Truth Will Set You Free

Author's Note: Wow. that was a long vacation. ^^ Sorry about that. Here's the next chapter. Enjoy

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The lake was calm and pristine, beautiful in the morning, but just as gorgeous at night. The crickets were singing their love songs, and the birds were all asleep in their nests. Marie loved the outdoors and the feel of cool water running through her fingers. She dropped the towel, ignoring John's presence behind her. She slowly stepped into the cold water, shivering slightly as she went deeper into the lake.

None but the Professor knew about her nightly visits to the lake. And since Logan had not returned from his trip, Marie did not have to worry about his over-protectiveness. Taking a deep breath, she dove into the water and closed her eyes. After a few minutes, she emerged towards the surface, her wet skin reflecting the pale moonlight.

St. John watched as the woman of his dreams let go of all her worries, just swimming in the shining waters. He was itching to join her, but as he watched her float on her back, he decided to watch for a little longer. Underneath the moonlight, Marie looked more beautiful to him than anything. Her auburn hair seemed silver, and her lithe body swayed in the water.

Taking off his shirt, he began to look around for a place to jump off. Seeing the perfect spot, he tried his best to silently reach his destination.

Marie heard the shuffling of footsteps. She opened her eyes and wondered where John had gone. 'Did he go back?' she wondered. Curious as to why she felt saddened by the thought, she padded towards shore.

Suddenly, there was a huge splash behind her. She turned around and looked for John in the dark. It was harder to see now that the moonlight had been covered by the clouds. Squinting, Marie tried to see where her 'roomie' was going to emerge.

"Looking for me?"

Marie shivered as she felt John's finely chiseled body behind her. His warmth was radiating off his body, heating up her back. His breath was tickling her neck as he spoke. Feeling his arms around her waist, Marie made a move to create a distance between her and John, but he tightened his grip and pulled her closer.

"How?" Marie choked out, willing herself not to cry. For months she had longed for human contact, skin-to-skin. But it was always the same, either they flinched or she did.

John felt her tremble and began to rub her arms to keep them warm. Marie turned in his embrace, and tried to see his face. Suddenly, a swarm of fireflies began to dance on the lake. Marie's question was forgotten as they watched the glowing insects waltz about.

"It's so beautiful," Marie whispered.

John nodded in agreement, " But not a beautiful as you."

If Marie had heard, she did not seem to do anything about it. John shook it off assuming Marie was too engrossed with the fireflies. But she did hear, and she loved every minute of the attention he was giving her.

'I shouldn't be doing this' Marie thought, 'but it feels so right'

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Meanwhile, back in the institute, Kira was wandering the hallways with her backpack. She just moved into the institute and was feeling very happy. She found a boy who had the same mutation as she did, and he was very willing to become her boyfriend.

Her emerald eyes shone with determination. As she played with her dark locks, she found Bobby's room and entered. Bobby wasn't in yet, so she placed her bag on one of the empty beds and took the liberty of looking at his things. Seeing a photo on his dresser, she found Bobby standing with a pretty auburn-haired girl.

'It's that girl,' Kira thought bitterly, she turned the photo over and smiled cruelly, 'Well Miss Rogue, by next month, it will be me on that photo'

Kira chuckled and began to unpack, waiting for Bobby to return, wondering why he was not there. Bobby was in the kitchen getting a midnight snack, thinking about the rumors about his girlfriend and his best friend. Apparently Rogue could touch John, and no one else could. Bobby wondered why fate was against him. He loved Rogue, he wanted nothing more than to spend his entire life with the girl, but a life with her without her touch was something he could not stand.

Guilt ate at his heart as he replayed the conversation he had with St. John. He was disgusted at himself for even thinking of cheating on Rogue, but months of being deprived of contact could wear down anyone's 'love'.

'Maybe its not even love?' Bobby wondered. Then, he shook his head and cleared his thoughts. 'I'll think of this tomorrow. it won't do me any good if too tired to think'.

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Author's Note: It's very short.. Yes. I know. but it's still a work in progress. What happens next week? Logan, a.k.a. 'The Wolverine' returns! ^^ I can't wait to see how he's going to react to St. John and Bobby. DUN, DUN, DUN!