While the Missions Away, The X-men Will Play pt 2

"Hey Check it out. There’s a dance tonight" Evan said as he looked at the post schedule in the lobby. “Its a cruise ship. There’s a dance every night” Scott said he admired his surroundings. “So you gonna check it out?” “I doubt it".

"Hey guys ve are about to leave port. Are you going upon deck.?” “Yeah, you guys go on I'm gonna wait for the girls. I’ll catch up” “All right. See ya up there” Evan called as he joined the other 3 X-men as the headed to the deck to wave to the people none of them knew.

"Hey Scott!” Kitty called out from down the hall, Scott waving is arm, flagging them down “Where’s the others?” There up on deck, the ships about getting take off” “Well lets go” Jean spoke up. As Kitty took the lead, leaving Scott and Jean walking side by side.

It didn't take long for the three to find the rest of the team, and began to join in waving with the others. “So are exactly are we waving to?” Rogue asked, “All the people who's not going, girl, now get in the spirit!” Evan answered. He always made everything seem like a party, they was Kitty made everything seem, happy, or how Scott made everything seem so serious.

After the ship left port the teens went exploring around. Before heading toward the lounge where the cruise director was there telling all of what was planed for their trip. Finding Ororo at a near by table they all went to join her.

"Sounds like fun" Ororo said softly as she looked over the party plans, while sipping a drink.

"So, where should we start?” “Umm, We, Aunti O?” Evan the only one daring enough to say anything, after all they were family. “Well, it’s just...we kinda wanna hang out ....","By yourselves?” “Well ya.” he said as the other shaking their heads with agreement, “If that's ok with you” He added. “Well it is your vacation, and you should be able to do what you want.” “All right" they all said finally getting a taste of well deserved freedom, “But” “That figures” Kurt said with a moan, “But” Ororo started again, flashing Kurt a smile, “But as long as you are responsible, and well behaved, AND although I prefer no use. Minimum use of your powers will be accepted but only in extreme situations, are we clear?” “Yes, Its a clear as wild blue water, auntie” “All right, then. You may go".

As they all got up to go. Kitty grabbing on to Kurt and Evan, “For being able to do whatever we want we sure have a lot of rules” she whispering just loud enough so that all the teens could hear. Making them to laugh, under the breath, just incase they were still within earshot of Miss Monroe.

"Ok, so what do you want to do first” Jean asked the crowd as the hit the deck. “What about the pool, or the hot tub!” Kitty suggested, “Nooo” Rogue moaned in the background. “Ok then” Jean said, “How about shuffleboard” “No!" getting an even bigger reaction from the crowd.

"Well then what do you want to do?” “Ok, how about this” Scott spoke up “If none of us can agree on one thing to do together, lets all do everything apart?” “So we do what we want?" Rouge asked making sure she heard right? “Yup, like Miss Monroe said, we can do what we want"

"Well all right then. I’m going back to my room” Rogue said with an attitude “See ya" as she turned away to head back inside,

"So, anyways" Kitty started “I’m headin' for the hot tub. Anyone else for it, Jean?” “Actually, I’m just gonna walk around the ship, and explore” “Yeah me to” Scott said “Ok, So Kurt Evan, you guys with me?” “Dah I’ll go” “Naw I think I'm gonna head with Scott and Jean” “I said Evan you comin with me?” Kitty’s voice now got a little stern, now she wasn't asking, she was telling. While giving him a look, after a short pause. Evan finally spoke up, finally picking up on what Kitty meant, without needing telepathy, “Yeah, yeah, I’m with you. Hot tub sounds fun."

"Great then” Kitty now sounding her usual happy tone, “you three boys are with me and Scott and Jean, you guys are together” she smiled as she flashed Jean a quick wink, while Scott picked up on what was going on. Plus with the wink Kitty gave Jean, it made him a bit more nervous.

Scott has been alone with Jean before, but being out here in these circumstances, made the situations a little different.

So as the others headed to the room to change. Scott and Jean were left standing there, feeling a little uncomfortable. “So, um.. Where to first” Jean finally broke the silence between the two, just barely, her voice was a little softer then usual. “Let’s go this way” Scott gestured in the opposite way the others were, “I don't think we've been around there yet” he continued as he turned to go holding out for Jean's hand. A little reluctant at first, but she took it. Feeling the exact same way she did when he took it on the plane as the two began to walk hand in hand.

Meanwhile Rouge wasn't on her way to her room. She was off exploring on her own, looking over her shoulder every few feet incase someone spied her, but it was a big ship.

As she passed by the casino, she glanced in, just long enough for someone behind the machine's to glance at her.

"Hey!” an unfamiliar voice called out, not recognizing it, she continued to walk but she did stop up for a second, thinking the call was for her. “Hey!” it called again, this time making her stop up and turn around, “Its about time” a voice called to her again as a face broke through the crowd, “I was beginning to think maybe you were deaf or ignoring me” Rogue stood there speechless, as a tall brown haired, brown eyed, beautiful smile, slightly tanned man. About her age, maybe a few years older, stood before her. “Ah was” she finally spoke up, knowing she had to say something. “You were deaf or you were ignoring me?” “A little bit of both maybe, Ah didn't think you were talking to me” “Really? Well why would I want to talk to you?” he said with his brightest smile, making Rouge's pale complexion turn to a slight red “My name's Eric” “I’m.." Rouge started but stopped when she thought of the name she was about to give him, “You can call me Rogue” “Rogue is it? cool, kinda like a code name huh? I like that” her slight shade of red turned bright. “Well Rogue, how would you like to join me in the casino?” “Oh, Ah I dunno” “Oh come on, you seem like you'd be good luck, and I could use some right now “Ah I dunno” “Do you want me to beg” Eric started to get down to his knees “Please rogue, please spend sometime with me. I’m begging you please, please” Rogue completely flattered and embarrassed, could help but finally say “Sure why not” “Great " he replied as he got back to his feet. As he took hold of Rouge's hand, well glove, and led her to the casino entrance.

"Have you ever gambled before?” “No not really” she answered shly, “Do you drink?” “Its been awhile” not really wanting to say no” So rogue” he continued as the found an empty machine, “You never gambled and you don't drink” “wait Ah never said I didn’t” “I know" he said with a smile. She loved to see his smile, “Its a good thing you meant now isn't it. So what's your pleasure” “Mah pleasure?” “Yeah, ya know, you pleasure. Your poison, your weakness. Your drink? What’ll ya have” “Oh! I dunno. Anything I guess” “Ok I'll decide" he said as he flagged down a waitress, “What’ll it be sir?” “Let’s see..I will have a vodka, pineapple dackerie. And my friend here, will have....","The same. I’ll have the same” “Ok then, I’ll be back in a sec." the waitress told them, “wow they didn't even ask for ID" Rouge said under her breath, think the noise of the bells, and the dings, and the sound of change falling would drown her out, but she didn't say it low enough “ID? What would you need an ID for, you are old enough aren't ya?” Eric asked with a joking tone, and a smile of course, Rogue couldn't lie to his smile, “Well Ah am older the 12",she answered, “That’s my girl” he said as he slipped his arm around her waist, tensing Rouge up, hoping that’s all he wanted to touch, “So Rogue. Give the lever a pull” As she pulled down she couldn't help but stare at him from his ide, not paying attention to what the outcome was, “All right 3 cherries,50 bucks!” he cried, as his hold on Rouge got a little tighter as he went in for a kiss on the cheek, “You are good luck” he proclaimed as Rouge started to pull away “The drinks are here” she said making any excuse, for his lips to come in contact with her bare skin, no matter how bad she wanted them to, “All right, this deserves some celebration!” he said not paying attention, that she did pull away.

"To you” he said as he placed her glass in her hand and raised his, “my good luck charm. May she always bring me my good luck” “Cheers” she said with a nervous tone. As she sipped on her dackerie. It was a little strong for her making her to cough a bit, “Whoa are you, ok?" Eric was quick to ask, “Yeah, I’m fine” Rogue said more embarrassed then what she has ever been in her life, “Its just all this excitement” she answered as she flashed him one of her rare smiles, “You have a nice smile Rogue. I hope I get to see lots more of it” giving her a new look. A sly look.

(Back at the hot tub),"Man I can't believe I almost turned this down” Evan proclaimed to his friends, “Dah I know, Vhy don't we have of these at home?” “We do” Kitty answered, “We just never have the time the use it” “Well when I get back. I’m makin time” “Evan, you and me both” Kitty sighed out.

"Man, don’t you wish we had a view like this everyday” Evan asked as he couldn't seem to take enough of it in, “OH yeah” “I don't see how Rouge could sit through something like this. She’ll never get a chance to do this again” “Yeah, like any of us will, with the way things are going back home, we may never see the right bold age of 21!",Kitty joked causing everyone to laugh. “Evan we need to bring you aunt out here” “She’s probably still in the lounge” “Vhat aboyt Scott and Jean? They should be here” “Oh I'm sure those two will end up in here sooner or later” she said in one of her tones like she was hinting around at something that, like giving away the surprise before the party, “Vhat do you mean?” Kurt asked completely clueless. Kitty just lowered her glasses to give him an 'oh come Kurt look’ “For get about it Kurt. I’m sure you'll figure it out sooner or later",

"Vell Vhatever they are doing, they can't be having anymore fun then ve are now"

(on the sun deck),"Its kinda of overwhelming huh? All this beauty in a world that can be so ugly” Jean said as she gazed out at the endless sea. She could help but be insightful of things “Yeah it is nice” Scott agreed as he stood behind her with his arms wrapped around her "It must be more incredible at sunset” his voice now down to a whisper as he got close to her ear “We could come back?” Jean’s voice softly said as she slightly turned her head around half way to face him, “Or we could just stay?” he told her as he turned her for they were completely staring into each other's eye’s. As Scott's lips moved closer to hers, so close she could see his eyes close through his ruby red quartz glasses. As she closed hers and slightly elevated her head. When a loud ~BARMP BARMP BARMP~ “The ships horn” Jean said as she pulled back, “Maybe we should go find the others” as she started to walk away. “Are ya coming?” “Yeah. I’ll find ya in a few” “Ok, see ya” “Hey Jean?” “Yeah?” “Were you planing to so to the dance tonight?” “Yeah, I guess so why?” “Would you like to go with me?” Scott asked unsure of if he'll ever get the opportunity again. “I would love to” Jean answered with a smile “I’ll see you at dinner?" Scott called over the railing as she was halfway down the stairs, “Unless other plans come up” She answered. This time giving him a wink and continued downstairs.

"Hey guys” Jean said as she turned the corner to find the 3 still in the hot tub, “you guys have been here all day",

"Yes and what a day!” Kitty called. “You have no idea what you missed” Kitty said. Slightly moving her head top look towards Jean. As she sat down on side of the tub, to dangle her feet in. “So what did you and Scott do all day” Evan opening his eyes and mouth just long enough to talk. “We just hung around the ship” she replied while gently splashing water on the others with her feet.

I wonder what Auntie O is doing now” Evan speaking one more time “I saw here as I was coming here, she's still in the lounge” “Still?!” “Obviously we all have different idea's of vacation” “Obviously!” Kitty spoke up, “Who would wanna spend all their time just sitting around in a lounge all day” “You mean when you could be sitting in a hot tub” Jean slipped in winking at Kitty, “I suppose when you used to be on your feet or flying all day, sitting around is considered quiet the luxury” Evan said defending his favorite Aunt. Considering she was his only Aunt.

"It must be close to dinner time now” Kurt said holding onto his stomach as it growled underneath the jets of the hot tub. “Yeah I suppose we should all re group and grab something to eat” Kitty said agreeing with him, “Yeah, we probably should get I can feel my hands getting all pruney” Evan said, this time without opening his eyes, “All right well I'll go get Scott, Rogue, and Miss Monroe, and you guys can go change, and we'll all catch up at the dinning room” Jean said as she slipped her feet out of the water and back into her sandals. “See ya in a few” “Yeah, Jean see ya in a few” Kitty called to her as she turned to go get the others, “You know guys, if were gonna go and get something to eat, were ARE gonna have to get put the tub” “Mmmm” Kurt and Evan both said, “Ve can wait a few more minutes and them I'll teleport us all there” “Now is that considered minimum or an important use of our powers” Kitty said as she climbed out the tub, “C’mon, guys, we don't wanna get too lazy now do we? I mean we still have to walk everywhere"

~Clank, Ding, ding, ding, ding, Beep beep” The familiar noises of a Casino as Jean passed by. Hearing, and unfamiliar sound. One that seemed to be out of place, as she walked down a row of slot machines she look toward the far back, where she saw something totally unexpected. Rogue, cheering, for a guy, and not just that. But a guy she didn't know and was obviously older them her, and in a casino “Yeah all right!” Rogue called unaware she was being watched as her new friends one 20 more dollars. Rogue taking a quick glance up, noticed a flash of red hair, and walked straight over to her, “What are you doin here?” She yelled at Jean in a whisper, “What am I doing here Rogue. What are you doing here. I thought you were suppose to be in your room” “Ah was but..” “But?” Jean butted in. Rogue knowing she was in the wrong and was never gonna win this fight turned and walked back over to Eric. Eric noticing the face she was with started to get up to go over before Rouge stopped him, “Hey Babe, who’s your friend?” “Friend, please more like an un wanted mother. But listen Ah gotta go. So maybe we can catch up later?” “Sure thing, if you can find me” “Its not a very big ship, I’m sure you wont get too lost” Rogue flirted back as she turned to walk out with Jean. As Jean was looking back noticing the look he was giving to them, which was meant for Jean to see. Rogue not noticing, looked back, and smiled, right before the went out through the casino door.

"Rogue. What do you think you were doing” Jean said as she grabbed her arm missing the exposed flesh, “Ah wasn't doing anything” “It looked like you were doing something to me” “So what if I was. Its ma vacation, and Ah can do whatever ah want” “With an older guy?” “Jealous Jean” Rogue started as she raised her voice a little louder, “Excuse me?” “Your jealous, admit it. Seeing me with a great guy, who’s not swooned by you, your not used to it, and you don't like!” Rogue you couldn't be more wrong” Jean’s tone of voice now getting more serious, “No, I couldn't be more right!” Snatching her arm back from Jean, she stormed off to find her room. Leaving her there, with people staring wondering what that was all about.