Another Life

Part 26

I blinked awake, the similar stiffness in my joints easing as I stretched out on the floor. Rogue was still asleep on the bed, her breathing even and calm. I was glad she'd managed to get some rest-God knows she needed it with everything going on.

I pushed myself up quietly, not wanting to wake her. As I stood, my gaze lingered on her for a moment. She looked peaceful, her face relaxed in a way I hadn't seen in a while. Maybe the cigar had helped more than I thought, or maybe she just needed a break from her own thoughts. Either way, I was glad she'd found some comfort here.

Slipping out of my room, I pulled the closed softly behind me. The hallway was empty, the mansion still waking up. I could hear the distant sounds of breakfast being made in the kitchen, the faint clatter of dishes and low voices carrying through the halls. I figured I'd head down there, see if I could grab a cup of coffee and try to avoid any more drama for a while.

The kitchen was filled with the sounds of breakfast prep— eggs sizzling in a pan, toast popping out of the toasted, and the low whispers as the team gathered for another morning meal. I was nursing a fresh cup of coffee, trying to ignore the chatter around me, when Bobby approached.

He looked uneasy, his usual fake confidence demeanor replaced with uncertainty. I could feel his eyes on me, but I kept my gaze on my coffee, not wanting to engage unless I had to. I knew what was coming; I'd seen it brewing since last night.

"Logan," Bobby started hesitantly, glancing over his shoulder at Rogue as she entered the kitchen. "Can I ask you something?"

I took a slow sip of my coffee, then looked at him. "Sure, what's on your mind?"

He took a breath, like he was steeling himself for something. "Did Rogue...did she sleep in your room last night?"

I didn't answer right away, instead watching his face carefully. His eyes searching mine, looking for some sort of confirmation. I could see the worry etched across his features, the doubt gnawing on him.

Before I could respond, Rogue stepped forward, setting her glass of orange juice on the counter. "Yeah, I did," she said calmly, her voice steady and strong. She didn't look at Bobby; instead, she focused on the table, like she was bracing herself. "But it wasn't what you think, Bobby."

Bobby's face fell, full of confusion flashing. "What do you mean?"

Rogue finally met Bobby's eyes, her expression soft but resolute. "I needed someone to talk to," she explained. "Logan's been...he's been there for me when I needed it. That's all it was. Nothing more."

Bobby's shoulders sagged, and he looked away, swallowing hard. "I don't understand," he mumbled. "Why didn't you come to me?"

Rogue's gaze softened more, taking a deep breath. "Bobby you're a good guy," she said gently. "But I've been feeling...I don't know, like I don't feel happy around you."

He looked like he'd been slapped, his face crumbling with a mix of pain and frustration. "Are you saying...you don't want to be with me anymore?"

I took a sip of my coffee just observing Rogue and Bobby.

Rogue hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. I guess I am."

This was super fucking awkward but I knew Rogue needed my support and if I have to sit through this then I will.

Bobby stared at her, his eyes wide, like he couldn't quite process what she was saying. "But I thought...we were doing good." His voice was breaking after very word. "I thought we were okay."

Rogue reached out, her gloved hand placed on his arm. "I'm sorry, Bobby," she said softly. "I really am. But I need to do this. For me."

He pulled away from her touch, his face hardening. "Is this because of him?" He asked, jerking his chin in my direction. "Is it because of Logan?"

Rogue shook her head. "No, it's not about Logan," she said standing her ground. "I just can't be with you anymore. You're too immature."

Bobby's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he looked between us. "I don't buy it," he said bitterly. "I think this has everything to do with him."

I put my coffee down, finally stepping in. "Kid, this ain't about me," I said evenly. "This is between you and Rogue. Leave me out of it."

Bobby glared at me, his eyes blazing with anger and hurt. "Easy for you to say," he shot back. "You've always been the one she runs to. Always there, like some damn shadow."

I stayed calm, keeping my voice level. "Maybe it's 'cause she knows I won't judge her," I said. "I'm just here to help her figure things out. Same as you should be doing."

Rogue touched Bobby's arm again, her voice pleading. "Please, Bobby," she said softly. "Don't make this harder than it has to be. I don't want to hurt you, but I need to be honest."

He stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded, stepping back. "Fine," he muttered.

Bobby turned on his heels and stormed out of the kitchen, his footsteps echoing down the hall. Rogue watched him go, her shoulders slumping as he disappeared from sight. I could see the weight of the decision settling on her, the toll it had taken.

"You okay?" I asked quietly, stepping closer.

She nodded, though her facial expression was full of pain. "Yeah," she said softly. "I just...I don't want to hurt him. But I couldn't keep pretending everything was fine."

I stepped closer, giving Rogue a hug. "You did what you had to do," I said. "He'll come around."

Rogue looked up at me still embraced in my arms.  "I hope so." She murmured. "I really do."

We stood there in silence for a moment, the kitchen quite around us. I could feel the tension easing, the weight lifting just a bit.