Rogue smiled softly and watched him leave, then turned to sit down with Anja on the rocking chair. The baby looked somewhat perplexed that her father had left, her wide green eyes sleepy but aware. Rogue smiled at her daughter, "That's right, you little trouble-maker. I shouldn't even be doin' this, you know. I should let you cry yourself to sleep."

...she hadn't been able to do that yet. Maybe tomorrow night. As it was, Rogue sang a soft lullabye over her daughter, banishing the terrors of the night and invoking strength and wisdom in Anja. When the baby at last fell asleep, Rogue set her carefully back down in her bassinet.

She stood there, watching her sleeping daughter, and almost didn't want to move. There was something so precious about watching Anja sleep, completely safe from harm.

I will protect you she promised quietly.

And then, far too awake to go back to bed, Rogue padded silently down to the kitchen.