23
Rogue sighed as she got up in the morning. Last night had been… well, great. Besides the little drama in the restaurant but. Rogue still felt very uneasy about the very end of the night. She dressed for school and headed out, feeling like she was walking on eggshells. She was worried about bumping into Gambit and it being awkward. She was worried about the other Acolytes and what they would think about her going on a date with Gambit. Would they think she was wiped and easy?
Rogue glanced into the kitchen and dining room before entering. She could smell the bacon before she saw it. And to her dismay, there was Gambit, humming in the kitchen while he cooked. Great, Rogue though, what did she do now?
Then she eyed Colossus and she got an idea.
Rogue sucked in a breath, put on a brave, smiling face and just went for it.
"Hey Pete, Remy." She said, letting onto him.
"Bon matin!" Gambit said, seeming chipper.
Rogue focused her attention on Colossus. He was smiling up at her passed his newspaper and coffee.
"Good morning." Colossus said.
Gambit wasn't sure what he was expecting when it came to seeing Rogue, but he had been looking forward to it. He was sure his day would start with him and Rogue flirtin, him kissing her hand and then her arms wrapped around his waist as he gave her a lift to school. So, he was a little taken back when he saw Rogue head straight for Colossus, barely batting an eye at him.
"That was a cheeky little surprise ya left meh last night. Thank you! I loved it!" Rogue said.
Colossus blushed and Rogue chuckled. She knew what she said had sounded flirtatious, but she couldn't help her wording. She was just trying to thank him for the new gadgets she came back to last night. She'd walked into her room and found a tv in there and some candles and a cd player. It was a really nice and sweet thing. Gambit had told her it had been Colossus' idea when he walked her to her door late last night. She told herself then to remind herself now to thank him, so she was trying to.
"Do you mean for the television?" Colossus asked.
"Ah-huh. You know, if I get cool gifts like that whenever ya trash ma room, feel free ta do it more often!" Rogue said, laughing as she found herself funny.
Gambit watched as Colossus went back to having a shy smile on his face. He was glad his advice to Colossus on how to continue to make amends with Rogue had worked. He had felt a spike of something rise within him when he heard Rogue thanking Colossus for last night, but then, after he realised what it was she was doing (which was what she told him she was going to do last night) he began to calm down again.
"You wanna bacon and egg muffin again Cher? Or how's about waffles?" Gambit asked.
Rogue glanced at him and blushed bright red. He grinned at that. He liked that he had that reaction on her. What he didn't like was what she did next.
Rogue had smiled at Gambit, not knowing what else to do and said, "Actually, I really wanna set off to school today. You know, before Magneto changes his mind about me goin' and all." Rogue then turned to Colossus quickly, seeing Gambit's mouth move as he was about to say something, "Do ya think you can give meh a lift again?" she asked Colossus.
Gambit's face dropped at that. Rogue was turning towards Colossus for a ride to school. But… there date?
"Erm, I believe Gambit is able to take you to school again if you wish." Colossus said, glancing at Gambit having seen how hurt the man looked that Rogue had asked him for a ride. He hardly ever saw Gambit with his feelings hurt.
"Oh, he had meh last night. I've barely spoken two words to ya since yesterday mornin'. I think we're in need for a catch up." Rogue said, picking up a slice of toast from the table and heading towards the garage.
"See you later Remy." She called out, feeling a little guilty about just upping and ditching him like that, but she couldn't help it. She needed some space away from him after all.
Colossus stood up, watching Rogue leave the room. He turned to face Gambit.
"If you wish, I could tell her I am busy this morning." Colossus said to Gambit.
Gambit's eyed the Russian after watching Rogue walk out. He pulled up a face realising that Colossus had seen straight through him and his emotions.
He snorted, annoyed that Rogue had just ditched him like that when he thought they were making progress. He turned off the frying pan, throw the pot towel down and said: "You best not keep de fille waitin'."
Gambit left the kitchen, waiting for Rogue and Colossus to leave.
Colossus rubbed the back of his head, feeling awkward. He had noticed how upbeat Gambit had been this morning and he had not heard any arguments last night. He assumed the date had gone well. Now, he wasn't so sure. He followed after Rogue, guessing the only way to figure things out was by hearing her side.
Xxxxx
"So, how did your date go?" Colossus asked Rogue.
Rogue closed her eyes. She'd been glancing out the window, not looking forwards to the question she knew was coming.
"It was fine." Rogue said.
"Did you not enjoy yourself?" Colossus asked.
Rogue sighed, folding her arms over her chest. She figured she couldn't keep running away from Gambit forever and Colossus was one of the best people in her life to talk to about something like this.
"It's not that. I did and it went really well. We actually weren't at each other's throats, well, at least, not all night." Rogue said.
"But?"
Rogue sighed out again, "But… well, what do all dates end with?"
"Well, if the date went well then normally two happy people." Colossus said.
"A kiss, Pete. They end with a kiss." Rogue said, still not looking at him.
Colossus glanced at Rogue, feeling saddened for her.
"Did he?" he asked.
"No. Well, sorta. He kissed ma hand, but…arugh," Rogue growled out, "There's a reason I can't do dates. It's not gonna go anywhere! Not with me. If it woulda just been just some day out with him as a friend, then yeah, it woulda been fine 'cause friends don't kiss. But he made it a date. A date, well… there's usually something more behind it." Rogue said.
"So, you are frustrated that you could not kiss Gambit at the end of your date?" Colossus asked, rather amused.
Rogue huffed, going red. "It's not that I couldn't kiss him. Well, it just felt awkward. Everything was goin' fine. He was behavin', sorta, and was a gentleman walkin' meh back to his room, but… Well, it just felt so odd having him just kiss ma hand and walk away with a smile on his face." Rogue said.
"So, Gambit was happy with the date." Colossus said.
"How could he have been? It's not like it was gonna go anywhere." Rogue said.
"Sometimes, it is not all about touch Rogue." Rogue now glanced at Colossus, jaw dropped. There was someone else saying that to her again. "Gambit knows your limits and I believe he is alright with that. I do not believe he would go to the trouble of courting you so if he was not content with your situation… So I believe," Colossus said, rethinking his view on Gambit a little there. "Although Gambit does not seem affected by your condition, it does appear you are."
Rogue glanced at him with big, vulnerable eyes. It kind of hurt Colossus' heart to see Rogue looking so misplaced and vulnerable.
"I cannot say that I understand what you are going through, Rogue, but I know it much not be easy. Not being able to touch… Perhaps you should speak with Remy about this? He had seemed happy all morning until it appeared you were ignoring him. If touch is something that is affecting you when it comes to having a relationship with him, then perhaps you should discuss it with him." Colossus said.
"I tried that already," Rogue said, remembering how she'd basically yelled it in his face after the restaurant nightmare. But, he'd just pulled her in and held her, not caring. She guessed he was trying, but she just didn't know. She still didn't know if she was just a challenge to him. Was everything he was doing just to try and score with her? Was what he was saying last night, about her being intriguing and like any girl he's ever meet before true?
"It is not an easy thing to understand. My advice would be to speak with Gambit again. Perhaps, in a less romantic setting. Explain how you feel about entering a relationship. If that is what you really want." Colossus said, pulling up at Rogue's school.
Rogue sighed, "Honestly, I don't know what I want anymore." She said, getting out of the car.
That made Colossus feel guilty. Rogue had always been so strong and known what she wanted. Having gotten involved with the Acolytes had changed that. Damaged her, maybe. He just hoped she would have a good day at school and figured out what it was she wanted soon.
Rogue climbed out of the car, pushing passed all the cheerleaders who had come to say hi the Colossus. As Rogue got through the last of the girls and kept walking towards the school, she gasped as she felt an arm wrap around her shoulders. For a moment, she thought it was Gambit. But then, his voice changed that.
"Hey beautiful! I missed you Friday. Where've you been?" Duncan asked.
Rogue turned wide eyed to see Duncan Matthews smiling down at her. This confused her. She had actually forgotten all about Duncan. She wondered why he was here, wrapping his arm around her when he was supposed to be dating Jean. He raised his eyebrow at Rogue's shock. Rogue went to push against his chest and move away, but Duncan seemed to develop super strength as he pulled her back into his chest, trapping her arms in an awkward position.
"Oh, I had ta go to the doctors for ma skin condition." Rogue said, her eyes wide with panic.
"Awww, babe, that's horrible. Don't you worry though, I'll make sure no one even thinks about touching you today." Rogue wanted to snort at that since he was the only one at school who had been touching her really. "I'll take care of you. Now, come on. Let's get going." Duncan said, pulling Rogue along.
Rogue nearly tripped as he turned her quickly and started pulling her along by the shoulder. Rogue had glanced back over his shoulder to see that Colossus looked mad and dangerous as he glared at the back of Duncan's head.
As she was spun around though, Rogue tried to pull out of Duncan's grasp.
"Duncan, ma skin." She said.
But he didn't listen as she moved out from the arm around her shoulder. Instead, he reached out and took hold of her hand, now pulling her along into school.
Rogue saw that the X-Men had arrived and that Jean Grey was just stood there watching Duncan pull Rogue across the school lawn. Rogue thought that was bad since it looked like something else.
"Duncan, your hurting me!" Rogue said, trying to pull her hand out of his grip. She knew she was strong enough too. And if not her, then Blob was, but she was trying to avoid using her powers at school considering the X-Men might still be trying to figure out if she was a mutant or not.
"Oh, sorry." He said, but moved back to wrap his arm around her waist. "Your just gonna have to tell me how's best to hold you, you know? I'm a fast learner."
"There's not really a best way. I don't like bein' touched." Rogue said, struggling to find a way out of Duncan's assault.
It felt like everyone was looking at them now. Gossiping about them. How they thought it was Duncan and Jean who were back together. Not Rogue and Duncan together. Rogue kept her eyes down, not liking the gossip.
"Would ya please let up?" she asked, pushing away from him again.
Then, a purple head appeared in front of Rogue and Duncan.
"Rogue! There you are. I've been worried sick about you." Risty said, blocking Rogue from going any further as she stood directly in front of her.
"Oh, I-I'm fine. Just a doctor's appointment."
"Just?" Risty said, moving into Rogue's personal space quite intensely. "Girl, you haven't picked up the phone to me all weekend. You just disappeared on me."
"Wait, you have her number?" Duncan asked Risty. But Risty ignored him.
"We seriously have to catch up! Come on! I've got so much to tell you." Risty said, taking Rogue's hand and leading her out of Duncan's arms.
Rogue felt glad that she had gotten away from Duncan who was left staring after her, but now, she had to deal with Risty who seemed to have a hundred questions about what her doctor's appointment was about and what actually happened there.
Rogue had a feeling today was going to be a bad day for her.
Xxxxx
Gambit had made it to Bayville high before Colossus and Rogue. He'd been hidden, watching Rogue get out of the car looking miserable. Then he saw Duncan Matthew's reach for his girl and acting all chummy with her. Gambit charged the card that he was rolling around his hand. Anger taking over him. He watched as Rogue struggled to get away from the jock. He knew she was strong enough, but why wasn't she pulling away. The answer soon came to him, but his emotions were in control of his mind right now as he watched Duncan hold Rogue's hand then wrap his arm around her waist.
Gambit felt his blood boil. Holding Rogue around her waist was his thing. No one else's. He watched Risty come and take Rogue away and, for once, he was glad Mystique had been there to get Rogue out of trouble.
He de-charged the card and placed it back in his pocket. He walked off, going to find his spot where he could spy on Risty and Rogue for the rest of the day.
xxxxx
Rogue had kept her head down as much as she could throughout the school day. People had come up to her to ask if she was with Duncan and she'd, somehow, dodged answering that question. While going to one of her classes, Rogue pulled Risty to one side and asked for her help getting away from Duncan at lunch. Risty looked uneasy, but agreed.
Somehow, the coach had demanded all of the football jocks do practice at lunch so Duncan was nowhere to be found. Rogue was sure Risty somehow had something to do with it but she wasn't complaining as she took a seat with her.
"What the heck happened?" Risty asked.
"I think Jean and Duncan's date this weekend didn't go as well as I planned." Rogue said.
"Seriously! It was hard enough finding a moment alone with you all day! So, Duncan's back into being interested in you?" Risty asked.
"It appears so," Rogue said, sighing.
"What are you going to do?" Risty asked, watching Rogue play with her food.
"I really don't know right now. But I'll think of something." Rogue said.
"Let's hope so." Risty said, "So, you never finished telling me what you did with your weekend." Risty said.
Rogue leaned on her hand, wishing she didn't have to deal with Risty.
"Not much."
"Oh come on! I know that look. Something definitely happened! Come on, tell me!" Risty said.
Rogue sighed again, "Well, I got into a fight with ma stepbrother but we made up."
"What was the fight about?" Risty asked.
"I can't really remember," Rogue lied, "I guess I just said something that upset him, he wrecked ma room, then we both apologised, then he bought meh a new tv to say sorry." Rogue said.
"A new tv? Really? Wow! That's awesome, but… your stepbrother doesn't seem like the type to suddenly lose his cool. So what happened? What was said?" Risty asked.
"I'd rather not say." Rogue said, still looking down.
"Something else happened, didn't it?"
Rogue sighed again, putting her folk down. She thought, maybe, talking to Risty about Gambit would help, but she wasn't too sure how much.
"Well, I kinda went on a date with Remy." Rogue said.
"Seriously!" Risty said, her jaw dropping. "But I thought you weren't into him in that way?"
Rogue placed both hands over her face. "It's complicated! I more agreed to it to, well, stop him from being so damn flirty."
"And how'd that work out for you?" Risty asked, sitting forwards with her hand under her chin, a knowing look on her face.
"Honestly, I thought I was gonna convince him that it just wasn't going to work out between us." Rogue said, never meeting Risty's eyes.
"And?" Risty asked.
"Well… I think I might actually like him. But I don't know if I do! I don't want to like him! It feels like he sees meh as a challenge and nothin' more. At least, that's what I thought. Now, I'm not so sure." Rogue said.
"So he's got into your head, huh?" Risty said.
Now Rogue glanced at Risty, confused by what she meant.
"Rogue, guys like that, they're players! I know you might think he's good and all because of the whole thing with his sister, but I've seen his type before. The way he makes this protective claim on you and all, well, it's all just a stagey to make you feel safe around him, get you to distance yourself from others and well, take advantage of you." Risty said.
Rogue stared at Risty for a long while.
"Look, I'm sorry," Risty said, holding her hands up. "I know what I'm saying is harsh, but it's nothing compared to, well, being used by a boy. Trust me. I should know."
Rogue looked down at her food, thinking.
"So, you think I was right? About him seein' meh just as a challenge?" Rogue asked.
"I think that was your gut telling you to stay away from him and you should listen to it. It's not wrong." Risty said.
"But… On the date, he just seemed so genuine. He opened up ta meh about a few things. Embarrassing things for him, but…" Rogue said.
"Hey, look Rogue, I'm not trying to tell you what to do and all, but I really think you shouldn't go out on another date with him. He's just after one thing." Risty said.
"And what's that? He knows he ain't gonna get any sex outta meh, well, because of ma skin condition. I ain't rich or anything. So what would he be gettin' outta this?" Rogue asked.
"Just because you have a skin condition doesn't mean you can't do the naughty. Or, at least, I don't think so. If I knew more about your condition, maybe I could help you figure a way around it, but, if Remy knows all about it, then he's probably thought of a way. Oh and let's not forgot that you've been saying no to him for how long now?" Risty asked.
"Well, since I've known him." Rogue answered.
"Exactly! And isn't he the type to get any woman he wants at any time? Because he sure looks like it."
"Well, yeah, but-"
"If you say yes to him Rogue, then that might just be the moment he drops you. Or, well, he might stick around until he gets something out of you, but then that's it. He'll be done with you and he'll probably find a way to dump you in the most humiliating way as possible."
"No, Remy's not like that." Rogue said.
"Isn't he? He probably feels embarrassed that ever since day since you've known him, you've told him no. To him, it's bruising his ego and he's probably going to wait for the right moment to embarrass you as badly, if not worse, then you've embarrassed him." Risty said.
"No! I don't believe he'll do that." Rogue said, slamming her fist down and getting angry. But what she was most angry about was she feared that Risty was right.
"Erm, is this a bad time?" the voice of Kitty Pride asked.
Both Risty and Rogue glanced at Kitty who was stood with her tray of food looking awkward between the two. Rogue and Risty glanced at each other before replying.
"Oh, no no. Me and Rogue we're just in a bit of a heated discussion." Risty said, seeming to look a bit upset and annoyed, but she smiled at Kitty. "What's up?" she asked.
"Oh, well, I was just, like, wondering if you girls could come shopping after school today." Kitty said, scratching the back of her head, still looking a little nervous.
Rogue sat back a little more at Kitty's offer. She felt terrible seeing Kitty. She had been avoiding her all day because of what she did to Kitty's psyche. She was starting to remember now that the real Kitty had asked her last week if she wanted to go shopping because she was trying to make up for her reacting badly to Rogue's skin. Rogue was also reminded of how she had tried to go clothes shopping herself, but she just didn't know how to deal with it all on her own. It was a new experience for her. One she didn't really know how to handle and one she didn't think she could turn to the guys for help with. She… could use some girl friends to go shopping with. And… she felt like she owed it to Kitty. Well, if not to the Kitty stood before her than the Kitty in her mind. Somehow, Rogue felt that if she cheered the physical Kitty up and accepted her extended apology, then it might just help things with the psyche Kitty. Rogue knew that wasn't completely going to work but somewhere in her mind it made perfect sense. But… would she get in trouble for shopping with the enemy? "Oh, well I'll be down for that." Risty said, "what about you Rogue? Wanna have some girl time after school today?"
Rogue was now stuck glancing between Kitty and Risty who were both looking at her questioningly.
Rogue didn't know what to say. It could be a good chance to make things up with Kitty, but would she get into trouble with Magneto if she went? Would she be putting the X-Men and the Acolytes in trouble if she did? Would she be putting Colossus' sister in danger if she did?
"Erm, well, you know I want to," she began to say.
Risty then made a point of huffing and placing her face in her hand as she leaned against the table.
Rogue turned to look at Kitty, smiling. "I'll have ta have a word with ma stepbrother later when he comes ta pick me up, but I'll be up for it if he doesn't mind."
"Oh, alright then! I'll, like, see you both after school then." Kitty said, waving at them both as she left.
Rogue was then left picking at her food as she thought over all the cons and pros of going shopping with the X-Men after school. One of those cons and pros were sat on the opposite side of the school field watching her. She'd have to figure something out to keep Jean Grey happy. Maybe even figure out what went wrong at the weekend for her. Rogue sighed and continued eating.
Xxxxx
Gambit had been listening into Rogue and Risty's conversation over lunch. He felt himself become relaxed a bit more when Rogue seemed relieved that Duncan had left her alone.
When Rogue began talking about Colossus, he wasn't that interested in it, but he was in Risty's assessment of the man. She'd hardly meet the guy so how would she know he didn't have a temper on him? After all, he could be seen as big and scary if you didn't know him like he and Rogue did.
Then Rogue began to talk about him and her and he was all ears. He listened to how Rogue said that she thought he liked her. He felt… rather warm at that. Jolly even. He guessed he did like her. Then, when he heard Rogue say that she might like him back he was over the moon. He still didn't get why she'd run away from him this morning, but when Rogue started to stress, explaining that she didn't know how she felt, it began to make sense. It had taken him time to realise he liked Rogue more than a friend and, even now, he still questioned what he wanted from her. But, if Rogue was questioning that now too, then surely, things were looking hopeful for them.
Then Rogue began to go on how she thought he was just after her because she was a challenge. He felt a little irritated at that. He knew he gave Rogue reason to think that what with his reputation and all that stuff at the beginning. But he was sure he had proven that wrong last night.
Then, he began to see red as Risty started to tell Rogue not to get with him. It felt like each time he saw this girl he was surer she was Mystique. Only an evil, deranged woman would try to ruin Rogue's happiness. And his too.
He saw Rogue become more and more annoyed at Risty, which he took as a good sign.
Then Shadowcat came over and he wasn't too sure if Rogue going shopping with the X-Men would be a good idea. Rogue felt that option open though, he noticed. He watched her and saw her glancing over at the X-Men. He wondered why.
Xxxxx
School ended and Rogue eyed searched the outside of school for any sign of Duncan.
But, of course, he appeared behind her, making her jump as his arm wrapped around her shoulders.
"Hey, how about we blow this joint and go for a drive around town, huh?" Duncan asked.
"Actually," Rogue said, slipping out from Duncan's hold. "I made plans last week to go shopping with Kitty and all today. I can't let them down." Rogue said.
"Of course you can!" Duncan said, grabbing Rogue around the waist and pulling him into his chest.
Rogue opened her mouth to say something, but Risty showed up with Kitty besides her. Risty grabbed Rogue's arm and began pulling Rogue away.
"Hey girl, let's go!" She said.
Rogue waved goodbye to Duncan, then huffed in relieve.
"Thanks for the save back there." Rogue said.
"No problem." Risty said.
"Wait, so you, like, don't like Duncan?" Kitty asked.
"No! Not really. I don't know why he's comin back onto me. I thought he was happy with Jean." Rogue said to Kitty.
"Oh, like, Jean totally had a miserable time with him at the weekend. I think she dumped him, actually. Said something about him being rude and impolite and checking out other girls while he was with her which is like totally not cool!" Kitty stressed.
"Yeah, not at all." Risty said, glancing at Rogue.
"There's ma brother. I'm gonna go talk to him about the shopping." Rogue said, walking off towards Colossus now that she was free from Duncan. Colossus was stood surrounded by cheerleaders and waiting for her. Rogue walked towards him and he reached his hand out towards her again, making a way for her to get in the van.
"Erm, Pete, can we actually talk before we drive off?" Rogue asked.
Colossus raised his eyebrow in confusion at Rogue, but stood up straighter. He politely asked the cheerleaders to leave and they did, saying they looked forwards to seeing him tomorrow and, hopefully, over the weekend.
"What is the matter Rogue?" Colossus asked.
Rogue inhaled deeply as she said, "I was invited ta go shoppin with a few girls from school."
Colossus' concern grew into a large smile. "That's great. I can drop you off at the mall if you like?"
"Erm, yeah. The thing is." Rogue said, stepping closer to Colossus as she felt like what she was about to tell him was almost an embarrassing, dirty, little secret she didn't want anyone else to know. "It's Kitty who's invited meh out."
Colossus' face dropped as he realised what Rogue was saying.
"Rogue, I am not sure that is a good idea." He said.
"I know, but… I do really need some new clothes." She said, pulling on her top. She'd worn the top she was wearing two times already.
"Is there no one else you can go with?" he asked. "Stacy seems nice." He said.
Rogue raised her eyebrows at that, "Stacy, huh?" she said, folding her arms over her chest.
Colossus blushed at that. "I mean, she has said she is looking out for you in school. Is she not?"
Rogue thought about this. "She ain't givin' meh any trouble. She and the other cheerleaders do let on ta meh, but I don't know about her lookin' out for meh. And, honestly, I would really like ta avoid spendin' time with Stacy considerin', whenever I do talk to her, she always wants ta talk about you and how she can get with ma step brother. It's kinda, well, disturbing. No offence! I just, well, I don't really want to hear someone talk about you in that way. Not because I like you or anything! I mean, what's not to like, but, you know, it's, erm,"
Colossus had begun to chuckle at Rogue stumbling over her words and blushing. He had never seen her blush so much over him before. He finally held his hand up to free her of her burden.
"It's alright Rogue. I am not offended. I do not much like hearin' or seeing the way Gambit flirts with you either. Or used to. He seems to have settled down for the time which makes me more comfortable. Not because I am interested in you, but… well, I do care for you Rogue. As if, you really were my sister." Colossus said, smiling down at her.
Rogue smiled back up at Colossus. He really thought of her as his sister? She felt so… honoured by that. Hell, this man right here was working for a man he hated just to make his sister's dream come true and to look after her. If she had a brother like that, well… she really had lucked out.
"So, you would like to go shopping with, errr, the X-Men?" Colossus asked.
Rogue nodded her head, still finding it hard to reply to him over the whole brother/sister talk. Thinking of a sister.
"Yeah, I just wanted ta get your opinion considerin', well, it ain't just our necks on the line if we screw up." Rogue said.
Colossus sighed. "Thank you for being so thoughtful. I do not believe Magneto said anything about avoiding the X-Men to you. Just to be wary of them and not let them know about your…"
"Yeah, I know. I've also pretty much done goin' over Blob's memories. I could probably go over Kitty's more, but hey, she's gonna be with meh so that might be good."
"Maybe we should call him to ask?" Colossus said.
Rogue nodded and watched Colossus take out a phone. The conversation was short with Colossus barely needing to explain anything. Colossus ended the call, turning to Rogue.
"He has given the all clear." Colossus said.
"Great!" Rogue said, "I think they can give meh a ride. I don't want you to get into trouble for not completing your-"
"I will be fine." Colossus said, raising his hand to Rogue. "I have completed most of my tasks while you have been at school."
"So, you don't mind if I go? I ain't plannin' on becomin' BFFs with them or anything. Just, I need some new clothes." Rogue said.
Colossus smiled at her, "No, I do not mind. I believe they are waiting for you over there." He said, pointing behind her.
Rogue looked over her shoulder, seeing Kitty, Jean, Risty and a couple of other girls walking closer towards her. They looked to be discussing something.
"Yeah, that's them. It looks like somethings up. Can you hang on a minute?" Rogue asked.
"Of course," Colossus said, leaning against the van.
Rogue walked towards the girls.
"Hey, what's up?" Rogue asked.
"Hey Rogue, are you still coming shopping with us?" Kitty asked.
"Yeah. I just got the all clear. Is everything alright? It sounded like y'all were debating something." Rogue asked.
"We're just struggling to figure out driving arrangements." Jean said. "I've got my car, but it won't fit us all in."
"Oh," Rogue said, "Well, we've got a van and ma brother said he wouldn't mind givin' meh a lift. I'm sure he wouldn't mind ridin' a few extra bodies around."
"All right!" a girl with blonde hair in ponytails said. Rogue didn't recognise this girl from the X-Men's files, but she did from Kitty's memories. She guessed she was a new mutant living with the X-Men that the Acolytes didn't know about. That could actually be something she could cling onto if this girl, Tabitha, was coming shopping with them. If Magneto was mad at her for going shopping rather than going through Kitty's memories, she could just say that she went shopping to play face with the X-Men and also to learn more about their new recruits.
"I call dibs on shot gun with the tall hottie!" the blonde, Tabitha said, pushing through the X-Men girls.
"Erm, I don't think so. I always call shot gun next ta ma stepbrother," Rogue said, knowing that she sounded like a totally over protective step sister, but… oh well.
Tabitha just tsked and grabbed another girl with mocha skin and dark hair, Amara, and began heading towards the van. Rogue guessed they didn't have to flip a coin to see who was riding with her.
"I'll catch a ride with you Jean, that is, if you don't mind? Just to keep the numbers even you know?" Risty said.
Kitty, Jean and Rogue all found this odd. Risty normal stuck around Rogue. But they didn't question it. Rogue just waved and told them she'd met them at the mall. She jumped in the front with Colossus who started the car. Rogue shot him a look which he didn't quite understand before she smiled and looked into the back seats of the van.
"So, I don't think we've actually meet. I'm Rogue. I just joined at the start of the week. I don't think I've seen you guys around or actually had chance to introduce maself, so it's nice ta meet yas." Rogue said, already knowing who they were, but playing the part.
"Oh no, we don't actually go here. Well, not yet. We start next week on Monday. I'm Amara by the way. It's nice to meet you too." Amara said.
"Tabitha, but you can just call me Tabby. How's it hangin' girl? And what's your name handsome?" Tabitha asked, moving to hug the back of Colossus' seat.
Rogue watched Colossus become slightly uncomfortable.
"His name's Pete. He's just focusin' on drive at the moment. So, do you two live with Jean and Kitty up at that big mansion of theirs?" Rogue asked.
"Yeah, it's cool and all. Kinda crowded if you'd ask me though." Tabitha said, sitting back and spreading out in the back.
Rogue wanted to smirk to herself, but didn't. So she was right and the X-Men had expanded and these were some new recruits. This was an interesting development. But… they didn't know anything about these mutants.
"Really? I thought livin' in a mansion would be really spacious?" Rogue asked.
"It would be. There's just a lot of us living there at the moment." Amara explained.
"Oh, I getcha. That Professor of yours who runs the place is a pretty generous guy, huh?" Rogue said.
"Yeah, he's sweet!" Amara said, "So, what shops are you thinking of looking in? I wouldn't mind checking out the music store."
"Now you're speakin' my lingo girl! What music do you listen to?" Tabitha asked.
"Oh, erm, well. I was mainly going for clothes. I'm not too sure what shops to go in. I haven't really decided what I'm after. I just know I don't want the store assistants chasin' meh off again with all their questions. And, I don't really have a strong opinion on music." Rogue said.
"What?!" Tabitha said, near jumping into the front, "You've not one of these people who hate music, are you?"
"No, nothing like that. I like music, just, I don't know. I guess I listen to rock and pop. Whatever's on the radio." Rogue said.
"Dude, seriously, after today, we're gonna have you so hyped up with awesome tunes, you'll be annoying this hunk of a man by having them on full blast and repeat." Tabitha said, creeping up behind Colossus' seat again.