The caresses did the trick, the smooth repetitive motions having a calming, soothing effect that eased her into sleep before too long. She stayed asleep for a while after Todd woke, not bothered at all when he moved a bit, but when she did wake, it wasn't pleasant.

Rogue's waking consisted of gasping her way to conscious, fear and panic clutching at her mind even as she clutched at Todd's arm, not to push it away but to keep it close. Her powers didn't even flicker - even in sleep, she'd known he was there beside her, and felt protected by his presence. She shook as she struggled to catch her breath, the memories turned to dreams clinging to her the way shadows clung to the corners of a room.