It wasn't as if anyone got any sleep that night. The sleepover was officially dissolved by order of Logan. The girls went back to their respective rooms. Jean went to have a good cry. The boys were given separate punishments for their eavesdropping. Scott wasn't entirely sure what was going on, but he knew it was something bad. Jean was never this shook up over anything. She wasn't in the mood to talk just yet, but Scott knew she would once she calmed down. Their relationship was at a point where they could tell each other anything. It was one the many things Scott loved about being in a relationship with Jean. Some things were easier to talk about than others. Sometimes when things got really intense, Scott felt compelled to close up and walk away. Being with Jean brought up emotions he just couldn't handle. They felt so wonderful at times that it scared him to death. He was never used to being so happy. Scott was always used to the good times never lasting, but the emotional high that he was on was only getting better and better. Everything in his life seemed to crystallize, focalizing at a single point, without any ambivalence or uncertainty interfering in that seemingly perfect order. It was all coming together and coming together well. Jean seemed to be the stabilizing force in all of this. When he was alone, he felt like just another loser. With her, he felt that he could do anything. Together, they could survive anything. So why did he have such an uneasy feeling?

Rogue was lying in bed with her eyes fixated on the ceiling. She was experiencing a wide range of emotions ranging from elation to guilt. She was genuinely excited that her plan worked, but at what cost? She used her friends, taking their money. She manipulated Jean and coned her into lending her Scott for a night. Rogue had to explain that it was simply a date and nothing more. As if anything would happen, Rogue thought to herself. She did enjoy the fact that Jean was jealous. It was kind of a rush. Jean was going to have to bear witness to Rogue's date with Scott. While she savored that thought, Rogue felt a tinge of guilt over what she had done. Jean didn't do anything to deserve this. She was never tried anything but be nice to Rogue. She didn't know why that got on her nerves so much. Jean only wanted to be her friend, but Rogue couldn't accept that, or more specifically, she didn't want to. Even if it wasn't on purpose, Jean just made her feel bad about herself, a constant reminder of how far she was from normal. Her relationship with Scott compounded that depression. Maybe that's why Rogue went to all this trouble, at the risk of alienating everyone around her. She had to confront her feelings for Scott. She had to tell him, just to relieve the turmoil within her. Rogue kept playing the scenario over and over in her head, imagining what Scott would say. She knew rejection would be eminent. He was in a relationship with Jean and they were happy. Plus, Scott was not a jerk or a cheat. He would never hurt Jean that way. Rogue didn't want to get in the way of all of that. She just wanted one night with the object of her affection. It wouldn't lead anywhere and it wouldn't have a future of any kind, but she could have something to look upon fondly while she moved on with her life.

"Rogue?"

Kitty's voice resonated with all the irritation of nails on a chalkboard. Rogue was fond of Kitty, she was practically a little sister to her, an annoying little sister that talked too much and a source of never-ending annoyance, but a sister nonetheless. Rogue had gotten used to having her as a roommate, she had gotten used to her talking her ear off at school. But what Rogue could never get used to, was Kitty's uncanny ability to interrupt her train of thought at the most inappropriate time.

"Rogue?" repeated Kitty.

"What?" Rogue answered in irritation.

"Like, why do hate Jean so much?"

Rogue became even more irritated.

"Ah do not hate Jean."

"Then, like, why are going out with Scott?"

"That's none of your business."

"I mean, jeez, their practically married. I mean, everybody knew they'd end up together, even when they were going with other people. Like, you just knew..."

"Kitty?"

"Yes, Rogue?"

"Shut up and go to sleep!"

"Like come on Rogue, I mean everyone wants to know why you're doing this. Like, I don't think Scott even knows what's happening. I mean, how's he going to feel about all this? I mean, you won him in a card game. Like wow!"

"Kitty?"

"Yes, Rogue?"

"Would you like to shut up or would you like me to shut you up?"

"Shutting up now," Kitty said sheepishly.

Rogue was just about to rest her eyes to try and get some sleep when once again...

"But before I do," Kitty said. "I think as your friend and Jean's friend that I tell you, like, I dunno, what I think."

Rogue groaned, she knew Kitty would never shut up about this, even if Rogue was trying to kill her in mid-sentence. Rogue decided to let Kitty say her peace and then at a more convenient time; she would kill her.

"Fine," Rogue said, staring at the ceiling.

"Really?" Kitty said shockingly. This was the first time that Rogue allowed to her fully express herself without throwing something at her. Kitty definitely felt something was wrong. "I think that you have a serious crush on Scott. I mean, who wouldn't? Like really. But he's with Jean now, and Jean a really nice person. Really! Like, if you just gave her chance you could be friends, y'know? But this thing with Scott, like, will drive her crazy insane! She gets all jealous when Scott's involved! I mean she gets mad! You don't want to see Jean mad...."

Rogue actually thought of the idea of Jean being jealous was funny. It made her feel smug. Maybe 'Little Miss Perfect' needs to know what it's like for a change, Rogue thought. Although she would never tell Kitty this, Rogue thought that what she was saying made sense. No matter how calm and collected Jean could be in an intense situation, Scott was always her soft spot. Rogue heard about Jean going all ballistic against Mystique. She was also aware of how awesome her powers could be. While Rogue wasn't a push-over herself, Jean wasn't either. She could only be pushed so far. But Rogue told herself that it wasn't about sticking it to Jean. This was something between her and Scott alone. But she knew she was hurting Jean and in hurting Jean she was inevitably hurting Scott. That was the last thing Rogue wanted...

"Rogue?" piped Kitty "have you like, been listening to me?"

"For the most part," grumbled Rogue. "Look Kitty, ah know everyone thinks ah'm being a jerk and all but ah got a good reason to do what ah'm doing."

"Well, then, tell me," Kitty demanded.

Rogue decided to bite the bullet and tell Kitty of her intentions. Although Kitty had the reputation of having a big mouth, Rogue felt that she could confide in her. She would show some restraint with something like this:

"Ah'm gonna tell Scott how ah feel."

Kitty gasped, "Are you kidding?"

"Does it sound like ah'm kidding?!" Rogue retorted, annoyed by Kitty's disbelief.

"But you know Scott and Jean are going out. Like, what are you hoping for?"

"Nothing." Rogue said simply. "Ah've been carrying around these feelings for a long time. Ah know it's too late, Jean an' Scott are practically married. Ah don't expect him to feel the same way, ah don't want to hurt Jean, ah don't want to hurt anyone. Ah just need him to know."

"Like, I still don't get it."

"Closure," Rogue said with affirmation

"Closure?" Kitty questioned, still confused.

"Closure." Rogue repeated.

"How is telling Scott all this going to, like, give you closure?" Kitty asked. "I mean, you're not going to hook up with him. It might even weird out your friendship. You might never get to hang out again. Like, Jean would never allow it and Scott would never do anything to make her mad. Jean would like, so hate you forever. It would strain the whole team. We'd all have to walk on eggshells, choose sides. I don't want to choose between you and Jean. I love both of you. You're like, both my sisters! I don't want you to hate each other! I don't! I don't! I don't! Pleeeeaaase, don't do this!"

Kitty started to get really upset. Rogue wanted to reassure her, but some of what she said could happen. Things might never be same between her and Scott. They would definitely not be the same between her and Jean. And it could split everyone down the line between her and Jean. Scott might be caught in the middle of something that's not her fault. Still, Rogue had already crossed a number of lines; one more line wouldn't matter now.

"Calm down Kitty," Rogue said. "It may not come to all of that. Ah know Jean and myself haven't been the best of friends and all. And ah know ah'm going to mess up my friendship with Scott but it's important that he know. Ah've been crazy about him since day one. Even when ah thought you all were out to get me and ah was with the Brotherhood, he still sets off sparks in me. Ah have him floatin' around in my mind at one time or another. An' when ah'm near him, ah get chills. He gives me all these feelings that ah just can't handle. Ah love spending time with him, whenever ah can. Ah can be myself. Ah can be open and happy and smile. Ah can forget that ah'm a mutant. Ah can be just a regular gal. That is, until ah realize ah can't touch him without worryin' about killin' him. And ah can't act on what ah feel because he's with someone else who can give all those things that ah can't. Why would Scott leave 'Ms Perfect' for me? Someone he can't even touch? Someone who doesn't look perfect, act perfect, doesn't have dozens of boys swooning over her. Nothing is going to happen. Nothing ever will happen. But ya gotta understand, ah need to do this. Ah need to say my peace. Ah need to free up all these things up inside of me. My hope is, that maybe, ah'll be that much closer to getting him out of my system. Even if it mean we can't be friends any more. It all hurts too much."

Kitty became uncharacteristically solemn. She turned to face Rogue who was facing away, staring at the wall. Kitty said only a few words:

"I understand. Thank you, Rogue."

Kitty then rolled over to sleep. Rogue smiled. Kitty could still surprise her after all this time. Kitty supported her in spite of all that she revealed. Tonight, she was going to get some sleep. Who knew what would happen tomorrow. She'd deal with it then.

Jean looked thoughtful as she gazed outside her bedroom window. She was still upset over what had transpired but she managed to compose herself and contemplate her situation. One of her fellow X-Men was basically taking her boyfriend out on a date. How could Rogue do this to her? What was it that she did to Rogue to earn her contempt like that? She always had it in for her. She thought things were getting better between, after the hellish nightmares they all went through together. But it seemed after tonight's events, nothing had changed. Was Rogue jealous of her? No, what did she have to be jealous of? She was so beautiful. She was so tough and gutsy. Rogue had such attitude, she seemed so cool. Before they were all exposed as being mutants, Rogue always stood alone, unique, uncompromising, with her own sense of style. She didn't need to fit in; she was above all of it. Rogue didn't care what anyone thought of her. People whispered to each other as she walked down the hall, often derogatory comments were made. But slowly, her defiance of convention made her into someone people admired, even if they weren't openly admitting it. Even guys, who saw her as the 'weird chick', began to see her more as a 'bad girl', someone who was mysterious, dark, alluring. Rogue had these qualities in abundance. Any guy would be fascinated with her, even Scott.

Not that she anything to worry about, Jean thought. Scott would never cheat on her. But wasn't that what all girls thought until they found out otherwise? Was Scott any different from any other guy? No, Jean said to herself, Scott has been nothing but wonderful. But everything changes, slowly but surely. Jean thought that Duncan was the boy for her, only to realize that she was seeing him through rose-colored glasses. She didn't see the slimy, underhanded, arrogant, self-absorbed jerk that she had gone out with for so long. Scott always saw it, but he was on the outside looking in. When you're in a relationship, you often see what you want to see rather than what's actually there. Jean did this with Duncan, could she be doing it with Scott? But they had been through so much together, Jean said to herself. Scott didn't give the impression that he wasn't happy. He seemed happier than she had ever seen him. But what happens if it all changes? What if Rogue was the catalyst that would unravel her happy relationship? Maybe Scott found Rogue more interesting. They both spent that one Christmas together alone at the mansion. Rogue bought Scott that sweater. She seemed really interested in giving it to him right away. He seemed a little to eager to put it on. Jean didn't like that at all. Then they spent all that time in the city together. But nothing happened. Scott said nothing had happened. But they were always doing stuff together. They played squash together; they'd used to hang out all the time at school or some greasy spoon diner. Jean didn't mind, she was the understanding girlfriend. Rogue was just a friend. Scott made every effort to be a friend to Rogue. And it's not like Scott could cheat with Rogue. He would be in a coma. Also, Scott never seemed to hide anything from her. Her mental powers never read anything amiss. Not that she used them on Scott, much. She couldn't help it, Scott was her obsession. She wanted him to completely open with her with his feelings. Scott could be affectionate, playful and emotionally supportive. But she just wanted to hear those words that would completely reassure her. But Scott could never say them. Jean was patient. They had waited this long to be together, Scott would come around eventually. But Jean was impatient. She had no reservations about what she felt. Jean was always taught that real relationships, solid ones, were always mutual in their intensity. There could be complete honesty and openness and both parties felt the same way. But Jean also learned that life was never ideal. It was always fraught with problems and strife that had to be overcome. The moments of tranquility had to be savored because they wouldn't last. As mutants, neither Jean nor Scott would ever have many of these moments in their future. Part of their lives would be devoted to fighting for peace, but there was always the possibility that it would never come. That's why now, at this point in their lives, it was important to Jean that she takes full advantage of this time, to enjoy friendships and good times, to be with her one true love. She knew it was Scott, did Scott know?

There was a knock on the door.

"Yes?" Jean asked.

"Jean, it's me," Scott announced.

"Come in, Scott."

The door opened and Scott entered the room with a reassuring smile on his face, and a relaxed manner that was a pleasure and a comfort for Jean. She looked upon him and smiled.

"Hi beautiful," Scott said in greeting.

Jean blushed; she loved it when he called her that.

"Hello handsome," Jean replied.

Scott sat down next to Jean on her bed and placed his arm around her. She leaned into him and placed her head on his shoulder.

"Are you ready to talk about it?" Scott asked.

"Yes and no," answered Jean, looking away from Scott, dreading what she had to do next.

Scott was perplexed. "Thanks for clearing that up."

"I'm not kidding around Scott," Jean said with all seriousness. "You'll have to trust me on this."

"Of course" Scott answered without hesitation.

Jean was so moved by Scott's loyalty and faith in her. He was making things worse.

"Scott?"

"Yes, Jean?"

"If I ask you to do something, and it sounds strange and crazy, would you do it?"

Scott pondered a moment and answered with another question.

"Does this have anything to do with what happened with the sleepover? Some kind of weird truth or dare thing?"

"Yes and no."

"You need to give me more than that Jean."

"Look, all you need to know is that I need you to do what I ask you to do. I know it's a lot to ask but I need you to trust me on this."

"I'm not going to be in my underwear in public will I?" Scott asked nervously. Those girls could be incredibly cruel.

"No, no," Jean replied, chuckling a little at the idea. She almost wished it was something so simple. "It's something else."

"Well Jean, you've kept me in suspense long enough, what is it I have to do?"

"I need you....," Jean paused and stammered. "I need you to take...Rogue out."

"That's it?" Scott asked in surprise.

"What do you mean 'that's it?!'" Jean replied, shocked by Scott's apparent flippancy.

"Well," Scott said, "we go out all the time. We went out last week. There's no problem."

Scott paused. He then turned to face Jean.

"Unless," he began, "there's something else that you're not telling me?"

Jean didn't want to lie to Scott but she had to conceal the details. How would Scott react to her lending him out on a date? It was better that he didn't know. Better for him, waaay better for her.

"No, no," Jean answered. "Just take her out tonight, whatever she wants to do, you do!"

"Okay!"

"When I say 'whatever she wants to do', I mean whatever activity outside the mansion that she wants to that both of you will enjoy doing."

"Right."

"Because when I mean 'enjoy', I mean have fun."

"I figured that."

"But not too much fun."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I want you and Rogue to have a good time."

"I've got that much."

"But not too good a time."

"Now you're losing me."

"Look," sighed Jean, trying to do the best she could to convey what she wanted. "Just do what you normally do together."

"Okay."

"What are you not telling me?!" Jean asked, overreacting to Scott's quick answer.

Scott, seeing that this conversation was not clearing things up, he placed her hands on Jean's shoulders, and tried to calm her down.

"Jean, listen," Scott said, as he looked into her eyes. "If you lost some crazy bet that means I have to treat Rogue to a night out, I'm okay with that. I'm not mad. So I lose a little money, so what? And if you're worried about me and Rogue, there's no need to be jealous..."

"Jealous?!" Jean exclaimed. "I am not jealous! Do you hear Scott Summers?!"

"Now Jean..." said Scott, sensing that he was in trouble because Jean was using his full name. "All I meant was..."

"Listen to me Scott Summers! I am not some insecure little school girl. I am a grown woman, and I love you..."

Scott lost all the color in his face. Jean saw this; she knew the 'L' word scared Scott to death. Maybe it wasn't a stereotype. Maybe men were afraid of commitment. It was this that frightened her. Jean was in so deep in love, she needed to be reassured. If he could just say it to her, what she needed to hear, she wouldn't break out into hysterics, as she was doing at this particular time. It wasn't meant to pressure him, much. Jean said to herself she wasn't going to pressure him. But it didn't mean that she wouldn't bring it up.

"Scott," Jean continued, "You know how I feel about you. And I have faith that you feel that way too. We share something so special. But when you don't say it back to me, and you're hanging out with other girls..."

"Jean," Scott said, interrupting her. "Rogue and me are just friends. Just friends. She's not interested in me at all. I'm not her type. We hang out and spend time together but nothing ever happens. We just have fun. Jean, I would never hurt you, lead you on, cheat on you, or anything. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. I would never screw it up. Not for anyone."

Scott drew Jean close to him and held her tight. Jean relaxed in his arms. He still didn't answer her about the 'L' word. She would let him off this time. Jean knew he would be mad if he knew the whole truth about the whole sleepover incident. Scott saw Jean's silence as a sign that everything was resolved. He released his embrace and touched his forehead to hers.

"Don't worry," Scott said to her, as they held each other's hands. "I'll go out with Rogue tomorrow night. It'll be like it always is. Two friends who've been through a lot together, just having a fun night together." Then Scott had a wry smile on his face and said, "but not too much fun."

Jean smiled, and nodded in agreement. They shared a goodnight kiss, and Scott left to go to his room. Jean watched him close the door to leave and then turned to look at through the window again to night sky.

"I'm sorry Scott," Jean said to herself, "but when it comes to women, you don't have a clue."