Author's Note: This is another shortie, but it's also important. Pull out the Kleenex, this one's sad!

"Thank you for taking me back," Nikki said sullenly to Ororo as they landed in a field near Nikki's aunt's house in the K.C. suburbs. She picked up her suitcase and stood.

"I'm sorry I had to. I like you a lot, dear. I'll miss having you at the Institute. Here, I'll walk you to the door."

They walked to the front door, and Nikki knocked on it. A tall dark haired woman of about thirty opened the door.

"Nikki!! I'm so glad to see you! I'm sorry it has to be under these circumstances," she turned to Ororo, "I'm Alicia Berelli. It's nice to meet you."

"I'm Ororo. The pleasure's mine. I'm sorry to say I must go. Good luck, Nikki. Bye."

"Here, you can sleep in my guest bedroom," Aunt Alicia said, showing Nikki to a bedroom in the back of the house.

"You just make yourself at home. I have to get ready for work. When I get back, you can tell me what exactly happened in Massachusetts."

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"It must be Jessica from next door, do you remember her? I told her you were coming. You can go answer it."

Nikki got up and walked into the foyer. She opened the door and was immediately pulled into an embrace. Pietro leaned in and kissed her deeply before she could react. Nikki was lost in his passionate action for a moment, but then remembered why she was here. She pushed him away violently.

"What the hell, Pietro? The charade is over, you used me. I know, okay?"

"No, I didn't use you. I had no idea you were a human, and when I found out, I didn't care. I still don't. I love you."

"Just stop."

"No! I didn't use you. I didn't break into the Institute. I left the Brotherhood and my father, for you. I've never cared so much about someone before. I need to be with you."

"Well that's just too bad. Get out of here, I never want to see you again!" she shoved him off the porch.

"Nikki, I-"

"GO!"

He looked up at her, heartbroken, and ran. Nikki sighed and went in, then locked the door behind her. Aunt Alicia walked in, phone in hand.

"Nikki, dear! It's the Institute! Apparently there was a misunderstanding. Whatever you got kicked out for wasn't your fault. Kitty's on for you," she handed the phone to her. Nikki's hand was shaking as she took it and put it to her ear.

"Kitty?"

"Nikki! Pietro didn't do it! He left the Brotherhood and he came here and the Professor read his mind and he's innocent! He came to get you-"

Nikki dropped the phone and flung open the door. She sprinted into the road. But he was already long gone.