Marvel owns all. I've just invited them over to my house to play.

This fic is a "hard" M rating, so if you're under 18 or find violence, language, or sex offensive, disturbing, or vulgar, please pass this one up. This is your only warning (and A/N unless necessary)!

A/N:

No matter which movie you take as being the "source of truth" for the X-franchise, one supersedes and breaks established "rules" of at least one other. So this is a combination of all the best parts that make the most sense with only a little minor tweaking so things aren't creepy/gross.

A link to pics can be found on my profile.

Side Note:

Any time you see an actor's name, he/she would be the person cast to play the role. If an existing character isn't recast, assume it's the same actor.

Thanks

To my beta, FaeMarked, who started Twilight fics but never got around to posting (or finishing, hint hint). Thank you for indulging my resurging X-Men craze!

To all my followers, your enjoyment of my other fics prompted me to start posting this early even though it's not finished yet. Thanks for all your loyal follows and reviews!

Prologue

3 Weeks After Alcatraz – Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters

"Please, Sarah, just let me touch it. I promise it'll feel good."

"Yes, that's it, right there. Don't stop. Oh God!"

"You know, there are only two good muties: one that's dead or one that's sucking you off. C'mere, girlie."

Rogue sprawled out on her bed as she concentrated on quieting the voices. Her hands squeezed either side of her head, as if she could physically force them out. She heard a thump on her door. No doubt her lack of response was frustrating Bobby. Well she had news for him: he wasn't the only one frustrated right now. Tears flowed down her face as control eluded her yet again.

"Marie? Please talk to me," Bobby softly pleaded. "What's going on?" His forehead thumped the door again as he gave in to his frustration from Rogue's lack of response.

Why was it that just when she thought she'd caught a break, the universe had to send something else her way to royally screw her over? The Cure was supposed to solve the problems brought on by her mutation. So why after she'd willingly taken the shot had the psyches she'd absorbed come back full blown and louder than ever?

She knew Bobby didn't understand why she was pushing him away again after only being back one day. With the time she lost because of the incident at Alcatraz and the ramped up security for travelers leaving San Francisco, Rogue had completely missed Jean's funeral. And with so few staff, life at the Institute was extremely taxing on the few adults who were left trying to fill the shoes of four lost comrades: the Professor, Jean, and Scott in death and Hank to his new ambassador position. In fact, she'd hardly had any alone time with Bobby.

To top it all off, it was really hard for Rogue to further explore a sexual relationship when the escapades of all the psyches she'd ever absorbed were constantly coming to the forefront each time Bobby touched her. Could she not have one experience wholly her own?

He lightly tapped again. "Can I at least come in?"

The weak grasp over the control she had managed to gain suddenly evaporated into a wisp and she sobbed in anguish. "Just go away!"

Fat tears rolled down her face as the voices crashed down on top of her. It was worse than being in an overly crowded restaurant with bad acoustics. Not only was the volume cranked up, but she could actually hear and understand every single memory's conversations. Her own thoughts were lost in the mix like a bad phone connection.

"C'mon, Marie. I have to be back on campus tomorrow. I don't know what's going on, but I don't want to leave you like this." Bobby's tone was already half-hearted.

It was his last ditch effort. If she didn't answer, what was he going to do? He didn't want to walk away, but he wasn't going to break the door down either.

"Leave her alone, kid." Bobby jumped, spinning around quickly as Logan came up behind him.

"But I-" Bobby started only for Logan to cut him off: "-No buts. Rogue needs to work this out on her own. All the Cure did was solve her physical limitations. Doesn't mean there isn't other stuff left to deal with." Logan said.

"So what, I'm just supposed to abandon her to go through this by herself?" The irritation was clear in Bobby's voice.

Logan raised an eyebrow at Bobby's snotty tone. "Nope. But she's got to get it right in her own head before she can lean on anyone else for help." He clapped a hand over Bobby's shoulder as he led him away. "Trust me, kid. I've been in her shoes."

Old jealousies from Rogue's crush on Logan still got to him. She didn't know how many times or ways she had explained it. Logan had been her hero when she was just a lost kid that needed saving. He had been the first person who showed her a bit of kindness since her mutation had manifested. And her teenage girl fantasies had transformed him into a white knight. It wasn't until after she grew up that she realized Logan was more like a big brother just out to protect his baby sister. That really wasn't a good way to define it, but what name do you call family that's not blood related? And despite all that, Bobby never seemed to feel his place in her life was secure.

Bobby sighed in defeat. Logan was right. "Isn't there anything we can do for her?"

"I'll talk to Storm. We're short staffed right now anyway. Maybe some of the favors we're calling in will get us someone more experienced in handling these kinds of things." Logan answered.

Rogue prayed he was right.

(X) - (X) - (X)

The door to Professor Xavier's old office was ajar when Logan finally had the chance to find Storm. She was elbow deep in stacks of paperwork ranging from the Institutes financial records to Xavier's personal instructions in the event of his death. Logan knocked before pushing it open to let himself in.

"Logan," Storm looked up with a relieved smile and settled more comfortably in the executive desk chair, "What a pleasant surprise. I need a break after the last few hours of staring at all these statements. I never realized just how much time the Professor dedicated to keeping this school running."

"Yeah, since it's just the two of us now, better you than me." Logan crossed the room, slumping down in one of the chairs in front of the desk. "Speaking of which, have you made any headway with the new contacts?"

Storm steepled her fingers and pressed them to her mouth. "Mmm, no not really. Why?"

Logan sighed. "Something's wrong with Rogue. She's locked herself in her room and won't talk to anyone – not even me. Bobby said they were making out when all of sudden she pulled away and pressed her hands to her head, like she was in pain. Then she ran out without a word."

"You don't think it's anything serious, do you? A side effect from the Cure?" Storm's concern was genuine.

Logan scrubbed his face with his hands. "I hope not. But I know we're short a doctor now that Hank's taken the UN Ambassadorship. We need someone on-site to take care of all the kids, not just Rogue."

He had no fatherly feelings for Rogue. She wasn't his ward and he wasn't her guardian. They were both fully capable of looking out for themselves. But she was as close to family as he was going to get. And that brought a depth of caring he'd not had for another person in a long time. He would do everything he could for her to make sure she got over this latest hurdle.

"You're right. Charles had a contact on Muir Island. Dr. Moira MacTaggert," She continued to speak as she looked through stacks of paper. "I called her yesterday, but she said there's been a development at her research facility. All she said was that if her theory is correct, it's something that could greatly be in our favor. So she is hesitant to leave at this time." Storm replied.

"Great. No help there." Logan said.

"Ah, here it is." Finding the pad she was looking for, Storm consulted her notes. "The same is true for Dr. Cecilia Reyes. Apparently, the Professor had been trying to persuade her to take Hank's position when he accepted the appointment to Secretary of Mutant Affairs. But she was in the middle of research trials and asked that he keep her mutant identity secret. When I called her, she was still reluctant to accept the offer. But she did recommend Anne Ghazikhanian as a qualified nurse. Her son Carter is a mutant and Dr. Reyes felt confident Ms. Ghazikhanian would be interested in the position."

"Having a nurse here to look after the kids is better than one of us using a first aid kit or trying to take them to the local hospital. But is she going to be able to help Rogue?" Logan impassively asked.

"Well..." Storm hesitated. "I've also come across some personal notes about an Emma Frost. She's a telepath and a licensed psychotherapist. Not a physician though." Storm stopped, debating whether to continue.

"I sense a 'but' here." Logan waited.

"It seems she worked against Charles in the past, before he even founded the Institute. He kept tabs on her through the years and she's changed her views quite a bit since then. But his notes suggest she may not be entirely trustworthy. Or more specifically, not capable of looking out for anyone's interests but her own."

Indecision weighed heavily on Storm's mind. They couldn't afford to bring someone in who might betray them. But their options were limited on who would actually come to work at a school for mutants.

Logan sensed Storm's predicament. "Do we have any other options?"

"No, not really." Storm answered. "However if Rogue is in desperate need for help, a psychotherapist may be a perfect fit."

"Is she even willing to accept the position?" Logan asked, suddenly frustrated. With the other two doctors saying no, why would Ms. Frost say yes?

"I believe she would be amenable to our offer." Storm replied.

Resigned to the facts, Logan agreed with Storm. "Call her in then. We'll just have to keep a close eye on her."

(X) - (X) - (X)

3 Months After Alcatraz – Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters

Emma finished writing a quick session note before she laid down her pen. "You're doing very well, Rogue. Your level of control over the psyches has improved exponentially since I first started seeing you. You should be very proud."

"Thank ya, Miss Frost." Rogue wanted to roll her eyes at the formal title, but Emma insisted on it to add an air of professionalism. These sessions were awkward enough without adding back sass to the mix.

"On another note, how's your relationship with Bobby? Has anything changed?" Emma appraised her patient with a critiquing glance.

Queue the turn toward the embarrassing. Maybe it was because she was still a virgin and conversations about sex still made her blush. But Rogue always felt like Emma was prying more than any therapist should. Even one who liked to remind everyone she was a sex therapist as well.

"Same, maybe worse. Last Ah talked ta him he said he was comin' back for Spring Break. That was a coupla weeks ago and Ah think his break started yesterday. So. Yeah…" Rogue tried to mask her sadness and disappointment, but it didn't fool Emma for a second.

"Perhaps a more defined hiatus is in order for you two." Emma paused for a second to let the idea sink in. "I hate to be the one to point it out, but your boyfriend is away at college. He has the opportunity to experience new things that have never before been available to him. Not to mention that neither of you have any common ground right now, seeing as you're only taking a few online courses."

Rogue didn't know how a psychotherapist could be so good at helping her heal her mind one minute only to make her feel like crap the next. Or maybe it was just Emma's blunt, businesslike personality. She tried not to let it get to her.

"If you release him of any expectations with your relationship," Emma continued, "he'll be the one to pursue it further. In other words, maybe it's time to play hard to get with him instead of the pining girlfriend he left at home."

Rogue pursed her lips. The idea did seem pretty good. She was irritated with Bobby's promises to call only to come up with some lame excuse a week later for why he forgot. If she didn't know him better, she'd swear he had a girlfriend on campus. Then again, maybe he did. Regardless, the point was that she had a better grasp over the psyche onslaught in her head. Now that she was ready to move forward in their relationship, but he wasn't. They had never been on the same level at the same time. And she was tired of waiting.

"Yeah, Ah think ya might be right." Her decision solidly in place, Rogue stood to leave. Putting things on hold with Bobby for a while was somehow liberating. She felt like celebrating a little tonight and she knew just the friends she wanted to go out with. "Thanks, Miss Frost. It's been a long time since I've felt this good."

"You're quite welcome, Rogue. I'll see you on Thursday." Emma smirked as she watched her young patient confidently stride away.

(X) - (X) - (X)

1 Week Later – Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters

Kitty, Piotr, Rogue, and Warren laughed as made their way through the mansion toward the garage. Since they'd graduated the previous May, they'd all decided for various reasons to stay on at Xavier's and help keep the school open. That in turn meant salaries and a level of independence none of them had when they were students. For Warren, it also meant a car he bought with his own hard earned money. Tonight they were going out to see the first installment of the next big comic book movie franchise.

As they hit the threshold to the garage, Rogue's phone rang. She quickly dug through her purse as she waved to the others. "Y'all go on ahead. Ah'll be there in just a sec."

As she fumbled for her phone, she reflected back on the last week. It had been one of the best of Rogue's life now that she'd had the chance to actually relax and let go. She didn't realize how tightly she held on to keeping everyone at arm's length. Her mirth quickly faded though as she read the name on her phone's display.

"Hey, Bobby. Nice of ya ta finally return my call." Her tone was flat.

"Marie, I'm sorry. This accounting course is just kicking my ass right now. I've spent all my time studying for midterm." He sounded apologetic. But then, it was just another excuse after all.

"Yeah. Ah'm sure," Rogue struggled to keep the false disinterest in her voice as she launched in to her attack. "Especially considerin' yer Spring Break started Friday and it's now Sunday."

Bobby only sighed in response. "Marie…"

"Don't worry about it." The bitterness she felt quickly dissipated with a sigh as she remembered why she had called him in the first place. "Ah don't wanna fight with ya. Ah just have somethin' Ah've been wantin' ta tell ya all week."

"Good, because we need to talk. I was thinking maybe-" Bobby started, but Rogue quickly interrupted him: "-No, Bobby. Our whole relationship Ah've been waitin' on you and for once, Ah'm gonna go first." She paused for a moment to make sure he wasn't going to interrupt.

When she was certain he was listening, she took a deep breath. "Ah think we should take a break for a while. Ah don't wanna lose ya, but Ah also don't want us ta grow ta resent each other because our lives are so different right now. Maybe some time apart'll bring us back stronger in a few months. But Ah think we both need ta have some 'me' time."

Bobby was speechless for a moment. "Um, wow. I can't believe you just did that over the phone." Rogue winced at his biting tone before he sighed. "But then I guess it's my fault too for not coming home when I said I would. Okay."

"Okay?" Rogue questioned his answer. Could it really be that easy?

"Yeah. I was kinda thinking the same thing. Classes have really been getting to me and we both deserve better than what little free time this semester has given me." Bobby paused for a moment before he hesitantly continued. "Could you promise me something though?"

"Um, sure." How could she deny him when he'd been so cool about this?

"Promise me this isn't it between us. In a few months if we still think it's best to be apart, that's one thing. But I don't want to call it quits right now and later wish we'd maybe chosen differently." His voice sounded so sad, resigned.

Rogue couldn't deny him. "Ah promise."

There was an awkward silence between them before Kitty popped her head back through the garage door. "You coming, Rogue?"

Rogue startled a bit but silently nodded at Kitty. "Ah've gotta go, Bobby. Take care and good luck with the rest of the semester. See you in May?"

"Yeah, I…oh wait, no." Bobby paused as more than one realization sunk in. "I registered for summer classes to try to ease the Fall semester's load." Suddenly his life was a little depressing.

"Oh. Well, um, Ah guess Ah'll see ya later then." Rogue softly breathed. The disappointment would have been bitter if they were still officially together. Now it just felt like a mild let down.

"Remember I really do care about you, Marie." Bobby answered, but she'd already hung up.

(X) - (X) - (X)

6 Months After Alcatraz – Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters

Since taking the Cure, Rogue's place at Xavier's wasn't exactly the same. She couldn't really go on missions other than to pilot the Blackbird and provide field medicine. Training with Logan was still critical. But up against anyone of significant power or strength, that training was pretty much useless. And other than mechanics, there wasn't any other course she was certified to teach. The Institute had a proud heritage of being highly accredited so that students could attend the university of their choosing after graduation.

All that added up to days spent with Storm whose responsibilities as headmistress were time consuming and taxing, both physically and mentally. With so much free time, Rogue helped out where she could in an administrative assistant/business services liaison role. Much of the operational tasks associated with keeping the Institute running now fell to Rogue so that Storm could focus on relations with donors.

"Alright, I think the contract you negotiated with e-texts will cover us on textbooks for next semester. When's the tablet shipment supposed to get here?" Storm asked as she looked over the invoices.

"There was a delay at the warehouse because they didn't have enough units to fill-" The phone rang, interrupting Rogue from answering.

Storm looked at the caller ID as Rogue stood to leave, but the mentor waved for her student to sit back down. "You can stay, Rogue. It's just Hank." She pressed the button to put the call on speaker. "Hello, Hank. Rogue's here with me."

"Ororo. Rogue. I truly wish I had more pleasant greetings for you both, but there has been a disheartening development with the Persistent Mutant Offender bill. In light of Senator Phillip's untimely passing on Monday, Governor Seward has appointed Congressman Edward Kelly to fill the vacancy. As you both are aware, Senator Phillips was a strong advocate for mutant rights whereas Congressman Kelly has opposed equality ever since his brother Robert died by Magneto's hand. Unfortunately, his appointment has tipped the votes in favor of the bill being passed." Hank grimly reported.

"Are you absolutely positive?" Storm rubbed her forehead.

Hank was just gaining positive ground in human-mutant relations. They didn't need this latest turn of events. The Omegas, the mutant gang Magneto led on Alcatraz, didn't value baseline human lives at all. Without Magneto's direction, they couldn't possibly organize any kind of wide scale revolution. But on a local level, they were able to make life miserable, and in some cases deadly, for ordinary citizens. Chapters of the gang were cropping up all across the country.

"Yes, Ororo. While President Sommer has advocated mutant-tolerance, his re-election campaign is focused on homeland security. I have already spoken with the President and he has expressly stated that he will not veto the bill if it should pass. Secretary Trask has the Sentinel program ready for instant allocation if the presidential directive is ordered."

"There ain't nothin' we can do, Hank?" Rogue asked as she worried her lip between her teeth.

"I have endeavored to preclude, or at the very least postpone, the deployment of the Sentinel program. However, many of the country's constituents have petitioned their representatives to enact legislation against the Omegas', or any other mutant group's, unfettered rise to violence." Hank's elocution was elegant despite the depressing news.

Running the Institute weighed heavily on Storm. And it looked like the X-Men were going to be needed now more than ever. For Xavier's to remain a safe haven for mutants, Storm would have to focus her efforts on protecting the children here while Logan and the team handled problems in the field. For a moment, Rogue regretted getting the Cure. If she hadn't taken the shot, she would be able to stand with her friends to defend the Professor's vision.

"Just when things looked like they were goin' our way. Or at least improvin'." Rogue sighed.

Hank hummed in agreement. "The Sentinels are designed for pacifist detainment of only exceedingly aggressive mutant criminals. Those captured would be transported to one of five specialized holding facilities until they can stand trial for their crimes. However, it is my fear that the system could undoubtedly be compromised to persecute innocent mutants. Even the X-Men may soon be regarded as vigilantes instead of peace keepers."

Suddenly Storm felt 10 years older. "Thank you for the warning, Hank. Please keep me informed if there is anything we can do from here."

"Without a doubt, my friend." Hank responded before ending the call.

With a weary sigh, Storm turned to Rogue. "Would you quietly gather the team? I want everybody briefed without upsetting the students."

"Of course." Rogue hurried out the door, intent on her purpose.

(X) - (X) - (X)

"This is Stan Hope on scene at UCSF Medical Center where researchers are seeing the second wave of regression for mutants who took the Cure. The inoculation developed by Worthington Labs has now been confirmed one hundred percent as a temporary solution. We'll keep you informed with breaking developments as they happen. Back to you, Melita." The live feed cut off to return to a sharply dressed exotic looking reporter seated behind the news desk.

Rogue arrived in the Rec Room only to see everyone on the edge of their seats, eyes glued to a news report on TV.

"Thanks, Stan." The anchor turned to look into the on-set camera. "And in other news, mutant gang violence has tripled in the months following the incident at Alcatraz. The Omegas, the group responsible for much of the vandalism, have most recently increased their activities to a rash of home arsons, car bombs, and assault with deadly intent against non-mutant citizens. Today the Director of Homeland Security, Bolivar Trask, unveiled the newest line of defense in the War on Violence."

The corner picture expanded full screen to show Trask standing at a podium with a six foot lean but solidly constructed humanoid robot behind him. Hank stood off to their left, his expression clearly gave away his displeasure at this press conference. "Peace keeping Sentinels have been deployed to every major city across the nation in an effort to detain violent mutant criminals before the general public is harmed…"

Kitty came up to greet her. "Oh, Rogue, I'm so sorry."

"For what? What's going on?" Rogue tried to split her attention between her friend and the broadcast.

"It's the Cure. Class 3 mutants are seeing resurgence in their mutations, stronger than even before they took the shot. The doctors are pretty sure it's only a matter of time before it wears off for everyone." Kitty reached out to comfort her friend only to hesitate right before her hand made contact with Rogue's arm.

She didn't consciously do it, but the ingrained fear was obvious to Rogue. Everyone would start flinching around her again and she'd be right back to square one. All the improvement she'd made in therapy the last few months would be wasted. Plus, she really didn't need old issues interfering with the prevention of any Sentinel problems.

"Have they said anythin' about an average timeline? Some Class 2s didn't have their mutations return right away." Rogue desperately held out hope, but Kitty just sadly shook her head.

"But, hey, Emma's here. Maybe when you're powers return, she'll be able to telepathically see something that the Professor missed." Kitty's attempt at optimism was lost on Rogue.

"Yeah, maybe." It didn't matter.

Her fate in life was to be stuck with this curse. And any day now she would revert back to long pants, gloves, scarves, and anything else that covered every inch of her skin. No more cute dresses or poolside bikinis. No casual brushing skin to skin or one arm hugs to say hello. Not without 24/7, 100% conscious effort to keep control. Assuming of course that Emma would even be able to help her grasp that much.

The thought terrified Rogue. Quicker than lightning, the seed of an idea was planted and exploded with growth. Her mind was made up before she had time for second thoughts.

Rogue quietly asked, "Kitty, can ya get everyone together? Storm needs ta talk ta the team."

"Um, sure. Everything all right?" Kitty asked, clearly confused.

"Storm will explain. Ah've gotta take care a' some things." Rogue hurried out of the room.

If she only had a limited time left, she was going to live her life to the fullest. Maybe if she gluttoned herself on touch she wouldn't miss it so much when it eluded her again. The Institute would be fine without her. After all, she was just a baseline human. For now.

(X) - (X) - (X)

"You sure about this, Stripes?" Logan leaned against Rogue's doorway as he watched her pack.

"Yeah, Ah'm sure. The first time around, my mutation came on without warnin'." Rogue tossed the last of her short shorts, skimpy tanks, and flouncy dresses in her suitcase. "This time the siren's blarin' plenty loud for me and Ah ain't gonna pass up what little Ah may get." She zipped up the suitcase. Buried deeply inside was a pair of jeans, long sleeve top, and her favorite pair of short gloves.

"You know I'm the last person in the world to dissuade you from this." He pushed away from the door to stand behind her.

Slowly, she turned around but wouldn't look at him. Somehow she felt like she was betraying them all by leaving. But without any powers, how was she going to help anyone against machines designed to capture homo superior? Logan sensed her hesitation and nudged her chin up a bit.

"I get it, kid. Sometimes you just gotta go out on your own. Get your head clear." Logan wrapped her up in a rough hug. She tightly squeezed him back as she buried her face against his chest.

"Just as long as you remember where home is, you'll be fine." Logan held her out at arm's length for a second before turning to leave her alone. When he made it to the door, he tossed her one last parting shot. "Be safe, Marie."

(X)