Disclaimer: This really does get tedious after a while. You all know this doesn't belong to me.
Chapter 28-Ground Rules
Rogue blinked open her eyes and groaned wearily. Her entire body ached, and her head was beginning to hurt as well. The room was dark and cold, as well as dusty. She struggled to remember where exactly she was until she tried to sit up. There was someone next to her. With lightning speed Rogue instantly pushed the person away from her and flinched when she heard a loud thud.
"What the hell?" demanded Pietro groggily. Rogue breathed in relief. Now she knew where she was. She was still in the abandoned house with Pietro. Rogue had only fought Juggernaut hours early…much earlier.
"What time is it?" hissed Rogue as she fumbled her hand along the wall for a light switch. She found what she was looking for and flipped the light on. Both teens blinked as their eyes adjusted to the dim glow.
Pietro glanced at his watch, his eyes widening in surprise. "Holy shit! It's ten o'clock!"
"What?" Rogue grabbed Pietro's wrist and pulled it towards her in horror. It was in fact ten o'clock. "Aw man, Ah'm so dead. Logan's gonna kill meh!"
"Sorry…I didn't think I'd sleep for that long," murmured Pietro sheepishly as Rogue let go of his arm.
"It's not your fault, Speedy. It was a long day. Ah guess Ah shouldn't have crashed here. Ah should've gone back ta the mansion afta the meetin' today." Rogue heaved a heavy sigh and ran a hand though her hair; trying to smooth out any kinks she may have gotten during her nap.
"I'll take you home," offered Pietro. He took Rogue by the hand and the two friends quickly left the abandoned house.
"No runnin'," warned Rogue. "Mah head's beginnin' ta ache. Ah don't think runnin' is gonna make it any better."
Pietro stifled a groan and let go of Rogue's hand. He stuffed his own hands in his pocket as he walked alongside of Rogue. Every once in a while he would glance over at her only to see her chewing on a strand of white hair nervously. It was ten thirty by the time they made it to the gates of the mansion.
"See you tomorrow," said Pietro giving Rogue a lazy wave. Rogue returned his wave with a small smile and watched as he took off down the street, a blur in the wind. With another sigh Rogue pushed her way through the gates and headed up the driveway towards the mansion. Her heart sank further as she realized the lights were still on.
"Here goes nothin'," she muttered under her breath. Rogue opened the front door and quietly closed it shut. When she turned around, however, Logan was staring back at her with arms crossed and a deep frown.
"Where the hell have you been?" he asked gruffly.
"Out," replied Rogue coolly.
"Out. Curfew is ten o'clock on weekends. Tomorrow is a school day. I don't have to repeat myself, do I?"
"Nah, you're makin' yourself loud ahn clear, sugah. Ah just lost track of time, that's all. Ah took a little nap—it's been a long day."
"You should have come straight back here—I don't know why Chuck thinks you should be left on your own. You ain't makin' any bright decisions. Goin' off with ol' metal head's son…makes me think you ain't playin' nice with us."
Rogue's eyes narrowed in anger. "Are you tryin' to say somethin', sugah? 'Cause if Ah was you Ah'd just spit it out. No use dancin' around what ya really wanna say."
"What's the deal with you and Whitey?" Logan didn't need to be asked twice to let it out. He was beyond pissed over Rogue's lack of respect for authority.
"He's just a friend, old man. What's the big deal? Ah made a little mistake—Ah'm sorry. Now, if ya don't mind, Ah'm goin' ta bed. Ah have a headache." With that Rogue pushed past Logan and headed up the staircase.
"I'll be seein' you bright and early, Stripes. I think four a.m. oughtta do it!" called out Logan darkly. Rogue ignored him as she made her way to the room she shared with Kitty. She didn't give a damn about anything anymore.
The Next Day:
Rogue was the last one out of the Danger Room by six o'clock in the morning. Logan had been true to his word starting the session at four. Unfortunately the entire mansion had been roped into the session. And it had quickly spread that it was Rogue's fault everyone had been forced to get up so early to train. She had broken curfew.
More than enough grumbles and dark looks had been sent her way, making Rogue angry and hurt at the same time. Now it seemed no one but Tabitha was talking to her. Even Bobby was unusually silent towards her. But what made Rogue even angrier was the fact that her body was still weak from the day before. Her reflexes were slower than she liked, and her head was still aching, although not as much as it had been after draining the Juggernaut.
"I can't believe we had to get up so early!" exclaimed Amara for the third time as she and Kitty walked in front of Rogue and Tabitha. They were making their way back to their respective bedrooms to change for school.
"Like me either. Maybe if someone hadn't been out past ten last night, we wouldn't be in this mess," agreed Kitty half-heartedly. Truth be told she didn't want to get Rogue pissed since she had to share a room with the southerner.
"Fuck off," muttered Rogue pushing past the girls and quickening her pace.
"What's wrong with her?" questioned Amara.
Tabitha snorted. "Well it is getting old—all the whining and the moaning and the groaning. God, why can't you people just grow up, huh? So she broke curfew? It's not like she did it on purpose. Didn't you see her this morning? She's still weak after yesterday's little game with Juggernaut. Better watch out, Amara, she might take her anger out on you soon."
Amara's eyes widened in fear as she stopped mid-step. She watched as Tabitha made her way into the bedroom she shared before rushing after her. "She wouldn't really, would she?" was the girl's desperate reply.
Kitty shook her head and entered her own room. Rogue was already in the shower. Kitty rifled through her closet until she found her favorite pink shirt, waiting for Rogue to finish up. She didn't have to wait for long. Rogue walked out of the bathroom and dutifully ignored her roommate as she set about drying her hair.
With bated breath Kitty skittered into the bathroom, hoping that Rogue would be gone by the time she got out. She really didn't want to face an angry Rogue. She had seen firsthand the kind of results that achieved.
Rogue rolled her eyes and finished getting dressed. She was the first one downstairs when a small explosion echoed through the house, followed by two more. Rogue glanced over at the staircase just in time to see Tabitha running down with Amara on her heels.
"That wasn't funny!" shrieked the young princess hysterically. Tabitha grinned at Rogue as she flung open the front door to make her escape. Instead, Tabitha bumped right into Logan who was entering the mansion.
"Oops," murmured Tabitha making a face. Amara gave her roommate a triumphant grin as she launched into a woebegone tale of her bathwater, bed, and closet exploding simultaneously.
Logan gritted his teeth as he looked down at Tabitha who was innocently twiddling her thumbs. "Chuck's office—now!" he ordered pushing her down the hallway.
"What about me?" wailed Amara.
"Go clean the mess! I don't have time for this kind of crap today!" snapped Logan. He shot Rogue a dark look before turning to follow behind Tabitha. Rogue glanced up the stairwell one last time before hightailing it out of the mansion. She wasn't going to wait for a ride today. It would probably be much safer just to walk.
Rogue was halfway to school when she felt a breeze whip past her. Pietro skidded to a halt and waited for Rogue to catch up with him at her slow pace.
"Something wrong, Roguey?" he asked as he tried to slow his own pace to walk with Rogue.
"Well, the X-Men hate meh again 'cause Ah broke curfew ahn got everyone a four a.m. training session. Ah figured walkin' would be mah best bet today, but mah head still hurts a little. How 'bout you, how come ya ain't gettin' a ride with Lance?"
Pietro grimaced. "They didn't like it when I got back last night and told them I was in charge of the Brotherhood. They laughed like it was some kinda joke—up until I informed them that Magneto was planning on returning soon. That shut them up. This morning they tried to poison me. Apparently they'd much rather have Mystique back than have me in charge."
Rogue chuckled. "Sounds like Lance ain't too happy he got looked over for the job. He was pretty much the leader when Ah was around."
"I know. Now he's pissed, but there's nothing he can do about it. 'Sides, the better looking guy always wins in the end." Pietro grinned cockily as Rogue gave him a shake of her head.
"Just as long as you get them in shape," she said. "You boys really need ta train some more. It's embarrassin' watchin' y'all attempt ta fight against others."
"Gee, Roguey, thanks for the moral support."
"Anytime, sugah, that's what Ah'm here for."
Lunch:
Rogue glanced up from her lone seat as Pietro dropped an empty tray on the table. The white haired teen had remnants of salad in his hair. Rogue glanced over at the Brotherhood who were busy talking in a small huddle over their own table.
"That bad?" she asked.
"They stole my food," replied Pietro glumly. Rogue sighed. She wasn't doing much better either. She had been sitting all alone because Tabitha had wound up in detention for sticking gum in Amara's hair during P.E. And of course, none of Rogue's other housemates were going to sit with her. They were still upset over the early training session.
"Hey mates, can I sit with you?" asked St. John. He took a seat beside Rogue without waiting for an answer. "The rest of the pack is still grumblin' over this mornin', Shelia. I thought it was fun. I got to play with fire."
"Is he for real?" questioned Pietro as he tried to pick the salad out of his hair.
Rogue smiled. "Pietro, this is St. John Allerdyce. He's one of mah new housemates."
St. John looked around carefully before whispering, "I'm a pyromaniac."
"You don't say?" Pietro eyed the red haired teen appraisingly before returning to his hair.
"You know, mate, you're supposed to eat the salad. Not wear it."
"Really? I didn't know that," remarked Pietro sarcastically.
"He's havin' some roommate issues too," explained Rogue hastily as St. John sent her a confused look. St. John nodded in understanding and went back to eating off of his tray.
On the other side of the cafeteria Kurt was busy talking to Amanda. He hadn't seen her since he had been knocked out by Juggernaut. And he really wanted to explain everything.
"Kurt," said Amanda taking his hands in hers. "I don't care what you are. I like you for who you are inside."
"Really? You don't mind that I'm…" Kurt looked around anxiously as Amanda supplied the answers quietly.
"Blue and furry? No, I think it's cute. I don't care that you're a…you know…As long as you're doing good then it doesn't really matter, does it?" Amanda gazed into Kurt's eyes imploringly, causing the German teen to blush.
"I knew I liked you for a reason," he murmured. Amanda giggled and gave Kurt a quick peck on the lips.
"We okay?" she murmured. Kurt nodded with relief flooding through him. Everything was going to be okay.
That Afternoon:
Rogue rubbed her head gingerly as she walked up the driveway towards the mansion. Her head was still throbbing and all that she really wanted was a nice long nap under her warm covers.
"Hey, Rogue!" called out Tabitha. "You wanna come?"
Rogue looked over towards the garage where Tabitha was standing next to one of the jeeps used by the X-Men. She headed over to Tabitha in time to see Kitty hop into the driver's seat.
"Where ya goin'?" asked Rogue carefully as Kitty played with the rearview mirror before buckling up.
"I'm taking the Kitty-cat out to drive. She's getting her license soon," answered Tabitha walking over to the passenger side of the jeep.
"Is it even safe?" demanded Rogue as Kitty started the jeep.
"Like sure it is, Rogue. I just need some more practice. Would you believe that no one likes to take me out driving? Tabitha just volunteered," said Kitty with a small giggle. Rogue raised her eyebrows at Tabitha who shrugged in response.
"Yeah, well, it beats being grounded. We're just taking a spin around the yard. This thing has four wheel drive. Don't wait up!" Tabitha switched the jeep into gear and cheered as Kitty took off down the driveway, narrowly missing Evan, St. John, Bobby, and Kurt. The boys came to stand beside Rogue and watch as Kitty tried to maneuver the jeep through the front lawn.
"Dude, someone should tell her that's not how you're supposed to drive," murmured Kurt flinching as Kitty barely missed hitting a tree.
"I think it's your turn, Evan," agreed Bobby patting his friend on the back.
Evan vigorously shook his head. "Nuh-uh, there's no way I'm going out there. She's dangerous."
"Oy, look!" cried out St. John pointing in excitement. "The Sheila's got herself stuck in the fountain. Sure enough the jeep was half in and half out of the fountain. Tabitha was hanging over the dashboard trying to inspect their position.
Rogue shook her head and turned to go upstairs for her nap when she Logan coming their way. "Oh no," she muttered. The boys turned and quickly scattered, except for St. John who was still laughing at the scene in the front lawn.
"What's so funny?" asked Logan as he stopped right behind the teens. Rogue made a face as St. John stopped laughing. They both glanced over in the direction of the fountain where Kitty and Tabitha were now circling the jeep. Logan growled before heading towards the two teen girls.
"Think they're in for it?" whispered St. John. Rogue nodded soundlessly as she absently rubbed her temples. The two watched in silence as Logan yelled and waved his arms around angrily. Kitty soon burst into tears and ran towards the house. She passed Rogue and St. John without a second glance just as Tabitha began to yell back at Logan. Minutes passed and finally it was all over.
Tabitha stormed away from Logan and back towards the house. She grabbed Rogue by the arm and dragged the southerner up the stairs and into Tabitha's room. Tabitha shut the door behind her, grumbling under her breath as she began to yank out her dresser drawers and upturn them on the bed.
"What are you doin'?" asked Rogue as she tried to make out some of what Tabitha was saying to herself.
"Leaving, what does it look like? I'm sick and tired of all these rules. Do this, don't do that, be home at this time, don't act out, don't be yourself, be an X-Man, don't be a nuisance, listen to your teachers, don't play around, be serious, don't be sad—argh! It's all such a load of bullshit! I can't believe these people!" exclaimed Tabitha stuffing her things into a small suitcase.
"So where are ya goin'?"
"I don't know—" Tabitha's head snapped up with an evil glint in her eyes. "Actually, maybe I'll go stay with the Brotherhood. Yeah, they aren't so bad. That way I can still go to school, but I don't have to follow anyone's rules but my own."
"You sure about that?" hedged Rogue slowly. "They ain't exactly the best housemates."
"Yeah, yeah. They'll learn within a few hours that I'm not someone to be messed with." Tabitha brushed off Rogue's concern easily. "We're still friends, right?"
"'Course we are. You're the only one who doesn't mind bein' seen with meh." Rogue smiled and then sighed. "Just be careful over there. Mystique is still in town…she's just keepin' herself hidden for a while."
Tabitha grinned. "Good for her. I'll make sure she keeps outta your hair if I see her again."
"Thanks." Rogue sank down onto Tabitha's bed wearily and brought a gloved hand up to her forehead. Tabitha noticed and made a face.
"Still not feeling well?"
Rogue shook her head. "Ah've had a headache since yesterday. It should go away in a couple of days. It usually takes a while before Ah'm back ta normal afta Ah take someone's powers."
Tabitha nodded, still frowning. "Just let me know if you need something, okay? You aren't looking too well."
"Ah will, Ah promise."
It was an hour later when Rogue was finally able to retreat into her bedroom. Tabitha was gone, well on her way to the boarding house to raise some hell with her new roommates; Kitty was in Jean's room crying her eyes out to the older girl—partly because Logan had forbidden her to ever drive again, and partly because she was worried about Tabitha living at the boarding house. She didn't trust the troublemaking blonde around Lance.
Rogue plopped down on the bed and closed her eyes. She was ready to drift off to sleep when the phone next to the bed rang. She groaned and picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Rogue!"
"Hey Warren." Rogue sat up in her bed and made herself comfortable as her boyfriend babbled on about work and his father.
"But how are you?" he asked finally.
Rogue groaned. She didn't know how to answer that question anymore. Instead she launched into a long winded narrative of her near escape from Juggernaut, purposefully not mentioning her meeting with Sabertooth and Caliban, before complaining about her headache. Everything else simply wasn't important.
A/n—Okay, this chapter really seems like a filler chapter, but there are some important events for the next few. Now, I'm not going to be able to update for a while. Check out my profile/bio page to get the full explanation. Just bear with me, I'm already working on the next couple of chapters so I'll have something to update later on. Thanks for all the reviews—keep them coming!
