บท 18: Chapter 18
Urataros and Rogue rode on the Auto Vajin, heading toward their next destination.
"Where are we going?" asked Rogue, she impulsively followed him because she found someone she could touch and asked her on a date. Thinking back on it, aren't things moving too fast?
"We are almost there. You can see it in a few seconds."
Rogue spotted numerous neon lights and amusement rides in the distance, eventually arriving at a bustling fair. The area was teeming with people, enjoying various games and winning prizes. As they passed by, the distant screams of thrill-seekers on the rollercoaster added to the lively atmosphere.
Rogue was surprised that Ace brought her to a place like this. She didn't usually enjoy crowded places for fear of accidentally touching someone. Suddenly, Ace held her hand, causing Rogue to blush and look at him.
"We should hold hands so we don't get lost." he smiles at her
Suddenly Urataros exits Ace's body.
'Wa— Urataros, why did you suddenly exit?'
'I already had my fun. Besides, it seems more interesting like this.' he said playfully
'You can't just suddenly—'
"Ace, are you okay?" Rogue asked, she suddenly found him stopping and spacing out.
"Oh, no I'm fine. Well, let's have fun." Ace made the decision to forgive Urataros. He realized that he could have prevented Urataros from inviting Rogue if he had wanted to. The fact that he didn't take any action indicated that he was fine with the situation. He felt pity for Rogue, understanding that all she longed for was intimacy, yet she struggled to touch other people, which led her to subconsciously create emotional barriers. If he could help slowly break down those barriers, he wouldn't mind doing so. He still couldn't comprehend why he was able to touch her.
"Sure, just so you know I did not bring much cash."
"Don't worry, how could I be a man if I let you pay."
"Okay then, lead the way." Rogue noticed a subtle shift in Ace's demeanor; he appeared less flirty, but she sensed that she was getting a glimpse of the real him. They shared a laugh before heading inside the fair. Unbeknownst to them, four teens were following closely behind.
"Rogue really got a date. And he is so hot!"
"Kitty, be quiet. We don't want them to notice us."
"But Kurt, how could she snag someone like him when she is always brooding by herself."
"Guys look closer. She is holding hands with him and he is not fainting." said the blonde-named Evan
"What! She really is! How is he not affected?" said Kitty
"Is it a miracle?" said Kurt
"We need to follow them and figure out who he is. Just the fact he is holding Rogue's hand means he is not your regular joe." said the brown hair named Bobby.
The four teens who were Rogue's friends followed them silently.
…
Ace and Rogue enjoyed a fantastic time together, exploring numerous stalls and participating in various games. At one point, Ace tried his hand at the shooting range and effortlessly knocked down all the targets, much to the dismay of the clerk.
"You're a pretty good shot." said Rogue
"Well, I have experience." Having honed his shooting skills by practicing with different weapons back at the mansion, and with his heightened senses, missing in a game like this would have felt like his training was for naught.
Ace won a teddy bear with a white streak that resembled Rogue and presented it to her as a gift.
"Here for you."
"Aw~ for me you shouldn't have." Rogue happily received the gift.
They continued to explore the attractions, indulging in rides, games, and food, all the while maintaining a close and intimate connection with each other. Rogue stuck close to Ace, relishing the physical contact she hadn't experienced in a long time.
During their time together, they shared stories about their lives and school. Rogue revealed that she attends a boarding school called Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
"Huh, your school sounds interesting," said Ace.
"Yeah, how about you, Ace? Which school do you go to?"
"I'm from Midtown High School. It's not particularly outstanding, but I've met some great friends there."
As they lined up for the Ferris Wheel, Ace shared stories about his friends, and when he mentioned Gwen or MJ, Rogue couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
As they rode the Ferris Wheel, Rogue couldn't help but feel that it was the perfect day for her. She had fun, enjoyed various attractions, and, most importantly, had someone beside her to hold her hand.
"Ace, thank you for today." Rogue hugged his arm and leaned her head on his shoulders
"I thought I would never experience something like this. But thanks to you, I could feel normal for once."
"You're welcome, Rogue. But don't think this will be the last time. If you need someone to hang out with, just contact me."
Rogue smiled at Ace, feeling her heart race as she gazed at him, sensing that she had found the one for her. Overcome with emotion, she hugged his neck and leaned in for a kiss. Ace was taken by surprise but did not pull away. Instead, he embraced her waist and returned the kiss, his first in his two lives. His previous life had kept him too occupied with training to pursue dating.
As they separated, Rogue looked at Ace with an expression filled with longing, but then she became embarrassed by her bold move, although she still didn't release her embrace. Ace, too, felt embarrassed by the unexpected but heartfelt exchange. "Um, Rogue just so you know that was my first kiss."
Rogue was thrilled to learn that she was Ace's first, and it filled her with excitement.
"Rogue, I know I just asked you on a date and we just kissed, but... I want to be upfront and say that I don't see us as a couple."
Rogue felt a wave of sadness wash over her at these words, and she struggled to fight back tears. "Do-Do you not like me?"
"No, I do like you. It's just that we met today, and I feel like this might be moving too quickly."
"Even though you were hitting on me."
"Hahaha... I guess something came over me. But believe me, Rogue, I really do like you. I just think things are moving a bit too fast. Let's take our time and see how things go."
Ace has a lot on his plate and doesn't feel ready to start a relationship yet. Between school and being a Rider, he feels overwhelmed with responsibilities.
"Fine, but don't misunderstand, Ace. I know what I feel, and I won't give up on you."
Rogue finally found someone she felt a real connection with, and he embodied all the qualities she sought in a man. It would be the biggest mistake of her life if she let him slip away easily.
Ace could sense Rogue's determination and felt as if a lioness was about to pounce on him.
…
Ace and Rogue disembarked from the Ferris Wheel and continued their date, but they were noticed by an unsavory crowd.
"Hey, Pietro, look. It's Rogue, and she's on a date."
"Huh, what a surprise. Let's go and introduce ourselves."
The group of men followed them.
…
It was getting late, so Ace was preparing to escort Rogue home.
"I wish we could spend more time together," said Rogue.
"I feel the same, but it's getting late, and I don't want your guardians to be worried."
As they were about to leave, a sudden gust of wind passed by them.
"Hey, what's up, Rogue. Fancy meeting you here. And you've got a friend. Why don't you introduce him to us?"
Four men suddenly appeared in front of Ace and Rogue. One had white hair, the second was crouching with greenish skin and a swamp-like odor. The third wore steel armor, and the last was a large, strong-looking man with a substantial amount of fat.
"Pietro! What are you and your goons doing here?" said Rogue, startled by their sudden appearance.
"We were just out having fun until we spotted a little acquaintance, and we thought we would say hi."
"Rogue who are they? They don't seem to be your friends." asked Ace
"Just a bunch of troublemakers making things harder for us."
"Aw~ how could you say that Rogue? We, the Brotherhood, are just standing up for ourselves."
"By terrorizing the city?" replied Rogue
"We have to leave a lasting message if we want them to take us seriously."
"Wait Brotherhood? You guys are the Brotherhood?" said Ace
"It is nice to know somebody recognizes us. Now, how about a little chat."
"Not so fast!"
Four more teens appeared and positioned themselves between Ace and the Brotherhood.
"You're not laying a finger on them, Pietro," said Kitty.
"How could you accuse me of that? I just wanted to say hi."
"Well sorry but we don't trust you."
"What a shame. I seriously just wanted to talk. If you want a fight, sorry we have other plans. Fighting here would be too much trouble. Come on boys, let's go."
The Brotherhood left, easing the tension. Rogue let out a sigh of relief but looked at Ace with concern.
Ace noticed this and asked, "What's wrong, Rogue?"
"Sorry… for not telling you…"
"About what?"
"About me being a mutant…"
"Is that at all? Don't worry Rogue. I'm not mad at you for keeping it a secret. Whether you are a mutant or not doesn't matter to me. You're my friend and that is not going to change."
Rogue was happy that Ace did not look at her any differently. She felt more assured that he was the one for her.
"Hey there, handsome. Nice meeting you here. Rogue, care to introduce us." said Kitty
Rogue felt irked by Kitty's flirting. "Ace, these are my friends. Kitty, Kurt, Bobby, and Evan."
"Hi! I'm Kitty, thanks for taking care of Rogue." Kitty grabs onto Ace's arm
"How about you do the same to me next time."
Rogue gets irritated and pulls off Kitty from Ace and they start arguing.
"Sorry about those two. Name's Bobby."
"I'm Kurt, it is nice to meet you, man."
"Evan, you're surprisingly well built. Do you do sports by any chance?"
"I have learned martial arts since I was a kid."
"Cool"
Rogue and Kitty stopped arguing and rejoined the group. It was getting late, and they knew they had to head home before getting scolded.
"I'll see you next time Ace."
"Of course Rogue. If you ever get lonely, just contact me. I'm always willing to lend an ear."
Rogue was happy and they hugged before saying goodbye.
…
"Rogue, who was he? We saw him touch you. Did you manage to control your powers?" asked Bobby
"No, it's still working like it should. I guess Ace is just special." Rogue blushes saying that.
"You think he is a mutant like us?" said Kurt
"If he is. It's great! We can invite him to our school!" said Kitty excited at the thought of Ace joining the institute.
Rogue felt annoyed by Kitty's obvious interest in Ace, especially since she herself liked him. Nevertheless, she agreed that it would be nice for Ace to join her school.
"We need to talk to the Professor about this. But seriously Rogue. You fell for him hard huh?" said Bobby teasing Rogue
"Shut up popsicle!"
***
Extra chapter for reaching 3000 cumulative power stones. 2470/3000
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