Chapter 10

The day dawned bright and early, to the slight reluctance of many in the house. One more day of school to be faced before the weekend. Bleary eyes and awkward silences greeted them in the kitchen, as most were not quite sure of what to make of last nights scene. Rogue ate her breakfast in silence, staring into space in a manner none of them could fathom. She smiled briefly as Pietro zoomed in and gave her a clumsy kiss on the forehead, before reverting back to her reverie. Lance looked up at her from his cup, and then glanced back down before she even noticed.

The group that entered the cars to go to school that day was a subdued one. Those who had witnessed the episode on the stairs still did not know what to say or how to act, and those who had gone to bed only knew that something was very wrong, but weren't knowledgeable enough about it to make comment. Mystique opened her car door for Rogue to get in, but she took Pietro's hand and led him to the seat behind Logan. Mystique stood unsure of what to do, so Lane walked quickly from behind Rogue and climbed into the open car.

Other than the rather less than normal start, the morning passed in what was deemed a fairly average way. Kitty went about squealing with enthusiasm over the upcoming party that evening, and Lance followed her from a distance, watching doggedly as the school football team approached the group and a quarterback leant in to tell her how much he was looking forward to gate crashing the party. Lance gave the guy what he hoped was a clear death glare, before hiding behind a pillar when Kitty turned in his direction. He saw Rogue across another side of the courtyard, looking as though she was following Kurt, and studiously ignored her. He'd put off talking to her until he was certain Kitty wasn't going to be running off with anyone named Brock or Brick etc.

He was right though; Rogue was following Kurt, unbeknownst to her brother. She said she had something she had to see to, to Pietro, and then took of into the throng of students, Kurt's head in her clear line of vision. She watched him walk hand in hand with Tabby down the hallway, then smiled as he kissed his girlfriend and followed her with his eyes into her most recent appointment with the principal, a goofy smile on his face. She then followed him at a quicker pace, sneaking up behind him as the stream of people trickled out. She then grabbed his hand and dragged him into a deserted classroom before anyone could bat an eyelid.

Kurt was in the beginning process of crying out, when he saw who his captor was. He frowned slightly at Rogue, as if unsure of how to treat her. He too had been on the stairs last night, and knew his sister well enough to know that something was very very wrong with her. Instead of waiting for him to make the first move though, Rogue smiled at him in a mischievous way, and went straight down to business.

'I've been thinking about the Scott thing, and I think we need to sort it out for him.' She stated, not leaving him any room for argument. 'And I decided that all it needs is for him to explain things to Lydia properly.'

Kurt looked at her in confusion. 'But Scott can't do that, he's the worst liar since, well ever. And you know how he is around women, I've seen socially challenged hedgehogs function better in conversation.'

'I know, that's why Scott won't be the one doing the talking.' Rogue said, and Kurt's face went even blanker. Things were answered pretty soon, when Rogue backed into the classroom, touched a finger to her necklace, closed her eyes and transformed into Cyclops. She then spoke quietly and outlined to him her plan. Kurt nodded, the smile spreading firmly back onto his face.

'Just find Scott, and take him over to the other side of the school. Give me about fifteen minutes tops, and then you can let him go.

Kurt nodded his head, saying nothing about how disturbing it was seeing his younger sister looking like his roommate. Together, with glances all around, they filed out into the hallway on a mission of a very unusual nature.



Fred and Todd didn't quite no what to think about the incidents of the previous night. Whilst concerned for their friend's well being, they wanted to stay as far out of the business that was threatening to consume all their closest friends as possible. They went about things as normal, not even attempting to analyse what was going on. It was when they were sitting on a sturdy wall and laughing at someone falling over the stairs that they realised, like many of the other mutants that day that they were being closely watched, or at least Todd was.

Jamie was standing there, staring at him, about five yards away. When he noticed them watching he reddened and shuffled his feet, before seeming to come to a decision and approaching them like they were rampant tigers or something. Todd for his part watched the approaching boy as if he had never seen something like him before, so rapt was Jamie's stare.

When he was close enough to talk to them, Fred spoke. 'What do you want kid?' he asked, though in a slightly less menacing fashion than he had done previously. Slightly.

Jamie rubbed his sweaty palms together, his blush spreading across his already beet red face. His shoes scuffed quietly on the floor. When he finally raised his head, he looked straight to Todd.

'I uh, I um I guess I wanted to say thank you to you, you know, for um saving my life and everything.' He looked down as though he had mortally offended the older boy.

'When?' Todd asked, looking a little perplexed. Fred nudged him hard on the shoulder and muttered something that to Jamie sounded like 'insensitive dolt.'

Jamie launched into explanation. 'When the mansion was, um, well destroyed, and that guy was after me, and you pulled me out the way, and your tongue got, well, all.' He trailed off in horror, as Todd's hands went unconsciously to his mouth. They'd done all they could to help him, but there was still an enormous red whelt across his tongue, leaving behind it a scar that would in all likelihood be permanent. This time Fred patted his friend's shoulder in sympathy, knowing that Todd had always felt his tongue to be his greatest asset.

Todd looked at the young boy resentfully, and muttered back 'you're welcome.' Jamie's face seemed to brighten a little at the words.

It was a few moments before both boys realised that Jamie had still not moved, and was still watching Todd with an almost worshipping gaze. Todd looked down at him uncomfortably.

'What do you want?' he asked him, and Jamie seemed to shrink back into himself again.

'I um, I was wondering if I could sit with you?' He asked them, the question in his voice obvious. Todd's jaw dropped in an unflattering manner, but Fred shook his head slightly and laughed.

'Of course, climb up and have a seat!' He said loudly, and Jamie's expression became instantly eager. He scrambled to pull himself up onto the wall, and sat beside the two bigger boys wearing a smile of pride on his face like a badge. Todd looked at him like he was an alien species.

'So how are you finding the school?' Fred asked conversationally, being that Todd was still staring rudely at the younger boy to whom he'd hardly ever spoken.

Jamie shrugged nervously, 'I dunno, I suppose it's okay, but I don't really know my way around it yet.'

Todd sprung into action then, puffing out his chest and saying like an old timer, 'Well we'll show you! We know all that goes on round here!'

Jamie nodded his head keenly, looking as though nothing in the world could make him happier. Fred looked back and forth between the two of them, and laughed louder than he had done in a long time.



Bobby was crossing the other end of the courtyard, Amara walking beside him. Both of them were well aware that there was a small group of girls following close behind them, and if they hadn't known by now, the constant whispers and occasional giggles certainly gave it away.

Amara gave him a nudge, and raised her eyebrows several times. Bobby gave her a scathing glance, and wanted desperately to put his fingers over his reddening ears. Amara saw his hands twitching a little bit, and laughed out loud, throwing her head back to see the girls giving her jealous glances. Two of them she recognised from their class; that girl Susan and her friend. Looking at them gave Amara a quick idea.

Turning so they were in direct line of the small pursuing group, Amara slapped a surprised Bobby on the shoulder teasingly, and the leaned in to kiss him soundly on the lips. The girls all threw up their hands in disgust before departing, having forgotten already Amara's grief stricken condition. Just as Bobby was getting over his surprise and getting into the kiss, Amara pulled away, her eyes gleaming in triumph. She turned the poor boys head to look at the spot that had just been vacated, and watched with a giggle as understanding dawned on his face. 'You can thank me later' she said, 'When you get your speech back that is.'

Before Bobby could make even an understandable retort, Amara's face creased into a confused frown. 'Is that Jamie sitting over there with Fred and Todd?'



Lydia was walking quickly, hugging her books to her chest. Ever since her argument with Scott, she had not even deigned to glance at him, and reluctant as she was to admit it, that had certainly been a challenge. Now, as she increased her pace towards her class, she was even more unwilling to admit that she was going this fast to catch sight of a certain someone heading to his own lesson, both to see them and let them know she was still mad at them.

Rogue of course picked all this up, following behind her, and knowing the reason for Lydia's speed she couldn't help but feel that this would be easier than she thought it was going to be. Just as she turned a corner, she felt her heart stop in her chest, as she saw Scott coming out of the bathroom and looking in Lydia's direction. Hissing to Kurt and pointing wildly, Rogue flung herself into the nearest room. Kurt fortunately took the hint, and practically sprinted up to Scott before gripping onto his friend's arms and dragging him back in the opposite direction.

'Scott man, I need to talk to you about something!' He said, fighting to move his friend down the hall.

Scott threw his head back over his shoulder to where Lydia had continued walking unawares. 'Can't it wait, I have to sort out.'

Kurt shook his head firmly. 'Can't. It's about, uh..' He stared at the door that had just been closed and was struck with a sudden flash of inspiration. 'It's about Rogue!' he said enthusiastically.

Scott then threw one last longing glance over his shoulder, before sighing and following Kurt round the corner.

The scene was silent for a few moments before the door slowly opened and what appeared to be Scott came out and went after Lydia.



Kurt stopped the two of them when they were what he deemed to be a safe distance away. Scott faced him with his arms folded, and now he was confronted with the possibility of thinking very quickly indeed.

Scott raised his eyebrows. 'So what was it about Rogue you wanted to talk about?' he prompted.

Kurt scratched his forehead. Rogue had given him an overall goal for the conversation; he just didn't know how to reach it. He shrugged his shoulders helplessly. 'I just wondered, um, if you had any thoughts as to what was going on with her?'

Scott stared at him strangely. 'You know I don't, nobody does. Lance and Pietro have both tried, she doesn't want to talk.'

This gave Kurt another idea. 'I know that, I was just thinking that maybe we should try to get her to open up, I mean, I'm her brother, you know, you're one of her closest friends. Maybe she needs someone different to open up to.'

Kurt would have sighed with relief when he saw Scott taking his ramblings seriously. 'What do you propose we do?' he asked, with some concern. Kurt gave a silent whoop of triumph as he saw daylight at the end of the tunnel.

'We should take her out somewhere, for dinner or something. How about tonight?'

Again Scott looked doubtful. He had hope to spend all this evening calling Lydia in the vain hope that she might talk to him again.

Kurt saw him wavering. 'Come on Scott!' he said in a self-righteous voice. 'Rogue needs us.'

He hoped he hadn't gone a little overboard with that remark, but Scott seemed to accept it. He nodded tersely.

'All right, we'll ask her after school, if she even says yes that is. After last night, I wouldn't say she was in the most friendly mood at the moment.'

Kurt smiled and clapped him on the back. Before panicking slightly. He hoped he'd given Rogue enough time to sort her part out.



Coming up behind Lydia, a line of conversation formed quickly in Rogue's mind. Being a girl, she knew what a girl wanted to hear when a guy she liked screwed something up. And she was fairly confident that were Scott in her position now, he'd probably screw things up even more.

Now, she stopped a few feet away from Lydia, and heard Scott's voice calling out her name fairly quietly. Lydia turned immediately, and the quick flash of delight in her eyes at seeing Scott betrayed her real feelings.

Lydia looked at Scott with what she hoped was a scornful expression. She wasn't sure if she could take more lies and begging. 'What do you want Scott?'

She couldn't stop her heart going out to him as she looked at the pathetic expression on his face. 'Could I please talk to you for a moment?' he asked with a hopeful look in his eyes that Lydia found impossible to refuse. She nodded slowly, and followed Scott a little way from her classmates, who were watching the two of them curiously.

When they were out of earshot, Scott looked at her desperately. 'Look Lydia, I'm sorry about Saturday, and I understand if you never want to go out with me again, but I just thought I'd tell you the truth about what happened.'

Lydia eyed him archly, but there was an air of interest now about her. 'Go on.' She said, though with eagerness now underlying her coldness.

'I was a complete jerk for not telling you before, but I was just so humiliated about it, I thought you'd laugh at me.' There was a little sympathy in her face now. 'I guess you know that a while back me and the other guys went out and had a little too much to drink, and on Saturday morning we were finally punished for it. The people who run the um, the orphanage told us we were grounded for the day. No phone, no TV, no going out to see you.'

Lydia looked at him for a moment, feeling a bit afraid that this was another lie. But she could see a genuine look in his eyes. 'Why didn't you tell me?' she asked, the ice having thawed completely from her voice.

'Because it sounds so lame! Missing a date because I was grounded, at my age! I was humiliated enough about it without being laughed at by the one girl I really like.' He looked at her with a hopeless, lost sort of face, and Lydia felt her heart melting too.

'Oh Scott, I just wanted you to be honest with me!' she said earnestly.

'I know, and I'm so sorry. Can we please just forget this, and give it another chance?' he asked, though it was far more of a plea than a question. Lydia smiled a little, and nodded coyly, and a grin spread over Scott's face like a sunrise.

'Great, thank you so much! Is tonight okay? Dinner?' he asked keenly. Lydia gave a nod of assent.

'Excellent, I'll meet you at, um, you know that French restaurant? At half seven?' Two more nods, and Scott's shoulders seemed to sag in glad relief. He gave her a sweet smile, and head off back down the hall with a dreamy look on his face. It was only then Lydia realised she was all alone in the hall, and the bell had rung a few minutes ago. Blushing profusely, she ran into her class. Had she instead turned the corner, she would have seen 'Scott' undergo a rather surprising change, and Rogue walk away with a smile that was far more sneaky than dreamy.



Kitty thought her head was going to explode, it would at least give her something to do. She was bored out of her mind, listening to Lorna's shrill voice talk all day. She had to confess that looking at the male company her friends' kept gave her a slightly more pleasing thing to do (though she felt guilty in admitting it), but even that had lost its charm. Most the jocks were as brainless as they were buff, and even Kitty could only take their society for a certain period of time.

When the final bell rang, she could have danced in jubilation. Walking out the school doors with the group she threw herself into party planning with abandon, knowing that this would be one of the last times she'd have to put up with them all. After what she'd got planned for this evening, she didn't think she'd be Lorna's favourite person for a long long time.

Joey, one of the only people there who she could stand to talk to, smiled at her as he departed, and said he was looking forward to the party tonight. The girls all giggled and nudged Kitty in a patronising manner. Kitty couldn't help but feel a little strange, a while ago she would have killed to be in this position, now she only felt how disloyal she was being to Lance.

She departed the group and made her way towards the cars, unaware that Lance was still watching her as he walked out the school with Pietro.

'I don't want her going to this party.' He said darkly, glowering at Joey's retreating back.

Pietro rolled his eyes. 'I got that when you said it for the fiftieth time. Accept it, there's not a lot you can do to stop her.'

Lance's frown deepened, and he kicked at the ground fruitlessly. Pietro slapped his back in commiseration. 'Look, if you feel that bad, then just go to the house tonight, and make sure nothing untoward happens.'

Lance stopped in his tracks, as if struck by a bolt of inspiration. He turned to his friend. 'Come with me to do it then!' he said, before striding off to the cars. Pietro tried to catch up with him without using his powers.

'Lance wait, I wasn't being serious.'



Fred and Todd were last to the cars, Jamie in tow. Students around them made some comment to the little group's rather odd appearance. Jamie looked like he was having the time of his life.

The rest would have made some remark, were they not caught up in their own business.

Scott and Kurt were asking Rogue if she wanted to go out for dinner with them that night. Scott missed the look that flashed between brother and sister in his shock at Rogue's acceptance. She spoke to Pietro, asking him if he minded.

After a quick nudge from Lance, Pietro shook his head and smiled. Tabby gave Kurt a quick sweeping glance, and knew immediately that he was up to no good. She took his arm and led him away to Mystique's car for a 'little chat', in which she determined to extract from him the details of his latest scheme.

They got into the cars, Bobby blushing as he climbed into the seat next to Amara, amidst the curious glances of Sam and co. Jamie jumped into the seat next to Todd, who threw his hands up and accepted things, and the 'orphanage' group sped off, Lance already making Kitty promise to behave herself that evening.



'Tabby, I've told you, you cannot come tonight, and it would ruin the whole plan!' Kurt exclaimed, as his wayward girlfriend threw a book at him.

'You and I always plan things together!' she said furiously. 'Scott wouldn't even notice I was there!' Wham. Another book was thrown at him, Kurt bamfed out of the way to avoid it. When Tabby threw a temper tantrum, she didn't do it by halves. Kurt could sort of see where she was coming from; for a long time now whenever they'd down something untoward, it had usually been together. But this was something he was doing with his sister, who he still didn't know as well as he'd like. Tabby had to understand.

The bookcase was now empty. Tabby sat down with a thud and looked away, her lower lip stuck out. Kurt made sure things were safe before he moved in and perched himself down next to her.

'Tabby honey.' He said, 'I love you very much, but I want to do this thing with Rogue tonight, so you're going to have to occupy yourself. I'm very sorry if that hurts you, but I want to spend a little more time with my sister.

She looked up at him with stormy eyes, but her lip stuck out a lot less. 'Well, I suppose, but I always thought it was me and you who did this sort of thing.'

'It still is.' He insisted, 'but we also do other things too. Remember you and Rogue and Kitty?'

Tabby couldn't help but smile softly at the memory. 'But you were our target, we couldn't really include you then!'

'I know, and it was pretty magnificent.' The flattery was not lost on her, and Tabby cheered up a little more.

She thought about it for a minute, knowing she was being unreasonable. Kurt had every right to go out without her, but still, she hated the fact he was out pulling pranks, their special pastime, without her being there, so she still reserved the right to be mad at him. She felt her anger fade a little however, when she looked at how well his shirt fitted her, and she was reminded of all the reasons why she'd found him so cute in the first place.

'Well all right then, as it's with your sister. But don't make a habit of pulling pranks without me. And don't be too surprised if you get back tonight and your underwear is gone.'

He laughed and kissed her on the nose. 'I'll know just where to look if it is.'



'And you're absolutely certain you have to go to this thing tonight?' Lance asked for the third time that evening. Kitty sighed and continued packing her bag.

'That's the idea I was trying to put across when I said, "yes I have to go" Lance.' She stopped packing for her moment and put her hands on his shoulders. 'What's the matter, don't you trust me?'

'It's not you I don't trust.' He muttered, as Kitty laughed to herself and resumed packing. She finished and slung her back over her shoulder, before giving him a peck on the cheek and leaving the room. Lance followed close behind her.

'Do you want me to drop you off or something? I'd be happy to take you.'

'Logan offered me a lift, I've already said yes'

'I'm sure he wouldn't mind if..'

She silenced him with a finger to his lips. 'I'm not going to get trashed or make out with any football players. I love you. Trust me.'

She called to Logan and disappeared out of the door without a backwards glance. Lance looked after her with a worried frown for a few moments, before going off to find Pietro.



In the room that he and Kurt shared, Scott looked in the mirror and checked his shirt. For reasons unbeknownst to him, Kurt had decided that they would be going with Rogue to the French restaurant in town that evening, which meant that some effort had to be made in the dressing up department.

Despite knowing that he was helping his friend, Scott felt utterly miserable. Lydia refused point blank to speak to him, and he had failed to fit in to the new school really, nor the group he was with. He hated the fact that he was still an outsider, and had no real idea of how to change that. It didn't help that everyone in the house had grouped off except him, forming their own little circles that he couldn't infiltrate even if he'd wanted to.

Lydia helped him feel a part of the new place, and now his friends had ruined even that. He cared about them, and he had no real desire to go it alone, but he was miserable, and had been for some time.

Scott heard Kurt calling to him from downstairs. He gave one last glance in the mirror at his unhappy face, and plastered a smile onto it before heading down to join his friends.



Pietro was sitting on a bed and watching Rogue as she put the finishing touches to her makeup on. She turned round to face him, a question on her face, and Pietro gave the thumbs up of approval. Rogue smiled and came closer to him, and leant in so that her breath tickled his ear softly.

'You sure you don't mind staying home alone?' she asked.

Pietro sighed and shook his head ruefully. 'It's ok, Lance has sort of, um, made plans for us. I should probably be gone as you.'

Rogue laughed a little, and kissed his temple. 'Pietro, if you don't want Kitty to know you're going to spy on her, try and make it just a little less obvious.'

Her boyfriend looked indignant. 'It's Lance's fault! I had nothing to do with it.'

Rogue smirked. 'Innocent as usual?' she said laughingly. 'Just don't go perving on cheerleaders, and I'll let the matter go.'

Pietro smiled now too. 'You know, that thought hadn't occurred to me before, but now you suggest it..' he was saved finishing his sentence when Rogue made a pillow fly at him.

She grinned and then went out the door. Pietro was going to follow, but was stopped by Lance who informed him that they'd better get going soon, before Kitty had time to speak to anyone undesirable at the party.



Rogue met the other two at the door. Tabby was watching them with a little frown at the doorframe, and Rogue went over to talk to her.

'We'll have him back soon, don't worry.' She teased lightly. Tabby made a face.

'I just wanted to be in on it, that's all,' she said, the pout not entirely gone from her face.

'Well just pull a prank on him while he's gone.' Rogue suggested, betraying her brother with relative ease.

'I've already warned him that his underwear might be found missing.'

'Well then you'll just have to be a little more creative.'

Tabby thought for a moment, before a grin broke out quickly over her face. Nodding and smiling at Rogue, she walked into the living room where the mutants staying at home were gathered. Rogue looked over her shoulder and saw Kurt looking worried. She laughed, but the sound had a hollow tone.

She leant into the room to say goodbye to the others, who were currently arguing over what movie to watch. As Sam argued viciously for the cause of an action movie, Todd was suggesting (rather vocally) a horror flick.

From the couch, Amara beckoned for Bobby to come and join her. He blushed and perched himself on the edge of the chair, while Amara leaned back to giggle with Jubilee.

The discussion over movies was getting a little more heated when Evan walked into the room, looking subdued but less tired than he'd been since arriving at Bedford. In his hand he clutched a box, and waving it quietly to the others, they immediately gave in to his choice.

Rogue watched them all settling down happily for a moment, before responding to the calls of Scott and Kurt and heading out the door.



Next to Logan in the car, Kitty checked the mirror again. Logan looked across at her with a half amused, half disappointed expression.

'They're still following us half pint?' he asked.

'Very obviously so' she replied, rolling her eyes. She knew Lance would be following her to the party, she'd known even before he had. It was hopelessly sweet, which was why she hadn't killed him yet for not trusting her on her own.

Logan shook his head slightly. 'Did Mystique teach them nothing about being subtle?' he asked, and Kitty laughed.

'If she did, then they weren't paying attention!' Kitty laughed back. They pulled up to the address that Lorna had said, and Kitty motioned for him to stop the car. Kitty thanked him for the ride, and they both looked up the street to where the car that had been pursuing them had come to an abrupt halt. They saw a blur disappear into the bushes of someone's front lawn, followed by a shadowy figure that was very obviously Kitty's boyfriend. In the car Logan banged his head down on the steering wheel.

Kitty gave a little laugh and a wave to him, and he drove off into the night, leaving her alone on the street. She took a deep breath, felt in her bag one more time to see that she had the things she needed, and then went to ring the doorbell on Lorna Bakers fairly large abode.

The girls answered quickly, and with a good deal of squeals and insincere hugs Kitty was accepted into the house, where she could hear raucous laughter coming from what was probably the living room. As she looked out the door before it closed, she was aware of something speeding towards the house.

A few hours later, she was almost having second thoughts about going through with her plan. If she hadn't known that these people were laughing at her behind her back then she would have thought they were terribly nice. They laughed and talked with her like she was their best friend, and Kitty had to admit the feeling wasn't entirely unpleasant. It was acceptance, but it was still false.

One of the jocks cranked up the volume on the stereo, and someone else (who she suspected had had rather too much to drink) shouted out over the blare that they should have some dancing. Most of those who could stand properly took up the suggestion with enthusiasm, and Joey caught her eye across the room. Knowing full well that Lance was watching out the window Kitty smiled and shook her head, before asking Lorna where the bathroom was. Lorna pointed in the vague direction of upstairs, and Kitty smiled knowing this would make her plan all the easier. She decided on her way up the stairs that she'd be giving Lance reason to burst in and rescue her soon. It was the best way to leave the party, and she felt a little sorry for the two boys, getting all-cold like that.

She picked out Lorna's room easily, because she'd put her stuff in there earlier and was still sober enough to remember it, and she quickly fetched from her bag what it was she needed. She walked quietly to Lorna's cluttered desk, and making sure the door was shut put her hand through the wood of the drawer.

She felt her way through the interior, and her search came up with nothing. Kitty pulled out what was in there, and found her hand resting on an expensive looking blue journal.

She hesitated for a moment, knowing that to look in the book would be one of the harshest things she could do. Then she remembered how Lorna had laughed at her behind her back, and how she'd been so mean to Rogue, and she flipped quickly through the pages to find the relative information. She tore the pages she wanted out quickly, and then replaced the book in its drawer.

She went to the bathroom next door quickly and locked the door. Turning on the sink, she put her hand into the cabinet, and had to stop herself from jumping up and down with delight when she saw the can she'd been looking for in her hand.

Pulling off the nozzle, Kitty set to work. She changed around the contents of the tube easily, and replaced the can on the shelf, moving her hand blindly but carefully around inside the cabinet.

She heard footsteps on the stairway, and moving quickly she turned off the sink and opened the door.

Lorna was standing out in the hallway, looking at her with a slight frown. 'You found it okay?' she asked, fixing her with an odd sort of look.

Kitty nodded a little nervously. 'Sure, wasn't hard to find.' She moved her hand behind her back as she spoke, and fortunately Lorna was a bit too trashed to notice. She threw her things into her bag and followed Lorna who was already staggering back down the stairs. Coming again into the living room, she noticed how Joey looked up when she came in, and how two faces ducked down by the window. Kitty decided it was time to set events in motion that would enable her to leave the party.



'Come on, the noise is coming from over here.' Lance beckoned furiously to Pietro from behind a bush. He sped up to him as Lance snuck out and came crouching down below a window ledge.

After checking that they had not been seen, Lance stuck his head up so he could see through the window. He picked out his girlfriend amongst the throng, and then let his eyes wander over the rest of the scene.

He crouched back down looking at his friend as though all his worst fears had been confirmed. 'It's as I thought, there's football players there, and they're all drinking.'

Pietro threw up his hands. 'Horror of horrors. It's as you thought, can we go now? I'm cold and crouching on the ground is ruining my outfit.'

Lance smacked him on the shoulder. 'We're not going anywhere until we make sure she is not going to get pawed by any jocks.'

'Rogue's out on her own, I'm not worried.'

'Rogue's out with her brother and a friend she's trying to set up. Kitty is sitting in a house of sin with a pack load of guys just waiting to take advantage of her.'

Pietro cocked his eyebrow. 'House of sin?'

Lance glared. 'It's a phrase! And it's true!'

Pietro felt it would be wisest to change the subject. 'You spoken to Rogue yet?'

'No, I've too much on my plate with my own girlfriend to worry about yours.'

'She's your friend too you know. Almost like your little sister.'

Lance looked at him with anger blazing in his eyes. 'What's the point? She'll only lie, or push me away again. She doesn't want our help'

Pietro watched him closely. 'That doesn't mean she doesn't need it.'

'Does she deserve it?'

It was Pietro's turn to hit him. 'Of course she does!' he hissed. 'Don't even think that. She's the kindest, bravest and best person any of us know!'

Lance's shoulders seemed to sag. 'Sorry. I know. But she's not herself anymore.'

'Well we have to help her get back to herself then.'

There was a tone in his voice that made Lance pay attention. 'She talked to you?' he asked.

'She's beginning to open up to me, yes.'

'Good for you. Help her for all of us will you?' Lance asked. Pietro laid a hand on his shoulder.

'You have to stick by her. We can't let her shake us off.'

Lance chewed his lip for a moment, and then let his head sink in a nod. Pietro clapped his hand on his back, and settled down with far less complaint to do some Kitty watching with his best friend.

Things were pretty quiet for a while. Somebody put some music on, and Lance scowled in anger as some guy asked Kitty to dance.

Kitty shook her head and disappeared upstairs, leaving a disappointed young man in her wake. 'Too right she wouldn't dance with you scum.' Lance muttered under his breath.

To his utter shock she came back down a few minutes later, and floated straight into the arms of the meathead. Lance looked at Pietro in angry astonishment, and Pietro, being in slightly saner mind, realised just what Kitty was doing. They must be the worst spies in the world.

As Kitty slipped her arms round the guy's neck, and Pietro tried to stop Lance, his friend stood up quickly and banged his fist on the window. The party goers stopped mid party and gaped at the angry Avalanche standing in the frame. The football player dropped Kitty instantly, and one of the girls reluctantly opened the window, fearful that otherwise Lance would shatter it.

He climbed through heavily, and stood facing the poor bloke, breathing hard. Kitty snorted and moved in between them, her bag already in hand.

'Calm down Lance.' She said, putting a hand on his shoulder. Pietro climbed in after his friend looking at the crowd with a slightly abashed face.

Lance began to sputter, meaning he was pretty worked up, and between them Kitty and Pietro managed to get him out of the door before he started throwing things at the assembled people. She said goodbye to the girls over her shoulder, giggling slightly as she imagined their bewilderment at her exit.

Out in the street, they let Lance go, and he stood glaring at them both, Kitty in particular.

'What the hell were you doing with that jerk?' he asked loudly. Kitty folded her arms and glared back.

'What were you doing following me?' she asked back. When he opened his mouth, she cut him off. 'Yes, I know you followed me here tonight, and that you've been watching at the window all evening. Honestly, you couldn't have been more obvious if you'd tried.'

The wind was all knocked out of Lance, as he stared at his muddy shoes. 'You still shouldn't have been flirting with that jock.' He said quietly.

'You deserved it. You had absolutely no faith in me, and if you hadn't been there, I wouldn't have gone near Joey.'

'Oh Joey is it?'

'Don't you sneer at me Lance Alvers! It's bad enough you feel you have to follow me, but to drag your friend along too!' Pietro looked away quickly, using his innocent face.

Lance now looked contrite, like a scolded child. 'I'm sorry Kitty. I was just worried those creeps were going to take advantage of you.'

Her face softened slightly. 'I know, but it wouldn't hurt for you to trust me a little more. I love you, that should mean something.'

He put his arms round her. 'I'm so sorry. I love you too.' They kissed so intensely Pietro turned away properly.

Lance slung his arm round her shoulder. 'Let's go home.'

Pietro didn't fancy sharing that car, and decided to run for it.



'Scott man, can you do me a favour and go get the table for us. There's something I want to talk to Rogue about, don't worry, the table's booked in your name.'

Scott found Kurt's request a little odd to say the least. The whole reason they were here tonight was to talk to Rogue together. Still, he shrugged and nodded, and went ahead into the restaurant, missing completely the smiles that brother and sister gave each other.

The interior of the building was dimly lit and elegant, not at all the sort of place you went with a group of friends. He sighed, and thought it was just the sort of place he would have taken Lydia, had he got the chance to go out on a date with her.

Scott blinked suddenly. Lydia was now standing smiling in front of him. He rubbed his eyes a little to check that she was actually there, and looking pleased to see him. She came forward quickly.

'Wow, you're here, and you're actually early! Oh Scott I'm so glad we agreed to give this another go. You have no idea how much I'd been looking forward to the last one!'

Scott was a little speechless, particularly when Lydia threw her arms around him. It was fortunate that she did, because it gave him an opportunity to see Kurt and Rogue grinning at him from the restaurant entrance.

Lydia pulled back and looked at him, smiling. 'You did mean all those things you said, didn't you?' she asked.

Scott looked over at his friend's quickly in disbelief. 'Um, yeah. Yeah sure I did.' he stumbled out, seeing their nodding heads.

Lydia slipped her arm round his waist as the waiter approached them.

'I, I think we're under the name Summers.' Scott said uncertainly. The man looked down at his list quickly, then back up with a smile. 'Of course. Table for two right this way.'

Rogue touched his forehead, and informed Scott without having to speak that someone would be coming to pick him up in a few hours.

Shaking his head and not bothering to hide his smile, Scott mouthed a discrete thank you to his friends as they were led away.



Kurt and Rogue burst out the door of the restaurant laughing.

'Did you see his face?' Kurt laughed.

Rogue nodded enthusiastically. 'Completely priceless. Can't believe she didn't notice anything.'

They walked down the street together, thought about getting pizza together, and decided instead to go back to the mansion and see what Tabby had done in their absence.

They climbed into the car, Kurt at the wheel, and still laughing they drove off down the street.

Rogue leaned out of the window and let her hair fly wild in the wind.

Kurt watched her before he said anything. 'You are all right aren't you?' he asked hesitantly, as though not sure it was his place.

Rogue eyed him evenly. 'I'm as well as can be expected.'

'Considering what?'

'Considering I have several things on my mind.' she said shortly. 'But it really means something to know you care.' she added far softer. Kurt gave a little smile.

After a few moments silence, Rogue spoke again. 'There is something that has been bothering me though.'

Kurt asked what so eagerly he almost drove off road.

Rogue looked hard into the night. 'I want to know who my father is.' she said.

Kurt nodded. 'I've spent a while wondering that myself. Do you think Mys..mom would tell us?'

'If she doesn't we'll have to find out another way.' Rogue said.

'She'd probably prefer it if we gave her time, wait until she'd ready.'

'No.' Rogue said, responding so quickly it was strange. 'I want to know. We have a right to know.'

'You're right I guess.' Kurt said seriously, before lightening the tone again. 'I'm sure if we can put a friend's relationship back together, we can find out a little thing like this with no problem! Sisters are doing it for themselves, or brother and sisters, or brother and, oh you know what I mean!'

Rogue let out a genuine laugh. 'You're weird.' she said.

'And you're strange.' he deadpanned. She smacked him lightly on the shoulder, and they drove through the house gates.

The car came to a sudden stop, as they took in the sight in front of them. Tabby was sitting perched on the roof of the house, grinning broadly in the night, and from the highest point, flapping proudly in the breeze, was a long string of the Nightcrawler's lovely patterned boxers, on display for all the world to see.

DISCLAIMER: All characters are property of Marvel and WB

AUTHORS NOTE: That was about as quick as I could do it everyone! Damn work. Still, things are moving along now. Next chapter we'll find out just what it was Kitty did, we'll catch up with Apocalypse and we'll find out more about those weird men I mentioned a while ago. Till next chapter, please read and review!!