Disclaimer: not mine. I own comics and DVDs and statues and funkos and socks and shirts (and a brand new Cyclops phone case and popsocket!), but not the rights.

A/N: So... I know I said Enter the Frost was it, but after taking a break, writing 'A Father's Authority,' and introducing my 3 year old to X-Men Evolution (Disney+ is worth it in the US just for that reason), I couldn't help but work on this one. I'd considered it for a bit, but now I'm finally working on it! It'll be slow, because it's basically having to be written when the baby lets me have a few free minutes to myself (nap time, which then my 3 year old wants to spend time with me, and then at night when hey, my husband wants to spend time with me. Go figure.)

Patience is appreciated. Reviews make me happy, even if they're in the form of a PM- but like I've said numerous times, I won't withhold chapters because of a lack of reviews/readers. As a reader, nothing makes me click the X button faster than that stipulation.

Ok. I'm done. Here's Chapter 1 (which totally rhymes. Sorry. Kids are both going through phases and sleep isn't happening as much as I'd like).

Scott Summers smiled and twirled his nine year old daughter around. She had just been accepted to the junior level softball league created for mutant children- something Charles Xavier and Scott donated their money and efforts to to see happen.

"Can I call Grandpa?" Carolyn asked once Scott put her down.

"Go ahead. Ask Emma for help. Once you're done, make sure you get washed up. I'm taking you out to eat-"

"Just me?"

"Just us," he confirmed with a smile. Carolyn grinned and raced up to the third floor.

"She got the spot?" Warren asked, tucking his wings in from flying to Scott.

"She did."

"I hope it wasn't because of her name."

"No. She asked to hide it for that reason… To her teammates, she's Carolyn Pryor. And since she lives here, I can still act as her guardian and be on her paperwork."

"You ok with that?"

"It keeps her safe, and it proves that she was accepted based on skill. I'm proud of her." Scott turned and slapped Warren on the shoulder. "You good?"

"Yeah. Bets and I are packed and ready for the weekend. You sure you're gonna be alright without us?"

"Magneto's calm, Sinister is in hiding, the Brotherhood is… We've been handling them for forever. I think we can survive a weekend without you and Betsy."

"What about Jean?" The friends turned and saw her staring out the window, unblinking.

"I don't know," Scott said, shaking his head. "She's been like that for the last few weeks. Ever since we got back from space."

"You don't think it was what Cable warned us about, do you?" Warren asked. He and Jean had been broken up for several years, but he couldn't help but be concerned about her.

"I… I didn't see anything attach to her. I did my best to watch."

"She did display a lot of new power to stop the Shi'ar who were loyal to D'Ken." Scott frowned as he considered Warren's words.

"I don't-"

"Grandpa isn't available," Carolyn said as she met back up with Scott. "Hi Uncle Warren!"

"I heard about your new position. Congrats, Carrie."

"Will you come to my games?"

"I'll definitely do my best," Warren promised. Carolyn beamed at him before looking at Scott.

"Are we going, Daddy?"

"Let me get my keys," Scott said as he headed to the stairs.

"Where are you going?"

"Daddy's taking me out to lunch!" Scott smiled as his daughter told Warren about their plans while he hurried upstairs. Scott stepped into the suite his little family used and saw Emma standing over by the table with a clearly chastised Nate, who was writing sentences.

"Do I want to know?" He asked, frowning.

"Tell your father, Nathan."

"But Mama,"

"Nathan."

"I didn't clean my room." Scott blinked.

"You told me yesterday you did. You lied to me?" Nate nodded.

"I'm sorry."

"Mmhm. The only reason I'm not spanking you for that is because Emma got to you first." Scott met Emma's eyes and saw her appreciative look.

*Thank you.*

*You're their mother,* Scott smiled. "Carrie and I are headed out for a bit to celebrate her position on her softball team."

"Not me?" Nate asked sadly. "Is it because I lied, Dad?" Scott walked over and kissed his head.

"Not at all, son. You remember when we went out, just you and me, last week for your report card grades?"

"Yeah?"

"Carrie wants that today, too, to celebrate her making the team. But maybe, if you behave for Emma while I'm gone, all four of us can go to breakfast at the diner tomorrow."

"I'll be good, Dad." Scott hugged Nate to him.

"You're always good. Just mischievous at times," he grinned.

"You wouldn't know anything about that, now, would you?" Scott just smiled at Emma as he grabbed his keys.

"Behave, Nate," he said as he walked out of the suite. "Love you!" He hurried down to see Carrie talking animatedly with Bobby, who was good naturedly nodding along.

"Cyclops!" Scott bit back a groan as he turned.

"Miranda," he greeted the black haired woman.

"I've been looking for Warren. Have you seen him?"

"He's out with Psylocke for their anniversary weekend." Miranda made a face.

"I don't see what he sees in her. I'm so much better-"

"I'm not the person to discuss this with," Scott firmly said. "And I have a date, if you don't mind." Miranda gave him a sultry look.

"I'm happy to join in with you, too. Emma's quite a catch." Scott rolled his eyes.

"I'm taking my daughter to lunch." Scott walked away before the pheromone wielder could say anything else. He grabbed Carrie and lifted her into the air, securing her to his hip as he walked out of the Xavier Institute.

"I'm nine, Daddy," Carrie protested.

"You are," Scott said with a half grin. Carrie rolled her eyes and allowed Scott to carry her to the garage. They stopped at their jeep and she watched as Scott put a sad hand on the hood.

"Daddy?"

"Hm?"

"Can we take something else?"

"Like what?" Scott asked, eye raised.

"Your bike." Scott let out a short laugh.

"Absolutely not, Carrie."

"Puh-lease!" Carrie begged, lips pursed and eyes wide. Scott looked away, hating how tight he was wound around her finger.

"Emma can't hear about it."

"Yes!" Scott handed Carrie a small helmet and got on his bike. He lifted her up to sit behind him before he put on his own helmet.

"Hold on tight, Care-bear." He felt her arms go around him as he got the motorcycle running. "Ready?"

"Yes Daddy!" Scott grinned as he zoomed out of the garage and down the long driveway. Carrie screamed her excitement as he sped into town, weaving in and out of traffic. Scott slowed down and parked at a restaurant that allowed mutants to dine without prejudice- one of the few in Bayville. Scott cut the engine and straddled the bike, quickly helping his daughter off before lifting his leg to step away from the bike as well.

"Let's take the helmets in," he suggested.

"Ok," Carrie agreed. They stepped in and the hostess gave Scott an appreciative look.

"Just the two of you?"

"Yes," Scott said, oblivious to the underlying question.

"My mom couldn't make it," Carrie said sadly. "Her modeling career just took off and she's booked." Scott had to hide his grin at the disappointed frown on the hostess' face.

"Just follow me."

"Behave, Carolyn," Scott gently chided.

"Yes Daddy." The hostess seated the pair, handed them their menus, and walked away.

"If it isn't Scott Summers." Scott jerked his head up from looking at the menu and turned.

"Jamie?" He smiled, standing to greet his former teammate. They clasped hands and pulled into a brief hug.

"And who's this?" Jamie asked, looking at Carrie. "There's no way this is Carrie."

"Do I know you?" Carrie asked with her nose slightly curled.

"Carrie, this is Jamie Maddox. Multiple." Carrie's eyes went wide.

"Uncle Gabe's friend Jamie?" Jamie blinked before laughing.

"I think that's the first time that's how someone recognized me. Yeah, I'm friends with your uncle." He looked back at Scott, the smile fading. "How are things?"

"Different," Scott said. "Why don't you sit with us? We can catch up."

"I was on my way out for work," Jamie replied, shaking his head. "But I'm free tomorrow. I'll stop by. Will my code still get me in?"

"It should. If not, here," Scott wrote down his phone number, and Emma's, on a napkin and held it out to Jamie. "Give me a call. Anytime, Jamie." Jamie nodded and took the napkin.

"Thanks, Scott. Bye Carrie. It was nice seeing you- though strange without food all over your face." Carrie blushed and Jamie left, chuckling.

"Why haven't I met him before? And remembered him?" Carrie asked as Scott returned to his seat.

"You were three when he left," Scott explained, going back to peruse the menu. "He graduated early, went to college, and last I'd heard, went to work on his doctorate."

"Oh. So he's smart?"

"Deceptively so."

"Huh?" Scott looked up.

"What?"

"I don't get it."

"Deceptively?" Carrie nodded. "It means that he hid just how smart he was from us. He was the youngest teammate until Gabe, so he probably didn't want another reason to be scrutinized."

"Scru… what?"

"Scrutinize means to be closely examined," Scott told her.

"Oh."

"Do you know what you want to eat?" Carrie shook her head and looked at her menu.

"What can I get you two to drink?" A waitress asked at the side of the table.

"Fruit punch and lemonade," Scott and Carrie said together with a smile.

"You are just too cute!" The waitress exclaimed as she wrote it down in her notepad. "Any idea about what you would like to eat?" Carrie shook her head.

"Not yet," Scott answered.

"I'll just give you a few minutes, then." She gave them a smile and walked away.

"Can I have a burger, Daddy?" Scott closed his eyes. "Daddy?"

"You can have whatever you want, Carrie. We're celebrating you, remember?"

"Then what's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong. I was just lost in thought. Your grandpa brought me here after… After we were exposed. I was just remembering how I was with my dad and getting a burger," he smiled.

"Where were Uncle Alex and Uncle Gabe?"

"On a cruise. Your mom and I had just gotten married, and I… Well, we were here when she went into labor with you two."

"Really?" Scott nodded. The waitress returned with their drinks.

"Do you need a few more minutes?" Scott looked at Carrie and raised his eye.

"You ready?"

"I'd like to have the teriyaki pineapple burger, please." Scott curled his nose. Not the burger he would have asked for.

"And you, sir?"

"I'll take the grilled chicken salad, please." She nodded and wrote the orders down.

"Ranch alright?"

"Yes ma'am. And can we have an order of onion rings to share?"

"Of course. I'll get that in now."

"Thank you," Scott smiled. Carrie put her head in her hands as her budding telepathy heard the thoughts of the woman. "Carrie? Are you ok?"

"I didn't mean to read her," she whispered, recalling the punishment Scott had dealt out on her twin for reading his mind.

"It's ok. Take a deep breath and focus on something, anything." Carrie nodded and stared at the salt shaker on the table, wincing as it started moving around.

"Daddy, help me," she cried. Scott got out of his seat and hugged her to him.

"Close your eyes," he whispered. "Don't think of anything. Just relax." Carrie closed her eyes and felt her father moving her until her ear was resting on his chest. The sound of his heartbeat lessened the tension in her shoulders and they dropped. Slowly, the pain of her powers faded and she opened her eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"You don't have to thank me for that," Scott said, kissing her head. "I'm always here for you, Carrie." He stood her up and held her chair out to her, pushing her to the table after she sat. Scott sat in his own chair and looked at her, concerned.

"Here you are! An order of onion rings. Your food will be out in just a few minutes."

"Thank you," Scott smiled. The waitress nodded and walked away.

"She has a Master's degree in physics," Carrie said sadly. "But no one will hire her because she's a mutant." Scott frowned.

"You're having problems controlling your powers, and I won't be upset about that. But that doesn't mean you should share what you've learned, Carolyn Ann." Carrie looked at the table and took an onion ring.

"Can't we help her?"

"Not if she doesn't want to be helped."

"Maybe she doesn't realize who you are?" Scott snorted.

"She's in Bayville and doesn't know who I am? Yeah, right."

"She could be new." Scott squirted ketchup on the plate with the onion rings and picked one up, dipped it, and brought it to his mouth.

"I'm not saying anything to her. I don't want her to think you read her on purpose," he said before taking a bite.

"Yes sir."

"Let's talk about anything else. Today is supposed to be a happy day." Carrie nodded and started chatting aimlessly while they waited for their food.

"And then Iceman said he'd make us a skating rink and teach us!" She said, sensing the waitress nearby.

"Iceman?" Scott gave Carrie a disapproving look before turning to the waitress.

"Yes ma'am. My teammate. This establishment is mutant friendly, isn't it?"

"Y-yes. I just wasn't… Your teammate?"

"Yes," Scott said again. "Why? Do you know him?" The waitress put their food down and looked around them.

"Not here. My shift ends in an hour. Can we talk then?"

"Sure," Carrie said before Scott could say no. Scott gave the woman a stiff smile.

"An hour, then." She nodded and walked away. Scott gave his daughter a sharp look. "Carolyn."

"She needs help."

"That isn't your place-"

"I'm the daughter of the leader of the X-Men-"

"You are nine years old. And if you overstep like that again, I'll put you over my knee and remind you that you are still a child. Am I understood, young lady?"

"Yes sir," she said with a wince.

"As it is, when we get home, you are to go straight to your room."

"Yes Daddy," she said, looking at the table. Scott sighed and looked away, trying not to feel guilty for disciplining his child.

"Eat your lunch, Carrie," he softly ordered. Carrie lifted her burger to her trembling mouth. She shook her head and put it down.

"I'm not hungry," she whispered.

"Do I need to take you to the bathroom and spank you?" Carrie's eyes went wide. He'd never threatened her with that before, just Nate.

"No sir!"

"Then eat your food." She took a small bite. With that bite, she seemed to recall how hungry she was and soon, her lunch was gone.

"Can I order dessert?" She quietly asked. Scott chuckled.

"We are here to celebrate, aren't we? Just make sure whatever you get, you have two spoons." Carrie beamed at him and took the smaller menu from the table, leading through it.

"The brownie?" Scott looked at the dessert and grimaced.

"Glad I got a salad," he muttered. "That's fine, Care-bear."

"You're not fat," Carrie frowned. "You don't need to lose weight."

"I know," Scott said, slightly amused. "But I also have a specific job that requires me to stay healthy. The older I get, the harder it can be to lose weight-"

"Can I get you two something for dessert?"

"I'd like the brownie explosion, please," Carrie requested. "With two spoons."

"That's one of my favorites, too," the woman winked. "With all of the toppings?"

"That's fine," Carrie grinned.

"Your sweet tooth is as bad as Gabe's," Scott said, rolling his eyes.

"Like Grandma Kat?"

"Like Grandpa Phil's," Scott smirked. The brownie was brought to their table and the waitress smiled at the look Carrie gave it.

"Enjoy." She looked at Scott with a serious face. "I get off in twenty minutes."

"We'll be here or outside. You can go ahead and bring the check so we're out as soon as she finishes." The woman nodded and Scott watched her go to the computer.

"Try some," Carrie encouraged Scott. Scott picked up a spoon and took a bite of the dessert.

"God that's rich," he said, putting the spoon back down.

"It's awesome."

"Make sure you brush your teeth before you go to your room." Carrie deflated at the reminder. She slowly ate the dessert as Scott put his card down to pay for their meal.

"Do I have to go to my room?" Carrie asked in a small voice.

"No," Scott said as he stood and put his wallet back in his pocket. "I just thought you'd prefer that over the hairbrush." Carrie blanched. "Was I right?"

"Yes Daddy."

"Let's go talk to this lady. Unless you're asked a question, please let me do the talking."

"What am I supposed to do?"

"Sit and look adorable. You're good at that," Scott grinned. Carrie simply pouted as she was led outside to Scott's bike, suddenly wishing they had taken the jeep- at least she'd be able to sit on a comfortable seat.

"How do you know Iceman?" The woman asked as soon as Scott was close enough.

"He's my teammate. I trained him."

"Who are you?"

"Scott Summers. Who are you?"

"Angelica. Angelica Jones."

"How do you know Iceman?"

"I… We occasionally assist Spider-Man." Carrie's mouth dropped and Scott pushed it back up.

"Ah. I've seen you on TV." Scott rubbed the back of his neck. "I can take you to him, if you'd like. But you know he's-"

"I know. We're just friends." Scott nodded and got on his bike before getting Carrie on behind him.

"Follow me, then." The Summers duo got their helmets on and Scott got the bike started. He waited for Angelica to start her car before he eased the bike to the road. The drive was slower and safer going back to the Institute. They parked out front and Scott turned to help Carrie down.

"Scott Summers! You took my baby on your motorcycle?!" Scott froze with his eyes wide at the sight of his partner storming down the front steps.

"Emma, I can-"

"Do I still have to go to my room?" Carrie asked.

"Of course not, darling," Emma said, hugging Carrie to her. "I cannot believe your father would recklessly endanger you like that!"

"Yes, she does have to go to her room," Scott said, anger lacing his voice. *She completely disobeyed me. It's her room or a spanking, Emma.*

*It is neither after you-* Emma stopped communicating with Scott when she saw the redhead pull up behind the motorcycle.

"I was worried I had the wrong place," Angelica said as she got out of her car. "I'm glad I- Ms. Frost?!" Emma put a hand over her mouth.

"Angelica? Is it… Is it really you?" Angelica nodded and rushed to Emma, hugging her.

"Am I missing something?" Scott asked as he sent Carrie inside with a light swat. Emma pulled away and gracefully wiped at her eyes.

"She was one of my students. I thought she'd perished with…" Angelica shook her head.

"I was gone that day. My nana had died and I was at her funeral. I thought you… There wasn't any talk of survivors."

"The X-Men rescued me." Emma hugged her again. "I'm so glad to see you, Angelica."

"You as well, Ms. Frost." Angelica pulled away. "You obviously know Mr. Summers."

"I do," Emma said, finally frowning and looking at him. "Bringing women home now?"

"She's friends with Bobby. Carrie's powers acted up and she got a glimpse into Angelica's head. After I told her to drop it, she waited for Angelica to come to the table before talking about Iceman." Emma frowned.

"You still shouldn't have taken her on the bike."

"You don't trust me with my own kid?" Scott asked with a raised eye.

"Were you speeding in and out of traffic?" Scott grinned.

"You look beautiful." Emma rolled her eyes.

"I should let your father yell at you." Scott frowned.

"Not fair."

"I feel like I'm missing something now," Angelica said, reminding the couple she was there. "Are you two…?"

"Yes," Emma said.

"We are. Coming on eight years," Scott smiled. Emma looked away, slightly blushing.

"Congratulations."

"Angel?!" Bobby called as he hurried out of the mansion. "How'd you find me?!"

"Carrie," the three standing around told him. Bobby hugged Angelica and spun.

"Come on," Bobby grinned. "I'll show you around." He pulled Angelica inside, leaving Scott and Emma alone together.

"I promise she was safe," Scott said quietly. "I wouldn't risk my daughter. I just… The jeep has been hard lately, Em. I don't know how much longer I have with it, and every drive brings it closer to its end. That's one of the last things Maddie and I… I'm sorry if I scared you."

"You mean you can't fix it?"

"It's ten years old," Scott said, shaking his head. "Certain cars, they stop using specific parts. I've looked all over for what I need. It's either gone forever or they're asking for a price that just isn't worth the piece. I can't justify it when we have a family to take care of."

"And I suppose Carrie sensed that and suggested the motorcycle?" Scott smiled, not wanting to lie to Emma, but not wanting to confirm her theory.

"Dad? Can I go to the game room now?" The couple turned and saw Nate standing awkwardly at the door.

"Did you clean your room?" Emma asked.

"Yes Mama."

"Did you, or are you lying again?" Scott asked, arms crossed.

"I cleaned it."

"More than just shove everything under your bed?"

"Yes, Dad."

"Or in your closet?" Emma asked. At the slight wince, Emma and Scott looked at each other.

"I can handle it," Scott offered. "You should visit with Angelica." Emma kissed his cheek and headed inside, dropping another kiss on Nate's head.

"Dad?"

"Upstairs," Scott ordered, pointing. Nate groaned, but did as Scott commanded. The two arrived at their suite and entered. Scott glared at the figure on the couch, watching the television.

"Am I in trouble?" Nate asked.

"No, but I need to talk to your sister. Privately." Nate nodded and went to his room.

"Why are you upset? Mama said I didn't have to-"

"And we both know it was because she didn't have the whole story, and because she was annoyed with me. I told you to go to your room. To see this blatant disregard… Go get the hairbrush from my dresser."

"What?! Daddy! No!" Scott took a step towards Carrie.

"If I have to get it, you're getting a spanking now and again before bed, young lady." Carrie hurried into her parents' room and brought the brush back to Scott.

"I'm sorry, Daddy." Scott sat on the couch and gave Carrie a hard look.

"What have you done wrong, Carrie?"

"I disobeyed you. A few times," Carrie said, head down.

"What do you deserve?"

"A spanking." Scott patted his knee and Carrie sniffed as she pushed her pants down to her knees and bent over Scott's lap. Scott used his hand for a few moments before picking up the brush.

"You don't choose when you do and don't obey me. Am I clear, Carolyn Ann?" He asked as he brought down the brush on Carrie's pink behind.

"Yes Daddy!" Carrie cried. Scott put the brush down and stood Carrie up. He hadn't been hard on her, just reminding her who was in charge between the two of them.

"I love you," Scott said, hugging her. "And I'm so proud of you for making the team. I wish our day had been less tearful."

"I'm sorry."

"And I forgive you. But I'm sure you understand why I still expect to see you in your room?"

"Yes sir," Carrie sniffed.

"Go on," Scott said, gesturing to Carrie's door with his head. Carrie hurried away and closed her door. Scott returned the brush to his room before going check on Nate. Nate was lying on his back on his bed, nose red. Scott took a deep breath and sat beside him.

"She didn't deserve that," Nate said, clearly angry.

"That's not your decision. And we're not discussing your sister. Open your closet, please." Scott waited for Nate to stalk to the door and yank it open. Toys and clothes fell to the ground and Scott had to close his eyes and count.

*Are you ok, sugar?*

*I'm about to tan your son's hide.* Scott sent her a glimpse of Nate's room.

*I'm on my way.* Instead of waiting, Scott grabbed Nate's human arm and pulled him to the bed.

"No! I didn't do anything wrong!"

"Oh? Pretending to clean? Being deceitful and hiding your crap in the closet? There's nothing wrong with that?!"

"Scott, wait!" Emma cried, bursting into the room. Nate yanked his arm away from Scott and ran to Emma.

"Mama!" Emma hugged Nate to her, glaring at Scott.

*You said I was handling this.*

*And you did, which was why he threw everything in his closet!*

*Then let me handle it!*

*You are not cleaning his room for him again, Emma. He's nine. He can do this.*

*Then let me talk to him.* Scott stared at her.

"Fine," he angrily agreed. He looked at Nate, gently grabbing his chin to force his son to look at him. "You talk with Emma and then I want your room cleaned. If I come back and it's not, I will spank you for your disobedience."

"Yes sir," Nate said softly. Scott stood up and looked in Emma's eyes.

*If I come back and you're cleaning his room, I'll spank him for disobeying me.* At Emma's glare, Scott left Nate's room and the suite, choosing to go to his office and work on forming his syllabus for the upcoming school year.

After two hours of mind numbing work, Scott put his pen down and rubbed his face. He took a deep breath and put his work in his desk drawer and returned to his family's suite. Emma was on the couch looking through a magazine, Carrie's door was closed, and Nate's door was open. Bypassing Emma, Scott went straight to Nate's room and peaked inside.

"Dad! I'm not done! I promise I'm working!" Scott saw the tubs of clothes, the trash bags, and toys in the overflowing toy box.

"I see that. Keep it up, son. I want it done by bedtime so we can go to breakfast in the morning." Nate gave Scott a relieved smile.

"Yes sir." Scott nodded and stepped out to check on Carrie.

"You can do what you want," he told her upon seeing her lying on her bed. "Within reason, of course. I'll see you at dinner."

"Thanks, Daddy! Bye!" Carrie said as she rushed out of the suite. Scott stood by the couch.

"May I join you?" Emma looked at him, frowning.

"Are you going to threaten me if I don't?"

*Because you hate when I spank you?* Scott said, sitting next to her, sliding his hand up her leg. Emma turned to her diamond form, still reading the magazine.

"I'll see you at dinner," she said dismissively.

"You can't be mad at me for disciplining our children, Emma. It's not fair."

"You spanked Carrie and were about to spank Nate."

"Yes. Both disobeyed me several times and I needed to remind them that that's not ok."

"I'm sure your father would have something smart to say about that," she said as she flipped a page.

"Probably that they're giving me the same grief I gave him," Scott retorted with a wry grin. Emma smirked, trying to hide it. "Emma… How many times are we going to fight about this?"

"I don't like when they hurt. I hate that you cause the pain they feel."

"You know it isn't my first response, like it was my dad's. I try… But sometimes, Emma, that's what's needed. I'm sorry you hate me-"

"I don't hate you. I love you, Scott. But our children-"

"Daddy!" Carrie said, bursting through the door. "Come quick!"

"What is it?" Scott asked, jumping up.

"It's Aunt Jean! She's collapsed!"

A/N 2: PS, since this is a work in progress (only 3 chapters have been written, but they're longer than chapters I usually post), if there's a specific character you want to see/ a request for a specific scene, just let me know. I'll either say "no" (with a small explanation) or "I'll do my best"