Erik woke sometime after midnight in mid-December, with an odd sense of gratitude to the one known as X, or Moira. He didn't quite know what to do with the emotion. Yet, here he was, engaging in a personal endeavor on a nightly basis. He reminded himself constantly, that Moira was not responsible for his happiness, but rather the woman laying beside him was.
The events at Fortress X, had been a defining moment for him, for them. The General's love for Legacy, ever present, never expressed, had been the final act of attrition. His fears of scaring Rogue away with his passions paled in comparison to the reality of a life of never expressing them at all. And for Rogue, she seemed to have an epiphany of her own, though of a different nature.
He recalled once they were themselves again, as Emma had offered to erase their experiences of Fortress X, how he had adamantly refused and his surprise when Rogue had done the same. The heartfelt conversion they'd had on the hilltop, which had led them both to his bedroom. The manifestations of the mutual longing made real and he'd be damned to ever do or say anything to lose her again.
And so, as he wrestled with the events that led to their reunion and his happiness, he reflected on his earnest desire to spend time…well…just looking at her. He lay on his side, and considered her backlit from the moon, rising late above the ocean. He didn't care if it seemed obsessive; when had Magneto ever worried about what others thought?
'Only the others who matter,' he thought to himself, as he tugged her closer. Despite it being winter, Rogue had insisted on keeping the window open, every night. Out on the ocean, in the constant pull of the air rushing to land, it was colder here than in the city proper.
But Rogue insisted; she loved the cold. 'Can't do this back home…an' do you really need me to give you an excuse t'get closer?' And she flashed him her brilliant, undeniable, indefensible smile. He wasn't planning on denying her heart's desire. Ever.
And so, each night, she kissed him so softly, so delicately, and used only a fraction of her power at the same time. Just a twitch; just enough to send the window flying up the sash, and to turn the light off ushering the room to darkness.
Surely, he could anticipate and perform those tasks himself, but something amused him that she was so willing to flourish her powers. And that she had the cheek to take from him. He had no problem with it; he loved their dynamic, their trust in one another. He was ever glad to share all that he was with her.
Hadn't she proven that trust in him time and time again? Particularly whenever he didn't believe in himself?
Yes. Yes, she more than earned his faith in her. A cold breeze stirred the drapery, making them rustle against the open sill. The wind stirred locks of her hair, tickling where it brushed against his chest. He admired the play of brown and white, stark contrasts in the deep gloam.
Moonlight was interrupted by a bevy of thick clouds, and they thrust the room into darkness as the wind tugged at the pair. Rogue shivered and snuggled closer, her head was now resting on his chest. He welcomed her warmth; it really was too cold, and it was truly a delight to have her within his arms.
Her lithe body pressed against his, one hand now draped across his chest. He remembered another night, long ago, and a hemisphere away. As bittersweet as those once were, they had been all he had. Those memories were akin to brief atolls, welcome respites in a life that was long accustomed to navigating alone in uncertain waters with few safe harbors.
Her hands tightened and her breathing increased. Was she having a nightmare? He murmured something to her; it didn't matter. His tone was soothing, and the words were only secondary to a loving presence.
He stroked her back, watching her calm, her breathing following suit. The tension leaked from her, and she returned to safer thoughts. Whatever it was, the moment passed. His own heart was comforted by the chance to give her safe haven, and peaceful repose.
Sleep tugged at him. It always did when he pulled her closer. Amused, he allowed himself the nightly dalliance hypothesizing that she held a secret power she never shared with others, and only him. It was a power to soothe this embattled, savaged, scarred soul to a night of peace, and restive slumber.