Warning: Birthday fluffiness, followed by teen angst and gossip with a slight touch of mourning.
As soon as they returned, Rogue was taken straight to Hank for a check-up. Apart from being dehydrated and having a few surface wounds, she was deemed fully well, although he did prefer she stay in the med-bay, to be sure.
She was just happy to get to bed.
People started arriving the following day, in the hopes to catch up with her but she remained in a deep sleep.
The younger ones had been looking forward to the party, but she slept right through the day. And the next.
It was the third day where she started coming to. Hank alerted Logan and the Professor, who arrived as she was stretching.
"Well, look who's finally decided to join us!"
"Hm?"
"It's about time you woke up."
"How are you feeling?"
"Like I've been asleep for days. What did I miss?"
"I've been looking at the device. It's been fascinating discovering the type of programme schematics that have been used."
Hank looked up to find three pairs of eyes looking at him in disbelief.
"I meant as a concept, of course it was diabolical how it affected you."
"Good save Dr McCoy, though Ah'm sure if you ask Logan nicely, he'll fit one for you." Rogue gleamed, her voice filled with bitterness.
"I'm sure he would."
"Do you feel up to company? There are a few people who are quite eager to see you."
"Why?"
"They were concerned, naturally. You did after all sneak off in the middle of the night."
"Actually it was pre-dawn but same thing."
"What was it that enabled you to find your way there?"
"It was lak Ah was sharing my mind with someone else. Someone that knew me before. Seeing them again seemed to unlock what was buried. Ah remember leaving Florida for Alabama. Then being taken out of the hospital. We ran into trouble and were separated. The people that helped me made sure Ah was healthy again before approaching me to help with some research they were doing. It seemed the best way to pay them back but by the time Ah knew what it was all about, it was too late to back out. Then Ah fell and everything went again, lak someone switched the lights out. Ah remember mom coming to collect me, seeing the hope in her eyes but feeling nothing. No recognition, no attachment. It broke her heart."
Something changed in her expression. "What day is it?"
"It's the 20th."
"Then Ah've missed it. It's probably for the best. It would have been strange celebrating." Seconds later, the melancholic expression faded. "You said there were people wanting to see me? D'ya think Ah could wash first. It's pretty ripe in here."
It took some time to build the strength to climb down from the bed and making the short journey, guided, to the bathroom Hank had modified into a wet room. The Professor requested Kitty bring down the necessary clothes, warning the girl that Rogue was not quite ready for company.
The others had been busy organising the garden for a belated birthday party/ welcome home barbeque.
Rogue's words had called for further consideration. Logan was all for following through with the plan anyway, seeing as everyone else was so looking forward to it. Rogue would just have to deal, like he knew she would.
XxX
She was suspicious when instead of leading her back upstairs, like she'd thought, they led her out the back doors, to the garden reserved for non-combative practice. There were balloons in the trees, all colours that she normally wore, black, red, purple and green, which marked the entrance to the area set up for the festivities. There was a homemade banner above the numerous picnic tables, already laden with food, alongside the barbeque Logan had taken over. Everyone was there waiting along with a decent pile of gifts, all addressed to Rogue.
A part of her wanted to turn back and return to the med-bay. Anything but being the centre of attention. However, the other part, encouraged greatly by the warm feeling that was slowly creeping up on her, told her that the best thing to do was accept the signs of affection and care on offer and stop over-analysing.
She sloped over to the table, hearing people greet her and wish her happy birthday. She did her best to smile and it was a blessing when Logan announced that the food was ready, which diverted people's attention remarkably quick.
She felt Kitty and Kurt sit beside her.
She gave a deep, calming sigh. "Aren't y'all afraid everyone will get all the food?"
Kitty scoffed. "Pur-lease, you know I'm one of the few vegetarians. Besides, Lance said he might be by."
"Aww, you're so cute. Ah remember that phase, when all you want to do is spend time with the boy."
She looked over and saw Jean talking with Scott.
"What is happening with you two?"
"Honestly? Ah don't know. Ah told him where Ah stand; now it's up to him to make up his mind. Ah can't do it for him."
Kurt gently placed an arm around her, in a platonic way. It was rare that he could talk to her on this level. Her connection, however brief, to Mystique had made him feel a sibling attachment to her.
However, he was aware that she wasn't overly keen on people declaring familial attachments.
Kitty had received a message that Lance had arrived. Pietro had no inclination, Fred couldn't be bothered. Wanda was reluctant to show-up, given their past altercations and Toad thought if Wanda wasn't going, neither was he.
"Happy Birthday Rogue."
"Thanks Lance."
Kurt took the moment to fetch them both a plate and it was only then Rogue realised how hungry she was.
"Why is it that no matter what, Barbeque always tastes good?"
Kurt realised she was asking rhetorically but smiled.
Once everyone had had their fill, it was present time.
"You aren't going to film this are ya?"
Charles laughed. "Is that custom?"
She shook her head. "Nah, it was just this time last year, mom asked Carole to film my reaction to getting a car. She'd spent the time between that and getting my licence telling me we couldn't afford it and Ah'd have to work my butt off to get one. So what happens? She presents me with a car and all Ah can say is Holy Sh..."
Charles caught her eye and shook his head.
"Shizzle." She grinned. "And she cussed me out for swearing in public."
"Then in that case, it would be wise not to record this moment."
He asked everyone to gather around Rogue and one by one to give her the present from them. Rogue noticed there were numerous looks being exchanged but no-one was forth-coming. So she focused on the gifts, which were a series of charms, with Scott presenting her with a charm bracelet. The charms represented both hers and her mother's birthstone, a car, a large house, one with the word 'Family' and a bar of chocolate.
She was steadily growing more choked up as the present continued with more chocolate, bath supplies and a large box, that she couldn't open.
"Well, not yet anyway. We'll let you know when the time is right."
She gave them the side-eye but failed to garner a response. The cake arrived and once again, everyone was more focused on that, which wasn't surprising given that it was a three tier masterpiece made of chocolate so rich it looked black and decorated with edible red roses, made of frosting adorned with their stems intricately interloping the entire confection.
Everyone said, "Make a wish."
It wasn't easy, mustering the necessary smile, but she was glad she did.
XxX
Later on, when everyone was distracted, she snuck away to sit in the gazebo that overlooked the cliff edge of the school. It was there Charles found her.
"I wondered where you went. Is everything alright?"
She met his concerned expression.
"You're all just too sweet and kind. It's not something Ah'm used to."
"Yes, it can be a little overwhelming at times, but that's what being a family is all about. Though most of us aren't related by blood, we are connected, nonetheless."
Rogue had taken the time to place all the charms in the order she wanted and now held up her bracelet.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome, although, there is one more to come."
He led the way to the side of the institute, taking the elevator to the attic. Logan had been steadily working on converting the attic into two self-contained apartments, supposedly to accommodate the growing number of students. To the far right, was a door leading outside. Charles signalled Rogue to go first and she stepped out onto a tented space with a selection of seating around an electric fire. The box sat on the chairs.
"Go-on."
Inside the box was an ornate telescope, which when placed by the fire, she noted there was an extra fastening on the roof, that when she pulled it back, revealed a panel with a see-through space enough that she could position the telescope and see the stars. Amongst the wall were various shelves with books on stars and constellations, along with a hamper full of thick rugs and portable drink paraphernalia.
"Do you like it?"
Rogue nodded, unable to answer.
"This space is primarily for you but I know that there will be many others wishing to share with you. The tent is insulated against even our winters and if you see the door in the far corner" he pointed out, "you'll find that this is also accessible by staircase."
Logan had enclosed the staircase giving an entrance from both inside and outside the mansion.
"Are you really converting the attic into apartments or was this a cover?"
"No, I really am. It was a happy coincidence."
"Well, this is great. Thank-you."
"You know, it was Scott that provided the suggestion."
"Really?"
"Yes. I know you two are somewhat involved. He is a good person, though perhaps used to thinking about others rather than taking the time for himself."
Rogue paused. "So, what are you saying?"
"Rogue I want you to be happy here. Your experiences have made you aware what it is you want or don't want from life. Not everyone has that confidence."
He left without another word.
XxX
Things were fairly quiet over the next few days. To make up for her various absences and to boost her GPA, Rogue had signed up for summer classes. She found the routine helped keep her balanced. She was still attending therapy along with training and meditation.
Kitty and Kurt opted to join her and this gave them the opportunity to grow even closer.
Scott had also taken on extra classes along with Jean. Though as theirs were at different times, they decided not to car-pool.
Which suited Rogue fine. She saw enough of Jean as it was, so why should they share cars?
She and Scott typically spoke in the evenings, mostly about school stuff. He'd been embarrassed when she told him that the Professor had given him full credit for the theme of her gifts.
"Well, I'd rather you had what you wanted."
She grimaced but held her tongue. Logan had offered to drive her to Mississippi, so she could visit her mother's grave. Charles was reluctant.
"I'm not sure it's wise. After everything that happened that night, is it worth the risk."
"But it's been a year and Ah haven't been able to visit. If none of this had happened, Ah would have been able to tend the grave, take flowers, ya know, all the stuff you're meant to do."
"I understand your concerns, which is why I'd like to suggest we bring your mother here. We can clear a space that you could visit, we can organise a headstone, or a commemorative garden."
There was honest surprise in her eyes. She knew the Professor was generous, they all were, but this was something else. "You'd do that?"
"Of course. Rogue, your mother meant a lot to me, almost as much as she meant to you. This would be the best way to ensure that she can be remembered and that she is with the ones who loved her."
Charles felt an overwhelming sense of emotion surround him. It was a heady mix of love, gratitude and a hint of sadness.
Rogue consented and Charles began making preparations. He accompanied her on a tour of the estate to discuss the best location was. Rogue decided the far corner would be the best for it was shrouded with trees, giving it the necessary privacy.
"She loved wild flowers best. They were the ones not even nature could control."
"Yes, we can arrange them around the place where the coffin will be. I'm sure if you talk to Ororo she would help prepare the land. And perhaps we can purchase a bench?"
The arrangements were all happening so quickly. Ororo was delighted to offer her advice and some of the others were keen to pitch in when they heard of the plan. Rayne was keen to lend her extra special digging skills, leading Rogue to pinch herself at their helpfulness.
Logan prepared the space for the coffin, leading the others to plot out the rest. The Professor was going to conduct a ceremonial blessing.
On the day of the ceremony, all arrived decked out in black and Rogue, who had been stalwart throughout this time, couldn't help but have a constant stream of tears.
Scott stood by her side and she told herself, she wouldn't question his actions today. She wouldn't think about where they were heading or whether he preferred her or Jean. This was her mother's day. It was a full year since her murder; for that was something Rogue would always call it. Dinner that night was her mother's favourite, salmon and potatoes with a lemon dessert. Ororo had discussed this matter with Rogue, when they were making plans. Rogue had been intending to do the catering but had found herself banned from the kitchen by not just the instructors, but by the students.
After dinner, of which she ate a reasonable amount, the students lingered around the table, asking her questions.
"What was your mother like?"
"She was the best, obviously. She'd lived a full life before Ah came along. She always said she had no regrets."
"What about her family?"
"Ah never met them. Mom always said they weren't good people. She said how names were vital pieces of information and that was dangerous to have, especially about the people she didn't want in our life. She had her name changed by deed-poll as soon as she left home and enlisted in the military."
Some of the others were growing edgy and Rogue felt that perhaps they had had enough of the 'mom' talk. After all, this wasn't their mother. So when Kurt asked his question, a topic that had been on everyone's mind, however unconscious, she was blindsided.
"Do you think she would have accepted you?"
"Mah mutation?" He nodded. "Ah reckon she'd of been stunned at first, but after awhile, she'd of been okay. Ah was never really comfortable about PDA, even as a kid. Ah guess now Ah have a reason."
"But surely, as her daughter, she would accept you anyway?"
"As her daughter, probably. As a mutant? Mom was never one to judge people's appearances. Whenever there'd be a kid at school who'd maybe not have enough money for lunch or who clothes weren't the neatest, she always say something like, 'and why is that'. She always believed that truth was never a surface matter. That you had to dig deep to find it. But, if you're asking would she accept the existence of mutants? Ah reckon so. Heck she'd probably want to adopt you all."
"Even Bobby?"
They grinned as the iceman took his revenge on his friend for the quip.
Later, as everyone was preparing for bed, Kurt was contemplating Rogue's mother. Her description made him wonder if it was the biased opinion of a devoted daughter with rose-tinted glasses. He loved and was grateful to his own adoptive parents but given the type of woman Mystique was, couldn't help but wonder how such polar opposites could exist.
He bamphed himself to Rogue and Kitty's room, knocking to give warning.
"What's up?"
"I know you have no fond feelings for Mystique, which is perfectly understandable. But, given that she adopted you whilst being my mother, I feel this connects us."
"Oh?"
"I understand if it is not what you want to hear, but I don't vant to hide it. I can't help it."
"Kurt, it's okay really."
"It is?"
"Look, Ah'm no good with this soppy stuff and you're right about Mystique but if Ah learnt anything from my time here, it's that family doesn't need to mean a blood bond. How else could you explain an influx of little brothers and sisters, an Aunt figure who is too classy to be real and a pair of some of the cleverest men in the world who are also the kindest? Oh and the scary uncle that would literally die trying to protect you."
The heard footsteps halt outside their room.
"Elf, you better be in your own room..."
Kurt bamphed in time for Logan to open the door and catch the lingering smoke.
He shook his head as he wished the girls "'Night."
When he was gone, Kitty asked, "Do you think he heard?"
Rogue gave a pointed look. "Of course he heard. He always does."
XxX
The summer continued to be fairly non-eventful. There were small missions which the team dealt with, growing stronger as a unit day by day, however things remained at a weird 'standstill' between Rogue and Scott. He was happy to continue dating, but Rogue found she wanted more. It was something she discussed in therapy and her therapist advised communicating those feelings.
"You make it sound so easy."
To which he replied, "There is always a solution, Rogue. We only have to look for them."
Well, that was something she could do.
Dear Scarlett,
As usual, Ah'm sorry it's been so long. Ah know Ah only write here when Ah have something to work out. But there are only so many times Ah can write, 'Today was a good day', or something equally sappy.
Ya'll be happy to know that things are good with Scott and Ah, at least for now and Ah feel it's tayme to take the next step. He doesn't know it yet but Ah want to have everything prepared so when the tayme is right, everything is in place.
We both know my problems with intimacy come down to having toxic skin, so Ah've been looking at ways to get around that. Although, sometimes Ah've had to look at places outside the institute, so no-one can check my search history. You know Dad will not approve and Logan will do his nut if he even knew Ah was thinking that way.
Anyway, mah search paid off. Ah found something, a type of condom. Ah can't risk it getting delivered here though Ah've reserved one of those boxes that stores your packages a while. It should be here in a few days.
XxX
Dear Scarlett,
OMG it's here and it's hideous! Ah really don't know why anyone would wear it if they didn't need to. Ah think its tayme Ah talk to Scott.
Wish me luck.
XxX
Of course, now that she wanted to talk to him about such matters, he was suddenly busier than ever. The missions were becoming more frequent and not so easily dealt with. Their lazy summer was becoming a distant dream and soon school was on the horizon which meant even less time.
Rogue took advantage of one afternoon after class to go for a drive.
"Ah need to talk to you and this place has ears."
"Oh sure."
If she was thinking clearly, she would have taken the lacklustre response as a sign that maybe her timing was off.
Scott saw her nerves and chose to remain silent as she drove further from the institute. She'd been distracted the last few days but he'd put that down to how busy they'd been.
"Here's fayne."
She opened the door but didn't exit the car.
"What did you want t talk about?"
"Well, Ah should probably say that Ah've been thinking a lot about where we're heading."
"You mean in terms of the team? I think we're doing well enough."
She sighed, exasperated. "Not the team Scott, you and Ah."
"Oh." There was that lacklustre again.
"Ah really lak you Scott and Ah know in normal circumstances, we'd be able to grow close. Have contact. We'd be talking about where we can see ourselves going. Whether we'd want to take the next step."
Scott found himself growing uncomfortable. It wasn't that he didn't have urges, he was a teenager, despite all consideration, but things were complicated. He respected the Professor; saw him as a father figure. How would the man feel if he knew about this conversation? And what of Logan? Everyone knew that the man saw Rogue as a surrogate daughter. He'd seen the girl grow from child to the person she was today.
Was it even a good idea to be taking things further and more importantly, did he even want to?
He was happy enough at where they were and didn't want things to change or get complicated. How would things work for the team? How could he think of her as a team-mate after having gone 'all the way'? Was that even an option?
"Ah don't want to pressure you Scott. Ah just need to know if Ah'm racing ahead or not."
"It's okay Rogue, I understand."
She frowned. "Understand what?"
"Look, I like how things are going at the moment. I don't want to complicate things."
"Why would things get complicated?"
"Well, say something were to happen between us and we fell out. How would we deal with that?"
"Do you think Ah'd make things difficult?"
"Not intentionally, but you know how impressionable some of the students are. They may have questions." He finished lamely.
"Questions?"
"You know, like how we could even, well you know?"
"You mean because of my powers?"
"Yes." He felt satisfied that this could be a legitimate excuse.
"Oh, well Ah've already found a way round that but if ya'll think Ah'd be telling the others about it than you're wrong."
Scott hadn't anticipated this and was flummoxed. "I'm not suggesting that at all. That would be inappropriate."
"Then what are you suggesting?" She found herself getting a little heated.
"Look, school is starting up again in a few weeks. It's my last year and I need to focus on that."
"So, you're saying what? You want to break up?"
"Maybe it's for the best. We all live together Rogue. We need to get along. It would be selfish to ruin that for our benefit."
XxX
Jean was in the foyer when she heard a car pull up, and then squeal away in a very short space of time.
Scott entered moments later.
"What happened? Was that Rogue?"
"Yes, she's a little upset."
"What happened?"
Scott rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I told her that maybe we should stop seeing each other for a while."
Jean looked shocked. "Oh, I knew you were spending more time with each other, but I didn't know you were dating."
He gave a shrug. "It's probably best not to talk about it, too much. It'll blow over."
"Well, if you ever want to talk?"
He didn't. He already felt he'd done more than enough talking for one day.
XxX
Some of the other students were sympathetic to Rogue after learning about the 'break-up'. Others not so much.
Tabitha had been talking with the other girls.
"It was bound to happen eventually. What kind of boy would hook up with someone that you couldn't even hook up with? It shows that even Scott knows he's got a dud deal."
Amara felt awkward. "You shouldn't be so mean about her."
"Look, I think Rogue's okay, but do you really think she's going to get her happily ever after when her powers are so toxic? She's already been here months and the instructors aren't even close to understanding them."
"You know some powers are harder to understand than others."
Tabitha snorted, already moving on from the subject, while Amara debated whether or not to clue Rogue in on the gossip. In the end she told Kitty, who was equally embarrassed.
"Maybe now's not the best time. She'd be embarrassed. I know I would be if I knew people were talking about my, well you know."
Neither girl realised their private talk wasn't so private. They'd been in the garden, enjoying the late summer sun, sitting by the sheltered woodland, near where the memorial to Rogue's mother was. There was a bird atop the birdbath, quenching its thirst in more ways than one. When the girls returned inside, it lingered, sensing the moment was at hand for reconciling with the errant daughter of hers.
She'd have to be smart and patient, the latter not something she was usually known for. But for now, she'd play the long game knowing that the heart of a rejected teenager was the most vulnerable of all...