Chapter 8, "Cry"
By: RogueBHS
A/N: Sorry about the delay in updates, as I was finishing up my Evolution-verse story. Whoa. That's 4 stories that I've finished. And that leaves 2 that I'm working on. Hehe. Ahh, more time for this baby, ain't that great news? LOL. Sorry...too much caffine for me. I'm going to attempt to keep this a rather sober chapter, so don't say I didn't warn you. The second half of this chapter is a flashback, so once again, you're forewarned.
By noon the day after Rogue's quick departure from the rec room, everyone had finally learned of some of the best news they had recieved in a good while. Granted, that was partially because Jean had screamed it at the top of her lungs in anger, but still...It did count. What had ticked the resident red-head off was that the resident Southern Belle was no longer in need of gloves to prevent her powers from kicking on at the slightest touch. Which meant that Scott could touch Rogue...or worse yet, kiss her.
To the best of everyone's knowledge though, Rogue hadn't kissed any of the men, with the exception of the professor and Beast. That was on the cheek though, so it didn't count. After all, Remy was certain that Rogue would be with him again now that her powers were in check. If only he knew what the next few months and years would bring. (A/N: *hint* *hint* There's 11 parts left in this thing)
Storm was extremely happy for her friend, and had tried to talk Rogue into a shopping trip, but Rogue had rather flatly refused. There had been no explanation, no "sorry," or ask for a raincheck, just a simple "no." Needless to say, Ororo was rather puzzled at this, but knowing Rogue, she figured it was simply a bad day for her. As the professor had said, Rogue's powers might have been under control, but the voices still were present.
Rogue had been scheduled for one session a day with the professor to ensure that she didn't loose the control, and was in a session right now as a matter of fact. After Jean's last outburst, the Professor had sent her to the Massachusetts Academy to help teach the Gen X kids, and hopefully remind her exactly why she became an X-woman in the first place.
Storm really couldn't completely blame Jean for her loss of temper, though. After all, as Rogue had pointed out, Jean hadn't recieved the attention and care that Scott had after they had divorced. Storm knew how it hurt to be replaced in a man's heart all too well. Rogue adamantly refused any romantic connections between herself and Scott, and Storm wanted to believe that was true.
Jean had lost her place as the favorite X-woman, and as the main woman in Scott's life within the space of a year. Rogue was now holding both titles without even realizing that she had the first one. Then again, the past year had been full of changes for Rogue as well.
Gaining control of the powers she had absorbed in the past, a seemingly final breakup with Remy, a new friendship with Scott, a renewed friendship with Storm (albeit a shaky one), and other things were all unexpected. Rogue had fought hard when she had been voted in as the head of the X-men a few years ago during an absence of Storm, Cable, Jean and Scott. But she hadn't fought one bit when she had been elected to the senior team. Storm contributed that fact to Rogue's growing maturity level.
Rogue was no longer acting like the child she had been when she joined the team, and her self pity had disappeared not long after she started getting closer to Scott. That was probably because she realized there were others in the same boat as her when it came to a lack of control. But control wasn't the problem any more, which is why Rogue's additude bothered Storm so much. A simple shopping trip with a friend was something Rogue had always enjoyed, and it wasn't like the Southern woman to brush Storm off like that. Something was definitely amiss.
Flashback
Rogue kept the tears in check as she went flying up the stairs, getting as far away from Storm and Remy as she could. Ororo knew how she hated to speak abotu the collars and why they made her so jumpy, but still she had pressed on. She wasn't paying attention to anyone that she passed, despite the odd look she recieved from Warren and Betsy, but both had the curtisy to keep their mouths shut. It wasn't until she felt something grab her arm that she stopped suddenly.
It was Scott, so she made the consession to land. Without a word, he slid his arm around her waist and walked with her to her room, understanding that it must be serious. He played the gentleman well, and even opened the door for her then moved aside to let her enter. Once she had, he walked in and closed the door behind them. Still silent, he took a seat in the overstuffed chair Rogue had realized he favored, and watched her stand in the middle of the room, unsure of whether to sit on her bed or on the desk chair.
Scott made the decision easy, and tugged her closer to him, knowing she'd follow the lead and sit in his lap. Most of the others would have found it odd that they sat like that so often when they talked, but Rogue and Scott didn't care. When the discussion was serious, having the other close enough to hug or hold just made the words flow easier.
Rogue sighed and curled up in his lap, resting her head against his as she thought about how to best explain what had happened. Her fear of collars wasn't something Rogue had talked about with Scott before, but now, it seemed the time.
When Rogue started to speak, Scott listened attentively, as he had for every conversation the two of them had shared. When she told of a time, back before the X-men, when the collars had been used against her, he spoke up in anger. And when she told him of what really happened in Genosha, he all but came out of the chair in outrage. He held her tightly when she cried, and kissed the top of the head, whispering that it was the past, and that no one would hurt her now.
Rogue looked up at him and managed a watery smile. "How is it ya always know what t' say t' meh sugah?"
He smiled. "Its a gift."
When he touched his bare forehead to hers, Rogue pulled back in shock, expecting the transfer of his psyche to start. But nothing happened. Curious, Rogue leaned forward again, and put their foreheads together again. Still nothing but the feel of cool, smooth skin against her own. Amazed, Rogue slowly peeled of a glove and let it fall to her lap before intwining her fingers with Scott's. Their eyes met, and a slow smile formed on Scott's lips.
Rogue tilted her head, looking at their joined hands, but still not quite believing what she was seeing. "Ah wondah how..."
Scott shrugged and slid his other hand along her face, amazed at the smooth feel of it. He had always admired the way she seemed to take care of her skin, and many years of rarely seeing the sun had kept her paler than the other X-women. But then, that only added to her Southern Belle style. After all, women of the Old South had slathered buttermilk on their skin to keep it soft and free of the freckles they had thought to be caused by the sun.
Rogue smiled. "Ah dunno eithah, but Mystique did make sure Ah knew one thang." When Scott gave her a curious look, Rogue's smile broadened. "Nevah kick a gift horse in th' mouth."
Scott smiled and nodded in agreement. "She was right. And this is a gift. One you deserve, Rogue. I hope you know that."
Rogue's smile faded. "Its one you deserve too, Scott. Ah only wish Ah knew how t' help."
His hand cupped her chin. "You've already done enough just being there when I needed."
End Flashback