"FALLING SLOWLY" p2
Title: Falling Slowly
Fandom: X-Men: Evolution
Pairings: Scott/Rogue, mentions of others
Rating: PG-13
Warnings/Spoilers: Season 1 & 2. Slightly AU -> alternate/deleted scenes. Some language.
Artist: sukiyakiya (Art/Fanmix here)
Summary: How Scott and Rogue slowly fell for each other...
Notes: Written for xmenbigbang. I will be making a sequel, rewriting/adding to Seasons 3 & 4.
"I was worried about you for a while there," Rogue stated softly as she laid down on the bed. Scott let out a deep sigh as he sat beside her.
"Yeah - about that - I'm sorry." Scott stated, rubbing his neck in embarrassment. "I became some sort of winner druggy and I needed to win. I'm not proud of how I acted. I was supposed to be everyone's leader, instead I made it a competition with those guys, a competition that put Evan in danger that for a moment I didn't care what happened to him."
Rogue propped herself up on her elbow and grasped his other hand, "I know that wasn't really you Scott. You aren't that kind of person. But I also know that for whatever reason you feel as if you need to prove to Lance and the others that you're stronger and better than they are. I may not understand the whole reason behind that one, but I know that you would never leave them behind - even if they are our enemies. You just need to remember that they do think you're better than they are and they're envious of it. That's why they're so hard on you Scott, that's why they hate you - or pretend to hate you."
Scott stared at her, his mouth gapped a little in surprise. Out of everything she could have said to him at that moment - he hadn't expected this. On some level, in the back of his mind, he knew she was telling the truth and that he had long since believed that was the reason they hated the X-men so much, but hearing it out of someone's else mouth really drove it home.
"You're not a bad guy Scott, you just went a little overboard with the race - I understand it and I understand that deep down, they aren't bad guys. Or at least Lance, Fred and Toad aren't. Can't quite tell with Pietro, though."
Scott let out a small chuckle at her intended joke. He squeezed the hand he was holding. "You have permission to kick my ass anytime I become like that again."
Rogue's eyebrow lifted in amusement. "Oh really? Anytime?"
Scott let out a deep laugh and nodded. "Anytime."
"So..." Rogue said, leaning back and relaxing against her bed. Scott joined her and to her amazement he didn't let go of her hand.
"It's been a crazy last few hours," Scott stated, studying her ceiling. Rogue chuckled softly at that.
"Yeah it has, but it felt good... fighting along side of them." Rogue admitted softly, she wasn't too sure how Scott would take it, but she felt like he needed to hear it - as if it might convince him that maybe the X-men and the Brotherhood could work together and not be enemies anymore. If only that was possible...
Scott turned to face her, he was surprised at how similar her statement was to his to Jean a few hours ago. And she had no idea about that conversation or how he felt as both teams worked together to save Professor X and Mystique.
"I'll agree with you on that," Scott admitted finally, after several minutes of silence and studying Rogue. It was amazing how much Rogue surprised him all the time. They were so much alike, and yet they were still different as well.
-
"How are you feeling?" Scott questioned bringing Rogue to a stop. Letting out a deep sigh, she turned around and faced him.
"I think Kurt feels worse than I do. He's finally found his real mother and found out she's Mystique - it's not exactly good news." Rogue stated, hugging her books tightly to her chest.
Scott frowned, he knew she was lying - or at least not telling the complete truth about how she felt. After everything Mystique lied to her about, for her to hide even more information from Rogue - it had to be hurting her. Scott knew because that would be exactly how he would feel if someone had done it to him. It would be worse for Kurt to find out the real truth about what might have happened at the castle and with Mystique and Magneto, but it wasn't really his place to tell him nor did he want to make them more upset than they already were.
"It's just, with everything that's happened - I can't help but feel like its my fault. I was the one who told Kurt about the dream, and somehow Mystique found out about it and used it at her advantage to get the Brotherhood to attack Kurt." Rogue admitted softly. It was the first time she admitted her real feelings of the last few hours to anyone but herself. She knew, however, that Scott wouldn't judge her. Not about this, or about anything else - somehow, no matter what she did - he never seemed to be able to judge her for anything. It was nice - after everything she did or could do with her touch, it was nice to have someone not be afraid of her.
"Rogue..." Scott whispered, before pulling her in for a hug. Rogue immediately tensed at his touch, but slowly relaxed when she realized he wasn't touching her skin directly. She let out another deep sigh, because as much as she wanted anything else, she wanted to be able to touch him - and others - without hurting them. But she knew that it would be a long time before she would be able to - that is, if they ever found a break through. It was strange though - to feel his warmth and his touch as he hugged her - a good kind of strange, but strange nevertheless.
When he finally pulled away, she already missed the feeling he provided - the protection, the warmth, and the strength. It wasn't something she really got to experience all that much - not since her powers activated, and even before that only Irene really hugged her.
"It's not your fault, Rogue. Eventually the truth would have come out about Kurt and about Mystique. Maybe it might have went differently, either better or worse, but in either case - it is not your fault."
-
"I can't believe it!" Scott shouted in disbelief, throwing more clothes into his overnight bag. Rogue studied his movements and was curious to find out what would excite Scott about Hawaii so much. He jerked and moved faster than usual, and it lacked his usual grace and concentration. Something was definitely different about this trip.
"What happened Scott?" Rogue asked, moving closer to him. He looked up from his drawer and grinned at her.
"The professor found my brother!" Scott explained quickly before going back to his task. He didn't know how long he would be in Hawaii or what he should say or do when he got there. The only thing he knew was that Alex is alive. Alex is alive!
Rogue stared at him in shock, he'd only mentioned his brother in passing to her and she had been afraid to dig for more information since it had been obvious the subject was sore - and that his brother was supposed to be dead. She couldn't blame Scott for being excited or so jumpy. He found the last remaining member of his family. She only hoped it wouldn't end in disappointment for Scott, he didn't deserve it.
"I'm happy for you, Scott." Rogue stated softly, bringing Scott's attention back to her. His grin widened as she smiled back at him. He pulled her quickly in for a hug, and tightly held onto her for several minutes before pulling away. She wasn't used to this sort of affection, Irene might have been a good adoptive mother, but she didn't often touch Rogue or hug her often. Scott seemed to be the only one that was willing to do it and it seemed like it was happening more and more. Not that she minded... it let her pretend for a few moments of time that she was normal again. And that she had a chance.
"I know it's a bit much to ask, but can you distract the others so that I can slip away with the Professor?" Scott questioned and Rogue stared at him in confusion. "I want to do this by myself... I haven't seen him in nearly ten years Rogue. I need to see him, I need to speak with him."
"Are you sure you want to do this on your own? I can go with you," Rogue offered softly. After everything that she dealt with about Mystique and Kurt, she knew how traumatic it could to find a loved one again after years and how emotional it's going to be for him and his brother.
"I know you can, and I would want you to come with me, but..." Scott started quietly, rubbing his neck in embarrassment. "I think I need to do this by myself. I need to make sure Alex is alright."
Rogue smiled softly in understanding. "Alright, but you better hurry. You'll have a few minutes before Kitty and Kurt get their stuff."
"I got my brother back!" Scott shouted, his excitement showing again causing Rogue to laugh in amusement.
"So go get him!" Rogue prompted him with a smile, and he squeezed her arm in thanks before grabbing his bag and running out of them room.
-
"What was it like?" Rogue questioned softly. A week had passed since Asteroid M and Scott had finally returned after a week in Hawaii getting reacquainted with his brother. The question, however, was not about Alex or about seeing his brother again. She knew that answer, could still see the excitement and complete happiness through his visors each time he talked about Alex or even about a new training session in the Danger Room.
Scott turned to face her, she lay on his bed like she usually did but her homework lay forgotten beside her as she studied him. At her tone, he realized that her question had nothing to do with seeing his brother again. He could hear her desperate tone behind the question and knew that the homework they had been doing together as well as the fun they had been having was going to end. He didn't necessarily mind, he liked that he could be able confide with Rogue and know that she didn't hate him for being serious for most of the time.
"What was what like?" Scott asked and Rogue looked out his window, wishing she didn't have to ask. She wasn't sure if it was sore subject or not - he didn't talk about it, Asteroid M, with anyone that she knew of. But she needed to know... because if anyone could understand what she's going through day in and day out, it was Scott. And for a while there he had been free - he didn't need his visor or special sunglasses.
"Controlling your ability... what was it like?" She said finally after several minutes of silence. She still didn't look at him, feeling embarrassed that she asked.
Scott stared at her silently, hating himself that he hadn't realized before now that she would've been curious about what he and Alex and went through on Asteroid M. Out of everyone that was there, he knew that she would have understood his reasoning and probably would have went through it herself had it not been also a brainwash created by Magneto.
"Freeing," he stared, studying her softly. He was able to see in colors for the short while he had complete control over his powers and it had been amazing. He had studied her and the others when he had control. He memorized the colors he could now completely identify as what they really looked like and he was right about everything. Her white bangs and reddish brown hair looked good on her. "Beautiful," He stated softly, almost not realizing he said it out loud to her. He relaxed slightly when it seemed that Rogue didn't realize what he actually meant. He continued quickly, and left his seat at his desk to join her on his bed. "It felt good. I was able to see everything with more colors and I never felt stronger or better than I did at that moment. I knew I wouldn't be able to hurt anyone again unless I wanted to."
Rogue turned back to face him again at that. She let out a deep breath before shutting her eyes softly. "I'm sorry."
"Hey, you have nothing to apologize for. I don't care if you ask me questions about what happened or not." Scott admitted, putting his arm on her gloved hand. "I understand why you're asking, and I'm just sorry that you didn't get a chance to experience it for yourself. You know, besides the hole Magneto brainwash and white hair."
Rogue grinned in amusement at his attempt of a joke before shaking her head. "I'm just glad you're had another chance at seeing in color and for feeling that in control. It's fine if I didn't."
"Maybe one day the professor will find out how to help us, or maybe we'll eventually be able to control it ourselves without the help of anything else." Scott stated, squeezing her hand. She squeezed his hand back and let out a sigh. She hoped he was right - hoped that she would be able control her abilities so that she could one day touch another person without any fear of hurting them and hoped that one day he would have control over his optic blasts.
-
"New mutant was found," Scott started to explain as he leaned against her door. Rogue glanced up from her book and raised an eyebrow at him.
"And let me guess - you and Jean going to go and get them to join?" The last five new mutants that Professor had found - Jean, Scott, or Logan went to recruit them. She wasn't exactly jealous of the fact (well maybe of the time alone Jean and Scott received on the trips) but it would have been nice to have been asked if she wanted to go.
"Actually, you're coming with me." Scott stated with a grin.
Rogue opened her mouth in shock and sat up on the bed. "Wait, I'm going?"
Scott chuckled as he entered the room fully. "Yes, Rogue. I thought it would be more fun than doing more danger sessions with Logan."
Rogue smiled softly at him. "Thanks Scott. But are you sure the professor will let me go?" Her smile weakened at the thought. "It's not like I have a power I could use and show them without hurting them."
Scott shook his head at her, he hated the fact that she would talk herself down just because of her abilities. "Yeah I'm sure, Rogue. The professor actually thinks it's a good idea. So get a few clothes packed - we'll be heading out in a few hours."
She stood up and smiled softly to herself - she couldn't help it. She and Scott were finally going to go on a recruitment mission together. She was finally going on a recruitment mission.
"What's the new mutant's name? Rogue asked as she grabbed her duffle bag from the closet."
"Jamie Madrox - he's the youngest out of the recruits so far. He seems like a good kid - good grades from what the professor learned. I believe the hardest part will be able to convince his parents into letting him come."
"Isn't that usually the hardest part?" Rogue questioned, memory of her own recruitment ran through her mind and knowing what really happened still didn't it make it hurt any less. Rationally she knows the X-men never attacked her - that it had been Mystique manipulating her to join the Brotherhood, but it still hurt to think about it. Her fear of it happening again - the X-men chasing her down to attack her after everything they've been through scared her.
"Sometimes, other factors could take president of course." Scott stated, a frown graced his lips.
"I highly doubt Magneto, Mystique, or anyone else will show up if the last five times were Brotherhood-free."
"I know," Scott admitted, his eyebrows scrunched together in frustration. "But we can't forget that they're still out there and we don't know when they're going to show themselves. I don't want to be unprepared."
Rogue frowned and nodded in understanding. She was probably one of the only X-Men besides the Professor, Ororo, or Logan that understood his fears and why he was so resilient about training. She actually liked that about him and wouldn't want him to change it for anything - although he could do with some more fun too.
-
"This is kinda nice," Scott stated as they got out of the car. Rogue glanced around and shook her head.
"If you like this sort of thing," She felt like she was visiting a Stepford neighborhood. There was nothing to distinguish each house from each other besides the house number. There was absolutely no personality - or spice - and it was too perfect looking. Rogue found it creepy and kept up with Scott as he walked towards the house that held the number for Jamie Madrox. She could only hope that they would be able to succeed in convincing the kid to join and to get out of here as quickly as possible. She had seen way too many horror flicks where the visitors always got killed by the townies.
Scott silently agreed with Rogue on the oddness of the neighborhood. As a child - after the accident and on his own - this was what he had wished for. For everyone in the neighborhood to be kind and friendly, as well as a community the helped each out. The last thing he wanted was this plastic community where apparently no one was able to express themselves.
"I hope the kid's normal," Rogue stated softly as they made their way towards the front door. Scott glanced down to study her and chuckled at her serious face. In turn, Rogue stared at him with a glare as she ran the door bell.
As he heard someone open the door, Scott stopped chuckling and straightened up. The door opened and an older woman with brown hair pulled up in a neat bun answered the door. She smiled kindly to both of them.
"Welcome," the woman stated with a soft voice, opening the door wider. "Come inside."
Rogue stared at her in shock. Neither she or Scott introduced themselves, there was absolutely no reason for the woman to trust them nor to invite them into her home. Scott entered the house first, cautious of what to expect. Like Rogue, he didn't find the fact that a strange woman opened her house to them without knowing who they were. Unless she did, and this was a trick from Magneto or Mystique.
"Charles said to expect two of his students, please feel free to make yourself comfortable. Jamie should be home from school in about a half hour."
"You know the professor?" Scott questioned in shock. The professor never mentioned that he actually knew the Madrox family.
"Yes, we're old family friends from years ago... Actually he's the one that was able to get us relocated here to keep Jamie safe from everyone finding out about him." Mrs. Madrox said as led them into the kitchen. There was a batch of cookies waiting on the table and a few sandwiches as well as lemonade. "Please have a seat and eat up - I have plenty more where that comes from."
"Thank you," Scott stated as he and Rogue sat down at the table. They took small bites, so not to be impolite and had a few sips of lemonade.
Mrs. Madrox smiled at them and shook her head, "Where are my manners? You can call me Joan."
"I'm Rogue, and this is Scott," Rogue stated as she studied the older woman. She still wasn't completely sure about this woman. Scott never mentioned the professor knew her.
"I'm sorry, but why did the professor not tell us anything about you?" Scott questioned, moving the lemonade away. He glanced over toward Rogue to make sure she was still fine. (Doesn't look like the food had been poisoned... yet.)
Joan stared at the two of them and her smile widened. "My husband, Daniel went to university with Charles. They were best friends and almost always together, but interests differed. And when we got married, we moved away so that Daniel wouldn't miss a job opening. We've stayed in contact with Charles for years, but it wasn't until Jamie was born that we actually needed his help."
"Help? Help with what?"
Joan let out a deep sigh, and for the first time since they met the woman, there was no smile lighting up her face. "We were so excited about a baby that we weren't expecting anything else. We know about mutants and everything like that, but never in our minds that our baby boy would be one. I mean, it's not that we would hate him or anything - we just weren't expecting it, especially at that age. It didn't really matter - just minutes later when the doctor held Jamie, he just doubled. I suddenly had twins... The second baby, later disappeared - the moment Jamie touched him. That didn't change the fact that a doctor and several nurses saw it happen. The only one we could call was Charles. He helped protect Jamie - and despite the invasion of privacy I can't be sorry for what he did to them. We were probably safe, but Charles didn't want to take a chance and set us up here ."
"Mutations don't usually occur that fast," Scott stated in confusion. He was in awe of the story but it also confused him. The only person he knew that had been different the moment they were born was Kurt - he had always been blue and furry. Still, even that he understood, but why wouldn't the the professor explain this before they left?
"True, they usually don't. However, the radiation my husband had been working with changed him and when I became pregnant somehow it had also affected me and Jamie. So when he was born, his mutant ability was unlocked."
"What's different now?" Rogue questioned, confused on why they were there. If Jamie had his abilities since birth then it had to be assumed he had to have control over them for the last few years - there would be no need for him to join the school if that was the case.
Joan smiled softly at her, hiding the pain behind that smile. "He'll hide it from me and his dad, but he's tired of hiding and I know that he'll be safer with you guys - he'd at least get to spend time not hiding himself or his gifts for most of the time. And, despite what my husband might think, I believe he needs to learn more control. The last few months have been very difficult for him - I'm afraid that a slightest bump will reveal him to everyone at school."
"And at least at Bayville High, he'd have us to be a buffer and protect him," Rogue stated, realizing it was the truth. Joan nodded and Rogue realized why the Professor would let her come on this 'recruitment' mission - it was already decided that Jamie would go - even if he may or may not know it. She glanced over toward Scott, wondering if had known as well and if the Professor really wouldn't expect her find out. She was angry for letting herself hope that this time was different. That they'd really trusted her and believed that she could bring a new member to join their school.
-
"What's wrong?"
"What do you mean? Nothing is wrong."
"Rogue, please don't lie to me."
"Like you've lied to me?"
"What?"
"I know why I was picked for this recruitment trip, Scott. Because it was simple and easy as 1-2-3. All we had to do was sit down with Jamie and ask him if he wanted to join us - his parents already practically begged Charles to accept him and he wanted to go even though he had no idea where it was. You could have done it all yourself, instead you dragged me along to show me what? I'm not important or worthy for the role?!"
"Rogue what the hell has gotten into you!?" Scott shouted, pulling her to face him. She tried to shrug his hand off her arm, but he wouldn't budge. He didn't hold enough to bruise, only just enough so she couldn't run away from him. "I have no idea what the hell you're talking about! I asked you along because I wanted you to come! I had no idea the Professor knew this family before coming here!"
Rogue stared at him in shock. The only person he had every actually heard him raise his voice to or get this angry was when Lance or one of the Brotherhood got on his nerves. Not once had he raised his voice any of the X-Men - even Kurt at his most annoying moments.
"How?' Rogue asked finally, and Scott shook his head in confusion before he let go of her and moved back.
"I don't know, but I will find out. And this has nothing to do with you - the Professor wouldn't do this to you. He trusts you. And I trust you with my life Rogue, you know I wouldn't do something like to make you feel that way."
Rogue took in a deep breath and nodded - she did know better. The one person in the mansion she knew would tell her the truth about anything would be Scott. He wasn't a person to lie to her or to do something that would intentionally hurt her (that he knew about - he had no idea she had a crush on him so he had no idea every time he looked at Jean that way hurt her). She was angry at the Professor and was angry at herself for feeling like this.
Next Part
Fandom: X-Men: Evolution
Pairings: Scott/Rogue, mentions of others
Rating: PG-13
Warnings/Spoilers: Season 1 & 2. Slightly AU -> alternate/deleted scenes. Some language.
Artist: sukiyakiya (Art/Fanmix here)
Summary: How Scott and Rogue slowly fell for each other...
Notes: Written for xmenbigbang. I will be making a sequel, rewriting/adding to Seasons 3 & 4.
"I was worried about you for a while there," Rogue stated softly as she laid down on the bed. Scott let out a deep sigh as he sat beside her.
"Yeah - about that - I'm sorry." Scott stated, rubbing his neck in embarrassment. "I became some sort of winner druggy and I needed to win. I'm not proud of how I acted. I was supposed to be everyone's leader, instead I made it a competition with those guys, a competition that put Evan in danger that for a moment I didn't care what happened to him."
Rogue propped herself up on her elbow and grasped his other hand, "I know that wasn't really you Scott. You aren't that kind of person. But I also know that for whatever reason you feel as if you need to prove to Lance and the others that you're stronger and better than they are. I may not understand the whole reason behind that one, but I know that you would never leave them behind - even if they are our enemies. You just need to remember that they do think you're better than they are and they're envious of it. That's why they're so hard on you Scott, that's why they hate you - or pretend to hate you."
Scott stared at her, his mouth gapped a little in surprise. Out of everything she could have said to him at that moment - he hadn't expected this. On some level, in the back of his mind, he knew she was telling the truth and that he had long since believed that was the reason they hated the X-men so much, but hearing it out of someone's else mouth really drove it home.
"You're not a bad guy Scott, you just went a little overboard with the race - I understand it and I understand that deep down, they aren't bad guys. Or at least Lance, Fred and Toad aren't. Can't quite tell with Pietro, though."
Scott let out a small chuckle at her intended joke. He squeezed the hand he was holding. "You have permission to kick my ass anytime I become like that again."
Rogue's eyebrow lifted in amusement. "Oh really? Anytime?"
Scott let out a deep laugh and nodded. "Anytime."
"So..." Rogue said, leaning back and relaxing against her bed. Scott joined her and to her amazement he didn't let go of her hand.
"It's been a crazy last few hours," Scott stated, studying her ceiling. Rogue chuckled softly at that.
"Yeah it has, but it felt good... fighting along side of them." Rogue admitted softly, she wasn't too sure how Scott would take it, but she felt like he needed to hear it - as if it might convince him that maybe the X-men and the Brotherhood could work together and not be enemies anymore. If only that was possible...
Scott turned to face her, he was surprised at how similar her statement was to his to Jean a few hours ago. And she had no idea about that conversation or how he felt as both teams worked together to save Professor X and Mystique.
"I'll agree with you on that," Scott admitted finally, after several minutes of silence and studying Rogue. It was amazing how much Rogue surprised him all the time. They were so much alike, and yet they were still different as well.
-
"How are you feeling?" Scott questioned bringing Rogue to a stop. Letting out a deep sigh, she turned around and faced him.
"I think Kurt feels worse than I do. He's finally found his real mother and found out she's Mystique - it's not exactly good news." Rogue stated, hugging her books tightly to her chest.
Scott frowned, he knew she was lying - or at least not telling the complete truth about how she felt. After everything Mystique lied to her about, for her to hide even more information from Rogue - it had to be hurting her. Scott knew because that would be exactly how he would feel if someone had done it to him. It would be worse for Kurt to find out the real truth about what might have happened at the castle and with Mystique and Magneto, but it wasn't really his place to tell him nor did he want to make them more upset than they already were.
"It's just, with everything that's happened - I can't help but feel like its my fault. I was the one who told Kurt about the dream, and somehow Mystique found out about it and used it at her advantage to get the Brotherhood to attack Kurt." Rogue admitted softly. It was the first time she admitted her real feelings of the last few hours to anyone but herself. She knew, however, that Scott wouldn't judge her. Not about this, or about anything else - somehow, no matter what she did - he never seemed to be able to judge her for anything. It was nice - after everything she did or could do with her touch, it was nice to have someone not be afraid of her.
"Rogue..." Scott whispered, before pulling her in for a hug. Rogue immediately tensed at his touch, but slowly relaxed when she realized he wasn't touching her skin directly. She let out another deep sigh, because as much as she wanted anything else, she wanted to be able to touch him - and others - without hurting them. But she knew that it would be a long time before she would be able to - that is, if they ever found a break through. It was strange though - to feel his warmth and his touch as he hugged her - a good kind of strange, but strange nevertheless.
When he finally pulled away, she already missed the feeling he provided - the protection, the warmth, and the strength. It wasn't something she really got to experience all that much - not since her powers activated, and even before that only Irene really hugged her.
"It's not your fault, Rogue. Eventually the truth would have come out about Kurt and about Mystique. Maybe it might have went differently, either better or worse, but in either case - it is not your fault."
-
"I can't believe it!" Scott shouted in disbelief, throwing more clothes into his overnight bag. Rogue studied his movements and was curious to find out what would excite Scott about Hawaii so much. He jerked and moved faster than usual, and it lacked his usual grace and concentration. Something was definitely different about this trip.
"What happened Scott?" Rogue asked, moving closer to him. He looked up from his drawer and grinned at her.
"The professor found my brother!" Scott explained quickly before going back to his task. He didn't know how long he would be in Hawaii or what he should say or do when he got there. The only thing he knew was that Alex is alive. Alex is alive!
Rogue stared at him in shock, he'd only mentioned his brother in passing to her and she had been afraid to dig for more information since it had been obvious the subject was sore - and that his brother was supposed to be dead. She couldn't blame Scott for being excited or so jumpy. He found the last remaining member of his family. She only hoped it wouldn't end in disappointment for Scott, he didn't deserve it.
"I'm happy for you, Scott." Rogue stated softly, bringing Scott's attention back to her. His grin widened as she smiled back at him. He pulled her quickly in for a hug, and tightly held onto her for several minutes before pulling away. She wasn't used to this sort of affection, Irene might have been a good adoptive mother, but she didn't often touch Rogue or hug her often. Scott seemed to be the only one that was willing to do it and it seemed like it was happening more and more. Not that she minded... it let her pretend for a few moments of time that she was normal again. And that she had a chance.
"I know it's a bit much to ask, but can you distract the others so that I can slip away with the Professor?" Scott questioned and Rogue stared at him in confusion. "I want to do this by myself... I haven't seen him in nearly ten years Rogue. I need to see him, I need to speak with him."
"Are you sure you want to do this on your own? I can go with you," Rogue offered softly. After everything that she dealt with about Mystique and Kurt, she knew how traumatic it could to find a loved one again after years and how emotional it's going to be for him and his brother.
"I know you can, and I would want you to come with me, but..." Scott started quietly, rubbing his neck in embarrassment. "I think I need to do this by myself. I need to make sure Alex is alright."
Rogue smiled softly in understanding. "Alright, but you better hurry. You'll have a few minutes before Kitty and Kurt get their stuff."
"I got my brother back!" Scott shouted, his excitement showing again causing Rogue to laugh in amusement.
"So go get him!" Rogue prompted him with a smile, and he squeezed her arm in thanks before grabbing his bag and running out of them room.
-
"What was it like?" Rogue questioned softly. A week had passed since Asteroid M and Scott had finally returned after a week in Hawaii getting reacquainted with his brother. The question, however, was not about Alex or about seeing his brother again. She knew that answer, could still see the excitement and complete happiness through his visors each time he talked about Alex or even about a new training session in the Danger Room.
Scott turned to face her, she lay on his bed like she usually did but her homework lay forgotten beside her as she studied him. At her tone, he realized that her question had nothing to do with seeing his brother again. He could hear her desperate tone behind the question and knew that the homework they had been doing together as well as the fun they had been having was going to end. He didn't necessarily mind, he liked that he could be able confide with Rogue and know that she didn't hate him for being serious for most of the time.
"What was what like?" Scott asked and Rogue looked out his window, wishing she didn't have to ask. She wasn't sure if it was sore subject or not - he didn't talk about it, Asteroid M, with anyone that she knew of. But she needed to know... because if anyone could understand what she's going through day in and day out, it was Scott. And for a while there he had been free - he didn't need his visor or special sunglasses.
"Controlling your ability... what was it like?" She said finally after several minutes of silence. She still didn't look at him, feeling embarrassed that she asked.
Scott stared at her silently, hating himself that he hadn't realized before now that she would've been curious about what he and Alex and went through on Asteroid M. Out of everyone that was there, he knew that she would have understood his reasoning and probably would have went through it herself had it not been also a brainwash created by Magneto.
"Freeing," he stared, studying her softly. He was able to see in colors for the short while he had complete control over his powers and it had been amazing. He had studied her and the others when he had control. He memorized the colors he could now completely identify as what they really looked like and he was right about everything. Her white bangs and reddish brown hair looked good on her. "Beautiful," He stated softly, almost not realizing he said it out loud to her. He relaxed slightly when it seemed that Rogue didn't realize what he actually meant. He continued quickly, and left his seat at his desk to join her on his bed. "It felt good. I was able to see everything with more colors and I never felt stronger or better than I did at that moment. I knew I wouldn't be able to hurt anyone again unless I wanted to."
Rogue turned back to face him again at that. She let out a deep breath before shutting her eyes softly. "I'm sorry."
"Hey, you have nothing to apologize for. I don't care if you ask me questions about what happened or not." Scott admitted, putting his arm on her gloved hand. "I understand why you're asking, and I'm just sorry that you didn't get a chance to experience it for yourself. You know, besides the hole Magneto brainwash and white hair."
Rogue grinned in amusement at his attempt of a joke before shaking her head. "I'm just glad you're had another chance at seeing in color and for feeling that in control. It's fine if I didn't."
"Maybe one day the professor will find out how to help us, or maybe we'll eventually be able to control it ourselves without the help of anything else." Scott stated, squeezing her hand. She squeezed his hand back and let out a sigh. She hoped he was right - hoped that she would be able control her abilities so that she could one day touch another person without any fear of hurting them and hoped that one day he would have control over his optic blasts.
-
"New mutant was found," Scott started to explain as he leaned against her door. Rogue glanced up from her book and raised an eyebrow at him.
"And let me guess - you and Jean going to go and get them to join?" The last five new mutants that Professor had found - Jean, Scott, or Logan went to recruit them. She wasn't exactly jealous of the fact (well maybe of the time alone Jean and Scott received on the trips) but it would have been nice to have been asked if she wanted to go.
"Actually, you're coming with me." Scott stated with a grin.
Rogue opened her mouth in shock and sat up on the bed. "Wait, I'm going?"
Scott chuckled as he entered the room fully. "Yes, Rogue. I thought it would be more fun than doing more danger sessions with Logan."
Rogue smiled softly at him. "Thanks Scott. But are you sure the professor will let me go?" Her smile weakened at the thought. "It's not like I have a power I could use and show them without hurting them."
Scott shook his head at her, he hated the fact that she would talk herself down just because of her abilities. "Yeah I'm sure, Rogue. The professor actually thinks it's a good idea. So get a few clothes packed - we'll be heading out in a few hours."
She stood up and smiled softly to herself - she couldn't help it. She and Scott were finally going to go on a recruitment mission together. She was finally going on a recruitment mission.
"What's the new mutant's name? Rogue asked as she grabbed her duffle bag from the closet."
"Jamie Madrox - he's the youngest out of the recruits so far. He seems like a good kid - good grades from what the professor learned. I believe the hardest part will be able to convince his parents into letting him come."
"Isn't that usually the hardest part?" Rogue questioned, memory of her own recruitment ran through her mind and knowing what really happened still didn't it make it hurt any less. Rationally she knows the X-men never attacked her - that it had been Mystique manipulating her to join the Brotherhood, but it still hurt to think about it. Her fear of it happening again - the X-men chasing her down to attack her after everything they've been through scared her.
"Sometimes, other factors could take president of course." Scott stated, a frown graced his lips.
"I highly doubt Magneto, Mystique, or anyone else will show up if the last five times were Brotherhood-free."
"I know," Scott admitted, his eyebrows scrunched together in frustration. "But we can't forget that they're still out there and we don't know when they're going to show themselves. I don't want to be unprepared."
Rogue frowned and nodded in understanding. She was probably one of the only X-Men besides the Professor, Ororo, or Logan that understood his fears and why he was so resilient about training. She actually liked that about him and wouldn't want him to change it for anything - although he could do with some more fun too.
-
"This is kinda nice," Scott stated as they got out of the car. Rogue glanced around and shook her head.
"If you like this sort of thing," She felt like she was visiting a Stepford neighborhood. There was nothing to distinguish each house from each other besides the house number. There was absolutely no personality - or spice - and it was too perfect looking. Rogue found it creepy and kept up with Scott as he walked towards the house that held the number for Jamie Madrox. She could only hope that they would be able to succeed in convincing the kid to join and to get out of here as quickly as possible. She had seen way too many horror flicks where the visitors always got killed by the townies.
Scott silently agreed with Rogue on the oddness of the neighborhood. As a child - after the accident and on his own - this was what he had wished for. For everyone in the neighborhood to be kind and friendly, as well as a community the helped each out. The last thing he wanted was this plastic community where apparently no one was able to express themselves.
"I hope the kid's normal," Rogue stated softly as they made their way towards the front door. Scott glanced down to study her and chuckled at her serious face. In turn, Rogue stared at him with a glare as she ran the door bell.
As he heard someone open the door, Scott stopped chuckling and straightened up. The door opened and an older woman with brown hair pulled up in a neat bun answered the door. She smiled kindly to both of them.
"Welcome," the woman stated with a soft voice, opening the door wider. "Come inside."
Rogue stared at her in shock. Neither she or Scott introduced themselves, there was absolutely no reason for the woman to trust them nor to invite them into her home. Scott entered the house first, cautious of what to expect. Like Rogue, he didn't find the fact that a strange woman opened her house to them without knowing who they were. Unless she did, and this was a trick from Magneto or Mystique.
"Charles said to expect two of his students, please feel free to make yourself comfortable. Jamie should be home from school in about a half hour."
"You know the professor?" Scott questioned in shock. The professor never mentioned that he actually knew the Madrox family.
"Yes, we're old family friends from years ago... Actually he's the one that was able to get us relocated here to keep Jamie safe from everyone finding out about him." Mrs. Madrox said as led them into the kitchen. There was a batch of cookies waiting on the table and a few sandwiches as well as lemonade. "Please have a seat and eat up - I have plenty more where that comes from."
"Thank you," Scott stated as he and Rogue sat down at the table. They took small bites, so not to be impolite and had a few sips of lemonade.
Mrs. Madrox smiled at them and shook her head, "Where are my manners? You can call me Joan."
"I'm Rogue, and this is Scott," Rogue stated as she studied the older woman. She still wasn't completely sure about this woman. Scott never mentioned the professor knew her.
"I'm sorry, but why did the professor not tell us anything about you?" Scott questioned, moving the lemonade away. He glanced over toward Rogue to make sure she was still fine. (Doesn't look like the food had been poisoned... yet.)
Joan stared at the two of them and her smile widened. "My husband, Daniel went to university with Charles. They were best friends and almost always together, but interests differed. And when we got married, we moved away so that Daniel wouldn't miss a job opening. We've stayed in contact with Charles for years, but it wasn't until Jamie was born that we actually needed his help."
"Help? Help with what?"
Joan let out a deep sigh, and for the first time since they met the woman, there was no smile lighting up her face. "We were so excited about a baby that we weren't expecting anything else. We know about mutants and everything like that, but never in our minds that our baby boy would be one. I mean, it's not that we would hate him or anything - we just weren't expecting it, especially at that age. It didn't really matter - just minutes later when the doctor held Jamie, he just doubled. I suddenly had twins... The second baby, later disappeared - the moment Jamie touched him. That didn't change the fact that a doctor and several nurses saw it happen. The only one we could call was Charles. He helped protect Jamie - and despite the invasion of privacy I can't be sorry for what he did to them. We were probably safe, but Charles didn't want to take a chance and set us up here ."
"Mutations don't usually occur that fast," Scott stated in confusion. He was in awe of the story but it also confused him. The only person he knew that had been different the moment they were born was Kurt - he had always been blue and furry. Still, even that he understood, but why wouldn't the the professor explain this before they left?
"True, they usually don't. However, the radiation my husband had been working with changed him and when I became pregnant somehow it had also affected me and Jamie. So when he was born, his mutant ability was unlocked."
"What's different now?" Rogue questioned, confused on why they were there. If Jamie had his abilities since birth then it had to be assumed he had to have control over them for the last few years - there would be no need for him to join the school if that was the case.
Joan smiled softly at her, hiding the pain behind that smile. "He'll hide it from me and his dad, but he's tired of hiding and I know that he'll be safer with you guys - he'd at least get to spend time not hiding himself or his gifts for most of the time. And, despite what my husband might think, I believe he needs to learn more control. The last few months have been very difficult for him - I'm afraid that a slightest bump will reveal him to everyone at school."
"And at least at Bayville High, he'd have us to be a buffer and protect him," Rogue stated, realizing it was the truth. Joan nodded and Rogue realized why the Professor would let her come on this 'recruitment' mission - it was already decided that Jamie would go - even if he may or may not know it. She glanced over toward Scott, wondering if had known as well and if the Professor really wouldn't expect her find out. She was angry for letting herself hope that this time was different. That they'd really trusted her and believed that she could bring a new member to join their school.
-
"What's wrong?"
"What do you mean? Nothing is wrong."
"Rogue, please don't lie to me."
"Like you've lied to me?"
"What?"
"I know why I was picked for this recruitment trip, Scott. Because it was simple and easy as 1-2-3. All we had to do was sit down with Jamie and ask him if he wanted to join us - his parents already practically begged Charles to accept him and he wanted to go even though he had no idea where it was. You could have done it all yourself, instead you dragged me along to show me what? I'm not important or worthy for the role?!"
"Rogue what the hell has gotten into you!?" Scott shouted, pulling her to face him. She tried to shrug his hand off her arm, but he wouldn't budge. He didn't hold enough to bruise, only just enough so she couldn't run away from him. "I have no idea what the hell you're talking about! I asked you along because I wanted you to come! I had no idea the Professor knew this family before coming here!"
Rogue stared at him in shock. The only person he had every actually heard him raise his voice to or get this angry was when Lance or one of the Brotherhood got on his nerves. Not once had he raised his voice any of the X-Men - even Kurt at his most annoying moments.
"How?' Rogue asked finally, and Scott shook his head in confusion before he let go of her and moved back.
"I don't know, but I will find out. And this has nothing to do with you - the Professor wouldn't do this to you. He trusts you. And I trust you with my life Rogue, you know I wouldn't do something like to make you feel that way."
Rogue took in a deep breath and nodded - she did know better. The one person in the mansion she knew would tell her the truth about anything would be Scott. He wasn't a person to lie to her or to do something that would intentionally hurt her (that he knew about - he had no idea she had a crush on him so he had no idea every time he looked at Jean that way hurt her). She was angry at the Professor and was angry at herself for feeling like this.
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