Title: Master of Puppets

Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)

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

Rating: NC-17

Pairing/main characters: Gambit/Iceman

Series/Sequel: The Fallen Angel Arc 3

Summary: Slash. Gambit is rescued from certain death on the ice by Magneto who later forces him to return to the X-Men to face his past. Back at the manison Remy and Bobby grow attached to each other.

Disclaimer: Gambit and X-Men is (c)copyright of Marvel Comics. No copyright infringement is intended.

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Master of Puppets 1

By Morgana

 

Chapter One

"No, please don't, please?"
A scream, filled with pain and misery fled through the room and Logan sighed deeply. Warren's sleep was often filled with nightmares but tonight they were exceptionally bad. Apparently the relaxed mood they'd spent Christmas in hadn't helped much.
"Wings, wake up," Logan said determined as the man resting in his arms started to pound his chest in fear.
Quickly he released Warren but continued to talk to him, knowing the sound of his voice could break the nightmare's hold. These last few nights had also taken a toll on him. He'd hardly slept, listening to Warren's heartbeat and softly whispering words of comfort.
"Wake up, Warren," he repeated as Angel continued to thrash on the bed. Deciding against dragging the man back to reality he used a technique he'd discovered two nights ago and seemed to work well. 'Ange, wake up, Ange."
For some reason hearing that name calmed Warren's sleep and Logan privately thanked Remy. "Ange?" he repeated and the thrashing stopped. Warren's eyes flashed open with a frightening intensity and his lips started to form unspoken words.
Warren's mind was running in circles. The last thing he remembered was being held down in the tunnels and losing his wings? "Logan?" he stuttered and grabbed his hand. Logan had become his anchor during the last few days? and nights.
"Ya had a bad dream, kid," Logan said soothingly and slowly raised a hand so Warren could see what he was doing.
Warren had pushed himself against the headboard, resting his back against it. His fingers were clawing the sheets and sweat poured out of every pore. Eyes staring in to Logan's he focused on them. "A dream. It was only a dream," but it had been so much more to him. He'd been back in those tunnels, had relived the pain.
Seeing Logan's probing glance he drew in a deep breath. "I'm awake. Sorry I woke you," and ashamed for freaking out like that Warren turned his head to the other side. It was only then that he realized Logan was still wearing his clothes. Normally he'd wear some kind of Japanese kimono.
"Have you been out?" he asked and pulled up the blankets. The first nights he'd felt intimated by Logan's presence, but after the nightmares had set in Warren felt thankful Logan stayed close. A close bond had formed between them, which he couldn't quite explain; neither did he want to examine it.
"Went to check on our Cajun. Ya ain't the only one sufferin' from nightmares." Remy's scream had drawn his attention as he had made his way over to Warren's room and after smelling Bobby's scent he'd quickly left the corridor.
"You care a lot about him, don't you?" Warren stated and accepted the glass of water, which Logan handed him.
"Yeah? but there is more," Logan admitted and carefully slid in to position next to Warren, offering him his shoulder to rest his head on. Pleased, he noticed Warren accepted the invitation. Wrapping an arm around Angel's frame he absentmindedly stroked the golden hair, listening to soft sighs and desperate moans.
Warren had told him everything he remembered about his time as Death and the terror he had felt when he'd lost his wings. Tears had dripped from Angel's cheeks and Logan had never pushed for more. Maybe it was now =his= time to open up a little to Worthington.
Why? Because he had started to grow attached to Angel, something he'd never thought possible. But the man whose head rested on his shoulder wasn't the playboy he had barely managed to tolerate. This was someone different, someone in pain and a person who deserved to be treated with respect. =That's= why I'm opening up to him.
"Got a confession to make," Logan started, feeling the sudden change in Warren's breathing.
Warren looked up and was shocked, seeing the sadness in Logan's eyes. "What kind of confession?" forgetting about his own misery he listened closely, hoping to somehow return Logan's confidence and trust.
Awkwardly, Logan sought for words. "I failed our Cajun a long time ago."
Warren sat upright to study him. "What are you talking about?" He felt strangely protective when it came down to Remy.
"It musta been? almost 20 years ago when I was in New Orleans," Logan sighed and threw back his head as if to clear it from dark images. "I was walkin' the streets when someone tried to steal my wallet. When I looked down I stared in to red and black eyes."
"What?" Warren stuttered, looking impatiently at Logan to continue.
"Didn't know 'bout Xavier at the time, but? I did know the kid was a mutant and was bein' hassled for it. They yelled Devil boy when I caught him." Logan locked eyes with Warren. "The kid was starved, his clothes had holes in them and the skin shinin' through was bruised all over."
"I don't get it," Warren commented, utterly focusing on Logan. "You met Remy before?"
"Yeah, wish I had known what I do now," Logan grunted and closed his eyes. "Wanted to help the kid, bought him food and when I turned my back to pay for it, he was gone."
"But you could have tracked him down!" Warren stated upset.
"Yeah, tried hard to find the kid, but? I failed. Even stayed a little longer and asked 'round where I could find the boy." Logan's voice dropped. "But no one wanted to talk 'bout 'that white trash', 'devil spawn' as they called him and in the end I had to give up."
"And now you're feeling guilty?" Warren ventured. He'd never before seen Logan display such vulnerability.
"Yeah, ya can call it that," Logan muttered. "Kid doesn't remember we met before. Ya know, sometimes, in my sleep, I still see those? empty eyes."
"Logan!" Warren didn't know how to react. Logan had bared part of his soul and he felt honored by that trust, but? "You tried your best," he said determined.
"But I screwed up," Logan muttered. "I could have gotten him outa there."
"It wasn't your fault," Warren pointed out to him. "However, it does explain why you care this much about him."
Logan laughed embittered. "When he joined the team I recognized those eyes and I wondered ever since? would things have turned out different for Gumbo if I had found him?"
Warren shook his head. "I don't know about that, but I know Remy thinks you're a good friend." Warren smiled saddened. "So that's how you knew what happened to Remy as a child?"
"Yeah, that's also why I'm trying to get him to talk 'bout it, but he's stubborn!"
"Thankfully he's got Bobby to pull him through and I? got you." He wasn't sure where that came from, but it was the truth. "I don't know what I would have done without your support."
"X-Men take care of each other," Logan growled, low in his throat.
"Yes, you've got a valid point there." Warren moved away from Logan and started for the bathroom. "I'm going to take a quick shower." His clothes were sticky with sweat and he needed to clear his head after Logan's admission.
"Make sure Drake didn't freeze the water!" Logan called out and switched on the TV. He was way to awake to get back to sleep and he wanted to keep an eye on Warren anyway. It had taken him a while before he had been able to admit to himself that he liked Wings after all. There was something eternally sad in those eyes, which shouldn't be there.
He listened to the soft rustling of water and tried to concentrate on the program on TV, but his eyes strayed towards the bathroom every so often. Checking the time he realized 30 minutes had already passed.
Making no sound at all, he got up from the bed and pushed the bathroom door ajar. His breath caught, seeing Warren sitting on the floor of the shower cabin, arms wrapped around himself, crying softly.
"Wings," he sighed and opened the door after grabbing some towels. "What happened?" he whispered softly and wrapped the towels around the shivering form. Warren's wings trembled and his body shook violently. Lifting Warren from the floor he carried him to the bed and placed him down in the center, pulling blankets over the sobbing man. "Talk to me, Ange." In times like this, it was the only name Warren reacted to.
"I? look at this? blue skin? Death?. Horsemen?" Warren whispered lost and grabbed Logan's waist. "I don't want to see the blood."
"Easy now, Wings." Logan pulled him close to his chest and soothingly stroked Warren's back. The blue skin would always remind the man of what had happened and nothing could change that. "Ya're safe now, kid. Apocalypse can't get his dirty hands on ya now."
Shivering violently Warren looked in to Logan's eyes. Surprising them both, his hand suddenly caressed Logan's face and a shudder racked Warren's body. "Do you hate me?"
Logan swallowed hard hearing that tone. "I don't hate ya, kid," he said compassionately.
Warren suddenly read the truth in those eyes hovering above him and trembled. He'd always been attracted to women, beautiful ones and a lot of them, but never to a man and certainly not someone as Wolverine who at times scared the shit out of him, but? right now he needed Logan's strength, those survival instincts and he was willing to surrender, craving Logan's compassion.
Logan would never make the first move. Warren realized that as well. That would be taking advantage of me, wouldn't it? Why has it taken me all this time to figure them out? Remy and Logan? I never took the time to get to know them, =really= get to know them. And he blamed himself for being narrow minded.
"Logan, I?" and brushed a finger over the man's lips. The look Logan gave him showed doubt. "It's okay," Warren whispered, slightly scared and excited at the same time. "I think I feel the same way about this as you do, but? I need to take this slow. I'm still getting used to seeing Bobby and Remy together and?"
It was true. Seeing Remy and Bobby happy had made him think. He'd never thought it possible for two men to connect on such an elemental level.
Logan nodded his head; aware he'd given away too much of his feelings, uncertain why Warren was saying this. Was it because Worthington felt grateful or was it something else? Something he didn't dare hope for. "I don't want gratitude," he pointed out.
"I didn't say that because of gratitude," Warren whispered confused. " But? hold me?"
Logan reacted at once, pulled him closer, still stroking that golden hair. "Don't make any hasty decisions, Wings or ya will hate yarself for it later."
Warren knew Logan's words were true, but didn't care. "I need you," he stuttered and rested his head against Logan's chest, his arms wrapped the other man's waist. "I don't know anything for sure any longer. My world has fallen apart and I'm trying hard to make any sense of it and you," he locked eyes with Logan, "are the only one who truly understands me."
"Cajun," Logan started, but Warren cut him short. "It's different with Remy. He didn't know about Sinister's plans for the Morlocks. He's one of Sinister's victim."
"And you, kid are one of Apocalypse's victims. The bastard messed with yar head."
"I'm not sure I needed much convincing." Angel failed in keeping back his tears. "If only I could remember!"
"Why not ask Jean to?"
"No!" Warren yelped. "I don't want her to know?"
"Wings? Ange, it's okay if ya don't wanna?" Logan calmed him. "But?" and he hesitated to breach this subject. "Where do ya wanna go from here?"
Warren licked his lips. "I'm not going to lie to you, Logan. I need you and I don't know if? this is about love or commitment! Hell, right now I don't know?" and his voice broke, shattering in to tiny moans.
"I hear ya, kid," Logan whispered, wondering if Warren knew the truth himself. "We'll take this slow." Looking down at those swimming eyes he cupped Warren's chin in the palm of his hand. Slowly, he leaned in closer to brush Warren's lips oh so gently, while his fingers trailed down blue skin to rest at the lower back. "This slow 'nough?"
Warren nodded gingerly. How could he ever explain his feelings, his needs?
"I know, Wings. I've been there, remember?"
"Yes, you have," Warren admitted. "It feels different though, kissing a guy?"
"Live and learn!" Logan chuckled, relieved to see a weak smile on Warren's face. "Why don't ya try to get back to sleep?" He knew from pervious experiences that the nightmare wouldn't return, not after Warren had screamed himself awake to get it out of his system.
"I feel bad for taking up this much of your time," Warren confessed, but snuggled up to his source of warmth.
"I offered my help, didn't I?" Amused, Logan watched Warren shift position until he was safely tucked away in a firm embrace. "And if it means anythin' to ya I kinda like that blue skin. Makes ya look exotic!"
"Never thought of it that way," Warren mumbled, half asleep. "You'll stay here, won't you?"
"Yeah, I will," Logan promised in a soft tone, wondering about Warren Worthington the third, asleep in his arms. It had been many years since he'd last committed himself to a relationship and he feared the consequences. But I ain't goin' to let fear control me!
What the hell? Looking around, Bobby suddenly realized he wasn't in his bedroom any longer. Darkness surrounded him and he had to pinch his eyes to try and make any sense of his surroundings.
Apparently he was inside an old warehouse. Roof leaking, raindrops dripped down on to his head and cursing softly, he got moving. Think, Drake! What happened? I remember celebrating Christmas and later Remy's birthday and yeah, Renard was up for it! But then? we went to sleep, so how did I end up here? And where is here?
Voices sounded in the distance and Bobby stopped in his tracks to locate the origin of that noise.
"Let's find out if de mutie feels pain like we do!"
Another voice filled the room, yelling, "Devil boy, demon spawn!"
Yelps, moans and a terrified scream followed the abusive tirades.
Oh boy, Bobby thought stunned, Can it be that Remy's is having another nightmare and that the link drew me in?
Starting to run he focused on the obscenities, quickly covering the distance between him and the group of boys. They were kicking and throwing punches at something, someone lying on the floor and Bobby's heart missed several beats, recognizing big red eyes in the dark. "Remy!" he yelled.
The boys turned around and seemed to consider attacking the newcomer as well, but then apparently decided against it and made a run for it.
"My God, Remy!" Bobby repeated and gasped seeing blood dripping down the boy's face who couldn't be much older than ten. "Remy, what are you doing here?" he asked, kneeling next to the boy who was staring at him with confused eyes.
Bobby started to wipe away the blood using his shirt and hated the way the boy flinched. "You're safe now," he whispered, wondering what to do. "Who are those kids?" The boy remained silent, eyeing him suspiciously.
Bobby flinched himself, as he discovered the bruises and bloody skin all over the boy's body. The worn down shirt had been ripped apart and long auburn hair fell down his back.
"Remy, it's me, Bobby. You're having a nightmare," he said, hoping to get through to his lover. It was unsettling to actually be part of Remy's disturbing past. "You've got to wake up, Remy." Bobby sighed as the expression in those red eyes changed slightly, hoping Remy had registered his remark.
"Bobby?" The boy said confused, as if tasting the name for the first time. "Must show y' somethin'."
"Remy," Bobby started again after he'd wrapped his shirt around the boy's too thin shoulders. "Is that why you brought me here? To show me this?"
"Non," the boy replied, "Not dis," and hesitantly took hold of Bobby's hand, cringing as if trespassing.
"It's okay," Bobby reassured him and softly squeezed the boy's hand. "What is it you wanna show me?"
"Down dere," the boy said, pointing at the stairs leading in to the cellar of the building. "It's le diable, le demon?"
"Demon?" Bobby looked up questioningly. Something in that cellar absolutely terrified the boy who was clutching his hand. "Want me to check on it?" Bobby said, realizing there had to be a reason for his presence in Remy's dream.
"Non, he'll kill y'!" The boy screamed and started pulling him back, but missed strength to make it work.
"We'll go down there together," Bobby decided and determined lifted the boy, carrying him down the stairs. "Remy, trust me," he said chidingly as the boy fought him, trying to get his feet back on the ground. "I love you, Remy. But you've got to trust me."
The boy seized his resistance and tried hiding in the embrace. "Don' open de door."
Bobby shook his head. "I wanna know what's frightening you, Remy." Slowly he opened the metal door and stepped in to a? laboratory. "What?" he whispered, suddenly alert, wondering if he could transform in to ice if necessary. "Where are we, Remy?"
"Ceci est l'enfer," the boy whispered petrified.
"Okay, you know I don't understand French, Remy." Bobby looked about, seeing very expensive technical equipment.
"Hell," the boy mumbled and cringed, hearing a sound to his right. "Le diable, monsieur, we leave now?"
Bobby had registered the sound as well and cocked his head. What was still terrifying his lover after this many years?
"Looks like I've got company. I searched a long time for you, child."
Bobby froze hearing that voice and instinctively hugged the boy who was now crying, screaming and kicking in his arms to regain his freedom. "Sinister!" Bobby spat revolted.
"You brought back what is mine, Drake." Sinister's smirk grew broader. "And I'm not letting my creation out of my sight ever again!"
Remy screamed, vocally as well as telepathically, screaming himself back to reality. Panting and terrified he opened his eyes to stare in to Bobby's. "Mon Dieu?" he moaned and threw himself in his lover's arms.
Bobby whispered words of love as he stroked Remy's back. Sinister! What's the bastard doing in your childhood memories? Bobby used the link to pour reassurance and love in to Remy's thoughts. I love you, Remy. You're safe now. No one will hurt you!
"What happened?" Remy asked in a choked tone.
"You had a nightmare." Bobby studied Remy's red eyes. "Do you remember the dream?"
"Non," Remy whispered, as inexplicable fear washed through him. "Non, I don'."
Loud banging on the door announced the arrival of other concerned teammates and Bobby knew the other telepaths had probably picked up on the nightmare as well. "Yes," he said softly, hugging Remy, caressing the silk hair.
"We? heard, saw?" Jean said, stepping inside, closely followed by the professor.
"He doesn't remember the dream," Bobby told them and nodded his head as Jean asked him if she could comfort Remy as well.
Jean sat down, reached out and managed to lure Remy in to relaxation. "It's over," she told Remy. "The nightmare is gone."
Remy nodded his head, feeling shy as he realized that Logan, Warren and Storm were standing in the corridor, concern washing off them, aimed at him. "I'm feelin' better," he whispered and leaned back in to Bobby's embrace.
"We'll talk about this tomorrow," Charles decided, knowing Bobby could comfort Remy best. But seeing most of his X-Men in the corridor he took great comfort in the fact that they had rushed down here to check on Remy.
"Want me to contact Hank?" Logan asked hesitantly, unwilling to intrude.
Bobby exchanged a glance with Remy.
"Non, dat ain't necessary," he objected, "but," and he looked pleadingly at Jean, "maybe y' could stay a lil' longer?"
"Of course," Jean replied and telepathically told Scott she would keep Remy and Bobby company a little longer.
"Now, back to sleep!" Charles berated his X-Men and closed the door behind him.
"Professor?"
"Yes, Storm?"
"Will Remy be all right?" Her tone revealed concern as well as fear.
"I hope so." Charles noticed the expression on Logan's face, but made no remark about it. "Remy can't deal with this latency? it's too much to handle without training." And it's so much stronger than I thought it would be! I wonder? Charles sighed, looked at the door, sensed the pain hidden in Remy's mind and realized they had a problem.

 

Chapter Two

Bobby had snuck out of bed early to prepare breakfast and was now carrying the tray to his room. As he opened the door he realized that Remy was awake again. It had taken Jean and him one long hour to calm Remy down last night.
The link still worked but he knew Remy was shielding his thoughts and reasoned it was because his lover didn't want him to feel his pain. But I want to help and how can I do that if you shut me out? I'm strong enough to handle your memories! Didn't I prove that last night?
"Here, pancakes, juice and some coffee for my sleeping beauty," he said, trying to make Remy smile, but his attempt at humor failed. So Bobby placed the tray on the bed and opened the curtain to let in the sunlight. Remy cursed behind him at the sight of the bright light.
"Merde! Y' didn' have t' do dat!" Remy stated irritated. Looking at the tray his stomach convulsed. He appreciated Bobby's effort to get him something to eat, but? "Y' eat it," Remy said and shoved the tray away from him.
"We've got to talk about last night," Bobby berated him as he sat down on the bed next to Remy.
"Non," Remy objected with a firm shake of his head.
"Remy, you can't go on like this. You screamed yourself awake twice last night!" Bobby felt concerned, but frustration was building as well. "Jean offered to help you, so did the professor, why?"
"I don' wanna talk t' dem!" Remy exclaimed and turned on his left side, facing away from Bobby.
"Damn! Why do you have to be this stubborn?" Bobby's tone grew stronger as he moved to the other side so he was face to face with his lover again. "Look, I know you're hurting!"
Remy wanted to slide off the bed, but fed up with his lover's behavior Bobby grabbed his wrists. "Remy, I =felt= your pain, still feel it. You can't run away from this!" Urged on by concern Bobby added, "Now get dressed. Jean and the professor are waiting for you in his study!"
Remy stared at Bobby, whose eyes glared at him. He'd never seen his lover this? determined, almost angry before. Because of the link he knew Bobby was acting out of concern, but? was he really prepared to fight Bobby over this? In the back of his mind he was still scared to lose the one person who had shown him what unconditional love was all about.
Bobby released Remy's wrists, got to his feet and walked out of the room without uttering another word.
Remy stared after him in disbelief. "I'm sorry, cher? but I'm scared," he whispered, now that no one could hear him.
Not even looking at the food he got out of Bobby's bed and slowly walked to his own room to get dressed. He couldn't live without Bobby's love and if facing his personal hell meant Bobby would continue to love him, he would do it.
Slamming the door shut behind him he walked in to the bathroom to splash some water on to his face. As he looked in to the mirror he cursed his alien eyes and buried his fingernails deep in his palm until blood appeared.
The pain brought him back to reality and he quickly wrapped a towel around his hand. After dressing in a black shirt and trousers, clothes which fit his dark mood, he hesitantly reached out to locate Bobby. He wasn't going to reveal his presence though and kept the link as narrow as possible.
Bobby was still in the house, in the danger room to be exact and was trying hard to get the frustration out of his system. Slightly reassured Remy's eyes dropped until they rested on his hand, his fingers and eventually the ring.
Slowly he took it off, placed it on the window sill and draped a sweater over his shoulders as the house suddenly felt so much colder. Then he left his room to head for the professor's study and failed in fighting the panic burning in the pit of his stomach.
"Bobby?" Scott cancelled the program, which was running and stepped inside. It wasn't like Drake to come here voluntarily. Something had to be bothering Bobby and he wanted to know what it was. They had worked so hard these last weeks to remember what this family was all about and he would rather die than let it slip away again.
Maybe it was something that Logan had said, 'X-Men take care of each other.' For once Scott had to agree with Wolverine.
"Leave me alone, Scott. I'm not in the mood to talk to you," and Bobby forced himself to shift from ice to human form. "Why did you have to come down here anyway?"
Scott smiled weakly. Jean had updated him on the night's events and he'd expected something like this to happen. "Is Remy giving you a hard time?" he asked, truly worried.
Bobby sighed and hesitantly made eye contact. "You weren't there, Scott. We faced some creeps over the years, but?"
"Yes?" Scott encouraged him.
"Sinister did something to Remy that still scares the shit out of him." He wasn't sure he regretted the admission. Remy was so used to keeping everything a secret, while Bobby knew there was strength in acting as a team.
"When I looked in to those eyes?" Bobby took a step closer to Scott. Remy didn't want to talk about this, but he had to confide in someone. "He couldn't have been any older than ten, Scott and?"
Scott nodded his head. "Jean told me bits and pieces," and he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, suddenly realizing Bobby had grown up a lot during these last few weeks.
"I say we find out what Sinister did to Remy and make sure it never happens again." Remembering his own history with his personal Dr. Frankenstein he felt more than a little worried about Remy. "Did Sinister really say Remy was his =creation=?" Scott ventured gingerly.
Bobby nodded his head. "You wanna know something? I think that was the thing that freaked Remy out the most. He doesn't know who his parents are and then this monster comes along and?"
"But?" Scott bit his lip; "it was only a dream, right?"
Bobby looked up helplessly. "Remy refuses to discuss it, telling me he doesn't remember the dream, but I =know= he does!"
"The link?" Scott asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yeah, the link." Bobby's hands turned in to fists. "And? I acted like a jerk while he was hurting."
Now that was something new and Scott raised an eyebrow. "Bobby?"
"I ran out on him, telling him to talk to the professor or?" Bobby's eyes showed his pain as he looked at Scott's visor, wondering what expression lay in those eyes. "I didn't even have to end the threat. Remy knew what I was about to say."
"Lover's quarrel?"Scott remarked and noticed Bobby's angry glare. "First time, huh?"
"Scott?!"
"Let you in on a secret," Scott mumbled, squeezing Bobby's shoulder. "Sometimes tough love is the only thing that works."
Bobby shook his head. "You don't know how? insecure and vulnerable Remy really is. He's going to take this the wrong way."
"Then talk to him," Scott adviced. "Tell him why you kicked his butt."
Bobby smiled then, never expecting that particular remark coming from Scott. "Maybe you're right. I'll talk to him the moment Jean and the professor are done." The thing that bugged him most was that Remy hadn't used the link to contact him ever since their fight. It felt dead, cold and very dark.
"Remy, I'm so glad you decided to accept our offer," Charles said in a soft tone, gesturing his student to sit down opposite Jean. Studying the Cajun he sensed hostility and? fear.
Jean nodded her head. "Please let us help you, Remy."
"Y' can' help m'," Remy stated, determined not to let anyone in to his mind. He'd already hurt Bobby last night and wouldn't let it happen again.
Charles ignored the remark and said, "We can do two things, Remy. Pretend Jean and I don't know what that nightmare was about and start from scratch or you're going to act maturely and address it."
"Not fair," Remy whispered and glanced at Jean. What had she seen that one time when she had punctured his shields?
Charles approached his student, gesturing Jean to remain seated. "What is it going to be?"
"Don' know," Remy whispered and started fidgeting with the fabric of his shirt. He almost accidentally started to charge it and stopped himself just in time.
Charles nodded towards Jean, resorting to the plan they'd discussed earlier. She'd already established a basic sense of trust with Remy and that's what they needed most, Remy's trust.
"Remy, why are you afraid?" Jean said directly and noticed him flinch. Remy's shields were back to their old strength and yet? "You're hurting."
Remy stared at the floor, trying hard to pretend he wasn't here. Why had Bobby forced him to do this?
"Are you afraid of Sinister?" Jean ventured, scanning for hints, leaking thoughts. "But you worked for him once? you weren't afraid of him at that time, were you?"
Remy swallowed hard. Jean's compassion and concern were his undoing. Finally he whispered, "Last night was de first time I had dat dream."
Jean sighed relieved, composed herself and looked questioningly at the professor.
"Remy," Charles said, taking over. "Why does Sinister scare you? Because of that one dream?"
And suddenly it happened. Remy's shields opened, the nightmare reappeared and they gasped from the intensity. Charles wanted to reprimand his student for his obvious lack of control, but stopped himself. It had taken Remy all these years to open up to someone. They had to act carefully and he forced himself to analyze every little detail of that dream.
Jean rocked under the impact as well and forgot to breathe, seeing clones inside tanks, barely human, still growing, unrecognizable.
Remy suddenly realized what he'd done and cried out. He couldn't show them this. It was hurting them and he called himself a fool for allowing it to happen. "I never meant t' do dat," he said apologetically, stopping the flood of images.
Charles and Jean sighed relieved, but quickly reassured him that they were fine. Jean then decided another approach might be necessary. //Remy? Can you hear me?//
//Oui.//
// Sinister said something that scares you, what?// This was it, Jean realized. As long as Remy didn't acknowledge his fear they wouldn't get anywhere.
"His creation," Remy whispered broken.
"You don't know who your parents are, do you?" Charles said, mentally recalling Remy's file.
"Non? I don' know," Remy admitted and finally faced his worst fear. "What if Sinister? =made= me? What if I'm 'nother clone, like dem Marauders? I?" His voice faltered and Remy started to sob softly.
Jean sat down on the armrest and folded an arm around her friend. "Don't doubt yourself, Remy. Sinister is a master at manipulating minds. Maybe it was something you heard him say once, but in a different context."
"But what if?" Remy asked again, scared to end the sentence.
Jean took a deep breath and pulled Remy closer. "We pushed you too far."
The professor agreed with her. "I'll ask Robert to?"
//Non!// Remy cast vehemently.
"What?" Jean whispered surprised at the intensity of that thought.
"I can get back t' my room. Don' need a baby-sitter!" Remy got to his feet and walked over to the door. "Dis," and he gestured to himself, "is a mistake. It was de first an' last time we talked 'bout dis, compris?" He slammed the door shut and marched in to the corridor, stood undecided and glared upstairs, sensing Bobby's presence.
"I can' stay here," Remy whispered, grabbed his parka and left the mansion.
"Remy?" Bobby knocked on his lover's door after finding his own room empty. "Are you in there? I wanna talk to you!"
Not receiving any answer Bobby eventually pushed against the door, hoping it wasn't locked. Gingerly, he entered Remy's room and realized he hadn't been here often. But as his eyes scanned it, his breath caught. On the windowsill was the ring. Quickly, he curled his fingers around it. Shit! I've got to find Remy and explain everything to him!
Running to the study he was stopped in his tracks as he almost bumped in to Jean who was closing the door behind her. "Where's Remy?" Bobby asked in a shaky tone.
"Did the two of you have a fight?" Jean took in Bobby's expression and added, "Tell me."
"Where's Remy!" Bobby repeated.
"You just missed him. He was rather upset. Whatever you're fighting about I suggest you?"
"The link, Jean. It's gone!" Bobby whispered in panic. "What happened? Where is he?"
"Try the old church near the lake," Warren's voice echoed through the corridor. "You might find him there, if not I'll get the others to search for him."
"Thanks, Warren!" Bobby muttered, changed to ice and slid out of the corridor.
The professor appeared in the doorway. Concerned, he looked at Jean. "Contact me the moment they return," and closed the door to contact Henry McCoy in the medlab.
Remy, please! I didn't mean it like that! You don't understand! They can help you! He concentrated on his lover, hoping for a sign of life. Please be in that church, please Remy!
The ring was frozen to his hand and he hurried through the snow-covered landscape. As the church appeared he reached for the link. Nothing.
Sliding in to the church he searched the snow for fresh marks of footsteps and at last he found some, leading in to the cellar. "Remy?"
Only silence answered him and Bobby shifted back to human form. "Remy?" he repeated, vividly remembering the fear and pain he'd felt last night. Remy's pain. Remy's fear.
He turned around hearing a sound, ignored the angel statues and ran back to the entrance.
"Remy!" The Cajun was almost out of the door, but paused hearing his voice. "Why are you running away from me?" he whispered, barely audible as he reached his lover's side. "Look at me, please."
Remy raised his eyes and Bobby's heart thumped loudly seeing the tears in them. "You left this in your room, why?" and he extended his hand to show Remy the ring.
Remy trembled, avoiding Bobby's eyes again. "Y' can' want me. Y' deserve better."
"I thought we discussed this some time ago," Bobby said surprised. "I'm sorry I got that upset, but? it hurts to see you in pain, knowing it doesn't have to be like that. I don't know how long you've lived with that pain," he paused and curled his fingers around Remy's, noticing the marks of nails in his palm, but not commenting on it. "But I want you to stop hurting. That's why I was upset when you refused to talk to the professor. They wanna help, Remy."
Remy shook his head. "Dat's what I'm tryin' t' tell y', cher. No one can help m'."
Slowly, Bobby enfolded Remy in his arms. "Why?" he whispered and ignored Remy's attempt to pull away from him. Determined, he brushed his lover's lips. "You can tell me. I love you and won't ever leave you."
"I don' wanna lose y," Remy finally replied.
"Why are you this scared?" Bobby asked, sliding the ring back in to place and lead Remy to one of the benches where they sat down.
"Y' heard what Sinister said." Remy allowed Bobby to hold him, knowing it was probably the last time he would ever be this close to Drake. "Y' can' love his? creation," he whimpered in a shaky tone and tears escaped his eyes.
Bobby smiled. "You're drawing conclusions because you had =one= freaking dream about Sinister?" How insecure are you? It was a dream, Remy and because of that you think you're a clone? One of his experiments? We need to get to the bottom of this and prove you wrong!
"Remy, I don't care about Sinister," he said determined and forced Remy to return his glance. "I love =you=, Remy and I'll kick Sinister's butt the next time we fight the bastard. I won't allow him to torment your dreams like that."
"But what if it's de trut'?" Remy objected. "I do remember dis man takin' m' t' some kinda medlab an? dere was blood. What if I'm 'nother of his experiments? A clone or?"
"Don't even go there, Remy." Bobby admonished him. "Besides you never said it was Sinister taking you to a medlab, so you can rule him out. Open the link again? Please? I miss you."
"Non, dat ain't a good idea," Remy objected, but weakly.
"Please? With strawberries and whipped cream on top? Or maybe ice cream?" he quipped and thanked God as Remy's smile returned.
"Y'll have t' feed m' dose strawberries," Remy whispered, uncertain why Bobby still wanted to be with him.
"The link, Remy," Bobby reminded him, pressing his lips on that sensitive spot beneath Remy's left ear.
"Y' ain't fair, cher."
Cher! How I missed you calling me that, Remy! Bobby thought, hoping Remy had opened the link again. "Let's go home? You feel cold."
Remy slowly nodded his head. "I'm scared," he admitted in a choked tone.
"I know." Panic and fear were quickly invading his mind. "But we're in this together, remember? You and me! I love you, Remy."
"I hope y' still love m' after Sinister?" Afraid to end that thought Remy shrugged his shoulders. "I better close de link at night?"
"No, you won't do that," Bobby whispered concerned. "I'll be there for you when you need me. Leave the link open."
Remy shuddered. "I need t' know why Sinister's in my dreams," he finally admitted to himself. "I need t' know if I'm a clone or?"
"I'm certain the professor already has a plan to find out just who you are," Bobby promised and together they started their walk back to the mansion.
//Professor?// Jean sent, //Remy is back.//
//Excellent, ask him to step inside,// Charles turned his chair towards the door, realizing Bobby was accompanying Remy.
"You wanted to see us?" Bobby said as they stepped inside. Remy's reluctance to face the professor again was tiptoeing in to his mind and he tightened the embrace.
"Yes," Charles confirmed. "It's time for me to assume control over this situation. I waited much too long before finally addressing it." Looking into Remy's eyes he added, "And I owe you an apology for that."
Remy was about to deny that statement, as the professor raised his hand to silence him.
"The two of you will leave the mansion in one hour. That gives you enough time to pack."
"Leave?" Bobby asked stunned.
"You'll arrive in Paris in 12 hours. Storm already made all arrangements. A change of scenery might be just the thing you need, Remy." Charles took in their surprised expressions. "But before you go," and he made sure Remy knew he meant this seriously, "you'll visit the Medlab."
"Why?" Remy muttered.
"Henry will fill you in. Hopefully we'll have some answers when you get back from Paris!"
"C'mon!" Bobby stated enthusiastically. "We're going to Paris."
Remy didn't share Bobby's feelings though. //I don' wanna leave. What if de nightmares return?//
//You've got Bobby and deep down inside you know he's all you need,// Charles chided him. //Now get packing or the plane will leave without you!//

 

Chapter Three

Hôtel Normandy
"Look! It's a four poster bed!" Bobby jumped on to it and ended up sprawled all over, face down and immediately hogging the pillow. Grinning, he looked behind him. Remy had already put down their luggage and sank down next to him.
"Merde, I'm tired," Remy admitted and slowly fell on to the bed. Staring at the ceiling he smiled as well, as little cupids aimed their arrows at him. "Looks like Ange has cousins here, non?" Bobby's smirk made his heart beat a little faster. "I don' understand how y' managed t' sleep on de plane," he said and closed his eyes.
"Well," Bobby turned on to his left side and studied his lover who looked too tired. "Why don't you try and catch up on that sleep? I'll get my hands on some tickets for the sub?"
"Metro," Remy interrupted him lazily.
"And ask reception if they know a nice little restaurant." Thanks to the time zone it was only 1700 hours yet.
"We should contact de professor," Remy remarked sleepily.
"I'll do that too!" Bobby quipped and placed a kiss on the tip of Remy's nose. "I'll even unpack."
"D'accord." Remy curled up and was quickly falling asleep.
"You really =are= sleeping beauty!" Bobby joked, knowing Remy could still hear him.
//T'ought princes liked t' kiss deir sleepin' beauty,// Remy sent in to his mind, too tired to actually talk.
"I just did that!" Bobby objected amused, but brushed his lover's lips nonetheless.
The room was comfortable furnished and after removing Remy's boots he took a step back to make sure his lover was warm and cosy. Whistling softly he started to unpack and already regretted the fact that it would only be a three-day's trip.
//Cher? Still dere?//
Bobby sighed softly and concentrated on the link. //Yeah! Of course I am!// A contented sensation flowed in to his mind and he hoped the nightmares wouldn't return. He still wasn't sure why the professor had insisted they'd go on this trip right now! But maybe the professor was right and Remy needed a change of scenery.
Picking up the phone he dialed the number. It took him several attempts to explain to reception what he wanted and wished Remy had taught him some French. In the end he succeeded in securing a few addresses of nice restaurants and he returned to the bed to sit down.
Thus far Remy's dreams had been peaceful and Bobby couldn't sense any lingering nightmare. He felt immensely grateful that Remy trusted him enough to keep the link open, vividly remembering his own panic as it had briefly disappeared after their quarrel.
Although he had slept just fine during the flight, Bobby spooned himself against Remy's warm body and wrapped his arms around him, guarding his dreams and keeping Sinister away.
"Remy?" Bobby whispered, on the edge of waking up. Something warm and very pleasurable was twirling through his mind and as he opened his eyes he realized Remy was kissing him in his sleep. Those sensual lips caressed his and Bobby greedily granted his lover a duel with his tongue.
//Remy? Can you hear me?// Concentrating hard, he hoped Remy would pick up on that thought.
Hands found a way inside his shirt, tugged at the waistband, as lips seduced him to continue this exploration. Bobby groaned, more from the mental heat inside his mind than from the physical stimulation. The link was wide open, allowing him to feel every aspect of Remy's arousal.
//Not that I'm complaining, Remy, but you could wake up, you know.// Passion almost overwhelmed him as Remy's fingers curled themselves around his starting erection. //But why does this feel wrong?// Bobby wondered mystified. Then he realized =why= he felt this uncomfortable.
Twined tightly together their bodies floated two feet above the bed. "Remy?" he stuttered. "REMY!" he yelped and suddenly they crashed back on to the bed.
The shock woke Remy and his sleepy eyes quickly turned in to panic. "Cher? Why be upset?" Remy whispered, instinctively trying to sooth his lover's mind.
Bobby searched those eyes and reached the conclusion that Remy had no idea what had occurred and he wasn't going to tell him now. It would probably scare the hell out of his lover who still looked fatigue. "I guess this time I was the one having a nightmare."
Remy eyed him suspiciously. "Den why didn' I feel dat?"
"Hey, don't ask me!" Bobby quipped quickly, "I'm not the telepath here!" But he swallowed hard as he admitted to himself what had just transpired. Apparently Remy had more hidden talents than anyone had thought.
Telekinesis, Bobby shivered slightly, wondering what other abilities were going to surface. He'd never heard about a mutant with that many abilities. What if??
No! He wasn't going to even consider that Remy might be one of Sinister's experiments! Remy had over reacted to that dream and that was it! Now that his lover felt safe the memories he'd locked away were surfacing, but their forms were tangled and he suspected Remy was mixing up memories from different events.
"Hungry?" Bobby asked, trying to distract Remy. It probably helped that his own stomach growled loudly at the thought of food. "They advised a nice little restaurant just a few blocks away. You'll have to order though!" Bobby said jokingly. "My French is? limited to a few words, cher," he added to lure Remy in to smiling, which the Cajun did.
"Oui, I'm hungry," he admitted, but was reluctant to let go of Bobby's warmth.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Bobby asked, rose from the bed and pulled Remy to his feet. Desperately he tried to remember the name of the restaurant and suddenly he hesitated, realizing what the name actually meant.
Remy however, read it in his thoughts before Bobby had decided on what to do. "Y' picked a 'gay' café? Le Diable des Lombards?" and shook his head, wondering why it had to be =that= name.
"Hey, they told me it's very popular and the terrace is =the= place to be seen. Great for people-watching too. C'mon, Remy, please?"
//A 'gay' restaurant?// Remy repeated a little amused, the confusion which had occupied him a moment earlier forgotten.
//Please?//
//Y' don' have t' beg, cher.// Remy smiled. //We'll go.//
The first thing Bobby noticed at their arrival was that several men appreciately nodded at Remy. Feeling a first sting of jealousy he possessively claimed his lover's hand. Remy's soft, amused mental chuckle drifted in to his mind, but Bobby wasn't amused at all. //Just don't start flirting, aright?// Bobby sent using the link.
//I'm all y'rs, cher,// Remy assured him.
They followed the waiter to a table at the back of the restaurant and Bobby ordered some red wine, while Remy studied the menu.
"Are y' sure 'bout de wine, cher?" Remy asked a little uncomfortable. The punch might have not affected him, but?
//Stop worrying, Remy.// Bobby smiled warmly. //I'll make sure you behave yourself.//
Remy's eyes narrowed as if suspicious. //Sure y're not jus' after 'nother conversation wid Renard?//
Bobby chuckled merrily. "Remy!" he said chidingly and placed his order. Remy did the same and leaned back in the chair. Bobby studied him. Remy appeared calm and comfortable and none of the nightmares had surfaced during that catnap. "They're still looking at you!" he told Remy.
"Dey're starin' at de sunglasses, cher." He'd put them on to make sure they wouldn't attract any unwanted attention.
"I hate it when you have to hide your eyes like that," Bobby admitted sincerely.
Remy didn't reply, as the waiter returned to serve their drinks and starters. Part of his brain still hadn't registered yet that they were in Paris, still expecting to wake up drenched in sweat at the mansion.
//Are you okay?// Bobby asked concern, sensing his lover's confusion.
"Oui," Remy whispered and nodded his head. Studying Bobby he licked his lips, remembering the first time they'd made love and suddenly found himself wanting Bobby physically. He wanted to re-experience the feel of that naked skin underneath his finger tops and?
//Remy!// Bobby moaned, almost instantly erect receiving that thought.
Remy's smirk broadened. //Maybe tonight =I'm= in de mood t' eat y' as dessert?// he hinted.
Bobby flushed and stared at the floor, his hands, everywhere was fine as long as he wasn't looking at Remy's grin. "We better hurry up eating dinner then!"
"D'accord," Remy whispered. "I want dessert!"
"You like this place, don't you?" Bobby asked as they exited the metro and stepped back on to the street again.
"Oui," Remy admitted and smiled warmly. "Want t' go for a walk?" he asked and pointed at the Seine. In the distance the glass stained windows of the Notre Dame appeared as a beacon.
"Sure, why not?" Bobby relished the calm and comfort Remy radiated and wrapped an arm around his lover's waist. Even at this late hour, couples seemed to everywhere, making out; kissing and the soft noise coming from a café brought him back to reality.
Walking along the banks of the Seine Remy looked at the outlines of the several ancient buildings. "What do y' want t' do tomorrow?" he asked eventually.
"Stay in bed?" Bobby quipped, but then dismissed the answer. "No, we'll go sightseeing, climb the Eiffel tower and maybe check out the Louvre? That is, if you promise not to try and steal the Mona Lisa!"
"Haven' used my t'ievin' skills in a long time," Remy realized, feeling a little melancholy. "Might have lost my touch!"
A couple, consisting of two young women kissing and giggling, passed them by and Bobby giggled in return. "It feels so good to be here, Remy."
Remy had already picked up on that telepathically. "An' I love bein' here wid y'."
As they arrived at their hotel, Bobby collected the key and together they headed for their room. It was then as Remy suddenly turned around, feeling watched, feeling? //Somethin's out dere, cher,// he cast and shivered.
Bobby quickly opened the door and pulled Remy inside. "What are you talking about?"
"Sometin' is out dere! Someone's watchin' us!// Remy managed to remain calm, zeroing in on the presence. "It even feels familiar."
Bobby stared in to Remy's eyes. "Think the professor asked one of the others to watch over us? Perhaps Storm?"
"Non," Remy said absentmindedly and shivered. "It ain't Stormy."
The mansion
"C'mon! Ya can do better than that!" Logan snorted as Warren tried to rock him off his feet, by grabbing his waist. Logan knew Warren's plan to drag him along and then to drop him off after reaching sufficient height.
They were working out in the danger room. Logan had suggested it to get some of Warren's frustration and anger out of his system. Claws extended, he waited for Angel to try a different attack.
But Warren utterly surprised him by crashing in to the wall in mid flight. "What the hell?" Logan cursed and got moving, gained speed and leapt gracefully, catching the falling form before it had made contact with the floor.
"Wings, can ya hear me?" Startled, Logan realized he was actually angsting over Warren. "C'mon, Wings," he added in a more forceful tone as the man in his arms didn't stir.
Quickly calling the training session to an end, he placed Warren on the floor and examined pulse and breathing. A little too fast perhaps, but nothing to worry about. Couldn't be too careful though and he decided to head for the medlab to ask Hank to have a look at Angel.
"I'm fine, stop worrying," Warren sighed after what seemed an eternity and surprised, stared in to Logan's big eyes. Was there a hint of fear, maybe even panic in them? Warren dismissed that idea. Logan wasn't a man to openly show his emotions.
"What happened?" Logan demanded to know and helped Warren back to his feet. In the process he straightened out some feathers.
"Don't know," Warren started. "Maybe I still need to get used to having my own wings back. Apoca?" His voice faltered as he tried to pronounce the name. "The metal ones felt different."
"I'm takin' ya to the medlab. Don't like this one bit!" Logan growled and retracted his claws.
"Logan, there is no reason why?"
"Shut up, Wings," Logan unceremoniously said, glaring at Angel. "I wanna know what happened."
Warren took a deep breath, ready to continue the verbal fight, but Logan's expression told him the man was serious. After quickly glancing about to make sure they were alone he asked, "Concerned about the playboy?"
"Stop playin' mind games," Logan admonished him. "I've been playin' them longer an' ya can't beat me at my own game."
Warren's hand stopped him and Logan turned to face him. "What?" he asked impatiently, but his eyes narrowed recognizing the scent, the draped eyes and he moved quickly, pushing Warren against the wall. Pressing his lips on Angel's he relished hearing the sharp intake in breath. "Ya don't know what ya need, but I do," he stated determined.
Warren didn't struggle, feeling the muscled body pinning him to the wall. All he could think about was the force that lay hidden in that kiss and he hungered for more. "Then give me what I need."
Logan chuckled amused. "Not yet, kid." But returned to continue the kiss, forcing Warren to open his lips, pushing passed the teeth and finally he was inside that sweet, moist softness. A growl escaped his throat and his claws reappeared to play with the golden hair.
From the corner of his eye Warren noticed the deadly weapons close to his brow, throat, collarbone, gently caressing the blue skin there. Logan's arousal pressed against him and he moaned, realizing how hard the other man was. His eyes stared deeply in to Logan's, changing expression and?
Logan released him, backed away from him and his claws disappeared. "Medlab, now!"
Warren cursed loudly, only now aware of his own arousal, his erection throbbing painfully. He wanted that warm, strong body against his! "Damn!" he spat and started to run to catch up with Wolverine.
Using Cerebro's enhancing skills Charles quickly managed to contact Magnus. Most X-Men were asleep and he had waited for this moment all evening.
"Charles?" Magneto said impatiently.
"Did you have any problems locating them?"
"They're staying in the hotel you mentioned," Magneto raised an eyebrow. "I'm still not sure though why you want =me= to keep an eye on them. Why not one of your X-Men?"
"Trust me, my old friend. I've my reasons for asking you to go to Paris." Charles wasn't certain how much information he should reveal to Magnus and stalled. "I trust Bobby and Remy are doing all right?"
"They had dinner? walked to their hotel and made it safely back inside," Magneto reported in an odd tone. "Why are you this worried? You can't hide that concern from me. I know you too well, Charles."
"Maybe you do," Charles admitted and knew he had made the right choice in asking Magnus to look after his students. The fact that Magnus had agreed to his proposal however surprised him greatly. "Your interest in Remy hasn't diminished," Charles pointed out, wondering why he'd made that particular remark.
"Remy LeBeau is a mutant. Of course I'm interested in him," Magneto weaseled his way out. "How long will our couple stay in Paris anyway?"
"Only a few days." Charles mentally reviewed his options. What could he tell Magnus? But he found himself confiding in his old friend. "I want you to be careful," he started and noticed Magnus' sudden alert expression. "I have reason to believe that Sinister will try to get his hands on Remy."
"Sinister?" Magneto repeated a little stunned. "What does Dr. Mengele want with Remy?"
Charles shivered, hearing that name as it reminded him of the tests executed on Jewish prisoners during the war. That period in time had formed Magnus? Magneto.
"Dr. McCoy ran several tests on Remy's blood and?"
"Why did you do that?" A hint of wonder lingered in Magneto's voice.
"Remy suffers from nightmares," Charles said. "The last one featured Sinister. Remy now fears he's one of Sinister's experiments."
Magneto's eyes glared in anger. "Why didn't you intervene before this got out of hand?"
Charles remained silent, having no answer to that question. "Magnus, Henry found something very disturbing in Remy's DNA."
"Yes?" Magneto said without commitment, only wanting more information.
"Henry is still evaluating the results, but they're seriously confusing. We can't make any sense of his DNA. We should have taken a sample much earlier to study his genetic make up." Charles remembered Hank's baffled expression as he'd looked up from the screen. Even now Hank was in the medlab trying to analyze the sample.
"If Sinister has hurt Remy?" Hearing the tone to his own voice Magneto calmed himself. "No one will get to them. You've got my word on that."
Terminating the connection Charles decided to pay Hank another visit in the medlab, hoping for good news.

 

Chapter Four

The mansion
"Did you succeed in analysing Remy's DNA?" Charles asked Henry in a concerned tone.
"Partly."
Hank told Warren and Logan that they could leave the medlab now. The fact that the two men had come down here together no longer surprised him. Hank suspected the other X-Men had also noticed the growing attachment between Angel and Wolverine. Thankfully no one had made any condescending remarks about the unlikely pair and Hank wondered if the two men would work out or not.
"Why did they come down to the medlab?" Charles inquired, watching his students leave.
"Warren has some problems readjusting to his wings. But I'm confident it will pass quickly." Hank focussed on the DNA-sequence again. "I can't explain this."
"What?" Charles approached the screen, glancing at the readings, which didn't make much sense to him. "What's puzzling you?"
Hank shook his head, uncertain how to explain this and decided not to make the effort now. Maybe later, once he'd found his answers. "At the moment," he said instead, "I'm running a program that can identify specific DNA patterns from Remy's sample. It then compares it to the ones stored in the computer's data base here and on Muir Island."
"You're trying to find any relatives?" Charles nodded. Over the years Hank had stored DNA characteristics of many samples, which had always been given with permission of the mutant involved.
"Hopefully it'll point us in the direction of his parents," Hank confirmed, suddenly looking thoughtfully at Xavier. "Why didn't we do this earlier, considering Remy's past?"
Charles remained quiet. "Contact me the moment you identified any relatives or? parents."
"I suspect Remy's mother is a mutant with an exceptionally strong telepathic ability." Hank drew in a deep breath. It would take the computer at least one more hour to run the program and Hank could only hope it would find at least one match.
Paris
"Remy?" Bobby whispered in to his lover's ear. "Why are you still awake?" They'd gone to bed an hour ago and Remy was still tossing and turning. The realization that someone was watching them irritated the hell out of the Cajun and the link sent that frustration straight back to Bobby who was growing more concerned with every passing moment.
"Don' know, cher," Remy honestly admitted. "I wish I knew."
//Remy?// Wickedly, Bobby resorted to using the link for this particular purpose. //You didn't have any dessert yet,// and tried hard to broadcast his want, his love across the link. If only Remy would stop brooding! //I love you, Remy, need you?//
"Cher." Remy smiled warmly as Bobby's desire and passion seeped through the link and in to his mind. Quivering, his fingertips trailed down Bobby's shoulders and spine. "I t'ought y' wanted t' sleep."
"Dessert comes first," Bobby replied and rolled over, taking Remy with him in a hug. Remy's weight now pressed him down and he loved the feel of skin against skin. "Kiss me," he breathed and reached up to claim Remy's lips.
But Remy slid away from him, nuzzling Bobby's skin with his lips as he moved down the agile body. He stopped briefly to lick a nipple, pinched it and then continued to place kisses all the way down to Bobby's thighs. Smiling, Remy noticed he didn't even have to urge Bobby to spread his legs a little.
"Remy?" Bobby sighed and looked at his lover. His breath caught seeing the mischievous expression in them.
Maintaining eye contact Remy slowly closed his lips over Bobby's erection. A soft yelp echoed through the room and Remy completely opened his mind to receive his lover's feelings. Although Bobby had done this for him, he hadn't returned the favor yet. Remy planned on doing that right now.
"Oh," fled Bobby's lips as Remy curled his tongue around the head of his erection. "What are you doing down there?" he demanded to know. "That feels?" Words were inadequate to describe that particular sensation as Remy's tongue teased against the slit.
Remy closely monitored Bobby's reaction. His lover had given so much without asking anything in return and it was time to give back all the passion he had received recently.
Stroking the base of Bobby's shaft Remy took in as much as he could, trying to relax while hard, hot flesh slid deeper in to his mouth and throat. Bobby started to buck, lifting his hips and Remy started to pull back, softly biting, almost nibbling at his lover's shaft.
Heat, passion, lust, but foremost trust and love were spiraling down his mind and Remy quickly realized the sensations were Bobby's. Remy wanted to make Bobby writhe with ecstasy.
//Remy, stop, don't.// Bobby shook his head, clearing it from the foggy passion clouding it and gently cupped Remy's face in his hand. Sitting upright he pulled his lover close enough to enfold him in a hug. //Now kiss me! I want to taste myself on your lips.// And that taste made his head reel. Somewhere, deep down in his heart Bobby knew how hard it was for Remy to take the initiative like this. Old pain, which had never healed properly, pooled in the depths of that Cajun soul and Remy was trying so hard to deal with it.
Remy didn't have any time to ponder Bobby's musings as his lover's tongue dueled with his, chasing his around to finally catch up again and then? Bobby sucked the tip of his tongue hard. Remy almost came from that manipulation alone. //Cher, what, why?// Rational thought had fled and he clung to his lover as Bobby pulled him on to his lap, hard flesh pressing against his buttocks.
Briefly, panic seized him. Memories were battering against his mind, begging to be acknowledged, but Remy didn't want them! Not now! Pushing his fear away he asked, "Did y' pack de lube?"
"It was the first thing I unpacked," Bobby whispered in a naughty tone and pulled it away from underneath his pillow. Handing it to Remy he gave his lover a puzzled look. The expression in those eyes, the doubt in Remy's mind made him aware of his lover's dilemma. //You don't have to do this, Remy. You know that!// Bobby couldn't believe that Remy was actually considering this. //You know I won't take you as long as you aren't ready for that. Don't force yourself.//
Remy swallowed hard. How could he deny such compassion? Such love? "Non, I want y' t' take m," he whispered in a shaky tone. He had to do this now, had to know what the years living on the streets had done to him. Had to know if he could be the lover Bobby deserved.
Bobby received that resolve and knew why Remy was doing this. //You know I'll never hurt you,// he told his lover. //Remember switching places that first time? I wasn't in any pain, now was I?//
//Y're right,// Remy admitted and opened the tube. Slowly, but with resolve he rubbed it on to Bobby's erection. Then he sat there, wondering what to do.
Bobby however smiled warmly. Hands snuck around his lover's waist and slowly he pulled Remy's hips on top of his shaft. "You set the pace," he whispered softly. //This way you're in charge, Remy and you can stop whenever you want.//
Remy's eyes watered slightly at hearing Bobby's words. "Cher, I love y'." Saying it aloud somehow made it more real, more true, more?
As he pushed down, Remy focused on Bobby's blue eyes. The pain he expected never hit him and gaining confidence he took in more of his lover's erection until his buttocks rested in Bobby's lap.
Bobby's smile had never vanished and it even broadened now.
"Don' say I told y' so!" Remy whispered, knowing Bobby was about to make such a remark. It took him a moment to get used to the sensation of having something that large, hot filling him and the intensity burned itself a way in to the pit of his stomach.
"You might wanna start moving, Remy," Bobby suggested, barely able to breathe with this tightness surrounding him. "You're tight, warm, hot," he whispered barely audible and yelped as Remy clenched his muscle around him. "My God! Remy, what?"
As Remy started to move, Bobby couldn't help thrusting upwards to remain inside his lover, cupping Remy's buttocks with his hands. After having set a slow rhythm, Remy took over and set the pace of their lovemaking. Staring in to those dilated pupils Bobby almost feared he was going to lose his sanity at the sight of this beautiful man riding him. The pace quickened and Bobby thrust harder, urged on by this need to bury himself inside his lover.
Eyes almost closed, Remy lost himself in the persistent movement. Suddenly he realized that he'd never felt this close to Bobby before. Right now he was in control, giving his lover the pleasure he deserved and that realization made him feel complete. Bobby was inside him, part of him and greedily Remy decided that he was going to cling to this sensation for as long as possible.
Bobby managed to regain control of his senses, thoughts and actions. His hands found Remy's throat, chin, hair and pulled him close enough to kiss those lips again. The red eyes were afire, burning with a frightening intensity and he drank in that sight. //May I?// he asked and showed Remy telepathically what he wanted to do next.
To his own astonishment Remy whispered, "Oui," and rolled on to his back, taking his lover with him.
Bobby settled down between those delicious thighs and licked his lips before suckling one of Remy's nipples. Remy's eyes and the tiny explosions that set both their minds on fire made him gasp. "You're?" and words eluded him. //All I ever wanted,// he finished eventually.
Remy wrapped his legs around him and Bobby moaned as he suddenly penetrated his lover even deeper. Changing the angle in which he was thrusting he noticed Remy's mew of approval. "Gotcha!" he whispered and managed to recapture their earlier rhythm. "I won't last long though," he admitted in a soft tone, but Remy wasn't listening as he was matching each thrust with one of his own.
Remy bit his lip as he climaxed and sent his lover his ecstasy.
Remy's orgasm coursed through his body, making him pant hard. Bobby screamed his pleasure as his lover's muscle started to clench him, again and again and?"Remy!" he cried out as he came inside his lover and kissed Remy hungrily.
Experiencing Bobby's orgasm as well Remy fought for breath, holding on tight to his lover, making sure Bobby couldn't pull back yet. He didn't want to lose this connection, this? closeness.
But satiated, Bobby slipped out of his lover's warm and sticky body, hugging him closely and whispering a confession of undying love.
Remy smiled hearing that promise and he desperately wanted to believe that Bobby would always love him, never leave him, but? a child's voice was berating him, telling him he couldn't be that lucky.
Bobby's grin was affectionate as well as astonished. "That was? amazing! Remy, love, I ?"
"Quiet now, cher. I understand," Remy said soothingly and stopped Bobby as he wanted to roll off him. //Don', stay close.//
"I just wanted to get a towel and clean you up a little," Bobby explained and finally Remy let him go. During his trip back from the bathroom the smirk never left his face. As he tenderly cleaned Remy's skin he pressed a genuine loving kiss on his lover's belly button. "What made you change your mind?"
Remy caressed Bobby's face and snuggled up to his lover after Bobby had disposed of the towel. //Y'r love? I had t' know if I could give y' what y' need, cher,.//
//Guess we know the answer now?// Bobby settled back in to using the link. //You still okay with this?//
//I had no? unsettling flash-backs if dat's what y' want t' know, cher,// Remy admitted, knowing darn well Bobby would have sensed them too.
Sleep tugged at the edge of his mind and for once he spooned his body against Bobby's, enveloping him in a hug. As he kissed the back of his lover's neck he sensed Bobby falling asleep. //Sweet dreams, cher,// he sent and rested his brow against Bobby's back, following his lover in to the land of sleep and dreams.
The small boy was back at his side and Bobby sighed deeply as he sat on his heels. "What is it this time, Remy?" he asked, trying to radiate as much love and trust as he could muster. The boy's clothes no longer had holes in them, but the kid still looked way too skinny.
As the boy's eyes focussed on him they radiated a similar confusion. Why didn't Remy remember him in these dreams? Bobby wondered. Feeling uncomfortable, he gently took hold of the boy's right hand. "Is it Sinister?" he asked apprehensively.
The boy gave him a questioning look, apparently unfamiliar with that name. "The demon you showed me?" Bobby added, trying to help.
Slowly, the boy nodded his head. "Le diable still out dere! Mais?"
"Yes?" Bobby smiled warmly.
"Monsieur LeBeau will protect m'," the boy whispered in a tone between fear and hope. "Monsieur doesn' know 'bout le diable, but? he gave m' dese clot'es!" and proud the boy pointed at his new outfit.
Bobby wondered if the man who had adopted Remy knew more about his son's past. Maybe he should try to contact the man. "Remy, what about Sinister? Le diable? Have you seen him around?" The boy looked like a 12 year old and Bobby wondered how many years Remy had spent on the streets.
The boy suddenly trembled and Bobby soothingly squeezed Remy's shoulder. "I want to protect you too."
"Le diable?" the boy whispered and then choked up, "locks people up behind glass an' deir eyes are dead."
Bobby's mind raced. "Clones? You saw clones?"
Remy's eyes revealed the horror he'd seen. "He wants m' back."
"I'll never allow Sinister to get to you," Bobby promised and hugged the boy as he realized the truth at last. Remy's memories of Sinister hunting him down during his childhood had to be based on facts. He didn't want to ask this next question but? "How long did you stay at his lab?" His heart pounded frantically awaiting that answer.
The boy used his fingers to count and then smiled saddened. "Not sure." He shrugged his shoulders. "Dey t'ink I was 'bout 5 when I first appeared on de streets? don't know, " he said apologetically, feeling bad for not being able to supply this man with the answer he wanted.
"Five years?" Bobby repeated stunned. //Did that bastard have you for 5 years?// The boy stirred and Bobby feared Remy had picked up on that thought. He should let this rest and lure the boy in to waking up or at least stop dreaming.
"Hey," he whispered, sitting down on the floor, only now realizing he was in some sort of abandoned building. "You look tired."
The boy stifled a yawn. "Should go back t' monsieur LeBeau or tante will come searchin' for m'."
Bobby felt relieved to hear that someone had watched over Remy during his puberty. "Then run back to them."
Smiling, the boy turned about and ran out of the building. Suddenly feeling alone Bobby wondered how to get out of this dream.
"Cher?" Remy whispered as his lover moved about in his sleep. He'd just had the weirdest dream and was scared Bobby had shared the experience. Something he'd said should have remained a secret forever, he knew that much and shivered.
//Five years?// Bobby opened his eyes and brushed away the single tear that had escaped from Remy's left eye. //I know you remember the dream.//
//I do,// Remy admitted. //But why am I havin' dem?//
//I don't know,// Bobby sent honestly. //We should inform the professor though. I'm sorry, love, but I'm afraid you did spent time in Sinister's lab when you were still a kid.//
Remy didn't want to admit that however and simply closed his eyes. "I was right den,'" he said aloud, startling them both. "I'm not'ing but his creation.'
//No,// Bobby replied, refusing to let go of the link. //You're the man I love. The man I just made love to. I love you, Remy.//
Remy kept his eyes closed, feeding off Bobby's reassurance and clinging to it to maintain his last bit of dignity. "Merci, cher, merci."

 

Chapter Five

The mansion
Depressed, Warren rested his head against the cold wall of the shower cabin. Ever since that little incident in the Danger Room he couldn't get that feel and smell out of his mind that was Wolverine. The way Logan had pinned him against that wall had taken his breath away, had awakened something deep inside him, something he had always denied existed.
His erection was begging for attention, but he was trying hard to ignore the need to touch himself, as he found himself fantasizing about Logan taking him.
"Damn, this can't be happening!" Angry, even somewhat disgusted with himself, he banged his fist in to the wall. Since Bobby and Remy had admitted their feelings to the others, he had lost most of his prejudice against gays, but being attracted to a man still pushed the envelope.
//And why does it have to be Wolverine! The man scares me!// There was always the threat of the Canadian going primal and =he= wanted the man sexually?
No, it went much further than that, Warren realized.
Logan represented all the mistakes he'd made; like judging Remy before knowing the truth, shattering the trust between Bobby and he with that attack. Well, maybe that had started even earlier as Bobby apparently had never felt comfortable enough to tell him that he was gay.
Maybe he felt this attracted to Logan because he wanted to be punished for everything he had done as Death. Maybe all these reasons were just an excuse for feeling the way he did.
For once he wanted to surrender, to trust Logan with his life, no matter what the outcome would be. Right now he wanted Logan to take care of him, to show him what path to take and? maybe even show him things about himself he was scared of.
Logan, the name circled in his head and did little to help diminish his arousal, but he still refused to give in. //Logan wants me too. I saw it in his eyes, the way he touched and kissed me, but? I'm scared to even end that thought.//
After drying his skin - blue skin, he thought revolted- he realized he had to make a decision.
Naked, he stepped in to Logan's room, which had become his new room during these last days. He moaned his disappointment at finding it empty. A note attracted his attention and he moved over to he dresser to read it.
"He's gone jogging? In this cold?" But Warren quickly realized the cold wouldn't really affect Wolverine's health or superb condition.
Staring at the bed they shared he slowly allowed himself to fall on to it. Face down, he shifted until he had reached a comfortable position. Warren grabbed the pillow and pressed it against his chest. His wings, unrestricted, moved about a little.
There had been a time when he had taken his wings for granted. After he had lost them he had lost part of himself, but now that he had them back he felt like going through some rebirth process, trying to find himself again in this mess he had made out of his life. //It used to be so simple!//
Slowly he fell asleep, praying to a God he wasn't sure he still believed in, to keep the nightmares away during Logan's absence.
//I need to get him out of my mind!// Logan thought resolved. Ever since that kiss his thoughts had been drifting off to Warren's soft skin, the surrender that had lingered underneath the surface, which had promised ecstasy for them both.
//But Warren will hate himself for givin' in to it,// a warning voice told him. //After all, he once left the team because he couldn't stand me!//
The run had done little for him. His arousal was still growing and he was stalling getting back to his room. He'd run for two hours, trying to get the picture out of his head of Warren standing naked in his shower.
//You can pin Warren down and simply take what you want//, his primal side said. But he refused to give in to such low tactics. If only he was certain he was reading Warren right!
As he sneaked up the stairs his ears only picked up silence. A soft snore was coming from his room, telling him Warren had fallen asleep.
Opening the door he froze. Warren was asleep all right. //Naked? on my bed!// He groaned as his arousal fully returned. He'd never before wanted someone as much as he craved Warren. The man stood for everything he wasn't, could never be and? //Damn! I can't be thinking this!//
Heading for the bathroom he hoped that an icy cold shower would do the trick. //Where's Drake when ya need him?// As he took off his clothes, he found himself staring in to the mirror. "You look kinda good for an ol' man!" he complimented himself with a somewhat bitter smile and then stepped underneath the cold water.
His arousal refused to die and had only grown stronger with the realization that Warren was this close, lying naked in his bed! Shaking his head he wondered what to do. They should have discussed that kiss, their aroused bodies, but no, he had dragged Wings to the medlab instead. //Does he want me? Nope, I don't think so, but? he said himself this wasn't 'bout love or commitment. This was about lust?// Logan didn't like the direction his thoughts were heading and left the shower cabin, quickly picking up a towel.
As he stepped in to his room he found that Warren hadn't move at all. Asleep on his stomach, hugging a pillow he looked strangely vulnerable but damn attractive! Logan dropped the towel and took a deep breath. The others might think he hardly had any self-control, but they were wrong. He'd never just take what he wanted.
He came to a standstill as he reached the bed. Warren hated his blue skin, but Logan? //Exotic and mouth watering!// His eyes slowly scanned that agile body. His hands wanted to trail down that spine, cup those buttocks and? //bury myself inside him.// That realization made him swallow hard.
Sitting down on one side of the bed he allowed his hand to hover above Warren's back, not yet touching, but close enough to feel the man's body heat. Warren was still asleep, but Logan smelled the hint of arousal in the room and it wasn't his own. Keeping a close eye on Angel's breathing he rested his hand on the soft skin. Logan shivered at the touch, as his senses heightened. Things would be much easier if he knew Warren's thoughts and he briefly envied Remy and Bobby.
After reaching a decision his fingers stroked the silky skin, feeling ribs, spinal cord, even veins pumping blood through the body. Logan leaned in closer to examine the exact spot where Warren's wings started and he gently fingered the feathers. His lips sought out Warren's neck. At first his kisses were tender, gentle, but as heat rose in his body they became possessive, suckling the skin and leaving behind marks.
Warren moaned softly, but remained asleep. Logan knew better though. The change in breathing indicated Warren had woken up and the scent of Angel's arousal had strengthened.
//Does he want this too?// Logan briefly closed his eyes to center himself. //It has been too long since I took a lover,// he mused. //But does he want us to be lovers? I'm willin' to take whatever he wants to give, even if this is only a one time thin'! // Logan didn't know himself when he had fallen in love with Warren, but he cared a great deal about the winged man.
Growing bolder, he slid further on to the bed, straddling Warren's lower back and took his time exploring the other man's body. There was no doubt in his mind Warren would throw him off the moment he crossed a line. This was only happening because Angel allowed it.
Logan decided against telling Warren that he had picked up the change in breathing. If Angel wanted to pretend to be asleep, he wasn't complaining. Perhaps it was Warren's way of finding out where to go, what to do.
Logan pressed his lips on Warren's skin, inhaling the scent, storing it away for further use. His teeth softly scraped Angel's shoulders, while his hands were buried in feathers. //Maybe this ain't the best position for what I've got in mind! But? I like the feel of those wings.//
Warren was holding his breath. He'd woken the moment Logan straddled his hips. Conflicting thoughts and needs were coursing through his mind. He couldn't let Logan have his way like this! He was Warren Worthington the?
//But those hands, those lips, those teeth! I want him!// Warren suddenly realized the depths of his feelings. That knowledge scared him gutless. He wanted to be taken, to be kept down, to feel that strength holding him in check, holding Death under control. //How can he want me after? the way I treated him?//
Logan studied Warren's body language, concentrated on the tense muscles underneath his fingertips and suddenly understood Warren was fighting himself. //This isn't about me. This is about Wings finally understanding his own needs?//
Determined, Logan continued to kiss Warren's throat and moved down to his lower back. One hand slipped underneath Warren's body, searching and finding the erection, which was rubbing against the sheet. Curling his fingers around Warren's shaft Logan smiled hearing the growl of approval.
"I know ya're 'wake, Wings. It's time to stop denyin' yar needs," Logan said eventually. Although it was tempting to continue his exploration like this, he wanted Warren's permission first.
Warren finally released his breath, panting softly as Logan's fingers moved along his erection. Words eluded him and as he wanted to roll over Logan stopped him. "What?"
"Tell me what ya want," Logan said and buried his fingers in Warren's hair, knowing it would cause Angel discomfort, but he had to be sure about this man.
"I? I can't say it," Warren finally admitted. //Think it yes! But say it?//
Amused, Logan grinned. Precume was dripping on to his fingers and Warren had arched his back. "Aright, I'll make it simple for ya then! Want me to take ya? Yeah or no."
"Yes," Warren growled inspite of his embarrassment. All he could think of was those fingers squeezing his throbbing erection, the feel of another man on top his body and? not being in control. He wanted Logan to take the lead, tell him what to do.
"Want me to pin ya down like this?" Logan's smile became tender.
"Yes," Warren hissed as he rubbed himself against that hand, those sheets. Logan's shaft poked in to his lower back, making him buck slightly. "Yes!" he screamed, losing himself in the moment.
"Want it rough?" Logan mumbled and sunk his teeth in to the tender flesh near Warren's collarbone.
"Yes."
A whisper this time and Logan knew enough. "Not yet, kid. Ya got a lot to learn." Deep down in his heart he knew why Warren was reacting like this. //Ya want me to subdue Death, make sure he'll never again get the upper hand by surrenderin' yarself to me?//
Logan's line of thought stopped as hot semen dripped from his hand. Warren had come, but was still rock hard. "Must have been a while," he remarked teasingly. Warren wanted his strength, not his compassion, not right now. "Ya've never been with a man?" he asked just to make sure.
"Never," Warren whimpered, still feeling unfulfilled though he'd come a moment ago.
Logan nodded his head. //I'll be gentle with ya,// he promised. "Now don't move. Just need to get something!"
Logan got to his feet, noticing Warren didn't try getting up from the bed. Angel did cock his head to one side though to lock eyes with him. Logan didn't mind that, even loved the way those blue eyes focused on him.
Slowly he made his way over to the dresser, retrieved the massage lotion he kept there and chuckled softly to himself.
"What?" Warren asked nervously.
"Maybe we should buy some lube instead." A gentle tone slipped inside as he added, "I hoped this would happen one day, but?"
Warren then realized something about Logan. "Deep down you're just as nervous as I am."
Logan nodded his head and as he reached the bed, pulled Warren's legs closer so they dangled off the bed. "Just enjoy the ride, Wings."
"I will," Warren whispered, nervous as hell, but more aroused than he'd ever been. "What are you going to do?" Kneeling, he rested his upper body on the bed and gripped the sides with his hands. Still able to see Logan's face reassured him a little.
"Stretching ya a little, Wings. Don't wanna hurt ya." Logan admitted. After lubricating a finger he placed his body on Warren's. He was going to take his time. There was no need to rush this and he wanted Warren to remember their first time as pleasurable.
Taking an earlobe between his lips he started to nibble on it. Warren's wings had spread and Logan readjusted his position, ending up captured by them. "Not goin' to lemme go before I made ya come 'nother time?"
Warren tried to reply, but Logan was suckling his skin and one hand had once again claimed possession of his still aching shaft. Warren bucked as something teased against his entrance. "Logan?" he moaned, half in desperate want, half in terror. "I can't believe I'm letting you do this."
"Ya call the shots, darlin', wanna stop?" Logan realized he had to offer Warren a way out. He wasn't going to force himself on the man.
"No!" Warren chuckled, hearing the desperate tone to his own voice. "But I wish you'd hurry up!"
Logan was tempted to give Angel what he wanted, but sanity told him to remain careful and take this slow. "Ya don't know what ya're askin'," he berated Warren.
Warren pushed back as that first finger slid inside, claiming him and he groaned loudly at the penetration.
Logan wasn't putting his entire weight on Warren, but consideration was the last thing on his mind as Warren arched his back, spreading his legs a little more to allow him to slide in even deeper.
Grabbing the lotion he rubbed it on his pounding erection. Logan was actually salivating at the idea of being inside Angel and as he replaced his fingers with his cock he felt Warren move about underneath him. Logan placed his hand on Warren's back, steadied himself and starting pushing in to the tight entrance.
Warren almost choked at the sensation. Logan's shaft was so much bigger than those fingers and he bit down on the sheets. Pain shot through him as Logan continued to push in deeper. One of Logan's hands returned to stroke his erection, which had been rubbing the sheets they had pulled with them. Warren forced himself to regulate his breathing as this large presence took up residence in his body.
Feeling the shift of the body beneath him Logan paused to give Warren a chance to get used to this feeling. Logan looked down, realized Warren was still hard and smiled. He never liked to talk during the act itself, preferring to completely concentrate on his lover's sensations, but this was different. "Ya wanna stop?" he asked again, uncertain he =could= still stop at this point, but Warren was in pain and?
"No," Warren breathed through the sheets and spit out the cloth. Slowly, he pushed back and by doing that he took in even more of Logan's shaft. "I didn't know it would feel like this?" he admitted. Now that his body had adjusted to the invasion he managed to look in to Logan's eyes and what he saw in them almost made him choke up? //Does he love me?//
Logan closed his eyes and started to thrust slowly. He wanted Angel to come first, wanted to feel his lover's muscle contract around his shaft.
As Logan's balls slapped against his skin Warren threw back his head. The friction running through his body almost made him howl. He was trying hard not to use his wings, otherwise they might end up against the ceiling, afloat in the room. Logan's hands were moving through those feathers and Warren pushed back as Logan nearly pulled out.
Together they settled in to a rhythm and Logan leaned in as close as he could to bury his teeth in the small wound he'd torn earlier. Pants, moans, groans and Logan's growls filled the room and Warren wondered why he felt this complete. Feeling Logan thrust inside him made him go mad and he was shocked to learn how much he loved this sensation.
Unable to hold back any longer he came a second time. Logan immediately released his sensitive flesh, but Warren bucked, demanding his lover thrust harder to come as well.
Hearing the grunted demand Logan grinned. Warren's muscle was clenching him and the need to thrust inside that body stopped. Orgasm claimed him a moment later, while Warren was still coming in his hand.
Warren gasped as something warm filled him. //Logan's come inside me.// But the admission Logan mumbled in to his ear was the thing that really left him stunned.
"I love ya, Wings." Logan rested his head on Warren's sweaty skin, in between those wings and couldn't remember the last time he'd come this hard. Only then he realized he'd drawn blood and that Warren was trembling violently underneath him. Pulling back, he slipped out of his lover's warm entrance and hauled him on to the bed. "Are ya aright?" he asked concerned. "Was yar first time and?"
Warren finally rolled on to his side and looked up at the man sitting cross-legged next to him. He allowed Logan to pull him on to his lap and sighed as those expert hands massaged his tense muscles. "Do you really mean it?" Pleasantly tired he used Logan's shoulder as a pillow and wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer.
"What?" Logan pressed his lover close to his chest, kneading muscles, which had tensed up during their lovemaking. Right now he wanted to cradle Warren in his arms and go to sleep, not discuss this.
Warren wasn't sure he even wanted to go there. What if Logan denied ever saying it? But he had to know someone cared about him.
Logan suddenly suspected what Warren was trying to say. "Yeah, I guess I'm in love with ya. Hope ya don't have a problem with the age difference."
Warren lowered his eyes, relieved, yet terrified at the same time. "I wasn't sure I heard you properly."
Wrapping his arms even tighter around his lover Logan's chin rested on Warren's head. "Where do ya wanna go from here?" he asked, always giving the other a chance to call things off.
Warren's eyes dropped shut. "I'm not going to leave this bed," he said jokingly. "Just let me catch my breath? maybe sleep a little and?"
"Ya're already asleep, darlin'," Logan muttered, shifting on the bed so Warren could stretch his legs. Holding his lover in his sleep Logan studied the relaxed expression on Warren's face. "Looks like I exhausted ya," he added and chuckled. Relaxing himself, he let go of his worries and was content to watch over the man in his arms.
In the medlab Hank rose to his feet and stared in disbelief at the screen. "This can't be right." His fingers moved quickly over the keyboard, ordering the computer to run the same program a second time.
"Professor?" Hank used the com to connect Xavier.
Luckily Charles was still reading a book and hadn't retired to his bedroom yet. "Yes?" he asked, seeing the concern, no shock on McCoy's face.
"We might have a problem," Hank stated.
"I'm coming down to the medlab," Charles announced.
Satisfied, Hank redirected his attention to the screen. # Two out of three matches found. DNA-match number 1; Jean Grey- Summers. DNA-strand number 2; Scott Summers. DNA sample number 3; no match found.

 

Chapter Six

"Remy? I think we got off one station too early!" Cursing, Bobby struggled with the map. "Why does everything have to be in French?"
Remy chuckled softly and then took hold of the map, turning it around. "No use in holdin' it upside down, cher!"
Dumbfounded, Bobby stared at the map. "Upside down?" As he looked at Remy he realized something odd. "We're the only people in here."
Remy nodded his head. "I know, cher. Maybe we weren' supposed t' get out here an' stay on de metro? Dey could be doin' construction work here."
"Now, where the hell are we?" Bobby searched the map, fingers tracking the route they had travelled so far. "We just left the Louvres?" Bobby winked at Remy and added, "where you didn't steal anything! This is Line D. This should be Les Noues. Remy, I could use some help here!"
"Cher?" Remy whispered and turned away from Bobby. Something was tugging at his mind and it wasn't a pleasant sensation. Suddenly he realized they were in trouble. "Dere's 'nother reason why no one is here," he pointed out to Bobby as he swept the map away with his hand. "Dis is a trap!"
The map fell to the floor and Bobby instinctively shifted to ice form.
Remy shuddered seeing that transformation and hated the cold his lover radiated.
"Trap? Remy, what are you talking about?" Bobby had to admit the tunnel was too quiet for his taste too, like something was waiting, stalking them.
"Boss was right," an ominous voice growled to their left. "You're getting better at this, LeBeau."
Bobby knew that voice and exchanged a glance with his lover. Quickly, he switched to using the link. //Marauders?// and was grateful he'd already changed in to ice.
//Oui,// Remy replied somewhat shocked, as he never expected to run in to them in Paris!
Bobby immediately caught the panic, -which was nearing terror-, in Remy's mind. //We can take them, Remy! Start charging those cards of yours!//
Those words brought Remy back to reality. With iron will he locked away any fears he might have and grabbed his deck, charging a few cards, ready to defend his lover.
//How many are there?// Bobby wanted to know. //Except for Sabretooth?//
//I sense? Scalphunter an' Riptide,// he sent Bobby and knew they were in dire straits.
The three Marauders stepped out of the shadows. Riptide was gaining speed and only waiting for Scalphunter's word to carry out a first attack. Sabretooth was licking his lips, flaunting his claws. "If you come with us, LeBeau we won't kill your? lover," Scalphunter spat.
//Don't even think about it!// Bobby admonished Remy who looked at him thoughtfully. //Got any ideas?//
Remy was thinking hard. They were outnumbered and he didn't feel up to his usual tricks. //First we need t' get outa dese tunnels!//
//Yes,// Bobby agreed, thankful they had the advantage of the link. //I'll try and stall for more time. You get back to the hotel and try reaching the professor somehow.//
//Non,// Remy objected determined. //I'm not leavin' y' behind!//
"No answer, LeBeau? That means we get to take you by force. The boss wants his investment back." Scalphunter nodded towards Riptide who charged towards the two X-Men.
//Watch out for those Shurikens!// Bobby warned his lover.
Remy had charged a few cards and was now aiming them at Scalphunter while Sabretooth was attacking Bobby. Riptide had reached maximum speed and suddenly shurikens flew through the air. Remy's reflexes saved him and he jumped behind Sabretooth, using the man's body as a shield. At the same time he charged another card and threw it at Sabretooth.
The effect was minimal. //Dis ain't workin'!// Remy cast discouraged. As he tried catching Bobby's eyes Remy's heart missed a beat. One shuriken had found its way in to Bobby's left shoulder.
Bobby noticed the concerned glance. //I'm okay as long as I stay in my ice form. Damnit Remy! We need to get away from them!//
Remy had reached the same conclusion. Using his Bo he managed to deal a hard blow to Scalphunter's chest, but Riptide was advancing on him and? the situation seemed hopeless. He cringed as Riptide released another wave of shurikens, which came flying their way.
"Enough!" An angry voice boomed through the tunnel.
Remy was still staring at the shurikens and gasped as the metal weapons changed direction and bit into Scalphunter and Sabretooth's flesh instead. Riptide had managed to get out of harm's way and Remy realized Sabretooth would heal within seconds.
"Remy, Drake, get over here!"
That voice? only a few feet away from them was Magneto, suspended in air and protected by his sphere. Not wasting a moment Remy established eye contact with his lover. //We're outa here!//
Bobby nodded, remained in ice form and started moving towards Magneto. He didn't even stop to wonder why Magneto was helping them. Probably because of Remy, he realized.
Scalphunter's angry yell echoed through the large space. "Go after LeBeau! The boss wants him alive and wants him now!" But Sabretooth and Riptide didn't move, staring at Magneto instead. They knew what this man could do, knew what he =would= do.
"He's a killer," Riptide whispered and shook his head as he addressed Scalphunter. "No way I'm going to piss him off." Even Sabretooth nodded his head.
Magneto simply smiled. It was good to know his reputation still preceded him. A glance told him Remy was fine. Drake however, had been injured. "Stay as you are," he told Drake and extended the range of his sphere until it also engulfed both X-Men.
Remy's head was reeling. The hate and anger emanating from the Marauders made him feel sick. Looking at Bobby he realized that the moment his lover shifted to human form that shoulder would start hurting and bleeding. "Where are y' takin' us?" he asked Magneto.
"We've got to leave Paris," Magneto replied. "I'm going to take you to the mansion where you'll be safe," and he looked at both men. As he set course back to his hotel he cast a glance filled with disgust at the Marauders who were watching them leave. It was a good thing Charles had urged him to keep his guard up.
"Bobby?" Remy only had eyes for his lover and quickly wiped away the blood, which was dripping from the injured shoulder. His ministrations were gentle and he blamed himself for getting them in to that dangerous situation in the first place. The shuriken had managed to bite itself deeper in to the flesh when Bobby had changed back.
"I've been hurt before," Bobby said as calmly as he could muster. Via the link he was receiving Remy's concern and he patted the Cajun's back reassuringly. The pain was bad though and the wound refused to stop bleeding. The last thing he needed was Remy blaming himself for something he'd had no control over.
"Sit down, young man," Magneto said after retrieving the first aid kit from reception. He'd decided to take them to his room first before planning their way back overseas.
"Merci for comin' t' de rescue," Remy whispered honestly, feeling Bobby's pain through the link. Sitting down he watched Magneto's every move as the older man tried to stop the bleeding.
Magneto didn't react as he bandaged Bobby's shoulder. "You'll live," he said eventually.
"Thought so," Bobby hissed in pain. Remy's hand had slipped in to his and only now he realized he was squeezing it hard. Smiling weakly he addressed Remy and gasped seeing the reflected pain in those eyes. "Maybe you should shut down the link."
"Non," Remy stated determined.
"I'm going to arrange a flight back," Magneto announced as he moved over to the phone. "You should lie down, Drake."
Bobby wasn't going to argue about that as dizziness overwhelmed him. Remy helped him lie down on the bed and as his lover pushed a pillow underneath his head he whispered, "Thanks." For some reason he was drifting off in to sleep and was unable to fight it.
Remy watched his lover closely and the moment he was sure Bobby was soundly asleep he focused on Magneto. "Why are y' here?"
"Because an old friend asked me to keep an eye on you." Magneto turned to face the young man and gestured him to follow him in to the other room so they wouldn't wake up Bobby. "What were you thinking, placing yourself in danger like that?" His voice carried threat as well as concern.
Remy trembled briefly hearing that tone. His senses told him Magneto was truly concerned about him. It explained the berating tone. "I didn' know dey would come for m'." Remy peeked at Bobby, making sure his lover was still asleep. Scalphunter's words still rang in his mind though. "The boss wants his property back." Startled, he realized he'd spoken out loud.
"Why is Sinister after you?" Charles had told him bits and pieces, but he wanted to hear it from Remy.
"I?" Lost for words Remy lowered his eyes. "I don' know." Hearing Magneto's impatient sigh he added, "Bobby t'inks Sinister might have had m' in his lab for 5 years. Dere's a time? I don' remember at all."
Magneto pondered the answer. "Why would Sinister see you as his property?"
Remy didn't want to discuss this and his reluctance seeped through the link, eventually waking Bobby up who stirred on the bed. "Merde!" he whispered, leaving Magneto behind to return to his lover.
Magneto let him go, too busy reaching his own conclusions, which made him fear for Remy's life. He had to get both men back to the mansion so they could sort this out. Sitting down on the sofa he watched Remy, trying to lure his lover back in to sleep. "Sinister," he whispered.
They had run in to each other once, a long time ago. He'd found himself trapped in a lab, collared, feet and wrists tied. But Sinister had underestimated him and he had managed to escape quite easily.
It was only years later that he'd realized what Sinister had done to him. No one got away with stealing his DNA! Furious he had sought out the lab, set on destroying it. He'd never expected to find Sinister there.
He'd torn the place down and while searching one room at a time he had destroyed numerous DNA samples, which had been taking without their owners' permission. As he had reached the last room he had halted, seeing a child strapped to an exam table, attached to several IV's.
Magneto had freed that child and had taken the boy with him to get him away from Sinister's clutches. But then Sinister had appeared, claiming the boy and promising terrible revenge if he didn't hand over his 'property'.
At that moment he'd sworn to protect the boy, had dropped him off on the ground so he could take out Sinister for once and for all. The battle hadn't lasted long. Sinister had fled, opening a terresect and had disappeared. Their fighting however had wrecked havoc all around them and as he returned to pick up the child he found the building in flames. The boy had vanished and Magneto still feared the fire had swallowed the sedated child.
Looking at Remy a startling realization hit him. //They have the same hair color and Scalphunter referred to Remy as Sinister's property?// Something in his brains clicked. Suddenly everything made sense. //So that boy survived after all and ended up on the streets.//
Magneto decided to keep this knowledge to himself for the moment. No need to startle Remy right now. The young man worried too much as it was. Getting to his feet he decided to call a cab and get going. Their flight would leave in 3 hours and he wasn't going to miss that plane.
After they'd boarded the plane Remy sat Bobby down at the window and then took the seat next to his lover. "Is dere anyt'in' I can do, cher?" he offered.
Bobby smiled. His pain was only physical, while Remy's? //You've got to stop thinking like that!// Bobby berated him. //You are not Sinister's property!// Experiencing Remy's turmoil from this close he realized his lover was slipping away from him, distancing himself and he couldn't allow that.
His shoulder still throbbed with pain, but he bit it down as he reached for Remy's hand. //I love you, Remy. Don't let Sinister come between us!//
Magneto suspected there was a telepathic exchange going on, seeing the concentration in their eyes. Taking his aisle seat he looked at the people around him. No one had recognized him yet and hopefully no one would. Remy was wearing sunglasses to conceal his eyes and wouldn't attract any attention either.
Looking back, Magneto realized his decision to travel this way had been a good choice. The Marauders would think twice about attacking a regular flight. Attacking a plane was hard in the first place and he assumed they wanted their target to alive. He did worry about Remy though.
"Why?" Remy said suddenly, turning towards Magneto. "Why are y' dis worried 'bout me?" Logically he couldn't think of any reason why Magneto would feel responsible for him or was it because the man had saved his life?
"We can't help it, Remy," Bobby replied instead, drawing a surprised look from Magneto. "We just do."
"I've got nothing to add," Magneto stated resolved, even a little amused by Bobby's answer.
"I jus' don' get it," Remy mumbled, settling back in to his seat and cradled Bobby's hand in his. "Henry should have a look at y' de moment we get home." As he spoke that last word, he realized the mansion had truly become his home.
Bobby reassuringly squeezed Remy's hand in return. //The pain isn't that bad.//
Remy remained silent. He wasn't going to tell his lover that he was using the link to absorb most of Bobby's pain. "How much longer?" he asked Magneto instead.
"We should arrive in 9 hours. I contacted Charles and he assured me someone will be at the airport to pick us up."
"Will y' stay?" Remy asked, sensing the same question in Bobby's mind.
"Don't think that would be a good idea, my young friend. Too many of your colleagues would love to get at shot at me."
"Logan?" Remy sensed something in Magneto's mind, but the older man was shielding his thoughts extremely well. Or maybe it was just Magneto's mutation that made it hard to read his thoughts.
Magneto smiled. "Don't worry about it, Remy. I suggest you try and rest until we land and?" he leaned forward to lock eyes with Drake, "Same goes for you."
Bobby chuckled softly as the absurdity of the situation hit him. "You almost sound like the professor!"
"I'm not sure that's a compliment," Magneto replied and settled back in to his chair. Truth was he didn't know yet what to do upon their arrival. He would make sure the X-Men picked them up and then head for his closest base.
Nine hours later the plane made a perfect landing in spite of a layer of fog. The moment the plane touched the ground Magneto's instincts kicked in. The Marauders could have followed them or might try another attack here. It would be their last chance. Once Remy had reached the mansion the other X-Men would be there to protect him.
Magneto led them through customs, using a false ID-card himself. As they reached the arrival hall his eyes scanned his surroundings for a 'familiar' face. He suspected Charles might have sent Scott, or maybe Storm.
But after waiting for 30 minutes he realized no one was going to show up. Looking over at Drake he caught the shivers racking his body underneath the coat. The young man needed medical attention and Remy? Remy looked tired and =broken=, Magneto thought startled.
//I won't let this happen! I won't allow it!// he thought resolved. //Even if that means killing Sinister!//

 

Chapter Seven

The mansion
Scott closely observed his mentor. Xavier looked upset, something the professor usually managed to hide extremely well. "Why did we have to come down here in the middle of the night?" he asked apprehensively, wrapping an arm around Jean.
Xavier and Hank exchanged a glance. "Because we've got something to tell you." Charles gestured the couple to sit down. Hank and he had discussed this in depth and they agreed that the Summers needed to know the truth.
"What is it, professor?" Scott guided Jean to one of the chairs.
Jean had also picked up on Charles' discomfort. "What happened?" Why was the professor this? nervous? Even avoiding their eyes?
Charles tried to find a way to introduce the subject of their conversation without startling his students. "You know Henry here has been running tests to find out more about Remy's genetic make up?"
"Yes," Scott replied in a formal tone.
"To be exact," Henry took over, "I've been running tests on Remy's DNA in order to find any relatives."
"Did you succeed?" Jean asked suddenly alert. The professor was keeping back on them, why?
"Yes, I did," Hank sighed deeply. "But the results are unsettling."
"Why?" Scott sensed Jean's curiosity, a feeling he shared. "Why call us down here now?"
Hank started to pace, uncertain how to explain this to the couple. He wasn't sure how they'd take the news. Looking at Jean he felt a little more confident. She had liked Remy from the start, so maybe things would work after all, but?
Charles took a deep breath. "Our suspicions were correct. Remy did spend time in Sinister's lab as a small child."
Scott looked at him, eyes pleading for more information.
"Remy's DNA?" Charles started uncomfortable. "According to the computer he's carrying characteristics he could only have gotten from Jean and you," Charles locked eyes with his students. "We already know Sinister obtained your DNA material when you were children, but?"
"Hold on!" Scott exclaimed, getting to his feet. "I don't remember Jean giving birth to Remy!" A sarcastic hiss had slipped in to his voice.
Jean reacted in a different way. "Scott, sit down and let them continue."
"But!" Scott objected. Jean's glare however silenced him.
"Please carry on," Jean said in a fatigued tone.
"We think Sinister used your DNA samples for his experiments," Charles replied in a similar tired tone.
"And Remy is the result of that experiment? Oh, my God," Jean muttered and leaned back in to the comfort of her husband's embrace. "He's our son, Scott!"
"Not exactly," Hank interrupted, "There is another DNA strand we can't identify yet and it has a much greater influence than Scott's. Speaking in layman's terms, Scott's DNA acted like a catalyst."
"Who's the third party?" Scott asked, trying to sort out his feelings.
"Unknown," Hank said calmly.
Jean looked at her husband, sensing his confusion. "Don't you dare to blame Remy for this!"
Scott had a hard time accepting this revelation. "Sinister used our DNA without us knowing about it? Damnit, what else did he use it for?"
Jean grabbed hold of his hand. "Listen to me, Scott. We always knew Sinister was up to no good and now?" Suddenly she turned to the professor. "Have you already told Remy?"
"No, not yet," Charles admitted. "I fear this might? upset him greatly."
"Upset him?" Scott snarled. "What about us?"
"Scott!" Jean admonished him in an angry tone. "Sometimes you're?" and forced herself to calm down. "Blame Sinister for this, not Remy! I know you and Remy never got along greatly, but I thought that had started to change!"
"Well," Scott sighed, remembering Christmas Eve. Yes, he liked the Cajun, but this new development made his blood boil!
"Scott," Charles said. "For some time I thought Remy was my son."
"What?" Scott exclaimed.
"His psi potential baffled me and?" Charles didn't know how to phrase this. "But it makes sense that Remy got those powers from Jean."
"Darling," Jean got to her feet and joined her husband who was staring out of the window. "I did wonder at times about Remy's eyes and his ability to charge objects. What if that power had settled down in his eyes? Would it have created an optic blast?"
Scott shuddered unwillingly. "It's hard to accept."
"No one is asking you to embrace Remy as your lost son," Hank pointed out to him, "but please don't reject him. I don't think he would take that well." In fact, Hank was worried about Remy's emotional stability to begin with. "I'm still not sure =how= to tell Remy what we discovered!"
Jean folded her arms around her husband's chest and rested her head against his back. "I like Remy," she said and waited for his response.
"You're right, love," Scott said eventually. "I can't blame this on Remy. Sinister did this to us? and him."
Jean shivered and snuggled closer to him, ignoring the fact that they weren't alone. "It explains certain images I saw after Warren attacked him. I never knew?"
Scott led her back to the chair and sat her down. "What images?" Now that he'd accepted the truth he was eager to get to the bottom of this.
"There was so much pain!" she stuttered and realized what she had to do. She had made her decision. As far as Jean was concerned Remy was her son and she would fight for his safety and sanity, even if Scott was still hesitant to commit himself to Remy. "Professor, I want to show you what I saw."
Charles nodded his head. The needed every bit of information if they wanted to help Remy.
Hank was about to leave the medlab to give them some privacy, but Jean called him back. "No, Hank, you should see this as well in case Remy starts to act up during treatment. You need to understand what he went through."
"Then show us," Scott said, trusting her completely.
Jean touched her forehead, trying to recapture everything she'd seen that day in her mind.
The four of them found themselves standing in Sinister's lab. Tanks, filled with clones surrounded them and the stench of blood made Scott feel nauseous. //Jean?//
//This is where Remy spent the first years of his life,// she explained and tried fighting back the tears that were threatening to surface in her eyes. //Sinister conducted many tests on him.//
Suddenly a high-pitched scream sounded through the room and they watched in mute horror as Sinister appeared, hauling a small boy on to an exam table.
Sinister shackled the child to the table and then started laying out surgical instruments. The boy had stopped screaming and stared at the scalpels instead. The red on black eyes were swimming with unshed tears.
//Jean,// Hank started, //I think I'm beginning to understand our Cajun friend.//
Jean's thoughts reached all three men. //Sinister put him through this once a month.//
They watched horrified as Sinister began his 'ministrations'. After taking all the blood he needed he put the vials away and started examining those eyes as if hoping to find something new.
//At this point in time Remy's powers couldn't have manifested yet,// Charles commented.
The boy screamed as a bright scanner searched the iris of his eyes and Jean released the tears the child couldn't cry.
Scott had been quiet until now, registering everything that happened in Sinister's lab in a non-emotional way, but even he couldn't keep back his loathing. //Jean? he's only a child!//
//Sinister doesn't care about him as a person,// Jean pointed out to him. //Remy's just another experiment, his creation, his =property=.//
//At least we now understand why that nightmare freaked him out like that,// Scott commented, remembering the night Jean had spent at Remy's bed.
//He's been trying hard to block these memories,// Charles explained. //And I can't blame him. This must have left him greatly traumatized.//
//Not to mention the years he had to live on the streets,// Hank remarked. //Remy is a survivor all right.//
Jean sighed as she broke the link, taking them in to the present again. Opening her eyes she noticed the shocked expression in Scott's. "Love?"
"I'm going to get back at Sinister for doing this to Remy!" he stated determined.
Jean smiled lazily and placed her hand between her husbands. "That might imply? terminating Sinister's existence."
"If necessary," Scott replied in an icy tone. "I'm not letting that monster close to Remy ever again!"
Charles nodded his approval. He'd hoped Scott's protective instincts would surface and his student hadn't let him down. "I wish I had better news," he started again.
"Professor?" Scott wasn't sure he could take another surprise.
"An? old friend told me that the Marauders attacked Remy and Bobby in Paris."
Jean got to her feet, fatigue forgotten. "Are they all right?"
"Yes, my friend managed to get to them in time. Bobby got injured," Charles heard Henry's sharp intake of breath. "One of Riptide's shurikens entered his shoulder, but luckily it's only a flesh wound."
Hank shuddered. "When will they arrive?" Bobby had been injured and he wanted to oversee the recovery process personally.
"In 2 hours. Are there any volunteers to pick them up from the airport?" Charles knew Magnus would stay with Remy and Bobby as long as necessary. It was really fortunate his old friend felt this protective of Remy although he still wondered why.
Jean looked in to Scott's eyes. "Yes, professor. Scott and I will pick them up."
Too caught up in these recent revelations they startled as the alarm went off. A terresect opened in the medlab and Scott froze seeing Sinister emerge from it. "Hank, take care of the professor," he instructed, trying hard to control his hate seeing this visage in front of him.
Jean joined him, placed her hand in his and was ready to fight off this Boogey Man for once and for all.
"Intruder alert!"
The computerized voice immediately woke Logan who was a light sleeper. "Wake up, Wings!" he called out, shaking the other man harshly. Quickly he leaped out of the bed, slipped in to some shorts and sharp claws sprung from his knuckles.
Warren on the other hand, needed a moment to take in the situation. Realizing he was still naked he followed Logan's example and put on some trousers. "What's going on?" Years of training kicked and he was beside Logan in a second. Together they ran down the corridor.
Xavier's thoughts suddenly sounded in their minds, filling them in on the current situation. //Sinister has managed to get passed our defences. He and several Marauders are inside the building. I assume they're after Scott and Jean.//
Storm appeared around the corner, airborne and her white eyes focused on the problem at hand. "The medlab!" she said urgently and the three of them hurried down the stairs.
Warren also took to the sky and grinned at Logan in spite of the danger. "Want a ride, old man?"
Logan growled and allowed Warren to fly him to the medlab. Now that he knew they were dealing with Sinister and the Marauders they couldn't waste a single moment!
"Jubilee! Be careful, kid!" he called out, as the girl joined them. One look told Logan that she planned on taking care of herself.
"Hank!"
"That's Jeanie!" Logan growled in a dangerous tone. "Lemme down, Wings!" Nobody was going to lay a finger on his Jean as long as he lived!
Warren dropped him to the floor and was about to fly in to the medlab as Blockbuster and Arclight appeared, blocking their path. Arclight struck her fists, creating a bright light that blinded them.
"Damn!" Warren yelped as he crashed in to the wall. How much longer would it take him to get used to his old wings again?
Blockbuster tried getting his hands on Jubilee and Logan's infuriated growl echoed through the corridor. //Correction, nobody is goin' to lay a finger on Jean =and Jubilee!=//
How many times had they fought the Marauders only to learn Sinister had cloned a new dozen? It was an endless fight.
Logan's claws impacted hard and he managed to throw Blockbuster in to the wall. Only then he realized his lover was down as well! "Ro!" he called, his eyes pointing Warren out to her.
"I summon the winds!" she stated and managed to stop Arclight's attack.
Warren moaned, but flew away from the scene to regroup.
Still airborne Storm tried to figure out how many Marauders had managed to get inside. She caught sight of Vertigo from the corner of her eye and wished Remy and Bobby were here as well. Without Rogue they were badly outnumbered.
Inside the medlab Sinister's hands moved too fast for the human eye to see and Jean stared in shock at the small tranquilizer dart that had buried itself in the back of her neck. "How? why?" she stuttered and looked blankly at Scott who tried to catch her as she fainted.
Sinister didn't utter a single word as Sabretooth and Scalphunter appeared. Bolts of energy flashed through the medlab and pleased he noticed Cyclops ducking away for cover.
Beast had leaped over to Xavier and was trying desperately to figure out what to do. Jean was down and Sinister's attack had surprised the hell out of them.
//Protect Jean!// Charles told Henry. //Sinister is after =her= this time!//
But Sabretooth moved quickly, avoided Scott's blasts and picked up Jean. "You want her, boss?"
Sinister nodded pleased. "Take her to my lab," he instructed.
"No!" Scott yelled, leaving his cover and blasting away at Sinister who cried out in pain, but never went down. "Hank! Get Jean away from him!"
Hank was already on his way over to Sabretooth, but then Harpoon stepped out of the terresect, throwing an imbued object at Scott. Beast had to duck as well and Sabretooth handed Jean over to Harpoon.
"NO!" Scott screamed in anger. His heart almost stopped beating the moment Sinister closed the terresect.
Grinning, Sinister's eyes sparkled with pleasure. "I'm only going to say this once so listen carefully." The fighting around them had stopped and he concentrated on Xavier and Scott. The latter barely managed to keep his anger in check.
"What do you want?" Charles asked, afraid he already knew the answer. He joined Scott and Henry, telling them to remain calm.
"I want what's mine!" Sinister smiled, turned about and greeted the new arrivals.
Logan was about to charge again, but the professor's glare stopped him. "Pity, I wanted to finish what I started," and looked behind him, where Blockbuster and Arclight's bodies lay.
Sinister would clone them again and they would meet up in another fight. Scanning the room Logan realized Jean's scent was gone. "What's goin' on?" His voice shook as he made eye contact with Scott who had turned deadly pale.
"No more interruptions!" Sinister decreed as Scalphunter and Sabretooth moved towards him. Staring in to Xavier's eyes he said, "I want my creation. Give me Remy LeBeau and I'll return Jean Grey to you. Refuse and she dies!"
"Never!" Scott screamed, uncertain what he was trying to say. "I'm sure as hell not handing Remy over to you!"
"But then your wife will die," Sinister replied amused.
Logan grunted and ran over to Scott. "If Jean's hurt?"
"Shut up, Logan!" Scott berated him. "Remy is Jean's son!" Then he rephrased that admission, making his decision for once and for all. " My son!"
Warren looked at Storm. "Their son?"
Logan was speechless. His eyes searched Scott's eyes and he realized the man was telling him the truth.
"Yes! Remy is one of his experiments!" Scott told the others in a venomous tone. "Sinister used Jean's DNA and mine!"
"Impressing, you figured that out?" Sinister grinned. "I give you 24 hours to reach a decision."
Another terresect formed and Scalphunter, Vertigo and Sabretooth used it to get out of the mansion. Sinister stayed a moment longer, knowing he was safe as long as he had Jean.
"Remember," he said, addressing Scott, "Jean is your wife and LeBeau is only? an experiment."
Those words infuriated all X-Men, but they bit down their anger as Sinister vanished.
"Scott," Charles started.
"Leave me alone!" Scott exclaimed and dashed out of the medlab.
"Lemme talk to him," Logan whispered and hurried after their team leader, who didn't look that fearless any longer.

 

Chapter Eight

"We're leaving!" Magneto said and decided against calling a cab. They would travel faster in a sphere and it was apparent that Drake needed medical attention. The young man was shaking; his eyes had turned feverish and he was quickly falling asleep. Originally he'd never planned on taking them to the mansion. He would have gone in to hiding the moment the X-Men would have showed up to drive them home.
"Bobby's gettin' worse," Remy muttered concerned. "What if dat shuriken was poisoned?" Bobby's eyes told him not to go there, but he couldn't help himself. Because of the link he sensed his lover's pain and even managed to absorb most of it, but he couldn't influence Bobby's physical condition? he wanted to help so badly.
Magneto gently pushed them outside, guided them to the trees and created a sphere. As they floated through the air he wondered what to do upon arrival at the mansion. He couldn't reveal his presence to the X-Men! But looking at Drake he realized he had to make sure the young man was delivered at McCoy's doorstep.
Remy had long wrapped his arms around Bobby. "Y've got t' hold on, cher. Henri will take care of y," he said reassuringly. As Bobby rested his head against his shoulder Remy pulled him even closer. Concentrating on the last remnant of pain running through Bobby's body he reached out and pulled it in to himself.
"What the hell are you doing?" Bobby suddenly whispered, finally realizing why he hadn't been in any real pain. "Remy, stop this now, please love." His eyes turned dark. "I mean it," he added, not paying any attention to Magneto who was intensely listening to each word they said. "You've got too many things to deal with as it is. I don't want my pain added to that burden. I can deal with this."
Bobby's tone indicated he was dead serious, but Remy couldn't bring himself to let go of the pain. The very thought of his lover suffering any pain at all was unbearable and out of the question! "Cher, lemme," he whispered. "I want t' help. It was my fault y' got hurt in de first place."
Bobby was about to object to that statement as he caught Magneto's expression. In those eyes lay great concern for the Cajun and Bobby shivered. How far would Magneto go to see Remy safe and why? These last weeks he had witnessed a side to Magneto he'd never suspected existed. Concentrating on his lover again Bobby recognized the vulnerability in those alien eyes. It mystified him how someone could describe them as devil's eyes. To him, they mirrored the depths of a troubled soul. "Okay, Remy. I trust you to know what you're doing. But if the pain gets too much, I want you to stop tapping in it."
Remy nodded his head, relieved that Bobby allowed him to make this contribution. This was his mistake after all. Sinister was after him, only him. Everyone else was an innocent bystander.
Bobby listened to the soft thump of Remy's beating heart and slowly shook his head. Why was Remy blaming himself for this? The link still gave him full access to his lover's mind and he hoped that Remy wouldn't shut it down, ever! He needed this connection! Without it, he might never be able to REALLY reach Remy!
"It's time to descend," Magneto notified them. "I won't be accompanying you the last few steps."
Remy's eyes dilated, never expecting Magneto to leave them. But then he berated himself. The mutant had already pointed out that he had no desire to step inside the mansion.
"Remy?" Bobby said, as smoke emanated from the house. "Looks like they might need help."
"They're under attack?" Magneto asked mystified. "Who would dare to??" Alerted, Magneto noticed one person leaving the mansion. "Marauders?"
Remy shivered and Bobby instinctively tried to soothe him. "But we left them behind in Paris!"
Magneto took a deep breath. What if Charles had been injured? He couldn't leave Remy here if the X-Men were weakened! There was no other solution. He had to find out himself. Once more creating a sphere they approached the mansion. It was a good thing the sphere kept out the freezing cold, as snow still covered the land. He'd noticed Remy's distant glance at seeing the snow. Not feeling the cold would help the Cajun to focus on other problems.
//Cher?// Remy gently probed Bobby's thoughts and only encountered concern for his fellow X-Men, no pain.
//I'm fine,// Bobby assured him, wondering just how much pain Remy was absorbing.
Magneto gestured them to follow him in to the house after they'd made contact with the earth once more. He took the lead in case they'd run in to any remaining Marauders. Softly, he chuckled. Who would have thought that he would one day sneak into the mansion to deliver two X-Men to Charles?
Remy picked up on that amusement and smiled warmly. Bobby however, shivered violently against him. "We'll take y' t' de medlab, cher."
Bobby nodded. "I'm not looking forward to Hank's poking though!"
Smiling, Remy took a deep breath. He would have to tell them about the Marauders, he realized. What would the X-Men's reaction be like? After all they had been through together recently he couldn't fool himself in to believing they would tell him to leave. He'd learned the hard way that they CARED about him. If only that truth would register in his heart as well!
His musings broke as he sensed someone near? someone he knew well. "Magnus?" Remy whispered. "We're not 'lone in here."
Magneto stopped in his tracks. "Whose thoughts are you picking up?"
"De professor an' Henri," Remy whispered softly.
Charles' head jerked back, sensing the three men in the next corridor. It was too late though to stop Hank from taking that turn. Given the opportunity he would have liked to talk to Magnus in private first. His students hadn't yet recovered from Sinister's sudden appearance and finding another enemy in their home would only increase their anxiety. "Henry, wait!"
But it was too late.
Hank took that next step and sucked in his breath. "Professor, call the others!" he instructed upon seeing Magneto that close to his friends. Bobby's paleness and sweat-covered brow worried him.
Charles moved next to him and slowly placed a hand on Hank's shoulder. "Magneto has come here as a friend. Trust me, Henry." He was asking a lot of McCoy, knowing damn well they had no reason to trust him, not after Onslaught, but he had to believe his students would pull through!
Bobby was the first to react. Remy was too confused to say anything, Bobby picked up that much from the link and Magneto deemed it best to let Charles do the talking. "The professor is right, Hank. Magneto here saved Remy's life and mine? more than once."
Hank, although not yet convinced, had little choice as to believe his mentor and best friend. Ignoring Magneto he advanced on Bobby. Xavier had informed him that Riptide had injured his friend. "Let's get you to the medlab," he sighed. "Although I wonder if the equipment is still functioning properly."
"Yes," Magneto cut in, "I saw Marauders running away from the mansion. What happened?"
Charles pondered his options and made a decision. "Henry, please take Remy and Bobby to the medlab and make sure their needs are taken care of. Magnus and I? need to discuss matters with Scott."
An ominous sensation almost swept Remy off his feet. The discomfort originated from the professor, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get to the source of it. One admonishing glance from Xavier told him the professor had felt him reach out. Reluctantly, Remy pulled Bobby with him as they followed Hank out of the corridor. Shivering, Remy stared at the floor. //Mon Dieu,// he thought and was immediately soothed by Bobby's concern who had felt his puzzlement. "It's not'ing, cher," he said in a soft tone, but was determined to investigate this discomfort once Henri had taken care of his lover.
"With Scott?" Magneto said questioningly.
"There have been certain developments," Charles replied in a tired tone. "Please remain calm once the other X-Men find out you're here, Magnus."
"I'll try, but you better keep that Canadian under control!" Magneto sighed, Charles had skillfully avoided answering his question.
Charles sensed his students' thoughts and steeled himself. This was a bad time to introduce Magneto as Bobby and Remy's savior, but they needed all the help they could get against Sinister.
Logan's nose picked up the scent first. "Stop in yar tracks," he told Warren and Storm. "Trouble ahead."
"Goddess, what is it this time?" Ororo muttered and mentally prepared herself for another attack.
"Magneto," Logan informed her and unsheathed his claws.
//Logan, Ororo, Warren, listen to me. Do not attack.// Charles told them and hoped they would listen. //When I referred to an old friend watching over Remy and Bobby I was talking about Magneto.//
"Do you really think they're going to believe that?" Magneto couldn't help being amused. This situation was so absurd!
Logan remained poised, but listened closely to the voice in his head. Over the years Charles had been the one person he'd come to trust completely. Even Onslaught hadn't changed that. Xavier had saved his soul a long time ago, but trusting Magneto?
//I'm not asking you to trust him,// Charles added and slowly ventured around the corner to face his students. "I'm merely asking you not to attack him."
Storm seemed troubled, but wasn't ready for another battle, not after these recent developments. Sinister had captured Jean and was still after Remy. She would go to great lengths to see her brother safe and if Magneto had watched over her friend? "We won't attack him."
Warren raised an eyebrow. "Storm, is that a wise thing to do?"
"Wise? Maybe not," Storm admitted, "But calculated risks might be necessary in order to get Jean back and Magneto would be a great help."
"Why not contact the medlab and see if he really returned Bobby and Remy?" Warren suggested.
"Kid's got a good idea," Logan mused and accessed a com. "Hank, are ya there?"
"Busy, my friend. Can this wait?" Hank said impatiently.
"Professor here says that Mags delivered our Ice cube and Gumbo at yar doorstep?" Logan asked in a determined tone. "That true?"
"Yes, my suspicious friend," Hank informed him. "Riptide injured Bobby and the wound's infected but he'll be icing up your bath room in a few days. Remy is a little tired, but unharmed."
"It seems the professor spoke the truth then," Storm pointed out to them and held Warren and Logan's eyes. "We've taken risks before, my friends."
"True," Logan admitted reluctantly. "Tell Mags to keep outa my way," Logan growled as Charles' approval at their decision floated in to his mind.
Charles nodded towards Magneto. "This is a truce then?"
Magneto realized he was too involved in this matter to leave now. "Truce?"
They were studying each other intently. Logan's claws were still bared, but he kept his distance as Xavier and Magneto stood opposite them. He realized with a start that Xavier did trust Magneto and Logan wasn't sure how to feel about that. They had fought Magneto too many times!
Storm remained regal, hardly showing any discomfort, but Warren felt nervous. Recently it had become increasing difficult to tell friend from foe and Magneto's appearance confused him. The fact that an enemy had saved Bobby and Remy baffled him.
"Did you manage to talk to Scott?" Charles asked Logan.
"Nope," Logan replied in a cautious tone, never taking his eyes off Magneto. "Slammed the door in my face. He needs to calm down first."
"I'll try to talk to him," Charles decided. Gesturing Magneto to accompany him, he suddenly realized his X-Men planned on tagging alone. "This isn't necessary," he said, feeling strangely pleased. "Magnus means no harm."
"Not this time," Magneto stated in an amused tone.
Charles sighed. "You're not helping."
"Didn't know I was supposed to," Magneto chuckled, realizing the effect Remy was having on him. Ever since he'd found the Cajun he'd rediscovered his sense of humor? no, a sense of being alive and it felt damned good!
"We're comin' 'long," Logan stated resolved. "Not leavin' ya with that killer!" Charles' eyes suddenly radiated a fury Logan had seldom seen before, but the professor bit back his remark.
Somewhat apologetically he looked up at Magneto. "Logan here feels? rather strongly about this."
Magneto shrugged his shoulders. Right now the remaining X-Men presented no danger to him. "We have better things to do than to quarrel."
"Agreed," Storm said softly. "We need to get Jean back. The Goddess will help us."
"I believe in help thyself," Magneto said, wondering about her remark. Had something happened to Jean Grey?
Charles picked up on that thought. "Sinister attacked the mansion," he updated his old friend and started making his way to the hanger. His senses had long told him were to find his student. "He sedated Jean and took her with him."
"He wants Remy," Magneto finished. Logan's eyes stung his back.
Logan pondered his next remark. "Ya gotten close to Gumbo since savin' his ass?"
Warren and Storm shot him a surprised look. "What are you talking about, my friend?" Storm asked.
"I smelled Mags here on the kid when he returned from the ice. Gumbo wasn't going to confirm that though."
"I didn't want my involvement revealed." Magneto smiled. Only Charles caught that smirk and Magneto realized this secret was about to become public knowledge. "I'm only going to tell it once, so we better wait until we're complete."
Charles nodded his approval. "Yes, Scott has a right to hear this and there are certain things you need to know as well."
"Like what?" Magneto asked puzzled.
"We ran some tests on Remy's DNA and found that Sinister used Jean and Scott's DNA to? create Remy. There's a third unknown party but?" Charles felt Scott's rage seep in to his mind and ignored Magneto's surprised expression. //Scott? We need to talk,// he sent his student. //We need to deal with this as a team.//
"You know how to get to him," Warren said appreciately. Being their team leader was something Scott took VERY seriously.
"It is the truth," Storm whispered approvingly.
The doors opened and slowly the group moved inside. Scott was in the opposite corner, but now approached them.
"Professor, I mean no disrespect, but I want to be alone," Scott said sincerely. Only then he registered Magneto's presence. Why weren't they attacking the enemy? "Professor?"
"Magneto is here to help." Charles reached out to his student, knowing how important it was for Scott to know the truth. Telepathically he showed Scott that Magneto had returned Remy and Bobby to them.
"Remy's safe?" Scott whispered. A sigh left his lips. "Keep him away from Sinister."
"We will," Logan promised.
Tension hung heavy as they knew they had to address matters, but no one could force themselves to make that first step. In the end it was Magneto who broke the silence. "What are your planes, Charles?"
Xavier stared at Scott. "What do you want us to do?"
"I want Jean back." It was as simple as that, Scott realized. "I want Jean back, Remy safe and Sinister's ass kicked to hell!"
Logan grinned. "I like the way ya think," he growled.
"I still can't believe that Remy is? my son?" Scott admitted. "It's such a strange feeling."
"I understand that?" Magneto suddenly said, startling them all. He didn't really want to share this with them, but only together they might be strong enough to deal with Sinister. Alone, they would never manage to terminate Sinister's existence and Magneto knew that was what needed to be done if they wanted to ensure Remy's safety. The mad physician would never give up.
"Magnus?" Charles felt a revelation at the edges of Magneto's mind, but?
"25 years ago Sinister stole my DNA as well." Magneto walked over to Scott. "Charles mentioned a third party?"
"My DNA acted as a catalyst according to Hank?" Scott whispered, suddenly refusing to let go of Magneto's eyes. "What are you trying to say?"
"I never really considered it before." Magneto slowly paced the room now, hating the fact that he had to reveal this to them. "But when I found Remy in Antarctica he should have been dead. Nobody can survive that long on the ice."
"You found him?" Scott muttered in disbelief. This enemy had saved Remy's life?
Magneto merely nodded his head. How to explain this to them? Why did he have to give away this much? "I assumed he had somehow found a way to charge his body in order to keep warm, to survive."
"What?" Warren exclaimed. "Charge his own body?" and shuddered. Sudden sad eyes focused on him. He'd never before seen such sadness in Magneto's eyes.
"Believe me young man when I say that people do impossible things to remain alive?" and remembered the things he had seen during the holocaust. "But I was wrong."
"Magnus, we don't have time for this!" Charles said irritated. "We need to focus on Jean!"
"What I'm trying to say is that Remy must have created a sphere around him to keep out the cold!" Magneto hissed in a vehement tone.
"You?" Scott whispered shocked.
Impatiently Magneto stared at the door. "I don't know for sure, only have suspicions, but? Now that I know Sinister had a hand in this?"
"You're the third party?" Storm asked, horrified that Sinister had experimented with stolen DNA like that.
"I think so," Magneto stated. "I'm willing to submit to a DNA test to make sure. If he's my son as well?" and locked eyes with Scott.
"I always did wonder about your interest in Remy," Charles mused. "But I suggest we see to that test after we get Jean back."
"I don't want Remy to know any of this, not yet!" Magneto stated resolved. "He's depressed and afraid." He vividly remembered the frightened young man he had found in Antarctica.
"Never thought I'd ever say this, but I agree. For Remy's sake we've got to keep quiet until Jean's back," Scott took over, still trying to get used to the idea of Magneto's DNA being mixed up with Jean's and his inside Remy LeBeau. "My God, how strong is he really?"
They immediately knew what Scott was hinting at. "His telepathic and telekinetic powers already manifested," Charles told them.
"Telekinetic?" Storm asked, concerned for her friend.
"Bobby contacted me before the Marauders attacked and confirmed Remy has also displayed that ability and no," Charles said in a fatigued tone and studied Magnus. "Bobby doesn't know about Remy's? parents. Remy is strong enough to read that in Bobby's mind and I don't want to take that risk. That's why I sent them to Paris." The professor looked worried as he looked eyes with his old friend. "I fear Remy might display other abilities as well shortly."
"This is trouble!" Logan shook his head. "Kid won't be able to deal with this!"
Magneto had to agree. "We need to proceed with caution."
Scott had walked up to Magneto and seemed to reach a decision after a struggling with a dilemma. "We need to talk in private, just you and me."
"Yes, we should do that," Magneto gestured Scott to walk in to the corridor and then followed quickly.
"What can we do to help?" Storm offered.
"We need to pinpoint Sinister's location," Charles realized. "We only stand a chance if we can carry out a surprise attack."
"What are ya waiting for? Use Cerebro!" Logan suggested and enjoyed seeing Xavier's nod of approval. There would go down fighting if necessary!

 

Chapter Nine

"Try to sleep," Hank adviced his new patient and best friend. He'd taken his time to examine Bobby's injured shoulder and felt confident the infection had been stopped before it could spread further. "All you need now is rest, Robert."
"I hate it when he calls me that," Bobby entrusted to Remy who was still at his side. "I wish you would stop absorbing my pain though," he whispered and smiled weakly. The expression in Remy's eyes was undeniably sad.
Remy didn't reply, neither vocally nor telepathically. Instead he reassuringly squeezed Bobby's right hand. "Y' listen t' Henri, cher an' close dose eyes."
Hank listened closely to their conversation, disliking the idea of Remy using his mental powers to take away Bobby's pain. The Cajun looked too fragile as it was. "Why don't you lie down as well?" he suggested and pointed Remy to a bed.
"Non, I ain't tired," Remy objected strongly.
"Remy," Hank started, trying hard not to think about the results of that DNA test, "humor me." Even if Remy would ask him about the blood sample, Hank was determined not to answer that question.
Bobby had fallen asleep; still tightly holding Remy's hand and Hank shook his head, despairing about the Cajun. "Remy, I know you? dislike the medlab, but Bobby is here and there is an unoccupied bed? For all I care you sneak in to Robert's bed, just get some rest," he said, stressing those last four words.
It suddenly occurred to Remy that the best thing to do was to play along. The more he objected, the longer McCoy would keep harassing him to give in. //Play it smart!// he told himself and decided to lie down next to Bobby, crawling underneath the blankets to hold his lover in his sleep. Ignoring Hank's amused look he wrapped his arms around Bobby. "Where's Jean? Haven' seen her 'round? or sensed her," he asked, as he couldn't pick her thoughts up in the mansion.
"She's on her way to Muir Island," Hank said, expecting that question sooner or later. Thankfully he had also prepared a believable answer.
"Muir Islan'?" Remy repeated softly. Why would she go to Muir Island? It didn't make sense, except if? He hated probing Hank's thoughts, but had no choice. He feared something bad had happened during his absence. Hank's resistance however, was stronger than he expected and it slowed him down until fatigue overwhelmed him.
Now that he was lying down, soothed by Bobby's peaceful dreams, he was quickly falling asleep as well. //I don' wanna fall 'sleep.// Remy's trembling hand tangled gently in Bobby's hair. //Not 'til I know why Jean ain't here!// But he lost the struggle, as Bobby's dreams lured him closer. Realizing they were of an intimate nature he gave in, helpless to resist.
"Good," Hank muttered pleased, seeing them soundly sleep at last. "And I'm going to take good care of the both of you!"
Scott waited for Magneto to speak first. Feeling lost in all recent developments he found himself in an unfamiliar situation. He considered Remy kin, family and knew Jean expected him to fight until his last breath to protect Remy, but now Magneto claimed Remy too. They had to reach some kind of agreement. "Remy will end up hurt if we don't work this out," he said eventually as Magneto remained silent.
"The truth might destroy him," Magneto whispered and halted. They'd reached the living room, which was empty.
Scott looked up questioningly and he wished Magneto explained that remark.
"We both know Remy well enough to picture his reaction," Magneto said. "Once he realizes Sinister used stolen DNA to 'construct him'? Remy will think that he has no right to exist. He's already depressed, more than he wants anyone to know and this might push him over the edge."
"What do you suggest we do?" Scott wanted to know.
For once Magneto didn't have all the answers. "I don't know," he admitted fatigued and sat down on the couch, staring at his hands. "We should take this one step at a time. First we need to deal with Sinister."
Scott took a seat as well, keeping his distance though. "What do you know about Remy's past?" he asked unexpectedly.
"Enough to realize he never properly dealt with it," Magneto remarked in an odd tone. "The boy craves love, acceptance and protection, but in order to survive he detached himself from his true feelings, his true self." Looking Scott in the eyes he continued. "It's easier to give in than to fight."
"I saw some of the things Sinister did to him telepathically," Scott whispered, not really listening to Magneto. He needed to say this, needed to get it out of his system. Now that Jean wasn't here he didn't know whom to turn to. Magneto and he suddenly shared this strange connection, a bond, which had formed because they cared deeply about Remy so he found himself confiding in his former enemy. "I can't bear the thought of Sinister getting his hands on Remy again."
"But he has your wife," Magneto said thoughtfully, wondering how deep Scott's feelings ran for Remy. He had to be sure Remy could count on Scott if necessary.
"Yes, I know that!" Scott slammed a fist in to the coffee table. "But I also know Jean wants me to defend and protect Remy from Sinister even if she gets killed in the process!"
"We'll find her," Magneto whispered. "She's Remy's mother? The three of us share something very special, a bond which can break or make Remy. We'll have to deal with Sinister for once and for all. I don't want him haunting my son's dreams or threatening his mother?"
Scott laughed in spite of everything. It almost sounded like Magneto had adopted Jean and he as his family as well. "You've got strong feelings for Remy."
"I'm proud he has come this far," Magneto said and looked at Scott. "Coming here after you left him in Antarctica was hard on him."
Accusation stood between them and Scott swallowed hard. "I regret making that mistake more than you can ever imagine. Not only because Remy's my son, but because I failed a team member."
Magneto's words vanished before they'd been spoken. He'd wanted to question Scott about the incident but this admission answered his questions.
"Looks like we both consider Remy our son?" Scott said in a questioning tone.
"Yes. I definitely think of him as my son," Magneto admitted and during that moment a pact was made, an agreement reached. They would set aside their differences and be there for Remy should he need them.
"You know that Jean won't let us near Remy for the first few days? Her motherly, protective, feelings kicked in big time. She'll probably hug him to death," Scott smiled, remembering the passion with which she'd accepted Remy as her son.
"Having a loving mother might be the best thing for Remy," Magneto said and got to his feet. "It will take a lot of love and understanding to get through to him." Resolved, he extended his hand.
Scott briefly stared at it, reminding himself why he was doing this and took it.
Remy opened his eyes and immediately checked the time. Sighing, he realized he'd only been asleep for one hour. As he looked at Bobby he sensed his lover's deep contentment and Remy allowed himself a moment to savor this heavenly bliss. It might be his last if his suspicions proved correct.
Slipping out of bed he carefully tucked the blankets around his lover's body. Bobby had developed a fever due to the infected wound and was now muttering softly in his sleep at the loss of the warm body close to him. "Got t' do dis, cher, please forgive," he whispered and placed a kiss on the feverish brow. It almost physically hurt to step away from his lover, but he had to get his answers!
After sitting down at Hank's computer his fingers moved quickly over the keyboard. Hank wouldn't tell him the truth so he had to find out another way. The security cams might have recorded something! Patiently, he accessed the most recent recordings and found the X-Men on their way back from the medlab, looking severely disturbed. Maybe he should try and get some footage of the fight against the Marauders. Hank had mentioned the medlab being damaged.
A moment later he found what he was looking for and hardly suppressed a yelp seeing Sinister on screen, holding an unconscious Jean in his arms. After he'd handed her to Harpoon, Sinister seemed to address Scott.
Remy shuddered. Scott's entire body language spoke of fear of losing his wife and showed the hatred he felt for the man who had taken her away from him. His hands shook violently as he raised the volume level to hear Sinister's words.
//I don' need t' hear dem t' know what he's sayin',// Remy realized frightened, but had to listen nonetheless. Goose flesh covered his body at hearing that horrific voice. That voice woke memories, which had been locked away deep in his mind and suddenly he wondered?Why hadn't he remembered Sinister holding him prisoner when he'd sought the mad mutant out before the Massacre? Why?? Why had his memories returned now? It had started with one dream that had freaked him out! Had Sinister some kind of control over his memories? How, why? Shuddering, Remy halted, reluctant to learn Sinister's demand. //Stop kiddin' y'rself! Y' know what he wants!//
Bobby moaned softly and Remy immediately returned to his lover. If Bobby needed him he had to get back in bed, couldn't listen to Sinister's recorded voice, could pretend this wasn't happening? //Am I dat great a coward?// he chided himself.
After reassuring himself that Bobby was fine he walked back to the computer and stared at the paused image. Looking his nemesis in the eyes his finger hit the button and Sinister's voice crept in to the medlab, too soft to reach Bobby who was deeply asleep.
"I give you 24 hours to reach a decision. Remember," Sinister said, addressing Scott, "Jean is your wife and LeBeau is only? an experiment."
Remy stopped the recording as tears, fears and pain surfaced. //LeBeau is only? an experiment. LeBeau is only? an experiment. LeBeau is only? an experiment. LeBeau is only? an experiment?// The words echoed in his mind. "I'm only a fuckin' experiment!" he spat in self-hate. //Jean is Scott's wife an' I'm only?// Unable to finish that thought he wiped away the tears which had escaped his eyes. Bobby's love had almost made him forget what he was, an experiment.
What the hell was he still doing here? Sinister could be hurting Jean at this very moment and he was standing here, crying because of a love he had to leave behind. //I never understood why y' loved me, cher.// It was the truth. Yes, he KNEW Bobby loved him. Remy just couldn't figure out why. He didn't deserve Bobby's love.
Slouching over to the bed Remy wondered what to say. Bobby wouldn't hear him anyway, which was a comforting thought. "Cher, I'm sorry. I'm sorry Stormy ever took me here. I'm sorry we ever met. I'm sorry y' fell in love wid me. Y' can do much better, cher. Y're only wastin' y'r time wid me. I ain't word it."
//Only an experiment. I'm only an experiment?// "Cher, watch over Jean f'r me when she gets back? //Mon Dieu? Cyke! Scott?// and stared at the door. Why hadn't Scott appeared yet to talk to him about Sinister? After all, he was the reason why Jean had been taken. "Cyke must hate me," he whispered to an oblivious Bobby. "I never wanted him t' lose Jean 'cause of me! Dis is such a mess. Dere's only one t'ing I can do t' set dis straight, cher. Please forgive me. I'll always love y'," he sobbed softly, then forced himself to regain his composure and removed the ring from his finger.
"Y' keep dis. I don' want Sinister t' get his hands on it." Leaning in closer he brushed Bobby's lips on last time. "I don' want t' leave y', cher," he muttered helplessly as his fingers caressed a strand of Bobby's hair. "Y're de first person t' love me in spite of what I am. But I can' fail Jean. Sinister will hurt her if I don' show up."
His fingers refused to let go of the lock of soft hair, but he twisted around in one angry motion. There was no time to lose. He had to rectify his mistakes. //Shouldn' have run from Sinister in Paris, den dis would never have happened!// Right now he hated himself for fighting Sinister. If he had surrendered straight away Bobby wouldn't have been injured and Jean? //Scott must hate me?// Sadness settled in to his heart as he walked out of the Medlab. For a thief the mansion's security system provided no barrier and he easily slipped outside unnoticed.
Looking back at the mansion he still sensed Bobby's presence and realized he'd taken a coward's way out by saying good-bye while his lover had been asleep. //I no longer have a lover!// he reprimanded himself. //I jus' deserted him?//
"Look what the cat dragged in!" Scalphunter said, stepping away from the cover of the trees.
Remy flinched involuntarily although he'd sensed the Marauder's presence since he'd left the mansion. Without any doubt Sinister had ordered Scalphunter to stay behind in case he'd show up. "Is she unharmed?" he asked worried.
"You know the boss?" Scalphunter replied and picked something up from the ground.
Yes, he did. Sinister would let her go if he kept his part of the bargain? //Hope is all I've got left!//
"The boss wants you to put this on first." Scalphunter leaned against a tree and extended his hand. "Only then will he consider letting her go. Take it or leave it."
//A Genoshan collar.// Putting it on meant losing his powers, losing himself. His hand trembled fiercely as he took hold of it. Stalling time, he stared at it. Giving in to this demand made everything final. He'd have no way left to fight Sinister if the maniac intended to keep her a prisoner. But he couldn't take the risk of endangering her life!
Scalphunter's grin infuriated and scared Remy at the same time. Feeling nauseous he placed the collar around his neck and cringed at the sudden loss of his powers. Unable to read anything telepathically, loneliness crushed in on him. Bobby's presence, however weak, was gone and he felt terribly alone. //But if Sinister releases Jean, it's word it!//
"Get going!" Scalphunter said and pushed his prisoner to the right where a terresect appeared. "It's time to go home, son!" he quipped in a diabolical tone.
Remy's eyes watered, filling with unimaginable sorrow. He was returning to Sinister's 'care' voluntarily, leaving behind his one true love to save Jean who had supported him when he'd needed it most. As he stepped in to the terresect he remembered Jean pulling him in to the house after Magneto had dropped him off. Vividly remembered her sitting with him when he'd woken in Bobby's arms after that first terrible nightmare featuring Sinister? the handcuffs she had given them, which they had never used, would never use. He owed her and it was time to pay his debts.
Bobby woke because an emptiness he'd never felt before was viciously ripping him apart. Instinctively he reached out to Remy, concerned that something was wrong with his lover. //Remy?// The Cajun didn't reply and almost panicking, Bobby's eyes snapped open. Something was wrong, very wrong! "Hank?" he called out loud, but then he realized he was alone in the medlab. Where was Remy? His lover had been at his side when he'd fallen asleep!
The emptiness inside his mind was terrifying. He'd had gotten so used to hearing Remy's thoughts that he felt disoriented without them. "Remy?" Sitting upright he cringed at the stabbing pain emanating from his shoulder. //Guess that means Remy is no longer absorbing the ache. Where did he go?//
Suddenly a small item dropped on to the floor. It created a hollow metallic sound, which cut through the medlab. His heart pounded as he recognized Remy's ring. "What the hell?" he whispered apprehensively. Biting down the pain he swung his feet on to the floor and managed to pick the ring up. 'Forever, my angel,' he read the inscription. "My God, Remy?" he mumbled startled. //Remy!// he screamed in panic.
Charles cried out as well as Cerebro catapulted that thought in to his mind. Immediately he disentangled himself and called Magnus and Scott to the room. //Bobby? What's wrong?//
//It's Remy, professor. I can no longer feel him. The link is gone!// Bobby's thoughts mirrored his shaky tone. //Where the hell is he?//
//I'm working on it,// Charles promised and used Cerebro to enhance his own power. Trying hard not to give in to Bobby's panic he searched the mansion for Remy, but quickly realized his attempt was in vain. Remy had left the house and the premises.
"You called, sir?" Scott asked and watched Magneto closely as he stepped in to the room. For Remy's sake he would give Magneto a chance to prove he was sincere. //But if he betrays Remy?//
"Remy has left the mansion," Charles started, but before he could continue both men's glances turned to angry glares. "He must have found out about Sinister taking Jean."
"How?" Magnus' voice sounded chilling. "I thought he was in the medlab with Drake." Although he appeared composed on the outside his emotions were raging with worry for his son. "Now Sinister has both," he whispered infuriated! "We should have known Remy would try and find out what was going on! We've been fools!"
Scott took a deep breath. Except for losing his wife he had now also lost his son to Sinister. He needed to do something, to take charge, to know he wasn't helpless.
Charles sensed Scott's need and said, "Why don't you go and fill in Bobby? He's the only one who doesn't know what's going on." It would give Scott something useful to do and he needed to talk to Magnus in private.
"Sir," Scott said hesitantly. "What if??" //What if I'll never get them back? What if Sinister??//
//Stop that, Scott. We've fought Sinister before and this time we've a better reason for going in than we ever had before. We'll get them back. Now go and talk to Bobby. He's panicking and? terrified.//
Scott nodded his head, feeling strangely numb inside. As he left the room to head for the medlab he vowed to get Bobby through this. The young man had just lost his lover? //my son?// he realized suddenly. Yes, maybe he could make himself useful and comfort Bobby.
"Magnus?" Charles addressed him the moment the door closed behind Scott. "Are you going to stay?"
"Of course I am!" Magneto stated irritated. "You know damn well we need each other if we want to beat Sinister!"
Charles felt the simmering emotions underneath Magneto's exterior. "I must admit to being surprised. I knew you cared about Remy but?"
Magneto didn't know how to explain this, but decided to try. "It started the first time Remy and I talked. He was so lonely, so scared. His so called charm power terrified him and?" Magneto sucked in a deep breath. "His eyes reminded me of the children in the camps. Maybe I'm the only one here who really understands what he went through during his childhood." Magneto forced himself to analyze his own feelings. "Even if Remy isn't my son I want him safe. He's a lost soul, Charles and it doesn't have to be that way! Not if we can get Dr. Mengele out of his life!"
"You're scared," Charles suddenly realized. "Scared that Sinister will damage Remy so badly the young man will give up on himself."
"He's already done that," Magneto replied, locking eyes with Xavier. "The only thing keeping him back from sinking in to complete depression is his lover."
Charles acknowledged the accusation in his friend's tone. "I should have done something, I know." It was unforgivable that he had neglected one of his student's needs.
Magneto shook the unease from his mind and focused on the things he could do to help his son. "Did you manage to pinpoint Sinister's location?"
Slowly, Charles nodded his head as Cerebro send him new information. "I did," he whispered and felt a rush of hope. "I'll tell my X-Men to get ready. We'll take the Blackbird. You're coming with us?"
"Oh yes," Magneto growled. "Count me in."

 

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