Remy knew that it was a bad idea, but still he let his emotions get the better of him. It was something he hadn't done for ages, not since that fateful affair with Logan, all those years ago. And that had ended badly, just as this thing with Bobby would. But still he was here, when he could have left ages ago. And that could only be blamed on himself.
He looked across at Bobby, who was sleeping peacefully not far from him. At least someone was getting some rest then. Remy was worried about the younger mutant. By all rights he should be dead. Certainly, no other mutant affected by the aptly named 'Mutant Influenza' had lasted for more then a few hours – except for Wolverine – but Bobby was still fighting, after more then a week.
Bobby stirred, rolled over, and then opened his bright blue eyes. He blinked a few times, and then struggled to sit up. Remy was with him in seconds.
"Easy, easy, mon ami." He said, gently supporting Bobby as he struggled to sit. He was still weak, the illness was still in him, but at least he was awake.
"Remy?" Bobby asked, "That you?"
"Does anyone else aroun' 'ere speak like dis?" Remy replied, smiling despite himself.
"Oh, yeah, right." Bobby was silent for a moment. He was leaning very heavily on Remy, hardly able to support his own body. And yet he was still capable of his usual dry humor. That was so like the Bobby that Remy knew and…loved.
"'ow are y' feeling?" Remy asked.
"Like I died and went to hell." Bobby said, his voice weak, a trace of his old wry grin flickering around the corners of his mouth.
Remy laughed gently.
"Y' are a wonder." He told him. "Dey said y' would no' make it t'rough de night, let alone de week. It 'as been almost nine days since y' were first affected by de disease, and yet y' are making a recovery. I do not understand, but I am grateful for it." He looked into Bobby's eyes.
Bobby looked back at him, his steady gaze serious.
"I don't know when I'll be able to talk to you again." He said simply. "I'll keep fighting, but I'm getting weaker. I can feel my strength draining away even as we speak. I just wanna say...I... I like you. A lot." He looked up at Remy, his eyes silently begging for forgiveness, as if he'd done something wrong. Which he most certainly hadn't.
For a moment, Remy was speechless. He just stared back at Bobby, shocked beyond belief. And then, realization slowly dawned. Bobby like him. A lot. How could this be? It didn't make any sense to him. But what did that matter? Nothing. All that mattered was Bobby, and weather he was alright.
And by the looks of things, it he wasn't. His already labored breathing was slowing, and there was absolutely no trace of colour in his previously pale face.
"Bobby?' Remy asked, panic rising in his voice. "Bobby? Stay strong. Please, y' have t' fight dis. Bobby, don' die now, no' now, please, no' now." And then Remy did one of the bravest things he'd ever done. He declared his true feelings. "Bobby." He whispered, "I Love y'." the words were barely audible, but he knew the younger mutant had heard him. And that was what counted.
Those blue eyes flickered open, and Bobby looked up at Remy. His lips moved in the silent promise. "I'll fight. I'll survive. For you..." and then Bobby lapsed back into unconsciousness.