Author's note: Well, I am so happy to see that I have some new readers! Yeah! Ok, but to get to the subject at hand. I hope nobody thinks that Rielle gets to dramatic in this chapter, but it's going somewhere, believe me. So here it is!

The Vampire Pandora

Chapter 11

Gabrielle's hand paused at the top of the banister, and she looked back uncertainly back at Remy who stood on the step behind her. Poor, angry Remy with his bleeding knuckles. Remy, who frightened her a little in his intensity. This boy who was willing to fight for her. She smiled at him.

Remy's tight expression relaxed, and he smiled back. A small smile, but still a step in the right direction. They had to remain calm if they were going to contest their fates, rushing about and yelling angry words would only work against them. Gabrielle knew this, Remy knew this, but in his sudden devouring frustration, she feared that he would lose his reason. Even a momentarily lapse could mean disaster.

But of course, she could just be making too much out of this, and she most probably was. This truly was no big deal, well, at least it shouldn't be. Things were just being blown out of proportion. All right, so the relationship they were trying was a little un-orthodox. But there had been worse, and there still was. They were both adults, Gabrielle was eighteen for Christ's sake! She was deeply thankful for all their kind hospitality and help, but they would not tell her how to live her life. Whom and when she could love.

"Is that it?",Gabrielle wondered as she watched Remy play with her hand. "Do I love him?"

It was preposterous, she knew this. They had known each other for barely a month. One did not fall in love with the coming and going of four weeks. Or at least those who claimed that they had, stayed so for barely longer than their short meeting period. But what about this one, this overgrown schoolboy that seemed to have such an effect on her? She wouldn't deny that she felt, attached to him, but was she going to allow herself to feel much more than affection? Was she even capable of real love?
Remy brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it gently, stepping up the stairs to stand on the step before her. He still hadn't said a word. He was just looking at her, staring past her with such ferocity... Gabrielle reached out to him, playing with his hair and caressing the back of his head. Remy sighed, and leaned into her, his heavy head coming to rest at her neck. Gabrielle's arms moved of their own accord, wrapping themselves protectively around his neck. She closed her eyes for a moment, not knowing what next to do. It was Remy who broke the heavy silence, turning up his face to look her in the eye.

"We'll have to go in there, chère", he told her, his wondrous eyes cajoling hers.

"I know", she sighed in response. "But maybe we shouldn't go in together. Not yet, I mean", she mended, not wanting Remy to think she was ashamed or embarrassed. "But maybe it's best for now."

Remy did not seem upset. He nodded his agreement and walked up closer still to kiss her cheek. His touch sent her flesh on her, and she struggled to catch her breath. She could only look on at Remy as he smiled at her, pleased at his effect. Gabrielle rolled her eyes and turned away from him, a little confused when he did not follow. He was obviously going to follow her instructions, maybe a little too well. Remy stood there, watching her as she moved away. She listened for the sound of his footfalls behind her, but she heard nothing but silence, and a clock chiming the hour somewhere in the house. She had hoped he would have followed her in with only a little delay. After all, she didn't want to be bombarded alone when she entered the meeting room. But, she admitted, it did make more sense that Remy arrive after her. He did have a reputation of slight carelessness amongst the others, and her prolonged tardiness would certainly stick out more prominently. She knew the way. She had walked it many times during the last few weeks. Getting to the professor's office for her private tutoring sessions had become second nature, and Gabrielle would never have believed how easily she was finding her way through the mansion now. She walked past the bust of Shakespeare on his white marble column, and looked up at Van Gogh's portrait that hung still on the wall. She walked up to the small security monitor near the picture, and looked into the light.
She struggled to keep from blinking as the green light swept over her iris, confirming her identity and allowing her further admittance with a smooth opening of the wall. The wall opened up to her, sliding neatly up into its corners, uncovering the door behind it. Gabrielle walked up quickly, and smartly knocked with her knuckles.

"Come in Rielle", Charles' rich voice called out. "We've been expecting you."

With a deep breath, Gabrielle swung the heavy door open and stepped into the office. Some people might find Xavier's office to be boorish and dark, but Gabrielle loved it. It was painted in deep, vibrant shades of red, further accentuated by the velvet curtains that hung at the windows. A crackling fire forever blazing in the fireplace, and shelf upon shelf, covered in books and maps. It reminded her of her own father's study.

"I'm sorry I took so long", Gabrielle said, as much to the team as to Charles himself. "I just, lost track of time."

Gabrielle needed no physic ability to see that no one was buying her excuse, but she was relieved to see that no one was going to press her on it. Some of them nodded, not bothered, and Kitty waved jovially from her armchair, signalling that Gabrielle should sit in the vacant seat between herself and Jubilee. She made her way over to her new friends, unable to miss the distrusting glare that Rogue sent her way. She ignored the older girl and fell down into the plush chair, curling up in it and crossing her legs beneath her. Ororo smiled warmly from across the room, and Kurt sent her a cheery wave, dangling out of his own chair until he almost fell. He looked sheepishly up at Logan, who snorted at his friend's antics.

"Well, now that we are all here" Charles began as Gabrielle blushed slightly, "We can begin the meeting."

With a last squeeze of Jean's hand, Scott rose from his chair and went to the professor's side, turning to face them all. He rolled out a large map unto the professor desk, and began pointing to different locations.

"When we last got any word", he said clearly, "Magneto was rumoured to be hiding out here, in the north of Main. We haven't heard anything worrisome yet, but that can be just as dangerous."

Here he stopped to look at the professor, in need of reassurance it seemed, and Charles nodded that Scott continued. Scott looked back down at his map, and traced a path with his fingertip.

"Alright, so his last hang-out was here in Washington state. It seems that he and his acolytes must have moved on. The professor assures me that he has no reason to believe that Magneto is planning anything", here he stopped to look at Xavier in disbelief, before turning back to his work. "But it never hurts us to be informed."

"And that damn Mutant Identification Program is still kicking", Logan growled as he looked over at Jean. "That's a serious kick in the pants."

"Logan, we have to keep trying", broke Jean, her voice sounding weary. "We can't just fight some sense into them. This calls for more debate and proof that not all mutants are dangerous."

"Well, we've been trying, haven't we Jean? And nothing's happened yet, except for mutant hate attacks on our kids and protesters who've marched against the Institute."

"I know Logan", Jean answered him, tired. "But we can't fight them without strengthening their beliefs that mutants are violent and dangerous."

"Ah agree with Logan", Rogue cut in, her lilting southern accent carrying in the room. "We've tried everythin' else. Maybe the only thing left to do is show them we ain't givin' up."

"Look, I don't know much about this", Gabrielle said before she could stop herself. "But no one will take the word of people like Jean's seriously if she telling people to leave mutants alone, that they're harmless, while others are prowling the streets and fighting."

Rogue looked at her, her green eyes shooting daggers. An embarrassed blush rose into her cheeks, and she crossed her arms in defence.

"You were right in one way sugah", she said coldly. "You don't know anythin' bout what's goin' on."

"Rogue, Jean and Rielle are right. Fighting them will only bring on more violence" Charles cut in before the argument could grow too intense. "Logan and Jean have been arguing over this for years. Best leave it to those who truly know what they argue about."

Gabrielle shrunk back into her chair in embarassment. She felt like such a fool. When would she learn to keep her mouth shut? When she would learn to trust again, she supposed. When pigs flew and Kitty turned punk. Speaking of when.
When was Remy going to make his appearance? Was he just going to leave her here to fend for herself? She noticed how Rogue's eyes lingered on the door. Was she wondering the same thing? Although she disliked the southern girl, Gabrielle knew that she loved Remy, or at least thought she did. And not knowing could most often be worse. Remy hadn't told her, but she knew the two of them had been lovers. Rogue deserved to be hurt, and she deserved to hate Gabrielle. But that didn't mean Gabrielle was going to sit back and give up. Not anymore.

"Ah, M. LeBeau. How good of you to join us", Charles said, his voice betraying no annoyance. Clearly, the fact that Remy had shown up at all was impressive to him.

Remy gave Xavier a quick salute, and his eyes quickly scanned the room. His eyes met with Gabrielle's for a brief moment, and it seemed he was going to come and sit near her. Gabrielle dared the slightest shake of her head, not knowing if he saw it, but as she looked up at him again, she saw that he had already moved to sit next to Storm. He casually threw his arm around the back of her chair, and smiled suavely at her. I will not be jealous. I will not be jealous...

"So what do you think Rielle?"

"Oh, pardon me professor?", Gabrielle asked him, "Could you repeat the question?"

The professor smiled warmly at her before repeating himself. "Do you think you could consider joining us? Becoming an X-Men like the others?"

Gabrielle stared at him, her shock clear and obvious. Jean chuckled kindly, but Scott's face remained serious. This one obviously took his team very seriously.

"Professor, I", she took a breath and began again. "It's a honour I've never even thought of."

"I know it may seem a little sudden" Charles told her, "But I've been monitoring your progress, and I think you're ready."

She took a quick glance at the others sitting around her. Jean was still smiling her encouraging grin, Kurt was clapping his hands, looking delighted and even Logan was smiling a little. Kitty shrieked and grasped her arm while Jubilee laughed at her friend's excitement. Lastly, she looked upon Remy. He had been an X-Men, once upon a time. How would he feel about her membership? Remy betrayed nothing to her, however. He just held her gaze, that confident smile never fading from his handsome face. His eyes twinkled mischievously, and a laugh hid in the corner of his mouth.

"Thank you professor", she whispered to him, to them all. "I'll do my best."

"That's all we can ask Rielle", Charles said, reassuring her with his enigmatic smile. "However, there is one matter we must still discuss."

She looked at Remy in a panic before she could help herself. Surely Jean had not told the professor what she had seen, not after she had promised not to? Remy's eyes widened a little, trying to signal to her to remain calm. She shook her head back, (Remy smiled. Ah ha! Her nervous tick!), and smiled at the professor.

"And that is?"

"Your codename my dear", he answered her casually, his expression showing no sign of surprise at her momentary shock.

"Oh", Gabrielle said. "Oh! Oh, well, I never really though of it..."

"How about Voltage?", Kurt offered, "Lightning? Lightbulb?"

"You're the bulb here elf-man", Logan chidded. "You don't wanna give her a name that'll embarrass the hell out of her do ya?"

"Shock-Treament? (A.N Yeah, Rocky Horror Picture Show!)", Jean said as Scott said, "Sparky?"

"How about Static?", Rogue offered sweetly, her icy eyes hitting Gabrielle's.

"Non", Remy said suddenly. "She be a Dragonfly."

"Dragonfly?", Kitty asked. "How did you come up with that?"

Remy took out his playing cards and began shuffling them, trying to appear distracted and uncaring. "Well, de fille be pretty like a butterfly, but none of dat weakness. She's made of something stronger, hidden potential. Dragonfly."

Gabrielle dared to send him a soft look while the professor considered Remy's idea.

"Dragonfly... Well, what do you think Rielle?"

Rielle smiled and nodded, her pleasure showing on her bright face.

"Then it's settled", the professor said, entwining his fingers on his desk. "That's all for today then everyone. Have a good afternoon."

The office filled out with surprising quickness. Everything here seemed to happen so quickly, they were already offering her a most prestigious post. A place on their team.
Remy was looking at her when she looked up, waiting by the door. Gabrielle rose from her place and walked towards her. She was suddenly frightened when Remy swept her into a hug, squeezing her against his side with his left arm. What was he doing? He could give everything away!
Charles looked on in surprise as Jean glared at the Cajun.

"What? De fille be my pupil after all", Remy explained. "Remy has de right to be proud of de p'tite."

Charles nodded his understanding but Jean was not so easily swayed. She eyed the two of them warily, her face growing hard in warning. She sighed as Scott took her hand and lead her from the room. They did not descend the stairs like the others, deciding instead to turn to the right and down the hall to the private rooms. Charles held the door open graciously, indicating to Remy and Rielle that they should exit as well. Remy gave her one last squeeze before releasing her, allowing her to pass before him. Gabrielle smiled at Charles as she left, and turned to see if Remy was following. He was.
Charles nodded to them as they left, and closed the door behind them, enclosing himself in his study. Gabrielle took this opportunity to look up at Remy in question.

"Dragonfly, Remy?", she asked him in jest. "Care to tell me the real origin of this idea?"

Remy caught her hand, silencing her. He gazed down at her, all joking and suaveness laid aside. He held unto her fingers, gently massaging them with his own. Gabrielle's breath was becoming more and more troubled. What was the effect the Cajun had on her? Why was it she didn't ever want him to stop...

"Remy was thinking about your story", he told her softly. "About de moonlight reflecting on de sea. It made me think of de insects that I saw flying over the waters at night back home in N'Awleans. It just, I dunno." Here he paused, smiling at her gently. "Seemed kind of fitting."

"Remy", she whispered to him, leaning into him. What was she doing? This was an unnecessary risk. What if they were seen? What if Jean came out of her room, or what if the professor peeked his head out of his office? She didn't know how he would react, all she had was Jean's word. But to be honest, she was in no hurry to find out.

"Hmm?", Remy mumbled, his lips trailing soft kisses on the nape of her neck.

"We can't, were out in the open...", Gabrielle muttered, trying desperately not to lose her train of thought.

Remy stopped his embrace and backed away a little. Right away, Gabrielle missed his warmth and the safety of his arms around her. She looked up in wonder as Remy pulled her with him by the hand.

"Remy, where are we going?", she asked him, laughing at the excited look on his face.

She stopped laughing abruptly. Remy had lead her to his door, and was now leaning against it expectantly. Gabrielle looked up at him, a little worried. Where did he think this was going? Did he honestly think... No, Remy might be a bit of a lecher, Gabrielle thought, but we wouldn't seriously consider getting so close so soon. Would he?

Remy's grin lit up his face as he quickly opened his door and ushered her inside. Gabrielle stepped within the room with hesitant steps, looking around . It resembled her own room. A closet against the south wall, a hanging mirror and a dresser. There were of course a few differences. Remy's room was painted with sands and reds, giving it a much more pagan colour than Jean's soft green room. Jean's walls had been bare when Gabrielle had moved into the room. Remy's were covered with paintings and posters, even song lyrics and poetry were tacked up amongst all else. There were a few articles of clothing littered on the floor, and Gabrielle could smell him as she had walked in.
They had obviously left his room as it was after he had left. There was no way he could have gotten it this way in such a short time, could he? No way he could have made it so, so like him in the few weeks they had been back. Maybe the X-Men had been expecting him to come back all along. Maybe, Rogue had as well.
Remy's footfalls were next to silent on the carpet as he slowly made his way to her, coming up behind her to wrap his arms around her waist. Gabrielle closed her eyes, sinking into his embrace. She tried to keep her mind quiet as Remy kissed her neck, his warm breathing on her skin sending terrible shivers along her spine. He turned her gently in his embrace, making her face him. He smiled so gently down at her and stroked her cheek. Gabrielle smiled back softly, trying to remain calm. Remy came closer to her, finally covering her lips with his own. Gabrielle closed her eyes, giving in and kissing him back.
Remy pulled her in closer, his kisses becoming more and more voracious. His fingers held her to him as Gabrielle's own hands became entwined with his hair. Sudden flashes passed through her mind. She saw her audience in Paris, she saw the fish-man who had tried to have his way. Lastly, she saw Zephyr, his golden hair shimmering in the moonlight and the shine of his naked skin in the moonlight... She opened her eyes. It was Remy's cheek against her own, it was dark auburn hair that she strung her fingers through. This was Remy. Remy that she truster, Remy that she cared for. But that was the problem. It was Remy. Remy?

She came up panting. " Remy, please..."

Remy stopped for a moment, looking at her curiously. He was so handsome, standing there with that stupid look on his face. His devilish eyes seemed glazed, or as glazed as glowing eyes can be, and his stubbled cheeks were flushed.

"What's wrong chère?", he asked her, still touching her face.

"It's just, I don't know", Gabrielle sighed. "Maybe I'm just being silly, but... It all just seems to be happening so fast."

"You know Remy would never hurt you, p'tite", he cooed to her. "I can't explain it. Remy just, he feels like he can just be with you."

Gabrielle nodded to him, feeling utterly ridiculous. She was acting like a child. God, what she had with Remy was good, was pure. It was tainted and horrible like the lover she had known in Paris. Then why was it she couldn't get him out of her mind? It was Remy who held her now in his arms. Remy who comforted her with his caress and his kind embrace. It was Remy.
Gabrielle found herself. She shook her head of this idiotic thoughts and latched unto his neck once more. Remy's eyes widened a little as Gabrielle's kiss intensified. He held her close once more, and bent down to pick her up. Gabrielle didn't stop kissing him, his face and his neck, his eyelids and his lips... He nearly collapsed from the sudden weakness in his knees. Remy felt his legs hit the side of his bed and stopped walking. He bent over slowly, gently deposing Gabrielle unto the king size mattress. He lowered himself next to her, rolling slightly until he could hold himself just above her with his arm. He felt Gabrielle shake beneath him, and his hands trembled from the effort to keep himself from ripping off her every piece of clothing. Instead, he did so slowly.
Gabrielle clenched her eyes shut as Remy's nimble fingers made their way up her back and unlatched her bra with frightening ease. His hands travelled over her bare skin, along her sides and across her tight abdomen. She tried to keep relaxed, but a small whimper escaped her lips as he started to pull up her top. Remy's lips were once more with her's quickly, trying to console her, to keep her quiet. His hands continued to bring the top up, the hem finally breaching her ribs.

"No", she gasped, sitting up quickly and knocking Remy aside.

Remy sat for a moment, looking at her, his breath laboured. He looked at her. He looked at her wild hair and her panicked eyes. She was trembling, and for the first time Remy understood it was not his touch that made her shake so. She was...

"You're scared, aren't you p'tite?", he asked her softly.

She looked at him soulfully for a moment, her liquid eyes melting into his own. She shivered and pulled her knees to her chest, hugging herself. Her eyes turned away.

"It's just happening too fast", she told him. "It's all happening too fast..."

Remy reached out his hand to touch her cheek. He had barely done so when Gabrielle jumped away from his touch as it she had been burned. She looked young for a moment, so terribly young. Like a lost little child who has absolutely no idea which way to turn. The sunlight that shone through his curtains cast a strange, artificial radiance upon her tanned skin, her exposed throat. Remy didn't understand. She had wanted this, hadn't she? Was she second guessing her decision to be with him.

"Gabrielle I...", he began.

"Remy? Are ya there?", Rogue's voice called softly from behind his closed door. " I need to see you, please. Will you just open the door?"

Author's note: Not much to say here. Thanks to all my reviewers, Silverbells, Chaotic Jinx and all the newer readers. You guys keep me going! Same deal, u review, and I'll write!

Pandora