A/N: Seriously, all it took was someone adding this story to their favorites and a 4-day weekend in November to get me going again. Enjoy!

I dedicate this chapter to Sunny, my special feathered friend. Words can't describe how much I miss you.

Snow & Fire Don't Mix

Ch. 18

Bound To Love

"Why is Rogue mad at you?" asked Bobby, while trying to toss playing cards into the trash bin.

"Long story short, she saw my lips pressed against someone else's." The pyromaniac stood up and walked to the other side of the room near the door, his back now facing Bobby. "Rogue is jumping to conclusions. It's not her fault, she's a girl and girls do that. She's not thinking clearly. Why would I sabotage the relationship I have with someone I just met? I don't know anything about this chick other than her name and that she's a thief. I'll probably never see her again! I didn't ev-"

"Is she hot?" Bobby tossed the last card and missed. He only made five out of fifty-two. For the record, that was two cards better than the previous try. He was astonished that there were no remarks from you know who.

John turned around. The words freely escaped his lips, "Smokin' hot." He took a moment to recall what he was saying before the interruption. "I didn't even look at her when the bartender told me someone was eyeing me. I was trying to avoid this situation from the start."

"Did you explain all of this to Rogue?"

"I tried, but I think everything I said went through one ear and out the other."

"Ask Kitty to talk to her for you. It's worth a try." Bobby suggested.

"Do you know where she is?"

"Rogue and I saw her talking to some blonde guy near the indoor pool. She's probably still there."

John nodded and left the room.

Bobby was right. She was still flirting. The handsome blonde looked up at John as he pulled Kitty away. "Kitty has to go now but she'll be back to sneak into your room later."

As they were walking away she punched the pyromaniac in the arm and whispered angrily, "Why would you say something like that?"

"Because that's something you do," he grinned.

She cut in front of John, which made him stop short, "I do not."

"You do inadvertently," he paused, "when you're sleepwalking."

Kitty had no clue. "I do what?"

"Sleepwalk," John repeated.

"How do you know? Why are you up in the first place?"

"Just because they enforce going to bed at a certain time that doesn't mean I have to go to sleep instantly. Give me a minute or two to recall when I first witnessed you sleepwalking." He damn well knew exactly what happened. He never told anyone either. "One night I was in bed flipping through Playboy magazines and I saw something in the corner of my eye. You came into the room and said nothing. I didn't either, due to the awkwardness. By the way, I almost burned the comforter because of you. Anyway, you attempted to smother Bobby with a pillow but it wasn't exactly working because you were using your powers. I would've gladly helped hold him down, but it didn't come to that. He never felt a thing. You left and I went back to my business." John winked at her and made a mental note to look for those magazines when he got back to the mansion. "Theref—"

"Did you ever think that maybe I made a mistake and thought it was you?" Kitty challenged, crossing her arms.

"You looked right at me with a sinister smirk before the first attempt. You were after Bobby, no doubt. I'm sure he did something to piss you off that day. It's so obvious that you have a crush on him, and he's so oblivious to that fact that it must get frustrating."

Kitty blushed.

"Therefore, since I'm not sleeping, I follow you around… to the places I can get to." John shrugged and nudged her with his elbow, "I bet you try to lose me on purpose."

"Stalker." Kitty teased. "Watching over me ... that is so sweet of you, John!"

"Sweet," he said, derisively considering the word, "I much prefer the arrogant prick labeling. It has a better ring to it."

"Then sweet arrogant prick it is!" she declared.

"Fine!" He gave up easily. He wasn't going to argue over this. "Whatever. Just keep the 'sweet' part to yourself or you'll have to find someone else to watch your back." It was an empty threat but Kitty didn't have to know.

She nodded and the corners of her mouth quirked upward. Yes, victory was also just as sweet. She raised a brow. "I have one more sleepwalking question … why didn't you tell me sooner?"

He let out a short laugh, "Honestly, I thought you knew."

"Oh." She moved out of his way and they continued to walk side by side, "Well, at least I always make it back to my bed. It would be kind of freaky waking up inside a wall."

John made a face, "Uh, couldn't that kill you?"

She thought about it for a moment before replying, "That too."

John poked the upwards triangle to the elevator and it opened right away. "I'm always amazed when you sleepwalk," he said as the elevator doors closed behind them. "Your subconscious tells you to hold your breath just at the right time before phasing."

She shrugged, then gasped, and put her hand over her open mouth. She was afraid to ask but now she was curious. "Did I ever go into Logan's room?"

"Another question?" he muttered to himself. "Not that I'm aware of. If you did, you probably lost me. I wouldn't worry. At least he can't kill you. Well, the probability of that happening with your power is low." When they stepped out of the elevator, he stopped in front of it and changed the subject. "Kitty, I pulled you away from that preppy douche for a reason. I need your help."

John explained to her what happened in the bar and included pretty much everything that he said to Bobby earlier. She listened to his every word and agreed to talk to Rogue, but only as a friend because she wouldn't take sides. He thanked her for what she was about to do, and they parted ways.

Bobby glanced at John as he entered the room. He was in bed flipping channels on the television. "So, is Kitty willing to do it?"

"She's talking to Rogue as we speak." He strolled over to the window. It was still snowing ridiculously heavily. "We are going to be stuck here forever!" John moaned as he pressed his forehead against the window. He fogged the glass with his breath and drew a not-so-smiley face. "Let's watch a movie, what's on?" he asked, turning around.

Bobby flipped through the guide, "Pulp Fiction, The Perfect Storm, The Hills Have Eyes (2006), Over the Hedge, Die H—"

"Hills Have Eyes. I'm in the mood for a horror movie. It's fitting."

"Okay, but you know how I get when watching horror films," Bobby warned.

"You're a total wuss." John threw an extra pillow at Bobby before sliding onto the bed trying to get into a relaxed position. Lying there, he pondered to himself why he threw the one thing that he needed to get comfortable in the first place. He would have asked for it back, but it wouldn't have been returned soft and squishy. In addition, it would have been thrown as well. John Allerdyce was not one to keep quiet, but in this case, he chose to take a rain check. Simply, he wasn't in the mood. Fights with Bobby were inevitable anyway. 'There's always tomorrow.'

Kitty decided not to phase through the door because she wanted to make her presence known. She took out the card key from her pocket and slid it through. Locking the door behind her, she walked into the semi-lit room slowly. She saw Rogue on the bed with her face buried in the pillow. Kitty went into the bathroom and grabbed some tissues. She sat on the edge of the bed and placed the tissues in Rogue's hand. A few minutes later Rogue sat up, dried her eyes, and said, "I assume you know why I'm upset."

Kitty nodded. "John said he tried explaining, but he doesn't think you actually heard him."

Rogue shrugged.

Kitty's brows narrowed. "So he's right," she said, accidentally out loud. She wanted to grab her friend and literally shake some sense into her, but as an impartial representative that would be crossing the line. However, that didn't mean she couldn't be a little forceful with the tone of her voice. "You need to listen to me," she said, looking directly into Rogue's eyes. "Firstly, he said you have bad timing." She smiled but Rogue didn't. Kitty held up her hands, "Don't hit the messenger! He said that, not me. I'm Switzerland… totally neutral."

Rogue stared at her, debating, "Go on, Switzerland."

"There was a kiss as you saw, but she kissed him. He pushed her away, which you didn't see; hence, your bad timing. Usually, I can't read John, but as he was talking to me, his eyes said it all. But it wasn't just that. The words he used, the tone, and I'm pretty sure he forgot that he lost his lighter." Kitty smiled, and spoke softly, "You know what that means, don't you?"

Rogue's eyes filled up with tears. She wiped her eyes before the tears were able to fall. "I know the tone you're referring to. Since I was so pissed at him I didn't pay it any mind. Thinking back, everything he said went right over my head. I couldn't even look at him."

"Well, what are you waiting for? Kiss and make up already!" exclaimed Kitty, bouncing on the bed.

Rogue shook her head, "I can't. Not now. I'm embarrassed. I need a little more time."

"Don't be embarrassed. You have no reason to be. Do you know what is embarrassing? I walk in my sleep! John just told me. Did you know? I'm freaking out a little here. Who knows where I go; it's not like anything can stop me. Logan would kill me … figuratively speaking of course."

Rogue couldn't help but crack a small reassuring smile, "I'm sure Logan would play along and direct you back to your room. If I knew I would have told you. John must have been the only one. Back home, nothing remains a secret for long. I wonder how he was able to keep it as one."

"Beats me? The guy has tricks up his sleeve. I'm not saying that as a bad thing … it's just another mystery involving John Allerdyce." She smiled and bit her lip, "I can be really stubborn sometimes. Maybe I avoid Logan's room like the plague. Yeah, I think I'll go with that." Kitty stood up. "I'll go hang out with the polar opposites and give you some time to yourself."

"Before you leave, I have a message for John."

"I really thought the cell phone salesman was going to die first," Bobby said, eyes glued to the television set.

"Nah, I knew that he wouldn't turn out to be a total wuss like you."

As the boys were watching the movie they heard a noise in the bathroom. They both looked at each other and then toward the direction of the sound. Kitty appeared in the doorway to the bathroom. "Hey."

Bobby shrieked, shot a blast of ice, and purposely fell off the bed to hide behind it.

Kitty dodged the ice aimed at her head and scowled. "Hey! What is wrong with you, Bobby?" she said, glaring at him. "And why are you breathing so heavy? You look a little pale as well."

"I … I thought you were a mutant!"

"Wuss-man will be fine," John said, emphasizing the first word. "What's the verdict, Kitty?"

"She's sleeping on it."

He rubbed the back of his neck, "I was afraid she was going to say that. We all know no one has a good night's sleep when mad."

She winked at John, "I don't think you have to worry."

Bobby propped himself off the floor and sat back in the bed. "I always say 'don't go to bed mad … stay up and plot your revenge'."

"No, you don't." Kitty and John said in unison.

"Oh John, before I forget. Rogue also said to give her a call in the morning." Kitty glanced at the television, "I love this movie!" She immediately jumped on Bobby's bed and noticed that half of his face was covered with the blanket.

Bobby whispered through the blanket, "Hold me, Kitty,"

Early next morning, John spoke to Rogue over the phone and they made plans to meet downstairs at 1 p.m. to talk things over. Bobby left the room earlier to make snow angels or something. John wasn't sure because he wasn't really paying attention at the time. He exited the room at 12:30 so he could get there before Rogue. He walked down the hall towards the elevator. He sensed someone was behind him, so he turned around; however, no one was there. When he turned back around, someone punched him in the face, and John was knocked out instantly before hitting the floor.

The girls waited for John in the main lounge. Rogue was getting impatient. It was fifteen minutes past the hour and her boyfriend was late. Kitty waited five more minutes before speaking up. "I don't think we should wait any longer. John really wanted to talk to you. Where is he going to go? Not outside, that's for sure."

"I agree," Rogue replied; no hesitation. "Something isn't right. Help me find him."

John slightly stirred before opening his eyes. He blinked a few times thinking his vision was out of focus, but soon realized the curtains were closed shut, which made the room dark. He was sitting in a chair, wrists bound behind him. His legs were duct taped to the chair's legs by his ankles. "What the f-" John was interrupted when someone from behind grabbed his hair and pulled downward making him tilt his head back. The person behind him leaned over and kissed him.

"You can't push me away this time." A female voice said before shoving a small hand towel in his mouth. He instantly knew who the voice belonged to. She turned on the lights and dimmed them.

'I kind of deserve this,' he thought.

Brooke placed a chair opposite John, sat down, and crossed her legs. "I'll take that out as long as you promise to be quiet and not bring attention to this room."

John stared at her, rolled his eyes, and eventually shook his head in agreement.

Brooke smiled and pulled out the towel. "Good."

"Strong punch for a chick."

Taken aback, she looked at him, slightly puzzled. That wasn't exactly what she was expecting to hear from her kidnapee. She was expecting either a 'What do you want?' or 'Let me go,' or something along those lines. "Not enough to bruise, but just enough to knock you out."

"I don't normally get punched in the face. I don't allow anyone to get that close ..." At that moment, John realized he never met with Rogue. "What time is it?" he asked eagerly.

"Is there somewhere else you have to be?" She spoke in a sweet innocent tone, but the pyromaniac knew he was being mocked. It was obvious he wasn't going anywhere soon.

"Please?"

Brooke leaned to the left. The clock was on the nightstand behind John. "It is 1:30 p.m."

'Shit, I'm late. Well, it's not my fault. For once in my life, I leave early and this is what happens! I'll take this as a sign that I should never leave early for anything ever again. Hell, I suppose my situation could be worse, right?'

"Sit tight, John. I'm going to take a shower. Kidnapping is a lot of work."

"I wouldn't know," he smirked. "I'm not in that type of business."

"I'm intrigued. You're not like the others…" She stood up, took a few steps closer to John, and wrapped her hand around his upper thigh. Her face was just an inch away from his when she squeezed. She was pleased by his expression. John exhaled as she let go and she felt his warm breath on her skin. She gently ran her fingers from his thigh up to his chest. Brooke firmly cupped her hand underneath his chin, forcing him to look at her and only her. "What's with the scowl, John? Aren't you having any fun? " She waited for a response, but he remained silent, so she made him nod as if he were a puppet incapable of responding on his own. "Your clothing needs to come off. I'll help you with that when I get back." Brooke released her hold and turned around. She took a few steps toward the bathroom and unbuttoned her blouse. It easily slid off her body and fell to the floor in the middle of the room. John studied the medium-sized tattoo located on her lower back. At first, he thought it was a fairy but fairies don't have black wings or faces like goddesses. It was an angel. The angel had long dark wavy hair and an emotionless expression. He mused over the object it was holding. Why would an angel be holding a scythe?

He snapped, "Brooke, listen to me. You have to let me go. I'm not your fucking boy toy!" She disappeared into the bathroom with no reply. 'I stand corrected. I do not deserve this. No man deserves this.'

John waited a few minutes until he heard running water to try to free his wrists. He tugged, twisted, pulled, and eventually gave up. Apparently, she was good at this too. "Bitch," he muttered and sighed in defeat, accepting the fact that waiting was his only option.

Forty-five minutes later, Brooke came out of the bathroom wearing a pink silk robe and black lingerie underneath.

"How romantic," John said sarcastically. "Are you aware that I'm confined to a chair and that I'm being held against my will? Forget it, that's not important. Where are the candles?"

"I don't have any matches."

With his current streak of bad luck, he figured as much but cursed to himself anyway. She sat across his lap and ran her fingers through his hair. He tilted his head as a way of saying 'not interested'.

"Don't fight it, Johnny. I can see you're struggling," she said, seductively.

"Brooke," he sighed, frustrated (among other things), "this isn't love."

"I know," she admitted. He turned his head from her as far it would go so she kissed his neck as her fingers worked to unbutton his shirt. "It's more of an ... obsession."

After checking various areas in the lodge, the girls hustled up the stairs to their floor. Kitty quickly checked John's room first but it was empty. There were no signs of forced entry or struggle.

While Kitty discreetly investigated the rooms nearby, Rogue waited in the hallway, scanning the rooms on both sides. She stopped Kitty from going into another room. "I don't think we'll have to look much further." Rogue pointed to the other side of the hall, "Notice how all the rooms on this side have light shining under the door. However, the light under that door by the staircase isn't as bright but dull."

Kitty whispered, "I'll poke my head in first. If you're right and he's in this room I'll pull you in with me." Rogue nodded. Kitty phased her head through the door. She saw John tied to a chair and a young woman sitting on his lap. The woman's back was facing the door. In a split second, both mutants were in the room. Rogue couldn't believe her eyes as she stood behind Kitty. Mixed emotions hit her all at once, but she kept her composure. She took off one glove and patiently waited.

Noticing John's sudden glance to the left; Brooke stood up, turned, and casually walked toward the unwelcome guests. As she got closer to Kitty, she made a fist and lifted her arm. Brooke swung with all her might and gasped as her fist went through the shorter brunette. Rogue positioned herself perfectly, effortlessly grabbing a hold of Brooke's arm. She didn't let go until her boyfriend's captor collapsed before her feet.

Rogue covered Brooke's half-naked body with a blanket and then sat on the edge of the bed filtering through Brooke's memories.

"Are you all right, John?" asked Kitty as she easily freed him using her powers.

"I have to take a piss, but other than that I'm fine." He rubbed his wrists and went straight into the bathroom.

"She's done this before," Rogue said to Kitty. Kitty could see the seriousness on her face.

"Wait. Say that again?" yelled John from the restroom.

Rogue repeated a little louder and added, "Brooke isn't her real name. It's an alias."

John opened the door and walked over to Rogue. He fastened the buttons to his shirt and smiled at her. "I wasn't sure how you'd react to my absence, but I believed you know me better than that. Where else was I going to go? Outside? I'd run into you eventually. Besides, I've got nothing to hide."

Rogue glanced at her feet and then John. "I figured the least I could do was give you the benefit of the doubt this time."

Kitty slid the curtains open and announced that it stopped snowing.

"It's about time I heard some good news. At the rate it was snowing I thought we were going to be stuck here for eternity." John smiled and looked at Rogue. He could tell something was bothering her. He put both of his hands on her shoulders and rubbed them. "What's on your mind?"

She answered in a quiet, serious voice, "I didn't want to mention this while you were in the other room and I hate to be the messenger with bad news; but Brooke has a disturbing past and it can't be ignored."

A/N: Bloody hell… I wrote a lot. There's more to Brooke than meets the eye. Oh, what could it be? You'll find out in the next chapter. Stay tuned. Hit me with some reviews in the meantime, k?