A/N: Hey, it's been a loooooooooooong time. I see from the story stats that I seem to have lost most readers already. But anyway, to the faithful, here's the next chapter, fresh from typing. Heh. Sorry if it seems a lil' weird, I didn't bother to proof-read and it's been eons since I wrote for this series, so do bear with me for a while. I've re-read my ending and decided, yes, I will finish this. So now, sorry for the extremely long note, presenting, Chapter 9 for your enjoyment.

9. Small Steps

It's been more than a week since their first date out and Rogue and Pietro have been 'officially' recognized as a couple at Mutant Manor now. That, along with the implementation of the Game, relations at the Manor has never been better.

Everyone was too busy trying to be nice to be bothered with childish pranks now. Besides, after exchanging several letters and gifts with their unknown guardian and trustee, they seemed to have developed more tolerance and trust amongst the members living in the Manor. Excusing all jokes played to be out of harmless intent to add some cheer to the otherwise dull training and school schedules.

It's been sometime since John entered the 'family' now, he was still a lil' apprehensive about how different things seem to work around here. Nevertheless, today's Friday, his special day. He opened his drawer and picked up the Winnie the Pooh plush toy, gazing at it for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. Just as he snapped out of he trance and was about to put the toy down to start writing, the door flew open and a gust of wind blew in, causing the toy to fall from his hands to the floor.

Without looking, Pyro sighed and walked over to pick up the plushie, "Hey Silver, so what's the issue now?"

"Rogue, she's going out with another guy!" He shrieked, zipping around the room frantically.

John raised an eyebrow and looked at the speedster doubtfully. Quicksilver, like his namesake, was well, quick to stray thoughts, always thinking that Rogue was going to walk out of him, somehow. The last time he heard something like that was barely two days ago. Worst, that time, he got jealous because Rogue would rather chill with Kitty than him, screaming at John about his girlfriend turning lesbian.

'Talk about atrocious claims' St. John mentally noted. "So… She's going out with…?"

"This human guy, from her Greek class, who sits four seats away from her! She claims they're going to do a project together today. But I bet she's going to two-time me or something!" He yelled, hands tugging his platinum locks.

John groaned. 'Pietro was well, just doing his usual jealous boyfriend act again…'

"Okay, Silver, I have a feeling she really means it when she told you she's off for a project. If you really don't trust her, why don't you ask Kurt to accompany you to follow her to check out what they're doing or something?"

"No! How can you, our friend even suggest something like that?! Of course I trust her! She's my girlfriend you know."

'He's definitely not getting it…'

"Alright then. You, trusting boyfriend, shall go to the living room and wait for your girlfriend's return. Meanwhile, I, your friend, shall proceed to look for a spot to relax without your disturbances. I'll meet you before dinner to talk ya." With that, St. John walked out of the room before Pietro could say anything, shaking his head as he shut the door.

---

John wandered into the yard and after sometime, finally managed to find a quiet spot without any of the teens around to bother him.

He sat by an old oak in the yard, visibly relaxed as he ran a hand through his hair, making the typically manic tufts even wilder. He took in the serene scene; bathing in the soothing glow of the setting sun as he started musing about his next novel's draft as well as replies to his angel and mortal.

Several hours later, John shuts his notebook with a contented smirk on his face, pleased with his novel's progress so far. He stands up and brushes the grass off his clothes, casually wondering who the cook is for the night. Suddenly, he notices the dark draperies that hung around the night sky and realises that he's late for his meeting with Pietro. He shuddered as he recalled the last time he stood the boy up. Thinking of the possible scenarios Silver might use to torment him by, John made a mad dash towards the dinning hall, hoping that Rogue was back already so Quicksilver wouldn't need his pacifying.

A/N: I hope that wasn't too bad, this is more of an interval chapter so it was kind of dull. Nevertheless, thanks for reading, and do drop me a review!