Want to say thank you to IcedBlaze, my Beta Reader, and My awesome friend who I'm dedicating the next few chapters to, PyroQueenofFire, who's been my muse, my goddess, my friend and my co-writer with several stories, So thanks babe, you rock!

Chapter Nine: Home Sweet Home…

Darcy paced up and down the alcove, waiting impatiently. The professor had whisked away her annoying bald pumpkin as soon as they arrived at the mansion. Although curious, Storm had managed to halt her pacing long enough for her to set up his room next to her own, despite the many arguments she had put forth. But to be perfectly honest, although he was an annoying prick, he had saved her life and seemed to enjoy her presence. And it helped that he was easy on the eyes, apart from the whole lack-of-mouth situation. She vaguely wondered how he managed to eat and maintain his impressive physique.

He was the same height as Logan, give or take an inch, a lot taller than her at least, but then again, most people were. It was a feeling she liked, surrounded by people big enough to protect her when things got hairy. Her mind turned to the two trucks outside. She had to admit, they had character. Perhaps she could convince the professor to keep them instead of abandoning them like the last few times Logan had appropriated other people's belongings. Sighing, she walked to a chair and slouched into it. The seats themselves reminded her of when she was in detention. Her discomfort was almost unbearable. Footsteps bounded down the stairs, revealing Rogue. A bright smile graced her face when she saw Darcy and she threw herself into the seat behind her.

"Hi!"

"Hey honey, get back alright?" Darcy asked tiredly.

"Yeah, we kept close until you got into the trucks before coming back here. Logan wasn't too happy about going with the plane while you were in another direction." Darcy smiled at the girl. Rogue was like a sister to her, with Logan as their common link. Rogue never saw him as a father figure, more like an awesome uncle/hero, unlike Darcy, who had grown up with him since before she could remember. "I heard that you had a bit of an issue with one of the mutants we brought back," the quiet girl mentioned casually, blatantly curious.

"Yeah, he doesn't have a mouth so we spoke telepathically. He's a bit of a smart ass, and, despite the fact that he really knows how to push my buttons, I kind of like him. He's not boring, to say the least. Storm kind of arrived into the middle of our banter and told me to pretty much swallow some concrete and harden up."

Rogue giggled. "I have to admit, your talents are wasted on the youth of today."

"I wouldn't be so sure that I've advanced yet, honey, this guy has the maturity of a five year old that has an advanced vocabulary."

"So what are you going to do? Ignore him?"

"Hell no, I haven't had this much fun in a while." Darcy blushed and looked around to see if anyone was listening before moving close to Rogue. "I may have set up an interesting challenge with him, though."

"Ooh! Do tell!"

"Well, towards the end of our conversation, it got a little racy, more innuendoes than anything else, but, I dunno, there's something about him that sends my blood pumping." Rogue snickered at her.

"I heard Storm assigned him next door to you," the younger girl gossiped.

"Yeah, I had to steal some clothes from Logan for the poor guy, all he has are those ugly maroon pants."

"What did Logan say?" Darcy flinched and tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Well, I didn't exactly tell him. They were the nice clothes that I forced him to buy a while ago and he's never worn them. Some even still had the tags left there." Rogue let out a laugh.

"So what are you doing now?"

"Waiting for Deadpool to come out of the office so that I can take him his room then I can finally get some sleep."

"Deadpool? What a weird name," Rogue commented dryly, tugging her gloved up her elbows.

"That's what I thought, but—whatever." Darcy shrugged lightly, fishing around mentally for another topic. "So what do you think of the new mutants?"

Rogue suddenly went shy and shifty. Wanting to pry answers from the girl, Darcy nudged her shoulder lightly, making sure to keep a layer of cloth between their skin. "Well…there was one of them that caught my eye. He's a real pretty boy with confidence to match. Seems like he's from New Orleans or something with that French accent of his," Rogue mumbled, blushing. "He's so different to Bobby, more manly."

"You're maturing in your tastes, honey. Bobby simply wasn't able to keep up with you and cope with everything."

"I know, I just-"

"Wish everything could be how you wanted it to be, I know that one well," Darcy nodded.

"Yeah, anyway, I need to help with dinner. Logan's looking for you, by the way, want me to tell him where you are if I see him?" Rogue offered kindly.

"Yeah, thanks honey. I'll be here waiting for Deadpool, if not here then at my room catching some sleep. Somehow, I don't think nightmares will bother me much tonight." Rogue smiled and got up, waving as she walked towards the kitchens. Darcy waited again, nothing distracting her anymore. Irritated at how long it was taking, she began to tap her foot against the coffee table leg.

"You know, that can get annoying real quick, bub," Logan said from his position on a post.

"Hey," Darcy smiled welcomingly. "How long have you been there for?"

"Heard most of your conversation with the Kid. Sounds like I have two asses to kick," Logan said wryly, coming down to sit next to her. "You never were very patient," he remarked quietly, nodding to her still tapping foot.

"I just want to get to bed and the professor is taking his sweet time with Deadpool."

"If he pisses you off, hit him," Logan said sagely, like he offered the most important advice in the world. Darcy let out a bark of laughter.

"You're the one who taught me the kidney punches, so I think I should be alright," she replied cheekily. Logan's next words were cut off when the office door burst open.

Deadpool stalked out of the room, his expression tense and stressesd. Fists clenched, he waited for Darcy to stand up, not even glancing at Logan. Knowing that it wasn't the best time to ask questions, she stood up and looked over to the other man, offering an apologetic smile. Logan nodded and Darcy grabbed the mouth-less man's wrist, lightly leading him away from the office.

"Are you alright?" She asked softly, not wanting to cause a scene.

Does he always treat people with that righteous attitude? Its like he has no respect for assassins, I kill people for the highest price, I don't kill willy nilly. He sighed, his body tense. I know this is a school, and I know there is a time and place for what I do, but I don't like being treated with the third degree. Impulsively, she gave him a quick hug before pulling away with a blush. Whoa, Princess, I didn't think we were starting the challenge this early.

"Got you off being irritated, didn't it?" She returned lightly, ignoring the light flush on her cheeks. His eyes seemed to smile at her. "What did the Professor say?"

A lecture on what my behavior should be like here. Not like I have a mind of my own and actual common sense to keep kids away from my kind of lifestyle. I'm not a mindless killer, I do actually have a clue on how to act around different groups of people. I'm adaptable, flexible and talented…feel free to sample me at anytime. He winked at her, causing her to giggle, too tired to yell at him or hit him.

"I know you're not a mindless killer," she soothed gently. "You're an arrogant prick, but not that." He gave her a piercing look. "The professor, he just has a duty of care and, to be honest, we don't know all that much about you. However, this is a safe place for all mutants and you're one of us." He looked at her for a while, not saying anything. With a silent huff, he nodded and walked forward.

So where to, Princess? He asked her, his tone a little nicer.

"Well, I'm showing you your room, then going next door to mine to crash for the night," she said quietly, grabbing his hand and pulling him down a corridor.

Next door to your room? Change your mind and going to make it easy for me, babe? She hit his arm lightly, not bothering to dignify him with a remark. Coming to a door, she pulled out a key from her pocket and put it into the lock. Opening the door, she revealed a room just like her own, dark wood paneling, thick opulent curtains, a large bedroom suite and a door leading to a bathroom.

"Here we are," Darcy said cheerfully, "I haven't had the time to duck out and buy you some clothes, but you're about the same size as Logan so I filched some of his that I bought him a while ago that he never wears," she walked over to the dresser and pulled out a drawer half way filled with shirts. Suddenly he was by her side, stroking her hair and pulling her close. "Uh, Deadpool?"

Thanks Princess, this is…more than I expected. Her mind flashed back to the damp horrid cells she had seen them occupy. Suddenly she could understand his one-eighty mood swings. His tone changed suddenly, back to his joking self. You know, if you want me to repay you, just let me know, I promise to make my appreciation shown. Darcy rolled her eyes and pulled away.

"You're lucky that I'm not stirred to the point of murder again, Pumpkin," she pointed to the left hand wall. "If you need anything, I'm right there, just knock on the door or something. I'm really tired, so I'm just going to have a shower and crash." Darcy walked towards the door

Princess… she turned and looked at him curiously. Thanks.