Rooftop Spyder

submission dated 5-17-04
author: FireCracker
(Italic copy bordered by_underscore_)
Archive? You'd better.
Warnings: Raunchy series, all on rooftops in NY. Spidey has natural webs.

Pairing: Gambit / Spiderman

Peter eats a dog and fights the X-Men. Meanwhile, a monster runs loose in New York City.

A/U

Rooftop Spyder: Red Hunt

A familiar red and blue clad figure swooped the New York skyline, lost in thought. Chaotic events had his life in turmoil. Oblivious to the world below, he landed gently on a rooftop to think.

/Too much is going on. I've got to clear my reputation with the public./

A sigh. "Even if it is a lie."

**Very true.**

Spiderman spun. Inky black flowed nearby, forming Venom once again.

"Haven't you anything better to do than follow me around?"

The symbiote sat at a distance this time. **Yes, but something occurs that draws our attention.**

"Then go find it, and leave me alone."

Bizarre white eyes sparkled. **Since we share aspect, we know of changes. And changes are occuring.**

Spiderman turned to stare. "Changes? In what?"

Venom considered. **We aren't certain. Something in your being is different-**

Spider pointed. "Hold on a minute. The last time we tangled, you did something to my mind. I want you to stop it!"

**We don't understand.**

"I felt weird, drugged. Like my body was outside myself."

Venom shivered. **This then, is the occurance.**

"What are you babbling about? Stop messing with my mind!"

**It was not our doing, not directly. We merely thought to please you.**

"You ticked me off, pretending to be Mary Jane."

**That was not our wish. We thought taking another shape would be more acceptable to you.**

"Not, gruesome. But back to the point. What did you do?"

**We still don't understand-**

"Quit playing dumb! After you left I broke out in cold sweats, and my blood pressure damn near went through the roof."

**Strange.**

"More than strange. I felt good all of a sudden, like being drugged. Couldn't focus. That's exactly what happened when you touched me!"

**Precisely.* Venom shifted, thinking. **We must come in contact to affect you that way.**

Spiderman stood back. "What. Are you saying-"

**Whatever happened once we left was not our doing. Something else is going on.**

A webbed head drooped. "But what? If you didn't do anything, what happened?"

Venom sloshed his tongue. **We feel a difference in your spider, difficult to define.**

"What's that mean?"

An annoyed screech. **The spider in your blood, your flesh. It is altering.**

"I have spider dna-"

**You state the obvious to us. The pattern is becoming more equal, hybrid. No longer human dominant.**

Spiderman stared at his gloved hands. "But why? Ive been in this state for years. There's no reason-"

**Perhaps the spider in you has an incubation cycle.**

"No! I refuse to believe that, Venom. This is nonsense."

**And you consider yourself science oriented? Did this possibility not occur to you?**

"When I was first bitten, yes. There were too many unknowns. But once I seemed to stay stable, my concerns disappeared."

A pause. **A foolish assumption.**

"This isn't any of your buisness, by the way."

**It would not affect us directly, unless we merged. We have no problem with it.**

"Who's being foolish now? Any strange changes in me would change you as well."

Venom perched on the edge of a gutter. **There is much to consider. And observe. We will be in touch, Spider.** he melted and was gone.

Spiderman scratched his head. "Well, at least he didn't try to grab me."

****

He sat quietly after the symbiote left, idly watching traffic below. A tickle quickly spread to a warmth that pulsated his veins.

/Here we go again!/

Shaking his head, Spiderman leaned heavily against the roof ledge. A wave of weakness struck his legs. He was dizzy, light headed.

"What the hell's going on?" he whispered to himself, swaying. He abruptly sat on the blacktop.

/Maybe if I rest a minute. Do I have a fever?/

A red clad hand touched a hooded head. "Don't feel warm-"

Peter shivered uncontrollably. Bits of light dotted his vision.

"Gotta get a grip. Get home, call somebody."

He closed his eyes, listening to sounds of traffic below.

****

Mary Jane and Aunt May were having lunch downtown. A common topic headed their discussion.

"Mary Jane, has there been any progress reaching those sellers?"

A sigh. "You mean those pictures? Peter said he'd contact the Torch. I'm thinking a couple of greedy losers are looking to cash in."

May considered, sipping her lemonade. "I think you're right. At least the sellers appear harmless. There's no ransom involved."

"Only if you consider ruined reputations 'harmless'."

"You don't have to snap at me, MJ. I simply meant they don't seem to be criminals, or super powered enemies bent on revenge."

Mary Jane sighed. "Sorry. This process is taking longer than I'd hoped."

"There could be legal issues, also. How can you force someone to hand over their own property?"

MJ paled. "I hadn't thought of it that way."

"This isn't as cut and dried as it first appears. I'm worried Peter will stress himself and do something rash."

Mary Jane stared at her plate. "He can be impulsive at times."

****

A blooded thrumming beat in his heart. Slow, heavy. Warm and strong. He stretched, feeling strength return and flow. Sight and sound buzzing, vibrating the air itself. Pulse, a sweet ache.

And he felt good.

Peter decided to do a little climbing. Bounding from one rooftop to another, he scrabbled up a ten story building.

****

Gambit had spent most of the afternoon in his fancy hotel suite. He'd given the Professor an update on the mutant rally.

He stretched across a lush bed, kicking his shoes free. Relaxing, and thinking. The widescreen blared across the room.

/My beautiful Peter. Maybe I shouldn't have written you that letter. It might get you into more trouble./

Sly grin. /Of course, it's good I wrote it anonymously. Nothing like a secret admirer!/

Gambit turned at a buzz. "Yes?"

The voice was muffled behind a door. "Room service, sir. Would you care for the early evening edition of the Bugle?"

"Sure."

A paper was slipped beneath the door frame. Gambit picked it up, staring at the header:

SPECIAL EDITION BUGLE -SPIDER MONSTER RUNS AMOK IN CITY STREETS!

"Mon dieu. What is this?!"

Gambit glanced at a photograph. A huge spider was clambering over parked cars.

Remy blinked, not certain of what he was seeing. Suddenly, a news flash flared on the widescreen.

AND NOW A SPECIAL NEWS REPORT, LIVE. A HUGE SPIDER CREATURE HAS BEEN SIGHTED RAMPAGING ACROSS DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN. THE CREATURE APPEARED APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS AGO ON 50TH AVENUE AND SLIGO STREET. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS ARE WORKING WITH LOCAL SUPERHEROES IN AN ATTEMPT TO ISOLATE AND CONTAIN. SO FAR ALL ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN REPELLED. CITIZENS ARE ADVISED NOT TO PANIC AND STAY INDOORS. IF YOU SIGHT THE SPIDER, DO NOT CONFRONT OR ENGAGE. CALL YOUR LOCAL POLICE AT 1-26-555-0011. ON THE EMERGENCY HOTLINE SAY 'SPIDER'.

Gambit plopped on the bed again. /That thing. Something bothers me here./

THERE IS NO ESTABLISHED MOTIVE FOR THE CREATURE'S APPEARANCE, NOR HAS ANY COMMUNICATION BEEN ATTEMPTED. SWITCHING TO THE LATEST SIGHTING, LIVE-

The scene flashed to a glitzy storefront. A huge spider crashed through an iron security gate and turned over cars. People ran in frenzy, seeking safety. Screams and smoke filled the air. The creature shot webs, ensnaring individuals that strayed too close. Light posts were pulled down. Streams of green liquid shot from hooked jaws, dissolving pavement.

Gambit was stunned. Some familiar faces had arrived on the scene, fellow X-men. Storm flew above the creature, hurling a dazzling display of thunderbolts. Toad hopped up, striking the spider with sticky tongue. Cyclops attempted to pin the creature under rubble created from his eye beams.

Their efforts were mixed. The creature was stunned, but continued to stumble forward on a swath of destruction. It hestitated in seeming confusion, shooting more webs.

Gambit clicked off the screen. "Don't know what all's going on, but I'd better join the party."

****

He arrived at a scene of chaos. Destruction of property was evident everywhere. The streets were littered with fire rescue, police, and the media. At the center of it all were his fellow X-Men, doing interviews in the aftermath. Gambit sensed the frustration at lack of capture.

Cyclops saw him first. "You missed all the fun."

Another reporter ran to Gambit. "Are you part of this?"

The mutant stared. "Part of what? Ah came to assist, but seems like I'm a bit late."

Storm pushed her way through the crowd. "We really could have used your help, Gambit!"

"Was across town, darling. Ah saw the battle on tv."

The beautous mutant snorted. "The creature had a hide like iron. My bolts slowed it down, but-"

Toad interrupted. "Heh, so what's happening, Gambit."

"Saw y'all fighting that spider, frog man. Didn't turn out too good."

"Nah. Spiders got sticky stuff, too. My tongue didn't get the job done."

More reporters crowded them all.

"Did you plant that creature?"

"Is he a mutant?"

"Is this a publicity stunt to improve your status with humans?"

"Why didn't you go after the spider?"

"Is the creature a friend of yours?"

"These are the stupidest questions I've ever heard." Cyclops complained. "I don't believe you people!"

Gambit agreed. "Ah don't believe 'em, either. Idiots."

****

The X men stood off after their brief interviews for privacy. City care workers bustled with activity around them, repairing the destruction. Storm continued to chastise Gambit.

"You conveniently show up after the fighting is done, Gambit. I suppose you're finished with your report, too!"

Toad shrugged. "Ah, lay off, storm lady. Ain't like we caught the thing."

Gambit nodded. "Got that right. But I wonder where it went? It'ne wne without a trace."

Cyclops nodded, absently watching the cleanup efforts. "That's what worries me. It could return at any time. And we don't have enough information."

Storm looked about. "Guess we'd better head back. Maybe we should contact the FF and touch bases."

Toad tapped Gambit on the shoulder. "You done here?"

The red eyed mutant glanced at the skyline. "No, still got buisness in these parts. Loose threads."

"You're a walking loose thread." Cyclops grinned. "Well, when you feel like socializing again give us a buzz."

"Sure thing, glow worm."

Storm continued to watch cleanup efforts. "Have you heard from Spiderman?"

"Oui, we met briefly. His answer's still the same, but I'm trying t' soften him up."

Cyclops shook his head. "I still don't understand why he's so stubborn. Especially here in the city, no one really gives him his due."

"Ah used all those arguments. He's a hard headed arachnid."

Frog sighed. "This thing everyone's got against us. He's gonna get caught in the crossfire, sooner or later."

Storm squeezed Gambit's shoulders. "Stop being such a stranger, will you?"

He grinned, bowing slightly. "I'll come by for tea one day."

****

Peter relaxed on another rooftop, watching the days events go by.

/Everyone's gone insane. What were they running from? I saw the police talking about some kind of monster. Crazy!/
e mue mulled over the situation. /I'm sick of being seen as a menace. The minute I try to help, everyone clears the area. Then the X-Men show up and freak out. Must be something in the water supply!/

Yawning, the wallcrawler realized he hadn't had lunch. /Starved./

He moved around a bit, finding something. Sweet, warm and crunchy. Not bad.

/This snack will do, at least./

High pitched screams caught his attention. Peter stared at a group of terrified teenagers. They threw garbage and rocks, shouting.

/I've had enough of this stupidity./ Clambering up another wall quickly, he disappeared from sight.

****

Torch couldn't believe the current turn of events. He watched the endless broadcasts from his apartment on the east side.

/Crazy. Now a giant spider is running loose. Well, let the X-Men deal with it. I've got enough on my plate right now. To make matters worse, I can't locate Peter. We need to talk, make a strategy about those photos./

The phone buzzed.

"Yeah?"

"Johnny, have you seen the news?"

"About the giant spider? Of course. Why?"

"We were talking with the X-Men a little while ago-"

"Sue, don't involve me. I'm trying to locate Spiderman."

"Johnny! This is a more immediate problem-"

"That others can handle. We'll just get in each other's way."

"Not if we pool our efforts. We don't know enough about this creature or why it appeared."

Heavy sigh. "Look, Sue...I'm not interested in flying around the city looking for a monster!"

"You need to get out of this funk, Johnny."

"How? I can't go anywhere as Torch without people yelling faggot and pervert."

Long pause. "What are you going to do, then. Hide?"

That irritated him. "No. But right now it might be better if I laid low. Maybe I can do more in civilian mode."

"Do whatever you want, then." there was a clik.

Storm slammed the reciever down. "Damn right."

****

Gambit had a strange premonition, a heaviness of heart he couldn't explain. Wandering the streets with no real plan, he followed his aura sense. Energy fields flashed and sparked all around him, patterns of color. After ambling down eighth avenue, he paused at a minor commotion. Several people were talking to police officers at the entrance to an alley.

It was a grisly scene. A bloody carcass hung from a torn web ball. Fragments of the fibrous substance were everywhere in the alley. In morbid fascination Gambit edged closer to the crowd. The area was cordioned off from the general public. People jabbered at the police providing information.

A tall, lanky man with wild red hair and freckles pointed and shouted.

"That thing was here, man...me and my friends saw it!"

A heavyset officer wrote on his pad. "The spider creature? What did it do?"

"He crawled outta nowhere, dragging that dog. Next thing we knew, he webbed it up and sucked it dry-"

A young lady interrupted. "It was terrible, officer! The dog had no chance-"

"Ma'm, please, one at a time!"

"It was disgusting! Then the thing tore off the head and ate the brains-"

In horror, Gambit stood stiffly. He'd just noticed the carcass was headless. The excited mob babbled on.

"You gotta get that monster, man!"

"He's gonna eat people next!"

"Kill that piece of sh-"

Gambit stared hard at the area, seeing what no others could. Formlessness took shape, and color. Aura of the dead dog, and the killer.

Crimson eyes went wide. "No..."

Slipping away quietly, he knew what he had to do.

****

J Jonah Jameson was in a senior editorial staff meeting. The latest hot news had New York in an uproar.

Robbie Robertson looked over some reports. "This is hot, an exclusive. We've got reporters everywhere looking for a sighting."

Grace Palmer spoke next, another senior member of the staff. "My people have sketchy information at best. The Spider shows up sporadically and then disappears."

Jameson puffed his cigar. "This is tied in with Spiderman, I just know it."

"But how? There's been no connection made-"

"Grace, it's a spider. In this city that limits the choices, don't you think?"

She shrugged. "Maybe, Jonah. But until hard evidence ties them together, we can't say he's responsible."

"Maybe not, but we can place a header that will make the public think."

Robertson was curious. "What do you have in mind?"

"Outrageous."

****

Peter was exhausted. He barely had the strength to clamber up an apartment building.

/May as well catch a few Z's, then head home to MJ. She'll be worried./

Yawning, he stretched out under warm skies.

****

Gambit knew the signature. He trailed it like a beacon throughout the city, bumping into people from distraction. Focused totally on what lie ahead.

/Hope I'm not too late./

He slowed, staring at an apartment building. The neighborhood was fairly quiet.

"There."

Going around the back, he went up the catwalk. Pigeons scattered in all directions as he climbed the roof. Glancing about, he saw a lone figure asleep on the blacktop. Red and blue tatters wound about the athletic physique. A forearm draped across familiar features.

Remembering to breathe, Gambit edged over to his friend and gathered him up.

"Time to come home, mon ami."

****

Mary Jane found her photo shoot in the East Bronx suspended because of the news. Production crew and models alike stared at the local news on a studio viewscreen.

Steve sat next to his camera equipment. "Can you believe it? A spider monster loose in the streets!"

"Well I hope they catch that thing and kill it!" Betty shouted. She was one of the models hired for the shoot.

MJ stared in disbelief. "Did it attack anyone?"

Chris the boom man chimed in next. "Not people. The latest reports say the Spider ate a dog. Tore his head off!"

Everyone groaned in disgust.

Steve scratched his head. "Now they're saying the creature is connected to Spiderman-"

"What idiot would think that?!" MJ shouted, redfaced. Everyone stared at her.

Mary Jane wasn't phased in the least. "Well, what are you looking at? It has to be the Bugle. Only that knucklehead editor in charge would make such an assumption."

Betty stared. "Are you defending that thing?'s a's already killed, and next time it won't be a dog!!"

"I'm not defending any monster!!"

"Then why defend Spiderman? It's not a reach to connect the two."

MJ stalked out. "People are hopeless!!"

****

Peter jolted awake. Glazed eyes took in plush surroundings as he tried to orient himself. He instantly sensed another presence in the room..

Gambit rushed to his side, concerned. "Pete?"

The young man swallowed, staring around in confusion. Deep eyes still couldn't focus. Gambit sat on the bed, holding him gently.

"It's all right, Pete. You're safe."

Peter jerked back. "What...what am I doing here?" the eyes were frantic now.

Gambit held him close, soothing. Warm hands massaged the tense back.

"No one will harm you, mon ami. Ah swear it!"

Peter stared down at himself. "These pajamas aren't mine-"

"No."

Wine gold eyes observed his companion in a robe. "Was I drunk? Did we..."

Gambits' hands fell away. "No one was drunk, Spider. But ah wish we _had_ done something. You have no idea."

Peter shook him. "Tell me what's going on. Something's off, I can feel it."

"There's something you need to know."

"What?!"

"This." Gambit turned slightly, cliking on the remote. As he switched channels, the latest news blurbs dominated.

Pete squinted at the large screen. A huge spider loose, wreaking havoc. People panicked, screaming. Destruction, fires and smoke. Politicians ranting about mutant threats at every turn.

"What the hell?"

Gambit was gloomy. "There's a search for the creature. This is bad for everyone."

Peter sighed. "By 'everyone' you mean mutants. What's the connection?"

"Peter, aren't you going to ask me about your clothes?"

"Ah, yeah, well-"

"Your costume is virtually destroyed."

Pete felt a cold pit in his belly. "Rem, how did I get here?"

Gambit sighed deeply. "You were...asleep on a rooftop. I found you and brought you here-"

"I remember taking a nap. It was a crazy day. But about that thing-"

"Peter, what do you remember about this afternoon?"

Chestnut eyes sparked in irritation. "What's to remember? I went to help fight that creature, and everyone went beserk."

"Did you actually see it at the time?"

"Well, no. But I heard the commotion and responded. It was crazy, everyone screaming and running around...no one wanted me there!"

Gambit watched his friend closely. "Why not? Surely everyone knows Spiderman."

"My reputation isn't _that_ bad. Then the X-Men show up and attack me! Is that bizarre or what?"

Gambit cleared his throat. "Do you remember...anything else?"

"Rem, why are you asking me all these things? I left after they seemed to have everything under control."

"How'd you end up asleep on the roof, Pete? Think!"

"What is this, twenty questions? I was sore and tired, hungry-"

"Where'd you go to eat?"

"I" the expressive eyes went blank, fearful. "I don't remember, Rem."

"Easy, Pete-"

"I don't remember!!" Peter shook, eyes wild now.

Gambit squeezed his arms. "I'll do anything for you, you know that-"

The widescreen blared with more news.

POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS ARE CONTINUING THEIR EFFORTS TO LOCATE THE SPIDER CREATURE. IT IS STRESSED THAT CITIZENS USE CAUTOUTDOUTDOORS, AND REMAIN IN GROUPS. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THE CREATURE IS INTELLIGENT OR CAPABLE OF COMMUNICATION. AGAIN, THE HOTLINE NUMBERS ARE KEYED BY THE WORD 'SPIDER'. STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER BROADCASTS. AND NOW, FROM EARLIER NEWS-

Peter was very still. "Looks like the thing was busy."

Gambit sighed again. "They're switching over to the other crime scene-"

AND HERE IS THE LOCATION OF ANOTHER CRIME SCENE CREATED BY THE SPIDER MONSTER. POLICE QUESTIONED SEVERATNESTNESSES WHO SPIED THE CREATURE EATING A STRAY DOG-

Peter held his throat. "A dog?" he squeaked.

"Oui." Gambit watched the screen. "There is much to be said."

WITNESSES SAY THE SPIDER WRAPPED THE DOG IN WEBBING BEFORE SUCKING IT DRY. FRIGHTENED OBSERVERS SAW THE CREATURE EAT THE DOG'S BRAINS BEFORE BREAKING THE SKULL. THE GRISLY SCENE IS BEING DESCRIBED AS A NIGHTMARE FOR THE CITIZENS OF NEW YORK. ENTYMOLOGISTS SAY THE SPIDER IS EXHIBITING NORMAL BEHAVIOR, BUT ON A LARGE SCALE. SO FAR NO HUMANS HAVE BEEN EATEN.

"They're telling people not to panic after a report like that?!"

"What do you expect, Peter? The spider could reappear at any time." he stared at his friend with meaning.

"Stop looking at me like that, Rem. I went to help, but-"

"You said you were hungry."

Peter jumped up. "So what? What are you getting at?!"

Gambit moved in front of him. "Think! Put it all together, Pete. You can't remember, you said the X-Men attacked you. People ran everywhere in panic."

Peter went pale.

"Tell me, anything. Did something else happen?"

Wine gold eyes went dark, blank. "People screamed, threw garbage at me. I remember leaving after...after..."

Gambit shook him. "After what!"

Lips moved mechanically. "I ate...so hungry."

"Peter!!"

"You found me...how?"

"You were sleeping on a roof-"

"Omigod" whispered. The dark head dropped. Gambit tipped his chin up, worried.

"Peter-"

Those eyes were enormous, now. "Warm, sweet and crunchy."

"What??"

Peter dropped on the bed, burying his face in his hands. "I remember thinking that after being so hungry. It was me!"

Gambit crushed him close. "You aren't alone, petit. I swear it!"

"Rem, I'm a monster." voice cracked.

"Non. Never!!" Gambit kissed those eyes, feeling them well up.

"My wife. I can't go home like this-"

Gambit kissed him full on the lips. "Call her later."

****

Sue Richards picked up the phone.

"This better not be another of those idiotic-"

"Hello, Fantastic Four headquarters. This is a member of the X-Men contacting you."

"Really? How do I know you aren't a crank with this number?"

"This is Gambit. Ah have a friend that needs help badly."

"We aren't medical specialists for mutants, I'm afraid."

"You don't understand. This involves the spider creature the police are looking for."

Sue immediately sat up straight. "This better be true, assuming you're one of the X-Men."

"Ah'll give you my I.D. card later, pretty lady. But ah am who I say. More importantly, I know who the creature is."

Sue paused as her husband entered the room. She waved him to the other line. Reed picked it up quietly, nodding.

"Who is he?"

"Ah can't say over the phone. I'll give you the address, you can verify it with Professor X."

"This is Reed on the line. Who am I talking to?"

"Well hiya, Mr. Fantastic. Gambit here. I was telling the missus about the spider creature. I have him here with me."

"What?!"

"Well, he's in a more regular shape right now. But he needs help badly."

"I can imagine. Do we know him?"

"Oui. But ah'm not at liberty to say just yet. Can you help?"

A pause. "We'll need to know more."

****

Gambit watched his friend sit at the fireplace. Handsome featuwerewere strangely relaxed, shaded in red orange glow.

"Peter, you're awfully quiet. Haven't said much since-"

"I feel much better now, Rem. You shouldn't worry."

"Peter! Not an hour ago you nearly had a breakdown about your spider form. Now you're acting as if nothing is wrong!"

Peter turned, eyes with a strange glow. "No. No, I realize the danger. But I feel good, really good."

Gambit didn't like his tone. "I've made a few calls."

"I noticed. Company coming over to examine me?"

"Maybe. Or at least stabilize you."

Peter licked his lips. "You're so sexy, Rem. I should've said so before."

Gambit approached him with a small smile. "Pete, take it easy. Whatever affected you before is affecting you now."

Peter stretched a shapely leg out from under blankets. "Join me by the fire, Remy. It's warm."

Gambit watched his aura. "More than warm, mon ami. You are out of control."

Lazy yawn. "What makes you say that?"

The red haired mutant sat on the carpet next to his friend. "You have a thick skull, Pete. Ah told you before there's aspect to your spider you haven't touched."

Wine gold eyes darkened a moment. "That's been taken care of, it seems. Nothing like smashing cars and eating dogs to get the day going."

A strong hand squeezed his shoulder. "Help is on the way. I'd never abandon you, Peter."

"I know." Peter rubbed noses. "But we've talked enough. I want you-"

"Mon dieu. Normally I'd jump your bones, Pete. But you're outside of yourself right now."

Soft kiss. "Don't care. I want to taste a cajun today. Do something freaky..."

Gambit stroked silken hair. "Correction. This is inside you, coming out."

Velvety lips panted in his ear. "So horny, Rem...just want to go with it."

Gambit closed his eyes, fighting his own desire. "Peter, try and think-"

"You never concerned yourself with thinking." A nose lick.

Gambit gasped. "Maybe...time ah did. Damn!!" he twitched as hot hands slipped under his robe, squeezing his pecs.

Peter gazed with dark lust. "Like that? I feel so good, Rem. And I want you to feel good, too!"

Gambit pulled him down, eyes wild. "To hell with it."

****

A huge web ball swayed gently from the ceiling. Connecting threads frayed, then snapped. The ball rolled on the floor, splitting open its contents. Not that the occupants cared. They twined in loose filaments, fevered passion guiding motion. Hands gripped, groped. Tongues lapped every crevice, tasting. Fingers probed into the deepest of places. Teeth left indelible marks on overheated flesh. Erections spurted, and spurted again. Nipples tasted, suckled. Noisy, sloppy laps and licks filled the air.

Remy groaned, rolling on his stomach. Peter stretched over him, hips doing a slow sway as he pushed into silky heat. Tongue trac wet wet line across bronzed shoulders.

"Hmthh...taste good, too. So tight, hot..."

Gambit arched, his body aching with pleasure. "Gods, Peter. I wanna sing!!"

Peter sped up, jerking crazily. "Rem! Oh yesssss..." fingertips gripped hard into pliant flesh.

Gambit cried out, his body shuddering in release. Sticky heat splattered thickly as he thrashed in delight. Peter convulsed over him, screeching as he filled his lover. Web fluid oozed over sculpted shoulders, making a fine sheen. Vision winked out, then returned. They collapsed in a tattered heap of web, out of breath.

Gambit smiled without looking up. "You're a true pervert, Pete. Still love you."

Soft lips suckled the damp neck. "I have a confession, Rem."

Gambit hooked their fingers together. "Are you gonna tell me something I already know?"

Peter rolled his lover over. "Thank you." burgundy eyes shone with emotion.

Remy smiled slowly, his own expression a glow. "There's no going back, Spider. Not now."

Velvet tones were low. "I still can't promise anything, Rem."

"You already have, Spider. Whether you say it or not."

Peter slipped into an embrace. "Don't know what came over me, I never...did anything like this before. Not even with Mary Jane."

Gambit nuzzled, nipping an ear. "You mean the web cocoon?"

Tousled dark hair shaded sharp features. "Yeah...I just felt a strange impulse to do that with you."

"It was weird, but cozy. It's a spider thing, Pete. And at some point you'll have t' deal with some unpleasant aspects of it."

They rubbed together slowly, sticky thickness lubricating damp flesh..

Gambit sighed in bliss, enjoying the texture of hot skin against his own. "You feel so good, Pete. Like warm silk." busy fingers stroked everywhere.

A lazy kiss. "You almost make me forget I'm a monster."

"You're not a monster, Pete. You never completely accepted your Spider."

"Accepting won't make it tolerable."

Gambit lay back quietly in their web nest. "No, but it's part of what you are. It's a common problem many mutants share. Is our ability a blessing or curse?"

Pete kissed his hand. "Do you ever feel like a monster?"

Remy reflected. "Ah could tell horror stories from my childhood, but that doesn't matter now. Been an outcast my whole life. My parents were terrified, thought I was a 'devil' baby. me me away."

Peter smiled gently. "Must be those red eyes."

Gambit grinned back. "Yeah. They thought I was possessed. But an aunt raised me, she was a true cajun and didn't care about superstition."

"I'm glad someone accepted you. But...my problem is different. No one will accept that Spider shape, Rem. I can't even accept it!"

Remy gazed at his love gently. "You have to, Pete. For your own sanity. More importantly, we need t' find out what's happening to you. Without control you can't lead a normal life."

The handsome face buried against his friend. "That may not be possible now. How do I know if and when I'll change?"

More pecks and kisses. "We'll find a way, Peter."

"We?"

"Oui. Ah want to hold you always."

"We can't be together, Rem."

"You say that each time, Peter. Stay here, wake up with me."

Pete strained to a sitting position. "Are you insane, Remy? I'm married-"

Red eyes held a soft glow. "Call her. Say you're staying with a friend."

"She won't believe that. It's ridiculous!"

"You trust her completely?"

"Of course!"

"Then tell her you're the creature. And that you're getting treatment."

Peter ran his hands through his hair. "I hate this."

"You have no choice, mon ami." muscled arms pulled him down. "She needs to know, and you don't want to risk changing in front of her."

Pete cuddled. "No, that would be a disaster."

Gambit levitated the phone across the room with static energy. "Call."

****

At FF headquarters the entire family gathered at dinner to discuss the spider monster news. Johnny Storm sat stunned at the bizarre turn of events.

"You say Gambit called? From the X-Men?"

Sue nodded. "We checked his story. It seems as though Professor Xavier has him here to investigate the anti-mutant agenda. A written proposal will be presented to Congress at the appropriate time."

Reed sipped his coffee. "I've had some conversations with Xavier on this topic. We aren't exactly poster children in the eyes of the public either."

Ben grunted. "Yeah, but the immediate problem is that spider thing. If this guy knows who he is, then what's the deal? Why hide him out?"

"Safety issues, I would imagine." Reed supplied. "He may even be a friend, or someone we know."

Johnny poked at his food. "The Bugle claims Spiderman the culpras uas usual."

Sue threw her hands up, annoyed. "The Bugle blames Spiderman for sunrises. We need hard facts, not tabloid hysteria."

Reed agreed. "True. But the spider clearly is some sort of mutant, capable of more than one form."

Johnny stared, perplexed. "Why would you assume that?"

"He or she would have to have a civilian ID."

"How do you figure?"

"This creature only recently appeared. Who or what is it, where does it come from? Unless it was created in a lab somewhere, it must have a human semblance."

Storm pulled his chin in thought. "Someone out of control, maybe a new mutant with no training?"

"Possibly."

"We gotta keep that thing off the streets." Ben blurted. "It could get loose before we could act. Besides, how do we know this Gambit guy won't lie to protect his friend?"

Reed glanced at the wall clock. "We'll have to trust his judgement until an examination can be done. It's pretty late. Spiders are fairly nocturnal, so we can only hope for a quiet night."

Storm ate in distraction. /Where the hell are you, Peter?/

****

Peter was clearly agitated, pacing. He hung up the phone.

"She's not home, Rem. It's nearly midnight. Where the hell could she be?"

Gambit sat crosslegged on the huge bed, clad in loose pajamas. He shrugged. "Maybe she went on a quick errand."

"This late? No way!"

"Peter, you're wearing a hole in the carpet. Come here and relax-" He was ignored.

"I'll call Aunt May. She'll know something!"

"Isn't your wife grown? I doubt she'll notify your Aunt of every trip outside."

Chestnut eyes darkened with imagined fears. "I'd better go and see what's up."

Gambit stood abruptly. "Pete, calm down. You're all over the place again, and I don't want you agitated."

Pete was clearly upset. "I'm not a mental patient, Remy. There's nothing wrong with wondering where my wife is!!"

"Oui. Like she wonders where _you_ are." Gambit murmured.

Peter glared at him. "Is that a shot? If so, I can leave right now!"

Gambit squeezed his arms. "Non. You're angry enough, although ah don't know why."

Peter dropped his gaze. "Sorry. I can't seem to calm down for some reason."

"Then do this. Wait a few minutes and see if Mary Jane returns."

****

A half hour later there was still no response by cell. Peter paced again, full of nervous energy. Gambit watched him worriedly.

"Peter."

"Ha?"

"I'm going to draw you a bath. You've got to relax."

The tense figure balled his fists. "You're right. It's almost as if the days' events are crashing in on me."

Gambit adjusted his robe. "There's a lot going on in your life right now. But you can't solve everything tonight. Trust me."

Peter approached him. "Did I forget to thank you again?"

A crooked grin. Gambit brushed a thumb over Petes' wrist. "You can repay me later. In spades."

****

J Jonah Jameson hated the long, ng hng hours of pre dawn. All newsworthy events were too late for the midnight edition or too rushed for the 7.A.M. bylines. Often he would sleep in the spare room behind his office out of convenience. Jameson decided to go home for once. It turned out to be a mistake. He was called back in before he could get any sleep. Something about the real identity of the giant spider, a possible exclusive.

Grumbling, he drove across town in tight traffic. A clock tower on 53rd avenue chimed 3.A.M.

/Hmpf. They don't call New York the city that never sleeps for nothing. Rush hour has no beginning or end./

Irritated, he punched a satellite radio station on. /May as well listen to some good music./

****

Peter listened idly to rushing water. Heat and steam roiled from the jacuzzi room, warming his skin. A small smile curved his lips. /Rem fusses too much./

He stretched. The room was too warm all of a sudden. A gentle throb pulsed his body, spreading a h a hot ache. Without thinking, he edged towards a window.

/God, I itch something awful. Have to...go out. Want.../

Sliding the glass panes wide open, he leaped into the night.

Gambit immediately sensed the absense of aura. Fearful, he raced out into the main suite. Peter was gone. Gentle evening breezes rushed in where the window was opened. Sparkling skies displayed a brilliant white moon over the skyline.

"Damn!!"

He sped into the bedroom for some clothes.

****

Peter felt powerful, strong. Heavy blood pounded sweetly in his brain, urging him into the night. Aimlessly he wandered about, ignoring stares and screams. People ran as he approached, hysterical. Annoyed, he picked his way along a cracked sidewalk.

/This is getting old. It's not like I'm attacking or anything!/

A strange tightening in his gut gave warning. /Hungry again. Maybe there's something to eat around here./

Driven by need, the giant spider scrabbled into a rat infested alley behind a neighborhood convenience store. Cats hissed and fled. Rats scattered into nooks and crannies of debris and garbage.

/No you don't. Come to papa!/

Webbing shot out, snaring cats one by one as they shrieked in terror. Peter rolled them into neat balls. Long filaments suspended the struggling felines from a scraggly, half dead tree.

He stung each web pouch with venom, poking them all. All motion soon stopped, as the sizeable web balung ung still.

/Now, for a midnight snack./

Hooked jaws crunched away, tasting brains.

****

The Bugle was flooded with calls. The graveyard shift frantically jotted down notes from hysterical citizens with spider sightings.

Ed Hopkins was the night editor in charge. Wearily he rubbed his eyes at the chaos from his glass booth. "It's gonna be a long t."t."

A junior editor, Reba MacElroy, came to his side with more coffee. "You'll need this. The whole city's gone crazy."

"Anything we can use for the early edition?"

"If we can get someone down to 68th avenue with some equipment. Everyone says the spider is there now-"

A cub reporter burst in on them, wild hair spiky. "Boss, Reba! The word is out on the spider. Dead cats ib bab balls were found an hour ago across town in the Lakewood district!"

Ed's eyes lit up. "Sounds like an exclusive to me!"

****

Peter turned down a few dark streets. He felt good, comfortable. A large plate glass was discarded near a ratty trash bin. Pete paused at his reflection, musing. A rainbow hued spider stared back, orange eyes glowing weirdly in the dark. His round, spherical head held two perfectymmeymmetrical claw teeth.

/Well, I'm not the cutest thing around. But at least I'm colorful!/

He'd barely turned around when a beam struck a nearby wall. Moving with unnatural speed, he scuttled to a dark recess in the alley.

"He's here. We got the call in time."

Peter blinked with every eye. /That voice is...familiar?/

"Sue, try containing him with a force field."

"On it!" a female figure outlined in the dark. Peter saw nothing, but soon felt an invisible band restrict his movements.

/Sue Richards! The Fantastic Four is here. That means-/

In vain he struggled, not succeeding. Just then a welcome yet frighng sng sight came into view. The Torch.

"Look at him, Reed. He's huge!! How could this creature get loose?"

/No. No!! I can't let him see me like this. Not now, without explaining!/

Reed stretched forward. "I've synthesized a calming agent for insect physiology. Hopefully the dosage will be large enough."

The Thing rushed past him, ready to fight. "Well, we can always do a little clobbering. Especially since he don't seem inclined to talk!"

Torch landed nearby. "I doubt he can, Ben."

Reed aimed. "Stand back, all of you! Sue, breach a small area in your shield."

The blonde beauty nodded grimly, releasing a portion of shielding. The spider chittered and clattered loudly.

/Idiots! I'm not standing still for this./

The Thing pointed. "Watch it, it looks like he's gonna-"

The orange behemoth barely dodged a stream of digestive fluid that shot out, dissolving concrete. Ben rolled behind some trash cans.

"What the hell does he have inside, battery acid?!"

Torch yelled a warning. "Heads up!!" He avoided a spray himself.

Peter spat randomly. Greenish fluid melted everything it came in contact with. Reed bounced around for a clear shot, in vain.

"Don't let that stuff touch you. His digestive fluids are extremely corrosive!"

"You don't have to tell me t!" !" Sue formed a shield about herself, deflecting another shot.

/Her attention is off me. I can break free now!/

With an earsplitting screech the oversized arachnid broke containment. The force field buzzed and was gone. Long legs grappled a wall as Peter rapidly made an exit.

The Thing raced after him. "No you don't, sucker. You like eating cats and dogs? How about a knuckle sandwich?!"

/Moron. Some things never change./

The spider paused, shooting a web. Ben was soon wrapped around his midsection.

"*$)@@!!"

"I'll get you free!" The Torch circled him carefully, burning the web off. The Thing tore remnants loose.

"Don't let him get away!"

Sue pointed at the now clear rooftop. "Let's get going! He's already out of sight."

Reed holstered his rifle weapon, amazed. "The creatures' speed is unnatural. I've never seen anything move like that."

Storm moved to his side, his voice a hushed whisper. "I have. Spiderman."

****

The bizarre chase lasted for nearly an hour. Every time the Fantastic Four closed, the spider evaded with stealth and speed. Sporadic shots of web were fired back, slowing their progress. The gooey filaments made difficult barriers to break through cleanly.

Torch burned off still another web prison. "This is crazy...it's like the thing's trying to slow us down but not capture."

Ben stood quietly as Sue cut webbing with force field shards. Reed unrolled himself from still more sticky substance.

"There!" he pointed. "Fifth Avenue. If he gets to the main intersection, we'll have a frenzy on our hands."

****

Pre dawn rush hour was hell. Cars slowed at each light, honking. Irate citizens anxious to get to work yelled from windows. A typical New York night.

A nearly new, silver BMW found itself hemmed in by other vehicles. The occupant of said vehicle was in a hurry. Impatiently he banged his horn, to no avail.

"Come on, come on!! I've got a paper to run. Get out of the way, fools!!"

J Jonah Jameson found no one cared, much to his dismay. Everyone else was honking, too. Cursing to himself, he changed channels to another digital station.

THERE IS A BREAKING NEWS REPORT. EMERGENCY SWAT TEAMS ARE WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POLICE AND SPECIAL TASK FORCES-

JJJ blinked. "What the hell?!"

THE SPIDER MONSTER HAS BEEN SIGHTED AGAIN AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS FROM 68TH AVENUE TO TYNDALL ROAD IN MANCHESTER, AND UPTOWN MANHATTAN. THE CREATURE'S PATH IS RANDOM, BUT AUTHORITIES BELIEVE IT TO BE HEADING TOWARDS CENTRAL FIFTH AVENUE-

"Central fifth...holy crud, I'm nearly there!"

ANOTHER GRISLY SCENE NEAR 18TH AND BOLLING DRIVE WAS INVESTIGATED TWO HOURS AGO. NUMEROUS ALLEY CATS WERE HUNG AND SUSPENDED FROM A TREE, THEIR SKULLS BROKEN AND CORPSES SUCKED DRY. OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE POINTS TO THE SPIDER. THE MAYOR WILL ISSUE A STATEMENT AT A FORMAL PRESS CONFERENCE LATER THIS MORNING. POLICE CONTINUE TO STRESS THAT CITIZENS NOT PANIC. DO NOT ENGAGE THE SPIDER AND STAY IN GROUPS.

Frantic, JJJ punched his cell phone. "Gotta call the paper, find out what's happeni"

"

[bzzp. This is The Bugle.]

[bzzp. Who am I talking to?!]

[bzzp. Sir, we need to keep the lines open. There is breaking news.]

[bzzp. This is Jameson, you idiot! Now who am I talking to?]

A pause.

[bzzp. Hello. Hello??]

[bzzp. This is Ed, Jonah.]

[bzzp. Thank god. Who was that beanbrain on the line?]

[bzzp. Hah. One of my gophers. Don't give him a hard time, we're really pressed here. Where are you?]

[bzzp. Near Fifth avenue main-]

[bzzp. Jonah, haven't you heard the reports? The monster is in your area!]

[bzzp. Listen Ed, there's no time to argue. When Robbie gets in, make sure the Spider header gets the earliest edition. Write it up any way you want, but make it sensational!]

[bzzp. What about you?]

[bzzp. I'll try to get there in one piece. Talk to you later.]

[bzzp. Okay.]

Jonah closed his cell. "How the heck am I gonna get out of this traffic jam?"

He peered around in frustration. The s wes were lightening, just barely. Vehicles of every description were honking horns, stuck hopelessly in place.

"Never seen such a mess in all my life. What's the deal with all these cars??"

****

Nick Fury hated civilian gigs. Often they turned into war zones, with innocent people getting in the line of fire. His crack troops stayed alert throughout the city as new sightings were called in. He checked his chronometer.

/That thing's moving fast. The FF should still be in their radius, if not-/

ZZZZP. [Colonel?]

ZZZZP. [Not now, Erschied. This comlink is closed for another forty minutes.]

ZZZZP. [Impossible, sir. The spider is currently at target area.]

ZZZZP. [The FF should be engagiightight now.]

ZZZZP. [Affirmitive, sir. But they enter a heavily populated area. Instant contain is vital.]

ZZZZP. [Damn. We'll have to move in, then. Meet at the coordinates, but don't fire without authorization.]

ZZZZP. [Affirve.]ve.]

ZZZZP. [Over. Out.]

ZZZZP. [Out.]

Nick pocketed his comlink, glancing about the deserted alley he parked in.

"Time for the show."

Climbing into an unmarked van, he quickly sped off.

****

Peter burst into a large intersection full of people and traffic, the Fantastic Four on his heels. Drivers immediately freaked, crashing into each other. People raced through live traffic in mindless panic. The Thing bounded after the skittering arachnid across the main roadway. Torch flew above, with Reed and Sue on foot not far behind. Storm shouted something, but his voice was drowned out from screams and crashes.

A streetlight struck by a car nearly toppled over an old man. Reed caught it in time.

"Watch it, old timer!"

The man was shaking, pointing. "That thing's gonna eat somebody. I know it!!"

"Come on, let's get you out of here!" Reed stretched, lifting the man and setting him down gently a block away.

Sue was busy making localized force shields, protecting pedestrians from falling debris and speeding cars. Torch burned soft spots in the asphalt, slowing down some of the mayhem. Tires bogged down, reducing impacts.

Ben finally launched himself at the huge spider, crashing into him. They rolled around wildly, colliding into a storefront wall.

"Got you...now...sucker!!" The Thing gasped, grabbing Peter from behind.

/Get off of me!!/ Squalling and shrieking, the spider flailed wildly. Shots were fired in their direction, bullets cracking over the din.

Ben grunted as he strained to hold Peter. "Who the ##@*!! is shooting. Don't they know I'm a good guy?!"

Fifty feet away, Reed saw a few pissed thugs firing hand ols ols into the chaos. Too far away to act immediately, he yelled above the racket.

"Johnny!!"

The Torch nodded, streaking a firelight trail in their direction. The goons tried running into an alley, but Storm cut them off with a fireball.

"Idiots. What are you doing?!"

One nervous thug pointed. "Look what's goin' on, man...we're takin' back our city from that...thing!"

Another piped up. "Yeah. Before it kills people next!"

"You morons could have shot a kid or something." Storm pointed, melting their guns. In pain the thugs dropped hunks of molten metal.

"Now get the hell out of here. We've got enough to deal with!"

"Yes sir!" they took off into the night.

****

Nick Fury could bel believe his eyes. Downtown fifth avenue looked like a war zone. Wrecked cars, hopelessly blocked traffic. People running, screaming. Light posts and debris down and everywhere. Vehicles were abandoned in the middle of rush hour, blinkers flickering madly. Smoke filled the air from countless collisions, as oil lines and radiators burst from impact. The police and fire rescue were already arriving. He was virtually unnoticed at the edge of a dark street corner, peering through tinted glass.

/This is insane. It's a good thing I went through the warehouse district. But I still don't see-/

A steely eye widened in amazement, as suddenly he saw the FF pulling people from cars and wreckage. But the ultimate shock burst on the scene when he saw the Thing struggling with a giant spider. The two wrestled into another intersection, trading blows. Cracked pavement proved the scope of their tussle.

"Holy-"

ZZZZP. [Alpha code alpha! Do we copy?]

Startled out of his daze, Fury glanced at his internal comlink panel. He tapped it quickly.

ZZZZP. [Copy, Roger that, Erschied.]

ZZZZP. [Orders, colonel? Situation critical, not sure if contain will work in this scenario.]

ZZZZP. [We stand down. No contain possible, too much chaos.]

ZZZZP. [Do we observe or provide assistance?]

ZZZZP. [Observe for now. No assistance to FF, we'll just be in each other's way. Local authorities arrive, do you copy?]

ZZZZP. [Understood. Shadow silence?]

ZZZZP. [Unless told otherwise. Retreat to passive stance, but stand by.]

ZZZZP. [Affirmitive.]

Fury sighed, shaking his head in awe. "Unbelievable."

*****

Ben held on grimly, but it was taking everything he had to hold on. Sue made a containment wall around them as the struggle continued. Reed stretched high with the intent of using his weapon.

The yawling, screeching arachnid refused to be held. For every ahe The Thing would grab, another would break his grip.

Peter smiled to himself. /I'm even stronger in this form! He can't hold me...gives me an idea!/

Ben shouted up as he bounced around. "For the luvva Pete, would you fire that thing already?! Gruesome's gonna make me deaf with all this racket!!"

Reed aimed his special cannon. "I've got a clear shot!"

Orange eyes fixed on him. /I think not./ Webbing shot out.

Reed gasped in shocked amazement as the cannon was ripped from his hands. It sailed into the dark.

/Too much screaming, too much noise!/ A long, hairy arm struck the Thing across the face. He fell away, stunned. Sue ran to his aid.

"Ben! Are you alright?"

The Thing rubbed his head. "Yeah...got a tough hide. But we need a plan, 'cause this one ain't workin'."

Storm hurled fireballs at the giant spider. Peter avoided them, scrabbling over a burning taxi. Another freaked driver drove into the broken cab head on, knocking Peter off. The huge spider bounced end over end across speeding cars, finally plopping onto a certain BMW.

****

Jonah looked up and nearly had a stroke. Orange eyes stared at him through his cracked windshield. Losing control of the steering wheel, he turned into a white cadillac, spinning them both out. The other spooked driver abandoned his car without argument, screaming as he raced off.

The spider chittered loudly, long arms encircling the hood of the car. Jameson tried to find air for his lungs.

"Gg...get off. GO AWAY!!!"

Peter was amused, hooked jaws clicking. /What's wrong, Jonah? Don't you like me?/

The pincher mouth pushed through the windshield, caving it in. Jameson cowered back in his seat, covering his face with his arms.

"For gods' sake, don't kill me. Don't eat my brains!!"

The spider stopped, staring in the car. /What brains? Spiders don't eat sawdust./

His senses warned him of danger suddenly. Pete instinctively ducked in time. An orange energy beam shot across his back, singeing it.

/Gotta get out of here!/

With inhuman speed he shot a web, sliding on it across the intersection. More orange beams fired in the night.

Meanwhile, J Jonah Jameson prepared to meet his maker. But when nothing happened after a few minutes, he decided to peep over the dashboard.

"He's...gone?!"

Collapsing in his car, he gave thanks to anything and everything.

****

The Swats took deadly aim on their target as they surrounded the area. Their mission was simple: take the spider out. But efforts were hampered by the overall chaos the creature created. News Teams were now arriving at the scene, complicating matters further. More people meant potential casualties and a failed mission. They withdrew, turning down interviews.

Peter had no interest in their plans. Using the lifting darkness for cover, he glided into a recessed alley. Inhuman feet clicked on hard ground as he sought safety and refuge.

"Spider." the voice was soft, familiar.

The huge arachnid halted, turning.

A shadowy figure glided out under a dim streetlight. "Come home now. Please."

Peter stopped, then started again at the figure. /Oh no. Rem, he knows-/

A gloved hand reached out carefully, not touching. "Don't know if you can understand me. But ah'm here t' help. Always."

Peter felt a pang, a swelling in his heart. The round head rested against the offered hand.

Gambit stared in amazement, comprehension. "Spider. Tap a if if you understand me."

Peter did so.

Blazing red eyes were determined now. "I thought so! Listen, we've gotta get out of here. The swats are nearby, and there's no tellin' when they'll start shootin' again. Not to mention what the FF might do. But we can discuss that later."

Peter tapped his foot again.

Gambit looked about nervously. "Time to blow this joint, mon ami. We'll figure out a plan once we get back."

The spider nodded, chittering.

Gambit climbed his back, pointing east. "Let's go."

Clambering up a storage facility wall, mutant and spider disappeared into the approaching dawn.

Unknown to both, a smiling reporter captured everything on video.

*****

The Fantastic Four found themselves in the middle of maddening interviews. The news media arrived in waves, talking to everyone involved. Paramedics treated people for everything from seizures to mild heart attacks. Cleanup efforts were expected to continue for hours, as well as midtown traffic delays.

"Why didn't you catch the creature?"

Reed sighed. "We were close, but citizens were injured and in danger. It was a difficult decision to make, but we believe we made the proper one."

"And the next time you see the creature?"

"We will take appropriate measures."

Sue, Johnny and the Thing stood off a bit to collect themselves. Ben shook his head.

"Couldn't believe the strength of that thing. But it was weird, I got the impression it wasn't trying to hurt me."

Sue agreed. "I was thinking the same thing. It acted like a spider, but yet...there was something different. Can't place a finger on it, though."

Johnny watched the approaching sunrise. "We already know he may have a human form." he fell silent.

"Hey. You okay, kid?" Ben was concerned.

"Yeah. But something's bugging me, something in the back of my head. Haven't figured it out yet, but I will."

Reed approached. "Figure out what?"

Sue embraced him. "You've finished the interviews, I see."

"Finally. Feel like I could sleep for a week, though."

The Thing shrugged. "So what's the plan now? Wait until that thing eats people?"

"No, of course not. Or have you forgotten our contact person? I have a feeling he may have contained our difficult arachnid."

****

Gambit nearly smiled at the bizarre situation. Here he was, riding the back of a giant spider who happened to be his friend, and...lover?

Across endless rooftops the arachnid bounded, silent as shadow. They approached the glitzy section of uptown. Gambit patted the round head.

"Wait. We can't approach the hotel with you like this."

The spider nodded. /no./

Gambit climbed off. "Still don't know what your trigger is, spider. Relax with me, until we can go home."

He deliberately projected calm in his aura, settling on the blacktop. Peter approached his side. Long legs folded underneath as he lay in a compact mound. Silvery filaments wound gently around his form.

Gambit was alarmed. "Spider, don't sleep. You have to-"

But orange eyes were already closing. A quiet chitter, then silence. Gambit watched the cocoon intently. A quick glance eastward revealed the sun creeping over the skyline.

A gloved hand touched the huge pouch. /Can ah love this part of you and be true to myself? We're all considered monsters by the humans./

Eventually he heard a strange, shifting sound. Curious, he cut an opening through the webbing.

Then his breath caught.

The spider had rolled onto his back. Long, hairy legs twitched before shrivelling into the body trunk. The two remaining front legs thickened and shortened, filling out with muscle. Hands replaced fuzzy points. Insect features fused, blending into human ones and smoothing out. Thick, dark hair sprouted from the round head. A face dopedoped, taking form and shape. Hooked jaws were replaced by soft lips.

Gambit could only stare, speechless. Fingers brushed the now handsome face, sweet and sensual in sleep. It was truly a remarkable transformation.

"Spartacus."

Eyes of warm chocolate opened gently, fanning those lashes. "Rem?" voice weak, cracked.

Gambit forced a grin. "My roman soldier returns."

"I...I can't..." Peter dropped his head, shivering. Gambit crushed him close.

"You're cold, Pete. Here, wear my coat." he wrapped his friend securely.

Peter still didn't move, his face buried against his friend's neck. "Monster. Everyone hates me, Rem. My wife will never accept this-" choked sobs broke off further speech.

Gambit kissed his ear. "If I can, she can. Don't sell the lady short, spider. She knew what she was getting into-"

"No, she didn't. Mary Jane found out my identity only recently."

"Oh."

Pete pulled up a bit. "We nearly separated because of my secret. I can't go through that again."

"You might anyway, for different reasons."

"I don't want to get into that now, Gambit." the voice was clipped.

"Testy, aren't we?"

Peter stumbled to his feet. "Excuse me. I transform all the time. You know, terrorize the city I'm sworn to protect?"

Gambit looked him over, annoyed. "On a rooftop, with a gay mutant. Standing here wearing nothing but a trenchcoat, looking like a pervert."

Peter gawked, not sure how to interpret his words. "What?" he managed.

Gambit continued, making a grand gesture. "Sniping at someone that loves you. Worried about a wife that hasn't seen you in over a day. Getting shot at by Swat teams. Wrasslin' with the Thing. And oh yeah, rolling with Torch. Don't see what your problem is, Pete. Life's simple."

Pete blinked, considering the insanity of his situation. A smile curved his lips.

"Stupid, isn't it?"

"Beyond belief. Maybe I should wrangle a voodoo spell. Know what I'd wish for."

Peter remembered the bayou. "Don't even think it!!"

Gambit gave a devilish grin. "Could make you a slave if ah wanted to."

Pete rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, right. So now what?"

"We catch a cab."

****

Jameson chattered excitedly with his senior editorial staff in an emergency meeting.

"My own exclusive, people. Can you believe it?"

Robbie Robertson grinned, puffing his pipe. "It does seem incredible. And the spider attacked, you say?"

"Sort of. It landed on my whi while battling that other mutant freak, the Thing."

Stan Brandt piped up. "So we use the mutant angle for the main story?"

"It would be perfect. The public is angry and wants justice. As long as the authorities let this thing run free, tension will run high."

Victoria Colson spoke next. "There's another angle we could explore. If this creature is a mutant, it must have another identity."

Jameson thought that over. "But who? That's the one area we have absolutely no information on. And as much as I want to tag this on Spiderman, I can't. No responsible journalist writes headlines based on imagination."

"Or without proof." Robertson added pointedly. "Could this be a mutant retaliation of any sort?"

Victoria looked over some photographs. "It does seem odd that this creature only appears at irregular intervals, then disappears-"

A loud buzzer interrupted their conference.

Jameson hit it. "Yes? We're busy-"

[Sir, you may want to see this. One of our reporters has live video of the spider.]

"We can look at it later, Doris. This is more important."

A pause and clik. [Jonah, this is Ed. I'm in the media room.]

"I wondered why you weren't in the staff meeting. So what's the deal?"

[This video will blow the roof off. No one else has these images.]

Jameson blinked in surprise. "Say what?"

[Let's just say the spider has a friend. A mutant, one of the X-Men by description.]

The conference room erupted in loud whoops.

****

Peter sat glumly in an overstuffed chair, still wrapped in a long trenchcoat. He'd never wanted to hide so much in his life. Ten cabs sped away before they finally got a ride uptown.

Gambit brought in a tray of coffee and pastries. "Peter, it's time."

He swallowed, picking up his cell. "I know. She's gonna kill me."

"Do you want privacy? I could-"

Pete shook his head sadly. "No, stay. You may be all I have left."

A gentle squeeze on his shoulder. "I'll be in the next room."

****

ZZZP.

ZZZP. [Peter?!]

ZZZP. [Yeah, it's me MJ.]

ZZZP. [Where the hell have you been? Don't you even care that-]

Deep breath. ZZZP. [MJ, I've got to tell you something. It's serious.]

ZZZP. [You got that right, buster. I'm your wife.]

ZZZP. [I know that, but-]

ZZZP. [I nearly filed a missing person report. And Aunt May staoverovernight she was so worried.]

ZZZP. [I...I'm sorry to put you both through this. But there's a reason.]

ZZZP. [Don't you even know what's going on in the streets? Care about my safety?! The spider monster is-]

ZZZP. [Is me.]

ZZZP. [What?!]

ZZZP. [It's...true.]

ZZZP. [Peter that isn't funny!]

ZZZP. [I'm dead serious, MJ. That thing is me, and I swear I didn't want to hurt anyone!}

ZZZP. [Peter, come home. I don't know why you're saying these thinWherWhere are you?]

ZZZP. [Staying with a friend-]

ZZZP. [Friend. Friend?! Who is she!!]

ZZZP. [There isn't any 'she'! Remember...the other night when I told you I felt strange?]

Pause. ZZZP. [Yes, but what-]

ZZZP. [We thought Venom might have done something to my mind? He had nothing to do with it.]

ZZZP. [What...what are you saying?]

ZZZP. [Something's wrong, MJ. The spider in me is changing, I can't control it!]

ZZZP. [*-----*]

ZZZP. [Please...don't cry. I love you!]

ZZZP. [Peter...I can't...let me help you.]

ZZZP. [I can't, don't you see? I don't want you to see me like that, changing into a monster.]

ZZZP. [oh my god. What are you going to do?]

ZZZP. [My friend has...special abilities. He's contacting some people who will help. I've got to find out what's causing this and how to control it.]

ZZZP. [What do I tell May?]

ZZZP. [I lied to her once, I won't do it again. Tell her the truth, MJ. She's tough, she can handle it.]

ZZZP. [I don't even know if I can handle this.]

ZZZP. [You can, MJ. Please, be strong for both of us. I don't know...if and when this will happen again. I have to stay off the streets.]

ZZZP. [Peter, what about your job? You can't just disappear!]

ZZZP. [I'm not in the office a lot anyway. I can work around that, at least while I'm being examined.]

. [I. [I love you, tiger. Always!]

ZZZP. [Me too, lady. No matter what you read or hear, I want you to remember that!}

Peter choked, hearing his wife cry again. He closed the cell.

****

Gambit quietly re-entered the hotel suite, seeing his friend in distress. The dark head was low. He paused, watching the air.

"Pete, you alright?"

The voice was rough. "yeah."

Gambit saw his aura. "No, you aren't."

"Stay out of my buisness!" Wild orange eyes glared.

Gambit observed him critically. /Orange eyes?/ "That's it..."

Peter leaped up, his voice changing. **What's it. I told you-**

Gambit was very deliberate, approaching slowly. "Your trigger, Pete. Stress. I tried to pinpoint it before, by your aura. Now I know!"

**SkkSKK. Point for you, friend. You want a cookie?**

In horror, Gambit saw two sets of hairy arms burst free, waving from behind. Moving swiftly he grabbed his friend. "Hold on to yourself, Peter. Fight it!"

A long, thin tongue whipped out. **Am myself, like before!** pointed teeth flashed.

"No. This is the spider talking, not Peter."

**SKKkSkk. One and the same. I want a tasty brain!**

Gambit dragged him into another room. "Look in this mirror. Is this Peter, or the spider?"

Peter stared at his reflection. His eyes were orange, his tongue long through sharp teeth. Hairy arms waved about behind him.

**HkkSkk. Strong. Ask the Thing, Gambit. He couldn't hold me!**

"That doesn't matter. You have to accept this."

**SkkHhk. Your words make little sense.**

"You call the spider a monster, but the spider is also Peter."

**KKshkk. Perhaps. But others always hate me.**

"Then think of those that love you. Let that give you strength!"

**KkSskk. There are many. But in this form I feel good. Always good!**

Gambits' own eyes were wild now. "A form you can't control. That will get you killed someday."

Peter tossed his head back in inhuman laughter. **HHkSS. Venom was right in this. Ultimate freedom and power. There is nothing like it!**

"Pete, focus on your conversation with MJ. How it made you feel!"

**KshhHskk. I'd rather think of sweet blood and tasty brains. You should try them sometime, my friend!**

Gambit made a face. "I want to save someone I love from himself."

Peter frowned. **Skkhkk. You did say love before.**

"Love, Peter. Even if we can't have a life together. Even if you're afraid to be with me."

The weird orange eyes darkened somewhat. **It's that strong in you?**

Gambit turned him around to face. "Cajuns don't lie about love. MJ, your wife. Aunt May. And even Storm."

Peter covered his face with his hands, resisting. Hairy arms retreated and disappeared.

Gambit still held him. "People all around care, Pete. Never lose sight of that."

"Huhhh-"

"I've got you." Gambit caught Peter before he collapsed. Brown eyes normally expressive were weak.

"Rem, you're something else."

****

It was the video of the decade. The Bugle stole the show from all rivals with exclusive footage. Videotape showing Gambit and the Spider was broadcast on every network. The result was a firestorm of debate and controversy among geneticists and politicans alike. J Jonah Jamesons' personal account of the spider was icing on the cake for his paper, a personal commentary column.

Meanwhile, all mutant factions had gone into hiding. The Fantastic Four couldn't be reached anywhere. Xaviers' School for the Gifted had shut down temporarily, and no one of the X-Men could be reached for comment. The conspiracy of silence was deafening.

The Mayor stood before all of New York, promising action. There was more emphasis on the containment of all mutants, and possible persecution of those who might harbor the Spider. A vague, nervous fear gripped the populace at the thought of another attack.

****

Back at the apartment, May listened to her hysterical niece explain the situation. The lovely face was streaked with tears.

"What if he can't stop himself, May? I don't want the authorities killing my husband!"

Aged hands grabbed younger ones. "No. I refuse to accept that! If he gets help like you said, others will protect him."

"I wish I had your confidence. They've already branded him a mutant menace. The swats nearly shot him last night!"

May covered her eyes briefly at the table. "So much is happening to Peter right now. I worry for him, more than you know."

MJ nodded. "I feel so helpless. He's out there, and I can't do anything for him."

May glanced out over the patio, her own eyes welling up. "Everyone has a breaking point, MJ. We can only hope Peter doesn't reach his."

****

From their second base in New Jersey, the Fantastic Four watched non-stop 'Spider Monster' coverage. In grim silence they saw the bonus footage showing Gambit talking with the spider and coaxing him away.

Storm in particular felt his blood boil. Scenarios raced through his mind, none of them pleasant. The others were oblivious, caught up in the news.

/Something here is terribly wrong. First the photograph scandal with me and Spider, and now this giant spider monster. Peter seems to have disappeared, then we get a call from Gambit saying he knows the identity of the creature. Then this video. The Spider clearly trusted him enough to give him a ride. Now they're in hiding somewhere-/

"Hey kid, you still with us?"

"Yeah, Ben. Just thinking about all this."

"Screwy, ain't it?"

"Not so screwy, Ben." Reed replied, staring at the widescreen.

"What are you getting at, Reed?" Sue wanted to know.

"I believe the creature is intelligent. It may not be capable of speech, but-"

"Bull." Ben waved his hand in dismissal. "The thing eats brains and sucks bodies dry."

Reed nodded. "Yes, to satisfy hunger. Spiders require blood and organs for nourishment."

"So? That doesn't prove intelligence." the Thing snapped.

Johnny thought about something. "Wait, Reed has a point. When we fought the creature, it never tried to hurt us directly."

"I still say bull, kid. Remember that acid it spat?"

"Did it hit anyone? Seems strange that it missed so many times."

"There's something else, too." Sue chimed in. "When Reed tried to fire his cannon, the creature took it away but didn't attack."

Ben shrugged. "Okay, maybe it has a fear of guns."

"Too mcoincoincidences, Ben."

"Assuming your theory is right, how does that get us the creatures ID?"

Johnny spoke mechanically. "Our mutant contact, Gambit. He's probably got the spider in his keep right now."

"What are the X-Men doing, Reed?" Sue was curious.

"Cooling their heels, like anyone with sense should. These are dangerous times for mutants."

The Thing sipped his lemonade. "Are you stlil in contact with Xavier?"

Reed nodded. "He believes we should handle this."

"Why us? If they think this thing is a mutant-"

"Because technically we fall under the same catagory."

"So they're washing their hands of this?" Johnny was annoyed. "So much for their so called 'brotherhood'!"

"As bad ur iur image is with the public, theirs is even worse. But Xavier offered to assist in the scientific department."

Sue lifted an eyebrow. "As in examinations?"

"He is predictable, but I understand his curiosity. From a scientific viewpoint-"

"Reed, don't start."

He laughed. "Sorry, bad habit."

Johnny brooded. "So when do we get another call, Reed?"

"When Gambit decides the time is right."

****

Peter felt considerably better after taking a hot bath. Gambit laid out fresh clothing for him to wear, a shirt and jeans. Room service brought more trays of food.

Warm brown eyes watched his friend with amusement. "Rem, would you stop a minute? I need to talk to you."

Gambit sighed, looking up briefly. "After I take these towels out-"

Pete patted the bed. "Forget it. Come here, please."

"Oui." Gambit eased to his side. "Are you alright, mon ami?"

A nod. "Better now, thanks to you."

"What's on your mind?"

Peter squeezed his hand. "About last night. The things I said were wrong."

"They were not."

"I disagree. You helped me more than you know. And not just for the obvious reasons."

"Ah try. But my feelings ain't changed, spider. Still love you."

Peter dropped his eyes. "I can't say itm."m."

A gentle nuzzle. "You want to."

"No. No, I already explained myself. It's too complicated."

"Heard enough of this story, Pete. D't b't buy it then, don't buy it now."

Pete kissed his palm. "Because you're a stubborn, thick headed cajun."

The red eyes were unbearably intense. "And you're a bad liar."

"I love S. I\. I've told you that from the start."

"You love most everyone, it seems. Give me a break here."

"You think this is funny, Remy? Lives could be ruined!"

"We're all takin' a chance, life's a gamble. You want a guarantee of security, go buy a bond."

"Now you're pissing me off."

Gambit pulled him into an embrace. "Good. Means we're gettin' somewhere."

Peter pushed off, resisting desire. "You think it's that easy-"

His mouth was smothered. A hot tongue coiled and stroked his own, probing his throat. It was good, so good. They sunk into the soft mattress, breathless with heat.

Peter gasped for air. "I never lied about wanting you. What are you trying to prove?"

Gambit rolled over him. Peter felt a hot cock pulsing against his thighs.

"Feel good, spider." the voice was silk. "Want to taste every inch of you, make you come."

Pete was breathing heavily now, swelling. "Damn."

Incredibly warm hands tweaked soft nipples, thumbing them. A wet tongue slid down the cleft of Peters' chest, lapping.

"You lost control the other night." Gambit panted, biting a trail in moist flesh. "Now ah'm gonna do you wild. My turn!"

"No good bastard." Pete hissed, eyes rolling in pleasure.

Gambit wasn't listening to complaints. Deft fingers stripped Peter of his robe, hurling it aside. Increasing heat radiated from those hands. He squeezed and pinched, pushed and probed.

Peter moved under him, groaning. His body felt like a raw nerve. Crackling energy over moist skin drove him wild with sensation. Each time he tried using spider strength, an electric pulse sizzled his brain, making him fall back. White lines danced across his vision.

"Gods...what are you doing to me-"

He shivered, but not from cold. Teeth and lips tasted him everywhere. Down his throat, over his chest. Plump nipples were suckled with rapid strokes. Wet trails from tongue danced circles over his belly, to his groin. Sharp teeth again, pulling the thatch there.

Peter was hazed, his body moving on its own. Hoarse moans burst from his throat.

Gambit watched him with dark desire, licking. Red eyes like the devil lusted over hot skin, savoring taste.

Peter couldn't look away. Those eyes finally broke his gaze, moving downward. Sensual lips plunged over his cock, pulling with hard suction. Peter cried out, nearly bucking them both off the bed. Gambit sucked him to the root, jaws bulging and hollowing. It was a hot and erotic display. Pete found himself enrred,red, unable to speak. Somehow he made his hands move, gripping the thick mop of red hair.

"More...more!!" he croaked, bouncing like a madman. Gambit obligelurplurping like a lunatic. Red eyes slitted in pleasure.

Peter couldn't form a coherent thought. His body ached with sweet pain, a throbbing pulse begging need.

Gambit lunged f wri wrist suddenly, leaving Peter's erection stiff and bobbing. Breaking briefly from his fog, he pleaded.

"no...don't stop, Rem..."

A low growl was his only response as the other wrist was grabbed. Wicked tongue probed both web glands, poking and suckling. Teeth nipped gently at the sensitive openings, coaxing out thick fluid.

Peter thought he had a stroke. Blood shot from his heart straight through his body, pounding and hard. With a garbled scream he lurched as Gambit opened his legs wide.

Remy lapped the taste of web fluid from his own hands, using it for lubrication. He lifted his lover high, spread eagled over his lap.

"Want to watch." he growled deeply. There was no gentleness in his eyes, only ravenous desire.

Peter shook and rocked, his angry cock bobbing and red. "Now, now..."

"Yesss..." Gambit flexed strongly, sinking into delicious heat. Hands wet with web fluid rubbed Peter hard, pulling his nipples.

It was too much. Strong thighs wrapped the bronzed back in primal lust. Hips jerked wildly, arms held like steel bands. Peter was lost in dazzling sensation, riding hot thickness that filled him, made him whole. Bursting, sweet and wet. Spider sense sparked, dancing bits of color in his brain.

Theers ers rocked the bed to a soaring conclusion, husky screams filling the air.

****

Gambit twitched, opening his eyes slowly. A powerful headache pounded his skull.

"Huhh..."

Lips curved at a beautiful sight. Peter was in his arms, face flushed. Damp curls hung over eyes graced with sweeping lashes.

/Sleeping beauty./

The sensuous mouth was smiling. Gambit touched lips, for flavor.

"Mmm?"

Wine gold eyes blilnked open, lashes fluttering.

"Hello, gorgeous."

"Hello yourself."

Pete gently disentangled himself, propping on an elbow. He looked around in confusion. Thetrestress was tilted halfway off the frame, and bedsheets littered the room.

"What a mess. How the hell did we end up on the floor?"

Gambit stroked his lover. "Don't have a clue. Great loving, ah guess."

Pete laughed briefly before clutching his head. "Skull's killing me."

"Yeah, got a real head zinger myself."

Peter paused, considering the situation. "Rem-"

Scarlet eyes glittered. "Love my spider."

"Don't say that, dammit-"

"I'll hyou you on this floor until you admit it."

Pete blinked in disbelief. "What?"

A snicker. "You heard me. Ain't nobody going anywhere."

"Watch me!" Peter made an abrupt move to get up. It was a mistake. Protesting muscles stabbed pain, making him fall back.

"AKkk!"

Gambit grinned weakly. "Can't tear it up like we did and just jump up, Pete. I can't move either."

Brown eyes softened a bit. "I trust you."

Gambit rubbed noses. "You look real sexy all scruffed up."

"Hmm. You aren't bad yourself. Look like a wildman."

"I want to hear it from the heart, Pete. And not when you're all hot and hollering."

Pete pulled back a little. "You won't let this go, will you?"

"No. Ah have my reasons."

Peter rolled over his companion, pinning him on the carpet. "I've always wanted you, Rem."

The handsome mutant was serious. "You're teasing again."

"I'm not. I knew I could have feelings for you, but MJ and Storm complicated things."

"This sounds like the other recording."

Peter leaned down with intensity, shocks of hair shading his face. "If I could split myself into three people this would work."

"Tell me, Peter. Enough of this!" Gambit was growing impatient.

"You're one of the finest men I've ever laid eyes on, Rem. And I knew...if I allowed anything, I'd be in trouble."

Gambit gripped his arms, shaking. "Peter!!"

Peter shook his head helplessly. "I love you. It's crazy, but true. And now I can't stop myself-"

Gambit crushed him close, peppering Pete's face with kisses. "Damn fool."

Pete returned the embrace. "We're both fools. This can't work."

"Time will tell, Spider."

They lay in a quiet embrace, enjoying mutual warmth. Gambit finally broke the silence.

"I may be asking for trouble here, but how can you love so many people? Is it different?"

Pete opened his eyes vaguely. "Different than what?"

"You can tell me anything. I mean that!"

A sigh. "I love MJ in a warm way. It's secure and constant."

"She ain't bad on the eyes, either."

Small grin. "Hell no."

Gambits' smile faded. "And now for the touchy part, Storm."

"That was...we broke off two years ago, actually."

"I don't get it. He's getting married, right? It was in all the society sections. Some rich chick in perfumes, I hear."

"He's having a rough time now."

"What, she catch the two of you together or something?"

Pete flushed. "No. She heard...some talk. Anyway, he's afraid of scandal. Her family is very prominent."

Gambit edged up. "Why did you break up? It was hot, I can sense that."

"That was the problem. It was affecting our work and other relationships with people. Not to mention the fact it wouldn't be accepted in the hero community."

"To hell with them."

"Yeah, right. Good theory Rem, but it doesn't work for real. You know that."

"Maybe. So what got it started again? Storm's clearly sniffing around."

"Circumstance, mostly. Our paths crossed often since we're both based in New York. We were alone a couple of times, and stuff happened."

"I get the picture."

"It's tough for both of us. I'm married, and he's engaged. It was rocky when we broke up. Neither of us expected...to be back together."

Gambit kissed soft lips. "Fire's good for burning, not learning."

Pete sighed, relaxing. "You have a great ass, by the way."

"Thanks. Ah know yojoy joy grabbin' it."

"I'm a lucky man."

"And greedy. You got half of New York wanting your bones!"

Peter sat up against the bedframe. "What happens now, Rem? This is great, but I can't hide from the world."

Gambit traced lazy circles on Pete's chest. "Who said anything about hiding, Spider? I told you I'd make a few calls. The Professor is working with the FF to help."

"How?"

"They want to examine you, determine a solution to your problem."

Pete thought that over. "When do we start?"

"As soon as I make a phone call. After a hot bath, of course."

Pete grabbed his face, kissing slowly. "Are all cajuns evil? You damn near killed me!"

Gambit lay back, smug. "Told you I had a few tricks."

"Huhh...you felt like a live vibrator."

Blazing eyes deepened to burgundy. "Ah could get used to this, Spider. You're addictive."

Pete stroked the choppy hair. "Doing the nasty, twenty four seven? We'd both die happy."

Remy gazed up, his expression soft. "An wanted it to be perfect, Spider."

Peter kissed his ear, cuddling. "You're fantastic, Rem...no wo I l I love you."

Gambit smiled at the thought, eyes closing. "Storm's got a hell of a fight on his hands."

THE END