Title: Musings of a Pyromaniac
Author: Prinzessin
Spoilers: X-Men 2
Disclaimers: It pains me to say that I don't own any of the characters involved in this story, although I could have some fun with a certain fellow Pyromaniac if I had the chance…
Feedback: Greatly appreciated!
Summary: Just some memories.
Musings of a Pyromaniac
John Allerdyce sat away from Magneto and Mystique, flicking his Zippo open and shut, open and shut. It was all automatic, his playing with his lighter. His mind was elsewhere, occupied with times and people from his past. His first thought was to Bobby and Marie. He didn't really consider them friends, although he secretly wanted to. But he wouldn't say anything, he couldn't change the way he was. He couldn't change, he had to protect himself. He had to be hard, to be callous, to be cold. He couldn't trust anyone too much, he had to keep everyone at arm's length. It was the only way he knew to protect himself.
Open, close, open, close, open, close.
It took a while after being with Magneto and Mystique for him to really remember what happened after he fled with Logan, Bobby and Marie to Bobby's parents' house. He remembered wondering around the house, seeing what a perfect suburban life with perfect suburban parents was like. He couldn't imagine Bobby's parents liking the fact that their son was a mutant. He wondered if Bobby's parents even knew the truth.
Then there was the porch. If he had time to think about what Marie…what Rogue had done, he would've tried burning her ass on the spot. Maybe it was better that he didn't attack her then, with Logan and Bobby there, he wouldn't have gotten far. But he was sure he'd have his chance. He knew that Magneto, Mystique and him would have to fight the X-Men sooner or later.
Open, close, open, close, open, close.
All he could remember from his time at the school, from his time with Bobby and Marie, his time after the attack until his decision to leave was all quite negative. He remember being told every day "You can't use your powers here," "You can't use your powers out there unless absolutely necessary," "Control your powers…" He could recite a whole book of quotes about not using his powers. He was tired of being held back, sick of being told what he couldn't do instead of what he could do. That's why, when they were on the plane, he talked to Magneto instead of suffering the Bobby and Marie's silent treatment.
Open, close, open, close, open, close.
You are a god among insects. Never let anyone tell you different.
Open, close, open, close, open, close.
He could still hear Magneto's words echoing in his head. And the older man had a point, his talents were wasted at the school. So when it came time for him to decide, it wasn't a hard choice to make. He was going where someone believed in him, in his powers. He was going where his talents would be appreciated and put to good use.
Open, close, open, close, open, close.
Open. And with it open and the wick lit, he made the flame grow a little, then almost extinguish it. He kept this game up until the top to the lighter inexplicably shut. And when he could not open it again, he looked up to see Magneto looking at him from across the room, a small smile on his face.
"Not too much, please. I wouldn't want you to accidentally burn the building. Have patience, my boy, soon you'll be able to burn as much as you want."
Open, close, open, close, open, close.
You know all those dangerous mutants you hear about in the news -- I'm the worst one.
Maybe he was being arrogant, but he would prove not only to the X-Men, but to the whole world, just how dangerous a Pyromaniac could be.