ladies wing." Hank set aside the coffee and wondered how to tell Remy about Warren.
Remy released a startled yelp and Logan acted immediately. He placed an arm around his lover's shoulder and his fingers rubbed Remy's skin through the fabric. "Ya could have told him, Blue. It's his mum."
"Where is she now?" Remy asked and tried to fight down his panic. What if she had left the mansion and he would never see her again?
Elegantly, Hank leapt to his feet and studied the young Cajun. //Fear of abandonment? wonder how Logan deals with this.// There was no way out. He had to tell Remy. "Warren escorted her to her room."
Remy almost collapsed against his lover's chest. "Warren?" he yelped shocked. "Warren? Why didn' you tell me? When did he get back?" Raving, his panic increased. It was no secret that Warren hated his guts for his part in the Morlock Massacre and he couldn't blame Angel for that. He was responsible for the massacre, as he had assembled the Marauders, but? Had Warren decided to get back at him by using Emmy?
"Remy, sit down. Let Blue explain this." Logan said gently and continued to rub his lover's back. The link between them had weakened considerably, but when he tried hard, he still sensed some of Remy's emotions and right now, the kid was panicking!
"Mais Warren hates me!" Remy tried to explain. "What if he's only usin' my mère?"
"Calm down, young man!" Hank commanded fiercely. They should have addressed this earlier. The professor and Scott should have dealt with the situation between Warren and Remy, instead they had pretended it didn't exist. Now, he had to straighten things out!
"Sit down," he ordered and pushed Remy down until he sat in his chair. He exchanged a glance with Logan who nodded his head, giving him permission to lecture his lover if necessary.
"Warren has been visiting Emmy since she got here," Hank said calmly and gently took hold of Remy's hands. //You're an empath. You know I speak the truth and that I am not trying to mislead you.// Hank startled, as alien words formed and faded in his mind. Looking up at Remy, he noticed the young Cajun's confusion. //And you might be a telepath as well, considering your mother is one.//
"Why didn' you tell me dat Warren was? down here?" Remy wanted to know. He wanted to be angry at Hank, but couldn't pull it off. Hank had Emmy's best interest in mind. He KNEW that for certain.
"Because I feared you might over react considering your past with him," Hank pointed out to him. "Remy, Warren really likes her." Hank sighed as Remy's eyes grew big. "He's been here in the med lab since she arrived and he's still looking after her. He even went against my orders and helped her sneak out of the med lab because she wanted to see a star lit sky. Does that sound like's using her to get back at you?"
Remy wanted to protest again, but Logan squeezed his shoulder and Hank gave him an impatient glance, so he remained quiet. //Dey can' understand? Warren hates me? He probably hates my mère too! Don' want her to get hurt ever 'gain! Need to protect her!//
"Listen to me!" Hank said sharply and sat down opposite Remy so they were level. He wanted the Cajun's full attention.
Logan allowed it, knowing Hank was acting out of concern for Remy.
Remy bit down his frustration and mumbled. "Continue."
Hank drew in a deep breath. "Emily trusts Warren. I can only assume that her empathic abilities are telling her that Warren has her best interest in mind. Warren has never before made up excuses to help me in the med lab. He wanted to be close to her. Did you know that he sat with her for hours?"
Remy calmed down a little, but remained distrustful. "Why would he be dat kind to her?"
Hank sighed deeply. "Am I speaking in an alien language, Remy?"
"Blue!" Logan chuckled, knowing only too well how Hank felt. //Know what it feels like to try to talk some sense into the Cajun!//
"I know that Warren and you have some issues," Hank started again, "but," he raised his hand to stop Remy from speaking up again, "but Emmy and Warren are good for each other."
Pondering Hank's words Logan felt slightly confused. But he had always trusted Hank's judgement. McCoy would never allow an X-Man to hurt the girl. "Darlin'," he whispered into Remy's ear, "sounds to me like Warren's intentions are honest. Ya can't decide what she can and can't do."
"Mais Warren! Why does it have to be Warren!" Remy objected. After this small outburst he grew quiet again.
Logan gathered his lover's trembling hands in his and said, "Just talk to Warren. He's kinda stuck up, but?"
Remy cut him short. "Cher, Warren doesn' talk to me! He ignores me, remember?" Feeling miserable, he pleadingly looked at his lover. "Warren hates me!"
"Remy," Hank shook his head in dismay. What did he have to say to calm Remy down? Thinking it over, he suddenly realized that this wasn't about Emmy at all. "It's because of the trial, isn't it?" he said knowingly. Remy's flinch answered his question. "It's because of the Massacre, the Marauders and his wings."
Logan realized Hank had hit bull's eyes. There were still some unsolved issues between Warren and Remy, and Remy and the rest of the team. They had betrayed him and Remy needed time to learn to trust them again.
"I want you to understand this," Hank said calmly and locked eyes with the Cajun.
Remy had no other choice than to return the stare. He didn't want to discuss the trial or Warren's part in it.
"I made mistakes during that trial. Eric the Red forced us to go along with the charade and we should have refused to cooperate. Giving into Eric the Red's demands made it seem like we agreed with him."
Remy cringed and tried to get to his feet to flee this conversation, but Logan wouldn't let him.
"I should never have left Antarctica without you. I should have returned to the citadel to look for you. My God, we deserted you and that's the truth!" Hank stroked Remy's auburn hair and regretted the entire disaster. //He's an empath? must have felt our doubts? how did he cope when we left him behind?//
Remy swallowed hard hearing that admission. "Hoped you'd be back," he admitted gingerly. "Hoped you'd forgive me. I never wanted to get dem killed. Never wanted Warren to lose his wings? "
"I know that, Remy," Hank said soothingly. "You didn't know about Sinister's plans. But what I want to know is? can you forgive me?"
Remy looked lost. "Forgive you? For what?" The strange thing was that he sensed McCoy's sincere regret.
"For leaving you behind." Hank smiled gently. "It's time to get everything in the open. I refuse to play your games any longer. You won't push me away."
Embarrassed and ashamed, Remy was at a loss. "Mais oui," he whispered eventually. Shyly, he patted Hank's big furry hand.
Pleased with his achievement, Hank played his next trump. "Warren walked out on you during the trial. He couldn't deal with the fact that it was you who assembled the Marauders. After all, they destroyed his wings, but?" Hank grabbed Remy's head between his hands and looked straight into his eyes.
"But Warren's a decent man. Believe me, I know. Warren has been part of this team since the beginning and he always covered our back when we needed him. Losing his wings drove him over the edge and when Apocalypse got to him, Warren crumbled. He only had one person left to aim his anger at, you.
All three of you need to heal. Warren can help Emmy deal with her pain, like Logan has done for you. Emmy's strong? incredibly strong to have survived for 22 years in captivity and? Warren's in love with her."
But Remy hadn't heard that last part. He was still too busy dealing with his part in the massacre. "Should never have given in to assemblin' dem Marauders. Should have said non?"
Logan couldn't keep quiet any longer. "Ya wouldn't have survived much longer, darlin'. I know how much he hurt ya in those few weeks. Ya had to get 'way from him."
"And that's what you need to explain to Warren," Hank said, cutting in.
"Tell him Sinister raped me and de Marauders was my way out? Not tellin' him what Sinister did to me!" Remy wildly shook his head. "Don' want anyone to know and certainly not Warren!"
"Think about it," Hank said, realizing they had to stop pushing Remy. "Emmy's eyes light up every time she sees Warren. This might be her chance at happiness. Do you want to take that away from her?"
"Non," Remy whispered upset. Why had Hank brought this up? He had felt so happy and in love and now? "I have to talk to Warren, non?" he said disencouraged.
"Yes," Hank agreed and smiled reassuringly. "And you might even find that Warren has changed."
"Not sure 'bout dat," Remy whispered and dragged himself onto his feet. Thankfully Logan was there to lend him all the emotional support he needed. "Will talk to Warren. Come on, cher. Let's go and find him." He wanted to do this now, before he changed his mind.
"Hank?" Logan whispered, as Remy walked over to the doorway. There was something he had to say before joining his lover. "Thanks."
"Don't mention it, my friend," Hank waved it away. "We should have apologized to him after he got back from Antarctica instead of banishing him to the boathouse." As he watched them leave his lab, he hoped Remy and Warren would find a way to work out their differences.

"What the hell is going on here?" Stunned, Scott stared at the van that had stopped in front of the mansion. Several men were carrying clothes, boxes and? - a four-poster bed?- inside.
Jean looked up from the delivery papers and smiled. "Looks like Warren bought all this for Emily. They went shopping at Macy's. Isn't it romantic?" she sighed and gave Scott a wink. "Our anniversary is coming up, darling."
"Already bought my present for you," Scott said and loved seeing her smile brighten. "But you'll have to wait a little longer."
"Five more days," she said blissfully and sneaked up to him, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I think Warren is in love with her!"
Scott tended to agree with her. "This isn't typical behavior for Warren."
"When do you think she will tell us who she really is?" Jean asked her husband.
"Well, Hank told me she isn't a clone, so I'm guessing she is Remy's younger sister."
"Makes sense," Jean agreed and smiled, seeing the paintings. "They don't need us here. We should return to the danger room."
Scott pressed a kiss onto her cheek. "You're right."
Jean couldn't repress a smile, seeing the giant teddy bear. "Yes," she whispered privately. "Warren's got it bad!"

"Cher?" Upset, Remy closed the door to Emmy's room. "She ain' in dere." Feeling lost, he wondered what to do next. He still didn't believe Warren's intentions were honest.
"There's a car drivin' up the lane," Logan remarked. Bobby and Jono were in the front and Warren and Emmy in the back. "She's in the car."
"What are we waitin' for?" Remy ran downstairs, eager to convince himself that his mother was fine.
"Slow down, kid," Logan grabbed his shoulders and forced him to stop. "I want ya to calm down first. Ya're only gonna make things worse this way."
"D'accord," Remy whispered in a guilty tone. Now that he knew his mother was safe, his old apprehension snuck up on him. "Don' know what to say to Warren."
"Then let him do the talkin'!" Logan advised. From the doorway, he watched them get out of the car. "'nother Spiderman doll," he said and shook his head. "Wonder how Jono puts up with Drake's obsessions." Logan never expected an answer from Remy, but he got one nonetheless.
"Bobby makes him happy, makes him laugh." Nervously, he noticed that Warren and Emmy were holding hands. "Cher, don' know if I can do dis." Goose flesh formed over his body. He had managed to avoid talking to Warren since he'd gotten back from the ice.
Bobby and Jono walked up to the house, laughing and pushing each other around, trying to find out just how ticklish the other was. In the end Bobby screamed, "I surrender," and almost bumped into Logan, who bared his teeth and growled.
"Hey, it's the big bad wolf," Bobby quipped and gave Jono a wink. "Wolvie, told you before that people who are in love aren't supposed to be grumpy!"
//Yer better make a run for it,// Jono advised, as Logan's teeth flashed dangerously. //That way I can chase and catch yer!// he added wickedly.
Bobby started up the stairs, giggling and almost dropping his Spidey doll. Jono chased behind him and the door to Bobby's room closed with a bang.
"C'mon, darlin', ya can do this," Logan encouraged him and pushed his lover away from the doorway. "Talk to the man!"
Emmy's smile faded, sensing Remy's confusion, but she quickly realized that his feelings were about Warren, not her. //Remy?// she said, reaching out instinctively. Unexpectedly, images flashed in her mind. //My God, did you think I left you? Without saying goodbye? Sweetie, I love you,// she simply sent and walked up to him.
Extending her arms, she pulled him close. His eyes clung to hers and she smiled. //I'll never leave you, never. I love you, Remy.// That instant, she realized how much he craved hearing those words. Inside this young man's body hid a startled young boy, who craved love and acceptance.
Remy inhaled her scent and swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. "Merci, for tellin' me dat," he whispered deeply touched. He'd forgotten about Warren who was watching them intently. "Was scared you had left me?" he said slightly embarrassed for having doubted her sincerity.
"I understand, Remy," she smiled warmly and did something she had always wanted to do. She kissed his brow. "I--- love--- you--, Remy. You--- are--- my--- son!" she emphasized every word and looked deeply into his eyes.
Logan smiled contentedly. //Just what the Cajun needs to hear.//
Remy however, froze. Warren had also heard those words! "Mais," he started, terrified how Warren might react to this news. But Emmy's smile reassured him.
"Warren knows you're my son, Remy," she said softly and soothingly stroked his hair. "You need to talk to him, don't you?" She did her best to radiate calm and trust, warmth and love. "I'm sure your lover can walk me back to my room. Need to make sure he's treating my son right," she added slyly.
Remy couldn't help himself, but smiled in return. "Treats me bien."
"Good," she said pleased, knowing Remy and Warren needed some privacy. Her steps faltered a little walking up to Logan. She was terribly tired and although she had loved going shopping with Warren, she probably should have stayed in her room to rest instead.
"Emmy?" Logan cocked his head and wondered what to say.
"Thanks for getting me out of that tank," she said and broke the ice between them. "You saved my life."
"Don't mention it," Logan replied softly. "Wanna walk to yer room?"
Emmy nodded her head and looked over her shoulder at Remy and Warren.
"They'll be fine," Logan reassured her and suddenly noticed the strain in her eyes. "Ya're just like yer son," he remarked absentmindedly. "Remy never admits to being hurt or tired." Resolved, he lifted her in his arms to carry her up the stairs. "Don't," he said as she wanted to protest. "Carried ya before in the lab and Remy? I carried him 'round too, so this doesn't really matter."
Emmy smiled, accepting his care and concern. "I think I'll like it here," she whispered warmly.
Remy stared at Warren, lost for words. How to start this conversation? Maybe he should apologize?
"Why don't we sit down?" Warren pointed out a bench in the garden and walked over to it. Remy, he noticed, hesitated to accept the invitation. Now, as he studied the Cajun, he expected to look into Emily's eyes and not into Gambit's. //Mother and son,// he mused?
In the end, Remy accepted and sat down as far away as possible from Warren. He didn't know what to think of the fact that Warren knew the truth about Emmy and he. For some reason, he had expected Worthington to throw some kind of tantrum, accusing them of misleading him.
"Emmy's a great lady," Warren said eventually, opting for a non-confrontational opening. He wanted to TALK to Remy, not alienate him and they both liked, no loved, Emmy.
"Oui," Remy whispered and then grew silent again. What the hell was he doing here? Why had he let Hank talk him into this?
Warren felt equally lost. He wanted to talk things out, but how?
"Je suis désolé," Remy said honestly.
Warren looked up. "For what?"
"For your wings," Remy admitted ashamed. "If I hadn' gadered dem Marauders, den?"
Warren took a deep breath. Okay, so Remy wanted to discuss this? "Why did you do it? Why assemble a bunch of killers?" He wondered if Remy would tell him the truth or lies.
"Sinister made me do it," Remy said shakily. "Know it ain' an excuse, mais? didn' have a choice." He couldn't tell Warren the whole truth. The man already despised him!
"How did he do that? Force you to assemble them?" Warren straddled the bench to have a better view of Remy's face and he noticed the nervous twitch near the Cajun's mouth.
Helplessly, Remy stared at the mansion. "Can' tell you," he whispered eventually. Warren would shun him even more if he knew the truth.
Warren decided to push him a little. "Scott told me that Sinister sexually intimidated you?" Remy's strangled yelp didn't surprise him.
"Scott said what?"
"Not in so many words," Warren clarified, "But I'm not stupid, Remy. You should never have gone to Sinister in the first place!"
Remy's eyes grew big. "Whom did you talk to?" How had Warren gotten his hands on this inside information?
"Bobby and Hank didn't betray your trust," Warren assured him. "But after I had all the pieces of the puzzle?" Remy's panic was growing. "Won't tell anyone," Warren promised.
Realizing that there was nothing left to hide, Remy gave in. "Sinister told me dat he would let me go after I led dem Marauders into de tunnels. I t'ought he just wanted some DNA material from de Morlocks and den he would let dem go? Didn' know dat he had given Creed different instructions."
Warren nodded his head. He should have given Remy a chance to explain himself after the Massacre, but back then rage had blinded him. The Cajun refused to look at him, but Warren knew there were tears lurking in those eyes. He had accepted Emmy without ever doubting her and he realized that he had to do the same thing with Remy. But damn, it was hard!
"Am so sorry dat dey destroyed your wings." Remy's barely audible words were filled with pain and true regret. "Would do anyt'in' to change de past."
Warren let the words sink in. He still hadn't reached the core of Remy's feelings and decided to let the Cajun rave. Suddenly, as he looked at Remy's face, he realized how young he was. //22 years old?Sinister must have gotten to him when he was about 17?//
Remy no longer had the strength or the will power to keep pretending and let out the truth. "I know you hate me? was scared you wanted to get back at me by usin' Emmy."
Warren raised an eyebrow. Now, he finally understood. "I don't hate you." Remy's eyes snapped up and locked with his. "Can't deny that I am mad at you for forming the Marauders, but I don't hate you! Why do you think that?"
Perplexed, Remy gasped for breath. It was true. He didn't sense any hate in Warren's mind, at least not directed at him. "Mais I'm responsible for you losin' your wings!"
"No, you're not," Warren sighed the words. "Remy, Harpoon crushed the bones and yes, they became infected, but they might have been salvaged if not a so called friend of mine had decided to amputate them. Hodge was a mutant-hater and when I realized the truth, it was too late. You're NOT responsible for the loss of my wings," he repeated. The surprise in Remy's eyes took him aback. "This conversation isn't going as you thought it would?" he ventured.
Shocked, Remy nodded his head. "You don' hate me?"
Warren considered his answer. "No, I don't hate you. I just wished you had asked the professor for help instead of seeking out Sinister."
"Didn' know 'bout de professor back den," Remy said apologetically, still searching Warren's emotions for the hate that had to be hiding underneath the surface. It was an invasion of Warren's privacy, but he couldn't stop himself.
Warren, used to telepathic touch, sensed the probing, but didn't comment on it. Scott's revelation that Gambit was an empath had been a surprise, but now that he knew that Emmy was a telepath and an empath, he figured Remy might be both as well.
"Don' really understand dis," Remy whispered as he calmed down. "Knew for sure you hated me."
Warren shook his head in dismay. "Probably because I walked out on you during the trial."
Remy averted his eyes. The mere mention of that trial had him shivering. "Deserved dat."
"No, you didn't. Eric the Red had no right to treat you like that," Warren corrected him. "You know why he made me defend you? Because he knew I would walk away when hearing you assembled the Marauders and damn him! I did what he wanted me to do!"
Surprised, Remy felt the real indignation in those words. "You're mad at yourself?"
"Yes," Warren bit his lip. "After being manipulated by villains so many times, I should have learned to see through their disguises."
"Wasn' your fault," Remy offered. "Don' blame you for walkin' way."
Warren smiled regretfully. "You know something, Remy? I did my best to blame you? instead I should have put the blame on the person really responsible for this, Sinister!"
"Forgive me?" Remy asked in a choked tone. He wasn't sure why he'd said that, but he needed the answer more than anything else in the world.
Warren sighed. "Can you forgive me for being such a blind fool?"
"You ain' a fool," Remy said and smiled weakly. "Guess dat's oui?"
"Yes." Warren suddenly realized how much Remy had suffered over this. "So, now that we've forgiven ourselves," he said calmly, "Can I date your mother?" hoping to lift the last remnant of the dark tension between them.
Remy smiled amused, hearing that question and shifted on the bench. "You don' need my permission."
"But I want it," Warren said steadfast. "Hank has already warned me that he might inflict bodily harm on my person if I hurt her?"
"You really love her?" Remy asked hesitantly. Hank had been right. This wasn't his decision. It was Emmy's.
"You're an empath?" Warren mused. "Can't you tell I'm sincere?"
"Don' want to pry," Remy said, forgetting that he'd already probed Warren's feelings.
"That's okay. I understand that you're protective of her. I already feel the same way about Emmy. I won't hurt her or betray her trust."
Remy felt lost. Warren's feelings were real, oui? "Mais you've got to be careful," he warned Warren in an unguarded moment. "Sinister hurt her?"
"Like he hurt you," Warren nodded his head once. "I will earn her trust."
"Oui, won't be easy." Remy suddenly realized what he was doing! Counselling Warren on how to gain Emmy's trust!
"Will you help me?" Warren asked, taking that final step. "I want to help her heal?"
"Want to help her too," Remy admitted shyly.
Warren extended his hand. "I know that I never tried to get to know you. I was never a friend to you. Do you think we can change that?"
Remy stared at the offered limb. "You want to be mon ami?"
"Yes," Warren confirmed. "I will fight for her love, but I rather not fight you."
Slowly, Remy shook Warren's hand. "Oui, will help you," he whispered softly, surprised to feel Warren's genuine relief and willingness to make this work. //He doesn' hate me?// he thought, still a little confused by the admission. He had been wrong about so many things in his life!
The X-men had forgiven him, had even defied Sinister to rescue him. Logan had proved to him that their love was true and his mother had fought to keep him safe. Sinister had almost destroyed them both! And now? everything he had ever yearned for had been given to him and a single tear of happiness slid down his cheek. He didn't feel embarrassed by it, realizing Warren understood why he was reacting in this manner.
And yes, Warren understood.

 

Chapter Forty-Four

"That's? my room," she said slightly embarrassed and pointed out the correct door to him. It still felt a little awkward, knowing that these people had taken her in without even questioning her.
"Open it." Logan lowered her enough so she could reach the doorknob.
As the door swung open, a surprised yelp left her lips. "I don't understand!" The four-poster bed took up most of the room and next to it stood the man-sized teddy bear, which she had admired at Macy's. "How did these things get in here?" she whispered stunned.
The paintings they had talked about now hung on the wall and the Jugenstil lamp stood beside her bed. The closet door was open and revealed several outfits. "Put me down," she said and tugged at Logan's shirt.
"Ya went shoppin' with Worthington?" he asked amused. Seeing her confusion, he added, "Warren?" As she walked through the room, he watched her closely, amazed at the tenderness her hands radiated as they touched the lamp. Looking at the giant teddy bear his grin broadened. //This is atypical behavior for Warren,// he mused. //There can only be one reason why he's actin' like this. Bub must be in love with her!//
"Yes," she replied slowly. "We went shopping, but I never asked him to buy me all this!" Stunned, she sat down on the bed, admiring the curtains and woodcarvings. "I can't accept this. Must have cost him a fortune!" she objected. But as she caught sight of the beautiful silk nightgown, she swallowed hard. "He watched me?" she realized. Everything she had admired was now in this room!
Logan shrugged off her protest. "Wouldn't worry 'bout it. Warren's got more money than he can ever spend. This means nothin' to him." He raised an inquisitive eyebrow as she reached for a fluffy white rabbit that sat on the pillows.
Logan took a step closer and cocked his head. Her misty eyes worried him. She looked like she was back in her past, caged by it. He was all too familiar with that feeling. Instinctively, he tried to comfort her like he would Remy, and rested a heavy hand on her shoulders. "Are ya aright?"
"Don't know if I should be mad or grateful," she admitted gingerly. "Warren's the first to do such a thing for me and I don't mean the money." Pleadingly, she looked up at him. "The surprise. He cared enough to do this for me."
Shaking his head, he gently squeezed her shoulder. "I like to do stuff for Remy too, surprise him? makes his eyes light up."
"You really love him," she stated and smiled. "I felt your love when you came to the lab to get him out." Emmy paused, realizing there was something he should know. "Please sit down for a moment?"
Logan obliged her and sat down on the bed. Looking at her, it felt like staring into a mirror of his lover's eyes and it slightly disturbed him, knowing both of them had suffered the same fate. "What do ya wanna talk 'bout?"
"While Remy was in Essex' lab? before you rescued him," she started and then grew silent. Nervously, her hands reached for the rabbit and she stroked the long fluffy ears. "Essex morphed into you? took on your appearance to make Remy compliant? Remy refused, knowing it wasn't you?"
"The bastard!" Logan growled. "Remy mentioned something like that, but?" Only now the words truly sunk in. "Yer scared it will come back to haunt him when?" Suddenly, he couldn't believe he was discussing something this intimate with Remy's mother! //Why does she have to look like an 18 year old kid?// It made him forget how old she really was.
"I hope not, but?" Emmy replied hesitantly. "Logan? Do you think that I'm hurting Remy by? seeing Warren? Last thing I want is to hurt Remy? he's been through so much already."
"Do ya really like Warren?" Logan returned the question.
"Yes, I really do. I can't explain it? Warren makes me feel? safe, comfortable. Essex?" her voice trailed off. "I would give Warren up if Remy?"
Logan cut her short. "Yer entitled to love and happiness. Remy will accept yer attracted to Warren. Just give him time to get used to the idea. I don't think Remy would approve of ya makin' even more sacrifices. He wants ya to be happy too."
"Do you really think so?" Emmy peeked at his eyes. "You don't think I am letting Remy down by??"
"Yer related aright." Dismayed, Logan shook his head. "Remy's strong. He's a grown man and he'll learn to deal with this. Only thing that upsets me is that should yer two ever get married, Worthington's gonna be Remy's step dad!"
Relieved, Emmy giggled. "Doubt that will ever happen, Logan. Warren is the kind of man who can have any woman he wants. I bet women even chase after him, so why would he settle for me?"
"Heard this crap before," Logan growled. Remy had also had a hard time accepting he was a worthy lover.
"Logan?" Emmy said slightly confused. For some reason her words had upset him, but she couldn't figure out why. It was the truth after all. "Would you ask Remy to come up here? I want to talk to him."
"Sure." Logan walked over to the door. "Ya know, his eyes sparkle when yer close?" he said awkwardly in an attempt to reassure her. He didn't like seeing the self-conscious look in her eyes, which reminded him too much of Remy and the way the Cajun had acted before they'd confessed their love to each other.
After Logan closed the door behind him, she collapsed onto the bed, feeling drained and confused. Staring at the star speckled canopy, she mumbled, "Really can't accept this?"

Logan found them sitting on the bench. An awkward silence hung between them. "Darlin'? She wants to talk to ya." At least Warren and Remy hadn't resorted to physical violence to settle their differences! Had to be a good sign!
Suddenly, he noticed the stray tear in his lover's eyes, which didn't surprise him. Remy had been keeping this bottled up way too long. What did surprise him however, was Warren's crooked smile. //Looked like the talk went well,// he thought relieved.
Immediately, Remy leapt to his feet. "Talk? To me?" he whispered absentmindedly. Only then he realized Warren was also still present. "Will talk later, oui?" he asked hopefully.
"Sure thing," Warren agreed and smiled.
As Remy left for the mansion, Logan decided it was time to start his own preparations for their evening together. Remy had gone through a lot of troubles to make their first time special and he was determined to do the same. //He's gonna get what he needs!//
"Logan?" Warren said after gathering his courage. Cautiously, he probed the Canadian's eyes. //Good, no hostility!// They had never really gotten along, but this time he was willing to try harder to make things work. He needed answers to his questions and only Logan could provide them.
"What do ya want, bub?" Defensively, Logan crossed his arms.
"Can I talk to you about Remy and Sinister?" Warren inquired softly, expecting a violent refusal, but instead Logan just stared at him.
"Why?" Logan asked suspiciously. He couldn't help but wonder if Warren had some kind of hidden agenda. Worthington had never acted friendly towards him, why start now? About to refuse, Warren's expression stopped him. Those eyes had never possessed such concern. "Why?" he repeated.
"Because?" Warren smiled apologetically. "Remy and you have found a way to overcome the? abuse. You dealt with it. I want to know how you managed to do that." Warren licked his lips, feeling extremely vulnerable, but wasn't sure why. "I want to be there for Emmy and help her. But I don't know how?"
After thinking Warren's reply over, Logan reached a decision. //Yeah, they can benefit from our experiences and it looks like they really care for each other. Can't really deny him.//
"C'mon, kid. Let's talk," Logan said eventually and slapped Warren's shoulder.
A stunning smile surfaced on Warren's face at hearing those words. He had certainly hoped, but never expected that Logan would agree to talk to him about such personal affairs. "Thanks," he whispered honestly.

Softly, Remy knocked on the door, announcing his presence as he didn't want to startle her. "Can I come 'side?"
//Always, sweetie.//
Hearing her mind voice that clearly startled him a little, but her affection gently caressed his mind and finally, he stepped inside.
Emmy smiled, gestured him to come closer and studied him. She definitely loved seeing the radiant expression in his eyes. //Warren and you talked?// she asked and pulled him down onto the bed.
Gingerly, Remy sat down and curled his fingers around her left hand. "Oui, we did." He was so focused on her presence that he didn't even notice the giant teddy bear.
//Sweetie,// she sent and returned the gentle squeeze of his fingers. //I'm so glad to finally have you back.//
Remy's brilliant smile sparkled. "I always hoped to find my mère? almost lost hope. Can't believe we're really sittin' here."
//Remy? why won't you answer me telepathically?// she asked curiously. Now that she was this close to him, it was nearly impossible not to read his mind.
"I ain' a telepat'!" Remy exclaimed amused. "Only an empat'. Bad 'nough!"
Her smile darkened. //I know the charm and your empathy caused you great pain, darling, but?// It made sense though. He'd locked these abilities away, scared they might get him into even bigger trouble. Maybe she should try and lure him into using his telepathic abilities. In time, he might let her in. Soothingly, she stroked his soft, auburn hair.
Remy's eyes focused on the white rabbit. Why was she rubbing its ears?
"This is for you, sweetie."
"Pour moi?" he asked surprised.
"Yes, for you," she repeated and placed it in his hands. "When I was pregnant I didn't have that much money, but I thought you might wanted something to cuddle up to. So, I bought you a white rabbit. Had it with me when I travelled to New Orleans. Essex took it away from me."
Automatically, his hands began to imitate her earlier caress and he stroked the rabbit's ears. "Means de world to me, knowin' you wanted to keep me," he explained hesitantly. Hopefully, this perfect moment in time would never end.
"I just wanted to protect you, sweetie," she said crestfallen. "I never wanted you to end up on the streets or get hurt. I only wanted to make sure Essex wouldn't get his hands on you, but I failed."
"You didn' fail!" he protested loudly, shocked at the sadness in her mind. He desperately wanted to soothe her worries, take them away. "You did de best you could!"
"Wasn't good enough, Remy," she objected in a fierce tone. "But I promise to be there for you from now on? if you still want me."
Slowly, he folded his arms around her and the rabbit ended up crushed between them. Resting his chin on her shoulder he said, "Je t'aime? don' ever leave me 'gain?"
"I love you too, Remy!" she whispered upset, as his mind opened completely. //You don't blame me?// she realized deeply touched.
She hid her face in his hair and although he couldn't see her tears, he felt them fall in his mind. //Will help Warren to make you happy,// he vowed passionately.

While running up the stairs Bobby almost crashed into Logan. This time however, Logan didn't growl at him. "Where are you going?" he asked curiously, noticing Logan was carrying the keys to his bike in his hand. "You're leaving?"
"Need to take care of a few things," Logan replied, avoiding a real answer. He didn't want any eavesdroppers or curious pranksters around while making his plans. But Bobby could help him unknowingly. "Are ya on yer way to Remy?" He didn't want his lover to notice his departure.
"Yeah, you want me to give him a message?"
"Can ya keep him busy until I get back?"
Bobby's eyes narrowed. "You're not sneaking out on him, are you?"
"Nope?" Logan sighed, realizing Bobby would only cooperate when told the truth. "It's a surprise."
Bobby flashed a charming smile. "Remy won't even notice you ever left!" he promised and saluted dutifully. "You can count on me! I wanted to ask Emmy to watch some movies anyway? I'll drag Remy along!"
Logan growled his content, but shivered at the thought that he now owed Drake.

"Merde! What am I doin' here?" Remy wondered aloud and threw Emmy a helpless look. Why had he allowed Bobby to drag him into the living room? He wasn't in the mood to watch Monty Python! Jono and Warren had already taken care of snacks and refreshments and feeling apprehensive, he sunk onto the couch as Bobby pushed him down.
"Ladies and gents, the show is about to begin!" Bobby announced and gave Jono a wicked smile. "Hope you like chocolate and popcorn!" he quipped with every intention of sharing their tastes with his lover.
"Have a seat!" Gently, Bobby guided Emmy to the sofa and sat her down in the middle of the couch. Remy now sat to her left.
Emmy smiled amused. Bobby's giddiness was hard to lock out. Looking at Remy she saw the same giddiness in his eyes. //Being an empath is a curse and bliss at the same time,// she told him. //You can easily lock out thoughts, but emotions? they're much stronger!//
Remy agreed. Bobby's warm feelings were impossible to block. No matter how hard he tried, he was bound to fail! Suddenly, he noticed Warren's questioning stare. Briefly, that expression puzzled him, but then he realized that Warren wanted his okay to sit down next to Emmy. Gingerly, he nodded his head. Emmy's feelings told him that she wanted Warren close.
As Warren sat down, he couldn't repress a grin. Remy clutched that rabbit as if his life depended on it. Looking at mother and son, he realized they needed each other, would need each other's support for a long time and he accepted that fact. Maybe he could somehow help them.
Noticing Warren's grin Remy wondered about that smirk. //Merde! I'm still holdin' de rabbit!// Luckily, no one commented on that fact and he sighed relieved.
Emmy struggled with a question of her own, as Bobby and Jono sat cross-legged on the floor amidst a mountain of pillows. They were fighting about the remote control and she giggled. //Maybe one day I can tell them who I really am. But? I want Remy to decide when the time is right.//
Jono placed the bowl of popcorn in Bobby's lap and switched on the TV.
"Gimme the remote!" Bobby yelped, but was silenced as Warren threw a pillow at him. "Aright!" he growled reluctantly. "Switch on the tape, love. We're gonna start with Monty Python and the Holy Grail!"
Unable to stop his hands, Remy continued to stroke the rabbit's fur. //Actin' like a bébé,// he thought ill at ease.
Emmy picked up on that thought. //Wished I could have held you, rocked you when you were a baby, Remy.// Tenderly, she pried his right hand away from the rabbit and twined their fingers. //I love you,// she told him, realizing how badly he needed to hear that reassurance over and over again.
Jono looked up as he received a faint echo of their emotional exchange. Respecting their privacy he pulled back and focused on the chocolate that had slipped inside Bobby's mouth. //Bloody delicious!//
Warren peeked at mother and son and noticed their joined hands. //Never knew how badly Sinister hurt them until Logan told me.// The things the Canadian had told him still shocked him and he wondered how they had survived. //Now, I understand why Remy formed the Marauders. Sinister baited him, promising him that it was his only way out.//
Emmy's eyes shot fire, as Warren's thoughts seeped through her shields. It hadn't been her intention to spy on him, but he was clearly allowing her in. She had sensed the walls he had constructed to keep telepaths out, but he wasn't using them.
Warren smiled as her hand reached for his and he quickly enveloped it in both his hands. Remy's eyes met his and he only read approval in them. Remy had accepted that he loved Emmy. //Just hope he doesn't see me as a threat. I don't want to compete with him for her time and affection. He needs her most!//
Remy couldn't deny them. Emmy's love for Warren was sincere and Angel simply radiated dedication and affection for her. It would be incredible selfish to take this love away from her.
Satisfied, she relished the feel of their fingers against hers.
Logan returned just before dinner. It had taken him longer than expected to make all necessary arrangements. //Gonna find me a Cajun?// he thought determined.
Giggling and unidentifiable noises attracted his attention and curiously, he headed for the living room.
"AARRGGHHH," Bobby yelped," and this is where he died!" His breath rattled dramatically.
Jono reacted by throwing popcorn at his lover and leaned in closer to drop some sweets into the back of Bobby's shirt.
"Stop doing that!" Bobby ordered helplessly as chocolate started to melt against his skin.
Logan wondered if he had entered an alternate dimension. What the hell was this about? His eyes caught sight of the TV screen. A white rabbit was slaughtering knights?
"Mercy!"
Warren's yelp echoed through the room and Logan looked at the sofa in disbelief. Remy was doing his best to mirror the mad rabbit's attack and shoved the stuffed animal into Warren's face. Emmy sat between them, seeming unfazed, but her eyes showed intense delight. //Leave the house for a sec and they all go mad over a movie!//
Emmy sensed his presence and gave him a stunning smile. //We're just having some fun.//
His eyes widened a little, hearing her mind voice. Obviously, they all felt incredibly at ease and comfortable.
"I want to return to castle Anthrax!" Warren announced in a wicked tone. "So those virgins can spank me!"
"No, you can't!" Bobby berated him. "The monster rabbit just killed you!" and extracted revenge on Jono by sending some ice cubes down his spine. "Payback time," he told his lover.
A moment later, Remy sprung to his feet and hurried over to his lover, carrying the rabbit with him.
Remy's spontaneous smile and actions made his heart thump a little louder. //Yer eyes are finally filled with mischief and laughter. Ya were never supposed to hurt, darlin'.// Finally, Remy's fierce and wild spirit had been set free.
"Where have you been, cher?" He pressed a passionate kiss on his lover's lips, savoring his closeness.
"Don't tell me ya missed me, Cajun!" Logan chided him fondly. "Cause ya didn't!"
"Uhm? you're right," Remy admitted embarrassed and blushed. He'd had such a great time that he hadn't wondered about his lover! Even Warren had loosened up and he realized that Emmy's and his emotions were probably responsible for this chaos. He giggled as Bobby froze the peanuts in Jono's hands.
"Get yer coat, kid. We're leavin' the party," Logan quipped and enjoyed Remy's startled expression.
"Cher? Leavin'? Why?"
"Made plans for tonight," Logan revealed in a seductive tone. "I take it ya ain't interested then?" Oh, he loved seeing Remy squirm!
Remy caught the passion in his lover's mind and sighed blissfully. "Plans?"
//How romantic!// Emmy thought privately and was happy for Remy who now gave her a helpless look. //It's all right, sweetie. Let him love you.//
"Merci," Remy whispered in a choked tone, thankful that Emmy accepted Logan as his lover. As Logan pulled him along, he happily surrendered.
After Remy had left the room, Warren decided it was time to grow a little bolder. //Don't want to scare her off though,// he reminded himself and pulled her hand into his lap. Emmy locked eyes with him and his heart definitely missed a beat. Slowly, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her hand.

"Get onto the bike, darlin'," Logan instructed sternly.
He quickly slipped behind Logan and wrapped his arms around his lover's waist. Logan's emotions puzzled him. "Where are we goin'? What kind of plans?" he asked, without much hope of getting any answers. Logan knew how to keep secrets!
"Ya'll see," Logan replied, avoiding getting into the subject. //Ya can squirm a little longer!// he thought amused.
"Mais," Remy objected, as Logan handed him a helmet. "Don'?"
"Don't start with me, kid. Ya ain't got no healin' factor!"
Reluctantly, Remy gave in, cursing softly. But secretly, he loved the fact that Logan worried about his safety.
30 minutes later they arrived at their destination. Logan parked the bike and Remy stared at the building in front of him. "What are we doin' here?" he asked and pointed at the Shinto temple. He hadn't known there was one this close to the mansion. //Mais Logan would know? // he thought, remembering the lost katana.
"I made some arrangements?" Logan started, took his lover's hands in his and drew in a deep breath. "The priest in charge of the temple is a friend of mine. I like to come here to meditate."
Remy smiled in understanding. He'd always known there was a lot more to Logan than met the eye.
He guided Remy inside and said, "No one will get in our way or disturb us."
"Mais why dis place?" Remy asked puzzled. Only candles illuminated they path as they walked through the long corridor. A sweet, but heavy fragrance filled his nostrils. //Do you want to seduce me dis time?// he wondered, at a loss why Logan had brought him here.
They walked into a small room. Flower petals covered the floor and a large Buddha smiled kindly at him. "Feel like an intruder, cher."
Logan turned around and faced him. "Ya trust me, don't ya?" The answer was very important to him.
"Mais oui," Remy whispered, almost breathless due to the draped expression in his lover's eyes.
"Ya remember our rules?" Logan asked sternly.
"Oui." Lost, Remy gave him a questioning smile. Logan couldn't be considering making love in an ancient temple!
Logan closed the door and returned to his lover. "I will explain things to ya," he promised. "But first, we're gonna take off our clothes."
"Cher?" Remy gasped hearing that statement.
Seductively, his fingers snaked up Remy's chest and he started to unbutton his lover's shirt.
Entranced, Remy's eyes followed every motion his lover's fingers made. Why was Logan so intend on undressing him? "Why not explain now?"
"Later." Logan breathed the word into his lover's ear and slid the shirt off Remy's shoulders. "I could eat ya," he hinted mischievously.
Remy shivered, as Logan's passion and desire sneaked out of his lover's mind and into his. "You want to make love? Ici?"
Logan didn't reply, intent on keeping his secrets a little longer and unzipped Remy's jeans. The fire in his lover's eyes flared and satisfied, he pulled down the jeans and underwear. "A thong?" he quipped amused.
Helplessly, Remy shrugged his shoulders. "Dey are comfortable, cher." Naked, he stood in front of his lover. For some weird reason he felt like covering his groin with his hands. "Dis is a temple, cher!"
"I know that, kid." Logan stripped in seconds and threw his clothes on top of Remy's. "Are ya ready, darlin'?"
"For what?" Remy whispered lost.
"Take my hand," Logan instructed and extended his right hand. Remy grabbed it. "First, we're gonna take a long hot bath, Remy."
"Cher!" Remy whimpered in desperate need of more information. "We could have done dat at de mansion!"
"Kay, ya stubborn Cajun," Logan whispered and pulled him close. The skin on skin contact started a fire in his groin. "It's a ritual? designed to spiritually cleanse yer body and mind."
"A ritual?" Remy sighed deeply. "I doubt I will have clean t'oughts wid you rubbin' your body 'gainst mine!"
Logan gave him a wicked smile and suddenly Remy realized that his lover hadn't told him everything. //Merde?// he was painfully hard and needed Logan's touch. "Bien, we do dis your way!" he decided eventually and quavered, seeing the wicked smirk on Logan's face.

 

Chapter Forty-Five

Heavy clouds of transparent steam filled the next room and Remy's eyes narrowed curiously. "Where are you takin' me, cher?"
"Just get into the water, kid. Ya need to work on yer patience!" Logan took hold of his lover's right arm and guided him down the three stairs that took them into a large, shallow pool of water. The water reached their armpits.
A soft moan of contentment fled Remy's lips. The warm water relaxed his tense muscles. "Logan?" His lover's eyes revealed nothing. Logan's mind however, was open, hiding nothing. Passion and desire to please filled Logan's thoughts. No real help there.
"Yeah, darlin'?" Logan whispered the words seductively, knowing only too well how much Remy liked hearing that little term of endearment. He continued to pull Remy farther into the pool until they had reached its center. The expression in those red on black eyes revealed Remy's curiosity.
Remy wished he knew about Logan's plans. Why drag him into a temple, undress him and not explain a thing? Merde!
Logan's hands cupped the warm water and after raising them, he let the water drip on his lover's hair. Remy shot him a confused look. Yeah, maybe it was time to start talking. "Ya need to immerse completely. The water needs to cover your entire body."
"Why?" Remy asked curiously. Logan pulled him underneath the water and kissed his lips. Puzzled, Remy allowed it. Logan was determined to do things his way! //Mais why a ritual?// he thought confused as they emerged again. Logan's lips still pressed against his.
Although Jean-Luc had raised him a catholic, he didn't feel particularly religious. After the massacre he had lost his faith completely. What God would allow the Morlocks to be slaughtered? Certainly not a God he could believe in! So, Logan's move had come as a complete surprise. //You ain' tryin' to restore my fait', are you, Logan?// he thought upset.
"Are yer walls down, darlin'? Yer mind open?" Logan craved feeling his lover's emotions. They gave him so much inside information on how Remy was truly feeling!
"Oui," Remy admitted gingerly. When Logan had asked him if he still remembered the rules, he had lowered them. "Mais?"
"Shst." Logan silenced him by placing fingertips against his lover's lips. Remy's apprehension appeared in his mind and he realized he had to take this slowly. "C'mon, let's sit down." He guided Remy to the side, where the water barely reached their knees and sat him down in his lap. "Yer comfortable with this?"
"Oui." Remy raised an eyebrow. He expected to find Logan hard and aroused, but he was wrong. Wriggling closer, he rested his back against Logan's chest. He threw back his head and looked at the wooden ceiling, while his lover's hands soothingly stroked his neck and arms.
Logan pushed back a few wet stray locks of auburn hair and pressed a kiss onto Remy's collarbone. After making his way back to the Cajun's neck, he rested his chin on his lover's shoulder. "The priests insist that this is some kinda holy water. It supposedly cleans yer body and mind. They use it after fastin' and durin' times of spiritual growth and change."
Remy smiled saddened. "You believe dat, cher?" In denial, he shook his head. "I don'. I t'ink dat not'in' can take 'way de stains on our souls." It didn't surprise him that Logan possessed this inside knowledge. "You hide even more secrets dan me!"
His fingers slipped down and massaged Remy's shoulders and neck. //Lot of tension?// he thought dismayed. "Yeah, I kinda believe it? Don't know why, but somethin' tells me I always believed it." Slowly, Remy's body collapsed against his, as tension left his muscles.
"De incense is gettin' to me," Remy sighed blissfully. //You arranged all dis to make me relax?//
"Remy, can I ask ya somethin' personal?" Logan licked the area underneath the Cajun's left ear. His reward was a squirming moan.
Completely relaxed, Remy smiled. //Has to be de incense and de warm water?// Logan's love had woven a cocoon of safely and affection around his mind. "What do you want to know, cher?"
Logan braced himself for any possible answer or reaction on Remy's part. "Do ya still feel dirty? Ya once told me dat Sinister made ya feel? tainted. Do ya still feel like dat?"
Remy shuddered. The question took him by surprise. //Forgot I told him dat!// he chided himself. "Is dat why you brought me here? To wash 'way my sins?"
"Just answer the question, Cajun." Logan tightened his hold on Remy, just in case his lover needed the support.
Remy considered his answer. "You really want to know?"
"Yeah?" Logan wrapped his arms around his lover's frame and showered the back of Remy's neck with passionate kisses.
A deep sigh trembled against his lips and he desperately tried to keep it inside. "Cher? I ain' sure?"
"Take yer time."
Remy leaned his head against Logan's shoulder and drew in a deep breath. "Un petit peu," Remy admitted. "Doubt it will ever go 'way, mais? I can deal wid it."
"Why not let this water wash away that last bit, darlin'? Holdin' onto it will only hurt ya."
"Ain' dat easy," Remy explained gingerly, savoring the rise in Logan's affection for him. "I know you love me," he said slowly. "Je t'aime, Logan, mais?"
"I'll stop pressurin' ya," Logan promised and pushed his hands underneath his lover's knees and back.
"What are you doin'?" Remy whispered. Tension needed a way out and he giggled softly as Logan carried him out of the water and into the next room. Large towels had been spread out on the floor and Logan placed him in its center, wrapping him up and rubbing his skin dry.
Logan relished doing this for his lover. Remy had become the most important person in his life and he was going to take care of him. //Won't smother ya,// he promised privately, //but I know ya need this.// As he looked into Remy's eyes, he realized that the pupils were dilated. "Ya like me rubbin' ya like this?"
"You 'ready know de answer," Remy mumbled in a choked tone.
"Yer hard 'gain," Logan whispered. "I thought ya didn't want to have sex in a temple?"
"Cher!" Remy exclaimed and quavered, as his lover's hands moved down towards his groin. "You're teasin' me!"
"Yeah, I am," Logan acknowledged, "And ya like it!" Softly, Remy cursed in French and he felt grateful that he didn't understand all curses. "Get back onto yer feet," he instructed and dried his own skin within seconds.
Remy rose from the floor. Watching Logan, he thought, //Still wonder why he wants me?// Logan's body was a dream come true. Why would the Canadian settle for him?
//Because Logan loves you,// an irritating voice berated him and Remy shook his head. Just want he needed, a dialogue with his alter ego. //Logan loves you just de way you are, Remy. You better accept dat!// Sighing, Remy surrendered, knowing he wouldn't win this one.
"Yer spacin' out on me," Logan whispered worried, but as he concentrated on the Cajun's feelings, he felt reassured. //Just a little insecure?// He opened the Japanese styled door and gestured Remy to walk inside.
"How many more rooms?" Remy quipped, but grew quiet, seeing the futon on the floor.
"Promised ya a full body massage, didn't I?" Logan asked and reached for a transparent bottle. "Lie down, darlin'."
Remy only complied because his knees were about to give out on him. //Merde! What are his plans?// As he lay down on his back, he watched Logan, who had put some oil onto his hands.
"It's sacred oil, don't get me wron'," Logan explained. "Like the water, it needs to cover yer entire body and I get to apply it."
Remy quivered. //You plan on doin' more dan dat!// he realized and forced himself to relax.
"Don't start angstin'," Logan stated, after receiving an impression of his lover's unease. He kneeled to Remy's right and massaged his lover's leg, starting with the toes and working his way up to the young man's thigh.
Remy closed his eyes, concentrating on Logan's touch, trying to read the affection in his lover's mind. //Can trust Logan?// he repeated all over again.
Remy's reaction surprised him a little. After their passionate lovemaking at the boathouse he'd assumed that Remy had overcome his fears. //But back then, he was in control and now?// Leaning in closer, he splashed more oil on his hands and started to work on the other long leg. "Yer still 'kay, darlin'?"
"Oui," Remy whispered shakily as Logan's hands worked their way up to his inner thighs. //Got to hand it to you, Logan? dis massage is divine.// In spite of his worries, he was dozing, lured into letting down his guards. His eyes flashed open however, as Logan's fingers unexpectedly fondled his scrotum and then moved on to stroking his cock. "Cher?"
"Yer entire body," Logan explained mischievously. "Don't want to miss a single spot!"
Trembling, Remy tightly clenched his jaw. //Merde!// Logan's hands worked their magic and within seconds he was panting his desire.
"Not yet, kid," Logan quipped and moved on to the washboard stomach. "Ya still need to gain weight," he said in a slightly berating tone.
"Den keep feedin' me chocolate sauce and ice cream in de mornin'," Remy whispered and sighed blissfully as Logan's fingernails scraped his already painfully erect nipples. "Dis is torture, cher," he complained.
Logan remained silent and dripped a little more oil onto Remy's chest. "Just trust me, darlin'."
"I'm tryin'," Remy whispered nervously. His body was starting to tingle. Every spot Logan had touched pulsed with warmth. "What's in dat oil?"
"Herbs and stuff," Logan said, avoiding the question. "Roll over, Cajun. Need to do yer backside too."
"Mon Dieu," Remy murmured in disbelief. When would Logan let him off the hook? Obediently, he rolled over onto his stomach and rested his head on his hands.
"Ya got a beautiful body," Logan complimented him. //Understand why Sinister wanted ya? poor kid.// Gently, he repeated the procedure, but as he reached his lover's buttocks, he slapped them playfully.
"Hey!" Remy objected weakly. He'd almost dozed off into sleep due to the massage and Logan broadcasting his feelings.
Logan laughed warmly and slowly, he straddled Remy's lower back. Carefully, he monitored his lover's reaction. The muscles grew strained underneath his fingertips, but he wasn't going to comment on it. All Remy had to do was to say stop. Did the Cajun trust him enough to believe that he would stop when ordered? //Will find out.//
While holding his breath, Remy focused on his lover's hands, which were still massaging his back and neck. //Logan must know I don' feel comfortable? can probably smell it on me!//
Pretending ignorance, Logan finished the massage and then bent forward to kiss his lover's skin. "Trust me, Remy," he repeated, hoping his lover could overcome these primal fears. His lover didn't reply and Logan leapt to his feet. "Don't tell me yer asleep!"
Remy peeked at his lover. "Almost, cher?" he admitted. Until Logan had straddled his lower back he had been completely fine. Something troubled him, but he couldn't label it. //Mebbe I don' want to name it?// Knowing darn well that Sinister still haunted him.
"Let's head for the guest quarters." Logan draped a kimono around his lover's shoulders and grabbed his. He distinctly recognized the confused expression in Remy's haunted eyes. //Damn ya, Sinister!//
At Logan's request, Remy opened the door and stepped inside the bedroom. His breath caught, seeing the flower petals on the floor. The space around the two futons was covered with rose petals and scented candles. On one of the futons, three roses lay waiting for him. "Cher?"
"Yer a romantic at heart," Logan said and grabbed his lover's wrists. Slowly, he walked Remy over to the futons. "Ya know why we're here?"
"You want to make love," Remy admitted shyly.
"I want to do more than that." Logan pulled him down until they faced each other, kneeling on the futons. "I want to prove to ya that I really love ya. That you can stop feelin' dirty? I love ya just the way ya are, Remy."
Remy swallowed hard. He'd always known that this day would come, the day that Logan would want to make him his, but was he ready?
Except for the gentle tapping of rain against the windows, it was quiet in the room. Logan's breathing was slow, deep and in control. His own, erratic and fast. "Make me yours," he whispered eventually, but his stomach grew into one huge twitching knot.
Logan smiled, but didn't reply. Remy's emotions washed through him and he realized how much courage it had taken the Cajun to speak those words. Tenderly, he eased Remy down onto his back and lay down next to him, not wanting to place his full body weight on his lover yet. He had to be careful. Somewhere inside Remy's mind memories of Sinister raping him were still very vivid and they could surface when pressured.
One hand moved underneath the kimono and he pulled the garment down to Remy's waist. Supple skin caressed his fingertips and slowly, his lips trailed down to his lover's belly button.
Remy arched his back, unable to stop that instinctive response. Logan suckled his skin and drove his tongue into his belly button. "Mercy!" he exclaimed in a giggling tone.
"I know yer ticklish," Logan admitted and continued to pull down his lover's kimono. A moment later, his eyes caressed the Cajun's perfect body. "Yer the best thin' that ever happened to me," he said sincerely and licked along the delicious thighs, sending Remy into convulsions of delight.
Breathlessly, Remy stared down at his lover, who had now taken off his own kimono as well. "Je t'aime," he confirmed, but deep inside his mind he felt afraid and helpless. Only now it dawned on him that maybe he hadn't dealt yet with the way Sinister had tried to break him. The rapes were still very much alive in his mind and he wasn't sure he could really do this.
Logan spread his lover's legs a little and settled down between them. His eyes revealed adoration and love, two emotions Remy's eyes mirrored. Leaning in closer, he slowly wrapped his fingers around his lover's cock. "Wanna make ya cum."
Suddenly, his mouth went dry. "Mais cher, what 'bout you?" Remy protested in a tiny tone as Logan slowly fisted his erect cock.
"Ya know what yer problem is?" Logan whispered against Remy's lips. "Ya only wanna give? Surprise! Sometimes I wanna give too and ya'll have to accept that. I want to pleasure ya too!"
Remy shivered hearing those words. He propped himself up onto an elbow to catch Logan's lips with his, but the Canadian moved away, moved to his groin instead and suddenly lips closed around his aching cock. "Mon Dieu," he whispered surprised.
Logan smiled and stopped fisting his lover's cock. Instead, he tried to take in as much of Remy's shaft as he could.
Tremors rocked his body, as an incredible warmth pulled him in deeper. A greedy tongue circled the head of his cock and Remy wantonly spread his legs to better accommodate his lover.
Reacting instinctively, Logan accepted the invitation. Slow waves of pleasure coursed through his mind, originating from his lover, but underneath them hid fear and remembered pain. //Slowly,// Logan reminded himself.
Logan's weight settled onto him and his eyes grew big, remembering another time when someone had pressed him down. But as his eyes found Logan's, he released a deep sigh.
Refraining from reassuring his lover, Logan increased his administrations. His tongue lapped at Remy's balls, tugging at the velvet flesh, suckling it between his lips. Remy arched his back and he slipped his tongue down the crack. Separating his lover's buttocks with his hands, his tongue finally found the entrance to the Cajun's warm body.
"Mon Dieu! Cher!" Remy fought for breath as something slippery and hot slid into his body, opening him up. His fingers clawed into Logan's shoulders and the pressure increased. That delicious tongue now circled deeper into his body, claiming him.
Logan sneaked his hands underneath his lover's buttocks and lifted them from the futon to gain better access to the unbelievable warmth inside.
Trembling fiercely, Remy threw back his head. Lust, sharp and demanding, cut through his soul. "Let me cum, cher? please," he whimpered pitifully.
Logan grinned, hearing the plea and replaced his tongue with one finger, which he slowly pushed deeper inside.
Remy startled at the different sensation and his eyes sought out his lover's. In his mind, Logan morphed into Sinister, who maliciously grinned at him. A pleading whimper struggled free from his lips. //Non, don' want Sinister to touch me! STOP!// he screamed mentally.
Shocked, Logan pulled back and distanced himself from his lover, whose terror was written all over his face. "Remy?" he whispered softly. What had he done wrong?
Remy pulled up his legs, wrapped his arms around them and struggled into an upright position. Defensively, he tried to crawl INTO the wall to get away from Sinister's eyes, which looked so much like Logan's!
"Darlin'?" Logan lifted a hand to caress his lover's face, but?
Sinister morphed into you to make Remy compliant?
Emmy's words suddenly made sense. "I ain't Sinister, kid," Logan said reassuringly. He managed to pry one of the Cajun's hands loose. "Touch my mind? Ya know it's me."
Slowly, the terror resided as he followed Logan's order. His lover's mind? Oui, it was his lover's mind all right! Embarrassed, he averted his eyes. He didn't know how to apologize to his lover. "T'ought you were Sinister," he confessed gingerly.
Logan deeply inhaled his lover's scent, now free of terror. "I understand, Remy. Ya didn't have much time to deal with what the bastard did to ya."
"Dat's no excuse," Remy stumbled over the words. "Should have known it was you and not him!"
Gently, Logan rubbed the knuckles of Remy's left hand. "Can I hold ya?"
Remy nodded his head and hid behind locks of auburn hair. He'd disappointed his lover! Why wasn't Logan pissed off? The only thing he sensed in his lover's mind was love, concern and affection.
"But I'm damned glad ya told me to stop, darlin'," Logan revealed and pulled the shivering Cajun to his chest. "Wanted to know if ya would tell me to stop should I do somethin' that made ya uncomfortable."
"Stop? I didn' say stop," Remy protested confused. Oui, he had thought it, but?
"Uhm, Remy? " Logan interrupted him with a sly expression in his eyes. "I definitely saw the word 'stop' in red letters in my mind!" He sunk onto the futon and studied Remy's eyes. "Is it possible?"
"What, cher?" Remy lowered his eyes, trying to deal with the fact that he had just freaked out on his lover in the midst of some very passionate foreplay.
"Ya said that ya received images of what I wanted? needed?" It had puzzled him at that time, but now things started to make sense. "Can it be that ya don't send out or receive thoughts, but images since ya never learned how to use yer telepathy?"
Remy's eyes grew big. "Don' know, cher? never t'ought 'bout it." He rolled into Logan's inviting arms and snuggled up to him. Eyes closed, Logan's soothing calmness became part of him. "Cher, je suis..."
"Don't apologize," Logan growled, cutting him short. "Hearin' ya say stop? showed me that ya trust me? Ya trusted me to stop? That's good." Logan reached for their kimonos and covered their bodies with them. "Let's talk for a while, Remy."
"'bout what?"
"Ya? I want ya to tell me everythin' 'bout ya."
The next morning, Remy slowly opened his eyes. //Must have fallen 'sleep,// he realized and loved feeling Logan's body spooned against his. In his sleep, Logan maintained a possessive hold on him. //Can I send him images?// Remy wondered and felt tempted to try. //Ain' goin' to freak out 'gain!//
What did he want their lovemaking to be like? With Logan it had been easy. The Canadian had wanted it rough and hard and the images had helped him to give his lover what he'd craved? but? //what do =I= want?//
He envisioned them, Logan slowly, gently thrusting inside him. One leg thrown over the Canadian's shoulder and Logan stroking his cock in the same rhythm as he was thrusting. "Want it dat way?"
Logan opened his eyes after an intensely erotic dream. But had it been a dream? It had only lasted a few seconds and his dreams were never this intense. As he stared into Remy's warms eyes he asked, "That was ya, wasn't it? Ya showed me what ya need from me."
Remy gulped. "Did you receive dat?"
"Yeah?" Logan sighed. "Will ya let me give that ya, kid?" Focusing on his lover's mind he found no traces of Remy's former fear and apprehension. He only encountered trust, need and passion. //Yeah, yer ready for this.//
"I trust you, oui," Remy admitted and took the final step to rid himself of his greatest fear. After pulling away the kimonos, he opened his legs and pulled Logan on top of him. "Make love to me, cher," he whispered sensually.
Logan growled loudly as Remy's hands tried to guide him inside. "Don't do that," he berated him and pulled his lover's hands off his cock. "Let me set the pace." One hand rummaged in his kimono and uncovered a tube. "Last thing I want is to hurt ya, so we're gonna use lube? lots of it!"
Remy smiled as Logan struggled to squeeze the creamy liquid into his hand. "I can help," he offered.
"Sure." Logan handed him the tube. "Yesterday, ya liked this?" he said and his tongue swirled down his lover's chest, stomach, belly button, balls, cock and finally dipped inside his lover's body.
"Cher," Remy squirmed and pushed a large amount of cream into his hand. "Come here," he ordered.
Reluctantly, Logan obeyed and returned to kissing his lover's lips. Suddenly, Remy's warm fingers rubbed the cream onto his aching cock and he barely restrained himself from slamming into his lover's body. "Don't make me cum yet!"
Remy pushed a pillow underneath his buttocks and licked his lips. "Come to me, cher?" Extending his arms, he caught Logan in them and slung his long legs around his lover's waist. "Want you 'side me," he said determinedly to take away any doubts Logan might have left. Last eve had been a revelation to him. The fact that Logan HAD stopped meant the world to him. "Trust you, Logan," he whispered entranced.
Carefully, Logan pushed into his lover's body, which was hot and tight. "Too tight?" he whimpered. Damn! Nothing he had ever experienced in his life compared to taking this young Cajun.
Remy took a deep breath and relaxed. Shallow pain washed through him as Logan pierced his body, slipping in deeper and deeper.
Logan stopped himself. His primal urges had almost taken over and he halted before hurting his lover. //No need to slam myself inside and fuck him? That ain't what he needs. He wants it slow and gentle!// Remy's eyes locked with his and Logan shook his head, reading the permission in them.
"You can fuck me if dat's what you want," Remy whispered lost. Logan's passion deserved a reward, even if he paid the price. He could take it.
"No." Logan pulled back until only the tip of his cock touched his lover's warmth. "I won't 'fuck' ya. We're gonna make love, Remy."
A tear sprang from his eye, hearing that admission and slowly, he pulled Logan's lips to his. He lifted his right leg and threw it over his lover's shoulder. "Show me what it's like? makin' love?" he pleaded.
"Remy," Logan sighed the name as if it were a prayer and folded his fingers around his lover's shaft, slowly stroking it. He established a slow, yet passionate rhythm and continued to thrust inside his lover, making sure he wasn't penetrating the Cajun too deeply. "This what ya need, kid?"
"Oui."
Remy's sparkling eyes told the truth. Logan nodded his head and suckled his lover's lips.
Remy quickly lost himself in all the different sensations. Within seconds, he lost control of his empathy, unable to determine which emotions were his and which belonged to his lover. The slow rocking of his body, the gentle thrusting was all he knew and he completely surrendered to the motion.
Logan bit his lip, trying to maintain some kind of hold on his? no, their feelings, but failed. Remy pushed him over the edge, as the Cajun came in his hand. The tight ring of muscle clenched his cock and he growled passionately, finally releasing his cum into his lover.
Both men drifted on feelings of ecstasy and delight and the sensation lasted for several minutes. Exhausted, they looked into each other's eyes and Logan noticed the draped expression in Remy's burning orbs. //Satiated? full filled? convinced? true love // flashed alive in his mind.
Panting hard, Remy stared at his lover. Sweat covered their bodies and he was growing cold quickly. //He's still 'side me, mon Dieu and I didn' freak out on him!//
Logan pulled out, glanced at the Cajun to make sure he was fine and then pulled him close. "Love yer ability to SHOW me what ya want!" he quipped delighted.
Shyly, Remy cuddled up to his lover. Sinister no longer haunted him and Logan had made his dreams come true. Sinister had never been gentle, had never considered his needs, but Logan?? "Je t'aime," he whispered sincerely. "Never loved anyone like dis 'fore."
Logan slowly rocked him in his arms, soothing the young Cajun. "Ya realize that yer stuck with me as lon' as ya live?"
"Oui," Remy acknowledged, "and I want to make love to you for de rest of my life." Logan's fingers tangled in his hair and he knew that no matter what lay ahead of them, he would overcome everything with Logan at his side.
~~~ The mansion ~~~
Scott had monitor duty, but so far it had been boring. The new security system worked just fine and he doubted even Sinister could sneak inside unnoticed. He was about to rest his feet on the console when the alarm went off. Someone had arrived at the main gate.
Accessing the security cam he studied the red car that now came to a stop. "Who are you?"
"Now, is that a way to welcome an old Freund?"
"Kurt?" Scott almost fell off his chair. "Kurt? What the hell are you doing here? Wasn't expecting you!"
"Needed a break. Am I still wilkommen?"
"Of course you are!" Scott exclaimed and opened the main gate. "I will tell the others you're back. Will see you in a sec!" Warren, Jean, Ororo, Hank and Bobby would be thrilled to see their old teammate!

 

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