A/N: Sorry it took so long (OK it wasn't that long) for me to update, but I was running into bumps and I was in a groove for my other story and I didn't want to lose it so you know... I had to do what I had to do. Thanks for the reviews! OK, I'm done rambling! On with the story...

Snow and Fire Don't Mix!

Ch. 3

Checking in

What should've been a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Windham Lodge turned into a three-hour drive after necessary bathroom breaks and a pitstop for fuel since Bobby forgot to fill it up prior.

As soon as the Jeep was pulled into a parking spot, Kitty and Rogue got out the normal way since the top was up. They left Bobby there to wake John up while they went to check out the premises.

"Don't leave me here with him!" Bobby yelled as the girls pretended not to hear him. He opened John's door. "Get up. I know you're up." He paused for a moment and said, "I'm not going to touch you!"

With eyes still shut John's lips curved into a smirk. "Damn." He opened his eyes slowly and hopped out of the Jeep to stretch.

"You fell asleep fast." Bobby closed the side door since John abandoned it to preen his hair using the driver's side mirror.

"Being a smart-ass is hard work." Bending at the waist John continued to fix his hair with his fingers.

Bobby rolled his eyes but didn't say anything.

"Why do you think I sleep in practically all of my classes?" John asked as he turned from the mirror to face his friend.

Bobby sarcastically laughed. "Because you're bored."

"Well...that too, but hell, it's my purpose in life to annoy, bug, and remain an elite smart-ass. It takes a lot out of me." And John truly believed that.

"Not many people I know would want that to be their purpose in life."

"But Bobby, you don't know that many people."

Once again Bobby sighed.

John smirked. "And right now...I am annoying you, bugging you and I made a smart-ass comment all in one...damn I'm good!"

Bobby quirked an eyebrow. "And you're proud of that?"

"You know it!" John said cheerfully.

"I think I need a nap now," Bobby mumbled to himself.

"Shit, it's cold," John remarked as he stuffed his hands into his coat pockets.

"We just got here and you're already complaining," Bobby said slightly irritated.

After what seemed like forever to John, finally, Rogue and Kitty came back. It was only approximately 10 minutes, but to John, it felt like an hour.

"Oh my god!" Kitty said screeching, "They have everything from horseback riding to spas. I don't think one weekend will be enough..."

"It's plenty!" John quickly replied.

Kitty continued ignoring John. "I may never want to leave."

"If you're going to faint can you at least faint inside...I don't know if you've noticed but it's freezing out here!"

"Looks like somebody slept on the wrong side of the car..." Kitty whispered to Rogue.

"Kitty," John started with a sigh, "I'm standing right in front of you...no need to whisper besides…I probably did."

"Let's check-in," announced Rogue.

Bobby popped the trunk open so they could get their bags.

The main lobby was expansive. There was a huge fountain in the middle of it and there was also a huge television set. The front desk was...you guessed it...huge too!

John was flicking his lighter as he was walking to the front desk.

The man at the front desk said, "Sir, there is no smoking in here."

"Does it look like I'm smoking? Do you see a cigarette in my hand?"

"John just put it away," Bobby demanded.

"But the point is I wasn't even...fine...whatever." John pocketed his lighter.

While Bobby, Rogue, and Kitty were getting the rooms, John walked over to the fountain still pissed off about the whole 'smoking' thing.

'I don't even know why I'm wasting a quarter doing this but what the hell,' John thought before tossing the quarter into the fountain.

"We're on the third floor, John," Rogue informed him. "So what did you wish for?"

"Basically to have fun on this lame trip. I mean Bobby only picked it because he knew I would hate it."

"That's not true...who am I kidding? Yea, you're right."

"Anyway, you got me my own room, right? John asked.

"No, they only had double," Rogue replied.

"That means I'm rooming with Bobby?"

"Yea, but what's the big deal? It's not any different than the institute."

John sighed. "I just wanted my own room for a change...that's all."

"You could always kick Bobby out."

John's expression changed instantly liking the idea. "I think I will."

Rogue grinned. "Oh, I know you will."