Chapter 97

Rogue turned to Ace as they settled into the Tridoron, curiosity shining in her emerald eyes. "So, Ace, where exactly are we headed?" she asked, her Southern lilt adding a touch of playfulness to her words.

Ace flashed her a confident smile as he started the engine. "It's a surprise, my dear," he replied, his voice smooth and alluring. "But I can assure you, it's a place you're going to love."

Rogue arched a brow, her lips quirking into a half-smile. "You know I don't like surprises, sugar," she teased. "But I trust you, so I'll play along."

Ace chuckled, his gaze briefly meeting hers. "Just sit back and enjoy the ride, Rogue. We'll be there before you know it."

The Tridoron glided effortlessly through the bustling streets of New York City, Ace's skilled driving navigating the traffic with ease. Rogue watched the familiar sights pass by, her fingers tapping lightly against the sleek interior of the vehicle.

After a short drive, Ace pulled the Tridoron to a stop in the heart of Central Park. He turned to Rogue, a warm smile on his face. "We're here, my dear. I hope you're ready for a lovely stroll through the park."

Rogue and Ace exited the Tridoron, stepping onto the well-manicured paths of Central Park. As they did so, the bustling energy of the city seemed to fade away, replaced by a tranquil atmosphere.

The park was alive with activity. Families strolled along the winding trails, children laughed and played on the lush green lawns, while joggers and cyclists moved with purpose, their rhythmic steps and the whir of wheels adding to the vibrant soundscape. The air was filled with the soothing melodies of street musicians, their music drifting through the trees and inviting passersby to pause and enjoy the moment.

Rogue took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing as she soaked in the serene surroundings. "This is beautiful, Ace," she said, her gaze sweeping across the verdant landscape. "I haven't had the chance to really explore Central Park before."

Ace nodded, a content smile on his face. "I thought it would be the perfect setting for our date," he replied, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Shall we?"

Ace and Rogue strolled leisurely through the picturesque paths of Central Park, the tranquil atmosphere providing the perfect backdrop for their budding romance.

As they walked side by side, Ace's gaze would occasionally drift towards Rogue, admiring the way the sunlight danced across her features. Rogue, too, found herself stealing glances at Ace, captivated by his confident yet charming demeanor.

"So, Ace, tell me," Rogue began, her voice laced with a hint of playfulness, "what made you choose this particular spot for our date?"

Ace chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, my dear, I wanted to find a place that was both beautiful and serene - a perfect setting to get to know you better."

Rogue felt a faint blush creep across her cheeks at his words. "Is that so?" she replied, her tone coy. "And what exactly do you hope to learn about me?"

"Everything," Ace answered without hesitation, his gaze locked with hers. "Your hopes, your dreams, your passions - I want to know it all."

Rogue couldn't help but smile at his sincerity. "Well then, sugar, you'd better be prepared. I'm an open book."

Ace listened intently as Rogue opened up about her experiences at the X-Mansion. "Well, sugar, where do I even begin?" she said with a wistful smile. "That place has been my home for years now, and I can honestly say it's shaped me into the woman I am today."

Rogue's eyes sparkled with fond memories as she spoke of her close-knit group of friends. "Kitty, Kurt, Bobby, Evan - they're like family to me. We've been through so much together, both in the classroom and on the battlefield." She chuckled, recalling their camaraderie and the occasional friendly rivalries.

"And then there's Jubilee," Rogue continued, "the newest addition to our little squad. That girl's got more energy than a firecracker, but she's got a heart of gold. It's been fun watching her come into her own, learning to harness her powers and finding her place with the X-Men."

As they strolled through the park, Rogue regaled Ace with tales of their daring missions, from rescuing civilians to facing off against formidable foes. "There's never a dull moment, that's for sure. But we always have each other's backs, no matter what."

Ace listened intently, captivated by Rogue's passion and the sense of purpose that radiated from her words. "It sounds like an incredible experience," he mused, his admiration for her growing with every passing moment.

Rogue's gaze softened as she turned to Ace, her curiosity piqued. "So, what about you, sugar? What's been going on in your life?"

Ace met her inquiring look with a warm smile. "Well, I have been quite busy on my side." He paused, gauging her reaction. "Have you heard of a company called Destiny Star?"

Rogue's eyes widened with recognition. "Why, yes, I have! Kitty's been raving about their new SSAR glasses, but she says she just can't afford them." A hint of disappointment flashed across her face. "She was really looking forward to trying them out."

Ace nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I see. Well, as it happens, I'm the founder of Destiny Star." He chuckled at Rogue's surprised expression.

Rogue's eyes widened in surprise as Ace revealed his connection to Destiny Star. "You're the founder of Destiny Star?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with a mix of astonishment and curiosity.

Ace chuckled, nodding in confirmation. "That's right, my dear. Although I could not have done it myself. I had some help when starting it."

Rogue's mind raced, trying to process this new information. "Well, I'll be," she murmured, her gaze studying Ace with renewed interest. "I had no idea. Kitty's been gushing about those SSAR glasses, but she's been savin' up just to get a pair."

Ace's expression softened, and he reached out to gently touch Rogue's arm. "I'd be more than happy to arrange for Kitty to receive a pair. Consider it a gift from me."

Rogue's lips parted in surprise, her emerald eyes shining with gratitude. "Ace, that's so thoughtful of you. Kitty will be over the moon!" She paused, her brow furrowing slightly. "But I have to ask, what made you decide to start a technology company?"

Ace's expression shifted, a hint of wistfulness crossing his features. "The truth is, Rogue, I started Destiny Star for a few reasons," he began, his voice tinged with a touch of seriousness.

"Of course, earning money was certainly one of the driving factors," he admitted, his gaze meeting hers. "I wanted to have the means to support myself and the people I care about." His lips curved into a small smile. "And I'll admit, having a bit of influence in the tech world doesn't hurt either."

Rogue's brow furrowed as she considered Ace's words. "Well, sugar, I can't say I'm surprised to hear that," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "You strike me as the type who likes to have a bit of control over his life and his surroundings."

She offered him a playful nudge. "But I have to say, I'm impressed. Destiny Star's been makin' quite a name for itself, and I can't help but wonder what other tricks you've got up your sleeve."

Ace chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "My dear Rogue, I'm afraid you'll just have to wait and see," he teased, his tone light and playful. "But I can promise you, there's plenty more where that came from."

With a flourish, he gestured towards a nearby street. "Now, how about we continue our adventure? I've got a special treat in store for you."

Rogue quirked a brow, her curiosity piqued. "Lead the way, sugar," she replied, falling into step beside him.

Ace guided Rogue through the bustling streets of New York, his confident stride exuding an air of familiarity. As they approached a towering, elegant building, Rogue couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation.

"Ace, where are we?" she asked, her gaze sweeping over the grand entrance.

"Why, my dear Rogue, this is one of the finest dining establishments in the city," Ace replied, his lips curving into a smile. "I thought a five-star lunch would be the perfect way to continue our date."

Rogue's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but chuckle. "Five-star, huh? Well, you certainly know how to show a girl a good time."

With a playful wink, Ace offered Rogue his arm. "Shall we?"

Ace and Rogue approached the towering entrance of the five-star restaurant, its grand facade exuding an air of sophistication. As they stepped through the ornate doors, they were greeted by a smartly dressed staff member.

"Good afternoon," the staff member said, a polite smile on their face. "Do you have a reservation with us today?"

Ace nodded, a confident smile gracing his features. "Yes, the reservation is under the name Ace Ukiyo."

The staff member's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, yes, right this way, Mr. Ukiyo." They gestured for Ace and Rogue to follow as they led them through the elegantly appointed dining room.

Weaving between the tables draped in crisp white linens, the staff member guided them to a secluded table near the large windows, offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. "Here we are, your table with the best view in the house," they announced, pulling out the chairs for Ace and Rogue.

Rogue's eyes widened as she took in the stunning panorama before them. "Ace, this is simply breathtaking," she murmured, her gaze fixed on the glistening skyscrapers in the distance.

Ace's gaze softened as he watched Rogue's reaction. "I'm glad you approve, my dear," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Only the best for my date."

Rogue felt a faint blush creep across her cheeks at Ace's flirtatious words. She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, a bashful smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Well, sugar, you certainly know how to make a girl feel special," she said, her emerald eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.

A waiter approached their table, interrupting the moment. "Good afternoon, sir, ma'am. Are you ready to order?"

Ace glanced at Rogue, his gaze silently inquiring. "I believe we are," he replied, his voice smooth and confident. "I'll have the grilled salmon, and my lovely companion will have the Caesar salad, if that suits you, my dear?"

Rogue nodded in agreement, impressed by Ace's attentiveness. "That sounds perfect, sugar."

The waiter jotted down their order and swiftly departed, leaving Ace and Rogue once again alone at their secluded table.

"So, Rogue," Ace began, his gaze fixed on her, "tell me more about your life at the X-Mansion. I'm quite intrigued by the tales you've shared so far."

Rogue leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "Well, sugar, where do I even begin?" She chuckled softly, her fingers drumming against the pristine tablecloth.

As their conversation flowed effortlessly, Ace and Rogue savored their meal, their words punctuated by the occasional laughter and shared glances. The bustling city seemed to fade away, leaving them in their own private world, captivated by each other's company.

Rogue leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful as she considered Ace's request. A mischievous glint sparkled in her emerald eyes. "Well, sugar, there was this one time during a mission when Kitty got a little overzealous with her phasing powers."

Ace's brow arched with intrigue, and he leaned in, his gaze fixed on Rogue. "Do tell, my dear. I'm all ears."

Rogue chuckled, the memory clearly bringing her amusement. "We were tryin' to infiltrate this high-security facility, and Kitty was our ace in the hole. She phased us all through the walls, but she got a little too excited and ended up phasing us right into the middle of the men's locker room!"

Ace's eyes widened, and a burst of laughter escaped his lips. "Oh, my, that must have been quite the sight!" he exclaimed, his shoulders shaking with mirth.

Rogue nodded, her own laughter joining Ace's. "You should have seen the looks on those poor fellas' faces. Kitty turned as red as a tomato, and we had to beat a hasty retreat before the alarms went off."

Ace and Rogue's laughter filled the air, the lighthearted tale of Kitty's mishap bringing them closer together. As their chuckles subsided, Ace reached for the bill, his gaze never leaving Rogue's.

"Well, my dear, I believe it's time we continue our date," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he settled the tab.

Rogue quirked a brow, her curiosity piqued. "And what exactly do you have planned, sugar?" she asked, her tone playful.

Ace flashed her a dazzling smile as he stood from the table. "Ah, that's for me to know and for you to find out," he teased, offering her his arm.

Rogue couldn't help but smile as she slid her hand into the crook of his elbow. "Lead the way, then, Ace. I'm all yours."

With a confident stride, Ace guided Rogue out of the restaurant, the pair leaving behind the elegance of the dining room and stepping back into the bustling streets of New York City.

***

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