No place to call home
Chap. 6: Tears of grief, pain and joy
A/N: Well like I said, I had an awesome 6th chapter made out, but the computer loved it so much it gobbled it up for its own and refuses to share (in other words, the chapter got deleted *sigh*). But I refuse to let Bill Gates control me and I will fight it by writing an even BETTER chapter then the last one! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Take that Microsoft!!! Now all I have to do is save after…each…word…this…could…take…a…while…Oh screw it! I'm just gonna wing it! Like a good writer should! And unlike some people *coughcoughlotusblossumcoughBAZZERcoughcough* I actually am loyal to my fans and revolve my world around updating! LOL just kidding. Anywho, read on for lots of Rietro goodness! Luvs 4 y'all! ~Rio~
Rogue reeled from the first blow and fell to the ground. She lay there gasping with the pain. She could taste blood in her mouth and her jaw felt like it was on fire. Then she felt tremendous pain as Mul roughly dragged to her knees by her hair. Rogue screamed in pain.. She waited for the blow that would knock her into unconsciousness. She could imagine what would happen next, it had happened before. She wanted to cry, but found herself numb.
I'm going to die. She thought in terror. She was going to be beaten to death in that filthy bar.
But instead of being knocked out, she found herself thrown to the ground. Her skin burned and bled as she skidded across the rough cement floor. She knew she had lodged more then a few shards of glass into her skin. She used all of her strength to push her abused body onto her knees. Why was she even trying to save herself? There was no hope. She sat there, her head was bowed and she knelt there, trembling in fear and pain alike. She waited, and she waited. She could hear all kinds of noises erupting around her. Yells, screams, but she didn't notice them. She just waited, trembling, for the pain.
And then a hand touched her gloved arm. She flinched. This is it. She thought.
But the hand on her shoulder did not hurt her, it did not move to hit her, it just stayed there. The hand was soft and clean, the touch gentle and caring. Slowly, Rogue lifted her head. She looked into a pair of ice blue eyes that were filled with worry.
A boy crouched beside her, his hand still on her arm. He had white hair that seamed to gleam silver, his face was serious and pale, and his eyes held hers. Those eyes, they brought memories flooding into her confused mind.
Home…Safe…Family…her family. Lance Fred, Todd, and… "Pietro." She whispered.
Suddenly she felt so many emotions flooding over her.
He was there. He was there to save her. To bring her home.
"Oh Pietro." She cried as she leapt into his arms and felt him hold her. She clutched onto him and buried her face into his chest. And then she cried. She cried all the tears of her grief of being lost, the pain of being abused, and the pure joy of being found.
She felt herself being picked up in his arms and she clutched her arms around his neck as he cradled her. It was then that she felt the tremor. It was familiar. Avalanche. Lance. She looked up and spotted him beating on the burly guards. One came up behind him and Rogue was sure he'd be overtaken, but suddenly a barrage of well-aimed spikes sent three of the guards flying into the walls, pinned. Rogue looked over to find Evan standing on the bar, spikes flying from his forearms as he covered Lance, as well as Pietro and herself, from harm. But some of his shots seemed to go way off target towards the corner of the bar close to where Mul had been. And then she saw Kurt. Or at least she thought she saw Kurt. This one was older and was wearing rough clothes and was currently wailing on Mul with his fists with such force that Rogue wasn't sure that the man was breathing. And at that moment, she didn't really care. When Pietro had carried her to the doorway, she heard him shout something to the others. They turned and made their way easily to where the two waited. Kurt teleported after kicking Mul one more time in the ribs, Lance focused on the ground and knocked people down to make a clear path to the door. Evan pinned up the few that didn't fall and followed Lance. When they were all there, they turned and ran from the bar, running to Lance's jeep. They had come to save her. They cared for her. Rogue thought and she felt like crying all over again. Once inside the jeep, Pietro continued to hold Rogue against him. Rogue's last thought was simply I'm going home.
When Rogue regained consciousness, she was lying on a bed in a large messy room. And for some reason, her clothes had been changed. She was wearing a large black T-shirt that smelled like someone familiar, though Rogue couldn't place who and plaid flannel pants.
The first thing she remembered was Mul, and she immediately leapt out of the bed.
Or at least she attempted to. The moment she moved she felt pain coursing through her entire body. She gave a small cry of pain and fell back on the pillows. She looked around her surroundings. They were familiar. A room in her home. She was home.
As if to confirm her thoughts, she heard noises from downstairs.
"Did you hear-?"
"Is she-?"
Suddenly there was a bamf, and Kurt was in the room. Pietro ran into the room at full speed and was instantly beside the bed. Then there was a great rumbling and Rogue thought that Lance was using his powers until half a dozen mutants burst into the room. Kitty, Bobby, Evan, Lance, Todd and finally Freddie all came to her bedside in a rush. Upon seeing her friend conscious, Kitty let out a happy sob and pulled her into a hug. Rogue winced but was too happy to see the excited valley girl to make protest.
Eventually Kurt pulled Kitty off of Rogue and stood with her on one side of the bed. Bobby held one of Rogue's hands. Rogue almost pulled away, as she wasn't wearing gloves, but then she noticed that bobby was. She relaxed a little and fell back onto the pillow.
Behind Bobby stood Freddie and Todd, Freddie looking anxious and Todd with a thoughtful expression on his face. Lance was sitting on the edge of the bed, looking worried.
And then there was the big surprise.
To complete the circle, Evan and Pietro, two of the worst enemies Rogue had ever seen, were standing shoulder to shoulder, looking at her. They didn't even notice they were beside each other as they were both too concerned with Rogue to care.
Rogue looked around at everyone. Suddenly Lance spoke, looking thoughtfully at Rogue and the X-men.
"C'mon guys. Let's give these guys some time."
Slowly they all nodded and the four boys left; though Pietro was a bit reluctant to leave Rogue's side again. Once they had left, Rogue turned to the Xmen.
"Ah guess ah should say Ah'm sorry for leavin'." Rogue said.
Bobby shook his head. "No Rogue, you aren't the one who should apologize. We're sorry. We're sorry for following Scott, for letting us believe his suspicions that you were a traitor."
Kitty let go of Kurt and flung herself at Rogue again.
"I am so, like, sorry." She wailed. "I didn't know you were, like, so unhappy. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"It's ok Kitty, it isn't your fault. Not at all."
Kitty sniffled and let go. They stayed in the room and talked. They didn't talk about much important. Rogue ensured them that she wasn't mad at them for spying on her, and that she was so grateful that they had helped to find her. And then they just chatted, although Rogue didn't do much talking, as she was still extremely weak and tired. Finally Kurt looked at his watch.
"Mein gott! Ve have to go."
Rogue squirmed; this was it. "Ah guess Ah oughta come back with y'all. Sorta proved ah can't handle life on mah own. Ah need the professor's help." The four froze. They looked at each other.
"No Rogue." Evan said quietly. She snapped her head up and looked at him in shock. "You don't belong with us. After you were gone, we realized just how unhappy you were at the institute. You don't belong there."
"You belong home." Kurt said. "Vith the brotherhood."
Rogue didn't get a single word in she was so shocked. They were sticking up for the brotherhood? As if he could read her thoughts, Bobby said "When the brotherhood found out you were gone, the first thing I heard Lance say was, 'Rogue needs us'. We had never heard them talk that way before. They really care for each other, and you."
"When we were, like, looking for you, they didn't even go to school. When they first found out, Blob didn't eat for a day! I've, like, never seen Todd so frantic. I don't think Pietro ever, like, slept from the moment he found out, he just ran over the entire city, looking for you."
"And I'll never forget Lance's reaction when Pietro told him where you were." Evan said in awe. He looked at Rogue. "He cried, Rogue. He broke down right on the ground and cried."
Rogue felt tears in her own eyes, but blinked them away.
"Fred haz been mothering you since ve brought you back. I svear vhen Todd saw you, his yells vould have voken up the neighbors if they all veren't knocked out drunk." Kurt said.
"The point is, they really care about you. And you need to stay her because this is your home," Kitty said, for once dropping her valley girl talk. "And because they need you."
Rogue felt a thousand emotions wash over her. She gestured for Bobby to help her stand, and once she got up, she turned to them.
"Ah care about y'all so much. Thank you."
They just smiled and, with Bobby's help, Rogue followed them downstairs.
Todd saw them first and shouted something. The other three soon came into view. They took in the picture in front of them. The Xmen were prepared to leave, and Rogue was standing unsteadily with their help. "You're leaving again." Lance said, everyone could hear the hurt in his voice.
Pietro turned around quickly without a word, Evan was the only one to see him brush his hand across his eyes at hyper speed.
Todd looked at her questionably, and Freddie looked down at his feet, mumbling something about cookies. Rogue stood there as long as possible while trying to keep a strait face, but finally a grin broke out. "Y'all didn't think you could get rid of me that easily, did ya?"
"You're staying?" Pietro whirled around.
Rogue nodded with a tired grin. Pietro gave a shout for joy and ran to her side, pulling her into a huge hug. She smiled at him as he slowly put her back into the custody of Bobby. She looked at them.
"Ah'm gonna go say goodbye, alright?"
Lance shrugged but couldn't keep a grin from his face. "Hey, it's your house."
Rogue smiled. The Xmen went outside.
Logan was leaning outside the van.
They were slightly shocked that he knew where to find them, but then, this was Logan. They turned to Rogue once they got to the van. Kitty came up first. She pulled Rogue into yet another hug.
"I'm gonna miss you so much. Who's gonna keep me from turning into a total ditz?"
Rogue smiled warmly at her former roommate. She pulled her to arm's length
"Feel free to come over any time and ah'll keep ya on the ground." Kitty just nodded and got into the van. Bobby came next.
"Am I forgiven for the time Kurt and I exchanged your shampoo for maple syrup?" He asked, making puppy dog eyes. Rogue chuckled. "Ah guess. Ya better keep me posted on all the pranks ya pull on the people lucky enough to have a horror like you in the house."
Rogue's eyes misted. Bobby smiled sadly and after a moment's hesitation, leaned forward and gave her a tiny peck on the cheek. Rogue looked at him in shock.
"Bobby?" she asked, but he just turned and grinned at her before disappearing into the van. Kurt walked up to her. They looked at each other for a long time, their eyes having their own conversation of everything they wanted to tell each other. At last Kurt came up and wrapped her in a protective hug.
"I love you, mien ziezter." He whispered. "Ah love you too fuzzball." Rogue said thickly.
Kurt backed up and then bamfed into the van.
Finally Evan came up.
"Ah'll miss ya partner." She said, clasping hands with one of the few people she had had fun with at the institute. Evan grinned.
"You better keep them on a short leash." He grinned.
He glanced up at the brotherhood house and saw the four boys spying on them from various windows. He saw Pietro gazing at Rogue. The look was unmistakable. He leaned forward to Rogue and whispered in her ear. "He loves you, you know that?"
And with that he piled into the van and closed the back door. Rogue stood there in shock for a second, but then she regained over her shock and stepped forward and went around with Logan to the driver's side. "You aren't coming with us." It wasn't a question.
"Ah have mah own home."
Logan nodded briefly in understanding. "You'll be a great enemy Rogue. I look forward to the challenge." Even though it hurt Rogue to think of fighting her friends, it was nothing new to her and she smiled. She touched his shoulder.
"You'll protect them, won't you? From everything? I need to know that they're safe."
"Till my last breath." He promised.
Rogue nodded and left, moving slowly back to the house. She was still so weak, and the farewell had taken a lot of emotional stress that she really didn't need. Pietro burst out and grabbed her arm, steadying her. She was glad when they made it inside. The other three were waiting for her inside.
She sighed. Here we go again. Lance looked at her critically.
"Pietro, take her upstairs and make sure she goes to bed." He said.
While Rogue was still in shock, Pietro was already ushering her gently towards the stairs. Rogue looked at the stairs and groaned. If this didn't kill her, nothing would. But Pietro had already scooped her up and started up the stairs. He walked slowly and Rogue was glad, she didn't think she could take any more rushes today. Pietro carried her to the room she had been in before. He deposited her gently on the bed. Then he turned and started outside.
"Pietro?" Rogue called. He turned. "Thanks."
Pietro grinned and in a flash of silver, was gone from her sight. Rogue sighed and fell back on her pillows, letting blissful sleep envelop her in its embrace.
When Rogue woke up next, she found the strength and speed needed as she leapt up and ran for the bathroom. After being quite sick for quite some time (Having nothing but alcohol and scraps for a few days will do that to you), Rogue promptly fell asleep on the bathroom floor.
Rogue opened her eyes. She blinked. She was on the floor. Rogue groaned. She had been falling in and out of consciousness since she had been found. She pulled herself to her feet and flushed the toilet. She looked at herself in the full body mirror. She looked horrible. Her face was pale and her bruise was ugly and large. She felt like a faint wind could snap her thin torso in two. She was a wreck. She couldn't bear to look at herself any longer. She got out of the room at a stumbling run her vision partially blinded as she began to cry. She ran straight into Lance.
"Hey," He said worriedly. "What's wrong?"
Rogue just continued to sob.
Oh, nice one Lance. The girl's been to hell and back and all you can say is: 'gee what ever is the matter?'
Lance shook his head and unlatched Rogue from his chest. He held her out at arm length. Looking into her shimmering green eyes he spoke.
"Don't do it Rogue. Don't break down. Don't let those bastards have their revenge. You're strong. You have to show them that it takes more then that to break you. You have to be strong."
Rogue looked up at him. He was speaking from experience; she could see it in his eyes.
Past pains, betrayal, fueling the fire that forged his soul into his Iron strong will.
Rogue saw all of this, but she didn't say anything. He had said all he needed to. She wiped her tears and stood a little straighter.
"Thank you Lance." She said.
But then Lance seemed to remember something. He pulled her into a bear hug and whispered.
"Just remember, just because you're strong doesn't mean you should stand alone. We're here for you." Rogue softened just enough to let him know that she understood. He smiled and let her go.
"Ah'm gonna go take a shower, is that alright?" Lance shook his head with a grin.
"Only if you stop being so damn polite. You live here now, so you gotta obey our rules. Rule 1, relax already!"
Rogue smiled and turned back to the bathroom. After she had shut the door, she stripped down and stepped into the hot shower. It felt so good. Even as she cleaned the filth of her body, she cleaned the scars off her soul and mind. She felt lighter and pure. She had cleaned away all of the dirt and grime, and now it was a clean slate. It was time for new beginnings.
A/N: YES! I did it!!! In your face computer! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! LOL, all right, I'm leaving in an hour or so and I won't be back until Sunday morning, so I may not have the next chapter up for a while. I'll try to cram something up on Sunday, but I might go see Lord of the rings for a fourth time instead. Mmmmm, Legolas *drool*. I know I have an obsession! And I'm damned proud of it!!! Anyone who doesn't know who Legolas is, SHAME ON YOU!!! Sorry, I'm a fantasy freak. And if you read some of the A/N's before, you'll notice me mention my favorite elf, this would be Legolas, and he is SPIFFY! I realize this has nothing to do with this fic but I don't care!!!! *Maniacal laughter* Anyway, REVIEW!!!!! Luv ya! ~Rio~
P.S. If you have watched L.O.T.R., and you feel like laughing your ass off, read Legolas and Aragorn's journey by Author: Jackass.
Chap. 6: Tears of grief, pain and joy
A/N: Well like I said, I had an awesome 6th chapter made out, but the computer loved it so much it gobbled it up for its own and refuses to share (in other words, the chapter got deleted *sigh*). But I refuse to let Bill Gates control me and I will fight it by writing an even BETTER chapter then the last one! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Take that Microsoft!!! Now all I have to do is save after…each…word…this…could…take…a…while…Oh screw it! I'm just gonna wing it! Like a good writer should! And unlike some people *coughcoughlotusblossumcoughBAZZERcoughcough* I actually am loyal to my fans and revolve my world around updating! LOL just kidding. Anywho, read on for lots of Rietro goodness! Luvs 4 y'all! ~Rio~
Rogue reeled from the first blow and fell to the ground. She lay there gasping with the pain. She could taste blood in her mouth and her jaw felt like it was on fire. Then she felt tremendous pain as Mul roughly dragged to her knees by her hair. Rogue screamed in pain.. She waited for the blow that would knock her into unconsciousness. She could imagine what would happen next, it had happened before. She wanted to cry, but found herself numb.
I'm going to die. She thought in terror. She was going to be beaten to death in that filthy bar.
But instead of being knocked out, she found herself thrown to the ground. Her skin burned and bled as she skidded across the rough cement floor. She knew she had lodged more then a few shards of glass into her skin. She used all of her strength to push her abused body onto her knees. Why was she even trying to save herself? There was no hope. She sat there, her head was bowed and she knelt there, trembling in fear and pain alike. She waited, and she waited. She could hear all kinds of noises erupting around her. Yells, screams, but she didn't notice them. She just waited, trembling, for the pain.
And then a hand touched her gloved arm. She flinched. This is it. She thought.
But the hand on her shoulder did not hurt her, it did not move to hit her, it just stayed there. The hand was soft and clean, the touch gentle and caring. Slowly, Rogue lifted her head. She looked into a pair of ice blue eyes that were filled with worry.
A boy crouched beside her, his hand still on her arm. He had white hair that seamed to gleam silver, his face was serious and pale, and his eyes held hers. Those eyes, they brought memories flooding into her confused mind.
Home…Safe…Family…her family. Lance Fred, Todd, and… "Pietro." She whispered.
Suddenly she felt so many emotions flooding over her.
He was there. He was there to save her. To bring her home.
"Oh Pietro." She cried as she leapt into his arms and felt him hold her. She clutched onto him and buried her face into his chest. And then she cried. She cried all the tears of her grief of being lost, the pain of being abused, and the pure joy of being found.
She felt herself being picked up in his arms and she clutched her arms around his neck as he cradled her. It was then that she felt the tremor. It was familiar. Avalanche. Lance. She looked up and spotted him beating on the burly guards. One came up behind him and Rogue was sure he'd be overtaken, but suddenly a barrage of well-aimed spikes sent three of the guards flying into the walls, pinned. Rogue looked over to find Evan standing on the bar, spikes flying from his forearms as he covered Lance, as well as Pietro and herself, from harm. But some of his shots seemed to go way off target towards the corner of the bar close to where Mul had been. And then she saw Kurt. Or at least she thought she saw Kurt. This one was older and was wearing rough clothes and was currently wailing on Mul with his fists with such force that Rogue wasn't sure that the man was breathing. And at that moment, she didn't really care. When Pietro had carried her to the doorway, she heard him shout something to the others. They turned and made their way easily to where the two waited. Kurt teleported after kicking Mul one more time in the ribs, Lance focused on the ground and knocked people down to make a clear path to the door. Evan pinned up the few that didn't fall and followed Lance. When they were all there, they turned and ran from the bar, running to Lance's jeep. They had come to save her. They cared for her. Rogue thought and she felt like crying all over again. Once inside the jeep, Pietro continued to hold Rogue against him. Rogue's last thought was simply I'm going home.
When Rogue regained consciousness, she was lying on a bed in a large messy room. And for some reason, her clothes had been changed. She was wearing a large black T-shirt that smelled like someone familiar, though Rogue couldn't place who and plaid flannel pants.
The first thing she remembered was Mul, and she immediately leapt out of the bed.
Or at least she attempted to. The moment she moved she felt pain coursing through her entire body. She gave a small cry of pain and fell back on the pillows. She looked around her surroundings. They were familiar. A room in her home. She was home.
As if to confirm her thoughts, she heard noises from downstairs.
"Did you hear-?"
"Is she-?"
Suddenly there was a bamf, and Kurt was in the room. Pietro ran into the room at full speed and was instantly beside the bed. Then there was a great rumbling and Rogue thought that Lance was using his powers until half a dozen mutants burst into the room. Kitty, Bobby, Evan, Lance, Todd and finally Freddie all came to her bedside in a rush. Upon seeing her friend conscious, Kitty let out a happy sob and pulled her into a hug. Rogue winced but was too happy to see the excited valley girl to make protest.
Eventually Kurt pulled Kitty off of Rogue and stood with her on one side of the bed. Bobby held one of Rogue's hands. Rogue almost pulled away, as she wasn't wearing gloves, but then she noticed that bobby was. She relaxed a little and fell back onto the pillow.
Behind Bobby stood Freddie and Todd, Freddie looking anxious and Todd with a thoughtful expression on his face. Lance was sitting on the edge of the bed, looking worried.
And then there was the big surprise.
To complete the circle, Evan and Pietro, two of the worst enemies Rogue had ever seen, were standing shoulder to shoulder, looking at her. They didn't even notice they were beside each other as they were both too concerned with Rogue to care.
Rogue looked around at everyone. Suddenly Lance spoke, looking thoughtfully at Rogue and the X-men.
"C'mon guys. Let's give these guys some time."
Slowly they all nodded and the four boys left; though Pietro was a bit reluctant to leave Rogue's side again. Once they had left, Rogue turned to the Xmen.
"Ah guess ah should say Ah'm sorry for leavin'." Rogue said.
Bobby shook his head. "No Rogue, you aren't the one who should apologize. We're sorry. We're sorry for following Scott, for letting us believe his suspicions that you were a traitor."
Kitty let go of Kurt and flung herself at Rogue again.
"I am so, like, sorry." She wailed. "I didn't know you were, like, so unhappy. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"It's ok Kitty, it isn't your fault. Not at all."
Kitty sniffled and let go. They stayed in the room and talked. They didn't talk about much important. Rogue ensured them that she wasn't mad at them for spying on her, and that she was so grateful that they had helped to find her. And then they just chatted, although Rogue didn't do much talking, as she was still extremely weak and tired. Finally Kurt looked at his watch.
"Mein gott! Ve have to go."
Rogue squirmed; this was it. "Ah guess Ah oughta come back with y'all. Sorta proved ah can't handle life on mah own. Ah need the professor's help." The four froze. They looked at each other.
"No Rogue." Evan said quietly. She snapped her head up and looked at him in shock. "You don't belong with us. After you were gone, we realized just how unhappy you were at the institute. You don't belong there."
"You belong home." Kurt said. "Vith the brotherhood."
Rogue didn't get a single word in she was so shocked. They were sticking up for the brotherhood? As if he could read her thoughts, Bobby said "When the brotherhood found out you were gone, the first thing I heard Lance say was, 'Rogue needs us'. We had never heard them talk that way before. They really care for each other, and you."
"When we were, like, looking for you, they didn't even go to school. When they first found out, Blob didn't eat for a day! I've, like, never seen Todd so frantic. I don't think Pietro ever, like, slept from the moment he found out, he just ran over the entire city, looking for you."
"And I'll never forget Lance's reaction when Pietro told him where you were." Evan said in awe. He looked at Rogue. "He cried, Rogue. He broke down right on the ground and cried."
Rogue felt tears in her own eyes, but blinked them away.
"Fred haz been mothering you since ve brought you back. I svear vhen Todd saw you, his yells vould have voken up the neighbors if they all veren't knocked out drunk." Kurt said.
"The point is, they really care about you. And you need to stay her because this is your home," Kitty said, for once dropping her valley girl talk. "And because they need you."
Rogue felt a thousand emotions wash over her. She gestured for Bobby to help her stand, and once she got up, she turned to them.
"Ah care about y'all so much. Thank you."
They just smiled and, with Bobby's help, Rogue followed them downstairs.
Todd saw them first and shouted something. The other three soon came into view. They took in the picture in front of them. The Xmen were prepared to leave, and Rogue was standing unsteadily with their help. "You're leaving again." Lance said, everyone could hear the hurt in his voice.
Pietro turned around quickly without a word, Evan was the only one to see him brush his hand across his eyes at hyper speed.
Todd looked at her questionably, and Freddie looked down at his feet, mumbling something about cookies. Rogue stood there as long as possible while trying to keep a strait face, but finally a grin broke out. "Y'all didn't think you could get rid of me that easily, did ya?"
"You're staying?" Pietro whirled around.
Rogue nodded with a tired grin. Pietro gave a shout for joy and ran to her side, pulling her into a huge hug. She smiled at him as he slowly put her back into the custody of Bobby. She looked at them.
"Ah'm gonna go say goodbye, alright?"
Lance shrugged but couldn't keep a grin from his face. "Hey, it's your house."
Rogue smiled. The Xmen went outside.
Logan was leaning outside the van.
They were slightly shocked that he knew where to find them, but then, this was Logan. They turned to Rogue once they got to the van. Kitty came up first. She pulled Rogue into yet another hug.
"I'm gonna miss you so much. Who's gonna keep me from turning into a total ditz?"
Rogue smiled warmly at her former roommate. She pulled her to arm's length
"Feel free to come over any time and ah'll keep ya on the ground." Kitty just nodded and got into the van. Bobby came next.
"Am I forgiven for the time Kurt and I exchanged your shampoo for maple syrup?" He asked, making puppy dog eyes. Rogue chuckled. "Ah guess. Ya better keep me posted on all the pranks ya pull on the people lucky enough to have a horror like you in the house."
Rogue's eyes misted. Bobby smiled sadly and after a moment's hesitation, leaned forward and gave her a tiny peck on the cheek. Rogue looked at him in shock.
"Bobby?" she asked, but he just turned and grinned at her before disappearing into the van. Kurt walked up to her. They looked at each other for a long time, their eyes having their own conversation of everything they wanted to tell each other. At last Kurt came up and wrapped her in a protective hug.
"I love you, mien ziezter." He whispered. "Ah love you too fuzzball." Rogue said thickly.
Kurt backed up and then bamfed into the van.
Finally Evan came up.
"Ah'll miss ya partner." She said, clasping hands with one of the few people she had had fun with at the institute. Evan grinned.
"You better keep them on a short leash." He grinned.
He glanced up at the brotherhood house and saw the four boys spying on them from various windows. He saw Pietro gazing at Rogue. The look was unmistakable. He leaned forward to Rogue and whispered in her ear. "He loves you, you know that?"
And with that he piled into the van and closed the back door. Rogue stood there in shock for a second, but then she regained over her shock and stepped forward and went around with Logan to the driver's side. "You aren't coming with us." It wasn't a question.
"Ah have mah own home."
Logan nodded briefly in understanding. "You'll be a great enemy Rogue. I look forward to the challenge." Even though it hurt Rogue to think of fighting her friends, it was nothing new to her and she smiled. She touched his shoulder.
"You'll protect them, won't you? From everything? I need to know that they're safe."
"Till my last breath." He promised.
Rogue nodded and left, moving slowly back to the house. She was still so weak, and the farewell had taken a lot of emotional stress that she really didn't need. Pietro burst out and grabbed her arm, steadying her. She was glad when they made it inside. The other three were waiting for her inside.
She sighed. Here we go again. Lance looked at her critically.
"Pietro, take her upstairs and make sure she goes to bed." He said.
While Rogue was still in shock, Pietro was already ushering her gently towards the stairs. Rogue looked at the stairs and groaned. If this didn't kill her, nothing would. But Pietro had already scooped her up and started up the stairs. He walked slowly and Rogue was glad, she didn't think she could take any more rushes today. Pietro carried her to the room she had been in before. He deposited her gently on the bed. Then he turned and started outside.
"Pietro?" Rogue called. He turned. "Thanks."
Pietro grinned and in a flash of silver, was gone from her sight. Rogue sighed and fell back on her pillows, letting blissful sleep envelop her in its embrace.
When Rogue woke up next, she found the strength and speed needed as she leapt up and ran for the bathroom. After being quite sick for quite some time (Having nothing but alcohol and scraps for a few days will do that to you), Rogue promptly fell asleep on the bathroom floor.
Rogue opened her eyes. She blinked. She was on the floor. Rogue groaned. She had been falling in and out of consciousness since she had been found. She pulled herself to her feet and flushed the toilet. She looked at herself in the full body mirror. She looked horrible. Her face was pale and her bruise was ugly and large. She felt like a faint wind could snap her thin torso in two. She was a wreck. She couldn't bear to look at herself any longer. She got out of the room at a stumbling run her vision partially blinded as she began to cry. She ran straight into Lance.
"Hey," He said worriedly. "What's wrong?"
Rogue just continued to sob.
Oh, nice one Lance. The girl's been to hell and back and all you can say is: 'gee what ever is the matter?'
Lance shook his head and unlatched Rogue from his chest. He held her out at arm length. Looking into her shimmering green eyes he spoke.
"Don't do it Rogue. Don't break down. Don't let those bastards have their revenge. You're strong. You have to show them that it takes more then that to break you. You have to be strong."
Rogue looked up at him. He was speaking from experience; she could see it in his eyes.
Past pains, betrayal, fueling the fire that forged his soul into his Iron strong will.
Rogue saw all of this, but she didn't say anything. He had said all he needed to. She wiped her tears and stood a little straighter.
"Thank you Lance." She said.
But then Lance seemed to remember something. He pulled her into a bear hug and whispered.
"Just remember, just because you're strong doesn't mean you should stand alone. We're here for you." Rogue softened just enough to let him know that she understood. He smiled and let her go.
"Ah'm gonna go take a shower, is that alright?" Lance shook his head with a grin.
"Only if you stop being so damn polite. You live here now, so you gotta obey our rules. Rule 1, relax already!"
Rogue smiled and turned back to the bathroom. After she had shut the door, she stripped down and stepped into the hot shower. It felt so good. Even as she cleaned the filth of her body, she cleaned the scars off her soul and mind. She felt lighter and pure. She had cleaned away all of the dirt and grime, and now it was a clean slate. It was time for new beginnings.
A/N: YES! I did it!!! In your face computer! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! LOL, all right, I'm leaving in an hour or so and I won't be back until Sunday morning, so I may not have the next chapter up for a while. I'll try to cram something up on Sunday, but I might go see Lord of the rings for a fourth time instead. Mmmmm, Legolas *drool*. I know I have an obsession! And I'm damned proud of it!!! Anyone who doesn't know who Legolas is, SHAME ON YOU!!! Sorry, I'm a fantasy freak. And if you read some of the A/N's before, you'll notice me mention my favorite elf, this would be Legolas, and he is SPIFFY! I realize this has nothing to do with this fic but I don't care!!!! *Maniacal laughter* Anyway, REVIEW!!!!! Luv ya! ~Rio~
P.S. If you have watched L.O.T.R., and you feel like laughing your ass off, read Legolas and Aragorn's journey by Author: Jackass.