Logan made his way to his bedroom. The first thing he did was step into the steamy shower and let the hot water pour down over him. He closed his eyes and suddenly found himself sobbing, hard enough to make his stomach hurt. All the fear and pain of the last two weeks caught up with him. His knees buckled and he slid down the shower stall releasing his emotions and letting them wash down the drain with the water.  When it started to get cold he turned off the water and dressed. His feet wanted to carry him back to the Med Lab but he forced himself out to the garage to the corner where the pair of Harley’s sat . He carefully stroked the bike beside his and decided he’d plan a road trip for when Remy was able to ride again. There was a sharp pain in his chest when he realized that it would be a very long time before that could happen. The kid had a lot of healing to do, a lot of probably very painful physical therapy before he would even stand again. He climbed on his bike and shot out of the garage he would let the bike take him wherever  it wanted to go.

Rogue stood in the doorway of Remy’s room and watched him sleep. He was such a beautiful man. When he was awake, there was always the look of pain on his face. He was getting better at hiding it now but it always returned. Sleeping, he looked so young, so carefree. He would have moved Heaven and Earth to make her happy, all she need do was ask. She had too, she played him because he let her. He seemed to be desperate , to need to be with her. She looked over at the small office, Hank was busy with something so she entered the room quietly, unnoticed. She took off a glove as she approached the bed, carefully running her fingers through Remy’s silky hair. “ Oh Remy…” she whispered almost to herself, “ You’re still so pale. “ She was so mesmerized by watching her bare fingers running through his hair she didn’t hear anyone enter behind her. “ Your hair is so soft. “  Logan grabbed her covered wrist from behind, careful not to force her closer to Remy, and removed her hand .He turned her and pushed her backwards out of the room, never letting go of her. He backed her up against a wall and with his face inches from hers he growled “ Yeah Rogue, it is. I spent months pushin’ that soft hair outta his face while he cried himself SICK after the nightmares of you LEAVIN‘ HIM ALONE. I rubbed his soft skin when it went NUMB from the remembered FROSTBITE I held him close when there weren’t enough BLANKETS in the whole damn MANSION to make him feel
Warm.”
“ Okay! Let go damn it! “ She pulled out of his strong grip and rubbed her wrist. “ I get it, he’s off limits. “ she put her glove back on and made to leave but Logan wasn’t finished yet “ Forever. I’M never letting him go. NEVER. I know what I’ve got in there, He’s a GIFT straight from Heaven . I’ll NEVER be as stupid as you and THROW HIM
AWAY. “ He backed up a few steps and she moved away from the wall. The words and accusations hurt. She swallowed the sob that tried to leave her throat and flew away. A large blue hand fell on Logan’s shoulder, “ Perhaps you were a bit hard on her. “
“ HARD. She nearly killed him and we never said or did a damn thing  to her. So I hurt her feelings, let her deal with it, Remy had to everyday. “
“ That is very true. He’s calling for you. “ he looked back to the small room. Logan went back and saw fear in Remy’s eyes. “ What’s wrong kiddo? “ he took Remy’s reaching hand in his .
“ She didn’ hurt you? “
“ No, I’m okay. Calm down darlin’ yer shakin’. “
Remy rubbed his hand over his eyes but tears still escaped and fell down his cheeks.
“ What’s up? Why are you so upset? “ Logan asked as he brushed through the hair that was wet from his tears. “ She … she coulda hurt you…coulda lost you. Hate bein’ like dis… wanna go to OUR room, please Cher? Please can I go…?” Remy was nearly hysterical, Logan carefully worked his arm behind Remy and hugged him as best he could. He’d never seen the Cajun lose it like this. “ Hey, shhh… calm down okay? I’m fine…” Hank walked to the doorway and watched the scene, Logan just looked over at him and shrugged. He had no idea what to do to calm his young lover down, he hoped that Hank would intervene. “ Remy, “  Hank said quietly, “ would you like to get out of here for a few minutes? Maybe Logan could take you down the hall to the greenhouse. I think after all you’ve been through you deserve some fresh air. “ Remy never looked over at him, just nodded against Logan’s shoulder. Logan was holding him. It was the first time since this all started that he felt safe and protected. He hated worrying Logan , he didn’t want to add to his suffering. He knew how Logan felt, his empathy told him. Even if he couldn’t really respond, he could still feel Logan.  His back was screaming with white hot flashes of pain from the position he was in .But the feel of those strong arms holding him , the love and concern that was pouring off him, that made it worth any pain.  Hank pushed a wheelchair up beside the bed , he added a cushion to take some of the pressure off his broken vertebra. “ When you’re stronger and the cast is off your hand we will work on getting you on crutches, for now, your chariot awaits. “  Hank and Logan slowly moved Remy into the chair. He didn’t expect the pain to be so intense. The brace that protected his knee felt like it weighed  a ton. Logan covered him with the comforter from the bed they shared. It was one Jean-Luc gave Remy long ago. “ Merci for dis Cher. “ Remy smiled weakly. “ No problem darlin’. I ain’t sleepin’ in that bed ’til yer with me. “ Logan returned the weak smile and kissed the top of his head. Hank pulled Logan aside and spoke quietly to him “ Logan, slow. Watch for signs of fatigue or increased pain. He’s still running a fever and his heart was severely strained” he reminded him. “ He’s not well.” He looked Logan in the eye, it was important that he understood.
“ can we go Cher? “ Remy’s voice sounded weak, shaky.
“ Sure darlin’, where to. “
“ wanna see Stormy. “
Bobby entered the Lab just then with an open box of Twinkies, “ Remy? Wow, are you getting’ outta here so soon? Hank, are you sure about this? “
“ Remy needs some fresh air. I’m not losing his charming company just yet. Go on Logan, 10 minutes, Okay? “
“ Sure Blue, come on darlin’, let’s go find Ro. “
“ She’s in the greenhouse, I saw her on my way here. “ Bobby said as they made their way slowly to the door. “ Merci Bobby. “ Remy was already wincing in pain from the new position. Sitting up was putting pressure on his back and he was becoming aware of new heights of pain. He wanted to see his Stormy though, needed to get out of the Lab. Logan could see Storm through the open door of the greenhouse. Maybe this was what Remy needed. Storm was like a sister to his lover and Remy loved her. Maybe this would cheer him up. “ Got something for ya Ro. “ he said as he pushed Remy into the forest of green. There was a slight bump in the doorway and Remy couldn’t hold back the groan as pain shot up his spine through his knee. “ I’ll leave ya here with Storm “ Logan whispered as he bent and kissed Remy’s temple.
“ Remy! “ Storm quickly removed her gloves and hugged her friend. He tried not to wince but he hurt. “ I’m sorry. What are you doing out of bed? “
“ Kinda lost it. I t’ink Henri needed a break from me. “ He tried to shift in the chair but it didn’t relieve the pain and pressure on his back. He was beginning to miss his bed.

Storm could always read through the masks Remy tried to hide behind. Even though she would have loved to spend time with her brother, he needed to be back in the Lab. “ Well I am sure he has finished the box of Twinkies I saw Robert taking to him. Why don’t I take you back now. “
“ Oui, merci Stormy, dis is harder dan I thought  it would be. “ His knuckles were white from gripping the chair, his head was beginning to pound and spin and his chest and stomach hurt.
Storm noticed the pain on his face but she pushed him back slowly, talking about her gardens and the weather. When she reached the lab Hank and Bobby looked up and smiled. “ Why Logan, what have you done to yourself. I don’t remember you looking so lovely when you left. “ Storm smiled and glanced down at her friend, he wasn’t smiling and looked even more pale. “ Remy missed your stimulating conversation. “ she said calmly but there was concern in her eyes. Hank pushed the chair over to the bed “ Robert, would you mind helping me get my lab partner back into bed? “
“ Sure. Don’t worry Remy, I won’t let him drop you.” he smiled but it faded as he helped Hank. Remy was as white as a sheet and he was covered in a cold sweat. Hank gave him an extra ,small dose of painkillers. “ Try to sleep Remy. This may not have been such a good idea, huh?”
“maybe not… not feelin to good “ he took some deep breaths to calm his stomach. Hank watched him for a few moments to be sure he was okay. Remy tried to turn to his side but had to abandon the idea almost immediately. Hank turned and joined Bobby and Storm in his office. “ Henry…is he okay? He’s so pale, he seems to be in so much pain. “ Storm’s worried eyes looked up into his gentle blue eyes hoping to see some assurances.
“ Moving him so far so soon may not have been the best idea. He did not handle it well at all. I suppose we will have to be content having him sit up in the chair in his room. “
“ Yeah, his back and leg have got to be killing him right now. “ Bobby added. He’d never seen such bare emotion on Remy’s face before. The calm cool Cajun charmer was gone. All that remained was a broken hurting boy. Logan came into the room then and waved toward the door “ What’s wrong with the kid? He’s pale, he’s been cryin, though he’s tryin to hide it, he won’t talk to me. “
“ I’m afraid his little outing was too much too soon. I’m going to consult with our dear friend Dr. Reyes. I would like a second opinion on his injuries and treatment plan. “
“ Well then do it Blue, I’m not gonna sit here and watch him suffer if there’s something else we can do to help him. “ Storm walked up beside Logan and nodded” I agree, he has suffered enough. “
“ Alright, Logan go sit with him. I’m a little concerned, I don’t think he should be alone right now. “
“ Let me go “ Bobby started “ I haven’t seen him since before he got sick. “ He left to sit with Remy while the others called Cecelia.

Remy finally made it to his side when Bobby entered the room, his eyes were wet . “ Hey Remy, mind if I sit with you for a bit. “ he walked over to the chair and sat.
“ Non” The younger man whispered.
“ Remy… can I… I mean… you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to … I just wanted to say…you and Logan…thanks. “
“what? “ still a soft shaky whisper
 “ You know I’m gay, right? Well I am. Took me forever to make up my mind. I’m happy now, everything feels right now. Not forced like before. You and Logan helped me a lot. Everybody around here think Scott and Jean are the perfect couple. I say it’s you and Logan, you have to fight so hard just to be together.
 
Remy slowly got himself together, the painkillers finally taking the edge off the pain . He very slowly worked himself onto his back and looked at Bobby. “ We love each oder, dat’s all. When you find real love every’ing else easy. “ His eyes burned horribly and he wiped away tears “ merde, my eyes…” Bobby looked around the room “ hold on… I’ll be right back. “ He went into the bathroom and came back with a cool washcloth. “ Here, put this over your eyes. When I was a kid that’s what my mom would do if my eyes hurt. “  He folded it and lay it across Remy’s tear filled eyes.
“ Merci mon ami, dat feels bien. “ his voice was still soft but it didn’t sound so shaky.
Bobby smiled “ glad I could help.”  Logan entered the room and looked at Bobby “ That’s what my mom did if my eyes hurt. “ Bobby explained.
“ Thanks Ice cube.”
“ No prob, You guys get everything figured out? “
 “ Yeah Cecelia’s on her way”
“ I gotta have more tests? “ Remy asked, a hint of panic in his quiet voice.
“ Don’t know what they’re gonna do. “ he brushed back his lovers hair feeling his forehead, he felt warmer than before. Shit.
“ I’m gonna get out of your way. “ Bobby said as he rose from the chair and left the room.
“ Cher? “
“ Yeah darlin’? “
“ Feel like hell.”
Logan bent and kissed his lover “ wish I could help ya kiddo but my blood’ll  kill ya. “ Logan hated to say that, his blood had helped everyone of his other team mates but the one time Hank had tried it on Remy, it had nearly killed him. It was long ago, before they were lovers but Logan still remembered the way the kid had gone into convulsions. He shivered and came back to the present.
“ Cher”
“ Yeah kid? “
“ ’s okay. I know you would if ya could. Love you. “
“ I love you too kiddo, I love you too. “
Hank and Cecelia entered the room. “Logan, could you give us a few minutes ? “
“ Sure Blue. Be good kid. Hank… take good care of him. “
“ We will. “
“ I’m gonna go have a smoke kid. Be back alright? “
“ ’kay” he took the cloth from his eyes and Logan saw pain and fear there.
“ I promise it’ll be okay. You trust Blue…Okay? “
“ Oui “ was all he said but the fear and nervousness of being left alone weren’t hard to hear.
 

TBC