Rogue followed Storm's advice and decided to go to her Prom. But true to the words, she made it her own. Soliciting the last-minute aid of Jean and Kitty when they returned from the salon, Storm orchestrated a last minute make-over. When they emerged a few hours later, Rogue was virtually unrecognizable. Forgoing a typical dress, she wore a short satin burgundy dress that clung like a second skin that Storm lent her. Over it, Rogue added her floor-length black mesh duster and tall black knee boots. Her hair pulled to the back in loose soft curls and a thick black velvet choker covering her neck finished the look. Most astonishing was the fact that she wasn't wearing her typical black make-up, rather softer tones that matched her dress perfectly.
Quietly accepting Storm's compliments, Rogue allowed herself to think that for once she looked normal. The feeling was short-lived though. When Jean and Kitty walked down the stairs and into the arms of their dates, Rogue simply sat at the top of the steps and watched. Scott had bought Jean a corsage, and slipping it over her wrist he gave her a lingering kiss that left them both flushed. Turning to pose for a picture that Storm took, they seemed perfectly happy and perfectly in love. Rogue swallowed hard at the lump in her throat. She prepared all day by convincing herself that it would be fun to go along, but looking at the two beaming couples, she was suddenly not that sure.
Halfway through the photo-op, Logan wheeled Xavier in and instinctively both men looked up to see Rogue on the steps. Quickly perking up for their benefit, Rogue smiled tightly and descended. Curtly fielding compliments from Kurt, Scott, and the Professor, Rogue quickly thanked them before stepping outside. The fact that Rogue felt something for Scott wasn't lost on anyone and exchanging embarrassed looks, the junior X-Men awkwardly left behind her.
Rogue was already waiting on her bike when the others descended the porch steps. Everyone protested of course, but Rogue just averted her gaze from Scott and Jean and insisted that she could ride fine in a short skirt, especially since she did it almost everyday. Seeing that she would not change her mind, the junior X-Men agreed and left in the awaiting limo.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The three adults watched them leave. Storm squeezed Xavier's hand and sighed heavily before walking back into the Mansion. Logan quietly lit a cigar and leaned on a tall white column. Xavier noticed the concern in his protégé and stood behind. They engaged in a wordless conversation until late, when he told Logan to act on his instincts and go after her.
