"Please, sir, me in a high school?" Alex Smith asked. He was a young man, about twenty-four, with short blond hair and hblue eyes. His face was thin without being severe. In fact, he didn't really look at day over 17.
Clarke smiled. "You'll do fine, Alex. Have faith. If you can play a drug dealer, you can do a high schooler. Just, try not to look like a priest."
Alex nodded. "Yes sir. With whom?"
"Matt Roushe, William, and Bob."
"No women?"
"Have you looked at our ladies lately? They aren't exactly under-developed. Something in the water."
"Something about the Jezebel outfits they usually have to wear on a case." Alex's voice was sour.
"Sometimes you have to wear a little dirt. Try not to be a saint."
"As you said, sir, I can play a drug dealer. I'd be more worried about Piggy in a school with teenage girls. What's my schedule?"
Clarke liked Alex. He was just the perfect subordinate. He thought too little of his abilities, but never complained about an assignment after the initial shock wore off. He felt like patting the young man on the head, but restrained himself as always. "Here. School opens tomorrow. You transferred from Rexford."
"That's official?"
"Yes."
"Name?"
"Alex Smith."
Alex's head shot up from the papers he'd just been handed. "I guess it's generic enough, isn't it?" He smiled ruefully.
****
Rachel and Chris Summers stared at their parents. "Mainstreaming experiment? Hello, we're both doing advanced college work," Rachel said. "Papa?"
Remy put his hands up. "Y' may as well see how de other half lives, non?"
"Non," Chris said, folding his arms over his chest and settling into a sulk.
"Trey is going," Scott said almost absently, "and we thought you two would be willing to go with him. If it works out maybe we can integrate more quickly."
Rachel snorted. "We're going to have to hide our eyes and pass though, right?"
Remy nodded, while Jean shook her head.
Chris raised a brow. "Would you guys like a few minutes to come to a consensus?"
"Hide 'em," Remy stated. "Mama's a pretty so she don't get it. Y' can tell a few folks if y' find someone t' trust. But, in general, keep a low profile. Pretend it's recon."
"Fine," Rachel said finally. "But I don't give a damn about the work."
"If you get a 'B' or better I won't care," Scott said. "You should be able to do that. And you will do your homework."
"Or what?" Chris challenged.
"Or I'll ground you."
"What do you mean?"
"No flights. No missions. No runs to the store. No TV. No chat rooms. No phone." The twins gaped at him. "Am I understood?"
"Yes, sir," Chris answered.
"Rachel?"
"D'accord, Dad."
****
Alex looked at the campus of the high school. His car was old enough to stand out. "Wrong side of the tracks again," he muttered as he parked. "Sixteen again. It's like the nightmare from Hell."
He got out of the car, backpack in hand. His jeans were washed to soft pale blue cotton. His dress shirt sleeves were rolled up. The shirt was open to show off the blue tee underneath. His wore a small gold cross at his neck. He walked towards the front door, old sneakers barely raising dust from the overly white concrete. He was aware of eyes on him, but ignored them.
He looked around the front lobby, noting the security office and the front office. He looked for room signs, but soon gave up. He went into the front office in search of a kindly secretary. What he found was a dragon disguised as a grandmotherly woman. He escaped with his locker assignment and a student handbook. "Why doesn't she paint her face green to warn people?" he wondered aloud.
"The wicked bitch of the west you mean?" an unfamiliar voice asked.
"Yeah."
"You're new here?"
Alex nodded.
"I'm Trey. I'm new too. Maybe we can muddle through together.
Alex shook hands with the slender black teen. He noticed several things about him, an Xavier's Institute necklace, a nice smile, good eyes, and a firm handshake. "Alex. You wouldn't happen to have an over-view of this place?"
"Actually, I do." Trey opened up the binder he was carrying to reveal a map. "I have a friend who has a friend. Let's see if the harpy will let us make a copy."
"Maybe we should just threaten her with a pail of water."
"I think she'd scare it off of her." A few minutes of sweet-talking later, Alex had a map. "Here comes trouble," Trey said with a grin. "Alex, the Dreadful Duo, Rachel and Chris Summers."
Rachel wound a piece of hair around her finger. "Hi!" she said brightly.
Cheerleader, Alex thought with a sudden frightful intensity. "Hi," he managed. "Maybe I'll see you at lunch," he said to Trey. "Thanks for the map." Alex left the group with a smile.
****
"You scared him off," Trey teased. Rachel grinned at him.
"Don't worry. He'll be mine by the end of the semester." //He's cute for a Narc,// she told them.
//He's a Narc? Damn, he's good,// Trey assessed.
//We'll be nice and not break his cover,// Chris decided.
"Let's see the schedules." The three compared classes. "Who made these?"
"Grandpa Charles," Rachel said sourly. "He doesn't want us to be in all the same classes. He thinks we need to split up some."
"Yeah, who wants to be around you two all day?"
Chris punched Trey in the shoulder. "See you for lunch?"
"And Chem right before it." The trio broke up physically, but Chris maintained his telepathic bond with Trey and his sister.
****
Alex chose a back-corner seat and pulled out a spiral notebook. American History. Thank God this transcript won't count, he thought. Rachel sat down next to him, still perky. "So, tell me, Alex, where'd you transfer from?"
"Rexford," he said flatly.
"Now, now, be nice to me." She pouted.
"I'm sure you're very sweet, but. . ."
She put a finger over his lips. "Shh. Be nice. So what brings you to Westchester High?"
"Family problems. Let's leave it there, okay?"
Rachel pouted. "No fair teasing."
"My father wants me to be a preacher," he said finally. "Home schooled me with that in mind. I wanted a normal school for awhile, to decide."
Rachel's mind stumbled. He wasn't lying. She couldn't smell any deceit. But she was still positive he was a cop. "How dull," she said. "We can have fun. I'll show you the real world."
Alex found himself leaning towards her to listen as he voice grew softer.
//No fair using empathy, sis. Trey saw him first. If it's a fair bet, all three of us get a shot.//
//Spoilsport.// Rachel released the thread of empathy she'd been wrapping around him. "What are you doing after school?"
"Working."
"Liar."
"Listen, Rachel, I've met your brother, I'm not. . ."
"Then all four of us. Come on, Sweetie. I'll tell you all the juicy gossip."
Alex didn't know how to get out of it. "Okay. We'll get a snack or something."
"I can tell you what I'm interested in snacking on." She leered at him.
Across the room, Matt Roushe watched in fascination. It wasn't the end of first period and the biggest goodie-two-shoes in the department had a date. Matt wondered if he was trying too hard with his leather jacket over jeans and tee, but decided to wait and see. He hadn't seen Piggy or Bob yet. God, she was forward. They'd known each other maybe ten minutes and she was already petting Alex's hair.
Alex turned away from her touch. Rachel rolled her eyes. "You're mine already."
"I don't think so," he said with a touch of acid. "Please stop petting me. I am not a stray puppy!"
Rachel giggled. "No, you're cuter than that."
The teacher came in. Alex didn't think he'd ever been so glad to see a teacher in his life. And he also knew damn well he'd never taken notes on a first day before. He fantasized briefly about putting his shirt onto the bimbo beside him. She insisted on playing with her bell-button ring and the movement kept drawing his eyes to her bare abs.
****
Jean watched Scott and Remy snipe at each other over lunch for a whole 10 seconds before she snapped. "You two are worse than teenagers!"
They looked at her. "What do you mean?" Scott asked, vaguely offended.
"The two of you are sniping."
"We're just talking, honey."
Remy cocked his head to the side. "Y' worried 'bout de petites?"
Logan snorted. "Course she is. She's the one who thought it'd do them good. We're done frettin'."
Jean scowled at them. "And you aren't worried?"
"If y're worried, touch base wit' them."
"I don't want to be over-protective."
"You don't want to wuss out if they're miserable being bored all day." Scott smirked.
Jean threw a roll at his head and he blasted it without thinking. The whole cafeteria seemed to freeze. Then, as bits of bread rained over Jean's head the kids began to laugh.
Jean turned a pleasing shade of pink. Scott smiled an apology. Charles pulled his chair up to the table. "While I appreciate your battle-readiness, perhaps a little more decorum is in order."
"But the battle could hit at any moment, sir," Scott explained, poker face on.
****
Alex found a quiet table in the cafeteria. He sighed in relief when a far-too familiar red-head wasn't present. "Hey, speed-demon," Matt said, sitting down with a tray. "Making time already?"
Alex scowled at his sometimes partner. "She's an insane barnacle bimbo."
"Cute though."
"Irritating. Oh shit, there's her brother." Chris and Trey joined them at the table.
"Hey, Alex, how's day one?"
"I'm trying to figure out what I did wrong. Somehow your sister is in every class except last period."
"And you miss her? How sweet."
"I'm praying she got eaten by hungry freshmen on the way to class."
"That's cruel. Seniors at least."
"Can you get her on a leash, Chris? As her brother can you talk sense to her?"
"Sense?"
"She asked me out for coffee or something after school. I'm begging you, get me out of it. I'll have to strangle her if I hear one more juicy detail of. . . I'm cursed."
Rachel sauntered over, pleased at all the eyes on her. She settled on the bench between Alex and Matt. She leaned her chin on Alex's shoulder and played with his hair. "Now, where were we when that idiot of a French teacher interrupted. Ah, oui. Braisse moi, mon brave."
Alex lifted her chin. "You should be careful what you ask for." He dropped her chin over the table. She giggled, straightening.
"I know what I want." She made a face at his sandwich and apple. "You need real food for lunch. Go get something hot or I'll get it for you."
"I'm fine with this. Thanks."
"Men. I'll bring your lunch tomorrow."
"No, thank you, Ray."
"You're already calling her 'Ray'? Just surrender," Chris advised.
"Thanks for nothing. Would you please go sit with your brother?"
"No way. If I don't claim you, I'll have to fight all the other girls for you."
"And if I told you I'm not interested?"
"I'd call you a liar. Just call me Dusty."
Alex blinked, then laughed. "That was a stretch."
Trey's brows rose. "Dusty?"
"Son of a preacher man," Ray explained. "Blame Dad's choice in music."
"Like I said, a stretch. I’m not trying to reach you at all."
Ray linked their arms. "But you've got me for three more glorious periods. Then, we'll really educate you."
Alex's mouth tightened. "If I insult your sister, will you hold it against me?"
"No, I do it all the time."
"Ray, you are a slut. If I thought for half a minute that you weren't a manipulative member of the oldest profession in the world, I might leave it at that. But, as it stands, oh my Lilith, I will not be meeting you after school now or ever. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to find someplace I can actually eat."
Alex shook off Rachel's arm and left the table.
"Damn," Trey said in admiration. "He didn't even have to call you a 'cunt' or a 'whore'. That's impressive enough to warrant an IQ'd version."
"Trey, go fuck yourself. He's mine. He just doesn't know it yet. You know him, right?"
"A bit. Honey, he just told you off. I wouldn't."
"Which is why I don't want you." She winked to take the sting out of it. "I only do males and females, not bad boy-wannabes."
Matt gaped at her as she stalked Alex across the room.
//This is so wrong, I saw him first.// Trey whined to Chris.
//We won't let her frighten him away.//
****
Remy scanned the picture with a jeweler's loop. "Well, ain't not'in' obvious wrong wit' it. All the details are correct, but there's somet'in' off 'bout it." He looked up at Warren. "Where'd y' get this?"
"Freedom of Information Act. It's what they have from the investigation."
"You an' me bot' know the cops didn' do shit. Didn't even clean up the bodies. Why dey got photos? Where dey get 'em?"
"I don't know, but where's Polaris?"
"Merde, she and Alex ain't comin' in until Thanksgiving." Remy frowned. "Let m' get this checked out. I want t' know who took it."
"You that good?"
"I know someone who can trace it f' me."
"Keep me posted?"
"Oui."
****
Rachel leaned against Alex's bank of lockers. He'd have to dump at least one of his books, even if he had managed to slip past her to get out of PE class. She almost missed him as a jock jostled her. She gave the boy her best Wolverine-style glare of death and he smiled. "Hey there, Little Girl."
The hackles rose on the back of her neck. She nearly growled at him as he leaned over her, smelling of hormones and lust. "Were you waiting for me, honey?" he smirked. "Why don't we take a trip around the City. I've got this great convertible 'Stang. Sleek. Black."
"And belonging to whom? Your mother? Come on, Ray, we've got to catch up with Chris before Trey does," Alex interrupted. Rachel joined arms with him.
"Why?"
"Because I have to get my side of the story in first."
The jock stared after them, scowling. That piece of tail was going to be his. No fucking brain was going to win out over him. Alex glanced over his shoulder. They were out of view.
"You can let go now."
"That's okay. I'm enjoying it." They were quiet on the way out to the parking lot. "You're trouble. You know that right? Already you've made me an enemy for life. That asshole wants to kill me. You can see it in his eyes."
"Oooh, boys fighting over me. That's a first."
Alex snorted. "Right. Will you please let go?"
"Nope. Not until someone shows to pick us up. Probably Mom. The parentals couldn't agree on whether we should be allowed to drive to school."
"They just thought we'd try to escape if we had a car," Chris said.
Alex removed Rachel's hand from his arm and placed it on her brother's. "Trouble's all yours. See you tomorrow if I don't kill myself first from contemplation of your sister's personality." They watched him dodge through the crowd to his car. Rachel put a hand on her hip.
//He talks like Hank, looks like Bobby, bitches like Dad, and moves like Papa. Not a bad package either.// Chris commented.
//I'll get him, my dearie, and his little gun too.//
Trey joined them. "Date a bust? Poor Ray-Ray." He patted her head. "Means the rest of us are still in the running."
"He was going to go with all three of us," she pointed out. "Oh well. They sent Ju-Ju-Be." Rachel pointed.
They young Asian woman waved at them. "Yo, brats! Need a ride?" she called. The trio climbed into the convertible Mustang without bothering to open the doors. The car was an almost offensive shade of yellow with a set of pink fireworks on the hood. "So, mall or home?"
"Mall. Definitely mall," Rachel answered.
"Home," the boys chorused.
"Okay. We'll drop the spoil-sports off. I was even going to spring for dinner."
"You didn't say anything about food, girl," Trey chided. "Of course we'll go for food."
Jubilee laughed and hit the gas. Alex watched them leave as he juggled his things into the car. He smiled. "Must run in the family," he murmured.
****
"So, give me the debrief?"
"It's Hell, Jubes." The other two nodded in agreement with Trey's assessment. "I mean, everyone's just tense for no reason. At least two of my teachers are anti-mutant. And the vapid nobodies can't seem to create a single thought of their own. You've got to convince the parentals to get us out."
"You seriously think they talk to me about stuff like that? They have enough trouble reaching a consensus as it is." Jubilee rolled her eyes. "It was so much easier when it was just Wolvie and me. I mean I don't mind the Cajun, but. . . " she shrugged. "Any cute boys?"
"Loads," Chris answered. "Ray's trying to catch the best of the bunch, but he's not taking the bait."
"He will," Rachel argued. "He's just shy."
"You want to date a flat-scan?"
"Lay him at least. He's adorable, smart, and sweet. Besides, he's in almost all of my classes."
"I saw him first," Trey said. He leaned into Chris' body just a bit to show he was just teasing his boyfriend. Chris squeezed Trey's thigh.
Rachel stuck her tongue out at him. They finished up lunch, describing the school in detail - from the tiles to AC vents to visible security. They were walking through the mall when Rachel saw something "magically" appear in Jubilee's hand, then go into her pocket. There was no interruption in the flow of conversation. It was just a group of teens with their older sister to everyone else.
Once they were on the highway, cover closed due to expected rain, Rachel asked, "Does Dad know you still pick-pocket?"
"Receive information drops," Jubilee corrected. "And that depends on which Dad you ask."
Rachel scowled. "You know what I mean."
"Yes, I do it for the team. I have a talent for it. I was picking pockets and shoplifting before I met Wolvie." Jubilee cracked her gum in a habit impossible to break. "Don't frown. It'll give ya wrinkles."
***
Alex settled at the table - still wiping oil off of his hands. "Problems, Smith?" Clarke asked.
"Wheel went flat. I'm riding on a donut."
Matt snorted. Alex threw the rag at him.
"Children. Now that we're all here, report. Roush."
"Classes suck. I'm getting used to a whole new level of boredom. Met a few possible sources."
"Banks?" Piggy folded his hands in front of him.
"Try-outs for football are over, but basketball starts next week. The varsity cheer-squad is forming next week. Official school policy is no alcohol or enhanced-performers. Meaning no muties and no junkies. There were enough sniggers for me to believe there's a lack of enthusiasm for the measure. Beyond that, nothing."
"Piazzo."
"Not a whisper. People were more interested in finding their classes than ditching."
"Smith?"
"I mainlined gossip central and got nothing but a headache and a practical marriage proposal. On the plus side, there's a great track and I got three offers of one-on-one tutoring."
"Are they pretty?" Piggy asked perking up.
"Theoretically, one of them is old enough to be my mother, one of them is just a horny bastard and the last one has make-up troweled on so I can't be sure one way or the other."
"And Rachel?" Matt asked with a smirk.
"I told you she's an irritating barnacle bimbo."
"And you're her knight in shining armor."
"She could've kneed him, but I thought it would be better to get her out gracefully."
Clarke's brows rose. "Rescuing damsels already. Is she cute?"
Alex rolled her eyes. "She's distracting. I was half-tempted to bring an extra shirt in case she forgets hers again."
"Roushe, translation?"
"Killer curves. Nubile 16 year old body. Seriously touchy-feely. She likes him because he's hard to get. Dresses, well, not sexy, just. . ."
"Milano collection from two years ago. All designer labels. Want the names? She told me where, when and which uncle she bamboozled into buying which piece. Her necklace is adamantium, ruby crystal, and emerald. Her brother has a matching one. It's an 'S' because of her last name, so she wouldn't even have to change initials. Her favorite food is jumbalya, but only if made by her 'papa' who I'm guessing is her grandfather, but I didn't want to encourage her by asking. She and her brother are both 16. Trey is three months out until he's 16 too. Would you like the rest of the six hours of whispered prattle?" Alex batted his lashes.
"Favorite sex position?" Piggy asked.
Alex closed his eyes, reviewing. "I think she said top, but I won't swear to it."
Clarke's jaw dropped. "Smith, do I need to remind you. . ."
"Tell her! She's been hanging off of me for the entire day! She asked me outright twice if I wanted to find a janitor's closet."
"Just keep your hands to yourself."
"No problem." Alex's mouth was to tightly disapproving that it was a wonder he could speak. "And she speaks Acadian slang so dirty that she needs her mouth washed out with soap."
"Acadian?"
"French-Canadian group. Colony from Acadia." Alex shrugged. "My family's from up that way." He sighed. "That's where I learned all the words she was using today. If she's not the spawn of Satan, she's a niece of close cousin."
"You can curse?" Bob Piazzo said. "I'd pay to see it." Alex flushed bright red.
"Lay off the reverend," Matt said. "He's been a perfect gentleman today. You should see the girl." Matt shook his head in wonder.
"Okay, for the sake of clarity. No hitting on teenage girls. And Alex, I want the names of the teachers. If they hit on you, who knows what they've been getting up to with other students."
"Yes, sir."
"Tomorrow, same time."
****
"So really, Alex, what do you think?"
"She's not my type, Matt. She doesn't have a brain."
"Body to kill though. Shit. You need a new car."
"This one still runs."
"But not for very much longer. Look at it. There's more rust than metal on that body. Tell you what. Maybe the auto crew can fix it up. I'll talk to Chris and get him to ask about it."
Alex swallowed, not sure he wanted to ask. "Chris Summers?"
"Yeah. Rachel's brother's in auto mechanics."
"It figures. Don't ask. I don't want to owe that family anything. Now, I need to get to a shop before my tire busts completely."
"Hey, reverend."
"What?"
"What do you spend your money on?"
"Maybe you'll figure it out. You're a detective aren't you?"
Alex was driving away before Matt could respond. Roush considered. "Maybe I need to, Lex," he murmured. "Someone needs to look out for you."
****
Jubilee dropped the small bundle of papers onto Scott's desk. "So why'd you condemn the kids to school?" she asked, collapsing into a visitor's chair and putting her feet up on the desk -- scuffed up combat boots bejeweled by beads on the laces.
"How is it you can walk silently in those?"
"I'm just that good, bub."
"I knew it was a mistake to let you spend so much time with Gambit." Scott sighed theatrically. "Now, my little spy, how do my children grow?"
"They hate school for the most part. They're still trying to figure out why they've been sent undercover. They don't buy whatever story you fed them."
Scott just smirked. "We're still not letting them drive. They'd ditch too often and we can't let Trey fall into that pattern."
"Yer a cruel man, Summers."
"That's why you love me so, Jubilee."
"Ha! I should've gone into fashion design full-time."
"You do two collections a year," Scott pointed out. "And you get free trips throughout Europe for that magazine."
Jubilee grinned. "Gets the kids out of your hair, don't it? See ya around, bub."
"At least you never picked up Cajun."
"Cyke, beck mon chu."
He laughed.
****
Rachel lay on her bed, staring up at the poster she had pasted there of the world map. It was made from bootleg government satellite pictures. Usually, the patterns of color helped her relax. //Chris.//
//Yeah?// came the tired reply. Chris and Trey shared a room, even if they didn't officially share a bed.
//How did you know when you met Trey he was the one?//
//Gods. Ask the easy questions why don't you? I don't know really. It's just like I couldn't live without him. I could feel this burning rage whenever someone tried to take him away. I wanted to protect him and I'd kill to do it. Honestly, I'm open-minded, but if Alex flirted with Trey, I'd have to gut him.//
//But if Trey started it?//
//I'd tolerate it, but I'd still want to kill him.//
//Thanks. I've never felt this unsettled over someone before. If he'd let me, I'd let him take me in the middle of the classroom, then tear out the throat of any woman who dared look at him. But I don't *want* to be a jealous bitch.//
//Maybe once you have him it'll ease. Are you sure it's not just sex?//
//No more than the parentals sharing one bed.//
//Damn. You're screwed then.//
//Gods. I wish.//
//TMI, sis.//
//Oh, go fuck your boyfriend!// Rachel rolled over onto her stomach and tried to count to 100 in Arabic to relax herself.
****
Alex stepped into his apartment. It was a neat two rooms, with a kitchenette to the right of the door. He flopped onto his couch. He closed his eyes to banish Alex the student and Alex the cop to their respective filing cabinets. Now, he had to be Alex the dutiful son and call his mother. He dialed quickly, before he could get worked up over the memory of Rachel's hand in his hair and playing with the shell of his ear. "Hi, Mom. It's Alex." He leaned back and prepared to listen to the litany. He didn't even notice when his mother whispered and amused, "Sleep well, Sweetie. God Bless you and keep you," to his soft snores.
****
Remy jerked awake at Logan's gentle touch. He looked around himself, unsure where he'd fallen asleep. Logan smirked. "Come on, kiddo." He pulled the young man to his feet. Their clearing wasn't too cold for sleeping out yet, but Remy hated sleeping rough. Logan kissed him gently, then brushed the leaves out of his hair.
"Didn' mean t' fall asleep on y'."
"I don't mind it. Ya don't have to sit with me."
"I like it, cher. Y' reach this place inside y' when y' meditate an' it's better'n any high I ever had t' feel y'."
"Ya get high on my meditation?"
"Oui. Ain't I never tol' y', cher?"
"Nope." Logan's smile was sappy. They walked through the trees hand in hand.
"Cher, did y' even t'ink it'd all end up like this?"
"Like what?"
"Us lookin' forward t' bein' at home? Merde, havin' a real home?"
"Only in my dreams, Rems. Are ya happy?"
"Oui. Didn't t'ink this sort of t'ing'd ever happen. Figured I'd be dead by now, t' be honest."
Logan's hand tightened. "That'd be a shame. Look how good ya grown up."
"Gettin' old me."
Logan snorted. "No, yer not. Ya checked a mirror lately? You could still put most models to shame just by smilin', Darlin'."
"Y' such a sweet talker."
"I'm tellin' ya true, kid. Always have, always will."
Jean looked up as the two entered the boathouse. "One down. One to fetch. Fetch, Logan."
Logan rolled his eyes. "Where's our boy hidin' out? His office?"
"I'm right here," Scott said from the open doorway. "And someone fell asleep in the forest."
Remy gave him a pout, head canted to the side to give his puppy-dog eyes proper framing. "Y'll help m' get all the leaves out, oui?"
Scott smiled. "Oh, don't bother pouting." Scott hung up his coat.
"Why not?"
"You've already got me twisted around your little finger, babe."
Remy smiled happily at that. Jean stood, dropping her crossword on the coffetable. "I don't know about you three, but I’m going upstairs." She gave her walk a little more wiggle as she climbed the stairs.
Remy tossed his trench to Scott, who put it on the coat rack. Logan had bounded up the stairs and caught up with Jean. He tossed her over his shoulder. She shrieked in laughter. Remy followed more slowly, picking leaves out of his hair. "I'll make you sweep those up," Scott told him as he slid his hand into Remy's back pocket.
"That's what chilen are for."
"True." Scott plucked a twig free of the ponytail. "You should let me braid this for you in the mornings again."
"Ain't worth it less'n y're gonna brush it out nice f' me."
"Oh, I'll brush it. Wash it too, if you want."
"Promise?"
"Yep." Scott pulled the younger man in closer.
"What y' plannin' t' do t' dis po' boy?"
Scott's lips twitched. "First, I'm going to kiss him. Then, I'm going to strip him. And if he's very good, I'm going to fuck him."
"Oooh. I think I could get behind a plan like that."
"You'll be in front of it at least."
"Y' make m' feel like a teenager."
"Good." Scott gave Remy's ass a squeeze. "Yeah, you feel like a teen all-right."
"Squeeze many teen asses?"
"When I was younger and could get away with it."
Jean was trying to get her shirt off. Logan was "helping." He was licking at her skin as it was exposed. She was flushed from the brush of his lips and the rasp of his tongue. She'd given up on making her fingers work on the buttons and was leaning back on her elbows.
Scott cocked his head toward the chair. Remy nodded. Scott settled in to watch the show. Remy curled up in his lap, more than willing to watch and cuddle for awhile. Scott's grip on his waist was a comfortable confinement. Remy draped one leg over the arm of the chair, letting the other dangle. The angle of his body let him curl an arm around Scott's neck and whisper into his ear. Scott smiled as his youngest lover lapped at his jaw with tiny, delicate touches, tasting.
Logan's fingers were stripping off the white silk shirt so that he'd have more skin to torment. Jean wriggled and gasped, arching into Logan's mouth with utter abandon. Her hair fell lose across the blanket as she surrendered to gravity. Logan reached her jeans and carefully continued his attack. He teased her belly-button for a moment, then moved lower. He lapped at the joins of her hips and thighs.
"Oh, God, Logan."
"Tell me what ya want, Jeannie."
"Either put that mouth where it'll do some good or just fuck me!"
Logan grinned. He sucked at her clit and she moaned deep and low. His tongue dipped into her slit, tasting her, remembering her flavor, the rise of her hips. Every part of her from her tiny gasps of pleasure to her snoring was imprinted somewhere deep in his heart under "lover." Logan freed his erection. He slid into the welcoming moistness of her body. He rode her gently - mouth working at her breasts, at her throat. He bit down on her collar-bone as he climaxed. She shuddered under him, finally laying still, a small smile playing on her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him to her for a deep kiss.
Remy licked and bit at Scott's throat, raising a respectable bruise. Scott had passed the cuddling stage and was indulging in a little targeted petting. He stroked Remy's erection through his jeans. Remy squirmed, arms tightening around Scott's neck. "Bon Dieu, mon cher, y' drive dis po' boy crazy doin' that."
"Good. I like you crazy."
Remy buried his face in the join of Scott's neck and shoulder. Scott tugged on Remy's ponytail. "What?"
"I want to kiss you."
Remy turned until he was straddling Scott's lap. They kissed with an intensity that would have shocked anyone outside of their quartet. Logan tucked Jean into bed and settled to watch his other lovers. Scott's right hand was buried in Remy's hair; his left was opening the Cajun's jeans. The kiss eased a bit as they both drew in much needed air. Remy licked and kissed Scott's jaw.
Scott stroked the freed cock with gentle fingers. "Please, cher, please be kind t' po' Remy."
"But I'm cruel and evil remember?" Scott growled a bit, making Remy snicker. They grinned at each other.
"Wicked cher," Remy murmured as Scott twisted and tugged to expose the Cajun's throat for tasting. Scott stroked Remy's jaw, then kissed down his vein to his collar-bone. He tugged on the collar of the soft, cotton sweater.
"Take it off."
Remy complied. Scott ran his hands up from Remy's hips to his ribs. The sweater landed in an uneven lump next to the chair. Remy unbuttoned Scott's blue flannel. Scott brushed Remy's nipples with butterfly touches, making the younger man squirm. The little touches always meant more to Remy than bold strokes. Remy's hips rocked forward. His hands settled on the back of Scott's neck. He nibbled at one ear as Scott's shirt joined his sweater. Remy kicked off his sneakers. Scott's hands eased the faded jeans down and off of his lover's body. As usual, he didn't have to worry about underwear.
Logan licked his lips. The boys looked good together - always had. He could see the silver glinting in Scott's hair now. The pang of sadness was quickly chased away by lust. He stroked his cock as the two maneuvered into position.
Remy settled onto Scott's cock and into his lap. His head fell back onto Scott's shoulder, putting his collar-bone in the perfect place for biting. Scott's fingers were hard on Remy's hips, holding him still. Remy's eyes closed. "Please, t'encule moi, mon couer. Sil tu plait."
Scott's teeth settled gently on the side of the Cajun's throat. As always, it brought a little whimper of need form the younger man's throat. It was one of the few kinks Remy had always allowed. The Cajun didn't mind being bruised by harsh kisses or love-bites. They stayed that way for what seemed to Logan to be an endless moment. Not that he was complaining. Then, slowly, they started to move. Logan's breath caught watching the flex of muscle and the rising flush as Remy rose Scott's cock.
Remy's body was tight and hot. Scott could smell the soft orange scent of the shampoo Remy bought by the case. Underneath that was sex and sweat. Remy whined deep in his throat as Scott stopped his motion. "I want you to last, so you feel it in the morning," Scott snarled into Remy's ear.
Remy shuddered at the sheer possessiveness of Scott's emotions. He slowed his motions and felt Scott's smile against his shoulder. The building rub-strike friction was driving him crazy "Please, let m' move, Scotty." Scott's response was to tighten his grip. "Y' treat me so mean!"
"Be good."
Remy's hands rested on Scott's wrists - long fingers gripping and releasing in spasms.
Jean smiled at Logan. She moved across the bed to take Logan into her mouth. He smirked down at her.
Finally, Scott's control broke. Remy moaned and eagerly met his thrusts. Remy stroked himself. He came with a cry. Scott held his hips as he emptied into the warm channel. Remy slumped, boneless, against him. Scott wrapped his arms around Remy's waist, content to hold him for as long as he needed.
Jean sucked firmly on Logan's cock. His hand wrapped into her hair. He growled as his thrusts started. Jean shivered in excitement. She swallowed around the head of his cock and he came. She withdrew carefully. Logan settled down, pulling her up for a sweeping kiss.
FINIS