X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Twenty Five
Author's Word: Hi, everyone. I know it's been a while since I posted, but I felt just a little down when all of my wonderful readers all seemed to mysteriously disappear. I know everyone's reading, but feedback has been lacking. I hope everyone is ready and roaring with reviews for this one and that everybody's doing okay. I love you guys so I don't want anything to happen to you. Also, I want everyone to enjoy Valentine's Day because this is the anniversary of my adoption and it holds a special place for me. Take care all!
The delightful scent of fresh pine filled the living room, along with a great deal of excitement and chatter from most of the residents. Hank and Charles worked together to untangle the mess of lights. Raven and Becky kneeled over one of the many boxes, going through the numerous decorations. Sean and Frank sorted through the ornaments while Joey played in the pile of colorful balls they had yet to touch.
"Erik?" Charles asked in alarm, "what do you think you're doing?"
The older man stilled his fingers, which currently held gold and silver décor near the tree. "I thought I was adding tin foil."
Frank laughed while Sean told him, "It's tinsel, Erik."
"Whatever it is," Erik said, watching the bits of it flutter to the carpet, "it's an unnecessary mess."
"Erik, there's no such thing as a tree without tinsel," Raven said matter-of-factly.
"Quite," Charles said then added on eloquently, "after lights. It's always lights, tinsel, and then ornaments. Every year without fail."
"We take our tree trimming very seriously around here," Raven informed.
Erik stared at them blankly. "I fail to see why any sane man would chop down a perfectly good tree, drag it along with a collection of pine needles and sap indoors, then fill it with needless clutter."
Sean piped up, "I guess the beauty of Christmas is a lost cause with you."
Erik said, "Oh, to the contrary. I find this time of year rather pleasant. The slights, the sounds, the sickening commercialism that completely negates away from your apparent Savior."
Unable to find a proper refute for that one, Sean switched subjects a tad. "Of course, the best part of all is that pretty soon, I'll be home again."
"Indeed," Charles said. "I'm only sorry I couldn't get you an earlier flight before Christmas morning."
"Don't sweat it," Sean waved off. "It'll just be extra torture for my brother to have to wait on me before he opens presents."
Charles turned to Frank. "Have you given any further thought to going back to New York for Christmas?"
Focused on the collection of ornaments in his lap, Frank replied, "I think I'll just hang around here this year."
"Are you sure?" the Professor asked carefully. "Isn't your father still on leave? I thought you'd enjoy some time with him and your brothers."
Frank shook his head. "No thanks."
"Well," Erik chimed in briskly, "now that that's settled, let's commence with decorating. How are those lights coming?"
Charles did not miss the pointed gaze Erik shot at him.
Getting another string of clear lights loosened, Hank said, "Hopefully, we'll have these completely untangled before the New Year begins."
Becky removed something from the box and uttered a soft gasp at the sight of it. She held a large gold-based snow globe. The inside of the glass sphere contained a horse and carriage trotting away from a grand palace.
Raven smiled at her. "Do you like that one?"
"I love it," Becky responded.
"Me, too," Raven agreed. "That one's always been my favorite." She glanced over at Charles, "It was our mother's," before facing Becky again. "You should keep it in your room."
Becky's face glowed at that. "Really?"
"Absolutely." Charles came over and knelt near the younger telepath. Reaching under the base of the snow globe, he turned the small dial underneath it. An enchanting melody played from it. "It's only fitting that such a regal thing be placed in the quarters of a princess."
Erik tried to hide a smile of his own behind a string of tinsel as he watched the little girl absolutely captivated by the beautiful heirloom.
"Joey, you're supposed to be helping us," Frank said to the younger boy, who had a game going of bouncing the round ornaments.
Charles chuckled over the giddy blonde child. "That reminds me." He went over and picked up the plastic bag he had left in a chair. "Since Raven and I are fortunate enough to have seven new family members to enjoy the holiday with, I thought we'd commemorate it by adding new ornaments to the tree." That said, he began passing them out from the bag.
Sean received one shaped like a cat and dog in front of a tree, Becky an angel, and Frank got a candlestick.
Erik realized his to be the three wise men. "Very thoughtful, Lab Rat," he quipped to Charles, who only smiled.
Hank looked at the pair of birds in his palm. "Two turtledoves?"
Charles explained, "It's often tradition to give one to your better half."
The scientist shared a shy but happy smile with Raven.
Joey laughed over the light blue ornament Charles handed him. "Baby's First Christmas," the child read.
"Well, first Christmas with me." Charles gave him a kiss on top of the head. "Do you like it?"
Joey hugged the small round object to himself. "I think it's cool. Where's Alex's?"
Charles took out the last ornament from the bag, a gingerbread man. "Right here. I believe I saw him head to the gym after we got home. Why don't you go show it to him?"
"Okay." Joey took hold of the ornament and went off in search of its owner.
IIIIIII
Taking the pin and lowering it to add to his weight count, Alex sat back against the rubber seat and began his leg lifts again. He got ten in before the sudden chanting of his name distracted him enough to make his foot jerk and the weights come to a loud drop.
Joey dashed in excitedly. "Alex, Alex!"
The teen snapped, "How many times have I told you not to come running in here? You want to fall and bust your head on this equipment or something?"
With the unexpected riposte buzzing in his ears, Joey felt as if he had been slapped right across the face. "I'm sorry…"
Alex sighed hard. "Just forget it." He then noticed the younger boy holding something. "What's that?"
Joey brightened a bit. "It's your ornament." He held out the gingerbread man. "Charles got us each a special one."
"Cute," Alex remarked, starting up his leg lifts again.
"Come on. We're decorating the tree right now."
"I'm not into trees," Alex claimed.
Joey grimaced slightly. "What about your ornament?"
"Just hang it up for me, would you?" Alex requested. "I'm really not in the mood, Joe."
"Oh. Well, okay." The child tried to sound cheerful. "I'll hang it somewhere really nice for you."
At Alex's lack of response, Joey simply turned around and walked back out.
As soon as he returned to the living room, Raven noticed his face. "What's wrong, baby?"
"Nothin'," he replied quietly.
"Where's Alex?" she asked next.
"He's busy."
"Too bad," Sean said. "Guess he'll have to miss all the fun."
"Here we are. Just a little more…" Hank successfully got the lights adjusted around the tree. "At last."
With the lights secure, the garlands went around next. Everyone hung their individual ornaments up. Hank made a point of putting his turtledoves side by side.
Erik decided to make use of his mutation and took control of the hooks of several of the other ornaments and started adding them to the tree.
"Hey, that's cheating," Sean accused.
"I thought you wanted the little glass orbs on the tree," Erik reasoned.
"You're supposed to put them on by hand," Sean said.
Erik raised an eyebrow. "That sounds like unnecessary time wasted. Just look at the size of this monstrosity." He waved a hand out towards the tree.
"Now, now," Charles intervened. "There is no right or wrong way to add ornaments."
"I like Erik's way," Becky tossed out.
Oh of course, Sean thought.
Once the majority of the ornaments covered the tree, Raven picked up the large gold star and handed it to Charles.
"Joey," the Professor called over, "come here, please." Joey quickly went to stand at Charles' leg. "Here's another tradition. Every year, the youngest child in the family puts the star on top of the tree." He extended the star out to him.
Joey's mouth went wide as he took the sparkling object. "Wow. It's so pretty. I can really put it up?"
"You're the youngest, aren't you?" Raven pointed out.
"Geez, the youngest kid gets to do everything," Frank muttered.
Erik, who currently sat near him, said, "The Lord tends to favor the youngest son."
"I noticed," Franked replied dryly.
Gazing up at the eight foot or better tree, Joey wanted to know, "How am I supposed to get up there?"
Hank smiled. "Allow me to be of service." He picked Joey up high enough for him to reach the tip top of the tree.
A little nervous, Joey managed to carefully place the star in its rightful place. The moment he did it, a round of applause went off.
"All right," Raven said, moving things along. "Now that that's taken care of, it's time for the lights."
Charles connected the main two outlets and the clear lights on the tree, along with the colorful ones over the fireplace and across the doorway, lit up magnificently. Charles and the younger mutants looked on in awe while Erik regarded it as outlandish yet picturesque.
A minute or so later, Alex poked his head in to check things out. He stood silently for a moment before turning away to tend to more important things.
IIIIIII
When the fierce night air blew her way, Raven zipped her coat all the way up. She closed the door behind her then stepped out into the front lawn. The cloudy sky caused somewhat of an orange aura to fill the large estate. Sleet came down like sugar from a dispenser around her. The white pellets acted as the only form of snow to be seen all December long.
Soon, she heard the front entrance open and close again. A pair of strong arms intertwined around her waist, pulling her in from behind.
"Hi," she greeted without having to look.
"Hi," Hank whispered into her ear. "What are you doing out here?"
"Just needed to step back for a minute." Raven touched his nearest forearm with her gloved hand. "I can still remember my first Christmas here. The house was done in all red and green. I'd never seen so many presents in my life."
Hank formed a smile at her recollection. "Did you have a good time with your parents?"
"No, but they had a great time. In Aspen." Raven stared ahead. "The year after that it was Florence, followed by Cairo. Mother dear could never imagine actually wasting a holiday watching us tear through wrapping paper."
Hank could not think of what to say except for, "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." She arched her head back against him. "I never was. I always had Charles. He won't say it, but Christmas has never been the same for him since he lost his father. But he never let it show around me. He pulled out all the stops for Christmas. It's just who he is, you know?"
"I do," Hank nodded, wiping a few stray drops of sleet from his glasses. "I owe a debt to Charles I might never be able to repay. Mostly for Becca. After that day at the facility, the entire world just seemed to stop. I think I would have died if I'd never been able to see her again." His voice softened. "Same as if I would have lost you that day."
Raven slowly turned around, staring up into his eyes. "Are you cold?"
"Yes," he answered. He brought her closer against him. "Better?"
"Better," she confirmed, laying her head on his chest.
IIIIIII
Coming into the bedroom of the youngest mutant of the house, Alex announced, "Butt up, Joey. My alarm clock decided to be a turd and now we're running late."
Moaning slightly, Joey sat up with a stretch. "It's the last day of school," he suddenly remembered, making a triumphant motion with his arms now. "For two whole weeks. Aren't you excited?"
"Thrilled," Alex replied deprecatingly. "Hurry up and go brush your teeth and wash your face."
While Joey did as instructed, Alex sat down at his desk. He picked up the nearest notebook, deciding to give the boy's homework the once over.
"Al," Joey said, returning to the room, "guess what Charles is reading me on Christmas Eve."
"Twas the Night Before Christmas," Alex guessed, eyes never leaving the notebook.
Joey paused at his dresser to look at him. "How'd you know that?"
"It just sounds like Charles." He studied the book a few minutes longer and did some figuring of his own before glancing back. "Hey, do you know you missed like six problems on your homework?"
"That's it?" Joey responded in a rather pleased tone as he zipped up his pants. "There's twenty of them on there."
"Yeah, and when you divide fourteen right answers by twenty, you only come out with enough to make a C minus."
"That's cool with me."
Alex countered, "Well, it's not cool with me. You need to learn to take school more seriously or these bad habits are going to catch up with you big time."
Joey stared back at him slightly incredulous, wondering who had replaced Alex with some kind of grownup. "Um, okay."
Taking in the boy's appearance, Alex groaned. "Joey, for crying out loud." He put the notebook down before approaching the smaller blonde. "You put your sweater on backwards? This is not the time for you to act like a three-year-old. We're running late as it is or do you just want to get chewed out?"
"Sorry," Joey said immediately. "I'll fix it."
Alex swatted the small hands away. "Just let me do it. That way I know it'll be done right." He pulled the sweater off him, flipped it around, then put it back on the tiny body. "There. Now let's go down and eat." He got up and headed out.
Expecting his usual piggyback ride, Joey hung back. "Al…"
The teenager looked back at him with clear impatience. "What?"
"Nothing," Joey finally replied, following after him.
IIIIIII
With the last of the homework for the upcoming two weeks written out on the blackboard, Erik turned around to face his small class.
"Does anyone have any questions?" he wanted to know. Becky's hand shot up. "Yes?"
"Are you going to show us how to celebrate Hanukkah?" the girl asked.
Not expecting this, Erik answered, "That's irrelevant."
"It's the holidays," Sean put forth. "I'd say it's pretty relevant."
"Is it true you guys get eight straight days of loot?" Frank asked.
"There are eight days of gift exchange, yes," Erik told him. "Now, let's return to the topic at hand."
"Why do you celebrate it for eight days?" Becky asked next.
Sean chose to field that one. "It's because the ancient Hebrews only had enough oil to last for one day, but for some reason they decided to use it all up and the oil somehow lasted for eight days."
"I knew some Jewish kids," Frank recalled. "Back in my old neighborhood. Their granddad ran the corner store. They always had to rush home after school on Fridays to turn their lights off and stuff. They acted like they were going to melt or something."
"Or turn into salt," Sean threw out.
Frank thought of another one. "Or get swallowed up in the red sea."
Erik cut into the boys' banter with, "As thoroughly sacrilegious as this has been, I know you're all eager to begin your time off. Therefore…" Before he could finish, the three adolescents gathered their things and made tracks for the door.
IIIIIII
Seanie, Charles petitioned telepathically, telephone for you.
In less than five seconds, the enthusiastic redhead bounded into the den.
Charles held the phone out to him and said with a bit of a playful tease in his voice, "It's Maya."
"Thank you, Charles." Sean took the mouthpiece from him. "Now, no offense but get out."
"Well." Charles placed his newspaper down and stood from the couch. "Pardon me."
As soon as the older male left, Sean plopped down into a sitting position in the warm spot he had left on the couch. "Hi."
"Hi, Sean," Maya greeted him happily. "Official last day of the semester."
"I know," Sean concurred wholeheartedly. "Fantastic."
"We're putting up our tree tomorrow."
"We decorated ours yesterday," Sean told her. "Charles even bought brand new ornaments to represent each of us. Tomorrow he's taking the little kids to have their pictures taken with Santa."
"The younger kids." Maya searched for their names for a brief moment. "Becky and Joey. They're orphaned, right?"
"Becky is," Sean replied. "And Joey might as well be."
"I think it's so amazing the way your professor goes over and above for them," Maya said. "Your school sounds better than most people's homes."
"You're not kidding," Sean had to agree.
"Oh, hey, good news. Mom scored Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off."
"Maya, that's great." Sean knew how hard it had been for the girl when her mother had been at work over Thanksgiving weekend.
"Yeah," Maya pressed on. "And since you're leaving, Mom thought it'd be great if you came over for Christmas Eve to eat with us."
Sean had not been expecting this. "Seriously?"
Maya grew flustered. "If you're not into it—"
"No, no," Sean quickly reassured. "I'm totally into it. I'd love to have dinner with you guys."
"You would?" She sounded surprised but entirely pleased. "Far out! And don't worry about a suit and tie or anything like that. We're extremely casual over here."
Sean smiled to himself. "This is sounding better and better."
"I'm glad you think so," she said. "But I'm on the payphone and I really have to head home. I'll call you later."
"Okay, later."
They hung up and Sean stretched out on the couch, beaming with anticipation.
IIIIIII
Not quite sure what had woken him up so early, the minute Frank opened his eyes he noticed the flakes coming down outside his window. With snow being the only positive aspect of winter for him, he quickly abandoned his bedding and started throwing on layers of clothes. As soon as he had his boots on, he went and got Becky up then Joey. Once the eager trio was prepared for the cold weather awaiting them, they made a single file line towards the stairs.
Hank, on his way to his lab, spotted them in the hall. "And where are you three off to at this hour?
"It's snowing," Becky informed him, feeling that offered adequate enough explanation.
Fully understanding, Hank nodded but said, "It's too early for you to be out there by yourselves. Wait for me for just a moment and I'll go with you."
While Hank went off to fetch his winter gear, Joey played with his scarf and Becky readjusted her pink and gray wool hat.
Frank kicked at the banister petulantly. "I hate when they act like I'm in preschool or something. I can keep an eye on you guys just fine."
"Hank just wants to make extra sure we're safe," Becky reasoned. Naturally, she loved the idea of her older brother joining them out in the snow.
Hank returned to them almost immediately and took up the rear while Frank readily led the way downstairs and outside into the chilled whiteness. Forgetting any hostility he had been feeling only a minute ago, he and Hank went to work on building as big a snowman as they could with the small accumulation they had to work with. Joey and Becky sat not too far away from them, calmly creating a snowball pile.
"Remember," Becky said to the younger child, "on Christmas morning, we have to run in and wake up Erik and Charles."
Joey patted some snow together. "Why?"
"Because that's what you do to get the grownups up so you can open your presents," Becky stated rationally.
Getting the idea now, Joey said, "Ohhh! Okay then." He remembered something. "Last year I got a robot. A little one. Mommy got us a small tree, too. I wonder where she is this Christmas…"
Seeing his eyes distancing at the thought of the woman, Becky said, "Forget about her, Joey. We're here now. We're going to have a great Christmas." She glanced by Joey and saw Alex jogging towards the house. "Here comes Grumpy Pants."
Joey took the snowball he had just completed and playfully tossed it at Alex to get his attention.
When the cold sphere made contact with his ankle, Alex shook it off before looking over at the boy and girl pair. "Knock it off. I'm not in the mood."
Not caring much for his attitude, Becky gave a wave of her hand.
Feeling a sudden shadow practically consume him, Alex arched his head up. He fell back before the most enormous snowball he had ever seen could crash land on him. As soon as he hit the snow, the huge monstrosity faded away and became replaced with Becky's laughter and light giggling from Joey.
With a hard glare on his face, Alex stood up and walked purposefully over towards them. "You think that's funny, Becky? You just heard me say I'm not in the mood."
"So what?" the young telepath countered flippantly. "You're always in the same mood lately. A lousy one."
"You know something? You're right." Alex then kicked his foot out, smashing their mound of snowballs. "Suddenly I feel a lot better."
Joey looked crushed and Becky got up, seething at Alex. "That wasn't nice, you big jerk. It's not our fault you're so dumb you couldn't even pass your GED practice test."
"Becca!" Hank barked her name is such a way it caused a flinch on the part of the girl. He watched Alex start to stalk off and ran after him, catching up in no time. "Alex, wait." He got in front of him. "Is it true?"
"Get out of my way," Alex ordered lowly.
"If it's true, we have to do something," Hank urged. "Just talk to me. Let me help."
"You want to help?" Alex spat. "Get out of my way and stay out of my life."
Hank sighed, but allowed him to pass. He stared down at the snow, trying to think before returning his attention to the bean spiller. "Becca?" He gestured for her to come towards him. "Let's go have a little talk in my lab. Just the two of us."
Becky wordlessly followed him into the house.
Frank walked over to Joey, who appeared alarmed for Becky. "Do you think she's in trouble?"
"Pfft. Becky in trouble with Hank? Yeah, that'll happen." Though he made the statement in a strongly dry tone, Frank had not failed to notice Hank's raised voice. That alone had a dodo bird level rarity.
IIIIIII
Silence maintained even as they entered the lab. Becky sensed the displeasure Hank felt for her in that moment, but with her solid refusal to ever read his mind, she could only guess what he really thought. Hank wrapped an arm around her small waist and lifted her into a sitting position on top of one of the black tables.
With direct eye contact established a little better, Hank spoke first. "Becca, didn't we have a conversation once before about you using certain information to embarrass someone?"
Having not thought about that particular incident herself in quite some time, Becky tried, "Well, I was little then."
"By a whole year, yes." Hank removed his glasses, peering at her closer. "And with you being such a big girl now, this is not something I expect from you. You cannot use your telepathy to gather private information on someone then use it on them."
"Why do you care so much about Alex, anyway? He used to tease you all the time."
"Becca, you know what it feels like to have someone taunt you over something that makes you feel bad about yourself," Hank reminded her in turn. "We're not supposed to imitate bad behavior. We're supposed to be better than that."
Becky quietly thought that over. "Hank, I'm really glad you're here."
He smiled at her. "And I'm thrilled you're here."
"No, I don't mean just being here all the time. I mean that you're here right now." Her eyes darted about unsurely. "I know you probably want to be with your real family for Christmas."
"Hey," he chided her sharply, gripping her chin firmly but gently. "There's nowhere else on earth I want to be, no matter what time of the year. My real family is right here with you. If you ever think otherwise, I will tickle you with my feet for three straight hours. Is that absolutely clear, little Bear?"
"Yes, Big Bear," she smiled.
"Good. Now," he held a hand out to her, "let's go back outside before Frank "accidentally" buries Joey in the snow."
Becky linked appendages with him. With the 'Let It Snow' lyrics playing in her head, she happily skipped at his side as they walked back out together.
IIIIIII
Using his fists as newborn weapons of lethal destruction, Alex delivered a vicious onslaught to the plushy tube loaded with felt. He grunted hard and breathed heavily. His hands blurred as they somehow moved faster and faster with each vicious blow.
Erik stepped into the gym and paused to catch a few seconds of the workout. "Is there a reason you're not wearing gloves?"
"The last pair busted," Alex told him in-between punches.
"I see. Well, I'm sure they deserved the horrible fate that befell them." He gestured towards the bag. "Mind coming to a standstill for a bit?"
"Not." Alex punched again. "Now." When he went to shoot his fist out again, the metal pole that allowed the bag to dangle curved slightly. Alex missed and fell face first against the mat below.
Disregarding the scowl shot his way, Erik clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "It's not nice to ignore Papa."
Letting loose tired air, Alex got up and walked over to the man.
When he got close enough, Erik took him by the wrists to examine his red and sore hands. Guiding the thin teenager along, he brought them upstairs to the kitchen. After getting an ice bag loaded, Erik joined Alex at the table and quietly applied the cold plastic to the tender knuckles.
Focusing on the moderate injury, Erik stated, "You got your practice test results back."
Alex sighed, but already knew he could not hide it forever. "Becky?"
"Hank, but that matters not. What does matter is the fact that I did not attain this information from you."
The boy moved his eyes away slightly. "You're the last one I wanted to tell."
"But why?" Erik wanted to know.
"I didn't want to look like a fool in front of you," Alex confessed.
The man gave him a caustic look. "Says the little boy with the aching knuckles."
"I am not a little boy," he insisted then groaned when Erik dabbed a particularly sore spot. "That hurts!"
Erik resisted an eye roll. "Shall I kiss it for you?" He chuckled lowly at the displeased expression the teen gave off next. "How am I to help you combat the trials you're sure to face in life if you're not honest with me?"
Alex bowed his head. "I wanted to do well on my own."
"Noble endeavor, except," Erik brought his chin up, "you're not on your own, boychick. I promised you I would do whatever it takes for you to obtain this GED. I have not forgotten that promise."
"Do you really think it's worth bothering with?"
"Anything you truly want is," Erik gave him a slap on the knee. "Here's what we're going to do. When the first of the year arrives, we're going to take a few months to help you prepare for the real test. Hank, Charles, all of us."
Alex considered it then agreed. "Okay. I'm in."
"That's good," Erik said then told him, "Because you have no choice."
IIIIIII
Charles finished tying up Joey's last boot when Raven approached them from the back of the house. She wore a red sweater, a short green skirt with matching boots, and red stockings. She had on a pair of candy canes for earrings.
Charles practically melted. "Oh, Raven. You look absolutely adorable." He could not resist pinching her cheeks.
Raven stared back at him with only a slightly irritated expression. "Why did that reaction seem less annoying when I was Becca's age?"
While Charles went to grab her coat, Erik came downstairs to the foyer in his grey trench.
He got a good look at Raven and quipped, "Going to help guide the sleigh, are we?"
Raven countered haughtily, "Yes, and you should be familiar with my department. It's coal delivery."
"Now, now, children," Charles admonished lightheartedly, helping Raven into her coat from behind.
Erik placed his eyes on Joey. "Eager to see old St. Nick, Kangaroo?"
"I guess so," the little boy responded distantly.
"We're ready to go," Becky announced, descending the stairs with Frank behind her.
Erik formed a small smile at the sight of his little girl, adorned in a long red coat with black buttons and accessories. "Look at you." He reached out for her. "You're a little ladybug."
Becky smiled back, going to him.
"Rae, you're beautiful as ever," Frank commented.
The shape-shifter gave his cheek a kiss. "All right, let's go. Santa's waiting."
"Yeah, we don't want to hold the big guy up."
Joey grinned as Alex walked into the foyer. "Al!"
Raven looked at him skeptically. "You want to come with us to see Santa?"
"Wouldn't miss it." He went over and picked up Joey, hugging the little body to his own. "Somebody's gotta help the coolest kids get to the front of the line. Besides, I have a whole list of stuff that dude owes me."
Charles laughed delightedly. "Glad to have you along, Alex."
The group of seven headed down to the parking garage and loaded into the Mercedes. Frank took the passenger seat next to Charles. In the back, Joey sat in Raven's lap while Becky sat in Erik's, resting on his chest. Alex took up the middle seat. After all parties were securely buckled, they started off for the mall. With Bing Crosby playing on the radio, Charles told the younger mutants stories about traditional Christmases in England and how there, they referred to Santa Claus as Father Christmas.
IIIIIII
When Christmas Eve arrived, Sean wound up looking to Hank and Charles for advice on how to dress nice without going overboard on the formalities. After settling on nice slacks and a long-sleeved sweater vest, Sean got in his car and headed into town.
Maya greeted him at the door. Her mother had prepared a fairly basic meal of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob with peach cobbler for dessert. Sean had enjoyed every crumb placed in front of him. After the meal ended, the three of them sat in the living room and caught It's a Wonderful Life on TV. Sean appreciated how Maya's mother left them with the couch while she sat in an armchair. She paid more attention to the movie than she did on them as well.
Once the film finished, Maya walked Sean to the door. The pair stood on the front porch together for several minutes, holding hands.
"Did you have fun tonight?" Maya asked him.
"This was incredible," Sean told her honestly. "Your mom's pretty cool."
"She can be," Maya smiled. "She's usually too tired to complain about much if nothing's on fire." Sean laughed at that. "So, you're leaving in the morning."
The boy nodded. "For a week."
"I hope you have a great time with your family."
"Thanks. I'm looking forward to it."
When the staring between them only went on, Sean finally tilted his head forward. They shared a brief kiss on the lips.
Breathing blissfully, Maya said, "Merry Christmas, Sean."
"Merry Christmas, Maya," he returned.
They finally parted ways as Sean walked over to the driveway, where he'd left his BMW.
Maya watched him drive off before jumping up and down giddily and dashing back inside.
IIIIIII
Spotting Frank ready to use his powers to see through a packaged box with his name on it, Charles asked, "Franklin, have you ever been spanked on Christmas Eve?"
"Who told you?" the boy responded suspiciously, causing Charles to shake his head.
Becky leaned on his shoulder, marveling over the near countless assortment of gifts circling their beautiful tree. "I can't wait for tomorrow. This is going to be the best Christmas."
Charles smiled, placing his free arm around her. "I know it will be. Are you happy, Princess?"
"Really happy," she responded.
"I'm glad." Charles gave the top of her head a gentle kiss. He then stood with Joey, who had fallen asleep during Twas The Night Before Christmas some time ago. "I'll see you two in the morning. Good night."
"Good night, Charles," Becky and Frank called after him.
Passing Charles on his way in, Erik paused long enough to give Joey's back a rub before continuing into the living room with Alex.
Becky noticed the large bag in Erik's hand. "What's in that?"
Erik replied, "I remember a certain someone wanting to learn about Hanukah." He removed a silver nine-pegged candleholder from the bag.
Becky grinned and hopped up off the couch.
Alex eyed the dreidel Erik handed him. "So… what am I supposed to do with this thing?"
"Ideally, you're supposed to play with it," Erik said.
"Cool." Frank came over.
Placing the holder onto the table, Erik began loading the silver piece with long white candles.
"What are all the candles for?" Becky asked curiously.
"They're to signify the eight days the oil lasted," Erik explained. "This ninth one," he indicated the middle candle, "is used as a helper to light all the others. We're a little late, as Hanukkah began last week, but since this is a most unconventional household, we're going to light them all tonight."
"Sounds like a plan," Alex said.
Erik held a lighter out to Frank. "I want you to light the first two."
This clearly surprised the boy. "You want me to do it? But I thought you said God finds favor with the youngest son."
The tall man floated the lighter into Frank's hand. "Well, you're my youngest son."
Feeling a surge of happiness at the words, Frank used the lighter on the center candle. He took hold of the helper and used it to light the first two.
"Fine job, boychick," Erik commended. He indicated for him to give the helper to Becky. "Your turn, Sweet Imp."
Becky carefully lit the next pair of candles. "Alex now?" Erik nodded and she gave it over to the blonde.
Alex lit his and, not sure what to do, gave the helper to Erik.
Erik provided light to the final two then returned the helper back to its center place.
"It's beautiful," Becky remarked about the holder.
"A constant struggle for the ancient Israelites was the right to practice their faith." Erik looked around at the children. "As mutants, you're inevitably going to face a large amount of difficulty in life. Never let the naysayers become a hindrance for you. Persevere through every storm."
The three of them nodded understandingly.
"Is there anything else we're supposed to do for this thing?" Alex asked.
"My father used to offer us well wishes for the upcoming year," Erik said. "I want Charles to slow down and please himself for once. I want Hank and Raven to prosper as they grow together." He put a hand on Alex's shoulder. "I want you to grab hold of every aspiration you develop and I want Sean to comprehend his own excellence." He looked at Frank next. "I want you to find the sense of self-worth that I already have for you." Frank reacted by slipping into thought. Erik knelt down to Becky. "For you, my dear girl, remain strong-willed and creative. It's the way children should be."
The curly headed girl smiled at him. "Erik?"
"Yes?"
"I want you to be happy."
"Definitely," Alex concurred while Frank added a, "Ditto."
Feeling a response building behind his eyes, Erik quickly pushed it back. "Well, now that this is done, have you anymore Christmas traditions?"
"Cookies!" Becky remembered.
Erik and the younger two males followed the girl towards the kitchen, leaving the light of the candelabra shining.
IIIIIII
Sean came home that night, humming to the Christmas carols he had been blasting on the car radio. With the feeling of Maya's lips on his still so fresh in his memory, he practically glided up the stairs.
As soon as he got up, he heard something. Following his ears, he walked over to Frank's room. Feeling worried all of a sudden, Sean opened the door without knocking and met with shock on the other side. Frank lay stretched out across his floor, breathing heavily with tears flowing.
"Frank-O?" Sean closed the door after himself as he hurried over to the sprawled out one. "What's the matter? Are you hurt?"
Allowing Sean to prop him up a bit, Frank shook his head. "No… I was just… I was saying a prayer and I started thinking about my mom. She's all I've been able to think about."
Using his hand to wipe the moisture off his cheeks, Sean asked, "Why haven't you said anything?"
"I've just been faking being in a good mood," Frank told him. "I didn't want to bring everybody down, but I miss my mom so much and I'd give anything just to be able to see her. Dad wouldn't let me the last time I was there and I don't want to go back until she's back. I don't want to do anything until she's back."
"Shhhh." Sean pulled him in close, rubbing his hair and patting his back. "It's okay, buddy. Calm down for me, okay?"
Frank took a couple breaths. "Last year at Christmas, my parents told us they were gonna have another baby. Then they lost her in April."
Having never heard about this before, Sean reacted with, "What?" He of all people knew how Catholic families responded to lost children. "Is that why… is that how your mom got sick?"
"Uh huh," Frank sniffed.
Rocking with the younger boy a bit, Sean said, "Don't worry, Frank. Everything will be okay. Want me to stay with you for a while?"
Frank nodded and placed his head on the teen's nearest shoulder.
Rubbing Frank's back some more, Sean's mind went to work on how to follow through on guaranteeing everything to be okay.
IIIIIII
Raven looked up from her novel when the rap came to her door. "Come in." At Hank tipping inside, she smiled. "Hey."
Sitting on the bed facing her, he held a small rectangular box out to her. "Merry Christmas."
Mouth widening a bit, she told him, "This is a case of serious rule breaking."
"It's okay. It's a quarter after midnight," Hank said. "I was always anxious the night before Christmas. I used to drive my parents mad." He extended the box to her again. "Go on, open it. I just couldn't wait."
Unable to resist herself, Raven took the slim package and unwrapped it. Underneath the paper, she found a velvet box. She lifted it open, revealing a bird of some sort. Thinking it to be a dove at first, she the picked the necklace up by its chain and got a closer look; a tiny blue raven.
Her eyes went to his.
"I, uh, I must have spent the better part of the month trying to think of the most appropriate gift for you," Hank admitted, slightly flustered. "Read the back."
She turned the bird around and saw the inscription. To My Own Raven, Merry Christmas.
Completely taken aback with a number of emotions, Raven finally managed to speak. "Hank, this is absolutely amazing. Thank you. I love it."
Finding his own voice again, he said in turn, "I love you." Before he knew what hit him, she flung her arms around his neck.
Giving him a long kiss, she eventually pulled back long enough to say, "I love you, too."
IIIIIII
Removing the final "gift from Santa" from the large sack he had with him, Charles took a moment to admire the Christmas tree lights. He reached down to grab a cookie from the plate on the coffee table.
"Charles?"
The unsuspecting telepath jumped, spinning around. "Seanie? What are you doing up? You have an early flight."
"Yeah, about that— I want to cancel it," Sean told him. "There's something I have to do and I need your help."
"Well, this is unexpected," Charles said. "What did you have in mind?"
Sean danced from foot to foot. "First, how do you feel about waking up in four hours?"
With the exhaustion from the day weighing in, not to mention the last few days as a whole, Charles' felt a fainting spell coming on.
IIIIIII
Holding on tightly to Becky's hand, Joey followed her across the hall to Erik's bedroom. Becky opened the door just a crack, seeing the adult still in bed. As quietly as they could, the two children tipped inside. Each took a side of the bed then pounced.
Erik instantly shot up when the newfound weight jolted him from slumber. He refrained from unleashing an assault of every nearby metallic object his bedroom had available when he heard the pair of giggles. Becky lay out on his stomach while Joey had his legs.
"Imp invasion," he growled. "I assume you two have something resembling a valid explanation for this."
"It's Christmas," Becky informed him.
"Congratulations." Erik started to lie down again.
Becky tugged on his arm. "Erik, come on. We have to open presents."
The metal wizard used his free arm to yank her down to tickle her. "All right, all right."
She laughed wildly. "Erik!"
"Ooh." Joey crawled over. "Do me, too, Uncle Erik."
Erik complied and managed to tickle them both at once. "Go on down," he instructed once he let them up. "I'll be there in a minute."
"Okay." Becky got up, completely excited.
"Hurry, Uncle Erik," Joey called, dashing to catch up with the girl.
"Hurry, Uncle Erik," Erik mimicked good-naturedly before prying himself out of bed.
IIIIIII
Somehow, Frank had managed to fall asleep and stay that way soundly throughout the night. When his eyes opened again, he went to the bathroom then decided on some juice before the gift spree began.
When he made it into the kitchen, he made out a redheaded blurred image. "Merry Christmas, Rae," he yawned.
"Merry Christmas, Frankie." Startled, Frank glanced over to the table and saw Raven in her golden haired form sitting there.
Feeling confusion and stiffness, the twelve-year-old turned back to the figure currently standing over the stove. He realized the hair was far too long to be Raven. The individual turned around, flashing him the brown eyes that sent a wave of familiarity and warmth throughout his entire body.
His mouth dropped open. Mom?"
The woman's face looked somewhere between absolute joy and the verge of tears. "Frankie. My baby..."
Frank ran into her arms, hugging her as tight as he possibly could.
Raven watched the scene, feeling a swell in her heart. "Your mom's fixing breakfast."
"It's you." Frank only hoped he was not dreaming as he nestled into her embrace. "It's really you. God, Mommy… I missed you so much."
She gave his temple a kiss. "Oh, sweetheart, you have no idea."
He glanced up to see her face again. "Is everything okay? Are you all right?"
"Oh, everything's fine." She cupped his cheeks then hugged him again. "Everything's fine. You don't have to worry."
Hearing footsteps from behind, Frank turned around and found Charles and Sean there. "Sean, what are you doing here? Charles, did you know my mom is here?"
"Oh, we've met," Charles replied with a smile. "But actually, Sean is the real reason she's here."
"We sort of snuck into New York and "found" your mom," Sean explained with air quotes.
Frank's mouth turned up into an enormous grin. "Are you serious? You cancelled your flight to kidnap my mom?"
Sean gave off a shrug. "Three ghosts made me do it. Now, you get to be together all day." He had to step back a bit when Frank ran to him with a fierce hug.
"Thank you," was all the younger boy could say.
Sean returned the hug, lifting him straight up.
IIIIIII
In a matter of minutes, the living room transformed into one big papier-mâché project waiting to happen. Even Hank and Raven had been more than eager to join in the giftwrap carnage. Charles sat in a chair, happily watching the display while Erik and Frank's mother took up space on a couch.
Alex opened a box containing a red and black leather jacket. "Charles, are you serious with me right now?" He held it up to his chest for sizing. "This is too far out."
"As if I would dare to hand you anything less than cool," the Professor said.
"Charles!" Joey hurried over to him, waving a large plastic sword that looked surprisingly realistic. "Look what Uncle Erik got me."
"My word," Charles responded. "That's wonderful, Joey."
Joey went and flashed it in front of the one who had given it to him next. "Thank you, Uncle Erik."
"I only hope King Arthur approves," Erik stated.
"Mom, check these out." Frank showed her the black water pistols he had gotten from Erik.
His mother took one to observe it. "Oh, goodness. Your father would certainly approve of these."
Sean unwrapped a bow and arrow set. "Cool!"
Alex took out a long bladed dagger. "Oh yeah!"
Charles looked at Erik. "Are those real?"
"What?" Erik gave off a wry smile. "They're big boys."
Hank held up his own large blade. "Thank you, Erik. I cannot wait to dissect with this."
Not at all surprised by the reaction from the young scientist, Erik said, "You're welcome, Hank."
By the time the kids finished, the living room looked somewhere between a weapons gallery, a designer clothing store, and the biggest toy emporium of all time.
Charles unwrapped a package that felt rather soft. It was a small red and blue pillow that read: Great Minds Think Alike.
"Oh, Becky," he said to the younger telepath, "this is smashing. Thank you."
"I saw it and thought of you," she said, hugging one of the many dolls she had accumulated.
Erik received a pillow as well; a larger heart-shaped one, not that he expected less from the girl.
When everyone opened the gifts Joey had for them, they all received a specially made diamond nameplate.
Sean read his first. "Sean "Cool" Cassidy."
"Alex "Sizzlin'" Summers. Good one, Eel."
"Hank "Mega" McCoy."
Becky practically burst over hers. "Becky "Dazzling" Douglas."
Frank's mother read his. "Frank "Talking" Tolbert. He hit the nail on the head."
"Mom," Frank laughed.
"Raven "eXcellent" Xavier," the shape-shifter recited.
"This it's eXcellence all around," Charles said, holding up his.
Joey looked sheepish. "Is it okay? I couldn't find a lot of nice words with X and I didn't want to call you Xylophone."
Charles chuckled. "They're marvelous, little one. Thanks very much."
"Did you make these yourself?" Erik "Lean Mean" Lensherr asked, clearly impressed by the boy's handiwork. He also loved the fact that Joey had also gotten both his first and last names spelled correctly.
"Uh huh," Joey replied.
"This kid can make gold out of cardboard," Alex commented.
Charles brought up, "Did everyone check to see if Santa paid us a visit?"
Noticing some stray packages they had somehow missed, each of the young people grabbed one. As soon as they unwrapped the sleds, everyone hurriedly took off to get dressed. Once fully prepared for the winter, they moved things out back and into the snow.
Frank's mother sat on a stone bench, watching the merriment.
Becky brought a fleece throw for her out from the house.
"Oh, thank you," she said, wrapping the small blanket around her lap.
"You're welcome."
The woman reached a hand out to touch Becky's curls. "You are such a beautiful little girl. Your mother must love you dearly."
"Actually, that's my job." Erik sat next to Mrs. Tolbert with a mug of coffee in his hand. He pulled Becky close to his side and kissed her hair. "Why don't you go play with the others, my sweet?"
Becky nodded and ran out to leap on Hank's back.
"Are we overwhelming you, Mrs. Tolbert?" Erik asked.
"Alana." She smiled slightly. "I had a little bit of a life before I became a Mrs. Actually, this school is indescribably wonderful. Frank must have collected more gifts than his two brothers at home combined." She looked at the man next to her. "He thinks so highly of you. He calls you his School Dad in his letters."
Erik chuckled softly. "He's been across my knee enough times for me to earn the title. Not that he's a miscreant mind you. Frank is a great student and exceptionally gifted."
Alana said wholeheartedly, "Thank you so much for taking care of him. With the trouble at home, I'm glad he has the opportunity to be around people like you."
"Mom, Erik, look!" The two adults glanced over at Frank's yell to see him win a sledding race against Alex down a short slope.
"I haven't seen him this happy in so long," Alana stated, eyeing her son. "I can just tell you all mean so much to him."
"You mean the world to him," Erik told her strongly. He gestured towards her nearly empty mug. "May I warm you up?"
"Oh, please. Thank you." She handed him her cup.
Erik got up and went inside towards the kitchen.
Charles sensed him while busily preparing a tray of hot chocolates. "She is quite stunning, isn't she?" At Erik's confused expression, the telepath clarified things. "Mrs. Tolbert. I noticed it the moment I saw her."
"Honestly, Charles," Erik smirked. "I think you're a tad too young for her."
"And she's a tad too married for you," Charles countered pointedly. "Not to mention the fact that she's still undergoing treatment for severe depression. She's finally stabilizing."
Erik started refilling the mugs he had with him with fresh coffee. "Ah, telepathy. A window into privileged information."
Charles gave him a meaningful look. "She is Frank's mother. Behave yourself, Erik."
"Yes, brother," Erik replied impertinently.
Joey came running into the kitchen at top speed. "Hot chocolate, Daddy, please."
"Yes, yes, we're coming," Charles assured the child.
The telephone went off and Joey said, "I'll get it." He picked up the receiver off the short table it sat on. "Hello? Hi, Miss Mactaggert, it's Joey. Merry Christmas. Okay, hold on." He held the receiver out to Charles. "It's Miss Mactaggert."
Erik placed his mugs down on the tray and picked it up. "I'll take these out to the brood." He headed out of the kitchen.
Charles took the phone while Joey scampered off after Erik. "Hello, Moira. Merry Christmas. How are you?"
"I've been better," she responded flatly. "I'm sorry I'm not on to bring you greetings of the season, Charles, but it's urgent. Emma Frost escaped CIA lockup this morning."
"What?" Charles only hoped he had heard her wrong.
"She manhandled four guards in the process," Moira went on. "If she's waited this long to make a move, you know that can only mean Shaw's about to make his move."
Unfortunately, Charles knew that's exactly what this new development meant. He knew all of this would come to head eventually, but he still found himself unprepared for the news. He spoke with Moira for another moment before returning to the outside.
"Well?" Erik prompted when he spotted him. "What did she have to say?"
Charles flapped his hand in a dismissive motion. "Nothing we can't discuss tomorrow. As for today…" His gaze went to the seven contented youngsters, refusing to allow anything to cause them a disturbance.