I don't own Wolverine and the X-men or any associated characters.

Chapter 13: eXcessive Force

"Come on, Taylor! Please!"

I rolled my eyes and tried to sort through my laundry with one hand while my other held my cell to my ear. I never could figure out how secretaries managed to hold the phone with their shoulder.

"Stop being such a baby, Ryan," I scoffed. "Bringing guests into the Institute is a big deal. They take security serious around here." I was doing my best to dodge Ryan's requests to visit the mansion. So far it was a losing battle. "Why don't we just go to the mall or something?"

"With Tiffany? Are you serious?"

I rolled my eyes. "It won't kill you to go shopping. Besides, if you fear it so much we can go to the skate park or your house or something. Your mom makes the best cookies."

"But we always go there! We've never been to the mansion. Come on Taylor."

"Puppy eyes don't work through the phone," I said dryly.

"And isn't that a shame."

"For you maybe. Not for me."

He sighed heavily, and I could picture him running a hand through his unruly brown hair. "Please Taylor," he begged using a soft voice that almost broke my heart.

I struggled with myself then gave up. "Arg. Fine. Let me talk to the powers that be." I heard him whoop loudly in triumph with the many congratulations from the guys and rolled my eyes. They were an unstoppable force, no doubt about that. I quickly left my room and wandered around until I found Logan in the gym.

"Hey Logan," I called from the doorway.

"What is it kid?" he grunted as he knocked the stuffing out of a punching bag. Quite literally in fact.

"Ryan and the gang want to come over. What do you think?"

He paused and turned to me. "Do they know?"

He was referring to our mutant secret. "No."

"Hmm."

I sighed. "You have to give me more than that to work with."

Logan glared at me and resumed punishing the punching bag. "Make sure everyone knows that you're bringing in non-Mutant guests, and ask Hank to stay in the sublevels. Otherwise it should be ok."

"Thanks Logan," I called, then brought the phone back up to my ear as I left the gym. "It's a go," I reported and once again Ryan whooped.

"You rock, Taylor."

"I know. When should I be expecting you?"

"Half an hour ok to you?"

"Yeah, sure. I'll open the gate for you."

"See you."

"Bye, Ryan."

I slide my phone closed and then started to hunt everyone down. Not an easy task considering how large the mansion was, but some people are just predictable. Bobby was, of course, in the kitchen and Kitty was naturally with him.

"Hey guys," I greeted as I walked into my domain.

"Hey Taylor," Kitty said with a smile. "What's up?"

"Ryan and the gang are coming over in half an hour. So no powers, mentioning the missions or anything like that. You hear that Bobby?" I asked the boy who had his head stuck in the fridge. He carefully backed out, his arms full of different condiments to make a sandwich.

"Yep," he said cheerfully. "I gotcha."

"Good. Do you guys know where I can find the others?"

"I think Hank is in the library, Logan's in the gym, Scott went out, Forge is probably in the hangar, Storm is in the gardens and I have no idea where Emma is," Kitty answered.

I nodded. "Thank you. Could you let Storm know while I find the others?"

Kitty nodded and stood up. "Sure."

"Thanks." Quickly I left the kitchen and walked to the library. As Kitty predicted, Hank was there, but so was Emma. "Hey guys."

"Hello, Taylor," Hank greeted me cheerfully. "What can I do for you today?"

"Ryan and the gang are coming over. So there can't be any use of powers while they're here and…" I hesitated and looked apologetically at the kind man. I felt terrible for doing this to him. "You'll have to go down to the sublevels I'm afraid. I'm sorry."

Hank just smiled amiably. "I understand, Taylor. Don't worry about it." He turned to Emma. "Will you be able to find what you're looking for?"

She smiled. "Yes. Thank you Hank."

"It was my pleasure. Now, if you need me, I'll be in the lab." Hank lumbered off and Emma and I watched him leave. Finally I sighed and turned to her.

"Do you happen to know where Scott is? Kitty said he went out."

"She is correct. He took Fang with him."

I nodded. "Alright, but if you see him, can you let him know we have guests?"

"Of course."

I nodded briskly then went out to find Forge. He was working on more upgrades to the security, and didn't notice me until I gently tapped him on the shoulder, then he jumped a foot in the air and clutched his chest.

"Don't do that, Taylor! Jeez, give a man a heart attack!"

I hid my snicker carefully. "Sorry Forge. Just wanted to let you know we're having non-Mutant company, so be discreet."

He nodded. "Ok, I gotcha."

"Good." I nodded to him and left the room. They'd be here any minute. Quickly I walked up to the security room, and calmly watched the cameras that kept an eye on the front gate. To amuse myself I twirled the swivel chair in circles, enjoying the dizziness like a child. Finally, my eye caught on the sight of a beat up blue car pulling to a halt in front of the gates. Quickly I pushed the button to open up the gates, and punched it again once they were through to close them.

Quickly I raced to the door, and opened it just in time for them to come up the steps. They all grinned at me—well Joel wasn't grinning, but he was smiling so it was close enough. Tiff even went as far as to tackle me in a bear hug that I didn't appreciate at all.

"Thank you so much for bringing us here!" she exclaimed.

"You're welcome," I said, quickly detangling myself from her arms. I smiled at the others and gestured for them to enter. "Come on in guys. A lot of the students have left for the long week end, but some of us are still here." I needed some sort of explanation for why there are only three students.

They all looked at me in confusion. "What long week end?"

I shrugged. "PD day," I fibbed. "People often take advantage of them to visit their families. So, do you guys want a tour?"

I kept the tour short. Just through the kitchens, library, gym, 'classrooms', and then stopped in the rumpus room where Kitty and Bobby were arguing about what video game to play. They stopped once we entered and smiled.

"Guys, this is Kitty and Bobby. Kitty and Bobby, this is Ryan, Jason, Joel, Brett and Tiffany." They all waved as I said their names.

"Nice to meet you," Kitty said with a smile. "What video game do you want to play?"

Us three girls watched with amusement as the boys argued over what to play, and eventually they settled on Iron Man, switching controllers whenever someone died. We chatted amiably and munched on some food I managed to scrounge up from the depths of the kitchen.

"I can't believe you had a hidden stash of all these goodies and I didn't realize it," Bobby muttered ungratefully as he stuffed his face with potato chips.

I rolled my eyes. "Get over it Bobby. Besides, with your stomach, I had to hide it."

Kitty snickered. "She's right you know."

Jason frowned. "You shouldn't get between a man and his food," he groused. "It's not right."

"Stop being such a baby," Tiff chided from her comfortable seat next to Brett. "I swear, all men ever think about is their stomachs." Her eyes gleamed wickedly. "That and one other thing." Us girls erupted into giggles and the guys looked at us strangely.

"Do you know what they're talking about?" Brett asked the others.

Jason shook his head. "Nope."

"Don't look at me," Bobby and Ryan said at the same time.

Joel looked at them with disappointment. "If you don't know what they're talking about, there is no hope for you," he said in his soft voice. That had to be one of the longest things I've heard him say.

"I couldn't agree more," I said cheerfully, toasting Joel with my orange soda. He just smirked and turned his attention back to the screen. Suddenly I felt my phone vibrate against my leg. Twisting carefully, I managed to wriggle the phone out of my pocket and slid it open. "Speak."

"Bonjour, chère."

I quickly sat up. "How did you get this number?" I demanded, outraged. The others looked me curiously.

Remy chuckled on the other end. "I'll nevah say. Now, what are y' doin' tonigh'?"

I eyed the phone warily. "I don't have any plans, why?"

"How would y' like t' go out wit' me?"

"A date?" I asked skeptically, now I had everyone's attention. I waved at them to go back to what they were doing, but they ignored me.

"Mais oui." I considered it in silence for a while, then Remy spoke again. "If I'm t' win back your trust, y' need t' give me de chance."

I sighed. "Fine. When and where?"

"I'll pick y' up at five. Wear something you can walk in."

"Walk in? Wait, Remy!" All I could hear was dial tone. "Jerk," I mumbled, pressing the end button on my phone and putting it away.

"So you have a date with Remy?" Kitty asked eagerly.

"Why didn't you tell me Remy was back in town?" Bobby demanded.

"Oh my god! This is they guy you told me about at the skate park, isn't it?" Tiff asked eagerly.

"Who's Remy?" Ryan asked with a frown.

I held up my hands in surrender. "Jeez, let a girl breathe! Stop asking so many—"

I was abruptly cut off by the door suddenly bursting open to reveal Scott, Fang at his heels, and a man in a trench coat over Scott's shoulder. We all stared in shock as Scott dropped him unceremoniously on the floor.

"This guy knows where Jean is," he said, then noticed Ryan and the others. "Who are they?" he asked with a frown.

Slowly I got to my feet and squared off against Scott, my eyes glittering dangerously. "Bobby, could you get the others please," I asked through gritted teeth.

"Yeah, sure." He quickly disappeared.

"Who are they?" Scott demanded again.

"These are my friends; Ryan, Jason, Joel, Brett and Tiffany. And you, Scott, are a dumbass."

He scowled. "It's not my fault no one told me that we were having guests over. I had no idea! You could have called me on my cell."

"Well excuse me for thinking you might enter the mansion like a regular human being!" I screeched. "Next time I'll be sure to expect you to act stupidly!"

"What's going on here?" Logan demanded in his gravelly voice.

I whirled around and pointed an accusatory at Scott. "Dumbo here, just barged right in with this guy over his shoulder and assumed everything will be hunky dory."

Bobby, who had returned with Storm, Hank and Emma in tow, bent down and rolled over the stranger. "Oh crud," he whispered.

"Is that Harpoon?" Kitty gasped.

I glanced over at our guests who were all staring at us and at Harpoon with shock, alarm and confusion. My gaze drew Logan's and he cursed under his breath.

"Taylor, take care of them," he gestured at them. "I'll send Emma in after you. Just in case things don't work out," he whispered in my ear.

I nodded, understanding the implications of that. "Ok. Follow me guys," I said solemnly. Silently they followed me out of the room and I led them to the kitchen, letting them sit at the huge table.

"What the hell was that?" Jason demanded as soon as the door closed. "Who was that guy and what did he do to the other guy?"

I sighed and rubbed my eyes tiredly. "Ok, guys. This is going to be difficult for you to hear, but you have to listen. Ok?"

Ryan nodded and the others followed suit. "Tell us," Ryan gently requested.

I took a deep breath. "Ok, I really don't know how to ease into this gently, so I'm just going to say it. I'm a mutant." Jason choked on his coke, Tiffany gasped and the others' eyes widened.

"A mutant," Brett finally stuttered.

"Like those that attacked Senator Kelly?" Jason demanded angrily. His eyes widened. "I knew I recognized you from somewhere!" He quickly got to his feet, knocking his chair over in the process. "I'm outta here." He walked quickly towards the door, but I was faster. With a fast throwing motion, I took the water from the vase on the table and froze the door so he could get out. Everyone stared at me—in awe or fear, I couldn't tell.

My lips tightened. "No one is leaving until I get the chance to explain properly," I said firmly. "And as for the Senator, that's probably not the best example, but yes." Ryan got up and started pacing. "All of us here at the mansion are mutants. You saw Hank. This school is actually a school for mutants, that's why there are so few of us. There isn't any holiday. This is a haven for anyone who needs it."

"You attacked an innocent man!" Jason snapped.

"We didn't attack him." I snapped in return. "We were there to save him. Someone told us that the Brotherhood was going to try and take the Senator out, we went there to defend him, but the Brotherhood never showed. We were played."

"You don't dye your hair, do you? That roommate was someone you made up," Tiff suddenly declared, eyes full of comprehension.

"That's right." They all looked like they were still in shock. "I'm sorry for lying to you, but do you really blame me? I wasn't sure how you would react, and some of the things we do can get messy."

"All mutants belong with the MRD," Jason hissed. "That's only way normal people like us can be safe!"

Uncontrollable fury turned my vision red. Without my consent, my fists slammed down on the table, flames flickering around them and scorching the table. The others flinched away, but my blazing eyes were locked on Jason.

"Don't you dare talk to me about the MRD," I hissed venomously. "Don't you dare."

"And why not?" he sneered. "All they've ever done is try and protect us."

"And at what cost?" I demanded. "Do you even know what they do? What they've done? Do you?"

"They're justified," he said stubbornly.

"Justified?" I shrieked. "Justified! Were they justified in destroying my life when I had done nothing except be who I am? Were they justified in kidnapping a non-mutant family because they sheltered a mutant who saved their daughter's life?" Tears were streaming down my face by now and all the men in the room were looking rather alarmed, but I continued on in my rant, unable to stop.

"Were they justified in torturing me just because I wouldn't give up the names of other mutants that I knew? Where they justified in doing this to me?" I pointed angrily at the scar across my face with a trembling finger. "Or this?" I pushed up my sleeves to reveal the brands on my upper arms. "Or this?" I yanked off my fingerless gloves, exposing the scars. "Or this?" I pulled up my shirt so they could see more scars on my stomach. "Were they justified Jason?" I cried. "Tell me, because I'd like to know if the reason they put me through hell was justified!" There was a long stretch of silence, filled only by my harsh breathing.

"Taylor?" Tiffany eventually asked quietly. I turned slowly to look at her wide eyes and immediately felt terrible for my outburst. Quickly I turned away, wrapping my arms around myself protectively.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, wiping my tears away but they just kept falling. "I didn't mean to yell at you like that." I felt a tentative hand on my shoulder and immediately shied away. "Don't touch me!" I turned partially and saw Ryan's sad face. "I'm sorry," I apologized again. "I hate it when people touch me."

"That's understandable," he murmured.

"So what was with that Harpoon guy?" Brett asked quietly. I sighed heavily, wiped my tears away, and turned to face them again.

"This isn't the first group of X-men to be organized. A few years ago they were already set up, and there were a lot more people attending this school. But about a year ago there was an accident, an explosion of some kind." I shook my head. "Neither Hank nor Logan were able to figure out what caused it, but in the explosion, the headmaster of the school, Charles Xavier, and Scott's girlfriend, Jean Grey, disappeared.

"Logan reestablished the school a couple months ago, and when he rescued me from the MRD I became a new recruit. He found some of the older members, Kitty, Bobby, Storm, and Scott and they came back to reform the X-men. Though we found Xavier, we still haven't been able to locate Jean, and it's been driving Scott insane." I shrugged. "I can't really blame him. Anyways, apparently he has a lead and this Harpoon guy has information."

"That's so sad," Tiffany said with tears in her eyes. "I can't imagine having someone you love being ripped away like that." Her eyes were on Brett who quickly wrapped his arm around her and kissed her on the forehead.

"It is sad," I agreed quietly. "But we're getting off topic." I fixed each of them with a pointed stare. "Right now each of you has a choice to make. Will you keep our secret, or will you sell us out?" My eyes softened. "Are we still friends?"

There was a long stretch of silence, then Joel spoke.

"I don't know why we're even taking time to consider this," he said calmly, looking me straight in the eyes as my heart froze. "As far as I'm concerned you're good people, Taylor. You have been ever since you cut Jason down to size. I'm your friend, and I'll keep your secret even if no once else does."

I knew there was a reason why I liked Joel so much. I smiled at him, tears stinging my eyes. "Thank you."

Tiffany and Brett looked at each other, then nodded in agreement. "Joel's right," Tiff said in agreement.

Jason slowly nodded grudgingly. "They're right. I'll keep your secret."

I nodded my thanks and then turned to Ryan who was watching me closely. "Well Ryan?"

"Have you ever killed anyone?"

His question caught me off guard, though it probably shouldn't have. "No," I said firmly. "And I don't plan to. So what say you?"

Ryan sighed and smiled wryly. "You're good people. Always have been. Being a mutant doesn't change that. Your secret is safe with us."

I smiled brilliantly at them "Thanks guys."

"So what are your powers?" Jason asked.

I chuckled. They were curious, not frightened. That was good. "I control earth, air, fire and water. Sometime I'll invite you over to watch a Danger Room session. You'll be able to see us all in action. But right now I think you need to go. Like it or not Scott did something incredibly stupid, and we'll probably need to help clean up the mess." I grimaced.

"We understand," Ryan said as he stood, the others following his example. "We'll talk to you later. Go out some time."

I smiled as I led them to the front door. "That sounds nice." I opened the door for them and thumped fists with them as they walked out.

"Have fun tonight," Tiff said. "And introduce Remy to us. I want to meet the guy who caught your eye."

I blushed. "Maybe," I said grudgingly. "See you guys." I quickly shut the door and hurried to the security room to open the gates for them. They waved at the security cameras as they passed by. I chuckled at them, then hurried out to find Logan.

I found him marching towards Scott's room. "Hey Logan, what's the scoop? Are we going to find Jean?"

"No," he growled. "Harpoon didn't have any information about anything. Scott's making a mountain out of mole hill."

"So we're not going anywhere?"

"No."

I shrugged. "Alright then, I'll just go get ready for my date then." I turned to walk away, but Logan quickly grabbed my arm and swung me around, letting go before I could swat him away.

"What date?" he demanded.

"Remy's taking me out tonight. I don't know where, but he's stopping by at five."

"Gumbo's back in town?" he growled and clenched his fists as though to unsheathe his claws. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I shrugged. "You never asked," I offered weakly. He rolled his eyes.

"I suppose he's the one who left you all those gifts, huh?"

"Maybe." He grunted and started stomping over to Scott's room. "He says you've done some really good work on the security system. Apparently it's actually challenging now!" I called after him, and chuckled when his cursing reached my ears.

Casually I sauntered down to my room to figure out what I was going to wear. He said something I could walk in. So I made sure my most comfortable sneakers were on my feet, army green cargo pants on my legs, a black 'There are 3 ninjas on this shirt, find them' shirt, fingerless gloves, and a black sweater around my waist. I made sure I had my cell in my pocket as well as some emergency cash and driver's license. That done I pulled my hair back in a messy ponytail, leaving my bangs down to frame my face. I applied some make up, but not a lot. I didn't want to give the impression I was trying. He was the one who was supposed to impress me.

Once I was done I studied my reflection in the mirror critically. I looked like I was just going to make a quick stop into town. Nothing important, nothing unusual. Just me. Perfect. Casually I checked the clock, it was about 4:45, and decided to watch the gate just in case he came early. And if it was a good place to hide, then all the better. Closeted away in the security room, it was about five to and Remy hadn't shown up, though Kitty did.

"So," she started with a huge grin as she settled comfortably in the swivel chair next to mine. "Are you excited?"

I glared at her, but answered reluctantly. "A bit."

"Where are you going?" She eyed my outfit. "Obviously not somewhere fancy."

I shrugged. "He just said to wear something I can walk in. I can walk in this."

She groaned and rubbed her forehead. "You are so stupid sometimes. You can still walk in a summer dress with some flip-flops. You didn't have to go all…tomboy!"

"This is what I am," I retorted. "If he doesn't like it, then tough!" I glanced at the TV screens and grinned. "Besides, it's too late to change."

Kitty glanced up with surprise as Gambit rolled up to the gates on a very sexy black motorcycle. I pushed the button to open the gate as Kitty whistled.

"Wow. I can't decide whether we should show Logan the bike or not."

I snickered. "Either is potentially dangerous. Come on. I have to go." Kitty followed me out of the room and we walked to the door together, giving her enough time to go through a pep talk I didn't really need. I tuned her out absentmindedly and opened the front door to reveal a very calm and relaxed looking Remy. He was dressed in a pair of jeans, a black shirt, his usual trench coat and combat boots. He was leaning casually against the doorframe with a pair of dark sunglasses hiding his eyes and he grinned lazily when he saw me.

"Bonjour, chère," he purred. "Y' ready?"

I opened my mouth to say yes, but Logan interrupted me.

"Hold up there, bub," he growled. I turned quickly and scowled at him as he stalked towards the door. Remy straightened and stood firmly at the door as Logan faced off against him. I had to admire Remy's guts. Logan looked like some angry water buffalo and any other guy probably would have run off, but Remy stood his ground and even smirked condescendingly at the shorter man. We all stood in tense silence for a couple moments, then Logan spoke.

"I want her home by ten o'clock. Not a minute later."

"Logan!" I protested. " That's not even—"

"Dat's fine," Remy said coolly. "I'll have de petite home by den, Wolvie." He emphasized the horrible nickname mockingly then turned to me. "Ready?"

I sighed and nodded. "Yeah, lets go." I followed him out to his bike and I swear I heard a low whistle from Logan behind me. I pulled on the helmet Remy offered, then climbed on behind me. Remy waited until I was completely settled on the seat with my arms around his stomach before taking off.

I enjoyed the ride. A lot. The speed was exhilarating, and though the wind whipped almost painfully against my bare skin, I didn't feel cold. Warmth from Remy's body warmed me from the outside, and the feeling of his hard abs under my fingers stoked the fire within me. It was almost alarming, but still very enjoyable.

Remy drove us out of town, down a few dirt roads until finally pulling to a halt next to a rather large evergreen tree. It was quiet, after Remy had shut off the engine that is, and I climbed off the bike and propped my helmet up on the seat and looked around. It was absolutely beautiful. Birds were chirping, there was a bit of a light breeze that smelled faintly of rain, a gorgeous view with the town in the distance, and then Remy lightly grasped my hand and tugged me around a clump of trees and I gasped.

Underneath a tree, spread out on a clichéd red and white checkered blanket was a picnic. Sorry, picnic didn't even begin to describe it. It was a whole freaking banquet complete with softly glowing candles. I gaped at the scene for a moment, and then turned to look up at Remy who was looking at me with a smug grin on his face.

"You like?"

"Hell yes! How on earth did you pull this all off?"

He grinned at me mischievously. "Dat's for me t' know and y' t' find out. Now, let's eat." He tugged me forward to the blanket where two plates and two bundles of cutlery wrapped in a red napkin sat. Eagerly I sat down and helped myself to the piles of food including gumbo, rice, salads, rolls, chili, pasta, garlic bread, chips, fish, everything imaginable. I took a little bit of each and was amazed to find that I absolutely loved everything.

"Oh my god," I murmured as I tasted a bit of the gumbo. "This is absolutely amazing. Did you make this?"

"Mais oui. I made almost everyt'ing 'ere."

"It's fabulous," I complimented him again. "Who taught you to cook?"

I watched as his eyes softened a bit as I ate some more gumbo. "Tante Mattie. She is a very powerful voodoo witch and was de cook at the T'ieves Guild where I grew up."

"You miss her, don't you?" I asked softly.

He looked at me sharply, then nodded slowly. "Oui. I miss her very much."

"Why don't you go visit her some time? Or at least give her a call. I'm sure she would love to hear from you."

He looked away from towards the setting sun, a sad twist to his mouth. "Peut-être. But I left de guild under bad circumstances, chère. It ain't safe t' talk to her now. Maybe never."

I frowned at me and quickly swallowed my bite of food. "Don't say that," I said fiercely, winning a surprised look from him. "Don't give up hope, Remy. These days it's the most valuable thing you can have. You'll see your Tante Mattie again someday, Remy. Believe it."

He looked at me solemnly for a moment, then smiled. A real smile too, not his usual smirk. "T'ank y', chère," he said quietly.

I smiled back. "You're welcome." I stared up into his eyes, enchanted by the heat of his gaze and the brilliant colour of his unique eyes. My stomach fluttered nervously and my palms tingled as Remy's face grew closer.

Gently his nose skimmed along my cheek and my eyes closed as I sucked in a deep breath. I felt my plate being gently taken out of my hands and then his large, calloused hands gently cupped my face. My skin felt like it was on fire, but it felt good. Ever so faintly I felt his lips brush against mine, as if asking that it was ok. In response I tentatively pressed my lips more firmly into his and moved them against his.

Remy's response was thrilling and frightening. His lips moved confidently against mine and I found my bottom lip being pulled between his. I gasped and he nibbled on my lip, and that was all the invitation Remy needed. His tongue delved into my mouth and my insides turned to jelly. I had always thought that that was an awfully clichéd phrase used by amateur writers that didn't really happen, but God, with the way I was shaking, it certainly felt like it was true.

Slowly my hands moved around his neck to pull him closer, which he seemed to approve of if his enthusiastic kissing was any indication. My fingers tangled in his hair and I couldn't help but notice how silky it was. Then it happened. His fingers brushed against the bare skin of my stomach as my shirt accidentally slid up and I shuddered violently as I remembered the last time someone touched the skin of my belly.

Pictures of the MRD, the scarred officer that tortured me in that metal chair, and of Stone as he grinned manically as he cut me up. Suddenly, I didn't feel Remy's hands on me, I felt the aching burn from the bands and the whip. With a small gasp I pushed Remy's hands away and scrambled to get a few feet away from him. My body was shaking uncontrollably, and I curled up in a small ball as though to protect my body from the phantom pain.

I felt a large hand touch my shoulder, and I reacted instinctively. With a cry I whipped around and threw him against the ground, pinning him there with my body. My hand rose up as if I was going to punch him, only a large ball of flames gathered on my fist. I was about to unleash it when I suddenly realized just who I had pinned under my body.

Remy lay on the grass beneath me, looking up at me with his piercing red eyes. Remy, not Stone. Remy, who hands were gentle and loving; not Stone who was hard, frightening and painful. Remy, my potential boyfriend, not my torturer who I was about to incinerate, who I pushed away in the middle of a make out session.

God, what kind of freak was I who attacked a guy who was just kissing me and when I had been enjoying it thoroughly?

Slowly the flames on my fist extinguished and I rolled off him. Quickly I turned my back on him, trying to hide my burning cheeks. A few tears streaked down my face and I snuffled wetly as I brought my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around my legs.

I was such a mess. Sure, I had known it before, it wasn't exactly normal or healthy to shun human contact like I did, but this was the first time I realized the extent of my problems. And now Remy knew it too. Would he want to stay with a girl as broken as me? I wasn't sure if I would in his place. A man as attractive as Remy would probably be used to sane, beautiful girls who could kiss him—and let's face it, probably do a lot more than that—without attempting to kill him.

"Taylor?" Remy asked quietly. I cringed at the sound of my name—I couldn't remember the last time he used my proper name—and tried to wipe my tears away and gain a measure of control, but they kept flowing anyways. Eventually I gave up and swallowed painfully.

"I'm sorry," I croaked, my voice cracking painfully.

I heard him slowly stand and walk to my side. He sat next to me but didn't attempt to touch me. I just turned my face away, trying to hide my tears. We sat in silence for a long time, giving me time to stop my tears. Eventually Remy started speaking again.

"Are y' alrigh', chère?"

I turned and stared at him in disbelief. How could he just sit there as though he hadn't had a brush with Death? He didn't look scared, horrified, angry or disgusted at my breakdown, he simply looked concerned.

"I'm sorry," I said quietly, my voice a bit more steady than before.

"What for?"

I looked at him incredulously. "What for?" I repeated, astonished. "What do you mean, what for? I completely freaked out on you for no reason at all, and nearly kill you in the process! God, I'm such a freak!"

His hands flew to my shoulders and I gaped at him as he gave me a small shake. "Stop," Remy immediately barked, staring at me intensely. "You're not a freak, so don' even t'ink abou' it. I may not know de details abou' what happened to y', but I know it was somet'ing terrible. People don' get over somet'ing like dat easily. Frankly I'm surprised y' let me touch y' at all. You're strong, chère, I know wit' time and patience you'll get over dis."

I stared into his eyes, touched by his words, but I had to know… "Are you willing to give me those things, Remy?"

His eyes softened, and his grip on my shoulders relaxed. Tenderly he brushed his thumb under my eye, brushing away a few tears I hadn't realized I had shed. ""Always," he murmured. Swiftly he leant in and gave me a quick peck on the lips. "Now," he continued brightly, as if nothing had just happened. "Y' ready for dessert?"

I smiled at him. "Yeah, sounds great. What is it?"

"Chocolate cake."

"You're my hero."

He chuckled and climbed to his feet then helped me up. We walked back to the blanket and sat back down in our places. Then Remy pulled out a large chocolate cake from a basket that almost looked too good to eat. Dark chocolate icing with chocolate shavings spread liberally over the surface.

"Did you make this too?" I asked in disbelief.

"Mais oui. I'm a good chef, if I do say so myself."

I shook my head and accepted the piece he offered me. "You're amazing." Quickly I took a bite of the cake and I groaned. "This has to be the best cake I have ever tasted."

"I'm glad y' like it, chère. Some people don' appreciate de dark chocolate on top. Too bitter dey say."

I snorted. "Dark chocolate is damn good, plus it's better for you than milk chocolate. A double plus I would say." I took another bite, then nearly choked as my cell phone started to ring shrilly. Carefully I put my plate to the side and pulled my cell out of my pocket.

"Hello?"

"It's me," Logan growled on the other end. "We've got a problem."

"What's wrong?" I demanded.

"Sinister has set up a trap for Scott. We're going after him. We need you back at the school yesterday."

"Shit, ok. I'll be there in 20 minutes."

"That's not soon enough, Taylor."

I scowled. "Well what do you want me to do? We're not in town!"

He growled. Literally growled. "Hurry," he snapped, then hung up on me. Quickly I snapped my phone shut and turned to Remy.

"Y' need to go." It wasn't a question, more of an understanding statement.

"Yes, emergency back at the mansion. I'm so sorry."

He nodded and kissed my hand. "It's not a problem, chère. Let's go." Quickly he pulled me up and we hurried towards the bike.

"What about the food?" I asked.

"I'll deal wit' it after. Don' worry 'bout it."

"In case I don't have a chance to tall you later, I had a great time tonight. Thank you."

We stopped at the bike and Remy paused as he handed me the helmet. Quickly he kissed me and pulled me close to his body. I kissed him back and wrapped my arms around his neck, burying my fists into his hair. Eventually we pulled away for some air and he rest his forehead against mine.

"Like it enough t' try it again sometime?"

I grinned up at him. "Definitely," I breathed.

"Good," he murmured. "Now let's go before Wolvie does somet'ing stupid."

I shoved the helmet on my head as Remy started the bike, then climbed on behind him. I clutched his waist tightly as we roared away from the magical evening. Sometimes being an X-man wasn't a lot of fun.

Sorry it took so long to get out, but here is another chapter at last. Hopefully it's length and all the drama makes up for its tardiness. For those of you who might have been looking forward to a fight scene, sorry to disappoint, but I can guarantee that there will be many more opportunities later.

Cheers!

French:

Chère – dear/darling

Mais Oui – of course

Bonjour – hello

Oui – yes

Peut-être