Chapter Eleven
Confession
Days slipped by turning into stressful weeks as the team continued to chase the elusive disc. Rogue, however, her power manifesting to maturity, sought out further training. With Storm and Xavier as her devoted and patient mentors, she was slowly grasping the control over her new ability.
Logan was a silent supporter, observing her as she strained herself with her exercises. He would lean against a tree, post, or wall with a cigar clenched between his teeth, watching the young woman with intensity as she darted around trees, occasionally landing on a high branch to catch her breath.
Rogue knew he was there even when she couldn't see him. He came out everyday smoking his cigar and never retreated back into the sanctuary of the mansion until she was finished. They would walk inside together: him mumbling compliments or constructive criticisms, and she would listen attentively to his comments. Then she would disappear into a bathroom to shower while he went to the kitchen to prepare her a bite to eat.
It was a dreary afternoon – and their moods weren't much better – as Logan finished topping a combination sub with Italian dressing. Pressing the sandwich together, he didn't look up when Rogue staggered into the room. "You were drifting."
She plopped onto the nearest stool, irritation welling up. "Don't start with me again, Logan. I was fine and you know it." She pressed her pointer finger against the plate and dragged it towards her: her stomach gurgling at the sight of fresh bread and condiments.
"You can't be fine anymore, kid. You need to be perfect. If you can't stay in a straight line now then how will you manage during a fight? They'll be a hell of a lot more distractions. You'll be switching directions sharply and…"
"Ok, dad. Thanks for the lecture." Rogue took a large bite of her sub, the salad dressing dripping from the end onto her hand.
Logan reached over with a towel and wiped the dressing away. "Look, Rogue, it ain't only for your own damn safety." He tossed the cloth to the side and pressed his palms to the table, leaning closer to her. "You have to consider the team. I don't want to have to count on you if you can't do it."
"But I can," she objected, dropping the sandwich back onto the plate. "I can do it, Logan and you know what? I think that scares you."
He drew back, a denial forming on his lips, but Rogue cut him off. "You're scared shitless, Logan. Flying means I can just up and go."
Logan grinded his teeth as his eyes hardened and his muscles tensed. "Damn straight, kid. You can go where I can't follow. So who's going to look after you?"
"I don't need looking after, Logan," she said, growing impatient. She sighed, soothing out her nerves and continued more calmly. "I know you have this…this…thing about protecting me and I love it – I really do. You looked after me when I had no one – alone, scared, and cold. But I'm not that girl, anymore. I've grown up."
"Who gives a shit," he growled.
Rogue smiled, rolling her eyes before standing on her toes and flinging her arms around his neck. "I care about you, too."
Logan grunted, feeling more and more uncomfortable at her proximity. He never dealt with affection well. He cleared his throat, stepping back, but was stunned when she didn't let go. Now at her arms length away, he gazed questionably into her eyes. What do you want?
"Logan, I…what…"
He shook his head.
Rogue released him and shifted her weight. "Say, Dr. McCoy thinks that with my evolving mutation I may one day…" she glanced away and murmured: "Not that it matters." She twisted the hem of her black shirt around her fingers.
"What?"
"He thinks," she whispered, "that one day I may gain control of my skin."
He better be pretty DAMN sure! Because if it's false hope… "That's great, kid."
"Yeah, I guess," she replied sorrowfully.
"Hey, come on," he hooked a curved finger under her chin and lifted her face up to meet his. "It's what you always wanted." He drew his finger back as he felt the pull of her absorption.
"But does it really matter if I have no one to touch?"
Damn, kid, you have me, he thought.
Rogue peered into his eyes, then sighed. "I'll catch you later. I promised Bobby I would watch Spiderman with him – again. I swear that boy is obsessed."
Logan opened his mouth then closed it. He watched as she walked away, the urge to say something overwhelming him to the point that he couldn't form any words. Desperate, he went to cry out her name: "I love you, Marie!"
End Chapter Eleven
Saxonny: Before the movies, I was a pure R/G fan, too. In the cartoon, they had such chemistry. I never considered a R/W, especially considering I didn't particularly care for Wolverine. But the movies made him a likeable, charming, handsome man who is perfect for movie-version Rogue. g Listen to me babble. g Anyway, thank you so much for your review. I'm thrilled you liked it even if you aren't a R/W fan.
Substantivo: I'm aware of the fires. I'm not from California, but I do live in America – Pennsylvania to be exact. I hope you haven't suffered any losses due to the fires.
Cassandralee1984: 1984? Was that the year you were born, or do you really like the book 1984? I'm guessing the first. I was born in 1984, too. Anyway, I'm glad you're liking the story!
Boredwithreality: I promise there will be more romance up ahead. This is, after all, a Rogue/Logan story. /smiles/ Do you think you can bear with me just a little longer?
Wapps921: All I can say is: I try. AND THANK YOU!
Galxychld: I'm so excited that you enjoyed so much of the last couple chapters. I hope I keep you entertained.