Pack Loyalties

 Darkness and pain and screaming metal were all Logan knew.
Then, he smelled blood and gasoline. He dragged himself out of the
car. He frowned at the twisted metal frame, nostrils flaring. He found
the battered body of his pack-leader and pulled him free of the
wreckage. He covered the injured pack-mate with his body. Flames
seared across his back and he howled.

 Rogue, Storm, and Gambit returned to a somber house. "What's
wrong?" Storm asked Jean.
 "Scott and Logan were in an accident."
 "Are they okay, sugah?" Rogue asked, her hand rising to her
mouth in dismay.
 "Scott will be fine. He has a headache and new scar, but
that's about it. Logan's not in such good shape. He's been so badly
hurt that we thought he'd still be unconscious. But at some point when
Hank was checking over Scott he slipped out of the med-lab and went to
the woods. He took a swipe at me when I tried to keep him in the
house," Jean ended miserably. Storm put a comforting arm around her
friend.
 "Rogue and I will fly over the forest to watch for him," she
said. Rogue nodded her assent at Ororo's questioning glance.
 "Fine, I'm getting tired of holding Scott in here. Hank
threatened to tie him to the bed if he didn't stay in it. He tried to
go after Logan and nothing I said could convince him. He's convinced
that he should go out after the man. But if he's swiping at me,
Logan's not in his right mind. It could be dangerous." Ororo soothed
Jean some more and finally the red-head went to check on her husband.

 Logan sniffed. What was the pup doing so far away from the
pack? That wouldn't do. He limped quietly towards the young one. He
smelled fear as he got closer. The pup stopped and turned, alert.
There was relief as he saw who it was. The pup went to Logan's side
immediately. Logan growled in warning and the pup stopped and shifted
uneasily. "Logan?"
 Logan sighed and the pup shortened the distance between them.
He stroked the one one's singed parts with feather light touches.
Logan turned and went back to his temporary den. The pup followed
silently. Logan settled into the shelter he'd made in the cover of a
fallen tree and lined soft ferns and leaves. He snarled as the pup
folded himself down next to him.
 "Gambit'll keep watch, Ole Man," the pup whispered.

 Gambit eyed the rustic shelter with little enthusiasm, but
didn't complain. Logan was still healing. By all rights the injuries
Gambit could see should have killed him. Much of his hair and skin was
singed. There were cuts and punctures from flying metal. He was
limping and Gambit thought that most of the bones in Logan's hand were
still broken. The Canadian had gone to ground to lick his wounds. Remy
understood that instinct. He also knew that Logan's swipe at Jean had
been nothing more than a 'get out of the way, woman.' If he'd truly
gone after her, she would be dead.
 Gambit ignored the snarl and the growl. He wasn't prone to
civility when he was seriously injured either. He wrapped his charm
around Logan's exhausted mind. "Sleep," he whispered. He eased the
man's pain as he gently stroked the healing skin. He had to stop after
a couple of minutes. He sat back and leaned against the log.

 Logan cracked his eyes in the dark. The pup was shivering, but
hadn't moved from his spot near Logan's feet. The old man snorted. He
sat up and impatiently tugged the pup into the den and laid down
half-over him. The pup watched him warily. Logan nipped at his jaw and
laid his head down. Eventually, the pup drifted to sleep and Logan
followed.

 Gambit was startled when Logan dragged him into the sleeping
area. He didn't think he'd been projecting *those* vibes. Then, Logan
nipped sharply at the edge of his jaw and laid his head down. Logan's
heart made him realize how cold he'd been. He shook his head in
chagrin. Trust Logan to notice something like that even when he was
injured. He closed his eyes and slept.

 Logan awoke to the kid nuzzling his throat under his chin. He
tightened his grip. The pup sank into the embrace. Logan stroked the
pup's silky fur. His nostrils flared. The pup smelled of sex, which
was probably why he was away from the pack. The alpha must have run
him off after claiming his bitch. Logan closed his eyes.

 Gambit sighed softly to himself. He didn't remember where he'd
fallen asleep, but he was warm and pinned by a firm arm and gentle
petting. He nuzzled sleepily at his bedmate's neck.

 "Where is Gambit?" Scott demanded after the morning training
session.
 "He's not in his room. Ah tried ta get him up. The bed's still
made," Rogue informed him.
 "Do you think he went after Logan?" Jean asked.
 "Yes," Storm answered, "he did."
 "Why didn't he tell anyone?" Cyclops demanded.
 "He told me," Storm stated. "Would the rest of you let him
attempt this?"
 "No," Jean said firmly, glaring at her husband.
 "Yes," Scott contradicted. "He's fast enough to not get
killed. Someone needs to watch Logan's back."
 "He attacked me," Jean pointed out.
 Scott snorted. "If he'd attacked, you'd be dead." The rest of
the team froze.
 "Uh. Oh. Fight." Was the universal thought.

 Gambit woke to Wolverine's gentle growl. He was looking much
better to the thief's eyes. The burns were a soft pink and his hair
was no longer singed. He didn't radiate pain anymore. And he'd stopped
bleeding. Remy stroked the back of Logan's hand. "You better, Old
man?"
 
 Logan growled softly to wake the pup. The red eyes peered at
him. There was a gentle touch against his hand and a quiet questioning
tone. He brushed the pup's fur back gently and brushed his cheek with
his knuckles.

 Remy realized that Logan wasn't back to himself yet. He turned
into the gentle brush on his cheek. Logan stood and stalked off into
the woods. Remy followed. Logan turned and growled. Remy stopped in
confusion. Logan's claws extended and he moved forward threateningly.
Remy gave ground until he was driven back to the den. Logan pulled in
his claws and left. Remy followed and again was driven back. He sat
down. Logan left again. This time he didn't follow.

 Logan growled to himself. Pups. He'd have to reassert his
position after the hunt.

 "Jean, try to contact Gambit," Scott said, staring out at the
woods from the back porch.
 "You know I can't track him."
 "Just try." She scowled at her husband and sent out a probe.
To her surprise Gambit let her in.
 //Are you all right?//
 //Oui, chere. Logan's lookin' better. He ain't limpin' no
more. He's still dinkin' wild.//
 //And where are you?//
 //In his den. Dink I'm grounded.//
 //What do you mean?//
 //He don' want m' t' leave de den. He's huntin', I dink.//
 //?//
 //I followed him dis mornin'. He forced m' back wit' his
claws. Twice. I figured he'd hit m' if I followed again. He's still
hurtin', chere.//
 //Keep this channel open for me, okay?//
 Gambit hesitated. //D'Accord, Jeannie.//

 Logan brought the rabbits back to camp. Couldn't let the pup
starve. He saw the pup perk up when he got back. He set down the
rabbits. The pup approached warily. Logan pounced, pinning the pup on
his back. The pup struggled against the hold. Then, he tipped his head
back in surrender. Logan pressed his teeth to the exposed throat. The
pup stayed still for a moment after he was released, then settled down
next to Logan.

 Remy's gut screamed at him to fight. He was being held down by
an older, stronger, man. That could only mean one thing. He reached
out with his charm to soothe the anger and found none. He found
affection and exasperation instead. He stilled. He took a breath and
exposed his throat. Logan's teeth against the tender flesh scared him,
but there was no pressure to the bite. Logan released him.
 He didn't move until Logan had gone to the rabbits. He settled
close to the older man, practically leaning against him. Logan tore
into the carcass of one hapless, brown rabbit. Gambit blanched
inwardly. Logan skewered the other rabbit with a claw and set it in
front of the thief. He can't expect me to… Remy thought in horror. He
concentrated on the rabbit, carefully charging the flesh to cook it.
It had been a long time since he'd attempted that particular trick. He
took out his switchblade and carved off some meat. It was better than
nothing.

 Logan noted that the pup was waiting for him to finish and
sighed. He gave him the other rabbit. The pup touched it hesitantly.
He glanced at Logan. The old man ignored him. Once he decided it was
safe, the pup ate. Satisfied, Logan finished his meal. He watched the
pup dispose of the leftovers and went back to the den to lie down. He
ached. He needed to heal.
 The pup wandered out of Logan's sight. Growling, he went after
him. He routed him back to the den with teeth and claws. Then, he
settled down again. The pup climbed up one of the trees and sat in the
branches.

 It was obvious that Logan didn't want him out of sight, so
Remy settled in a tree and closed his eyes. He tried to wrap himself
in the

 It was obvious that Logan didn't want him out of sight, so
Remy settled in a tree and closed his eyes. He tried to wrap himself
in the essence of the forest so that the birds would come to him.
Maybe if he proved he could hunt, Logan would let him leave the den.

 Logan ate the birds the pup brought him. The pup watched him
with eager eyes. Logan licked the pup's cheek affectionately and laid
back down. As long as he stayed submissive, the kid wasn't so bad.
When the sun went down, the pup wrapped his arms around himself. Logan
pulled him to the sleeping area and settled down over him.

 Remy was getting accustomed to Logan holding him. It was odd
to fall asleep in someone's arms. Rogue always kicked him out well
before that point. And he had always held Belle. Logan's arm across
his chest was hard, heavy, and hot. The air was so chill that the
closeness was nice. Logan's hot breath against his neck was
comforting. He found himself listening to the steady heartbeat as he
drifted to sleep.

 Logan growled at the strange smelling creature. His claws were
out. The creature froze.

 Rogue froze as Logan threatened her. "Wolvie?" she questioned
as he growled and extended his claws. She saw Gambit behind the
shorter man. "Remy, sugah, what's wrong with him?" Gambit slipped
closer. He opened his mouth to speak to her, but stopped and glanced
at Logan.
 "Go home, Roguie. He don' like y'r scent right now," he said
softly.

 Logan shifted so that the pup was behind him. The pup spoke.
The creature took to the sky. Logan spun on the pup, sniffing him
carefully. The pup squirmed away from his claws. Logan growled. He
licked the pup's throat comfortingly and smoothed the ruffled fur on
his head.

 Rogue watched Logan's actions from above. She saw Remy look up
at her as Logan wrapped an arm around his waist and urged him back to
bed.

 Logan tried to calm the pup's anxiety. The red eyes kept
looking up at the strange bird. Logan laid him down with gentle tugs.

 //Jeannie, don' let Rogue come out here. De Kree part's
settin' off Logan. An' no one wearin' perfume neither, I don' dink.//
 //Okay. Are you safe?//
 //Need a shower an' a brush, but Remy'll live.//
 //We're going to try to trank him tomorrow.//
 //!//
 //We're going to program the Danger Room to mirror the forest.
Hank will be able to monitor the healing.//
 //----//
 //Gambit?//
 //Don't.//
 //Why not?//
 //Because it won' smell right an' he'll go nuts.//
 //We have to bring him home.//
 //Chere. Dis *is* his home.//
 //Remy?//
 //He needs dis place. Not some fake forest without smells an'
dirt.//
 //We'll be there tomorrow, unless you can get him home.//
 //Oui, Jeannie,// Remy replied.

 The pup was distressed by something. Logan couldn't scent
anything. The pup nuzzled against his palm and licked it gently. He
tugged on Logan's arm and started for the rest of the pack.
 He looked back to see if Logan followed. He returned to the
older man's side and tugged on him again and started off. Logan held
his ground. The pup gave him a pleading whine and Logan relented. The
pup missed the others and Logan ought to check on the injured.
 He gave in and moved towards the pack den. The alpha was on
the back porch waiting for them. The pup let Logan take the lead as
the leader frowned. Logan snorted. Pup needed to learn his place.
 Logan sniffed at the leader. He smelled pain and frustration
and anger and concern and relief. The leader gave Logan's shoulder a
squeeze. He glared at the pup. Then, he led them inside. Logan itched
to get back to his own den. The pup pulled on him again.

 "Please?" Remy begged in the same voice that had worked
earlier. Logan caved and Remy got him inside and locked the door
quietly. Rogue approached and Logan snarled at her, making sure both
Cyke and Gambit were behind him. Remy tried to step by him and
received a hard blow to his thigh. He stepped back, rubbing his new
bruise.

 The strange bird was in den. The pack needed protecting. Logan
extended his claws.

 Rogue backed away carefully until she was out of sight.
 //Rogue? What's wrong?// Jean asked.
 //Can Ah stay at tha boathouse until Wolvie gets his head on
straight?//
 //Of course.//

 Logan knocked the pup to the ground and put his teeth to his
throat. He bit firmly, forcing the pup to still. The pup whimpered
deep in his throat. Logan held him firmly until he whimpered again.
The pup leaned his head against Logan's hand as Logan smoothed the
rumpled fur. The leader watched carefully. The alpha pulled the pup to
his feet.

 "What the Hell is going on?" Scott demanded of Remy.
 "T'reatened his authority," Gambit answered. He rubbed his
throat. "He's tryin' t' protect m'." Remy shrugged. He went to Logan,
shoulders slumped, eyes down. Logan snorted and patted Remy's arm
gently. He turned to leave and Remy grabbed his arm. Logan nipped at
the thief's fingers. "Please stay," Remy betted sweetly. Logan looked
at Scott who nodded. Logan seemed to accept that and followed his nose
to the kitchen.
 He sniffed at Jean's neck and licked her. Scott couldn't help
it. He snarled, "Back off, Logan." Logan looked at him with a grin and
moved back. Scott put and arm around Jean's waist and glared at Logan.
Logan snorted in amusement. Remy watched from the door.

 Logan snorted at the alpha's claim. No wonder the pup had gone
to the woods to search for him. He left the kitchen. The pup followed
him back towards the woods, whining. Logan sighed deeply. He didn't
hurt quite so much anymore. He supposed he could spend one night more
with the pup. The alpha bitch would be out of heat by then.

 Remy nearly cheered when Logan returned to the mansion once
more. He left Logan with Scott and went to scrub his hair and skin. He
inhaled the pine scent of his most decadent vice, an all natural
shampoo from a tiny hold-out commune in Vermont.

 Logan sniffed at the meat suspiciously. It was long dead. He
avoided it, chomping down on the crisp carrot sticks instead. The pup
chattered merrily with the beta bitch of the pack. Logan shook his
head. Pups. His fur smelled of evergreens. It blended with his scent
properly, unlike the bitches' which smelled of metal and machines.
 He was tired. He need to rest to finish healing. He went to
his sleeping spot. The pup was trailing him. The pup pushed him
towards a cool running waterfall, rather than letting him go right to
bed. The cool water felt good against his skin. He shook off some of
the excess and curled into his sleeping spot. It was cold, he decided.
The pup was trying to keep guard even with his damaged nose. Logan
shook his head. The bird was still around.
 He grabbed the chestnut colored tail and pulled the pup inside
the room and pushed him to lay down. The pup struggled and squirmed,
but Logan held firmly until he lay still, breathing hard through his
nose. Logan laid down and pulled the pup closer.

 Remy struggled against Logan's grip on the back of his neck.
The only way out would be to charge something and he was loath to hurt
the man. Logan's body settled next to him, hand still holding firmly.
Logan tucked Remy's head under his chin. Eventually, Remy slept, one
hand wrapped around the wrist of the hand that held him to Logan's
chest.

 Logan cataloged as he opened his eyes. He was in his bedroom.
The sun was shining. Bacon was cooking in the kitchen and his hand was
wrapped firmly in the Cajun's hair. He had no idea how he'd gotten to
that point. It wasn't that he minded the kid sharing his bed. It
wouldn't be the first time the thief had needed to cuddle to get his
head straight. No, Logan just hated having gaps in his memory.
 The Cajun blinked up at him. "Logan?"
 "Yeah, kid."
 "Good, y're you again. Y' let m' up now?"
 "Depends."
 "On what?"
 "Whether yer gonna move. Ain't ready to get up yet."
 "Remy'll stay put 'til y' tell him otherwise. Just got a cramp
in m' neck. Can't move m' head with y'r hand dere." Logan relented and
the Cajun stretched. He arranged himself back against Logan once more.
 "So what happened?" Logan asked, running his fingers through
the sweet smelling silk of Remy's hair absently.
 "Dere was an accident. If it weren't f' y'r healin' you and
Fearless'd be dead. Den, y' got out of de med-lab and went t' de woods
t' heal."
 "So how's I get here?"
 "Remy went int' de woods. Eventually he whined until y' came
back wit' him. I was standin' guard 'til y' dragged me int' de room."
 "Sorry, kiddo."
 Remy shrugged. "Pas de problem." He closed his eyes to better
appreciate the petting. "Give y' two days t' stop dat," he said as
Logan's fingers massaged the back of his neck. Logan snorted in
amusement.
 "You been sleepin' with me fer awhile?"
 "Since de night of de accident. Cyke don' like dat I followed
y', but dat's more because he weren't allowed t' go dan anythin' else.
Y' won' let m' guard y' at night."
 "Yer night vision's good, kid, but ya can't smell 'em comin'."
Logan sighed. "Guess I'd better letcha up."
 "Merci." Remy stretched. "Y' know where Remy'll be if'n y'
need him."
 "Sleepin'?" Logan said with a smirk.
 "Oui."
 Logan's chuckled followed Gambit into the hall.

 Remy curled up in his bed. It was cold.

FINIS