Just letting everyone know, we are officially in the episode, Blind Alley, season 3 episode 5. For anyone whose memory of that episode is vague and if you feel like re-watching it: it's on Marvel's youtube channel for FREE! :)

Please enjoy,

Taunting Repartee

Chapter Seventy- Two:

As Rogue walked down the hall, from the infirmary she stopped in her tracks. 'Damn it,' she thought to herself. She quickly turned around and headed back into the door frame of the infirmary. "Emma?" Rogue asked: calling for the other girl's attention.

"Rogue?" Emma asked.

"Could I ask for one last favor tonight?" Rogue asked. "I know I'm second in command, but I still don't want to boss you around," Rogue said. Emma smiled at that.

"Rogue, what's the favor?" Emma asked.

"Could you please call Magneto tonight, or when you see tomorrow morning at the high school, just tell him Mystique's awake and Irene confirmed it herself," Rogue asked.

"Why not tell him yourself?" Emma asked with a raised eyebrow.

"He might want me to go into more detail and have us contemplate it together. But my minds still racing and I know ya all have plans during the day tomorrow. I just want a few hours to think. I hate rambling half thought out strategies, like I just did with Irene," Rogue said rolling her eyes at herself.

"That was half thought out?" Emma asked in disbelief. "You seemed so sure of yourself, and Irene's reaction," Emma started to say.

"I know," Rogue exclaimed with a smile. "How angry she was getting, how defense she was about me still obeying her. You heard it all in her voice too, right?" Rogue asked.

"Yes, I did," Charles Xavier heard Emma say from down the hall.

"She seemed to support what I was saying," he heard Rogue starting to say, "agreeing with it. But I still need some more time to really get that line of thought in order, make sure the reasoning I'm using actually adds up. I need a few hours for that, at least and I need to do that before I bring anything to him," Rogue said as Charles raised an eyebrow at the conversation he was overhearing.

"Sure," Emma said as Charles made his way up to the door. "I'll call him tonight," Emma said.

"Call who?" Charles asked as he entered the room.

"Magneto," Rogue answered as they made eye contact. "Emma's gonna call him for me and let him know that Mystique is active and is going to be manipulated by Irene at some point, to do something. I have no idea when or what," Rogue said. Charles eyes widened.

"Where did this information come from?" Charles asked alarmed.

"Irene," Rogue answered. "I just got off the phone with her," she said.

"Are you alright?" he asked concerned.

"Actually, I'm okay," Rogue said with a smile. "It wasn't a bad conversation," she said. Rogue's eye were lite up, he noticed. She looked excited, happy even. Dear god, what could that mean? "I'm gonna get you updated on it, Sunday or Monday, after I talk to to Max. There's a couple of things Irene and I talked about that I need Max's permission to talk about," Rogue explained. "I'll get you updated as soon as I can," Rogue stressed.

"Thank you," Charles said: not quite sure how else to respond.

"I'm actually gonna go try and get some sleep," she said before she headed towards the door.

"Rogue, tomorrow morning, I want a full report and whether or not you dreamed," Charles said.

"Got it, Prof. I'll see ya all in the morning," she said before she left the room. "Good night," she called out from the hallway.

"Good night," Emma called out as she stood up from the bed.

"Good night," Charles said within a moment of Emma. He let out a soft sigh. "We prepared a room for whenever you and Graydon wish to turn in for the night," Charles said as Emma walked across the room towards the door.

"Thank you very much, Charles," she said: looking down at him."Oh, can I call you, Charles?" Emma asked with a smile.

"I suppose so," Charles said with a slight hesitation.

"We really do appreciate your hospitality, " Emma said pleasantly as they made their way out of the room. The look in the woman's eye was making him a bit nervous.

"It's no trouble," Charles said dismissively as he led her to the elevator.

The next morning, everyone was working diligently to move into the newly completed mansion. To Charles' surprise Emma and Graydon had stuck around for most of the morning, helping both Rogue and Kurt move their stuff into their new bedrooms, along with assisting them with a few other chores around the mansion. Although, it was nice to have a couple of extra pair of hands throughout the morning, Charles was still a bit wary of having Magneto's agents in his home. But he supposed he was going to have to get used to that: considering how well the four of them seemed to be getting along. And or course, Rogue's own position within Magneto organization.

Charles did let out a sigh in relief as Emma and Graydon were about to make their departure for the day. Charles sat in the main entrance of the newly built mansion with Hank. They were looking over the lighting system, while Emma, Graydon, Kurt and Rogue were saying their goodbyes.

"Charles, can you give me a moment?" Hank asked.

"Of course," Charles said before Hank turned to look at Rogue and the others.

"Rogue, can I talk to you for a moment?" Hank called out from across the room.

"Yeah," Rogue answered as she turned to look at Hank. "Is it about-" Rogue started to ask.

"Yes, that's what it's about," Hank said: as Charles raised an eyebrow. What was going on, now?

"Give us a second," Emma said to the Graydon and Kurt before, she Rogue and Hank walked off to a different corner of the room: out of earshot.

Rogue felt her breath caught in her throat as she stood in front of Mr. McCoy.

"Rogue, darling, look at this man's face," Emma started to say with a smile as she wrapped an arm around Rogue's shoulder: her other hand gestured to Mr. McCoy. "Ask yourself, is this the face of a panicked man?" Emma asked as Mr. McCoy laughed slightly at that.

"No, it's not," Mr. McCoy said calmly.

"See, this is the face of a bearer of good news," Emma said.

"Miss. Frost, you must be psychic," Mr. McCoy said before Rogue and Emma laughed.

"I'm okay?" Rogue asked: feeling tears form in her eyes.

"You are not pregnant. The blood work came back completely normal. You're fine," he said strongly.

"Told you so," Emma teased with a smile as Rogue let out a sigh of relief: she quickly wiped away a few tears.

"Thank god," Rogue muttered. "That was the last thing I needed," Rogue said.

"I've made an appointment for you to see a Gynecologist on Monday at four pm for a check up. Ororo's going to take you. I still believe the most likely culprit is stress. So, I want you to try and relax as much as you can. I know that's a tall order, at the moment," Mr. McCoy started to say.

"Actually, I'm starting to get an handle on what's going on," Rogue said.

"That's good," Mr. McCoy said pleased.

"Yeah," Rogue said with a happy sigh. "Thanks, Mr. McCoy," Rogue said again.

"You're very welcome," he said with a smile before Rogue and Emma started to head back over to her brothers.

"Oh, Emma," Rogue said as she took out a few folded pieces of paper from her back pocket. "Could you give this to Magneto to read?" she asked.

"Sure," she said with a smile. "What is it?" she asked as she took the pieces of paper from her.

"Transcript of our conversation with Irene last night," Rogue told her.

"I'll get it to him," Emma said with a nod.

"Thanks," Rogue said.

"Everything okay?" Graydon asked concerned.

"Everything's fine," Emma said. "We're going to get out of here. Kurt, we'll come pick you up around five for dinner?" she said.

"Okay," Kurt said with a smile.

"Later, sis," Graydon said before he pulled her into a hug.

"Thanks for you're help this morning," Rogue said.

"No worries," Graydon said as they broke apart. "We were happy to help. See you guys later," he said again as him and Emma headed out the front door.

"Bye," Kurt said with a smile. "Let's go finish setting down all the rugs?" Kurt asked.

"Yup," Rogue said with a smile.

Magneto sat in the back seat of the rental car Emma and Graydon had gotten for their time in Bayville. Emma and Graydon were sitting in the front seat: they had just finished securing Victor's new position at the school. Everything had gone according to plan. Magneto was deep in thought as he read over the conversation, Rogue and Emma had had with Irene the night before, for a fifth time.

He let out a sigh as they pulled up to the institute.

"Emma, please let Rogue and Charles know we're here," Magneto ordered.

"Yes, sir," Emma said.

"Thank you," Magneto said before turned his attention back to the transcript.

A few moments later he felt the car start to move again. He paid little attention as the car made it's way though the gates and pulled up to the front of the mansion.

Magneto stood in front of the mansion: still reading over the transcript. There was much to consider. Mr. Wagner, had exited the building a few moments ago, and so him, Emma and Graydon had been on their way to dinner. Many of Charles' students were working around him on various projects to restore the grounds to their former glory. He paid little attention.

"Hey," Magneto heard Rogue said. He glanced up from the papers in his hand to see his girl standing in front of him a large duffel bag over her shoulder. He met her gaze.

"How are you, my girl?" he asked.

"Not pregnant," she answered with a slight smile. Max let out a chuckle as they hugged.

"As I said, I've never been more careful in my life," he said before he kissed the top of her head, though her hair. He hear her let out a happy sigh.

"We have a lot to talk about, Max," Rogue said as she backed out of his arms slightly.

"I know," Magneto said as Charles made his way over to them. The man did not look happy.

"We gotta make a choice about how we want to move forward against Irene and we're gonna have to make that choice today," she said strongly.

"My dear, I haven't had the time you've had to contemplate this situation," Max started to say.

"I know," Rogue said. "Before we do anything I want to go over all our options," she said. "I don't wanna rush into anything," she added.

"What options? I demand to know what on earth is going on?" Charles asked in anger. "All day, you have been acting strangely," Charles said to Rogue as she met his own gaze. He watched his girl let out a sigh as she backed out of his arms and turned to face Charles.

"You know Irene called me last night and we talked," Rogue said.

"Yes," Charles said.

"She said a few things I don't think she meant to say and I honestly think she gave away a weakness. Someone we can exploit," Rogue started to explain as Charles' looked surprised.

"What weakness?" Charles asked.

"There's a way," Rogue continued, "for me to be completely obedient to Irene's commands, so Jubilee's safety wouldn't be an issue, and for Max to simultaneously keep Irene was being able to hear whatever conversations we have tonight or at any point," Rogue said.

"Charles, I'm certain you can appreciate how useful that could be for us," Max said.

"Yes, of course," Charles agreed.

"That's assuming I'm right," Rogue said. "If I'm wrong then Irene made those comments on purpose to lull us into a false sense of security. She'll let us think the tactic is working, meanwhile she'll still be able to hear everything we say and act on it," she said. "Any advantage we think we might have gained would be false," Rogue said.

"But if you're right?" Charles asked.

"I'm learning the languages. That is the only condition with a death threat attached to it, so I'm doing that no matter what we choose," Rogue said. "But, Irene wouldn't have access to my mind, or any conversation Magneto chooses to hide from her," she said.

"There in lays the risk," Magneto added. "The threats Irene has issued at the moment are not the only one's at her disposal. We do not know how she would retaliate to being unable to have access to Rogue," Max said.

"What does that mean?" Charles asked alarmed. "How would you keep Irene from not having access?" he asked. Rogue made eye contact with him.

"This plan would-" Rogue started to say before she cut herself off.

"Yes?" Charles asked as he watched Rogue turn to face Max.

"Max, I can't tell you tempted I am do this. I trust you, you know that," Rogue said strongly. "I don't think you would-"

"Dear girl, of course, I wouldn't," Magneto said as he placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Wouldn't what?" Charles asked: growing increasingly inpatient.

"But there are other factors we must consider," Magneto said: ignoring Charles.

"I know," Rogue said. "I don't want to rush into this. Just because we can, doesn't mean we should," she said.

"Should or shouldn't what?" Charles asked annoyed. Rogue met his gaze again. He watched her take a deep breath.

"Declare the truce null and void," Rogue answered.

"What?" Charles asked confused. "How would that-" Charles started to ask before he cut himself off. "You're going to take her captive again?" Charles asked in disbelief as Charles met his gaze. "That's how Rogue would be able to get around not following all of Irene's rules. You would take her freedom and deny her the ability to make those choices for herself," Charles said in anger.

"Better him than Irene," Rogue said defensively.

"Rogue, you can't be serious," Charles exclaimed.

"We are just considering it, Charles," Magneto said strongly. "This is only the first conversation we are having on the subject. Nothing has been decided as of yet," he said.

"Rogue," Charles said, "you worked so hard to get this truce into effect. You fought for it. I can not believe you would throw it all away so easily," Charles said.

"I'm not," Rogue insisted.

"Charles, we are just discussing the possibly of exploiting a weakness," Max said strongly. "That is all," he said again. "Nothing is being discarding, not that easily. Personally, I do not wish to Anna captive again," he said: he could see the look of surprise on Charles' face. "I don't," he strongly making eye contact with his girl. He watched her let out a little sigh: he wasn't sure if it was in disappointment or relief: most likely a bit of both.

"I believe it would safer if we continue as we are. I will act independently, taking measures to protect you, my girl. While you, for the moment, will continue to do as Irene has instructed. Precisely, as Irene has instructed," he said. "I know the thought of obeying that woman sets your teeth on edge, Anna. But we still do not know what her larger plan is. Until we do, I do not believe the benefits out weigh the risks," Magneto said. "Unless, since last night you have had time to consider something I haven't?" he asked.

Rogue glanced away from him for a moment. Both him and Charles watched her pace slightly. He could see her mind working overtime: the possibilities paying out in her mind.

'Magnus,' Charles thought to him. 'you cannot do this,' he thought to him.

'Relax, Charles,' Magneto told him. 'The girl was just given a real sense of hope of fighting Irene. The first she has had. When Anna's given hope, she tends to cling to it. Holds on to it for dear life and fight with everything she has to exploit the new tactic at her disposal. But I will not allow her to act rashly and risk her safely. Unless, Anna gives me a thoroughly convincing reason why this would be the correct course of action, I don't plan to enforce this strategy of hers ,' he told Charles.

'I thought you would jump at the chance to tare up the truce,' Charles thought to him.

'Honestly, Charles, my biggest issue with the truce is having to ask your permission every time I come onto the institute's grounds. Which is nothing really. A minor annoyance,' he added. 'I have no qualms with the rest of it,' he said as he noted the surprised look on the other's face. Charles didn't have time to comment as Rogue walked back up to both of them.

"No," she sighed folding her arms across her chest. "It's too risky. We have no idea what she would do. Who else she would threaten. Things should stay the way they are. Irene hears everything," she said bitterly.

"For now," Magneto said as he placed his hand on her shoulder. Rogue looked up at him and smiled slightly before she nodded. "Only for now," Magneto added. Rogue let out a little sigh, nodding again. "Let's go eat dinner," Max said pleasantly. Rogue smiled at that before she leaned up and kissed him.

"I'll be back like, midnight. Unless, I can spend the night?" she asked hopefully.

"Midnight," Charles said at once. "We still have a lot of work to do to around here tomorrow and I would like you to be around to help," he said.

"Okay," Rogue said with nod.

I hope you all enjoyed it! Please review!? :)