NOTE: hmmm, nothing much to say, except please keep the reviews coming! Thanx so much to all those who have already reviewed!

Rogue opened her eyes slowly, and rubbed her head. She saw Bobby sitting hunched over in a stool next to her bed, lost in thought.

"Oh hey, you're awake," Bobby said surprised, getting up off the stool. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I was just trampled by a herd of elephants," Rogue muttered, rubbing her head once again, and managed a tired smile.

"You had everybody really worried. Especially Jubilee and Lance," Bobby added quietly. Rogue looked up.

"Really? Where are they?"

"Uh, Lance walked Jubes back to her room. I haven't really seen either of them since," Bobby said, looking a little put out.

Rogue blinked. Lance and Jubilee? She swallowed hard, and laid back, silent a moment. Then, "Can you tell Lance that I need to talk to him?"

"Sure, do you want anything else?" Bobby asked. Rogue forced a smile and shook her head.

Bobby left the room with a wave in search of Lance. Rogue sat back and waited with a heavy heart. She didn't know why she was feeling so...insecure as of late. She hated the fact that she'd fought with Lance, when he'd only been looking out for her welfare. Well..hers' and Jubilee's.

Lance is just trying to be nice, Rogue told herself sternly, thinking back to what he'd said earlier about Jubilee. Still, the lump in her throat refused to subside, and all her all fears came back. It was still so hard for her to believe that a boy liked her enough to be her boyfriend. Maybe he felt sorry for her...

"Rogue?"

Rogue jumped, and turned to see Lance pulling a chair to her bedside. He sat down and made a move to take her hand. Rogue jumped back involuntarily.

"I don't have my gloves on, Lance," Rogue explained quickly, seeing the hurt look in his eyes. Lance nodded, and looked up at her, his hazel eyes penitent.

"Rogue, I just wanted to say I'm sorry about what I said earlier..I didn't mean for us to fight," Lance said quietly.

"I know, Lance, it was my fault really," Rogue replied earnestly. Then, lowering her eyes, "you were right, this whole fight between Jubilee and I has gone on way too long."

"You know, she feels terrible about what happened. She couldn't stop crying," Lance said. "I'm just so glad your alright," Lance continued, his eyes tender. Rogue flushed, but strengthened her resolve.

She had to do this, or she'd never know if what Lance felt for her was really love or...pity. Rogue shuddered at the thought, and cleared her throat. "Lance, will you please do something for me?"

"Anything," Lance said, looking surprised. "What is it?"

"I want you to go out with Jubilee," Rogue said in a tiny voice, not quite meeting his eyes. Lance's jaw dropped open.

"WHAT?!" Lance sputtered, his eyes incredulous. "Absolutely not!" "Please," Rogue begged, sitting up to face him.

"Why on earth would I go out with her when I'm dating you!" Lance exploded, crossing his arms.

Rogue let out a shaky sigh. She couldn't tell Lance her fears..she couldn't tell him that she was afraid he was only dating her out of sympathy for her mutation. "I just, want to make it up to Jubilee. She likes you so much, and and, I think you two would be good together," Rogue whispered. Lance was silent and then let out a harsh laugh.

"I can't believe this. Is this your way of dumping me Rogue?"

"No!" Rogue protested, shocked. "I care about you Lance."

Lance looked up finally, his eyes softened. "Then why are you doing this? I have no desire to date her. And what makes you think Jubilee would even say yes? She's your friend, and she knows we're together! She'd never agree, especially after your accident!"

"I'm going to have a talk with her, and tell her it's okay with me. You can tell her.that we had a trial separation," Rogue said, her eyes pleading him. "Do this for me, Lance. Just one date." Rogue closed her eyes. She had to know how Lance really felt about Jubilee.

Lance heaved a sigh. "Fine. One date, that's it."

Rogue breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you Lance, and please promise me you won't tell anyone about this. I don't want Jubilee thinking that.that she's some kind of a pity case or something."

Lance nodded and stood over her, his eyes sad and concerned. "Are you going to tell me the real reason why you're doing this?"

Rogue swallowed and met his gaze clearly. "I just did." Lance looked at her long and hard and then walked out the door. Rogue closed her eyes, painfully. She had done the right thing. Atleast .she thought she had.