M o t i v a t i o n

Chapter 1

The first time he saw her, there was a fight going on. Not the usual X-men vs Brotherhood fights. But an epic fight nonetheless. It was just a big food fight, or a mosh pit. Maybe a mix of both. And both a member of the Brotherhood and X-Men were stuck in the middle of it.

Usually, Pietro would just zip in and zip out, effectively saving both members without anybody noticing but considering the fact that it was Toad and Kitty... well it honestly wouldn't hurt to take a while longer to save them. Or even let the pair figure it out for themselves. Kitty could walk through things and Toad was a mini Superman when his legs were concerned. So Pietro decided to stay on the top of the stairs and watch the action unfold while he ate. And that's when he saw her.

Laura or some shit or another.

She was sitting a few steps below him, simply observing. From the stories he got from Lance, Pietro was sure she wasn't watching because of some sick amusement, unlike him. Maybe she was just observing for the sake of observing. But that wouldn't explain the head tilt and the slightly bemused expression on her face. Maybe she didn't know what to do?

Pietro took his tray of food and slid down next to her. Laura made no obvious sign of acknowledgment but she did tilt her head slightly towards him. And that tiny frown on her face grew just a tinge deeper.

Pietro wondered if she had been around Rogue. Laura had the Gothic make up and wardrobe but in his honest opinion, it was a bit more tasteful, if a bit risqué on Laura. The fishnet stockings and combat boots made her legs longer and the rumors about her being Wolverine's clone were true, Laura shouldn't be growing any older or taller.

He liked the black lipstick on her. It was protected with some lip gloss, he was sure and they just made her lips fuller. And the minimal eye makeup did wonders. His sister was the only female reference he had for natural dark hair, if he ignored the red added on and he knew that Laura's hair was a bit unhealthy. It had this shine that made Pietro want to reach out and touch but it died as it reached the ends.

But it was her eyes that made Pietro admire her. This beautiful golden brown that no matter what angle she had her head tilted at, they would shine. Those beautiful golden brown eyes were looking at him right now. It was eerie how emotionless those eyes were.

"You're staring," she told him. A soft voice, but firm. Pietro smiled.

"And?"

"It's bothering me. Stop."

"Well I don't think it's really botherin' you."

Laura narrowed her eyes at him, "It is."

Pietro leaned a little bit closer to her.

"No, if it were, you'd be showing it."

"What do you want?"

"What do I want," Pietro echoed, considering the question, "dunno. You?"

Her frown turned to a scowl in response. She didn't move though, and Pietro counted that as a plus.

"You're..." she searched for the word, "bored?"

"No," he replied, gesturing to the escalating commotion down below, "I'm very entertained. You want some?"

Pietro offered some fries. Laura crinkled her nose and shook her head. Pietro shrugged and continued eating, turning his attention to food fight. Kitty was out of the line of fire but Toad was still stuck. And now Lance and Rogue were caught in the middle. Pietro let an amused grin slip onto his face.

"You're enjoying this," Laura observed.

"You're not?"

Her brows twitched in thought.

"A little bit, yes."

"You live with them," Pietro said, changing the subject, "what's it like?"

"Living with the X-Men?" Pietro nodded.

"Different, I suppose."

"How so?"

"There are rules," Laura answered, "but they don't feel confining."

"Huh." Pietro wasn't expecting that for an answer. The fight seemed to be winding down and Pietro had to collect his friends before the police did. He could see the mall cops rounding some up and then actual cops were on their way. He stood up and left his hand out to Laura. She stared at it for a moment then took it and let Pietro pull her up.

"Do you like it there?" he asked as the two headed down. Lance was heading towards Kitty and Rogue was being handled by Wanda. None of them looked too pleased.

"No."

Pietro wasn't expecting that either, "you don't?"

"The rules may not be confining," she explained, "but the way they handle me is."

Pietro let out a hum in amusement. He was leading them to Wanda and Rogue.

"Well, if you need a place to breathe, just look us up."

"I'll take you up on that offer."

Pietro waved goodbye as he pulled his sister towards the exit.

"Sure you will."

OoOoO

Pietro was in the kitchen when the sound of someone knocking on door reached him.

"Can someone get that?"

He let out an irritated sigh when the knocking continued.

He zipped over to the door and was about tell whoever it was to just go home when his eyes landed on golden brown eyes. As much of a pleasant surprise this was, he still had something on the stove. He pulled her in and closed the door and headed for the kitchen. He heard her soft footsteps following him.

"Lauren, right?"

"Laura. I'm here to pick up Kitty."

"I figured," he replied as he took the wooden spoon to stir the food in the pot. The meat was sticking together again.

"I can wait," she added, "I think they're busy."

Pietro smirked while he put a bit more seasoning in the soup.

"I bet."

Pietro stirred the pot a bit then put the lid on and checked the oven. The cake wasn't finished, but it was getting there. Just a few more minutes. He turned the stove temperature down and turned to find that Laura was staring at him. He didn't have anything else to do while the food was cooking and he knew that Laura would be here for a while.

Her eyes were staring blankly at him and it was unnerving him a bit. There was something about this girl that both put him on edge and turned him on.

"So..." he trailed off, not knowing what to say.

"What are you making?"

"Just soup, he said as headed towards her to escape the kitchen, "A little beef, a little chicken, a lot of spice. And a cake."

"Special occasion?"

"yeah. Lance's birthday."

She didn't ask any questions as they entered the living room. Pietro sat on the couch and turned on the tv then made a gesture for Laura to sit next to him. With a slightly exasperated look, Laura sat down next to him. Pietro flipped through the channels until he settled for a daytime talk show. He saw from the corner of his eye the slight look of disgust before it settled into another blank face. Pietro held in a laugh, getting more comfortable.

"You don't mind waiting for a while longer after Kitty gets out, do you?"

Laura looked at him, contemplating the answer then shook her head.

"Good, 'cause this kinda means a lot for Lance. First birthday where we're all together. And you know, not trying to kill each other."

Laura didn't say anything but the look on her face spoke of understanding.

"So you just joined the X-Men?"

"No. I was here for a few months," Laura said, "I just didn't go outside regularly."

"Hmm.. why didn't you go out?"

Laura used silence as her answer.

"Okay, don't tell me. But I did hear that you were like some weapon for the government."

"Not the government," Laura corrected, "they weren't created for the people."

"Are you really a clone of Wolverine?"

"Are you really Magneto's son?"

"Yeah."

"Then yes, I am a clone."

"Is it weird? Knowing you're a clone?"

"Is it suppose to feel weird?"

"Dunno. That's why I'm asking you."

"Then I can't give you an accurate response to that question."

"Fair enough," Pietro laughed, "do you consider Wolverine your dad?"

"Do you consider Magneto your dad?" She shot back.

"He's my father, yeah. But he's not my dad."

"Is there a difference?" Laura asked, honestly confused.

"In my mind, yeah."

"Explain."

"Well," he started, "a father is the genetic part. He can also be the financial part. But a dad feels like both of those with the whole emotional thing added on."

"I... don't understand."

"That's because Pietro can't explain things right," came Wanda. Both teens looked up over at the Scarlet Witch, nearly speechless.

"Damn, Wanda," Pietro muttered, "the hell you goin' dressed like that?"

Wanda shrugged, "Rogue asked me to go shopping with her today."

"Dressed like that?"

"Yes," Wanda said, narrowing her eyes, "what's the problem?"

"No problem."

She was wearing a mini skirt, that was one. The fishnet stockings was two. And the halter top was three. But Pietro smiled at his sister, trying not to go on a "men are going to look at you like a piece of meat" rant like he usually did.

"Just wear a coat," Pietro said, "it might be windy."

Wanda rolled her eyes, "I never leave home without it."

She breezed past him and headed out.

"I'll be back in time for Lance's party."

And then she was gone.

Laura looked at Pietro in slight amusement. Pietro stood up and headed for the kitchen, suddenly remembering that he did have something that he did have something to do. He hoped that nothing was burned or overcooked.

Entering the kitchen, Pietro checked the cake first. It was safe. He pulled out the cake and set it on the counter then set work to the soup. A bit overcooked, but still edible. He turned off the stove and went for the fridge, pulling out other things he had made.

"You're gonna be my taste tester, mini-Wolverine."

"Don't have enough faith in your culinary skills, Pietro?"

"No," he shot back, taken off guard by the barb, "I just don't think they appreciate good cuisine. I need you as my ego booster."

He pulled out the salads as Laura let out a little smile of amusement.

"Don't stand there, sunshine, I need help getting this stuff out."

Laura looked at Pietro then at the fridge.

"Pull out everything?"

"Everything."

Soon enough, all of the food for tonight was brought out and Pietro was bringing some plates and eating utensils.

"The first thing you're gonna try is this," he said taking a ladle out and scooping some soup from the pot.

"What is it?"

"Ciorbă."

"Soup?"

Pietro grinned, "Yeah, I found the recipe in one of my father's books. I wanted to try it out. Now taste."

Laura took a spoonful of the stuff and tasted. A second later, her face twisted a bit, but not in distaste. She set the bowl out and chewed on the meat.

"Is it bad?" he asked, honestly worried about the taste.

"No, I was just not expecting it to taste sour. Are the meat pieces suppose to be this big?"

"Yeah, I don't know about the meat... the book didn't have any instructions on the size, but it's suppose to be sour. Do you like it?"

Laura didn't respond immediately. But then she nodded. And Pietro grinned.

"Now I have a few other things I want you to try..."

A/N: I had a boyfriend (he's my bud now) who's mother is Romanian. According to the info about Pietro and Wanda's POB, it was a part of Romania, so I'm assuming that they're getting some parts of their culture from Romania. I don't know anybody else who can give me information on the language (he doesn't know how to speak fluently and his mother is reluctant to tell me anything), but other things, I can pick up. So um, if y'all have any info, hit me up!

Review, ppl. They help me grow!