Stranger than Fiction

The next week leading up to The concert had it's fair share of events. Cindy walked in on Kurt naked and passing out from shock The biggest and funniest one of all. It was now the day before the concert. Logan had just returned From Dropping Sabertooth off in the Middle of Nowhere. Evan and Jamie where in the danger room. Bobby and Amara were yelling at each other again. Scott and Jean were up in Jean's room thinking what they where doing in there was a secret. Kurt and Kitty where out swimming in the pool. Matthew and Rogue were at the mall.

"You really think this looks good on me Marie? I look like Spike (1) in this." Matthew said

"That's Better than those sweats you been wearing. Besides I think he's Hot and you said you wanted me to help you pick out some clothes." Rogue said putting her hands on her hips a small smirk on her face.

Matthew Had just came out of the dressing room in Hot Topics (2). He was wearing a long black leather trenchcoat that was down to his ankles. His clothes underneath consisted of Black leather pants combat boots and an Ozzy T-shirt. He had already bought three T-shirts from another store and a couple pieces of finger armor (3) for himself and Rogue. His Holo Did make him look Like Spike even with his long hair. A big 6 foot 6 inch Spike.

"Just be Glad they had this in your size you damn giant! Besides You need to look right for the concert tomorrow and I wanted to see how you looked dressed like this. How does it feel? They're comfy right?" Rogue asked walking around Matthew and getting a better look.

"Yeah they are fine. Do you want anything? I will still have at least a hundred left if I get this stuff," Matthew asked turning around to face Rogue.

"Yeah Sure but first we need to get some hair dye before we leave." Rogue said

"What do we need dye for your hair looks fine the way it is." Matthew said looking confused.

"Oh shut up Matt I know what I am doing pay for that stuff while I get the hair dye. Then Lets go get some CDs." Rogue said walking over to the makeup section.

Matthew Changed back into the clothes he wore into the store While Rogue got a few boxes of hair dye and makeup. After Paying for everything they went into Sam goodys.

"So what CDs are you looking for anyway? You already have more than I can count!" Matthew said as they walked in


"I wanted to get that New Korn CD. What kind of music do you like anyway? I know you like Ozzy. Since you where Humming Crazy train all the damn way to the mall." Rogue said heading over to the metal section

"Oh I like Pretty much anything. But I fucking hate hip hop and Pop. All those people singing about all the girls they got cause they are rich. Or those no talent hacks making millions cause they got a pretty face and a nice body but can't sing for shit." Matthew said with a look of disgust on his face.

Rogue Raised a brow

"Upset much?" Rogue said

*God I need to make Kitty stop watching Clueless. it is starting to brainwash me* Rogue thought after she realized what she said sounded like something Kitty would say.


"No, I just hate em I dunno why. I like pretty much the same bands you do." Matthew said as he was looking through the posters.

"I gathered that when you knew who the hell Voivod was. I think you are the only person in town Who does besides me. Oh here it is. The new Korn CD...hey they got the new Godsmack to." Rogue said taking out the two CD's and looking at their track list.


"If you want em get em I don't Mind Buying If you want it. Oh hey Check out this new Slipknot poster." Matthew said turning to Rogue.

Rogue turned around to look at the poster

"That's cool I don't think I seen anything like that before. Lets get it!" Rogue said walking over to the poster display and taking out a copy.


"Yeah Maybe we can put it over Jamie's bed while he is sleeping and scare the hell out of him!" Matthew said smiling.

"No, I already did that once. I had to wash his sheets after that as punishment." Rogue said rolling her eyes.


"He pissed the bed? HAHAHAHAHA!!!" Matthew said laughing loudly.

"Well, I thought it was funny to till I had to wash his damn sheets. I swear that boy pissed like he held it in for a year...Do you want any CDs?" Rogue asked walking back to the metal section.


"Nah I think I will just smooch off of your collection for now. You ready to go?" Matthew said


"Yeah Lets go." Rogue said walking to the counter


"Yo living dead Girl Who's the big freak? He your new Boyfriend?" A voice said from the entrance of the store.

"Shit it's Duncan. Matthew just stay calm don't go all psycho if he says anything OK?" Rogue said turning to Matthew and whispering.


"I think I deserve more credit than that you know Duncan's just a grade A. Dick But I am not going to kill him. Maybe just some minor dismemberment if he says anything smart to you." Matthew whispered back.

"I can deal with that"Rogue said with a small grin.


Duncan walked in with three big guys behind him. A big cocky grin on his face and dressed like your average jock asshole.


"I asked a Question you deaf or something Elvira?" Duncan said as he walked up to the two mutants.

"She is not Elvira her tits are to small ! " One of the guys said standing behind Duncan


*Count to ten Matthew. Don't lose Control play nice and.. I know that fuck didn't just say that. Someone tell me he didn't say that. Keep cool. fuck it's Clobbering time (4) *

Matthew thought as his calm face was replaced with one of someone trying to control an outburst of violence trying to claw it's way to the surface.

"I got an Idea Why don't you little children go play with the rest of the brainwashed populace and lets us Grown ups be alone OK? Why you looking at me like that? Did I stutter you sacks of shit? I said fuck off before I ruin your chances of making it to the NFL." Matthew said stepping forward.

Duncan Walked up to Matthew. Flinching slightly when he realized how big he was. A fact that wasn't lost to Matthew Who leaned over Duncan Making his height even more apparent.


"Why don't you watch your Mouth Freak! Oh let me guess Rogue your girl now? You dumbass she has been with every guy in school At least twice. I hit that shit myself but told her to get lost she was to loose for my liking."

Duncan said with a big cocky grin as he turned back to his friends. Whom started laughing. Rogue growled to keep herself from showing how much the comment had really hurt her. Matthew himself just smiled. Not a normal smiled but one that said "I am going to kill you and enjoy every minute of it."


"Knew an asshole like you would say something like that. If you weren't so full of shit and this wasn't such a public place I would have you screaming for your mama right now. You have no idea how lucky you are Duncan. But let me make this very clear to you. If you say anything like that within earshot of me again I will fuck you up so bad It will make the Devil flinch got it? GOT IT?!" Matthew said clenching his fists so sight his knuckles were white as a sheet.

Rogue was just standing beside the counter watching with the clerk.


"Tell you what you don't call the cops and I don't tell you stole that 20 from the cash register just now"Rogue Whispered to the clerk

"Sure whatever. I know Duncan and I couldn't care less what's about to happen to him myself "Was the Clerks Answer.

Duncan's smug smile faded to red faced anger. He wasn't use to someone talking back to him. He did what he figured would Put Matthew in his place rearing back his fist and letting it fly right into Matthew's Nose. The loud familiar crack of Bone followed by Matthew stepping back out of surpise as Duncan cradled his shattered hand.

"AHHH MY HAND! YOU FUCKING FREAK YOU BROKE MY HAND! WAIT TILL MY FATHER HEARS ABOUT THIS YOU FUCK!" Duncan yelled holding his hand and making a gesture to his friends.

Duncan's friends looked At Matthew then to each other before charging The tall mutant. Then the fist went swinging along with the kicks. All hitting Matthew who was playing along and acting as if each blow hurt him even though he was sure the group of young man were feeling the blows more than he himself was. After just a few short seconds of this the beating stopped. The young men all looking worse than Matthew. Matthew brushed his hair out of his face and Slowly got to his feet still faking injury. When he was back to his feet he spoke.

"What do you mean wait till your father hears about this you stupid jackass. Oh you mean how you and three friends just ganged up on an unarmed guy cause he was defending his girlfriend..I didn't know you were such a fucking moron besides That camera picked up the whole thing. Now run home to daddy in your nice little car before I get unfriendly with you and you friends. Did you understand that or do I need to say it slower? Maybe draw you a map to a fucking clue.YOU JUST FUCKED UP BIG TIME." Matthew said looking to the group of guys. His brow narrow and wrinkled from the anger he was doing his best to hold back.

*That was easy just piss him off enough to hit me then have his friends join in. I just have to get the clerk to call the cops now. hehe. I am such a sly Bastard. He's lucky I didn't not decide to hit him or he would be dead right now. He has doesn't know it but he is lucky as hell I am letting him off this easy. * Matthew thought before turning to the clerk.

"Hey man call the cops I just got jumped and I want to press charges. " Matthew said with a grin. The clerk popped a smile himself as did Rogue

"Yeah Sure man Right away." The Clerk said picking up the phone.

Duncan Looked Scared. He and his friend's ran out of the store as fast as they could


"You knew what you were doing the whole time didn't you Matt?" Rogue asked walking over to Matthew

"Yep." Was All he said.

"You really want to press charges "She asked

"Fuck No, I hate court. I just wanted to see Duncan Shit himself in public. He should keep off your back form now on" Matthew said rubbing the back of his head which had hit the hard floor. The only thing that hurt out of the whole event.


"Sir?" The clerk said.

"Yes, what is it?" Matthew asked

"You can leave an anonymous statement If you want and the store Can Just use the video to go to court.(5)" The Clerk said


"OK that's fine with me " Matthew said smiling.



"I thought you said you were just fucking with him?" Rogue said

Rogue asked as they were leaving the mall. Security had stopped Duncan and his friends as they tried to leave the mall and the cops had just finished taking them away after getting a statement from Matthew.


"What can I say. He pissed me off Besides No one talks about you like that. Or any lady for that matter. It is disrespectful and fucking rude as hell." Matthew said as he was putting their bags in the back of the jeep.

"OK then. So what do you want to do now?' She asked as they got into the car

"I don't know. Maybe go get something to eat. Or we could just go home and show off all the stuff we got...That reminds me what's with all the makeup and hair dye? I though your hair was natural. And last I checked you had enough makeup for the rest of the summer." Matthew said starting the car.


"It's not for me Dumbass. Me and Jubilee are going to dye your hair tonight, and the makeup was to finish the look." Rogue said turning on the radio

"What?! .. Eh what the hell. I always wanted to go Goth anyway. I just never had the look for it till now." Matthew said as he was driving out of the mall.

"What do you mean you look fine to me." Rogue asked looking a little confused


"I do now But I was kind of short and chubby before my trip into town ." Matthew said

"Is that why you looked so freaked when you saw your reflection in the Professor's study that night?" Rogue asked

"You noticed? Yeah That was part of it and the fact I looked like a fucking Zombie. " Matthew said With a quick glance to Rogue before returning his gaze back to the road.

"You look fine to me Matt." Rogue said not making eye contact.


"Really? Oh you think I am cute and you want to kiss me." He said Jokingly

"Sure do you sexy Giant!" She said in the same tone


"I been meaning to ask you something Matthew." Rogue said

"Yeah sure ask away ." He responded

"Do I look better in person? I mean how did they draw me in the cartoon?" Rogue asked now Looking at Matthew a look of curiosity on her face.

"Well, I thought the design was sexy to say the least. Little to sexy for the age group that was supposed to be watching the show. If you want I could draw it for you later and let you see. I am pretty good at doing stuff like that. Anyway .. To answer your question you are a Million times more Beautiful than any cartoon could do justice. The fact that I love you could be a factor as well." Matthew said with a smile.

*Damn that was so sweet! Calm down don't go all swoony and make him have a wreck. * Rogue thought to herself.

"That's sweet thanks. But I know you are just saying that to be Nice." Rogue said trying to hide she liked the comment as much as she did.

"No, I'm not Marie. I mean it I think you're the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. The fact that you're even bothering to go out with me still shocks me when I think about it sometimes. I think to myself sometimes. I must be the luckiest Mutant on the face of the Earth for you to like me. To go out with me. Hell even talk to me for more than five minutes. I can't believe I was able to tell you how I feel without running away Scared. I was Always so shy around Pretty girls. But something in me just told me I had to try with you like it was meant to be." Matthew said sounding very serious.

*He keeps talking like that and we are going to wreck. Oh my God.. I feel weird..do I? Holy shit I do... OK stop pissing around and just tell him." Rogue thought to herself.

"Whoa you really mean that don't you? She asked

"Every last word !"He said with a grin on his face

"Thank you."She said


"For what"he said

"For everything. You been so good to me. Better than anyone Ever has. I really appreciate it. I do ..and I just wanted to thank you for it.I am really Happy you are here with us...With me and I just wanted you to know..............I love you ." Rogue said Putting her hand on his.

*Whoa I did not expect that so soon..Shit I can't breath .. Stop being so quite dumbass tell her how you feel right NOW! * Matthew thought as her comment knocked the air out of him and nearly caused him to swerve off the road.

"I love you too Marie I Love you more than anyone I have ever known I truly mean that. So want to make it official?" Matthew said taking her hand into his.

"What do you mean?" Rogue asked

*If he asks me to marry him I am going to kick his ass * She thought to herself.

'I mean..would you like to be my girlfriend Marie?" He asked

"Of course I would I thought I already was!" She said smiling

'I know but you never said it so I just wanted to hear you say it. So I'll know it isn't some cruel dream." Matthew said with a slight frown.

*God does he still think he is going to wake up One day and I won't be there with him and he would have to go back to being short chubby Matt again? Hell I would probably think something like that if I was in his shoes and ending up in the vampire Chronicles (5) or something. OK you confessed you loved him now just make it official like he asked* Rogue thought to herself

"Yes, Matthew Ballard, I Marie Will be your girlfriend..Happy?" Rogue said with a bright smile

"More than you could ever Realize ." Matthew responded smiling as well.




Matthew was sitting on the side of the tub with a towel wrapped around his chest a few more towels covered the mirrors in the bathroom so what was done would be a surpise.. The group that was only supposed to be Jubilee and Rogue had grown to every girl in the school say for Storm. Who was visiting a sick Friend in Africa. The Girls had taken him on as a pet project doing all kinds of things to his hair and nails.

"Why are you all looking at me like that?" He said sounding a little nervous


"I would say we did a great job. You look very handsome...for a big gray mutant with black eyes. OUCH! Stop hitting me Jean!" Jubilee said smacking Jean on the arm.

"Stop making fun of him and I will Jubilee. Anyway Matthew you look great. Do you want a mirror?" Jean said turning to Matthew with a smile.

"That depends. Am I gonna pass out from shock if you give me one?" He said


"No Matthew We said you look great now look."Rahne said as she handing him a mirror

"Whoa you did do a good job. I wanted to do my hair like this forever but I was afraid I would fuck it up to bad" Matthew said brushing his hands through his hair

They had cut his hair just a little to make the over all look seem more groomed. It was still long but now his bangs and the tips of his hair were dyed jet black. His lips and finger nails were also painted in the same shade of black. His eyes were painted with black eyeliner as well.

"I don't know about the makeup though. I feel girlie....." Matthew said looking at his lips and eyes.

"Trust me Matt someone as big as you are couldn't look girlie if you tried." Amara said


"Yeah Matt its only Goth makeup anyway. It even says its for guys on the box. "Rogue said


*little white lie never hurt anyone *She thought

"yeah Now go do something manly so we can talk girl stuff Bro"Cindy said


"OK, OK I am going" Matthew said laying down the mirror and walking towards the group of girls.

Matthew walked up and Kissed Rogue before he walked out. Most of the girls were surprised to say the least .. Even more so When Rogue kissed him back. After he was gone Jubilee spoke.

"Who are you? What have you done with My friend Rogue? and where did you learn to kiss like that?" Jubilee asked putting her hands on her hips and giving Rogue a suspicious look


"You want to tell everyone or you want me too?" Jean asked.

"I will. OK everyone back into the room and sit down this might take a while." Rogue said ushering everyone out of her bathroom to her bed.

Everyone sat down And Rogue told them every tiny detail of what had happened between her and Matt Since she first saw him. From his appearance in a flash of light to the ride back from the mall.


"Oh my God He can touch you?" Kitty asked looking totally blown away from the fact.


"Yeah. I thought everyone knew that by now." Rogue said with a "I can't believe you didn't know that" expresion

"I am like so out of the Loop it is not even Funny!" Kitty said frowning


"What I want to Know is do you really love him or just Like him Like him. I mean He has had a pretty shitty life the last three years and He does not need to be played like that "Cindy Said

"OF course I love Him. I just didn't realize it till today. I thought I just liked him you know? But when he said that Stuff to me in the car It just kind of Clicked in my head like a light turning on. I mean I was still pissed he was going around calling me his girlfriend then BLAM!" Rogue said while slapping her hands together for added effect.


"That's how it was with Scott. I was just looking at him one day listening to him talk and it just kind of popped into my head." I love this Man. I could spend the rest of my life with him." Jean said with a smile.

"Wait what happened when you told Him how you felt?" Rahne asked

"He got all red in the face and nearly went flying off the road. It was like I knocked the air out of him when I said it." Rogue said with a worried look.

"Well, He didn't expect it then. He must have thought you wanted to be friends and were just Playing along so you wouldn't hurt his feelings "Jean said

"Yeah But what the hell do I do now? I never had a Boyfriend before.. Sure there was Remy but that was all one sided. Here I have the chance to have a REAL relationship with a guy I love and I am complete and utterly fucking clueless. Hell I only know how to kiss and I don't even know how I learned that. Must have been someone I drained UGGHHHH!!! This sucks!" Rogue said while looking at everyone in her room Atleast twice to see if anyone had that (I will help you girl face)

"Look Rogue Matthew is a nice person. Its not like he is going to try and fuck you the first chance he gets. He will take this as slow as you want. Just both Follow your heart and it should turn out just fine." Jean said still having a smile on her face.

"Yeah I guess your right. Wait I wonder if he is still a virgin? Is he going to be impatient with me because I don't know what to do?" Rogue said sounding nervous.

"Whoa to much info For Me I am off to bed now "Cindy said as she got up and left the room


"If you must Know I think he is A virgin. He projected Like Crazy When you kissed him back. I kept hearing him say "She could be the first one. I got to take this slow. Don't want to scare her off. Be gentle she might get scared so let her decide when and how. I love her I can wait" I thought it was sweet. I mean Scott was just like "Oh I wana fuck her so bad. I love her so much "and Blah Blah blah." Jean said with a look of annoyance.

"Oh my God He was thinking that about me? That's so sweet!" Rogue said smiling. An event most had not seen before.

*Guess he doesn't want to just get in your pants. Marie I think you hit the jackpot girl. * She thought to herself


1. Badass Vampire From Buffy the vampire Slayer
2 Nice little Goth/punk store
3. Big rings that cover your whole finger. They have joints in them so you can move your finger while wearing them
4. Famous battle cry for the thing from the Fantastic Four before he cracks some skulls
5. I know nothing about the law. But this is my story and I will bend it to my will however I want so :)~
6. If you don't know this book series go out and read it NOW! NOW!!!! Tell em the Wolfman sent you.