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Taunting Repartee Two- Book One:

Chapter Thirty

Leaving Home Ain't Easy

Rogue sat across from Professor Charles Xavier in his office: she, on the couch and he in his chair which was positioned about six feet away from her. He sat, his hands folded in front of him, his attention directly solely on her. She'd turned Erik's senses off, having no need for any type of distraction. Unlike the last time, in the kitchen all those weeks ago, she didn't feel ill-at-ease to be the focus of the Professor's attention. Instead, she felt prepared.

"You've wanted to have this conversation with me for a while now, huh?" Rogue asked.

"Yes, but as I've said before, I wasn't going to force the issue. There are thoughts I've had regarding your progression, that I haven't expressed to you before. However, given the nature of this discussion, I'm inclined to forfeit any perceived advantage. Thus, the first move is yours. How would you like to begin?" he asked.

"What do you think Erik meant by it?" she asked, wanting to get this out of the way; she didn't need to restate what Erik had said, they both knew what she was referring to.

"When you first joined us, I had no idea how much assistance you required. But after you experienced your mother's memories in your dreams, that is when I should have acted. Yet, regretfully, I failed to do so. And for that I cannot apologize enough," he said.

"And that's why ya said this whole situation was your fault, 'cause if you'd been the teacher I needed way back when, absorbing Erik wouldn't've mattered," she stated, thinking out loud.

"Yes," he answered regardless. "You were-... you weren't the brightest student, but you weren't failing any classes. You weren't the most vocal, but neither were you unresponsive," he said.

"Ah-huh?" she responded, not sure what he was getting at.

"The intelligence you've displayed these last two weeks alone- it's night and day compared to last year and I-… Had I been aware of your true capabilities, the differences would have been evident, they would've spoken volumes. And perhaps if I had known you prior to your powers manifesting; perhaps then, I would have had an inkling," he said.

"But ya didn't," she shrugged.

"But I didn't," he repeated with a half smile. Rogue glanced away from him as she considered all that.

"That ain't that bad," she decided.

"Nevertheless, I apolo-," he said.

"No," Rogue interrupted, as she crossed arms over her chest. "Erik wouldn't've said it if he didn't think I'd care," she said.

"Anna-Marie, as your acting guardian and teacher, I failed to help you when you needed me most," he reiterated, his voice filled with regret, attempting to convey the severity of his crime.

"That can't be it," she muttered as she glanced away from him. There had to be something she was missing; a piece of the puzzle she hadn't put together.

"Perhaps, it's because Erik's assistance was so effective, that this slight doesn't sting as it might've otherwise," he suggested.

"Maybe?" Rogue asked as she considered his point of view, her arms falling back to her sides. Would she be more angry-

"If you were still in need of help, if you were still stumbling in the dark, I imagine my failure to act would feel much more significant. As it stands, you're thriving," he said warmly and she felt herself nodding along. "And while no one is pleased by the debt you owe Magneto, none of us will begrudge your new-found control either. You should have had mastery of your powers before this, and it was due to my own complacency at your perceived mental and physical status. Again, that this discovery came at a price... There is no true teaching if it requires a debt this deep. Rogue, I cannot apologize to you enough," he said.

"Prof, ya didn't know," Rogue sighed, as her eyes darted back and forth. "Yeah, you're telepathic and maybe you should've known way back when, but if your only crime was leaving me alone," she stumbled, feeling like she was talking in circles. "That really ain't that bad," she reasoned, as she struggled to understand. She felt like it was just there, on the tip of her tongue. Maybe if she went over it again, she'd understand what Magneto was trying to tell her. "But- Erik wouldn't of-"

"Anna-Marie, bear in mind that while you've spoken with Erik's Fragment on a near daily basis, the real Magnet hasn't been here all these months," the Professor said.

Rogue blinked as she looked up at him.

"Yes, he had Rahne as his spy, and I'm certain she relayed all manner of sensitive information. Especially about you, after the rebirth machine incident. However, he doesn't know all that's transpired and he certainly didn't know that I've already apologized for this," the Professor said to sum up, to assure, and to remind her.

"Right," she muttered, still trying to consider the concept, worrying about it. There was more to uncover, she knew it. "I guess you're right," she said, glancing away from him, aware she needed to think and she needed it to be away from him. "Just- it ain't like Erik to make a mountain outta a mole's hill. He was so sure I was gonna take offense," she said before shaking her head. "But you're probably right," she said, with a placating smile, certain he wouldn't believe it. However, he was smiling, he seemed pleased as she relented the argument.

"There is the other matter for us to discuss," he pivoted.

"If I wanna be an X-Man," she replied; great and now she wasn't getting out of the room without him asking her.

"Yes, and while you've been reluctant to make a decision. I don't believe you have any qualms regarding committing to the X-Men and what we stand for. Your actions speak for themselves. No, I believe you're hesitant to refuse Erik," he said.

"Probably," she shrugged noncommittally.

"With that in mind, I have a proposition," he said.

"Alright," she replied uneasily, shifting again on the couch, folding one leg over another. Hearing him out didn't mean she had to give an answer that second.

"It's similar to the arrangement I've made with Raven. Currently, she has committed to the X-Men until both you and Kurt have graduated high school," he said.

"So, you're asking me for the same commitment? A year and a half?" she inferred.

"Yes," he smiled.

'I hope you enjoy the rest of your high school career with the new found freedom that tangible control over your abilities will allow,' Magneto's words replayed in her mind.

"Erik said he's willing to wait till then," she pointed out.

"Yes, I thought this would be easier on you if we're all aligned. And while I hope you remain an X-Men beyond then, I am not requesting a lifetime commitment," he said. "Magneto would be," he added, gravely, leaning toward her.

"If I did join him, Erik would- I'd probably never wanna leave," she shrugged. "We get along so well- I- I'd be happy with him," she admitted.

"Even while playing the role of his conscience?" he asked. Rogue blinked before glancing away from him. "How many times have you been forced to ask him not to hurt anyone?" he asked.

"A lot," she said meekly. It was a valid argument.

"While Erik clearly cares about you, the rest of us aren't as lucky," he continued, his voice coming off a bit sarcastic for the later half of the statement. "And frankly speaking, I don't believe that burden should be placed on a teenager's shoulders, no matter how capable that teenager may be. You should have the freedom to enjoy your youth, unanchored to a man old enough to be your grandfather," he said.

Rogue's eyes flashed to his, her lips parted to cut him as deeply as he seemed to want to cut her.

"And now that you have control over your skin, you can strive for a normal relationship with someone your own age, someone who won't, perhaps, ask you to be their conscience." he said, his tone gentle. "You won't have to settle for," he said before pausing, "what isn't real," he added carefully.

Rogue swallowed as she considered how to respond to that. She'd promised him no kids gloves, maybe it was time to-

"What if that's what I like?" she asked bluntly. And the Professor sucked in a breath, they both knew this was the closest she's gotten to admitting it. She watched him take a deep breath, before he leaned forward in his seat.

"As a novice in this particular area, I'd argue you have no basis of comparison. And Erik, your senior by decades, does," he said.

Okay, that was true.

"The differences in your levels of experience, it puts you on uneven footing, Rogue. There is a power imbalance there that can not be reconciled," he said. "And that's not even touching upon the physical power imbalance as the Master of Magnetism, he can restrain you at any time with-" he said as Rogue felt her face blushing and his words trailed off as he sucked in another breath.

"But what if that's what I like?" she repeated, and despite her eyes remaining locked with his, she felt her face blushing deeply.

"My god," he said, before he ran his hand over his head. "When I first became suspicious of- god, I wanted to be wrong. I never wanted to be wrong more in my life. I didn't want to think that he would go so far as to seduce-"

"I kissed him first. I'm the one who-"

"Then he should have ended it right then and there," he said firmly.

"But I didn't want him too," she said.

"Yes, that's clear," he said dryly.

"Prof, ya keep treating me like a child, but I'm not," she said.

"You aren't an adult either. And Erik's Fragment should have known better," he said vexed. "Or perhaps his limited existence within your mind prompted him not to care," he speculated. Rogue kept her eyes averted, choosing not to correct his misconception. "And then there's his position as your teacher to consider. All of it is wildly unethical," he said.

"I don't care 'bout any of that. I like the way he makes me feel," she said and listened to him sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Can I assume that you and real Magneto have acted upon this attraction?" he asked. Rogue let out a sigh, unwilling to explain why the question had no basis.

"Are ya gonna tell my mom?" she asked instead, feeling certain he hadn't already.

"So that Mystique and Wolverine can set off on some suicidal crusade against Magneto for a crime you take no offense to?" he asked incredulously, though they both knew that his own opinion lay closer to her mother and uncle. "No, absolutely not!" he exclaimed.

Rogue let out a huff as she sat back against the couch, folding her arms over her chest as she observed him. His eyes flashed to hers, as her head cocked slightly.

"I haven't said it, but you've known this for a while now," she pointed out. "And you were willing to turn a blind eye ta it," she noted curiously.

"Not a-" he said before stopping himself and taking a deep breath. "As soon as the Fragment knew I knew, he pivoted, overnight he pivoted. But then the real Magneto made contact and I- I thought if I could just keep him away from you that time and distance would resolve this, but Erik will not leave you alone," he vented.

"I don't want him ta leave me alone. I just don't want anyone else getting hurt 'cause of it," she said.

"Rogue, there's a contradiction there, please tell me you see it?" he asked, somewhat exasperatedly. "Yes, he won't hurt you. But if the safety of those you care about depend upon you extracting concessions from Magneto. Rogue, it's emotional blackmail, you have to stay in his good graces for the sake of our welfare," he argued.

"No, I just means I have ta keep him away from y'all," she countered before his eyes widened.

"Then your relationship with Erik and your life in Bayville can never coincide," he replied. "They have to be separate," he said.

"Yeah, I know that, that's why me and Erik were meeting in secret. So, y'all weren't involved. And yeah, that didn't work too great and I can't take any of it back- but- in the long run? Prof, I don't even know if I want my life to be in Bayville," she said.

"Or if you want to be an X-Men," he added neutrally.

"I haven't decided and if I do leave then, none of it's gonna matter anymore," she said, feeling a deep sense of sadness at the thought.

"Because you haven't pleaded your loyalty to any Mutant faction yet," he said, paraphrasing Magneto's words from the night prior.

"No, I really haven't," she said, stressing that. "But it ain't like I don't wanna be here-"

"It's that you also wish to be someone else as well," he said.

"Ah-huh," she said. "But this ain't a popularity contest. I ain't gonna make a sudden emotional decision. This is the rest of my life we're talkin' 'bout. I want time-" she said.

"And everyone involved had offered you a year and a half of it," the Professor summarized and she nodded. "So," he said before he moved forward. "For the time being, do we have an agreement?" he asked, holding out his hand for her to shake.

Rogue glanced at it as she took a long deep breath.

"I wanna say yes," she said, keeping her hand where it was on the couch. "But first I need ta know, what ya ain't saying?" she asked.

"About what?" he asked. Was he evading the question?

"About what Erik's claiming," she said, uninterested in this dance any longer.

"But, Rogue, we've covered this-"

"Look, if I have ta go back ta my room, relive all my memories again, just ta figure out what ya did, I'm gonna be way more pissed than I need ta be," she curtly interrupted and watched his eyes widen. "Prof, we promised each other no kid's gloves. I've held up my end of the bargain," she said.

"Yes, you have," he agreed.

"So, now it's your turn," she said pointedly. "What don't I know?" she asked, before another question she intuited popped into her mind. "What else have ya turned a blind eye ta?" she asked, unable to contain it. She knew it hit the mark as her eyes narrowed towards his. The Professor looked startled.

Rogue blinked.

"Oh my god," she muttered as it finally hit her, her heartbeat rising, as her hands balled into fists.

"Rogue?" he asked, concerned. She stood. She needed to leave the room and she needed to do it now- before she did something she'd regret.

"Oh my god," she said, her breaths coming fast as she took a few steps toward the door. 'Erik was right,' she thought as she grasped the doorknob, fighting the urge to flee the room. Not for her sake, but rather for his, anger was building up in her- his righteous anger she was all too familiar with, coupled with magnetic energy threatening to escape her body, in response to-

"Anna-Marie, I don't know what's wrong. Whatever it is, we can discuss it together, but before we do, why don't you try calming down first?" he asked gently before Rogue felt familiar fingers digging into the material of the hoodie until she felt a whole hand clasping down on her shoulder as the red hood made of magnetic fibers seemingly pulled itself up and over her head.

Rogue quickly switched Magneto's senses back on, confirming he wasn't actually behind her, he was just using his powers remotely. It only felt like his hand on her shoulder. But then how-

She moved his senses lower to the communicator in her pocket and realized it was turned on and the call button pressed downward.

'Fuck, he's been listening all afternoon,' she realized. 'I should've left the damn thing in my room,' she thought, reprimanding herself. She took a deep breath, the weight of expectations from the two men who asked for her loyalty weighing down on her. There were implications to deal with. 'One thing at a time, girl,' she told herself as she used magnetism to switch the communicator off. She let her senses linger on the device for a long moment until she felt the hand on her shoulder squeeze before disappearing completely.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"That depends," she said as she turned back to look at him. "Prof, please tell me ya didn't just try ya do what I think ya tried ta do?" she asked.

"Rogue, I would never attempt to control your mind. Never," he said seriously as he sat wide-eyed. "However, if the hood helps you feel more at ease, I have no issue with it," he said as he sat back in his seat and tried to appear relaxed.

Rogue took a breath before she marched back over to the couch, and sat back down.

"Now, may I ask what's wrong?" the Professor asked. She took another breath before she made herself look up at him.

"Ya hadn't told anyone else, have ya? It's just you, me, and Erik, who knows about this," she said.

"Knows what, Rogue?" he asked before he sucked in a breath. "What other lies has the Fragment fed you?" he asked bitterly. "What narrative have you accepted now?"

Rogue blinked before she shook her head. Erik didn't lie to her. She took a breath- if she was right then, no, of course, the Professor couldn't admit it. Of course, she would have to spell it out for him.

"Fine," she huffed before she looked back up at him. "After we found out about Kurt's connection to Mystique, that's when ya knew something was wrong with me and my powers. Ya checked ta make sure I was okay, but I wasn't failing any classes and I was responsive enough ta function," she said as she watched his eyes widen. "So why not turn a blind eye ta my condition?" she asked mockingly. "Why not let the daughter of your enemies wallow in mediocrity?" she asked, her eyes narrowed.

"I didn't know it was mediocrity," the Professor exclaimed, visibly upset. "My god," he said, running hand over his head. "Erik's scheme is genius," he praised. "Rogue, we're discussing motivation for events that have long since passed. I have no defense for this. It's my word versus his. And we both know who has your trust," he said before she watched his eyes dart back and forth. "Alright," he said with an odd breath of acceptance. "Let's hear the rest of it then," he said as he folded his hand in front of him. "What am I being accused of?" he asked.

"Ya didn't help me then 'cause you wanted it to happen again," she said, finishing her thought.

"I wanted you to relive the memories of my enemies so I could obtain information?" he asked.

"Yeah, I think that's what Erik's been tryna tell me all these months," Rogue said, wishing she had time to replay it all in my mind, ensuring she wasn't jumping to conclusions.

"Why didn't I simply read your mind?" he asked.

"How would you explain where the intel came from? How would you act on it?" she asked with a shrug and he sucked in another breath as his eyes closed. "Do you remember the morning the day that everything happened with the rebirth machine?" she asked.

"I do," he said, meeting her gaze, seemingly surprised by the topic switch.

"Do you remember how upset I was, when I was trying ta talk ta ya about something but I couldn't get the words out?" she asked.

"Yes, of course, I-," he said, before his eyes widened.

"Why didn't ya come after me? Ta find out what was wrong? Ya would've if it was Jean," she said and he sucked in another guilty breath. And she knew she was right.

"Rogue-" he said before stopping, seemingly lost for words.

"Prof, I've seen ya chase after her when she's upset," Rogue said, before she closed her eyes, a few tears running down her face. "If ya didn't turn a blind eye on purpose, 'cause you're such a good teacher; then why her and not me?" she whispered, her tone filled with anguish before she opened her eyes and looked back at him. She saw tears pooling in his ducts. "Are ya really gonna, sit there, and tell me this is all in my head?" she asked.

"No, that would be a lie," he said, as if the words had been pulled from his very soul. "Ororo always did caution me about my favoritism for a fellow telepath. I said I would divide my time and attention equally among our charges. The only person I lied to there was myself," he admitted, he said as a tear ran down his cheek. "I've been asking myself for weeks why I didn't help you when you needed me most, how could I let Magneto do what he's done to you and I-"

"I took a page from your book, Anna-Marie, went back, relived my memories, and I noted, in hindsight, how little evidence there was that you were struggling. Those were not thoughts I had in the moment, but rather reflections of the past. It says nothing to my dereliction of duty. Merely justifications for my failures," he said and Rogue looked away from him.

"You're saying ya weren't being malicious, just- neglectful," she restated, for clarity's sake.

"Yes, and I cannot apologize strongly enough. You're right, I should have known, I should have asked you, spoken to you, helped you. Instead Magneto wormed his way into your mind, made you dependent on him, made you grateful and now," he said bitterly, stopping to run his hand over his head. "And now you're his." he lamented.

Rogue felt a shiver down her spine. There were layers within that, layers she feared truly unearthing right now, in this warm, sunny office. The well appointed furniture, reeking of old money, honeyed in the late afternoon glow, belied the terse, stark, and frankly terrifying topic they discussed.

"That wasn't fear, was it?" he asked.

"Not entirely, it's kinda more complicated than that," she said as she averted her gaze. "I just- I like the way he makes me feel," she reiterated.

"And how does he make you feel?" the Professor asked.

"I haven't really tried putting it inta words," she said.

She closed her eyes, recalling laying in his arms in their bed, all those nights. The warmth of his embrace, his bright smile, his kind words of encouragement and praise. How many times had the reward of seeing him gotten her through the monotony of her day?

"Safe," she answered, reluctantly pushing the memory back. "Seeing Erik feels like coming home. At least, when it's just me and him. The whole world slips away and- yeah, there's this sense of danger too, like I don't know exactly what's gonna happen, but I know I'm gonna like it," she said, unable to keep the smile off of her face. "And, I do," she added wistfully. "Sorry," she said blushing. "I ain't tryna be vulgar or anything," she said, completely unable to look him in the eye.

"You haven't been," he said levelly, but with a tinge of despair in his voice for her predicament - or as he saw it at least. "It's Erik's actions that are grotesque."

"It doesn't feel like that ta me," she insisted.

"No, it isn't supposed to," he said with a small, sad look on his face.

"Huh?" she asked.

"A conversation for another day, I think," he said. "Alright," he said before letting out a long, low exhalation. "I cannot possibly defend against what you're claiming. And unless you were willing to fully commit to the X-Men I can't allow you to use your powers on me anymore than you can consent to me entering your mind. So, let's break this question down to the fundamentals. Do you want to finish high school in Bayville?" he asked.

"I think so, yeah. But it ain't really about the school, it's more about Kurt and Kitty," she said.

"The friends you've made since moving to Bayville," he reiterated. "Yes, I think that's fair," he said. "And the family you've found," he added.

"Uncle Jimmy, yeah," she agreed with a nod.

"With all that being said, I'm altering my request. Will you like to live here, in my home, for the next year and a half, while I endeavor to regain your trust?" he asked.

"You ain't asking me ta be an X-Men?" she asked.

"Not today," he said.

"Do I get ta keep the room?" she asked.

"Yes, with the understanding that it is your room. Not Magneto's," he said firmly.

"Okay," she nodded. "Considering everything that's happened, as much as I like seeing him, I don't think the institute's a good place for it," she said.

"Thank you for that," he said and she nodded. "Please understand, Wolverine will be checking," he added.

"Your order?"

"It was Mystique's commands. Logan agreed to utilize his senses to ensure Magneto doesn't continuously target you," he answered and she nodded again.

"What about danger room sessions?" she asked, switching topics.

"The newer students participate in training exercises without active X-Man status," he supplied.

"So, a demotion?" she asked.

"I'd like to consider it a refocus of your time and energy," he equivocated. "Since last Monday, I've been playing with the idea of naming you field commander of the younger students," he said.

"Really?" she asked, unable to contain a smirk.

"I promise you, it's not a ploy," he said, his hand waving at her placatingly. "No one," he said, folding his hands in front of him, "not myself, Ororo, Logan, Scott or Jean, have been able to motivate the New Mutants to work as well together as you did in the last Danger Room session. They worked as a team, completing a complex series of orders seamlessly. You've more than earned this," he said.

"And if there's an active mission, am I barred from participating?" she asked.

"Between the Brotherhood and Mystique joining us and Magneto pulling out of Bayville entirely, I'm optimistic there won't be many active missions. Recruitment efforts, yes. But that won't be until the summer and we can discuss your level of involvement at that time," he offered.

"Okay," she said, nodding. "So, field commander, what are the expectations?" she asked.

"I'd like you to help the New Mutants with team building and the development of their mutant abilities," he said in a tone that was approving and Rogue felt a smile come to her face.

"Like absorbing their powers and helping them figure out new things about 'em?" she asked.

"If they consent, yes," he nodded. "I believe your powers put you in a unique position to help them grow," he said. "While gaining additional experience yourself with a variety of mutant abilities," he added and she felt herself nodding along.

"I really like the sound of that," she said.

"I was hoping you would," he smiled.

"Okay," she said before nodding and he moved a few feet closer. Lifting up his hand to offer to her- "I'm leaning toward a yes here, but I wanna sleep on it," she said and she noted he looked disappointed as he lowered his hand. "I swear I ain't tryna drag this out. It's just- I got a lotta new information just now and I just- I wanna make sure I ain't rushing this," she said.

"As you have in the past," he said, nodding. "And nor am I attempting to pressure you into a decision," he said. "Alright," he said thoughtfully. "Why don't we talk after school tomorrow afternoon?" he asked.

"Thanks, Prof," she said as she stood. "I promise, I'll have an answer for ya by then," she said as she walked over to the door. "See ya at dinner," she said, her hand on the doorknob.

"See you then," he said before she exited the room.

Back in her bedroom, Rogue laid on her bed, having just replayed hers and the Professor's latest conversation in her mind.

She let out a long huff as she reached into her front pocket and pulled out the altered communicator. She switched it back on and brought the device close to her lips.

"I ain't sure if you're right about this last one," she said into the device.

"He claimed it was favoritism for Jean, didn't he?" Erik asked.

"Yeah," she sighed.

"He's a telepath, Anna-Marie, one of the most formidable on the planet. Do you believe self-delusions are beyond him?" he asked.

"What? Like he used his powers on himself?" she asked.

"It wouldn't be the first time," he told her.

"That's- I can't prove that," she exclaimed as she sat up. "You can't prove that," she pointed out, her arm waving with agitation.

"I know," he huffed indignantly.

"I can't leave the mansion 'cause of it. Not after everything you've done ta everyone else," she said.

"I know," he repeated and she wrapped her free arm around herself, wishing he was there to hold her, knowing it couldn't happen in their bedroom again.

"I can't say yes ta ya, Erik," she whispered.

"But will you say no?" he asked, the very even tone of his voice belying the tension underneath. But she knew.

"Not yet," she admitted, unwilling to close the door, unwilling to refuse him outright. There was a pause.

"When are you expected next?" he asked.

"Dinner," she answered.

"Four hours, an adequate amount of time," he commented and she felt her breath caught in her throat.

"For what?" she asked him.

"You have my powers today, Anna-Marie, and you know precisely where I am," he said as Rogue felt her heart rising in anticipation of his next sentence. "Come to me, my girl," he said and Rogue felt a pleasant shiver run down her spine.

"I- if anyone checks on me," she said, as she pressed her legs together, feeling conflicted.

"Leave a note, say you're out clearing your head, and will return for dinner," he said and Rogue glanced over at the desk, everything she needed was right there. "And you will, my dear," he said, his voice compelling her to agree. "I would come to you, Anna-Marie, in a heartbeat I would-"

"But ya can't," she objected before dropping her voice. "Everyone's on high alert and I don't wanna freak anyone out," she said, fearing that even this short absence, this little slice of selfishness would backfire on her completely.

"I know, dear girl, but if this must be farewell, then let us do it properly," he said, his voice thick with promise.

"Erik," she said breathlessly into the device. "What if your powers fade before I need ta leave?" she asked, trying to think logically.

"Then you'll absorb my powers for the return flight," he said simply.

"I thought you weren't gonna let that happen without a yes," she said, reiterating his claim.

"This would be a yes," he said and Rogue felt her breaths coming even faster than before. "Of a different nature, perhaps, but you and I have varying degrees of offers between us, don't we, my girl?" he asked.

"Yes," she muttered into the device. "I have ta be home for dinner," she said again, but it left her feeling puzzled. Was she stalling?

"Leave a note, just in case, and I promise you will be," he said.

"Fuck!" she exclaimed as she stood, keeping her hand off of the device, saving that frustration for herself alone. "I should just stay here and not go," she told herself as her foot started tapping against the floor. "But I miss him and he can't-," she stated, as she raked a hand through her hair.

"Come to me, Anna-Marie," he said and Rogue's attention was drawn to the window as it opened itself. "My beautiful cunning Rogue, come to me," he urged. Like a moth to a flame she felt compelled to obey.

"If ya make me regret this, Erik," she swore- before the push to talk button was forced upward.

"I'm not asking for your allegiance, Anna-Maire. Only your time, and when have you ever regretted granting me that?" he asked. The pit in her stomach warmed a little at that thought. He was often right.

'Fuck, fuck, fuck,' Rogue chanted in her mind as she flew full speed toward toward Jericho, New York. Using Magneto's powers, the hood was firmly positioned over her head, cloaking her location from telepathic detection, while she used magnetism to render herself invisible. Following her would be impossible and- her note was vague. She's written exactly what Erik had told her.

'Erik doesn't lie ta me,' she reminded herself, even as she felt the knot in her stomach tighten at her act of selfishness. There was also the anticipation, the promise of what was waiting for her in Jericho, a man ready and willing to-

'Erik doesn't lie ta me,' she thought again. "Fuck!" she screamed as she continued on her path. The empty air swallowed her bellow and it made her feel a little bit better, though her heart would not stop racing.