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, honestly, I suppose there is no other choice for Rogue. Now, I am not good writing accents, so just imagine it if you would. I wanted to go ahead and keep the story moving, so a little bit of time has passed. The weekend is where it is all going down, apparently.
Chapter 7 – An Unexpected Visitor
It was a day later that Kitty found she was strong enough and in her own right mind enough to function at school. Granted, she still had some of Kurt's memories and thoughts, which interfered with her own, especially when eating, but she had gotten a little bit of control over them. Ultimately, it was her own decision to face the real world. She wasn't one for being cooped up, anyway.
She was walking the halls in the school building to get to her next class when Jean approached her. It was probably typical that Rogue would see glimpses of Jean, as they were closer in age than Kitty was to her. But, it seemed quite apparent that she had gone out of her way to find Rogue.
"Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?" the red-head asked, her voice low.
"Of course," Kitty answered, more concerned with anything being the matter than portraying Rogue's character.
They managed to make their way off to the side of the busy hallway, weaving a path until they could stop without catching anybody behind them. In fact, they were able to find a small alcove, which served for privacy, as well.
"The other day with Logan's training session," Jean said, getting right into it, brushing a portion of hair over one shoulder, "I never saw you react to your powers in such a way."
Kitty, shrugged, trying to play it off. "Well, we all have our off days."
Jean looked at the ground, unconvinced. "While you were in the infirmary, I happened to probe your mind to make sure you were alright."
"You what?" Kitty reacted. "Who said you could go into my mind without my permission?"
"I know you hate it, but I just wanted to make sure you weren't hurt. I did the same to Kurt." She shook her head, getting off topic. "But, that's not the point. I-" She paused, obviously wondering whether or not to continue. "Are you alright?"
Kitty wouldn't have taken it seriously. She didn't know if Jean pulled this all the time with Rogue or not. After all, she was Miss Social and Rogue was, well, not. But, the sincerity in her eyes told her differently. Kitty swallowed, putting on a brave face. She knew Rogue would not want their secret to be revealed, even if it meant possible help.
She nodded. "Yeah, sure."
"And, Kitty?"
Kitty paused. "You know!" she declared, realization settling over her.
Jean glanced about them, shushing her. It was a sensitive subject and the wrong people did not need to overhear. Kitty was just surprised that someone else knew and believed, as well. Despite Jean's attempts to keep things quiet, she couldn't dismiss her excitement.
"You have to help us!" she was saying. "We woke up one morning like this. We don't even know what happened."
"You have to calm down," Jean tried. "I can't help you if half the world knows about this, or if you don't listen to me. Now, you said that you don't know how this happened?"
Kitty shook her head. "Literally, we woke up and were, like, each other! Jean, we don't know what to do, so we've just been leading our normal lives for now."
"Actually, that's a very good idea. Until we can get more information, there's really nothing else you two can do." Jean thought for a moment. "I'll contact Professor Xavier. You need to go to class right now. I'll let you know if I learn anything new."
Not knowing what else to do, Kitty hugged Jean. She was so grateful for whatever help the older girl could give them. She just wanted to get back to her own body. It looked odd to the other students, since Rogue and Jean were complete opposites. But here they were, hugging.
"That's enough now," Jean stated, having to push Kitty off of her. "We'll get this figured out."
"Thanks, Jean."
Kitty headed for Rogue's next class. The only thing getting her through the day was the idea of the weekend starting directly after the final bell. Not only would that give them more time to focus on the issue at hand, but it would also give her time to rest. It was exhausting being someone else.
She did her best to concentrate on her papers and work. But, Kurt's memories were fairly distracting. Not only that, though, but Rogue's hair kept tickling her cheeks. No matter how many times she pushed it away, it continued to bother her. She wasn't used to shorter, free locks. She extracted the pink scrunchy she had packed in the backpack just in case and fingered her hair up into a high ponytail.
"There, that's better," she mumbled to herself, getting back to her work.
Kurt's thoughts would be harder to deal with, though.
Ignoring them wasn't any good. She'd be reading into every little thing whether she liked it or not. But, she didn't think she felt the same way that Kurt apparently did. It had always been Lance for her. With Rogue messing things up now, though, she wasn't sure where she stood. Sure, she may have had some sort of inkling that Kurt's feelings might extend a bit above friendship, but it was never something she took seriously. But now, it seemed she didn't have any other choice.
By the last class of the day, Kitty had decided to turn her thoughts to something more productive. She had vowed to help Rogue in romantic pursuits, no matter how much her roommate said she wasn't interested. So, the only issue now was finding the right guy.
Immediately she was intent on this person being a mutant himself. There was no way an ordinary human could ever understand Rogue. And, if she accidentally touched him, that would be a whole other issue. At least a mutant would understand.
Kitty sighed and glanced tiredly out the window, bored by the teacher's incessant need to hear his own voice. Apparently she didn't have too much to look forward to in her high school career. At least, the classroom offered a much better view of the outdoors than she was used to. Her eyes scanned the natural environment, longing to enjoy the sunshine while it lasted.
She saw birds flittering around a giant tree seemingly standing on its own. Sure, there were others around, but nothing in its immediate vicinity. She pictured herself sprawled out underneath those large branches. It was just her and a book, or maybe music. And, Remy.
Wait.
Kitty shook her head, jarring herself from her daydream. She blinked a couple of times and looked again. Sure enough, Remy LeBeau was lingering rather strangely behind the trunk of the tree. And, if that wasn't creepy enough, he was starring right at her.
At first, she scowled and looked away. She didn't quite know how to react. Remy was never their enemy, necessarily, but he was never really their friend, either. He pretty much came and went as he pleased. The only question on her mind was why was he here at all? And why was he starring at her, Rogue?
Kitty chanced a glance outside again, but the mysterious mutant was gone. She didn't know now whether she had actually seen him or if it had been a figment of her imagination. After all, she was still experiencing some of Kurt's memories and thoughts. Perhaps she had really gone crazy now.
xXx
She was looking for Rogue or even Jean, but she found someone else instead. Rather, he found her, and she was caught much unprepared.
"I was hoping I'd find you here," he drawled in his southern accent.
Kitty crossed her arms over her chest. "Well, it's my school. So, yeah." She glanced away, attempting to find an escape route. Unfortunately, she was just surrounded by people trying to make their way home and glancing at her and her friend in the process.
He stared at the top of her head. "Is that new?" he said, pointing to the pink scrunchy she had accidentally left in.
Kitty knew full well that Rogue would kill her for the mishap. So, she decided to play it off. "Don't tell me you hate it," she stated sarcastically. "Whatever will I do?" She sighed exasperatedly. "Now, what do you want, Remy?"
"I just came to return this." He offered up a black sweater that she hadn't seen him carrying before. "Your sweater, darlin'."
Kitty looked at it with a blush, as if the object confused her. Then, she snatched it out of his hands. "And what exactly are you doing with my sweater?"
Remy laughed. He was charming, she'd give him that. His laugh even was smooth and calculated. It was no wonder he seemed like such a manipulator.
"Rogue, I swear, I've never met another girl like you," he started, catching his breath. "Must you rip my heart out every time?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You left it in the park last weekend when we met," Remy informed. "Do you really not remember?"
"Listen, I would never-" But then she stopped. She contemplated this information. "Last weekend? That's why she wouldn't go to the movies with us."
Kitty's mind was at war with itself. She didn't know if she could really believe Remy's story. She didn't know if Rogue would really meet him in the park or not. Perhaps, she figured, Rogue was being more social than she originally gave her credit for.
"Are you talking to yourself?" Remy asked.
Kitty snapped out of it and looked at him. "You got a problem with that?" She pointed a finger at him.
He held his hands up as if her finger was a gun. "Not at all," he replied with a sly smile on his face. "In fact, I find it rather adorable."
"You, what?" She frowned. "That's enough out of you. You gave me back my sweater, now leave."
"Now wait a minute. There's no need to be hasty. Why don't we get a cup of coffee and chat."
"I don't want to chat with you," Kitty said adamantly.
But then she stopped and really thought. She was in the market for some sort of companion for Rogue. She figured that was the least she could do. Remy seemed a willing choice. He was a mutant and he was capable enough of sticking up for himself and to put up with Rogue's attitude. It seemed a no brainer. She only hoped she hadn't spoiled her chances of snagging him.
"Or do I?" she said quietly.
She showed off her best smile, or at least she thought it was considering it wasn't her face, but Rogue's. He seemed a little taken aback by it, so she lessened it a bit. She had to remember who she was at the moment. Yet, she still had to be charming and cute at the same time. This would prove to be harder than it seemed.
"How about tomorrow we meet for lunch?" she offered instead. "It will be my way of saying thank you for bringing back my sweater."
A sly smile spread across Remy's face. "It's a date, darlin'."
"Whatever you say," Kitty said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "We're done here. You can go now."
Remy scoffed delightedly, nodded, and did as he was told.
Smiling proudly to herself, Kitty proceeded on her way, as well, her ponytail bobbing with every step.
