The lake in the gardens of the school was as serene as the rest of the vegetation around it, perfect for long walks, a place to read outside of the library, or to go swimming during the summer. Today however, it had been reserved for Eowyn's surprise birthday party and Ororo made sure the weather stayed nice as Kendra and Jean decorated, Rogue shyly putting in her opinion once in a while. She'd come a long way since her arrival a week ago and everyone hoped she would continue to emerge from her shell as time progressed. Soon everything was ready and they went back to their normal routines for the day till after classes were over, then Eowyn was lured out to the brightly lit pavilion where everyone had gathered to jump out when she arrived. Eowyn stared for a moment and then laughed, declaring she should have suspected this would happen.

Music started to play and presents were passed to Eowyn one by one, which she opened and thanked the giver for. When there were no more, everyone helped themselves to the finger foods, played party games or danced. Eowyn was clearly enjoying herself, especially once Hank McCoy showed up and spent the rest of the evening with her after kissing her in front of the other party guests.

Jean smiled. "I see they worked things out."

"About bloody time." Ororo muttered.

Kendra laughed as she leaned back against the tree behind her. "You have been hanging out with me too much, ladies."

"That's impossible." Jean winked.

Ororo nodded as the Professor approached. "I'm going to go sign up for karaoke, want to join Jean?"

"Absolutely."

Kendra smiled, knowing they were just giving her some space. "Thanks for letting us use the gardens, Professor."

"Of course. You and your friends did a marvelous job decorating as always. You should sign up for the karaoke too before all the songs are gone."

"Probably...got any requests?"

"A dance with you when you return." He smiled at her blush. "As for the song, you have good taste. Surprise everyone."

"I think I have an idea, but no peeking." She had to resist laughing when he held his hands up in surrender and went up to put her request on the list. She rejoined him with a smile and took his outstretched hand. They made their way to the dance floor and moved together in perfect sync till her name was called. She went up and sang Climb Every Mountain from Sound of Music and rejoined the Professor during the applause.

"That was beautiful, Kendra." He said as their hands entertwined again. "It's very fitting for the occasion."

She chuckled. "I thought so too. After all, Wyn is another year older and now is obviously in a relationship with our dear Doctor McCoy. Lots of dreams being fulfilled there."

He smiled and kissed her hand. "And what about your dreams?"

"According to Cinderella I shouldn't share those if I want them to come true." She joked and was rewarded with his laughter. "Honestly though, spending more time with you is one of them."

"Then perhaps I could persuade you to agree to go out on a date with me Saturday?"

She stared at him for a moment in surprise, then a smile crept across her face. "I'd love to."

He nodded and she could have sworn she looked a little relieved. "Does five o'clock sound good?"

"Perfect, actually."

"I will see you then, Kendra."

"Ta, Professor." Her hand tingled as he kissed it again and she watched him disappear into the crowd.

"So...how'd it go?" Jean asked slyly, suddenly there at her elbow.

Kendra glanced at her like she'd expected her to show up, which she had. "Take a wild guess."

"He finally asked you on a date?"

"Bingo."

"What are you going to wear?"

"Maybe that outfit Lynnae sent me?"

Jean smiled. "I think that's a great idea. Come on, Ororo's dying to know what happened."

Kendra let her lead the way good-naturedly and shared the news with her other best friend, who was just as ecstatic as Jean. The party wound down after a while and the three of them cleaned up as the party guests left. Wyn stopped long enough to thank them before she left on Hank's arm and they watched with approval as the happy couple disappeared into the mansion.

"I think I'll go to bed now." Ororo yawned.

"I doubt I'll sleep if Scott's awake."

Kendra snickered and waved to her friends as she headed to the library for a bit of reading and saw she wasn't alone. "Can't sleep either, Rogue?"

"No. Bobby wanted to go out with me."

"Oh?"

Rogue sighed. "I told him I wasn't interested, but now I feel bad because he looked like a kicked puppy."

Kendra hmmmed. "And do you feel bad because you like him or his expression?"

"The latter. Don't get me wrong, he's a nice guy and all but..."

"You like someone else."

Rogue nodded. "I just don't know if he likes me or if it's too early in us knowing each other or if a relationship is even possible."

Kendra smiled. "Take your time, get to know him and see what happens. Being friends is a great place to start."

"You always so cool and confident?"

"Not when I first got here. This was a lot different than being a lifeguard on a beach in Australia, but I knew I could do more with my powers than merely pull water out of people's lungs and control the surf. When the Professor found and told me about the school, I thought it was some sort of trick till he spoke to me with his mind. I was curious, so I agreed to give it a try and there are still times I feel under qualified until I remember how far I've come."

Rogue smiled. "I hope I can get there."

"You will mate, you've just got to trust that your teachers know exactly how to help you nuture your gift and everyone here is rooting for you to succeed."

"Thanks for the encouragement, Kendra. Good night."

Kendra nodded and watched her get up. "Any time, Rogue. Night."