Still Holding Out For You
By Lady Trunks
Part 4

Dedicated to Jade Starr (because it's been a long time since I recieved that many reviews at one time (and because I was scared for my life if I didn't ^^) and I never say no to sugar) and Oracale for getting her hooked on my fics.

Rogue had a frown on her face as she sat at her desk in home economics, glad that it was a free period so she could think about Pietro's behavior. Kitty, who was seated beside her noticed the look, and was quick to question her about it. "What's wrong Rogue?" Though before a few months ago it wasn't unusual to find the Goth in a bad mood, since the X-Men's unification with the Brotherhood she had been a lot more pleasant company.

Rogue sighed deeply in response, but thought that an outside opinion might help gain some perspective. "I think Pietro's mad at me."

"Pietro's never mad at you. And even if he is, you know that he can't stay mad at you." Kitty told her friend soothingly, knowing that the thought was really bothering her. She didn't bother to mention that she was sure that what was bothering the boy was jealousy. Rogue would just laugh at the idea.

Rogue half smiled, glad to hear reassurance from someone else. "I guess you're right."

Seeing that she was over it, Kitty moved on to the subject that was on everyone's mind after the assembly. "So, are you going to the Homecoming Dance?"

Rogue groaned at the subject. "No, I'm not going to that stupid dance. It's nothing but a waste of time and money."

"But don't you want to be there for Pietro? What if he gets king?" Kitty said, pressing the subject.

"If? There's no if about it Kit-Kat. Of course he'll win!"

"Hmm, that's not what you said to Pietro earlier."

Rogue snorted. "You have to know how to deal with Pietro. If you let it, his ego gets so large that it sucks the air out of the room and will suffocate you."

Kitty wisely refrained from commenting about that. It was one thing for Rogue to insult Pietro, but the second anyone else did she would be ready to tear your head off. It was kind of weird being someone's biggest defender as well as their biggest protester, but the combo seemed to work with the two. "So, are you going to go to see Pietro crowned king?"

"No," Rogue said, though not as vehemently as before.

"But why not?" Kitty was getting frustrated with the circles that the conversation seemed to be going in.

Rogue blushed softly, hardly visible underneath all the makeup that was on her face. "No one asked me."

Kitty had to strain to hear it, and almost smiled at hearing the words. Luckily for her own well-being she managed to restrain herself. "Well, duh! That's because everyone thinks that you and Pietro are a couple!"

"What?!" She cried out shocked, a little to loudly apparently as she received many glares from that other students and the teacher which she promptly returned until they returned their attention elsewhere. "What are you talking about? Who thinks that? And why?"

Jean who had been sitting beside them now joined the conversation. "Everyone thinks that. You to are together all the time. You even," her voice dropped until it was only a whisper, "sleep in the same bed."

"We're friends!" Rogue said defensively.

"Yeah. You're friends that do everything that couples do." Kitty said, unable to contain a smile of amusement at the goth's frustration.

"Not everything!" Rogue practically hissed. This time there was no mistaking the blush that stained her cheeks. "And this conversation is pointless, and finished!" With that she turned her attention back to her book.

She didn't see the two pairs of eyes that met above her head as Kitty and Jean both rolled their eyes at her obliviousness.

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