Location: Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters
Time: Morning
Riven stepped into the hallway, his damp hair slightly tousled from the shower. The black shirt he wore clung to his frame—a standard-issue X-shirt, plain and soft. It fit him well enough, though he didn't care much about how he looked. His steps were slow but silent.
The kids stared again.
Some of the younger ones whispered as he passed. He could feel their eyes on him—curious, cautious, unsure. One of them even waved shyly. He gave a small nod but didn't break stride.
At the turn near the main staircase, he saw her.
Rogue leaned against the wall, arms crossed, her streaked hair catching the morning light from the tall windows. Her eyes lit up with mischief and curiosity when she spotted him.
"Hey," she called. "You the guy who showed up last night looking like you went ten rounds with Juggernaut?"
Riven stopped and gave a half-shrug. "Something like that."
She fell into step beside him. "Rogue," she said, offering a gloved hand. "Well, that's what everyone calls me."
He glanced at the glove, then shook her hand lightly. "Riven."
"So... you're staying here now?"
"For now."
Rogue grinned. "Not much of a talker, huh?"
He looked straight ahead. "I talk when there's something worth saying."
Rogue chuckled. "Alright, mystery man. Everyone's talking about you, you know. You kind of made an impression. Especially after saving that kid."
His gaze dropped for a second. "Wasn't trying to impress anyone."
She bit her lip, walking beside him. "Were you really the one who... you know, did all that to those Hydra places?"
He stopped. His face didn't change, but something behind his eyes darkened.
"I don't answer questions like that," he said flatly.
Rogue raised both hands. "Fair enough. Just curious. People talk, y'know?"
He nodded once, the air thick with something unspoken.
"I get it," she said after a beat. "You've been through hell. But... you don't have to carry it all alone. Not here."
Before he could reply, another voice cut in.
"Rogue," Bobby Drake called from down the hall, walking toward them with his usual easygoing grin that faltered just slightly when he looked at Riven. "Everything good?"
"Peachy," Rogue said.
Bobby looked Riven up and down, then nodded. "You're taller than I expected."
Riven arched an eyebrow.
"And, uh... bigger," Bobby added under his breath.
Rogue smirked. "He's not a circus animal, Bobby."
"Didn't say he was."
"Didn't have to."
Riven walked past them before they could bicker further, heading toward the west wing.
Jean Grey was just coming around the corner, a tablet in her hand. She paused when she saw him.
"How's the room?" she asked.
"It's fine," he replied. "I wanted to ask... how's the kid?"
She gave a small, understanding smile. "Still unconscious. We're monitoring him closely. You did what you could."
Riven nodded.
"Want to see him?"
He hesitated. "Later. Just... keep me updated."
"I will."
He moved on, leaving Jean watching after him, thoughtful.