Title: Heaven sent 8
Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)
Website: http://www.oocities.org/morganalebeau/
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Heaven sent
By Morgana
Chapter Thirty
"I ain' sure I can go back in dere," Remy says softly, standing in the front of their bedroom.
Jean-Luc and Logan who are on their way to their assigned bedroom halt in their tracks, about to offer to switch rooms, when Warren locks eyes with them.
"I can deal with this. See you guys in the morning," Warren assures them.
Jean-Luc is reluctant to leave, seeing the hurt in his son's eyes, but Logan quickly pulls him inside.
"Wings is right. Give him a chance. It's time to let Warren take over," Logan chides him softly and closes the door. "They will be fine."
Jean-Luc walks over to the single bed and sits down, feeling emotionally drained.
Logan pushes his single bed towards Jean-Luc's. Satisfied that it could pass for a twin bed he sits down next to his lover. "Wanna talk?"
"We probably should," Jean-Luc realizes and lies down on his back, staring at the ceiling. "I avoided talking about us for too long."
Pleased, Logan drops onto the bed as well and joins his lover in staring at the ceiling. "Us?" He hopes Jean-Luc made up his mind and is really ready to address this.
"You deserve to know what's going on," Jean-Luc clarifies and turns onto his side so he can study Logan's facial expression. "I'm sorry I never told you about my wife."
"Did ya love her?" Logan mirrors Jean-Luc's earlier move and rolls onto his side as well. Slowly, he lifts his right hand and rests it on the Cajun's hip.
"Oui, I loved Louise." Jean-Luc closes his eyes and thinks back. "We were happy until an assassin decided to plunge a blade through her lungs. She was dying. De potion of eternal life was useless and de Antiquary was de only one who could have saved her with his magic."
"But she died," Logan summarizes and notices the agony in his lover's eyes as they lock with his.
Jean-Luc draws in a deep breath. "Since losing Louise I never considered getting into a serious relationship again. I didn't want to get hurt like dat ever again."
"But life is like that," Logan points out to him. "It will kick yer ass time and time 'gain. "
"I know? I realized dat when I met you," Jean-Luc admits teasingly and rests his hand on Logan's chest, relishing the soft heartbeat underneath his fingertips. "At first I thought it was all about lust."
"Me too," Logan interrupts. "But ya know we have been foolin' ourselves."
"Oui, it's more. D'accoord." Jean-Luc moves a little closer and sneaks his hand across Logan's waist to pull his lover closer to his chest. "I told Remy you're part of de family now? or did I speak too soon?"
"No," Logan sneaks his right hand along Jean-Luc's body and it comes to rest on the Cajun's lower back. "Yer right. I kinda hoped we would try and make this work for the long run. How did the kid react?" He would be surprised if Remy had serious problems with them being lovers, but you never know. //We're talkin' 'bout his dad here.//
"Remy told me he's happy for me." Jean-Luc looks into his lover's eyes. "What are we going to do next? I don't want to go back to N'Arlings."
"I ain't in no hurry to return to Westchester either. Maybe we can get us some bikes and travel? I would like that. It's been a while since I did that."
"Sounds great," Jean-Luc whispers and closes his eyes. "I just feel so tired."
"We've been through some rough times, Cajun. Why don't we get some sleep? It's?" Logan looks at the clock, "04.32. We'll decide what to do in the mornin'."
Jean-Luc nuzzles his lover's neck. "I can't believe everything turned out dis right."
"Ya better believe it, darlin'." Logan pulls up the comforter and covers their bodies with it, keeping them warm. Using his heightened hearing he listens to the exchange going on in the corridor.
"Rem?" He has been patient, trying to understand his lover's hesitance to re-enter their bedroom and looks down at Wolvie, who also seems annoyed at Remy's reluctance. The sulphur is gone and as he opens the door he sees nothing that reminds him of the Antiquary's presence.
"I don' want to back in dere," Remy repeats in a strangled tone.
"He's gone, Rem and won't be back," Warren says reassuringly. "You're safe."
Remy's eyes plead for understanding. "Rationally, I know dat, mais?"
"You're still upset." Warren folds his arms around his lover's waist. "We can move to the third bedroom in the attic," he offers, trying a different approach. "But I would hate to see the bastard win this one. That's our bed, Rem and Wolvie's is in the corner. Are you going to let him take that away from us? I held you during the night in that bed. I want to do that again."
"I hate it when you do dat," Remy whispers softly.
But Warren hears the amused tone in his lover's voice. "Come on, love," he says and steps inside, pulling Remy along with him. The fragrance of lilies is back, but he wants to smell roses. He's starting to figure out which fragrance goes with which mood and roses stand for passion and arousal.
Remy lets him. His eyes quickly search the room. Yes, the bed is a mess, but no trace of the Antiquary remained behind. Slowly, he collapses onto the bed. "Can' believe dis nightmare is over," he admits and watches detached as Warren pushes him into the centre of the bed. Within moments, Warren's lying next to him, warming his body and cradling his face in his hands. "What did I do to deserve you?" Remy whispers lost.
Warren smiles warmly, realizing Remy doesn't really expect an answer. "I love you, crazy Cajun."
"Just hold me tonight?" Remy requests and melts into the embrace. Warm blue skin twitches underneath his fingertips as he teases a rock hard nipple through the fabric of the shirt.
"You're a tease, Rem," Warren moans as he gets hard. "Stop that."
Remy raises his head and kisses his lover's lips. "You know? I'm startin' to believe dat dis might be forever. De two of us," he adds, seeing Warren's draped expression. "I know you told me, mais?"
"It's okay, Rem," he soothes his lover. "Think you can get some sleep?" Cuddling up to his lover underneath the comforter, he simply enjoys holding the Cajun close.
"Ange?" Remy feels incredibly at ease.
"Yeah?" Warren locks eyes with him and sees the mischief lurking there.
"Poppa and Logan are lovers."
"What?!" Warren exclaims, quickly lowering his voice. "What?" He never expected that one!
"Poppa told me. I t'ink dey are right for each oder." Remy lets go of his worries and surrenders to his lover's warmth. "He deserves someone who loves him, ange. He's been 'lone for too long."
"Well, if you're okay with them being together?" Warren thinks it over. "But I never knew Logan liked men."
"I never t'ought you liked crazy Cajuns!" Remy counters, slowly dozing off.
"Only one crazy Cajun," Warren corrects him affectionately. Remy's breathing slows down and a steady heartbeat fills his ears. "No more nightmares, Rem. I promise." Only then he realizes that something heavy is settling down on their feet. He cocks his head and grins, seeing the wolf lying down at the foot end of their bed.
"That wasn't part of the deal," he says jokingly. The wolf ignores him and closes his eyes. Still grinning Warren whispers, "We might need a bigger bed."Logan wakes when the first beams of sunlight fill their room. Instinctively, his eyes probe Jean-Luc's face, but the Cajun is still soundly asleep. //Musta been exhausted,// he realizes. Carefully, he disentangles his body from his lover's and walks towards the bathroom.
"Where you goin, cher?" Jean-Luc mumbles sleepily.
"Go back to sleep, Cajun. Just takin' a shower and then I'll prepare breakfast."
Jean-Luc moans approvingly and closes his eyes again. He was having such a nice dream about Logan, handcuffs and?
Logan showers quickly and changes into some sweats, which he found in the dresser. As he makes his way downstairs, he suddenly realizes that someone beat him to the kitchen. He smells coffee, bacon and eggs, toast and a number of other delicious and mouth-watering aromas. But what's that one smell about? Flowers?
"Yer up early, kid."
Remy doesn't bother to turn around. "Warren's still in de shower. I wanted to get breakfast ready." Remy fills four glasses with orange juice and puts them on the table. "I never t'anked you for comin' to de rescue," he says awkwardly.
Logan growls softly and helps himself to some buttered toast. "Forget about it. Why don't ya tell me how yer doin'? Ya look like yer gainin' weight."
"Warren's stuffing me wid pizza and popcorn," Remy replies teasingly. Only hesitantly he makes eye contact. "You love poppa?"
"Yeah." Logan answers the probing glance. "I do."
Remy senses the sincerity in those words and his new powers tell him that the Canadian is really determined to make this work. "I'm glad?"
"Thanks, means a lot me that ya approve," Logan admits honestly.
"You still goin' to leave later today?" Remy sits down at the table and plays around with the fork. He doesn't want them to leave yet.
"Yeah, look kid." Logan joins him at the table and waits until Remy feels confident enough to meet his gaze. "Ya talked things through with Jean-Luc. Right now ya need to be with Warren."
Remy knows Logan has a valid point, but? "I still can' believe he left N'Arlings like dat. What 'bout de Guild?"
"He didn't tell ya?" Logan feels a sinking sensation in his stomach. "He stepped down as Patriarch."
"Merde!" Remy's shock shows in his eyes. "He did what?"
"Remy." Jean-Luc hurries into the kitchen; annoyed that Logan brought this up now. Good thing he was just on his way to talk to his son.
"Why did you do dat?" Remy remains seated, not trusting his legs to hold him right now.
"I should have resigned years ago. I always put de Guild first. Another mistake." Jean-Luc straddles the chair next to Remy and gathers his son's hand in his. "Now dat I have Logan I want to start all over again."
"You didn' quit because of me?" Remy feels relieved. He doesn't want to be the reason for such a drastic decision.
"Partly," Jean-Luc confesses. "But I realized dat I wanted a life. A real life. The Guild's been my life for too long. It consumed me."
Slightly reassured Remy peeks at his father's eyes. "What are you goin' to do now? Stay?"
"Non, petite. You and Warren got a lot of issues to work out. I would only be in your way, mais, and I want you to know dis? should you need me I will be dere."
"Merci," Remy whispers touched.
"I'm hungry," Logan announces to break the tension and helps himself to a serving of bacon and eggs.
"You'll say good-bye before you leave?" Remy gets to his feet to tell Warren that breakfast is ready.
"We will. Don't worry, petite," Jean-Luc assures him and kicks Logan's shinbone underneath the table to express his annoyance at the not so subtle attempt to distract Remy.
Logan looks up, almost choking on his bacon and eggs. His eyes narrow as he rubs his leg. "Yer gettin' an attitude, babe."
"Non, I always had one," Jean-Luc laughs.
"Cher?" Remy walks up to his lover who's sitting behind the laptop. "Breakfast is ready."
"Just a moment, love."
Remy comes to a standstill behind Warren and allows his fingers to play with the still damp golden hair. Warren's wings shine with moisture and he can't help but straighten out a few feathers. "What you doin'?"
Warren rests his head against his lover's belly and looks up, finding sparkling eyes. "You should read Bobby's message."
Feeling nervous for no reason Remy looks down pleadingly. "Can' it wait? Poppa is leavin' shortly and?"
"Read it, love," Warren says and smiles brilliantly as his lover bends down to kiss his lips. "You smell great, Rem. Roses." Oh, how he loves that fragrance!
Remy allows himself the luxury of exploring his lover's mouth a moment longer and then releases Warren's lips. His hands start to massage his lover's neck as he stares at the screen. Bobby's message shocks him. "Why? Why is Cyke upset?"Warren peeks at their guests, who are already eating breakfast. He pulls Remy onto his lap and wraps an arm around his lover, also brushing a stray lock from Remy's face. "I do know that Bobby has some great instincts when it comes down to people's emotions. If Bobby says Scott's this upset, I believe him."
"You have always been friends wid Bobby and Cyke," Remy says softly. "I never felt accepted like dat." Surprised, he realizes what just slipped out.
Warren licks his lips. "Maybe you need to trust me on this and take a risk."
Suddenly, Remy feels depressed. "Can' imagine Cyke bein' upset because of me."
"Why don't you answer Bobby's message and then join us for breakfast?" Warren says diplomatically and slips away from his love so Remy's now sitting in front of the screen. "I know you'll make the right decision, love."
"Your trust in me still surprises me," Remy whispers in an unguarded moment.
"I trust you with my life," Warren replies and presses one more kiss on Remy's lips. "And trust your gut instinct on this, love." After sighing deeply, he leaves his lover behind the laptop, hoping Remy will trust Bobby's judgement.
For long moments Remy stares at the screen. //Please. Bobby says please let me tell Scott. What's wrong wid Cyke?// Torn, his fingertips remain motionless on the keyboard. Telling Bobby to go ahead and talk to Scott kind of scares him. He hasn't told Warren yet, but he doesn't plan on ever re-joining the X-Men. He doesn't want to have anything to do with them anymore. They hurt him too badly. But what if he gives Bobby permission to tell Scott? Cyke still won't know where to find him. He'll still be safe.
//Mais Warren is right. Bobby does sound upset.// Biting his lip, he tries to reach a decision. In the end he does and quickly types his message, sends it and flees the laptop.
The look Warren gives him doesn't elude him and he hesitantly nods his head. "Oui, told Bobby to do it."
Pleased, Warren smiles. "Here, saved this for you. Logan almost ate it all." He moves the last portion of bacon and eggs over onto Remy's plate.
"What 'bout Wolvie?" Remy asks concerned.
Logan snorts disapprovingly, but doesn't speak, too much enjoying his morning coffee.
"Already checked on his injury and fed him," Warren informs his lover. "He was scratching the door so I let him go outside."
"Did he come back?" Remy asks, hoping the wolf did. He likes the canine.
"Yeah, he climbed back into our bed." Warren smiles weakly. "We need to find a solution for that. Bed is not big enough for the three of us."
Feeling at peace with the world Remy takes his first bite of bacon and eggs and then drowns his orange juice. He never felt this happy before.Westchester.
"You've got mail," the computerized voice announces.
Bobby runs over to his computer and checks the name of the sender. It's Warren's addy all right. "Okay, now let this be good news," he whispers. "Scott needs some good news." Bobby's seriously worried. During the last 48 hours Scott slipped into some sort of depression that has them all worried.
//Well, it's understandable after all. Slim is so used to keeping up his fearless leader front and now that it has slipped all this shit is throwing him hard.//-----Original Message-----
From: WWorthington@Enterprises.com
Sent: Tuesday 16 January 10:37
To: Bluefurryballs@hotmail.com
Subject: Remy
Bobby,
I never planned on anyone finding out that I'm still alive. Ange told me that you figured that one out yourself so I can't blame him for that. If Cyke is really that upset? You've got my permission to tell him that I am still alive, but listen mon ami, only Cyke! No one else. I don't want them to know, you understand? I am not ready for that yet. I hope you'll respect my wishes, if not I am screwed.
RemyEntranced, he stares at the words. Fuck, Remy wrote that himself! Bobby gets up from his chair and starts pacing the room. This is the first time that he really realizes what happened to the Cajun in Antarctica. "We hurt him?"
But he's got permission to tell Scott, just what he'd wanted. "Remy, Jean's a telepath. How do you think Scott can keep her from finding out? How can I do this?"
After long minutes of pacing, he realizes that he doesn't really have a choice. He forces himself to calm down and then leaves his room in search of Scott."Scott? You've got to eat." Concerned, Hank points at the food on the table. "You skipped dinner last night and breakfast this morning. Frankly, my friend, I'm worried."
"No need to worry." Scott's voice is raspy. "I'll be fine in a few days. Just back off."
Jean and Hank exchange concerned looks. //This isn't like Scott,// she sends into Hank's mind. //For some reason this is really eating him.//
//Jean, think about it,// Hank replies, using the temporary link. //He gained and lost a brother at the same time. You know how important family is to him.//
Jean nods her head. Hank's right of course. "But Scott, please eat something."
"Jean." Scott smiles for the first time in hours. "I know you're worried, but there is nothing you can do. I need to do this myself. Would you two please leave me alone? I need to think."
Sensing his determination she gives in. "But you know where to find me if you need to talk, sweety."
"I know," Scott assures her and presses a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. "I love you, Jean, but you've got to let me do this my way."
Jean walks over to Hank, still concerned about her husband's unexpected emotional outburst. She has never seen him this vulnerable before. Soundlessly, they leave the living room.
Scott rests his head against the soft fabric of the headrest. Why didn't he see it? Why did it take him so long to find out the truth? The papers he received in the mail are safely tucked away in his pocket. He isn't sure what he's going to do next. But he's determined to organize that memorial service and? should he contact Corsair and Alex? Tell them about their long lost family member?
Would Alex care? What about his father? Why didn't Corsair tell him about his younger brother? Probably because he thought Remy died at birth. His head is spinning and a terrible headache pounds near his temples. He hates feeling like this. It's the one reason why he keeps his emotions locked away most of the time. He hates feeling hurt.
"Slim?"
Annoyed, Scott cocks his head to tell Bobby to leave him alone. Maybe he should leave instead, take the car and just drive away from this mess until he feels strong enough to lead this team again.
"Scott? We need to talk," Bobby says determinedly and throws a jacket into Scott's lap. "But not here. Come on, man!" Excitedly, he bounces through the room. When Scott doesn't follow, he returns to the chair, pulls Scott to his feet, drapes the jacket over his friend's shoulders and pulls him into the corridor. He ignores the disapproving glance Storm gives him and continues to drag Scott towards the door.
"What are you doing, Bobby?" Scott asks eventually, too tired to put up some resistance. He hasn't slept these last nights.
"Not here!" Bobby insists and pulls Scott along until they reach the lake. "Okay, this will do." They sit down on a bench and Bobby's mentally reviewing several ways of telling Scott the good news.
"What's this about, Bobby?"
Scott's face mirrors exhaustion and Bobby swallows hard. Oh yeah, Scott's going to be pissed because he didn't tell the truth earlier. But he has to take that risk. "If got something to tell you."
Resigned, Scott waits for Bobby to continue. He just wants everyone to back off.
"Tomorrow I got a very important email message."
Scott shrugs his shoulders, uncertain how to react. What the hell is this about?
"It's from Warren. Remember when Warren dropped by and questioned Rogue about Remy?"
"How can I forget?" Scott murmurs uncomfortably. "I should have questioned her when she got back from Antarctica. Another screw up."
"Man, don't be that hard on yourself! You're only human." Bobby doesn't like the self-loathing in his friend's voice. "Warren had a reason to give Rogue the third degree." Bobby draws in a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for Scott's reaction. "Remy's still alive. He's with Warren."
"What? Bobby?" His tone is urgent and pleading. "Don't do this to me. Remy's dead."
"No, he isn't!" Bobby grabs Scott's shoulders and shakes him. "Remy survived!"
"He did?" Tone filled with disbelief he frees himself of Bobby's hold.
Bobby stops shaking his friend, relieved to hear a lucid tone for the first time in days. "Remy sent that message, telling me it was okay to tell you, but only you. He doesn't want anyone else to know that he's still alive."
Scott trembles violently as Bobby's words sink in. "He's alive? My brother is alive?"
Bobby trembles himself hearing that second question. "Yeah, Scott. Your brother is alive."
"I can't?" Scott stares out over the lake. Part of him can't believe he can be this lucky. Another part rages. "And you didn't tell me? You knew in how much pain I was and you didn't tell me?"
Bobby remains calm. He expected this anger. Hell, he would be mad too. "I promised Warren and Remy to keep the secret. From what Warren told me Remy was in a bad way. He suffered from amnesia and didn't know who he was. I couldn't betray their trust."
Restlessly, Scott jumps to his feet and paces furiously. "Remy's alive. My brother is still alive?" Then he freezes. "Where is he? I need to see him, talk to him!"
Growing uneasy, Bobby avoids Scott's eyes. "I don't know where they are. Warren mentioned going to Ireland, but that's it. I only got an email addy."
"Ireland," Scott repeats resolved. "You coming along?"
"Slim, you can't go to Ireland! You don't know where to look and maybe they already moved on to another place." Bobby walks over to his friend, but quickly realizes this is a lost cause. "I can email them. Maybe Remy will agree to talking to you."
"Stop wasting time, Bobby, get going!" Scott turns him around and pushes him forward. "I will get the Black Bird ready. I just need a moment here."
"Sure," Bobby whispers. "Are you okay, Slim?"
"More than okay." Scott smiles warmly. "I won't let my brother down ever again. You just make sure they tell you where they are."
"You can't tell anyone else, remember that," Bobby reminds him.
"I'll stay clear of the professor and Jean. I can do that for my brother," Scott quips relieved. "I just want to talk to Remy and see for myself that he's fine."
As Bobby walks back to the mansion he wonders about his friend. Fierce emotions are bubbling out of Scott's soul and he has a hard time recognizing his 'fearless leader'. However, he loves this more 'human' side to his friend and hopes Scott won't go back to denying his feelings. //Yeah, I definitely like this new and improved Scott.//Ireland
Awkwardly, Remy shuffles his feet. "You really got to go?"
"You know I have to, petite," Jean-Luc replies gently. "Thanks for letting us borrow de car."
Warren waves it away. "I'll just get another one. Got connections over here."
"Poppa?" Remy embraces his father, relishing these last moments of familiar intimacy. "Keep in touch?"
"We will," Jean-Luc promises. "Will keep an eye on my email and once you settle down, you give me de address and phone number. We'll visit."
Remy knows he has to let go, but feels frozen. Warren's hand settles down on his shoulder, reminding him he won't be alone after his father left. "Je t'aime, poppa."
"Love you too, petite," Jean-Luc whispers passionately. "And thank you for forgiving me."
Logan watched them closely and the moment Jean-Luc frees himself of Remy's arms, he walks up to the young Cajun. "I'll take care of him," he promises.
"I know you will," Remy whispers and his eyes follow Jean-Luc, who's getting into the car.
"I've been meanin' to tell you," Logan whispers teasingly. "You might wanna change yer cologne? ya smell of roses."
"My own portable air freshener," Warren says jokingly and loves hearing Remy giggle. "It's part of the package, Logan. Since he dropped his defences the flowery fragrance appeared. I love it."
Logan gives them a questioning look. Did Jean-Luc tell Remy about the angelic part of his soul? Maybe it's better that Remy figures that one out himself.
"Take care of them," he whispers, addressing the wolf.
"Wolvie?" Remy pets the wolf's head and senses the canine's contentment.
Warren pulls his lover close to his chest, deeply inhaling the sweet fragrance clinging to Remy. "They will be back."
"I know dey will." Remy waves good-bye as the car takes off. One last moment of eye contact with his father and they are gone. Finally, he can release his tears.
"Oh, Rem," Warren whispers into his lover's ear. "Don't do this. I can't bear it, seeing you cry."
"Tears of happiness," Remy assures him honestly as he turns around in the embrace. Facing his lover he asks, "Do you love me?"
"You know I do," Warren whispers and brushes his lips. "Do you love me?"
"Oui," he breathes passionately. "I want to feel you, cher."
"Want to go inside?" Warren studies his lover's expression. "Want to take another step?"
"Oui." Remy nods his head. "Mais I don' know how far I can go? not all de way. Not yet." Mon Dieu, he needs to feel Warren, needs to feel the feathers, the soft and smooth skin. "You set de pace, cher."
"You sure about that?" Questioningly, he observes Remy's avoiding eyes. "Or are you doing this because you're afraid I am going to leave you like Jean-Luc just did?"
Remy flinches.
"I'm right," Warren realizes saddened. "Come on, Rem. We're going to cuddle instead. I want to hold you."
"Poppa gave you some of his books, non?"
"Yeah, he did." Warren leads his lover back inside and shows them to Remy.
"And you've been readin' dem?" Surprise colors Remy's voice.
"Yeah, don't want to fuck this up, Rem. But he also gave me this for when we're ready to take that last step."
Curiously, Remy watches Warren uncover the book at the bottom of the pile. "De gay kama sutra?" he giggles.
Warren laughs warmly. "You wouldn't believe the positions in this book. Want to check them out together?"
"Sure." Remy leans into the embrace as they sit down on the couch. The insecurity that haunted him moments ago is gone. Warren won't leave him. He doesn't have to use sex to keep Warren from walking out on him. He's finally realizing that. "Sorry 'bout?"
"Don't apologize." Remy's progress pleases him. After they snuggled up to each other on the couch, he opens the book and can't help but blush. "What about this one?" Remy's head rests on his chest and Warren senses the giggling before hearing it. "Maybe we should find something more suitable for our first time?"
Remy simply listens to his lover's heartbeat, relishing his warmth, the arm around his waist and relaxes. For the first time sex seems like something he could really enjoy. Talking about it in this way takes the edges of his fear. "I am flexible," he teases.
"I'm sure you are, but my wings might get in the way!" Warren counters and flips the pages. "God, Remy. I love you." Words are terribly inadequate, so he presses a kiss on the auburn locks. "And I promise we will take that next step when we're both ready."
"Merci, ange?" Remy whispers touched. "I don' know when I'll be ready, mais I will let you know."
"Good Cajun," Warren mutters teasingly. "And now, let's get back to our research."
Their joined laughter fills the living room and Wolvie sneaks upstairs again to hide underneath the covers?
Chapter Thirty-One
Ireland
//I can watch you like this for the rest of my life.// Warren sighs blissfully, cradling his lover's hand in his. It's late in the afternoon. They spent these last hours giggling over the kama sutra, trying to get their bodies in the right positions, -fully clothed of course-, but he had seen the bulge in Remy's jeans.
//Hopefully it's a good sign that we can joke about this.// Warren fully realizes how different their ideas about sex are, fed and controlled by earlier experiences. //But at least he knows now that he doesn't have to offer me sex so I will stay. Took him long enough to figure that one out!//
The couch is a little bit uncomfortable, but it's also the reason why he's spooned this closely against the body in front of him. Remy's locks tease his skin and his fingers caress his lover's face. The fragrance of roses is overwhelming, telling him how relaxed Remy is.
The gay kama sutra is on the floor, still open and he grins seeing the acrobatic position displayed on the page. //I want to see his face the first time we make love.// He hasn't told Remy yet, but secretly he has been fantasizing about their first time.
//We'll have to talk about it, before we decide to take that step. About who's going to be on top. I'm scared shitless here, but let's be honest. Remy needs to be on top. I don't want risk hurting him or Remy experiencing flash backs because of the way I am touching him.//
"What are you t'inkin' 'bout, cher?" Remy whispers, eyes still closed.
"Our first time," Warren replies honestly. It hurts to feel Remy flinch. "Tell me, Rem. Do you ever fantasize about that?" He's treading on dangerous grounds, but refuses to shy away from this topic. Remy shifts in his arms until they are face to face. Remy's eyes open and Warren smiles reassuringly. "Well, do you?"
"Non." Remy lowers his eyes, afraid of disappointing his lover.
"I do? wanna know?" Warren gently strokes his lover's locks. "No pressure, love. I am not telling you this because it's a hint of what I want to do. We'll decide that together. It's just my private fantasy."
"I never knew you fantasized 'bout? us in dat way," Remy admits and opens his eyes. Warren's arms pull him closer and he tangles his legs around his angel. "Tell me."
"Okay," Warren smiles privately. "We start out in the shower. First, I give you one hell of a blowjob and you almost pass out so I have to carry you to the bed. Next, I spend hours of exploring every inch of your body and I mean every inch!"
Remy blushes weakly.
"My tongue slowly sneaks down your chest and I tease your belly button." To reinforce his words, his fingertip dips into Remy's belly button and the Cajun giggles. "You're ticklish!"
"Oui." Feeling comfortable in his lover's arms Remy continues to listen. "What's next?"
"Then my tongue and lips return to worship your erection and man? you love it!" Warren laughs feeling the giddy movement in his arms. "When you're begging me to finally make you cum my tongue teases against your entrance and when I dip inside you moan so deliciously that the sound alone makes me cum!"
Remy's blush deepens. No one ever talked about making love to him in that way. "Go on."
"You like my fantasy, huh?" Warren teases him, but obliges his lover. "This is my favorite part. You haven't cum yet and you surprise me by rolling me onto my stomach. I spread my wings and capture you in them. I always get a hard on when I fantasize about you pushing one slick finger inside? What?" Surprised, he looks at his lover. Tears of merriment flow down Remy's face.
"You've been lookin' too much at de pictures, cher," and he points at the gay kama sutra.
"Be a good Cajun and let me finish!" Warren demands and returns the blush. Damn, he's already rock hard from just thinking about this. "Okay, where were we? Oh, one finger, right. Your tongue joins in and I'm completely at your mercy. You keep teasing me with a second and a third finger while I am screaming at you to just make love to me!"
"You want me to take you?" Suddenly, all giddiness disappears from Remy's tone.
"What? You don't like that idea?" Suddenly alarmed, Warren locks eyes with his lover. He doesn't like the panicked expression.
"I've never done dat before, ange. I don' know how? if?" Lost for words, Remy fumbles the fabric of Warren's shirt. "Never been on top, cher. Would be easier if you just took me."
"Easier perhaps." Warren carefully chooses his next words. "But would it be best for you?"
"For me?" Remy can't believe Warren is this worried about him. "I've been taken before, cher. I can deal wid it."
"Listen to yourself," Warren says firmly and he cups Remy's chin in the palm of his hand. "Deal with it? Rem, I want you scream with ecstasy not with worry or pain!"
"Sorry, cher. I keep forgettin'?" Remy apologizes. "No one ever wanted me to be in control before and I never t'ought you wanted dat."
"I'll be honest, Rem. I would like to reverse the roles once in a while when you're ready." Warren nuzzles his lover's throat, leaving gentle kisses behind on the soft skin. "But I really want you to take me on our first time together."
"Already picked a position, non?" Remy tries to recompose himself, reminding himself that things are different with Warren.
"You can pick it? but I might have some suggestions!" Warren kisses his lover's brow. "You want to mess around on the couch like teenagers?"
Remy grins hearing it phrased like that. "I do feel like dat, cher? like I'm discoverin' dis all over 'gain."
"So am I, Rem." Warren takes hold of Remy's right hand and slips it underneath his shirt, relishing his lover's touch. He moans as Remy rolls his left nipple between his fingertips. "I never had a lover like you."
"Someone dis screwed up, you mean." The words slip from his tongue. "Ange, I?" He wishes he could take them back. He needs time to adjust to this huge change.
Warren sees the truth in his love's eyes. "You're beautiful, Rem. Inside and out and so incredibly intense."
Remy wonders about the question in Warren's blue eyes. His hands caress his lover's smooth body and Remy whispers, "What?"
"I want to make you cum? my way? Will you let me? Do you trust me?" Warren's heart beats frantically. //Please say yes!//
"How?" Remy hates asking it, but he needs to know.
"I want to go down on you, love."
Remy gasps for breath hearing those words. "Your first time? You might not like it."
"I will tell you when I change my mind. Will you let me?"
Remy wavers. "What about me makin' you cum?"
"Why don't we concentrate on your needs for once?" Warren suggests.
"I'm not used to bein' de centre of attention."
"Yes or no, Rem?"
"Oui," Remy gives in, feeling extremely nervous.
"Great!" Enthusiastically, Warren moves around until his feet are on the floor. He kneels in front of his lover and reaches up to kiss Remy's lips. His hands snake around Remy's waist and pull him close. "You've got no idea how much it means to me that you trust me," he reveals in a choked tone. His hands move underneath the fabric of Remy's shirt and caress the skin there. Wickedly, he straddles his lover's lap.
"What are you doin', ange?" Mesmerized by the continued caress of his skin, he drowns in blue eyes as Warren suckles his lower lip. "Cher," he whispers breathlessly. In spite of the butterflies roaming his stomach he's growing hard and his erection presses against the jeans, pleading for more attention.
"Trust me to take care of you, Rem," Warren pleads almost solemnly. "I won't let you down." His right hand unzips his lover's jeans and then strokes the revealed hardness. "Tell me, do you like me touching you like this?"
"Oui," Remy groans in need. Warren's hand squeezes gently and precum leaks from his aching cock, staining his underwear. "I trust you, ange."
Warren smiles. "Lift your hips for me, love." Remy obeys and he quickly removes jeans and underwear. Returning to his previous position, he kneels on the floor between Remy's spread legs. "You're beautiful." Surprised, he watches the return of his lover's blush. "You're perfect, love."
Eyes watering, Remy lifts a hand and caresses his lover's face. "You don' have to do dis, cher."
"I want to," Warren states determinedly and rolls the full sac in the palm of his hand. "Must warn you though. I've never done this before. You're my first."
Remy swallows hard. "Shouldn' let you do dis."
"Why's dat?" Warren curls his fingers around his lover's erect cock and strokes teasingly. He smiles knowingly, as Remy is lost for words. "Why not let me find out myself?"
Speechless, Remy spreads his legs a little more to better accommodate his lover. He yelps softly as a tongue explores the tip of his cock.
Warren's more nervous than he wants to admit, but for different reasons. //Let's face it. I have no idea what I'm supposed to do.// Following instinct, he teases the slit and continues to stroke in a slow rhythm. He doesn't want Remy to cum yet, wants to make this last.
Remy's eyes grow big as his lover's lips close around his erection, slowly taking in more. "Cher?"
Warren looks up quickly, as the tone sounds odd. "What? I'm eating my favorite kind of flavour here? Strawberry. Yes," he admits softly. "I'm thinking about licking an ice cone."
Remy chuckles softly. How can he not trust Warren? "You're doin' a great job." His back arches and he lifts his hips as wet lips return, licking, nibbling and teasing him. "Not goin' to? last long, dis? way," he pants. Merde! His eyes almost pop out of their sockets when Warren sucks hard. His toes curl and he can't help but stare at Warren's bobbing head.
Warren tries hard to concentrate on making Remy cum, but can't help stealing a hand to his own groin, fisting himself furiously. Suddenly, his lover's cock pulses in his hand and he wonders if he wants to pull back or feel Remy's cum flood his mouth. It's not that hard a choice. Feeling the Cajun tense up with orgasm he wickedly sucks hard.
"Cher!" Remy's head is reeling, his body on fire, but he can only think of warning his lover that he's about to cum, remembering the first time he went down on the Antiquary and his fear of choking in the man's cum.
But suddenly Warren's left hand finds his and twines their fingers. "Cher," he whispers as he lets go, staring entranced at his lover, who doesn't pull back.
Too inexperienced at this particular activity too swallow much, Warren finally releases the pulsating cock and reaches orgasm himself with the taste of Remy's cum on his lips.
Remy falls back against the couch, stroking his lover's hair. "Cher, come here," he whispers affectionately and pulls Warren next to him on the sofa. "You came too?" he realizes surprised. Curiously, he can't help himself and gathers a drop of cum on his finger, sniffing and then tasting it. It's not bitter at all, even sweet.
Tired, Warren leans against his lover. "Wow?" he whispers. "Every time I cum, I cum harder!'
"Me too," Remy admits and uses his shirt to clean them off. "Merci, cher." Passionately, he kisses Warren's delicious lips.
Moving instinctively, Warren gathers Remy in his arms. "I didn't freak you out?" he asks and wipes the sweat of his lover's brow. "Man, you look hot."
Spent, Remy smiles. "Hot?"
"Yeah? I just hope making love won't kill us," he jokes teasingly. "I liked doing that for you, could you tell?" A draped smile covers his lover's face and feeling contented Warren straddles Remy's hips again.
"We're goin' to be stuck," Remy points out to him, cum still glued to their bellies.
"I don't mind being stuck to you," Warren whispers. His tongue is quickly allowed entrance and explores Remy's mouth like he did the first time.
Remy gives in and deepens the kiss, suddenly realizing that Warren is snuggling up to him. In the end, Warren rests against his chest. "I like cuddlin'," Remy realizes a bit surprised.
"So do I." Warren enjoys this post-sex cuddling. He wavers to speak the next words, but feels Remy will understand. "Bets never wanted to be held after we had sex. She would just leave the bed to take a shower and I felt? lost? disappointed. I love sex, I can't deny that, but I always wanted something more than just the physical act. I wanted the spiritual connection too."
Remy strokes the damp hair and releases a strangled choke. "Please hold me?" he whispers, hoping to chase away Warren's remembered hurt.
"I'm already doing that, love," Warren chuckles, the distressing memories of less happier days quickly vanishing. "Let you in on a secret. I also like to cuddle before making love."
Remy can no longer control his tears. "Mon Dieu," he whispers saddened and releases his tears.
"Not again!" Warren looks up and cradles his lover's face in his hands. "What's wrong?"
"I always wanted it to be like dis. De Antiquary was a travesty ? he just wanted to hurt me."
Fighting down his anger aimed at the Antiquary, Warren manages to regain his calm by taking deep breaths. "This is the way it should be. We're good for each other. We belong together and it will always be like this. No quick fuck, no taking without giving. We both know what we want and need."
His hands run over the feathers and Remy nods his head. "One day I will be ready to make love to you, cher," he promises in a guilty tone.
"Don't feel guilty for needing more time, Rem. I'm surprising myself here. I never thought I would ever want to do this for another man, but, geeze, I love seeing you squirm and beg for more!"
"I didn' help you cum," Remy says and looks into his lover's eyes.
"I would even have cum without touching myself, Rem." Warren tucks his lover's head underneath his chin. "I don't know about you, but I worked up an appetite? What about a quick snack, a shower and then we will indulge Wolvie and go for a walk?"
"Sure, cher? " Feeling incredibly blessed Remy hugs his love close.Dublin
"Guinness," Jean-Luc orders for them and joins Logan in a dark corner of the pub. It only took them two hours to get here and they already checked into a hotel. Now that everything's taken care of they can relax.
"I'm in the mood to get drunk," Logan growls dangerously. "Good thing the hotel is only five minutes away from here."
"Drunk?" Jean-Luc whispers disapprovingly and pays the waiter who drops off their beer. "Keep it coming," he instructs the waiter and gives him a huge tip.
"Yer joinin' me?" Logan swallows down his first pint in one go. "I needed that!" Logan lights one of his cigars. "Ya want one?"
Jean-Luc accepts and moments later he exhales the tobacco. "You really think dey will be fine?"
"Yeah, Wings and Remy will be just fine." Logan curls his fingers around the second pint of Guinness. "What are yer plans, Cajun?"
Jean-Luc leans back and sips from his glass. "We could stay here for a while and den head for de main land. Always wanted to go back to Paris."
"Don't steal any art work while we're there!" Logan warns him teasingly.
"I probably lost my touch years ago," Jean-Luc replies in a similar tone. "Don't get too drunk, Logan."
"Why is that?" Logan eyes him suspiciously, recognizing the expression in Jean-Luc's eyes. "What are ya up to, old man?"
This time, Jean-Luc laughs warmly. "I'll show you what dis 'old man' can still do."
Closely, Logan watches him uncover something from his pocket. "What's that? Hand cuffs?" He throws back his head in amusement. "Play with fire and ya might get burned. I might slap them onto yer wrists instead."
Jean-Luc just smiles smugly. "We'll see."Westchester
Puzzled, Jean reads the note again. It's from Scott, telling her that he has to leave the mansion, but that he'll be back once he took care of business. She slumps onto a chair. "What's going on, Scott?" She tried reaching out to her husband, but Scott's shields are incredibly strong and she can't get passed them.
Should she ask the professor to talk to Scott again? Eventually she decides against it. Whatever Scott has to do, he has chosen to do it without her."C'mon," Bobby whispers impatiently. He quickly writes down the email addy and plans on contacting Remy and Warren from the Black Bird. Scott is already pacing the corridor waiting for him to show up. "Can't let him leave on his own," Bobby realizes and grabs the piece of paper before hurrying out of his room.
"Are you ready?" Scott comes to a stop.
"Yeah, but Scott, please reconsider. What are you going to do when Remy says he isn't ready to talk to you?"
"I will find my brother, even if I have to search every inch of Irish soil personally!" Scott promises driven by a need that's consuming him. "I need to know he's safe!"
"Damn!" Bobby curses. "I need to make a phone call, Slim."
"We don't have time for that!"
"I need to tell Nicholas I am leaving!" Bobby states determinedly. "You'll have to wait five fucking minutes!" Bobby takes off and runs back into his room, quickly punching in Nicholas' phone number on his cell phone. "Be there, love!"
"Nicholas Lace."
"Nick, it's Bobby. Listen, I am really sorry but I've got to cancel our date for tonight!" Damn, he doesn't want to do this, doesn't want to disappoint his new lover. Their relationship is still so fragile, so new!
"Why?"
"A friend needs me. I need to go to Ireland and make sure Scott won't lose his mind. He just found out that his brother is still alive. We thought he died months ago." The silence that answers him scares Bobby. "Nick?"
"I understand, Bobby. I really do. I knew this would happen in your line of work. But make sure you call me when you get back?"
"Thanks, love!" Bobby feels relieved. He hoped Nicholas would understand. But this is just their first test. "Want me to come over when I am back?"
"Yes, definitely. Love you, babe."
"Love you too? oh, we're so mushy!" Bobby chuckles softly and hears the kiss Nicholas sends him.
"I love mushy?"
Bobby terminates the connection and takes a deep breath. "I'm ready to go," he announces, but his eyes grow big when he returns to the corridor. No Scott!
"Damn!" he curses and starts running, hoping Scott didn't take the Black Bird out just yet.
Luckily, he arrives in time and slips onboard. "You need to slow down, Scott!"
"I can't."
The tone halts him in his tracks. "Scott?" Bobby walks up to him and watches Scott prepare for take off. "You're scared he'll be dead when you get there?" he says, taking an educated guess. "Man, you're really screwed up!"
"Strap yourself in for take off," Scott orders, trying to bite down the pain. "I failed him once, Bobby."
"You weren't even there!"
"I need to know?"
"What?" Bobby holds on as Scott takes the Black Bird outside, climbing higher until Scott puts the plane on automatic pilot.
"I need to know if he can forgive me."
"I don't understand," Bobby whispers, feeling sorry for his friend.
"I screwed up."
"This is getting old, man!" Bobby chides his friend. "Just be glad he's alive! You're not responsible for what happened!"
"I am," Scott objects. "I'm team leader."
"And human! Now stop this guilt trip. I'm going to try and contact Warren and Remy!" Annoyed with his friend's behavior he accesses the computer. "I know why you feel this way, Slim. Most of us feel guilty, but it was Eric the Red who planned everything. We didn't have a chance!"
Scott's reluctant to give in, but Bobby made a valid point. "This isn't over yet. I plan on going after Eric the Red next."
"You won't," Bobby says resolved.
Surprised, Scott locks eyes with him. "What did you say?"
"You will focus on Remy. You're not team leader right now. You're his brother. Forget about the 'I screwed up' routine, man. This is about your brother. You need to separate that."
"When did you grow up?" Scott blinks his eyes.
"I know most people on the team think I never passed the age of five, but? It's a front, like your fearless leader stuff. They expect pranks and I indulge them. Hardest part was coming out."
Growing calm again Scott nods his head. "Yes, you're probably right. We do expect you to be the team's clown."
"I'm cool with it most of the time, but? would be nice to be treated like a grown man for a change."
"I'll keep that in mind." Regret colours Scott's voice. "Is Storm still giving you the cold shoulder?"
"Yeah, she really has a problem with me being out of the closet. But I got so tired of hiding there."
"I am glad you told us," Scott admits honestly. "Made me think."
"About what?" Bobby finishes his message and sends it, marking it urgently. Now they can only hope that Warren or Remy will answer it.
"About being gay, straight or bi." Scott looks at the darkening sky. The sun will set soon. "I never really thought about it, but I've got no problems with it. I can't see myself falling in love with a guy, but that's because my heart belongs to Jean." He chuckles softly. "But I never suspected that three of my team members were gay or bi."
Bobby smiles amused. "Remy, Warren and I?"
"Yeah, and those are the ones out of the closet. I can't help but wonder if there are more people still hiding in there."
"Meaning?"
"Logan?"
Bobby's eyes grow a little bigger. "You think Logan is??"
"I don't know. Call it a gut feeling. I know he loves Jean, but?"
Bobby watches his friend closely. "What about you, Scott? Yeah, I know your heart belongs to Jean, but before you realized that?"
"You asking me if I ever felt attracted to a man?" Scott smiles. "No, guess I am straight as hell."
Bobby returns the smile, watching the screen closely, hoping for a reply. "What are we going to do when we get there?"
"We'll start with Dublin, I guess." Scott suddenly feels discouraged. "You were right. We will never find them."
"Don't give up, Slim."
"I won't."Ireland
Remy deeply inhales the fresh air, feeling stronger with every passing day and this day has been heaven. Their fingers are twined and Warren slipped into pace next to him the moment they left the lake. Wolvie is walking in front of them, sniffing the air and occasionally he forgets his injured leg when he tries to hunt down a rabbit.
"You okay, love?" Remy's silence puzzles him, but he's not really worried as the fragrance of roses still clings to his lover.
"I was wonderin', cher. Side is pretty much healed. What are we goin' to do next?" Remy whispers softly, as he really doesn't want to address this.
"I would like to stay here a little longer, Rem." Warren stops walking and locks eyes with Remy. "It almost looks like the red in your eyes is fading, turning to gold."
That remark takes Remy aback. Maybe he should locate a mirror once they get home.
"Seriously, I do think the red is turning to gold."
Feeling ill at ease, Remy stares at the ground. "Don' distract me. You want to go back to Westchester?"
"When you're ready, yes." Worried, Warren realizes he smells lilies now. "Tell me, Rem. You're worried about something."
"You want to re-join de X-Men later?"
"You don't want to?" Warren already reads the answer in his lover's expression. "I understand, Remy. We really hurt you."
Lost for words, Remy peeks at his lover. "I don' t'ink I want to be part of dat team ever 'gain." There, he said it. How will Warren react to that news?
"Okay, Rem. I am only saying this once," Warren states calmly and waits until curious eyes lock with his. "If you decide to do your own thing I will be with you every step of the way."
"Are you sayin' dat??"
"I will give up the X-Men for you." Warren watches as realization sets in. "I just want to be with you. Maybe we can find a way to put our money to good use? I'm through with being a playboy. We could help people."
"Cher," Remy stutters. "You would do dat for me?"
"For us!"
Remy's about to kiss his lover when Wolvie limps towards them in obvious pain. "What did you do, mon ami?" Remy sits on his heels to study the canine. "It's de wound, non? You shouldn' chase de rabbits."
"Here, use this." Warren hands him a clean handkerchief. "It's bleeding again. We need to change the dressing." Warren kneels and makes sure the canine doesn't move about too much while Remy peels off the bloody bandage.
"Looks bad," Remy mutters and examines the wound. "Wish I could make it better, mon ami."
Stunned, Warren forces himself to remain calm as a golden glow surrounds Remy's hand. "What are you doing?" He has never seen this before.
"Don' know, ange," Remy whispers in a tiny tone, equally scared. "Can' make it stop." It's not his charging power. This feels differently. The glow drips from his hand and onto the bloody wound.
The wolf doesn't howl in pain, just remains motionless. Remy can only watch as the wound closes. Not even a scar stays behind. "Cher? What happened?"
Warren nods his head. "Of course! That must be it. This is what your newly discovered power is about, Rem. You're a healer!"
Perplexed, Remy stares at his hands. The glow is gone, but his fingers tingle. "A healer?" he repeats in disbelief. "I would love to be a healer," he whispers, forgetting he's speaking aloud. "I would love to help people, take away deir pain."
"I know that." Warren pulls him to his feet and smiles. Wolvie is running around, jumping and chasing another rabbit like nothing special happened a moment ago.
"I'm not sure you want to hear this, love," Warren starts hesitantly. Scared eyes meet his? Oh, those eyes!
"Just tell me." Remy's voice trembles.
"It's your eyes, Rem. They're no longer red on black."
Remy flinches. "Mon Dieu?"
"The red turned into gold."
"Gold?" Remy closes his eyes, feeling lost. "Just stay wid me?" he whispers helplessly.
"Stupid Cajun," Warren chides him and then slips his arms around Remy's shoulders. "We'll figure this out together."
"I know dat," Remy whispers, sensing Warren's love as it becomes more tangible with every passing second. "Mais I am still scared. Why am I changin' and when will it end?"
"We'll find those answers," Warren replies reassuringly and remembers something Daimon said. 'You will find the answers like I did.'
Chapter Thirty-Two
Ireland
"Can' believe dis," Remy whispers stunned. He finally located a mirror and examines his changed eyes. "You t'ink dey will stay dat way or change back?" Warren is standing behind him, arms wrapped around his waist and his lover's chin rests on his shoulder. Looking at their joined reflection Remy feels truly blessed.
"We'll have to wait and see," Warren replies slightly amused. "I liked the red on black, but this is special too."
Remy turns around and kisses his lover. "You've got mail," he points out to his lover as his eyes scan the screen of the laptop. "Looks like Bobby replied."
"In that case, you've got mail, Rem." Warren releases him and walks into the kitchen. "I'll fix dinner. Why don't you answer Bobby's message?"
Sighing, Remy sits down behind the laptop and opens the message, which takes his breath away. "Mon Dieu!"
"What's wrong?"
"Dey're on deir way to Ireland," Remy whispers nervously. "Why is Scott actin' like dis? You've got to read dis, cher."
Warren makes sure the rice is boiling and then joins his lover in the living room. "You're right. Something is wrong. Are you going to give them our location?"
"I don' know, cher," Remy leans back and looks questioningly at his lover. "What do you t'ink I should do?"
Warren wavers to reply. "You've got to decide what to do."
"I want your advice, ange," Remy says softly.
"Tell them. Whatever is bugging Scott won't go away. I've got this feeling Scott really needs to talk to you. Maybe it's because he feels guilty for failing you as your team leader."
Remy stares at the screen. "You'll stay close when he gets here?"
"Of course, Rem." Warren bends down and kisses his love. "I need to get back into the kitchen. Wanna try a Chinese dish."
Remy watches as Warren returns to the kitchen and can't help cracking a remark. "You got a great ass, cher."
Warren stops in his tracks, looks over his shoulder at Remy's naughty expression and grins. "You got that one right, Rem!"
The teasing soothes his nerves and Remy makes his decision.The Black Bird
Bobby's eyes flash open at hearing the sound of an incoming message. "Did I really fall asleep?" he wonders aloud and moves over to access the message.
"Two hours ago," Scott says listlessly. "We're almost there and we still don't know where to start searching for them."
Scott's depressed tone makes Bobby feel uncomfortable. It almost sounds like Scott is giving up after all. As he opens the message a wave of relief moves through him. "It's from Remy. We've got his location." Quickly, Bobby punches in the new co-ordinates. Scott's surprised gasp takes him aback. "Scott?"
"He's okay with this?"
Bobby shifts in his seat. "It says we're welcome to drop by and it has the location. That's it."
"I can't screw this up, Bobby. What should I do?" Scott looks out of the window. Only a few more moments and he will stand face to face with his younger brother. "I don't want to make the mistake of dumping all this on him. Remy probably has no idea that we're brothers."
"You got that death certificate with you?"
"Yes? but maybe I should wait until? until we talked. I'm nervous, Bobby," Scott admits in a choked tone.
"I got this feeling Remy might be nervous too," Bobby pauses. "If I were you I'd wait with telling him that you're brothers until you both feel a little more comfortable. Take your time."
"How do you think he will react to the news?" Scott seeks out his friend's eyes.
"Shocked," Bobby replies truthfully. "I would be shocked if I found out that I was a Summers!" He adds a joking tone to the statement and pokes Scott's side. "Things will work out. Think positive, man!"
"I hope so," Scott murmurs nervously.Ireland
They just finished doing the dishes and are now cuddling up together on the sofa, watching a program on Discovery channel about mummies in the valley of Kings.
Warren is the first to disturb the comfortable silence. "Are you nervous about facing Bobby and Scott?"
"Bobby? Non, not really, but Scott? Oui," Remy replies and pulls Warren a little closer. His lover's wings are spread and he caresses them tenderly. "I just wish people would leave us 'lone. First it's de Antiquary and now dis is comin' up. I just want to be wid you, cher."
Warren nods his head, briefly inhaling the lilies that cling to his lover. Remy's still worried. "You don't have to do this alone, love."
"I know dat, mais I wonder why Cyke wants to see me so badly."
Warren presses a kiss on his lover's throat and licks the skin underneath Remy's ear. A delightful quaver moves through the Cajun's body. "You'll have to ask him that."
"I always t'ought I got along pretty well wid Cyke," Remy muses aloud. "We seldom had arguments."
"Must be the discipline thing," Warren whispers, almost dozing off in his lover's arms. "You're used to the training sessions as a skilled thief. Guess Jean-Luc drilled that into you."
"Oui, were long days when I was trainin' to be a t'ief, mais I liked it. Like to be focussed." Remy's ears pick up engine sounds. "Is dat de Black Bird?"
"Sounds like it." Warren forces himself to wake up again. "I love being in your arms like this."
Remy blushes, still getting used to his lover's desires. "Love holdin' you, cher."
"Let's go outside and greet them." Warren gets to his feet, extends his hand and pulls Remy to his feet. "I cleaned up the spare bedroom. They can stay the night."
"You t'ink dey goin' to stay dat long?" Remy says slightly surprised.
"Sounds like Scott really needs to talk to you," Warren points out to him. "And after they leave, we have got all the time to experiment with the gay kama sutra," he hints mischievously.
Remy smiles and thinks, //And I want to make you cum dis time.//
Together, they walk outside and watch the Black Bird land. "I'm nervous," Remy realizes surprised. He never wanted to have anything to do with the X-Men ever again and now Scott and Bobby are here.
The cabin door opens and Bobby appears first, knowing Scott needs a moment to recompose himself. "Hello, big guy!" Bobby quickly walks towards them and first hugs Warren. "You look happy," he realizes after a moment, evaluating the smile on Warren's face.
"That's because I am happy," Warren states calmly and then twines his fingers with Remy's, who's trembling.
"Bobby?" Remy says awkwardly, uncertain what to say or to do. But as their eyes meets, he sees no remnants of the old unease between them. Something changed.
"Gambit, Remy!" Bobby takes the initiative and also hugs his team-mate. "It's good to see you again, Cajun. You had us worried."
Remy freezes in Bobby's arms, but then forces himself to relax a little as Bobby's sincere relief drifts into his mind. Bobby is really glad to see him. Maybe his newly discovered powers come in handy after all. "I never expected you to be worried 'bout moi," he whispers slightly ashamed.
"Hey, I do consider you my friend, man!" Bobby smiles warmly and then sucks in his breath. "Remy? What happened to your eyes?"
Remy quickly exchanges a look with Warren.
"They're still gold on black," Warren says, reading the question in his lover's eyes.
"Don' really know why dey changed," Remy explains softly to Bobby. "I can' control it."
"But you look fine," Bobby says relieved. "When Warren told me you suffered from amnesia I was really worried."
"I remember now? everyt'in'," Remy clarifies.
"I'm sorry about Antarctica," Bobby apologizes and hears Scott move closer behind him. "But you should first talk to Scott about that."
Scott's been holding onto his breath since he first saw Warren and Remy holding hands. Now that he realizes that his brother is fine, he releases his choked breath. Nervously, he extends his hand in greeting, completely ignoring Warren, fully focused on his lost brother. "Remy," he whispers and is relieved to feel Remy's hand slip into his, accepting the gesture.
Surprised, Remy feels a pull and suddenly he finds himself locked up tightly in Scott's arms. His eyes grow big as they feel the strangled sob that leaves Scott's throat and he looks to Warren for help, but his lover only shrugs his shoulders.
"Uh, Cyke? What's goin' on, homme?" Remy is struggling for breath, as the hug tightens.
"Sorry about that." Scott manages to let go and tries to calm down. But it felt so good to have his brother that close. Alex would never let him hug him like that. As he lifts his eyes to study Remy's face he grows quiet. "What happened to your eyes?"
"It's a long story, Cyke. We should go inside first. Ange made coffee." Carefully, Remy steps away from him, only to find that Scott takes another step closer again.
Clueless, Warren watches the scene. Scott is really acting out of character. What's causing this strange behavior? Maybe Bobby can tell him. "Yes, let's go inside. It's getting chilly out here."
As the four men enter the living room, Bobby and Scott freeze in their tracks. "There's a wolf on your couch," Bobby says confused.
"Dat's Wolvie. He's harmless." Remy pulls the canine from the sofa and invites his guests to sit down. Warren's already pouring coffee and doesn't need his help, so he sits down in the armchair. He smiles, as Wolvie curls up at his feet. "Merci, cher," he whispers and accepts the hot coffee.
Warren joins Scott and Bobby on the sofa and wonders why Scott's hands are trembling. "Are you okay, Slim?"
"Just fine." Scott leans back into the comfort of the couch and finally relaxes now that he sees that Remy is doing just fine. He's dying to find out what happened to Remy's eyes, but doesn't ask. If Remy thinks he needs to know, the Cajun will tell him. "I'm glad you made it out alive. I talked to Rogue and she admitted to leaving you out there to die."
"I ain' comin' back," Remy replies on impulse. "I ain' comin' back to de mansion or de X-Men."
That statement catches Scott off guard, but he forces himself to accept it for now. There's something more pressing he has to address. "Remy, do you hate me?"
Surprised, Remy raises an eyebrow. "Hate you?" The wolf at his feet stirs.
"For failing you? I mean, Bobby and I did go to Antarctica to find you, but we didn't find a single trace."
"You went back for me?" Remy puts the mug on the coffee table, as his hands shake with the unexpected revelation.
"Yeah, we searched for 2 days," Bobby cuts in. "But we never picked up on any readings."
"Means a lot to me, knowin' dat you went back," Remy says softly. "I don' know how I survived. A group of scientists found me when de were re-locatin' deir base. Dey flew me out and I ended up in a hospital. Dat's all I know."
"You didn't answer my question," Scott points out to him.
"Non, I don' hate you. I just don' want to have any'tin' to do wid de X-Men anymore." Remy picks up his mug and sips the hot liquid.
An uncomfortable silence descends onto the room and Warren decides to try and break the tension. "Are you staying for the night?"
"Depends on Remy," Scott replies carefully. "Do you want us here?"
"C'est bien, Cyke. You can stay." Confused, Remy tries to make sense of Scott's odd behavior and why is Bobby this quiet? Normally Drake never stops talking for long. "Why are you here?" he asks eventually as the tension gets too much to bear.
"I don't know how you will react to this," Scott says apprehensively and pulls the death certificate from his pocket. "I got this in the mail a few days ago."
Curiosity gets the better of him and Remy leans forward to look at the document. "What is it?"
"A death certificate," Scott says in a heavy tone. "Look at the description of the baby and the parents' names, Remy." His heart misses a beat as Remy's eyes scan the document. This is it. Will he gain a brother or be thrown out?
Remy's breathing quickens. "A baby wid red on black eyes? Born in N'Arlings? Is dis 'bout me?" He looks up to Scott, pleading for an answer.
"Yes, now look at the names." Scott never felt more insecure and uncertain and he hates it.
"Essex?" It's the first name Remy comes across and his chest tightens painfully.
"He was the doctor who delivered you." Scott is holding onto the warm mug as if it can safe his life. Unexpectedly, Bobby's hand squeezes his shoulder. "I guess he wanted you for his own reasons. He declared you dead five minutes after you were born."
A tear travels down Remy's cheek. "A forgery?" He can't believe this is really happening. If this is true, Sinister wanted him from the start.
"No, it's the real thing," Scott assures him, thankful for Bobby's silent support. The hardest part is still to come.
Remy's eyes drift lower until they find his mother's name. //My moder? never t'ought I would ever find out who I am!// His body tenses up, reading his parents' names. "Cyke?" This can't be true! That's the name of Scott's father on the document!
"We're brothers, Remy. Hank ran a DNA test and?" he grows silent as the paper drops onto the floor. Remy's stunned eyes tear at his heart.
"Love?" Warren hurries over to his side, sits on his heels and gathers Remy's hands in his. His eyes quickly scan the certificate and then focus on Scott. "Rem is your younger brother?" He has a hard time believing this as well.
"The DNA test came back positive," Scott states determinedly, wondering what he's supposed to do next. "Corsair never told me about you, Remy. I didn't know. You've got to believe me. I'm so sorry?"
Thoughts spin through his head at an amazing speed. "Broders?" he whispers in disbelief. "Must be a mistake."
Scott gets to his feet and acts on instinct as he sits on his heels on Remy's other side. "Hank didn't make a mistake. We're family. You're a Summers."
"Mon Dieu?" Remy whispers lost.
Alarmed, Warren locks eyes with his lover. "You just gained a brother. Isn't that wonderful?" Warren gently strokes Remy's face. "I know this is sudden and unexpected, considering everything we've been through recently, but if it's the truth?"
"It is," Scott assures them and waits patiently for Remy to reply.
"I need time to deal wid dis," Remy whispers in an emotional tone as another tear makes his way down his cheek.
"I understand that." Scott gets to his feet and backs away a little. "You still want us to stay the night?"
"Sure," Remy replies without thinking about the answer. Suddenly, he realizes what has just been revealed to him. He knows his real name now, his parents' names and he even has an older brother who's standing next to him. As he rises from the chair, he senses Warren's concern and his lover's arm curls around his waist. "We're broders, Cyke?"
"Please call me Scott," he replies and nods his head. "Yes, you're my baby brother," he adds teasingly. Carefully, he takes a step closer. Remy doesn't shy away and growing bolder, Scott instigates another hug. "Can you accept this, Remy?"
"I must?" Remy drops onto the chair again, supported by Scott and Warren. "I need a moment 'lone."
"Why don't I show you around the house?" Warren suggests, knowing Remy needs to work through this on his own. "We'll be right back, love."
"Take your time," Remy whispers and stares at the paper in his hand."He'll accept it," Warren says, trying to comfort Scott.
They're in the spare bedroom and Bobby drops onto one bed, tired and suddenly low on energy.
"I should have been more tactful," Scott chides himself. "I just dumped it on him."
"Don't worry." Warren eyes him closely. "Remy's grown a lot stronger since he got back from Antarctica. He can deal with this."
"I was really mad at Bobby for not telling me Remy's alive," Scott remarks saddened.
"Remy wanted it that way," Warren clarifies. "He's through with the X-Men."
"What about you?" Scott looks up at Warren. "We need you on the team."
"If there's a real emergency you can turn to us for help, but don't expect us to be on the regular team. Remy and I plan on making a new start." Warren locks eyes with Bobby. "Thanks for not caving in. It means a lot to Remy that you kept the trust."
"I did feel trapped," Bobby admits and stretches his body. "This is a great place, man. So quiet!"
Warren thinks back to the things that happened here only last night, the Antiquary's scary visit. He wants to change the subject and asks, "How is Nicholas?"
"I love him. We decided to try and make this work." Bobby gives his friend a wink. "And what about you and Remy?"
"We're getting there." Warren turns around and stares at the starlit sky. "Remy's mine forever."
Scott can't help but smile. "Are you willing to share him once in a while with his brother? I can accept the fact that Remy doesn't want to return to the team. I don't agree with it, but I can accept it. But I refuse to lose my brother after finding him again."
"Sure, you can visit." Warren nods his head. "It will do Remy a lot of good to know you want him as your brother, but your timing kinda sucks. He's going through some rough times and this is just another thing he has to make peace with. He needs time."
"What are you saying? Does this have something to do with his changed eyes?" Scott asks concerned.
"Yeah," Warren says thoughtfully. "Let's say Remy is still dealing with some painful parts of his past. You'll have to give him time to work through it all."
"He can have all the time he needs.""Wolvie? What should I do?" Remy slips onto the floor next to the wolf and strokes the canine's belly, who rolled over onto his back. "You like dat?" Remy giggles as the wolf growls appreciately.
"It's too much, Wolvie." Remy takes a deep breath as the canine gets back to his feet and stands in front of him with big yellow eyes. "First I find out 'bout de charm? magic," he corrects himself. "Ange already got me trained."
The wolf still studies him and Remy knows it's listening closely. "And den de Antiquary shows up and is destroyed. I'm still workin' on lettin' ange touch me and now dis. Why can' I get a break from life?"
The wolf licks the back of his hand, offering some small consolation. "You know, mon ami, I always dreamed of my family findin' me. Dat my parents always loved me and never wanted to leave me alone. Now dat I know dat Essex is responsible for dis mess, I feel cheated.
It's strange, knowin' dat Scott's my broder and Corsair my fader. I never expected dat one. I don' know how I feel 'bout dat."
"Rem?" Warren sits down behind him and pulls his lover against his chest, wrapping arms and legs around Remy's body. "Go on, Rem. Don't let me stop you from thinking aloud."
"I guess I'm scared," Remy admits and leans closer into the body behind him. He rests the back of his head on Warren's shoulder. "I'm so used to dealin' wid everyt'in' alone and now? now I got you? Poppa and Logan? and now I also got Scott."
Warren nods his head, but remains quiet.
"I don' know what to do, what everyone expects from me."
"I expect you to let me love you." Warren kisses the back of his lover's neck. "And I just talked to Scott. He realizes you need time. Bobby and he are leaving tomorrow so you have all the time you need to work through this. When you're ready we will visit Westchester, straighten everything out between you and Rogue and then we'll start the rest of our life together. Scott just had to see you're fine with his own eyes."
Remy sighs relieved. "Wouldn' know what to do wit'out you, cher."
"What about turning in and getting some sleep? Scott already collapsed and is soundly asleep. Bobby told me Scott's been unable to sleep since finding out."
"Uhm, don't want to intrude or anything," Bobby starts hesitantly, but he can't hide the huge smile on his face. "The two of you look cute together!" He never thought Warren would mellow down like this. He walks towards them and sits down on the couch, carefully keeping an eye on Wolvie.
Slightly embarrassed, Remy fights the urge to jump to his feet. Is Warren okay with this open display of affection?
"Stay, love," Warren whispers into Remy's left ear. "Bobby, thanks for everything. We appreciate it."
"You're welcome. I just wish I had a camera so I could take a picture of the two of you." Bobby waits for Remy to set the pace of this conversation.
"How are t'ings at de mansion?" Remy asks eventually.
"Calm," Bobby carefully chooses his words. "Storm has a hard time accepting I'm gay, but I am not surprised by that. She keeps telling me it goes against nature, but she needs time."
"I'm sorry about that," Warren says sincerely.
"The others are okay with it. Jean is really supportive and so is Hank. But?" he wavers briefly. "Jean is really having a hard time with your death, Remy."
He swallows hard. "I never wanted to hurt anyone," Remy whispers.
"She'll get better once you feel strong enough to visit the mansion."
"What 'bout? her?" Remy's hesitant to speak her name. His voice already trembles.
"Rogue?" Bobby says compassionately and notices Remy flinch. But he also sees Warren's reaction as his friend tightens the embrace. "Joseph ended their relationship. He says he can't trust a woman who leaves a team-mate to die."
Remy looks up and doesn't know what to say. "Someone should help her."
"Remy?" Bobby wonders what that remark is about.
"Mebbe de professor? She needs help. She's really screwed up? even more dan me." Remy listens to Warren's calm breathing, which comforts him. "Don' know when I'll be ready to face dem."
"Take your time," Bobby advices as he gets to his feet again. "I'm going to check on Scott. He's been high strung these last few days."
"Keep an eye on him for me?" Remy asks softly. "I like havin' a broder, even if it's Cyke."
"Slim is okay." Bobby leans in closer and pats Remy's shoulder. "You just need to push through his defenses and you already did that." Bobby smiles as he leaves the living room to catch some shuteye. Maybe he will dream of Nicholas tonight.Later, when they're snuggling up to each other in bed, Remy closes his eyes and wishes they could stay like this forever.
"It's lilies again," Warren notices and pushes Remy onto his back. Looking at his lover he moves onto his side to play with the Cajun's nipples.
"Havin' an identity crisis," Remy replies playfully, trying to mask his worries.
"No lies, that includes white lies as well." Warren pinches a rock hard nipple.
Remy opens his eyes again and focuses on his lover. He's learned so much about love, emotional and physical closeness since they arrived here. "Je t'aime," he whispers lost.
"I love you too, crazy Cajun?" Warren pulls up the comforter and moves into Remy's arms. "Everything will be all right. Trust me."
"Sounds weird, non? Remy Summers?"
"I wonder what name your parents chose for you," Warren muses aloud. "But if doesn't sound that bad! What about Remy LeBeau-Summers? Or Summers-LeBeau?"
Remy laughs warmly. "You're a tease too, cher."
Warren pushes himself up on one elbow and looks deeply into his lover's eyes. "What about Remy Worthington?"
Speechless, Remy licks his sudden dry lips. "Cher?" Did Warren really say that?
"Yeah, I'm proposing here. Want me on my knees?" Warren smiles and kisses the tip of Remy's nose. "You don't have to decide now. But I would like to have some kind of ceremony that officially binds us together. You can give me your answer when you're ready."
Still lost for words, Remy stares into blue eyes. "Don' know what to say, cher."
"We can also go for Warren LeBeau-Summers?" he adds teasingly. The tears that form in Remy's eyes take him by surprise. "Rem? I am going too fast, huh?"
"Non, I want to be yours, mais?" Remy chokes up. "No one ever wanted me like dat."
"Just think about it." Warren snuggles back up to his lover and his hand tangles in the soft auburn hair. "By the way, we need to go shopping tomorrow. We're running out of supplies and I want to make a stop in Dublin to get some stuff I need."
The sudden change in topic reassures Remy that everything is okay. He really needs to think before answering Warren. His heart is urging him to say yes, but his mind is at war with his heart, telling him Warren can do so much better than him. //Mais he loves me and I love him,// his heart replies.
"Go to sleep, Rem." Warren feels the tension in his lover's body. He never planned on saying this so soon, but the moment was perfect. He wants to make this commitment, but knows that Remy needs more time. "Have some sweet dreams, Rem," and he drifts off, satisfied and comfortable while holding onto his love.
Remy however stays awake for hours.