Pretending

Awuahh! Yey finally some reviews. ;~; -hugs you guys-

MiDemoni: Thank you so much for the review! I hardly ever get really good reviews and ones that help me and yours does. I know it does get confusing, but that's because this wasn't written by just me. Like I've said in the other chapters, it was a roleplay between me and another friend. Meaning, she would play one character and I would play another and it would go back and forth. I don't have the time, or to be honest the patience, to completely edit and make it flow better. If it really bothers you, you're more than welcome to edit it yourself and send it back to me. I'd be very grateful, but I completely understand if you don't want to or can't.
SyntheticDreams: Aw, thanks! Here's the next chapter. 8D
Schan: Well, I'm glad you read mine then! I hope you keep liking it!

My friend played Spyke and I played Bobby and Tabby in addition to the norm.

--

The better part of a week had gone by before Kurt was given permission by Hank to leave the medical bay at return to his own room. He was still aching and sore all over. All but the worst cuts had healed up nicely and he'd slowly gained some of his strength back-- a major relief to him. He was still wrapped in casts, but by next week, Hank said his wrist could go in a sling instead.

Despite that his body was healing, his mind was not. A couple times he even snuck extra pain killers just so he wouldn't wake up in a cold sweat from a bad dream.

Kurt sighed to himself as he leaned against the balcony's railing outside of his bedroom. He rarely ventured out-- preferring only to see three or four people at a time. He didn't feel like going downstairs but his stomach protested in hunger and he wondered if it would be worth it or if he should just hold out another two hours.

Scott tapped softly on Kurt's door, just in case the teleporter had finally managed to get some sleep.

"Kurt? You awake?" He called through the door in soft tones, balancing a tray in one hand. He hadn't seen Kurt for a while and had started to worry.

"Ja, I'm over here," he called out, not moving from his spot. He stared down over the grounds, watching Bobby, Sam, Roberto, Ray and Jamie trying to survive another Logan training session.

Scott opened the door and spotted Kurt out on the balcony. His eyes narrowed behind his glasses as he looked at the other boy, setting the tray down on the table. Kurt still looked skinny - an image not helped by the bandages he still wore, but there was the start of a healthy bloom about him that hadn't been there before.

"Hey," Scott said softly, smiling as he moved over to join him. "I brought you something to eat." He smiled, gesturing back to where he'd left the tray. "I'm afraid Kitty insisted that I bring one of her muffins as well... I'm sure you'll find someone down there to drop it on," He joked, looking down at the training session with a smile. "How are you doing today?"

Kurt turned to look at him, putting on a grin. "What, can you read my mind now? I think I might even eat one of her muffins," he said, joking back. He faultered a bit at the question and looked back down at the training too. "I'm doing alright." He smiled again and shook his head. "Who'd ever thought I'd come to miss doing a Logan session?"

"Yeah, Jean's been helping me work on my telepathy," Scott said dryly, rolling his eyes as he tried to hide a grin. "Here you are with a get out of Logan session free card and you want to go back?" Scott shook his head, watching the other boy carefully.

He grinned, bumping against him with his good shoulder. "I know, crazy, huh? And if you tell him, you'll find yourself in the middle of no where, got it?" he asked, only half joking. "I swear, if he finds out I miss them, he'll pull out all the stops on me once I'm better."

"You think he isn't planning that anyway?" Scott teased, bumping back carefully, reaching out a steadying hand to make sure the other boy didn't stumble. "I think Logan's got a whole new rota made up especially for you." He smiled before it softened, "We've missed you Kurt... Everyone has..."

Kurt smiled gently and stared out, eyes turning sad. "I know... I just-- I can't deal with everyone still. It's too much." He knew Scott still didn't really know what happened and he felt bad for not telling him, but... He still couldn't stand the shame of himself and pity from everyone else if they knew.

Scott reached out, taking Kurt's good hand in his own and squeezed it gently.

"Yeah, I know. I... I'm really sorry Kurt, for not being there and..." He trailed off looking at Kurt, at the bandages and lingering bruises. "Look, I get it if it's too soon after the attack and all but I was wondering, if you're free that is, and if you want to... Because you don't have to... But I'd like you to if you want... Would you like to go out with me on Friday?" He asked, blushing a little, still holding Kurt's hand.

Kurt shook his head. "You didn't know what would happen," he muttered, but then fell silent and listened. He blinked, looking confused. "I... To hang out? Can't we just... do that here? Watch a movie or something?"

"No, I didn't mean to hang out," Scott said, squeezing his hand a little for emphasis before smiling shakily. "Come on Kurt, don't make me spell it out. I'm nervous enough as it is... Or do I need to compliment you on your brains again?" He asked.

Kurt swallowed thickly but shook his head. "Scott, I'm sorry, but... I don't feel like playing Sandra again yet," he said, still misunderstanding.

Scott shook his head. "I'm not asking Sandra - lovely though she is, Kurt," He said earnestly, trying not to smile at the other boy's naivety, "I'm asking you. Would you, Kurt Wagner, like to go on a date with me, Scott Summers? ...at some point, er... when you're ready?" He closed his eyes behind his glasses. Could I make any more of a mess of this?

Kurt froze, heart skipping a beat or two, and stared up at him. "But," he shook his head, gently taking his now shaking hand back. "But... What about Jean?" he asked, his voice catching on the words. "What about... about being straight?”

Scott rubbed his now free hand over the back of his neck, looking out at the training session.

"Kurt. I... I nearly lost you," He said honestly, his voice a little low with the worry he felt over the idea of actually loosing his friend. "I... really like Sandra and I had time to think about the whole thing, time to realize that you are Sandra."

He smiled nervously. "I'm a dumb ass, I know, before you say it but what I mean, what I'm trying to say is that it doesn't matter what you look like, you're still you and I still like you and I'd feel awful if I never had the chance to..." Apologize to you properly. "You don't have to," He said, looking away, "it was just an idea."

Kurt smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. He moved his eyes to look up at the sky. "I... You know I like you, Scott," he said. "I'd like to, but... I-I just don't know. I..." He paused and closed his eyes, tilting his head down again, and let out a long breath. "He attacked me, Scott," he muttered.

"I know," Scott said softly, missing the point, "you only have to look at you to be able to see that."

He looked at Kurt with a sad expression. Yes, Kurt was healing well but the other boy still wasn't right. There was just something... "I'm not going to force you into doing something you don't want to," He said with an easy shrug. "We could hang out here if you like. Raid Kitty's movie collection, bully Rogue into making us some popcorn... That kind of thing," He suggested with a smile.

Kurt's chest and throat tightened and he shook his head. He figured Scott deserved to know and if he didn't say it now, he never would. "N-no, Scott... He-- S-sabretooth, he..." God, this was harder than last time-- but that was probably because they already knew and he was drugged up. He started shaking lightly, knowing he had to continue but not sure if he could.

"Easy now." Scott reached out, wrapping his arms around Kurt's smaller form, able to feel him trembling. Scott wasn't used to seeing the other boy looking so lost. "I wish I could help you feel better," He whispered, "I wish I could take away the memory of you being beaten by that lowlife bastard, I wish..." He sighed shaking his head before letting Kurt go slowly.

Kurt caught his wrist tightly, but his grip loosened quickly in case Scott decided to leave. He didn't look up at him, staring at a spot passed him instead. "He raped me." There. It was out.

Scotts genial smile fell away into a look of horror. "Jesus," He breathed, mind reeling as things suddenly started to make sense, guilt roaring up almost as fast as anger. Sabretooth...

That explained why they'd let Toad hang around, they probably wanted to keep him quiet. That explained why Logan was being so gentle with Kurt. That explained why Kurt seemed to shrink back from people so much, why he was so quiet and...

Scott focused on Kurt once more, wanting to reach out to the other again but uncertain as to how it would be received if he tried to hug the other boy. "God... Kurt... Fuck, I'm so sorry" He murmured, shaking his wrist free of Kurt's grip so he could hold his hand in both of his own.

Kurt focused his gaze on Scott again. "Please don't tell anyone else," he said. He knew Scott wouldn't, but he needed conformation.

Scott frowned, a little hurt that Kurt had to ask but nodded firmly. "I'll never tell another soul as long as I live," He promised solemnly. "Does anyone else know? Other than me?" He asked curiously.

He slowly nodded his head. "Obviously Logan and McCoy know. And the Prof." He sighed. "Ororo and Todd know, too. And... no one's told her, but I think Rogue suspects it."

So I was the last to know. Scott forced a comforting smile. "So it's just a select group of six?" He murmured before the smile faultered. "No one's going to be told on my part, Kurt." He ran a hand over the back of his neck, feeling slightly awkward and unsure of what to say. "I'm sorry if I... I mean, I didn't mean to upset you by asking you out," He mumbled.

Kurt shook his head, gently worrying his lower lip. "I-it's not that, Scott. I'd like to. I just... I don't how much I can..." He sighed again. "I just want you to know what to expect. To understand it."

"What I expect?" Scott frowned a little. "I expect us to have a nice time watching a film and eating popcorn that someone else has slaved over." He shrugged before the honest part of him added softly. "I won't ask anything of you that you're not prepared to give."

Kurt smiled softly, ducking his head. "Thank you. I... I think I'd like that," he said, though half wondered if this was a dream.

"You would?" Scott asked in surprise, looking up before blushing brightly. "Uh, I mean, cool, yeah, um... How about tomorrow night?" He smiled a little, glancing at the sling that was round Kurt's arm. "That is unless you've something else planned?" He teased.

Kurt looked back up at him, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, ja, I'm planning on bungee jumping tomorrow, Scott."

Scott laughed. "There's the sparkling Wagner wit we've all missed." He smiled down at Kurt. "I can't quite remember why we've missed it..." He teased, before his face went a little more serious, "But we... but I have."

"I know," he said, catching the words 'I'm sorry' on his tongue. "But I bet Evan and Bobby have filled in the joker role while I'm up here, hm?"

"Actually no." Scott smiled, leaning against the balcony railing. "We all sort of braced for that but without you around no one really seems to want to... um... should I be giving you compliments to boost that ego of yours or what?"

Kurt looked at him, surprised. "Really? I..." He smiled, laughing softly. "If you want. I don't think my ego can harm anyone now."

Scott bumped him playfully with his shoulder in silent understanding. "They, we, the team, all of us really... We just aren't the same without you round. Kitty's practically pre-menstrual, Spyke's attitude is worse than ever, no one even dares talk to Rogue, Logan's threatened eight times more people than usual, Jean -" Scott caught himself. "Um. Well, no one smiles as much without you, Kurt." He looked over at the boy. "No one laughs either..."

Kurt's smile turned soft and he shrugged a little. "So I guess the fuzzy dude does have his uses, huh?" he asked, joking again.

"Hey," Scott caught Kurt's uninjured hand, shaking his head as he smiled, "don't just shrug it off like that, Kurt... You're a huge part of us. God, without you I'm starting to think everything would fall apart." He let go of Kurt's hand, shaking his head. "And if you tell Logan that we'll all end up doing extra sessions," He added with a smirk.

He laughed softly, catching his hand again and squeezing it gently. "I won't. But, uh... Thanks," he said, smile widening. "It's nice to have someone say that to me."

"As opposed to who?" Scott asked with a questioning frown, happy to just hold his hand. "I don't think I've ever said all that to anyone before," He mused out loud before tugging the hand he held. "Hey are you gonna eat anytime soon? Much as I like playing prince charming I dont want to have to carry you to bed if you faint out of hunger," He said with a smile.

Kurt grinned, having forgot about his hunger, and followed him over to where he'd set the food down. "Rogue. She, uh... talked to Sandra that first day. Before she knew it was me," he said, then stopped, eyes widening and putting on a sheepish grin having forgotten Scott didn't know that Rogue knew their plan.

Scott nearly tripped over his own feet as he turned to face Kurt, his face already blushing bright red. "You told... Oh God, no wonder she's looking at me like I'm..." Scott sighed heavily. "Um, do I want to know what she said or would I be better of not knowing?"

Kurt blushed himself, giving a weak shrug. "Uh... probably not. You might not want to go near her for a while if you did."

"I don't go near her anyway, last time I did she growled at me." Scott pulled a face, sitting down at the little table. "There's a Kitty muffin, some soup and bread and some grapes," He said gesturing to the covered tray. "Not great but..." He shrugged suddenly not sure what to say.

He laughed and sat down too, letting his tail hang to the side. "It's fine," he said, popping a grape in his mouth before pulling the soup and bread closer so it wouldn't spill.

--

The next day, Rogue was scowling at the cookbook as she worked quietly in the kitchen. Quietly except for the stereo blaring beside her, loud enough to make the mixing bowl bounce to the beat. Kitty had challenged her over muffins. Rogue was quite happy to kick Kitty's ass muffin-wise...

Kurt felt a lot better after talking with Scott the day before and ventured out of his room. He bamfed into the kitchen to get a snack, the loud music almost covering the noise he made but also giving him a forming headache. He sighed and sat down at the counter, just watching Rogue silently as he found down a dizzy spell and slight nausea-- he still couldn't teleport properly, but that didn't stop him. After all, it took practice to get up his tolerance before; he just had to work at it again.

Rogue carried on scowling at the cookbook until something caught her eye and she glanced up.

"JESUS!" She shrieked, doing a favourable impression of a juggling act with the book before catching it. She turned down the radio. "Couldn't you have made a noise or somethin'?" She asked. "Sneakin' up on people like that... You're gonna give someone a heartattack."

Kurt grinned, waving his good hand dismissively. "Where's the fun in that," he said, teasing. "And besides-- I did. You just had the music turned too loud."

"There's no such thing as havin' the music up to loud Kurt," Rogue said shortly, though inwardly pleased to see the familiar grin. "What do you want? Other than to attempt to murder your sister?" She asked, glancing over at him.

"It is when you can't even hear me teleporting," he said, but then shrugged, putting his head in his hand and leaning against the counter. "I was getting hungry so I thought I'd grab a snack."

"Well, you'll have to get what ever it is for yourself," Rogue snapped. "And don't even try givin' me those puppy dog eyes of yours," She added before pausing. "Scott looked happy yesterday evenin'," She said in tones of forced nonchalance.

Kurt nodded, getting up to look for something to munch on. He put on a bright grin as he searched through the cabinets. "He should have been," he said. He grabbed a couple boxes of cookies, wincing to himself when one fell to the floor when he couldn't hold it. Damn, he hated not having a second hand or tail to use.

"Ya gonna get fat you know," Rogue said, picking up the box and handing it too him, not aware of the pity in her eyes as she did so. "Why should he have been?" She asked with narrowed eyes, noticing the grin. "Kurt... What did you do?" She put both hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow.

His grin faultered a little and he moved back over to the counter. He sat down and opened a box. "Me?" he asked, voice hitching just a bit. "I didn't do anything. Not... not much, anyway." He shrugged, nibbling on a Keebler Elf cookie.

"Kurt," Rogue said in warning tones, waving the batter laden wooden spoon under his nose. "Don't make me hurt you," She warned. "What the hell has he talked you into doin' this time?" She asked with narrowed eyes before finding a glass, silently she set it beside him and silently poured out some milk.

He sighed and shook his head, offering a smile. "Rogue, don't worry. He didn't talk me into anything."

"Then why aren't you tellin' me what went on? He goes upstairs as moody as ya like and he comes down all smiles and jokes... What happened?" She asked suspiciously before going back to her mixing bowl. "If you don't tell me ah'll have to ask him... an' he's more frightened of me than you are," She grinned. "Besides, ah never said ah was worried," She added hastily.

He chuckled softly, taking a drink from the milk. "Oh, because you get pissy with me for any other reason?" He smirked, but it quickly turned into a smile. "He, um... We're-- we're going on a date tonight. Not Sandra," he added quickly with a blush, not wanting to upset her. "Me."

Rogue opened her mouth before he said 'me' to deliver a nasty comment but her mouth stayed open as he finished. "He asked... But, but what about Jean? What about the whole "I'm straight" thing?" She asked. "Ah mean, what the hell is that jerk playin' at now?" She quickly amended. "'sides, ah'm pissy at you because you're annoyin'," Rogue lied, turning away.

He sighed, twirling his cookie in the milk. "I asked him that, too. I'm not stupid, you know. But he said... He said he knows he was a jerk and that he did like me. I don't know about Jean, but... he seemed sincere."

Rogue pursed her lips against a torrent of anti-Scott abuse before she glanced at him with a frown. "And... how do you feel about goin' on a date?" She asked softly, hoping he would know what she meant. "Ah mean... bein so close to..."

He glanced over at her, not quite knowing what she meant. "To..?" he asked, prompting her on. If she knew something, he wanted it out in the open, but he didn't want to give any information away either. "I'm not afraid of going out, if that's what you mean. I won't be alone like before." And he could stand going out-- not everyone on the street would bug him with questions.

"Bein' so close to Sabretooths attack," She said bluntly, yeah she had her suspicions about things. The way McCoy had spoken about Kurt's injuries and a strange embarressed anger that hung about Logan... But she didn't want to accuse Kurt of grievences that he might not have had. "So you two are goin out? Anywhere nice?" She asked airily, throwing a batch of muffins into the oven.

Kurt shrugged, not going to push her anymore. "I think it's just movie and dinner. Like last time, but... well, different, obviously," he said, eating his now soggy cookie.

"So, um... why are you baking? I thought you hated it."

"Just make sure he keeps his hands where they're supposed to be, alright?" She asked, trying not to smile as she added, "Are ya happy that he asked ya?" The smile faded as she looked at the debris across the counter where she had been working. "Ah don't hate bakin, bro; Ah loathe it... Kitty made a dumb ass bet that she could bake better muffins than me so..." She shrugged. "Ah've gotta prove her wrong or she'll be rubbin' my face in it."

He smiled gently and nodded. "Of course I'm happy, Rogue." His smile quickly faded though, his eyes widening. "No. No, before either of you ask, just... no. I refuse to judge it," he said, not caring if he was jumping to conclusions. He was not going to ingest those muffins.

"Judge what, Kurt?" Rogue asked innocently, though she had to purse her lips against a smile. "All ah was gonna ask was if you'd mind trying a tiny weensy bite of this?" She asked, holding up a muffin that was more charcoal than sugary goodness. She grinned as a thought came to her. "Or ah could ask Scotty to do it for you," She teased.

He quickly shook his head, wishing he could stand porting again. "Nu-uh. Go make... I don't know. Evan do it, or something." He blushed, shaking his head again. "I don't think he'd risk that much for me," he said, cracking a joke. "Or anyone."

"C'mon, they can't be that bad," She grinned, tossing and catching it, wincing a little at the weight. "Alright so maybe they can but they're still better than Kitty's." She put it down on the counter top. It went 'clonk'. "Right?" She asked with a worried frown.

He flinched at the sound, looking at her with the same expression. "I... don't want to know if it is."

"Coward," She accused with a fond grin at him. "Look, you sure you're alright about tonight? Ah wouldn't mind tellin' him you don't wanna go," She said almost hopefully.

He shook his head. "Rogue, no. I do want to. And if I didn't, I'd want to tell him myself," he said with a small smile. Which faultered at--

"Okay Rogue! Are you, like, ready to admit it?" Kitty yelled, rushing in with her own muffins.

Kurt gulped down the rest of the milk, stuffed a cookie in his mouth and 'ported out of the kitchen-- rather taking his chances with that than Kitty's and Rogue's pleading eyes.

He groaned as he reappeared in his room, holding his stomach and stumbling a little. Okay, so that wasn't bright either.

Scott was walking along the corridor when he heard the almost gentle sound of Kurt's teleporting - muffled by the door. He sighed and shook his head, half smiling before he tapped on the German's door. "Kurt, you know McCoy said no teleporting till your ready!" He called out teasingly.

He pushed back his nausea and went over to the door, poking his head out and sticking out his tongue at Scott. "Like anyone really expected me to keep to that rule," he said, teasing back.

"Like you've ever stuck to any rule," Scott said as he shook his head, smiling fondly at the boy and leaning against the doorframe. "But you really should pay attention to that one." He reached out, tentatively brushing back a strand of Kurt's hair. "You could end up sick. Sicker than usual, I mean," He said with a smile.

Kurt smiled widely up at him, opening the door further. Instead of responding to him, he said, "I told Rogue. What, uh... what's going on tonight." He watched him, hoping he wasn't upset. "I thought you'd want to know. In case she decides to go all protective sister on you."

"Thank you for the warning," Scott said seriously before smirking a little. "Bang goes my idea of nagging her for popcorn... Maybe you could do it?" He suggested, running a hand through his hair. "She's less likely to kill you on sight after all." He shook his head. "I take it you saw the muffin competition that's going on down there then?" He asked with a grin.

Kurt let out a groan and nodded. "I just hope they won't try and pull me into it." He grinned a little. "I suggested Evan in my place."

"Oh nasty," Scott admonished, shaking his head. "That's a cruel thing to do to a guy. Has Evan ticked you off or something?" He teased.

"Well I heard from a certain someone," he said, lightly poking his chest, "that he was being a pain anyway. So, I figured; why not." He shrugged, smiling lightly.

Scott rubbed the spot that Kurt had poked absent mindedly as he sighed, "I came up here to see if you wanted to catch a movie now and all I get is abuse," He said trying not to grin.

He shook his head, still smiling. "Of course I'd like to, but I'm not ready."

Scott exaggerated looking at Kurt, practically leering at the smaller boy. "You look fine enough to me," He smiled, a teasing note hitching his voice as he added, "but if you wanna be a girl about it and get changed I'll see you downstairs in five, yeah?" He suggested.

Kurt blushed, barely resisting the urge to squirm and nodded. "Alright," he said.

Scott smiled, reaching out to playfully hit Kurt's shoulder, "I'll see if I can find one of your crappy chick flicks you like so much," He teased before turning and walking down the hall, praying he didn't bump into Rogue or Kitty.

"I do not like them-- that was Sandra," he called out, half-lying and closed the door. He brushed out his hair and fur before changing his shirt to something not-so-wrinkly. Out of habit, he used his teeth to put on his new inducer. He paused then shrugged, mumbling a "whatever". He walked out of his room, heading downstairs.

Scott was swearing under his breath, reaching beneath the TV at an awkward angle as he tried to get hold of the DVD he'd accidentally dropped down the back. On his knees and elbows he prayed that no one would come in. "Come on," He growled, his fingertips brushing the plastic case. "Gimme a break..."

Kurt walked in, pausing at the sight, fighting with himself whether to laugh, tease or just watch. He settled on watching, leaning gently against the door frame, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Scott strained forward, groaning slightly and managed to catch hold of the DVD at about the same time as he sneezed. Jerking slightly he banged his head off the underside of the TV stand, sitting back on his heels as he rubbed his head, glaring at the DVD in question.

"Aha! Thought you could get away, eh?" He smirked at it before he saw someone else's reflection in it. "Kurt!" He stood up and turned to face the other boy, blushing brightly. "I was just, um, the DVD, er, I didn't know you were, er, um..." He trailed off, holding up the box. "Ferngully?" He suggested with a smile.

Kurt laughed and moved into the room. "Sure. Want me to see if I can do the most difficult task and get Rogue to make the popcorn without eating a muffin?" he asked, jerking his head towards the kitchen, which he assumed they still were.

"Um, yeah," Scott said, rubbing the back of his neck before grinning and calling out to him, "Good luck!" He turned to get everything ready.

Kurt put on a grin and moved into the kitchen. "Rogue?"

"No," Rogue growled without looking up. Her hair was a mess, her top was burnt in several places and she was sat at the kitchen table glaring at what looked like the perfect muffin. "Whatever it is, no," She reiterated.

He pouted, putting on his best pity face-- the one that had once even almost worked on Logan. Almost. "But, Rogue," he said, whining a little.

Rogue looked up, slam bang into that look, and groaned. "Whaddya want?" She droned with a heavy sigh. She stood up and took his shoulder, sitting him down at the table, opposite the muffin. "Guard that."

He blinked and stared at it, before glancing up at Rogue, a little confused. But he wasn't going to ask. Just no. "Um, can you make some popcorn for me and Scott? He's busy setting up everything else plus you have those really good seasoning packets you hide away somewhere."

Rogues fingernails screeched on the kitchen work surface before she turned to face him, arms folded. "You want me to make popcorn for him?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "Are ya crazy or did that teleportin' knock you around earlier?"

He flinched at the sound before fixing another pout on his face. "Please Rogue? I'm not asking for you to eat it with him or anything..."

Rogue glared at him but inwardly her resolve had started to crumble as soon as she saw the flinch. "Ah still think you're doing the wrong thing," She grouched, reaching for a saucepan and rummaging through the cupboards for her ingredients. "And ah hate when you do that," She added with a glare.

His face brightened up with a grin, deciding to ignore her first comment. "Danke, Rogue!" he said. "You're the best sister a blue fuzzball could ask for, you know," he added, throwing humor in.

"Don't try to cozy up to me, buster," She said threateningly, turning away so he wouldn't see her smile as she threw on the lid so the popcorn wouldn't go everywhere. "So what are you and Mister Irresponsibility gonna get up to?" She asked with a raised eyebrow, arms folded as she leaned back against the counter.

He chuckled and just smiled, suppressing an eye-roll. "We're just going to watch a movie in the den. Nothing much."

"Just a movie?" She emphasized, using a cloth to keep the lid on the saucepan. "Nothing else?" She asked suspiciously.

He nodded. "Yes. I'm not... ready for anything much more," he said, glancing down at the table, eyes catching on the muffin again. "So what's the deal with this?" he asked, trying to change the subject.

"Don't touch it!" Rogue practically yelled. "That's the muffin that's going to wipe the smirk from Kitty's face. It's perfect." She said smugly, taking the popcorn off the heat and finding a bowl for it to go in. "Ah actually tried some and it's not half bad," She said, handing him the now full bowl before catching his hand. "Look, just... be careful, alright? Scott's a dick but he can be quite charmin' when he puts his mind to it." She scowled. "An' don't dare tell him ah said that, y'hear me?"

He sighed, tugging his hand from her grip. "Rogue. I like him. And he says he likes me. Isn't that good enough?" he asked, taking the bowl. "Besides, even if we weren't... together, he's still my best friend." He paused, looking a little guilty. "A-along with you."

"No, it ain't good enough," She said stubbornly. "But you don't wanna hear that from me and ah get it. Ah just... ah don't want ya hurt any more, Kurt," She said, her tone uncharacteristically soft and her eyes sad as she looked away from him, squeezing them shut before forcing a smile for him. "'sides, ah ain't your best friend, ah'm your sister which is somethin' much worse," She said with a wink.

He smiled gratefully at her and reached out, giving her a one-armed and very awkward hug, very careful to not touch her bare skin. His smile grew into a grin as he pulled away. "Only because you make it like that," he said before heading out.

Rogue shook her head after him, wishing she could think of something clever to say but too touched to care. She sat back down at the kitchen table and smiled at her muffin.

Scott looked up as Kurt walked in. He'd re-arranged the pillows on the couch, making it more comfortable for the both of them. He lounged easily with his feet up and his hands behind his head. "Take your time, why don't you?" He teased, scootching over to make more room for him, rummaging round for the remote. "You got her to do it then?" He asked, nodding to the bowl.

He smiled, sitting down net to him and put the bowl between them, not sure how close Scott wanted to get-- or himself even yet. "Yeah. Had to give her the Logan pout though. And hear another lecture, but," he shrugged a little, taking a kernel and eating it with relish. "It was so worth it."

"Logan pout? Geez, no wonder you got what you wanted." Scott smiled, hitting play before taking a handful to pick at. "Lecture?" He asked with a frown, laying his head back against the sofa and looking at him concernedly.

Kurt sighed, taking some more himself and snuggled back into the pillows. "Nothing real bad. Don't worry about it. She'll learn to deal with it," he said, hoping he hadn't already ruined the night by mentioning it.

Scott turned towards the screen, frowning thoughtfully before heading for another handful. "Who do you think would come off worse in a fight?" He half grinned, one corner of his mouth quirking up. "Me or Rogue?" He teased.

He groaned and stuffed more into his mouth to hide a forming grin. "Depends on how pissed she is. But don't you dare go starting one," he said.

Scott almost pouted but settled for sticking his tongue out at Kurt instead. "You're such a spoilsport," He grouched. "I wonder how many people I'm going to have to fight off just to be with you." He mused out loud.

Kurt felt his face heat up but put on a grin and winked. "Oh, many. Remember? Everyone digs the fuzzy dude," he said, teasing.

Scott groaned, putting a hand over his face to hide a grin. "Yeah like Rogue?" He sniggered, pulling a face. "Or worse Toad?" He shuddered. "Geez... besides, some people do a bit more than dig you," He winked, half teasing.

He frowned a little at the mention of Toad, face dropping more at his last comment. But he plastered on another smile, trying hard not to think. He turned back to the movie, giving a small shrug. "Well... what really matters is what I think, right?"

"Did I say something wrong?" He asked softly, seeing the other boy's face fall. "Of course what you think matters," He frowned, "It's the most important thing."

He shook his head, taking another handful of popcorn. He glanced at him quickly with a smile before turning back to the movie once again. "It's nothing. Let's just watch."

Scott opened his mouth, frowning slightly to argue the point out of Kurt and closed it with a quick snap as Rogue walked in.

"Hey," He said, a little stiffly.

"Yeah, that," Rogue said shortly as she leaned against the side of the sofa, "just came in to see how the popcorn's doin' an if ya need anymore." She looked at Kurt, "How's it goin'?"

Kurt looked at her and offered a smile. "It's fine, Rogue. Everything's fine," he said, trying to make a point.

Scott smiled at her, just a little frostily, as Kurt spoke. "I haven't even had a chance to molest him yet," He said just to tick Rogue off. She gave him a tight smile in reply.

"Ah'm gonna be in the kitchen so gimmie a call if ya run out or need me or anythin'," She said to Kurt, almost awkwardly before turning to leave, wondering who else she could rope in to watching out for Kurt.

Kurt rolled his eyes at Scott, kicking him lightly in the leg before focusing on Rogue again. "Alright, thanks," he said.

"Ow," Scott grinned, bringing his leg up to rub it, "What was that for?" He asked innocently, picking up a stray pillow to bop Kurt with.

He squeaked at the hit and stuck his tongue out at him. "I just told you to not pick a fight with her."

"I wasn't picking a fight!" He protested, putting the pillow back down, "I was getting rid of her, there's a difference!" He grinned a little. "Watch the film," He mock ordered, stealing another handful of popcorn.

Kurt snorted, dropping it and making an exaggerated salute. "Yes, sir!"

Scott grinned and shook his head as Kurt looked away, studying the German as he watched the film.

He glanced at him from the corner of his eye, smiling, but didn't say anything.

"Film!" Scott teased, catching the glance and blushing brightly at being caught watching him.

Kurt laughed. "Okay, Mister Macho," he said, teasing again.

Bobby slunk in the room, hesitating and looking a little uncomfortable at being there. "Um," he cleared his throat when his voice squeaked. Puberty-- yeah that was it. "Er-- Scott. We... uh-- Berserker and I... we were arguing and uh..." He wracked his brain for something, wondering why he'd listened to Rogue.

Oh yeah. Her skin.

"Uh-- which is bigger-- a moose or caribou?" He inwardly winced. God, that was lame.

"Mister Macho?" Scott asked just before Bobby stumbled in and asked possibly the strangest question he'd ever heard.

"Bobby," He said shaking his head in sheer wonder. "How the heck am I supposed to know? Go ask someone else," He said, glancing at Kurt, trying not to smile. "Unless, that is, if you know which is bigger?" He asked, laughter bubbling through.

Kurt shook his head, laughing himself. "All I know is that caribou live way up north."

"Okay. Uh... thanks," Bobby muttered, watching them for another second before darting out of the room and back into the kitchen.

"Kitchen," Scott murmured under his breath before looking at Kurt with a wary smile. "Are you sure I can't pick a fight with your sister?" He asked, almost hopefully. "Keeping in mind that I'd never hit a lady of course," He added before frowning. "The way she’s gone on you'd think I was going to ravish you or something."

Kurt blushed with a shrug. "She probably does think that," he said. "She's just overprotective."

Scott couldn't help blushing, unable to resist the urge to put a hand over his face to hide it.

"As if I'd do something like that without your consent," He mumbled in disgust. "You know, I really like the way you -"

"Alright why's Bobby goin' on about moose and caribou and Rogue looks more pissed off than the time Kurt changed her shampoo for treacle?" Logan asked as he walked in, sitting down in a chair.

Kurt looked at Scott, curious as to what he was going to say and repressed an aggravated sigh and expression, turning to Logan. "I don't know. They're trying to ruin my date here," he said then shut up, blushing again and wondering if Scott would stop this because he couldn't keep his mouth shut.

"Precisely," Scott smiled at Kurt, stretching out an arm and placing it on the sofa behind Kurt, not touching but just enough to make sure Logan got the message. A look of surprise flittered across Logan’s face followed by the barest hint of amusement in his dark eyes as he looked at the pair.

"Oh, she didn't say anythin' about a date," He smirked, natural curiosity overtaking. "How long have you to... er... y'know?" He asked waving a hand between them.

Kurt looked a little surprised but smiled, relaxing again. He glanced up at Scott at the question, not quite sure himself. "I... well, officially?" he asked, looking back at Logan after another second. "Er, two days."

Scott looked at Kurt in surprise, had it been that long already? He smiled a little, resisting the urge to play with Kurt’s hair and looked over at Logan, waiting for his reply.

"Well," Logan said, eyebrows raised a little. "Congratulations for keepin' it a secret for that long... But the way your sisters' rantin' I don't think it's gonna stay secret for long," He warned before standing up again, realizing that this was probably their first date. "'scuse me, I'm gonna have words with Rogue," He said, shaking his head on the way out.

Scott couldn't help laughing, letting his head fall back on the couch. "Maybe we should have gone out."

Kurt's smile widened when he didn't get a lecture from Logan and, with the barest hint of hesitation, picked up the popcorn bowl and put it in his lap. He scooted closer to Scott and leaned against him.

"Yeah, but maybe it'll be okay now with Logan on our side. Besides," he grinned, glancing up at him again, "we couldn't do this in a movie theater."

Scott tensed a little, surprised despite himself and smiled down at Kurt, his arm curling round the German's shoulder as he relaxed again, holding him gently there. "Well, we could but I doubt it would be quite as comfortable." He smiled, proud that he'd kept the nervous tone from his voice, stealing a handful of popcorn as he turned back to the movie. "You okay?" He asked quietly.

He let out a long breath, forcing himself to relax further and nodded, smiling gently. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm good," he said before placing his head on Scott's shoulder, trying and just barely successful to not think of Sabretooth.

"Despite half the school parading through here?" Scott asked with a smirk, shifting slightly so the other boy would be more comfortable, careful not to upset the popcorn bowl. "I think I'm gonna get Rogue a gift. A nice Chinese finger trap or the worlds largest jawbreaker," He mused out loud.

Kurt snorted and poked him in the side. "Be nice. She'll come around," he said. "I'm sure of it."

Scott laughed when he was poked in the side, rubbing the ticklish spot before looking at Kurt with a smile that was tempered with disbelief. "Come around? Like at Armageddon, right?" He asked skeptically.

He stuck out his tongue. "Oh, stop it. Even if she can't like it, she'll accept it."

"Hmm," He said disbelievingly, sinking further back in to the seat. "You know the urge to feed you popcorn is overwhelming," He teased, looking down at Kurt with a smile.

"Hey, s'up guys? Rogue said you were watchin' a movie," Spyke said as he walked in, throwing himself onto the end of the couch that Kurt had vacated moments before.

Kurt grinned widely. "Well, go ahead," he said. "By the way, what were you going to--" He stopped when Evan came in and sighed. He glanced over at him, but didn't move his head from its place on Scott's shoulder. "Yes, we are. But it's kind of... invite only," he said, willing him away.

"Oh... okay I get it," Spyke said defensively, standing up quickly. "What did I do to piss you off?" He snapped.

Scott pinched the bridge of his nose. "Evan, it's a date, this -" He waved a hand between himself and Kurt, "- is a date. So yes, we, as in me and Kurt, are watching a movie," He said pointedly.

Evan stared at the both of them for a moment before a grin started to form. "You're fucking the fuzzy dude?" He asked, mocking Kurt's own words. "Congrats man," He sniggered.

"Evan. Door. Leave now, before I really hurt you," Scott said through clenched teeth, trying to ignore the blush.

"Later guys," Spyke called over his shoulder as he headed out. "Hey Cyke, details later, yeah?"

"Leave Evan!" Scott threw a pillow.

A hurt expression drifted over Kurt's face before it was gone, replaced by a blush, which spread rapidly as Spyke continued. He hid his face in Scott's shoulder, not able to use both hands. When he left, Kurt looked up in disbelief at Scott.

"I knew he was obsessed with Pietro, but I didn't think he liked talking about..." He paused, not sure if Scott wanted to claim he was homosexual yet-- or even if he was.

Scott covered his blush with one hand, closing his eyes as his hand slid under his glasses, groaning with sheer embarrassment. "He's, uh, a very open minded person," He said, missing the underlying question, taking his hand away to look down at Kurt, still blushing. "He seems quite happy to talk about, um, that sort of thing. He knows stuff that you don't wanna know about." He paused, thinking for a moment. "I think Evan likes talking about things that not even porn stars would want to talk about," He added.

Kurt groaned lightly and shook his head. "Right. Remind me never to talk with him again," he mumbled, only half joking. "So, uh..." He paused, wanting to say something but figured they'd just get interrupted again.

So he just said, "Movie."

Scott laughed softly, his arm tightening around Kurt's shoulders briefly in a sideways hug before he turned his attention back to the film, glancing at Kurt out of the corner of his eye.

Kurt smiled, leaning back against him again. He turned his attention back to the television, hoping that Rogue wouldn't send anyone else in.

"You know... Um, you shouldn't take anything Evan said personally," Scott murmured without looking at Kurt, feeling his face warm up a little. "He's just a bit of a jerk," He said softly.

Kurt nodded. "I know. Most of the things he says is just to get a rise out of you, anyway." He glanced up, smile growing. "Why, did you--" He cut off with an 'oomf' as jeaned legs fell on his lap. He blinked and followed the legs up to who they were attached.

Tabby grinned brightly at them, comfortably sitting and leaning against the arm rest, facing the other two. "I knew it, Blue," she said, eyes sparkling. "It was pretty obvious, I'd say. But you," she turned her gaze to Scott. "I'd never have picked you for queer. When'd you realize it?"

"Right at the moment you walked through the door, Tabby," Scott said coldly despite the blush that still lingered, leaning over to shove the girl's feet off of Kurt. "For Gods sake how many other people is Rogue going to recruit into this insane--" He spluttered trying to think of the right words before giving up. "What the hell are you doing here anyway?"

Tabitha crossed her arms in a huff and crossed her legs. "What about Rogue? I heard from Evan and I wanted to see if it was true. If little blue boy here really did bat for the other team," she said winking and leaning over to slip her arm through Kurt's.

Kurt sighed and looked back over at Scott for help.

"Enough! Alright!" Scott stood up quickly, nearly tipping over the popcorn bowl as he did so, storming over to the DVD player he stopped the film and turned round. "I can put up with Rogue not liking me, I can even almost put up with people traipsing in and out and wrecking our date but I can't sit around and listen to you being cruel to Kurt just for gossips sake. I'm tired of people thinking they can split us up on our first date just by getting in the way. Now Tabby, if you'll excuse us," He took the DVD out the player and offered his hand to Kurt, "I'd like to take my..." He looked at Kurt before turning to Tabby defiantly, "boyfriend upstairs and finish our film in peace and quiet."

Kurt hesitated a second before grabbing Scott's hand and standing up, blushing again.

Tabby looked at Scott, eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Whoa, calm down there, one-eye. I'm not trying to do anything. Can't a girl be curious?"

"Not when it comes to us, no," Scott said, squeezing Kurt's hand reassuringly. "And if you're going into the kitchen you can tell Rogue to keep her nose the hell out of our business." He smirked a little, thinking up a few other choice phrases Tabby could tell her but decided against it. He tugged Kurt's hand, leading him out into the hall and away from Tabby before turning to him with a worried expression. "Um, we don't have to go upstairs I just thought it might... Er, get us away from the others," He stammered. "Is that okay?"

Tabby rolled her eyes and got up from the couch, yelling out to them, "Hey, Blue! If you ever get tired of 'im, lemme know and I'll set you up!" She laughed before walking away to find Kitty, smiling to herself and glad that she was now fifty bucks richer.

Kurt blushed more; almost sure you could see it through the fur and shook his head. "It's fine."

Scott barely repressed a slightly possessive growl at Tabby’s words but his irritation was dissipated at Kurt’s words. He leaned towards him and narrowed his eyes. "You're blushing," He said thoughtfully before standing up straight again, running his fingertips lightly over Kurt's cheek to feel the heat. He grinned a little. "Suits you," He murmured. "You know -"

"Hey, what's this all about?" A familiar voice called out. Scott groaned and rounded on Todd who had been walking along the corridor and was now standing still, staring at the two of them.

"Not you, too," Scott snapped. "Get lost, Toad."

Todd looked at Kurt questioningly, ignoring Scott. "What's this?" He asked quietly.

Kurt continued to blush, but it rapidly drained at Toad's appearance. He swallowed, hoping a fight wouldn't break out. He looked back at Scott and put on a smile. "Go set it up in your room-- I'll be there in a couple minutes, okay?"

Scotts eyes narrowed behind his visor as he looked at Kurt in surprise for a few moments before nodding slowly. "Just... yell if you need me," He said, squeezing Kurt's hand before turning away. "Don't keep him long," Scott said flatly to Todd before heading for the stairs, missing Toad rolling his eyes skyward.

"Er..." Todd said eloquently when he was left with Kurt. "So?"

Kurt watched Scott before focusing his attention back onto Toad. With a sigh, he leaned against a wall, feeling a little more drained than he had before. "We're, uh... going out," he said, not quite meeting Todd's eyes for some reason. "He asked me out, I said yes. He's my boyfriend, now." He smiled lightly.

"He's... Um," Todd swallowed hard, taking a few steps back. "What about the whole Sandra thing and... the, er... attack?" He asked quietly, a pain in his chest causing his voice to come out a near whisper. His hands fisted in his pockets as he fought back the insane urge to... cry? Geez he hadn't done that for years...

Kurt shook his head, looking at him. "He apologized again for that. He explained himself. And, um," he glanced down again, biting his lip. "I told him. He knows and he doesn't even expect a kiss from me." His smile softened. "I think he really does like me now."

Todd's nose wrinkled in disgust. "Just who're you tryin' to convince?" He asked as anger started to move in. "C'mon fuzz for brains, even you ain't that stupid," He said with a sneer. "Can't you see what he's doin'?"

Kurt quickly looked up, confusion and hurt on his face. "He's not doing anything, Toad!" he yelled, starting to get angry himself. "But of course you couldn't see that-- no! All you ever can figure out is why people sneak and hate and hurt. That's all you know-- it's all I thought I'd get-- but that's not what everyone else does!" He faultered, holding back tears. "Just-- Just go home, Toad!"

"Oh hell no!" Toad yelled, angry himself now he reached out and caught hold of Kurt's upper arm. "Yeah, so I do see why people sneak and hate and hurt but only when they're actually doin' the sneakin' and the hurtin'. Jesus!"

Toad let him go, almost shoving him, with a short incredulous laugh. "'Course he doesn't expect a kiss off you, Wagner. He don't like you that way." He snorted holding his hands up as he took a few steps back. "But you know what? You wanna ignore all the signs then go ahead, be my guest, go walk into a world of hurt but don't expect me to be around to hold your hand this time." Todd turned away, walking down the corridor and kicking one of the doors shut. "Jesus," He murmured under his breath.

Kurt flinched at the sudden movements, managing a half-glare at his back when he walked away. He shook slightly, trying to calm down, and muttered reassurances to himself.

"Gott Verdammt," he said as he shuddered, wiping at his eyes. With a long breath out, he pulled himself together and headed to Scott's room.

Toad glanced at the retreating figure over his shoulder, Kurt's slight form blurry thanks to the tears that rimmed Todd's eyes. His shoulders hunched up as he shoved his hands in his pockets and slowly made his way out of the building.

Upstairs Scott had put the DVD in, found roughly where they were at and paused it, waiting for Kurt. He couldn't help glancing at his watch as he waited; he'd left him with Toad after all. He glanced quickly round his room and then hastily kicked all his dirty laundry underneath his bed and tried to arrange the covers into something approaching neat.

Kurt's mind was crazy with thoughts as he made his way down the hall. He stopped in front of Scott's room and just stared at the door, thinking. He shook his head to banish his thoughts and knocked on the door before opening it a little.

Scott smiled and looked up at the soft sound, kicking the last of his dirty socks under the bed. His smile faded as he looked at Kurt through the small opening in the door. "Hey... Are you okay?" He asked softly, moving over and opening the door a little wider so he could see Kurt easier.

"Yeah," he said-- though not too convincing-- and nodded slowly. "Just... thinking." He stepped into the room, putting on a smile. "So are we actually going to watch the movie?" he asked, trying to joke.

"As long as your sister doesn't catch wind of where we ran off to," Scott half smiled in reply although worry was written across his face. "Um, I'm afraid there's no where to sit other than the bed," He said, stating the obvious somewhat as he blushed, sitting on it with his back to the wall before looking up at Kurt. "What were you thinking about?" He asked, frowning as he added flatly, "and what did Toad want?"

Kurt shrugged and crawled on the bed, sitting next to him, but not touching again. "He, uh..." He frowned a little, shaking his head. "Scott, do... do you really like me? I mean," he added quickly, "I know what you said and... and everything, but... It's just such a sudden change."

"What happened to you was sudden," Scott said quietly, reaching out to take Kurt's hand, rubbing his thumb lightly over the back of it. "I... I really do like you Kurt," He said softly, looking at him with a shy smile before it faded. "I'm sorry if I..." He shook his head. "The important thing is that I like you, right? And I do... I really do," he murmured, almost in surprise.

Kurt glanced away and stared at their hands for a while before giving Scott's a gentle squeeze. He smiled softly, looking back up at him. "Yeah, I..." He scooted closer, their hips just barely touching as he relaxed. "I'm sorry I doubted."

"It's kind of understandable," Scott said softly as he hit the play button on the remote. Slowly untangling his hand from Kurt's to put it around his shoulders once more, drawing him closer to him, so they were definitely touching, and giving him enough space to pull away if he felt in necessary. "Was... was that what you and Toad were talking about?" He asked quietly.

Kurt leaned against him once again, squirming a bit until he got comfortable. He nodded just a little, not looking up at him. "Yeah," he said softly. "He doesn't believe you're sincere, but... I guess there's a lot of that feeling going around, huh?"

Scott bit his lower lip to stop a giggle from escaping as Kurt squirmed around, his side ticklish to the sensation. As he settled down, Scott's smile faded. "Yeah... Like I don't know my own mind or dreams," He murmured before sighing heavily, resting his chin on top of Kurt's head for a minute. "But you believe," He sat up slightly, looking down at the smaller figure with a smile, "and that's all that matters to me."

Kurt smiled back up at him, gently squeezing his arm with his good hand. After a little hesitation, he leaned up and softly kissed his cheek. He pulled back after a second, blushing just a little and returning his attention back to the TV.

Scott froze for a moment out of sheer shock before he looked down at Kurt. He knew there was a stupid big grin on his face but he just couldn't seem to wipe it away. "Thank you," He said softly.

Kurt blushed a little more and grinned, his gaze flickering up at him then back down. "Any time," he mumbled.

Scott leaned forward, returning the kiss to Kurt’s cheek before moving away, just a little. He... part of him did want to kiss the other boy's lips, so close to his own right now... But he'd promised not to. He turned his head slightly before sitting back and blushing brightly, trying to get his attention onto the movie again.