(Five)
The next day, Remy picked up the phone and dialed a Boston exchange. He smiled when he heard his cousin Etienne pick up. "Bonjour?"
"Bonjour, cousin. Dis Gambit callin' t' see 'ow dat Siskan is doin."
Gambit had seen to it that Skye was placed safely into Etienne's possession for safekeeping. He could have called Trishnar, but liked the idea of keeping Skye somewhere closer to home, especially since he was convinced Skye wasn't part of the Game. Etienne had kept his word and had set up his own small Thieves' Guild branch in Boston. Now so close, Etienne had cheerfully arrived at the Mansion before the Games Master had even left, spiriting Skye away before any outside spies might even become aware of his presence. Skye wasn't part of the Game, but that didn't mean he might not get hurt in the crossfire. Remy wanted him as far away from here as possible. Now, with things settling down, it was time for Remy to check in on Skye and see how he was settling in.
He heard Etienne laugh, charmed by Remy's gift. Skye had made quite the impression it seemed. "Skye? 'E's doin' all right. Got 'im settled down workin' for Rose Red."
"Rose Red? She come up dere wit you, too?"
Rose Red was a well known ex-prostitute who ran her own brothel in New Orleans. She had been very attached to Etienne and his side of the Guild, using her place as means to solicit clients for him. Gambit had been to her place more than once, finding her girls well treated and of the highest quality. She also catered to those whose tastes ran a little more to the exotic. Someplace where Skye, as a Siskan Courtesan, would probably fit right in.
Etienne laughed again. "Oui, she up 'ere wit me. She say she too bored down in N'awlins wit'out me. She just love dat Siskan of yours. Now she say she can serve a full house. He work fo' free and dat t'ing 'e do changing into a girl an' all? She never get tired of it."
"Glad 'e's workin' out so well an' all, but mebbe 'e best kept quiet, hien?"
"No worries, cousin. Rose, she tell all 'e just some kind of mutant, you know? One of dem shapely shifters."
Remy laughed, he couldn't help it. Trust Etienne to find the weirdest way to say something. "Dat's cool. Just keep 'im safe, keep 'im 'appy."
"C'est bien. We got you covered. Got plenty of guards around, watchin' out for creeps. Dis a good place we 'ave. Safe. Relax."
"All right. Just you call me if anyt'ing funky happens, hien?"
"Absolument."
Remy chatted for a few more minutes then hung up, feeling optimistic that he had made the correct choice in sending Skye off there. He just didn't think it was wise to keep him here and he wasn't quite sure how Kimble would have reacted to him anyway. He just had a feeling it wouldn't have worked out well. Now he could relax and worry about things closer to home. Keeping Kimble safe and happy was his only priority.
It was a rainy Tuesday when Remy found Kimble in the Engine Room of the Lucky Dragon. It was a couple of months since the wedding and the time had passed without incident. Well, that was until yesterday.
Kimble was at the workbench, wrestling with an uncooperative piece of machinery. A radio baby monitor was on the bench next to him so he could listen in on Angel. He didn't really need it, she could call to him telepathically, but he liked it there just the same. As he worked, there was a tightness to his shoulders that Remy recognized all too well. It was true that Kimble had been hiding out.
Gambit strolled in, trying to act casual. He came over to where Kimble was working and sat up on the bench. " 'Ey, Kim. What's up?"
Kimble looked up from his work with a grin. "Hey. Ain't seen you in a coupla days."
"You know 'ow it is, Gambit's gotta be off savin' de world."
Kimble snickered. "Uh, huh. Shure. What did she look like?"
Remy grinned at the joke, this was more like good old Kimble. "Redhead, green eyes," came the ritual response. He hadn't really been fooling around, not with Molly so much on his mind, but it was fun to play around just the same.
Kimble smiled and went back to beating the machinery senseless.
"Gambit 'eard you had ya some trouble yesterday."
"Yeah, it wuz just one of them Siskan things, you know?" Kimble said evasively, keeping his eyes down. His slumped shoulders betrayed him, he was wary of his Master's wrath though not once had Remy ever struck him as Kristalay had. It didn't mean he wasn't afraid of Remy's anger, he had disappointed him before and probably would again.
"Non, I don't know. Tell me," Remy demanded gently, keeping his voice light. He was always cautious around Kimble when confronting him with personal matters. Kimble had been good since the repair — too good. Something was bound to come up, something like this.
Kimble sniffed, trying to act casual. His eyes were still down. "I almost got locked up cuz Molly seen sumpthin' she didn't understand."
"What 'appened, cher?"
The day before had been a long, stressful day. Kimble and Molly were in the gym watching a fierce basketball game being played by the some of the X-men. Kimble's movements were still monitored and his access limited so his options for amusement were few. These games were always a spectacle and very entertaining. It wasn't doing much for Kimble's small charge, though. Angel was fussing and in spite of his telepathic ability with the child, the Siskan was at his wits end. She had some kind of bellyache he could do nothing about. Her only relief came when she coughed and barfed all over him, dousing him in half digested baby formula. Kimble rocked back, gasping as he was drenched. Angel just belched and gurgled happily, feeling much better now.
"Thanks, darlin'. I really 'preciated that," Kimble grumbled and wiped uselessly at his sticky, icky clothing.
You should go wash up, Molly signed with a laugh. I'll stay with the baby.
Remy was Kimble's Master and always around him, keeping a watchful eye on him, especially since the Games Master's repair. Wherever Gambit was, Molly was sure to be and so she was frequently at Kimble's side. Gambit was out on a mission today, so she was here to keep his Siskan company. She was a big help with the baby and gave Kimble attention, something he very much needed. She was here for him now.
Kmble smiled at her gratefully. "I'll be right back."
He got up and staggered off to the locker room, trying not to drip regurgitated baby formula everywhere. He made his way inside and over to a row of sinks. He carefully stripped off his shirt and rinsed it off in the sink. It was a good thing he didn't wear expensive clothes, this shirt might be ruined. He startled when he heard someone come out of the showers.
It was Big Mike, a new recruit and one the pilot hadn't really met before. Not that they hadn't seen each other around - Kimble had seen Mike looking at him out of the corner of his eye more than once. Mike was a big man, powerful. He had been gifted with above average strength and agility, not unlike Beast only without the blue fur. He smiled at Kimble and stuck his hand out. "Hey, there. You'd be Kimble. I've heard so much about you. I'm Mike."
Kimble lowered his eyes submissively and didn't take the man's hand. "Whatcha been told...it ain't all true." Some pretty bad stories had gone around about him, exaggerated accounts of what a pervert he was. He wasn't sure what Mike was about, and just to be safe, had spoken his defensive excuse. Even now, he didn't want to be ill thought of.
Mike grinned and came a step closer. "Not true, huh? Well, I hope not." He snatched at Kimble and yanked him close, kissing him roughly.
Kimble shivered and groaned, his body instantly on fire. He didn't hear the voices anymore, but some of their same thoughts ripped through his mind. They're gonna think yer sick fer doin' this! Yer gonna git in trouble!
I don't care! Kimble replied to himself, unable to contain this fierce desire that had come out of nowhere. Yes, he had seen Mike watching him all right. Kimble might be trying to fit himself into a new shape as Angel's caretaker, but he was still a Courtesan at heart, and a Lushna-esk at that. He knew that there was something different about Mike, a secret he was trying to hide. Mike might be able to keep that thing hidden from the humans around him, but it was there in his shine for Kimble's perceptive eyes to see. Mike was someone whose sexual tastes ran a little to the exotic at times. In other words, Mike was someone Kimble could use.
Kimble allowed Mike to manhandle him into one of the private dressing rooms. He was mashed against the wall and his loose pants were quickly stripped down. He gave no protest except to think this was just taking too long. He couldn't wait for the coming rush. Mike took him forcefully and Kimble cried out from the pleasure of it, not caring that his arms were being bruised from the big man's hands, or that his hair was being yanked painfully. He was one person now, the personalities crudely melded together. He was Kimble, he was Lakotashay. Both desired sex and pain. Gentleness wasn't going to appease this fire ripping right through him.
Kimble laughed and trembled from all of the sensations bombarding him. He hadn't felt this in a long while. He hadn't been used once since his return four months ago, time lost to him in a blur of sexual emptiness. He couldn't believe his present good fortune and wasn't going to spoil it by holding back. He was growing higher by the minute, drowning in a bliss. Mike's lust was powerful and it flooded him like an intoxicating wine, making him drunk almost instantly. The tumult in his mind built and built until he couldn't contain it anymore and he finished with a sharp cry, quivering and shaking. Mike followed him not a second later and they fell against the wall, both gasping and panting from the effort.
Big Mike laughed and pulled some of Kimble's loose hair back. "Oh, you are so very good." He gave the pilot another rough kiss and retreated, leaving Kimble trembling and alone.
"No! Hey, where ya goin'?"
"Nobody knows about this, understand? You breathe a word of this and I'll kick your scrawny little ass for real," Mike threatened, his tenderness replaced with real aggression. He had gotten what he been looking for and was finished now.
Kimble nodded, not really wanting to argue. He was a sick boy and knew his place. He waited for Mike to leave and then slowly got dressed, his body already stiffening up and aching. He had asked to be hit and Mike hadn't been gentle, his right side and arm were already darkening with bruises. He would have to go outside and sit in the sun a while to repair this. His bright white skin reacted quickly to the abuse and the bruises he had were already ugly and huge. No way was he going to get this past Molly or anyone else. Certainly not Remy, his Master.
Kimble's shirt was still soaking in the sink, he couldn't put it back on to conceal any of this. His legs were still shaking and he wasn't quite ready to walk just yet. He shuffled over to one of the benches and sat down, trying to figure out how he was going to get out of this. He was still under constant surveillance, no one trusted him. When they saw the bruises, he was going to get into trouble.
Kimble was also Zander, too, now. With that melding came a certain amount of arrogance. He simply decided he just didn't give a shit. This quick blast had been worth a day or two in the box. His four months of celibacy had ended with a bang and he felt so good, so very good. He lay back on the bench and stroked his hands over his body, feeling beautiful because someone had wanted him, he had been chosen above any other in their place. He had served his purpose. Thinking these glorious thoughts, he grew excited by the feel of his own hands on his skin. He was still high from the rush, a sensation he hadn't felt in months. He felt beautiful, wanted, desired. This glow would fade in time, but for now he intended to savor it.
He had no time. He looked up as Molly came in, carrying Angel in her carrier. You okay? You were gone a long time, she signed awkwardly with one hand, her eyes dark and worried.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Just got a little side tracked is all," he explained, unable to stop a giggle that leaked out. He was so high.
Molly was alarmed by his strange behavior, she could see he was touching himself and she wasn't sure if she should just leave him alone for a few more minutes. She decided he was acting strangely enough that she set Angel's carrier down near the bench and came closer. Her eyes opened wide when she saw the large darkening bruises. She was afraid he had been simply beaten, but one good sniff told her otherwise. She couldn't smell Kimble, he had no scent, but he reeked of Big Mike and sex.
What happened? Why are you all bruised up? Did that guy hurt you?
"No. I mean, yes. I mean, not on purpose. I wanted him to," Kimble slurred, his eyes still dreamy.
You were in a fight, she said, shaking her head.Someone came in here and hurt you. He forced himself on you. Molly was a young girl and this was the only explanation she could think for what she was looking at. She knew Kimble wasn't quite right. She thought perhaps he had been hit in the head and wasn't himself.
"I wuzn't in no fight," Kimble said, sitting up and coming down a little. He was worried now that she could smell Mike and the guy would get in trouble. He didn't care about himself, but Mike was another matter. If Mike got punished, he might not do this again and Kimble wanted him to, so very much. "Nobody forced themselves on me, I asked him ta do it."
Molly crossed her arms in irritation, he had just made this worse. She could see he was defending his attacker, but she didn't understand why. It never occurred to her that Kimble might get off on this even though he had been aroused when she entered. She just dismissed that as something strange. Kimble was many things and strange was often one of them. Somebody hurt you and you don't want them to get in trouble. I know how it is, the stories they say about you. Somebody came in here and took advantage of you because they all think they can do whatever they want with you. It stops now. It's okay, no one else has to know, but I have to get Mr. Logan.
Kimble began to panic, his cheeks flushing with fear. "No! Just- just forget it, okay? I'm all right. It'll go away in the sun. It don't even hurt."
Look at you, you poor thing. I can't do that. I'll be right back.
Kimble broke down into angry frustrated tears as she left. She didn't believe him and now this whole thing was going to blow up in his face. Mike was going to get punished and hate him, he just knew it. His one chance for some use was now gone and it was all his fault. He sobbed, unable to contain his despair. He hadn't lied, but still nobody trusted him. They probably never would.
Angel heard him and began to cry, feeling his pain. Kimble got up, still hitching and went to her. He freed her from her tiny prison and held her to his chest, rocking her as he cried. Her love and shine came into him as she tried to soothe him.
Kimble didn't look up when Wolverine came in from the gym. He hadn't been far away and Molly had come to him saying Kimble was all beaten up in the locker room. He came right away but paused now, surprised by what he found. He took one look at Kimble and his bruises and didn't need his nose to tell him what had happened. The only shock here was the smell of Kimble's lover, he knew Mike pretty well and had never seen this coming. He wasn't immediately angry, he knew Kimble wasn't quite right when it came to sex. He asked calmly, "Did you ask for this?"
"Yes, now go away!" Kimble sobbed, clutching the baby close. He could feel Lakotashay's ugly thoughts running through his head. Sick boy, I hopes he punishes you. You'll never be out of trouble, stupid crybaby Lover! Never trusted, never good enough! "None of yous understand!"
"Then help me out here, boy. Yer sittin' here cryin', all covered in bruises. What am I supposed to think?"
"I told Molly that he didn't do nuthin' ta me I didn't want. She didn't believe me. None of yous ever do. Now he's gonna git all yelled at fer sumpthin' that wuzn't no crime and he's gonna hates me just like the rest of yous."
Wolverine stood over him, his arms crossed. Kimble's distress was real and Logan knew the pilot was afraid he was going to get in trouble again. He took some comfort in that Kimble was concerned for Mike, Kimble wasn't passing the buck to protect himself. There was some honor there. In spite of the damage done to the Siskan, no real crime had taken place. It didn't mean Wolverine approved. He said his piece in a calm, even voice. "You gotta get a grip on yerself, boy. Nobody here hates you, but this sicko crap ain't gonna fly around here. Nobody's got the right ta beat on anyone like this, consensual or not."
"It just kinda happened," Kimble said lamely, knowing it wasn't a real excuse.
"How you ever gonna settle down if ya keep doin' this shit? You got a kid now, what if someone actually decides they want ta be with ya? You can't just walk into a room and fuck the first thing that blinks at ya. 'Specially not someone that's gonna turn ya inta some kinda punchin' bag."
Kimble wiped at his eyes. "It ain't no good, me bein' with anaone. I'm sick, fuckin' sick in my head. All I do is hurt people. It's stupid ta think I kin ever do anathin' normal ever again."
"That's Lakotashay talkin'. Yer stronger'n her."
"No, I ain't! Jus' look at me! I ain't strong! I ain't nuthin' but Siskan trash. Shit-eatin', cocksuckin', fuckin' whore! Stupid, fuckin' waste of time!" Kimble jammed a fist into his eye, rubbing it hard to make it hurt. He was so awful.
Wolverine crouched down next to him. "You keep tellin' yerself that an' it'll come true. Is that what ya really want? You best take some time and think about what yer doin' an' where ya wanna go. The only one that can change yer life is you. What just happened here, it ain't healthy."
Kimble nodded to appease him, hopeful that it sounded like Mike wasn't going to get in trouble. He rubbed at his eyes some more, calming down. Maybe this would all go away after all.
No such luck. The door to the locker room opened once more and Scott came in. "What's going on? Molly said Kimble was assaulted."
Logan stood over Kimble defensively, cursing this silently. He had already decided to cover for Kimble, but it was going to be a lot harder to do that now. Scott wasn't always reasonable about matters of sex. "Nuthin' happened. She made a mistake. Chill out."
Scott took one look at Kimble's arms. "Jeez, Logan! He didn't do that to himself. Did he try to... Did he try to hurt someone?"
Wolverine was instantly irritated. The presumption here had been that Kimble was the one trying to rape someone else, that was the cause for Scott's fumbling. In an odd change of fate, Logan became Kimble's defender instead of the accuser, his more accustomed role. It was happening more and more as the two of them got to know each other better. "No. Just ferget it."
Scott crossed his arms. "I don't think so. If he's being violent, he'll have to be locked up."
Kimble whimpered and clutched the baby close. He started to protest, but Logan touched his shoulder gently. "He ain't been violent. He don't need to be locked up."
"Someone beat him up, then?"
Man, this guy was so dense! Wolverine thought to himself. "Cyke? Just let it go. He didn't beat up anyone and he wasn't fighting, all right? That ain't the only reason he gets bruised up. Sometimes, things happen that we want, that we ask for. You know, consensual things?"
Scott stood there puzzled, then his whole expression changed. "Oh! Uh, ewww! Uh, all right, then," he stammered, horrified, and then turned out, his face as red as his glasses.
Kimble shuddered under the vibration of disgust and whimpered, curling up even tighter around the baby. Angel chirped and grabbed at his face, something that had always made him feel better. He loved the feel of her tiny hands on him. Even though she was an infant, Angel was no ordinary child. She was telepathic and sensitive to the needs of this one who cared for her.
Logan turned and looked down at Kimble. It was clear he was hurting. The pilot was never easy for him to understand, but being with Karen had made Logan see things in whole new ways. She had been very good for him, smoothing him out. Where once he'd walk away from a sensitive situation like this, he felt compelled to help. He crouched back down again and lay a hand on Kimble's shoulder. "Listen, kid. I know things ain't been easy fer you, but what you got to have is perspective."
"Perspective?" Kimble repeated in confusion, wiping at his face.
"Yeah, perspective and priorities. See, things change all the time. Yer not the same guy ya useta be, not even four months ago when ya came home. Yer gettin' better, stronger inside yer head, even though you might not think so. I know I don't tell ya so, but I've seen it and I'm glad for it. Yer doin' so good, don't let somethin' like this throw ya off the right way yer goin'."
Logan paused, thinking about what he was really trying to say. "When yer life changes, you gotta change with it. Coupla months ago, Karen came ta me and told me...told me she was pregnant. See, you an' me...we live a long time. We're gonna outlive most of the folks around us and it makes it harder for us to give of ourselves. We're gonna get hurt when those we love pass on. I'm over a hundred years old, Kim. I ain't never told anyone that and I want ya ta keep that quiet."
"I will," Kimble promised softly. Being a very immature seventy-two himself, he could understand.
"In all that time, I never had a real wife. Never fathered any kids, I just didn't let it happen. Now that it has, it's changed all of my priorities. This child...Karen...these are the things important to me now. Just the same, Angel should be your only priority. You don't matter, your personal life doesn't matter, just her. She's your Mistress now, understand? You have to think about how what you do affects her. This ain't about wantin' ta be with a guy, I'm not sayin' that. A man can love you without hurtin' ya, understand? You don't want yer kid seein' ya all beat up, do ya?"
Kimble looked up at him, his eyes wide with understanding. Remy had said the same thing only a few weeks earlier, about how Angel was really his Mistress, but the impact of that statement hadn't sunk in until it was repeated to him again now. Logan had chosen his words carefully and they had the desired effect. "No, no. I do understand now. Thanks."
"Thanks fer what?"
"Fer...fer jus' talkin' ta me...not yellin'."
Wolverine gave his shoulder another pat. "We're not the monsters folks think we are, you and me. Get cleaned up. When yer ready I'll walk ya up to the roof. Yer gonna need some sun." He got up and walked out, a small smile on his face.