Title: Hold on to my Heart 3
Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)
Website: http://www.oocities.org/morganalebeau/
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Hold on to my Heart
By Morgana
Chapter Five
"Remy, wait for me!" Warren chased Remy through several corridors. Remy disappeared into a room and he followed inside. "Remy?" Looking about, he realized it had to be Remy's room. He almost expected a four-poster bed, but Remy had probably taken that with him to Westchester, never buying a substitute as he didn't expect to return home. Several paintings decorated the walls and an oak desk and warm, red carpet completed the room.
"Leave me 'lone." Remy's tone was haunted and lost.
Warren walked over to the bed and sat down next to Remy. "That must have been heard on you. I remember saying goodbye to my dad and I wasn't that close to him as you were to Jean-Luc."
"I can' believe he's really gone." Remy wiped away his tears. "You can go back to Westchester. I'll stay for a few more days."
"No, I'm staying," Warren said in a remarkably soft tone. "And we're going home together once you feel up to it. You need to talk to Tante, take care of your business here... and read Jean-Luc's will. It was important enough for Henri to risk his life for."
"It probably named Henri his heir and now dat Henri's dead, de Guild masters will take over, choose a new Patriarch."
"Aren't you in the least bit interested what the will says? Maybe there's a last personal message from Jean-Luc, which you should read."
Remy uncovered the scroll from a hidden pocket. "I can'... not now after seein' him. Mebbe dis evenin'..."
Warren decided to distract Remy. "Why don't you give me a tour of the house? It looks old."
"And we should arrange for a room for you," Remy said, relieved he could focus on something else. "We should talk to Tante."
"Do you feel up to that?"
"Oui." Remy smiled weakly. "Did I already t'ank for not listenin' to me? I'm really glad you came 'long."
Warmth blossomed in his heart, actually hearing Remy admit it like that. "You said thanks plenty of times, Remy." Don't blush... don't start blushing, just don't! Remy was close and warm, leaning against him and it would be so easy to lean in and kiss him. You can't do that! It's wrong to feel this way, dad was right!
"Wings?" Remy looked confused.
"Just thinking..." Warren forced himself to smile and to move away from Remy. "Let's find Tante."
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"Ah, dere you are 'gain, chile. Come, sit wit' me."
Warren and Remy joined Mattie in the living room, sitting down on the other couch. Being here brought back loads of memories and Remy began to relax. He had always felt safe at the LeBeau household. "Tante..."
Mattie poured them some tea, which she had just made, and handed then them the mugs. "You calmed down, chile?"
"Oui, t'anks to Warren..." Remy saw the stunned look on Warren's face at hearing that. "It's true," he whispered, trying to fight down a blush.
"I had your room cleaned," Mattie said, sipping her tea. "I'm sure you and Warren will be comfortable dere. You'll need your beau close."
Remy nearly choked on his tea. Quickly, he glanced at Warren, finding a similarly shocked expression on his face. "What?"
"Remy, I'm glad you found someone who loves you back. Did you t'ink I wouldn' realize de trut'?" She chuckled. "You don' let people in, except if dey mean a lot to you. It was easy to figure out you're lovers and I approve of it. Now don' try to deny de trut', chile." Pleased, she leaned back and enjoyed her tea.
Remy pleadingly stared at Warren, who uncomfortably shrugged his shoulders. It seemed like Tante was convinced she was right. It would take ages to get through to her and he lacked the energy to do so. Warren's hand briefly touched his to draw his attention and he realized that it were these gestures that had led Tante to believe that they were lovers. Lovers, can' imagine bein' lovers wit' Warren. I don' understand Tante! Oui, he touches me a lot lately, mais dat doesn' mean... He woke up in my bed dese last few nights and... Non, it means rien! He jus' wants to comfort me! Warren likes de femmes! He would never be interested in a t'ief and traitor like me!
Warren cleared his throat, feeling nervous. "Remy, can we talk? Privately?"
"Oui... Tante, please excuse us?" Remy got to his feet and followed Warren outside, never noticing Mattie's smug grin. "Wings, I'm sorry! I don' know why she t'inks we're lovers! I'll tell her de trut', mais she won' believe me! Once she gets somet'in' in her head..."
"Remy, calm down. I'm not thrilled about this development, but we'll manage. Hey, I've been sleeping in your room these last few nights anyway."
Remy appreciated it that Warren didn't make a fuss over this. "I can sleep on de floor."
"No, that isn't necessary. I'm sure we can behave ourselves."
Remy wondered about the draped expression in Warren's eyes. "I'm really sorry 'bout dis."
"Don't be," Warren said, smiling. "But we should go back before she decides to check on us. She'd be disappointed not to find us kissing."
That remark did it. Remy blushed. "Don' say dat... Don' give her any ideas..." He turned around and they headed back to the living room. Tension had formed between them and Remy forced himself to take his seat again on the couch and not distance himself from Warren.
Tante nodded her head, smiled and contently sipped her tea. These two were meant for each other.
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This is weird... Warren had changed into a T-shirt and was wondering if he should put on some sweat pants now that he was officially to share Remy's bed. They had decided to let Mattie believe they were lovers, mainly because Remy didn't have the energy to argue with her. And now that they were getting ready to go bed, he felt uncomfortable. Well, he was wearing boxers and the shirt did cover his upper body. Sweats are always so hot... and it's already warm in here.
"Remy, I'm done in the bathroom..." He had brushed his teeth, removed some tangles from his hair and was trying hard not to show his nervousness. This felt completely different from the last two nights when Remy had been emotional and in need of support.
He exited the bathroom and stared at the bed. Remy had already pulled back the covers, and he could hop right in when he was ready. He avoided looking at Remy as he headed for the bed. Everything's okay. Remy doesn't know I'm nervous and who knows, maybe he's nervous too. Wordlessly, Remy disappeared into the bathroom and Warren walked over to the open window, enjoying the breeze. I wonder why Mattie thinks we're lovers. We don't kiss, we don't hold each other... in public. I just don't get it.
"Hey, Remy, what side of the bed do you want?" When had Remy slept here last? How many years ago? A book was still open on the nightstand and he was tempted to peek at its title. He could use some reading material himself and strolled over to an antique looking bookcase.
"De one closest to de window."
"Do you mind if I borrow a book? I'm not sure I can sleep tonight." Hum, Remy had an interesting book collection; mostly first editions.
"Go 'head..." Remy stepped into his bedroom and shuffled his feet. "I can' believe Tante t'inks we're... lovers."
Warren, who stood with his back to Remy, frowned. "Why? Would you be embarrassed having me for a lover?" He selected 'The turn of the screw' by Henri James and returned to the bed. Remy's face revealed shock. "What's wrong? Aren't you feeling well?"
"Non, I wouldn' be embarrassed," Remy whispered, shakily. But you like de femmes...
He stared at Remy's back and wished the Cajun would turn around so they were face to face. "Is that it? Because I think there's more." He placed the book on the nightstand and listened to Remy's too fast breathing.
Remy's breath hitched. "I'm a Guild t'ief, a traitor... t'ings you loathe. You let me know dat repeatedly."
Warren swallowed hard. "I'm sure you had to train hard to earn that title, Guild thief, and you're not a traitor. Remy, would you please turn around so I can look at you?"
"Don' want you to look at me." Remy clutched the comforter tighter, trying to hide under it. "I wanna go to sleep, if you don' mind." He switched off the light on his nightstand and stared into the darkness. It was a good thing Warren couldn't see his eerie eyes in the dark.
Warren was at a loss. Not wanting to bother Remy, he switched off his light as well. "You want to keep the window open? Isn't that dangerous?"
"Dis is de only safe place in de world. We're bein' constantly guarded. No assassin will slip t'rough."
Warren lay on his back and stared at the ceiling. Every now and then, he stared at the window, expecting an assassin to attack them. "Remy, this won't work."
Remy sighed. "What won' work?"
"Switch places with me." If the Cajun didn't want to close the window, he wanted Remy's side of the bed. If someone dared sneak in they had to go through him first.
"Warren..."
"Just humor me, or I'll keep you up all night." Warren waited for Remy to get moving. The Cajun slowly rose to his feet, left the bed and climbed in on the other side.
"Happy now?"
"Actually, yeah." Warren smiled, pleased. Remy now lay on his back and he could see the haunted expression on his face. "What's going to happen tomorrow?" It was obvious that they wouldn't get much sleep tonight.
"We'll take Poppa and Henri's body to de family crypt and say our last good-byes."
In the dark, Warren saw the fast rise and fall of Remy's chest. Tears glistered in the alien eyes. "I don't know what to say to make you feel better."
"No one can make me feel betta." Remy closed his eyes, turned on his left side, away from Warren and curled up beneath the comforter.
Warren took the hint; Remy didn't want to talk any more. Staring at the window, he tried to calm his raging thoughts. Remy was so close and he wanted to reach out and comfort the hurting man so badly, but he couldn't. Hearing that Remy still thought of himself as a traitor hurt. You'd make a fine lover, Remy... and I'd love to have you, but it can't happen. We're both guys and giving in to these desires would be wrong. Closing his eyes, he pretended to be asleep.
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An hour later, Warren was still awake. He would have loved to toss and turn, but Remy's regular breathing told him that the Cajun had finally fallen asleep and he didn't want to disturb the other man. Sleeping in the same bed like this was definitely weird. In his entire life he had never shared a bed with a man, only with women, and Remy's cologne tickled his nostrils. Slowly, he rolled onto his left side, watching Remy's back. He would love to hold Remy in his sleep, but the other man was off limits!
Suddenly, Remy moved restlessly and accidentally slid closer to the center of the bed. Normally, he'd sleep in the center, so maybe the mattress is slightly dented and he's rolling closer unintended. Remy was only a few inches away and still moving closer. His breath caught as Remy suddenly cuddled up to him, moving into his arms and pressing his back against his chest. Remy, what are you doing? They were touching; Remy's ass grinding against his groin and a content sigh escaped Remy's lips.
Warren was too scared to breathe too deeply, fearing Remy might wake up and turn away from him in disgust. But Remy stayed soundly asleep, so Warren raised one arm, folding it around the Cajun's waist. Remy moaned softly and the sound traveled straight to his groin. Oh my, this can't be happening. Why is he doing this to me? He was utterly embarrassed when he grew hard. He tried to move away from Remy, but the Cajun moved with him. Please, let my arousal die, please! I don't want him to wake up like this! No way can I explain this!
But Remy was finally comfortable and stayed in place. Nervous and ashamed, Warren panicked. Don't let me stay hard, please! Maybe if I think of something bad, like Remy's brother dying in his arms... Yes, that works... Thank God! His arousal diminished, but his panic didn't. What if he wakes up and we're still like this? What will he think?
His panic wore him down and an hour later, his eyes closed as well. His subconscious registered the warm and pliant form in his arms and he held Remy tight.
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He was warm, warm and in someone's arms. Confused, Remy opened his eyes and didn't recognize his surroundings at first. Wasn't he at Westchester? Non, we traveled to N'Arlings. I'm back in my old room. He cringed; realizing what dreadful task that lay ahead of him, but before he could burst out in to tears, he wondered about the arm wrapped around him. A warm body lay spooned behind him and judging by the calm breathing, was still asleep. Warren, it has to be Warren! We went to sleep last night and somehow he ended up holdin' me... Mon Dieu, I didn' try anyt'in', did I? I'd never forgive myself if I did!
He considered moving away from Warren, but that would most certainly wake the other man, but then again, Warren was going to wake up anyway. Mais de problem is dat I don' wanna move. I feel warm and dis feels comfortable. Let him hate me later for pushin' myself on him, I'm enjoyin' dis now.
Remy stared at the wall for long moments, then managed to take hold of his book and began reading, enjoying waking up like this. The horrors of life would sink their teeth in him soon enough.
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"Mmmm..."
Remy had expected to feel nervous when Warren would finally wake up, but he didn't. He had been reading for one hour now and felt at peace. The fact that Warren was responsible for his brief happiness was something he didn't dwell on. Once they headed back home, Warren would grow distant again.
"Mmmm..."
"You sound comfortable, homme." Remy wondered how Warren would react when the other man realized that his morning erection was poking his ass!
"What...?" Warren reluctantly opened his eyes.
"You feelin' at home dere?" Remy resisted turning around just yet. First, he wanted to get even with Warren for bossing him around.
"What? Oh, fuck...I... Remy..."
Remy felt bad for teasing Warren and rolled onto his other side. "It's bien, Wings. We're bot' hommes. I got one too. It's normal, always happens in de mornin'. Doesn' mean a t'ing. Doesn' mean you're all hot for me." Warren blushed. Remy blinked his eyes. Warren never blushed! "Warren?"
"I'm sorry, I..."
"Calm down, mon ami. Rien happened. It's bien..." It felt odd, reassuring Warren after being on the receiving end of such assurance for a while. "You like de femmes, oui? Your body's playin' a trick on you, likin' de warmt' and my closeness."
Warren averted his eyes. "Do you want the first shower or...?"
"Why don' you go first? I'll read a li'l longer. Don' wanna get up anyway." He felt bereft of Warren's warmth and closeness when the other man left the bed. From the corner of his eye, he watched Warren gather his duffel bag and hurry into the bathroom. Smiling, he concentrated on his book again, trying to lock out the harshness of reality just a little bit longer.
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Warren rested his forehead against the cool tiles, trying to calm down. Sleeping in Remy's bed had been a big mistake. He should have known better, should have anticipated his body would react like that. At least Remy didn't make a big fuss over it.
His right hand closed around his straining erection and he stroked firmly, trying to get it over with. He felt ashamed for feeling this way about Remy. The Cajun was a man, had just lost two family members and he was getting off on holding Remy in his sleep. Recalling Remy's voice, and how warm he had felt in his arms, it only took him a minute to reach orgasm. He bit his bottom lip, trying to muffle the sounds so Remy wouldn't hear him jacking off.
His come splashed into the stream of water and disappeared down the shower drain. Oh man, why did I do that? Now I can't face him. He'll now what I did in here... Just like my dad did. His dad had once caught him jerking off, whispering Manuel's name. The fact that he was masturbating hadn't bothered his father, but that Manuel had been the object of his fantasies had enraged his dad. He had been grounded and sent to his room without dinner. The next few weeks his guilty conscience had pressed heavily on him, censoring his thoughts. And now it had happened again!
"Warren! You almost done in dere? I need to get ready!"
"Yeah, just a moment." His voice sounded surprisingly calm. He cleaned up after himself, making sure he wasn't leaving any clues to what he had been doing and stepped out of the shower cabin to dry his skin. From the duffel bag, he retrieved a pair of black pants and a gray shirt. His wings twitched; Betsy would have smoothed out his feathers at this point, but they were no longer together and he tried his best to do it himself. He fastened the image inducer to his belt in case he needed it. "I'm ready. Bathroom's all yours."
Remy left the bed and passed him by on his way to the bathroom. The Cajun wore briefs and a shirt and the long legs seemed endless. Warren cleared his throat and he threatened to grow flustered again. Fortunately Remy had closed the bathroom door by now. How am I going to survive being close to him? I'd better leave for Westchester as quickly as possible!
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"Belle would like to talk to you later," Mattie said, sad and discouraged. Today she would bury two of her best friends. She had helped Jean-Luc lead the Thieves Guild for a hundred years and not many people knew that she had been his right hand. Looking at Remy, she saw her own sadness reflected in his eyes.
"Why? She didn' even want me to be here!" Saying goodbye to Henri and Jean-Luc was a family affair and he had refused when she had asked him permission to attend. They were still officially married, but their love had died years ago.
Mattie nodded her head. Belle had been determined to prevent Remy from coming to New Orleans, but now that Remy was the new Patriarch, his power exceeded hers when it came to the Thieves Guild. She was glad that Remy had returned home this quickly. The Guilds needed to know he was a force to reckon with. She would discuss these matters with him later tonight and offer him her services. Jean-Luc had fortunately stated his wishes very clearly in his will.
The tomb wasn't nearly big enough to hold the three of them. Add to that the pallbearers and two coffins and the crypt was crowded. The thieves pushed the coffins into the holes cut out in the stone and then stepped back, leaving them alone. Warren had been surprised when Remy and Mattie had insisted he joined them.
"Remy?" Mattie looked at her son, finding a terribly lost expression on his face.
Remy raised his hand and touched the foot end of Jean-Luc's coffin, the only visible section. Later, the bearers would return, lay bricks and add the names of the deceased next to those of their forefathers'. "It's hard to believe dat I lost dem forever. Mebbe dey'll lay me to rest here as well, one day..."
Mattie exchanged a worried look with Warren, who seemed equally concerned for Remy. "Chile, let dem rest in peace. We should go back home. Belle and de assassins are waitin' for you."
"I really don' wanna talk to dem." But he knew he should give Belle a chance to explain herself to him. Maybe she just wanted to offer her condolences.
"I'd probably better leave now," Warren said, uncertain why Remy was still including him in these family matters. Remy seemed strong enough to deal with everything on his own and didn't need his support with Mattie at his side. It couldn't be only because Mattie thought they were lovers.
"Non, please stay..." Remy shot him Warren a pleading look. "Talkin' to Belle's never easy."
"I've been meaning to ask you, who's Belle?" Warren didn't want to pry but if Remy expected him to be present, he should know who he was dealing with.
Remy cringed. "Belle's my wife."
Warren's eyes bulged. "Your wife? I didn't know you were married." This certainly put a twist on everything. Now he had to cover up his attraction even better. Remy was a married man!
They had reached Jean-Luc's study by now and Mattie entered first. Belle stood in front of the desk and two assassins filled the back of the office, guarding her. "Belle," Mattie said, greeting her.
Belle immediately sought eye contact with Remy. "Ai, Remy, I'm so sorry 'bout Jean-Luc and Henri, mais comin' here was de worst t'ing you could do!"
Warren studied her, confused. So this was Remy's wife? Belle was beautiful, but his instincts warned him not to trust her.
Remy hesitantly sat down behind Jean-Luc's desk, feeling unworthy. He would talk to Belle, and after making sure Mattie was handling everything, he would leave for Westchester. Now that Jean-Luc was gone, he didn't belong here anymore. "What do you want, Belle? Dey were my family. Why keep me 'way?"
"Cause assassins were plannin' to kill you, Remy! I was tryin' to protect you! Now dat you're here, dey can easily get to you."
"Like I was safe in Westchester. Dey killed Henri at de mansion and why would dey come after me?" Remy tried to mask the bitterness in his tone. "I ain' a real LeBeau, just de adopted freak."
Warren flinched, hearing the self-loathing in Remy's voice. They would address that later; now he was interested in finding out if his suspicions were correct.
"Remy," Belle started, moving closer. "A small group of assassins wants to eradicate de LeBeaus and to dem you're de real t'ing. Dey won' stop."
"Den why didn' you stop dem?" Mattie had been listening quietly, but couldn't stay silent any longer. "You're deir leader!"
"Dey don' want anyt'in' to do wit' me," Belle explained. "Dey're actin' under someone else's leadership. I tried to stop dem, mais dey are trained well."
Remy tried to deal with this new information. "So I'm next on deir hit-list?"
"Oui, I'm sorry, Remy." Belle placed her hands on the desk and leaned forward. "Dey want you dead de most."
"Why?" Remy met her gaze, remembering why he had loved her once. She was beautiful, intelligent and compassionate.
"I don' know why, Remy. Mebbe it's 'cause you're a mutant, mebbe it's somet'in' else, mais dey'll try hard to kill you."
Remy shook his head. His powers would haunt him for the rest of his life and his eyes always gave him away. "Merci for de warnin' and sorry for judgin' you. I t'ought you didn' want me to say goodbye to Jean-Luc 'cause you were tryin' to get back at me."
Belle sighed. "Remy, we were lovers once and friends later. I was just tryin' to protect you. You're de new Patriarch of de T'ieves Guild and..."
"What?" Remy's jaw dropped. "What did you say?"
"You're de new Patriarch." Belle looked questioningly at Mattie. "I t'ought he knew."
"He does..." Mattie walked over to Remy. "Jean-Luc's will was very clear. You were to lead de Guild if somet'in' happened to Henri."
"Non..." Remy sought out Warren's eyes. "I didn' know dat..." Warren had been right, he should have read that will. I can' be de new Patriarch! De Guild will never accept me. What did Poppa t'ink he was doin'?
"I can see dat dis is a shock to you," Belle said, walking toward the doorway. "We'll talk later, oui?"
"Oui..." Remy stared at the desk in disbelief. Jean-Luc wanted him to follow in his footsteps? To sit at this desk and guide the Thieves Guild? He was relieved when Belle finally left and he looked to Mattie for answers. "I don' understand, why me?"
"You're his son, Remy. Why are you surprised?"
"I'm only adopted!"
"You're a LeBeau," Tante said, firmly. Then her tone and gaze softened. "Mais you need to discuss dis wit' your beau. I'll leave you 'lone. Warren can help you best." She left the room, wondering why Remy had such a hard time to accept something perfectly simple.
"I can' be de new Patriarch..." Remy got to his feet, fled the desk and stared out of the window.
"Remy, what's a Patriarch?" Warren approached him, but didn't touch Remy yet.
"I'd be in charge of de T'ieves Guild. One of de most powerful jobs in de world." He shook his head. "I always wanted to live here 'gain, mais not like dis." Feeling lost, he turned to Warren for comfort. "I know dis is strange, mais... would you hold me?" He desperately needed someone close.
Warren hesitated and feeling hurt, Remy was about to walk away when Warren's arms caught him around the middle. "You don' have to, if you don' wanna."
"Your request surprised me, that's all." Warren gingerly pulled him close, bearing in mind he was hugging a married man. "We'll find a way to deal with this, Remy."
Remy nodded against Warren's chest. Warren would help him sort out this mess.
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Late that evening, they retired to Remy's room. Remy had been tense since learning that he was the new Patriarch of the Thieves Guild and Warren now faced an inner struggle. Being honest with himself, he admitted that he didn't want Remy to stay in New Orleans. He wanted Remy to accompany him home, back to Westchester, but... His attraction to Remy was still growing and being close to the Cajun was dangerous. What if he gave himself away and Remy realized what his feelings were about? Then he would lose the friendship he had been so carefully building and he didn't want to risk that.
He lay down on his side of the bed, listening to Remy move about in the bathroom. I can't be selfish now. If I really care about Remy I’ll do what's best for him, not me. And the best thing for Remy is to stay here and lead the Guild. New Orleans is his home, he loves Mattie and his wife's here. Asking him to come back to the mansion would be selfish on my part and accomplishes nothing. Besides... Remy's married and maybe there's a chance he and Belle can get together again. I can't stand in the way of Remy's happiness.
"Hey, Wings, you're lookin' all gloomy. Somet'in' wrong?" Remy exited the bathroom, wearing his briefs and a T-shirt. He seemed more comfortable than last night.
"I was thinking about your father's will." Warren immediately noticed Remy's darkening expression and sat upright in bed. "I can't blame you for wanting to stay here and carrying out your father's last wish."
Remy opened his mouth, but then closed it again without saying a single word. He walked over to the window and stared outside.
"What? Did I say something wrong? You do want to honor your father's last wish, don't you?" An unreadable expression passed over Remy's features and made Warren frown. "Remy?"
"I don' know yet... A part of me desperately wants to stay and try to be wort'y of Poppa's trust in me, mais... I never t'ought I'd say it, mais I wanna go back to Westchester as well. When I left, Bobby and Hank were real friendly and now dat you're mon ami..."
Warren's eyes widened. "So you finally accepted that I want to be your friend?"
"Oui, took me some time to get used to de idea, mais oui." Remy smiled apologetically. "Means a lot to me dat you stayed close. Bein' here is hard on me and seein' Belle 'gain..."
"You probably love her a lot..." Warren's heart contracted in anticipated pain.
Remy shrugged his shoulders. "Loved her once, oui, mais no more."
"What happened?" Warren frowned; Remy's answer surprised him. "Aren't you married to her?"
A bitter smile appeared on Remy's face. "Don' know for sure. My weddin' was a mess. Belle and I are no longer toget'er and she don' love me no more, if she ever did. Same goes for me." Remy sighed. "Why are we talkin' 'bout Belle?"
"Beats me..." Warren pretended ignorance. He doesn't love her? And he isn't even sure if they're married? Well, he did date Rogue and Belle didn't appear to be on his mind back then.
"Are you ready to turn in? I don' know why, mais I feel awfully tired..." Remy yawned, walked over to his bed and slipped beneath the covers.
Warren swallowed hard, recalling waking up with the Cajun in his arms, Remy's ass pressed against his erection. That couldn't ever happen again! Maybe he should sleep on the floor? The chair? But Remy might find that odd, after having slept in the same bed last night. There was no way out for him, he had to sleep beside Remy. He fled to the bathroom and stared at his reflection. He loathed the blue skin and looked down; Apocalypse had done that to him. But at least he did have his feather wings back!
Taking his time, he brushed his teeth. He was stalling, not wanting to go back out there and join Remy in bed. If he was lucky, Remy would be asleep by the time he joined the Cajun and he could scoot to the farthest side of the bed, making sure they weren't touching.
A few minutes later, he entered Remy's room again. Involuntarily, he said a soft prayer. Remy was already asleep, facing him. He quickly slipped beneath the covers as well and watched the Cajun sleep. His crush was growing worse and sleeping this close to someone that he couldn't have was pure torment. I'll head home tomorrow. I'll ask Hank to come to New Orleans to keep an eye on Remy. I can't stay any longer. This is hell...
After staring at Remy for the next two hours, his eyes finally closed as well.
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Remy yawned while opening his eyes after a good night's sleep. He had expected to have nightmares, but hadn't even woken once during the night. His breath caught, finding himself in Warren's arms once more. This time they lay facing each other and Warren was holding him tight. His head rested against Warren's chest and one hand lay tangled in his hair. Dis is strange. Yesterday mornin' he was holdin' me too. I don' get it. I can understand he feels guilty for ignorin' me, -I certainly know guilt can do strange t'ings to you,- mais dat doesn' explain him holdin' me every night.
Warren looked relaxed in sleep; a smile ghosted on his lips and he snuggled closer. Remy held his breath, wondering what this meant. Warren had gone from hating him to being his best friend, from avoiding him to holding him at night and... At times, the draped expression in Warren's eyes almost resembled desire. But no, that was impossible. Warren didn't like men in that way and certainly not him!
Mais wait, what if it's true? I never saw him date an homme, dat's true, mais... dat doesn' mean he can' be gay. I didn' dates hommes when I was livin' at de mansion so he doesn' know I'm bi... Hum, dat's a weird way to t'ink 'bout it! Ha! Like Warren could have a crush on me! Me! Mais it would explain his sudden concern and interest, why he's stayin' close... Non, I've got to be wrong... Warren ain' bi... But the thought didn't leave him alone. Falling in love with him would explain Warren's odd behavior. Should he try to find out? What if he was wrong and made a big fool of himself? Could he risk another heartache? And before he even considered confronting Warren, he had to find out what his feelings for the other man were.
Lately, he had caught himself wanting to be close to Warren, enjoying being held by the other man. Looking at Warren's relaxed features he had to admit to finding him handsome and attractive. He even liked the blue skin and he simply adored those feather wings. He had hated the metallic ones.
Checking the time, he realized that they didn't have to get up for another four hours and he should try to get some more sleep. He had to tell Tante if he accepted his new position or if he was going back to Westchester. The choice was much harder than it should be. New Orleans was his home, Tante the only 'relative' he had left and he cared about the Thieves Guild. Instinctively he knew that he would be the right man for the job, but... he didn't want to give up this new friendship. Warren had supported him in his darkest hour and they had grown close, close enough to sleep like this.
If there was only a remote chance that Warren had developed feelings for him, he would be a fool not to pursue this. Warren possessed all the qualities he had ever wanted in a lover. The man was intelligent, compassionate, honest and supportive. Why would he settle for me? He can have anyone he wants and he would want me? Dat's wishful t'inkin' on my part... mais what if it's true? What if he's attracted to me? How do I find out?
Why couldn't he be a telepath like Jean or the professor? Yes, probing Warren's mind would be unethical, but would tell him the truth. Now he had to find out the hard way or not find out at all.
Chapter Six
Oh no, it happened again! I can't believe I did it again! He sighed. Fortunately Remy was facing him and he didn't have to worry about the Cajun noticing his aroused state. Yesterday morning Remy had teased him with it, but maybe the Cajun would now realize what was really happening; that he was aroused because he was in love with him. No more postponing that trip back. I'm telling Remy that I'm heading home this afternoon. If I stay I'll give myself away!
"Mornin', mon ami."
Oh, shit, he's awake! Cold sweat formed on his body and his arousal diminished at the prospect of being found out. Act normal, act like nothing's wrong! Act like you don't get a hard-on every time you hold him! Forcing himself to act casually, he smiled and stretched, quickly releasing Remy. "Morning, you must have slept well to sound this cheery." Alarmed, he froze. Remy's grin was diabolically wicked.
"Must have somet'in' to do wit' sleepin' in your arms... Doesn' dat make you uncomfortable? I wondered 'bout it... I woke up in an homme's bed before, mais you..."
"What did you say?" Warren's eyes widened and Remy's sparkled. Why do I feel like I'm being set up here?
"Said I woke up in an homme's bed before..."
Remy's pause seemed overly dramatic to Warren.
"Wings, I like havin' sex wit' an homme."
Warren tried to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat. No, I'm not going to have my first panic attack, I'm not!
"Warren? Hey, you're lookin' spooked..."
"I never... pictured it like that." Why did have Remy to put it like that!
"I dated Rogue and I'm de fait'ful kind. When I'm seein' someone I don' stray. Honesty and commitment are really important in a relationship, oui?"
Warren's world was crumbling. Damn, I need to get away from him. I'd never forgive myself if I acted on this. It's wrong; dad was right. It's unnatural for two men to be together in that way. Frantically, he crawled out of the bed and stumbled to his feet. "I'm taking the first shower, is that okay with you?"
Startled, Remy nodded his head. "Oui, bien wit' me, mon ami."
Great, I went from 'homme' to mon ami'. What's next? Cher? "And Remy? I'll be leaving for Westchester today. You're in control of the situation; you don't need me anymore. I should go home and check if Bobby fixed that hole in the wall yet." Cowardly, he disappeared into the bathroom without giving Remy a chance to react.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What? He's leavin'? Non, he's supposed to stay! He promised he'd stay! He can' leave like dis... What did I do? I shouldn' have teased him like dat. Would it help if I apologized? Mais... I've got de feelin' I'm right. He was hard and his pupils were dilated. He reacted like dat 'cause I was close! I've seen dat reaction before. Mon Dieu, can it really be? Is he in love wit' me? And what do I do 'bout it?
I don' do a t'ing. He wants to leave, he jus' told me. I don' know what's goin' on, but I ain' pushin' him. Mon Dieu, why can' l'amour be simple? Why dis complicated? Don' I deserve a break? I'll be 'lone 'gain. Oui, Tante's here, mais... I have feelings for Warren, I jus' don' know what kinda feelings and now dat he's leavin' I won' find out. Mon Dieu, why not gimme a break?
The bathroom door opened and Warren emerged, fully clothed. "Wings, did you mean it? You leavin' today?" Please say it ain' so!
"Remy, I came along because you needed a friend, some support, but you're handling everything okay. Mattie will help you and you don't really need me. Slim's probably going insane, not knowing what's going on and what if there's an emergency? The team can't be without two members at once! No, I need to go back, but you can always contact me, talk to me in case you need someone to listen to you. I'll only be a phone call away."
Remy was silent, unable to understand why Warren was deserting him when he still needed him so badly! But he wasn't going to beg Warren to stay. He still had his pride. Whatever feelings Warren bore him weren't strong enough to make him stay!
"Jean-Luc wants you to lead the Guild. Remy, be sensible. I can't stay here forever. Your life's here now and mine's in Westchester."
Remy's heart twitched. "I can tell Tante I won' do it, won' lead de Guild."
"But you want to lead the Guild. Be honest with yourself, Remy. Your heart's here. If you returned to Westchester with me, you'd regret it for the rest of your life."
So Warren wanted him to stay and sacrifice their friendship? "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure, Remy. You told me you always wanted to go home, back to New Orleans. You're finally home now. Don't throw it all away."
I'd t'row it all away for you... in a heartbeat... if you asked me to come wit' you, I would. Please tell me you don' want me to stay... Pleadingly, he looked into Warren's eyes, but the other man turned away, starting to pack his duffel bag. Why are you doin' dis? Was I so wrong? I really t'ought you had a crush on me. Must have been wrong den. "Warren? Merci for helpin' me." Defeated, he got to his feet and walked into the bathroom.
"You're welcome, Remy. I'm going to inspect the Blackbird, see if she's ready for take off. I'll say goodbye to Mattie and then I'll leave."
Remy closed his eyes, pretending Warren wasn't leaving, but knew he was fooling himself. Warren had made his decision.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Mais you can' leave!" Mattie frowned. "Why would you leave now? De assassins can' be trusted and Remy needs you close!"
Warren cringed; maybe it had been a mistake to let Mattie believe that they were loves. "Remy's strong. He doesn't need me."
"You have no idea..." Mattie sighed, displeased. "Go if you must, mais I don' understand you."
Warren felt like a jerk for abandoning Remy like this, but he just couldn't stay. "Take good care of him for me."
Mattie nodded once. "Dat's your job, not mine."
Warren's feelings of guilt doubled. "Sorry, but I can't stay." He quickly fled the room and headed for the Blackbird. If everything went according to plan he would be back in Westchester in a few hours. Remy would be far away from him by then, safe.
He boarded the Blackbird, sat down in the pilot's seat and fired up the engines. Remy, I'm sorry, I really am, but I can't be attracted to you.
The plane took off and he laid in a course that would take him to Westchester. Letting the automatic pilot do the job for him, he closed his eyes and sighed deeply, trying hard not to think of Remy. The Cajun probably felt deserted by now. He had fled New Orleans like a coward once Remy... once Remy had done what? Made advances? Had Remy been flirting with him or had he just imagined the tension between them? It was just that, tension. Remy was tired and still dealing with the deaths of his loved ones. It's only normal that he isn't acting rationally right now. That means I have to be the sensible one.
Looking out of the window, New Orleans had grown small, had almost vanished from view. I'm so sorry, Remy, but this is for the best!
Suddenly, a low rumbling in one of the engines attracted his attention. Was something wrong? He had run down his checklist before taking off and everything had seemed fine at the time, so what was going on now? Worried, his brow furrowed, he ran a diagnostic on the troubled engine. A moment later, the other engine began to roar. Shit, he was in trouble! Engine number one was shutting down and his only option now was to make a crash landing, no a controlled landing. Scott would kill him if the Blackbird was destroyed!
I can fly out, but I don't want the plane to hit a populated area. I don't get it. Everything was fine when I checked the engines! Losing precious time, he steered the plane toward some farmland, hoping no one was out there. He had completely lost control; he couldn't control this emergency landing! He had better leave now while he was still alive! Spreading his wings, he used one of the escape hatches and soared into the sky, letting his wings carry him. He had to get away from the plane or it would draw him in and burn him when it crashed!
He managed to fly away from it and watched it crash. An angry red fireball exploded in the air, burning sky and earth. "Scott's going to kill me..." He stared at the spectacle in horrid fascination and at first he didn't notice the itching sensation on his back. But then the itching changed to a burning sensation and his eyes widened as his wings froze. Diving toward the earth, he tried to break his fall, fluttering helplessly. In mid-air, still several hundred yards above the safety of the earth he lost consciousness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh my God, I feel nauseous! Warren coughed and threw up this morning's breakfast. Once he had emptied his stomach, he opened his eyes. He was in a darkened room, lying on the floor, hands and feet bound tightly. It took most of his strength to push himself over the floor to distance himself from his vomit, which stank horribly. As soon as he moved, he sucked in his breath as a blinding pain nearly rendered him unconscious again. Hanging on, he closed his eyes and breathed through the pain. It emanated from his right wing. No, not my wings! Not again!
He was on his left side, trying to favor his right wing, but the pain remained. Had he crashed, landing on his wings? If so, he was surprised he had survived the fall. Who had found him and why had they tied him up? The Blackbird was tampered with. It was perfectly fine when we flew in. Someone sabotaged it, wanting me to crash, but who and why?
The door opened unexpectedly and he quickly closed his eyes against the sharp blinding light of the flashlight, shining into his face. Listening closely, he heard three different pairs of footfalls. The three men circled him and one boot crashed against his injured wing, causing him to scream out his pain. Panting softly, he cracked his eyes partly open to stare at his nemesis. He didn't know the men, what did they want from him? Before he managed to ask his question the boot impacted again, and this time he swore he heard bones in his wings crack!
Biting his bottom lip, he tried to hide the agony he was in, but that only seemed to anger his tormentor. A series of kicks hit him in the back, shoulder and wing. This time he screamed out, cursing and then begging them to stop. He couldn't lose his wing again! "Please, don't..." His nemesis grabbed a handful of his hair and jerked his head back. A terrible pain shot down his spine and his injured wing trembled violently.
"Make sure it's a bien shot. I want de bastard to see his pain!"
Pain blurred his vision as he tried to focus on the man who was jerking his head around. "I don't know you..."
"Mais de LeBeau bastard does... He will give in once he sees you in pain."
Warren tried to laugh, but he ended up coughing. "Give in?"
"LeBeau will watch dis tape and he will want to save his beau, so he'll give in to my demands."
"His what? His beau? Oh, come on! We're not lovers!" Warren suddenly realized that he was coughing up blood. How badly had he been injured in that fall? He was bordering on the edge of unconsciousness, but managed to hang on a little longer. "We only let them think that! We're not lovers."
The other man laughed, obvious amused. "And you t'ink I believe you? Non, you're tryin' to save your skin. I saw de way you comforted him after I killed Henri. You sleep in de same bed! Don' mistake me for a fool!"
"You killed Henri? You killed his brother?" Warren's eyes widened. "You're an Assassin!"
"And proud of bein' one! I ain' a mutie, I didn' play no one to become part of one of the most influential families in N'Arlings. I'm an Assassin by birt'. If it hadn' been for dat bastard I'd be leadin' de Assassins right now and not my sister!"
The insane gleam in the other man's eyes made Warren swallow nervously. Only now did he notice the camera that was capturing their conversation. "What do you want from me?"
"I want you to hurt..."
Another kick to his shoulder blade made Warren breathless. "Why?" But the other man no longer replied, pounding on his wing instead. The pain reached its limit and shuddering, he lost consciousness.
"Take de tape to de bastard and state my demands."
"Oui, Julien." The Assassin quickly left to carry out his leader's orders.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Remy? Dis was delivered a few minutes ago. It's a tape." Mattie placed the small package on the desk. When she had entered the study she had expected to see Jean-Luc behind the desk, but Remy now resided in the study. The young man looked withdrawn and worried. It had started when Warren had left yesterday, leaving Remy depressed and lonely. "Mebbe he'll be back." She had tried to offer him some comfort; she always did. When he had been little she had often rocked him to sleep in her arms.
"A tape?" Remy forced himself to act. His heart ached for Warren's company, but he couldn't pick up the phone and contact him. Warren had made the decision to leave and he had to respect that. He took hold of the package and opened it, knowing thieves had already checked it contents and deemed it safe for him to open it. Looking at it, he frowned. There was no return address and suddenly he grew worried. "Pop it in?" After handing Mattie the tape, he turned the chair around to watch the screen.
"Oh non!" He jumped to his feet and stared in horror at the screen. "Warren!" The other man looked miserable, hands and feet tied. He even made out blood on the right wing! "What? Who would do dis to him?"
A door opened and three men descended the stairs. Remy hissed, recognizing Julien. "I should have known! Julien hates me, hates our family! I bet he killed Poppa and Henri!"
"Remy, be quiet and listen!" Mattie agreed with Remy, but they needed to focus on rescuing Warren!
Entranced, Remy listened to the conversation and he cringed, seeing Julien pound on Warren's already injured wing. Warren's blue eyes closed and Julien looked straight into the camera. "Make sure de bastard gets dis."
The screen darkened and Remy collapsed onto his chair. "Mon Dieu! Julien's gonna kill him!" He suddenly noticed the letter in the package and unfolded it.
It's been a while, Remy. You have probably seen the tape by now and you're wondering about my demands. Renounce your position as leader of the Thieves' Guild and hand it over to me. I already killed Jean-Luc and Henri. You prevented me from claiming my rightful place as leader of the Assassins, so I reckon you owe me. I will lead the Thieves. Refuse me and your lover dies and I promise you that he will die slowly and very painfully. One of my men will be waiting for you at the old church where you and Belle got married. Come alone and unarmed. Ignore this message and I will send you your lover's dead body. Come to the church at sunset.
Julien.
"Mon Dieu, he's finally gone completely insane!" Remy dropped the letter onto the desk and paced the study. Warren's agony was tormenting him. He didn't doubt that Julien would carry out his threat. The assassin knew how to draw out death and make it extremely painful for Warren. "I don' have a choice, Tante. I'll accept."
"Remy, chile, you can'..." Mattie walked up to him and folded an arm around him. "De t'ieves will never accept him as deir Patriarch. Even if you step down, Julien won' become de new Patriarch. Dis is out of your hands."
"Mais Warren...!" Remy pleadingly locked eyes with her. "He's hurt and his wing was bleedin'! He lost dem wings before. He won' survive losin' dem a second time!"
"Den find him and free him! Every master t'ief will help you locate him, mais don' give in. I know you love him, and dat's what Julien is countin' on. You have to be strong now, Remy." Mattie gently squeezed his shoulder. "We will find him. Sunset is still hours away and I will contact de Master t'ieves. We should locate Warren before sunset. Have some fait' in us, chile." Remy nodded once and she hurried to contact the thieves.
Remy walked over to the VCR and hit play again. Seeing Warren crumpled and in pain cut through his heart. He placed his right hand on the screen, trying to make contact, but the glass felt cold under his fingertips. "I'm sorry, Warren. Didn' want you to get mixed up in dis. I can' believe I didn' see it comin'. I should have known it was Julien! He hates me! Hates de LeBeaus and now he's usin' you to get to me! I'll find you, mon ami, and I'll try to make t'ings up to you."
"Remy? You’ve got an incomin' call!" Mattie had hurried back to the study to inform Remy and now left again to offer him some privacy.
"An incomin' call? God help him if it was Julien!" He wouldn't be able to control his emotions, hearing Julien's voice over the phone and Warren's screams in the background. He picked up the phone, trying to control his raging emotions.
"Gambit? What the hell's going on in New Orleans? Did the Blackbird really explode? Do you know how valuable and unique that plane was? And what's Warren doing there with you? Bobby and Hank aren't much of a help and..."
"Cyke?" Remy frowned. Scott was the last person he expected to contact him.
"Yes, it's me. Remy, you'd better start talking!"
"It's a mess..." admitted Remy. "Warren accompanied me to N'arlings after my fat'er and brot'er died."
"Uh... I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't know..."
"It's bien, Cyke, you couldn' know..." Remy drew in a deep breath. "You said de Blackbird exploded?"
"Yes, it carries several transmitters and they all died at the same time. I can no longer access the plane's computers, it's like it no longer exists and where's Warren?"
"Warren's in trouble. One of my old enemies got his hands on him." Remy wondered how much to reveal to Scott. "Mais I can handle dis."
"Remy, I'm sending Hank and Bobby to help you." Scott sounded worried.
"Mais..."
"No buts! You just told me Warren's in trouble and you'll need help to get him out of there. Hank and Bobby can help you, accept it and... What are you doing in New Orleans in the first place?"
"Takin' my fat'er's place as leader of de T'ieves Guild." Remy didn't like this one bit; why was Scott sending Hank and Bobby? He could deal with Julien on his own!
"Wait... You're the new Patriarch? Is that what you're telling me?"
Remy raised a surprised eyebrow. He hadn't realized that Scott had actually listened to him the few times that he had mentioned the Guilds to his team leader. Scott hadn't seemed particularly interested, but apparently looks had been deceiving. "I have to get to Warren before sunset or de Assassins will torture him to deat'."
"I have no idea what's going on there in New Orleans, but I don't like it one bit. Try to wait for Bobby and Hank, they are on their way already. Don't take any unnecessary risks. I trust you to handle this successfully."
"You do?" Scott continued to amaze him. "I'll do my best, Cyke." Of course would he do his best!
"Good, expect Hank and Bobby to arrive in one hour. How much time do you have until sunset?"
"Five hours."
"I'll contact you in six." Scott terminated the call.
Remy put the phone down and was jolted into action. "Tante, I need a location! Where are dey holdin' Warren?" He stormed into the livin' room, where Mattie was talking to several Guild thieves.
"I'm workin' on it, Remy, mais I need more time!" Mattie sent the thieves away after instructing them. "What happened?"
"I talked to Scott and he's sendin' reinforcements. Hank and Bobby will help me free Warren."
"Dis is a good t'ing? You don' look too happy 'bout dat."
Remy shrugged. "I don' know, Tante. I didn' expect dem to come here, mais we have a betta chance at freein' Warren when dey're part of de team. Lemme know de moment dey arrive? And I need dat location as well!"
"I'm workin' on it, Remy." Mattie watched him leave and smiled. Oui, Remy made a good Patriarch!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warren's world existed of pain and agony. Lying on the cold and wet concrete, the chill seeped into his body, reached his back and made him go limp. He had lost all sense of time and his thoughts were running in circles. He should have run one more check on the engines, should have taken a different route home. Maybe then he would be safe and sound at home right now.
Cringing, he wondered what Remy's reaction would be when the Cajun watched the tape. He realized that this Julien was using him to get to Remy, but he had no idea who Julien was or what he wanted. The rope cut in to his wrists and he remained motionless, trying to alleviate some of the pain his movement was causing him. His wing throbbed heavily and he lacked the strength to get to his feet and search for a way out. His throat felt like sand paper and he closed his eyes, wishing he had some water.
Remy would try to help him. The Cajun would locate him and then free him. Remy was his only chance to get out of this alive.
The door opened again and light flooded the room. Warren quickly closed his eyes. His retinas didn't like the blinding light after being in the dark for so long. He didn't have to wait long before the first kick impacted against his shoulder. A keening wail escaped his lips as his wing seemed to burn with pain.
"You'll die anyway, even if de bastard accepts my demands... Mutants... you don' deserve to live... any of you. I can' let him become dis powerful... His mutant powers, combined wit' de Elixir would make him invincible."
Warren heard the words, but didn't understand them; pain was consuming him. His wing fluttered helplessly, hitting cold concrete. "No..." Mumbling feverishly, he curled up as much as the restraints allowed him, trying to protect his head and stomach from the blows that would surely follow.
"You only got a few more hours to live... make de best of dem!" Julien laughed loudly, kicked Warren once more and then left the room.
The pain... it's too much... I can't deal with it... Remy, I don't know what you're doing, but if you're trying to find me I suggest you hurry. It feels like my wing's infected... Don't let me go through this again! Please, Remy... come for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Remy? What happened? Slim sounded worried when he told us to come here." Bobby looked about. Mattie had led them to this study and seeing Remy sitting behind the desk felt odd. He didn't know much about the Guilds. Yes, Remy had told him that he was a Guild thief, but that was about it.
"Warren's been abducted by an old enemy of mine. His name's Julien and he's practically immortal. Gettin' Warren back won' be easy," warned Remy. "I have a location, mais we have to act quickly. Julien will kill Warren at sunset." If he hasn' killed Warren already. Julien never keeps his word.
"You have a location? What are we waiting for?" Bobby started for the door, suddenly seeing the odd look in Mattie's eyes when she studied Hank. He was so used to having Hank around that his friend's appearance had become normal to him. Mattie hadn't seen Hank before and was clearly curious.
"Tante? We're leavin'" announced Remy. "We're goin' to get Warren."
"Are you takin' de Master t'ieves wit' you? Dey can help." Mattie concentrated on Remy again, ignoring her curiosity for now. This Hank McCoy certainly looked interesting.
Remy considered the question. He didn't want them getting in their way. Maybe the thieves could provide a distraction when they moved in. "Oui."
"What's your plan?" Bobby and Hank followed Remy outside.
"We go in and secure Warren. He's in a bad way, remember, he can' get 'way wit'out our help." Remy looked up at the sky. "De sun's 'bout to set. We need to move now!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Feeling miserable, Warren tried to get more comfortable on the hard concrete, but moving about only added to his pain. His fever had climbed this last hour and he was beginning to hallucinate, seeing glasses filled with water and other refreshing drinks. Swallowing hurt and he tried to be completely still. Sudden noises coming from behind the wooden door slowly registered, and in the end he realized that something was going on. He lay facing the door and had already closed his eyes in fearful anticipation of the blinding light. Please, Remy, I can't be that hard to find... I need you... I'm sorry I left like that. If I had told you how I truly felt I wouldn't be in this mess, but with you.
The door suddenly burst open and noise exploded all around him. He heard that particular sound of Remy, releasing a kinetic charge through his cards and he even thought he heard Bobby's voice. Must be the fever, getting worse... so thirsty... Remy, where are you? I'm so sorry...
"I found him!"
Huh, what's Hank doing here? What's this fever doing to me? Warren managed to half open his eyes and tried to focus on the man kneeling beside him. There was definitely a mass of blue fur.
"Hank!" Remy ran into the room, sat on his heels and tried to regulate his breathing.
Hey, Remy, this is a cool dream. I hoped you'd come for me and you did. It's okay that this is just a dream, makes it easier. My wing's lost anyway and I can't go through the pain a second time. Using his last bit of strength, Warren raised his left hand and brushed Remy's cheek. "Am sorry..." whispered Warren in a cracked tone. "Shouldn't have left... I... I love you..." Remy's eyes flared in the semi darkness and Warren's heart beat a little faster. This dream felt awfully real. "Where's... Ju...lien?" His strength was quickly deserting him.
"He ain' here. De place was empty when we moved in." Remy tightly curled his fingers around Warren's hand and cradled it against his chest. "Do you mean it?"
"What?" His eyes were closing and he was drifting back in to oblivion.
"Do you love me?"
"Yeah... I do... can't tell you though... Dad doesn't approve..." Warren's head lolled, losing consciousness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hank decided to take charge. Warren was in a bad way and needed immediate medical attention. Remy assured him that the lab in the basement of the LeBeau residence held all necessary medical equipment and Hank agreed to take Warren there. Hank carried Warren out of the dark room after ignoring Remy's protests of wanting to carry the injured man himself. Warren's wings made it hard to carry him and Hank didn't want to risk Warren taking a fall.
Remy followed, obviously displeased that Hank had overruled his decision. Bobby was walking next to him, and the other man continued to reassure him that Warren would be fine. In the end, he couldn't take it anymore. "Bobby, please shut up. Jus' shut up." Seeing Bobby's startled and hurt expression, he instantly felt guilty. "Didn' mean it like dat, mais I'm worried and you're gettin' on my nerves."
They boarded the helicopter that would take them straight home and Remy's eyes stayed glued to Warren's form. He said he loves me! Mais it can' be de trut'. It's jus' de fever talkin'...
"I didn't know Warren was in love with you," said Bobby. "But now Warren's behavior makes sense. It's amazing though; I never realized he was bi! He never even looked at another man!"
Remy cringed. "He can' be in love wit' me."
"Why?" Bobby looked Remy in the eyes. "Why do you think that?"
"He always came down hard on me. He can' stand me..."
"That isn't true, Remy. He was really upset after the trial, but Warren's a forgiving man." Bobby wished the pilot would hurry up. Warren's wing looked badly infected.
Remy shrugged his shoulders. "I jus' want him to get betta." He also had to catch Julien and deal with the insane maniac, which reminded him that he should strengthen security around his house.
"Remy, he said he loved you. No matter how delirious Warren is, he would never come up with something like that if it wasn't true and you know that."
Remy ignored Bobby for now and stared at Hank who was already trying to examine Warren. "What 'bout his wing?"
Hank's gaze hardened. "I do not know how badly infected his right wing is. I need to run some tests on it. How much longer?"
"Ten minutes." The LeBeau mansion was already in sight. "Can I touch him?" He pretended not to see Hank's surprised glance. Hank slowly nodded his head and Remy rested his hand against the blond locks, now stained with blood and dirt. "He has to recover. Dis is my fault. I should have known Julien was behind it."
"You didn't know this could happen," said Bobby, reassuring him. "And Hank's the best. If someone can fix Warren's wing, it's Hank."
"Thank you for your vote of confidence," said Hank, hoping Bobby's faith in him wasn't misplaced. "I will do my best, but..."
The helicopter landed and they quickly entered the building. Remy was walking up front, showing Hank the way. Mattie met up with them, realized the situation at once and offered to assist Hank in case he needed to operate. Hank accepted and requested that Remy and Bobby leave the lab.
"Come on, Remy, I'll keep you company," promised Bobby. "Warren's my best friend so I kinda know what you're going through." Bobby pulled Remy into the corridor and found an empty living room where he pushed Remy onto the couch. "Now talk to me. You look like you need to get something in the open."
Remy drew in a deep breath now that Hank was taking care of Warren. Hank and Mattie wouldn't let anything bad happen to Warren; they would save his wing.
"So Warren's in love with you," said Bobby, trying to make Remy open up to him. "Do you have feelings for him as well?" Remy's shocked look didn't elude him. "What?"
"Warren can' be in love wit' me, Bobby. He hated me!"
"Hated, Remy, that's past tense. Something happened over Christmas, something that brought Warren and you closer. When Hank and I got back from our Twinkie run the change was already visible. Why don't you want to believe Warren spoke the truth?"
"Bobby, dey eit'er die or leave me! Poppa's dead, so is Henri. Dey loved me, were my family. Rogue betrayed me on de ice and Warren..."
"You're scared Warren will hurt you too." Bobby understood. "Love doesn't come with guarantees, Remy. Just tell me, do you return Warren's feelings?"
"I don' know," said Remy in a tiny tone. "Never thought of him as a potential lover. He always hated me and... I didn' see dis comin', I had suspicions, mais..."
"So you like Warren? Do you like him enough to make this work? Or do you love him? You have to figure out what your feelings for Warren are."
"I need some time to t'ink dis over, Bobby. Dis is unexpected. I never t'ought Warren would actually say it."
"I don't know if you want my advice, but I'm giving it anyway." Bobby leaned in closer. "Warren's a decent guy, but he made some bad choices when it came to choosing his lover. I always disliked Betsy, and Warren was hurt when she dumped him. If you have some sort of feelings for Warren, why not give him a chance? I'm not saying you should jump his bones, but you could try talking about your feelings. Warren's a bit repressed that way. If you had known his father you'd understand. He probably wasn't thrilled when he found out that Warren was bi."
Remy nodded his head. "You're right, I'll talk to him."
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"Remy?" Mattie sought out Remy's worried eyes. "Hank says you can see Warren now." Remy jumped to his feet, left Bobby standing in the living room and ran toward the lab. Mattie smiled and met Bobby's eyes. "L'amour... too bad I'm only an old woman."
Bobby heard the melancholy in her tone. "But a beautiful one." He gently took hold of her hand and kissed it.
Mattie chuckled. "You're quite de charmer."
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Remy hesitantly entered the lab. "Tante said I could see Warren?" Warren was on the exam table, resting on his stomach to give both wings ample space. The right wing was heavily bandaged and bruises showed just above the blanket that Hank had used to cover his patient with.
"Yes, you may sit with him." Hank pulled up a chair to the exam table and gestured for Remy to sit down. "I do not want to move him just yet, but maybe you can find him a warm and comfortable bed in a few hours?"
"No problem, he can have mine. It's de best in de whole house." Remy wanted to touch Warren, but his hand remained poised in the air above Warren's head.
"Go ahead, you can touch him. Just stay clear of his wing and the bruises."
"Hank, how badly hurt is he?" The blanket slipped slightly, revealing more bruises. I'm gonna sent Julien to hell for what he did to Warren! But he had to catch the elusive assassin first!
"Two bruised ribs and he is sporting several bruises as you can see. He was dehydrated, that is why I had to hook him up to an IV. The worst injury is his wing. The assassins probably used a dart to tranquilize him. Warren had an allergic reaction to that substance and the poison attacked the bone."
"Will he make a complete recovery?" Remy finally felt confidant enough to tuck a stray lock behind Warren's ear.
"Given time and proper treatment, yes he will. But he will be on the inactive list for some time. If you would excuse me now...? I have to report to Scott."
Remy absentmindedly nodded his head. "Sure... mais I can stay? I'll keep an eye on him while you're 'way."
"Yes, you may stay. Just do not wake him."
"I'll be quiet," promised Remy, "Merci, for lettin' me stay." Hank left the room and Remy leaned in closer after making sure they were alone. "Do you really love me, cher? Do you?" He pressed a gentle kiss on Warren's brow. Closing his eyes, he searched his own feelings. "Wanna be wit' you, cher..."
"Do... you... Remy?"
Shocked, Remy jerked away from Warren. "You were 'sleep!"
"I woke up." Warren's face contorted with pain, but he tried to ignore it. "Remy, why do you think I love you?"
"You said so..." Remy's expression grew sad. "Wasn' true, was it? It was jus' de fever talkin'. I knew dat, should never have listened to Bobby!" He wanted to rise to his feet, but froze when Warren rested his hand on his arm. The movement caused Warren pain and he released a soft moan. "Don' do dis. You need to rest. You're supposed to be 'sleep!"
"I told you?" Warren brow furrowed, biting down the pain. "When?"
"When we found you. You said you loved me, mais it was de fever..." Remy began to pull back, trying to shake off Warren's hand without adding to the injured man's pain. "I'd betta go now so you can sleep. Hank will be back in a few minutes."
"Hank's here?"
"Cyke sent them when he heard you'd been kidnapped."
"Remy, there's so much we need to talk about!" Warren yawned and his eyes closed. "And we will... later."
"Mais naturelement, mon ami. Later." Disappointed, Remy rose from his chair. It had been the fever talking! He had known Bobby was wrong, but had let the other man convince him that Warren loved him. "It's bien, cher. You don' love me, mais I t'ink I love you..." After caressing a lock of Warren's hair, he got to his feet and left for his study. He needed to be alone.