(Four)
The next morning, Remy made his way down to the kitchen, hungry and ready for coffee. He lost some of his good humor when he saw Logan had beat him down there, the man was sitting at the table with Karen and Molly. As Gambit had feared, the coffee was already made. He groaned internally at the thought of Logan's sludge and could do little more than smile a lukewarm greeting to his teammate. Logan tracked him with his eyes, saying nothing but grinning silently.
It was late now, around ten, and Gambit cursed himself for being a late sleeper. He crept over to the coffee pot dreading the worst, but was pleasantly surprised when he sniffed at it and it was at least half of Logan's usual strength, someone else had made this. He grinned happily now and poured a cup. He sipped it and was even more pleased when it was even better than he had expected.
He turned to the crowd and took in what was going on. Karen was sitting across from Molly with a large children's book open and out on the table. She was trying to teach Molly how to read. Remy watched with rapt curiosity when he saw Molly gesture with her hands at Karen and cocked his head with a grin when Karen signed back. Molly had read the word inaccurately and Karen was correcting her. She made the sign again with exaggerated slowness, speaking aloud. Molly repeated the gesture and Karen praised her. Gambit was amused and couldn't help but chuckle softly. Sign language, it had been a while since he had seen it.
His observation didn't go unnoticed. Molly heard his noise and turned her chair to cough a rough bark at him.
"Oui, petite?" he replied with a playful lilt to his voice.
Is it all right? she signed.The coffee, I mean.
He cocked his head at her and grinned that charming smile of his. He set the cup down and shocked everyone else by skillfully signing back, It's always all right whenever Logan doesn't make it.
Molly laughed and smiled at him, happy that someone other than Karen had responded to her attempts to communicate. She looked different now that she had been cleaned up and properly cared for. She was no longer the feral, snarling prisoner that had arrived a couple of days ago. Her hair was clean and brushed and her face had a happy glow. He could see now her eyes were a nice pale blue and full of curiosity and fun. She was wearing a pair of jeans and a red colored T-shirt, a little big.
"I'm impressed," Karen said to Remy. "I didn't know anyone here could sign."
"Gambit's a bit rusty, but yeah. Had a cousin back N'awlin's way who was deaf."
"Funny how you've never mentioned it," Wolverine grumbled. He was unhappy any time something new was revealed about Remy that the thief had kept hidden. Logan resented the fact that after all this time, Remy still didn't quite trust them.
"It never came up," Gambit replied arrogantly and hopped up on the counter top to sit. He winked at Molly and signed, Hello, my name is Remy. He spoke his name out loud so she would know it.
She returned his smile and replied, My name is Molly.
Her movements lacked his practice, but he was able to make it out. He cracked his knuckles and asked, Did you make the coffee?
Yes. I hope it's not too strong.
Petite, you ain't had strong until you've had Logan's. I hope you never have to find out. Who taught you to make coffee?
Mason.
Who's Mason, is that your dad?
Molly's face went a little sad. He's the guy who was taking care of me. He's dead.
Sorry, chere. Gambit didn't know.
Molly laughed softly. Who's Gambit?
Remy cocked his head again and gave her another flirtatious smile, turning on the charm automatically, it was second nature to him with women. Gambit is me and I am Gambit. We are the same.
"Hope yer not talkin' dirty now. She's a bit young fer you," Wolverine growled, feeling a little left out. In his long life, sign language was a skill he had never had a reason to learn.
"Never stopped him before, why would it now?" Rogue said, entering the room. She had arrived in high spirits, fresh and ready for her day. She was dressed in a half shirt with tight jeans. She had left the body stocking behind, boldly walking about with her flesh exposed. It was a new habit she had begun since she had taken up with Manny as if his ability to touch her now made it safe for everyone else. She had been cautioned by the Professor and Logan both, but she was always a bit wild and ignored them. So far nothing bad had happened, so no one really pushed the issue.
Gambit watched as she approached, his eyes locking onto her hungrily. All that bright naked skin made him flush instantly. At that moment, she was all he saw and she knew it. He tracked her as he raised his mug to drink, trying to make his inspection of her look casual. She wasn't fooled and glided closer, knowing full well she had his complete attention. She reached for the coffee pot and poured a cup, standing very close to him. He was in the way and she boldly nudged him with an uncovered arm.
Remy smiled irritably and shook his head without speaking. She hadn't touched him where his skin was bare but her message was clear enough. He didn't move out of her way, but instead crossed his legs, deliberately brushing her butt with his foot. Insulted, she bumped him in roughly return and he sloshed coffee from his cup into his lap.
"Chienne!" he snarled as he was scalded, the curse spilling out of his mouth before he could stop it. He set his cup down before she could make him spill more. "You one clumsy girl, I swear!"
"You're the one bein' fresh, Cajun! And don't you call me a bitch, in French or otherwise!"
"Not my fault yo' ass is so big!" he snapped, reaching for a towel. He was soaked.
Rogue yanked it out of his reach. "The only thing big around here is your mouth!"
"Not de only t'ing big on me, neh?" he returned with his usual cockiness, grabbing for the towel again. She kept it out of reach as she glared at him with defiant eyes. He reached for the towel again, this time his other hand brushing her watch unseen, a slight done quickly, and he gave the band a little charge of bio-kinetic energy. It was the same as large static shock. She squealed in surprise and jumped back, clearing the way for him to reach for the prize. He snatched the towel and grunted at her triumphantly, sticking his tongue out at her. He sat back, all proud of himself, and began to pat at his drowned lap. He leered at her as he did this, and raised an eyebrow suggestively. "You gonna give a boy a hand, chere? Is your mess after all."
"Go suck an egg!" she snapped and shoved him roughly, pushing him further away on the counter. "Why can't you sit at the table like a civilized person?"
Remy cursed again and almost came off the edge. His cup teetered dangerously and he managed to catch it before it crashed to the floor. He sloshed more hot coffee over his hand in the process and hissed another complaint in garbled French. His eyes squinted and he sneered at her, no longer enjoying the game. He was about to make another nasty comment but Wolverine interrupted him.
"Hey you two, quit it or take that crap outside!" Logan complained, not in the mood.
Molly watched the whole thing with wry amusement but was very aware that there was more than just rambunctious playing behind all this. These two had been an item and had broken up recently, she had heard in the whispers of the Xavier hallways. Remy was trying to act like it didn't matter, but everyone knew better. His fooling around was a way of covering his pain. Now he was burned and angry, all the pain had been on his end and it was taking all of the fun out of today's little game. He adjusted his seat on the counter top, not giving in, but sucked on his stinging fingers miserably. His skin was scalded and he knew he should put them under cold water, but hadn't wanted to get up. It would be acknowledging he had lost. Rogue didn't care. She moved away, her posture telling all she felt she had won this round fair and square.
Molly signed at Gambit, her eyes full of concern, You okay?
He caught the movement out of the corner of his eye. Sure, chere. Gambit always is.
"Where's Fallen?" he asked out loud, wanting to move on. "She's late."
Logan shrugged. "Sleepin' in, I guess. She ain't been real excited 'bout hangin' out on Cameron's roof."
Remy hopped down from the counter and picked up the phone, dialing Fallen's extension. He was closer to the sink now and used it to run cool water over his scalded fingers. He had lost the battle so it didn't matter if he lost face now as well.
Seth picked it up on the other end. "It's about time somebody called!" he snapped irritably. It was very unlike him and Remy was instantly concerned.
"Whoa dere, buddy. Take it easy. What's goin' on?"
"Fallen went into Kimble's room and hasn't come out. Kimble didn't put a screen in there so I can't see what's going on. She's been in there all night. She never got around to rigging the phone for me to call out so I couldn't get a hold of anybody."
"Hang tight, little buddy. Gambit's on 'is way down." He clicked off and started to leave. He paused in his stride when Wolverine joined him without saying anything. Logan's sharp ears had picked up Seth's end of the conversation as well. He considered it a matter of security and was concerned since he now considered Fallen to be part of his team so now he decided to come along. They departed quickly and went to the elevator. On the way down, Gambit slowly opened a pack of gum and slid a piece into his mouth.
"Somethin' on yer mind, Cajun?"
"Fallen's been quiet."
"Everybody's been quiet." Logan sniffed at him. "You smell like the tunnels, boy. Where ya been runnin'?"
Gambit shrugged casually. "Jael's place a tunnel. Figured maybe he took up some of de Morlock space left empty. Folks don' generally go down dere. S' quiet."
"You turn up anything?"
"Nope, but Gambit ain't gone too far."
Gambit shifted uncomfortably and it wasn't from his burned fingers. It was very hard for him, going down there again. It was a testament to his will and strong desire to take Jael down that he even braved it at all. Logan showed his respect by not pressing the issue further. If Remy found anything important, he would tell him, he knew it.
The elevator came to a stop and they went to the hanger. Logan said nothing as Remy scanned his hand and went inside the ship. Remy and Henry were the only ones Fallen had given complete freedom to enter and leave at will, this was a precaution she had taken after Kimble's room invasion all those weeks ago. Logan didn't have the same level of access. As head of Security, he would have to change that.
Seth popped up on the Main screen as soon as they entered, his face tight with worry. "She's in Kimble's room."
Remy nodded and looked over, the door was shut. He knocked softly. " 'Ey, Fallen? You okay, chere?" There was no reply. He tugged on the door, it was locked. He grinned in irritation and popped the lock with a small snap of kinetic energy and a swift twist of his wrist. He opened the door and stepped inside.
Fallen lay sprawled on Kimble's bed, her body twisted up in his blankets. She had emptied his lock box and dumped it all out over the floor. She had made a mess, Remy could see she had flung the stuff about in a fit of anger or despair. He went over to her and nudged her shoulder. She didn't move.
"The girl's stoned, Cajun. Don't bother," Logan grumbled, pissed off. Fallen had been very good lately, he didn't think she had been using at all since they had come back. She had dropped it as fast as she had dumped the Lightning. Kimble's disappearance had changed that apparently.
"Is she okay?" Seth asked from the other room, his voice full of woe.
"Yeah," Logan answered. "She's just sleepin'."
"She's been there all night," the young Siskan complained, his eyes as sad as his voice.
"She shot up with something."
Seth lowered his eyes and turned away, putting his head down. This was just another reminder of how helpless he was. He couldn't do anything while he was still in the system.
Remy rolled Fallen over onto her back and smoothed out the blankets over her. She groaned and her eyes fluttered open. "Kimble? S' that you?"
"Je suis de sole, chere. De boy ain't come back yet."
Fallen turned back the way she had been before, giving him her back and covered her face. "I can't go out today."
"S'okay, now. You get some rest, take it easy," Remy said, tucking her in. It was hard being this close to her, her body was giving off vibrations of such deep sorrow and misery, it was making Gambit's throat hurt at the thought of it.
She was saying, "I miss him so much. I miss the way he used to play and laugh all of the time. I miss the way he would tell jokes to cheer me up when I was so sad. Yes, I miss his laughter. He hardly ever laughs anymore." Fallen squeezed her eyes shut as tears teased the corners of her eyes.
Gambit swallowed, trying to get past the lump in his throat. Pain and misery were the hardest emotions for him to block he was learning, and he tried his best to make her feel better. "Je sais, I know, chere. Gambit miss him, too. 'E understand yo' pain, but doin' dis to y'self, it ain't gonna 'elp nobody. It ain't gonna 'elp Kimble or Seth. He in de nex' room all shakin' an' scare' 'cause 'e don' know what to do for you. We all feelin' guilty fo' makin' Kimble leave. De only way ta make dat right is ta go find 'im, chere, not hidin' away while de worl' rip him apart. Dat's how we lose him in de first place."
She lost the battle with her emotions and began to cry. "I didn't mean to be so mean to him. It's just...it's just...Seth!"
Remy rubbed her shoulder with gentle reassurance. "Si bien. I'm sure Kim understands. We gonna get 'im back, you'll see. You jus' take it easy t'day, is all."
He held her until she calmed, then finished tucking her in and withdrew, his face now tired and sad. He left her alone and came out into the Main Room. He looked at Kimble's brother who stood slumped in the Control Room of the Dragon's computer, his misery shining bright. He raised a hand and lay it on the screen as Fallen had always done. "I'll get 'Enry for you. He'll fix de phone."
"Thanks," Seth replied, his tone dismal. There weren't words to describe his misery. His brother was gone and his Mistress was depressed. He was trapped in here with no way out. He was useless, not a good thing for a Siskan to be.
Remy smiled at him, sensing his thoughts. "Tay kunda Siska esk, non? Don' worry, we'll get Kimble back. We gonna fix alla dis."
Seth turned to him, grateful for Gambit's consideration and thoughtfulness. He lay his hand over Remy's. "I see why my brother loves you," he replied in Siskan, prompted by Remy's usage of it. "You are very much alike."
"Merci, mon ami. I'll take dat as a compliment. You sit tight, 'Enry will be right down. Gambit will see to it, bien?"
"Thanks."
Logan was quiet through the whole exchange. He didn't need an understanding of Siskan to know what was said. Seth was hurting, left out because of his inability to do anything and Remy was there to help. These Siskans had integrated themselves into Gambit's life and he had embraced them eagerly, something unexpected. The loner thief was changing before his eyes, growing up. "We gotta roll, Cajun. Our shift is comin' up," he grumbled softly, not really complaining.
"D'accorde. I'm wit you, patron."
They left Seth and Fallen behind, making sure to stop at Henry's to tell him what was going on. Henry was only just rising, but promised to go down to the Lucky Dragon as soon as he was showered and ready. Logan and Remy went into the elevator and returned to the upper level. In the car, Wolverine once more looked over his teammate.
"You look kinda beat. Maybe you should take a nap while we're out. Gotten' kinda used ta havin' a body at my feet. Don't make no difference if it's yours."
Remy just smiled at him. These were serious times and their agenda was full. He wanted Kimble home, but needed to know where Jael was. If they failed to bring Kimble back and the pilot was moved to Jael's, they would need to know where to start looking. He hoped it wouldn't come to that, but he was cautious, just as Logan was. Plus, Jael was owed some serious payback for his little prank with the virus. Gambit's memory was long and that was something he wouldn't let go, no matter how long it took.
"Gambit's good, patron. Already 'ad 'is coffee."
"Too bad ya wore most of it. We'll hit a Starbuck's on the way out."
"Fair enough. Who we gonna get ta fly us up to the top? Not much notice."
"Rogue or Warren, take yer pick," Logan tossed out, curious who Remy would pick. He wondered if Remy had noticed Warren's peculiar inspection of him.
He hadn't. Remy groaned in mental agony, the bastard or the bitch, what a choice. This day was going to suck.
Logan just laughed at him. "Jus' kiddin'. The Professor just cleared some new kid from the school named Max. Got wings and everything. He's had a little flight skills training for lift and carry and can get us up there, but he'll be bored easy once we're there. You still got yer Game Boy?"
"Oui, somewheres. I'll dig it up."
"Grab some junk food while yer at it. Maybe if we put him inta sugar shock, he'll go quiet."
"Newbies," Remy joked, shaking his head. "Gotta love 'em."