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Congratulations are in order. But...what have you been strong against, precisely, if I may ask?

Thank you, and yes you may ask. I've been married for a month now. And I suppose you could say I've, or we've, been strong against having it fail.

*frowns* If that makes sense?

Makes complete sense. Even nonsensical things make sense to me, it's a gift. *wide grin* Splendid to be married at all. I've not any experience with such a thing, but I've heard it can be quite wonderful. I hope it is, anyway. So many people I care about are married.

Oh! Well, I guess you might be able to get Rogue-logic then. Luckily my husband does. *laughs* I think I prefer your gift to mine.

It's been pretty good so far, but I guess the thing with us is that the past keeps kinda rearin' its head now and again...

You've just reminded me. Allow me to introduce myself, I'm the Doctor! *smiles widely* Oh, I wouldn't say that; I've no real gifts at all, just abilities that enable me to experience that which I desire.

The past is such an expansive, tumultuous road. I often think it tries harder than anything else to never let us escape from it. I know this quite well. What, may I ask, is troubling you about your past?

Nice to meet you, Doctor. *returns the smile* Well, that's still the best kinda ability. I ain't sure mine's like that, really. Well, 'less we're talkin' about things I really don't think you need to know about. *blushes and laughs*

No, it's fine. I ask a lotta questions, too so you never have to mind askin' 'em of me. Well, see... I met my husband, John, when were were both at Xavier's--a school--only we never really got it together... Not really. Too many missed opportunities and mad communication. Plus... he never really had a chance to have me to himself. And then, some bad stuff happened and he left.

*smile gets a little sad* I didn't see him for seven years.

Yes, quite right, there are some things best left unknown. *laughs*

Wonderful to know. I have to consider sometimes whether my inquisitive nature is trying to people; I know that others like to keep to themselves. I'm a very effusive sort of fellow about most things, the more I can share, the better!

I'm sorry to hear of your misfortune, and your absence from the man you love for such a time. It's a terrible truth that misery must befall nearly every living creature in some capacity.

*smiles* If you want, I can tell you the safe stuff about my ability. Although 'safe' ain't exactly a word I'd use to describe it.

Oh no! I love it when people ask me stuff 'less I think they're bein' rude. I mean, I annoy people with questions too, so I just think it's only fair. 'Sides, how are you supposed to have a conversation when you don't ask about each other?

*nods* Yeah, I agree. I've seen a lot of that, and experienced it. I don't much care for that side of life. But I can't really change it, plus it all adds to me, right?

*chuckles* Certainly, I'm always eager to hear about others and their capabilities.

Ah, splendid! Terrible to think you could annoy anyone with questions, but I suppose humans are a bit more reticent in that way. Whereas my species, the Time Lords, can sometimes be too forthright, and usually about the dullest things, which is why I've tried to disassociate from them.

Indeed. You wouldn't be the vibrant person you appear to be without those misfortunes to build and grow from.

I got a mutation that means I can't touch people. Not without takin' something from them. I absorb their memories, thoughts, feelings, and powers if they have any. I have the potential to kill someone and absorb them permanently if I hang on for too long.

Oh, you don't like your own species? I guess there's always people you won't like. I ain't too fond of Magneto. He's a mutant too, and he killed me so I kinda hate him. It's hard to forget him though with him up here. *taps temple*

Oh, how dreadful. I'm a rather tactile person at times, so I believe I'd be terribly put-off were I unable to touch others. Still, I think one of my favorite means of affection is a hug, and...you've the ability to still do that, right? How do you manage with being unable to kiss, if I may ask?

No, most of my fellow Time Lords are rather dull and unwilling to use their abilities to help others, which quite enrages me at times. Magneto? He sounds an unpleasant sort, especially if he did such an unspeakable thing to you. He still resides in your head, then?

So am I, so it does suck quite a bit. *grins* Yeah, I can hug. Just gotta watch the skin, ya know? I usually remember to be covered up so I don't hurt people. *crooked smile* Yeah, you can ask. John ain't scared of my mutation so he ain't exactly careful about kissin'. But when he feels like it, we use scarves--the gauze kind. They work pretty good.

You ain't a bit dull, I like you a lot. And I can see why you'd be kinda mad about them not usin' their abilities.

Yeah, he's unpleasant to say the least. I was forced to drain him to power a machine of his which wound killin' me. I got four other people still up there, too. John, for obvious reasons. Logan cos I drained him a couple time to stay alive. The other two are kinda faded, so not so strong.

Oh, that's good to hear. I suppose having a fearless husband can be both a blessing and a curse. At least he loves you such that he seems willing to contend with consequences that could arise from touching your skin. It must be reassuring to be loved in that capacity.

Thank you! You're quite interesting to speak with yourself. I try not to be judgmental about such things, but it's simply that there's so much suffering and the only way to affect even a minuscule amount of it is to make use of the abilities bestowed upon us.

Quite awful to hear that, really. I would hope the lingering presence of people in your head does not disturb your life too much, but I would also imagine that must simply be the case at times.

Given what he does, it is both frustratin' and admirable. I get worried sometimes he'll get too hurt. Not from me, just... other stuff. But as far as him and my skin are concerned, it is reassurin'. I don't know what I'd do without him.

*blushes* Thanks. I know what you mean. I'm sorry you have to watch that happen. Can't be easy.

Well, I think Logan's why I like whiskey. *laughs* Unfortunately Logan and Magneto give me nightmares on top of my own, so that part ain't easy. Haven't really been able to shake 'em for eight, nearly nine years. And sometimes if I get a large hit of someone I kinda have their personality for a little while. Wasn't always easy to discern my own thoughts.

I know very well what it is to worry over others. Perhaps I do it too much, and not always to their benefit. Wonderful to hear you are loved in such a way, though.

*sighs* Not at all, but if I didn't learn to cope as splendidly as I do, I'm certain I would have gone down a much different path centuries ago.

It seems like it would be awfully noisy and disconcerting to have others in your head like that. I couldn't know what you must deal with, but I often find that my own thoughts are diversified. It's often like having a manifest yin and yang within me, but I suppose that's what makes me, and others, different. Are you able to speak with someone when those personalities become too loud?

I think we must both do it too much. Guess it just means we're more concerned about others than ourselves.

*nods* Then I'm glad you did learn to cope like you did. Can't have you any different from who you are now.

Yeah, it would make you different. The thoughts... It's a little hard at times, but I can handle it most days. And yeah, there are people to talk to. Not a lot they can do though, 'cept maybe try and calm it all down.

That's a very good thing, if I do say so myself.

Thank you! I quite like how I've turned out, as a matter of fact. *teasing grin* Oh, if I could trouble you? Your name is Rogue, then? Is this your nickname or preferred name? Just to clarify.

Wonderful to hear, though I understand there must be limitations to what they can do for you. Are there any meditative techniques you could employ as well, to help yourself at times when others are unable to quite understand?

Yeah, I agree. Can't be thinkin' about just you all the time.

*smiles* You're welcome. Oh, it's a preferred name. Took it when I was fifteen after leavin' home. My real name is Marie Allerdyce. Well, used to be D'Ancanto but I'm married now. I kinda like bein' Mrs. Allerdyce, you know?

Sometimes. I can block 'em out for a little while. The Professor taught me a few, but it's hard to keep 'em up at night when I'm tryin' to sleep.

I believe you know by now I'm a curious sort of fellow, so I must inquire a bit about this Professor...Xavier, and the school you attend? Listening to you speak, I've been interconnecting the fragments and I surmise you must reside in a place that allows people with unique abilities, such as yourself, to hone and tame those skills? If so, I'm quite glad such a place exists to further ensure you're not alone.

I find it quite remarkable--the myriad names humans can assume in their life, especially as they marry. It is something unique and intriguing about your species.

Yeah, I do but I really don't mind. Like I said, I bug people with enough questions of my own if I get curious, too. And yep, you got it all right! Professor Charles Xavier started the school for mutant kids, and anyone that needed help really. I wound up there after I ran. Stayed for eight years. I'm glad it existed, too. Never would have met John, otherwise.

It was a pretty great place to be growin' up and feel safe. Well, most of the time. Professor Xavier died, though. I still miss him.

*laughs* Yeah, I guess it is. I have like... six things I call John. All of 'em good, though!

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Thank you, so am I. Relieved!