NOTE: whew, okay thanks to everyone's wonderful, awesome reviews I've
updated with not 3, but 4 chapters...took me forever, but hopefully you
guys will like it! A little Kietro bonding..( enjoy! And please
review..thanks!
"Please tell me you're kidding."
"I'm not kidding."
"That's ~not~ what I wanted to hear. What do you MEAN Rogue skipped? I need her! We're supposed to be giving our oral presentation in 6 minutes!" Kitty wailed, as Jubilee clucked sympathetically.
"All I know is she wasn't in Chemistry," Jubilee said, shifting her backpack a little higher on her back. "Whoah, I'd better go. Looks like Boy Wonder wants to talk to you," Jubilee said wryly, rolling her eyes. Kitty turned and felt a curious little jump in her chest when she saw Pietro saunter down the hallway, his blue eyes fixed on her.
"Seeya," Kitty said absently, flushing slightly at the knowing grin Jubilee shot her before leaving. Well, it was just as well that Rogue and Jubilee had found out about Pietro. Kitty didn't imagine she could have kept it under wraps for too much longer, with them being her roommates and everything. Well, I made them swear they wouldn't tell anyone. Besides, Pietro doesn't really have to know, he'd probably just yell at me for breaking one of his silly little rules, Kitty thought defensively.
"Hey," Pietro greeted her casually. Why am I so nervous around him all of a sudden? Kitty wondered, wiping her palms on the front of her jeans. Somehow, something about yesterday had changed everything. Instead of feeling that wave of instant dislike she used to get when she saw Pietro, she was starting to feel..oddly enough, as if they were friends. It's only temporary, Kitty told herself angrily for letting her crazy feelings get the better of her.
"Hi," Kitty replied, after a moment. They stared at each other for a few moments in silence, when Pietro cleared his throat.
"Is anything wrong? You look upset," Pietro said, glancing down at her with a slight frown on his chiseled features.
"I..uh, it's Rogue. She's not here and we're supposed to give this huge presentation in History. I just don't want to do it alone, I hate speaking in front of large groups," Kitty confided, and then stopped, flushing slightly. Now why did I have to go and tell him all that? He was probably just trying to be polite, Kitty thought crossly. To her surprise, Pietro smiled at her.
"I'm not too crazy about them either. But, there's a very simple solution," Pietro said seriously.
"If it's that stupid tip about imagining everyone naked, then believe me when I say it doesn't work," Kitty said, rolling her eyes. Pietro looked amused.
"Oh, so you've tried it before? My, my, Kitty, now we know what goes on in that pretty little head of yours," Pietro teased, his eyes glinting with laughter at Kitty's embarrassment.
"Mind out of the gutter, Maximoff," Kitty retorted, using the same words he had the night of the party. When he laughed, she was unnerved to find she was actually ~enjoying~ bantering with him. Somehow, when the issue of their exes was left out of the picture, Pietro began to resemble his arrogant public persona less and less.
"Touché. No, I'm serious. If you don't want to do your presentation, then just don't go to class," Pietro said, leaning against the lockers. Kitty stared at him as if he were nuts.
"I can't just ~not~ go," Kitty said slowly.
"Why not?"
"Because- because, it's not right, that's why," Kitty sputtered. Pietro sighed.
"Kitty, look, it's not as if you could have anticipated Rogue ditching. It's not fair to make you do it alone," Pietro said reasonably.
"And what would I do instead of going to class? Hide in the bathroom?" Kitty challenged.
"We can go take an early lunch and finish planning," Pietro responded smoothly. "Come on, you have to admit it makes sense."
"Oh god, it's a sad day indeed when you're the voice of reason," Kitty groaned as the bell to go to class rang.
"Well? All set for your big presentation?" Pietro asked innocently, as Kitty anxiously looked into her classroom. Gritting her teeth, she glanced back at Pietro who was whistling casually.
"Fine, let's get out of here quick. I feel like a criminal," Kitty muttered, as Pietro took her hand and zipped her to his car in seconds.
"Relax, I'll have you back by 5th period," Pietro assured her confidently, as he backed out of the parking lot. After a few minutes, he turned to her swiftly. "So, where do you want to eat?"
Kitty tapped her chin for a second. "How about Chevy's?" Kitty asked, suggesting her favorite restaurant. Pietro's glanced at her in surprise. "What?"
"Nothing, I used to love that place," Pietro said, still looking over at her with a faint smile. Kitty sent him a quizzical look.
"What do you mean ~used~ to?"
"Well, I haven't been here in a really long time. Siren's kind of high- maintenance. When I was dating her, we only ate in those uptight little bistros, you know, where they serve like sautéed jellyfish, and other disgusting crap like that," Pietro remarked. Kitty looked over at him, fighting a laugh.
"So what did you eat there anyway, I mean while Siren was eating her jellyfish?" Kitty asked, snickering. Pietro smirked.
"I ordered next to nothing so I wouldn't go broke. Then, I'd go home and raid Freddy's food vault," Pietro explained, making a face. Kitty only laughed harder. "We're here. Are you all right, Pryde?" Pietro asked, trying to glare at Kitty even as his eyes sparkled with amusement.
"I'm fine, seriously," Kitty said solemnly, fighting back another wave of laughter. She turned to open the door, and jumped in surprise when she found Pietro had already zipped to her side and opened it for her. He leaned against the side of the car waiting for her to get out. Kitty swallowed. Pietro was becoming an utter mystery. Where was the inconsiderate, spoiled jerk she had gotten so used to hating? The lean, silver-haired guy staring at her so intensely was funny, charming, and surprisingly chivalrous. What am I doing listing his virtues? It's Lance who's I'm supposed to be thinking about, Kitty thought flustered beyond belief. Lance never opened doors for you, a little voice reminded her. Not like Pietro. It's an act, Kitty thought firmly. But Lance and Siren were back at school, so if he wasn't doing it for ~their~ benefit..then.Kitty refused to finish the thought. It was crazy. ~She~ was crazy to even dwell on it.
"Is there something really fascinating about that paneling?" Pietro asked her, one eyebrow arched.
"Huh?" Kitty asked dumbly, then realized that she'd been staring at the open car door for almost 2 minutes. "Uh, .no. Just um, thinking about what I'm going to order," Kitty lied, sheepishly getting out. If Pietro didn't believe her, he gave no indication, but merely extended a hand out to her. Kitty took it tentatively and went in with him, her heart drumming in her chest.
The time went quickly, as Kitty found herself engaging in an easy conversation with Pietro. Of course, it quickly escalated into a debate...
"I don't know how you can eat vegetables forever. It's not normal," Pietro remarked, gesturing to her vegetarian taco meal.
"And I don't know how you can just sit there and shovel in a carcass! That used to be a living breathing animal, you know," Kitty pointed out. Pietro smirked.
"Yes it was.and now it's lunch. It's called the food chain," Pietro said, fighting back a grin as Kitty's face heated with indignation.
"I just don't see how people can go around killing poor defenseless creatures, it's heartless," Kitty retorted. Pietro paused in the midst of cutting into his chicken, and looked up at her with a thoughtful expression.
"Well, technically, you vegetarians are doing the same thing," Pietro said after a moment.
"That's not true!"
"What, you think that lettuce your spearing comes naturally in plastic wrap? You jerk it out of its comfortable home on some farm just so you can dice it up and swallow it whole," Pietro said matter-of-factly. Kitty stared at him for a second, and burst out laughing. The image was too ridiculous. Pietro's ice blue eyes warmed with her laughter and he smiled at her across the table, causing Kitty to get that strange tightening in her chest. I'm acting like his girlfriend..and I'm .enjoying ..it! Kitty realized, feeling her stomach flutter nervously. This has got to stop! Kitty thought desperately, as she wiped her mouth.
Pietro noticed her flushed face, smirked, and was about to comment when the waiter came with the bill. Kitty glanced at it quickly, and then began rummaging in her purse. "Aha, here it is," Kitty murmured, grateful for the excuse to break eye-contact with Pietro. She fished out a ten-dollar bill triumphantly, as Pietro stared at her in disbelief.
"What are you doing?"
"Paying for my share, duh," Kitty said, trying to tuck the money into the tiny plastic folder the waiter had left. Pietro whisked it away before she had a chance, his blue eyes sharpening.
"I've already paid for both of us," Pietro informed her. Kitty stared at him.
"What-..why?" Kitty asked, baffled.
"That's just what guys do, okay? Relax and put away the money, Kitty," Pietro told her assuredly, sliding his wallet back into his pocket. Kitty wasn't sure whether to laugh or secretly be flattered..or maybe angry that he presumed she was one of those bimbos who didn't pay for anything, ever. Like Siren, Kitty thought, rolling her eyes.
"Look, Pietro, I appreciate it, but I want to pay for my own food. I don't want to totally clean you out," Kitty protested, trying to make a grab for the bill again. Pietro's eyes flared slightly.
"What, you think us Brotherhood guys are too broke to pay the bill?" Pietro demanded, his mouth tightening.
"That isn't what I meant at all! It's just..strange, okay? I'm not used to it!" Kitty yelled back helplessly. Pietro's eyes softened a little as he leaned forward across the table.
"Didn't Lance ever pay when you guys went out?" Pietro asked suddenly, his blue eyes questioning. Kitty flushed under his scrutiny.
"Well.yeah."
"So, what's the problem?" Pietro asked slowly. Kitty bit her lip. How could she tell him that the fact that he was paying for her made them seem even ~more~ like a couple? That despite all her efforts to hate him, the role of his girlfriend was becoming.. comfortable to her.
"We're not really boyfriend and girlfriend," Kitty blurted out. Pietro's hand froze on the bill and his eyes seared into her, flashing silently with an indefinable emotion. A tense silence stretched between them.
"I see," Pietro said stiffly, looking deep in thought. Kitty felt as if her throat were stuffed with cotton.
"I just.Siren isn't even here so you don't have to be so sweet," Kitty mumbled, the words tumbling out before she could stop herself. Pietro's head jerked up at her words.
"Well, this will be good practice anyway," Pietro said lightheartedly, after a long moment, but the atmosphere between them still crackled with nervous tension. Kitty looked away, wondering why the thought of Pietro taking Siren out suddenly made her stomach clench. He's right, this ~is~ an act. And I better stop deluding myself. Lance is perfect, and if the plan works, you'll be having lunch with him next week instead of Pietro, Kitty reminded herself sternly. But the thought didn't bring the pleasant warmth it had used to. Instead, as she looked up at Pietro's flickering blue eyes, it left her with an aching void that refused to go away.
"Please tell me you're kidding."
"I'm not kidding."
"That's ~not~ what I wanted to hear. What do you MEAN Rogue skipped? I need her! We're supposed to be giving our oral presentation in 6 minutes!" Kitty wailed, as Jubilee clucked sympathetically.
"All I know is she wasn't in Chemistry," Jubilee said, shifting her backpack a little higher on her back. "Whoah, I'd better go. Looks like Boy Wonder wants to talk to you," Jubilee said wryly, rolling her eyes. Kitty turned and felt a curious little jump in her chest when she saw Pietro saunter down the hallway, his blue eyes fixed on her.
"Seeya," Kitty said absently, flushing slightly at the knowing grin Jubilee shot her before leaving. Well, it was just as well that Rogue and Jubilee had found out about Pietro. Kitty didn't imagine she could have kept it under wraps for too much longer, with them being her roommates and everything. Well, I made them swear they wouldn't tell anyone. Besides, Pietro doesn't really have to know, he'd probably just yell at me for breaking one of his silly little rules, Kitty thought defensively.
"Hey," Pietro greeted her casually. Why am I so nervous around him all of a sudden? Kitty wondered, wiping her palms on the front of her jeans. Somehow, something about yesterday had changed everything. Instead of feeling that wave of instant dislike she used to get when she saw Pietro, she was starting to feel..oddly enough, as if they were friends. It's only temporary, Kitty told herself angrily for letting her crazy feelings get the better of her.
"Hi," Kitty replied, after a moment. They stared at each other for a few moments in silence, when Pietro cleared his throat.
"Is anything wrong? You look upset," Pietro said, glancing down at her with a slight frown on his chiseled features.
"I..uh, it's Rogue. She's not here and we're supposed to give this huge presentation in History. I just don't want to do it alone, I hate speaking in front of large groups," Kitty confided, and then stopped, flushing slightly. Now why did I have to go and tell him all that? He was probably just trying to be polite, Kitty thought crossly. To her surprise, Pietro smiled at her.
"I'm not too crazy about them either. But, there's a very simple solution," Pietro said seriously.
"If it's that stupid tip about imagining everyone naked, then believe me when I say it doesn't work," Kitty said, rolling her eyes. Pietro looked amused.
"Oh, so you've tried it before? My, my, Kitty, now we know what goes on in that pretty little head of yours," Pietro teased, his eyes glinting with laughter at Kitty's embarrassment.
"Mind out of the gutter, Maximoff," Kitty retorted, using the same words he had the night of the party. When he laughed, she was unnerved to find she was actually ~enjoying~ bantering with him. Somehow, when the issue of their exes was left out of the picture, Pietro began to resemble his arrogant public persona less and less.
"Touché. No, I'm serious. If you don't want to do your presentation, then just don't go to class," Pietro said, leaning against the lockers. Kitty stared at him as if he were nuts.
"I can't just ~not~ go," Kitty said slowly.
"Why not?"
"Because- because, it's not right, that's why," Kitty sputtered. Pietro sighed.
"Kitty, look, it's not as if you could have anticipated Rogue ditching. It's not fair to make you do it alone," Pietro said reasonably.
"And what would I do instead of going to class? Hide in the bathroom?" Kitty challenged.
"We can go take an early lunch and finish planning," Pietro responded smoothly. "Come on, you have to admit it makes sense."
"Oh god, it's a sad day indeed when you're the voice of reason," Kitty groaned as the bell to go to class rang.
"Well? All set for your big presentation?" Pietro asked innocently, as Kitty anxiously looked into her classroom. Gritting her teeth, she glanced back at Pietro who was whistling casually.
"Fine, let's get out of here quick. I feel like a criminal," Kitty muttered, as Pietro took her hand and zipped her to his car in seconds.
"Relax, I'll have you back by 5th period," Pietro assured her confidently, as he backed out of the parking lot. After a few minutes, he turned to her swiftly. "So, where do you want to eat?"
Kitty tapped her chin for a second. "How about Chevy's?" Kitty asked, suggesting her favorite restaurant. Pietro's glanced at her in surprise. "What?"
"Nothing, I used to love that place," Pietro said, still looking over at her with a faint smile. Kitty sent him a quizzical look.
"What do you mean ~used~ to?"
"Well, I haven't been here in a really long time. Siren's kind of high- maintenance. When I was dating her, we only ate in those uptight little bistros, you know, where they serve like sautéed jellyfish, and other disgusting crap like that," Pietro remarked. Kitty looked over at him, fighting a laugh.
"So what did you eat there anyway, I mean while Siren was eating her jellyfish?" Kitty asked, snickering. Pietro smirked.
"I ordered next to nothing so I wouldn't go broke. Then, I'd go home and raid Freddy's food vault," Pietro explained, making a face. Kitty only laughed harder. "We're here. Are you all right, Pryde?" Pietro asked, trying to glare at Kitty even as his eyes sparkled with amusement.
"I'm fine, seriously," Kitty said solemnly, fighting back another wave of laughter. She turned to open the door, and jumped in surprise when she found Pietro had already zipped to her side and opened it for her. He leaned against the side of the car waiting for her to get out. Kitty swallowed. Pietro was becoming an utter mystery. Where was the inconsiderate, spoiled jerk she had gotten so used to hating? The lean, silver-haired guy staring at her so intensely was funny, charming, and surprisingly chivalrous. What am I doing listing his virtues? It's Lance who's I'm supposed to be thinking about, Kitty thought flustered beyond belief. Lance never opened doors for you, a little voice reminded her. Not like Pietro. It's an act, Kitty thought firmly. But Lance and Siren were back at school, so if he wasn't doing it for ~their~ benefit..then.Kitty refused to finish the thought. It was crazy. ~She~ was crazy to even dwell on it.
"Is there something really fascinating about that paneling?" Pietro asked her, one eyebrow arched.
"Huh?" Kitty asked dumbly, then realized that she'd been staring at the open car door for almost 2 minutes. "Uh, .no. Just um, thinking about what I'm going to order," Kitty lied, sheepishly getting out. If Pietro didn't believe her, he gave no indication, but merely extended a hand out to her. Kitty took it tentatively and went in with him, her heart drumming in her chest.
The time went quickly, as Kitty found herself engaging in an easy conversation with Pietro. Of course, it quickly escalated into a debate...
"I don't know how you can eat vegetables forever. It's not normal," Pietro remarked, gesturing to her vegetarian taco meal.
"And I don't know how you can just sit there and shovel in a carcass! That used to be a living breathing animal, you know," Kitty pointed out. Pietro smirked.
"Yes it was.and now it's lunch. It's called the food chain," Pietro said, fighting back a grin as Kitty's face heated with indignation.
"I just don't see how people can go around killing poor defenseless creatures, it's heartless," Kitty retorted. Pietro paused in the midst of cutting into his chicken, and looked up at her with a thoughtful expression.
"Well, technically, you vegetarians are doing the same thing," Pietro said after a moment.
"That's not true!"
"What, you think that lettuce your spearing comes naturally in plastic wrap? You jerk it out of its comfortable home on some farm just so you can dice it up and swallow it whole," Pietro said matter-of-factly. Kitty stared at him for a second, and burst out laughing. The image was too ridiculous. Pietro's ice blue eyes warmed with her laughter and he smiled at her across the table, causing Kitty to get that strange tightening in her chest. I'm acting like his girlfriend..and I'm .enjoying ..it! Kitty realized, feeling her stomach flutter nervously. This has got to stop! Kitty thought desperately, as she wiped her mouth.
Pietro noticed her flushed face, smirked, and was about to comment when the waiter came with the bill. Kitty glanced at it quickly, and then began rummaging in her purse. "Aha, here it is," Kitty murmured, grateful for the excuse to break eye-contact with Pietro. She fished out a ten-dollar bill triumphantly, as Pietro stared at her in disbelief.
"What are you doing?"
"Paying for my share, duh," Kitty said, trying to tuck the money into the tiny plastic folder the waiter had left. Pietro whisked it away before she had a chance, his blue eyes sharpening.
"I've already paid for both of us," Pietro informed her. Kitty stared at him.
"What-..why?" Kitty asked, baffled.
"That's just what guys do, okay? Relax and put away the money, Kitty," Pietro told her assuredly, sliding his wallet back into his pocket. Kitty wasn't sure whether to laugh or secretly be flattered..or maybe angry that he presumed she was one of those bimbos who didn't pay for anything, ever. Like Siren, Kitty thought, rolling her eyes.
"Look, Pietro, I appreciate it, but I want to pay for my own food. I don't want to totally clean you out," Kitty protested, trying to make a grab for the bill again. Pietro's eyes flared slightly.
"What, you think us Brotherhood guys are too broke to pay the bill?" Pietro demanded, his mouth tightening.
"That isn't what I meant at all! It's just..strange, okay? I'm not used to it!" Kitty yelled back helplessly. Pietro's eyes softened a little as he leaned forward across the table.
"Didn't Lance ever pay when you guys went out?" Pietro asked suddenly, his blue eyes questioning. Kitty flushed under his scrutiny.
"Well.yeah."
"So, what's the problem?" Pietro asked slowly. Kitty bit her lip. How could she tell him that the fact that he was paying for her made them seem even ~more~ like a couple? That despite all her efforts to hate him, the role of his girlfriend was becoming.. comfortable to her.
"We're not really boyfriend and girlfriend," Kitty blurted out. Pietro's hand froze on the bill and his eyes seared into her, flashing silently with an indefinable emotion. A tense silence stretched between them.
"I see," Pietro said stiffly, looking deep in thought. Kitty felt as if her throat were stuffed with cotton.
"I just.Siren isn't even here so you don't have to be so sweet," Kitty mumbled, the words tumbling out before she could stop herself. Pietro's head jerked up at her words.
"Well, this will be good practice anyway," Pietro said lightheartedly, after a long moment, but the atmosphere between them still crackled with nervous tension. Kitty looked away, wondering why the thought of Pietro taking Siren out suddenly made her stomach clench. He's right, this ~is~ an act. And I better stop deluding myself. Lance is perfect, and if the plan works, you'll be having lunch with him next week instead of Pietro, Kitty reminded herself sternly. But the thought didn't bring the pleasant warmth it had used to. Instead, as she looked up at Pietro's flickering blue eyes, it left her with an aching void that refused to go away.