Rogue gasped at the 'pinch' that felt like a hell of a lot more, but the relief that followed was what took her breath away. The pain disappeared completely, the stiffness in her back from leaning over the counter in the kitchen, the leaden weariness in her limbs. She felt more well-rested and in better shape than she had possibly since arrived in Pegasus. It was amazing. The pleasure that came with it was a surprise - a little pleasure went a long way with Rogue, who was so starved for the sensation, and half a quiet moan escaped her before she was able to reel back in the response.

She concentrated on keeping control of her abilities from the moment he made to touch her, stopping the transfer immediately when his skin met hers. But in the seconds that followed she was distracted and that control flickered. When she realized what was happening, she clamped down on her power, using more force than she ever had before to keep it firmly in the 'off' position.

And it stayed. One second she was narrowing her focus to that single task, and the next... She didn't even have to think about it. No concentration was needed. She could feel an indescribable difference in her control, and she looked up at Todd with eyes wide for more than one reason. Because as she let go of her control completely, he was still able to touch her safely.