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Chapter Five of

Taunting Repartee- RM'd

Play The Game

The next morning, Rogue was in the kitchen, unwrapping a blueberry muffin when she saw the Professor enter the room. He was giving his usual greetings to those present as congenial as could be. However, Rogue saw him quickly, deliberately, make a beeline horizontally for her across the checkered tiled floor.

"Good morning, Rogue," he said pleasantly, as if nothing were the matter.

"Morning, Prof," she said, masking her real feelings. She was more than anticipating his integration, and girding herself for the upcoming conversation.

"How are you feeling this morning?" he asked innocently enough. She guessed it would take him about five more questions to get at what he actually wanted to know.

"Erik's teaching me how to play chess," she supplied, saving him the trouble. She watched his eyes flare with interest.

"Well, he pivoted quickly," Charles remarked, dropping any pretense he intended to use to question her.

"D'ya have a problem with that?" she drawled lazily, rolling her eyes.

"No," he said, his tone surprised, pleasantly surprised. She could almost see the relief on his face. "No, I suppose I don't," he said. "How did you fare against him?" he asked.

"He beat me, like, twenty times in a row," she said in a perfect deadpan monotone. The Professor's laughter, however, brought a smile to her face.

"That's to be expected," he said before he let out a wistful sigh. "Did he go over the rules?" he asked.

"I know how the pieces move," she said, figuring it was an appropriate chess-like response.

"I meant the nuances, the stages of the game, and how to transition from one to the other," he said and she shook her head. "Thought not," he commented as he smoothly turned his chair and glided towards the exit. "Come with me," he said.

"Can I bring my muffin?" she asked, glancing at the half-eaten pastry in her hand. Roaming around the mansion with food was typically frowned upon and she didn't want to skip breakfast.

"Yes, of course," he said and she grabbed a paper towel, cupping it around her breakfast to avoid getting crumbs all over the place.

"How come she gets to eat in the hallway?" Jubilee whined to Logan and no one in particular as Rogue made her way after the Professor.

"Mind your own business," Logan reprimanded as Rogue swiftly exited the kitchen. He acted like he wasn't looking over towards the two departing the jovial chaos of the kitchen, but he did, and his jaw tensed. Rogue caught it just as the door swung closed.

She shook off the comment and Logan's actions as she hustled and caught up to the Professor in the hallway between the kitchen and the main lobby. He glanced up at her and he gave her a smile as they continued down the hallway together.

"Magneto's approach to teaching has always leaned toward trial by fire. I prefer a more structured learning environment," he said.

"Okay," she said before she took a mouthful of her breakfast. "You're saying he's a bad teacher?"

"No, not at all. Simply that he and I have different approaches. In terms of the skill itself, if Magneto set his mind to the task, I'd imagine he could be a grandmaster," he commented.

"Are ya only saying that 'cause ya only beat him twice?" she asked before taking another bite.

"Three times, thank you," he corrected.

"That first game does not count," she said before he stopped moving his chair.

"Is he still claiming I cheated?" Charles asked incredulously, looking up at her.

"Ah-huh," Rogue said, nodding down at him, a smile on her face before she finished her muffin

"It's been fifteen years," he said, annoyed, as he resumed moving.

"I watched the memory, you definitely read his mind," she laughed, as she wiped her mouth then folded the paper towel and put it in her pocket. She'd throw it out later.

"I did no such thing," he said.

"You anticipated every move he made," she said.

"Yes, after countless times failing," he said. "Something you're going to get used to. If you haven't already," he said.

"Prof, it was uncanny the way you defended against his strategies," she said, seeing Erik's memory in her mind.

"What's uncanny is how easily Magneto's ego is bruised," he retorted. "We didn't play for three months after he lost that first time. That's when he was living here," he continued as they entered his study. She almost asked him about those days when they lived in the mansion together, but before she could, he continued. "I lose game after game after game. And did I complain?" he asked rhetorically as he moved up to one of the bookshelves. "No, I kept reading and learning. And strived to do better," he said as he scanned over the books there. "To that end," he said as he reached up and retrieved a book. "Here," he said, turning and handing the paperback book to her.

She looked down and read the title; "'Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess'."

"Start with the openings," the Professor advised. "You're white, he's black, I assume," he said and she nodded. "Magneto claims he's giving his opponent the advantage of playing white. When in actuality, what he prefers is the more aggressive play style that black allows. Sicilian, French, and Scandinavian defenses. He'll switch between the three in an effort to keep you on your toes. Once you learn the proper responses, he will continue to vary his in increasingly complex ways," he explained.

"Then how do I beat him?" she asked.

"Oh, you won't, I'm afraid. Not for some time," he said, before looking away from her. "Although, your perfect memory might prove useful in that endeavor," he said thoughtfully before making eye contact again. "Either way, if you're willing to put in the work and can appreciate the strategic educational values chess can provide, then it'll be worth the effort," he said.

"Hmm," she huffed.

"And you do have to attend this afternoon's Danger Room session. You've skipped enough of those this week," he said.

"Yeah, okay," she relented with a small smile.

"Off you go, then," he said. She nodded as she walked towards the door. She turned back and looked at him.

"Thanks, Professor," she said warmly.

"You're welcome," he smiled at her. She turned to leave. "And Rogue," he said, calling for his attention. "Give him a good run for his money, and show him what we, the X-Men, are capable of," he said proudly.

"I will," she said with a smile as she exited the room. Holding the book in her hands, she stared down at it. Replaying the Professor's comment in her mind, she couldn't help but laugh as she walked down the hall, intent on reading the first chapter on her way to school.

'Oh, is that the game we're playing?' Erik muttered, his voice was so low she could barely hear him. She thought she heard the play on words, so it was probably about chess.

"Erik, did you say something?" she asked, hoping he would repeat himself.

'It's a useful book,' he said at his normal volume. 'I intended to suggest it, myself, in a few days' time. Charles beat me to it,' he said.

"Hmm, okay," she said, not sure what was going on with his tone. "Why in a few days?" she asked.

'Given your powers, I was curious what knowledge you would pick up automatically from my mind. Studying the basics would rob us of that opportunity,' he said.

"Should I hold off?" she asked.

'No need, my girl. Start with the openings as Charles suggested. Avoid reading about the endgame and I'll have more than enough by week's end to provide an analysis,' he said.

"Thanks, Erik," she said.

'My pleasure,' he said.

Rogue was sitting in the back seat of Scott's car, on their way to school, finding it hard to read with the convertible top down, but trying her best anyway. She was only on the second page and already felt a little overwhelmed.

"Ah, Rogue, you're, like, holding the book upside down," Kitty laughed.

"Yeah, it's designed that way," she said, showing her roommate the page. "Look," she said, pointing at the puzzle and the opposite side of the page.

"Why?" she laughed.

"I have no idea," Rogue said.

'The first puzzle you saw is the first of the book. The one on the opposite side is the last,' Erik explained.

"Is that why this one's like ten times more complicated?" Rogue asked him.

'Indeed,' he said. She huffed, before the book, right-side up. 'Start at the beginning and work your way through,' he said.

"And that's why you told me to avoid reading about the endgame, 'cause I'm gonna see a whole lotta of examples as I get through the beginning," she stated.

'Precisely,' he confirmed.

"Yeah, okay," she sighed before she looked over at Kitty, who was looking at her like she had two heads. "Ah," she groaned. "I'm sorry, I was doing it again, huh?" she asked.

"It's, totally, okay," Kitty said. "Like, it's just us in the car," she added, attempting to make her feel better. Rogue smiled at her roommate, grateful for the support.

"You really need to stop talking to yourself during class, however," Scott added dryly from the front seat.

"Yeah," she said as she closed the book. "Yeah, okay," she said as she stuffed it into her backpack. She'd read during lunch.

'Anna-Marie,' Erik said, calling for her attention. 'I think I'll slip into the back of your mind for the day. We'll pick this up tonight once you're ready for bed,' he said.

'Hmm,' she thought, careful to keep from speaking aloud and nervous of him retreating to the back of her mind, worried about-

'I have to say, my control over my own mind without yours has greatly increased. Have you noticed a difference in the last three weeks? Since I discovered how to pull your mind into mine?' he asked.

Now that he mentioned it, she hadn't had to deal with Bipolar Magneto since the date of the rebirth machine. Maybe he did have more control over himself. Maybe she didn't have to worry about that anymore.

'I think so,' she told him.

'Also, I was considering the fact that if I'm reading over your shoulder the entire day, I'll know all you've learned. And I'd like to give you a fighting chance,' he said. She had to keep herself from laughing aloud at that. They both knew she wasn't beating him anytime soon. Nice of him not to rub it in her face.

'So, nine-thirty?' she asked.

'On the dot, my dear,' he said.

Another week and a half passed and Rogue fell into a consistent, yet tiring routine: Danger Room, breakfast, school, homework, reading/training with Erik, dinner, chess, and finally falling asleep again within Erik's mind, within hers. The Professor had agreed that she would only have to attend morning sessions to keep her schedule consistent but it also meant she only had to attend three weekday sessions per week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. A luxury that wasn't going unnoticed by her teammates and fellow students.

No one seemed to understand that she had no free time anymore. By pulling double duty, she was keeping her commitments to the X-Men. But finding time to train her powers separately was no small task. Regardless, a few jealous looks was a small price to pay for her eventual control.

Though she was yawning more, a lot more.

'Anna-Marie, if you need a break we can delay our training session today. Perhaps you could take a proper nap and catch up on sleep,' Erik offered as she opened her locker. It was just before third period and she had a chemistry test to take. She was grateful Erik was front and center this morning. She was going to need him.

'I'm fine,' she told him, though another yawn did escape her as she pulled out her chemistry textbook. She could cram for five minutes before the tests were handed out. She blinked as a small folded-up piece of paper fell out of her locker. She yawned again as she reached down and picked it up. She went to unroll it, uncertain what it was.

"Hey, busy girl," a British female voice caught her attention. Rogue slipped the note into the front of her chemistry textbook. She'd figured out what it was later.

"Hey, Risty," Rogue said with a smile as she turned to look at her friend.

"I barely get to see you anymore," she complained "What do those housemates of yours have you up to now?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

Okay, maybe she shouldn't have told Risty about the Bayville Sirens, but she needed to talk to someone about it. And Erik telling her she was being an idiot wasn't really helpful.

"Nothing, Mom," Rogue said jokingly, rolling her eyes. Risty giggled while linking her arm through hers.

"Then why don't you have time for me anymore?" she pouted, overdramatically, as they started walking down the hall. "I'm feeling neglected," she said.

"I've been working on getting my grades up," she said.

"And you look ragged, darling," she pointed out.

"Thanks, Risty," she said dryly but knew she was right.

"Burning the midnight oil?" her friend asked.

"Kinda," she replied before she hid her mouth behind her hand, another yawn escaping her. Though she had been getting a decent amount of sleep, she should be this tired.

"What you need, my girl, is a break," Risty said. Okay, that was the second time she'd heard that suggestion today.

"With what time?" Rogue sighed.

"We'll just have to make some," she said.

"Can't. I gotta take a chemistry test next period," she said.

"Any others today?" she asked and she grinned triumphantly when Rogue shook her head no.

"Great," she exclaimed. "Meet me in the quad at the beginning of fourth period. I'll drop you off at the institute after school," she offered.

"I don't know," she said, nervously. Hanging out with Risty felt like a great idea, she missed her friend. But if the Professor found out, he would say she was taking too much on and try to limit her training sessions with Erik again. Or worse punish her for skipping class. She'd found a balance that was mostly working. Should she risk that for a fun afternoon with her friend?

"Just think about it, okay?" Risty asked.

"Okay," she said before they parted ways.

'You should go with her today,' Erik said.

'You're on board with this?' she asked surprisingly as she walked into the classroom.

'I don't often agree with- … the act of truancy. But in this case, you're due a reprieve,' he said.

'Maybe,' she said as she yawned once again, sitting down in her seat. 'You're helping me with this test, right?' she asked as she opened the textbook to chapter eight, hoping to quickly review what she thought would be on the test.

'High school level chemistry? I think we'll manage,' he said smugly. She allowed herself to let out a low chuckle in response.

A little later that day, Rogue was sitting in the front seat of Risty's car. Risty had the windows rolled up and the air conditioning on. She was actually a little cold and was pleased when Risty pulled out a blanket from the back seat for her. It was cold in the car, but she was comfy and warm under the blanket, maybe that's why she was having such a hard time keeping her eyes open.

The music wasn't helping any, soft 80's ballads playing on the radio. Risty's voice wasn't terrible and she was singing along with Pat Benatar. It all felt oddly reminiscent and she felt herself dozing off.

"We haven't done this since you were nine," Risty whispered.

"Huh?" Rogue asked half-asleep.

"I said, I hope they play, 'I Saw the Sign'. I love that song," Risty repeated louder.

"Me too," Rogue smiled as she closed her eyes again. The headrest wasn't the most comfortable, so she pulled up some of the blanket and scrunched it up into a makeshift pillow. "But I think it's a Pat Benetar marathon," she added. This was the fifth song in a row.

"You're probably right," Risty said before she went back to singing. "You said, oh, girl, it's a cold world when you keep it all to yourself. I said, you can't hide on the inside, all the pain you've ever felt," she sang, really getting into it. "Ransom my heart, but baby, don't look back 'cause we got nobody else," she sang as she drummed her fingers along the steering wheel in time with the music. "We're running with the shadows of the night, So baby, take my hand, you'll be alright, Surrender all your dreams to me tonight. They'll come true in the end."

The last thing she heard was Erik softly chuckling in her mind as she drifted off to sleep.

A few hours later, once Rogue had woken up, they had stopped for a small mountain of fast food, and the back seats were littered with the remnants of their takeout. Now, Risty had pulled up to the front gates of the institute and Rogue was gathering her things to depart.

"Sorry, I slept most of the afternoon," Rogue said, grabbing her backpack. It was heavier than usual since she had taken her chemistry textbook home today.

"Don't worry about it, Rogue," Risty said kindly. "I had fun," she said.

"Chauffeuring me around, wasting gas, while I took a nap?" she asked incredulously as she opened the car door.

"You found my singing is so angelically peaceful that it lulled you to sleep," she said as Rogue stepped out of the car. "I took that as a compliment," Risty smiled as Rogue reached in and grabbed her soft drink, which was next to Risty's in the cupholder between the two seats. "Besides, you look much better," she said, picking up her own drink. "Tomorrow you won't have to wear so much concealer to hide the bags under your eyes," she said knowingly, giving her a look, like she wasn't fooling anyone. Rogue sighed. "If you get more sleep tonight," she said before taking a sip of her drink, through the straw.

"Thank you, Mom," Rogue repeated in another sing-song, rolling her eyes.

"You're welcome, my darling," she smirked. Rogue smiled warmly as she closed the car door and Risty lowered the window. Risty was younger, still, it always seemed like she was taking care of her. It was nice having a friend who cared about her so selflessly. "See you at school tomorrow," she said.

"Bye," she said before waving her off.

A few minutes later, Rogue was walking through the front lobby of the institute, her heavy backpack over her shoulder and her soft drink in her hand, which she was taking sips from as she felt like it.

"Good afternoon, Rogue," she heard the Professor call out. The Professor was never just in the main lobby. Unless she had walked in while he was on his way to his office? No, it was too coincidental. He had to know she skipped school. Maybe the school had called when she didn't show up to fourth period?

"Hey, Professor," she said, forcing herself to smile. It wasn't a problem until he called her out on it. She'd deal with it then.

"How was school today?" he asked.

"I aced my chemistry test," she said honestly, Erik had assured her every answer they had put to the page was accurate - guaranteeing her a hundred.

"That's wonderful," he said happily. "And what are your plans for the afternoon?" he asked, and she knew he meant- what were she and Erik working on today?

"There's this new aspect of my powers we're exploring," she said, which certainly got his attention, he seemed to sit up even straighter than he was a moment ago. "So, when I study a topic, if I have someone in my head who's an expert in that subject, sometimes their knowledge bleeds inta mine and I just know things that I haven't studied on my own. Erik and I are examining that process and trying to understand it better," she said.

"That's quite interesting," he said. "With chess being the subject matter, I assume?" he asked.

"That's how we figured out it was happening. Erik was playing Sicilian and I- it was instinctual, I just knew some of the more complex responses before I got to 'em in that book you gave me," she said as he nodded along. "But I still have homework to do. So, we're trying to multitask and work our way through one textbook at a time. We're still on chemistry," she said.

"Given these new skills at your disposal, it's a smart approach to combine your school work and your training. I agree, this is an excellent use of your time," he praised.

"Thanks," she smiled, glad to have his approval. That would make things easier for her. She could deal with the looks and the whispers from the other residents of the mansion. But as long as she and the Professor were on the same page, no one would actually say anything to her. "Also, Risty and I just got some food, so I think I'm gonna skip dinner. If that's okay?" she asked.

"Perfectly fine," he said.

"Thanks," she said again as she started to walk toward the stairs.

"Oh, and Rogue," he said, causing her to look back at him. "The next time you're feeling overwhelmed by your schedule, please talk to me about it before skipping classes," he said kindly.

She braced herself for what was coming next; the reprimanding, the punishment, her penance for needing a break.

"This will be the first and last time I tell the school's administrative team that I forgot to mention you had a doctor's appointment," the Professor said, taking her completely by surprise.

He- he covered for her. Anyone else would have been on X-Jet detailing duty for a month. Why was he being so lenient with her?

"Understood?" he asked, pulling her from her thoughts.

"Ah-huh," she said, confused but immensely grateful.

"Also, I'd like to have a more thorough review of your progress tomorrow afternoon. Let's say three o'clock," he dictated. She nodded, really having no other choice but to agree after the favor he had just done for her. And she walked right into it.

'Not a bad move, honestly,' she thought to herself.

"Thank you," he said pleased. "Have a good evening," he said.

"Thank you," she said meekly. He nodded at her, before heading toward the kitchen. She headed up the stairs, trying to figure out why she wasn't in trouble.

'Isn't it obvious, my dear?' Erik asked.

'No,' she said.

'Anna-Marie, he can't make this place unbearable for you,' he laughed. 'If he did, why would you stay?' he asked.

'Where am I gonna go?' she laughed.

'You'd find me, dear girl,' he said, as she felt her breath catch in her throat. 'My counterpart,' he clarified, though it was unnecessary. She knew what he meant.

"Why would I do that?" she asked in a whisper.

'You're right. It's far more likely Magneto will contact you,' Erik said.

"He hasn't yet," she said.

'It's only a matter of time,' he said as she marched down the hall, needing to get somewhere private. 'I stalked Warren Worthington for three weeks before I contacted him,' he said as she managed to run to her other bedroom's door. 'And he wasn't nearly as important as you,' he said as she entered the room. She felt her heart skip a beat. There was definitely something more there to those words.

'I ain't important like that,' she claimed, closing the door behind her. 'I'm not powerful like Jean, or a great fighter like Logan. I don't control the weather. Mah powers are like a knife with a hilt as sharp as the blade.'

'Oh, yes, you are,' he corrected firmly as she sank to the floor, resting her tense back against the door, her backpack dropped to the floor with a heavy thud and her soft drink was pushed to the side, instantly forgotten. 'Your powers give you the potential for unlimited power. Mystique knew it, I knew it. And from Charles' most recent behavior, he most certainly knows it,' he said as she felt like she could barely breathe.

'It's why he's so lenient with you, Anna-Marie. And I don't just mean skipping classes today. I'm talking about all of it. He's treated you with more favoritism than his star pupil Jean Grey or even his adopted son Scott Summers. That speaks volumes, does it not?' he asked with a laugh.

"You're wrong," she objected.

'You've felt their stares, haven't you? Their animosity, their confusion toward your elevated status. You can do no wrong. Skip as many Danger Room sessions as required. Take up whatever space within the mansion suits you. And when they learn of today's events, their animosity will fester further. And do you know why he allows all of this?' he asked, though he wasn't giving her a chance to answer. 'Because you have leverage, Anna-Marie. Real, tangible leverage, yours to wield as you choose,' he said.

"What kinda leverage?" she asked.

'Your allegiance, of course,' he said, simply.

"I don't wanna leave the X-Men," she said.

'Today, right now; no, you do not. But you could. Easily. The leaders of three major mutant factions would all gladly offer you refuge in exchange for your obedience. Charles has you currently and he's willing to offer you special treatment in order to keep you as one of his X-Men. As one of his soldiers in the wars to come,' he claimed.

She was tired, her head hurt and she- she didn't want to talk about this anymore.

"Could we- could we just get back to training, please?" she asked.

'Yes, I think now would be the optimal time to pull out your chemistry textbook, retrieve the mystery note and we can confirm my suspicions,' he said. She felt her eyes widen further as she scrambled to grab her backpack and hastily undid the zipper.

She had completely forgotten about the note.

With shaking hands, she pulled out the book in question, got the note from the front of it, and flipped it open. She felt her breaths coming fast, as both of them instantly recognized the handwriting- Magneto's handwriting.

Dear Rogue,

The honor of your presence is requested at my cafe on Thursday of this week at 4:30pm. I look forward to your company and hope our subsequent conversation will be mutually beneficial and productive for us both. An area of particular interest to me was brought to my attention by your mother. Your gift has engendered some difficulties in your life, and our burgeoning community must be above those that came before it. Perhaps there is something to be done about said difficulty.

Upon arrival, kindly show yourself to the library.

Please note the dress code is casual. Light refreshments and food will be served.

Cordially,

M

'And there we have it, an invitation,' Erik said, not quite hiding a satisfied tone to his voice.

"Oh my god," she muttered as she tried to read over the note - she was - her heart was beating so fast.

Tomorrow, he wanted to meet her tomorrow? But she only found the note today. 'Thursday of this week.' When had he done that - Well, he probably had Pietro slip it into her locker. But when? Monday, maybe? Was she supposed to have had days to consider this? Instead, she barely had a night.

'Breathe, Anna-Marie,' he ordered and she did so, making the conscious effort for it. In. Out. She needed to slow her heart. But how could she, when at the same time her mind was racing?

"I- I- I need to go tell Prof," she said.

'If you tell Charles about the note tonight, you'll lose your leverage,' he warned.

"I don't care about that," she exclaimed, absolutely frustrated with his talk of sides.

'You should,' he said. 'This is the opening gambit, Rogue. Only the opening. If you refuse and with it his hospitality, then you're a threat to him, aren't you? The knowledge of him at your disposal will no longer be in the hands of a potential future ally, but rather an enemy who must be dealt with. It's in your best interest to appear interested. Do you understand, my dear?' he asked.

The magnitude of reality was settling in as all those "tomorrows" and "eventual-ies" became today. "This is too much," she said.

'Hardly,' he scoffed. 'No, it's what I've been preparing you for since I set these events into motion last month,' he added as her breath quickened once more.

"Since you manipulated me inta-"

'Yes, when I manipulated you into telling Magneto about your knowledge,' he confirmed. 'Something you've known yet ignored since then. No more, Anna-Marie. Time to face the truth,' he said.

"I should go talk to Prof," she asserted, even as her voice wavered, but in fear or some other reason, she wasn't sure if she wanted to know yet.

'Charles knows, by the way. He didn't work it out, quite as fast as you did. But he knows I orchestrated it. He understands a conversation between you and Magneto, along with an offer to join him, is inevitable. This isn't something you'll have to explain to him,' he told her.

"Okay," she said, uneasy.

'Which is why you should go,' he advised.

"I don't- I don't know," she said, shaking her head.

'I understand your hesitance. I know you're frightened of him. But he's me, dear girl. He and I are the same,' he told her. 'You'll get along famously,' he said as she felt a tear run down her face.

"Is that- is that what all this' been? Just a long recruitment speech?" she asked, her eyes burned from newly formed tears. They squeezed shut.

"No," he said firmly.

She gasped as she felt his hands on her cheek, brushing away her tears. She opened her eyes to see him kneeling in front of her.

"I genuinely care about you, Anna-Marie… As does Charles… As does your mother… None of this changes what you are. A weapon of the highest caliber. A piece on the board, capable of any and every move of your choosing. There's no better metaphor, my dear, you are a queen. And like it or not, thanks to me, you're going to be treated like one for the rest of your life," he said before he leaned in and captured her lips. She whimpered against him as he tilted her head up slightly, deepening the kiss. He pulled back only a short moment later. "Who has that honor is up to you," he said, staring down into her eyes.

He was in front of her; with his kind expression meant to disarm her; his gentle touch meant to fluster her; and his sweet words meant to sway her. She couldn't deal with any of it at the moment.

"I need to think. I wanna be alone," she said.

"I've said my piece," he said. "I won't talk to you again till after you've met with him, which again I advise you to do. Even if you call for me, I won't come. You're on your own until then," he said.

"Okay," she agreed.

"Close your eyes," he ordered. She nodded before doing so - she felt his lips on hers again, only for a brief moment, before those and his hands were gone.

She stayed pressed up against the door, as she tried to get her breathing under control.

God, what was she going to do?

Her head was pressed back against the door, tears streaming down her face. She didn't want this, she didn't want any of this.

She needed sleep.

Okay, she'd deal with this in the morning, she decided.

The next morning, Rogue woke after a restless night of tossing and turning. She already had an appointment with the Professor that afternoon. An hour and a half before the time Magneto had set. But still the Professor had made his first. So, that was that, right? She couldn't go. She was just going to go to school, she decided. Just a normal day.

Though, as she'd gotten dressed, she didn't choose her normal attire. Instead. her eyes gravitated toward the outfit she's worn to the school dance earlier that year. Red denim pants, gray crop top, and orange sheer shirt. She was wearing her normal jewelry, bracelets on either of her wrists and her choker along her neck. She had even decided to put on a black belt with metal studs. Not to mention her steel-toed combat boots. She was practically covered in the stuff. It would be insane to go talk to Magneto while wearing this much metal. She could only imagine what he could do to her… like… this.

Her face flushed furiously. It was just another reason she couldn't go talk to him, right? But if she didn't go willingly to this meeting, then when would they talk? Now that he'd ask for it, it was going to happen. Just a matter of when, not if.

She took another look back at her adopted room and- she picked up the note and placed it on her pillow. Fully open so anyone could read it. Maybe the Professor would come in here at some point today before the meeting time and find it. Maybe, dressing up would prompt him to check? Then it wouldn't be her fault and Magneto couldn't blame her or take it as some kind of insult, right?

She sighed, it was wishful thinking but at least she was trying something. She shook her head and readied herself for breakfast. Maybe, the Professor would realize something was off while she was eating and she wouldn't even have to go to school?

Wouldn't that be nice?

Rogue sighed as opened her locker. The Professor hadn't even been at breakfast this morning. Something about a strange Cerebro reading he had to investigate. Her stomach had been in knots since hearing that. It was a coincidence, had to be. Nothing to do with her. Just bad timing.

Though, Storm had noticed and even commented that she looked nice. Maybe, that would be enough. Maybe the Professor would ask about her, Storm would tell him about her attire and he would find the note and would come pick her up from school before the day was over. It was only first period. Plenty of time for that to happen, right?

Rogue let out a sigh as the bell for fourth period rang. She was standing outside her locker again, switching out textbooks before her next class- waiting, hoping.

She was being ridiculous. The room in the back of the library was literally lined with the same metal as his helmet. If she went, if she willingly isolated herself with him, that was it, no one would be able to find her. Not the Professor, no one.

If she didn't want to go, she just- she wouldn't. She didn't need to wait for someone to come along and stop her. She'd just stop herself. So, that was it. She wasn't going.

Rogue sat at a table in the quad, during fifth period. It was her lunch break- so she had time to think and thinking she was- her mind was practically racing with different scenarios. All the potential consequences of failing to meet with Magneto today and all the possible ramifications of actually going.

It was driving her crazy. Every time she thought she'd made up her mind, another reason for or against popped up and she was right back to contemplating a decision.

"There you are." Rogue glanced up to see Risty walking toward her. "Looking posh, darling. What's the occasion?" she asked as she sat across from her.

"I just wanted to dress up, is all," she deflected. Risty held her gaze with that look, the one that said she saw right through her, the one that said she wasn't fooling her. It was genuinely impressive how well Risty could read her after only knowing her for such a short time. Often she appreciated that aspect of their relationship. Currently, she couldn't handle the extra stress.

"This isn't because of what I said yesterday, is it?" she asked, concerned. "I just don't like seeing you so exhausted," she said.

"No, nothing to do with that," Rogue answered, trying to put her friend's mind at ease.

"Then, tell me what's going on?" she asked before her eyes widened. "You don't have a date do you?" she asked with a grin.

"No," Rogue exclaimed, her face instantly turning red. "It ain't a date," she said.

"But you are seeing someone later today? After school? Someone you like?" she asked, her tone was elated with support.

"Yeah," she admitted with a sigh. "But it's kinda complicated. I like this person- I mean- I think this person's attractive," she said.

"Well, who is it?" she asked.

"He's a friend of my parents," she said.

"Really?" she asked, her tone dropping an octave. "Is he older?" she asked.

"Ah-huh," she answered.

"Then why is he contacting you?" she asked.

"So, ya know how the Institute's like this elite college prep school?" she asked and Risty nodded along. "So, since my grades have been improving, and some other stuff happened, the head of this other prep school reached out to me about joining his team instead," she explained as best she could.

"You're being poached?" she asked, in a shocked tone. Rogue glanced around, worried if any of her teammates were around. She didn't see any but still-

"Not so loud," Rogue said.

"Sorry," Risty whispered.

"But yeah, kinda," she answered.

"Are you interested?" she asked.

"Not right now," she said.

"So, why are you going?" she asked.

"It's complicated but- this guy's really powerful …in certain circles. Not the kinda person you wanna insult. So, I kinda feel like I have ta hear him out. Ya know, all polite like, so I don't make an enemy," she explained.

"And you're wearing that?" she asked in disbelief.

"I know," she sighed, rolling her eyes at herself. "I panicked this morning," she said.

"Clearly," she said. "Alright, where and when is this meeting?" she asked.

"Four-thirty at his cafe," she answered. Risty looked away from her for a moment, something flickered behind her gaze. Her eyes swiftly returned to hers.

"If I give you a ride, we can go to a store before-" she offered.

"I don't have that kinda money on me," she said.

"My treat," Risty offered.

"No, I-" Rogue protested. Risty was always treating her and picking up the bill. An entire outfit, no, it was too much. Besides, she wasn't sure if Magneto would appreciate her sharing the location of his establishment with anyone. Not that Risty even understood the significance of what she would be sharing. Not as a human- who Magneto looked down upon …

No, no, she was not dragging her friend into this mess. She was not involving her or potentially putting her in danger. This was not the thanks Risty got for caring about her. Rogue would deal with it herself.

"I haven't even decided if I'm going," Rogue said, calmly.

"You just said you have to," she said.

"I know," she said. "I really appreciate the offer. Really, but- I might just call Professor Xavier and tell him what's going on," she said, knowing that's what she should do.

"Xavier doesn't know?" she asked.

"He knows it's gonna happen, just not when," she said.

"Well, if you change your mind, find me before the end of the day," she said.

"Thanks, Risty," she said with a smile.

"Have you eaten anything or have you just been sitting here fretting," she asked. Rogue let out a nervous laugh, confirming her suspicions. "Wait here," she said as she stood.

"Risty," she objected.

"I'm not taking no for an answer, Rogue. You need to eat," she said.

"Thanks, Mom," she muttered as she rested her head on her arms atop the table. The comment didn't feel nearly as sarcastic as she usually meant. She was genuinely glad someone was helping her.

"You're welcome, Rogue," Risty said quietly before she stalked off.

The last bell rang twenty-three minutes ago and Rogue's nerves were still completely shot. At the time, it seemed utterly important to ask her teacher, what she now recognized, was a superfluous question. Had that been intentional or subconscious? She didn't know and ultimately it didn't matter.

What did was that she didn't have a ride home with Scott or a ride to the cafe with Risty. She was on her own. And she finally had to make an actual decision.

Which was why she was now standing at the bus stop a few blocks away from the school. She knew the routes. Knew which bus went near the institute. She also knew that the other bus that passed along this stop went downtown… where the cafe was.

She continued to feel conflicted. A voice in the back of her mind replayed what Erik had told her yesterday. That it was best to take Magneto up on a friendly conversation. That if she declined this invitation, he would speak with her, and she might not like those terms. He was due a conversation and he would have it.

She felt a shiver run down her spine.

Scott and the others would get back to the institute in about ten, maybe fifteen minutes. The Professor would learn she wasn't with them and he would go into her room and find the note. Then he'd know that Magneto asked to speak with her and he would start searching. It would take him some time, but Cerebro was - If she used her powers on someone - If she just found a phone and called-

Why was it so hard to make this decision? She felt she'd made it ten times but kept unmaking it only to go over it once more. Why did her decision change every five minutes?

'Ya know what? I'm gonna let fate decide,' she thought. How apt. She was standing at a crossroads, with two possible directions: the bus to the institute, or the bus to the cafe. She didn't have to dwell on this anymore. Whichever bus came first was the one she would get on.

Easy. Decision made.

She took a deep breath and - okay a bus was approaching, it was down the block and she couldn't make out the number yet. She felt herself let out a breath of relief - it was the one to the institute. She would get on, get closer, pull out her communicator and talk to the Professor. She was fine - everything was fine.

She took a step toward the curb, waiting for the bus to stop in front of her - but felt her heart speed up as the bus did the same. It didn't stop, it didn't let her on. All she felt was the force of wind and dust kicked up as the bus deliberately drove past her at full speed. It was like the driver didn't even see her there like she was invisible.

'Okay, now what?' she asked herself, as the answer came in the form of another bus. This one going downtown. With bated breath, she watched as this one did stop, right in front of her. She felt her breath catch in her throat as the bus's door opened for her. She stood there, frozen for a long moment.

"Kid, you getting on or what?" the driver asked her.

"Ah-huh," she said and snapped out of it as she hurried onto the bus. "Sorry," she apologized as she pulled out her metrocard and paid the fare. She hurriedly made her way fully onto the bus and sat on one of the single seats next to the left-hand side of the bus. She pulled her backpack onto her lap and hugged it to her chest as she tried to figure out what she was going to do next.

She could take the bus to the depot - call the Professor from there. By then, he would know she was missing. She'd explain that she had a lapse in judgment but cooler minds had prevailed, hence why she was calling him and not currently speaking with Magneto.

That could work, right?

About fifty minutes later, Rogue was further in downtown Bayville than she had ever ventured before. But Magento had been here, so she knew where she was. She recognized the names of the streets, and some of the stores and knew she was getting close to the cafe. It was maybe three stops away.

Two now.

Only a few more blocks to go.

She wasn't going to pull the string- that was it. She wasn't going to request the stop. She'd get off at the depot and-

Why was the bus pulling over?

She glanced up confused as the bus stopped and she eyed the back door- telling herself not to do it.

"You getting off or what?"

"Huh?" she asked, confused as the bus driver singled her out. She didn't understand-

"You're the only passenger left. Is this your stop or not?" he asked, getting annoyed. She blinked, glancing around and - he was correct, she was the only one on the- then who had pulled the string. "Kid, I don't got all day," he yelled, completely exasperated.

"Sorry," she said again as she quickly stood, backpack in hand, and exited out the back door.

She turned, utterly confused, as she watched the bus abruptly pull away from the curb.

After a short walk, Rogue stood outside of 'Karma Kafe'. Despite her protests and uncertainty, here she was, at Magneto's establishment, half an hour early at that. This was her last chance. Her last chance to turn back, find a phone and call for help. She had her communicator, but she was well out of range of the institute. They'd only be able to use it to find if they were close enough and Magneto's wording in the note was vague enough that only she knew where 'here' was.

She was just going to have a friendly conversation, hear what he had to say, politely decline, ensure there was no animosity between them, no ill will on his part, and go home.

That had to work. Right?

She took a deep breath as she took hold of the door's handle.

'Well, here goes everything,' she thought as she crossed the threshold, into what might be the most important conversation of her life.