Backward Glances

By: Kryptonite

*****

*One Year Nine Months Four Days After*

" Kitty?" Jean walked up on the young woman, mere days after Rogue had called.

" What?" She snapped, glowering at Jean from her seat.

" Do you know why I asked you to stay after?" She asked simply, a small smile playing across her lips. Jean sat down on the edge of her desk, right in front of Kitty.

" Maybe because I was throwing spitballs at you?" Kitty answered sweetly. It was at that moment that Scott knocked on the doorframe before entering.

" Something wrong here?" He asked, stepping into the room.

" Not really Scott. Just Kitty acting out some pent-up rebellion."

" Nothing to bad I hope." He commented with a smile, which could easily be construed as a frown with his visor on directed in Kitty's direction.

" Just a couple of spitballs Scott. Nothing I can't handle." Jean answered, smiling up at her ex-fiancé.

" Alright then. I've been meaning to speak with you." Kitty stares at Scott as he takes another step towards Jean who gets off the desk. The girl closes her eyes just as Jean's lips brush against Scott's stubbled cheek.

" It'll only be a few moments here and then you can come back."

" Okay. I'll see you in class tomorrow Kitty." Kitty just stared moodily down at the desk as Scott walked back out the door.

Jean leaned down so her mouth was next to Kitty's ear and whispered, " See little Kitty-cat? And you actually thought he was out of my grasp that easily?" Jean laughed lightly before turning to walk around behind her desk. " You may go."

Kitty grabbed her bag and stormed out of the room, passing Scott in the hallway and not even bothering to give him a first look.

*****

*One Year Eleven Months Four Days After*

" Kitty, I believe there is someone you've been waiting for coming up the driveway?" Xavier spoke cryptically as he rolled into the Rec. room where Kitty was watching the latest TV movie that Jubilee had picked out of the listings. Once it hit Kitty what he meant she could hear the low rumbling from the engine.

Jumping up from the seat Kitty ran straight through the couch and out the wall to get to the driveway without dealing with the short hall and doorway. With a look of anger on her face Jean followed the more traditional way, Bobby, Jubilee, Scott and Logan following her out the door.

All the other students crowded around the windows. Xavier smiled as his thoughts skimmed over those of his students and his 'daughter' returned home. 'Welcome back.'

" Rogue!" Kitty yelled as soon as the car was turned off. Rogue took off the seat belt and opened the door as the other girl ran towards her. The two met just outside the door, clashing into each other's arms.

" Kitty! I missed you so much." Rogue whispered, pressing the girl to her more tightly. After a slight noise of a clearing throat followed by a door opening and clicking shut Rogue pulled back. " Kitty this is Cody. Also known as Doc."

" Ma'am." He said, imitating Rogue's southern drawl. Rogue just rolled her eyes.

" Come on Doc, you have to meet Professor X." Rogue smiled, seeming to glow from the inside out. Cody laughed as Rogue practically ran around the car to drag him towards the door filled with people.

" Aneko, the bags-" He continued to laugh as she bodily dragged him to the door.

" We'll get them later, come on!" She was brought up short by Jean taking a step to stand in her way.

" Aneko?" She asked sweetly, a tight-lipped smile on her face. Rogue didn't even bat an eyelash.

" Hello, could you move please?" Rogue smiled just as tightly back at Jean, not even seeming to be swayed by this woman that not a year earlier had scared her six ways from Sunday.

" Rogue, it's been such a long time dear. You could at least have some manners and introduce your friend." Jean glared fire at Rogue and Rogue just stared her down, her grip loosening somewhat on Doc's wrist. Doc twisted his hand around, ready to clamp down on Rogue's if the need should arise.

Apparently whatever he expected to happen didn't as Rogue shouted, " PROFESSOR!" And promptly shoved Jean out of the way, going through the door to find the old man waiting just in front of the stairs. " This is Cody DeSantos. Otherwise known as-"

" Doc, yes. Nice to meet you." Professor Xavier extended a hand to Doc, who took it with a smile.

" You probably know all the things Rogue's told me about you. According to our Aneko here, you're the best thing under the sun since sliced bread." Cody grinned, slipping in the nickname once more.

" Yes Rogue probably would. That is quite an interesting invention if I might say so." Xavier commented, staring at Rogue's neck.

" What is Professor?" Kitty asked trying to see what he was looking at so intently. Rogue smiled at her friend and tugged the collar of the worn blue jean jacket from her neck.

" Rogue?" Scott's voice was confused and Kitty almost thought it sounded different than it always had.

" Oh right! Scott can we borrow you for a moment? Professor may we-" Again Rogue was cut off by the Professor.

" Of course, this way. Scott come along please." As Jean realized where they were heading she went to follow but Professor Xavier spoke before she got more than a single step. " We won't be needing your help Jean."

With a simple sentence someone's control, someone's power and yes, someone's attitude can be struck down without so much as a backward glance.

*****

A/N: Scott is not 'back' but he will be soon (or at least soon if this story went in chronological order, lol). Also if anyone cares to look it up go to babynames . com and type in 'Aneko' and you'll find out whether or not Doc has a crush on Rogue *Author grins evilly*

Cookies go out to MFG, Syd, Rebel, Julia and Veronica. As always your guys' helpful and supportive comments have made me get the motivation to actually continue writing, lol. Not much to say this time so… have at it, tell me what you think so I have more to say in the A/N!

Have a good life everyone, catch ya on tha flipside.