X-Men Fanfiction -- Shadow Walkers, Separate Trails, Aftermath (Shifting Sands)

Separate Trails

Aftermath

(Part of the Shadow Walker series)

By JF Jackson

Wiping her brow, Rhiannon walked into the cabin, her quilt over her shoulder. She had washed it by hand earlier, and hung it outside to dry. Evening was approaching and she wanted to put it back on her bed. She was not performing tonight, and she was sure she would probably end up going to bed early. She did a lot of that lately, sleep when she could. It was like all the energy inside of her had dissipated into nothingness. She slept increasingly, but sleep brought no relief.

It had been two weeks since she had made one of the biggest mistake of her life, turning Remy LeBeau, X-Man, and until that point, her lover, into what she was now, a half vampire. She had not heard from the man since. Even worse, when she changed him, she bonded the two of them together, but the bond was closed. She did not know how he had managed to close it off so quickly, but he had. She had a feeling it was partially due to distance. She could not be sure, but she had a feeling he was gone from the area.

She knew emotionally, she was a mess. It seemed like all her thoughts; everything revolved around what happened, the mistakes she had made. She felt completely helpless. She thought if she pushed it hard enough, she might be able to locate him, perhaps even go to him, but she could not bring herself to do it. It was as if something had grabbed hold of her very spirit, dragging her down. It was starting to manifest itself inside her physically as well. She was so tired lately and listless. Her mentor and friend, Stealth was starting to get worried about her, which told her the problem was becoming too obvious. Two weeks ago, after it had happened, Stealth had been so furious with her, Rhiannon had been half afraid he would leave her, but lately he had backed off, instead hovering near her when he was awake, studying her as if trying to figure out what was wrong with her.

"I'm fine!" she told him, constantly. He did not believe her. She was not surprised. How do you believe someone is fine when they could not even eat? Every time she tried, be it food or blood, she found her stomach churning, this feeling as if her entire insides were twisting in a knot. She had not gone out and tried to find anyone to feed off since Remy left. She did not care if she ever did again. She tried a couple of times to drink the bagged blood Stealth sometimes managed to find or steal, but just looking at it repulsed her. In fact, just thinking about it now made her stomach start twisting, as if trying to break free of her. Regular food had the same effect on her.

Then don't think about it, she told herself. It will only make it worse. Keep working. Get the quilt on the bed, then see what else you can do 'round this place. She walked across the room and began climbing up the ladder to her loft bedroom.

Half way up, she felt her vision swimming to gray, her body seemed to give out. Her feet slid out from under her. She made one last effort to hold on to the ladder with her hands, but her fingers seemed to slip over the wood.

She passed out before she hit the floor.

"Scott, we have to talk about this."

Scott looked up at his wife. He was sitting on the dock by the lake, staring out over the water. He had been doing a lot of that the last two weeks, since Remy had left the team, after exploding and revealing part of Rhiannon's past with the X-men Scott would have rather kept hidden. "What is there to talk about?" he said softly. "I can't change the past, I can't change what I did, I can't make it right, Jean."

She sat down next to him, her long red hair shinning faintly in the dim light. It was that time between sunset and nighttime when the first stars were beginning to appear, but the sun had not completely given up its hold on the day. "I know that, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about it. When Remy lost control that afternoon, when he ended up telling what happened between you and Rhiannon, I saw in your mind that it was true, but I didn't see your side of it. I-I was upset, I think I had the right to be, but there are two sides to every story and I want to know yours."

He looked away from her, looking down at his legs, then into the water. "I made a mistake. A big mistake. Remy was right. Rhiannon and I had sex. Nothing can change that."

"Scott, I know you though. I know what you're like. You've never been the type to...engage in casual sex. What happened?"

"Jean, it isn't something I like to think about, because it's not something I'm very proud of."

"No one says you have to be perfect," Jean said softly. "We're married, for better, for worse. This is bothering you; it's bothering me, because I don't know what is going on. I hadn't even heard of Rhiannon until Remy started to date her, and suddenly I find out she was a member of the team while I was...gone. And now I find out that she and you had a past. It's so much to learn in so little time."

"She was a minor, too. Remy was right about that."

Jean sighed, biting her lip. Sometimes it seemed Scott went from one extreme to another. At first he tried to deny it, now it seemed he wanted the whole situation to be his fault. She knew better. In most situations like this, there were two people involved and if there was any guilt to be shared, it should be distributed to the two of them. "She was sixteen. You weren't that much older. And from what I've heard about her, she had no trouble acting older than sixteen and she certainly was not innocent."

Now it was Scott's turn to bite his lower lip. "What else do you know?"

"That she was a member of the team, that her code name was Mesmerize. She and Bobby were very close, and she and you never got along," Jean answered. "Except that one night, it seemed the two of you decided to put aside your differences."

"Oh, that's one way of putting it." Scott's lips twisted in an ironic grin. He shifted on the dock so he could look at her. "There... isn't much to tell. She and I didn't get along. Part of that I put on me. I-should have left the team then. I thought I was handling losing you, but I wasn't. I was just pushing it aside, hoping that if I did long enough, it would just go away. I'm surprised the professor didn't sense more and insist I take a leave of absence, but I think he thought it would be good for me to stay with it. To keep busy and keep my mind off it."

She nodded, not saying anything, hoping that would encourage him to go on.

"Well, one night I broke down. I was alone in my room and I just fell apart. She must have been walking by and heard me, because she knocked on the door-" He stopped abruptly and started looking over her shoulder, towards the woods.

"Scott, what's wrong?" She turned, looking in the direction he was. Someone was coming through the trees, holding something. She tried to do a quick psi scan, but it returned nothing. "Who could that be?" she asked, even as she and Scott were rising to their feet.

They headed towards the figure. As they grew closer, they could see it was a very pale and thin young man with long black hair, wearing a pair of suede pants and no shirt. He did not hold something in his arms, he held someone.

"Rhiannon!" Scott said.

The young man nodded. As he drew closer, they could see he was worried, with good reason. Rhiannon's eyes were closed her breathing labored. Her normally pale skin was even paler and there was a sheen to her forehead as if she had been sweating.

"What happened?" Scott asked.

The young man stared at him, rolling his eyes.

Either he can't speak, or he doesn't want to speak. "Jean, you can't get anything off him?"

Jean shook her head. "Nothing. It's as if his mind doesn't exist." She looked at the woman. "But I think he's brought her here for help."

The young man nodded vigorously to Jean, indicating he hit the problem head on.

Scott nodded. "Jean, can you..."

"Alert the professor to tell Hank we're coming?" Jean finished. "Already done."

"Good." Scott was not sure he wanted this strange man and Rhiannon invading X-Men territory, but he was not going to let Rhiannon just die either. There was no love lost between Cyclops and the former Mesmerize, but disliking someone and allowing them to suffer were two different things. "C'mon."

They started across the property towards the mansion. They were not exactly running, but they were walking at a fast pace. Scott and Jean had the feeling that if he wanted to, this young man could have speed across that lawn, but he was trying to be careful for Rhiannon's sake.

He's a vampire, Jean thought. That's why I can't read him, that's why he's holding Rhiannon easily. She's got to weigh more than he does; he's too thin. But he's got inhuman strength. Some of those vampire myths are true, I guess.

When they got up to the mansion, Logan opened the door for them. "Hank's in the lab, he's waitin' for her." He looked at Rhiannon. "Christ, what happened?"

Stealth rolled his eyes again, as if very tired of being asked something he could not answer.

"We don't know," Scott said. "We just met up with him, walking towards the mansion with her." He and Jean stepped aside to allow Stealth to walk in first.

Stealth paused just before the entrance and looked at Logan. Jean and Scott looked at each other. Why wasn't he going inside?

Logan frowned, wondering the same thing himself. Stealth stood in the doorway, just looking at him with an expression of impatience and frustration. "Uh, you can come in, now," Logan finally said, for lack of anything better.

Stealth walked in the door with her. Logan, Jean, and Scott all looked at each other. "Uh, don't tell me that old myth is true and vampires can't come into a house unless they are invited," Logan commented.

Another session of eye rolling from the young man followed. The five of them, four under their own power headed down to the Medlab.

"Is Bobby around?" Scott whispered to Logan.

Logan shook his head. "The professor has that covered. Till we know what's going on, Bobby ain't gonna pop in."

They walked into the Medlab. Stealth's eyes widened as he looked at all the equipment. Hank was waiting for them. "Put her over there," he commanded, pointing to one of the bio-beds.

He walked over and placed Rhiannon down gently. Immediately, the sensors in the bed started beeping and buzzing. He leaped backwards, looking startled.

"It's a bio-bed," Hank explained. "It's designed to be able to handle many different species of humanoids, not just mutants and Homo-sapiens. Right now it is trying to figure out what Rhiannon is. And apparently, it is not having much luck. It's never dealt with anyone like her before."

Stealth stared at Hank as if trying to determine if Hank was telling the truth, or his leg was being pulled. He started towards the bed again, looking as if he was going to grab Rhiannon and take her off it. "No!" Hank shouted, hurrying over.

Stealth stopped and stared at him. Slowly, his hands raised in the air and he began moving them in an exaggerated fashion.

Hank studied the movements. "No, it won't hurt her, I assure you." He leaned over to the controls on the side of the bed and adjusted a few of the dials. The noises began calming down. "It's just scanning her and determining what type of being she is, so it can create the best environment for her. However, since that does not seem to be working, because it cannot figure out what she is, I am adjusting it now to simply monitor her, and not to try to adapt for her. The environment in this room is sufficient. It is not as if she needed something other than oxygen to breathe."

Stealth's eyes narrowed and he studied Hank for a moment. Then he nodded, slowly.

"Is she gonna be okay?" Logan asked, looking at Rhiannon.

"Since I have had not had the chance to fully examine her and asses the situation, I have no idea," Hank said dryly. "As soon as I know something, I shall let you know." He looked over at Stealth, who was hovering, over his shoulder. "What is your name?" he demanded.

Stealth's hands moved again.

"Well, Stealthwalker, why don't you leave me and your friend alone?" Hank suggested.

Stealth shook his head.

"I'm afraid I must insist."

Again, Stealth's head shook back and forth. He started waving his hands in front of Hank's face rapidly.

"If you're worried about her being hurt, then why would you have brought her here in the first place?" Hank asked, one brow raised.

Stealth's hands continued moving. "Look," Hank finally said. "I cannot work with you hovering over me. If I cannot work, I cannot find out what is wrong with Rhiannon. So, if you really do care for her, as you obviously do, then why don't you leave me so I can do my job, which is to save her life?"

A few more sharp gestures followed. Logan suppressed a chuckle. You did not have to be an expert in sign language to know that Hank just got told off. Hank however, did not seem to be the least bit ruffled. He just continued to look at Stealth, making it obvious he had no intention of helping Rhiannon until he was gone.

Stealth finally gave up. Rolling his eyes in frustration, he turned and walked away.

"That's better," Hank said, moving over to Rhiannon. "As soon as I know anything, I will let you know, I promise."

Stealth paused at the doorway to the Medlab, turned, glared at Hank, and then walked out.

"Where is he going?" Scott asked.

"Beats me," Logan said, shrugging.

"Well, he can't just walk around the mansion, unescorted!" Scott protested.

"Looks like someone forgot to tell him that," Logan said.

Scott sighed and walked out of the room to follow Stealth.

"Do you need any help?" Jean asked Hank.

Hank thought for a moment, then shrugged. "You might as well stick around. Perhaps there will be something you can do."

Stealth wandered back up the stairs, aware that the X-man known as Scott Summers was following him, but not really caring. If the blue furry doctor would not let him stay with Rhiannon, he would check this place out.

He walked upstairs, cut through the living room and found the rec. room. Walking inside, he looked around.

"Why don't you have a seat on the couch?" Scott suggested. "You can wait for Dr. McCoy to finish with Rhiannon."

Stealth ignored him and walked over to the stereo, fascinated. He knew what it was, but he had not seen one this fancy very often. He stared at it for a moment, squinting, then started pressing buttons. Someone had left a Rolling Stones CD in the CD player. He spun the volume knob up all the way.

Please allow me to introduce myself

I'm a man of wealth and taste...

He cringed for a moment as the music seemed to drill into his head, but he forced himself to ignore it, turned, and looked at Scott, grinning.

"Stop that!" Scott shouted, reaching out and stopping the CD. "If you want to listen to music, fine, but not so loud-"

Stealth had already turned and left the room.

Scott shook his head, sighed, and followed. By the time he caught up with Stealth, he was in the kitchen, the refrigerator door open. He was leaning, looking inside with an expression of fascination. As Scott walked up behind him, Stealth pulled something out of the refrigerator, opened it, made a face, and tossed it over his shoulder. Scott caught it. It was a container of yogurt. "Stop that!"

An apple followed the yogurt, then a jar of jam, a cucumber, a wrapped stick of butter, a can of soda, and a box of baking soda. Scott kept catching the items, trying to place them on the counter. "Cut it out!"

Logan came into the kitchen, looked at the scene before him, and suppressed a laugh. "Hey, Stealthwalker!"

Stealth stopped, turned and looked at Logan, head tipped to one side.

"Don't touch the beer."

Stealth grinned, reached in, grabbed something, and tossed it towards Scott. Scott caught it and made a face. It was an egg and it cracked in his hands. "Yuck!" Scott walked over to the sink and washed his hands.

"Kid, cut it out," Logan said, walking over. "Rhiannon still needs to eat, so I'm sure you've seen into a refrigerator before. "

Stealth looked at him, shrugged, and grinned brightly. He reached into the refrigerator, took out a beer, and handed it to Logan.

"Thanks." Logan said. "Now, why don't you close the fridge before all the cold air gets out?"

Stealth shut the door

"What is his problem?" Scott asked, scowling.

"He's being a pain in the ass," Logan said, opening the beer.

Stealth whirled around, looked at Scott, and began moving his hands slowly and deliberately. Logan watched the gestures and snorted. "I don't think Scott really appreciates a hunting curse. Last time I checked, he didn't hunt."

"You knew what he was saying?" Scott asked.

Logan nodded. "Native American sign language," he said, calmly. "Very old dialect, if I remember correctly. Not familiar with the tribe, but a lot of the sign language was pretty close from group to group. I'd say from the northern regions too."

"He doesn't look Native American," Scott said, studying him.

"Might have been adopted by them," Logan said. "Or hung out with them."

Stealth nodded, standing up straight. He raised his index finger, indicating Logan's first choice was correct. He stepped away from the refrigerator, closing the door.

Logan nodded. "Good job. Close the door and leave the cold air inside."

Stealth shrugged and started to leave the room. Logan caught him before he could, taking his arm. "I think you've done enough wandering for one day, Stealthwalker. Why don't you just stay in one place so when Hank is done he can find you easier?"

Stealth shrugged, but did not go further.

"Thanks," Scott said, looking relieved.

Stealth glared at him, eyes narrowing. His hands raised and he moved them slowly, deliberately.

"Did you understand what he said?" Scott asked.

"He said he didn't do it for you," Logan said. "I don't think he likes you very much, Scott."

Stealth shrugged as if to say he was actually rather indifferent to Scott. He took Logan's hand, raised it to his nose, and started sniffing. Logan pulled it away. "What are you doing?"

Stealth licked his lips, staring at Logan.

"Yeah? Well, sorry pal, I ain't gonna be lunch for no bloodsucker."

Stealth snapped his fingers, looking disappointed.

Scott sighed and began putting the items Stealth had thrown back into the refrigerator. "Can you talk to him? I mean, enough so we can ask him some questions?"

Stealth whirled around and stared at Scott, his eyes flashing to red.

"He's a guest, not a prisoner," Logan said. "He came here to get some help for his friend."

"I didn't say we should interrogate him," Scott said, rolling his eyes. "I just thought maybe he could give us some more detail about what happened to Rhiannon. Information Hank might want to know, later."

Stealth's eyes reverted to their normal brown state and he relaxed, slightly. He turned to Logan and began moving his hands.

"A lot of this stuff I've forgotten," Logan admitted. "It's been a long time since I've ever used it, and like I said, I'm not familiar with his dialect. But, I think he just said he found her passed out." He watched, noting Stealth nodding as his hands continued to move, slowly and deliberately. "He says she's been despondent since the Remy incident and it's only been getting worse."

"Why am I not surprised?" Scott said, trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.

"He says he's never seen anything like this before. As far as he knows, Rhiannon has never gotten sick since she changed." Logan said.

"She's not sick... not exactly, that is," Jean said, coming into the kitchen.

The three men turned to look at her. "Do you know something?" Scott asked, going over to her.

Jean nodded. "Hank's in the lab with Rhiannon. She's awake now. He's giving her a blood transfusion."

"Transfusion?" Logan asked, puzzled.

Jean nodded. "It's helping too. She doesn't look as bad."

"Is she going to be all right?" Logan asked.

"I don't know," Jean said honestly. "I'm not a doctor. But I do know why she passed out... and why she's been so lethargic lately. I can't read her mind easily, but I can get some impressions."

"She's depressed, isn't she?" Logan asked.

"Yes, also, whatever hormones she has are playing havoc with her," Jean said, looking from one face to another, seeing if they would guess.

Stealth's brows furrowed. He raised his hands, then lowered them, realizing that Jean probably wouldn't understand him.

"What are you sayin' Jeannie?" Logan asked.

"Rhiannon's presence isn't the only one I found when I psi scanned her," Jean said. "There's another one."

"Remy?" Logan asked.

Jean shook her head. "No. None of you are looking at the obvious."

"Spell it out, Red," Logan said.

"Rhiannon is pregnant."

Stealth's eyes widened. He turned and ran from the room. Logan followed behind him.

Hank met up with Logan and Stealth in the small area outside of the lab. He had a feeling when Jean broke the news they would come running, and he wanted the chance to talk to them before they saw Rhiannon.

Stealth arrived first, a few seconds before Logan. He looked at Hank and started moving his hands frantically. Hank watched. "How can Rhiannon be pregnant?"

"She's only half vampire," Hank said calmly. "Her other half is still human."

"Then why didn't this happen before?"

"That's a very long story," Hank said, "and I'm afraid I still don't have all the answers."

By this point, Logan had caught up to them. "Let's cut to the chase, Hank. Can she carry this baby?"

"Another interesting question, one I wish I had a definite answer to." Hank sighed. "We're dealing with an unknown here. As far as you know, Stealthwalker, she's the first half vampire in existence, isn't she?"

Stealth nodded.

"Which therefore, makes her the first half vampire to ever get pregnant." Hank tried to look detached and clinical about the situation, but it was obvious it had him worried. "I have no idea how or even if her body can adapt to this condition."

"Does she even know she's pregnant?" Logan asked.

Hank shook his head. "I haven't told her yet. I thought that perhaps it would be better for her if a friend broke the news, considering the circumstances." He looked from one man to the other.

"Circumstances, meaning that the father of the baby has split to parts unknown to get his head together," Logan said, sighing.

Stealth's hands moved. Since the sign language Stealth was using now was a modern sign language, Hank translated what he was saying to Logan. "He can be located, if it comes down to that. Rhiannon could probably figure out where he is, if she tried hard enough, through the bond."

"We could find him too," Logan said. "We got stuff here t'track down mutants and Remy's signature is one Cerebro is very familiar with. However, I think we oughta talk t'Rhiannon before anything is decided. Look, Hank, based on what you know, do you think she can carry this baby at all? Or is it a lost cause?"

Hank frowned. "Well, the fact that she hasn't lost the child already weights heavy in her favor. But there are other factors I cannot determine until time progresses, such as if her body will even adapt to this. Vampires, unlike humans, don't change with age, the same way."

"Meaning you're wondering if she can expand?" Logan asked.

Hank nodded. "Can she carry a child to full term."

"Look, I just want to know if we should tell her this as possible good news, or bad news," Logan said.

"I can gather that you are volunteering then, to be the one to inform her?" Hank asked.

Logan nodded. "That is, if you don't mind, Stealth."

Stealth shook his head and moved his hands.

"Stealth has no objections, in fact, until Rhiannon's a bit more... stable, he thinks it might be best to avoid trying to speak to her at all," Hank translated. "Apparently, they can communicate telepathically, as it seems all vampires can, but Rhiannon has a harder time of it, due to her half vampire state."

"Great. Thanks for the info. But again, Hank, what do I tell her? Does she have a chance?" Logan was growing impatient.

"All I can say, is that we shall see as her pregnancy progresses," Hank said. "But if she is even to have a chance, she's going to have to make some drastic changes in her lifestyle. No more performing until after the baby is born, no strenuous physical activities at all. Actually, I would like to see her spending as much time resting as she can, and I want her to stay here."

Stealth's eyes narrowed and he shook his head violently. "She is not welcome here. I will not have her in a place where everyone will judge her harshly!"

"Stealth, no one will judge her," Hank said simply. "I will not allow it. I want her to stay here so I can monitor her constantly, so I can be here if there are any problems. I know you watch over her and protect her, but unfortunately, you can't do that during the daylight. Not to mention, we have superior medical facilities in here, facilities which could very well mean the difference in whether or not this child will live." He looked at Logan. "Providing... she wants this baby."

Logan looked at Hank. "You might not have been around for the Rhiannon years, much, but I'm sure you read her profile. What do you think?"

Hank nodded. "Let's just hope she's willing to cooperate completely."

Stealth was still frowning. "Don't worry, kid," Logan said. "She won't come to any harm while she's here. I'll make sure of that. And you can visit her anytime you want."

Stealth sighed, indicating while he was not too happy with this turn of events; he would go along with it for Rhiannon's sake. Crossing his arms over his chest, he turned away from the two men, staring down at the floor.

Logan looked at Hank. "Can I talk to her now?" When Hank nodded, he looked over at Stealth. "Don't run off, kid. She might wanna see you when I'm done."

When Logan walked inside the Medlab, Hank walked over to Stealth. "I promise you, I will do whatever is in my power to make certain that Rhiannon and her child will be fine."

Stealth turned around and looked at him, red tinged tears sliding down his pale face. As he raised his hands to "speak" his hands trembled. "She is the closest thing to a childe I have. And, she's my friend." Please, if it comes down to a choice between her and the child, let Rhiannon live!"

"Hey, Little Star."

Rhiannon looked over and smile softly. "Hello, Logan."

He came over and stood next to her, looking down at her. Yes, she was awake, but she still did not look good. There were dark circles under her eyes and she looked listless, as if she felt she had nothing to live for anymore, and was simply waiting to die. Maybe we can change that, he thought. "You just can't go anywhere without causing a commotion, can you?"

She chuckled. "That's me, Rhiannon Lestan, major pain in the ass."

"Nah, not a pain in the ass, just a bit melodramatic at times." Logan grinned, pulling up a chair and sitting down next to the Bio-bed. "How's the cocktail?" he asked, pointing to the blood bag that dripped into her arm.

She looked at it, shrugged, and looked back at him. "I prefer getting it from a live vessel and drinking it myself, but I guess McCoy has his reasons for doing it this way."

"Well, it seems to be helping," Logan said. "Do you feel better?"

"A bit. This doesn't do much for the hunger, though." She looked away, her gaze drifting to the ceiling. "Can I go home now?"

"Uhm... I hate to be the one t'break the bad news t'ya kiddo, but this is home for you. For awhile at least."

She turned her head to look at him, eyes wide. "No. No way. I'm not staying here."

"Yes you are," Logan said. "And you'll do it happily and willingly."

"I'd rather die that stay here!" she protested.

"How about your baby? Would you rather he or she die?"

She stared at him, hearing the words, but not understanding them. "What?"

"Your baby," Logan said calmly, looking at her. "Part o'the reason why you fainted is cause you're pregnant." He reached over and placed his hand on her stomach; over the thin hospital gown she wore. "You're carryin' a little Cajun. Hope ya know how t'make gumbo."

"No," she whispered, shaking her head. "I can't be." Tears started forming at the corners of her eyes. "Whatever tests Hank did to determine this, they're wrong. I'm half dead."

"But you're half alive too," Logan pointed out. "It wasn't just a test, Jean did a mindscan and sensed your baby. It isn't a joke; it isn't a mistake. You're pregnant."

The tears at the corners of her eyes broke free and started rolling down her face. "Logan, I-I don't think I can carry a baby."

"I ain't gonna lie t'ya, darlin', Hank's more'n a little worried about you. But, that don't mean all is lost. He's gonna do whatever he can t'make sure this baby is gonna be okay."

"Hank thinks there's even a chance?" she whispered. The tears stopped and she looked at him, disbelief coming over her face, as if she wanted to hope, but did not quite dare.

"Yes, he does," Logan said. "But some o'that is gonna depend on you. Are you willing t'stay here where Hank can keep an eye on ya? Are ya willing t'do what he says, get lots of rest, give up yer singing for awhile?"

She nodded, eyes widening. "Logan, I'll do anything. I lost my first child, I thought I could never have another."

He smiled. "Well, we'll do whatever we can to make sure ya don't lose this one." He took the hand of the arm that did not have the IV in it, his fingers curling around it. "If you're willing to cooperate. Are you?"

She nodded, gripping his hand tightly. "Logan-this is something I thought would never happen. And-and part of me doesn't believe it's real."

He smiled. This news was having a positive affect on her. She still had the circles under her eyes, still looked tired, but there was a light coming to her eyes. The death wish was gone; she had something, someone to live for, her child. "It's real, darlin'. So, are ya willing t'stay here, now? You won't be a prisoner; you'll be a guest. Yer friend, Stealth can visit ya, I don't think we could stop him either way."

She nodded. "I-I'll stay, but are you sure it's going to be all right? I mean... there are people here who..."

"Bobby?"

She nodded.

"We'll work it out with Bobby," Logan said. "I've been gettin' the feeling that he might remember more about you than we thought. Maybe it will do him good t'see you. Maybe it would do him good t'remember who you are."

"Maybe," she whispered. "Logan, I never meant to hurt him."

"I know you didn't, Star. You loved him."

"Wh-what about Scott?" she asked, swallowing.

"Uh, I don't think Scott's going to be a problem," Logan said carefully.

Her brows furrowed. "Why? He-he doesn't like me."

Uh, well, when Gumbo came home that day... he uh... well, apparently he picked up a few memories from your mind..."

Her eyes widened. "No," she whispered. "He didn't..."

"Afraid so, Star. He ended up telling everyone, rather loudly, that you and Scott, uh..."

The color began draining from her face again. "Oh, shit."

"That's one way o'putting it."

"Does- does his wife know?"

"Darlin' everyone in the whole mansion knows," Logan admitted. "Remy lost it for a moment, tried t'attack Scott, screaming that Scott had... uh.... "

"Fucked me," Rhiannon finished. "Were those the words?"

"Yeah."

She sighed. "I can't do anything right. Those are memories I did not want him seeing."

"Maybe it's time the truth came out," Logan said softly. "I always suspected there was a little more with you an' Scott than met the eye."

"It's-it's not what you think," she said softly. "It was one of those things, you know? One thing led to another and, well... I dunno. I guess I thought I could make him feel better or something."

"Are you sayin' you seduced him?" Logan asked.

She shrugged. "I made the first move. Okay, it was a dumb thing to do, but Logan, I'm a master at doing dumb things. I-I just found him crying and... well, I just thought maybe if he could be with someone else, he'd...he'd realize that he could still go on. I mean, I didn't think I could diminish or replace Jean in his eyes, and I didn't want to either. I just thought I could get him over it a bit. You know, one of those, the-memories- are - nice -and -I'll -always -treasure -them, -but -it's -time -I started -living -my -life kind of things. And, since he already thought I had the morals of an alley cat, I figured he could handle it, later. You know what I mean?"

"I think I do," Logan said. "Problem was that he couldn't, obviously. Do you really feel that's why he plotted to get rid of you?"

"I don't know," she said. "I think it might have been that combined with a lot of other things. Things that are mostly my fault, I suppose. I-I suppose I should talk to him about it, get it out in the open and deal with it."

"Well, you'll have plenty of time while you're here, if ya wanna give it a shot." Logan said.

"Yeah, but will he be willing to talk to me?" She made a face. "I'm not on his top ten list of favorite people."

"I have a funny feeling Scott will be more'n happy t'clear the air with you," Logan said. "There are so many shadows surroundin' you an' him right now. People here are wondering what the hell happened, but it's somethin' you just can't bring up. Scott ain't stupid. He'll realize that the only way t'put this aside is t'deal with it and go on."

"I guess." She did not look too hopeful thought.

"But Scott ain't even the real issue here," Logan said. "We got a bigger problem."

"What's that?"

"We gotta find Gumbo and let him know."

"No!" She sat up, shaking her head, looking at him. "Logan, you are not to tell him. No one here is to tell him I'm pregnant. You have to promise that!"

"Star, he has the right t'know!" Logan said.

She continued shaking her head, her eyes wide with panic. "Please, Logan, no!"

"But this is his baby too, isn't it?"

She nodded. "Yes, of course it is. And trust me, I'm not planning on keeping this a secret from him forever, but I don't want you to go after him. Not now."

"Why?"

"Because-Because..." The tears started falling down her cheeks again, staining them with faint pink tracks. "Because I want to see if he'll come back to me of his own free will. I swear if he doesn't return by the time the baby is born, we'll find him and tell him. But if you find him now and he comes back, I'll always wonder if it was really because of me or just for the sake of the child. Please, can't you give me this?"

Logan hesitated. She was right, if Remy found out now that she was pregnant; he would come back immediately. He might be mad at Rhiannon, and perhaps he had his reasons, but he was not a cold hearted bastard. He would return for the sake of the child. He could see where Rhiannon would always wonder. Wherever you are, Gumbo, I hope you make the right decision, he thought. Slowly, he nodded to Rhiannon. "All right, darlin'. We'll play by your rules for now."

Her fingers tightened around his. "Thank you, Logan."

The end for now..