Plans

            Rogue stared longingly out the window.  It was a beautiful day spring day.  The sun shone brightly, birds chirped happily, and the laughter of the younger students filled the air.  Outside Ororo was making everyone play basketball in order to work on 'teamwork skills' despite the fact that it was spring break.  Rogue had made some excuses in order to ditch class.  Now she stood alone in the gym, watching others have fun.

            Sighing, Rogue turned away from the window to return to her training.  Ever since she lost control of her powers she had a desperate need to be constantly alone.  Rogue stared at the punching bag in front of her.  It was her favorite piece of equipment; somehow the bag just seemed to make her relax.  Rogue smiled at the thought, she use to tease Logan about how he always would train when he was stressed yet now it was she who used the gym 24/7.  The smile disappeared at the thought of Logan, Rogue knew he forgave her, but it still hurt to look at her teammates.  She threw herself at the bag, punching, kicking, and swearing.  Visions of all the people that had betrayed her filled her mind. 

            "I have to get stronger, so strong that I'll never have to use my powers," Rogue thought bitterly.

            Slowly her rage calmed.  She stopped punching to look at her throbbing hands.  The thin gloves that she had been wearing were now ripped and torn, as was the skin beneath.  Blood slowly dripped from her hands to the floor.  The stinging pain felt good though.  With every drop of blood Rogue felt her anger dispense.

            "Beaten' yourself up isn't going to help Stripes," a deep voice spoke.

            Rogue spun around quickly and let out a small gasp.  Standing in the doorway stood a gruff looking man, about 5'3", with black hair and eyes.  He was dressed in a cowboy hat, jeans, and a dark blue shirt.  Rogue put on a fake smile, "Logan.  Hi.  What are you doing here?  I thought you were going to be gone all week on some mission."

            "Finished early," Logan growled.

            "Oh, great."

            Rogue looked at the ground.  Logan was definitely the last person she wanted to see.  Ever since the incident, she had avoided him, afraid that she might hurt him in some way.  Logan had told her again and again that he forgave her, as did the others, but she just didn't feel comfortable around him anymore.  An uneasy silence settled between them. 

            She could feel his eyes burning into her, yet she avoided looking at him.  Slowly Rogue made her way to the door, hoping to slip away.  She realized that he wasn't moving out of her way so Rogue spoke up her intentions, "Um, anyway I guess I'll be going now…"

            Logan shook his head and motioned for her to sit, "Look, Stripes, I've been wanting to talk to you about something and I need you to listen real good.  Why don't you sit down.  Its about your powers," Rogue mumbled something but Logan ignored her, "I think that I found a way to control your powers.  Thing is the Professor doesn't like it and…"

            Rogue leaned onto the wall beside her for support,"You mean I can control my powers?  You're not lying to me right?  You really found a way?"

            "That's right but like I said, the Professor won't like it."

            Rogue looked desperately at Logan.  This was something she had wanted all her life, something she would sacrifice anything in order to have, "To touch, to hug, and to kiss.  I would be normal person.  I'd never have to worry about hurting my friends.  I could have a relationship with Scott…" Rogue thought longingly, her body slowly sliding down the wall she had been leaning on.

            "Still listening there, Stripes?" Logan asked.

            Rogue lifted her head, exposing all the tears that were streaming down her face, and smiled, "Oh Logan, you don't know what this means to me."

            Suddenly she jumped up and wrapped her arms around a very startled Logan.  She could feel his body tense; he wasn't use to physical contact.  Slowly he placed his arms on her shoulders and pried her off. 

            "Oh, sorry," Rogue spoke, blushing with embarrassment.

            Logan gave a little growl and motioned her to sit again "Like I was trying to say, you remember that machine Magneto built in order to enhance mutant powers?" Rogue nodded.  "Well I had been tracking Sabertooth when I came across this old lab of Magneto's, the same lab that he just happened to do some of his research on the X-gene in."

            "I don't understand how that is going to help me," Rogue started.

            "You'll find out if you stop interrupting.  Do you remember those gems that he used to make the enhancers with?"  Again Rogue nodded.  "Well in his lab I found some of those 'Gems of Cyttorak'.  Hank thinks he can design a ring out of those gems that will help you control your powers."

            "Great, so what's the problem?"

            "Problem is that for a normal mutant, like Scott, Alex, Sabertooth, and Mystique, they lose control of their emotions while there bodies get stronger though the mutation.  However, Hank believes that because of your 'extreme powers' that just wearing a ring won't harm your mind or body.  Said something like it would only nullify the X-gene's power slightly so that it can be fully controlled, or something like that, I wasn't really listening.  Anyways, the Professor says it could still be dangerous to tamper with something of Magneto's, but he agrees that it is your decision as long as there are no harmful side effects.  So, what do you think?"

            "Lets do it!  I'll give anything just to have control."

            "It will not be an immediate control, Stripes.  You'll have to work hard strengthening both your mind and body.  There are also a few conditions, no more skipping your training, no more skipping your classes, and no more skipping your curfew.  Also you'll have to do some one-on-one training with me every night.  It won't be easy, but I think you're tough enough to handle it.  Any questions?" Rogue shook her head, "Good then let's go tell Hank."

            Rough nodded, her face glowing with happiness despite all the goth make-up, " Logan, you're the best.  I don't know how I can ever make this up to you"

            They stood up.  Suddenly Rogue hugged Logan again then lifted her scarf to her lips.  She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, she pulled back, smiled, then turned and ran down the hall to Hank's lab.  Logan's eyes followed her as she left.

            "Poor girl, if anyone deserves to be normal it's Rogue," Logan thought with a smile.  Shaking his head, he turned to follow her down the hall.