Title: Heaven sent 4

Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)

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

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Heaven sent

By Morgana

 

Chapter Fourteen

Mentally exhausted, Warren drops onto his bed and listens to Bobby's soft hypnotic voice. He's glad dinner is over. Scott and Jean were perfectly polite, but Jean's eyes revealed worry. //Is it that obvious?// he wonders intrigued. He thought he was hiding it pretty good!
"You're gonna call Bets?" Bobby sits down on the bed and falls backwards, next to Warren. "I can call the restaurant and book a table for the two of you."
//Why am I stalling?// Warren nods his head. "Yes, give me the phone. I will call her right now."
Bobby doubts this is a good idea. He never liked Bets and is secretly relieved to hear that they've broken up. He made sure that Warren never noticed his dislike, always acting casually around Betsy, but after she gained the shadow walking ability he really avoided her.
"You want some privacy?" Bobby asks, ready to leave the room.
"No, this will only take a moment." Warren dials Betsy's phone number.
Feeling uncomfortable Bobby stares at the ceiling, creating small ice figures with his fingertips. "Look it's a bunny!" he says and grins at Warren.
Warren shakes his head. "Doesn't even come close to a bunny!"
Bobby pretends being hurt, but is already busy creating another small sculpture. "Maybe she can't come to the phone?" Bobby suggests after a while. Why is Warren this determined to get Bets back? As far as he's concerned his friend is a lot better off without Miss Arrogance!
Warren is about to give up when Betsy unexpectedly answers the call. "Bets? It's me, Warren?" Suddenly, he grows quiet, hearing soft panting in the background. "Am I interrupting your workout?"
"Warren?" Betsy says annoyed. "Do the X-Men need help?"
"No," Warren replies thoughtfully. Betsy's talking and he can still hear the panting. "I'm in Westchester and Bobby told me that you'll arrive here tomorrow too, so I thought maybe we can go out and have dinner?"
"Why didn't you change your phone number?" a female voice hisses through the line.
Warren grows rigid. "Bets? Who's there with you?"
"Warren, I don't owe you an explanation! We're no longer together! It's time you move on and stop calling me. I've got my own life to get back on tracks. Take Bobby for a flight or something!"
Her sharp tone is a surprise and Warren doesn't really know what to say. Bobby's staring at him, probably picking words up, as Bets is talking loudly. "Bets, it doesn't have to be this way. Please! Let's have dinner and talk things over? I really need you!"
An amused laugh rings through the phone. "But I don't need you, Warren. Can't you get that into your thick skull?" Bets pauses briefly. "You're no longer the man I fell in love with, Warren. You've changed and I don't like the loser you've become, always complaining about what Apocalypse did to you. Don't you understand? I need someone who goes all the way, stops at nothing and you? you're just a big kid! Like Drake? no wonder the two of you get along that great!"
Dumbfounded, Warren opens his mouth to defend Bobby, but Bets already hung up on him. Bets got more vicious towards the end of their relationship, but this outburst is unexpected.
"Hey buddy," Bobby sits up and wonders if Warren will accept his comfort. Probably not. "You gonna tell me what this is all about?"
Warren flings the phone onto the bed, jumps to his feet and paces the room. "She doesn't want me?"
"Warren, Betsy doesn't need anyone. You've got to face that." Bobby sits cross-legged and studies his friend. "But is this really about Bets? You didn't try very hard to convince her."
That halts Warren in his tracks. Turning around he looks straight into Bobby's compassionate eyes. Suddenly, he knows why he's here. "Can we talk, Bobby? I don't want anyone else to know, just you. You've got to promise me that this will remain between the two of us!"
Eagerly, Bobby nods his head. "I'm your friend, Warren. You know that. I won't betray your trust. C'mon, sit down and tell uncle Bobby what's eating you!" Bobby pats the space next to him and waits for Warren to make his decision.
Reluctantly, Warren sits down. He doesn't know how to start. "Remember when I asked you if you were gay?"
"Yeah," Bobby grins. "I just got back from this terribly date with Glenda and felt quite miserable because I couldn't get it up?"
"Bobby!" Warren exclaims with a smug grin. "I don't need to know all details."
"Sorry, but it made you laugh, didn't it?" Bobby observes the nervousness in Warren's expression and doesn't feel that confident any longer. Shit, is this about him being gay? Didn't Warren accept that?
"Yes, it did," Warren admits in a guilty tone. "How did you know that you liked men?"
Bobby's eyes grow big. What kinda question is that? "Warren?"
"Just tell me!" Warren shifts on the bed until his back rests against the headboard. Asking Bobby such questions feels like infringing on his friend's privacy, but Bobby is the only one he can trust. The only one who can understand his doubts.
"Okay," Bobby whispers reluctantly. "Every time I was with a girl I wanted to be with a man. I wondered what it felt like to feel a man's firm body underneath my fingertips and that thought aroused me. You know that.
My dates with girls never worked out, because they don't turn me on. I even started to collect Playgirl, to look at the pics?" A smile brightens his face. "And you found those mags? and you made me talk about my feelings? Why you wanna know all this?" Bobby moves closer to Warren until they're sitting next to each other. "You helped me admit this to myself. You know that I was living a lie."
Warren crosses his arms, uncertain what to tell Bobby and what to keep a secret. "There is this man," he says eventually and hears Bobby's sharp intake of breath. "I can't get him out of my head."
"A man?" Bobby says thoughtfully. "That's it? You're in love with a man? And it's freaking you out?" Yeah, that would certainly explain Warren's odd behavior. "And now you're trying hard to convince yourself that you still love Bets and that you can't possibly have feelings for a guy?"
Stubbornly, Warren nods his head. Every time he closes his eyes, he sees red on black ones, looking up at him pleadingly, filled with love and unspoken promises.
"Warren," Bobby cocks his head and locks eyes with him. "I'm gonna give you the same speech you gave me about a year ago. It's okay to feel this way. You're not doing anything forbidden because you're in love with a man and God won't strike you down for it. If it's about love, don't fight it. True love is so damn rare, don't you dare throw it away."
"You don't understand, Bobby." Warren licks his lips, desperately wanting to flee those eyes, but Bobby won't let go. "My dad always told me how important it is to find the right lady and eventually settle down and have kids. I need someone to follow in my footsteps, to lead the Worthington Empire."
"I see," Bobby mumbles. "You feel like you're betraying your dad. Warren, you're father is dead. You can't live his dreams or ideals. You've got to be happy with your life."
"But I can't accept this," Warren objects. "It goes against nature!"
"Thanks!" Bobby exclaims exasperated. "I'm not going to hold that against you, as you're obviously confused as hell, but Warren? Damn! I don't understand why it's okay for me to date a man and you?"
"Bobby, I never thought I could be bi! I loved women my entire life. I can't imagine being with a man! Just thinking about anal intercourse makes me sick!"
This time Bobby bursts out laughing. "Man, you're totally screwed up. Do you really think that all two men do, is fuck?"
"I don't know," Warren whimpers softly. "Can't believe we're really having this conversation!"
Bobby slaps his knees, still too amused to take Warren's last admission too seriously. "A lot of guys don't have intercourse because it hurts too much. Warren, there's a lot more to a gay relationship than fucking a man! And there are certainly other ways to reach orgasm? Geeze, Warren!"
"I don't know what to do with these feelings, Bobby," Warren admits shaken.
Growing serious again, Bobby smiles reassuringly. "You're in love with this guy?"
"I think so? Can't forget about him. When I close my eyes, he's there? even had an erotic dream about him." Warren sighs deeply. "With a woman it's easy. You know what you're supposed to do, what she expects from the relationship but?"
"Yeah, that can be frightening," Bobby admits. "In a relationship between two men you've got to discover the rules yourself. There are no role models. You've got to make things work through commitment and understanding. That demands a lot of dedication? does that scare you?"
"Suppose so." Warren now feels totally clueless.
"And this man? does he feel the same way about you?" Bobby is getting curious. Who is the mystery man who turned Warren -MR super heterosexual- on? He knows for sure that Warren never considered falling in love with a man. //Must have turned his world upside down.//
"I think so?" Warren remembers the expression in Remy's eyes, his plea to stay a little longer.
"And you haven't told him yet how you feel about him?" Bobby nods his head. Trust Warren to turn this into a total mess!
"No? Bobby, can I ask you something personal?"
"We've talking about personal matters the entire time!" Bobby teasingly points out to him. "Go ahead."
"You think I should give this a try?" Warren briefly avoids Bobby's eyes, which sparkle with mischief. They remind him too much of Remy's.
"A try?" Bobby says disapprovingly. "No, don't give it a try. Commit yourself to him or walk away from this. This isn't a game, Warren. You will hurt his feelings. Don't play with him."
"I need to think about this," Warren sighs.
"Okay," Bobby knows what his friend is going through. Warren needs time to accept this. "I'm going to the grocery store to get some Twinkies? Wanna tag along?"
"Sure, why not? maybe we will run into your mystery man."

New Orleans
"Remy, you need to eat something!" Jean-Luc sighs disencouraged. "You didn't eat dinner or breakfast, please do it for your poppa?"
Logan watches the exchange intensely. Remy's behavior worries him as well. During the 6 hours that he sat with the young Cajun nightmares disturbed his dreams. In his sleep Remy beseeched him to take away the cold and the dark eyes glaring at him from the tunnels. The pleading stopped when he took Remy into his arms and Jean-Luc found them like that.
"Yeah, kid, ya need to eat." It will take Remy a long time to recover and he isn't sure the kid got the strength or will power left to fight. He doesn't know the Cajun like this. Remy ain't a quitter so what caused this change? Just the amnesia?
Judging from Jean-Luc's hints something else happened, something that has to do with Worthington. The patriarch seemed very disappointed that Warren left so quickly. Warren? Wings sounded distressed at the phone, almost in a panic?
"Maybe he just wants us to stop naggin'?" Logan says affectionately and pats Remy's cold hand. "Do ya want some privacy, kid?"
"Oui," Remy stutters, relieved that the meds are losing their effect. At least now he can think a little clearer.
"Remember your promise, Remy. Stay in bed! We'll move to de den and leave de doors open. I can watch you from dere!" Jean-Luc strokes his son's hair out of his eyes. "I know you want me close in case you need me."
//He knows me so well!// Remy thinks thankfully. Oui, he wants to be alone, but also needs his poppa near. "Before you leave," he starts? "Did you hear from Warren?"
"Non, I am so sorry, petite," Jean-Luc leans in closer and caresses his son's brow. "Don't expect him to come back to you, my son."
Logan's eyes widen a little at hearing that. "You want Wings back? That's it? Why?"
Jean-Luc exchanges a glance with his son. Remy won't mind. "My son is in love with him."
Remy blushes hearing it phrased like that. "I know dat's foolish? Mais I can' deny de way I feel. You see, dis is de first time dat I know I really like someone in dat way. It's not his feelings dat make me t'ink like dat and my feelings?"
"Hold yer horses, kid. Slow down." Remy's babbling doesn't make much sense, but? "You do know Wings ain't interested in men?" He hates doing this to Remy, but it's best to confront this head on. "Ya will only end up hurt, bub."
"I already told Remy," Jean-Luc interrupts. "But he needs time to work through dis."

As they move into the den, Jean-Luc picks a seat that will allow him to keep an eye on his son. Doors open, he can see Remy lying in his bed. There's a smug grin on his son's face. "He's acting tough, but?"
"Bad choice to fall in love with Wings," Logan growls. "Didn't know Remy is bi." Sitting down opposite Jean-Luc he closely watches the man's body language. "Yer comfortable with that?" //Guess his answer will also tell me where we stand.//
"Bi, gay, heterosexual, dose are only words? futile attempts to classify passion." Jean-Luc glances at Remy, who picked up pen and paper and is writing. "It's a shame dat people don't see Remy for who he really is. He has so much to give and all he gets in return is pain."
Logan rises from his chair and pushes the door ajar so Remy can't watch them. Predatory, he sneaks up on Jean-Luc and places his hands on either side of the armrest. "And what about ya?" Jean-Luc's pupils dilate and a sharp expression appears in them. //I ain't the only predator in the room.// "Ya want this?" and leans in closer to roughly claim and bruise the Cajun's lips. "Lemme in?"
Jean-Luc brings up one arm and quickly wraps it around Logan's throat, almost cutting off his air supply. "Sit down!"
But Logan doesn't move and gives Jean-Luc a dirty grin. "Wanna fight?" Yeah, he figured out Jean-Luc LeBeau.
"Mebbe," he admits. "But let me make dis clear. I won't allow dis attraction to hurt Remy."
"Stop worryin' about the kid. Remy's a lot stronger than you give him credit for." Logan twists Jean-Luc arm and is now in control. "We're both adults and we know what this is about."
"Lust," Jean-Luc agrees. With a quick move, he frees his arm and grabs Logan's neck. "Dis isn't for forever."
"Yeah, I know that." Logan eyes him appreciately. "We're both old enough to realize that, Cajun."
Jean-Luc releases the Canadian and twists away from him as he rises from his chair. "Come to my room later dis eve. I want to sit with Remy first."
"Anything ya want me to bring 'long?" Logan says wickedly. "Like hand cuffs or?"
Jean-Luc laughs amused. "I'm sure we'll find a way to pass de time. And make sure no one sees you!"
Logan leans against the wall. "Wasn't wrong about ya after all!" he mumbles pleased once Jean-Luc has left the room. Damn! It's been too long since he found someone who could stand up to him. Jean-Luc won't take any crap from him and will probably want to dominate the relationship.
"Well, he's used to bein' in charge? he might be in for a surprise though!" he quips privately.

"What are you doing, Remy?" Jean-Luc stops himself from peeking at his son's writing. Color has returned to the young man's face, but he still looks too fragile. Worried, Jean-Luc straddles a chair.
"Writin'," he replies with a sigh. "Remembered somethin' new today," he admits shakily.
Instinctively, Jean-Luc knows it's something that causes Remy pain. "What is it, son?"
"My fight with Julien? you exiled me from N'arlings? I made a mistake comin' back here." His eyes lock with his father's. "Never wanted to kill him."
"I know dat, son." Jean-Luc takes hold of Remy's left hand and rubs it soothingly. "I should never have exiled you, Remy. My mistake."
"When I remembered dat," Remy starts in a trembling tone, "I felt lost. You're all I have, poppa. I don' want to leave N'Arlings. I feel safe here." He knows Jean-Luc didn't have a choice and had to banish him from New Orleans, but?
"I can' stay here much longer, oui?" He doesn't know where to go, whom to turn to. Warren could have taken him away from here. He would have allowed Angel to take control of their situation, but Warren left.
"Non!" Jean-Luc explodes. "You'll stay here as long as necessary for you to heal! Damn de assassins and de thieves! I will defy dem!"
"Poppa, don'? I ain' worth it," Remy whispers softly. "Know how important de Guild is to you."
"It's my curse," Jean-Luc corrects him, "and you're my blessing." Unshed tears show in his son's eyes and he feels like a coward. Maybe he should step down as patriarch!
"Can I read it?" Jean-Luc asks hesitantly and points at the paper.
"It ain' finished," Remy whispers. "And it's my first poem? You can read it when I've finished?"
"Hey, got something to eat for you, kid and trust me, you're gonna eat it!" Logan strides into the room, carrying a tray.
The interruption briefly annoys Jean-Luc, but he quickly realizes that Logan is acting out of concern for Remy. "What did you bring?"
"Pizza! Cajun used to steal my slices when I wasn't lookin'!" he says teasingly and puts the tray on the bed next to Remy. "Just a few bites, Gumbo. It has extra cheese!"
Remy stares at both men and realizes he won't get away with being stubborn. They will find a way to make him comply and secretly, he loves them for it. He needs someone to kick his ass, as he's too damn eager to give up. "Just a few bites den."
Pleased, Logan gives Jean-Luc a wink. "Yer not the only one who knows how to play him!"

An hour later, Jean-Luc manages to convince Remy to take the sleeping meds. "I'll be close," he promises. "You're safe here, Remy. Or do you want me to sit with you through de night?" He will cancel his 'date' with Logan if Remy needs him. Logan would accept that decision without making a fuss about it, as he knows how important Remy is to him.
"Poppa? You need sleep too," Remy says with some of his old mischief in his voice. The sleeping meds are already luring him asleep, but there is one more thing he wants to say, "Je t'aime, poppa."
Saddened and ashamed, Jean-Luc shakes his head as Remy falls asleep. "Don' deserve your love, Remy. Not after de hurt I caused you."

Westchester
As they walk into the grocery store, Bobby's eyes immediately search the place. His heart misses a beat when he finds the subject of his desire behind the counter. "Geeze, he works here?"
Warren can't help but smile. "That's the guy?"
"Yeah," Bobby sighs blissfully. Only then he realizes what his secret love might think, seeing him in here with Warren. "Warren!" he yelps and shoes him away. "Pretend you don't know me!"
Warren's laugh turns into a grin. "You're scared he thinks we're together?"
"Yes!" Bobby exclaims helplessly, as his love glances in his direction. "Please, Warren! This is my chance. I'll get the Twinkies?"
"And pay for them!" Warren quips. "Let me guess, you want me to wait in the car?"
"Would you do that for me? Pretty please?" He's not too proud to beg!
Warren's tempted to give in, but his curiosity wins. "Will see you in the car? later?," he quips and marches towards the counter.
"Don't!" Bobby whispers helplessly. "You're gonna ruin everything!"
But Warren pretends he's reading a magazine and watches Bobby's hesitantly approach. He really wants to know how Bobby is going to handle this!
It's a pity that he can't hear them talk, but Bobby obviously manages to raise the dark haired man's interest. //Well, man? young man? he can't be much older than Bobby.//
As Bobby pays for the Twinkies, Warren clearly notices that their hands touch a little longer than strict necessary when handling the money. He puts the magazine away and follows Bobby out of the store. "Looks like you might get lucky," he quips teasingly and slides onto his seat. "What did you talk about?"
Bobby sits next to him with a stupid grin on his face. "Hey, Bobby? Earth calling Bobby?" He waves his hand in front of his friend's face and that seems to bring Bobby out of his trance.
"We're gonna have coffee together tomorrow."
"That's it? By the way you were grinning I thought?" Yeah, what did he think? That Bobby was going to jump the guy? Slowly, he's starting to understand his mistake. "Bobby?"
Seeing dawning realization on Warren's face Bobby nods his head encouragingly. "Yeah?"
"It's not about sex, isn't it?"
"You're learning!" Bobby praises him teasingly. "I want to get to know him, not screw him! Well, maybe later down the road," he adds with a grin on his face. "Do you already know what you're going to do about your love?" he inquires as he starts the car. His secret love, no longer really secret, waves and Bobby waves back. "Coffee at 1800," he says nervously. "Maybe we can catch a movie later?"
"My love?" Warren repeats puzzled. "My love?"
"You still didn't tell me his name," Bobby points out to him, biting into a Twinkie. "His name is Nicolas," he informs Warren, whose flabbergasted expression makes him laugh. "The guy behind the counter? Remember him?"
Warren smiles weakly and remembers Bobby's question. Yes, what is he going to do about his love? Remy LeBeau? thief of hearts? "Bobby? Hope you don't think I am bailing out on you, but I've got to leave tomorrow morning."
"You made your decision? You're going back to tell him?" Fascinated by this development Bobby devours another Twinkie. As he offers Warren one, his friend declines. "Are you getting lovesick as well?"
"Actually, I feel like a bastard? ran out on him when he needed me," Warren confesses in an unguarded moment. "He got injured as well."
Bobby digests the news? and another Twinkie. "I will drive you after breakfast. Warren? Promise me one thing?"
Curiously, Warren nods his head. "And what's that?"
"Don't bolt at the first sight of trouble in this relationship? I know you, Warren. Make this commitment or?"
"I'm ready to commit to him? I think," Warren whispers nervously. "But I'm not sure he will forgive me for running away like that."
"There's only one way to find out, Warren. Tell him. Tell him that you love him." Bobby smiles relieved. "And don't jump him!"
"Drake!" Warren exclaims and jokingly, elbows his friend in the side. "Thanks?" he whispers in a more serious tone.
"You're welcome, big guy? now, can I have your credit card to go shopping?"
"Don't push it," Warren warns him. "I'll put a limit on it!" Feeling relieved and liberated, he leans into the seat and watches the stars that brighten the evening sky.
//Tomorrow, I'll go back to New Orleans? and ask Remy if he still wants me.// Part of him can't believe he made that decision. //Yes, maybe I can love you, Remy.//

 

Chapter Fifteen

New Orleans
Jean-Luc sighs blissfully, as warm beams of water cascade down his body. The shower drains all tension from his body; tension that started to build the minute he heard that Remy had returned to New Orleans.
"When will it stop?" He bows his head in defeat. The warm water drips from his head onto his shoulder and quickly makes its way down the rest of his body. "Why can't you leave him alone?" The Antiquary is once more haunting Remy and it angers him. "I should never have carried out de order to steal de baby?" But he had obeyed and handed a helpless baby over to the Antiquary.
He wishes that he can stop thinking about his son's pain and his own guilt for just the briefest moment, to just let go. But that's a luxury he can't afford, being the patriarch of the thieves' Guild! If only his power and influence had been this strong 24 years ago, then he could have defied the Antiquary. But back then his hands had been tied.
Noise coming from his bedroom breaks his musings. Someone just entered his private rooms! Listening to the footfalls he quickly realizes that it isn't Remy. Who else would venture in here??
"Yer 'round, Cajun?" Logan already knows the answer, but considers it only good manners to let Jean-Luc know he arrived. "So, yer in the shower?" he asks with a dirty smile on his face. //Might as well join him!//
Jean-Luc grins through several droplets of water, which slide down his face. "You're early!" But this is what he needs. He needs this diversion, this attraction. Needs to let go and just focus on someone else for a short while. It will help him concentrate on Remy's problems later if he has an outlet for his own frustrations and emotions!
Logan's grin grows diabolical as he slips out of his shirt and jeans. //Cajun's in for a surprise!// He recalls the fragrance of Jean-Luc's spicy cologne and his body reacts subconsciously to the scent. His cock is already semi-erect, but starts to throb when he thinks of the deliciously vicious things he can do to Jean-Luc.
Jean-Luc isn't surprised when the cabin door opens. He already expected Logan to join him. "We're too old for modesty," he whispers softly and catches glimpses of Logan's naked body. The man is even more muscular than he originally thought! He loves the refined muscle tone. Logan's is a little shorter, but he will never make the mistake of underestimating the Canadian. "Getting impatient?"
"Yeah," Logan mumbles and cocks his head to take in Jean-Luc's well-trained body. No chest hair, but he raises an eyebrow at the sight of the Cajun's impressive cock. "It's been a while?" he asks teasingly. It boosts his self-esteem, knowing that he can turn this man on by mere sight.
Jean-Luc returns the grin. "Are you going to close dat door? It's getting chilly in here!" Temptingly, he turns his back on Logan and continues to wash his hair. He will let Logan make the first move.
"Ya got a sweet ass, Cajun!" Unable to resist any longer, Logan takes a step closer and curls his fingers around his cock, luxuriously stroking himself. He plans on coming once before burying himself in that warm body, that way he will last longer!
"Not letting you near my ass!" Jean-Luc whispers seductively.
"We'll see, Cajun!" Accepting the challenge Logan lunges forward, eager to spoon himself into the body in front of him. Surprised, he freezes when Jean-Luc lets him. "What? Ya no longer interested in fightin'?" But damn! That tight ass is now pushing against his groin and he can hardly stop himself from guiding his cock into the Cajun's body.
Jean-Luc chuckles. It's an old tactic to lure your 'opponent' in to safety first. He refrains from talking, as he needs his entire concentration.
Logan's breath catches as the Cajun seems to go down onto his knees, but then Jean-Luc swirls around, grabbing his left wrist in a tight lock. The Cajun completes his move and suddenly, their roles are reversed. A hard cock teases against his ass.
Jean-Luc's dirty grin speaks of admiration. "You're perfect?" It's the first time that he met someone who is his equal in strength and cunning. One mistake and Logan will try to take charge of the situation. The hint of danger arouses him even more. "Will try to be careful," he whispers into the Canadian's ear, "but as you said, it's been a while."
Logan hisses his frustration as the Cajun pushes his face into the tiles. He tries to break free from the wristlock, but moving about only increases the discomfort. "No way yer gonna fuck me!"
Jean-Luc growls deeply. "You are used to being in charge, non? Just like me? But dis time you're not going to win. Oui, try and struggle, it will only make it more difficult for you to get out of dis lock." With his free hand he slaps Logan's buttocks hard.
Growling dangerously, Logan refuses to surrender just yet. "Wanna fuck ya!"
"Mebbe I will let you? later," Jean-Luc states and takes a deep breath. Using all his strength he pushes Logan's chest against the tiled wall. "Giving in so easily? What a disappointment!"
"Not ready with ya yet, Cajun!" Unexpectedly, he falls onto his knees, taking Jean-Luc with him. //Two can play this game!//
Jean-Luc allows himself to follow Logan down, never releasing the hold he has on the wrist. He can't help but admire the subtle play of muscles on Logan's back. But he's determined to claim the Canadian. He refuses to submit first.
"Damn!" Logan growls infuriated. His action didn't help much. Suddenly, Jean-Luc pulls his hair and the Cajun slams him face first into the cabin floor. All the while his cock is growing harder from arousal. Sex and violence? a deadly combination he wanted his entire life, but never found. He shivers as the Cajun straddles his lower back.
//Can't believe I'm lettin' him do this! Never let someone fuck me! I'm always the one doin' the takin' but this time?// He tries to throw Jean-Luc off, but fails. A quiver of anticipation moves through his body.
Jean-Luc senses the submission, but never releases the hold he has on the Canadian. Like a caged animal Logan will try to break free. "Did you bring de hand cuffs?" he asks teasingly. Leaning forward, he places his full weight on Logan, who's lying on the floor. Moaning his pleasure one hand trials down the muscular back. Sensually, he kneads Logan's firm buttocks.
"Be careful, Cajun. Haven't done this before," Logan tries hard not to sound embarrassed. The prospect of getting fucked scares and arouses the hell out of him at the same time. His cock is leaking precum and he manages to bring down one hand to stroke himself.
Nodding his head Jean-Luc looks around and finally grabs the hair conditioner. "Condom?"
"Forget 'bout it?" Logan mumbles lost as cold fingers slide down his cleft. His healing factor will take of that.
Jean-Luc pours some conditioner over his right hand and rubs his fingers. "You're ready for dis?"
"Doubt I will ever be ready for this! I'm gonna make ya pay!"
"Talk is cheap," Jean-Luc counters and parts the Canadian's buttocks. "What do you want? Hard and fast? Or a slow fuck?" Oh, how he missed talking dirty!
"Yer gettin' off on this?" Logan growls. His stomach contracts as one slithery finger teases against his virgin entrance. "Considerin' it's my first time? yo better not screw up!"
Jean-Luc sees through the pretence and slows down a little. "Just relax, Logan? it doesn't have to hurt."
"But we want it to hurt," Logan mocks him.
"Mebbe just a little?" Jean-Luc admits and looks down at the man underneath him. "Oui?" he asks, making sure he's got Logan's permission. As much as he enjoys their little fight he doesn't want to just take what he wants.
"Damn ya, Cajun, just fuck me so I can take my revenge on yer sweet ass!" He immediately regrets his boldness as a finger sharply pushes inside. A low, guttural growl escapes his lips. "And that's just one fuckin' finger!" he reminds himself.
"You'll get used to it," Jean-Luc quips and leans down to lick the sweat of Logan's back, probing deeper, as deep as he can go. His finger lightly strokes the prostrate and the Canadian bucks. "Easy," he whispers soothingly. "Dis is only de beginning!"
"Yer killing me!" Logan is infuriated that Jean-Luc hardly affords him any space. He can stroke his cock, but? damn! He needs more stimulation.
"I thought of just taking you unprepared?" Jean-Luc whispers into Logan's right ear, "But now dat you admitted to bein' a virgin?"
"Damn ya, just fuck me, Cajun!" Logan's eyes grow big as a second finger joins the first, stretching him just a little more. "Lemme fist myself!"
"Non," Jean-Luc decides. "Want you to suffer?" As he looks down, he forgets to breathe momentarily. The sight of his fingers, disappearing into the Canadian's body, is very powerful . He wants to take this man, half human, half animal and fuck him viciously. "Not yet?"
Pushing back of his own free will Logan tries to take in more of Jean-Luc's fingers. "Gimme me another one!"
"Three?" Jean-Luc whispers amused. "Why not four?"
He howls as the pain/pleasure melts into his mind. "Four?" he pants heavily. "Lemme get onto my knees?"
Jean-Luc considers the request. 'Oui," he decides and briefly withdraws his fingers to give his partner a chance to get onto his knees. Quickly, he coats his aching cock with conditioner and grabs Logan's hips. "It's going to be a slow fuck? hope you approve."
Head reeling, Logan's hardly able to respond. He pushes his hands into the floor and shivers as Jean-Luc spreads his legs a little further apart. "Can't take this much longer," he admits shakily. "Stop teasin' me!"
Satisfied with Logan's reaction Jean-Luc moves into position and guides his cock into Logan's entrance, which is hot and slippery. "Get ready," he warns his partner and then pushes inside.
"Shit!" Logan hisses in surprise. "Yer fuckin' huge, Cajun!" His knees tremble and he isn't sure he can go through with this. The pain is excruciating, but at the same time rapture builds in his stomach. "Just give me a sec to?"
"Non," Jean-Luc thrusts deeper, finally sheathing himself completely in Logan's hot body. Countless muscles contract around his cock and briefly he fears cumming right there and then. "Breathe regularly!" he instructs.
Logan lowers himself onto his elbows, trying to find a more comfortable position, never expecting Jean-Luc to choose that moment to start thrusting.
"Mon Dieu!" he exclaims as he slides in even deeper. "You're good at this, Logan? Now, I am going to fill your ass with my cum?"
Infuriated, Logan tries to throw his rider off, but Jean-Luc punishes each attempt with a vicious thrust. Suddenly, black spots appear in front of his eyes, followed by a bright explosion as his partner's cock strokes his prostrate again. This time the feeling is so intense that he can't help pushing back.
Cold sweat covers his body, but he cocks his head to look at the Cajun kneeling behind him. Wild hair is flying and Jean-Luc's eyes turned dark. The sly smile is still there.
Reaching forward, he roughly grabs Logan's cock, which is heavy with unreleased cum. "Take it you like dis?" he says to infuriate Logan. "And your ass is just perfect."
"Old pervert!" Logan counters, but his eyes almost pop out of their sockets when Jean-Luc suddenly fists him wildly. "What are ya doin'?" he pants hard.
"Want you to cum first and feel you around me," Jean-Luc whispers into Logan's ear and then licks his collarbone. Logan's squirms deliriously. Pleased, Jean-Luc pistons out and into Logan's hot body, his balls slapping against sweaty skin. "Cum for me."
"Damn ya to hell, Cajun!" Logan screams as he suddenly releases his cum, shooting it onto the cabin floor, spilling it over Jean-Luc's hand. And damn, the Cajun continues to milk him until the last drop.
"Non? dis is heaven?" Jean-Luc groans as Logan's muscle clenches him. "Mon Dieu? you're mine!"
Logan can hardly comprehend what's happening when hot liquid fills him. Still hard, Jean-Luc continues to thrust and this time the sensation is unbearable. //Damn Cajun is cummin' inside me!// Disappointed, he notices that Jean-Luc's fingers slipped away from his cock.
"Dat was?" Jean-Luc covers Logan's body with his own, resting and panting his passion.
Logan goes down, as Jean-Luc presses him to the floor. //He's still inside me!// he suddenly realizes. He never expected this to turn him on, but he hasn't cum this hard since? //Can't remember?//
Looking down, Jean-Luc realizes he exhausted his partner. "Going to pull back now," he warns Logan.
"What? Damn!" That actually hurt? such sweet agony! Logan bites his lip.
"You got any idea how you look?" Jean-Luc says lovingly, stroking the man's back.
Logan doesn't bother with trying to get to his feet. First, he wants to savor this feeling. Jean-Luc's cum is dripping from his buttocks and he wonders? "What do I look like?"
"Like de sweetest fuck I had in 15 years?" Jean-Luc compliments him.
"HA!" Logan laughs warmly, trying to roll onto his back.
Jean-Luc wraps an arm around his waist and pulls him into a sitting position. "Just realized I haven't kissed you yet?" Logan's hooded eyes mirror his surprise. "What?"
"Don't turn romantic on me, Cajun!"
"But I am a romantic!" Jean-Luc exclaims amused.
"This is romantic?"
"Non, dis is pure lust, Logan," Jean-Luc corrects him, "But if you want de romantic treatment as well, dat can be arranged!" With one fast move he grabs Logan's head and pulls it closer.
Logan sighs as bruising lips suckle his, forcing his lips apart and exploring every inch of his mouth. //This is romantic? Guess I underestimated ya, Cajun!// He allows the invasion, but then grabs Jean-Luc shoulders and growls. "Just that ya know it, Cajun. Next time, I'm gonna fuck you."
"You can try, mon ami! But for now let's clean up. I want to look in on Remy, make sure he doesn't have any nightmares."
"I'll tag along? in a sec," Logan whispers, finally able to regulate his breathing.

After a quick shower, both men descend down the stairs. "What are ya gonna do about Remy? The kid told me once 'bout bein' exiled." The guilty expression in Jean-Luc's eyes makes him wonder. The revelation is sudden and unexpected. "Ya feel outa control, don't ya?" That's why Jean-Luc dominated their first sexual exchange. //Ya needed to feel in control!//
"In a certain way you're right," Jean-Luc admits and opens the door to Remy's room. The sleeping meds should be doing their work, supplying his son with undisturbed dreams. "I want to sit with him."
"I understand." Logan also straddles a chair. Only now he realizes how young Remy really looks. "But yer wrong, ya know?" Jean-Luc eyes him questioningly so he continues, "Kid's stronger than ya think."
"Non, he isn't," Jean-Luc objects. "But he will grow strong again." Tenderly, he takes hold of his son's hand. "Do you have children, Logan?"
An uncomfortable shiver runs down his spine. "Promised to look after one," he admits. "But I don't see her often."
"I love Remy and to me, he is my own flesh and blood." Protectively, he rubs the knuckles of Remy's hand. "And I failed him."
"Don't be too hard on yerself," Logan says after a moment's thought. "Ya can't change the past."
//Dat's where you are wrong, mon ami,// Jean-Luc thinks bitterly. //I brought dis fate upon him. If I had opposed de Antiquary dis would never have happened..//
"Poppa?"
Remy's voice tears at his soul. "Oui, I'm here, petite." The smile that surfaces on his son's face is heart wrenching.
"Stay?" In his state of half sleep he barely recognizes his poppa's voice.
"Oui, I will stay, Remy?"
"And so will I."
Jean-Luc gives Logan a thankful look. "Remy needs friends."
Irritated, Logan snaps, "And Wings ran out on him!"
"Suddenly finding yourself attracted to a man can be a scaring experience," Jean-Luc offers. "And I've got dis feeling dat Warren is still fighting himself."
Remy turns onto his right side, flinching when the ache in his side worsens. But the sound of familiar voices assures him that's okay to surrender to sleep. //Please? don'? let me? dream of? mon ange?// Being abandoned still hurts too much!

Westchester
Warren lazily stretches his body and flexes his wings. His injury hardly bothers him any more. Might have something to do with the fact that Jean checked on the wound last night. She said that it had healed nicely and he could do without the bandage. His wing had also recovered. //Thanks to Remy? He cleaned and bandaged the injury.//
His belly grumbles loudly, reminding him that's time for breakfast. As he slips into jeans and sweater, he muses about how well he slept after making the decision to head back to New Orleans. Bobby will drive him after breakfast and suddenly he feels nervous. Will Jean-Luc even allow him near Remy after the hurt he caused? He has to take that risk and face the patriarch.
"Warren? I'm hungry!" Bobby quips and bangs loudly on Warren's door. Hopefully his friend didn't change his mind overnight. He still doesn't know the identity of Warren's love, but it's obvious Warren cares a lot about this man. It would be a shame if Warren crawled back from commitment at this point.
"I hear you, Ice cube!" Warren replies and draws in a deep breath. Scott and Jean had been pleased to see him back at the mansion and now he has to tell them that he is leaving again. Bobby is right; he's away most of the time. It makes Bobby's friendship even more valuable, considering his tiny input into the friendship.
As he touches the doorknob, he yanks back his hand. Bobby froze it. "Drake!" //Maybe Bets is right too? maybe I'm a spoiled kid?//
The door opens and Bobby gives him a huge smile. "Let's grab a bite to eat and then I will drive you to the airport. That fine with you?"
"Yes." Warren closely observes his friend. "You're looking forward to your date this eve?"
Bobby turns quiet. "I hope I won't mess things up." What really worries him is how Nicholas will react when he finds out that he's dating a mutant.
Scott and Jean are already eating breakfast when they stroll into the room. "Morning." Scott looks at his team-mates, relieved to see that the dark, broody spell that devoured Warren yesterday has lifted. "Help yourselves to some bacon and eggs!"
"How's your wound? Is it still troubling you?" Jean asks mildly concerned.
"Feel like reborn!" Warren admits with a sparkling smile. //And all this because I made up my mind about Remy!// Briefly, he feels guilty for not telling them that the Cajun thief is still alive, but he wants Remy's permission first.
"Here," Bobby hands Warren his plate, already piled up with food. As they sit down, he studies Warren. //Yeah, he's going to follow through! Cool!//
Warren digs into the food now that his appetite is finally back. "I'm leaving later today," he announces, already anticipating Jean's protest. "I got some unfinished business to take care of."
"But you just got here!" Jean protests, but is distracted by Bobby's wink. "What?"
"He's in love!" Bobby explodes. "Let him go!"
"In love?" Scott smiles. "You and Bets are together again?"
"No," Warren says steadfast. "It's not Bets." Underneath the table he kicks Bobby's leg for telling on him.
In response, Bobby reaches down and freezes Warren's shoes.
"Stop that," Scott whispers exasperated. "You're too old to act like that."
"No, we're not," Warren and Bobby object simultaneously.
"Do we know the lady?" Jean inquires curiously. Considering the looks Bobby is giving her there's more to this story.
Suddenly, his heart pounds in his chest. It's time to come clean. Warren looks to Bobby for much needed emotional support. Bobby's sparkling eyes make it easier. "It's no lady. It's a man."
Warren just knows that underneath that visor Scott is arching an eyebrow. "A man? how?"
"Interesting," Jean supplies, saving her husband's ass. "So, do we know him?"
Now, Warren feels cornered. "I haven't told him yet, so? I want to keep this private a little longer."
Jean smiles warmly. "I understand, don't we, Scott?"
Scott is lost in thought. "What dear?"
"We understand!" Jean repeats and elbows him.
"Yes, we do," Scott says eventually. Hell, they accepted that Bobby is gay, so Warren is bi? //No big deal? I can handle it? I hope.//
"You're going to tell him later today? How romantic," Jean states in between bites and hardly resists snooping around in Warren's mind. But she doesn't, knowing she would be mad too if someone sneaked into her mind uninvited.
"So how are things around the mansion?" Warren asks after finishing breakfast. Leaning back into his chair he enjoys his first cup of coffee.
"Pretty quiet," Jean replies in an unexpected sad tone. "Too quiet."
Scott places his hand on hers, giving her an encouraging smile. "We all miss him."
Curiously, Warren shifts his look from Jean to Warren. "Miss who? Hank? The professor?"
"I miss Remy." Saddened, Jean drops her knife and fork onto the plate. "I miss hearing him laugh and driving us mad."
"I still don't know what happened after we left the Citadel," Warren points out to them, eager to learn more. Judging from Jean's reaction she won't mind him bringing the Cajun back to mansion? //if Remy still wants me.//
"I wasn't there," Scott takes over, "But it looks like Remy wanted to die. Somehow, his emotions got into Rogue's mind and she couldn't help but give in."
"Re? Gambit wanted to die?" Warren corrects himself. He doesn't want them to grow suspicious. He can't answer their questions yet!
"To atone for his mistakes," Scott says softly.
Warren looks at his old friend. Did he hear disapproval in that voice?
"After I heard what happened," Scott resumes, "Bobby and I took the Black Bird and returned to Antarctica. We really tried to find him."
"But we failed," Bobby interrupts saddened. "I can only assume that the ice and snow covered his body? that he slid into an ice crater and that the instruments didn't pick up on him."
"Yuh went back?"
The voice comes from the corridor and Warren quickly turns around. Rogue and Joseph are standing in the doorway and the expression in Rogue's warns him to choose his words carefully. One way or the other, he will find out the truth about Antarctica!

 

Chapter Sixteen

A dreadful silence descends onto the room. As Warren watches their faces, he realizes that Joseph and Scott definitely feel uncomfortable. "So," Warren starts and leans back. "Gambit wanted to die?" Somehow he can't believe that. The street rat that saved his life twice was definitely hanging onto life, a true survivor. But he's curious to hear Rogue's answer.
"Yeah," Rogue nods her head. "Cajun wanted tuh die. He was in my head. Ah don't know how he did it, but Ah couldn't help it and gave him what he wanted."
"I wonder," Warren whispers and eyes her critically. "Was he already dead when you left him?" A brief flicker of hesitance shines in her eyes and he grins. Scott also seems very interested in her answer. //Wouldn't surprise me to learn that they avoided discussing this issue, Poor Rogue,// he thinks, mocking her supposed innocence. //Isn't it easy to put all blame on Remy?//
"Dead," she whispers without adding further explanation.
Warren notices the way she grabs onto Joseph's hand. Her bare skin demonstratively touching his. Something about this doesn't feel right. "And you didn't bring back the body? He is? was an X-Men? entitled to a decent funeral."
Bobby's eyes grow a little bigger, hearing Warren's statement. It almost feels like his friend is defending Gambit!
"What's yur problem, Flyboy?" Rogue asks in an unexpectedly vicious tone. "Swamp rat gathered the Marauders. They took yur wings!"
Warren's grin grows bigger. //So you don't like me asking you these questions?// Considering his next step he looks at Scott. //Definitely worried,// he notices pleased. This doesn't sit right with Scott either!
He has to keep her off balance to get to the core of this matter. Maybe? "Why didn't Scott and Bobby find his corpse then? Or did it magically disappear?" He waves his hand dramatically. "Did Scotty beam it up?"
Bobby can't help himself and giggles softly. Oh, Warren is getting himself into big trouble, defying Rogue. But he can't help but wonder about the same thing. His eyes lock with Jean's and he can almost hear her think, Yes, why didn't we find his corpse?
Joseph feels terrible uneasy, conflicted. Although he loves Rogue, he liked Gambit as well. The Cajun backed him up a few times when no one else believed his ideas would work. The thought that his love could have left a man to die in Antarctica is unsettling. "You told me he was dead." They haven't touched the subject in depth yet, as he respects her privacy.
Rogue's eyes shoot fire. "Swamp rat was dead!" Her fingers tighten around Joseph's. "Ah don't owe yuh, Flyboy! Cajun hurt both of us!"
Warren suddenly realizes what game she's playing and stops Scott from cutting off their conversation. "He wasn't dead when you left him," he states determinedly. How will she react to that?
"How would yuh know? Yuh weren't there!" Rogue exclaims, wondering what has gotten into Warren all of a sudden. "Yuh never liked him to begin with. What's he tuh yuh?"
Scott gives Warren an alarming glance. //Don't go there, Warren, don't!//
But Warren gets to his feet and walks up to the couple. "What's he to me? A team-mate. No matter what mistakes he made, he's a team-mate!"
//That's funny!// Bobby muses, //Warren is talking about Gambit in the present tense!// Again, he focuses on his friend. He learned to read Warren's body language a long time ago. His friend is seriously pissed. //Looks like Mr. Angry is gonna pop out!// And he can't blame Warren. Rogue had this coming since Antarctica.
"Sugah, he took yur wings!" Rogue points out to him, but notices the estranged look Joseph is giving her.
"Gambit didn't destroy my wings. Don't use that lame old excuse on me." His eyes darken. "What excuse do you have for leaving him out there to die in the freezing cold? Leaving a team-mate behind, knowing damn well that he couldn't possibly survive in that frozen hell?"
Unexpectedly, Scott rises from his chair and comes to a halt next to Warren, studying both of them. "Warren, Rogue?"
"What?" Warren turns around. "Don't you want to know the truth, Slim?"
It's a frightening question, but Scott makes his decision. "Actually, I do want to know what happened, Rogue. You were the last to see him alive?"
Bobby nods his head, reaching a conclusion on his own. "You decided to punish him for his mistakes and flew away." But at the same time he realizes something else, something which he keeps private. //That could mean that Gambit made it out alive somehow. We never found his body!//
"Rogue? Don't tell me you sentenced him to death!" Joseph exclaims hurt. He really, really loves this woman, but this doubt is eating him. As if bitten by a snake, he releases her hand. "We need to talk."
"Sugah," Rogue whispers, brushing her fingertips over his face. "He was dead when Ah left him!"
"Show me his corpse and I believe you," Scott states determinedly. "I never wanted to even consider that you left him there alive. It's Antarctica! No one survives there!"
//But maybe Gambit did,// Bobby muses, trying to read the expression in Warren's eyes. //Why are you so damned passionate about defending Gambit? Rogue made one valid point. You never liked Remy.//
"Rogue, now!" Joseph pulls her further into the corridor.
Warren's grin turns into a lazy smile. Now that he knows for sure that Rogue is lying about Antarctica, things start to make a little more sense. "She judged and sentenced him. She was jury, judge and executioner in one, judging him to..."
"Death," Bobby finishes for him. Now that Rogue and Joseph have left the room he grabs Warren's shoulders. "Why? You never liked Gambit. Why defend him?"
Warren stares into Bobby's eyes, realizing his friend is only one step away from putting all the pieces of the puzzle together. Drake isn't stupid and will figure out the truth about Remy and him. "Just want to know the truth, Ice Cube" he replies eventually. "Antarctica should never have happened!"
Bobby picks up an apple and pats Warren's shoulder. "C'mon. Your plane's waiting for you."
Scott stops him before Warren can leave the room. "Did Scotty beam him up? You really need to stop watching Star Trek, Warren!"
"It's Bobby's fault," Warren quickly defends himself. "He made me watch every damn episode of the Next Generation!"
"Hey, Q is cool!" Bobby grins teasingly. "Let's go."
This time, Scott steps aside. "Don't take too long before visiting us again, Warren!"
"I will keep in touch," Warren replies without real commitment. Maybe, one day he will return here, but only with Remy at his side. Rogue will have to admit that she left Remy behind when the Cajun's standing in front of her!

"Warren? Hold on a sec!" Bobby hands him the briefcase. The plane is ready to leave, the pilot already waving Warren to quickly board or they will miss their time slot. "I've been thinking about this."
"About what?" Warren grabs his coat and puts up the collar. There's a chilly wind today.
"How do you know that Gambit was still alive when she left him?" He cocks his head, getting closer to the truth all the time. "You can only know that when you've seen him. And you also spoke about him in the present tense. Tell me, Warren, is Remy still alive?"
Briefly, they stand in silence. Warren is scared to answer and Bobby isn't sure he can deal with the truth.
"Is he?" Bobby repeats. "I need to know, Warren."
"Bobby," he whispers softly. He could never lie to his friend. "Don't make me tell you."
Bobby's eyes widen. "Are you telling me that he survived? That would explain why we couldn't find his body!" Excitement courses through him. "I always hoped he made it out alive somehow! The whole trial was so unfair! From what Hank told me Remy didn't stand a chance!"
"Just? don't tell the others, Bobby. I doubt Remy wants them to know the truth."
"Remy?" Bobby repeats questioningly. "When did Gambit turn into Remy? You always kept this distance?" His eyes almost pop out of his sockets and he shakes Warren's shoulders wildly in bewilderment. "I can't believe this! But it's the only thing that makes sense!"
Warren cringes. Why did Bobby have to figure this one out?
"That's it of course? You coming here, raving and ranting about being in love with a man and then I find out that Remy's still alive! Warren, you bastard! You could have told me the truth! I know how to keep a secret!" His head is spinning. "You're in love with Remy? Oh, this is great!"
"Stop a sock in it?" Warren warns him. "One word to the others and?"
"My lips are sealed? frozen?" Bobby quips delighted. "Now get back to him, man! Don't keep him waiting."
Hesitantly, Warren reaches for Bobby to give him a hug. He's still uncomfortable with showing affection in public. His dad hardly ever hugged him and he remembers the love in Jean-Luc's eyes when he'd kissed Remy's brow. His own dad would never have done such a thing, no matter how ill he was!
"Where are you going?" Bobby asks as he walks Warren to the plane. "Just in case Rogue decides to fly after you. That way I can send her in the opposite direction." Warren's hug surprised him, but it also pleases him to learn that Warren is willing to work on his flaws. //Too thick a skull for his own good!//
Warren considers the question. Yeah, maybe Bobby should know where to find him if something goes wrong at the mansion. "New Orleans. I will email you the address."
"Cool!" Bobby nods his head. "I will keep you posted, Warren."
"Thanks." As they reach the stairs, he looks Bobby in the eyes. "Would you freeze Betsy's shower for me?"
Bobby bursts out laughing. "We did that too many times! What about? putting ice in her mattress? She will end up soaked once she lays down and the ice starts to melt!"
"Sounds like a hell of an idea, Ice Cube," Warren says fondly. "We'll be talking online."
"Don't forget my email addy," Bobby wiggles an eyebrow. "Got bored with the old one. My new addy is Furryblueballs@hotmail.com."
Warren almost chokes in his laughter. "You better not tell Hank!"
Bobby gives him a mischievous grin. "Let me guess yours, Warren WWorthington@Enterprises.com. Obviously, no inspiration or creativity!"
Ashamed, Warren has to admit Bobby guessed correctly. "Maybe Remy will inspire me?"
"Good answer!" Bobby compliments him and waves good-bye. "Take good care of yourself, Warren? and look after Remy for me!"
"I will," Warren whispers as the cabin door closes behind him.

New Orleans
As Remy opens his eyes, the first thing he notices is that he's alone in his room. For some reason he feels relieved, glad to have a private moment. The sleeping meds no longer make him feel groggy and mischievously, he looks around. How many days has he already been confided to bed?
The wound doesn't really hurt that badly any longer and he's tempted to try and get to his feet. He just has to make sure that poppa won't catch him. After yawning lazily, he flips back the comforter and flinches involuntarily. His side hurts after all!
"Mais dat's not stoppin' me!" He's fed up with lying in bed! As he struggles to his feet, he tries hard not to think of the things, which happened lately. More specifically, he tries to avoid thinking of Warren. For the briefest of moments he hoped he'd made a real friend.
But now that his memory is slowly returning, he knows better. He fooled himself into thinking that they are friends. He remembers the first time he met Warren. Although he never disliked Angel, Warren seemed to instinctively loathe him. "Mais why? Why did he feel dat way? I never wronged him?"
Or had he just done that in the past? Part of his memory is still blank. So how can he be sure he never earned the distrust and loathing he remembers so clearly?
Remy presses his hand against his side, blocking out the pain. Looking about, he decides to try to head for the bathroom again. An unexpected wave of vertigo hits him and he grabs the back of the armchair. Merde! What's this?
Bloodshed eyes stare at him from the darkness. Is he back in the tunnels? //Non, not de tunnels?// he realizes and shivers. //His lab! Si? Sini? Sinister's lab? De place where it started!// He firmly closes his eyes. //Don' want to see dis!//
But his mind decides that he's ready to face the truth. A red diamond shines from the dark, gesturing him closer. "Non," he whispers. "Don' want to be here!" But Sinister ignores his protest.
Finally, part of his painful past returns to him. //Went to him 'cause I needed help wid my powers. Dey were so strong dat I couldn' control dem any longer. I heard Sinister was de right man for dat job and I? asked him to help me. He accepted, mais wanted my services in return. One of de t'ings he demanded was dat I assemble de? Marauders?//
He doubles over as another horrific memory crushes his mind. //De Morlocks!// Remy falls to his knees, hugging his waist, no longer worried that his wound might open again. The pain and terror he's re-experiencing is all consuming.
//It was de last t'ing Sinister wanted me to do. Help de Marauders convince de Morlocks dat dey weren' in danger. Mais Creed was dere and I? I led dem into de tunnels.//
A girl appears in his mind, bones sticking out of her shoulders and face. //I tried to stop dem, I really did, mais dere were too many and Creed?// Tears spring from his eyes, reliving the biggest mistake he ever made. He should never have given in to Sinister's demands!
His hands claw at his chest. Creed ripped the flesh there open, left him for dead, but he survived and so did the girl. Although his shields had been raised, he had felt the pain seeping into the walls all around him. The tunnels had reeked of death.
"I could have prevented de Massacre," he whispers crestfallen.
"Nope, kid."
The voice comes from behind him and alarmed, he tries to jump to his feet, completely forgetting his injury and the fact that's been mostly asleep during these last days. He loses his balance and prepares to take the fall, but a strong hand steadies him.
"Take it easy, bub. What are ya doin' outta bed?" Worried, Logan looks at the hunched figure. "Ya keep defyin' yer dad, huh? Stubborn Cajun!" Once he's convinced that Remy won't fall again, he releases the hold he has on the young Cajun. He refrains from reprimanding him for getting out of bed. Instead, he leans against the wall and watches Remy struggle back to bed. "Yer memory is comin' back," he states with certainty.
Reluctantly, Remy nods his head as he cautiously sits down. "I remember gettin' dem killed," he whispers barely audible. Why is Logan still here? Why care about a? traitor?
Logan moves a little closer. He wanted to ask Remy these questions ever since finding out about the Cajun's involvement. "Why work for him?" What's Remy hiding from him?
He tries not to inhale too deeply as his side stings viciously. "My powers?" Remy starts in a defeated tone. "Dey were too strong. I couldn' control dem. Was so 'fraid dat I was goin' to blow someone up when it slipped. I needed help."
"And Sinister knows a lot 'bout mutant powers," Logan realizes in sudden understanding. If only the kid had known about Chuck!
"Oui," Remy mumbles disencouraged and cold shivers run down his spine. He vividly remembers Sinister's calm and controlled tone when preparing for surgery. "Sinister explained de procedure to me."
"What procedure?" Cautiously, Logan sits down next the Cajun, who's hugging his waist. //Push him too far and he will clamp up 'gain!//
"He altered my brain," Remy whispers and seems to shrink into himself, ashamed of his admission, ashamed for letting Sinister do this to him. "He removed brain stem matter ?"
Remy's voice drops completely after speaking that last word. "Never told anyone. That's why I agreed to work for Sinister." He chokes back the burning tears in his eyes. "Mebbe? mebbe it would have been better if I had just blown myself up," he sobs helplessly. That way the Marauders would never have slaughtered the defenseless Morlocks.
"Remy." It's the first time ever he speaks the name with such affection and concern. He surprises himself as he slowly lifts a hand to rest it on Remy's shoulder. The pain and sadness that fills the Cajun's voice actually makes him ache as well. "Don't say that."
"Mais it's de trut'," Remy maintains and carefully shrugs his shoulders. "Small sacrifice to make." Hesitantly, he lifts his eyes and peeks at Logan's. "I was so stupid?"
Acting on impulse, Logan pulls Remy a little closer, offering him comfort. "Ya did what ya had to do to survive," he whispers eventually, understanding the kid only too well. This explains Remy's involvement with Sinister but, "why did Sinister want ya in the tunnels?"
"Told me he wanted to help de Morlocks control deir powers? I hoped dat dey would t'ink of me as a friend. Didn' want Creed gettin' mad 'cause de Morlocks weren' co-operatin'." Remy draws away into himself, unwilling to look at Logan any longer. He can only hope that the Canadian will understand his situation. //Wanted to help de Morlocks! Dey couldn' control deir powers eider and after Sinister helped me? I hoped he could do de same for dem!// He never realized how evil Sinister was. Too naive, too young and too damn lonely!
"And ya never told anyone," Logan says compassionately. "Ya were 'fraid we would condemn ya without knowin' the whole deal?"
Remy isn't sure what to say. "Still don' remember everyt'in' dat happened after the Massacre?" Oui, he remembers surviving Creed's attack, finding Storm in Cairo and joining up with the X-Men, but after that everything turns blank.
"Ya never told Rogue?" Logan asks disapprovingly. //Damn, Cajun! Ya should have told us! We didn't even get the chance to prove ourselves to ya. We would have accepted that truth, but ya never gave us the choice!//
"Rogue?" Remy shakes his head. "Who's dat?" The name sounds familiar, but?
Not surprised, Logan pats the Cajun's shoulder. It only makes sense that Remy would forget about the one who hurt him most. "Yer ain't ready to remember that yet."
Standing in the doorway Jean-Luc watches the scene. He feels immensely thankful that Logan is there for his son when Remy needs the emotional support. Remy's admission that he worked for Sinister doesn't shock him, but what angers him is that Sinister used Remy so viciously. His son needed help and Sinister abused that need.
It's so like Remy to keep this all inside and try to deal with it on his own. It cost him years to earn Remy's trust, the X-Men never stood a chance! After being exiled from New Orleans and Sinister playing him, Remy lost the ability to trust.
Sensing his poppa's eyes on him, Remy pleadingly meets his eyes. "I was scared," he admits in a choked tone. "Didn' want to take someone wid me when my powers went berserk."
Jean-Luc walks towards his son. "And you didn't want to die either. You're a fighter, son. Don't ever forget dat."
"What's dere to fight for?" Remy allows his poppa to pull him back into bed until he's lying down again. The sudden hurt in Jean-Luc's eyes startles him. "Didn' mean it like dat, poppa! Don' want to lose you!"
"Den fight," Jean-Luc states resolved. "Don't give up. I will be with you every step of de way."
"Yer old man is right, ya know," Logan cuts in. "Ya don't have to do this 'lone."
"You still want to be my friend?" Remy asks in disbelief. "After all I just told you?"
Logan nods his head. "Ya gotta forgive yerself for lettin' Sinister use ya," Logan whispers and rises from the bed. "Will be back later. Need to make a phone call." After hearing Remy's depressing tale he made his decision. //What's there to fight for,// Remy asked him. //Yer willin' to fight for Wings?//
This is only the beginning. He's determined to see to it that Remy's wounds heal. Once Remy has recovered from the trauma he will again suggest removing those shackles. It frustrates him that Remy's still suppressing and denying his mutant powers in such a way. //Want those shackles off!//
Remy watches Logan leave the room and holds onto Jean-Luc's hand. "I ain' sure I still got de strength to fight, poppa."
"Den let me be your strength," Jean-Luc offers passionately.
"Poppa." Remy smiles gratefully, touched by the love and affection in Jean-Luc's voice. This man saved his life too many times to count. "You want me to fight and beat dis?"
"Oui," Jean-Luc confirms. "You're my son. I want what's best for you." He savours the sudden determination that shines from Remy's eyes. "You're so special to me, Remy. You made dis old thief's heart feel alive again when you accepted my name."
"Every child should have a poppa like you," Remy whispers taken aback. Even after so many years he still doesn't quite understand why the patriarch of the thieves' Guild decided to adopt and care for him, le diable blanc.
Jean-Luc pulls him into an embrace. "No more talk of giving up, petite. It's time to look at de future." Stroking back some locks he cups his son's chin in his hand. "Never doubt dat I love you, Remy LeBeau!"
A smile surfaces on Remy's face. Oui, all he needs to beat this depression is Jean-Luc's support and love. Like Logan said, he doesn't have to do this on his own. Resolved, he nods his head. "Will try," he promises softly.

New Orleans International Airport
The city shines with sunlight as his plane touches down. Now that he's back, Warren's getting nervous. He has to call Jean-Luc LeBeau and hope that the patriarch will give him a second chance. It's probably wise to ask Jean-Luc for an escort, realizing only too well how quickly the assassins will learn of his return.
If Jean-Luc refuses to help him he will fly to the house. He won't allow a few assassins to keep him from attaining his goal! He fought Sinister, Apocalypse, Magneto, and countless other villains! No way he will give in now that Remy is this close.
The plane reaches a stop and he fishes his phone from his jacket. He memorized Jean-Luc's phone number when he first called Logan.
"Logan!" he whispers suddenly. He completely forgot about Logan! The Canadian will love seeing him squirm for Jean-Luc's help and approval!

 

Chapter Seventeen

"Got a sec to talk to me, kid?"
Jean-Luc asked him to sit with Remy during his absence, as some telephone calls demanded the patriarch's attention. Logan strides into the room and smiles approvingly at the sight of Remy mocking in bed. "Ya heard yer old man. Stay put!"
"Grumpy old Wolvie," Remy retorts and gives him a wicked smile. Although Logan and he never had any issues, only now he's realizing that the older man considers him a friend. //My only one, 'cept for poppa.// The thought stings.
"Now don't start with me, bub," Logan replies in a similar fashion and sits on the side of the bed. "I wanna to talk to you 'bout those shackles."
"Shackles?" Remy looks puzzled. "I t'ought? " and grows silent. Shackles? that sounds like someone put them on to restrain him. "Why am I wearin' dem?"
//He still doesn't remember Antarctica?// Logan isn't sure what to do. The doctors strongly urged them to give Remy more time. The young man's memory would return once he was ready to face his past. Pushing him would only results in damage, but Remy obviously expects an answer. "It happened durin' a mission. Things went wrong."
Remy gives him a questioning look.
"Yer memories will come back once yer ready to deal with them." Logan hopes the kid won't push him. "Trust me on this, Cajun."
"You still want to remove dem?" Remy doesn't like the look of determination in Logan's eyes. "Please don'."
"Why?" Unnoticed, he takes hold of the still bandaged wrist and probes the tightness of the shackles. Yeah, he can slip a claw underneath the metal. "Because of yer charm?" Shivers torment Remy's body and Logan realizes he will have a hard time talking some sense into the Cajun.
"Poppa told you?" Well, if his father trusted Logan with this information, maybe he should try putting his trust in the Canadian as well. "Charm will be strong once dey get off. Still don' remember how to control it."
"That's what worries ya? That it will slip?"
"Oui," Remy replies softly and locks eyes with Logan. "Did poppa also tell you what de charm? does to people?" He really doesn't want to discuss this with a man he hardly knows.
"Yer scared that," Logan pauses, wondering how the hell to phrase this, "we will hurt ya?"
Defeated, Remy nods his head. "Dat's why I want dem to stay on. Makes me feel safe. I don' have to use all my energy to control de charm. I can? rest? I don' have to worry 'bout blockin' people's feelings."
Pleadingly, his eyes focus on the older man. "Poppa wants me to survive, to become stronger? I can only do dat wid dem on? I need more rest? more time." Mon Dieu, does he really see some understanding in those blue eyes?
"Make ya a deal, kid," Logan says thoughtfully and allows for one claw to slip underneath the shackle. "What if I cut through them? That way ya can still keep them on, but should ya change yer mind, ya can slip them off. That way yer in charge." It's the only thing he can come up with. If the kid gets into trouble again, at least that way he can use his charging power to defend himself.
"Not sure 'bout dat," Remy whispers uncomfortably. He understands Logan's desire to set him free, "Mais? I like it better dis way. Never wanted my powers. Dey hurt me," he mumbles the apology.
"Just let me cut through the metal, Remy." Logan uses the name on purpose, hoping it will convince the young Cajun he only has his best interest in mind.
Remy considers the request. //Won' make much of a difference.// "And dey will still keep my powers under control?"
"Yeah." Logan doesn't feel guilty for this white lie. He isn't sure the damaged shackles will keep Remy from using his powers, but he has to take the risk. The kid might never give him permission again!
Suspiciously, Remy eyes the older man. "Ain' sure," he whispers eventually.
"C'mon, kid. Yer old man and I will be here to keep an eye on ya!" Logan sighs exasperated. "I know yer 'fraid," he adds in a gentler tone, "But ya've got to take that first step if ya really want to heal."
Remy knows what promise he made to his poppa. He vowed to fight this depression and to let them be his strength, but it's harder than he thought it would be. But he can't give up now. Poppa is right about one thing; he isn't a quitter. He has always been a survivor and he refuses to give up now. He still has Jean-Luc and tante to fight for. They won't let him down and maybe, just maybe, he can now add Logan to that short list as well.
"Please, kid. Trust me 'nough to do this," Logan says, making one more attempt. This is it. If Remy refuses he will stop pushing.
"Do it," Remy whispers in a barely audible tone. "It scares de hell outta me, sayin' oui, mais poppa always told me to face my fears." His arms shake as he extends them, offering Logan the shackles. In his entire life he only trusted a handful of people; Jean-Luc, tante and he thought he could trust Warren as well, but his angel left him. But, maybe he is ready to trust Logan.
Realizing the big step for what it is Logan smiles flattered. "Thanks, kid. Really appreciate the trust." Slowly, he unsheathes a claw on his other hand as well and pushes them simultaneously underneath the shackles. "Yer sure?"
Remy takes a deep breath. Non, he isn't sure, but realizes he has to do this. "Oui," he whispers shakily. Stunned, he watches the two adamantium claws cut through the metal shackles, seemingly leaving them whole.
"Ya can bend them, when yer ready to remove the shackles," Logan informs him. "What did ya expect?" he says, noticing Remy's confused expression. "That they'd drop to the floor?"
"Oui," Remy admits softly. But close examination reveals that the shackles can be removed. He isn't sure how to feel about that.
"Ya decide when to take them off, kid. Ya need to be in control." Logan gets to his feet, pleased with his achievement. "Anythin' else, bub?"
Uncomfortably, Remy looks at the older man. Merde. Logan is right. He needs to be in control! "Would you ask poppa if he heard from?" In the end, he can't speak the name.
"Warren?" Logan supplies with a sad smile on his face. "Yer still hopin' he will be back, kid? I'm so sorry?"
Head bowed in defeat, Remy's fingers dig into the comforter. "I know it's? silly," he confesses softly. "Mais? " How can he explain the ache that fills his heart and his soul?
"Tried to call him for ya," Logan reveals and nods his head as Remy looks up in surprise. "But his phone was busy. Want me to try later?"
"Would you do dat?" Remy exclaims excited. "Jus' want to know his wound's healin'."
"Remy, ya got to face the truth," Logan says in a subdued tone. "Wings ain't comin' back. I know admittin' that's hard, but?" Remy's draped eyes silence him. Shit, kid knows the truth, but?
"I know he ain' comin' back, Logan., mais? don' take 'way my hope? Please?" Drained, Remy pulls up the comforter and curls up onto his side. He needs to feel safe, needs this hope to keep him from giving up.
"Sure, kid," Logan growls softly. Remy's 'hope' stings him for several reasons. Warren won't come back. Worthington has probably already forgotten about the Cajun. Remy's living a dream that will never come true and he will only end up hurt because of it. "Anythin' else?" he asks again.
"Non, merci, Logan." Remy closes his eyes, pushing his body deeper into the mattress. His right hand slips to his left wrist to make sure that the shackles are still in place. He isn't worried about his charging power. Might blow up some stuff, but poppa is used to that. Non, it's his charm that troubles him. How did he control it? How could he forget such an important part of his life, which resolved around keeping that damned mutant power at bay!
As Logan's footfalls echo into the hallway, he opens his eyes again. Lovingly, they float through the room. "Just a little longer," he prays with pain in his heart, "Just let me rest a little longer 'fore I have to leave 'gain." Although poppa assured him that he could stay as long as necessary, he recognizes the lie within the truth.
At one point the assassins will get fed up with him living at home again and they will start pressuring poppa. "Dere is not'in' he can do?" Remy hides underneath the comforter, trying to push the unsettling thoughts away. "Mais I will have to leave N'awlins? soon."

"Logan? I need you to do something for me," Jean-Luc mentally replays the conversation he just had.
"What?" Logan straddles a chair and looks at the patriarch, feeling a stabbing lust in his groin. Damn, he's running out of patience! Soon, he plans on getting even with the man who dominated him so completely!
"I had a very interesting phone call," Jean-Luc states and rises from behind the desk. "Warren Worthington just arrived at de airport."
Logan's eyes reveal surprise. "Why? I thought that there's a prize on his head? Assassins will wanna collect."
Jean-Luc sighs as Logan walks up behind him, wrapping strong arms around his waist. Enjoying the moment, he leans back into the embrace. "Apparently, he's here for Remy."
Logan tightens the embrace. "I can't believe this. Wings is back?"
"And is asking for a second chance." Jean-Luc rubs his brow. "Too much happening lately," he whispers fatigued. "And now de assassins are rearing deir ugly heads as well. Dey want Remy out of de city. Dey threatened to kill Remy de first time he steps outside de house."
Angered, Logan rests his chin on Jean-Luc's shoulder. "Ya need to get the kid into safety."
"Oui? Dat's why I am willing to give Warren a second chance. He can take Remy away from here and look after him." Jean-Luc pondered his decision since Warren called. "He sounded sincere."
"Cajun?" Logan slowly turns him around so he can look into his eyes. "Wings is a selfish kinda guy. "
Jean-Luc cocks his head, studying Logan's expression. "You don't like him much."
"He's an arrogant prick!" Logan exclaims as he brings his face closer to Jean-Luc, almost close enough to kiss, but not yet touching. "I'm just worried he might hurt the kid. Remy can't take much more."
"I'm glad you care about Remy," Jean-Luc starts and then brushes his new lover's lips. "Mais dere's a lot you have to learn about Remy."
"Like what?" Logan deepens the kiss and growls possessively as Jean-Luc's lips part.
Reluctantly, Jean-Luc pulls back. "Dis isn't de right time," he warns.
"Remy," Logan reminds him. "We were talkin' 'bout the kid." Oh, he loves throwing Jean-Luc off balance. The man needs to let go of the situation. //Ya can't control everythin'!// he thinks saddened. Being the patriarch of the thieves' Guild has taken a large toll on Jean-Luc.
"Remy knows how to take care of himself. Sometimes he will make decisions I question, but dey work for him. If you let him in, and I think Warren is ready to do dat, he will find a way into your heart and never leave again."
"Ya think Wings and Remy will work out?" Logan asks sceptically. "Warren's never been interested in guys."
"Things change," Jean-Luc remarks absentmindedly. "Will you go to de airport and pick him up? Assassins will be looking out for him." He doesn't want to take any risks and Logan strikes him as the perfect bodyguard.
Logan considers the request. "Okay," he gives in. "I'll make sure his ass gets here in one piece. Are ya gonna tell Remy?"
"Non," Jean-Luc whispers. "I don't want him panicking. De direct approach works best most of de time. Mais I want to talk to Warren before allowing him to see Remy." Logan's hand sneaks up his back, massaging a tight knot of muscle underneath his left shoulder blade. "Did you make any progress with Remy? I want dose shackles off as well."
"We compromised. I cut through the metal. He can take them off when he feels safe enough. Right now, he still needs them," Logan mumbles and enjoys seeing the relieved expression in Jean-Luc's eyes. His other hand trails down Jean-Luc's back and kneads the Cajun's buttocks. "This job is killin' ya, ya know that, don't ya?"
"I've been doing dat job for 80 years, Logan," Jean-Luc admits, loving the feel of that rough hand moving over his buttocks. It's been so long since he allowed someone to look after him, if only for a few moments.
"How long?" Logan's eyes narrow. "80 years?"
"A little secret of the Guild," Jean-Luc regrets this slip of the tongue. "I'm over a hundred."
"We're two greedy old bastards," Logan whispers pleased and slips his hand underneath Jean-Luc's trousers. "They think I'm kinda old too," he admits and grins as Jean-Luc arches his hips, offering his lover easy access. Teasingly, his fingers explore Jean-Luc's cleft and hover over his lover's entrance. "Later," Logan promises, voice filled with anticipation.
"Later," Jean-Luc agrees. "You're going to try to take me, mon ami?" he asks, looking forward to the fight for dominance.
"Yer ass is mine this time," Logan confirms and stabs the tip of one finger inside without warning.
"Merde!" His voice is ragged, filled with longing. //Oui, he can overpower me, take me, possess me?//No one ever managed to best him and secretly he longs for it to happen.
A knock on the door kills the mood. "Monsieur LeBeau? Car's ready."
Logan's enjoys the little power he has over Jean-Luc and pushes deeper inside. "Go ahead, tell him."
"Monsieur Logan will be with you in?" His cock is fully erect and aches as Logan's finger strokes his prostrate with one knowing motion. "In a second?"
Logan grins maliciously and pulls back from the Cajun's trembling body. Oh, he wishes he were already back from the airport so he could fuck the Cajun like Jean-Luc screwed him! "Straighten out yer clothes," he whispers wickedly, smelling the tension and arousal on Jean-Luc's body. "Will be back soon and ya better be ready for me!"
Jean-Luc watches him leave the room. Merde! What happened just know? Maybe he wants this more than he ever thought possible. It's tempting to let got so Logan can take the lead, but it's something that goes against his every instinct. Luckily, he has some time to think this over before Logan will claim him.

Nervously, Warren shuffles his feet. Jean-Luc just called him, telling him that Logan is on his way to pick him up. He doesn't like this development. Logan is unpleasant company. Too smug and too damn arrogant!
As he paces the waiting area, he wonders what to say to Jean-Luc. He's too scared to think of what apology to offer Remy, so he doesn't even think about that one. He will have to convince Jean-Luc of his honest intentions first. If the patriarch doesn't believe him, Jean-Luc will never allow him to talk to Remy!
But maybe it's a good sign that Jean-Luc agreed to talk to him in the first place. The patriarch sounded tired and tense and his concern for Remy grows. Has he started to remember the painful things? "And I just ran out of him!"
"Ya got that one right," Logan says surprised. He has never seen Warren this worried! It's obvious that Worthington feels edgy and the man smells of fear.
"Don't start with me! I am not in the mood!" Warren sneers, angry that he didn't pick up on Logan approaching him. "If you want to gloat, do it in silence, but get off my back!"
"Woa, kid, calm down," Logan whispers surprised. Why is Warren this defensive?
"I want to see Remy," he states resolved, picks up his briefcase and gestures Logan to start walking. "And I want to see him now!"
Logan decides not to get into an argument here, where everyone can overhear them. He walks Warren to the car and once inside, he tells the driver to start the engine. Now that they're alone, he wants some answers. "Why are ya back?"
Warren's head snaps back. He expected the tirade. "None of your business!"
"Don't be mad at me, kid. I didn't do anythin' wrong." Logan studies him. "Yer pissed off at yerself."
Warren doesn't know what to do. When he left Westchester everything was so simple and clear. He was going to claim Remy and start building a relationship, but the closer he gets to the young Cajun, the more doubts surface. All he can do is hang onto Bobby's advice; don't run at the first sight of trouble. If he wants Remy, he will have to fight!
"So what's the deal? Yer here to hurt the Cajun even more?" Logan isn't sure what to make of Warren's behavior. "I mean, the kid's got a crush on ya. Ya shouldn't play him."
"I am not playing him!" Warren hisses angered. "And I don't have to explain a thing to you!"
"But ya will have to explain it to Jean-Luc," he reminds Warren. "What do ya plan on tellin' him? Ya bailed out once?"
Stubbornly, Warren crosses his arms in front of his chest. "This is not your business, Wolverine."
Exasperated, Logan leans back and gives up. "I don't know what's goin' on in that thick skull of yers, Wings, but I ain't the enemy here. Ya might hate my guts, but we're still team-mates."
Warren peeks at his eyes, surprised at the lack of hostility. If someone is being hostile then it's him. "I'm just confused as hell," he offers as apology.
"Because ya suddenly have feelings for a guy?" Logan raises an eyebrow. "Must admit that surprised me. "
"Freaked me out for a while." Warren admits, calming down a little. "So how is he?" he asks softly. "Any better?"
"Remy remembered the Marauders and the Morlocks. Remembering the Massacre was hard on him."
"Is he eating again? Taking his meds?" Finally, Warren makes full eye contact with Logan. "Anything else?"
"He's been askin' 'bout ya," Logan says reluctantly. "Wanted to know if ya called." He considers his next words very carefully. "Kid's in love with ya."
"I know that," Warren says softly and can't help blushing slightly. "Took me some time to realize that I feel the same way. I mean, I hated him."
"Ya did?" Logan nods his head. "Ever wondered if this is the reason why ya always pick on him?"
Warren eyes him questioningly. "Care to explain that?"
"Maybe ya felt like this from the beginning, but never admitted it? Repressed it and blamed him for feelin' that way?" Logan shrugs his shoulders. "I'm no shrink, but I got this feelin'."
"Honestly, I don't know," Warren whispers as the car comes to a stop.
"We're home," the driver announces and parks the car.
"This is it," Warren whispers privately as he gets out. Looking at Logan he asks, "Do you think Jean-Luc will let me see Remy?"
"Ya got a good chance," Logan grumbles. "Don't fuck up again."
The nervous expression on Warren's face definitely pleases Jean-Luc. It speaks in Warren's favour that he's back this soon, that he reached this decision so quickly. But he isn't going to make this easy on Worthington. He wants to make sure Remy won't be hurt a second time. "Why did you come back?" he asks and lights a cigar. Seeing Logan's sudden hungry look, he throws the Canadian a cigar. Looks like this is another thing they have in common!
Warren clears his throat. "I kept thinking about Remy."
Jean-Luc licks his lips and blows a dark cloud of smoke into the room. "Dat's no reason to come back."
Logan lights his own cigar and enjoys inhaling the smoke deeply before letting it float from his lungs. He definitely loves his healing factor! Warren's squirming and he can't help but feel a little pity for the former playboy. It's obvious Warren desperately wants to see Remy.
"All right then!" Warren hisses and then his tone softens, knowing he's paying the prize for deserting Remy earlier. "I'm in love with him!" Surprised, he realizes how good it feels to say that. "I love Remy."
Jean-Luc and Logan exchange a glance. "What do you plan on doing about dat?" Jean-Luc inquires, ignoring Logan. It's obvious that Logan wants him to allow Warren to talk to Remy. But he isn't satisfied yet.
"I thought about that last night," Warren reveals, relaxing a little. "I know he can't stay here? the assassins?"
"True," Jean-Luc says curiously.
"He needs a break. Hell, we both deserve one!" Pleadingly, Warren looks into Jean-Luc's eyes, not hiding a thing. He wants this man to know how deeply he cares about Remy. "I own this house in Ireland. It would do both of us good to get away from the X-Men and New Orleans." Suddenly, he starts pacing the study. "I want to get to know him, see if we work out. I am willing to?" Briefly, he falters, remembering Bobby's words, "I'm willing to commit myself to him."
Logan's eyes sparkle. It's the first time ever he's seeing this side to Warren. "What 'bout Bets?"
"We're no longer together, Logan. We called it quits months ago." Warren concentrates on Jean-Luc, knowing the man isn't convinced yet. "I know I'm a coward and a bastard for walking out on Remy when he needed me, but I had to come to terms with the fact that I am in love with a man! That never happened to me before. I needed time to understand what happened."
Jean-Luc drops the ashes of his cigar into an ashtray and studies Warren. "What guarantee do I have dat you won't run out on him again? Remy's going through a rough time and he needs stability. Can you handle being in love with him?"
"I can. Now, I can. I talked to a friend of mine and I? I realized that I don't want to lose Remy. I want to take his pain away and?"
"Bien," Jean-Luc cuts him off and raises one hand. "Listen. If Remy still wants you, he can have you. His happiness comes first. If Remy agrees to going to Ireland with you, he can go. If I hear you hurt him on purpose, my thieves will find you." Slowly, he rises from behind the desk. "Remy is precious to me and I won't allow you to hurt him. If you do, you'll answer to me! Is dat understood?"
Not backing away from the glare, Warren straightens his shoulders and returns the stare. "I understand."
Logan finishes his cigar and amused, watches the exchange. Wings greatly surprised him. "What if Bets wants ya back?"
Warren turns around to face him. "Bets can go to hell. I want Remy."
Jean-Luc smiles approvingly behind Warren's back. "Go to Remy and tell him, but his decision counts. If he wants you, I will allow it. If he tells you to leave, I will make sure you leave N'awlins forever."
Warren moves over to the doorway. "Does he know I'm here?"
"Nope," Logan replies and joins Jean-Luc to claim another cigar. "And I suggest ya give him time to work through this. Last thing he expects is for ya to show up 'gain."
"I will arrange for a flight to Ireland," Jean-Luc offers, knowing how darn important it is Remy leaves New Orleans. Assassins' threats are getting more vicious with every passing hour.
"Monsieur LeBeau?" Warren says and locks eyes with him. "Please give me a chance here. I know I'm going to screw up with Remy. This is new to me, but I love him?"
"Go and talk to my son," Jean-Luc replies pleased. "We all make mistakes," he whispers after Warren left the room, "but de important thing is dat we learn from dem."

 

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