Disclaimer: I don't own X-Men: Evolution or its characters. Just my OC, Molly Callum/Creature, and any original characters/background characters that may pop up from time to time.
A couple of days later, Henry was fully processed into the system. A trial was set for July, but the silver lining from his lawyer was that since Henry was an unknowing accomplice while he committed the crimes, his sentence was going to be more lenient. Since it was a fraud and no lives were lost, if he had good behavior from now until the wedding date, he might be released on parole early. Julien and his goons were going to be the ones serving longer sentences.
Remy and Violet met him at the prison phones. Molly had to wait outside as only two visitors were allowed in at a time.
"Is it as bad as all the movies and TV shows say?" Remy asked through the phone.
"I won't lie to you, It's worse," Henry said, "I'm learning the ropes, but don't be surprised if I have a few new holes in me the next time you see me."
There was that dark sense of morbid humor Remy had inherited.
"Shut your mouth," Violet said, "Remy just got you back, you're going to worry him!"
"I'm not worried. We're all tough as nails," Remy forced a smile, "Just don't be too nice in here, that's when they think your up to something."
"Right. Give that girl of yours my love, okay? And Remy?"
"Yeah?"
"When I get out, you, me, and the boys are all going on that fishing trip. Just like I promised."
"I know, dad. Thanks." Remy wasn't going to cry, but his stomach clenched itself. This wasn't fair, but life hadn't been fair to him since the day he was born.
"Now," Violet looked mischievous (Remy's smirk had appeared on her face), "Do we have to have 'The Talk' with our boy before the big day, or is he going to be okay?"
"You're not serious?" Remy blushed slightly.
"A woman likes..." Henry started.
"I HAD THE TALK! I HAD THE TALK! I'M GOOD!" Remy bolted up from his chair like several snakes had just come after him, waving his hands wildly.
Violet and Henry broke down in stitches. "We're kidding. Baby, it's okay. Remy, look at me," Violet said. Remy had taken an extreme interest in the faded, dirty linoleum flooring, suddenly feeling twelve all over again.
Remy took his seat again.
"You called me baby." In this light, it had a different context. Warm. Loving. Motherly.
"That's because you are my baby. You will be, always," Violet held his face with both hands, "We're so happy we finally found you, Remy. Prison, life, all that stuff? It won't separate us. We're going to be here for you now for as long as we can. You need money or a place to stay, anything, you have it."
"I...thanks, mom. I'll remember." Remy said. He didn't want to say "I know." That was what strangers said. They weren't strangers anymore. Remy hugged his mother as tight and hard as he knew how.
A couple of days later, Remy and Molly were packed and ready to leave. They'd packed in a month's worth of fun and memories in a couple of days, spending time with Violet, London, and the kids, both separately and together. Hikes and shopping with London and the boys, movies and jazz concerts with Violet. (Violet still wouldn't let them pay for anything, but they just let it ride after a while.)
Violet looked like she was crushing Molly into the last hug, holding the smaller girl with an iron grip against her tall, thin frame.
"Uh, mom? You're going to break her in half." Remy pointed out.
"I'm fine," Molly said awkwardly, "Not turning blue yet, right?"
A couple of moments more and Violet let go.
"You're legally obligated to call me mom after the wedding, but before would also be nice." Violet joked.
"Yes, mom. But, um, the extra wedding present was really too much."
"You're only young once," Violet said simply. She turned to Remy.
Silence.
"Hey, we're coming back and you're getting your wedding invitation in the mail soon. Phone calls and all that," Remy played it cool, but he had that knotted stomach again.
"Yes, yes," Violet's lip quivered, then she broke, giving Remy a crushing hug. Remy felt the tears seeping into his shoulder. His mother's love, a lifetime of sadness personified.
"I never thought I'd get to say goodbye to you at all, get this chance."
"Me too."
They stood there for a long, long time.
Violet reluctantly let go.
"Well," She wiped her eyes, letting out a breath, "Enough dramatics, hmm? Be safe and call me the moment you get in. And take a little time off from saving the world, I think it's wearing on you. You both look tired."
"Yeah, everyone says that," Remy said, "You know, low iron, too much junk food, and fighting megalomaniacs daily, it wears a body down."
Violet smiled. "Love you both."
"We love you too, mom."
Molly and Remy boarded the blackbird.
"Nice trip?" Scott greeted them.
"Best trip," Remy said, collapsing into a window seat with Molly following, "We'll tell you all about it on the way."
"Just so you know," Molly winked at him, "Your mom gave me an interrogation to end all interrogations."
"I figured," Remy said, "She likes you, but she would never let me get married off to just anyone. Even after not seeing me for twenty-odd years. So, what was the big extra wedding present?" Remy put the seat back, settling in.
"Umm...a one thousand dollar gift certificate for Dolce and Gabana." Molly smiled nervously.
Remy sat upright again, quick as lightning.
"Turn the plane around."
"Can't. The course is laid in, and I can't just turn around on a dime," Scott smirked.
"Scott, I've never been more serious about anything in my life. Turn the plane around. Molly is not leaving with a one thousand dollar gift certificate from my _mother!_" Remy's voice cracked.
"Remy, it's okay. She said she's not taking it back, so just try and deal with it. It evens out, she gave us a code to get into the gate and a house key," Molly tried to soothe him.
"But...a thousand dollars!" Remy held out his hands.
They stared at each other.
"Alright, fine. I guess this is what having a mother is really like. She's...she's just trying to make it up to me.-But it better last and, like, we're getting lingerie and some clothes for me, you're not hogging it. Lastly, I want to hear all about the interrogation when we get home."
Relief and other emotions washed over Remy. Stress was obviously one, but the biggest ones he was feeling were love and gratitude. He'd found his parents. It was worth a little stress, heartache, and some visits to prison. Remy was never letting them go, not by a longshot.
