For a few minutes, Rogue allowed her strong facade to crumble. It hurt so much to see him like this, so tortured and helpless, but what hurt most at the moment was the fresh doubts in her mind.

She couldn't do this. It was too hard; it hurt too much.

He was so broken, shattered; she didn't think she had it in her to pick up all the pieces. Worse than that, there was a small part of her hiding in the shadows that simply didn't want to. This part actually blamed him completely for his actions. He had chosen to follow Apocalypse. He had allowed that beast to transform him into a monster. Even if his mind was no longer his own after this point, if he hadn't made these choices, Death wouldn't have killed all those people. This small part of her would never forgive him for that.

Or maybe it was herself that she shouldn't forgive. How often had she pushed him away? How often had she seen him relegated to the background and said nothing? What had she done that had prevented him from coming to her first with his choice and his reasons? No, she was no innocent either, especially not with what she was currently thinking.

It would be so easy to just get up and walk out. She could return to the X-Men, claim a lapse of judgment and be welcomed back with open arms. She could cry on Logan's shoulder, stay up the rest of the night talking with Bobby, and finally curl up in her own bed in her own room where she was warm and safe. No, not her room; their room.

Sure, it would be easy to walk out on him, leaving him to fend for himself again, but everywhere she looked she would be reminded of him. Every minute of every day she would sit and wonder where he was and how he was coping. Every night her heart would ache as she wondered where he was spending his night. Would he be thinking of her as well? Or would his memories continue to haunt his every thought until it all became too much?

She had to stay. Whenever she had needed him, he had been there for her. He had helped her through her own bout of blindness; had sought her out after awakening from the coma she had put him in; he had forgiven her for leaving him to die, and saw it as a new chance at life when she had stolen heaven away from him. She was as much to blame for their rocky relationship as he was, maybe even more so, and now when he needed her most she was considering leaving him without a word.

Disgusted with herself, Rogue roughly brushed away the remnants of her tears. Rooting through the duffle bag of clothing, she found a pair of dark sweatpants and a t-shirt. Getting to her feet, she straightened her back and rolled her shoulders. Holding her head up high, she walked resolutely the few steps back to the bathroom door.

"Ah got some clothes, but we're gonna have ta pick up a few thangs tamorrow. Toothbrushes and tha like," she announced, pushing the door open and stepping inside once again. She'd have to slip out early and pick up some garbage bags and cleaning supplies to tidy up the room and dispose of the old clothing before checkout time. Luckily, she'd grabbed her wallet in her rush, though she had no idea where Remy's was. Probably in his duster, with his X-Men uniform, presumably lost forever.

He was sitting on the toilet lid, his head lowered and his hands held, palm up, before him. At the sound of her voice he slowly lowered them. At least he'd had the presence of mind to cover up. He seemed still able to function in some aspects. He had gotten out of the tub and dried off without her assistance. She just wished she knew how deeply his mind was affected.

"Now Ah'm gonna let ya get dressed, then Ah'm gonna have ta shoo ya on outta here," Rogue continued, her voice sounding peppy and energetic, a direct contrast to the exhaustion she felt inside. Even though he wasn't watching her, she lifted her arm up and, turning her head to the side, sniffed loudly before waving her hand in front of her face. "Ah'm in desperate need of a shower myself."

It's always strange how easy it is to fall back on humour at the worst of times. Holding the pile of clothing out to him, she didn't make a move to leave just yet.

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A/N: It appears the first night is gonna end with Part nine, so this puts us over half way there! Where our heroes go from there is anyone's guess. ;D Now, for reviews!

Loneraven: I often wonder if any of the J&Q crew read this, so thanks for your steadfast reviews! Glad you're findin' the characterizations believable.

Anamarie: You're very welcome! ;) seriously, though, the way Marvel often treats this connection and the way some fans want Rogue to move on instantly just wounds me. You don't move on from the love of your life at the drop of a hat, and a connection like that just doesn't go away. It may get strained over time, but I can't believe that it would disappear. Thank you for the encouragement that others feel this way as well.

ishandahalf: ooh, yes. Easy resolutions are never fun nor believable, and one persons actions can have lasting affects on many people. Thanks for the review!

RemysRogue: I was wonderin' how far I'd get into this thing before someone made that suggestion. Chapter 4, not bad. Only took me three chapters to get a veiled threat. winks at Prexistence As of yet, I cannot confirm or deny the touch factor. I'm pretty much keepin' all options open, and lettin' the characters write themselves, so my actual plannin' really doesn't stretch too far ahead. But your suggestion is duly noted, chere. ;)

WhytMagic: Is it wrong of me to take such great pride in makin' others cry? It is a major compliment that I'm able to move ya that much, so thanks bunches, babe! And you and I both know how much I adore bein' unpredictable, so yay for that too! So glad I'm keepin' ya guessin', and that you're enjoyin'!

Tammy: Another thanks for the 'connection' bit. Check my words to Anamarie on that subject. And I hope Gambit's POVs help ya get at least as much of an understanding as he has as to what's goin' on inside him right now. As for when or if they'll start talkin' again, we'll both just have to wait and see. I do love to write his accent, so here's hopin' I'll get the chance!

Rogue14: thanks for the review! Glad you're enjoyin' it!

BJ2: Ah, my favourite former Romy fan. is hugged Your reviews always make me both happy and sad at the same time. It's very odd, but all good. ;D Glad you're feelin' the connection too, darlin'. There story is one that is both heartwrenching and beautiful, and I maintain that there is always hope.