Jono
Jonothon sighed and rubbed his eyes.
He had to go talk to her.
But what was he gonna say?
Oh, I'm sorry, Rogue. But what happened yesterday? That was cos someone lost control of their powers...
It wasn't as if he hadn't liked her before.
Cos he had. Did.
Bloody 'ell...he bet that he'd bollocksed everything up royally.
But the only way you're gonna find out if your go talk to her.
Jonothon gathered up his courage and went to go find Rogue.
Hey, Rogue...can we talk for a bit?
Rogue
Rogue looked up at him and smiled, if a little nervously.
"Sure," she replied. "Have a seat."
Jono
Ok...
Jonothon sat down next to her and rubbed his hand through his hair.
Look, I wanted to talk about yesterday...
Rogue
Rogue nodded slowly.
"O-okay..." she replied.
Please don't let this be bad.
Jono
Jonothon stared at his hands for a moment.
Rogue...I...I wanted to say sorry. I took advantage of you, and I'm sorry. It shouldnt've been done like that...
Rogue
Rogue stared at him.
"Jono, Ah... You didn't... you didn't take advantage of me. Ah... maybe we went a little further that I would have like for... to... to start with, but Ah mean, Ah did hear what happened, y'know with Rebekah. There's no need to appologise."
Jono
Jonothon shook his head slightly, picking at one of his cuticles distractedly.
I didn't feel right about what happened...
He looked at her.
Not cos of what we did, cos that was great. But it shouldt've happened like it did. If ya know what I mean.
Rogue
"Oh, well, yeah, Ah kinda agree with you there," Rogue smiled. "Ah would have liked for the circumstances to be different."
Jono
The sides of Jonothon's eyes crinkled in his version of a grin.
So...we're still alright? Still friends?
Rogue
Rogue grinned back.
"Absolutely," she replied.
Friends. Even after that... why couldn't they be... argh!
Jono
That's good.
He rested his chin on his hand as he looked at her.
'M writing a song bout what happened...well, changing the lyrics of an old song. To fit wot I want. Veiled references...
He blinked slowly.
S'fun.
Rogue
"Sounds like fun," Rogue grinned. "Hope Ah get to hear it when you're done."
Maybe it was better this way. Y'know until she got the hang of handling Calvin. Stupid little jerk. Always butting in, and trying to tempt her into killing her own friends.
Jono
Yeah...
Jonothon sighed to himself as he looked at her. Coward. You're a coward, Jonothon Starsmore.
Ya will. We should do the *first* part of yesterday again.
He chuckled wryly.
Rogue
Rogue giggled.
"Ah'd like that," she replied. "But maybe somewhere with a lot less people."
On the other hand, sometimes jumping into the deep end was the best way to deal with problems...
Jono
Jonthon blinked. That had *not* been what he meant. He'd been referring to the concert part...but hey. Whatever got ya the girl.
I'd like that as well...
He looked at her shyly.
Rogue
Rogue smiled.
"It's funny..." she said. "When you first came here Ah didn't think Ah was going to like you. You were so broody."
Jono
Wasn't broody. Was bitter. Miss Frost booted me out from her school and sent me here. I left all my friends behind. Well. Skin was my only friend really. Made new ones here, and he followed after. I don't know.
Jonothon shrugged.
I wasn't planning on making friends at all. These...
He tapped the bandages.
Tend to put most people off.
Rogue
"Appearences are usually deceiving," Rogue replied. "And Ah should know, Ah've absorbed enough people! Sometimes Ah wish Ah could like, reverse my power, and let other people see what's going on in me. Get some understanding all around."
Jono
Be nice...
Jonothon looked at her.
So, ah...wanna go to the flicks sometime?
Rogue
"Sure," Rogue smiled.
Maybe he liked her after all, y'know, in that non-groupie kind of way...
Jono
Jonothon tilted his head slightly as he looked at her.
Sweet.
He slowly reached over and took her hand in his.
Rogue
Rogue blushed a little and smiled at him. This was really cool. Touching people and not absorbing them!
Take the choker off...
Shut up Calvin.
"Any movie in mind?"
Jono
Dunno, really...
Jonothon rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand thoughtfully.
I thought maybe that one with Sean Connery in it. League of Extrordinary Gentlemen?
Rogue
"Yeah, that sounded interesting," Rogue agreed.
Rogue shuffled closer to him.
Jono
Maybe we could go on Saturday? Jonothon suggested.
Or Friday night?
Rogue
"Either is fine with me. Maybe Friday, just in case Julie or Bobby try to con me into baby-sitting," Rogue grinned.
And plus you'd rather not wait until Saturday, impatient girl.
Jono
Friday it is then. And then you can just tell them you have a date and they'll have to coerce someone else to do it.
Jonothon shook his head slightly.
She's gonna get knocked up again the way she's going...
Rogue
Rogue nodded.
"Yes, yes she is. And someone told me - Ah can't think who now - but apprantly she was just like this when she got knocked up the first time. Some people never learn?"
Jono
Nah, some never do.
Jonothon looked at her again, fingers tangled around hers.
I dunno...doesn't seem right. On tha kids, ya know? I'm all for femlib and women's rights but...
He shook his head again.
But then again, I was the accident that made my Da marry me Mum. So, s'pose I really can't talk there...
Rogue
"Ah know what you're saying. Julie should be more careful," Rogue replied. "But she's not and then she starts... groping with Bobby in class."
Rogue shuddered.
"In class! As if last night wasn't bad enough..."
Jono
Jonothon chuckled slightly into her head.
Was plenty bad. Never been much of a one for public group sex...more of a private person, meself. There's times and places for everything...
He raised her hand to where his lips would be.
And that wasn't really the time or place. Julie has the morals of an alley cat in heat. And Bobby's just as bad.
Rogue
Rogue nodded.
"Exactly."
She bit her lip as her fingers touched his bandages and smiled.
Jono
Jonothon smiled back with his eyes, and dropped their conjoined hands again.
So, Rogue...Wanna be my girl?
He looked at her seriously, thumb stroking over the back of her hand.
Rogue
Rogue's smile grew bigger.
"Ah was beginning to wonder if you'd ever ask me," she replied. "Yes Ah do, absolutely, shugah."
Jono
Fantastic.
Jonothon decided not to tell what had happened to his girlfriend in England. That had just been an accident he couldn't prevent...right?
So, wanna go to the caf? You can have lunch, and I can...watch.
He chuckled slightly.
Rogue
Rogue giggled.
"Sure."
She leant over and kissed his forehead, before standing up.
Jono
Jonothon stood up as well and put his arm around her waist as they started walking.
So, how's all yer classes going?
Rogue
"Good," Rogue replied. "Maths is a killer so far though, even if there is a math whiz inside my head. What about you?"
Jono
Alright. Can't wait for the prof to get back though. Scott's a prick.
Jonothon frowned.
Is it just me, or have all the Summers been more annoying and arse 'olier then thou lately?
Rogue
"Power corrupts?" Rogue suggested. "I dunno... they're alright when they're teaching, but the rest of the time..."
Jono
Eh, I don't know. The prof's alright. Jonothon admitted grudgingly. But I swear, Jean spends 'alf 'er time trying to get into me 'ead. I don't want her in there, the annoying self righteous bint. The Lewllyns said they;ve had the same problem. Nothing nastier then a telepath who can't keep to themselves...
Rogue
"Ahh... yes... Ah've heard that before..." Rogue said. "Ah dunno... you'd think a telepath of all people would understand the need for privacy."
Jono
Ya really would. Everyone thinks. Loudly. Constantly.
Jonothon's eyes shut briefly.
Wouldn't be able to communicate without pen and paper if I wasn't, but it does get wearing.
Rogue
Rogue nodded as they entered the cafeteria.
"Ah guess muh mind mustn't be very nice... what with all the voices in there."
Calvin especially.
Jono
They're there...but I can't really hear them. It's like a low irritating buzz...
Jonothon shook his head.
They don't bother me that much. I like spending time with you too much.
Rogue
Rogue was all smiles.
"I like spending time with you too," she said. "Anywhere you want to sit?"
Jono
Don't care, really.
Jonothon's hand stroked the skin of her waist lightly.
You pick.
Rogue
"Okay," Rogue replied. "Ah'll just get some lunch first."
She went over to the counter and made herself up a couple of sandwiches from the food that was laid out and then satdown with Jono at one of the empty tables.
Jono
How're the fuzzles? Jono asked, searching for a topic of conversation.
Rogue
"They're good. But sometimes Rusty and Rory wake me up in the middle of the night. Ah'm not sure if they're fighting or playing," Rogue giggled. "They're all really very sweet though, especially Zurina - muh white one."
Jono
They're pretty cute.
Jonothon tilted his head slightly.
I had a dog back in London...terrier mongrel something or other.
He looked away briefly. Before my dad killed it by hitting it over the head with an empty bottle...
Thought bout getting another one but...not while I'm at the school.
Rogue
"When Ah was still living with muh folks, we had a dog," Rogue said.
She looked down and took a bite out of her sandwich.
Jono
Yeah? What type? Jonothon asked. He loved dogs, but as he said...wasn't going to get one while he was living here. It'd get confused about who it should obey.
Rogue
"German Shepherd," Rogue replied. "He's such a cheeky thing, and Ah in particular was very bad at trying to disipline him. Used to get away with anything."
Jono
The corners of Jonothon's eyes creased slightly.
I was always good with dogs. Come with a whistle and a click of me fingers.
He chuckled slightly.
I had Jack trained good. He was smart as a whip...
Rogue
Rogue smiled.
"Cool. Ah've always loved animals, but with my power it was kinda... impractical for me to have a pet. Probably kill the poor thing. But the fuzzles are all fur, so it's not an issue."
Jono
Good thing that.
Jonothon nodded.
You know, we really should have like a school pet or summat. It's good learning experience.
Rogue
"Now that's a good idea," Rogue agreed. "Unless of course, we all try to train it."
She giggled.
"Our next door neighbour - they had like, four kids, and a dog, and everyone tried their hand at training her. She just ended up doing whatever she wanted and disobeying constantly. Worse than ours!"
Jono
That's why I don't want to get a dog while I'm here. Hard enough to train it to hand signals, let alone try and make sure it stayed my dog.
Jonothon frowned slightly.
Course, we could always get a cat.They're not into taking order anyway.
Rogue
Rogue finished off her sandwich.
"We could," she replied. "I wonder what Fao would think of that."
She picked up her second sandwich.
Jono
Ooer, 'adn't thought of that.
Jonothon frowned faintly.
'E could be fine with it...might like having a pet to play with. He 'angs round with that blooming great dragon enough...moght be good fer 'im to be round something his own size.
Rogue
"Ahh, yes, good point," Rogue nodded. "But it might be a little weird... wouldn't that be a little like us having a human for a pet or something?"
Jono
'Ard ta tell, really. 'E could be orright wiv it, might not. Mebbe ask Mordred and found out wot he thinks. Jonothon shrugged slightly. Could all come up roses or be a right banjanx.
Rogue
"Yeah."
Rogue ate some more of her sandwich.
"So, umm, working on any other songs at the moment?"
Jono
A bit. Not much really.
Jonothon cracked his knuckles thoughtfully.
More like tightening and polishing the ones we've got. Like the two we did at the concert?
Rogue
"Yes Ah did," Rogue smiled. "Ah hope you get to do another concert soon. One that doesn't get interupted before the set list is done."
Jono
Bloody Bobby and Julie...
Jonothon banged his head lightly against the table.
She's a right dozy mare, and he seems to think with wot's between 'is legs.
Rogue
Rogue giggled.
"Yeah, that sounds about right. Ah'm sincerely for those two kids of hers. Ah hope they don't pick up her habits. Not sure if they'd be any better off with Zac though. Ah mean, Rach's pregnant to him too!" she shook her head. "Hopefully they'll be influenced by some non-slutty people, to counter those corrupted genes."
Jono
Should just open up a bloody knock shop, least thattaways she'd get somefing outta it sides anklebiters.
Jonothon rolled his eyes.
But prossies at least take precautions. She don't...know wot? She's lucky she hasn't caught the clap and passed it along.
Rogue
"Ah think she normally does," Rogue replied. "But, one, mutants and aliens don't get AIDS, and two she... erm..."
Rogue didn't think Jono would appreciate hearing about the status of Julie's mensual cycle.
"She has... a biological reason to believe that she can't get pregnant again just at the moment. She reckons that the unsafe stuff is better so Ah guess she's taking advantage of the situation."
Jono
Jonothon waved a hand dismissingly.
She's a bleeding fool. Wot's to say that diseases can't mutate right along with us? Or that some mad scientist won't make something. I'm staying well away fr'm 'er. I mean, she's nice an' all, but still...
He frowned.
S'pose wot ya learn when you're normal sticks close.
Rogue
"Point taken," Rogue replied.
A wry smile crossed her face.
"Of course, Ah don't think she was seriously planning on doing you unless you asked her, on account of... on account of me."
She took another bite of her sandwich to cover up her momentary embarrassment.
Jono
Somehow I don't know that tact is one of Julie's strongpoints. Jonothon said dryly.
He got out a pad of paper and started to scribble on it.
I wasn't plannin' on asking her anyway. I'm not casual.
Rogue
"Probably not," Rogue smiled. "And as your newly appointed girlfriend, I'm glad to hear you say that."
She grinned cheekily at Jono.
Jono
Jonothon looked at her shyly and blushed slightly.
Yeah, well...
He concentrated on the paper in front of him.
You know, after what she said yesterday, you're probably going to 'ave a lot of desperate blokes askin' ya to baby sit fer 'er.
He snorted softly.
And that's just pitiful. Can't get a bint of their own, so they go after the easy lay. Almost makes me ashamed of me gender...
Rogue
"Yeah, well, my baby-sitting fees are gonna sky rocket aren't they?" Rogue grinned. "Ah don't mind doing the odd favour for Julie, but yeah... ridiculas is ridiculas."
She reached across and took his hand.
"Ah guess... Ah guess, just some people are like that. Takes all kinds to make up a world. Ah'm just glad you've more sense and dignity than that."
Jono
Jonothon smiled at her in his own way.
Never been told that before...
Told a lot of things, but I haven't been told I have sense and dignity. Freak! You shoulda died...you should never 'ave been born...you're a mistake! You shoulda died...you shoulda died...
Ah well. Julie 'as 'er own troubles. She'll end wiv more the way she's goin', but people 'ave to make their own cockups.
Rogue
"True. No teacher like experience," Rogue nodded.
She finished off her last sandwich.
Jono
Anyway...
Jonothon noticed she'd finished her sandwiches.
Play the comp much? Cos I don't need to sleep, I use the computer a lot...
Rogue
"Ah like to," Rogue replied. "What games do you like? Ah love the Civilisation games."
Jono
Oh yeah, I play that one a lot.
Jonothon raised an eyebrow slightly.
Takes up a lot of time...good thing when everyone else is kipping and I've finished my homework.
Rogue
Rogue nodded.
"Yeah... does take awhile huh? Do you... do you ever get bored? Y'know everyone being asleep, and all..." she trailed off uncertainly.
Jono
There's usually someone awake and online somewhere.
Jonothon shrugged philosophically.
I wrote my songs, play games... I play in a number of on-line RPG's...I have things to do. Gets lonely...but can't say that I'm bored.
Rogue
"Cool."
Rogue squeezed his hand gently.
"Maybe one night Ah'll stay up with you."
Jono
Jonothon squeezed back softly.
That'd be nice. Angelo stays up sometimes, but I don't let him do it too often.
Rogue
Rogue smiled.
"You have amazing eyes, did you know that?" she blurted. "Because they really are..."
"Okay that sounded stupid,"
Jono
S'pose it's cos I have to get across how I feel one way or anuvver.
Jonothon shrugged slightly.
Eyes really all I got left to do that with...
Rogue
"Well, be that as it may, Ah still think they're amazing. Ah mean, some people, you look into their eyes and it's like, yeah, whatever. But with others - like you - you just don't want to stop looking because it's like... they draw you in..."
"Yeah, that's the way, Rogue. Put your foot in it."
Jono
Jonothon eyed her carefully, checking for sincerity.
Thanks. I know what you mean though...about the eyes of some people. They say the eyes are the window to the soul...
Rogue
"Yeah... Ah've heard that too. Ah can see what they mean..."
"Well at least he was nice enough not to point out that you sounded like an idiot."
Rogue looked down. Her hand was still in his, so she pick it up and kissed his hand softly. She wished she could kiss his lips instead, but she would deal.
Jono
Jonothon would have smiled if he could. He traced her lips softly with his fingertips.
Yer a very perceptive chick, Rogue, and don't you let anyone open their gob to tell ya different.
Rogue
Rogue smiled, enjoying his gentle touch.
"Thank you. Guess... guess not being able to touch people has forced me to look at them instead."
Jono
Yeah. Funny the way ya can learn to adapt ta things...
Jonothon dropped his hand to cover hers where it lay on the table.
Rogue
Rogue nodded.
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger?" she suggested.
Jono
Or something like that, yeah.
Jonothon winked at her.
So how's life with collar?
Rogue
Rogue grinned.
"It's great to be able to touch people again. You don't know what you've got 'till it's gone and all that."
She rubbed Jono's hand affectionately.
"This Ah... Ah thought Ah could never do this again. And it's such a stupid little thing, but y'know?"
Jono
Yeah.
Jonothon nodded slowly.
We've got a lot in common, really...
Rogue
"Yeah," Rogue smiled.
She was quiet for a moment, her fingers intwining with his.
"So..."
Jono
I'll look up some movie times tonight, and make sure I actually know where we're going.
Jonothon looked at her consideringly.
If I take Nyx's bike...reckon you can 'old on?
Rogue
"Cool. Ah think Ah can manage that," Rogue replied.
They chatted longer before the bell rang and they had to go to their respective classes.