Summary: A single act brings hurt and grief.

Disclaimer: I don't own X-Men

Rating: T

Betrayal

Chapter 14

Present Time: Westchester, New York

…the next morning…

Rays of sunlight pooled through slightly parted curtains, allowing a trail of light to leak into a dark room, which incidentally fell on Rogue's face. She winced, diving underneath the covers, unwilling to accept the fact that the sun had risen already. After arriving home, she and Scott didn't go straight to bed, but sat by the pool, talking and eating leftover pizza. It was nice having a decent conversation with a guy without worrying whether or not he was trying to get into her shorts. Even though the kiss they shared enlightened her of Scott's intentions, he was, as always, a gentleman.

She was starting to drift, when Jubilee's alarm's clock buzzed. "Oh," she groaned, pulling the pillow over her head.

"Up and atom sleepy head." Rogue sulked and curled into a fetal position. She kicked at the feel of Jubilee smacking her backside and growled. "It's the first day of Summer School. I can't believe you're going to be in class with me."

"I wouldn't have if, oh, what's the use," she murmured. Flopping onto her back, she let out a breath in a puff, fluttering her platinum locks. She turned to see Jubilee standing beside her bed, a strange look on her face. "What?"

"You didn't tell me what went on with you and Mr. Summer's yesterday."

"That's only because we came back late," Rogue replied. "Besides, everybody was sleeping when we arrived at the mansion."

"I wasn't," she said arching her brows. "So, spill it girl…what happened?"

"Nothing!" She tossed in the bed, dragging the covers on top of her. "We…uh, shopped, ate, that's it."

"Did I, like, hear an awkward pause. Something happened I can smell it," she squealed excitedly. "Come on Rogue, you can trust me. You know I ain't gonna leave you alone unless you quench my thirst for juicy gossip."

Infuriated, Rogue bolted straight up, causing the quilt to fall to the floor. Jubilee was literally bouncing on her bed, pawing at her as she laughed loudly. "Nothing happened, now would you please, let it lie!" She shoved her aside, flung her legs over the side, stood, and stormed to the bathroom. "I gotta go pee."

"Fine," the Asian rebuffed, getting up out the bed. "I'll let it lie, for now." She went to her closet, threw open the doors, and picked out an outfit. "But you know I have ways of finding things out!" The door opened just wide enough for a brush to come sailing out to her. Jubilee dodged the flying object which cracked against cedar door of her closet and smirked. "You missed!"

"Bitch!"

"And don't take too long in there either," Jubilee ranted as the bathroom door slammed shut.

Sulking, Rogue stood in front of the mirror over the sink. She was so angry, she thought she would burst. How that girl vexed her so, but she was a good friend. She stood by her during all the pandemonium and whispers that nearly drove her into exile.

Taking brief interest in her reflection, she went to shower and turned the tap. Her thoughts were elsewhere and inside she was giddy, overwhelmed, confused. She didn't know how she was going to make it through the day. One of the three subjects she had to complete was Trigonometry, Scott's area of expertise. How could she sit there while he peeked her imagination, taunted her with his dashing smile, and sensuous lips.

As she stripped out her nightgown, she touched her lips and quivered. Scott had kissed her again before bidding her goodnight. Her heart fluttered like bird trapped in a cage. She was partly terrified of being caught and more aroused by the overwhelming sensations he'd unleashed in her. Mind swimming, she could hardly coax her body to settle down for the remainder of the night to sleep. All through the wee hours of morning, she tossed and turned, dreamt, got up, and paced her room. She even envied Jubilee who slumbered and snored rather loudly not too far away. It wasn't until 4pm did her head touch the pillow.

"Come on girl," Jubilee shouted, banging on the door. "Hurry up!"

"I haven't even started," Rogue screamed, stepping into the steaming shower.

"Well, don't waste all the hot water!"

Swirling around, the spunky firecracker threw her hands in the air and stormed to the bedroom door, her rage intensifying by the incessant raps on the oak. "What!" She demanded, yanking it open.

"Hey," Kitty said nervously with a playful wave.

Jubilee let out a breath and rolled her eyes. "What do you want?"

"I…uh, was just wondering if you and Rogue were to class today."

"Yes we are. Unlike you A students, we less than exceptional girls have to work extra hard to survive. What do you really want Pryde ?"

Biting her lip, Kitty lowered her head, strumming a brown strand of hair behind her hair. "I was wondering if I can I borrow your hairbrush."

Jubilee narrowed her eyes. "You can't think of anything better than that?"

"Shit Jubes," Kitty shrieked. "You stopped talking to me what else can I say."

"I'm sorry," she pointed out. "Grovel at Rogue's feet and admit that you're a slut."

"I don't have to explain myself," Kitty stiffened, eyes flashing darkly. "Bobby was the one who sought me out. He pursued me, not the other way around."

"Do you expect me to believe that," snubbed Jubilee.

Tears glimmered in Kitty's eyes. "It's true!"

"Even if it is, that's not the point. You were seeing him while he was still dating Rogue, regardless if their relationship was on the rocks. You broke the rules. You violated a sacred creed established by girlfriends and sisters since the dawn of time. All current and ex-boyfriends are off limits, don't you know that!"

Kitty opened her mouth to return a comment when she heard Rogue in the background. "Jubes who are you screaming?" asked Rogue.

"A horny toad!" She snapped and shut the door in Kitty's face. "Finally." She gave a her friend a bemused grin as she headed to the shower then yelled out. "Thanks for saving the hot water!"

"You're welcome." Rogue grinned, retrieving the 50's cut floral cotton sundress she had purchased at Macy's. Scott had been adamant about her constant desire to wear, heavy, dark clothing. She couldn't help it. For a long time, her skin held her prisoner, forcing her to wear the most hideous of clothes. Now, she was to suddenly brighten the mood. She pressed the dress to her chest and stood in front of a full length mirror.

Her mouth quirked into a cute smile. She had to admit, it was cute. "I hope he thinks so too." She took the dress off the hanger, discarded her robe and slipped into the soft material. It fit her perfectly, like it did at the mall. She took out a pair of white sandals and slipped them onto her feet. By then, Jubilee came out the bathroom, a towel around her waist, hair tied in a scrunchie. She took one look a Rogue and her face pooled into a wave of excitement.

"Oohh, look at you. Did you buy that yesterday? It looks fantastic! You'll have Mr. Summer's eating out you're hands."

"Ugh, stop it Jubilee."

"What!" The Asian giggled, reaching for her clothes.

--

Rogue squirmed in her seat. She was having a difficult time concentrating on Scott's teachings, much less writing down the formulas he scribbled on the black board. Each time he turned to call on her to answer a question, which was often, she burned intensely when his eyes landed on her. His sweet lips would then curl into a generous smile. How could a man look so damn sexy and serious at the same time. She heard whispers. Awed speculations to why he wasn't wearing his specials shades. She heard a few girls giggling…saying something about his eyes.

Naturally, she would've been jealous, if their compliments weren't sincere and spot on the money, but they were. Scott possessed the most beautiful eyes she'd ever seen. They twinkled like stars whenever he grinned, sparkling to match his smile. A smile that took her breath away. He was in an extraordinarily good mood, laughing with the students, making jokes, yet his eyes would rest on her causing her to fidget and tap her feet.

Issuing the assignment, he closed early. "Remember the end of the week is you're first test, and yes I want to see all the work, every step, no excuses," he turned to look at Rogue. "May I see you a moment?"

"Um, sure," she said and stole a glance at Jubilee. She winked then took off out the classroom, hoping to catch Peter before her next session. When the door clicked shut, Scott advanced in two steps, cupped her face to plant a tender kiss on her lips. "What was that for?"

"You think I was going to let you get away without my morning kiss," he grinned, stroking her cheek. She blushed. His eyes trailed downwards. "You look nice. Macy's?"

"You know it." He pulled her against him, rubbing his chin on the top of her head. Sighing, she rested her head on his hard chest and slid her hands up his back. They held each other for what seem like on eon before breaking apart.

"What do you say to lunch, here, is that okay with you?"

"Fine." She lifted her head, smiling.

He bent down to kiss her before allowing her leave. He didn't want her late for her History course with Ororo. Alone, he busied himself by cleaning the blackboard, and straightened the papers on his desk, when the door open and close. "Did you forget something?" he asked cheerily believing Rogue might have left a pencil behind and used that as ploy to see him again. "Jean?"

She stood in the center of the classroom, her face riddled in pain. Her large hazel eyes were wet with tears, glimmering in frustration, anger, sorrow--Scott couldn't tell for sure what emotion emanated in her eyes. He stiffened. "What are you doing here?"

"We need to talk," she said in a low tone.

Scott sighed. "I've said my peace Jean."

"Scott, don't let it end this way. I know we can make it work. I made a terrible mistake when I slept with Logan. I admit it." She went to him, pausing in front of his desk. "Please, let me do right by you."

"That's just it Jean. You can never do right by me. Because every time I look at you I'll imagine you with him and…and it makes me sick to my stomach." He turned aside, rubbing his jaw. "It's better we break. I want a fresh start."

"A fresh start," she gasped, then darkened. "A fresh start with who, Rogue, she just a child Scott. My god are you crazy, do want to get arrested."

"There's nothing wrong with what I'm doing with Rogue," he lashed out angrily.

"She's seventeen. You're gallivanting around with a minor like a love struck teenager." She leaned against the desk, lowering her voice. "You kissed her."

"You spying on us now," his eyes flashed.

"As an administrator of this school, I have to show a genuine concern for the welfare of my students. And Rogue is a student. If you continue this relationship I'll have no choice but to take this matter to the proper authorities. Scott, I don't want to see you throw you're life away, or worse end up in jail."

Scott glared at the woman he once loved, incredulous, downright disgusted. Was she threatening him. "I never knew you to be vindictive Jean, manipulative yes, but evil, never."

She shrugged carelessly. "Well," she let out breath. "One of us has to think about dear, sweet Rogue, now don't we." She locked an intense gaze on him. "Don't push me Scott. If you're smart, you won't purse a relationship with her." She turned and headed out the room. "Believe me, it's what's best not only for you but for Rogue."

Enraged, Scott shoved the papers off his desk.

A/N: A bit short. My apologies. I work hard to feed you all lengthier chapters. Love to all my reviewers, keep them coming. Now, I'm suffering a dilemma with this Hank/Ororo and Logan/Ororo thing, a lot of reviewers would like to see her with one. If only she could have both, but she can't. Well dear readers, I leave her fate in you're hands so no can blame me. Staring this chapter and on I'm opening a poll and will take count. (I'll disregard the last reviews.) Whichever pairing voted the most will live happily ever after, baby and all. Vote in the reviews you send me. You can only vote once. Good luck.