What To Do When Your Touch Is Toxic: A Rogue's Story
Chapter One
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the X-Men movies, comics, actors, 20th Century Fox (it is Fox right?) or Marvel...not at all.
A/N: This is just a little idea that I thought of on the long bus ride to work one day after seeing X3. We all know that the cure is temporary, but I was trying to do a situation that I haven't read about before...so I guess you'll see. I'm not a diehard comic fan, but I do respect the fact that Rogue never does get complete control of her power. That said, I still see the appeal of writing a Rogue that can come into physical contact with people. I chose a middle ground. As for the ships in it...there will be a bit of Bobby/Rogue, because that's where the movie left us, and though I'm in no way opposed to Logan/Rogue I think I'm leaning towards a Ryro ending. Not enough Ryro's out there! And someone let me know if they think of a better title...please!
She awoke with a start, from blissful sleep to sudden acute awareness. Awareness of the world around her, of the feel of jersey sheets on her back, the slightly cool weight of Bobby's arm slung across her bare midriff, and the fresh sent of rain on the air. Something felt…off.
Marie lay in the bed for a few minutes, hoping in vain that sleep would come again. It didn't and she finally resigned herself to slipping out of bed, careful not to disturb Bobby (who, she was jealous to note, was still fast asleep) and quickly pulled on her discarded pajamas.
She made her way out of the residential hallways and towards the kitchen, eager for a glass of water. Her bare feet padded soundlessly on the wooden floors, their cool surface giving her the shivers. Marie knew that she should have put her slippers on, lest she catch a cold, but she didn't turn around to get them. She passed the TV room, where Jones sat up flicking through the channels at a rapid fire pace, and gave him a small wave of acknowledgement.
She found the kitchen empty, which was not surprising, considering the time. Most of the kids had classes in the morning, and Storm and Logan were both exhausted from their constant search for new teachers to come into the school. With Hank at the UN, and Professor Xavier, Scott and Jean gone, the school was in desperate need for a few more adults. The younger X-Men had been trying to help out, and Warren Worthington had started teaching math and business classes to some of the older kids, but they were still feeling the strain. Marie had been glad to discover that she still had a place at the Institute, despite having given up her powers.
She smiled softly to herself at the thought. While she had struggled with the decision she was now glad that she'd taken it. Things with Bobby had gotten…better. She was basking in her new ability to touch people, and the other students had gotten used to the change quite quickly, understanding her need to experience the physical touches that she had missed for so long.
Glass of water now in hand, Marie padded back out to the TV room and took a seat beside Jones on the sofa. He stopped blinking on an old episode of the Simpsons and she grinned in approval. They sat and watched until it ended. "I think I'll go back to bed," she yawned and stretched her arms high above her head. Jones eyed the strip of skin peaking out as she did, his brow furrowing wearily.
She noticed and frowned. "I'm sorry," he said immediately, looking repentant. "It's just, for so long we had to…"
"I know," she nodded, looking down briefly. "I'll see ya tomorrow Jones." She got up to go when he reached a hand out and grabbed her wrist to stop her.
"I really am sorry," he insisted. He smiled at her for a moment…and then he gasped. Marie stared at him for a moment, not understanding…and then she felt it. That euphonious feeling that came when her mutation activated. Euphoria for her and torture for him.
She wrenched her arm away and closed her eyes, hoping it was a dream. Beside them the TV flicked onto a different channel. Jones sat gasping on the couch, now unconscious and staring up at her blankly. She hesitated for a moment, but knowing that she couldn't touch him, she called for help.
Logan found them a minute later. "What happened?" he yelled, pulling her out of the way by her arm and leaning over Jones, checking for a pulse. Once he found one he turned his attention to her. "Marie?" he demanded, laying his hand on her bare shoulder and giving her a gentle shake. "What happened!"
She opened her mouth to tell him, and then realized that Logan was still touching her skin. Automatically ready to jerk away, she paused. Logan was okay…her mutation wasn't activating.
Something was definitely off.
To be continued...