It was hard for him to say why he was being so...affectionate. Perhaps by touching her occasionally it was a reminder she was actually there. Also he supposed it helped ground her as well, to keep her from disappearing into her own mind.

After dinner, they headed back to his chambers. They'd jumped into hyperspace not long ago so the room was bathed in blue light. No stars tonight, but, as he'd elaborated, they wouldn't be in hyperspace for long.

Undressing down to his pants, he went to an unopened panel and, at the bottom, pulled out a familiar volume.

Climbing into bed with Rogue he said, "I never finished it." he said. It was the Count of Monte Cristo. A little worn at the corners, but the bookmark was where he'd left it all those years ago.