16
Gambit had been watching Rogue all day again. He missed certain parts when she was in the hallway talking to Jean Grey, but he got most of what had happened from lunch. He'd been hidden in the trees again, expecting Rogue to sit with the cheerleaders. He'd found it strange, however, when she came out of the cafeteria with Kitty Pride. He wondered what she was up to.
Gambit had listened in to her conversation which he found more amusing than yesterday. He especially found it amusing the story she had told about him and this unknown sister of his. She'd made him sound like a real noble guy by the way she explained how he'd defended her from thugs and all. He had to admit, he wasn't as mad at her as much as he was yesterday. He could see she was definitely trying to make things work.
Then, when she brought up her skin condition as a medical condition and nothing else, he thought that was a smart move. Jean seemed to be a lot nicer to Rogue now that she'd made up with Duncan as well. He had to hand it to Rogue for doing what she said she was going to do and getting Duncan and Jean back together.
He didn't like when the X-Men started to ask her out to fairs and shopping though. Luckily, Rogue had been smart enough to brush them off.
He found the story of Colossus being her half-brother to be a funny one as well. The girl sure could keep things entertaining.
But he still wasn't completely over what she had done. Although she seemed to have fended off Duncan for a while, he doubted he would stop pursuing her. He also noticed all the lies she had been telling. He thought that was a tricky business that might get her in trouble if she was caught out. So far, people didn't seem to question her.
Yet, as he watched Risty's expressions, he felt more and more sure about his hunch. Risky didn't seem to like that Rogue was getting all of this positive attention or that she didn't really need her. He especially didn't like the part where her face had almost dropped when Rogue talked about having issues with her mother.
There was a reason he'd asked Colossus to drop Rogue off today and pick her up. Risty, or, perhaps, Mystique was that reason.
When school ended, Gambit tried to follow Risty out of her class through the windows. But, when he waited for her to appear outside like all the other students, he couldn't spot her.
He watched Rogue approach Colossus who seemed to be blushing under that cheerleader who had been calling Rogue over earlier. She was almost jumping him from the looks of it. She was near leaning against him and he almost felt sorry for the big guy.
He saw Rogue's anger as she stomped over there. She seemed to calm down though when Colossus looked over to her. In fact, she'd stopped for a moment and then near ran to him, subtly shoving the cheerleader out of the way as she ran into his arms and hugged Colossus. It was quite a sight, he had to admit, seeing the Rogue so affectionate.
He watched her then bend over, holding her chest. That gave Colossus the chance to play the caring big brother act. He heard mumbles of, "Rogue, are you alright?" from Colossus and "Yeah, just got too excited, I guess," from Rogue.
"You know you have a condition. You should not have done such a thing." He heard Colossus say.
So, Gambit thought, Rogue had told him about the fake skin condition, huh? He wondered what else she'd told him.
Colossus' ushered Rogue into the van, explaining how they would need to see a doctor now. Rogue just played the overly excited younger sister role all the way, leaving a fuming cheerleader behind.
After many of the kids left, he still hadn't seen Risty. Gambit tried searching inside the school for her, but struggled to find her. He cursed under his breath, guessing she had transformed once again and become hidden in the crowd. He'd been searching for an hour or so for her, but he guessed he'd have to wait until tomorrow now to try and find her.
Gambit's phone then buzzed. He looked at his phone to see he had received a text.
Xxxxx
When Rogue and Colossus returned back to the base, Rogue noticed that Gambit wasn't there. Why did it feel like he was mad at her and avoiding her? Rogue tried not to let it bother her.
"What is wrong?" Colossus asked.
He was passing through the kitchen and had bumped into Rogue who looked miserable.
"Oh, nothin'." Rogue said.
She had told Colossus in the car ride back about her day. About how she managed to get the cheerleaders off her back, but now they thought he was single and up for grabs. Colossus had chuckled at that and told her he could handle teenage girls coming onto him. Rogue had raised her eyebrow at that and told him that she thought he needed to take lessons off her to survive girl's flirting with him. Colossus had laughed it off and made a point how he had become friends with her and nothing more. Rogue felt kind of touched to now that they were friends.
She had told him the rest, about Duncan and Jean hooking up this weekend but how there was still a chance Duncan could make a move on her. She kept the X-Men out of it for a reason. She even told him about managing to spread rumours about Gambit and how he was actually a sweet guy.
Colossus had been happy with her progress to calm things at the school. But now he wondered why she looked so upset. Of course, he could make a guess. She had, seemingly, conquered the cheerleaders and Duncan Matthews, but there was one other person she had spoke of yesterday.
"You are thinking of Gambit?" Colossus asked.
Rogue went stiff and didn't reply. Colossus noticed her stiffness though. He understood why Gambit might have been mad with her yesterday, but what he also saw yesterday morning was their playful flirting and how they had both seemed to enjoy it. He wasn't too sure how Gambit felt about Rogue now. He had not given anything away last night when they spoke. But he had a feeling Gambit was a man who could be reasoned with.
"Sometimes, apologising is all that is needed." He said.
Rogue snorted, gathering he knew what was bothering her since she told him about her and Gambit's fall out yesterday.
"I said sorry already. I haven't seen him since yesterday." Rogue said.
Colossus nodded. "Yes, but I do not believe the damage has been mended."
"Ok, now ya really confusin' meh. Ya just said sorry is all it takes." Rogue snapped at him.
"Yes. An honest apology. But an apology can sometimes take time to be understood. Gambit may not have been able to take your apology seriously at the time since you were both upset at one another." Colossus said.
Rogue looked away, unsure.
"Please, trust me when I say this Rogue, I believe it will be best for everyone, but especially, the two of you, if you tried again." He said.
"But he's obviously avoidin' meh! How can I say sorry if he keeps doggin' meh?" Rogue asked.
"I am not sure if he is avoiding you, but I do believe that, eventually, he will return and you can apologise to him again when he does." Colossus said.
"I already said sorry. What'm I supposed ta do? Say it every day?" Rogue asked, throwing her hands up in the air.
"There are other ways of apologising rather than just saying you're sorry." Colossus said as he glanced over to the kitchen.
"If your implin' what I think your implyin', I ain't goin' there." Rogue said, raising her eyebrow and glaring at Colossus for even thinking such a thing.
"No. Nothing like that. I believe, though, that Gambit does like good cooking." Colossus said.
He watched Rogue eye the kitchen. As he believed she took the hint, he left her too it.
Rogue watched him go. Then she entered the kitchen. So, she had to try saying sorry again without saying sorry? How the heck did she do that? Colossus had motioned to the kitchen… did he want her to cook them dinner? But then, how would that say sorry to Gambit?
Rogue began to go through the cupboards, finding flour and eggs in the fried. Oh, she had an idea. But, she guessed, it would only work if Gambit actually came home tonight.
Rogue slide out the phone that Gambit had given her. She sighed as she stared at it. She wondered if she was doing something stupid, but she sent the text anyway.
Xxxxx
Rogue placed the cake mix in the oven. Irene had taught her how to cook, so she knew she wasn't going to mess this up.
Rogue was distracted by a growling. She turned her head to see Sabretooth making his way through the dining room. Then, she remembered her earlier conversation with Colossus. And she was going to start helping him out just as he'd been helping her out.
"Hey, whiskers." She called out.
Sabretooth looked at her very confused, and then got mad instantly.
"What'd you say mouse!" he snapped.
"How come you ain't helpin' Colossus? Poor guys got lots of crates to shift. You have some muscle behind that fur ball body of yours to help him move things?" She said.
Sabretooth snarled, then went to turn away. "I don't need to answer to you!" he grunted.
"Oh really? You think your that tough a kitty cat, huh?" Rogue asked.
That had Sabretooth stopping and walking right up to stand in front of her. "You have a death wish!" he snarled, mere inches away from her face.
Rogue smirked. "Actually, I got another idea. You think you're so tough kitty, then how's about an arm wrestle, huh?" Rogue said, raising her hand up. "I'll keep meh gloves on. If I win, you have ta help Colossus move boxes from now on."
Sabretooth glance at Rogue's hand, then at her. He smirked. "And if I win?" he asked.
"What is it you want?" Rogue asked, raising her eyebrow. She was glad that Sabretooth had obviously not been informed of her run in with the Blob.
"First of all, your gonna stop calling me kitty or anything of the likes!" he said.
"Awww, but Kitty suits you so well." Rogue almost purred.
Sabretooth took another step forwards, "I want respect out of you little mouse. Maybe puttin' you down a few pegs will knock some sense into you." He said.
Rogue shrugged, "Ya can only try. So, we got a deal?" Rogue asked.
"You're on!" Sabretooth said.
"Alright then, hang on two seconds. I want a witness ta be here ta see this deal." Rogue said, going to walk past Sabretooth.
"You mean you want an audience to watch you lose?" He asked, finding it funny.
Rogue just chuckled as she went and collected Colossus and Pyro. Pyro was in hysterics, of course.
"Took you long enough!" Sabretooth snapped.
"Rogue, you do not have to do this." Colossus said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Nah, but I want to." Rogue said, smirk still on her face.
"Oh, can I be the ref?" Pyro asked.
"Sure thing." Rogue said.
Sabretooth had moved the dining room chairs aside so they had the table to lean on. Rogue took up her position and held her gloved hand inches away from Sabretooth's. Pyro came to stand at the other side of the table.
"Alright mates, on your marks," he said and Rogue held Sabretooth's hand, "get sets," Sabretooth was smirking so large, it hurt, "go!" Pyro shouted.
Rogue felt Sabretooth move first, but she managed to halt him with Blob's power. He was the unmovable Blob after all. Sabretooth had lost his smile, glaring in fact as he tried with everything, he had to move the girl's hand. It wasn't working. Rogue was getting tired, but she held on. She waited and felt for when Sabretooth let up a little bit then slammed his arm down into the metal table.
"The shelia wins!" Pyro yelled out. Rogue began to stand up straight when Pyro's arm came around her shoulders. He pretended as if he was talking into a microphone, "So, shelia, tell us how it feels to know you bested the beast of the Acolytes?"
Sabretooth growled, hit the table into a wall and stormed off.
"Don't forget our deal!" Rogue yelled after him, "You gotta help Colossus. Show some respect pretty kitty!"
Pyro clung onto Rogue as he began hysterically laughing. "Sheila, you really are my hero, you know that?"
Rogue now eyed Pyro, "Oh, and speakin' about movin' boxes, why ain't you been helpin' the big fella?"
"Say what?" Pyro asked, straightening up and moving away from Rogue.
"You heard me! There are smaller boxes in there too for you to move. So why ain't you in there helpin'?" Rogue asked.
"I, erm, well, I" Pyro began to babble.
Rogue glanced at Colossus who had an amused smile on his face. Rogue felt actually overjoyed to see how entertained Colossus was by her actions. She realised she liked doing something nice for him. Maybe, for others. Rogue walked up to Pyro, took him by the back of the neck and led him towards the boxes that needed moving.
Xxxxx
Gambit came home, wondering where everyone was. He entered through the cargo area and found himself amused to what he saw.
Rogue and Colossus were lay down on their stomachs in a clearing of the cargo area. Their hands were joined, Rogue's gloves on, Colossus made of metal. Pyro was stood over them. Even Sabretooth was around, sat on a few piled up boxes.
"Ready, set, go!" Pyro yelled.
Gambit watched as the two seemed even for a moment. He remembered then that Rogue had Blob's power. This was quite an interesting match up. For a good amount of time, Colossus couldn't get Rogue's hand to move, but she was starting to turn red and pant. And then, she lost as Colossus slammed her hand down into the metal.
"And Colossus is the winner!" Pyro yelled out.
Colossus stood up, a smile on his face as he reached down to give Rogue a hand up. Rogue was trying to laugh, but it looked like it hurt to do so. Gambit noticed Sabretooth sniff, jump down and disappear from the room.
"You did very well." Colossus said to her.
"Gee, thanks." Rogue said, sounding sarcastic.
"So what I been missin' here?" Gambit asked, making himself known as he stepped out of the shadows.
"Gambit, mate, you just missed one of the greatest arm-wrestling matches of the century!" Pyro said.
"Oh I saw." He said, smirking as he glanced down at Rogue.
Rogue was still huffing, then blushed and glanced away at his look. She was honestly kind of surprised that Gambit had showed up. She hadn't actually expected him to since he never replied to her text message. It had actually put her on edge for a long while, but here he was.
Gambit wanted to laugh, but then, he smelled something. He eyed Pyro straight away.
"Is something burning?" He asked.
Pyro held his hands out, "Hey, don't look at me mate." He said.
"Oh shit!" Gambit heard a mutter from besides him. Then he saw Rogue run off out of the cargo area. His eyebrow went up, then he followed after her.
Rogue had ran straight into the kitchen, grabbed the mittens and opened up the oven. She was assaulted by smoke and a horrible smell. Rogue reached in, hissing as she burned her wrist where her sleeve had ridden up and pulled out the tray. She began blowing on the cake to try and clear the smoke. It cleared and Rogue could see that her cake was completely black. Rogue sighed, feeling down as she glanced at the burned cake. She'd been so distracted by moving boxes that she'd forgotten all about the cake.
"What's that you got there?" Gambit asked.
Rogue turned to see Gambit, Pyro and Colossus all stood there behind her.
"Gee, ain't that a cracker? You sure you don't like setting fires, huh, shelia? Please say yes." Pyro said.
"Cake? What you makin' cake for?" Gambit asked.
"Erm, I-" Rogue tried to say, staring at Gambit who was looking confused at her. She began to turn red, embarrassed. But was interrupted.
"Yeah. Gotta admit though, the idea of cake for dinner does sound appealing. Expect for the part where Magneto won't approve. Especially if it's burnt." Pyro said.
Rogue was glancing between all of them. Then she spotted Sabretooth who was smirking evilly and chuckling at her as he walked away. Rogue got mad. It was a cake. She could make a cake! Now, it looked like she couldn't.
"Rogue, we can make another-" Colossus began to say as he saw Rogue's anger spark on her face.
"Oh forget it!" Rogue said, slamming the cake down into the sink and storming passed them all.
The boys moved aside for her, watching her throw the mittens off and go to rush off out of her room.
But the archway suddenly sealed up with a slam.
"Rogue, I would like a word with you," Magneto's voice said.
Everyone turned to see Magneto coming into the dining room through another doorway. The one that lead to his office.
Rogue glanced between the burn cake in the sink and towards Magneto, "It was just a-"
"My office, now." Magneto said, stepping to one side, waiting for her.
Rogue huffed, feeling even more ashamed and embarrassed as she walked towards Magneto with all the eyes of the Acolytes on her, then passed Magneto, walking towards his office.
The metal surrounding the archway had lifted. All three men looked between each other. Colossus and Gambit were both concerned. Colossus did not trust Magneto and didn't trust him alone with Rogue. Especially after his attack on her on Sunday. Gambit didn't like that he had no idea what Magneto might want with Rogue. He wondered if it had something to do with that message she had sent him asking if they could talk. He kicked himself mentally, wishing he had returned sooner. Had Rogue known she was in trouble with Magneto? Was that why she wanted to talk with him? Was their secrets out? Why didn't he just call her? Why did he decide to just avoid her?
"So, what's for dinner?" Pyro asked.
xxxxx
Rogue took a seat opposite Magneto, feeling slightly on edge as the door behind her closed. She wasn't too sure why she was there, but she was pretty sure it was for nothing good. Rogue took in a large breath, trying to tell herself that she wasn't afraid of this man, but that he was afraid of her. She sat up straighter in her chair as he sat down. All she had to do was keep her calm even though she felt disturbed to be in a room alone with him.
"Sabretooth informed me that you forced him to move cargo," Magneto said, placing his hands together in front of him.
Now Rogue felt confused. Was she really in here because Sabretooth had run off to complain about her to Magneto?
"Yeah, well, he lost an arm-wrestling match ta meh and he wasn't doin' out ta help anyway, so-"
Magneto held his hand up, stopping Rogue.
"They are my men Rogue," Magneto said, having a dangerous look in his eye. "I will instruct assignments for them. Not you."
"But Colossus has been doin' all the heavy liftin' while Sabretooth's just been playin' with a ball of wool. It's not fair that-"
"I am in charge here Rogue!" Magneto snapped at her, metal around the room creaking as it bent at his anger "Not you. You will do good to remember that.
Rogue let go of her argument and sat back a bit more. She knew, although she could fight and defend herself, fighting would not be a good way out of this. As she'd realised when talking to Kitty, she'd get worn out before she could get far and, even if she did get far, she'd have nowhere to go really. And, even if she did, she'd always be on the run from Magneto and Mystique and, well, she'd lose all the friends she'd been making. So, Rogue submitted and just let Magneto tell her her place. She'd bit her tongue many times before in the past when a man had said something she didn't agree with. She guessed this was nothing new. She just hated that she had to keep quiet once again.
"Now, Sabretooth is not the only reason why I have asked you in here. I set you an assignment and have not gained information from you since." Magneto said.
"I've started typin' it up," Rogue said.
Magneto snorted at this, "Only just started?" he asked.
"Well, yeah. It takes time ta prob someone's mind and get as many details as you want. Then, it takes time ta type it all up." Rogue said.
"And why have you not continued to type up your discovers this afternoon?" Magneto asked.
"I, erm, I was helpin' Colossus-"
"Exactly! I have set you an assignment and rather than complete that assignment, you have been doing another assignment that was not set for you." Magneto said.
Rogue fell quiet again, now realising why she was in trouble. She was going to have to remember to prank Sabretooth in some way after this, the stupid tell-tale.
"Colossus is perfectly capable of moving those boxes on his own. He, however, cannot type up the information you know, can he?" Magneto asked.
"No sir," Rogue said, trying to keep Magneto happy. She had no idea if a punishment was going to follow for her helping out someone else rather than doing what Magneto wanted her to do. But, she didn't doubt it. She jus hoped he wasn't going to lock her in her room again or something crazy like that. So, she tried to please him as best she could.
"Then you will stop this mission of yours to manipulate my men and do what you have been ordered to do?" Magneto said.
"Yes sir," Rogue said, keeping her head down, "I didn't mean no harm."
"I understand that," Magneto said, although he found it interesting how Rogue had gone out of her way to help Colossus. He wondered if she was avoiding doing the assignment he set, or whether there was something more there between her and Colossus. He knew he would have to look more closely into that and see whether there was something that could be held against her there to keep her with him and make her obey him. "but you will follow my orders." he said.
Rogue nodded her head.
"Good. Now, there is something else I would like to address," Magneto said.
Rogue felt her stomach sink. What more could Magneto want with her.
"Tell me, how are you finding the school?" he asked.
Rogue felt rather taken back by this. Magneto definitely did not seem like the caring type. She wondered why he was asking her. Red flags were going off in her head as she wondered what Gambit had said to Magneto about her time at school.
"It's alright," Rogue said, deciding that less was more.
"Expand." Magneto ordered.
"Erm," Rogue said, wondering what she could say, "What on?"
Magneto looked irritated by her question, "Have you already forgotten the reason why I sent you to that school in the first place?"
Rogue tired to remember back to when she'd found out she was going to school. In all honestly, she had forgotten the reason why Magneto had sent her. She'd gotten so carried away with all the gossip and just settling in that she'd completely forgotten what it was he wanted her to realise. But she knew, if she told him that, he'd most definitely punish her. Especially when he thought she wasn't doing the other task he'd set her.
"You wanted meh ta experience first-hand what it was like to be a mutant trying to hide their abilities among non mutants. Ya wanted meh ta observe the X-Men as well to gain intel on them and also to see how miserable they were not usin' their powers." Rogue said
"And, how have you found hiding among the humans?" Magneto asked.
Rogue really wished she'd come prepared for this Q and A. She couldn't not answer her boss, but she also didn't want to say anything that would give away the lies that she and Gambit had been telling. She wondered what it was he actually knew about her adventures at school.
"Erm, well, I've only been there three days and it's ma first time goin' ta school so I'm still findin' ma feet." Rogue said.
"You have made a human friend though on your first day. Have you made anymore?" Magneto asked.
"Erm, well," Rogue said, feeling very uncomfortable talking about her school life with Magneto, "she befriended me because we were both new and I've not really made many more friends."
Magneto tried to keep his face even. Gambit had informed him that Rogue had been doing well at school and that the popular children were interested in her, but she was backing away from them. Was something amiss here? he wondered. "So, you find it hard to make friends. Any particular reason?" Magneto asked.
"Erm, well, I'm tryna stay hidden, aren't I? So, I don't think bein' overly friendly will help." Rogue said.
"Have others not approached you?" Magneto asked.
"Well, yeah." Rogue said, thinking about the cheerleaders and Duncan, but, really, she had approached them first. But she didn't want to explain to Magneto why she had approached them. Her starting arguments and flirting didn't really match what she had just said about her trying to keep a low profile. "But I've just stayed with Risty. Like I said, I don't think it's a good idea ta be too friendly."
"I see. Do you believe that because you are working for me or because your mutation is holding you back?" Magneto asked.
"Huh?" Rogue said, before she could stop herself.
"You have made only one friend, but have been offered friendships with many. Have you declined their extension of friendship because of your mutation?" Magneto asked.
Rogue began to think about that seeing as she hadn't really thought about it. Her mutation hadn't really effected her at school. At least, it hadn't in the beginning until Duncan began to hit on her and tried to touch her all the time. "Well, no. Not really," Rogue said, not meeting Magneto's eye. "They all just gossip a lot so I don't really wanna get involved in all of that." Rogue said.
"You could still be friends and not have others know about us. Why not make more than one friend?" He asked.
"Well, I..." Rogue said, becoming flustered, "I, erm,"
"Rogue?" Magneto said her name in a demanding tone. When she looked up at him, she could see he had a dangerous look in his eyes. He knew she was holding back on him and it was getting her in trouble. Rogue huffed, realising that, if she wanted to get through this without a punishment, then she was going to have to reveal a bit more of her school life to Magneto than she wanted.
"Actually, it is kinda hard just having one friend. She asks questions about who ma family is and where I'm livin' and all and, well, it's a little hard ta explain sometimes." Rogue said.
"What have you told her?" He asked.
"I said that I live with a career, erm, well, a stepdad. I moved in with ya 'cause me and ma mama weren't gettin' along. Ta explain Colossus, I said he was ma step brother and that he spends half his time in Russian and half his time here. When it comes ta Gambit, I said that ma stepdad had a real close friend down south who needed help handlin' him and, well, he agreed ta take care of him." Rogue said, feeling her face go red.
"I see," Magneto said, raising his eyebrow at Rogue. "And I assume the stepdad is myself and your mother, Mystique?"
Rogue glanced down at the floor as she said, "Well, ya did give meh your second name. Thanks for tellin' meh by the way," she said sarcastically.
"Why did you resort to such lies?" Magneto asked.
Rogue gave him a glance that said, "Ain't it obvious? People saw Gambit droppin' meh off and then they saw Colossus droppin' meh off and they asked questions." Rogue said.
"They?"
"Well, yeah." Rogue said, blushing and huffing as she said, "Some girls were interested in knowin' if Gambit and Colossus were single or if I was datin' em. Like I said, it's complicated. It ain't like I've been livin' a normal life is it? So, I just went with that I could think of. "
"And you feel that these lies is why you wish to stay away from a group of friends?" Magneto asked.
"Well, yeah." Rogue said.
"It has nothing to do with your mutation?" Magneto asked.
Rogue wondered what Magneto was getting at and why he was even interested in knowing all of these details.
"Well, no. Not really-"
"And none of them have made a move to touch you?" Magneto asked.
"Well, yes, but I've not absorbed anyone." Rogue said, wondering if she was in trouble because she hadn't touched anyone. But then, wasn't she in trouble if she had? She wondered what the hell it was Magneto wanted to know.
"Yet. And you are aware of the consequences of what happens if one of them accidently touches your skin." Magneto said.
"Yeah-"
"And you have done nothing about this? You have not isolated yourself because you fear your mutation? Of the risk of it activating while you are in a crowd?" Magneto asked, his questions becoming faster, almost putting pressure on her.
"Well, I guess you could-"
"But the friend you did make on your first day, has she not tried to touch you? Have you not made her aware you cannot touch?" Magneto asked.
"I...I..."
"Yes?"
"I... told everyone I have a skin condition." Rogue admitted, feeling rather defeated at admitting that but she didn't know why.
"A skin condition?" Magneto questioned, now slowing down in his questioning.
"Yeah," Rogue said, still hanging her head in shame.
"And have the humans' still tried touching you since you came up with this lie?" he asked.
"Not really,"
"Not really? So, someone has still tried to touch you even after you have expressed you do not wish to be touched?" Magneto asked.
"Well, yeah, but they're an idiot anyway, so it's not-" Rogue tried to say.
"Do you believe they would try to touch you if they knew they would be knocked unconscious, and all their memories would be taken if they did?" Magneto asked.
Rogue's mind went straight to Duncan. She was a little unsure if he would still see her as a challenge or not. Gambit still tried to touch her, or used to, after knowing about her skin. Would Duncan do the same? Why did she feel so horrible about herself?
"I don't know," Rogue said, honestly.
Magneto could see Rogue's facade breaking and that she was getting upset, but that was where he wanted her to be.
"Really? You don't know? You don't know how they would react?" Magneto asked.
"Well, I know you think that they'd all try and lock us away in cages, but... I don't know. I mean, most of em reacted quite well and have been respectful about ma made up skin condition. Maybe they'd be alright if it was explained to them-"
"Would you tell them about your mutation, Rogue?" Magneto asked, leaning forwards more and seemingly glaring into Rogue's soul.
Rogue felt very small and vulnerable and attacked.
"Well, I... I..." She said, not having actually thought about that, "You told meh not ta say anything."
"Indeed, I did and I do not want you to. But, haven't you felt the urge to explain what it is your skin can actually do to them if they touch you?"
"I..." Rogue muttered, not too sure if that thought had crossed her mind or not. There had been other things to tackle so her confessing about her mutation had been pushed to one side.
"Do you not fear the reaction of your friends?" Magneto asked, pushing once again.
"I don't know, OK!" Rogue said, snapping.
Magneto sat back, deciding to let Rogue breath for a moment. He knew what he was doing to her. He could see he was toying with her mind. Making her rethink things. He'd was rather glad that he'd waited to ask her these questions. It seemed that her views and opinions may have been changing from that naivety that she held which was so similar to Charles. He knew it was going to take a little bit more time, but if he could keep doing this. Keep getting her to question everything, then he might be able to break her into seeing things his way without too much damage needed to be done.
"So there have been complications for you hiding the fact that you are a mutant. I still want you to remain hidden Rogue. I just want you to understand how difficult it is being a mutant, hidden in a human dominated society. Now, tell me, what have you learned from watching the X-Men?" Magneto asked.
Rogue took hold of her head, feeling a very strong headache coming on. Magneto's questions weren't just setting her off, but also the psyche's that occupied her mind and had their own opinion.
"Erm, well, they hide their mutations too. Mostly," Rogue said, feeling her barriers coming down which she knew was a dangerous thing.
"Mostly, hmmm? And what about at the football game? Did they mostly hide their mutations there too?" Magneto asked.
"Well, no. Not really. Not after they got found out." Rogue admitted, not looking forward to what Magneto had to say next.
"And how did the humans react when they learned of the X-Men?" Magneto asked.
"Well, I don't really know. I got knocked on the head after all." Rogue said, hoping that would stop them from going any further with the conversation.
"But not before you were able to see the Brotherhood's announcement of the X-Men. Tell me, what reactions were there that you saw?" Magneto asked.
Rogue thought back to how she had seen Risty looking disguised at Avalanche. She didn't want to tell him that though. Didn't want to tell Magneto that he one friend at school seemed to despise Avalanche for what he was saying/doing.
"People... just seemed confused. They didn't understand-"
"But you saw how Quicksilver attacked the principle and how Blob tore down the new statue, didn't you?" Magneto asked.
"Well, yes, but I... I don't know how people were reacting. I was tryna get outta there 'cause I knew you wouldn't have wanted meh there." Rogue said.
"And what stopped you?" Magneto asked.
Rogue went quite as she remembered people pushing her aside to try and escape. They were... terrified.
"You told me you were stopped as there was a struggle to get out from the rafters you were on. Is that not correct?" Magneto asked.
"Well, yeah. Blob had jumped on them." Rogue explained.
"So they were fearful? Running from him?" Magneto asked.
"Well, yeah. With good reason really. I mean, I got hurt by his stupid stunt." Rogue said.
"Indeed, they were not wrong to run." Magneto said.
Rogue felt confused by what Magneto was saying now. Magneto saw that confusion and used it.
"We are dangerous Rogue and powerful. More powerful than them and they should fear us. Worship us for our gifts. But, as I'm sure you are aware, the X-Men did not receive many thanks for using their gifts to protect those humans, did they?" Magneto asked.
Rogue closed her eyes, finding it really hard to keep going with this conversation. Her head was hurting.
"I don't know," Rogue said, having the sudden memory of how happy Kitty actually looked when she had thanked her for saving her. Was that because she never expected any thanks? Because she knew she wouldn't receive any when she should of? "I was outta it by then." Rogue explained.
"I see. I am aware that you were knocked unconscious, but I will tell you now and I'm sure Gambit can also tell you this. The humans, they were terrified. They ran, near tramping on one another to escape. Many were saved from deathly causalities from the X-Men, but rather than thank them, they ran away from them in fear. No matter what the X-Men did, they were still feared by humans and disguised by them." Magneto explained.
He had walked around his desk, closer to Rogue, who had her hand covering her face. He could see she was in pain.
"The humans fear us. Because they fear us, they will resort to violence in order to contain us. They will go to war with us. Even Xavier knows this which is why he is keeping the X-Men hidden. It is why he altered all those minds at your school which dramatically took it's tole on him. Human's will never accept us. We have every right to walk this earth just as they have, but they fear us and will not tolerate our existence. We must strike first-"
"Can we drop the war talk already?" Rogue snapped, "Ya givin' meh a headache."
Magneto studied Rogue. He could see how in pain she looked underneath her hand. He figured that if he denied her and kept pushing he might just push her away. So he decided to tolerate her request and backed off.
"Are you alright?" Magneto asked, wondering why Rogue seemed to be in so much pain from their conversation.
"Yeah, just peachy." Rogue said sarcastically.
"I do not appreciate the sarcasm at genuine concern," Magneto said.
Rogue dropped her hand, still in a bad mood because of her headache. She met Magneto's eyes though and he saw fire there.
"I'm fine! Just a headache. Can I go now? Or is there something else ya need ta bagger me with?" Rogue snapped. She knew she should be watching her tongue, but she couldn't help it. Her head was in pain again and, again, it was his fault.
Magneto snorted at her response.
"Actually," he said, which made Rogue take a deep breath in to stop herself from snapping, "I did want to know why you have not responded to my offer to help you with your abilities?" Magneto asked.
Rogue exhaled, feeling like he might have chosen a lighter subject to discuss.
"I... haven't really had the time ta think about it." Rogue said.
"I would think that gaining control over your mutation would be on the top of your mind." Magneto said.
Rogue huffed, closing her eyes, but staying wary. "What can I say? I've been a bit busy with school and tryna fill out those files for ya."
"I see," Magneto said. "But are you interested in learning control, or do you prefer to remain untouchable?" Magneto asked.
Rogue huffed, opening her eyes slightly. "'course I wanna touch." Rogue muttered.
"Then you will be taking me up on my offer?" Magneto questioned.
Rogue sighed again, feeling her anger start to fade away as she huffed and sighed. "Probably. I... just don't think I can make time for it right now." Rogue said honestly.
"Perhaps not during the week, however, the weekends maybe best." Magneto said.
Rogue glanced up at him then, thinking about that. Did she really want to spend her weekends with Magneto? It was a scary thought, even if it did mean she could learn how to control her skin.
"Maybe," Rogue said.
Magneto nodded his head. "There is training Saturday morning as a team as usual. I believe the first step in understanding how to control your mutation is to best understand yourself first and what you already can do. Training will show this."
Magneto stood up and went to sit back at his desk. Rogue was near spiralled out on the chair., exhausted.
"You may go now." Magneto said.
It took time for Rogue to take in what he was saying to her. When it did finally pass through her mind what he was telling her, Rogue stood up slowly and headed towards the door. She was sure she passed the other Acolytes who were trying to speak to her, but she ignored them, her head too messy with loose psyches who were voicing their own opinions on what Magneto was saying and what they thought was right. The stress she had felt from speaking with Magneto had weakened her prisons and set them free. Rogue headed straight for her room, kicking her door shut to lock everyone out and collapsed on her bed.
xxxxx
Colossus, Pyro and Gambit had watched Rogue cross the dining room. Colossus and Pyro had tried to get her attention, but she just kept walking as if she couldn't hear them. Gambit noticed her hand was on her head and he was worried about her. When he glanced at the others, he could see he wasn't the only one. Gambit turned back to finishing what he was doing in the kitchen attached to the dining room though, telling Colossus and Pyro to leave her alone for a while. He wanted to be the first to see her. After all, something just wasn't adding up. Not her text message nor the hours long meeting she'd just come from with Magneto.
xxxxx
Rogue lay on her bed, holding her head. She was feeling tired. She'd had to use Emma's powers to put everyone away again and it was wearing her down. She heard a knock at her door.
"Go away," Rogue called out.
But her door opened anyway. She opened one eye to see that Gambit was stood there, holding a tray in his hand. She closed it again, remembering that she'd asked him to speak with her, but she really didn't want to have that conversation now. Especially when the cake went wrong.
"You asked for a conversation, non?" Gambit said, stepping into her room.
Rogue sighed, continuing to massage her temples.
"Can we talk another night? I'm really not in the mood." Rogue said.
Gambit frowned as he placed the tray of food down on her draws.
"You need some aspirin?" Gambit asked.
"No, just peace and quiet," Rogue replied.
"What'd Magneto want?" Gambit asked.
Rogue sighed, guessing she wasn't going to get any peace anytime soon.
"He was just askin' meh questions 'bout school. Tryna convince meh the worlds out ta get us and we need ta go ta war before humans declare it on us." Rogue said.
Gambit raised his eyebrow at that. It sounded like Magneto, but had that really lead to her ignoring everyone and seeming to have a headache from it? He picked up on the word school.
"What you tell him about school?" Gambit asked.
Rogue sighed, "I didn't tell him anything he didn't already know. We're fine."
"Sure doesn't look like it," Gambit said, moving over to sit beside Rogue on her bed.
"He just kept pushin'. It set ma psyche's off," Rogue said.
"What he say that set em off?" Gambit asked.
Rogue sighed really deeply, cringing in pain at her headache.
"Can you drop the questions? I'll tell ya another time. That is, if you ain't gonna continue ta avoid me." Rogue said.
"I be here, non?" Gambit said.
Rogue opened her eyes and glared at Gambit, "I know you've been avoidin' meh."
"You wanted to talk. You ain't doin' much talkin'," Gambit said.
Rogue just glanced at him. She wondered if she should just say she was sorry. But then, she'd said that already and he'd just avoided her. And her cake failed. There just didn't seem to be any point of apologising when he was just going to avoid her even after she apologised. Rogue closed her eyes.
"Look, I ain't feelin' too great. Please can we just talk another time? I know I said I wanted ta talk to ya tonight, but... please?" Rogue asked, not believing she was having to plead with him to talk another time. She hadn't expected anything like that to come out of her month. Especially not to Gambit.
Gambit saw that Rogue was near tears. He was worried about her. Worried about what had been said. He didn't like being in the dark, especially when it came to her. He'd invested in her after all. He wanted to know how his investment was going and that he wasn't walking into any trouble. But, seeing her near tears in pain, he really didn't want to push her. He found it interesting though that Rogue had mentioned that she felt like he was avoiding her. Maybe she was upset by that. It made him want to smirk. He knew she'd come around to him. But still, he hadn't abandoned her. He'd still watched her all day and she seemed to have been alright. Handled everything well. He wondered how she'd ended up like this after a day like that, but then again, it was Rogue he was talking about. The girl was pretty messed up when it came to her emotions. That and she always seemed to find herself in trouble.
"Alright then cherie," Gambit said, patting Rogue's leg that was underneath her covers, "We'll talk another time. But you best eat something, non?"
Rogue nodded her head in reply and he was surprised she wasn't snapping at him for touching her. But, then again, they were alone and she was emotional again. Gambit sighed as he stood up and left her room.
Eventually, Rogue sat up and grabbed the tray. She had built up an appetite from moving a lot of heavy things and Blob sure had an effect on her, so she went to get her food.
When she looked down at the tray though, she was surprised to see a piece of cake along with her meal. From the taste of it, Gambit had been cooking and he'd made the cake. Rogue felt like he was just rubbing it in. It annoyed her.