Chapter Six
Intimidation
Perched on the edge of the pool, Rogue waded her bare feet in the crisp water, dragging the tips of her toes. She was fully clothed in a pair of khakis, black blouse, gloves and scarf. She had rolled the hems of her pants halfway up her calves, conscious of her surroundings. If any one even contemplated taking a swim, she planned on zipping out of there quicker than lightening.
She heard footfalls approaching her from behind and she withdrew her feet, planning on hiding them away back into her leather boots. A hand restrained her, falling on her shoulder with a gentle squeeze. "Is this seat taken?" her gruff companion asked, settling his solid form beside her.
Rogue shrugged, hugging her knees to her slender body, gazing out over the water towards the professionally groomed bushes and roses alongside the fence. "Are you ok?"
He waved her off, smirking. "Don't worry about it, kid. This isn't the first time I've fainted from the mere feel of your tender touch."
She snorted, glancing up at him through hooded eyes. "Don't tease, Logan. One of these days I may just kill you with the 'mere feel' of my 'tender touch'." She sighed, resting her chin on her knees. "Have they told you about what happened?" she whispered tentatively, dreading the conversation she knew had to be addressed.
He licked his lips, reaching his hand into his worn brown leather jacket to retrieve a cigar. "Yeah." He patted his pockets for a lighter. "Xavier said you didn't want to go on missions anymore." He lit his poison and took a long drag, wishing for once that it would affect him like it did everyone else. "Rogue, I don't want you putting yourself in a situation you're not comfortable with, but you can't hide from who you are."
"Look who's talking," she griped bitterly.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean," he barked defensively, glaring at her.
"Nothing," she mumbled, flicking a piece of lint off her sleeve.
"I don't hide from who I am, Rogue. I'm searching for who I am. You're luckier than you realize. You've got a history. You know who you are."
"Do I," she inquired honestly, finally gazing straight into his liquid brown eyes that were tainted with a frost of green; and recognizing just how mystical and passionate they were. She'd noticed it before, of course, but never had it struck her so profoundly just how intense and beautiful his gaze was.
"Rogue," he breathed, taking in the sight of her open heart, trusting him with her fragility. "You've got so much to offer; and not just to the X-men. And I'm not referring to your power. Why do you constantly beat yourself up? So you can't touch with your skin, but you exceed passed that be reaching out with your heart." He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. "You're a very special woman, Marie."
They both caught their breaths; staring at each other and feeling the tension sweep in. An invisible tug wound itself around them and Logan leaned in slightly, bending his head by a hair's breadth, never breaking eye contact with the woman who watched him with exposed emotions of fear and yearning.
Suddenly Logan backed off, clearing his throat and taking an overextended puff of his cigar. What the hell just happened? "So, what do you say, Rogue? Are you still on the team?" Damn, I need a drink.
She stared dumbfounded at him. "Uh…I need more time, but I won't give it up." She glanced nervously away, chewing on her lower lip. What the hell just happened?
End Chapter Six
Hehehehe…short and cruel…
Vyktorya07: Yeah, I realized I spelled it wrong, but didn't want to bother with the reposting. Is that ok? And I'm thrilled that you're hooked. I hope I can continue to capture your attention. AsderBlair: That is by far one of the sweetest and kindest reviews I've ever received. But you really flatter me too much: I don't deserve to be on the same pedestal as brilliant Brian Singer. Monica Gellar: Thank you! And the X-files is my favorite TV show (screw the fact it's over)! I'm holding my breath for the movie sequel (supposedly) due out this June. Galxychld: I was hoping people would enjoy that – even though it's not cartoon-correct! But this ISN'T based on the cartoon now is it? Nope, so why not in the movie-verse can she just obtain her ability to fly?