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Chapter 34 of

A Simple Favor:

On August 17th 2002 about 10:10am EST, Magneto flew and Rogue followed. He'd led them back to his base hidden in the mountains of Upstate New York. Even during the summer when there was a complete absence of snow, the foliage was more than enough to ensure no human would know where to trespass.

As he landed at the base's entrance, he turned to look back at Rogue as her feet touched the ground just a few feet behind him. The look on her face was intentionally blank, as if she was trying not to have any reaction to him.

'Unlike the last time we stood on this spot when she insisted she wouldn't be a threat to me,' he thought while holding in a sigh.

Given how'd they left the mansion he couldn't blame her for her attempt at stoicism. He was still considering, himself, how he wanted to handle this. He needed to regain his footing and with it control of the situation. Already he knew he made the right call returning to the institute immediately. That alone had helped disarm her somewhat.

'The question is how far am I willing to go to regain the upper hand?' he asked himself, as with a wave of his hand, the entrance to his base opened.

They continued inside. No words were exchanged, they both knew their destination and they were quick to come upon his study. Another wave of his hand and the knobless door opened. And as she entered behind him, he gave a third wave and closed it as he removed his helmet, having no need for it within the safety of his base.

Yes, the girl could leave whenever she wanted, thanks to his powers in her system, and they both knew it. This wasn't a precaution to keep her in, but for others to remain away. They needed this time, and he wasn't about to be interrupted but one of his men, eager to speak with him after such a long absence.

Magneto turned to look at Rogue. She stood by the couch, not quite ready to commit to sitting. Her face was neutral, nothing gave her inner thoughts away, but he felt he could hazard a guess.

'Perhaps, she's recalling what nearly happened the last time we sat on this couch together,' he thought as he moved to hold his hand behind his back. "The X-Men are well aware whose company you keep this morning," he said, stating the obvious aloud. "And better yet, Charles has no choice but to accept our friendship," he said, his gaze lingered on the red hoodie he had made her, months ago.

"Yeah," she agreed as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm pretty happy 'bout that," she stated, as she cocked her head, searching for his gaze. His eyes flashed to hers.

"Considering his choice in tactics this summer, I assumed you would be when I suggested it," he said. And he watched her take a deep breath.

"Thank you," she said, albeit it sounded reluctant. Despite her attempts to appear emotionally neutral, her eyes told another story- he saw nervousness there.

'Perhaps, this exchange will actually be on my terms… But to solidify that fact-' he thought before stating, "If you wouldn't mind indulging me, I'd like a shower first before we continue." He had no idea if this body had ever been showered and he sought to rectify that possibility. And give himself a few moments to consider what else he wanted out of this exchange.

"Ya mean, a cold one?" Rogue asked, denying him that.

He felt his eyebrow arch as he wasn't quite sure what had prompted that comment, before he saw her adjust her arms, covering more of her chest- had she thought he was staring at her breasts? Yes, he recalled what those looked like and yes, they were lovely-

He felt himself take a deep breath.

'That would be rather unfair, wouldn't it?' he asked himself before he took a step toward her and watched her eyes dilate. 'But life isn't fair, is it girl?' he thought as he took another slow step toward her as he allowed himself a chuckle. "Perhaps, you aren't the only one who misses it," he lamented with a sigh.

"Miss what?" she asked, her head cocked further confused by his vagueness.

"In all our talks over the summer, I knew your every emotion, your every spark of inspiration" he muttered, feigning casual interest, despite the fact his need raged inside of him like a wildfire. "In this only do I envy Charles, in this one respect," he confessed as he closed the distance between them. "What I wouldn't give to still hear your thoughts, my girl," he said as he curled his fingers under her chin and gently lifted her gaze to his.

As her neck cranked upward, widened eyes met his gaze.

Yes, they were equal in power, irrespective of remote magnetism. However, he still towered over her stature. Loomed, practically. And it was apparent, as it was nearly every time they stood in such close proximity, that she liked that.

"Ya had your chance," she claimed, her eyes cooling while stomping her foot on the ground for emphasis.

"Have I?" he mused, as he moved his hand to cup her cheek. The way her lips parted as she let out a little breath of anticipation really was intoxicating. And good god, her cheeks were turning into that charming crimson hue he'd grown so fond of. He loved seeing it blossom across her face.

He really did understand it wasn't fair of him to use this weakness against her, her attraction to him. 'No, I can't afford to lose another inch… It's time,' he justified. "Anna-Marie," he muttered, ensuring his tone was deep and husky with want.

Her eyes dilated even further.

"Max," she said breathlessly, finally using his given name, now that they were alone, speaking to the intimacy between them.

"Anna-Marie," he repeated before he lowered his lips to her. He smiled against her lips; she tasted of coffee, and sugar with a hint of almonds, thanks to her breakfast. He imagined his breath matched hers.

"We- we can't-" she whispered, pulling back. "I- I'm with-"

"The little putz," he sneered.

"He's. Literally. You," she bit back, hitting his chest with her hand. She then conveniently forgot to remove it. "Y'all are the same damn person," she said annoyed, her eyes narrowing. He watched her suck in a breath as he placed his free hand on the small of her back, pulling her up against him.

"Yes, we are, aren't we?" he asked, staring into her eyes. Searching.

A beat passed and when she failed to retreat from his arms, he leaned in and pressed his lips back to hers. She moaned slightly, as he felt her hand grip the front of his uniform, like she was trying to decide if she should push him away or not.

He pulled back first, sparing her the task, as a question came to mind.

"Have you absorbed the boy yet?" he asked.

"This morning," she answered breathlessly, a guilty look passed over her features at his counterpart's mention. "We didn't wanna worry about y'all powers fading," she explained.

"Did his mind form a consciousness separate from mine or-" he asked, allowing the entire question to remain unspoken as he searched her gaze. She sucked in a breath, giving him his answer. "I see," he uttered before he captured her lips again.

"Max," she muttered, pulling back slightly, though her gaze was firmly set on his lips. "Ya called him a-"

"I'm aware," he said huskily, running a hand up her back, causing a shiver to run down her spine.

"Then why?" she asked.

"Isn't it obvious," he asked, in turn, staring into her eyes. If she wasn't going to vacate his arms, then heaven help him, he intended to persist.

"Max, plea-," she muttered desperately against his lips. Her plea turned into a moan as he deepened the kiss, lapping his tongue in her mouth.

He stepped back toward one of the couches, taking her with him, until he sat on the couch, pulling her onto his lap, straddling him. Her hands were on his shoulders and it seemed he was doing most of the work regarding their kiss. But she wasn't pulling away from him: a small victory which encouraged him to seek out her skin.

He used magnetism to lower the zipper of her hoodie, and it slid with its audible snicker downward. She shuddered at that, as if a wave of pleasure had run through her body. Encouraged further, he pulled the garment off her arms, leaving her in the red tank top as he moved his lips to nuzzle her neck.

"What a vindictive little rogue you truly are," he smirked against her neck. Her breaths were coming fast as he ran one hand up and down her back and the other across her stomach. "Flaunting my colors in front of Charles and his X-Men. Rightly so. You're so very enticing in red," he said before he sunk his teeth against her skin, biting her. Not enough to draw blood, but he nearly chuckled at that thought, given her favorite book and the comparisons she'd once made to him and its antagonist.

"Max," she moaned. "We have ta," she started to say and knowing what word was bound to leave her lips, he pushed her hips downward against his hardened member, interrupting her yet again as a deep moan escaped her. Her body was shaking all over- the girl was trembling against him and he was relishing every second of her obvious pleasure. He pulled her against his cock still encased in his uniform. Repeatedly.

"Do you remember the last time we sat here together, Anna-Marie?" he asked against her neck, as he moved his lips in time with her neck as he used his hands to bounce her on his lap. "And how close we were to doing just this?" he asked as he pushed her down especially hard against his cock.

"Y-yes," she moaned, her eyes closed, her hands on his shoulders. He flipped them over on the couch, until he was laying above her, on top of her. His lips still at her neck, kissing and sucking at her skin. Good heaven, how she shook beneath him, as their bodies fit together exquisitely. Her frame was much smaller than his, but still their limbs fell together, his hips pressed against her wide spread legs. He pulled her arms up and over her head, and she shuddered yet again, as they went limb.

"How well behaved my Rogue is," he said as he extended the bounds of his uniform, he was now at full attention, and almost painfully erect. He was still clothed, encased in magnetic fibers that clung skin tight to his engorged member. But, good god it felt phenomenal to slide his cock between her legs, even against denim.

The continued mews that left her were all the encouragement he needed to lower the zipper of her jeans, eliciting a gasp from her.

"How long have you wanted me?" he asked. "Not some hapless boy unable to control his emotions. But a man, ready and willing to please you, Anna Marie?"

He recalled the boy's reluctance in the changing room and wondered if his treatment in Paris felt the same to Rogue- if she had to convince the boy to engage. Magneto would require no such coaxing.

Staring up at him, her trembling lips seemed incapable of forming coherent words, but her lust filled eyes told him all he needed to know and he pulled her jeans down to her ankles.

Her combat boots were in the way and he couldn't be bothered to take the time to rectify the situation. Instead, he flipped her yet again, until her face was pressed cheek down against the couch. He placed her hands, pressed together above her head and even with her ankles effectively bound by the fabric of her jeans, he had easy access to every inch of her.

She offered no resistance as he positioned her as he saw fit; her ass hiked up in the air as her body was pressed against the couch. He lowered his lips to her ass cheek and bit her skin, extracting another deep moan from the girl. His hand slipped downward into the folds of her opening and her reaction was immediate arching into his touch.

"That's it, Anna-Marie," he said as he found and rubbed her clit. He repeated that over and over, as first one, then a second finger coaxed that tender bud. He kissed the edge of her ear, nibbled on her earlobe as he petted her, reveled in her warm, slick, tenderness. Her breaths became even more erratic as she came. The scream that escaped her lips was music to his ears.

Even as a small part of him comprehended he was trapping her in the throes of ecstasy, giving her little time to consider his advances. Still, she had access to magnetism, not to mention her own mutant abilities. If she wanted to stop him, she could. Easily.

But perhaps it would be prudent of him to remind her of that fact?

With that thought, he flexed the muscles in his arms and in one fluid motion, the magnetic fibers clinging to his arms, legs and chest lost their attraction and fell away, leaving him almost completely nude above her. He moved himself into a mounting position; his legs were spread and beside her legs, his hips were pressed against her back, he wrapped his arms and front against her back and arms; hugging her from behind and undeniably pressing nearly every inch of his exposed skin to hers.

"If you want to end this, Anna-Marie, now would be the time to stop me," he cautioned her, whispering into her ear.

Her reaction was a sigh, a release… a surrender.

"As you wish, my girl," he said, placing a kiss on her shoulder, before he moved his metal covered cock into position and slowly eased his member into her opening, but only part way.

"Oh my god," she gasped, bringing a smirk to his face.

"Mine is larger than the boy's, isn't it?" he chuckled with a satisfied tone in her ear as he slid in further. Her body spasmed beneath him as he filled her completely. "My poor girl. How unsatisfied you must have been in Paris. But not in New York," he promised.

He kissed her shoulder before he drew himself into a standing position, his left leg still kneeling on the couch as his right leg kept him centered on the floor; still very much inside of her. His right hand went to her hip and the other ran up her back, her neck and into her hair, before he took a strong grip to the base of her scalp, pulled her head back, until he forced her gaze to his.

Lust-filled eyes, hot and bright, stared up at him. He wanted to watch her, and wanted her to see him as he took her. The satisfied smile on his face only held at the corners of his lips, but it was there.

'Perfection,' he thought before he started to move, slowly thrusting his cock in and out of her.

'Fuck, fuck, fuck,' Rogue chanted in her mind. Never had a word felt more warranted as she chanted it over and over again in her mind. She was pressed between the couch and Magneto's pumping cock, fucking her senseless. 'God, I need ta stop him, I need ta-' she told herself for the umpteenth time since he started undressing her.

Why she's let it get this far was beyond her. Maybe because everything he'd done had felt so good and it was so refreshing not having to play the aggressor. Magneto knew what she wanted and he was more than willing to give it to her.

He was certainly giving it to her now, as he thrust in and out of her. Her hands were gripped against the couch's cushion as she fought to breath, all she managed to do was gasp, moan, and scream as she trembled beneath him. His hand in her hair, against her scalp was doing terrible things to her, silencing her rational mind, as it felt heavenly to comply with his rough treatment of her.

'They're the same person,' she justified again as he slammed his cock deep inside of her, causing her arch her back and-

"Exquisite, Anna-Marie. Come for me again," he ordered and her back arched further, screaming as she came.

But he didn't stop, his cock continued to pump in and out of her, rubbing at her tender flesh and she- he released the back of her head and it dropped back to the couch, her breath labored as one high-pitched moan after another escaped from her lips.

"Who's… the… putz…now?" she managed to ask in between moans. His thrusting stopped, and he pulled his cock out of her as she felt him stand fully. 'Fuck,' she thought, as fear filled her.

The only thing that would be worse than continuing would be if he stopped now.

She gasped as he pulled her legs back and over the arm of the couch. Her hand gripped the couch cushion as her ass was hiked higher up into the air as her bound legs dangled between his.

"Oh, most certainly me," he laughed as he slapped her ass, causing her to gasp most indecently. "And at this moment," he said as she felt him pressing his cock back against her opening as both of his hands took hold of her hips. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he avowed before he slammed his cock back inside of her.

"Fuck!" she screamed in a high pitched tone.

His response was a dark laugh as he pumped in and out of her. Her cheek was pressed firmly against the cushion as she laid there and allowed him to fuck her senselessly.

"Is this what you imagined, Anna-Marie?" he asked.

"I- I don't-" she stuttered, caught off guard that he'd asked such a similar question to Max. 'They're both Max,' she reminded herself yet again. 'There's only about two months worth of memories that the other don't have,' she thought. She gasped as he slapped her ass again.

"Or would you prefer I stopped?" he threatened as he slowed his pace.

"Oh, fuck me," she groaned, the more leisurely pace allowing her to feel every inch of his cock as if he pulled it out and then sheathed it within her again. Her knuckles were bone white as she gripped the cushion. He wasn't moving now, but the dark chuckle that left him did cause his member to vibrate inside her, extracting another moan from her lips.

"If you insist," he laughed and his pace picked up, thrusting back into her with the same force he'd used prior. She was moaning, keening, as he- he pulled out of her again- confusing her-

"Max?" she asked- before she felt hands on her hips, flipping her onto her back. Her bound legs were lifted and pressed against his shoulder as he got himself back into position, by her opening. He stared down at her and with the look he was giving her- it was apparent he changed their position so he could see her face.

"Again?" he asked, his large form towering over her, casting her in his shadow. Why was that alone causing her to throw all logic out the window?

She really should stop this but-

"Ah-huh," she nodded instead and his cock slipped back into her so easily, her open was slick with moisture and even after coming thrice she still wanted more- wanted him.

His pace was slowed this time. She gasped as she stared into his intense eyes. She felt him lift a knee up and onto the arm of the couch as he pushed down on her legs, forcing her to be folded in half on the couch. His other knee lifted and he was floating on top of her, yet pressing all of his body weight onto her. Her bound legs were pressed up between his and her shoulders and Max managed to lower his lips onto her.

God, she melted, this time eagerly kissing him back; she deepened the kiss and he groaned as their tongues danced together inside of her mouth. He kept his pace slow, drawing his cock in and out of her sensually, his left hand moving to grip the back of her neck, helping them both keep their lips locked together.

Her eyes squeezed shut as he reached down with his free hand and rubbed at her clit- it didn't take long before she was-

A muffled moan left her as she climaxed for a fourth time and Magneto picked up his pace, driving into her with abundance as he finally neared his own end.

He groaned against her mouth as he buckled against her, coming inside of her, his cum safely contained within the confines of his uniform he hadn't fully disrobed from.

He pulled out of her, and the two laid on the couch, attempting to catch their breath. She felt sticky and overheated, yet wonderfully content.

One thought, like a nuisance popped into her head: 'I ain't gonna have ta convince Magneto I'm fine.' Followed by a pit forming in her stomach, guilt building for an entirely new reason.

"Perhaps, I can take that shower now?" he asked, his tone amused.

"Ah-huh," she muttered and she felt his lips kiss her forehead. He lifted himself off the couch. She could feel him, standing there, looking down at her, even with her eyes closed.

"I should probably finish undressing you," he chuckled. She didn't have the energy to move as he kneeled down, taking one of her shoes into his hand, before he pulled it off. "And at some point, you'll need to do the same," he commented as the other shoe came next.

"Huh?" she managed, confused as he stripped off her socks.

"Take a shower, my dear," he chuckled as her jeans and underwear were fully removed, pausing for a moment to kiss the top of her knee.

"Oh…," was all she could manage as she shivered.

"I'm more than capable of undressing myself," he added, chuckling.

"Ah-huh," she muttered.

"I still have all of your products from the last time this was necessary," he said as his hand cupped her cheek.

"I 'member," she muttered. He chuckled at that as she felt his breath on her face. She moaned softly as his lips covered hers.

"Unless …" he said as he ran his fingers down from her face to her collar bone, lightly drawing them over her skin. "You'd like me to carry you into the shower?" he asked.

That brought an image to mind; her legs wrapped around his waist as he took her, yet again, in the shower stall she used once before. He didn't have a conventional bath tube in his base. It was an enclosed shower stall, with an aluminum frame and tempered glass, large enough for one person. Or two… if they didn't leave any room between them.

Her breaths were picking up; though she didn't understand how that was possible. Wasn't there a limit to how many times a person could consecutively climax?

"I wouldn't mind doing you," he said, lowering his lips to her ear, "such a simple favor," he finished smugly. His lips were tickling her ear as he shamelessly chuckled at her expense. She gasped as he moved his lips to the crook of her neck and nipped her skin playfully.

God, why was that such a turn on for her? She practically moaned on the spot.

"No strings attached, of course," he added, as his fingers ran down her body, exciting her nerve endings. "Unlike you, dear girl, I wouldn't expect promises made, to stack on top of each other."

Her eyes flew open as he bit into her neck, his fingers finding the folds of her opening yet again and slipped into the wet mess he had made of her already.

With effort, she managed to turn her head to look down at him. "Like some haphazardly built house of cards destined to collapse," he said, locking eyes with her as three of his fingers thrust as far into her as they could.

Her mouth was agape yet silent as she lost her train of thought. All she could concentrate on was the feeling of his fingers pumping in and out of her.

"This would be a one time commitment," he said as his fingers continued their dance.

'Pretty sure we're on number six,' she thought as she willed her lips to speak words. All she managed was moans and gasps as his thumb pressed against her overstimulated clit. 'Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god.'

"No thoughtful caveats required," he muttered, moving his lips back to her neck and leaving light pecks against her redder skin. "Though speaking of those," he said as he pumped his fingers in and out of her. Rogue felt her back arching as she was on the cusp of-

She gasped as he- Why did he have to slow down now?

"Once we're done in the shower, we really should iron out the extraneous details of our current arrangement," he said before fully biting into her neck, nearly sending her over the edge. She bucked against his hand, hinting that she wanted him to go faster. "Don't you agree?" he asked.

"Yea- … yeah … yes," she managed to pant. Her vocalization was rewarded with his fingers increasing their speed. Not as fast as before but- "Y-yes," she muttered, her mouth opened wide, hoping it would encourage him to-

"It really is such a simple exception, I require," he said as he slowed down again-

God, she was right there, why wouldn't he? Her eyes were squeezed shut as she shook with anticipation.

"One, I've stipulated and you've agreed to before. I simply need us to restate those facts so our understanding remains intact," he said as he pushed his fingers deep, deep within her, holding them there. She heard him shift and suddenly the blanket was pulled, exposing her upper half. She moaned as she felt his hand on her breast, his thumb applying pressure to her hardened nipple. "Though that might be superfluous, at this point," he said as he simultaneously applied pressure on her clit and with his fingers deep within her "Is it superfluous, my dear?"

Oh god, there was stimulation from so many angles and all she wanted was for him to move something, any one of them would get her there.

"Anna-Marie, I asked you a question, yes or no?" His tone was firm, stern and she-

"Yes, yes," she gasped.

"That's a relief," he smiled against her neck, as he moved everything all at once, his fingers pumped in and out of her, his thumbs rubbed at her clit and her nipple and his teeth bit into her neck.

Her back arched and she came instantly, screaming.

Just as suddenly as he caused her climax; all motion stopped and his hands were pulled at her arms, drawing her into a sitting position.

As her eyes fluttered open, she saw that he had managed to fully undress himself. He was kneeling in front of her as he looped her arms around his neck. She was quick to grab onto him, needing something to keep her steady. Even as he pulled her against him, sliding his hardened cock back inside of her.

'Fuck,' she screams in her mind. It felt so good, she felt paralyzed by it, not moving or making a sound. Her eyes closed as she just felt his engorged cock resting against her inflamed nerves.

Her mouth was hanging open, a fact he took full advantage of as his lips descended on to her, kissing her deeply. He helped her wrap her legs around his waist and they were off, lingering inside of her as they moved in the air, kissing passionately.

She heard doors opening and she soon felt her back hit the tiled wall, their lips parting and his cock slipping out of her.

She felt knobs turning and lukewarm water hit them both- god, the liquid felt exceptional against her overheated body as she stared into his lust filled eyes. His hands were holding her legs, keeping them around her waist.

How they were still going, she couldn't comprehend, but she knew she didn't want to stop.

"Should I continue?" he asked and she moaned, digging her nails into his shoulders, pulling him closer. He chuckled again, leaning in to kiss her, biting her bottom lip as he pulled back to meet her gaze. "An audible confirmation, Anna-Marie, that's what I'm asking you for this time," he said.

She was so tired and he hadn't asked for that before. She almost felt annoyed by him insisting.

"Yes, Magneto, fuck me," she hissed.

He laughed heartily as he slipped into her. Slowly. Ensuring she felt each and every inch as it filled her completely.

"Like that?" he asked.

"Yes," she sighed, her eyes closing again as she relished the feel of his cock. He kissed his way down her neck and to her breasts. He sucked hungrily at her nipples, switching back and forth between the two as he drew his cock in and out of her at an intimately decreased pace. Grunts and groans escaped him as she pulled her head back, resting it against the tile.

She yelped as he bit at her breast, taking a large part of it into his mouth, sucking, blemishing her skin further than it had been from her encounter with Max last night.

'Max!' she recalled, her eyes snapping open as she stared down at the older man, having his way with her. 'Fuck, fuck, fuck,' she panicked. 'I'm cheating on Max with-

Magneto's tongue, which had been running circles around her stimulated left nipple, ceased its movement, and his eyes snapped up to hers.

"We're the same, Anna-Marie," he reminded her as he stood up straight, pushing himself deep inside of her, as he pushed her up against the tiled wall, his eyes slightly above her as he gazed down at her.

"But-"

"Who have you fucked, girl?" he asked, as he thrusted into her. "Name him," he demanded.

"Max Eisenhardt," she gasped.

"We are the same," he repeated as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. She moaned as he picked up the pace, pumping into her. "We're the same," he repeated as he fucked her, driving into her relentlessly. "Who am I? Say it!" he ordered.

"Max Eisenhardt," she yelled as she clung to his shoulders. She groaned as her head hit the tile, not hard, but a reminder she wasn't on the cushioned couch any longer. She felt a hand on the back of her head, guiding her to his shoulder. She rested it in the crook of his neck clinging to him as he massaged the back of her head and neck, soothing the brief pain, easing her safely back into the realm of pleasure.

It was everywhere, the feeling of bliss radiating throughout her body was indescribable. After so many climaxed, still she felt herself on the cusp of another and it-

"Who is fucking you, Rogue?" he asked again, his tone coy. She moaned as she realized what he wanted to hear.

"M-Magne-You are, Magneto," she whispered against his neck. The pressure building in her stomach, as she felt something slip between them, seeking out her clit, rubbing at it.

"Good girl," he whispered. His fingers took her then, roughly insistently at her clit as she felt him continue his assault on her senses.

It came in a wave, stronger than her orgasms that came before it tonight. A part of her was wondering if he were using his powers to increase her stimulation. And then thought fled completely. She gasped as every muscle in her body tensed up and her mouth fell open as she cried out against his neck.

"That's my good girl," he grunted as he pumped into her with more vigor. He was buckling, against her, when whatever was on her clit, slipped inside of her and she gasped as she felt metal covering the top of his cock, encasing it. "That's my rogue," he hissed as he thrust into her one last time, coming hard, inside of her.

His hands were on her cheek, pulling her face up his lips captured hers. She melted, moaning softly against his lips, as the aftermath of seven consecutive climaxes caused her to forfeit any attempt to control her limbs and she collapsed against him.

"Beautiful," he uttered. "Worth the wait, I hope," he chuckled.

"Ah-huh," she muttered, utterly spent.

"Better than the boy, I'd assume," he stated smugly.

"Thought y'all were the same person?" she asked, though her tone sounded more exhausted than sarcastic. Nevertheless he let out a hearty laugh in response to her jest.

"We are," he reconfirmed, pausing to kiss her forehead. "Give or take two months worth of memories," he said, his lips lingering against her skin, as she felt the water cease.

"That's what I said," she muttered as he carried her out of the shower.

"And right you are, my girl," he said, as she deposited her onto a bed. She tried to open her eyes, but- "You should sleep, Anna-Marie. We'll discuss the rest once you're rested," he dictated as she felt his lips on her forehead again as a blanket was drawn up and over her exhausted body.

"I have ta-"

"And you will. Later," he said as she felt his hands kneading into her shoulders, as he leaned over her. Despite her exhaustion, a soft moan left her. "If we make an attempt for eight, I doubt you'll leave the bed today," he chuckled.

No, she didn't think she was up for anything else. Now, she was fighting off sleep.

"And as satisfying as Charles' exasperation might be to witness, the boy will not be as patient. I'd rather avoid a direct confrontation with my counterpart."

Rogue felt her brow furrowed with confusion. What was he trying to insinuate? Lassitude filled her body, and she felt herself drifting. Her eyes blinked heavily and she stifled a yawn.

"Don't misunderstand, my dear. I have no fear of fighting the boy. You're quite right, that in his current state," he said. "His lack of control over his anger," he muttered. "I would simply wipe the floor with him. And if in his desperation to prove himself capable against me he attempted a killing blow, I'd have no choice but to respond in kind," he said warningly.

"Max," she gasped, making a real effort to open her eyes.

"Relax," he said; his fingers still rubbing into her shoulder blades. "I have no intention of allowing that to happen. What a waste that would be," he said as she felt his lips on her forehead yet again. "Get some rest, Anna-Marie," he ordered again. "You and the boy will have all the time in the world to sort out what's next for you both," he said coxingly as he continued to rub her shoulders. "Sleep," he gently and she… needed to try and get up to…

And she… couldn't move. Her body wasn't responding anymore, no matter how much she willed it to.

So she…

"Good girl." Was the last thing she heard before drifting off…