Rogue was called into Storm's office bright and early the next morning.

"I don't want to pressure you or anything, Rogue, but your arrival has been very well timed. I have another position open for the team, and I'd like you on it," Storm said, straightening some papers on her desk.

"I'm not sure," Rogue began. "Since my powers came back, I've been having some trouble with control. It's actually why I came back."

Storm nodded. "I understand you have some apprehension, but you were turning out to be a great team asset before you left."

Storm just wasn't getting it.

"Look, Storm," Rogue began honestly, "something bad happened when my powers came back. The worst part is that I know something bad happened, I just can't remember what it was. It's like a dream or something. It's there in my mind and I just can't seem to reach it. I know this much though, I hurt someone bad."

Storm reached across her desk and clasped Rogue's gloved hand in hers. "We'll figure it out. Hank is still with us and I've managed to acquire a psychic, Emma Frost. Both are capable and will help you in any way they can. You may not realize it either, but Gambit is very advanced in his ability to control his powers and showed a great interest in working with you. In fact, he's been asking about you all morning."

"You don't think I'd be a danger to the team?" Rogue asked hesitantly.

"Of course not, Rogue! We all have our problems, our own demons, yet we still find it in ourselves to teach and help others. I'd really like you back on the team and I am confident that despite your concerns, you are fully qualified to teach and join the team."

"Besides," Storm added, smiling, "the Blackbird misses a good pilot."

Feeling reassured that the X-men could help, Rogue smiled back. Maybe she could help the team and maybe she could even help another poor, runaway mutant. It was really in her nature to help out where she could. And they did want her…

"Alright, count me in!" She beamed.


Remy was anxious. After his conversation with Storm this morning, he was hoping she'd let him teach Rogue some control techniques. Storm seemed pleased with his willingness to help, but ultimately the answer lay in Rogue. Speaking of the devil, his little spit fire was coming towards him right now.

Remy smiled and walked towards her. "Morning, ma cherie," he greeted.

"Morning, Remy, and the name's Rogue. I could've sworn I introduced myself to you yesterday," she replied playfully.

"I know. I just like this name better. Mostly because no one else can call you by it."

Rogue blushed, not being able to help herself. She was going to have a hard time with him. She knew she shouldn't let him get too attached to her. It wouldn't work out and she'd hate to lose her new friend. She didn't have many friends.

Since the whole school knew her powers were back, and back with a vengeance, most stayed at a safe distance. She tried not to take it personally, and she couldn't really blame them. She was a dangerous friend to have. Which was part of the reason she sought Remy out. Storm had said he could help her with her control.

"I joined the team," she said, abruptly changing the topic. "I'm—" she paused. "I'm a little out of practice and Storm had mentioned you were one of the best with controlling your powers. She thought maybe you'd um, y'know, help me out?" She posed it as a question.

"Naturally, Chere! I would love nothing more than to help you train."

Rogue liked how he used the word 'train' instead of 'teach'. It meant that he saw her as an equal, as part of the team, like there was nothing wrong with her. She wondered if it was intentional.

"Great!" she replied. "Logan's got the Danger Room booked for us after lunch!"

Things were going exactly according to Remy's plans. All he had to do now was ask her to lunch and he'd be set. However, once again, his timing was off. He swore under his breath when he noticed 'Bobby the blonde dick' walking towards them.

"Hey, Marie," Bobby greeted as he approached, completely ignoring Remy.

"Hey," Rogue replied warily.

"I've been looking all over for you. Storm said you're back on the team."

"Yeah."

"Look, Marie, I really am sorry about yesterday."

"S'all right," she answered, her face softening a bit.

Remy felt sick. This better not be going where he thought it was going.

It was.

Bobby looked up at Remy and held out his hand. "Sorry about yesterday, man. Things were a little tense." Bobby smiled.

"Yeah," Remy replied, shaking his hand. Play nice in front of the girl, he thought as he gritted his teeth and smiled back while sizing up his competition.

"Hey listen, Gambit? You mind if I talk to Marie in private?"

"Not at all, mon ami," Remy answered pleasantly, still gritting his teeth through the friendliest of smiles. He gave a quick, "Later, Chere," to Rogue and with every ounce of will power in his body he sauntered off.

Fuck, he hated that guy.