Disclaimer: I do not own the X-Men

Author's Note:

Queenylime2: Thank you! I'm glad you like the idea. I thought it might turn out to be a complete mess but I'm working on it.

Sydney: Thank you! Hopefully the next one will be up by next week.

Guest01: Haha, thank you for that. I can finally tell you guys apart! I myself am not a fan of Logan/Jean shipping but I will include it in the story because Logan honestly felt a lot for Jean. Its one of the few times we see his other side. And I'm looking forward to your input, it's the most useful one!

Guest: Exactly! I was wondering if anyone would figure it out. McGonagall is THE best.

legs11: Thank you! I guess you're a Potterhead yourself?

Vulcanlover12: Hopefully, I will be able to maintain the pace of one chapter per week. Thank you for your review!

Kat: Thank you for pointing that out. I'll be sure not to do that again as originality is the most important aspect.

Hurricane.'97: Haha, thank you! I wanted to include more Isabel-student interactions but since they are currently on the run, that will have to wait for a few chapters.

FieryRedSunrise: Thank you again for taking your time out to review. I'm glad you like it!

DanceAlpineRaceRead: Thank you! I hope you'll follow the story till the end.

lastwinter42: I'm glad you like Isabel. Hopefully, as the story goes on, we'll get to see some more sides of her as well as learn about her past.

liz: Thank you for taking your time out to review!

sousie: I'll try to be faster now. : )

KUPKAKES: Thank you very much! I hope I can continue the humor.

Guest: Thank you!

.Singer: Haha, aw. Thank you so much!

Leah: I think right now, its just general antagonism and personality clash that causes them to fight. Thank you for the review!

ViolaPan: Thank you so much for your review! It made me feel so amazing. Thank you!

leenaX: Definitely. I enjoy writing those scenes.

Additional thank yous to Onesmartcookie78, the-mad-girl-with-a-book, Ain'tEasyBeingBreezy, Mikari Satsuki, Tardis. , EphemeralDream8, LEXA14, Sarahwild, neverfargone, ChibiCheshire, peace love and books, DemonOfTheBlackMoon, Millenia-the-wings-of-valmar, tibreezy, AnimePrincessRach, Miss.V Potter, Misshoneyliberty, Nelle07, Seoneta, bokworm, 7darkangel7, AcklesIdjit, AnimeFreak019, Ivise, Kyrea99, Leah Tatyana Nicole, LoverGirl007, Moriartylives, Nonononopebutterlettuce, NotSoAngelAnymore, Nymartian, PhoenixUnicorn115, ReadAholic94, RomesLions, ShannyRox101, TenshiAme, TheDeadlyKnightshade, TheMusicIsMyLife06, alwaysxlove, 1, cakeface, fandomsruinedmylife2213, fudgin-mothertrucker, iGlasses, margarawr, mia-secret's, nikkali44, ninja-enchantress, tomboy101, vampire14, xXMoonlightSorrowsXx, xCelestriax, nevershoutalex8, neverfargone, madimoo1328, iamgoku, hipster14, funny-kitty, catiekat1025, aprilmorgan97, That-Girl-Who's-Different, Tardis. , StTudnoBright, Sam0728, Miss Tiffany Blews, LiliasAvery, IKhandoZatman, DementorsKiss95, Death x Berry, Angel de Hermosa, Cadell, BloodRedRose24, FasterThenMyBullet, MarvelGeek13, Penn Langley, mihenna and topthis808.

(Lets out a long breath) WOW! You guys leave me absolutely stunned by the feedback. Thank you all for your constant reading and reviewing and favourit-ing and following.

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Isabel was drowsing off, her head lolling towards the side when Logan's gruff voice cut through her haziness.

"Talk."

"What?" She gaped at him, wondering when exactly he had lost what remained of his sense. "I'm sorry?"

Logan sent her a searing glare that sent a clear message: Shut up and do what I tell you to.

"Fine." Isabel huffed and sat up so that her aching back could get a little rest. A glance behind showed the three teenagers with their heads leaned back and eyes closed.

Either they truly were asleep or they were damn good actors.

John was actually snoring.

"What do you want me to talk about?" She asked, managing to keep the sarcasm away from her tone. Logan's hazel-brown eyes were fixed straight ahead and in the white of the headlights, his pupils were practically slits.

"Anything." He replied, his voice low for the benefit of the others. "You're good at talkin' nonsense."

"Excuse me?" There was horrified outrage in her voice. If he hadn't been driving, and she hadn't been so sleepy, she would have punched him. Still she couldn't resist sending a slight current through his arm.

He flinched and the car veered ever so slightly to the side.

Finally, her powers were rejuvenated.

"How do you like my nonsense now?" She questioned, sitting back.

The reply was a steady stream of extensive and colorful expletives that hissed out and she was pretty sure that if they had been alone, he would have slammed the brakes and thrown her out.

As it was though, the car continued at the same pace and the only sign of anger was the tension in his arms.

"Well, at least you're awake now." Isabel replied cheerfully, knowing that she was pushing it. She didn't know why but something about Logan made her defenses shoot up.

He didn't reply and for the next ten minutes there was absolute silence.

Then John shot forwards, his blond hair sticking up and punched a button on the radio, fiddling with it. Isabel jumped back, startled and Logan's claws shot out and John backed away in alarm.

"What are you doing?" Rogue's annoyed voice filtered forwards.

So they were awake then.

"I hate uncomfortable silences." John resumed his position, now that Logan's claws were safely sheathed and pressed a random button.

The collection of sounds that followed sounded like scalded cats squalling in a cauldron.

Bobby and Rogue let out audible mutterings and cringed away. Isabel noticed Logan's hands tightening on the wheel and pushing John back, she reached for the dials, pressing another button.

Almost immediately John reacted by pressing another button. The system switched from opera to classical to jazz as they randomly pressed the buttons and finally, just as Isabel had decided to shut it by sending a large voltage through it, John pressed the 'eject' button.

Mercifully the music stopped.

There was a sharp click and a sleek device popped out. John reached out, his voice curious.

"I don't think that's a CD player."

Logan snatched the device away and started examining it, half of his gaze wary.

"Will you keep your eyes on the road?" Isabel snapped irritatedly. She hated driving at high speeds and hated it even more when people didn't pay attention to the road. It made her nervous. And she did not like being nervous.

Another glare came her way and with an underlying tension in his face, Logan shot the same look at John who backed and settled in the seat.

Isabel stared out of the window at the trail of forest trees blurring due to their speed. Apparently Logan's glares were as effective on John as they were on her because barely seconds later, he asked, his voice drawn out.

"So where're we going?"

That was a very good question.

"If only you asked equally useful questions in class, John." Isabel stated into the silence. Anything to lighten the tense and dark atmosphere in the car. Behind her, Rogue giggled lightly and a slight glance showed Bobby's smile. John was opening his mouth, with a trademark smirk, apparently to make a smart comment but Logan interrupted.

"Storm and Jean are in Boston. We'll head that way."

Apparently Logan didn't appreciate the humor in her comment.

Another silence but this one was broken by Bobby, who muttered slowly as if he didn't want to say the words.

"My parents live in Boston."

"Good." Was all Logan had to say and for the rest of the ride no one spoke. It was a long ride.

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Drake Residence

Boston

Rogue tugged back her hair, using her other hand to firmly clasp them into a ponytail, her eyes glancing over at the posters lining the wall. Every single one of them had something to do with snowboarding.

So this was what Bobby's life had been like. It made him seem like an entirely different person since she had never seen him as a human- only as a mutant.

It brought back all the poignant memories of her own past and blinking she turned away, staring at the wooden cupboards and the computer desktop in the corner. There was a telescope in the corner, propped up beside the window.

Her back was turned so when she heard the slight creaking, she jumped around, alarmed, only to see Bobby, a hesitant expression on his face.

Rogue didn't even have to force herself to smile. Somehow or the other, the smile just came up around Bobby and her gaze caught the clothes swung over his arm.

Bobby cleared his throat and glanced at the clothes himself, saying almost nervously. "Hey.. I think these were my mom's. From before I was born."

Rogue smiled as she fingered the fabric and took them out of his arms, studying them. "Groovy." She replied with her eyes rising to meet his. There was a slight silence and then she moved away.

For a moment, she waited for him to leave but he didn't and because it seemed rude to ask that, she slid down the straps of her nightgown, hoping he would take the hint.

There was rustling and Rogue felt Bobby turn around resolutely. Yes she trusted him, trusted him with not misusing her feelings for him but it was still embarrassing to undress. Trying to expose lesser skin, she struggled through the clothes, the tense silence only broken by the crunching of clothes.

When she was finally done, she twisted around to see Bobby's back and relief settled over her mingled with a sense of regret. She wanted to experience a true relationship but it was not possible- it would never be possible for her.

Pushing back those dark feelings, Rogue reached for Bobby, placing her hand gently on his covered shoulder and he turned around immediately, his eyes instantly going to study her face. Once again, she smiled and Bobby extended his hand, holding out a pair of graceful opera gloves.

"And these are my grandmother's."

It touched her. That he had considered so much for her. He could have gotten any ordinary pair of gloves but he had taken out these beautiful ones.

She glanced up again and that was her first mistake, because their eyes held each other's. Mentally nudging herself, she reached for the gloves and at the same time Bobby deliberately extended his own hand.

Immediately she flinched back.

Bobby's eyes held a tinge of hurt but he said quietly. "You know I would never hurt you."

Rogue couldn't reply. Every nerve in her body was screaming and her muscles were frozen. Inch by inch, Bobby's face came closer. His eyes were the clearest possible shade of blue.

"I know." She finally breathed out.

"And you would never hurt me." He continued, his face so close, she could feel his breath on her face.

The last bit was not true. She didn't want to hurt him. But that didn't mean that she couldn't hurt him.

That was her second mistake. She should have pulled away at that very instant but she was still locked and within a nanosecond, his lips were on hers.

It was exhilarating- the feeling of doing something that she had considered impossible up till now. For months, she had dreamed of this, never daring to believe that it could be true and it was everything she had ever dreamed and more.

They pulled away for a brief breath and as she breathed, the air frosted. So she was taking over his energy now.

That should have been the start of her alarm bells but it was too much and it began all over again. It was longer, the seconds ticking away and deeper and it felt amazing.

She didn't see Bobby's eyes snap open or the veins bulging out on his face. Nor did she see the flash of fear across his face. It took only a second more for his to break away, violently, his body jarring away.

That snapped Rogue out of all the dreams she had been in. All the pleasure and excitement melted and instead there was only a burning shame and a fear- fear that he would never want her again.

"I'm sorry." It was so lame, so inadequate but it was all she had.

He muttered out. "Its okay."

And without a backward glance, he left, leaving Rogue feeling lonelier than ever.

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Isabel glanced around the room as she entered the kitchen. At the corner stood Logan, fiddling with the device they had found in the car. From this angle, his back was like a steel rod and every muscle was dense – he practically oozed anxiousness and as she came closer, she saw him hold the device up to his ear and mutter under his breath.

"C'mon… Jean where are you?"

So she had been right about his feelings. She didn't blame him. Jean Grey was lovely and intelligent. Somewhere deep down there was a burning feeling but she pushed it aside and instead asked.

"What are you doing?"

Logan twisted rapidly and for a moment, Isabel was sure he would slam her against another wall but instead he glanced around for any threat before focusing on her and with a grunt, he shoved the device into his pocket and stuck his face into the fridge in the corner.

Not that Isabel had expected a decent answer.

So instead, she wandered to the other side where the cabinets were. None of them had eaten since last evening and they had no money. It would be best to pack some food before they left. Reaching out to open the cabinet filled with oatmeal biscuit packs, she hesitated.

This was somebody else's home and this was practically stealing. Not that Logan had any such qualms. A glance over her shoulder showed him helping himself to a can of beer.

'You can ask Bobby.' She told herself, sighing. 'It's his house after all.'

She didn't think that he would mind but he had already done a great deal for them. Brought them to his home, given them clothes.

There was a sharp metallic sound and she jumped at the sudden noise, turning around to encounter the sight of Logan's claws inches from the face of a fat cat and a fierce expression on his face, as if he was going to stab it through.

Her heart still hammering, Isabel shook her head and said exasperatedly. "Do you honestly love to threaten every single living thing in this world?"

He gave an annoyed look from his hazel-brown eyes, his claws still extended. "It could've been a threat."

Isabel opened her mouth to retort when the cat edged over and began licking Logan's claws.

"Oh yes." She couldn't help herself and the laughter bubbled out. "A threat indeed."

She turned so that she didn't see Logan's dark glare and when she had taken out a packet of biscuits, she turned back to see Logan and the cat in the same position and a slight softening of his face as he stared at the cat.

Then came the sound of a door closing and sheathing his claws, Logan strode out towards the hall. Isabel followed, the packets still clutched in her hands and just as she came in sight, a young, fair-haired boy came barreling in.

He took one look at her and Logan and immediately stepped back, right into the body of a middle-aged woman in a pink shirt, tucking her glasses in a bag. A white-haired man followed and he came to stand in front of his wife and son.

"Who the hell are you?"

Isabel probably wouldn't have asked this question if she had encountered two adults in her living room, holding her eatables and wearing her clothes. She would have struck them with her powers by now.

Beside her, for once in his life, Logan was speechless, his finger pointing to the stairs and Isabel stepped forwards.

"We're…" She hesitated, not knowing how much these people knew about Bobby's school. "We know your son. Bobby. We're here with him."

At that very same point, Bobby came running down the stairs followed by Rogue and his parents stared at him in obvious surprise.

"Honey." His mother asked, in a faltering voice. "Aren't you supposed to be in school?"

"Bobby." His father questioned at the same time, his voice tight. "Who are these people?"

"Mom.. Dad." Isabel saw Bobby swallow nervously and her heart went out to him. It was too awkward of a situation. "These are my teachers. Professor Logan and Professor Isabel."

Bobby's parents stared skeptically and Isabel could practically hear their thoughts. What sort of professors burst into their students' houses?

Sensing the atmosphere, Bobby added nervously. "There's something I have to tell you."

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Fifteen minutes later the entire room was shrouded in silence and everyone was gathered around the living room.

John was leaning across a nearby table, his lighter in his hand and he kept on twirling it. Isabel noted Mrs. Drake's eyes follow the movement of the lighter and also noted the way her hands trembled in her lap. Glancing around, she met Logan's dark eyes and in the suppressed anger and tension she saw in their depths, she was sure that he had noticed too.

Isabel was no stranger to frightened humans – humans terrified of the unknown that was her and the other mutants. She had been on the receiving end of the cruelty that some of them showed to the mutants and her heart ached for Bobby, who sat apart from his family.

"So…" Mrs. Drake raised her head. "When did…did you first know that… you're a ….um…."

"A mutant?" John asked carelessly lighting his lighter and sending a casual smirk over. Mrs. Drake's face flushed and she glanced at John, gesturing to the lighter.

"Could you please stop that?"

For a moment, Isabel saw John's expression morph and from her point on the couch, she sent him a warning glance. Scoffing, his smirk turning into a scowl, he turned away and obliged.

"You… You have to understand, we thought that Bobby is going to a school for the gifted." Mr. Drake waved his hands from the side-chair, his hands clasped.

"Bobby is gifted." Rogue pointed out, her voice taking on an angered note.

Mr. Drake sighed visibly and continued. "We know that. We just didn't realize that he was-"

His wife interrupted, her eyes crinkling around the edges as if she was trying to be sincere and failing. "We still love you Bobby. Its just….. the mutant problem is very-"

"What mutant problem?" Isabel and Logan said simultaneously and Isabel glanced at Logan, surprised that for once they were in complete accord.

Mrs. Drake glanced at Logan, her eyes boring into his and she twisted her face. "Complicated."

This time Mr. Drake cut in, his sharp eyes darting from Isabel to Logan. "Excuse me but what exactly are you the professor of, Mr. Logan?"

Logan's hazel-dark eyes were blank. "Art." He paused and continued to gaze evenly at the man. "And it's just Logan."

"I teach Life Sciences." Isabel put in, and immediately they turned to scrutinize her. It was unnerving to be stared at as if she was an alien. Glancing at Bobby's hurt expression she was prompted into speaking. "And your son, and all of his class fellows, are exceptional people. They are different but different isn't necessarily bad. Being a mutant doesn't change how we feel or how we are. He's still a human- just one with special powers and more importantly- he's still your son and your brother."

She hadn't meant to give a speech but it had turned out to be one and everyone stared at her. The air was thick with tension and the Drakes exchanged glances. The boy-Ronny- just glared at the floor.

Rogue put in, trying to make her tone light. "You should see what Bobby can do."

They looked at Bobby with great expectation – like expecting a magician to perform some trick and as Bobby extended his hand towards his mother's tea-cup, they flinched almost imperceptibly. Bobby continued undeterred and the tea froze over.

Mrs. Drake also seemed to be frozen and she turned the cup over so that the oval-shaped frozen tea plopped out and she shrieked. "Bobby!"

The cat leapt onto the table and licked it. Well at least someone in the family was happy with Bobby's powers.

"I can do a lot more than that." Bobby said, a glow on his face and Isabel desperately wanted his family to accept him.

But Bobby's brother jumped to his feet and stamped up the stairs – an ugly expression on his face.

"Ronny!" His mother called.

He did not answer. And Isabel felt a sinking feeling in her stomach as she saw Bobby's eyes follow Ronny's retreating figure.

"Oh God." Mrs. Drake buried her face in her hands. "This is all my fault."

"Actually." John spoke up- his face completely serious. "Actually they've discovered that the males are the ones who carry mutant genes and pass them on to the next generation so.." He pointed a finger at Mr. Drake. "Its his fault."

Mr. Drake's face morphed into complete and utter mortification.

Isabel almost felt sorry for the man.

Almost.

"So you're all mutants?"

They nodded. There was nothing else to say.

A sharp beeping pierced through the stillness and unanimously, they turned to Logan who prodded into his pockets and brought out that device.

"That's for me." He said and stalked out of the living room, the device clutched tightly as he moved out of the sliding door. Isabel almost wished she could go with him. Anywhere but here.

As soon as Logan was out of sight, Mrs. Drake turned to her son and with a forced smile, as if she was trying to reason with a particularly difficult child, she said. "Have you tried not being a mutant?"

"Mom-" There was a pained expression on Bobby's face and Isabel jumped in, disregarding any respect she might have held for them.

"Why are you acting so ashamed of him?" She snapped angrily. "That's what he is. A mutant. Not a monster, a mutant. There's nothing to be ashamed about. Why can't you just accept him for what he is? You-"

At that precise moment, Logan entered and without a glance at them, ordered sharply. "We have to go… Now."

"Why?" Rogue asked.

"What's happened?" Isabel questioned, already up and pushing at John's arm.

The look that Logan gave them told them that this was not the time for questions.

"Just come on." He muttered to her and for once in her life, she decided not to argue, gesturing the apprehensive kids to go out. In front of them, Logan stiffened suddenly and his claws shot out.

Just as they stepped out of the door and onto the front porch, Isabel saw what Logan's acute senses had picked up.

From every side of the house, police officers were swarming over the territory, guns held aloft and faces pinched.

'Damn this entire world to hell.' Isabel thought furiously. There was no doubt that the cops had been called by Bobby's brother and behind them, his parents were hidden away in the room. This was not the first time, she had seen the intolerance meted out to mutants and it would definitely not be the last. 'Damn them all.'

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A very late update for which I apologize. I also wanted to experiment from another character's point of view hence why I put the scene between Rogue and Bobby. Work on the fourth chapter is in progress. Hopefully it will be a quicker update next time.

As a matter of general interest: how many of you have seen X-Men: Days of the Future Past? Due to some sad combinations of timing and exams, I was unable to watch it. So I've been left to wait for the DVD. I've heard quite a mixture of reviews. Some say, its very good, some say its very bad and completely illogical. But I still just can't wait to see it.

All sorts of comments, criticisms, advice and general input is appreciated. The chapter will end on the same note as the previous ones. REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW PLEASSSEEEE.