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Chapter Forty-One:
Magneto had decided, once there were no pedestrians within their vicinity, to shield himself and Rogue. They walked along the city streets of Paris, hidden from view. His arm wrapped around her shoulders as she clung to him, her arm around his waist. The girl was pensive.
'I can hardly blame her for falling into such a state of mind. She shouldn't have told me,' he realized. 'She certainly shouldn't have allowed me to retain this knowledge. Not when I consented to its retraction,' he thought as a sigh escaped him. 'With each admission, she becomes more defenseless, further indebted by my silence,' he thought as his hand tightened around her shoulder. She glanced up at him. He smiled down at her, before pressing his lips against her forehead. He listened to her, let out a blissful sigh at the contact.
'Disclosing her ideology, while it could cost her place as an X-Men- This explosion if she was deemed to be a danger to herself and others- Would Charles attempt such a thing? Would he attempt to lock her away?' he wondered. 'He's showed no qualms about imprisoning other dangerous mutants. His brother, my- When I asked for his help with Wanda, I was so certain he'd take her in. He deemed himself as ill-equipped to support her as I was. I miscalculated the depths of Charles's altruism,' he lamented as they came upon an alleyway.
'A mistake, I cannot afford, to repeat with Rogue,' he decided. He called upon his stash of metal he had disguised it as a large trash can. 'Still, the power dynamic between us is undeniably shifting in my favor,' he thought as he warped the metal into an oblong pod for them to traverse in.
'Quite the trap she's succumbed to,' he thought as she turned to face him, her arms wrapping around his neck. 'Then again,' he thought as he took hold of her waist. A soft gasp escaped her lips as he pulled her up against him. 'She understood this,' he thought as he brushed her hair behind her ear. 'From the beginning,' he thought before he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.
"Max," she moaned against him as her body shook in his arms.
'She knew the cost of companionship,' he thought as he lifted them up into the air, 'was vulnerability,' he thought as he enclosed the pod around them. Her arms tightened around him and she pressed her face against his neck as he shot the pod into the air. 'Her desires are irrefutable,' he thought as he enjoyed her shallow breaths upon his neck. 'If the girl wants me, she can certainly have me,' he thought.
An hour or so later, Magneto released them from the metal pod. The sun was long set, darkness surrounded the institute. She walked, but not in the direction he was expecting.
"Rogue?" he asked.
"It's a nice night. I don't think I'm ready to go inside yet. Ya mind talking a walk with me?" she asked.
"Lead the way, dear," he said pleasantly. She held out her hand. A smile graced her face as he took it.
A little while later, they came upon the gazebo. Rogue entered before him and was resting her hands long the railing as she gazed out onto the sea. He came up behind her, placing his right hand on the railing and the other on her hip. With a blissful sigh, she leaned back, putting her weight against him. He rested his cheek against the side of her face as they took in the view together.
It was soothing; the waves breaking against the cliff; the wind howling through the trees. The moon was but a sliver in the night's sky and the stars few and far between due to the abundances of gray clouds. Still, it was a pleasant enough evening, given the company.
"You've been quiet since you told me," he commented.
"I know," she muttered before letting out a soft sigh. "I really shouldn't have," she added. He placed a kiss on her temple.
"Quite the risk you're taking," he replied.
"Trust must be earned. Max, I hope I haven't misplaced mine," she said.
"You haven't," he said as his hand tightened against her hip. She reached up and brushed her hair behind her ear. He placed a kiss on her newly exposed skin. "We were married, weren't we?" he asked, his lips brushing up against her neck, once again playing along.
"Yes," she whispered.
"How old were you on our wedding night?" he asked.
"Thirty-three," she answered. "I wasn't no child bride," she added.
"Good, that's good," he muttered, relieved. He kissed her neck.
"Max, I," she sighed as a soft moan escaped her lips. "I can't answer that much about the days of future past. It'll be better, healthier for you if you remember things on your own," she said.
"Very well, but answer me this," he said before he placed his lips close to her ear "Were you a dutiful wife?" he asked, his tone teasing. Her body shook with laughter.
"You never had much reason to complain," she said, a smile in her voice.
"Is that a fact?" he asked before he playfully nipped at her skin. Her body arched as she let out a moan. "Care to remind me?" he asked, as he ran his hand up and down her side.
"Not here," she said. She moaned softly as he ran his fingers under her chin.
"No," he said, turning her face toward his, "Of course, not," he said before capturing her lips. "I'd preferred if we returned to our room. Assuming, you've had your fill of the night sky?" he asked.
"Ah-huh," she muttered.
"Good girl," he said before kissing her again.
Later that evening, Magneto held Rogue in his arms, utterly spent. The floor was littered with their clothes, a condom wrapped, and the set of metal cuffs. All of it tomorrow's problem, as far as he was concerned.
Quite satisfied, he felt himself drift off to sleep.
Magneto stood in Bayville, a few hundred meters from outside of the Xavier Institute. He took in the familiar sight of Charles' school, under the moonlight. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at one section of the school on the left-hand side, which was scarred with arson. From his sense, he knew the damage was recent. Today, possibility. However, the mansion was teeming with electricity and life. He sensed no danger.
Before him were a group of scared and hungry children. All of their mutations were evident from their appearances.
'Easy targets for the MRD,' he thought bitterly. He turned to the oldest of the group: a teenaged girl, only sixteen, with unique physiology. Her entire body was made of an inorganic, non-toxic metallic substance. Aside from the girl's hair, which was long and bright red. Having noticed, his attention, the girl turned to face him.
"Mister Magneto?" she asked.
"Miss Kincaid," he said, holding out a folded piece of paper. "Find Charles Xavier and give him this note. He'll provide you with sanctuary," he said.
"Thank you," the girl said, as she took the object from him.
"Is it really safe?" a little pink-skinned girl with wings asked.
"The MRD can't find us here?" a young boy asked; his skin was green and covered in green scales with small spikes atop his head.
"Why's half the building burnt?" a teenaged boy, whose body was made entirely from rock, asked bluntly.
"A minor accident. Nothing to concern yourselves with," he answered. "Charles has always endeavored to keep our youngest and most vulnerable safe within his home," he added
"Why can't we go with you?" a girl, a yellowed-skinned girl with orange tattoos across her arms and face, asked.
"I need soldiers, not children," he answered, his voice harsher than he meant. A few of the youngest winced. "Unfortunately," he said, his tone softer, "unlike the X-Men, I do not have the resources to care for you children. Allow them to teach you how to control your abilities. Charles' group has always excelled in that area. As you come of age, should any of you still wish to join me, I would gladly welcome your support," he said. "Now go," he ordered.
"Thank you," Kincaid said she gestured to the others. Reluctantly, they were herded towards the mansion.
He lifted himself high up and flew over the ocean. He turned back once more to ensure the children were headed in the correct direction. Thankfully, they were. As he prepared himself to depart, a familiar figure caught his attention. Rogue was leaning against the railing of the gazebo. Her long hair was blowing in the wind, obscuring her face. However, one look at the long white streak in her hair, and there was no doubt in his mind it was her.
'It's been years since we last spoke,' he thought as he flew closer to the gazebo. "Good evening, Rogue," he said as he landed at the entrance to the gazebo behind her.
"Magnus," she exclaimed as she spun around to face him. Were those tears running down her face?
"I apologize if I've disturbed you. It was not my intent," he said.
"No, it's fine," she said, before sniffling.
"I can go," he offered.
"Ya don't have ta leave," she said hastily as she wiped her face with her sleeve. "I just- I've had a helluva day," she said.
"Involving fire?" he guessed, glancing past her, at the school.
"Yup," she said.
"Are you alright?" he asked concerned as he stepped closer to her.
"That's a loaded question if ever I heard," she laughed before sniffling again.
"Was anyone hurt?" he asked, as she wiped her face again.
"Nope, just my feelings," she said, her tone dry, as she turned back around, resting her arms on the railing. He raised an eyebrow at her response. "Another MRD raid?" she asked.
"Yes," he answered, as he came to stand by her side. He followed her stance as he gazed out onto the ocean.
"How many kids did ya bring us this time?" she asked.
"Twelve," he answered.
"You've been doing a lot of good, Magnus. You should know that. The kids you've brought us, you've given them a second chance. They're adjusting. They're happy," she said before he heard her sniffle. "Thank you," she mumbled. He turned towards her.
"What happened here today?" he asked. She let out a long sigh.
"One of the kids lost control. Ya know how it goes," she said.
"Of course," he nodded as he kept his gaze on her woeful expression.
"The Professor and I were in his office when the fire broke out. My gloves got burnt, but he was just lying there and someone needed to pull him outta the room. I got a real hefty dose of his memories. Ya know, I'd never absorbed him before tonight?" she said sadly.
"Really?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "What were you meeting about? If you don't mind my asking," he added quickly.
"It's fine. We were- I brought up my powers again. I do that every so often. But he was putting me off like he always does. At least now I know why," she said, bitterly.
"Rogue?" he asked, concerned, as he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Charles Xavier was my last damn hope," she exclaimed. "God, I was so stupid back then. But Carol was driving me crazy. Something needed to change, or she was gonna take over permanently. I turned to my enemies, and I thought I would get their help if I could prove myself worthy," she said.
"Rogue, you're not the same child who attacked the Avengers at Mystique's behest. Besides, that was well over a decade ago. Whatever put that thought into your mind?" he asked.
"Because," she said, facing him, his arm returned to his side, "that's what the Professor told me the night I joined the X-Men," she spit out.
"What?" he asked, his eyes widening.
"No pardons or free gifts for former members of the brotherhood. I was suffering the consequences of my own ruthlessness and cruelty. If I wanted his salvation, it was a long way off, and I'd have to wait till he deemed me worthy of his help," she said bitterly. He felt his eyes narrow as he turned towards the sea.
"Damn it, Charles, you hypocrite," he muttered.
"Thing is," she continued, her voice rising. He turned back to meet her gaze and saw new tears formed in the ducts of her eyes. "He doesn't know the first damn thing about helping me. Never did. Neither did Mystique. The only one who ever had a clue how to help me was you," she yelled. "Why?" she asked, tears now running down her cheeks.
He felt a great deal of sympathy for the woman before him. He held her gaze as he placed his hands on her shoulders. She hesitated for a brief moment before she pushed her arms and head upon his chest. He sighed as he closed his arms around her. She clung to his chest as she cried against him.
"You were half-dead when I found you in the Savage Lands," he recalled aloud.
"You're the only one who ever understood how ta help me and I never even asked ya for it," she sobbed.
"You were a mutant who required help. What other reason should I need to offer my assistance?" he asked. She laughed against his chest. Laughed, and cried at the same time.
"Why did you choose me, over Carol?" she asked, her voice quiet. "Anyone else would've-"
"Why, Rogue, it is so difficult for you to see your own worth?" he asked. "It can't all be Charles' doing, can it?" he asked. Ignoring his question, she pulled back before she rubbed her face against her sleeve.
"Lord, I'm a mess," she lamented. "I'm sorry," she said as she backed out of his arms.
"You've nothing to apologize for," he said as he called the hem of his cape to his hand.
"What are you-" she asked as he pulled at the fabric. "You don't have ta do that," she said before he ripped the fabric in twain.
"Nonsense," he said as he held out the piece of purple cloth. "They're magnetic fibers. I can create more with a thought and the right materials," he explained as he gestured towards the cloth.
"Thank you," she said with a sad smile before she took the scrape and blow her nose. He ripped off another piece. This time she took it without protest. She wiped her face clean.
"Better?" he asked.
"Yeah, thank you," she said, before she took a deep breath. "Magnus," she said, looking at up him again, "you picked a hell of a night to waltz back into my life," she said.
"Upon consideration," he said as he placed his hand on the railing, "my dear, I'm uncertain if I made this selection," he said.
"What are you talking about?" she asked.
"I believe Destiny had a hand in our reunion," he said.
"Magnus, ya getting melodramatic on me," she asked with a sad smile as she held his gaze. A look of realization crossed her features. "Irene?" she asked as the scrapes fell from her hands.
"She contacted me this morning," he said as the wind carried the scrapes over the edge of the gazebo into the sea.
"What?" she asked.
"With the location of the MRD base. There were only children present. All but guaranteeing my presence here tonight," he explained. She backed away from him, towards the gazebo's entrance, as her head shook in disbelief. Her expression dropped, swifty replaced with anger.
"Magneto," she said, her tone hard, as she tugged off her gloves. "I've been manipulated too many damn times," she said. "I've spent the last decade of my life, severing a man, based on half-baked promises. Bring Irene inta this- Like I'm gonna trade one-"
"Rogue," he interjected, as he swiftly closed the distance between them. "I understand your suspicion. After all, you've been through, my dear, your skepticism is warranted." She gasped as he took hold of her wrist. He lifted it towards him, her bare fingers now mere inches from his face. "I have no agenda. Nor need for secrecy," he said as he released her wrist. "Do what you must," he said. Hand lingered between their faces as all indications of anger left her features.
"Magnus, I'm sorry, I accused you. It's just-"
"Trust must be earned," he said, nodding at her encouragingly. However, instead of touching his face, her hands, both of them, returned to his chest.
"I don't wanna hurt you," she said.
"You won't," he promised. Her eyes flashed to his lips. "We were interrupted last time, weren't we?" he asked, his voice low. Her face flushed in response. "By all means, my dear," he uttered as he leaned closer to her until he could feel her breath on his face.
"You sure?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Absolutely," he uttered.
With that, she pressed her lips to his. His eyes closed the moment she made contact. The sting of her powers was there, but nothing he couldn't withstand. He was much more concerned with fighting the urge to deepen the kiss and pull her against him.
'Don't get carried away,' he told himself. She was searching his memories, not engaged in the physical contact as he was.
"I'd never imaged," she mumbled as she pulled back. "Your memories, so much pain," she whispered as she rested her head against him. "Your name," she said as she lifted her face to meet his gaze. "It's Max?" she asked.
"It's been a very long time since anyone's called me that," he said, placing his hands on her shoulders again.
"I don't have ta-"
"I rather like the sound of it from your lips," he commented as his thumb rubbed against her shoulders. Her face turned the most endearing shade of crimson. "Was your search successful?" he asked.
"I think so. But- would ya mind if I looked again?" she asked.
"My dear, you may do so as often as you wish," he uttered as he leaned towards her. She pressed her lips to him and looped her arms around his neck. Certain, she was engaged this time, he wrapped his arms around her back. His tongue sought entry into his mouth. She welcomed him as they both tightened their arms, closing any remaining gap between them.
Magneto's eyes snapped open as he took him into his surroundings. It was still dark in the room, but he was still in his bedroom at the institute. His girl was pressed up against him.
"Rogue?" he asked as he shook her shoulder.
"Max?" she asked groggily. "What time is it?" she asked.
"Who's Carol?" he asked.
"Carol Danvers," she muttered before yawning. "Human, Kree hybrid. She was one of Fury's Avengers. We shared a body for a while. Wouldn't recommend it," she said, her thoughts clearly disjointed.
"Explain," he ordered. Rogue let out another yawn as she stretched.
"Irene had a vision," she said as she brought her hand up and rubbed at the corners of her eyes. "That Carol was gonna hurt me but she was fuzzy of the details."
"Go on," he said.
"Mystique turned to her classic knee-jerk reaction," she said, before yawning.
"Which was?"
"Assassin," she answered, as she finally opened her eyes.
"Of course," he sighed.
"I was real headstrong way back when. I just couldn't stand the thought of Mystique fighting my battles for me. Wanted ta prove myself capable of handling things on my own," she explained.
"How old were you?" he asked.
"Fifteen," she sighed.
"You were merely a child," he commented as he brushed her hair out of her face.
"Yeah, and a dumb one at that," she said matter-of-factly. "I found her in San Francisco and I held onta her for a real long time. Too long. I didn't just make a copy of her consciousness, Max. I ripped her mind from her body and put it inta mine," she said. "It was hell, sharing a body with that woman. We had nothing in common. Every day was a battle ta just be me. She'd take over my body in an instance. I'd wake up days later and-" She paused to let out a sigh.
"Until I removed her consciousness?" he asked.
"Ah-huh," she said, her face lighting up. "The only salvation I ever needed, Max, was your," she smiled before lifting herself up and pressed her lips to his.
"Charles didn't help you," he said, wanting to test her account.
"My abilities are outta his comfort zone. The night I showed up on the X-Men's doorsteps," she said, glancing past him. "Begging for help," she said as her eyes became distant. "Charles didn't see a fellow mutant desperate for his help. No," she said, her eyes narrowing as tears formed in her ducts, "He saw a golden opportunity to subjugate his enemy," she said bitterly.
Unsure how to respond, he reached up and wiped the cornered of her eyes. Her eyes flashed to his. A sad smile graced her face as she took his hand. Her eyes closed as she placed a kiss on his palm.
"Keeping me close," she continued as he cupped her cheek, "meant he could take his time and restore a copy of Carol's mind ta her own body. I wouldn't've minded that but he didn't do it right. She had her memories but no emotional attachment to any of it. She ended up leaving earth altogether while Charles strung me along for over a decade in hopes for a cure he couldn't provide," she said.
"I hated him for it," she said bitterly. "'Cause, it wasn't just about him and me. The X-Men had become my family. There were so many people I loved who had never wronged me. Not to mention, my life's work was centered around the school. Every kid that came through that door, I'd absorb 'em and develop an individualized curriculum so they could get control over their powers. And when I went back to Charles and asked for help with mine-"
"He stalled," he finished as he caressed her cheek.
"Every goddamn time," she said. "This go around, I couldn't let my powers be a factor. I don't know what I would've done if he had lied to my face again," she said.
"Thankfully, you never gave him the chance," he finished. She shook her head sadly.
"Do you think it's fair of me to hold something Charles did in another life against him?" she asked.
"My dear, you've done no such thing," he said. "You're wary of giving him your trust, rightfully so. Still, you support his work and his home. I see no fault in your actions," he answered. She smiled at that before pressing her lips to his.
"You always know just what a girl needs to hear," she commented before yawning again. "Max, it's the middle of the night," she said, hinting.
"What are the Avengers?" he asked, regardless.
"Fury's pet project, a super-powered team. With you and Charles delaying things, he hasn't felt the need to form it yet. After everything with Apocalypse, it's only a matter of time before he comes knocking about his initiative," she said before yawning. "It's early, and I have school tomorrow. Pretenses have to be maintained," she said drowsily. He let out an amused huff at that. "Max, can we go back ta sleep now?" she asked.
"Of course," he nodded. "I apologize for waking you," he said.
"No, I get it," she mumbled as she settled back against his chest. His hand rested on her shoulder as they cuddled together. "Good night."
"Good night, dear," he said before placing a kiss on her forehead. He closed his eyes and turning his head towards hers as he settled upon the pillow.
Sleep quickly followed.
Thank you for reading! Please let me know your thoughts!
Guest: Thank you! It was a crazy coincidence- I kinda loved it! Thank you for the compliment! I'm so glad you're enjoying it and I hoped you liked this chapter too!
Little Red Dove: You're making me a gift! ^.^ :Happy Dance: I'm so excited! Thank you!
I love that you're rereading it! Gaining new insight on old chapters is exactly what I'm going for :) Thank you as always for your review. Can't wait to see what you think of this one!