Summary: A single act brings hurt and grief

Disclaimer: I don't own X-Men

Rating: T

Author's Note: Wow! So many reviews in such a short time. Thank you everyone.

BETRAYAL

Chapter 6

Maui, Hawaii: Present Time

…Same day…

Dr. MacTaggert's strict policies required Scott to remain in a wheel chair, while he was being rolled through the courtyard, and across the spacious foyer of the clinic. But he could hardly contain his enthusiasm let alone stay in his seat. A rush of energy had overtaken him. He was better, hell, to coin the phrase in 'tip top shape'. Even Todd was almost knocked off his feet when he rose without assistance. The orderly burst into the facility, startling employees, mutant patients taking refuge, as he hollered for Dr. MacTaggert.

A brunette of average height and medium build came out of an examination room looking very cross. "Todd? What on earth has gotten into you?"

"Nothin' short of a miracle mum." His mouth broadened into a bright smile, as he pulled the wheelchair to a halt. Folding back the leg rest, Scott got of the chair with ease.

"Goodness gracious," Moria exclaimed, a hand clapping her cheek. "Just a few days ago you appeared close to death, now here you are healthy as an ox."

"Thanks to an angel of mercy." Scott reached behind and took Rogue by the wrist, drawing her to his side. Somewhat confused, Moria tipped her head.

"Rogue?"

The young woman shook her head, her shoulders drooped a notch. "I don't know how it happened. Scott was lying in my lap…" Her cheeks burned red and her eyes flashed with embarrassment by the way Dr. MacTaggert arched a brow. Rogue quickly recovered the foolish slip she made. "I…uh, I meant…Scott was resting his head on my lap, he'd fallen, and I had my hand on his brow."

"I remarked on how her hand was hot," said Scott. He wasn't too at ease by the look Moria had given him. "Then when I rose and Rogue commented that the bruises on my face were gone."

Moria walked closer to Scott, adjusting her glasses, a clinical expression on her face. She looked at his face as if it were an x-ray pinned to a light panel. "Remarkable," she said astounded. "You're scars and bruises are gone." She wrenched off her glasses and turned to Rogue. "How did you do this?"

She shook her head, her platinum streaks bouncing off the sides of her face. "I don't know." She gripped her fingers in a tight squeeze. "I simply touched him…I…I…."

Moira gently patted the girl on the shoulder. Apparently, she was scared and a bit confused by the whole situation. After eighteen months of physical isolation from friends and loved ones, Moira was sure the girl was at her wits end. "It's alright dear. We'll find out what going on."

"Do I have to run some test?" Rogue asked nervously.

Dr. MacTaggert nodded. "It would be helpful, but first I'd like for us to talk. Xavier has informed me of your unique abilities, but have there been any new developments." Rogue stole a glance at Scott before nodding her head slowly. "Interesting. Todd, cancel the rest of my rounds. Ms. D'Ancanto and I are going to have talk." Her hand resting on Rogue's back, the two women started down the hall, before Moria paused and turned. "Scott. You might want to notify Charles that the two of you will be returning to mansion sooner than he believes."

Rogue saw the way he hardened on mention of returning to Westchester. He didn't seem too tickled by the idea. In fact, he didn't like it at all. "I'll keep it in mind. Rogue let me know if you need anything." At that, he headed in the opposite direction to his room.

"Come with me my dear," Moria said cheerfully, leading Rogue to her office.

()()()()

Over an hour into her conference with Dr. MacTaggert, Rogue found herself on an examination table on the east wing of the facility. Her stomach was in knots, her throat was dry. She hated doctors, and needles the worse. Perhaps it had something to do with the personality of a man who shall remain nameless. Nevertheless, blood was drawn; samples were taken in order to conjure a diagnosis to her condition. She enlightened Moria on all the mutants whose powers she'd come across, which would clarify how she was able to levitate the stones to hit Scott. A piece of Jean was bouncing in her brain. A freak accident during a pool party last summer. A game of water polo had turned into a desperate fight for the ball. Although, Rogue had been completely covered in a wet suit, Jean's bare hand had come in contact with her face.

Rogue sulked, rubbing her arms, disheartened by the memory. Once again she'd managed to spoil a wonderful day all because of her cursed skin. She couldn't imagine her relief when she discovered she could touch again. It was so liberating. She wanted to dance naked on the lawn, and sing till her throat was sore. She mostly wanted to seek out Bobby, but he was too busy. Rage roused. Too busy to see she was hurting all the time because of her powers. Too busy to give her the comfort she needed. Too busy sneaking around with Kitty. No wonder she turned to Scott for that bit of friendship she yearned, when everyone else was too frightened to come near her, he was there for her.

Now she was here for him.

She scooted off the table and wandered about the room. Leaning against the wall, she stared out a window, taking in the impressive view of the ocean. She located the spot on the beach where she and Scott talked and smiled in memory of his head in her lap. Her fingers running through his hair and the warmth of the sun on her back. No one around for miles, she blushed at the thought that came to her mind. It was impossible. She couldn't become involve with Scott. He was her teacher. It would be too weird. What would everyone else think? Sighing, she looked away, rubbing her hands; they were cold. It had been a simple touch that had restored his body. Simple, a brush on his forehead.

Healing?

She didn't recall gaining such a power. Not a soul came to mind. Unless, she counted Logan, but his mutation was self-regenerating, it had no inducing capabilities. She touched her temple, her head aching. What was taking Dr. MacTaggert so long? She hated waiting. Hated not knowing what was happening to her? She wished Scott was here. She couldn't stand this.

A knock came to the door startling her. She turned as it opened and gasped. "Scott!"

"I thought you might need someone here for you," he said.

Rogue ran to him, burying her face in the chest. "Thank you," she sighed, exhaling as he arms wrapped about her. They held each other for a moment, and then Rogue straightened and looked him in the face. "How are you feeling?"

Scott grinned. "Great. You?"

She pulled away, ripping her hand through her hair. "God! I'm going out of my mind. Where is Dr. MacTaggert? What's taking so long?"

Scott went to her, resting his hand on her shoulders, giving it a squeeze. "These things take time Rogue. We probably won't hear the results until tomorrow or so."

"This is why I didn't want to make a big fuss over this?" she scoffed, evading his touch. Her head was splitting in two. She wanted to lie down so badly.

"Rogue, the sooner we know what's going on, the better." He took her hand. "We'll deal with it all in stride…remember"

She glanced his way, eyes welling with tears. Struck, Scott came close, and wiped them away with his thumb. "You promise."

"Yeah," he whispered gently, stroking his fingers down the side of her face. "I promise."

Rogue softened against the brush of his fingers, pressing her cheek into the heat emanating from the tips. Although, slightly rough and callused, she thought Scott's hand was the softest thing she'd ever felt. Goose pimples broke out on her skin and she lifted her eyes once she felt his hand cup her cheek. She could almost see his eyes despite the blazing red shroud adorning his face. A thought came to mind. If she had indeed healed his infirmities, she pondered whether or not the injury in his head had been restored.

"Scott…"

"Rogue, I have you're…oh, Scott," Moira said, entering the private exam room, stunned to Scott. She saw the way the pair moved apart; a questioned bubbled in mind. "I thought you had adjourned to your room to rest."

"I couldn't sleep," said Scott. "And…I wanted to be here for Rogue."

"Doctor patient confidentiality is a policy of mine Mr. Summers," Moira expressed, setting the files in her possession on the counter. "I can't allow you to sit in this session."

"Rogue is a student of mine Dr. MacTaggert."

"I'm glad you are aware of that," she said in a clipped voice.

Scott tipped his head. "What is that supposed to mean," he said, disliking the sudden change in her attitude.

"Nothing," Dr. MacTaggert retrieved her file and put on her glasses then cast him a stern look. "I was merely expressing a point you've seemed to have misplaced."

"Now look…" Scott lashed out.

"Dr. MacTaggert," Rogue stepped in. "It's alright. I want Scott to be here. Either you tell us what happening to me or I tell him later, as a friend and leader of the X-Men he's going to find out anyway."

Moira looked between them then nodded. She didn't understand what came over her. She was just uncomfortable by the manner Scott was doting on his student. She didn't like it. Rogue was a minor. It didn't seem right.

"If you insist," she dragged a chair across the floor and sat down. Rogue hiked back onto the examination table, while Scott reclined near the counter. "At first, the tests were inconclusive. You're in right proper condition but the blood work showed no abnormalities of any kind."

"That's good," Scott said.

"Yes, if you would let me finish," Moria replied. "I wanted to be sure so I had the lab do an analysis of her DNA."

Rogue's interest peeked. She was literally on the edge of the table. "Yes."

"So far the results are inconclusive."

"What?"

"I'm sorry Rogue, generally this kind of tests take time." Moira closed her folder and rose. "I promise to fax my results as soon as I have them."

"Fax?"

"You are going back to the mansion are you?"

"Well…"

Astonished, Moira faced Scott. "Have you not notified Charles of your recovery?"

"It must have slipped my mind," Scott murmured and departed the room.

Alone, Dr. MacTaggert returned her attention to Rogue. "I hope you're not too disappointed."

Rogue hung her head, sighing. "Yes…no…maybe…I guess I can wait. I wasn't too anxious to find out anything anyhow." Sliding off the table, she walked to the door. "Thank you Dr. MacTaggert for everything. I guess I better start packing now." Moira nodded and watched her leave the room. The girl didn't appear too happy to be returning home.

()()()()

It was Friday morning when Scott and Rogue piled their luggage into the trunk of a taxi cab. Saying good bye to Dr. MacTaggert they climbed into the back and the cab took off down the driveway and through the security gate. It would be a busy day for the pair as far as traveling was concerned. First, they'd have to catch a ferry from Maui to the Big Isle. Secondly, they would have to catch another taxi to reach Honolulu International Airport in time for their flight. That's if the lines weren't too long.

Rogue looked out the window. The view was absolutely spectacular. Hawaii was breathtaking. How she wished she could have had a chance to stay and explore the island, take in the sights. Instead, she was on her way back to New York. Heading back to whatever drama that lay waiting to boil over into an outrageous catastrophe. She took a glimpse at Scott. He sat with a hard exterior, eyes pinned to the beach that spread out in front of him. She saw that something was bothering him.

"You okay?"

He turned his head, saying nothing at first. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Rogue frowned. He didn't sound optimistic. "You sure."

"No."

"I kind of figured that. I'm not too anxious about going back either, even though I'm missing my exams."

"I'm sure the Professor would allow you to make them up over the summer."

Rogue let out a rush of air, tucking an annoying strand of hair that had been blowing in the wind, behind her ear. "I hope so."

Scott looked at her. "He will. He understands what's happened? I'm sure he's made arrangements with all you're teachers."

"Including Jean?" She saw Scott's jaw hardened and swallowed.

"Let's not dwell on that."

"Well she is my Biology teacher," Rogue approached carefully. "And seeing how I've disappeared to Hawaii with her fiancé, a big fat F could we waiting for me."

"Don't worry Jean! She won't hurt you or me again!" He roared. His outburst took her by surprise and drew a curious glance from the driver. He saw he'd shaken her and was apologetic. "I didn't mean to scream at you. I'm just frustrated that's all."

"We could check into a hotel, stay here for a little while. Calm down...take a swim." Rogue suggested.

"I would like to but the Professor called me last night."

Stunned, she spun in her seat. "What?"

"Yes, at four a.m. our time."

"So, he called you again after you left the exam room to…"

"I left because I didn't like the assumptions Dr. MacTaggert was rising to," he said stiffly.

"What assumptions?"

He turned his head. "Assumptions about us."

Rogue caught her breath. "Oh."

Scott grinned. "Rogue, I care about you, but you're also my student. I have to bear that in mind. I don't want people to view our relationship as something torrid or dirty." He laid his hand on top of hers. "I want our relationship to stay exactly the way it is."

Mouth agape, she stared at Scott, then flashed a thin smile. He cared about her, but didn't feel what was slowly worming its way into her heart. She beginning to feel something for Scott and it was becoming more than this friendship they'd built. However, he was older and she was his student, not to mention he was still brooding over Jean. Rogue closed her eyes. Her life would seem so funny if it wasn't so damn complicated. "So what now?" she asked.

"I think it's time we the clear air." He said, jaw throbbing.

Rogue understood. They were going home. Hawaii would have to wait till another day.