Chapter3
Getting Closer
It was around midnight when Rogue woke up and snuck out to the alley where Lance was in her dreams. She walked through the dark haze, finally getting to the alleyway. She found him sleeping behind the rusty dumpsters, were she'd seen him.
"Lance," she whispered quietly, "Lance. Hey get up." Rogue leaned over and shook his shoulder; pushing herself back just before his fist swung past her and the ground shook slightly.
"Damn it, Lance! Watch who you're swingin' at!"
"Rogue!" Lance said groggily. "What are you out doing here? It's freezing."
"Ya don't think I know that? Now get up, you're comin' with me." Rogue was getting cold herself, and she was wearing a coat, hat, and gloves. She couldn't believe how cold Lance was when she took his hand to help him up, or why she was even out here.
"Where?" Lance asked, slowly stretching his back.
"Where do you think? Back to the mansion, genius." She was beginning to get impatient.
"But…" Lance was getting a little suspicious.
"No tests. I swear. Now lets go. Grab your bag."
They managed to sneak back in without tripping any alarms, and headed up to Rogue's room. They stopped and grabbed blankets from the laundry room, and went up the last flight of stairs.
"Are you sure we won't get caught?" Lance was very on edge. He knew this place had a killer surveillance system. Literally.
"No, but if ya don't shut up, we will be." Rogue was exhausted, and she had school in the morning. She tossed the blankets on the floor; "You're sleepin' there. No arguments."
"Ok. Thanks Rogue. Goodnight."
"Whatever. See ya in the morning, Lance."
Lance slept better than he had in days, warm and the floor was soft compared to the asphalt he'd been sleeping on for the past week.
That morning, Rogue found Lance still asleep on the floor, snoring. She nudged him lightly with her foot.
"Lance, I'm goin' downstairs for breakfast. I'll bring you some later. Stay in here."
"Fine. Hey where's the bathroom?" Lance asked, looking desperate.
"Down the hall. Hurry. Everyone else should be getting' up soon."
When Lance got back, Rogue was dressed and finishing putting her black lipstick. Lance looked at her, words sticking in his throat, as she turned towards him.
"What are ya lookin' at?" Rogue look him, he seemed embarrassed and wouldn't look her in the eye.
"I, just, ah, well, um, I'm not really, ah, sure how to, um, say this, but, um," he stepped closer to her until they were only a few inches away, "I, ah, wanted to tell you that I, um, I, well… this." He leaned forward, and pressed his mouth to Rogue's, and to his surprise, she was kissing him back. Lance pulled her close to him, afraid if he let her go, she'd get all bitchy, and he'd never get any closer.
I am dedicating this chapter to John Ritter who died Thursday night, September 11, 2003. We miss you.