(Four)

Gambit followed Seth from the door, but kept his distance. The kitchen was open to the livingroom and he went to the counter there, reaching for the carafe of coffee and pouring a small portion into a mug. He took his time, adding milk to cool it, while waiting for Seth to compose himself. As an afterthought, he grabbed some leftover strips of bacon from that morning's breakfast and lay them on a plate as well. He knew Seth didn't get meat often and would enjoy them. He brought the mug and plate to where his guest sat in a dejected heap and handed them over, gently prompting, "Talk to me, fils. What's goin' on wit you?"

Seth took the offered snacks and sipped the coffee, internally grateful for Remy's thoughtfulness. He was sensitive to hot drinks as he was all things, but still enjoyed something warm going in. Remy was aware of this and was always careful to cool whatever he gave over, not wanting Seth to scald himself. Even more welcome was the bacon, a rare delicacy for him. These treats had the desired effect, Seth wanted to reciprocate. He still wasn't sure how to explain the one problem on his mind so instead, he gave vent to another that was bothering him just as much. "I want to see Kimble."

The change in tack threw Remy for a moment, he had to blink and catch up. "You know dey ain't lettin' nobody see 'im. 'E's better, but 'e still not out of de woods yet, fils."

Seth gave him an expression of mingled irritation and resentment. He couldn't hide the snotty tone in his voice as he said, "They let Angel in to see him."

Remy cocked his head in surprise. What was this? Jealousy? Well, that had never happened before. Seemed like lots of things that hadn't happened before were happening now with this Siskan, something perplexing. "Angel went 'cause dere was a concern fo' 'er safety. Kimble wasn't sittin' right wit dat and 'e needed to be calmed down. Dat's de only reason."

"Was it?" Seth snapped, looking away. He swirled warm coffee in his mug, clearly not believing a word of it.

"An' why would dere be another?"

Seth returned his eyes, his words bitter as he explained, "Every time Kimble's been messed up, I've always been allowed to see him. No exceptions. Now this time, I've been kept away? It has to be personal."

Remy was blown away. Seth was all over the place here – the bizarre sexual episode, his anger, the jealousy, now paranoia. What was going on here? "Personal 'ow?"

"It's because I'm Siskan."

Gambit shook his head. "What does dat got to do wit anyt'ing?"

"Kimble's Siskan and from the moment he's been here, everything has been different," Seth replied, the words coming out fast as he ranted. "He's followed by Logan's guys all the time, he had to swallow a tracker. I did, too, you know? I had to, just to be fair. But you know what? No one else has to swallow trackers or be watched. It isn't fair, it isn't right. I want to see my brother! I have a right!"

"Of course you 'ave a right, nobody sayin' you don't. It's just dat Kim's not right. 'E just needs time. Dis 'as nuthin' to do wit bein' Siskan. It 'as to do wit Kimble bein' nuts."

Seth snorted derisively and turned away again.

"What you askin' for, cher? What's gonna satisfy you, eh? You want Gambit to sneak you in?"

Seth quickly looked back at that, his eyes hopeful. "Yes, please!" he replied, that Oliver Twist eagerness radiating on his face.

Remy much preferred that to Seth's earlier darkness and was willing to entertain thoughts of rule breaking, but only on one condition. "Only if you answer dis one question."

"Okay."

"What does Kimble got to do wit de way you was lookin' at me back dere?"

Seth was quiet, thinking a moment before answering as he teetered on the edge of honesty. He still didn't want to confess that he had altered his codes, it was such a touchy subject, and quite frankly, he didn't want the criticism that was sure to follow. He already knew it had been a stupid move, he was reminded of it every time he would get swamped by vibrations. The last thing he wanted was another person giving him a 'How could you be so stupid?' lecture. So instead of the truth, he offered, "Nothing. I'm... I've been really lonely. Fallen's around, but...but it hasn't been the same lately. She's been keeping me away from things, from other people since Kimble...you know, since he did what he did. It's...it's stressing me out and quite frankly, it was just nice to be...close to someone. Does that sound wrong?"

Remy smiled at him. "Non, of course not, cher. I take it my advice to talk to Fallen was a waste of time?"

Seth's brow crinkled in impatience. "It was good advice, I guess. It's just that... I don't know, it's been hard to talk to Fallen. She's said some things...she hates Kimble now."

"It 'urts, n'est ce pas?"

Pale blue eyes looked up, filled with pain. "Yes. Yes, it does. He's my brother."

Remy had what he wanted in that confession and was relieved enough to sit next to Seth and pull him close. "I know it's 'ard, but you gotta talk to 'er, fils. You 'ave to tell 'er what's on yo' mind. Keepin' it all inside is what made Kimble all nuts, don't you be doin' de same, neh? Talk to 'er."

"I'm talking to you."

"It's not de same. I can't go to Fallen for you, she'll see it as an attack. You gotta clear de air wit 'er or t'ings jus' gonna get worse, comprenez?"

"If I could just see Kimble for myself, I'd feel better."

Remy knew well enough that that alone wasn't going to be enough to ease Seth's pain, the problem wasn't that simple, but he could see that the Siskan was squirming. His empathy was telling him that Seth was being honest as far as being stressed out, that much was pretty obvious. He looked like he could really use a friend and not a judge. Perhaps it was best to indulge him and press him on the rest some other time.

"D'accorde, Gambit will get you in."

"Thank you!" Seth said, relaxing into his former childish self. He pushed into Remy, hugging him sloppily as he always did when he got his way.

Remy laughed, always amused by that, and squeezed back. "We gotta discuss de plan, neh?"

"Okay," Seth replied, happily retreating.

"Dere's a load of supplies comin' in wit Fallen, doctor stuff fo' 'Enry. We go down an' meet 'er, bring de stuff back up to de Lab. I'll jus' bet if you loaded up all helpful, no one's gonna turn you away. You go in de Lab, drop de stuff off, say 'allo to Kim and you get yo' ass out, comprenez?"

"Oh, yes! Thank you!"

Remy endured another constrictor tight hug, trying to breathe.

"You jus' gotta be warned, dere's some new people dere wit Kim, some friends of mine from N'awlins. Dey bein' kept separate like yo' brother. Dey ain't got clearance so you keep clear, d'accorde?"

"Okay. What new people?"

Remy carefully explained about Aiden and Babette, keeping it simple. They were Siskans running from the Game and were seeking shelter here. Logan was suspicious of them, not all of Aiden's story seemed right and it was being investigated. Until then, they were to be kept separate. Remy did not say anything about Babette's angel being murdered, he didn't dare. He just wanted Seth to know enough to ease his curiosity and keep his visit in the Lab short. He might get away with something brief, but an extended stay was sure to be punishable.

"You wit de plan now, fils?"

"Yes, thank you!"

"D'accorde," Remy replied, glancing at his watch. "If we gonna do dis, we best be goin' on, neh? Let's go."

Seth jumped up at once and waited impatiently as Remy finished dressing and left a quick scribbled note for Molly in case she woke up later. That finished, they made their way to the landing strip outside where the Lucky Dragon was sure to arrive. They didn't have to wait long, Fallen was right on time. She landed and disembarked, happy to see them. "What are you guys doing here?"

"Nuthin' much. Jus' lendin' a helpin' 'and. 'Eard you got a bunch of stuff fo' 'Enry," Remy said, giving her his best charming smile.

"Well, yes. But there's no reason for us to offload it all now."

"Why put it off when we could 'ave it done just like dat?" Remy was speaking with more than his mouth. As the words left his lips, he used the Kundatesh to let slip some vibrations of calm and bliss, making his statement all the more persuasive. More and more, this empathic ability was becoming his primary weapon of choice, and it didn't let him down now.

Fallen wavered. She didn't want Seth anywhere near that Lab, but damn if Remy wasn't being just so reasonable. It was true if they did it now it would save her from having to do it later.

"It won't take but a minute," Gambit insisted, putting his arm around her and leading her back inside the ship, his grin playful and light. His empathic voice was speaking to her, not quite heard but definitely understood. / Isn't dis just de mos' fun in de world? Like a great big 'ol party. Come on, chere. You know you want to. /

"All right," she said, suddenly not caring about any of this at all. She felt happy to do this for Henry, he was just ever so nice. He would be grateful to have this stuff right away instead of having to wait. Remy was so thoughtful to help out, too. Blissfully unaware of Remy's careful manipulation, she loaded both men up with goods and they all went inside, heading for the lab.

Seth watched Remy work his Mistress with a bewildered kind of wonder. It was amusing to see Fallen get swayed so easily, yet it was spooky how easily Remy had persuaded her to do his will. Seth could sense Remy's vibrations and was a little more aware of what was happening than he would have been before. He never fully realized just how smooth Remy was with his power, with the charm that both and he and Kimble possessed. He realized that all those times Remy had soothed him, it was with this same use of power. Never was there evil intent and Seth didn't sense any now. He simply stored the knowledge away for later consideration. Right now, the only thing he was focused on was seeing Kimble again and making sure for himself that his brother was okay.

They made it to the Lab undisturbed and Remy was so sure he was going to get away with his little plan — that was until they happened to bump into Logan just outside the door. Wolverine saw them all loaded up with packages, Seth in particular, and wasn't the least bit fooled by the charming bright smile Remy beamed on him with ersatz innocence. "Bonjour, Wolvie."

"Where you guys goin'?"

"Me and Set' was jus' givin' Fallen a hand wit de supplies fo' 'Enry."

"Uh, huh," Logan replied arrogantly, looking them over with unveiled suspicion. "That's mighty helpful of you of you boys."

"I'll go on ahead," Seth said, moving towards the door. "You guys look like you've got things to talk about." He fully expected to be halted, but Logan let him pass. As he brushed by, Seth picked up a vibration of concern from Logan, something most unexpected. / The poor kid. He misses his brother. He shouldn't have had to sneak in like this. It's my fault, I should have brought him down myself earlier. It's just been so busy lately, so many things to worry about. I'll make it up to him later. /

Seth couldn't help but smile at that, reassured that no blame would be passed for this. Some of the frustration and prejudice he had been feeling slipped away and his shine brightened, something Remy could see. Gambit was unaware that of Seth's newfound sensitivity and wasn't quite sure why the Siskan had reacted so positively, but was happy about it all the same. He waited until Seth was gone before asking his teammate, "Sumptin' on yo' mind?"

"Yeah, while I've got the both of you here," Logan replied, giving Fallen a nod. She had started to follow Seth, but she paused now to listen. "With all the trouble that's going on, the concern that Jael is getting closer, Charlie's askin' all of his senior people to make sure they wear their uniforms. You know, just to keep the rank and file in order."

"I'm not a senior person," Fallen protested in confusion.

"Sure ya are. You just never acted like one. You've got the Dragon and yer doin' a lot of ferryin' of folks around. He sent up some new uniforms to yer rooms, specially made just fer you."

"I've been promoted," Fallen said in disbelief, not sure how to feel about that.

"Yeah, I guess. You and Seth. He had some jackets made fer yer boy, just somethin' with the emblem on them." Logan next looked Remy over, saying with a teasing smile, "And as fer you, Charlie sent some new ones up fer you as well. Made a better chest plate fer ya and boosted yer body armor, seeing as how you keep gettin' hurt an' all."

"Merci, I t'ink," Remy replied with a wry grin. "Dis mean I'm off light duty?"

"Yeah, Henry cleared ya. Don't get all excited just yet - " Logan said quickly, seeing Remy's face brighten. " — he's gonna want ya mostly watchin' over our guests, makin' sure they don't have any trouble settlin' in. They can't be stayin' in the Lab ferever."

"Fine by me. Dat class was gettin' to be a real bore."

Logan just grinned. "Oh, you've still got a class." He hooked an arm around Remy's shoulder and they walked off a bit, letting Fallen go. "See, Chuck thinks ya done such a nice job of it, he wants ya to keep right on goin'. Thinks maybe you should pick up a couple more..."

Fallen smiled in amusement as she heard Remy groan in pain and turned the way Seth had gone.

(break)

Seth walked into the Med Lab, his arms full of medical goods. Finally here, he was recklessly (for him anyway) walking backwards with his hands full and not really looking where he was going. His goal in coming here was to meet a Siskan, and he found one, just not the one he had intended. Seth cried out in surprise when he collided with another warm body in his path. Everything went flying out of his arms and tumbled to the ground. He crouched down quickly, hoping to catch some of the items before they might break.

"Oh, excusze me!" said a soft and gentle voice behind him. Slender white hands reached around him to assist. "Let me 'elp you, me."

At first Seth was confused, the voice sounded like Remy's, but he had left the thief behind out in the hallway. When he turned around to look at who had spoken, his eyes met a pair of light green ones looking back at him with playful curiosity. "No, really...it was my fault," he said breathlessly. Seth's glasses had fallen askew and he had never seen such beautiful eyes before. In spite of having been out in the world for eight years, he was still easily mesmerized by new things and was momentarily struck dumb with wonder.

Aiden reached out and adjusted the dangling lenses back on Seth's face. "Why you wear desze, eh? You are much too beautiful to 'ide szuch a facze."

"Th-the light, it's...too..b-bright s-sometimes..." Seth explained numbly, the words rolling around in his mouth like loose marbles. It had been a little while since he had changed his codes and the sad fact of his weakness to bright light still remained.

As he scrambled for loose boxes, Seth caught a flash of Aiden's tattoo through his half open, brightly floral shirt and realized that in spite of his disbelief in the existence of others, he was having an actual encounter with another of his own kind, a Siskan he had never met before today. When Remy had said there were some friends here from New Orleans and that they were Siskan like himself, the reality of that statement hadn't sunk in until he was confronted with one of those very same creatures right here, right now. A Siskan, real like him. For reasons he couldn't hope to explain, Seth was trembling with nervous excitement at that thought. It held him in place, like a deer caught in a trucker's headlights.

When Seth didn't move, Aiden reached out and gently brushed his cheek, a gesture of playful curiosity. He of course had recognized Seth for what he was immediately. A neophyte 'gram, a Lushna-esk by the tint of his shine. Aiden's well practiced eye pegged Seth as little more than a couple of months old and poorly trained at best, a newbie. Aiden kept waiting for the automatic use of Kundatesh, kept expecting Seth to "read" him but for some strange reason, this charming young creature did no such thing. So instead, Aiden "read" him himself, letting slip a sip of his power to further examine the boy.

The moment Aiden's fingers touched the bright red flush of his face, Seth felt a shock, a surge of some strange power pass through him. It was wonderful and bright and warm and shimmering, powerful as it coursed its way right through him. His body shuddered from the heat of it, shocking him by once again becoming suddenly, instantly aroused. Here it was again, his body betraying him at every opportunity, only this time it was much worse. Worse than that brief moment with Remy only an hour earlier. Seth was overcome with a sudden irrational desire to do anything this man desired, to submit to his every whim, but more than anything, he wanted this stranger take him in his arms and make love to him a thousand times over. The release would be heavenly, the power told him so as it whispered its passionate silky promises in his head, evaporating any and all resistance. His body shivered and ached to be touched all over, every tremble of his body begging for it. He couldn't help a soft cry of distress.

Aiden smiled at him shyly and withdrew his hand. "Aiden isz szorry, leetle one. 'E did not mean to frighten you. It'sz been a long time szince 'e asz met one asz young asz you."

Oh, it was more than that to be sure, but soft spoken little Aiden wasn't going to elaborate. Seth was a surprise on so many levels, Aiden didn't know where to begin. He knew nothing of Seth, it was the data retrieved from his quick scan that suggested to him that Seth was young, fresh from the birthing room if he had to guess. His estimate of two months might have been a bit hasty, Seth was younger than that judging by his shine and the way his body had reacted to the energy he had used to "read" him. Seth was Lushna-esk, there was no doubt of that, one with a powerful talent lying asleep just under the surface. And that in itself was the problem. Aiden's experienced mind could see that Seth was just beginning Shemusk, a kind of Siskan puberty exclusive to the Lushna-esk, and Aiden was left to wonder if anyone here realized it and how much trouble Seth was in.

"Wh-who are you?" Seth stammered, breaking into Aiden's thoughts. He was undone and quivering still. He couldn't stop himself from leaning closer to this interesting newcomer, he didn't want Aiden to leave.

"I am Aiden, me," the Dreamer replied, quick to soothe and console, pleased that Seth was close. He was sorry he had disturbed Seth like this, he didn't expect to see such a new Siskan here or anywhere else for that matter. The art of creation was something he had thought long lost.

"Y-you came in with F-Fallen a couple of days ago." Seth's voice continued to shake, his tongue unwilling to come back under his control. His body was on fire and he wasn't strong enough to fight it. If this man took him right now, he wouldn't be able to resist. He would go down willingly and do whatever he wanted to please him, anything.

"Yesz," Aiden replied, smiling now. He knew exactly what was going on in the young Siskan's mind even though it was an accident. He knew his power was strong and that it could affect the uninitiated, but he hadn't anticipated Seth's overwhelmed response. It was still hilarious to watch even though it was at poor Seth's expense.

"Wha-what did you do to me...ju-just now?"

Aiden smiled at him. "It isz de Kundatesh. I 'read' you. Aiden isz szorry, me. 'E did not mean to shock you. It isz de way de Sziszkansz get to know one ano'der. You should know disz, of coursze, asz you are one of usz."

Kundatesh was the Siskan word that explained the powerful backwash that was the result of Aiden's empathy. It meant "good feeling". All the empathic Lushna-esk Siskan Courtesans had this intoxicating magic, some stronger than others. Aiden's was quite powerful and he had become the master of it early. He was well trained in its use and could use it to seduce almost anyone. It was also used to "read" other people as he had Seth. He used it all the time to determine someone's mood or condition. It was quite automatic for him and it had been a long time since he had touched anyone as sensitive as poor Seth. He hadn't intended for him to react and fall under his sway so quickly. What confused him was that Kimble had this same gift and had used it on Aiden when they met, yet this timid young Courtesan before him was acting as though this was the first time he had ever felt a Kundatesh rush. Surely Kimble would have used his power on Seth as well. Aiden had no way of knowing that Seth was actually a small piece of Kimble himself and that such a strong reading wasn't necessary. Kimble could take one look at Seth and know instantly what was on his mind.

"N-no one's ever touched me like th-that b-before," Seth said quickly in his own defense. "K-Kimble n-never touches m-me like that."

"Keemble, yesz..." Aiden mumbled softly, his voice going soft and dreamy. His smile changed and became more wistful as he thought of Kimble, of what they were destined to share if all went according to his dreams. Pulling himself out of his distraction, Aiden brought his attention back to the young Siskan before him. Seth wore no shirt and now Aiden took a good long look at the Mark on Seth's chest. He reached out again to touch it, this time being much more careful of his empathy.

Seth moaned softly as Aiden's fingers touched him again, tracing the wings on the woman there, and was only dimly aware as Aiden's voice came at him again. "Why you 'ave disz Mark, eh? It doesz not belong to you."

"I earned the Sword fair and square," Seth protested, finally getting his mouth working correctly, a monumental achievement considering how out of control the rest of him was. He was still hopelessly aroused and when Aiden's curious fingertips lightly brushed one of his nipples, a particular weakness of his, the young pilot shivered with heat again. "I worked just as hard as Kimble did, maybe more."

Aiden chuckled softly at that, amused by this one's innocence and hyper reactions to even the gentlest of touches. "You are young...and you miszundersztand. What you wear...it could get one szuch asz you kilt juz' for 'aving it. Jael, 'e would murder you asz 'e did my Maszter. For being a fake."

"I am not a fake!" Seth whined sharply, but wilted back into bewildered arousal when he felt Aiden's power touch him again to calm him. "I am not fake," he repeated, softer now.

"Aiden did not mean to szay you are fake. Non, 'e can szee you are quite real. It isz not you, non... not you who isz fake. Juz' ze Szword," the Dreamer explained, his voice growing husky as he came in close, finally kissing him, Aiden's standard greeting.

Seth swooned immediately under the kiss, tasting Aiden's tongue in his mouth, the gel sweetness intoxicating him instantly. He went under far more easily than Kimble had to Aiden's power, he was not even close to defending himself against it. There was some strange magic here, something strange and different, something that called to him deep inside. Something he couldn't resist. Seth moaned again and shivered uncontrollably now, that unsettled part of him that had been awakened from his code-tampering screaming for more. For a lot more than just a simple kiss.

/ You are szo pretty, you, came a vibration into his head. It was stronger and clearer than anything he had ever felt before. This voice was quite strong, as if Aiden had spoken with his mouth. But that wasn't possible, right? Aiden was using it to kiss him more sweetly and deeply than anyone had ever done. Still that voice was definitely there, speaking to him, / Szo amuszing dat you shake from my szlighteszt touch. I can szee you are szo young, szo new. Your power it'sz only juszt begun. Ze Shemuszk, Aiden can feel it in you. Only one lover you 'ave 'ad, an' dat one? Not quite what you need to make you right again, I'm t'inkin'. Not like me, not a Kintay asz your firszt should 'ave been. What a crime. Oh, ze t'ingsz I could make you feel. What a pleaszure it would be to teach you what it meansz to be Sziszkan. /

"Wh-what do y-you want with me?" Seth whispered, a tear leaking out of one eye. He had no idea what Aiden was trying to say, he was all done now, opened wide. Whatever this one wanted, he hoped he would say soon so that he could do it. He would do anything just to be swept away by this strange emotion and be drowned in it. There would be no greater bliss.

Aiden was pleased with the question, overstepping his bounds to boldly offer, "Aiden would love you leetle one, me. Make you shake like not'ing else. Would you like dat?"

"Oh...oh, yes! B-but...b-but..."

"But what, my pretty little t'ing, trembling 'ere?" Aiden asked playfully, reaching out to Seth's face with his fingers again. He couldn't believe his luck, first one new Siskan to explore and love and now this one, too. A Siskan as good as a virgin, one in serious need of some qualified training. Aiden had spent too many years in a sexually free environment for him to even consider the consequences of his actions, he was thinking only of momentary pleasures as he always had. His attraction to Kimble wouldn't inhibit him from quick play with another. For Aiden, the loss of his Master was forgotten at the thought of educating this child, of bringing Seth out of Shemusk and into a brighter, bigger world. Suddenly, things were looking up.

"M-M-Mistress!" Seth finally blurted out. "Sh-she'll be s-so angry!"

Aiden's eyes widened a little in surprise and he instantly retreated. Seth whimpered and cried out from the separation, bewildered. He fell over and caught himself with one hand, propping himself up before he could collapse.

Aiden didn't assist him physically, but sent a vibration of apology and said, "Aiden isz szorry. 'E did not know you belong to anyone like zat. Keemble did not."

Seth groaned, in pain now, and covered his face with the hand that wasn't holding him up. He was much too fragile to withstand such an assault on his senses. He still hadn't recovered from his bad experience with the codes and he was reeling. Aiden felt truly sorry and sent out another vibration, this one more soothing and gentle.

Seth responded gratefully and smiled weakly up at him. "I'm all right. This happens to me all the time. Everything...it's all too much sometimes."

"Aiden playsz wit' you, 'e isz not alwaysz szo fair. Szorry. You are very pretty, you. I'm a fool for a pretty facze, me," Aiden apologized, trying to put Seth at ease. It was true he found Seth intriguing and pretty, but not so much as Kimble. That one...well, hmm. No words could describe the way he felt for Seth's big brother. Perhaps it was just as well this one was taken, his heart was truly already spoken for as it was. He just hoped that others here were as perceptive to Seth's plight and would help him. If not, he might have to take things into his own hands, give them a nudge in the right direction.

Aiden retreated further still and began gathering the boxes Seth had dropped. He paused when a shadow fell over him and he looked up into Fallen's pale blue eyes. Seth's Mistress had arrived.