(Eight)
Later that night, Kimble snuck quietly across the hanger, a full backpack in one hand. He had been studying the hanger cameras and remembered the lessons Remy had inadvertently taught him. The tracking bracelet had been left behind in his room under a pile of rolled up blankets made to look as if he were sleeping. He was ready for his first attempt at escape.
He ran down the launch tunnel for the Blackbirds and to the back door, taking the same exact route Remy had taken him. He found the locking panel to the rear security door and hacked it, by-passing the grid with perfect skill. He learned quickly and didn't forget, not this pilot. He snuck out the door and took off into the night, running down the access road Remy had used to leave the grounds.
Kimble knew it would be easier and faster to fly, but he wasn't skilled enough yet. That didn't mean he wasn't willing to try just a little. His exhilaration pumping him up, he ran and vaulted off the ground in huge leaps, discovering he was quite decent at long gliding at least. With a little concentration, his leaps grew larger and larger, the ground flying behind him in a blur. He was making good time.
Once the access road ended, joining a paved road, Kimble had to be more cautious, he might be seen. He shifted into his human skin and kept to the dark, not letting anyone who might drive by see him. He covered ground at a fast trot and glided over open spaces when it was safe. He remembered the roads he had taken in the Jeep and knew the town wasn't very far. He should be able to make it there and back to the Mansion without running too low on power.
He flew as best he could, leaping and gliding from one dark place to the next until he neared the outskirts of town. He made his way to the park in the center of Salem Center and opened his backpack. In it he had packed the dressy clothes Remy had given him the night he had taken him out. He dressed quickly, not wanting to waste any more valuable time. He left the pack behind in a place he knew he could find again and was free at last.
He walked down the streets of Salem Center, finding the brightest lights quickly. He found the main strip where there were a few restaurants and bars and peered in the windows. He wasn't sure which establishment to choose, so he just picked the first one on the end. It was a nice place, filled with decent people all drinking and eating small snacks. He made his way nervously to the bar and sat. He had done some research on beverages so he wouldn't look like a complete idiot and asked for a Rum and Coke, hoping it wouldn't make him dizzy too quickly. Fortunately, the drink was weak and he didn't get too drunk from it.
He watched some people dancing by the jukebox, enjoying the music. He didn't notice anyone coming in alone, but hadn't counted on scoring big his first trip out. This was a practice run to see if could blend in and prowl without attracting attention he didn't want. He mostly sat back and watched the people, trying to learn the customs just by watching. He had a couple of drinks and left, feeling optimistic that with enough practice he could do this well enough to hopefully lure in a potential client, someone who would be willing to be intimate with him. It would just take some time.
He didn't have to wait long, fortune found him first. He walked down the street, ready to go home but still enjoying the night air and this exquisite moment of freedom. He passed by a few alleys and paused when a young woman stepped out of the shadows looking him over. "Hey, you new in town?"
"Yeah. This is my first trip out."
He was feeling a little buzzed now from the drinks and wasn't being as careful as he should be. He wasn't completely stupid, just desperate.
"You want a date?"
Kimble shook his head and laughed. What perfect luck, to find a professional out here so quickly. "Shure, darlin'. You gots somewheres we kin go? I came in walkin'."
She wiggled her finger at him, drawing him deeper into the alley. It went quite deep and they couldn't been seen from the street. They negotiated price and Kimble paid her gratefully, not caring that he was probably being overcharged because of his obvious naivete.
He took her out there in the alley, up against the brick wall of the building, finding all this almost laughable. He had never made love like this, out in the open, but it thrilled him just the same. He had remembered everything, even the condoms Remy had given him. She insisted and he used one, not happy with the lack of sensation, but he was in no position to argue. Just having someone desire him, even if it was for money, was enough to restore his sinking spirits and make all the trouble of this worthwhile. He touched her as though she was the most precious virgin, not a drug addicted whore, and made her feel it. He didn't have as much of a hold of her as he had the Siskan clients, there was very little love in this woman, but they were both more than satisfied when he was done with her. She allowed him to kiss her tenderly as they parted, he had affected her that much, and he walked away. He was high now, tripping from her heat and shine. His head was blessedly clear of voices like before and he felt alive and beautiful all over.
He walked back to his pack and undressed before flying back to the house. He could probably fly in his clothes, but it seemed easier to travel in his pilot skin, using his wings for added speed. He expected the cavalry to have been called out upon his return, but the hanger was quiet. His venture had been successful and his absence unnoticed. He went back to the ship and showered, hoping to remove all the smells of his trip out. He then managed to get a recharge from a drowsy Fallen who never questioned the peace and serenity in his eyes.
(break)
Kimble went out every other night for two weeks before he got caught. He did most of his business with the few prostitutes in town, preferring them to the folks in the bar. An alley or a back doorway served him just as well as any Siskan pleasure room, the time and place meant nothing to him to the rush of getting off so regularly. His only regret was that all the whores he found were females. He didn't want to ask them about men because he was afraid they would be turned off. Bi-sexuality was a taboo here, the X-men had shown him that with their lack of understanding and non-acceptance.
He was enjoying himself immensely, but he knew he was going to have to figure something out pretty soon. He wasn't running out of money so much as the condoms he had gotten from Remy didn't last. Not all the girls asked for them so he was able to stretch them out, but he had used his last one and had to find some more somewhere. He didn't need them of course, but wasn't about to argue with these women who gave themselves to him so easily. Problem was, he didn't know where to obtain them. Remy hadn't told him.
He waited for a night he knew Gambit would be gone and crept up into his room. He went through Remy's drawers until he found his hidden stash. By god, he must have hit the motherlode, there were at least ten boxes in here! He grinned and boldly stole a whole box, figuring with this many, Remy would never miss one or at least not figure out who had taken them.
Out on the streets, Kimble had been as careful as his experience would allow, but it didn't keep him from being spotted. Kennedy was cruising around town and saw Kimble walking out of Chester's with Dixie, a regular at Barry's. Kennedy recognized Kimble from the hanger, but was confused because of the skin change. He was sure enough it was Kimble to mention it to Remy the next day when they bumped into each other. Remy made him promise not to tell anyone else and Kennedy agreed so long as there was no trouble.
So now Gambit stood at the back door, waiting. He should have known Kimble would do this. Kimble had been distant, hiding himself again away during the day, even from him. Gambit had given Kimble some space, but never expected Kimble to withdraw as far as he had. They had barely shared two words since Remy had chewed him out over Rogue. At first he thought Kimble was actually thinking about what he had said, but now he knew better. Kimble had simply taken his frustration elsewhere.
Gambit felt partly responsible, but knew that what he had said to the pilot was true. One of the reasons he had backed off and left his friend on his own was that Kimble had to learn to recognize what he had. Remy knew yelling at Kimble again wouldn't work here, the best thing now would be to just let him go and watch over him as much as possible. Maybe letting him roam a bit was the only way Kimble would get to see the world and what was in it. He was never going to understand what was out there hanging around in here. He knew Kimble couldn't go far because he needed to power up too often. Salem Center wasn't that bad at all, not like New York City and Remy figured Kimble shouldn't be able to get into too much trouble there.
Another reason Gambit had given Kimble some space was that he needed some time to think. It was weird how Kimble had just breezed into his life and dumped everything upside down. It had become glaringly obvious to Remy that he had desperately needed this new friend, someone he could laugh and play with. Remy knew so many people but none of them had ever been able to reach so deeply inside of him as Kimble had. These past few days had been empty and cold without the pilot's laughter to warm him. He'd had to finally admit the truth of the matter to himself, there was a bond between them now, there was no way around it. They needed each other and Remy vowed not to leave his friend alone for so long again. Just the fact that Kimble was sneaking out showed he'd been missed, his Siskan friend was out and trying to fill the void that he'd left with his absence.
It hadn't taken Gambit long to see how Kimble had bypassed the security panel and knew he had picked it up from him. That and more he was sure. Kimble couldn't have his bracelet on him, the alarm would have gone off. The little bastard must have learned how to pick it. He should have known better than to let Kimble watch him. Who knows what else he picked up just from hanging around? Gambit watched and waited patiently until he heard the pilot sneak back inside.
"Where you been, little brother?" Remy demanded with a grin, knowing he had caught Kimble cold.
Kimble jumped with a gasp, startled. "Oh, Jeez! Ya nearly gave me a heart attack!"
"Where ya been?" Remy repeated, not letting Kimble off.
"If yer here, then I think ya already knows."
"Harry's?"
"Chester's. 'S a little more easy."
The small group of local prostitutes hung out there, Kimble had learned. Sometimes they would have a couple of drinks before slipping out. Some of the girls were drug addicted and really poor and he fed them, falling back into his old familiar role of caregiver. It made him feel wanted and valuable, like he was worth something to someone. Kimble was a good tipper and was now sought after as easy money and a good lay. He could be counted on not to hurt any of them and they had all grown fond of him. It pleased him that they all wanted to be with him, it soothed the aching wound that had been caused by the X-men's seeming refusal to accept him and Remy's recent absence.
"You bein' careful?" Gambit asked him, trying to keep his voice level and not spook his friend.
"Yeah." Kimble paused, meeting Remy's eyes and willing him not to freak out. "You knows I need this."
"Je sais. I know," Remy replied in his best understanding voice. "C'est bien. It's just dat when dey find out, dey gonna say Gambit show you 'ow to get out. Gonna be all over 'is Cajun ass."
Kimble put his head down, not knowing what to say. At least Gambit wasn't giving him the "It's too dangerous for wayward pilots." speech. It seemed like Remy was more concerned about himself getting in trouble than Kimble. Kimble wasn't sure what it meant, but he was hopeful that he wasn't going to get another severe ass chewing. He hadn't enjoyed the last one very much at all.
"Gambit gonna keep quiet about dis...for now," Remy said sternly. He grabbed at Kimble's pack and he let him, wanting only his friend's co-operation in this. Remy looked over the clothes and the small leather bag Kimble kept his money in. He counted it quickly and moved on. He could see that there was more here than what he had given him. Remy hoped he had gotten resupplied from Fallen, he didn't fancy the idea of Kimble picking pockets. When he saw the empty condom box, his eyes widened in surprise. It was his brand and he knew where Kimble had gotten these, there was no coincidence here, his instincts screamed. He looked up at the dejected pilot who had withered some under the inspection. "You been a bad boy, Kim. Stealin' from a t'ief."
"I'm sorry. I don' know where else ta git those. The girls won't take me without 'em," Kimble said, hoping honesty would keep him from getting into the shit any deeper.
It seemed to work. "Bien entendu. Dey smart girls. You can buy dese at any store, just about. Don' be stealin' from me no more, comprenez?"
"I'm sorry."
" 'S all right. Jus' don' wanna be caught wit'out if ol' Roguie be changin' her mind, neh?" Remy joked, trying to break the tension. He had already decided that helping Kimble was far better than arguing. He could see that Kimble felt bad about stealing from him, there was no defiance in his eyes, only regretful submission. He wouldn't do it again.
Kimble smiled with relief. If Gambit was joking around then he must not be very mad. "I wouldn' want that. No, sir!"
"You wearin' de same 'ol clothes?"
" 'S all I got."
Remy sighed. "Come wit me. Can't be 'avin' you go out like dis. I'll just bet dose girls be rippin' you off blind."
They walked the distance to Remy's room in silence. It was late at night and no one saw them. Gambit sat Kimble down on his bed and went through his drawers. Remy had plenty to spare and he gave him some of his spare pants and shirts, explaining to him how to hem the overly long pants.
Kimble nodded meekly, his eyes shining gratefully at his friend, loving him for doing this for him. He had thought for sure Remy didn't want him around after he had yelled at him before, but now saw that hadn't been true at all. What a fool he had been to hide away. The days had been so lonely, made up for only by the company he kept at night.
Remy saw Kimble's mind working but didn't comment. He wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing, but figured Kimble was just going to sneak out anyway. He may as well do it in style. If he jumped all over Kimble a second time, he would lose the pilot for sure.
Finally, he opened a drawer and contradicted himself by handing Kimble another large box of condoms. "Dis will 'old you a while?"
"Yeah, thanks." Kimble's eyes opened wide when Remy next handed him a large roll of money. "Aw, no. I cain't take alla yer money like that."
Remy laughed. "Got plenty more where dat came from, don't you worry. Gambit's always got some hangin' around. Just don't be stupid wit it."
Kimble took it numbly, feeling more and more in Remy's debt. "I cain't pays ya back, ya done too much fer me," he complained softly, keeping his eyes down submissively.
"You'd've done de same for me. 'Sides, you my brother now. We 'ave to look after each other, you an' me. We ain't got nobody else," Gambit said, rubbing Kimble's head and making sure he felt the vibration of affection and concern he sent out. He had really missed Kimble these past few days and it showed. He wanted Kimble to see it.
Kimble sniffed, a little overwhelmed. "Thanks."
"You pay me back by not gettin' in trouble. I'm gonna be lookin' out for you. You stay away from Barry's and Freda's, understand? Dere's bad folks dere, dey'll 'urt you."
"Okay."
"Also, it's against de law here, what you do wit dese girls for money. De cops come, you bail. You fly off, whatever, but don' you spike nobody. Ever," he cautioned sternly. "You kill somebody it's over for you, comprenez? No one's gonna 'elp you 'ere an' Gambit can't bust you outta jail. He a good t'ief, but dat's askin' too much, n'est ce pas?"
"Yes," Kimble said softly, cowed by the seriousness in Remy's voice. "I don' wanna hurts nobody anaways."
"C'est bien. You jus' remember dat. Now last t'ing."
"What?" Kimble asked in a trembling voice. Was this where he finally got chewed out for real?
"I know you a little upset after our las' little talk. You been hidin' out, keepin' away. Don' do dat no more, 'kay? 'Ow can Gambit keep track of what's goin' on wit you if you don' talk ta 'im, neh?"
"I thoughtcha wuz real mad at me. Didn' wanna be around me no more," Kimble said, keeping his head down.
"Ne jamais, cher. Gambit ain't never so mad 'e don' wanna see you. I missed you."
Kimble looked up him. "Ya did?"
"Oui. A lot. Dis place a real drag wit'out you around. I mean dat," Remy said sincerely.
Kimble smiled and rose to sloppily hug him, unable to hide the hide fact that he had missed his friend as well. "I missed ya, too."
Remy laughed as he was squeezed without mercy. He had forgotten how good it was to see Kimble's face so happy and the sound of his laughter. The hug felt pretty nice, too. It had been a while since he'd had one of these as well. He patted Kimble's head like a dog and said with affection, "Bien. Now get outta here."
"Thanks fer evrathin', I means it."
He gently pushed the pilot back and crammed the clothes into Kimble's pack. "Pas de quoi. You're welcome, little brother. Gambit's tired now. Gonna get some sleep."
"See ya tomorrow then? Maybe we kin have some pizza'r sumpthin'."
"Absolument, cher. Gambit'll be around."
Kimble smiled at him and left, feeling blessed and warm to have such a good friend. He made his way back down to the hanger, careful not to be seen by any passers by. He was deliriously happy Gambit wasn't mad at him.
Toldja things would work out jus' fine, Zander said, happy as well. He was satisfied with Kimble's progress and the fact that Remy was going along with it. Soon they would be free of this place.
Kimble didn't care about that. Gambit wasn't mad at him. It was his only thought and it filled him with an intense happiness. He held his pack close to his nose as he walked from the tram, the smell of Remy's aftershave was leaking out from the clothes he had given him.
Zander just laughed with amusement at his crush. That boy's gonna be nuthin' but trouble fer you. Jus' give it up.
"I ain't given up nuthin'," Kimble said, squeezing the pack a little tighter. "He loves me."
Not the way yer thinkin'.
"Don' care no more, jus' so long as he's around. He loves me more than Fallen does."
Maybe so. Jus' so long as ya don' let it distract ya. We been doin' good on the outside. I been real proud of ya, son. We don' need nobody else.
Kimble didn't answer, he just kept walking with that contented smile on his face. He went up into the ship and into his room, careful to lock the pack away inside his lock box. He wasn't the least bit tired so he pulled out his drawing pad and doodled absently. He couldn't have been happier at that moment. Maybe Zander was right and things really would start working out for him. All he needed was a little patience and the little sips of stolen love to keep him going. He could survive here.