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Chapter Twenty-Eight:
Magneto was sitting on the stool in front of the large computer housed in the Institutes' subbasement, reviewing the files on the private investigators. Beast had been a decent collaborator, answering all of his questions, but was seemingly growing bored of the task.
"Erik," Beast said from his seat, next to him.
"Yes, Hank," he replied, his eyes still fixed on the Excel spreadsheet on the screen in front of him. The number of dates and names were staggering. There had been over fifty attempts in the last year. At first, the P.I's visits were sporadic, one every couple of months. Now, there had been, at least, one attempt per week.
"It's nearly seven," he pointed out. "Perhaps, we should take a break and join the others for dinner?" he suggested. This must have been the third time he had requested to take a break.
"Or we should continue in our current endeavor. As we are no closer to the truth of the matter now, than we were this afternoon," he said dryly, dismissing the proposal.
"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well," Hank replied.
"That's not, Mark Twain, is it?" he asked, trying to place the quote, his eyes still fixed on the computer in front of him.
"Virginia Woolf, a room of one's own," he supplied. He let out an amused huff.
"I see your point, Hank. However, the attempts are escalating. At this rate, Charles won't have the freedom to leave the premises," he pointed out, bothered by the idea.
"Actually, he hasn't left the institute in over two weeks," the other man replied. Magneto forced his gaze from the computer to look at the other man. "As a precaution," he finished.
"How is no one discussing this?" he asked, at a loss.
"Charles doesn't want to alarm anyone," he replied.
"Hide the enemy to shelter the student," he muttered to himself as he raked a hand through his hair. "Charles utilized the same tactic when Mystique and I first became active in Bayville. His proclivity for silence put us at an advantage. Which both of us exploited when it suited our aims. We cannot allow this unidentified adversary to do the same," he said before letting out a sigh. "Who does knows about the attempts?" he asked.
"Logan, Ororo, Scott and Jean," he answered.
"And who else has reviewed these files?" he asked.
"Just you and I," Hank answered. He stared blankly at Beast for a moment.
"So, who is actually aware of the situation?" he asked again, knowing what the answer would be. Beast gave him a small smile before rubbing his hand over his mouth.
"Us and Charles," Hank admitted.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" he muttered as he stared up at the screen. "Threats such as these do not dissipate on their own. Action must be taken to ensure it doesn't carry on unabated," he said.
"I know-" the other man started to say.
"Hank," he said looking over at the other man, "that statement wasn't a reflection of your work. The fact that you've been able to discover third links, at all, is commendable. You've done well with the resources at your disposal. Unfortunately, it's not enough," he said.
"Rome wasn't built in a day," Hank retorted.
"That is not the core of the issue. There is only so much that can be done from a computer. Charles has to prioritize the matter before it can truly be dealt with," he said.
"'I thought that all things had been savage here, and therefore put on the countenance of stern commandment. But whate'er you are, that in this desert inaccessible, under the shade of melancholy boughs, lose and neglect the creeping hours of time,'" Beast quoted. Magneto let out an amused huff.
"Yes, I'll admit staring at all these names feels quite like being secluded in a remote forest. However, 'defer no time, delays have dangerous ends,'" he countered.
"I'm not the only one who knows his Shakespeare," Beast laughed.
"It would appear so," Magneto smirked. "Must you always talk in quotes?" he asked.
"My flair for literary citations are wasted on most of the inhabitance of the institute. 'As you from crimes would pardoned be, let your indulgence set me free,'" Hank remarked. Magneto let out a loud laugh at that.
"I suppose everyone has their faults. If you are willing to forgive mine, it would be rather rude to refuse to forgive yours," he said with a chuckle.
"You have my thanks," Hank grinned. "Now about dinne-" he segued.
"Yes, what about the changes we discussed for the spreadsheet," Magneto countered, trying to keep them on topic, a small smirk graced his features.
"I will ah-," Hank started to say as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll reorganize and add the last month's activity tomorrow," Hank answered.
"Not tonight?" he asked.
"It's ah- It's movie night," Hank said with a slight grin.
"Do you or Charles have any sense of urgency?" Magneto asked. Hank let out a sigh at that. "What? No, witty quote to justify the procrastination?" he asked.
"On the contrary, 'all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,'" Hank grinned. Magneto gave the Beast another blank stare. "No one's been hurt," he continued, undeterred by his expression. "Numerous as they are, the P.I.s have been unable to obtain anything of use from their attempts. Yes, the situation needs to be addressed, but not at the detriment of all else," he said.
"You misunderstand my intentions, Hank," he said before they both heard a rather loud growling come from Beast's stomach.
"We did skip lunch," he remarked with a small smile.
"Clearly all productivity has ceased for the night. Fine, to dinner then," he yielded, as he stood up. The other man stood as well, practically jumping out of his seat.
"It's Ororo's turn to cook," Hank said as the two of them headed towards the exit. Magneto used his powers to open the door. "You will not be displeased with your decision," Hank said as he followed him out of the room.
"Tomorrow, Hank," he said firmly. "We'll pick this up in the morning," he commanded.
"Very well," he conceded.
They arrived in the dining room a few minutes late and were able to take their usual seats near the head of the table. Thankfully, no one made an issue of it. To Beast's credit, Ororo was an excellent chief. Magneto was greatly enjoying the meatloaf, carrots and mashed potato set before him. He let out a small appreciate noise as he ate a piece of steak.
"Ororo, you have my compliments," Magneto remarked.
"Indeed," Charles agreed before taking a sip from his glass.
"Nice cooking, 'Ro," Wolverine chimed in.
"It's delicious," Jean added with a smile, which was followed by a few more praises scattered around the table.
"Thank you all," Ororo responded.
"I told you, you wouldn't be disappointed," Hank smiled at him.
"First thing tomorrow," Magneto reaffirmed, eying the man before he took another bite of meatloaf.
"I've already agreed," Hank said quickly. "No need to harp on it," he added. Magneto let out an amused huff at that.
"Any progress?" Charles asked as he felt Rogue's eyes on him from across the table. His eyes flashed to hers for a mere moment, enough to recognize the inquisitive expression on her face.
"Nothing of note yet," Magneto said as he used his abilities to turn the rings she wore on her thumb and middle finger. A gesture he hoped, would inform her he had every intention of answering her question once they were alone. "We've barely gotten started," Magneto commented.
"Please keep me updated?" he asked.
"Of course," Magneto answered easily. Charles gave him a quick nod.
"Professor?" Shadowcat asked, her voice emanating over the general chatter in the dining room.
"Yes, Kitty?" Charles replied.
"About movie night?" she started to ask as Magneto felt Rogue's eyes on him again. He glanced up to meet her gaze.
"Sorry," Rogue mouthed silently.
"Yes?" Charles asked again as Magneto raised an eyebrow at Rogue; she gave him a shrug and a half-smile.
"I was wondering if," Shadowcat started to ask, "I could invite Lance and maybe some of the brotherhood to, like, watch it with us?" she asked.
That piqued his interest. Magneto caught Charles' gaze, although he could still feel Rogue's eyes on him. Charles gave him a quick nod before his friend turned back to look at Shadowcat.
"Lance totally wants to see Savage Vendetta. Is that okay?" Shadowcat asked.
"Not again?" Magma called out.
"Yeah, how many times are we gonna watch that corny movie?" Cannonball asked annoyed.
"Hey, it's good," Iceman said.
"The first time," Cannonball replied.
"I like it," Nightcrawler added.
"It's an action movie, Kurt. I'd be worried if you didn't like it," Shadowcat said, this was met with a few laughs.
"Hey, if you guys want a say in what movie we watch, maybe you should come with us to blockbuster," Iceman replied.
"Maybe, I will," Magma bit back.
"Great," Berserker spoke up. "Now, we're going to have to watch 'Coyote Ugly' again," he said despondently. Jean and Rogue let out a laugh at that.
"Which is, like, also a good movie," Shadowcat pointed out.
"If you say so," Sunspot commented dryly, which was met with a few laughs from the boys at the table.
"To answer your question, Kitty," Charles said, as the room fell mostly silent as attention was given to the head of the table. "Yes, you can invite Lance to join us," he answered. Magneto gave him an appreciative nod. "Of course, you can invite the brotherhood," he added.
"Thank you," Shadowcat called out as she stood up. "I'll be right back. I gotta call Lance so they have time to get ready," she said bubbly as she got out of her seat.
"Professor?" Cyclops asked warily as Kitty raced out of the room.
"It's alright, Scott," Charles answered as he cut into his meatloaf.
"Whoever decides to attend tonight's gathering will behave themselves, as they have been at Bayville High and during my classes," Magneto added.
"Precisely," Charles agreed before he enjoyed the scope of his potatoes.
"Rogue," Nightcrawler spoke up, "You're coming tonight, right? You don't have to work on your powers?" he asked.
"Yeah, Kurt, I'll be there," Rogue smiled.
"I should've known this was your fault," Cannonball said annoyed. "You laugh at the weirdest times," he exclaimed.
"Not my fault y'all don't get the joke," Rogue replied.
"Why do you like that movie much?" Magma asked. Magneto picked up his glass as he watched the exchange play out.
"Maybe 'cause it based on real events," Rogue answered before her eyes flashed to his. Just as quickly as she met his gaze, her attention was solely on Cannonball and Magma again.
"Oh right, 'course it is," the boy laughed as Magneto took a sip from his drink.
"It does say that on the cover," Cyclops pointed out.
"And do you believe everything you read, Scott," Jean commented, which was met with a few laughs.
"Yeah, why don't we all, just hop a ride in the X-Jet to the hidden tropical region in Antarctica," Cannonball said, sarcasm dripping from his voice, as Magneto took another sip from his glass.
'What?' Magneto asked shocked as felt his eyes widen as his throat constrict. His hand went to his chest as he coughed.
"Magnus?" Charles asked as Rogue's eyes flashed to his again.
"I'm fine," he muttered.
"Yeah," Magma joined in, "We can all go see the dinosaurs," she laughed as Magneto took another sip to clear his throat.
'The Savage Lands? They're talking about the Savage Lands,' he realized as laughter echoed in the dining room. Charles' held his gaze for a moment. "I'm fine," Magneto muttered again. "Wrong pipe," he said dismissively as he placed the glass back on the table.
"Rogue, why don't ya hand over the coordinates and we'll go right now," Cannonball added.
"Sure thing, Sam," Rogue smirked. "Sixty-nine degrees, thirty south latitude, by sixty-eight degree thirty west longitude," she answered.
"Very humorous, Rogue," Ororo commented as a few laughs emanated throughout the room.
"Actually," Beast spoke up, "those coordinates would fall in Antarctica. A nice touch," he said with a grin.
"That's 'cause I keep telling y'all, it's a real place," Rogue said before her eyes flashed to his again.
"Sure, it is," Cannonball said as Rogue just smirked.
Curiosity and shock got the better of him.
"Who on earth made a movie about the Savage Lands?" Magneto exclaimed aloud.
The table fell silent as all eyes turned to look at him. He kept his gaze on Rogue. She let out a short laugh, her eyes bright, shining with amusement.
"It's real?" Cannonball asked bewildered.
"Yes, and no one should to ever consider venturing there," Magneto remarked strongly. "The prehistoric land is a catacomb of dangers. Even though Rogue, so kindly, provided the actual coordinates," he said sternly, giving her a look.
"What?" Rogue laughed. "They asked," she said with a shrug. He gave her an incredulous look which she responded to by laughing.
"Are there really dinosaurs there?" Multiple asked.
"Last I checked, yes," Magneto answered, his eyes not leaving Rogues'.
"And the Nazis?" Berserker asked. Rogues' expression turned sympathetic.
"Sorry," she said with a slight frown. He gestured with his hand, dismissing the apology.
"Hitler's Last Battalion were dealt with in the late sixties," he answered, his voice somber. His comment was met with several gasps around the room.
"That's what happened in the movie," Nightcrawler exclaimed.
"Which would bring us back to my question. Rogue, if you'd please," Magneto said, ignoring all the rest, his focus on his girl.
"I watched the credits a bunch of times," Rogue started to explain. "None of the names stood out. At least, I didn't recognize any. Near as I can tell, someone probably got a little too inspired after reviewing some old CIA reports. The government didn't even bother filing a cease and desist order. Would've brought too much attention to the whole thing. It's a B movie. It's harmless. I'm pretty much it's only fan," Rogue finished with a smile.
"Hey, I like it too," Bobby called out. "Agent M is awesome," he said.
"Agent M?" Magneto exclaimed.
"It's a very enjoyable movie," Hank added.
"Agent M?" he asked pointedly, staring directly at Rogue.
"Yup," Rogue said with a nod. "Agent M," she confirmed. He ranked a hand through his hair.
"Magnus?" Charles started to ask.
"Rogue," Magneto said firmly, ignoring Charles for the moment, "why precisely couldn't you be bothered to inform me of the existence of this movie?" he asked, getting angrier by the second.
"I was gonna eventually. We've been busy," she shot back. Jean let out a short snicker, Wolverine a short growl as Charles let out a sigh, and once again his fingers had found the bridge of his nose. Magneto responded with her another incredulous look and could tell she was trying not to laugh again. "Developing the curriculum for your class," she added with a small smile.
"Yes, we have been," Magneto replied dryly.
"I didn't rent it," Rogue blurted out. "I tried finding you before dinner, but I didn't know where you were," she said defensively. "I already apologized twice," she pointed out.
"Which I accepted when I thought the movie was merely about the Savage Lands," he said. Rogue's eyes quickly darted away from his to glance at the kitchen door. She quickly returned her gaze to his. "I did hear you correctly, I'm featured in this movie?" he asked.
"Sugar, you're the protagonist," she smirked.
"No, I'm not," he shot back quickly. "I can't be. That's ridiculous."
"Yeah, ya are," she said strongly. "Who else would be the protagonist in a movie about fighting dinosaurs and Nazis? Both of which are considered to be bad-ass activities," she said with a smirk.
"Rogue, language," Charles reprimanded.
"Not now, Charles," Rogue and Magneto yelled in unison. Magneto vaguely heard and felt Charles drop his fork in frustration but was far too focused on the conversation to pay his friend any mind.
"How in heaven's name am I the protagonist?" he asked.
"'Course, a monster like you could never be considered the good guy," Rogue said rolling her eyes.
"Rogue," he said firmly, his eyes narrowing.
"Hindsight, sugar," Rogue said. "It's always twenty-twenty. You single-handedly took out Hitler's Last Battalion while punching dinosaurs right in their faces."
"I killed people," he countered, which was met with a fair amount of gasps around the table.
"Yeah, Nazis, the scum of the earth, genocidal, Nazis and that was only after the CIA betrayed you and killed Isabella," she pointed out. His eyes widened at being reminded of his past love.
"Just like the movie," Multiple whispered mystified. A few of the students sitting next to him hushed the institute's youngest mutant.
"Jamie, don't interrupt," Cannonball whispered.
"This is awesome," Iceman whispered.
"But," Multiple protested before more students hushed them both.
"You were happy to bring those bastards to justice," Rogue continued, "before you found out the CIA was recruiting some of them, giving them new identities in the U.S. You tried doing it the right way. You tried going through the proper channels and working with the government. Control deceived you and murdered Isabella just ta make a point. They didn't give you a choice," Rogue insisted.
"And yeah, sure," she continued. "Maybe you've could've tried working with the U.K., Israel, or some other country instead. For all you knew, they were doing the same thing. Besides, you were already chasing the next lead and then you just stumbled onto the Savage Lands, this hidden oasis in the middle of Antarctica. You find a bunch of Nazis gearing up for the Fourth Reich. They had the manpower, the missiles, and were days, just days, away from launching their attack on Poland. So, what are you supposed to do? How are you supposed to handle that? Even if you did leave to try and get some help, who would believe you? How are you supposed to convince a government that one, mutants exist, two that literal Nazis are holding up in Antarctica and three that dinosaurs ain't extinct? How? How?" she asked.
"He could have tried," Charles pointed out. Rogue broke eye contact with him to glance at Charles.
"And Poland would be nothing but a crater," Rogue said seriously. "He made the right call. He made the only call he could in the situation and the fact that all of us have sat in the common room and cheered his actions at that end of that movie only goes to show y'all," she said before turning back to look at him. "You saved Poland from destruction. Who knows how many other countries? Obviously, you're the good guy in that narrative. I don't know how else to explain that to you," she finished.
Magneto took a deep breath as he took it all in. After a moment a smile came to his face as he let out an amused huff. He only had one question left.
"You cheered?" Magneto smirked as he made eye contact with Charles.
"Ah-"Charles started to mutter, caught off guard at being put on the spot. "Yes," Charles admitted after a moment. He noted the satisfied look on Rogue's face.
"We all did, actually," Hank said.
"Yeah, we did," Cyclops said dazedly.
"Really?" Magneto asked surprised as he watched Shadowcat return to her seat next to Rogue.
"Erik, you saved a lot of lives," Ororo said.
"However, the means he used," Charles started to say.
"I took out my fair share of Nazis serving with the Canadian forces," Wolverine interrupted, speaking up. "War ain't always black and white, Chuck," he said before turning to look at Magneto. "You did good," he with a nod.
"Thank you," Magneto said earnestly as he returned the gesture. Wolverine nodded once more at him before returning to his meal.
"I'm curious," Hank started to say, "what inaccuracies there are when comparing the screen to factual events. For example, Agent M is notably not a mutant," he pointed out.
"It's hilarious," Rogue spoke up. "watching 'em have ta compensate for him not having his powers. They're the best scenes in the movie," Rogue said.
"Wait, that's why you laugh so much?" Cannonball asked.
"Yeah, obviously," Rogue confirmed. "Now, y'all are gonna get the joke," she said with a short laugh.
"Okay, now I can't wait to watch it again," Cannonball said.
"I thought it was too corny," Kitty teased.
"That was before I knew it was a documentary," Cannonball exclaimed. Most of those present in the room, let out a good laugh at that.
"It does say that it is based on real events on the cover," Cyclops said, followed by more laughter.
"So, the entire Brotherhood is coming. They all want to see the movie starring Magneto," Kitty said.
"We're going to need a lot of popcorn," Kurt said, followed by a few laughs.
His gaze flashed to Rogue's, she had a soft smile on her lips, a knowing look in her eyes. It seems she wasn't the only one he could have an honest conversation with. All in all, it was a rather pleasing feeling.
"I might pause the movie a few times, offer some explanations if the scene warrants it. Assuming, no one minds," Magneto offered.
"Franky, I would be disappointed if you didn't set the record straight," Hank said with a smile.
"Well, that's settled then," Magneto said.
Shortly after dinner, Magneto was walking down the hall towards his bedroom. He had decided to change into a lighter shirt before the movie.
"Are you okay?" he heard Rogue asked.
"I'm not quite certain yet," he replied as he turned to face her. They were already in the empty wing his bedroom resided in. There was no one around. "I'm still processing the prospect of watching a movie based on a moment of my life," he said as he reached out and pulled her into his arms.
"That's old hat ta me," she said as she ran her hands up to his shoulders. "It's just how my powers work, viewing memories and all," she said. He nodded at that.
"Of course the question how, how does this movie exist, is still rather prevalent in my thoughts."
"Like I said, I can't figure who to point a finger at," she said, as he searched her gaze. Something told him she wasn't being honest with him.
"And even if you could?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. Her eyes flashed with fear for a brief moment, followed by amusement.
"There's no way in hell, I'd tell you," she replied with a smirk. He chuckled at that as he leaned in closer.
"Smart girl," he said before he closed the gap between their lips. He tried to deepen the kiss, but she pulled back instead.
"Probably shouldn't start what we can't finish," she said breathlessly.
"Not the wisest course of action," he agreed as he pulled her against him, before kissing her neck.
"Max," she said, he could hear the smile in her voice. "We gotta get back downstairs," she reminded him.
"I know, I know," he muttered against her neck before he kissed her bare skin again. She let out a moan as he felt her hands take in a fist fills with his shirt. He pushed her up against the wall before capturing her lips again. She moaned as he grabbed her legs, lifting her as she wrapped her legs around him.
"Max, Max," she said breathlessly as she tried to pull back from him. "We don't have the time," she told him.
"Not even a quickly?" he smirked as he pulled back from the wall.
His lips found hers again. She moaned into his mouth as he carried her down the hall and into his room. He quickly closed the door behind them before he turned and pushed her up against it. Using the cuffs he still had from their morning liaison, he pinned her hands to the door, each on either side of her head.
She started to shake against him, her breathing becoming more rapid. He looked into his lover's face, quite pleased with the expression he found there.
"You know, far better than most, how long these encounters can last," he said with a smirk as he hands his hand up and down her body, enjoying the curves of her body and the swell of her breasts. "I usually like to take my time. Watch you obtain climate, over and over, as many times as your beautiful body can stand it," he said as she let a few short moans. "Now, however, I'm afraid our situation calls for haste. My girl, would you begrudge me a bit of pleasure?" he asked as he used his powers to open the drawer in the nightstand.
"No," she said heatedly, her face fully flush. He called a condom to his hand.
"Are you certain?" he asked, holding the condom within her view.
"Yes," she said breathlessly.
"Good girl," he smirked before capturing her lips again. Using his powers, he simultaneously, ripped open the condom and undid the zippers on both of their pants. He pulled his pants down slightly before readying his cock with the condom. He quickly pulled down her jeans and positioned himself at her entrance. He took her face in his hand and watched her eyes flutter open. "Last chance," he said.
"Please fuck me, sir," she muttered. Upon hearing that he entered her in one motion. She stuck her neck out and kissed him again as he thrusted into her relentlessly. She danced her tongue around his as he fucked her against the door.
It didn't take him long to come. He caressed her cheek, kissing her hard, as he finished riding out his climate. The release felt amazing. He felt young and full of energy. He could go again, if only they had the time. He held himself inside of her as he fought to regain control over his breath.
"The cuffs," she requested. He released his hold over them and they quickly dropped to the floor. She wrapped one arm around his neck, pulling him to her as the other cupped his cheek. He groaned as she kissed him. "Max, you gotta go take the world's fastest shower now," she told him with a grin. He rested his forehead against her as laughed loudly. "I'm being serious," she laughed.
"I know, I know, you are," he laughed. He kissed her again, as she laughed against his mouth. "They'll wait," he said.
"Until they start looking for us," Rogue pointed out.
"Do you really think Charles is going to allow anyone to launch an expedition?" he chuckled. "We'll be fine," he said. "Relax, Rogue," he said soothingly before kissing her cheek, his free hand moving between their bodies. His thumb found her swollen clit. He watched her take a deep breath as he started to rub at it. "That's my girl," he smirked as her face flushed all over again. Her eyes fluttered shut as she started to move her body in time with him, rubbing herself against his thumb. She was starting to get close, he could tell.
He pulled her face closer to his as he leaned him, his breath on her ear.
"To be continued," he said as he stopped stimulating her. Her eyes shot open as he pulled away out and away from her.
"What?" she exclaimed.
"I'm afraid, I have to go take the world's fastest shower," he explained, unable to keep the amusement from his voice, as he walked into his bathroom.
"Seriously," she exclaimed annoyed as she followed him into the bathroom. He chuckled as he turned on the shower and adjusted the knobs.
"Or you can come to join me and I'll finish what I started," he offered as he stepped into the stall. He hadn't thought it possible, but her face managed to turn a deeper shade of red.
"I don't- I don't trust my control that much," she yelled irritated.
"Then it will have to wait," he said matter-a-factly as he drew the curtain close. He heard her let out a frustrated shout and he couldn't help but chuckle.
"Screw it," he heard her say as he heard the disheveling of clothes. Mere moments later she entered the shower with him. "If I knock your ass unconscious, it's on you," she told her as she pressed her naked body up against his, both of them getting soaked under the water.
"Considering how easily you controlled the flow of the conversation at dinner, you think you can't handle this?" he asked with a smirk as he wrapped his arms around her. "Don't underestimate yourself, my girl. I certainly don't," he said as she shook in his hold. He leaned down again, pressing his lips to her ear. "Now where were we?" he asked with a smirk.
Little Red Dove: Hi! I promise I will not repost or add anything else to this chapter. This one's set in stone. You can totally review it whenever you want! :)
I'm so glad you like Candy and have questions about Owen Rankin. I'm so excited about all of the plot happening in this story. It's going to take a while and this fic might end up being just as long as Taunting Repartee by the time we're done here. I'm glad you're on board.
I hope Shakespeare wasn't boring? I had so much fun looking up quotes. :) I can't wait to hear your thoughts about this chapter. I had way too much fun writing it. :)
