Inked

by untouchable hexing witch

Jubilee needs a summer job before starting her college life. As an aspiring artists to be the idea of a tattoo shop isn't so bad. With the perk of having good looking co workers with interesting tattoo's that maybe have interesting stories to go with them, why not? [Jubilay][Amarto][Romy][Xietro][Jonda] [AU No Powers] In shorter Words: The X-men Evo Tattoo AU no one asked for.

9. Waves

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O AN O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Hi Y'all! I decided to update a few days earlier, so here I am ;)

Many hugs and kisses to the loyal followers of this fic! Clamchick (Haha you might have to wait a bit longer to get answers but glad you're here for the alcohol and chicken wings XD July was here in now time! Hope you enjoy this chapter! I know I definitely had fun writing it!), MisdirectionSmoothie and Lovely Smile. I wouldn't be as excited to update this without you so many thanks lovelies!

Well here we go again, I left you guys with somewhat of a cliffhanger, to make up for it this is a longer chapter! So read on, enjoy and if you're kind enough to drop me a review I would appreciate it! Ps: I said there was kissing in this one! Enjoy a nice smooch or two ;)

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O Chapter 9 O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

"What are you guys doing here?" Anna asked as the last two members of their groups joined them, dripping water all around them.

"Since when is it a crime to go to the beach?" Remy asked.

"Since you fuckers knew we would be here."

"What? No way! We had no idea!" John exclaimed, unbelievably.

Anna's eyes narrowed at him, before turning to Pietro, "What time are you guys leaving?"

"Hmm I don't know, maybe like 5pm."

"Five today?" Wanda asked and looked at her phone. "Fine I guess we can avoid you till then..."

"Oh, sorry, 5pm on Monday."

"WHAT?" Both sisters yelled out.

"Why? when are you guys leaving?" He asked innocently.

After a few seconds Jubilee and Amara took a step back as a lot of yelling started to happen between certain individuals. There were a lot of unrecognizable sentences with all their voices combined but tidbits that were audible were "Better leave us alone", "Stalkers", "Grouches", "Witches", "It's a free beach" and "Stay in your lane."

As the insults and demands kept going back and forth Jubilee took a moment to look over the enemy. John and Remy were wet to the bone. Both shirtless showcasing a set of impressive muscles and abs, and artwork that she had yet to see because well...most of the time these guys wore a lot more clothes. John wore a pair of flex shorts that hugged his thick legs nicely, Remy on the other hand wore enough to leave little to the imagination. His swimming briefs weren't small enough to consider a speedo but it was definitely not enough cloth to call them shorts either. She took one glance at the black swimwear before quickly looking away, even though she was so curious about the ink on his legs.

Roberto, Ray and Pietro were more conservavtive about their outfits. Roberto was shirtless and this was the first time she had a good view of the faces on his arm, though she had heard about them from Amara before, his trunks went a bit above the knee and were in a blue color. Pietro wore a blue tank top, his swimming trunks were in a dual color, black at the top and silver at the bottom that went to mid thigh. There were no tattoos on him that she could see anyway.

Her eyes finally settled on Ray. He was watching the group as they squabbled, his steel eyes going back and forth between the group of girls and boys. His lips were curled in a small smile as if knowing some secret no one else knew. He was the only one dressed as if he wasn't planning to get wet at all. His shorts were a jean like material in a dark gray color. He was again wearing a white shirt which surprised yet delighted her. Cobalt blue lines went across his front horizontally, the sleeves were tight on his arm showcasing his bicep and thunderstorm tattoo. He had sunglasses on his head dividing his orange bangs away from his natural blond hair.

She didn't finish admiring him as a loud yell interrupted the verbal duel. Pietro went in between both groups yelling multiple, "Hey, hey hey' and adding, "...no we are not drawing a line to divide the beach. What are you guys 4?" he asked, making the girl that was holding a stick and had already started drawing a line in the sand drop the wooden object.

"No," Anna answered, crossing her hands in front of her chest.

"Good, I was going to say Luna acts better than all of you! We're all adults here right? Let's act like it and you know...share." The way he said the word made them feel as if he were in fact speaking to children.

"Damn, when you're the parent in a group and it shows."

The silvered haired man ignored the comment from his orange haired friend. "We're here for some fresh air and relaxation. May I ask what you're doing here?" He asked, sounding very diplomatic. As he waited for an answer his sapphire orbs met with hazel green making similar eyes to his own roll.

That same person scoffed, "Don't act like you don't know." Pietro ignored his twin.

"We're here to celebrate my birthday," Laura finally answered.

"Happy birthday."

"It's tomorrow."

"Then I'll say it again tomorrow," he answered back.

Things got quiet for a few seconds. Some of the girls looked intently at some of the boys. Jubilee shared an awkward look with Amara before locking gaze with familiar steel gray that stirred something in her stomach.

He coughed and cleared his throat getting everyone's attention, "Look, it looks like we're all staying here for about the same amount of time and you know, some of us are actually pretty close to the birthday girl. Couldn't we all just stay here together in peace and I don't know, celebrate together."

"It doesn't look like you're giving us much choice," Anna stated.

Wanda turned to look at Laura who shrugged and mumbled, "It's fine." Wanda then turned back to the group, "Fine, we'll share the house and the beach...but do us a favor."

"What?"

"Stay the fuck away from us. Thanks, bye." She turned away from them and started heading towards the house. Anna and Laura followed soon after leaving Amara and Jubilee to stare after them before eventually turning to the guys giving them a tentative smile and running to catch up to the fiery trio.

"So much for a break," Wanda mumbled as they got out of ear shot.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Jubilee and Amara looked around in awe. They thought the house was impressive just because it was attached to the beach but now that they were inside they were impressed for a whole different reason. The house was massive. Wanda walked them through the garage door to a laundry room and from there she showed them the downstairs restroom, a guest room equipped with twin beds, the kitchen, dining and living room.

Once they had walked extensively through all of the rooms on the first floor she led them upstairs. The top held another bathroom, a rec room, two bedrooms with twin beds, three single bedded rooms and a master bedroom equipped with it's own personal bathroom.

It was very beautiful and both Anna and Wanda seemed to be in a good mood until they arrived at the rooms at the farthest end of the floor opposite of each other.

"What's wrong?" Laura asked, noticing them stop at the door frames.

"This is my room," Anna mumbled looking inside the room. Laura went over to it and took a look inside as well. Dark green colors, gothic style bed post, pretty obvious to be honest.

"It's nice."

"There's bags on the bed…"

"There is…"

"They're not mine."

"Oh…"

By this point Wanda had walked into what everyone else assumed was her own room. A few seconds later she walked out with an orange pack and threw it into the hallway. "Just toss it out." Anna followed suit and threw out the black backpack that had been in her own room.

When they came back out Wanda turned to them, "Well, make yourselves at home and choose a room."

Laura chose the bedroom next to Wanda that also held one bed. While she was leaving her stuff inside Jubilee saw an exchange between Anna and Wanda, deciding it wasn't an important look she made her way to the next room. It was one with twin beds making her turn to Amara and nod her head towards it. Amara then walked over to her and they both inspected the room and were happy to see that there were no bags in it so they were pretty sure they were safe. After they settled in and passed the two random bags in the hallway, they couldn't help but imagine that another argument between all the young adults was looming.

"Let's go get some sun before we head out. I think we can eat dinner out tonight, get groceries on the way back and end the night with a movie?"

Multiple girls nodded, liking the idea and when they were back to the bottom started heading towards the back porch that led to the beach.

"Oh before we go back to the beach do you guys want to see the pool yard?"

Laura, Jubilee and Amara all stopped walking to stare at the dual hair colored, green eyed girl.

"What's a pool yard?" Amara finally asked, the only thing coming to mind was the game with the poles and the balls that she had no idea how to play.

Anna perked a brow, "You know...where there's a pool...and a jacuzzi and grill...like a normal person's backyard?"

"...You have a pool at a beach house?" Jubilee asked skeptically.

Wanda and Anna shared a look before Wanda shrugged her shoulders back, "Sometimes we like getting wet without the sand...so you guys want to check it out or not?"

"YES!" Came the eager replies and with that the tour continued.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

The prospect of pretending that the boys were not there would have gone very well...if the first thing one of the ladies mentioned really loudly as soon as they had gotten their beach equipment out was, "Damn, too bad there aren't any men to set this stuff up for us..."

Jubilee had heard that Pietro was fast from random stories that Wanda and Anna had mentioned but she found out first hand how fast he really was as he rushed over to help Laura set up the canopy. Help. as in pretty much do it for her with some of Roberto and Ray's help that is.

Due to this kind gesture and the fact that a volleyball net was also brought out, the boys took it as some type of peace offering and hovered around their beach encampment.

The volleyball equipment wasn't used for quite a while though. Amara and herself had traveled to the water bed where they started building a sandcastle. They were sucking at it but definitely attempting it. Like a knight in shining armor though, Roberto joined them after a bit, wowing both of them as he towered wet sand on top of itself like nothing.

Under the canopy Anna was laying on a beach chair, she was wearing sunglasses making it hard to tell if she was actually reading her book or looking at them. Pietro laid beside her on a towel, his head in hands taking a nap. In the distance Wanda and Laura's figures were apparent on the porch deck. Remy and John had stuck to surfing, staying close to the waves the beach was providing.

When they eventually got tired of it they found themselves playing frisbee. By that time Wanda and Laura had made their way back and went over to inspect the sand castle. As soon as they had finished looking it over a loud 'fuck' rang out making everyone turn towards the canopy.

Green eyes were narrowed and looking towards the frisbee playing dual. Her glasses were sideways and her book was on Pietro's back as he looked around confused, being woken up by the added weight.

"Desolé." Remy called out, she could only imagine that that word meant sorry, but if she was going to be honest he didn't look sorry at all.

Anna got up from her chair and started making her way towards him, but knowing that it wasn't going to go well, Pietro quickly got up and followed her, grabbing her by the wrist.

"I'm sure it was an accident!"

"It sure was," Remy remarked, looking anything but innocent, then again maybe that was just his natural look. All devil may care.

John was also smirking beside him, he turned his attention to the sand castles group and licked his lips as his eyes scanned the raven haired girl of the group. "Now that everyone is up, how about a little game?"

"Game?" Wanda asked with a perked eyebrow. John's head tilted towards the volleyball net.

Wanda exchanged a look with Laura who in turn looked at the younger girls. "What do you think?"

"I'll play," Amara quickly answered and got up dusting the sand off her hands. Jubilee shrugged but got up as well.

"Anna?" Wanda called out.

Anna looked at the older men before her, "Girls versus guys?"

"Yeah that's fine, I don't know if it's an actual advantage but if that's how you girls want it."

Anna pulled herself from Pietro's grip and went towards the net. Soon the others followed and the game went underway. Throughout the first game everything was pretty fair and innocent. There was a lot of back and forth and the girls would rotate positions. To the surprise of the boys Amara and Jubilee seemed to know what they were doing so the advantage they thought they had pretty much diminished.

Everything was good...

That was until the southern duo faced each other as middle hitters. The ball was thrown towards the girls and Anna jumped to make contact and did in fact hit the ball. Hard, spiking it directly into the face of the Cajun. The smack it made was loud and they all stayed frozen in shock.

"Whoops," she muttered nonchalantly after a few seconds. "It was an accident ."

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

After that small incident the rest of the games went smoothly. The main reason being that they moved people around. Jubilee found herself on the same team as Amara, Roberto. Ray and Laura. They did pretty well and hadn't kept score but if she was going to guess she would say they might have lost by one point.

After their games, the boys did what was asked of them earlier and did not linger around the ladies. Something they appreciated since they had to get ready for dinner. They didn't leave though before letting them know that some of them had been kicked out from the rooms they had chosen, good luck figuring that out but if they touched any of their stuff they'd die.

They hadn't seemed happy about that but didn't get to fight them on it as they promptly left.

When they arrived at their destination Laura had been happy it wasn't anything overly fancy like her date with Pietro had been. Deciding that she wanted to eat like a carnivore, she wanted steak so they went out to a local steak house that ended up serving them yummy food and drinks, at least for those old enough to indulge. Considering that the older girls had had a few drinks Jubilee offered to drive and safely get them back to the house once their night was over.

"You have a heavy ass foot," Anna commented while getting out of the convertible.

"Sorry! It's been a while since I actually drove."

"Do you drive Amara?" Laura asked. "I've always seen you either walking to join up with Jubilee or get dropped off."

"No, I don't."

"How come?" the hazel green eyed girl asked, suddenly curious.

"Mom always says there's a chauffeur at home. That I don't need to go through the trouble."

"Sounds nice," Wanda commented while walking up to the house.

"Count me out, driving's therapeutic for me," Laura remarked following closely behind.

"Just for you because your passengers definitely don't think it's therapeutic.."

Laura stopped walking causing Anna to crash into her, "Shut up! I'm a good driver!"

"Sure you are." Anna answered and both girls started arguing with each other.

"Hey, there's no lights and it's pretty quiet in there. Do you think the guys are asleep?" Amara asked, looking around curiously while Wanda struggled to unlock the door.

Laura made a raspberry type sound, "It's said that the wicked don't sleep and a lot of those boys are definitely wicked."

As she finished her statement Wanda got the door unlocked and the five girls jumbled in, ending up in the kitchen a few minutes later.

"More drinks?" Laura asked around. Anna shrugged and took a beer the shorter girl was providing. Wanda had gone upstairs briefly but when she came back she took a beer as well and mentioned that the guys were probably asleep. All the doors to their rooms were closed and she had even gone to take a look inside the garage, the jeep was still there.

Anna looked at her watch noticing that it would be midnight soon "And here I thought they were going to keep us up late. What should we do now?"

Wanda pursed her lips as if trying to decide if she wanted them to be loud and wake them up. After a minute or so she sighed, "Let's just watch a movie in the living room. I guess we can be nice today and keep the voice level down...Amara, Jubes there's some wine coolers. Low alcohol in case you guys want something light."

With those words the older girls made their way towards the living room as quietly as possible. Jubilee followed but not before grabbing a wine cooler herself. Amara decided on water mumbling something about calories.

They made themselves comfortable on different couches in the living room and after some discussion about what genre movie they should watch, they settled on a comedy. About thirty minutes into it they started hearing sounds from outside.

Amara looked around paranoid and panicked. "What's that?" She asked.

"It's probably just your imagination." Jubilee murmured though she had a death grip on her arm.

There was another sound that sounded like a cackle. Wanda's eyes narrowed and turned to the window while Laura took the remote control from her side and turned the volume down. The chaotic laughter was heard again.

"Guess they weren't sleeping angels after all," Anna remarked as the front door opened and the laughter was heard louder and clearer.

A minute later all five males made their way into the room they were in.

"Oh hey! You guys are home already? We thought you were going to be out longer," Pietro commented while leaning deep into the top of the couch Wanda was on.

Her nose scrunched as the stench of alcohol hit her. "We haven't been home long. You didn't take the car?"

"Town isn't that far away," he mumbled as his face pressed into the couch and started sinking deeper.

"Whoa...I think it's time for bed. I'll help him upstairs," Roberto grabbed onto the silver haired man's shoulders to keep him from falling deeper into the couch.

"What a light weight," Ray smirked and watched Roberto help the older male walk.

"It's because he has no fat," Roberto answered and after a few seconds Ray started helping him with the tall boy.

"Good night ladies," Roberto waved, managing to throw a wink in Amara's general direction and soon those three were out of the room.

The two older guys scanned the room before Remy's lips parted, "I'm pretty sure one of those strippers slipped something in his drink," the comment was only meant for John but he said it loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. After the words were murmured he also left the room not bothering with good nights. John watched him go, when he was gone he turned back to the girls.

"We didn't really go to a strip club, we just went to that bar by the port."

"No one cares."

He pressed his lips together, expression as if he wanted to say something but deciding against it he turned and walked out of the room mumbling a good night as he went.

Jubilee found herself scanning the room, Amara certainly had looked like she cared. Anna was on her phone tapping on the screen but looked like she didn't care, Laura was watching the doorway looking perplexed, Wanda may have said she didn't care but her aggressive tone kinda said she cared and Jubilee herself couldn't help thinking the words had made her a bit annoyed. Maybe she cared a little bit. Either way none of them spoke again until the movie was over.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O Next Morning O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Jubilee woke up in the morning with her stomach grumbling. There was an aroma in the air that she knew but couldn't quite place in her groggy state. All she knew for sure was that she needed to get up and go find it! She sat up and turned to the twin bed a few feet away from her to comment that she was hungry to Amara but she found the bed empty.

A few minutes later she found herself walking down the cold wooden floor of the upstairs hallway passing empty bedrooms. It seemed like she was the last one to wake up.

As she wondered why Amara didn't wake her up, the delicious aroma eventually led her into the kitchen where she found herself going through a sense of deja vu. A moment in the past of helping make pizzas coming to mind.

"Morning," Ray greeted when he caught sight of her before his gaze went back down to the frying pan in his hand.

"Hey, where's everyone at?"

"Most are eating out back but others went for a jog this morning and haven't returned."

"Hmm," was her reply while walking over to him to see what he was working on. There were multiple plates to the side of him, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausages. Directly in front of him was a loaf of brioche bread, a big bowl of yellow goo and a wide bowl of a brown and white mixture.

"Help yourself," he grabbed a piece of bread while motioning to everything else with his other hand.

She didn't answer him but watched him dip the piece of bread in the yellow goo before smothering it in the powder mixture and putting it into the pan. The bread sizzled and the aroma that had woken her up hit her strong.

"What is in that?" She asked, watching him flip the bread.

"It's my own secret recipe for cinnamon French toast."

"It smells amazing," she murmured and moved closer to the pan to get a good whiff.

"Well I guess I know what you're having. How many do you want?"

"All of them," she responded without hesitation watching it sizzle.

He smirked, "How about we start you off with three and we'll see if you can handle more. Take some eggs too," he prompted while putting the pieces of french toast on a plate. "If you actually finish them I'll make you more..." With those added words he dipped a finger into the powdered dip and surprised both of them as he ran that same finger on her bottom lip.

Realizing what he had impulsively done his eyes widened and he looked away from her putting another bread into the dip and focusing on the stove. Jubilee took this as her sign to go. She walked out towards the back patio in somewhat of a daze, her tongue subconsciously running over the grains of sugar.

"Morning!" Amara greeted happily at seeing her and motioned for her to go over to her.

"Morning," Jubilee mumbled quietly and took the seat next to her, making Amara eye her carefully.

"What's wrong with you? Didn't sleep well?" Anna asked.

Before she had a chance to reply Wanda added, "What's on the corner of your lip?"

Jubilee tongue went to the corner of her mouth where there was cinnamon residue left, "Breakfast," she answered and looked down at her food. If any of them found the actions odd they didn't say and went back to their normal conversation. After a minute or so she looked up to look at everyone.

Anna and Wanda were in deep conversation. Amara was listening, her hands holding a fork that was moving around the fruit in her plate but never actually picking it up to eat. Roberto's eyes were focused on her dark skinned friend, watching her pensively. Before she could call him out on it Ray made his way outside with a plate in his hands and sat beside his friend, that made the Brazilian young man finally look away.

Realizing that someone was missing from their girl group Jubilee suddenly asked, "where's Laura?"

No one got a chance to answer because as if knowing she was being summoned the sound of multiple footsteps were heard from outside towards the front of the house.

Soon a figure breezed by the porch they were sitting on, his hands high in the air in a v shape acting as if he had just passed through the winning line of a race. A few seconds later Laura followed, stopping in front of the silver haired man, her hands going to her knees as she took heavy breaths in and out.

"Slow poke."

"Sorry, but not all of us are made of just bones," Laura argued.

"Hey! I have muscle!" Pietro whined back but before she had a chance to respond the third runner came into view.

John stopped gracefully beside them. He was not out of breath or seemed phased at all by the fact that he hadn't kept up with the other two. His hand rose to wipe the small beads of sweat off his forehead before removing one of his air pods.

Pietro looked past him, "Where's your buddy?"

At the question John looked over his shoulder and shrugged, "I didn't check but he should have been right behind me. I'm actually surprised he didn't pass me up."

Laura rolled her eyes, "There were girls at the pier."

The two boys 'Oh''d understanding the implications before moving to get on the porch with the others.

"Breakfast is on the stove," Ray remarked pointing inside.

"Thanks, "Pietro responded and headed inside.

"I'm going to shower before I eat," John answered and then proceeded to take off the shirt he was wearing. The sun had done him a huge favor from the previous day because his skin held a nice tan glow, a glow that seemed to have captivated a set of sapphire blue eyes. He hadn't noticed the stare, deciding to walk inside as soon as the garment was completely off.

Jubilee turned to Laura who was watching her raven haired friend closely before turning to her feeling the gaze on her. She opened her mouth but before she could say anything Ray dragged his plate of food towards her.

"Happy birthday."

At the words the rest of the table came to life and started shouting, replaying the words and soon the shortest member in the group found herself trying to run away from them as they started to sing.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O Later O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Jubilee turned the keychain holder, waiting for something to catch her eye. Eventually one of them did, it was a rectangular shape, with a picture of the shore and name of the beach they were at, on it. The part that had gotten her attention the most though were the fireworks in the sky.

"It's nice."

She looked over her shoulder to Wanda who was taking a glance at the keychain. "It is...do they really do fireworks like that?"

"They do but usually for big town events or holidays. We probably just missed the Fourth of July fireworks actually. They do them for the whole weekend."

"Aww.." was the disappointed reply.

"You like fireworks?"

"Yeah, they're pretty..."

"Hmm..." Wanda mumbled before making her way towards some of the others, "You should get that one then...it suits you."

Jubilee didn't verbally answer but did take the keychain off the rack. She then stood up tall and made her way through another aisle of the store they were exploring. After breakfast most of the girls had vetoed Laura's decision of just staying in. Instead they had dragged her out stating that they had yet to get her any birthday presents and they ended up at a souvenir store close to town.

After doing a full circle and not finding anything too interesting she made her way to the birthday girl.

"Ok so I admit defeat and have to say I have no idea what you'd like from this store. Sorry, pretty sure that makes me a crappy friend so please pick whatever you'd like and I'll buy it."

Laura smirked, "You're not a crappy friend. Truth is I wouldn't get anything from here either way."

"You don't like anything?"

"No it's not that. Some stuff is nice, it's the prices," she grabbed a tag from a nearby item, "they're outrageous." She looked at the price and winced, she had similar feelings about it. Forty Five dollars for a shirt was a bit much. "I have the money for it, don't get me wrong, but growing up the way I did makes you double think about the things you get..."

Before she had a chance to reply they turned as someone called their names. It was Wanda and she was across the way waving them over.

"We were too busy yesterday so we didn't get a chance to get our feet wet. Are you guys down for it today?"

They nodded while giving separate replies of 'yeah' and 'sure'. The red tipped girl looked across the way and nodded at her step sister waiting for her reply.

"If by getting my feet wet you mean the pool then that's fine."

"You're such a brat," the older girl responded while rolling her eyes, "but I guess wet is wet...you guys brought bathing suits?"

"I have a shirt and some shorts," Jubilee replied.

Wanda gave her a look before turning to Laura who was smirking but nodded, "I have mine."

Wanda nodded at her in confirmation, "And I know you have yours..." she added not bothering to look at Anna but turning to Amara.

"I was planning on getting one..."

"Great! I'll help you. Laura, help Jubilee find something."

"But I have..."

"Drop it, come on," the shorter girl mumbled and grabbed her hand, dragging her to the other side of the rack.

Thirty minutes later they were outside of the store, bags in hand.

"I can't believe I just got a bathing suit that cost more than sixty bucks. It cost more than that shirt we looked at!" Jubilee whined and turned to the girl beside her.

"Hey at least it was a gift," Laura stated looking both ways down the busy street.

"You didn't get one."

"Cause I like the one I have," she answered simply.

Jubilee frowned nonetheless and started to move as the leader of their group started walking down the street.

"You guys want to go get some ice cream and then head to the pier? It's rare but ever so often you can see dolphins when you walk to the end. Birthday girl?"

"Yeah that sounds fine. What are we doing for food?"

"How do burgers sound?"

"Bomb."

"Cool cause Pietro suggested it and said he'd buy everything so hopefully those losers will already have things started by the time we get back." Laura's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, suddenly not liking the idea that her dinner was paid for by the silver haired twin.

Jubilee noticed and smirked, "Hey at least it's a gift."

The short girl answered by narrowing her eyes at the Asian but didn't answer as she followed the others.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

The first thing Anna noticed when she walked into the kitchen once they were back at the house was the grocery bags on the counter. "So much for thinking they were going to get things started," she remarked dryly as Wanda walked around the counter to look inside the bags.

"Goes to show you can't trust them to do anything." Wanda agreed, shaking her head.

"Well they still went and bought the food," Amara remarked brightly, "that counts for something doesn't it?"

"Ok...which one do you like?" Anna asked, making the younger girl turn red.

"What?!" Amara exclaimed.

"There's no way you're defending them just to defend them, so it's got to mean you're into one of them, which one?"

"No, It's not like that..." Amara's hands started waving around in front of her.

"It doesn't matter which one it is, let's go get you in that one piece so whoever it might be will eat his heart out," Laura winked and put an arm around her leading her towards the stairs to their rooms.

Jubilee chucked as she followed leaving the two older goths. Anna perked a brow at her step sister who shrugged and said, "Berto."

"Oh no! But he's such a flirt!"

"He's actually cooled it," Wanda stated, taking food out of the bags.

"Since when?"

"Since meeting her," both her brows wiggled up suggestively.

"What do you know, I guess even charmers can be tamed."

"Hmm, come on let's go change so we can start cooking because apparently if we leave it to the men it'll never get done."

"What men? The only guys I've seen around here are boys."

Wanda shook her head and started nudging her stepsister out the door, "Maybe we should listen to Amara and give them the benefit of the doubt. Who knows maybe they didn't get to it because they were being productive."

"I can't believe you just said that. Is the world ending?"

"Come on," she said and nudged again.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

"What the hell are you guys doing?" Wanda's question. The girls had just finished getting dressed and were making their way to the backyard with the food in hand, ready to get dinner started. However what they found back there made them stop in their tracks, some with their jaws open in surprise, some with eyerolls and the one who had spoken with straight lips in unamusement.

In front of them, Pietro was in the pool, his arms leaning on the edge. The other four stooges stood before him in different positions. John was standing to the side, holding a somewhat long mirror to his chest, angling it so that the sun hit the pale younger boy just right. Roberto was directly in front of him, his posture in somewhat of a side squat with his phone in front of him. Ray was standing next to the dark skinned boy, his own phone out with music blaring out of it. Remy was just in the back of all of them with a huge grin on his features.

Pietro looked over to them, "Making some good content for all the ladies on my social media," he answered casually as if he was doing nothing wrong. His sapphire orbs briefly connected with annoyed hazel green eyes before turning back to Roberto, "How was that? Good or should we do it again?"

At the question Roberto pulled his phone towards himself and replayed the video he had just shot. "It works but I think you can do better. John, move the mirror a little to the right..."

"You're serious?" Wanda asked while John made the adjustments. "We leave you guys alone for a few hours and you think this is the best use of your time? Did you guys even start the grill like I asked?"

"Nope," Pietro answered, "Start the song from the start Ray."

Wanda's mouth went agape, the frustration becoming clear on her face. "It's not worth it," Laura remarked, grabbing on to her arm and giving a small pull, "Let's get the grill ready cause I don't want to starve."

Wanda shook off the hold and walked over to Ray taking his phone away. "Here, I have a good song for you..."

Everyone watched her curiously before she handed the phone back to Ray. The song started making Anna and Laura smirk while the younger girl's mouth turned into big O's while Wanda passed them and made her way to the fire grill.

/You such a whore, ooh…I need her, when she on me I don't feel so lonely/

The beat continued with some graphic remarks making Amara turn and give Jubilee a look, before she could whisper to her though both younger girls turned back to the pool where the silver haired male called out to his twin, "Jokes on you sis, I like this song."

"You would," Laura commented, making him turn to her. His lips smirked up before he dipped into the pool only to come back up and put his weight into his arms as he pushed himself upwards protruding all his muscles as water dripped down his body.

Laura's eyes invertedly followed a water drop before realizing what she was doing and turning to follow Wanda. The younger girls followed shortly, Jubilee shaking her head in an amused manner. Anna stayed behind and turned to the boy farthest from the action.

"And you? Waiting for your turn?" She mocked making the Cajun scoff.

"I don't need these types of cheap tricks to get girls."

They shared a look and ignored the "fuck you" directed at the Louisiana native by the silver haired male in the group. Anna turned without adding anything else after that.

A few minutes later the girls found themselves occupied with their own duties. Wanda had started the grill and was watching the flame checking to make sure it was hot enough before putting the meat on top. Laura proved she was good with sharp things as she sliced into the veggies, handling the knife in her hand as if it was an extension of herself on the side table besides the grill. Anna had the bag of silverware in her hand ready to start setting the table. Amara and Jubilee had been instructed to sit on the bench, being considered the special guest. Something they both whined about for a bit since they felt bad that the birthday girl was helping.

Eventually after a few minutes of repetition of Pietro's sexy song in the background, someone started getting annoyed.

"Ok I need you to drown that out with something before I take one of those plastic knives and jab him in the eye with it." Anna grinned at her step sister and her mouth parted but before she could say 'go ahead' Laura tapped a few screens on her phone and music blared from the small device. It took a few seconds but soon the instrumental was familiar to the older girls as well.

Laura started tapping her foot on the ground, "Much better," she murmured and nodded her head at Anna, her lips parting to silently mouth the words that came out in a robotic tone, 'That Girl is Psycho' and nodded at her.

After a few beats Anna seemed to take that as her queue, "They call me killer, call me some kind of freak...But they keep calling me, they're calling on me…" she threw the table cloth over the table, her hips doing a small sway as she went. "Oh yeah, I've got 'em praying, sweating and shaking... Now I've got my eye set on you…" she pointed at Laura who shrugged her shoulders up, her expression reading that that wasn't such a bad thing.

The younger girls shared a look and chuckled at the antics before turning their attention back on the older females.

Anna was setting the plates, and by their count she was also putting down plates for the 'No good Moochers' at the pool. She suddenly stopped and slid her own finger across her bottom lip, "Portrayed as poison, my past lovers and mine…" after the small gesture, which made Wanda shake her head as she watched, she went back to placing the plates. "Hell yeah, I curse their mothers, fathers and brothers, for the hell they all put me through…"

'That girl is psycho' Laura once again mouthed the words as the robotic voice said the words from her phone. As she did so, the knife in her head went to the side of her temple and turned, making the motions for the general sign of crazy. When Anna's lips parted next she was no longer singing but speaking in her regular tone.

"They all tell me that I'm evil…" Anna stopped mid-step around the table to look pensive.

(That girl is psycho)

"That I'll never be one of them…" She started her stroll again making her way to the grill.

(That girl is psycho)

"They wanna see me burn…" She stopped next to her step-sister putting an arm around her.

(That girl is psycho)

She turned her emerald orbs to look into sapphire ones, "You wouldn't do that to me, would you?" It was Wanda's turn to put on a pensive expression as she thought about it, making Anna roll her eyes and push her away.

She made her way back to the table, setting the last few plates she had in her hand, "Well I'm psycho, voodoo, that's what they say about me. I've got you...under my spell And I'm psycho, voodoo, that's what they say about me…" her eyes went up and looked towards where the boys were, "What will you say about me?" She then looked away and went back into the bag of silverware to get the cups.

Remy had looked away from Pietro's antics from the moment the girls had walked away. He had taken his time watching them one by one. Unlike the day before they were all in swimwear, guess they were ready to get their feet wet. The younger girls were very beautiful, but he was easily able to see that they were at the age where they themselves didn't yet feel comfortable announcing it to the whole world.

(That girl is psycho)

Amara wore a white peekaboo swimsuit cover. The openings in it made it obvious that her swimsuit was a purple one piece. Jubilee wore a two piece, the bottoms were high waisted, black with multiple sunflowers designed on it. Her top was a flowy yellow halter top. Again both girls were very cute. He briefly hoped that the few times he had flirted with them hadn't given them the wrong idea at any point. Being a charmer was a part of his persona, his sudden fame the last year and a half hadn't helped that much but he could say for sure that he had no interest in the younger girls. Good thing for at least one of his friends, he thought to himself, noting that Roberto had found a sudden interest in watching the ladies as well.

They've turned their backs

His eyes moved and settled on Laura. Her swimsuit was a one piece as well, but her confidence showed with the huge cutout in the center that made it seem more like a two piece outfit. Wanda wore a two piece, dark red in color, the bottoms were high waisted, cloth criss crossing at her front. Her top was in a caged style with pieces of cloth running down her front connecting to top. She finished her outfit with a mesh shirt that really didn't hide anything. He was sure his friend and bandmate wasn't minding the view.

(That girl is psycho)

Last but definitely not least was the pale goddess of the X-men. His former French student, who had definitely grown into her own from those former days. Physically and well, vocally as well as she was proving at the moment while she sang along with the familiar song coming from Laura's phone. She wore a simple two piece black swimsuit. He would have to say that he was surprised that it seemed she was the one showing the most skin, well she would have if not for the tight long sleeve cover up dress she wore, but even with that she was showing more than enough skin. The cover up had a huge cut out at the center not only showing off the curves of her bosom but it was low enough that it went down past her navel.

If they wanna see evil...

It wasn't until he was done watching her set the cups next to each plate that he noticed that the music from Ray's phone had stopped and he turned to see that all the boys were watching the femmes. Guess they were finished making the video for the 'gram', and now maybe it was time for him to join in on the fun.

(That girl is psycho)

"They haven't seen anything yet," Anna continued, not noticing that she was being watched. She went to the bag once again and took out napkins, going back into the chorus of the song. "Well, I'm psycho, voodoo...that's what they say about me. I've got you under my spell And I'm psycho, voodoo, that's what they say about me. What will you say about me?" As she sang she was placing a napkin under each plate. She got to the last plate which was across the way from where she was and her body moved forward to place the last napkin but before she could finish she was surprised when a figure loomed above the plate pushing their own body forward towards her.

(That girl is psycho)

Amara and Jubilee looked on in surprise and after a few seconds Roberto sat next to Amara on the bench, his phone pointing towards the two southerners who were now face to face. Jubilee looked over her shoulder to see that Ray was standing besides her watching on too. Before she could question him on what they were doing, she looked back to the table as a masculine voice went along with the song now.

(That girl is psycho)

"I've seen her call upon the gods of the darkness…" Remy's head swayed sideways and forward so that their noses were almost touching, "Witnessed her speaking to the demons of man…" she leaned back placing space between them as one of his hands ran down his voodoo priest tattoo before placing it back on the table. "Driven the pyres down the road of perversion…" his eyes went from her eyes downwards down her body before going back up to her face and smirking, "She must burn..."

(That girl is psycho)

Everyone froze, watching the duo as they stared off at each other, most of them waiting to see how Anna was going to respond.

(That girl is psycho)

She shook her head before throwing the napkin at him and moving back both of their voices combing for the chorus, "Well I'm psycho, voodoo, that's what they say about me…I've got you...under my spell…"

Wanda shook her head and looked away from the spectacle. Soon afterwards she felt warmth beside her and she turned to the side to see that John had made his way to her. Without saying a word his hand outstretched towards her. She rolled her eyes but handed him the spatula so that he could worry about the burger meat she had placed on the black top.

"And I'm psycho, voodoo, that's what they say about me... What will you say about me?" Anna walked around the table, Remy moving his lips and body along with her so that they stayed opposite of each other.

"What are you doing?" Amara whispered as Roberto kept his phone on the pair.

(That girl is psycho)

"An X-men versus an Acolyte, this is going to get a million likes," he whispered back.

What will you say about me?

"Well it'll definitely get a like from me," Jubilee whispered, "I wasn't expecting dinner and a show."

"I don't think any of us were."

Jubilee arched her back as a tingle went down her spine at how close the voice had been. She looked over her shoulder to see that Ray had leaned forward so his face was closer to her own.

(That girl is psycho)

"But they definitely keep things lively."

"I'll say," she agreed and decided to add, "By the way...I've noticed the," she paused searching for the right word, "friction between those two before. Does it carry any weight? I mean I know a lot of you have history so I guess I'm just curious."

(That girl is psycho)

Both boys turned to look at their dual haired color bandmate, who was still going at it vocally.

"I know that Remy was her and Kurt's French tutor while they were in school. After his senior year he went back home for a few years before he came back and joined the Acolytes, but I don't believe they stayed in touch," Roberto remarked.

"Anna's just aggressive," Ray answered. "She gets like that with the Brotherhood too. It's all about band sportsmanship."

Roberto went back to looking at the southerners, "True, but you got to admit, she definitely brings her "A" game harder when it comes to Remy." At the words the rest of them turned towards them as well. Remy was smirking at the annoyed looking goth, her head shaking back and forth.

What will you say about me?

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Laura felt like her eyes were heavy. She couldn't deny that it had been a pretty nice day. Sure she had had to spend her birthday with uninvited guest but all things considered they had made some of the moments of her birthday weekend eventful and humorous. She grinned, remembering the expression on Remy's face after Anna had hit him with that volleyball the day prior.

"You look like the cat that just ate the canary." One of her eyes forced itself open to stare at the charming Cajun devil himself.

After they had eaten together they had all chilled and jumped into the pool. A few games of freeze tag, follow the leader and Marco polo later they had all drifted to different places. Some had decided to stay in the pool, some took the ATV's out for spins, and others herself included moved over to the jacuzzi.

"What can I say, it was a good birthday. I think I'm over being pruney though so I'm out..." she wiggled her fingers in front of her face watching the dips of her skin before starting to stand and going towards her dual haired color friend.

Anna's body was at the edge of the tub, her head was resting on her arms in a very comfortable way and her eyes were closed.

"Leave her be..." Laura stopped mid step and turned to the southern man. He was sitting at the opposite end with his arms sprawled out on the edge. Though his head was tilted back she could see his iris on her. "She seems really relaxed. Are you sure you want to wake a lion from it's nap?" He added watching the curious look.

She thought about it for a moment and instead made her way towards the stairs to get out. "If you drown her I'll kill you in the slowest, most painful way you can think of."

"Why would I drown her?" Remy asked, not helping the smirk that curled on his face, "You guys aren't as big of a competition as you think."

"Right, keep telling yourself that but if there's anyone who can kick you off that high pedestal you've put yourselves on, it's her. Anyway, I said drowning because I thought you might want revenge for that good hit she got on your face..." with that she got out of the pool.

He didn't comment on either comment and didn't watch as she wrapped a towel around her small frame. When she was wrapped up she took another glance at Anna before making her way inside. Before she completely disappeared Remy's voice stopped her.

"I think I'm going to follow her example and take a nap, you mind dimming the lights."

She didn't answer but he heard the patio door close. After a few seconds of waiting and no change in the lighting he made to get out to go do it himself but soon enough the lights did in fact dim and he found himself sinking back into the warmness of the water, letting the small bubbles massage his back while his eyes stayed on the creamy pale skin opposite of him.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Jubilee couldn't stop laughing. She liked to think that she was quite adventurous, she had done her fair share of crazy stunts back home but she had yet to ride a SuperATV, let alone race with one and she had to admit that it was quite the experience. She was truly happy she had come on this trip. Hell she was really happy Amara had dared her to apply at Scarlet Ink in the first place because none of what she'd experienced in the last few weeks would have been possible without it.

She sighed contently, while grabbing the top rail of the blue SuperATV she stood by. Her body leaned forward, having her thighs press against the door while her eyes watched the white foam of the waves crashing amongst themselves in front of her. She almost forgot she wasn't alone until vape smoke went into her line of vision and a sweet smell hit her.

Her eyes left the ocean and looked down. Ray was sitting in the SuperATV, his back leaning against the door, her thighs were against, knees bent and his feet flat on the other seat. His stormy eyes were on the waves before them with his hand in mid air ready to take another hit of his vape whenever he deemed necessary.

"You seemed very relaxed," she commented.

"I feel very relaxed," he agreed and she watched his lips twitch upwards. "It feels like it's been forever since we've gone out and done something. I mean I went to the beach a few weeks ago but that trip blew."

"How come?"

"Eh, I think sometimes people can't really be friends after dating."

The blonde haired, blue-eyed bombshell Tabitha came to mind. "Hmm..." she mumbled and took a moment to look behind them towards the back porch of the house. Roberto and Amara had been with them a while ago. Amara had been complaining that she was starting to get cold and Roberto thought changing sounded like a great idea so they had both run off but had yet to return.

"How about you? Enjoying yourself."

His question made her turn back to him, "Yeah, this was a first for me but it was definitely a fun one. It helps that we kicked your guys' asses."

"You know I'm not going to lie, I'm super surprised you were going that fast. You have a bit of a dare devil in you."

"Sometimes you need that thrill," she grinned.

"I don't think your friend agrees. Pretty sure she's not coming back because she's scared that you're going to force her to another round."

Jubilee laughed, "she's probably not wrong. I guess it's a good thing Roberto decided to keep her company."

"That guy...you know I think he may actually like her. I mean he's always been a flirt so when he started flirting with her I didn't think anything of it but the fact that he's taking his own time to train her and he's not getting anything out of it, it makes me wonder."

"Right? I think so too! For me it's just noticing that he has actually toned down the flirting. Should we play matchmaker?" She asked, grinning widely.

"Count me out. That kind if shit just brings trouble."

"And here I thought you liked getting into trouble," she teased.

"What makes you think that?" He asked and moved his head up to stare at her.

She shrugged, "The look and attitude you carry." She eyed the box in his hand with interest, "I mean you vape, isn't that the ultimate bad boy thing?"

He laughed at that, the sound making a tingle run down her spine. She had heard him laugh before but that might have been the first time that she was the cause. He continued his chuckle, the action making his head move against her stomach and suddenly she started to feel flutters.

"If you say so," he remarked after he had composed himself.

"I haven't tried it yet..." she added after a few seconds. He looked at her curiously inquiring as to what she was talking about. She nodded her head towards the little black box in answer bringing to mind a moment at his apartment.

"Did you want to?"

"Maybe."

"Wow, I didn't know you were this much of a bad girl," the teasing tone made the butterflies already flying in her stomach flutter even more.

"Shut up, what flavor do you have," she answered, trying to ignore the way her body was reacting to the simple words.

"Guess," he answered and took a hit, blowing it in her direction.

The sweet smell hit her and it smelled familiar but she couldn't place it.

"Do it again..." she commanded. He followed the instructions, but she still couldn't quite place the smell. "Here one more time but first let me..." she didn't finish her sentence and instead started putting her thoughts into action.

Ray watched her curiously as she looked down at him and started messing up her hair, putting it all down towards his face. "What are you doing?" He finally asked.

"I'm making a wall," she responded, parting her hair evenly making sure her ebony locks were in fact making a wall around her face.

"For?"

"So you can blow it directly into my face and that way none of the smell can escape and I can guess it right. Duh!"

Ray's curious look turned into a baffled expression, he did not think that would work and his expression told her so but her determined features made him sigh. He took a hit of the black box and held the inhale then moved his head back so that she could finish setting her face directly in front of his.

"Ok, I'm ready. Blow."

Again, he did as commanded and the sweet aroma of his vape did in fact fill the cylinder wall she had made with her hair.

As she breathed it in, Jubilee couldn't help but laugh. The situation she had made for herself processing and making her realized how dumb it had sounded to begin with.

"What's funny?"

Jubilee stopped laughing at how close and husky the whisper had been. She felt her heart skip a few beats as she suddenly found herself closer to those haunting steel orbs than she had ever been before. Her lips parted to try and speak, to say that nothing was funny. Her mind was trying to tell her body that it was time to straighten up and move away but both betrayed her and soon she found her eyes closing and her face leaning down.

It was strange. She had been expecting it to take an eternity before she felt her lips on his but the gap had been closed pretty easily. Her nose poked at his chin as their lips stayed connected and it wasn't very long before his lips parted, taking hers in between.

The pucker sound of their lips disconnecting is what awakened her from her trance. Her eyes opened wide and her body straightened in a fast movement that would put Pietro to shame.

When Ray lazily opened his eyes, his lips still somewhat parted, she was gone. He sighed and stayed seated in the SuperATV, eventually returning his gaze back to the crashing waves.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Laura took a look at herself in the mirror. She had taken a quick rinse after getting out of the jacuzzi and was currently applying lotion on her skin before leaving her room to see who she would find.

Wanda had disappeared sometime after dinner. The last time she had seen Amara and Jubilee they were busy playing on the quads with Ray and Roberto. Anna and Remy were probably still lounging around in the jacuzzi leaving John and Pietro who knows where.

Feeling that the best thing to do next would be to go get Anna out of the jacuzzi especially because she had already left her alone with the Cajun for far too long, she made her way down the hall with her destination in mind. She however didn't make it past the second floor. While passing the upstairs lounge room she noticed that the big screen tv was on. Worst yet one of her favorite movies was on, she definitely wasn't going anywhere now. She walked over to stand behind the couch, the silver hair poking over it making it obvious who was watching.

"Interesting choice of movie," she commented, making him look over his shoulder to glance at her. "A little childish for you don't you think?"

"It's more out of habit now. Luna makes me watch this one all the time."

"Hmm..." she answered, her expression softening somewhat.

"So, how did you enjoy your day?" He asked, tipping his neck at an angle to stare at her.

Deciding she was in a good mood she moved to walk around and sit on the couch he was on. Reminding herself that again she just really liked this movie, it had nothing to do with the fact that he was there.

"It was a good day, all things considered."

"Meaning?"

"It was a good day even though you guys decided to crash the party."

"Puhlease you guys would have been bored if we hadn't shown up."

"I'm pretty sure we would have survived." Laura answered and moved her attention to the movie. After a few seconds she decided to ask the question that she was sure a few of them were wondering, "Why did you guys show up?"

He shrugged, "Ray and Roberto really wanted to celebrate with you. John's here trying to worm his way back into my sister's heart, and Remy wanted to get away from little ol' Bayville for a while so he decided to tag along…"

He paused and she waited for him to finish but when he didn't the question that she was thinking escaped her lips, "And you?"

He turned to her at the question. His lips parted and with his most serious expression said, "They needed me to drive the jeep."

Her eyes widened at the answer and her jaw dropped a fraction. He watched her reaction, his lips curling upwards ever so slightly before laughing out loud. She gave a low growl, rolled her eyes and with a fisted hand pressed on his shoulder making sure there was plenty of space between them.

He calmed his laughter and let her hand push him. When he turned back to her she was pretending he didn't exist and her focus went back to the movie.

After a few minutes Pietro found himself unconsciously shifting, moving his body closer to hers, "So, how are you enjoying my bed?"

She let a small groan out, "I should have known that one was your room. The décor screams out your name."

He chuckled, "It's comfortable right? My bed just got replaced last time we were here. I got the body molding one."

"It's alright," she answered, deciding not to tell him that she had slept very comfortably.

"Alright is better than bad I suppose. Het, what do you think about getting together sometime this week and working on what we're going to do for Nocturnal Madness?"

"That sounds fine. Just let me know what day works for you so I can see if I can get away from the Lounge or Gym."

"Sure, I'll message you."

"You don't have my number."

"You can give it to me...or you know, I have my ways of getting it," he replied cheekily.

"Bribing Wanda or Anna isn't playing fair."

"I don't even have to do that."

"Then how…"

"I'm pretty sure it's on your Nocturnal sign up sheet."

"...Shit…"

He chuckled and instead of rubbing her loss in, he changed the subject, "So, anything specific you'd like for your birthday? I didn't get you a present but I can still get you something and give it to you later."

"You don't have to get anything."

"I know I don't have to but maybe I want to..."

She turned to him. His expression as he watched her was soft and genuine. After searching his facial features her eyes went lower. He was wearing a tank top bearing his pale skin.

His fresh and untouched canvas.

"Have you given it any real thought about getting ink?"

He followed her gaze to his arms. "You want to tattoo me as a present for yourself?" He asked, perking a brow.

"Why not? I'm sure a rose vine would look very beautiful on your lower back," she remarked, making him smirk at the somewhat annoyance in her voice.

"I'm sure you've gotten pretty good at those lately huh?"

"More than I'd like, but seriously, no ideas on ink?" she answered and finished in a serious tone.

"Not really, I'm lagging on getting the brotherhood tattoo so they get on my case about that ever so often but other than that, no."

She knew exactly what tattoo he was talking about. The picture of the letters BoM in a red M shaped helmet came to mind. Wanda, who was the pro at tattooing that one, had hers on the back of her shoulder. Lance Alvers had chosen his on his palm, Fred Dukes wore his on his bicep and Todd Tolansky was the odd ball placing it on his tongue.

They had their symbol of companionship as did the X-men. She looked down at her large x with the number 23.

"Have you thought of a placement for it?"

"Nope. Where would you put it?" He was suddenly curious by her interest in the topic.

Her lips pursed as she thought about it. Before speaking she let her actions answer the question. Her hand went up towards him and with her pointing finger she poked at his shoulder.

"Here? How come?"

"It's the opposite of Wanda's," she answered without hesitation. "It makes sense that yours would be in the front considering you are the lead in the band, I also like the yin and yang aspect of it. Opposite places."

He seemed impressed with the answer and after her finger stopped poking him his own hand went up to the spot touching his shoulder gently. "What else?"

"Hmm?"

"What else would you do to me if you had the chance?" Her eyebrow perked at the question making him smirk, "I mean tattoo wise but hey if you want to throw any other things at me, please feel free to do so..."

"Oh yeah? Like throwing you off a cliff or something?"

He hand went to his heart pretending to be hurt. After a moment he straightened up, "Really though? What else? Can you see me with a sleeve ?" He ran a hand down his other arm.

She watched him and again got a pensive expression on her face. She then surprised him when she moved closer to him, closing the space between them.

"No, a sleeve wouldn't be a good fit for you."

"You don't think I can pull off a sleeve?" He asked, almost offended.

"It's not about you pulling it off, it's more about how much you would do and you're hesitant about putting your own band stamp on you so no I don't see you with a sleeve."

"Oh," he answered, that made sense.

Her eyes stayed roaming his body though from his bare arms to his feet. "If you ever get anything done it has to really mean something...it has to be a part of you, and no I'm not talking about the fact that it will literally be a part you cause it'll physically be a part of you... it's more than that..."

He watched carefully and was surprised when her hands reached out to him. They grabbed at his forearms and he almost shivered as she gently went up and down them feeling his skin.

"Here..." she stated, and stopped moving her hand so that it stopped on the part of the forearm closest to the inside of his elbow. She put pressure to indicate where she was talking about. "This is the perfect place for a tattoo on you.."

He watched her somewhat awed before asking, "Why?"

"This placement promises a smaller tattoo which I think is more of your style. Tattoos on forearms reinforce the deeper meanings of a person's life. There's the added bonus that you're in a suit a lot of the time, you have a habit of rolling up the sleeves up to here. It'd be pretty hot."

"You check out my arms?" Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water at the question realizing the position he had put her in. He smirked but helped her out of it and moved the conversation along with, "So what would you draw on me?"

Appreciating the fact that he wasn't going to tease her she looked back to his forearms. "It's said that tattoos on our left arms are more meaningful because our hearts are on the left...so I guess I'd have to draw what's in your heart."

"What do you see there?" He asked.

Laura looked up surprised at how close his voice sounded. Her eyes widened, she hadn't realized that she had been moving towards him while inspecting his arms; and now the sapphire pools were directly in front of her.

"A crescent moon..." she answered in a low whisper, that would not have been heard if he wasn't so close.

"That sounds nice..." he tilted his head to the side, making their noses brush against each other.

"People wear their hearts on their sleeves all the time...maybe you should t…"

She did not get to finish the sentence, her eyes closing the moment their lips met. It was just a quick peck before she felt him moving away and her eyes opened to see that he hadn't gone too far.

"Happy Birthday Laura."

Her thanks came in a non verbal reply as her head tilted towards him again letting their mouths reconnect. Her hands slid up his forearms, past his shoulder and wrapped around his neck pressing him closer as her mouth devoured him. He welcomed the advance, letting his mouth part to let her in. It would be a minute later when they parted to catch their breaths.

Her eyes widened at the realization of what she just had done. He threw her a sweet smile but before either could say anything everything went dark.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Wanda walked slowly, letting her feet drag into the ground making sand rub in between her toes as she stepped. She took a deep breath in, letting the cold sea air fill her lungs. She was sure the waves sounded beautiful with their crashing melodies but when she left the beach house she had grabbed her earphones deciding to get lost in the harmonic tones of her goth music instead.

Music that she was and had been relating to a little too much in the last few weeks with the reappearance of a certain orange haired Aussie.

After walking another five minutes she paused, keeping her eyes straight ahead looking at the merged scenery of beach and ocean. she knew that if she spent any more time out there someone would eventually come looking for her, most likely Anna. Not wanting to deal with her younger step sisters questioning glances as to why she was out here all alone she made to turn around but as soon as she did she froze in place.

She didn't know whether she should be mad at not realizing she was already being followed or be mad at the thought that her mind had felt the presence but was so at peace with it that it hadn't alerted her.

She watched him take a few more steps until he closed the distance between them. As he stopped in front of her, she glanced at the beach house which was now a good distance away.

It was ironic that she had taken this walk to get away from the piercing blue stare and instead found herself right in front of him with no escape. Life was such a bitch.

Her hands went towards her chest to grip the ear phone wires and with a slight swift pull both earbuds came out.

"We need to talk."

"Do we? Because I think I said everything I had to say to you the last time we 'talked'."

"Things are different now."

"Didn't you say that last time too?" She asked, her hands massaging the side of her temple as if trying to remember.

"No, that time I said I would stop..."

"And you didn't," she interrupted.

"...and I didn't," he agreed but quickly added, "at that moment, but I have now."

"Right, well I would too if I was pretty much fucken dying."

John paused, his blue eyes hesitant to say anything for the moment, the time and place she was bringing to both of their minds clear. After a pause his lips parted, "It wasn't that that made me stop. I mean sure dying doesn't sound like fun but that wasn't the eye opener."

"That's pretty fucken sad that wanting to live wasn't enough."

He ignored the comment, "the reason I stopped was because I'd rather have you in my life then that. Maybe if you hadn't blocked me on everything you would have given me the opportunity to tell you but you always liked making things more difficult than they have to be so here I am telling you the only way you'd let me."

Wanda unconsciously gripped her forearm, the soft fabric of her wrist wrap pressing against her hand. "Is that all you wanted to say?" She asked, wanting to end the conversation.

"I love you."

"Sometimes love is not enough."

"What else do you want? What do I need to do so that you will believe that I changed things. Do you want to see my sobriety chips?" As he said the words his hands went into his pocket and even though the sounds of the waves were powerful the clanking of plastic on plastic was heard.

"Don't, you don't have to show me. You don't owe me anything St. John , not anymore."

"...is there someone else?" He probably should have thought of the words before he said them but the way he was thinking now was too impulsive. He finally had her alone after a month of avoidance so if there was any time to ask these questions it was now.

Her eyes narrowed at him, "No. There's no one else," she answered with annoyance, clear in her tone. "I just can't do this with you again..." his lips parted to speak but she interrupted whatever it was he was going to say. "After the few weeks I've seen you here, I do believe you've made the change. You look really good compared to the last time we spoke and I am happy about that but it doesn't change the big picture."

"What is the big picture if it's not us being together?"

"You're blind to your own big picture already. You say you want to be together yet 300 days out of the year you're going to be somewhere else. I'm not doing it again, I'm not going to be ok being miles away from you waiting for a phone call telling me you're dying."

"That won't happen again."

"You say it and I'm sure you mean it but the lifestyle you've chosen doesn't guarantee it."

They both got quiet after that last statement. The crashes of the waves echoing around them and deciding that if he had nothing else to say the conversation was over. Wanda went to walk past him but as she did his hand swiftly grabbed on to one of hers stopping her in place. Her eyes narrowed as his free hand went to the hand he was holding and in a swift movement her armband was at her wrist exposing her flames. His fingers grazed the patterned skin gently causing her skin to goosebump where his flesh met hers.

His lips partied to speak but he stopped noticing the confused expression on her face. She wasn't looking at him anymore but past him, "What is it?"

She slowly pulled her hand away from his, "All the lights at the beach house just went out..."

He turned to see that the lights that had glimmered in the distance when they had made their walk out here were in fact out. They shared a look before starting a jog towards it. The only thing on John's mind was that this conversation was far from dead, but it could wait. He was planning on being here the whole summer and he wasn't one to give up that easy. The first step was complete, he had at least spoken to her.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

It didn't seem like too much time had passed when Ray finally decided to get up off the SuperATV. He had spent most of the time looking at the waves thinking about what had just happened. Thinking that it had definitely been a very bad thing. Not the kiss itself of course, he had wondered before how soft Jubilee's lips might be and he was happy to say he wasn't disappointed by the feel of them. It was the situation as a whole that sucked.

Like before with Tabitha he was in no position to give too much of himself to someone else. He had learned very early on throughout his foster care and group home days that people leave. Whether you get attached to someone doesn't stop them from leaving you in the dark. People could not be trusted, himself included.

He gave the waves one last look as he stood up straight and made a turn and jumped off the quad, his dark blue garish eyes widening a fraction at what he met on the opposite side.

Jubilee hadn't run off as far away as he had assumed. She sat on the porch rail, looking in his direction but seeming to be looking far far away which led him to believe that she was watching the waves not him.

He sighed to himself before making the trek upwards. As he got closer to her, her gaze didn't deter from the waves. He stopped walking when he was on the porch a few feet away and copied her in looking anywhere but at her.

He licked his bottom lip enjoying the feel of the cold metal before finding his voice, "Sorry about that..."

He turned to her to find that the words had caused her to turn to him, a surprised expression on her features. "What are you sorry about?" She asked, confusion clearly in her voice. "I'm the one who..."

"You wouldn't have reacted that way without a reason," he interrupted her. "I think my actions sometimes might have been misleading," certain scenarios came to mind as he said the words. Most vividly a few days ago when he took his shirt off in front of her and pretty much made her wear it. "And let's not kid ourselves, I met you halfway," he admitted.

Well at least Jubilee now knew why it'd hadn't felt like forever before feeling her lips on his.

Her eyes moved away from his to stare at said lips before looking away back to the ocean waves. They stayed in silence for a minute.

As he kept staring at the darkness around them Ray hated what he was feeling at the moment. He had always enjoyed the fact that he acted in what he felt like without the need of explaining his actions to anyone, so he hated the sudden urge in him to explain his thoughts to her.

"It's not you..." he started making her turn to him with a look that read, 'really you're using that one me?' He rolled his eyes and continued anyway. "What I mean is that it's not like I don't find you attractive...cause I do. I..."

He paused trying to think of the right way to phrase it. "...just wouldn't want to lead you on. Honestly I'm not the relationship type...I'm not wanting anything serious so sorry about that, that really shouldn't have happened."

Jubilee would later berate herself for speaking without thinking, "Who says I am?"

He perked an eyebrow, "Who says you are what? "

"Looking for something serious?" His eyes widened at the implication as she continued, "I mean I'm only here for another month and a half. Who would seriously invest time in wanting to build something real in that amount of time?"

He studied her carefully. She had a glow to her that he hadn't seen before. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were ablazed but he wasn't sure if it was determination or something else completely. "Are you saying..."

Before he could finish his sentence everything went completely dark. "What the..."

"Ow, shit..." her voice mumbled in the darkness.

"You ok?" He found himself asking and feeling the rail towards her.

"Yeah, I just jumped off the wrong way. What's going on?"

"I don't know, a power surge maybe, '' he responded before blinding her with his phone light.

"What should we..." she stopped talking as a scream filled the air, her eyes widening with fear, "that sounded like Amara!"

Before he could say anything else he watched her run off towards the house, following her a few steps behind, shining the light in her way so she wouldn't fall.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

When Amara came out of the room she shared with Jubilee she found someone waiting for her. Roberto smiled at her as she took steps towards him.

"Ready to go back into that madness?"

"Not really," she answered.

"Thought you'd say that, want to sneak onto the front porch instead?"

"Yes!" He gave a chuckle at her enthusiasm and they made their way past the rec room where Pietro seemed to be watching a movie.

When they were outside Roberto took a deep inhale, there was also something refreshing about the air around the beach that he loved.

"Are you enjoying the weekend?"

"Yeah, this is the first time my parents have really left me on my own so it just feels like I'm really grown up you know?"

"Hmm, not really, my parents always kind of gave me free range but I think I can understand."

She smiled and made her way to the rail at the front porch and looked up at the sky. The stars were twinkling with the moon shining bright. It was a beautiful night.

"Have you already started rehearsing your dance moves?"

Her smile widened at the question, of course he'd find this time alone to tease her about that. "Yup, training for this literally starts at the beginning of summer until the big day is here."

"Oh ok, alright we'll let me see some of your movies?"

Amara found herself blushing, "What? Where?"

"Right here! There's light," he answered, nodding to the overhead light over the porch.

"There's not enough space here!" He gave her a disbelieving look. Amara sighed and looked around.

"It's fine, it's just you and me..." she turned to him at how serious he had sounded and found him looking just as serious. It was such an intimate expression that she found shivers running up her arms. "I mean not that it matters, you have and will be eventually doing it in front of a lot of people right?" He added with a soft smile easing the tense atmosphere.

"Right..." she found herself slowly repeating the word.

After a few more seconds of staring she finally moved to one end of the porch. Roberto watched as she twirled and curved her body, ending the movement with a small hop.

He clapped when she was done. After she joined him back at the rail he asked, "So why ballet?"

A mental picture of her mother came to mind, "My mom prefers traditional, since she started me off young that's what we started with and it's just stuck."

"Hmm...so you've been doing this for a while?"

She felt herself get red at the question not really wanting to answer but doing so anyway, "Yes."

"Does that mean the judges stay the same?"

She thought about it for a moment, "Pretty much. I think some fall off every few years but there's never any dramatic changes."

"So the same judges watch you do the same thing every year?"

Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. She had never thought about it that way. After a bit she finally answered with, "It's not the same thing every single time...I change things up."

"Have you ever thought about being the dramatic change?"

"Ha! My mom would rather die than change it up."

"Does your mom have to know everything you do?"

She turned to him with a curious gaze, "What did you have in mind?"

He looked away from the sky to stare at her, "It'd still be traditional...just a different type of traditional."

"What type?"

"Brazilian."

"Samba," Amara whispered and imagined beautiful bright colors, it would definitely stand out compared to the white tans and beige her mom liked her in. "My mom would die."

"She would not."

"I wouldn't have time to even learn it!"

"When is your pageant?"

"In a month and a half."

"That's plenty of time."

"Oh yeah? What are you magically going to snap a teacher for me out of thin air?"

"Nothing that dramatic but," Roberto moved away to the end of the porch where she had started her ballet move.

He started with what looked like an easy side step movement, side to side, his hands moving up and down lowly by his sides. From there the side step suddenly went back and forth and then a few seconds after the repetitive movement his body went out of control. The speed of his steps became faster, his hips moving along with them and suddenly he wasn't just going side to side and front to back but somehow turning in all directions.

Amara couldn't help but gawk at him when he was done. He smirked and walked over to her but she didn't move prompting him to wave a hand in front of her face. "Hello, is anyone there?"

That snapped her out of her trance, "Is there anything you can't do?"

He laughed at the question, "I can probably think of something if I think really hard," he answered in a teasing tone before adding, "I told you I lived in Brazil for a bit didn't I?"

"You told me you've visited more recently than me,'' she corrected.

"Ok, well I spent enough time there that I picked up some stuff. You want to try some movies with me?"

She looked like she was going to disagree but after a moment shrugged and said ok making him smile widely.

"Here, give me your hand," he instructed, outstretching his hand to hers. She took it. His hand was warm and soft and she felt the warmness travel up the length of her arm into her chest. "I'm going to put my hand on your upper back," he warned. As he did, their joined hands went up in between their bodies. "The leader always starts with the left foot, so you're going to start with the right. I'm going to step forward and you're going to step back. Ready?"

She gave a small nod and they were off. His eyes went downcast in between their bodies to watch her legs and he gave a small smile. His hips and legs were in perfect sync making his movements flow well, but she was as stiff as a board. She was in fact stepping correctly but she needed to loosen up and told her so.

"It's hard to do without music," she argued with a small pout.

He laughed again, "You're going to go back with your right, then your left foot will go back close to your right, then you're going to switch your weight back and forth before going forward with your left and following with the right…" After giving her the instructions he started humming hoping that they would help her.

Again her movements were good, she was great at following instructions but her body had loosen up making the movements stiff.

"Good, but if you don't mind...can I guide your hips?" Amara's eyes widened a fraction not being sure what that meant but she nodded nonetheless. Roberto nodded as well in confirmation and let her hand go, letting both his hands go forward towards her body as he took a step forward closing some of the gap in between their bodies.

Amara tried to ignore how fast her heart was beating at feeling his hands on her waist. Exhilaration was running rapidly through her body, she had been close to him plenty of times during their training sessions but there was something intimate about the fact that they were dancing not sparring. She looked up at him with a smile but the smile quickly faded as she noticed he was frowning.

"What is it?" She asked worriedly.

"Amara…why are you starving yourself?"

The question made her eyes widened and she moved away from him as if he had somehow burned her. "What are you talking about?

Roberto sucked his cheeks in as he thought about his response, he settled with, "I've been training with you for awhile so I pretty much learned your measurements just with touch alone. You were thin to start with when I just met you but your waistline is getting slimmer. I never see you eat. I get that this pageant seems like a big deal but it shouldn't be enough for you to starve you..."

He felt the slap before he saw it. The sound of her hand crashing into his cheek was the only sound he heard before ringing started going off in his head. His eyes had closed as the pain burned his face and he opened to see her with fiery eyes. After a few seconds the fire diminished and before either had a moment to speak the light at the porch went out leaving them in complete darkness.

His mouth parted to ask if she was ok and one of his arms extended to reach for her but before he could make contact she let out a deafening scream and soon enough he found her body crashing into his own.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O TBC O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Another cliffhanger? I know, I know, I'm evil...but I kinda like it ;) Hey at least this was a long chapter and it had all the ships! The scene of Pietro's and the boys by the pool was inspired by a video I saw on ig! Sadly I never found it again, if anyone knows it send it my way! I'd love to link it. So the lights have gone out! I have a few people kissing, some getting slapped, some have some serious talks and who knows, maybe a potential drowning :P Onwards to the ships.

Jubilay- They kissed! It happened, that little vape box is trouble causing all kinds of sexual tension! Jubilee's idea was cute btw, but now...more importantly ...what did Jubilee just do? WHAT DID SHE DO YOU GUYS? She put herself in a very interesting position...I mean probably a fun one if we go that route but I guess we'll see. Ah, don't you love it when your hormonal mouth speaks before you think things through? I think this chapter established that Ray doesn't think he's bf material due to abandonment issues. Poor baby. Maybe we'll get a convo on the matter in the next chapter? Maybe not.

Amarto- OHHH slap...I mean snap. Roberto's has pointed out the elephant in the room and paid a small price for it. Too bad too, they were getting nice and close and dancing, le sigh! Anyhoo, why did Amara scream tho?

Romy- I actually had a lot of fun writing these two's interactions though everything is still pretty vague. Or is it? Eh...some of you probably know me well enough of what's going on here but it's ok ;) The smack to the face was fun and he totally deserved it XD It's ok, that little 'accident' didn't leave a mark on that beautiful face. I promise! And he yes, he did check her out ;)

Xietro- Kiss number one, I don't know if it was expected or not but there it is. Not once but twice! I actually really liked their moment. Equal moments of funny (I loved that bed comment XD), sweet (she wants to tattoo Luna on him), and sexy (That kiss was nice and that comment about his arms in suits, she ain't lying, it would be hot!). But what does this mean? She said that she could not date him...I guess we will see if they talk about it next time too.

Jonda- Finally some Jonda dialogue! And...you guys probably hate it! We have now learned that John has made some bad decisions thanks to this rock n roll lifestyle and though he's a changed man Wanda doesn't want to hear about it. Hey I get it, long distance relationships are hard and I don't think anyone likes the idea of their bf's almost dying while they're away...I get it. Jonda is in Bummer Town you guys, let's see if they get a fix ;) Ps: When Wanda say John's name as St. John it is pronounced SinJin.

And that's the first beach chapter! I commissioned Falegeffa from instagram to draw me a piece of the girls in their bathing suits on the beach! You guys can find the picture on my XietroQueen tumblr page!

Anyhoo that's it for now. Songs used in this chapter were: "Such a Whore" by JVLA (it was a very small snippet but it was in there. I really like the beat to this song you guys) and "Voodoo" by Nyxx (ft. Aesthetic Perfection).

And there you have it! Hope you guys review giving me your thoughts and predictions! Happy Fourth of July to those of you in the USA! I'll see you all in August ;)

-UHW