(Seven)

Kimble wasn't the only one getting settled in that night. Seth had come along with Fallen and was terribly excited. They had made this trip a great many times, but this time the Arizona complex was home and not Westchester. They primarily lived in the Lucky Dragon regardless of where he was parked, but Seth had requested a small flat near Henry's lab. He and Henry had grown quite close and Beast had suggested Seth might be useful in getting the new Complex's more sophisticated systems online.

Seth and Fallen made their way down to their new flat. They were carrying bags of supplies for their new place but Seth's step was jaunty and light. He wasn't excited about the apartment so much as he was about finally seeing Henry's new lab. For weeks now he had been leaked secrets by the big blue doctor, tidbits about the new massive supercomputer he had helped to install. Seth couldn't wait to get his hands on it.

At last they arrived. Fallen unlocked the door and let them in. The place was small but it would serve their needs. It was a nice one bedroom flat with a large livingroom/kitchen area like Kimble's. It was fully furnished, but lacking food and drink. That was mainly what they had brought along and Seth wasted no time in getting their supplies loaded away.

Fallen watched him with amusement. She knew why he was rushing, he wanted to go to the lab right away. She herself was tired and wanted only to crash. She set a pair of Seth's power cubes on the table and gave them a good charge. She had no desire to tag along to the lab and he could put them in a bag and carry them with him.

Seth came to her after a moment. "Is it okay if I go?"

"Of course," she replied, setting the cubes in his carrying bag. "The lab is just two doors down. Don't go any farther, please. I don't want you getting lost."

"I won't," he promised, giving her a kiss. He was trembling with excitement and could hardly keep still.

She laughed at his enthusiasm and patted his head. "Be good."

"Yes, Fallen," he replied and left, eager to visit the lab. He had more than just the bag holding his power cubes. He had his laptop and his security badge. He didn't know the rules here and wasn't sure if he might get stopped. He had heard security here was quite tight, especially around the labs. He was correct in thinking so, he needed his badge to get into the lab itself. He swiped his badge and entered, his eyes growing wider the farther in he got. He was only in the preliminary section, but already he could see machines and devices that were unfamiliar to him, always a treat.

"Well, hello there."

Seth turned and greeted Henry with a smile. The doctor was in his familiar white smock and was holding yet another door open to be explored. "I believe what you're looking for is this way."

Of course Henry was in the lab, there was nowhere else for him to be really. Henry McCoy was a solitary creature, having given up a social life in trade for his craft. He was a doctor but he was also a geneticist and a master of technology. He lived for learning and research as did Seth, the main reason they got along so well. Both were brilliant in their separate ways and often found themselves beyond where others could follow. Seth only mourned the absence of female companionship for his friend, at least he had a Mistress to go home to. Henry did not and never had in all the time they'd known each other.

Seth was quick to follow Henry's lead and soon found himself in a huge room, surrounded by hundreds of computer servers. The complex was massive and this was the very heart of the computer system that ran it. Seth was trembling even more now. This was more than he could ever have imagined, more than he had hoped for. See, he had a little plan, one he had kept to himself for a long time. He knew that his own codes weren't complete, that the separation from Fallen's computer and from his brother had left him less than whole. When the Games Master had repaired Kimble, he had kept a close watch on how it was done, keeping notes on what he could. He had used those scraps of knowledge to formulate a plan to repair himself, to make himself not so overwhelmed by bright lights and the emotions of others. He was mildly empathic, but not like Kimble. He had to have physical contact with someone to feel their vibrations, but it still unnerved him at times. Instead of using it to his advantage, he got swamped by it. His only defense was to keep himself isolated and he had done pretty well. He stayed mostly in the company of machines and a few close friends.

Problem was, Seth needed a powerful computer system to run the changes on his codes. The fancy equipment the Games Master had used had gone with him and Seth had needed more than the Xavier Institute could offer to complete his plans. Here now was a chance for freedom. If he was clever enough, perhaps he could even end his dependency on the cubes. Nothing would please him more.

"She's a beaut," Seth said in admiration, looking around at this most wonderful new resource.

"That she is, my friend. And you are going to help me run her."

Seth shivered in near orgasmic ecstacy. Nothing could describe just how powerful he felt when he was at the wheel of such machines. He felt invincible, like a god. He could do anything on the Internet and no one was safe from his curious mind. He could make these machines obey his every whim, it was all a matter of persuasion.

Henry laughed at him and gave him a squeeze. "But first things first. It's important to make sure you have the proper energy to work, my dear. It's Twinkie time."

Seth beamed. One nice thing about Henry was the constant presence of those little golden cakes. Seth had come to love them very much. He followed Beast to a small table where the doctor had already set out some treats and milk. They sat and munched while Henry explained all about what this place had to offer. There was the lighting and security systems that had to be monitored. There was the shield generator that they would be working on first. Another technological miracle was the Solarium. This was a pet project of Henry's. He had a large room excavated that had a long series of mirrors that directed sunlight from above, creating a magnificent underground park. It was mostly finished, but still had some bugs. Already grass and trees were thriving as well as many planted flowers and shrubs. The main aim was to use those same principles for farming. The goal was total isolation and self reliance from the upper world if things got too hairy.

Seth couldn't wait to see it. Like Kimble, he had a strong love for the outdoors. He could also sense the unspoken message here. If Kimble could charge underground, he would be that much safer. Seth might not see Kimble as much as he used to, but his brother was on his mind a lot, especially lately. He didn't want anything bad to happen to him.

Henry interrupted his thoughts. "So? Did you like your new apartment? Mine is right next door to yours."

"Oh, yes. It's bigger than the Dragon. The bedroom I mean."

Henry chuckled softly. Seth was Siskan after all. "I'm glad you like it. Your badge is good here for all hours. You can come in here anytime you like. I made a workstation for you that is totally private."

"You are too kind," Seth replied, always humbled by the extent others went to please him.

"No, you are that valuable to us. You have given us good service. You are an X-man, Seth. I mean that."

Seth blushed and looked down. Like all Siskans, Seth craved praise and would do anything to earn it. He didn't do that sexually as did his kin, but rather by seeking out information and doing those tasks that others couldn't. He had a mind for codes, he saw things others couldn't. He didn't think of himself as an X-man, he didn't go out and fight, but he had gotten them information and connections that allowed them to do their jobs much more safely. He had saved lives.

"Thanks. When can I get started?"

Henry laughed at his enthusiasm. "Right away."

(break)

Molly watched as Remy returned an hour after he had first left her with Karen, doing her level best not to break down and cry in anger and frustration. It was late and Molly had cooked a meal that he had missed. Karen had stayed awhile to eat and then left, leaving Molly to stew here alone with Angel. She spent her time playing with the child, loving her as always, and trying her best to hide her anger, but she'd had enough. The first day they were here - the first day! - and her husband came slinking in like the deceitful thief he was, his head low and his eyes glassy. He brought Angel back to Kimble and settled them in for the night. When he returned, he gave Molly some excuse about being tired and headed off to the shower and to bed, his red on black eyes not daring to look at her.

Molly knew about Gambit's continued infidelity with his Siskan. It hurt her deeply, but she took some comfort now as she always had before — it wasn't another woman he had desired. He never went with anyone else, it was always Kimble. There were times that Molly had considered leaving Gambit, she wouldn't deny it, but her love for Remy was quite strong. Stronger than her sense of betrayal. She knew Remy loved her completely, his guilt and anguish over his transgressions was very real.

She also loved Kimble dearly. Remy had called the three of them a team once and it was true. The three of them were like three parts of one creature, each one stronger with the group than on their own. They were bonded on levels none of them truly understood. It also meant they understood each other too well and could keep no real secrets. The Siskan didn't offer an apology either for their lapses, he was too afraid of Molly's wrath and rejection, but he would look on her at times with such regret and pain she knew it well enough.

Molly had not supported the idea of Kimble having his own place. While Remy thought it best to distance himself, Molly saw it as it making it easier for them to sneak off. This night had already proven that. At least when they had all lived together, the lack of privacy made their little trysts harder to accomplish. It happened less often. Gambit wasn't so crass as to cheat when she was around, nor would he take Kimble in their own bed. She would have been forced to kill him then! Now all Remy had to do was cross the hall and lock the door.

She knew Kimble had been upset by the move, but she'd had her fill of Gambit's form of comfort. Molly had a choice — either accept this as they way things would always be, or cut Remy off at the source. She chose this time to confront Kimble.

Molly waited until the next morning, not five minutes after Remy left her to go to work. Angel was packed off to school so Molly knew she would get the Siskan alone. He was in his new apartment, doing his best to get the last of his belongings squared away while Angel was in school and out of his way. Remy had taken him up topside to sun himself earlier and he was in a happy mood, charged now and ready to take on his day.

Molly knocked on the door and Kimble let her in, greeting her happily as always. He loved her dearly, almost as much as he loved Gambit. The three of them were quite close and he gave her a loving hug. Along with it came a vibration of deep affection, the same as she had so often felt from her husband. She knew this was what drew Gambit here. If not for this, he would be hers alone.

Kimble took an awkward step back, sensing something in her shine. "What's wrong, baby doll?"

Molly signed quickly, getting right to the point. I know Remy was here last night.

He cocked his head at her, uncertain what she was about. " 'Course he wuz. He wuz helpin' me git some of this stuff put away."

That's not what I meant and you know it. You and him, last night. You were doing more than just unpacking.

Kimble's expression changed then, oh yes. He turned away and retreated, walking slowly to the kitchen so she would follow. He should have known this confrontation would not be put off forever, it was just that the timing was bad. He was still upset at the move and hadn't had time to deal with it mentally. Now she had dumped this on his already full plate.

He said nothing more, but opened the refrigerator and grabbed two bottles of beer. Liquor was limited in the complex, but Kimble would always be exempt. The alcohol kept him calm and a calm Kimble was always a good thing. He opened them both and set her bottle at the table. He kept his distance and leaned against the counter, his head down.

We done bad things, Lin whispered from inside. We hafta stops, Kim. The touchin', the lovin'. It just ain't no good no more. Evrathin' we touch turns ta shit.

Kimble shuddered at the sound of that voice. It was happening again, the voices whispering to him as if they had every right. They were supposed to be gone, but with each passing day since the attack it seemed like they were getting stronger. They were seeping out of his tortured dreams back into his waking life. He had to be stronger than this. He had to be!

"I'm sorry, Molly. I–I just don' knows what ta say," Kimble stammered lamely, trying to ignore Lin's soft spoken truths. "Jus'...jus' don' takes it out on Remy. It ain't his fault. It's mine."

Molly took a seat at the table and sipped her drink. She wasn't much of a beer drinker, but wanted to be polite. It was a subtle message to Kimble that she wasn't here to send him packing for good. Her hands were quick as she went on to sign, I know you're upset at the move, but it has to stop. What I don't understand is why the two of you just can't stop this. It hurts me! It's cruel!

Kimble shivered, his body feeling her vibrations of pain like tiny little barbs all over his skin. We's so bad! Wicked, wicked us! Lin wailed, more loudly now.

Shut yer yap! Zander hissed, trying to stop this. Lakotashay was stirring. Tell her the truth and she won't hurts us. Look in her eyes, Kim. She just wants ta understand. Just tells her the truth.

Kimble took a breath, happy that Molly was being so patient. He had blanked out for a second, but she hadn't used the opportunity to interrupt. "I'm sorry, baby doll, I truly am. We don'ever means ta hurtcha. It's just that when I git so messed up in my head, he fixes it."

Molly was trying to understand. She had seen the momentary blankness on Kimble's face, but had assumed that he was just trying to think of what to say. I understand that. It's why I haven't said anything until now. What I want to know is why it has to be him. You could go to anyone here for help, even Karen — it's what she's here for - but you don't. You always go to him! He doesn't refuse you either, the bastard. I want to know why it is that he can't turn you away. I think I know, but I want to hear it from you.

Kimble gulped his drink down, he could never linger over a bottle, and wiped his chin as he considered his answer. He set his half empty drink down and came close to her, reaching out. His slender, white fingers brushed her chin and he let her have a sip of his powerful empathy. "It's this."

Molly had felt this before, sure. She knew Remy had this gift, but she wasn't prepared for how powerful it was in Kimble, he hadn't let her feel this much of it before. The heat of it washed through her, a liquid invisible temptation. It was intoxicating and wonderfully arousing. She could easily see how something like this might be attractive, even addictive, but she knew Remy's will was strong. He should have been able to resist this. Just this?

"Well, when I'm with Remy...someone I really cares about... and we's intimate...it's kinda of a big bang. It's real strong, stronger 'n this."

Show me.

Kimble choked a little. " 'Scuze me, baby doll?"

Show me.

"I cain'ts." Molly's anger surged and he knew it. He took a step back, retreating once more to the counter. "Yer Remy's girl. His Mistress. I cain't hurts him like that."

Oh? But you can hurt me, is that it?

Kimble shuddered and began to silently cry. This was no show of crocodile tears, Kimble could never hide anything he felt and he was the worst liar there was. His pain now was very real. "I'm so sorry. I didn't ever wants ta hurt ya, girl. You an' Remy... yous guys are m' family. Yous mean the whole world ta me and didn't ever means ta cause ya no pain. I don' ever means to...it just keeps happenin'. I'm sorry."

Molly came to him, wiping his tears away. I know you didn't, but I have to know. I have to know why my husband won't be faithful to me in spite of every promise he ever made to me.

"I –I cain't. I just cain't, Molly. I'm sorry."

Molly snarled at him and slapped him viciously across the face. You will! You owe me!

Kimble was rocked by the blow, but he was instantly responsive to the pain. It aroused him as much as it hurt him, his body screaming for the punishment. She had cut him with her claws and he was bleeding some. She came at him again, but he grabbed her wrists, turning her and trapping her against the counter so he could control her. "Don't do this, Molly! Please!"

His plea was cut off when she pushed forward, startling him with her strength. She was powerful in her own right and he had no idea of what she was capable of. She reversed the roles and broke free to capture him herself. She gripped his wrists tighter than any vise and dragged him back to her and kissed him, snatching his hair to pull him in. This hadn't been a planned thing on her part, but her anger had driven her to it. She would play Remy today, she would be the one being served and he would be the one betrayed. She would see if he liked it any better than she had. She thrust herself at Kimble, forcing the issue.

Don't! Lin howled. You gots ta git away! The Remy will be so angry with us!

The Lover was very dim now, lost in the fog of Molly's kiss and the heat of her desire. She had released him, feeling that all of his fight was gone, and he made no move now to flee. He had wanted this, he had always wanted this. How could he not? He was Siskan and as a Siskan, making love and bringing pleasure to a loved one was the best way he knew how to express the deep love he felt inside. It was only the rigid laws of the humans around him that had stayed his hand. Now she was asking him for the very thing he had always wanted to give her.

Ya dumbass! Zander grumbled. Ya knows ya don't hafta fuck her ta shows her, right?

What? Kimble mumbled, his mouth full with Molly's kiss.

Close yer eyes and let yer power speak yer words. Thinks real hard.

Kimble found it within himself to obey. He was still kissing her luscious mouth, but his hands strayed no further than to rub gentle circles on the back of her soft and fuzzy sweater. He thought of all the good times he had shared with her running the daycare center back at Westchester. The times they had watched movies together, just the two of them because Remy was out on a mission. They had confided in one another at times, helped each other through hard times. When Angel was sick or being troublesome it was Molly who often helped him through that, easing the strain of being a single parent. She was his friend, his sister, and at times his mother. He let these thoughts roll off of him a wave of Kundatesh.

/ I loves ya, Molly. Like the whole world. Yer so sweet an' fine. I loves ya an' I loves Remy so much. Ya wants ta know what Remy feels? It's this. This great love I gots inside that ain't never gonna die. I gots it fer him, an' he gots it fer me. He uses it ta heals me inside when I hurts so bad. I'm alone all the time, Molly. I'm alone and sometimes when it swallows me up, I gots ta have it. I gots ta feels this love. I knows it's selfish and there ain't no words I kin say ta makes it all right. I knows that an' I'm powerful sorry.

We gots it for each other, him an me. And we gots it fer you, too. Both of us. When he tells me how much he loves you, I feels it like this. Now yer feelin' it, too. Feel this. Feel alla me now, Molly. I loves ya so much. We loves ya so much. /

Molly cried out as Kimble's great love poured into her brain. In the outside world, his body was separated from her by layers of cloth, but his powerful Kundatesh was pounding into her, pleasuring her like no one else ever had. Kimble had never tried anything on this scale before and his release was stronger than he could have imagined, fueled by the sudden burst of emotions they had flung at each other.

She was reacting to it as if he was a ghostly lover, touching her with unseen hands on the bright shimmering essence of her soul. His loving passion was flooding her senses and making her feel something no mere human ever could. She had gotten sips like this from Remy, but never a blast on this scale. She was truly loved, accepted and wanted by Kimble. This was his gift to her, making her feel important and valued in a very real way. He had felt this way before now and he would always love her. It came without jealousy of her position in Remy's bed because the only thing he ever wanted was Gambit's happiness and she provided that. She knew that now. That and she knew Remy's love for her was just as real, just as strong as this. What Kimble was doing now was bouncing back Remy's expressed feelings for her right back in an indirect way of confirming her husband's love for her. The Kundatesh never lies and Kimble was merely passing along a message he'd gotten from Remy many, many times. Gambit loved Kimble dearly, but Molly was more to him. She was his everything.

Molly's body couldn't handle the empathic rush of love and bright passion assaulting the pleasure centers of her brain. She shuddered and climaxed fully clothed. She was writhing and convulsing, pinned between his body and the counter. Kimble felt it with the full range of his sensitivity exposed and shuddered from the shock of it. He was lost in her orgasmic backwash and climaxed himself, sending it right back into her again, compounding his error. It was like a whole handful of firecrackers had gone off in between them, a small series of Kundatesh explosions. He'd had no idea that this would be the result of his little experiment and was floundering, all sense of control he thought he might have had of this an illusion.

His backwash slammed her. He didn't restrain it, he didn't know how. She wasn't as sensitive as Remy, thankfully, so there had been no need. She didn't black out, but was convulsing again, a twisted snarl of intense pleasure torn from her as she bucked against him. It was too much for him. She never felt it as Kimble fell away from her and hit the floor, his consciousness evaporating from the intensity of this. He didn't bother to try and catch himself, he had gotten somewhat used to this with Remy, and preferred to just let go and let the wave take him, table and chairs be damned.

Molly swam in a sea of bliss, Remy's indirect love for her a real thing she could feel even though it was his Siskan that had given it to her. She was basking in a glow that made her feel as though Remy was all around her and inside her like a vaporous lover, something not solid, but definitely there. Something that could never be lost. Yes, it was Remy she was thinking of now, the only man she would ever love with all of her soul.

She came back to herself after a moment and stood drunkenly, laughing softly to herself, intoxicated on the rush. She rubbed her tiny clawed hands together and smelled them, seeking the scent of the one who had made her so high, but there was nothing there. All she could smell was her own self and the soap Kimble had used to wash that morning. She reached out in front of her, dazed and puzzled by Kimble's absence. He had been right in front of her a second ago.

The Siskan was on the floor now, but rising slowly, his face revealing his anguish. It was a look she was very familiar with, she had seen it on his face after every time he and Remy had slipped. No, he hadn't actually made love to her in the physical sense, but as far as he was concerned he had just gone way over the line, far more than he had intended.

You okay? she signed, instantly concerned. The stricken look on his face was horrible.

He wouldn't speak to her, had hardly glanced her way. He stood awkwardly, wobbling on unsteady legs, the tears already spilling down his cheeks again. How could he have been so stupid! That was the last time he took Zander's advice for anything!

She pulled away from the counter, her own legs playing traitor by not fully supporting her. She was startled by the stiffness in her body, she'd had no idea he had been that rough on her mentally, she hadn't felt it at the time. She grabbed at him, but he pulled away. "Don't you leaves my Remy!" he sobbed. "Not fer this! Please! I won't makes him touch me again, I swears! No matter how much I'm hurtin's! I swears! Never, ever again!" He grabbed his cigarettes and his badge for the upstairs door from the table and fled, leaving her alone.

Remy found him a couple of hours later. He and Molly had had a nice long talk. It had been hard for him at first when he had seen her and read instantly from her shine what had happened. Now the roles had been reversed and he was the one who had been betrayed. A climax was sex whether there was intercourse involved or not, he was that protective and jealous of her. He had been instantly angry and ready to fight, but compassion stayed his hand when he saw her guilt and shame over the act. She'd had some time to think about what she had almost done, about what she had begged Kimble to do. Kimble's compromise had softened her guilt and shame with love, only because he had used it as a tool to show her just how much he did love her and how much Remy had loved her as well.

Gambit wasn't without his own sense of shame on the matter, now that he knew Molly's pain for himself, he would never stumble again. He finally understood what his weakness had wrought. He kissed her instead and they cried, vowing not to break up nor betray each other ever again. This was a final vow that once they had made it, neither one ever broke it again.

Gambit found his Siskan hiding outside under one of the Blackbirds parked out on the landing platform. There was no shade here in the desert so the planes were a popular place to those willing to risk the heat for some outside air. Kimble was sitting up against the great front wheel of the vehicle, his face dusty from the sand and streaked with tears.

"Bonjour, Kim. You okay, mon amoureux?"

Kimble looked up at him fearfully, certain he was about to be beaten or worse, but saw only peace in Remy's shine. At first he thought Gambit must not have found out, but then realized that wasn't the case at all. His former Master knew but had forgiven him already, no words ever having had been spoken.

As per usual, Kimble immediately took the blame for everything, guilty or not, and sobbed, "I'm so sorry! It wuz my faults! I- I-!"

Remy came to him, awkward now with the new brace on his leg, but managed to get his arms around him. "It's okay, Kim. Really. Me an' Molly, it's okay."

Kimble sobbed against him. "I tol' her that I wouldn't ever touch ya again! I promise! It won't happens again, I swears it!"

Gambit squeezed him and sent out a powerful vibration of love and forgiveness. "Je sais, I know. It's okay, cher. Paisible maintanent. Paisible, eh? Me an' Molly talked about it, it's okay. You ain't de only one to make dat promise, bien? Dis a t'ree way love... and a t'ree way promise. We all gonna stick together, we ain't gonna break. We just can't play no more, you an' me. No matter 'ow much either one of us wants to."

"I promise! I promise!" Kimble cried, trembling now. "I loves ya. I loves ya both so much!"

"Oui, cher. We love you, too."

Remy rocked him, his own eyes wet. How he loved his Siskan. His Siskan and Molly both. He had learned a powerful lesson today, one that he kept with him always. He gave comfort to his lover and then walked him back to the Complex. They sat down at Remy's table, the three of them, and had some lunch, all the air cleared between them. This thing that could have so easily torn them apart instead brought them that much closer together. It was a bonding they would need for the troubled times ahead. Jael wasn't through with them, not by a long shot.

To be continued in Warning Shot.