///

 

When he returned to their rooms 30 minutes later, Warren found Remy seated behind the computer. His lover looked rested, but Warren didn't allow himself to be fooled by Remy's outer appearance. The empath had to pick up on Jayce's emotions. "Hello, love," Warren greeted Remy and stopped when he stood behind his lover. Very slowly, he wrapped his arms around Remy, remembering that sudden skin contact could trigger memories. "What are you doing?"

 

"Writin' poppa back. He wants to visit. I told him he could." Uncertain, Remy looked up at Warren. "I hope y' don' mind? Or do y' want me to…"

 

Warren silenced Remy with a soft kiss. "I'd love for them to visit. Give them our location, love?" Warren released Remy and walked towards the bed. He lay down and stared at the canopy. "I talked to Jayce."

 

Remy sent the message and then joined his lover. "He's upset. I've been pickin' up rough emotions."

 

"He told me why he hates gays," Warren announced and claimed Remy's left hand, which he caressed tenderly. "He witnessed a younger boy being sexually assaulted. Jayce thinks you're doing the same thing to me."

 

Remy's eyes grew sad. "Explains it, cher, doesn' it?" Suddenly, he felt tired. "Can' fight a memory, cher."

 

"You're not giving up, do you hear me?" Warren stated passionately, as he sat upright. "You told me to hang in there and we will. We'll make him see he's wrong!" Warren had taken hold of his lover's shoulder and barely kept himself from shaking Remy. "You aren't giving up!"

 

"I'm so tired, ange." Remy lowered his eyes and stared at the floor. "His emotions… dey're so strong. I can' keep de shields up all de time." Remy had never managed to rebuild his shields to the way they were before Antarctica and the memory-loss.

 

"We'll have dinner together in 30 minutes." Warren cupped Remy's chin in his hand and raised his lover's face. "Look at me, Rem. What changed your mind?"

 

"Had a nightmare," Remy admitted softly and closed his eyes.

 

"About?"

 

"*Him*," Remy whispered in a choked tone. "He was tellin' me 'gain dat everyt'in' was my fault, dat I made him rape me."

 

Warren grew angry with himself. He should have been there when Remy had woken up. He forced himself to calm down, knowing that Remy was tired due to locking out such intense emotions. "He lied, love. He lied."

 

"It still hurts," Remy whispered and tried to pull away from Warren.

 

"What's going on, Rem?" He barely recognized his lover. Only hours ago, Remy had been determined to face every problem they might encounter.

 

"Don' know. Ange, I feel tired."

 

Warren was tempted to suggest that Remy skipped dinner, but refrained. Remy needed to eat and they had to confront Jason. "I'm so sorry that you have to go through this, love."

 

"I'll be strong for y', cher."

 

"Rem, you've been strong all this time," Warren whispered, touched. "Lean on me? Let me be your strength?" It looked like his lover was exhausting himself, trying to deal with everything at the same time. "I love you," he added instinctively and folded his arms around Remy's frame. Gently, he pulled Remy down until they lay on their sides, facing each other. "I'm sorry that I wasn't here when you woke up from that nightmare."

 

"Y're here now," Remy whispered, blissfully. He'd missed his lover's presence. "Hold me?"

 

"Until the end of time," Warren vowed and cuddled Remy close. "I'll never let you go."

 

Part 9

 

Honeymoon Island

 

Remy sat down at the dinner table, wondering how Jayce would react to finding him there. Mentally, he replayed the information Warren had given him earlier. //De petit witnessed an attempted rape…// Could he find a way to make Jayce understand that Warren wasn’t in any danger?

 

"Are you okay, Rem?" His lover looked worried and Warren couldn't blame him. The next confrontation would be hard on all of them. "I'm here for you, love."

 

Vincent, who'd joined them for dinner, felt concerned. Warren had only hinted at Remy’s past, but Vincent could tell that Remy felt vulnerable.

 

"I'm nervous," Remy admitted. "I don' know what to expect."

 

"Aren't Jayce's emotions giving you some indication of how the boy feels?" Warren stood behind Remy and folded his arms protectively around his lover's shoulders.

 

"Dey're foggy, cher. Can' read dem properly. So many feelings are runnin' t'rough him." Remy leaned into the embrace. //I'd never have survived wit'out y'.//

 

Jayce's cough startled them both. Three pair of eyes met Jayce's brown ones. Warren stared hard at his nephew. He wanted to hear that apology now. Jayce wouldn't get another chance to make things up to Remy. "Loud and clear, young man."

 

Jayce clenched his hands into fists behind his back. Although Warren had planted the seeds of doubt in his heart, he wasn't looking forward to apologizing to Remy.

 

Wolvie stirred beside him, probably sensing the tension in the dining room. The canine left Jayce's side and walked over to Remy. Looking up at the Cajun, Wolvie rested his head in Remy's lap, rubbing the side of his head against the human's thigh. He wanted to be petted, to be reassured that Remy didn't feel abandoned because he'd spent some time with Jayce.

 

Remy ignored Jayce and smiled at Wolvie. "Did y' miss me?" he said teasingly and gently scratched behind the canine's ears. "C'est bien."

 

Jayce felt some stinging jealousy now that the wolf had deserted him in favor of Remy. Warren's eyes told Jayce that his uncle was still waiting for that apology. His stomach growled softly, telling its owner that it needed food. It urged him to speak up. Jayce drew in a deep breath and addressed Remy. "I'm sorry."

 

"C'est bien," Remy whispered, peeking hesitantly at the boy.

 

"No, tell us what you're sorry for," Warren urged Jayce on. He didn't want any more misunderstandings. His nephew would treat Remy respectfully. If not, Jayce would find himself on his way to Saint Andrew's, just like the kid wanted.

 

"I shouldn't have called you a faggot." Jayce locked eyes with Vincent, who nodded approvingly. Earlier, the lawyer had told him to behave, but Jayce had refused to listen. In a certain way he was also apologizing to Vincent.

 

"D'accord," Remy whispered in a nervous tone. "Y're angry, I understand."

 

But Warren silenced his lover by gently squeezing Remy's shoulder. "Let him finish."

 

"I also called you a gold digger," Jayce admitted and heard Warren's surprised intake of breath.

 

"You did what?" Warren said in disbelief.

 

"He said that on our way over here," Vincent said. "I told him that Remy didn't need your money, Warren."

 

"I apologize," Jayce said, barely keeping his anger in check.

 

Remy felt that anger and fortified his shields. "Mais y' don' mean it, petit."

 

Jayce's glance quickly shifted from Vincent to Remy. "This isn't easy," he admitted. "I still don't trust you."

 

"I don' expect y' to trust me," Remy clarified. "Mais try to stop hatin' me?"

 

Warren deemed this the best moment to tell Jayce about Remy's mutant powers. He walked away from his lover and only stopped when he stood in front of Jayce. "You should know that Remy's an empath and your hatred hurts him." Warren heard Remy's soft groan and locked eyes with his lover. "Trust me, Rem."

 

Remy nodded his head. It was too late anyway. Warren had already told Jayce. Remy wished Warren had kept his powers secret a little longer. Now the boy might think that Remy was manipulating his emotions.

 

"A what?" Jayce mumbled, confused. "What's an empath?"

 

Warren looked to Remy to answer that question. Remy sighed deeply. He pushed back the chair and joined Jayce, who immediately took a step back.

 

Wolvie was at Remy's side and ready to protect him in case of trouble. Yes, he liked the boy, but Remy came first.

 

Remy made eye-contact with Jayce and felt the boy's apprehension. "It means dat I can feel what y' feel."

 

"Remy's also a healer," Warren added.

 

"Listen, petit. I won' ever mess wit' y'r feelings. Don' be 'fraid." Remy sensed Jayce's fear, shock and even a twinge of curiosity. He felt encouraged by that and continued. "I know y're hurtin', petit, and dat y're angry, mais y' need to realize dat y're not angry wit' me, mais wit' life."

 

Jayce didn't know how to react. He knew that the anger, which he felt was his. Remy was being honest. The mutant wasn't screwing around with his feelings. If Remy were, no way Jayce would be this hostile towards his uncle's lover. For the first time since Jayce had met Remy, he tried to see the man as he really was, without prejudice coloring his perception. Shocked, Jayce stared into the gold on black eyes, which radiated truth. Swallowing hard, Jayce wondered if he'd misjudged Remy. "Why do you want me here?" he asked suddenly. He'd never intended to voice that question.

 

Pleased, Remy nodded his head. It was a first step. "Mon poppa adopted me when I was 'bout 10. Until den, I didn' have a family. I don' want y' to grow up 'lone."

 

"You were adopted?" Feeling curious, Jayce followed Remy towards the dining table. He mirrored Remy and Warren's movement and sat down. "Do you *really* want me here?"

 

"Why is dat so hard for y' to believe?" Remy asked, concerned.

 

"My dad never wanted me around. I even spent most of my holidays at Saint Andrew's," Jayce replied. He tried to ignore the stabbing pain that pierced his heart.

 

"You t'ink he didn' love y'," Remy stated, convinced.

 

"I caused my mother's death." Jayce's eyes grew big, as he realized what he'd told them. He wished he could take back those words, pull the pain back into himself. Then he remembered what Remy had told him about being an empath. "You're feeling what I'm feeling?"

 

"Oui, y' feel 'lone and guilty. Angry 'cause of de way y'r dad treated y'." Remy hoped he was getting through to the boy. "I ain' de enemy, Jayce."

 

Jayce looked down at his hands, which had relaxed during the conversation. The clenched fists were gone. A part of him wanted to believe Remy. The man seemed to understand and accept him the way he was, which was a first. No one had ever accepted him. Not even his father, so why would Remy be different? The man was probably trying to befriend him for Warren's sake.

 

"Y' don' believe me," Remy realized, sensing Jayce's doubt. Saddened, he stared at the food. He'd lost all appetite.

 

"Give him time," Warren whispered, as he claimed his lover's hand. "We're still getting to know each other, love."

 

Jayce looked up, hearing that last word. //Love, does Warren really love Remy?// The question haunted him. Had he really made such a terrible mistake in judgement? Had he?

 


 

///

 

Westchester

 

Bobby deeply inhaled Nicholas' scent. They'd fallen asleep in each other's arms and he loved waking up while his lover was still dreaming, snuggled close to him. //I never knew it would be like this,// he thought in contentment. //I know now that I've never loved someone before, *really loved* someone.// The thought of leaving Nicholas to go back to the mansion made him feel queasy. But Nicholas had to attend classes and Scott had scheduled a training session at 09.00. Bobby had better not be late. //What if I send Scott a message, telling him that I'm calling in sick? That way I could spend more time with Nicholas and I can drop him off at the University.// The thought was extremely tempting and Bobby quickly gave in.

 

Cautiously, trying not to wake his lover, Bobby released Nicholas and sneaked out of bed. Only then, he realized he was butt naked. They'd fallen asleep after making love. His cock stirred a little, as Bobby remembered the way Nicholas had moved against him during their lovemaking.

 

Bobby blushed, slightly embarrassed that he'd been so eager to try all those different positions, but he'd heard and read about them and had wanted to know what would work best for them. They all had. Bobby grinned and headed towards Nicholas' desk in the adjourning room. He sat down and switched on the computer screen. Great, Nicholas' inbox was already open and all he had to do was open a new message, address it to Scott, and then...

 

//LeBeau?// Why was there a message in his lover's inbox with that name on it? //Does Nicholas know Remy? No, he would have told me.// Confused, Bobby wondered whether he should have a look at that message. //It's not Remy's E-mail addy, Warren gave me that one, so... what the hell's going on?//  Bobby stole a glance at Nicholas, who hadn't woken yet and then tried to open the message.

 

#Enter password.#

 

"Damn!" Bobby whispered the word. Nicholas had secured his messages.

 

"What are you doing, Bobby?" Nicholas opened his eyes. He'd woken when Bobby had climbed out of bed, but had remained motionless.

 

"I want to send a message to the mansion, telling Scott I won't participate in today's training session." Bobby hoped his voice sounded steady.

 

But Nicholas heard the odd tone. "What's wrong?" He sat upright in bed. The sheet fell down to his waist.

 

Bobby swallowed hard at the beautiful sight of his lover. He didn't even want to think that Nicholas was hiding something from him. There had to be a perfectly logical explanation. "Why are you receiving messages from a certain LeBeau? Is it Remy?"

 

Nicholas suddenly tensed. Damn, he should have deleted that message, but he'd been so tired that he'd forgotten. "Darling, let me explain." Nicholas cringed, seeing the sudden apprehension and distrust in Bobby's eyes. He'd never intended for Bobby to find out.

 

"If it isn't Remy," Bobby said firmly. "Who is it?"

 

"His father, Jean-Luc LeBeau," Nicholas whispered and watched helplessly as Bobby created this emotional distance between them. Oh, he understood that Bobby felt left out, possibly even betrayed but... "I couldn't tell you."

 

Bobby understood perfectly. "You're his spy?" When Scott and he had visited Warren and Remy in Ireland, the Cajun had hinted that Jean-Luc had spies in Westchester that kept the former patriarch up to date. But Bobby had never expected Nicholas to be one of them.

 

"Jean-Luc wants to make sure that Rogue won't try to hurt Remy again," Nicholas said and wrapped the sheet closely around his body. He felt vulnerable and exposed all of a sudden. //Please, I don't want to lose Bobby over this!//

 

Bobby got up from behind the desk and returned to the bedroom where he put on his clothes. He hardly looked at Nicholas, as he was too busy trying to figure things out. "You used me," he stated eventually. "I was your main source of information." He felt utterly betrayed. "I trusted you and you were only using me." A strange sense of detachment coursed through him. Reality would hit him later on.

 

"You don't understand, Bobby," Nicholas replied in a worried tone. He got out of bed himself and clutched the sheet tightly. "Remy's very important to Jean-Luc and I..."

 

"Are you a trained thief too?" Bobby slid into his sneakers and grabbed his coat. He felt dirty and used. //I thought he loved me!//

 

"Yes, but Bobby..." Nicholas went after Bobby, who marched towards the front door. "Please listen to me!"

 

Bobby turned around and glared at Nicholas. "Come on, just admit it. You needed inside information and I was dumb enough to confide in you. Geeze, I've been so stupid to think that you loved me!"

 

"Bobby, wait!" Nicholas took hold of Bobby's right arm and tried to keep him from leaving. "Let me explain this and then you can leave." He was beginning to panic. He was utterly in love with the X-Man and seeing the loathing in Bobby's eyes made him nauseous.

 

"You should have told me before we started to date," Bobby said in an accusing tone. "Were you afraid that I'd break things off once I knew the truth? Dammit, Nick! You must have laughed hard when I fell for you!"

 

"No, Bobby, please..." Nicholas fought back his tears when Bobby slammed the door hard behind him. "Let me explain..." But Bobby was gone and could no longer hear him. Leaning heavily against the wall, he let go of the tears that swam in his eyes. "I never used you. I never laughed at you. Fuck, I'm so sorry, Bobby."

 

Sliding down the wall, his knees gave out beneath him. He held onto the sheet for warmth and comfort and cried softly.

 

///

 

"Bobby?"

 

Scott had been on his way to the Danger Room, when the younger man crashed into him. Bobby obviously wasn't paying attention where he was going and Scott noticed the faint impression on Bobby's face that revealed that he'd cried. "Stop right there," Scott instructed and grabbed Bobby's arm.

 

"Lemme go, Slim."

 

Scott raised an eyebrow, hearing the angry tone in his friend's voice. "Let's talk, Drake." Not taking no for an answer, he pulled Bobby into the professor's study, which was empty. "Sit and try to calm down."

 

"I can't fucking believe it!" Bobby sneered angrily.

 

"Believe what?" Scott sat down opposite his friend, behind the professor's desk. "What happened?"

 

"It's Nicholas," Bobby hissed between gritted teeth.

 

"Lover's quarrel?" The glare that Bobby shot him alarmed Scott. "What the hell happened?"

 

"He's a fucking spy!" Bobby blurted out. "Nicholas works for Jean-Luc LeBeau, who wants to know what's going on at the mansion. He used me." Those last three words were a desperate whimper.

 

"A spy?" Scott repeated, stunned.

 

"Nicholas is one of them, a thief." Bobby shook his head. "I trusted him, Slim. I thought he loved me."

 

Scott watched Bobby closely. "Nicholas told you?"

 

"Come on, man. It's way obvious that he was using me to get his information." Bobby dug his fingernails into the armrest of the chair. "I was so stupid."

 

Scott saw the pain and sadness that hid beneath Bobby's anger. "Did Nicholas tell you or did you draw these conclusions yourself?" he asked again.

 

"He didn't need to tell me, Slim." Bobby made eye-contact with his friend. "I feel used."

 

Scott considered his advice carefully. "Why don't you give Nicholas a chance to tell his side of the story?"

 

"What's there to tell?" Bobby asked, embittered. "I'm going to my room, Scott. Don't expect me to take part in the training session. I don't want to hurt anyone accidentally." He got to his feet and turned away from Scott. "I don't want to talk to him, so in case he calls, you can tell him I'm not in."

 

"Bobby, running away from this won't help."

 

"I'm not running away, Slim. I just need time to deal with this." Bobby was angrier with himself than with Nicholas. He'd walked into the trap with eyes wide open and he couldn't really blame Nicholas for doing his job. It just hurt that their love wasn't true.

 

///

 

Later that night, Nicholas sneaked over the mansion's premises, easily avoiding all safety measures. The security cameras didn't pick up on his presence and confidently, he began to climb the outside wall. His destination was Bobby's window and he was determined to reach it. Dressed in black clothes, he didn't stand out against the dark wall.

 

When he reached Bobby's window, he carefully peeked inside. He'd expected to find Bobby awake or pacing, but the young man was asleep in his bed and Nicholas envied him. He'd tossed and turned after Bobby had stormed out on him and in the end, he'd decided to carry out this plan.

 

Agile fingers opened the window and he soundlessly slid inside. //Bobby, I'm so sorry. I never wanted you to find out that way. I'd have told you once Jean-Luc had given me permission, but he's out of reach.//

 

Nicholas tiptoed over to the bed and looked at the sleeper. //My God, Bobby, I do love you. I never used you. If only you had given me a chance to explain.// But now that his cover had been blown, he'd never get another chance to explain himself to Bobby. He'd move to another city in a few hours and he'd never see Bobby again. His heart ached.

 

He gently took hold of the flowers that he'd stacked away in his backpack and placed them on the bed next to Bobby. "I love you," he whispered sincerely and managed to control the urge to lean in and kiss Bobby. //It's over,// he reminded himself and returned to the window. In a few minutes he'd sit in his car, leaving Bobby behind forever.

 

"I wish things had been different, Bobby." Nicholas forced himself to turn away from the sleeper and headed for the window. Making no sound at all, he climbed down the wall and disappeared from sight.

 

///

 

Bobby groaned as he woke the next morning. He felt depressed and had absolutely no desire to leave his warm bed. //The first thing I used to do was to call Nicholas... So why get up?// Lazily, he stretched his body and hated the fact that warm sunbeams had found a way into his room. He could have sworn that he'd closed the curtains before going to bed.

 

Turning onto his other side, he cursed loudly as something sharp stabbed him in his side. "What?" Bobby threw off the sheet and stared at the three roses that lay beside him. Next to the roses was a closed envelope. "Nicholas," he whispered, realizing the thief and spy had broken into his room last night. "We need to upgrade our security system," he mumbled absentmindedly.

 

Attached to the stems of the three red roses was a note. Bobby picked up the flowers and turned the note around so he could read the words.

 

One red rose for every time that we made love.

 

Bobby's eyes began to water. "Damn you, Nicholas. Why are you doing this to me?" Bobby's heart felt heavy with pain and regret. His hand trembled as he opened the letter. Only now, he realized that he was clutching the red roses to his chest. Bobby's eyes scanned the content of the letter.

 

Bobby,

 

I didn't want to leave Westchester without explaining my actions to you. If you throw away this letter, so be it, but I can't leave like this.

 

I do love you, Bobby. I never planned on falling in love with you, but for me it was love at first sight. I'd never have made the first move, but when you came to the grocery store, which I was using as a cover, I couldn't help myself and agreed to meet you for coffee. Things got worse for me from that moment on. I was falling head over heals in love with you, but I knew that we couldn't be together. You're an X-Man and I realized that once you found out that I was here to gather information on Rogue, you'd kick me out.

 

Yes, I spied on the X-Men, but I never used you to acquire information. As you might have noticed by now I'm quite capable of sneaking inside to gather my information without anyone knowing about it. I never used you, Bobby. Never!

 

You'll probably wonder why Jean-Luc sent me to spy for him. He needed someone whom Remy wouldn't recognize. Remy and I never met and Jean-Luc thought I was the perfect man for the job. Yes, I'm a trained thief and I know how to misguide people, but I always tried to be honest with you.

 

I hope that you can someday forgive me for misleading you. It was never my intention. I suddenly found myself between a rock and a hard place. I didn't want to let Jean-Luc LeBeau down, but I didn't want to lose you either.

 

I'll leave Westchester and won't bother you again. I wish I hadn't hurt you like this.

 

Nicholas D'Arcy-LeBeau

 

The letter dropped from his fingers and dumbfounded he stared at Nicholas' last name. D'Arcy-LeBeau? Why had Nicholas signed the letter with LeBeau?

 

Absentmindedly, he clutched the roses harder and one thorn slipped beneath his skin. Bobby brought his finger to his lips and suckled it, trying to stop the bleeding.

 

Nicholas' letter sounded sincere, but the sense of betrayal was still there. Why did he feel like he still didn't have all the answers? There was only way to make sure, he'd have to confront Nicholas. But what if Nicholas had already left Westchester?

 

"I shouldn't have walked away. Damn, Scott was right. We should have talked this through!" He didn't even know who Nicholas truly was. Had he fallen in love with the real Nicholas? "I need to know!" he realized and jumped out of bed. Within minutes he was dressed. When he left the mansion, he still carried the roses in his right hand.

 

///

 

Richmond International Airport

 

"Did I ever tell ya that I hate flyin'? Never got enough leg space. Gimme the Black Bird anytime." Jean-Luc had arranged seats for them on the next commercial flight to Florida.

 

Amused, Jean-Luc watched him. He could tell that Logan was trying to distract him. He was still greatly worried about Remy. Something didn't feel right.

 

"Ya'll be with Remy in a few hours, Cajun," Logan reminded Jean-Luc. Hopefully, his lover would grow less restless by then. "Honeymoon Island," he growled softly. "Why doesn't it surprise me that Warren would buy a place with that name?"

 

"Cher? Stop complaining. It isn't working." Jean-Luc stared at the plane, which was almost ready. "Let's board." He led the way and handed the ground stewardess their tickets.

 

Logan followed reluctantly. "I can't believe ya don't own a private jet."

 

"I do."

 

"Then why ain't we usin' it?" Logan sighed, exasperated.

 

"I don't want anyone to know dat we're heading for Florida. Dat's why we're flying under aliases."

 

"Gettin' paranoid, Cajun?" Concerned, Logan studied Jean-Luc, but he refrained from making any more comments. Jean-Luc looked seriously worried and he decided to support his lover whatever way possible. "Let's get movin' then."

 

///

 

Honeymoon Island

 

"Vincent? We need to talk." Warren signaled Vincent to follow him into the library. He caught Remy's slightly panicked expression, as his lover realized he'd stay behind alone with Jayce. "We'll be back in a moment, Rem."

 

Remy nodded his head and watched them leave. Sitting on the sofa, Remy closely observed Jayce, who was busy surfing the net. "Any interestin' sites?" Remy asked, trying to engage Jayce in some conversation. Thankfully, the boy's feelings of hatred had diminished. They were still there, but not that strong any longer.

 

"Not really," Jayce replied, thoughtfully.

 

"Are y' interested in art?" Remy felt at a loss. Jayce wasn't really cooperative.

 

"Art? No." Jayce exited the program and switched off the computer. He turned to face Remy. He'd had some time to think things over and was getting worried that he'd misjudged Remy completely. Oh, man. If that was true he'd made a complete ass of himself. "How long have you and Warren been together?"

 

Jayce's question surprised Remy. "A few mont's."

 

"How did you meet?" Jayce walked over to the couch and sat at the other end, maintaining distance between them. He noticed how tired Remy looked and wondered why dark circles were starting to show beneath his gold on black eyes.

 

"We... were bot' X-Men..." Remy had chosen for the past tense because they were no longer officially on the team.

 

Jayce considered the answer. "But you weren't lovers all the time?"

 

Remy sighed. Why was Jayce suddenly asking these questions? And why did the boy use the word lovers instead of faggots now? Was he really getting through to Jason? Mon Dieu, he fervently hoped so! Remy remembered Jayce's question and replied, "Non, we weren' lovers. Y'r uncle hated my guts when I was still an X-Man."

 

"Hated you?" Growing interested, Jayce moved closer to Remy. "Why?"

 

"I'm a trained t'ief, petit and he didn' t'ink much of dat."

 

"A thief?" Jayce wondered how many more revelations would follow.

 

"Oui, a t'ief."

 

"What about the accent? Where are you from?"

 

"N'Awlings... New Orleans," Remy explained quickly. "Grew up dere."

 

"With the family that adopted you?" 

 

"Oui, lived dere wit' tante and Jean-Luc."

 

"Where you already an empath back then?" The empath thing puzzled Jayce.

 

"Oui," Remy whispered, feeling uncomfortable. //I ain't gonna t'ink of de Antiquary. He's gone.//

 

Jayce registered the sudden discomfort on Remy's face. "Sorry, didn't want to pry. You're entitled to your privacy."

 

"Merci." Remy reached out and petted Wolvie's head, who had unceremoniously draped himself over Remy's lap after the Cajun had settled down on the sofa.

 

"Can you feel his emotions too?" Intrigued, Jayce's eyes followed the graceful movement of Remy's hand.

 

"Oui, de're wonderful."

 

"I bet it feels better than sensing mine." Jayce felt guiltier with every passing moment. "I'm sorry I called you that name." 

 

"Merci, petit. Means a lot to me." Remy wasn't sure what was going on, but Jayce's hostility seemed to be diminishing. Hopefully, it would stay that way.

 

///

 

In the library Warren and Vincent exchanged concerned looks. "We'll talk about the boy in a moment," Warren started, "but first... did you manage to make the name change official? Am I Warren LeBeau now?"

 

Vincent opened his suitcase and handed Warren a stack of papers. "You will be after you signed these."

 

Warren sat down and quickly scanned the documents. Resolved, he signed them.

 

"That one gives Remy power of attorney," Vincent pointed out when Warren reached the last document.

 

Warren smiled as he signed it and handed the papers back to Vincent. "I'll tell Remy tonight."

 

Pleased, Vincent put the documents back into his suitcase. "What about Jason? Are you sure you want to invest that much time and energy in him? He doesn't listen and he's really stubborn."

 

"I think Remy's making progress with him," Warren replied, as he leaned back into the comfort of his chair. "I don't know a thing about the boy. Can you gather some information on him? He told me he witnessed an attempted rape at Saint Andrew's."

 

"So that's why he's so angry with Remy and you?" Vincent took out his notebook and wrote down the school's name. He'd follow up on it.

 

"Yes," Warren sighed the word and then looked thoughtfully at Vincent. "In time I'll arrange for a private tutor. Let's give Jayce some time to recuperate first."

 

"Yes, Jayce witnessed Sam's death. That shook him up pretty bad."

 

"I wondered about that," Warren mumbled and sought out Vincent's eyes. "Do you know what caused the accident?"

 

"I asked Jayce before we attended the funeral."

 

"And?"

 

Vincent closed his eyes, trying to remember Jayce's exact words. "They were on their way to a farm, which Sam wanted to buy. Sam was ready to settle down and wanted to spend more time with Jayce. Jayce told me that the sun had just set when a bright light blinded them. At first, they thought it was a car and expected to collide with the other vehicle, but they never did. The light grew stronger and Sam lost control over the car. It was suddenly catapulted over the road and they ended up upside down when a tree stopped them."

 

"Go on," Warren said, intrigued. 

 

"They had both buckled their seatbelts and Sam was trapped. Jayce tried to unbuckle his father, but couldn't reach him. Sam didn't die on impact. He struggled for breath for a few minutes. Several ribs had punctured his lungs, causing internal bleeding."

 

"How did Jayce get out?" Warren wondered what emotional damage witnessing this scene had done to Jayce.

 

"A car that passed them by stopped and turned around. The woman called 911 and she managed to get Jayce out of the car. But Sam was already dead at that point." Vincent clasped his hands in his lap. "I only managed to get Jayce to talk about the accident once. He doesn't know how to deal with it."

 

"Can you blame him? He saw his dad die." Warren got to his feet and paced slowly. "He'll stay here. If anyone can help him, it's Remy."

 

"I didn't know that he was an empath." Warren had only told him that Remy could charge lifeless objects with kinetic energy.

 

"He doesn't like people to know everything about him." Warren suddenly had the craving to hug his lover tightly. "That's all for now, Vincent. When will you leave?"

 

"I've got a boat standing by to take me to the mainland." Vincent rose from his chair and shook Warren's hand. "I'll try to find out more about Jayce."

 

Warren nodded his head once and opened the door. Vincent left quickly and Warren returned to the living room, wondering if Jayce was still behaving himself.

 

Part 10

 

Westchester

 

Feeling nervous, Bobby tried to locate Nicholas in the massive crowd. He'd gone to Nicholas' apartment first, but had only found empty rooms. The furniture had either been removed or covered up by sheets. Next, he'd imagined what he would do if he were in Nicholas' shoes. The letter had mentioned that Nicholas was leaving Westchester, so Bobby had driven to the nearest airport, hoping to find him there.

 

During the ride, he'd had time to think things over. He'd read the letter again and the roses were on the back seat of the car. Maybe he'd overreacted. Nicholas deserved a chance to explain everything. Yes, he knew bits and pieces now, but could he let Nicholas leave like that? No!

 

"Nicholas!" Bobby called the name loudly, as he located the young man, who'd just handed the stewardess his boarding pass. "Don't go on board yet!" Nicholas didn't react and Bobby suspected that the other man hadn't heard him. Bobby fought himself a way through the crowd and grabbed Nicholas' jacket before the other man could disappear. "We need to talk, Nicholas."

 

"Bobby?" Stunned, Nicholas stared into his former lover's eyes. "What are you doing here? My flight's about to leave."

 

"You can catch the next flight, if you still want to leave after we talked," Bobby said resolved and pulled Nicholas away from the exit. "I found your letter... and the roses."

 

"I wanted to say good-bye," Nicholas whispered, taken aback. What was Bobby doing here? He'd never expected the X-Man to come after him. Why had Bobby decided to track him down?

 

"I should have given you that chance," Bobby replied, regretfully. "Can we talk now?"

 

Nicholas watched, as the plane he was supposed to be on, started to taxi. "I suppose so. I missed my flight anyway."

 

Bobby's heart missed a beat, seeing the expression in Nicholas' eyes. It was apparent that the other man expected this to be an unpleasant conversation. "Come on, let's find a place to sit down. I'd kill for some coffee." He'd left the mansion without eating breakfast. Bobby's stomach growled demonstratively.

 

Nicholas followed Bobby and they picked a table at the back of the restaurant. Bobby ordered coffee and some sandwiches, and Nicholas stuck to tea.

 

"What do you want to talk about?" Nicholas asked softly.

 

"Why didn't you tell me?" Bobby maintained eye contact the entire time.

 

"I couldn't. Jean-Luc didn't want anyone to know I was out there." Nicholas nodded thankfully as the waitress brought their order. He sipped carefully from the hot tea.

 

"Which reminds me..." Bobby uncovered the letter. "Why did you sign it D'Arcy-*LeBeau*?" Bobby suddenly realized how stupid it'd been to walk out on Nicholas. Those answers had to come out into the open, if they wanted to move on and settle this. He still loved Nicholas and wanted to give their relationship a second chance. He refused to let Nicholas walk out of his life like this.

 

"Jean-Luc's my father."

 

Bobby caught the defiant expression in Nicholas' eyes. "Your father?" Remy had never mentioned having a... what? Half-brother? Foster-brother? Jean-Luc wasn't Remy's biological father and that made things even more complicated. Then another question surfaced. "Does Remy know?"

 

Nicholas shook his head. "He doesn't." Thoughtfully, he stared at his tea. "Do you really want to hear this now?"

 

"Yes, tell me."

 

"Why?" Nicholas locked eyes with Bobby. "You made up your mind yesterday. Why should I tell you?"

 

"I shouldn't have judged you that quickly," Bobby admitted. "But I felt hurt."

 

Nicolas understood, but wondered why Bobby was here in the first place. "Why did you come after me? You told me in very clear words that our relationship was over."

 

Bobby swallowed hard. He'd made one hell of a mistake. "I came after you because I love you."

 

Nicholas' eyes grew big, hearing that admission. "Even after I *betrayed* you?" At least, that was how Bobby saw it.

 

"Did you betray me?" Cautiously, Bobby sought out Nicholas' hand beneath the table. Once he'd found the precious limb, he felt how tremors coursed through it. Nicholas was nervous too. "I've been thinking about that."

 

Nicholas waited patiently. The next move was Bobby's. "I never used you to get the information I was after."

 

"You broke into the mansion before?" That still puzzled Bobby. "How? The mansion is extremely well secured."

 

Nicholas shrugged his shoulders. "I had excellent teachers, the best."

 

"Will you tell me your story?" Bobby asked after he'd sipped from his coffee.

 

"Everything?"

 

"Yeah, everything," Bobby confirmed as he took a bite from his sandwich. "If you want this relationship to work, you've got to come clean. I feel like I'm in love with someone I don't know."

 

Nicholas licked his lips. Had Bobby just hinted at the fact that they might still have a future together? "Do you think we can... stay together? I would want that very much. I love you, Bobby." Bobby blushed and Nicholas' heart leaped in his chest. The answer was obviously yes.

 

"Just tell me," Bobby mumbled, shyly.

 

"After Jean-Luc's wife Louise died, he met my mother, Marie. They started to see each other, but Jean-Luc felt like betraying Louise. They never got really close emotionally and one day my mother discovered that she was pregnant. She never told Jean-Luc and left. She felt like he didn't really love her because he kept holding back. We left for Europe and she settled down in Paris."

 

Bobby gently squeezed Nicholas' hand to encourage him to continue.

 

"When I was 12 she told me who my father really was. I already knew his name, but didn't know that he was the patriarch of the New Orleans' Thieves Guild. She gave me the chance to meet my father. When Jean-Luc and I first met, I couldn't stop crying. He told me that he'd only known of my existence for the last 2 years. My mother had kept my birth secret and Jean-Luc desperately wanted to get to know me."

 

"So what happened?" Bobby had already forgiven Nicholas in his heart and he suspected Nicholas knew that as well.

 

"We agreed that I would spend 3 months with my father each year. I traveled to New Orleans, but Jean-Luc made sure that no one knew that I was his son."

 

"And he never introduced you to Remy? You must be about the same age."

 

"I never met Remy. There was always a power struggle going on in the Thieves Guild and Jean-Luc wanted to keep me safe." Nicholas smiled. "I always wanted to meet Remy so when Jean-Luc suggested I'd go to Westchester, I gladly accepted. I hoped to finally meet my brother, which I did."

 

Yes, Bobby had introduced Nicholas to Warren and Remy. "And you never told him?"

 

"I couldn't. It was obvious that Remy was having a rough time and I didn't want to spring this on him." Nicholas only now realized that he was rubbing Bobby's knuckles. "I wanted to keep Remy safe, that's why I accepted this assignment."

 

"How did you become a thief? And are you really a history student?" Bobby wanted to get to know the real Nicholas.

 

"My mother died when I was 16. She had cancer. Jean-Luc found me a foster family. I wanted to be a thief because I hoped it'd make my father proud." Nicholas paused briefly. "I was working on my master's degree in History when Jean-Luc sent me here and I decided to take some classes at the University."

 

"You live in New Orleans then?"

 

"No, I live in Paris. Jean-Luc asked me to be his contact there and I accepted. I was studying at the Sorbonne." Nicholas felt encouraged. Even after his confession, Bobby was still holding his hand. "Anything else you want to know?"

 

Bobby carefully considered his answer. "Nicholas, would you stay here? I want things to work out between us. I can't let you go. I love you too much to lose you."

 

Surprised, Nicholas forced back the tears that threatened to leave his eyes. "Do you really want me to stay?"

 

"Now that the secrets are gone, yes. Give us another chance?" Bobby remembered the three roses, which he'd found in his bed. "Why the roses?"

 

"I wanted you to know that I care." Nicholas averted his eyes. "Making love with you is beyond words."

 

Bobby placed the money that they owed the waitress on the table and pulled Nicholas to his feet. "Let's get going."

 

"Where are we going?" Dazed, Nicholas allowed Bobby to pull him towards the exit.

 

"Some place private," Bobby stated firmly. "We still need to do a lot of talking."

 

"Bobby." Nicholas stopped him. "Are we still together?"

 

"Yes," Bobby replied at once. "We are."

 

///

 

Honeymoon Island

 

"Rem?" Warren watched as his lover disappeared into the bathroom. "Are you going to take a shower?"

 

"Oui," Remy replied and caught Warren's glance. "Wanna join me?"

 

"What about using the jacuzzi?" Warren walked over to Remy, who was already taking off his clothes. Lines of worry were etched onto Remy's brow and Warren wanted to help his lover relax.

 

"Bien," Remy said listlessly and turned the water on so the jacuzzi would fill up quickly.

 

Remy's apparent lethargy worried Warren. "Hey, what's the matter?"

 

Remy slid into the warm water and pulled up his knees so he could rest his chin on them. "Feelin' melancholy, cher."

 

Warren didn't waste any time, stripped and joined his lover in the water. "Can I hold you?" He'd learned to be careful when Remy was in this kind of mood.

 

"I'd like dat," Remy replied after thinking it over. He moved closer to Warren, who opened his arms to capture him in them. Remy nudged Warren's legs apart and sat between them. Content, he rested his back against Warren's chest. "Bien."

 

"What's bothering you?" Warren asked softly as he single-handedly massaged his lover's shoulders. His other hand was holding Remy's. "You've been gloomy since this morning. Is it because of the nightmare?"

 

Remy closed his eyes and bit his lip. He'd known Warren would want to address this. "I'm gettin' so tired of havin' de same old dream all de time."

 

"About the Antiquary?" Warren caressed Remy's fingers and pressed a gently kiss on the back of his lover's neck.

 

"Oui," Remy admitted at once. "When will de dreams stop? I should have dealt wit' it by now. It happened many years ago and he's still dere in my dreams."

 

Warren heard the edge of panic in Remy's voice and wrapped his arms and legs tighter around his lover. "Rem, this will affect you forever. I doubt it'll ever go away completely. The emotional scars run too deep. You've got to accept that it's part of who you are."

 

Remy's eyes opened slowly. "For de rest of my life?"

 

"Yes, but you also know that we can heal those emotional injuries. You just need time. You've got the tendency to push yourself when you're not ready to take the next step." Warren had told Remy this before.

 

Remy turned in the embrace and wrapped his long legs around Warren's waist. They now faced each other and the warm water reached onto their armpits. "I want to make love wit' y', cher."

 

Cautiously, Warren tried to gauge Remy's intentions. "Why now?"

 

"Because I need to feel y'." Remy took the initiative and kissed Warren hard. "Mais I ain' sure I can go all de way, cher."

 

"What do you want to do?" Warren welcomed the hand that wrapped itself around his awakening cock. Semi-hard already, his shaft was definitely interested in Remy's ministrations.

 

"Like dis?" Remy's voice trembled a little, but he sighed relieved as Warren's fingers curled around his erection. He only hoped that limiting their activity to handjobs wouldn't disappoint Warren.

 

Warren smiled and arched his back as Remy's strokes grew harder. "Whatever you want, you'll get, love." He realized that Remy was setting boundaries and was saying no because he wasn't in the mood to make love. Warren respected his lover for that. It was one thing he'd always hoped Remy would understand; his right to say no.

 

Warren matched his strokes with Remy's and it didn't take them long to reach climax. Warren came first. He moaned as Remy continued to milk him dry. "I love you, Rem."

 

Remy blushed. Suddenly Warren rolled Remy's left nipple between his fingertips and that unexpected stimulation pushed Remy towards orgasm too. He came in Warren's hand and he thrust wildly, as he reached completion. "Oh, cher..." The intensity of the feelings between them would always baffle Remy. Warren constantly radiated love and affection, but when they were this intimate those feelings intensified to a level he'd thought impossible.

 

"The glow's back," Warren mumbled, pleased. It was very faint, but the golden glow surrounded their bodies, binding them together. "How do you do that?"

 

"I don' know, cher," Remy admitted and caressed Warren's face.

 

"Wow," Warren groaned, as a wave of delight coursed through him. "Touch me again?"

 

Remy obeyed and stroked Warren's shoulders with his tingling fingertips.

 

Warren quivered and his cock saluted again.

 

"Cher? What's happenin'?"

 

"I feel like I'm about to come again," Warren moaned, not fighting the ecstatic feeling that pooled in his groin.

 

Warren's reaction puzzled Remy and he opened his shields completely to feel what Warren was experiencing. He yelped softly as a tidal wave of lust and love washed over him.

 

"Rem, touch me again?" Warren couldn't stop himself from making that request. He'd never felt this raw need before. "I wish you could take me," he added softly. "But I understand."

 

Overwhelmed by Warren's reaction to his touch, Remy struggled to phrase a reply. "We don' have lube, cher."

 

"Can you feel it too? Do you, Rem?" Warren bucked against Remy, seemingly begging his lover to help him find release. "I never felt this... complete before." It was like Remy's feelings were mingling with his, until they became one mind.

 

Remy felt the need too and rational thinking deserted him. All he knew was that he needed to get closer to Warren, to touch him, caress every part of his body, and possess him completely. He'd never felt Warren's crushing need this clearly and it urged him on, leaving only the desire to please his lover. He wasn't thinking logically when he pulled Warren out of the water and placed him on the floor.

 

"Oh yes, please, now..." Warren spread his wings until they rested comfortably on the tiles. He pulled up his legs, hooked his arms around his knees and presented himself shamelessly. "Rem, inside, now!"

 

Warren's frenzied need became his and Remy poured some bath oil over his erect cock. "Soon, cher... soon," he soothed his lover. A small voice in the back of his head told him that he should prepare Warren first, but when his lover's eyes locked with his, Remy acted instinctively. "Cher, je t'aime."

 

Warren quavered as Remy's cock pushed passed the ring of tight muscle. As soon as his lover was inside, Warren released his legs and threw them over Remy's shoulders. With his hands he managed to grab his lover's ass and pulled Remy deeper inside. "Yeah, inside me... all of you. Mine..."

 

Both men's thoughts had stopped being rational some time ago and only animalistic grunts left their throats as they settled into a wild rhythm.

 

"More, harder... deeper!" Warren no longer recognized his own voice. He let go of his lover's buttocks, satisfied that Remy filled him completely and stroked himself hard, eager to reach orgasm again. Remy leaned over him, both his hands rested on the floor to support him. It was one of the most beautiful sights Warren had ever seen.

 

"Cher, touch me... dere..." Sharing Warren's feelings, Remy experienced the pleasure that his lover felt. Part of that pleasure was due to being penetrated.

 

Warren reacted at once. "Suck it," and he offered his lover his index finger.

 

Remy bathed the fingertip in saliva and guided his lover's hand, as it crawled down his lower back. "Oui, cher," he moaned and stopped thrusting.

 

Warren used the momentary rest to his advantage and inserted his digit into Remy's body. "Hot, tight," he moaned, as he began a thrusting motion himself.

 

"Cher, we're gonna come," Remy announced. He wanted to push back so he could take Warren's finger deeper, but at the same time his lover urged him to thrust again.

 

Both men released a whimper as they reached orgasm. "Cher," Remy buried himself inside Warren's passage and tensed as his lover's finger stroked his prostate. Their orgasm was ripped from them and they released their come in short spurts.

 

Feeling Remy reach completion like this, Warren roughly sought out his lover's lips and bruised them in one brutal kiss.

 

They clung to each other for long moments afterwards. Warren removed his finger from Remy's body and shivered.

 

Remy's sated sex slipped out of Warren and he collapsed on top of his lover. Unable to move, Remy lay there panting. A film of sweat covered their bodies and Remy managed to catch Warren's eyes. "Cher?"

 

"Rem," Warren mumbled. "Best loving I ever had!" he whispered enthusiastically.

 

"Same for me, mais..." Remy tried to roll off his lover, but his body refused to move.

 

Warren saw the exhaustion in Remy's eyes and gently rolled them onto their sides. Facing each other, they tried to regulate their breathing. "Look, the glow!" It had never been this strong before.

 

"What did we do?" Remy asked in a shaky tone.

 

"You let go, Rem. It was the first time you really let go." Warren expected to see guilt and shame in Remy's gold on black eyes, but they were only draped with satiation. Remy seemed speechless, so Warren continued. "It felt like you *really* took me this time. You didn't constantly ask me if I was fine, or if you were hurting me. You took what you wanted, what *we* wanted. Oh Rem, it was amazing. I can still feel the tremors rocking my body."

 

"Y' wanted me to take y' dat way," Remy said softly. "I... saw what y' wanted."

 

"You *saw*?"

 

"Wrong choice of words," Remy said quickly. "Felt like y' guided my actions." Remy gently caressed his lover's face. "Dis feels right."

 

"Feels fucking amazing," Warren agreed and blushed. Oh God, how he loved that little aggressive streak Remy had just displayed. "You're healing, Remy. This was the first time you let go of your fears and memories. We just have to be patient."

 

"Oui, I wasn' 'fraid."

 

Warren's fingers tangled in Remy's locks. "I don't want this... *enchantment* to end." The air was filled with the scent of honey and sugar and he even detected a hint of roses beneath them. It felt so good to see Remy's eyes free of fear. //And he isn't hovering over me to make sure he didn't hurt me when we made love. Oh, I already feel sore, but it was worth it!//

 

"Wanna go back into de water, cher?" Remy's hand wandered down Warren's chest and briefly caressed his lover's sated organ.

 

"Yes," Warren panted, surprised by the touch. //Remy said that my urges, my need had guided him when we made love. Isn't that amazing? I wonder if I can do that again the next time we have sex.// Warren allowed Remy to help him slide into the jacuzzi. Then he remembered the one thing that would have stunned him, if he'd been thinking straight. Remy had asked him to enter him too. Only with one finger, yes, but Remy had wanted it.

 

"I'm tired, ange," Remy mumbled as he pulled Warren close. Gently, Remy forced Warren's head against his shoulder so his lover could rest. Beneath the warm water, Remy's hands continued to caress Warren's body. They stroked the soft flesh of the insides of his lover's thighs, played with the pubic hair and slid up and down Warren's stomach.

 

The sensuality in those caresses surprised Warren. He'd never seen this quality before. Something had happened when that glow had urged them to make love. Something very profound, but Warren couldn't figure it out. Deeply content, Warren rested in Remy's arms.

 

///

 

Richmond to Florida

 

"How much longer?" Logan complained. He tried to stretch his legs, but there wasn't enough room. "Ya could have bought first class tickets."

 

Jean-Luc gave him a sharp look. "Something's wrong."

 

"Whadda ya mean?"

 

"One of de engines sounds... off," Jean-Luc tried to peek at the engines through the small window. "Don't you hear it?"

 

"Was dozin'," Logan admitted, but focused his hearing on the four engines. "Yeah, yer right." Alarmed, he exchanged a look with Jean-Luc. "Do ya think the pilot noticed?" He'd barely asked the question when a soft chirp sounded.

 

"This is your captain speaking. Due to minor technical problems we're forced to land on a nearby airport. I apologize for the inconvenience, but our first priority is your safety." The chirp sounded again and the 150 passengers stirred. The stewardesses tried to calm everyone down, but a hint of panic remained.

 

"Dis isn't a coincidence. Someone sabotaged dat engine."

 

Jean-Luc's statement startled Logan. "Why? Why would anyone do that?"

 

"Dis is about us, mon ami." Jean-Luc nodded his head. "Someone's trying to keep us from reaching Remy."

 

"How can ya be sure about that?" Logan's mind raced, trying to find a logical solution for their predicament. "Maybe the plane was already malfunctionin' when it took off?"

 

"We would have heard," Jean-Luc corrected him. "De noise started only minutes ago."

 

"Ya really think that someone's tryin' to stop us? Who?"

 

"I don't know, cher, but I've got de feeling we'll find out soon."

 

///

 

Honeymoon Island

 

Remy and Warren were about to go to sleep when loud banging on their door alarmed them.

 

"Mister Worthington, we've got an emergency!"

 

Warren raced over to the door after quickly donning some clothes and opened it. He recognized the man in front of him. Jim was in charge of the stables and the horses. From the corner of his eye, Warren registered that Remy had put on some sweat pants and was now joining them.

 

"We just heard that a fire's eating its way over to the ranch. It's burning everything that blocks its path," Jim informed his boss. "It'll reach the ranch in less than an hour."

 

"Damn!" Warren cursed. "Why didn't you inform me sooner?"

 

"We didn't know." Jim looked embarrassed. "I've never seen a fire spread that quickly."

 

"Rem, stay here." Warren smothered his lover's protest by saying, "They'll probably start bringing in injured people and I need someone in charge here. If we can't stop the fire, you've got to evacuate everyone." Warren quickly collected his boots and coat and slid into them. "I need you here, Rem."

 

Remy stopped himself from protesting. Warren was probably right, but he wished he could stay at his lover's side. "I'll take care of de people."

 

"Thanks," Warren whispered and quickly pressed a kiss on his lover's lips. "You know what to do, Rem. Don't doubt yourself, you hear me? We'll stay in radio contact. Okay?"


 

Remy watched as Warren dashed into the corridor. He realized that the threat was serious. From all over the house he was picking up on people's fear and panic. Remy quickly grabbed a pair of jeans, and a heavy sweater and changed into them.

 

He'd have to check up on people and start planning a possible evacuation.

 

"Remy? What's going on?"

 

Remy looked up and found Jayce standing in the doorway. The boy was still wearing his pajamas and was obviously half asleep. Suddenly, he realized that Jayce had said his name without any loathing in it. In spite of their dire situation, Remy smiled. "Get dressed properly, petit. A fire's headin' our way. We might have to leave in a hurry."

 

Jayce tried to understand what Remy had told him. "A fire?"

 

"Oui, it's comin' dis way. We have to take care of de personnel. See if dere are any old people dat require help? Get movin', petit."

 

Jayce blinked his eyes. "You want me to help?" There had been a fire once at the school and they'd dismissed him when he'd offered to help.

 

"Oui, petit, now move!" Amused, Remy watched as Jayce started to run. Jayce was a good kid, but awfully confused. "Now what?" he wondered. He had to assemble the people that had stayed behind after Warren had taken the rest to fight the fire.

 

///

 

Jayce halted dead in his tracks when he reached his room. He quickly went inside, slammed the door and leaned heavily against it. Suddenly, it struck him how badly he'd misjudged Remy. //I had it all wrong. Oh my God, the things I said! I can't face him again, not now, not now I know that the cares!// Jayce paced his room and then threw his backpack on the bed. Frantically, he stuffed it with clothes.

 

//I can't stay here! Not after the things I've said. I called him a faggot, and... Shit, why did I do that? I acted like a prejudiced jerk. Warren and Remy can't want me around after the way I behaved and I won't get a better chance to leave unnoticed. I still got my credit cards. I can head for the next big city and... arrange for my transport back to Saint Andrew's.//

 

Jayce quickly dressed and grabbed his backpack. No one would pay him any attention. //It's a good thing that Wolvie stayed with Remy, or he might have stopped me. That wolf is way too intelligent!//

 

Sneaking through the corridor, Jayce observed Remy take charge. The Cajun seemed driven and Remy's concern for the injured workers showed in his voice and gentle touches. //How could I make such a mistake in judgement? Why didn't I see the real Remy? I always prided myself on being there for the younger pupils and now that I really needed my wits, they let me down.//

 

Jayce turned around, left the house and continued to walk. He didn't look back.

 

///

 

Part 11

 

Westchester

 

"Scott?" Cheerfully, Bobby walked into the living room. Nicholas was at his side and they both looked radiant.

 

"Bobby, Nicholas," Scott greeted them. He was in the middle of eating breakfast when the two men arrived. They were alone in the living room and Scott remarked, "Did you talk things through?"

 

Bobby had told Nicholas that Scott knew of his doubts and that it was because of Slim that he'd decided to seek out his lover. "Yeah, we did and Nicholas wants to tell you something."

 

Now that his father was out of reach, Nicholas had made some personal decisions. "My father sent me here to watch over Remy. Jean-Luc didn't want to take the risk that Rogue turned you against Remy."

 

Surprised, Scott raised an eyebrow. Had he heard correctly? "Jean-Luc LeBeau is your father?"

 

"Yes, but Remy has never met me. He doesn't know." Nicholas leaned into the embrace, as Bobby folded one arm around his shoulders. "I can't reach Jean-Luc any longer and we decided you should know. However, I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell the others."

 

Scott nodded his head once. "I understand your concern. I won't tell the rest." Scott took a moment to study both men. "Are you going to stay now, Nicholas?"

 

"Yes." Nicholas lovingly looked at Bobby. "We'll try to repair the damage. I really love Bobby."

 

"Good," Scott stated, pleased. He was about to add something when Joseph walked into the room. Scott could tell from the look on Joseph's face that something unexpected had happened.

 

"We just received a message from Corsair," Joseph informed them.

 

Scott shifted nervously on his chair. "What message?" He'd been trying to reach his father since he'd found out that Remy was his younger brother. Had Corsair finally received his message or was this just coincidence?

 

"He'll arrive in 20 hours." Joseph grinned as he caught a glance of Bobby and Nicholas. The two men were obviously in love.

 

"Thanks for telling me," Scott mumbled, nervously. Corsair would be here in 20 hours and then he had to tell his father that the baby, whom Corsair presumed dead, had survived after all. Fighting down a light panic, Scott watched Joseph leave. //How to break the news to Corsair? Tell him that Sinister arranged for the baby's abduction? That his son is still alive? You never met him, dad, but Gambit's been with the X-men for some time. How do I tell him that the team left Remy to die in Antarctica?//

 

"Scott?" Bobby released Nicholas and walked over to Scott, who had a distant expression in his eyes. "Corsair coming here is a good thing. You'll tell him about Remy, won't you? Remy has every right to meet his biological father."

 

Nicholas registered the information. He knew that Jean-Luc had adopted Remy, but it was new to him that they'd found out who his biological father was.

 

"I don't know how to tell Corsair," Scott admitted eventually.

 

"You'll find a way." Confident in his friend's abilities, Bobby squeezed Scott's shoulder.

 

///

 

Richmond to Florida

 

"We're going to attempt a controlled landing," the pilot announced and panic broke loose.

 

"We're gonna crash!" Logan corrected the pilot in a sarcastic tone. He considered their options. "There must be somethin' we can do!"

 

Jean-Luc sat quietly and shook his head. "You can't stop de plane from crashing."

 

"We should have taken the Black Bird," Logan cursed as the plane suddenly lost height.

 

"You'd better hold on, cher." Jean-Luc stared at the hysterical passengers that were either screaming or praying.

 

"Ya don't seem too concerned," Logan pointed out to him. The plane dove forward and continued to fall.

 

"We can't stop de plane from crashing," Jean-Luc stated rather calmly. Logan stared at him like he'd lost his mind. "After de crash we'll help de survivors to de best of our abilities. Dis is out of our hands."

 

"Who do ya think is behind this?"

 

Jean-Luc remained silent, lost in thought.

 

All conversation stopped as the plane made contact with the Earth.

 

///

 

"Mon Dieu," Jean-Luc gasped. Almost 20 people had died in the crash. Others were badly injured. "How are you doing, cher?"

 

"Healin' power's kickin' in," Logan mumbled as his spine recovered from the impact. "I'll be fine." Logan stared at the dying flames around them. "We need to help them." One look at Jean-Luc told Logan that the man would be fine. Jean-Luc had only sustained a broken wrist and the elixir of eternal life would keep the Cajun going. Logan ripped off a piece of cloth from his coat and bandaged his lover's broken wrist. "Let's move. Some of those people are in a bad shape."

 

Jean-Luc nodded his head. "We need a first-aid kit, cher."

 

"Why don't ya get things organized? Separate the critically injured from the people with minor injuries." Logan stalked through the remains of the plane and cringed as the stench of burned flesh attacked his nostrils. He hoped that Jean-Luc was wrong and that no one had arranged this plane crash.

 

15 minutes later, he returned to Jean-Luc with the first-aid kit that he'd found. "The pilots are dead," he told his lover, who was trying to stop a young man's bleeding. A steel rod had eaten itself a way through the man's shoulder. Applying more pressure, Jean-Luc told Logan to help him. They worked silently for a few minutes and then moved on to the next critically injured passenger.

 

"Dere are too many," Jean-Luc whispered, saddened. "We can't help dem all."

 

Luckily, some of the survivors followed their example and tried to help their fellow passengers.

 

While Logan concentrated on applying first-aid, Jean-Luc and the other survivors began constructing a camp at some distance from the plane. Then he realized that he had to take care of the deceased passengers. The hot sun already attacked their remains and the stench would quickly become unbearable.

 

"We'll bury them," Logan said, finishing Jean-Luc's thoughts.

 

Jean-Luc stared hard at the remains of a young girl. She couldn't be older than 14. "Someone sabotaged de plane, Logan."

 

Logan noticed the sharp tone in his lover's voice. Jean-Luc was mad as hell. "Any idea who?"

 

"Non, but we'll find out."

 

"Why don't ya look after the passengers? I'll take care of the corpses," Logan offered.

 

"Non, we'll bury dem together. Will be hard on both of us, but I won't let you do it alone." Stubbornly, Jean-Luc stared into Logan's eyes.

 

"Look, Cajun. Yer wrist is broken. Ya won't be much help." Logan's voice sounded gentle. "I can deal with it."

 

Still reluctant, Jean-Luc finally gave in. "Call me should you need help?"

 

"I will," Logan promised. To his surprise a handful of the passengers offered to help dig the graves and Logan considered refusing them until one man told him that the young girl who had died was his daughter. Logan gave in and led the men to the spot where he intended to bury the dead.

 

Jean-Luc glared at the sky. "Coward," he hissed angrily. "If you want us, you'll have to come and get us. All you accomplished was killing innocent people!" His eyes watered as he watched the father carry his daughter to her last resting place. "You'll pay for dis!"

 

///

 

Three hours later, Jean-Luc had the improvised camp pretty much organized. Logan had offered to scout ahead in search of food and water and had returned with fruits. After telling the survivors where they could find the fruits, Logan watched them leave. They would bring back enough food to keep everyone alive.

 

A few of the injured people were getting worse, their fever climbing. Some were getting better. Jean-Luc was simply growing frustrated.

 

"Easy, Cajun. Yer doin' all ya can," Logan reassured him.

 

"I want to make de person pay who did dis."

 

"Yer really convinced someone staged this crash?" Logan didn't know what to make of Jean-Luc's accusations.

 

"Oui!" Jean-Luc placed a wet cloth onto a woman's brow, who was burning up with fever. "I'm sure!"

 

Logan wanted to ask Jean-Luc why he was that certain when a loud explosion shook the earth beneath their feet. At first, Logan thought it was the plane, but then he smelled the gas that filled the sky. "Tear gas!"

 

Jean-Luc fell onto his knees when the aggressive gas attacked his neural system. "Cher!" He coughed and was only faintly aware of the fact that Logan hauled him to his feet.

 

"Damn Cajun was right!" Logan cursed and dragged Jean-Luc, who was nearly unconscious, over to the cover of the trees. Looking over his shoulder, he saw several passengers succumb to the gas. He could no longer deny that Jean-Luc had been right. It certainly looked like someone wanted them. "Well, they won't get us!"

 

"Oh, I'm afraid you're wrong, Wolverine."

 

Logan wanted to spin around, but Jean-Luc's dead weight prevented him from moving with his normal speed. A tranquilizer dart hit the back of his neck. Although it wouldn't render him helpless for long, his body needed time to deal with the chemical and he dropped to his knees, swaying. A moment later, something hard crashed into Logan's skull and he lost consciousness.

 

///

 

Honeymoon Island

 

"Rem? We've got the fire under control. You don't have to evacuate."

 

Remy sighed, relieved. Although they could only talk over the radio, it felt good to hear Warren's voice again. He needed a beacon in this whirlpool of negative emotions that surrounded him. His shields were weakening, but thankfully the workers began to calm down, as they heard the good news over the radio. "Bien, Warren."

 

"How are the injured people doing?" Warren asked. He then shouted instructions at the workers, which were closest to the fire. His wings had already saved the lives of several people, who had been surprised by the fire. Warren had flown them out.

 

"I managed to heal some of dem," Remy replied truthfully. The workers had given him an odd look when he'd placed his hands on their injuries. In most cases the wound had started to heal. He had to be careful not to exhaust himself while concentrating on one injury. A large number of people needed his help. Now, he felt drained and tired. Using his healing power demanded most of his energy.

 

"I'll be back in a few hours," Warren informed Remy. "Make sure there's no panic?"

 

"I calmed dem down," Remy assured him. He wasn't sure if he'd used his empathy to talk some sense into the workers, but eventually the panic had subsided and the people had settled down.

 

"Remy?" One of maids called out to him. "Steve's getting worse."

 

"I've got to go, cher. Come back quickly," Remy whispered and handed over the radio to one of the workers, who would monitor the current situation closely. Remy quickly followed the young girl. Steve was one of the hands that helped Jim with the horses and the elderly man had suffered a heart attack and severe burns when he'd helped Warren earlier.

 

Remy sat on his heels and placed his right hand over Steve's heart. The man had nearly stopped breathing. Concentrating on his healing powers, Remy let the golden glow seep into Steve's body.

 

"Thank... you," Steve rasped a moment later when his breathing eased down. "Was... suffocating..."

 

"Y're welcome." A beaming smile flashed across Remy's features. He really loved having this healing power because it enabled him to help people.

 

Looking around, he suddenly wondered where Jayce was. He hadn't seen the boy since he'd told Jayce to get dressed and help the older workers. "Janet," he said, as he addressed the maid. "Have you seen Jason?"

 

The girl looked about. "No, I haven't."

 

Worried, Remy got to his feet and tried to focus on Jayce. Usually, the boy's feelings pulled him close, but the emotions were gone now. "Merde!" he cursed and hurried towards the boy's room. When he opened the door, he realized what had happened. The room was a mess and Remy noticed that the kid's backpack was gone, together with some clothes. "He ran 'way!" Remy didn't stop to consider his actions. He immediately went after the boy. Somehow, he'd find Jayce.

 

///

 

Remy's thoughts ran in endless circles as he set foot on the mainland. "Go back to de ranch," he instructed. "Dey need all de help dey can get." He'd been lucky that this worker had still been on board. The man had also told Remy that he'd taken Jayce to the mainland. "De fire's under control, mais y' never know what will happen next."

 

"Yes, sir," the worker replied and turned the boat around.

 

Remy watched him leave and then looked about. He needed some form of transportation. Luckily, the jeeps that had taken them here were still parked nearby. Remy relied on his old thieving skills to open the door and hotwire the engine.

 

"Where did y' go, petit?" Remy concentrated, trying to locate the boy's emotions. He caught a very faint echo, after filtering all other people out. Jayce's emotions tasted raw. Remy sensed the youngster's confusion, fear and loneliness. What had possessed Jayce to run away like that? Remy vowed to find out.

 

The jeep picked up speed and Remy headed for the next city, Tampa, praying that Jayce hadn't run into trouble yet. The boy's emotions were dark and tangled, but Remy felt reassured as long as he sensed Jayce. //Why? Why did he run? I t'ought we were doin' bien. He seemed less hostile, even friendly. Why run 'way? Did I do somet'in' wrong?// Remy felt guilty for not paying more attention to what was going on with the boy. After Warren had left to fight the fire, the boy had become his responsibility and he'd messed up. Angry with himself, Remy stepped on the gas, eager to find Jayce as quickly as possible.

 

Long minutes passed by and Remy started to wonder how Jayce had been able to cover this distance. The boy must have gotten a ride from someone who'd passed by, but who would be out here in the midst of the night? //What if I can' find him? Non, I can' t'ink like dat! I *will* find him!//

 

Remy slammed onto on the brakes as the faint echo of Jayce's emotions suddenly died. Only a moment ago it'd felt like he was getting closer, as the boy's emotions had grown stronger. Now, they were gone. "Oh, merde!" Remy shivered. It felt like Jayce had stopped to exist.

 

///

 

Tampa

 

Jayce thanked the friendly woman who'd given him a lift into town.

 

"Be careful, sweetie. The city's a dangerous place for a young boy like you. Go find your parents."

 

Jayce had told her that his parents lived here and that information had made her cooperative. She'd almost pulled him into the car to deliver him home safely. "I will. Thanks for the ride." He felt a little guilty for telling the nice lady lies, but he had to get away from Honeymoon Island... and his mistakes.

 

The car drove off, leaving him alone. Jayce looked about and wondered where to go next. "Transportation," he mumbled softly. Maybe he could catch a bus home. What about traveling by plane? They would ask for his papers, which he didn't have. And what if someone came looking for him? In that case they'd probably check the airport first. "Hey, who should come looking for me?" Jayce didn't believe for one second that Remy or Warren would come after him. The two men were probably still caught up fighting the fire. Maybe Warren would ask Vincent to find him, but Jayce doubted it.

 

"Let's try Greyhound first." Jayce swung his backpack over his shoulder and walked down the street. It was busy even though it was almost midnight. He'd seldom been outside this late. They had to go to bed at 22.00 at school and when they'd been visiting a town his father had accompanied him. Now he found himself in unfamiliar territory.

 

"Can you spare some change, son? I'm a veteran, lost my right leg in Nam."

 

Startled, Jayce jumped back. He'd been so lost in thought that he hadn't noticed the beggars that were moving closer. There were at least 6 of them and he realized he'd ended up in a bad area. "I don't have any money," he whispered and tightened his hold on his backpack. All he had was his credit card.

 

"A cute kid like you must have something to eat. Did your mummy make you sandwiches?" the beggar asked.

 

Another beggar interrupted him. "What's a kid like you doing on the streets this late? You'd better run home, boy!"

 

Jayce clutched his coat closer to his body. Why were these people out on the streets? Weren't there any shelters where they could spend the night? "Leave me alone! I don't have food or money!" Panicking, Jayce started to run.

 

A wave of laughter erupted behind him. Once the voices had faded, he stopped running and leaned heavily against a wall, trying to catch his breath. "I need to find a hotel where I can spend the night," he realized, but as he looked about, he only saw neglected houses. He'd walked straight into the city's slums.

 

"Hey, Leroy, look what the cat dragged in!"

 

The voice sounded nearby and Jayce pushed himself closer to the wall. His eyes had gotten used to the darkness and he made out five forms. Damn, why wasn't the street lighting working? He could hardly see a thing. Were there 5 people out there or more?

 

"I want those boots!"

 

"I dig that coat. I bet it's warm!"

 

Jayce registered the voices and shrunk into himself, trying to make himself invisible. He didn't stand a chance fighting these street kids. Now that the full moon appeared from behind the clouds, Jayce noticed their haggard looks, too skinny, too bruised and way too vicious looking to put his troubled mind at ease.

 

"Hand over the backpack and strip, rich kid."

 

"I'm not rich!" Jayce exclaimed in a loud tone, hoping to attract attention from someone who could help him. "I don't have any money!" Startled, he stared at them as the kids moved in closer. Why weren't they at home with their parents? Why weren't they in bed, asleep? What were they doing here after midnight? //What the hell am *I* doing here?// He should have stayed at the ranch where he was safe.

 

"You smell of money, brat. You're wearing Nikes, expensive clothes and that's a Kipling backpack!" One of the boys lit a cigarette and reached out for him. "You wanna do this the hard way?"

 

Jayce needed a moment to think it over, but the street kids were impatient and attacked. Defensively, Jayce raised his arms and tried to protect his head. Suddenly, one of the kids kicked his legs from underneath him and he dropped onto his knees. More kicks followed and one fist connected with his chin, knocking Jayce out cold. He collapsed onto the concrete and lost consciousness.

 

///

 

A moan left Jayce's lips as he regained consciousness. He felt awfully cold and his body hurt. His stomach felt tender and his temples throbbed painfully. As he wanted to crawl onto his knees, he released a yelp of pain. "Ouch," he whispered, realizing that his left knee might be broken. He also tasted the metallic sting of blood on his tongue. //Please, don't let me be bleeding internally.// He didn't even know where to find the nearest hospital.  

 

"I'm so stupid," Jayce chided himself. "I had it all!" Tears flowed down his face as he realized that he'd thrown everything away. Warren had offered him a *permanent* home and he'd turned it down. And why? Because he'd allowed prejudice to control his rational thinking.

 

He looked down and realized that his backpack was gone. They'd also taken his Nikes, coat and sweater. All he had left were his jeans and a T-shirt. Damn! His wallet was gone too. //They took my credit card!//

 

Jayce no longer fought his tears and released them. The cold of the concrete sneaked through his clothes and into his bones. His left knee hurt and his head felt like it would explode any moment now. Sobbing softly, he wondered what to do. He'd never expected to fall into the hands of criminals.

 

"Daddy," he whimpered softly, but then the terrible memories crashed over him again. "He's dead," Jayce whispered and rocked himself. He'd never felt so alone, so helpless. "Uncle Warren... Remy..." The words brought no comfort, knowing how badly he'd treated the two men. "I'm sorry." And this time he really meant it.

 

///

 

Remy halted in his tracks. For the last 30 minutes he'd failed to pick up on Jayce's emotions, but now, the faint echo was back. There were many people around and that made it hard for him to pinpoint Jayce's location. As he started to walk, he quickly realized that he was leaving the main street and heading for dark and shadowy alleyways. Why had the boy chosen this direction? Desperation and a sense of loss filled this particular part of the city and Remy felt people's anger at being forced to live in the slums. Their living conditions were bad, unemployment high and the kids dropped out of school too early.

 

"Jayce, where are y', petit?" Remy mused aloud and he stopped walking to get his bearings. The echo of Jayce's emotions guided him and Remy followed his instincts. People were watching him closely. A warning was in order or they might decide to move in on him. He reached for the deck of cards he always carried with him and charged two cards. Their light helped him find his way and also served as a warning, as he allowed one of them to explode. The stench of violence subdued a little. His trick had worked. They now kept their distance.

 

"Jayce?" he repeated the boy's name again, hoping Jayce would answer him. The youngster felt close and Remy briefly shut his eyes to focus on the emotions. "I'm comin' for y', petit, don' give up." The sense of abandonment that Jayce radiated was overwhelming.

 

Remy headed towards a large garbage can and pushed it aside. "Oh, petit," he whispered, saddened. Jayce had used the garbage can to hide behind. Remy sat on his heels and pushed back Jayce's dirty locks, which were covered with dried blood.

 

"Jayce? Petit? Can y' hear me?" Reaching out empathically, he tried to get a better impression of the boy's emotional condition. Jayce's mind felt empty and lonely. "Hey, open y'r eyes, petit. We've got to leave dis part of town."

 

Jayce struggled to open his eyes. The right side of his face was black and blue and Jayce desperately tried to determine whether a friend or a bully was talking to him. "Who's... there?"

 

"It's moi, Remy. Y'll be bien, petit." Remy felt how panic overwhelmed Jayce. "Non, petit, don' be 'fraid. I'll take care of y'." Remy wondered what to do next. Should he get Jayce into safety or heal his injuries first? He could carry the boy, but doubted Jayce would go along with that.

 

"Why... are you... here?" Jayce whispered. His mouth felt awfully dry. His lower lip had been split and blood dripped down his chin.

 

Remy made his decision. He'd start the healing process and then take Jayce into safety. "Shst, be quiet, petit. Y're hurt." Remy rested his right hand on the top of Jayce's head. "Dis might tingle."

 

Jayce managed to lock eyes with Remy. He still couldn't believe that Remy had come for him. "What are you... doing?" Remy was right. His head tingled a little and an odd warmth descended down his neck, shoulders, chest, into his left leg, finally reaching his injured knee.

 

"Takin' de pain 'way," Remy whispered reassuringly. "Y'll feel better soon, petit."

 

"I'm sorry," Jayce mumbled. He surrendered to the comfortable warmth that settled into his abused bones.

 

"Why did y' run 'way, petit?" Remy drew in a deep breath. He'd healed a large number of people back at the ranch and hadn't had the time to recover from the power drain. Now Jayce needed his help, but Remy was quickly reaching his limits. "I've got to stop, sorry, petit." He pulled away his hand. If he exhausted himself, he wouldn't be able to get them into safety.

 

"I couldn't face you," Jayce admitted, feeling better already. His knee still ached, but the stinging pain was mostly gone. "I never gave you a chance. I just assumed I knew who you were, what you were."

 

"Sounds like y' learned y'r lesson, petit." Remy got to his feet and helped Jayce up from the concrete. "We should go to de 'ospital."

 

"I don't need to go to the hospital. I'm fine." Jayce didn't want to trouble Remy. "I'd like to lie down though."

 

"We'll find ourselves a comfortable 'otel, oui?" Jayce swayed on his feet, clearly favoring his left leg and Remy folded a supportive arm around the boy's waist. "Bien?" He didn't want to make Jayce feel threatened, so he wanted to know if this was okay with the boy.

 

"Oui," Jayce replied, shyly. He really wanted to make up for past mistakes and it looked like Remy was willing to give him a second chance.

 

"Ah, y' took French at school?" Remy tried to engage Jayce in some conversation to take the boy's mind off his surroundings and the pain.

 

"I was trying to get back to Saint Andrew's," Jayce explained. "I didn't think anyone would attack me."

 

Remy's eyes grew clouded, as he remembered the years he'd spent on the streets of New Orleans. "People are hungry, petit. Dey don' have any money. Sometimes takin' it from de weak is de only way to survive."

 

"You talk like you know them personally," Jayce remarked and peeked at Remy's draped eyes.

 

"I lived on de streets when I was younger dan y're now, Jayce."

 

"You lived on the streets?" Jayce repeated, surprised.

 

"Didn' have a family, Jayce. Had to support m'self. Got beaten up like y' did." Remy wasn't sure Jayce was ready to hear this, but continued. "Ate from garbage cans, begged people to give me deir change and sometimes, I stole de food when I was hungry."

 

"And no one took care of you?" Jayce gestured Remy to stop walking. They were almost back on the main street. Only a few more steps and they would leave the darkness behind.

 

"My parents didn' know dat I was still 'live. I lived wit'... a vile old man." Remy shivered, as the face of the Antiquary blinked in his mind.

 

"Vile?" Jayce's stomach contracted nervously and it wasn't because of the beating he'd taken. Everything he'd ever believed in was swept away. Remy's choice of words made him wonder; vile?

 

"I can' tell y' now," Remy said evasively. He concentrated on supporting Jayce as they moved towards the main street.

 

"Remy?" Jayce raised his right hand, following a hunch he couldn't really believe. But when Remy flinched away from his touch, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. The boy whom Carl had attacked had reacted in the same way when Jayce had tried to shake his hand while saying good-bye. //Oh my God, I can't believe this! Martin flinched like that when I tried to touch him. Can't be. This can't be happening. A vile man?// Jayce knew that he'd reached the only logical conclusion, but the impact of his former accusations hit him hard. //I assumed he was taking advantage of Warren. That Remy was like Carl but... Remy's been abused in the past. Fuck...// He'd felt bad before, but now he felt like a bully. "I'm sorry, Remy. I didn't know..." Jayce mumbled his apology, which came straight from the heart. "I..."

 

"Stop it, petit. It doesn' matter. I need to get y' home." Remy realized that Jayce had figured it out and he didn't know how he felt about that.

 

"Jayce," Remy started, but paused as something sharp penetrated the skin at the back of his neck. "Merde, what...?" Remy swayed on his feet as vertigo made his head spin.

 

Jayce leaned against a nearby wall and watched horrified how Remy went down. The gold on black eyes closed and Remy's mouth remained slightly agape. "Remy?"

 

"At last..." A dark voice hissed the words.

 

Jayce turned around as quickly as he could, cursing his injuries. In the shadows he made out the vague contours of a man. "What did you do to him?"

 

"Shut up, Jason."

 

Jayce's hand went to his throat as a small dart broke the skin there. "Who... what?" he whispered, as he slid onto the concrete.

 

"At last, revenge will be mine!"

 

Part 12

 

Honeymoon Island

 

"You did a great job, guys! We beat that fire because we worked *together*!" Proud, Warren congratulated his personnel, which had done a wonderful job in putting out the fire. There had been times when he'd thought that they'd lose that battle, but they had proven him wrong. "We saved the ranch and all our people!" Warren smiled warmly, pleased that his men had pulled through.

 

Their jeeps had reached the ranch and Warren didn't waste any time. He jumped out of the jeep and hurried inside to find his lover. The first thing that struck him was that all the injured people were taken care of. Remy had lived up to his expectations and had taken charge of the situation. It looked like his lover had outdone himself.

 

"Mister Worthington!" Steve softly called his boss' name.

 

"Steve." Warren sat on his heels and took in the older man's appearance. "You don't look that great." Steve had been the one who'd taught him how to ride on horseback and Warren had a soft spot for him.

 

"Remy helped me." Steve still felt weak, but wanted Warren to know what had happened.

 

"Yeah, Rem loves to help people."

 

"I had a heart attack and suffered severe burns, but they're almost gone now. I can breathe again. The tightness in my chest's gone."

 

Warren nodded his head once. Remy had obviously used his healing power. "We'll take you to the hospital." He beckoned Jim and gave all necessary instructions.

 

"Remy's a good man," Steve whispered, as he drifted off to sleep again.

 

"Yeah, he is," Warren agreed and helped his men carry Steve into the jeep. "Make sure he gets proper medical treatment," Warren instructed Jim, who'd accompany Steve. After he watched the jeep drive off, he stepped back into the house. Where was Remy? Warren had expected his lover to be there to greet him when he returned to the ranch. "Remy? Where are you?" he whispered, softly, as he searched for his lover.

 

"Can I help you?"

 

Warren recognized the voice as belonging to the maid. "Janet?"

 

"Yes, sir," she replied, shyly. "Are you looking for... Remy?"

 

Amused, Warren grinned. Everyone called him mister Worthington, but no one seemed to call Remy, mister LeBeau. They all used Remy and that told Warren a lot about his lover's popularity. Apparently, the personnel already felt comfortable taking orders from the Cajun. "Yes, do you know where I can find him?"

 

"He left."

 

"What?" Warren exclaimed the word in an agitated tone. "He did *what*?"

 

"Remy was searching for Jason, but couldn't find the boy. The last time I saw Remy was when he dashed outside." Janet noticed Warren's concerned expression. She couldn't help being worried too.

 

An angry growl drew Warren's attention away from Janet. "Wolvie?" When he'd heard that Remy'd left, he'd hoped that his lover had taken the wolf with him. Remy seemed to attract trouble and the canine would have provided extra protection. "Why did you let them leave?" Warren shook his head, realizing he was addressing a wolf. "Never mind. We've got to find them. Come on, boy." Warren signaled the canine to follow him.

 

"Janet? Make sure the wounded are taken care of?" Warren looked at the girl. "I'll be back as soon as possible. Hopefully, Remy's still close."

 

"I'll look after them," Janet promised and watched them leave, hoping they would quickly find Remy and Jason.

 

"Get into the jeep," Warren told Wolvie and then slid behind the wheel himself. He started the engine and was about to step on the gas when he realized that he didn't know where Remy was headed. "Damn, now what?" Had Remy already left the island? Where was Jayce? Had Remy found the boy? Had they covered the distance to the mainland? "I don't know where they went," he whispered, feeling miserable.

 

Wolvie, who had sat quietly next to him, glared at Warren. A deep growl left his throat and he placed one paw on Warren's right hand, which rested on the steering wheel.

 

"I know that we need to get going, but where to?" Warren sighed, as he finally stepped on the gas. "Are they still on the island or..." Wolvie's throaty growl interrupted him. "What?" Warren stared at Wolvie, whose growls grew harder as they headed for the landing stage. With his sharp vision Warren had long established that the boat was still there. "They didn't leave the island," he told Wolvie.

 

A growl that sounded too much like a 'no' echoed in the jeep. "You think that they're on the mainland already?" Warren raised an eyebrow as Wolvie released another growl. "Well, your guess is as good as mine," he whispered, feeling discouraged. "So you can 'talk' after all."

 

Warren could have sworn that Wolvie gave him an amused glance. "What? At times, when I talk to you, I actually expect an answer. I still wonder about you," he mumbled, as he kept a close eye on the canine. "You seem to adore Remy and just put up with me, but why? You're a canine, a wolf. Why stay with us? And by the way, now that we're talking about this, how did you, a wolf, end up in Ireland? There are no wolfs in Ireland!"

 

Wolvie bared his teeth, his version of a grin. Warren was asking way too many questions.

 

"It finally happened," Warren commented dryly. "I lost my mind. Oh Rem..." 

 

They'd reached the landing stage and Wolvie leaped outside through the turned down window. Warren followed the canine, now seriously wondering about the wolf. Was there more to Wolvie than met the eye?

 

///

 

Once they'd reached the mainland, Warren pulled over, climbed out of the jeep and spread the map on the hood of the car. Studying the map, he felt lost. "Shit, what do I do now?"

 

Wolvie stalked over to Warren and put his right front paw down on the map.

 

"Huh?" Confused, Warren sought out the wolf's eyes. "That's Tampa! You think we'll find them there?" Okay, he was now convinced that Wolvie was holding out on him. "Are you really a wolf?"

 

Wolvie growled softly and moved closer. Then he dragged his long, wet tongue over Warren's cheek.

 

"Oh man! That's gross! You did that on purpose!" Warren used his sleeve to wipe off the wolf's saliva. "I can't believe you did that!" He'd seen Wolvie lick Remy's face on several occasions, but back then it had been an expression of affection. Warren wasn't sure how to interpret Wolvie's move now.

 

The canine smirked, showing his teeth and then jumped back into the jeep. Using his paw, he honked.

 

Warren jumped, hearing the unexpected sound. "Yes, I'm coming! Give me a moment to fold the map!" Slightly stunned, he slid back onto his seat and started the engine. "Tampa, here we come!" Warren wouldn't admit it out loud, but secretly he was thankful that Wolvie was tagging along, because it kept him from brooding the entire time. //Remy, where are you? Did you find Jayce? Please be all right...//

 

///

 

Westchester

 

Nervously, Scott paced his room. Thankfully, Jean was too busy with the last stages of her experiment to make him talk about his feelings. Right now, Scott wanted some privacy. He had to prepare himself for one of the hardest conversations in his life. The only conversation that came close was when he'd sought out Remy to tell him that they were brothers. Now he had to tell his father that Remy had survived Sinister's manipulation.

 

Checking the time, Scott realized that Corsair was scheduled to arrive in less than 30 minutes. The Starjammers would drop Corsair off and wait for his signal to pick up their leader again. Scott felt relieved that he'd get the chance to talk to his father one on one, as this was a very delicate matter.

 

"Scott? Corsair's early!" Bobby forgot to knock as he threw the door open. Concerned for his friend, he made eye contact with Scott. "The Starjammers are about to leave again. Corsair's waiting for you in the living room!"

 

Scott was jolted into nervousness by Bobby's announcement. "I'm not ready yet!" Scott exclaimed upset. "I don't know what to say."

 

"Why don't you start by showing Corsair that certificate you got in the mail? That would give Corsair a chance to explain things to you. You could take it from there, Slim." Bobby didn't envy Scott right now. "Want me to stick around for moral support?"

 

"Thanks, Bobby, but I've got to do this on my own." Scott drew in a deep breath, mentally preparing himself to talk to his father and then squeezed Bobby's shoulder. "I really appreciate the offer, but you'd better join Nicholas." Scott had heard the whispers and giggles that had emanated from Bobby's room earlier.

 

"You don't mind Nicholas staying here, do you? He'd already cleared out his apartment."

 

"He can stay," Scott said and smiled, using this little conversation to postpone the inevitable.

 

"Go and tell him, Slim." Bobby smiled smugly and pushed Scott towards the doorway. "He'll be so glad to find out that the baby didn't die."

 

Hesitantly, Scott headed for the living room and found Corsair pacing. His father was apparently worried about something. "Corsair," Scott said eventually, after gathering his courage.

 

"Scott! Son! Your message sounded urgent!" Corsair walked towards his son and briefly hugged him. The long years apart had left scars. They'd never be really close, but he was determined to keep working on strengthening their relationship.

 

"Yes, we need to talk." Scott endured the hug, hoping that one day he'd feel more comfortable returning Corsair's obvious affection. After all these years it still felt odd to have his father back. "Let's sit down first."

 

Taken aback by Scott's serious tone, Corsair sat down opposite his son. "Scott, what's going on? Your message said that you *had* to talk to me."

 

"I got this in the mail a few weeks ago," Scott said and handed Corsair the certificate.

 

Curiously, Corsair took hold of the piece of paper and studied it. He grew pale, realizing what he was holding in his hands. "You got this in the mail? Who sent it?"

 

"I don't know. But dad, don't you owe me an explanation? Why didn't you tell me that I had another brother?" Scott was trying to handle this to the best of his ability. He didn't want to spring the fact that Remy was alive on his father without warning.

 

"I don't know where to start," Corsair admitted, as he stared at the certificate. The baby had died and a part of his heart had crumbled with it. "Katherine discovered that she was pregnant and we sought out this doctor that the hospital recommended. His name was Nathaniel Essex."

 

"Sinister." Scott nodded his head, not surprised to hear that Sinister had tried to manipulate his parents so many years ago.

 

"I didn't know that at the time," Corsair reminded Scott. Now that he held the certificate in his hand, memories, which he'd pushed away, resurfaced. "Essex told us that the foetus wasn't developing the way it should. There would be severe complications and if the baby survived, it would be a premature birth."

 

Scott felt deeply sympathetic. "Is that why you never told me?"

 

"Considering the complications and the bad outlook for the baby, we decided not to tell you and Alex. We didn't want you to be hurt should the baby die during birth. Katherine spent most of those 7 months in New Orleans where Essex had a clinic." Corsair closed his eyes. "I flew in after Katherine called me, completely panicking. She'd lost consciousness the previous night and Essex had told her that she'd had a miscarriage. She needed me. I left you and Alex behind with friends to be with her. I was too late. The baby had died." He still remembered Katherine's sobs that had tormented him. He'd wanted this child as well.

 

"Essex signed this certificate. So did I." Corsair looked at Scott, almost pleadingly. "The baby's death almost devastated Katherine. It was hard to be there for her, to support her. I don't know if we'd made it, if we would have had to console Alex and you too."

 

Corsair reached out with his hand and Scott reacted at once, taking hold of it, squeezing gently. "Did you ever see the baby?"

 

"No, Essex told me the baby had been born deformed and that it would be best if we didn't see the boy. I still regret giving in." Corsair held onto Scott's hand, needing the support. He had never thought that he'd have to tell his son. "If only I'd known who Essex was... Some nights I startle awake, afraid that Sinister lied and that he's holding my son prisoner, using him for his tests."

 

Scott licked his lips. "Did you pick a name for the baby?"

 

"Yes, Remy. You see, Katherine once had a wonderful dream. Her eyes sparkled when she told me that she'd seen an angel in her dreams. The angel had told her that she'd give birth to a very special boy and that his name was Remy."

 

Scott raised an eyebrow. He didn't know what to make of this story, so he returned to his former line of questions. "Was there anything special about the baby? Did Essex tell you in which way he was deformed?"

 

"He told us that the baby's eyes had been red on black." Corsair smiled. "That wouldn't have made a difference to us. We'd have loved the boy as much as we loved Alex and you. Of course, at that time we didn't know that our sons were mutants. And this baby would have been a mutant too."

 

Scott got to his feet and poured both of them some whiskey. "Here, you're going to need it."

 

Corsair shot Scott a confused glance. "I'm sorry that we never told you, but... the baby died and it would only have stirred up our pain."

 

"I forgive you for not telling me," Scott said, thoughtfully. "You didn't know any better at the time."

 

"But why did you receive this certificate? Where does it come from? Why sent it now?" Frustrated, Corsair stared at his signature. //I should have demanded to see my son!// He still blamed himself for not seeing through Sinister's disguise.

 

"I don't know who sent it," Scott started, "but I think I know *why* I got it."

 

"Why?" Corsair locked eyes with his son. This conversation was tearing open old wounds.

 

"Because someone wanted to make me feel guilty." Scott prepared himself to start his own confession. "Did I ever tell you about Remy LeBeau?"

 

Corsair shook his head. "I don't recall that name." But hearing that first name hurt. //There are more people out there who named their son Remy! I shouldn't react like that, just hearing that name.//

 

"What about Gambit?"

 

"Sounds vaguely familiar," Corsair admitted. "Isn't Gambit on the team?"

 

"He was... It's a long story," Scott mumbled. "We thought he died some time ago, but he survived." Scott tried to find the right words. Why was this so damn hard?

 

"Why are we talking about Gambit now?"

 

"Dad." Scott pulled his chair closer to Corsair's and rubbed his father's hand. "His eyes are, were, red on black. His name's Remy and..."

 

"What?!" Corsair exploded and leaped to his feet. Agitated, he started to pace. "Has to be a coincidence. My son died..."

 

Scott rose from the chair, walked over to his father and grabbed Corsair's shoulders. "Listen to me," he said determinedly. "Remy didn't die. Sinister planned this because he wanted a Summers to run his tests on. However, a Cajun thief crossed his plans and abducted the baby from the clinic."

 

Stunned, Corsair could only stare at Scott.

 

"Remy had a tough childhood, you should ask him when you meet him, but he turned into a fine man." Scott drowned his whiskey in one go and slammed the glass onto the coffee table. "Your son is alive."

 

Corsair collapsed onto the chair. "He didn't die? I didn't make sure... Essex, Sinister...we believed him... We were so stupid."

 

"Stop beating yourself up over this," Scott chided his father gently. "You can't change the past, but you can be part of Remy's future."

 

"And he's been an X-Man? I didn't know. I never met Gambit..."

 

Scott nodded his head, saddened. "If I had known about the baby's peculiar eyes we might have discovered the truth earlier."

 

"Are you sure that he's your brother?" Corsair looked at Scott. "His eyes might be a coincidence..." He didn't want to believe that he'd failed Remy that badly.

 

"Hank ran a DNA test. It came back positive. Remy and I are brothers. You're his father." Scott watched Corsair very closely. His father's eyes were swimming and finally released the tears Corsair had been repressing for years.

 

"I can't believe that Remy's alive," Corsair mumbled. "What if you'd never found out?"

 

"We should thank the one who sent the certificate. We'll probably never find out who did, but it helped uncover the truth." Scott smiled reassuringly.

 

"If only Katherine had lived to see this day. She loved Remy while he was still in her womb." Corsair wiped away his tears. "Where's Remy now?" Scott was right. There was no point in dwelling on past mistakes, not while he could make up for them in the present. "Can I talk to him?"

 

"He's in Florida." Scott gestured Corsair to empty his glass.

 

Corsair did and relished the burn the alcohol left behind. It made him realize that this was really happening. He'd just gotten a son back.

 

"Do you remember Angel?"

 

Corsair nodded his head. He remembered the winged X-Man. "What about him?"

 

"Remy and Warren are lovers. They had a commitment ceremony a few weeks ago." Scott observed his father closely.

 

Corsair cocked his head. Remy had chosen to be with a man, so what? "Scott, I'm in love with someone from a different planet. Hepzibah isn't exactly human, in case you hadn't noticed." Corsair grinned.

 

Satisfied, Scott nodded his head. "We should give them a call first so Remy knows we're coming to see him."

 

"Let's send that message once we're on our way? I can't wait to see my son." Corsair guided Scott towards the doorway. "Can we use the Blackbird?"

 

"Yes, I think so. I should tell Jean and the professor that we're leaving. They're in the midst of an important experiment and I can't disturb them."

 

Corsair grabbed a pencil and a notebook from the table in the hallway. "Write them a note." Impatiently, he waited for Scott to finish. //Remy's alive. I can't believe it. How did he survive? Why did I believe Sinister when he told me that the baby hadn't made it? I've been so stupid!//

 

"Dad?" Scott noticed the distant expression in Corsair's eyes. "It wasn't your fault. Remy doesn't blame you either."

 

"He knows I'm his father?" Corsair asked to make sure.

 

"Yes, I told him after the DNA test. He was in a bad way back then. He seemed better the last time we met, but... he hinted at something that worries me." Scott wasn't sure if he should confide in his father. What Remy had told him had been confidential and Remy had to make the decision to tell his father about the childhood abuse. 

 

Corsair wanted to press the matter, but saw how stern Scott's jaw was set. His son wouldn't tell him. "Why are we wasting time? Let's get moving." Corsair placed the note next to the phone and gently nudged Scott towards the hangar. //I want to find out what Remy hinted at that obviously worries Scott.//

 

Scott and Corsair made their way into the hangar and boarded the Blackbird. "Want to fly her?" Scott asked.

 

"Sure, she's a mighty fine lady," Corsair whispered pleased and sat down in the pilot's seat. "Let's get her into the air." Corsair wanted to finally meet and get to know a son he'd assumed dead for too many years.

 

///

 

Tampa

 

"Cajun?" Logan tried to open his eyes and cursed loudly when he realized that a blindfold kept him from scanning his surroundings. Focussing his other senses, he picked up on labored breathing. "Cajun? Is that ya?"

 

"Oui, cher," Jean-Luc mumbled. "Where are we?" He'd regained consciousness only seconds ago. His broken wrist throbbed in the handcuffs he was wearing.

 

"Dunno know," Logan whispered. "We're 'lone in this room, but someone might be listenin' in. Dammit, Cajun! Ya had to be right!"

 

"Any idea who took us, cher?" Jean-Luc tried to lock out the pain. Maybe he could twist his way out of the handcuffs, but there were also ropes that tied him down to the chair he was sitting on.

 

"Nope, didn't recognize the voice." Logan pulled at the handcuffs, but they didn't give in.

 

"Can you get us out with your claws?" Jean-Luc winced mentally, as the metal of the handcuffs dug into his aching wrist.

 

"I ain't sure. I'm wearin' a collar," Logan stated confused, still affected by the sedative. "I need to get it off." He already felt the adamantium poisoning his body. Without his healing factor, it would kill him within days. It wouldn't be a nice death.

 

Jean-Luc understood. Logan had told him about the adamantium and the healing factor undoing its effects. "Let's see if dis ol' thief still remembers some tricks. It's been years since I needed dem."

 

Suddenly, they registered footfalls, which were closing in on them. Jean-Luc immediately stopped his escape attempt and feigned exhaustion. Privately, he cursed the blindfold. That way he couldn't even see their attacker. A door opened and the footfalls stopped. Jean-Luc wished he could communicate with Logan unnoticed. If only he could see Logan's eyes! His lover would understand his intentions!

 

"Well, you no longer act that cocky."

 

Jean-Luc and Logan both recognized the voice. They'd heard it before the tranquilizer darts had hit them. "What do you want?" Jean-Luc asked, knowing Logan's anger would get them into trouble. It was best if he talked to their kidnapper instead of Logan.

 

"From you? Nothing?" the stranger replied, amused.

 

Logan growled dangerously. "Gonna rip ya 'part, punk."

 

Exasperated, Jean-Luc sighed. Diplomacy would never be Logan's strongest character treat. "You didn't have to kill 20 people to get to us. You even killed a chile."

 

"The child means nothing to me."

 

Jean-Luc barely kept from flinching, hearing the emotionless tone.

 

Logan however, had no problem voicing his contempt. "Monster. The girl was only 14!"

 

"She isn't important. The only thing that matters to me is that I've captured you."

 

"Why?" Jean-Luc's anger was quickly building. Their kidnapper didn't even feel any regret at having taken a child's life!

 

"You'll die in here, that's all you need to know. You'll never again see Gambit or Archangel."

 

Logan, who'd grown quiet, tried hard to identify their attacker. He'd heard that voice before, but couldn't put a name on it. He decided against further aggravating their abductor.

 

"I hope you'll have a most unpleasant death. You'll stay alive for a few more hours, but the lack of water and food will finish you off eventually... and did I mention that you might run out of oxygen as this room will be air sealed after I've left?" An amused chuckle accompanied the words.

 

Jean-Luc realized Logan's game plan and remained quiet too. Once the stranger had left, they could work on an escape plan.

 

"Have a miserable death."

 

Jean-Luc and Logan listened as the door closed. A hiss echoed through the air as the room was sealed off. "How long do you think we have?" Jean-Luc asked, examining his handcuffs again. If only his wrist wasn't broken! Then it would have been easy to free himself.

 

"I don't know, Cajun. We've got to hurry up. Can ya get out off the cuffs?"

 

"Give him time to leave de area," Jean-Luc pointed out to Logan. "Don't want him walking in on us when I'm breaking free."

 

Impatiently, Logan tapped his foot. "Hurry up, Cajun."

 

"I'm out of practice," Jean-Luc admitted. "Need to sharpen my skills, should we get out of here in one piece."

 

"We need to get out of here, Cajun. I need to settle the score."

 

"He's going after Remy and Warren, you realize dat, don't you?" Jean-Luc said, concerned, and managed to pull his injured wrist free. "Merde," he cursed as the pain cut through his arm.

 

"What's going on?" Logan noticed the pain in Jean-Luc's voice.

 

"One more to go," Jean-Luc replied, quizzically and concentrated. He twisted his shoulder, arm, and wrist and slipped free. "Our kidnapper isn't a smart man," he remarked as he pulled off the blindfold. Looking about, he saw that they were in some sort of abandoned basement. He quickly untied his feet and moved over to his lover.

 

"I hate dat thing," Jean-Luc stated firmly, as he saw the Genoshan collar around Logan's neck. "Let me get dat off first."

 

Logan suddenly felt Jean-Luc's hand on his neck and relaxed. Even single-handedly, the Cajun was great with locks and the collar quickly opened. 

 

Disgusted, Jean-Luc threw it aside. "Let's do de blindfold next. How are you feeling, cher? Is de adamantium already causing you problems?"

 

"Nothin' that my healin' factor can't deal with," Logan assured his lover. He sighed, relieved, as Jean-Luc removed the blindfold. "Thanks."

 

Jean-Luc smiled and proceeded to undo Logan's handcuffs. "Can you do your feet yourself?" he whispered and sat down on the floor, cradling his broken wrist against his chest.

 

With one quick move, Logan's claw undid his ankle restraints. "Yer bleedin'," he said, concerned. The wrist definitely looked bad.

 

"Let's find Remy and Warren," Jean-Luc said, resolved and allowed Logan to pull him to his feet. "Dey'll need our help."

 

Logan let Jean-Luc pick the lock on their cell door and then followed his lover outside. Once this was over, he planned on asking Jean-Luc how the Cajun had known that they were in danger.

 

///

 

Tampa

 

Remy moaned softly as he woke to a splitting headache. "Merde," he whispered, disorientated. Where was he? What had happened? Then, he remembered going down after that dart had hit him. Automatically, he wanted to raise his hand to check on the puncture.

 

"Merde!" This time, his voice sounded louder. He couldn't move his hands. They were handcuffed behind his back. Opening his eyes, he quickly took in his surroundings. Someone had gone through a lot of trouble to kidnap him. He was cuffed to the wall and he leaned against it for support. The basement looked medieval and water dripped from the ceiling. It was chillingly cold in here.

 

"Remy?"

 

Jayce's voice took Remy completely by surprise. "Petit!" he exclaimed in a shocked tone and he located the boy in the opposite corner of the room. "Are y' bien?" Concerned, he tried to reach out to mentally gauge Jayce's condition, but gasped, as he didn't feel the boy's emotions. Suddenly, he noticed the weight around his neck. "A collar," he whispered, nervously. His powers were useless now.

 

"Remy? I'm fine... I think," Jayce said in a shy tone. "What about you?" Some parts of his body still hurt, as Remy hadn't been able to heal his injuries completely, but the pain wasn't that bad. He could deal with it.

 

"Can y' move 'bout?" Jayce's hand didn't appear to be handcuffed and Remy encouraged the boy, as Jayce struggled to his feet.

 

"I'm a little dizzy," Jayce replied honestly.

 

"Can y' come over here?" Remy needed Jayce's help if they wanted to escape. "We can' stay here, petit."

 

"Who did this?" Slowly, Jayce made his way over to Remy. "Hey, you're handcuffed!"

 

"Jayce, listen to me. Y' need to run and get out of here." He couldn't endanger the boy. "Y' need to find Warren." Now, that should motivate Jayce to follow his instructions. "Find a way out of here, Jayce."

 

Jayce shook his head. "No way. I'm not leaving you. What's that thing around your neck?"

 

"A Genoshan collar. It keeps me from usin' my powers. Now get goin', petit!" Jayce's concern touched Remy deeply, but it was the wrong time for Jayce to grow protective of him. The boy didn't stand a chance against their kidnapper and Remy would never forgive himself, should Jayce get injured again.

 

"I won't leave you, Remy," Jayce said resolved. "You're defenseless."

 

"Petit," Remy started, trying again to talk some sense into Jayce, "We're in trouble."

 

"I can't go back out there alone," Jayce pointed out to Remy and smirked. "What if I get beat up again?"

 

Remy sighed deeply. The boy was already playing him! "Petit, we're in danger!" Roaring laughter echoed through the room and it nearly froze the blood in Remy's veins. "Jason, run! Now!" He tried to sound as convincing and authoritative as possible. "NOW!"

 

Finally, Jayce obeyed and ran in the opposite direction of the stranger who now approached Remy. Jayce looked back once and shivered, seeing their kidnapper. Remy was right. He had to find Warren. Running as hard as he possibly could, he turned left and disappeared from Remy's sight. Their kidnapper had looked like one of the monsters that chased him in his nightmares.

 

Remy felt relieved as Jayce fled the room. Hopefully, the boy was out of danger now. Slowly, he raised his eyes and took in his abductor. "Mon Dieu, what are y'?" he whispered, shocked. The 'man' in front of him no longer bore much resemblance to a human. Too bulky, too tall and too wired with technical gadgets, it almost looked alien. //A cyborg,// Remy thought confused. //Part human, part machine.//

 

The face was barely human and what shocked Remy most were the metallic wings attached to the man's back. They were an exact replica of the ones Apocalypse had given Warren. "What do y' want from me?" Remy barely managed to control the tremors that coursed through his body. The evil grin on the man's face reminded him of the way the Antiquary had devoured him with his eyes. "What are y'?" he asked again as the man only smirked smugly.

 

"Ah, manners... I should introduce myself." He walked up to Remy and glared down at the gold on black eyes. So far, everything was going according to plan. He'd let Jason escape, hoping the boy would take Warren here. "My name's Cameron Hodge and I'm going to execute you." 

 

 

Part 13

 

Tampa

 

"Cameron Hodge?" Remy's eyes grew big, suddenly realizing who stood in front of him. But Warren had never mentioned that Hodge was some sort of cyborg. And why did the man have wings? They were just like the ones Warren so abhorred. Remy shivered violently. But at least Jayce was no longer in danger. It surprised Remy though that Hodge hadn't gone after the boy. He had to stall a little longer, buy Jayce more time. "Y' took 'way ange's wings," Remy stated accusingly.

 

"I wanted to do him a favor," Hodge replied and with a demonic grin he spread his wings to full width.

 

"And now y' got some y'rself?" Remy tried to remain calm and in control of his fear. Being restrained and defenseless while facing Warren's nemesis wasn't a good thing. Hodge slowly raised a gloved hand and the leather moved along Remy's jaw line, almost caressing the skin there. Remy couldn't suppress the tremors that coursed through his body.

 

"But I use these wings to execute mutants like you. They serve a noble purpose." Hodge curled his fingers around Remy's throat and pressed... hard.

 

Remy's eyes narrowed in fright. He could tell by the feel and strength of those fingers that they were part mechanical. Unable to breathe, he briefly struggled in the chokehold and then went limp.

 

"No, not yet," Hodge said smugly and released his prisoner, who promptly fought for breath. "I want Warren to watch you die."

 

"Why?" Remy choked out. "Why do... y' hate... him?" His throat hurt and he took small, careful breaths.

 

Angered by Remy's audacity to speak up, Hodge gave his prisoner a cuff on the ear. "I don't want to hear your voice, mutant."

 

There was more power behind Hodge's flat hand than Remy had thought possible and his head slammed hard into the wall behind him. A sharp pain cut through his head and neck. "Bâtard!" Remy cursed loudly. "Free me and try dat 'gain!"

 

Hodge laughed coldly. "I'll beat that courage out of you, mutant." He uncovered a small device, which he showed Remy. "Recognize it?"

 

Remy slowly nodded his head. That little gadget controlled the Genoshan collar and could send electricity through his body. "Oui."

 

"Good, let's make sure you won't forget." Pressing the button, Hodge grinned cruelly.

 

Remy's body contorted with pain. A snaking lightning bolt seemed to reach every muscle and sinew, almost short circuiting his brain. "Aaaagghh," he groaned in pain as the electricity slammed into his heart. His healing power was off line now that he was wearing the collar and Remy suddenly felt scared.

 

No, he wasn't scared to die at Hodge's hands, but how would Warren deal with his death? Would his lover find the courage and the strength to go on without him? Just when the pain became unbearable, Hodge switched it off.

 

"That's a prelude, mutant." Pleased, Hodge yanked Remy's head back by pulling at the auburn hair. "Look at me when I talk to you." The rivulet of blood that dripped from Remy's lips made him hungry for more, but he had to pace himself. He didn't want Remy dead yet. However, that didn't mean he couldn't play with the mutant.

 

"Why?" Remy stuttered as he licked his lips, trying to get rid of the metallic taste. "Why do y' hate Warren?" That question apparently infuriated Hodge and Remy took another blow, this time aimed at his right eye.

 

"I don't hate Warren!" Hodge said, annoyed. No one understood him!

 

Remy barely managed to raise his eyes. His sight was blurry and he wondered how many more blows he'd have to endure. "Y're obsessed wit' him."

 

"Obsessed?" Hodge considered the word. "Maybe."

 

"Why kidnap Jason and me?" Remy refused to give up yet. Maybe he could talk his way out. This time, Hodge retaliated with a blow to his stomach. Remy spat up blood. Hodge didn't like being questioned. Well, too bad! As long as they talked, Jason could gain a bigger head start on Hodge and Remy was willing to pay the price. "What do y' want from us?"

 

"I want Warren to turn to me after he loses everything," Hodge revealed in an unguarded moment. "You're not worthy of his love. Candy wasn't either, but I am. I'll show him the way to salvation. He'll join my cause. His money strengthened the Right before and he'll give it new life again."

 

"Ange will never support de Right!" Remy mumbled, biting back the pain. "He's a mutant himself."

 

"Such a pity, isn't it? I'll have to convince him to let me remove those wings. Maybe I can get used to his blue skin." Hodge threw back his head and laughed loudly. "Warren's mine... has always been mine, but he hasn't realized that yet."

 

Disgusted, Remy shook his head. "Y' don' love him. Y're a psychopat', obsessed wit' somet'in' y' can never have."

 

Hodge's laughter stopped abruptly and he glared at Remy. "No, it's *you* who doesn't understand. Look at you, thief. You're nothing but a cheap whore who got lucky." Hodge relished seeing the pain in Remy's eyes. "I know *he* enjoyed making you beg."

 

Remy's heart missed a beat. "What are y' talkin' 'bout?" Remy tried to pull away as Hodge's gloved hand reached behind his back to curl cruel fingers around a cuffed wrist.

 

"A friend of mine told me about the Antiquary."

 

Remy bit his lower lip when Hodge's hand sneaked over the back of his hand, snapping his thumb in two. "Antiquary's dead."

 

"No, technically speaking, he's not," Hodge pointed out to Remy and moved on to another finger, which he slowly crushed. "You see, I made a pact with a demon, N'Astrih. I'm immortal now. I can't die." A diabolical grin flashed across his face.

 

Remy's head dropped forward as Hodge unexpectedly let go of his hair. "Warren will witness your death and then... he'll turn to me for comfort once he sees that I'm looking out for his best interest."

 

Remy realized that he was dealing with a mad man and closed his eyes. His neck, face, fingers and chest hurt and discussing things with Hodge wouldn't get him anywhere. He'd better conserve his strength for when he'd need it.

 

"Jason will lead him here," Hodge added malignantly. "I needed him to run and you helped me by telling him to get moving, mutant."

 

Remy's heart thundered in his chest. "Don' hurt de petit."

 

"Warren doesn't like Jason very much. I saw them fight at Sam's funeral." Hodge waited for Remy to draw the correct conclusion.

 

"Y' killed Warren's brot'er," Remy realized, shocked. "What kind of monster are y'?"

 

"I'm not a monster!" Hodge exclaimed and threw a right hook at Remy, who doubled over when the fist buried itself in his diaphragm. 

 

Remy struggled for breath, but failed. Slowly he lost consciousness. Only the restraints kept him upright.

 

Pleased with his handiwork, Hodge nodded his head. "I'm going to enjoy slitting your throat in front of Warren."

 

///

 

Tampa

 

"Wolvie! Stop running!" Warren cursed softly and freed his wings. The canine had been leading him through alleyways for some minutes now and was picking up speed. Spreading his wings, Warren relished the shift of air beneath them as he took to the sky.

 

It surprised him that they hadn't run into anyone yet. He'd always assumed that the city's slums would be packed with people who lived on the streets. "Wolvie!" The canine turned left and Warren followed quickly.

 

Warren didn't know what to make of the canine's odd behavior. Ever since they'd left the ranch, the wolf had taken the lead. It almost seemed like Wolvie knew where to find Remy. But how could that be? Remy had never told him that his lover shared a special link with the canine, so how did Wolvie know Remy's whereabouts?

 

The wolf didn't stop running and simply growled, telling Warren to hurry up. Time was running out and Remy needed them.

 

"Wolvie!" Warren yelped as he almost crashed into a billboard. He'd been so intent on keeping track of the canine that he forgot to pay attention to where he was flying.

 

///

 

Jayce pressed himself closer against the wall. He vividly remembered catching a glimpse of the boogieman and he didn't want to be found by the monster. //Warren, I need to find Warren. But how do I do that? If I had some change I could give him a call and tell him to come here. But the kids took my wallet. Should I try to get the money I need by... asking people for their change? By begging?// Maybe a nice lady would give him the money after he explained why he needed it.

 

But what if he ran into those bullies again? Or a man that was just waiting for a boy to come up to him for help and then take advantage of him? Jayce realized that he'd been lucky those street kids hadn't hurt him worse than they did. They could have sexually assaulted him.

 

That thought reminded him of how badly he'd misjudged Remy. "Shit," Jayce whispered nervously. What did the monster want from Remy? Why had they been sedated and kidnapped?

 

"I need to talk to Warren." But it would take Warren hours to get here, even if he used his wings. "I should report this to the police as well." But would they believe him? They'd probably think that he was making this up, they'd make some calls and find out that he'd run away. But he had to take that chance. Remy's life was in danger! He found the courage to leave the safety of the shadows and cautiously took a few steps.

 

Jayce screamed as something jumped up against him, throwing him hard onto the pavement. "Leave me alone!" he screamed in panic.

 

"Jason?"

 

Hearing his name calmed him slightly. "Who..." He'd closed his eyes when the attacker had thrown him down and he now peeked through half closed eyelids. He didn't recognize the animal at first as frightened as he was, but then... "Wolvie?"

 

The canine growled softly and licked the boy's face. He'd smelled Jason's scent and now, he also detected Remy's scent on Jason.

 

"Jayce!" Warren called out the name and landed next to the fallen form. "Thank God we found you!" Warren pushed Wolvie aside and helped his nephew to his feet. "Jason, what happened?" His sharp eyes picked up on the fading bruising on the boy's face.

 

"Later!" Jayce stated determinedly. "You've got to help Remy first."

 

"He found you? Where's Remy now?" Warren made sure Jason wasn't hiding any injuries and then looked into the boy's eyes. "Tell me."

 

"A monster hit us with darts and we passed out. He's still got Remy." Jayce held tightly onto Wolvie, who stood pressed against his legs.

 

"A monster?" Warren realized that he was wasting precious time. "What way? Tell me once we're moving."

 

Jayce took Warren's arm and pulled him along. "It looked like some sort of robot and it had wings... metal wings."

 

Warren sucked in his breath. Whom was Jayce talking about? "Did you hear his name?"

 

"No, Remy told me to run and I did. I'm a coward," Jayce said discouraged. "He was restrained and couldn't run. I should have stayed to help him."

 

"There was nothing you could do," Warren assured him. "You did the right thing. Now take me to Remy."

 

///

 

"Where do ya want to go, Cajun?" Logan was quickly learning to trust Jean-Luc's hunches. Recent events had convinced him that Jean-Luc was hiding something from him and although he was inclined to push his lover into revealing the truth, he didn't. He hoped that Jean-Luc would tell him out of his own accord.

 

"I don't really know, cher." Jean-Luc looked about. The corridor had led them to a deserted alleyway. "Mais we should stay close. We're supposed to be here."

 

Logan gave his lover a puzzled glance. "How do ya know that?"

 

"I just do," Jean-Luc whispered and gestured Logan to follow him into another dark alley. His wrist continued to throb painfully, but he locked the feeling out.

 

However, Logan failed to ignore the fact that his lover was in pain. The scent of Jean-Luc's blood that dripped from the abused wrist was all around him, filling his nostrils. "Ya should lemme have a look at yer wrist, Cajun."

 

"I can deal with it," Jean-Luc chided Logan. "It's not life threatening. Stop worrying about it."

 

"Someone's comin'," Logan announced and pulled Jean-Luc out of the light of the street lamp.

 

"Anything else?" Jean-Luc whispered, cautiously.

 

"Smells... familiar," Logan mumbled at a thoughtful tone. "There are three of them, two humans and an animal."

 

"Can you be more specific?" Jean-Luc leaned against the wall for support. His arm was pulsing vehemently. He feared the open wound might have become infected when it came into contact with the handcuffs.

 

"Let's find out," Logan whispered. "Wait here. Ya can't fight like this." Logan didn't wait for Jean-Luc's answer and disappeared into the alleyway. Now that his lover was injured, it was Logan's duty to keep Jean-Luc safe and to find out who'd abducted them.

 

Logan halted and focused on the footfalls. "What?" The rhythmic footfalls suddenly disappeared and instead he picked up on... the beating of wings? "Worthington?" A low growl made Logan look down and he grinned, recognizing the canine that Remy and Warren had taken in. Calling out a tad louder he said, "Wings!"

 

Warren heard the voice and immediately recognized it. "Logan?" He descended and landed near the Canadian. "What are you doing in Tampa?"

 

"It's a long story, Wings, but we're looking for Remy."

 

"We?" Warren, who had held Jayce in his arms when they'd been airborne, placed the boy back onto his feet.

 

"Jean-Luc's here too, but the Cajun's injured. Someone staged a plane crash to get to us." Logan noticed the boy's scared expression. "And who's this?"

 

"My nephew, Jayce." Warren shifted his glance from Logan to Jayce. "This is a friend, Jayce and his name's Logan. You can trust him."

 

Logan raised an eyebrow at the suspicious look that the boy gave him. "Ya don't trust easy, do ya, bub?"

 

"Not any more," Jayce said, warily and then he addressed Warren again. "We need to hurry."

 

"What happened to mon fils?" Jean-Luc, who had grown impatient, emerged from the shadows. He quickly glanced at Jayce, noticed the bruising and then looked at Warren. "And who did dis to de petit?"

 

"Petit?" Jayce repeated, mesmerized. "That's what Remy calls me."

 

"I'm his père," Jean-Luc explained and moved a little closer to the boy. "What happened?" No, Warren couldn't be responsible for this bruising. Determinedly, Jean-Luc pushed that thought away. Warren would never raise his hand against someone he loved.

 

"Some street kids," Jayce explained quickly. "But can we get moving now? Who knows what that monster's doing to Remy."

 

"Remy's bein' held prisoner?" Logan concluded, as they followed the boy through the alleyways.

 

"By a robot," Jayce replied, eagerly. "Only his face appeared somewhat human."

 

Suddenly, shivers ran down Warren's spine. Now that he thought about it, he only knew one person who used implanted technology. "Fuck, it can't be Hodge."

 

Logan hissed, hearing that name. "Hodge? The punk that had your wings amputated?"

 

Jayce's eyes grew big and he briefly stopped walking. "Amputated?"

 

Warren stared blankly at the wall. "It's happening all over again."

 

"What is?" Jean-Luc looked pleadingly at Warren and then turned to Logan. "What is, cher?"

 

"Wings should tell ya 'fore we go inside," Logan said and studied Warren, who was shivering nervously.

 

"Hodge kidnapped and tortured Candy. We were an item at the time. When I tried to rescue her... I walked into a trap and she died." Warren spoke quickly, before he lost his courage to tell them. "Oh my God. Hodge plans on killing Remy too... is probably torturing him... right now." Devastated, Warren fought back his tears. "I can't lose Remy... I can't go in there. Hodge's waiting for me to show up."

 

Logan placed a hand on Warren's shoulder. "Ya won't be alone this time. Ya've got back-up."  

 

"But Hodge knows I'm coming! He's waiting for me to show up so he can kill Remy in front of me." Warren suddenly realized that Jayce had heard every word. Damn, the boy was way too young to hear all this shit. "Don't let it be Hodge."

 

Logan squeezed Warren's shoulder. "Sounds like it's Hodge alright. We need a plan," and he looked to Jean-Luc to think of one.

 

Jean-Luc nodded his head once. "I'll think of something." Addressing Jayce he asked, "How much longer?"

 

"In there," Jayce said and pointed at a metal door. "That's the exit."

 

"And our way in." Jean-Luc looked thoughtfully at Warren and Logan. He was inclined to tell Warren to stay back and look after Jayce, but his son's lover would never agree to that. Warren loved Remy too much to stay behind and do nothing to stop Hodge's reign of terror. "I've got a plan."

 

///

 

Logan smelled a surplus of metal in the air that wasn't supposed to be there. Hodge had probably registered his presence and Logan grinned. He wanted Hodge to follow him closely. Sneaking deeper into the abandoned building, his nostrils caught the stench of blood and burned flesh. Jayce had told them that Remy had worn a collar and Logan figured that Hodge had given into temptation to send some electricity through Remy's body. "Yer gonna pay for what ya did," he announced determinedly, as he remembered how emotional the father of the 14 year old girl had been when he'd buried his daughter.

 

At the same time, Jean-Luc forced a neglected window open and then crawled inside through the old ventilation shafts. They had to time this right or their rescue attempt would fail. Remy's life was at stake and that left them no room for mistakes.

 

Logan heard the sounds above his head and realized that Jean-Luc was also making his way inside. Now, he had to find and distract Hodge, who probably didn't expect three men to show up instead of one. The element of surprise was on their side.

 

"Well, well... Wolverine."

 

The hair at the back of Logan's neck grew rigid hearing that voice. "Hodge? Show yerself and fight like a man!" Warren had told them that Hodge was a psychopath and Logan hoped to make Hodge as mad as hell because then the mutant hater might become careless.

 

"Are you calling me a coward?" Hodge stepped forward and waited for Logan to descend the stairs that led into the basement where he was holding Remy prisoner. "I'll have to kill you for that."

 

"Draw a number and get in line." Logan unsheathed his claws and stepped into the basement. He was ready to buy Jean-Luc and Warren all the time they needed, but then he saw Remy's crumbled form. The Cajun's face was covered in dried blood and he'd collapsed onto his knees. Only the restraints kept Remy upright. "Ya bastard!"

 

"Wolverine, what an unpleasant surprise. You should have been dead by now." Hodge powered up the laser that was implanted into his right hand. Raising it, he aimed at Logan. "You're ruining my plans!" He'd expected Warren to come to the rescue, not Wolverine! "I bet the Cajun's still alive too."

 

"Oui," Jean-Luc whispered, inaudible, picking up on Hodge's words, as he moved down the ventilation shaft.

 

Hodge gave Logan a dirty grin. "I'll just have to kill you first."

 

"Ya can try," Logan announced and attacked Hodge. Using his adamantium claws he cut through Hodge's armor as knives through hot butter.

 

"You can't hurt me! I'm immortal!" Hodge exclaimed and spread his wings. His feet lost touch with the floor and he gained height.

 

That was what Warren had been waiting for. He'd been watching Hodge and Logan through a broken window and had almost lost his courage seeing Hodge's armored body. The metal wings seemed to mock him and suddenly a deep anger was born inside his soul.

 

"Kick his ass, uncle Warren!" Jayce said enthusiastically. From where he sat he couldn't see Remy and if he had, Jayce's reaction would probably have been more subdued. "Go get the monster!"

 

Warren drew in a deep breath, pushed the last remnants of glass out of his way and jumped down. Quickly, he spread his wings and headed for Hodge.

 

Logan saw Warren approach and grinned. "It's payback time," he quipped wickedly and moved out of the way.

 

"HODGE!" Warren screamed and grew even more furious when Hodge turned around in mid air and grinned at him. "Bastard!"

 

Hodge realized that his plans had been ruined and that he had to save his hide. No, they couldn't kill him, but they could immobilize him. Aiming his laser, he tried to shoot Warren down. Shocked, he stared at his arm, as it dropped onto the floor.

 

"Courtesy of old Wolverine," Logan growled, pleased.

 

Frantically, Hodge tried to regain his momentum, but found himself slammed into the wall. Warren had a tight hold on him and Hodge tried to free himself.

 

Jean-Luc chose that moment to drop from the end of the ventilation shaft and he headed for Remy at once. "Oh, Remy!" he exclaimed, shocked, seeing the amount of damage that Hodge had done. Suddenly, he realized that someone had followed him and had left the shaft as well. Looking over his shoulder, he recognized the canine. Briefly, he'd been worried that it had been Jayce, but the boy knew better than to follow him!

 

"Lemme!" Logan wanted a piece of Hodge too and his sharp claws pinned the psycho to the wall. "Whadda ya say now, Hodge? No longer runnin' off that big mouth of yers?"

 

"You can't kill me!" Hodge spat at them. "I'll come back for you."

 

Warren stared at his nemesis. Logan stood firmly on his feet, keeping Hodge in place. "You killed Candy, you bastard!"

 

"She didn't love you," Hodge sneered.

 

"You're insane," Warren mumbled, disgusted. "And you wanted to kill Remy too!"

 

"Warren!" Jean-Luc's voice cut through the basement. "Remy needs you!"

 

Warren shot one more venomous look at Hodge and said, "Logan, don't let him get away."

 

"Ya can count on me, Wings." Logan twisted his claws a little deeper into Hodge's armored body, making sure the mutant hater couldn't escape. The canine suddenly appeared at his side and Logan nodded approvingly. "Ya smell evil, don't ya?"

 

Wolvie growled dangerously. Logan was right; Hodge was evil, he could smell it on the man. Using his mental powers, the wolf called out to his master.

 

///

 

"Remy!" Warren touched down and stared at his lover's bruised and bloody face. "What did the bastard do to you?"

 

Jean-Luc was already working on removing the collar. "I need you to hold him." Once he removed the restraints, Remy would drop to the floor.

 

Tenderly, Warren wrapped his arms around his lover's battered frame. "I've got you, Rem and I'll never let you out of my sight again!"

 

Jean-Luc smiled at hearing that passionate vow. He unlocked the Genoshan collar and threw it away from him in disgust. "I'm going to remove de handcuffs now."

 

Warren held Remy as tight as he dared. There was blood on Remy's lips and he didn't know if his lover had coughed it up. If he had, it might indicate internal bleeding. "I love you, Rem. Please fight. Don't give up." As the handcuffs opened, Warren supported his lover, who almost dragged him down with his dead weight. "Can I lay him down?"

 

"Non, I need to untie his ankles first." Jean-Luc glared at Hodge, who was cursing loudly.

 

"You can't kill me, Wolverine, you should know that by now," Hodge quipped smugly.

 

Logan was about to crack an answer when a terrible stench erupted all around him. He knew that stench; it was sulphur. Looking over his shoulder, he saw how a now familiar form took shape. "Not 'gain," he whispered, confused.

 

"Sorry to disappoint you, Logan," Daimon Hellstorm said in an amused tone. "But Hodge is my responsibility so I get to end his miserable existence."

 

The canine moved aside to let Daimon pass and Logan noticed the expression in the wolf's eyes, which was way too intelligent for an animal. "Get in line, bub."

 

"You can't kill him," Daimon reminded Logan. "Cameron Hodge made a pact with a demon..."

 

"You're right, I did!" Hodge exclaimed triumphantly.

 

"You have no idea who I am." Daimon laughed.

 

The sound of laughter attracted Jean-Luc and Warren's attention and they quickly looked at Hodge to find out what was going on. "Mon Dieu!" Jean-Luc whispered, recognizing their old ally.

 

Warren was unprepared when Remy collapsed in his arms as Jean-Luc undid the ankle restraints. Gently, he lay Remy down on the floor, resting his lover's head in his lap. Cradling Remy's head in his hands, Warren managed to keep an eye on his lover and Daimon at the same time.

 

"Who the hell are you?" Hodge asked Daimon. "You're not supposed to be here!"

 

"Where evil is, I am," Daimon answered quizzically. "And as the ruler of Hell, I declare your contract with N'Astrih null and void." Daimon opened his hand and Hellfire shot from his palm. "I've got some special torment in mind for your black soul. You'll fit in perfectly in Hell."

 

"NO!" Hodge screamed viciously as the Hellfire snaked up his body.

 

"Logan, you might want to move out of the way," Daimon said teasingly. He loved ruining N'Astrih's plans. He'd take care of his minion later. Content, he watched as the Hellfire completely engulfed Hodge's body.

 

Logan quickly retracted his claws. The canine bit into his coat and pulled him away. "Hey, whadda ya think yer doin'?" But the wolf simply grinned at him.

 

"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," Daimon stated, obviously pleased. "I always wanted to say that," he added, seeing Logan's puzzled expression. "Say good-bye now."

 

Hodge uttered one last scream as the Hellfire burned away the armor and nestled inside his bones. Within seconds, his ashes floated onto the floor.

 

Daimon turned around, smirked at Logan and then grew serious again when he walked towards Remy. "Our little angel should stay away from demons."

 

Warren didn't know how to react. He was too relieved to have Remy back in his arms. "Hodge hurt him." With utmost care, Warren stroked back the bloodied hair and cringed, seeing the black eye and other bruising along Remy's jaw line.

 

"He exhausted his healing power trying to help other people," Daimon stated knowingly. "You have to take him to the hospital. A rib threatens to puncture his left lung."

 

"How do you know?" Jean-Luc asked, puzzled.

 

"I possess healing powers myself, but they don't work on an angel. Our powers aren't compatible. He'd fight me instinctively. His injuries need time to heal." Daimon sat on his heels and stared at Remy's face. "I can take you to a hospital."

 

"How?" Warren tightly held onto his lover. "We shouldn't move him. Maybe we'd better call an ambulance?"

 

"We don't need an ambulance. Gather around me," Daimon instructed and waited for the canine, who had gone outside. "Did you leave anyone out there?"

 

"Jayce!" Warren couldn't believe that he'd forgotten about the boy!

 

But luckily, Wolvie was pulling Jayce along. He nudged the boy onto the staircase and descended it behind Jayce.

 

Jayce stared at the group of men and cringed seeing the state Remy was in. He ran down the stairs and joined Warren. Hesitant to speak up or touch Remy, he whispered, "Will he be all right?" He'd never seen someone this seriously beaten up before.

 

"Yes, he will," Warren said determinedly and locked eyes with Daimon. Take us to the hospital. Rem needs a doctor."

 

Daimon nodded his head, smiled and summoned his power. After opening the doors between dimensions, he transported them to the nearest hospital.

 

Part 14

 

Tampa

 

They gave the hospital staff quite a scare, appearing in front of them, wrapped in a cloud of sulphur and Hellfire. Thankfully, the nurses and doctors turned out to be true professionals when they saw the wounded among them.

 

Jean-Luc was taken into an exam room and Logan growled displeased when they announced that the Cajun needed surgery. The x-ray showed a compound fracture and they had to set the bone before it could be put in a cast. Logan stayed in the corridor, next to the door of the operating theatre.

 

Jayce was also closely examined, but quickly released, as the bruises on his face were fading and the physician couldn't find any other injuries. Warren released a relieved sigh when Jayce joined him again. Daimon and Wolvie stayed close too, while the medical staff was busy determining the severity of Remy's injuries.

 

"Rem looked bad," Warren whispered concerned, as he paced the waiting area. "I can't believe that Hodge hurt him like that. It's a good thing the bastard's dead or..."

 

Daimon rested a soothing hand on Warren's shoulder. "Remy will recover. You need to have faith in him." From out of the corner of his eye he caught Jayce's suspicious expression. It amused Daimon that the boy openly showed his distrust. Most humans just shied away from him.

 

"But Rem's face..." Warren raised his hands and hid his face in them. He didn't want to fall apart in front of them. Jayce needed a stabile environment and right now everything was a mess. //But Jayce's holding up fine,// Warren realized, a little surprised.

 

"I can't lose Rem," Warren mumbled, upset. He wanted to shake off Daimon's hand, but felt frozen. "I can't imagine life without him." When had Remy LeBeau become the center of his life? Would life still be worth living without the Cajun? Those were frightening questions and he was reluctant to think about the answers.

 

Daimon decided to distract Warren. The mutant was driving himself insane, asking himself what would happen should Remy not recover. Looking down at the wolf, he smiled. "You served me well."

 

That got Warren and Jayce's attention. "Yeah, what's up with that?" Warren's glance shifted from Wolvie to Daimon and back again. "He knew where to find Rem."

 

Daimon smiled smugly. He'd gotten their attention all right. "This 'wolf' is not really a wolf," Daimon said, trying to make them even more curious. It would take their minds of worrying about Remy's condition.

 

"Then what is he?" Warren kept a close eye on Jayce, who seemed stunned. He couldn't blame the boy. Jayce should never have been tangled up in this. The boy should be safe at the ranch, not getting caught up in the supernatural.

 

"Wolvie's... demonic," Daimon revealed with a smirk on his face.

 

"He's a demon?" Jayce interjected, curiously. "I thought he was... just a wolf."

 

"He's a dog of Hell." Daimon petted the wolf's head. "He accepted the assignment to look over Remy... for the rest of his life."

 

Warren swallowed hard. "Are you telling me that a demon slept in my bed?" He remembered all the times that Wolvie had curled up at the foot end.

 

"Yes, his real name is Garm." Daimon considered his next move. "I planned on letting Garm guard Remy, but now that you know the truth I suspect you won't want Garm close any longer."

 

Warren stared at the canine... dog of Hell. "I'm not sure," he said eventually. Remy had grown quite fond of Wolvie and Jayce had taken to the canine as well, but now... Warren looked at Jayce. "What do you think?"

 

Jayce's eyes grew big. Did Warren really want *his* advice? "I kinda like him, but..." Jayce turned to Daimon. "Is he dangerous?"

 

"Only to your enemies," Daimon assured them. "Garm has the gentlest disposition of all dogs of Hell, which is why I chose him. He doesn't really fit in with the rest of the pack. He's too... playful."

 

Warren remembered how Wolvie's tongue had dragged over his face hours ago and had to agree with Daimon. "So your name's Garm?" The dog of Hell bared his teeth. Warren had learned by now to interpret that as a grin. He didn't feel completely comfortable having a demon that close, but... "And he watches over Remy?"

 

"Yes," Daimon assured Warren again. "Garm really likes living with Remy and you. He especially likes your warm bed."

 

"That's got to end, you hear?" Warren said determinedly, addressing Garm. "No more sleeping in bed!" The dog of Hell cocked his head and looked absolutely miserable. Warren tried hard to repress his amusement, but a grin slipped through. "You're on probation," he decided. "And we still have to tell Remy, who..." Shit, he'd completely forgotten about his lover!

 

"You brought in my patient, didn't you?" The elderly doctor, who stepped into the waiting area, recognized the winged mutant.

 

"Yes, he's my life partner," Warren replied quickly. "How's Remy?"

 

"So..." the doctor wrote down the name on a piece of paper. "So that's his name?"

 

"He hasn't regained consciousness then?" Daimon concluded.

 

"He woke up briefly, but is asleep now. I don't want him to wake up again. I should introduce myself first, I'm doctor Richards."

 

Warren shook the doctor's hand, but wished the man would tell him more about Remy's condition. "How is he? Rem was in a bad way when we found him."

 

"Why don't we sit down?" Richards suggested and noticed that the small group followed him. "You're all family?"

 

"Yes," Daimon stated determinedly. The lie didn't bother him.

 

Puzzled, Richards raised an eyebrow, but didn't question the answer. After they sat down, he said, "I examined Remy. He's going to make a full recovery."

 

Warren leaned back in the chair and nodded his head. "Thank God." He heard Daimon's soft snort of disapproval and even Wolvie, no Garm, seemed to shake his head. //Well, they're right... we did have some help, but it was of a demonic and not of a divine nature,// Warren mused.

 

"Remy's got a broken rib, that almost punctured his lungs, but we bandaged it rather tightly and it should heal just fine." Richards watched Warren closely. He'd never seen a mutant from up close and his curiosity awoke, but he pushed it away. His patient came first. "His right eye needs rest and I'll give you a prescription for eye drops, which you need to apply every 12 hours."

 

"What else?" Warren asked, mentally making notes so he wouldn't forget to pick up the prescription before they left.

 

"His right hand. His thumb and index finger are broken... crushed is more like it. We had to splint them. He'll need rest and should stay off his feet. Remy took some nasty blows."

 

"I'll make sure Rem stays in bed." Warren licked his lips, as his mouth had gone dry. The damage seemed less than he'd feared. "Can I see him now?"

 

"Yes, but keep in mind that he's asleep. I'd like to keep it that way," Richards said as he got to his feet.

 

"Does he have to stay or can we take him home?" Daimon asked, wondering how well Remy would deal with being transported back to the ranch in a car or helicopter. If he could use his own means of transportation it would be less painful for Remy.

 

Richards gave them a thoughtful look. If he read them right, Remy would be perfectly cared for, maybe even better than should he stay at the hospital. "There's no reason for him to stay," he said eventually. "But he's confined to bed rest."

 

Warren nodded his head once. "I understand, doctor Richards."

 

"I'll take you to his room, but only two of you, no more!" Richards stated determinedly. "He's asleep anyway."

 

Warren exchanged a look with Daimon. "Can Jayce and I go in?" He realized that Daimon had taken out Hodge, had taken away that threat and Warren didn't want to boss Daimon around.

 

"Sure, I can wait." Daimon stretched his legs, making himself comfortable on the chair. "But keep in mind that I can't stay here too long...I'll transport you to the ranch and then I need to attend to my own affairs."

 

"Thanks for helping us out," Warren said, softly. "We couldn't have killed Hodge and he'd have found a way to get back at Rem when we least expected it."

 

"Go, go and see Remy and once he's awake I'll take you home.

 

///

 

Jayce stood silently beside Remy's bed and studied the Cajun's features. Bruises covered most of Remy's face and his right eye had been beat shut. Remy lay on his back and Jayce caught a glimpse of the bandages around the Cajun's chest. Remy's bandaged right hand rested on top of the blanket and Jayce wondered if those broken fingers hurt badly. Maybe it was a good thing that Remy was soundly asleep.

 

"He'll get better," Jayce said in a wavering tone, needing to hear Warren's assurance.

 

"Yes, Rem will recover just fine." Warren carefully sat down on the side of the bed and cradled Remy's left hand in his. "I thought I'd lost him," he confided in Jayce. "And what the hell did you think you were doing running away like that?" Warren stared hard at Jayce. "You could have gotten yourself killed."

 

//I nearly did,// Jayce thought remorsefully. "I'm sorry," he whispered, averting his eyes. Suddenly he found the linoleum floor very interesting.

 

"Why did you run?" Warren asked Jayce. At the same time he pushed back a stray lock of golden, auburn hair that had slipped into Remy's face.

 

"I couldn't face you... or Remy."

 

"Why?" Warren managed to look away from Remy and into Jayce's eyes. As long as he felt Remy's hand in his, he was reassured that his love was all right.

 

"I... misjudged Remy so badly," Jayce whispered and peeked at Warren's eyes. "He isn't abusive."

 

"No, he certainly isn't," Warren mumbled. "What changed your mind?"

 

"Realizing that he cared about me... *you*... the people who suffered burns. He took care of them, of you and he even wanted to look after me." Jayce wringed his hands behind his back. "I'd understand if you no longer want me on the ranch. I messed up."

 

"We all make mistakes," Warren chided his nephew gently. "I made plenty. But Remy taught me that everyone deserves a second chance. You obviously care about Remy and I'm sure that he wants you to stay with us, so forget about running away ever again." Warren distinctly noted Jayce's relieved sigh. "You're coming home with us."

 

"Bien..."

 

Startled, Warren looked at his lover, whose left eye had opened. "Rem, you need to get back to sleep." Warren rubbed the knuckles of Remy's left hand. "I figured you would agree with me. Jayce should stay, shouldn't he?"

 

Remy managed a weak smile. "Mais... oui," he whispered. "Tired... cher." Remy wondered why his right eye stubbornly remained shut. His chest hurt and he tried not to inhale too deeply. Warren's presence however, reassured him. He didn't wonder why Warren was close, just accepted it and relished his love's presence. Dozing off again, he used his last strength to curl his fingers tightly around Warren's hand, making sure that his lover couldn't leave.

 

"He's asleep again," Warren whispered with a smile on his face.

 

"Wings?"

 

Warren looked over his shoulder at hearing Logan's voice. "Yeah?"

 

Jean-Luc's broken wrist now rested in a sling and he leaned against Logan. They stood in the doorway, both wearing a smug expression on their face.

 

"How's your wrist?"

 

"Dey took care of it," Jean-Luc whispered, careful not to wake Remy up again. They'd talked to doctor Richards and knew that Remy would make a full recovery. Jean-Luc was confident that his son's healing power would speed up the recovery process. "Daimon told us dat he'll take you home."

 

"Are you coming along?" Warren would like that. "Remy might need you."

 

But Jean-Luc shook his head. "Remy's in capable hands," he complimented Warren. The truth was that he owed Logan an explanation for his past behavior. "Mais we'll visit shortly."

 

Jean-Luc's decision surprised Logan. He'd thought that they'd accompany Remy and Warren, but his lover probably had a perfect reason for deciding differently.

 

"Do you think he'll remember Logan and I were dere too?" Jean-Luc wondered out loud. Remy had appeared unconscious when he'd removed the restraints.

 

"I'll tell him you helped," Warren said softly. "I should get Daimon now. Remy will feel much more comfortable resting at home than in this hospital room." Warren reluctantly let go of Remy's hand and signaled Jayce to join him. Jean-Luc was entitled to a moment alone with Remy.

 

"Merci," Jean-Luc whispered as Warren and Jayce passed him by. He walked towards the bed and claimed Remy's hand, which felt warm and smooth. "Remy, you need to be more careful, petit."

 

Logan stood behind Jean-Luc and placed a possessive hand on his lover's hip. "Ya know that the kid attracts trouble. Ya can't keep him safe forever."

 

"I know dat, cher, believe me, I know. I wish it were different, mais I'll always want to protect Remy." Jean-Luc leaned back and relished Logan's closeness. "You were right. We need to talk."

 

"That's why we're stayin'?"

 

"Oui." Jean-Luc leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss on Remy's brow. "Je t'aime, petit." Embedding the lines of Remy's face in his mind, he smiled saddened. "De bruises will fade." Then he released Remy's hand and stepped away from the bed. Both men left the room.

 

///

 

Honeymoon Island

 

"Garm, stay with Jayce," Daimon instructed and the dog of Hell gently took hold of Jayce's hand and pulled him in the opposite direction. Daimon followed Warren, who carried Remy in his arms, to their bedroom.

 

"You're home, love," Warren whispered affectionately as he placed Remy in their bed. Covering his lover with the comforter, he allowed himself to relax slightly. Remy was home.

 

"Cher?"

 

Remy's tired voice startled Warren. "Stop waking up, stupid Cajun," he chided Remy teasingly. "Close those eyes and get back to sleep. I'll still be here when you wake up." Remy's smile was genuine and relaxed. Warren tucked his lover in. "If you're a good boy, I'll join you in bed later."

 

"Would... love... dat," Remy whispered, barely audible and drifted back to the world of dreams.

 

"Warren?" Daimon waited for the other man to turn around and face him. "My work here's done."

 

"Thank you," Warren repeated his earlier words. "Without you..."

 

Daimon cocked his head. Warren had no idea how much he'd mingled in Remy's life. He'd never regret getting involved and sending the certificate to Scott Summers. Remy deserved to know who he really was, in all aspects. //My father should never have informed the Antiquary of Remiel's birth.//

 

"You realize that I'll always keep an eye on Remy?" Garm would contact him should something extraordinary happen.

 

"I don't think that's a bad thing." Warren walked up to Daimon and offered the man his right hand. "You'll always be welcome here."

 

"I hope you'll never regret those words," Daimon pointed out to him. "I *am* the ruler of Hell."

 

Warren's smug grin grew wicked. "Defense mechanism, huh?"

 

Daimon laughed. No human had ever had the audacity to say that to him! "Maybe," he chuckled and turned around. "I'm leaving." He called on his Hellfire to take him home.

 

"Does he have to leave behind that sickening stench of sulphur?" Warren remarked. "When Kurt teleports it smells like that too." Briefly, he considered if both men might be related, but then shrugged it off. "No way."

 

Warren returned to the bed and lay down on his side, facing Remy. He didn't even bother to undress, so eager was he to watch Remy sleep. Warren desperately wanted to wrap his arms around his lover and pull him close, but they would have to be careful for the next couple of days, as his lover's injuries needed time to heal. As he fingered a golden lock, Warren smiled. "I love you, Rem."

 

///

 

The Blackbird

 

Scott noticed the nervous twitch near Corsair's mouth. He felt equally worried, but didn't show it. For the last 30 minutes they'd tried to get a hold of Warren and Remy on the ranch, but all the foreman could tell them was that the two men had left several hours ago.

 

"Where's Remy?" Corsair whispered the words, privately, not expecting an answer. Scott knew as little as he did. "You don't think something bad happened to him? This Jim mentioned a fire."

 

Scott didn't really know how to comfort his father. "I'm sure Remy's fine." Like a cat, Remy seemed to possess at least nine lives, some of them used twice.

 

"How much longer before we reach the ranch?" Corsair no longer fought his nervousness. //What if I lose Remy before getting to know him?// That thought frightened him.

 

"Ten more minutes," Scott replied. "Do you want to try again? Maybe they returned in the meantime."

 

"You try contacting them," Corsair said, worried. He didn't trust his own voice right now.

 

///

 

Honeymoon Island

 

"Mister Worthington?" Jim knocked softly on the door to his boss' bedroom. He'd seen the way Remy had looked when they'd returned home and didn't want to disturb the two men, but Warren was needed. He knocked again, a little louder this time and said, "Warren?" Jim was one of the few workers who would ever address his boss in that manner.

 

Reluctantly, Warren opened his eyes. Something had disturbed his sleep and his first concern was for Remy, but his lover was soundly asleep. Then, Warren heard Jim's voice. Cursing softly, he dragged himself out of bed, tucked Remy in again and tiptoed over to the door, which he softly opened. "What?" Warren asked as he closed the door behind him.

 

"A certain Scott Summers is trying to reach you over the radio," Jim informed his boss. "He says that he needs to talk to you, urgently."

 

Warren wished he could go back to bed and watch over Remy, but realized that he couldn't ignore this. "I'll talk to him." He followed Jim into the improvised control room, where they'd moved all equipment during the fire.

 

Jim handed Warren the headphone and Warren sat down. "Scott? Is that you?"

 

Inside the Blackbird, two men jumped on their seats. Scott reacted at once. "Warren, where have you been? We've been trying to reach you for some time now." Scott smiled reassuringly at his dad, who shifted uneasily in his seat. Corsair was obviously nervous to meet Remy.

 

"To cut a long story short, Hodge tried to kill Remy... and we just got back from the hospital," Warren explained.

 

Corsair almost jumped out of his seat. "What? Who's this Hodge and how's Remy doing?"

 

Scott felt concerned too, hearing this news, but couldn't help smiling warmly. Corsair was getting angry and worried about a son he'd never seen before. That was definitely a good development.

 

"Hum, Scott? Who's there with you?" Warren had trouble identifying that second voice.

 

"My father," Scott replied, somewhat amused.

 

"Corsair?" Warren suddenly felt apprehensive. "Scott, where are you?"

 

"I'm about to land the Blackbird in your front yard," Scott quipped.

 

"Oh fuck," Warren exclaimed in an unguarded moment. Remy's biological father was about to visit and his lover had no idea that Corsair was here!

 

"Oh *fuck*?" Scott repeated, dryly. "I didn't know you used that word, Warren." As he looked at Corsair, Scott realized that his father barely managed to remain seated. He addressed Warren again. "Are you trying to tell us that our timing sucks?"

 

"Sucks?" Warren repeated the word in tone similar to Scott's and cringed. "Yeah, actually it does. Remy's been kidnapped and tortured. He has a broken rib, broken fingers and his face is covered in bruises."

 

"Who is this Hodge?" Corsair asked Scott again. "I'll make him pay for hurting Remy like that!"

 

Warren caught Corsair's threat and addressed Scott. "Tell your dad that he can't do that. Hodge's dead."

 

"Good," Corsair growled and settled down. "Take her down, Scott." The way he felt now, he didn't trust himself to pilot the Blackbird.

 

"Warren, do you think Remy's up to meeting his father? We can wait a little longer, give Remy more time." Scott looked at Corsair, who nodded his head.

 

"I'll damn well make time!" Corsair stated determinedly.

 

"I'm not sure," Warren said thoughtfully. "Rem still hasn't woken fully. Why don't you land the Blackbird and I'll arrange some guest quarters for you. Maybe later today, you can talk to Rem? It depends on how bad Remy's feeling. I can't make any promises," Warren warned them. "I need to be sure that Remy's strong enough to meet his father." Feeling fiercely protective of his lover, Warren was determined to put Remy's needs first. Corsair's came second.

 

"Agreed," Corsair mumbled and nodded his head once. "We can wait."

 

"I'm about to land the plane, Warren. I'll meet you in about 10 minutes." Scott terminated the connection and chose a clearance close to the house to land the Blackbird.

 

///

 

"Be quiet now. Don't make any noise!" Warren instructed them in a firm tone. "I don't want Remy to startle awake. He's been through enough lately!"

 

Scott stared at Warren. Had he ever seen Warren this protective of someone before? Not this extremely. Yes, Warren used to fuss over Remy since they'd become lovers, but this intensity was new. "We'll be quiet," he promised.

 

"I just want to see my son." Corsair felt embarrassed and frustrated at the same time. He understood Warren's need to make sure Remy was fine, but he'd never do anything to hurt his son! He wouldn't wake Remy if his son needed to rest that badly!

 

Satisfied, Warren slowly opened the door and signaled them to step inside. His first glance was for Remy, who still lay in the center of the bed, hidden beneath the comforter. Warren took the lead and approached the bed, making sure Remy remained asleep.

 

Scott and Corsair followed, almost tiptoeing over to the bed. Corsair's heart beat wildly. In a moment he'd see his son for the first time in his life. Scott had told him about the changed eyes, which were gold on black now, and he mentally prepared himself for that remarkable sight.

 

//My son. Remy survived... I'm about to see my son, maybe even touch him, convince myself that he's alive... oh Katherine, if only you could be here now. Sinister didn't win. The baby survived!// Euphorically, Corsair took another step and finally laid eyes on his son. "Oh, Remy," he whispered, taken aback, seeing the extensive bruising on his son's face.

 

"Shst!" Warren placed his finger against his lips, indicating that Corsair should remain quiet. Father and son could talk later, once Remy had rested sufficiently.

 

//They have no idea how hard this is on me!// Corsair thought, frustrated. //I waited 25 years for this!// But he got his feelings back under control. He cringed, seeing the bruising and the black eye. An urge to make Hodge pay overwhelmed him, but then he remembered that the madman was dead.

 

Cautiously, Corsair lowered himself until he sat on his heels. His face was only a few inches away from Remy's and Corsair imprinted Remy's face in his mind. "My son," he whispered, affectionally.

 

Warren and Scott held their breath when Corsair whispered the words. Some movement showed beneath the comforter and Warren grabbed Scott's arm when Remy's left eye unexpectedly opened.

 

///

 

Disorientated, Remy wondered why his right eye refused to open. Too tired to find out, he felt content just to use the one remaining eye. Blinking once, he realized that someone was staring at him. It was a man with auburn hair, sparkling eyes and a curious expression on his face. "Who...'re y'?" he stuttered sleepily.

 

Remy picked up on the warmth and affection that the man directed at him and he tried to identify that face. "'ave we... 'ver met?" His words were slurred and he attempted to sit upright. "Ow," he exclaimed as pain shot through his chest and right hand. Obviously, sitting upright was a bad idea. "An... ge?" Remy called out to his lover, needing to know that Warren was close.

 

"I'm here, love." Warren quickly stepped forward and sat down on the bed. Taking Remy's left hand in his, he tried to radiate calm. His heart ached, seeing the way Remy tried to look up at him. "Don't... You're hurt. Your right eye won't open."

 

Corsair had quickly stepped back and now joined Scott. A deep anger burned in the pit of his stomach. Hodge deserved to die all over again for hurting his son like this!

 

"Give Remy time," Scott whispered reassuringly. "Warren told me that Remy's under the influence of sleeping meds."

 

"Ange? I... 'ear... voices..." Remy murmured. Tilting his head was extremely painful, so he gave up on finding out who was in the room with them.

 

Warren swallowed hard and made a decision. He gently stroked Remy's hair and leaned in closer so Remy didn't have to try too hard to focus on his face. "You've got visitors, love. Scott's here." Warren raised his hand and gestured Scott to approach the bed.

 

Scott smiled at Remy. "Did you get yourself into trouble again, little brother?" he asked, teasingly.

 

"Cyke... Scott... 'orry," Remy whispered, feeling immensely confused. "'at 're y' doin' 'ere?" Remy only vaguely realized that he couldn't get his lips wrapped around the words. The sleeping meds were messing with his mind and affected his speech.

 

"I wanted to visit you, spend some time with my baby brother." Scott smiled, seeing the way Remy tried to grin at hearing those last two words.

 

Corsair watched them, feeling envious. Scott and Remy seemed to get along well and he felt left out, while he was their father! But he waited for Warren to introduce him. Remy looked fragile and Corsair didn't want to worsen his son's condition by startling him.

 

"'s nice t' see y' 'gain," Remy mumbled. The sleeping medication made him feel light-headed. "'orry, don' feel dat 'reat..."

 

"Warren told me about Hodge," Scott said in a soft tone. "We should let you go back to sleep."

 

Corsair cringed privately. He wanted Remy to know that his father was here!

 

"Wait." Remy had increasing difficulty to stay awake and focused. "Feel somet'in'."

 

"What do you feel, love?" Warren caressed his lover's brow, rubbing the tension away that probably emanated from Remy's temples. "Do you have a headache?"

 

"Oui."

 

Remy's answer confirmed Warren's suspicion. He'd been relieved to learn from doctor Richards that Remy hadn't suffered a concussion. "Are you feeling nauseous?"

 

"Non." Just in time Remy remembered not to shake his head. That would only worsen his headache. "Feel... pain," he whispered, trying hard to pronounce the words properly. "Emo... tional... pain." He tried to look passed Scott. "Dat... ot'er man..."

 

Warren knew he should tell Remy that Corsair was here. "Rem? Love?" The distant expression in his lover's eyes worried him. "Scott didn't come alone."

 

Remy waited for Warren to continue. His strength was leaving him quickly.

 

Warren caught Corsair's glance. "Come over here," he said gently.

 

Corsair obeyed and sat on his heels so his face was level with Remy's again. "Hello Remy," he said in an emotional tone. The tears that had earlier filled his eyes now slipped down his face.

 

"'allo." Remy wondered if he was supposed to know this man, who felt so strongly about him. Feelings of love, protection and affection covered him like a blanket and these emotions emanated from the stranger.

 

"You don't know me," Corsair realized, saddened. "My name's Christopher Summers," he explained as he gently took hold of Remy's left hand. "You probably know me as Corsair. I'm your father."

 

Part 15

 

Honeymoon Island

 

Remy simply stared at Corsair. His brain was still trying to accept that his dad was sitting in front of him. Dad, never poppa or père. Those titles were reserved for Jean-Luc LeBeau, the man who'd saved his life too many times to count.

 

Corsair's nervousness increased when Remy didn't verbally react to his admission, but maybe that was due to the sleeping medication. Remy seemed fully conscious, but wasn't. "I love you, son."

 

Hearing those words brought a smile to Scott's face. Corsair was far better at expressing his feelings than he'd ever be. Remy needed to hear it.

 

"Son," Remy repeated, taken aback. "Y're... my...dad." Still in disbelief, he tried to raise his left hand, but then realized that Corsair had already claimed it. His dad's emotions were real, his hand felt real... Remy had to accept that this was happening now. It wasn't a figment of his imagination. Now that he had a good look at Corsair, Remy concluded that the man did resemble Scott in a certain way.

 

"You're tired, son. We can talk later. I won't leave before we had a chance to get to know each other," Corsair promised as Remy's eye slipped shut. "Yes, that's it. Sleep." He waited for Remy to doze off and then whispered, "Katherine, you'd have been proud of him."

 

Warren felt torn. He wanted to stay with Remy, but needed to check on Jayce as well. He'd lost track of the boy after they returned home. "Can you stay with Rem a little longer? I'll be back in ten."

 

Corsair firmly nodded his head. "I'd love to spend time with my son. Even if he's asleep."

 

Warren exchanged a look with Scott, who nodded his head. They would stay with Remy until Warren returned. "Thanks," Warren said quickly and hurried out of the room to check on Jayce.

 

///

 

Jayce and Garm were having a stare contest. Jayce sat upright on the bed with his back against the wall while Garm had made himself comfortable at the foot end, hogging the blanket. "It's hard to believe that you're not really a wolf." He didn't know how to feel about Garm being a dog of Hell. The knock on his door was a welcome distraction. "Yes," he said, wondering who it could be. He almost jumped to his feet when his uncle entered. "How's Remy?"

 

"Asleep again," Warren replied and sat down on the side of the bed, giving Garm a curious look as well. "I though you might be hungry, Jayce." Warren placed the sandwiches, cookies and milk on the nightstand. "How are you doing? It's been a rough ride for you too."

 

"I'm sorry that I ran," Jayce admitted at once, feeling guilty as hell. "If I'd stayed here, Hodge would never have gotten hold of Remy. It's my fault Remy got beaten up."

 

Warren licked his lips. He had to handle this delicately. "Hodge would have found a way to get to Remy, even if you hadn't run off. But you did and yes, it made it easier for Hodge to grab Remy."

 

"I can't believe that you still want me here," Jayce whispered.

 

"You're family, Jayce." Warren ruffled the blond locks. "And I've got the feeling that Remy and you will become good friends. Give yourself a chance, Jayce."

 

Garm felt the tension and decided he had to do something about it. The bed dipped as he sneaked off it. Both humans were a little too preoccupied to pay much attention to him.

 

"I really like Remy," Jayce admitted, fighting hot tears. "Why did I make it so hard on the two of you?"

 

"You're a teenager, Jayce and teenagers are always trouble," Warren said jokingly. "I should know. I used to be one!" Relieved, Warren noticed the smile on Jayce's face.

 

"I think I want those cookies now," Jayce remarked, feeling a little more comfortable and definitely wanted here. "Oh man!" Jayce's eyes grew big as he saw Garm munching the cookies. "Don't tell me he ate my cookies!"

 

Garm acted perfectly innocent and returned to claim his spot on the bed. Closing his eyes, he licked his mouth to get all the crumbs and then pretended to be asleep.

 

"He's going to be trouble," Warren stated amused.

 

"He already is!" Jayce agreed and decided to eat the sandwiches instead.

 

///

 

Upon Warren's return, Scott and Corsair left. Warren promised Corsair that he could spend time with Remy tomorrow when the sleeping meds had worn off.

 

After getting undressed, Warren sat upright in their bed, resting his back against the headboard. Remy slept beside him, clutching the comforter to keep warm. "Ah, Rem... I almost lost you."

 

Remy reacted to the sound and reached out with his left hand. "Cher... close." His fingers dug into the fabric of Warren's boxers and he pulled the winged man close.

 

Warren thought about not giving in. By lying that close to Remy he could unintentionally put pressure on the broken rib, but his lover persisted and Warren relented. Remy folded an arm around Warren's waist and pulled his lover close to his chest.

 

Warren found himself locked in a tight hold. Remy was obviously not planning on letting him go. "Hey, I'm here, love. Don't worry about me." The sound of his voice seemed to relax Remy slightly so Warren continued. "Jean-Luc and Logan helped me to get you out. Jayce wants to stay, but feels bad about the way he treated you. Me? I'm just glad to have you back."

 

"'s 'kay, ange," Remy whispered in his sleep. "C'est bien."

 

Warren smiled against Remy's chest, returned the embrace and spent the remaining night staring at his love's face.

 

///

 

Tampa

 

Logan studied his lover, who sat cross-legged on the floor of their hotel room. He knew that Jean-Luc wanted to talk, but shaking off old habits was hard on the former patriarch. Logan sat down behind his lover and pulled him to his chest. "Wanna talk?"

 

Jean-Luc flashed him a grin. "We should talk, oui."

 

"How did ya know we were in danger? Why the aliases and the commercial flight? How did ya know that someone was after us? That Remy was in danger?"

 

"You know about de Elixir of Eternal life?" Jean-Luc drew in a deep breath.

 

"Yeah," Logan wanted to add, 'Ya stole Remy from the clinic 'cause of it,' but he held his tongue. Jean-Luc had paid for that mistake.

 

"De Elixir has some side-effects," Jean-Luc started hesitantly. If the Guild found out that he was betraying secrets he might find himself in big trouble, but the need to be honest with Logan outweighed his fears.

 

"What side-effects?" Logan whispered the words into Jean-Luc's ear and caught the man shivering beneath his hands.

 

"Clairvoyance," Jean-Luc sighed, resigned.

 

"Are ya tellin' me ya can see the future?" Startled, Logan caught Jean-Luc's glance as his lover looked at him over his shoulder.

 

"To some degree. I only see flashes." Jean-Luc shrugged his shoulders. "It's grown stronger."

 

Logan whistled, impressed. "Can't be easy on ya, knowin' what's 'bout to happen."

 

"I don't see everything, cher. Just bits and pieces." If he'd only had this ability when he'd been young! Then he'd never have stolen Remy from the hospital. "When it first showed, I couldn't handle it."

 

"Whadda ya do?" Logan forced Jean-Luc to lean back against his chest, deepening their physical contact.

 

"I met someone who taught me to control it. Stephen Strange."

 

"I met him a few times," Logan replied, surprised that Jean-Luc had kept all this from him. He wondered what more secrets the Cajun was hiding. Saddened, he realized that there would always be secrets between them. There were Guild things that Jean-Luc could never tell him. That his lover was opening up now was amazing.

 

"Stephen and I were lovers," Jean-Luc whispered and held his breath.

 

Logan gulped. "Lovers?" He never expected that admission.

 

"Only briefly," Jean-Luc explained. "That was before he met Clea."

 

Logan wondered if he should press Jean-Luc to tell him more, but realized that his lover had already taken a major step in strengthening their relationship. "I don't have to worry 'bout fightin' off a jealous ex-boyfriend then?"

 

"Non, don't worry about dat," Jean-Luc assured him, but remained tense against Logan. "Where do we stand now, mon ami?"

 

"Actually... We're sittin'," Logan quipped and playfully rocked the Cajun in his arms. "I don't know 'bout ya, but... wanna play in bed?"

 

Relieved, Jean-Luc released the tension that had controlled him only a moment before. "You're okay with dis?"

 

"Yeah," Logan mumbled as he licked the back of his lover's neck. "Will tell ya one of my secrets later... even the score so to speak."

 

Jean-Luc turned around in the embrace, took in Logan's honest eyes and knew that their love would always persevere.

 

///

 

Honeymoon Island

 

The next morning, Warren woke up, opened his eyes and stared into Remy's gold on black eye. The right eye was still closed, black and bruised. "Good morning, love. Feeling a little better today?" Remy looked awake and the smile on his lover's face reassured Warren slightly.

 

"A lil'," Remy admitted and allowed his left hand to tangle in Warren's golden locks. "What happened?"

 

"What do you remember?" Warren pressed an incredibly gentle kiss on his lover's lips.

 

"Hodge beatin' me up," Remy whispered in a choked tone. "I passed out."

 

"We rescued you," Warren started, "I had a lot of help. Jean-Luc and Logan showed up and..."

 

"Poppa?" Surprised, Remy looked about, as if he expected Jean-Luc to be close.

 

"They stayed in Tampa. I guess they wanted us to have some privacy."

 

"Hodge?" Remy tried to shift his body, but the pain that cut through his chest made him freeze.

 

"You sustained a broken rib, love." Warren stroked Remy's soft hair. "Hodge's dead. Daimon took him out."

 

"Daimon?" Remy tried to understand what had happened, how come that Jean-Luc, Logan and Daimon had shown up just at the right time? Sensing Warren's emotional pain, Remy whispered, "Y' musta been scared..." Hodge had killed Candy and Warren must have been frightened that everything would happen all over again.

 

"I was, but they helped me through it. Even Jayce told me to kick Hodge's butt."

 

"Jayce..." Upset, Remy tried to get into an upright position. "De petit ran..."

 

"Rem, Jayce's fine." Warren sat up and stopped Remy from moving further about. "The doctor confined you to bed, so stay there." Warren gently pressed Remy onto his back. "I'll get us some breakfast. Do you want to talk to Jayce later?" He also had to tell Remy about their dog of Hell.

 

"Oui..." Shyly, Remy peeked at Warren. "Had a strange dream last night."

 

"Tell me about it." Warren returned to caressing his lover's hair. "What did you dream about?" Remy'd had a calm night without nightmares.

 

"Dreamed dat Corsair was here," Remy whispered, almost too soft to hear.

 

"Corsair and Scott *are* here, love." Warren caught the shocked expression on Remy's face. "They arrived yesterday."

 

"Corsair's here?" Remy couldn't believe that his dream was turning out to be reality. "My dad's here?"

 

"I'm sure he'll visit you today. Corsair was quite emotional yesterday. He even cried."

 

Remy swallowed hard. "Cried?"

 

"He said that he'd waited 25 years to finally see his son."

 

"I'm 25?" Remy had never been sure about his age.

 

The simple question nearly brought tears to Warren's eyes. "I can't imagine how it must have been for you, not knowing who you are, when your birthday is, who your parents are... oh, love..."

 

"Could y'... could y' ask Corsair to come here now?" Remy said pleadingly.

 

"After you had breakfast, Remy, okay?"

 

"kay."

 

///

 

"Breakfast in bed, cher. Y're spoilin' me rotten," Remy whispered shyly. Warren had been fussing over him since they'd woken up and Remy had to admit that he loved all the attention. It finally convinced him that everything was all right again. Jayce was safely back at the ranch, Scott and Corsair would meet with him later and Hodge was dead.

 

Warren took great delight in preparing some toast with marmalade for Remy, who couldn't do much with his right hand. "Open up," Warren instructed and waited for his lover to take a bite. "By the way, there's something you need to know about Wolvie."

 

"What's dat, cher?" Remy used his left hand to wipe away some marmalade that had slid onto his chin. Lying in bed like this, with Warren close resembled Remy's idea of heaven.

 

"Wolvie's actually a dog of Hell, a demon."

 

Remy spat out the mouthful of orange juice he'd just drunk. "Sorry, cher," he apologized for making a mess. "What did y' say?"

 

"His real name's Garm," Warren said amused and used the corner of the sheet to clean up the orange juice. "And he's Daimon's minion. Daimon sent him to keep an eye on you, to protect you."

 

"Mon Dieu," Remy whispered, shocked. "He doesn' feel evil."

 

"According to Daimon, Garm isn't evil and didn't fit in with the pack. That's why Daimon sent him here. I told Daimon that Garm could stay," Warren said in a soft tone. "Or don't you want him around any longer?"

 

"Need a moment, cher. Is an awful lot to deal wit'." Remy couldn't believe that Wolvie wasn't a wolf. He'd never felt anything out of the ordinary. "He can stay," Remy decided eventually. "Cher, I'm stuffed."

 

Warren placed the breakfast tray on the floor and observed his lover for long moments. "You want to talk to Corsair, don't you?"

 

"I remember his face... I t'ink... not sure." Remy mourned the loss of body heat when Warren left their bed to get dressed.

 

"Stay in bed, Rem. I'll fetch Corsair for you, but you've got to promise not to move about too much while I'm gone."

 

"Promise, cher," Remy said and gave Warren one of his warmest smiles. Then, his smile froze. "Cher... I don' remember what Corsair said last night."

 

Warren sensed Remy's apprehension and did his best to reassure his lover. "I've never seen Corsair cry before, but he did last night when he saw you for the first time in his life."

 

"Wanna talk to him," Remy whispered, with a hint of uncertainty.

 

"Give me a moment, love. I'll be right back with him."

 

Remy fought his growing nervousness and shivered as the door closed behind Warren. He was about to talk to his biological father.

 

///

 

"I'm nervous," Corsair admitted embarrassed.

 

"That's only understandable." Warren smiled warmly. "Rem's nervous too."

 

"Are there things that I shouldn't bring up the first time I talk to him?" Corsair didn't want to make any blunders.

 

"You'd better not ask Remy about his childhood," Warren said thoughtfully.

 

"Remy said something that worried Scott. Might that have to do with his childhood?"

 

Warren decided to go for the direct approach. "Remy was abused when he was a child."

 

Corsair froze in his tracks. "What?" he stammered.

 

"After he was stolen from the clinic he lived with a man called the Antiquary, who abused Remy sexually... and emotionally." Warren swallowed hard. "Remy's still dealing with it, so I suggest you don't bring it up just yet." Looking at Corsair, Warren saw that the man's hands had turned into tight fists. "I know... it infuriates me too."

 

"Words fail me," Corsair stammered, shocked. His guilt deepened. If only he'd demanded Essex showed him the baby's corpse! None of this would have happened then!

 

"Are you okay?" Warren asked concerned. Warren waited for Corsair to regain his composure and then the two men started walking again. "Do you want me to wait outside?"

 

Corsair wavered. "I'm not sure."

 

"I'll remain close. Call me, should you need me." Warren opened the door to their bedroom and signaled Corsair to enter. "And don't forget that Rem's an empath. He can feel what you feel. Sometimes, that makes words redundant."

 

Corsair's eyes widened. An empath? Scott hadn't told him that Remy was an empath! As he stepped inside, his eyes automatically sought out his son. Remy sat propped up against the wooden head end of the bed. His left eye was open and Remy tightly clutched the comforter. Yes, Warren had been right; Remy looked nervous too. "Hello, son," Corsair started.

 

Remy licked his lips, taking in his father's features. "Corsair?"

 

"You can call me dad," Corsair offered. He pulled up a chair and straddled it. "I can't believe I'm looking at you, Remy. I wish your mother had lived to see this day."

 

"She's dead?" Remy felt Corsair's feelings clearly and they spoke of love and acceptance, but Remy still felt like he was talking to a stranger.

 

"Yes, Katherine died some years ago..." Corsair searched in his pocket for the picture that he always carried with him. "This is your mother." He handed the faded photo to his son.

 

Remy devoured the woman's image. "She was beautiful," he said sincerely and tried to memorize her features. It was strange to realize that this was Scott's mother too. "Did Scott know her?"

 

"Yes, Alex and Scott both did. I'm sorry you never met her." Remy wanted to return the photograph to his father, but Corsair refused. "Keep it. I don't need the photo to remind me of her. She'll always be in my heart."

 

Speechless, Remy caressed the old photograph with his fingers. "Merci." He didn't know how to react to this man. "Never thought we would ever meet."

 

"I thought you were dead, Remy. When Scott told me that you survived I nearly had a heart attack." Corsair slowly raised his right hand and rested it gently on Remy's shoulder. "I want to get to know you."

 

"I feel de same way," Remy admitted in a shy tone. "Can y' stay a lil' longer?"

 

"I'll stay as long as it takes to see you heal, son."

 

"We'll take dis slow?"

 

"Yes, we'll take it slow."

 

///

 

At noon, Remy finally managed to convince Warren that he could eat lunch sitting at the dinner table. It had taken all his cunning, and even a little empathic manipulation, to get Warren to listen to him. They'd reached a compromise, which didn't really please Remy, as Warren decided he'd carry his lover to the dining room and sit him down. //I can walk! Not'in' wrong wit' my legs!// But Remy gave in, realizing Warren would insist on this condition.

 

Warren gathered Remy in his arms and Corsair opened the door for them. It pleased Warren that father and son had spent most of the morning together. He could tell that this was hard on them, but they were opening up to each other.

 

"Jayce's looking forward to talking to you," Warren informed his lover. "The boy's worried about you. He's angry with himself for running away because it enabled Hodge to get to you."

 

"Not de petit's fault!" Remy stated firmly and held onto Warren as his lover carried him through the corridors. "I can walk, cher!" he exclaimed exasperated.

 

"No, doctor Richards confined you to bed. I shouldn't have given in earlier," Warren mumbled. "But you've got this way of winding me around your little finger."

 

Remy grinned and caught Corsair's smirk. He remained silent until they reached the dining room, where Scott, Jayce and Garm were waiting for them.

 

"Remy!" Jayce got up from his chair when he saw the Cajun. But when he saw the massive bruising on Remy's face, his relief lessened. "I'm sorry."

 

"It's 'kay, petit." Remy whispered into Warren's ear, "Put me down next to his chair. Petit needs to know dat I'm doin' better."

 

Warren followed Remy's instructions and once his lover was comfortable, he took the seat next to the Cajun.

 

Garm wagged his tail when he approached Remy. The dog of Hell hadn't been close to Remy since they'd destroyed Hodge and he was anxious to find out if the Cajun still accepted him or if something had changed.

 

Remy stared into Garm's eyes, wondering if he would now feel any evil in the demon's mind, but he didn't. It still felt good to have Garm close. "Y' held out on me," Remy said in a mock accusing tone. "Mais, c'est bien."

 

Garm cocked his head, revealed his wet tongue and dragged it over Remy's good hand.

 

"Oh, gross," Warren said, amused. "He did that to my face..."

 

Garm's action swept away the tension in the room and they laughed. Looking about, Remy realized how blessed he was to have his family close.

 

Hold fast that which is good.

Part 16 Epilogue

 

Remy embraced Nicholas and regretted having to say good-bye so soon. "Take good care of my petit frère, Bobby." The two men had to return to Westchester, but had promised to keep in close contact.

 

"Who are you calling little?" Nicholas said in mock hurt. "I'm nearly as tall as you are!" Nicholas enthusiastically returned the embrace. When Bobby and he had visited Remy and Warren, he'd been nervous to learn how Remy would react to finding out that Jean-Luc had another son. Remy had seemed hurt at first that he hadn't known about Nicholas, but eventually the older Cajun had understood Jean-Luc's reason for keeping Nicholas' identity a secret.

 

Warren watched the two Cajuns closely and felt a little sad himself to see Bobby and Nicholas go. They'd livened up the ranch quite a bit these last 2 months. Not to mention that Bobby had been caught smuggling cookies to Garm. Yes, the two men had fitted in perfectly. "Don't wait too long to visit again," Warren said and shook Nicholas' hand. "Feel free to drop by whenever you want."

 

Bobby smiled and curled a possessive arm around Nicholas' waist. Although he didn't really want to leave Honeymoon Island, he was looking forward to having Nicholas completely to himself again. During these last two months he'd had to share Nicholas with Remy. "Trust me, Remy, I'll take excellent care of your *little* brother!"

 

Nicholas sighed, pretending annoyance. "*You* of all people should know that I'm not little!"

 

Remy, Warren and Bobby laughed warmly at hearing that remark.

 

"When are you going to have *your* commitment ceremony?" Warren asked, teasingly. "I know this little palazzo in Venice. It's perfect to spend your honeymoon."

 

"Once he stops calling me little!" Nicholas stated jokingly and ruffled Bobby's hair. "We've got to leave now or we'll miss our plane." The jeep was already waiting for them and Nicholas gave Remy one last firm hug. Remy had already made a full recovery when they'd arrived, but Warren had told him about Hodge and the kidnapping. Nicholas had kept a close eye on Remy ever since.

 

"Why don't you visit us?" Bobby asked, as Nicholas and he walked over to the jeep. Jim would escort them to the boat and ensure they safely got to the mainland.

 

But Remy looked uncomfortable at hearing that invitation. "Rogue's back, non?"

 

"Yeah, but... I get it, Remy." Bobby nodded his head; he wouldn't push his friend into confronting Rogue again. She still seemed spooked by the fact that she'd been able to touch Remy without hurting the Cajun. "By the way, where's Jayce? He wanted to say good-bye."

 

Warren cleared his throat. "My fault. He's behind on his homework assignments and I told him to work harder. Guess he took it to heart."

 

Nicholas and Bobby got into the jeep, buckled up and waved as they said their good-byes.

 

Warren enfolded Remy in his arms and pulled his lover close to his chest. "I'm glad they got together." He'd been worried to hear that Nicholas and Bobby had almost ended their relationship after finding out the Cajun's true identity.

 

"Oui, cher, dey're good for each other." Remy rested his hands on Warren's arms and sighed blissfully. Now that Bobby and Nicholas were gone he wanted to discuss something important with Warren. "Let's find a quiet place?"

 

Warren followed Remy over to the porch where they sat down on the swing. They'd had it installed after he'd found Remy sitting on the wooden floor. The sun was about to set and most of the workers were barbequing, having a drink and relaxing. No one was close so Warren asked, "What do you want to talk about?" He'd learned to read Remy's facial expressions perfectly. It also helped that he could sense his lover's emotions. Looking into sparkling gold on black eyes, Warren felt truly blessed.

 

"It's been 6 months," Remy hinted and blushed slightly. He pushed deeper into Warren's arms and cherished his lover's closeness. "I t'ink I'm ready to try 'gain."

 

Briefly, Warren had no idea what Remy was referring to, then he remembered their deal to wait at least 6 months before trying to make love with him on top again. "Remy, are you sure about this? I love you. I don't need to be inside you."

 

Remy rested his head against Warren's shoulder, pulled up his feet from the wooden floor, and folded his arms around his knees. Warren was now all wrapped around him, just the way he liked it. "I've been doin' a lot of t'inkin," he started, "I ain' scared any more."

 

"Rem..." Warren pressed a kiss on his lover's locks. "I know that you're not afraid to be with me. It's the memories you're scared of."

 

"De nightmares have stopped," Remy pointed out to Warren. "And I don' feel uncomfortable any longer when y' put y'r fingers in me..." Remy said, directly. He wanted to address this matter head on. "I don' wanna do dis to please y', mais for me, for us."

 

Pleased, Warren rocked Remy slowly in his arms. "Are you sure you're not pushing yourself?" he asked, giving his lover a way out.

 

"Haven' y' noticed de difference when we make love?" Remy replied, glancing at Warren.

 

"Yeah, I have," Warren admitted. He no longer needed to announce his next move in bed and Remy now expressed his needs and desires as well. It made their love making even more intense. During the last 4 months they'd formed some sort of emphatic link that was especially strong when they made love. It allowed Warren to feel Remy's emotions and that had convinced him that his lover felt less threatened and intimidated. The only thing Warren still feared was that Remy might suffer from a rape flashback.

 

Resolved, Remy took hold of Warren's wrist and freed himself of his lover's embrace. He got to his feet and extended his hand. "Make love to me, cher." Remy's heart almost stopped beating when Warren shook his head. "Non? Y' don' wanna make lo...ve?"  His voice faltered when he hit that last word. 

 

"Not like this," Warren soothed Remy. Damn, it hadn't been his intention to upset his lover. He jumped to his feet and reclaimed Remy's closeness, firmly re-establishing the hug they'd just shared. "I want the first time that I make love to you to be special," he reassured Remy. "Tomorrow evening, all right? Please, Rem." Warren looked into nervous gold on black eyes. "I sometimes fantasize about making love to you and... I want our first time to mirror that fantasy."

 

"Y're mushy," Remy muttered, as he calmed down. "Y' frightened me!" He playfully slapped his lover's butt. "Don' ever do dat 'again!"

 

"Understood," Warren whispered and captured his lover's lips for a long kiss.

 

"Uncle Warren! Remy! I finished my..." Jayce came to a sudden stop when he saw the two men kissing. "Oops," he whispered, shyly. Garm, who'd followed Jayce closely, bumped accidentally into the boy. "Bad doggie! Jayce said amused and peeked again at Warren and Remy who'd stopped kissing, but were still wrapped around each other.

 

"What did y' finish, petit?" Remy asked, interested. After their return from Tampa, Jayce had decided to stay at the ranch. A private tutor visited twice a week and Jayce was doing his homework, tests and assignments using the Internet. His tutor could thus check Jayce's progress.

 

"My essay on the first amendment," Jayce announced proudly and presented it to them. "Could you read it before I hand it to Mister Henley?" Jayce hoped his tutor would be pleased with the result.

 

"Sure." Warren took hold of the paper and scanned through it. "Looks well documented, Jayce. I'll read it this evening."

 

Remy smiled, seeing the way Jayce beamed with pride. Jayce seemed to feel at home here. "De principal from Saint Andrew's called. She wants to know whet'er y'll be back or not."

 

Jayce had learned one thing during this last half year and that was that Warren and Remy really wanted him here. "I want to stay here... at home." He knew it was the biggest compliment he could possibly give them.

 

Warren sensed Remy's pleasure as it flowed into his mind. "Jayce, do you want to take King out?" he said, trying to distract Remy and Jayce. "He needs some exercise." The white stallion and Garm had become best friends after the dog of Hell had tried to startle the horse. King had retaliated by threatening Garm to use his hind legs to kick the dog's ass. Garm had cleaned up his act after that.

 

"Cool!" Excited, Jayce started to take off, when he suddenly halted in his tracks, remembering how Warren and Remy had looked when they'd kissed. He'd seen them kiss before, had even caught them making out on the couch one night when he'd walked to the kitchen to get something to drink, but only now he realized that he didn't mind living with two men. The *gay thing* no longer bothered him.

 

"Somet'in' wrong, petit?"

 

"No, everything is just fine!" Jayce called out as he chased Garm to the stables.

 

Warren and Remy exchanged a glance. "He's a good kid," Warren said eventually, voicing Remy's thoughts as well. "I'm glad he stayed."

 

"And now y're stuck wit' some very interesting lecture," Remy said teasingly and pointed at Jayce's paper.

 

"Why don't we read it together? Snuggled up in bed?" Warren suggested and led his lover inside.

 

///

 

"I ain' nervous," Remy whispered in a stressed tone. "Dere's no reason to be nervous. We made love 'fore!" Remy paced the living room, waiting for Warren to join him. His lover had been gone all day, 'preparing for a special evening', as Warren had called it.

 

But he knew why he was this nervous. The last time that they'd tried to make love with Warren on top, Remy had sent his lover flying through the room. He'd panicked back then and his biggest fear was that he'd lose it again.

 

During these last 6 months Warren had never brought up the subject of making love that way. Remy had however, and Warren had assured his lover again and again that he was perfectly happy with their love life. The empath had sensed Warren's honesty, but still felt... lacking.

 

He'd told Warren that he wasn't doing this for his lover, but for himself. That was true. He no longer felt that he had to do this to prove to Warren that he really loved the other man, but... he missed this intimate aspect. He wanted to be able to feel Warren inside him, enjoy that sensation, just like his lover enjoyed being taken. The Antiquary had done his best to take away his ability to feel pleasure, lust and love and he was still trying to get it all back. It was a slow struggle, but he felt like he was winning.

 

Wringing his hands, he wished he knew what Warren had planned for this evening. His lover had only hinted that they'd be heading outside. "I ain' nervous," he repeated again.

 

Trying to find something that would soothe his nerves he walked over to the chimney. A few days ago, they'd placed a collection of personal photographs there. Lovingly, his eyes found Katherine's face. Next to it, they'd placed a picture of Scott and Corsair. Remy had talked them in to having their picture taken when they'd visited the ranch months ago. Then, his eyes drifted off to a photograph of Nicholas and Bobby, also taken here at the ranch. In the background he made out Garm. "I never realized we put up so many pictures," he whispered absentmindedly, as he stared at the photograph he'd taken with him from New Orleans, which showed Jean-Luc giving a young Remy a tight hug.

 

Last night they'd added a picture of Jayce, who'd posed proudly, with Garm resting at his feet. The dog of Hell had really taken to the boy. However, it was the last photo that made his heart miss a beat. Warren had folded his arms around him and they'd both laughed warmly when Jim had taken the picture. Yes, he was truly blessed.

 

"Hey, love," Warren stepped inside and immediately sensed Remy's tension. He'd expected it and didn't let it influence his plans for the night. He'd just take things slowly and see what would happen tonight. "These are for you."

 

Remy stared at the red roses that Warren pressed into his hands. Quickly, he curled his fingers around the stems, which didn't have any thorns. "Merci, ange, dey're beautiful."

 

"Are you ready to go?" Warren leaned in closer and gently brushed Remy's lips. The tremors that rocked his lover's body had grown less but where still there.

 

"Oui, where are we goin', cher?" Remy placed the roses on the coffee table, knowing that the maid would put them in a vase later. It would be a terribly sin to let them whither away. Warren took hold of his right hand and Remy followed him obediently outside. "Cher?"

 

"Get behind me, Rem. We're going flying." Warren waited for Remy to take his familiar position between the wings and then secured his lover's arms around his chest. His spread his wings and took to the sky, not too high, making sure that the sunbeams still warmed their bodies. "It's a beautiful evening, isn't it?"

 

"Oui, ange." Remy almost felt like he could touch the rare cloud that marred the perfectly blue sky. It would take the sun at least another hour to set and this was his favorite time of day. He loved watching the sun set... and rise again. "Where are we goin', cher?" His nervousness was almost gone now that he lay relaxed on Warren's back. It was also the first time that he noticed how perfectly his groin rested against his lover's buttocks.

 

"Eh, Rem? Growing aroused already?" Warren felt how Remy's erection began to poke his backside. Seductively, he wiggled beneath his lover, rubbing his butt against Remy's cock.

 

"Y're wicked, cher!" Remy chuckled, relieved that he was still able to joke with Warren, knowing what was going to happen tonight. Suddenly, he saw Jim, who was trying to hide behind a palm tree. "Cher? What's Jim doin' here?"

 

"He helped me prepare for tonight."

 

"Oh," Remy whispered in a small voice. "What preparations?"

 

"You'll find out in a sec." Warren changed their course and flew over some trees that had been blocking their view. "Over there."

 

Remy swallowed hard. "Mais, cher..." He held on tight as Warren landed on the warm sand. "Y' didn' have to do dis..." On the beach stood their dining table, filled with exquisite food, wine and burning candles. Speechless, Remy's eyes drifted to the blankets that had been placed on the sand. "Y' wanna make love here?"

 

"Yes," Warren confirmed, turning around and taking Remy's hand in his. He led his lover to the table and sat him down.

 

Feeling curious, Remy stared at the envelope on his plate. "What's dis, cher?" His eyes floated over the abundant food and only now he noticed that his glass was already filled with champagne.

 

Warren dipped a strawberry in Remy's champagne glass and whispered, "Open up, love." Slowly, he let the strawberry slide into his lover's mouth. Remy licked his lips and Warren groaned as his cock jumped to attention.

 

Warren's arousal slipped into Remy's mind and the Cajun felt deeply sympathetic. He'd been hard since their flight. "Want me to open it?" he asked Warren and fumbled with the envelope. He knew that his lover had placed it there for a reason. 

 

"Yes, open it." Warren sipped from his champagne. Originally, he'd wanted to share this with his lover 6 months ago, but after the kidnapping he'd concentrated on Remy, making sure his lover made a full recovery and later on, Nicholas had stolen Remy away from him. Now that things had slowed down he figured it was time to tell Remy about the name change.

 

Remy opened the envelope and stared hard at the official looking documents inside. Two pieces of papers demanded his attention and he scanned the first one. "Power of attorney? Cher, why?"

 

"I trust you to take care of me should something bad happen." Warren watched Remy closely. "Maybe I should have discussed this with you before taking legal action, but... it felt right."

 

Remy looked at the second paper and his breath caught. "Cher? De last name...?"

 

"Remember when we got each other the Claddagh rings back in Ireland?" Remy nodded his head and Warren continued. "We joked about taking on each other's last name... Remy Worthington-LeBeau-Summers..."

 

"Or Warren Worthington-Summers-LeBeau," Remy replied, fighting the return of his nervousness.

 

"I chose Warren LeBeau. Plain and simple. On some official contracts it will be LeBeau-Worthington because my business partners like to know it's still me they're doing business with, but yeah, I took on your name."

 

Remy ran his fingertips over the paper. "Can' believe y' did dis... dat y' would take poppa's name... my name... give up y'r own." Remy wiped away the solitary tear that flowed down his cheek.

 

Briefly, Warren was terrified that he'd made a terrible mistake by not asking Remy's permission first, but then the empath sent him his feelings and Warren sighed relieved. Remy was happy, intensely happy. "Wanna swim naked?"

 

Remy looked at the food. They could eat this later. "Mais oui."

 

Both men got out of their clothes and ran into the waves. "Not fair!" Remy complained when Warren won the race. "Y're usin' y'r wings to beat me!"

 

"Let me make up for my cheating then!" Warren flung himself at Remy, pulled him beneath the water and tickled him.

 

"Merde!" Remy exclaimed when he surfaced again. "Y're a cheat, cher!" Totally relaxed they fooled around in the water, dragging the other beneath the surface and splashing around like kids. Twenty minutes later, they grinned at each other, panting slightly as they had chased each other through the water.

 

Warren wanted Remy to make the first move. His heart beat wildly as the Cajun reached for him, pulling him close. Their wet bodies moved against each other and their erections brushed.

 

"Out of de water, now!" Remy stated urgently and pulled Warren along. They dropped onto the blankets and kissed feverishly. "Oh, cher," Remy easily rolled Warren on top of him and he spread his legs invitingly. "Wanna make love wit' y'." He wanted Warren to touch him, to drive him insane. "Do we have lube?"

 

Warren chuckled. "Yes, we have." He uncovered the tube from beneath the blanket. Warren considered asking his lover whether Remy really wanted this to happen, but sensed the answer in the Cajun's mind. Remy would be seriously upset if Warren stopped now.

 

Running his hands gently over Remy's lean body, Warren took his time to make his lover moan with pleasure. Remy's slick cock poked into his abdomen. "Open the tube for me?" Warren was determined to let Remy guide their actions, should the Cajun need that control.

 

Remy's eyes mirrored uncertainty and Warren whispered, "What?" as he slowly, lazily stroked his lover's cock.

 

"Now what?"

 

Warren sat back on his knees and looked at the beautiful man beneath him. "Rub it on, plenty."

 

Remy took a deep breath and coated Warren's cock with a generous amount of lube. Warren then took over and put some lube on his fingertips. "I really want to be inside of you, Rem," he whispered seductively as one finger found Remy's entrance. "But just say stop and..." Warren gently massaged his lover's opening and once he felt Remy relax, his finger slid inside.

 

Remy buried his hands in the sand, relishing the weight of his lover on top of him. "Je t'aime," he whispered and raised his head to capture Warren's lips.

 

Warren quickly complied. His tongue nudged against Remy's teeth and his lover allowed him entry. Chasing Remy's tongue with his, he slipped in a second finger and began to stretch his lover. They'd gone this far before and Remy usually took his fingers easily... like now. But after that disastrous first time, Warren had never again tried to enter Remy fully. The Cajun squirmed beneath him and his fingertip located the sweet spot inside his lover's body. Rubbing it gently, Warren felt Remy buck hard.

 

Arching his hips, Remy sucked the tip of Warren's tongue hard. Remy looked into Warren's eyes, pleadingly. He was ready.

 

But Warren shook his head, added more lube and then returned with three fingers. Aiming for Remy's prostate, he thrust slowly. "Rem? Now?" Although he read the answer in Remy's eyes, Warren needed to hear the words.

 

"Yes, cher, inside... now..." Remy gasped as Warren's fingers left his body and he quickly threw his arms around his lover's neck, holding him in place. "Like dis," he stated confirmed.

 

"But it will be less painful when you're on your side, love," Warren said pleadingly and nibbled on his lover's earlobe.

 

"Non, need to see y'r face." It would keep his memories at bay. "Please?"

 

Warren gave in. "Wait..." he folded the blanket they weren't using right now. "Lift that incredibly cute ass of yours, love." Remy blushed. Warren couldn't believe it. Remy was blushing. Even after all this time, his lover was still getting used to receiving compliments! He placed the blanket beneath Remy's hips. It would take some strain of Remy's back and legs. He hoped that the angle was right to hit his lover's prostate once he was fully inside.

 

"Oui." Remy had hooked his arms behind Warren's neck again and pulled him close. This time he felt the head of Warren's cock against his slick entrance. "Take me, cher. Wanna be y'rs."

 

"You're already mine, Rem." Warren took hold of his erection and placed its tip against his lover's opening. "I love you, Remy," Warren whispered and pushed inside. The ring of muscle gave in and Warren moaned. Placing his hands next to Remy's shoulders, he gave his lover time to get used to the invasive feeling.

 

Remy only tentatively let go of the breath he'd been holding and noticed that he was solely focused on Warren. The bad memories left him alone. The fear and nervousness had left too. "Oh, cher..."

 

Taking Remy's moan as a sign to proceed, Warren pushed in deeper. Suddenly, he slid into the hilt and stunned he realized that he was completely buried inside Remy's passage, which was incredibly tight. But he'd waited too long for this moment to let his urges lead him and he maintained eye contact with Remy the entire time.

 

Remy tried not to breathe too deeply. Feeling Warren inside was a divine experience and he couldn't believe how good it felt to be one with his lover. He'd never imagined it would... could feel like this.

 

"Remy?" Warren needed to know that his lover was fine. Holding perfectly still, he tried not to thrust.

 

"I'm bien, cher... just can' believe dat I didn' t'row y' off." Wrapping his legs around Warren's waist, he tried to thrust up. "Y' can move, ange. I won't break."

 

Slowly, tenderly, Warren moved inside his lover. Suddenly Remy's muscle clenched him and Warren sought his lover's eyes. "Did you do that on purpose?"

 

"Oui," Remy replied impishly. "Want me to do it 'gain?"

 

"No," Warren moaned. "Or do you want me to come right now?" Warren established a gentle rhythm, careful not to thrust too deeply or wildly. He wanted this to be special. Remy quivered beneath him as the head of his cock brushed his lover's prostate.

 

Remy threw back his head and buried his fingernails in Warren's back. Thrusting back, he met his lover passionately.

 

Warren groaned. He didn't want to come yet, wanted this pleasure to last forever. Leaning in closer he licked Remy's ear. "I promised you that we would one day make love in the sky... do you remember that?" Spreading his wings, he tightly hooked his arms behind Remy's back.

 

Remy was too wrapped up in rapture to object. "Mais oui, cher..." He heard the beating of Warren's wings and held on tight. Warren continued to thrust, to rub against his prostate and he knew that he wouldn't last much longer. Suddenly, the soft fabric of the blankets was gone and a gentle breeze brushed against his back. "Cher?" Only now he realized that Warren had taken to the sky. "Ange," he whispered, taken aback. He groaned deeply in his throat as Warren's determined thrusts sent him over the edge.

 

Warren shared Remy's climax and bit his lower lip. "Oh Rem..." Feeling his lover's ecstasy and the quavering body against him, he reached orgasm as well. It rode along on the last remnants of Remy's pleasure.

 

Remy buried his face in Warren's golden locks and licked the sweaty skin, eager to taste his lover. "We made love, cher... we made love... and y're still inside me."

 

Warren pressed his lover close to his chest and his sated sex slipped out of Remy's body. His wings trembled as he returned to the beach, setting Remy gently down on the blanket. They stared at each other, taking in each line of the other's face, inhaling their scents and relishing the echoes of passion in their minds.

 

They lay down and Warren wrapped the blankets around their cooling bodies. "Wanna stay here to watch the sun rise?" Remy was in his arms, snuggled up to him and Warren had absolutely no desire to move.

 

"Oui, stay," Remy whispered and closed his eyes. "Felt good to be a part of y'."

 

"Yeah, it felt... beyond words." Tightly curled up around each other they watched the sun set completely and then counted the stars. Sated, they fell asleep.

 

The end.



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