Stranger than Fiction

"Oh I feel like I just got eaten by a wolf and shit off a cliff. How the hell did I get in here?...Hey why is everyone looking at me like I killed a Kitten? * Rogue thought as she woke in the infirmary with everyone standing over her.


"What's wrong? Why am I here in the medical lab?....Is Matthew OK?" Rogue asked raising up and resting her weight on her elbows.


"I'm fine Rogue .. Hey could you guys leave Hank wants to talk to us alone?" Matthew said stepping into view then turning to everyone else.

"Sure Bub we will be in the danger room if you need us." Logan said looking to Rogue. A look of fatherly concern on his face before he turned to the others and walked out of the room.


Everyone started sighing and begging Logan to change his mind.


"I Am not the one Who was plotting against our new team member Scott. You and the rest of the guys are hitting the danger room For 4 hours every day for the rest of the week with me. You Ladies can go do whatever girlie things you do all day." Logan said popping his head back into the room before walking out again.


"Thanks....... I think" Jean said as she left the room. Followed by everyone else.

"It seems Logan is very angry with the boys trying to talk the professor into having you thrown out." Hank said after everyone was gone. Leaving him alone with Matthew and Rogue.


"They What?"Rogue and Matthew said at once

"Yes, it seems Scott thinks you are a danger to our safety and wants you out. Most of the others agreed with him..Though it seems the ladies wanted you to stay. As did Kurt. " Hank said sitting down in his chair.


* I don't know why Kurt would want me to stay...Must be because I like Rogue* Matthew thought after Hank told him what had happened.

"What Did the Professor say to Scott?" Rogue asked


"He said He understands Why they feel the way they do But he could not Just throw you out on the Street for trying to help. Even if you overreacted. You where doing what you thought was best to protect this school its Students and your friends. Whatever you said to Charles About what you found out you struck a nerve. He has been calling in every contact he Has trying to Find Magneto and see what he has planned. But I digress That is not why I asked you to be here when Rogue Woke up ." Hank said leaning back in his chair.

Rogue looked Nervous. She was scared more scared than she would like to be. She was doing her best to hide it though.

*How was he able to touch me last night? I mean yeah he brushed against my skin the first night he was here when he bumped into me but I thought he just did not stay in contact with me long enough. Is he Immune to my powers? Oh my God what if he Is. could have a normal life I could.......don't you dare start to Cry Rogue Not infront of them. * Rogue thought as she tried her best to fight back the tears welling up in her eyes.


"It seems Our Friend Matthew Has manifested yet another Ability. Though from what I gather he has possessed this ability for most of the time he has been with us ...." Hank said no longer leaning back in his chair a very faint look of excitement growing on his face.

Matthew was getting nervous as He looked over at Rogue and saw her eyes were red from holding back tears.

*Oh God If she starts to cry I am going to feel like shit. If I feel like shit I am going to try and comfort her. If I do that she might get pissed at me again. * Matthew thought with a sigh

"Look With all due Respect Hank Could you please cut to the chase?" Matthew said looking to Hank.

Hank looked a little angry for a minute then smiled a little

"To make it as simple as possible it seem You have the power to block a certain Mutant girl's Powers. I Suspected as Much from the other day when you passed out and had contact with her with no ill effects. I wanted to be sure before I told Both of you. Now I am one hundred percent certain after last nights incident." Hank said now with a large smile on his face. One that faded when he looked to Rogue.


Rogue was sitting up on the bed her face flooding with tears her shoulders shaking from the heavy sobbing that was overwhelming her. She was torn between complete joy that someone could touch her and the fear of what that now meant.

*He can touch me?.........Oh my God I I don't know what to do someone please show me what to do.* Rogue thought as she cried.


"Hank could you leave us alone for a minute. I need to talk to Rogue alone. " Matthew said walking over To Rogue.


Hank Sat up without any disagreement and left the two alone thinking to himself.

*She may be crying now But soon she will be the happiest she has ever been in her Life if he does not screw things up with her. I am so moved I could cry myself. Ah young love * hank thought with a smile on his face.

"Rogue please look at me ....... DAMMIT LOOK AT ME!" Matthew yelled.

Rogue was laying down on the bed her back turned to Matthew and the covers over her head as she cried. His sharp tone scarred her.

"Go away Matthew I don't want to talk to you !" Rogue yelled to him throwing an extra pillow in his direction.


"Oh no you don't start this shit again. You can try and push me away all you want but I am not going to move one damn inch. You understand me Marie?" Matthew said ducking the pillow.


*He called me that when he was angry at Remy. Is he that mad at me for not looking at him? Fine if he want me to look at him I will* Rogue thought to herself.

Rogue turned over and uncovered her head the look on Matthew's face almost making her cry even harder. He was standing there his face looking as he himself was holding back tears as one stray droplet fell from his cheek.

"Why the fuck are you so damn sad? You Don't Like me you were just trying to get in my pants. You knew you could touch me the whole time! Everything you said to me was bullshit wasn't it? You can go straight to hell!" Rogue said sitting up on the bed.

Matthew moved so fast she nearly screamed. He put his hands around her arms and forced her to her feet. He moved so fast she jumped in shock as she saw a flash then felt his hands on her arms raising her to her feet. His saddened face turning to one of frustration and anger.

"Do you really feel that fucking sorry for yourself?" Matthew said as he forced her to her feet.

I don't feel sorry for myself! I know you were just being nice so you can fuck me!!" Rogue yelled trying to hide her surprise.

"You think I just wanted to get in your pants?" Matthew said looking surprised.

"Of course you do every god damn boy in this town just wants to fuck me none of them care for me and neither do you! You fucking asshole! You just want a quick fuck then you are going to leave!" Rogue yelled trying to shake free from his grasp with no luck.

"You Know that's Bullshit! If you have not noticed I have not said once I want to go home. I want to stay here with you. I didn't care if I could touch you when we met. I didn't care When I confronted Remy about what he was doing here. I didn't Care Lastnight. I don't CARE!" Matthew said looking more angry now.

"Why the hell not?!" Rogue asked looking even more angry.

"BECAUSE I LOVE YOU AND YOU CAN'T CHANGE HOW I FEEL NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO TO ME!" Matthew yelled the look of shock at his words hitting them at the same time.

*Did I just say I love her... I only known her for three days. I can't be in love with her!.but........I think I am*


*He said he loves me..No one can love me. Love only means they want to get in my pants....Why is he talking to me like this. He doesn't even know me. fucking bastard! * Rogue thought as the shock form his words hit her.


"You are just saying that! You don't love me. No one loves me and No one ever Will! You are just trying to get me to fuck you bastard! I am not falling for you shit anymore you can go to..." Rogue said before she was cut off with something very surprising.

She didn't notice what he was doing before she could stop him it was to late. His Lips Met hers in her first true kiss of her short life. She tried to fight him away still thinking she could hurt Him with her touch. It was over before she could put up more of a fight. The look on his face was no longer angry but was a mix of seriousness and of sadness. His eyes looking at her as if he felt sorry for her..


"I do Love you Marie. You can lie to yourself all you want. Try and keep up your lonely Goth girl vibe But I saw through it when I first saw you and I can still see right through it. You are afraid I will Hurt you Like Remy has. You know I could never do that to you So you want to push me away. Well, I got news for you girl I am not going to be pushed away by your little act. I love you Marie and I will do whatever it takes to show you that. Until then I will be here as whatever you want me to be." He said his eyes locked on hers


Rogue wanted to lash out but was still in shock from his kiss the realization it was her first true kiss causing her mind to completely fizzle out. She struggled to think of something cruel to say to him something to break his heart but Before she had the chance to answer there was a loud explosion from upstairs. Logan Fell Through the door Covered in gashes from head to toe

"Sabertooth......Magneto.........upstairs.........Hurry..."

The man Known as Logan said collapsing through the door to the ground with the sound of flesh and steel. His wounds already healing but there were to many for him to be of much help now. Matthew's gaze narrowed and his eyes looked around as if he was hearing something.

"Rogue I need you to hide somewhere." Matthew said looking back to her


"But I.." Rogue managed to say before Matthew snapped back.


"Don't argue with me they are here for you. The Professor is going to try and hide your scent from sabertooth as long as he can till you find a place to hide now GO! I will be back as soon as I can I swear it!" Matthew said turning to the door

"To late to protect your little lady there Kid. Be a good boy and get out of my way before I skin you alive!"

A voice came from the doorway as a tall figure with shaggy matted blonde hair walking into view.

*shit its Sabertooth. How did he get down here so fast......PROFESSOR?!.....PROFESSOR?! SHIT! It looks Like its time to really test these powers. Calm Down you are no longer Plain Human Matthew you are a powerful Mutant. It is only Sabertooth. The craziest mutant Killer on the planet.....SHIT! OK calm down act tough you did it with Remy you can do it here. Maybe play mind games with what you know about him.... Well think you know about him.*


"You are not going to lay one grubby finger on Rogue. You try and You die. It's that simple. Got it?" Matthew said standing infront of Rogue. His voice not as menacing as it was with Remy but like that of someone facing down their worst fear.

Sabertooth let out a laugh. As he entered the room spitting out a mouth of blood on Logan's prone form.

"You must not be that smart kid. You know I ain't going to backdown from no Man" Sabertooth said as he walked towards Matthew. A small smirk forming on the corner of his lips as he smelt the fear coming from him.


"You sure did back down from your Father when he beat you though didn't you? Remember? You must Dog. That's Why you hate Logan. James So Much. He killed your old man before you got the chance yourself(1)." Matthew said his voice not trying to hide the fearful urgent tone as he tried to muster of the courage to speak.

*How the fuck does this kid know that? James called me dog upstairs but I thought he was just being his normal smartass self....That punk kid must have helped Logan Get his Memories back. That's it I am going to kill this fuck and but not before snapping his spine and letting him watch me have my way with his woman*

Sabertooth thought as Matthew spoke. He also noticed the sent of fear being replaced by that of someone ready to fight. He could Hear Matthew's heart racing his muscles tightening and the small beads of sweat falling from his brow to the ground.

"That's it kid I am going to kill you and your slutty little girlfriend. Maybe let you watch me do her first would you like that Kid ?" Sabertooth said with the grin and voice of a madman.

In a flash Sabertooth let out a growl that would have made Logan piss his pants and jumped forward swinging his talons has hard as he could for Matthew's face. There was A loud pop followed by the sounds of ripping flesh and a spray of blood From Matthew's face. Matthew didn't move but his hair flew back showing it was covered in blood. Rogue screamed as she saw the crimson mask.

"MATTHEW!!!!!"


"I am fine. Seems Someone does not know who he is fucking With. Stay behind me and don't move unless you have too. This is going to get messy." Matthew said his voice now sounding as it did with Remy.

Sabertooth Was standing dumbfounded. His hand had connected hard enough to rip off Matthew's face. But instead of that happening His hand caved in on itself Like he had just struck Steel at lighting speed. Bones Breaking through his skin spraying blood everywhere. Sabertooth feel to the ground clutching his hand as it began to heal.

Matthew moved like lighting as he kicked Sabertooth over on his side and kicked him once more in the chest. Each blow followed by the sound of crushing bone and a growl of pain. As Sabertooth lay prone on the ground spitting up blood from his crushed chest Matthew grabbed him by the legs crushing them like tin cans and twisting them till his feet were pointing backwards. As Sabertooth yelled he swung one hand in the direction of Matthew's Face only for it to be caught in the same iron grip as his legs. Matthew having one hand on one of Sabertooth's legs and the other on his wrist swung him around wildly knocking Sabertooth first into Hank's desk followed by the file cabinet and finished it off with swinging Sabertooth like a rag doll for the bare wall at the end of Rogue's bed sending him flying through it as if it was made of paper as concrete exploded everywhere. Rogue screamed and jumped for cover as the concrete filled the room. All this happened in a matter of seconds but it felt like forever to Sabertooth. The first contact causing his back to snap in several places sending white hot burning pain through his whole body followed by a tingling numb feeling as his spinal cord was severed. The next contact with the steel cabinet casuing his face and jaw to shatter sending his teeth flying from his mouth. Sabertooth howled in pain like never before. Even In his fights with Logan He had never been man handled so badly so fast.

*Who the FUCK IS THIS KID? * Sabertooth thought as the pain ravaged his broken form

Sabertooth's Screams woke Logan. The man Sat up and gasped at what he saw. Sabertooth covered in blood and Limp in Matthew's Hands Being Shaken like a doll. and repeatedly struck with open and closed fists.

"You can't Have Her NONE OF YOU CAN!!! I WONT LET ANY OF YOU TAKE ANYTHING FROM ME ANYMORE!!! i LOVE HER AND I'll BE DAMNED IF I LOSE HER TOO!! YOU HEAR ME DOG? !!!!" Matthew screaming his tone and the look of his face full of anger and madness.

Sabertooth let out a blood filled gurgling noise from his disfigured mouth as his answe.r


*What the hell is he talking about. Did Matthew do that himself. No ones ever ruffed up Sabertooth that bad but me and even I didn't get away without something bloody. This Kid must have a lot of rage in him. How can he be so nice to Rogue but be so sadistic to everyone else. * Logan thought as he watched this scene play out.


"Logan do Something! Matthew's gone fucking crazy again!! Sabertooth said he was gonna rape me and let Matthew watch and he went ape shit! I'm scared Logan please stop them!" Rogue screamed from her hiding place in the corner.

"I don't think he will listen to any of us right now. I know better than anyone what Rage like his can do to you. Its hard to kill Sabertooth if not impossible. Lets just wait for him to calm down" Logan said getting to his feet slowly not caring how this turned out for Sabertooth.

* So that's why He is so pissed can't blame him. I know how sick Dog can be with a girl one of his enemies love (2). I am not going to say it but I am afraid to try and stop him myself right now. Damn Logan you are getting to damn Soft around these kids* Logan thought as he watched.

*Why is he being so fucking gruesome? What did he mean when he said he won't let them take anything away from him anymore.........Oh my God his Family..He thinks he is going to lose me like he lost them. * Rogue thought as she listened to Matthew's rage filled screams.

*Matthew this is Jean Please calm down before you hurt someone. Magneto has been pushed back. please put Sabertooth down and let Logan lock him in the confinement chamber*............Matthew Can you hear me? * Jean's voice said booming through Matthew's mind

Jean felt it at that moment as if they where her own emotions. A sudden burst of mental and physical pain from the overwhelming emotions from Matthew's mind. She fell over holding her head screaming in pain. Xavier merely made a scowl and pushed out as much of the flooding emotions memories as he could.

* Jean you are not feeling these things..Stay calm they will fade in a moment I promise. Let me help you* Xavier said to her mentally.

Slowly her pain faded she opened her eyes to see Matthew walking out of the elevator. Covered in Blood. Rogue walked out holding his hand out of fear more than anything else. Jean noticed Rogue was touching Matthew with her bare skin with no effects on Matthew at all. She could still fill his anger flowing from him like a flood of pure hatred. But it was slowly fading. She could tell it was because of Rogue.

*She must mean more to him than anything. He almost killed twice to protect her without a second thought* She thought as she looked at them


"Where is he?" Matthew asked as Jean clumsily tried to stand as Matthew helped her to her feet.

"Where is who Matthew?" Jean asked looking up to him.


"Magneto....Where is he? Don't Lie to me Either Jean I will know" Matthew said looking very serious.


"He fled after he realized Sabertooth had failed. The Professor wants to talk to you. He said he found something you might want to know about." Jean responded as she dusted herself off.

Charles sat at his desk. Three stitches in his forehead. He had been hit with something from the attack but was not hurt as much as some of the others. Matthew Sat infront of him clean but still smelling of Sabertooth's Blood. Rogue was sitting next to him having just changed and gotten cleaned up. It had Been Three Hours Since the attack and Sabertooth had recovered enough to be questioned. What was learned was only a little more than they already knew. However Magneto's full plan was still a mystery.

"I am not going to punish you for what you did though if this was under different circumstances I most certainly would have. As before you did what you thought you had to protect yourself and the others. However this time it is different. You meant to kill Sabertooth. While I know you where just trying to scare Remy away. Why was it so Easy for you to control your Anger with Him yet you lost control With Sabertooth?" Xavier asked rubbing his temples.

"To be Honest with you I know how Remy Will end up in the end of all this. He would redeem himself. Well, he would have after Magneto ... Took care of his Problem With Rogue. Sabertooth is Different. He is going to keep killing. He has no Remorse no guilt. Nothing But his Anger and the thrill of feeling someone's life slip away under his power. I was not going to let Rogue Be one of those people. I know what he would do to her just to get a rise out of me. I REFUSE to stand by anymore and lose people I care about. I lost everyone I loved where I am from and I am not going to let that happen here. Not now because I have the power to protect the ones I love "

Matthew said as he turned and looked at Rogue. She seemed to be acting differently around him since his fight with Sabertooth. He hoped she was not afraid of him Now after seeing him lose control and that it was because of his confession about his feelings for her.

"I understand how you feel But you cannot Protect Rogue Forever. She is A member of this team just like you are. She is going to have put her life on the line More times than I want to think about and You cannot be there to protect her every second of her life. You know that." Xavier said in a calm fatherly tone

Matthew Bent over and put his head in his hands sighing loudly.


"Why can't you ever be Wrong ........Rogue Tell me the truth. Do you feel the same way ? " Matthew said raising his head and looking to the girl in question.


Rogue tried to answer Him three times she opened her mouth to talk but could not find a single words to express what she felt right then. Finally she said

"I don't know Matthew. I joined knowing I had to put my life on the line. At the time I did not really care. But now things are different. I had nothing to really live for. I think I do now. No, I know I do Now. Just Promise never to lose control like that infront of me again. You really me Matthew ." Rogue said

The Professor sat and watched the two friends talk to each other. Feeling each of their emotions roll off of them like waves of hot and cold. When it looked as though they were finished he decided to speak again

* I hope Hank has that sedative ready* He thought to himself

"Matthew I have some news for you. It seems we have found out some information about you. The you from our world anyway." Xavier said moving his chair out from behind his desk and to Matthew's side.

"What do you mean the ME from your world? I'm right here." Matthew said looking confused

* This is going to go bad I can already feel it. Come On Charles He is just a child tell him what you found and get it over with. No sense in drawing it out* Xavier thought with a sigh


"You said your family where killed in a car wreck correct?" Xavier asked

*Where is he going with this? * Matthew though

"Yes, they where why do you ask?" Matthew asked


"I asked Kitty to look up as much information she could Find from all the information you gave us. She found a news clipping about a fatal car crash in South Carolina Three years ago........It seems you where killed but the rest of your family survived. The strange thing is the Matthew from our world looked the exact same way you do now .. Matthew Can you hear me?" Xavier added when Matthew didn't seem to be paying much attention.


"Yeah I can hear you But I don't think I want too. You are saying this family is alive. That there son was a mutant just like me? I can Understand why you would want to tell me this But I don't want to know anything else. There son Is gone and my family is dead. Leave it that way!"

Matthew said suddenly in a very angry tone before storming out of the room and slamming the door behind him so hard it crack all the way down the middle and fell to the floor.

"That went better than I thought it would...though I did not get to tell him the rest." Xavier said hands in his lap and leaning his head back in his chair.

"What do you mean"the rest" What else is there Professor?" Rogue asked.

The professor took in a deep breath and let the rest flow.


"His sister in this world was just a 10 when it happened not the older sister in this world..She just showed her mutant abilities in a fight at school and is coming to stay with us at the institute" Xavier said.


"What?! " Was all Rogue could say