Here you beggars, more story for you since y'all asked so nicely and it's impossible to leave these two alone they are just too cute! Yeah, I meant to have this out like a week ago but erm, well I have no excuses all that counts is that it's out now, yes? Do enjoy mes amis there shall be more to come…
Chapter Five
Scott paced back and forth in the rec room angrily. He couldn't believe that they had failed to find Kurt yet again. They had been searching for four days now and even Wolverine had barely found a trace of him. The Professor and Jean had been doing telepathic sweeps ever since they had realized that Kurt was gone. A few times they had gotten brief readings but it would be gone again before they had the chance to get a lock on him or make any type of contact. At least they knew that Kurt was still alive.
Scott blamed himself for not talking to Kurt when he had the chance. Maybe if he had spoken with Kurt this could have somehow been avoided. He should have insisted that he give Kurt a ride home or walked home with him. Not that it mattered now.
Kurt had looked so terrified in the kitchen that night that it had nearly given Scott a heart attack as well. The entire next day Kurt had been depressed, Scott could see it in his eyes even though he acted happy and Scott realized that the depression had always been there, hidden behind the mask. He had never even thought that Kurt might not be anything except what he let everyone see. He knew better now, though, and would not make that mistake again.
At first, he had thought that maybe Kurt had run away but when neither Wolverine nor the telepaths could find him, Scott knew that somebody had to have done something to Kurt.
They had checked out the Brotherhood but they insisted that they had nothing to do with Kurt's disappearance. Wolverine had confirmed that they were telling the truth.
Just now they had finished searching another area of Bayville but it had been yet another dead end; no sign of Kurt. Scott was beginning to think that Kurt would be lost to them forever. Scott pulled himself out of his dark musing when he heard Jean enter the room. She looked like she was about ready to boil over with excitement and he raised an eyebrow at her in question.
"Kurt's home," she almost squealed. Scott turned and was about to run to the main entrance when Jean stopped him. "He's not alone though."
"What do you mean?" He wished that she would hurry, he had to go and see that Kurt was fine with his own eyes but Jean was delaying him.
"One of Magneto's people is with him."
"What?!" He turned away from Jean again and proceeded to run for the main entrance.
"Scott! We don't know anything about what went on, so try and be civil!" Scott didn't bother with an answer, already out of the room. There was no way an Acolyte could be anything but bad news and Scott wasn't about to let him do any more harm than he had probably already caused.
#
Remy told him that he wanted Kurt to speak with both the Professor and Hank, that he wanted Kurt to tell them the truth about what happened. The whole truth. Even about the rape. Kurt tried to argue with him, to tell Remy that he was okay, that they didn't need to bother anyone with his problems. It was over so why even bring it up again when it would be easier to just forget about it?
Remy explained it to him. It wasn't over yet. He had to be tested, what if he had picked something up? They couldn't take the risk, Hank had to know. The Professor had to know because he was Kurt's teacher and guardian, he had a right to know and he might be able to help Kurt work through it. That was it though. Kurt refused to tell anybody else and Remy had agreed, nobody else needed to know.
They were now sitting on the bike, which Remy had brought back with him when he had left Kurt for a couple hours earlier that day, in front of the large iron gates of the mansion. Kurt was beginning to get doubts again. What if the Professor told everybody else? What if Hank's tests came back positive? That possibility terrified him. Wouldn't it be easier to never know?
But he was with an empath and Remy sensed his fear. Half twisting in his seat, Remy faced Kurt and cupped his cheek with one hand. Kurt swallowed and met Remy's eyes.
"I don't know if I can do this," he whispered. Remy had shut off the bikes engine and, so, had no problems hearing him.
"I know dat y' can, cher. Y' don' have t' do dis alone; I'm gonna be right dere t' help y'. I swear," Remy said passionately. He sent a wave of love and comfort to Kurt, feeling him relax some. He brushed his thumb over Kurt's jaw once before turning back to the gates. He left the empathic link open between them, wanting Kurt to know that he would be there. Pushing the bike forward and he grinned into the camera that was set into the wall, speaking into the intercom.
"T'ink I found somet'ing y'all might want back," Remy said flippantly. Kurt could tell that Remy was more nervous than he was showing. He began to feel selfish. He hadn't even thought about how hard it had to be on Remy coming here. He was about to face his previous enemies and all Kurt could think of was himself? How big of a jerk was he?
Remy felt the sudden concern and tried to reassure Kurt. The gates creaked open before them and, after taking a steadying breath, Remy started the bike and headed up the driveway.
Even though he didn't show it Remy's nervousness increased the closer they got to the mansion, Kurt could feel it pulsing across the link. Kurt was beginning to think that this had been a bad idea, not only for himself but for Remy as well. At the same time however, he couldn't help feeling that it might be nice to see his friends again.
Peering over Remy's shoulder, he could already see several people were gathering on the steps. He figured that he should feel guilty for making them worry but he couldn't bring himself to. He was glad that he had stayed away, not the least of which was because if he had chosen go home right away Remy would not be here with him now, would not be staying.
Seeing his friends and what he now considered his home did bring a wave of relief over him but that was instantly followed by the fear that they would no longer want to be his friends if they found out what happened. He didn't even want to think about what they would say about him and Remy.
As they pulled up in front of the mansion he pushed his thoughts away and let his usual mask of joyful joker slip easily back into place. He gave Remy a quick squeeze around the waist where he had been holding on, to both give and receive reassurance, and smiled slightly when one of Remy's hands dropped momentarily to cover his. He then hoped off the bike and turned to face the X-Men that waited for him.
"Kurt! Like where the heck have you been? I've been worried sick about you!" Kitty yelled as she ran forward and practically bowled Kurt over as she leapt at him, hugging him fiercely.
"Sorry, Kitty. I just had some things I had to think about," he lied easily, hugging Kitty back.
"You jerk! Don't ever do that again!" she chided. He chuckled at her.
"Don't worry, I don't plan on it."
"Where have ya been, Kurt?" Rogue asked, giving him a quick hug. Everybody else seconded her question. Kurt studied them for a second.
"Well, I was walking home from school when suddenly this bird flew by and attacked me-"
"A bird?" Rogue questioned flatly.
"Do you want to hear the story or not?" Rogue held up her hands and gestured for him to continue. "Where was I? Oh, yes a bird attacked and knocked me backwards into a portal that sent me to another dimension where I had to fight with my alternate self who was trying to take over the world. I won, of course, and the people turned me into a god and showered me with riches. They offered me a place to stay but I declined and came back here after giving all my gold to the poor people," Kurt finished. Everybody just stared at him like he was insane and he grinned back at them, feeling the amusement that came from Remy.
"You're full of bull," Bobby replied. The distraction of his story worked though and everyone went back to expressing how glad they were that he was back.
#
Remy watched silently from his seat on the bike as Kurt greeted his friends, receiving hugs and words of cheerfulness at his return. Kurt was grinning and joking but Remy knew that underneath that mask he was uncomfortable. Kurt had so far managed to dodge any questions concerning where he had been but he wouldn't be able to avoid them forever.
They mostly ignored Remy, except for a few suspicious looks or glares directed his way. He was fine with it though, he didn't want to answer their questions until after he had the chance to speak with Xavier who had yet to make his appearance.
Remy sat back, content to watch Kurt who, though still marginally uncomfortable, was truly happy to be back with his friends again. Remy felt a sudden pang of jealousy, unwarranted he knew, but he didn't want to have to share Kurt. He had gotten used to having Kurt to himself for these past few days. It made him wish, vaguely, that he had listened to Kurt and that they had gone off on their own. But he couldn't lock Kurt away from his friends and family just because he didn't feel like sharing so he pushed the childish jealousy aside and hoped that Kurt hadn't noticed it through the link.
Kurt didn't notice, too caught up in greeting his friends that he seemed to have forgotten Remy was there at all. What if Kurt did forget about him?
This time Kurt did turn to look at him, feeling the fear and abandonment that seemed to drip down the link. Remy smiled at him a bit sheepishly, knowing that he had been caught brooding. And as Kurt's attention turned to him so did the rest of the X-Men's that were gathered on the steps. Remy stared back at them indifferently, an almost bored expression on his face. It was Cyclops who finally spoke first.
"How did *you* find Kurt anyway?"
Remy smiled a little sardonically at him. "Guess I jus' happened t' be at de right place."
Scott seemed to be frustrated with his less than elaborate response but Remy wasn't about to divulge any information that would give him a clue as to what had happened. "And just how long ago did you *find* him?" It was obvious that Scott didn't believe him but Remy couldn't really blame Scott for it. He was the enemy after all, or at least that's what Scott thought. It still didn't stop Remy from becoming angry at Scott's superior attitude towards him.
He was about to bite out a sarcastic response when Kurt stepped in between them, stilling the argument. The other X-Men watched in wary curiosity.
"Calm down, Scott." Cyclops looked at him in surprise as Kurt stood beside Remy almost protectively. "Remy didn't do anything to hurt me; I might not even be here now if he hadn't found me."
Scott was silent for a moment, studying Remy skeptically. "*Remy*?" He clearly did not think that Remy had any good intentions being here. Remy could feel the angry pulse from Kurt.
"It's his name, Scott," Kurt bit out.
"Why would an *Acolyte* help you?" Scott asked snidely. Remy sneered at Scott and stepped closer to him.
"Y' t'ink y' know anyt'ing about me?" Neither of them got the chance to say anything more as the professor finally made his appearance.
"Scott," Xavier warned. Scott hesitated a moment before backing down, though he still kept a wary eye on Remy. "Kurt, Gambit," he acknowledged them both. "I would like to speak with you both in my office." Remy and Kurt shared a glance, Remy silently telling Kurt that it would be okay, before they turned and followed Xavier into the house.
#
Kurt let himself fall back into one of the large comfy chairs that were set up in Xavier's office facing his desk. He knew what the Professor would want to speak with them about and knew that he would have to tell the truth. Telling the Professor some far out tale would not work to distract him like it did the others and Kurt could feel his good mood from only moments before evaporating. Remy stood by his side though, one hand resting lightly on his shoulder and he drew strength from that simple contact.
The Professor looked at them both in what Kurt thought was confusion and interest. What could possibly be confusing the Professor, the man was a genius? Xavier fixed his gaze on Gambit before speaking, his brows furrowed slightly.
"Gambit, are you a telepath?"
Gambit was surprised by the question, not understanding why Xavier would think that. "Non. Why?" His confusion was evident in his voice.
"You are not only shielding your own mind but Kurt's as well, it's like the two of you are not even in the room, though I can clearly see you I can not feel your minds. Do you have any type of mental ability?" Remy narrowed his eyes, ignoring the Professor's question.
"Y' trying t' read our minds now, homme?"
"I would not read someone's mind unless they gave me permission," Xavier replied calmly.
"Actually…maybe that's not such a bad idea," Kurt spoke up softly. Remy looked down at him concerned.
"Lettin' him read y' mind?"
"I don't…" Kurt swallowed and tried to speak again. "I don't think I can say…what happened…" He tried to calm himself and slow his heartbeat, forcing himself away from the panic attack that he knew was about to happen. "It would be easier…"
"Y' sure?" Remy asked softly, squeezing Kurt's shoulder. He looked down at Kurt in concern, obviously not thinking that this was a good idea but Kurt trusted the professor and nodded his head.
The Professor watched their exchange silently, wondering at the fierce protectiveness that seemed to radiate off Gambit. Once he saw Kurt nod his head he smiled, glad that Kurt trusted him.
"Would you like to start now?" Xavier was beginning to grow more worried by the moment. He didn't want to imagine what might have happened to Kurt to reduce the boy to this obviously terrified state.
Kurt didn't answer; too busy trying to keep himself from breaking down completely in front of the Professor.
"I t'ink dat Beast needs t' be here as well," Gambit said. Xavier looked startled by the request but decided to leave the questions for later.
"Very well. Why don't you come back here in an hour then, Kurt? Until then there are several people who have missed you and I'm sure would like the opportunity to see you again. Kurt nodded his head, glad that he would be able to collect himself before he came back. He stood and teleported out of the office and to his room. All he wanted right now was to be alone and gather himself before meeting with the Professor and Hank.
Remy blinked at the spot where Kurt had been before turning to the Professor. "Should I be expecting you at that time as well Gambit, or will you be going back to Magneto?" No judgment colored his tone.
"Dat's somet'ing I need t' speak wit' y' about," Remy admitted. Xavier waited patiently for him to continue. "I'd like t' join de X-men," he said bluntly. Xavier was taken aback for a moment.
"I must admit that this is a surprise. Might I ask what your reasons for wanting to join are?"
"Reason, actually. Kurt, I'm not leaving him," Remy said in a tone that brooked no argument. Xavier smiled at him.
"You seem to care a great deal for him."
"Oui an' he asked me t' be here so I am not leaving."
"No one is going to ask you to leave, Remy. You are welcome to stay here." Remy snorted at that but elected not to say anything. He doubted that Scott, or any of the others for that matter, would be too happy to have him here. He nodded politely at the Professor and quickly took his leave anxious to get to Kurt and make sure that he was okay.
#
Fifteen minutes later Remy was aimlessly wandering the halls having no idea where Kurt's room was. He knocked on all the doors he passed hoping that eventually he would have to come to the right one. That was if Kurt had even gone to his room, but the fact was he could be anywhere. Remy was seriously beginning to consider asking for help. He knocked on another door and was surprised when he actually got a reply, even if it wasn't the one that he had hoped for.
"What the hell do ya want? That had better not be you again Bobby or Ah swear ta God-" The door swung open and revealed a gothic girl with a white strip in her bangs. Remy distinctly remembered trying to blow up her hand the last time they had met and knew that this would not be very pleasant.
"Uh, hey, chere," he greeted. She glared at him. From the look of that glare Remy wondered if he should start running now.
"Shouldn't y'all be back with Magneto by now?"
Remy grinned at her a little smugly. "Actually I be an X-Man now so I t'ink I'll be hanging around a bit." Her look of shocked surprise turned to outright anger and Remy figured that now would be a good time to make his retreat. "I was just wondering where Kurt's room was."
"An' what makes ya think Ah'm gonna tell ya that?"
"If y' tell me I'll leave y' alone?" Remy tried hopefully.
"Tempting, but if Kurt wanted ya ta know where his room was Ah'm sure he woulda told ya." She seemed like she was about to go back into her room but faced him once more. "Ah better not find out that ya did anything ta hurt him, Cajun, or you're gonna start wishin' that ya never showed up here." That said she turned back into her room and slammed the door in his face. Remy stood there for a second before shrugging and continuing down the hallway knocking on doors as he went. Luckily it was only a few more minutes before another mutant came down the hall towards him, Kitty he had heard Kurt call her.
"Hey, are you like lost?" she asked happily.
"I'm trying t' find Kurt's room," he explained.
"You're standing right next to it," she said in amusement. Remy turned his head to look at the door by his side.
"Oh. T'anks." He reached for the doorknob but turned to look at Kitty who stood watching him.
"I guess I'll just be going then," she said a little awkwardly before turning and running off to her and Rogue's room. Remy shook his head and twisted the knob, stepping into the room. Remy looked around the darkened room for a moment and spotted Kurt standing by the window. He walked up behind Kurt and wrapped his arms around Kurt's waist. Kurt leaned back into him.
"Hey cher," he whispered.
"I'm sorry for leaving; I just didn't want to be in there any longer." Kurt turned in Remy's arms and looked up into Remy's eyes.
"'S'okay," Remy murmured, placing a kiss on Kurt's hair.
"Do we have to do this?"
"Oui, y' know we do."
"It's hard."
"I know, but don' forget dat I'll be dere wit' y'. Told de Professor dat I wanted t' join up."
Kurt looked at him hopefully. "And?"
Remy smiled at him. "Looks like I'm an X-Man, cher." Kurt grinned and Remy couldn't help but to grin along with him. Kurt could feel the uncertainty though and looked back down, smile vanishing.
"I'm sorry. I keep forgetting that this is hard on you too."
"Oui, but dat's alright, we'll get t'rough dis toget'er, non?"
Kurt looked back up at him with a small smile. "Ja, we will." He leaned in and kissed Remy still a little unsure but soon forgot any hesitance as Remy kissed him back.