John couldn't deny the fact that he had been a lot happier since that kiss. It had been two days, and since then he had found himself caring less about 'World Domination' and the sorts. Instead, he tended to spend most of his time with Rogue. Let Magneto fight his own war. However, inside he had a very deep regret. That by playing along with whatever they had planned, she would one day snap out of it. Then hate him. He wasn't quite sure he could handle that. After all, he had been taken to her that first day she arrived at Xavier's…instead, however, she had chosen Bobby. Then she was his best friend—the three had pretty much been inseparable.
And then here he was, with her. But in truth, was he really with her, considering the fact that it wasn't actually by her own free will? It bugged him, yet he didn't bother telling her the truth. Not only would she most likely hate him, she'd try and leave again. And never speak to him again.
His other thought, however, was as to why Magneto did it. Made her think she was with him, that is. After all, the man hadn't done it for his sake; that was for sure. He didn't do anything unless it supported the cause of all mutants. Sure, he got a good end of the stick, yet it didn't necessarily mean that it would come out great in the end. Sighing, he looked back where Rogue was talking to Callisto. The two had been sent to direct a few of the recruits.
When they broke apart, Rogue came towards him, crossing her eyes and sticking out her tongue playfully. Even with the memory fix, Callisto definitely wasn't her favorite person. That made John happier still. Atleast he wasn't stuck alone with his frustrated feelings once more.
"What'd she want?" he asked, keeping his expression neutral so she couldn't sense what he was thinking about. He made sure not to hold any of their touches too long…he didn't need her finding out on her own what had actually happened. Not only would he lose her, but Magneto would probably also kill him.
Snickering, Rogue shook her head before rolling her eyes, glancing at Callisto's back quickly before facing John again. "Just talking about how incapable all the fools are. Perhaps we'll get lucky and a meteor shower will crash into the Earth, taking them out as well as the X-Men."
Every time she talked about the X-Men like that, he found himself cringing mentally. She was so set on destroying them—whatever Mastermind had put into her head, it must have been really bad. She didn't save mercy for any of them. Still, he forced a smile, shaking his head before taking her gloved hand into his before sighing. He really couldn't do it anymore. Leading her away, he looked at her as if wondering whether or not he really should do it before he sighed.
"Rogue, I really need to talk to you."
Frowning as she noted his seriousness, she tilted her head to the side. "John, what is it?"
Before he could respond, however, he heard another voice behind him. "Yes, John, what is it?"
His heart nearly came up to his throat as he recognized the voice of none other than Magneto.
"I was going to ask her something important…and rather private."
He himself was shocked that he actually said this to Magneto's face, yet proud that he didn't stutter or seem guilty. After all, the man couldn't pin anything on him for this quite yet. But Magneto seemed to take this full-heartedly, almost as though he was making sure that John didn't have a chance to screw anything up.
"Oh, you're asking her now?"
A confused look passed both Rogue and John's faces, yet Magneto continued with his story. "I mean, I heard you and Callisto arguing about it yesterday—I distinctly remember her saying you guys were a bit too young. However, I don't see the harm in it. Honestly, you're both seventeen. Not to mention she's saved the world once, and now you're both in the middle of a war a man of twenty-five wouldn't be able to handle. Human, that is."
Neither of the two seemed to be getting the drift, yet Eric had a distinct smug expression. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a ring. John blinked slightly. He was putting the pieces together, and he was about ready to hit the man for putting him into the position. That, and he wondered what he was doing carrying an engagement ring around—which made him realize that there was a lot more to Magneto he had to learn.
Handing it to John, he nodded. "Why don't you do the honors before we properly make an announcement?"
If he didn't risk being completely annihilated at that moment, John was certain that he would burn the man before him to death. He was in no position to ask this of Rogue, and he had definitely not intended it, either. Which just screwed up everything even more. Turning to look at Rogue, desperately trying to send some sort of message…to hint that this wasn't what he was trying to do, he noted she had a coy smile on her lips.
"If it helps any, I'm going to say yes."
Freezing, he felt like he could slap himself. Or burn up the forest—yeah, that seemed like a good idea. There was no way in hell he intended on marrying her…and if she knew the truth, she'd give him a friendly hug in a heartbeat. Glancing at Magneto, however, and noting the look of warning, he sucked in his breath. "Er…Rogue…will you—uh," pausing, he found Magneto's hand on his shoulder, directing him to kneel. Cringing, he sighed. "Rogue, will you marry me?"
Smiling again, she nodded, breathing 'yes' and he shakily put the ring on her finger. As she gave him a hug, he found himself close to being sick. Magneto, however, had a triumphant look on his face, and that was when John knew. Rogue wasn't the only pawn here—he was, too.
And Magneto was using him to keep Rogue with them, whether or not she had any memories left.
"Ah, how lovely," Magneto chuckled as if he was the father of the blushing bride. "Now, if you will come with me, we'll announce it to the army. After all, we'll need some celebration. We attack tomorrow."
With those words, he led the two over to the hill. And John found himself turning absolutely red—not from embarrassment, but anger. While Rogue took his hand, however, dragging him along, he found a smile creeping at the corner of his lips. He wasn't sure if he was actually doing the righteous thing—but hey, he wasn't complaining.
In fact, he didn't mind the round of wolf whistles that came from the crowd of mutants when Magneto made the announcement, and Rogue and him dove in for a quick kiss.
Maybe he wasn't making the right decision, but it sure felt good.
There it is! The next chapter will be more of an overview of all the character's feelings before the battle...and then onto the main climax and end...hope you enjoyed this chapter. It's all mainly Magneto's twisted thoughts. You see, he isn't doing this for John. It's to keep Rogue there either way...haha. R/R!