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Chapter 21 of
Taunting Repartee RM'd
If You Can't Beat Them
Rogue opened the door to the kitchen, looking back at Risty as she held it open for her, only for her mother to let out a startled yelp. Rogue's head whipped around to see Mr. McCoy, stirring a pot with steam emanating from the top.
"Oh, dear," Mr. McCoy said.
"What?" Risty said as she took a step back.
"What's wrong?" she heard the Professor ask, as his head popped up, it seemed he was sitting in front of the oven. Rogue turned back to look at her mother and saw genuine confusion in her expression. She wasn't surprised to see a mutant, but rather a blue one she'd never met before and Mystique was leaning into that to portray an authentic reaction to the situation.
"What's going on?" Risty asked, alarmed.
"Hmm, Professor?" Rogue asked uneasily.
"Girls, girls," the Professor said, as he came out from behind the kitchen island, to stand in front of them. "Please remain calm, Miss Wilde. This wasn't how I hoped to reintroduce you to Mr. McCoy," he said, as he held his hands up in a calming gesture. Rogue noted the controller to his chair was pushed forward seemingly of its own accord.
"Mr. McCoy?" Risty repeated, her voice dropping an octave. Rogue studied her mother as Risty's eyes darted back and forth. The pieces seemed to click into place and her confused expression subsided, only for her eyes to widen as she recalled she still needed to appear bewildered. "What happened to you?" she asked as she took a step further into the kitchen. "And why are you blue?" she exclaimed, her arms flailing upwards as she pointed at him exacerbated.
"That is-," he said as he let out a nervous laugh, seemingly lost for words.
"Do you know there's a warrant out for your arrest," Risty pointed out as she placed her hand on her hip, taking another step further into the room. "For the mess you made of the science lab. Is that why you're wearing this- this costume?"
'Not a bad move,' she thought. If Risty could play off Mr. McCoy's exposure as a mutant, then nothing had to change. Her mother was, essentially, giving the Professor an out. It was up to him whether he took it.
"Not quite," Mr. McCoy answered, before looking to the Professor, most likely wondering the same thing she was. Risty's gaze snapped toward the Professor.
"Do you have a habit of giving criminals sanctuary?" Risty asked. Rogue watched his eyebrow's arch up.
"Depending on the circumstances, yes," he answered. "Why don't you have a seat and I'll explain what those were," he said, pointing toward the table.
"Well, alright," Risty said, throwing her hands up in an overly defeated gesture.
"You still thirsty?" Rogue asked as she and Risty walked toward the kitchen table. She watched her mother's lip curve with amusement before it quickly corrected itself.
"Allow me," Mr. McCoy said as he walked over to the refrigerator.
Rogue looked at her teacher with a questioning glance, willing to help retrieve their beverages. He shook his head, telling her it was unnecessary and he would handle the task alone. Rogue watched him open the door and glanced inside as she and Risty sat at the table next to each other. The Professor had sat at the head, closer to Risty.
"Like many of my students," the Professor began, as Mr. McCoy walked to the table and placed a pitcher of iced tea down before heading toward the cabinet. "Hank required assistance while undergoing a rather unique transition," he continued as her teacher returned with a handful of glasses, easily carrying four within his enlarged hands. "We call it mutation," he said as Mr. McCoy joined them at the table, sitting across from Risty.
'Wonder where's he's going with this?' Rogue thought as Risty crossed her arms over her chest.
"That's not a costume?" Risty asked, removing any ambiguity.
"No, it is not," the Professor answered. "While Hank's physicality may appear unusual. His mutation is most certainly a gift. He's been blessed with heightened agility and strength," he said.
"And what are your gifts?" Risty asked.
"Telekinesis," he answered as the pitcher was lifted into the air and each glass was filled with iced tea, providing indisputable proof. "And telepathy," he added as each glass was levitated and placed in front of each of them seated at the table.
"Wicked," Risty whispered under her breath, as a smile graced her lips. "No wonder you're all so secretive," she uttered before her head snapped to look at Rogue. "And what's your gift?" she asked, her smile more pronounced. "Being a genius?" she asked, her voice teasing.
"Partially, yes," the Professor answered as Rogue looked at him. "Why don't you explain," he said.
"So," Rogue said, turning to look at Risty. "When I make skin to skin contact with someone, I usually knock 'em unconscious and everything 'bout 'em flows inta me, their life force and memories. If they're a mutant, then I get access ta their powers for a little while," she explained.
"Freaky," Risty said before her eyes widened. "Of course," she exclaimed. "So, that's why you've never let me hug you," she said. "Remind me the next time we go shopping to buy gloves," she said.
Rogue couldn't help but laugh before she rolled her eyes and said, "yes, Mom."
Risty giggled as she saw the Professor raise his eyebrow. She sort of shrugged at him, while she laughed with Risty. Mr. McCoy just sat, allowing them all to talk as he took periodic sips from his ice-tea.
"And maybe some new shirts," Risty added.
"I really did like the new turtle neck I got last week," Rogue said as she picked up the glass of iced tea.
"The one your Mum picked up for your interview?" Risty asked.
"Ah-huh," Rogue answered as she took a sip.
"That shop is so chic. I've been there before and you, my girl, are going to love it! Why don't we go after school tomorrow?" Risty asked.
"Yeah, okay," Rogue smiled. Knowing it was her mother, made it so much easier to agree. The next time Risty offered to spoil her, Rogue had no intention of saying no. "And I-ah, also have an eidetic memory," she said, getting back on topic.
"Really?" Risty asked as she reached forward and picked up her glass.
"We didn't realize it until recently," the Professor said. "But Rogue's newfound understanding of her abilities has opened many doors for her intellectually. And I believe we've only witnessed a fraction of what she's capable of," he said.
"Well, isn't that exciting," Risty said as she looked over at her. Rogue saw pride in her mother's eyes.
"There are some inherent weaknesses regarding your ability to recall memories. The way you leave your body defenseless when you enter your mind could be potentially dangerous. I do hope you're only engaging in that activity while safe here at the institute," he said.
"Oh, so that's where you go when you stare off into space," Risty commented under her breath.
"You've witnessed this?" the Professor asked, alarmed.
"Here and there," Risty answered, waving her hand dismissively.
"Have others noticed?" he asked.
"No, I've pulled her out of her mind before they could. Snapping my fingers or shaking her shoulder works," she answered.
"Rogue," he said, turning to look at her. "We're extremely fortunate you've only drawn your friend's attention," the Professor, staring, his eyes boring into hers. Rogue felt herself swallow under his strict gaze.
"Yeah," she sighed, knowing he was right. "But it ain't like I always did it on purpose. My mind pulls me in sometimes," she retorted.
"Even with your newfound control?" he asked. Rogue averted her eyes, knowing she had chosen to enter her mind the day before when she didn't really have to. She heard the Professor take a breath. Her silence was his confirmation. "Rogue, you have to promise me, you'll stop entering your mind on school grounds. It's far too risky," he cautioned.
"Yeah, okay," she promised.
"Thank you," the Professor said. "Miss. Wilde," he said, turning his focus to her mother. "Certainly you have a multitude of questions. It doesn't take a telepath to wonder about some aspects of this information. Yes, mutants are usually found at puberty. In fact, my own story is very typical for most mutants. Would you care to hear it?"
"Brilliant!" Risty said, her voice sweet as honey. Her mother must be thrilled at the prospect of new intel. She was more than happy to go along with it.
"When I was a boy, thirteen to be exact, one morning I woke and my mind was assaulted by unseen voices. I could hear the thoughts of all those around me; family, friends and strangers alike. It was overwhelming to say the least," he explained.
"I only could imagine, you poor thing," Risty exclaimed, laying heavy on the posh British accent and with it a caring, yet condescending tone.
"Yes, well, I was young, inexperienced," he said, ignoring her tone. "...And alone… unfortunately," he said before taking a sip of his drink. "Through a great deal of effort and practice, I learned how to quiet the voices and with it my mind. Crowds, ironically, are easier than small groups. I project a sort-of shield around my mind. It's one-on-one conversations that require the most effort. Sufficient to say, it takes active mental focus to keep the voices at bay," he said. "Except in your case," he added nonchalantly as he placed the glass back on the table.
"Pardon?" Risty asked.
"I can't read your mind, Miss Wilde," he stated explicitly. "You have to understand, with so few people in the institute this afternoon, I didn't form a shield. I made a mental note of those present, four in total, and I soon realized I only required active effort to keep out three of them. Yours, not included. Which you might have deducted by now, means that like us, you, yourself are also a mutant," he said.
Rogue listened to Risty let out a giggle, before she tried to cut herself off, like was trying to keep herself from doing so, but it only seemed to make the laughing worse.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh. This is just-"
"Quite a lot to take in?" he asked.
"Yes," Risty laughed. "This morning I was elated at my best friend's invitation and now, all of a sudden, I'm this extraordinary being," she said.
"Imagine coming into such power as a boy of only thirteen?" the Professor asked.
"Oh, you must've been an arrogant little thing," Risty grinned.
"I'm still called that by many," he commented and Risty laughed in response. "I actually have another student here with mental defenses similar to yours," he said, steering the conversation along. "You may be acquainted with her. Her name's Jubilee," he explained.
"We have Bio together," Risty said with a smile.
"How wonderful," he said. "You see, those defenses aren't her only abilities. And I'd imagine you two have that in common as well," he said.
"How would we know?" she asked, as she reached forward to pick up her glass.
"Trial and error, I should think," he answered. "Could I interest you in a proper cup of tea?" he asked.
"That would be lovely, thank you," Risty said.
"I'll put the kettle up," Mr. McCoy offered, speaking for the first time in a while, as he stood.
Rogue sat back in her seat. She wasn't really sure where the Professor was going with all of this. He was clearly gearing up, with all the schmoozing, to invite Risty to join the X-Men, but she didn't understand why. The Professor couldn't read Mystique's mind. He'd confirmed that twice now. So, what good would it do to have her mother here under her Risty guise? How would that help them get answers for Kurt?
"Thank you, Hank," the Professor said, before turning back to Risty, as they could all hear Hank putting up the water behind them. "Where are you from, Miss Wilde?" he asked.
"Manchester, England," Risty answered.
'Great, more small talk,' Rogue thought as she tried to keep her face neutral. She had little choice but to sit back and see what the Professor was planning. Not that it made any sense to her.
"And please call me Risty," she said and he nodded with a smile. "Am I detecting a hint of an accent or are you just posh?" she asked.
"My mother immigrated from England. I inherited it from her," he explained.
"Lucky boy," Risty exclaimed. "You must've been a hit with ladies growing up. Americans love British accents," she said.
"Yes, they do," he agreed with a smile and Risty laughed in response. "I'm quite lucky, in fact, as it wasn't the only thing I inherited from my late mother. I was blessed to receive this estate, which I've repurposed from a private residence to a boarding house and training grounds for other young mutants who need assistance coming into their gifts," he said.
'Here we go,' Rogue thought dryly.
"And with all that said, Risty, I'd like to invite you to join us," he added.
"Thank you! Thank you so much," she said. "Quite a bit to think about," she commented.
"I wouldn't expect a response right away. Please. Take your time. Feel free to ask Rogue or myself any questions. We'd be happy to answer them," he said. "Although, regardless of your decision, I do have one favor to ask," he said.
Rogue blinked; this had to be it, what all this was about.
"What is it?" Risty asked.
"Would you be comfortable driving, Rogue to and from school, daily?" he asked.
'Shit,' Rogue thought, her eyes widening.
"Of course, I wouldn't mind. She's my best friend," she said warmly. "But you have an entire mansion, but not enough vehicles to go around?" she asked, her voice had a slight laugh to it.
"No, no," he said, waving his hands dismissively. "It's more to do with your known abilities and the recent interest a rival of mine has taken in recruiting Rogue," he explained. Rogue watched the jovial expression leave her mother's face.
"The poacher," Risty commented, her voice dropping an octave. Her mother turned to look at her, before quickly glancing back at the Professor.
"You two have spoken about this?" he asked, feigning surprise. "That's good. It'll make this easier to explain," he said as he leaned forward, towards Risty. "His name is Erik Lehnsherr. His moniker, Magneto, Master of Magnetism. And he's, unfortunately, set his sights on luring Rogue to his side. It started with an invitation for a private conversation. Just the two of them. Where? I don't know. Magneto's asked for her discretion and she's inclined, out of fear, to compile," he said.
"That was Thursday," Risty recalled.
"Yes," he said. "And the following day, Friday afternoon, he employed an illusionist to trick my other students into believing she was among them, safely on her way home. When in actuality, he isolated her for the better part of an hour," he relayed solemnly.
"What?" Risty muttered under her breath before the sound of a high-pitched whistle was heard throughout the kitchen. "Did he hurt her?" she asked as Mr. McCoy swiftly turned the burner off and the noise ceased. Risty's narrowed gaze snapped to hers. "Did he threaten you?" she asked, her stance brimming with ire.
"No, I'm okay," Rogue answered quickly as she could hear Mr. McCoy shuffling with mugs behind them. "He's tryna recruit me. He was nothin' but nice," she rambled defensively.
"Aside from utilizing magnetism to control the steel in her boots, restraining her in some way, yes, he was a perfect gentleman," the Professor said dryly.
Mr. McCoy returned to the table in stages with an assortment of mugs, a teapot, milk, sugar and spoons. All the while, Rogue listened to her mother take deep breaths as she attempted to quell her anger. Rogue glanced down to see Risty was gripping her leg, her nails biting into skin as she forced herself to retain her composure. The Professor allowed her mother to stew in her discontented state as Mr. McCoy served them tea. It wasn't until Mr. McCoy was seated at the table again that the Professor resumed speaking.
"I'm deeply troubled by recent events and the interest he's taken in her," the Professor continued as he stirred a spoonful of sugar into his tea. "Rogue's terrified of Magneto," he said as he picked up the pitcher of milk. "So, no I don't think he's openly threatened her," he said as he poured a splash of milk into his mug. "I don't think he's had to," he said as he offered Risty the pitcher.
"Thank you," Risty said, stirring sugar into her tea with her left, before pouring milk in with her right.
"When the two of them are speaking alone," the Professor continued, "Which has been far too regular of an occurrence," he added under his breath as he lifted his mug, with both hands. "I believe he's charming and civil and she's attentive and obedient," he said before taking a sip from the mug. "It's a volatile combination," he said, returning the mug to the table. "One I know Magneto will seek to exploit further," he finished.
"I'll drive her, every day. No illusionist is forcing me to leave her unattended," Risty declared fiercely.
"Thank you and I apologize for placing this burden on someone so young," the Professor said. "The truth of the matter is, the person I need to speak with is Raven Darkholme," he said, as Risty's eyes flared before snapping to look at the Professor's.
"Rogue's Mum," Risty said.
"Yes," he confirmed. "It was thanks to her, Mystique's, intervention that Magneto released Rogue Thursday evening. I don't believe he intended to originally," he said.
The Professor picked up his mug and took a long sip, giving her both Rogue and her mother a moment to resonate on that. He was probably right about that, but she knew Erik wasn't going to hurt her. Rogue felt a slight blush creeping into her face and immediately cleared her mind, as she had in the cafe with Magneto. Now was not the time to give anything away, not in front of an audience.
The Professor lowered his mug back to the table before continuing. "Though Mystique is Magneto's former associate, we've recently learned that employment was not as voluntary as we once assumed," he told her.
Rogue watched her mother's eyes dart back and forth as she absorbed all she was being told. Risty carefully, drank her tea, diligently listening.
"You asked me," the Professor continued. "If I was in the habit of giving criminals sanctuary. I don't know if Mystique would consider herself one, but regardless, in her case, I would gladly have her here with the X-Men," he said.
"Really?" Risty asked.
"I've given this quite a bit of thought, and I would argue Mystique and I have far more in common than neither of us may have realized. Both of us wish to protect her daughter from Magneto," he said.
"Obviously," Risty commented before she sipped. "But is that enough to form an alliance?" she asked.
"There's also Kurt to consider, her son, who I have custody of. He's a fine lad and if I could help Mystique maintain a lasting relationship with her children I have here under my care, I would be luckier still to count her among my allies," he said as he put down his mug.
"What would you expect from her?" Risty asked.
"Day-to-day?" he asked, before continuing without pause. "Like myself, Mystique is an educator and as my school grows I'll require more of those," he added. "I was under the assumption, I would have to wait for two of my senior students, Scott and Jean, to graduate from college before I would have the luxury of expanding my staff. If Mystique accepts my proposal, it will allow us to recruit additional students in the summer. I have much to gain from a partnership with her," he elaborated.
"Interesting," Risty said before sipping her tea.
"If she's amiable, of course. However, I won't know that unless I speak with her directly," he said before finishing his tea. Rogue watched her mother consider those words.
"Well, regarding your offer to me," Risty started.
"Yes?" he asked, leaning forward in his seat. Rogue was curious herself if her mother would shed the disguise and speak as herself.
"Could I spend the evening? Keep close to Rogue, while I consider joining your X-Men?" Risty asked. It seemed she wasn't ready to make that leap just yet.
"After dinner, I'll have Logan set up a third bed in Rogue's and Kitty's room for the night. Should you accept, we'll adjust sleeping arrangements accordingly. Would you need to return to your residence to pack an overnight bag?" he asked.
"Luckily enough I just picked up the laundry. I have fresh clothes right in the boot of my car," she answered.
"How fortunate," the Professor agreed with a smile that didn't quite make it up to his eyes. She was certain her mother had noticed. "Well, I'm sure you two would like to talk amongst yourselves," he said. "Rogue, why don't you show Risty around the Institute?" he asked.
"Ah, sure," Rogue said as she stood and left the table. Risty swiftly followed and linked arms with her, rather protectively before they left the room. Once they were further down the hall and out of earshot, she looked at her mother and asked, "Do ya really wanna take the same tour again?"
"No," Risty answered.
"Wanna just go back upstairs?" she asked. "I got some more reading ta do anyhow," she said.
"Thanks, darling," Risty said, squeezing her arm.
A while later, Rogue and Risty had both returned to Rogue's bed. Rogue was laying down on her stomach, her right elbow propped up, holding her chin up as she glanced down at her textbook. Risty was sitting up straight at the head of the bed. Rogue hadn't glanced back at her in a while, but she knew her mother had her arms crossed over her chest as she thought about the Professor's offer.
A yawn escaped Rogue as she used her left hand to turn the page of her History textbook. Erik was right; the textbook was dull, more akin to a list of facts than anything she actually wanted to read. And she liked reading, but this was just tedious. She was considering returning to chemistry, but the book was in her other bedroom and she didn't have Erik in her mind today to fact-check any spontaneous notions that came to mind. Maybe she could write them down and show them to him later?
'Shit,' Rogue thought, her eyes widening as it dawned on her. Erik was supposed to come over at 9:30pm that night and here she was about to have a sleepover with her mother. She wasn't going to be where he expected her and- 'Prof was supposeta read her mind, not invite her to join the X-Men. I just wanna get some answers for Kurt,' she thought frustrated.
Not that she was against her mother being at the institute, but she had a feeling Erik would take issue with it and-
'No one knows Erik's practically been living here. Prof probably thinks he has time before Erik finds out about his offer to Mystique… and until she decides, it needs to stay that way,' she thought with determination. 'How do I make that happen?' she asked herself, as she stared blankly at the textbook.
If she could talk to Erik before 9:30pm, she might be able to prevent him from coming to the institute tonight. But how long could she honestly stall him for? A day, maybe? And while the Professor was mostly likely content to recruit Risty and work up to building trust with Mystique, Rogue knew they didn't have that luxury. Erik was the Fragment, he had been in her mind for months. He knew Risty was Mystique. Rewatching her memories had made that clear. Prof thought they had days or weeks, she knew it was hours at most.
Rogue blinked.
She knew what she needed to do.
"Hey, Risty," she said as she sat up. "I'm gonna run ta the bathroom," she told her as she got off the bed.
"Alright," Risty responded, a questioning tone in her voice.
"Don't go anywhere, okay? I'm kinda responsible for you right now and I don't wanna get either of us inta trouble," she said. Risty let out a huff at that.
"I'll stay right here," she said, patting on the bed, her tone had a hint of good-spirited mockery to it. "Promise," she added, her expression warm.
"Thanks," Rogue said as she smiled as she walked toward the door. "Kinda fun, right? An old fashioned sleepover?" she asked.
"I know I've been a bit pensive," she said apologetically.
"It's okay," Rogue said as she got to the door and opened it. "It's kinda weird, though," she said.
"What is?"
"I haven't done anything like this since I was nine," she said, staring Risty directly in the eyes. She watched her mother's eyes widened with realization before she let out a disgusted groan.
"I thought you were asleep," Risty exclaimed. "That's what gave me away?" she asked, almost insulted.
"I was only half asleep and I didn't realize it until I relived the memory," she said.
Risty snorted, her expression impressed, before she asked, "Are you furious with me?"
"I should be," she said, looking down at her feet, letting out a sigh. "But I ain't," she answered honestly, as she met her gaze. "I meant some of what I said this morning. You have been a good friend ta me, making sure I eat, getting me to take breaks. And I don't know what Magneto was gonna do if you hadn't shown up at the cafe when ya did," she said, as she felt a shutter run down her spine. She hadn't given that much thought until this evening.
The Professor was right, she didn't think Magneto was going to let her go. He probably would've kept her talking until she figured out he was the fragment.
'But that could've taken days,' she thought, wide-eyed, a shiver running down her spine.
"Rogue?" she heard her mother ask. Rogue blinked in surprise when she realized she needed to turn her head up to glance at the now much taller woman. Her mother had morphed back to her natural blue state, wearing a simple black sleeveless shirt and blue jeans. Mystique's yellow eyes stared into Rogue, studying her. "Xavier said you were terrified of him," she said as she placed a hand on Rogue's clothed shoulder. "I need you to be honest with me, did he hurt you?" she asked.
"No," she answered quickly.
"Did he threaten you?" she asked.
"No," Rogue said, almost sighing, getting tired of answering the same questions over and over again. "He's tryna recruit me. He's being friendly," she stated again. She'd made a mistake. She should've called Magneto first. How was she going to get out of the room now, while playing twenty questions with her mother? "Look, I- I saw how he treated ya and I'm sorry ya had to work for him like that, with him lording his powers over you and all," she said.
"But?" Mystique asked, her eyebrow prominently raised, her head cocked.
"But it's different with me," she said.
"Different how?" she asked, while fixing her with an overbearing glance, the one that said she was being naïve.
"Half the reason Magneto wants me back is 'cause I can use his powers. They're a lotta tactical advantages ta having two Masters of Magnetism," she said as Mystique blinked with surprise. "Magneto can't be an asshole to the one person on the planet who could throw his powers right back in his face. Me and him havta be on good terms, always, or it ain't gonna work," she explained as her mother's hand slipped off her shoulder.
"And yeah, he used his powers around me," Rogue continued, intentionally reframing from bringing up certain details. In fact, she was trying not to think about the particulars, afraid her face would blush again. "But, Momma, it doesn't feel like he's threatening me," she said. "It's-" she said, struggling to find the right words. "I don't know- playful?" she asked, not sure if she had used the right word.
"Playful?" Mystique repeated back, incredulously, as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"It's-... he doesn't-... he ain't trying ta scare me," she said, and she knew that was true. Even the most overt use of his powers, when he'd restrained her, had been with pleasure in mind. "I have his memories in my head. I know what he's like when he wants to hurt someone. And he ain't doing that with me. It's more like," she said before pausing, needing another moment to find the right words. She blinked, as it came to her. "It feels like a promise, like everytime he uses 'em he's showcasing the power I'll gain access to if I say yes," she finished.
Rogue listened to her mother take a sharp intake of breath.
"And you haven't explained this to Xavier?" she asked.
"How could I?" she exclaimed. "No one 'round here can understand why I'm even thinking about it. Magneto's the enemy and that's all they'll ever see him as," she said and her mother nodded in response.
"I'm doubtful they'll accept me, either," Mystique said, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Who's gonna deny Kurt a relationship with you?" she asked. The thought of anyone standing in her little brother's way of happiness was just ludrious to her. Mystique huffed in response, but said nothing further. Seeing an opening, she took another step toward the door. "Hmm, Prof doesn't know I just admitted we know it's you," she said.
"And he doesn't have to, darling," Mystique said, her voice British once more before she morphed fully back into Risty. "I'll admit to it when I'm ready to accept his offer."
"Are ya gonna?" she asked.
"Obviously," Risty grinned as she plopped back onto the bed. "Joining Xavier's little band of X-Men allows me to be near you and Kurt," she said as she reached down and grabbed the novel she'd been reading earlier. "Which is all I truly care about," she admitted as she opened the novel. "But I can't jump at the chance, now, can I?"
"Why not?" she asked, cocking her head.
"I need to make him sweat a bit. Ensure there's room for negotiations about how I'm going to be treated," she explained, her eyes flaring. Rogue huffed at that. Maybe she could use the same opportunity to openly keep Magneto's bedroom as her own? Rogue shook her head at her selfishness. Tonight wasn't supposed to be about her.
"And Kurt?" Rogue asked before her mother let out a sigh.
"I'm going to talk to him," she promised.
"Okay," Rogue said, a relieved sigh leaving her. "Thanks, Mom," she said before slipping out the door.
Rogue swiftly made her way down the hall, as she saw the door to Kurt's room open and Logan emerge.
"Everything alright?" her Uncle asked.
"Yeah, I just forgot one of my textbooks in the other bedroom and I need ta use the bathroom. I figured I'd take care of both," she shrugged.
"And Mystique?" he asked.
"She promised she wouldn't leave the room," she said.
"I gotta move that bed in. I'll do it now, keep an eye on her," he offered.
"Thanks," Rogue said before she started to head down the hall again, grateful she had told her Mom to morph back to Risty before leaving the room. One step achieved, one to go.