Chapter 10
Jean Exposed

Kurt and Rogue were walking through the Institute. They had just gotten back from the fight with the Acolytes. Wolverine and Kitty had already gone to their rooms, and Scott and Jean were meeting with the Professor to discuss Firestorm's actions.

"So," Kurt said, "vhat do you think about all this?"

"I dunno... Why would Firestorm do that? Ah mean, we all secretly wish we could blast Jean to kingdom come, but she is our friend. Ah really liked Aidan too."

"I know vhat you mean," Kurt agreed.

Rouge stopped in the middle of the hall, vacant stare on her face. Kurt stopped and waved his hand in front of her.

"Rogue? You all right? Was ist los?"

Rogue snapped out of it. "Nothin', just... Ah got a bit of Jean's thoughts..."

"You still haven't gotten those powers under control?"

"It was a trick."

"Was?"

"Firestorm was lookin' for Pyro. Jean knew it and set her up. It was all a trick. That bitch..."

Kurt stared blankly. "Excuse me?"

"Jean," Rogue replied. "What a bitch! Aidan was just lookin' for someone ta help her with 'er powers and Jean set her up." She balled up her fists and started breathing heavier.

"Calm down, Rogue," Kurt said, trying in vain to be the voice of reason. "Maybe you got some mixed thoughts. You said yourself that you don't have full control of the powers you absorbed."

"Ah know what Ah heard, Kurt."

"Vell, then, vhat are we supposed to do about it? Tell the Professor?"

A light bulb lit over Rogue's head. "Exactly."

She grabbed Kurt's arm and towed him in the direction of Professor X's office.

* * *

"So I says ta the guy, 'Hey! That's no dog! That's a turkey!'"

Aidan laughed. She and Pyro had been at the rock quarry all day. She had bared her past to him and he didn't flinch. He looked past all the angst and in a simple way made everything seem...well...simple. For most of the day, he had concentrated on how to help her love fire. It wasn't easy, but she thought she was getting used to the idea.

"Right then," Pyro said, sitting up, "time for anotha lesson? Remember: fire is your friend."

"Aren't you out of gasoline yet?" Aidan smirked.

"Cripes! I nev'a thought o' that!" He checked the gauges on his flamethrower. Definitely in the red zone. Not good. Pyro frowned. "C'mon, 'ow 'bout spottin' me a light?"

Aidan smiled and mimed flicking a lighter, and a small flame danced on her thumb.

"Now that's what I call a light." Pyro took the flame under his control, and began to twist and manipulate it. He looked at Aidan, ready to tell her to take over, but she wasn't paying attention. She was yawning. He was about to playfully scold her about letting her attention wander when he noticed that the sun was setting. He snuffed the flame and stood up.

"Well, it's about past me bedtime," he said. "Want me ta walk ya home?"

Aidan was about to accept when she remembered Chopper 10. Her using her powers had to be on the news. Which meant that Georgia knew.

"Uh," she replied, "home would not be the best idea at this time."

"Righto," Pyro grabbed her by the arm. "You'll just 'ave to come with me, then. I'm sure me mates won't mind an extra body. 'Ell, they may even enjoy the comp'ny."

"But, what about-"

"Ah, ah. No buts, sheila. You're stayin' with me 'n that's final."

He drug her off in the direction of the 7 Eleven.