Title: Hold fast that which is good.

Fandom: X-Men.

Parings: Remy/ Warren, Bobby/ original character. 

Rating: NC-17

Status: in progress

Category: drama, alternate universe. 

Archive: Yes, just drop me a note telling me where you're archiving it.

E-mail address for feedback: morganalebeau@yahoo.com

Series/Sequel: sequel to Heaven Sent, which can be found at http://www.avalon.cobweb.nl/heaven.html

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

Summary: Remy and Warren's love deepens. They also face the challenge of raising a prejudiced 15 years old.

Spoilers: Story takes place after the trial of Gambit.

Notes: Italic depicts thought. Warning! This story deals with the after match of child abuse and rape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until I met Remy, I didn't know what love was about. I thought I knew. Betsy and I seemed so right for each other, that I never wondered *why*. In hindsight, I realize we were the perfect match because we were both self-centred and egocentric.

 

Remy taught me everything I know about love. I never realized how rewarding it was to *give* love, to *give* pleasure and to care for another person that deeply. Betsy and I never gave; we took from each other what we wanted. But Remy's love opened my eyes.

 

Warren Kenneth Worthington the Third fell in love with a Cajun thief, a man whom I always despised. But when he saved my life in New Orleans he altered my life irreversibly. I can never go back to being the arrogant playboy that I used to be.

 

I like to think that I've become a better person because of Remy. When we met, Remy was in a lot of emotional pain and when I realized that he was in love with me, I ran. I ran as hard as I could, but love never let me go.

 

In the months that we've been together, I've seen Remy cry when nightmares tormented his sleep. I've seen him laugh when our mutual teasing reached new creative heights and I've witnessed how Remy lost himself in our lovemaking.

 

Trusting me enough to make love was extremely hard on Rem. His experiences with the Antiquary (thank God the bastard's dead!) and later when he lived on the streets, made him very afraid of intimacy. We face his fears together and Remy still hasn't overcame all of them. We talk about those fears when another nightmare caught him off guard in his sleep.

 

We've got communication down and that's probably what makes this relationship work. We talk about our fears, our pain, but we also discuss our hope and love. In the beginning we tried to hide our real feelings because we were afraid to hurt the other. But we quickly realized that being honest could save our love. It's important that we address his fears, his nightmares, because it ensures Remy that we're working through his past *together*. He doesn't have to do this alone.

 

Most of his nightmares are about the Antiquary and the abuse Remy suffered at the sorcerer's hands. It always takes a lot of coaxing and reassurances on my part before Remy allows me to hold him. When he's in such an emotional state, my touch reminds him of the Antiquary's. At nights like those I wish I were a telepath so I could erase those horrible memories from his mind. But I doubt he'd let me do that. Those terrifying experiences made Remy the man he's today, my lover.

 

And Remy's the best lover I've ever had. He's incredibly considerate and always puts my needs first. Remy will take all the time he needs to make love to me. He'll never rush things or ignore my needs… for two reasons. The Antiquary hurt Remy really bad and my Cajun lover would never forgive himself should he hurt me in that same way. The second reason is his empathy. He knows what I want, what I need.

 

Now I've got to admit to something I *should* feel ashamed of, but I don't. I use Remy's empathy consciously to steer our lovemaking. There are things that Remy's uncomfortable with when we're making love and I don't want him to do those things. So I send him thoughts and images of the things I want him to do that I know he's comfortable with.

 

One of the things Remy's terribly uncomfortable with is going down on me and although he has offered to do it, I refused. I know that the Antiquary forced Remy to go down on him when Remy was only a small child. From what Remy told me he lived with that bastard until he was 7 or 8. I can't imagine how horrific that time must have been on him.

 

So I'll never urge him to go down on me. Don't get me wrong. I'd probably die from ecstasy should Remy ever work up the courage to make me come in that way, but I'll never push him. Our love life is the best I ever had, and it doesn't matter that I'm the bottom in this relationship.

 

That surprised me the most, I guess, the fact that I enjoy feeling Remy inside me. I've always been the ladies man. I've always been on top of the game, but with Remy I can surrender. Remy never wanted to be on top, but it's the only way for him to make love to me that intimately.

 

I tried to relax him enough so he'd enjoy me rimming him. I love it when he does that to me. It's one of the things that make me plea, make me beg for more and Remy's really talented. That tongue of his is divine. I once tried to repay that favor, but Remy grew completely motionless. Remy'd locked out my presence and I needed long minutes to bring him back from that dark hiding place inside his mind.

 

We'll continue to work through his fears. Together we can beat the demons that haunt him. Remy lets me in, lets me fight at his side and I love him for trusting me like that. Now that we're on our honeymoon, I'm sure more of his demons will raise their ugly heads. Ah, but maybe I've been reading too many of the books that Jean-Luc gave me on child abuse, but I can't shake the feeling that we still need to deal with some major issues. Warren smiled at his lover, who was tucked away beneath his arms.

 

"Are you comfortable, love?" Warren caressed a lock of golden hair. The golden locks had appeared when Remy had realized that his charm was in fact a healing power. Warren loved the gold on black eyes and the golden strands of hair.

 

"Oui, mon amour," Remy whispered blissfully. "Tell me where we're goin'?" So far Warren had insisted their destination stayed a secret. Remy had tried hard to make Warren give in, but had failed.

 

Remy still couldn't believe that they really were on their honeymoon. Warren had chosen Venice to start their honeymoon and Remy hadn't objected, only expressing his hope they'd visit Paris as well. Of course Warren had given in. Remy had learned to wrap his lover around his little finger.

 

"Not yet, love." Warren leaned in closer and pressed a gentle kiss on Remy's brow. "It's a surprise." Remy sighed deeply, trying to pretend annoyance, but Warren knew him too well to be fooled. "I'll never forget how gorgeous you looked when you spoke your vows."

 

Remy's eyes closed as he mentally replayed their commitment ceremony. Although they'd committed to each other when they'd still been in Ireland, they'd wanted a more official ceremony. Opening his eyes, they locked on the ring he was wearing. Warren had given him a Claddagh ring, and Remy cherished the gift deeply. Remy stole a glance at Warren's finger. His lover wore a similar ring. 

 

The gondola moved slowly over the water and Remy looked up at the setting sun. It was almost evening and the reflected rays of the sun made the water look like liquid gold.

 

"Je t'aime, Ange," Remy whispered in a sudden emotional tone. At times it still baffled Remy that Warren wanted him. He'd tested Warren's patience and love countless times when they'd lived in Ireland and Warren had come through every time. Why want damaged goods like moi? Warren knows what de Antiquary did to me. In bed, he can' even take me 'cause I'm 'fraid of relivin' de abuse. And den dere are de times dat I freak out on him 'cause he touches me in a way dat I associate wit' bein' touched by de Antiquary. And yet, Warren was at his side, had promised to love him until death would part them.

 

Warren sensed Remy's melancholy and opted for distraction. "Do you think Bobby and Nick will want a commitment ceremony in time? Or what about Jean-Luc and Logan? Can you imagine them exchanging vows?"

 

Remy chuckled softly, as ancient palazzo's passed them by. "Bobby and Nick? Oui? Mais Père and Logan? Mebbe in time." Remy rested the back of his head on Warren's shoulder. Warren's arms were tightly wrapped around his waist and contentedly, Remy sighed. "Remember when we first met in N'awlings? De assassins had shot y' and I wanted to save mon ange's life."

 

Warren only remembered too vividly that he'd scolded Remy when he'd regained consciousness, calling Remy a traitor and looking at him with disgust. Then another memory pushed away the first. "I nearly died when you shielded me from those daggers."

 

Remy's hand rested against Warren's chest and the Cajun felt how his lover's heart sped up. "Was dat when y' realized y' loved me?" Remy would never grow tired of listening to Warren's voice. Sometimes he instigated these talks just to hear Warren confess his love again.

 

"I didn't realize it at that time," Warren replied thoughtfully. "I wasn't ready to admit that I loved a man. It hit me later when I talked to Bobby. Suddenly I found myself rushing back to New Orleans, hoping that I'd find you there."

 

Remy nodded against Warren's chest. "Y' weren't de only one who didn' want to admit to bein' in love."

 

"Rem?" Curiously, Warren cupped Remy's chin in his hand and waited for the Cajun to lock eyes with him.

 

"I've been t'inkin' 'bout it," Remy admitted. "I must have been in love wit' y' 'fore findin' y' in N'awlings. Didn' want to admit it eit'er," he said reluctantly. Warren had always fascinated Remy. Although Remy'd known that Warren was a mutant, he'd always hoped that part of Warren was really angelic. And only days ago, Remy'd found out that he possessed an angel's soul himself.

 

Warren decided not to go there. Discussing this further would lead them to addressing Rogue and Warren knew that Remy hadn't dealt with her betrayal yet. Thankfully, they'd arrived at their destination and Warren pulled Remy to his feet as the gondola came to a stop.

 

"Cher?" Surprised, Remy wondered why they'd stopped.

 

"This is the Palazzo Duodo. It's basically a hotel, but I own it and we'll have it to ourselves this weekend. There won't be any other guests." Warren thoroughly enjoyed the expression in Remy's eyes. "Let's move, love." Wolvie, who'd been half asleep at their feet, left the gondola first.

 

Remy followed Warren, wondering what else his lover was up to.

 

///

 

"Cher, c'est magnifique!" Remy really loved the hotel's antique interior. "Didn' know y' owned hotels in Venice!" Impressed, Remy caught Warren's eyes. His lover had cancelled all reservations, offering the original guests a free vacation at a later date to make up for the inconvenience.

 

Warren took hold of Remy's hand and rubbed its knuckles. "There's an exhibit on contemporary art in a nearby gallery. Do you want to check it out this evening?" He'd planned several activities, which he hoped would interest his lover. "We can go out for dinner first."

 

"Y're spoilin' me rotten," Remy whispered softly, as the maid closed the door behind them. They'd arrived at their suite and Remy stared at the heavenly four-poster-bed with satin sheets. Wolvie immediately headed for one of the comfortable couches in the living area and went back to sleep.

 

"I love spoiling you, love," Warren replied in a gentle tone and folded an arm around Remy's waist. "Are you happy?" Making Remy happy was the most important thing in his life. In former days Warren had only worried about his own happiness, and his lover had come second. Things had certainly changed.

 

"Oui, I'm happy, cher," Remy sighed and leaned in close enough to claim Warren's lips. The hesitant kiss quickly progressed in to an expression of pure love and affection.

 

Warren couldn't help growing aroused and thrust weakly against his lover's groin. "You drive me crazy, Remy," he admitted in a hoarse tone.

 

"Let me take care of y'," he offered. Remy pulled Warren towards the bed and pushed him on to his back. Straddling his lover's hips, Remy returned to kissing Warren's lips.

 

Warren's hand slipped down to caress the bulge he expected to find in Remy's trousers, but found none. Remy wasn't erect at all. "What's going on, love?" Making love would never be 'normal' for them and Warren had accepted that when they'd gotten together. Every time they endeavoured to make love, Remy fought his demons all over again. Warren admired Remy's determination to overcome his troubled past, but Warren also knew that the Cajun pushed himself to do things he wasn't ready for.

 

"Want to make y' come," Remy breathed.

 

But the dark, hooded eyes gave the Cajun away and Warren gently took hold of Remy's talented hands, which had found a way passed the waistband of his briefs. "We don't have to make love when you're not in the mood, Rem. It's okay to say no."

 

Remy froze. "Mais I want to do dis for y'."

 

"You don't have to get me off because I've got a hard-on, Rem. I'm not a horny teenager. This should be about love, not lust, remember?" In the early days, Remy had tried to use sex to keep Warren close because the Cajun had been afraid of being deserted. "Why don't we cuddle? You know how much I love to cuddle."

 

"I'm sorry, cher," Remy whispered and rested his body on Warren's, allowing his lover to bury him in a warm hug. His face rested on Warren's chest and Remy concentrated on his lover's breathing. "Don' know why I did dat."

 

"Do you really want to make love?"

 

"Wanted to make y' come."

 

"Why?" Warren waited for Remy to cock his head so they could make eye contact. It looked like they were going to have one of *those* talks again. "We made love only yesterday and it was beautiful."

 

"Mais y' never get to be on top!" Remy suddenly blurted out. Horrified at what he'd just admitted to, he closed his eyes, wishing he'd never spoken those words aloud.

 

Warren sighed, realizing his suspicions had been right all along. "You feel guilty," he stated determinedly.

 

"Oui," Remy confessed softly. "Y' can' even take me 'cause…"

 

"Say it, love," Warren didn't want any unspoken fears between them. Holding his lover close, he tried to radiate calm and love, knowing that Remy's empathy would pick up on it. "It's okay to say it."

 

"'cause de Antiquary messed wit' my mind," Remy said in a bitter tone. "It ain't fair."

 

Warren's fingers tangled in Remy's hair. "Go on, love, tell me." They were getting closer to the heart of the matter and he already knew what Remy would say next.

 

"It ain't fair dat y' have to be on de receivin' end all de time. Want y' to enjoy it too." Remy averted his eyes. This had been haunting him since they'd first made love. Every time they had sex, he ended up on top, taking Warren.

 

Warren chose his next words carefully. "When we make love that way, what do you sense from me, empathy wise?"

 

Remy trembled in Warren's arms. "Love…" He'd made sure that Warren wasn't in any pain when he took his lover, but… "We should be able to reverse roles."

 

"Rem, listen, love," Warren said firmly and his hands clutched Remy's head, making sure his lover listened closely. "I love it when you take me. I love it when you're inside me. It makes me feel incredible close to you. I make love to you because I want to express my feelings for you. I don't say yes because I feel like I have to. It's my choice, love." Closely studying Remy's eyes, Warren realized that he wasn't getting through to the Cajun.

 

"Mais, I remember how it felt, bein' on de bottom and… I'm sure y' would rat'er be on top," Remy whispered his fear, his doubts. The fact that Warren was still holding him tight ensured Remy that his lover understood.

 

"Rem, even if we never make love in *that particular way*, I won't leave you. I understand where you're coming from and why you're scared to be taken." Warren wished he knew the words that would make Remy understand. "There are so many ways to make love. Please don't think you're failing me."

 

"Mais I want y' to take me!" Remy whispered in an emotional tone. His empathy told him that Warren's words mirrored his lover's feelings, but… "Y' used to be on top all de time wit' de ladies…"

 

Warren sighed, exasperated. "Rem, this is obviously very important to you. Please realize that I love you and that it doesn't matter to me whether I get to penetrate you or not. I can make love to you without being inside you. I'm so happy right now, holding you in my arms. Having you close and feeling you is all I need."

 

Remy realized that Warren was completely sincere. It didn't bother Warren that there were limitations to what they could do in bed, but it did bother him. "Would y' help me to make dat step?" Pressing his lips on Warren's brow, Remy tried to communicate that he'd gotten the message. "I want to work on dis."

 

"Why don't you try working on it yourself first? Without me present there would be a lot less pressure on you." Warren saw Remy's confused expression. "Why not try to touch yourself in that way? I know it frightens you to lose control. Why not explore your body that way privately? Then, when you feel comfortable you could try and share it with me? If you want to do this, we'll have to take small steps."

 

Enthusiastically, Remy nodded his head. "I can do dat, mon amour." Why hadn't he thought of it himself? "What 'bout y'?" Warren was still hard and Remy suddenly felt incredibly insecure. Warren had gone down on him several times, but Remy had been unable to do the same for Warren. The act reminded him too much of being abused by the Antiquary. 

 

"You've got talented fingers, love," Warren hinted. "They were doing a great job." He could tell Remy wanted to pleasure him, but Warren felt reluctant to go ahead with it. Remy had to realize that there were times when holding each other was more than sufficient.

 

"Cher," Remy whispered and his right hand pushed down Warren's jeans. "I love de way y' look when y' come." It was the truth. Warren had this incredible lost and adoring look on his face when he hit orgasm.

 

Warren let Remy decide, after all, this was their honeymoon. "I'm so incredibly lucky to have you, Rem," he whispered and sighed as his lover's fingers curled around his erection. "Kiss me, love." Warren arched his back and claimed Remy's lips. He'd love to bring Remy to orgasm too, but the Cajun wasn't aroused, so Warren concentrated on sparkling the passion that was hiding inside Remy. Spreading his legs to give Remy easier access, Warren bucked against his lover's hand. "Feels so good, Rem. You're the only one who can make me lose my mind." His hands caressed Remy's face and hair.

 

Warren's soft fingers made Remy tremble. He slowly stroked Warren's slippery cock, taking his time and concentrating on putting all the love he felt for Warren in his ministrations. "Je t'aime, mon amour," Remy whispered and covered Warren's body with his, while keeping up the stimulation.

 

"I love you too, Cajun," Warren whispered and tensed up as Remy's fingers teased against the head of his erection. One fingertip probed against his slit and Warren thrust involuntarily. Warren gently grabbed the back of Remy's neck and pulled the Cajun close enough to brush Remy's lips. "We're making love now," he breathed into Remy's mouth.

 

Remy swallowed hard. "I wish I could give y' more, cher."

 

"This is all I need," Warren assured him. His body tensed up as he approached orgasm. "One finger, Rem, please… I'm so close…"

 

Remy nodded his head, and pressed one slick finger against his lover's entrance. He didn't let it slip inside yet. Remy was content to massage the outer ring of muscle for now, relaxing Warren completely.

 

"Oh, Rem," Warren moaned and arched his hips. "You don't know how good this feels," he whispered as the tip of Remy's finger made it inside his body. The sensation drove him over the edge and he came hard in Remy's hand. "Please push," he begged, riding that first wave of orgasm.

 

Remy obeyed, still puzzled at how having a finger inserted in his body could make Warren lose it so completely. Remy only remembered the pain and shame from his childhood that had accompanied the invasion. Opening his shields hesitantly, he tried to focus on Warren's pleasure and Remy shared Warren's ecstasy. Warren was pushing down, trying to take in more of Remy's finger and the Cajun's eyes grew big, feeling the waves of ecstasy that washed through Warren. Would he feel the same way if he asked Warren to push one finger inside his body? Did he own the courage to find out?

 

"I love you so much it sometimes frightens me," Warren confessed in the heat of the moment. "I can't envision life without you, Rem."

 

Remy had never heard a more passionate declaration of love. Warren was still trembling, riding out his orgasm and was utterly incapable of hiding his feelings. Those feelings hit Remy full force, seeping into his very soul. A single tear escaped Remy's eyes. "Can' live wit'out y', mon amour. Never leave me."

 

Remy used the sheet to clean Warren up and then rolled his lover on top of his body. "Please hold me?"

 

Warren nodded his head. He'd hoped to find Remy erect after the Cajun had experienced his orgasm, but Warren's fingers only encountered a limp cock. Remy was really worried about their love life. "It was perfect," Warren assured his lover. "Don't fret, love."

 

Remy closed his eyes and groaned as Warren's lips descended on to his eyelids, kissing them and teasing his eye lashes. "Ange…"

 

Warren continued to shower his lover with tender kisses. He brushed Remy's closed eyes and then claimed his lover's luscious lips. "Feel me?" he asked softly. "Feel my love for you? Let me in?"

 

"Shields are open," Remy mumbled lost and felt how his cock woke up, suddenly interested in Warren's probing strokes.

 

Delighted, Warren noticed the semi-hard cock that pushed against the confines of Remy's jeans. "Is this okay with you?" Warren asked softly, seeking permission before going further.

 

"Oui," Remy moaned as Warren's hands unbuttoned his shirt. He opened his eyes and found that Warren had released his wings. "Y're magnifique," Remy mumbled, quickly losing himself in the passion that Warren's mind radiated.

 

Warren pushed Remy's shirt back and licked his lips, finding erect nipples beneath his fingertips. "Just try to enjoy this, love." Remy tensed a little, but Warren didn't feel discouraged. His tongue lavished one hard nipple and his fingers gently rubbed the other neglected one. "You're beautiful, Rem."

 

Remy snorted a little at that. "Y' need glasses, cher." How could Warren pretend not to see the numerous scars that disfigured his body?

 

"You're perfect," Warren continued in a seductive tone, as his lips left a trail of kisses down Remy's stomach. His fingers unzipped Remy's jeans and pulled down the jeans and briefs. Yes, Remy was hard. Feeling excited, Warren stroked Remy's erection exploratory. "I want to taste you, love." Warren remembered the first time he'd licked Remy's cock. The Cajun had almost had a panic attack, because it had sent Remy's thoughts back to the Antiquary's rooms. Warren had grown used to telling Remy what he'd do next and the panic attacks had disappeared.

 

Remy quavered violently as Warren's tongue slid over the head of his erection. When Warren had first gone down on him, Remy had been afraid that his lover would end up loathing him for allowing this to happen. But Warren had really taken to this particular activity and Remy had let go of some of his apprehension.

 

Warren let his fingers slide down his lover's length and then caressed Remy's perineum. A delightful moan escaped Remy and Warren smiled contentedly. In the beginning, this caress had freaked Remy out. Now the Cajun could relax in to it.

 

His lips closed over Remy's cock and his tongue swirled around the tip of his lover's erection. Remy bucked hard and Warren relaxed his throat, preparing himself to take in his lover's length.

 

Remy cried out as Warren swallowed more of him. Involuntarily, his hips arched and he thrust wildly in to the warm and wet mouth that surrounded him. I want to do dis for Ange, too. Remy felt guilty for not returning this favor. A moment later, all thoughts stopped running around in circles, as Warren suckled his erection. Remy called out his lover's name and buried his hands in the satin sheets, clawing the fabric. "Mon amour… please… so close…"

 

"Do you want to take that next step, love?" Warren asked, momentarily releasing his lover's throbbing cock. Maybe if he drove Remy mad with passion, his lover would be able to do away with some of his fears. "I won't hurt you, Rem. Never." His agile fingers slowly stroked Remy's cock, and one fingertip pressed against his lover's perineum. "Do you trust me?"

 

Remy's eyes flashed open and locked with Warren. Did his lover know what he was asking? How much the idea of being penetrated scared him? But then he remembered the way Warren had felt when Remy had pushed that one finger inside. It was just a finger and Warren would stop if he said so. "Oui," he whispered in a tiny tone.

 

Remy's erection returned to semi-erect state in his hand and Warren recognized the fear in his lover's eyes. "Please trust me, Rem." Warren whispered before his lips closed over Remy's cock again. He teased the organ and suckled it. Remy's cock quickly retained its former hardness.

 

With one practiced move, Warren uncovered the lube he'd unpacked earlier. He refused to take any chances and covered his index finger with a generous amount of Wet. Then, he simply rested his fingertip against Remy's puckered opening. "Tell me how it feels," Warren instructed, pressing a kiss on the tip of Remy's cock. Slowly pumping his lover, Warren locked eyes with Remy.

 

"Slippery," Remy mumbled surprised. "What are y' doin', cher?" It felt like Warren was massaging his entrance, never inserting his finger.

 

"Relaxing your muscles. Worked for me the first time you took me, love." Warren lay down on his side, pulling Remy close to him. "Hey, look at me, Rem."

 

Remy opened his eyes again and blushed. "I feel…"

 

"Exposed? Vulnerable?" Warren supplied and carefully probed the tightness of Remy's outer muscle. "Want to stop?" Remy was tense, but was obviously working on relaxing his body. "It's okay to say no, remember?"

 

"Non, I don' want to stop," Remy whispered. His breath came in spurts. Warren was still pumping his shaft and Remy moaned, realizing how close he was to completion, even in spite of that one finger that was slowly pressing inside. "Cher, I'm scared."

 

"I know, Rem, I know." Warren's finger froze, only his fingertip was buried inside Remy's body. "Does this hurt?"

 

"Non," Remy panted, as Warren increased the speed of his strokes. "Doesn' feel uncomfortable."

 

"Good, do you want me to continue? You're about to come, Rem and this can make it so much better." Warren held his breath as Remy tried to reach a decision.

 

"Don' stop. Don' know if I'll ever have de courage 'gain," Remy whispered. If he hadn't been bordering on orgasm, he'd never have given Warren permission.

 

"Trust me, Rem. Relax. I love you," Warren whispered and carefully massaged the tight passage before pushing in a little deeper. His finger was half way in and he stopped applying pressure. Remy had taken a huge step today and Warren wasn't going to blow it. "You feel… hot," he whispered seductively in to Remy's ear. His lover bucked, thrust into his hand and Warren licked Remy's nipple.

 

Remy involuntarily pushed down on Warren's finger when orgasm took hold of him. A startled moan flowed through the room, when Warren's finger slid in to the knuckle. Remy shook violently as his lover's fingertip brushed his prostate. His orgasm echoed through his body and Remy felt how his inner muscle contracted around Warren's digit.


"Oh Rem," Warren elbowed himself in to a sitting position and kissed the Cajun passionately. His lover's body trembled fiercely and a wave of hot completion dripped from his fingers. "You're mine, forever," Warren panted in between kisses.

 

Remy stared in to Warren's eyes, only too well aware of the fact that his orgasm had been much stronger than usual because Warren had inserted that one digit. "An…ge," Remy whispered, spent. "I liked it," he admitted in a broken tone.

 

"Hey, you're supposed to like it," Warren corrected him. "It's okay to like it." It'd take them a long time to undo the damage the Antiquary had inflicted on Remy. "How does this feel?" Slowly, Warren started to pull back, but on his way out, he massaged his lover's passage.

 

Tears dripped from Remy's face. Tiny waves of ecstasy still coursed through him and Warren was doing this incredible thing inside his body. It had never felt like this when the Antiquary had penetrated him. It was hard to accept that this intrusion now brought pleasure instead of pain. "Ange… I… I… can'…"

 

"Hush now," Warren pulled back from Remy's trembling body and wrapped his lover up in a warm embrace. "Try to calm down first and then we'll talk, all right?"

 

Remy nodded his head and relaxed in to the comfort and warmth of Warren's closeness. Finally, trusting his voice to sound sort of steady again, Remy said, "I expected pain… and bad memories."

 

"Did I hurt you?" Warren asked concerned.

 

"Non, y' didn', cher… mais de Antiquary did and every time when y' touch me… *dere*, I feel ashamed."

 

"You took a great step today. You know that, don't you?" Warren smiled gently. "The last time we tried this, you mentally retreated and it took me a long time to assure you that I wouldn't force you."

 

"I remember, mon amour," Remy admitted. "Mais… I still feel dirty 'cause of what happened when I was a chile."

 

"You said it yourself, Rem. You were a child and the Antiquary didn't accept no." Remy cuddled his love closer. They lay facing each other, feeling hot and sticky from their lovemaking. Warren wrapped his legs and arms around Remy's body and studied his lover. "You feel ashamed because it felt good, don't you?"

 

"De Antiquary always told me dat my charm made him rape me. I know dat was a lie, mais… I shouldn' love de feel of y' inside me. It brought pain back den and I feel like betrayin' myself." Remy worried that this explanation wouldn't make sense to Warren, but his lover gave him a look filled with understanding.

 

"You've felt like damaged good for a long time, haven't you?" Warren licked the salty sweat from Remy's throat.

 

"Oui," Remy admitted, surprised that Warren understood. "He made me in to a whore. Didn' père tell y' dat I went to his room one night and…" His words became stuck in his throat.

 

"That you offered yourself to him?" Warren finished and noticed the sudden fear in Remy's eyes. "He also told me that you did that to test him because you were afraid he was like the Antiquary." The fact that they could discuss this so openly, reassured Warren that they'd be fine in the end. "You know that you're not a whore. You suffered terribly when you were a child and I love the man you've become. I know you can't leave the past behind, but we've got to work on your self-image, love."

 

Blissfully, Remy leaned in as Warren's fingers caressed his face. "Je t'aime," he whispered sincerely.

 

Warren smiled. "We'll deal with your past, your fears and your pain. Our love is true. Never doubt that, Rem." Warren tucked Remy's head beneath his chin and simply held his lover close.

 

 

 

Note; in this story, Remy and Corsair never met and Scott never mentioned Gambit to his father! 

 

Part 2

 

Warren snuggled deeper into the embrace and peeked at Remy's smiling face. They'd left Wolvie at the Palazzo to have dinner and visit the art exhibit. They'd even ended up buying two paintings from a contemporary artist and Warren had sent them home. Home was a luxurious villa in Florida, where he planned to take Remy after their honeymoon.

 

Remy tightened the embrace and rested his chin on Warren's shoulder. Whispering into his lover's ear, Remy said, "Tonight was perfect."

 

"Yeah, I thought so too," Warren replied smugly and covered Remy's cold hands with his. "Do you want to go flying tonight?" There was a full moon and the view would be stunning.

 

"Can we do dat? What if dey pick y' up on deir radar?" Remy kissed the top of Warren's head. He felt like living a dream and feared waking up. Life couldn't be this good for Remy LeBeau. Or was that Remy Worthington? He didn't even consider Remy Summers. Warren and he still had to decide on what to do with their last names now that they'd had their commitment ceremony.

 

"Don't worry about that. Should they pick us up, we'll deal with it then." Warren noticed Remy's thoughtful and distant expression. "Rem?" Had something upset his lover?

 

"I like Remy Worthington," Remy said without a trace of an accent.

 

Remy smiled. He'd heard Remy lose the accent and regain it moments later. He was probably in for a lot of surprises! "I like Warren LeBeau too."

 

Remy returned the smile. "What 'bout Summers?"

 

Both men shook their head after a moment's thought. "No," they blurted out simultaneously. "At least we agree on that!" Warren added happily.

 

Remy released a deep sigh. "Dis is heaven, ange," he whispered blissfully. "How long do y' plan on stayin' here?"

 

"The weekend. Then we'll move on to Athens." Warren fingered a lock of Remy's hair. "Did you hear from Jean-Luc?" They'd taken the laptop along.

 

"One message, oui. He wishes us a happy honeymoon. Père and Logan are heading for San Francisco."

 

They'd arrived at their Palazzo and Remy and Warren exited the gondola. "Don' want to go 'side yet," Remy whispered softly.

 

Warren waited until the gondola had left and then spread his wings. "Get behind me and hold on, love."

 

Remy clasped his arms around Warren's waist. A moment later they took to the sky. A thousand stars and a full moon guided their path and Remy wondered what he'd done to deserve a lover like Warren.

 

They flew in silence, neither man speaking their thoughts aloud. Remy loved being airborne and being this close to Warren. He was nestled safely between his lover's soft wings and his head rested on Warren's shoulder. "Don' ever want dis to stop," he admitted unexpectedly.

 

"I feel the same way, Rem," Warren smiled, something his lover couldn't see. "And once we're back at the Palazzo you'll fall asleep in my arms."

 

///

 

They made it back to the Palazzo one hour later and Warren landed carefully at the back of the building. Warren turned around in Remy's embrace, he noticed that Remy's arms were still tightly wrapped around him. "Rem?" In the dark, the gold on black eyes stared back at him.

 

"Just realizin' how happy I am," Remy said softly. "I don' want to t'ink 'bout what would have happened if y' hadn' come back for me after y' left N'Awlings." There were times that he still couldn't believe that Warren had returned to claim him. "Still remember findin' y' at my bed. I'd dreamed dat y' were back and to actually see y'… Ange…"

 

"I still feel bad for leaving you in the first place. You'd been injured because you were protecting me and…" As he was reminded of one his first mistakes, Warren looked up apologetically. He vividly remembered that one morning when he'd left to get some groceries without telling Remy. The Cajun had been asleep and it had seemed a sin to wake Remy. There had been an expression of absolute horror in Remy's eyes when they'd made eye contact after he'd returned to their cottage. The Cajun had believed that Warren had left him *again*. Warren had never forgiven himself for putting Remy through that fear.

 

Remy yawned fatigued. He'd been really tense, hoping that nothing would go wrong during the commitment ceremony and that nervousness was now taking its toll on the Cajun. "Sorry, ange. Don' want to fall 'sleep on y'."

 

"Come on, love. Let's get some rest." Warren pulled Remy with him and they quickly made their way to their suite. Hopefully the maid had carried out his instructions.

 

Remy followed Warren inside. One look at the couch told him that Wolvie hadn't moved since they'd left. The canine was still contentedly asleep on the sofa. Remy suspected that Wolvie would make up for his laziness tomorrow and it would be hard to control that bundle of energy once Wolvie had woken up.

 

A sudden flash of love, emanating from Warren caught Remy's attention and he turned to look at his lover. Warren stood in front of the bed, which was covered in red rose petals. The sweet fragrance almost made Remy dizzy. "Cher?"

 

"I want to sleep with you in a bed of roses," Warren whispered, feeling very romantic. Something about Remy always woke Warren's romantic feelings and spurted them on.

 

"Mon amour," Remy whispered shyly. He raised his right hand and pressed his fingers lightly against Warren's lips. "I don' deserve y'."

 

"Come on, let's take a bath first." They'd taken a quick shower before they'd left for dinner, but Warren now wanted to use the large bathtub in the bathroom.

 

Wondering if he should expect even more surprises, Remy hesitantly stepped into the bathroom. "Oh, cher. Y' don' have to do dis!" The bathtub was filled with warm water and white rose petals floated on the surface. Why was he this emotional? Remy felt like he could burst out in to tears any moment now.

 

"Shst, Rem," Warren whispered soothingly and began to undress Remy. "Let's take that bath and then we'll snuggle up in bed."

 

Remy read between the lines. This was about love, not lust. Warren wasn't trying to talk him into having sex like some of Remy's previous lovers had. No, Warren wanted him to enjoy the attention without having to worry about any sexual favors. "Ange…"

 

Hearing that one word made Warren smile. He preferred ange above all the other names, above cher, mon amour, Warren.

 

Remy allowed Warren to remove his clothes and Warren led his lover to the bathtub, telling Remy to slide into the warm water. "I'll join you in a sec."

 

Remy suddenly found himself emerged in rose scented water and wondered surprised where his clothes had gone. He was naked now, wasn't he? Shaking his head, Remy tried to clear his mind. When Warren joined him, Remy slid closer, wrapping his long legs around his lover from behind. It was an intimate moment, but Remy didn't shy back. "Let me wash y'r hair?" He loved the feel of spun gold between his fingertips.

 

"Sure." Warren rested his back against Remy's chest, enjoying the feel of those agile fingers washing his hair. His hands massaged Remy's calves. Warren loved it when Remy wrapped himself around him like this. "Rem?"

 

"Oui?" Remy rinsed Warren's hair and had to struggle to get to the conditioner because Warren's wings were in the way. But he gladly suffered a little discomfort to feel those soft feathers on his skin.

 

"I own a nice little place in Florida… Would you spend the rest of your life there with me?"

 

Remy smiled and pressed a kiss at the back of Warren's neck. "As long as we can be toget'her, oui."

 

"And our friends can visit." Warren cocked his head and looked over his shoulder at Remy. "Don't you want to learn more about Scott?"

 

Remy shrugged his shoulders and massaged the conditioner into Warren's locks. "I'm still gettin' used to de idea dat he's my brot'er."

 

"Want if Corsair shows up? Have you ever met him?" Warren turned around in the embrace and sat facing Remy. "Would you like to meet your… biological father?" He hesitated, not knowing what term Remy preferred. Jean-Luc would always be Remy's père and Corsair would never be able to replace the former patriarch.

 

"Non, I've never met him," Remy admitted and relished the caresses that Warren bestowed on him. "Would like to meet him, oui, mais… I'm not sure I want Corsair to know dat I'm his son."

 

"Why is that?" Warren grabbed the shampoo and planned on returning the favor. "Turn around, love." Warren waited patiently for Remy to make up his mind, whether to comply or refuse.

 

Hesitantly, Remy turned around and offered Warren his back. Now that he couldn't see what was going on, he started to feel a little nervous. "What's dere to be proud of for Corsair? He'd find out dat his son's a t'ief."

 

"Don't put yourself down like that, Rem. I don't like it. You're a great person."

 

"Y're biased, cher," Remy whispered, as Warren's hands worked their magic, massaging his scalp. Remy soaked up the attention he was getting and felt incredibly relaxed. The fact that Warren had mentioned that they'd go to sleep after the bath worked miracles.

 

"All done," Warren announced, pleased. "I should get some towels."

 

"Lemme," Remy offered and practically leaped out of the tub.

 

"Be careful, Rem," Warren warned, knowing how slippery a wet floor could be.

 

"Oui, cher… I know…" Remy retrieved a couple of fluffy towels and gestured Warren to get to his feet as well. He wrapped the soft towel around Warren's body and dried his lover's skin. "Why don' y' get into bed? I'll clean up here," he offered.

 

Warren briefly considered objecting, but saw Remy's desire to please in the gold on black eyes. "Don't take too long, love. I want to fall asleep holding you." Warren left the bathroom and removed the towel before slipping into bed naked. He'd warm the bed for his lover. As he lay there, Warren realized that he wanted to hold Remy really bad. He wanted to spoon up behind his lover and hold Remy through the night. Problem was that Remy couldn't always deal with feeling a body behind him in the dark. Maybe Remy'd feel better if Warren left a light on, or lit a candle?

 

Wolvie made his way out of the living area into the bedroom and climbed onto the bed. Warren watched it with resigned amusement. The foot end of the bed was Wolvie's territory since that first night. Well, the canine always warmed their feet!

 

"Rem?" Warren listened closely to the sounds coming out of the bathroom. What was taking Remy this long?

 

Remy startled hearing Warren's voice. Quickly, he pulled the plug from the bathtub and dried his skin. For one moment he'd considered following up on Warren's advice to explore and to touch himself. Mais it won' work. I'm not 'fraid of touchin' myself in dat way. I can do dat. I only get nervous when it's Warren who wants to touch me *dere*.

 

Remy quickly cleaned up and joined his lover in the bedroom. He shot Warren a smile when he noticed that Wolvie had claimed part of their bed. The canine had grown attached to both men. Remy had realized that when he'd picked up on strong defensive feelings aimed at Warren. In the beginning Wolvie had only tolerated Warren's presence, but that had changed.

 

Looking at Warren, Remy's heart thumped loudly in his chest. Warren was lying on his right side and had pushed back the comforter, expecting Remy to lay down behind him. What did ange say? He wanted to fall 'sleep wit' me in his arms? He can only do dat when I'm in front of him, which means… Warren has to spoon up behind me. Remy hoped that waking up in that position wouldn't freak him out. The Antiquary had often sexually assaulted him when he'd been sleeping on his side. Mais I'll try… for ange.

 

Warren watched curiously as Remy walked to the other side of the bed, and then lay down facing away from him. Hesitantly, Remy pressed closer until they lay spooned against each other. Warren held his breath. Remy was showing him how much the Cajun trusted him. "Are you sure, Rem? I don't want to spook you."

 

"It's only a small step," Remy whispered nervously as Warren's groin made contact with his buttocks. "Mais I should be ready to take dis step."

 

Warren draped one leg over Remy's hip and pulled his lover close. As he placed tiny kisses on Remy's back, he felt how his lover began to relax. Warren pulled the comforter back up and tucked them in. "You feel so good in my arms, Rem. Thank you for trusting me." He gave in as Remy's hands grabbed his wrists and pulled them in front of Remy's chest. The Cajun wanted to be hugged tightly and Warren gladly obliged.

 

"Are you comfortable, love?" Warren thanked the heavens that he wasn't growing aroused. That would certainly make Remy uncomfortable and shatter the enchanted moment. 

 

"Just hold me and don' lemme go," Remy whispered softly. Warren's arms held him tight and he relished his lover's closeness. When the Antiquary had wrapped his arms around him, the old man had only wanted to keep him from fighting back. "I want to have sweet dreams tonight, cher," Remy added fatigued.

 

"I'll keep the nightmares away," Warren promised.

 

Slightly annoyed, Wolvie growled, telling the two men that it was time to go to sleep.

 

Warren felt Remy chuckle in his arms. "He wants us to shut up, Rem."

 

"Wolvie's gettin' an attitude," Remy sighed. He felt secure and safe in Warren's arms. "Have some sweet dreams too, ange," he mumbled, dozing off.

 

"You're my life, Remy," Warren whispered before following his lover into the land of dreams. "Don't ever stop loving me."

 

///

 

A strangled whimper woke Warren from his blissful sleep. It only took him a second to realize that Remy was having a nightmare. The Cajun was trying to wrestle free of the embrace and Warren immediately let go. Warren studied his whimpering lover and sighed relieved. It wasn't one of those earth-shattering nightmares, at least not yet. He knew what to do.

 

"Rem, listen to my voice. It's only a nightmare, love." Warren stayed at a distance as long as he didn't know what the nightmare was about. Another tormented whimper left Remy's lips. "Tell me, Rem, what's going on?" Warren took a deep breath and focused on his love for Remy, knowing that subconsciously his lover's empathy would pick up on it. "Rem? Come on, let me help."

 

"It's cold," Remy whispered, balancing on the edge of waking up. He pulled the comforter close to his body.

 

Warren sat up and shivered as the cold of the room hit his naked skin. "Wolvie, get off the bed!" Warren commanded and pulled up the satin sheets to wrap them around him.

 

Indignantly, Wolvie lay down on the floor, watching Remy with concern.

 

"Rem? I can make you feel warm again, but you'll have to let me get close to you." Warren cautiously crawled a little closer. "We're in Venice, Rem. We fell asleep after taking a bath, do you remember?" Suddenly, gold on black eyes opened. Warren's brow grew knitted, seeing the unshed tears in them. "Rem?"

 

"I was back on de ice, ange. It was so cold," Remy whispered and moved closer to Warren. "Make de cold go 'way?"

 

"Oh, you don't have to ask, love!" Warren exclaimed softly and opened his arms. Remy nearly knocked Warren off the bed when the Cajun flung himself into his lover's arms. Warren quickly wrapped them both up in the comforter. "Lay down again, love?" It surprised him that the nightmare hadn't been about the Antiquary. He'd kind of expected that after Remy had allowed him to spoon up behind him.

 

Warren gently touched Remy's chest, closely observing his lover, but Remy accepted the touch without pulling away from it. "Shst, it was only a nightmare, Rem. I've got you." Warren manoeuvred Remy onto his side, so they were facing each other. Remy snuggled up to him and rested his head against Warren's shoulder. "It's okay, Rem."

 

"It felt so real," Remy sobbed softly as he let go of his fear now that he was safe in Warren's arms. "Why can' dey leave me 'lone? Don' want to have dese nightmares!"

 

"Your subconscious is trying to deal with the trauma. You've got to give it time," Warren chided him softly. "You've already improved greatly, Rem. There were times when you couldn't stand me touching you after you'd had a nightmare and look at us now. You've got to be realistic. Dealing with the pain takes time."

 

Remy blinked watered eyes, but a smile flashed across his features as he glanced at Wolvie. The canine's head rested on the side of the bed and the wolf was obviously trying to find out if he could climb into its old warm space again. "C'mon, Wolvie," Remy encouraged the canine.

 

Warren stroked Remy's damp hair and realized that his lover was covered in cold sweat. "You want Wolvie to warm our feet again?" he asked, giving Remy the chance to compose himself.

 

"Oui." Remy waited until Wolvie had made himself comfortable at their feet and then he peeked at Warren. "Did I scare y'?"

 

"A little," Warren admitted. "I was scared you were going to have a panic attack."

 

"I didn' dream 'bout… *him*," Remy whispered. If the dream had been about the Antiquary he might have had that panic attack. "Dose nightmares are growin' less."

 

"That's good." Soothingly, Warren rubbed Remy's back with long strokes. "Do you think that you can go back to sleep now?" If not, he'd stay awake with Remy.

 

"Ange? Findin' y' here when I wake up… Y' don' know what dat means to me," Remy mumbled barely audible. "Ruin y'r sleep all de time and yet y' stay."

 

"Oh, Rem," Warren whispered, touched. "You've been there for me too when I had a nightmare about Apocalypse." Warren shivered. "Although… it's been weeks since I had one… I stopped having them after… after you discovered your healing powers."

 

"Wish I could work dat power on myself in dat way." Feeling tired and melancholy, Remy rubbed his cheek against Warren's chest. "How did I survive de cold?"

 

"I don't know, love." Warren doubted they'd ever find out. He'd contacted the group of scientists that had found Remy's nearly frozen body, but they'd been unable to supply him with additional information. "Go back to sleep, love? I'll be here when you wake up again, Rem. Wish I had some mutant power that would keep your nightmares at bay."

 

"Just be here when I wake up," Remy whispered against Warren's chest and surrendered to his lover's warmth, that slowly lured him back into sleep.

 

"Rem, I'm so sorry," Warren whispered, but Remy never heard those words as he'd fallen asleep again. "I should have gone back to Antarctica to search for you. I'm so sorry I walked out on you." His mistake would haunt him forever.

 

///

 

His nose itched and Remy sleepily wondered what was causing it. If he wouldn't know any better, he'd contribute it to the fresh smell of coffee, croissants and marmalade. But why would anyone fix him breakfast in the middle of the night? He'd just gone to sleep, hadn't he?

 

"Hey, wake up, sleeping beauty," Warren whispered teasingly. "And move over!"

 

Remy opened one sleepy eye and realized that Warren stood next to the bed with a large tray. "Huh?" Remy whispered confused, but he moved over to the side of the bed, creating space for Warren to lie down. As he opened both eyes, he saw bright sunlight fall into the room. "Ain' it supposed to be night?"

 

"It's almost noon, Rem and I brought you breakfast." Warren sat upright and placed the tray in between them. "Coffee?"

 

"Oui," Remy replied softly. "Why ain't dere a clock in dis room?" he wondered surprised.

 

"Because time doesn't matter on our honeymoon." Warren put a generous amount of marmalade on a croissant, tore off a small piece and offered it to his lover. "Eat something." Warren had already poured their coffee, black and hot.

 

Still a little dazed, Remy elbowed himself in to a sitting position. "Why didn' y' wake me earlier?" He usually never slept this late!

 

"You didn't sleep that great," Warren explained. "And I can't wake you when you look like that. You'd wrapped yourself all around me. It took me ten minutes to get out of bed unnoticed!" Warren offered his lover another piece of croissant and followed Remy's questioning look. "Wolvie's outside. There's a garden behind the Palazzo and he's stretching his legs. Yes, I already fed him."

 

"'bout last night," Remy started hesitantly, "sorry I woke y'."

 

"Hey, I love being there for you. Don't feel guilty about it." Warren handed Remy the coffee and the Cajun sipped from it.

 

"C'est bien," Remy commented as the black liquid flowed down his throat. He never felt awake until he'd had some black coffee. "What are y'r plans for today?"

 

"What would *you* like to do?" Warren returned the question.

 

"Don' know… As long as y're close, I'm fine."

 

"What about some sightseeing? We can rent a gondola and cuddle all day long," Warren suggested, a little disconcerted by Remy's lack of energy. Maybe that nightmare still bothered Remy? "Don't I get a good morning kiss any longer?" he whispered teasingly.

 

That brought a smile to Remy's lips. "Y'll always get a good mornin' kiss!" Remy leaned in closer and claimed Warren's lips. "Je t'aime, cher."

 

"That's better!" Warren returned the kiss and deepened it. He'd woken up with a raging morning hard-on and had taken care of it himself while fantasizing about Remy.

 

Remy released Warren's lips and gave his lover an odd look. He felt something in Warren's thoughts that slightly upset him, but he couldn't put his finger on it. "Is somet'in' wrong, ange?"

 

"Nothing," Warren assured Remy. "Let's finish breakfast and get moving before Wolvie's back."

 

Remy smiled. "Oui, Wolvie will drag us into de garden to play wit' him all day long."

 

"Wolvie needs an attitude adjustment!" Warren exclaimed and watched Remy eat another croissant. Thankfully, his lover's appetite was back.

 

///

 

"I had a great time today," Warren whispered contentedly and nodded his head. The gondola was taking them back to the Palazzo and Warren felt immensely thankful for having Remy as his life mate. They'd explored the city today and Warren hadn't been surprised to learn that Remy knew a great deal about Venice's history and art. "Tomorrow we'll leave for Athens," he informed Remy.

 

"How long do y' plan on stayin' on dis honeymoon?" Remy asked amused. The sun was hiding behind some clouds and he suspected it'd start to rain soon.

 

"For the rest of our lives hopefully," Warren replied blissfully as Remy's fingers tangled in his hair. "And yes, I added Paris to our traveling plans!"

 

Remy grew quiet, lost in thought. "Ange, do y' ever wonder what our lives would be like if we hadn' met in N'awlings?"

 

"No, I refuse to think about that," Warren said steadfast and pulled Remy's hand to his lips so he could kiss his lover's fingertips.

 

"Y're a romantic." Remy quivered as Warren's tongue caressed his fingertips. "Wolvie will be mad at us."

 

"Let him. He needs to learn that we're in charge." Warren stretched lazily as the Palazzo appeared in front of them. "They should have dinner ready for us."

 

Remy whispered a 'merci' to the gondolier and followed Warren into the Palazzo. He noticed that something was wrong when he picked up an odd nervousness from the receptionist. "Cher? Somet'in' happened."

 

Warren took the warning seriously. Addressing the receptionist, he asked, "Do you have any messages for me?"

 

The man replied in perfect English. "Signore Worthington, you've received a letter, marked urgent." He handed Warren the piece of paper.

 

Remy moved closer to his lover, as Warren opened the envelope. He read out loud, wanting Remy to know what was going on. "It's from our family lawyer."

 

# Mister Worthington,

 

It saddens me to inform you that your brother, Samuel Worthington, died yesterday in a car accident. His son, Jason, was only mildly injured. As you're Jason's only living relative, the judge will probably award you custody of Jason Worthington. Please contact me as soon as possible.

 

Yours truly,

 

Vincent Dagarmo. #

 

"Ange?" Remy kept his shields wide open, trying to detect any shift in emotions emanating from his lover. "I'm so sorry." Remy cursed himself mentally. He didn't even know if Warren and his brother had been close!

 

"It's okay, Rem. I didn't know my brother that well. Sam never wanted to have anything to do with me." Warren closed the letter and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Jason should be about 15, I think." He hadn't even dealt with his brother's death yet and now he had to face the possibility of raising his nephew. "I've only seen Jason once, when he was 6."

 

"Is dere anyt'in' I can do?" Remy offered and waited for Warren to take the initiative. Remy didn't want to impose himself. Warren radiated a small amount of shock, but seemed calm and in control. But sooner or later Remy suspected there would be an emotional outburst.

 

"No, Rem. We need to wait and find out the judge's decision. Maybe the kid knows a family he's close to and he'll want to live with them, instead of with me." Warren suddenly realized something. "Jason and I are the only Worthingtons right now."

 

"Y' don' have any ot'er relatives?" Remy inquired concerned as they walked towards their suite.

 

"No, we're the last."

 

"Do y' want to go home? I'd understand, cher." Remy didn't really know what to make of Warren's reaction and emotions. Maybe Warren was trying to suppress them? "Don' shut me out, cher?" he asked pleadingly.

 

"I need a little time," Warren replied. "I'll never shut you out, love. Don't worry about that."

 

They'd arrived at their room and went inside. Wolvie cornered them at once.

 

"Why don' y' lie down, cher? I'll take care of Wolvie," Remy offered. It'd give Warren a chance to organize his thoughts.

 

"Thanks, Rem." Warren placed a single kiss on Remy's brow. "I appreciate it, but don't stay away too long?"

 

Remy signaled Wolvie to follow him outside and as he closed the door, Remy cast one last glance at Warren, who looked worried and suddenly tired. Yet, his empathy assured Remy that Warren wasn't in any distress. Warren seemed stunned, maybe even a little shocked at the news, but there was no emotional pain. "Will be back soon," Remy promised as he closed the door behind him.

 

Warren released a deep sigh as he dropped on to the bed. He felt sorry for Jason, but hoped that the judge wouldn't give him custody of the kid. He was still trying to help Remy deal with his past… no way they could raise a 15 year old!

 

 

 

Part 3

 

Westchester

 

Feeling melancholy, Scott stared out over the lake. He'd left the mansion to have some privacy. Although he appreciated Jean and Charles' concern, he wanted to think about Remy and Corsair without being monitored. He had to make some personal decisions and he didn't want to do that while telepaths could peek into his mind.

 

Right now, he didn't have the means to contact his father. He'd have to wait until Corsair decided to visit Earth. How will he react? He always thought that his youngest son had died and now I have to tell him that Remy's alive. I still can't believe that Sinister staged Remy's death!

 

Scott also blamed himself for not finding out the truth earlier. Maybe Remy's red on black eyes should have tipped him off. No, I couldn't know. But realizing that didn't make him feel better.

 

Scott had been sitting on his heels and now rose to his feet. Carefully, he stretched his cramped muscles. How long had he been sitting out here?

 

A smile formed on his face as he remembered the commitment ceremony. The love in Warren's eyes had been tangible and Remy's gold on black orbs had mirrored Warren's feelings. If someone had told me that Remy and Warren would end up being lovers, I'd have declared them mad. And yet, they compliment each other.

 

Looking over his shoulder, Scott stared at the mansion. The boathouse was empty again. Rogue had stayed away after Remy hadn't reacted to her touch and Joseph had moved back into the mansion. There was an odd atmosphere in the house. The only bright spot was Bobby. Ever since Storm had accepted that Bobby and Nicholas were lovers, Drake had proudly shown Nick off.

 

But I still don't have the answers to my questions. When will Corsair return to Earth? Will Remy ever meet our father? I still can't believe that I've got another brother. All this time we fought side by side and I didn't know!

 

But if he was having trouble accepting this revelation, how was Remy dealing with it? Thankfully, Remy wasn't alone. Warren would support Remy. Scott shivered briefly, feeling immensely grateful that Warren was at Remy's side and not Rogue. Scott and Warren were good friends, they could relate. He found it a lot harder to relate to Rogue. That woman was a mystery to him.

 

A sudden cold crept through his coat and Scott looked up questioningly. It was a beautiful, warm day, so where was the cold coming from?

 

"I'm gonna get you!"

 

Scott smiled as Bobby's warning cut through the air. Drake had frozen the ground and it was snowing heavily. A moment later, Scott discovered that the snow clouds followed Nicholas wherever the young man went. Nick was already covered with a layer of snow, but hadn't surrendered yet.

 

Amused, Scott watched Bobby chase Nicholas, who had picked up some snow and now threw a snowball at Drake.

 

"That doesn't scare me!" Bobby called out and ran after Nicholas. He wasn't in his ice form and didn't pay much attention to the ice beneath his feet. "Here I come," Bobby announced and moved in closer on Nick. But Bobby hadn't counted on the ice being slippery beneath him.

 

Nicholas burst out laughing when Bobby went down on his butt. "The great Iceman!" he roared mischievously. "Can't deal with the ice, Bobby?"

 

Bobby wanted to object, ice up and show his lover that he could perfectly well deal with ice, but seeing Nicholas this merry Bobby laughed warmly. "I guess I outsmarted myself."

 

"Did you hurt yourself, darling?" Nicolas inquired worried, as he approached his lover. "Didn't your butt cushion the blow?" A wicked grin flashed across his features.

 

Bobby staggered to his feet, removing the snow and ice from his coat. "It was a hard landing!" Bobby exclaimed with feigned annoyance.

 

"Want me to kiss it better?" Nick gave Bobby a wink.

 

"Now there's an invitation I can't refuse!" Bobby whispered seductively and claimed his lover's right hand. "You can kiss it better once we're in my bed."

 

Scott shook his head. Bobby's hormones apparently raged and Nicholas was only encouraging Drake! "You can talk dirty in bed, Drake!" Scott called out and thoroughly enjoyed the startled shriek that fled Bobby's lips.

 

"Scott! I didn't know that you were here too!" Bobby blushed slightly. "I didn't know we had an audience."

 

"It's okay." Scott smiled reassuringly. Bobby still felt a little insecure, uncertain how his team-members would react to such obvious flirting. Seeing Bobby and Nicholas together was very new to all of them. I might have reacted differently if I hadn't seen how well Remy and Warren worked out. Scott had never suspected some of his team-mates were gay or bi.

 

"I think I'm going back inside," Scott announced. He'd barely had any time to think about Remy and Corsair. Maybe it was best to face that challenge when Corsair showed up on his doorstep. He shouldn't worry about something he couldn't control. Scott waved good-bye and headed for the mansion.

 

Bobby exchanged a look with Nicholas, who didn't seem subdued or worried at all. Apparently, Scott's unexpected appearance hadn't upset Nick. "Wanna go back too?"

 

"Sure, darling." Nicholas locked his amused eyes with Bobby's. "I still have to kiss it better," he announced wickedly. He relished seeing the blush on Bobby's face. Nicholas understood that Bobby tried to hide his insecurity, as Bobby had told him that this was his first gay relationship and that he was afraid to screw things up. Nicholas however, had had boyfriends before. "Come on, darling, let's get moving," Nicholas said eventually. "Although I love the snow I feel terribly cold."

 

"Want me to warm you?" Bobby offered, trying hard not to stumble over his words.

 

"Oh yeah." Nicholas pulled Bobby along. "Let's go and get warm!"

 

///

 

Venice

 

Remy softly closed the bedroom door behind him when he made it back from walking Wolvie. He'd left the canine in the living area, after explaining to the wolf that he couldn't sleep in the bed tonight. Warren probably wanted some privacy and having a wolf snore at your feet could be annoying.

 

He'd stayed out longer than he'd planned, but Wolvie had had so much pent up energy that they'd played for one whole hour. Now that he sneaked over to the bed, Remy wondered how Warren was doing. Warren had switched off the lights and only a few moonbeams illuminated the room.

 

Focusing his empathy, Remy tried to get an impression of Warren's feelings. He felt like invading Warren's privacy, but his concern urged him on. Sadness, regret and nervous anticipation flowed in to his mind. Warren wasn't in any emotional turmoil yet, but heading that way. "Cher?" Remy whispered softly, knowing Warren was awake.

 

"Come to bed, Rem," Warren whispered softly. He hadn't realized how lost in thought he'd been until he'd heard Remy's voice.

 

"Y' want me close? Understand if y' want some time 'lone," Remy offered.

 

"Please get in to bed and hold me, love. I just want to go to sleep." Warren peeked at Remy, and noticed his lover's concerned expression. "But bear in mind that I'm not the greatest company right now."

 

"C'est bien, ange. I understand," Remy assured him and stripped quickly. "Where do y' want me?" He now stood naked beside the bed and Warren lay on his right side, facing away from him.

 

"Get behind me, love, and hold me."

 

Remy didn't need further encouragement and slipped into bed. He reached out and gathered his lover in his arms. Only now did Remy realize that Warren was still fully clothed. However, his lover felt cold and Remy quickly pulled up the comforter. "Wanna talk 'bout it, ange?"

 

Warren first wanted to decline, but then realized that talking always seemed to help Remy to better deal with his fears. And it isn't fair to keep Remy in the dark. Suddenly, Warren realized how wonderful it felt to be wrapped up in Remy's arms. The Cajun's head rested on Warren's shoulder and Remy's breath softly caressed the skin of his face. It felt so good to have a strong shoulder to lean on.

 

Remy waited patiently and didn't push Warren in to talking. He gently kissed the back of his lover's neck and moved until he rested comfortably between the soft wings.

 

"Lavender," Warren mumbled softly.

 

"Cher?" Confused, Remy tried to peek at Warren's face.

 

"You smell of lavender. I don't think you smelled like this before."

 

"Want to comfort y', ange." Remy shivered briefly. Tante had told him that she'd smelled lavender when he'd tried to comfort her after her nephew's death. "Are y' cataloguin' dese fragrances now?"

 

"They tell me a lot about how you really feel, Rem. You've got the tendency to keep everything inside."

 

"Like y' do, cher?"

 

"No, I want to tell you about Samuel, Sam, but it isn't easy." Warren pressed closer against Remy's pliant body. He loved feeling Remy close behind him. "When Sam and I were small kids we got along just fine."

 

Remy licked his lips, wondering how to phrase his questions. His empathy told him that Warren wanted to talk about this, but he had to handle this carefully. After pressing another kiss on Warren's soft skin, Remy asked, "Was he y'r younger or older brot'er?"

 

"Sam's 9 years older… He was my big brother."

 

"What went wrong?" Remy tightened the embrace and felt Warren relax in his arms. It was good to know that Warren also trusted him with his secrets.

 

"I got wings," Warren said in a bitter tone. "When Sam realized that I was a mutant he cut off all contact."

 

"I'm sorry, cher," Remy whispered sincerely.

 

"I'd hoped that me being a mutant wouldn't matter to Sam because we were brothers, but… I was wrong."

 

"Y' don' expect family to react like dat," Remy agreed and kissed Warren's locks. "What 'bout y'r dad?" He suddenly realized how little he knew about his lover's past.

 

"Dad wasn't thrilled, but didn't treat me any different. Dad and I were never close. He was always away on business trips and after mom died he got really distant. But he didn't disown me or banish me from the family home."

 

"So Sam left?"

 

"Yes," Warren confirmed. "After I got my degree and returned home, Sam refused to stay any longer. He didn't want to live under the same roof with a mutant." Warren tried to hide his pain, but knew that the attempt was futile. Remy was an empath and surely felt his turmoil.

 

"And when y'r fat'er died?" Remy asked, concerned.

 

"Dad had named us his heirs and we had to work together to keep the family fortune safe. But Sam limited the contact to business meetings only."

 

Remy sighed deeply. He sensed how much this had hurt his lover.

 

"And then I got this blue skin, courtesy of… Apocalypse. Can you imagine Sam's reaction when he saw me?" Warren's bitterness now was obvious and he trembled in Remy's arms. "I saw the loathing in his eyes."

 

"I'm so sorry, cher," Remy repeated, unsure what to say. Usually Warren listened to Remy's admissions and not the other way around. Remy remembered holding and comforting Warren only once before. Warren had suffered from a nightmare featuring Apocalypse and later that night, Warren had told Remy about walking out on him during the trial. Their role reversal was disconcerting, but it felt good to be able to be there for Warren. "Now tell me what else's bot'erin' y'." Warren was keeping back.

 

"Sam's son, Jason."

 

"Why worry 'bout him?" Remy stroked Warren's shoulders, gently massaging tense muscles.

 

"I don't know a damn thing about raising a 15 year old!" Warren suddenly exploded. "I'm sure Sam told Jason about his mutant uncle. The kid and I only met once and at that time Jason kept his distance."

 

"Cher? Lemme tell y' somet'in'," Remy said gently and waited until he had Warren's undivided attention. "Jean-Luc Lebeau didn' know how to raise a mutant and he did a great job… I t'ink."

 

"Oh, Rem!" Warren turned in Remy's embrace until they were face to face. Warren wrapped Remy's arms around his body again and stared into the gold on black eyes. "I was so feeling sorry for myself that…"

 

"What I'm tryin' to say, cher, is dat y'd make a great père too." Remy noticed the stunned look on Warren's face. "Y' care. Only dat matters."

 

"But I'm sure Sam taught Jason to dislike his mutant uncle." Warren looked at Remy apologetically. "And you're still healing. You don't need this."

 

"Cher," Remy whispered and pressed a gentle kiss on Warren's brow. "I was a mess when père took me in. Jean-Luc didn' know how to handle me, mais he tried and tried hard. I didn' trust him, tried to run 'way 'cause I was 'fraid he'd hurt me like de Antiquary had. He didn' tell y' I fought him at times?" Remy waited for Warren's nod and then continued. "I yelled at him to leave me 'lone. I even scratched his skin open when he tried to bat'e me dat first time. Didn' want to lose my clot'es, dat made me feel vulnerable. Mais Jean-Luc knew dat I needed him and he didn' give up."

 

"You can't compare yourself to Jason, Rem. Jason's a spoiled brat. Sam always gave Jason what he wanted, even sent Jason to the most expensive boarding schools."

 

"Sounds to me like dat chile got a lot of material t'ings, mais little amour, cher," Remy pointed out to Warren. "Sounds like y'r brot'er tried to buy Jason's affection." Remy suddenly wondered about something. "What 'bout Jason's mère?"

 

"She died in childbirth. Jason never knew Maggy." Warren released a deep sigh. "I don't want to talk about this anymore, Rem."

 

"Ignorin' it won' make it go 'way," Remy said softly and smiled.

 

"Crazy Cajun," Warren whispered affectionately. "I told you that once, didn't I?"

 

"I 'ways pay attention." Remy's smile brightened. "Look, ange, we'll deal wit' dis toget'er, non? Y' don' have to do dis 'lone."

 

Warren now shook his head. "Throwing my own words back at me, huh?"

 

"Wanna go to sleep or…?" Remy wasn't sure what to do next. When one of his former lovers had been upset, he'd let them use his body to distract them, but he couldn't and wouldn't do that now.

 

"I'm not in the mood for hanky panky," Warren replied, obviously pleased that Remy understood that having sex wouldn't solve anything. "Let's go to sleep? I've got this feeling tomorrow might be an exhausting day."

 

"Y' should lose de clot'es first," Remy reminded him.

 

"Yeah, I guess you're right about that." Reluctantly, Warren got out of bed to strip. "Keep my spot warm," he asked Remy.

 

"Mais of course," Remy whispered and watched Warren take off his clothes. Warren needed a little distraction as his lover was still brooding and Remy quipped, . "Did I ever tell y' how well I can see in de dark?"

 

Warren released a cry of feigned surprise. He only knew too well, but was more than willing to play the game. "You're peeking." 

 

"Cher," Remy said amused. "Y've got not'in' dat I haven' seen 'fore!" But his amusement quickly changed into confusion when he realized that his cock was waking up. Merde! I can' want dis now! Warren just learned dat he lost his brot'er and I… I can' want dis now! But his body had different ideas and he was growing aroused quickly. Embarrassed, Remy averted his eyes.

 

Warren noticed the sudden change in his lover's eyes. Also, the unexpected fragrance of lilies alerted him that something had happened. He quickly slipped between the covers and lay down facing Remy. Why was his lover blushing and averting his eyes? Then he noticed another fragrance floating through the room, roses. Remy's aroused! Warren realized, surprised. "Hey, talk to me, love."

 

"Sorry, cher, don' want dis." Remy shrugged his shoulder apologetically, as he tried to fight his arousal down.

 

Very carefully, Warren slid one hand beneath the covers. "Rem?" His probing fingers only encountered warm skin and he remembered that Remy had gone to bed naked. "Is this for me?" Warren smiled reassuringly as his fingertips brushed Remy's erection. It didn't happen too often that Remy spontaneously wanted to make love.

 

"Sorry, cher," Remy whispered. "Dis ain' de right time."

 

Warren silenced his lover. "Hey, as far as I'm concerned it's always the right time." He wanted to take away the emotional agony that haunted the gold on black eyes. "Can I play with it?" he quipped, hoping to relax his lover. Only moments ago he'd told Remy that he wasn't interested in any hanky panky, but then he'd been afraid that Remy would offer himself for the wrong reasons. But this was different. This was pure. This had nothing to do with manipulation, but everything with true love and attraction.

 

Remy's eyes grew big. "Play wit' it?"

 

"What's wrong?" Warren slowly stroked his lover's erection beneath the covers, just intending the caress as a prelude. He wanted to take his time.

 

Remy struggled to find the right words. "Shouldn' react like dis. Y' just lost y'r brot'er and I lie here wit' a hard-on."

 

"Rem?" Warren rubbed his thumb across the tip of Remy's cock and the Cajun quavered at the caress. "It means a lot to me that you didn't try to distract me with sex earlier."

 

"It did cross my mind," Remy admitted and helplessly arched his back.

 

"But you didn't act on it. Rem? Let me do this for you?" Warren watched his lover's beautiful face and kissed Remy's lips. "You want this and so do I."

 

"Mais y'…"

 

Warren felt Remy's probing fingers. "I'm not hard… yet, that's true, but I'd love to give you this, Rem."

 

Confused, Remy sought out Warren's eyes. His lover was still massaging his hard cock and pre-ejaculate was making his erection slippery. Warren's caress felt even better now. "Don' know how to explain dis," Remy said hesitantly.

 

"Try," Warren whispered and pressed tiny kisses all over Remy's face. "Tell me."

 

"When I had a lover," Remy started, uncomfortably, "dey took what dey wanted. I…" The revelation came unexpected. "I made it easy for dem to use me, non?"

 

Warren nodded his head. "I think so," he whispered and pushed down the comforter so he had access to Remy's bare chest. "I never knew I could have a thing for a man's nipples," he admitted and ran his tongue across Remy's left nipple. "Go on," he said eventually.

 

"Dey never took de time to make me feel good like y' do," Remy panted. "I just offered myself to dem. I never realized…" Remy's voice trailed off, as Warren closed his lips over his left nipple, nibbling gently. "Cher… I'm gonna come…"

 

"That's the idea, love," Warren quipped. "I want you to come." Warren moved down Remy's body until he met Remy's weeping erection. "It makes me feel so good when I make you come." He knew how much Remy had suffered in the past and it made him feel special that the Cajun trusted him not to hurt him. "I think I'm going to try that tongue thing."

 

"Tongue t'in'?" Confused, Remy looked down at his lover. Warren placed Remy's hands on his shoulders and the Cajun caressed his lover's skin. "What are y' gonna do?" He had to know what to expect.

 

"Can I touch you… there?" Warren gently rubbed his thumb over his lover's entrance.

 

Remy shivered. "Cher…"

 

Warren pumped his lover's cock slowly but hard, and the caress drew a whimper from Remy's lips. "Yes or no?"

 

"Oui," Remy whispered, helplessly. He was too close to orgasm to call Warren back now. Warren was the first lover who'd ever focused so entirely on Remy's needs that it made the Cajun nervous. Warren was so intend to give him pleasure that Remy wondered why Warren was so driven to make him come without wanting any sexual favors in return.

 

"Thanks, Rem… thanks for trusting me." Warren got to his feet and gently positioned Remy on the right side of the bed. Still lying on his back, Remy's long legs dangled off the bed. Warren kneeled on the floor and placed Remy's legs over his shoulders. That way, he had perfect access to those gorgeous round mounts. "Can I eat you?" Warren noticed the shudder that ran through his lover's body and returned to stroking Remy's hard cock.

 

"Cher, y' don' have to do dis." Remy felt vulnerable and helpless. Never before had he been the center of his lover's complete attention. Usually, it was the other way around.

 

"But I want to," Warren said in a pouting tone. "Please?"

 

Remy released a moan. "Oui, cher." He knew he had to take this step if he truly wanted to overcome his demons. If it hadn't been for Warren's talented fingers, his erection would have faded because of his nervousness. "Cher!" Remy groaned the word when something wet and slippery slithered down his cleft. A soft throbbing started in his cock and Remy buried his fingers in the satin sheets.

 

Warren smiled. "I guess you like that," Warren whispered mischievously. He'd always thought that doing this would gross him out, but seeing Remy squirm and whimper only motivated to try harder. His tongue connected with warm flesh and slithered inside. Remy jerked and Warren used one hand to steady him. "Easy now," Warren whispered. After first removing his tongue, he thrust it inside again.

 

"Cher!" Remy's tone was frantic now and he bucked hard.

 

Warren ignored the outcry and concentrated on driving Remy insane, using his tongue to explore his lover's hidden secrets. Remy's balls trembled beneath his touch and Warren realized that his lover was close. He pulled back and Remy whimpered at the loss. "Come for me, Rem," he whispered and closed his lips over his lover's cock. At the same time he inserted one finger in to the wet passage.

 

"Mon Dieu!" Remy arched his hips, thrust into Warren's hot mouth and involuntarily he pushed down on to his lover's finger. He forgot to breathe when Warren's fingertip found his prostate. "Cher… please… so close… wanna come… please… Warren…"

 

Warren listened to Remy's raving and wondered if his lover had ever given himself so completely during their lovemaking. He carefully added another digit and scissored his fingers, making sure he regularly brushed Remy's prostate. Remy was incredibly relaxed and Warren looked up to stare into his lover's dilated pupils.

 

Remy lost control when a second finger opened him up. Warren sucking him hard drove him over the edge and his cock released his come in short, jerky spurts.

 

Swallowing everything Remy had to offer, Warren didn't remove his fingers yet, but made sure his fingertips no longer made any contact with Remy's prostate. Spasms coursed through his lover's body and Warren licked Remy's cock clean, before letting the now sated organ slip from his mouth.

 

Remy only slowly came down from the adrenaline rush and it took him a moment to regulate his breathing. "Cher?" he looked down at his lover with tears in his eyes.

 

"Two, Rem. You took two fingers. They're still inside you." Warren moved them slightly and watched his lover's reaction. "Tell me how it feels, love?"

 

"It feels… so good," Remy sobbed softly as unshed tears fled his eyes. "Feels so good…"

 

Warren nodded his head. "That's the way it's supposed to feel, Rem." Slowly, he pulled back and exited Remy's body. "Sore?"

 

"Non, don' t'ink so." Remy felt terribly relaxed. "What 'bout y', cher?" He'd completely neglected Warren's needs and felt guilty about that.

 

Warren grinned a little. "I came with you, love."

 

"Cher?" Remy didn't understand. He hadn't even touched Warren!

 

"Making you come, made me come," Warren quipped and smirked. "We're a mess. I should clean us up, love." His own orgasm had taken him by surprise. Yes, he'd grown hard when he'd made Remy come, but usually he needed more direct stimulation to reach orgasm. It had been quite an interesting ride!

 

 "Y've got a drop of come on y'r chin, cher…" Remy felt shy all of a sudden. He couldn't remember any of his lovers coming because they'd focused on him.

 

"Have you ever tasted yourself, Rem?" Warren collected the droplet onto his index finger and then brought it to Remy's lips. Moving in closer, he claimed his lover's lips possessively.

 

Remy moaned into Warren's mouth, as he tasted himself. "Merci, cher…" he whispered sincerely. "No one has ever been dis gentle wit' me."

 

Warren sensed the pain behind those words and nodded his head. "Things have changed, love. Now stay here." Warren slid out of bed and headed for the bathroom. He returned with a wet washcloth and a towel. He'd already cleaned himself up in the bathroom, and as he sat down on the side of the bed, he took in his lover's appearance. "I smell candy… sugar and honey," he said teasingly as he cleaned Remy up. "I love that smell."

 

Remy allowed the clean up, but then opened his arms and pulled Warren close. "Please cher, want y' close." After a moment's hesitation, Remy pulled Warren on top of his body. Remy wiggled beneath Warren and spread his legs to accommodate his lover.

 

Surprised that Remy wanted him to cover his body, Warren accepted the invitation and settled down between Remy's thighs. "I love you, Rem." He firmly wrapped Remy's legs around his waist and rested his elbows on either side of Remy's face so he could look at his lover. He loved to rest between Remy's thighs and Warren's cock stirred a little, interested in this development.

 

Remy sensed the growing arousal and swallowed hard. Being on the bottom like this made him feel uncomfortable, but he wanted Warren to top in the future. It was too damn confusing. "Can we go to sleep, cher?"

 

Warren understood the hint. "Sure, love." Remy wasn't ready to take another step. "Am I not squashing you?" Warren loved to feel Remy beneath him, but realized it might trigger flashbacks.

 

"Dis is fine," Remy whispered, overcoming his fears. Warren wouldn't force him. The Antiquary had done that, but Warren would never do that. "I'm tired, ange." Tomorrow would be another long day, especially if they had to return home unexpectedly.

 

"You smell so good," Warren whispered as he rested his head on Remy's shoulder. Remy wrapped his arms around him and Warren finally relaxed. "You were amazing, love," he mumbled, drifting off in to sleep.

 

"Non, y' were 'mazin'," Remy corrected a sleeping Warren. "Merci for bein' patient and showin' me true love." His body tingled with the after effects of intense pleasure and it didn't take Remy long to doze off himself.

 

 

 

Note //…// depicts thought.

 

Part 4

 

Remy stirred in his sleep. He'd been peacefully dreaming of flying over Venice's rooftops in Warren's arms, but something had upset his dreams. Peeking open one eye, Remy realized that Warren was the source of the disturbance. Reaching out empathically, Remy probed Warren's feelings.

 

His lover was in obvious emotional turmoil and Remy wondered whether to tighten his embrace or let Warren go. He'd fallen asleep with Warren in his arms, spooned behind his lover. "Cher? What's wrong?" he whispered, hoping to wake his lover, but Warren was deeply entangled in his nightmare.

 

At times like these Remy wished he were a telepath as well. Although he sensed Warren's distress, he had no idea how to reach him. He knew what Warren felt, but couldn't access the thoughts or pictures that were upsetting Warren. Remy didn't know how to ease his lover's pain.

 

"Cher? Ange?" Speaking a little louder this time, Remy grew concerned. Warren wasn't reacting to his voice. Warren struggled in the embrace and Remy immediately released him. Sitting upright, Remy freed Warren's flapping wings. Warren trashed on the bed and Remy's face contorted. "Don' know what to do, ange," he whispered upset.

 

Acting on instinct, he reached out with one hand and placed it on Warren's shoulder. To Remy's surprise, Warren allowed it. "Please, cher…" Remy was growing worried and even a little frightened. Warren radiated pain and terror and the emotions flowed into Remy's mind now that the Cajun had opened his shields.

 

"Warren?" Remy tried one last time and closed his eyes, concentrating on sending his lover soothing emotions. "Cher, je t'aime. Please come back to me." He didn't know where Warren's mind had traveled in his sleep, but his lover was surrounded by darkness. He had to try.

 

///

 

Warren stared into Apocalypse's face and tried to ignore the filthy laughter that escaped the mutant's lips. Metal wings were attached to his back and he shivered at the malice that Apocalypse radiated. Then another face took shape, pushing away Apocalypse's visage. Cameron Hodge's face appeared instead and Warren felt a sting of betrayal. //Get out of my mind!//

 

Subconsciously, Warren knew that he was having a nightmare, but he had no means to stop the hellish scenario. Suddenly, he found himself in a hospital room and the doctor in charge inserted a needle beneath his skin. //Oh God, not again!//

 

He'd been here before. Had woken up from his worst nightmare in this room. His wings had been amputated because of Cameron Hodge's scheming. He'd felt more dead than alive when he'd woken up, only to find his wings gone. //I don't want to be here!// Instinctively, Warren reached out. //REMY!//

 

///

 

"Ange!" Remy felt his lover's outcry for help and quickly covered the distance between them. Right now it didn't matter if Warren wanted the physical contact or not, fact was that Remy needed to touch Warren to strengthen the empathic link. Carefully, Remy folded his arms around Warren and pulled his lover in to a sitting position. He had to avoid one of Warren's wings, as his lover was moving about wildly. "I'm here, cher."

 

But his words didn't seem to reach Warren, and Remy took a deep breath before pushing through Warren's shields. //Le professeur trained dem bien!// Warren, like all X-Men, had considerable shields to keep attackers from acquiring secret information by invading his mind.

 

Finally inside Warren's mind, Remy mentally gasped. The darkness threatened to consume his lover. Hate and pain made up the blackness and Remy had to counteract all that negativity by focusing on his love for Warren.

 

"I'm here, cher," Remy repeated, slightly relieved when Warren stopped trashing in his arms. "Will protect y'. Will drive the dark 'way," he vowed passionately.

 

Remy realized that the darkness was strong because Warren was feeding it. Warren still hadn't completely dealt with certain events from his past and they were gaining on him. "Je t'aime, cher," he whispered and battled despair himself. How could he ever reach his lover when the darkness continued to grow stronger? //Je t'aime, cher!//

 

Startled, Remy almost pulled away from Warren as his fingertips began to tingle. He'd experienced this phenomena a few times before and it had usually happened when he'd prepared his lover to make love. But this time a golden glow left his fingertips and snaked over on to Warren's fingers, engulfing his lover's hand in golden light. //Mon Dieu, what's dis?//

 

///

 

Unexpected warmth invaded the surrounding darkness and Warren clung to the glow. The hospital room faded and instead a golden cloud appeared, protectively wrapping itself around him. It was a magical experience. The emotional warmth was breathtaking and Warren lost himself in the love that surrounded him. //Remy?// Was this his lover's doing? But since when did Remy possess such… power?

 

The love that embraced him felt extremely powerful and penetrated each hidden corner of his being. Warren unintended held his breath, afraid that when he exhaled, the glow would disappear.

 

The warmth made him feel safe and images of Apocalypse and Cameron Hodge drifted at the outskirts of the glow, but couldn't penetrate the protective warmth.

 

Warren's eyes suddenly flashed open as he awoke with a whimper. "Remy?" His lover's brow was knitted with worry. The golden glow surrounded Remy as well and seemed to connect them, making them one. A golden silhouette illuminated their bedroom. "I had a nightmare…" he whispered and cocked his head, suddenly realizing that the golden glow surrounded them completely. An emotional safety blanket had been wrapped around him.

 

"I couldn' reach y'," Remy mumbled apologetically. "And den dis happened!" Feeling awed at whatever *dis* was, Remy grew silent.

 

"I feel warm," Warren said eventually, seeing apprehension in Remy's eyes. "I feel… loved?" Warren suddenly realized that Remy's empathy had kicked in big time. Usually, he didn't *feel* Remy this intensely. "I feel…" Warren paused to search for words, "I feel your love for me?"

 

"Got worried when y' didn' react, ange and… didn' do dis on purpose," Remy said apologetically. "Sorry for invadin' y'r mind like dat. Only excuse I've got is dat I was really worried."

 

"Rem, I love the way this feels," Warren said impressed. He'd known that Remy loved him deeply, but feeling it was awe-inspiring. "You love me this much? Wow." Warren had forgotten about his nightmares now that this warmth permeated his body and mind.

 

"Y're not mad wit' me for plungin' into y'r mind like dat?" Remy found that he couldn't release Warren's hand. The glow was keeping their fingers twined together. "Cher? Are we stuck?"

 

"I don't think so, Rem," Warren said reassuringly, soaking up Remy's love and affection like a sponge. The darkness in his nightmare had been too intimidating and he needed something to battle its memory. "Maybe I'm not ready to let go yet?" he suggested.

 

Remy's eyes grew big. "Cher, y' don' need *me* to fight y'r nightmares. Y're de strong one."

 

"Oh, Rem. You're *so* wrong!" Warren exclaimed. "Don't you know that you're my strength? If it hadn't been for you I would have let those assassins murder me. You gave me a reason to live. Do you have any idea how badly I need you?"

 

Remy blinked. "Need *moi*?" Why did he have a hard time believing that? Warren wasn't the headcase, Remy was!

 

"Does this work both ways?" Warren inquired interested and twined their fingers tighter. He'd give this a shot.

 

"Don't know, cher," Remy admitted. "Dis is new to me too." He trembled slightly as the golden glow flashed brightly. "What are y' doin', ange?"

 

"Sending you my feelings."

 

Remy gasped at the flood of feelings that suddenly washed over him. Love, affection, adoration, need and trust touched him deeply and Remy's eyes released a single tear. "Dat's beau… souffle-prent," Remy panted softly. "Takes my breat' 'way," he added, seeing Warren's questioning expression.

 

"I'm ready to let go now, are you?" Warren asked in a teasing tone. Remy finally understood how deep his feelings ran for his Cajun lover.

 

"Oui," Remy whispered, but his actions proved differently. His fingers refused to let go of Warren's and the golden glow intensified.

 

"No, you're not," Warren realized and leaned in closer, bringing their hands to his chest, holding them there. He pulled Remy up onto his knees so they were level and could easily look into each other's eyes. Warren leaned forward and rested his forehead against Remy's, never breaking eye contact. "I love you, Rem. You're my life."

 

Remy's eyes closed briefly. The love that stared back at him was too pure. "Ange." A soft sob escaped Remy.

 

"Tell me," Warren encouraged his lover.

 

"No one ever needed me like dis."

 

"Stupid Cajun," Warren chided him affectionately and he pressed a chaste kiss on his lover's lips. "Want to go to sleep like this?" He wouldn't mind feeling this warmth all night long. "The golden glow is *so* you, Rem!"

 

Remy actually chuckled, hearing that comment. It was true though. He wasn't ready to let go. That Warren still suffered from nightmares worried Remy. "Gonna hold y'," he whispered and pulled Warren down until they lay spooned. Holding Warren close, Remy buried his face in his lover's locks. One wing closed over him, creating a safe place.

 

Warren smiled. The glow was still there, proving to him that his lover would keep him safe.

 

"Will keep de nightmares 'way," Remy promised and this time he knew that he could keep that promise.

 

"I wish I could do the same thing for you, Rem," Warren whispered, feeling a little sad. But the warm glow made it hard to hold on to the sadness.

 

"Go to sleep, cher," Remy mumbled soothingly. "No more nightmares, I promise."

 

Lured in to sleep by his lover's promise and the warmth, Warren closed his eyes and snuggled closer to his lover. He craved feeling Remy's naked skin against his.

 

"Sleep, mon amour. Will watch over y'." Remy repeated the promise until Warren had fallen asleep. "Je t'aime," he added and realized that Warren thought of Remy as the strong one. //What a joke!//

 

///

 

San Francisco

 

Logan watched as Jean-Luc paced their hotel room. They'd decided to travel the good old USA with some newly bought Harley Davidsons and were heading out tomorrow morning. "What's buggin' ya?"

 

"Remy," Jean-Luc said without hesitance. "I'm worried about Remy."

 

"Why? They're on their honeymoon… what could possibly go wrong?" Logan considered his own question and then shook his head. "Don't answer that one." A lot of things could go wrong. Some villains would love to get a piece of Remy and Warren. "Any particular reason why yer worried?" Logan got up from the bed on which he'd been resting and walked over to his lover.

 

"Just a feeling, cher," Jean-Luc replied thoughtfully. "I can't really explain it, mais dere have been times when I… somehow knew Remy was in trouble and afterwards, my instincts proved right."

 

"Why don't ya give Remy a call? Or send them an e-mail message? The hotel has Internet access." Logan folded one arm around his lover's waist. Even after spending weeks together, the Cajun master thief still held back, held on to little secrets. Although the trust was there, Jean-Luc was reluctant to share everything with Logan, and hell, he understood Jean-Luc! He had secrets himself!

 

"You said it yourself, cher. It's deir honeymoon. I don't want to intrude."

 

"But yer worried." Logan observed Jean-Luc, as the Cajun struggled with himself to reach a decision. "Knowin' Remy, he'll be thrilled to hear from ya."

 

"Mebbe I'll send a message," Jean-Luc said reluctantly. "I don't know what's wrong with me." Nervously, he moved away from Logan's touch.

 

"What's goin' on, Cajun?" Logan didn't like this one bit. Jean-Luc had never acted this… upset before.

 

Jean-Luc locked eyes with Logan, obviously frustrated that he couldn't figure it out himself. "It's driving me insane," he mumbled eventually. "I feel like something terrible is about to happen and I can't stop it."

 

"Do ya get these 'hunches' often?" Logan inquired, concerned.

 

"Maddie always thought that I could tell de future," Jean-Luc said and shook his head. "Mais dat's just mumbo jumbo. I always thought dat it was connected to Remy's charm… empathy… magic, whatever you want to call it. We always had dis connection."

 

Logan carefully considered his answer. "Let's find a computer or a phone." If Jean-Luc was this edgy there had to be a good reason. Something told him that Jean-Luc hadn't stayed the Guild's patriarch without having some extraordinary skills and gifts.

 

///

 

Venice

 

"Good mornin', cher," Remy whispered and placed a kiss on the tip of Warren's nose. He'd sneaked out of bed earlier to get the breakfast tray so they could have breakfast in bed again. "I 'ready walked Wolvie…"

 

Warren stretched lazily and realized that something warm and heavy covered his feet. Wolvie had climbed onto the bed again and taken his rightful spot. "You're too good to be true, Rem."

 

Remy smiled shyly. "Coffee or tea?"

 

"Coffee," Warren said decisively. "Have there been any calls from my lawyer?"

 

"Not yet, cher." Remy peeked at his lover. "Wanna go home today?"

 

"I'll call him later and then we'll see. I don't want to break off our honeymoon, love." Warren dipped his finger into the strawberry marmalade and covered Remy's lips with the sweet substance. "I'm hungry," he whispered and pulled Remy down with him. They almost knocked over the tray when Remy settled down beside Warren. Wolvie gave them an indignant stare.

 

Warren looked deeply into Remy's eyes. "You're blushing!" Warren said teasingly.

 

"Why are y' lookin' at me like… dat?" Remy whispered nervously and accepted the strawberry that Warren offered him. The kitchen staff had added a plate of various fruits this morning and Remy wondered whether Warren planned on feeding them to him. "Cher?"

 

"Thank you for last night, Rem," Warren said sincerely. The golden glow was gone now. "Do you have any idea what happened?"

 

"I was tryin' to reach y'," Remy whispered shyly and obediently ate another strawberry. "Wanna talk 'bout dat nightmare?"

 

"It was Apocalypse again." Warren didn't want to discuss this. The morning was way to perfect to dwell on nightmares, but he knew Remy well enough to know that his lover wouldn't give in easily. "And Cameron Hodge." Had he ever told Remy about Cameron?

 

Confused, Remy locked eyes with Warren. "Who?"

 

"We grew up together. Cameron and I were best friends, but… I never realized that he'd become a mutant hater. When the Marauders damaged my wings…" Warren caught Remy's sharp intake of breath. "Which was *not* your fault, Rem, they could have been saved."

 

"I don' understand," Remy admitted and frowned. He'd never asked Warren how he'd dealt with losing his wings.

 

"My wings could have healed," Warren continued and claimed Remy's hand, which he kissed, palm and back. "But Cameron told the doctors to amputate my wings."

 

"What?" Remy's cry echoed through the room. "Cher, I didn' know…"

 

Warren gently caressed his lover's shaking hands. "Listen, love."

 

Remy tried to calm down. He hadn't known that Warren's wings could have been saved.

 

"Cameron belongs to an organization, the Right, which is determined to destroy all mutants. Our friendship no longer means a thing to him. Not after he found out that I was a mutant." Surprised, Warren gave in as Remy wrapped both arms around him. "It's okay, love," he said reassuringly, smelling the lilies, mixed with lilacs. "None of it was your fault, you should know that by now."

 

"If only I'd known what Sinister was up to! I'd never have led dem into de tunnels!"

 

"I believe you, Rem, now calm down." Warren almost regretted telling Remy about Cameron. "I've got my wings back. It's okay, love."

 

Remy drew in a deep breath. "It's just dat…"

 

"What?"

 

"I love y'r wings so much…"

 

Warren smiled warmly. "And I love you."

 

"Cher," Remy gasped the word. "I know y' do, mais sometimes it's hard to believe."

 

"Let's finish breakfast and then I'll make that call to Vincent. Depending on its outcome we can plan the rest of the day, okay?" Warren cupped Remy's chin in the palm of his hand and waited for his lover to meet his glance. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

 

Speechless, Remy just nodded his head.

 

///

 

Remy couldn't stand it any longer. Warren had been uncharacteristically quiet all morning and was now trying to reach his family lawyer. "Cher? How y' doin'?"

 

"Not that great," Warren whispered honestly and then took a deep breath when Vincent, his lawyer, answered the call.

 

Remy tried not to eavesdrop and moved into the living area, where Wolvie gave him a curious glance. "Hey, Wolvie," Remy said absentmindedly and sat cross-legged next to Wolvie, who rolled onto his back to offer his tummy to Remy.

 

"Want a tummy rub?" Remy smiled, amused. Wolvie always made him feel good. An animal's mind was very different from a human's, much less complicated, and Remy obliged the canine. His long, agile fingers teasingly rubbed the wolf's tummy. A soft growl escaped Wolvie's throat. "Y' like dat, non?"

 

Wolvie growled a little harder and Remy continued to rub. It took his mind off Warren's problems, no *their* problems. He'd tried to support Warren, assure his lover that he'd make a good dad, but wasn't that sure of his own qualities to raise a teenager. Would he, Remy LeBeau, make a good père too? He doubted it.

 

Yes, Jean-Luc had been a good role model. The Cajun master thief had given Remy all he needed and more. Jean-Luc had never held back his love and had always been there for him. But could he do the same thing for a strange 15 years old boy? However, Remy knew he had to try to make this work. Jason had just lost his father and Warren was all the boy had left.

 

It might take them a while to show Jason that mutants didn't differ that much from 'normal humans', but how would the kid react to finding out that his uncle was gay as well and then being confronted with Remy?

 

His temples began to throb and a headache set it. Merde, he didn't need this right now! Unexpectedly, arms wrapped themselves around him and the sudden contact made Remy jump to his feet. The gesture brought back memories of the Antiquary, holding him in place. Panting slightly, Remy freed himself of Warren's arms. He fled in to the opposite corner of the living room, creating distance between them.

 

"Rem?" Startled, Warren backed down. Remy's reaction worried him and the Cajun's eyes were haunted. "Bad memory?" he whispered, hoping he'd pegged down the source of Remy's reaction. His own heart thumped heavily seeing the terror in his lover's eyes.

 

"Don' do dat when I can' see y'!" Remy choked out eventually. He felt angry and ashamed at the same time. Angry that Warren hadn't given him an advance warning and ashamed because he still needed that warning.

 

"I'm sorry, Rem. I guess I forgot." Feeling truly remorseful, Warren simply extended his hand, not touching his lover yet. "Please?"

 

Remy eyed the hand briefly and then clasped his fingers around it. "I'm sorry too, cher." His empathy told him that his reaction scared Warren. "I didn' hear y' come in to de room and… for one terrible moment *he* was back in here."

 

Warren didn't need to hear the name to know that they were talking about the Antiquary. The bastard would probably never stop haunting Remy completely, though it helped to know that Daimon had dragged the sorcerer to Hell. They'd never heard from the son of Satan again.

 

"I spooked you…" Warren realized. "Would you give me a hug, Rem?" Warren hoped they could deal with these momentary flashbacks.

 

Shyly, Remy locked eyes with Warren. How could he ever deny his lover? Slowly, carefully, he took a step closer to Warren and folded his arms around his lover. "I'm 'kay," he whispered, forcing himself to relax now that he held his lover in his arms. "What did Vincent say?" His instincts urged Remy to change the subject matter.

 

"The judge's going to make a decision this afternoon. Vincent will call me once he knows more."

 

"Where's y'r nephew now?"

 

"With Vincent. Kid's very upset."

 

"Dat's understandable, cher," Remy whispered and cherished the embrace. "I know dis is hard on y'."

 

"Rem?" Warren broke the embrace, took possession of his lover's right hand and guided Remy to the couch where he sat the Cajun down. "I need to tell you something."

 

Remy immediately picked up on Warren's nervousness and tensed. Patiently, he gave Warren the time he needed to phrase his thoughts. What was this about? Was it about him freaking out at Warren's touch earlier?

 

Warren noticed the apprehension in Remy's eyes. "It's about the nightmare I had last night."

 

Remy didn't want to feel relieved, but he did. "Y' can tell me, cher."

 

"Some time ago I dated a young lady. I really was in love with Candy," Warren gave Remy a shy look. Discussing former lovers had never been high on his priority list, but he had to get this off his chest. Remy had to know why seeing Cameron Hodge's face in his nightmare had freaked him out.

 

Remy smiled reassuringly. He didn't know much about Warren's previous lovers.

 

Warren returned the smile hesitantly. "Candy was the opposite of Bets and really down to Earth. I was seriously considering settling down with her when Cameron Hodge abducted her." Warren had to stop briefly, as memories rushed back into his mind.

 

Remy remained completely quiet, but squeezed Warren's hand reassuringly. His lover could trust him with every facet of his past.

 

"Cameron tortured her."

 

Warren's admission took Remy aback. "Ange?" Surprised, Remy noticed Warren's watering eyes. Obviously, his lover had never really dealt with what had happened to her and Remy sent Warren his love and all the reassurance he could muster that it was okay to go on, that he would be there for Warren.

 

"I tried to rescue Candy, but realized too late that Cameron had set me up. It was a trap and she died. Cameron killed her." Warren forced back his tears. "When I saw his face in my nightmare last night it all came back."

 

"Oh, cher. Don' know what to say, 'cept I'm sorry dat happened. Dat must have hurt, still hurt," Remy whispered. He didn't know how to comfort Warren, who had suffered horribly.

 

"I can handle it," Warren assured Remy and squeezed his lover's hand in silent reply. "I just want you to know what's going on. I don't want to have any secrets from you, Rem."

 

Remy leaned in closer and enfolded Warren in a tight hug. "I'm so sorry y' had to go t'rough dat, cher."

 

"Rem?" Warren peeked at his lover, who immediately met his eyes. "Cameron's still out there. Be careful. The bastard's immortal. You can't kill him."

 

"Y' t'ink he might come after me too?" Remy shivered and stored away this new information.

 

"I don't know. He has disappeared for now, but please watch your back? Cameron is an obsessed psychotic. He wants what I have, my money, my power and he hates my lovers."

 

And absurd thought crossed Remy's mind. Would Cameron hate Warren enough to stage his brother's car accident? Non, he dismissed that thought. If that were true it meant that Cameron would have gone after Jason too and the kid was alive and safe.

 

"What's going on in that head of yours?" Remy's expression puzzled Warren.

 

Remy swallowed hard. Something else had popped up in his thoughts. "Cher, can it be dat dis Cameron wants y' for himself? If he's dat obsessed wit' y', maybe he's in love wit' y' and really possessive?"

 

Warren blinked his eyes. "I never thought of that, Rem. As I said earlier, Cameron and I were best friends when we were kids, but I never saw anything that would indicate that he had a crush on me. Cameron hates mutants."

 

"I wouldn' rule it out, cher," Remy chided Warren gently. "Mebbe dis Cameron doesn' know why he feels de way he feels?"

 

Warren shrugged his shoulders. "I don't care about his *feelings*. I think that he's no longer capable of having any emotions. All I care about is your safety, Rem."

 

Remy tightened the embrace and held Warren close. "I'll be careful," he promised passionately.

 

 

 

 

Note //…// depicts thought.

 

Part 5

 

Westchester

 

"Scott?" Bobby frowned disapprovingly as he found Scott sitting in kitchen after midnight. "What are you doing here?" Scott never was in the kitchen at such a late hour! Concerned, he pulled up a chair and straddled it. Ever since they'd worked together to find Remy they'd grown closer.

 

"I couldn't sleep." Scott nursed his hot milk. "I could ask you the same thing."

 

"Nick woke up with a growling stomach," Bobby explained, fairly certain that Scott wouldn't make a big deal out of Nick staying the night. "Why can't you sleep?" Bobby urged Scott on, who obviously needed  to talk to someone. Maybe Scott preferred to talk to him instead of Jean? Especially if this was connected to Remy.

 

"I just got the message that Warren's brother died unexpectedly. He leaves behind a 15 years old son." Scott sighed deeply. "Warren wrote that they'll probably have to take care of the kid."

 

"That was one damn short honeymoon," Bobby said regretfully. "Anything we can do?"

 

"Warren doesn't think so. He's still waiting for the judge's decision, but wants to return home to attend his brother's funeral." Scott sipped from his hot milk. "This couldn't have happened at a worse time."

 

Bobby nodded his head. "Are we gonna attend the funeral too?"

 

"I was thinking of going alone." Scott licked his lips. "Or do you want to come along?"

 

"You aren't taking Jean along?"

 

"No, the professor and Jean are in the midst of an experiment and she can't leave." Scott leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "You know… I still find it hard to believe that Remy's my brother. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to have another brother," he explained quickly. "But there's something… disconcerting about gaining a brother who's already in his twenties. I wish we could have grown up together."

 

"Did you have any luck contacting Corsair yet?" Bobby got to his feet and prepared some sandwiches for Nicholas.

 

"No, I don't know how to reach him." Scott emptied his mug and placed it in the sink. "I'll let you know when we'll leave for the funeral."

 

"Okay," Bobby whispered and locked eyes with Scott. "Are you worried about Warren and Remy?"

 

"Not Warren, not really. He's tough. I'm more worried for Remy. He looked fragile when we talked to him in Ireland and later at the commitment ceremony he seemed to have regained some weight, but…"

 

"Remy's a survivor," Bobby said reassuringly. "You'll see that when we get there." Bobby picked up his plate with sandwiches and headed for the corridor. "Give him a little credit. He's a lot tougher than you think."

 

Scott hoped that Bobby was right.

 

///

 

Venice

 

"Rem, you've got mail!" Warren looked up at his lover, who sat reading on the sofa. Warren had sent Scott a message to tell him about his brother and had wanted to check his inbox when he noticed Jean-Luc's message.

 

Uninterested, Remy looked up from his book and locked eyes with Warren. "Who's it from, cher?"

 

"Your dad." Warren enjoyed seeing the change in Remy's eyes, as a sparkle appeared in them. Warren got up from behind the desk and gestured Remy to take the seat instead. "Go on, answer the man!" He felt a little better now that he'd told Remy about Candy and Cameron Hodge. But something else bothered him; the way Remy had freaked out at his unexpected touch. He had to be more careful in the future.

 

Remy quickly covered the distance and sat down in front of the screen. Clicking on the message, he said, "Y' don' have to go, cher. I keep no secrets from y'."

 

"Why don't you read it first?" Warren suggested and made himself comfortable on the couch. Wolvie sneaked closer and dropped his weight unceremoniously on Warren's feet. "What do you think you're doing?" Warren inquired and shook his head as he realized that he expected the canine to actually answer him. Yeah, like Wolvie could talk!

 

"He wants y' to have warm feet, cher," Remy reminded Warren. Wolvie always fell asleep at the foot end of their bed, serving as an extra quilt. Remy quickly scanned his père's message. "He wants to know if we're fine, ange." Jean-Luc also apologized for disturbing their honeymoon. Remy smiled.

 

But as he reread the message his merriment faded a little, noticing the worried tone of the message. Quickly, he typed his reply, assuring Jean-Luc that he was fine. Should he also tell his père that Warren's brother had died and that they were heading home soon? He decided against it for now and sent the message, hoping it would reassure Jean-Luc.

 

"Did y'r lawyer call yet?" Remy moved back to the couch and swallowed hard. Next, he made what he considered a very bold move. He straddled Warren and looked deeply in to his lover's eyes. "We'll leave tomorrow," he realized a little saddened.

 

"I'm afraid so, Rem. No matter what the judge will decide I want to attend Sam's funeral. It's the least I can do and I want to talk to Jason." Warren saw the regret in Remy's eyes. "I'm sorry, love. I don't want to leave either, but we don't have a choice. Maybe we can come back after we dealt with everything?"

 

"I'd like dat," Remy admitted, but then grew quiet again. He was struggling emotionally, trying to make a very difficult decision. "Want y' to make love to me."

 

Puzzled, Warren raised an eyebrow. "Rem, what exactly are you saying?" He was treading on dangerous grounds if he interpreted Remy's request correctly.

 

"Want y' to take me," Remy confirmed. "I want to take dat step."

 

"Do you think you're ready for that?" Warren looked thoughtfully at Rem. Yes, his lover had been relaxed enough to let one or two fingers penetrate him the last time they'd made love, but Warren doubted Remy was ready to go all the way. "I don't want you to do anything you're uncomfortable with, Rem."

 

"Mais I want to do it! I want to enjoy it," Remy said steadfast. "De bastard took dat 'way from me and I want it back!"

 

Warren still wasn't convinced. "We'll see what happens."

 

///

 

"Mon amour," Remy whispered and arched his back as Warren's tongue did incredible things to his throbbing cock. He tried hard not to think about what was to come. Remy had talked for hours, assuring Warren that he really wanted to do this and in the end, Warren had given in.

 

"Rem, are you sure?" Warren asked one last time as his index finger brushed Remy's prostate. It had taken a lot of time and gentleness to get Remy to relax enough to take two fingers and Warren needed this last conformation that his lover truly wanted this.

 

"Please take me, ange," Remy whispered, denying how scared he felt. He was on his back, legs spread wide and Warren was kneeling between them. He had to see Warren's face when they finally made love. Had to be sure that it wasn't the Antiquary touching him.

 

"Lift your hips, love, " Warren instructed after removing his fingers from Remy's warm body. Warren pushed a pillow beneath Remy's hips and slowly lowered his body so he covered Remy's. Carefully monitoring Remy, Warren grabbed the lube again and coated his erection with a generous amount of Wet.

 

Warren now faced a dilemma. Part of him couldn't wait to make Remy his, to thrust inside that hot passage, but another part urged him to stop.

 

"Please, cher, make me y'rs. Want dis," Remy said, as he picked up on Warren's reluctance to finally bury himself inside his lover's body. Remy tried to control the tremors that started to rock his body. "Take me!" Warren's weight pressed him down and he fought a rising panic as the blunt head of Warren's cock pressed against his entrance.

 

Warren carefully positioned himself and took a deep breath. Remy had wrapped his legs around Warren's waist and they didn't leave him much room to manoeuvre. "I'm going to push inside now. Don't worry, love. I won't hurt you. Just try to relax for me?" Warren never broke eye contact and saw the rising panic in the gold on black eyes. "Rem, do you want to stop?" If Remy gave the word, Warren would stop. Remy's nails buried themselves in his flesh as his cock nudged against Remy's entrance, opening his lover up. A groan left Warren's lips as he started to slide inside. He'd died and gone to heaven! "You're doing great, Rem. I love you, you know that, don't you?" Warren held his breath as he pushed passed the tight ring of muscle. He was inside; they'd taken that first step. "Love you, Rem. You…" Warren never got the chance to finish the compliment, as Remy unexpectedly convulsed beneath him.

 

"Get off!" Images of the Antiquary invaded Remy's mind. He remembered how the bastard had forced him onto his hands and knees and had pushed inside without warning. Feeling a similar invasion, he panicked. Warren's face changed into the Antiquary's visage and Remy reacted instinctively, freeing himself. "Get off!" A terrible agony coursed through him as his lower body exploded with remembered pain. It was happening all over again! Remy lost control and tried to throw off the heavy body that pressed him down.

 

Remy's shrieks alarmed Warren and he wanted to pull out immediately, but Remy used his long legs to catapult him through the room. Warren slammed hard into the wall. "Rem." His sigh flowed through the bedroom. He should never have given in to Remy's demands! Should have known that Remy wasn't ready to take this step! He should have known better!

 

"Get off me! Don' touch! Don' want dis!" Remy curled up and snatched the comforter, quickly covering his naked body with it. "Stay 'way…" He shook violently as memories overwhelmed him. It hurt so bad! He never wanted to feel that invasive pain again and had to protect himself.

 

Warren cautiously made his way back to Remy's side. His left shoulder hurt, but he locked out the throbbing pain. Consoling his lover was way more important. "Rem?" He sat down on the side of the bed, but didn't attempt to touch the Cajun. "Flashback?" His instincts told him what had happened and he blamed himself for causing this pain. He'd been way too eager to take Remy.

 

"Don'… hurts bad… don' touch…" Remy hid his face behind his arms, pulled his knees up to his chest and crept deeper beneath the comforter. He still shook violently and couldn't get the image of the Antiquary thrusting above him out of his mind.


"I'm not going to touch you, love," Warren assured him. His heart ached in pain, seeing Remy in such agony. 

 

"I keep seein' him," Remy whispered in a panicked tone. "I t'ought… t'ought y' were him." Remy wasn't sure how Warren would react to that revelation and mentally prepared himself for his lover's anger.

 

"Rem, can you look at me? I won't touch you, but I'd like to see your eyes, please, love?" Warren wasn't above begging. He needed to make contact, *real* contact with Remy.

 

"Non, can' do dat." Now that the terror was growing less, shame took over. "Did I slam y' into de wall?"

 

"Don't worry about that. Look at me, Rem?" Remy's body visibly shook beneath the comforter. "Or do you want me to leave?"

 

"NON!" Remy yelped suddenly. "Don' go!"

 

"Rem, I'll stay," Warren quickly assured him. He grew aware of a fragrance he'd never smelled before. It was the disgusting smell of rotting flowers and it urged him on. "Rem? Love, look at me!"

 

Remy peeked at his lover. A wave of love, affection and worry washed over him. "Y' ain' angry?"

 

"Not with you," Warren assured him. "Rem, we knew this could happen." Warren decided to be completely honest. "Part of this is my fault. I shouldn't have given in. But Remy, you've got to stop pushing yourself like this!"

 

Remy lowered the comforter slightly. "Mais I feel dat y're mad." Remy regulated his too fast breathing and tried to calm down. He felt like a failure for freaking out on Warren in the midst of making love. He'd really wanted this!

 

"I'm mad with the Antiquary, what do you think?" Warren regretted his bitter tone. Remy would take it personally and think that bitterness was directed at him. He knew his lover! "Rem, I hate the bastard for what he did to you and I wish I could go to Hell and beat the crap out of him. I never wanted to intentionally hurt someone, but I want to kill him over and over again!"

 

Remy startled a little at Warren's vehement tone. "Mais it was moi, who… who lost it, slammed y' into de wall." He expected Warren to be irritated, maybe even angry with him.

 

"Remy." Warren hated to spell it out like this, but had no choice. "You're the victim. You're not to blame for what happened. The Antiquary hurt you. You should be angry with him! Please, don't take it out on yourself. Don't let the bastard win. You've got to accept that you couldn't stop him. He was stronger and you were only a child. Don't direct this anger at yourself, love." Warren raised his hand and placed it next to Remy's, not touching yet, but curled his fingers in invitation.

 

"I feel dirty," Remy admitted in a choked tone. "I should have done somet'in' to stop him."

 

"What? What could you have done? How can a small child stop a grown man? Tell me, Rem." Warren fought hard to control his rage aimed at the Antiquary. He had to be calm and in control for Remy.

 

"Mebbe…" Remy looked up pleadingly. "Don' know, cher." Back then, he hadn't found a way to fight the Antiquary. "De ot'er kids held me down when I fought him."

 

"Oh, Rem!" Warren wished he could console his lover by showering Remy's face with kisses. Although he knew the basics of what had happened back then, Remy hadn't told him the sordid details. The Cajun was still trying to deal with it on his own. "Can I ask you something, love?"

 

"Mais oui." Feeling a little reassured, Remy uncurled and moved onto his side so he could better look at Warren's face. However, he continued to clutch the comforter like it was a lifeline.

 

"Suppose I wouldn't want to go down on you because it makes me feel like I'll choke. Would you want me to go down on you anyway?" Patiently, Warren waited for Remy's answer. He noticed how Remy's fingers sneaked closer and finally curled around his.

 

"Non, wouldn' want dat," Remy said passionately, momentarily forgetting his own pain. "Would never want y' to do anyt'in' dat made y' uncomfortable."

 

"You see, Rem, that's why I don't want you to push yourself like this." Warren experimentally squeezed Remy's hand gently. "I told you this before and I'll tell you again. I love you. I don't need to penetrate you to make love to you. I don't want you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable."

 

During Warren's speech, Remy sat up and Warren smiled reassuringly. His lover still clutched the comforter, but the eyes were lucid again. "Listen Rem, I know it's important that you have control in bed, but I don't feel comfortable doing this. I don't want to be the reason why you have flashbacks. It's obviously way too early to try this. And I'm putting a stop to it."

 

Remy's heart missed a beat. Was Warren dumping him? Tears threatened to leave his eyes and he forced them back. "What are y' tryin' to say? Are y' kickin' me out of y'r life?"

 

"You really don't get it, do you?" Warren said stunned. "I'll *never* dump you, Remy! I just don't want to add to your pain. I don't want you to bottom again, do you understand? I'm comfortable with you being on top. Please try to understand, Rem." But Remy's response had told him a lot. His lover was still afraid that he'd eventually desert Remy.

 

Remy lowered his eyes. He'd completely misunderstood his lover and felt ashamed for not giving Warren any credit. "Sorry, cher."

 

"Stop being sorry, Rem." Warren got to his feet. It was time for a little distraction. "You promised to cook a Cajun meal each month. It’s dinner time and I'm hungry!"

 

Thankful for the change of subject Remy nodded his head. "Y'll get some Gumbo!"

 

Warren smiled warmly and released Remy's hand. "Why don't we get dressed? We can't run around naked in the hotel's kitchen!" Remy chuckled softly and Warren felt relieved. Had they mastered this crisis? He turned around to get dressed and gave Remy all the privacy his lover needed to get in to his sweats too.

 

Remy was relieved when Warren left him alone. He threw off the comforter and quickly slipped into some sweat pants and a long sleeved shirt. Remy sat down on the bed again and stared at his hands. He'd lost control and could have injured Warren badly. Maybe his lover was right and he should stop pushing this, at least for now. Warren seemed very content to make love in other ways and maybe he should try to accept that? But could he do that?

 

Damn the Antiquary for ruining his life like this. The bastard had taken away his control when he'd been a child, had taken away his ability to enjoy feeling Warren inside him. Suddenly, a rush of rage moved through him and Remy banged his right hand into the head end of the bed.

 

"Merde!" Remy cursed loudly. When Warren had told him that his lover was angry with the Antiquary, Remy hadn't understood. He'd been too busy directing that anger and the blame at himself, but Warren's words had released some of his own hidden anger. He almost charged the sheets with kinetic energy and barely held back. He had to get that anger back under control. An explosion in here would be disastrous.

 

"Rem?" Fully clothed, Warren appeared in the doorway and studied his lover. The anger on Remy's face was a welcome sight and he knew what to do. "Put on your socks and shoes. I'll get your coat."

 

Confused, Remy looked up at Warren. "Why?" Tremors shook his body and Remy tried hard not to fall apart in front of Warren.

 

"We're going flying and find ourselves a nice deserted place where you can let go of that anger." Warren studied his lover carefully. It was time that Remy let go of some of the pain and rage that had been locked up for too many years.

 

///

 

"Well, Rem. We're here," Warren said, pleased and gestured at the deserted pastures. "Want to charge something?" Warren handed his lover a deck of cards.

 

Remy stared at the cards suspiciously. "Cher, I never…" He always tried hard to control his rage, afraid to hurt someone accidentally.

 

"Take them," Warren insisted and took hold of Remy's hand. He didn't want to startle his lover unnecessarily and moved slowly. "You know you're angry with him. Remember that night in Ireland when you threw your charged cards into the lake?"

 

"Oui." Remy accepted the deck of cards and stared at them. "It's true, y' know. I'm angry."

 

"And you've kept it inside for all these years. It's okay to let go, love."

 

Remy fumbled the cards in his hand. Warren shouldn't encourage him like this. "*I* messed up, ange. *I* can' deal wit' dis."

 

"Remy," Warren said softly and pushed a stray lock behind Remy's right ear. His lover didn't flinch and Warren felt encouraged. "You were a child. A small child! He had no right to touch you!" His anger flared as he said those words. "The bastard shouldn't have raped you!"

 

The card in Remy's hand began to glow. //Ange's right. I was only a chile. I didn' know what was happenin'… I couldn' fight him!// Tears flowed down his cheeks as the emotions refused to be caged any longer. Maybe being an empath was the reason why they'd remained caged for so long. He'd repressed them, had pretended they didn't exist and that they had no right to break loose. "I hate him!"

 

"Yes, I know you do. I hate him too." Concerned, Warren watched as the kinetic charge continued to build. "You should throw that card before it blows us up, love."

 

Remy reacted sluggishly and threw the card, which exploded in mid-air. 

 

Worried that it had taken Remy so long to throw the card, Warren asked, "You don't want to blow yourself up, Remy, do you?" When he didn't get an answer, Warren cupped Remy's chin in the palm of his hand, forcing his lover to look up at him. "Do you?"

 

His mouth had gone dry and Remy stared helplessly into Warren's eyes. "Dere was a time when… when I t'ought like dat."

 

"Do you still?" Warren held his breath. He'd never expected this admission.

 

"Non," Remy whispered softly. "Non, don' think like dat any longer. Want to be wit' y', cher and… y're right. I should blame him and not me. I was just a chile, right?"

 

Remy's pleading eyes locked with his and Warren nodded his head once. "Yes, you were just a child." Fascinated, he watched as the deck of cards began to glow. "Are you ready to let go of some anger?"

 

"Oui, cher," Remy mumbled and charged the deck with kinetic energy. "He should have kept his hands to himself!"

 

Warren approved of Remy's sudden vehement tone. "Yeah, that's true."

 

"I hate him," Remy sobbed as tears of relief and anger fought for dominance. "He…" Remy looked to Warren for support. Saying the words was hard.

 

"It's okay, Rem. Say it."

 

"He raped me… and…  told me I was to blame," Remy bit his lower lip. "He told me lies." After uttering those last words, he let the cards fly from his fingers and they exploded before hitting the earth.

 

"Do you feel better?" Warren asked after giving Remy a moment to compose himself. The tremors had weakened and the rivulet of tears was growing less. Daffodils, Warren distinctly smelled daffodils. "Rem?"

 

"I feel better," Remy said absentmindedly. "Felt liberatin' to say it 'loud." He was focused inward and tried to make sense of what he was feeling. "Would y' hold me?" Remy asked hesitantly.

 

"Are you sure you can deal with that?" Warren didn't want to repeat past mistakes.

 

"Oui, cher."

 

It was the expression in Remy's eyes that convinced Warren that wrapping his arms around his lover was okay. Moving slowly, giving Remy time to adjust to his presence, Warren first folded one and then another arm around Remy's shoulders.

 

Remy leaned in closer and rested his head against Warren's chest. "Y' really must love me to put up wit' dis." Feeling emotionally drained, Remy drew in a deep breath. "Je t'aime, Warren."

 

"Crazy Cajun." Remy didn't call him Warren that often and he understood its significance. "I really love you, Remy LeBeau."

 

"Can we go back to de Palazzo now?" His knees almost gave out on him and Remy clung to Warren for support. He hadn't charged anything in a long time and the sudden kinetic release had drained him. Finally letting out his anger had taken away the rest of his energy.

 

"Sure, we'll fly back. Hold on, love." Warren placed one hand beneath his lover's knees and his other below Remy's back. Lifting him from the ground, Warren spread his wings and took to the air. As he looked down at Remy, he whispered, "Close your eyes, Rem. I can see you're tired."

 

"Don' wanna fall 'sleep on y'," Remy objected, but his eyes slipped shut nonetheless. Admitting his anger felt good; liberated that part of him that still felt like the child the Antiquary abused. He felt complete now; like he'd kept the child that he'd once been locked away. All these feelings confused him and he listened to the beating of Warren's wings, which always soothed him.

 

Warren pulled Remy close to his chest and realized that his lover was falling asleep. He hoped that getting Remy to release some of that anger had been the right thing to do.

 

///

 

Warren landed gently at the back of the Palazzo and carried Remy inside. His lover was still soundly asleep and Warren intended to keep it that way. But Remy stirred in his arms and Warren realized his lover was about to wake up. "Stay asleep, love."

 

Sleepily, Remy opened his eyes and wondered why he was floating in the air. Then he realized that he was in Warren's arms and that his lover was carrying him inside. "Can walk, cher."

 

"I know that. I just love carrying you like this, Rem." Warren smiled brightly and placed a single kiss on Remy's brow. "Why don't you try to go back to sleep, love?"

 

"Don' wanna have nightmares," Remy objected, barely audible. His eyes refused to stay open and his head lolled back to rest against Warren's chest. Maybe he didn't have much of a choice.

 

"Open the door for me?" Warren asked, now that Remy was awake anyway. Remy obeyed and Warren carried his lover into the bedroom. "Your eyes are closing again," he said, slightly amused. "Don't fight it. Your body's trying to tell you something."

 

Remy curled up and allowed Warren to cover him with the comforter. "Will y' stay close, cher?"

 

"Sure. I'll be in the living room. I need to make a few calls." He still had to check on the preparations for Sam's funeral and the judge's decision. "Just call me should you need something, love."

 

"Merci, cher," Remy whispered, already dozing off.

 

Remy's fingers clawed the comforter and Warren doubted that Remy would go back to sleeping naked at his side in the near future. That was okay with him because he understood. During these last few hours he'd seen how vulnerable Remy was.

 

"Sleep tight, my angel," Warren whispered and kissed Remy's brow one last time.

 

///

 

Warren headed into the living room, picked up the phone and dialed his lawyer's number. Vincent answered at once. "Vince, it's me, Warren. I want an update."

 

"The judge awarded you custody of Jason. You're his legal guardian now."

 

Mentally, Warren cursed. "Vince, I don't know a thing about raising a teenager!"

 

"You're the only family he has left," Vince reminded him.

 

"Where's Jason now?"

 

"Back at my place. Jason was in the car when the accident happened. He saw Sam die." Vince took a deep breath. "He'll be a handful."

 

Warren sat down. He hadn't known that Jason had seen his father die. "Does he know that he'll live with me from now on?"

 

"I still need to tell him."

 

Warren heard the cautious tone in Vincent's voice. "Let me guess. The kid hates mutants?"

 

"Sam passed his dislike of mutants on to his son. Jason won't be thrilled to live with you, but I'll do my best to explain things to him."

 

"We're leaving for Florida in the morning," Warren informed his lawyer. "We'll attend the funeral and take Jason home with us."

 

"How does your partner feel about this?" Vincent inquired.

 

"Remy's not doing that great. Vince, I need you to take care of some things."

 

"What can I do for you?"

 

"I want to change my last name to LeBeau. Do you think you can take care of the legalities?"

 

Vince whistled through the phone. "I'll look in to it. I'll call you once I know more. Do you want to give Remy power of attorney?"

 

"Yes. I want him to have full access to my bank accounts and I also want him to have authority to decide what to do should I ever get critically injured."

 

"I'll find a way to organize it," Vince promised. "What do you want me to tell Jason?"

 

"Tell him that Remy and I'll take care of him." Warren took a deep breath. This would be hard on all three of them. Jason didn't want to live with them, Remy was still battling his demons and he was caught in the middle of it all.

 

Note //…// depicts thought.

 

Part 6

 

Venice

 

Warren sat upright in bed and studied Remy, who was still soundly asleep. Remy had fallen asleep after they'd gotten back and hadn't woken since. It pleased Warren that his lover had slept for that many hours undisturbed. He'd expected Remy to suffer from nightmares, but thankfully they'd left him alone.

 

His fingers gently caressed Remy's locks and Warren sighed. They had to leave in 4 hours and after they had arrived in Florida they would attend Sam's funeral.

 

"Oh Rem," he whispered softly, careful not wake his lover yet. "What am I going to do with you?" Remy's panicked reaction yesterday had stunned Warren. He'd been fairly confident that Remy had been pushing himself and wasn't ready to be penetrated, but Warren had never expected to be slammed into the wall! Warren made up his mind. He wouldn't allow Remy to bottom again in the near future. Maybe in six months, or a year, when his lover had had some time to get to terms with everything that had happened.

 

"Ange?"

 

Remy's sleepy voice pulled Warren from his musings. "Hello there, sleeping beauty," he whispered and placed a gentle kiss on Remy's lips. "How are you feeling today?"

 

"'Kay," Remy whispered and fully opened his eyes. Everything that had happened last night was kind of blurry, but he clearly remembered throwing Warren off when they'd made love and he still felt bad about that. Yes, Warren had assured him that everything was fine again, but the doubt continued to eat away at him. "Can I ask y' somet'in'?"

 

"Sure." Warren moved until he was on his side, facing his lover. He was no longer touching Remy, leaving his lover to take the initiative… or not.

 

"What did y' mean when y' said y' didn’ want me to bottom 'gain?" This had been bugging Remy since last night. He didn't want to assume he knew what Warren had meant since he'd misunderstood Warren badly when he'd thought that his lover was dumping him. He'd ask questions instead.

 

Warren expected that question. "No more pushing yourself for *at least* 6 months. Do we agree on that? You need some time to deal with everything and I need to get over the… fear of hurting you like that again."

 

Confused, Remy sat up and looked at his lover. "Fear? Y' didn' hurt me."

 

"Because we tried to make love in that certain way you had a flashback. That… scares me. I don't want to hurt you." Warren leaned into the touch as Remy's fingers caressed his face. "I love you too much to take such risks."

 

Remy caressed Warren's brow and let his fingers slide into the mane of golden locks. "Y' really don' mind bein' on de receivin' end all de time?" he asked nervously. "I just don' understand how y' can enjoy it."

 

"Rem, the next time we make love, open your shields completely and try to feel what I feel?" Warren looked Remy in the eyes as he sat up. "When you're inside me, it feels amazing. I feel like being a part of you when we make love."

 

Shyly, Remy nodded his head. "Merci, cher."

 

"Now, why don't you take a shower, eat breakfast and get dressed? We've got to leave in 4 hours. We have to be on time for Sam's funeral."

 

"Mais oui, cher," Remy replied quickly and pushed back the comforter. "I went to bed fully clot'ed?" he realized, surprised.

 

"Yes, you were asleep when we got back and I didn't know if you'd feel comfortable with me undressing you in your sleep." Warren watched as Remy got to his feet. Remy swayed a little.

 

Remy considered Warren's words and then walked over to his lover's side of the bed, where he kneeled. Warren looked him in the eyes. "Cher, it wasn' y', y' understand? I… loved de way y' touched me, even… down dere," Remy whispered and a blush spread over his face. "Mais den I saw… his face and… I lost it."

 

"Me pushing inside triggered it?" Warren opened his arms. Remy quickly moved into them and Warren rested his chin on top of Remy's head.

 

"'fraid so," Remy mumbled against Warren's chest. "And y' may be right."

 

"About what?" Warren kissed a strand of Remy's hair.

 

"Dat I'm not ready yet to… let y' take me," Remy whispered barely audible. "Mebbe y're right and we shouldn' try 'gain for de next few mont's and… I feel relieved dat y' suggested it. Takes 'way de pressure." Remy was afraid to look up and firmly closed his eyes. "Are y' really 'kay wit' dis?"

 

"More than okay," Warren assured him and soothingly stroked Remy's back. "We're not going to try again for some time. I really think that's the best thing to do."

 

Remy nodded his head. "Je t'aime, cher. Sorry for bein'…"

 

"Don't dare to apologize for needing time to recover, love!" Warren said firmly. "You can have all the time you need."

 

Remy broke the embrace and finally made eye contact with Warren. "Cher, am hungry."

 

"Want to eat breakfast first and shower later?" Warren suggested and pulled Remy to his feet. "Let's go into the kitchen and plunder it!"

 

Remy released the breath he'd been holding and followed Warren into the corridor. //Am goin' to be stron' for y' from now on! No more tests, no more breakdowns. Je t'aime, cher!//

 

///

 

Florida

 

"I don't care what the judge says! I refuse to live with him!" Stubbornly, Jayce glared at Vincent. "He's a mutant!"

 

Exasperated, Vincent tried to talk some sense into the kid. "Listen, Jason…"

 

"It's Jayce!"

 

"Listen, Jayce," Vincent tried again. "Warren's a good person. You shouldn't judge without knowing him. You only know what your father told you and Sam was prejudiced."

 

"Don't talk about my dad like that!" Jayce got to his feet and faced Vincent. His ash blond locks danced on his shoulders and his eyes shot fire. "My dad just died! You could show a little respect!"

 

"It's the truth," Vincent replied determinedly. "Kid, you know I'm sorry that he died. Sam was a good friend." He'd been Sam's lawyer for years. "But you need someone to look after you."

 

"I don't *need* anyone!" Jayce glared at Vincent. "You could have given me an allowance so I can take care of myself." Accusation and bitterness colored his tone. He stalked over to the window and straightened out the dark suit he was wearing. They'd leave in a few minutes to attend his father's funeral.

 

"You know Sam's will," Vincent pointed out to the boy. "You can't get to the money until you're 21. That's 6 more years." Vincent studied Jayce and wondered what was really going on in the kid's head. Jayce showed a lot of anger, but didn't seem to mourn his father's death much. //Which is understandable… in a way.//

 

Sam had sent Jason to boarding school when the boy had been 5. It had taken Vincent some effort to find a school that was willing to take in a boy that young. Jason had only spent the holidays at home and even then Sam hadn't been around much. It was safe to say that Jason never had a chance to really get to know his father… or his uncle.

 

"Warren's prepared to look after you." Vincent knew he also had to tell the kid about Remy and was working towards it.

 

"And after two days he'll send me back to Saint Andrew's, so what's the big deal?" Actually, he wanted to go back to school. At least there he'd get some peace and quiet and maybe, he'd be able to get the picture out of his mind of his father dying strapped to the seat inside the burning Mercedes.

 

Jayce had really been looking forward to this vacation. His father had promised to take him places, maybe even take him to Europe to introduce him to some business partners and then the accident had happened. His father's screams still echoed in his head. Why had he survived and why did his father have to die? He hadn't known his dad at all! Angrily, Jayce wiped away the tears that spilled from his eyes and he aimed that anger at Vincent instead. "What?"

 

"I doubt he'll send you back to school that quickly. Warren wants to get to know you."

 

"Why?" Jayce stalked a little closer. A terrible anger raged deep inside him.

 

"I know Warren. He'll want to look after you personally."

 

Jayce raised a questioning eyebrow. "Why would he want to do that? Doesn't he know I can't stand him?" His father had told him about mutants, that they threatened the 'normal' humans and that they had to stop mutants from gaining the upper hand.

 

Vincent decided to tell Jayce everything. "Warren and Remy just got married. They were on their honeymoon when Sam died and they…"

 

"Remy," Jayce whispered thoughtfully. "Isn't that a man's name?" His eyes turned into suspicious slits. "Warren's a faggot too?"

 

"Don't you dare use that word in my presence, Jason Worthington!" Vincent was losing his patience with the kid. He'd been willing to put up with a lot because of the trauma that Jason had suffered, but he couldn't tolerate this. "Warren's in love with a man, that's it. I don't want to hear that word again!"

 

"A fucking faggot… well, it takes two faggots to fuck," Jayce stated in a malicious tone.

 

Vincent could only stare at the 15 years old boy. Where had Jason picked up such language? Surely not at the exclusive boarding school where Sam had sent his son.

 

"Is his bitch a mutie too?" Delighted, Jayce registered the shock on the lawyer's face. Hell, it felt good to get the anger out of his system!

 

"Go to your room, young man." Vincent was dumbstruck. He didn't have any kids and wasn't sure how to react. "You better not repeat that in front of Warren or Remy. Get the hell out."

 

If looks could kill, Vincent would have been dead by now. Jayce's eyes possessed a poisonous expression. "This isn't over yet," Jayce announced victoriously as he marched out of the living room. Being honest with himself, he knew he was taking out his anger on the wrong person, but there was no one else around.

 

He slammed his bedroom door hard behind him and flung himself onto the bed. He hated this room, which wasn't even his. It was just Vincent's guest room and it stung that he'd never had his own room. At school he had to share with the other boys. "All I ever wanted was a home."

 

And that was the one thing Samuel Worthington had never given his son, a home. Sam had always been traveling, conducting business and had rarely remembered his son. Jayce suspected that his father resented him because his birth had resulted in his mother's death.

 

Jayce sneaked his hand into his traveling bag and uncovered the only picture he owned of his mother. Margaret had been a beautiful woman and he'd inherited her features and her eyes. Maybe that was why Sam had found it difficult to spend time with him.

 

Now he was an orphan and an uncle he'd never known had been awarded custody. Rebelling against that decision he clenched his mother's picture in his hand. "I don't need him to look after me. I can take care of myself!" He wasn't going to make things easy on Warren and planned on manipulating his uncle so Warren would sent him back to Saint Andrew's. He wanted Warren out of his life!

 

Staring at his mother's image, he wondered why he'd reacted so viciously when Vincent had reminded him of the fact that Warren was a mutant. Although his father had tried to install a similar hate in him, Jayce didn't really believe that all mutants were evil. But he'd known better than to openly contradict his father. Sam had been really fanatic when he'd talked about eradicating mutants. His dad had even joined an organization called 'The Right' to support their cause. His father's fanaticism had made him weary and he didn't trust 'The Right' at all.

 

But the thing that had shocked him most was learning that his uncle was living a male lover, he'd even married the man! Gays made him feel uncomfortable for several reasons. And now he was supposed to live with a gay couple? No way! Never! He'd either find a way to push them apart or to force them to send him back to Saint Andrew's, but he refused to live with them!

 

"Jayce? It's time to go."

 

Jayce sighed, hearing Vincent's voice. "I'll be with you in a moment."

 

"And watch your mouth at the funeral. Show you've got some manners," Vincent instructed, still worried that the boy had been so vicious when he'd learned that Warren loved a man.

 

"I'll try," Jayce promised as he opened the bedroom door. "After all, it's my father's funeral. I don't want to cause a scene."

 

Vincent shook his head as the boy descended the stairs. He didn't envy Warren and Remy who'd have to deal with this prejudiced youngster.

 

///

 

"Remy!" Scott quickly walked over to his brother, slightly alarmed by the expression in Remy's eyes. Something felt wrong. "Are you okay?" After exchanging a look with Warren, who nodded his approval, Scott pulled Remy aside. "Bobby, go talk to Warren. I need a moment alone with Remy," Scott instructed.

 

Bobby noticed Remy's paleness too and didn't object. He moved towards Warren who seemed to hold up pretty well. Warren was dressed in black, like Remy, but seemed in a better mental shape. "Warren," Bobby extended his hand. "I'm sorry about your brother."

 

Warren accepted and shook Bobby's hand, while keeping one eye on Remy and Scott. "Bobby, I didn't expect to see you and Scott here."

 

"Scott wanted to pay his respects and talk to Remy. Scott's worried." Bobby watched as a number of people he didn't know offered Warren their condolences, which his friend politely accepted.

 

Softly, Warren replied, "Remy's not doing that great. I wish I could keep him away from all this. He doesn't need it right now."

 

"That bad?" Surprised, Bobby looked Warren in the eyes. "Aren't you guys working out? I thought…"

 

"It's not about Remy and me. We're fine. It's his past. Remy… " Warren chose his words carefully, as Bobby didn't know about the Antiquary. "Remy suffered some abuse when he was a child."

 

"I didn't know that," Bobby admitted and watched Scott and Remy talk. Well, it was Scott who did most of the talking.

 

"Remy, are you sure you're all right?" Only now that he was up close, Scott noticed the beginning dark circles beneath Remy's eyes. "Are you getting enough sleep?"

 

Remy cursed privately. He'd always feared that he might have to tell Scott bits and pieces from his youth, but this wasn't the right time to make those revelations. But it didn't seem like Scott would stop asking questions soon. Remy quickly looked at Warren, his eyes begging his lover to give them some privacy.

 

Warren picked up on it. "Let's move over there." Bobby followed him, and so did the people who still wanted to offer their condolences. Scott and Remy stood alone and no one could eavesdrop on them. Warren continued to watch his lover.

 

"Scott?" Remy hesitantly placed his hand on his brother's arm to stop Scott from talking. "Need to tell y' somet'in'." Remy quickly made sure that no one was listening in and then continued. "Didn' live wit' Jean-Luc my entire chilehood."

 

Scott had grown quiet, seeing the serious expression on Remy's face. The black suit only stressed the Cajun's paleness. "Remy, what are you talking about?" He didn't know much about Remy's past, but he saw the pained look on his brother's face and prepared for the worst.

 

"Before Jean-Luc took me in I lived wit' an… evil man, who… hurt me." Admitting the truth would always be hard on Remy. "De memories came back to haunt me."

 

"Who is this bastard?" Scott hissed between gritted teeth. The thought that someone had hurt Remy when he'd been a child was unbearable. He was Remy's big brother and should have protected his sibling. It stung even more that he'd never known that Remy had suffered in his youth like that. None of this was in Gambit's file!

 

"He's…" Remy wondered how to phrase this. Had Daimon killed the Antiquary or was the old sorcerer still alive in Hell? "Out of y'r reach," he said eventually. "He paid for his cruelty," Remy assured Scott.

 

"Is there something, anything, I can do to help?" Scott desperately wanted to make things up to his brother.

 

"Means a lot to me dat y'r attendin' de funeral," Remy whispered. "It's good to see a familiar face in dis crowd."

 

"The service is about to start, love," Warren said after walking over to his lover. He claimed Remy's hand and rubbed his lover's knuckles. "Are you up to it? Otherwise Scott here can…"

 

"I can deal wit' it," Remy assured him and shook himself from his musings. He focused on the present and asked, "Did y' find Jason yet?"

 

Scott recognized the name. Jason was Samuel Worthington's son, the kid Remy and Warren were going to take care of. That wouldn't be easy on the two men, who had no experience with raising kids.

 

"Yes, and he didn't look too happy to see me. He's with Vincent." Warren had kept his distance so far, not wanting to cause a scene at his brother's funeral. He'd address Jason after their guests had departed.

 

"I still hate dat image inducer," Remy whispered. Warren appeared perfectly normal. The blue skin, which Remy found so exotic, was gone and the magnificent wings had vanished from sight.

 

Warren gently squeezed Remy's hand. "Let's get moving. We should try to find a place in the front of the church." Warren had wanted to make a remark similar to Remy's. His lover was wearing special contacts so the gold on black eyes wouldn't create a commotion. The brown eyes that stared back at him were completely out of place.

 

"Would you stay close to Remy?" Warren asked Scott and Bobby who were walking behind them.

 

"Of course," both men said simultaneously.

 

///

 

Jayce closely observed his uncle, who looked *surprisingly* human, but he knew better. He'd once seen his uncle in flight. Yes, Warren Worthington was a mutant. His eyes drifted to the man at his uncle side. //His lover!// Jayce thought, disgusted. //They're even holding hands in church!// Taking in Remy's appearance, Jayce felt slightly envious of the man's good looks, but then reminded himself that the man was gay. He had to be careful around them.

 

Warren squeezed Remy's hand and Jayce's eyes narrowed. His uncle could show Samuel Worthington some respect by not caressing his lover during this funeral! Enraged, he bit his lower lip and his hands turned into clenched fists.

 

Suddenly, his uncle's lover's eyes locked with his and Jayce defiantly glared back. //Don't try to play your mind games with me. I know what you are, faggot.// Jayce no longer paid any attention to the priest and simply stared hard at Remy. //You're just after his money. I bet you let uncle Warren fuck you each night! You get onto all fours and in return you live a life in luxury!//

 

At Saint Andrew's a steady amount of rumors always circulated the dorms. They were about senior students that hit on the younger and more vulnerable ones. He vividly remembered Carl, an 18 years old student, who was always there when the new kids arrived. Jayce shivered, remembering how Carl had seemingly judged the new boys, as if he were picking out his favorite meat at the buffet. Certain rumors refused to die. Most of them were about Carl, who had tried, and on some occasions succeeded, to molest the younger boys. Carl always prided himself on getting the younger kids to go along with his perversities and Jayce and his friends had decided to keep a close eye on the new kids when they arrived.

 

Jayce had stayed at Saint Andrew's during one of the shorter holidays. His dad had told him to stay at the school, as Sam would be in Europe most of the time. One late evening Jayce had felt like taking a shower before going to bed and he'd headed for the dorm's showers when he'd heard a shriek filled with terror. He'd started to run and soft whimpers had guided his way. When he'd reached the dressing room, he found that Carl had manoeuvred one of the new boys onto his hands and knees. Carl was rubbing the kid's ass and Jayce hadn't hesitated. He'd knocked Carl off his feet and they'd fought. Both had walked away with bruises and black eyes. After Carl had fled, Jayce had returned to the boy, who couldn't have been older than 11 and had tried to calm the kid down.

 

Later, he'd filed a complaint against Carl and had demanded that the dean looked into the matter. But Carl's dad was a wealthy politician and the man had used his connections to transfer Carl to another school. Later, Jayce had heard that the kid who had been assaulted had dropped all charges. When he'd asked the boy why, the kid had told him that Carl had threatened to finish what he'd started.

 

And so Jayce's distrust, even hatred of gays was born.

 

Remy fitted Jayce's profile of a gay who was playing mind games with a straight man. Remy also struck Jayce as an opportunist. Jayce didn't like this Remy one bit and was determined to open his uncle's eyes. Maybe that once the fag was out of the way, his uncle would return to dating girls and in that case, Jayce might reconsider living with Warren. His mind set, he broke eye contact with Remy and concentrated on the priest again.

 

///

 

Remy shivered and Warren glanced at his lover. He couldn't really speak up right now, as the priest had requested a moment of silence and he hoped that rubbing Remy's fingers would comfort his lover.

 

Remy quickly nodded his head to assure Warren that he was fine, but he wasn't. He'd raised his shields to keep out the emotions from the grieving crowd, but found himself unable to shut out one particular person; Jason.

 

Warren had pointed the boy out to Remy and he'd studied Jason ever since. The boy was about 5 foot 5 and had curly, fair hair. The brown eyes almost looked black. Jason was dressed in a black suit and sat obediently beside Vincent, but the kid's expression unnerved Remy. He sensed an immense amount of anger in the kid's mind. Anger that was mixed with sadness and a strange sense of solitude, which Remy couldn't figure out. Jason seemed alone in this gigantic crowd and Remy wondered what kind of father Samuel Worthington had been.

 

Jason's anger got to him and he almost felt nauseous. He raised his shields to the maximum and still that terrible anger clawed at his defenses. Remy suddenly felt very apprehensive. Jason would be around for a long time and he better get used to the kid's presence.

 

///

 

Finally, the priest told the bearers to carry the casket to its last resting place and the crowd stirred. Warren used that moment to check on his lover. "Remy? You're trembling!"

 

Remy told Warren a white lie. "It's deir emotions, cher. Too many people." He didn't want Warren to know that it was Jason who was making him this uncomfortable.

 

"I should have known." Warren chided himself for his thoughtfulness. The fragrance of lilies clung to Remy. Scott and Bobby gave Warren a concerned look, but Warren signaled them that everything was under control.

 

The crowd followed the priest and came to a stop when the casket was lowered into the earth.

 

"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…" were the only words Remy caught, as he sensed Jason's eyes on him. The boy stood next to the grave, eyes narrowed and teeth bared. Remy almost bolted, feeling the hostility in Jason's mind. Why was it aimed at him?

 

///

 

"We should get acquainted with Jason," Warren said as the crowd left the graveside. Only Vincent, Jason, Scott, Warren and Remy remained behind.

 

Bobby left because he wanted to call Nick and he also realized that Scott could handle anything that came their way. //Remy and Scott are brothers. Scott's entitled to stay.//

 

"Cher… mebbe I should stay here and y' should talk to him first?"

 

"Remy? You've been trembling all through the funeral, what is it?" Concerned, Warren probed Remy's eyes. //You're keeping back.//

 

"I can keep an eye on Remy if you want to talk to Jason alone," Scott offered.

 

"No, let's do this now," Warren said determinedly and nudged Remy forward.

 

Remy took a deep breath and composed himself. With every step that brought him closer to Jason, the sinister feelings increased. He hoped he wouldn't throw up, as the anger sent his stomach into convulsions.

 

"Jason? Maybe you remember me? I'm your uncle, Warren." Warren extended his hand. "I'm sorry about your dad."

 

Jayce considered his next move carefully. He accepted Warren's hand and shook it. He refused to look at his uncle's lover. "Uncle Warren."

 

"Jason, this is Remy, my life partner." Warren held his breath, seeing the sudden loathing in the kid's eyes.

 

Remy offered Jason his hand as well, but the boy demonstratively crossed his arms in front of his chest, refusing the contact. Remy cringed, emotionally suffering as Jason's hate slammed into him. What had he done to deserve such anger?

 

Jayce simply ignored Remy and looked at Warren instead. "I demand you send me back to Saint Andrew's."

 

Privately, Scott seethed with anger. How did the kid dare to ignore Remy like that?

 

Warren felt torn between getting angry and feeling sorry for Jason. He didn't want to aggravate the situation now that they were still in public. He'd sort out this mess once they got home. "Why don't we discuss this later? I'm sure you need some time to deal with your father's death."

 

"I can do that at school," Jayce replied, formally. He refused to live with a gay couple. Maybe if he got Remy out of the picture? The man looked shocked; good.

 

"Remy and I discussed this and we would like you to stay with us for some time." Warren tried again, but a sinking feeling descended onto his stomach. Jason seemed stubborn and incredibly rude.

 

"Respectfully, uncle. I don't want to live with you." Jayce remained calm and in control.

 

"Why's that?" Warren wondered if he wanted to learn the answer. But it was too late. He'd asked the question.

 

"I refuse to live with you as long as… *he* is there too." Jayce cocked his head and pointed a finger at Remy. "You should know that he's only after your money, uncle."

 

Remy's heart thumped loudly, hearing those words. "Scott? Get me outta here," he whispered softly. He could no longer handle Jason's negative emotions.

 

"Sure, Remy. Come on, let's move." Scott pulled Remy along and they walked towards the car park where Warren's chauffeur was waiting to take them home.

 

"I told you to behave!" Vincent exploded suddenly. He'd waited until Remy was out of hearing range.

 

Warren stared at his nephew. "What's wrong with you? Remy's family!"

 

"Your family perhaps, but not mine. He's only after your money!" Jayce felt fairly confident that he'd succeed in tearing their relationship apart. However, he didn't know yet how far he could go with Warren and decided to be careful. "My dad always told me not to trust mutants and look at you. You're a mutant and gay! Guess my old man was right about you. Is *he* a mutant too?"

 

Warren barely managed to keep his anger in check. "I don't know what's going on with you, but I don't tolerate that kind of prejudiced behavior. You'll apologize to Remy the moment we get home…" Warren turned around to follow Remy, but then reconsidered. "And you're grounded for one week. No TV, no other privileges. You'll stay in your room."

 

"You're not my dad! You can't do that to me!" Infuriated, Jayce glared at Warren.

 

"You're right. I'm not your dad, but the judge made me your legal guardian and believe me, right now I wish he'd never made that decision." Warren looked at Vincent. "Do me one more favor? Make sure he gets to the ranch and accompany him to his room?" Vincent nodded and Warren added, "And later on, I wish to talk to you privately."

 

"Consider it done," Vincent replied and told Jayce to get moving.

 

Jayce shot Warren a dark, menacing glance. This wasn't over yet!

 

Part 7

 

Worried, Warren joined Scott and Remy in the parking lot. From the corner of his eye, he caught Jayce's stubborn expression as the boy protested Vincent's order to get into the car. Ignoring the kid for now, Warren headed for his lover.

 

Remy and Scott stood next to the car and Warren easily noticed the tremors that rocked Remy's body. Jason's rejection and rudeness had hit his lover hard. At times, the empathy must feel like a curse to Remy and Warren was glad he didn't have this particular gift. He wasn't sure he'd be able to deal with it.

 

Warren didn't understand why Jason had been so rude and obnoxious. He wanted to be really, *really* mad with the kid, but couldn't. Jason had just lost his father and probably felt lost and angry, taking it out on the people closest to him. But it was no excuse to treat Remy like that and he'd talk to the boy later. He didn't tolerate such behavior.

 

"Rem?" Warren observed his lover for a long moment and then wrapped one arm around the Cajun's waist. "I'm sorry, love. I don't know what got in to Jason."

 

Remy locked eyes with Warren. Scott's hand still rested on Remy's shoulder and it soothed him to have his brother close. Scott had calmed him down and managed to get him focused again. Without Scott's coaching Remy might have lost control over his emotions. "He's angry, cher. So angry."

 

"Yes, I realized that too. But why? Why is he so angry with you?"

 

Remy sighed. "Wish I knew, cher. Ain' a telepat', remember?" Remy felt secure as Scott gently squeezed his shoulder. Scott still surprised him. Remy'd had never really gotten to know Scott Summers and was eager to make up for it. He wanted to spend time with his brother, but now that Jason had appeared on the scene, that would have to wait.

 

"What are you doing to do? Jason will probably continue to verbally attack Remy," Scott remarked. "I might not be a parent, but I like to think I helped the professor raise some of the younger mutants. Jason's going to make it very hard on the two of you. Why don't you just send him back to school? That's what he wants and it'd solve your problems."

 

"I'm tempted to do just that," Warren admitted through gritted teeth.

 

"Non, cher," Remy objected. Now that the car with Jason in it was gaining distance his empathy no longer picked up the kid's anger and Remy released a choked breath. "He's hurtin' for a reason, ange. If we send him back, de anger will continue to grow. It'll poison his mind."

 

Warren shook his head. "Remy, we should send him back to Saint Andrew's." His first encounter with Jason had discouraged him. Warren wanted to focus on Remy's healing process and this little brat wasn't going to ruin things for them.

 

"Listen, cher," Remy said firmly and looked into Warren's eyes. "De chile just lost his fat'er and den discovers y've got a male lover. I can't blame him for freakin' out. Give him a chance."

 

"Remy, he blatantly ignored you, demanded you left!" Warren shook his head in disbelief. Why was his lover defending the brat?

 

"Ange," Remy whispered. He was in control of his emotions again, but kept his shields up. "He's angry and I'm an easy target. If y' let him get 'way wit' it, he'll pull dis on ot'er people too. Den he'll never learn. We've got to set him straight."

 

"One week," Warren said determinedly. "I'll give him one week. If he doesn't clean up his act, he's gone."

 

Remy nodded his head. "D'accord. He exchanged a glance with Scott, who looked at him questioningly. "Scott?" Remy congratulated himself on the fact that he no longer had the tendency to call his brother Cyke. It surprised him that Scott was so supportive and defensive. Remy still remembered the angry expression in Scott's eyes when he'd told his brother about the abuse he'd suffered.

 

"I hate to say this, but you're probably right, Remy. It looks like the boy needs a firm hand." Scott grew quiet briefly, but his hand didn't leave Remy's shoulder. He'd been able to help his brother and it felt good, but now… "I hate to say this even more, but Bobby and I've got to return to Westchester."

 

"I understand," Remy assured him, still surprised that Scott had turned up to attend the funeral. Scott seemed to take his brotherly obligations very seriously. "Merci for comin'," Remy said sincerely. "Didn' expect dat."

 

"Hey, I like to spend time with my baby brother," Scott teased warmly and patted Remy's shoulder before removing his hand. "Call or write? I'd love to stay in touch."

 

"I will," Remy promised and felt shy, as Scott moved away from them. "Feel like I never really knew him," he admitted to Warren.

 

"Scott's a good man, once you get to know him. He tends to shut people out," Warren replied. "I guess he lost too many people he cared about."

 

Remy got into the car and Warren joined him. As the chauffeur started the engine, Warren claimed Remy's hand. "This isn't going to be easy."

 

"I know dat, cher," Remy sighed. "Wish I knew why he hates me."

 

"Is that what you sensed? Hate?" Warren covered Remy's hands with his and rubbed them warm. They felt icy cold.

 

"Was aimed at me, oui, mais dere was somet'in' else too." Thoughtfully, Remy watched how Warren's fingers rubbed his skin. "He feels betrayed and 'lone.

 

Patiently, Warren waited for Remy to continue, but when his lover remained silent he asked, "And you can relate to that?" Oh, Remy was an open book to him! "Don't make the mistake of comparing yourself to him, Rem. Jason's a spoiled brat."

 

"Y' told me dat y'r brot'er wasn' really interested in de chile," Remy mused aloud. "Did Jason ever have a home?" He somehow doubted it. "Why is he dat eager to go back to school?" Remy returned the caress and rubbed the skin of Warren's hand.

 

Warren considered Remy's question carefully. His lover had made a valid point. "I always had the feeling that Sam kept Jason at a distance."

 

"Why?" Remy leaned back and snuggled closer to Warren, who reacted at once and kissed a lock of his auburn hair.

 

"Maggie died in childbirth and Sam loved his wife very much. I always felt that Sam never 'forgave' Jason for being the reason that Maggie died, that he blamed Jason for her death. Does that make sense?"

 

"Y're very observant, cher, and oui, it makes sense." Remy rested his head against Warren's shoulder. "If we're gonna try and help Jason we'll have to go all de way. Can y' do dat, cher? We can' dump him when he starts pushin' back."

 

"He's already pushing," Warren said, annoyed. "And pushing hard. I'm not sure I've got what it takes to straighten him out."

 

"Who else's gonna do it den, cher?" Remy looked at Warren and sighed blissfully. "Mais we need to do dis toget'er. He doesn' want me near y', y know dat, don' y'?" As long as they didn't let Jason push them apart, they'd be all right.

 

"This is going to be hard on you, Rem. Are you sure you can deal with it on top of… everything?" Concerned, Warren held Remy's gaze prisoner.

 

"I wouldn' have been here if it hadn' been for poppa, cher. We should give Jason a chance. De chile looks like he needs someone."

 

"You're much too good for this world, Rem," Warren whispered and brushed Remy's lips. "I'll try to deal with him. Try to stay out of it for now?"

 

"If dat's what y' want, cher." Remy gave in. "Mais don' shut me out."

 

"I'll never do that," Warren repeated the promise he'd already made a few times. He figured it was time to pique his lover's curiosity a little. "Don't you want to know where we're headed?"

 

"Mais oui, cher. We're are y' takin' me?" Remy played along, although his mind was still trying to figure out why Jason felt this incredible amount of animosity.

 

Warren grinned smugly. "Some years ago I bought Honeymoon Island. It was a state park originally, but now I've closed it down for visitors. I've got a ranch there and I planned on taking you there after our honeymoon."

 

Remy flashed a mischievous smirk. "Honeymoon Island, cher?"

 

"Hey, I *am* a romantic! I hope you don't get seasick. We'll have to take the boat to get there."

 

"Kinda secluded, cher?"

 

"Yes, I wanted to have you all to myself." Warren's grin darkened. "And I won't let Jason ruin it."

 

///

 

Jayce glared at the back of the chauffeur's head. He refused to look or talk to Vincent, who was sitting beside him. The lawyer radiated anger and Jayce wondered about his next move. Had he gone to far? Had he been wrong about Remy? No, the man had to be after Warren's money!

 

"You made one hell of a mistake, boy," Vincent sneered at last. He didn't know Jason that well, but he saw some cracks in the kid's mask. "Remy's a good person."

 

"He's a gold digger!" Jason stated vehemently.

 

"And how do you know that?" Vincent wondered if anyone would ever get through to the angry and stubborn boy.

 

"My dad never told me that Warren liked men. This *person* is playing mind games with my uncle and I won't allow it."

 

Vincent raised a puzzled eyebrow. Did the boy feel protective of Warren? Uncertain whether to laugh or cry, Vincent said, "Remy isn't a *gold digger*. He's quite wealthy."

 

"How do you know? Did he tell you that? Why doesn't he show you his cheque book?" Jayce drew in a deep breath. His arms stayed defensively crossed in front of his chest.

 

"I saw his accounts," Vincent told the kid. "And he doesn't need Warren's money." Warren and Remy had asked him to create a joined account and Remy had given him full access to his bank accounts.

 

That comment made Jayce look up. Okay, so maybe Remy wasn't after Warren's money, but there had to be some kind of hidden agenda. "Where are you taking me?" he asked curiously. He needed more information if he wanted to make plans.

 

"Honeymoon Island."

 

"A fuckin' island?"

 

"Don't use that word. I'd like to think you've got manners." Vincent was beginning to realize that Jayce wanted to throw him off balance by using that word. It just didn't seem right that a 15 years old boy used it that easily. "It's a beautiful place."

 

"I want to go back to Saint Andrew's," Jayce stated determinedly and bit his lip. He remained quiet during the rest of the ride.

 

///

 

Richmond

 

Logan dropped onto their bed and let himself fall backwards. They'd been on their bikes for hours and would only stay at this little motel for the night. "Cajun, sit down and get some rest." He watched Jean-Luc closely and wondered about the nervousness in his lover's gestures.

 

"What's wrong? Are ya still broodin' 'bout Remy?" He didn’t like seeing Jean-Luc in such a dark and gloomy mood. No matter how he tried to distract his lover, Jean-Luc returned to brooding.

 

"Oui," Jean-Luc admitted as he collapsed onto the bed next to Logan. "Can't shake de feeling dat something's wrong."

 

"Did he answer yer message?"

 

"He wrote dat everything was fine, mais I know Remy. He won't tell me if he feels it would burden me somehow." Jean-Luc stole a glance over at the laptop.

 

"Tell the kid that we're comin' to visit," Logan said firmly. "Ya need to convince yerself that he's okay." He dragged his tired body from the bed and collected the laptop, opened it and placed it on Jean-Luc's lap. "Ask him where they are and tell him to expect us to drop by. I refuse to sit here and watch ya go crazy over this."

 

Jean-Luc's fingertips hesitated to make contact with the keys. "It's deir honeymoon, Logan."

 

"I don't care and I'm sure Remy won't either once he knows yer drivin' yerself crazy over this." Relieved, Logan watched as Jean-Luc gave in and sent his son a message, asking Remy and Warren if it was okay if they visited shortly. "Feelin' better?" Logan inquired as Jean-Luc closed the laptop again.

 

"Oui, I think so." Jean-Luc released a deep sigh. He felt tired and emotionally drained.

 

"Want me to take yer mind off things?" Logan offered. He slipped into position behind Jean-Luc and began to knead his lover's tense shoulders.

 

"Feels good," Jean-Luc mumbled, relaxed. He closed his eyes and sighed blissfully. Logan's hands worked their magic and he leaned back against his lover's chest.

 

Logan grinned wickedly. He knew a way to distract Jean-Luc and relax the man completely. "Wanna play?"

 

Jean-Luc chuckled softly. Those two words had quickly become an invitation to intimacy. "Mais oui." And for once he had no desire to take the lead or to top.

 

Logan sensed Jean-Luc's weariness and took charge. "Wanna play with the handcuffs?" They had only used them once and back then in Ireland, Jean-Luc had used them on him. Logan felt how shivers ran down Jean-Luc's spine. Letting go of control was still a big issue for Jean-Luc. "Will make it worth yer while," Logan promised and let his tongue slide up Jean-Luc's neck. "Just the thought of seeing ya tied down and at my mercy makes me hard, Cajun." Talking dirty had always worked before!

 

Jean-Luc gave Logan an appreciative grin. "Bring out de handcuffs, cher and *try* to tie me down."

 

Logan growled at the promise, which was also a threat. He'd win.

 

///

 

Westchester

 

Nicholas looked up from his book as his computer announced that a new message had arrived. He smiled and headed over to the computer. Hopefully, Bobby had sent him a message. 

 

After he sat down, he scrolled down and his eyes grew worried as he read the sender's addy. Sighing, he opened and read the message. He should have known that his employer would contact him in search of more information. Nicholas paused to formulate his answer.

 

#Monsieur,

 

There's little I can add to my last report. Rogue hasn't returned yet and no one seems to know her whereabouts. I'll inform you the moment they find out. Professor Xavier and Jean Grey are conducting an experiment, hoping to find her, but so far it's been fruitless.

 

There's only one thing worth mentioning. Scott Summers and Robert Drake left Westchester last night to attend the funeral of Warren Worthington's brother, but I suspect Remy already told you about that. From what I've heard, the judge awarded Warren custody of his nephew Jason.

 

Yours truly,

 

Nicholas D'Arcy #

 

He read his message over and sent it. Jean-Luc LeBeau was a hard man to please.

 

///

 

Honeymoon Island

 

"Let's go on board," Warren whispered and kept one arm wrapped around Remy's waist. "Keep your shields up, love."

 

Remy nodded his head once and hesitantly sought out Jason's form. Vincent and the boy had already boarded and frustration simmered from Jason's brown eyes. But the hatred had lessened and Remy sighed relieved. As long as he kept his shields raised to the maximum he could deal with it. "He looks lost, cher."

 

Warren bit his lip. He couldn't understand why Remy cared about the arrogant brat. As far as he was concerned, Jason could get his ass kicked back to Saint Andrew's. "What? Do you want to talk to him now?" Warren asked, as Remy moved towards the youngster. "He's not going to acknowledge you." A sinking feeling made his stomach contract nervously. He didn't want Remy to get hurt again.

 

"Non, cher, not talk."

 

Suddenly Warren realized Remy's intentions. The empath was trying to make sense of Jason's feelings. "And?" he asked as he joined his lover. Jason stood a few feet away from them and Warren whispered. "What do you sense?"

 

"Confusion, cher." Remy lifted his hand and smiled as Warren immediately claimed it. "We've got to find a way to get t'rough to him."

 

"You agreed to let *me* handle this, remember?" But Warren realized that Remy felt drawn to Jason for some obscure reason that he couldn't figure out. If the boy had treated him like Jason had Remy, he would ignore the youngster completely until he'd apologized. Warren exchanged a look with Vincent, who seemed equally worried. Warren tried to catch Jason's gaze and after several long minutes, he succeeded.

 

///

 

Jayce glared at them. His stomach did a somersault when he realized that his uncle was holding his male lover, radiating an extreme protectiveness. His conversation with Vincent had made him slightly less certain about Remy's intentions. He'd assumed that the man was after his uncle's money, but if what Vincent had told him was true, Remy didn't need Warren's money at all.

 

//It doesn't really matter,// he thought determinedly. //I'll make their lives hell, so they won't have a choice but send me back to Saint Andrew's.// The fact that Remy's eyes remained locked on his back began to unnerve Jayce. Why was the man looking at him like that?

 

///

 

"Cher? Do me a favor and switch off de image inducer?" Remy made sure that they were alone. Jason and Vincent stood near the railing and the crew was below deck. At the same time, Remy removed his contacts and put them safely away for future use.

 

"All right," Warren said, slightly confused. "Why?" Remy's brilliant smile stunned Warren, as he looked into gold on black eyes. "Don't wear those contacts ever again."

 

Remy's smile turned into a smirk as he lovingly took in those white wings and blue skin. "Je t'aime," he whispered softly and pressed a kiss on the back of Warren's hand. Then he waited for Jason to look at them again.

 

"What do you hope to accomplish?" Warren asked softly and caressed his lover's agile fingers. The fact that Jason hadn't lashed out again after the funeral made him feel hopeful.

 

"I want him to see us as we really are," Remy said slowly, as Jason peeked at them. The angry glare vanished and big eyes stared back at him. "Bien," Remy whispered pleased.

 

///

 

Jayce's eyes grew big and he momentarily forgot to breathe when he looked at his uncle and his lover. Yes, he'd seen Warren's wings before, but somehow they now seemed larger. And then there was this blue skin. He didn't remember that. When had his uncle gained that blue skin? Jayce shivered briefly. His uncle was a mutant all right! But what about his male lover?

 

As he stared into Remy's eyes, Jayce's breath escaped unintended. //He's got gold on black eyes! He's a mutant too!// Jayce expected Remy to be a mutant, but to see the proof was disconcerting. //Wonder what his mutant power is?// Suddenly, he felt extremely ill at ease. What if the man was a telepath? He'd heard about mind readers.

 

"I can't help it, but I think Warren's mutation is… special. I think it's beautiful."

 

Vincent's voice pulled Jayce away from his musings. He didn't have a smart-ass comeback right now. "I didn't know he had blue skin."

 

"That was sort of an accident," Vincent said hesitantly. He didn't know all the details. Carefully, he monitored Jayce's reactions. The kid's mask was showing cracks all right.

 

"What about *him*?" Jayce still refused to address Remy properly.

 

"Remy?" Vincent smiled. "Why don't you ask him yourself?"

 

"I don't talk to faggots."

 

Vincent sighed, disappointed. He'd thought that they were making progress. "In that case you shouldn't talk to Warren either."

 

Hearing that statement, Jayce remained quiet. It was different with Warren, who was family; the only family he had left. His thoughts returned to Remy. No way he'd walk up to the mutant to ask him about his 'gifts'. As far as he was concerned, Remy didn't exist.

 

///

 

"Bien?" Warren repeated. "What's bien?"

 

"He's startin' to doubt. We need to be patient, cher," Remy said, pleased. "Love de way y' look now. Do y' have to switch de image inducer back on?"

 

"I don't think so. Vincent knows what I look like and Jason had better get used to it." Warren wrapped his other arm around Remy's shoulder too and pulled his lover close to his chest. "How can you stand feeling his hate?"

 

"Doubt he hates *me*," Remy clarified. "He hates life, which seems terribly unfair right now. He just lost his père and doesn' want to live wit' us."

 

Warren rested his chin on Remy's shoulder. The Cajun would always be his salvation, his strength. "I love you, Rem."

 

///

 

Jayce sulked the entire way to the ranch. The jeeps easily mastered the rough terrain and Jayce tried hard not to bounce around in his seat. Although he was tightly strapped in, he didn't feel safe. His dad had died in the car crash and this reminded him of the way the car had been catapulted over the road. He'd been so terrified.

 

His father hadn't been dead on impact, but had suffered for some time, hanging in the seatbelt. Jayce, who'd sat in the passenger's seat, had stared in horror as blood flowed from his dad's mouth and ears. Even now, remnants of terror tried to make him panic.

 

///

 

In the second jeep, Remy's head jerked up. Jason's emotions were growing darker, gloomier and Remy sensed the panic beneath the surface. "He's scared, cher."

 

Warren looked up. He'd been staring out of the window. "Who? Jason?"

 

"Yes, didn' y' tell me dat his père died in a car crash?" Remy locked eyes with Warren.

 

"Shit," Warren cursed softly. "But he didn't mind being in a car during the first stretch."

 

"De road's bumpy now, cher. Don' y' wonder what it was like for Jason, locked up in dat car?"

 

"Do I need to tell the chauffeurs to stop?"

 

"Non, he won' lose it. He's just scared." Remy reassuringly squeezed Warren's hand. "We're getting' t'rough to him, cher. We can' give up."

 

"If it means that much to you, Rem, I'll try… hard."

 

///

 

"Wolvie!" Remy chuckled, as the canine leapt towards him. The wolf knocked him off his feet in excitement and a long, wet tongue slithered across his face. "Calm down, Wolvie," Remy whispered, taken aback. The animal's relief at seeing him again was overwhelming. Until now he'd never realized just how much the canine had grown attached to him. Remy let the wonderful wave of emotions wash over him. "Missed y' too."

 

Warren stood behind his lover and grinned broadly. "Someone's glad to see you, Rem." His heart leapt happily as Wolvie continued to wet his lover's face with long swipes of his tongue. "I hope he doesn't plan to greet me in a similar way." Wolvie hadn't even acknowledged him yet. The canine was way too busy licking and nuzzling Remy.

 

"Wolvie, calm down!" Remy repeated, as two large front paws settled down on his chest, pressing him down onto the earth. Luckily, the soft grass had cushioned his fall.

 

They'd made arrangements when they'd still been in Venice for Wolvie to go straight to the ranch. Neither of them had judged it wise to take the canine along to the funeral.

 

"Do y' like it here. Wolvie? Plenty of animals to chase after, mais y'll behave, won' y'?" Remy managed to push Wolvie off and with Warren's help he got back to his feet. Wolvie however, tried to level him again. "Bad Wolvie!"

 

Suddenly, Remy looked over his shoulder and saw that Jason had halted in his tracks. For the first time since they'd met, the boy seemed to acknowledge his presence. Warren was about to speak up, but Remy signaled his lover to let him do the talking instead. "What is it, petit?"

 

"But that's a…" Jayce stuttered, taking some steps away from the canine.

 

Remy was thrilled that Jayce no longer ignored him. He'd use the boy's curiosity to establish some sort of contact. "It's a loup, oui."

 

"It is a *wolf*!" Jayce exclaimed, quickly translating the word. It was the first time he felt glad he'd taken some French classes. "What's it doing here?" The wolf suddenly seemed to notice him and Jayce froze. The canine had been friendly towards Remy, but how would it act towards him?

 

Warren silently watched the exchange and felt thrilled. Trust Remy and Wolvie to find a way into the boy's heart!

 

Remy saw his chance and focused on Wolvie. He couldn't telepathically tell Wolvie to let Jason pet him, but Remy could try to influence the canine. Empathy certainly had its limitations. //Plaît, Wolvie, de petit needs someone.//

 

Jayce felt fascinated and terrified as the wolf began to sneak towards him. "Shouldn't you keep him on a leash or something? Is he dangerous?" Jayce failed to stop himself from rambling. "Because if he is, I think…" He grew quiet as the wolf pushed his head beneath Jayce's hand.

 

"He wants to be pet," Remy explained and felt how Warren's hand came to rest at the small of his back. "Y' don' have to be 'fraid of him. Wolvie's a friend."

 

"Wolvie?" Jayce carefully petted the canine's head and although he was determined to continue to hate Remy, he couldn’t help addressing the man. "Why did you give him that name?"

 

"It's a long story, petit," Remy replied and thought of Logan and Jean-Luc. He hoped they were happy.

 

"His fur feels softer than I thought." Cautiously, Jayce sat on his heels and stroked the canine's flank. "How did you tame him?"

 

"I didn'. Wolvie wants to stay wit' us. He can leave whenever he wants," Remy explained and sighed relieved. Yes, things would work out eventually. It'd just take a lot of time and effort. "Wolvie can keep y' company while y'r here," Remy suggested. "Mais mebbe y' want to see y'r room now?"

 

Warren gestured to one of the maids. "Take him to his room." The girl nodded and went to pick up Jayce's traveling pack, but Vincent was quicker.

 

Vincent smiled, pleased that Remy had found a way to make contact with the boy. "Come on, kid, let's get moving."

 

"Can I take him along?" Jayce asked and suddenly realized he'd been talking to Remy the entire time. How had that happened? He loathed the man! He had to pay attention to what he was doing! Jayce was about to walk away from the canine without waiting for Remy's answer, when the wolf tightly grabbed his jacket with his sharp teeth. "What?"

 

"Wolvie doesn' want to be left 'lone," Remy chuckled. "Go on, Wolvie, it's bien." He sensed the wolf's inner struggle. Remy had just returned and the canine didn't want to leave him so soon. //Mais Jason needs y' more, Wolvie.//

 

The canine seemed to nod his head and then dragged Jayce after him, using the boy's jacket to pull him along.

 

"Hey!" Jayce sputtered as the wolf pulled. He considered shrugging out of his jacket, but no, he liked the stubborn wolf!

 

Remy and Warren watched them leave. "Maybe you're right, Rem. Maybe we can get through to him. You're right. We can't give up on him."

 

"De petit reminds me of someone," Remy said wickedly as he took hold of Warren's arms, which he wrapped around himself.

 

"Rem?" Confused, Warren peeked at his lover's eyes.

 

"Reminds me of one stubborn and arrogant playboy I used to know." He turned around and brushed Warren's lips with his. "Mais y' changed. Y're no longer like dat."

 

"Well, maybe there's hope for Jason's yet," Warren mumbled mesmerized as he stared in Remy's eyes. "Want to check out our room? You look tired, maybe you want to lie down a bit?"

 

"Keepin' de shields up tires me," Remy explained in a soft tone and fell into step beside Warren as his lover led him through the corridors. Eventually, Warren halted when they'd reached a mahogany door.

 

"Close your eyes," Warren softly instructed and turned the key. However, he didn't open the door yet. "Please, close your eyes, love."

 

Remy was tempted to ask why, but sensed Warren's sincere desire to please him. So he closed his eyes and waited. He heard how the door opened and he barely kept back from peeking through his eyelids, but Warren wanted him to keep his eyes closed, so he did. "What are y' doin', cher?" Remy whispered and was surprised to feel one arm slide beneath his knees and the other around his back. "Ange?"

 

"Shst," Warren chided him affectionately and lifted Remy in his arms. "I'm going to carry you over the threshold, love."

 

Remy thought he'd misheard. "Over de t'reshold?"

 

"We got married and I want this to be our home, so... I'm a traditional guy, sue me!" Warren pressed Remy close to his chest and carried him inside. "You can open your eyes again, Rem."

 

Feeling incredibly nervous, Remy slowly opened his eyes. He'd never imagined that Warren would want to carry him over the threshold. Warren was such a romantic and it made his heart beat faster.

 

"What do you think, love?" Warren waited impatiently. He hoped Remy liked the interior and…

 

"De bed, cher!"

 

"Yeah, I picked it myself."

 

"When?" In genuine delight, Remy stared at the big, wooden four-poster bed. It had a canopy made of blue silk, with embroided silver stars and a crescent. "Oh, cher."

 

Warren placed Remy in the center of the bed and lay down beside him. "I love the canopy," Warren said as he stared at the midnight sky above them.

 

His raging emotions made it hard for Remy to reply. He elbowed himself into an upright position and locked eyes with Warren. "Feels like I'm flyin' in y'r arms when I'm in dis bed. Sky's so close."

 

"So you like it?" Warren asked, slightly relieved.

 

"Love it, cher." Remy leaned in closer and gently kissed his lover's lips.

 

"Then we're finally home, Rem. I plan on growing old here with you." Warren noticed the tears that unexpectedly left Remy's eyes. "What's wrong, love?

 

"I'm just so happy, cher. Never been dis happy. *Y'* make me happy."

 

Warren balanced one of Remy's teardrops on the tip of his finger and then licked it off. "These are tears of happiness then?"

 

"Oh oui, cher, dey are." Remy firmly nodded his head. "Dis is home."

 

Part 8

 

Westchester

 

Bobby had used the key that Nicholas had given him to enter his lover's apartment. "Nicholas? Sorry that I'm late, but…" Bobby apologized, as he stepped into the bedroom. It was way passed midnight and Nicholas had already gone to bed. Bobby smiled at his lover, who seemed deeply asleep. The one thing he absolutely loved about Nicholas was his lover's tendency to sleep naked. It was rather warm inside the bedroom and Nicholas had kicked off the sheets during his sleep. A gorgeous, lean, agile body lay in the center of the bed and seemed to beg Bobby to caress it. Licking his lips, Bobby stole closer and sat down on the side of the bed.

 

Last week they'd made love for the first time. Nicholas had taken him, claimed him, and Bobby still blushed, remembering his outcries of passion when Nicholas had entered him. The next evening, they'd reversed roles and Bobby had buried himself inside Nicholas' warm body. Now, one week later, he still quavered, as he remembered the sensations that he'd felt when Nicholas' tight passage had massaged him, making him come. Making love to a girl had never felt that good.

 

Bobby leaned in closer and involuntarily his breath caught. His eyes drifted down the perfect back and came to rest on the two tempting mounds of flesh. Nicholas had fallen asleep on his stomach and Bobby wished he could run his hands over his lover's buttocks again. He vividly remembered how soft and inviting Nicholas' skin had felt beneath his fingertips. But it didn't feel right to take advantage of his lover like this. Nicholas was asleep after all. //But a few caresses won't do any harm.// Bobby crept closer to his lover and let the tip of his tongue tease Nicholas' earlobe. Softly, he began to nibble on it. //Damn, this is a mistake!// Touching Nicholas like this was making him hard!

 

"Bobby?"

 

Nicholas' sleepy voice shook Bobby from his guilty feelings and he pressed kisses on the back of his lover's neck after easing back the dark locks. "Yeah, it's me, love. Sorry that it took me so long to get back to you."

 

"I'm sure your friends appreciated it that you attended the funeral," Nicholas mumbled. He'd heard Bobby enter the apartment, but had feigned sleep. "How are Warren and…?" He pretended to have forgotten Remy's name.

 

"Warren and Remy are doing as well as can be expected." Bobby wondered why Nicholas wasn't sitting up, facing him. Was it a hint that Nicholas wanted Bobby to continue the caresses? Boldly, he let his fingertips slide down his lover's back. "Missed you."

 

"I missed you too, darling," Nicholas mumbled and cocked his head so he could lock eyes with Bobby. "That feels good." He'd never expected to fall in love with the Iceman, but the attraction had been there from the start.

 

"Want me to keep on going?" Bobby failed to keep his desire out of his voice. "You look like…"

 

"What, darling?" Nicholas smiled invitingly. Bobby was the most attentive lover he'd ever had and it was probably due to the fact that the X-man was new to this kind of love. Bobby's first time had been with Nicholas and his lover had certainly surprised him. The gentleness and consideration had been a giant turn on for Nicholas. "I want you to take me," he murmured softly.

 

"Oh God, I want that too, love," Bobby was tempted to turn Nicholas onto his back, but then he'd lose the stunning sight of his lover's backside. "But it's already late and you've got classes tomorrow and…"

 

"Do me, Bobby, please." Nicholas couldn't remember begging a lover to claim him before.

 

"I'm a little surprised," Bobby admitted as his hands kneaded his lover's ass cheeks. "I figured you'd want to top."

 

"Bobby," Nicholas gasped briefly as one of Bobby's fingers slipped into his cleft, teasing his puckered entrance. "Oh, but you last *so* long!" Discovering that Bobby could go on forever had made being on the bottom much more pleasurable. Some of his former lovers had come too quickly, leaving him behind, but not Bobby. "Do me quick and hard."

 

Bobby grinned. He'd already noticed that Nicholas liked it hard and fast. He didn't know how he felt about that. He liked to take his time to make love, but Nicholas was convincing him quickly. "Do you have condoms and lube?"

 

"Oh yes," Nicholas whimpered, as Bobby's finger teased against his entrance. "I love you, Bobby," he whispered, as his lover pulled back his finger to lubricate it. "Under the pillow," Nicholas informed his lover and watched how Bobby retrieved the necessary items. Bobby had expressed fear that he would unintentionally hurt Nicholas while they had anal sex and insisted they'd use every precaution in the book, which meant a generous amount of lube and special condoms. "Hurry!"

 

Bobby kept one hand on his lover's buttocks and continued to massage the soft flesh, as he spread the lube over his fingers. "Gonna prepare you first, love."

 

"Don't need it," Nicholas panted and rubbed his erection against the sheets.

 

"What about doing it doggie style?" Bobby suggested. "You'd have to get up to your hands and…" He hadn't even finished the question when Nicholas raised himself on all fours, wiggling his ass. "I take it that's a yes?"

 

"Oh, yeah!" Nicholas grabbed the head board firmly and arched his back. "Fuck me." He'd never made a secret of his desires and believed in telling his lovers what he wanted. He loved sex; it was as simple as that.

 

"Lemme prepare you first, okay?" Bobby circled the little pucker and gently pushed inside. His finger easily slid passed the guardian muscle and nestled deeply inside his lover's hot passage. "You feel so good, babe."

 

"More!" Nicholas pushed back, urging Bobby to move. "Fuck me silly!"

 

Bobby hesitated. Although Nicholas seemed terribly relaxed, he didn't want to run the risk of hurting him. "Two," he announced and his index finger crept inside too. "Are you still okay?"

 

Nicholas threw back his head, looked over his shoulder and whispered, "How much longer do you want me to beg? Hard and fast… please, lover." Bobby's fingers stretched him, scissoring inside his passage. "I'm going to come if you keep this up and I want you inside."

 

Bobby gave in and nodded his head. "Alright, love." He removed his fingers from Nicholas' slippery entrance and unbuckled his belt.

 

"Don't take off your clothes," Nicholas instructed. He was tempted to steal one hand to his groin and stroke himself to completion, as the tension was becoming unbearable.

 

"You like it that way?" Bobby asked, a little surprised. Nicholas was turning out to be one hell of a lover, who continued to surprise him. Bobby unzipped his jeans and pushed them down. His proud cock bobbed free.

 

Nicholas licked his lips. "Want to taste you."

 

"Not now," Bobby said firmly. "Or don't you want to be fucked silly?" He gave Nicholas a mischievous smirk and kneeled behind his lover. Bobby released a strangled breath when Nicholas' hands released the head board to claw in the pillow.

 

Nicholas leaned forward, presenting himself to his lover and rested his head on his forearms. "Fuck me."

 

Bobby couldn't ignore the urgent plea and slipped on the lubricated condom. "Are you ready?"

 

"Yes," Nicholas raised his ass a little further in invitation. The next minutes would be a mix of pain and intense pleasure. No matter how relaxed he was, Bobby entering him would hurt.

 

Bobby's fingers were curled around his cock, holding the condom in place. He used his other hand to spread Nicholas ass cheeks and then positioned his erection at his lover's puckered opening. "Love you, Nicholas."

 

Nicholas felt the blunt head of Bobby's cock and tried to relax. He bit his lip as Bobby pushed his way inside. "Oh, fuck," he panted as Bobby's cock pushed passed the tight ring of muscle. Bobby was inside him, but barely.

 

Bobby's right hand massaged the small of Nicholas' back. "Can't believe you're letting me do this, *again*!" A velvet tightness surrounded his cock and he was tempted to push further inside, but realized that his lover needed time to adjust to the invasion. "Stroke yourself, love."

 

"Can't," Nicholas gasped. He'd collapse if he couldn't lean on his arms. "I want you inside… completely. Come on, Bobby, push!"

 

Bobby looked down and a surge of passion swept through him at the sight of his cock disappearing into his lover's body. "You asked for it, love," he reminded his lover and pushed harder, opening Nicholas up.

 

"Oh, God," Nicholas panted hard as Bobby slid deeper inside. He tried not to breathe too deeply. Bobby was big and they'd go at it for long minutes. He had to save his strength.

 

"I'm inside," Bobby whispered, stunned. He was buried to the hilt in Nicholas' body. "Babe?"

 

"I'm okay, but I might kill you if you don't start fucking me, Drake!" Nicholas tried to rub the head of his cock against the sheets, desperate to get some stimulation. Bobby's first thrust took his breath away. "Fuck…"

 

"You like it when I fuck you, don't you, babe?" Bobby whispered passionately as he set up a slow and gentle rhythm. He'd make this last.

 

"Yeah," Nicholas rasped as he pushed back hard. "Oh, God." The friction inside his body was overwhelming and his cock began to leak pre-ejaculate. His erection had faded a little when Bobby had forced his way inside, but his hard shaft was throbbing again. Then Bobby stopped moving. "No," Nicholas moaned. "Don't."

 

"I wanna savor this," Bobby announced. For some reason his eyes where locked on that little hole and his cock that had buried himself inside. "You're gorgeous." He kept perfectly still. Bobby's heart beat frantically and picked up speed when Nicholas moved of his own accord, pushing back, rocking forward.

 

Nicholas couldn't take much more. "Please," he begged, desperate for Bobby to start thrusting again.

 

"Come here, babe," Bobby whispered and wrapped one arm around his lover's shoulder. "This should feel even better." He pulled Nicholas close to his chest and supported his lover.

 

"Bobby." Nicholas whispered the name. The new angle enabled Bobby to thrust against his prostate and Nicholas moaned deliriously.

 

"Fuck yourself," Bobby whispered. Until a few weeks ago he'd never imagined it possible that he could let go like this, but Nicholas was quickly teaching him that there shouldn't be any holding back in bed.

 

"Yes!" Nicholas placed his hands on Bobby's arm and rode his lover. The perpetual movement of falling and rising was quickly becoming his entire world. "Don't come yet," he begged Bobby. He wanted to come first and clench his lover's cock to completion.

 

"Don't come yet," Bobby whispered in return. He'd last a little longer and playfully bit Nicholas' neck. "How about this?"

 

"Uh?" Nicholas felt Bobby shift beneath him and suddenly he was squatting on top of Bobby. "What?" Looking over his shoulder, he saw that Bobby had lain down.

 

Bobby smiled hungrily. "Set your pace, baby," he encouraged Nicholas and watched as his lover impaled himself over and over again. "Beautiful," he whispered passionately.

 

"Make me come." Nicholas didn’t know why he lasted this long. It only seemed to happen when Bobby was inside him.

 

"Sure, baby." Bobby grabbed his lover's waist and pushed Nicholas onto his side. Spooned up closely behind Nicholas, he began to thrust again. His hand reached across his lover's belly. "Hard or slow?"

 

"Hard," Nicholas moaned as his fingernails dug into the sheets. Bobby fisted him hard and fast, in the same rhythm as his thrusts and Nicholas felt orgasm approach. "Bobby," he whimpered and came in his lover's hand.

 

Bobby couldn't control his thrusts any longer and they grew wild. As he buried himself completely inside his lover's spasming passage, he came hard. "You're mine," he whispered passionately.

 

Nicholas shook fiercely as Bobby's come marked him as his lover's. "So good," he whispered, sated. Bobby was still buried inside him and he cherished the connection. "Stay inside as long as you can?"

 

"You'll be sore," Bobby warned him.

 

"I don’t care."

 

"Just one more minute and then I'm going to pull out." Bobby cuddled his lover closer. "You're incredible."

 

Nicholas giggled softly. "So are you! I've never known anyone who can keep going for that long!" He pushed back, hoping to keep Bobby's softening cock prisoner a little longer.

 

"I'm gonna pull out, love," Bobby announced. "I'll be careful." When Nicholas had made love to him, pulling out had been the only thing that had really hurt.

 

"I'm ready." But Nicholas bit his lower lip until it bled as Bobby pulled out.

 

Bobby noticed Nicholas' flinch and rolled his lover onto his back. He quickly disposed of the condom and then focused on Nicholas again. "Lemme check." Nicholas had done this too the first time they'd made love. "Spread them," he instructed teasingly.

 

Fatigued, Nicholas opened his legs and allowed Bobby to check for any tearing.

 

"Damn, I hurt you," Bobby whispered upset as he found some blood. "Don't move!" They'd bought condoms, lube and some soothing salve. The man who'd advised them in the store had insisted they took the salve as well, just in case. Bobby felt thankful now. "Lemme get in there again."

 

"Bobby, I'm fine," Nicholas whispered, drained. "I'll be a little sore, that's it."

 

"Don't tell me you're fine when I just made you bleed, Nicholas." After squeezing some salve onto his finger he gently worked it into the abused passage. The anus simply wasn't made to be penetrated like that. "Better?" Bobby inquired after applying the salve.

 

"Yeah, come here, darling." Nicholas pulled Bobby on top of him and made sure his lover was settled comfortably between his thighs. "You're a very special man, Bobby Drake."

 

"You're the first to say that," Bobby whispered, taken aback. "The girls I was with… I couldn't get it up and…"

 

"Hey," Nicholas whispered and brushed Bobby's lips. "You don't like girls that way, remember?" He hoped that his attempt at humor would succeed.

 

Bobby chuckled softly. "Yeah, I know *now*!" Bobby pushed some stray locks behind Nicholas' ear. "Can I stay the night?" Originally, he'd only planned to kiss Nicholas goodnight.

 

"Yes, you can stay because you fucked me silly," Nicholas teased warmly. "But I think I'll clean up first and your hand is covered in come."

 

"Stay here." Bobby moved quickly and retrieved a damp towel from the bathroom. He cleaned them up and then settled down again. Nicholas shivered beneath him and Bobby pulled up the comforter. "Let's try to sleep?"

 

Nicholas nodded his head. Bobby was spread comfortably on top of his body and Nicholas sighed as Bobby pressed him down. Nicholas decided that he liked that particular sensation. "Sleep tight, darling."

 

"Sweet dreams," Bobby whispered and kissed his lover goodnight. "God, I love you so much," he added as Nicholas drifted off into sleep.

 

///

 

Honeymoon Island

 

Warren fondly looked at Remy, who'd fallen asleep on the big four- poster bed. He'd suspected that the funeral had tired Remy, as the empath had been forced to keep his shields up all the time. And later on, the confrontation with Jayce had exhausted Remy as well. Remy lay cuddled up to him. The Cajun had made himself comfortable in his arms and Warren loved holding him. "My sweet angel," he whispered softly now that Remy couldn't hear him. In Remy's eyes, Warren would always be 'ange', but Warren felt similar about his lover, whose soul was half angelic.

 

He should get to his feet and seek out Jason. The boy still hadn't apologized to Remy and that worried Warren. He hoped that Jason would give in. If not, it meant that the youngster was determined to defy and challenge him.

 

Remy stirred in his arms and Warren used the opportunity to slip away from his lover. Warren gently pushed a pillow into Remy's arms and his lover immediately pulled it close and clutched it to his chest. After tucking the comforter in around Remy's body, Warren whispered, "I'll be back soon, promise." Remy didn't react and Warren sneaked out of the room, softly closing the door behind him.

 

Determinedly, he turned into the next corridor and headed for Jason's room. They'd have a good talk and Warren was resolved not to take any crap from his nephew.

 

///

 

Warren knocked on the door, announcing his presence. "Jason? I want to talk to you."

 

"Go away!"

 

Irritated, Warren raised an eyebrow. "I'm coming inside."

 

"NO!"

 

Warren ignored Jason's protest, opened the door and froze in his tracks. He'd expected to find Jason angry, but not crying.

 

Jayce quickly wiped the tears from his eyes. "I didn't say you could come inside."

 

Warren waved away the protest. "Why are you crying, Jason?"

 

"It's Jayce! Not Jason!"

 

"All right," Warren mumbled thoughtfully and approached the bed. The youngster pushed himself into a sitting position and faced him. "What's going on?" His eyes sought out Wolvie who lay on the foot end of the bed. The canine seemed sad.

 

 "Leave me alone," Jayce repeated stubbornly. He didn't want Warren to see him crying.

 

"Jason… Jayce, come on, talk to me. I *am* your uncle, you know." Resolved, Warren straddled the chair beside the bed. "There's got to be a reason why you're crying. Is it because of your father's death?"

 

Jayce hated himself for mumbling, "Yes." This was *his* pain and Warren should leave him alone with it. He'd been dozing off with Wolvie close, keeping him warm when the image of his father, dying in the car, had startled him fully awake again.

 

"Want to tell me about it?" Warren knew he had to handle this carefully and forced down the anger he'd felt only moments ago. The boy obviously needed something from him, even though Jayce was too stubborn to admit that. "You saw your dad die, didn't you?"

 

"He c-c-couldn't unb-b-buckle the s-s-seatbelt," Jayce stuttered. "He h-h-hung upside down in the c-c-car and I couldn't h-h-help him." Tears threatened to leave his eyes again, but he forced them back. It was bad enough that Warren saw him this vulnerable.

 

"Jayce," Warren said compassionately and he rested his right hand on the boy's shoulder. "I'm sorry you had to see that. It must have been awful."

 

"You c-c-can't know what it was l-l-like!" Jayce stammered, slightly angered.

 

"You're wrong. I do know what it's like. I saw friends die and couldn't do a damn thing about it. I know it hurts." Warren suddenly realized something important. "And it makes you angry, doesn't it? The fact that you couldn't help him. It sure as hell made me angry that I couldn't stop it."

 

Jayce didn't want to listen, but Warren sounded sincere. Subconsciously, he reached out and petted Wolvie's head. "I can't seem to get the images out of my h-h-head," he admitted.

 

"Working through trauma like that takes time. Believe me." As Warren looked at Jayce again, he saw the vulnerability in those brown eyes. "You don't have to work through it on your own. Remy and I…"

 

Indignant, Jayce glared at Warren.

 

"Why? Why do you hate Remy that much?" Warren had to know. He understood that the boy was angry, but why aim it at Remy? "He never harmed you. You barely know him!"

 

"He's a faggot!" Jayce didn't really know why he wanted to hurt Warren intentionally, he just did.

 

Warren tensed. "Say that word one more time and you'll regret it, Jason Worthington!"

 

"Why? Isn't it the truth?" Jayce remained rebellious.

 

"Why does his sexual preference matter? You don't seem to have a problem with me being gay?" Warren really didn't understand the kid and was losing his patience.

 

"I hate gays," Jayce said in a trembling tone.

 

"So you hate me too?"

 

"You're family," Jayce protested, but realized that his reasoning was crooked.

 

"Remy's family too." Warren considered his next move. "Why do you hate gays?" he repeated his question. There had to be a reason why!

 

Jayce suddenly blurted out, "Because I walked in on one who was sexually assaulting one of the younger students! I don't trust them!"

 

"You witnessed an attempted rape?" Warren said, stunned.

 

"Carl was notorious for his behavior and the smaller boys couldn't fight him off."

 

"What did you do when you walked in on them?" Warren wasn't sure how to handle this. Having witnessed a sexual assault would explain Jayce's behavior.

 

"I kicked his butt." Proudly, Jayce locked eyes with Warren. "I couldn't stand there and watch it happen."

 

Warren's brain worked things out quickly. "And now you think Remy's like Carl and abusing me?"

 

"Your trust. He's abusing your trust. He's got to have some secret agenda. You should dump or divorce him, whatever you need to do to get rid of him. He'll hurt you."

 

Jayce's determined tone stunned Warren. "Oh, my God. You've got it all wrong." Warren didn't know how much he could tell Jayce. Remy himself had to tell Jayce the truth. "Remy's not an abuser," Warren said eventually. "Give him a fair chance? He wants to help you."

 

Suspiciously, Jayce moved away from Warren and rested his back against the head board. "Help me? Yeah, right!"

 

Warren got to his feet. "Listen up. During dinner, you *will* apologize to Remy for your behavior. You won't use the word faggot again while you live in this house and you'll treat Remy respectfully. Got it?"

 

"Am I still grounded?" Jayce didn't avert his eyes, as Warren's locked with his.

 

"Yes, you are, for one week." Warren headed for the doorway. "I suggest you try to get to know Remy."

 

"I don't want to," Jayce said arrogantly. "I'll be back at Saint Andrew's shortly."

 

"I'm really trying to understand you, Jason," Warren said honestly. "But I don't get it. Remy and I are offering you a permanent home in case you hadn't noticed."

 

"Only until you get fed up with me."

 

"What?" Warren halted in his tracks and looked at Jayce. "Why would you think that?"

 

"My dad always grew quickly tired of me," Jayce said and shrugged his shoulders. "Why would it be any different with you?"

 

"Did he ever give you a sense of… home? Of belonging?" Warren suddenly found himself holding pieces of the puzzle and Jayce's behavior started to make sense. The boy felt unwanted, unloved and was protecting himself the only way he could.

 

"I was hardly ever allowed to come *home*," Jayce replied and his tone sounded sarcastically when he pronounced the last word of his sentence. "He was too busy to spend time with me."

 

Warren remembered something Remy had said, that Sam had given his son a lot of material things, but hardly any love. "Dinner will be served in one hour," Warren said and straightened his shoulders. "I want you on your best behavior."

 

Jayce remained quiet, but his fingers still stroked the canine's fur.

 

Warren walked into the corridor and closed the door behind him. Jayce was full of conflicting emotions; anger, sadness, fear, loneliness. //Remy's an empath, maybe he can… no, Remy's still dealing with his own trauma and can't handle Jayce's pain. I have to deal with this myself.//