Thanks to Reidluver and LaLaCat1 for your reviews! Here's chapter 2, enjoy XD

He jumbled with the keys in his hand. He did this every morning, unlocking a door should not be difficult. The Father of the Future should not have a problem with this simple task. For his personal office he still used an old fashioned key and lock, palm readers could be hacked. Plus, he liked the sound they made on a key ring. Right now, though, he was becoming irritated, the key he was searching for seemed to be hiding. It may also have been the fact that the morning so far had been just plain awful. Wilbur had woken with an attitude, obviously not thrilled with the thought of another nine plus hour day. Cornelius couldn't really blame him, but it had come to blows in the car. For as close as the two were, they still could really get on the other's nerves. He wasn't even sure what the argument had been about, but disputes with teenagers didn't always need a subject.

Wilbur had sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed and glaring out the front windshield. Cornelius knew the twenty minute drive would be silent and refrained from the usual friendly banter. Not even out of the driveway, though, Wilbur grabbed a clip board that had managed to not make it to the trunk, where it would be safe.

"Wilbur can you please not touch my work? I need those kept in order to hand to the engineers. I don't think they're numbered."

"Mmm Hmm."

The blond let it go for a few minutes, personally annoyed with the silence that invaded the car. Wilbur started flipping through the diagrams, careful not to pull the sheets out of the clip board. Cornelius felt his jaw tighten, "Wilbur please."

"What? I'm not hurting anything!"

Cornelius sighed, "Those are very, very important papers. Please just leave them alone."

Narrowing his eyes, Wilbur tossed the clipboard into the back seat. Luckily for him the papers remained unmoved. "Why do you think everything I do will cause some huge catastrophe?"

Cornelius scowled, "Will, I didn't say that."

"You obviously think it! I'm never allowed to touch anything!"

Cornelius kept his voice low, contrasting his son's raised voice drastically. "Calm down Will, I don't know what's got you going this morning but you need to cool it. I never said anything." He tried to lighten his son's mood. "Though you do have a tendency to get yourself, or your mother's frogs into trouble with my things." He was not very lucky this morning sadly. The teen continued to sulk.

"Don't ask for my help anymore then."

"Wilbur knock it off, you know I was teasing."

"I'm serious."

Cornelius highly doubted that, but went with it anyway. "Alright then, from now on I want you to stay out of my lab, the time lab and the lower levels of the garage."

Wilbur panicked, "The time lab! I told Lewis I'd be there for his first day at Invent Co!"

The elder Robinson smirked, he knew he'd get him somehow. "Too bad, should have thought of that earlier."

Wilbur glared, he was not breaking into the time lab again, the last time had caused way to many rifts in the time stream. He still had mechanical ant stings and a lava burn on his arm. No, not doing it again. "Fine! You're only disappointing yourself though." He turned away from his dad to glower out the window.

Cornelius pulled up to the curb in front of the school. "I think I'll understand."

Without responding, Wilbur grabbed his bag from the backseat, his movements quick and jerky, making sure not to even look at the stupid clip board that had started the whole thing.

"I'll pick you up after practice."

"Yep." The car door slammed shut and the inventor watched the wiry teen stalk off to the front of the building.

Finally finding the correct key, he opened the door and dropped his things onto his desk. The clip board, that had remained intact until now, slid across the desk and fell to the floor, scattering it's contents everywhere. He stared at the papers in shock.

"You have got to be kidding me."

He gathered the papers from the floor, then moved to sit at his desk to put them back in order, pausing at the sight of the first diagram. The AYCA had put an ad out that they were looking into modifications to make their Chargeball equipment even more safe. Of course RI had put a bid in, with designs and complicated programming. He contemplated the events in the car, this is probably what had caught Wilbur's attention in the first place.

They'd never parted without a "see you later, love you" before, and for some reason it made his stomach turn. He understood temper tantrums, he had been a teenager at one point. He hoped it would blow over soon, having Wilbur there the day he started at Invent Co had meant a lot.

The rain hadn't let up yet at all and it was predicted to last for at least another two days. Perfect, it reflected his mood. A crack of thunder sounded and the lights flickered overhead. Pulling out his notebook he jotted down a few notes to himself on starting a plan concerning power during thunder storms, that is if he ever finished his current project. He'd have to persuade Wilbur to help him with it, maybe after exams and his Chargeball matches. He needed his son's knowledge of Chargeball to make effective modifications without changing the over all look and feel of the game to a player.

There was a knock at the partially opened door, Robinson continued to study the diagram in front of him. "Come in."

Jake entered the private lab silently. He sat in the chair opposite Robinson and leaned his elbows over the desk. "I started the appointment process like you asked in the memo on my desk. Everything's at a stand still with the board of directors, though."

Cornelius frowned at this, the board of Todayland decided how much of the tax payer's money went into projects. The rest was up to the individual company. Robinson leaned back in the chair and watched the rain patterns in the window. "Didn't we just do this?"

Jake rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Every six months, they're preparing for June's budgeting meetings."

"Which means all projects in every developmental company will be put on hold."

His second in command sighed, "Exactly."

Cornelius smirked, still looking out the window. "At least USR will be off our backs for a while."

"Not from what I've heard."

The blond shook his head, finally tearing his gaze away from the window to level Conner with a knowing gaze. "And where would you have heard something?"

Jake shrugged, his face neutral, "I know a few people."

By now Cornelius was beginning to wonder how often Jake and his son conversed. They both avoided the point of a question like The Plague, his friend continued none the less.

"I do know that a prominent member on the board is very closely related to the higher ups of USR."

"Jake, the board has been corrupt since it was established. Everyone is pulling strings for someone."

"Even you?"

Cornelius frowned, "No, I've never been handed a favor. Anything that has been refused funding I've personally picked up the tab on my own."

Jake stood, walked to the window. The fifteenth floor gave an amazing view of Todayland. "Kudos to you Mr. Robinson, I wondered how we finished half the projects set in front of us."

Cornelius shrugged, "Not about making money. That's what separates us from USR."

Jake made a sound of agreement, not moving from where he stood. The rain cast moving shadows over his face and clean white shirt. "Oh, Adam's suddenly decided he wants to join the Chargeball team. Seeing Wilbur go to nationals made him think about it again."

Cornelius smirked, "Even after the incident with the cheerleading squad?"

Jake barked out a laugh at that, the first he had laughed in a long time the blond suddenly realized. "No, he's still terrified to see any of the cheerleaders, but he said Wilbur loaned him his old Chargeball glove and he's been practicing. He was going to watch the team practice after school this afternoon."

Wilbur sat at the end of the bench, "on deck" to use the court next. Adam sat with him, fidgeting with the glove Wilbur had let him use.

"Will, can you-?"

Without listening to the rest of the question Wilbur took the glove from his friend, made a few adjustments and handed it back to him. Adam stared at the glove wide eyed. "How'd you know what I was gunna say?"

Wilbur shrugged, looking back at the court. "I didn't."

Adam continued to look at the glove from every angle, speaking as he did so. He knew that even though it didn't look like Wilbur Robinson was listening to anything the shorter, unpopular, band geek was saying, truth was that Will never missed a word. Adam was one of the few to know that. When the two had first met Adam had expected Robinson to be a snob, he was surprised to find out that the popular rich kids hadn't included the lean, raven haired, teen in their elite group.

In reality, though, Robinson found them all annoying and incredibly shallow. They had formed a group based on how much money their parents made in a year. That wasn't friendship, it was a way to tear others down. No, friendship was sitting on this bench right now with the kid that was embarrassed to be seen by the cheerleaders. He noticed Adam trying to change a function on the glove and covered the dial with his hand. The brown haired boy smiled at him sheepishly, deciding to change the subject he asked, "Are you ready for exams next week?"

Wilbur sighed, dramatically putting his head in his hands. Everything the boy did seemed to use more energy than necessary. Adam always found it rather entertaining.

"No! When I get home I'm too tired to do anything! I can't look at that stuff without my eyes going crossed." He frowned, the match in front of them was taking forever, he doubted he'd get back on the court before practice was over. He actually didn't mind. He was exhausted. Thunder cracked and the court lit up as lightning flashed in the distance. Adam jumped, and was incredibly embarrassed when he realized Wilbur hadn't moved at all.

He spoke as if nothing happened. "I think you'll do ok, we could study at my house this weekend if you wanted."

"No thanks." Wilbur declined without thinking. "I think I'm going to sleep all weekend, and when I'm not sleeping I'll be eating. This has been the worst week ever."

"What about your dad? He could help with the math and science I bet."

Wilbur groaned, hanging his head in exaggerated defeat and fatigue. Alright maybe the fatigue wasn't exaggerated.

"You don't want his help?" Adam sat in confused silence as Wilbur pushed himself back to lounge against the bleachers. Now he knew he wouldn't get to play again, practice only had five minutes left if the gym clock was right.

"I freaked out on him this morning." He fidgeted with his glove. "Not even sure why."

"You have been kind of tense lately." Wilbur shot his friend a glare, Adam only shrugged his shoulders. "What? Everyone's stressed out right now."

"You don't look stressed." Wilbur said as he shoved his gear into his duffel bag, yanking the drawstring.

Adam carefully folded his loaned glove, "I don't spend almost half the day here on a regular basis either."

Wilbur paused in putting his headphones into his ears, "Touché."

They stood just inside the gymnasium doors, the rain hadn't stopped. It hadn't let up, even a little. In fact Wilbur was sure it was getting worse. Adam yawned, and Wilbur followed his example before scowling at him in a mocking fashion. "Don't do that, it's contagious."

Adam nodded in agreement, but yawned again. He stared out at the storm blankly, a flash of lightning illuminated them both, he could faintly hear Wilbur counting under his breath.

"One thousand one, one thousand two…" He continued counting until a low rumble started, it carried on for at least thirty seconds. Not the sharp cracks and pops that they had been hearing all day. Wilbur stared up at the clouds, leaning against the cold glass which was incredibly uncomfortable, but it was better than standing upright at the moment. He saw an empty bench out of the corner of his eye and made a beeline for it. Not wanting to be left alone, Adam followed. Taking a seat on an old chair, while Wilbur sprawled across the lobby bench, one arm thrown over his eyes, not caring that he was still at school.

Adam spoke over the deafening rain, "Our dads should be here soon."

"Mmm Hmm."

"Are you falling asleep?"

"Mmm Hmm."

A crack of thunder made Adam jump, "Look! The sun's shining!"

"Mmm Hmm."

"Can I have your new Chargeball glove?"

"Nice try."

Cornelius watched Wilbur trudge out of the gymnasium. He hoped the boy hadn't been waiting alone long. Franny had called and asked him to pick up a few things, causing him to be late in getting his son from practice. Wilbur threw his things in the back and hopped up front as quickly as possible, this rain was really getting old. The inventor spoke cheerfully, "Practice go well?"

Wilbur shrugged, "Alright I guess. All the varsity kids were there today so we didn't get much time on the court."

"Hmmm, it will only get more popular with you guys making it to playoffs."

"Yeah."

He really didn't like how awkward the conversation felt, slowing at the first of many red lights he sighed. "Look Will, I shouldn't have gotten angry with you this morning."

"I shouldn't touch your stuff."

"That's not the point, they're just papers. We can just drop it if you like."

"I do."

After a few moments of silence, the matter seemed settled, so he started over with a new subject. "I heard Adam was at practice." He noticed Wilbur's smirk and couldn't help but smile himself.

Wilbur smiled out the window, "He has a lot to do, couch gave him a list of things to work on for next season."

"But he's got you, he should be in shape in no time."

"Hopefully."

He could still tell Wilbur was just as tired as the night before, if not more so. He cleared his throat and made a suggestion. "You know Will, if you don't have much homework or anything I'll have Carl take dinner to you and you can go to bed as soon as we get home."

Wilbur seemed to like this idea, "I don't have anything, we've just been reviewing for the tests next week." He hunkered down into the seat a little, excited at the prospect of sleep without interruptions. A thought suddenly occurred to him, "How's Adam's Granddad doing? He never talks about it."

Cornelius frowned, "Not well, and Adam's dad isn't doing well either. He's been acting somewhat strange the last week or so."

Wilbur nodded, everyone was dealing with things it seemed. "Stress does weird stuff to people."

His father could only agree with him, "You can say that again."

"Ok, stress does-"

"Wilbur, I said it as a figure of speech."

The dark clouds broke once again in an even heavier torrent of rain as the hover car passed the USR offices on 6th street, glancing at the parking lot Cornelius frowned at the familiar looking hover car parked along the side alley. "Speak of the devil."

He slowed, pulled to the curb and parked. Wilbur sat up, confused as to why they had stopped. They sat in silence, rain pelting the glass dome of the hover car. He glanced across at his dad, unable to hear what his father had just muttered. The rain muffling everything. What his father said next only confused him more.

"Wilbur, I need to talk to someone, can you drive home?"

"What? I can't see in this rain, and it's getting dark! Mom'll kill me!"

Cornelius brushed his protests aside, "We both know you've driven the time machine at night, in the rain. Just drive carefully."

Wilbur quieted at that, looking at his father uncertainly he reached for the keys, climbing across as Cornelius got out of the hover car. His blue shirt soaked instantly.

"Dad?"

Cornelius turned from the spot he was watching in the parking lot. "Yeah Will."

Wilbur hesitated in turning the ignition, his apprehension palpable. "When will you be home?"

Cornelius leaned against the window, thinking he would have stayed in the car had he known Wilbur would make this so difficult. "I'll be right behind you Will, I'm just talking to Jake, he'll give me a ride home." He was surprised at the sudden anxiety in his son's voice. He turned from the door and started to cross the street when he heard Wilbur speak again.

"Dad?"

He didn't say anything this time, just turned back to his son.

"Be careful."

Wilbur started the engine and merged into traffic without saying anything else. Cornelius watched the car till it turned the corner. He found the boy's change in mood rather odd. He supposed, though, that suddenly being thrown the keys and told to drive home while your father stood in the rain would be slightly unnerving. The boy had nothing to worry about though, he was only talking to Jake. Sighing, he crossed the street, sheets of rain soaking him through. His glasses collected water droplets, making it harder to see than it already was. Wilbur was right, it had gotten dark very quickly. Black clouds hung low, and street lights were already lit. It was only 6:30.

He paused momentarily, having the distinct feeling of déjà vu. The rain and chilled wind feeling worryingly familiar. Reaching the sidewalk he turned and looked down a single block. He drove these streets every day but hadn't stood this close to the building in thirty years. He stared at the familiar porch for a moment, the street lights illuminating the newly refurbished orphanage eerily. Funny that USR would place their headquarters so close to the one place he had loathed with a passion as a child. He shook his head, there were more important things to attend to at the moment.

Without knocking on the car window or asking permission, he yanked the passenger door open and slumped into the seat quickly. He snatched the glasses from his nose and dried the lenses on a pant leg. It was hard to look stern when you couldn't see the person in front of you. Replacing them neatly, he glared at the man next to him, he was not expecting what he heard next.

"Want some coffee Robinson?"

His jaw dropped in disbelief for a moment before replying, "Jake! What do you think you're doing?"

The man seemed unfazed, "Waiting, she works late evenings. She's at RI in the morning and USR evenings."

Robinson was stunned to say the least. "You've been stalking her Jake? For God sakes you have a family! Your son's Wilbur's age!" He paused, realizing what he'd just said, adding with a quick glance to the back seat. "Where is Adam anyway?"

Jake looked at him calmly. "I am not stalking, I'm investigating, and Stacey picked Adam up from school today, said she was on her way through. I'm telling you, though, this girl's been hanging around both companies. I see her every morning at RI, she's even there before I am."

Cornelius looked out the front windshield angrily. "I can't stop you can I?"

Jake raised his paper coffee cup to his lips. "No, but you can keep me company. That coffee's for you."

Blue eyes watched the steaming cup for a moment before he reached out to pick it up. "You knew I'd be here?"

Jake smirked at his colleague, "No, but it sounded good didn't it?"

The blond inventor couldn't help but chuckle as he held onto the paper cup, warming his fingers. "Don't suddenly think I'm joining you in your spy work. I'm only staying here because I don't want to be out there. It's good it's raining so hard, if anyone could see us in here we would be accused of spying. Though I can't say they've come out with anything good lately."

Jake laughed at that, "That's only because you're biased. The Father of the Future can think whatever he wants."

Cornelius was never able to reply, while his mind was thinking of a clever response, sudden popping sounds seemed to come from all directions. Time slowed. His senses became dull, and he heard the ear piercing shots before realizing it was gun fire. Lurching forward he ducked his head next to the glove box, throwing his arms up over his head to shield himself from the glass that sprayed down from the windshield. Jake lay forward against the steering wheel, his head rested against the hand holds. Scrapes and scratches littered his forehead and left check. Everything had happened so quickly Cornelius had trouble processing the event. Three final shots rang out and a sudden explosion of pain shot through his left arm. He grit his teeth and fought the urge to yell out. Hearing heavy boots running down the rain soaked alley, he pulled himself up high enough to see the silhouette of a figure running under the street light.

Sirens sounded in the distance. Rain fell through the holes of Jakes windshield. The blond inventor was suddenly very tired, he rested his head against the glove box of the hover car. His son's words echoed in his head.

"When will you be home?"

He heard the sirens coming closer.

"I'm right behind you, Will"

He closed his eyes, and just out of his reach sat Wilbur in the driver's seat.

"Dad?"

Watching him anxiously, hesitating to drive away.

"Be careful."