Title: A Spark Of Good From The Burn Of Evil

Rating: FRT
Disclaimer: I own Ashley, nothing more. Just the idea.
Spoilers: X1, X2, X3

Summary: Your past is the blueprint for your future. Rogue knew this better than anyone. Future fic. Ryro, slight RoLo, Bobby/Roge vibes.

Most characters will have a slight bit of OOC, but given the storyline, I don't know how they'd react to this situation.

I changed a few things from the movie, so it's possible AU.


Dust, metal plaques and broken glass littered the rear hallway in the adult quarters of the mansion.

Ashley and Rogue were pinned to the wall with Pyro's body shielding them, from the elevator door that Magneto had used as a projectile.

With her back flush against John's chest, Marie relished in the irony. Even with the mini battle going on and the destructive force of Magneto, she still felt safe. John had his hands positioned against the wall on both sides of her shoulders, boxing both her and Ashley in, as if it was the most indestructible guard to exist.

She told herself he was only doing this to protect his child, but somewhere deep inside, she hoped there was something more.

As the noise from the battle subsided, Marie became aware of the deep, shallow breathing she herd…or more of felt. The hair at the base of her neck moved with every breathe John took with his nose almost buried in her hair.

Though, this was a minor distraction from Ashley's shaking. Marie ran her fingers through the girl's hair and bent her head down as best she could.

"Shh…it's okay, honey."

When the only sounds that could be heard was the ragged breaking of four adults and a child, John moved away, but only slightly, from the bodies he was huddled up against.

Turning his head to look around, Pyro surveyed the hall. Plaque projectiles slept motionless on the floor, the elevator door missile rest a mere three inches from their feet, black burnt wood lay exposed to all from underneath the carpet Magneto stood on. And Magneto? He was no where to be seen.

Musta figured he was outnumbered, John mused.

"Everyone ok?" asked Wolverine who had Storm protectively in his arms from behind a statue.

"Yeah, we're good." Broke in Rogue, who Pyro completely forgot he was up against.

Moving away, he gave room to Marie as Ashley jumped into her arms.

The clambering of feet brought their attention to the stairwell. At least fifteen students stood in their pajamas with eyes wide and mouths hung open.

"What happened?" said a student with rainbow coloured hair. "We heard lots of noise, but Kevin…" the oldest student at the mansion, "…told us to stay downstairs." Said another.

"It's nothing. Now, go back to bed." Said Storm as she ushered the children down the stairs. "We'll explain tomorrow."

Once Storm and the children were out of sight, Marie went over to John, who stood idle since the battle ended, and placed a comforting hand on his jacket covered arm.

"You okay?"

"Yeah." Pyro nodded as he watched Ashley fidget in her mother's arms.

The instant Marie sat Ashley down; she put up her arms to John.

Pyro cautiously bent down to pick up the girl, and rested her on his hip. She immediately snuggled into his neck. All the while, Logan keeping a watchful eye on him.

Logan thought it was one of the most bizarre scenes he had ever seen, and being X-Men, he'd seen his fair share. But Pyro holding a 5 year old girl in his arms topped it all.

Rogue on the other hand, felt a swell of happiness rise in her. She was witnessing father-daughter bonding that she thought long impossible. A content grin making its way to her lips.

"I suppose this means we owe you a thanks." Wolverine said when the silence was too much.

"I didn't do this for you." Pyro simply stated. "I did this for her." He said gesturing with his head to the girl in his arms. Though, he also could have been gesturing to the girl's mother who stood beside him. Wolverine wasn't sure.

"Yeah, well…thanks." Said the man with twelve inch claws, and then walked away.

Marie, John, and the now sleeping Ashley were left surrounded by debris in the dimly lit hallway.

Not willing to breach the subject, John gestured to Ashley.

"Shouldn't she be in bed?"

"Yeah."


Once Marie had put Ashley to bed, with John close behind her, they closed the door and stood in the devastated hallway.

"Thank you." Rogue started, softly with her arms crossed.

Pyro nodded.

"Where you ever gonna tell me?" he said after a moment of silence.

"I don't know." Rogue sighed.

"Tell me now." John stated as if he still didn't know.

Marie looked perplexed.

"But you already…"

"Tell me now." Pyro repeated softly.

"Alright." Rogue relented. "John, you're her father."

John shrugged "Was that so hard?"

Marie ran a hand through her hair exasperatedly. "It's more complicated than that. You know it."

"How?" he continued when Rogue looked away. "Because we're on opposite sides? Because you didn't want me to be her father? Because I'm not good enough?"

Of whatever reason, John felt no any animosity or anger towards her. He actually felt sorry that he had to bring this up. This was probably a painful and difficult decision.

For the second time that night, Marie felt tears of frustration beginning to form.

"Because I thought you wouldn't care!" Marie walked to the broken window to lean against the sill.

John followed her and when he reached her, he saw a tear lazily descending down her cheek. Without a hesitation, he reached out and wiped her tears away.

By now it was a quarter passed four and the moon hung low in the sky ready to be replaced by the morning sun. The grounds of the school were coated in a white glow while dark shadows lay haphazardly amongst trees and bushes.

White highlights bathed the pair as they stood looking into the darkness of night. Their body's silhouetted by the moon.

Rogue closed her eyes to the warmth of his touch. Though his fingers only made contact with her skin, just briefly, Marie could feel herself relaxing. It was both a fear and a pleasure that he was never afraid to touch her. She hated that he was so brazen, but loved it all the same.

"You thought I wouldn't care?" John finally said after a few minutes. "What makes you say that?"

Marie just bit her lip.

"Come on, Rogue. Did I give you an indication that I wouldn't care?"

"You didn't know! How could you care?"

"I thought it'd be obvious." John pointed out.

Marie looked at him questioningly.

"What was obvious?"

Pyro looked away and played with a broken piece of glass on the sill.

"That I cared."


2 more chapters left. This is getting sad. 'pulls a tissue and wipes nose' Reviews make me update faster;)

Author's Note: Short, but oh so sweet. Now, we're gonna get to the sensitive Pyro…Eww! I know. But what can ya do.