With a start, Remy recognized Jean's laughter. Had the lives of the X-men really turn so grim that he no longer could accredit a teammate of amusement? The path they chose was not an easy one. Torn loves and friendships were common enough to fall the most spirited among them. Still, some had triumphed over the hardships. Jean and Scott were a prime example.

He longed for their type of relationship. Scott could rely on Jean to stand by him through thick and thin and vise versa. Could he and Kyler endure to build a future? He fervently hoped so. She loved him but was it enough? It hadn't been in the past. Yet, if she turned from him like the others he would have known her warmth for a little while. Could he expect more? He only knew he wanted more and he wanted with Kyler.

He drew himself out of thoughts and concentrated on the conversation going on around him.

"No, wait, this is the best part..."

"Shhh! Jean, you'll wake Remy." Kyler cast a meaningful glance at the cajun sprawled on the bed.

"Oh, doesn't he look sweet." Jean cooed.

"Watch it girlfriend! You got a man. Quit leering at mine." Kyler splayed her hands in front of Jean's eyes in a playful effort to block her view.

Remy lay there quietly. Content to let them talk. He was tempted to crack open his eyes and spy on them, but pushed the idea away.

"Aren't we a little possessive? Now, Kyler don't be stingy. I just want to look at his..."

"I'm selfish." Kyler interrupted.

Perhaps he should talk to Scott about how he spent his time with his wife. He had better stop the ogling before it was carried to far. He silently rose and crept up behind them.

"You can't look but since your such a good friend I'll tell you about the freckle he has on his... mjdhf."

Kyler's eyes went wide with surprise as a familiar hand clamped over her mouth. "Not good t' kiss an' tell, p'tite."

She pushed his hand away and swirled around to find Remy standing directly behind her giving her his rascal's grin. "How? You were just... Must you sneak up on me like that! And you." She pointed at Jean. "Why didn't you warn me?"

Jean held her hands out in a placating gesture. "Don't blame me. I didn't see him move either."

Remy shook his head sadly. "Women never pay 'tension when gossiping."

"That is the most sexist remark I have ever heard Remy LeBeau. Apologize now!"

"Don' 'pologize for de truth."

"What do you think, Jean? Should we make him suffer the consequences?"

"I only wished we had the time but duty calls. We should really be starting for the War Room."

"Least hear 'bout de consequences?" Remy asked hopefully looping an arm around each woman. Anything involving two beautiful women had to interesting.

"Sorry, you'll just have to wait." Kyler teased him.

"Dat okay. Can wait for anythin' with two beautiful women in dese arms." He gave them each a little squeeze to empathize his point.

"I think you have one more woman than you can handle Gambit." Scott stood in the doorway of the med-lab with a distinct look of disapproval. "We are waiting for you."

Jean disengaged herself for Remy's embrace and walked over to her husband. "We were heading that way." Scott nodded in acknowledgment and stepped back out of the lab leaving the others to follow him. "Forgive the harshness. Sinister is always a painful subject for him. For us all."

All of the humor went out of Kyler. "I am sorry for brining him back into your lives." She said softly.

Remy tightened his hold on her. "Don' b', chere, not your fault. Sinister been amusin' himself at de X-men expense long time now." He knew only too well.

Jean's jaw firmed. "Sinister is to blame. Let's go. The sooner we find Sinister the sooner we can put this behind us."

"Amen." Kyler snuggled into Remy's arm and allowed him to guide toward the meeting.

Remy allowed Jean to proceed a good distance ahead of them before speaking. "Glad you spendin' time with Jean. You don' spend much time with de ladies here."

"If you would like to forego your nocturnal demands for a night I'll be happy to treat them to a ladies night out." She teased.

"Not what I meant. You been avoidin' them."

"Maybe a little but it is only because I don't know what to say."

Remy used his finger to tilt her face up toward his. "Never known you t' have trouble with words b'fore."

"I'm not as comfortable with them. Give me time, Rem."

"All de time you need, cherie."

To be continued.