Disclaimer: No, I do not own the X-men. Although, I really want to be one…

Other: Trying to get a bit of Rogue POV across. Wow, these chapters suck right now.

Chapter Two

Rogue sat in the classroom, not listening to what was supposed to be being taught to her. Instead, she leant precariously on her hand, her gaze downcast, as she drew aimlessly. With a sigh, she looked up from her doodles, her gaze automatically being drawn to the two empty desks beside her. The two desks that used to hold such familiar faces – the two desks that had both been empty for the past two weeks. With a slight smile on her face, she remembered the first day all three of them had come into the classroom, and raced for the back seats. There had been a bit of a scuffle between Bobby and John on who got the seat nearest to the door, but then Bobby had seen where Rogue was sitting, and gave in. The playful fighting had continued, through every lesson, and sometimes Rogue had just wanted to yell at the top of her voice at the two boys – they argued about the most pointless things, always trying to better than the other.

But she would give anything to have those arguments again. She would give anything to see the two boys smile at each other, as finally, one of them ran out of steam. But none of her wishes seemed to be coming true anymore. Rogue wasn't even sure on quite where Bobby's and her relationship was at either – she didn't even know if they were still together. Neither had talked to each other for so long, and when they did, it only ever seemed to be angry words.

"You can go, you know," a voice called to Rogue, causing her to sit up in her chair, her pencil falling out of her grasp, and clattering to the floor. Jean stood in front of her, the lesson obviously finished, as all the other students had left. Rogue guessed she must've missed the bell, too busy daydreaming. Rogue flashed a smile in Jean's direction, muttering a "sorry", as she tried to gather her books.

"He's still not coming then…" Jean said softly, glancing towards the empty desk. A soft frown played across her face, as she slipped into the chair opposite Rogue. She had been meaning to speak to the younger mutant for quite some time, about many things, and now just seemed like the right time. The room was private enough, after all. Rogue slowly stopped in her hurried actions, settling down once more. "No," she said, following Jean's gaze to Bobby's desk. "He isn't."

Jean moved to study Rogue's face, resisting the urge to simply read her mind, to find out what she was feeling – of course, she would never do that without someone knowing, but sometimes, it was just so tempting… But she had enough control not to. "How are you finding it?" She finally asked.

Rogue glanced towards Jean, before moving her gaze to stare over her shoulder. She shrugged slightly, trying to get the words right in her head, before she spoke it out loud. "I guess…" She started, her fingers fiddling nervously with the hem of her sleeve. "It's like he's a different person – I mean… it's like a piece of him is missing…" Rogue said quietly, already feeling the tears prick at her eyes. She brought a hand up to brush at her eyes, not wanting to cry… Enough tears had fallen already, she was not going to let anymore drop. John was not worth it.

Jean nodded slightly, knowing to let Rogue speak as and when she wanted. Sometimes, silences helped – it helped for the person to think things through, to understand everything. But sometimes, advice needed to be given as well. "John was his best friend, Rogue," she said softly, moving to grasp one of her hands. "They've been friends for over 5 years… it's going to be hard for him, as well as you." Jean squeezed Rogue's hand comfortingly, only able to guess at how hard it must be for her – to try and be the strong one, the one that had to help comfort, when you yourself needed comforting.

"I 'spose…" Rogue whispered softly, grateful for the touch of Jean's hand. At least she was still not scared of her touch. "I guess… It's just hard."

"I know… But it'll get easier." Jean said again, "I promise." Rogue nodded only ever so slightly, unsure if she could truly believe in the promise… Nothing seemed to be working as of yet.

"I'll speak to him…" Jean said wistfully, nodding her head, almost as if to confirm in her mind what she was going to do. "Maybe I can get something out of him." Jean shrugged her shoulders slightly, and smiled towards Rogue. "Now don't you have Scott next?" She asked, "He'll be mad at me, if I keep you for much longer!" Rogue silently nodded, and with a sigh, moved to go out of the room. Pausing for a moment, she turned in the doorway. "Thanks Jean," she said softly, knowing she would hear… and with that, she moved to her next class.