Quick note- I'm not having them go over TR2- B1 event by event. Feel free to reread it! Shameless plug aside,
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Impromptu- Chapter Four:
A Winter's Tale
Sunday December 21th 2002: 03:27 pm
Rogue took a breath as she paused from speaking. She hadn't really stopped prior to now. Except for a sip or two of water when her throat felt parched from the rapid amount of information she was relaying. She was sitting on the couch and her uncle was in a chair sitting across from her. She'd gone over it all; from the night she absorbed Magneto, to their first kiss, her first sexual encounters and all the twists and turns of her tutelage under the Master of Magnetism.
She'd even explained what had really happened that last day when she'd taken off for the afternoon to Jericho to see Erik, to say goodbye and the part he had played in ensuring the X-Men wouldn't ostracize her for her little slice of selfishness.
Uncle Jimmy, for his part, sat silently as she explained it all. Her eidetic memory allowed her to relay her developing relationship with Erik with unerring accuracy. At certain points she looked away from him as she explained, almost reliving the events in real time. With effort she balanced using her memory to recall what occurred and feeling those emotions in real time.
That was a challenge.
Only once did a moan escape her lips and she clamped down on it as soon as she realized what was happening. She'd apologized to her uncle. Profusely. But he waved it off dismissively. He'd listened to the recording after all. He knew what she sounded like. The fact that he wouldn't remember any of it by the end of the day was getting her through the process. She was fairly sure her uncle felt the same way. And gin. The gin was helping. He'd taken another swig from the bottle before prompting her to continue.
"And that's-" she said, finally finishing. "Yeah, that's everything that's happened."
"When did you know you had his powers permanently?" he asked. It was the first question he'd asked her since they'd left the kitchen that morning.
"I think it finally hit me in June when summer vacation started. I stopped using 'em in front of anyone, months before that. And the longer I had 'em without saying anything, the more hesitant I was to bring it up. I felt like things would change, if Prof knew," she said.
"Good instincts, kid," he praised. "But it ain't just Chuck we gotta worry about. It's S.H.I.E.l.D too," he said before taking another swig of gin.
"Why? What do those yahoos have ta do with it?" she asked.
"There's some shit you don't know about," he said. Rogue blinked before she sat back, giving her uncle the floor. It seemed like it was his turn to explain. "The night the EMP went off, Fury contacted Chuck. He wanted the X-Men's help containing the Global Threat that temporarily took out the power. Said, he didn't know if was a Mutant or not, but that it was a miracle no one was killed and they needed to make sure it didn't happen again. Chuck told 'em it was Magneto, told 'em everything he could," he said.
"Ya mean everything I showed and told y'all," she rephrased. She glanced away from him a moment. "No wonder you and Momma were so pissed at me for-" she realized, her eyes darting back and forth with new understanding. "But Prof cooperated with S.H.I.E.l.D to protect the Institute, right?" she asked.
"Pairly," he replied, tilting his head a little before taking another swig. "Chuck's got this idea in his head that if Mutants prove ourselves useful, then the Government's less likely to turn against us," he said.
"What do you and Momma think?" she asked.
"It's groveling. Asking for the right to exist," he grunted displeased. "It doesn't sit right with either of us. But Chuck opened the door and now he has to share intel," he said.
"To prove we ain't in league with Magneto," she said, finishing the thought.
"Yeah," he grunted dryly. "They've been watching Magneto and his organization for decades. Collecting information about all that wealth he's accumulated, all those Mutants he's recruited. And S.H.I.E.l.D's been on the sidelines wondering what it's all for. When Chuck told 'em Magneto was responsible for the attack, they were getting ready to launch a counter-strike," he said.
"Until I confirmed it was an accident," she said and he nodded.
"Once Chuck told 'em that, the attack was canceled and they returned to reconnaissance. They're just waiting for him to mess up, kid, do something, anything illegal, so they can siege his assets, cut off his resources."
"But he hasn't," she shrugged.
"Not that anyone can prove beyond eyewitness testimony and circumstantial evidence," he replied. "Your mother included, even after working for the bastard for thirty-five years," he said. "S.H.I.E.I.D ain't willing to start a war they can't win. So, they're watching and waiting."
Rogue cocked her head to the side as she considered all of that.
"I can't tell anyone I have his powers, can I?" she concluded.
"No, you really fucking can't, Kid," he agreed.
"Shit," she muttered to herself. "But Erik knows," she said.
"Yeah and he's happy about it. I ain't worried about Magneto," he said dismissively. She blinked, it was the last thing she ever would've thought he'd say about her lover.
"Ya ain't?" Rogue asked, surprised, leaning forward.
"Nope," he said before he took another swig.
"How come?" she asked before her uncle put the bottle back down on the table while giving her an incredulous look.
"Those last two days, you had contact with his skin for a real long time. You've never done that before, 'cause who else could handle it, right?" he asked and she felt her nodding along. "Rogue, they ain't Magneto's powers anymore. They're yours," he said pointing at her and she felt her eyes widen. "Take a minute and let that sink in, alright? 'Cause I don't think you've done that yet," he said.
Rogue blinked as she sat back against the couch. No, he was right, she hadn't. She'd kept calling them Magneto's powers, Erik's senses. But they weren't anymore, were they?
"They're mine," she muttered. "I'm a Master of Magnetism," she said, out loud for the first time. "Shit," she laughed before she covered her hand over her mouth, before she looked back up at him wide-eyed. "Oh my god," she exclaimed. "Erik ain't the most powerful Mutant on the planet anymore. That position's tied," she said.
"Nope," he said, interrupting her. "Keep thinkin' 'bout it, kid," he ordered.
Rogue stared at him confused for a moment before-
"Oh, fuck!" she shouted, overwhelmed by the truth of it.
"Yup," Uncle Jimmy said as he stood, reaching down to grab his bottle of gin. He took another swig as he walked over and sat down next to her on the couch. "Drink?" he offered.
"Ah-huh," she nodded, taking the bottle from him, pulling it to her lips and- "God, that's gross," she coughed, forcing the liquid down, even as it burned her throat.
"Ya want something girly?" he asked, a hint of mockery in his tone as he took back the bottle.
She glanced up at him and despite his tone she muttered, "yeah."
"Alright, let's go for a ride," he said, standing and she stood up as well.
"Hmm," she said, as he got to the door. "Ya sure this is okay?" she asked him as he opened the door for them.
"When I was your age there was no such thing as a drinking age," he grumbled, turning back to look at her.
"Yeah, but that was over a century ago," she pointed out.
"We're going for a ride. You don't wanna drink, you don't gotta," he said.
"No, I definitely want to," she said, shrugging.
"Then relax, kid, you're taking a dose of my powers later. I ain't bringing you home drunk," he said as he exited the room.
She blinked.
"Oh, okay," she said, now following him out, closing the door behind them with magnetism.
Sunday December 21th 2002: 03:50 pm
About an hour later, she and her Uncle were walking along the coastline in Soundside Beach Park. His bike was parked only a short distance away. As they walked, she enjoyed the way the frozen sand crunched beneath her feet. And as it was the middle of the winter, there was no one around them for miles, the sounds of the waves hitting the sand was oddly calming.
"Thanks for this," she said, before she drank a sip of her Mike's Hard Lemonade, relishing the cold lemonade flavor as it washed over her taste buds.
"That's what family's for, kid," he said, before he reached over and clinked his beer into her Mike's Hard Lemonade. She felt a smile come to her face as she took another sip of her drink.
"Did you deleted the-"
"Already handled," he said. "No one else is listening to that recording. Ever. That's what we all agreed to," he added.
"It might sound weird, but I'm kinda sad you're gonna forget all this later," she admitted.
"Yeah, I've been thinking about that, on the ride here mostly and ah- I think I'm gonna keep it," he said before taking another long sip out of his bottle.
"Are ya sure it ain't gonna be too weird for ya? For us?"
"Kid, 'course it's fucking weird. That's why I was gonna give myself amnesia. But now that I know what I know, I ain't leaving ya alone with it," he said, pausing to take a sip. "I'm debating if we should tell your mother-" he said.
"I love Momma, but-"
"Yeah, alright," he said, tilting his beer in acquiescence before taking another gulp. "We'll keep it between us," he said. "For now," he added.
"Ya mean, you, me and Magneto," she corrected and he let out a low growl in response.
"That's gonna take some getting used to," he grumbled.
"Sorry," she said, shrugging.
"It's alright," he said, reaching over and putting his arm over her shoulders, pulling her closer to him.
"Are ya sure?" she asked, glancing up at him, giving him one last out.
"Yeah, I'm sure," he said, taking another sip. "Worst parts over anyway," he said.
"The tape?" she asked.
"That fucking tape," he grunted in agreement. "Rogue, you are into some shit," he said.
She didn't really know what to say to that. But a question did come to mind.
"So, what's normal anyway?" she asked.
"At your age, it's usually two kids fooling around, figuring out what works," he said. Which was pretty much was Erik said.
"Okay," she said, nodding. "So, what is it about what I like that ain't normal? Aside from Erik's age?" she asked.
"Alright," he said before letting out a grunt, before he took a big gulp of his beer, downing the rest of the bottle. "What you like, it's got a name," he said.
"Okay?" she asked, cocking her head, waiting for him to elaborate.
"Urgh, this is gonna be a long conversation," he groaned. "Wanna grab some dinner first?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'm starving," she said.
Sunday December 21th 2002: 06:25 pm
Rogue levitated in the air, using her magnetism, sitting cross-legged so she was eye level with her uncle as he sat on the bike. After picking up dinner, they had found a secluded little road, fairly close to the Institute. Her uncle said he'd taken many rides along this road, without seeing a soul for hours and with her magnetic senses, she could confirm they weren't very likely to have company. It felt freeing, using her powers, her magnetism, in front of him.
They each had a food container in their hands; her, Pork Chow Mei Fun and him, Chicken Lo Mein. And there were a couple of cans of coke she was levitating for them both, as they hung out on the side of the road. She wasn't ready to head back to the institute yet, having a confirmation, she was right to keep this under wraps. But they were almost done with their conversation.
"So, it's about giving and taking power," she summarized before taking another bite, chopsticks in her hand.
"Pretty much, yeah," he said before he shoveled another mouthful of Lo Mein into his mouth.
"And as long as both people consent to what's gonna happen and have the option to stop at any time, then it's okay," she added.
"Mmm," he said, nodding with his mouth full.
"And normal is?"
"No one's giving orders or restraining their partner," he answered after swallowing.
"Oh," she said, looking away from him. "But that's the fun part," she retorted.
"For you, kid, 'cause that's what you're into," he said, matter-of-factly before he downed the rest of his soda. "And Magneto likes using his powers on ya," he said and Rogue felt a shiver run down her spine. She reached out, grabbed her own drink and downed it as well, needing to cool off herself.
"Sorry," she said, trying to brush it off.
"It's alright," he said, and she really was grateful he was well beyond embarrassment by all they had talked about. "You wanna get out of the cold?" he asked.
"I ain't really feeling it," she said.
"Yeah, that's the healing factor doing some work," he said. "But we've been gone all day. We should check in with your mother," he added.
"Yeah, okay," she sighed.
"Are there any cars around?" he asked and Rogue's eyes lit up with interest, having an idea what he was getting at. She reached out with her senses as they threw the remnants of their dinner into a bag to be disposed of back at the institute.
"Not for a good twenty miles and none on our path back ta the institute," she answered.
"Let me know if that changes," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," she promised as straightened her legs out in the air, taking a flying position.
"You're jumping on the bike once we get to Graymalkin Lane," he dictated.
"Yes, sir," she repeated, before they took off. Him on the bike and her flying beside him. It felt good, letting loose and using the powers at her disposal.
It felt real good.
Sunday December 21th 2002: 07:30 pm
Rogue let out a yawn as she and her uncle entered the institute from the garage. She turned to look at him as he paused.
"What's up?" she asked.
"Chuck wants us to check in," he told her.
"In his office?" she asked.
"Yup," he said.
"Momma's joining us?" she asked.
"Yup," he repeated.
"Okay," she sighed. She stopped and shook her head at herself. "We should get this over with," she sighed before she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Let me do the talking, kid," he offered and she glanced up at him and watched him pull his free hand up, touching his forehead. 'You just listen,' he thought. Her eyes widened with surprise.
"Okay," she said, a little shocked he wanted her to utilize her limited telepathy. Right, this was her power now. It belonged to her.
'Got it, kid?' he asked.
"Yes, sir," she nodded.
Sunday December 21st 2002: 07:40 pm
Rogue sat on the couch in the Professor's office, her uncle sat beside her, his arms crossed over his chest. While her mother sat in a recliner close by facing the couch. The Professor completed the square, also facing her and Uncle Jimmy.
"I'm keeping it," her uncle reiterated, much to both the Professor's and her mother's surprise. 'Don't matter if he don't like it.'
"Are you certain?" the Professor asked.
"Yeah, we talked about it. Worst parts over and now she ain't alone with this," he answered. 'We shoulda did this months ago before you called him again,' he thought.
"Thanks, Uncle Jimmy," Rogue, half-smiling at him. "It's kinda nice having someone else ta talk. I really appreciate it," she said.
"Thank you, James," Mystique echoed.
"That's what family's for," he repeated, returning the kind expression to both of them. "But," he said, turning to look back at the Professor, "that changes some things."
"Such as?" the Professor asked, raising an eyebrow.
"My mind is officially off limits to you, Chuck. The same way Rogue's is," he said.
"I see," he said, his face blank, intentionally emotionless. "Understood," he added, smiling slightly, attempting to show his support for the new restriction. "I imagine you're now in possession of sensitive material and as Rogue has, must keep that information confidential to avoid conflict with Magneto," he said.
'Say nothin', kid,' he reiterated. 'I got this,' he thought before he turned back to look at the Professor. "It ain't like that, Chuck. He's never threatened her. They have an agreement and since I'm keeping this shit, I'm in it now," he said.
"So Erik's claim was true?" the Professor asked.
"James, are you certain? He never-" Mystique asked.
"Not once," he confirmed. "And that's all we're saying about it," he said, his voice gruff, indicating that was the end of the discussion. 'They don't need the details. No one else does.'
"Perfectly fine," the Professor, his tone pleasant, his mouth holding a bit of tension, his body language conveying he'd prefer to talk about it further. Her mother however was giving Uncle Jimmy a look that said they'd be discussing it more whether he liked it or not. Rogue glanced up at him and nodded, telling him she'd trust his judgment when it came to her mother and his significant other.
'I'll keep it vague,' he promised. She just smiled at him, grateful before her eyes passed over the clock above the Professor's desk. It was a nice replacement from the one Magneto had tampered with in the past. Roman numerals circled the clock and two black hands dictated the time, while the third ticked away counting the seconds: it read 7:47pm. She still had plenty of time before then. 'Right,' he thought. "Chuck, that 'bout covers it," he said, with a sort of finality in his tone.
"Very well," the Professor agreed, before Rogue took that as her cue to stand. Her mother and uncle joined her.
"Anna-Marie?" Mystique asked as she was turning toward the exit.
"Yeah, Momma?" she asked, holding in a sigh as she turned back to look at her mother.
"Kurt and I planned to watch a movie. If you'd like to join us?" she asked.
"Hmm," Rogue said, trying to stall so she could think. Depending on how long the movie was she could do both. But it not? Did she have to choose between spending time with Erik or her family? It wasn't even intentional on her mother's part- but the question was-
"Anna-Maire, just bring the chess set down. You can do both," Uncle Jimmy said.
"Wait, really?" Rogue asked, delightfully surprised. She hadn't considered that as an option.
"Magneto ain't issuing any ultimatums. So, neither are the X-Men," he clarified, stepping closer to Mystique, who looked displeased at the latest development. The Professor's interest peaked, she could tell, but he'd taken a more passive role in the conversation, leaving instructing her to Wolverine. "Rae, trust me," he said, placing his hand on her arm. "It's just chess. She ain't contacting him about the other thing for a while," he said before turning to look at her. 'Even Erik told ja ya to be patient,' he thought. "Got it?" he asked out loud.
"Yes, sir," she said before he gestured his head toward the door. "Thank you," she said, taking the win, rushing toward the door before anyone could object.
"She should never contact him again," Mystique grumbled on cue.
"Yeah, we don't gotta like it, but it's inevitable," he said as she got to the door and quickly fled the room. "She ain't ever doin' normal," he said just as she was escaping out of earshot.
She trusted her uncle; he'd only say what was necessary. She was going to have to stop grinning before she went down to the common room. She was going to have to stop grinning at some point. God, was she happy. Today was- today was going so much better than she'd thought it would- much better than she'd ever hoped.
Hope. It was a wonderful thing. She was practically skipping up the stairs.
Maybe, there was room in her life for Erik and the X-Men.
