Moving On - chapter 2
By Gimpy
Slowly the last drop of coffee escaped and fell into the pot, a gurgling sound following then sputtering to an end. A large burly hand covered in blue fur grabbed the pot and started to pour the bitter liquid into a small mug. Leaving it black as night, Hank turned and started towards his patient. She shivered again, a clear sign she needed the warmth he was about to offer.
"Here, drink this," Hank ordered, offering the mug nestled in his large furry hands.
Peering up at her giant blue doctor, Rogue stopped her shivering hands from rubbing her bare arms and smiled shyly. Bringing her knees to her chest, she murmured a timid thank you then took the offering and rested it softly on her knee to keep it from spilling. Blowing on the burning liquid, she tried to calm her nerves long enough to take a sip.
Sighing, Hank reached for another thin sheet and spread it along her bare shoulders, earning himself another smile. "I apologize about the chill. I will return your clothes to you soon."
"Thanks," Rogue murmured, still shivering despite herself. Taking a breath, she tried to hold steady long enough to drink the caffeine but couldn't "Ah'm sorry Ah can't…"
"It's alright," Hank reassured her, taking the cup and placing it on the tray next to the table. Pulling up a chair, he stared up at the girl who was swiftly becoming his friend. "Tell me what happened."
An embarrassed blush burned her cheeks and she tried to hide it behind her hair. "Ah hadn't eaten all day that's all, Ah just got a lil dizzy," she muttered with a sigh. "Can Ah go now? Ah feel fine." And physically she did but her mind was racing and she couldn't stop from staring at her clothes pilled on the other side of the room. That note and the secrets it held was laying over there and all she wanted to do was grab it and run to her room. At least there she could think instead of shiver.
"You were crying when they brought you to me, Marie," Hank said smoothly and reached for one of her hands, never fully touching it. "And your hand is bruised. Tell me what happened."
Rogue stiffened for a moment and Hank could tell she was hiding something from him. "Ah fell, that's how Ah hurt mah hand and that's why Ah was cryin… its nothin more than that." She cringed inside at the disappointed look on his face but didn't let it show. This was something she had to figure out on her own and she couldn't let anyone else get involved.
"Alright…" Hank pushed back from the gurney. "Physically you are extremely healthy…"
Rogue cut him off impatiently, "So Ah can go?"
Smiling at her Hank continued, "I'd like to take a few more blood samples first, just to be on the safe side."
"Then Ah can go?"
Chuckling Hank moved to gather the tray he'd prepared before. "Yes, then you are free to leave."
"Good," she muttered, running her sheet between her hands impatiently. She frowned at the sight of three vials on his tray but held out her arm. This had become routine to her, an action she'd done too many times to truly count. Waiting silently as the last vial was filled she asked, "Done?"
Hank's concern grew at her skittishness but there was something in her eyes that demanded he let it go. "Yes… I'll grab your clothes for you."
"No yah don't have to, Ah can get it mahself," Rogue protested but he simply waved her off. Slipping to the floor and wrapping the blanket around her almost completely naked form, she raced towards the large doctor and her clothes. She slid to his side and tried to grab her things from his hand before he could find the slip of paper nestled there.
"What are you…" Hank started but stopped when he saw a small square piece of paper glide to the floor.
All oxygen left her lungs as she watched him lean down and pick it up. It called to her, stark white and sitting in his large blue hands. Her fear intensified and coursed through her veins like spicy liquor when he opened the folded paper.
Reading it over Hank, stared up at her with uncertainty. "Coleman and 106th Street, La Café Croix? That's a restaurant." A coy smile formed on his furry face. "Do you have a date?"
"What! No," Rogue snapped.
Hanks smirk grew. "You have a date."
"Ah do not!"
"Sure you don't," he chastised.
Becoming indignant, she let out a breath of frustration and grabbed the paper from his hands along with her clothes. "Ah don't."
Nodding his head in mock understanding, he gave her arm a comforting squeeze before whispering, "Your secret is safe with me Marie." With that he turned and left her to dress.
"But Ah…" she called after his retreating form but it was no use. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself a moment of relief at not having to lie to Hank. Shaking it off, she dressed quickly and raced to her room, somehow managing to completely miss both Logan and Scott. There wasn't much chance of her being able to lie to either man. The friendship she had with them went too deep and she knew without a doubt they'd see right through her.
Bursting into her room, she slammed the door and fell against it. Fingering the note in her hand nervously, she replayed the night before in her mind. Whoever that man was, whatever he knew, she had to find out and her only answers started with this small slip of paper. Staring at the note, she read the words over in her head. Coleman and 106th… Coleman and 106th… La Café Croix… She'd never heard of it, didn't even know where it was.
Tossing the note onto her bed, she quickly striped out of her gown and pulled on her robe. Tying the belt into a knot, she moved to her desk and began searching wildly through each and every drawer. Everything her good hand found went flying, nothing safe from her grasp. Reaching the back of her last drawer she found her map and tore it out. Dropping to the floor beside her bed she spread it out over her covers. With the note in one hand, she went through the streets systematically until she found 106th. Gliding her finger down its path, the word Coleman popped out at her.
"Coleman and 106th… Upper East Side!" she cursed, realizing to simply get to the Upper East Side of New York from Salem road took over three hours. Resting her head in her good hand she stared at her bad one. The palm of her hand and the back were completely blue and purple, a promise of what would come if she refused to go. The sight made her want to cry and scream at the same time. For the tenth time she tried to understand all of this, tried to grasp it. In the course of one night everything she'd accomplished had been threatened. She'd worked too long and too hard to get where she was and she wasn't going to let some prick take that from her.
Checking her alarm clock, she sighed. There was barely enough time for a shower before she had to leave. How she was going to get there she didn't know, but she had to, no matter what. Tossing the map onto the floor, she grabbed the note and slipped into the bathroom.
"Mar, you in there?" Jubilee called through Rogue's thick wooden door. When she didn't get an answer she knocked forcefully. "Mar!" She tried again and still didn't get an answer. "Alright chica, if you're doing something indecent ya better stop 'cause I'm coming in!" she shouted, opening the door slowly. What she found was not what she had expected. Papers, books and clothes were strewn across the normally clean floor, desk and bed. She let out a low whistle and mused, "Hello and welcome to Kansas, tornado capital of the world…"
Making her way carefully through the mess, Jubilee paused in the center of the room. "Girl you've seriously got to invest in a maid," she joked softly. Slowly surveying the disastrous room, an unnerved feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. Moving to the bathroom she turned on the light then quickly turned it off, unsettled by her friend's disappearance as well as the state of her room.
Standing in the doorway, she glanced down the halls hoping to find Rogue coming back. The frown that had etched itself into her face vanished, replaced by a large and utterly goofy grin. Her deep hazel eyes slowly devoured the tall and well-built boy as he veered towards her. Clad in the standard basketball uniform consisting of shorts and a muscle shirt, she felt her body go warm at the sight of his well-muscled arms. Stepping towards him, her hand found its way to one of his arms on its own.
"Hey Bobby," she cooed in an unintentionally husky voice.
The sandy haired boy smiled at the gentle touch and took her hand in his. "Hi yourself. How are you this morning?"
At his words, the frown returned and she remembered her missing friend. "Not that great, actually."
Brushing his thumb over her hand, Bobby's own grin faltered. "What's wrong? Did Rogue get pissed with you for… you know… us?" He asked, motioning his free hand back and forth between them.
Grabbing his moving hand, she shook her head adamantly. "No, no. She was surprisingly okay with us, even threatened to beat my Asian ass if I didn't act on what I felt."
"Then what is it?"
Glancing back at the opened door and the mess it barely contained, she murmured, "Rogue… she's not in her room," she paused at the confused look on his face. "If it was just that, I wouldn't be worried but after last night… plus her room's a complete disaster area… I don't know, it's got me a little worried, beyond worried actually, swiftly moving towards panicky."
Chuckling softly, he brought his hand up to her face and brushed at a stray hair. "What if I told you that she's fine."
Leaning into the gentle touch, she smiled, "I'd have to ask how you know?"
Sliding into her, he touched his forehead to hers. "I saw her like five minutes ago"
Staring up at his soft blue eyes so close to her own concerned ones, she asked, "Really? Did she look okay?"
"Come to think of it she seemed… preoccupied… when I said hi she didn't even look at me, just kept on walking until she disappeared into the garage."
Snapping back, breaking the link that had been forming between herself and Bobby, she stared at him earnestly. "The garage?" He nodded. "See now I've hit panicky… I mean a girl doesn't just break down at her prom, end up in the infirmary and then take off the next…"
"MR. DRAKE!" The barreling, almost deafening, bark completely cut off Jubilee's budding rant and caused Bobby to go stark white.
Turning stiffly, the boy swallowed soundly at the sight of an enraged Logan marching in his direction. He contemplated escape but realized this man was quicker then he looked. Not that his feet would have co-operated, they were now officially rooted in place, fear stalling them. Looking to Jubilee for help, she just shrugged and gave an apologetic smile. Facing the fierce man, Bobby prayed to live past this—whatever this was.
Logan came to an abrupt halt before the scared boy, a smug but evil grin on his face. "Where are you supposed to be?"
Stuttering and shifting his gaze everywhere but on the man before him, Bobby stammered out, "In my room showering?"
Logan's eyebrow rose and his nostrils flared, the tart swell of sweat overpowering his sensitive nose. "Try again, kid." At the blank look Logan received, he snapped, "What did I tell you last night after the little stunt you and your geek friends pulled with the punch?"
Jubilee's face lit up as she gasped out, "Dude, that was you?"
"Uh…" Looking back and forth between his new girlfriend and the man that could bring about his death he stuttered, "Report to the gym and clean it?"
"Damn straight!" Logan snarled, stepping aside to allow the boy to pass. Before he let the poor thing go, Logan added with as much distaste as he could manage. "Your little pals have been in there since six! It's almost noon now so guess what you get to do?"
Daring to look up at the angered man, Bobby let out a soft, "The rest?"
"Give the boy a prize…" Logan quipped. When Bobby didn't move, he glared at the sandy blonde boy, then shouted, "Move! Now!"
Snapping out of the stun Logan had put him in, Bobby kissed Jubilee on the cheek then ran off. The kiss didn't go unnoticed by Logan who stared at Jubilee, dumbfounded.
She stood her ground with a slight smile on her face. "That was too much fun for you wasn't it? Who knew a man could get a hard on from yelling at someone…" she mused, the light in her eyes brightening when Logan groaned and turned to leave. "Ya know," she called out, following him down the corridor. "Rogue and Bobby broke up, so ya don't need to give me that look. It was a joint decision, 'sides Rogue's more than fine about me and Bobby."
"I didn't say a thing," he said with a shrug and continued on.
"Hey Wolf-man!" When his back tensed, she sighed. Grabbing his arm and spinning him around, she almost laughed at the stiff expression on his face. "Don't worry big boy, I'm not here to comment on your more than adequate ass." Everything about her turned serious, catching Logan's attention and keeping it. "I just wanna talk, seriously for a moment."
"What about?" Logan asked, crossing his large arms across his chest, the uncertain look never faltering from his face.
"Rogue." She paused, gauging his reaction, catching the slight beat that his heart skipped. "I don't know where the girl went but she's not in her room and Bobby saw her headed towards the garage. I was hoping you could… find out if she's okay. I hate to admit it, but the girl talks to you more then she does me."
Shaking his head, Logan patted the girl on the shoulder and muttered, "Doc McCoy let her out this morning with a clean bill of health. She's fine."
Jubilee rolled her eyes. "There's more to a girl than the physical." He waved her off and she muttered, "I'm not gonna argue this with you, just talk to the girl when she gets back from wherever the hell it is she ran off to." Crossing her arms, she headed back to Rogue's room to clean it up a bit.
Slowly she grabbed at the clothes sprawled on the bed and hung them on her arm. Gathering as many as she could, she turned to place them in the closet and noticed him still standing behind her.
"Where do you think she went?" Logan asked, leaning against the frame.
Placing the clothes on the back of a chair, Jubilee went through the pile, placing each one on a hanger and then in the closet. "I don't know, I don't even know what happened to her last night. I just hope that it's nothing serious… the girl has enough on her plate to deal with…"
"Yeah…" Neither one spoke as he watched her continue to clean up the mess. Sighing, he turned to leave.
Pausing for a moment she watched him go, letting out a low whistle. "I do love to watch you walk away."
"I heard that!"
"Who said you weren't supposed to!"
Rogue could barely breathe her heart and mind were racing so fast. She'd taken Logan's truck without permission and she knew when she got back there'd be hell to pay. The lack of a tracking device had been too much of a temptation to ignore. But after three and a half hours in the truck without air conditioning, and with windows that were permanently stuck in the up position, she was starting to regret the decision. The heat only added to the nerves threatening to take her over and without a radio she found herself stuck with just her mind for company. A mind drowning in questions and fears but most of all anger, at the situation and at herself for letting it happen.
As she drew closer to her destination, she went over the mission statement she'd given herself. First she had to find out what he knew or thought he knew, second find out what he wanted and third… well she hadn't gotten that far.
Catching sight of the bright neon sign with 'La Café Croix' in bold letters, she sighed. Her questions were about to get answers and she wasn't sure she wanted them.
Author's Notes
To say that I'm astounded would be an understatement. All these reviews have just made my week, especially considering my 18th birthday is on sunday. I'm sorry that this took 9 days, see the thing is I'm in the process of getting ready to build an addition to my house, a new room for me :) Which means that the last 5 days I've been working nonstop. There hasn't been much time to write and when ever I start I get booted off the computer. The reviews though... wow... 17 of them in 9 days - I normally can't get that from 6 chapters let alone one. Bare with me right now there's alot to comment on...
To...
Lynn1415 : Thank you for being the first and I'm glad I have your attention - I just hope I can keep it.
FlameDancer77 : To be honest with you I don't know who the mysterious stranger is but if it was Mystique that'd make for quite the interesting story wouldn't it? Sorry I took so long for this hopefully it lives up to your expectations.
Freelancer88 : Thank you for the vote of confidence :) I wasn't sure if I should but now I do.
Scott/My Melly : I am so surprised at how much you love this - it just makes me wanna kiss you cause it means sooo much to me coming from you. And we all know how truly small you are down there winks
Hotaru170 : I'm glad you like - I know you'd hoped for sooner but I've been busy - hopefully the next chapter won't take as long
imagica : I'll see what I can do about the W/R thing - no promises though - this thing seems to have a mind of it's own.
Stray : I love the word great - its such a... well great word Thank you for the review - sadly the guys going to remain a mystery for a while. I know I'm evil.
dudditso : thank you for thinking so :) it's good to know that it's not all for waste.
The Mishy : Hello Mishy . I can't wait till out grad either - its the real world I won't mind igorning for a little while longer. Thank you for the review and I'll see you this weekend - I think it's Sunday but I'll let you know.
Aquarius Angel : lol You'll soon find out - I just wanna prolongue it all for a while cause I'm well evil lol.
balabalooza : Aww you are soo incredible sweet! I don't know about being a great writer but thank you. As for the mistakes - my beta and my best friend was visiting her sister so she couldn't go it for me. She did this part so hopefully theres even less. Thank you soooo much for the great review
April : I am?? Awww tears up I don't think the words thank you are enough but I use them anyway. It's an amazing compliment which I am greatful for, thank you.
Shelbecat : The elusive beta is back and I'm loving it :) I know, I know angst - it's my think - but then again so is humor which I'm trying to incorperate more. Hopefully it works :) Love you!
Shy Butterfly : I hope this is okay as a second chapter and as for the Rogue/Scott - you'll hvae to wait and see - I have no set outline for this. Who knows though its a 50/50 chance
RAchel : I'm so happy that you enjoyed it and I hope to post sooner so you can know what happens. Thank you soo much for the review.
Jupiterhime : Love the sign name - its unique and seriously cool. Thanks for the review and for letting me know I should continue - I always get so unsure of myself and its reviews like this that just help me know that I'm not doing this for nothing, thanks for that.
Whitewaters : last but definetly not least - I think your review got to me most because of what you said. I'm honored that my fic is your first endevor into the movie fandom of this site and that you liked it so much. If you want I could suggest some even better fics to read by even better authors. Thank you so much for your review and for reading - maybe i've converted you? winks lol
