NOTE: Hey everyone! Thanx so much for the reviews, I absolutely love
getting them, they are the only motivation I have for writing new chapters
so please keep writing them. Yes, just to reiterate, this is sort of a
weird combination of the movie scenario and x-men evo…..it's hard to
explain. I'm sorry this chapter took so long to write but consider this is
sort of a chapter intended to move the plot along. I promise I will get to
the Pietro/Kitty conflict very very soon, I just have to deal w/ Rogue's
problem…hehe. Please, everyone I would love if u gave me advice on what
should happen next etc. thanx!
Rogue walked quickly down the hall, and finally sat down on one of the benches in the empty cafeteria hall. God, why did his presence affect her so much? She had tried her hardest to convince herself that a guy like Lance was all wrong for her, but the fact of the matter was the more time she spent with him, the clearer it became that they were perfect for each other. She rarely saw him; in fact, the only times she did see him was in classes, or whenever Jubilee wasn't talking to him. But the few times they had spoken, she felt inexplicably drawn to him.
This is stupid, Rogue told herself sternly. One of your best friends really likes him, so that makes him off-limits to you. Yes, that certainly was the truth. Jubilee hadn't ceased to talk about Lance since the day he'd arrived at the mansion, keeping Kitty and her awake up at all hours of the night. And Lance seemed to like Jubilee as well. But whenever Lance looked at her, Rogue was sure that he felt something as well, something deeper. Today had been no exception. Whenever she was in the same room with him, Rogue felt as if the room itself were charged with electricity.
"Oh no," Rogue groaned suddenly, as she realized she was late for the meeting downstairs with the Professor. She leapt up from the bench and took the stairs 3 at a time. "I'm here, sorry," Rogue announced breathlessly.
"Are you alright Rogue," Dr. Grey asked concernedly. Rogue nodded quickly.
"I'm fine, really."
"Okay," Dr. Grey said uncertainly, then flashed her a look that clearly meant she wanted to have a heart-to-heart later on. Rogue nodded, and sat down next to Kitty.
"So what's this all about?" Jubilee asked curiously. The other mutants began to chorus similar questions and the Professor smiled patiently.
"The reason I've called you here today is because I've noticed that, especially with the addition of new mutants at our school, you all need a chance to learn the value of teamwork and cooperation. Your danger room sessions with Cyclops and Logan only teach you fighting skills .However, in order to make proper use of these skills, you have to learn to cooperate and help one another," the Professor said.
Rogue exchanged a skeptical look with Bobby. Is he going to make us sit in a circle holding hands and singing Kumbayah?, Rogue wondered silently. ~No, Rogue, that is not exactly what I had in mind~ Rogue blushed, realizing she must have been projecting her thoughts loudly again. Dr. Grey looked at her in amusement, as the Professor continued.
"This is why I've organized somewhat of a treasure hunt," the Professor said, pausing. Rogue sat up in her seat, now this sounded interesting. "You have all been assigned a partner. Now, tomorrow morning, Cyclops will take you all to the island of Genosha. It is an uncharted island about ten miles from here where the treasure hunt will take place. Now, make no mistake, this is a competition and the objective is for you and your partner to reach the finish line first.
"What do we get?" Kitty asked eagerly.
"Let's put it this way, Half-pint. The losers get extra sessions in the Danger Room with me, 2 hours a day," Logan said, smirking at the looks of horror on the kids' faces.
"Nothing like negative reinforcement to put fire in a man's blood, " Pietro muttered sarcastically.
"Glad your so agreeable to it," Logan said, a grin tugging at his stern mouth.
"Now here are the partner assignments; we wanted to put a little variety so you would get the opportunity to be in a situation where you will have to work out your differences for a common goal," the Professor said, throwing a kindly but pointed look in Kitty and Pietro's direction. "Ahem, the partners will be as follows; Bobby and Jubilee, Kitty and Pietro, and finally Rogue and Lance."
Rogue's eyes widened. Did she hear right? She was going to be alone on a deserted island with Lance? Her eyes drifted and she found Lance smiling at her She felt someone tap her shoulder suddenly, and turn around to face a very disappointed Jubilee.
"Man, this sucks. Neither one of us got to be partnered with our crush," Jubilee said, looking longingly over at Lance, oblivious to Bobby's pained expression. Rogue swallowed hard and forced herself to appear casual.
"Yeah, I know, but come on Bobby's not that bad, you could have gotten Todd or something," Rogue said teasingly.
Jubilee giggled. "True, true, but being on an island with Lance would have been the best," Jubilee added sighing a little. Yeah, I know what you mean, Rogue thought feeling excitement build up in her, and then squelched it instantly when she looked again at Jubilee's crestfallen expression. Rogue felt horrible, as if she'd somehow betrayed her friend, even though she'd done nothing yet.
"Before you all disperse, there is one very important thing I had forgotten to mention," the Professor said. Rogue turned quickly to face him, as did everyone else. "Now in order to simulate real-life combat, we've decided that you and your partner are solely responsible for finding your way to the finish line by the end of the day. If you are not there, we will leave without you."
"Professor, that's cold!" Bobby protested.
The Professor smiled gently. "I'm not doing this to be cruel. In fact this was entirely Logan's idea."
"Why am I not surprised?" Bobby muttered, and then shut up instantly at Logan's answering growl.
"I think it's an excellent idea because it will put some pressure on you all to succeed and demonstrate your talents. You and your partner will have to rely only on each other to reach your goal."
"So what, if we miss Mr. Summers at the finish line by the end of the day, we're stranded on the island forever?" Jubilee asked incredulously.
Dr. Grey laughed and shook her head. "Not at all Jubilee. We will of course come back for you….in a day or two."
"What are we supposed to do until then? What are we supposed to eat?" Todd asked frantically.
"The island of Genosha is abundant with fruits of all kinds."
"Fruits…yum," Pietro muttered sarcastically.
"This should give you and your partner more incentive to reach the finish line first. That and the fact that you won't have to endure Logan's extra sessions in the Danger Room," Mr. Summers said. Rogue could have sworn that behind the red shades, his eyes were full of mirth.
"Hey wait a sec, what about Pietro? With his powers, him and Kitty could easily reach the finish line first," Lance spoke up suddenly. Jubilee and Bobby chimed in with similar protests.
Logan whistled loudly with 2 fingers and the room quieted. "You're right Lance, it isn't fair. That's why, during this treasure hunt, Pietro is not allowed to use his powers."
"What?! That's totally bogus!" Pietro burst out. "I can't help it if they're intimidated by my skills!"
Kitty rolled her eyes at Rogue, who laughed.
"I'm sorry, Pietro, but if you used your powers, it would put the other teams at a disadvantage," Dr. Grey interjected.
"What, look at who I'm partnered with? You don't call ~that~ a disadvantage?" Pietro asked, jerking a thumb in Kitty's direction.
"Keep it up motor-mouth, and you'll be limping back to your room," Kitty threatened, her brown eyes sparkling with anger.
"Kitty, Pietro, please refrain from verbally abusing each other, it is most unhealthy," Dr. McCoy advised gently.
Lance smiled, and poked Rogue. "We got this treasure hunt in the bag. I mean look at those two. They'll be too busy trying to kill each other to focus on the hunt."
Rogue nodded, her hazel eyes sparkling. "Yeah, and then we can laugh at them when they have to get up at 5:00 to go to the Danger Room."
They both were quiet a moment, imagining it, and then upon looking at each other, burst out laughing,
"They'll hate us for sure, especially Pietro," Lance added after catching his breath.
"Not as much as they'll hate Logan after he gives them one of his extra-strength pain-inducing workouts," Rogue said giggling.
"I'm glad you're my partner Rogue," Lance said seriously. Rogue stopped laughing, and her mouth suddenly went dry. He was looking at her almost tenderly.
"Me too," Rogue whispered, feeling confused at the strength of her emotion towards him. It felt like centuries since she had felt so much at ease with a boy. Most of the other guys in the mansion, with the exception of Bobby, still acted frightened around her even though she was always cloaked from head to toe, and wearing her trademark gloves.
"Hey what are you guys looking so serious about?" Jubilee broke in lightly, with Bobby following closely behind.
Lance and Rogue looked at each other and blushed. "Nothing," they said at the same time. Jubilee looked at them strangely.
"You guys look kinda flushed," Jubilee remarked curiously. Rogue swallowed hard.
"Well, um, it's really hot you know," Lance said lamely. Rogue could see Bobby quickly trying to cover his grin.
"Yeah, it is, whew," Rogue exclaimed quickly, taking off her sweatshirt to demonstrate, even though she was freezing. Bobby burst out laughing, and Jubilee looked at him strangely.
Rogue glared at him, wishing she could tell him mentally to shut up. Then feigning a yawn, she said quickly "I think I'll go report to the lab to help Dr. Grey, this is the last day of my punishment."
"Yeah I'd better go too, Mr. Summers will be expecting me in the garage," Bobby added, giving Lance a long measured look.
"Later guys, good luck tomorrow. Bobby go to bed early, because if you make me lose I'll kick your icy butt!" teased Jubilee. Bobby threw her a smile and nodded, trooping after Rogue who waved goodbye to Jubilee and carefully averting her eyes from Lance.
When they were alone, Bobby turned to Rogue and gave her a pointed look. " So, when are you planning on telling Jubilee about Lance?"
Rogue looked down at her hands and said softly "There's nothing to tell." Bobby snorted in disbelief. "Right Rogue. You're one of the most straight-forward people I've ever known, and you usually go after what you want. So why don't you just tell Jubilee?"
Rogue shot him an incredulous look "I'm not about to lose one of my best friends over a boy, okay? It's just a crush, I"ll get over it," she finished quietly.
Bobby looked at her and shook his head. "I still think you should confess."
"Sure, as soon as you tell Jubilee how you've been in love with her for years," Rogue shot back.
"No way, it's better that she doesn't know."
"My point exactly." The two friends looked at each other stubbornly and laughed.
"God, we're pathetic," Bobby remarked. Rogue giggled.
"Hey speak for yourself!"
Rogue stood at the entrance to the lab and sighed. "I hope everything works out soon, because this is giving me an ulcer."
"Yeah, really. Seeya tomorrow Rogue," Bobby said finally, as Rogue disappeared into the lab.
Rogue waved and then pressed her fingers to her temple. She had reached a decision. She would simply hold Lance at arm's distance and forbid herself to look at him as anything more than a friend. Jubilee and him will make a great couple, Rogue told herself, and you are going to be supportive friend. Rogue sighed. Why did doing the right thing have to suck so much?
Rogue walked quickly down the hall, and finally sat down on one of the benches in the empty cafeteria hall. God, why did his presence affect her so much? She had tried her hardest to convince herself that a guy like Lance was all wrong for her, but the fact of the matter was the more time she spent with him, the clearer it became that they were perfect for each other. She rarely saw him; in fact, the only times she did see him was in classes, or whenever Jubilee wasn't talking to him. But the few times they had spoken, she felt inexplicably drawn to him.
This is stupid, Rogue told herself sternly. One of your best friends really likes him, so that makes him off-limits to you. Yes, that certainly was the truth. Jubilee hadn't ceased to talk about Lance since the day he'd arrived at the mansion, keeping Kitty and her awake up at all hours of the night. And Lance seemed to like Jubilee as well. But whenever Lance looked at her, Rogue was sure that he felt something as well, something deeper. Today had been no exception. Whenever she was in the same room with him, Rogue felt as if the room itself were charged with electricity.
"Oh no," Rogue groaned suddenly, as she realized she was late for the meeting downstairs with the Professor. She leapt up from the bench and took the stairs 3 at a time. "I'm here, sorry," Rogue announced breathlessly.
"Are you alright Rogue," Dr. Grey asked concernedly. Rogue nodded quickly.
"I'm fine, really."
"Okay," Dr. Grey said uncertainly, then flashed her a look that clearly meant she wanted to have a heart-to-heart later on. Rogue nodded, and sat down next to Kitty.
"So what's this all about?" Jubilee asked curiously. The other mutants began to chorus similar questions and the Professor smiled patiently.
"The reason I've called you here today is because I've noticed that, especially with the addition of new mutants at our school, you all need a chance to learn the value of teamwork and cooperation. Your danger room sessions with Cyclops and Logan only teach you fighting skills .However, in order to make proper use of these skills, you have to learn to cooperate and help one another," the Professor said.
Rogue exchanged a skeptical look with Bobby. Is he going to make us sit in a circle holding hands and singing Kumbayah?, Rogue wondered silently. ~No, Rogue, that is not exactly what I had in mind~ Rogue blushed, realizing she must have been projecting her thoughts loudly again. Dr. Grey looked at her in amusement, as the Professor continued.
"This is why I've organized somewhat of a treasure hunt," the Professor said, pausing. Rogue sat up in her seat, now this sounded interesting. "You have all been assigned a partner. Now, tomorrow morning, Cyclops will take you all to the island of Genosha. It is an uncharted island about ten miles from here where the treasure hunt will take place. Now, make no mistake, this is a competition and the objective is for you and your partner to reach the finish line first.
"What do we get?" Kitty asked eagerly.
"Let's put it this way, Half-pint. The losers get extra sessions in the Danger Room with me, 2 hours a day," Logan said, smirking at the looks of horror on the kids' faces.
"Nothing like negative reinforcement to put fire in a man's blood, " Pietro muttered sarcastically.
"Glad your so agreeable to it," Logan said, a grin tugging at his stern mouth.
"Now here are the partner assignments; we wanted to put a little variety so you would get the opportunity to be in a situation where you will have to work out your differences for a common goal," the Professor said, throwing a kindly but pointed look in Kitty and Pietro's direction. "Ahem, the partners will be as follows; Bobby and Jubilee, Kitty and Pietro, and finally Rogue and Lance."
Rogue's eyes widened. Did she hear right? She was going to be alone on a deserted island with Lance? Her eyes drifted and she found Lance smiling at her She felt someone tap her shoulder suddenly, and turn around to face a very disappointed Jubilee.
"Man, this sucks. Neither one of us got to be partnered with our crush," Jubilee said, looking longingly over at Lance, oblivious to Bobby's pained expression. Rogue swallowed hard and forced herself to appear casual.
"Yeah, I know, but come on Bobby's not that bad, you could have gotten Todd or something," Rogue said teasingly.
Jubilee giggled. "True, true, but being on an island with Lance would have been the best," Jubilee added sighing a little. Yeah, I know what you mean, Rogue thought feeling excitement build up in her, and then squelched it instantly when she looked again at Jubilee's crestfallen expression. Rogue felt horrible, as if she'd somehow betrayed her friend, even though she'd done nothing yet.
"Before you all disperse, there is one very important thing I had forgotten to mention," the Professor said. Rogue turned quickly to face him, as did everyone else. "Now in order to simulate real-life combat, we've decided that you and your partner are solely responsible for finding your way to the finish line by the end of the day. If you are not there, we will leave without you."
"Professor, that's cold!" Bobby protested.
The Professor smiled gently. "I'm not doing this to be cruel. In fact this was entirely Logan's idea."
"Why am I not surprised?" Bobby muttered, and then shut up instantly at Logan's answering growl.
"I think it's an excellent idea because it will put some pressure on you all to succeed and demonstrate your talents. You and your partner will have to rely only on each other to reach your goal."
"So what, if we miss Mr. Summers at the finish line by the end of the day, we're stranded on the island forever?" Jubilee asked incredulously.
Dr. Grey laughed and shook her head. "Not at all Jubilee. We will of course come back for you….in a day or two."
"What are we supposed to do until then? What are we supposed to eat?" Todd asked frantically.
"The island of Genosha is abundant with fruits of all kinds."
"Fruits…yum," Pietro muttered sarcastically.
"This should give you and your partner more incentive to reach the finish line first. That and the fact that you won't have to endure Logan's extra sessions in the Danger Room," Mr. Summers said. Rogue could have sworn that behind the red shades, his eyes were full of mirth.
"Hey wait a sec, what about Pietro? With his powers, him and Kitty could easily reach the finish line first," Lance spoke up suddenly. Jubilee and Bobby chimed in with similar protests.
Logan whistled loudly with 2 fingers and the room quieted. "You're right Lance, it isn't fair. That's why, during this treasure hunt, Pietro is not allowed to use his powers."
"What?! That's totally bogus!" Pietro burst out. "I can't help it if they're intimidated by my skills!"
Kitty rolled her eyes at Rogue, who laughed.
"I'm sorry, Pietro, but if you used your powers, it would put the other teams at a disadvantage," Dr. Grey interjected.
"What, look at who I'm partnered with? You don't call ~that~ a disadvantage?" Pietro asked, jerking a thumb in Kitty's direction.
"Keep it up motor-mouth, and you'll be limping back to your room," Kitty threatened, her brown eyes sparkling with anger.
"Kitty, Pietro, please refrain from verbally abusing each other, it is most unhealthy," Dr. McCoy advised gently.
Lance smiled, and poked Rogue. "We got this treasure hunt in the bag. I mean look at those two. They'll be too busy trying to kill each other to focus on the hunt."
Rogue nodded, her hazel eyes sparkling. "Yeah, and then we can laugh at them when they have to get up at 5:00 to go to the Danger Room."
They both were quiet a moment, imagining it, and then upon looking at each other, burst out laughing,
"They'll hate us for sure, especially Pietro," Lance added after catching his breath.
"Not as much as they'll hate Logan after he gives them one of his extra-strength pain-inducing workouts," Rogue said giggling.
"I'm glad you're my partner Rogue," Lance said seriously. Rogue stopped laughing, and her mouth suddenly went dry. He was looking at her almost tenderly.
"Me too," Rogue whispered, feeling confused at the strength of her emotion towards him. It felt like centuries since she had felt so much at ease with a boy. Most of the other guys in the mansion, with the exception of Bobby, still acted frightened around her even though she was always cloaked from head to toe, and wearing her trademark gloves.
"Hey what are you guys looking so serious about?" Jubilee broke in lightly, with Bobby following closely behind.
Lance and Rogue looked at each other and blushed. "Nothing," they said at the same time. Jubilee looked at them strangely.
"You guys look kinda flushed," Jubilee remarked curiously. Rogue swallowed hard.
"Well, um, it's really hot you know," Lance said lamely. Rogue could see Bobby quickly trying to cover his grin.
"Yeah, it is, whew," Rogue exclaimed quickly, taking off her sweatshirt to demonstrate, even though she was freezing. Bobby burst out laughing, and Jubilee looked at him strangely.
Rogue glared at him, wishing she could tell him mentally to shut up. Then feigning a yawn, she said quickly "I think I'll go report to the lab to help Dr. Grey, this is the last day of my punishment."
"Yeah I'd better go too, Mr. Summers will be expecting me in the garage," Bobby added, giving Lance a long measured look.
"Later guys, good luck tomorrow. Bobby go to bed early, because if you make me lose I'll kick your icy butt!" teased Jubilee. Bobby threw her a smile and nodded, trooping after Rogue who waved goodbye to Jubilee and carefully averting her eyes from Lance.
When they were alone, Bobby turned to Rogue and gave her a pointed look. " So, when are you planning on telling Jubilee about Lance?"
Rogue looked down at her hands and said softly "There's nothing to tell." Bobby snorted in disbelief. "Right Rogue. You're one of the most straight-forward people I've ever known, and you usually go after what you want. So why don't you just tell Jubilee?"
Rogue shot him an incredulous look "I'm not about to lose one of my best friends over a boy, okay? It's just a crush, I"ll get over it," she finished quietly.
Bobby looked at her and shook his head. "I still think you should confess."
"Sure, as soon as you tell Jubilee how you've been in love with her for years," Rogue shot back.
"No way, it's better that she doesn't know."
"My point exactly." The two friends looked at each other stubbornly and laughed.
"God, we're pathetic," Bobby remarked. Rogue giggled.
"Hey speak for yourself!"
Rogue stood at the entrance to the lab and sighed. "I hope everything works out soon, because this is giving me an ulcer."
"Yeah, really. Seeya tomorrow Rogue," Bobby said finally, as Rogue disappeared into the lab.
Rogue waved and then pressed her fingers to her temple. She had reached a decision. She would simply hold Lance at arm's distance and forbid herself to look at him as anything more than a friend. Jubilee and him will make a great couple, Rogue told herself, and you are going to be supportive friend. Rogue sighed. Why did doing the right thing have to suck so much?
