Disclaimer: I do not own X-Men: Evolution or any of its characters.
Title: The Differences Between Us
Summary: Kitty doesn't understand Rogue, and Rogue doesn't understand Kitty. But when they are suddenly thrown into the other's body, they'll have to learn to cope quickly.
Author's Note: So, prepare yourself accordingly. I wanted to leave the rating some room for curse words, though they obviously don't use such language in the show. Anyway, I can see this story being much longer than any of my previous ones. I don't necessarily like dwelling on every second of every day, but it seems somewhat important/entertaining. I guess be prepared for the long haul with this one.
Chapter 4 – Perspectives and Parties
"So, how did it go?" Rogue asked. "You didn't accidentally kill anyone, did you?"
"Not yet," Kitty mumbled, her arms crossed over her chest and a scowl on her face.
After the day she had, it was no wonder she was in such a bad mood. And, if this was every day of Rogue's life, it was no wonder she was constantly grumpy. Either nobody acknowledged her existence or else they were completely rude when doing so. She hadn't even stood a chance.
She supposed that it must have all started with the way Lance had received her. Then again, she was Rogue. Not Kitty. She had to keep that in mind.
"I don't suppose you did any better?"
Rogue shrugged. "Well, apart from nearly being talked to death by some of your friends, I suppose that it wasn't such a bad day."
Kitty perked up, but then suspicion took over. "What do you mean by that?"
Rogue looked at her matter-of-factly. "You honestly haven't noticed? Your friend is such a blabbermouth."
"That's not what I'm talking about. What do you mean that it wasn't such a bad day?"
"Oh." Rogue shrugged again. "I mean it wasn't such a bad day. I actually felt like I belonged somewhere." She scoffed. "Well, I'm sure you know exactly what that's like. You live it on a daily basis."
Kitty frowned. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Rogue. But, it really isn't, like, all it's cracked up to be."
Rogue grew defensive. This was a new life for her, and she didn't quite hate it. "Listen, you've seen what I go through now. From what I've experienced, you're sitting pretty."
"You think so now, but just wait." Kitty turned away, needing to look elsewhere. Even in another body, Rogue was still Rogue; and, Rogue always found a way to aggravate her. "Thanks for always sticking up for me, by the way."
"What are you talking about?"
"When I talked to Lance this morning, he seemed quite surprised that you would go out of your way for Kitty," she explained sourly.
"Lance is a jerk," Rogue commented, shaking her head. "Besides, what were you doing apologizing to him as me? You know I would never do that."
"That's why I felt compelled to. You realize that it was your fault and not his for what happened yesterday, right? Try not being a bitch all the time." Kitty sighed. It was a moment before she realized what Rogue had actually said. "How did you know I apologized?"
"Lance sought me out. Well, you."
"And…"
At that moment, both girls' attention was drawn toward the entrance of the school. They were outside on the frown lawn after the school day had ended, catching up on each other's day. But, in that instance, Lance Alvers exited the school building, completely unaware that they were in fact speaking of him. He happened to reach the bottom of the steps before spying them both staring directly back at him.
At first his expression was that of curiosity, but it quickly merged into a scowl. Kitty's smile faded no more than a second later. Immediately she turned on Rogue.
"What did you do?" she demanded.
"Hey, what makes you think I did anything?" Rogue argued. But the expression Kitty was giving her made her back down. Instead, she crossed her arms over her chest. "I didn't do anything. I merely defended my roommate, something that you obviously don't do enough."
Kitty's hands formed into tight fists at her side. She clenched her teeth and appeared like she might explode. Instead, she whirled around and let out an aggravated growl that would have drawn the attention of others if they hadn't been secluded.
"You always ruin everything!" she yelled stomping away.
"I did you a favor!" Rogue bellowed back. Then she turned on her own heel and stormed off in the opposite direction.
She didn't get far, though. The especially talkative girl from lunch came running up to her, completely ignoring the storm cloud above her head. Rogue didn't even notice until she was directly on her. It was really the last thing she needed at that moment.
"Kitty! Kitty, did you hear?" she exclaimed.
Rogue sighed and shook her head. "No, but I'm sure you're about to tell me."
She seemed to not hear the bite in her voice, so she kept going. "Duncan Matthews is having a party this weekend and he made it a point to invite the underclassmen." She giggled obnoxiously. "Can you believe it? He never does that! Oh, please say you're going with me!"
Rogue scoffed. "I would never be caught dead at one of his parties. But, it seems to be just up your alley. Have fun!"
The girl looked at her with odd expression, perhaps even seeming like she was about to cry. "W-What do you mean? His parties are always the hit of the school. We always talk about going and now we actually can. What's gotten into you?"
"Nothing," Rogue said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "I just…I'm-" She was rendered silent by the mere look the girl was giving her. Rogue released a sigh of disgust. "Fine, but I'll meet you there. I can't take an entire car ride."
The girl's mood flipped. A large grin erupted on her face and she jumped up and down excitedly. She even went to throw her arms around Rogue, and would have succeeded if Rogue hadn't screamed the moment the girl touched her. Immediately, she backed away, her hands up.
"Sorry," Rogue apologized quickly. "I'm so sorry. I'm just…I'm not feeling well. I've got to go. I'll see you at the party or something."
Rogue immediately turned on her heel and walked in the opposite direction, her head hung low. She had forgotten for a moment that she wasn't in her own body anymore. She was in Kitty's. And, Kitty didn't have skin that could kill with the slightest touch.
This thought pleased her, and a small smirk turned up the edge of Rogue's lips.