I'm back! For some strange reason I was really excited about writing this
chapter. Must be Xmas getting closer!! I don't know why I'm happy, I've
got to explain my spending habits to my bank manager, come January!! EEK!
Wow! How many reviews!!
Hailey - Never ever tire of hearing compliments!!! LOL, Still working on the L/R but they are proving difficult to boss about *Glares at them*.
Dark Whispers - Romeo & Juliet's my fave Shakespeare!!! Thanks about me getting Rogue's character right. She's had it rough, and I thought, well just a minute, why would she just open up and be cool with it? Plus it gives me more to write about *taps head* not just a hat rack!
Heather, The ULTIMATE fan, Pietro_luv, Sarah, Kietro Fan - Thanks you guys, I'm glad you're all enjoying it.
K.K.L - Hahahahaha, sorry! I love cliff hangers. Loadsa Kietro fluff in this one!!!
Kaoru - Wow! Thank you! I can't tell you what your comments mean to me!!! Totally agree about Pietro, how stupid would someone have to be? I really wish there were more Kietro's. I'm planning to finish my other two stories and then focus mainly on making the world a more Kietro friendly place.
Starian Princess - Thankies, I'm definitely continuing in Bayville, has a lot to do with how they stay together and how far he's willing to go for her (Awwww!!!) The last time I saw Todd and Freddie, they were in Portugal, hmmmmm.
*********************************************************************
"I suppose we could run away together." Mused Pietro.
Kitty propped herself up on her elbow and looked at him. They were lying on his bed, trying to think of a way for them to be together in Bayville.
"Good idea, but I've got no money, and they'd find us." She said.
"I've got money." He replied.
Kitty gave him a sweet smile, "I know that. Why else do you think I love you?"
"Funny! You're a riot, Pryde." He said, dryly. He closed his eyes and tried to think of another solution.
"We could elope?" He said, hopefully.
"And when Mr. Logan finds us, I'll be a widow. I'm too young and I really don't look good in black. Plus, we're not old enough." She answered, shuddering, as she thought of the over protective mutant's reaction.
"I'm eighteen in a coupla months." Pietro said.
"But, I'm not. I'm only sixteen. We could call it a last resort."
"I'm running out of ideas, Kitty." He cried, "I've got another, but it's my final offer."
She looked at him expectantly.
"We have a baby." He said, smirking.
"How about THAT's the last resort?! And I mean end-of-the-world type last resort!"
Pietro sat up, and leaned against the wall, "OK, Know-it-all, you think of something."
Kitty rolled onto her back and looked at the ceiling. It had only been a few hours since Pietro had admitted how he felt about her. Part of her was so happy she could burst, and the other part was terrified of going back home. She racked her brains thinking of some kind of solution.
Finally, she sat up and looked at her boyfriend, "OK. I've had an idea."
Pietro raised an eyebrow, "Did it hurt?"
Kitty narrowed her eyes at him, and punched his arm, "Fine! Work it out on your own, smart ass!" She climbed over him and walked towards the door, muttering to herself.
Pietro was in front of her in seconds, "And where are you going?" He asked, kissing her. Kitty was tempted to phase through him and carry on storming off, but he started to run his hand through her hair and she lost track of her thoughts.
He pulled back, and Kitty was just debating if walking out was such a good idea, when the door flew open and banged into Pietro. He knocked into Kitty, who fell, pulling him over, so that he landed on top of her.
They looked at each other dazed for a second, then back to the door. Lance was standing in the doorway.
"Am I interuppting something?" He asked, stepping over them and throwing himself on his bed.
Kitty blushed when Pietro didn't move, he just looked up at Lance and said, "Actually yeah, you are. Get out!"
Lance picked up the remote and turned on the TV.
Kitty tried to push Pietro off of her, but he was too heavy for the petite brunette to move. She phased through him and stood up. She knew something was wrong with Lance, so she sat on Pietro's bed and asked, "Where's Rogue?"
She meant it innocently enough, but Lance grew angry. He glared at Kitty and snapped, "How should I know? When did I become her keeper?"
Kitty winced at the venom in his voice, "Lance, I didn't mean to . I was just . I'm ." She stuttered. His reaction had scared her. She'd seen first hand what his wrath was like.
His eyes never left hers, "You never do mean to. If you're so bothered about your precious room mate, why don't you go and see her yourself. Or are you too busy fucking him?" he spat, pointing to Pietro, whose eyes were narrowing dangerously at his best friend.
Kitty's eyes widened at his abuse, she could feel tears forming. She stood up and ran out.
Pietro was at Lance's throat within seconds, "Remember how you told me if I hurt her you'd kill me? If you even look at her like you just did, I'll rip your fucking head off!" Lance looked at him and knew the younger boy wasn't kidding. Pietro let go of Lance's collar and ran out after Kitty.
Lance lay back. He felt bad about taking it out on her. She had just been trying to help. He felt angry at Rogue and himself. Him for pushing her and her, for pushing him away.
'There's nothing I can do.' He thought, stubbornly, 'She doesn't need me.'
****************************
Kitty was almost at her cabin, she wiped away a tear. 'Stupid idiot.' She thought, about Lance. She felt a tap in her shoulder and swung round, her fist clenched.
"Woah!" Cried Pietro, holding his hands up.
She lowered her hand, "Sorry. You caught me off guard."
"First time for everything, I suppose." He muttered, before adding, "Don't let him upset you. He's got major issues."
"He hasn't and I know. I'm OK." She sighed, wiping her face and smudging her mascara even further.
"I don't know why you bother." He said, smiling.
Kitty rolled her eyes, but smiled back. She opened the door.
Rogue was laid on her bed, with her face in a pillow. Kitty realised what had happened.
"Ahhh. This makes sense." She whispered. She sat on Rogue's bed, "What's wrong?"
The southern girl looked up in surprise, "Nuthin'. Ah'm fine." She lied.
"Yeah, and I'm Cameron Diaz." Kitty replied, sarcastically.
"I wish." Muttered Pietro, under his breath.
Kitty glared at him, and then turned back to her friend, "I've just seen Lance. He really chewed me out when I asked if he'd seen you."
Rogue was going to answer, but Pietro chose that moment to throw himself on Kitty's bed and ask, "Is this going to end up as one of those girlie moments when you two have a pillow fight in your underwear and kiss?"
"What is he doin' here?" Rogue asked, glaring at him.
Kitty bit her lip, and said, nonchalantly, "Oh, um, well, Pietro's sorta my boyfriend now and .." She faded off.
"Sorta?" Asked Pietro.
"Well, at least ya'll stop bickerin'." Sighed Rogue. Despite of her own misery, she was happy for them.
"Don't count on it. Sorta boyfriend?" He repeated.
Kitty ignored Pietro, "So what's happened. I thought you two were OK. I mean with what happened the last night I just assumed .."
Rogue shot up, "Well, don't assume! Ah wasn't thinkin' straight then. Ah'm gonna stop tryin' tah control mah power. It's stupid." She half snapped.
Kitty looked shocked at her outburst. Pietro was frowning with confusion, "What the hell did you and Lance do last night?" He asked.
The girls ignored him again, Kitty tried to reason with Rogue, "Look, if you've had a fight, then just work it out. Go and talk to him. I know he cares about you." She paused, trying to encourage the older girl, "It'll work out. I mean look at me and him." She pointed to Pietro, who looked miffed.
Rogue groaned and put her face back in the pillow, "Mfffh mff rfff mmmr?"
"What?" Asked Kitty.
"Ah said, ah suppose ah've got no choice, have ah?" She repeated.
Kitty shook her head, and Pietro added, "Plus, if you're here, Pryde and I can't fool around."
Kitty smacked him on the arm, and Rogue stood up, "Well, if ah wasn't going before, ah sure am now."
She walked out shutting the door. Kitty looked at Pietro, "Fool around?" She asked.
"Sorta Boyfriend? Him?" He shot back.
"Pryde?" Replied Kitty, smiling dangerously.
Pietro knew when he was beaten, "I'm sorry?"
"Better. Oh, I forgot. Do you want to hear my idea?" She asked, lying down next to him and putting her head on his chest. She realised how tired she was, and hearing Pietro's heart was like listening to a metronome.
He started stroking her hair, making her even more relaxed and sleepy. "So what's your big idea, then?" He asked.
Kitty didn't realise that she had shut her eyes, they flickered open. "Oh," She said, sitting up and stretching, "Um, we just pretend nothing is going on, until we find a better solution."
Pietro frowned, 'Is she serious?' He thought, "That's the best you could come up with? Aren't you supposed to be a genius?"
Kitty narrowed her eyes, "And getting me pregnant is a better idea? Besides, if we're on the subject, doesn't your mutation make you do everything at super speed?" She smiled evilly at him.
Pietro gave her a look that could have frozen the sun, "Very cute."
"No, I'm serious. I have to know what I'm letting myself in for." She replied, trying not to laugh. Kitty bit the inside of her cheeks.
"I . I mean .. You said . WHAT?" Cried Pietro.
Kitty couldn't contain herself any longer and burst out laughing. He tried to be anger at her, but found himself grinning. Even more so, when Kitty fell backwards off the bed. He leaned over the side and looked down at her.
"I guess you'll just have to wait and see, wont you?" He grinned.
Kitty's face grew serious, as she realised what he meant. They looked at each other, without saying anything, until Kitty murmured, "I guess I will."
She stood up and started to root through her closet, glad that Pietro couldn't see her blushing.
'I'm talking about having sex with him? I only became his girlfriend today!" She thought, panicking.
Pietro watched Kitty move clothes about aimlessly, he knew she was freaking out, but decided to just let the subject drop. He stood up and moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I'd never push you into anything, you know." He said softly.
Kitty nodded, "I know. What do you want to do now?" She felt better, even thought the issue hadn't even really been discussed.
Pietro grinned, "Well, I can think of several things ..". Kitty elbowed him in the stomach.
"Pervert." She said.
"Other pervert." he replied, rubbing his stomach, "Wanna go and kick Lance and Rogue out and watch TV?"
"OK, but you have to keep your hands to yourself." She bargained.
"I'm not promising anything." He said smiling lewdly.
Kitty rolled her eyes, smiling, as they left the room.
**********************************
While Kitty and Pietro were mildly insulting each other, Lance and Rogue had progressed to full on war.
"Ah can't believe ah came here tah apologise tah YOU!" Screamed Rogue.
Lance crossed his arms, "I don't remember asking you to."
"This is the last time ah listen tah Kitty. GOODBYE!" She yelled, marching out and slamming the door. She sagged against it for a second and sighed, but hearing Lance approaching the door, she bolted down the corridor and out onto the deck.
She sat on a bench, and stared at the ocean. 'Stupid Kitty.' She thought, 'If it wasn't for her, ah wouldn't have even gone there.'
She tried to think how the conversation had managed to take such a nasty turn. She thought back to the events following her knocking on his door.
************
Lance answered the door, knowing it was Rogue. He knew Pietro too well, to think that he wouldn't try to get Kitty alone somewhere else. He didn't know what to say. He hated himself for saying what he had, but she had driven him to it.
They stared at each other for a minute, until Rogue said, quietly, "Ah think we need tah talk."
He nodded and stood back allowing her in. Rogue paced around rubbing her arms.
"Cold?" he asked.
"Tense." She replied, sitting on Pietro's bed, she tried to think of something to say. Luckily Lance started it for her.
"I'm sorry for what I said to you. I was frustrated and angry." He said.
"It was mah fault. Ah freaked out. Ya only said what was true." She answered, feeling slightly better. 'This isn't so bad. We can make friends.' She thought, smiling at the dark haired boy.
"Either way, we're both sorry. I'm glad you came round. I just wanted to help you." He said, smiling back at her.
Rogue breathed deeply and said, "Ah know ah made some stupid excuses, but ah can't just get close tah people. Ah've been hurt before."
Lance looked at her. He knew that as far as she was concerned, this classed as baring her soul. He thought carefully about his reply, "I know. I'm sorry if you felt pressured, but I just wanted to help you. You're missing out on so much."
"Ah know. But even if ah could control it, ah wouldn't change. Mah mutation isn't the reason ah don't trust people." Rogue reasoned. 'Why am ah tellin' him this?' She thought. She stood up, starting to feel edgy.
"Ah gotta go, Lance. Ah'm glad ya don't hate me. Ah'll see ya later, yeah?"
"Rogue, wait. You can't just go now, you were really opening up to me. I wont hurt you. You can trust me." Lance said, catching her hand.
Rogue gently pulled it away, "Please Lance, not again. This is really hard for me. Ah know ya wont hurt me, on purpose, but.."
Lance stood up, and looked down at her, "Here we go again. Why are you so convinced that everyone is going to betray you?"
Rogue gave him an impatient look, "Ya not even listenin' tah me. Ah'm not ready."
"And until you push yourself, you never will be." He tried to reason.
"Ya jus' don't geddit." She snapped, feeling her anger rising.
"No, and apparently, I never will, being as you wont tell me." He spat back.
"Ah can't believe ah came here tah apologise tah YOU!" Screamed Rogue.
Lance crossed his arms, "I don't remember asking you to."
"This is the last time ah listen tah Kitty. GOODBYE!" She yelled.
That was the point where she had stormed out and ended up on the pool deck. She noticed the bar.
'Why the hell not?' She thought, going up and ordering a rum and coke. She looked at the dark liquid, "Bottom's up!" She murmured, downing it.
********************
Lance had tried to follow her, but by the time he had got to the door, she had gone. He was going to head to her room, but decided to go the other way.
'She's not that obvious." He thought, climbing the stairs to the pool deck. He saw Rogue straight away. She was sitting at the bar, knocking back a shot.
'Not again.' He thought. He walked up to her and pulled the glass away.
"You are not getting drunk. It's not an answer." He snapped, slamming it down. He pulled her from the stool and back to his room. She struggled all the way, but his grip on her was stronger.
He pushed her inside the room, startling Pietro and Kitty, who were watching the TV. He ignored their curious looks and said to Rogue, "You want proof that I'm genuine? Here."
Concentrating on how he felt, he yanked off her glove and grabbed hold of her hand. Rogue gasped as his emotions and thoughts flowed into her. She tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let go.
"Oh my god." Cried Kitty, as she and Pietro scrambled off the bed and tried to pull them apart. Finally, Lance let go and collapsed against Pietro.
"Told you." He mumbled, before passing out.
Rogue had Lance's memories. She knew already how he felt, but experiencing it was another matter. She was so worked up that she didn't feel the slight tremors shaking the ship.
"Oh, god! Lance, Ah'm sorry. Wake up." She cried.
Pietro hauled Lance onto his bed, "I think he's going to be out for a good few hours. Go and lie down or something. You've got his powers and you're upset. I really don't feel like re-enacting Titanic."
Rogue looked at Lance, once more. She looked torn.
Kitty put her hand on her shoulder, "We'll come for you when he wakes up." She said, gently.
With one last look at him, she walked unsteadily from the room.
Kitty looked at Pietro, "And we thought we had problems."
*********************************************************************
Didn't want to end it here, but it was nine pages! And don't worry, Rogue is still not going to be all sweet and over it.
Wow! How many reviews!!
Hailey - Never ever tire of hearing compliments!!! LOL, Still working on the L/R but they are proving difficult to boss about *Glares at them*.
Dark Whispers - Romeo & Juliet's my fave Shakespeare!!! Thanks about me getting Rogue's character right. She's had it rough, and I thought, well just a minute, why would she just open up and be cool with it? Plus it gives me more to write about *taps head* not just a hat rack!
Heather, The ULTIMATE fan, Pietro_luv, Sarah, Kietro Fan - Thanks you guys, I'm glad you're all enjoying it.
K.K.L - Hahahahaha, sorry! I love cliff hangers. Loadsa Kietro fluff in this one!!!
Kaoru - Wow! Thank you! I can't tell you what your comments mean to me!!! Totally agree about Pietro, how stupid would someone have to be? I really wish there were more Kietro's. I'm planning to finish my other two stories and then focus mainly on making the world a more Kietro friendly place.
Starian Princess - Thankies, I'm definitely continuing in Bayville, has a lot to do with how they stay together and how far he's willing to go for her (Awwww!!!) The last time I saw Todd and Freddie, they were in Portugal, hmmmmm.
*********************************************************************
"I suppose we could run away together." Mused Pietro.
Kitty propped herself up on her elbow and looked at him. They were lying on his bed, trying to think of a way for them to be together in Bayville.
"Good idea, but I've got no money, and they'd find us." She said.
"I've got money." He replied.
Kitty gave him a sweet smile, "I know that. Why else do you think I love you?"
"Funny! You're a riot, Pryde." He said, dryly. He closed his eyes and tried to think of another solution.
"We could elope?" He said, hopefully.
"And when Mr. Logan finds us, I'll be a widow. I'm too young and I really don't look good in black. Plus, we're not old enough." She answered, shuddering, as she thought of the over protective mutant's reaction.
"I'm eighteen in a coupla months." Pietro said.
"But, I'm not. I'm only sixteen. We could call it a last resort."
"I'm running out of ideas, Kitty." He cried, "I've got another, but it's my final offer."
She looked at him expectantly.
"We have a baby." He said, smirking.
"How about THAT's the last resort?! And I mean end-of-the-world type last resort!"
Pietro sat up, and leaned against the wall, "OK, Know-it-all, you think of something."
Kitty rolled onto her back and looked at the ceiling. It had only been a few hours since Pietro had admitted how he felt about her. Part of her was so happy she could burst, and the other part was terrified of going back home. She racked her brains thinking of some kind of solution.
Finally, she sat up and looked at her boyfriend, "OK. I've had an idea."
Pietro raised an eyebrow, "Did it hurt?"
Kitty narrowed her eyes at him, and punched his arm, "Fine! Work it out on your own, smart ass!" She climbed over him and walked towards the door, muttering to herself.
Pietro was in front of her in seconds, "And where are you going?" He asked, kissing her. Kitty was tempted to phase through him and carry on storming off, but he started to run his hand through her hair and she lost track of her thoughts.
He pulled back, and Kitty was just debating if walking out was such a good idea, when the door flew open and banged into Pietro. He knocked into Kitty, who fell, pulling him over, so that he landed on top of her.
They looked at each other dazed for a second, then back to the door. Lance was standing in the doorway.
"Am I interuppting something?" He asked, stepping over them and throwing himself on his bed.
Kitty blushed when Pietro didn't move, he just looked up at Lance and said, "Actually yeah, you are. Get out!"
Lance picked up the remote and turned on the TV.
Kitty tried to push Pietro off of her, but he was too heavy for the petite brunette to move. She phased through him and stood up. She knew something was wrong with Lance, so she sat on Pietro's bed and asked, "Where's Rogue?"
She meant it innocently enough, but Lance grew angry. He glared at Kitty and snapped, "How should I know? When did I become her keeper?"
Kitty winced at the venom in his voice, "Lance, I didn't mean to . I was just . I'm ." She stuttered. His reaction had scared her. She'd seen first hand what his wrath was like.
His eyes never left hers, "You never do mean to. If you're so bothered about your precious room mate, why don't you go and see her yourself. Or are you too busy fucking him?" he spat, pointing to Pietro, whose eyes were narrowing dangerously at his best friend.
Kitty's eyes widened at his abuse, she could feel tears forming. She stood up and ran out.
Pietro was at Lance's throat within seconds, "Remember how you told me if I hurt her you'd kill me? If you even look at her like you just did, I'll rip your fucking head off!" Lance looked at him and knew the younger boy wasn't kidding. Pietro let go of Lance's collar and ran out after Kitty.
Lance lay back. He felt bad about taking it out on her. She had just been trying to help. He felt angry at Rogue and himself. Him for pushing her and her, for pushing him away.
'There's nothing I can do.' He thought, stubbornly, 'She doesn't need me.'
****************************
Kitty was almost at her cabin, she wiped away a tear. 'Stupid idiot.' She thought, about Lance. She felt a tap in her shoulder and swung round, her fist clenched.
"Woah!" Cried Pietro, holding his hands up.
She lowered her hand, "Sorry. You caught me off guard."
"First time for everything, I suppose." He muttered, before adding, "Don't let him upset you. He's got major issues."
"He hasn't and I know. I'm OK." She sighed, wiping her face and smudging her mascara even further.
"I don't know why you bother." He said, smiling.
Kitty rolled her eyes, but smiled back. She opened the door.
Rogue was laid on her bed, with her face in a pillow. Kitty realised what had happened.
"Ahhh. This makes sense." She whispered. She sat on Rogue's bed, "What's wrong?"
The southern girl looked up in surprise, "Nuthin'. Ah'm fine." She lied.
"Yeah, and I'm Cameron Diaz." Kitty replied, sarcastically.
"I wish." Muttered Pietro, under his breath.
Kitty glared at him, and then turned back to her friend, "I've just seen Lance. He really chewed me out when I asked if he'd seen you."
Rogue was going to answer, but Pietro chose that moment to throw himself on Kitty's bed and ask, "Is this going to end up as one of those girlie moments when you two have a pillow fight in your underwear and kiss?"
"What is he doin' here?" Rogue asked, glaring at him.
Kitty bit her lip, and said, nonchalantly, "Oh, um, well, Pietro's sorta my boyfriend now and .." She faded off.
"Sorta?" Asked Pietro.
"Well, at least ya'll stop bickerin'." Sighed Rogue. Despite of her own misery, she was happy for them.
"Don't count on it. Sorta boyfriend?" He repeated.
Kitty ignored Pietro, "So what's happened. I thought you two were OK. I mean with what happened the last night I just assumed .."
Rogue shot up, "Well, don't assume! Ah wasn't thinkin' straight then. Ah'm gonna stop tryin' tah control mah power. It's stupid." She half snapped.
Kitty looked shocked at her outburst. Pietro was frowning with confusion, "What the hell did you and Lance do last night?" He asked.
The girls ignored him again, Kitty tried to reason with Rogue, "Look, if you've had a fight, then just work it out. Go and talk to him. I know he cares about you." She paused, trying to encourage the older girl, "It'll work out. I mean look at me and him." She pointed to Pietro, who looked miffed.
Rogue groaned and put her face back in the pillow, "Mfffh mff rfff mmmr?"
"What?" Asked Kitty.
"Ah said, ah suppose ah've got no choice, have ah?" She repeated.
Kitty shook her head, and Pietro added, "Plus, if you're here, Pryde and I can't fool around."
Kitty smacked him on the arm, and Rogue stood up, "Well, if ah wasn't going before, ah sure am now."
She walked out shutting the door. Kitty looked at Pietro, "Fool around?" She asked.
"Sorta Boyfriend? Him?" He shot back.
"Pryde?" Replied Kitty, smiling dangerously.
Pietro knew when he was beaten, "I'm sorry?"
"Better. Oh, I forgot. Do you want to hear my idea?" She asked, lying down next to him and putting her head on his chest. She realised how tired she was, and hearing Pietro's heart was like listening to a metronome.
He started stroking her hair, making her even more relaxed and sleepy. "So what's your big idea, then?" He asked.
Kitty didn't realise that she had shut her eyes, they flickered open. "Oh," She said, sitting up and stretching, "Um, we just pretend nothing is going on, until we find a better solution."
Pietro frowned, 'Is she serious?' He thought, "That's the best you could come up with? Aren't you supposed to be a genius?"
Kitty narrowed her eyes, "And getting me pregnant is a better idea? Besides, if we're on the subject, doesn't your mutation make you do everything at super speed?" She smiled evilly at him.
Pietro gave her a look that could have frozen the sun, "Very cute."
"No, I'm serious. I have to know what I'm letting myself in for." She replied, trying not to laugh. Kitty bit the inside of her cheeks.
"I . I mean .. You said . WHAT?" Cried Pietro.
Kitty couldn't contain herself any longer and burst out laughing. He tried to be anger at her, but found himself grinning. Even more so, when Kitty fell backwards off the bed. He leaned over the side and looked down at her.
"I guess you'll just have to wait and see, wont you?" He grinned.
Kitty's face grew serious, as she realised what he meant. They looked at each other, without saying anything, until Kitty murmured, "I guess I will."
She stood up and started to root through her closet, glad that Pietro couldn't see her blushing.
'I'm talking about having sex with him? I only became his girlfriend today!" She thought, panicking.
Pietro watched Kitty move clothes about aimlessly, he knew she was freaking out, but decided to just let the subject drop. He stood up and moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I'd never push you into anything, you know." He said softly.
Kitty nodded, "I know. What do you want to do now?" She felt better, even thought the issue hadn't even really been discussed.
Pietro grinned, "Well, I can think of several things ..". Kitty elbowed him in the stomach.
"Pervert." She said.
"Other pervert." he replied, rubbing his stomach, "Wanna go and kick Lance and Rogue out and watch TV?"
"OK, but you have to keep your hands to yourself." She bargained.
"I'm not promising anything." He said smiling lewdly.
Kitty rolled her eyes, smiling, as they left the room.
**********************************
While Kitty and Pietro were mildly insulting each other, Lance and Rogue had progressed to full on war.
"Ah can't believe ah came here tah apologise tah YOU!" Screamed Rogue.
Lance crossed his arms, "I don't remember asking you to."
"This is the last time ah listen tah Kitty. GOODBYE!" She yelled, marching out and slamming the door. She sagged against it for a second and sighed, but hearing Lance approaching the door, she bolted down the corridor and out onto the deck.
She sat on a bench, and stared at the ocean. 'Stupid Kitty.' She thought, 'If it wasn't for her, ah wouldn't have even gone there.'
She tried to think how the conversation had managed to take such a nasty turn. She thought back to the events following her knocking on his door.
************
Lance answered the door, knowing it was Rogue. He knew Pietro too well, to think that he wouldn't try to get Kitty alone somewhere else. He didn't know what to say. He hated himself for saying what he had, but she had driven him to it.
They stared at each other for a minute, until Rogue said, quietly, "Ah think we need tah talk."
He nodded and stood back allowing her in. Rogue paced around rubbing her arms.
"Cold?" he asked.
"Tense." She replied, sitting on Pietro's bed, she tried to think of something to say. Luckily Lance started it for her.
"I'm sorry for what I said to you. I was frustrated and angry." He said.
"It was mah fault. Ah freaked out. Ya only said what was true." She answered, feeling slightly better. 'This isn't so bad. We can make friends.' She thought, smiling at the dark haired boy.
"Either way, we're both sorry. I'm glad you came round. I just wanted to help you." He said, smiling back at her.
Rogue breathed deeply and said, "Ah know ah made some stupid excuses, but ah can't just get close tah people. Ah've been hurt before."
Lance looked at her. He knew that as far as she was concerned, this classed as baring her soul. He thought carefully about his reply, "I know. I'm sorry if you felt pressured, but I just wanted to help you. You're missing out on so much."
"Ah know. But even if ah could control it, ah wouldn't change. Mah mutation isn't the reason ah don't trust people." Rogue reasoned. 'Why am ah tellin' him this?' She thought. She stood up, starting to feel edgy.
"Ah gotta go, Lance. Ah'm glad ya don't hate me. Ah'll see ya later, yeah?"
"Rogue, wait. You can't just go now, you were really opening up to me. I wont hurt you. You can trust me." Lance said, catching her hand.
Rogue gently pulled it away, "Please Lance, not again. This is really hard for me. Ah know ya wont hurt me, on purpose, but.."
Lance stood up, and looked down at her, "Here we go again. Why are you so convinced that everyone is going to betray you?"
Rogue gave him an impatient look, "Ya not even listenin' tah me. Ah'm not ready."
"And until you push yourself, you never will be." He tried to reason.
"Ya jus' don't geddit." She snapped, feeling her anger rising.
"No, and apparently, I never will, being as you wont tell me." He spat back.
"Ah can't believe ah came here tah apologise tah YOU!" Screamed Rogue.
Lance crossed his arms, "I don't remember asking you to."
"This is the last time ah listen tah Kitty. GOODBYE!" She yelled.
That was the point where she had stormed out and ended up on the pool deck. She noticed the bar.
'Why the hell not?' She thought, going up and ordering a rum and coke. She looked at the dark liquid, "Bottom's up!" She murmured, downing it.
********************
Lance had tried to follow her, but by the time he had got to the door, she had gone. He was going to head to her room, but decided to go the other way.
'She's not that obvious." He thought, climbing the stairs to the pool deck. He saw Rogue straight away. She was sitting at the bar, knocking back a shot.
'Not again.' He thought. He walked up to her and pulled the glass away.
"You are not getting drunk. It's not an answer." He snapped, slamming it down. He pulled her from the stool and back to his room. She struggled all the way, but his grip on her was stronger.
He pushed her inside the room, startling Pietro and Kitty, who were watching the TV. He ignored their curious looks and said to Rogue, "You want proof that I'm genuine? Here."
Concentrating on how he felt, he yanked off her glove and grabbed hold of her hand. Rogue gasped as his emotions and thoughts flowed into her. She tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let go.
"Oh my god." Cried Kitty, as she and Pietro scrambled off the bed and tried to pull them apart. Finally, Lance let go and collapsed against Pietro.
"Told you." He mumbled, before passing out.
Rogue had Lance's memories. She knew already how he felt, but experiencing it was another matter. She was so worked up that she didn't feel the slight tremors shaking the ship.
"Oh, god! Lance, Ah'm sorry. Wake up." She cried.
Pietro hauled Lance onto his bed, "I think he's going to be out for a good few hours. Go and lie down or something. You've got his powers and you're upset. I really don't feel like re-enacting Titanic."
Rogue looked at Lance, once more. She looked torn.
Kitty put her hand on her shoulder, "We'll come for you when he wakes up." She said, gently.
With one last look at him, she walked unsteadily from the room.
Kitty looked at Pietro, "And we thought we had problems."
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Didn't want to end it here, but it was nine pages! And don't worry, Rogue is still not going to be all sweet and over it.
