Rogue knew now that the films through the ages reflected society, but that didn't mean she'd known it growing up. As a little girl, all she'd known was that no one was coming to rescue her, so why should those princesses expect anyone to rescue them? It was better to be strong enough and have the resources to rescue yourself.

He was right about the warning signs, because his words had her eyes burning with tears and she had to blink them quickly to hold them at bay. "You made me beautiful," she commented quietly, in awe of that accomplishment. Brushing at her eyes and sniffling twice, she added, "Thank you for that."

It was all she could say, because how was she supposed to explain that she no longer felt beautiful because of the scars on her back. He hadn't seen them yet, and she didn't need to ruin this part of his birthday with it.