Author's Note: Well the one advantage to being snowed in and unable to get to work – I had time to finish this beast of a story. I've had this chapter in my head pretty much since I started writing this story and as usual I haven't quite got it how I imagined it but hopefully you all approve. So…on with the last chapter. No pressure…

A Little Complication

Chapter 66: Third First Day of Winter

Bobby sighed heavily as once again the quiet ring, ring, ring drifted down his cell phone, the call he was making going unanswered.

"John still ignoring you?" Piotr asked from where he stood pinning happy birthday banners to the wall. Bobby smiled sheepishly and shoved his phone back in his pocket.

"Yeah… sorry I was supposed to be doing that…" he moved forward to offer the Russian some assistance but was waved away.

"Its alright, I have it covered," his friend smirked and pointed at the pack of balloons on the table. "They still need blowing up though."

Bobby gave a quick laugh and made his way to the table.

"Where are the kids when you need them eh?"

Piotr nodded in agreement.

"Well Tommy did say they'd be down to help but…" the Russian glanced at his watch with a smirk. Bobby's lips curled into a smile.

"He'll still be trying to drag Jinx outa bed."

"That's my guess," Piotr nodded. Bobby sighed quietly and set about blowing up the first balloon. Piotr looked over at the ice mutant thoughtfully. "So… did John give a reason for not coming today?"

Bobby shrugged slightly.

"Not exactly. I mean I figured he wouldn't be exactly excited by the idea but I thought he'd at least give it a go."

Piotr smiled sympathetically.

"Well… maybe Jamie can talk some sense into him," he replied casually. Bobby screwed up his nose.

"I'm not so sure… apparently they don't see much of each other any more. I mean apart from the fact Johnny spends so much time at mine he said Jamie's kinda seeing someone so… I doubt Jamie will even know what's going on."

Piotr just arched an eyebrow and set about pinning up another banner.

"So the girls are away to get the cake then?"

"Yeah, I think Ororo's looking after Abi – since she hasn't got much school work to keep her busy."

Piotr smirked knowingly.

"She's been a broody lady the last year," he commented lightly. "Have you heard from your mom and dad?"

"Yeah," Bobby sighed apprehensively. "Ronny called and said they were on their way."

Piotr smiled reassuringly.

"I'm sure they'll be fine."

"Yeah…" the ice mutant smiled wryly. "Can't wait…"

x-x-x x-x-x x-x-x

"'Ada!" Abi grinned up at her father. "'Ove 'ada!"

"Love Abi," Bobby smiled back before turning his attention back to the car making its way up the driveway. Taking a deep breath he managed to keep the smile on his face as the car stopped and the occupants clambered out. "Mom, dad…"

"Bobby," his mother gave the ice mutant a small nod before turning her attention to the little girl in his arms. "And how's our birthday girl?"

Abi laughed happily, babbling away as her grandmother took a hold of her. Bobby closed his eyes briefly but quickly looked back up at his brother.

"Hey," Ronny offered his older sibling a smile.

"Hi," Bobby smiled back. "How's it going?"

"Oh not bad just…"

"Ronald," Mr Drake's voice interrupted the two. "Can you get all the presents out the car?"

Ronny rolled his eyes.

"It's not contagious dad," he muttered but never-the-less he complied with his father's wishes. Bobby worried his bottom lip slightly. He didn't like to see his brother fighting with their parents too…

"Follow me then," the ice mutant gestured towards the mansion before looking back to his brother. "Need a hand?"

"Nah, I'll be fine…" Ronny replied, precariously balancing several nicely wrapped boxes on his knee as he shut the trunk. Bobby gave a nod and proceeded to lead his family into the mansion. Taking a deep breath Bobby made his way to the large recreation room where the party was to be concentrated.

"Ma ma!"

Marie turned from where she stood talking to Kitty, smiling warmly at Bobby's parents.

"Madeline… William…hi," she walked forward and embraced Mrs Drake, giving Abi a quick tap on the nose. "How are you?"

"Oh, we're fine," her expression however grew serious. "How are you?"

Bobby turned away quickly, knowing all too well that his mother would soon be apologising for and lamenting his indiscretions…

"Here…" he took some of the gifts his brother now seemed to be struggling with, gesturing to the stack of parcels in the corner. "Just pop them over there."

Ronny did as he was told, stretching his arms out as Bobby put down the rest, not bothered so much by the weight but by the size.

"Someone's getting spoiled," the younger Drake commented casually. Bobby laughed, eyeing the large pile of gifts.

"Yeah, she is," he agreed. Ronny smiled and absently looked over some of the gift labels. His smile faded slightly as he read the label signed to Abi with lots of love Daddy and Johnny. Bobby noted his brother's downturn in demeanour. "It's ok – he's not coming."

"He's not?" Ronny arched an eyebrow in surprise. "I thought you guys were all happy families."

"We are… just…" Bobby frowned slightly. "He decided it wasn't a good idea to come. You know – with mom…and dad…and Marie…and her mom and dad…"

Ronny gave a small nod.

"I guess that may be awkward," he acknowledged indifferently. The faintest of smiles pulled on Bobby's lips. At least he wasn't being too negative when discussing the absent fire mutant…

"'Ada!"

Bobby let out a quick laugh, offering his brother a smile.

"I've been summoned," he gave Ronny a quick wave and crossed the room to where his mother held Abi, still talking to Marie. "What you wanting little lady?"

"'Ada!" Abi waved her arms at her father, bouncing about as she tried to clamber out of her grandmother's arms.

"Oh, she's getting heavy!" Mrs Drake exclaimed as Bobby took Abi from her.

"Tell me about it!" Marie smiled, reaching out and stroking Abi's cheek lightly. Abi gurgled happily.

"Mama!" she clapped her hands together and grinned at her father. "'Ada!"

Mrs Drake beamed.

"You never told me she was talking now!" she cooed, taking one of Abi's hands lightly. Bobby arched an eyebrow.

"That's because you haven't been speaking to me," he pointed out although he managed to keep his tone fairly neutral. His mother reeled back slightly, a horrified expression on her face.

"Madeline, have you met my parents yet?" Marie interrupted before Mrs Drake could speak. The older female frowned slightly, still clearly flustered but pulled a civil smile onto her lips for Marie.

"No, not yet," she said, letting Marie lead her away from her son. Bobby sighed quietly in relief, chastising himself for his words.

"'Ove 'ada," Abi grinned up at him. Bobby couldn't help but smile.

"Love Abi," he replied. Abi laughed and looked around the room, obviously content at having so many loved ones in the room. A slight frown however pulled at her face as she turned her head abruptly back and forth to survey the room again.

"'Ohnny?" she looked up at her father, her little icy blue eyes wide and inquisitive. Bobby frowned slightly.

"No sweetie, Johnny's not coming," a dry laugh escaped his lips as Abi pouted. "I know, I wish he were here too."

"Ba, da bwoo," Abi muttered, before her grin returned. "'Icksy!"

Bobby laughed as he turned and found Tommy and Jinx walking towards him, the latter scowling although it was obviously put on.

"Don't call me Jinxy!" the student grumbled, accepting Abi into his arms as she tried to clamber away from Bobby, jerking his head in Tommy's direction. "Only he's allowed to call me that."

"I'm allowed to call you that now?" Tommy arched an eyebrow with a smirk. Jinx scowled, curling his lip up but stayed quiet as Abi looked up and laughed at him.

"'Icksy ba da, boo bwa la," she reached out for Tommy. The other student obligingly took her hand, smiling as the little girl grabbed it firmly and held it to Jinx's chest.

"Awww, you are so adorable," he used his free hand to brush some of the blonde curls from Abi's face, a wistful expression taking over his face. "Oh, I want one."

"What?" Jinx's eyes widened. Tommy burst out laughing.

"Not now!" he smiled reassuringly, shaking his head at his boyfriend. A quiet sigh escaped his lips as he looked back to Abi. "I just… can't imagine going my whole life without one."

"Oh…" Jinx nodded slowly, regarding Abi thoughtfully. The little girl stared back at him, her little eyes wide. Suddenly she let out a shrill laugh, snuggling into Jinx's chest.

"'Ove Icksy."

Jinx gave a small start, blinking rapidly before rolling his eyes.

"You love everyone you little tramp," he muttered but a distinct smile pulled on his lips. Turning his gaze to Tommy, the smile widened slightly. "Maybe we'll manage a puppy."

Tommy chuckled quietly.

"Sounds good," he replied quietly before turning his attention back to Abi. "So little lady, are you having a nice birthday?"

x-x-x x-x-x x-x-x

A quiet sigh escaped Bobby's lips as once again he gave up on the never-ending ringing that greeted his ears. Closing his eyes briefly he ran his hands through his hair, lowering his cell phone to his side. He'd slipped away from the party in the hope of at least talking to John, but he should have known better. With another sigh the ice mutant raised his phone again, dialling another number. This time the ringing stopped with a quiet click, an answer phone switching on.

"Hey Johnny, it's me. Just on the off-chance that you've gone home which you probably haven't 'cause you're such a stubborn pain in the ass. But you won't activate the answer phone on your cell so I can't leave you a message there can I?" another sigh escaped his lips. "John I am so sorry about everything I said the other night – I understand why you didn't want to come today I just… please just call me. I really miss you. And I wanna say happy birthday even though I know you say you hate your birthday but you know what? You don't have to hate it anymore 'cause you have people who love you and want to spend the time with you and… please call me. I love you."

A long, laboured breath escaped the ice mutant's lips as he hung up his cell phone, returning it to his pocket. Running both hands through his hair he turned to head back out to the party, jumping slightly as he realised he was not alone.

"Oh, sorry I didn't mean to…" Ronny offered his older brother a sheepish smile. "They're about to take out the cake so I said I'd come and find you."

"I'm just coming," Bobby nodded, starting towards the door but the younger Drake stopped him.

"You ok?"

Bobby blinked rapidly before forcing a smile.

"Sure," he waved a hand dismissively but Ronny didn't look too convinced.

"God, you're really hung up on him aren't you?" Ronny arched his eyebrow, shaking his head a little. Bobby smiled sheepishly, giving just a slightly helpless shrug. His younger brother sighed quietly. "Come on then. Maybe cake'll make you feel better."

Bobby nodded and obligingly followed his brother back through to the party. Abi clapped happily from her high chair at the head of the table.

"'Ada!"

"Hiya," the ice mutant smiled, making his way to his daughter's side, offering Marie who stood on the other side of Abi an apologetic smile.

"Are we ready now?" Storm looked around the room, a box of matches in her hand ready to light the single candle on the cake in front of her. Both Bobby and Marie nodded. Glancing around to make sure grandparents and fellow mutants had cameras ready Storm struck a match and lit the candle, carefully lifting the cake and walking to the head of the table as the gathering started to sing happy birthday to the delighted one year old sitting there. Clapping happily she looked first at her mother and then to her father, pointing at the candle on the cake.

"'Ohnny!" she announced but her smiled faded slightly as she pulled her hand back. "'Ohnny ow."

Bobby's breath caught in his throat as several pairs of eyes turned to stare at him angrily.

"Bobby!" Marie's cry was heard over the rumbles of his parents and hers. Quickly Bobby held up a hand to shush them, stroking Abi's head with the other as her face fell at all the sudden negativity.

"He pretended to burn himself once so she would know that fire is dangerous!" he said in a calm but firm voice. Several eyebrows arched dubiously. "Oh, please, you know I wouldn't have Abi around John if he'd have ever hurt her!"

A brief silence fell over the room.

"Mama…" Abi reached out for her mother sadly, her little icy blue eyes wide. Marie forced a smile, stroking her cheek gently.

"It's ok sweetie," she whispered. "Just… blow out your candle."

Abi looked from her mother to her father questioningly. Bobby smiled and leant over towards the cake.

"Blow…" he said again, blowing on her face. Abi giggled at the cold breath, waving her hands over her face. Looking back in the vague direction of her cake she puffed her cheeks out. The candle extinguished, perhaps due more to the icy chill that breezed over it as opposed to Abi's effort. Never-the-less the little girl clapped happily. Storm quickly stepped forward and removed the extinguished candle, proceeding to cut up the cake and distribute it among the guests.

"Bobby, a word," Marie muttered, grabbing the ice mutant's arm and pulling him into a corner of the room as her parents and his crowded round Abi for more photos.

"Marie…" Bobby started to object but to no avail.

"Fire? Around Abi?" she hissed angrily.

"Abi wasn't hurt!"

"Can you guarantee that?"

Bobby shook his head helplessly.

"Don't you think I would have noticed if she'd been burned? Don't you think you would have noticed? Has there ever been a mark on her?" he sighed quietly as Marie dropped her gaze. "And Abi wouldn't keep asking for him if he'd hurt her – would she?"

Marie pouted briefly, taking a deep breath before setting Bobby with a determined gaze.

"No. Fire. Around. Abi."

The ice mutant clenched his jaw but managed a civilised nod at Marie before she walked off again. Rolling his eyes he shook his head and turned his attention back to the party.

x-x-x x-x-x x-x-x

"'Ada!"

"Are you not sleepy yet missy?" Bobby smiled, taking his boisterous daughter from Marie's arms. Marie rolled her eyes.

"Not even slightly," she shook her head helplessly and retreated back to speak to her parents. Bobby shook his head at the little girl in his arms.

"Are you having too much fun eh?" he asked quietly, tapping her lightly on the nose. Abi laughed, snorting slightly as she did.

"Graceful as ever," Piotr laughed, appearing beside the two. Bobby rolled his eyes.

"Oh yeah. Little miss grace," but even as he spoke he smiled affectionately. Piotr laughed quietly as Abi babbled away to the toy rabbit in her hand.

"So…how you doing?" he glanced over to where Bobby's mother stood talking heartily with Marie's mother. Bobby sighed quietly.

"Oh, it's all good," he forced a smile, shrugging absently. "Nothing I love more than being glared at and being disapproved of."

Piotr smiled sympathetically.

"Any word from John?"

"No, not yet," Bobby couldn't help but frown slightly. His eyebrow arched inquisitively as Piotr's cell phone buzzed. He couldn't help but smile as the Russian's eyes lit up.

"Excuse me," Piotr gave Bobby an apologetic smile. The ice mutant just smiled and gestured for his friend to go and answer the call. Shaking his head slightly as Piotr walked off, he turned his attention back to Abi.

"So did you like all your prezzies? You've been spoiled I hope you know," Bobby bounced her up and down lightly. "A spoiled little madam…"

"'Ohnny!"

Bobby's brow furrowed slightly.

"Oh, sweetie… Johnny's not coming he…" the ice mutant jumped slightly as a pair of arms appeared from the side and slipped Abi out of his arms.

"Hey there little lady," John smiled, tucking some loose hair behind her ear. "Happy birthday Abi."

"Ah!" Abi grinned, pursing her lips at the fire mutant. John laughed and obligingly gave the little girl a quick birthday kiss, smiling affectionately before he glanced sheepishly at the mutant next to him.

"Hey…" he smiled meekly. Bobby returned a wide smile.

"Hey…" he replied, slipping a hand onto the fire mutant's back, leaning forward and capturing his boyfriend's lips in a brief but tender kiss. "Happy birthday."

"Thanks," the fire mutant replied sheepishly. "Look Bobby, I'm sorry about…"

"No, I'm sorry," Bobby interrupted softly. "I was the one being unreasonable."

John just shook his head slightly in conceit, not about to start a new fight about who was most at fault in their last one. The fire mutant sighed quietly, glancing uneasily around the room.

"If looks could kill eh?" he muttered, fixing his gaze back on Abi. Bobby took a deep breath but felt surprisingly calm.

"Just ignore them. There's only one person's opinion that matters," Bobby smiled and tickled Abi's shoulder. "And you've been asking for Johnny all afternoon haven't you?"

"Was she?" John arched an eyebrow and smiled at Abi. "Well I'm sorry I'm late. Did you get lots of presents? And a cake?"

Abi grinned back at him.

"'Ohnny!" she clapped happily before pointing to what was left of her cake. "'Ohnny ow!"

"What?" John frowned in confusion.

"There was a candle on her cake," Bobby explained quietly.

"Oh right. Yes – fire equals ow…" John's eyebrow arched slowly. "Eh… she didn't…"

"Blurt out Johnny ow as soon as the candle was lit?" Bobby smiled wryly. "Yes she did."

John screwed up his nose.

"Well I doubt that went down well…" he pointed a finger at Abi's nose accusingly. "Were you trying to get me into trouble?"

Abi blinked innocently.

"'Ove 'ohnny," she offered in response, snuggling into his chest. John rolled his eyes.

"That's your answer to everything," but never-the-less he smiled. The fire mutant looked up to see Piotr walking towards them, talking away on his cell phone. Bobby arched an eyebrow as the Russian came into earshot.

"…I'm sure I'll find time to come out and play tonight," he paused in front of John. "Yeah, the party's going fine…yup, he just got here…" Piotr smirked, holding his phone away from his ear briefly. "Jamie says I told you so."

John returned the Russian's smirk.

"Well you just tell Jamie…" the fire mutant glanced down to make sure Abi's head was still buried in his chest before raising a middle finger. Piotr laughed and put the phone back to his ear.

"Apparently I have to give you the finger," the Russian's eyes sparkled as he winked at Bobby, giving both mutants a wave as he turned and walked away. "Looks like I'm gonna be on top…"

Bobby's eyes widened slightly as realization dawned.

"Is Pete…" he turned to John for explanation but the fire mutant didn't look at him. "Jamie?"

"Apparently the big guy bats for both teams too," John shrugged absently, still refusing to look at the ice mutant lest he burst out laughing. "Apparently they got to know each other after I was shot."

Bobby blinked rapidly in disbelief.

"But… but I mean…"

John laughed finally, turning an amused glance at Bobby.

"They're big boys, they know what they're doing," John looked back to Abi, tilting her head back so she looked up at him. "I have something for you."

Bobby finally snapped out of his disbelieving state as John reached down and pulled a small gift wrapped package from one of his huge pockets in his trouser legs. Despite the somewhat haphazard wrapping Abi clapped happily, accepting the gift.

"You know I signed everything I gave her from the two of us right?" Bobby pointed out quietly as Abi proceeded to tear little strips of paper from the parcel, although a smile pulled on his lips.

"I know," John shrugged. "I just… I saw this and I thought she'd like it."

"Ah!" Abi gasped as she caught sight of something purple. "'ohnny!" she cried, smiling broadly as she waved the purple stuffed dragon at him. "'ohnny!" she pointed to the yellow and red felt flames coming from its mouth. John smiled and nodded as Abi ran her hands into the ridiculously soft purple fur. "Ooooo!"

"Is it soft?" John laughed. Abi just wrapped her arms around the toy, squeezing it close to her side. Grinning widely Abi snuggled into John's chest, pulling her little dragon close.

" 'ove 'ohnny..." she said quietly. A smile quickly spread onto John's lips as he opened his mouth to reply but he was prevented by the sound of another voice.

"Eh… Bobby."

The ice mutant turned to find his brother standing behind him.

"Hey Ronny," he smiled. The younger Drake returned the smile although he cast an uneasy glance in John's direction.

"Eh, we're away to head home. Mom and dad wanna say goodbye to Abi."

"Oh, right ok," Bobby turned to John but found the fire mutant already holding Abi out towards him. The little girl grinned at her uncle as her father took her into his arms.

"'Ohnny!" she announced with a grin, pointing at John. The fire mutant smiled uneasily, taking Abi's hand and lowering it gently.

"It's ok, we've already met," he told her quietly. Abi laughed merrily.

"'Ada 'ove 'ohnny," she clapped. "'Ohnny 'ove 'ada!"

"Thank you missy," Bobby laughed awkwardly, offering his brother a meek smile. "Where's mom and dad?"

"Heading out to the car," Ronny gestured in the general direction. Bobby gave his boyfriend a quick, apologetic smile.

"Won't be long," he assured him, scurrying out to let Abi say goodbye to her grandparents. John started to sigh but stopped himself as he realised Ronny hadn't yet followed his brother. The fire mutant took a deep breath.

"I do by the way - for what it's worth," John said quietly, glancing in Bobby's direction. "Love your brother. And Abi."

Ronny himself took a deep breath, bowing his head briefly before giving a little shrug.

"Good," he replied. "Bobby seems really happy. Keep it that way, yeah?"

John arched an eyebrow as Ronny set him a determined stare, albeit tinged with apprehension.

"Are you threatening me?"

"No!" Ronny dropped his gaze, crossing his arms anxiously. "Of course not I…"

John laughed but it was not malicious.

"I'll try my best not to upset your brother," the fire mutant smiled faintly. Ronny looked back up with the faintest of smiles himself.

"Good," he nodded again, pointing towards the door. "I'd… better get going. I'll… I guess I'll see you when I come to visit Bobby."

John arched an eyebrow in surprise.

"Yeah, see you then," he managed a nod. Finally the fire mutant let out his weary breath as Ronny disappeared from the room. Slumping down in a seat in the corner, John ran his hands through his hair, closing his eyes tiredly. He opened them again as he heard someone walking towards him.

"Happy birthday John," Storm offered her former student a smile. John couldn't help but smile faintly in return.

"Thanks," he gave Storm a parting nod, his smile widening as he noticed Bobby had returned.

"'Ohnny!" Abi reached out towards the fire mutant. John rolled his eyes and held out his arms, taking Abi into a hug as Bobby slumped down beside him.

"Hey…" John rested his head on the back of the seat, rolling it to the side to look at Bobby. "You ok?"

"Yeah, fine," Bobby lied. John opened his mouth to pry more but decided not to dreg up the bad feelings with his parents while they were still in public.

"You know," he said lightly instead. "Your brother just threatened me that I have to look after you."

Bobby arched an eyebrow.

"Really?"

"Yup," John smirked. "And then he said he'd see me when he comes to visit you."

"Yeah?" Bobby's lips curled into a smile. "Cool."

A brief silence fell over the two but it didn't last long.

"Oh my god."

John flinched slightly as the female voice drifted over the two. Taking a quick breath he looked up at Marie calmly.

"Hi Marie," Bobby said quietly. Marie just shook her head slightly.

"I was trying to get her to take a nap for ages."

John looked down, surprised to find Abi was sound asleep against his chest.

"Oh."

"May I?" Marie held out her arms with a faint smile. John quickly stood with a nod, carefully handing Abi back to her mother, the little girl still clutching her new toy dragon. Marie's eyebrow arched as she looked at the toy but she gave John one last small smile before looking down at Bobby. "I'll see you both later."

John just arched an eyebrow, letting out the smallest of relieved sighs as Marie walked off to put Abi to bed for a nap. Still sitting in his seat however Bobby's lips curled into a wide grin. Grabbing John's hand he stood and pulled the fire mutant through to the corridor, leading him to a secluded spot just out the back of the mansion.

"Bobby! It's cold!" John whined but was silenced by a long, lingering kiss.

"Happy anniversary," Bobby whispered, stroking John's cheek softly. The fire mutant blinked.

"Oh yeah…" he smiled sheepishly. "You count this as our anniversary do you?"

"I count this as the day I properly came to my senses," Bobby replied quietly with a small nod. John arched an eyebrow and gave a conceding bow of the head.

"Then happy anniversary," the fire mutant smiled, wrapping his arms around the cryokinetic in a vain attempt for warmth. "I'm still fucking cold."

"Oh you love the cold," Bobby smirked. John curled up his lip but it barely hid the faint smile.

"No I don't…" he grumbled. Bobby laughed softly and pulled the smaller mutant close.

"Yes you do," he rested his forehead gently against John's. "Really John. Thank you for coming today."

John shrugged.

"No big deal."

"Yes it is," Bobby insisted softly, pulling away slightly. He smiled warmly and arched an eyebrow. "You want part of your birthday present now?"

John's brows furrowed slightly.

"I told you not to bother…" he muttered. Bobby rolled his eyes.

"Oh shut up and enjoy it," the ice mutant laughed. "You got me a birthday present."

John screwed up his nose.

"That's different."

"No it's not!" Bobby shook his head, reaching into his pocket. John laughed quietly.

"You've been carrying it about all day?"

"I was hoping you'd show up," Bobby shrugged. "There's other stuff back at home but…"

John couldn't help but smile as he accepted the small gift wrapped box Bobby held out to him.

"Thank you," he conceded quietly, starting to rip off the paper. Bobby worried his bottom lip slightly.

"Now look, if you don't like it just say so – I won't be offended. I can take it back and get you something else and…"

"Bobby!" John laughed, leaning up for a quick kiss. "This is my first birthday present in years. I'm sure it'll be fine."

Bobby smiled and nodded although the apprehensive glint remained in his eyes as John opened the box in his hands.

"I know it's kinda…corny but…"

"Bobby, shut up," John smiled, covering the ice mutant's mouth with one hand. Quickly he removed the hand and pulled the ring from the box in his other hand. He nodded slowly as he regarded the gold ring, silver scratches flickering through it, giving the effect of flames. Tilting his head to the side he smiled as the silver scratches seemed to make the ring ice over in the change of light. "I like it."

"Really?" Bobby's lips curled faintly at the corners. John laughed quietly and looked up at him.

"Really!" the fire mutant insisted, slipping the ring onto his left hand – in particular onto the ring finger. Grinning wickedly he ran a hand up into the ice mutant's hair, pulling his head towards his. "Now I know what to get you for your Christmas. Now come here…"

Bobby moaned appreciatively as John's warm lips wrapped round his in a deep but tender kiss. Stumbling slightly the two backed into a wall, John smirking into the kiss as Bobby's body pressed up against his. The smirk faded into a smile however as the two parted slowly.

"I love you…" Bobby whispered.

"I love you too," John replied quietly, running a hand loosely over the ice mutant's chest. "I…"

The fire mutant frowned slightly, closing his eyes briefly as his cell phone started to ring in his pocket. He looked back up at Bobby, arching an eyebrow as the ringing went on…and on…

"Answer it," Bobby shrugged. John took a deep breath and pulled his phone from his pocket.

"Hey Jamie… yeah…oh. Right… Sure… Ok, I'm eh… I'm on my way," the pyrokinetic hung up the call, looking up at the suddenly apprehensive mutant in front of him. "I've been summoned."

"Mystique?"

John shook his head solemnly.

"Magneto."

Bobby's eyes widened slightly.

"I thought he was… away."

John sighed heavily.

"He was," he managed a reassuring smile at Bobby. "This doesn't necessarily mean…"

The fire mutant cut himself off quickly as he heard one of the doors behind them.

"Hey Bobby, sorry," Piotr smiled at both apologetically, gesturing back into the mansion. "Ororo wants to see all of us."

"Just coming," he nodded, taking a deep breath as Piotr disappeared. John arched an eyebrow.

"Well, we'd… better get going," he reluctantly slipped out of Bobby's hold. The ice mutant nodded slowly, but suddenly grabbed a hold of John's arm again.

"John, wait… what if…" Bobby frowned heavily. "I think it's safe to say we're being summoned for the same reasons but what if we're not being summoned to the same side?"

John pursed his lips, frowning reluctantly.

"Well… you know that deep down we both want the same things really," he pointed out. Bobby shook his head.

"Yeah, I know but…"

"Bobby," John cupped his hands either side of Bobby's face. "We've been through me leaving here, trying to kill each other, your homophobia, me dating Jamie, your coming out the closet, Abi…" John laughed quietly and gave Bobby a reassuring smile. "We could be heading off to world war three. After it's all over – I'm going to fall asleep in bed with you," he brushed his lips softly over the ice mutant's. "End of."

x-x-x

Author's Note: …. …. …. ALL DONE!!! It was never supposed to be this long (we're only a couple of thousand words short of Too Late) and it certainly shouldn't have taken longer than a year but there you go.

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed especially those of you who have stuck with me all the way through. The reviews really keep me going. Thanks again and will hopefully see you all over at my next story. Am planning to give myself a wee break from writing – but I said that after Too Late and started posting this four days later so will probably be posting again in a week or two. Until then…BYE!!!