Author's Note: Late again, I know (SORRY!!!) but long again! (Yay!)

A Little Complication

Chapter 53: No Expectation

"Thanks for helping me out Pete," Bobby smiled, offering the Russian a can of soda, signalling a break from the painting.

"No problem," Piotr took the drink and returned the smile. "It beats having to break up children fighting over computer games."

Bobby laughed quietly and nodded.

"Yeah…sorry I'm kinda going to be abandoning you with all that aren't I?" the ice mutant took a sip of his drink, frowning thoughtfully. "How's Nicole? Haven't seen her for a while."

Piotr's smile faded but he hid it behind his can of soda.

"We split up a few weeks ago."

"Oh, I'm sorry…" Bobby frowned guiltily. "Why didn't you tell me?"

The Russian shrugged.

"You've been busy," he replied casually. Bobby's frown deepened.

"Still…you should'a said!" the ice mutant sighed. "I've been so caught up in my own problems recently I haven't thought about anyone else. I'm so sorry."

Piotr's smile returned at Bobby's heartfelt apology.

"Well you're forgiven."

Bobby smiled gratefully.

"So…can I ask what happened?"

"She was seeing someone else," Piotr replied simply.

"Oh…" Bobby bowed his head uneasily for a moment before looking back up at his friend concernedly. "Are you ok? I know you were serious about her."

Piotr frowned slightly.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he shrugged, although his expression negated the casual gesture. "I guess I do still miss her a little."

Bobby smiled sympathetically.

"You'll find someone better," he said reassuringly, trying to ignore his own feelings of guilt. Piotr laughed quietly, a genuine smile pulling on his lips.

"I don't know…I'm kinda having fun being single at the moment," he took another drink and looked around the room. "I have to say this place is looking good."

Bobby frowned slightly at the change of subject but chose to let it go.

"Yeah," the ice mutant nodded as he surveyed the newly decorated room. "I'm happy with it."

"Has Marie been to see it yet?"

"No, she's coming tomorrow," Bobby inhaled apprehensively, holding up a lilac covered paint brush and gesturing around what would be Abi's bedroom. "Hence all the pastel colours. I wanted to get Abi's room done."

Piotr smiled reassuringly.

"I'm sure she'll approve," he took another drink. "So…have you heard from John?"

Bobby shook his head and sighed wearily.

"No," the ice mutant shrugged helplessly. "Not really expecting to either. Let's face it, you know he kinda killed me in the danger room."

"Let's face it," Piotr mimicked his friend. "He knew damn fine it wouldn't hurt you."

Bobby sighed quietly.

"I guess. But I mean, I'm sure he probably burnt his phone or something 'cause I can't call him so I don't even know if he has my number now …oh I don't know."

Piotr smiled sympathetically at his dejected friend.

"Well it's not like the Brotherhood can't get in touch with the mansion," he pointed out, pausing for a moment before arching an eyebrow. "You have Jamie's cell number right? You could give him a call?"

Bobby laughed dryly and shook his head.

"I'm just lucky he hasn't killed me," the ice mutant sighed quietly. "I mean John was… well you know. He was crazy about John. And he's already stuck up for me – I can't ask any more from him."

Piotr just gave an understanding nod, returning his attention to the room.

"Come on then" he picked up a paintbrush. "This room won't paint itself..."

x-x-x x-x-x x-x-x

Bobby took a deep breath as he opened the front door to his apartment the next evening.

"Hi," he offered Marie a small smile.

"Hi," Marie replied with her own meek smile, stepping into the apartment as Bobby moved back to let her in. "Piotr said you were still painting so I left Abi with Kitty."

"That's ok," Bobby nodded understandingly. "That's why I'm trying to get all the painting done now," he gestured for Marie to follow him. "Come on. I'll show you round."

x-x-x x-x-x x-x-x

Jamie arched an eyebrow as once again the fire mutant sitting across the table from him let out a weary sigh. Rolling his eyes he reached across the table and pushed John's cell phone closer to him. The pyrokinetic scowled.

"What?"

"Call him," Jamie replied simply. It was John's turn to arch an eyebrow.

"You want me to call Jinx? Cause there's only three numbers in that phone."

Jamie frowned and snatched up the phone, finding that indeed the only three numbers on the cell were his, Mystique's and Jinx's. With a slight scowl he delved into his pocket and tossed his own cell phone across the table.

"Call him," he repeated bluntly. John tapped his fingers on top of the table, staring at the phone for a long moment before finally picking it up, flipping it open and scrolling down the numbers. Sure enough there was a number listed under Iceblock. Scowling slightly John continued to scroll down the names.

"Oh look at that," he smirked. "You have Pete's number."

Jamie frowned, mentally chastising him as he realised he'd walked right into that.

"It's just sex," he muttered, shrugging absently. John grinned, arching an eyebrow..

"You slept with him again?" the fire mutant laughed as Jamie squirmed. "So…"

"So don't change the subject," Jamie reached out for the phone and scrolled back up to Bobby's number. "Call Drake."

John frowned as Jamie held the phone back out towards him.

"What makes you think I want to call him anyway?" the fire mutant grumbled.

"Your face," Jamie replied simply. He waited for John to take the phone from him but he never did. Finally he sighed heavily, reaching out for John's cell instead. Quickly he copied Bobby's number into John's phone, sliding it back across the table. Arching an eyebrow pointedly the multiplying mutant stood up and slipped quietly from the room. John watched Jamie leave in silence, his eyes lingering on the empty door for several minutes before finally his gaze turned down to the cell phone lying on the table. With a heavy sigh he leant back in his seat, his fiery brown eyes never leaving the phone…

x-x-x x-x-x x-x-x

Marie couldn't help but smile as Bobby led her into the last bedroom, a calm, tranquil space, the only room that looked like it was finished being painted although it was empty.

"This'll be Abi's room. The furniture's being delivered tomorrow," Bobby took a deep breath. "I've ordered a crib but I know that you've never been away from her overnight and it'll be entirely up to you if and when you let her stay but…" he smiled meekly. "I would like it if she could stay sometimes."

Marie nodded, a meek smile still on her lips although her eyes glistened sadly.

"I'm sure we can work something out," she replied quietly before looking round the room, forcing a wider smile as she took in the purples and pinks. "Abi'll like it."

"She'd better," Bobby laughed and pulled at some of the hair at the side of his head. "I went to bed last night with purple hair."

Marie laughed quietly and shook her head.

"Oh dear…" a short silence fell before Marie spoke up again. "So…when are you actually moving in?"

"Eh…I'm not sure. Most of the furniture's coming tomorrow so I guess just as soon as the painting's finished."

Marie nodded slowly, bowing her head slightly.

"Well…just let me know," the female looked back up. "What about…what about him."

Bobby bit his lip uneasily.

"Still not talking to me."

Marie just nodded, the silence returning for a moment.

"Well I'd better get back to Abi," Marie said finally. "I'll let you get back to your decorating."

Bobby smiled meekly.

"Ok," he nodded, leading her to the door. "I'll be back this evening. I can maybe give Abi her bath?"

"Sure," Marie opened the front door. "Bye Bobby."

x-x-x x-x-x x-x-x

Piotr arched an eyebrow as he passed one of the rec. rooms, seeing two figures sitting in the dark out of the corner of his eye.

"Curfew…" he called out, not even bothering to back up. Sure enough there was a quiet moan from one of the mutants in the room as the other just laughed quietly. Piotr just stood patiently and waited. Finally Jinx and Tommy skulked out into the corridor.

"When do we start getting to do the curfew run?" Jinx grumbled. Piotr laughed.

"Not yet," the Russian pointed up the stairs. "Now go to bed."

Jinx arched an eyebrow.

"Does it have to be my own bed?"

Piotr shook his head and laughed again.

"You haven't slept in your own bed since Tommy woke up," he smirked. "I don't suppose you're gonna start now are you?"

Tommy smiled, leaning his head on Jinx's shoulder.

"Sometimes I get nightmares…" he pouted but his eyes sparkled. Piotr rolled his eyes.

"On you go," he smirked, shaking his head as the two students scurried off down the corridor. The Russian laughed and carried on with his curfew check, quickly finishing his tour of the expansive mansion. Arching an eyebrow he pulled his cell phone from his pocket and flipped it open, quickly scrolling down to the desired number. "Hey…" he grinned at the quick reply. "I'm bored…"

x-x-x x-x-x x-x-x

Bobby sighed quietly as he lay in bed, staring absently up towards the dark ceiling. Tiredly he rolled his head to the side, looking into the dark space where he knew his phone lay on the cell phone. Slowly and carefully he reached out and picked up the phone. He blinked rapidly as he unlocked it and the bright screen shone into his face. Quickly his eyes adjusted and the ice mutant started scrolling down the names, stopping on John's. Another sigh escaped his lips as he just stared down at the number before he finally hit the call button. His eyes closed resignedly as the familiar beep signalled that the call would not be answered. Not that he expected any different…

x-x-x x-x-x x-x-x

John sighed quietly as he lay in bed, staring absently up towards the dark ceiling. Tiredly he rolled his head to the side, looking into the dark space where he knew his phone lay on the cell phone. Slowly and carefully he reached out and picked up the phone. He blinked rapidly as he unlocked it and the bright screen shone into his face. Quickly his eyes adjusted and the fire mutant scrolled down to the first name on the list. Another sigh escaped his lips as he just stared down at the number before he finally hit the cancel button. His eyes closed resignedly as he threw the phone away, rolling his head over to try and get some sleep. Not that he expected to…

x-x-x x-x-x x-x-x

Bobby couldn't help but smile as he made his way down the bustling mansion corridors, somehow managing to avoid all the students filling the space. He laughed quietly as he stopped in the doorway to Piotr's classroom, finding the Russian still sitting in his chair, his head tilted back, eyes closed.

"Thank God it's Friday eh?" the ice mutant smiled. Piotr opened his eyes and lazily rolled his head to look at him.

"Hell yeah…" he returned the smile, stretching leisurely as he clambered to his feet. "So…what you doing with your weekend?"

Bobby shrugged sheepishly.

"I'll just be at the apartment. The bedroom's all done so I figured I'd stay tonight and just finish off all the little jobs."

Piotr nodded.

"Want a hand?"

Bobby shook his head.

"No, really, you've done enough," Bobby smiled. "You just have some time to yourself."

Piotr arched an eyebrow.

"To do what?" he shrugged. "Really I don't mind."

Bobby frowned slightly.

"Well…I mean only if you're really sure…" he replied, torn between feeling guilty at usurping his friends time and being grateful at the thought of the company. Piotr laughed understandingly.

"I'll tell you what – I'll see what's going on here and then if I'm not needed here I'll come round later yeah?"

Bobby smiled.

"Only if you're sure though," he insisted but with a grateful smile. Piotr gave a nod and made his way towards the door, walking past the ice mutant and making his way out into the crowded corridor. With a quiet sigh Bobby turned and did the same. The apartment wasn't going to decorate itself…

x-x-x x-x-x x-x-x

Jamie curled up his lip as he made his way into the small lounge room, circling his shoulder to try and ease out the numb pain that kept creeping back into it.

"Do me a favour and shoot me so I can take it easy too…" he muttered, sitting down opposite John. The fire mutant looked up and laughed quietly.

"Awww… is Mystique training you too hard?" he smirked. Jamie just gave him a look, giving one last turn of his shoulder, wincing slightly as he did so. With a shake of the head he turned his attention properly to the pyrokinetic opposite him, arching an eyebrow as he found him sitting with his cell phone cradled in his hand.

"You haven't called yet?" he asked. John screwed up his nose and shook his head. Jamie rolled his eyes. "Why not?"

John shrugged.

"'Cause it's not a good idea," he replied simply.

"Give me one good reason why not?"

John frowned, fidgeting with the cell phone in his hand before pulling a smirk onto his lips.

"How's Pete?"

"Don't change the subject," Jamie replied defensively, instinctively agitated by the guilt he knew he shouldn't feel. John bowed his head in silent apology. "Just call him."

The fire mutant took a deep breath.

"I don't know…"

"Really, John," Jamie sighed quietly. "Why?"

"You mean other than the fact he's a lying, cheating coward?" John replied dryly. Jamie arched an eyebrow.

"You lied and cheated," he shrugged casually but had to drop his gaze. "I'd have forgiven you."

John too looked away, chastising himself silently for being so insensitive.

"I'm sorry Jamie…" he sighed quietly. The multiplying mutant shook his head.

"Forget it," he looked back up. "He's apologised right?"

John laughed quietly.

"A few times," he confirmed.

"And he's told Marie?"

"Yeah…"

"And he's bought an apartment to try and build a new life for himself that could include you?" he paused as the fire mutant bit his lip. He sighed quietly as John stayed silent. "Well, I don't know what else to say."

The multiplying mutant clambered to his feet and quietly left the room. John sighed heavily, closing his eyes and running his hands through his hair. Finally he opened his eyes, his gaze fixing on the cell phone in his hands. For a moment he just stared at it before finally he flipped it open, scrolling down into his contacts and hitting the call button…

x-x-x x-x-x x-x-x

Bobby cursed quietly as the paintbrush slipped from his fingers, only just landing on the cover below him and not the new carpet. Breathing a sigh of relief he clambered down the ladder, making a mental note to get more sheets. His head snapped to the side as he heard his cell phone ring. Despite himself he couldn't help that hopeful little flutter in his stomach as he reached for the phone. The feeling quickly faded however as he saw the name on the screen.

"Hey Mom…" the ice mutant tried not to sound too disappointed. "Yeah, I'm good, how are you? Yeah…eh, no…" he sighed quietly. "Mom I told you, me and Marie are finished," Bobby sat down on the sofa, running his free hand through his hair. "No it's not just a small fight…it's not that simple. Don't worry, Abi's being taken care of. And of course you'll still get to see her… I know you're just worried but really, it's fine… Yeah, I'm fine… Abi's fine… I'm at the apartment… Well sure you can come and see it when it's finished," the ice mutant closed his eyes briefly, a despairing smile on his lips. "Ok…sure, I'll call you tomorrow then… Ok Mom, bye…"

With another sigh Bobby hung up the phone, laying it back down on the table. Rubbing his eyes wearily he looked at the paintbrush he had earlier dropped and looked up at the corner of the roof he had been tidying up, quickly deciding it was good enough. The ice mutant instead turned his attention to the curtains draped over the back of the sofa. For a moment he contemplated waiting for Piotr to come and help him but with a quick shake of the head he decided to just do it himself. Quickly moving the ladder he grabbed up the first curtain and started to feed it onto the curtain pole, attaching the fitting to the end to keep it all in place. Giving a satisfied nod he climbed down and moved the ladder to the other side, grabbing the other curtain and climbing back up. A slight frown pulled on his face as he realised that this side was not going to be as easy as the first. Finally he got the curtain up, reaching into his pocket to get the end of the pole.

"Damn…" the ice mutant scowled as the piece fell to the floor, looking back up at the curtains he was barely keeping in place with one hand. Turning his glare down to the attachment on the floor a smile pulled on his lips as he heard the front door open. Holding the curtain in place he waited for the Piotr to enter the room. "Hey Pete, can you pass me up that pole end?" he smiled as the accursed attachment was placed in his hand. "Thanks."

The ice mutant smiled in satisfaction as he got the pole secured.

"Nice place."

Bobby spun round so fast he almost fell off the ladder.

"John!" the ice mutant's mouth fell open as for a moment he just stared down at the pyrokinetic. "What…how…"

"I called Jinx," John smiled meekly. "I knew if I called you I'd just argue with you and…" the fire mutant ran a hand through his hair. He laughed uneasily as Bobby quickly climbed down off the ladder, slowly – cautiously – making his way towards him. For what felt like an eternity to both they just stood silently before finally a quiet laugh escaped John's lips. "You have paint on…" instinctively he reached out and wiped the smudge of paint from the ice mutant's cheek, his hand lingering just a little longer than it had to before he quickly pulled it away. Bowing his head he took a deep shaky breath. "Do you really think this can work Bobby?"

The ice mutant's hopeful smile broadened.

"I want it to," he replied softly. "I really, really want it to."

John gave a quick, dry laugh.

"That's always enough though, is it?"

Bobby took a small step forward.

"It's a good place to start," he smiled, his icy blue eyes glistening as he looked down at the smaller mutant, reaching out and very loosely taking a light hold of the pyrokinetic's arms. Despite himself a smile pulled on John's lips.

"Yeah, I guess…" he nodded slowly, looking up into the other mutant's gaze, his voice growing quieter as he continued; "I want it to work too."

A relieved laugh escaped Bobby's lips, all other words and motions momentarily evading him. Slowly his hands made their way round John's back, gently pulling him closer as John slipped his arms around Bobby's waist. The fire mutant's head rested naturally on Bobby's chest for a moment as for a while the two simply stood in the others hold, content simply with the soft embrace. Finally Bobby leant down, softly brushing his lips over John's forehead. The fire mutant looked up, his fiery brown eyes locking with Bobby's icy blue before slowly he leant up and met the ice mutant's tender, lingering kiss.

"Stay…" Bobby whispered when the two finally parted. John bit his lip uneasily, looking up at the other mutant honestly.

"Bobby, it still hurts when I walk too far…" he gestured loosely to his side. "I can't…"

"I don't mean stay for sex," Bobby interrupted gently, tightening his hold on the smaller mutant, smiling softly. "I just don't wanna let go," he brushed some hair from John's face "And God knows I'm owe you an early morning hug."

John couldn't help but laugh quietly.

"Yeah, you are," he replied but without a hint of aggression. He nodded slowly, his own smile earning one in return from Bobby. Once again their lips met in a soft, tender kiss. "I'll stay."