Afraid To Love

Afraid to Touch: Part 3

Kitty entered the kitchen with her stomach growling more than ever. She was in need of a roast beef sandwich and whatever junk food she could find, and even as hungry as she was, she was still concerned about Rogue. She feared that her sessions weren't going well, and Rogue wanted nothing more than to be able to touch without the fear of killing someone.

Kitty admitted to herself that even she was a little fearful at first to be around Rogue, but once Rogue joined the X-Men they became roommates they bonded over time. On the spectrum they were a 180 from each other, and anyone who didn't know them wouldn't believe that they were best friends. It had just turned out that way. Kitty truly believed that it was because they were so different. She was pretty much a girly-girl and loved shopping for clothes and trolling the mall for boys. It was not Rogue's thing at all.

She was much more content hanging out at the gym working out, and Rogue helped Kitty to toughen up and be more assertive, especially during training and battles, and Kitty was able to help Rogue nurture her more feminine side. It still stunned her that they were best friends, but Kitty realized just how much when she started dating Lance. Everyone else was against it, but Rogue gave Kitty her full support. Even when Kitty and Lance broke up, Rogue never pulled an 'I told you so.' They just had a good cry together.

Now it seemed that Rogue needed her support, and she was willing to give it. She just hoped Rogue was willing to take it. After Kitty had gotten her snack she was going to go lay out by the pool and relax, but just as she left out of the back door to the kitchen she heard familiar voices, that of Logan and the Professor. She knew eavesdropping was wrong, but she just couldn't resist and held her ear to the door.

"I'm worried, Charles," Logan said, and Kitty could hear the crack from a beverage can. It could have been a soda, but knowing Logan it was more than likely a beer. "Somethin' is goin' on with Stripes."

"Yes, you are indeed correct, Logan," Charles said as Kitty heard the soft hum of his wheelchair. "I do believe she has a handle on her powers, but she is letting her fear overtake her progress."

"That ain't good, not for Rogue anyway," Logan said, and Kitty could hear him gulp down the drink. Normally she would have just phased her head through the door to get a better view of what was going on, but she didn't want to be seen. The two men probably already knew she was somewhere nearby with Logan's heightened senses and the Professor's mind reading abilities, but as long as they weren't calling her out on anything she would remain in stealth mode.

"Yes, I know, but you also know we can't push her," Charles said with a tone of concern in his voice. "I believe she will learn to trust herself more as time goes on. This is new territory for her, and remember that she hasn't been able to touch without fear for years. It will be an adjustment."

"I have to agree with you there," Logan said and Kitty heard another pop of a can. "Doesn't mean I'm less worried about the kid."

"I would expect no less of you, especially about your star pupil," Charles said.

It cracked a chuckle from Logan. It wasn't often that Charles Xavier made jokes, and the best one Kitty remembered is the time the Professor fixed Kurt's holowatch to make him look like a girl. He would never be able to live that one down, especially when Kitty let it slip to his girlfriend Amanda. It was the one and only time Kitty remembers the Professor playing a practical joke.

"I just don't like seeing the kid suffer like that," Logan said. She heard him gulp down another drink.

"With our new recruits coming tomorrow..." Charles started, but Logan quickly cut him off.

"I thought we only had one," Logan said.

"Yes, well, Mister Rasputin has recommended that we give our old friend Gambit a trial run."

"No way, Charles, that guy is bad news, and I don't want him anywhere near..."

"It may be good for her," Charles said. It seemed he was the only one who could reason with Logan. "You may not know it, but he and Rogue did form a bond during their time in New Orleans."

"He kidnapped her," Logan said, trying to reason with Charles.

"Perhaps it started out that way, but it ended very different," Charles said. "Rogue hasn't spoken of it, but I sense that she has certain feelings for Mister LeBeau."

"Well, he just better keep his hands off her," Logan said as Kitty heard his claws come out. "Or he won't have hands."

Kitty had a look of excitement about her face and she sneaked away from the door and walked out to the pool area. She was so excited now. Her best friend was about to get the surprise of her life.

Kitty knows a hot secret that Gambit is on his way. Will Rogue take this as a good surprise? You'll have to read the next chapter to find out.

Next up... The New Recruits