Disclaimer – I do not own any of the X-Men. I do however own a really cute pair of pink bunny slippers! *looks down at feet* AH! BUNNIES! *tries running away* Help! They're following me! OMG THEY ATE MY FEET! *tranquilizer dart hits neck* Where did they get... guns... from...? *falls asleep* damn bunnies

Crowds Chapter One

Rogue's POV

I should never have agreed to come here with her. What if she picks up on my thoughts? I can't let that happen. I have to find something to absorb all thought. Should be easy, let's just listen to music. Yes, music will take over my mind. If I'm listening to music, and she is listening to my thoughts, then she is really listening to music too. That's good. I wonder what kind of music she likes. What if she thinks my kind of music is bad? Shit she's coming! No time to think, Rogue, just grab something!

Rogue jammed on the nearest headset and pretended to be startled as Jean tapped her on the shoulder.

"What're you listening to, anything good?"

"No, well, yes, but just not anything great."

"Oh, well, we need to be heading back. The Professor just called and said dinners at six."

"Oh, yeah ok, well then we should be going."

Neither one of the two girls spoke much as they walked through the overcrowded mall. This was Rogue's first time going to the mall when there were lots of people there. The Professor had lately been sending Rogue out of the house and into crowded areas as part of her training. He claimed that if she didn't face her fear of crowds now, then she never would be able to later. As a precaution, Jean went with Rogue and informed the Professor of everything that happened on their outings. At first they had started out with little crowds, such as walking down a few busy streets. They then went to football games or to the movies. So far his plan had been working with nobody getting hurt and that had really raised Rogue's spirits. Lately she had been in a good mood and she slammed her door in people's faces less and less with every successful outing she and Jean had together.

Thinking of Jean, Rogue glanced at the beautiful redhead next to her. How did this happen? she asked herself. More importantly, when did this happen? I mean, I always knew that Jean was amazing and beautiful and kind and someone important in my life, but when did she all of a sudden BECOME my life? Is it just my imagination or has she been spending more time with me? I mean, besides the outings the Professor makes us go on. Why did she volunteer for the job anyways? I wish I could just tell her how I feel, or better yet, how I want to feel with her. If only I could touch her. I just want to be able to kiss her and see how she reacts. No, that might not be such a good idea. I wish I could just walk up to her and say, "Jean Grey, I love you with all my heart." Oh crap, did she hear me?!

Rogue stopped as she felt Jean grab her arm, forcing them both to stop abruptly. Damn I wish I was better at reading people's faces Rogue thought as she scanned Jean's (slightly puzzled yet maybe... happy?) face.

"Wh- What's wrong Jean?"

"I just realized I forgot something. Why don't you head to the car and I'll be right back. Here are the keys." And with that Jean went flying into the crowd and soon disappeared from Rogue's sight.

"Ok." Rogue went to the car and waited for Jean. Maybe she didn't hear me after all. Well, I guess that's a good thing although I wonder what would have happened if she had heard me. Oh here she comes. I wonder what she bought.

"Hey, sorry I took so long. I hope we aren't late."

"What did you forget?"

"Nothing, the Professor just asked me to get something for him."

"Oh, ok then."

They drove in silence for a little while until Jean finally broke the silence.

"Is something wrong? I mean, are we going to fast because I know that sometimes the Professor wants to speed up our progress."

"I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"I've just been noticing you more lately. Like, you seem fine some days and then on other days you look like you just saw your own death or like you haven't gotten any sleep. I'm just trying to say that I'm worried about you. And I'm not the only one who's concerned. The Professor knows that something is troubling you. He, uh, he thinks you've been having those dreams again."

Rogue turned pale and whispered in a dangerous voice, "What do you know about my dreams?" They were about fifteen minutes away from the mansion.

"I know how much pain they cause you. I don't know what they're about but that doesn't mean that I can't see how you react to them. You need someone to help you with them."

Raising her voice slightly Rogue asked/ demanded, "And who the hell do you think can help me?!"

"Rogue, I think that a lot of people would help you if you only asked. I know that the Professor would. He'd love to. Look, I know how you must feel, living away from your parents in a different environment and developing your mutant power-"

"You don't know anything about the way I feel and you most likely never will so stop trying!"

"Rogue, where is this coming from? I only want to help."

"Stop the car, Jean, you don't understand."

"Well then help me understand so I can help you!"

"I don't want your help! Damnit just stop the car!"

"Rogue-"

Rogue unlocked the door and swung it wide open forcing Jean to screech to a stop. Once the car was stopped Rogue jumped out of it and started walking. Jean followed and rolled down her windows.

"Look, Rogue, I'm sorry if I upset you. Just get back in the car. It's starting to rain and I don't want you to get sick."

"Go to hell Jean."

"Come on, Rogue. If you want I won't even talk to you."

"Jean, if you don't drive away I will just turn around and never come back."

"You don't mean that. And the Professor would be able to find you."

"If you think I'm lying, read my mind."

Jean did and with a hurt face she whispered, "I'll tell the Professor you wanted a bit of exercise." With that she drove off and disappeared, just like in the mall.

Once she was gone Rogue fell down on the side of the road and cried. It had all gone so well. They'd been having fun, together. Why did I have to be such a bitch? Why couldn't I have just lied about my dreams or better yet, why couldn't I tell her the truth? Well, she thought standing up after a few minutes, may as well start walking. She sighed with despair. Why can't I do anything right?