A/N: This will be Romy, Jott, Kiotr, onesided Rolo and eventual Erik/Ororo. I know this isn't a common pairing, but I promise it won't be some fake, sappy love story. This story has character and a plot, I promise. I will let you decide the rest of the pairings, so feel free to suggest anything. Again, please do not write this story off because of an odd pairing; while the central of this story surrounds Mayor Kelly's death and Magneto's guilt, the other X-Men and romances will be given their rightful time in the story. So, without further ado Songbook proudly presents, Defining the Wicked.
No one had asked where she was going when Ororo Munroe had left the mansion. It wasn't as if no one cared, but most had stopped asking questions about her well-being. She had assured them her time with Apocalypse was something she could handle. Everyone knew it was a lie, but they knew better than to pry. That was Charles Xavier's job- even if he did not have an effect on her any longer.
Therefore, when she grabbed her keys and drove away that night, no one bothered to ask; they just hoped she came back in a better mood than when she left. The entire mansion wanted the old Storm back, but it was something she had to come to terms with on her own. It wasn't as if her whereabouts were any large secret; there was a park just off the main road that had a nice spot overlooking the bay.
It was a public place, so it wasn't that she expected to be completely alone; lovers often took an evening stroll by the bay and loners tend to line the benches and railing that protects the edge of the cliff. Ororo was used to this company- no one ever took notice of her startling white hair or bothered to talk to her. So, it took her by complete surprise when someone interrupted her peace that night.
"My, my. What a surprise to find you here tonight." He was dressed in a brown trench coat that fit quite well over his broad shoulders and rather thin physic. It was buttoned up to the collar (for anyone but Storm it was a chilling night) with a low hat pulled over his eyes. The smirk and voice, however, were unmistakable.
"Magneto," she hissed, whirling around from her perch by the railing, eyes flashing a dangerous white.
"Just Erik tonight, Ms. Munroe," he replied as if he hadn't sensed her discomfort. To her great surprise, Erik Lensherr proceeded to rest his elbows on the top rail, focusing his attention on the tremulous water below.
"Well, Erik, what may I ask, are you doing here?" She said suspiciously, taking her place back at the rail, though not nearly as relaxed as before.
"This park is a public place. I come for the tranquil view, one I was under the impression you had at your own home." Erik nodded across the bay's small inlet where the lights of the Xavier Institute could barely be made out.
"The view is not near as tranquil from there," was her guarded reply.
"Discomfort much? Or just general unhappiness?" This time he turned his head ever so slightly to watch her reaction.
"I'm not leaving the X-Men if that is what you are implying," snapped Ororo. The smirk came back to Magneto's face. "I'm not sure what you are trying to prove, but sometimes everyone just needs some time of their own."
"I wasn't suggesting that at all. I merely pointed out you were having a hard time relating to your fellow X-Men." Erik's attention had returned to the sea, but Ororo's was steadfast on him. "They don't understand what you are going through."
"And you believe you do?" It was Storm's time to smirk. Shaking her head, she turned and began to walk away. The wind she self consciously stirred up whispered through her hair.
"There were four horsemen, you know." The tone of his voice suddenly changed, causing her to stop. He too had turned from the view and was facing her fully now. "You weren't the only one he possessed."
"You are correct. However, if I was attempting to seek advice, do you not think I would first ask Charles Xavier?"
"You also forget how well I know Charles. I know how he suppresses the most painful memories in a way only a telepath could." Magneto took a step towards her stock still stance. "He doesn't talk about it, does he? At least not in the way you would like. You don't want a simple comfort- you have to explore what he did to you. That's why you're here; to try and find solace with in yourself."
"I have never doubted your intelligence, but you seem to have a rather personal stake in figuring this all out." There was no denying what was obviously true. Her blue eyes skimmed over him, as if seeking a more complete truth.
"You and I share a similar problem." He checked his watch and noticing the lateness of the hour, offered her an ultimatum. "If you want to continue this discussion, I'll be here tomorrow night at the same time."
"I will keep it in mind," was her sophisticated answer. Erik started to move past her, and just as he drew near, he placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned over to whisper ever so softly into her ear.
"And if you ever want something more than words can offer, I'm presently staying in the twenty-third floor suite of the Presidential." Ororo was completely taken a back by his bold statement that she could only stare as he calmly tipped his hat with a mock bow and disappeared into the night.
A/N: Oh, and I promise this is the shortest chapter I will ever write. Trust me. This is just a snippet. The next chapter will be longer. Tell me what you think...and any pairing suggestions.