AN: All right! My computer is finally cooperating with me! Okay, thanks for reviewing, guys (and gals)! (And being patient)

whylime: Thank you, I was hoping the funeral thing wouldn't be too morbid. Although, considering the whole storyine, i guess i shouldn't worry.

Rogue14: Well, you get a bit of Lance in this chap... ; )

Toxic-Beetle: Thank you so much! I love hearing from y'all!

I have groupies! Yay! ; (Please don't burst my bubble! Keep reveiwing!)

Disclaimer: Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide. -Napoleon Bonaparte


Chapter 10

Lance dreaded going back to the brotherhood house now. True, he considered the kids there his friends, but they never really supported him and Kitty. In fact, they had done all they could to discourage them. They would never understand. Freddie and Todd…they were totally naïve when it came to girls, even if Todd did like to pretend to be the big man on campus. And Peitro? He didn't know what a true relationship was, and probably never would. To him, all the world was a stage, and a girl was just another award to be gotten and put on a shelf.

Was that all there was to it? He really wished he could look at life like his friends did…like he once did, too. But, Kitty had awakened something in him, even if he really didn't know what it was.

He was worried about her.

That was a different sensation from the rest of the feelings in his life. He had never really cared much about someone else before. Sure, he had friends. The brotherhood guys were great, sometimes. Sure, he'd fight for them if they needed him. But, in the end? If something happened to them, he'd dust it off and move on eventually.

He wished he could check up on her. She was to much of a 'good' girl to skip out on school like this.

'So,' The voice in the back of his head demanded, 'If you want to see her, go and see her!'

He shifted the heavy weight of his bag. He hated that voice.

'Right.' He mumbled to himself. 'So simple. Just go up and knock. Hi there! I know you hate my guts, but can I come in and chat with Kitty even though we broke up and she told me never to talk to her again?'

Then he took a deep breath. It wouldn't be the first time they'd have kicked him out…and it probably wouldn't be the last.

He switched directions.


Kitty bided her time. She knew, with everyone so protective of her lately, that they weren't about to just let her go and pay a visit to the brotherhood. But now was her chance. With the professor, Jean, Scott, and Logan training in the Danger room, there was less of a chance of the Professor catching her. She stuck her head through the door.

It was clear.

She walked down the hall, quietly reaching the front door. From there, it was cake.


Lance cut through the back lot across the street and finally came to the drive of the mansion. He stepped up to the gate, hesitating momentarily with a glance at the buzzer. 'Ring or not?' He knew they'd never let him in. But, maybe if he could just get in and ask Kitty to talk to him…

He slammed his foot to the ground.

That gate always was easy.