Red in Tooth and Claw
Trish Tilby had had to get away from her apartment. She couldn't bear the thought of being alone there that night. Almost every piece of furniture in the house had been quite literally demolished in the fight. What could she do except sit amidst the rubble and stare at the cracks in the walls. Even if her home hadn't been wrecked she wouldn't have been able to stay there. The memory of Creed was too fresh in her mind. She couldn't believe now that she'd ever called Hank's new yellow eyes predatory. If you looked closely you could still see all the warmth and humanity in them. There was none of that in Creed's eyes, only bloodlust and hatred. She rubbed at the bruises on her throat remembering as his hand closed round her neck. She'd showered three times and she still didn't feel clean. That stench of blood and death would linger in her dreams for a long time to come.
If Hank hadn't saved me I'd have been raped and then torn apart. I'd just be another of his hundreds of victims. Just like Hank to get there just in time to save my life. No I can't bring myself to think what would have happened if he'd just been a couple of minutes later. I'll wake up screaming in the night often enough without making it worse.
Then there was the matter of her broken heart. She'd been longing for the chance to speak to Hank again. She'd wanted to apologize to him and beg his forgiveness. When Hank had saved her she was sure that meant at least a part of him still loved her. Trish had been sure that Hank would give her that last chance. So sure that he'd laugh and say of course he forgave her. This time she would have remembered the important thing about him. No matter the difference in appearance what was most important about Hank hadn't changed, he was still perhaps the most human man she'd ever met. Those hopes and dreams had been dashed when he spoke and now it seemed he'd never taken her back.
He had spoken to her gently with no anger or hatred in his tone. Instead there was regret and a little pity for her which was perhaps far worse. He told her that they might one day be friends and that he didn't hate her. That was all she could ever hope for now and it would have to be enough. She knew he was sincere when he said he couldn't love her or trust her again. Maybe he was right and she'd always cared more for her career than she did for him. Ironically his eyes had told her his true feelings. They held the anger and the hurt that had been absent in his voice. Gentleman to the last he wouldn't speak his mind to her. She knew how he really felt though and when she thought of it she couldn't really blame him.
"Goodbye Hank. To what might have been," whispered Trish as she downed the martini in one gulp.
She'd long since lost count of how many she'd had. However many it didn't seem nearly enough. She just couldn't seem to stop in her desperation to drown out the memories of Sabretooth and Beast. She knew she shouldn't be drinking so much but she had no intention of stopping. Maybe the alcohol would help her to forget the sorrow and terror for a short while. Besides she couldn't bear to leave this bar and go out onto the darkened streets. You never knew who you might meet late at night, maybe even a monster.
"Trish Tilby, what a surprise to meet you here. Forgive the cliché but what is a woman like you doing in a place like this?" the voice was deep and rich almost a purr.
Trish looked up seeing a man she vaguely recognized. For a second she felt a thrill of fear sensing something dangerous, almost predatory about him but she quickly dismissed this. She was just feeling jumpy from her close encounter with Victor Creed, yes that was it. Besides he was quite an imposing man but looking at him again he seemed harmless enough. In fact he was giving her a friendly smile and offering his hand for her to shake. As they shook hands she noticed he had a firm grip. Suddenly she remembered where she recognized him from.
"Thomas Fireheart isn't it? Yes you're the CEO of Fireheart Enterprises and you were the editor of the Daily Bugle for a time. I remember I interviewed you just last year and then we last met at a party I think. I'm just not thinking too straight at the moment I'm afraid. I just had the most; oh I don't even want to think about it."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Here dry your eyes," Trish gratefully accepted the proffered handkerchief.
"Thanks, you're being very kind."
"Actually not a lot of people say that about me," purred Thomas his grin exposing perhaps a little too much canine.
"Well you're being kind to me. I guess I just need someone to talk to. I hope you don't mind."
"No let me be a shoulder for you to cry on. Believe me I'm more than willing to listen. But first let us talk of happier times, Hank McCoy perhaps?"
As Trish Tilby began hesitantly at first to talk Thomas Fireheart allowed himself a triumphant grin. Creed's major mistake had been trying to make Beast fight him on his own terms. Any good hunter knew that you first had to study the prey to find its weakness. Then you waited until the right moment to strike. Puma intended to know everything about his prey and what better way to start than with the people he knew. While he may not have liked killing innocents he certainly had no qualms about using them.
I'll be almost sorry to have to kill you Henry McCoy. There is much I find admirable in you and I truly believe we could be friends. Still I'm a hunter and I can't afford to let sentiment for my prey to interfere in my job. I'll enjoy the hunt Henry McCoy but I doubt I'll take much pleasure in the kill. Don't doubt I will kill you Henry but I promise it will be both merciful and quick.
Xavier Institute for Higher Learning
The party was in full swing now with the students, Jubilee, Remy and Hank having a great time. Normally Bobby would have been in the thick of it. He was usually enjoying himself immensely and pulling pranks or jokes. Now he was lost too deep in thought to care. Something was preying on his mind, a jibe that Hank had made earlier. Hank had said it jokingly but Bobby hadn't seen humor in his eyes. What had Hank meant when he said,' it might even be you'? Hank had told him about Creed's comments on him being Hank's mate. Of course it was probably all just a sick little joke on Sabretooth's part. What if Creed had picked up on something they both missed though? Could Hank see him as more than a friend but be afraid to admit to this. Maybe he ought to talk to Hank and try and find out just what if anything he was hiding.
Finding Hank proved to be easy. The low rumbling purr sounded like a motorbike revving up. Bobby had to smile when he saw the source of Hank's delight. One massive clawed paw was delicately holding up a piece of catnip. Hank was slowly lowering his shaggy head, broad nostrils flaring as he inhaled the heady scent of the catnip. More purring and a deep sigh of pleasure as yellow eyes blinked and slowly closed. Bobby poked Hank gently in the ribs and startled the feline mutant blinked awake.
"Stars and garters, what ails you my friend?"
"I need to talk to you Hank about something you said earlier. You know you said you might find a special someone and it might be a man. Well what did you mean when you said it might even be me?"
Hank sighed heavily; he'd been both dreading and expecting this question. He wished he could give Bobby the clear answer he deserved but that couldn't be. The truth was that he didn't know the answer himself. He was relieved he couldn't detect anger in Bobby's voice just curiosity and maybe the faintest trace of hope. He could just take the easy route and blow it off as a joke in bad taste. Bobby knew him too well and deserved better for Hank to do that though. He'd have to think very carefully about answering. He felt more worried at this moment than at any time when he was fighting with Creed. A couple of minutes passed before Hank answered.
"Recently Bobby I've been going through a lot of changes and I'm a very different person than I used to be. Even now I still have to come to terms with being feline. I miss my old hands Bobby; I miss the gentle blue eyes I used to have. Sometimes I'm not even sure if I'm still a human being. I'm still the person I always have been inside but there is another side to me now. I've got predator's instincts and I've got to fight them. Like Wolverine I'm in a struggle between my humanity and the beast within. Nothing is the same any more."
A clawed finger reached out and gently cupped Bobby's chin. Yellow eyes gazed at him fondly and there was real warmth in Hank's voice.
"One thing that hasn't changed is my friendship with you Bobby. You are and always will be my best friend. I would die for you and I know you'd do the same for me. Now as I've said I'm not really sure who I am anymore and that includes my sexuality. I just don't know whether I'm gay or not and if my feelings for you might be deeper than friendship. I can't answer you're question Bobby since I don't know how I feel myself. I do have a question of my own for you. If it does turn out to be true that I love you Bobby how would you feel about that?"
Hank was tense now, muscles quivering with his agitation and mane bristling. He didn't know what Bobby would think. He'd understand anger and he just hoped Bobby would forgive him. He relaxed visibly when Bobby patted him on the head.
"I'll have to think about it Hank but honestly I don't think anything you do could make me hate you. I don't think it would disturb me if you did love me. You never know Hank I might love you too. Let's just wait and see how things go and maybe we'll find out how we really feel. The one thing I do know is that you're my best friend. You always have been and nothing will ever change that."
"Likewise Bobby, no matter what happens we shall always be friends. Bobby please could you scratch behind my ears again, I think I need a bit of stress relief."
Bobby was only too happy to oblige.
Elsewhere at the party
"I mean Hank totally thrashed Creed. He threw him in the garbage where he belonged. It's not over though is it? Sabretooth's going to come back and he'll be angry," Jubilee's voice lost all trace of its earlier enthusiasm.
She knew too well just what Creed was capable off. He'd tried to kill Wolverine dozens of times over the years she'd known him. He never gave up trying no matter how badly he was defeated or how many pieces Logan carved him into. Sometimes she'd hoped he was dead and that this time he wasn't coming back. Each time her hopes were dashed because he did come back. Usually even more deadly and bloodthirsty than before.
Given the humiliation of his latest defeat Creed would be absolutely livid. He'd want Hank to suffer deeply for that defeat. That meant he'd be coming after those he cared for and Jubilee suspected she would be his choice. Firstly she had a special place in Logan's heart and Creed had vowed to kill everyone that Logan cared for. Secondly she was a young woman and the sort of prey that Creed preferred. Thirdly she'd humiliated Creed himself on more than one occasion. The fact that Hank also cared for her was just a bonus. Even now just the thought of facing Sabretooth again sent her heart racing.
"Oui chere dat fleabag will come back. Don't worry chere, Remy know dat we can defeat him. Remy know all de tricks of monsieur Creed and dat he will train Hank. Then we shall see dat de best cat will win. 'Sides Remy bet dat you will help chere."
"Oh yeah you better believe it Gumbo. I'm going to turn Creed into kitty litter. Well yeah, I might need a little help with that."
"Dat's de spirit chere," chuckled Remy and soon Jubilee found that she was smiling too.
"So it seems I'm not the only one who's been at the catnip then,"
Remy raised an eyebrow as he found Hank had crept up right behind them. Still at least he seemed a little less troubled than he had earlier. Whatever he'd been talking about with Bobby seemed to have been resolved. A crunch and another purr followed as Hank popped another Twinkie into his mouth.
"We were just discussing Sabretooth mon ami. Remy just wonder when you'd like to start de training."
"Tomorrow will do fine I think Remy. For now it's high time that I enjoyed myself a little. Who knows when we'll next get the chance for recreation? You know the old saying, eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we may hang? Admirable advice isn't it. Of course I'm not likely to be hung but having my throat ripped out by Sabretooth is an equally undesirable fate,"
"Hank you wiped the floor with him remember. If he shows up again I know you're going to righteously kick his butt all the way to Canada. After all you're our fantabulous ferocious fuzz-ball," Jubilee slapped him on the back.
"Well bless my stars and garters. With encouragement like that I can hardly fail. Besides I could never disappoint Jubilation Lee. Now let's see."
Hank clapped his paws together drawing everyone's attention.
"Who'd like a game of tag? Come on I'll race you to the lounge," he bellowed.
Remy smiled as Hank made a rapid dash for the exit with Jubilee and a crowd of students hot on his heels. Hank's training could begin tomorrow. For now he might as well enjoy himself.
"Oui Hank, dis Cajun know dat together Creed stand no chance at all against us,"
Remy glanced towards the Sabretooth doll earlier constructed by one of the students. A flick of his wrist sent a biokinetically charged card winging its way towards it. The explosion tore the model in two.
"Bang you dead mon ami," whispered Remy with a cold grin.
Somewhere in New York
"Hi handsome, want to," the woman gulped as the man snarled at her exposing sharp fangs.
Shrieking she ran off into the night and Creed didn't even have the heart to chase her. Instead he slumped down in the doorway. He hung his head in shame feeling thoroughly dejected. His injuries were fully healed now but his pride would take a long time to heal. He hadn't just lost the fight but been utterly crushed. Hank had shown him mercy, far crueler than killing him like he should have. Instead he'd just been thrown into a garbage dumpster like some useless piece of trash. Actually that was just how he felt at the moment.
His clothes were in tatters and strewn with substances best left unmentioned. He'd managed to pick most of the rubbish out of his hair and muttonchops. Still he hadn't been entirely successful and his hair still lay lank and greasy. His skin was smeared with dried blood and offal from the waste. He'd felt too weak after Puma had left except to lie back in the malodorous if surprisingly comfortable garbage. He'd just let himself go unconscious, surrendering to his pain and humiliation and let himself heal. He'd awoken fully healed but further humiliated. While he was sleeping somebody had only gone and stolen his boots. He'd loved those boots and he hated having to walk barefoot. Well that was just one more thing Hank was going to pay for.
"Yeah I'm going ta rip yer throat out shaggy. I'll make ya pay fer humiliating me bub," snarled Creed weakly.
He hung his head again in shame gazing down at his wiggling tones. Absently he picked pieces off dirt from under his claws. Yes he'd make Hank pay just as soon as he felt like it. For now he really wasn't up to anything but wallowing in his own misery.
"How the mighty have fallen," a voice said sarcastically.
Creed growled, that was Hank's scent. Had Beast come to mock him and inflict further humiliation on him? Just what did Beast want him to do? Roll on his back before him, offer him his throat or just grovel in the dirt? Or maybe Hank would settle for him licking his boots. Or maybe he'd come to lecture Creed on the errors of his ways. Then abruptly Creed's self pity vanished as he realized something about the scent. It was almost identical to Hank's but with a delicious tang of death that meant it could only be one person.
"Dark Beast?"
"You really are perceptive my poor beleaguered feral. Now so far I'm most disappointed in your progress. You're going to have to do a lot better if we're to eliminate this deadly nuisance once and for all. Fortunately my brilliant mind is here to help you with your thinking. Now let's see if we can come up with a decent plan between us," McCoy showed his fangs in another mocking grin.