Moving On


chapter one

By Gimpy

A content Scott made his way into the large auditorium where an after party was being held. The day had started off kind of hectic, gowns getting misplaced, found then misplaced again. The guest speaker had been almost an hour late and the valedictorian had to be replaced because of some very angry butterflies. But things were moving smoothly now and Scott was glad for it.

Coming to a stop before the entrance he read the banner hanging over the door and his smile grew.

"Welcome Graduating Class of 2003/2004!"

It was finally happening, a major year at the mansion was coming to an end and summer vacation was lingering on the horizon. Not to mention how many students would be heading off to colleges or universities. Some wouldn't due to the form of their mutations but the class load was about to get that much smaller. A gift from god if you asked any of the teachers.

To Scott however, this day meant more then a few students moving into adulthood, it meant the school as a whole was finally moving on. After all that had gone on this year: the Liberty Island fiasco, the Alkali Lake nightmare, the death of his wife, after all that life was finally recovering. It had taken months for most to get over it all but none more so then him, the x-men and for reasons unknown to any of them, Rogue. Not even Logan could explain why the young woman was affected so deeply and she'd never elaborated on that. Fact was in the end the last few to truly grieve the woman he'd loved had been Rogue, Logan and himself and he had to admit having her with him had made things that much easier.

No one could deny that a bond had formed between him and the young elusive woman. He'd spent so many nights with her sharing all the wonderful moments he'd had with his wife. He'd even cried in her arms when he needed to and he appreciated every moment of her comfort, often times wishing she'd share her own feelings so he could return the favor. Even after the months spent together Scott still barely knew a thing about her. He didn't think anyone did, aside from Logan. Was he jealous of that? Sometimes, but Scott reminded himself that now was not the time to dwell on that, today was their day, her day.

Taking in the festivities again Scott grumbled under his breath. Were it not for her he more then likely would have skipped this part all together. Still wished he could. The ceremony, he'd attended like the good leader he was but had shunned the idea of the after party. He was glad though that she'd managed to get him here. Especially at the sight that greeted him as he took another look around. He almost burst out laughing when he spotted a very uncomfortable, very irritated Logan perched against the wall behind the DJ's booth. Shaking his, Scott made his way through the crowd to the other side, stopping only to smile and congratulate his own students as he passed them. Coming to a stance before the scowling man Scott finally laughed out loud.

"She conned you into this too huh?" Scott quipped, an amused look on his face despite the glare coming from Logan.

"You honestly think I'd be here other wise?" It was rhetorical but both men knew a half grin was lingering beneath the angered flair.

Leaning against a spot next to his fellow victim Scott answered the question. "Honestly? You'd probably cut off your own…" Scott coughed and both men stared down at the center of Logan's pants. "Before you willingly came to this."

"Heh, a little extreme but the sentiment is right on." Crossing his large burly arms even further across his chest Logan stared into the crowd looking for the cruel angle that had brought him this discomfort. "How does she manage to get us to do these things?"

"I have no idea, I think it's that innocent face she gets, the one we can both see right through but can't seem to get away from. It's potent." Scott mused, crossing his own arms in the same fashion. Some how over the past few months the two men had been able to put aside their differences, in its place forming a certain understanding and respect. Their common interest now was the welfare of one vibrant and sassy girl who could make them both jump at a single command.

"Where is that girl anyway? I haven't seen her since she tossed her cap thing." The frustrated grumble in Logan's voice subsided as he grazed the room with his eyes. The streak of white was no where to be seen.

"I haven't a clue, just got here myself. She's probably here," Scott replied, roaming the crowd himself. "Somewhere…"

Out of the corner of his eye Scott saw Logan uncharacteristically flinch then try to appear as small as possible. To his knowledge there was only one person who could do that to the callused man and Scott found himself doing the exact same. Spiked heals clicked against the hard wood floors, yellow banana colored heals. Both men prayed for them to walk away, and cursed when they stopped before them.

A moments dread passed before the woman spoke. "Aww wolf-man, you sure do know how ta disappoint a chica. I was hopin for a tux, then again anything you put your sexy ass into makes me happy," Jubilee's buoyant voice was like freshly painted nails carving into a chalkboard to both men. Logan forced himself to stare at the oriental spitfire, his lips forming a pensive line. "Course it'd be better stark white - if ya know what I mean."

The demure Kitty standing next to her polar opposite squealed at the insinuation coming from her friend. "Jubes!" A blush formed on her face, darkening as Jubilee winked at the older man then walked away laughing.

Kitty lingered behind and smiled apologetically at both men. "Sorry Mr. Summers, Mr. Logan… she's well… heh yeah… Sorry!" Kitty darted away as fast as she could, the blush still raging across her porcelain cheeks.

Both men waited for a moment before stiffening their backs. A smirk threatened to burst onto Scott's face, a fact not lost on Logan.

"Don't start with me," Logan scolded the man, which simply earned him a deep chuckle.

"I think I'm going to miss you're fan club…" Scott quipped.

"Shut it One-Eye," the ornery man grounded out.

"I wonder if they'll mail you from college…" Scott couldn't stop himself now. It was just too good of a ribbing to pass up.

"One-Eye…" Logan seethed.

"I can just see it now… Bundles of fan mail all addressed to you clogging up the front door, coming by trunk load and each one starting off with… Dear Wolfy, Here's a picture of me in my sexy playboy underwear, can I have one of you in you're tighty whities?" To add to his teasing Scott took on an all too familiar Asian tone to his voice.

Almost to the boiling point Logan jabbed back as best he could, "Yeah? And what about the Summer's Fan Club. I bet they'll all wanna have picture of your tiny little…" Logan mimicked Scott's earlier action, coughing then looking to the center of his pants. Before Scott could respond Logan added, "You can use mine if you want… don't want to disappoint the fan base."

"Why you… You stupid… you…" Scott shook his head trying to find the right words but falling short. "Below the belt, way below the belt." Scott watched Logan lean back against the wall with a smug look on his face and couldn't let that stay there. "Course below the belt on men is where your expertise lies…"

"That's it…" Logan growled, ready to pounce on the taller man. Scott let out a laugh and lightheartedly fought back as Logan wrapped an arm around his neck in a chokehold. The squabbling men came to an abrupt halt when a familiar and absolutely friendly laugh washed over them. Peering up from their hunched over positions both men slowly took in their interrupter. Emerald heals encased polished toes and shimmering straps gracefully climbed slender tanned legs before disappeared into an equally shimmering and flowing shirt. At the waste the fabric apexed and transformed into a paler shade of the green, emphasizing the thin and taunt stomach that lay behind it. Firm but demure breasts were framed by lace that trailed up to delicate shoulders then slipped off and traveled the length of this beauty's long shapely arms. Every spec of skin was covered except the tips of this woman's elegant shoulders and up. But what entranced them the most was the soft curls of white and auburn hair that seemingly framed her brightly-lit face.

A radiant smile greeted them when they finally reached the top. Both men quickly stood up, Scott brushing his suit down and Logan just smiling nonchalantly. Rogue shook her head softly causing more wisps of hair to escape from her messy bun.

"Rogue," "Marie," they spoke at the same time.

Letting out another soft giggle, she drawled softly, "Ah do love seein' mah two favorite guys getting' along."

"You, you look… well," Scott stumbled and Logan picked it up.

"I think he means stunningly beautiful."

Shying away from their appraising looks both men caught the frown form on her face. "Ah dun know, Ah feel kinda frumpy."

"Frumpy?" Logan asked, a wrinkle forming in his brow.

"Yah know, not in the least bit elegant but not quiet ugly either. Ah mean look at this thing…" she pouted, turning around to give them a full view. "Ah'm covered from head ta toe in what may as well be a burlap sack an Ah sure as hell don't feel sexy. Ah mean this ain't exactly the dress Ah'd pictured mahself wearing for mah graduation party."

Frowning at the girl Logan reassured her in his Logan-ish way, "Ya don't always need cleavage to be sexy, kid."

"For once the barbarian is right, crudely stated, but right. You look amazing and completely elegant." Scott added.

Smiling despite her self, Rogue looked down at herself. "Ah guess y'all are right." Looking back up with a hint of mischief in her eyes she joked, "Least Ah know Ah've got cleavage even though no one else can see it."

"And it had better stay that way." Logan half growled.

Laughing softly Rogue took a moment to size up her nights in shinning armor. Catching sight of Scott's hazardous tie she laughed even louder. Stepping into him she teased him with her eyes. "For a man who's at least ten years my senior yah'd think yah'd know how ta tie a tie." Her agile, gloved hands went to work fixing the messy cloth.

Scott's smile faded for a moment as thoughts of his Jean floated to the forefront of his mind. "I've never really had to do it myself…"

Sighing softly, Rogue patted down the now fixed tie. "Ah guess Ah'll just have ta teach yah how." The two stared into each other's eyes for a moment, conveying as much comfort and understanding as they could in only a matter of moments. Giving him another tap on the chest, Rogue broke the sour moment and turned to Logan. She took in his all to familiar jeans, huge belt buckle, red plaid button up shirt with the white tank top underneath and his leather jacket on top of that. "As for you ya big lug… Ah was hoping for at least a tie," she chided, stepping towards him.

"Yeah well you only asked that I come, never said I had to dress up." Logan rebelled, though he knew he'd done it only to get a rise out of her, a pastime he'd never tired of.

Indignant, Rogue stared at him in mock shock, hands firmly on her hips. "Ah do believe it was implied Logan."

Logan simply shrugged his shoulder and replied, "I've never been good at subtle." Reaching out for her hand, he pulled her into a bear hug and whispered, "Congrats kid."

Rogue couldn't help but roll her eyes as she hugged him back. "Ah think you can stop calling me kid now. This is mah graduation party."

"You think but I don't."

Laughing again she pulled back. "No Ah don't suppose you do." Sighing again, Rogue turned and drank in the décor. Bright reds, candy sweet pinks and translucent whites adorned every piece of furniture the decorators could get their hands on. Streamers and see-through drapes dangled from pillars and home made trestles placed at the entrances. Each table was set with white and pink roses as centerpieces, the tablecloths shimmered in glossy white sparkles and at the back of each chair a long piece of fabric seemingly glided from one side to the other. All in all it reminded Rogue of a Barbie playhouse. She half expected to find Barbie herself waltzing into the room. "Ah don't get why the Professor let Kitty and her plastic Barbie doll friends do this… it's… well Ah've had nightmares just as bad as this."

"It is nauseating." Scott admitted. A thought quickly popped into his head and he acted before Logan could. "I do believe you promised me at least half your dance card."

Rogue's nose scrunched at the thought. "Ah dun know, there's so many people, what if Ah accidentally bump into someone."

"Sorry, not gonna work." Scott didn't give her another chance to argue, gently taking her hand and leading her out onto the crowded dance floor. He laughed at the pleading look she sent Logan but was grateful when the other man simply shrugged helplessly. "Don't worry I'll keep you safe."

Allowing her former teacher to pull her into his arms smoothly she dejected, "It's not me Ah worry about."

Shaking his head, Scott wrapped a loose hand around her waist. "Just enjoy your graduation and don't laugh at me when I step on your feet." That made her giggle and relax into his hold.

The couple glided along the floor smoothly, a romantic melody spurring them on. Rogue allowed herself to feel ever so slightly normal and awed at Scott's innate ability to do that for her, a trait he shared with Logan and no one else. Through out the entire ceremony she'd been dreading this moment, this whole party but now maybe it wouldn't be so bad to sit back and enjoy it. At the moment she had every thing she could ask for. Her boys were getting along and getting on with their lives. She may not be heading off to college but the Professor had offered to give her college level courses on the side and much to the disapproval of Scott and Logan, her x-men training was in a week. Ororo and the new doctor, Hank something, were helping her to understand the limitations of her mutation and perhaps even find a way to control it. Everything was falling into place and that scared her. Whenever anything got good for her they almost always tended to coming crashing down. A fact of life she knew all too well but for now she'd enjoy the simple act of dancing, laughing and having fun with her makeshift family.

The couple finished the song and the next two after that then Logan cut in for a few, surprising everyone but her. The night went off without a hitch, everyone danced and even started up a kareoke contest that Jubilee won of course. As a standard of tradition the punch was spiked, replaced then spiked again and through out it all Rogue just danced with her boys. When the last hour of the night rolled around she found her way to Logan's side, a smirk on her face. She'd been able to snag a couple of glasses of the spiked punches before they were totted off by the teachers and was feeling mighty giddy. Something Logan noticed right away but chose to ignore.

Pressing her own back into the wall next to him she caught sight of Scott dancing closely with a very graceful Ororo and smiled. It quickly fell when she remembered why she'd come over. Dropping her head onto Logan's arm she mumbled, "Ah'm sorry yah can't remember your own graduation…"

Her words caught Logan by surprise though he should have expected her to see through him. "What makes you think I care about that?" He asked, trying to save as much face as he could.

"Ah know you Logan," she whispered back softly, titling her up to stare into his eyes. "An Ah see it in your eyes."

Logan let out a breath of uncertainty, "Yeah well it's fine, alright. You should be enjoying yourself." He looped an arm around her shoulders and half hugged her, resting his head atop hers. "Not worrying about me."

Curling her fingers around his arm she sighed, "Ah can't help it, ah worry about both of yah."

Logan knew she was talking about himself and Scott and couldn't help the jealous tingle in the back of his mind. He ignored it like he had been all night when he'd been forced to watch them dance and laugh together. It didn't mean anything, or so he hoped it didn't. Letting silence lap over them, neither one spoke, content to just stand in each other's arms. Feeling her eyes starting to droop, Rogue sprang to life, quickly pulling out of his arms and attempting to force him towards the floor. "Dance with me?"

Logan grumbled at the slender girl. "We have… dozens of times. I do still have a semi reputation to uphold." He tried to fight it but knew he was doomed when her sultry bottom lip jutted out in the cutest pout he'd ever seen.

"Please?" she pleaded tilting her head to the side. "Pretty, pretty, please?" Slowly she closed in on him, trailing her fingers up his chest, an innocent look on her face the entire time.

Logan's shoulders dropped in defeat. "Fi-iiine!" Logan practically yelped as she forcefully pulled him off the wall. She didn't wait for his consent to fully leave his lips having seen it in his eyes long before he spoke. Dragging the man to the exact center of the floor she wrapped one arm around his neck and looped her gloved fingers through his. Shaking his head and smiling down at her, he pulled her tightly to him and tried to keep a straight face on. "I'm going to have to kill you, you know."

"Oh please, yah've been dancin with me all night. Ah think your reputation is pretty well shattered."

"Doesn't mean I won't be getting you back," he countered jokingly into her ear.

"Ooh," she crowed, shivering in fear. "Ah'm so scared of the big bad wolf man."

"You should be." Logan growled, sounding more like a cat rather then a wolf. Intentionally of course, simply to gain the laugh that she muffled in his chest.

Gliding along softly, Rogue snuggled deeper into him with a sigh. "Ah don't think Ah want this night ta end."

Logan wordlessly agreed by dominantly pulling her closer. Their pace slowed to an even lull from side to side and in that moment Logan swore that he'd do everything he could to make her as happy as she had been tonight. It was a sight that was a long time coming and neither Scott nor himself wanted to lose that.

"Hey chica!" Out of nowhere Jubilee's overpowering voice broke the spell that had befallen the two. Releasing their holds simultaneously the two stared at the yellow glad girl. Logan glared but Rogue simply smiled which Jubes returned. "Mind if I cut in?"

Logan's eyes widened and his stomach dropped at the idea of having to dance with the overt girl. Rogue caught the look and bit her lip to keep from laughing. Looking back and forth between the two she stepped out of Logan's arms. "Sure, why not?"

Logan's eyes widened even further and he mentally swore he was going to kill her. A though he conveyed with an evil glare.

Jubilee didn't notice the interaction and surprised both Rogue and Logan when she stepped in front of Rogue and offered her, her hand. "Care to dance milady?" Covering her mouth with her free hand Rogue nodded with a goofy grin on her face. Smiling broadly, Jubilee turned to Logan with an apologetic look on her face. "Sorry big fella, but ya gotta learn how ta share sometime."

Logan was just glad it wasn't him, relieved actually so without thought he stepped back and let the girls have their fun. "See at the wall." He called to Rogue as Jubilee started to dance them away.

Rogue could barely contain her laughter but went along with Jubes. "Who's leading? Me or you?"

Laughing right along with her friend Jubes shrugged, "You look far more elegant tonight then me chica so I guess I should."

"Aww, thanks… We could take turns yah know."

Jubilee just shook her head at the idea and slowly led the dance. Rogue could tell there was something on her friend's mind and had an idea as to what it was. Giving Jubilee's shoulder a squeeze to get her attention she gave voice to her concerns, "Yah know yah don't have to do this right?"

Confused Jubilee stared at Rogue for a moment before questioning her, "And what am I doing exactly?"

Shooting her a disbelieving but understanding look Rogue turned them so they were both looking towards the object that had once been her crush and was now this girls. "Him…"

Jubilee tried to feign stupidity again but failed. "I'm sorry Mar… I tried… I really did."

Despite herself, Rogue smiled at the given nickname as well as at the stupidity of this girl. "Jube-Jube, girl, Bobby an Ah are so over, have been for months. Yah have free reign here. He likes you, yah're smitten with him. Go for it before Ah kick your tiny Asian ass."

Jubilee's features light up like a Christmas tree. "Really? Cause we're going to the same school in the fall an we'll be in some of the same classes and… you really think he likes me?"

Giggling Rogue let go of her friend and gave her a little shove in Bobby's direction. "He adores yah! Now go before I magically decide ta have him back."

Jubilee moved to do as she was told but stopped short. Turning back to her friend, she pulled Rogue into a hug. "You're unbelievable, ya know that? If it were me I never would have let anyone go after any of my ex's."

Hesitating for a moment Rogue reassured the girl, "Just be glad Ah'm not you."

Letting out a relieved sigh Jubes' smile grew even more, "I am, trust me, I am. Thank you."

"Ya, Ya. Go, now!" Jubilee did, racing off to ask Bobby to dance with her. Mentally Rogue was berating herself, trying to keep her heart from slamming out of her chest. She had to get out of here, now. Searching the exits for the closest she chose the one that led out onto the balcony and started to make her way there. Before she got two feet she felt a tug on her arm and was spun around, slamming into a broad chest she didn't recognize. Pushing against the muscular wall she snapped her eyes up to see a face she'd never seen but there was something about it. She couldn't grasp what that was.

He was a handsome man in every sense, tall and dark with shaggy hair and a slight stubble along his jaw with smoky deep hazel eyes that bored right through her. Everything about him called to her and without a word he led her into his arms. A shiver ran through her at the feel of his arms around her. It wasn't sexual but undoubtedly familial.

His thin lips parted and what came out shocked Rogue's already racing mind. "Hello my dear."

That voice, those eyes, this hold, all of it was familiar but different. She searched her mind for some kind of hint anything but lost her breath when the figure crushed her to his chest.

"Congratulations on graduating… two years later then you should have."

"What?!" she snapped in a heated whisper while struggling against his hold. "Ah don't know what yah're talking about now let me go."

His hold didn't loosen for a single moment, it in fact tightened tremendously. "Shut up and don't say a word."

Rogue closed her mouth, biting back a cry of pain. Fear coursed through her, preventing her from saying a thing.

"Just smile and dance, act like everything's fine, great in fact," he demanded and Rogue followed his order, stiffly moving with him. He waited a moment before talking again, "They don't know do they?" he asked.

Struggling to breathe she stared up at him, her own eyes pleading into his dark beedy ones. A flash spread through them and she grew even more confused.

"Do they know how old you really are? Or how long you were actually on your own? Do they even know the real you?" The man sneered at Rogue as tears formed in her shinning green pools.

"Why are yah…" she started but cut off when the hold he had on her hand tightened beyond all reason.

"No talking, just listening, got that." Rogue nodded, going stiff again. "Good girl." He paused before speaking again. "I'm happy for you… don't give me that look, I mean it. You've made quite the life for yourself here. Of course it's all based on layer upon layer of lies."

Rogue listened, barely able to breathe and unwilling to make eye contact. Instead she scoured the crowd for Logan or Scott, desperate for one of them to spot her.

"What do you think they'd do if they knew? Knew whom you worked for before 'he' found you? What you did, how many people you hurt?" The man poured as much venom he could muster into his voice.

"Ah never… ah!" she tried to defend herself and was rewarded with a jab to the stomach.

"Be silent." He snapped twisting then around, making sure no one had heard her soft cry. "You never what? Did it? Or wanted to? Either way you and I both know you're wrong. You never had to do what you did. There was always a choice and you were never forced into anything." Calming slightly and returning to the dance he caught sight of her face. "Smile Marie and stop crying."

She tried to smile but couldn't stop the tears. Trembles over took her, shaking her to the core like a leaf ready to fall from the branch.

"You want to know what I want?" he murmured into her ear, causing even more trembles along with a nod. "Alright, tomorrow around three, meet me here," he directed, slowly placing a note into her hand. "If you don't show I'll tell them all everything and you'll find yourself being run out of here like you were nine years ago." He gave Rogue a moment to digest what he said then asked, "You understand? Do you?"

Nodding her head in jerky movements Rogue sputtered a timid, "Yes."

Giving her a charming smile he pulled back. Taking her crushed hand in his he laid a gentle kiss on the throbbing limb. "Good. I'll be seeing you." With that he turned and left.

All Rogue could do was stand there and watch him go. Every breath she took was a struggle and when he'd finally vanished out the patio door she let out a heart wrenching gasp before collapsing to the ground. She didn't even noticed the concerned voice of Jubilee or feel the arms of both Scott and Logan as they picked her off the floor and led her away. All she knew in that moment was the danger all the people she'd come to love were in. Danger she was the cause of.

TBC but only if you want it to be...