Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Even my shoe probably belongs to the Republic of Purple Dancing Cheez Whiz, or something.

Note: This is the VERY short scene right before the balcony scene. It's short. And nothing spectacular happens in it. But it needed to be written and gotten out of the way, so here it is. Enjoy.

***

Act II

Scene I

            Todd led Lance out of the gates of the Xavier Institute, once again trying to drag him by one sleeve. The boy saw Pietro and Fred standing by the car, waiting for them. He waved, letting go of his friend to do so. Lance immediately slowed down and cast a longing glance behind but Toad didn't notice. He was hurrying forward to the others.

            "Hey, guys. You decided to leave too, huh?"

            Fred nodded. "Yeah. There wasn't enough food."

            Pietro rolled his eyes. "Which, of course, was the only reason you were there. On the bright side, I got Jessica Phyllips' phone number. You see? I told you I could bag a cheerleader."

            The Blob shook his head argumentatively. "Just because you got her number doesn't mean she's gonna go out with you, quickie. You have to call her first. A five minute conversation with you is enough to send any girl running for the hills."

            A mirthless smile briefly appeared on the speed demon's lips. "Am I to conjecture from those words that you don't think I can do it?"

            "Damn straight."
            "Ooh. Is that a challenge?"

            Freddy grinned. "Yeah. It is. I'm betting you can't get Jessica to go out with you."

            "Fine!" Pietro crossed his arms arrogantly. "You've practically already lost. You didn't see the way she was acting when I was talking to her. The girl is putty in my hands."

            "Yeah, right." Fred rolled his eyes. "Could you be more full of yourself?"

            The speedster considered. "Probably." He glanced around and his brows lowered in confusion. "Hey. Where's Lance?"

            Todd turned. "Right beh…hey!" He blinked at the emptiness by his side, completely devoid of people. "He WAS right behind me."

            Pietro sighed theatrically. "You lost Lance? Honestly. I can't trust you people to do anything right, can I?"

            Todd ran back a few paces and cupped his hands around his mouth. "Lance! Yo, Lance! Where are you?!"

            "Maybe he went home already," Fred suggested. "You know he didn't want to be here."

            "No way, yo. He was right here a second ago."

            "And he wouldn't leave without his car, at any rate," Pietro added.

            "Yo, Lance!" Todd shouted again.

            "Oh, leave off," the speedster said exasperatedly. "If he did hear you he'd probably start running away all the harder, the way you're hollering. Let me try it." He stepped forward and shouldered Todd out of the way. "Lance, you madman, passionate lover! Appear thou in the likeness of a sigh! Come on, man. The party wasn't that bad, and we're leaving now anyway. If this is some sort of practical joke, its in very poor taste!" He paused and then added. "I summon you by Tabitha's bright eyes, you lovesick idiot!" Nothing. "Oh, come on. If you don't show up soon, we'll leave you here with the X-Freaks! You know we will. Don't tempt us!"

            Todd started laughing helplessly. "And that was supposed to be better? Geez, if he hears that, he will be mad. You did everything but insult his mother."

            "Oh, good idea." Pietro turned around once more. "Yo momma!" He waited expectantly. Nothing happened. "Ah, he's not there."

            The freshman shook his head wryly. "In that case, lets just go; for 'tis in vain. To seek him here that means not to be found."

            ***

Well, what did you think? Didn't I tell you it was short? Was the Shakespeare okay, or was it too out of context? Review me, please.