Disclaimer: All these characters and the dialog from the episode Mainstream belong to someone who is not me. So no suing marvel/WB! ;p

I hope you all enjoy it!

Taunting Repartee

Chapter Thirty-One

Rogue slowly opened her eyes as she woke up. Turning on her side she glanced at Kitty; her roommate in the tiny room they were sharing. There was barely enough room for the beds.

'Well, that what happens when you turn a bunch of closets into makeshift bedrooms,' she thought to herself. She let out a sigh as she glanced at Kitty; she looked so peaceful, happy.. 'I'm... I'm glad she doesn't know everything that happened,' she thought.

After a moment she watched Kitty open her eyes.

"Good morning, Rogue," Kitty yawned.

"Good morning, Kitty," she smiled.

"...You okay? You're, like, looking at me weird," Kitty mumbled.

"Am I?" she asked with a soft laugh. "Sorry. It feels like it's been weeks since we were in a room together," she said honestly, "and just relaxed," she added smoothly.

"We all watched that movie last night," Kitty pointed out.

"Well, aside from that," Rogue said quickly. "I'm just happy to see you. That weird?" she asked. Kitty shook her head with a smile.

"No, it's nice," she said as she sat up. "I'm happy to see you too, Rogue," Kitty smiled. Both Rogue and Kitty turned towards the door when they heard a knock.

"You girls awake?" Scott asked through the door.

"Yeah," Rogue replied.

"Breakfast in five," Scott said.

"Oh, I hope the bathroom's free," Kitty said quickly as she got out of bed. Rogue watched Kitty phase through the door. With a smile she let her head fall back onto her pillow as she let out a sigh in relief.

'I'm home,' she thought to herself as her eyes closed blissfully. After a moment her eyes shot open. 'Fuck, I have no idea where we're all eating,' she thought as she rushed to her feet. Magneto had informed her which sub-level she was sleeping on; even which room was hers. But that was the extent of his explanation. 'Girl, relax,' she reprimanded. 'Kitty just went to the bathroom. We never eat breakfast in our pajamas. She's be back in a minute to get dressed and then I'll follow her. I just,' she started to think as she glanced around the small room, 'have ta get dressed too.' She spotted the closet and walked over to it.

She glanced at the clothes. 'Not much of a section,' she thought. She pulled out an outfit from the limited amount of choices and started to get dressed.

'God, it feels like its been forever since I wore long sleeves,' she thought as she pulled the black shirt over her head. 'Guess I gotta get used to this again,' she thought. 'Fuck, where are my gloves?' she asked frustrated. She walked over to the night stand in between her and Kitty's bed and opened the draw. She let out a sigh in relief as she pulled out a pair of black gloves. 'Now, where's Kitty?' she asked. 'Thought she'd be back by now,' she thought as she exited the room.

Rogue felt her heart skip a beat as she glanced around the abandoned hallway. 'Why am I the last one? I didn't think I took that long,' she thought as she continued to look around. 'Oh, thank god,' she thought relieved as she caught a glimpse of someone foot at the end of the hallway. "Hey, wait up," Rogue called out as she chased after the individual the foot was attached to.

"Rogue?" Scott asked.

"Hi, Scott," she said as she turned the corner to face him.

"You, okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just didn't feel like walking to breakfast alone," she explained as she walked up to his side. She watched him stare at her curiously for a second. 'Come on, Scott. Just please start walking,' she thought to herself. Thankfully, he did. She sighed as she started to walk with him.

"How'd you sleep last night?" Scott asked.

"Fine," she answered as they stepped into an elevator. Rogue was careful not to go near the buttons. She had no idea which of the Institute's sub-levels they were going to and had no desire to try and explain why. "How about you?" she asked as he pressed a button. She tried to look nonchalant as she glanced at his selection. 'Third sub-level,' she thought.

"I think I have a hairball in my throat," he said dryly.

"What?" she asked confused.

"A hairball in my throat," he repeated. "I knew Kurt shed but I didn't know he shed that much. There's hair all over the place. It's on everything. I'm pretty sure I swallowed some last night," he explained dryly. She couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks Rogue," he said sarcastically.

"Sorry, Scott," she said as she tried to stop laughing. To her, after everything she'd had to endure, worrying about sleeping arrangements seemed trivial. "Sorry," she said again as she actually stopped laughing. "I thought we weren't supposed to get mad at Kurt for shedding," she said. She glanced up at his confused expression. "Your words, Scott," she reminded him with a laugh.

"I said that before I had to share a room with him. And I'm really not mad at Kurt. Just the situation," he pointed out.

"Well, hey, they already started working on the new institute. It'll be done soon- ...ish," she added with a smile. "And then we'll all have our space again. We just gotta get through the next few weeks and look on the bright side of the situation," she said.

"And what would that be?" he asked as the doors to the elevator opened.

"That we're all together," she said as she watched him walk out of the lift. "For a while there we were all kinda scattered," she said as she followed him out. "But now we're all back under the same roof again," she said as she caught up with him. "Yeah, right now it's just a hole in the ground. But it's our hole in the ground, and that's what matters, right?" she asked with a smile as she glanced up across at him. "That we're all together as a family," she finished.

"...Yeah, yeah, you're right," he said with a small smile as he scratched the back of his neck. "...Thanks, Rogue," he said as they entered the kitchen area. She glanced around. Looked like only the older students were eating at this time; it was just her, Scott, Jean, Evan, and Kurt.

"Anytime, Scott," she said with a smile before she glanced at her breakfast choices. Her eyes lite up as she glanced at one of the cereal boxes. "I am, so, having some of those coco-puffs," she muttered to herself as she and Scott further entered the kitchen area. Some of the others were already seated at the table, talking, but she payed no attention to them as she walked over the counter to stand next to Kurt. "Good morning, Kurt," she said with a smile. There were a pile of bowls to Kurt's left.

"Morning, Rogue," he said returning the smile.

"Little brother, would you pass me a bowl, please?" she asked with a smile.

"Yeah, sure," he smiled as he reached over and put one in front of her. "Do you want a spoon too?" he asked.

"Yeah, that'd be great," she smiled as she took the box of cereal in her hands and poured herself some. Out of the corner of her eye she watched him open the draw next to him and grab two spoons. "Thanks," she said as he put the spoon in her bowl. It was then she re-felt the almost overwhelming desire to hug her brother that she had had to repress while with Magneto. 'Later girl. You've waited this long. Hug him when people won't stare at ya for doing it,' she told herself as she took a deep breath.

"You okay, sis?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she said as she shot him a quick smile before she picked up the bowl and walked over to the table. She watched Evan pour himself some milk before placing it on the table. She reached out and grabbed the carton swiftly as Kurt took a seat next to her. She poured some in her bowl and returned the carton to the table.

The hugest grin came to her face as she took her first bite. Magneto was no where to be seen, waiting to disapprove of her selection, forcing her to eat something he considered more appropriate. Who knew freedom could taste like chocolate?

"Girl, you are way too happy this morning," Evan said.

"I just woke up in a good mood, is all. What's wrong with that?" Rogue asked with a raised eyebrow before she took her second bite. Out of the corner of her eye Rogue watched Kitty phrase into the room.

"...What's there to happy about?" he muttered under his breath. She glanced around the table. Evan and Jean were looking at her curiously. Rogue sighed.

"How about that we're all back together as a family?" Scott asked as he took a seat next to Jean, across from Rogue, cereal in hand.

"Scott, way to go all mushy on us," Kitty said with a laugh from the counter. Scott flashed Rogue a quick smile. She smiled back.

"Mushy or not, Scott's right," Jean said backing him up.

"Hey, I, like, totally agree," Kitty said quickly as she sat down at the table.

"Yeah, it is nice that we are all together," Kurt said. Evan stood up.

"I think I need to go throw up or something," Evan said as he marched out of the room.

"Evan," Jean called out concerned as she started to get up.

"Let him go," Scott said as he placed his hand on her shoulder.

"But," Jean started to protest.

"We all have to deal with this in own ways," Scott explained. Jean sat back down.

'Ya all have no idea how much worse it could've been,' Rogue thought with sigh.

"Hey, like maybe this afternoon will cheer him up," Kitty offered with a smile.

"Kitty, I don't think Evan going to get that excite to go shopping," Jean said.

"But we're going shopping in New York City. I mean, come on, we all get to buy new clothes. A whole closet full! How can he not have fun with that?" she asked.

"Because he's a guy," Scott and Kurt said together; Kurt with a mouthful of cereal. Rogue and Jean both laughed.

"Oh, you guys totally don't get it," Kitty said.

"Well, we'll have all afternoon for you to explain it to us," Scott said with a smile as he turned back to his food. Rogue ate another glorious spoonful of co-co-puffs and she couldn't help but smile.

'It's nice to be home,' Rogue thought.

Rogue glanced around the section of clothes on display in Forever 21; the store Kitty had insisted they check out.

'To low cut...no sleeves... way too low cut,' Rogue thought to herself. Did no one sell sheer shirts anymore? She liked the clothes she had. 'The clothes I have,' she thought to herself annoyed. 'Not like I can explain why all my stuff is safe and sound in Jericho,' she thought.

"Hey, Rogue," Kitty called out. "I think I found something for you," she yelled happily; waving from across the store. Rogue sighed as she walked over to where Kitty was standing. "Look," she beamed as she took the purple shirt off the rack. "Doesn't this look like that shirt you got a few weeks ago?" she asked with a smile as she held it up.

"Yeah," she muttered quietly as she took it from Kitty. 'This is the same shirt Max brought for me,' Rogue thought to herself.

"And I was thinking that this," Kitty started to say as she reached to the rack behind her and pulled out a black tank top, "would be good to wear under it," she said. Rogue glanced at the outfit for a moment. The last time she had this shirt on she had taken it off soon after; she didn't want to feel owned by Magneto.

'What if I buy it for myself this time?' she asked herself. 'With money Prof got from Magneto,' she thought sadly. 'Guess feeling feel ain't really an option anymore,' she sighed. She took another look at the shirt. She really did like it. "You don't think it's too low cut?" Rogue asked. "I mean with my powers and all," she added.

"It's, like, finally getting warm out again. You're going to need lower cut stuff. You can't wear long sleeves all the time," she laughed.

"Worked last year," Rogue muttered, "Kind've... I hate warm weather," she said under her breath.

"Well, like...I mean, with everyone knowing who we are now, maybe you don't have to be so careful anymore. Maybe people will just, like, give you your space," she said with a smile.

"Maybe," she thought as she looked through the different colors the shirt was offered in. If she was going to buy this shirt it was not going to in the same color Magneto picked out. Except that was the only color she really like. The green was okay. "Maybe I'll get two of 'em," she said took out a green shirt in her size too.

"Hey, that's the spirit," Kitty said as she took hold of Rogue's arm, "and over here I saw this pair of jeans that would look totally hot on you. They're dark denim so they'll fit right into your style," she said as she led Rogue across the store.

"Kitty, I can shop for myself, ya know," Rogue claimed.

"Then, like, why haven't you brought anything yet?" she asked.

"I got something at Old Navy," she pointed out.

"Pajamas don't count. Nobody sees you in them," she said dismissively as they came to a halt. "So, what do you think?" she asked as she pointed to the pants she was referring to. Rogue smiled; they really would suit her.

"I try' em on," she said with a smile.

"Alright," Kitty exclaimed, "And over here I saw this shirt," Kitty started to say as she grabbed hold of Rogue's arm again. Rogue just smiled as her friend led her around the store. She had to admit that all of Kitty's suggests were tailored to her tastes. She couldn't help but get as least one of most of her roommate's choices.

The rest of the weekend was quiet; unbelievably uneventful. No abductions or threats; Magneto was no where to be seen. She had done normal things; like watch movies and argue over who got the last slice of pizza. Of course, she had relented and allowed Kurt eat it, but it had been so much fun to tease her little brother.

It had been nice to just relax.

But now it was Monday morning and the Professor had called them all to sub-level seven; to talk. Rogue sighed as she took a seat next to the Professor. They were going back to school today. The fight that she had helped plan between the X-Men and the Brotherhood was going to happen today.

'So much for things being peaceful,' she thought annoyed.

"Good news, the school board has agreed to let you all attend classes today. Provided no one uses their powers," Professor said.

"Just today?" Scott asked.

"Yes, because tonight they'll be voting on whether or not to impose a permanent mutant band. You can see how important it is to be on your best behavior," Professor Xavier said.

"Professor," Kitty sighed, "I'm- I'm afraid to go back there. We don't fit in anymore," she said.

"It won't be easy, at first Kitty. But eventually you will be accepted. And this time for all that you are," he finished as he held up a newspaper. Rogue sighed as she read the headline: 'Monster among us?'

'I still don't understand why Max wants us to be feared,' Rogue thought to herself. 'Doesn't he realize how hard life is gonna be for us now? And what about mutants who don't have a security system guarding them at night? Who's gonna protect them from the fanatics who haven't been locked up yet?' she asked herself. Of course, she received no answer; not from herself or from the fragments within.

"If they don't like us, that's their problem," Evan said pulling Rogue from her thoughts

"Evan," Professor Xavier said. "What I'm saying is let's just not give people a reason to fear us, " he said.

'To bad it's not his call,' Rogue thought annoyed.

"Hey," Kurt said, "they named me identity unknown," he said as Rogue glance up to see him walking across the table.

"Yeah, look. The only pictures they have of you are blue and furry," Kitty said.

"That means no one has made the connect it's me," he said happily.

"Yet," Scott said as he put his hand on Kurt's shoulder. "But they will, Kurt," Scott said. Rogue frowned at the comment. "Especially, the people who know that you live here," he pointed out.

"Yeah, but- but," Kurt stuttered before sighing. "You're right. They'll figure it out," he lamented.

"I'd like you all at tonight's school board meeting. Let them look you in the faces when they vote," Professor Xavier said.

'Too bad most of us will be too busy fighting the Brotherhood to attend,' she thought annoyed as she blew some hair out from in front of her face.

"Now, make the best of your first day back," Professor Xavier finished. With that everyone stood up.

"Hey, Kurt. Hold up for a minute," Rogue said before he teleported out of the room. Kurt looked up at her as some of the others walked past him towards the elevator.

"Hurry up, you guys, we don't want to be late for school," Scott said as as he headed for the door.

"This will just take a minute. We'll met you by the car," Rogue said. Scott nodded as he and the Professor exited the room.

"What's up, Rogue?" Kurt asked. Rogue walked up to him and pulled him into a hug. She smiled as she felt her brother wrap his arms around her back. "That's the tenth hug this weekend," he said.

"You complaining?" she asked.

"No," he said with a smile. "What was this one for?" he asked as he broke the hug. Rogue let out a sigh.

"I'm sorry you're not gonna be able to blend in at school anymore. I know how much that means to you," she said.

"It's okay," he said softly.

"No, it's not," she said strongly. "You should be able to walk through the halls of your school and," she started to rant but stopped herself. They weren't at school yet. Kurt didn't need need to feel any worse then he already did. "Look, it's gonna get better. Yeah, you might lose a few friends but anyone who willing to judge you just on what you look like is not worth your time, little brother. You're too good of a person for their type," she said.

"Thanks, Rogue," he said with a small smile.

"But, Kurt, ya are right about one thing," she said.

"What?" he asked.

"No one's put it together yet. Some of the others might not understand, but if you wanna blend in for a few mores days, until people put two and two together, I'm okay with that," she said as she put her hand on his shoulder.

"Thanks, sis," Kurt said before he teleported them out of the room.

Rogue walked across the school's campus feeling uneasy. Kitty had been right; people were willing to give her, her space, about a five foot radius of it.

Rogue sighed as she glanced upon Scott being bullied by Ducan Mathews and two other jocks.

"What does Ducan think he's doing?" Kitty asked.

'Whatever, Elisabeth Braddock makes him do,' she thought annoyed. "Doesn't matter let's go put a stop to it," she said before she and Kitty ran over to where Scott and the boys were..

"You've had it Summers," Ducan said strongly.

"Bring it on. I don't need any powers to handle punks like you," Scott said.

"Got it, Scott," Kitty said.

"Yeah, dropping these losers just might be worth getting expelled," Rogue said with a smile.

"You guys won't late two days here," Ducan said as he throw Scott's glasses to the ground.

'We'll last longer than you think, asshole,' she thought annoyed as she walked over to where they landed. 'As long as Max allows,' she thought irritated as she leaned down to pick up the glasses,. 'Relax girl, think about the time you've gained. He promised to let us all live here until I graduate high school,' she thought before she turned back towards Scott and Kitty. 'A year and half. A lot can happen . Maybe I'll- I should just enjoy this time with my family,' she thought sadly as she walked over to Scott. "Here ya go. They're gone," she said with a smile as put as she put his glasses on him.

"Thanks," he said before walking away.

"Hey," a student started to say, "what's your special power? Can you, like, read my mind?" he asked. Both Kitty and she were annoyed; this was the tenth time she had been asked that or another equally annoying question about their powers.

"Yeah, like I could fine it," she replied as both of them walked away.

"Hey," Kitty said, "I think I saw Kurt," she said.

"Where?" Rogue asked. She hadn't seen Kurt since this morning. She was actually starting to get a little worried.

"Over there," she pointed.

"Come on," Rogue said as she started to run in that direction. Kitty followed until they passed the building and saw Kurt talking to two boys.

"But you're friends with the mutants, right?"one of them asked.

"Ahh, ...well I used to be," he replied. "I- ah, ...listen I'm late for class," he mumbled as he backed away from them.

"Use to be?" she asked annoyed. "Thanks, Kurt," she said sarcastically.

"Oh, hello, Kitty. Bye, Kitty," he said nervously as he waved to them. "Busy, busy."

"What is up with him today?" she asked.

"I told Kurt he should try and blend in for a few more days. Not ta denounce us in public," Rogue said.

"You told him what?" she exclaimed. Rogue let out a sigh.

"Kurt feels that getting that image inducer was the best thing that ever happened to him. He ain't ready to give up being able to walk down a hall without being stared at. So, I told him to take advantage of the fact that no ones put two and two together yet," she explained. "But I didn't think he go that far to blend in," she said disappointed.

"Right," she said annoyed. "Come on, Rogue, we still need to eat lunch," she said.

"Yeah, we do," she said as the both walked towards the cafeteria.

"Hey, good thing you wanted to go for a walk before we ate," Kitty offered attempting to lighten the mood.

"Yeah," she smiled. 'More like careful planning with a ridiculous amount of attention ta detail,' she thought in angry.

The rest of the night had gone exactly as planned. They had fought the brotherhood, and Duncan Mathews. They had 'won' the fight while 'saving' the parents from the Brotherhood's attacks. And now they were sitting back in sub-level seven waiting for Professor Xavier to tell them if they would be returning to school.

'Like I don't already know,' she thought annoyed.

"Before I announce the school board's decision I'd like to say how proud I am of all of you," Professor Xavier said.

"How can you say that, Professor?" Scott asked. "We let you down," he said.

"Yeah, it doesn't take a genius to know how they voted," Kitty said sadly.

"You saved their lives; Jean inspired them with her sincerity and as result they want to welcome you back," he said with a smile.

"Huh? Go figure," Evan said with indifference.

"Sorry, Professor, but it's a little of the good news, bad news, kind of thing," Jean said delicately.

"I realize this is not an easy time for you but please realize something. For whatever reason you have been chosen to take the first step into this new world; to lead the way; to be a beacon of hope for mutants yet to come," he said. Rogue inhaled attempting to keep her composure mirroring the engaged expression her teammates were presenting.

"This is not only a big responsible. It is an honor. I am always astonished at the wonderish things that can be build upon the ashes of tragedy. For even in the face of bigotry and discrimination the x-men will endure," he finished strongly. "And with that, I hope you all enjoy you second day back at school. You should head out soon. You wouldn't want to be late," he said with a smile.

"Yeah, wouldn't want to give people the impression that mutants everywhere ain't punctual, " Rogue said sarcastically. The Professor shot her a puzzled look. "Sorry," she muttered quickly. "I forgot something in my room. I'll met ya all by the car. Please don't leave without me?" she asked.

"Just hurry up, okay?" Scott said.

"Okay," she said before she quickly marched out of the room and into the elevator. She pressed the button for the third sub-level before she leaned back against the wall. It was only when the doors closed that she let the tears, she had been repressing, out. She let herself slide down to her floor. She hugged her legs to her chest. 'Oh god,' she thought as she rested her face against the tops of her knees. Keeping secrets, lying, manipulating everyone and thing around her; she felt like a traitor. The Professor's speech about hope had been the final straw. 'How am I suppose to keep this up?' she asked herself as she struggled to keep herself from hyperventilating.

'You do not have to,' a dark voice in the back of her mind offered. She squeezed her legs as hard as she could; needing the comfort of a hug, having to settle for her lonely embrace. Every time he offered it was becoming more and more difficult to say no. A part of her wanted to call him and allow him to remove her.

"Rogue, are you alright?"

She glanced up to see Storm standing in front of her; she hadn't even noticed the elevator had stopped. Rogue took a deep; attempting to regain control over herself. Storm leaned down on one knee and put her hand on Rogue's shoulder; she smiled at the physical contact.

"What's wrong, child? I thought the school board voted to allow you all back," she said.

"T-they did," Rogue managed to say. "It ain't that," she muttered. "Well, it is that, I guess. The stress is just getting ta me is all. Needed a release," she explained.

"By crying?" she asked concerned. Rogue shrugged.

"You got a better one?" she asked.

"I prefer meditation. I could teach you some techniques," she offered. Rogue smiled.

"I'd- I'd really like that," she said.

"We could start after school today?" Storm asked.

"Okay," she smiled. Storm smiled back as she removed her hand from Rogue and stood up. Storm held out her hand; offering it to Rogue. Rogue took it and Storm helped her to her feet. "Storm, I," she started to say as she let go of her hand.

"Rogue, you can call me Ororo," she said with a smile.

"I-," she tried to say as tears welled up in the corners of her eyes. Storm put her hand on her arm. Rogue couldn't help herself; she leaned in and hugged her. Storm hesitated for only a moment before she returned the hug.

"I have never seen you this upset before," she said concerned. "Rogue, what else is wrong?"she asked.

"It's- I... It's nothing and- and ever-everything," she muttered. "I- I usually keep it to myself. I ain't that big on sharing my emotions. You just- you just caught me at a bad time," she said as she backed out of the hug.

"It is not healthy to hide all of your turmoil. That is why you are here with people who care about you. If you are struggling with anything please know that you can always talk to me, Logan, Hank, or Charles. I know Kitty always has a sympathetic ear," she smiled.

"I- I know that," she smiled. "Thanks," she said before taking another deep breath. "I gotta go to school. All the others are waiting for me," she muttered.

"I'm certain that they will not leave without you," Storm said.

"I know that too," Rogue said with a smile. "Thank you, Ororo. We'll talk more after school?" she asked. Storm smiled.

"Maybe then you will tell what is really upsetting you," she said.

"Maybe," Rogue said with a small smile before she turned and rushed into the bathroom. She glanced up into the mirror. She quickly turned on the water to wash the running makeup off of her face. 'Everything's okay, everything's okay. This is where you belong. With people who care about you- ... Max, says that he loves me,' she thought; too many memories kept up into her mind; the feeling of contentment she had only felt with him resurfaced threatening to consume her.

'...With people who wouldn't threaten me or use blackmail to control me,' she thought fighting the feelings she had for him; the feelings that urged her to seek him out and take her place by his side. 'This is where I belong. I'm home and I don't wanna leave; I don't wanna abandon Kurt or Kitty or anyone of them. If they knew,' she thought. '...if only they knew,' she thought as she re-felt the impulse to cry.

Another deep breath. 'If only I could tell them,' she thought sadly. 'Deep breaths, girl. There ain't anything I can do to change the facts. I can only adapt to the situation,' she thought as she followed her advice. "...This is where I belong," she repeated strongly as she stared into her own eyes.

"You belong in the car," Kurt said from outside her door. He took her completely by surprise. She actually had to replay what he said. Once she did she couldn't help but laugh."We're going to be late for school," he yelled. She let herself laugh for another moment before she opened the door.

"Sorry, Kurt," she said as she saw him and Storm standing a few feet away from her.

"Did you at least find what you were looking for?" he asked with a sigh.

"My backbone, yeah I found it," she said with a smile.

"Huh?" he asked confused.

"Nothing, don't worry about it," she laughed before she glanced up at Ororo. "Thanks, Ororo," she said as she took Kurt's hand.

"You're welcome. I hope you both have a good day at school," she said.

"Thanks," said both her and Kurt.

"See you later," Rogue said before he teleported them out of the room.

Thank you for reading! Please review! :)