Discovery

Remy woke to find himself alone in the bed. He glanced at the clock on the nightstand; it was just after 6 AM, still an hour until sunrise. Like Harper, Remy could see quite well in the dark, and he had no trouble spotting Harper sitting quietly by the cold fireplace. Remy threw back the covers, slipped on his pajama bottoms and sat down next to him on the old loveseat.

"What you sittin' here in de dark for, honey?" Remy asked, his voice soft. Harper didn't even acknowledge him, his gaze fixed on nothing. Worried now, Remy touched Harper's shoulder. Harper jumped, startled, and shook his head as if to clear the fog from his brain.

"Jesus, Remy, you scared the shit out of me," Harper said, laughing nervously. He hugged himself with his arms.

"I could say de same t'ing about you, cher. You were awful far away just now." Remy reached over and turned on the little lamp next to the loveseat, filling the room with a soft, amber light.

"Just thinking, Remy." Harper shrugged. He seemed reluctant to talk, so Remy decided to just sit with him. After a while, Harper reached over and took Remy's hand in his. "I guess I'm a little surprised you...that you want to be with me."

Remy looked shocked. "Why would you say dat, baby?"

"Well, considering my past. I mean, I think there's a word for what I am. A few words." He gave that odd little laugh again.

"What? Goddamnit, Harper, you had no choice in what was done ta you. Besides, none o' dat changes how I feel about you, what we got between us." Remy took Harper's hand and brought it to his lips, kissing the knuckles.

Harper cocked his head to one side. "And what is this between us, then? It confuses me. That's what I've been sitting here trying to figure out. I think...I think it's love, but I just don't know. I've never loved anyone before."

"I don't know what dis is exactly...I ain't one ta do dat whole 'love at first sight' business, but I do know one t'ing: I got real deep feelings for you, Harper." Remy paused and looked closely at him, trying to find the right words. "Hell, baby, gimme a couple more days, and I know I'm gonna love you wit' everyt'ing I got."

Harper smiled. "Yeah. That's how I'm feeling, too. And it scares the hell out of me, Remy."

Remy laughed at that. "It's supposed ta, Harper."

Harper grinned and grabbed Remy, kissing him hard. "You're an idiot, Remy LeBeau."

Remy pounced, pushing Harper down onto the cushions, stretching his body out over his. "You're probably right." He gave Harper a wicked look. "Hey, you wanna soak in de tub wit' me?"

"Hmm. You going to behave yourself?" Harper asked as Remy nuzzled his neck. Remy sat up a bit and grinned at him.

"Nope."

Harper raised an eyebrow at that. "I figured you had ulterior motives." He sighed, as if mulling over the idea of more sexy time with Remy. "I suppose I could join you in a bath, if you insist."

Remy flashed him a confident I knew I'd get my way look. Harper laughed and let Remy lead him to the bathroom, where they did not behave. At all.

"I'm starving," Harper said as he towelled off. Remy was watching him with interest. "No, Remy. Not again. You're insatiable, you know that?"

"I blame you," Remy said, smiling as he got dressed. "I'll go see what DeWayne got cookin'. He usually puts up a good breakfast for de guests."

Harper tried to hide his sudden anxiety about being left alone; the last thing he wanted was for Remy to think he was becoming some kind of clingy neurotic. Despite his attempt to conceal his fear, Remy picked up on it.

"Just gonna be gone for a few, baby. I'll be right back." Remy gave Harper a quick kiss. "Lock de door behind me."

Harper nodded, and set the deadbolt once Remy was gone. He pulled on his old jeans and a t-shirt borrowed from Remy. Hating himself for it, he began to pace nervously. He felt cooped up all of a sudden, almost claustrophobic. His anxiety began to build, and, throwing caution to the wind, he opened the door and stepped outside.

He was stunned by the wild beauty of the place. Just a few feet away from the front door of the cabin was a meadow, in full Spring bloom, a riot of colors. Harper thought he'd never seen anything so beautiful. Laughing with the sheer joy of it, he ran into the meadow and threw himself down, laying in the warm morning sun, arms outstretched.

"This is what it is to be free," he said to himself. He shut his eyes and inhaled deeply, enjoying the varied scents, basking in the sun's warmth, and listening to the chitter of birds.

"Well aren't you a sight," a voice from above said. Startled, Harper sat up and squinted in the early morning light. Before him stood a man, studying him closely. He was tall, around six foot five, heavily muscled and practically oozing power. He seemed pleasantly surprised, like someone who had received an unexpected gift. In this case, that gift was Harper.

"Glad I decided to take a morning stroll," the man continued. "I didn't figure I'd find such a gorgeous young man here in this backwater hole, just mine for the taking."

Harper bared his teeth in warning and hissed. "Get away from me." He didn't like the way the stranger was looking at him, like he was starving and Harper was something good to eat.

"Easy now," the man said, holding up his hands. "I'm not going to hurt you. I'm a regular here at the Pines; everyone knows me." He squatted down beside Harper and held out his hand. "My name's Miko. What's your's? I'd like to know, considering we're going to be friends. Very close friends."

Harper eyed him warily. Something about Miko, the way he talked to him, put him on edge. He looked around for Remy, but did not see him. He knew he would have to handle Miko on his own, and hoped he had the courage to defend himself from the man's unwanted advances.

"That's none of your business," Harper snapped. "And I don't want your company."

Miko frowned, angry that Harper had refused his questionable offer of companionship. "You're not a very nice person, are you? Someone should teach you some manners, my pretty little friend." He narrowed his eyes. "You need to show a little more respect when someone is gracious to you. Now, how about we try this one more time?" He flashed an ugly smile, then suddenly reached out and grabbed Harper's arms. With surprising strength, he yanked Harper to his feet, pulling him close. Before Harper could stop him, Miko's hands were touching every part of his body, a rough and painful molestation. At first, Harper didn't know what to do, stunned by Miko's humiliating violation. Harper's confusion passed quickly, and when his assailant tried to kiss him, Harper thwarted his attempt by wriggling out of his arms. Furious, Harper hissed at him again.

"Don't touch me, you son of a bitch," Harper warned. Thanks to the confidence that Remy had given him, he knew it was his right to reject Miko's unwanted attention, knew, too, that he was no longer anyone's property. "I don't know where you get off thinking you can lay hands on me, but you better not do it again, you understand me?"

Miko seemed surprised and more than a little angry that Harper had talked back to him. He wasn't used to being told NO by anyone, male or female, and he was set on teaching Harper a lesson. He reached for Harper again, determined to take what he wanted, regardless.

"I don't think so, sweetheart," Miko snarled. Before Harper could stop him, Miko managed to pin Harper's arms behind his back. Harper struggled to free himself, but to no avail. Despite his mutant strength, he was no match for the larger, more powerful man that now held him captive. Harper found himself seized by a familiar sense of powerlessness, and was ashamed by it. Miko knew Harper was afraid, and loved the thrill it gave him.

"Please, let me go," Harper whispered.

"Not until I get what I want. Now be a good boy, and play nice." Miko laughed cruelly and ground his lips against Harper's. Excited by Harper's terror, Miko pushed him to his knees. He unzipped the fly of his pants and grabbed a handful of Harper's hair. There was no mistaking Miko's intentions.

"Please don't do this to me," Harper begged, reverting to the submissive behavior that had been part of his brutal training during Obedience School. The whole thing was just too much like what his owners had done to him so many times and the thought of it happening again made him sick to his stomach.

Miko was panting in anticipation as he pulled out his cock. When Harper turned away in disgust, Miko struck him across the face, splitting his lip and bloodying his nose. Despite this, Harper continued to struggle. Angry now, Miko seized Harper by the throat and squeezed. Harper was on the verge of losing consciousness when he heard the sound of a familiar and much-loved voice.

"Get your fucking hands off him!"

Miko whirled around, saw that Remy was right behind him, and blanched. Remy looked positively lethal. Seeing Harper on his knees, blood on his face, bruising on his neck, it took every bit of control Remy had not to kill Miko right then and there.

"Didn't know you were staying here, Remy," Miko said, nervous, and let go of Harper. He quickly zipped up his fly and raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. "This isn't what it looks like, I swear. Just a little fun between me and my new friend. The little whore offered himself to me; I was just obliging him. You know how it is."

That was it. Remy had heard enough. He struck Miko across the mouth, an open-handed blow that was as painful as it was insulting.

"You watch your mouth, Miko," Remy growled through clenched teeth. "I know all about your dirty little habits, homme, so don't t'ink you gonna explain dis away."

"Don't see where this is any of your business, LeBeau," Miko shot back, wiping the blood from his lip.

"Dat's where you wrong," Remy countered. He shoved Miko aside and wrapped his arm around Harper's waist, pulling him close.

"You alright, cher?" Remy asked, knowing that Harper was anything but. Harper hugged himself with his arms, a gesture Remy knew meant that Miko had, indeed, harmed the younger man in more ways than just the physical.

"I tried to stop him, Remy, I swear," Harper whispered, as if it was his fault what Miko had done to him, that he had done something to encourage Miko's attack. That Harper blamed himself only added to Remy's anger.

"I oughta rip you apart for what you done, Miko, you nasty little fucker," Remy snarled. His entire body was thrumming with a wild fury. "Dis here is mon bien-aimé, le coeur de mon coeur, and I don't take real kindly ta you puttin' your filt'y hands on him." Wanting to reassure Harper, he pressed a gentle, loving kiss to his cheek. Harper leaned into him, leaving no doubt as to their relationship. He gave Miko a challenging look, as if daring him to argue with Remy.

Miko started to protest, but then thought better of it. "Didn't know this sweet thing belonged to you, LeBeau," Miko muttered, as if that somehow excused the fact that he'd tried to take Harper against his will.

"He ain't my property, you sick fuck," Remy snapped. "I t'ink you should get your shit and clear outta here before I kick your rapist ass. Again."

Miko paled noticeably, but didn't argue. "You always were an arrogant prat, you know that, LeBeau?"

Remy laughed at him in a way that left Miko feeling further humiliated.

"Been called worse t'ings by better people den you. Now, get de hell outta here, Miko, and be glad I'm lettin' you go in one piece. I still got me a mind to remove certain parts o' your anatomy dat you fond of." The smile faded from Remy's face, and he jabbed his finger hard against Miko's chest. "You crossed a line here just now; next time, I ain't gonna be so forgiving, tu sais?"

Miko knew that Remy wasn't prone to idle threats and hurried off to his cabin to pack. Not until Miko was gone did Remy finally relax.

"You sure you okay, honey?" Remy asked, holding Harper close. He touched the bruises on Harper's neck and winced.

"I'm alright, just a little rattled," Harper said, clearly shaken by the episode. He couldn't help but think about what Miko would have done to him if Remy hadn't intervened.

As if reading his thoughts, Remy sought to reassure Harper. "I'm sorry dat he hurt you, dat I wasn't here ta protect you, cher. I never shoulda left you alone." He placed his finger beneath Harper's chin and lifted his face so that he could look directly at him. "I promise, I won't ever let anyone do dat ta you again, mon amour."

Harper blinked back tears. "You're like my guardian angel, Remy." As soon as he said it, he realized how corny it sounded and blushed. "God, that was pretty bad, wasn't it? I'm turning into a complete nelly around you, you know."

Remy shook his head. "You so sweet, baby," he said, smiling warmly at his lover. He took Harper's hand in his and together they walked back to their cabin.

"Who the hell was that, anyway?" Harper asked, dropping down onto the bed. "Pretty obvious you two have a history."

Remy sat down beside Harper and drew him into the safety of his arms. He pressed a gentle kiss to Harper's brow and smiled at him. There was no mistaking the love Remy felt for him.

"Dat evil fuck is Miko James, makes his living off stealing identities, ripping off unsuspecting folks, even sellin' stolen IDs ta anyone who needs ta hide who dey really are, instead o' just dem paying de money for a good forgery like de rest of us. Me, I can't abide someone who makes his money dat way," Remy made a little sound of disgust; he considered identity theft to be a dishonorable way of making a living.

"Real nasty piece of work, him. Don't know why DeWayne lets him stay here, considering dat little weasel got him a bad reputation. Miko don't know how to take no for an answer."

Harper looked chagrined. "Sorry about leaving the cabin, Remy; I should have known better. It's just that I needed to get out for a little while."

"Shush. You gotta stop apologizin' for everyt'ing, baby. You got every right ta do what you want wit'out some asshole like Miko roughin' you up. But we gotta work on your self defense a bit. I know you got it in you ta tear it up if you need ta." Remy smiled gently at him. "Now, come eat some o' dis good grub DeWayne's fixed up for us." He pointed to the little table where he'd spread out breakfast for them. Harper grinned.

"Don't have to ask me twice."

After breakfast, Remy gathered up the dishes and returned them to DeWayne. He gave his friend a roll of cash and a list of items he needed, including new clothes for Harper and some other things. A few hours later, DeWayne's son dropped all of it off at their cabin.

"What's all this?" Harper asked, surprised at the number of packages piled up on the floor.

Remy grinned, and handed the bags and a shoebox to Harper.

"Just a few t'ings you need. Hope everyt'ing fits, baby," Remy said, satisfied.

Harper sat down on the floor and dug through the bags. Remy had been very specific about what he wanted for Harper, and he wasn't disappointed with the results.

There were a couple pairs of jeans, as well as several shirts and an assortment of socks and underwear. Along with the clothes, there was a sleekly-tailored black leather jacket made of the softest kidskin, and matching gloves. Inside the box was a pair of high-quality leather motorcycle boots - the kind that reached mid-calf, plenty of buckles, in a neo-Goth style that Harper loved, meant to replace his battered Doc Martens. Another bag contained a variety of personal care items, and a duffel bag to put all of it in. Harper seemed almost overwhelmed by it all.

"Remy, you didn't have to do this," Harper whispered, looking through the gifts. He was clearly pleased by all of it, and impressed by the thought Remy had put into each item. "There's no way I can pay you back…"

Remy grinned. "Hush y'self. I got more money den I know what ta do wit'. Now try somet'ing on, cher." He loved giving presents, and Harper's almost child-like joy at receiving them was payment enough. "DeWayne's wife Janey, she tailored does jeans and underwear special for you. Your tail should fit t'rough de hole she put in de ass o' dem wit'out much problem. Hope so, anyway."

Harper laughed at that. "Thank you for all of this. You spoil me, Remy." Grinning with delight, he picked out the long-sleeved black jersey and found that it fit perfectly. He chose a pair of black boxer briefs, which Remy seemed particularly appreciative of. Next he wiggled into the jeans (his tail fit just fine, to Remy's relief), delighting in the butter-soft feel of them, then pulled on a pair of socks and the boots.

"Well?" Harper asked, arms outstretched. "Will I do?"

Remy was looking at him with a critical eye. "Turn around." Harper obliged. Remy whistled low. "Damn, baby. Your ass is a work o' art, you know dat?"

Harper turned back around. He was actually blushing. "I'm glad you approve, love."

Remy experienced a sudden and intense rush of emotion. He felt the sting of unexpected tears, and blinked them away. It was the first time Harper had used a term of endearment with him, and he was surprised at how much it meant to him.

Harper, sensing this, went right to him and sat on his lap. He kissed him softly, his lips brushing against Remy's cheeks, his eyelids, his brow.

"You're beautiful, Remy," Harper whispered, tracing his finger along the line of Remy's jaw. "I think I'm beginning to know what love is."

Remy nearly melted. "I mighta underestimated how fast I'm fallin' in love wit' you, baby." He held Harper close, and was soothed by the sound of his purring. They stayed that way for a long time, wrapped up in each other's arms, drowsing, content. After a while, Harper stirred. Remy was sound asleep, and, careful not to wake him, Harper climbed off his lap and grabbed his old backpack. He dumped out the contents, and, finding a blank page in his battered sketchbook, he began to draw his sleeping lover. He was just finishing when Remy woke.

"Whatcha doin' dere, Boo?" Remy asked, stretching his long, lean body. Harper just smiled. Curious, Remy sat down on the bed next to Harper. He looked at what Harper had drawn, and was stunned at its quality. The sketch wasn't the typical still-life. It had a soft, expressionist quality to it, capturing the light perfectly. "Baby, dis is amazing. Mind if I look at de rest of it?"

Harper smiled shyly and handed him the sketchbook. Remy looked through it, and his admiration for Harper's talent grew. "You got you a real gift, Harper." He closed the book and handed it back to Harper. Seeing the other items on the bed, he picked up the stuffed mouse. It was old, a bit threadbare and missing one of its button eyes.

"My mother gave me that," Harper said softly, biting his lip; it was obvious the subject was a painful one for him, and Remy didn't press him any further. Harper began fiddling with the rest of his belongings. "These things, they're my whole life, Remy. Pretty sad, huh?"

Remy wrapped his hand around Harper's. "Tell me what all dis is, Harper."

Harper was surprised by Remy's request, but indulged him. One by one, he told Remy the story behind each item.

"I was in Obedience School when I found this penny," Harper said, holding it up. "I kept it because I'd heard pennies were lucky. And see the date? That's when I was born." He stopped and picked up the photo. "This is me and Mr. Roddy, right after he bought me. I don't know why I kept it; I was pretty pissed off at the time." He laughed bitterly, then grabbed the copy of To Kill A Mockingbird.

"This book, Mr. Roddy read it to me, and I just...I really identified with it. Maybe one of these days I'll learn how to read it myself." He paused and shrugged. "These other things, I picked up after I ran away. The marbles I found in a little junk store. I just think they're pretty. This is from a movie I saw. I only went into the theatre to get out of the rain, but I liked it. The scarf...this sweet young girl gave it to me when I was stuck in another downpour in Louisiana. I think she knew I was a mutant somehow. Maybe she was one, too. Anyway, they were all my worldly possessions, until you decided to play Father Christmas and bought all those wonderful things for me."

Remy was suddenly struck by how cruel life had been for Harper. He pulled him into his arms and held him tight. "I promise you, mon amour, I'm gonna make up for everyt'ing you shoulda had. And I don't just mean de material t'ings."

"I have you, love. That's all I need." Harper nuzzled Remy's neck and began purring softly. Remy felt a lump form in his throat.

"Je t'aime, Harper, mon petit," he whispered. "Je t'aime."

Night…

Remy tucked his hands behind his head, the sweat of their lovemaking cooling on his body. Beside him, Harper was stretched out on his side, running his fingers up and down Remy's chest. He had a very satisfied smile on his face.

"Still no complaints, mon cher?" Remy asked, taking Harper's hand and kissing the palm. Harper laughed.

"Well, now that you mention it…" Harper said, looking serious.

Remy propped himself up on his elbows. "What?"

Again, that cat that ate the canary smile from Harper. "I'm going to be walking funny in the morning."

"Well, I'm pretty sure I got me some claw marks on my back," Remy countered. He sat up and craned his neck over his shoulder, trying to survey the damage. "You need ta clip dem, cher."

Harper gave a very unmanly giggle. "I'm afraid you have a bite mark on your neck, too. Sorry about that."

Remy raised his eyebrows at that. "You animal." Then, realizing that Harper might take offense at that, he quickly apologized. "Desole, petit. Dat probably wasn't de best choice of words, neh?"

"Don't be dumb, Remy. It's part of who I am. And I can't complain about the benefits: I'm agile, great reflexes, excellent spatial awareness, and I'm fast. Real fast. I'm strong, too, and I can see, smell and hear things that humans can't. Oh, and I can jump and climb as well as any cat." Harper beamed with pride. It wasn't like him to brag, and Remy found it charming.

"You always land on your feet when you fall?"

Harper tried to look offended. "Not that I make a habit of falling, but yes, I always land on my feet." He reached up and laid his palm against Remy's cheek. "You know, Remy LeBeau, you are such a beautiful man. I still can't believe I'm here with you, like this. Part of me wants to forget everything and stay here, just you and me."

"I'd like dat too, baby, but I know you wanna do de right t'ing, and stop dis Society."

Harper frowned. "You think the X-Men can do it, Remy? These people...they have so much money, so much power…" his voice drifted off. "I'm afraid they're just going to get away with it all."

Remy pressed a kiss to Harper's brow. "We'll get dem, honey. Don't you fret." He pulled Harper into his arms and stroked his back. "No matter what, we'll stop dem."

Harper curled up to Remy and laid his head on his shoulder. "I believe you." He yawned and shut his eyes. Sleep took him fast, and it wasn't long before Remy joined him.