[ Miller did not mean to come here. In fact, he never meant to attend this celebration at all. Perhaps he'd grown complacent to the fact that the locals tended to leave them to their own devices these days; they haven't seemed fond as of late. Unfortunately for him, this could not be said about the locals who are coordinating the Day of Devotion events.
Contrary to Rogue's predicament, he has no feelings regarding a day intended for romance... Valentine's Day? He supposes that people might have used it as an excuse to buy their loved one gifts back before the war, but it held little significance to him then and even less now. So, his frustration with being dragged into this isn't about that. It's just a waste of his time.
He manages to lose the attendant that dragged him into this mess and plans to make a quick trek out of the danger zone lest he get stopped by another obstacle akin to the frogs from a few months ago. Only this doesn't work out so well — as he's spotted by another eager local in the process and he's now being escorted in front of this gaudy tunnel entrance only to see... ]
Rogue? Shit, they dragged you into this, too?
[ Why does this always happen to the two of them? ]
[ rogue was considering leaving, to take flight to sit on top of a building roof or even a mountain somewhere. but right as she hovers a few feet off the earth, she pauses at the sound of a familiar voice.
her head spins to the direction, and for a split moment, surprised, but then grins slyly while flying to the man. the mutant lands gracefully in front of him with one hand on her hip, the other flicking her curly locks in a cheeky yet flirtatious flare. ]
Now, if I didn't know any better, I'm beginnin' to think you're hankerin' for me, Miller. Y'know I'm only a holler away.
[ That's rich coming from the woman who chose to get stuck with him last time! Is what he would teasingly say if he were a little less flabbergasted by finding his way into a set-up like this again. It seems like he just has to accept it now that that's simply the way of this place. He'll count his blessings that it seems mild, shrugging his shoulders as he watches her descend back to earth. ]
I thought we settled that.
[ That he does. That the way it had felt to kiss her could not be any clearer in his mind. But they don't need to make a big show of it. Whatever else he was going to say gets interrupted by the very eager attendant that begins explaining the rules of this tunnel to them. Miller looks away from the local completely, as though he isn't even listening, but when he gets to the part about holding hands, he suddenly turns to Rogue and outstretches his towards her. ]
What do you say? Should we give it a try?
[ If this is going to happen, better her than anyone else. ]
[ the part about holding hands set her heart into nervous jitters. and while her face doesn't show is entirely, her body language does when she makes extra certain her gloves are snugged over her hands.
but neverthless, she smiles and embraces his hand — her fingers entwine with his. the mutant peeks around their surroundings first, scoping for any familiar faces beyond just them and the attendant. when the answer comes out empty, rogue then slants to miller, her head resting lovingly against her forearm with a content smile on her face. ]
Lead the way, Sug. Maybe we'll find a diamond ring, I've always wondered how it would look on me.
[ It's okay. He trusts her. Of all the moments to become complacent about letting their skin touch, he's sure this wouldn't be it. His own outfit today is casual, so his hands are bare as he takes her gloved one in his.
When she gets sidled up against him, he has to admit, it's pretty easy to get comfortable with this. Too easy. But his serious resting expression doesn't betray this, and the only hint is the way he squeezes her hand lightly as they step inside the hall. ]
Somehow I have my doubts that is the kind of treasure they had in mind...
[ Now that they're in here though. ]
What do you think this is, anyway? Some kind of game?
[ the light dulls the further they venture inside the tunnel, and the more they are away from prying eyes, the greater rogue relaxes beside him and burrows her cheek against his arm.
she isn't ashamed of miller or her attraction to him, after all, this would be considered a major upgrade compared to magneto, who is... viewed a villain to many. but they're nothing official, and she wants to grant the man the boundaries and respect he may or may not feel regarding them being close like this. ]
Ain't no tellin'. If this is the Tunnel of Love, it's missin' the swan boat, the romantic music, and animatronic critters.
[ rogue halts in their stroll, tugging miller gently to gesture him in a different direction from the main path. a tiny hop and the mutant hovers, flying with ease as a spots some gemstones molded into the cavern. ]
Are we meant to pick 'em? 'Cuz they didn't give us a basket to put 'em in.
[ The benefit of being safely alone like this is that he doesn't have to pay much mind to whoever might see this taking place. Perhaps it really goes against the ground rules they were talking about before, about how they would stay friends... but who is responsible for defining what that means anyway? The handholding they have no choice about... though he admittedly makes no complaint or attempt to dislodge her from his arm either, looking around the place for some kind of secret hidden along the path.
And then he spots it at just the same time as she does, a glimmering of something ruby and amber hiding in the crevices of the rock. He stops, letting her lead him towards it. ]
Hah. I should have known you'd have an eye for shiny things.
[ She seems like the type... Of course, he probably doesn't mean it as more than a tease given that, with his free hand, he unsheathes a large knife from his belt and tests the sturdiness of the hold by knocking the metal handle into the edge of the outcropping. ]
[ if he's going to tease her, she'll pester him right back as her emeralds twinkle up and down his physique, making sure he understands what exactly she's implying. but the woman observes him while he gets to work, resumes in her gliding in the air.
with her strength, rogue could very easily break the stone into pieces to fetch the amber, however, it would hold more significance if miller was the one who chose which gemstone is right for her. ]
I doubt they'll jerk a knot on our tails. If they come over yonder here just to count 'em, then they must be nuttier than any Goober I've ever met.
[ That's how it always goes with her. He isn't exactly aware of it, but he's started to enjoy it, knowing he can always provoke her own flavor of banter in response. He returns the suggestive tone, looking away from her with a smile. ]
I noticed.
[ It's a little difficult to do the job delicately when his other hand is entrapped in hers (you know, he didn't know when they were at the cave entrance that the attendant meant it so literally), but Miller is patient with the job. He loosens the gem by hitting the rock alongside it, then leans in close, taking the blade to gently wedge it out. Since he has no free hand to catch it though, he tries to land it on the side of the blade and it bounces off. ]
Damn. [ Maybe she'll catch it, maybe it will fall to the ground, but — ] I really ... can't let go of your hand.
[ she does catch it, thanks to reflexes, but when he references about how their hands are glued together, rogue makes an effort to tug away too, but... no go. with the gem in her hand, her expression sinks and curls into a concerning stare. ]
Okay, this might not be as romantic as I hoped. [ on the brighter side, at least it's with miller and not anyone dangerous or unpleasant. the mutant manages to pocket the rock in her jacket pocket, then lands gracefully on the earth again. ] — We oughta go back, right? 'Cuz come to think of it, the attendant seemed mighty giddy to get us to be together.
[ He's not really relieved by it either, but you know, compared to some of the other forced situations he's been involved in so far? This one's not so bad. At least not yet. He can't deny that some trap could be waiting for them further ahead, but... ]
I don't know. We might as well see it through now, don't you think? Chances are they've already barred off the entrance to us at this point.
[ Whether literally or just because some invisible barrier will stop them from stepping through, the same kind of sorcery that keeps ensuring their alone time with each other.
Miller sheathes his knife, giving her arm a gentle pull as he steps back to look out the mouth of the little cranny they'd discovered. ]
Though I do wonder what else they're hiding in here.
[ she lets the gentle pull guide her wherever miller likes for her to be, and she slants her head to one side before a mocking grin dances along her face. ]
Am I hearin' a sense of adventure in your tone? I do like a man who ain't afraid of danger.
[ rogue hums a giggle and places a hand to his cheek, then once doing so, she stands on her toes to plant a gentle kiss to the back of her hand — the only way the mutant can show affection without any harm's way. it's... disheartening, sure, but hopefully, it's something the man can be content with until... well, he finds a partner who can provide him better love than she possibly can. ]
Well, I'd say we're burnin' daylight if we keep lollygagging like we are, but the sun's been gone to bed. I'm ready to look around if you are, Sugah.
[ The suggestion does seem to be humorous to her, and frankly, he can't argue that it's not given that this "adventure" they're on is probably going to lead to nothing more than a continued waste of time. It would be especially pointless to waste even more trying to backtrack though, and frankly, forced handholding is pretty low on the totem pole of Aldrip brand nonsense.
He pulls her in front of him as they move out of the side passage, but the smile can be heard in his voice even as he pretends to give her a hard time. ]
Seriously? You are too easy to impress. Who's to say I won't use you as my human shield?
[ He can't really keep the act up for long anyway when she punctuates her teasing in a tender way like that. It's a shame that he has to just stand there and let it happen, his hand only loosely capturing her wrist, following it down to her side as she lets go of his face. ]
[rogue pretends to behave offended by his remark by forming a false gasp and placing her free hand over her heart. but the smile quickly returns, if not doing a friendly bump with her shoulder against his — if her grin seems misleading to him somehow.
feeling his touch to her side is comforting, even though her bodysuit is setting a barrier between the two of them. and as they hike again, her lips twitch into a smirk before reverting her eyes forward.]
Don't tell me you don't miss kissin' me. Not any amount? Guess I might be the only one outta us two.
[ His hand squeezes hers a little tighter, reflexively, betraying an otherwise nonanimated response with that hint of surprise. ]
I was trying not to think about it.
[ Though let's be honest, she is making it incredibly hard not to even without directly pointing it out. The forced expedition in this tunnel is making it incredibly hard not to think about. Best not to dwell on something that he can't do. It's the same as the lofty desire to make coming and leaving this place a choice. One has to live without holding that thought too closely or they'll go insane.
Miller keeps walking, looking into the darkness in case they might spot something else. ]
[his words and the squeeze are glaring opposites from rogue's prospective, and the cheery and slight kittenish mood thaws then shapes into something bitter. while he keeps his eyes forward, her emeralds are on him — narrowing for a moment and laxes her grip as much as she possibly when with it being jointed with his. rogue side-steps away from him as they stroll, giving the duo distance with her looking forward again.]
You're right. We oughta focus on gettin' out and then we carry on back to whatever we were doin' before this.
[her tone is sharp, hurt, but tough. like she is in the process of building a brick wall between them as they speak.]
If ya like, I could just pick ya up and make this over in a jiffy. — Wouldn't want to torture your mind.
[ Even for a man as inattentive to emotional matters as he is, he can see that he's offended her. It wasn't intentional, of course. Only the truth. Though the reason he had rejected the thought of even a small commitment to each other is exactly the same. It isn't just about her limitations with touch — it's also his own limitations. There is surely a point at which it stops being decent for him to keep stringing her along. Going into detail about how much he'd like to kiss her, too, seems like it's on the edge of that point.
Unfortunately, verbalizing this in a gentle way does not come to him naturally.
Miller stiffens as he meets her gaze, the forced handhold becoming a touch uncomfortable. He can't help the noticeably defensive inflection. ]
No need to be so dramatic. You didn't seem like you were in any hurry a moment ago. We'll get there soon, I'm sure, but I can pick up the pace if you're getting sick of me.
[dramatic. it's like a guitar cord snapped unexpectedly during a concert in front of thousands. dramatic. like her mind had been so wrapped up on other chores, and she completely forgotten the kettle, and it's wailing for someone to take them off the stove before it combusts. dramatic. like two cars colliding into one big cluster when the drivers sworn they both had the right away.
rogue halts immediately and lets miller walk on until he feels a tug of his counterpart stopping dead set on her tracks. her eyes says it all, the burning anger bubbling ferociously within her — especially when she decides to take flight without warning.]
You lookin' kinda weary there, Sugah. Lemme give ya a hand.
[and showing no regret, she hoists the man from the ground — soaring forward (not too fast) and not giving him any bit of a chance to prepare himself for this sort of experience.]
[ How wrong he was to think they could argue this out the old fashioned way. While he fully expects an annoyed response, an impending spirited back and forth, he is oblivious enough to take a half step forward unknowing until the weight of her stopping pulls at his arm. ]
Rogue—
[ The suggestion to wait just a moment? So useless he didn't have time to say it. All the inflexibility in the world couldn't couldn't change her mind, and in this instance, he is powerless to fight it. Fully understanding the extent of her strength and being at the mercy of it are two entirely separate things. So for once, he's stunned to silence, until a few moments into the flight, he makes a halfhearted effort to weigh her down with a tug. ]
[it's not fully in her bones to keep this façade going, maybe if he was a robber or someone actively doing crime, but not the innocent. so she comes into a halt in mid-air, then gently places the man (and herself) back on solid ground.
rogue won't tug him along after the landing, she is going to be kind enough to let him catch his breath and allow his mind to catch up with just transpire. although, doing that didn't make her feel any less bad because at the end of the day, miller said what he said, and... he would prefer to not think about their time during the christmas season. does he feel kissing her or doing... whatever they're doing a mistake now? a regret?]
[ He's not so innocent. Even when he thought he prepared her for how unsuitable he was to be the subject of her flirting, his actions really could have made that clearer. He still participated in it, so acting like it was a mistake now... well, if he's given that impression, his best intentions don't mean very much.
The trouble is that he isn't actually reflecting on this in the moment. He's just saying whatever he can to get her to bring him back to solid ground. Once it works, he kneels on the cave floor like the wind has been knocked out of him before slowly pressing his free palm to the wall, gently pulling at their conjoined hands as the counterweight of standing back up again. ]
Look...
[ He pauses for too long, like he still really has no idea what to say before he says it. ]
I just don't want to hurt you. What do you think is going to happen if we keep going on like this?
[and by this, she means him being so different from remy, so different from erik. she is so used to her boys wanting to be with her, and doing their damnest every time they interacted to convince her that being in a relationship was possible, and they would be satisfied with her despite her limitations.
she is used to them being on one bended knee and pouring their heart out to her like in those million romance novels she would read late at night. rogue isn't familiar with a man who is... reserved like him, who is distant like him, who (on the surface) didn't seem to enjoy her flirtatious charm so much. should she just... start treating him like an acquaintance again? is that what he wants and prefers? it's not as if many "benefits" are happening between them anyway. things hadn't been horrible enough where she needed to rest her head on his shoulder or vice versa. so once rogue gets a sense he is ready to move on, she leads them forward — not fast, but not too slow either.]
[ Perhaps it is a defeatist way to think of things but he finds there is nothing he can do or say right now to comfort her. At least, not if he doesn't wish to dig himself further into a hole. Sure, he could try to reassure her that imagining being together — holding each other, gloves off, and forgetting all of this — is what he really wants. But even if it is, to an extent, true, the struggle to keep the emotional disconnect in place is completely obvious even now. The ending to letting that play out can't be good.
Wishing to avoid further argument, he falls silent. The stern expression on his face becomes despondent, focusing only on the path ahead. He follows her lead to keep moving, not rushing but keeping at a decent pace. Part of him feels relieved as they start to see light creeping in from the other side. ]
Looks like we've about made it.
[ Kind of suspicious, isn't it? He thought there was supposed to be some kind of treasure awaiting them. ]
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expiationlogs2025-02-10 12:12 pm
no subject
Contrary to Rogue's predicament, he has no feelings regarding a day intended for romance... Valentine's Day? He supposes that people might have used it as an excuse to buy their loved one gifts back before the war, but it held little significance to him then and even less now. So, his frustration with being dragged into this isn't about that. It's just a waste of his time.
He manages to lose the attendant that dragged him into this mess and plans to make a quick trek out of the danger zone lest he get stopped by another obstacle akin to the frogs from a few months ago. Only this doesn't work out so well — as he's spotted by another eager local in the process and he's now being escorted in front of this gaudy tunnel entrance only to see... ]
Rogue? Shit, they dragged you into this, too?
[ Why does this always happen to the two of them? ]
no subject
her head spins to the direction, and for a split moment, surprised, but then grins slyly while flying to the man. the mutant lands gracefully in front of him with one hand on her hip, the other flicking her curly locks in a cheeky yet flirtatious flare. ]
Now, if I didn't know any better, I'm beginnin' to think you're hankerin' for me, Miller. Y'know I'm only a holler away.
no subject
I thought we settled that.
[ That he does. That the way it had felt to kiss her could not be any clearer in his mind. But they don't need to make a big show of it. Whatever else he was going to say gets interrupted by the very eager attendant that begins explaining the rules of this tunnel to them. Miller looks away from the local completely, as though he isn't even listening, but when he gets to the part about holding hands, he suddenly turns to Rogue and outstretches his towards her. ]
What do you say? Should we give it a try?
[ If this is going to happen, better her than anyone else. ]
no subject
but neverthless, she smiles and embraces his hand — her fingers entwine with his. the mutant peeks around their surroundings first, scoping for any familiar faces beyond just them and the attendant. when the answer comes out empty, rogue then slants to miller, her head resting lovingly against her forearm with a content smile on her face. ]
Lead the way, Sug. Maybe we'll find a diamond ring, I've always wondered how it would look on me.
no subject
When she gets sidled up against him, he has to admit, it's pretty easy to get comfortable with this. Too easy. But his serious resting expression doesn't betray this, and the only hint is the way he squeezes her hand lightly as they step inside the hall. ]
Somehow I have my doubts that is the kind of treasure they had in mind...
[ Now that they're in here though. ]
What do you think this is, anyway? Some kind of game?
no subject
she isn't ashamed of miller or her attraction to him, after all, this would be considered a major upgrade compared to magneto, who is... viewed a villain to many. but they're nothing official, and she wants to grant the man the boundaries and respect he may or may not feel regarding them being close like this. ]
Ain't no tellin'. If this is the Tunnel of Love, it's missin' the swan boat, the romantic music, and animatronic critters.
[ rogue halts in their stroll, tugging miller gently to gesture him in a different direction from the main path. a tiny hop and the mutant hovers, flying with ease as a spots some gemstones molded into the cavern. ]
Are we meant to pick 'em? 'Cuz they didn't give us a basket to put 'em in.
no subject
And then he spots it at just the same time as she does, a glimmering of something ruby and amber hiding in the crevices of the rock. He stops, letting her lead him towards it. ]
Hah. I should have known you'd have an eye for shiny things.
[ She seems like the type... Of course, he probably doesn't mean it as more than a tease given that, with his free hand, he unsheathes a large knife from his belt and tests the sturdiness of the hold by knocking the metal handle into the edge of the outcropping. ]
Well, I doubt that they would miss one.
no subject
[ if he's going to tease her, she'll pester him right back as her emeralds twinkle up and down his physique, making sure he understands what exactly she's implying. but the woman observes him while he gets to work, resumes in her gliding in the air.
with her strength, rogue could very easily break the stone into pieces to fetch the amber, however, it would hold more significance if miller was the one who chose which gemstone is right for her. ]
I doubt they'll jerk a knot on our tails. If they come over yonder here just to count 'em, then they must be nuttier than any Goober I've ever met.
no subject
I noticed.
[ It's a little difficult to do the job delicately when his other hand is entrapped in hers (you know, he didn't know when they were at the cave entrance that the attendant meant it so literally), but Miller is patient with the job. He loosens the gem by hitting the rock alongside it, then leans in close, taking the blade to gently wedge it out. Since he has no free hand to catch it though, he tries to land it on the side of the blade and it bounces off. ]
Damn. [ Maybe she'll catch it, maybe it will fall to the ground, but — ] I really ... can't let go of your hand.
[ Is that just him? ]
no subject
Okay, this might not be as romantic as I hoped. [ on the brighter side, at least it's with miller and not anyone dangerous or unpleasant. the mutant manages to pocket the rock in her jacket pocket, then lands gracefully on the earth again. ] — We oughta go back, right? 'Cuz come to think of it, the attendant seemed mighty giddy to get us to be together.
no subject
I don't know. We might as well see it through now, don't you think? Chances are they've already barred off the entrance to us at this point.
[ Whether literally or just because some invisible barrier will stop them from stepping through, the same kind of sorcery that keeps ensuring their alone time with each other.
Miller sheathes his knife, giving her arm a gentle pull as he steps back to look out the mouth of the little cranny they'd discovered. ]
Though I do wonder what else they're hiding in here.
no subject
Am I hearin' a sense of adventure in your tone? I do like a man who ain't afraid of danger.
[ rogue hums a giggle and places a hand to his cheek, then once doing so, she stands on her toes to plant a gentle kiss to the back of her hand — the only way the mutant can show affection without any harm's way. it's... disheartening, sure, but hopefully, it's something the man can be content with until... well, he finds a partner who can provide him better love than she possibly can. ]
Well, I'd say we're burnin' daylight if we keep lollygagging like we are, but the sun's been gone to bed. I'm ready to look around if you are, Sugah.
no subject
He pulls her in front of him as they move out of the side passage, but the smile can be heard in his voice even as he pretends to give her a hard time. ]
Seriously? You are too easy to impress. Who's to say I won't use you as my human shield?
[ He can't really keep the act up for long anyway when she punctuates her teasing in a tender way like that. It's a shame that he has to just stand there and let it happen, his hand only loosely capturing her wrist, following it down to her side as she lets go of his face. ]
Alright, yes, that's enough... Let's go.
no subject
feeling his touch to her side is comforting, even though her bodysuit is setting a barrier between the two of them. and as they hike again, her lips twitch into a smirk before reverting her eyes forward.]
Don't tell me you don't miss kissin' me. Not any amount? Guess I might be the only one outta us two.
no subject
I was trying not to think about it.
[ Though let's be honest, she is making it incredibly hard not to even without directly pointing it out. The forced expedition in this tunnel is making it incredibly hard not to think about. Best not to dwell on something that he can't do. It's the same as the lofty desire to make coming and leaving this place a choice. One has to live without holding that thought too closely or they'll go insane.
Miller keeps walking, looking into the darkness in case they might spot something else. ]
no subject
You're right. We oughta focus on gettin' out and then we carry on back to whatever we were doin' before this.
[her tone is sharp, hurt, but tough. like she is in the process of building a brick wall between them as they speak.]
If ya like, I could just pick ya up and make this over in a jiffy. — Wouldn't want to torture your mind.
no subject
Unfortunately, verbalizing this in a gentle way does not come to him naturally.
Miller stiffens as he meets her gaze, the forced handhold becoming a touch uncomfortable. He can't help the noticeably defensive inflection. ]
No need to be so dramatic. You didn't seem like you were in any hurry a moment ago. We'll get there soon, I'm sure, but I can pick up the pace if you're getting sick of me.
no subject
rogue halts immediately and lets miller walk on until he feels a tug of his counterpart stopping dead set on her tracks. her eyes says it all, the burning anger bubbling ferociously within her — especially when she decides to take flight without warning.]
You lookin' kinda weary there, Sugah. Lemme give ya a hand.
[and showing no regret, she hoists the man from the ground — soaring forward (not too fast) and not giving him any bit of a chance to prepare himself for this sort of experience.]
no subject
Rogue—
[ The suggestion to wait just a moment? So useless he didn't have time to say it. All the inflexibility in the world couldn't couldn't change her mind, and in this instance, he is powerless to fight it. Fully understanding the extent of her strength and being at the mercy of it are two entirely separate things. So for once, he's stunned to silence, until a few moments into the flight, he makes a halfhearted effort to weigh her down with a tug. ]
Okay, okay, I'm sorry, just put me down!
no subject
rogue won't tug him along after the landing, she is going to be kind enough to let him catch his breath and allow his mind to catch up with just transpire. although, doing that didn't make her feel any less bad because at the end of the day, miller said what he said, and... he would prefer to not think about their time during the christmas season. does he feel kissing her or doing... whatever they're doing a mistake now? a regret?]
Lemme know when you're ready to walk again.
no subject
The trouble is that he isn't actually reflecting on this in the moment. He's just saying whatever he can to get her to bring him back to solid ground. Once it works, he kneels on the cave floor like the wind has been knocked out of him before slowly pressing his free palm to the wall, gently pulling at their conjoined hands as the counterweight of standing back up again. ]
Look...
[ He pauses for too long, like he still really has no idea what to say before he says it. ]
I just don't want to hurt you. What do you think is going to happen if we keep going on like this?
no subject
[and by this, she means him being so different from remy, so different from erik. she is so used to her boys wanting to be with her, and doing their damnest every time they interacted to convince her that being in a relationship was possible, and they would be satisfied with her despite her limitations.
she is used to them being on one bended knee and pouring their heart out to her like in those million romance novels she would read late at night. rogue isn't familiar with a man who is... reserved like him, who is distant like him, who (on the surface) didn't seem to enjoy her flirtatious charm so much. should she just... start treating him like an acquaintance again? is that what he wants and prefers? it's not as if many "benefits" are happening between them anyway. things hadn't been horrible enough where she needed to rest her head on his shoulder or vice versa. so once rogue gets a sense he is ready to move on, she leads them forward — not fast, but not too slow either.]
no subject
Wishing to avoid further argument, he falls silent. The stern expression on his face becomes despondent, focusing only on the path ahead. He follows her lead to keep moving, not rushing but keeping at a decent pace. Part of him feels relieved as they start to see light creeping in from the other side. ]
Looks like we've about made it.
[ Kind of suspicious, isn't it? He thought there was supposed to be some kind of treasure awaiting them. ]