It was just another simple Monday morning, but it was the kind where the air in the X-Mansion felt heavier than usual, thick with the weight of unspoken whispers.

Rogue sat at the back of the classroom, gloved forearms crossed over her chest, staring out the window as the rest of the students filled the room.

She'd been at the school for years now, but something about today felt different-like the walls of the room were pressing in a little too close. Her mind kept drifting, unfocused, replaying the way Clementine had looked at her during their last mission. That oddly steady gaze, the way she hadn't looked away.

Rogue's eyes flicked briefly to Clementine, sitting in the front row, her head turned just enough to catch Rogue's gaze. The corner of Clementine's mouth quirked up into that sweet smile of hers.

It made Rogue's chest tighten, her pulse quickening, and she quickly turned her gaze back to the window.

What was it about Clementine that unsettled her so much? Or maybe it wasn't Clementine at all-it was what she felt when she was near her.

The way the air seemed to hum with energy, the tension between them like static, the static you'd get from a tv that never quite got turned off. A tv that always glowed in the background.

"Alright, class," Storm's voice cut through the room, snapping Rogue out of her thoughts. She glanced up to find their teacher moving toward the board, ready to begin the lesson. "We're going to discuss strategic combat. But first, I'd like to see some more active participation. Yesterday was slow."

Rogue's eyes briefly met Clementine's again. This time, Clementine's expression was unreadable, though Rogue could swear there was something just beneath the surface. A glimmer, though she wasn't sure what it was exactly. Maybe it was just the reflective glimmer of the fluorescent classroom lights.

She cleared her throat and forced her attention to laser in on Storm's lecture, but the tension between her and Clementine refused to dissipate.

Rogue could feel Clementine's gaze on her as if it were a physical presence, a pull.

Minutes passed, but every time Rogue moved or shifted in her seat, her eyes would dart back to Clementine, and the briefest flicker of a smirk would dance across Clementine's lips. It was maddening.

The stolen glances always seemed to drive her mad. Although they couldn't truly be stolen glances if Rogue would have given them to Clementine any day.

• • • • • • • • • • •

After class, the hallway was quieter, the soft echo of footsteps reverberating through the large, empty space.

Rogue was walking with Kitty and Bobby, trying to make small talk about the upcoming mission briefing. But even as she smiled and nodded, her mind was elsewhere-focused on the presence she could feel behind her, just out of her hindsight.

"I'm serious," Bobby spoke, laughter in his tone. "If you don't tell him, I'll just ask him for you."

Rogue half-listened, offering a noncommittal chuckle of sorts, but her attention kept drifting.

She glanced over her shoulder, and there Clementine was, walking slowly just a few paces behind them, her long stride easy and effortless.

There was nothing unusual about it, except for the way Clementine's eyes caught hers as she passed. A quiet exchange. A pull. The same as usual.

Leaving Rogue to silently curse whatever it was.

The air felt too thick in that moment. It was like they were the only two people in the hallway. Rogue's stomach twisted. Was Clementine watching her? Or was it something else? Something more, unspoken. The briefest smile tugged at Clementine's lips, and for a moment, Rogue couldn't breathe.

Or perhaps Rogue was being unrealistic? She couldn't touch anyone, why would they like her of all people?

Kitty nudged her shoulder with a mix of a grin and a worried look. "You okay, Rogue? You've got that look again."

Rogue's heart jumped in her chest. "What look?" she asked, a little too quickly.

"Like someone just set off a firecracker in your head," Kitty teased.

Rogue forced herself to look away from Clementine. "Nothing," she muttered, trying to ignore the heat rising to her face.

Bobby gave her an exaggerated wink. Gods he was gay.

"Sure, Rogue. 'Nothing'. We've seen that look before..." He teased.

Though Rogue clearly wasn't listening. Her thoughts were too tangled, too loud to sort through. At least not alone.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Later in that week, in the training room. The tension between them was palpable. Everyone had already paired off for drills, and Rogue found herself facing Clementine.

Of course, it had to be Clementine. There was no avoiding her now. Though Rogue wasn't sure if she was upset or excited.

She couldn't tell if she wanted to smile or puke. Perhaps both? Gods that would look weird. And unattractive. Rogue notes to herself.

Clementine didn't smile or say anything-she just moved to stand in front of Rogue, looking her dead in the eye.

Her posture was relaxed, a sense of calm that only made Rogue more aware of the storm brewing inside her.

"Ready?" Clementine asked, her voice soft but with a trace of something else in it.

Rogue nodded curtly, her heart hammering in her chest. She could feel Clementine's presence too close now, her steady gaze a weight that seemed to press against her.

They began, moving through the exercises. Rogue's focus was sharp-too sharp, as if every muscle in her body was on high alert, every sense tuned to the person in front of her. Like she was trying to ensure she wouldn't- couldn't possibly mess up in front of the girl.

The training was uneventful but at the same time it was everything to Rogue. As the voices and thoughts finally silenced around Clementine.

She wasn't sure if it was because the overwhelming thoughts had been of Clementine or because Clementine's presence had a way of distracting her.

There was a silence between them, just long enough for Rogue to register the odd heat like feeling in her chest, the confusion, the ache that wasn't entirely unpleasant...she supposed.

Clementine's voice was low, just loud enough for Rogue to hear. "You okay?"

Rogue blinked, trying to regain her composure. "Yeah," she said, her voice strained. "Fine."

But her heart was racing. And she knew Clementine felt it too-she could see it in the way her lips twitched, in the way her eyes never quite left Rogue's. Or perhaps she was being delusional? She second guessed.

Then, Clementine straightened up, giving her a small, almost imperceptible nod to Rogue. "Good. Let's keep going."

Rogue didn't answer. She couldn't. Not when everything inside her was suddenly silent. Like Clementine had unknowingly chased away all the bad, overwhelming thoughts.

Every feeling, every thought worried Rogue. Her and Clementine had, had moments in the past too. Too many near kisses to count.

• • • • • • • • • • •

That next week in the evening, the hallway was quieter than it had been earlier that week.

Rogue was walking back to her room when she heard footsteps behind her, slow but steady. She didn't need to look to know who it was. She could feel it in her bones.

She finally turned, meeting Clementine's gaze as she caught up.

The dark brunette was worried she had made Rogue feel awkward at training which she had concluded with the way Rogue had been acting.

Rogue could only shake her head. Clementine stood there, close enough now that Rogue could feel the heat from her presence.

Rogue swallowed hard, her throat dry. "I don't know what you want from me, Clem."

Clementine stepped a little closer, just enough to close the distance between them. "I've told you before. I just want you."

And there it was again-the words that both terrified and enticed her. The quiet challenge that left Clementines pink, slightly chapped lips. Although Rogue just thought it made them look more kissable.

Rogue didn't fully acknowledge what has been happening yet, but it's clear they're both drawn to each other.

Though, through all their moments, feelings and experiences. They feared what this could mean, what this could encourage.

What did it mean for them?

• • • • • • • • • • •

The Danger Room was a familiar place for Rogue, a sanctuary of sorts, where she could focus her mind on the task at hand and shut everything else out. Like she was stuck inside with the shudders to the barnyard entrance forced shut and chained up. No distractions able to reach her.

Or so she thought.

Because there was one distraction she could never be rid of. And that was the image of Clementine burned into her mind.

The familiar hum of the machinery was nearly, soothing in a way. With the room adjusting to the preset program as she fought the training simulator.

Clementine walked in. Turns out the barnyard actually wasn't that secure. "Wanna try against an actual person and not just a computer sim?"

Rogue could only bear to let out a grunt in return. Too nervous to properly think.

Clementine looked over at her, a slight raise of her brow, that knowing smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth.

"Alright then. You ready, Marie?" she asked, her voice light but with an edge of something unspoken in it.

Rogue nodded, her throat tight. "Let's do this."

The fight began, and it was like any other- Rogues moves executed with precision.

Rogue was hyper-aware of Clementine's every move. Every shift, every step, every change in posture.

She was so close... Too close?

When Clementine swept in, disarming her with a fluid motion, Rogue instinctively grabbed her wrist, stopping the movement midair.

For a moment, neither of them moved, the space between them so small that Rogue could feel the warmth of Clementine's skin through the fabric of her suit. Rogue's breath caught in her chest.

Clementine didn't pull away. Instead, her eyes met Rogue's, calm.

"You alright?" she asked, Clementine softly panted, her voice softer now, but the intent behind it was unmistakable.

Rogue hesitated, blinking at her, struggling to keep her composure. "I-" She stopped, unsure how to put words to what was building inside her. "You don't get it."

"I think I do," Clementine replied, her gaze strong and alike that of supergirls x-ray vision.

"You've got these...walls, that are always up. But I can see through them, Marie. I've got no interest in tearing them down. I just..." Clementine struggles to find the words.

I may be a writer but she's not.

It was too much.

Too much, too fast.

Rogue wasn't ready and she wasn't sure if she'd EVER be ready. Not for something like that. Not for something with her.

Rogue pulled her thickly gloved hand away, stepping back as she shook her head, her mind a chaotic mess of thoughts she couldn't seem to untangle. "Don't," she said, near pleading, a rough edge to her voice.

The moment lingered, thick with tension, and for the first time, Rogue felt like she was the one who couldn't breathe and not the other way around.

Clementine gulped to herself as Rogue left. 'Well Fuck,' she thought. 'That went brilliantly,' She sassed silently.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Later that day, Rogue sought some well needed refuge in the mansion's library.

The quiet was a relief for the mutant. The rows of books surrounding her, offered a sense of peace that she desperately needed.

She was flipping through a book on mutant biology, pretending to focus on the words, but all she could think about was the look in Clementine's eyes-the way she could see right through the mess of what she calls her sense of self.

The sound of soft footsteps broke her concentration, and she looked up to find Clementine standing in the doorway, arms at her sides, leaning casually against the frame.

She was wearing that expression again-the one that made Rogue's stomach twist. Though as always, she was unsure how she felt on it.

"Hey," Clementine mumbles.

"You look like you're in a young adult, coming of age movie." Rogue states blankly while shelving the book back.

"You hidin' out in here?" Clementine asked, her voice playful but with an edge like that of a viper in hiding.

Rogue frowned, forcing herself to keep her gaze level. "No," she replied curtly, lying through her teeth. "Just reading." She added.

Clementine pushed off the doorframe and stepped into the room, her footsteps soft but also deliberate.

"You sure?" she asked, stopping a few feet away. "You seem... distracted?"

Rogue's heart skipped. "I'm fine." Her voice was sharp, defensive almost.

But Clementine didn't back off. Instead, she leaned against the table Rogue was sitting at, her posture casual but her eyes never leaving Rogue's.

"You're not fine," Clementine said, her voice quiet now, but still firm.

"You can't- ... we can't keep doing this.... I can't do this. You run to me, then run away. Don't- don't play with my emotions like that, please."

Rogue swallowed hard. There it was again. The push. The pull.

It felt like Clementine was everywhere-like she could read her, see right through her.

"I'm not..." Rogue started, but her voice faltered. She was already fighting back the rush of emotion that she couldn't quite explain.

Along with the sudden urge to run away. Why did she always run when it came to Clementine. "I'm not someone you should be around anyway, Clem-"

Clementine didn't move. She didn't even look away.

"Don't tell me who I should and shouldn't be around," she said, her tone low but steady.

"I'm not afraid of you. I'm not afraid of your mutation."

Rogue felt a lump form in her throat, her emotions all over the fucking place. "You should be."

But Clementine's expression softened. She took a small step closer, her gaze gentle but firm.

"I'm not scared, Marie. I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere."

Rogue's heart hammered in her chest, and for a moment, she was caught-torn between the instinct to push Clementine away and the undeniable want to pull her closer.

Before she could say anything else, Clementine smiled, a small, quiet thing that held so much unspoken meaning.

"You're going to figure this out, Rogue. But you also don't have to do it alone." Clementine said.

Clementine paused, finally looking away for a moment as if detaching herself from the hurtful situation.

"If you want to talk, you know where I'll be. And if you just wanna be friends, that's okay too." She comforts as best she can.

With that, she was gone, leaving Rogue in the silent, heavy quiet of the library-her chest tight, her mind racing.

• • • • • • • • • • •

That night, Rogue found herself on the mansion's roof, the cool wind blowing her hair back, the sky above wide and clear.

She liked the solitude there, the quiet of the night sky stretching on forever. It gave her space to breathe, to think.

She wasn't alone for long.

A soft creak of the door behind her made Rogue turn.

There, standing in the doorway, was Clementine again.

She wasn't surprised this time. She had known she would find her here.

Clementine stepped outside, her movements graceful and effortless, her eyes finding Rogue almost instantly.

"Didn't think you'd be up here. Sorry, I can go if you need space-" Clementine said, her voice respectful, though there was something else in it-a vulnerability that was rare for her.

Rogue gave a noncommittal shrug. "I actually...would like your company right now. I just needed some air."

Clementine's gaze softened as she heard this.

Stopping just a few feet away, looking out over the horizon with Rogue.

They stood in silence for a moment, just the two of them under the wide expanse of stars.

"You know," Clementine said after a long pause, "You don't have to carry it all alone."

Rogue swallowed, looking out at the stars instead of Clementine. "It's all I've ever known," she said quietly. "I can't change that."

"Maybe not all at once," Clementine replied, her tone gentle but persistent.

"But little by little. With the right person..."

The brief words struck Rogue harder than she expected.

She hadn't realized how badly she'd been holding on to everything, keeping it all locked inside, until Clementine's simple, silently implied offer.

"Clem..." Rogue started, but she couldn't finish. The words wouldn't come.

The weight of everything she was feeling-everything Clementine had said, and hadn't said-felt too big to put into words.

Clementine stepped a bit closer, close enough that Rogue could feel the warmth of her presence without them having to touch.

But also far enough that rogue could easily pull away, should she feel uncomfortable.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Rogue didn't feel so alone.

• • • • • • • • • • •

The rec room was buzzing with life. The low hum of conversation and laughter filling the space.

It was a Friday night, and the team had just finished a grueling mission.

Every student was unwinding-some were watching a movie, others were playing pool or video games.

Rogue had been mostly avoiding the group, retreating to a corner by the windows with a drink in hand.

She wasn't exactly in the mood for socializing, but the joyful atmosphere helped calm her nerves after the mission.

Clementine, however, seemed to have a radar for finding her.

The door creaked open just a little wider, and there she was, standing in the doorway, a smile on her lips.

"Mind if I join you?" Clementine asked, voice low, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

Rogue glanced over, eyes meeting Clementine's. The pull was immediate, the connection undeniable. Just like always.

Rogue half-smiled, the corners of her lips betraying her desire for the peace Clementine always seemed to bring with her.

"Always got room for you, Clem," Rogue replied, her voice a little more relaxed than she intended.

Clementine sauntered over, a natural ease in her step as she grabbed a drink from the counter.

She sat next to Rogue, their cloth covered shoulders brushing for the briefest of moments.

It shouldn't have been such a significant touch, but the brief static spark lingered between the two girls.

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the others from the window.

The tension from earlier in the week seemed to have dissipated, leaving only this-an easy, natural camaraderie that had formed between them over time.

"How's the shoulder?" Clementine inquired, her gaze shifting to Rogue, a softness to her tone.

Rogue shrugged, feeling the soreness from where she'd been grazed during the mission. "Nothing I can't handle."

"I know you're tough," Clementine said, her voice lowering slightly, "but remember you don't have to do everything alone."

Rogue's heart skipped a beat. She didn't say anything at first, just nodded, turning her focus back to the others in the room. The words had dented her walls, but she wasn't ready to let Clementine see through the cracks.

They continued talking about trivial things for a while-missions, training, the weather-but there was an unspoken shift.

The way they looked at each other now was different.

The glances were longer, more meaningful. Clementine would catch Rogue's eye across the room, and without words, they understood each other.

Their connection had grown beyond something casual.

"Wanna dance?" Clementine's voice was light, teasing, though there was something more in the question.

Rogue blinked, startled. "What?" she asked, voice rough.

Clementine's grin widened, a playful spark in her eye. "The music's good, and you're lookin' like you could use a distraction." She held out her hand, the gesture both casual and intimate. "C'mon, just one dance."

Rogue hesitated. She wasn't much of a dancer-not with anyone else.

But Clementine wasn't just anyone.

There was something about her that made Rogue feel like she could be herself, like she could just let go of all worries.

Against her better judgment, Rogue took Clementine's hand. A simple gesture, but it felt like something more.

They moved to the center of the room, the music soft, slow.

People were watching, but Rogue didn't care.

Clementine's presence was a quiet force, pulling her into the moment.

They stood close, almost too close. Rogue could feel the warmth radiating from Clementine's body, could smell the faint trace of her perfume.

The space between them felt charged with something neither of them wanted to name.

They didn't speak, letting the music guide them.

It was awkward at first, just the two of them moving together, unsure, but then Clementine's hand slipped onto Rogue's waist, careful to ensure she didn't touch any skin.

Rogue followed, her breath steady, heart beating in time with the music.

And yet, every time their eyes met, there was that flicker again-the one that made Rogue's chest tighten, her pulse race.

Rogue's hand slid up to Clementine's shoulder, her fingers brushing the soft fabric of her shirt.

It was so simple, but it felt so personal. She could feel the tension between them, building.

"Didn't think you'd be this good at this," Rogue teased, her voice light, but there was something more in her tone.

Clementine's grin deepened. "Didn't think you had it in you to even take my hand," she shot back jokingly, her eyes sparkling.

The music swelled, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away.

There was only this-only the two of them, moving together, feeling the pull of something neither of them was ready to face.

When the song ended, they stepped apart, the distance between them suddenly too wide.

The moment felt unfinished, like it had been interrupted before either of them could take it to the next step.

Rogue opened her mouth to say something, but Clementine was already backing away with that same playful smile, the one that hid the complexity underneath.

"I'll let you off the hook this time," she said, her tone light, but there was a quiet meaning behind it.

Rogue could only watch, her chest tight.

She didn't say anything as Clementine rejoined the others, leaving Rogue alone in the center of the room, heart racing.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Later that night, when the mansion had quieted down, Rogue found herself in the kitchen, raiding the fridge for something to eat.

She didn't sleep much after a mission, always restless, and the silence of the house only seemed to amplify the thoughts racing through her mind.

The sound of footsteps behind her made her turn.

Clementine stood in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame, arms crossed.

She had that same relaxed smile, but this time there was something a little more serious behind it.

"Can't sleep either?" Clementine asked, her voice soft.

Rogue shook her head, pulling out a bottle of water from the fridge. She didn't want to admit it, but her mind kept replaying their dance, the way Clementine had held her close, the way the world had narrowed until there was only the two of them.

"You ever just... wish you could stop thinkin' about everything?" Clementine continued, pushing herself off the doorframe and taking a step closer.

Rogue's throat went dry. The question hung in the air between them, but it was one she couldn't answer.

Not yet.

Not when the answer felt like it would expose something she still wasn't ready to face.

"Sometimes," Rogue said, her voice quiet, "but it's easier to keep busy."

Clementine tilted her head, her eyes searching Rogue's face. "You know you don't have to hide from me, right? I feel like I've said this a million times."

Rogue swallowed, the weight of Clementine's tone hitting her like a punch to the gut.

"I'm not hiding," she replied, though the lie sounded thin even to her own ears.

There was a beat of silence and for a moment, everything stood still.

The room felt impossibly small, the distance between them closing, but neither one of them made the move to bridge it completely.

Finally, Clementine spoke again, her voice soft, but her words clear.

"You're not alone in this, Marie. You never have been," She repeated patiently as she has every-time things got a bit to much between them.

Rogue's heart skipped, and she found herself speechless.

The tension between them was so thick now, so heavy, that it felt like they were both holding their breath, waiting for something to change.

"I'm here," Clementine added quietly, the sincerity in her words a gentle push, urging Rogue to let go of the walls she'd built.

For a moment, Rogue simply stood there, her mind a jumble of emotions. But when she finally met Clementine's eyes again, something shifted. The words that had been stuck in her throat loosened, and she whispered, "I know."

• • • • • • • • • • •

The next evening, after dinner, Clementine and Rogue found themselves together on the mansion's balcony, looking out over the expansive grounds.

It was a quiet night, the sky above clear, the stars flickering softly.

The conversation was easy, comfortable.

No pressure, no expectations.

Just two people sharing space and time.

"Do you ever think about what comes next?" Clementine asked, her voice quieter than usual, as she leaned against the railing.

Rogue didn't answer immediately, the question weighing heavily.

"I think about surviving," she said after a beat, her gaze focused on the horizon. "But... maybe one day, I'll think about what happens after that."

"Why don't you?"

"Sometimes it's easier to just...not think about those things." Rogue answered earnestly.

"The hard things?" Clementine guesses the ending.

"Yeah...the hard things," Rogue mumbles in confirmation.

"But sometimes we have to think about the hard things. Cause without the hard things, we can't get to the soft and sweet things..."

It wasn't lost on Rogue, they were a hard thing to identify.

"Yeah....yeah, I guess you're right," Rogue hums.

Clementine smiled, but it wasn't a teasing smile. It was soft, almost wistful.

• • • • • • • • • • •

It was late in the afternoon when Rogue wandered down the hall, passing door after door, until she reached Clementine's.

She had avoided thinking about the new living arrangement until now, but her nerves had gotten the best of her.

Her former roommate, Jubilee, had recently moved out after a mission to the West Coast, and no one had taken her place.

And though Rogue hadn't admitted it aloud to anyone, the thought of being alone in her room was making her uneasy.

She'd spent too many years in solitude.

Too many years, alone with her thoughts before she had come to the school.

And for once, she didn't want that.

Not when it felt like there was someone she could rely on-someone who made her feel... less alone, less dangerous, less awful.

Clementine's door was half-open. Rogue knocked softly, hesitant for just a moment before pushing it open a little wider.

"Clem?" she called, her voice low.

Inside, Clementine was sitting on the edge of her bed, flipping through a comic book.

She looked up and grinned when she saw Rogue standing there. Her expression immediately softening.

"Hey, what's up?" Clementine asked, tossing the comic aside and patting the bed beside her in a casual invitation. "Everything okay?"

Rogue stood in the doorway for a moment, unsure how to begin.

She had never been one to ask for anything, but no, this... this was different. Maybe rogue was different?

"I was wondering if you might want to... share the space. Room, I mean." She glanced down, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "I don't wanna be alone, Clem. Not after everything."

Clementine blinked, her expression thoughtful. Then, without missing a beat, she stood up, her smile easy and genuine.

"Hell, I'd be glad to have you," she said. "I was gonna ask if you wanted to move in anyway."

Rogue let out a relieved sigh. "You sure?"

Clementine crossed the room and stood in front of her, hands in her pockets, that familiar mischief in her eyes.

"I'm sure. Besides, it'll be nice to have some company. And, I gotta say, I do love your company."

There it was again-something soft in Clementine's tone.

The kind of warmth that Rogue hadn't let herself feel in a long time.

She didn't know what to say, but something in her chest loosened at the offer.

Maybe it was the fact that she didn't have to face it alone anymore.

"Alright then," Rogue said, the corners of her lips curling up slightly. "Looks like we're roommates, then."

• • • • • • • • • • •

The first few days were... awkward, to say the least.

Despite the easy comfort they had built in the Danger Room, the rec room, and everything in between. Living together was a different kind of proximity.

Their personalities didn't clash, but the shift in space-literally and emotionally-felt different.

It wasn't that they were uncomfortable; it was just that the little moments, the quiet shifts between them, were now amplified.

Maybe also a bit awkward....

They shared a bathroom, which meant mornings were filled with soft exchanges of 'excuse me's and 'thanks for waiting's.

Rogue started leaving her books scattered across the room, and Clementine, ever the neat freak.

Would pick them up with a quiet huff, muttering under her breath as she organized everything neatly.

But then, sometimes, she'd leave a little note on Rogue's pillow:

Stop leaving your shoes everywhere, Marie. Or I'll hide them in your closet. -Clementine.

It made Rogue smile more often than she cared to admit.

Their space was small but cozy-two beds across from each other, a shared desk pushed against the wall, and a window that let in just enough sunlight to make the room feel warm.

Rogue spent more time in the room than she had in a long while, not because she had to, but because it was theirs.

She hadn't realized how much she'd missed just having someone to talk to in the quiet of the night.

One evening, after a particularly long training session, they both collapsed onto the bed.

Clementine lay on her back with her arms behind her head, and Rogue leaned against the wall, stretching out her legs.

"You're gonna be the death of me one day," Rogue muttered with a smirk.

Clementine chuckled, eyes closed. "I've heard worse from you," she replied, voice light, but there was an undercurrent in her tone that made Rogue glance up.

The space between them was comfortable, easy-almost too easy.

But there was something else now, something that Rogue couldn't ignore.

The way Clementine had leaned in to help her with a particularly tough move earlier, the touch lingering a second too long.

The way they shared a brief, knowing glance after an unspoken moment during training.

"I think I could get used to this," Clementine said, breaking the silence. "The whole roommates thing."

Rogue's heart skipped, and she turned her head, meeting Clementine's gaze.

She smiled softly, though it was tinged with something quieter, something that felt like more. "Me too," she replied quietly.

Clementine looked at her for a long moment, then leaned over and threw a pillow at her.

"Quit getting all sentimental on me. You're the last person I expected to get all mushy."

Rogue laughed, though it felt forced, like she was covering something deeper.

"You don't know the half of it."

• • • • • • • • • • •

Being roommates wasn't always smooth sailing. Tension, though unspoken, built up over time.

They were still obviously learning each other's boundaries, navigating how much closeness was too much, and when it was time to give space. As needed for any healthy relationship, platonic or romantic.

One night, things came to a head.

Clementine was cleaning the kitchen, humming a tune under her breath as she loaded the dishwasher.

Rogue had just gotten back from a mission, still in her uniform, muscles sore from the fight.

The evening had been stressful, and her patience was thinner than usual.

She tossed her gloves on the counter without thinking, and it was just enough to spark something.

"You're gonna leave that there?" Clementine's voice was sharp, more than usual.

Rogue froze. She could feel the familiar anger bubbling up, a response to everything from the mission to the noise in her head. "I'm not in the mood to pick up after myself right now, Clem. Deal with it."

"Don't do that," Clementine shot back, her tone hardening. "You can't just leave things for someone else to clean up all the time. I'm not your maid, Marie."

Rogue felt the heat of frustration rise in her chest. "I didn't ask you to be."

She moved to grab the gloves, but Clementine was already there, blocking her way.

"No," Clementine said firmly, "you didn't. But this is the last time I'm letting you act like this room's just yours. We live here together, and that means we both have to pitch in. Not just when it's convenient for you."

Clementine momentarily considered that she was being too bitchy. She had a tendency to ruin things she supposed. But maybe it was just the built up tension?

Rogue's jaw clenched, her fists tightening at her sides.

She hated being called out, especially by Clementine.

"You really wanna fight about this right now?" Rogue snapped, stepping closer, feeling the anger burn through her.

Clementine didn't back down, though her voice softened a little. "No, but I want you to stop treating me like I'm some kind of afterthought. We're roommates, Rogue. Not strangers."

The words hit harder than they should have.

She opened her mouth, but the words caught in her throat.

After a moment of silence, Rogue let out a breath, her voice quieter. "I don't know how to do this... This whole... sharing thing."

Clementine softened, stepping back a little, but her eyes remained intense. "I know. And I'm not asking for perfection. Just that we try. Together."

"I've been trying--" Rogue tried before cutting herself off. Had she really been trying to was she just saying that to make herself feel better?

The heat of the argument started to drain from the room. Rogue's shoulders slumped, her walls slowly crumbling under Clementine's quiet persistence.

"Yeah," Rogue muttered, rubbing her face. "I'll try."

"I know you will," Clementine replied gently, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"...and I'll try it be less picky too." Clementine adds.

• • • • • • • • • • •

The days after that small fight felt like a shift-more understanding, more patience.

The unspoken words they had always danced around seemed a little clearer now.

They were learning how to be roommates, yes, but they were also learning how to be... something more.

One night, they sat on their shared balcony, watching the stars as they had so many times before.

But this time, it felt different. Clementine had leaned against the railing, her eyes on the stars, while Rogue stood a few feet away, lost in thought.

Finally, Clementine broke the silence. "You know, you're not alone anymore, right?"

Rogue turned to her, her chest tight. "I know. You've said it a million times."

"Maybe you need to hear it a million times. I don't expect you to open up overnight. Hell, I'm not perfect either. But I think... well, I think we're doing alright."

The quiet sincerity in her voice disarmed Rogue more than anything.

There was no pressure in Clementine's words, just a quiet understanding, an unspoken promise.

And for the first time in a long while, Rogue felt her defenses lower.

"I don't know what to say," Rogue admitted, swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat.

Clementine smiled, a warm, knowing smile that reached her eyes.

"You don't have to say anything. I'm not asking for some grand confession, Marie. Just... I'm here. If that means more space some days, that's fine. If it means more time together... well, I'm okay with that too."

Rogue felt something stir inside her-a mix of relief and something deeper she hadn't yet fully acknowledged.

She wasn't alone.

Not anymore. Maybe, just maybe, she didn't have to be the tough, impenetrable person she'd convinced herself she was.

"You know, you're not exactly a walk in the park either," Rogue said with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood.

Clementine chuckled softly. "I've been told I'm a handful."

The moment hung between them for a few beats longer, each of them soaking in the unspoken understanding that had shifted in the air.

Rogue turned slightly, leaning against the balcony rail next to Clementine, her shoulder brushing lightly against hers. It was a small gesture, but it meant everything.

"I think... I think we're doing better than alright," Rogue said quietly, her words tentative but real.

Clementine didn't say anything at first, just looked out at the city skyline, the faint sound of distant traffic drifting up to the balcony. When she spoke, her voice was softer, almost to herself. "Yeah. Me too."

• • • • • • • • • • •

As the days wore on, Clementine and Rogue found themselves slipping into a rhythm-sometimes in silence, sometimes in laughter, but always in a way that felt... comfortable.

They shared late-night conversations, mornings with stolen glances over breakfast, and quiet moments where their hands might brush as they reached for the same item on the kitchen counter.

It was in these moments that they felt like something deeper was beginning to take root.

One afternoon, as they were both cleaning up after a training session, Rogue found herself looking at Clementine with a soft intensity, one she couldn't quite shake.

It wasn't anything specific-just a glance that lingered a little too long. But it was enough for her to notice, for Clementine to catch it.

"Something on your mind?" Clementine asked, pausing in her task to look at Rogue.

Rogue's heart thudded in her chest. "Nah... just... thinking."

Clementine raised an eyebrow. "About?"

Rogue hesitated, glancing at Clementine's easy smile, the way she always managed to make things feel lighter.

But it wasn't just that. It was the way Clementine had become a constant presence in her life, and the truth was, Rogue didn't know what to make of the way her heart skipped when they were close.

"About us," Rogue said before she could stop herself. It wasn't a confession, but it felt like the first time she was willing to say it out loud, to acknowledge the shift.

Clementine paused, her hands stilling as she met Rogue's gaze. "Us?" she repeated, a flicker of something uncertain in her eyes.

Rogue bit her lip, unsure how to navigate this space between them. "Yeah. I don't know what it is yet. But... it's something, right?"

Clementine set the dish she was holding down, then took a slow step closer, her gaze never leaving Rogue.

The air between them grew thick with unspoken words.

"I think so," Clementine said quietly, taking another step, until there was only a few inches between them.

Her breath was steady, but there was a shift in the way she was looking at Rogue, a new softness, a quiet yearning. "But we don't have to have it all figured out now, Marie."

Rogue looked at her, her chest tight, and for the first time in a long while, she felt... open.

Vulnerable in a way she hadn't allowed herself to be in years. "No. But maybe we could start figuring it out... together."

There was a heartbeat of silence, and then Clementine's lips curled into a slow, knowing smile.

"Yeah," she said softly, stepping just a little closer. "Together."

Rogue's breath hitched, but before she could process the weight of that, Clementine did something that caught her off guard-she leaned forward, her forehead gently touching Rogue's.

It wasn't a kiss, not yet. Just the closeness, the warmth of their shared space.

Rogue closed her eyes, letting the moment wash over her, feeling the quiet stirrings of something deeper.

Something that had started as simple friendship to something casual, but was growing into something more.

• • • • • • • • • • •

The tension, the unspoken pull between them, had been building for weeks, and now, with every shared look, every soft smile, and every small touch, it felt like the first real step was inevitable.

That night, after dinner, they found themselves on the couch in the living room, watching a movie.

It had become a routine: their way of unwinding after a long day, just the two of them in the quiet of the mansion.

But tonight, as the movie played, the air was different-charged, almost electric.

Without thinking, Clementine shifted a little closer to Rogue.

Her shoulder brushed against Rogue's shirt, a contact so casual, yet it sent a shock through Rogue's body.

She didn't pull away.

Clementine leaned her head lightly against Rogue's, their proximity growing more intimate with each passing moment.

Rogue felt her heart thud in her chest, her breath catching as she dared to let herself relax into the closeness.

"Hey, Clem?" Rogue whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Mmhmm?" Clementine hummed in response, her voice soft and quiet.

"Don't leave me, alright?" Rogue's voice broke just a little, more vulnerable than she had meant.

Clementine looked up, her eyes meeting Rogue's with a quiet intensity. "I'm not going anywhere," she said firmly. As she made the promise.

The world seemed to fall away for a moment, leaving just the two of them, sitting together in the quiet space they had created.

And as Rogue leaned in, just slightly, their lips brushed for the first time-a gentle, tentative kiss. No words. It stung.

Clementine held back a wince at the brief contacts, undeniable pain. Due to Rogues mutation.

Though there was still no need for any words. Just the simple acknowledgment of what had been building between them all along.

There was no awkwardness, no rush to explain it.

Just the quiet understanding that this-whatever this was-was only the beginning.

And for the first time, neither of them was afraid to explore where it might go.

• • • • • • • • • • •

The morning after their first kiss, things were... different.

Not in a bad way, but the air between them felt charged, like every small gesture had a weight to it now.

Rogue kept catching herself glancing at Clementine, her heart doing that strange flutter whenever their eyes met.

Clementine, for her part, seemed just as aware of the shift.

She was quieter than usual, but her smile was warmer, her touch lingering a little longer.

It was clear neither of them was ready to go back to the way things had been before.

But neither of them had spoken about it, either.

The silence was thick with unspoken questions.

Rogue found herself waiting for the right moment to voice what had been on her mind ever since their kiss.

That afternoon, after a light training session, they were sitting in the living room, the sunlight streaming through the windows.

Clementine was scrolling through her phone, looking for new music to add to their playlist, while Rogue absently picked at her sleeve.

The space between them felt comfortable, but there was something... unfinished.

"Clem," Rogue began, her voice tentative.

She wasn't sure how to start, but the words were already bubbling up. "About last night..."

Clementine looked up, her expression relaxed but also slightly guarded in a sense.

She had a good idea where this was going, but she let Rogue take the lead.

"Yeah?" Clementine replied, her voice steady, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

Rogue swallowed, her heart suddenly racing.

"I need to know what this is. Us. Because... I'm not really good at all the in-between stuff. And I don't want to mess things up between us, you know?"

Clementine's gaze softened. She put her phone down, her full attention on Rogue now.

She leaned forward slightly, her hands resting on her knees as she studied Rogue with that familiar, understanding gaze.

It wasn't an intimidating look, but it was one that made Rogue feel seen in a way she wasn't used to.

"Look, Marie," Clementine started, her voice calm but firm.

"I don't want any confusion either. You're right. What happened last night... it wasn't just a casual thing for me. It meant something. And I think it means something to you, too."

Rogue's chest tightened, but in a good way.

Clementine's words felt like a bridge, pulling her closer, drawing her into something more concrete, more real.

"It does," she admitted, her voice quiet.

"It's just... I've never really done this, you know? Being with someone and talking about it."

Clementine smiled softly, her gaze never leaving Rogue's.

"I get that. We don't have to have it all figured out right now. But I don't want to be in this weird limbo where we're pretending things aren't changing. Because they are. And that's okay. I'm okay with it."

Rogue's lips parted, and she exhaled slowly. The weight that had been pressing on her chest for days seemed to lift a little.

"You're okay with this?"

"I wouldn't have kissed you last night if I wasn't," Clementine replied, her voice low, a bit gravely but confident.

"I'm not saying we need labels or to rush into anything. But I do want to be with you, Marie. I want to see where this goes."

There it was. The words that had been hanging between them, unspoken, now out in the open. For the first time in a long while, Rogue felt like she could breathe.

"So, we're... we're a thing now?" Rogue asked, the corners of her mouth quirking up in a half-smile.

Clementine let out a soft laugh, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "I don't know. But I know we're a... something," she replied with a shrug. Her voice teasing but sincere.

"I'm okay with figuring it out as we go."

Rogue nodded slowly, a sense of relief washing over her.

"Yeah... me too. I'm just not used to... feeling like this. About someone. I don't know what it all means yet. But I do want to give it a shot, Clem. A real shot."

Clementine reached out, gently touching Rogue's arm, her fingers warm against her skin.

"That's all anyone can ask for," she said softly. "We'll take it one step at a time. No pressure."

Rogue looked down at the hand on her arm, then back at Clementine.

"I can do that. I think... I think I've been scared of this. Being close to someone. But I can try."

There was a beat of silence between them, this conversation, was the start of something real.

"I'm not going anywhere either," Clementine said, her tone quiet but strong. "We're in this together. Whatever it is."

Rogue nodded, her heart swelling with something she hadn't allowed herself to feel in a long time: hope. "Yeah. Together."

• • • • • • • • • • •

That evening, after holding hands under the table at dinner, they found themselves sitting on the couch again, but this time it felt different.

More settled. Less unsure.

They had defined their relationship, in a way.

Not with labels or grand promises, but with the simple understanding that they were choosing each other. And that felt like more than enough.

"I don't want to mess this up," Rogue said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence. "You've been patient with me, Clem. I know that."

Clementine's eyes softened. She reached for Rogue's hand, threading their fingers together.

"You don't have to be perfect, Marie. I'm not looking for perfect. I just see you."

Rogue turned her hand in Clementine's, squeezing it softly. "Yeah. That's all I can offer."

"Good," Clementine said, her voice light. "Because I'm not looking for anything else."

They sat there for a moment, just holding hands, not needing to say anything more.

They both felt sure of it. Of this.

• • • • • • • • • • •

As the days passed, the bond between them grew stronger. They continued to navigate the nuances of their new relationship-sometimes awkward, sometimes smooth, but always realistic.

There were moments when the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, sharing the space they'd created together.

And as they explored what it meant to be together, they both knew that this was just the beginning.

And neither of them was afraid anymore. Okay, not true. Neither were as afraid as before.

I think this gives them the clarity they needed while still leaving room for growth.

• • • • • • • • • • •

It was the rarest of nights-a chance for Rogue and Clementine to step out of the mansion, escape the constant whirlwind of mutant drama, and just... be.

The city felt alive around them as they walked down the sidewalk hand-in-hand, the streetlights casting soft glows on their faces.

Rogue found herself smiling more than usual.

There was something about being out here with Clementine-something about the way Clementine made her feel normal, like she wasn't just the girl with the uncontrollable powers, the one who was always on the outside.

Tonight, she was just Marie. And Clementine was just... Clementine. No terraforge. It felt good. It felt right.

"So, I've been thinkin'," Clementine said as they approached a cozy little café, its neon sign flashing a welcoming pink.

"You gotta try the vegan burgers here. They're out of this world."

Rogue raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Vegan? What, like, no meat?"

"No meat or dairy darling. Just trust me," Clementine grinned, giving a wink.

Squeezing Rogue's hand. "I swear, you won't miss the meat. It's that good."

Rogue chuckled. "Alright, Clem. If you say so. I'll give it a shot, but I ain't makin' any promises."

They entered the café, the bell above the door jingling softly as they stepped into the warm, dimly lit space.

The air smelled of roasted coffee and something sweet-a mix of pastries and the comforting scent of something hearty.

The waitress greeted them with a smile and led them to a corner booth near the window.

Rogue slid into the seat across from Clementine, feeling the familiar warmth of the space wrap around her.

It was like they were the only two people in the world, free from the judgment and danger of being mutants.

They ordered-Rogue was, against her better judgment, going to try the vegan burger-and spent the next few minutes chatting casually.

Clementine had that easy smile, the one that never failed to make Rogue's heart skip.

And Rogue found herself laughing, genuinely, for the first time in a long while. The world outside felt far away.

"So," Clementine said, her voice light, almost teasing.

"When do I get to take you on a real adventure? You know, the kind that doesn't involve people yelling at us or running for our lives?"

Rogue leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms.

"Well, for starters, how 'bout an adventure where no one's tryin' to shoot me? That's a good place to start."

Clementine laughed, leaning forward on the table.

"Fair enough. But one of these days, we're going to take a trip to some random beach or something. No one can find us, no enemies to worry about, just us."

Rogue smiled at the thought. "Yeah? I like the sound of that."

The moment didn't last long. Of course, it didn't.

A loud voice cut through the hum of the café as the door swung open again.

A group of young men entered, their laughter and rowdy energy immediately filling the room.

Rogue could hear snippets of their conversation as they walked by, but she didn't pay much attention until one of them took a look at her and Clementine and smirked.

"Hey," the guy called out, his voice loud enough to draw attention.

"You two got lost? This is a place for normal people. Not... whatever you two are."

Rogue's stomach dropped. It wasn't the first time she'd heard something like this.

In fact, it was almost predictable. But hearing it, especially after the peace they'd just shared, felt like... a pain she hadn't felt before.

She stiffened, her hand instinctively going to her side.

Clementine, who had been about to take a sip from her water glass, paused, setting it down with an almost imperceptible tension growing in her shoulders.

The guy continued, his friends snickering behind him.

"Yeah, don't think we don't know. Mutants always think they're better than the rest of us."

Rogue's eyes narrowed. She hated the feeling of being reduced to one word.

Mutant. Freak. Monster. No matter how often she heard it, it never got easier. It was never just a word. It was a judgment, a stigma.

Clementine's voice, surprisingly calm, broke through.

"I don't think you have any idea who you're talking to," she said, her tone smooth but carrying an edge of warning.

Rogue's hand tightened around the edge of the table, but she didn't stand up.

Not yet. She could feel the rage bubbling up inside her, but she was trying-really trying-not to let it take over.

One of the other guys, emboldened by his friend's taunts, chimed in.

"Oh, you two gonna get violent now? What's it gonna be? Some kind of mutant tantrum?"

The room seemed to shrink around them.

Rogue's gaze flickered between Clementine and the group of men. She could feel the air shift, the tension crackling like static.

Clementine pushed back her chair slowly, standing up with a measured calmness. "If you don't shut your mouth," she said, her voice quiet but deadly, "you'll regret it. Trust me."

The guy looked at her, clearly sizing her up. "Yeah? You think you're tough?" he sneered.

Rogue stood up, her chair scraping against the floor as she moved to stand next to Clementine.

Her voice was low, but she wasn't hiding the anger anymore. The southern accent she had long since hidden away returning in the heat of things.

"We don't need powers to handle people like you," she said coolly. "But don't think we won't."

The group of guys paused. Their bravado faltered for a moment.

Maybe it was the way both Rogue stood there, unmoving, unwavering. How Clementine had joined her.

or maybe it was just the weight of the moment. The silence that followed felt heavy-charged.

For a long beat, neither side moved. And then, as if realizing that things were escalating faster than they were comfortable with, the guys began to back away.

The one who had started it all muttered under his breath, "Whatever, freaks."

• • • • • • • • • • •

The moment they left, the café was suddenly quiet again.

Rogue could feel her pulse still racing, the adrenaline from the confrontation coursing through her.

But as she looked at Clementine, she saw something different. It wasn't anger. It was understanding.

Clementine gave her a soft smile. "You okay?"

Rogue exhaled sharply, her shoulders relaxing. "Yeah. Just... tired of it, you know?"

Clementine nodded, sitting back down. "I hear you. It's exhausting. But we can handle it. Together."

Rogue slid back into her seat across from Clementine, still trying to shake off the tension. "Yeah. I guess we can."

There was a beat of silence, the two of them just absorbing the aftershock of the interruption.

But then Clementine reached over and gently nudged Rogue's hand.

"Hey," she said, a small, reassuring smile on her lips.

"I still say we make the best of this night. They can't ruin it. Not if we don't let them."

Rogue's lips curled into a genuine smile, a little weary but grateful. "You're right. Let's do it."

Clementine's smile widened as she grabbed the menu. "There's still that vegan burger to try."

Rogue chuckled, leaning back into her seat. "Alright, alright. But if it's bad, I'm blaming you."

"I'll take full responsibility darling," Clementine said with another wink.

And just like that, the mood shifted again.

It was small, but the little victory of reclaiming their night, despite the interruptions, felt like a triumph.

They could face the world together-no matter how ugly it got. For any reason, whether it be for being women, mutants or queer.

• • • • • • • • • • •

The night after the slightly awkward confrontation in the café, Rogue and Clementine found themselves back in their cozy little apartment, the one they now shared as roommates.

The lights were dim, and the only sound was the soft hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen.

They had just finished unpacking their things from the evening, the remnants of their interrupted dinner now forgotten.

Clementine sat on the couch, her feet tucked under her, scrolling through her phone. Rogue, however, was standing by the window, looking out at the lights of the city.

She wasn't upset anymore. But something about that interaction at the café kept tugging at her thoughts.

"Hey," Clementine's voice broke through the quiet, warm and soft. "You doing okay?"

Rogue turned her head, her back still facing Clementine.

Her shoulders were relaxed now, the last traces of anger from the encounter fading into the evening air. But the question lingered.

"I'm fine," she replied, though her voice had a distant edge. "Just... tired, you know? Of people thinking they have the right to say whatever they want. And of the same old-insults."

Clementine nodded, her tone understanding. "Yeah. I get it. It sucks. But you handled it, Marie. You didn't let them get to you."

Rogue stiffened slightly at the name. Her hand unconsciously gripped the windowsill as she turned her head slightly, catching Clementine's eye. "You really are the only one who calls me that."

The words hung in the air for a moment, almost as if Rogue wasn't sure whether she wanted to say it aloud.

The middle name "Marie" felt... different when it came from Clementine's mouth.

It didn't feel like a her name anymore, but like something deeper-something loving.

Clementine paused, looking up from her phone, meeting Rogue's gaze.

There was something soft in her eyes.

She set her phone down and leaned forward slightly on the couch, her voice quiet but steady.

"Yeah, well," she said, the corners of her mouth turning up just a little, "that's because I see you, Marie. Not just the Rogue that everyone else knows."

Rogue looked away, her eyes momentarily darting back to the city lights.

She had always associated her first name, Anna, with the girl she used to be, the girl that felt like a lifetime ago. It was a name she hardly ever used anymore-Rogue had become the mask, the shield. But Clementine's use of "Marie" felt different. It felt like an acknowledgment of the person she was underneath all that.

"I don't think I ever really let anyone call me that. Marie. Not even the people who knew me back... before."

Clementine's voice was gentle, but there was a quiet sincerity in it that made Rogue's chest tighten in a way she didn't expect. "I guess that's because they only ever saw the parts you let them see, right?"

Rogue nodded, but her gaze stayed fixed on the window.

"Yeah. But you see me, Clem. Like... all of me. And I don't know why that means so much, but it does."

Clementine stood up slowly and walked over to stand next to her, her presence calm and grounding. "Marie," she said again, this time with more warmth in her voice, a quiet confidence behind it.

"You don't ever have to hide with me. You never did."

The softness of Clementine's words, the way she said her name-Marie-sent a ripple of something tender through Rogue.

She wasn't used to hearing that name, not like this. Not with this much... care.

No, no wait. That wasn't true. Rogue was used to hearing it but...just from her.

It felt honest and loving.

For a moment, there was a pause between them-silent but heavy with meaning.

Rogue turned toward Clementine then, her voice a little more uncertain than usual.

"Why me, Clem?" she asked, her tone almost shy. "Why call me that? Why lo- care about me..."

Clementine's smile was gentle, her expression thoughtful.

She reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind Rogue's ear, not touching the girls skin.

"Because I don't just want to know Rogue," Clementine said softly, her words measured, as though choosing them carefully.

"I want to know you. The girl who's got dreams and fears and all the things that come with being more than just a mutant. I see the fighter. I see the strength. But I also see the person. And that... that's Marie."

Rogue swallowed, her throat tightening.

The vulnerability she had always hidden beneath her tough exterior was laid bare in those words.

Clementine wasn't just seeing the hero side of her, or the fighter side-she was seeing the parts of her that Rogue had buried under layers of armor.

The soft, unsure parts that no one else got to witness.

"Marie," Clementine repeated, her voice low and sincere.

"That's who I want to be close to. Not Rogue. Not the public domain image of you everyone else knows. But you. All of you. If you'll let me."

Rogue's breath caught in her throat. She was so not used to this-the quiet tenderness, the raw honesty.

She had always thought of herself as a complicated mess of contradictions, someone who could never be fully understood. But Clementine? She understood.

And for the first time in ages, Rogue allowed herself to let down the walls just a little.

She wasn't Marie all the time. But when Clementine called her by that name, it felt like a kind of invitation.

Like, maybe, just maybe, she could be that girl again. The sweet, innocent one that didn't know the ravages of prejudice.

A girl who wasn't a weapon or a freak. A girl who could have more than just the title of Rogue the xman.

She closed the space between them, looking up at Clementine with something that was both fierce and soft.

"You're the only one who calls me that. And... I think I like it."

Clementine smiled, her fingers gently brushing Rogue's arm, grounding her. "Good. Because I'm not stopping."

Unless of course Rogue hadn't liked it. But Rogue didn't need to hear that part, she already knew it. For she knew Clementine like no other.

• • • • • • • • • • •

It had been a normal day at the school-well, as normal as it gets at Xavier's school for gifted youngsters.

Rogue was standing by the front door, a hot cup of coffee in her hands, watching the students practice outside through the large windows.

She was feeling good today, the kind of light that comes after a night spent in the company of someone who makes you forget about everything else.

And that someone had a name: Clementine.

Rogue's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of heavy boots echoing down the hallway.

She didn't need to look to know who it was-Logan.

He passed through the mansion every now and then, checking in on the kids, doing a little reconnaissance work for the team, and generally being the gruff but protective figure in their lives.

But today? Today, it felt like something more than just a routine check-in.

She could sense it in the air-Logan wasn't the type to linger, but something had him here today.

Sure enough, Logan's broad figure appeared in the doorway.

His usual scowl softened slightly when he saw her, but just barely. Near imperceptible to those that didn't know him.

"Well, well. If it ain't the girl who doesn't know how to stay outta trouble," he grunted, his gravelly voice pulling a smile out of Rogue.

Rogue laughed and took a sip of her coffee.

"You sure know how to make a girl feel welcome, old man." She set the cup down on the counter, her energy shifting.

"But seriously, what's bringin' you around today? You passin' through, or stayin' for a bit?"

Logan grunted again, stepping farther into the room.

He was still wearing that old leather jacket of his, but his eyes softened just a little as he looked around.

"Just thought I'd stop by, check in on you and the others. See how everyone's doin'. You lookin' after yourself?"

Rogue raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you care?"

Logan's expression didn't change much, but there was something there-something unspoken in the way his gaze lingered on her.

He gave a quick shrug. "Don't get all sentimental on me, kid. Just makin' sure you're not gettin' into trouble." His eyes flickered to the window, where he saw some of the students practicing their powers.

"Some of 'em are a handful. Looks like the place hasn't changed much."

Rogue smirked, folding her arms over her chest.

"You could say that. It's still chaos, but at least I'm not gettin' attacked by a rogue Sentinel every week."

Her voice softened a little, her smile fading into something more genuine.

"We're all doin' okay. Better, even."

Logan didn't say anything at first, but his eyes followed her expression closely.

He wasn't one for a lot of emotional moments, but he knew Rogue well enough to catch that subtle shift in her tone.

"Better, huh?" he asked, his gaze sharpening just a little. "That so?"

Rogue felt a surge of excitement-something she hadn't expected to feel when talking about Clementine, of all people-but there it was.

The realization that she was happy. And she wanted to share that with Logan. She leaned against the counter, her face lighting up.

"Yeah, actually. There's someone I want you to meet." Her grin was wide, and her eyes sparkled a little.

"Oh?" Logan hummed intrigued. He was her pseudo father figure after all.

"Her name's Clementine. She's... well, she's amazing, Logan. You'd love her."

Logan gave her a skeptical look, folding his arms. "Clementine, huh?" he repeated, the name rolling off his tongue as though he was already mentally taking notes.

"Sounds like one of those 'too good to be true' types. What's the catch?"

Rogue rolled her eyes, clearly amused by his response.

"There's no catch, old man. She's just... she's been incredible. You know, after everything we've both been through, it's nice to have someone who gets it, y'know?"

Her voice had softened, becoming almost shy as she talked about Clementine.

She'd never quite said anything like this to Logan before, and it felt both exciting and a little bit... embarrassing.

"She doesn't care about all the stuff I've done in the past. She just sees me, Logan. She doesn't care that I can't touch her-- and she just really sees me. And I think..." She trailed off, a little unsure of how to finish that thought.

Though the word 'love' had been on the tip of her tongue.

Logan raised an eyebrow, clearly trying not to smirk. He cleared his throat. "Well, she sounds like a real... character."

Rogue gave him a sideways glance, sensing the teasing tone, but she couldn't help the way her face softened. "She is. But she's a good person. And I think she's... well, she's different from anyone I've ever met."

Logan's expression flickered with something almost like recognition, but it was gone before Rogue could place it. Instead, he gave a rough snort, shaking his head.

"You're tellin' me, the same girl who used to run off half-cocked with me is now talkin' about a girlfriend?" His voice held a hint of surprise, but underneath, there was something else-something closer to warmth, even pride.

Rogue crossed her arms and shot him an exaggerated glare.

"She's not my girlfriend, old man. Not yet, at least." But the way she said it, with a half-smile on her face, told a different story.

"But she might be. And I want you to meet her. Maybe at dinner sometime? She'd love to meet you."

Logan studied her for a moment, his face unreadable as he considered this.

He might have spent years running from attachments, but Rogue was different.

She had always been different.

The kid he'd pulled out of Mississippi, brought to the mansion.

The girl who had fought alongside him and bled alongside him.

He had a soft spot for her, no matter how much he grumbled about it.

"Alright," he said after a long pause, his voice softer than usual. "I'll meet her. But only if she promises not to throw me off the balcony for being too blunt."

Rogue laughed, the sound light and carefree. "She's not like that. She's cool. You'll see."

Logan nodded, though there was a wry glint in his eye. "We'll see about that, kid."

"Wait did you just imply that someone's throw you off a too for being too blunt-"

• • • • • • • • • • •

They stood there for a moment, the weight of Logan's approval sinking in.

Rogue didn't need him to like Clementine, but knowing that he was open to meeting her felt like a small victory.

It was like the last piece of the puzzle falling into place.

"You know," Logan said suddenly, his tone shifting back to his usual gruffness.

"I gotta warn you, kid. You keep talkin' like that about someone, you're gonna get attached real fast."

Rogue's smile faltered just a bit, but she kept her confidence. "I know what I'm doin', Logan. And for once, I think I'm getting it right."

Logan nodded slowly, his gaze softening just a little, though he still managed to keep that edge of his usual sarcasm.

"Yeah, well. Don't say I didn't warn ya. But I'll keep my eye out for this Clementine. Just don't go making the same mistakes, alright?"

Rogue grinned, a little cocky now. "I'm not you, Logan. I can handle it."

Logan's eyes flicked to her, a rare but approving glint in his expression. "You better. But you've always been tough enough for that."

He stepped toward the door, pausing just before he left, turning back to give her one last look.

"Take care of yourself, Marie. And remember, I'm always around if you need me."

Rogue nodded, her smile warm but tinged with a little bit of sentiment. "I know, Logan. Thanks."

And with that, he was gone-off into the night, like the lone wolf he always was. But this time, Rogue felt different. She wasn't alone anymore.

She supposed Logan would meet Clementine another time like he had promised.

As Rogue stood there, watching the door close behind Logan, she felt the weight of everything that had changed.

Not just with Clementine, but with herself. She'd always been the lone fighter-the one with a chip on her shoulder. But now, maybe she was ready for something different.

A relationship that wasn't about the fight, or the power, or the history. Just... being together.

She couldn't help but smile as she thought of Clementine again.

Maybe Logan was right about one thing: she was getting attached. And maybe that wasn't such a bad thing after all.

• • • • • • • • • • •

It was one of those quiet evenings at the mansion where time felt like it slowed down.

Rogue and Clementine had spent the afternoon watching movies, playing some video games, and laughing over an entire pizza they'd demolished between the two of them.

They'd grown closer every day, their easy banter and shared moments filling the silence in ways Rogue hadn't realized she'd been craving.

But tonight was different.

Clementine had been unusually quiet, her face soft and thoughtful as she worked on some sketches at the dining table.

Rogue was perched on the edge of the couch, a comfortable distance away but close enough that they could feel the warmth of each other's presence.

Rogue watched Clementine for a moment, her gaze softening. There was something about her-about Clementine-that made Rogue's chest ache with something gentle, something she hadn't quite let herself feel in a long time.

Her thoughts were a whirlwind, but all she could focus on was the girl in front of her. Clementine.

After a long pause, Rogue finally spoke, her voice low and quiet, almost hesitant. "You okay, Clem?"

Clementine looked up, her dark eyes locking with Rogue's.

She smiled, but there was a certain shyness behind it-something that told Rogue she wasn't entirely okay, but didn't want to admit it. Not yet.

"Yeah, just... thinking," Clementine said, tapping her pencil against her sketchbook.

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, the motion so casual yet so endearing. "I'm just really happy... to be here with you, y'know?"

Rogue's heart skipped a beat. She swallowed, trying to play it off.

"You've been sayin' that a lot lately," she teased, but her voice was softer than usual. "You sure I'm not just some kind of distraction?"

Clementine chuckled, a small, genuine sound that made Rogue's heart ache again.

"Maybe," she jokes with a grin, her voice teasing. "But you're a distraction I don't mind, Mi cielo."

Rogue froze. She hadn't been expecting that.

Her mind stuttered for a moment, processing the unexpected Spanish term of endearment.

Mi cielo. It translated roughly to "my sky" or "my heaven," a sweet nickname that carried with it an intimacy that hit Rogue unexpectedly.

Clementine's eyes widened immediately, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of pink as she realized what she'd said.

"Oh goodness, I-I'm sorry!" She quickly apologized, her hands flapping nervously. "I didn't mean to-"

Rogue blinked, her breath catching.

There was something warm in her chest, and for a moment, she could hardly process the words.

Mi cielo.

The way Clementine had said it, so effortlessly, like it was the most natural thing in the world, made Rogue feel... seen.

In a way she hadn't felt in a long time.

"No, no, it's..." Rogue's voice trailed off, softening.

"It's fine. It just... surprised me is all." She tried to recover, her mind scrambling for something to say that wouldn't make this feel too awkward.

"I just didn't think you'd-"

"You don't have to apologize," Rogue interrupted, her tone kind but firm. "I... actually kinda liked it."

Clementine blinked, her heart beating faster now.

"Really?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes that made Rogue's chest tighten.

Rogue hesitated, and for a moment, there was a brief, quiet stillness between them.

She wasn't sure how to explain it-how to explain the way hearing that word from Clementine had made her feel-but she didn't want to brush it off.

She didn't want to pretend like it wasn't important.

"Yeah. I think I liked it too." Rogue's voice was gentle now, her words sincere.

"Mi cielo, huh?" She repeated it softly, testing the sound of it on her tongue. It wasn't exactly the same as when Clementine said it due to rogues lack of accent.

It felt different when it came from Clementine, as if it wasn't just a word-it was an invitation to something deeper.

Something she'd been too afraid to name before.

Clementine's cheeks flushed even darker, her fingers gripping the edge of her sketchbook as she glanced down, biting her lip nervously.

"I didn't mean to make it weird, but..." Her voice trailed off, uncertain.

Rogue smiled then, a little more confident. She crossed the room slowly, her footsteps measured, like she was carefully choosing each step, as if she were walking on thin ice.

But when she reached Clementine, she paused and dropped to one knee beside her, so they were eye level.

"Don't worry," Rogue murmured, her voice calm and steady. "It's not weird. It's just right."

Clementine's breath caught in her throat. The moment felt like it was stretching, like time itself had stopped to give them a moment that neither of them had expected but both needed.

"Is this cause we watched Goldilocks yesterday?" Clementine asked, her voice a little shaky, her dark eyes simultaneously searching Rogue's for reassurance.

Rogue's hand reached out, her fingers brushing gently over Clementine's, a soft contact that was somehow full of meaning.

"Yeah, Clem. I do." Her thumb traced the back of Clementine's hand in a slow, comforting motion.

"Mi cielo. That's what you are to me too."

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

It wasn't necessary.

The words had already been said, and in them was a promise, a tenderness that neither of them had been ready to admit until now.

Clementine finally let out a breath, her eyes soft with emotion.

"God, you really do know how to make me feel like... like I'm everything."

Rogue smiled, her expression a mix of softness and amusement. "Well, you kinda are," she teased lightly, the warmth between them growing.

The air between them was electric with something new-a new understanding, a new closeness that neither of them had fully realized was coming.

But here they were, standing at the edge of something deeper, something both thrilling and terrifying at once.

"Mi cielo," Clementine repeated, this time without hesitation, the words flowing more naturally now.

"You have no idea how much that means to me."

Rogue leaned in just a little closer, her smile tender. "Maybe I do."

• • • • • • • • • • •

The roller rink was bustling with people, but the dimmed lights and neon glow made everything feel like a world apart.

Music played softly in the background, an upbeat song from the '90s that had Rogue grinning the moment she heard the familiar beat.

Her large head of curly hair bouncing as she danced a bit.

It was one of those places that felt nostalgic, like something out of a forgotten summer memory.

And tonight, it was just the two of them-Rogue and Clementine-holding hands as they stood at the edge of the rink, both a little unsure of their balance on roller skates.

Rogue took a deep breath and looked down at her skates.

"You sure this is a good idea, Clem?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, her voice laced with amusement.

"I haven't skated in, like, years. This might end poorly."

Clementine gave her a wide grin, clearly more excited than nervous.

"Don't worry, I've got this." She bounced slightly on her skates, testing her balance with ease.

"You'll be fine. Just relax. It's all about trusting the wheels."

Rogue shot her a skeptical look, her hand gripping the side railing for balance.

"Yeah, well, I'm more accustomed to jumping from helicopters, not gliding on plastic wheels."

Clementine laughed, her eyes sparkling as she rolled forward a little.

"Hey, I've seen you fight giant robots and take down bad guys-what's a couple of turns on wheels gonna do to you?"

Rogue snorted at that, shaking her head. "I'm not exactly graceful, Clem. You'll be lucky if I don't end up flat on my back."

"Well, if you do fall," Clementine teased, "I'll be there to catch you."

"Uh huh, and if you fall?" Rogue raised an eyebrow as Clementine rolled a little farther away from her, a challenge flickering in her eyes.

"What then? You gonna make me catch you?"

"Oh, you bet I will," Clementine said, leaning forward playfully, her arms out like she was ready to take off.

"And if you catch me, maybe I'll let you off the hook."

"Yeah?" Rogue's grin deepened, and she let go of the railing, finally pushing herself forward on shaky wheels.

She rolled toward Clementine slowly, making sure she had her balance, but her smile never faltered. "Let's see if you can keep up first, though."

Clementine raised her eyebrows in mock surprise. "Oh, I can keep up just fine."

Before Rogue could respond, Clementine took off, gliding across the rink with a fluidity that surprised her.

The girl had skills-it was like she was born on skates. She effortlessly picked up speed, skating backward for a few seconds before turning and gliding past Rogue with a wink.

Rogue blinked, momentarily stunned. "Show-off," she muttered, but the words were light, a teasing edge to her tone.

Determined not to be outdone, she pushed harder, chasing after Clementine, her wheels skating faster and more confidently as she went.

Clementine glanced over her shoulder, seeing Rogue gaining on her, and laughed, her voice light and carefree. "I told you I was good at this!"

"You're a trickster," Rogue called after her, trying to close the gap. But despite herself, she was enjoying it more than she expected.

The air felt cooler as they circled the rink, the glow of the neon lights making everything feel like a dream.

She wasn't used to this-a carefree night where she didn't have to be Rogue, the girl who'd fought countless battles. Tonight, she was just Marie, skating with someone who liked her.

They spent the next few laps teasing each other, laughing, and slowly-almost without realizing it-drawing closer.

Clementine did a quick spin and managed to get right in front of Rogue, causing her to brake suddenly to avoid crashing into her.

"You okay?" Clementine asked, her voice softening as Rogue wobbled slightly, the thrill of the chase leaving her breathless. "You didn't fall, did you?"

"I'm fine," Rogue said with a crooked grin, trying to hide the fact that her heart was racing.

It wasn't from the skating, though.

It was the way Clementine's hand reached out to steady her, the light touch of her fingers against Rogue's wrist as she steadied her on her feet.

"I told you I'd survive."

Clementine smirked, her fingers still lingering on Rogue's skin for a moment longer than necessary before pulling back. "I told you you'd be fine."

Then her tone softened, and she leaned in a little closer. "But I meant what I said earlier... If you did fall, I'd catch you."

Rogue's breath caught in her throat for a moment, and the words settled between them like a promise.

She met Clementine's gaze, her heart doing a small flip in her chest. She wasn't sure why it hit her like it did, but the sincerity in Clementine's voice made it all the more meaningful.

The simple, quiet affection in her words was enough to make Rogue's pulse race.

"Well," Rogue said, taking a deep breath and looking into Clementine's eyes with a teasing smile, "I guess we'll see how good your catching skills are, huh?"

The tension between them shifted, their eyes locking in that familiar way.

For a moment, everything around them blurred-the rink, the neon lights, the noise.

It was just them, and in that moment, they were the only two people in the world.

Before Clementine could respond, Rogue surged forward once more, skating faster, her heart pounding in her chest as she made her way across the rink.

Clementine watched her for a second, her eyes softening with affection before she followed after, her voice calling out just loud enough for Rogue to hear, "Don't worry, Mi cielo, I'm right behind you."

Rogue grinned, knowing that wherever they were headed-whether she was falling or gliding on wheels-Clementine would be there to catch her.

• • • • • • • • • • •

The soft hum of music filled the background, blending with the casual chatter and clinking of dishes around them.

Rogue and Clementine had finally gotten themselves a small corner booth at a cozy little diner after a long day.

It was a place where the food was comfortingly greasy, and the light was dim, with a soft glow that made everything feel warm and familiar.

Clementine, of course, had already attacked the basket of pretzels that had been brought to the table-leaving the last one for herself as she picked it up dramatically, inspecting it with exaggerated care.

"Hmm... this one's got potential," Clementine said, holding the pretzel up like it was a rare artifact.

She squinted at it, then took a dramatic bite, her eyes wide like she was having a revelation.

"Perfection."

Rogue, who had been quietly sipping her soda, raised an eyebrow. "What in the world are you on about, Clem?"

Clementine didn't answer immediately.

Instead, she shoved the pretzel halfway into her mouth, then pressed it against her face, the long, twisted shape framing her features like a ridiculous mask.

She tilted her head to the side and squinted one eye, then made an exaggerated frown.

"How do I look?" she asked, her voice muffled by the pretzel. "Am I a vision of elegance and grace, or... am I the pretzel queen?"

Rogue choked on her soda, caught off guard by the absurdity of it. "What-" She couldn't finish the sentence as she tried to hold back the laughter bubbling up from her chest.

Clementine didn't break character. She took the pretzel off her face with a flourish, holding it up like a scepter.

"The Pretzel Queen demands a tribute!" She grinned, with an endearing energy that always made Rogue's heart feel lighter.

Rogue, still laughing, wiped a tear from her eye and shook her head.

"You're unbelievable." She leaned back in her seat, smiling with an ease that felt new-like this was a side of herself she hadn't shown anyone in a long time.

"You know that, right?"

Clementine leaned forward, pressing her hands to the table like she was about to tell a great secret. "I know. But you love it."

"Yeah, maybe," Rogue admitted, her smile widening. "But don't get too cocky, Clem. You've still got a pretzel on your face."

Clementine grinned, then lifted the pretzel to her face again, this time holding it in place like a nose and giving Rogue an exaggerated, squinty look.

"There. Now I'm the perfect blend of chic and... ridiculous." She paused, looking down at herself, then back up at Rogue. "But I'm still missing something..."

"What?" Rogue asked, her voice filled with playful curiosity.

Clementine immediately grabbed the ketchup bottle from the table and squirted a large amount of the red sauce onto her pretzel-covered nose.

She looked up at Rogue, her face scrunched in a dramatic display of faux concern. "There! I look like a modern art masterpiece, don't you think?"

Rogue snorted, unable to hold back her laughter any longer.

"You are out of your mind!" She clutched her stomach as she doubled over, gasping for air.

The ridiculousness of it all was contagious, and she couldn't stop giggling. "What in the world made you think to do that?"

Clementine's grin only grew wider. She dropped the pretzel onto her plate, wiping her ketchup-covered nose with the back of her hand.

"I've got to keep you on your toes, Marie. You can't expect me to be serious all the time. That's boring."

Rogue wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, still chuckling.

"Honestly, I don't think I could handle it if you were," she said, her voice lighter than it had been in a long time.

She reached across the table and flicked a tiny bit of ketchup off Clementine's cheek with her glove. "You're a mess, but you're my mess."

Clementine's face softened, a genuine warmth in her eyes as she leaned forward a little, her voice quieter now. "And you're my favorite disaster."

Rogue smiled, her heart feeling warm and full.

"You know, I never would've expected that this is where I'd end up. But I'm glad I did."

"Me too," Clementine said, the silliness fading for just a moment as she met Rogue's eyes.

There was a quiet sincerity in her gaze, but it was quickly replaced by a playful twinkle.

"And you better be glad, 'cause now you've got me, for better or for worse."

Rogue leaned back, letting out a breath of contentment. "I think I can handle worse. Especially when I've got you making faces with pretzels."

The two of them exchanged another glance, and then Clementine grabbed another pretzel, biting off the tip as she made a silly face again, her voice turning mischievous.

"You say that now, but wait until I start making balloon animals out of these things."

Rogue chuckled, the sound warm and free. "I look forward to it, you weirdo."

They both laughed again, the sound easy and comfortable, like they'd known each other for years.

In that moment, Rogue realized that Clementine was exactly what she needed-a goofy, ridiculous, and wonderfully sincere presence that made everything seem lighter.

And she didn't want to go another day without it.

• • • • • • • • • • •

The diner was quieter now, the evening winding down after a night full of teasing and laughter.

The neon lights outside cast a gentle glow across the table where Rogue and Clementine sat.

Empty plates of half-finished food and half-drunk sodas littered the surface, but neither of them were in a hurry to leave.

The comfortable silence between them felt easy, natural.

They were just two people, together, sharing a moment that felt like it belonged to them alone.

Clementine was leaning back in her seat, fiddling with the straw of her soda and staring absently out the window at the flickering lights of the street.

Rogue, always a little more reserved, had her arms crossed on the table, watching Clementine with a softness in her eyes that she didn't try to hide.

There was a part of her that had grown fond of these quiet moments-of just being near Clementine without the weight of expectations or the pressure of the world outside.

Clementine caught her gaze and smiled, a little shy but genuine. "What?" she asked, her voice teasing.

Rogue blinked, surprised to be caught staring, but she couldn't help herself.

"Nothing. Just... you've got that look again."

Clementine tilted her head, curious. "What look?"

"The one where you look like you're about to make some wild joke, but then you don't. It's the 'I'm thinking of something ridiculous, but I'm keeping it to myself' look."

Clementine burst out laughing. "I do not make a face like that!" she protested, though her wide grin suggested she wasn't exactly convincing.

Rogue chuckled softly, shaking her head.

"You absolutely do. I see it every time." She leaned forward slightly, her hand resting on the edge of the table as if she were about to push herself up to tease her further.

But that's when it happened.

As Clementine leaned in, instinctively reaching across the table to flick a napkin at Rogue, her hand brushed against Rogue's forearm. It was brief, just a fleeting contact-but it was enough.

Rogue's breath caught in her throat.

The second their skin made contact, Clementine felt it-the burn. It was a sharp, sudden sting that seemed to ripple across her fingers in an instant, like a hot wire had briefly coursed through her skin.

Clementine froze, her eyes widening with the realization of what had happened. Her mind scrambled for control as the burn flared, almost imperceptibly, leaving a small mark on Clementine's skin.

"Clementine-" Rogue pulled herself back quickly, her eyes panicked as she looked down at the small, faint red welt that had appeared on Clementine's skin where their fingers had touched.

The burn was slight, a faint redness, but it still carried that sharp sting, a reminder of the power she couldn't always control.

"Oh, God... I'm so sorry," Rogue said quickly, her voice laced with guilt.

Rogue instinctively reached out to try and hold Clementines face so that she could hold the girls face and check for injury.

But she quickly stopped herself, a few quick blinks. Pulling her hands back.

Clementine blinked, looking at the mark on her skin, but there was no panic in her eyes.

She merely stared at it for a moment, a small frown pulling at her lips, before her gaze slowly shifted up to meet Rogue's.

"Hey," Clementine said softly, her voice steady despite the pain that was starting to fade.

"I-it's- It's okay. Really."

Rogue's heart was pounding in her chest, the overwhelming instinct to apologize rushing to her lips. "I didn't mean to- I didn't realzie-"

"No, I know," Clementine interrupted gently, a small, understanding smile playing at her lips.

She touched the small burn lightly with her finger, as if to test it, before looking back at Rogue.

"I know it's not your fault, Marie. It's just... your thing? You didn't mean to hurt me."

Rogue flinched, her chest tightening as the guilt gnawed at her.

"But I did hurt you!" she whispered, her voice strained.

"Even if it's just a little, I-"

"Hey," Clementine cut in again, more firmly this time, reaching across the table to gently place her hand over Rogue's gloved hand.

The touch was warm, soft, and somehow reassuring. "It's fine. It's a little burn. No big deal."

She gave Rogue's hand a gentle squeeze, the pressure light but enough to ground her. "I've been through worse. It's really okay."

Rogue stared down at their hands, the soft warmth of Clementine's touch contrasting sharply with the sting of her own.

She could feel her pulse racing in her throat as she tried to meet Clementine's gaze.

"But I'm scared that one day I'll hurt you more. That I won't be able to stop it... What if it's like this forever?"

Clementine's expression softened, the playful teasing that normally danced in her eyes replaced by something much more sincere.

"Marie..." She let out a quiet breath, her thumb brushing over the back of Rogue's hand in a slow, deliberate motion.

"You already take care of me more than anyone else ever has. It's not about being perfect. It's about trusting each other. And I trust you."

Rogue's throat tightened, and for a moment, she felt like her heart might burst.

She had never expected anyone to say something like that-not with her powers, not with the burden she carried.

The vulnerability, the trust, it was so raw and open. It was everything Rogue had been scared to let anyone see.

"You trust me?" Rogue whispered, almost in disbelief.

Clementine nodded, her gaze never leaving Rogue's.

"Yeah. I trust you. And I don't need you to be perfect. I just need you to be you. That's enough for me."

Rogue was silent for a moment, just taking it all in.

She wasn't used to this kind of unconditional acceptance.

Slowly, she let out a shaky breath and leaned forward, her forehead resting lightly against Clementine's clothed shoulder.

The touch was soft, but there was so much emotion behind it-gratitude, tenderness, relief.

"Mi cielo..." Clementine murmured quietly, her voice thick with emotion.

Rogues eyes fluttered closed, a soft whisps breath of peace, leaving her lips.

"Don't worry about it. I'm not going anywhere, okay?"

Rogue closed her eyes for a second, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. "I don't deserve you."

"Yes, you do," Clementine replied softly, pressing a light and quick kiss to the side of Rogue's temple. Bearing the soft burn.

"You're exactly what I need."

• • • • • • • • • • •

Rogue had just finished her class, the one she'd taken without Clementine-mostly because Clementine had been off doing something else (most likely, getting into trouble).

As Rogue walked down the hall toward their dorm, she felt a bit of relief that the class was finally over.

It had been a long day, and her mind was already drifting to the idea of a quiet evening, maybe some downtime with Clementine.

Just as she turned the corner near their door, a pair of hands-warm and mischievous-appeared out of nowhere, hovering gently over her eyes. Careful not to touch her.

"Guess who?" came a familiar, playful voice, muffled but unmistakable.

Rogue blinked in surprise, immediately recognizing the touch and the tone.

Her heart skipped a beat.

"Clem?" she asked, her voice teasing but also amused.

"Nooo?" came the dramatic response, followed by a pause and then a teasingly long sigh.

Rogue couldn't help but smile at how ridiculous this was already.

"Liar." Rogue mumbles.

She leaned back slightly, allowing Clementine to hold her eyes hostage for a moment longer. But also wanting more space between her skin and Clems hands.

"Who else could it be?" Rogue replied, trying to play it cool despite the way her heart had already warmed.

But Clementine wasn't done. She pulled her hands away just a little, before sliding in closer.

"Oh sorry, Masmodel," she teased, the nickname slipping from her lips with such exaggerated sweetness that Rogue could practically feel the mock air kiss.

"I was looking for lovely girlfriend, not some brooding, overly serious student. Is that who I've been searching for?" She spoke as if she were dramatically scanning the room for someone else, her tone shifting to exaggerated disappointment.

Rogue chuckled and shook her head, but couldn't resist the game.

"Uh-huh, sure. You were looking for someone else. That's why your hands were all over my face."

"Oh, yeah," Clementine went on, her voice full of mock disbelief.

"Clearly, I was just trying to have a completely innocent non-romantic moment with this random person. Definitely not my girlfriend."

At that, Rogue couldn't hold back her smile, leaning back against the door with a playful roll of her eyes.

"You really are something else, huh?"

Clementine took a dramatic step back, pretending to examine Rogue from head to toe with an overblown critical eye.

"Hmmm," she hummed, tapping her chin like a detective solving a great mystery.

"But I'm still not convinced. You look a bit like my lovely girlfriend, but you also have the attitude of someone who's never seen the inside of a romance novel."

Rogue's brow arched. "Oh, really now? Is that so?"

"Yeah," Clementine said with a knowing grin.

"you're too cold, I can feel it radiating off you. My lovely girlfriend is much warmer than this." She crossed her arms dramatically, giving Rogue the full effect of her exaggerated scrutiny.

"Do you even know how to be cute without trying to be broody?"

Rogue narrowed her eyes, her smile still playful, but her voice taking on that teasing edge she only reserved for Clementine.

"You're really pushing it, huh? Getting a bit too comfortable with this whole 'girlfriend' thing, Clem."

For a split second, Clementine's face shifted, her eyes glinting mischievously as she stepped closer again.

"Girlfriend?" she repeated, drawing out the word like it was something she had just realized.

"Oh yeah, that's right. We are dating." She put her hand to her chin dramatically, as if remembering something important.

"I almost forgot! For a second there, I thought I was just flirting with some random, gorgeous woman I bumped into in the hall."

Rogue blinked in mock surprise, her jaw dropping slightly.

"Wait, you forgot we're dating? Am I that awful of a girlfriend?" She put her hand on her hip, pretending to be hurt.

Clementine's eyes widened, her hand flying to her heart.

"Oh no!" she exclaimed, putting on a fake tragic expression.

"You're getting the wrong impression! You're way more than that! You're my amazing, beautiful girlfriend. How could I forget?"

She grabbed Rogue's gloved hand and spun her around gently, like they were dancing.

"And I only flirt with the finest of fine women. You know, like my totally rad, extremely cool girlfriend."

Rogue laughed, swatting her gently on the arm.

"You're ridiculous," she muttered, even though she was grinning.

Clementine chuckled, stopping their 'dance' and leaning in so her face was just inches from Rogue's.

"Oh, I know. But you love it," she said, her voice light and teasing as her gaze softened, looking at Rogue with that knowing look that made Rogue's heart skip a beat.

Rogue smirked, her hands gently resting on Clementine's shoulders, her voice lowering to a soft, affectionate tone.

"Yeah, I do. But don't push your luck, my dear," she said with a wink.

"Lucky me," Clementine replied, her lips curving into a grin.

"I get to spend my days pretending to flirt with you, and I still get to call you my girlfriend. Not bad, huh?"

Rogue shook her head, laughing. "Not bad at all. You're lucky you're so cute."

Clementine leaned in, her voice low and teasing, "Yeah? Well, lucky for you, this cute girl is all yours."

Rogue couldn't help the soft smile that tugged at her lips. "Yeah. I'm pretty lucky."

As they stood there, the light banter shifting into something deeper and more meaningful, there was no doubt in Rogue's mind....

She had found someone who could make her laugh like she never had before, someone who made her feel safe in her own skin.

Clementine wasn't just her girlfriend. She was the one who saw her, truly saw her, in a way no one else had.

And despite the playful teasing and ridiculous jokes, that was all Rogue really needed to feel like she belonged.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Most of the students were off doing their own thing, and the couches were free of the usual flurry of activities.

Rogue had found herself lounging on one of the plush chairs by the fireplace, a mug of hot cocoa in hand, her legs tucked up underneath her as she gazed out the large windows, watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Kitty, who had been hovering around the kitchen area for a while, finally settled down next to her.

"I've been trying to get my hands on some of that homemade cookies you baked, but they've disappeared into the abyss," Kitty joked, plopping herself down beside Rogue with a grin.

Rogue laughed softly, setting her mug down on the side table.

"Yeah, that was Clem. She's got this... superpower when it comes to baked goods. I swear, she eats them faster than I can make 'em."

Kitty raised an eyebrow. "So, your girl's got a superpower for sweets? I should've known."

Rogue rolled her eyes playfully. "It's more like a talent for turning anything she likes into a life-or-death situation. And if you try to take the last cookie? You're dead to her."

Kitty snorted, leaning back on the couch and looking at Rogue curiously.

"Speaking of your girl... how's it going with her? I mean, I know you two have been roommates for a while now. Things seem good?"

Rogue's expression softened as she thought about it.

She didn't even need to try; her mind immediately flashed to their quiet nights together, the silly movie marathons, and the way Clementine's face lit up whenever she talked about her favorite show.

"Yeah, it's been great," she said, her voice warm and full of affection. "Really great."

Kitty raised an eyebrow, her lips curving up into a knowing smile. "Uh-oh, I'm getting a Rogue is in love but a bit annoyed vibe here. Spit it out."

Rogue chuckled and looked away, a faint blush creeping up her neck.

She wasn't the type to be openly sappy about things, especially not to Kitty, who had a habit of teasing her endlessly. But still, with Clementine... everything felt different.

"It's just that... well, she's happy, y'know? And I love seeing her like that."

Kitty tilted her head, clearly curious. "What do you mean? Like, happy as in... movie night happy? Or, like, 'Clementine's world just got a little brighter' happy?"

Rogue let out a soft laugh. "Both, I guess. But... yeah, mostly movie night happy. You know she's a gigantic Doctor Who nerd, right?"

Kitty wrinkled her nose in a playful grimace.

"Ugh, don't remind me. The last time I watched that show with you two, I swear I almost fell asleep. I can't stand it. I'm more of a starkly realistic crime drama kind of girl, y'know?"

Rogue smirked, leaning back in her chair. "I know, I know. But it's not about me watching it for me." She paused for a moment, the teasing glint in her eyes softening as she reflected.

"I just like seeing that look on her face. You know? when she's in her element- when shes talking about Doctor Who, her eyes just light up like she's... well, like she's home."

Kitty raised an eyebrow, looking at Rogue with a combination of amusement and warmth.

"So you're telling me that, despite your... absolute hatred of the show, you sit through it just to see her happy?"

Rogue grinned sheepishly, shrugging a little.

"Pretty much. I mean, I can tolerate it. I might zone out during the timey-wimey bits, but when she starts rambling about the Daleks or the TARDIS, it's like she's a little kid at Christmas. I love seeing her that excited about something. And, I don't know, I guess it just makes me happy too."

Kitty raised her hands in mock surrender.

"Okay, okay. I get it. You're a good girlfriend." She threw Rogue a playful wink.

"Still, I don't get how you can stand it. I'd need a whole new set of powers to get through those episodes without falling asleep."

"Eh," Rogue shrugged, the fondness never leaving her voice.

"It's not about me. It's about her, Kitty. She's my person, and if that means enduring endless episodes of a show I don't care about just so she can geek out over it? I'll do it. Because I love seeing that side of her."

Kitty's eyes softened, her teasing grin turning into something more genuine.

"You know, I think that's the sweetest thing you've ever said. You're really falling for her, huh?"

Rogue nodded, her expression softening as she allowed herself to acknowledge it for the first time fully. "Yeah. I think I am."

Kitty smiled, giving Rogue's shoulder a gentle nudge. "Well, if she makes you that happy, I'm happy for you. Even if I'll never understand the appeal of a blue box traveling through time."

Rogue snorted, her hand lightly resting on the back of her neck.

"I'll never understand it either. But... it doesn't matter. It's not about me."

Kitty raised her eyebrows, clearly teasing. "So, you'd put up with it forever, just for her?"

"Yep." Rogue's voice was firm, the certainty in her words making it clear that, despite all the quirks and challenges, Clementine was someone she wanted in her life. "For her, I'd sit through anything."

Kitty leaned back with a grin, obviously pleased with the sentiment. "Well, you're a better woman than I am. But... as long as she's worth it, I guess I can't argue."

Rogue let out a deep breath, feeling lighter just talking about it. "She is. She's more than worth it."

Kitty smiled warmly at her, an understanding glimmer in her eyes. "Good. Just make sure you both survive the Doctor Who marathons, okay?"

Rogue snorted. "If she's not driving me crazy with her 'wibbly wobbly timey wimey' nonsense, we'll be fine."

Kitty chuckled. "Well, I'd say 'good luck,' but it sounds like you've got that part figured out already."

Rogue gave her a playful shove, but deep down, she knew Kitty was right. It wasn't about the little annoyances, like Doctor Who marathons.

It was about the quiet moments. The way Clementine's eyes lit up when she talked about the things she loved. And the way, despite all the chaos and danger in their lives, she had found someone who made her feel this much. It was worth all the silly little compromises, every single time.

• • • • • • • • • • •

The study room was unusually quiet, the only sound the gentle rustling of pages and the scribbling of pencils.

Rogue sat at the desk, shoulders tense, her eyes narrowed at the test paper in front of her.

The red ink was harsh against the white of the page, each mark a reminder of how she'd messed up.

She wasn't used to failure. She was a fighter, always picking herself up, pushing through.

But this-this felt different. Her heart felt heavier than it had in a long time.

She'd studied for this test, but it didn't matter. The grade on the paper still felt like a punch in the gut.

She hadn't even noticed Clementine slip into the room until the girl's voice broke through her spiral.

"Marie?"

Rogue didn't respond immediately. She just kept staring at the paper, hoping she could make the words disappear if she concentrated hard enough. But no such luck.

Clementine stepped closer, her voice softer now. "Hey, you've been looking at that for, like, half an hour. You okay?"

Rogue finally let out a deep sigh, tossing the paper aside as if it would somehow make the disappointment vanish.

"I'm fine, Clem. Just... got a bad grade. That's all."

Clementine winced at the way Rogue said it, like she was trying to brush it off, but her voice was tight with frustration.

She was used to seeing Rogue strong and unshakable, but right now, the other girl looked defeated. Clementine hated seeing her like that.

"I know it sucks, babe," Clementine said, perching on the edge of the desk, trying her best to look reassuring, even though she felt a little out of her depth.

"But it's just one test, right? You'll totally bounce back."

Rogue didn't meet her eyes. "I don't know, Clem. It's not just the grade. It's... I feel like I'm failing at everything lately."

Clementine frowned, unsure of what to say.

She wasn't exactly great at comforting people.

Hell, sometimes she had a tendency to make things worse with her awful attempts at trying to help.

She scratched the back of her head, clearly scrambling for something to say that wouldn't make things worse.

"Well, hey, y'know, you can always-uh-talk about it? I mean, I'm here if you need to vent. Or I could-uh, give you advice? Not that I'm an expert, but, like, I could like try..."

Rogue raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Advice? What kind of advice?"

Clementine winced at her own awkwardness.

"I dunno... maybe I can tell you about how I once flunked a history test because I was too busy watching Doctor Who-"

Rogue's eyes flicked up, her expression softening a little at the mention of the show, but the frustration was still there. "Clem, that's not really-"

"I could also give you a pep talk," Clementine said suddenly, sitting up straighter. "You know, like, 'You're amazing,' and 'You can do anything,' and-"

"Clem." Rogue's tone wasn't harsh, but it was clear she was overwhelmed by the usual attempts at pep talks.

Clementine felt herself falter for a second.

She really didn't know what to say.

She hated seeing Rogue like this, but every attempt so far had only seemed to make the situation worse.

Then, after a moment of silence, Clementine's eyes brightened with an idea-a terrible idea, but an idea nonetheless.

"Well, if all else fails, we could always just... distract you," she said.

Rogue stared at her, blinking. "Distract me?"

"Yup!" Clementine hopped off the desk, pulling Rogue up by the wrist before she could protest.

"Look, if you're just gonna stew in this test nonsense, you'll just keep getting more upset. So, we're gonna dance. And not think about the test, or grades, or anything. You're gonna forget about all that, okay?"

Rogue's eyes widened. "Clem, I don't think-"

Before she could finish, Clementine was already fiddling with her phone, blasting the upbeat, doo-wop sounds of The Ronettes through the speakers.

"I'm thinking full-on distraction mode. You, me, some ridiculous dancing. You in?"

Rogue was frozen in place, staring at Clementine like she'd just suggested they strip and run through the mansion. "Clem... we're not-"

But it was too late. Clementine was already dancing, moving her hips in a way that could only be described as ridiculous.

'So won't you please be my, be my, be my little baby,'

She was spinning around, tossing her arms in the air like she was at some 60s sock hop.

She made a dramatic twirl, almost tripping over her own feet, but still grinning like a maniac.

Rogue was rooted to the spot, staring at her girlfriend in complete bewilderment. "You're insane."

Clementine didn't stop. "You've got to move, Marie!" she sang out, as if the entire thing was perfectly normal.

"You've gotta join in! I won't let you sit there all mopey. You've got a mood to lift, girlfriend!"

Rogue was so taken aback by Clementine's completely over-the-top, ridiculous enthusiasm that she didn't even know how to react.

But then she saw Clementine's face-her goofy, happy, ridiculous face-and Rogue couldn't help herself. She chuckled despite herself.

"Fine," she said, almost reluctantly, moving awkwardly to the side. "I'm dancing. But don't say I didn't warn you."

Clementine's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "That's the spirit!" she cheered, twirling Rogue into a clumsy spin that nearly sent them both to the floor.

Rogue laughed, though it was shaky at first.

But soon, as she followed Clementine's wild, carefree dance moves-kicking, spinning, and hopping around like a pair of idiots-she started to relax.

The ridiculousness of it all broke through her clouded thoughts. For the first time all day, she wasn't thinking about the grade.

She wasn't obsessing over her failure. She was just... having fun with her girl.

Clementine grabbed her hand and pulled her into a quick twirl, the song still blasting loudly.

Rogue wasn't sure what was happening, but she felt the laughter bubbling up in her chest, uncoiling some of the tightness that had been there for hours.

After a few minutes of this absurd, nonsensical dance-off, Clementine grinned at her, breathless and wild-eyed.

"See? Told ya it would work! Not a single brain cell left to focus on your test."

Rogue was still catching her breath, a smile finally breaking through her initial frustration. "You're completely nuts."

"Well, it's the best kind of therapy!" Clementine said, a little too pleased with herself.

"Plus, if you're still mad about the test, we can make fun of my dance moves instead. That should keep you distracted for days."

Rogue rolled her eyes, but there was no hiding the small laugh that escaped.

"I'll never get that image of you flailing around out of my head."

"Good! My job here is done!" Clementine grinned. "I'm a genius."

Rogue shook her head, but the smile didn't leave her face. "You know, this... actually helped. I don't even remember why I was so mad anymore."

"Exactly!" Clementine beamed, grabbing Rogue for one last twirl. "Sometimes, you just gotta let go and dance it out."

Rogue wrapped her arms around her girlfriend, pulling her into a brief, but sincere hug.

"Thanks, Clem. You're really bad at comforting me. But you're damn good at making me forget I'm upset."

Clementine laughed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I prefer 'epically creative distraction artist,' but I'll take what I can get."

• • • • • • • • • • •

The moonlight filtered gently through the blinds of their shared room, casting soft shadows across the walls.

The sounds of the mansion were muffled, the world outside of their small bubble distant and quiet.

Clementine was curled up on her side of the bed, her phone screen glowing faintly as she scrolled through some ridiculous meme she couldn't wait to show Rogue.

Rogue, on the other hand, was lying on her back, staring up at the ceiling with a peaceful expression.

She could feel the weight of the day-of the test, of the lingering tension-finally start to slip away, like a heavy blanket being pulled off her shoulders.

She had spent most of the evening with Clementine, and though they'd laughed and danced like fools, it wasn't just the chaos that had worked.

It was something quieter, something that wasn't forced.

Rogue rolled her head to the side, watching Clementine's face glow in the soft light.

The other girl was humming to herself, her fingers tapping absentmindedly on the pillow beside her.

Rogue had never realized how much she enjoyed these little, quiet moments-when the world was still, and it was just the two of them, existing together.

Without thinking, Rogue reached out and gently tugged on the corner of the blanket, pulling it toward her until their legs were tangled underneath.

Clementine looked up in surprise, her eyes bright with amusement.

"Stealing my covers, huh?" she teased with a wink.

"Not stealing," Rogue replied softly, the corners of her lips turning up in that rare, sincere smile. "Just making sure we're both covered."

Clementine chuckled, snuggling deeper into the warmth. "You know, I'm really glad we're rooming together. It's been... better than I thought it would be."

Rogue's smile softened.

She reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Clementine's ear. "Me too," she murmured.

There was a long moment of quiet, a comfortable silence that didn't feel awkward or forced. Just peaceful.

Eventually, Clementine spoke again, her voice quieter now.

"I meant what I said, Marie. You don't have to be perfect all the time. I like you just the way you are."

Rogue let her words linger, absorbing the sincerity behind them.

The weight of the test, the fear of failure, all of it seemed lighter now.

Not because it didn't matter, but because she knew she wasn't alone in carrying it. Clementine didn't expect perfection. She just wanted Rogue-flaws, mistakes, and all.

And that... that was more than enough.

Rogue leaned over, her face inches from Clementine's.

There was a flicker of something in her eyes-something tender, something vulnerable-and as she pressed a soft kiss to Clementine's forehead, she whispered, "You make everything better. You always have."

Clementine grinned, her eyes shining. "Well, that's what I'm here for, Marie. To make you laugh, make you dance, and, you know... mess up your hair every now and then."

Rogue laughed lightly, her hand sliding into Clementine's.

The two of them sat there for a moment, hands intertwined, hearts content. It wasn't perfect.

It wasn't without challenges.

But it was theirs. And in that moment, surrounded by the quiet hum of the mansion and the warmth of each other's presence, it was more than enough.

Outside, the night stretched on, peaceful and endless, much like the future that awaited them-unwritten, but full of possibilities.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Clementine was sprawled out on their bed, her feet hanging over the edge, flipping through some random comic book she'd found earlier.

She was in one of her oversized sweatshirts, and her usual chaotic energy had shifted into a more comfortable, relaxed vibe as she snuggled under the blankets with Rogue.

Rogue, in a ridiculously cute unicorn onesie (the kind that had little ears on the hood and a tail at the back), was lying on her side, propped up with one arm under her head.

She gave Clem an affectionate look as she leaned in close, her nose nearly brushing Clementine's cheek.

Clem, already melting into the softness of the moment, tilted her head toward Rogue, grinning lazily. "What?"

Rogue studied her for a beat longer than usual, then softly asked, "You okay?"

Clem blinked, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I dunno," Rogue murmured, trailing her fingers through Clem's hair.

"You've got this..." She hesitated, trying to find the right words.

"Rasp to your voice tonight. Kinda sounds like you've been whispering all day or somethin'."

Clementine paused, mid-page, then let out a soft laugh.

"Rasp?" She chuckled, a little more gravelly than usual, and she cleared her throat.

"Yeah, I guess I've had that for a while, huh?"

Rogue tilted her head, her fingers still brushing through Clem's dark hair.

"It's been there... ever since I met you, really. I always thought you were just being, like, dramatic or somethin'."

Clem gave her a playful side-eye. "Excuse me, dramatic? I'm insulted."

Rogue smiled, but there was a trace of curiosity in her eyes.

"I always thought maybe it was just your 'thing,' y'know? Like a style, or... the way you talk. But tonight, it sounds a little different. You sound..." She trailed off again, unsure of how to explain it.

Clementine's expression softened, and she gave a small shrug.

"It's nothing. Just, like, my voice. I guess I've always had it, but it comes and goes." She paused, glancing over at Rogue.

"It's part of the whole 'mysterious Clementine' charm, right?"

Rogue smiled, her thumb tracing patterns on Clem's arm.

"Mysterious, huh? I don't think I'd call you mysterious. You're, like, shamelessly loud." She teased, but there was something tender in her tone.

Clementine grinned, then yawned, stretching out as she shuffled closer to Rogue, feeling the warmth of her body against her.

"Maybe. But I guess if it makes me sound like a broken record, it could be worse."

Rogue chuckled softly, then nudged her.

"You should rest your voice more. It doesn't sound like you're sick, but... I dunno, maybe it's all those late-night karaoke sessions you do by yourself in the shower."

Clementine laughed, a raspier chuckle slipping out, and she reached up to touch the back of her neck.

"You know, that's actually exactly what I was doing before you came in earlier." She was grinning, but the rasp in her voice made it sound deeper, more intimate somehow.

Rogue smiled down at her, brushing her thumb against Clem's cheek as she pulled her even closer.

"If you ever need me to help you, just say the word. You know I'll keep you company, no matter what."

Clem snuggled closer, resting her head against Rogue's chest, letting the sound of her heartbeat calm her. She smiled softly. "You're always here. And that's enough."

Rogue's hand gently traced down Clem's spine, the fabric of the onesie making it easier to avoid skin contact-something that had become routine since they'd started growing closer.

But as she felt the warmth of Clementine's body against hers, she couldn't help but notice how it made her feel safer, more settled.

"You make it easy," Rogue murmured. "You always do."

Clementine's voice was quieter now, that signature rasp still present, but softer. "Good. Because that's all I want, is to make it easy. To be here with you. Just like this."

Rogue smiled, her eyes fluttering closed as she tucked Clementine's head under her chin, feeling the light rasp of her breath against her skin.

Just the feeling of her hand gently resting on Clem's back, the shared warmth of being close, and the sound of each other's breathing were enough.

Clementine had already switched off the lights in their shared room, and the soft glow of the moon reflected off the window.

They were lying side by side in bed, but the stillness felt a little heavier tonight, like something unsaid was hovering in the space between them.

Clementine fiddled with the corner of her pillow, the edge of her mind racing with thoughts she couldn't quite quiet.

She'd been trying to push them down, but as always, they seemed to find their way to the surface when she least expected it.

Finally, Rogue broke the silence. "You alright?" Her voice was low and sleepy, but there was an edge of concern in it.

She shifted, facing Clementine, her green eyes catching the faint light from the window.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Clementine said quickly, forcing a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just... tired."

Rogue didn't buy it. She could always tell when something was off with Clementine, no matter how well the girl tried to hide it. She sat up slightly, propping herself up on an elbow. "What's on your mind?"

Clementine hesitated, biting her lip. She didn't want to ruin the calm they had.

Everything had been so easy between them, so natural, so right.

But the question had been creeping into her thoughts lately, gnawing at the edges of her happiness.

She rolled over to face the ceiling, her fingers tracing patterns on the sheets. "I don't know... I guess I've just been thinking."

"About what?" Rogue's voice was soft, patient.

Clementine swallowed, her heart suddenly pounding in her chest. "Us. Our... future, I guess."

Rogue frowned, sitting up fully now. "What about it?"

"Do you ever wonder... if we'll make it?" Clementine's voice was small, uncertain. "Like, really make it. I mean, yeah, we're good now, but... what about later? What happens when things get tough?"

Rogue's brow furrowed as she processed the question.

The air between them thickened, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

Clementine could feel her pulse quicken, an anxious knot forming in her stomach.

She wasn't used to questioning what she had with Rogue. She didn't want to. But somehow, she couldn't stop herself tonight.

Rogue's voice was a little rough when she finally spoke. "What do you mean, 'make it'?"

"I don't know, just... we've been so good together, but life isn't always easy," Clementine said, her eyes tracing the ceiling.

"We're different, you know? I'm impulsive, I make jokes when I should probably take things more seriously. And you... You've been through so much, Marie. I don't want to screw things up for you. I just... I worry that we won't make it when life gets harder. I worry that you'll wake up one day and regret this. Regret me."

The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the weight of what she'd just said. Rogue's heart ached.

She knew Clementine was more than capable of hiding her insecurities behind humor and her usual antics, but this? This was real.

Rogue let out a breath and reached out, gently pulling Clementine toward her, forcing their eyes to meet. "Clem... listen to me."

Clementine didn't look at her right away, but Rogue cupped her chin gently, tilting her head up so their gazes were locked.

"You don't have to be perfect," Rogue said softly, but firmly.

Clementine felt like she had heard that somewhere before but was unsure where or when.

"I don't need you to be perfect. I just need you to be you. We're both flawed, yeah, but that doesn't mean we can't figure it out. And when things get tough... when things get real hard? That's when we fight for each other. You're not going to screw things up for me, Clem. And I'm not going to screw things up for you. We're in this together."

Clementine's eyes flickered with uncertainty, but Rogue kept her gaze steady, her voice low but full of conviction.

"I know I'm not perfect. I've made mistakes. But I've never once regretted being with you, Clem. You make me... happy. You make me feel like I'm not broken."

Clementine let out a shaky breath, finally letting herself fall into Rogue's clothed touch, resting her forehead against the girl's chest.

"I just don't want to hurt you. I don't want to be the reason you're... unhappy."

Rogue pressed a soft searing kiss to her forehead.

"You're not. You're the opposite, Clem. You're the reason I can laugh when I feel like crying. You're the reason I feel whole-even when everything else feels like it's falling apart."

They stayed like that for a while, the weight of the conversation still hanging in the air, but somehow lighter now.

Clementine could feel the sincerity in Rogue's words, the warmth in her touch, and for the first time that night, she let herself believe that maybe-just maybe-they could make it through whatever came next.

"Yeah," Clementine whispered, her fingers curling around Rogue's hand. "I think... I think we can make it."

Rogue smiled softly, her gloved thumb brushing over Clementine's hand. "We will. We'll figure it out. One day at a time."

And with that, they drifted off to sleep, the quiet comfort of each other's presence a steady reminder that no matter what the future held, they would face it together.

• • • • • • • • • • •

It was early afternoon, and the common room was mostly empty except for the soft hum of a few distant conversations.

Clementine, however, was perched on one of the windowsills, a notebook and pencil in hand, scribbling furiously with no real purpose.

Every now and then, she'd glance over at Scott's office door, her mind working a mile a minute.

She didn't often come to him like this-just... for no reason.

But today, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, and if anyone could help her sort it out, it was Scott.

With a final glance at her half-hearted doodles, she swung her legs off the windowsill and made her way to his office.

She knocked once and opened the door before he could respond.

"Got a minute?" Clem asked, a teasing grin already playing at the edges of her lips.

Scott glanced up from the papers he'd been grading, not even a flicker of surprise on his face.

He'd long since gotten used to Clementine's spontaneous nature.

"For you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Always."

She shut the door behind her and dropped into the chair across from his desk, her feet still swinging lazily beneath her.

"I was just... thinking. Which, I know, is dangerous."

Scott half-smiled, but there was a warmth in his eyes.

"Dangerous indeed. What's on your mind?"

Clem chewed on the edge of her pencil for a second, hesitating.

"You ever think about how stupid it is, that we're all here, trying to save the world, but we're still stuck with a bunch of baggage? Like, not just the obvious mutant baggage, but-" She waved her hand in the air, trying to capture the complexity of it.

"The other stuff. Personal stuff. You ever wonder if we're just... too broken to be saved?"

Scott set his pen down and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

His expression softened as he studied her, sensing the underlying question.

"We all have baggage, Clem. Every single person here. And no, I don't think we're too broken. But I do think sometimes it's easy to forget that, even with all of our powers, we're still just people. People who need to be patient with ourselves-and with each other."

Clementine let out a little snort, leaning back in the chair and tilting her head toward the ceiling.

"Right. Patience. That's not really my strong suit."

"I've noticed," Scott said with a grin, though it was more affectionate than mocking.

He then leaned forward, his tone shifting to something more serious.

"But what's really bothering you? I can tell you're not just here to talk philosophy."

Clem's smile dropped just a little. She bit her lip, her playful demeanor faltering for a second.

"I just... I don't know. Sometimes it feels like I'm pretending to be someone I'm not. Like, with you guys, with the team. I am someone else when I'm around you all. The funny one. The weird one. The one who doesn't take anything seriously. And I like it. I do. But sometimes, I wonder if I'm hiding behind it, you know?"

Scott didn't immediately respond.

He simply watched her with an intensity that made her squirm slightly.

It was the kind of look he reserved for when he was really paying attention-no distractions, no defenses.

Just the raw honesty of a teacher who had seen more than his share of emotional scars.

Finally, he spoke. "There's nothing wrong with humor, Clem. It's a shield, sure. But sometimes, a shield is exactly what you need. It doesn't mean you're pretending to be someone else. It means you're using what you have to protect yourself. And there's no shame in that."

Clementine nodded, her mind processing his words.

"Yeah, but I don't want to keep using it as a crutch. I guess I'm scared that one day, I'll be standing there with nothing left behind the jokes and the random rubber ducks I collect, and I won't know who I am anymore."

Scott leaned forward, his eyes softening. "You're still figuring that out, just like the rest of us. You don't have to have all the answers today-or tomorrow. The important thing is that you're asking the questions, Clem. That means you're growing."

She exhaled sharply, the weight of his words sinking in. "That sounds like something my mom would say."

Scott chuckled, and for a second, the two of them just shared the quiet space, the camaraderie of people who didn't need to fill the silence with noise.

He then stood and moved over to a small stack of papers on the side of his desk, pulling something from it.

"Here," he said, handing her a small, folded piece of paper.

"I know you hate the academic stuff, but this is an extra credit assignment I thought you might find... amusing."

Clementine took it and opened it slowly. Inside was a printed sheet on the 'Psychology of Humor' -a subject Scott knew would either intrigue or annoy her.

"Are you serious?" she asked with an exaggerated groan, holding up the paper like it was an absurd artifact.

Scott shrugged. "Humor can be a great tool for understanding how we cope with things. I thought it might give you some new material for your act."

Clem paused, looking at him for a moment, and then burst out laughing.

It wasn't the big, goofy laugh she usually put on-it was genuine. The kind of laugh that made her shoulders shake with relief.

"Okay, fine," she said, still giggling. "You win. I'll read it."

"Good," Scott replied with a smirk, "and next time, we'll talk about the real stuff. No jokes."

"Deal." Clem wiped her eyes and gave him a wink. "But I can't promise I won't sneak in a joke or two."

Scott smiled, the weight of the conversation lifting just a bit. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

As she left the office, Clementine felt a little lighter.

• • • • • • • • • • •

It was a typical afternoon at the mansion. But it seemed like Logan was finally going to get to meet Clementine like he promised Rogue months ago.

Clementine was lounging on the couch, laughing at some joke she'd made (because, of course, she was).

Rogue, leaning against the wall nearby, smiled, but there was something different in her eyes-she seemed, well, content.

Scott and Logan had been walking down the hall, engaged in their usual-if somewhat gruff-conversation.

But as they turned the corner into the common room, they both froze.

Clementine, without realizing it, had her hand casually resting on Rogue's knee.

The two of them were leaned toward each other, sharing a moment that was... too close for Scott's comfort, and too casual for Logan's.

Scott's brows furrowed in instant protective mode, his vision zeroing in on the subtle gesture.

He cleared his throat, but his voice came out sharp. "Rogue. Clementine." His tone was much too formal for this situation.

Clementine glanced up, a mischievous smirk curling on her lips.

"Oh, hey, Mr. Summers. What's up?" Rogue looked entirely too innocent, even though they both knew she wasn't.

Logan, who had been looking at the scene through narrowed eyes, stepped forward, his arms crossing.

"What the hell is goin' on here?" he growled, looking between Clementine and Rogue with suspicion.

Rogue, not fazed in the slightest, raised an eyebrow. "What's it look like, Logan?"

"I-" Scott started, his voice tight, but his jaw set in that way he always did when something was bothering him.

"What's going on is that I'm not seeing what I think I'm seeing, right?"

Clementine's grin grew. She leaned over to whisper something to Rogue, making her chuckle softly.

"You okay there, Summers? You look like you're about to explode." Clementine then said.

Logan shot Scott a quick glance, an unspoken understanding passing between the two of them.

Logan's eyes darted between the girls, his face a mixture of disbelief and something... protective.

"Rogue," he finally managed to say, his voice tinged with a hint of fatherly concern. "You're... dating her?"

Rogue rolled her eyes and sighed, but there was a teasing spark in them as she shifted to face Logan fully. "Yes, Logan. Dating."

Scott blinked a few times, the reality slowly dawning on him. "But... but-why didn't you say anything?" His voice cracked just slightly, the 'why' being more of a "why didn't I see this coming" kind of question.

He turned to Logan, his frustration bubbling. "And you didn't know? You let this happen?"

Logan didn't even flinch, his trademark scowl only deepening.

"Kid's got a mind of her own, Summers. Not exactly my business who she dates."

"Not your business?" Scott scoffed, clearly not understanding Logan's more laid-back, "let them figure it out" approach. "They're kids, Logan. They're our responsibility."

Clementine, watching this exchange, couldn't help herself. She leaned back, nudging Rogue with her elbow.

"Oh, this is rich. The protective 'dads' are finally meeting, huh?" She smirked, taking in their growing tension.

"You guys gonna fight over this now, or...?"

Logan growled, his eyes narrowing at Scott.

"What I see is two grown women makin' their own decisions. Not like I need to give either of 'em permission. You should try it sometime."

Scott clenched his fists, but his gaze softened slightly when it landed on Clementine, and then Rogue.

It wasn't the first time he'd had a difficult time reconciling his protective instincts with their independence.

He ran a hand through his hair, muttering something under his breath. "I'm just... trying to make sure they're okay."

"You're just trying to make sure they don't get hurt," Logan shot back. "It's a little different, Summers."

Clementine leaned forward, glancing from Scott to Logan with a playful smile.

"Oh, look at this. I'm just waiting for one of you to actually say what you're thinking. Which is: you're both kind of freaking out right now because Logan seems Rogue as her daughter. Me and Scott are distant cousins and you two," she pauses pointing between them.

"Hate each other." She finished.

That hit both men. Bullseye.

Scott's eyes widened briefly, his thoughts clearly racing.

Logan's jaw tightened as he stared at Clementine, the weight of her words lingering between them.

"I... I don't freak out," Scott muttered, his gaze briefly flicking toward Rogue, then quickly back to Logan, unwilling to let his own vulnerability show. "I just... care about her."

Logan shifted his weight, a quiet understanding forming in his chest.

"Yeah, I get it. But you're gonna have to trust 'em to figure it out. They know what they're doin'."

Clementine smirked. "See? Logan gets it."

Rogue chuckled, her fingers brushing lightly against Clementine's hand.

"Yeah, Scott. We're good. But don't go gettin' all sappy on us. We're fine, okay?"

Scott sighed, leaning back against the wall and crossing his arms, still visibly irritated but unable to argue further. "Just don't make me regret this."

Logan, with his typical gruffness, gave a short nod. "Yeah. Same here." He jerked his head toward Scott. "And don't screw it up."

"Why does it always feel like you two are gonna start trading parenting tips?" Clementine grinned, leaning into Rogue, who just rolled her eyes in mock exasperation.

Scott shot Logan one last glance, then turned to the girls. "Fine. But I'm keeping my eye on both of you." His voice softened, just slightly. "Just... be careful."

"I think we'll be fine, Mr. Summers," Clem teased, nudging Rogue's side. "After all, we've got our superpowers."

Logan smirked at the two of them, shaking his head, though the tension had finally lifted. "I'll take care of 'em, Summers."

Scott just muttered something under his breath, his shoulders tense, before he walked out of the room, clearly still wrestling with his emotions.

Clementine and Rogue exchanged a look, both of them holding back laughs.

"That went better than expected, right?" Clementine grinned.

Rogue snorted. "Oh yeah. Nothing like having both of them on edge in the same room."

• • • • • • • • • • •

It was a rare moment of calm in the mansion, with the afternoon sun streaming lazily through the windows of their room.

The familiar hum of the X-Men school was a distant murmur as Clementine sat cross-legged on the floor, her hands resting lightly on the carpet.

She'd been working through something all day, though neither Rogue nor the rest of the house had asked what exactly.

Rogue sat on the bed nearby, book open but clearly distracted, watching her girlfriend with quiet curiosity.

It wasn't unusual for Clementine to get lost in her thoughts-her gaze intense, her mind swirling with whatever new project or idea she was obsessing over.

But today, something felt different.

"Hey, Clem," Rogue's voice broke the silence, her tone soft but concerned. "You been at this for hours, huh?"

Clementine didn't respond at first. Her fingers twitched, fingers gently pressing against the carpet, her eyes narrowed in concentration.

As she focused, the ground around her shifted-tiny cracks formed along the seams of the floorboards, small pebbles slowly rising as if pulled by an invisible force.

It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but to someone paying attention, it was undeniable.

Rogue blinked, her gaze following the subtle tremors in the earth beneath them.

She set her book aside and swung her legs off the bed, moving closer to Clementine. "Clem?" she said again, more gently this time.

Clementine's eyes fluttered, and she let out a soft, surprised gasp as the vibrations around her grew more intense.

The ground hummed softly under her palms, almost like it was alive. She pulled her hands back with a nervous laugh, looking at Rogue. "Did you feel that?"

Rogue stood frozen for a moment, her eyes widening as she watched the tiny rocks that had risen from the floor gently settle back into place.

"I felt it... but I didn't think you were gonna make the whole room vibrate."

Clementine chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Yeah, that... kinda happens sometimes when I focus too much. It's like the earth responds, you know? It's not always under my control."

Rogue lowered herself down onto the floor beside her, her legs tucked underneath her as she looked at Clem more closely.

"It's kinda amazing, though," she said, her voice low and thoughtful.

"You can feel all that through the ground... it's like you can sense everything, even things I wouldn't know about."

Clementine smiled at her, but there was a hint of unease in her expression.

"It's... a lot sometimes. It's not just about pulling rocks from the earth or making walls, Rogue. It's like I can feel everything. Vibrations, the smallest shifts in the ground, things that other people wouldn't even notice. It's like... I'm connected to everything under me."

Rogue's fingers hovered just above Clementine's, hesitant but warm. She didn't make contact, but the energy between them was palpable.

"You're not alone, you know. You've got me. I'm here."

Clementine hesitated for a moment, her gaze flicking to the ground again.

The subtle tremors continued, barely perceptible to the human eye, but to Clem, they felt like a constant hum under her skin.

"Sometimes, it's overwhelming," she admitted softly. "It's like I can't shut it off... the earth is always talking, even when I don't want to listen."

Rogue nodded slowly, her gaze filled with empathy.

"I can't even.. imagine what that must be like. But you're strong, Clem. You've always been strong."

Clementine smiled, but it was a little tired, as if the weight of the world had just crept into her words.

"It's easy to forget how much power is underneath us, you know? I get lost in it sometimes."

Rogue's eyes softened, and she finally closed the distance between them, reaching out to rest her hand lightly on Clementine's shoulder-careful to avoid direct skin contact, but offering a grounding presence nonetheless.

"You're not lost, though. You're here with me. We'll figure it out together. That's our thing."

For a moment, everything was still-save for the faint hum under Clementine's fingertips.

Her eyes met Rogue's, and there was an unspoken understanding between them, something that felt deeper than words.

"I'm still figuring out how to control it," Clementine murmured, her voice small but resolute.

"But I think I'm getting there. It's just... hard to shut off the world sometimes."

Rogue gently pulled her closer, her arms wrapping around her but keeping a careful distance.

She was so attuned to Clementine's subtle signs that she could almost feel the thrum of her mutation vibrating in the air.

"You're doing great, Clem. I think you're stronger than you even know."

Clementine leaned into her, closing her eyes for a moment as Rogue's words settled into her.

The vibrations beneath them slowed to a gentle pulse, something less intense, more contained.

"Thanks, Marie," Clem whispered, her hand resting over Rogue's. "I guess I needed to hear that."

Rogue smiled softly, her fingers grazing the edge of Clementine's wrist before she gently squeezed her hand. "Anytime. Always."

As they sat there in the quiet, the earth around them seemed to calm, the faint hum slowly fading into nothingness.

For once, Clementine felt a little more in control of the power that coursed through her-because, in this moment, with Rogue beside her, the weight of her mutation didn't seem so heavy anymore.

• • • • • • • • • • •

The sun had already set when Clementine snuck into the school's garden, where she had spent the last few days gathering rocks of all sizes.

Her hands were coated with a layer of dirt, her fingers still tingling from the vibrations she'd felt under the earth, but she didn't mind.

The calm quiet of the night, combined with the coolness of the evening air, gave her the perfect space to work.

She was nervous, though-maybe more nervous than she'd been in a long time.

The rocks she was stacking in front of her weren't just any rocks.

They were carefully chosen, arranged in a way that meant something to her. Something just for Rogue.

The process had taken time-days of careful planning, hours of balancing and shifting, but now, in the peaceful silence of the garden, she was putting the final touches on it.

Her brow furrowed in concentration as her hands hovered above the carefully arranged stones.

The soft hum of her powers filled the air, a faint vibration she could feel just below her fingertips.

Clementine's gaze softened as she carefully placed the last rock on top of the structure-a smooth, flat stone that perched perfectly atop a series of smaller rocks beneath it.

She let out a quiet breath, her fingers still glowing faintly with the energy that had brought the sculpture to life.

The rocks had been shaped and balanced in a delicate tower, something that felt like it could easily topple, but with Clementine's geomantic abilities, it stood strong-held together by the subtle force of the earth.

The structure itself was a simple but intricate design-a balanced rock sculpture, like the ones Clementine had seen in documentaries about ancient Zen gardens, but with her own twist.

The tower was small enough to be personal, but its elegance made it feel like something meant to last.

Clementine stepped back to admire her work, biting her lip with anticipation.

It was imperfect in the way all handmade things were, with tiny flaws that only she could see, but to her, it was perfect.

The rocks had taken on a life of their own under her hands, each one representing a different part of her-her connection to the earth, her strength, her emotions.

And now, each rock stood for something she wanted to give to Rogue: balance, stability, and love.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and a familiar voice called out, "Clem?"

Rogue emerged from the shadows, looking slightly disheveled from a training session earlier.

Her hair was still damp from the cool evening breeze, and she looked over at Clementine with that warm, protective smile that always made Clem's heart skip a beat.

Clementine turned, her nervousness returning as she grinned sheepishly. "Uh... hey, Marie. I, uh, I made you something."

Rogue raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. "You? Made me somethin'? Now I'm intrigued." She shot a playful grin in Clem's direction. "Is it more of your... chaotic art again?"

Clementine laughed, shaking her head. "It's not chaotic, I promise." She gestured to the rock sculpture with a little flourish. "It's... for you."

Rogue's eyes softened immediately as she moved closer to get a better look.

The rocks were balanced so delicately, yet there was something incredibly steady about the way they stood.

She reached out tentatively, as though she was afraid the structure would collapse at the slightest touch. "You did this?"

Clementine nodded, watching her carefully. "Yeah. It's just a little sculpture... but I thought you'd like it." She gave a half-smile.

"I used my mutation to make it, so it's not like... some random rock pile. It's... um, it's meant to represent something."

Rogue stood still for a moment, her eyes scanning the sculpture with admiration.

The lines of the stones, the way they stacked so seamlessly-there was something about it that made her heart swell.

"It's beautiful," she whispered. "But what's it supposed to represent?"

Clementine hesitated for a moment, her cheeks warming. "Well, I figured... I've got this ability to move earth, right? But I wanted to make something that felt... grounded. Something that felt stable. Like... like us, I guess." She shifted nervously.

Unsure of how Rogue would take the personal touch. "You always make me feel like I have a solid foundation. Like I'm not just... wandering all the time."

Rogue turned to face her, her eyes softening, and the corner of her lips curled upward into a small, fond smile. "Clem..." Her voice was gentle, almost a whisper.

"You don't have to do all this for me, you know. But I love it. I love you. This-" She motioned to the sculpture again, then back to Clem, "This means a lot."

Clementine's heart fluttered, and she bit her lip, trying to keep her composure.

"I just... I wanted to show you how much you mean to me. And I guess I kind of figured if I could use my powers to make something real, it'd feel like something more... permanent, y'know?"

Rogue's hand reached out, brushing against Clem's arm. "I'm glad you did. I don't need anything to know you care, but this... this is something special."

She glanced at the sculpture again, her eyes scanning the delicate balance of the rocks.

"Kinda like you, huh? A little unpredictable... but still standing strong."

Clementine smiled shyly, feeling the familiar warmth of Rogue's affection. "Yeah... something like that."

Rogue grinned, her hand finding Clem's, fingers intertwining. "Well, just so you know, I think you're perfect just the way you are. And this-" she gestured to the rock sculpture again "-is a perfect gift."

Clementine's heart swelled with affection, and for a long moment, the two of them stood together, the soft hum of Clem's powers barely perceptible as the world around them seemed to fade away.

• • • 25190 words , love @VAMPYRES4EVA