Minutes later, Peter Parker slid silently through his apartment window, landing on the creaky wooden floor with the grace of a gymnast. He peeled off his mask, exhaling deeply.
The clock blinked 11:54 PM.
"Great. Almost midnight. And I still have that chem lab due…"
He collapsed onto his bed with a groan.
"Man what I wouldn't give for a vacation…"
___________
The cool night air hung softly over the school grounds as Gojo materialized at the academy's front gate, the lingering trace of his teleportation dissipating into the quiet darkness. Rogue was held close against his chest, her arms loosely draped around his neck, her head resting on his shoulder, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion but contentment painted on her face.
They walked side by side through the compound, the soft crunch of gravel underfoot the only sound between them. Gojo led her toward the dorms, his steps unhurried, savoring the peace of the moment. Rogue finally broke the silence, her voice gentle yet full of wonder.
"That…was nice," she said, her southern drawl softer than usual.
Gojo chuckled, the sound low and rich. "Of course it was. I don't think you'll find a better tourist partner out there—with impeccable taste, might I add."
Rogue let out a light laugh, shaking her head. "Sure, sugar. Gotta admit, you sure know how to show a girl a good time, and a heck of a scenery too."
As they approached her dorm, she recounted their night—the city lights, the way he playfully challenged her to see who could eat the most dessert, the ridiculous jokes he cracked that had her snorting into her drink. Her words flowed with warmth, full of a happiness she hadn't felt in a long time.
Gojo just smiled, saying nothing, his gaze soft as he watched her relive the memory.
They finally stopped in front of her door, the hallway dimly lit. Rogue turned to face him, Gojo standing there with his hands tucked casually in his pockets, his head tilted slightly with that easy, almost teasing smile reflecting on his crystal blue eyes as he stared at her.
Rogue bit her lip, her voice quieter now. "I really enjoyed today, Gojo. Thank you."
His smile softened as he replied, "You don't have to thank me. Your smile? That's more than enough for me."
Rogue blinked, caught off guard, her heart thudding a little faster as she stared into those piercing blue eyes.
Her mind spiraled, thoughts tangling faster than she could catch them. She felt the words slip out, almost involuntarily.
"Kiss—"
Before she could finish, Gojo had already closed the distance. His lips captured hers, the kiss gentle yet filled with certainty. Rogue's eyes widened in surprise, but the initial shock melted away. She responded, pressing into him with more urgency as her hands clutched at his shirt, when last had she felt this, when last had she felt this closure, to be wanted and needed so much that it now felt like a divine gift to her.
Gojo's hand slid up to the back of her neck, his other arm wrapping firmly around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
And then—
"Ahem."
They both froze.
Turning toward the hallway, they saw Kitty Pryde and Jubilee standing there, both sporting wildly amused expressions.
Kitty crossed her arms with a smirk. "Oh, would you look at that? Rogue, there you are."
Rogue, face burning, stammered. "I—uh—"
Jubilee grinned. "You know, the professor and everyone were kinda worried. We thought something happened."
Kitty tilted her head, clearly enjoying herself. "Oh, Jubs, something is definitely happening."
Gojo, laughing softly, raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. Enough ganging up on Rogue, ladies. Let's all be mature here."
Kitty and Jubilee exchanged exaggerated smirks before sauntering off into the room.
The hallway fell quiet again, leaving only Gojo and Rogue.
Rogue, still flushed, kept her gaze down. "That was…embarrassing."
Gojo gently tilted her chin up with his finger, making her meet his gaze. "Let's do this again sometime, yeah?"
Rogue's lips curled into a small, mischievous smile. "I'd love that."
Gojo leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. Rogue closed her eyes at the soft gesture, savoring it.
But when she opened her eyes—he was gone.
---
Inside the dorm, Rogue was met with the expectant grins of Kitty and Jubilee sitting cross-legged on her bed.
Kitty raised an eyebrow. "Soooo…spill. Now."
Rogue exhaled deeply, a smile forming as she whispered, "It was freedom."
---
Meanwhile, at the entrance of the school, Gojo reappeared, only to come face to face with Logan, a cigar smoldering between his teeth as he leaned against the gate.
"So," Logan said gruffly, smoke curling into the night air. "She was with you the whole time?"
Gojo nodded, his usual smugness dialed back for once. "Yeah."
Logan exhaled slowly, the embers of his cigar glowing. "She sounds happy. I ain't seen her that happy since she came here. Did you know that, bub?"
Gojo remained silent, the weight of the words hanging between them.
Logan's eyes narrowed, voice turning rougher. "Keep it that way. Because if you break that girl's heart—"
SNIKT.
Adamantium claws slid out with a menacing 'shing', catching the moonlight and reflecting in Gojo's crystal-blue eyes.
"Believe me…I'll find a way to cut you to shreds."
Gojo met his glare without flinching, smirking. "Relax, Wolverine. Like I'd ever do that to her."
Logan grunted, retracting his claws with a final click. He turned, heading back toward the school with a gruff, "Good."
As the silence returned, Gojo glanced up at the moon, exhaling.
"Give me a break... As if I'd ever hurt her."
The clouds shifted, momentarily obscuring the moon. And when the pale light returned—
Gojo was gone.