Hello wonderful reviewers, followers and favoriters! After a bit of a holiday break. I'm back and ready to roll! Thank you all for your support and continued interest. I'll keep the chapters coming! Here we go…
Chapter 10
I take a breath and a moment to reach out and pat Wade's hand. He's really been such a good sport about this, all things considered. He's clearly not used to being the damsel in distress and doesn't know quite how to handle not taking an active role in the rescue. He seems immeasurably pleased when I touch him and I have the feeling it's because I touched him and not Gambit. Guh, boys!
Repeating the story I'd already told Wade, Mystique and Erik took up much of our flight time. Gambit is attentive and asks a number of questions. It becomes clear to me that he's used to watching and even helping mutants develop their abilities. Never once does he ask me "How did you do that?" and almost always asks instead "How did it feel when you did that?" or in his Cajun case: "How did et feel when ya did dat?"
God, I less than three this man's accent! He seems to know it too because there aren't any other Cajuns on this plane but I'm sure that accent is getting thicker and thicker. Gambit's about ready to ask another question when Wade' jumps in. I'm surprised he lasted this long.
"How were you going to use your ability to help me?"
"Oh! Ummm, well. I'd need to consult a medical doctor about my theory before I actually tried it but…"
"Wait? You were going to ask Janet?"
"What? No! Hell no. Not Janet, damn it! A reeeeeal doctor…"
"Ma petit, who es Janet?"
Wade and I look at each other and dissolve into giggles.
"Careful back there, hot-shot. Those two have the same random-ass association disease. You might catch it too if you're not careful."
Gambit is trying so hard to look curious but he's clearly annoyed, and probably for more than just being interrupted.
"Remy sees, he will be cautious. Now, ma fée. You were goin' ta help dis one? Remy warned ya, petit. He's dangerous. A mutant hunter."
"Hey fucker! I'm not a mutant hunter! I didn't choose this, alright? Besides, I'd never ever hurt Princess. She's been real sweet to me and she's funny and gets my sense of humor and no one evergets my sense of humor. Usually I start talking and then people start getting mad and there was this one time when someone actually took a shot at me which was really stupid because I had my katana and I just cut the bullet in half because I'm a total badass and the shards hit two beer kegs that started spraying free beer everywhere which was totally awesome and we got to drink for the rest of the…"
"Mon dieu, does dis one ever shut up?"
"No" from Erik Mystique and me, though I'm the only one giggling like a loon.
"Not a mutant hunter? Really mousier? Tell us dis, how did you know Stryker…before the Weapon IX project?"
The jet went silent while we waited for Wade's answer and it quickly becomes clear that he doesn't intend to answer Gambit's questions. Uh oh…
"You know what," I intervene, not really interested in any tension after the last few day's we've all had. "It doesn't matter. Wade says he's not going to hurt us and I believe him so let's talk about something else."
"Ma fée, how can ya trus 'im? Ya only jus met, oui? Dis one could be part of dis 'ol plan!"
"Me?! Part of the plan, listen fart sniffer, I was a prisoner, just like everyone else in that fucked up concrete cage. And as for 'jus met,' she's only just met you too! Maybe you're part of the plan, huh! Maybe their whole deal was to get you in her head and be all perfect and charming and Canadian and trick us into going with you! Maybe you got out of there the first time around because you cut a deal!"
Gambit is up out of his seat with his hand around Wade's throat before anyone can blink.
"I . Am . CAJUN! Ya simple fuck!"
Really, that's what he gets upset about?
"Eh?"
Oh Wade, he really doesn't know when to stop.
"Gambit, let go of Wade and sit down."
He ignores me…not cute.
"GAMBIT! SIT THE FUCK DOWN!"
That was Mystique. She is soooo hot.
Gambit complies, which makes me a little jealous but I brush it aside in favor of checking Wade for injuries. I turn his head from side to side absently listening to Gambit cuss in at least six different languages. Impressive. Eventually I'm satisfied that there are only red marks on his throat and smooth my finger tips over the tender flesh, checking for anything out of place…like I would really know if I felt it.
Wade whimpers and I jerk my hand back and sit back down in my seat with a hard thump.
When had I unbuckled my seatbelt?
"Shit, I'm sorry. Did that hurt?"
"No, no Princess. Don't stop now. Touch me all you want. I'll even share my seat, and my seat belt, just come on back over here and sit down, right on my lap. Don't mind the hard on, natural response…"
I head-slap him from the safe distance of my chair.
"Hey! Ouch!"
Gambit snorts.
"Oh, hush you big baby. You're fine. I thought I'd hurt you and there you go pretending to hit on me again!"
"And your solution was to hit me in the head? And, besides…who's pretending?"
I pointedly ignore that last statement. As my energy level continues to drop, I find the pretend flirting more and more exhausting. I'd love nothing more than to curl up in his arms at this moment and go to sleep, knowing I'm truly safe. But all this showmanship, like I could actually have that, is beginning to wear on my nerves. I'm not his type. I know that.
Guys like him don't go for girls like me. Guys like Gambit don't either. But they flirt. God, do they flirt. Because it's safe. Just friendly banter with the "home girl." They'd never been so blatant with a woman they actually wanted. Look at how they treat Mystique. Neither of them has said much of anything to her. And that's because they're attracted to her and it makes them nervous.
But not me.
They're not nervous around me because they're not attracted to me which makes it so easy for them to flirt without any pressure. Fucking story of my life!
"Ma fée, I assure you I…"
I don't have the energy left to protect myself from the compulsory "I mean it" speech.
"I would prefer to check with a medical doctor before actually giving this a shot but I realized something while I was…listening to you. I don't think this Op was sophisticated enough to actually do gene therapy the way we do it today."
"What do you mean?"
"Today we would inject the target genetic material into a dormant virus and target the virus to deliver the new genetic material, letting it spread and thus, changing the person from the inside out. I don't get the impression that these guys knew how to do that with you.
"What I do think they did was somehow use some kind of tech to superimpose the new mutation your genetic structure. Like accessories. I think they did this with super tiny microchip thingies in your brain and all over the rest of your body.
"If I'm right, I might be able to focus a sound wave small and powerful enough to get them to break free and shut down. Once I've done that, you won't have the rapid healer stuff anymore but at least it won't freak out the cancer and then that might by operable."
"Holy shit" Wade whispered. "You are actually going to try and help me."
My heart breaks at the shock in his voice. Did he really believe I'd just let him die if there was something I could do to stop it?
"Baby, I'm going to do whatever I can to help. I just don't know enough on my own to do it safely. But, with the right consults and someone to confirm my theory, I think we can make this happen. To be honest, the part I'm most nervous about is learning how to focus sound waves like that. I've really never done it before. But, it needs to be done to save you so I'm gonna give you everything I've got. I just hope it's enough."
By the time I'm done with my speech, there are honest-to-god tears running down Wade's cheeks.
"Thank you" he whispers, reaching out and taking my hand once more.
"I will totally blow you whenever you want for this. Just so you know. I give as good as I get."
Argh!
I wrench my hand out of Wade's and take another swipe at his head, missing this time.
"Someone's uncomfortable with Hallmark moments." Mystique's snicker can be heard from the front of the plane, barely discernible from Erik's outright laughter.
"Alright party people, touchdown in five minutes. Prepare for landing. Please make sure all tray tables are stowed and your chairs are in the upright and locked position with seatbelts fastened. The flight attendants will be coming down the aisle one more time to pick up any trash you might have. Please be cautious when opening overhead compartments, as their contents may have shifted during the flight…shit could fall down and crack you in your dumbass head…WADE"
"Aw, and here I was about to compliment you on memorizing that entire speech. Jerkface"
"Nice comeback."
"Oh Princess, speaking of comebacks, did you know I can…"
"If ya don stop talkin' to 'er like dat, I'ma gonta throw ya out dis dam plane, right now."
Oh myyy. George Tekai
"What's it like, having two grown men fighting over you like a bunch of two-year-olds with a Tonka truck?"
"I'll let you know when it's happening for real."
"Ma fée, really I…"
"Princess, baby, seriously I…"
"Brace for landing."
Mystique set the jet down with only a slight bump when the wheels touched the landing pad. Vertical take-off and landing, NICE!
"Oh yeah…where are we?"
"We are at the X-Mansion"
Oh. Where Xavier lives…used to live.
"Oh."
"Problem?"
"I don't know. It's just…I've always wondered what this place looked like. It's weird. Having been invited here and now that I am here, he isn't."
"He? Another man? Really super trooper, how am I supposed to keep up?"
"If you lack the stamina, monsieur, no one will protest you dropping out of the race."
"Okay, Canada. Let me tell you about stamina. There was this one time with three girls and a lobster that…"
"He's Cajun. I'm Canadian. And as usual Wade, You talk to fuckin' much."
"Jamie?"
"Logan"
"Who are you?"
"He is an asshole with too many pointy things to play with."
I glance over at Mystique on that last one. Okaaaay, clearly everyone knows tall, dark and tank top but me. I unbuckle my seat belt and make my way down the ramp and on to the landing pad...basketball court. Awesome. Starting to seriously regret turning the Holy Roller down.
"Gumbo, where the hell d'ya dig this guy up? Last time I saw him, he was in a pretty bad mood…and then I kicked his ass."
"Dude! The last time you saw me, you cut of my head! That was freaking awesome!"
"Oh my god." Mystique face-palms.
"Come inside my dear. Let the servants sort themselves out."
"Go fuck yourself, you geriatric drama queen."
This Logan/Jamie/Asshole fella sure has a mouth on him.
I follow Mystique and Erik inside, vaguely wondering how long the bromance reunion will take before they notice they've been left behind. I can hear their banter through the entryway and have to smile to myself. I'm glad to see Wade around someone who kinda likes him? Maybe since, Logan seems to know both of the boys, he won't let them kill each other. However, given first impressions, I'm more inclined to believe he'd egg them on and place bets.
"Are you hungry, my dear? The kitchens are right through here."
"Oh wow," I gasp. "Food is a fantastic idea."
Mystique seems caught up in some kind of nostalgia. Her gaze is wandering all over the halls and she makes no effort to hide the fact that she's peeking into rooms as we walk by. Has she been here before? Erik clearly has.
We make short work of some sandwiches and I down a glass or two of water like it's going out of style. Just as I stand up to take my plate to the sink, a large, furry blue person walks into the room…and I stare for a moment.
"Um…Mystique? Are you two related?"
"Related to wh…Hank."
"Really, you're a giant blue fuzz ball like something out of Monster's Inc. and your name is Hank? You guys are blowin' my mind here. Like POW!"
"Well, it would seem we have visitors."
Oh, I didn't know Captain Obvious' first name is Hank.
"What brings you to our humble abode?"
"Humble? Really, cuz this place is like ginormous. However, to answer your question, we were rescued from Three Mile Island by Gambithood and his band of Merry Men. Well, at least I think they were merry. From the small bit I could see and hear, they seemed to be having a blast kicking the crap out of Colonel Sander's Goon Squad."
"Do you always speak in colloquialism?"
"Do you always sound like Fraiser?"
"Well, now that we've gotten the rhetorical questions out of the way, how about we head down to the infirmary to make sure there's no permanent damage from your captivity."
"You want to play doctor?"
"Well, you're a little young for me and my mate would hardly approve of such things so how about we skip the playing and just go for the real doctor stuff. My name is Dr. Hank McCoy?"
"Wait, wait, wait! You're Doctor McCoy? Like…what? And you somehow resist the urge to tell people your first name is Leonard? You have some serious self control! Alright Doctor McCoy, lead the way! I'll tell Captain Kirk we'll be on our way to the Orion Nebula as soon as we're done. Make it so! Oooh, ouch. Series crossover. Did it burn?
"Has this young lady suffered any head trauma?"
Mystique looks incredible amused by our interaction, as does Erik. He's sitting at the table, chin resting on his steepled hands with a mix of laughter and regret in his eyes. What is it with these two? They seem…homesick.
"Well, she was severely dehydrated, to the point of fainting, suffered two blows to the head, was tased during capture and overextended her ability and was launched across a room. Good news is, I think she's always this…chatty."
I grin at Mystique's description of events. I sound so hardcore!
"Well then, let's be on our way."
I follow Hank back out into the hallway and we make our way to the infirmary. Just as the elevator door is about to close I hear a frantic yell.
"Hey, Hey! Sunflower, love of my life, darling, Princess! Where are you going? Is this the other, other man? I can take him, I'm sure of it, just give me twenty minutes and a nuke. Holy shit is really big and really blue. Okay, I've got this. I can do this. I am..."
Wade looks positively jubilant when I hold the elevator door and gesture for him to come along.
"Come on, Monkey Boy. You need to get checked out too. You were in that hell hole longer than I was."
"Oooh, can we play doctor."
"You two have the same disease."
Hank just might be pressing the button for the bottom floor a little bit harder than necessary. I hope he doesn't have anger management issues. Someone who has a short fuse is not good to have around Wade.
"Why does everyone keep saying that? We can't have the same disease if we haven't had sex yet. Which I'm really looking forward to, by the way. You look like a total wildcat in the sack. It's always the quiet ones, you know. Not that you're quiet but still, you seem like the quiet type which is actually better than the actual quiet type. I think that makes you kinkier. I read it in a study somewhere. It's the not-quiet, quiet ones that always want it dirty. It was in, like…Cosmo or something. Totally credible source. Now all I have to do is take out the Jolly Blue Giant over there and that card-throwing Canadian mutherfucker up there and we're home free. I get it, you know, I'm not offended, a girl likes it when a man is willing to defend his territo…"
"Sweet baby Jesus, I need a sedative."
I go for it.
"Isn't it against the law for Doctors to write prescriptions for themselves?"
"Ha! Wait…He's a Doctor?"
"Yeah! Wade…get this…Please allow me the honor of introducing you to…Dr. McCoy!"
"What!?"
Wade bust's out the ta'al, shifting his fingers apart into the universal Vulcan sign for "Wazzup" and I fall in love with him a little bit for being able to do that…and knowing that it was the appropriate response to my joke.
"Please follow me to the infirmary and we'll get this examination over with as quickly as possible."
Wade snickers but I slap my hand over his mouth before he has the chance to comment further. Scary that I have to be the one with more self control. The room is covered from floor to ceiling tech and I think for a moment that I really am in the Enterprise Med Bay.
Hank pats the examination table and I hop up without protest.
"Mr. Wade…"
"Wilson"
"Mr. Wilson, if you could just step outside for a moment. I'll complete my initial examination of Ms…"
"Cayden"
"…Ms. Cayden, here and then I'll get to you."
"Oh no you don't. I'm not leaving her alone with you to do Doctory things to her while no one's looking. I had to practically wrestle those fuckers on Three Mile to make sure they didn't touch her when she passed out and I'm not giving you the chance to follow through. You can do your 'examination' and I'll be right here making sure you keep your probes to yourself!...Ew. If you probe yourself while we're in here I'm telling on you."
I'm stuck between the horror of realizing what could have happened on Three Mile if Wade hadn't been there to protect me and the sheer hilarity of what he just said to Dr. McCoy. Later, I'll swear it was because of the exhaustion but the shock finally gets to me and tears begin to stream down my face.
"Princess, baby, kitten, love, I swear I didn't mean to make you cry. I'm so sorry I just…"
I hop down off the table and shuffle over to Wade. It's all too much, realizing just how vulnerable I was, how easy it was to take me down, how close I came to being just another mutant under their microscope. And Wade…
"Thank you for protecting me," I whisper as I wrap my arms around him, suddenly feeling small and rather helpless.
"Oh little one. I wouldn't have let them. I know I didn't do a very good job of keeping you safe but I swear, I would have used every aftermarket mutation they have me to keep you from that; cancer be damned. I promise!"
"I believe you…Who the fuck gave you a shirt. I'll kill'em!"
Wade's snort was hard enough to shift a bit of my hair and I squeezed him tighter in response.
"I can totally take it off, pants too. I'm easy like that."
"I bet you are."
"I'm so sorry to interrupt this obviously much-needed moment to resettle. However, I think someone said cancer and I'd appreciate understanding the context, especially if someone needs treatment."
I take a deep breath before explaining Wade's circumstances to Dr. McCoy and adding in my tentative plan for treatment. By the time I'm done explaining, I'm half terrified that the doctor will tell me my plan is horrible and would have likely killed Wade had I actually attempted it.
"Well, my dear. I think you're on to something there."
Oh thank fuck.
"I'll need a better understanding of your abilities and a thorough evaluation of Mr. Wilson, perhaps a consult or two but I think we can make a go of this as soon as you're ready to make it happen. I can't believe I'm about to say this but it would be so nice to have Magneto in here. He could have easily determined if your theory was on point. As it is, we'll have to do things a bit differently but it's still entirely possible."
Wade is grinning from ear to ear and I can't help but smile back at him, squeezing his muscular frame a bit tighter and cuddling into his warmth.
Of course, it is in this moment that Gambit makes his way into the room and stops hard, taking in the scene of me in Wade's arms, grinning like a fool. Before he can say something to piss off Wade, I explain. Man, boys are such drama lamas.
"Dr. McCoy thinks my plan about Wade's condition will work."
"Ah, and we're celebraten, oui?"
"Oui!"
"Well then, come give Gambit a squeeze too, petit. He's happy for ya."
"Gumbo, you old dog. Tryin' to cop a feel, eh?"
Shit
"Cop a feel and I will fucking cut your heart out with a hairbrush."
That's a bit extreme…and highly improbable. I choose not to comment.
"Remy is a gentleman, you dirty wolf. He'll no be grabben anythin' the lady doesn wish ta be grabbed."
I shoot over to Gambit and give him a quick squeeze. As I feel his body against mine I realize I've been remiss in my expression of gratitude. I keep a hold on him, squeezing a bit tighter and smile at the feel of his arms wrapping tightly around my body. Man, I am seriously affection-starved. His hand pets my hair a bit before he leans down and kisses the top of my head. I pretend not to know that he's probably smirking at Wade while doing so.
"Gambit, thank you so much for coming to get us. You took a big risk on someone you've never met before and I know that's a really big deal. Especially since I was in your head without permission. I'm really sorry about that, by the way. I'm not a telepath so I'm not even sure how that was possible (lie, Remy's eyes narrow). Okay maybe I have an idea but I certainly didn't do it on purpose, so thank you thank you thank you!
"Ah my belle, the pleasure es all Remy's. He promises."
"Stop fucking referring to yourself in the third person. You are not that cool!"
"Ma fée, what are we doing down here?"
"Oh right!" I turn to Dr. McCoy who is patiently waiting by the examination table.
"I'm not leaving you here alone" Wade states firmly.
"Da man is a doctor, ya fool. What are ya all worked up over, now?"
"I don't fucking care that he's a doctor. The guys that were going to fuck with her while she was passed out in Three Mile were 'doctors' too and that wasn't going to stop them. I'm not leaving here alone with anyone! I don't fucking trust any of you. You'd all have let me die on that island, every one of you except her. She's the only one that gives a fuck about me and I'm not about to let anyone else hurt her!"
"Mr. Wilson, I appreciate your concern. Cayden may need to remove some of her clothing during the examination which is wh…"
"Duh, why else do you think I'm staying this close, I wanna see what she's rockin!"
"Oh fucken hell. Here ya are claiming Remy's going to cop a feel and you're tryen to spy on her doctor appointment. You crazy fuck, get the hell out of here."
"Okay, okay" I interrupt. "Remy and Wade, please wait outside where you can hear but not see, please? No one is looking at anything 'til I've had a shower, a nap, a meal, a date and a confession of undying, everlasting love…in that order. Please stay close in case I freak out. Thank you…now MOVE IT!"
All three of them scuttle out of the room and quickly settle outside the door. I can see Wade's elbow poking out from where he has taken station, leaning against the wall, just outside the room. It's as comforting as it is utterly ridiculous.
"My apologies, doctor. It's been a long day."
"I can only imagine. Now let's get started with the simple things, and we'll go from there."
Dr. McCoy makes quick work of the entire process but it still takes the better part of an hour to complete the examination. He spends some time studying the taser burns on my skin as well as the bruises and a small cut on my head. His report is no different than Janet's report and I'm relieved to know there's no permanent damage. Just as he's about to send me on my way, I remember something.
"Hey Bones!"
He only rolls his eyes.
"Expect that to stick. The doctor on Three Mile did an fMRI and some other scans and said I had abnormal brain wave patterns. I know that's not something you looked at today but maybe we can follow up on that later?"
"Hmmm, interesting."
"No… Fascinating"
"Yes, we can follow up on that, perhaps tomorrow after you've had a good night's rest?"
"Oh cool, we get to stay here? Sounds like a plan."
"Wonderful, now send in your friend. I've got a quota on crazy and surprisingly enough, especially after working in this mansion for over 50 years, you two are pushing my limit."
"Ummm sorry?"
"Nonsense, I'm sure it's part of your charm. It's just the combination that's a bit trying."
"I totally understand. I've never met anyone that keeps pace with me like he does. It's kind of incredible."
With that, I head over to Wade and poke him in the elbow. He turns to me with a big grin on his face and I know he heard what I said. It seems I've got a gift for making this psycho smile. I'm strangely proud.
"Your turn. Don't let him probe ya. You might just like it and leave me for him!"
With that I give him a shove and saunter over to Gambit who's holding up the opposite wall. It's clear he was brooding throughout the entire appointment and I can't say I'm impressed.
"Ma fée. How are ya?"
"I'm okay. Everything checks out."
My smile fades when he doesn't return my enthusiasm and I move to the side, leaning against the wall right next to him, our shoulders touching.
"What's wrong?"
He looks at me with such sadness in his ruby eyes and I feel tears pressing down on me.
"Remy did na' know, ma petit. Remy did na' know that he protected ya from dos men. I did na' realize ya wer' in dat kind a danger."
I realize that I just don't want to talk about it so I take an alternate distraction route and wrap myself up in his warm body once more.
"Let's sit" I whisper and we slide down the wall and settle on the cold, white floor.
"Thank you for coming to get us."
"Remy is jus' glad he got der en time."
"Me too… me too." And we stay just like that until Wade is released from the exam room.
"Seriously dude. What the fuck."
Guh, here we go again.