Truth Will Set You Free

Author's Note: Too bad ff.net doesn't have that many Ryro fans… v_v I swear in the movie, they have SO much potential… so much… But Romy is STILL my primary favorite coupling. Ryro is a close second. And Rietro & Rogans are equal in third.

^-^ Its just the way I am…

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John couldn't help but toss and turn. There were only 30 minutes left until she would wake up. He knew her schedule by heart. Marie would wake up at exactly 7:03, how she ever managed it, he would never know… then she would take a shower, get dressed, storm into his room to wake him and Bobby up. Then they would all go to the kitchen, get breakfast and go to class.

Since they were all the same age, they had the same classes. John would never be able to fall back asleep, and he hadn't slept during his stay with Marie. He had been too engrossed in just feeling her body heat.

'I am hopeless…'

As John rolled over, he looked at his roommate and knew it was just a matter of time before he wouldn't stand Bobby. John would break under the pressure. He didn't really care what other would think of him if he told Marie of his feelings- least of all his 'best friend' Robert Drake. All he cared about was Marie- Rogue…

John didn't really think of Bobby as his best friend, more like someone to hang out with. He'd never experienced love, nor did he have many friends in the past. It was hard to socialize when you were an outcast. Neither his real family nor his foster family loved him. John's motto since he ran away was "Look out for #1." A lonely life- but back then, you didn't care. As long as you were okay, everything was fine.

Now… as he sat in his small bed, he wished he could just have one moment with Marie.

John felt for his lighter and paled. He searched his pockets and began searching his side of the room for his only possession.

"Pyro? What's wrong man?"

John turned to his roommate and glared at him. He outstretched his hand and frowned. " Give it, Drake."

Bobby looked at him, confused and irritated. " What are you talking about?"

" Shut up, Drake! I know you took my lighter, give it!"

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Marie woke up to the sound of twittering birds. For the past month, she'd been sleeping well, having less frequent nightmares and she'd always wake up in a happy mood. She stretched and got out of bed. As she went inside the bathroom, she noticed something strange on her bed.

It was a silver lighter.

Marie recognized it as John's. She'd been hanging out with the Australian flame-thrower for a long time now. Her boyfriend, Bobby had introduced them.

Of course, it wasn't necessary at the time; Marie had already known who the flame-addict was. Everyone had warned her about his attitude, the works.

'What would this be doing here?' Marie wondered.

Before she could think of anything, she heard a loud crash down the hallways and heard people screaming. Marie felt dread rise up her throat.

'John'

Not knowing how she knew, she ran down the hallways towards her boyfriend's room in nothing but a white nightgown.

She pushed her way through the crowd and found Bobby in John's chokehold.

" Bobby! John!"

Then, the two separated from each other and began to levitate in the air. The students quieted down and made way as Dr. Jean Grey walked in, dressed up as always.

"What is the meaning of this?" Scott Summers, Jean's fiancé asked.

" Drake here took my lighter!" John yelled loudly.

" And I keep telling Pyro here I didn't!" Bobby replied, in the same volume.

Suddenly, Marie cleared her throat attracting everyone's attention. " Uh, John you must have dropped it in the hallway or something. I found it on the floor last night, I was going to give it back but you were already asleep."

Scott sighed and nodded. Jean put the boys down and shooed the students away. John closed his eyes, partly from cooling down and the other for being so stupid; leaving his lighter in Marie's room.

'Damn it, now she knows!'

Bobby massaged his neck, moving towards Marie who was asking how he was. Bobby shook his head and gave Marie a small kiss through his handkerchief.

Soon, the only people left in the hallway was John and Marie. Sighing, John stood up from the floor and walked towards Marie.

" I'm uh… sorry about that," he said quietly. " Can I have my lighter back?"

Marie nodded and walked towards her room. John followed her, knowing she wanted to talk to him. As they reached her room, Marie punched in the code and John followed in, sitting on her chair.

" Here you go," Marie said, handing the zippo back to John. " I just have one question, why was it in my room?"

John shrugged. " I couldn't sleep last night… the kitchen was full, Bobby was already asleep… I thought I could come here and talk… but you were asleep too," he lied.

Marie nodded, believing him. She had gotten close to the boy, knowing a side of him that most didn't know of. John was, deep inside, sensitive. No matter how crude or mean he was with other people, he'd been nothing but a friend to Marie.

" Maybe that's why I woke up feeling good today," Marie teased. " You visited!"

John laughed and shrugged. " Maybe."

Standing up, Marie brushed her hair and watched John through the mirror. She memorized everything about him, his strong jaw, the spiked hair, piercing brown eyes. He was the complete opposite of her boyfriend. It made her chuckle how they could still be friends.

"Something funny about my face?" John asked, faking hurt. " I'm offended!"

Marie laughed and turned around, making her hair dance around her. " Not at all! I was just thinking about you and Bobby."

John raised his eyebrow at her. " What about me and Ice-boy?"

"I'm going to ignore that," Marie said playfully, inwardly agreeing to the nickname. " It's just that you two are so… different."

John stood up from his seat and walked up behind her. Marie looked into the mirror and saw their reflection. It felt so right to be so close to him- they looked so perfect together.

" Of course we're different, luv. If Bobby and I were alike… I'd be shooting ice from my hands and I'd have a cold d-"

Marie put the flat side of her brush on his lips. " Do not finish that sentence!"

John smirked and took the brush off his lips. " Or you'll what?" he teased. When Marie tried to stop herself from smiling, he twirled around and pretended to be Bobby. " My name is Robert. I can shoot ice from my nose! And in bed I have-"

Marie laughed and tackled John on the floor, threatening to touch his face. She straddled his waist and was keeping herself balanced with her left hand. " Don't finish it, Johnny."

" Or what, Marie?" John asked, his voice nothing but a whisper. His hands were holding Marie up by the waist. He wished that they could stay in the same position forever, with Marie's hair tickling his neck.

Marie bit her lower lip, finally realizing what they looked like. She could feel John breathing, causing her to rise and fall with it. Her body was warm where John was holding her up. " Johnny…"

John rolled over and switched their positions. Marie's hands fell limp and were on either sides of her head. A stray hair was covering her left eye, and John reached down to brush it off. He leaned down, so close that he could smell the scent of her strawberry shampoo.

" John… I think we should-"

Before Marie could finish, John covered her mouth with his. Marie felt heat spreading throughout her body, she deepened the kiss, making John smirk slightly. She wrapped her arms around John's shoulders and relished his touch.

Her eyes widened as they parted reluctantly. She touched her lips and blinked. John rolled off of her and helped her up.

" How-"

Suddenly, someone knocked at her door.

" Chica! It's me! Are you okay? We're going to be late!"

Marie licked her lips and stared at John. He smiled brightly at her and winked as he went towards the door. He opened it, making Jubilee's jaw drop as he walked past.

" Was that-"

" John," Marie finished for her, still shocked from the most passionate kiss she had ever experienced. 'Johnny… why did you kiss me?'

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Author's Note: GASP! I got reviews! Thank you! I just love Ryro pairings more than I do Robby pairings… and I love JOHN himself! I love you too! Keep reviewing!