Please Enjoy
Chapter 20 of
Taunting Repartee RM'd
Tie Your Mother Down
Phase One:
"Good morning everyone," the Professor said to gather all of their attention in the kitchen the following morning at the tail end of breakfast.
A chorus of "good morning, Professor," swiftly followed.
"Again, I'd like to reiterate how well you all did in yesterday's session and how well you've all done this year as a whole. As a reward, we have a special treat planned," he announced. The news was met with an enclave of enthusiasm. Except for Scott, whose gaze passed over her. He knew something was up.
'Scott's gonna be a problem. Again,' Rogue thought dryly.
"Ororo will meet you all directly after school. Jean, I would like you to take the SUV today, so everyone will fit within three vehicles. Scott, you and Jean will follow Ororo," he dictated.
"Yes, Professor," Scott and Jean said together.
"Professor, what are we doing?" Kitty asked.
"That would spoil the surprise, wouldn't it?" he asked with a smile. There was a rupture of excitement from her fellow classmates. "I will however tell you that all Danger Room Sessions for the rest of the week have been canceled," he added.
"Seriously?" Sam asked gleefully. A sentiment shared by most in the room.
"We'll resume next Monday, at the top of the schedule. Also, since this afternoon and evening will be hectic, I would recommend completing as much homework during your lunch break and study hall periods as possible," he suggested.
"Got it, Professor," Kitty smiled as others nodded in agreement.
"Hmm, Professor?" Kurt started to ask.
"Hank informed me that the test we discussed is taking a little longer than anticipated. We'll talk about it more tomorrow," he said.
"Thanks, Professor," he said.
"I hope you all have a wonderful day," the Professor said, dismissing them.
A few moments passed as everyone cleaned up after themselves, and readied to leave the room. Scott met her gaze again and she gave him a short nod, asking for his patience. But considering it was a non-verbal cue, she wasn't sure he understood.
"And Rogue," the Professor added, after half the students were in the hallway leaving the kitchen. "Logan will pick you up from school," he said.
"Wait, you're not coming?" Kurt asked, disheartened.
"No," Rogue said, shaking her head at her little brother.
"A shame you'll miss the outing," the Professor said before his gaze passed over Scott's and back to her.
'I'll handle Scott,' she thought, directing her thoughts at the Professor. She saw his eyes flicker and knew the message had been received.
"But considering the recent efforts you've made in controlling your abilities," the Professor said, not missing a beat. "I'm pleased we'll have the afternoon to focus on what we discussed last night," the Professor said.
"Thanks, Professor. Ah really appreciate your help," Rogue said.
"Have a good-" the Professor started to repeat before Rahne ran forward.
"I forgot!" Rahne said, suddenly. "I'm suppose' ta call me Da this morn'," she said.
"We'll have to make it quick," the Professor said. "Kurt could you please grab the-" he asked, barely had the question been asked before Kurt was porting away and then returned with the phone. "Yes, thank you, Kurt," he said as he gestured toward Rahne.
"Thanks, Professor," Rahne said, as she reached for the phone. Kurt was about to hand it to her, when it rang. The Professor then gestured toward himself and Kurt handed the object to him instead.
"Xavier Institute, Charles speaking," he said into the receiver. Rogue watched his face light up. "Yes, thank you for returning my call. Just a moment," he said before he placed his hand over the receiver. "I'm so sorry, Rahne, but I must take this. Remind me tonight, after you've all returned from the outing. We'll call your father together," he offered.
"I could call him from school," she said.
"A long-distance call on a pay phone?" the Professor asked, his tone slightly dismissive. "Tonight, Rahne," he dictated. "I'll ensure you aren't in any trouble with your father and take the blame for our delay," he said, before moving to excuse himself from the room.
"I- thanks, Professor," Rahne said, acquiescing, but she was clearly still upset, her stance was radiating with anxiousness.
"Is your dad strict?" Rogue asked Rahne.
"Not usually," Rahne said. "But I don't miss check-ins often. I wouldn't want him ta worry," she said.
'Rogue, do not help her make that call sooner,' she heard the Professor's voice in her mind.
'Professor?' she asked and caught his eye as he was leaving out the back door.
'While the show of empathy for your fellow teammate is encouraging. I'm afraid, now is not the time for it. I need you focused on the plan. Talk to Scott, then prepare yourself to initiate phase two,' he told her, as he made his way out of the room.
No, he was right. Her focus couldn't be divided. Not today. There was a lot riding on this. Now, she just needed to get Scott alone for a moment before they headed out to school.
'Right,' she said before turning to look at the teammate she should be. "Oh, Scott. You asked me to remind ya not ta forget your history textbook, right?" she asked him.
"Ah- yeah, thanks," he said, playing along, as he scratched the back of his head.
"It's up in your room, ain't it?" she asked.
"Yeah," he said dryly, going along with it.
"Kurt, could I borrow your-" Rogue started to ask before her little brother gave her a kiss on the cheek, giving her a small dose of his powers. "Thanks," she said as she took a step toward Scott. "We'll meet y'all in the garage," she said as she placed her hand on his shoulder and teleported them upstairs, just outside his bedroom.
"So, what's going on?" Scott asked as Rogue glanced back and forth. Once she confirmed they were alone, she looked up at Scott.
"Risty Wilde is Mystique in disguise," she told him and to his credit, he barely reacted. "We have a plan to finally get Kurt some answers-"
"But the Professor's clearing the mansion in case it goes wrong," he finished.
"Yeah," Rogue said. "So, ya can't say anything or even look at Risty sideways today, got it?" she said.
"I know how to keep my cool," he said defensively, as he folded her arms over his chest.
"And no talking ta Jean about it, either," she said. That did get a reaction out of him, he seemed offended on her behalf. "Scott, we get one shot at this. We mess up, Mystique's in the wind. Yeah, I probably have the answers in my head, but I'm still getting control over my powers and I don't know how long that's gonna take. Prof reading Mystique's mind today while her guard's down is the best shot we have at getting Kurt some answers. But not if it's gossip. It's gotta be a normal day," she finished strongly.
"I don't like all the secrets," he said.
"I only figured it out yesterday and Prof's gonna brief y'all later," she added. He looked like he wanted to protest further, but sighed as he thought better of it.
"Fine," he huffed. A moment passed as she waited. "I said it's fine," he repeated.
"Great, thanks," she said. "But ya gotta go grab a book, so your bag looks heavier," she said.
"Seriously?" he grumbled before stalking into his room.
She rolled her eyes.
One problem solved. Several more to go.
Phase Two:
Rogue opened her locker and waited for the inevitable.
"Morning, darling," she heard Risty call out.
"Morning, Risty," Rogue responded, her smile bright and pronounced. "Hmm, so, I was giving some thought to what ya said yesterday," she started.
"Yes?" she asked.
"And I was wondering if ya wanted to come over to the institute after school," she said.
"Won't you get in trouble?" she asked. "Very secretive, that lot," she commented under her breath.
"I asked this time," Rogue answered, ignoring the second comment.
"Really?" she asked.
"Yeah- I-" she said before taking a breath. She really needed to sell this. "Risty you'll been a really good ta me. And I don't know- half the time it just feels like you're taking care of me and I-" she said as she tapped her foot against the floor. "You're my best friend and I don't want that to feel one-sided," she said.
"Oh, darling," she said, her expression softening. "It doesn't. Not to me," she said.
"But it does ta me," she said, strongly placing her hand on her chest. "I just-" she said as she placed her on her locker's door. "I just wanna have ya over for dinner. Normal people can invite their best friends over, right?" she asked, as she closed her locker. "They don't always have ta go out and spend the other's money," she muttered under her breath as she pretended to struggle with her zipping her bag closed.
Risty's hand reached forward like she wanted to help her, but she almost immediately pulled it back.
"I just-" Rogue said before she let out a frustrated groan. She feigned a deep breath, seemingly regaining her composure, and finished zipping the bag closed. "I just wanna be a good best friend to ya too," she said as she threw the bag over her shoulder. "
"Darling, you are," Risty said as she placed her hand on her arm. Rogue forced her eyes to widen.
"Oh god," she muttered as she placed her hand on her forehead and lowered her head.
"What?" Risty asked, alarmed.
"I didn't even ask ya if you were free. I just told ya to come over for dinner. Why am I so bad at this?" she exclaimed.
"You're not," Risty said, looping her arm through hers. "And I'm free as a bird. I'd love to come over for dinner," she said.
"Ya ain't just saying that?" Rogue asked as they started to walk toward their first classes. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kitty, Amara, and Jean walking toward her and Risty.
"No," she said, strongly, hugging her arm. "So, I'll drive you home today?" she asked.
"Logan's picking me up. I gotta get something done right after school but Prof said you could come by about three-thirty and we could hang out till dinner's ready," she said.
"What do you think the surprise is?" Amara asked Kitty.
"I have, like, no idea," Kitty said enthusiastically.
"But remember what the Professor said, we need to complete our homework-" Jean reminded them.
"Totally," Kitty said.
"Yeah, me and Kitty are using study hall to get most of it done," Amara said while she saw Risty raise an eyebrow before turning her attention back to Rogue.
"Which should be around?" Risty asked, in a sing-songy tone.
"Six," Rogue answered.
"Lovely," she said, squeezing her arm. "Gives me time to freshen up and put on something a little nicer," she said.
"Ya don't have ta go all out. I ain't getting changed," she said.
"I'm not putting on a dress," Risty laughed. "But I have P.E. eighth period. I'd rather not offend," she said and Rogue couldn't help but smile as she rolled her eyes. "Three-thirty's perfect," she said. "Oh, this is so exciting," she exclaimed. "I'm excited," she added, while Rogue laughed before they parted ways, Risty heading further down the hall to her first class.
Rogue took a breath. Her first conversation went exactly as intended. With everyone talking about the surprise outing this afternoon, it was only a matter of time before her mother asked her about it.
'Just practice what you're gonna say during lunch. You can handle this,' she told herself.
Rogue sat at a table in the quad, during her lunch period, waiting for Risty to join her. In front of her, she had a few items from the vending machine; a bag of chips, a package of fruit snacks, and a bottle of soda. It wasn't the most substantial meal. There was something about the blandness of the school's cafeteria food. She couldn't bring herself to stomach cold tater tots, or cardboard pizza logs. But the small amount in front of her should be enough so her mother wouldn't feel the need to rush away before their conversation had even started.
"Hey, darling," she heard Risty call out from behind her. Rogue turned around to see Risty carrying a small tray of food from the cafeteria. Her eyes scanned over, the not one but, two apples Risty had.
'She wants time ta talk too,' Rogue noted as she greeted her mother with a smile. "Hi," she smiled as Risty got herself situation across from her.
"The lunch lady gave me an extra apple again. Can you believe it?" she asked as she picked up the piece of fruit and offered it to her. "May as well not let it go to waste," Risty shrugged.
"Thanks, Mom," Rogue said instinctively, rolling her eyes. She felt herself freeze for a brief second before she calmly took the apple from her mother. 'No, it'll be weirder if I didn't make the joke,' she reasoned.
"She actually did give me two," Risty said, doubling down.
"Ah-huh," Rogue smirked, leaning into her instincts and not treating Risty any differently now that she knew the truth. Rogue took a nice large satisfying bite from the apple.
"Oh. Whatever," Risty huffed as Rogue swallowed her bite. "You're ingesting vitamins. I'm happy," she said dismissively. Rogue couldn't help but laugh.
"The fruit snack got some in 'em," she pointed out, as she picked up the package and scanned the nutritional label. "Fifteenth percent A, E and C," she said.
"And god knows what else," Risty exclaimed. "It's hardly sufficient."
"Ya know this is why you're my best friend," Rogue said. "'Cause ya care about me," she said before she took another bite of the apple.
"Of course, I care about you. I love you," Risty said before her eyes flashed to Rogue's. "I mean if that's not weird to say," she added, seemingly correcting herself. Rogue swallowed before she smiled.
"That ain't weird at all," she said, her tone kind. "I love you too," Rogue reciprocated before she took another bite of the apple. 'Mom,' she thought but kept to herself. Rogue watched Risty let out a sigh of relief.
"So, I was wondering about something," she said next.
'Here we go,' Rogue thought. "Ah-huh."
"Your housemates are all excited about some kind of outing after school?" Risty asked.
"Yeah, they're going ta the movies and then out for pizza and ice cream," Rogue answered.
"None of them seem to know that," Risty commented.
""Cause they don't," she said. "And I wasn't suppose'ta tell you that so-"
"Say no more," she said, her hand waving dramatically. "Mum's the word," she said cheekily and Rogue snorted at that. "So, why do you know and they don't?" she asked before taking a bite of her apple. "And why aren't you going with them?" she added, her words a little muffled.
Rogue anticipated and considered how to answer this particular question most of the morning and ultimately decided that a version for the truth was her best bet.
"So, remember how you were asking me about the poacher?" Rogue started and Risty nodded as she chewed. "So, Prof aware of it and 'cause he doesn't want me going anywhere I've sorta been getting special treatment," she answered. She watched Risty swallow as her eyes lit up with interest.
"What kind of special treatment?" she asked, resting her elbow on the table, the other held her apple which she took another bite from.
"We've been meeting a lot privately, talking about my potential at the institute. He's been giving more leadership opportunities and ah-" she said before smiling. "And remember when we cut last week?" she asked and Risty nodded again. "So, turns out the school called the institute and let him know," she said.
"Did you get in trouble?" Risty asked.
"Nope," Rogue said. "He told 'em that he forgot to tell 'em about my doctor's appointment," she relayed.
"He covered for you?" she asked intrigued, resting her hand on her chin.
"Ah-huh," Rogue smiled. "And this was before I got the official invitation from Mr. Lensherr."
"Oh my god," Risty laughed, covering her hand with her mouth. "And how are your housemates handling your sudden elevation?" she asked, her eyes flaring. Rogue was almost certain she saw a flicker of yellow in her eyes.
"Scott's been jealous," she answered honestly.
"Summer's always has a stick up his ass. That's not your problem," she said matter-of-factly, and Rogue couldn't help but snort in response. "How's the queen bee cooping?" she asked.
"Jean's fine," Rogue said with a shrug.
"Okay," Risty said, her head cocked slightly as she studied Rogue's reaction. "You haven't always gotten along with her," she commented, still fixing her with that studious gaze. Rogue took a breath. She was going to need to tell the truth here, or Mystique would see right through it.
"Jean trusts the Professor's judgment and if Prof says I'm ready for more responsibility then she's gonna go with it," Rogue said. Risty nodded at that before she took another bite. She took a moment to chew as she seemed to consider her next statement.
"But not Scott?" she asked, her head still cocked.
"He doesn't like being outshined," she said.
"No man does," Risty said, her voice dropping an octave. Rogue huffed at that. "So, over the last few months, you hunkered down on your studies, increased your grades. And as a result, you've had a counter offer and Xavier knows how valuable you are to his organization?" she asked.
"Ah-huh," Rogue mumbled as she was in the middle of a bite of her own.
"Well done, my girl," Risty said pleased. "And how are you going to use that?" she asked, her eyes flaring again.
'Seriously, how did this take me months to figure out,' she thought as she rolled her eyes at herself.
"Oh, none of that," Risty chided, misinterpreting her body language. "You have an advantage, you should use it, and shouldn't feel guilty about it either," she said strongly. "We both know I have money, and I'm not shy about flaunting it. Advantages are just that, advantages," she said strongly, bordering on a lecture.
"Yeah, I know that and I am," she said. "But I don't just want things handed to me. I wanna earn it," she said before taking a sip of her soda. "If I get the leadership position, I don't want people saying that I don't deserve it," she said.
"Darling, why would their opinions matter?" she asked her.
"'Cause I'm part of a team. And if the members of my team won't follow or do what I ask of 'em, then I ain't a leader, am I?" she asked. Risty let out a huff at that.
"This is why I prefer to work alone," she said before quickly adding, "on group projects."
'Nice, save, Mom,' she thought as she said, "ah-huh," aloud. She turned the apple around her in hand, taking another bite from the uneaten half.
"You still haven't answered my question," Risty pointed out. "Why aren't you going with them?" she repeated.
"The outing's a reward for everyone's hard work. I found out about it before anyone else and I asked for a different one," she said.
"And you chose to have me over for dinner?" she asked, a slight chuckle in her voice.
"Ah-huh," Rogue repeated.
"Wouldn't you rather be out with your housemates?" she asked.
"No," she answered bluntly. "'Cause I love you," she said. "And you said it first, so now it ain't weird for me to say," she said. Her mother smiled widely at that, accepting her statement at face value.
"Should I bring anything?" she asked.
"No, it's-" she said automatically before she blinked. "Actually, yeah. Could you bring your CD player over? So, I don't have ta ask anyone else to borrow theirs," she explained.
"Done," she said. "CD's too, I assume?" she asked.
"Yup," she smiled. "And thanks," she said before taking a breath. "People coming over to the institute's kinda a big deal. It doesn't really happen often. But I told Prof how important that was to me," she said.
"Did you tell him I'm moving to DC if you do?" she asked.
"Yeah, no, that's weird and I can't explain it," she said quickly and Risty laughed at that.
"Probably for the best," Risty agreed, her tone slightly hushed.
"Probably," Rogue repeated in agreement. "But seriously, thanks for-... Our friendship means a lot to me," she said.
"Me too, my darling," she said.
Phase Three:
Rogue as she glanced outside, from the front lobby, where she could see Risty's car pulling through the gates of the institute. The mansion was cleared. Only her, Logan, Mr. McCoy, and the Professor were present within the mansion itself. Though everyone was positioned in different locations. Mr. McCoy was covering the lower levels, ensuring her mother didn't try slipping away for her second visit to Cerebro. The Professor was in his office, waiting for Mystique to get in range, so he could begin the telepathic probe and Logan was on the second floor, keeping close to her's and Kitty's bedroom, just in case. Not that Rogue thought she was in any real danger with her mother. She did love her. She knew that.
"Rogue," the Professor said as he entered the lobby, a concerned expression on his face. He wasn't supposed to be here right now.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"I can't get into her mind," he said.
"What?" Rogue exclaimed. 'He's suppose ta be the best,' she thought irritated. First, he couldn't find how Magneto had altered the X-Men's memories and now he couldn't read her Mom's mind? She tried to hold in her annoyance. "Prof, that's the whole plan," she exclaimed, failing. "If ya can't-"
"I know, I know," he said, his hands waving placatingly at her. "But I've only had a moment. It may take a bit longer, that's all. And I intend to employ Cerebro," he explained.
"Not at full power, right? How am I gonna explain the light's flickering?" she asked.
"No, I'm utilizing Cerebro to enhance my abilities. I shouldn't need full power, not with her here in the mansion," he said.
"With her here, shouldn't ya not need it at all?" she asked, a bit perturbed, as she rested her hand on her hip. She had based her entire strategy on the assumption that he could get into her mind.
"Yes, you're correct," he said, a bit of a bite in his tone. "But I've invaded her mind before. She may have taken precautions," he said, his voice regained its level-headed tone.
"How do you deal with those?" she asked.
"Time," he said.
"And if we run outta that?" she asked him.
"Mystique is not leaving the mansion until we have answers for Kurt. Are we in agreement?" he asked.
"Yeah, but-" she said before she cut herself off to take a breath.
"Yes?" he asked.
"Mystique wanted to explain everything to Kurt. Only reason she didn't was 'cause Magneto stopped her," she explained as the Professor's eye lit up with interest.
"Why did he prevent her from speaking with her son?" he asked.
"I don't know, you made me promise ta stop looking at his memories," she said.
"I see," he said, his eyes moving away from hers as he was considering this new information.
"Also, I-" she said as his gaze returned to hers. "I get what you were saying about Magneto using magnetism as a power play," she said as she watched his eyebrow raise. "Mystique was yelling at him, then all the metal in her office was floating around and she backed down real quick," she said as his eyes widened. "And then Erik made this vague promise about helping her get me and Kurt back," she explained as his eyes grew even wider. "But I don't think he meant it, he just wanted her ta get the brotherhood ready for Asteroid M," she said.
"Her employment with Magneto was under duress?" he asked, but she could tell the question was rhetorical. "And once she regained her anonymity she used it to re-establish a relationship with and take care of you," he muttered to himself, his eyes darted back and forth as his finger drummed against his chair's controller. Rogue's eyes glanced outside and Risty was now parked in front of the Institute.
"Professor?" she asked. She didn't want to rush him, but he wasn't supposed to be in the lobby. Not right now.
"This complicates matters," he said as he took hold of the controller on his chair and began to move toward his office. "However, for the moment, we're sticking to the plan. Take her upstairs to yours and Kitty's room. I'll do what I can," he said.
"Okay," Rogue said before taking a breath and preparing herself. She glanced outside to see Risty waving at her, while holding the CD playing under her arm. Rogue put a big smile on her face as she walked out to greet her.
About an hour and a half later Rogue sat on her bed with Risty, she had her math textbook open as she was finishing up some homework. Risty sat beside her, reading a novel. The CD player Risty had brought was playing through her mother's copy of Pat Benatar's greatest hits. Though she was reading, every so often Risty would sing along with the chorus and Rogue found herself joining in.
Thankfully, her mother seemed content to keep her company. Rogue guessed Mystique didn't wish to appear too eager to explore, in hopes of additional invitations.
'Rogue,' she heard the Professor's thoughts in her mind. 'Change in plans. Please report to the kitchen with your mother immediately,' he ordered.
'Professor?' she asked, but received no response. It only took a moment to realize he hadn't actually entered her mind, only used his powers to project that one command. Considering how adamant she had been about him not entering her mind, she appreciated the extra effort on his part.
'Yeah, okay,' she thought. "Hey, Risty, ya thirsty?" she asked.
"Parched, darling," Risty said.
"Come on," she said as she got up off the bed. Risty gladly followed after her.
END CHAPTER
