Replay: Slow Motion

Installment 15

It was a few days after the incident that Professor Xavier, Hank and an overly protective Logan decided it would be alright for Rogue to return to school. To everyone's amazement, rather than dreading it, she seemed to be happy about going back. Although no one would say it to her face. "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" Hank had said with a grin. The Goth now had a new outlook on life thanks to her near death experience and she was going to enjoy everyday for what it was. Starting today.

When Rogue awoke she grabbed the outfit she had picked out the night before. Replacing the black fishnet stockings and black leather skirt with a black pair of pants that tied up at the sides of her thighs with lace. Instead of the green top and sheer material she normally sported she opted for a light purple long sleeved shirt that was flared at the wrists and had a low v-neck. Then grabbing a few bobby pins and an elastic she quickly decided to do something new with her hair as well and put it into a bun, leaving only the white streaks of her hair down to elegantly frame her face. Then without even a glance towards her makeup she headed downstairs for breakfast.

The kitchen was buzzing with everyday activity. Kitty and Amara sat discussing the latest gossip over fruit salads. Jean and Scott were busy trying to not look interested in one another and failing miserably. Kurt and Evan looked like poster children for a "Lego my Eggo" advertisement as they fought over the last waffle. Ororo Munroe was fixing up omelettes no doubt for Hank who was hanging over the oven in eager anticipation. Lastly there was Logan who looked unimpressed as usual drinking his sugar with coffee. Well that's what it is! Rogue thought with a giggle. It was then that Jean picked up on her arrival. Looking her over she grew annoyed. "Rogue, you need to get ready. We need to leave soon!" Everyone else turned to look at her.

"Ah am ready." she replied.

"Mein schester!" Kurt exclaimed quickly bamfing over to her and engulfing her in a giant hug.

"Nice ta see ya too fur ball." she said ruffling his hair.

"Wow Rogue! You look so totally great!"

"Totally."

"There's a rip in the side of your pants." Logan pointed out which caused Rogue and Kitty to both laugh. "What?" the gruff and confused X-Man asked.

"I believe, my friend, that that is how the pants are made. A new trend with the young people I believe." Hank said swooping down and grabbing the omelette Storm had just finished making. "I am much obliged my lady." Ororo smiled.

"You will be making them tomorrow Hank."

"Drat."

"You mean the pants are MADE like that?" More giggles.

"Alright troops - let's head out. Who's riding with who?" Scott asked.

"Oh, like, Lance is coming to pick me up and I'm sure all the guys will be happy to see Rogue. So we won't need a ride."

"Okayyyy...well I guess we'll only be needing one car then. That is, if that's what you want." It took a second for the Goth to realize he was waiting for her reply.

"Oh, it's alraght Scott, Ah think Ah'll go with Kitty."

"Suit yourself." Jean said grabbing Scott's arm and leading him out of the kitchen. Evan and Kurt weren't far behind. Glancing back to take another glance of the "new" Rogue Evan tugged at Kurt's sleeve.

"Too bad she's your sister eh?" he asked with a wink.

"Evan, sometimes you are very veird...and perverted!" he said bamfing ahead. The Brotherhood jeep could be heard making it's way to the mansion as Rogue and Kitty started to leave.

"Stripes" Logan called from his spot in the kitchen. "Catch!" The girl turned around as an apple flew at her head. "Don't think I'll let you get away with not eating Skinny Magoo." Rogue caught the fruit then looked down at her figure.

"I am not skinny!" she retorted.

"Right. And there aren't holes in your pants!"

"Like, hi Lance."

"Hey there Kitty Kat. How's it goin?" He asked, picking up the petite X-Man and holding her in his arms; this caused the girl to go into hysterical fits of laughter.

"Like, good. Hey, do you, like, mind giving Rogue a ride too?"

"Not at all. Hey Rogue!" he called then gently placed Kitty on the ground to wave. She smiled and waved back. "It umm...might be a tight fit though." The three of them turned to see Fred sitting in the back with Todd who was squished to the side. Pietro was sitting in the only seat up front.

"Umm... Ah don't think Ah'm gonna fit Kitty." Rogue said looking at the extremely limited amount of space. Skinny Magoo mah ass! Ah can't fit in there!

"Hmm..." Lance tried to think of something.

"NoworriesIgotyacovered." Pietro said now standing beside the former Goth. Rogue was surprised to find herself once again being lifted up and into his arms. "AllaboardthePietroexpress." he said flashing her a grin. The other Brotherhood boys just rolled their eyes as Kitty gushed over the romantic moment. Before they knew it the two were gone.

"They'd make such a totally cute couple." the young girl sighed.

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"Hereweare." the speedster announced as he came to a sudden halt.

"Wow. Where were ya when Ah got all those detentions for bein' late?" she asked slapping him lightly on the arm.

"Probably fighting of an admirer or two." he said with an air of arrogance and a smirk.

"Ya Ah'll bet." she said rolling her eyes. "Umm...Pietro?"

"Yes?"

"Ya can put me down now."

"Maybe I don't want to." he replied and the gap between the two became smaller. Despite the many ideas running rampant through both of their minds Pietro allowed the girl to slip out from his arms.

"Thanks Speedy." she said grabbing him by the elbow and placing a light kiss on his cheek.

"What was that for?" he asked. "NotthatI'mcomplainingoranything."

"Oh, ya know, because Ah CAN." She had said it playfully enough but Pietro could tell what he had said had hurt her. But now, with her being able to joke about it, he felt he needed to try and explain to her why he had said it. Maybe even tell her what he had really wanted to say in the first place.

"Roguey I..."

"Chere!"

"Remy!" she had turned to see the charmer standing under the tree they had played in and went running towards him. Leaving Pietro in mid-sentence behind to watch. OhIREALLYhatehim! The boy fumed as he watched the two embrace and Gambit give Rogue a bouquet of flowers. Hegotherflowers! Rogue's face lit up as she brought them up to her nose. Hmph thought the speedster as he turned in the opposite direction and sped off.

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"Thank ya Remy! Ah'm so glad ya are okay."

"Remy fine now chere. Now that he knows you be alright." She blushed under his intent gaze.

"Ya well, Ah got Speedy ta thank fer that." she said with a smile and turned to wave him over only to realize he was no longer there. Oh.

"Rogue. Remy sorry. He don' know what happened. I jus' lost control all of a sudden. Never done not'in' like it before."

"Shhh...Remy. It ain't ya fault. And Ah don't blame ya one bit ya hear meh? Up until that point, that had been the most wonderful night of mah lahfe."

"So, you wouldn' mind if Remy asked you on another date den?" The girl leaned into him placing her hands on his chest while standing on her tiptoes.

"Only if Remy promises Rogue he'll stop talkin' in third person." The Cajun stood there as if considering it; looking up and scratching his chin. "Hey!"

"Okay! Okay!" he said raising his hands in mock defeat. "But I'll have you know, some people find it a turn on." he said wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Ya raght!" she said leading them towards the school.

"Seriously!" The two laughed. "So, can I pick you up after school?"

"Ya. Ah'd lahke that." she said smiling. Transferring the flowers under one arm the girl kissed her fingertips and then brought her hand to his chest and placed it over his heart. "See ya then." she said with a wink. Remy couldn't help but notice the attention she was getting from some of the boys hanging by the doors when she made her way into the building.

"Damn. I'd like to tap that!" one of the boys exclaimed after she was out of sight.

"Ya. Now that she don't look like such a freak." another added. The mutant's eyes blazed as he walked up to the kid. He stood over him until he got his attention then lifted him by the collar of his shirt.

"Who you callin' freak?" he spat. The other boy shot up and shoved Remy away so that he dropped his friend.

"It ain't really none of your business, now is it?"

"That chere IS my business." he hissed.

"Oh don't be jealous. We just wannahave some fun withher. You can have her back afterwards." and before the boy could even breathe Remy had delivered an uppercut to his jaw.

TBC>