A/N: Hi everyone! I've been asked whether or not this is a Rogan fic. It is, but it'll take a while for them to actually accept that, so just hang in there! :) I mean, it is a drama piece hehe *mischievous grin*

A month passed by.

I managed to go a whole month of ignoring Logan's constant yearning to "talk things out", and a whole month of complete avoidance.

I kept myself occupied with other things. Ever since I was offered a teaching position as an English and Literature teacher, I took my job seriously. I stayed up late to mark papers, tests, essays, and they were ready to be handed back the next thing in the morning.

I also trained vigorously as a member of the X-Men. Whenever I couldn't sleep, I'd hit the Danger Room for at least an hour. Cardio and strength training weren't easy, but you have to stay at the top of your game.

Also, I became more involved in pick-up missions. I loved the look on the faces of any mutant – man, woman, child, teenager – when they discovered that they didn't have to hide anymore. It was a wonderful feeling, knowing that I helped someone, and knowing that they would have a chance at life.

I hoped they'd make good use of it, unlike me.

One day, the tables turned. I was granted a second chance.

For months, I worked with Beast and the Professor on my mutation. We ran tests, while the Professor made mental barriers within my mind to stop the personalities from springing out from time to time.

Another scientist joined us, Hank Pym, also known as Ant-Man.

He was an Avenger, and he took the time off of being a part of their team to join Beast, the Professor, and I.

Beast had already explained to me that he was a scientist, and a certified genius, and that my mutation had intrigued him. He'd also told me that they were great friends, and that I had nothing to worry about.

I trusted his word.

The day I met Hank was surprising. When I saw him step through the mansion doors, I couldn't believe just how good-looking he was.

He was tall, and somewhat muscular, probably due to all that training for the Avengers. He had short blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and a smile that would make you melt.

He came up to me, shook my hand, and introduced himself.

For once in my life, I couldn't stop smiling.

I guess we were standing there for a while, shaking hands and smiling, because the Professor had to interrupt.

"Dr. Pym? Let's get you settled in," the Professor said.

"Uh, yeah, sure!" Hank smiled as he picked up his bags.

Before he left, he turned around, "it's real nice meeting you, Rogue."

"You too," I replied.

I couldn't help but sense a growl somewhere down the hall, but I ignored it, and kept walking.

No time to dwell on the past.

The moment right after Hank settled down, he persisted that I should meet him in the lab to start preliminary tests.

"Okay, Rogue," he began, "although I don't have all of my equipment here yet, Dr. McCoy has some pretty nifty things that I'd like to get my hands on."

"Is that an excuse for these preliminary tests?" I teased.

"Don't tell him," he winked.

"Ah, Dr. Pym," Beast said, as he walked in.

"Dr. McCoy," he greeted, as they shook each other's hands.

"Hank and Hank," I giggled. I haven't cracked a crappy joke in ages.

"Yes, that may be…confusing at times," Beast laughed.

Dr. Pym spoke up, "we'll just call you furry Hank, and everyone else can call me…"

"Cute Hank?" I suggested.

He blushed; damn he was living up to his name already.

Beast chuckled, "I think I'll leave that nickname for Rogue."

I beamed.

Finally, a completely flustered Dr. Pym said, "why don't we start those tests?"

He ran a few tests, looked at my background history, and so forth. It made me wonder, why did he go through all the trouble for a girl he didn't even know?

After a few more tests, and a tutorial on some equipment, Beast left, leaving Hank and I alone.

"Tell me about yourself, Rogue," Hank said, while flipping through my files.

"Hmm, well…I'm twenty-two, I'm an English and Literature teacher here at the mansion, I'm also a senior member of the X-Men, and I enjoy long walks on the beach," I replied.

Hank laughed.

"I'm from Mississippi, so hospitality is in my blood. If I may add, I cook a mean rhubarb pie! But nothing else, trust me," I continued, "Um, I also enjoy art, painting especially. I'm not exactly the most interesting person in the world…if you're looking for the flamboyant and boisterous type, you should meet my best friend, Jubilee."

"I'll make a note of that," Hank said, "but hey, I'm into art as well. Contrary to popular belief, I'm not always doing things for the sake of science. You and I should visit some of the art galleries around here."

Oh my gosh, did he just ask me out on a date?

"I mean…that's if you have time, and you're not to busy with all your responsibilities, because I know you're a hard working woman with a job here and-"

"I'd love to go," I responded, secretly doing a little happy dance on the inside.

"Really? That's great!" Hank smiled, "maybe tomorrow we can check some places out, say, at noon?"

"Sure, it's a date," I teased.

I was going on a date with Hank Pym. Jubilee was going to torment me about this later.

"Great. Well, all the tests are done here," Hank said, "I'll get started on a few plans and approaches about your skin."

"Thank you so much," I replied.

"Not a problem, Rogue."

"Marie," I corrected.

I gave him my real name. I don't know why, but it felt right.

"Well then, not a problem, Marie," he smiled.

I got up to leave, while he began to pack up a few things. I stopped midway to the door.

"Listen, I was wondering," I said, "why did you go through all of this for me? I mean, you've never met me until today, and you had a life back with the Avengers…seems kind of silly to leave all of that for a girl with really annoying skin."

Hank walked up to me, smiled, and held my gloved hand.

"I did all of this because you deserve to be happy."