Stranger than Fiction

It was early in the morning. Eight am to be exact. The Professor had sent a mental call for Matthew to come see him. Which had woken Matthew from his sleep. He had snuck out the best he could not wanting to waking up Rogue who was still fast asleep on his bed. He put a blanket over her and Kissed her on the crown of her head before leaving his room. The Professor was waiting for him at the end of the stairs


"Why did you not come see me when you came back like I asked?" The Professor said still sounding a little tired himself

"...I want to say I forgot but I needed to think about what she told me before I came to see you. I was going to lastnight but .. well Marie feel asleep in my room and I didn't want to wake her and before I knew it I was asleep too." Matthew said as he walked down the stairs.

The Professor raised his brows

"Rogue slept in your room with you lastnight?" He said as Matthew walked down to the last step sat down stretching his arms and yawning

"Yeah she is still out like a light.....NO we didn't have sex. We just talked till she feel asleep." Matthew said blushing

"I did not ask if you did Matthew, Now what did Destiny tell you that you needed to think over before you came to see me. Kurt tells me you would not tell him either. Did you tell Rogue?"

"No. She asked me but I thought it was best not to tell her. So please don't let anyone know what I am about to tell you OK?" Matthew said with a very serious look on his face while looking at the Professor

"What could she have told you that you would want to keep a secret from Rogue? All right I agree. Whatever you are about to tell me I will keep between the two of us."

"....She said that Marie's fate was in my hands....and mine alone..I don't know what to do. I mean sure I have protected her before but......God I don't know just hearing it be said scared the hell out of me. Knowing that her Life will be in my hands..That this time if I fail she will die...I am afraid .. more afraid than I have been in my whole life. This time I might really lose her." Matthew said while looking right into the Professor's eyes

"Matthew I need you to tell me Everything Irene told you. I mean every last word"

Matthew sat there and told The Professor everything Irene had said. What he had said in response even what he had told Kurt and Rogue.
The Professor fell silent for a good two minutes just looking at Matthew after he was finished talking

"I see, I think it was best that you did not tell Rogue what you have learned. I will keep this between the two of us. Now is that everything she told you?"The Professor asked

"Yes, every last word." Matthew said standing up

"Very well then. If what she said is true I feel we need to have you prepared to do whatever it is that you need to do. I want you to start training with the others in the gym and the danger room. In fact I want you to double your combat training. Now go see Storm in the green house to get your uniform. Then Go meet Logan in front of the Danger room as soon as you have it on. I will take no argument about this." The Professor said in a stern voice

"I ain't gonna give ya One Xavier. If this will help me be ready to save her I will do it. But can I go eat some breakfast first?" Matthew said rubbing his stomach which was now growling

The Professor cracked a smile

"Of course you may. When you are finished go meet Storm in the greenhouse."The Professor said turning his chair around and heading for his office

Matthew stretched and popped his back in the process. He walked into the kitchen getting out the eggs bacon and milk. Jubilee walked in as he turned on the stove. She was still in her pajamas and fuzzy bedroom slippers. Her hair was a mess as well.

"Hey Jub want some breakfast?"he asked turning to the girl and fought the sudden urge to burst into laughter at how she looked

"Yeah sure Matt,Gimmie two scrambled eggs and some bacon. Oh and a glass of milk." She said as she walked over to the table and sat down

"OK one order of scrambled eggs,bacon,and milk coming up Miss Lee. Hey did you tell Evan yet?" Matthew asked as he started to cook

"Yeah, I went to his room knocked and let myself in and just told him." She said while playing with her shirt button

"So what did he say?" Matthew asked as he sat her food down infront of her

"Well, after a good 5 minutes of his stuttering he got up and gave me this big kiss and hugged me. Then he was all like "Oh god Jub I have had a crush on you for months blah blah blah" She said with a mouth full of eggs

"See told you it would work out. Now what? Are you two girlfriend and boyfriend?" He asked as he sat down with his own plate of food

"Yeah I guess..I mean we are going on a date tonight after he gets through with his Danger room training tonight."

"Realy?Where are you two going?" Matthew asked as he drank his very large glass of milk

"Oh I dunno...He said he wanted to go see the Matrix Reloaded. I want to go see it to so I guess that's what we will be seeing."

"Well, that's cool I hope you two have fun." Matthew said

"Um...can I ask you something?"

"Yeah sure what is it Jub?"

"I saw what Tabby tried to do lastnight and I wanted to know if you want me to get her thrown out. I mean I know she has some weed up in her room and I could tell the Professor. With all the trouble she has been in here that should get her thrown out."

"No, I don't want you to have her thrown out Jubilee."

"But why? She attacked you then tried to get you to fuck her and cheat on Rogue. Now that I think about it I think you are the first guy to turn her down. So why the hell would you want her to stick around when she could keep trying till you crack one day."

"Listen Jub I ain't going to fall for her games. Now just try and be nice to her OK? In fact I want you to tell everyone to ignore her shit and be as friendly to her as they can.They are doing it with Wanda I know you can do it With Tabby."

"Why?" Jubilee asked as she ate her last piece of bacon

"Because all she really needs now are friends. I know how bad her life was before she came here. She grew up in a pretty bad family life so she needs people who care for her now more than anything. So no matter how much of a bitch she is just totally ignore it and be super nice to her all of you. Sooner or later she will just say fuck it and play along."

"Why are you trying to help her?Whats with you every time I turn around you are helping someone with their problems. I mean First Rogue, Then Logan Now Wanda and Tabby...I can understand the thing with Rogue since you love her but it's everyone else I don't understand."

"Someone helped me once when I needed it the most so this is all I can do to return the favor. Now will you do it or not?"

"Fine I'll do. I don't know if everyone else will though."

"Fine with me if every one started to be nice all at once she would know something was up anyway. Just tell everyone to start at different times then. Now I have to go see storm have fun tonight with Evan." Matthew said

Matthew Walked out to the green house where the Professor said Storm would be. When he walked in he saw Her watering the plants with a tiny rain cloud.

"That's a pretty cool trick. You must save Xavier a fortune in water bills." Matthew said as he walked and stood next to her. He noticed she smelled like cinnamon

"Yes, I would say I do. It is also a great way to train with my powers. Speaking of which Charles tells me you need your uniform. Let me finish with this and I will get it for you."

"That's cool..So did Evan tell you yet?" Matthew asked as he sat on a table behind her

"Hmm? Oh are you talking about Jubilee? yes he told me. I knew how he had felt for her for some time. I am happy for him that she felt the same way..How did you find out?" Storm asked turning towards him

"Oh I was the one that told Jubilee to let him now how she felt. She was afraid he would say he didn't like her that way. I told her not to be afraid to tell him. I mean look at what happened with Marie. I told her how I felt and now we are together." Matthew said

"I see. Well, then thank you Matthew. I am finished now lets go get your uniform shale we?" She asked walking to the door of the green house

Matthew walked behind her as she headed to the mansion. She lead him down into the lower levels into a room filled with the uniforms of everyone that was on the team. They where in clear chambers in the wall. Beside each chamber there was a panel that had a hand outline on it and a device that looked like the lens of a camera at eye level of each person. She walked him to the last one next to Logan's which he noticed was empty. The inside of Matthew's locker was not lit like the others. nor was the panel

"Now Place your hand on this panel and you face here. Make sure you line up your eyes with the lens. State your name and that should activate the chamber. I will wait outside for you to change." Storm said walking out of the room

Matthew did as storm asked

"State name please" A computer voice said when he did this

"Matthew Ballard" he answered tot he voice

The panel where he put his hand turned on as a blue light moved up and down it and the camera sent out a red laser light that scanned bother of his eyes.

"Information recorded. Have a nice day." The voice said

The chamber lit up revealing his uniform then there was a small rush of air that came out from the bottom as the door opened.

"That was fucking cool. Shit this thing looks awesome" he said as he took out his uniform

It was a black jumpsuit that looked very much like Logan's with the same style boots and gloves. The Boots and gloves where black as well but had red straps instead of black. The belt was red with black outline and black buckle with a red x. The chest of the uniform had a large red x on the front and back that covered the whole chest and back and started from the belt and ended where his collarbone was. The Gloves ended a few inches below his elbows. The gloves did not cover his fingers. he put on the uniform and put his clothes in the chamber. When he did this it closed. He walked out to see Storm talking with Logan. Who was already in his uniform. They Both looked at him and cracked a smile

"So kid how does it feel to be a superhero?" Logan asked

"I would feel better if I had a cup with this thing...My stuff is showing."Matthew whispered into Logan's ear

Storm cleared her throat and seemed to blush slightly

"I will have Hank get you one ..." She said walking away at a faster than normal speed

Logan let out a laugh

"I think you just embarrassed the hell out of Ororo Kid....That looks a hell of a lot like my uniform. Jean Must be running out of ideas (1)

"She made this?"

"She didn't make it she just designed it like she did everyone else's. Now you ready to rumble?" Logan asked heading for the danger room

"Yeah Lets Rumble." Matthew said walking after Logan

"You want to start on the lowest difficulty or what?" Logan asked as he walked into the danger room

"I aint got the time. Just take what you think I can handle and move one up." he said as he entered the Danger Room

Logan cracked a grin.One that did not look to friendly to Matthew

"OK kid you better get ready or you going to get your ass kicked here."

Logan said as he walked over to a panel on the far end of the room. He pressed a few buttons and said something Matthew had trouble hearing all of. He made out Logan difficulty ten. The Room shifted infront of him. It now looked like an old abandoned steel mill. There was a loud explosion from Behind Matthew when he turned around a large man was standing there. Matthew's jaw dropped

"Ju..ju..JUGGERNAUT! LOGAN WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!" Matthew said turning to where Logan was

"Calm the hell down kid. If you can take out the brotherhood and Sabertooth you can handle him no Problem,. Just think he wants to Hurt Rogue that should do it. I am going to be over there watching. Anything goes wrong I'll stop the program." Logan said walking over to a pile of rusted metal and rotten crates

*SHIT SHIT SHIT!!!!..THAT'S THE LAST TIME I LET LOGAN PICK A PROGRAM!.......Calm down you can take this thing .. Just think about what Logan said... Think Juggernaut wants to hurt Marie wants to kill her right infront of you....that worked time to stomp ass*

The Juggernaut Robot ran for Matthew at full speed. Matthew hit the ground sliding under the Robot and threw a hard kick right for its crotch. Matthew Jumped Back up and ran for a large steel drum about the size of a pickup truck car. He Picked it Up and threw it at Juggernaut who was holding himself cussing. As it Turned around the Drum connected right in its helmet putting a dent in it.

"YOUR GONNA PAY FOR THAT FREAK GET OVER HERE!" The Robot said as it picked up the same drum and threw it back at Matthew. Matthew dove out of the way

"LOGAN NEXT TIME I PICK THE FUCKING PROGRAM!" Matthew screamed as he dove out of the way

"STOP BITCHING MATT YOUR DOING FINE!" Logan yelled back

Up the monitoring room everyone was watching what was happening.Rogue,Kurt,and Jean where sitting in the chairs while everyone else was standing.

"I like his uniform its stylish." Kitty said

"Who cares about that right now he is fighting Juggernuat.well a robot Juggernaut but still Juggernaut." Amara said

"He is handling himself well. Though Logan should have chosen an easier training program for his first time" Hank said

"Yes he is doing quite well" Storm said

"KICK HIS ASS MATT!!...sorry" Rogue said

"OH MY GOD EVERYONE LOOK!" Bobby said


back down in the Danger room the robot had managed to get its hands on Matthew and took a swing for his head. Matthew ducked and punched it twice in the ribs as hard as he could. Then He took off like a bat out of hell to the back of it and jumped on its back pounding on the helmet for all he was worth."

"BREAK YOU FUCKING HELMET!!!" He yelled

"JUST REMOVE THE LOCKS KID!" Logan said

"OH YEAH!..WHOA!!"

When Matthew turned to look at Logan The Juggernaut robot grabbed his head and threw him off his back down to the ground with a very loud crash. The ground under Matthew cracked from the impact. Juggernaut started to bring his foot down on Matthew's head when he rolled out of the way and kicked it in the knee with all his power. It screamed and feel to one knee. Then Pushed itself back up But not before Matthew was on its back and breaking the locks on its helmet. he got to two before it made another grab for him. Matthew bit down on its shoulder as hard as he could. It struggled to pull him off but Matthew had to much of a grip on his helmet and shoulder with his fangs. Which he was thankful where even stronger than his skin.Logan let out a laugh

"THERE YOU GO USE WHAT YOU GOT KID! NOW GET THOSE OTHER LOCKS OFF AND KNOCK HIS ASS OUT!!" Logan said yelling

Matthew let go of Juggernaut's shoulder and pulled on the helmet for all he was worth. he heard a loud crack and it went flying off taking him with it. Juggernaut turned around facing Matthew

"YOU GOT IT OFF NOW WHAT FREAK?"

"I'll tell you what. This thing's as tough as you are so I am going to beat your sorry ass with it!"

Matthew yelled as he jumped up and charged at Juggernaut. Juggernaut threw a swing but Matthew put up the helmet making the punch hit it full force. A loud crack was heard like bones popping. Juggernaut pulled his hand back and swung with the other. Matthew ducked and swung for Juggernaut's Knees. Another loud pop was her and Juggernaut feel to his knee's. As he started to get back up Matthew back up and swung at his Head full force with the helmet.

"GODAMN CAIN STAY THE FUCK DOWN!"

Matthew Yelled as he swung and hit Juggernaut in the face. This time a loud metallic banging noise was heard. Logan put his hands over his ears.Juggernaut shook his head and swayed slightly. Matthew hit him again even harder this time. Juggernaut looked dazed but was still trying to get up. Matthew threw down the helmet which now had a full impression of juggernaut's face on it.

"FUCK IT !" Matthew yelled

Matthew reared back and swung for Juggernaut's face with his claws. Matthew was expecting his claws to rip clean off but instead they ripped right through Juggernaut's skin exposing the machinery underneath. The Juggernaut let out a scream that now sounding robotic and grabbed its face. Matthew reared back both his hands and hit Juggernaut on the side of his head palms first clutched in a fist. A metallic crunch was heard and a spark came out of one eye of the robot. It let out another yell sounding like its voice box was broken. Matthew reared back for another swing but The robot grabbed his hand and got back on its feet. It grabbed his arms at the shoulder and started to squeeze Matthew.

"LITTLE HELP LOGAN!!!" Matthew screamed

"YOUR DOING FINE BY YOURSELF!" Logan answered

*god how the fuck am i going to get out of this.......oh that's a good idea god it better work i think i just heard a pop*

Matthew held his arms up and grabbed Juggernaut's forearms and started to squeeze with his claws into Juggernaut's skin. When they where all the way in Matthew put both feet on Juggernaut's chest and started to push away as hard as he could. He heard another loud metallic crack and saw Juggernaut's arms extend slightly and his grip loosen on his shoulders. He then put every muscle he could into pushing away from Juggernaut. Another loud crack was heard and he saw Juggernaut's arms start to pull away from his body. Juggernaut dropped Matthew and his arms fell limp to his sides. Matthew Got back up and Kicked Juggernaut in the crotch making him fall to his knee's. Matthew picked the helmet back up and reared back for one more swing. He swung as hard as he could putting his whole body and power into it.Juggernuats head went flying off into a wall and was crushed into piece from the impact. The robot's body feel back twitching and sparking. Matthew fell to his knees out of breath. There was not an inch on him that was not screaming in pain. The Room shifted back to its normal appearance. He looked up to the monitoring room and saw everyone was there. Rogue had a smirk on her face. Logan Walked over and put his hand on Matthew's Shoulder.

"Well, kid you did a good job. Same time tomorrow. Now go hit the showers you smell like a dead skunk.Then meet me in the gym for some sparring" Logan said walking off

"Yeah sure OK. Just let me regain feeling in my legs first....."

"Sure thing kid" Logan said as he walked out of the room

Rogue and Jean walked in after Logan left.

"That was very impressive Matthew."Jean said as she sat down crossing her legs infront of him

Rogue sat down next to Matthew and rested her head on his shoulder

"it was just a robot Jean .. it was no where near the real thing" Matthew said putting His arm around Rogue waist

"Not it was very close to the real thing. Logan had the program set on full difficulty. He is the only one that uses that program. He even has a password set to his own voice pattern so now one else can use or change it. You just past the ultimate test Matthew. Welcome to the X-Men" Jean said with a smile

"Well, I guess that makes it official then don't it red?" Matthew said smiling himself

"Yeah It does Matt. Now you just got to get a codename..Have you thought of one?" Rogue asked

"..hmm....Yeah I got one ." Matthew said looking ate two girls

"Well, what is it then?" Jean asked

".....Orlock (2) " Matthew said looking embarrassed

"Sounds like a Codename to me where did you get it Matt?" Rogue asked

"Old vampire movie.It was either that or Janos. and that one don't sound to cool. I'll make up a better one later " Matthew said

"Well whatever you want Matt.Now you better go take a shower Logan doesn't like to be kept waiting."Rogue said as she kissed him then got up to walk away

"Yes I would suggest you hurry.......Orlock ." Jean said with a grin as she left the room with Rogue

"I think I might want to change that name sooner than later..shit picking out a codename is hard."

Matthew forced himself up and headed to his shower.Running into Tabby on the way to his room.

"Hey Matt wait up!" Tabby said running after him

"Not now Tabby I ain't got time. Go flirt with Bobby he's single ."Matthew said while not even turning around to face her

"....I don't want to flirt with you dammit...I...just wanted to say that I am sorry for how I acted yesterday." She said sounding like she had to force out the words with all her strenght

Matthew stopped in his tracks and walked over to Tabby

"You sure you feeling allright....You aint smoked some bad weed or anything have you? You just said you where sorry you must be sick...or I must be hearing shit." Matthew said loking at her and putting his hand on her forehead to see if she felt hot

"Dammit get your big ass hand off me..I said I was sorry ok?" Tabby said as she pushed his hand off her face

"I know you said it. I just want to know WHY. You never say your sorry for anything."Matthew said looking at her funny..He still hated to admit it but she was very pretty

"I said it because I heard what you talked about With Jubilee this morning."


"How the hell did you hear about that? I didn't see you or anyone else around when i was talking to Jub this morning."

"My room is right above the kitchen..Plus your voice carries...There I am sorry and don't tell anyone I said this Or I will kick your fucking ass got it?"

"Yeah right..Well if you will excuse me I have to shower and get to the gym."

"Fine whatever ." Tabby said as Matthew walked off

Matthew headed to the gym in his sweats .Logan was there waiting for him beside a punching bag.


"Hey kid what the hell to you so long?" Logan said looking a little pissed

"Ran into Tabby on the way to my room. I ran into Evan on my way here. He was asking me all kinds of weird shit about girls. I think he is nervous about this date with Jubilee he has tonight." Matthew said as he walked up to Logan and looked at the punching bag

"I heard they finally got the balls to tell each other how they felt. I swear the moment you got here Matt everyone started to either fuck like bunnies or date." Logan Said with half a grin

"Yeah I noticed that myself. Well, that is better than everyone fighting. So what are we doing here anyway?"Matthew asked looking around the gym

"We are here to see how good you throw a punch. You did pretty good in the Danger room now I want to see just how good you really are. This here is a special punching bag. Its held in place with titanium and has sensors to show how much power you got when you hit. Now I want you to hit this son of a bitch as hard as you can got it?" Logan said while getting behind the bag and holding it

"Yeah I got it. Want me to hit it now?" Matthew asked while getting into his fighting stance

"Yeah now!" Logan said while bracing himself

Matthew reared back and hit the center of the bag as hard as he could. There was a loud crack and Logan went flying back a good ten feet into a wall. Matthew ran over to Logan

"Damn Logan I am sorry I didn't know that would happen you OK?" Matthew asked looking scared

"Yeah......Godamn boy you hit like a fucking mule. I'd kick your ass right now If I didn't like you so much." Logan said while pushing himself off the ground

There was another loud crack and the bag fell to the ground taking a few chunks of the roof with it. Both Men looked for a moment before bursting into laughter

"Well, Kid I'd say we don't have to worry about strength training. Now I just have to show you some basic punches. But from what you just did to that bag I ain't letting your practice on me. So come on I got something that will be able to take those hits of yours."

Logan walked over to a door at the back of the gym that had a padlock on it. He took out a key and opened the door with it.

"Follow me it's in here." Logan said as he walked into the dark room

As Matthew walked in The lights turned on. There was a boxing ring in the middle of the room. Inside the ring was a robot covered in padding. The rest of the room was empty say for a few weights.

"What the hell is that thing?" Matthew asked turning to Logan

"That is Forge's baby. He built it for us incase someone with your strength ever joined the X-Men. Its got an adamantium reinforced body and skeleton. The padding has some kind of shit in it that adsorbs any blow so your hands wont turn into hamburger when you hit it and so it won't go flying out the damn ring."

"Oh you mean the stuff in Captain America's shield right (3)?" Matthew sad while looking at the robot

"How the hell did you know what Steve's shield was made out of?" Logan asked looking a little pissed and surprised

"I am a big fan of his."Matthew said as they walked to the ring

"Damn anything else you know about this world's heroes?" Logan asked as he stepped in the ring

"I know a few secret identities. Speaking of which it looks like I got one myself now.....cool. So how does this tin man work?" Matthew asked as he walked up the robot

"Just flip that switch right there ...WAIT! let me get out of the ring first." Logan Jumped out of the ring and stood about five feet away from it

"OK you can turn it on now." Logan said

"Uh..ok then "

Matthew said as he flipped the switch on the robot's side. It jerked up straight as an arrow and its eye lit up

"Hello I am your Sparring partner for this evening. Please state your difficulty setting and I shale being the exercise one being the lowest ten being the highest. If at anytime you wish to end the exercise say the word stop clearly and the exercise will be terminated. What diffulity do you wish to start with this evening?" The Robot asked

Matthew was holding back his urge to laugh since the robot sounded just like CP3O when it talked

"Level five" Matthew said

Logan gave him a funny look

"What? I ain't getting my ass kicked twice in one day man. WHOA!"

As Matthew talked to Logan the Robot swung and connected a punch right into Matthew's Stomach. Stunning Matthew more than hurting him. It threw a jab then an uppercut which Matthew did his best to block. The Jab landed but the uppercut missed. Matthew threw a jab of his own and the robot stumbled back a step. Matthew punched it in the ribs three times as it tried to right itself. The last shot to the ribs it blocked and threw a left hook that hit the mark making Matthew fall back into the ropes. The Robot threw a jab and Matthew ducked out of the way moving to its side. as the robot turned towards his Matthew punched it right where it's nose would have been. He left his arm out to long though and got a good swift punch in his ribs for it. Knocking the wind out of him

"Damn this shit is hard!" Matthew yelled

Logan laughed

"You're just lucky I ain't the one fighting you. I already seen you make four mistakes that I would have used to lay your ass out ." Logan said grinning

The Robot punched Matthew in the stomach again followed by an uppercut. Knocking Matthew right on his ass. It stopped as if waiting for him to get up. As soon as he did it started swinging for him again hitting him two more times in the ribs. It threw a jab which Matthew block but then it threw a left hook that connected. Matthew shook his head and blocked a right hook. He punched it in the nose again causing the robot to stumble back a little as it righted itself Matthew threw more punches. Hitting it in the ribs twice and once in the stomach he threw a right hook of his own followed by a jab and uppercut. The Robot dropped its arms

"Knock out combination exercise complete. Do you wish to raise difficulty?" It asked

"HELL NO I DON'T!" Matthew said before turning off the robot

"Damn I was just starting to enjoy that too." Logan said

"Yeah well next time just watch Rocky.....my face hurts like a motherfucker. Are we finished now?" Matthew asked while rubbing his jaw

"Yeah were finished. But tomorrow your going up to level six and I want you to knock that thing out three times before you turn it off got it?"
Logan said in a stern tone

"Yeah ok....wait what about the danger room?" Matthew asked as he got out of the ring *SHIT! why the fuck did i ask him about that for FUCK FUCK FUCK!!!*

"Oh yeah that.....well you did pretty fucking good there. So I guess you can lay off that. Atleast till Forge repairs the robot your trashed. So until then we will just build on your boxing skills. When I feel they are up to snuff I will get you started on martial arts training."

"Whoa three Logan..I ain't flexible enough for martial arts." Matthew said running in front of Logan

"You will be ." Logan said with the same grin he have Matthew in the danger room earlier

".....Shit....." Matthew said

"Shut up and come on you need another shower and I bet Rogue misses you already. So get your ass upstairs get cleaned up and find her." Logan said walking out of the room.

Matthew walked out behind him and Logan locked the door.Matthew headed up to his room and stayed there the rest of the day. Around ten pm he decided he would go take a shower before he went to bed. After he took a shower he put on the clothes he had sat on the toilet a black pair of shorts and a white T-shirt. When he got out Rogue was in his room sitting on his bed. She had on her trademark makeup but an Ozzfest 2003 T-shirt that showed off her chest very nicely and her leather pants Matthew had bought for her. She had already taken off her boots and socks and was looking at her toes and wiggling them. Something Matthew found very cute. She looked at him and smiled

"So how was you training?" She asked

"Everything hurts." Matthew said sitting next to her

"I know what you mean my first day I felt like I got beat with a bat. Though I didn't have to fight in the highest difficulty setting in the danger room against a Juggernaut bot. Did I tell you how fucking cool that was seeing you fight that thing?" She said as she laid her head on his shoulder he put his arm around her waist

"Did I tell you how much I love you today?" He said kissing her on the crown of her head

"No tell me." She said smiling

"I love you more than life itself. Oh wait I got this song I want you to listen too OK? I been trying to tell you exactly how I feel about you and other things you know? I know you want to know why I act the way I do when someone threatens to take you away from me so I found this song to help explain." He said as he got out a CD from his desk and put it in the CD player.

"OK I'll listen to it..it better not be some sappy country or pop song either! " She said

"It's not Marie..I just felt I needed you to know why I act the way I do so this is the best way I can just listen to it."

Matthew said as he hit play and Sat down next to Rogue. She laid her head backon his shoulder and listened as the song started to play.


I've been so alone for so long
Forgotten by the world
Forgotten to myself
Your effervescent eyes have awakened me
And brushed the dust away
But I knew you'd never stay

So I memorized the color of your eyes as I lost myself inside you
And I memorized the way our legs entwined as I drifted off beside you

I miss
God I miss
Waking up beside you

At night I cling to you, I'm so afraid
Afraid the day will come
And I'll wake and find you gone
But you promised that you'd not abandon me
And kissed my fears away
But I woke up to that day

But I had memorized the way our eyes
would meet reflected in the bathroom mirror
And I memorized your naked silhouette as you slowly brushed your hair
I miss
God I miss
Waking up beside you

I've been so alone for so long
I forgot how much it hurts
To wake up so alone

But I memorized how warm your body felt
as you lay half asleep beside me
And I memorized the way the sunlight
filled the room and played upon your body

I miss
God I miss
Waking up beside you
I miss
God I miss
Waking up beside you

Rogue listened to the song and looked up at Matthew's face. He was not crying but just looking at her like he was staring right into her soul. When the song was over he brushed her hair from her face and kissed her

"Now you know....I love you I love you more than anything Marie. Every time I wake up in the morning I am afraid this was a dream. That I will open my eyes and be back in my room .. in my old body. That you won't be there. That none of this ever happened. When I think about that is scares me more than anything..The thought of losing you scares me.....The thought of never being able to hold you in my arms again terrifies me..... I would die for you without a second thought. I would do anything to protect you. Promise me this isn't a dream Marie .. promise me this is real and that you are really here with me now. Promise me that when I wake up you will always be here beside me."

Matthew said as he held her in his arms. Rogue was speechless. Up till now she had thought that Matthew might think this was just a dream. But hearing him say it. Seeing the look of pure terror in his eyes when he said that to her cut through her heart like a sword. Her mind was racing trying to find just the right words to say to take away his fears. She could not think of one word to say to him. Finally she spoke

"I promise you that this is real. I am real that my love for you is real. No matter what happens I will be here with you. Even if you have to return to your world I will be there with you will find a way to you I swear it. Nothing matters to me anymore but you ..but us. Even if this is a dream I will be waiting for you every time you fall asleep..Because I truly love you more than anything ."

Matthew kissed Rogue then. Not one of lust..not one just for the hell of it. But a kiss full of all the love he held for her. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him in the same way a kiss full of all her love for him. They laid back on the bed. Not fucking not having sex not even making love. Just holding each other.

"I love you Matthew."She said

"I love you to Marie" he said in return *God please help me. Give me the power to save her..If I lose her now I will die as surly as if I was killed with her. Please don't take her away from me..I can't lose someone I care about again..You have tested my faith enough...Please let me be happy*

"Do you want to sleep in here tonight?" Matthew asked looking into her eyes

"Yes, Matt I do..but I don't think I am ready to ma.."

"I don't mean that..I just want you to stay with me tonight. I just want to hold you in my arms and wake with you beside me."

"OK Matthew I will stay..just let me get out of these pants I am burning up." She said as she got up

Rogue undid her belt and slid her pants off. She had on a black thong that had a little pink kitten on the front. Matthew looked at her butt as she bent over to slide her pants all the way off. Normally he would have gotten as hard as a rock seeing her like that but his mind was set on just holding her tonight so he fought off any sexual thoughts. She folded her pants and put them next to her boots and socks at the end of his bed. Matthew got up and pulled the covers back for her. Rogue laid down covering herself. He walked across the room and turned off the lights. Something he found to be useless with his abilities but now just did out of habit. She felt him lay next to her on the bed and she laid her head on his chest. Listening to his heart beat. He wrapped his arms around her holding her like she would crumble from his touch.

"Goodnight Matthew I love you." She said reaching up and kissing him

"Goodnight I love you too Marie" He said after she kissed him and laid her head back down on his chest

He laid there in the darkness. Looking at her watching her face as she started to fall alseep.he could tell she couldn't see him .He could see her perfectly even in the darkness thanks to his nightvision. One of the first powers he had gotten when he came to this world. Slowly he felt sleep take him. The last thoughts on his mind where

*God I am begging you don't take Marie away from me. I will do anything. Just don't take her away from me. I am not just some lust filled teenage boy asking to get in a girls pants. I love her more than anything and I am begging you to let her live through this.....*

Then sleep took him as well.and there they lay sleeping the night away in each others arms. Not noticing Logan had been standing outside the door the whole time Rogue had been in there

"That boy is the strangest damn kid I ever met..Rogue is lucky as hell to have someone like that. I sure as hell couldn't just hold a girl .. Then again I ain't nothing but an animal that can talk and walk upright." Logan said as he walked away

"God you better give those two some rest or I am raising hell when I get up there. You know I mean it too" Logan said as he walked to his room

1. in the comic Jean designed everyone's costume in the early days of the X-men. Since this is the early days i figured what the hell make it that way here too
2. name of the vampire from the Nosferatu movie. I figure what the hell Matt already looks like one might as well give him a Codename of one
3. in case you didn't know cap's sheild is made of a mixture of Adamantium and vibranium which can absorb any impact in other words you can't fucking break the thing no matter how powerful you are.....wait i think it got broke once i just don't know who did it..e-mail me if you know