Rogue stood motionless in front of the frosted window, her eyes unmoving from the heart-wrenching view below.
Bobby and Kitty skated on the frozen fountain pond, side by side…hand in hand.
Rogue's heart split in two and suddenly…she died inside. Yet part of her couldn't blame him. She and Bobby had been steady for nearly two years…and all that time, he'd never been able to touch her. Sure, they'd held hands…but Rogue's ever-present gloves stood between the touch of skin on skin. It was of course for his safety; it was too dangerous for anyone to risk touching Rogue, even for a second. They'd been working on trying to find a way for her to control her powers, in an effort to enable human contact. But so far, all the tests they'd run and the trial and error experiments they'd done…all came up with nothing. Rogue became very discouraged, she felt hopeless and even though Bobby had been by her side through it all and did his best to encourage her, she began to see in his ice blue eyes, the same discouragement and defeat that were mirrored in her own tawny hazel ones. She sensed him slowly losing hope and consequently, he gradually lost touch with her; he studied more and hung out with his buddies on more frequent nights. He always met her in between classes, over breakfast and dinner and he walked her to her room every night…but even with that consistency, she began to sense it was more out of obligation than pure desire to be near her.
And now, as she watched…Bobby's hand holding kitty's as that perfect smile of his shone down on her…Rogue's heart…wrenched, tore and simply shriveled up and died. She couldn't scream, couldn't cry….couldn't even breathe.
Just then, a sound from behind her jarred her back to the present and for a split second, she forgot the pain that was searing through her entire body and turned towards the sound.
Warren wondered aimlessly down the darkened empty halls of the mansion. He'd only been a resident for just over a week and he'd spend most of his time familiarizing himself with his new surroundings. On this night however, he'd felt…off. Strange. There was an indecipherable twinge deep in his chest as he'd climbed the stairs to the third floor. Once to the top, the twisting feeling grew more acute. He rubbed his chest with the backs of his fingers, slightly grunting. Just then, his razor-sharp hearing piqued; something…there was someone down the hall to his left. He heard hitched breathing and a slight gasp. Something inside him pulled him towards the sounds. His mind was curious and without thinking twice, he followed his inclination and started quietly down the hall.
He came to a room where the door was slightly ajar. His head told him that he shouldn't just barge into an unknown room, not knowing who's room it might be, but his heart prodded him forward and raising a tentative hand, he pushed the door open. And there she stood. Tall, slender; her dark hair flowed down to past the middle of her back, a lone white streak near the front of her hairline, curled over her shoulder. The drastic contrast intrigued him and he stood frozen to the spot. Suddenly, he heard another slight gasp escape her lips as she turned and her tawny hazel eyes, brimming with unshed tears, met his. His heart stopped and his breathing hitched as if something had completely knocked all the wind out of him. Her dark eyes widened at the first sight of him but then a hint of recognition passed through them.
She recognized him at least. He was the newest mutant who'd come to live at the school after Professor Xavier past away. His name escaped her but then, she'd never been formally introduced. She was somewhat surprised to find him, standing in the doorway watching her. Yet she didn't care at that point…odd. Usually Rogue was very private about her emotions. She had always been viewed as the strong confident individual that inspired the younger mutants. She was like a big sister to the rest of them. No one had ever seen Rogue anything more than a bit frustrated and that was the times when Logan was pushing her in training and everyone knew that Logan's form of instructing could come across as overbearing and anyone would get frustrated at some point. But that was it; Rogue had never come close to losing it in front of anyone. And even if she was crumbling on the inside, she always put on a brave exterior, feeling that she had a responsibility to be strong for the younger ones, especially with the absence of the Professor, Jean and Scott.
She shook her head slightly, trying to clear it of wondering thoughts as she continued to stare at this strange mysterious man before her. His face was like that of an angel. He had perfectly defined cheek bones and a prominent strong jawline. His nose was somewhat crooked but even that seemed to become his overall angelic appearance. His hair was the perfect shade of golden blond, sweeping across his forehead. His mouth...god his mouth. It was like the perfect amount of fullness to his lips yet still the masculine curves were perfectly balanced. Just then, his lips curved into a gentle yet curious smile.
Something in her heart awakened. And she felt the hurt and pain that coursed through her, lessen ever so slightly.
"Excuse me; I'm sorry I didn't know anyone was in here."
"No…no it's…it's alright." She tried…her voice shaky as she attempted to blink away the unshed tears before they spilled over.
His smile grew sad then as he detected the deep lines of pain her face as well as the anguish in her eyes. Something inside him ached deeply for her and he had the sudden urge to pull her into his arms and shield her from whatever pain and sorrow she carried.
"I'm just um…" she trailed off as her voice failed, laced with emotion.
Warren took a step towards her. He didn't know this woman but something inside told him he desperately wanted to…needed to. "I'm Angel…well, Warren is my birth name. you can use whichever you like." He held out his hand, gently beckoning to her.
Without even thinking, Rogue placed her gloved hand in his and his warmth spread instantly to every part of her, the pain and anguish seemed to fade away almost completely as she felt the strength of his hand as it held hers. "I'm…Rogue…or Marie."
"Rogue." He said softly. The sound of his voice thrilled Rogue…especially the way he said her name; like he cherished it. "Rogue…are you alright?" The question had been plaguing him from the moment he saw the overwhelming sadness in her tawny hazel eyes.
Rogue stiffened slightly. She wasn't sure whether to tell Warren or to just avoid the question. She felt fearful at the prospect of exposing her vulnerability like this. But when she looked in his clear sky-blue eyes…something told her it was alright to trust him.
"See for yourself…" she whispered softly, nodding her head in the direction of the window.
He moved past her and glanced out the window. His eyes settled on the lone pair, skating on the frozen pond. Hands interlaced and eyes glowing as they looked at each other. It was a scene of pure love and adoration…but something told him it was wrong. His eyes drifted to Rogue.
"That..was my boyfriend." She stated simply, her voice steady and emotionless.
A painful twist in Warren's stomach sent him a few steps back from the window, suddenly disgusted by the scene. "Rogue…"
"I knew it would come sooner or later I just…I thought that he'd come and talk to me first…like at least have the decency to break it off before he went off with someone else. I can't say that I blame him I mean…"
Warren cut her off. "Wait, you don't blame him for this? Rogue, he's…he's cheating on you. That's wrong. There's nothing understandable about it! How could you even defend him like that?"
Rogue was taken aback by the vehemence in Warren's voice. His expression spoke volumes; he was disgusted, appalled, and furious. "Warren, you don't know what I've put him through for nearly two years…"
"Rogue, I don't understand what are you trying to get at?"
"Warren, HE CAN'T EVEN TOUCH ME!" She screamed out in anguished frustration.
Warren stepped back, startled by her sudden outburst. "what…what do you mean, Rogue?"
Rogue sagged in defeat, her head hung as the tears she'd been trying so hard to force down, suddenly spilled over. She pulled off one long black glove to reveal a slender hand and delicate fingers. Her ring finger held one lone silver band with a sapphire stone set in the center. It was simple but beautiful. She held up her hand, fingers splayed as she began to tremble.
"He…has never…been able to…touch me. In the two years we've been together; not one touch, one kiss…ever." Her voice broke. "My power is…it hurts anyone who touches me. If Bobby or Logan or anyone were to touch me, I would suck the very life-force out of them, they're memories, they're powers, everything. I can't touch anyone because I do and they get hurt. The first boy I ever kissed ended up in a coma for 3weeks, Warren!"
Warren listened, dumbfounded at the heart-breaking tale Rogue described. Her mutant powers were in fact a curse; instead of enhancing her existence, they were the very thing that kept her from the most important experience and desire of every human being….Love. she couldn't touch anyone that came near her or they're lives would be in danger…or worse. She couldn't know the feeling of a man holding her bare hand, caressing her cheek…brushing his lips against hers…holding her body so close…touching every part of her with his fingertips. It was all something that every fiber of her desired to experience…but was viciously withheld from her. He couldn't begin to imagine what she had gone through. "Rogue…I am…so sorry."
"It's not your fault…you barely know me, Warren so honestly, I'm kind of surprised that you even care."
"Why wouldn't I?" His voice soft as he stepped closer to her, his hand reached out to brush her cheek.
She pulled back. "Warren don't, I don't want to hurt you."
He knew she was right; although Warren possessed the power of natural healing, along with his ability to fly and his eagle sight and sharp hearing, Rogue's power was an unknown element and he had no idea how his powers would combat it…or even if his were strong enough to withstand hers. Yet, the thought that this beautiful, mysterious girl had never known what it was like to physically feel another's warmth and caring through a simple touch… he couldn't restrain himself from at least attempting to help her gain some kind of sense as to what it was like. Knowing he could be in danger of losing a good deal of his energy…and possibly his life, was something he considered…but in the moment, it seemed a reasonable risk. "Rogue, do you trust me? I know we just met and quite frankly, we know little to nothing about each other but…if you trust me, I promise you I won't intentionally hurt you."
"Warren, you don't understand…I could literally kill you if you touch me even for a second!"
He took another step towards her, closing the final distance between them. Rogue backed up into the wall, her eyes wide with fear. She never took pleasure in any of the people she'd accidentally hurt but with Warren…there was something stronger that pulled her and she felt that if she hurt him, it would kill her.
"Rogue it's alright…just…trust me."
Her mind fought against it. But her heart screamed for the sliver of hope that somehow, this man could help her reach what she'd been missing her whole life. She knew the risk but in that moment, her body crying out for just one simple touch…won over.
Warren's hand reached out slowly and gently towards her face. She stood motionless, unable to move yet inwardly she was screaming to run. His fingers were inches from her cheek…her lip quivered as she waited for the inevitable convulsions and look of pain in his sky blue eyes…he would doubtlessly suffer from the physical contact…how much, Rogue was uncertain.
Just then, she felt a slight warmth as his fingertips brushed her cheek. She gasped, bracing herself for the inevitable…but it never happened. The two paused, waiting. Nothing. Warren advanced even further, cupping her cheek gently with his fingers…then he pressed his palm to her face and her eyes widened as tears of surprise and overwhelming joy coursed down her pale cheeks.
"W-warren!" She gasped. She couldn't believe it; he was touching her…actually touching her and he was still standing in front of her, on his own two feet, completely unaffected.
"How?"
"I…I don't know Rogue…but however it is, I'm…I'm glad."
Rogue fumbled with her other glove, dispensing them on the floor as her now bare hands shook. She ached to reach out and touch Warren's face but shyness took over and she hesitated, for fear she would scare him.
He looked at her hands, then back up at her. "Here…" He reached down taking her hands in his. She gasped again, the feeling still so new and overwhelming, frightened her yet thrilled her.
Holding her hands in his, he brought them up to his face and pressed them to either side. Rogue half-cried, half laughed as the warmth of his skin tingled through her fingers all the way up her arms. Her knees began to shake but she ignored the weakening sensations, not daring to look away from Warren's eyes even for a moment.
"I…I can touch you!" She whispered.
"Yes Rogue…Yes, you can touch me…and I can touch you."
"I can't believe it! Warren!"
His smile brightened and a warm laugh echoed from his lips.
Just then, as her hazel eyes stared deeply into his, her cheeks grew scarlet and she became painfully aware of how close they were to each other. Warren's warm breath ghosted across her face and his sent wafted all around her. His white angel wings that had hung motionless at his side were now stretching outward and arched lightly around her…she had taken slight notice of them before but hadn't paid much attention as his sky-blue eyes had captured her so completely. But now the moon had risen high in the sky and the rays coming through the window, cast an angelic white glow as they reflected of his wings.
"You…you're like an angel Warren." She breathed.
He laughed softly. "Well my other name is Angel so yeah I guess I am." His mouth curved up in a mischievous grin as his eyes sparkled. He couldn't stop looking into Rogue's eyes; so dark and mysterious yet they held a depth that was so captivating you could get lost in them.
And he was definitely lost. For good. Just then, he smiled wider and in a smooth movement, his white wings arched around Rogue, pulling her in closer. She gasped lightly as she felt the warmth of his feathery wings as they engulfed her. His hands tugged hers as he pulled her closer to him, his wings coming in closer, wrapping the two of them in a close cocoon.
Rogue looked at him, breathless.
He shrugged, his smile softened and his eyes dropped. "I'm sorry but I…I wanted you closer so…" he trailed off, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
She looked down, blushing as the streak of white hair fell into her eyes. Brushing it back behind her ear, a small smile graced her lips as she slowly raised her eyes to meet his. "Well to be honest…I'd be lying if I said I wasn't wishing you would."
Warren's smile broadened and she felt his warmth completely consume her. She felt so safe with him. It was unmistakable yet she couldn't figure out why; she barely knew this man any yet in one night, he had completely stolen her heart and pulled her closer than she'd ever been to anyone.
"What are you thinking, Marie?"
"I was just thinking…how strange it is that I just met you and yet…you…Me and…well I mean we are…" she shook her head, trailing off; she couldn't put her whirling thoughts into the right words.
Just then, Warren's hand cupped her chin, tilting her face upwards to look at him. "I know it's almost as if it's…fate like…like…"
"…Like love at first sight." She whispered.
His eyes caught hers and held them intently. He'd never known anything like this even existed…but the way he felt, though he couldn't quite describe it, he knew it was real; this woman in front of him was real and his heart was instantly intertwined with hers…steadfast and unbreakable. He brushed his fingers through her long dark hair, relishing the silky feel and texture. "Well I want you to know that from now on Rogue, I'm here to stay. For good. I'm not gonna walk away, I'm not going to leave you, I'm not gonna disappear. No matter what happens, I will always be here, you won't ever be alone and I promise, no one is ever going to hurt you again; I'm going to make sure of that because they'll have to answer to me. I'm going to protect you, I swear it on my life."
Rogue was breathless. She'd never heard such ardent and sincere words spoken by anyone…not even in the times she'd heard Scott and Jean expressing how much they loved one another had come even close to the words Warren had just spoken with such feeling. She was speechless.
"You…really mean that?" she asked, barely above a whisper.
"Yes, Rogue…I mean it. I'm with you, I'm yours…all the way, every last part of me…for the rest of my life."
Tears welled up in her eyes and warren brushed them away with the back of his finger as his own eyes glistened. Wrapping his arms around her, he pressed her against him, her head rested comfortable against his chest. He buried his face into her hair…her scent overwhelmed him, he'd never felt so strong yet so weak all at once.
"I'll never let you down." He whispered huskily into her hair."
She lifted her head just enough to look up at him. "And I'll never stop believing in you or trusting you." She said back, her eyes glowing and her face radiant with happiness. "Well you have me, Warren…all of me. My heart, my mind…everything." She nestled her face into his neck as his arms tightened around her.
Rogue couldn't have known how much her life would change that night…but she knew then in that moment, that everything had changed. She would never be the same and her life would forever be bound to Warren in a bond that was unbreakable…all because one man had the courage to trust, to risk…to touch.