:four:

It was remarkable how they were able to keep their friendship and their relationship as more than friends balanced. They weren't public about their 'other' relationship. Around people, they were just friends. But in the confinements of their own room or perhaps another place where they were alone, they were much more than friends. They were lovers.

Bobby was starting to really care about John. He wasn't sure if he wanted to, though. John showed no personal attachment to anyone. He was starting to wonder whether John really cared about him or was just in it for the sex. And he had to know. Their relationship had been going on for a while now. And Bobby wanted it to continue. But he had to know the truth before it went on any longer.

It was a little after midnight. John and Bobby found themselves wandering down to the kitchen. Bobby usually came down here alone for a midnight snack of ice cream, but lately, he had John as his companion. And while Bobby had ice cream, John had Bobby. They walked into the deserted kitchen. John hopped up and sat on the table. He looked over at Bobby and grinned. Bobby smiled back.

"Come here, Bobby," John said with a motion of his finger. Bobby, who was originally headed towards the refrigerator, walked over to John instead. The table was just high enough so when John sat on it, he was nearly Bobby's height. John spread apart his legs a bit and pulled Bobby closer to him. His fingers lightly placed themselves on Bobby's neck. He pulled Bobby's head a little closer and leaned in to kiss him. Bobby accepted the kiss, even though he doubts at the moment. Was this all that John wanted of him?

They separated. John grinned at Bobby, who smiled back.

"You don't need ice cream when you've got me," John whispered to him.

"'Suppose I don't..." Bobby mumbled. "It's kind of a habit. Just like with your clicking."

John stared at Bobby for a second. It was as if he were studying him. They were silent for a few moments as John stared. Finally, he spoke.

"What's wrong?" John asked Bobby. He separated from him and took a few steps back. Bobby frowned.

"There's nothing wrong," He assured, although that wasn't the case. "Why would you say that?"

"Dammit, Bobby," John said, crossing his arms. "I know you better than that."

"There's nothing wrong. Seriously," Bobby said, again. John gave him a look that told him to tell the truth or else he would force it out of him. Bobby let out a sigh and looked back at John.

"Damn," He muttered. "It's complicated, John."

"Well, at least try," John said. Bobby took a deep breath.

"You're different than most people, John, besides the mutant thing," Bobby said, trying to organize his thoughts. "That's why I can't decipher you. I don't know if you really care or if you're just playing me."

He looked at John, who remained expressionless.

"John, I have to know the truth."

"What's there to tell?" John asked, looking unfazed by all of this. Bobby stared.

"Dammit," He muttered to himself. "God, John, that's exactly it."

Bobby sighed. He took a deep breath and looked into John's eyes.

"John, I love you," Bobby said. John's eyes widened. "That's why I have to know. John, how do you feel, man?"

John stared. He looked at Bobby, who looked so distressed. He honestly didn't know what to say. The very thing he feared had come to surface. He knew how he felt, but he didn't know what to say, what to admit. He remained silent as Bobby waited for an answer. Bobby's eyes widened with realization when he saw that John wasn't going to answer.

He shook his head and walked away. John watched him as he walked and didn't move or follow. He looked down at the floor, instead.

"I love you, too..."

AN: I'm still working on this slow computer, but I can still update. School is starting for me on Tuesday. That sucks. Oh well. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please tell me what you thought.

Thanks for feedback: crazy4horses, deadkennedy, NY GE Pyromaniac, and oXRavenXo.