Memories

Prompt: Rings

Timeframe: Post Season 1. Sequel to Tears

A very tired Bobby Drake pushed open the door to his bedroom. He was grateful to be home at last. It had been a long two months at home helping his mom take care of his dad. He hadn't lived at home in Long Island for years, and he'd forgotten just how tiring being around his mother could be. Bobby knew she meant well, of course, but he was still back to be where he belonged.

He found Kitty curled up in their bed, fast asleep. A novel was clutched in her hand, the lamp on the nightstand still burning brightly. Bobby smiled as he realized she'd been waiting up for him.

The blond mutant crept to the bed, gently prying Kitty's book out of her hand. Bobby noticed she'd gone to bed wearing one of his numerous red T-shirts. He'd always liked when she wore his clothes. There was something sexy about it. He leaned down to kiss her forehead.

This was enough to rouse the sleeping mutant. Kitty stirred, a groan escaping her lips, and she opened her blue eyes. "Bobby," she acknowledged sleepily. Her eyes slid closed once more. A moment later, Kitty's eyes snapped open and she sat up immediately, pulling Bobby down to her in a tight hug. "You're home," Kitty said happily.

Bobby was pretty sure the brunette girl's hold had cracked several of his ribs. "Ow," he moaned, and the grip Kitty had on him slackened considerably. Her eyes met his and she beamed at him. "Miss me?" Bobby asked with a grin. He crawled over Kitty's legs to his side of the bed.

Kitty gave her boyfriend a playful shove. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I did miss you. A little bit." She gave him a mock glare. "I would have missed you less if you had come home when you said you would be here." Kitty crossed her arms over her chest, but there was more curiosity in her eyes than anger.

"I got a late start. I was talking with my dad, actually. It was arguably the best conversation I've had with him since I turned ten."

Shadowcat rested a hand on Bobby's arm. "That's good though, right? Isn't it time to move on from that? Especially considering…"

It was Iceman's turn to look curious. "Considering what?"

The brunette girl looked a bit sheepish. "It's just that we've been dating for nearly three years now, and…well, I always kind of thought we'd get married." She looked away, a pink tinge staining her cheeks.

Bobby looked defeated. "You found the ring," he said sadly.

"What ring?"

The blond mutant got off of the bed and crossed the room to the closet. He opened the closet door and reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small satin box. Iceman cracked it open to reveal a sparkling engagement ring. "This ring. You found it."

Shadowcat shook her head. "I never saw that. I swear."

"Never mind then," Bobby said cheerfully, stowing the box back in the jacket pocket. "I thought since you suddenly brought up the idea of getting married, you had seen it."

"Nope." Kitty got out of bed and moved past Bobby. She plucked the box with the ring in it from its hiding spot. Bobby watched as Kitty took a closer ring at the ring he'd picked out for her. "Oh, Bobby," she breathed, "It's beautiful."

Iceman dared to look hopeful. "You like it? Really?" He took a step closer to the smaller girl, catching her as she flung herself into his arms, the ring cupped in one of her hands. She stood with one arm around his waist and the other outstretched, admiring her new piece of jewelry. "Jean helped me," Bobby admitted, "But I thought this one was perfect."

Kitty's expression was curious again as she glanced up at him. "How long have you had this?"

"Since before your birthday. I wanted to propose then, but I chickened out. Just like I did every other time I thought about popping the question. That's what I was talking to my dad about. I was trying to get ideas. I wanted it to be memorable and perfect."

She smirked. "What, did you think I'd say no?" When he didn't say anything, her smirk vanished. She squeezed him tighter. "Oh, Bobby." Her voice was a whisper.

The intertwined couple stood there in their room in complete silence for a few minutes. "Yes," Kitty announced finally. She stepped out of Bobby's embrace, slipping the engagement ring onto her left hand ring finger. "What do you think?" The brunette held up her hand so Bobby could look.

He frowned. "So that's it? I don't even get to ask? You just get to say yes? In the middle of the night wearing your pajamas, no less."

Kitty took on what he recognized to be her no nonsense expression. "It wouldn't be a surprise anyway now that I've seen it. The next time we do something special, I would have known right away. Now you don't have to stress over preparing a romantic night. And I want to marry you, Bobby. I really do. We're good for each other."

She stood on her tiptoes, hooking her arms around his neck. "Yes," she murmured in his ear. "Yes."