Title: Hold on to my Heart 2
Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)
Website: http://www.oocities.org/morganalebeau/
_________________________________________________
Hold on to my Heart
By Morgana
Chapter Three
Surprised at how well the turkey tasted, Remy peeked at Warren, who seemed to enjoy their meal as well. "You're a betta cook dan I t'ought."
"You made the stuffing and that tastes great as well," Warren said, returning the compliment.
Remy marveled at the inner peace he felt, sitting here opposite Warren at the dinner table. The radio still played Christmas carols and, looking out of the window, he found that it had started snowing again. He still hated the snow, which constantly reminded him of Antarctica.
"You hate the snow, don't you?"
Warren's question surprised him, but he didn't deny it. "Makes me t'ink back to Antarctica."
"I'm sorry we didn't go back, but I'm glad you survived."
"Survived..." Well, that was all he had done, survive. He didn't feel like he was really alive.
"You got some space left for dessert?" Warren got to his feet, collected their empty plates and got the desserts from the kitchen.
Remy was rather curious to taste Warren's dessert. It consisted of vanilla ice cream, strawberries and hot chocolate sauce. "Looks bien."
"It tastes even better." Warren dug in, letting Remy decide if he wanted to eat it now or later.
Remy stared at the spoonful and then let it slide onto his tongue. "Mon Dieu..." It tasted excellent!
"I like to cook," Warren revealed. "But Bets liked to go to fancy places for dinner."
"She missed out on a great dessert." Remy and Warren ate in silence, letting the Christmas carols fill the room.
"Why don't you pick a movie? He's the TV-guide." Warren carried the dirty dishes to the kitchen and joined Remy in the living room a few minutes later. He sat down on the other couch, stretched and released a sigh. "I ate too much."
"I know how dat feels," Remy said teasingly and rested his feet on the coffee table. While Warren had been in the kitchen, he had unbuttoned the top button of his jeans, giving his belly some space to expand. "Can' remember de last time I ate dat much."
"You could gain some weight," Warren said thoughtfully. "You lost weight, didn't you?"
"Don' usually feel hungry. Tonight was an exception..." After searching the TV-guide, he gave up. He wasn't in the right mood to watch a Christmas movie.
"There's a Friends marathon on. We could watch that." Warren shrugged his shoulders. "But don't be surprised if I fall asleep. After that meal I could use a nap."
"Nap all you want." Remy changed the station and found the Friends marathon. He had never before watched the show, but couldn't help chuckling occasionally. Warren had grown quiet and he looked at the other man, finding him asleep. Didn' take him long to fall 'sleep. Mais den 'gain, he didn' get much sleep last night... because of me, my nightmares and... I really freaked out. Wonder what he t'inks of me now.
He continued to watch the television show, repeatedly glancing at Warren to see if the other man was awake yet. Although he didn't want to admit it, he missed hearing Warren's voice, the cheerful chattering. It had been ages since someone had shown an interest in him. Realizing that for the moment he felt at peace with the world, he closed his eyes as well, trying to rest a little.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hank, be quiet! I want to sneak up on him!" Exasperated, Bobby shook his head. "How can you be so clumsy at times?"
Hank looked guilty. "You made me eat all those surplus Twinkies! I told you the trunk was full, but no, you had to hit another store!" His stomach was acting up after eating several pounds of Twinkies.
"I still wonder why Warren wanted to stay at the mansion. He missed out on a lot of fun." Bobby grinned, remembering the storeowners' surprised faces when they bought their entire Twinkie supply. They now had enough Twinkies for the rest of the year... or at least the next six months.
"He was looking forward to spending some time on his own. I do believe he is still trying to deal with the break up." Hank soundlessly moved through the hall, following Bobby. "Where are we headed?"
"The lights were on in the dining room when we drove up the mansion." Bobby pushed the door, which was ajar, open. "Come on, Hank, you've got to see this!"
"See what?" Hank moved closer and looked inside as well.
"I wonder how they ended up in the same room... and judging from the mess on the dinner table they also had dinner together." Bobby first studied the pleased expression on Warren's face, peacefully asleep on the couch, a quilt keeping him warm. Remy was curled up on the other couch and an episode of Friends was on TV. Bobby turned around to address Hank. "Would you get a load of Twinkies from the car?"
Hank groaned. He had hoped to retire for the night after wishing Warren a happy Christmas! "I will get them for you, but then I am seeking out my room." His stomach twitched in protest, demanding rest.
"Thanks, Blue!" Bobby returned to watching Warren and Remy. Okay, this is unexpected. I figured they would avoid each other and now they shared dinner and watched TV before falling asleep. What's going on here? Too bad Slim isn't here. He would love them trying to get along.
"Robert, your Twinkies. Goodnight!" Hank dropped his load into Bobby's arms and walked away. "Wish them a Merry Christmas for me!" His stomach was sending him toward the bathroom and he vowed never again to eat that many Twinkies in twenty-four hours. He was a physician and should know better!
Bobby stood in the corridor, cursing softly as two Twinkies escaped the confines of his arms. "This calls for drastic measures..." Bobby stepped into the living room, cleared his throat and grinned wickedly. "Merry Christmas, guys!" He threw the Twinkies at the sleeping men, and the snacks went flying through the room. It never crossed his mind that it was the wrong thing to do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warren's eyes flew open and he cursed loudly as three Twinkies hit his head. It only took him a moment to identify the source of this mayhem and he relaxed. He had been ready to fight off their attackers and instead he found Bobby in the doorway, grinning.
But Remy's reaction wasn't that mellow. Charging the pillow beneath his head, he threw it at his attacker, trying to duck the items flying through the air.
"Take cover!" Warren immediately recognized the danger; the charged pillow was going to explode.
Mouth agape, Bobby stared at the pillow and realized it was heading in his direction. Man, that joke had backfired big time! He quickly ducked and the pillow exploded only a few feet away, knocking him onto his butt. As the smoke cleared, he tried to assess the damage. Part of the wall had been knocked over. "Uhm, sorry?" He knew very well that he was to blame for this little stunt.
Warren sighed, shook his head and gave Bobby a long, hard stare. Bobby's face contorted and he looked pleadingly at his friend. "I didn't mean it like that, Warren. It was meant to be funny."
"Well, it wasn't!" Warren marched toward Bobby. "What do you think you're doing? We were asleep and you throw Twinkie at us? Bobby, just how old are you?"
"I'm only a kid," Bobby defended himself, but knew from previous experience that Warren wouldn't let him get away with it. "Merry Christmas?"
"Robert Drake," Warren started ominously, but then a hand settled onto his arm, stopping the lecture.
Bobby watched in surprise as Warren locked eyes with Remy. He expected Warren to lash out at Remy for touching him. Everyone at the mansion knew that the two men didn't get along.
"Remy, you could have destroyed the ceiling, burying us alive. Bobby needs to learn he can't pull stunts like these!" Warren's gaze traveled from Remy back to Bobby. "I know you meant well, but you put us in danger!"
Bobby's eyes widened. "But Remy blew up part of the wall! I only gave you some Twinkies! You should be mad at him." What the hell had happened during his absence? Warren was mad at him and not at Remy!
"Remy reacted to a potential threat, Bobby. He didn't know it was you." Warren sighed. "And where's Hank? Shouldn't he be keeping an eye on you?"
"I don't need a baby sitter!" Bobby still felt flabbergasted. And did Warren really say Remy? He never uses his first name; it's Gambit, or Cajun, but never Remy! "I'm sorry... I won't do it again. Come on, Warren, it's Christmas!"
"And you'll fix the wall," Warren told Bobby.
"Me?" Bobby raised an eyebrow. "I don't get it..." Shaking his head, he realized that Remy's hand still rested on Warren's arm, who allowed it for some reason. "What happened while I was away?" He noticed the look Warren gave Remy. The Cajun shook his head and Warren's lips tightened.
"Remy and I decided to forget the past." Warren stared at the hole in the wall. "You'd better take care of that before Slim gets home."
Yeah, Warren was probably right. Scott wouldn't be thrilled to find he had destroyed part of the living room. "I'll take of it." Bobby was about to leave when he saw Remy pick up one of the Twinkies, unwrap it and take a bite out of it, smiling weakly.
"Merci, Robert and a Merry Christmas to you too."
"Thanks... Remy..." Puzzled, Bobby watched Warren steer Remy back to the couch. Did I end up in an alternate universe where they actually get along? I have to tell Hank! He won't believe that Warren and Remy are friends all of a sudden... He took hold of a Twinkie and while eating it, he headed for Hank's room to update his friend.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warren took his seat on the couch again and continued to shake his head. "Sometimes I wonder if he'll ever grow up."
"I wish I could be like dat," Remy said, with obvious regret in his voice.
"You do?" Warren questioningly looked at Remy.
"I haven' had much fun in my life so far," Remy admitted, gingerly. He envied Bobby's carefree way of life.
"Well, at least we're awake now." Warren checked the time; it was almost midnight. "What do you want to do? Watch TV or retire for the night?" He felt refreshed after his nap, but Remy still looked tired.
"I'm goin' to bed." Remy walked over to the doorway. Shyly, he locked eyes with Warren. "Merci for tonight. You were right, you know. I didn' wanna be 'lone."
Warren smiled smugly. "I knew that."
A grin flashed across his face. "You're too smug for your own good."
"Ah, people told me that before." Warren switched off the TV, stretched, shook his head again at the hole in the wall and followed Remy into the corridor. Should I offer to sit with him tonight? Does he have those nightmares every night? Nah, can't say I'm that worried, but I can check on him during the night, stroll casually by his room and listen closely. Yeah, that's what I'm going to do.
"Night, Wings... and merci." Remy quickly looked away, scared that Warren would read too many emotions in his eyes.
"I had a good time as well and I'm glad you liked the dessert." Warren was stalling, and he suddenly realized that Remy wasn't very eager to disappear into his room neither. "Will you be okay tonight?"
"Oui, I t'ink so." Remy reluctantly opened the door to his room. "Night..."
"Good night, Remy." Warren watched the door close and then continued to his own door at the end of the corridor. He slowly entered his room, slipped into some sweats and sat down on his bed. He would give Remy one hour to fall asleep and then check on him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warren had barely made it into the corridor when he heard Remy's first cry. He started for the Cajun's room and was surprised to see Bobby step into the corridor as well.
"What's going on, Warren? Is that Remy?" Bobby frowned. Remy had only recently moved back to the mansion and although he had heard strange noises before he hadn't attributed them to Remy.
"Go back to sleep, Bobby. I'll take care of this." He had done so the night before and he had half expected this to happen again tonight.
"You are taking care of it? Warren... I want to know what's going on. You can't stand Remy!"
"Bobby, I don't have the time to explain now. Just go back to bed and let me deal with this."
"You'd better explain this to me in the morning," Bobby mumbled, reluctantly returning to his room.
Warren waited until Bobby had closed the door behind him and then softly knocked on Remy's door. Not getting a response, he pushed down the door handle, finding the door open again. You're damn careless for a trained thief, Remy. You should know better than to not lock your door... or do you want me here? Is that it?
Remy was thrashing in bed. The comforter was entangled around the Cajun's body and Remy was whimpering softly. Warren strained to make out the words.
"Non... non... scold... snow... ice... Poppa? Where are you, Poppa?" Remy's pleading tone cut through the room.
It urged Warren closer and he sat down on the side of the bed. "Remy? You're having another nightmare." This time he didn't wait for Remy to wake up and rested his back against the headboard. The only thing that seemed to calm Remy down was holding him tight. Although he felt slightly awkward holding another man, Warren ignored his unease. He would do the same thing for Bobby or anyone else in emotional pain.
"It's okay, Remy. Everything's going to be okay. You're at home in your..." Warren looked at the antique bed. "In your four poster bed. It's okay." At least Remy wasn't kicking and struggling like he had last night. Remy calmed down and he found himself gently stroking the auburn hair. "Yes, that's it... that's much better."
"Warren, is he okay? I can get Hank if you want."
"Bobby, I told you to go back to bed!" Warren sighed, exasperated. Great, now Bobby knew he was holding Remy in his sleep. It wouldn't be long before Hank knew as well. "He's been having nightmares, but he's settled down again. Everything's okay."
"If you say so..." Bobby reluctantly closed the door and returned to his room.
Looking down, he found that Remy was peacefully asleep. The Cajun had wrapped his arms around him and Remy's head rested against his chest. "Looks like I'm stuck here for the rest of the night." It was a small price to pay for Remy's undisturbed sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The first thing Remy noticed was how comfortable he was. He was warm and felt secure, sensations that had been unknown to him for some time. He didn't really want to wake up and open his eyes and tried to make the feelings last longer. When he could finally no longer lie still, he opened his eyes.
Mon Dieu! I ain' 'lone in my bed! His head rested on someone's chest and he had wrapped his arms around this person in bed with him. In return, he was held close as well. Didn' I go to bed 'lone? Confused, he cocked his head, trying to catch a glance of this person's face.
Warren? What's he doin' in bed wit' me? Perplexed, he searched his memory.
"Good morning, Remy."
Warren's voice startled him. "Didn' know you were 'wake."
"I woke up just now. You're probably wondering what I'm doing here. You had some nightmares last night and I decided to stay with you for a while. I hope you don't mind me getting comfortable and you should know that Bobby saw us like this."
"Bobby? What was Bobby doin' in here?" Suddenly, he felt ridiculous, talking to Warren's chest, and sat upright after freeing himself from the other man's embrace.
"He heard you yelling and was worried about you. There's a big chance that if I hadn't made it here, Bobby would have and you'd be waking up with him now." Warren stretched and groaned painfully as his cramped muscles protested the abuse. "I should stop falling asleep like this."
It suddenly hit Remy that this was the second time Warren had ended up in his bed, holding him. Was a pattern forming? "When will de heatin' at de boathouse be workin' 'gain?" He had to move back there before the others returned and heard him screaming at night.
"Oh, no, you're not moving back to the boathouse!"
Warren's firm tone made Remy look up. "What, homme?"
"You heard me! You're staying close so I can keep an eye on you!"
Something inside Remy snapped. "You're a li'l late, bein' concerned 'bout me!" He expected Warren to yell back at him, but the other man remained calm.
"You're right about that, but I'm trying now, doesn't that count? Not even a little?"
"Oui, it does. 'msorry, you didn' deserve dat. Don' know what's wrong wit' me."
"You want to be in New Orleans with your family, which is very understandable." Warren rose from the bed, stretched again and headed for the doorway. "Look, why don't you take a shower and then join us for breakfast? I'm sure Bobby and Hank want us to join them."
"Mebbe." Remy wasn't sure he wanted company right now.
"Hey, I promised your Tante to keep my eye on you. So start cooperating or do you want me to give her a call and tell her you're getting stubborn?"
Remy sighed, knowing Warren would actually do it. "I'll join you for breakfast."
Warren smiled, opened the door and stepped into the corridor. "See you in fifteen!"
Remy closed the door and dragged himself to the bathroom. Tiredly, he slipped out of his shirt and sweatpants and stepped beneath the refreshing water beams. He rested his head against the tiles and released the tears he had been holding since he had talked to Mattie.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bobby and Hank were already preparing breakfast when Warren joined them in the kitchen. "Morning..."
Bobby turned around at once. "You owe me an explanation."
Warren decided to fight dirty. "Did you already repair the hole in the wall?"
"That has nothing to do with this! You promised to tell me why Remy was having nightmares!" Bobby pointed his finger at Warren. "Come on, we're best friends, share!"
Hank remained quiet and watched the exchange. He noticed the softer expression to Warren's eyes. The anger that usually lingered there was gone. A significant change, which he applauded.
"It's about Antarctica," Warren said, more sharply than he intended. "He grows cold at night and thinks he's back in the citadel." Turning to Hank, Warren's eyes took one a pleading expression. "Why didn't we go back for him?"
Hank didn't know the answer to that one. "I asked myself that same question over and over again and I still don't know why we left him there." It didn't stop him from feeling guilty though. Hearing that Remy still suffered from nightmares which featured Antarctica only worsened his guilt.
Bobby placed a pile of waffles on the kitchen table. "Is he joining us for breakfast?"
"I hope so... or else I'm going to get him." Warren sat down and sipped his coffee. He released a pleased sigh as the liquid slid down his throat. "I needed that."
"So what's the deal with you and Remy?" Bobby poured himself some milk and sat down as well, closely watching Warren. "When we left, you told me you'd do your best to avoid him."
"I decided to bury the hatchet; can't stay mad at him forever. You know, I've been thinking about the team. We need to make some changes. It's not right, the way we keep treating Remy."
"And you have already set those changes in motion." Hank nodded his head approvingly. "If we set the example the rest will follow."
"But Remy won't know what hit him." Warren locked eyes with Hank. "He keeps asking me why I'm acting all friendly all of sudden. He thinks I have some hidden agenda."
"I understand his doubts," Hank replied. "We ignored him for weeks. Adapting to this change takes time."
Warren raised his hand, stopping their conversation as he heard footfalls in the corridor. "So what are today's plans? What are we going to do? Throw more Twinkies, Bobby?" He smiled, seeing Remy appear in the doorway. "I saved you a waffle."
"Merci." Gingerly, Remy stepped into the kitchen and sat down on the only chair left, between Bobby and Warren.
"Coffee or juice? Or both?" Bobby walked over to the kitchen counter and waited for Remy's reply.
"Coffee would be great, Bobby." Remy's gaze traveled from one to the other, trying to read their expressions.
"I won't be throwing any more Twinkies," Bobby promised, pouring Remy's coffee. "But we could try eating them."
"Have mercy..." Hank bowed his head, remembering his misery when he had thrown up last night. He couldn't stand the sight of even a single Twinkie right now.
Warren felt content, watching them. Bobby and Hank were just the company Remy needed to distract and cheer him up.
"It's a pity we didn't get any presents." Bobby looked disappointed. "Maybe we can go shopping and buy some belated gifts?"
"Most stores are closed today." Warren had something else in mind. "It's cold outside, maybe we can watch some movies, get the additional Christmas decorations into place and talk?"
"Talk?" Remy was startled, hearing that suggestion. What was there to talk about? His mistakes? His failures? His doomed love affairs?
Warren immediately noticed Remy's mood change and knew he had to do something to cheer him up, but Bobby beat him to it.
"We could build a snowman and have a snowball fight!" Bobby enthusiastically nodded his head, already envisioning a day spent in the snow, but then noticed Remy shiver. "Huh, dumb idea, but I'm sure we'll come up with something. Let's start with the Christmas decorations."
Warren sought out Remy's eyes, seeing the disinterest in them. We'll make you laugh, Remy, I promise. I don't know yet how we're going to do it, but we'll cheer you up!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"A little bit to the right... left... right..."
"Damn it, Bobby, make up your mind!" Warren was up on the roof, getting two reindeer in place. For some reason he had given in when Bobby had suggested decorating outside.
"Actually, that's perfect!" Bobby nodded his head. "Perfect. What do you think, Remy?"
It looks dumb... But he couldn't say that aloud. Bobby was getting in to the Christmas spirit and beginning to scare him. "Jus' don' dress up in a Santa costume," he said, only half joking.
"Nah, Hank does the best Santa of us all. Warren, get down here!"
"Sometimes it really comes in handy, having wings." Warren folded his wings after touching down and walked over to them. So far, they had managed to survive the morning and afternoon. Remy shivered again, in spite of the parka he was wearing. "We should go back inside."
Remy was the first to enter the mansion and quickly headed for the fireplace and the blaze they had built earlier. He needed to get warm again.
"Remy, would you help me build a snowman? Please?" Bobby gave Remy his best puppy dog look.
Remy actually hesitated. "Homme, it's cold out dere."
"I'll make you some grog afterwards." Bobby sat on his heels next to Remy. "Come on, it won't take that long."
"Mebbe..." Remy finally shrugged out of the parka and settled down on the couch, pulling the quilt over his legs. These last few hours had him confused. Although Hank had excused himself because he was still feeling nauseous, Warren and Bobby had kept him company and they were getting on his nerves.
"Hey, Remy what were your Christmases like before you joined the X-Men?" Bobby carried three mugs of coffee, spiked with alcohol and placed them on the coffee table.
Remy warmed his hands on his mug and pointedly looked away from Bobby. "Not dat great."
Bobby got the hint and dropped the subject. "Are you still moving back to the boathouse?"
"Oui."
Bobby was glad when Warren finally joined them. Remy's short answers unnerved him.
"So what's going on in here?" Warren sipped his coffee and hissed, tasting the alcohol. "Bobby?"
"Get over it, Warren, it's Christmas!"
Bobby actually had a point. "You know, it's kinda nice." He managed to catch Remy's gaze. "Bobby, Hank and I are part of the original team and we spent our first Christmases together. Even back then Slim and Jean liked to be alone during the holidays."
"Mais I ain' part of the original team." Remy reluctantly sipped his coffee.
"You can be an honorary member," Bobby said, amused.
Remy quickly averted his eyes, knowing that otherwise they would see the disbelief in his eyes. Going from being an outcast to a well-liked team member was hard to deal with. He still expected them to change their minds.
Suddenly, the alarm went off. Warren was the first to get to his feet and access the comm. system. "Hank, do you know what's going on?" Hank had volunteered to run a maintenance check on the security system and was hopefully still in the control room.
"Affirmative. We have an intruder on the premises. I have a visual of him right now, but I do not know him."
"What sector?" Warren released his wings, ready to take action.
"Actually, he is coming up to the house... Looks like he is headed for the back door."
"Then we'll meet him there. Bobby, Remy, let's check this out." Warren led the way while Bobby iced up and Remy uncovered his deck of cards, ready to charge them.
Hearing a knock on the back door stunned Warren. "Since when do burglars knock?" Looking at Remy, he saw the Cajun grow pale.
"Not a burglar, a t'ief..."
"Remy, what are you doing! Get away from the door!" Warren tried to stop Remy, but the Cajun slipped past him and opened the door.
A man, dressed in black clothes and a brown trench coat, stepped into the corridor. He didn't seem the least impressed when seeing them. Instead, his eyes fastened on Remy. "I had to come here myself and give you dis."
"Henri, what is it?" Remy's hands shook as he accepted the scroll.
"Jean-Luc's will. You need to read it and act on it."
"Henri?" Warren suddenly recognized the name. "Remy, is this your brother?"
"Oui," Remy whispered, absentmindedly staring at the scroll. "Dis is Henri LeBeau. You know, Henri, you could have used de front door." Remy smiled. "And de security system picked you up. You should practice more often!" He opened his arms and Henri accepted and returned the hug. "Henri, it's good to have you here, mais shouldn' you be in N'Arlings?"
"Dat's why I'm here, Remy. De assassins..." Henri's eyes grew big as he reached for the wall. "Mon Dieu, dey followed me... Remy, take cover! Dey're after you as well!" A rivulet of blood dripped from his lips and he fell forward.
Remy, who was the closest, caught Henri in his arms. "Henri?" Shocked, he stared at the long, slender dagger in Henri's back. "Non!"
"Get away from the door!" Warren cursed his negligence and threw the door shut.
Remy had dropped onto his knees, holding Henri close. "Get Hank in here! Henri's needs medical attention!"
"Bobby, go get Hank, now!" Warren pushed a shocked Bobby into the right direction and joined Remy, sitting on his heels next to the Cajun. "Remy..."
"Non, you can' die on me! First Poppa and now you! Don' you dare die on me!"
"Remy, I'm sorry. I should have paid more attention to my surroundings, mais I was so glad to see you... Mattie's worried 'bout you." Henri closed his eyes and his body convulsed, suffering a seizure.
"Non, stay wit' me! Don' die! De Elixer won' let you die!"
"Remy, de assassins... dey developed a drug dat overrides de Elixir... it can' help me now... dat drug's stronger..." Henri bit his tongue, when another seizure tormented his body. "Read de will..." Henri released his last breath, while staring into Remy's eyes.
"Non... non!" Remy went from yelling to mumbling within seconds as he rocked his brother's dead body. "Non..."
"Warren, what happened?" Hank had arrived, quickly examined Henri, but realized he was too late. "Remy, I am sorry. There is nothing I can do."
"He was my brot'er... I don' wanna lose him too. First Poppa and now Henri..." Remy held on to Henri tightly, refusing to let go.
"Remy, let Hank take care of Henri." Warren recognized the first signs of shock on Remy and shook his head when Hank gave him a questioning look. "I'll look after Remy."
Hank sought out Remy's eyes. "I will treat your brother respectfully." He would put Henri in the cooling cell in his lab until Remy was up to addressing the issue of transporting Henri back to New Orleans. But Remy didn't react, simply held onto Henri. "Warren, take Remy away from here."
Together, they pried Remy's arms loose and Warren pulled the Cajun to his feet. Remy didn't respond at all and Warren guided him to the living room.
Hank recalled Remy's words and realized what had caused Remy's blue funk earlier. "He lost his father and now his brother, oh my."
Chapter Four
"Remy, sit down and talk to me?"
Why couldn't Warren leave him alone? Didn't the man understand that he had just lost his brother as well as his father? The only one he had left right now was Mattie and what if she was in danger as well? But no, Mattie wasn't a LeBeau...
"Remy, drink this..." Warren sat down beside Remy and helped him curl his fingers around the coffee mug. "Sip, it'll help."
Help? Not likely. He had just lost his family. Jean-Luc's death had hurt him terribly, but Henri's death had been so fucking unexpected. He hadn't known Henri was near and then his brother had died in his arms. Tears threatened to escape his eyes, but he fought them back. He wasn't going to cry in front of Warren and Bobby!
"Bobby, why don't you check the security system? I don't want you chasing them on your own, but we can upgrade the mansion's security." In times like these no one wondered why Warren took charge and Bobby obeyed, leaving the two men alone.
"Remy, it's okay to show your emotions. Your brother just died in your arms. That would freak me out too." Warren hesitantly folded an arm around Remy, who was shaking himself to pieces. "It's okay to cry."
Non, I'm t'rough wit' cryin'! Dey took 'way what's most precious to me and I'll get back at dem, at Belle! He nearly dropped the coffee, but Warren anticipated the move and placed the mug safely on the coffee table. "Remy? Would you at least look at me?"
Non, I don' want you close! Don' you understand dat? I've been 'lone most of my life and I can' deal wit' you bein' close after you hated me for so long! In his entire life he had only allowed in one person, Jean-Luc, and he had made his father prove his love countless times. He wanted to shrug off Warren's arm, but subconsciously, he didn't want to be alone. Inwardly torn, he remained frozen.
"Remy, I probably shouldn't bring this up right now, but... Henri was murdered... Do you think they also killed Jean-Luc?"
What? Remy finally looked up and stared at Warren in disbelief. "What did you say?"
Warren felt relieved now that Remy was responding again. "Look, I'm just saying that Jean-Luc's death might not have been an accident. Maybe someone's trying to do away with your family and that would also make you a target. Henri did say they were also after you. Maybe you need to read that will?"
"He died deliverin' it to me. Why didn' he sent one of his men? He didn' have to do it himself!" Remy was growing angry. If what Warren suggested was true, Jean-Luc had been murdered. His anger ebbed away again and sorrow and loneliness replaced it. "I can' deal wit' dis now..." What he really wanted was to curl up beneath his comforter and pretend none of this had ever happened.
"You need time to deal with this. You have been through something very traumatic. I don't have any siblings, but I lost friends and teammates... I can't say that I know what you're going through, but I know you're hurting." Warren held him close, rocking him. "I'm not letting you deal with this on your own. Why don't we move to your room? We have more privacy there."
Remy adroitly rose from the couch and stared blankly at the wall. Tears blurred his vision and he wiped them away before they slid down his face. His knees almost gave out on him, but Warren's hold kept him upright and walking. It seemed to take an eternity to get to his room. He slouched toward the bed, dropped onto it, and began to shake.
Warren closed the door and joined Remy. Lying down beside him, he pulled the hurting man into his arms, ignoring Remy's futile attempts to get away from him. "Don't..."
Remy gave in, realizing Warren was determined to stay. Tomorrow, he had to contact Mattie and tell her Henri had died. He couldn't do it right now; he wouldn't be able to say the words. Tomorrow, he would read Jean-Luc's will and act on it, but tonight he needed to let go. Damn Warren for staying and seeing him break down like this! He would never be able to look Warren in the eyes again without remembering this incident.
"Remy, you can cry you now... I won't think any less of you if you do."
Warren continued to rock him and that motion reminded him so much of Jean-Luc that he finally started to cry. Burying his hands in Warren's shirt, he tried to hang on to some semblance of being in control of his emotions, but failed miserable. Warren's hand gently stroked his hair, and the other man continued to mumble soft assurances. Unable to fight any longer, Remy sobbed, acknowledging his pain and loss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warren had seldom felt this confused and the timing couldn't be worse. He had known all his life that he was bisexual, but his father had told him at a very young age that he would have none of it. He was only allowed to date women and his dad would cut him out of the will if he were ever seen with a man at his arm.
He had loved his father and hadn't been comfortable with the idea of dating men himself, so he had obeyed. His father and teachers had instilled feelings of guilt in him for even being attracted to another man, so he had hidden those feelings so deep that he had nearly lost them... until Remy.
Lying this close to Remy brought back certain feelings. The first time he had realized he was bi was when he had developed a crush on one of the family servants, a young Cuban with an exotic appearance and a hot temper. Manuel had been a welcome change in his father's cold household, but once his dad realized the attraction he had fired Manuel and lectured his son on being attracted to men.
Even though his father had died many years ago, the guilt and shame hadn't died with him. He had never allowed himself to find another man handsome or check him out. Rationally, he knew he could give in to these desires; his father was not here to lecture or threaten him, but denying these feelings had become second nature, but now he wondered... wondered about Remy.
From day one he had resented the Cajun and he had easily given into his hate after the trial, but maybe there was a reason why he resented Remy. Remy was handsome, had been cheerful and amusing when he had joined the team and had flirted with every female on two legs. There was little left of that man. The man he was holding in his sleep was vulnerable and beat.
Did I feel attracted to him and then blame him for those feelings? No one knows that I'm bi, not even Bobby and I don't know what to do. Holding Remy feels right. I seldom felt this needed and... Damn it, why does this have to happen now? I can't have feelings for him. It isn't right... no, it's right, it's... I no longer know right from wrong, thanks dad!
Maybe if his mother had been around, his dad wouldn't have reacted that fiercely, but she had died shortly after he was born and he had never gotten to know her. All he had had left was his dad, and he had desperately wanted to please him so that he would be loved in return. The truth was that his father had been a cunning businessman, but an emotionally unavailable father.
It seemed that Remy had been luckier, having Jean-Luc as a father. Suddenly, he realized that he was fingering a lock of Remy's hair and he inhaled the other man's scent, smiling against the dark hair. Yeah, Remy definitely was handsome, but he was setting himself up for heartache. Remy liked women, not men, as it was supposed to be. He had better bury these feelings before the attraction grew worse. Remy would make fun of him if the Cajun ever found out about the attraction. This was his secret and he would keep it well. He would be there for Remy as long as the Cajun needed him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
His sore muscles made Remy cringe in pain and he shook like a leaf, remembering last night's tragic events. Mon Dieu, Henri! Non! He can' be dead! De Elixir shoulda kept him 'live, mais he said somet'in' 'bout a drug, created by de assassins, and what 'bout Poppa's will? Where did I put it? Ai, I need to call Tante and tell her, tell her dat...
"Shhh, Remy, it's okay. You don't have to do this on your own, remember? And it's healthy to have a good cry."
Mon Dieu, it's Warren! He's still here? Why? Warren's arms were tightly wrapped around him and his head rested on the other man's chest. It was incredible how warm and cherished he felt and he wanted this never to stop, but that was just wishful thinking. "You stayed?"
"Yeah, you were really upset and I didn't dare leave you alone. It's becoming a habit, isn't it? Waking up in your bed."
"You don' have to do dis." His tone lacked any determination. He was glad he wasn't alone. "I need to call Tante and tell her 'bout... Henri."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
Remy abruptly sat upright, embarrassed for clinging to Warren like a frightened child. "I wouldn' know how."
"Want me to be close when you make that call? In case you need emotional support?" Warren sat upright as well.
"Don' know 'bout dat..." Could he take the risk of breaking down in front of Warren again? His self-esteem was dwindling swiftly, suffering one breakdown after another. It amazed him that Warren hadn't turned away in disgust. He constantly whined and cried!
"Remy, splash some water onto your face and I'll get us some coffee from the kitchen. You should wake up properly before making that call."
Remy sighed and nodded his head. Warren's suggestion made sense. As he headed for the bathroom, he heard Warren leave. Staring into the bathroom mirror, he flinched. He was a mess, but he didn't have the energy to take a shower. Following Warren's advice, he splashed some water onto his face and then returned to the bed. He collapsed onto it and stared at the ceiling.
"Henri's dead. How do I tell Tante?" She had just lost Jean-Luc and now he was going to be the bringer of even worse news. Staring at his hands, he realized that the shaking was getting worse. Merde, he didn't need this right now. He had to be strong for Mattie, had to arrange transport home for Henri and... Mon Dieu, Henri... why?
Suddenly, an arm folded around him, pulling him close. The fragrance of hot coffee drifted into his nostrils and he rubbed his eyes, trying to rid himself of lurking tears. Warren was sitting next to him, handing him a mug of coffee. His hand shook so badly that he spilled some on the comforter and he grabbed the mug with two hands.
"Remy, Hank wants you to know that he took good care of your brother. We can take Henri back to New Orleans after you made that call. We'll take the Blackbird."
"Merci, Warren." Remy wasn't sure what he was feeling, but he definitely felt grateful for Warren's support. What would I do wit'out Warren? He was dere for me when dis nightmare started and...
Warren waited for Remy to sip the coffee and then placed the cell phone on the other man's lap. "It won't get any easier."
"I know dat, mais she jus' lost Jean-Luc and now..."
"Share your sorrow with her, Remy. You can be there for her." Warren patiently waited for Remy to finish his coffee and then placed the mug on the floor. Acting on impulse, he took hold of Remy's left hand and gently squeezed it. "Call her."
Remy gingerly dialed the number and waited for Tante to answer the phone. His heart was going a hundred miles a minute and cold sweat erupted over his entire body. He squeezed Warren's hand hard as Tante's voice sounded over the phone. "Tante, c'est moi, Remy."
"Remy! I was 'bout to call you, mon fils. Did Henri talk to you?"
"Oui, he did..." A dry sob tormented his throat and he pleadingly looked up at Warren. "I can' do dis," he whispered softly.
"Yes, you can," Warren encouraged him, gently rubbing Remy's knuckles. "Tell her."
Remy swallowed hard and his mouth went completely dry. His voice cracked, addressing her again. "Tante, de assassins... dey killed him. Henri's dead..."
Tante moaned in disbelief. "What, chile?"
"He made it to de mansion and he handed me Poppa's will, den... den... dey stabbed him in de back, Tante. He whispered somet'in' 'bout a drug and I bet it was on de dagger... Henri died in my arms." Unable to hold back any longer, hot tears dripped from his chin. "I'm so sorry, Tante, was my fault!"
Warren's breath caught. "It wasn't your fault! The assassins killed your brother."
"Chile, who's on de phone wit' you?"
"C'est Warren, you remember him?"
"Oui, I do... Bon, at least you ain' 'lone and stop talkin' nonsense! It wasn' your fault. Henri went to Westchester to warn you. Our informants told us dat someone wants to eradicate de LeBeaus and now you're a target as well." Tante grabbed her handkerchief and dried her tears. "A few days ago I lost a good friend and now I lost a son... Henri was as a son to me, as are you, chile."
"Tante..." Remy's voice broke and the phone almost slipped from his fingers.
"Let me..." Warren took hold of the phone. "Ma’am? It's Warren. Remy's too emotional to talk right now."
"Where's Henri's body?" Tante needed to make arrangements for Henri's memorial service and then they had to place his body in to the tomb as well as Jean-Luc's!
"In our lab, well taken care of. We'll bring him home when Remy feels up to it."
"We'll take Henri home tomorrow," Remy decided. He needed today to sort himself out.
"Remy says tomorrow," Warren informed Tante. "I'll let you know the exact time."
"Bon. Please put Remy back on? And merci for your help."
Warren handed the phone back to Remy. "She wants to talk to you."
Remy pressed the phone against his ear. "Tante?"
"I know you're tryin' to keep it all inside, chile, mais let it out. Let Warren help, bien?"
"I'll try, Tante."
"I'll see you tomorrow den. I'll tell Belle of your arrival. Please be careful, chile. Assassins can' be trusted."
"I'll be careful," Remy promised. He terminated the connection and stared at the cell phone. He had done it; he had told Tante the horrible news. She had been strong for him, but was without any doubt now crying her heart out. And he felt like doing that too, but he couldn't, not with Warren close. "Leave me' lone?"
Warren considered the request. "I'll be back in an hour with breakfast. Is that enough time?"
Remy nodded his head. "Merci."
Warren raised his hand and wanted to squeeze Remy's shoulder, but then reconsidered. He was touching the Cajun an awful lot lately and he had to stop it, or Remy might get suspicious and figure out that he was fallen in love with him. "One hour."
Remy waited for Warren to leave the room, before dropping backward onto the bed. He curled up, and let his tears flow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Warren? Can we talk?" Bobby and Hank approached Warren, who was sitting on the couch in the living room.
Warren sighed, nodded his head and signaled them to sit down. "You want to talk about Remy."
"Yes." Bobby exchanged a glance with Hank, who was content to let him do the talking. "What's going on with him? Yes, I know his brother died, but there's more."
"His father died the day before Christmas Eve." Warren carefully masked his real feelings. Bobby was very observant and knew him too well; he was capable of figuring out why he suddenly cared this much about Remy. "First, he loses his father and then his brother. I'd be devastated as well."
"So that's why you reached out... I was surprised when I found you and Remy in the same room." Bobby nodded his head. "What do you want to do next?"
"We'll take Henri's body back to New Orleans tomorrow," Warren said thoughtfully.
"We?" Hank eyed Warren carefully, trying to probe beneath the surface.
"I'm accompanying Remy. I won't let him go alone. The two of you stay here. Upgrade the security system and contact Slim and the professor. This has progressed to a point where they need to know what's going in. I'll keep in contact with you." Warren suspected Remy would protest to him tagging along, but he was determined to stay close to the Cajun.
Hank nodded his head. "Do you want me to talk to Remy and find out what state he is in?"
"I think I have that covered," Warren said, thoughtfully. "I'm not saying he trusts me, but he's confiding in me."
"That takes a lot of courage," Hank remarked, observing Warren closely. "I must admit your concern and actions surprise me, my old friend. You clearly disliked Remy from the start and yet, you are the one who is taking care of him in his hour of need."
"I'm surprised as well, Hank." Warren wanted to end this conversation. The look Hank was giving him made him uncomfortable. "I'm taking some breakfast upstairs."
"Do you think he will be able to eat?" Hank got to his feet, correctly interpreting the evasive expression in Warren's eyes.
"I'll do my best to make him eat something. Did you see how much weight he's lost?" Warren remembered his own disbelief when he had realized that Remy's clothes had grown baggy.
"I noticed," Hank admitted. "Make him eat and tell him he can consult me, if he wants to. I will look after Henri's body."
"Thanks, Hank." Warren walked over to the doorway. "Remy needs to know we'll back him up... If you get the chance, try to show your support."
"We will," Bobby assured him.
Warren left the living room and headed for the kitchen, where he leaned against the wall. Hank... I didn't count on Hank figuring things out, but that look he gave me... he's on to something! Falling for Remy in that way had surprised him as well. He knew what was happening; butterflies tickled his insides and he desperately wanted to get back to Remy. I can't feel like this... this can't be happening.
He placed cereal, toast, marmalade, waffles, juice and coffee on the tray and headed for Remy's room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Remy? I got you some breakfast!"
Merde! Warren was back! Remy hid his duffel bag under the bed and pulled the comforter over his body. "I ain' hungry!"
"You're eating breakfast anyway." Warren opened the door and walked over to the bed, where he placed the tray on the nightstand. "Eat something, Remy."
"What's de time?" Remy sat upright, leaned against the headboard and stared at the food. His stomach convulsed at its sight.
"Almost noon." Warren pulled up a chair and sat down next to Remy's bed. "Are you feeling any better?"
Remy didn't want to lie, but..."Oui, un peu." He managed to sip some juice, but stayed away from the food. Maybe he would manage some later.
"Uhm, Remy, why are you packing?" Warren's eyes narrowed, having discovered the open duffel bag under the bed.
"Started packin' to be on de safe side. Don' wanna forget my stuff tomorrow." Merde, Warren didn't believe him! He could tell by the look in the other man's eyes.
"You wanted to leave today, without me." Warren's eyes hardened. "Why?"
Remy wrung his hands. "Look, I don' wanna be a burden. You got stuff to do, places to go and I'm keepin' you here... and it's dangerous to be 'round a LeBeau right now." Yes, he had wanted to slip into the lab, retrieve Henri's body, carry it to the Blackbird and take off without Warren. "De assassins won' stop until dey achieved deir goal. I don' want you to end up in de middle of our vendetta."
Warren rose from the chair. "Do you want to leave right now?"
Remy cringed. Warren's eyes were hard and unyielding. "Mon ami, don' take it personally..."
"Don't take it personally?" Warren shook his head. "How can you say that? I wanted to show you I was serious about being friends and friends help each other out when they hit a rough spot. You obviously don't feel the same way, splitting like that. You were going to sneak out."
Remy lowered his eyes, feeling guilty. Don' want you to get hurt, Warren. You don' know 'bout de assassins. Dey won' hesitate to hurt you if dey t'ink dey can get to me like dat.
"I'll tell Hank to take Henri's body to the Blackbird and we won't bother you anymore." Obviously hurt, Warren turned around and marched to the door.
"Non, stop! Wait!" Remy jumped from the bed. Acting instinctively, he took hold of Warren's arm and stopped the other man from leaving. "Don' go."
Warren sharply turned around. His hard glare softened. "Remy, you have to trust me. I've been an X-Man for years. I've dealt with worse than the assassins. I know it's hard to trust me, but... give me a break. I've been trying hard to convince you I'm serious. Walk out on me now and we won't ever be friends. It's your decision."
"I'm worried you'll get hurt," Remy admitted, feeling guilty. "I want you dere, mais... de assassins..."
"Let's take one step at a time." Warren searched Remy's face. "Look, I want to help."
"And I don' want you to get hurt..."
"I can take care of myself."
In the end, Remy nodded his head. "We're leavin' in an hour. I can' wait any longer. Stayin' here is drivin' me mad."
"You should call Mattie and tell her about the change in plans."
"I will... Warren, merci... 'gain." Remy smiled weakly. Until now he hadn't been sure that Warren was serious about being friends... but not any more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Uh, Remy? I really don't know what to say," Bobby stuttered, while saying goodbye to Remy. It was stupid, he knew the Cajun would be back shortly, but he remembered Warren's request to show their support. "I'm really sorry about your father and brother, and if there's anything I can do, just let me know, please?"
The look on Remy's face revealed his surprise; it was obvious that he didn't know how to respond and Bobby simply smiled. "Don't take too long coming back, okay?"
Remy shyly nodded his head, unable to respond verbally.
Bobby's smile continued, seeing Hank rest a hand on Remy's shoulders, gently squeezing it in unspoken support. That gesture meant more than words and briefly, he wondered if he saw tears swimming in Remy's eyes. The Cajun quickly hurried inside, almost fleeing their presence. Hank joined him and Bobby locked eyes with his friend. "He didn't know what to say."
Hank nodded once. "He was astounded that we openly showed our support."
The Blackbird took off and both men watched until the plan disappeared from view, secretly wishing they had been able to accompany their friends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Remy agreed to let Warren pilot, mainly because his hands were still shaking. Since waking up, he had been trying to get a hold on his emotions, but the shock had been too great; first losing Jean-Luc and then Henri. And Henri had died in his arms! He still couldn't believe that the assassins had developed a drug that counteracted the Elixir! Why were they so determined to take out his family? I'm de only one left now, dat's if dey t'ink of me as a real LeBeau. I'm only adopted, mebbe Henri was wrong and I ain' in any danger at all. De Guilds never fully accepted me, so why would dey start now?
"Remy? Have you already read Jean-Luc's will?" Warren reckoned they would arrive in New Orleans in thirty minutes.
"I can'... I tried... mais readin' it makes it more final..."
"You can't keep postponing it."
"I'll read it after we reached N'Arlings, promise." The truth was that he feared reading Jean-Luc's will and why should he? Henri had been Jean-Luc's successor, the next Patriarch and now that Henri was dead, the Guilds had to decide who would become the new Patriarch and that certainly wasn't him! He shivered, realizing that Henri's dead body was on the plane with them. Henri wasn't supposed to die at such a young age!
He felt grateful when Warren stopped asking questions, giving him some time to sort out his feelings. Tante had been quiet and subdued when he had told her they would be arriving early and he wasn't looking forward to facing several Guild members who had never hidden their disapproval when Jean-Luc had officially adopted him, which reminded Remy to warn Warren. "You should use Hank's image inducer when goin' outside. De Guilds don' like mutants."
Warren raised an eyebrow. "Come again?"
"Dey'll hate your blue skin... de wings wouldn' be dat bad, I suppose, but you'd betta not take any risks at all."
Warren remained quiet for a moment. "How did you deal with it then? Did you always hide your eyes?"
"It's kinda hard to fight wit' sunglasses on." Remy shrugged his shoulders. "LeBeaus were de only ones who really accepted me... Belle did as well, mais not de ot'ers. Didn' have dat many friends growin' up."
"I'm surprised that they are so prejudiced." Warren shot Remy a thoughtful expression. "I'm sorry you didn't have many friends. If it makes you feel any better, neither did I. As a rich kid I didn't know if people liked me or were after my money. I mostly had to rely on myself."
"Mais you weren' shunned for havin' diable's eyes."
"What?"
"Devil's eyes." Remy looked away; on old reflex that had taken him years to undo and still popped up now and then.
"You called them freak eyes..."
"I did? When?" Alarmed, Remy tried to remember when he had let that one slip.
"When you told me that Jean-Luc had died. Did they tease you about your eyes?"
"Tease? Tease?" They had pestered and harassed him because of his eyes!
"Sorry, I didn't want to make you remember something unpleasant." Warren checked their location. "We're approaching New Orleans. Can you take it from here?"
"Oui." He knew the best location to put down the Blackbird so it wouldn't draw any attention. Behind the LeBeau residence was a secret landing area, hidden from view by several fake houses. He landed the Blackbird and got to his feet. He dismissed carrying Henri's body outside. Facing his brother now would make him even more emotional. The doors opened and he left the Blackbird, immediately seeing Tante waiting for him. Several of Jean-Luc's confidants had joined her. Their faces seemed carved out of stone, without any emotion. "Tante!"
"Ai, Remy! Mon fils!"
Remy hurried toward her, trying hard not to run. He needed to be calm and composed. Tante wrapped her arms around him and he sighed relieved, breathing in her familiar and comforting scent. "It's good to be back. Missed you, Tante."
"I missed you too, chile." Tante pulled back to study his face. "You look tired..."
"Didn' get dat much sleep since... since Poppa died."
"We waited for your arrival and still have to place his body in de tomb. I t'ought you'd want to be present and we'll wait until Henri's body's been prepared to join his fat'er." She signaled the men to enter the plane and retrieve Henri LeBeau's body, knowing how hard this was on Remy.
"Tante, you're de only family I have left." Remy's eyes were swimming.
Tante gave him a reassuring smile. "We'll deal wit' dis toget'er, chile... and who's dis homme?"
"Dis is Warren, you talked to him on de phone."
After Warren's warning on the plane he expected her to act funny, seeing his blue skin and wings, but she extended her hand in greeting and he shook it. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Remy's told me some things about his family and I'm glad he's still got you after all the recent losses he suffered."
Tante's sad smile was sincere. "And I'm glad Remy had you when de bad news reached him."
Everyone grew quiet as the thieves carried Henri's body back to the mansion.
"Do you want to say goodbye to Jean-Luc?" Tante followed the men and took hold of Remy's arm, pulling him close.
"Can I?"
"Oui, we'll place him and Henri in de tomb tomorrow." Tante watched Warren closely, seeing worry in his eyes.
"I wanna say goodbye to him," Remy decided. He hadn't counted on seeing his father one last time. Saying goodbye would be hard, but he needed to do it in order to move on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Remy swallowed hard, staring at Jean-Luc's frozen features. Jean-Luc merely seemed asleep, but the cold that emanated from his father's body reminded him that Jean-Luc was dead. Hesitantly, Remy raised his hand to touch Jean-Luc's brow. "Poppa, miss you." It took all his strength to hold back his tears, not wanting to embarrass himself.
"Chile, I cried, Henri cried... It's bien for you to cry." Tante folded an arm around him.
Remy rested his head on Tante's shoulder. "What do I do now? Poppa..." Words failed him. Unable to express his sorrow verbally, he let his tears flow freely. "I should have been here. Mebbe I could have stopped it."
"You didn' know he was in danger, chile, neit'er did I." Tante drew in a deep breath. "He loved you, you know dat, don' you, chile?"
Remy nodded his head. "And now he's gone. I always wanted to come back home and... now he's gone. It's too late. I won' ever hear him talk or laugh 'gain."
Warren, who was standing near the doorway, almost joined them, feeling the need to comfort Remy as well, but kept back. This was a family affair and he had been surprised when they had allowed him in.
"Adieu, Poppa." Remy leaned forward and placed a last kiss on Jean-Luc's cold skin. Shocked, he jerked back, turned around and fled the room.
Tante was about to follow Remy outside, but Warren whispered, "I can handle it." She watched him leave, chasing after Remy and smiled. This young man greatly cared about Remy and that was just what her son needed. Turning toward Jean-Luc again, she sighed. "We did our best, Jean-Luc. We raised Remy well. Henri's deat's a shock, mais Remy's strong. He'll be a wort'y Patriarch. Rest gently, my old friend."