A/N: Sequel time, Trigger for depressive thoughts, a lesson for men who can't take 'no' for an answer and a few reunions in between.

It was the Summer and Rogue was driving en-route to Mississippi.

She had finished summer school and had promised herself a road drip to compensate for all the time closeted indoors catching up with the best part of two years worth of school work.

Some of the others protested against her long days indoors but as usual, this only frustrated her. She knew what she was doing and had a schedule.

In the mornings, she woke up and enjoyed a quiet work out, followed by a swim. It was always early enough that she was the only one awake and that no one could be bothered or worried about her skin contaminating them. After showering and joining the others for breakfast, she settled into the library. She took time out for meals and danger room sessions but that was it.

XxX

The X-mansion was becoming a safe haven for the weary mutant. One being Rogue's ex-boyfriend. Charles had been able to accept his request and it wasn't until dinner that Rogue saw him.

She'd been walking in with Kitty, when she stilled.

Charles wheeled in behind her.

"Do you know each other?"

"We used to date."

"Oh, I see. He has asked to join us. Will that be a problem?"

Rogue shrugged. "Shouldn't be. As long as he keeps outta my way. A heads up woulda been nice."

Charles shared a look with Kitty, who shook her head.

"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Arkaus."

"Most call me Vision."

"Welcome to the team."

"Thank-you. I look forward to getting to know all of you."

Kitty saw his focus was chiefly directed at Rogue, who deliberately refused eye-contact, if the tension in her body had anything to do with it.

XxX

He ran into her later, having tried to acquaint himself.

"Ya not supposed to be here. This is the girls' floor."

"Oops, my mistake. Maybe you should show me around, make sure I don't get lost."

"Ah'm sure ya'll have plenty of volunteers."

"Maybe, but why should I have to go through the trouble of asking someone when you're here? We already know each other so well."

"Ah'm busy."

"Doing what?"

"Ah have studying to do."

"It's almost time for curfew. Shouldn't you be going to bed? Or are you having trouble sleeping. I could help with that."

"No thank-you."

"Your loss. But I'm patient."

He left her staring in disbelief.

XxX

He often sought her out, usually when she was alone. It was annoying and she did her best to ignore him. In the danger room, he wormed his way on to her team and Rogue refused to run crying to anyone about his annoying antics.

Some days later, the second miscreant joined. Gambit sauntered up to the mansion, announced her was joining the X-Men. When questioned why, his answer was ,

"This seems the place t'be right now."

He gave no further explanation. The whole team were gathered to make the announcement. Piotr had gladly joined and was thankful for the employment the Professor was giving him.

Since the end of Apocalypse, any spare time was devoted to house repairs. Piotr was very useful and made quite the time with Logan and the others. Rogue was not excused from this and did her duty.

Remy had never been one for manual labour but neither was he one for shirking his share.

He took the opportunity to observe the X-men at work. He saw how the younger ones were enthusiastic and liberal with their use of powers. Cyclops and Jean were practically joined at the hip, any time Cyclops wasn't trying to compete with the shirtless antics of Logan and Piotr.

Then there was Rogue, isolating herself as usual. Or so he thought. He'd heard the rumours that she and Vision had a fling. He wondered how that worked. Being that he wasn't too intimately acquainted with the man's powers,

"Back off will ya? Of all the jobs to do, ya just had to paint the same section Ah am."

"Maybe I thought you could use some company?"

"Well, when Ah want company Ah'll organise it mahself."

"Careful Rogue, if you wait too long no one will want to spend time with you. I heard them talking you know."

"And? So what?"

"Most of them are saying how you used to be a friend, but now you barely give them the time of day."

"Well Ah have things to do. Ah missed a lot of school thanks to several reasons."

"What's with you and that Cajun?"

Rogue frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I see him, staring at you. All the girls are desperate to catch his eye but he only has eyes for you."

"He's probably thinking about his next scam."

ouch, that hurt, Gambit shook his head.

"Maybe? Or maybe he wants a taste of what I had."

"Oh please, as if. He's got plenty of contacts that he can hit up for that. Ah'm sure you have a similar set up."

"True. We do have options. But what about you? Whose going to look after you?"

"Why are you so worried about me. We're not together anymore."

"We could be."

"No, Ah don't want that. Besides, Ah don't want anything to do with ya."

"Why not? We had some good times."

"Ah know. But that's over. Ah told you this. It was over when Ah found you with someone else and it was even more over when you refused to help with Apocalypse. That was your choice, but it's mah choice to not have anything to do with you. So please, leave me alone. We can be polite teammates but no more. Please respect that."

"Can you really afford to ice out another person? How long do you think it will be before the others give up on you?"

"Ah don't know and Ah really don't care."

XxX

Gambit was working on his bike later that day, when Logan entered the garage.

"Cajun."

"Wolverine. What do you know about that Vision?"

"What's it to you?"

"Ah overheard..."

"Sure, you overheard..."

"Ah overheard him talking with Rogue. It wasn't too friendly."

Logan stopped what he was doing. "What was said?"

"He was going on at her about her isolating herself and that they should, well, get back together."

"What did she say?"

"She told him no. She don't seem really happy about him being here."

"He's not the only one. Why are you really here Gambit?"

"Like Ah told the Professor, this seems the place to be for now."

"Well I hope Rogue being here ain't part of your reasonings. She's got plans."

"Professor says she's as good as headhunted for the Avengers."

"Yes but she's not said anything to me. Doesn't say a lot to anybody these days."

"Well, Ah'm not here to stand in her way. Mebbe Ah want to find a way to be a part of her layfe?"

Logan snorted. "You're optimistic I'll give you that. I'd like to see you try. But as to that Vision kid, I'm not so sure about him. He seems polite and willing to help but I've learned that if my gut senses something off, then it's probably right."

"Have you said anything to the Professor?"

"We've spoken a few times. It's Charles' house. His rules. Otherwise you wouldn't have made it through the gates. Charles has a soft spot for renegades and would be redeemers. If you want to stick around, keep them hands off Rogue. For all our sakes."

xXx

He was on his way back to his room, when he spied Vision taking a wrong turn into the girls' room. He followed, swiftly, silently, catching him going into Rogue's room. He watched as Vision sat on her bed, going so far as to sniff her sheets.

"Ah t'ink you be in the wrong place."

"I think you should mind your own business. You don't stand a chance with her."

"Neither do you."

"Sure, she's angry now but it's only a matter of time. She'll be begging me to touch her again."

"Now Rogue doesn't strike me as the beggin' type and..."

"What are y'all doing?"

Rogue stood in the doorway, catching sight of the boys in her room, seeing their positions.

"Get out!"

Gambit turned, giving a little bow. "As Mademoiselle commands."

Vision sneered, leaving her with a wink.

XxX

Both boys were reprimanded and given extra duties. Vision protested the consequence saying that he wasn't a child to be given punishments.

"This ain't your house kid. You don't like it, be free to leave."

Charles frowned as the boy left. "A moment, Gambit."

They waited until the door was closed.

"Logan has made me aware of your conversation. Given what has happened, I'd like for you to tell me what happened."

"Ah caught Vision making a wrong turn. Ah was curious. Thought mebbe he was up to no good."

Logan snorted.

"Caught him on her bed, sniffing her sheets."

"So it is Rogue he's after."

"But she wants nothing to do with him. She don't care that he got other options. He don't seem to like that she don't want him."

"Which may lead to some unpleasantness."

Logan had always admired Charles' penchant for the underwhelming sentiment.

"We'll keep an eye on him. Rogue had made her feelings clear and I would hate her to be put into an uncomfortable situation. Luckily she's set on completing summer school so she can graduate. Ah believe she's planning on a solo trip on completion. Nothing can jeopordise that."

XxX

Shortly after, the instructors were clued in on what was going on and joined in with the simple mission that Rogue was never to be left alone. It was easy for Hank, who offered tutoring in Science, something Rogue was grateful to accept.

Logan's patrol involved personal training and supervised her 'time out' between studying.

Storm offered simple biology, in the caretaking of plants. She also offered training in flying skills. Those powers were lingering more so than any others and they had all insisted she train them to make the most of their use.

Time with the Professor afforded quiet solitude.

She wasn't so oblivious to know that they were clearly doing this deliberately. It was something she brought up with them individually.

"You're sure you can spare the time?"

"My time is my own."

"Well thank-you for sharing it."

Hank was all too keen to claim ignorance.

"Not at all my dear, this is as good for you as it is for me. I was a teacher and you know the adage, use it or lose it."

Logan's response to her gratitude was typical.

"Spare me the sentimentality kid and get back to work."

Weekends were when Carol would visit, either alone, or she would take Rogue back to base with her. One time, after a less than subtle run in with a persistent Vision, Natasha arrived to find Rogue less than composed.

"What is wrong?"

"Nothing, can we just go?"

"Was this man bothering you? Tell me honestly."

Rogue, tired of it all, nodded.

Natasha looked up and caught the guy's eye. He bolted. Clint, by his partner's side, always ready with his bow and arrows, let one loose, and pinned the edge of his clothing to the nearby tree.

The spectacle drew quite an audience and the Professor arrived in time to hear Natasha say, "When a woman says no to you, that is all that's required. You leave Yanna alone."

Logan was envious that he hadn't been the one to give the warning but had to admire Natasha's directness.

"Vision. My office. Now."

Vision was no longer at the mansion by the time Rogue returned.

XxX

Now that Vision had gone, Rogue was able to relax, making her commitments easier to handle. She had begun planning her route, sensing she would soon be free.

"You're sure that you want to do this alone?"

"Of course. Ah need to do this."

"Then perhaps you will agree to letting us know the route you are planning to take."

"Of course."

"And you'll check in daily?"

"Daily? How about twice a week.?"

"Hourly then."

"Fayne, daily."

"Good."

There were further stipulations. Carol also wanted the route. She wanted to know how long she'd be stopping at each destination.

"I hope you'll be leaving your exact route with us."

"Sure that's fayne. But I don't know how long Ah'll be in each place. It may change depending on what goes down."

"Fine then, but I want daily contact also."

"And I'll install a tracker on your car."

"What? No Carol..."

"Yes Rogue. You want to do this on your own, well, these are the terms and conditions."

"Fayne!"

XxX

It was getting near the day for Rogue's departure. It had been the happiest day for everyone at the Mansion when the news came through that she had finally done enough to graduate that year.

The instructors had thrown a party in her honour, which doubled as an eighteenth birthday as she had wanted no distractions. They opted for a huge BBQ with many other side dishes and a cake, that was as Rogue's request, heavy on the chocolate and with thick chocolate fudge frosting.

Carol shook her head at the whole thing.

"This reminds me of that party your mom threw for your fifteenth."

"What about it?"

"She wanted to make sure everything was perfect. Even the decorations. Of course you had to choose Black and red. You remember that punch she served?"

Rogue squeezed her nose.

"Ah think Ah do. Ah'm sure there was food dye in it."

"That stained my teeth for weeks. Tony sure gave me hell about that."

"Whose Tony? Have I met him?"

"Hm, Tony Stark? Not yet. He's away making millions. The Avengers is just his side gig."

They were interrupted by the announcement that the food was ready and it was best to grab it quick.

XxX

After the presents and the speeches were over and the cake was practically diminished, talk came around to September.

"I know you've been busy finishing this year, but have you had any thoughts about College? You would be more than welcome to apply to Bayville, I know some others have already planned it that way."

Rogue looked up. "Er thanks, but Ah won't be applying to Bayville. 'Sides, Ah already know where Ah'm going."

"Oh?"

"Georgia."

"We don't have to talk about this now."

"That's what all adults say when they don't like the direction it's going."

"Rogue!"

She shrugged. "It's the truth. But fayne, we'll talk about this, when you're ready."

XxX

The conversation was brought up again the next day.

Rogue had used some of her studying time to apply to colleges in the South. Georgia was her priority, then Tennesse, Florida and Mississippi.

Charles was clearly disappointed. "I had hoped you would at least consider Bayville."

"Look, it's nothing personal. Ah have always wanted to study there and Ah've had enough with Bayville."

"Then if that's what you want, we'll make it happen."

"Thank-you."

XxX

It was mid morning by the time Rogue set off on her trip. She'd said her good-byes the night before but people were still wanting to see her off. It was a little embarrassing.

But all that was forgotten as soon as she hit the road.

With her assignments completed, and Vision having left the Mansion, Rogue was finally in a good place. She was free of her burdens. Apocalypse was dead. Mystique was AWOL (serious eye roll) and Charles had agreed to Georgia.

XxX

It was fun being able to decide where to stop for meals, finding the decent motel rooms and getting ever so closer to the beach. She couldn't wait to get in the water. It wasn't enough to be driving hundreds of miles a day, her body craved activity of a recreational kind. Especially as she was missing out on the danger room sessions.

She would make time to check out the beaches at each stop but her favourite one was in South Carolina. Some days, the waves gave her the work out required, other days were limited to a hint.

The towns were friendly enough. They were used to tourists and knew when to stop with the questions.

That became a difference the further South she got.

By the time she hit Mississippi, she was less easy. This was her home turf. She hadn't been here since the night her powers had manifested. Charles and Logan had told her Cody had recovered and would be soon going to College on a football scholarship. She was pleased for him.

By the time she reached Irene's house, it was late and whilst she knew it would be impolite to not make the effort and say hello, she was reluctant.

"Come on in Rogue. You know you are always welcome."

Rogue obliged, feeling awkward about Irene's foreward visions.

There was enough in the fridge for a simple dinner for the both of them, after which, Rogue spent a dreamless night in her old room.

When morning came, she heard voices downstairs and lingered for as long as she could.

"Come on in Rogue."

Mystique was sitting, tense and poised.

"Why is she here?"

"Now Rogue, there is no need for that attitude."

"You're serious, Irene? You know exactly what she did to me. What she did to Carol? But then you're not innocent either. Ah know you forced the adoption when my mom died. Maybe you had something to do with mom's death?"

The two woman started blankly at her statement.

"You know what, Ah thought it was the right thing to call on you. You did look after me for a while, but if you continue to allow Mystique in your life, then you'll have to accept that Ah won't be sharing it. Don't bother calling meh, don't expect meh to call ya'll either."

She turned around and collected her stuff. Mystique stood with her arms folded by the door.

"Rogue, please, think of Kurt, he would be so happy if we were able to talk about this properly and be a family."

"Kurt is well aware that Ah think of you as a cold, calculating, murdering Bitch. He knows that you could never take the place of my mom and that Ah will never think of you in a positive way. So back off Mystique, before Ah do some real damage."

XXX

It had been a long time since Rogue had felt that riled and fearing for her fellow drivers, she pulled up at a local diner and decided to order breakfast. The waitress took her order, bringing over fresh coffee.

She dialled the Mansion's number, and heard the Professor on the other line.

"Good Morning Rogue."

"Hey Professor."

"How are you today?"

Rogue paused.

"Did something happen?"

He heard her take a breath. "Ah'm in Mississippi. Ah stopped off at Irene's place. Mystique was there."

"Ah, I see."

"Ah couldn't believe she was there, trying to salvage a relationship, when her actual son is practically begging for her to spare a glance his way."

Charles didn't comment.

"Has she made any contact with Kurt?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"Ah'm pretty much done here. Ah can't go back to Irene's. Not if Mystique's there."

"Do you have enough to reserve a motel?"

"You know Ah do. Between you and Carol Ah can afford a much longer trip."

"Well let me know." He paused. "Come in Logan." to Rogue, "You have only to ask."

"Thanks."

"How's the sights kid? Are you ready to come home?"

"Ah've barely started Logan. Ah'm not ready yet."

"So why are you calling, did something happen?"

"Mystique was at Irene's. They wanted to make me talk things out. Ah can't Logan. Maybe in a few years but Ah can't be in a room with her and not want to throw her through a wall and whilst Ah know that would be immensely satisfying, it would kill Kurt. He still has hope that she'll be his mother."

"Well, I applaud your restraint. It may be best to cut your time short there. There may still be ill-feeling."

"No problem. Ah'll call you you later."

She had set her phone down, as the waitress brought her breakfast. She felt someone linger and looked up.

"Rogue..."