Author's Note- See, I didn't abandon it.

England and Home Again

They'll tell you everything

You wanted someone else to say

They're gonna break your heart

Yeah...From what I've seen

You're just one more hand me down

Cuz no one's tried to give you

What you need

So lay all your troubles down

I am with you now

Matchbox Twenty

The group walked up to the huge mansion. Rogue knocked surprised when the door opened and a woman rushed out to meet them. "Hi," she smiled. "I'm Betsy, the professor told me that you were coming." The group introduced themselves. "Come in, you guys will be spending the night, right?"

"Yeah," Rogue nodded.

"That's fine," Betsy said. "We have plenty of room." They followed her into the mansion. "I'll show you to your rooms." She led each of them to a room. The group then met in the den.

"So what's your power?" Kitty asked.

"I'm a telepath," Betsy explained. "What about you guys?" The group exchanged smiles and Remy pulled out a card charging it lightly and tossing it into the air. It exploded with a light bang.

"Ah can't show ya mah power," Rogue explained. "Mah skin is poisonous. Ah absorb powers and life-energy from people." Kitty glanced at Rogue's sad expression and vowed to help her friend gain control. She phased her hand through the chair she was sitting in.

"I can turn my body intangible," she said.

John pulled out "Betsy" the lighter. "She has the same name as you, shiela," he said with a smile and he flipped the Zippo open. He created a fire-man and a fire-woman. Kitty noticed that the man resembled Pyro while the female resembled herself. He made the two dance around elaborately.

"You're a regular artist," Betsy smiled.

"Thanks," John grinned.

"You name your lighters?"

"Sure," John said looking a little confused at her amusement. "Why? Doesn't everybody?"

"I can say with absolute certainty, no."

"Well, they should." He put "Betsy" back into his pocket.

"John has to have a lighter to use his power," Kitty said. "So the lighter can be lifesaving."

"They have been," John corrected mildly. "And this one has saved me more than once."

"Right," Betsy said slowly.

"So, what's for dinner?" John asked. "I haven't eaten in almost two hours."

"That's just terrible," Betsy said in mock astonishment. "Well, we'll have to remedy that. I was planning on going out to dinner. So, would you guys like to join me?"

"Sure," John said with a bright smile.

"I'm in," Rogue shrugged.

"In dat case Remy'll come too."

"Kit?" Rogue asked.

"I think that I'll just stay here," Kitty shrugged. Even though Kitty wasn't looking forward to being alone she really didn't want to go out. She couldn't pretend to be having fun but didn't want to bring everyone else down. "Get some sleep or something."

"Ya know, on the other hand, I forgot I wanted to get another chapter done tonight," John said. "I think I'll stay too."

"Okay," Rogue said slowly. "Ah guess we'll see ya both later."

"You guys can go into the kitchen for something to eat if you're still hungry," Betsy told them. The three left.

"So, why'd you really stay?"

"Ya seemed upset," John shrugged a little embarrassed. "I guess didn't want ya t' be alone."

"That's sweet, but you didn't have to do it."

"I know. I don't mind."

"Let's go find the kitchen." John smiled and hopped up. Much to Kitty's surprise he took her hand as they made their way through the house. She wasn't sure how she felt about that. On one hand she was nervous about him touching her at all. She kept thinking about what Lance had done. On the other hand being with him, holding his hand and just touching him felt kind of nice.

"Damn, this place is bloody huge!" John exclaimed. "She should have left us a bloody map." This got a surprised giggle from his companion. "What's this?" John opened a large door on the left and then shut it just as fast.

"What's wrong?" Kitty asked.

"Exercise equipment," he said with a shudder.

"And that's scary?"

"I was frightened by a treadmill when I was just an anklebiter." Kitty leaned slightly against him laughing. "Here we are." As soon as they entered the kitchen he left her side grabbing a tub of ice cream, two bowls and two spoons. He spooned out both bowls. They ate in comfortable silence. Kitty stood taking both bowls. She washed and John dried them before putting them away.

"John," Kitty said as they started walking back.

"Yes, luv?"

"Thank you, I really didn't want to be alone."

He smiled. "I figured. Besides, I just enjoy yer company." He was pleased to see her blush. "Hey, Remy left an extra set of cards, up for a game?"

"Sure."

"I have to warn ya, luv, I learned from Remy."

Kitty shrugged. "Logan taught me." She took the cards and started shuffling expertly.

"Ooh, impressive." She smiled and rolled her eyes.