Chapter 10: Late Night Talk

A/N Hey everyone, I just thought I'd let you read another chappie, I promise the love will start soon! Just read and tell me what you think

Disclaimer: Wish I did, but unfortunately I don't

"Shh, quiet please. This is the last song of the night. If you'll pay attention to the words, our very own Rogue wrote the words and music for a friend whose name will remain undisclosed." Kitty quieted the audience as Rogue prepared for the performance of a lifetime. It had only been one day since the incident at the picnic, but a performance was promised, so a performance was given. The stage lights dimmed and the spot light shone gently on Marie's slender figure, Rogue took a deep breath and the music began. "I'll always remember It was late afternoon. It lasted forever, and ended so soon(yea). You were all by yourself, staring up at a dark gray sky. I was changed. In places no one will find, all your feelings so deep inside (deep inside). It was there that I realized that forever was in your eyes, the moment I saw you cry. The moment that I saw you cry. It was late in September, and I've seen you before (and you were) you were always the cold one;

But I was never that sure. You were all by yourself, staring up at a dark gray sky. I was changed. In places no one will find, all your feelings so deep inside (deep inside). It was there that I realized, that forever was in your eyes. The moment I saw you cry. I wanted to hold you. I wanted to make it go away. I wanted to know you. I wanted to make your everything, all right....I'll always remember..., It was late afternoon..., In places no one will find... In places no one will find, all your feelings so deep inside, (forever was in your eyes). It was now that I realized, That forever was in your eyes, The moment I saw you cry. Baby cry. The moment that I saw you cry; I think I saw you cry. The moment I saw you cry. (Fade out). I wanted to know you, I wanted to know you, I wanted to know you." The lights turned off and shouts, whistles, and overwhelming applause was heard. When the lights came back on, there was a standing ovation. Everyone stepped forward and bowed, the curtains closed, and they all retired to their rooms.

"Rogue? Can I, we need to talk." Toad caught up behind Marie and tapped her on the back. "Um…sure. Kitty, I'll catch in a lil bit." Rogue followed toad out to the secluded pool area. "what is it?" she sat on one of the lounge chairs. Toad kept his back to her, "I knew you were there, yesterday." Rogue looked down on her feet. "I wasn't spying, I kinda found that spot after I was here, no one ever went there, it's a good place to think."

"I wasn't crying, im not a fucking baby" her turned and faced her, she couldn't tell if he was mad or just a little embarrassed.

"you know, crying isn't a bad thing. Scientific studies actually found that it is healthy, gets rid of bad hormones and stuff. I cry. I always thought it was a nice quality to find in a guy, crying. It shows he has emotions…"

"I wasn't crying!"

"ok! Geeze, I never said you were, that's not what I meant. I just…you seemed upset, and I felt bad." Marie never did like being yelled at, and she could no longer look him in the face, so her attention was turned towards the reflection of the moonlight in the pool water. A small tear fell off her cheek.

"im sorry, God damn it!" he picked up a rock as through at a nearby tree. "what am I fucking doing here? I don't belong here, I should have never come." He sat on a lawn chair next to rogue and stared at the ground.

"no, don't say that. I'm glad that you're here, I just don't handle yelling well. Could you tell me what you were thinking about?" Rogue's gloved hand grabbed his causing him to look up at her sad face.

He sighed "things. I can't hardly remember ever being normal, all I've ever known is this" gave a disgusted expression at himself as he held up his hands. "I wandered on the streets for months, hell probably more than a year. I traveled mostly at night, that way I didn't have to hear all the screaming from my appearance. Well one day a man by the name or Eric Lenssher (I apologize for spelling) found me and offered sanctuary. The brotherhood was the closest thing to a family I ever had! Sure it wasn't big and we didn't all get along at times, but they had my back, and I had theirs. I left. I fucking came here, a place I don't deserve. Do you know what I've done? How many people I've killed for the sheer pleasure of it?" Rogue flinched slightly as she felt a small twinge of fear. "that's not the half of it, I've done terrible things, that no one will ever forgive me for. I'm not worth it. You're damn right I felt bad, there's not one day that I didn't wish I were dead. That's what I was thinking about." He got up and started to head back towards the mansion.

"wait." She called after him and he stopped "I forgive you. I know it's not the same, but I've heard john's stories too. Yesterday you asked why I'm so nice to you. Xavier built this school to give us a second chance, a safe haven, where we can learn that our powers can be used for good and we're not bad. I believe that no matter what things you've done, everyone deserves a second chance. When I look at you, I don't see the green and all that, I see you. You can be a good person if you wanted, but you have to want it. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. Don't give up. We're a family too." Rogue watched him walk away, she knew he was different, but something inside told her that he had to stay. That in some way she would miss him if he left.

Toad slowly walked back up to the mansion, a small smile crept across his face. 'someone wants me here'

A/N the song was "Cry" by Mandy Moore, no I didn't write it. I hope you liked it, please r&r. Love y'all.

-Shitaka