Disclaimer: only the plot belongs to me

A/N: wow…its been over a year…but im really excited and now that its summer again I can write almost everyday

Previously

Rogue led Neo up stair cases and hallways and through a cafeteria until they finally arrived in front of a door.

"Knock," Rogue commanded.

But Before Neo's knuckles touched the door, a voice sounded from within.

"Come in."

Chapter 10: Am I touchable?

Rogue pushed past Neo who stood with an arm outstretched ready to knock. She pushed open the door and Neo followed quickly in her wake, taking in the beautiful room of rich wood and luscious furniture.

Behind a large mahogany desk sat an old man in a wheelchair, dressed in a dark gray suit.

"Hello, Neo. I am Professor Xavier," the man addressed Neo. While Neo stood for a moment pondering what to say to this, the professor added, "And I would like to express my gratitude for your assistence in D.C."

In his innocent, deep, mysterious voice, Neo replied, "To be honest, I didn't know there was already a force of resistence present."

"We are always present to ensure the harmony that exsists between humans and mutants" And to keep Magneto at bay, Professor thought.

Does this man know of the Matrix? His men obviously do not… Neo thought as he reflected on Kurt's "excuse me?" answer to his question, "are you unplugged?" So instead, Neo said, "I've never seen anyone who can stand up to Agents like that".

"Is that what they were, I was just about to ask," Professor commented with interest.

Rogue, sensing the tension in the room blurted out, "Look Professor, Neo, I think we are both on the same side against these 'Agents' and it seems like Neo may be able to shed some light for us, Professor."

That sexy accent made Neo's knees buckle. He quickly regained his stance in front of this powerful man and stated, "Yes, I know them…Him, actually. Agent Smith is a program in exile from the Matrix. He has recopied himself multiple times."

From the confused looks on their faces, Neo could tell that neither Professor Xavier nor Rogue had understood. Neo was about to go into a detailed explanation of the Matrix when he remembered people were not told this information until after they had choose the red pill and been unplugged, as he had once.

So Neo decided to avert the question to learn more about them so he could find out how and if to tell them of their dream world.

"Um…Professor…what exactly is a mutant?"

"We are a species of human that has evolved over the ages. Mutants have extraordinary powers or senses that differentiate them. Many humans view mutants as dangerous, but for the most part we have coexisted peacefully."

"What is your power, if you don't mind me asking, sir," Neo said curiously.

"I can read minds of mutants and humans alike…Although I cannot read yours, Neo."

Neo's first thought was good! Those are private things. But then he understood the professor's answer was more of a question. Why can't he read my mind? The answer came immediately.

"Professor. I am a human, as you can see. I was born in this world and lived in it until recently, when I found out about the Matrix." He took a deep breath. He had never told unplugged people of the Matrix. How would they react to finding out their lives were not real? Everything they knew was not real…

He continued. "The Matrix in the world you and I are in now. But it exists only in our minds. Machines took over the Earth long ago and they built the Matrix to keep humans under control and make them think they are living. But it's just a computer program that they feed into your mind through wires."

Wow, he thought, that was an awful job of explaining things!

"I've never heard of mutants before, and I'm not sure why, but I am sure that you cannot read my mind because I am unplugged from the Matrix. I am not being fed those files through wires. I live on a ship in the real world in the middle of a battle against the machines to free the human race."

Professor Xavier rubbed his eyes and breathed a deep sigh. He had no questions, except about the Agents. "And these 'Agents'…"

Neo continued- "Agents are programs in the Matrix that were created to keep humans under control and kill unplugged humans, like me. However, Agent Smith is a rogue agent that has plans of his own. He copied himself many times. His 'army' is what attacked today. Usually, (Neo hoped he didn't sound like he was bragging) I am the only one who can fight them. I was very surprised at first at how you stood up to them, but now I know that you have special powers."

"Why do you think he was at the inauguration?"

"I'm not sure. But I think it's time I get back to the real world. I will come again tomorrow, I have many more questions."

And with that, Neo got up and swiftly strode out of the room. He quickly glanced at Rogue, who had sat stunned throughout their conversation.

Rogue muttered, "Bye, Professor," quickly before hurrying out the door after Neo.

"Neo…wait!" She called down the hall as he was pulling out his cell phone to determine an exit.

He abruptly stopped and turned, gazing at Rogue as she caught up to him.

He remembered that he didn't even know her name yet. And he was suddenly filled with a longing to know everything about her.

"Will you tell me your name now?" Neo said with the hint of a grin.

"My parents named me Marie, but people call me Rogue…because of my power." Why did I tell him my birth name? No one calls me that. No one even knows that.

"And what is your power?" Neo asked quietly, taking a step closer, not sure whether the subject of powers was private among mutants.

"It's very rare. When I touch humans, I draw the life out of them. When I touch mutants, I draw out their powers, temporarily transferring their power to me."

For some strange reason, Neo felt terribly disappointed. When he had first laid eyes on her, he had felt an immediate connection. Rogue avoided looking at Neo as she said,

"But Professor's power didn't work on you…so I was thinking…"

Neo knew what she was thinking. She glanced quickly at Neo and as she did, Neo bent his head, taking her chin in one hand, and kissed her.

Find out what happens…in the next chapter! whohoo! Review! Thanks!