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.

27. Inescapable Emotion

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O Disclaimer O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

X-Men Evolution and its Characters do not belong to me. I'm writing this for pure fun and selfish reasons; those being that I want to see all my crack ships do very very naughty things ;)

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

Every time I come back from a long hiatus I hear the start of Eminem's Without me in my head, you guys know the one…

Guess who's back…back back back…back again gain gain…

Anyhoo, I'm here! Thanks for patiently waiting. Many hugs, love and kisses to Clamchick (always so good to see you! I'm really glad you're enjoying the maturity of some of our more hot headed characters! I'm really enjoying exploring that side of them as well :) Haha I am having a lot of fun with the miscommunication between all of them cause it's obvious that they all kinda know there is something more but they're all literally in denial XD. Hope you enjoy this my dear! and Guest (ohh I like your guesses! I guess you'll have to stay till the end of the story to see if Remy does in fact do that :p) for reviewing the last chapter!

I'll have a list of my excuses for my lack of updating at the end of the chapter if you're interested to know what I have been up to but without further ado please let me let you get started on reading! I hope you enjoy and review :D

Don't forget this is rated m ;)

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O Chapter 27 O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Anna groaned to herself as her pillow vibrated. One of her eyes propped open to look at the offending electronic, her gaze going first to the time before looking at the initials of the caller. Half of her wanted to ignore him, that was the half that was annoyed that he had shared more information than was needed with her stepsister. The truth that exposed both of them in a new light because in all honesty she wasn't sure she wanted anyone else to see the real potential in whatever it was that they had.

After a few more rings a finger tip lifted and pressed the green button before also pressing the speaker one. There was silence for thirty seconds, her lips parted to ask him what the hell he wanted at 3am in the morning but his voice cut through hers.

"I'm surprised you answered."

"…Why? Cause It's fucken 3am?" She asked bating him for the real source of her annoyance.

"No, cause Bayville is a small ass town and news travels fast. Plus there's the disadvantage that you share a home."

"Hmm."

"How did your interrogation go?"

"…it went. Interesting company you kept tonight."

"Happy accident."

"Hmm…what's up?"

"Come over."

She let a raspberry sound make it past her lips, "Fuck no, I'm very comfortable under my covers right now."

"Fine, maybe I'll go over."

The statement made a mixture of a laughter and a scuff escape her lips, "Wouldn't that be a treat but I doubt you can get past the cameras."

"That sounds like a challenge."

Unwilling her lips curled upwards, "It's not. And I'd rather not risk you coming over and getting caught cause you'd either get fired or butchered. I don't think you'd enjoy either…"

A dramatic sigh echoed in her ear, "D'accord…"

"Why are you awake? Didn't your practice end at 12?"

"Yeah, je ne sais pas. I couldn't sleep…and you didn't message me so I thought I'd call and leave you a voicemail."

"You're really that surprised I picked up?" The 'mhmm' was almost inaudible. "What were you going to say in the voicemail?"

"I hadn't thought that far ahead. Either something really dirty or something musical. What would you have preferred?"

"So why can't you sleep?" She ignored the question.

He didn't let it phase him, they've played this game for far too long, and his bad habit had become indulging her.. "Je ne sais pas. Maybe the adrenaline that the big day is getting closer is starting to get to me."

"You'd think you'd get used to it."

"There's somethings you never get used to and keep cherishing…"

"…"

"Do you want me to let you go so you can go back to bed?"

"…you don't have to let me go, just put me back to sleep."

"You said no to coming over or sneaking me in, so how exactly do you want me to do that?"

"Sing to me."

"So that's what you would have preferred," she could hear the smirk in his voice and rolled her eyes debating hanging up on him. His next words made up her mind not to, "Do you have a request?"

"…Manifesto."

"…that's a duet and it has growling. Doesn't sound like the right type of song for a lullaby."

"Improvise."

The silence that stretched after that last word turned into a long minute. Her lips eventually parted to say good night and hang up deciding that his silence was an answer but before the words could make it past her lips his voice echoed in her ear, low and soft, and so different from his on stage persona.

"I took out my pen and pad and set to write my manifesto. It was a one line poem, said "Don't let nothing ever get you low".

Her eyes closed letting all her senses start to dim her thoughts going to a different place as his voice echoed all around her.

"We were love-drunk, giving like we was living on the bayou…"

Her eyes slowly opened as she felt a nudge on her arm. His head tilted to the side towards the small platform, two people were making their way off towards a table where their friends cheered. The rest of the bar paid them no mind.

"Let's go next."

Her green orbs rolled before she brought her beer to her lips. The warmth of the liquor went down her throat smoothly before her lips parted, "Nobody at this bar has asked for your autograph, you just want to be recognized but I'm actually enjoying the peace just fine."

He smirked and looked around, "I don't see anyone recognizing me here whether we go up there or not…"

She didn't have to look around to know what he meant. The country music blaring in the room was enough of an indicator, but just in case anyone was too dense to pick up on what type of bar they were in, the cowboy hats and boots made it very clear. Though they both stuck out in their dark attire the moment both of them spoke their orders the bartender picked up on the accents and took it as both southerners were right at home.

"I just want to do it for fun. This place can use a change in tone."

"You mean you just want to cause trouble." He shrugged at her answer, his smirk staying in place. She slightly shook her head and tapped at her phone, Wanda hadn't messaged her with any type of update and judging by the time this was going to be their last stop before heading back. "What song would we even do? I doubt this place has too much variety. Probably country's biggest hits and possibly all those poppy 80s songs everyone does."

"They have a decent variety," he answered, making her turn to him to see him scrolling down a list on his phone.

"They have an app?" He nodded in answer and after a minute of scrolling she watched him stop and click on one song. From where she was sitting she was able to see that it took him to the lyrics and after a few more seconds he put the phone in front of her.

"This is the one." She eyed the screen carefully and before she had a chance to say anything he added on, "if you're still a fan of cradle of filth you'll know it. It pops up on their Spotify radio station."

Her lips pursed, he was right.

"No one has really been paying attention to people going up there but it'll be different for us. I'll catch their attention but it'll be you who keeps it."

"…what makes you think I can pull this song off?"

His head tilted to the side studying her closely, "…because out of everyone in your little x-geek club you're the one with the most range. They just have you guys so caught up in your poppy brand that you're not allowed to really explore it. If anything that's maybe why this song might be perfect for you…"

He then leaned in so close that their noses almost touched. "And the reality is that you're one of the ones I would call real completion…" he pulled away and took a sip of his own drink before turning back to her, "so yeah, I'm pretty sure you can pull it off."

"…" she didn't know what to say to that, all she knew was that her heart was pounding so loud that she could hear the drumming in her ears.

After another sip, he turned back to her, "So, what do you say?"

She glanced at him before turning back to her drink, she picked the bottle up bringing it to her lips and tilting her head back letting the rest of it down until there wasn't a drop left.

Minutes later she had been onstage, watching all eyes turn to them as Remy's unexpected growl echoed in the room.

"Who made these fucking rules And said that I was born to live by?

Give 'em hell 'til I die, don't bury me in no suit and tie

'Cause I don't wanna work for another man's money

Yes, sir, no, sir give it to me, honey"

True to his word, his growl was what made all eyes turn to them. When he became silent she expected people to go back to their conversations but as her lips parted they all stayed on her.

"I had a revelation, I was told a lie…

Live to consume, work to buy and then die

Oh, but truth enters the mind one little word at a time…"

Her green eyes had scanned the room before turning to him only to catch the dark brown eyes focused on her, his lips curled up into a serene knowing smile before they parted and the sound that came out of them didn't fit his expression.

"Who made these fucking rules and said that I was born to live by?"

Remy opened his eyes as he whispered what should have been a powerful growl. The memory of them on stage with her vocalizing through his voice faded away as the song came to an end fresh in mind.

Who made these fucking rules and said that I was born to live by?

He briefly wondered if the conversation she had had with Wanda had brought on the memory of the song, because after all it was one of the remainders of how it had all started.

Who made these fucking rules and said that I was born to live by?

Instead of repeating the words the next time his lips parted, he debated on asking her about it but through the silence of his pause he could hear it…the small puffs of air that indicated she had already drifted off.

He sunk into his bed and closed his eyes again. The adrenaline that had been rushing through his veins just minutes ago had shimmered down and instead of letting his thoughts go to the chaos that was impending on the horizon he let his focus go to the small breaths instead, letting them eventually guide him to sleep.

/Who made these fucking rules and said that I was born to live by?/

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

Ray tossed and turned a few times before giving up on sleep and cracking an eye open. Thanks to his curtains the room was still engulfed in darkness making it hard to tell what time it was. Without looking he let his hand go out and blindly searched for his phone. Once he had it in hand he tapped at the screen so that the numbers 9:14 displayed at the center.

He was closing the shop that night so he still had a few hours before going in. At this point he could wake up, eat breakfast and then kill time at the training room before showering and heading over to the Hg lounge. The rehearsal schedule was becoming even more rigorous now that the show was a little over a week away. So overall he expected his day to go by pretty quickly.

He stretched, letting his muscles expand and tighten before his feet went over the edge of the bed so that his toes made contact with the carpet. As he made his way out of the room into the hallway he felt a stillness around him. He supposed it shouldn't have been too surprising, Laura and Roberto had early shifts and would already be at work. Jubilee on the other hand had the mid shift but he wasn't surprised with her absence either. Lately she had taken to leaving early and hanging out with Amara until it was time for her shift.

He didn't focus on the ache the thought caused telling himself that it was a stomach pain, food would make it better. As he passed by the door leading to the living room he popped his head in to make sure that he was actually alone. There was no one on the couch and the tv was off, it was safe to assume he was alone.

He gave a low tap on the wall before moving away and heading towards the kitchen. It wasn't until he was a few feet from the open door that he heard the sound of water running and he slowed his step to hear more clearly. There was a familiar hum in the air and he kept walking towards the room making sure that his steps were inaudible.

When he reached the door he saw Jubilee in front of the sink with her back facing him. Her long black hair was pulled up into a bun with its ends pointing out like spikes. The hairdo exposed the back of her neck, her smooth skin calling out to him. He swallowed hard and his gaze slid down her body, past the extra large crop top that hardly hid her lower back and slid off her shoulder to the shorts that were rolled up at her waist keeping them in place.

He didn't know why the outfit seemed so enticing to him but it didn't help when her hips started doing a small sway side to side as her voice started to fill the kitchen.

He watched entranced and couldn't help the smile from curling on his face as her hand rose from the soapy water in the sink to lift a serving spoon. It came a few inches in front of her face while her hips kept swaying and her eyes closed as she sang with such a strong emotion that he felt goosebumps on his skin.

He watched her a few seconds more before feeling invasive, especially considering that he was not planning to make his presence known. With some regret and the smallest temptation to stay and call out to her he slowly and quietly turned and walked away.

It would be a minute later when he was gone that Jubilee would rinse off her spoon and glance over her shoulder. The feeling of being watched had gone away and she shivered and started repeating, "there's no such thing as ghosts" over and over again to herself.

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

"No offense or anything cause I love spending time with you but what's the deal?"

Jubilee's eyes scrunched inward as she put on an insulted expression making Amara laugh, "What do you mean?"

"You've been over everyday this week and again I'm enjoying it but it's kind of weird considering how the last few weeks have been."

Jubilee gave an indulged hmm before looking away from the dark skinned girl who was doing pirouettes in the middle of the room. After a bit she answered with, "Everyone's busy preparing for Nocturnal Madness."

"Oh right, Roberto's mentioned something about a lot of rehearsals."

"Yeah so everyone is pretty busy and I don't want to be in anyone's way, you know be a distraction."

"Ah, ok that makes sense."

Jubilee turned back to her, "What does?"

"Why you've been looking so sad. You miss being a distraction don't you?"

The cheeks on the Asian girls flared at the words, "I am not sad!"

"I don't know," Amara answered while bending her knees to do a small dip before standing up straight and doing it again. "I think you've been looking pretty out if it and you didn't even want to go to the mall!"

"I said I didn't want to go to the mall cause I know you have to practice," Jubilee answered and stuck her tongue out at her.

"If you say so. Is there a day in mind where you know, distractions will occur?"

Jubilee shook her head, "We didn't discuss anything and I actually haven't seen much of him lately. I mean only at work and we've had conflicting schedules so right now there's always someone around so I can't be like 'hey when do you have time to fuck'."

The comment made Amara lose her focus and double over giggling.

Jubilee grinned, "I mean I can't!"

"Technically I think you can but yeah everyone would know."

"Yup…so no, I can't."

Amara nodded and took a deep breath as she re-positioned herself. Jubilee watched her in silence. As she did she studied her friend closely, as the dark skinned girl bent her arm in a certain angle she could see the small bump of the muscle definition starting to take form. The almond shaped eyes then moved down the soft curves and landed on her feet. Her toes were pointed and the tension caused her calf muscle to tighten.

She was looking amazing to what she had looked like a month ago. Not that Amara had looked bad but on that trip to the beach she had been skinny, too skinny. She was still thin but much healthier which then just made her feel like an idiot for not noticing it in the first place.

"How are you feeling?"

"Hmm?" Amara turned over to see her watching her, "…Good. Pretty confident actually but I guess that's just how it goes when you can do most of these movements with your eyes closed."

"How have things been with your mom?"

The slender shoulders shrugged upwards, "Fine. She makes sure I practice with her for at least 30 minutes to keep an eye on me. She's not happy with the outfit I chose but weirdly enough didn't make me change it."

Jubilee frowned, "That sucks. I'm sorry."

Amara shook her head, "At least it's almost over." At the words her face moved forward and her eyes caught her own through the mirror. "You're coming right?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world."

Amara smiled and her eyes drifted away from herself as her body relaxed and went into the next movement. Jubilee watched her for a few minutes before her eyes went to her phone to glance at the time. Her mind briefly wandered to her steel eyed roommate and what he could be up to.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O Friday Night O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Roberto rubbed his eyes as he made his way to his bedroom. He had fallen asleep on the couch and when he had come too he had found that it was past midnight with everything feeling oddly quiet. He supposed he shouldn't have been too surprised, Laura was probably sleeping since she had agreed to take his shift the following morning so that he could make it to Amara's pageant. He was surprised to see that Jubilee and Ray weren't there binge watching anything either but both had been pretty quiet throughout the week, Jubilee spending more time with Amara and Ray had seemingly been bitten by the gym bug because whenever he wasn't at the Hg Lounge you could bet he was at Logan's.

He pretty much expected that to be the case but as he got closer to the bedrooms he noticed the light underneath his door. He stopped next to it and lightly knocked at the door, after a few seconds of silence there was a "it's open" from behind it.

Roberto let his fingers turn the knob but when he opened the door, he merely gave it enough space so that his face was visible, refusing to open it more or even go in . The subconscious action briefly reminded him about the day Jubilee was allowed in. Another reminder of that day was the drone machine that stood next to the two toned haired boy as he sat on his bed.

"Finally woke up sleeping beauty?"

Roberto smirked and dragged a hand down his chin, "I knew all that sleeping actually worked.".

Ray rolled his eyes but graced him with a small flinch of his lips, "What's up?"

"Nothing, was heading to bed and saw that your lights were still on so checking in on you. What are you working on?" He asked as Ray's eyes went to a notepad on his bed before a hand went to one of the knobs on the drone machine.

"Just playing."

"I'm telling you, you should just play on Wicked Wednesdays already."

"Who knows, maybe one day."

Roberto's eyes widened, "Really? That's a new answer."

There was a small shrug, "I've had a lot of free time to work on it lately."

Roberto watched him for a few more seconds waiting for him to add anything on or even look up to him and throw him a look that said he was just kidding. When he didn't, the Brazilian native shifted his footing.

"So, what are you doing tomorrow?"

"Work," was the answer in a tone that said "obviously".

"Well ya but that's not until the afternoon. You and Jubilee are closing right?"

The comment made Ray's fingers stop fidgeting with the machine in front of him to look up at, "No, I'm closing on my own, I thought she's working a late mid along with Wanda."

"Oh you're probably right. Anyway my point is…you're not doing anything before work right?"

There was a shake of his head and he looked up to stare at the dark haired boy. "Well I was thinking you'd like to come with me and Jubilee to Amara's thing. I invited some of the others too."

"Who else did you invite?"

"Rahne which means Sam's going and they'll tell the others which is cool because they do like her. My point being is she would probably appreciate the moral support. So what's up, you want to go?"

Roberto watched the other male's cheeks suck inwards as his mind thought it over. After a few seconds they released, his mouth opening to say, "Yeah, I'll go."

Roberto tapped on the doorframe in excitement, "Great, I'll see you in the morning then! And you better go to sleep soon cause I don't want to hear you whining about being tired."

"Yeah yeah."

"I'm serious! I want tomorrow to be a really good day so no negativity!"

Ray perked an eyebrow up and after a few seconds nodded, "Ok dad, I'll get in bed right now."

"Thank you, night," Roberto then watched Ray's attention go back to the drone machine putting a piece back into place as he mumbled a night before he closed the door. The position he ended up in as he closed the door angled him towards Jubilee's room and he paused thinking he heard light music coming from within it. His eyes automatically went to the floor to see if he could maybe see light as he had with Ray's room but not seeing anything he stepped away and walked over to his room.

By the time he was closing the door, the light in Ray's room was off.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O Saturday O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Amara refrained from yawning as things started going under way. She had been to so many of these that it was so easy for her to zone out the coordinator that was going over the rules and expectations. At her side she could feel her mom move, her eyes scanning the competition, her facial features going between disdain and smirks as she selected the people she actually thought had a chance against her daughter.

"Your looks and your routine have this in the bag."

Amara let a small sigh out, both at the words and tone but didn't comment letting her attention go back to the hosts. Ten minutes later the big group dispersed, the participants going into their own areas awaiting their turns. During the meeting they had all been given a sheet with their names and the time that they were expected on the stage.

"There's a lot of people here today," she commented to her mother, making her take the paper from her hands. The usual Bayville patent averaged about 15 to 20 contestants but the list went over thirty names with her's set right at the middle.

"It's fine, there's many people you've beaten before," her mother answered snidely. Amara took another glance around and recognized many girls she had competed against, because the pageant circuit was so small in the area it was common to see each other a lot.

Before she could comment anything the announcement stating that they get ready to be introduced went over the speaker phone.

"I'll be in the front row," her mother remarked and turned to her, bringing her arms up to grab her arms. "You're a princess amongst commoners, don't forget that and make me proud." She squeezed her arms and after a moment she let go and walked away.

Amara watched her go before sighing again, wondering when it had been the last time that she had simply heard her say "do your best." Before being able to come up with an answer her attention was pulled as all contestants were pulled together to get into a straight line. It was time for introductions.

Once she was out on the stage her eyes briefly went to the front row and connected with brown eyes in a similar shade to her own. She looked away as a dark gleam took over but as her eyes grazed over the crowd she didn't see the warmer gaze she was hoping for. Knowing that in these shows, appearance was about everything she kept her lips from curling downwards.

After multiple claps and whistles, she along with the other contestants got ushered off the stage to begin the show with each girl going up alone. When she was at her station she pulled her phone out of her purse, looking for a missed call or message.

Nothing.

She pursed her lips before looking in the mirror. Her eyes skimmed over her outfit. She wore a loose long sleeve black dress that went down to her feet, with two large slits at the sides to give herself movement range. The material was silky soft yet still breathable perfect for the occasion. Her eyes lingered on the lining under her arm admiring how invisible it was to the naked eye. She had been so excited about it when she had come up with the concept a few weeks ago, excited to show it off but it seemed there was going to be no one to really show it off to. Her mother hadn't been too excited about the idea but had indulged her if it was going to help her perform to the highest caliber.

Her lips waivered, threatening to curl downwards but before they could so much as twitch she cleared her throat and sat up straight in her seat. This was not the time for sadness, those around her would take it as a sign of weakness and try to use that against her, so her lips remained curled upwards, eye crinkling in a smile she had learned to fake for these events a long time ago.

"You look hot but I'm not going to lie, that smile is creeeeeppy."

Amara's eyes widened as her head turned to the side at a speed that could have potentially caused whiplash, a real smile brightening up her face. "You're here!"

"Well duh," Jubilee answered, stopping her stroll as she reached her vanity.

Amara got up from her seat, "I didn't see you out there when they did our introductions."

"Just got here, Roberto is an idiot and forgot to put North on the GPS and it ended up taking us across town."

"Roberto's here!?"

Jubilee rolled her eyes but smiled, "He told you he would be. He tried to come back here with me but the security guys stopped him and while they were distracted with him I slipped by."

"Oh yeah, no one is supposed to be back here anymore other than consentants and they would have definitely stopped Roberto just because he's a guy." Jubilee perked an eyebrow at the comment making Amara shake her head, "Some of these girls have stalkers so you actually need special clearance to be back here…I'm surprised you got through."

"Perk of being a girl. I guess that means I should leave before I get caught. I really just wanted to come back here and you know, wish you luck. I could have just sent you a text saying it but sometimes you need to hear things like that face to face…" Jubilee smiled wider and her hands went to grab hers, "So just know that we're all rooting for you and…just do your best."

"I…" Amara stopped not knowing what to say. Her hands squeezed back at the Asian girl's hands before smiling again, "...thanks."

Jubilee nodded before releasing her hands, "We'll see you at the end."

"Ok, and tell Roberto I said thanks to him too."

"You can tell them all thanks personally when this is done."

"Them all?" Amara perked a brow.

"...We're not the only ones here. He kind of asked…"

"Hey you! I need to see your clearance!"

Jubilee stopped talking to look sideways and see a woman in a suit walking their way. "I think that's my 're going to do great!" and then she was gone.

Amara watched her run off an amused smile on her face. After she was long gone she gave a small sigh, took a last look in the mirror and smiled. Unlike the smile Jubilee had found her with, this smile was genuine. Lips curled upwards delicately making her eyes crinkle less at the corner. When she was sure her outfit was in place and pinned at the right spots she made her way up to the line to wait her turn, the song her mom had picked for her dance playing in her head over and over again as she mentally went over her routine.

It wasn't until her turn was two people away that she realized she was able to get close to the curtains and take a peek at the audience. Her eyes automatically looked for the familiar yellow of Jubilee knowing that she'd find who she was really looking for nearby. When she found them her eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat understanding what her friend had meant when she said you can thank them all.

Roberto stood next to the petite Asian girl, his eyes on the stage but turned sideways as he animatedly spoke to the person next to him. She wasn't sure if she was surprised to see Ray, part of her thought that this was definitely not his scene but at the same time the close friendship with Roberto and even the relationship that was 'not' going on with Jubilee made him fit in just fine. It was the other people behind the trio that surprised her. Bobby stood behind Roberto, his hand repeatedly smacking the dark skinned boy on the arm, his mouth in a smirk as whatever was being said seemed to be annoying the Brazilian native. Tabitha had an arm on his shoulder, putting her weight on him in a lazy gesture as she spoke to Rahne and Danielle. Sam and Jamie were on the other side looking at the stage, showing an actual interest in the show.

As she watched the group she couldn't help the way her face and body warmed. They were all here for her. They hadn't known her long, this probably wasn't the way they wanted to spend their Saturday morning but here they were either way. Faces bright and excited just to cheer her on.

Her eyes sought the one other person that was there for her that day. Her mother's lips were curled in an unimpressed way. Her chin and nose were tilted up, giving the aura around a snobbish feel.

She let air out of her nose before her eyes went back to Roberto. He was shaking his head, pushing Bobby away from him and an eye roll seemed apparent on his features but so was the smile that was steadily growing bigger.

And she couldn't help it… the way that the butterflies fluttered within her nor the way her nervousness seemed to vanish and a smile curled into her face.

Before she really knew what she was doing she turned sideways to the AD who was watching the current performance. Her lips parted and without really thinking about it the words "I need to make a change" escaped her lips..

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

"Amara and Roberto sitting in a tre g," Roberto rolled his eyes and covered his ears. His teeth were showing though as he smiled.

Next to him Ray looked over his shoulder watching the other blonde boy, "How are you not tired? You've been singing that for ten minutes now."

Bobby smirked and shrugged, "and I'll be singing it until Amara finally comes out." And proceeded to start the song from the start.

"Tabitha please!"

Jubilee turned to look at the short haired blond who copied the shrug, "I don't know what you guys think I can do."

Jubilee grinned, "It's ok you guys, I think she's next!"

Their small section cheered, making people in their immediate surroundings turn to look at them. Jubilee smiled and ignored the looks while wondering if the cheers were because Bobby was finally going to stop or because Amara was up. Before she got a chance to ask they all quieted down as soft music started to play.

Her eyebrow rose in confusion and as if having a similar thought Roberto turned to her, "I thought you said she was next?"

"I'm pretty sure she was," she answered and looked down at the program she had swiped from one of the tables. As her eyes glazed over Amara's name and the time frame her breath caught in her chest as a voice joined the sweet melody of the song playing. Her face tilted back up and through her peripherals she could see that Roberto's attention was already fully on the stage.

"Nothing about you is typical…Nothing about you is predictable…You've got me all twisted and confused…" Amara stopped her tiptoeing steps at the center stage letting her hands go to her head and turning in a perfect circle.

"Ohh that's super cool! I didn't know she was singing!" Danielle commented.

"She wasn't." Both Roberto and Jubilee shared a look as they said the words in unison. As they broke their eye contact Roberto continued with, "This wasn't the song she has been practicing." His eyes briefly eyed the black microphone at her lips.

"What was she doing before?" Rahne asked curiously.

"It was classical music, kinda nutcrackery."

"Nutcrackery?" Ray repeated with a raised eyebrow turning his gaze to Jubilee.

"You know what I mean," her face turned to the side and briefly connected with the garish blue before pushing Roberto which in turn made the dark skinned boy bump into the taller boy. She watched him sway at the contact but before being able to reply either with words or actions Roberto made a growling sound and moved away from both of them.

"The outfit is interesting."

Jubilee turned to look at Tabitha, "What do you mean?"

"Everyone else who's done a ballet number has been wearing the same look. You know, tight-skinned leotards and tutus."

Jubilee turned back to the stage and eyed Amara's outfit more closely than she had earlier when she had been backstage with her. Tabitha was right, instead of a tight fit Amara's outfit looked more like an evening gown with its two large slits. The outfit was clearly too large for her frame and Jubilee's head went to the side as she wondered why she would be hiding the hard work she had been putting in with Roberto.

"Bridges are burning, Baby I'm learning, a new way of thinking now…Love I can see, nothing will be, just like it was

Is that because?"

Her eyes followed the dark skinned girl as she did a few port de chats towards the left side of the stage, her lips skillfully belting out the lyrics to what Danielle has recognized as a Britney Spears song. As if either being able to read her mind about her outfit, Amara gave a smile and twirled as the poppy song sped up the tiniest bit. One of her hands went to her shoulder while the other went to her waist, she did another pirouette and before she came to a stop pulled, making the audience gasp as the fabric ripped apart.

The initial scare and worry from the audience of a wardrobe malfunction faded away as the ripped part of the dress fell beautifully into place. Tassels of red, orange and black falling into place creating a skirt. The material that had been ripped from the shoulder revealed orange stripes on the black unitard hiding underneath.

Jubilee watched in awe as she chassed around the stage, doing arabesques and jete's as she went. Eventually blinking the stinging feeling in her eyes as Amara started to increase in speed.

She didn't know why she was getting so emotional as she watched her friend but as she listened to more of her singing she came to the conclusion that it was because for the first time Amara was really following her heart. She was out there on that stage not doing the song her mother had chosen, not wearing an outfit she cared for and singing about…

"Alright, I admit it…that's fucken cool."

Broken out of her thoughts Jubilee turned to give the others a quick glance. Most of them had their mouths agape. The exceptions being Bobby who had been the one to speak and Robert whose lips were curled in a serene smile, eyes intense and focused on the scene before them.

When she turned back to the stage she could see Amara's hands above her head, still spinning and could see what Bobby thought was so cool. With the addition of the colors from her reveal and her speed, the illusion of being engulfed in fire was apparent.

When she finally stopped spinning the silent crowd exploded into a roar of cheers, so loud that even though Amara started to sing her voice was almost inaudible.

As the crowd kept cheering she did a few pique's across the stage and then sauted towards the center of the stage. There she looked straight at their group, a shy smile on her features before her lips parted again.

"Baby you're so unusual…Didn't anyone tell you, you're supposed to, break my heart? I expect you do, so why haven't you? Maybe you're not even human cause Only an angel can be so unusual…Sweet surprise, I could get used to…unusual You…"

Knowing who the words were being directed to the group turned to the dark skinned boy amongst them. Small smirks and smiles on all their faces as they watched their friend get serenaded.

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

Pietro looked down at the paper on his desk. His office was completely silent except for the tapping that was coming from the pencil in his hand, the lead tip hitting the corner repeatedly.

Everything looked good. All their rehearsals were coming out great and all that was left in the one week before the big show was cleaning up the visuals for each performance and some very fine tuning…

So why was he getting the feeling that something was missing?

He groaned in frustration as he looked over the bands and songs names. He had already debated if it was the order of the performances but he couldn't really move anything because if he did he might be placing two slower songs right after each other and no, he didn't want that.

"What the fuck is it…" he mumbled to himself.

He didn't get a chance to answer himself as his alarm went off. He took a look at the time and got up from his desk.

Everyone would be arriving soon to start another batch of rehearsals. The final week countdown before the show had officially started.

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

Ray took a hit from his vape and let the white wisp exit slowly as his eyes stayed trained on the group a few yards away from him. Roberto had an arm around Amara who was smiling widely, one of her arms around his waist and the other hand holding on to the 2nd place trophy.

Though she hadn't come out on top the younger girl hadn't seemed phased at all about the outcome but this probably had more to do with the male that was now attached to her.

He wasn't sure who had been more surprised with the scene that had unfolded. Himself, Jubilee, Roberto or Amara herself but as soon as the trophy ceremony had ended the dark skinned girl had rushed down the stage towards them. The onlooking group clapped for her as she neared and had been expecting her to stop in front of them but instead watched as she jumped into their unexpecting Brazilian friends arms. Though he was surprised by the action Roberto was quick to react and twirled them both around, once he had done a full circle he gently lowered her to her feet but they didn't part. No, instead when she had found her footing, as graceful as the ballet dancer that she was, Amara rose on her tiptoes and Roberto met her half way letting their líps touch.

The silence amongst them as they watched didn't last long as woo hoos, claps and cheers erupted from the small group.

He had walked away from them a few minutes later and that's how he found himself in his current position on a bench, alone being an onlooker.

His eyes stayed on the newly formed laughing duo before his eyes went to glance at the others. Rahne was giving Amara a cheeky look as her own hand was entwined with Sams. Dani and Bobby were talking animatedly as Jami did a turn mimicking a move Amara had done on the stage.

Jubilee was watching them closely, her lips parted letting laughter grace the ears of those amongst hers.

He didn't realize that someone was missing until the bench he was on creaked, capturing his attention and making him glance to his side.

"I'm sorry."

He perked an eyebrow at her watching her carefully. "For what?" Her eyes were on the same crowd.

"Many things. Not understanding what you needed when we were together. Not saying goodbye when I left the apartment knowing that you hate people just leaving…but I guess more important for bringing you back to earth." She turned to look at him, "you look miserable."

"I do not."

"You do, but anyone who knows you knows there's no point in pushing you."

He didn't bother replying and turned back to watch the group. Dani had now joined in with Jamie and was attempting a perwait turn. Jubilee was holding her side not bothering to hide or stop her amused laughter.

Without much thought Ray broke the silence between them, "I don't know what it is about her." She already had an idea of what had been going on between them but he knew that those words confirmed it. He turned back to her ready to see either a disappointed or hurt look but the expression he was met with was a soft sadness that he was sure wasn't for herself. She was sad for him, maybe even for Jubilee.

"Feelings don't always come with all the answers. Sometimes you just click…it's that easy to fall, especially when you're not looking."

"…"

"It's not hard to see why in my opinion though. From the small amounts of time I've spent with her she's fun and spontaneous. It's nice having that type of bright energy around."

"…"

"So what are you going to do?"

The question made him turn to her, "About what?"

"About her?"

"…nothing, you said it yourself right? She's leaving. Plus I made it clear when we started it that it was just fooling around, we both knew what we were getting into." He looked away from the blonde to put his attention back on the group and noticed that the oval shaped eyes were looking in their direction, the brown orbs filled with curiosity making him stand up and take a hit of his vape before walking away from the blonde and the group.

Tabitha didn't bother watching him go, instead she stayed focused on Jubilee who was following the retreating figure. When he disappeared completely she turned back to her and she found herself giving a small smile to the girl before her lips opened and she muttered, "You're both idiots ," to herself while standing to go towards them where Bobby was now looking around for her.

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

Gambit's red on black eyes stayed on the stage watching every sway of Rogue's curves as she did a twirl and started walking backwards with a hand stretched out before her as she got further and further away from Scarlet Witch, both of their voices synchronizing beautifully together.

"Do you ever wonder what things would be like if we hadn't gone on tour?"

The question caught him by surprise and he glanced sideways to see that Pyro's eyes were on on the stage as well.

He pondered the question quietly. He had actually thought about it before and he didn't like the answer so he didn't dwell on it very much. The honest answer would be that he definitely wouldn't be doing what he was doing now. Not just traveling and touring but he also wouldn't be fooling around with Anna Marie.

When he thought back on it, the main thing that had brought them together that night of John's black out was the fact that they had been able to hang out by themselves. Even if they had been sexually attracted to each other prior to that night and there was a kinship between them, they had never been left alone. The bands kept them in their own cliques and that in itself kept them at arms length from each other as they met and explored other people.

While she dated and stayed in a long relationship with Cody Robbins, he went through a different woman every few months. The meshing of their personalities at a deeper level would have never happened that way naturally. .

"I suppose I wouldn't be satisfied."

An odd answer, considering that even now he wasn't completely satisfied. Though all the girls he had been with prior to Anna had been fun none of them filled whatever craving was fully sated by the southern goth. The only reason he couldn't say he was 100 percent happy was because he was longing for more than just the beneficial secretship they had now and it was honestly something that perplexed him.

There was obviously something deeper between them than just sex. He had always thought that there was something intimate about falling asleep with each other on the phone, the response of getting every message and every call answered. There was something about the way that she paused and waited for an answer when she teased him about easily finding someone else, as if waiting for him to tell her that she was all he needed. And he did which was why he was so unsure of what it was between them considering the fact that she kept repeatedly saying no to an attempt at a relationship.

He was broken out of his thoughts by John's voice but found himself having to mumble a "hmm" making him repeat the words as he hadn't heard him at all.

"I said and I guess I would have been."

The truth of his words made a small pang of guilt run through his chest even though the reality of it was that he had no control over it. If they hadn't gone touring Wanda and John would have been inseparable. Remy found his eyes going to the black haired girl on the stage, "What brought this on? Did something happen?"

John pressed his lips together, imagining the taste of the strawberry chap-stick before shaking his head, "nothing that matters right now."

The auburn haired man tilted his head to the side, studying him closely before he let his eyes go back to the stage where Anna and Wanda were just about done.

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

"Hey everyone! I just wanted to take some time to thank you guys for sticking around even though I'm sure you feel like you've been here long enough. You all have been doing an amazing job and I know next week's performances are going to be great." Pietro let his eyes drag around the room letting his gaze linger on a pair of hazel green eyes.

"Because everything has been going so smoothly, again thanks to you guys for showing up and putting in the work, all the managers have agreed that a reward for all our efforts is needed. So the day after Nocturnal Madness we would like to invite you all to the Bayville Campgrounds where we have reserved campsites for a two night stay." Pietro paused as a burst of cheers were heard. "Food and beverage will be provided," the cheers got louder. "We hope to see you all there and again, keep up the great job. I really appreciate all your guys' participation. Good night!"

As he put his microphone back on the mic stand he saw many of the participants getting up and huddling into circles, already trying to make plans.

His eyes scoped the room finding the dark brown hair he was looking for. Laura was huddled up alongside many of the other X-men, her mouth in a wide smile as she spoke to Ray and Roberto, probably going over the assumption that they potentially had the day after Nocturnal off. He smiled as he watched her before he turned his back on everyone and set his eyes on the stage.

In less than a week his club was going to hold the biggest party Bayville had ever seen. He could easily imagine the giant sentinel at the center and the rubble of rocks that would make blobs platform to the side of it. He was so focused on the vision that he failed to notice when he was no longer alone until the thick Australian accent broke him out of it.

"It's going to be good…"

"Yeah it is. I guess a small taste of what I've missed out by not choosing to tour huh?"

"Damn, everyone is living in the past today or what?"

Pietro looked past John at Remy who was looking out at the groups of people on the main floor, his eyes settling on the large group of X-men. Pietro followed the gaze to see that Anna had now joined them and was whispering something into Laura's ear.

"Nah, just a random thought, I wouldn't want to be anywhere but here."

"So is there going to be alcohol at this camp thing?"

"BYOB. I didn't want to announce it to the whole group since some are minors and the heads will most likely be there, at least the first night. So they're going to have to act right."

Remy smirked, "What? We're always on our best behavior."

"Uh huh, sure you are. Let's hope you're on extra good behavior cause you're going to need all the luck you can get…"

"For what?"

Pietro nodded towards a corner of the room, "To run away from her. She's eyeing you already."

At the words Remy turned towards the corner to see Marauders and Nasty Boys grouped up, the platinum blonde of the group watching him intently.

"Fuck…"

"Lock the tent," Pietro teased, making Remy shudder. He then shook his head and nudged John before tilting his head to brotherhood members who were now huddled up together, "Let's go mingle."

The bright haired male turned to look at the group, his eyes staying on the raven haired twin. "Let's…" and with that they started making their way over, Remy closed behind as he ignored Vertigo's suggestive looks.

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

"That was a good speech earlier tonight."

Sapphire eyes looked up to stare into similar ones. "Thanks dad."

"It really looks like everything is coming together well."

Pietro nodded, "It is, guess I gotta give it to you. Probably wouldn't be as much hype if the Acolytes weren't involved."

Eric looked at the young man before him, as he stared at him echos of his younger self appeared before him including the passionate teen version of him that put his foot down and stated he was doing music. Pietro would have gotten the hype without him, but he didn't have to tell him that.

After the silence went on for longer than a minute with his father staring at him Pietro coughed and turned away to look at the time. He was getting ready to head out and meet Laura for a late dinner since rehearsals were all done for the day. After that he has also planned to pick up Luna, though it wasn't his week there were a few days he was going to be changing due to the performances the following week.

"I'm surprised you're still here, I thought you and Raven had headed out after my speech."

"No, I stayed to handle some press issues. I had a photographer take pictures while everyone was out talking amongst each other, and thought you'd like to look at them and see which ones you might want in the newspaper." He placed a large envelope on the desk and slid it over.

"Alright, I'll take a look."

"Great. I'll email you the newspaper representative information. I also expect you and Wanda in my office Monday morning to go over your production summary. I know there might be some hits over the weekend for the show so I'd like us to go over all the numbers to prepare for them."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Alright, well I'm going to get going but I will see you in a bit at home."

"Going to be out late but I'll see you tomorrow." Eric nodded and left without another word. When he was gone Pietro grabbed his car keys from the inside of his desk and made to walk towards the door. Before he went too far he stopped and turned around to look at the envelope. He sighed to himself before walking back to it and spilling the pictures on to his desk.

He perked a brow as he noticed that they were Polaroids. His hand glided over them moving them apart so he could see different ones. Whoever had been the photographer was good cause he found pictures of himself where he hadn't even noticed them.

Many of the pictures were the bands in their specific groups but as he kept skimming he found interesting ones where people from groups were combined. He eventually also found one with all the managers, his father and Raven at the center with Sebastian Shaw, Nathaniel Essex, and En Sabah Nur and a few others at their sides.

He put the picture down and started to turn, deciding to look through them more thoroughly the next day but suddenly stopped.

One of the pictures had made it to the corner of his desk. Anna and Remy were at the center, his step sister's hands were crossed in front of her chest as she eyed the taller boy unimpressed. Remy was looking down at her, a smug grin on his lips. In the background the brotherhood members were watching on, some with expressions that read help and others watching intrigued, ready to see someone go down. He was there too but his expression was more of a "not again". After studying his expression a bit more his sapphire eyes went to the area behind Anna. Lauren and Wanda were watching the duo as well. Wanda looked annoyed while Laura's perfect lips were open a margin seemingly saying something.

And suddenly it came to him. What was missing from Nocturnal Madness. His eyes widened and he felt excitement bubble within him but as quick as it came it left because…well fuck…how was he going to get them all on board.

As his mind went at the speed of light thinking of what he could say to convince them he grabbed the picture from the desk and left.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O Sunday O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Ray tapped his fingertips against the steering wheel, the leg that was not pressing down on the gas pedal was bouncing up and down. It was odd how deathly quiet the ride home was. He may not have been much of a talker but she most certainly was and the fact that she hadn't said anything yet was setting his nerves off in a different way.

His eyes roamed the empty dimly lit streets. It was Sunday afternoon after their shift at Scarlet Ink and after making the mistake of telling Roberto that he wasn't going to the gym after work, he was volunteered to drive Jubilee home. He couldn't even use rehearsal as an excuse since the X-Dolls had been given the night off. Wanda and Laura were not an option either because unfortunately for them, they did have rehearsal. Roberto on the other hand could do it especially since the plans he had involved their Asian roommates best friend but there was something about crashing his first official date that didn't sit well with him.

So there he was, taking one for the team and putting himself in a very awkward position with his friends with benefits. It was amazing what a week of abstinence could do to their fun little game but then again if he really thought about it, it wasn't the lack of sex that was making this encounter awkward. No, it was the realization that he was possibly wanting more.

Life really was a bitch wasn't it? He had gone so long avoiding getting close to people, the trauma of his mom leaving had left him with a wound that he had cauterized and stitched closed but here Jubilee had come and unknowingly started pulling at the seams.

His lips pursed and tightened as he mentally berated himself. How the fuck had he let this happened? He knew she was leaving from day one…he blinked and let his mind wander as he kept his eyes on the road ahead of him.

Jubilee on the other hand kept her gaze outside her own window, the jawbreaker in her mouth going back and forth between her cheeks getting smaller in size. Unbeknownst to him her eyes were trained on his side profile through the reflection. The look on his face was intense and deep in thought which was why she was refraining from speaking. She was so lost in him that she almost jumped out of her skin when his voice spoke over the music.

"So I guess you got what you wanted." She turned to him at the words with a confused expression not being sure what he was talking about. He glanced at her before adding, "Amara and Roberto."

Her lips twitched into a smile, "I guess I did, and I didn't even have to do anything. The magic was just there."

"I think you did something…"

"What?" Jubilee asked, going into a pensive expression. She really hadn't played much of a matchmaker, sure she had teased both of them and been their very own cheerleader but she had never acted on it.

"You were around. Do you really think they would have connected without you getting hired at Scarlet and befriending us?"

"Hmm…she was attracted to him from before meeting you guys. From the times we've seen him at the gym."

"Attraction is easy. We can both go to the gym and point out someone we think is good looking, an actual connection is different though, especially with Amara's shyness."

At the words Jubilee thought back to the first time Amara had gone into the shop and the fact that she had to drag her in.

"They were able to find that because of you, so I wouldn't say you didn't do anything."

Ray turned to look at her, his bluish gray orbs connecting with her dark brown ones and Jubilee could feel the heat suddenly rushing to her cheeks and flutters erupt in her chest. It felt like it had been forever since he had even looked at her but especially with that ínstense gaze in his eyes. She swallowed hard and forced herself to look away, trying to calm her racing heartbeat and force certain thoughts from coming to mind.

"You're right. Guess I'm awesome."

She had been really good at distracting herself lately and he obviously still had a lot of work to do for Nocturnal Madness so this wasn't the time for her to get stupid ideas in her head. He had been the one that needed space and therefore she was determined to let him be the one to let her know when he was ready to begin. With the way all the bands schedules had been though, it didn't seem likely that a meet up would be before the big show and by then who knows, so much time would have gone by that maybe he wouldn't be into it anymore…

Maybe he wasn't into it anymore now, and that's why he had wanted to stop.

She blinked the thought away as the car came to a stop. They both made their way to the apartment in silence, the tension between them tangible but both refusing to acknowledge it. She walked into the apartment first. which might not have been the best idea as she lingered by the doorway to put her coat on the coat rack at the entrance.

He watched a slim arm come out of the yellow garment slowly, "Guess you proved me wrong and really made use of wearing that."

"It's hot out but people have their AC's on everywhere," she stuck her tongue out at him as she bent her arm trying to get her hand out. He had missed the action though because he had chosen to side step her to pass by but he stopped as the yellow garment skimmed the tip of his nose as her arm flew towards him.

"Shit."

"Whoops! Sorry!" Jubilee remarked and quickly twisted her body away from him. A move that had her bumping into the coat rack making her give a yell as one of its racks jabbed into her side. She quickly recovered from the attack and took two steps away from it not noticing that her collar had gotten stuck on the rack and it was now leaning towards her.

Before it got a chance to bonk her on the head, Ray outstretched a hand and stopped it in place. Jubilee froze and looked up, first at his arm which was now brushing against her cheek and then into the grayish blue orbs.

"You alright?"

"…Yeah…yeah I'm good. Thanks," and with that she turned away from him and continued down the hall.

"Wait, hold up! You still have a coat rack…"

She moved too fast and with another step the pole went out of Ray's hand and made contact with her dark hair.

The words 'shit' and 'ow' were said simultaneously. Within a second Ray was beside her making sure to untangle her jacket from the rack and pushed it back into place. Jubilee already had a hand on her head rubbing the area.

"Are you alright?" He asked again.

"I'll live, I think…" she responded and looked back up to find him once again staring at her.

"Well that was…interesting," as the word left his mouth the curve of his lips started lifting upwards and seconds later he was chuckling. She stared at him in disbelief for a few seconds before her own laughter joined in.

"Shut up!" She shouted in between giggles and the hand that was babying her head went forward to push him away.

The push barely moved him but after recovering he took a step closer to her, his hands going up to cup her face. "Here let me see," he remarked and tilted her head down so he'd have a good view of the top. His eyes scanned the dark hair and without thinking about it his lips pursed together and soon he was blowing air on to it trying to separate strands.

"I don't see any bleeding or redness so yeah, I guess you will live," still smiling, he tilted her head back into place.

She let out a last giggle as she looked up at him, her bottom lip was pinned by some of her upper teeth as she tried to control her laughter. "Thanks…"

"Yeah…" he nodded and then out of instinct one of his thumbs traced down her face and onto her bitten lip.

The playful aura that has been established quickly dissipated, the steel blue staying connected with brown.

Jubilee held her breath, she was scared to speak, scared to move, scared to do anything that would cause him to move away.

She didn't have to worry about it though because it was his lips that parted, breaking the tense filled silence.

"You were right earlier."

"About what?"

His head dropped and the tip of his nose found hers, "You are awesome," the whisper was more like a small breath of air before his lips connected to her.

The kiss was slow and tentative at first, their mouths getting reacquainted with each other from the week of absence. The metal of his lip ring pressed into the plush flesh as their lips barely parted. After a minute of these soft pecks Ray's impatience got the best of him and one of the hands that was still on her face slithered to the back of her neck bringing her closer into him. Her mouth opened wider as his tongue pressed against her lips wanting to fully taste her.

The taste of the blue raspberry jawbreaker she had been sucking on in the car was still prominent in her mouth and he moaned into her at the familiar taste. Jubilee's natural instinct was to press her body deeper into him, her hands tightening on his waist as his hip thrusted into her at the close contact.

As their mouths stayed busy devouring each other, the hand at the back of her neck drifted to her shoulder where her coat was still partially hanging off. His fingertips softly rolled the material down and the yellow garment hit the floor with a thud. His hand then went to rest at her waist, his free hand mimicked the move before slowly wrapping around her waist as their kiss continued.

After being in this position for a good minute and listening to her soft whimpers when his teeth would dig into her lip his fingertips wanted more. They pulled away from her waist finding the hem of her shirt and going under to feel the softness of her skin. At the contact a hiss erupted out of her lips into his mouth making him twitch and realize that the tightness of his jeans was starting to become unbearable.

His hands slipped away from under her shirt and glided down the side of her thighs going to the middle once he reached the back of her knees. In order to reach the area he wanted he found himself leaning forward to tower above her, their lips still attached. Once he had a secure hold on her legs he lifted and that would be the action that would cause their mouths to disconnect as she leaned away to give a surprised yelp as he wrapped her legs around his waist and turned so that his back leaned against the door frame.

Her lips parted but before any words could make it past them they were replaced with a moan as the hands on the back of her thighs didn't waste any time going to her ass and pressing her core closer into him. She swallowed her second moan as he continuously continued to grind her clothed opening into his hard shaft causing saliva to pool in her mouth. She had felt his excitement pressed against her stomach earlier but the sensation and excitement hit differently as it literally bumped against her sweet spot.

It was Ray's turn to swallow hard as his stormy blue orbs watched the Asian female in his arms. Her eyes squeezed shut and her head tilted back while her hand went to the back of his head pulling herself closer and deeper into him. The friction being caused between their jeans drove them both up the wall and he pressed his back harder into the door frame ignoring the creak it made deciding to focus instead on putting his mouth back on the raven haired girl on him.

His lips found her collarbone and slowly made a trek upwards, stopping at her pulse point and feeling the racing thrum of her heart.

After sucking on the small point his tongue came out and licked upwards until he reached the curve of her jaw where he started to peck his way back to her lips. She straightened her face back down and her eyes slowly opened, brown eyes blown out in desire.

Her face leaned forward letting her lips softly brush his before slightly moving away so that she could murmur a low, "I want you…"

"And I want you…"

She smiled at the repeated phrase before closing her eyes and moving inwards, her lips brushing against his, "I want all of you…" before he had a chance to inquire what she meant, she had closed the small millimeter gap between them. Her tongue was in his mouth stopping him from speaking and deciding that maybe that was a question for a later time he let his hands guide her hips into him for a few more rocks before pressing himself against the door frame to push away from the wall.

Now he was in the middle of the doorway, her legs tightly wrapped around him as she was suspended in the air. His lips released to look around to find the perfect place for them to continue their activity. Finding the couch and remembering the dirty thought he had thought of a few days prior he made his way towards it, meanwhile her head had dug itself into his shoulder as a hand tightly grabbed at the base of his neck helping balance her as her hips rubbed up and down on him causing more friction between their bodies.

When she felt him set her down she gave a low whine making him smirk in the process. "I have to put you down if you want it to go any further than dry humping," he teased.

"I guess that's true, so what are you waiting for?" She asked and pulled away from his hold so that her hands went to his belt buckle starting to unfasten it. While he let her focus on that his hands went to the bottom of his shirt lifting the material upwards. As it slid over his arms, the garment hid his face from view and he felt the tug at his hips as both his underwear and pants went down past his legs. By the time he threw his shirt across the room his pants were at his ankles and a small hiss escaped his lips as her fingers wrapped around his hard shaft.

"You know if someone came home right now you'd look like such a big pervert just being openly naked like this."

"You're the one holding it."

"I can run away quick enough, I don't think you can say the same," she answered and looked down at the pants which would make it very hard for him to run if he needed to.

"Then let's even it out," he responded, hands going to the base of her shirt to lift upwards. In a few short seconds she was left in a lacy black bra, the demi cup allowing a delicious curve to appear as her flesh overflowed.

His hands went to the sides of the coach, trapping her smaller frame in between them and his face dipped inwards to recapture her lips. The kiss was wet, their tongues exchanging fluids for a few seconds before he pulled away, a string of saliva keeping them connected as he went. It broke off when his face lowered, his moistened mouth finding her collar bone.

Jubilee let a small sigh out as he slowly crept lower and lower down her chest until he reached the curve of her breast and his tongue followed the top of it into the crevasse in between her mounds. She let another small hum out as his tongue made a sideways line and the wet muscle feathered over her nipple.

"Not to ruin the mood but should we really be doing this right here? What if someone comes home?"

He pulled away, giving the v point of her cleavage a small peck. "I looked at the rehearsal schedule, Laura will be gone for hours," his hands went up to her shoulder and his fingers grabbed at her bra straps pulling them down the sides of her arms. "Roberto is out with the woman of his dreams right now on their first date ever…believe me he won't be back anytime soon…" he pulled the straps down with even more force, having the small cups of her bra turn over exposing her pert nipples. "I think we'll be ok…" he added as he leaned downwards and forwards, taking a dark bud into his mouth.

Jubilee put her hands on the couch next to his to keep herself stable, now that she had the extra leverage she put her weight on her hands to arch her chest higher into him.

When he pulled away leaving the nipple covered in his drool his steel blue eyes looked up to find her watching him, brown eyes filled with lust..

"If for whatever reason they do come home we should be able to hear the door and we'll make a run for it…either way I'm not planning to relocate." As he spoke his hands found her waist, fingers skillfully undoing the button of her pants.

"Hmm…why's that?" the sound of the zipper filled the room while she waited for his answer.

"I've been imagining fucking you on this couch all week." His hands went to her hips, fingers gripping the jean fabric.

Jubilee could feel a liquid heat pool in between her legs, the wetness soaking through the material of her matching panties. "…then what are you waiting for?" She repeated.

His hands tugged downwards forcefully, causing her pants to slide down her legs until they couldn't go further down because of her shoes.

His lips touched her knees and his hands gripped her under her thighs slowly spreading her. His lips then made a path up her legs, torturously slow making his way to her center.

Another sound escaped her as her eyes followed his movements, including one of his hands going in between his legs to grip himself. It moved at a low speed up and down as he placed one last kiss on the wet spot of her panties.

"We really need to be naked for the rest of this…"

She wasn't sure why she giggled at the statement but then surprised him by pushing him back putting space between them. Without saying anything else she gave a small hop off the couch and turned her back on him. One of her hands went back onto the couch arm to keep her balanced while her other hand went down to her feet to remove her shoes in order to remove her pants. Behind her she heard his shuffling movements but didn't glance back being focused on removing her own garments.

As her hands went to the lining of her underwear she stopped in place feeling his hands on hers. They guided them to the couch before releasing her and soon goosebumps rose on her skin as she felt the heat of his touch on the thin cloth keeping her decent. Ever so slowly the material rolled down her legs and she could barely lift her legs to get the offending garment off, the anticipation of what was to come making her legs start rubbing against each other.

His lips found the back of her knee and like he had teased earlier they made a slow trek upwards. She let out a hiss as the metal of his piercing dug into the soft plum of her ass, his teeth nipping at the curve. When he released her his lips went to the same area pressing a kiss to the same spot but it went unnoticed by her as a finger pressed in between her thighs finding her nether lips.

"Well you're ready."

"If you can tell then why are you taking forever?"

He gave a low chuckle and removed the digit making her give a soft whine. She didn't get to say anything in the matter though because as her lips parted to speak she could feel the head of his cock press into one of her ass cheeks as he stood up straight behind her.

One of his hands went to her shoulder and swiped her hair to one side letting it drift forward over her shoulder. His head leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on it before she felt his hands on the side of her thighs.

"It's been a bit since I've touched you, let me enjoy it before we get to the real action…" his hands moved up following her curves, squeezing her at the waist, moving upwards making her give a low giggle when his fingertips skimmed her rib cage. They stopped when they found her breast and her head moved back resting on his shoulder when he took a nipple in between his thumb and index finger, twisting before pulling on the erect little nubbin.

"…Ray…"

His dick pulsed as his name escaped her perfect lips and the hand that had been squeezing her other breast disappeared in between their bodies to grip at his shaft, giving it a few pumps before pressing it in between her legs.

The action made her body automatically lean forward, her thighs going to press against the couch as she allowed more of her weight to go into her arms to keep herself up as she impatiently waited for what she had been wanting so long for.

She bit her lip in anticipation and to drown out any sound she might make but it didn't work. His grip on her tit tightened as a moan escaped her.

Jubilee couldn't help it. Her body had a mind of its own and there was no way to silence it as she felt her pussy stretch to the girth of the man behind her. She had fingered herself so many times over the last week trying to reenact the filling sensation she was feeling at the moment but as he fully sheathed himself inside her it was easy for her to realize that nothing would ever feel as delicious as the feeling of Ray's cock buried deep inside her.

"Fuck!"

She hadn't realized she had shouted the word out until she felt his breath at her ear. "Shh…do you want the neighbors to hear you?"

He held her in place waiting for an answer. When none was given he completely pulled only to thrust back into her, harder than the first time.

Jubilee felt her mouth part to give a surprised yell before finally answering with, "I…don't… fucken care…"

Those words were all he needed to speed up his pace. One hand stayed at her waist while the other stayed on her breast, helping keep her steady as he rammed into her.

He kept his pace steady for the next few minutes. His attention going between watching his cock enter her from behind to going to her side profile as she tried to catch glimpses of him. After a love bite to her shoulder that would definitely be leaving a mark the hand that had been teasing her chest moved to her thigh, grabbing it from the side before lifting it to place her knee on the couch arm.

The new position caused her to lean forward making him groan as he got a new view of the nether lips taking him in. He swallowed hard as he delved deeper into her and slowed his pace as he watched her take him in and out.

After a minute of being entrapped by the visual his hands which were holding her in place by her waist moved downward. His finger fanned out on her ass cheeks enjoying the feeling of her skin. Beads of sweat had started to coat the surface and he allowed his fingers to leave the plump rump to slide up her spine stopping when they reached her shoulders. He then proceeded in gripping her tightly before thrusting into her harshly now that he had her steadily in place.

The unexpected movement had her moan echoing throughout the room spurring him to continue, his eyes closing and breath hitching in his throat as he got lost in the euphoric bliss of how well she squeezed him in.

Eventually her moans were becoming too loud even for her own liking and her hands made a rapid move to grab onto a couch cushion, pressing her face into it to stifle her voice. He took this as a cue to slow down, which might have given her a breather but was more torturous as it prolonged the contact against her sensitive clit.

Ray watched her with an intense focus. Her body withered at each pump of his body and realizing that it had been too long since he had seen her completely undone he increased his speed and let one of his arms wrap around her thigh, letting his fingers find her over sensitive button.

Her body convulsed and thrashed against his for a minute before a haunting moan escaped her and he could feel the walls surrounding his cock tightening before she became still. Her lidded eyes glanced over her shoulder at him, the euphoria coursing through her body making the chocolate orbs flutter and spurring his speed to increase until his eyes closed and he mimicked her wanton moan before pulling out allowing his seed to coat her ass and back.

The room was still, the only noise as they recovered being the deep breaths as their heart rates started to regulate.

When he was able to move Ray grabbed his shirt, putting the soft cloth against her skin, cleaning her off, admiring the small lifts of her back as it moved along with her breathing pattern. When he was done with her, he moved on to himself. All throughout his actions she didn't move or speak, making him try and get a glimpse of her face.

"You still alive over there?"

Her hum of acknowledgement was soft and a few seconds more went by in silence before she added, "I just feel like jelly and don't want to do anything now."

He smirked at the answer before resting his hands on her bottom and letting them slowly rise on to her back. The fingers dug into her skin in a kneading manner and he heard her give a low moan of approval. His softening dick pulsed in between his legs at the sound, and he could feel the blood rushing back into it.

"I hate to burst your bubble but you're going to have to move. You're naked in the living room," he answered, giving her shoulders a squeeze. She gave a low whine but before she could say any words he beat her, "but…I guess if you don't want to move I can carry you."

"…carry me where?"

"You're all sweaty and dirty, I think the shower would be the best way to go now."

She looked over shoulder at him, her lips turning into a Cheshire Cat smile. "A shower does sound nice."

Within a few seconds she gave a surprised yelp. His arm had made its way under her stomach and in a swift movement she was turned around making it easier for him to pick her up bridal style. Seconds later they were zooming away from the living room, her giggles and shouts of "our clothes!" echoing against the walls.

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

"What the Fuck? Why is the couch wet?"

Jubilee glanced at Roberto who had jumped up after making brief contact with the couch. His brown eyes were on the couch staring at it as if it had offended him. She ignored the heat in her cheeks and looked in Ray's direction. He was laying on the floor, eyes on the tv not bothering to glance back at her even though he could see her looking through his peripherals.

"I was eating cereal and dropped my milk when I set the bowl at the arm and tried to reach for the control at the same time. Have you smelt rotten milk? I Thought it was best to shampoo it."

"…oh," Roberto remarked and gave the wet side of the couch a last look before sitting at the opposite end.

"So how was your date?" Ray asked looking away from the tv to tilt his head back and look at the dark skinned male who was now sitting directly behind him.

His lips parted to answer but before he could say anything the ringtone of Jubilee's phone loudly went off making the two boys turn to her. She looked at the caller ID before smirking, "looks like I'm about to find out how it went…" she remarked before pressing on her screen.

"Hi Amara, how was your date?" After she asked the question she pulled the phone away from her ear. The answer was loud and energetic and very much unexpected to her eardrums.

Ray smirked, turning his gaze to Roberto who returned the grin, "it was good."

"Apparently," Ray remarked as Jubilee got off the second couch and started walking towards the bedrooms giving them a small wave.

When she was gone Roberto took her place on the couch, "is Laura home?"

"Not yet, not sure if practice went long or if she was hanging out with Pietro after."

"Hmm…what have you guys been up to?"

Ray turned his face back towards the tv but paid it no attention, his mind flashing different memories from a bit earlier. Jubilee laughing while covered in soap suds. Jubilee on her knees, her tongue lapping at the tip of his cock. Jubilee in his arms pressed against the bathroom title, her hands grabbing at his hair like a lifeline. Jubilee in a towel, giving him a coy smile as she disappeared into her room. Jubilee fully clothed on the floor, her legs crossed in the air as she happily ate a bagel he had made her. Jubilee…just Jubilee…

"Not much just…wasting time," he finally replied half absentmindedly.

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

Jubilee had a problem. It was something she was able to admit to herself when she woke up in the middle of the night but instead of craving something sweet or milk like any normal person she was craving sex.

They had had plenty of it earlier so she didn't know why her body was being a greedy little bitch but there she was tossing and turning in bed with an ache in between her legs. She knew that she could take care of herself but she also knew that that ache wouldn't really go away, like how it hadn't gone away all week.

She internally debated if she should go to him. Half of her said no. Nothing had really changed, he was still a busy bee and they were both opening Scarlet Ink in the morning and he had rehearsal at some point during the day. The other half of her told her to go. It reminded her of their earlier encounter and how hungry and desperate his touch had been. It reminded her of all his groans, grunts and the fingertips that were still embedded in her skin.

It had felt like he had missed her-or their arrangement just as much as she had and that thought won over the argument and was the reason that her bare body was flushed against his back minutes later.

She could feel the low thrum of his heartbeat against his back and her eyes unconsciously started tracing the ink on his shoulder as lazy sleepiness started to creep in.

"Can I ask you something?" His 'hmm' was so low that she didn't really hear it but felt it through her face. "Why is there so much darkness here?"

"…it's 4am and the light is off."

Her fingers paused for a moment before retracing the tower card, "that's not what I meant."

"…I Don't consider it dark. I consider it real."

"The tower card stands for upheaval, destruction and chaos," she remarked thinking back to when Remy and Anna had caught her drawing it. "You said the tree of life represents seasons changing, but in some cultures it represents the afterlife…a flock of ravens is called an unkindness and in most cultures the raven itself represents death."

"You did your research."

"…I've had some free time the last few days…"

"…"

They both got quiet after the words and for a few minutes stayed motionless until she took her cheek off his back. "I better get to bed." The hand that was at his waist started to slide back but before it could go far his hand was on top of it stopping its movement.

His fingers grasped onto her own before the low whisper made it to her ears. She could feel her heartbeat escalating to the point that she felt she could hear it loud and clear. Without saying anything, her hand with his still on it slid upwards towards his chest as the tension in her body evaporated and she pressed her body into him deepening the hug.

He drifted off to sleep soon after that with his fingers interlocked with hers as he held her hand against his heart. She followed soon after, the only thing in her mind being his whispered ''Stay' repeating over and over in her mind.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O A Week Later O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Pietro walked onto the stage slowly, taking in the noise that got louder as he got to the center of the stage. The stage was dark except for the one spotlight that was following the silver haired male. Once he reached the middle his arms went up into the air and the noise got even louder. After a few seconds he brought the microphone he was holding to his mouth.

"Well well well…what do we have here?" The crowd went loud once again. He nodded and smirked, "Before the big shabang happens I actually just wanted to come out and thank you all for being here. As you all know today is a special day because all your favorite bands have come together to cause some chaos… some…madness…" the crowd went wild again.

"So without further ado let me welcome you to the show, welcome you to an adventure…" he paused while momentarily thinking about the favors he was gonna owe due to this little add on, "welcome you to our town…"

The lights started flickering as Pietro started walking off the stage. Before he made it off completely they turned off and the audience went silent anxiously waiting for the first band. They weren't disappointed when they heard a deep growl.

"This town is our town, so motherfucking glam…"

The instruments started up and the lights turned on to show Pyro on stage with his guitar. Accompanying him was Avalanche on the bass and the Blob on the drums.

The crowd went wild and as the music played the audience, mostly the females, started to look around the stage looking for the source of the previous growling vocals.

Nothing happened for a few seconds but then a figure in tight black pants and a red button vest walked onto the stage, a microphone in hand and up to their rub lips. The audience cheered.

"We all know the chosen toys…Of candy girls and pretty boys…" she pointed at herself before pointing at the boys behind her. "Make up that face to win the race…Life's a prick in this town…" she strolled to the other side of the stage before putting the microphone closer to her mouth making the following words come out in a more aggressive tone. "Suck my dick in this town!"

There was laughter and cheers at the words. Blob went crazy on the drums as the guitars started to pick up the beat and then the chorus started.

"This town is our town! It is so glamorous!" There was a gasp as X23 ran onto the stage, a microphone of her own at her lips as she took over the song. "I'd bet you'd live here If you could and be one of us…" she stopped her verse and then pointed to the opposite side of the stage.

The audience followed the gestures and then roared. "This town is our town! So FUCKING glamorous, I'd bet you'd live here if you could and be one of us…" Rogue stepped onto the stage. Her outfit consisting of tight black pants, a long sleeve black shirt and a green over shirt.

The singing paused for a moment as the instrument kept going. The three girls made a pyramid on the stage smirking at the audience.

"We told you, you were in for a treat!" Scarlet Witch commented as X23 dusted off invisible dust from her thighs high boots before adjusting her blue tank top and black shorts. Multiple answers like "Fuck Yeah!" And "This is Awesome!" Were thrown at them by the audience. She nodded and brought the microphone back to her lips, "Change our minds Like we said before, We're dreamers…"

The other two on the stage joined her and shouted, "We're whores!" causing the audience to cheer.

"Discarded stars like worn out cars…Litter the streets of this town…Litter the streets of this town!" She put the mic down and pointed at X23 who ran up towards the very edge of the stage.

"This town is our town! So fucking glamorous, I'd bet you'd live here If you could and be one of us!"

The audience then turned to Rogue knowing she was next up, and she was but what they weren't expecting was a growling voice to join her.

"This town is our town! So motherfucking glamorous…" Gambit came out from the same side of the stage where Rogue was. Her emerald eyes gave a small glance over her shoulder at him as their combined voice continued, "I'd bet you'd live here If you could and be one of us…"

As they finished Rogue gave him another glance before walking across the stage away from him. Scarlet witch spared her a glance as she went before her mic went back to her lips.

"Break it down boys…" At the words Pyro, Avalanche, and Blob went harder on the instruments. Wanda watched them, her head nodding alongside the beat, "Brotherhood in the house…" her free hand went into the air. "X-men in the house…" the same hand pointed at Rogue before moving towards x23. "Acolytes in the house…" she pointed at Gambit who was being cat-called by half the female audience in his black wife beater and then she made a circle around her head as she sang, "Hear me fucking go…"

And X23 started the chorus again making more than half the audience jump and dance in rhythm to the beat. Everyone moved around the stage as they sang their last lines ending in a horizontal line on the stage singing in unison.

"This town…this town…THIS TOWN!"

The crowd went wild and as they looked at each other, they knew…the show had finally started.

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

and that's the end of the chapter! Nocturnal Madness has officially started so the next chapter will probably be heavy on the music aspect but we'll see a little drinking and a little smex (I am suddenly heavily reminded of RH lol!)

Jubilay- They gave in! Hey I give them props cause a week can sometimes feel like forever! And Damn, Ray has really admitted that he might want more. Well he's running out of time to figure out what he needs to dooooo…

Amarto- they're official! I'm not gonna lie, writing the pageant caused my writer's block but thankfully I overcame it (it just took a year) and here we are. Someone is finally at a happy ending!

Romy- Don't you just wanna choke them? The hesitance is real. We got a cute little flashback AND Pietro did it, he bribed Anna with something good enough to get her on the stage with Remy. But in all honesty I don't think it was so hard, she doesn't wanna do a duet with him. There were a lot of people on that stage so it's less of a big deal.

Jonda- not really any scenes between them but I love that John is reflecting. Kinda feel bad for him. That line to Remy about how he would have been satisfied, ouch!

Xietro- Mia except for some looks on his part.

Songs used in this chapter were 'Manifesto' by Harakirir for the Sky. Britanys Spears, 'Unusual You' and 'This Town' by Human Waste Project.

As for what I have been up to the last year weeeeeellll…for half the year I became completely in love and obsessed with the relationship between Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio of the wwe universe! And then during the other half of the year my husband lost his job and he hadn't worked which means my writing time went to hanging out with him! A lot of things between, going on vaca, hanging out with friends you know ect ect but yeah I'm mainly gonna blame Rhea, Dom and the hubby!

So did anyone watch X-men 97? I was gonna start writing in March but then became too sad to do so XD Anyhoo I am back and am not planning anymore hiatus. This story has two, maybe three chapters (I know! How is that possible with so much to do) left so I will see you soon!

As always I hope to hear your guys thoughts on the chapter! I have some new commissions to share so if you're interested in fanart of our faves, keep an eye on my tumblr or Twitter accounts for updates and I think that's it! Thanks again for sticking with me and I'll see you soon!