Title: Restless Hearts

Author: RabidX (Rabid_x@yahoo.com)

Website: http://www.wrssproductions.com/boilingpoint/

Rating: NC-17

Pairing/main characters: Gambit/Iceman

Series/Sequel: followed by Hearts On Fire

Summary:

Disclaimer: Marvel's...

Archive/distribution: Sure! Just let me know where, ok?

Notes: After many different reading of X-fic, I have finally given up searching my comic book and gone to the offical Marvel site (www.Marvel.com) and gotten eye color and other assorted info. Bobby Drake's eyes are listed as brown. Remy LeBeau's hair is listed as brown. I can accept Bobby's eyes....heh...but not Remy's hair. Chestnut brown or auburn brown maybe...but just brown? Naaaaa. Just goes to show that as creative as Marvel writers and artists are...they haven't seen the hair dye section of a local store to explore the many ways of describing hair color yet! ;>

< > indicates thoughts; ~ ~ indicates telepathic speech

________________________________________

 

Restless Hearts

By RabidX

 

Part 1

Bobby
Bobby sighed and leaned back under the shower. It had been a long while since he had trained that hard. Since he came back to the X-Mansion, he had been in the Danger Room every day, working muscles he had forgotten he had. His main breaks had been teaching Accounting, Economics and the occasional training mission at Emma and Sean's school. He was, in a word, wiped.
<Maybe I'll hottub it later.> he thought.
He winced getting out of the shower. Yep. Defiantly hottub time tonight.
He dressed, albeit slowly, in jeans, a Space Ghost T-shirt and tennis shoes. Checking himself in the mirror, he was pleased with the results of his grueling regimen. He flexed a few body builder's poses and, laughing, went down to dinner.
Dinner was the usual chaotic affair. With so many X-Men, new and old, about it couldn't be anything but chaotic. Logan and Sara were arguing over who took who in their Danger Room session, Ororo and Cecilia talked about medicinal plants. Rogue and Jean were going over plans for a weekend shopping spree. Bobby spied Kurt and Kitty surreptitiously flicking peas from the salad at each other. Warren had come by, something he did more often now that Besty was gone, and he and Hank were talking about one of Hank's research projects. Even Remy and Piotr were talking about art.
Bobby sighed inwardly. He would usually join in on one or the other, offer to drive Rogue and Jean or flick peas with Kurt and Kitty, but for some reason tonight his heart wasn't in it. He picked at his food, (lasagna, Cecilia's) and was one of the first to take his plate back to the kitchen.
~Bobby~ he heard in his head as he rinsed his plate.
~Yes Professor?~
~ You seem troubled. Anything you wish to talk about?~
Bobby was glad, at times like this, that the Professor was a telepath. It kept everyone from hovering around concerned.
~I'm really not sure...~ Bobby answered honestly, ~I guess I'm just a little down and tired.~
~Well if you need to talk...~ The Professor left the invitation open.
~I know. And I will if I figure it out. Thanks.~
Bobby walked to his room, waving off an invitation to a card game. He flopped down on his bed, hands under his head, and stared at the ceiling. A long while later, there was a knock at his door. He ignored it, glad he hadn't turned on his light.
"He asleep you think?" he heard Warren's voice ask.
"I would have to say so. He had been quite obsessive in his training since his return." he heard Hank reply.
Bobby heard them walk away. He sighed and stared at the ceiling some more.
<What's wrong with me?> he wondered.
He didn't want to be around anyone. He wasn't sleeping well. He was pushing himself hard. Classic behavior of someone avoiding something.
<What am I avoiding? *Am* I avoiding anything?>
He sat up and rubbed his eyes.
<Hottub. I was going to hottub.>
He sprang up and rummaged around for his bathing suit. Finding it, he crept down the back stairs and down to the training levels. Fifteen minutes later, he slipped down into almost scalding water with a sigh. He laid his head back on the padded edge and let the bubbling water relax his overworked muscles. He closed his eyes and let his mind roam over the past year.
Ever since the Remy/Rogue/Seattle fiasco, he'd been drifting. He'd reconciled things with Emma Frost. He'd tried his hand at a 'normal' life. He'd dated a little, bought houseplants, went to movies. But he drifted, like he was lost at sea. He'd come back to the X-Mansion hopping to find an anchor, but he still felt odd and out of place. Even here, at home.
Without warning, he burst into tears. He pulled his legs up on the bench in the tub and wrapped his arms around them. Deep sobs wracked his body as he rocked slowly back and forth. Something had broken inside of him. He felt as if he would never stop crying, hurting.
Eyes watched him from a darkened corner of the room. Eyes whose body had slunk in moments before, quietly, not wanting to disturb a sleeping Iceman. Eyes that had widened in alarm when Iceman began to cry. They were glittering with their own unshed tears now, seeing someone whose hurts seemed to match, however briefly, their own.
Bobby clutched the sides of his head, fingers digging furrows of hair upright. His sobs had dissolved to quiet keening moans of pain. The eyes spilled over with silent tears at the sight. Brave, joyous Iceman breaking and hurting more deeply than anyone knew.
The owner of the eyes could stand it no longer. They moved swiftly, silently, out of the shadows and to Bobby's side. Long arms reached out and wrapped around Bobby, pulling him close.
Bobby felt himself being pulled into an embrace and clung to the person. Their hands smoothed his hair, their voice hummed and cooed soothing noises. He didn't care who it was, it only mattered that someone cared at this moment. Cool hands rubbed the back of his neck, steadying him as he drew shaky, ragged breaths.
Slowly, Bobby's breathing grew steady and he stopped shaking. The hands wiped tears from his face and he leaned against the body that held him. His eyes were closed, but he knew that he'd soon have to open them. He was reluctant, afraid that he would break some sort of spell.
He sat back, pulling out of the embrace and scrubbed his face. Slowly he opened his eyes. There was no one there. He spun around in the tub, searching every corner of the room. Whoever had comforted him was gone. He listened, but could hear no retreating footsteps. He sank back into the tub, bewildered. Had he imagined the whole thing?
After awhile, Bobby got out of the tub and dried off. He wandered back to his room and stripped out of his wet swim suit and got into bed. He stared at the ceiling again, thinking about what had happened. Pulling the covers up to his chin, he remembered the warm body he had pressed his face into. The arms that held him had been long and slender but quite strong. The hands that smoothed his hair and wiped his tears had been long and delicate. Ororo? Jean? Maybe. He thought some more. They stomach hadn't had a woman's softness to it. Jean and Ororo were strong but not overly built. Kitty was pretty built. Maybe it was her. It could have been Warren for all he knew. He drifted off to sleep, grateful to whomever it was.
When he awoke in the morning, he saw something glinting on the nightstand. He picked it up. It was a St. Christopher medal on a fine gold chain. He didn't own one. He stared at it for awhile before slipping it over his head. It felt warm against his skin. His own heart felt warmer than it had in a long time.
******
Jean
It was the same thing every night. She would lay down in the bed and feel cold and alone. Scott was gone, no longer to keep her warm at night. No longer to keep her warm with his presence during the day. She had meditated, she had searched the astral plane, she had grieved. He was gone and there was no bringing him back. She tried to move on, to accept what had happened, to honor him as best she could. But every night, she was alone.
They had loved each other for so long, had been through so much that it seemed like a cheat that he was dead. He'd helped her back after the Phoenix Force had taken over her mind. She'd help him defeat the bomb in his system. Why? Why were they not allowed to live together in peace?
This place had been their home. Everywhere she went, she looked, reminded her of something they had done together. The gardens where they walked and planned the future, the boathouse they had honeymooned in, even the Danger Room where they had trained side by side for years. Where else could she go? This was her home. But home hurt so much.
She curled up, clutching a pillow and began to cry. So alone and cold in this bed. Alone forever.
~No.~ said a honey voice in her head. ~Not alone.~
She felt someone's weight slip onto the bed next to her. Arms wrapped around her and pulled her close. She didn't know who it was, but rolled over and clung to them, crying into their chest. Hands stroked her hair and rocked her back and forth.
~Let us love you Jean. Let us take care of you as you do us.~
She nodded blindly. The warmth of the other person seemed to flow through her, warming her soul. She listened to their heartbeat and let it and the warmth lull her to sleep.
Carefully, the person slipped out of bed after Jean had been asleep for some time. They placed a small kiss on her forehead and slipped out of the room, as quiet as the shadows surrounding them.
Jean awoke with a start. Sun was streaming in the windows and she reached over instinctively for Scott. He wasn't there, but on the pillow was a small rose, exquisitely carved, seemingly, from a ruby. She stared at it. Finally, she placed it next to a picture of Scott and her on her bedside table and rose to greet the day. She felt warm and loved for the first time in months.
~Thank you~ she sent out, but got no reply.
******
Kitty
Kitty stared at the computer screen in front of her, not really seeing it. She had stumbled upon some old e-mails she had forgotten she had saved. They were from Pete. They were all about how much he missed her while she was training with S.H.I.E.L.D. Seeing the e-mails had caused a vice-like pain to grip her neck. It was like the pain she got when she spent too much time at the computer, hunched over the keyboard. Pain that Pete used to rub away, soothing her tired neck. Now Pete was dead.
She never really understood how it had gone so bad so quick. She hadn't ment to hurt him. She had been confused after meeting Rigby Fallon. She wanted to try to clear her mind, to sort out her feelings. Telling Pete about them and the kiss was, she thought, the right thing to do. It wasn't thought. It was wrong, very wrong. She had ruined his trust, ruined his feelings and, maybe even ruined him. The betrayed look in his eyes still haunted her. And now that he was dead, there would be no way to try to explain, to maybe have a chance to apologize, to try to make him not hate himself or her forever.
Sam had written her and told her how Pete had died. He'd tried to fill in the gaps of what Pete had been doing since he'd left Kitty and Excalibur. Pete had been on a suicidal path until he hooked up with X-Force. He'd found a home there and was building a fine team until he was shot running overwatch on them.
She slumped back in her chair, closing her eyes against the flood of hot tears that ran down her face. She felt a breeze blow gently across from her open window, but ignored it. Her mind was trapped in a spiral of self-recrimination. How could she know that Pete had been happy again? Sam would never tell her too many bad things in e-mail. X-Force was mostly ignored by the other X teams and Kitty didn't know when she would see Sam again to press the issue. She pressed her knuckles to her mouth, trying to stifle a sob.
As she cried, she felt long fingers begin to gently probe the soreness in her neck. She relaxed her shoulders and hung her head, letting them search out knots of tension. When they found them, they kneaded and rubbed until the knots let go. As each knot let go, weights fell off her heart. She began to relax and feel better, pain from her neck leaving with each strong stroke of those fingers. She moaned softly as her neck popped.
There was a small clicking sound and another breath of breeze that sent Kitty jumping out of her chair. She spun towards the window, only to see the curtains blowing gently. She whirled around to see that her door was firmly shut. She sank back into her seat. Who had been here?
Suddenly, her eyes grew wide as she saw what was on the screen. The e-mail from Sam about Pete's death was open on her screen. There was a portion at the bottom highlighted. Sam, it seemed, had sent her an attached picture file with his mail. In her grief, she had missed it. She opened it now, with shaky hands. The picture resolved itself to be of the whole X-Force team celebrating Pete's birthday. They had, apparently, gotten him a wheelchair and a T-shirt which read 'Professor W' on it. He was wearing the shirt and sitting in the chair with the whole team around him, in silly party hats, laughing. He looked happy.
"Oh Pete!" she exclaimed and cried again. This time they were happier tears. Pete, it seemed, had truly found a home.
******
The next morning, at breakfast, the X teams chattered away while consuming a plethora of breakfast foods. Professor Xavier noted that Bobby, Jean and Kitty's eyes were all red, but that, for once, they all seemed to be in high spirits. Bobby was getting Kurt to explain St. Christopher to him. Jean was wearing her favorite sweater, one that Scott had given her. Kitty was showing around a picture of X-Force that had a rather amusing parody of himself in Peter Wisdom.
Remy, as usual, slunk in late and only had coffee. The Professor noticed the bags under his eyes and the tired look about him. It had obviously been another long night for the Cajun. He noticed that Remy seemed to be darting glances at Bobby, Jean and Kitty. There was a certain, cat-like contentment about Remy as he looked at them. Perhaps he was glad, like the Professor, that his teammates were in good moods. Remy's leadership abilities where growing each day.
"Good thing you re-read that mail from Sam." Logan was saying to Kitty as he handed the picture back to her.
"Yeah, that's what's kinda funny. I didn't open that mail last night. I...I had found some mail from Pete that I saved. I guess the next mail must have been Sam's...." she trailed off. She shook her head. "Anyways, I am glad I found it."
"I'll have to show it to you Ororo. It's almost lifelike." Jean was saying quietly. "And it felt like Scott was actually there last night. I'm going to have to research psychic phenomena or maybe even ask Emma, she knows so much more about the Astral."
"I'm just glad you slept." Ororo replied. "And that you finally told me you haven't been. You know you can come to me anytime." Ororo squeezed her friends hand.
"I know. And I'm sorry I have worried you so." Jean said smiling.
"...patron saint of travelers and lost people. That's why you see so many of them in vehicles anymore." Kurt was saying to Bobby. "I didn't know you were religious."
"I'm not usually. But, uh, this kinda caught my eye." Bobby replied, quickly taking a drink of juice.
The Professor frowned to himself. They were all holding something back, Bobby, Jean and Kitty. There was an undercurrent of embarrassment and curiosity among them. He caught Remy looking at him furtively and raised an eyebrow. Remy looked back down at his coffee and stood up, going outside for a smoke. The Professor followed.
"Is there something going on I need to know about Remy?" he asked as the Cajun lit a cigarette.
" 'Bout what Perfessor?" Remy asked, leaning against the patio wall.
"Innocence is not the first thing I think of when you look like that Remy." the Professor replied. "What is going on?"
Remy smiled. It was a smile of genuine pleasure, without a trace of guile. "I jus' been helpin' my friends. Look like it work non?"
The Professor chuckled. "I won't ask what or how you did it, but they may want to know what happened to them at some point."
"An' I will tell dem. Don' you worry 'bout dat. Jus' gonna let dem enjoy the happy feelin's fer now eh?" Remy said. " 'Sides Jean an' Kitty jus' needed to get der grief out. Now maybe, dey can go on wit'out hurtin' demselves no mo'. Bobby, now dat one surprised ole Gambit. I didn' 'spect that one. Dat's one homme who's hurtin' bad."
The Professor frowned. " And you think you can help him?"
Remy shrugged. "I think so. I hope so. You gonna rat me out to dem?"
The Professor smiled again. "I shall let you rat yourself out. But be careful with Bobby. I'm glad you're taking team leadership seriously, but don't get in over your head. Let me know if you need help."
"Gambit'll tread careful, donchoo worry yer bald head on dat one. Gotta go see a man 'bout de horse non?" Remy said as he went back into the house.
The Professor sat and thought. After all that had happened to him, Remy was still giving to his teammates. It made him glad to see Remy take such an active interest in the well-being of others. And maybe, just maybe, Bobby could help him as well.
******
Remy
Remy sighed and disconnected the vid-phone. He had spent he last hour talking to Philipe back in New Orleans. They had been going over Guild business and Remy realized that he was going to need to take a trip there soon. He rubbed his eyes and looked at his watch. It was 5:30 p.m. but he felt like it was much later. The Danger Room session, the phone call and his nocturnal activities had left him physically and emotionally exaughsted.
He had gone to take a hottub and think over what he was going to do for Jean and Kitty when he had run across Bobby. All his half formed plans of making the women feel better had flown out the window when Bobby had broken down. His charm, and it's empathic leanings, had been overwhelmed by the lost feelings pouring off Iceman. he had never expected *him* to be the one to fall apart.
<Shoulda known. De clowns are always hidin' somet'ing.>
There was a knock on the side of the communication room's entrance. Remy turned to see Jean sticking her head in.
"Remy, can I come in?" she asked.
Remy waved a hand. "Ouiai Jeannie. I'm done wit' my call. Choo need me?"
She came over and sat in the chair next to him. There was a small, but nervous, smile on her face. "I... I wanted to ask you something."
Remy looked at her. "Go ahead chere," he smiled his 'charming rogue' smile. "Remy is all ears."
She looked down at her hands and then opened one and held the small, ruby rose out. "Did you do this?"
Remy kept his smile in place. <Don' want her ta fry m' brain.> "Ouiai. Remy did. I felt you hurtin' and I wanted you t' know we all here fo' you. You do so much fo' us, fo' me, an' you never let..." he swallowed, smile gone. " ..Never let me t'ank you."
He was surprised to see tears in Jean's eyes. He had expected her to be angry. She reached out with her other hand and took one of his. She squeezed it and smiled.
"Thank you Remy. I hadn't realized how much I had withdrawn into myself."
"How did you know?" Remy asked.
Jean laughed. "I played it over in my mind. Your mind was all over it. Kind of like cayenne pepper."
Remy laughed. "Guess I'm jus' gonna haf to work on my mental accent den eh?"
Jean stood and pulled him up. She hugged him hard and long. "I'm glad you made it home to us Remy LeBeau." She kissed his cheek and left.
Remy made his way upstairs, Jean's words warm in his mind. He went to the kitchen and helped himself to some left over lasagna. He was standing up, leaning against the counter, eating bachelor style when Kitty walked in. He waved his fork at her and kept eating. She laughed and rummaged in the fridge. She came out with leftover Caesar salad and leaned next to Remy to eat.
They ate in companionable silence for a while. Remy noticed that Kitty kept looking sideways at him. He smiled to himself. <Here comes another one.> He waited until he finished and turned to her.
"You really oughta encrypt your mail files chere." he said.
Kitty's eyes widened a bit. "I *knew* it!"
Remy smiled. "What gave me away den?"
"You smoke. I really thought it *was* Pete for a moment. He used to rub my neck like that and I could smell the cigarette smoke."
"Well I guess I am de only one here who smokes cigarettes." He chuckled.
"Yeah. Logan smokes stinky cigars." Kitty agreed. Without warning she grabbed Remy's arm and twisted it around behind his back and bent him over forward. "Now tell me about my e-mail files again?" she purred evily in his ear.
Remy yelped. <Dis is what I get for fergettin' petite had ninja trainin'.> "Let Remy explain! I was lookin' fer a way t' get 'hold of Sammy. Wanted t'see if he had anyt'ing dat would maybe make you feel better."
Kitty let him up. Remy was relieved to see that she was smiling, if it *was* a bit feral.
"Now why would you want to do that?" She asked, fluttering her eyelashes innocently.
Remy snorted. "Petite, *I* know de look of self-recrimination. You been blamin' yerself for somet'ing ever since we got de news 'bout Pete. I looked in your computer fo' Sammy's e-mail. I saw dat de file ain't been opened...." he trailed off.
Kitty cocked her head to the side and regarded Remy with pursed lips. Remy put a hand on her shoulder.
"Petite, it wasn't your fault. I don' know what all happened, but you can't blame *you* for Pete's life or Deat'."
"You don't know what happened? You were in my files." she said, but softly.
"I swear on my Tante's life dat I did not read any of your mail 'cept from dat one from Sammy."
"You better love your Tante." she said, poking him in the chest.
"I do. Wit' all my heart."
She looked at him for a moment more. Then she hugged him.
"Thank you Cajun." she said into his chest.
He kissed the top of her head. "You go on now an' live a'righ'?"
"I will." she headed out of the kitchen. Stopping at the door, she turned.
"Remy? I've upped my computer security."
He laughed and she went out the door.

 

Later that night, Remy woke, stiff and restless. He moaned as he tried to stretch out his muscles. His head felt stuffed with glass as the headache he had fought all day burst through. Moving without his usual fluid grace, he went downstairs and to the hottub. He lowered himself in and sighed as his back popped. Antarica had left him feeling perpetually stiff and cold.
"Turnin' into an old man LeBeau." he murmured to himself.
"Not with your personality." a voice quipped behind him.
Remy started and looked around. Bobby was standing in the doorway, dressed in his swimming suit. He was still wearing the St. Christopher's medal. Remy smiled in spite of his surprise.
"You comin' t' the tub eh?" He asked as he turned back around.
"Well, I was. Didn't know it was occupied." Bobby said, moving into the room.
"Remy don' mind none. It's a big tub. Come on in den."
Bobby frowned a bit. He had hoped the returning here might somehow bring the person from last night back. He hadn't expected to find Remy in the hottub. He shrugged. Might as well get in. He climbed in and situated himself across from Remy. The Cajun had closed his eyes again and seemed to be drifting off to sleep.
Bobby studied Remy's face. Angles and lines merged into one seamless beautiful sculpture. His mouth was full and wide, perfect for cursing or kissing. Long, dark lashes, like a woman's, framed his exotic eyes, which were still closed. Bobby shook his head. He had to stop thinking like that about his teammate. His mind had been full of Remy in erotic poses for such a long time it was hard to stop. Now that Rogue was over him...
<You'd better stop Drake, unless you want to drive yourself even crazier.>
Remy felt Bobby's eyes moving over him. The gaze felt warm, hot even. He opened himself up a little and felt Bobby's cravings wash over him. He swallowed. He had been wanting someone close for so long. Someone to share everything with, talk, kisses, touch. Always touch. And Bobby was such a gentle soul.
<Non LeBeau. Stop dis. He got enough on his mind wit'out you messin' him up.>
But it had felt so good, so right to hold Bobby last night. To cradle him in his arms and wipe away his tears. Maybe it was what they both needed to ground them. He opened his red and black eyes and stared into Bobby's deep brown ones. His own confusion and longing were mirrored in them.
"Um..." Bobby said, shaking his head. "Sorry, spaced there for a second"
Remy smiled a weak smile. "Ouiai. Must be de warm water non?"
<Or a warm Cajun.> "Um... yeah."
They lapsed into silence. Both closed their eyes and lost themselves in thought.
<He wouldn't....>
<Non, it's too much t'hope...>
<But oooh he would feel so hot...>
<Ice on de outside, wonder what de inside...>
<Cut it out before you cum in the hottub!>
<Merde! I gotta stop dis!>
Their eyes flew open as one. They stared at each other, longing fully exposed. Bobby bit his lower lip as Remy slowly slid across the tub. Remy reached out and lightly touched the medal. The light pressure sent shivers through Bobby.
"Please don' cry no more. You need to be happy." Remy whispered.
Bobby grabbed Remy's hand. "It was you!"
Remy nodded, unable to tear his eyes from the hand holding his. Bobby just stared in amazement. Remy was the last person he expected, but the first he had hoped in his heart.
"Why?" he whispered.
"You were so sad. I never knew you could be so sad. It hurt me here." Remy said, touching his chest over his heart.
"I hurt you? I'm sorry Remy. You shouldn't worry about me." Bobby pulled away. Pity. That's what it was. That he couldn't bear, didn't want.
"Non, I'm jus' sorry I didn' notice sooner. I wouldn't have let you hurt so much." Remy said as he tried to pull Bobby back. "Please, let me help."
Bobby laughed a short, painful laugh. "Oh great! You want to help. Well you can't Remy. Not unless you..." he stopped. He couldn't say it.
"Unless what?" Remy said, throwing his head back and staring arrogantly down his nose. "Finish de sentence Drake."
Bobby stared. Remy looked angry. "O. k. Unless you want to be with me. Want to date me. Fuck me. That kinda thing." he snapped. 'Think you want to do *that* LeBeau?"
Remy answered him with a soft kiss on the lips. Bobby groaned around his lips. His hands snaked up around Remy's neck. Remy held him there, lips pressed lightly to Bobby's until Bobby melted.
"Dat a good enough answer fo' you?" He whispered into Bobby's ear.
"Oh god yes it is." Bobby said. "You want me?"
"Ouiai cher. T'inkin' of you was one of de ways I got back home. 'How would Bobby deal wit' dis? De ice an' snow won't hurt him. T'ink like de Iceman.' "
"Really?"
"Well dat an de looks on everybody's faces when de Swamp Rat come back." Remy giggled a bit.
Bobby laughed. "I bet those were priceless." He sobered. "Remy, I am sorry for all that. It never..."
Remy cut him off with a wave. "It's de past cher. I am ready t'move on to de future."
"Think I could be part of it?" Bobby asked shyly.
"D'accord. I wan' you der. I wan' t'try. You and me eh?" Remy said, pushing a stray lock of Bobby's hair out of his face.
"You and me."

 

Part 2

Bobby awoke, wrapped in long arms and blankets. He smiled and snuggled deeper into both. The long body pressed against him mumbled and pulled him closer. Closing his eyes again, Bobby's thoughts drifted to last night. Last night Remy had told him that he wanted Bobby in his life. Last night they had come back to the boathouse and talked about all manner of things. Last night they had curled up together in this bed and kissed and held each other until they had fallen asleep. Last night had been the best night of Bobby's life so far.
Now, however, there was a problem. Bobby's brow furrowed. Yes, defiantly a problem. The bed and Remy were so warm and comfortable that he never wanted to leave them. His bladder had other ideas. He cursed it silently and slid carefully out of Remy's arms. Remy grunted and rolled over. Bobby smiled at the long stretch of exposed back.
<Dammit Drake! Go pee so you can get back to him!>
Relief and a flush later, Bobby slipped back into bed and curled up against Remy's back. He pressed his face into the base of Remy's neck and inhaled the spicy scent of his skin. His arm wrapped around the slender waist and he sighed contentedly. He never knew before that such satisfaction could be derived from sleeping fully clothed with someone.
"Guess it has to be someone you love." he murmured to himself.
"You say somet'ing cher?" Remy asked sleepily.
"Just being happy to be here." Bobby replied.
Remy rolled over and smiled a sleepy smile at Bobby. "'m glad you're here too."
<God he looks so sexy half asleep! I want him so bad!>
Remy's half closed eyes scanned Bobby's face. It was so full of desire that his heart skipped a beat. He reached up a hand and stroked Bobby's face. Bobby caught the hand and kissed the tips of the long fingers. Remy made a small sound in his throat. Bobby grinned mischievously and flicked his tongue lightly over the tips. Remy exhaled sharply through flaring nostrils.
"Bobby...you keep dat up an'...." Remy began.
Bobby raised an eyebrow. "And what?" He whispered softly.
"An' I will jus' have to show you wha' dat does to me. Ooohhh...." Remy trailed off as Bobby sucked on his fingers, slowly pulling each one into his mouth and sliding them in and out.
Remy reached over and pulled Bobby into a passionate kiss. Lips and tongues pushed and twined around each other, devouringly. Bobby's hands tangled themselves in Remy's hair and pulled his head back. He kissed the pulse in Remy's throat and bit it lightly. At Remy's answering moan, he bit a little harder and sucked the warm flesh between his teeth. Remy pressed himself close to Bobby as electric shocks coursed through him.
Bobby grinned to himself. This was almost what he had imagined. Remy was, however, far more responsive than he had ever hoped. He switched his attentions to Remy's earlobe, nipping and sucking at it. His hands caressed Remy's throat and shoulders. Remy shivered as goosebumps tickled his skin.
"You were going to show me something?" he breathed in Remy's ear.
He silenced any reply Remy might have been about to make with a kiss, forcing his tongue past Remy's slightly parted lips. He savored the taste of tobacco and whiskey that was Remy as he ravaged that wide, perfect mouth. His sucked the lower lip in and bit it lightly. Remy moaned again. His hands trailed over Remy's chest, find their way under the tank top Remy had worn to bed. He caressed the firm muscles there, kneading and stroking them. He brushed against the hard peaks of the nipples, making Remy shudder.
<Mon Dieu! He is killing me! I never...Aaah!>
Even Remy's thoughts became nonsense as Bobby lifted the tank top off over his head and began to lick and suck his nipples. Tongue and teeth nipped and flicked them into ever harder peaks. Hands roamed his stomach, his back, trailing fire where ever they went. They slipped under the waist of his shorts and kneaded his ass, pulling him hard against the body he could do nothing but desire. His erection was being rocked against another, hardness matching hardness.
Remy dug his fingers into Bobby's shoulders. His hips seemed to be moving of their own accord, rubbing himself against Bobby. His breath was heavy and full of high pitched gasps. His iron control of any sexual situation had fled. All he wanted was for Bobby to keep touching him, loving him with his body. It had been so long and this felt so good.
Bobby was surprised at himself. No virgin, he, but never had he taken so much control. Something about Remy made him want to posses him, to make him all his. Maybe this was the way it was supposed to be. The way it was when you really cared, really ...loved someone. Remy wasn't a possession, sure, but something that Bobby wanted to cherish, protect and make happy. He kissed Remy's frantic face, soothing the sweaty, clenched muscles of his jaw. Bobby wanted nothing more than to make Remy happy, drive him over the edge with his own feelings about him. To show Remy, with his body, that he was loved, desired and safe.
"Oh my god. Remy," Bobby whispered as Remy opened his eyes. " "I love you."
Remy blinked. His mind tried to swim back to reality. Bobby's body had been doing such terribly wonderful things to him, possessing him, driving him closer to wild abandonment. He had been feeling taken, but in an oh so wonderful way. He felt safe and warm from all the attention from Bobby's hands and mouth. Now his voice was doing the same. He searched Bobby's eyes. Had he really said what Remy thought? Those deep brown eyes were smiling at him. Yes he had said it.
"Bobby...I...Mon Dieu..." Remy caressed Bobby face. " Je t'aime Bobby. I love you."
And there it was. What they both wanted and needed. Each other's love. Two hearts fell quickly into pace with each other. Bobby hugged Remy and kissed his forehead. Remy laughed and kissed Bobby's back. They lay there, all franticness on hold, and stroked each others face. Deep brown eyes lock on red and black ones.
Remy leaned forward and kissed Bobby's lips with a feather light touch. "Please, mon amour. Take me? I wan' you so bad. More den I eva wanted someone befo'."
Bobby smiled. "Me take you? You sure?"
Remy laughed. "D'accord. You didn' have no trouble wit' control a second ago. I wan' it dat way."
Bobby's smile could have powered the mansion for a decade. He kissed Remy with all the passion of moments before and slowly slid Remy's shorts off. Remy plucked at Bobby t-shirt and finally got it off as Bobby slid down his body. Remy dropped it with a gasp as he felt Bobby's tongue flick over the head of his cock. His hands wound themselves into the slats of the headboard as Bobby slid his mouth down the length of it.
Bobby sucked and tongued Remy's shaft, listening to Remy's mewls of pleasure. The salty taste of pre-cum flooded his mouth as he worked the cock. He removed his mouth from it and licked at the tight balls below, feeling the velvet skin tighten further under his tongue. A little lower and he pressed his tongue against the soft skin, holding Remy's thighs as he jerked in surprise. Nudging Remy's legs further apart with his shoulders, he tongued lower still, finding the tight opening there.
Teasing, licking lightly, he slowly pushed his tongue into Remy. Remy barked a sharp syllable of surprise and shuddered. His thighs quivered like a stallion's as Bobby slid his probing tongue in and out of him. He moaned and shook, praying Bobby would never stop.
Bobby did just then. Remy's eyes flew open and he saw Bobby kneeling between his legs, erection tenting out his shorts. Bobby's eyes were full of lust yes, but the love was still there. Bobby reached down and pulled Remy up to him. Their erections brushed together and Bobby moaned, eyes closing. Remy put his arms around Bobby's neck and began to writhe and grind against him. Bobby buried his face in Remy's neck and moaned.
Remy's long fingered hands trailed down Bobby's spine and into his shorts. He pulled them down as far as they would go, kneeling there on the bed. Bobby groaned as those same hands stroked his cock. He bit Remy's shoulder and bucked in his hands. Those fingers teased and stroked him, flicking here and there on his cock. When he could take it no more, Bobby pulled away and stood up. He slid his shorts off and knelt back on the bed.
"Turn around." He whispered.
Remy did, placing his hands on the headboard to steady himself. Bobby snuggled up against his back, his cock pressing between Remy's buttocks. Bobby pushed his cock lower and rubbed himself against the soft skin of Remy's balls and ass. Remy moaned and reached down to stroke the head of Bobby's cock as it pressed that sweet spot through his skin.
"Lube." Bobby breathed raggedly.
Remy reached over to the nightstand and fumbled in the drawer. He brought out a small bottle of Wet and squeezed some into his hand. He reached behind him and spread it on Bobby's cock as it slid out from between his legs.
"Ah! God damn!" Bobby gasped, his cock jumping.
Remy chuckled. "Cold cher?"
"Cold I'm used to." Bobby growled and put his hands on Remy's ass. "It's this.....aaahhhh God..." he gasped as he slid into Remy, "that I'm not. Oh fuck." He bit his lip as Remy tightened around him.
"Ouiai. Fuck me Bobby!" Remy gasped.
"Like dirty talk do you?" Bobby grunted as he slid out, leaving just his head in. "I'm gonna fuck you hard Remy. Fuck you soft later. Gonna make you scream now babe. You want that?"
"Oh Mon Dieu! Ouiai! S'il vous plait! T'encule moi! Bobby fuck me!"
Bobby grabbed Remy's hips and began to pound into him. Remy threw his head back and howled. The pain was eclipsed by the exquisite pleasure that shot through him. He pushed back, meeting each thrust with his own. Patois and English poured out of his mouth as Bobby fucked him harder and harder. Bobby's hands moved from his hips, left to his shoulder and right around his cock. He began pumping Remy hard, each stroke in time to another thrust. Remy felt himself slipping further and further over the edge until he could hold back no longer. He began to shake as his climax began to flood over him.
"That's it. Come on babe. Cum for me." Bobby rasped in his ear.
"Oh...merde! Foutre! Bobby! AAAAAHHH! BOBBYYYYYYY!" Remy screamed Bobby's name, his cum gushing out over Bobby's hands.
Remy's orgasm sent Bobby over the top. Tight muscles clenched around him and he pumped himself deep into Remy.
"Hhnnnnn. Ah! Yes! Remy! GODDAMMIT! AAAHH!"
They collapsed on the bed, gasping for air. Bobby tried to push himself off Remy, but found that he barely had strength to roll over. They struggled around for a bit until they came to rest with Remy's head on Bobby's chest. He stroked the damp dark auburn hair and listened to Remy pant. Remy propped himself on his elbows at last and looked into Bobby's flushed and stunned face.
"You an' me eh?" he grinned.
Bobby kissed him. "Yep. You and me. You and me go back to sleep I think."
Remy laughed and pulled the covers over them. They drifted off to sleep, hearts beating together.

Probably unnecessary translations:
Mon Dieu: My God
Merde: Shit
D'accord: roughly.. of course
Foutre: fuck...the curse
T'encule moi: fuck me
Je t'aime: I love you
Cher: dear
Ouiai: Cajun for yes
Mostly right I hope ;>

 

Part 3

Remy stirred in his sleep, dreaming. Dreaming of things he wished, with his waking mind, he could forget. Dark nightmares that kept resurfacing. Sinister's deals and bargains. Ones that drove him to assemble the Marauders just to make him go away. Assemble the ultimate killing team that would never die thanks to Sinister. Violent, deadly people lead by another violent and deadly person. One that Remy regretted ever introducing to Sinister. One that he would have, possibly, never known about if not for Remy. Sabertooth.
He twisted in bed as screams and blood filled his mind. As he saw the Morlocks die again. His loud protests had fallen on deaf ears in life and did so in his nightmares. He tried to charge a card, swing his bo-staff at someone, tried to do *anything* to stop them. Time went dream murky still as pain ripped through his chest and he saw talons covered in his blood before his face.
He awoke with a gasp. He started when Bobby, still asleep, wrapped an arm around his waist. He let out a ragged gasp that was half sob. Bobby snuggled in closer, putting his head on Remy's chest. Remy stroked his soft, somewhat shaggy, hair. His nerves began to settle with the act. He stroked down to Bobby's shoulders. He smiled. So strong and smooth, the skin so warm.
Skin. No hair. No almost fur-like hair on Bobby's shoulders or chest. So welcomingly different than...
"Non." Remy muttered. "Don' wanna t'ink about him."
Memories rose unbidden, however. Meeting Victor Creed in a dark and smoky bar. Playing pool with the other mutant. Drinking beer and talking all night long, trading tales. Doing a job together at last. Brute force and silent finesse blended together perfectly. Celebrating afterwards, blowing their payoff on toys, food, beer and women. Always women around, no matter how they might look at each other from across a table or room.
One night, Victor had grabbed both hookers they had brought back and thrown them and their scanty clothes out the door of the hotel. Remy had blinked alcohol blurred eyes at Victor. He had been getting a perfectly serviceable blowjob and Victor had pulled her off Remy in mid-suck. He had sat, jeans open, hardon bobbing, at the edge of the bed, stunned.
"Now wha' do I do eh?" Remy had snapped, gesturing to his erection.
Victor had towered over him, wearing only his jeans. He had reached down and torn Remy's shirt off in one quick motion. Remy fell back on the bed as Victor straddled him.
Then Victor had done something Remy had never thought he would do. He had bent his face to Remy's and kissed him.
"I know what yer can do with that Cajun." he had growled in Remy's ear.
The rest of the night had passed in a whirl of grunting, biting and heat. When Remy had awoken the next day, wrapped in Victor's arms, he had been sore and weak, but felt wonderful none the less. Victor was violent and angry at the world, but never with Remy. Oh sure, the sex had been violent, but not always. It had been tender as well.
They passed many days together, did many jobs, until they went their own ways for a brief time. Merc work didn't always garantee a steady life. During that time, Remy had fallen in with Sinister. Victor, who knew. Remy ran into him again while he was searching out people for the Marauders. They had fallen back together like they had never parted. It was in bed that Victor told Remy he knew he was putting together a team.
Remy hadn't wanted Victor to get involved, but Victor wanted in. They fought violently, words and finally fists. Victor had stopped short of clawing Remy, hell had stopped short of using half of his strength. He had picked Remy up off the floor where he had fallen and held him for the rest of the night, rocking and apologizing.
Remy, reluctantly, had taken him to Sinister the next day. The way they had hit it off scared Remy. It was like they knew each other from somewhere or time before. Days later, the Marauders where assembled and they had gone after the Morlocks. Remy had been shocked immobile by what had happened next. When he protested the slaughter, Sinister ordered Victor to kill him. Remy thought he was safe then, but Victor had proven him wrong. Victor had ripped him open and left him for dead.
Remy moaned. How could he have been so foolish? In gathering the men he had he should have known that they weren't just going to round up the underground mutants. And Victor, had he even cared about him? Tears began to fall as Remy moved to the edge of the bed and rocked back and forth. He wrapped his arms around his chest, feeling the pain again.
Bobby heard someone crying. He forced himself awake and saw Remy rocking and crying. He rubbed his eyes, trying to wake up. What was wrong? Had he done something? He reached out and touched Remy's shoulder. Remy didn't even notice. Alarmed, Bobby got out of bed and knelt in front of Remy. He stroked Remy's arms and tried to soothe him.
"Hey, Remy. Come on. It's Bobby. What's wrong? Talk to me lover." He whispered.
"Bobby...oh cher..it hurts!" Remy whispered back, looking up, tears streaming. "Make it stop."
Bobby gathered Remy in his arms. "Oh babe I will but you have to tell me what it is. What hurts?"
Remy shook his head and buried his face in Bobby's neck. "Jus' hold me eh?"
"I can do that." Bobby replied and held Remy tight, rocking him and smoothing his hair back.
At last, Remy sat up. Bobby looked at his tear-streaked face and wiped some of them away. He gasped then when he looked at Remy's chest. There were large, angry red scars running down it from shoulder to waist. They hadn't been there before.
"Oh my god! Remy..what...what are those? Where did...?"
Remy looked down and moaned. They were back again. He looked at Bobby and almost started to cry again. Bobby was white with horror, staring at them. He looked up into Remy's frightened eyes.
"Remy...?" He whispered.
Remy shook his head. "Dey come an' go. Dey will fade an' maybe be gone by tonight."
"But...where did they come from?" Bobby asked, wide-eyed.
"From me. From my mind I guess." Remy sighed. "Dey are real, but somehow dey get worse...when...when I t'ink about how I got dem. I t'ink my powers, my makin' people feel t'ings keep dem back. I don' wanna feel dem, so I don'. I wan' dem to jus' go away, but I don' t'ink dat will eva happen. Dey been aroun' alot lately."
"Are..are you saying you keep them from showing psychically?" Bobby stammered.
"Ouiai I t'ink so." Remy nodded, miserable that he was scaring Bobby.
"Remy, do the Professor or Jean know about this?" Bobby asked.
Remy shook his head.
"Well you gotta tell them! I mean, geeze Rem! They could be dangerous!" Bobby exclaimed. "What if you 'feel' them too much and they bleed?"
Remy opened his mouth to protest and shut it. What if he did do that? What if they opened right up and he didn't get help like he had done when they were made? He looked at Bobby's concerned face.
<He loves me so much! Me! I cannot hur' him w'it dis!>
"Alright den. I will talk to Jean. Dat ok?" He said, stroking Bobby's cheek.
Bobby smiled even though his eyes were still concerned. "Yes. Today. Right now in fact." He rose, pulling Remy up with him.
"Uh cher? Can we get dressed first?"
~~~~~~
Hours later, Bobby paced outside the study of the mansion. Remy had been in there with Jean for most of the morning. She had run Bobby hours ago saying that his pacing and bouncing were distracting Remy. Instead, he bounced up and down the hall. He chewed his nails. He ran his hands through his hair so many times it stood up like Billy Idol's.
~Bobby. You can come in now.~ Jean said in his head.
Bobby practically tore the door off it's hinges flying through it. Remy and Jean sat face to face, knee to knee. Remy's eyes where wet and Jean was dabbing at her's with a tissue. Remy smiled at Bobby and Bobby flew over and took his hand. Jean sniffed and smiled at them both.
"Is he...are you ...?" Bobby stammered
"I gonna be ok cher. Look, see dey already gone down." Remy pulled up his shirt and Bobby saw that the scars, while still there, were white and flat, like old scars should be.
"Remy, I want to work with you more on this." Jean said. "And I want your permission to tell the Professor. This side of your power may only effect you right now, but..."
"I know, it still effects de team. You go ahead Jeannie, but I will only work wit' you on dis ok?" Remy said.
Jean smiled. "I know. Now you please go get somthing to eat and try to get some rest. And stay in your room in the mansion all right? I want to be close if anything happens."
"Ouiai Maman. Remy understan'. No mo' slippin' out to de boathouse fo' now." Remy smiled as he stood up.
As he and Bobby walked out, Jean said "Take care of him Bobby."
Bobby turned and shot her a 100 watt smile. "I will!"
"So," Bobby began, as they walked down the hall. "you need to eat and get rest. So shall we eat in the kitchen or your room or mine?"
"Bobby," Remy said, pulling away. "I t'ink I should be alone..."
"Nuh-uh. No can do. You heard Jean. I gotta take care of you. Besides which you are stuck with me." Bobby said, pulling Remy back close. "No shutting me out. I love you."
Remy sighed and looked down at the shorter man. Bobby was smiling up at him.
"Hn. Ok ok, you win dis round. Let's get some food and den can we go to your room? I don' feel much like lookin' at mine."
They ate large sandwiches and soup. "Cures all ills!" Bobby had exclaimed. Remy had laughed so hard he choked on his. Logan had wandered in and given them both the hairy eyeball until they finished and left. Once in Bobby's room, Bobby talked Remy into a shower stating that they were both still sticky after the early morning romp.
"And I promise to keep my thoughts and actions pure." Bobby stated when Remy looked doubtfully at him.
"You jus' ain't o fun at'all." Remy declared.
"I protest that. I'm loads of fun. Ask anyone. I liven up a room by just entering it. Now out of your clothes and into the shower!" Bobby exclaimed, tugging Remy's clothes off.
Once in the shower, Bobby soaped Remy up and tenderly washed his hair. Remy leaned back against him as he did. When Bobby finished and turned him around for a rinse, he leaned in and kissed Bobby lightly.
"T'ank you cher." Remy said quietly.
"For what?" Bobby asked.
"Fo' carein' 'bout me."
"Shush Rem. I don't need to be thanked for that." Bobby said, blushing. "I should thank you for letting me."
Remy laughed. "Ok we t'ank each oder den eh?"
As they dried off, Remy felt Bobby's eyes on him. When he looked up he saw Bobby mindlessly toweling his chest. He raised an eyebrow at him and Bobby shook his head.
"I was wondering, are they gonna stay?" He asked, gesturing to the scars.
Remy nodded his head. "Ouiai. As I come to terms wit' dem, Jean says dey will stick aroun' like dey supposed to."
He finished drying off and took Bobby in his arms. "You ok wit' dem?"
Bobby chuckled. "Hey they're part of you right? I can live with them better than with your humor."
Remy tweaked his nose. "My humor jus' happens t'be more sophisticated den yours."
"Oh and sophisticated means boring right?" Bobby laughed, tweaking Remy's nose back.
They finished drying off and Remy crawled into bed before Bobby could offer him sweats or pajamas. Bobby raised his eyebrows, shrugged and crawled in after him. They lay on their sides, facing each other. Bobby stroked Remy's wet hair and face. Remy smiled and pressed his face into Bobby's hand.
"You want to talk about it?" Bobby whispered.
"Which part?" Remy whispered back.
"What ever you want to tell me Remy. What ever you *can* tell me." Bobby replied, bringing Remy's hand to his lips.
Remy sighed and rolled over onto his back. "Jean says dat, somehow, I have been usin' my charm power t'hold de scars back. She t'inks dat de charm is gettin' more like empathy, dat maybe it always was, but dat I only been using part of it. She said it was like my mind knew I couldn't handle dem so it hid dem from me."
Bobby hesitantly touched the scars. "She knows how you got them doesn't she?"
Remy nodded. "I let her into m' mind. She had t' find out ...I jus' don' know if I can tell you. I just got you, I don' wan' you t'leave."
"Remy whateveryourmiddlenameis LeBeau. What could you possibly tell me that would make me leave? I already know the so-called worst thing you've ever done. And boy did we screw the pooch on that one. I'm here now right?" Bobby said, sitting up on one elbow to look down at Remy. "Tell me."
"It...it kinda has t'do wit' dat..." Remy began.
Haltingly, he poured the story out. He told Bobby all about Victor. Bobby listened quietly. When Remy faltered, he held him. When Remy told him about Victor tearing him open, Bobby's jaw clenched tight.
<Gave me one more reason to hate you Sabertooth. Logan's gonna have to take a number the next time you show up.>
"That explains Rogue then." Bobby said when Remy finished.
"How you figure dat?" Remy asked.
"Well your last lover ripped you open. He betrayed you with a touch. Rogue couldn't hurt you that way if she couldn't touch you." Bobby sat up. "And, oh Remy, you self destructive idiot!"
"Wha... T'ank you cher!" Remy groused.
"No no...listen." Bobby said, squirming around to sit up and look at Remy. "She couldn't touch you *unless* she hurt you. So you pushed it! You touched her! You *still* wanted to die for the Morlocks! Or to be 'found out'. And you were. And it was bad. And we left you...she left you to die. Dammit Remy! Don't you EVER pull that crap on me!"
Bobby hit him with a pillow. "You paid your dues for that shit *twice* now. You'd better start getting over it dammit! I'll kill myself before I help you die!"
Remy blinked at Bobby's sudden anger. <Neva though' 'bout it dat way.>
Bobby thrust his face into Remy's. "You are getting over the need to die right?"
"Ouiai.I t'ink I am startin' t' move on. I don' wanna leave you." Remy said and kissed him.
Bobby pulled back and stared into Remy's eyes. "Ok then. You'd better be. Cause I ain't letting you go you know."
Remy smiled."I hope you neva do cher."

 

Part 4

He rolled over and smacked the sleeping form next to him on the rear. The woman jumped up with a sharp cry of surprise. He chuckled and threw some money from the nightstand at her.
"Time fer you t' hit the road." he growled.
As the woman scrambled into her clothes and out the door, he lit a cigar and lay back on the bed. Staring idly at the ceiling, his mind wandered. No matter what he did, how many people he killed, women or men he fucked, he couldn't stop thinking about failure. Failure to do a job right. Failure to connect when it really mattered. Failure to kill someone.
He sat up with an angry growl. "How in t'hell did he survive?"
He had been over it countless times. He *knew* he had ripped LeBeau open. He had seen a glimpse of the Cajun's heart beating frantically beyond the cage of his ribs. Hell, he'd picked small splinters of rib bone out from under his claws. There had been enough of Remy's blood on him to erase the scent of the Morlocks he had slaughtered. Yet, somehow, Remy had lived. Not only lived, but hooked up with the X-Men.
Through the grapevine, he had heard that LeBeau had died somewhere in the Antarctic. That it had been the X-Men who had left him there to die in the snow. He had been somewhat shock, but more amused, that they had even had it in them to kill one of their own. He'd drunken many a toast to hypocrisy and death. But damned if LeBeau hadn't somehow lived through *that* one.
"Harder t'kill than the Runt sometimes." he muttered again.
He stubbed out his cigar and chuckled to himself as he flopped back down. "Guess I'll just have ta kill him again."
~~~~~~
Remy awoke to Bobby snuggling against his back. He reached back and pulled Bobby closer. Bobby kissed his ear and mumbled something sleepily into it. Remy squirmed around until he faced Bobby. Bobby blinked bleary at him and smiled. To Remy, Bobby looked like a rumpled imp all that dark brown hair sticking up every which way, deep brown eyes half lidded with sleep. He kissed Bobby's nose and hugged him close. Bobby buried his head in the crook of Remy's shoulder. He made small, sleepy noises as Remy ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed his back.
"Wha' did you say a secon' ago cher?" Remy whispered in his ear.
Bobby's brow furrowed against Remy's neck. "Oh yeah...I said 'morning'."
Remy glanced at the clock on the bedstand. "Mo' like 'evenin' cher. We slept t' dinner time."
There was a sudden, loud bang on the door. They both sat upright with a cry. A deep chuckle from the other side made them both blush.
"You two plan on sleepin' fer th' rest of yer lives?" Logan said, through the door. "Dinner's ready."
"We're coming you rotten old man!" Bobby yelled back, throwing a pillow at the door.
Remy laughed and threw back the covers. "Hmm. I t'ink I found a small problem wit' dinna cher."
Bobby turned, suddenly concerned. "What's wrong? You not hungry? You feeling ok?"
"Well, oder dan Logan ruining the perfect seduction I had planned," he waggled his eyebrows, "I ain't got any clean clothes."
Bobby looked him up and down. "Nope, you look fine to me. I think we should share our wonderful new relationship with everyone. We'll both go naked."
~~~~~~
10 minutes, they made their way into the dining room. Remy had dashed down to his mansion room and found some old jeans and a black t-shirt to wear. Bobby had pouted the whole way down the stairs. Remy gave him a quick kiss to banish the pout just before they walked in.
They sat next to each other and the food was passed around. Hank, feeling in a nesting mood, had made large quantities of pot roast. Remy and Bobby realized how hungry they were and dug in. Every now and then, they brushed hands as each reached for their drinks or more food. Remy was finding himself blushing each time. Kitty caught his eye at one point and gave him a bright smile and a wink. He winked back and nudged Bobby under the table. Bobby turned and gave Remy a bright smile. Kitty laughed out loud.
"Care to share the humor Katherine?" Hank asked.
She shook her head. "Nope." she giggled.
Bobby began to giggle as well. All eyes turned to him. Jean, now, began to giggle. Like spectators in a tennis match, everyone turned and looked at her.
"Well now, would someone clue the rest of us in on the sudden jocularity?" Hank asked.
Bobby waved his hand, still giggling. "My fault. New power. I seem to emit some form of laughing gas."
Hank raised and eyebrow and looked at the Professor. The Professor took another bite of his roast and chewed it before speaking.
"Well seasoned Henry. Very nice roast." he said at last as everyone else collapsed into laughter.
Hank adopted an air of extreme dignity and sniffed disapproval before breaking into a toothy grin. "Well, whatever the reason, I must say that I am glad to see some smiles around here." He looked pointedly at Bobby.
"Well," Bobby began. "I was hoping to ...um... I dunno... maybe let this just come out on it's own, but..." He looked at Remy.
Rogue's eyes widened. "Ya'll are t'gether ain't ya?"
Warren, there for dinner again, choked on his drink. It was his turn for widened eyes as Bobby nodded at Rogue. He looked at Bobby and back at Remy. His eyes narrowed.
"How long?" he asked quietly.
Remy took Bobby's hand and turned to address the whole table. "Ouiai, we are t'gether. As of las' night."
Warren sat back with a sigh. "Well that's a relief. I was worried my best friend may have been hiding something."
Bobby smiled with relief. He had been worried how Warren might react, knowing there was no love lost between him and Remy. He glanced at Rogue. She was sitting with her hands in her lap, biting her lower lip. His smile faded.
Rogue, sensing eyes on her, looked up. She caught Bobby's eye and a wan smile crossed her face. He mouthed 'I'm sorry' but she shook her head, still smiling softly. Remy refused to look in her direction.
After dinner, Remy went to bring some more clothes back to his mansion room from the boathouse. He told Bobby that since Jean insisted he stay in the house for awhile, he was going to need a few more things. Bobby went looking for Rogue. He found her sitting in a window seat in the library. He pulled a stool over and took her gloved hand.
"Hey." he said softly.
She turned her head and smiled at him, eyes sparkling with unshed tears. "Hey yerself."
"Rogue..."
"Naw Bobby. Please don't say anything. Just promise me ya'll will try t' be good t' each other. Ah was so nasty t' him. Hell Ah left him t'die. And somehow he still loved me after. He had such a deathwish Bobby. Ah ain't tryin' t'excuse mahself mind ya, but Ah couldn't handle it."
"I know. I was there with you once remember?"
She touched his face. "Ah know. An' Ah wouldn't have made it without ya. An' now he needs ya. An' Ah think you need him. Ah just need time t'get over mahself is all."
Bobby nodded. Rogue turned back to look out the window. Her shoulders shook for a second and then she straightened up.
"Ah'm thinkin' of takin' some time off. Gonna take a trip back t'home so ta speak." she said.
"If it's because of me and Remy..." Rogue cut him off.
"Naw suhga, it ain't ya'll. Ah jus' need th' time Ah ain't let mahself have. Ah got some things t'work out, some things about mahself Ah ain't too fond of." She rose and kissed the top of Bobby's head.
"Jus' take care of each other." she said as she walked out.
Bobby hung his head. Part of him wanted to smack Rogue for what she had done to Remy. Part of him wanted to smack himself for thinking that. And one tiny, guilty part was glad she was going. He almost fell off the stool when a pair of arms wrapped themselves around him.
"Hey now, it's jus' me." Remy said in his ear.
Bobby turned in Remy's arms and hugged him tight. "She's gonna go eh?" Remy asked.
Bobby nodded. "You heard?"
"Ouiai. An' she's righ' cher. She got t'ings t'work on." He kissed Bobby's forehead.
"Rem," Bobby said, "I know we slept all day, but can we go to bed? I'm tired."
Remy looked at him. "Cher, you ain't tired, you're gettin' depressed. But we can go on up."
"I am not depressed." Bobby grumbled as Remy lead him upstairs. "I'm mearly thinking deep thoughts."
Remy chuckled. "Well I guess you ain't depressed den. Jus'..." Bobby mock glared at him. "t'inking deep thoughts." Remy finished.
Bobby smiled. "See how much smoother things go when you realize I am right?"
Remy rolled his eyes. "Oh Lord, I t'ink I'm in trouble."

 

Part 5

It was easy. A few days of watching the mansion, at a distance with a high powered surveillance scope mind you, the Runt could smell as well as he could after all, and a treat fell into his lap. The uppity southern bitch left, tossing a suitcase into a rented car. He followed her until she finally stopped at a motel half way through Virginia. He planted a bomb on her car and followed her when she left the next day. When they got to an appropriately secluded backwoods spot, he triggered the bomb. It was a beautiful explosion.
He stood, now, enjoying the flames. He knew he shouldn't wait too long. She *was* pretty strong after all. And noone walked away from a car bomb unscathed 'cept maybe the Runt and himself. Even now, the Bitch was moaning and trying to extract herself from the wreckage. He walked over and kicked her in the head twice. Her head lolled to the side and she lost consciousness. He pulled a metal Genoshian collar out of his trenchcoat and snapped it around her neck.
<Glad I swiped this.>
He grabbed an arm and pulled her roughly from the wreck. He tossed her limp form in the back and headed north. He drove until he found a dirt track leading off the road. He followed it until it ended at a small hunter's shack. He got out and had a look around. Noone had been there for some time. Perfect.
He dumped her in a corner and lit a fire in the small pot-bellied stove he found in there. He sat and waited. A couple of hours later the Bitch stirred and was trying to sit up. Her face was covered in blood and everytime she moved her torso, she gasped.
"Sound like ya broke some ribs."
Her head jerked up at the sound of his voice. "Sabertooth." she breathed.
She struggled to her knees. Her hands flew to her throat and she felt the collar there. He rose to loom over her and grabbed her by the white streaks in her hair. He pulled her upright and pinned her body to the wall with his. Her eyes were wide and rolling. He could smell the delicious fear on her.
"N... no. Please. Don't." she pleaded, barely able to get the words out.
"Don't what darlin'?" Sabertooth whispered in her ear.
"Don't... don't touch me." she whined.
"Aw darlin'. Don't worry none. I ain't gonna rape ya, as fun as that might be. I got other plan fer ya."
She shook her head, not understanding. Tears rolled down her face. He stroked her face with his hand.
"Yer gonna be my little reminder. I'm gonna kill ya."
He raked his claws down her chest. Her screams filled his ears as her blood flowed over him. He clawed again and again until her heart tore under his hand.
Beautiful.
~~~~~~
"Remy."
"Hmm?"
"Whatcha doin'?"
"Readin' a book."
Silence, except for the sounds of the Marx Brother's 'Duck Soup' on the television.
"Remy."
"Hmm?"
"I had an idea today."
Remy let his book down. Bobby was kneeling on the end of the bed, all wide-eyed and grinning. Remy smiled. They had been together four days. Four wonderful days.
"What was dat cher?"
"I was thinking," Bobby said, sliding up next to Remy. "that we should take a vacation together."
Remy looked into playful brown eyes. "Really? You t'ink we could get a break?"
"I don't see why not. It's not like we don't deserve one from time to time. And you can't tell me there aren't enough X-Men around right now if something comes up." Bobby answered.
"Rogue's gone. An' I got de team..." Remy began.
"Man! You sound like Cyke did! Read my lips LeBeau, there are *plenty* of X-Men around." Bobby bit Remy's ear lightly. "Don't be a poop. We can ask."
Remy chuckled. "All righ'. We can ask. Where do y' wanna go?"
Bobby flopped on his back. "I dunno. Someplace fun? Someplace exotic? Someplace we can be alone? With room service?"
Remy laid his head on Bobby's chest. "I like de alone an' room service ideas best."
"A really decadent hotel then. Sure you don't want to go to Disney World?" Bobby asked.
Remy replied by poking him hard in the side. "OW! O.k. o.k. no Disney World."
"So where then?"
"Las Vegas?"
"Oh yeah, and have you spend all your time at card tables? No. Grand Canyon?"
"I don' t'ink so. I don' ride donkeys."
"Skiing?"
Remy just looked at him.
"Too much snow, sorry sorry."
"Nawlins would be nice dis time o' year." Remy sighed. "Too bad I cain't go der."
"I know!" Bobby sat up. "San Fran... nope."
Remy nodded. "Nope is right."
"Got it!" Bobby exclaimed.
"What?"
"We'll ask Jean. She has to know someplace romantic." Bobby jumped out of bed and pulled Remy with him.
A moment later, they were knocking on Jean's door. It swung open and they saw Jean sitting up in bed, reading. She smiled and waved them in.
"Sorry if we're botherin' you Jean, but Bobby insisted we do jus' dat." Remy said.
"Bother away." Jean said. "What can I do for you?" She motioned them to sit on the bed.
"We want to take a vacation, but can't figure out where." Bobby said. "We want someplace romantic with great room service."
"You know cher, I can do wit'out room service, if we could jus' be alone." Remy said, taking Bobby's hand. "As much as I am glad t' have a home here, I am gettin' tired of people."
Jean and Bobby just looked at him. "What?" Remy asked.
"Mr. Nightlife? Out all night? Sleep at dawn? Remy you surprise me." Bobby said.
"Hey, I like de nightlife, but I like being alone too." Remy replied somewhat defensively.
"Being alone together *is* more romantic." Jean said. "And I know just the place."
~~~~~~
Two days later, just as the sun was setting, Remy pulled the car up to a cabin in Vermont. It was a log cabin with a huge porch. It sat on a hill surrounded by woods. They had been told there was a lake with a dock and row boat in the back. Bobby jumped out and ran up the porch steps. He felt along the bottom of the porchswing and found the key taped there.
"Got it!" He cried to Remy, holding the key aloft.
"Well get de door open an' help me wit' de bags and groceries." Remy called back, head in the trunk.
Bobby opened the door felt around for a light switch. Finding one, he flipped on the light. He looked around and whistled. Hardwood floors, low ceiling beams and a large fireplace gave the place the look of a ski lodge. The kitchen, separated from the great room by a bar, was full of gleaming appliances. There was a basket of fruit and food on the bar. He turned and ran back outside, nearly colliding with Remy.
"Oh Rem! You gotta come see! It's really nice! Not at all what I thought it would be like." He took the bags out of Remy's hands and led him in, chattering away. "I mean, when Jean said 'cabin' I thought rustic, woodsy and well, y'know, Wolveriney. But this is all modern and... OH! Jean said it had a big shower and a hottub out back!"
They unloaded the car and Bobby kept chattering. Remy put up the groceries, Bobby, the clothes and he kept chattering. How nice the place was. How big the bed was. How there was firewood already inside. Remy 'um-hum'ed and 'dat's nice'ed while Bobby rambled on. Bobby was nervous. Remy was amused.
"Cher, why don' you start us a fire non?" Remy asked when Bobby stopped to take a breath.
"Fire. Yeah! Good idea." Bobby enthused as he rushed to the fireplace.
<Calm down Drake! You're acting like a virgin on her wedding night! Remy's gonna think I'm crazy. Geeze! My hands are shaking!>
He sat back on his heels and watched the fire start. He carefully added a few larger logs and turned when Remy came over. Remy was carrying a tray with a plate of cut apples, cheese and French bread. There was a bottle of white wine and two wine glasses as well. Remy sat the tray down on the coffee table and pulled Bobby over to the couch. Bobby opened his mouth to say something and Remy popped a slice of apple into it.
While Bobby chewed the apple, Remy poured the wine. He handed Bobby a glass and waited until he swallowed the apple. When he had, Remy touched glasses.
"Je t'aime Robert Drake."
Bobby blushed. "I love you too Remy LeBeau."
"Why you so shy all of de sudden?" Remy asked.
Bobby shrugged. "I dunno. I guess I reeeeaaaally don't want to screw this up."
Remy pulled him close. "You're worried about dat? An' here I thought it was jus' me."
Bobby kissed Remy lightly. "Silly aren't we?"
"Non, you're de silly one. I'm de suave an' debonair one."
"True." said Bobby munching some cheese.
They ate and drank until the food and wine were gone. Remy pulled Bobby close and wrapped his arms around him. Bobby rested his head on Remy's shoulder and sighed happily. Remy kissed the top of his head.
Bobby, grinning mischievously to himself, began to unbutton Remy's shirt. He slid his hand inside and rubbed it over Remy's chest. He pushed the fabric aside and bent his head to lick at one of the hardening nipples there. Remy inhaled sharply and arched his back. Bobby sucked it in between his teeth and bit it lightly. He tweaked and twisted the other between finger and thumb.
"Mmmm dat feels good."
Bobby looked up. "You think *that* feels good, just you wait."
He slid down between Remy's legs and tongued Remy's belly button as he pulled open his jeans. Sliding a hand in under the waist of Remy's underwear, he stroked Remy's growing erection. When Remy began to push his hips up, Bobby pulled his jeans and underwear down and dipped his head, capturing Remy's cock in his mouth. He sucked it in as deep as he could and slowly slid back up it's length. Remy shuddered at the warm, wet feeling of Bobby's mouth. Bobby began pulling back quickly, but sliding his mouth slowly back down.
"Un. Oh dieu! Mmm Bobby..."
Bobby slowly slid back one last time and then licked his way up Remy's chest. Remy grabbed his shoulders and pulled him into a deep kiss. When they broke, they were both breathless.
Bobby looked deep into Remy's exotic eyes. "I want you to fuck me Remy." He whispered.
Remy smiled slowly, seductively. "I can do dat."
Bobby stood and pulled Remy up. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, plastic tube of lube. Remy smiled and took it. They undressed each other and Remy sat back down on the couch, pulling Bobby onto his lap. He caressed Bobby's face and lips. Bobby pressed his face against Remy's hands and kissed his fingers. He took the tube from Remy and popped it open. He squeezed it out into his hand and slowly fisted Remy's cock, spreading it generously with the lube.
Bobby rose slightly and positioned himself over Remy. He slowly lowered himself down, sliding Remy into him. He bit his lip at the slow burn and began to carefully move up and down until the burn turned to a deep feeling of warmth and pleasure.
Remy put his hands on Bobby's hips and watched his face. Bobby's eyes were closed and his head was tilted back a bit. His nostrils flared as he panted. Remy gasped as Bobby lowered himself all the way down, sitting flush against his lap.
"Bobby." Remy whispered.
Bobby opened his eyes and looked down at Remy. Remy felt his heart stutter at the look of passion in them.
"I want you t' stroke yourself. Stroke yourself while I fuck you." Remy rasped.
Bobby kissed him, forcing his mouth open. He plundered Remy's mouth with his tongue and bit his lip.
"Anything you want." He whispered against Remy's lips.
Bobby reached down and slowly began to stroke himself. He stared deep into Remy's eyes and moved his hips up and down. Remy tightened his hold on them and pushed up into Bobby. They moved slowly together at first, picking up speed as they moved.
"Harder." Bobby gasped.
Remy began to thrust up into Bobby, pushing his cock deep into him. Bobby stroked himself faster.
"Yeah. That's it. Oh God!" Bobby cried when Remy shifted slightly, hitting a sweet spot. He threw his head back as he came, screaming Remy's name.
Remy growled, feeling Bobby's muscles tighten around his cock. He came with one final, deep thrust. Bobby collapsed against Remy's chest. Remy hugged him close as they panted and shook.
As the sweat began to dry on their bodies, Bobby started to shiver. He sat back and kissed Remy. "I think we should get cleaned up and go to bed."
"If you t'ink you can stand. I'm not sure I can." Remy laughed.
Carefully they untangled themselves and made their way to the bedroom. They never noticed the eyes watching them through the window.
"Gotcher self a new fuck eh LeBeau?" Sabertooth growled. "We'll see about that."

 

Part 6

"So babe, what ya wanna do tonight?"
..........
"Kinda quiet ain't ya?"
.........
"Well I'm thinkin' we could take a walk, look at the stars, maybe have a moonlight picnic."
.........
"And after that, I'll leave ya fer yer boyfriend, sound good?"
.........
"Y'know, yer really startin' ta smell."
~~~~~~
Remy woke to deep brown eyes staring into his. The warm smells of coffee and toasted bread filled the room. The dancing eyes in front of him crinkled into a smile. Soft lips pressed to his in a welcoming kiss.
"Good morning sexy." Bobby purred in his ear.
Remy stretched and wrapped his arms around Bobby's shoulders. "Nice way t'wake up cher."
Bobby nodded. "And I made breakfast." he chirped happily.
Remy sat up. There was a tray on the nightstand, covered with mugs of coffee, bagels, lox and cream cheese. Bobby smeared a bagel and covered it with lox. He held it in front of Remy's lips. Remy laughed and took a bite, crumbs tumbling down his chest. Bobby bit into the other side and licked cream cheese of his lips. They both giggled.
"Kinda silly aren't we?" Bobby asked with a grin.
"Cher, I wouldn't have it any oder way." Remy said, caressing his cheek.
They ate breakfast and climbed into the shower. Soap, water and bodies twined and slipped around each other. After several breathless moments, they rinsed off and climbed out. Remy had a hard time drying off with Bobby pinching his ass and kissing his back. Remy finally twisted his towel up and flicked it at him. Bobby yelped and ran through the house. Remy, laughing, gave chase.
"Cain't get away from me cher!" He called, following Bobby through the bedroom and out to the living room.
Bobby screamed in mock terror and flung open the door. He dashed out on the porch, Remy in hot pursuit. As he hit the porch, Remy stopped. Bobby, half way down the steps, turned. Remy was staring at the porchswing. Bobby followed his eyes. There, on the seat of the swing, was a pair of long, yellow gloves. Bobby walked over and put his arm around Remy's shoulders. They looked at the gloves and back at each other.
"Why would she be here?" Bobby asked quietly.
Remy picked up the gloves. He clenched them in a fist. When he turned to look at Bobby, there was anger flickering in them.
"I don' know, but she ain't gonna ruin dis for us." Remy said, stomping into the house.
Bobby followed, quiet and thoughtful.
Somewhere, in the woods, a viscous chuckled startled birds out of the trees.
~~~~~~
Bobby sat on the edge of the bed and watched Remy pace. They had come in and dressed in silence. Remy had tried to call the mansion on his cell phone, but got nothing but static. The cabin had no phone. Privacy was one of the perks of the place. A perk that was spoiled as far as Remy was concerned.
"How dare she?" Remy spat, twirling around to face Bobby.
Bobby shrugged helplessly. "I don't know. I mean, it just doesn't seem like her Rem. She told me herself she wanted us to be happy."
Remy snorted. "Happy eh? Since when has dat woman t'ough of anyt'ing but herself?"
Bobby sighed. There was no reasoning with Remy on this. Hell, there was no reason for it in the first place. Bobby felt a headache growing behind his eyes. There had to be something else going on. Rogue had taken huge steps to overcome the madness that took her after kissing Remy. It just made no sense.
Remy had continued his pacing. Bobby flopped back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. He looked up as Remy came to a sudden halt and spun around to face the door to the living room. Remy had pulled a card from his back pocket. Bobby scrambled up, alarmed.
"What?"
Remy waved him quiet. Bobby stood behind Remy. He could see the front door was open. Unconsciously, he iced up. Remy slid towards the living room like a cat slinking in an alley. Bobby followed, wishing for the silent grace of his lover. They fanned out and looked around. Nothing.
"Dere was someone here." Remy said.
Bobby nodded and walked over to the door. Noone outside on the porch. He closed the door and stopped. A brown leather jacket brushed his face as the door swung shut. He took it off the hook and turned to Remy. As the ice melted off his body, Remy saw Bobby's face, white and drawn.
"Remy... there's... blood all over it." Bobby whispered, holding it out.
Remy almost flew across the room, taking the jacket from Bobby's hands. The front was caked with dried, crimson stains. He looked back at Bobby, confusion in his eyes.
"What is goin' on?" He asked, dropping the jacket to the floor.
They both jumped at a loud thump from the back. Bobby iced back up and slid across the floor to the bedroom. The blinds over the sliding glass doors to the back porch were fluttering. Remy appeared at his shoulder.
"Get your bo-staff and stay behind me." Bobby ordered.
Remy did as he was told. Bobby pushed the blinds back and cautiously opened the door. A sick, sweet smell blew in on the breeze. Bobby swallowed and crept out. The sound of flies buzzing echoed in the quiet air. Bobby followed their lazy path over to a chaise lounge. His stomach twisted when he saw what... or who... was in it.
Bile rose to the back of Bobby's throat. Rogue sat there, was draped there, in an obscene parody of life. Sunglasses perched on her nose, a tropical umbrella type drink was in her hand. Nestled in her torn bosom was a rose. He spun and vomited over the side of the porch.
Remy rushed over to him. He froze when he saw the body. He fell to his knees next to Rogue's lifeless form. Clutched in her other hand was a piece of paper. Shaking, he pulled it out an opened it. Scrawled in all too familiar handwriting was: 'Hope this makes up for all the Valentine's Days I missed, Love Victor.'
Remy howled, face turned up to the sky. Finally, he dropped his head onto Rogue's arm. Oblivious to the flies, smell and blood, he kissed her hand.
"Non. Oh Rogue. I'm sorry chere. Not like dis..." he moaned.
A deep chuckle from behind made him spin on his knees. Sabertooth stood at the edge of the woods, a terrifying site in his arms. Bobby, a collar around his throat, a look of absolute terror in his eyes. Remy's insides turned colder than his nights in Antarctica. He struggled to his feet.
Sabertooth waved a warning finger in the air. "Ah ah ah. One quick move outta you LeBeau and Sweetcheeks here gets gelded." He wrapped a clawed hand around Bobby's crotch.
Remy stopped. "Wha' do y'want Victor?"
"Hmm, what could I want? Let's just say I missed yer sweet little ass Lebeau. Naw... too sentimental." He scratched one rough cheek. "Ah, yeah that's it. I wanna KILL YOU!" He screamed the last part.
"Been pissin' me off that you got away. Been plannin' what to do ta ya once I got you alone." He looked down at Bobby. "Seems like I cain't ever get ya alone. So me'n Sweetcheeks here are gonna go fer a little walk. If you wanna see him live through the walk, you'll put this on." He tossed another collar up on the porch.
"Remy no!" Bobby yelled.
Sabertooth hit him hard across the face. "Shut up punk. Yer boyfriend'll do what he's told or yer shaved ice."
Remy picked the collar up. It was caked with blood. Rogue's blood. He stared at it. Could he charge it and throw it into Sabertooth's face without hurting Bobby? Looking up he saw Sabertooth cradled Bobby to his chest like a lover, his head on his shoulder. No. He placed the collar around his throat. Maybe if he didn't click it closed, he could follow them and get Bobby away somehow.
"The light ain't on. Click it tight." Sabertooth growled.
"Dammit!" Bobby shouted. He struggled and got hit again.
"Cher...I'm sorry. Victor," Remy said, hoping he would listen. "Please jus' let him go eh? He ain't part o'dis. You can have me."
Sabertooth grinned a wicked, toothy grin. "But I got both of ya now."
"Please." Remy begged, shameless now. "I'll do anyt'ing you wan'. Let you fuck me. Take me back t'Sinister. Kill me. Anyt'ing. Jus' don' hurt him."
Sabertooth appeared to think about it. He held Bobby out in front of him. With a swing of a huge fist, he knocked Bobby unconscious and dropped him on the ground. With a grin, he strode up the steps and over to Remy. He loomed over him, licking his lips. Remy shuddered. How could he have ever loved this monster?
Sabertooth pulled him close and licked the side of his face. "I'm gonna take my time with you this time. Gonna enjoy this."
~~~~~~
One day earlier
Jean heard the doorbell ring. After a moment, she remembered that she was alone in the mansion. Hank and the Professor had gone to Muir Island to help Moira; Ororo, Cecila and Warren had gone to see about some homeless shelters he funded; Kitty and Kurt had gone into New York to a film festival; Logan took Sara on a camping trip of all things. She sighed and left her work on the desk and went to the door. Standing on the stoop was a young woman with a clipboard. She smiled brightly at Jean.
"Hi! I'm from the Westchester Gazette. I'm doing a story on the unique homes in the areas. I'm so sorry I didn't call, but I, well," She giggled self-consciously. "I wasn't sure if anyone would let me in. I mean I know this is a private school and all... but I was *really* hoping I could, y'know, talk to someone about this place."
Jean blinked in the onslaught of this rapid-fire speech. "Well... I... come in. The, um, students are all gone on holiday."
She lead the girl into the lounge. She turned to ask her if she wanted some coffee. The girl wasn't there. In her place stood an indigo skinned, crimson haired woman.
"Mystique!" Jean exclaimed.
Mystique smiled. She loved her special surprises, even if they were childish. "Hello Jean. So nice of you to let me in."
Jean sighed and crossed her arms. "What do you want? Kurt and Rogue aren't here."
Mystique sat down on the couch. "I know that. Rogue was on her way to see me. She never showed up."
Jean sat down on the couch next to her. She studied Mystique's face. There were dark circles under her strange, yellow eyes. Her hair was stringy and tousled. She looked as though she may have been crying. That thought shook Jean. The idea of Mystique crying was as foreign as L'landra.
"Raven," she said, using her given name. " Tell me what happened."
Raven sighed. "She was coming... never you mind... to spend some time with me. We have... many things... to work out. She never showed. I knew the way she was coming, so I back-tracked along the way."
Her shoulders sagged. "I found her car. It had been blown up." She looked at Jean. "There was blood, and I found this."
Raven held out a small tangle of wire and part of a small, plastic box. "It's the detonator."
Jean took it and looked it over. Trust Raven to know a detonator from, well, a tangle of wire. Raven took it back and clutched it tight.
"I recognize the style. It's one I designed myself." she said. "And there's only one other person who knows it. Victor."
Jean gasped. "You mean you think..."
"Jean. I don't think. I *know* this is his work. I just don't know why. Maybe he's using her to get to me, I just... Jean, I know about Cerebro. Could you... Please see if you can find Rogue." Raven said, her voice tinged with worry.
~~~~~~
Jean removed the headpiece. Raven stared at her. Jean just shook her head sadly. She hadn't been able to find any trace of Rogue. Raven pounded her fist on the console.
"Raven," Jean said, moving to her. "With all the damage and power surges we've had, it could be Cerebro."
Raven barked out a sharp laugh. "Thanks Jean. I'm sure the Professor made sure his mental pet was one of the first things fixed."
Jean sighed. "Look, take me to where her car is. Let me see if I can find anything there."
Raven bit her lip. "Alright. We go now."
Jean nodded. "I'll get my coat."
Hours later, in the growing dawn, the two women stood next to the wreck. Raven's small sportscar had made quick time of the roads. Jean was shocked by the destruction of the car. She cleared her mind and reached out, trying to find residues of thought.
After a long moment, she opened her eyes. Raven was staring at the front seat of the car. Jean put a hand on her shoulder.
"It was him wasn't it?" Raven whispered.
"Yes, but Rogue was alive when they left here. Sabertooth's thoughts are, were always strong and fairly single-minded. It's almost like he leaves them written on the air where ever he goes. I think I can follow them." Jean said.
"Then let's go."
~~~~~~
Bobby felt water pouring on his face. His aching face and head. He rolled over and tried to sit up. The movement sent waves of dizziness and nausea through him. He wretched uncontrollably. When he finished, he sat back and tried to figure out where he was. It was dark and raining, and he was next to some woods.
"Concussion. I have a concussion." he mumbled, struggling to his feet.
Short term memory loss was a by-product of concussions, he remembered Hank telling him that once. That would explain why he had no idea how he got out here, or who put this... he felt his neck with his hands... Genoshan collar?... on his neck. He staggered over to the porch steps. After a moment of struggle, he opted to crawl up them. Less trouble and dizziness that way. And, well, he was already wet.
The sight of Rogue's lifeless form brought memories flooding back, like a spike in his brain. Sobbing, he managed to get the tarp off the hottub and over her body. He sat down hard next to her, the last of his burst of energy spent. Questions circled and dived in his mind; How long had he been out? Where was Remy? Was he alive? How was he going to get this damned collar off so he could kill Sabertooth when he found him?

With an inarticulate cry of fury, he wrenched at the collar. His hands scrabbled for a purchase on the smooth, unyielding surface. By design, the collar sent a body jolting shock through him. He collapsed, curling fetal, body and mind in agony.
Slowly, after the burning pain had subsided some, he pulled himself up by the wooden railing around the porch. Shaking, sobbing, he shouted Remy's name over and over to the unresponsive night.
~~~~~~
"Oh no!" Jean gasped.
Raven glanced over at her. Rain had started to fall with night, making her driving speed dangerous. She didn't care, she could handle it. And if she wrecked, so what? It wouldn't stop her from finding Victor and making him pay for killing Rogue. Jean had told her hours ago, at some shack they found, that he had killed her. For spite. Jean had since been silent, except for giving directions, concentrating on Victor's fading thoughts. Now she had sat up, ridged and white, fingers clutching the dash.
"What?" Raven demanded.
"I know where he's going. Oh God Raven, he knows where Remy and Bobby are. He's taking her there." She said. "I know a shorter way. Turn up here. And for God's sake, go faster, he's going to kill them as well."
Raven nodded, jaw set, and floored the accelerator.
~~~~~~
Remy shivered, arms wrapped around his bare chest. Sabertooth had ripped his shirt off, chuckling at the scars on his chest. Remy was soaking wet from the rain, muddy from his place in the small clearing, bloody and sore from the... attentions... he had received. His primal mind screamed at him to run, hide, anything but stay put. He couldn't, he wouldn't or Sabertooth would go and kill Bobby. Bobby had to live. Remy could die somewhat content if he knew Bobby would live. And he would, as long as Remy stayed put.
Remy heard Sabertooth returning. The man... monster... was whistling to himself. He burst through the trees, a carcass of a rabbit in his huge hands. He looked down at Remy, kneeling in the mud, and took a bite. Remy shuddered involuntarily provoking a laugh. Sabertooth tossed the carcass aside and strolled over to Remy. He grabbed a handful of wet, dark auburn locks and pulled Remy's head back to look up at him.
"Time fer round two." He chuckled, unzipping his pants with his other hand.
~~~~~~
Raven fish-tailed to a stop, narrowly missing the other car parked in front of the cabin. Jean unbuckled and threw herself out the door before Raven turned the engine off. Ignoring all her training, she dashed to the porch. Hearing a slam behind her, she turned. Raven stood there, a large energy rifle in her hands.
"Think it's big enough?" she asked, a touch of sarcasm in her voice.
"I hope so. I'm going to aim for his head." Raven replied.
A shout of absolute anguish rent the air. The women dashed through the house and out the open back door. They saw Bobby standing there, back bowed, head back, howling Remy's name over and over. Jean ran to him and gathered his struggling form into her arms. Bobby squirmed and fought weakly for a second, before collapsing, taking Jean down to the boards with him. She held and rocked him, cooing nonsense words into his ear and mind.
Raven, seeing the plastic shrouded form, reached down and flipped a corner back. The brief glimpse of her foster daughter's body made her shoulders sag. She had tried to fool herself that Jean was mistaken, that Rogue was alive, that she was just unconscious or something. She flipped the cover back and turned to Jean and Bobby. Her eyes focus on the collar on Bobby's neck. That must have been how he caught Rogue. She growled in the back of her throat and knelt down next to them.
"Where is he?" she snapped at Bobby.
Jean's head snapped up. "Back off Raven. He's not ready."
"N... no Jean." Bobby sniffled. "I don't know. He knocked me out. He took Remy and I don't know..." he trailed off.
Raven sighed impatiently. The longer they waited the bigger lead Victor had. Looking at Bobby's bruised, anguished face, her impatience faded. There was no way of knowing how long Victor had been gone, how long he had Remy. She wiped a tear from her eye. This was *not* the time to cry. Kill Victor first, then cry.
Raven reached into her belt and pulled out a tiny box. She pressed a button and a small needle popped out. She pulled Bobby to her and pressed the box to the back of the collar. The collar popped open. Bobby jerked it off her neck and iced up. He stood and squared his shoulders.
"He's got about a day's head start on us. We'd better get a move on." Iceman said, only a small tremor in his voice.
"Bobby..." Jean started.
"Jean, if you're going to tell me that I should stay here, that I am hurt, save it. He's got Remy, he killed one of my best friends."
"No," Jean said. "I am going to scan and see if they are still in the area. Just wait."
A moment later, Jean turned to them both. "I got them. Let's go."
Jean took off into the air, pulling Mystique along with her, Iceman ramping next to her.
~~~~~~
Sabertooth tossed Remy's head away from him by his hair. Remy gagged and gasped for air. Sabertooth zipped his jeans and kicked Remy over onto his back. He loved watching prey squirm.
He bent down and breathed in Remy's face. "Time ta end this boy. An' this time you'll stay dead."
As he reached out for Remy's throat, a hard force hit him in the chest, knocking him across the clearing. As he began to regain his feet, ice surrounded him from the chest down in a crushing embrace.
"I don't think so Sabertooth." Iceman snarled, coming over the trees on a ramp of ice.
Jean Gray appeared, and Remy, stunned and disbelieving, lifted into the air next to her. Sabertooth snarled up at them and strained against the ice. Cracks began to appear. A metallic noise made him jerk his head back to eye level. Mystique stood at the edge of the clearing, laser rifle aimed at him. His eyes grew wide as he remembered that Rogue hadn't just been the Cajun's sweetie.
"No..." he began.
"Oh yes." Mystique said and fired.
A bright red bolt of energy shot between Sabertooth's eyes and out the back of his head. His body sagged in the ice. Mystique shot him again, through the chest.
"All the better to be sure." She said, turning and heading through the woods to the cabin.
Jean and Iceman followed, airborne, Jean cradling Remy to her.

 

Part 7

"Robert Drake! Sit still!" Hank admonished.
"Hank! I can't! Remy..." Bobby said, desperate to get off the med-lab table.
"Bobby, Cecilia is still examining him. He is in good hands. Now please, let me finish with you." Hank sighed.
Bobby subsided and Hank went back to his work. The rest of the X-Men had returned the moment Jean had contacted Professor Xavier. Hank and Cecilia had been waiting, anxious to find out who needed medical attention. Kurt and Kitty, being the closest, had gone to get them after they had gotten the Blackbird. Remy had been unconscious upon arrival, Bobby close to it.
Rogue... was dead. Hank shook his head. Mystique had taken her body home to bury her where she grew up. It was the one place she had been truly happy, Mystique had said, and promised to let the rest of them know where they could pay respects. Kurt had retreated to his room. One more to help when Hank was done here.
"Alright, I'm done with you for now. You have a concussion and the obvious bruises. Your body is also suffering from a high voltage shock. You need rest and lots of it. Now I know you have a psychological aversion to doing anything I recommend, but I plan on making you follow orders this time..."
"Hank! I need to see Remy!" Bobby exclaimed, causing pain to shot through his skull.
He grabbed the sides of his head and moaned. Hank sighed and placed a large, furry hand on his shoulder.
"If you would let me finish, You *will* follow my medical orders *after* we get the results of Cecilia's diagnosis of Remy's condition. I would think you could even recover in the same room, right next to each other. Are those acceptable conditions to you Robert Drake?" Hank said softly, soothingly rubbing Bobby's shoulders.
Bobby nodded. He was sick from the concussion and electric shock, but he was queasy and shaky from worry about Remy. He had been so still and cold when they brought him in. Bobby was afraid for him. He didn't know what he would do if...
<Do not go there Drake.>
Hank wheeled over a wheelchair. "Your chariot awaits. Let's go see how Remy is doing."
Bobby slid carefully into the chair and allowed Hank to wheel him out to the hall. Warren was waiting for them. He took the handles of Bobby's chair and wheeled him over to the bench where Ororo and Kitty waited.
"I think Cecilia and Jean would like your assistance Henry." Ororo said, taking Bobby's hand in hers.
Hank nodded and went into the other med-lab. Bobby tried hard to fight back tears. If they needed Hank's help then Remy was worst off than they had thought. Warren's hand dropped to his shoulder and squeezed. Tears began to flow freely as Bobby broke down under the compassion he felt from his friends.
An hour later, Jean came out. She looked tired but she smiled at Bobby. Kneeling down in front of him, she took his hands and stroked them.
"He's going to be fine Bobby. He's mostly bruised and suffering from exposure and shock. A few of the cuts are deep and required stitches." She said, looking deep into Bobby's eyes. "He's sedated right now but you can go in to see him in a few moments."
The whole group sighed in relief. Bobby wrapped his arms around Jean and hugged her.
"Thank you for coming to save us." He whispered.
She kissed his forehead. "Hey, that's what I'm here for."
Cecilia opened the door and waved Bobby in. Jean wheeled him in and he got a look at Remy for the first time since they had touched down in the Blackbird. He was pale, almost waxy. There was a fine network of scratches on his face, connecting the bruises around his eyes and cheeks. A large bandage nearly covered the right side of his forehead. He was, however breathing deep and slow, lost in a drug induced sleep. Bobby reached out a shaking hand and took one of Remy's. The long fingers curled reflexively around his.
"I've given him a rather strong shot of antibiotics along with the sedation." Cecilia said as she began to arrange a bed for Bobby. "And you need to rest as well. So up in the bed."
Bobby let them help him into the bed and asked to have it wheeled closer to Remy's. He wanted to hold his hand, to let him know, by touch, that he was here. After this was done, they turned out the lights and left the young men alone. Hank's parting shot being to expect him often, as he needed to keep an eye on that concussion.
Left alone with his sleeping lover, Bobby finagled the bedside guards down, turning the beds into one big one. He rested on his side, one hand on Remy's chest. He didn't think he could sleep, but soon enough, he was lightly snoring.
The night passed restlessly for Bobby, however. Hank or Jean or Cecilia kept coming in and making him wake up. Remy, at one point, thrashed about and hit his already aching head. Logan had even come in, returned from his camping trip upon getting the news and... sniffed them. He muttered something about Sabertooth and left. And just as Hank informed him that they would now let him sleep soundly, his own body rebelled. His muscles tightened and agonizing pain ripped through him. Side effect of the electrical shock, Hank said as he administered a muscle relaxant. Should pass soon with rest.
"Rest, ha!" Bobby moaned as Hank left. "I am never going to get rest!"
A sudden feeling of warmth flooded his mind, soothing and calm. "Cher?" a horse voice whispered.
"Remy?"
Bobby rolled painfully over on his side. Battered, bruised and pale, Remy still looked like an angel to Bobby. His exotic eyes were crinkled with the smile on his face. Bobby almost wept again. Remy caressed his face.
"My hero eh?" He chuckled at Bobby. "Y' save me cher."
"Well I had help." Bobby said, capturing Remy's hand in his.
Remy winked at him. "I didn' see noone but you."
Bobby laughed and kissed Remy's hand. "Ok so I did it all myself. Yep, I channeled Jean's power and Mystique's big ole gun and blew him away myself. That's me, your one stop hero."
"Ouiai. My hero. Mon coeur. Ma vie." Remy whispered.
Bobby kissed his hand gently. "You were going to give your life for me. I should think you're 'Ma vie' Rem. Just promise me to never, ever leave me."
"How could I cher? You stole dis t'ief's heart right away. I would die f' you, y'know, but I'd rather live wi't you." Remy lightly rubbed Bobby's lips with his finger.
"Ok now that's about enough of that you two." Cecilia said as she walked in. "You're supposed to be resting and I find you cooing loveys to each other."
Remy laughed weakly. Bobby blushed. Cecilia tried to maintain a stern statement while she checked them out, but failed miserably. These two were contagious. Finally she concluded her exams.
"Well, if you rest..." Bobby snorted. She glared at him. "I think you will be able to return to active duty in a few days Bobby. Remy, you'll need to be careful with your stitches, some of the wounds were pretty deep. I'd give you a couple of weeks."
"When can we get out of here?" Remy asked.
Cecilia sighed. Hank told her to be prepared for this. The Cajun hated being in the med-lab.
"If you will promise to rest in your room for the next 24 hours, I will left you out now." The men cheered. "I mean it. Rest. Bed. No funny stuff. No sex. Food and liquids, books and televison. Got it?"
They nodded. "Even if I was feelin' up to it, Bobby needs t' sleep. I won' jump his bones." Remy promised.
~~~~~~
Logan raised his head. His nostrils where full of the scent of blood. Sabertooth's blood. He had died here. But where had the body gone? Logan could pick up any trace of it being dragged off. The scent just died out a few feet from the dark stain on the clearing floor.
"Dammit!" He growled. "Who took yer worthless carcass away?"
~~~~~~
He stirred. His whole body was on fire. There was something over his face, forcing him to breathe. He tried to move his hands to take it off, but he was restrained and weak. Fluid surrounded him. He opened his eyes. He was floating in a tank full of murky, sticky, sickly red liquid. He could see shapes of people moving outside. He groaned.
A large dark figure approached the tank. He heard a pop as a voice filled his ears.
"Don't struggle Victor. You aren't healed yet and I won't have you damaging my work." The voice hissed in his ear. Sinister.
<No!> he howled in his mind. <I am not a clone!>
He heard a chuckle in his mind this time. "No no dear Victor. Calm yourself. You aren't a clone. You powers of regeneration are quite remarkable, but I needed to help them along this time. You were, for all intents and purposes, dead. Lucky for you I keep an eye out."
"What happened?" Victor thought.
"When you're fully recovered, we'll discuss your lose of memory. You had a rather large hole in your brain. I would imagine much of your life is lost to you right now. But not to worry, I'll remind you. And you'll be able to exact your revenge on those who did this to you. When I say so." Sinister turned and walked away.
Victor relaxed. He could wait. He was patient.

 

Part 8

"Amour?" Remy whispered in Bobby's ear.
Bobby had been asleep for 12 hours. Remy had slept most of it, but Hank had come in once to change bandages and check stitches. Bobby hadn't even rolled over. Remy knew he needed his rest, but he was hungry, and Bobby had to be. At least his stomach said so.
"Ngh." Bobby replied.
Remy smiled and leaned over closer. He flicked his tongue along the edge of one cute, shell-shaped ear.
"Mmm. Remy? Funny stuff?" Bobby muttered.
"Jus' tryin' t' wake you cher. I'm hungry an' yo' stomach tole me you was too." Remy said, sitting up.
"Ok, you and my stomach win. I'll eat." Bobby said, rolling out of the bed.
Remy tottered up and they both slowly got dressed. Arms around each other, as much for closeness as support, they made their way downstairs to the kitchen. Logan was there, having just walked in the door, composing a Dagwood creation for himself. He smiled at the two.
"Morin' sunshines. Time ta eat?"
Bobby made Remy sit down, to mild protests. "Yup. Food and fluids is what the pushy Doc C ordered. How about a Bobby Drake omelet my love?"
Remy raised an eyebrow. "You cook?"
Bobby put a hand to his chest in mock indignation. "Quite well thank you! You sit right there and watch."
Logan grabbed his sandwich. "I'd better get outta t' way. This could be dangerous."
Bobby flipped him off and went to work. Remy drank juice and watched him create. Lots of eggs, sausage, an onion, cheese, mushrooms, and assorted spices went into the pan. A few moments later, a large, fluffy, tasty smelling omelet came out and was split on two plates. With a flourish.
"Ta-Da!" Bobby said as he sat across from Remy.
Remy smiled. "It smells good cher, thank you."
Remy was surprised at how hungry he was. He devoured the omelet as quick as a famished Wolverine might have. He looked up, a satisfied smile on his face. It faded when he noticed Bobby was just picking at his. Remy touched his hand. Bobby smiled weakly.
"I'm, uh, kinda nauseous. Maybe I should stick with toast right now." Bobby said, his face a slight green shade.
Remy nodded. "You need t' eat somet'ing, cher. I'll get you some of dat toast."
"No no, I can get it. You're in worse shape than I am." Bobby stood and kissed the top of Remy's head. "Gotta be the electrocution. I tell ya, it'll catch on as the next big thing in weight loss."
~~
Logan walked, sandwich in hand, down to where he knew he could find Kitty. She was pecking away at one of the computers in the lab. She smiled as Logan came in.
"You're back quick." she said. "Find anything?"
"Yeah, lotsa blood an' no body. Trail went dead." Logan rumbled around a bite of sandwich. "Look, I want ya ta come back there with me, Kit."
Kitty blinked. "Sure, but, um, why?"
"I want ya ta bring some diagnostic equipment. You can find things, readings an' stuff, that I can't smell. But we need ta go now 'fore the trail gets any colder." Logan shoved the rest of the sandwich in his face. "I got a bad feelin' about this one."
"Right, let me get my things," Kitty said, standing. "And we'll go."
~~
Logan paced the edge of the clearing. Kitty had shooed him there, saying he was tampering with her readings. She was turning slow circles, pointing one of her techno thingys up and down. She stared at the read-out and made 'hmmm'-ing noises.
"Alright 7of9, what did ya find?" Logan growled.
Kitty sighed. "I want to check this against information back home, but..." She looked up, worriedly.
"What?!" Logan was antsy to say the least.
Kitty bit her lip. "Looks like reading I've gotten off of Sinister's tesseracts."
"Oh fuckin' wonderful. Guess that means Vicky boy'll be back."
~~
Remy lay back in bed. He had made sure Bobby had eaten as much toast as he could handle. They had brought a pitcher of orange juice and a couple of bottles of water upstairs with them as well. Now Bobby was taking a shower. Remy wanted to join him, but would have to stick to careful bathing due to his stitches.
As he listened to the sounds of the shower and Bobby's somewhat tuneless humming, he drifted off. He saw the clearing where Sabertooth had taken him. His body was on fire and he could feel Sabertooth behind him. He wanted to scream but it was locked in his throat. Everything whirled and he saw Rogue, all ripped open, still reaching out to him.
"Remy, it hurts. Ah'm so cold, won't you hold me?"
He staggered back and fell. Hot breath blew on his neck.
"Got her, now I'm gonna do you, LeBeau. Can't let a roach like you keep livin'." Sabertooth breathed in his ear.
"Yeesss," Rogue hissed, as she shambled forward, leaking and losing bits of herself. "Then he can be with me forever."
"NO!" Remy screamed. "Why you doin' dis? I cared... loved you bot'!"
A harsh laugh cut through him. Belladonna and her brother stood on eaither side of Rogue. "An' what do you know of love?" She spat. "Your kind o'love is poison, Remy! Death! Dat's all you bring!"
And they fell on him, tearing him apart.
~~
Bobby got out of the shower and started carefully toweling off. He was starting to feel better, the nausea was fading, and sore muscles he could deal with. He looked at himself in the mirror. Changing into his ice form had gotten rid of most of the physical damage. Hank had told him that he very well could have died from the head trauma, electrical shock and exposure if it hadn't been for that.
"So, I get a concussion, body pain and nausea instead." He smiled at his reflection. "I can live with that."
A sharp cry jerked his attention to the bedroom. Remy. He dashed to the bedroom. Remy was thrashing around in the bed, tangling himself up in the sheets. He grabbed Remy's wrists, trying to hold him still.
"Remy! Wake up! It's ok!"
"Non! Leave me alone! Please..." Remy was nearly screaming now, an inarticulate stream of words flooding from him.
Bobby pulled Remy to him. "You're safe. It's alright. Come on, Remy, wake up now."
Remy's eyes flew open. He stared at Bobby, not knowing where he was for a second. He reached a shaky hand up to touch Bobby's face.
"B... Bobby?"
Bobby smiled. "Yep, that's me. The one and only. Sounded like a pretty bad dream."
Remy let out a shuddery sigh. "Ouiai, pretty bad. I'll be fine."
Bobby held him carefully. A quick once over told him Remy's stitches were fine. He wasn't so sure about Remy. He was pale and sweaty, but his skin was cold.
"Come on, babe, let's get some more sleep." Bobby said, laying Remy back down. "I'll keep the nightmares away."
And he tried. But Remy tossed and flinched. Bobby just lay next to him, watching. He rubbed Remy's back, he held him when he could. He knew neither one of them could be expected to just block out what happened, but he was worried Remy wouldn't ever let it go. He moaned about Rogue, and Bobby felt his own tears sliding down his face. Maybe, now, she was at peace, her anger and pain gone. He hoped so. At last, Bobby drifted into his own fitful sleep.
Remy woke sometime later. He looked over and saw Bobby twitching, his face screwed up. He stroked Bobby's sweaty brow. Bobby turned in his sleep and pressed his face against Remy's shoulder.
"Leave him alone." He moaned. "No, Remy, don't leave me!"
It shook Remy to the core. After all his dreams, he had been thinking that, maybe he should leave Bobby. That maybe he would be safer without Remy around. He had been thinking of breaking his promise to Bobby just to keep him safe. As he watched Bobby dream, scared and near tears, he knew he couldn't do that. He gathered Bobby close to him and rocked.
"Don' care what dey say, I'm not leavin'." He whispered into Bobby's hair.
"Who says?" Bobby whispered back. He had woken when Remy pulled him close.
"My dreams, nothin' to worry about." Remy said, kissing the tousled mass of brown hair.
"Just so you know," Bobby said. "I can be quite obsessive and possessive. You try to leave me and I'll just freeze your ass to the bed."
Remy chuckled. "An' since I hate de cold, I guess I betta stay."
"Damn skippy." Bobby said. "You think we'll ever get actual sleep?"
"Eventually, cher. I was thinkin', when I get the ok to travel, maybe we could go see where Rogue is?"
"Yeah. When you're up to it."
~~
A Week Later...
Remy and Bobby walked out behind the old, two-story southern house. Raven had greeted them and told them where they could find Rogue's grave. She left them to go alone. Bobby thought Raven looked almost grey and pinched.
They found the grave in a clearing of magnolia trees. A large tombstone with a weeping angel on it read;
Rogue
Marie Darkholme
Daughter of my heart
May your soul find it's rest
Remy laid his bouquet of peach roses and gardenias on the grave. He stooped and brought out a piece of chalk. Bobby watched as Remy marked three small X's on the side of the tombstone. Remy then set down a small box of chocolates and poured part of a small bottle of whiskey in front of them. He left the rest of the bottle there. As he prayed silently, Bobby rested a hand on his shoulder, squeezing lightly and praying himself. Bobby then pulled out a small picture of him and Rogue, taken during their road trip. He left it next to Remy's offerings.
The wind blew through the magnolias, causing white petals to fall over them. Remy stood and held Bobby, swaying slightly. Remy caught one of the falling petals and pressed it to his lips. He slid it into a jacket pocket and smiled a bittersweet smile at Bobby.
"She forgives me." He whispered.
Bobby kissed his forehead. "I know. Come on, lets' go home."

 

END

 

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