Steve sighed softly, pushing off the island and moving to stand beside her, facing out into the kitchen. He leaned against the counter beside her, his hands holding the edge, within sight and close to her, but not threatening to touch her. He wanted to, dearly, but he knew at times like this, he had to let Rogue come to him first. It hurt, but he understood that's how she was.

Glancing over, he could see she was still upset. He averted his eyes, not wanting her to feel pinned to the spot, but kept his head turned toward her as he murmured, "Rogue. Marie." He tried not to use her given name too often; she preferred Rogue, and it held more impact if he saved it for certain occasions. In this instance, when he wanted her to be honest with him. She didn't have to tell him what the nightmare - because really, 'bad dream' surely didn't cover it - was about, but he didn't want her to lie to him and say she was okay, when clearly she wasn't.