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Chapter Twenty-Four:
Rogue, now showered and hair blown out, headed back to her bedroom. She stared down at her bare hands and rolled her eyes at herself.
'How did I manage ta forget a pair of gloves?' she asked herself as she made her way down the hallways. She took a moment to examine the bruises on her wrists. They had started to fade a little, but the morning's activities had guaranteed that they would be visible for at least a week. 'Definitely gotta cover these up before anyone notices,' she thought as she pulled on her purple sleeves pulling them each over her wrists. She had similar bruises on her legs and arms, but those were much easier to hide.
Rogue looked at as she felt one of the doors start to open, Magneto's powers still active.
"Good morning, Jean," Rogue said as she saw the red-head coming out of her bedroom.
"Good morning," Jean said pleasantly, her voice sounded forced as she avoided making eyes contact.
'Is she okay?' Rogue asked herself as Jean closed her bedroom door. "Sorry to ask so early, but do you think I might be able to borrow a dose of your powers sometime today?" she asked.
"Yes, of course," she said, now the smile on her face was forced as well. "There's still some time before breakfast," she said shifting her weight from one leg to the other.
"Jean, I- I know I've been asking a lot from you the last few weeks. I don't wanna do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable," she said reading the other girl's body language. "Are you sure you don't mind?" Rogue asked uneasily.
Jean took a deep breath. "Making progress with your powers is so important," she said as she finally met her gaze. "You're always welcome to ask for my help," she said, the smile on her face no longer forced.
"It just seems like I caught you at a bad time? It doesn't have to be right now," Rogue pointed out.
"Really, I don't mind," Jean said as she walked up to her. Jean reached out her hand towards her. Rogue lifted up her hand and their fingertips touched. Rogue took a breath as she absorbed a twelve hour dose of her powers and Jean's consciousness slipped into a white box in her mind.
"Thank you," Rogue said.
"See you at breakfast, Rogue," she said quickly before turning away from her and started to walk down the hall.
'Are you okay?' she asked to the consciousness in her mind.
'I woke up early this morning and I couldn't fall back to sleep,' Jean's consciousness said nervously as she started to walk towards her bedroom. 'Scott and I haven't even made it past second base,' she commented.
'What does that have to-' Rogue started to ask before it hit her. 'Shit, shit, shit-' she thought as she quickly turned around and raced down the hall. 'How much did she hear?' she asked panicked. "Jean," she called out. The other girl, turned back to look at her.
"Did you need something else?" Jean asked tentatively as some of the other doors in the hallway started to open.
"Hey," Kitty said. "Good morning," she said with a smile. Kitty took a quick look between the two girls, her smiling faltering. "Is everything, like, okay?" she asked.
'Jean, can we talk?' Rogue projected into her mind.
"Everything's fine Kitty," Jean said with a smile. 'Alright, downstairs,' Jean answered.
"Jean's helping me with my powers again," Rogue explained quickly as she did a quick mental scan of the institute.
"That's cool," Kitty said.
'Ororo and Hank are cooking breakfast, Jamie and Bobby are in the common room and Ray's in the library,' Rogue told Jean.
'Let's go outside,' Jean suggested. "See you at breakfast, Kitty," she said.
'Gazebo's clear,' Rogue said
"Okay," Kitty said with a yawn.
Jean gave her a quick nod before they both started to make their way down the hall.
A few minutes later, Rogue and Jean had made their way to the gazebo. Rogue took a deep breath as she leaned back against the wood railing. She tried to push her uneasiness away. It wasn't going to help anything. She crossed her arms over her chest as she watched Jean fidget on the other side of the gazebo.
Rogue took a moment to put up a psychic shield. Jean looked over at her curiously.
"I don't want anyone else overhearing this conversation," she explained. Jean nodded.
"I understand. I- ah- I'm sorry," Jean started to say. "I shouldn't have read your mind. It was an inexcusable invasion of privacy," she said.
"What?" Rogue asked confused. "No. I'm the one who should be apologizing," she said. "I know how your powers work and we were way to close to your room. I wasn't thinking. I'm so sorry."
"Wait," Jean said baffled taking a step closer to her. "You're not mad that I read your mind?" she asked.
"No," Rogue exclaimed. "'Course not. It's not like you did it on purpose," she said.
"Look, technically, I did," Jean said delicately.
"What do you mean?" Rogue asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I woke up to you screaming and terrified. I panicked and started to read your mind. I could sense that Magneto was in your room and controlling all that metal- you were in the air-" she started to say cutting herself off each time. "I didn't realize what it was. I thought you were in danger. I almost woke Scott up, but then Magneto was asking you to scream and you were- you were laughing," Jean said her face beet red. "That's when I realized you liked it," she finished.
"I'm so sorry. Usually, we're on the other side of the institute," Rogue said, running a hand through her hair. "This morning wasn't exactly planned. Magneto kind of surprised me. But still I- I should've realized we were too close to your room. I'm sorry we put you in that position," Rogue said.
"It's not your fault," Jean said.
"It ain't yours either," Rogue pointed out. "I-" Rogue started to say at a loss. She stared at Jean for a quick moment, the other girl doing the same.
Both of them let out a laugh at the same time, the tension breaking.
"I am sorry," Rogue said before taking a seat on the ground.
"Me too," Jean said before she sat down next to her. "So? Not that it's any of my business," she started to say carefully.
"Actually, it might be kinda nice talking about it with another women," she said. "Just don't go-"she started to say.
"I won't tell anyone, I promise," she said.
"Thanks," Rogue said with relaxed sigh.
"So, Magneto, huh?" Jean asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I know it's weird. It's kinda a long story," Rogue started to say with a laugh.
"Has he pressured you in any way?" Jean asked, concerned, her eyes lingering on her wrists.
"No, nothing like that," she said quickly, her turn to blush, as she pulled her sleeves down to cover the bruises. "We've got similar tastes. Its hmm- it's not your run of the mill sex, but it's completely consensual. I ain't just saying that. I mean- you saw, right?" she asked.
"A little- I ah- As soon I realized what was happening, I stopped reading your mind," she answered, running a hand through her hair. "His age doesn't bother you?"
"If I was normal teenager, yeah, it's be a problem, but I ain't a normal teenager," she pointed out. "My powers have forced me to grow up a lot faster than I should've. I got all these memories up here," she said, placing her finger on her temple, "that ain't mine. I have all this knowledge and skills cause of 'em. Hell- I've got some memories in my head that are older than Magneto," Rogue said.
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"How far back to the memories go?" Jean asked.
"They start up around the eighteen-sixties," she answered.
"Whoa," she responded, her eyes widening.
"I ain't really eighteen, not up here," she said touching her temple again. "It's hard to explain. It's weird. I'm weird," she sighed.
"You're no stranger than any of the rest of us," Jean said. Rogue just stared at the other girl with a raised eyebrow. "Look," Jean said with a laugh, "Scott and I haven't- I don't have much experience in that area, but I know that kind of thing existed," she said. She paused a moment before a smile came to her face. "Boom-Boom told some us crazy stories," Jean smiled
"I remember," Rogue laughed. "Nothing like chasing car thieves at ninety miles an hour and hearing about Tabitha's sex life," she said. Jean laughed at that.
"Do you think she actually slept with-" Jean started to ask.
"I don't know, but if she did, I'd get why someone would let her tie 'em up," she said.
"Yeah, but too a bar? That was on fire?" Jean exclaimed.
"Who's knows?" Rogue snickered. Both girls shared a laugh. "Do you remember Kitty's face?" Rogue asked.
"I'd never seen someone turn that red," Jean laughed. Rogue let out another laugh at that. "Poor Amara," she added.
"I think she's repressed that memory," Rogue said, studying Jean's reaction for any sigh of recognition. The red-head only laughed and Rogue soon joined in. 'Guess she still doesn't remember Annie and the car crash,' Rogue thought to herself.
"So, it's not like you're alone," Jean said.
"Yeah, I guess that's true," Rogue said with a smile, which Jean returned.
"Can I ask you something?" she asked. Rogue gave a quick nod. "I heard you call Magneto Max?" Jean asked.
"Yeah, that's his given name," Rogue confirmed.
"The Professor's never called him that."
"Charles doesn't know it. No one does. Well, except me and you," she shrugged. Something shifted in Jean's eyes. "Yeah, that's why," Rogue answered Jean's unasked question. "I'm kind've surprised you and Scott are still calling him Professor. You two have been instructors for months now," Rogue pointed out.
"It's-" Jean said looking away from Rogue, her eyes shifting, as she was deep in thought. "It's never come up," Jean shrugged.
"Maybe it should," Rogue suggested.
"Hmm, maybe," Jean said pensively. "Look, Rogue, I know you and I haven't always been close-"
"I was just jealous," she admitted, rolling her eyes.
"Of me?" Jean asked confused.
"Yeah, obviously," Rogue laughed. "You had everything that I wanted. Prefect parents, great relationship with your siblings, the best powers and well- Scott," Rogue shrugged.
"I know you liked him," Jean said uneasy.
"In my head, I'd built up this little rivalry between us," Rogue admitted embarrassed, rolling her eyes again.
"Really? I didn't know that," Jean said.
"Yeah, I figured that one out after I helped you with your powers that first time. Not that it matters anymore. I mean- I think it's pretty obvious I've moved on," she said with a smirk.
"Yeah, I'd say," Jean laughed. Rogue laughed at that.
"Honestly, you and Scott are great together. I'm happy for you both," Rogue said.
"Thanks," she smiled. "You and Magneto being together is weird. I don't really understand it but if you ever need someone to talk too, I'm here," she said.
"Thanks, Jean. I might take you up on that. As long as it doesn't make you uncomfortable," she said.
"If it does, I'll tell you," Jean said.
"Okay," Rogue said with smile. "You can talk to me about anything too, even about Scott. Trust me, I'm over it," she said.
"Thanks, Rogue. I-" she started to say before faltering.
"Yeah?" she asked. Jean hesitated. "Everything okay with your powers?" Rogue asked. Jean's eyes widened at the question.
"They got stronger again," Jean said, her eyes cast downwards in shame. Rogue held back a sigh at the red-head's reaction to her own powers.
"Since apocalypse?" Rogue asked.
"Yes, in the last few weeks," she answered. "I was wondering if you could tell? Since you've been borrowing them so much."
"No, I couldn't tell," Rogue answered.
"Maybe I'm just imagining it," Jean said, looking away from her.
"I doubt it," Rogue said. "You seem okay. I mean- nothing's floating," Rogue said with a smirk.
"No, I have control over it," she said.
"That's amazing. Congratulations," Rogue said happily.
"I-" Jean looked over at her surprised. "You don't think it's too soon, since my last power surge?" Jean asked, conflicted.
"No 'course not. I mean- I noticed the pattern. Have you?" she asked.
"Pattern?" Jean asked.
"They only get stronger after you've gotten comfortable with the last power surge. If you reached a new height in less than three weeks, you should be really proud of yourself and all the work you've put into controlling them," Rogue said.
Jean looked stunned at the comment. She looked away from Rogue, staring out into the yard.
'It ain't healthy. She's never gonna feel right about her powers if she's scared of em,' Rogue thought to herself.
"Scott didn't have that reaction," she said sadly.
"He asked you why you haven't told Charles, right?" Rogue asked.
"Yeah," she exclaimed in anger. "He was all, you're being irresponsible, Jean. What if you lose control again, Jean. This is why you're supposed to talk to the Professor, Jean," she said mockingly, deepening her voice slightly. Rogue let out a snicker at her impression of Scott. "He's being such a guy about it. I might be stronger so now I have to go and talk to the Professor about it. I know I've lost control before and I'm not trying to hide anything just- It came naturally this time. I didn't have to think about it," she said.
"That's really good," Rogue said.
"You might be the only one who thinks so," she said annoyed. Rogue let out a sigh at that.
"Yeah, Charles is strong, but his powers ain't the be-all-end-all of telepathic and telekinesis," Rogue said. Jean looked over at her surprised. "There's nothing wrong with you if you surpass him."
"I haven't surpassed him," she said quickly.
"But it's okay if you do," she told her softly. She watched Jean take a breath. 'You know what, screw it. It ain't like I gotta worry about Max anymore,' she thought. "Jean, if I knew something about your powers," she said looking over at the red-head, "that you didn't know, would you want me to tell you?" Rogue asked.
"I guess it would depend on what you knew," she said carefully.
"Yeah, that's fair," Rogue said.
"Do you know something I don't?" Jean asked.
"Yeah," Rogue confirmed. She watched Jean take another deep breath. "Do you want me to tell you?" Rogue asked.
"Maybe, not right now," Jean said delicately, obviously nervous.
"Okay, that's up to you," Rogue said. "I feel bad that I haven't offered this before. I mean- I've known for a while. I'm sorry," she said.
"It's- it's okay," Jean said.
"Well, ask me anytime, okay?" Rogue asked as she dropped the psychic field. Jean nodded. "Breakfast?" she asked, changing the subject.
"Yeah," Jean smiled as they both stood up.
"Sorry in advance," Rogue said as they started to walk towards the institute.
"What for?" Jean asked.
"For pissing Charles off," Rogue said with a smirk.
Charles was seething inside. Rogue had done it again. She called him Charles at breakfast, while asking for him to pass the orange juice, of all things. He caught the small smirk on Magneto's face as she had done so. The others were confused by Rogue's sudden shift to assertiveness. It was causing tension among the students and staff. Last night, he had managed to avoid answering any questions on the subject. However after Rogue's display of brazenness this morning, he was going to have to address this and soon.
He took a deep breath as he and Magneto entered his office. The man had followed him to his office without question to comment. They both knew their discussion had to occur behind closed door. Magneto took a seat on the couch and he moved to sit in front of him.
'Where to start?' he asked himself.
"What else is there to discuss, Charles?" Magneto asked dismissively, opening the conversation.
Charles felt his anger spike up again.
"What else is there?" Charles asked exasperated. "We've barely discussed this at all. First off, she is a teenager," he said firmly.
"But not a child," he said firmly, giving him a look.
"Isn't she? She's the same age as your own children," he pointed out.
"I'm aware," he said dryly.
"You don't see a problem with this?" he asked in disbelief.
"Honestly, no. I don't particularly care," he answered. Charles held his fingers to the bridge of his nose as he sighed. "It's her mind, I'm attracted too," he said. Charles opened his eyes to meet his friend's gaze again.
The vulnerability he had seen in his friend this past week, it was gone. Replaced with the righteous stubbornness he had come to expect from Magneto. Something had changed. He needed to know what.
"You don't have any illegal backing to oppose our relationship," Magneto said.
"Perhaps, but I do have a moral one," Charles said.
"So, Rogue is correct, then?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "You have every intention of imposing your moral stance on those who live within your household," he said.
"Magnus, please. Putting aside the absurd age difference. How your relationship formed is also an issue. You didn't meet her innocently at a party or a bar. She isn't even old enough to drink," he exclaimed.
"That is an American problem and bares no weight on this situation. If we were in a number of other countries, she would be able to enjoy a glass of wine if she had the inclination," he pointed out. Charles narrowed his eyes but conceded the issue.
"What should bare weight is that you stalked her for, the better part of, a year," he counted, his voice elevated.
"I can assure you, both of us are well aware of the abnormal nature of our relationship. We've spoken about it multiple times and both of us wish to press on regardless," Magneto said, infuriatingly calm.
"Am I the only one who's seeing sense? You are obsessed with her. She has been terrified of you," he said.
"We don't owe you or anyone else an explanation. We're consenting adults, Charles," Magneto said.
"She's my student, Magnus. I am supposed to protect her," he said.
"Yet, you're anger lies with Rogue and her behavior," he stated.
"She is causing an upset," he said.
"You've promoted Jean Grey and Scott Summer to instructors. Yet, they still call you Professor. How long will you insist upon them using the title? Until they are in their twenties? Their thirties, perhaps?" he asked incredulously.
"It is a sign of respect," he said.
"It is a sign of obedience," he retorted. "At some point you will have to accept them, these students of yours- all of your X-Men, as equals. Rogue is, simply, the first to demand it. In time, the others will follow. You will have to adapt, Charles, or they will start to leave," he told him. Charles considered his words. "Besides, I thought your concern was my vulnerability around her," Magneto stated.
"Yes, there is that as well," he said.
"You seem confused, Charles. Who needs your protection? Myself or Rogue?" he asked.
"Both of you," he said.
"Both of us? Really?" Magneto asked curiously. "There's a paradox there, old friend. You must see that," he said casually. Charles let out a reluctant sigh. "This conversation is getting tiresome. Have you inferred what is actually bothering you? Or shall I explain it to you myself?" he asked.
"I know what is actually bothering me," he repeated bitterly. "The entire situation is morally reprehensible," he insisted.
"You're jealous, Charles," he said.
"That is ludicrous," he said at once.
"It's not, is it?" Magneto said knowingly. "I've opened up to her in ways you've always wished I'd opened up to you, old friend. Neither of us are responsible for your jealousy. I will only say this one more time and you will not coax Rogue into another philosophical debate on the matter. These conversations, you insistence upon, rehashing the same thing over and over again," he said.
"Magnus," Charles exclaimed.
"We're not going to agree about this. Nor do we have to. We are not seeking your approval and you cannot force us to continuously defend our relationship. I've humored you long enough. This will be the last conversation we have on the subject," he said strongly. "In fact, yes," he said as he stood up. "I have a class to prep for. I believe, we're done here," he said as he started to walk towards the door, which seemingly opened by itself.
"What changed?" Charles asked. "You were not yourself this last week. Yet, now you are," he said.
"Frankly, old friend," he started to say as he got to the door, "that disclosure is not one I wish to discuss with you. I'll see you in my class," he dryly as he left the room.
Little Red Dove: Hi :) I'm so glad you liked the last chapter! I love that you love how I develop their relationship. I know of lot of fics and just normal books use time jumps but with this couple every conversation matters so you're going to see most of them. I did the same thing in Taunting because the tension of their relationship. I miss that fic so much, I wish I had the plot bug to work on it.
Work is starting to pick up and I'm actually busy most days so it took more time for me to write this chapter. I have been doing a lot of brainstorming over the past couple of weeks and I officially decided I'm continuing some of the plot lines from the X-Men evolution comic book (Which I brought/read way back in the day). I need to reread them before I can start having the plot move along and of course I lost my copies of those comic books. One amazon order later and it's been here next week :) So, I'll get to fully plan out where I'm taking the fic.
As for archievofourown, I've been considering what you suggested and I'm not sure if now is a good time. I've got the writing bug for this fic and I don't want to lose it. I'll probably end up going back to Taunting Repartee at some point (I'll regret it if I don't). I think it's a great idea to repost/edit it again! That's probably the best way for me to get back into the feel of the fic. So, I think I'm going to take your advice, just I'm not sure when. Like I said work is starting to pick back up (Thank god!) so I don't have as much free time as I did last month.
I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter and I'll post again as soon as I can :)
