The Plot Thickens

"Illy?" Rogue called, knocking on the door. "Can ah come in?"

"C'mon in Rogue" Illyana called, summoning her pillow back to her and stuffing it behind her head.

Rogue walked into the room, shutting the door behind her. Sinking into one of the beanbag chairs, she dropped the bags next to her. "How're ya?" she ventured.

Illyana rolled onto her side and propped up on her elbow, "Truthfully... rotten." she said, her mind searching for the best way to start getting pay back.

"What's wrong?" Rogue asked, looking at her curiously.

"Trust me when I say, you don't' wanna know." Illyana smiled sardonically, "Lets just say things didn't go quite as they should have with Gambit."

"That sucks," Rogue nodded slightly. "Explains why he 'nd Jean-Paul are fightin' though."

"Him and JP are fighting?" Illyana said interested, "Why?"

"No idea, ah don't even know what they're fightin' 'bout," Rogue shrugged. "Somethang 'bout Remy not talkin'... they might have made up by now, too, for all ah know."

Illyana rolled back onto her back, "Why can't he be like other guys?" she asked randomly, "Gambit not JP...though I can't say I'd complain if he was straight and on the radar..."

Rogue laughed softly. "Because than he wouldn't be Gambit..." she shrugged. "'Nd where would we be without Gambit?"

"In a world where guys do what they're supposed to?" Illyana said bitterly, "And not what he did..."

Rogue laughed, shaking her head. "But where's the fun in everyone onlah doin' what they're supposed ta?"

Illyana glared half-heartedly at the other girl, "I like the way other guys respond... Gambit needs taught a lesson... and I have every intention of doing just that...and if you tell anyone I just told you that I'll send you to Limbo for a week."

Rogue shook her head. "Ah won't tell a soul," she grinned at the other girl. "Just don't send meh ta Limbo..."

Illyana smiled at the girl, "You keep my secrets, I'll keep yours... no one goes anywhere." Rogue already knew how guys where supposed to respond to Illyana, she'd absorbed her often enough to know most things, so Illyana wasn't really afraid she'd tell anyone.

"So now ah have ta tell ya secret, huh?" Rogue teased, grinning at the blonde.

"You could." Illyana said, relaxing into the conversation, "But it's not required...you just don't get to tell mine."

Picking up her bags, Rogue moved to sit on the edge of Illyana's bed and dumped the gloves and earrings out between them. "If ya go shoppin' with the new guy... appearentlah he feels guilty 'nough ta buy ya stuff," she laughed, fingering the gloves.

Illyana laughed and picked up a pair of earrings, "Sounds like my kind of guy." She said, still laughing, "So he's pretty cool?" A plan started, way back at the deep end of her brain.

Rogue shrugged slightly, pushing her hair behind her ears again. "Ah dunno... he's pretty cool. Ah lahke him," she shrugged again, holding a pair of earrings to the side of her face as if silently asking for Illyana's approval of the earrings.

Illyana nodded, "They're nice." she laid back down on the bed, her mind spinning, and a small smile slowly spread across her face... she knew how she was going to make him pay...

Rogue set the earrings down, arching an eyebrow at Illyana. "What're ya up ta now?"

"Just plotting how to get back at the Cajun." Her smile widened, Let's see how he reacts when he isn't the only guy here for me to pay attention to. She chuckled, this would be fun, and she might even get to enjoy herself in the process...

Rogue laughed and run her hand through her hair. "Why does it always sound lahke doom incarnate when ya say thangs lahke that?" she teased, shaking her head.

Illy shrugged, "I'm the demon sorceress ruler of a hell dimension... of course it spells doom when I take pay back. Don't worry, I won't hurt him physically, at least not me or my demons will lay a hand, claw, spell etc. on him." She laughed.

"Bettah not," Rogue grinned, laughing slightly. "We'd be in so much trouble when we need ta eat... 'Less we actuallah try cookin' ourselves." Not that Rogue was against cooking for herself, she'd just been doing it for too long.

Illyana laughed, "I actually like to cook." she told Rogue, "Speaking of which...Think any one made dinner?"

Rogue nodded slightly. "'Less Jean-Paul annoyed Remy too much, yeah. Remy went ta make supper 'nd Jean-Paul followed..."

"Cool." She swung her legs off the bed and stood up, "Let's go get some chow."

Illyana walked into the kitchen smiling. There was no reason for everyone to know she had been throwing a hissy fit just half an hour before, and, as usual, gave Northstar's ear an teasing tug, before getting herself a plate. "Hey," she said cheerily, noticing Wolverine in the room. "The badger finally left his lair."

Jean-Paul jerked his head away from Illyana's hand, "Don't do that," he snapped, in no mood for her antics, as he also grabbed a plate.

Rogue walked into the kitchen, heading straight for the food. Smiling sweetly at Remy, she loaded a plate with food.

Remy also grabbed a plate, ignoring the rest of the world.

Logan had himself a plate and took a seat spaced a fair distance from everyone else. "If I'd a known everyone was in a pissy mood woulda come out sooner." He remarked glancing between Gambit and Northstar. He then looked at Illyana and smirked, "But yer in a good mood then huh? All smiles an everything."

Illyana shrugged, still smiling as she sat next to Wolverine, "Not in a bad mood." she told him, waiting to see how Gambit would react.

Northstar patentedly ignored everyone; he was in a bad mood for once... not something that happened often.

Rogue sat down and started eating, watching her teammates out of the corner of her eye but not really saying anything.

Remy, fed up with the rest of the members of the team, threw his plate in the sink. "'M goin' fo' a walk."

Wolverine chuckled at Gambit's exit

Illyana wondered if Gambit's mood was because she was no longer upset or something else. Not that it matters, she thought, He'll be angry over me soon enough. Her smile broadened at the thought, her mood greatly improved, hardly noticing when Northstar left.

Rogue watched Remy and Jean-Paul leave the room, licking spaghetti sauce off the corner of her mouth "Jeez... miss one day 'round here 'nd ya miss all the drama," she muttered to herself.

"You kiddin'? This place is just one big god damn soap opera." Wolverine muttered helping himself to another serving.

Illyana laughed as she finished her food and put her plate in the dishwasher. "It wouldn't be nearly as much fun if it wasn't," she told him before waving to Rogue and heading back to her room.

Illyana entered her room and went straight to her wardrobe. She opened the door and studied her reflection. A small smile played across her lips as she took in traded the short strapless black dress with red flames that didn't even reach mid thigh for a black mini-skirt and a black halter top that stopped just below her breast and was embroidered with delicate silver flowers. A muttered spell had her hair rippling and shining in elegant waves down her back and cascading over her shoulders. Now lets go see if the newbie's in the mood to talk. She thought, a smug smirk flickering across her lips before she wiped it away.

Illyana pushed Jono's door open and braced her hip on the doorframe; a flirty smile slowly crept across her lips as she looked at the boy lying on the bed.

Jono opened his eyes to find a barely covered Illyana standing in his doorway. He raised an eyebrow and waved her in. An' ter wot do I owe th' pleasure, luv? he asked, 'chuckling'.

Illyana shrugged, as she stepped into the room, not closing the door behind her. "Just wanted to see it Mags had managed to chase you off." She said perching on the desk after making sure she wouldn't sit on anything.

Jono watched her walk across the room and openly stared at her legs as she perched. Nah, old bloke was OK. He shrugged and sat up a bit leaning against the headboard of the bed. Why yer 'ere, gel? He asked plainly.

"I can't be friendly?" she asked, managing to seem truly hurt.

Jono shrugged one shoulder slightly and 'grinned' Sorry ter sound so off, luv, he said, getting up and moving to the couch. Long day. He looked at his guitar out of the corner of his eye, but sat back and looked at her. Wot d'yer wanna chat about, luv? He asked, his tone friendly.

She shrugged, looking around the room, "You sure made yourself at home fast." she said pleasantly, picking up a random sheet of paper, amused to see it had music notes on it.

Jono shrugged again. Done me fair share of movin' around, luv. He replied, watching her closely with the music sheet. Yer get used ter makin' th' room yers quickly. He scratched the back of his head and tapped his fingertips lightly on the arm of the couch, a recognizable rhythm sounded in the room. 'ow long yer been 'ere? He asked.

Illyana shrugged, setting the paper back on the desk, "A while...I stopped keeping track. Time for me is different then for most people." She noticed him tapping the beat and, just to see how he would react, tapped a counter rhythm was easy, plenty of spells had to have just the right rhythm for them to work...and playing piano had helped.

Jono 'grinned' as Illyana joined in the beat and changed musical style, Wot d'yer mean, time is different fer yer? he asked, curiously.

Illyana switched with him and, throwing in a twist of her own, sped up. "I'm not sure how to explain... I live two different lives, in two different realms. So while I may have only been here for a year or what ever, I've actually lived for...say 5..." she laughed as she added, "I'm not entirely sure how old I am any more."

Keeping up with Illyana's tempo, Jono brought a foot into the mix tapping every third beat. That sounds confusin', he said, tilting his head. Yer live in two realms? Go easy on th' newbie 'ere an' tell me th' 'ole story, yeah.

Illyana laughed, "You don't want the whole story." she told him, keeping to just her fingers since her feet hung off the ground, "But I'll tell you this much. I rule my own dimension, called Limbo, and time is different there. It doesn't match time here."

Jono 'smirked' and stopped his foot. So, it's like literal jet-lag from 'ell then? he quipped. D'yer miss it? He closed his eyes and his fingers tapped louder, although he didn't appear to notice.

Illyana smirked, making her beat harsher, more reminiscent of things from home, "I don't get a chance to miss it." She told him, alternating between fingertips and knuckles, "I tend to end-up going back about once a month or more for one reason or another. Beside...if I don't go back I start to loose touch with the magik and have to use my sword for even the smallest things." She had no problem telling him menial things like this, it was common knowledge amongst the team and she wanted him to feel like he was getting to know her.

Jono stopped tapping the arm of the couch and started rubbing his fingertips on his thumb. Wot's everyone 'ere like? he asked suddenly. Jus' so I know who ter look out fer an' all that. Don' wanna go treadin' on people's toes fer a while. he added with a 'smirk'.

Illyana shrugged, flinging her hair over her shoulder as she kept the beat going without noticing he had stopped. "Well, JP's not at all straight, but will listen to anyone, Logan's a berserker, and tends to stick to himself a lot, Mags is a recluse who only really interacts when he wants us to do something, Rogue's angsty over the fact that she can't touch anyone, but she's cool to talk to...since she's the only other girl here, and Gambit's a cocky Cajun that don't know what's good for him." she said, not sure what else to say about her team mates

Jono nodded. Right, so don' ask Jean-Paul about gels, stay away from Logan, won' see Mags much if at all, Rogue's good company... which I found out fer meself, an' Remy's obviously pisser yer off. He finished, 'smirking' and raised an eyebrow. That about right? He shifted slightly and let his eyes fall on the guitar for a second, before looking back at Illyana.

Illyana's musical laughter filled the room, "Pretty much." she told him her eyes sparkling, "Only I'm not mad at Remy." It flowed smoothly, no need for him to know that she was, "He just tends to get in trouble." She saw his eyes flick to the instrument and muttered a spell, sending the guitar floating lazily to him, "Would you just play and get it over with?" she teased smiling brightly, "You're gonna give yourself an ulcer."

Jono 'laughed' and grabbed the guitar, placing it on his lap and immediately tuning and strumming it. Ain' got a stomach ter get an ulcer, he said, starting to play. But I'll take it inter consideration next time. He 'grinned' and played along with her tapping fingers.

"How do you not have a stomach?" Illyana asked, making polite conversation as she stopped her rhythm as he tuned his guitar, wishing she had a piano.

Jono shrugged one shoulder, looking down at the strings and twanging one. Jus' don'. He said, absent-mindedly. Me powers burnt up me insides. Ain' got nuffin in there but psi-fire. He stopped twanging, finally happy with the pitch and tone and started playing again. A jazz song filling the room and the strange layout of furniture is revealed, as the acoustics are perfect for the guitar.

Illyana smiled as he played, jazz may not be her favorite form of music...but the boy could play. Mentally her fingers danced along piano keys, she hadn't played since the last time she'd been to Limbo...almost a month ago.

Jono looked up to see Illyana smile at him, he tilted his head as he finished the song. He flicked a quick look to his fingers and then back up to her as he played a few grating chords, that bled into a hauntingly sad melody from memory not once looking down. Yer play anthin'? He asked.

She smiled softly, "Sometimes," she said almost dreamily, not sure how he'd react to knowing she played piano...especially since he wasn't likely to know any of the songs she would.

Jono closed his eyes as the song reached its climax, opening them as the last few notes settled in the room. Wot yer play? he asked, starting to play 'Nothing Else Matters' by Metallica. As his fingers plucked the strings he barely looked down at them, instead he was looking at Illyana. His eyes were filled with a light that hadn't been there before he picked up the instrument and the skin at the corners of his eyes was crinkled slightly.

"Piano," she admitted, listening to the song. It sounded like something she would have heard on Limbo, but she recognized it from earth. She hummed along quietly, the words tracing across her mind, as she swayed slightly to the music.

Nodding, Jono changed songs again. The sounds of Patience by Guns N Roses filling the room. Mags 'ave one 'ere? he asked, stopping part way through the song and getting up. He opened his guitar case and grabbed the roll of medical tape, leaving a tiny smear of red/black on the leather. He taped his fingers and started playing from where he had left off.

Illyana shook her head, "No, I only play in Limbo." she smirked slightly, "I've got a reputation to keep here...playing the piano's not exactly something to add to the tough persona."

Jono 'chuckled' and 'grinned'. Learn ter play guitar, he suggested. Yer don' lose yer rep an' I get someone ter play wiv. He waggled an eyebrow and 'smirked' at her, his fingers coaxing an acoustic version of Enter Sandman out of the guitar. I'll even teach yer, if yer want. he said, finding his stride and playing more confidently.

She smiled, not sure she wanted to learn to play the guitar... but it gave her a ready made excuse to spend time with him, at least until he'd been around a few days then she could just use flirting...but until then it was best to simply get him to like HER. "Maybe," she told him before, on a whim, creating a stepping disk between her room in Limbo and Earth and letting a keyboard fall through. "Normally I prefer Grands in their various incarnations…. but this is more portable."

Jono nodded and carried on playing, barely blinking when she created the portal and pulled the keyboard out. Or that works. He quipped, changing back to jazz so that she could get used to playing along with him. He ghosted his fingers over the strings, his hand sliding up and down the neck of the guitar as he changed chords quickly. Yer OK wiv jazz? He checked after he had started the song.

Illyana smiled, bringing the keyboard to her with a murmured spell she started playing something he was sure to have never heard. "Jazz isn't something I heard much of back home." She told him, a small smile playing across her lips as her finger danced across opposite ends of the keys, playing seemingly different songs at once that melded perfectly together to tell a story. There were words...but she wasn't sure how those would be taken so didn't sing as she played.

Jono cocked his head and stopped playing, leaning on the guitar hands dangling in front of the instrument he watched her intently. That would work well wiv lyrics. He observed. Never could put words ter music me, better at makin' th' tunes.

"It has words," she said, smiling gently, "you wanna hear them?" She loved music... even if the song she was playing was technically her song... he wouldn't know.

Jono shrugged and nodded. Why not, he agreed as he lay the guitar down on his lap, his fingers ghosting over the strings but not making a sound. Wow me. He 'grinned' and sat back.

Illyana smoothly moved from the middle of the song back to the beginning. She played the opening chords, closing her eyes as the music washed over her, before beginning to sing in a pure sweet soprano, first in the original demonic language, then in a translation that still managed to sound right in the song.

Balasco, the hell-raiser, demon on high
Ne'er has one met him at night and saw dawn's next break
With eyes cold as steel and heart colder still
An apprentice he seeks and 'prentice his will be.

Hades's right hand man
He egged Pandora to the end of innocence
O but how the mighty shall fall
For up then the Savior rises
The last hope for all.

And for in traitor lies
in the person he may trust the most . . .
His apprentice, young and sweet
Taken 'gainst her will
and will kill in cold blood

Out in the dark of the night he stalks
the unsuspecting, the
His 'prenctice young and
Write and wrong will be prevented
Mind will warped
Soul sword is the last hope for all

Searching Eyes
Nothing but Lies
Turn not form the path
that ye tread.

Light mingles with dark
Dark warps the senses.

If your feet stray
then forever will
the dark will hold sway.

Human by day
Demon during night
Your legacy will claim

Lo' O' Savior walk with care
much greater powers yearn for thee.
Sorceress ye may be,
But human still rules.

And Hark! In the East what arises there?
Oh, the Endlesses all march forth

Destiny, seal your fate.
A drop of blood and wax is all it takes.
And her great book are ye bound.
Forever stuck, your fate abounds.

Dream, look what he weaves
Black, blue, and red.
Blue for change
Black for pain.
And red for much bloodshed.

And little Delirium giggles with glee.
For all the madness that she sees.
The realm will sink into

Despair's hands
Reaching and groping for all that is good
For what everyone holds near.
Despair doesn't not abate
Just like Destiny won't unseal your fate.

Desire enters the scene
And as lust grows
for that is just out of reach
Power
he plots a fall

Destruction decides to call
Leaving in his wake his usual card
Of course a vagabond stops for little
and care not at all.

Oh and Death, alluring and mysterious
Many have fallen and none have been regiven.
Oh the most powerful of anyone
So powerful that gods fear her touch.

Jono sat back and listened to the lyrics, both the traditional and the translated. 'S a nice story, luv. He commented once she had finished. Bit dark but then I like dark. He 'chuckled' and raised an eyebrow. Know any more?

Illyana smiled brightly, "I know plenty." she told him, "But here I've been yammering on and you haven't told me a thing about yourself." She smiled sweetly, inviting him to share.

Jono 'grinned' and held his hands out to each side as he shrugged. Not much ter tell, luv, he said, raising an eyebrow. 'm from England, got me chest an' 'alf me face blown off when me powers kicked in an' I like ter make music. He 'smirked', clearly inviting her to ask more personal questions bit not promising an answer.

Illyana mentally shook her head; he was going to be fun. "So what brought you to the lair?" she asked, silently stepping the keyboard back to Limbo.

Jono 'chuckled' and leant his head back, the wraps over his neck parting slightly and letting a tiny amount of psi-fire peek out. Ran out of luck an' money. he replied. Mags tol' me if I ever needed a place ter stay it was 'ere. Can' say I got a problem wiv th' price neither, had ter pay higher, he added.

Illyana shrugged. "He don't ask much." She said agreeing as she saw the psi-fire, "Limbo asks more of me. So who asked more of you...and what'd they ask?" If he told she'd tell a bit more of her story.

Jono shook his head, dislodging the wraps a little more, but not lifting his head from the wall. Don' matter now, luv, he said evasively. I done it, it's in th' past an' that's where it stays. He opened one eye to look at her, as his eyebrow disappeared into his bangs. 'side, who said it weren' me that asked more? Wors' thin' I wanna admit ter was basically wot I'm 'ere fer, thug fer 'ire.

Illyana shrugged, "If that's your worst sin then you're doing good." She told him, "I've had to do worse." Her mind flashed with images of the battles she'd led and the final fight with Belasco, but she didn't want to offer TOO much...

'Smirking', Jono closed his eyes again, he didn't notice as the wraps slipped a little more allowing a full-sized blue/green colored flame to lick out of a gap. Never said it was th' wors' I done, he countered. Jus' th' wors' I'm gonna admit ter. I done wors', gel, done thin's me mum'd be ashamed of me fer, if she was still talkin' ter me. He trailed off 'course if she was still talkin' ter me I'd still be over 'ome, 'stead of 'ere. He 'laughed' dryly

Illyana smiled again, "Don't think any member of my family'd ever speak to me again at this point." she sounded almost thoughtful, "If that is any of them are still alive..." she honestly didn't know. "On a different topic," She laughed slightly, "What do you do for fun?"

'Smirking' again, Jono gestured to the guitar laying across his legs. Yer need ter ask? he teased. Music mainly, play it, listen ter it, write it. He waved a hand at the desk and the sheets of paper that covered it. Other than that... woteva seems like a good idea at th' time. Wot about yer, wot do yer do fer fun?

"Depends on where I am," Illyana smirked slightly suggestively, "I've got different options here and in Limbo. Here...mainly listen to music, dance, party... Limbo... Limbo has a different since of what 'fun' is."

Jono nodded, the gap in the wraps growing slightly and the flame flicking out further.

"Does it burn?" she asked, motioning to the fire peeking between the wraps. She knew plenty of demons that were made of, or covered in, fire... but she'd never seen something like this and was curious.

Jono opened one eye and looked at her. Does wot... he trailed off as he noticed the flame. Does it burn wot? Does it burn me... sometimes. Does it burn other thin's...yeah. Would it burn yer... only if I wasn' awake, not that I sleep. he 'chuckled'. He reached up and re-arranged the wraps to cover the gap, but his fingers lingered on the bindings as he narrowed his eyes slightly at her.

Illyana nodded, noting, but not reacting to the narrowed eyes, "At least you have that much control over it." she said thoughtfully.

Jono shrugged, his fingers running along the edges of the wraps that lay against his cheeks. I got enough control; still lose it sometimes…mainly when I'm pissed. He tilted his head and his eyes opened properly.

"Don't worry," she said grinning, "If I'm not stepping between here and Limbo I sometimes end up jumping time... I ended up back in the Scottish rebellion once." It was nonsense stuff again, after all everyone knew that she couldn't always control what time she went to when she stepped over long distances, but so long as it got him interested, it worked for what she wanted.

Jono 'snickered' and let his hands fall to rest on the guitar. Sounds like it could be dangerous ter travel wiv yer, luv. he said. Remind me ter go wiv someone else on long journeys.

Illyana laughed again, "It's not that bad, I can get to the city and back with out the huge delay for travel." she shrugged, letting her hair fall back over her shoulder so that it hung partially in front of her face.

Jono cocked his head and looked at her, as though he was seeing her for the first time. Yer gona tell me wot brough' yer 'ere now, luv? he asked softly. Apart from wantin' ter be friendly, cos that could 'ave waited til termorrow.

She shrugged, "It's not that late, besides...who else was I gonna talk to?" she flashed him her winning smile, "Remy and JP are fighting, Logan's never much fun, and Rogue is still eating. Did you want me to leave?" she cocked her head to the side, a small smile still on her lips as she waited for his answer, the picture of innocent curiosity.

Never said I wasn' enjoyin' yer company, luv, he replied. An' Jeanpaul weren' arguin' wiv Remy earlier.

She took the bait, elegantly raising an eyebrow in his direction she said, "Oh really? The tension in the Kitchen was so thick you could cut it."

Yeah, should 'ave been there a couple of 'ours ago, luv. he 'smirked' and raised an eyebrow back at her. Wot I saw woulda given yer enough 'ot dreams fer a while.

Illyana laughed, "I doubt it." she told him still smiling, "I don't want either of them in my dreams." It was true, she'd had enough of Gambit to last her a LONG time... at least until she could get him to admit he was no different from any other guy. "So what was it?" she asked again, still curious, as she leaned forward...almost conspiratorially. At least that's was the excuse she used.

Jono blinked as she leant forward and 'smirked'. Wot's it worth, luv? he inquired. If th' Cajun knew I was tellin, 'e'd 'ave me guts fer garters... an' seein' as 'ow I'm th' only other perosn wot knows it 'appened an' he an' Frenchy ain' gonna be tellin'... he left the sentence hanging.

Illyana smiled softly, "What do you want?" she asked teasingly, "Or I could go threaten to send JP to Limbo... he might tell me then..." Her face turned thought full as she started to sit back up.

Wot do I want...? He mused, tapping a finger against the wraps where his chin should have been. He tilted his head and 'grinned'. Yer drink? He asked.

She shook her head, "Drinking can be dangerous." she said, obviously quoting, "Especially when there is no limit besides your own imagination, and what spells you have at your disposal, to what you can do." She gave him a crooked smile, "Guess that doesn't exactly apply here...but it's still a rule I've always followed, that and the only alcohol in the place are in Remy or Logan's rooms."

Jono nodded and thought for a moment more. So, if th' alcohol was around would yer? He just had to be clear.

Thinking Illyana bit her bottom lip, managing to look enticing and unsure at the same time, "I don't know..." she said not sure how she'd react if she actually got drunk...she didn't like loosing control of herself.

Jono cocked his head and 'chuckled'. Tell yer wot, yer think abou' th' drinkin' an' I'll let yer 'ave this one fer free. He said, leaning forward to put the guitar on its stand. Jean-Paul kissed Remy an' th' Cajun only got majorly pissed cos I was there ter see it. He said, calmly as though he was telling her the weather. 'm not sayin' 'e didn' get a mite wound about it, he added, looking at her reaction.

Her eyes went wide in not faked surprise, "JP did WHAT?" her shock was more evident then she'd have liked it to be, "I knew he was gay...but normally he just takes Remy's teasing and rolls." It was the last thing she had expected to hear, and almost made her laugh.

Jono shrugged one shoulder, his face above the wraps looking quite smug. Saw it wiv me own eyes. he said. Wanna see? he offered, moving to sit on the edge of the couch.

Illyana leaned forward again, unconsciously farther this time, as her eyes sparkled, "You actually saw them kiss? Did Remy kiss JP back?" It was more gossip than she normally did, but she was curious...was it possible that Gambit had gone from her to JP...was that why he had responded differently to her then anyone else?

Jono reached up a hand and touched her temple lightly, sharing the memory with her, everything he had seen, heard and felt at the time. He pulled back and watched he reaction to actually seeing them.

Illyana gasped a bit at the odd sensation of the shared memory. She bit her lip at the horrified look on Gambit's face, "That's rich." she said, thinking that it served the Cajun right...though even she couldn't say where her logic came from. Her bell like laughter reverberated in the room and spilled out the open door,

Remy leaned on the doorframe. "An' wha's s' funny?" he asked smirking slightly at the two of them.

Jono looked up at Remy, his eyes wide and innocent looking. Nuffin' mate, jus' sharin' an old memory. He looked at Illyana and winked. Wanna take a pew? He waved the Cajun in. Th' more th' merrier. he added, 'grinning' at Illyana.

Illyana smiled sweetly at Remy, "Yeah, join the party" she said, sitting up, leaning back on her braced arms, and crossing her legs at the knees, "We were just getting to know each other, trading war stories so to speak." She flashed a flirty smirk at Jono before letting it disappear into a more innocent smile that stayed in place.

Remy frowned at both of them, "Naw, I'll stay here."

Jono shrugged and started tapping his fingers. Suit yerself, mate. He said as he ran his other hand through his hair. Offer's there. He started tapping the opening bars to Nothing Else Matters.

Illyana smile widened, "Don't start again." she said teasingly, purposely being as flirty as she dared so soon after meeting him, she didn't want to scare him away...or make him think she was too easy.

Remy's frown deepened before he smirked and turned to leave. "T'ink I'm gonna tur' in."

Jono shrugged one shoulder at Illyana and stopped tapping. Sorry luv, he watched Remy leave and blinked at the empty doorway. That bloke really don' like me. He observed, dryly.

"I do believe we managed to make him mad..." she said, managing to sound thoughtful, not elated, at Gambit's reaction. She shrugged it off, "I still can't believe that." she said laughter returning to her voice and eyes, "JP's ballsier then I thought." she said shaking her head.

Jono 'chuckled' and shrugged one shoulder. Guess Remy thought so too, he replied. Look on 'is face was priceless. He sat back and looked at her, thoughtfully.

"Hell... what I would have paid to have actually been there." She said still laughing slightly as she let her head fall back before making a slow circle with it, she as satisfied to hear it crack as she had wanted. Noting his thoughtful look she arched an eyebrow, "What?" she asked only half playfully.

Jono closed his eyes and shook his head, opening his eyes again he 'sighed'. Nuffin', luv. he replied, cracking his own neck loudly. So, wot d'yer do fer fun in th' evenings? he asked, 'smirking' at her.

She shrugged again, throwing him a small smile, "Depends." She pulled her arm across her chest to stretch it as she spoke, "Sometimes I take off and go to a club, and sometimes I sit in my room and listen to random music...and when I'm in a more boring mood I sit and translate spells." She smiled again. "How 'bout you?"

Jono shrugged and ran a hand through his hair. Before me powers I used ter play most evenings, pubs mainly. Was in a band wiv some mates, got pretty well known. We were gonna sign a deal, then me powers kicked in. he 'sighed' and shook his head. Now... I tend ter stay in an' play me guitar. Maybe go out if I can find someone ter link wiv.

Illyana cocked her head to the side, "Link?" she was genuinely curious...she didn't know all that much about telepaths, and getting him to talk meant she could learn more about him.

Jono nodded and thought for a moment about how to describe what he did. For him it was second nature to use his telepathic powers, he'd never had to explain any aspect of it before. 's th' best I can exaplin it luv, he shrugged. I tap inter th' part of yer brain that recieves th' physical feelin's an' share wot yer feel.

Illyana nodded, "That makes sense." she smiled at him again, "Do you dance?"

Jono 'chuckled' and shook his head. Nah, I play 's enough fer me. He tilted his head and half-closed one eye. Don' mind watchin' though. He 'smirked'.

Illyana smiled as she leaned back against the wall, she was actually starting to like this guy. "I don't like to dance alone." she said, "That's why all the night clubs...always plenty of guys that jump at the chance for a dance." She smirked at the thought... and managed to not drop it when she remembered Gambit's lack or response to her.

Jono raised an eyebrow. Sorry luv, he didn't sound at all apologetic. Like I said, I play th' music. I watch, but I don' actually dance. I'll go ter a club wiv yer though, jus' ask wheneva.

She laughed, "An offer I'm sure you'll come to regret." she said playfully. "So let me get this straight," She said going back to the topic of music, "You play, write and were in a band...but you don't put words to anything?"

Jono 'laughed' for the first time since the conversation began, a rich warm sound that rolled and echoed in her head. 'm not good wiv words, luv. He 'grinned'. Th' lead singer used ter be th' lyricist. I'd write the music an' 'e'd put th' words ter it.

Illyana smiled, "I never put words to the music...I don't write it either... there are demons in Limbo that do nothing but put our history and events into song... it's how we record history...hence the having to know how to sing and play at least one instrument...Balasco thought piano was the most majestic." As always when she thought about Balasco the image of the final fight flashed before he eyes.

Jono nodded and 'chuckled'. That's th' first instrument I learnt 'ow ter play, he said, his 'voice' sounding soft for a moment. Me mum used ter listen ter me play fer hours. He 'sighed and ran a hand through his hair. So, wot are the clubs 'round 'ere like? he asked.

She shrugged, "Pretty mild." She smirked, "If I want a really party I have to go back to Limbo...but that's not as much fun because then I'm surrounded by demons...they know how to party but only a few of them are humanoid or have a human form...so not as much fun as it could be." She paused, "Right...I really need to stop ranting 'bout back home. But in the city you can find pretty much any kind of club you want."

Jono looked interested at her last statement and raised both eyebrows. Sounds like fun, he commented. Wot's the security like in 'em?

Illyana smirked, "Who cares? I want in...I just step. The bouncers can't keep me out...and they can't get close enough to throw me out." She laughed again, the infectious sound a true laugh, a rarity in itself.

Jono 'chuckled' and shook his head. Luv, if I wanna go on me own, I gotta know wot these places are like. he reminded her. Do th' security frisk or search yer in any way. Cos they'd 'ave fun if they tried ter take me wraps off. He added the last statement dryly.

Illyana shook her head, "They rely pretty heavily on metal detectors...if you go off because of clothing then you get frisked... but I've never seen them do it otherwise." The clubs I go to tend to not let people in without ID...you've gotta be 18 I think...or older...never really paid much attention to it."

Jono 'grinned' and cocked his head. Yer know if yer arse is geting numb, th' bed or couch are free.. sorta. He added as he noticed the mess of clothes he had dumped on his bed. More comfy anyway. He shrugged.

Illyana smiled and moved from the desk to the foot of the bed, "The desk wasn't that uncomfortable." she said still smiling, "So what kind of music did you play?"

Rock, metal, heavy, light, jazz, blues. He 'smirked' and shrugged one shoulder. In th' band it was mainly heavy, depressing shit cos the singer was always gettin' dumped. When I was learnin' it was anythin' th' teach could think of. Tried ter challenge me an' failed miserably. He 'laughed' again.

Illyana grinned, "Sounds like me when Balasco was teaching me magik."

Guess ther'e jus' some fin's people pick up easier than other. He shrugged, picking at the hem of his shirt. Got any plans fer tonigh? He asked, suddenly.

Illyana shook her head, "Not that I know of. Things are pretty dull 'round here most of the time."

Fancy takin' me ter one of these clubs then luv? He 'grinned and stood up, rolling his shoulders. Fancy goin' somewhere I can show off me new leathers. He held out a hand to help her off the bed. Wot d'yer say, luv? He tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. Wanna show a bloke a good time?

Illyana smirked, "If I showed you a good time you'd faint." she told him, more then a little innuendo in her voice, "But sure, we can hit a club."

Jono crinkled the corners of his eyes, his version of a true smile and helped her up. 'ow long d'yer need ter get ready? He asked, walking her to the dor. Jus' so I know when ter be ready fer.

"I'm ready now." she said, forgetting that she didn't have any shoes on.

Jono looked at her feet and 'snorted'. Go put some shoes on, luv. He suggested. Migh' as well come back 'ere, not sure 'ow long it's gonna take me ter put the leathers on. With that odd ending, he maneuvered her out of the door and closed it behind her 'smirking' in her mind from the other side.

Illyana laughed at her own stupidity as the door closed behind her at her and was still chuckling when she got to her room and opened her closet, looking for an appropriate pair of shoes. Finally she settled on a pair of silver stiletto heels that laced up roman style, and sat on the bed to put them on.

Jessy, Illyana's second in command in Limbo, appeared leaning against the wall watching Illyana. "Going somewhere?" he asked.

Illyana jerked her head up to look at the intruder, and a smile hovered just under the surface, "Are you here on business?" she asked, not liking the idea that she'd have to go to Limbo and give up a night of partying.

Jessy laughed at the pleading tone in her voice. "Do I always have to see you on business?" he asked, as playful as he ever got. "Just wanted to see you, make sure your okay. Maybe spend some time here myself." He shrugged. "Whatever I decide. Unless you need me for something." He let the offer stand.

Illyana let the smile bloom and stood, hugging Jessy tightly, "Of course you don't have to come on business." She told him brightly, "In fact you're just in time for a night out...if you care to come along?" She raised an eyebrow at him, knowing things wouldn't be dull if he took her up on the offer.

Jessy raised an eyebrow and shrugged after returning the hug. "Why not? If you're ready..." he trailed off. "So, we going?"

Illyana smirked, "Not quite...we've gotta pick someone up... and I don't think he'll appreciate us stepping into his room, so we've gotta go conventionally."

Jessy scowled, but followed Illyana anyway.

She stopped out side the closed door and knocked, waiting for a response, and Jessy, still scowling, waited just behind Illyana, almost like a security guard.

It's open, luv. Jono called. He tugged the top from the middle of a pile, he wasn't wearing anything over his torso. The black wraps ended at the bottom of his rib cage, where they met smooth flesh.

Illyana pushed the door open and walked in, leaning against the wall just inside the door. "Thought girls were supposed to be the ones that took forever to get ready." she teased, but she had to admit it wasn't a bad sight to see, even if he was wrapped up like a mummy.

Jessy leaned on the doorframe. "This is who you're going out with?" He raised an eyebrow at Illyana. "Your taste's changed."

Jono 'chuckled' at Illyana's comment, slipping into the sleeveless black mesh top he had freed. Yer try movin' in an' tryin' ter find th' one top yer need out of the mess in yer room on yer first day. he retorted, turning round as he heard the second voice. Let me guess, more th' merrier, right luv? he quipped, grabbing his full length leather coat. Ready when yer are. he said as he pulled his hair free of the leather tied around it, the bangs falling in his eyes.

Illyana smirked, "Something like that. Jessy, Jono. Jono, Jessy," She made introductions, "Jessy's the closest thing I've got to family any more, and he stopped by to visit. Figured you wouldn't mind if he tagged along." She threw him her most winning smile; no one could resist it. "And my taste hasn't changed Jess..." She trailed off, she'd explain latter, and he, hopefully, wouldn't push the subject.

Jessy chuckled and nodded a greeting at the boy. "Hi. Glad to see your keeping Illyana company." Then he turned to Illyana. "Even if he minded it wouldn't matter. And sure they haven't." He left it at that.

Jono nodded in response, taking in the boy's looks and body. It's pretty much mutual company, mate. he replied, titling his head. We goin' luv? he asked Illyana, more than ready to get out and lose himself.

Illyana nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly as glowing disks appeared beneath each of them. "Lets go." She said grinning as she fell through hers, Jessy rolled his eyes as he fell through the disk, and Jono 'sighed' and frowned slightly running a hand through his hair as he fell through the disk.

Authors Note: Credit for the "Song" Illyana sings goes to Shadowy, a member at a message board called X-Factor, he wrote it a couple years back, not sure if he even remembers it, but here's his credit anyway.