It would be the best game of chicken she'd ever play if they did wind up in that holding pattern. Rogue would be the one to give in first, she only had so much patience when it came to waiting for things to happen, but she was stubborn enough to stand her ground and give as good as she got. A game like that might be good for the both of them.

But he was downright wonderful at flirting, even if he didn't know it. Once the words left his mouth, she just stared at him for a moment, wondering if he could possibly understand just how much that sentiment meant to her. And then he was handing her that glass of punch and she found herself raising her own to meet that toast, a bright smile blooming on her face.

"I think that's a fantastic idea," she agreed with her own healthy dose of flirtation. "I can't imagine anyone better suited for this partnership."