"Hey, Cajun. How're you feeling?" Logan asked quietly, leaning back against the closed door to take in the sight of his mate.

"Comme ci comme ça." Remy was sat on the arm chair beside the window, book resting on his swollen belly. The red eyed Omega huffed, running a hand down the rounded curve. Even from the other side of the room, Logan could see the little bumps appear and disappear rapidly.

"That looks uncomfortable."

Remy grinned wearily. "De little one takes after you. Likes it rough."

Logan snorted and made his way to stand beside his mate. He set a heavy hand on Remy's shoulder. Something primal in his chest purred contentedly as Remy leaned into his touch. The strong scent of satisfied Omega was like a drug to him. He couldn't resist the urge to nuzzle Remy's hair to inhale more of his sweet scent.

"Beast says he will induce me next week if labour don't start soon. He offered to do it earlier, but I asked him to wait, see if I can do it naturally."

Logan grunted, gently rubbing Remy's belly. The baby twisted and wriggled under his palm, kicking out sharply. Remy grumbled under his breath, but his lips twitched upwards all the same.

"Dinner's ready, if you feel up to coming down for it."

"When don't I?" Remy grinned.

Logan rolled his eyes and helped Remy ease himself to his feet.

"I can't say I will miss bein' pregnant." He complained, rubbing his aching back.

Logan chuckled and wrapped an arm around Remy's waist. They started their slow trek out of their room. Logan kept checking himself, though moving so slowly drove him mad. However, contrary to popular belief, even Logan had enough manners to not leave his heavily pregnant mate to walk by himself.

"You're tinkin' too much, Chere."

"Sorry. Am I boring you?"

"Non, cher. Lookin' at your pretty face is never boring."

"Flattery gets you nowhere, Gumbo."

"On de contrary, it got me pregnant." Remy smirked.

Logan just groaned, shaking his head. Remy laughed and leaned his head on Logan's shoulder. They separated slightly as they came to the closed doors to the dining room; walking shoulder to shoulder instead of linked together.

"Hey guys!" Jubilee called as they entered. "We thought you weren't coming, you took so long!"

"Come now, petite, you should know by now I'm not going to miss a meal. Jus' takes me a lil longer to get around these days." With a small grunt, he lowered himself into the chair beside her and ruffled her hair playfully. Logan settled beside him, pulling his chair close enough that their shoulders brushed together.

"Still no sign of the baby coming then?" Jean asked sympathetically.

"Non." Remy sighed.

"That sucks." Jubilee frowned.

"Indeed."

"It will happen, Remy. Just give it time." Storm soothed from across the table.

Remy hummed lowly. "I'll believe it when I feel it."

"Ah don' know how yah managed this long." Rogue said.

"I don' know myself." Remy sighed, patting his belly gently. For once the baby didn't kick and settled on just squirming. He shifted uncomfortably under the focus of the rest of the table. It seemed as though every conversation he had at the moment revolved around his pregnancy. It was exhausting, being the centre of attention so often. Not to mention it made him feel too much like the stereotypical walking incubator Omega for comfort.

Logan picked up on his discomfort and squeezed his leg under the table, giving off a subtle wave of comforting scent.

Jean also seemed to sense Remy's predicament and quickly steered the conversation to Beast's latest project. Remy breathed a sigh of relief.

It was easy to lose track of the conversation from there. The food in front of him captured his attention and the late pregnancy fatigue had thoroughly wrecked his ability to multi-task. He idly rubbed his belly. The skin felt tighter than normal- taut and sore. He fought to keep his expression neutral. Logan's eyes were on him. With the birth so imminent, the protective Alpha was on high alert for any sign something was wrong. The last thing Remy needed was his mate making a scene for no reason.

He pushed the remains of his meal around on his plate, his ravenous appetite suddenly drained.

"You finished with that, Cajun?" Logan asked.

"Oui, mon ami." He mumbled distractedly. The sudden feeling of unease had settled over him like a thick fog. Focusing on anything else was just too much effort.

Logan took his plate. Through the haziness, Remy noticed the other X-Men rising from the table. Slowly, he pushed his chair back from the table and pushed himself to stand. His body ached in protest; sharp in his back and pulsing across his front and down his thighs. He grimaced but started to move away from the table.

A biting twist rippled through his body. Remy let out a startled, pained gasp and grabbed the tabletop to steady himself. "Mon Dieu!"

Distantly, he could hear the worried voices of the others around him. The blood pounding in his ears made it almost impossible to listen. Jubilee's rang more clearly, calling for Logan. It was the strong scent of his mate beside him that pulled him back to awareness.

"Remy, what's wrong?" Logan asked, tilting Remy's head to the side to meet his eyes.

"Don' know…" Remy mumbled, "Never felt anyting like that before."

Footsteps on his other side drew his attention. He turned to see Storm beside him. She pressed a hand to his belly and palpitated gently.

"I believe that was a contraction, Gambit. We may not have to induce you after all."

"Oh…" Remy said in a hollow voice.

Logan gently wrapped an arm around his shoulder and steered him towards the door. "C'mon. Let's get you back to your nest."

"Okay…"

He leaned heavily on Logan as they made the slow trek through the mansion back to their room. Ororo walked quietly beside them, her scent entirely calm. It was a sharp contrast to Remy's chaotic one and the tight restraint Logan had on his.

Remy had never been so thankful for the existence of elevators in his life. He almost thought about being grateful that the professor had so many installed in the mansion, but that seemed insensitive. They finally made it to their room- technically Logan's room but they shared it now. The gym equipment was pushed neatly to one side to make room for an extra occupant. Not that Remy had many belongings to move over. The most glaring addition to the room was the Moses basket at the end of the bed.

It was the basket that Remy gravitated to. He picked up the soft blanket inside and nuzzled it. Scenting it, ready for his baby.

"Remy?" Storm's gentle voice pulled him back to reality. "You need to rest. Gather your strength for the labours ahead."

"Oui."

"Fetch me if you need me. I will check on you in a few hours. Logan, make sure to time his contractions. Write them down if it helps."

"Will do."

A warm heavy hand settled on Remy's shoulder. Instinctively he leaned into the touch, letting Logan fold him into an embrace.

"I'm scared, cher." Remy whispered, absently cradling his belly.

Logan's hands joined his, twisting their fingers together. "I know, Rem. I know. But you're gonna get through this just fine."

"Will you stay wit me?"

"I ain't gonna leave your side, Cajun. Not until you want me to."

"Never."

"How about you lay down and try and sleep? Pretty sure the whole 'havin' a baby' thing takes a while. Might as well do what Storm says and rest up."

Remy nodded wearily and let Logan guide him over to the bed. He grinned flirtatiously when Logan lifted his shirt over his head.

"Not dat I complainin', but I don' tink this is de time."

Logan rolled his eyes but grinned back. "Nice try, Gumbo. You're getting into comfortable clothes to sleep in."

"You can't blame a man for tryin', non?"

"Put your pyjamas on, swamp rat."

"Might need some help wit' my socks. Can barely see my feet dese days, let alone reach dem."

Logan chuckled and knelt down at Remy's feet. He carefully slid Remy's boots off, the socks quickly following suit. Logan massaged each of Remy's ankles in turn, testing the swelling.

"That hurt?"

"Non."

"Good. Pants next."

He scoffed at the sultry grin Remy flashed him.

"Get your mind out of the gutter. This ain't the time for that."

"You, monsieur, are no fun."

Eventually Logan got Remy into his baggy sleep clothes and bundled under the covers. Remy complied, lying back into the pillows. Logan sat beside him, in his own casual clothes, and Remy leaned into his side.

Logan had a second of warning. Remy's breath hitched. Logan's heart skipped a beat and then Remy's hand clamped down like a vice on his wrist.

"Remy?"

Remy shook his head silently, the rest of his body frozen.

"Breathe, Remy."

Remy gasped, turning to bury his face in Logan's chest. "Dis is gon' be… intense…" he mumbled.

Logan brought his arms up around Remy's back, nuzzling into the Omega's red hair. "I know, Cajun. But this ain't nothing you can't handle."

"Don't you gotta write that down?" Remy asked, "Storm's orders 'n' all."

Logan chuckled, reaching for the pen and paper Storm had left on the bedside table. He glanced at his watch and scribbled down the time- 7:35.

"Don't tink we're gon' get a lotta sleep tonight." Remy grinned sheepishly.

Logan ruffled Remy's hair affectionately. "Don't worry about it, Rem. Just try and rest now while you can."

Remy sank back obediently into the pillows. Resting his head in Logan's lap, he let his eyes close. Logan was like a giant hot water bottle, and the heavy hand he was running through Remy's hair was making him melt.

With a groggy moan, Remy pried his eyelids open. The room was dark, his weary eyes slow to adjust. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes in an attempt to clear them.

"Remy? You awake?" Logan whispered.

"Oui. How long did I sleep?"

"Couple hours. It's just gone 11."

Before Remy could say anything else, pain lanced up through his back. He couldn't bite back the shrill groan, clutching Logan's arm in an iron grip. Logan gently rubbed his belly, his uncharacteristically quiet voice reminding Remy to breathe. The cramp was vicious and breathing felt impossible to Remy. Air whistled through his gritted teeth as he did his best to pant through the pain. It felt like an eternity by the time the pain let up. Remy sagged against Logan's chest, catching his breath.

"I tink I have had enough of lying down for one night."

Logan nodded. He was writing on the pad, though there was a lot more on the page than Remy thought there was when he fell asleep.

"What's all of that, cher?"

"Been doing what Storm said. Keeping track of your contractions. You kept moaning in your sleep, made it pretty easy to track. She stopped by about an hour ago, said to let you sleep while you could. "

"Oh. Be a gentleman and help me up?"

Logan nodded, supporting Remy's shoulders as he slowly swung his legs over the side of the bed. Logan stood first and then helped heft Remy to his feet and steadied him, while Remy found his balance.

"You want the light on? Might be helpful to see where your feet are." Logan joked.

Remy laughed quietly. "I can't see mon feet anyway, cher. Jus' put de lamp on. I don' wan' to wake de others if we can avoid it."

Logan nodded and flicked on the table lamp, filling the room with a warm orange glow. Logan took the opportunity to look his mate over. Remy looked tired, eyes blinking slowly. At the same time he twitched restlessly, hands wringing the hem of his shirt just to have something to do with them.

"What now?" he asked in an unusually small voice, lacking all his normal charm and flair.

Logan gently pressed his lips to Remy's. "Whatever you want, Cajun."

"Je ne sais pas…"

"You don't need to know, Remy. Remember what Storm said? Just go with your instincts."

Remy shuffled in place for a moment before waddling over to the arm chair and sinking into it. He groaned, rubbing his belly. "Dis is tres uncomfortable."

"I know." Logan said. He moved to stand behind the chair and started kneading Remy's tense shoulders. A thrill of pleasure ran through him at the moan of satisfaction Remy gave.

"That good?"

"Merci, cher."

Remy leaned his head back. His eyes drooped again. He was too pregnant to be running on so little sleep. Then his hands were clenching around the armrests, and he was gritting his teeth through the tightening pain.

"Breathe, Remy."

Remy panted heavily, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Merde. Logan…" he pleaded, though he didn't understand what for.

Logan pressed a kiss to Remy's hair. The grip of his hands on Remy's shoulders and made the Omega wince. He scented the air and found Logan's scent to be bitter with stress. Looking over his shoulder, Logan's face was stony and closed off, but the way he was gritting his teeth made Remy instantly worry.

"Logan? Cher?"

Logan ran a hand over his face with a heavy sigh. "I'm fine, Gumbo. You just focus on you."

Frowning, Remy pushed himself to his feet to face his mate. "I can't do dat if my mate isn't right."

Logan ducked his head away from Remy's eyes. He growled out, "You're in a lotta pain. I know it's meant to happen, but I just- I hate seeing you like that."

Remy sighed. He stepped as close to Logan as his belly would allow and cupped his face. "Dis is bringin' up some bad memories?"

Logan nodded. "I seen too many friends in pain. I know this is completely different, but I just can't separate it all in my head."

Awkward though the movement was, Remy kissed Logan gently. "C'est okay, cher. Take a walk. Clear your head. Come back when you ready."

"And if I can't? If I ain't ever ready?"

Remy smiled. "Dat's okay too. Storm will look after me just' fine."

Logan pulled Remy into his arms. Slightly too roughly, jarring Remy's aching back, but he paid it no mind. Logan kissed Remy's forehead and nuzzled into the crook of his neck. Remy's crackling smoke and lily scent was tinged with an acidic undertone of pain and anxiety that Remy couldn't hide if he tried, but the Omega was projecting as much sweet smelling comfort as he could to cover it.

It was killing Logan to leave his mate so vulnerable, and to risk missing the birth of his child. His Alpha instincts were raging inside his chest not to leave. But his head fought back viciously. He couldn't trust himself, couldn't risk losing control, becoming the animal he always feared he'd become. Not when Remy was so vulnerable. If Logan hurt Remy, he'd lose himself forever.

Prying himself away from Remy's side was torturous. Though Remy smiled comfortingly, he couldn't hide the pain and fear in his eyes that Logan found so beautiful. His Alpha instincts howling furiously, he shut the door and Remy was left alone.

He gazed around the room forlornly, half heartedly pacing. After a minute, he returned to the bed, curling up as much as he could in the sheets. He buried his head in Logan's pillow, breathing in the metallic pine scent, even though it made tears prick in his eyes. Though he understood why Logan had left, he couldn't help but feel hurt. The quiet room felt suddenly oppressive. He whined lowly just to fill the silence. The baby kicked sharply. Remy managed a small laugh, running a hand down his belly.

"Don' worry, little one. You gon' be fine. Your Père jus' needs some time to sort himself out, but he'll be back. He loves you so much."

A knock on the door roused him from his reverie. Slowly, he sat up, but he couldn't bring himself to get any further than that.

"Come in!" he called.

The door opened to reveal Rogue and Jubilee, dressed in pyjamas but looking perfectly awake.

"What you two doin' up here?" he asked wearily.

"Ah saw Logan heading down to the Danger Room an' Storm's still asleep, so Ah figured Ah'd keep yah company." Rogue explained. "Unless yah'd rather be alone?"

Remy thought for a moment. Sure, they weren't Logan, but they were better than the overwhelming silence. He and Rogue had been close for a while- as the only Omegas in the mansion, they fell in together. They'd been helping each through their heats for years. Aside from Logan, there was no one Remy trusted more.

As for Jubilee, their newest Omega, he'd gotten a lot closer to her over the course of his pregnancy. His parental instincts had gone into overdrive, instantly drawing him to their youngest member. Jubilee had been fascinated by his pregnancy; just another part of family life she was relishing having found at the mansion. She'd gone most of her life without a steady Omega presence, which was vital in their development, and reciprocated Remy's nurturing more willingly than he suspected most teenagers would.

"Oui. Could do wit' de company." He said. He patted the bed in invitation. They entered the room fully, Jubilee hastily shutting the door behind her.

"Dere are some spare blankets on de top shelf," Remy said, pointing at the wardrobe on the far side of the room, "Tink it's a good idea to use dem."

"Course, sugar." Rogue said.

Jubilee helped Remy to stand, and they spread the blankets across the bed to keep Rogue and Jubilee's scents off of the bed. Remy didn't think Logan would mind their scents in the room, but their bed was probably pushing it.

Once the blankets were in place to Remy's liking, his companions helped him lower himself back down onto the mattress. He groaned softly as he settled himself against the headboard.

"Mon Dieu, dis be hard work."

"Or maybe you're just lazy, swamp rat." Rogue teased as she and Jubilee sat down beside him.

"Hey now, don't you gotta be nice to me?" Remy pouted. "Is cookin' anot'er person not impressive enough for you?"

Rogue ran a soothing hand through his hair, like she did during his heats. "Ah know, sugar. Ah'm just teasing yah."

"What's it like having a baby?" Jubilee asked.

"A walk in de park," Remy grumbled, "What are you still doin' up, petite? Ain't it past your bedtime?"

"I'm not a kid, Gambit." Jubilee mock glared at him. Then she softened. "I couldn't sleep. I was worried about you."

Remy smiled comfortingly. Jubilee dived in to nuzzle the crook of his neck for reassurance. He nuzzled her back, patting her back gently. "Don' worry 'bout me, petite. I be fine."

"Yah hair's a mess, Remy. What's Logan been doing to yah?" Rogue asked, pulling her fingers through his hair, and undoing his pony tail.

Remy winced. "We been a little busy, Cherie. Got bigger tings to worry 'bout."

"Now that won't do," Rogue tutted, "Don't yah wanna look nice when your baby sees yah for the first time?"

"Rogue, I don' tink de baby is gon' care what anyone looks like."

Rogue rolled her eyes and reached for the hairbrush on his nightstand. "We're gonna fix this mess."

Remy sighed heavily. There was no arguing with Rogue when she had her mind set on something. Her gentle ministrations felt nice anyway, a welcome distraction from the dull cramping warning him of an oncoming contraction.

"Cherie, I- uuughh-" His warning gave way to a low moan. Throwing his head back, he pushed Jubilee away from him before his hands latched onto the closest thing they could; Rogue's arm. She was unbothered, using her free hand to rub his back.

"Gambit?" Jubilee squeaked. She was staring at him with wide, scared yes but Remy didn't have the breath to reassure her.

Thankfully Rogue did. "Don't worry sugar. He's alright."

Remy gasped as the contraction passed. He slumped, falling against Rogue. She brushed damp strands from his forehead, letting him catch his breath without complaint.

"Gambit?" Jubilee repeated in a voice barely above a whisper.

Despite his weariness, Remy managed a tight smile. He held his arm out to her. "Come here, petite."

She latched onto his side eagerly and he tucked her head under his chin.

"Are you okay?" she asked quietly.

"Oui, petite."

"But it's taking so long! And it's hurting you so much!"

"Je connais, but dat is just de way tings are. I will be fine in de end. A little pain is worth it, non, for de baby?"

"I guess, but… I don't like seeing you in so much pain."

"You don' have to stay if it's too much for you."

Jubilee sucked in a sharp breath, her features steeling themselves in determination. "No. I want to stay."

"Alright den. Remy don' mind havin' you a little while longer."

"So have you got any names picked out?" Jubilee asked. Remy was glad to see her excitement picking back up again.

"Ah sure hope they do. Not like they got long to pick some out." Rogue grinned.

"We do," Remy smirked coyly, "But it be a surprise."

"Aw come on!" Jubilee groaned, "Not even a hint?"

Remy made a show of thinking it over. "It be French."

Jubilee pouted. "Really, that's all we get?"

"Sorry, petite. You just have to wait til de baby come like everybody else."

"Did yah end up finding out if it's a boy or a girl yet?" Rogue asked.

"Non. We don' get many good surprises round here and we t'ought dat it were about time we had one."

A knock at the door interrupted the conversation.

"Come in!" Remy called.

The door opened and Logan's slightly sweaty head peaked in. He took in the pile of Omegas that had set up shop on his bed and smiled. "Hey there, Cajun. Mind if we talk?"

"Non, Logan."

Rogue stood up and hastily tugged Jubilee up with her. "Come on hon. We've done our bit." Before they left, she turned back to Remy. "If yah need me, don't hesitate to call, alright?"

"Merci, cherie. Goodnight, petite."

"Good luck Gambit! Bye, Wolverine!"

Then they were alone. Logan hesitantly made his way closer. Remy patted the bed and the Alpha obediently sat down. He sniffed the air, biting back a frown at the strange Omega scents in his mate's nest. He was glad to see the blankets in place to contain them. As much as he loved Rogue and Jubilee, he couldn't have their scents in the nest while Remy was giving birth. It needed to be clean for their baby.

"Are you okay now, cher?" Remy asked, placing his hand on Logan's.

"Yeah. I'm sorry I walked out on you. I just- I needed to get my head together. I was scared I was gonna hurt you."

"I know. I was never angry. I just want to make sure you're alright."

"I'm good now. Xavier gave me a pep talk that helped a lot. I'm ready now, and I know my word ain't gonna mean much right now, but I ain't leaving your side again."

Remy kissed Logan firmly. "You're here now. Dat's all I care about. And- nnngh- feels like you're just in time too."

He descended into another contraction with a sharp cry. He folded around his belly, pressing his head into Logan's chest, and squeezing his hands.

"Dey really be- mmmmm- pickin' up speed." He grunted through the pain.

"You want me to get Storm for you?"

"There is no need."

The sudden voice made them both startle. Logan pushed himself in front of Remy, claws emerging from his knuckles protectively.

Storm, to her credit, was nonplussed by the feral Alpha threatening her. She merely leaned against the door frame and waited for Logan to relax.

"Sorry, Storm." He grunted. His claws slid back into his hands with a quiet snkt.

"It's quite alright, Logan. I understand your protective instincts. How are you feeling, Remy?"

"Rough."

"May I examine you?"

Remy nodded wearily. Logan and Storm helped him settle back against the pillows. He turned to face Logan as Storm snapped a pair of gloves on, draped a blanket over his legs, gently pulled his pyjama pants down and pushed his knees apart.

"Please tell me it's nearly over." He begged.

"You aren't fully dilated yet. There are still some hours left to go."

"Merde!" he moaned, "I can't, Stormy, I can't."

She gently rubbed his belly, releasing a waft of comforting scent. Remy never expected an Alpha who wasn't his mate to be comforting like she was: but that was Storm.

"You can, Remy. You are more than strong enough."

Remy grunted in defeat, not bothering to argue with her. Logan kissed his head comfortingly.

"If you're willing to try, walking may help encourage your labour to progress." Storm said.

Remy shrugged. "Why not? Dough I might need some help up."

Logan chuckled as he helped Remy hoist himself up and pull his pyjama pants back on. "You gonna miss this, Gumbo?"

Remy snorted. "Absolutely not. Be wonderful to have my body back."

With one hand pressing against his back and the other cradling his belly, Remy slowly shuffled forward. Logan moved with him, while Storm sat on the arm chair by the window, watching quietly.

"How long dis supposed to take?" Remy asked impatiently.

Storm rolled her eyes. "Labour takes time, Remy. You must be patient."

"Screw patience."

"Be nice to Storm," Logan chided, "She can make your life hell if you tick her off."

"An' don' I know it." Remy grinned. Then he smile slipped, his breaths quickening anxiously. "Logan-"

Logan deftly gathered Remy into his arms to brace him. Remy wrapped his arms around Logan's neck and keened shrilly into his shoulder.

"That's it, Rem. You're doing so well." Logan crooned, rubbing Remy's back. "They're really coming now, aren't they?"

"Oui," Remy mumbled, "Remy not sure how much more he can take."

"You got this, Remy. You're tough." Logan murmured.

Remy whined and nuzzled into the crook of Logan's neck. Logan nuzzled back.

"Merde!" Remy gasped in shock. He grabbed hold of Logan's arm to steady himself as he wavered on his feet.

"Easy, Remy. You're okay." Logan said. He glanced down to see the dampness spreading across Remy's pants and dripping onto the floor beneath him.

Remy keened wordlessly. The sudden release of pressure made his head spin and his knees weak.

Storm materialised beside him, rubbing his arm for his attention. "Remy, your waters have broken. This is the final stretch now."

"Oh Dieu. Logan, do not ever make Remy do dis again." Remy begged.

Logan chuckled wryly. "I won't."

Remy bowed his head with the onset of another pain. He grabbed tightly at both Storm and Logan, bracing himself with his legs wide. He groaned, long and low, and rocked his hips with the pain. The pressure may have lessened, but now he could really feel the baby shifting downwards. The head was pressing into his pelvis, and he rolled his hips to try and adjust.

"So low…" he moaned, running a hand along the underside of his belly. "Uugh-"

He crumpled with the onslaught of a new pressure. Logan quickly grabbed his shoulders and helped him sink gracelessly to the floor.

"Storm?" Logan asked over the sound of Remy's low growls.

"Remy, are you pushing?" She asked, brushing loose strands of his hair from his face.

He gave a louder growl and pulled back from her touch. The overstimulation was too much.

She didn't seem offended. "Will you let me check your dilation?"

Remy whined but nodded. With Logan's help he shifted upright and leaned his back against Logan's broad chest. Storm gently removed his soaked pants and set them aside.

"You are fully dilated, Remy. You can push whenever you need to."

"Shouldn't we get him on the bed?" Logan asked.

"Non," Remy asked, "Remy don' want to move."

Logan glanced at Storm questioningly.

"If he's comfortable, let him be."

Remy had been pushing for two hours. Logan remained loyally at his back, keeping his exhausted body up. Storm was using a cool, damp cloth to wash the sweat from his face and neck. He was naked from the waist down and he didn't even care.

Snarling determinedly, he bore down as hard as he could as another contraction washed over him. They were visible now; his belly clenching with each pain. Had Remy been in less pain, he thought it would be fascinating to watch. Now he just felt sick.

"Bin," he grunted, "Now-"

A wave of Storm's hand had a gust of wind setting the bin in front of Remy. Just in time for him to retch into it.

Logan's heavy palms rubbed circles on his back and held his limp hair back from his face. So much of it had slipped from his pony tail, but he couldn't find it in him to care.

"Mon Dieu…" he panted, "Je suis fatigue…"

"I know, Remy," Logan murmured into his ear, "But you're so close."

Remy leaned his head back against Logan's chest and allowed Storm to take the bin from his shaking hands. Another contraction descended on him like a truck. He couldn't hold back the yell it ripped from his throat. The baby shifted with the push, but not enough.

"Non."

"Remy?"

"'s not right."

Using Logan's shoulders as leverage, he heaved himself into a squat. The change was immediate. He could feel the sting of the head starting to emerge as gravity worked it's magic. With a feral growl he pushed again.

"Logan, support him. Keep him upright." Storm ordered.

Logan quickly shifted in front of Remy and placed the Omega's hands on his shoulders. With practiced ease, Storm laid towels out on the floor beneath him, and then he felt her gloved hands between his legs as she settled behind him.

"Another push and you'll be crowning. Keep going."

One breath, two breaths and then he was pushing again. His entire body was cramping now, but he refused to stop. He could feel the instant the head emerged. The sting erupted into a furious burning. A cry wrenched from his lips.

"Keep going, Remy. You're doing so well."

He bore down again. His hoarse throat would only allow him quiet groans. The head slid forward and out. The contraction was gone, but Remy kept pushing.

"Slowly, Remy, slowly. You'll hurt yourself." Storm cautioned.

Remy growled. He just wanted his baby out. The next contraction came and with it came the shoulders. Storm's hands guided them out expertly and the body slid free so easily Remy barely realised in was happening.

"You did it," Logan breathed, "Remy, you did it."

"Baby?" Remy croaked. He didn't dare look away from Logan while Storm worked.

"One moment." She said. A tiny, thready wail pierced the room. Logan laughed. Remy could only gasp and slump onto his knees.

Then Storm was moving and positioning his arms.

"Here's your baby." she said and placed the tiny, squaling thing into his arms.

"We got a boy… Remy, we got a boy!"

He was wrinkly and red. His skin was sticky with Remy's own blood. He was screeching like a trapped piglet. And he was the most beautiful thing Remy had ever seen.

"Hello, little one." He murmured. He traced a finger down the baby's cheek and the tiny eyelids fluttered open.

Logan chuckled. "Well, I guess we know who's eyes he got."

Remy stared into red irises on black sclera, but for the first time in his life, he wasn't looking into a mirror. "Remy's eyes put him on de streets," he said, "But his will mean he always have a home here."

Logan kissed his forehead and stroked the baby's cheek. "Yeah, he will."

"An' one day, we'll make a world where de world don' care 'bout de colour of his eyes. I promise you dat, little one."

Three days later, the doors to the dining room opened to reveal Remy and Logan. Logan's arm was wrapped around Remy's back and his eyes glinted protectively. They lit up proudly when they glanced back to his mate and the bundle cradled in his arms. Remy moved stiffly and dark circles ringed his eyes. Still they sparkled. He shifted the bundle in his arms to reveal a tiny dark haired head. Red and black eyes blinked open to gaze curiously at the awed faces looking on. Then the little figure yawned, settling in his father's arms. Remy smiled and said, in an uncharacteristically gentle voice, "Everyone, meet Rene LeBeau."