Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I own nothing. But with Pietro involved, GOD I wish I did. P

X-MEN EVOLUTION

-- Of Sparks, Tears and Monsters –

Chapter I

The Invitation

"Oooh, Kitty!"

"Meow, meow, meow, meow!"

"Whoo-hoo!"

"Wonder what's gonna happen after the dance?"

"Oooh!"

"Got yourself a little girlfriend!"

Such were the words out of Todd and Freddy's teasing mouths as they circled the brooding Lance, who sat in the armchair, looking displeased. Leaning on his hands as his elbows were propped on his knees, he glared at his two housemates, thoroughly annoyed.

Tabitha sat on the arm of the chair, grinning and enjoying the teasing, but not joining in. Normally, she'd be all for it, but she knew Lance wouldn't take kindly to it. She knew he'd tease her right back about a certain someone.

He looked up at her, and caught her grin, before they both looked to Pietro, lying on the couch with a nonchalant air about him. With him stretched out on the couch no more than three feet away, no way was she risking it. Lance knew this, and was grateful, because she was probably the most dangerous when it came to teasing someone.

They had an understanding like this. A sort of sibling friendship that brought respect to both sides. She knew he wanted nothing more than to return to Kitty's side at the Institute, no matter how often he told them and his team that they were too high maintenance. And in return, he knew she liked Pietro.

Then again, it wasn't exactly closet knowledge to the Brotherhood household that Tabitha had a thing for the speed demon. It just seemed only he didn't know. And if he did, well, he sure didn't show it.

"We wouldn't be caught dead at that stupid dance!" Fred exclaimed, bringing Lance and Tabitha's attention back to him.

"Yeah!" Todd laughed in agreement.

Tabitha's ears perked up, and she grinned. Now she was joining in the fun.

"Really, Freddy? Aww, that's too bad," she made a half-pout, placing one hand on her hip, and reaching towards him with the other to tap his nose. "Cuz I was thinkin' about askin' you."

"U-uh…you…you were?" he stammered, causing Lance to grin. What a sucker. He looked towards the couch, and caught sight of Pietro shaking his head.

"Yeah, but…," she got up, backing away from the Blob and holding her hands in the air in defeat. "If you don't wanna go…"

"Oh, oh, ask me!" Todd jumped at his chance – literally – hopping up and down with a hand in the air. "I'll go!"

"Pathetic," Pietro muttered, crossing his arms across his chest and sending a glare their way. The female Brotherhood member turned, side-glancing at a smirking Lance before turning her attention to the white-haired teen.

"Hey, Speedy," she grinned, walking over to the couch to lean over him. She placed her hands on her hips. "You think you're too good for me?"

"Naw, I think you're too good for the drooling dumbass twins," he chuckled, smirking.

"Well then!" she exclaimed, forcing him to move as she plopped onto the couch, nudging him with her hip. "Let's go and show this town how to move."

It was the annual Sadie Hawkins Dance, meaning it was up to girls to ask guys to it, not the other way around. Kitty had asked Lance today at school, and Todd had seen it, which was why they were berating the young man. As for Tabitha, she'd just gotten her shot to ask Pietro.

Too bad everyone but him knew that.

"Pfft, you couldn't keep up with me, Tabby," he snorted, full of himself as he got up, grinning. He then kicked his powers into gear, speeding around the room and back into his seat. "I mean, I can keep four girls going at the same time. Ha!"

Lance cringed when he saw the look of hurt that passed Tabitha's face, even if she masked it with a speed that could rival Pietro's. Todd and Freddy had seen it too, and they exchanged glances, worried.

"Well, alright!" Tabitha cried, her voice slightly cracking as she stood up in the center of the room, twirling. "Let's all go, and show that school how to par-tay!"

Todd and Freddy joined her, feeling bad that Pietro was being such a jackass and ignoring her invitation.

"Yeah!" Todd grinned, hopping around as Tabitha twirled and the Blob threw his hands into the air, yelling happily.

Lance watched this and had to push away his anger because he knew Tabitha had just been hurt. He knew the girl had too much pride to ever admit it, and so she masked it all away with her fun-loving nature.

He aimed a glare at Pietro, who frowned.

What the hell's his problem? The speed demon thought.