Still no action or Remy yet. But this all leads up to something, I swear!

Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel, The X-Men or any of the characters you see here.

It took her a surprisingly short time to pack. She didn't know how long she would be gone but she included a few extra changes of clothing (Gloves included), enough money to get by on and a few books to read on her journey. She scanned her room for anything else to add but everything she saw seemed completely useless, so she put on her trademark green coat, slung her bag over her shoulder and headed towards the door. On her way, a picture in a silver frame by the door caught her eye. It was of her, Bobby, Kitty, Jubilee and Piotr on a sunny Spring day the previous year. They were sitting on the edge of the same fountain that Kitty and Bobby were skating around, Jubilee at the end, leaning back against her hands with her hair done up in a funky 'do. She was smiling at the camera and looked as casually cool as she always did. Next to her, the muscular Pete stood out, his notebook in his hand and his grin wide, eyes shining with glee. To his left was Kitty who was almost leaning into him, head thrown back in laughter, one leg straight out in front of her and the other bent against her with her hands resting on it. It was beside her that Rogue sat, her short-sleeved shirt accompanied by long gloves so there was minimum skin showing. Her hair was flicked into her eyes slightly by the breeze, but not hiding her green eyes which were sparkling with happiness as she looked up at Bobby who had his arm casually slung over her, blonde hair attractively messy, staring at the camera as he laughed along with the rest. Rogue gave a small smile as she stared wistfully down at the photo before the pang that shot through her heart wiped it away. She moved to leave the room again but stopped in the middle of the doorway. Making up her mind, she turned and pulled the photo roughly out of the frame, shoving it into her pocket as she left.

The halls were empty, not surprising at this time of night, so she had no interruption on her hurry to get out. It wasn't until she reached the front doors and thought she was finally home free did someone appear.

"You heading off, kid?" Rogue froze, releasing the breath she'd been holding in for almost the entire trip through the mansion. Of course, how could she have forgotten about Logan, she knew about his bouts of insomnia. But there was no way she could've avoided him anyway, she'd have been faced with him eventually. But she still clenched her eyes shut and stayed silent, waiting for the lecture.

But only silence came. She waited, but so did he. Finally she answered

"Well, what can I say? Everyone was expecting it and I figured, what's the point in keeping them waiting? Might give them hope that I won't turn out to be a…" Her voice cracked. She couldn't bring herself to say the very word that Monet had uttered to her less than 24- hours ago. But she didn't need to finish because it seemed Logan had something to say too

"I hope you're not doing this for some boy" He said, and she turned her head sharply so she was looking behind at him. She planted a determined look on her face.

"No, I'm not." She said, softly but boldly, "I'm doing it for me. I want to…I mean, I…I might never get to… I just need the chance to…to…" She struggled to find the right words but he just held up his hand

"I understand," He said and she breathed out in frustration because he didn't. Not really. And she had to make sure he did.

"No, you've got to let me say this. I have to make sure you know. I'm doing this because… because it's all I've ever wanted. To touch. And not just Bobby either. Anyone. A stranger, a friend, someone more than that. I hate hurting people. I hate…I don't want to…" She took another deep breath, stumbling over her words again. She turned her ahead back in front of her, staring out at the large gates that were barely visible in the dark night.

"You don't know what it's like to be afraid of your powers." She said, her eyes fluttering shut again. "Be afraid to get close to anybody. I want to be able to touch people. A hug. A handshake. A kiss." She thought of David, who had been put into a coma because of her kiss. She thought of Bobby who had been so good to her and so patient but was still only human. She thought of everyone she'd ever met whom she'd had to distance herself from because she didn't want them to get hurt. But she was done with that. Logan stood quietly for a moment and she waited desperately for his words.

"I understand," he firmly repeated and relief flooded into her. She'd been so afraid that he might be disappointed or ashamed but now she knew it was ok. She knew she was doing the right thing. But still, she was confused. She turned around and faced him completely, her puzzlement written across her face

"Shouldn't you be stopping me? Telling me to go back upstairs and unpack?" She asked, gripping hr bag tightly. Logan chuckled humourlessly

"I'm not your father, kid. I'm your friend," He said, almost sternly and Rogue smiled because, although it was true, she knew that he was still the closest thing she'd ever have to a Guardian. And she was ok with that. "This is your choice" He continued "You can go if you want, just make sure it's what you want."

Rogue nodded. She was sure. Before she went to leave, she reached for the long chain that hung over her neck, fingers resting on the cool metal of Logan's dog tags that he'd given to her so long ago and that she wore constantly. She pulled it off and he caught it with ease

"I'll be coming back for those" She grinned, repeating the same words he'd used on her. He stared down at them before throwing them over his neck.

"Take care of yourself, Rogue," He said, seriously. She turned towards the door before doing a double take

"It's Marie," She corrected, almost shyly and he repeated the name as though testing how it sounded, his last farewell to her before she walked out the door, shutting it behind her.

She wanted to be Marie again, leave Rogue behind as she walked down the path toward the gate. But she knew she just couldn't leave her there, she would always be the Rogue who turned up in the snow accompanied by a berserk stranger. At least until she got the cure. Perhaps after that she'd get another chance and start all over again. That would be nice.

The bus ride to the train station had been long and uncomfortable. She hated sitting in the shadows, alone, with so few other people on the ride. But it was the silence that had killed her the most. It's easy to pretend you're invisible on a noisy bus but when no one talks, paranoia sneaks up and crawls under your skin. It felt like everyone was watching one another, wary and distrustful and Rogue hated it. She felt self-conscious in her covering clothing but still wary of even the minor exposure of her flesh. It was a relief to finally get onto the Train Station, which was still mobbed with crowds at this time of the night.

Pulling her hood over her head, Rogue scanned the times of trains, looking for one that could get her to San Francisco as quickly as possible. She found one leaving in 15 minutes and hurried over to buy a ticket. The line was short, luckily, and she searched her pockets for change.

"Um, Hi" Rogue said politely to the lady, who looked at her heavy clothing strangely. Rogue averted her gaze to the money she'd laid out in front of the counter

"I'd like to buy a ticket to San Francisco, 11:00, please" She said quietly, pushing the coins forwards. The lady's look turned from serious to suspicious and she took her time picking up the coins

"San Francisco?" She repeated and Rogue nodded "That's been a popular destination the past week. Especially among mutants" The last comment was almost scathing but Rogue said nothing, just wanting to get away, "That's where the cure is, isn't it? Warren Worthington Labs or something?" Rogue's cheeks flushed

"Something like that, I think. Not really sure" Rogue said in attempted causality. "I'm just going to visit some old friends. So, do you think I could have my ticket, please?"

The lady held it out but didn't quite let go when Rogue went to take it. Looking her from head to toe once more, right to her leather gloves

"Such odd clothing for this kind of weather…" she said, quietly. Desperate to get away, Rogue yanked at the ticket, pulling it out of her hands and turned away, forcing one last half-smile before getting out of sight. She pace quickened as she made her way through the station before finally reaching Platform 8 and boarding the train with 5 minutes to spare.

She was quick to secure herself an empty compartment, and grateful too because the idea of having to talk to or even look at anyone made her feel sick. Funny, how she'd had a whole day to herself but still wanted more. She wondered if Kitty had come back to their room yet, surprised to find Rogue still missing. Would she be worried? Perhaps she'd wait it out till morning in case she returned but when she didn't she'd alert Storm. But of course, Logan would probably have already informed her. Then the news would spread fast- Rogue had finally caved and run off to be normal. She prayed that by the time she returned they'd have found it in their hearts to understand. Or, if they couldn't, at least pretend.

The train began to move and Rogue faced the window, watching the train station flew past, fading behind her, just like everything she'd even known was. The closer she got to the cure and being normal, the further she was from Xavier's and being a mutant. The thought of it gave her shivers.

Her decision may have seemed quick and spontaneous but she knew she'd made the right decision. She didn't want to turn around and go back, choose a different path. Just because her leaving had been a bit impromptu didn't mean she hadn't thought it out. She'd always known it was going to end up this way; she just needed a little push.

She should probably thank Bobby and Kitty for that when she returned.

Outside it was dark but the train was surprisingly warm so Rogue slipped off her coat, and, after a moment's consideration, her gloves too. She was beginning to grow tired and hated to sleep all bundled up. Besides, she was alone in the compartment so it was unlikely for anyone to bother her. She just needed time to rest, get some energy back. Folding her clothes into a pile, she placed them at the foot of the seat, leaning her head down as she lifted her legs up, stretching the along the cushions. She rested her head against the spare clothes, her eyes fluttering shut. The sound of the cluttering train fell level to the buzzing in her own mind and soon everything melted away to be replaced by nothing but a restless sleep.

A short chapter, I know but it was originally going to be part of the second but I liked the ending that was there.

So there we go! Please Rate and Review and I'll try to have more up as soon as I can!

Lady Hand Grenade xo