X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Nine
Author's Word: Thank you guys as always for the reviews. Keep the feedback coming up. I totally love it!
"Ahh!"
"Oh my God!"
"Cold, cold, cold!"
At the differing yet highly pitched outcries, Erik stepped out of his bedroom in time to see Hank, Alex, and Sean exiting the numerous second floor bathrooms. All three had wrapped their bathrobes as tight as the pieces of clothing would allow. Sean, looking particularly frazzled, had also come out with a long towel around his shoulders.
"Well, I'm wide awake now," Hank managed to joke while Alex demanded to know, "Who used up the hot water?" and Sean danced around chanting, "Cold, cold, cold…"
Erik rubbed his chin thoughtfully. With the unique and well-maintained design of the Xavier Mansion, it would take a great deal more people than their collection of nine, all bathing simultaneously, to cause a disruption in the water temperature. He assured Sean that he had not suffered frostbites then proceeded downstairs to investigate the plumbing issue while the young men retreated to the warmth of their own bedrooms.
Hearing the tune of Steamboat Willy being whistled by someone on the first floor, Erik turned to cover himself with an early Grecian statue. He watched as Frank came along, practically floating on air with inner pride, twirling a wrench in his hand like a baton.
Having solved the mystery, Erik caused Frank to gasp as he used his magnetism to take possession of the wrench.
Frank put on a pleasant smile. "Morning, Erik."
Not bothering to beat around any bushes, Erik held up the tool and asked pointblank, "Have you been fooling around with the pipes?"
The smile turned into a rascally smirk. "Maybe…"
"Two days ago it was vinegar in the soup and before that it was short-sheeting the beds. I very nearly had to pry Alex off you for that last fiasco," Erik recalled.
"Yeah," Frank said smugly. "I am just that good."
"Somehow 'good' does not sound like an accurate summary of your behavior of late," Erik stated. "You're clearly a bright boy. Can't you find more constructive activities to fill your spare time?"
Frank scoffed. "Where's the fun in that?"
"Fun is something you won't be seeing too much of," Erik informed him. "Not for the next week at least. You, young man, are grounded."
Sudden remembrance hit Frank hard. "But, Erik. What about the street fair? That's in two days."
"I'm well aware," Erik said unmoved. "And it has been officially cancelled for you. As well as television and venturing outside. If I've seen some improvement in your behavior by week's end, I'll consider some leniency."
"Awwwwww!"
"No whining," Erik tacked on sternly. "I detest it and you're far too old for it. Keep it up and I'll find some chores for you. It's a big house after all… filled with many toilets."
Frank switched the whining out for bellyaching as he grumbled all the way up the stairs.
Erik watched him go then gripped the wrench and went off to fix the plumbing.
IIIIIII
Hank glanced up from his microscope when Raven came in, carrying a mug in each of her hands.
"Hey, I heard about this morning," she said, placing a mug down on the table in front of him. "Thought this might warm you up."
"Thank you," Hank said, not hesitating to take a long gulp of the hot coffee.
Raven plopped herself down on the table next and gazed back at him. "Ya know, I had no idea that I could send you into cold shower territory this early."
Caught off-guard for a moment by the remark, Hank half-choked on his coffee. "No, it was just Frank reconfiguring the— you're kidding."
Trying not to laugh at the look on his face, she confirmed, "Yes, I am."
"You'll be the death of me yet," he stated while still eyeing her in that special way.
Raven grinned and leaned forward until she landed in his lap and the two shared a long kiss. When they came apart again, the couple discovered Joey standing in the wide-open doorway of the lab.
"Joey," Raven reacted sheepishly, quickly jumping up from Hank. "Hi, honey. Did you need something?"
The little boy only giggled then dashed away.
Hank raised an eyebrow, wondering what that was about.
Joey continued to laugh and run until he bumped into Sean out in the hall.
"What's so funny, little guy?" he asked him.
He then announced, "Raven and Hank are gonna have a baby."
IIIIIII
Using his newfound ability of seeing through walls, Frank spotted Erik coming up the stairs. The minute the man became close enough, Frank jumped out of his bedroom, landing before his feet.
"Hey, Erik. Come look at this." He stepped back into his room, indicating for Erik to follow. "Come on and look."
Humoring the boy's request, Erik came in.
Frank warmed up then sent a magnificent ray of light out through his eyes. "Isn't that amazing? It's never been this bright during the day. I've been working really hard on it."
"I see," Erik nodded.
"I've been working on my X-ray thing, too," Frank told him excitedly, powering down. "That's what you're always saying, Erik, right? Practice, practice, practice."
"Indeed. Keep it up." When he started to leave, Frank ran out in front of him again.
"Did I tell you that I got an A on my science report? I did even better than Sean."
"Franklin," Erik spoke briskly, "though I must applaud the effort, your attempts at subtlety fall short. I know well your intentions. Regardless of how many good deeds you manage to accumulate, it does not change your previous misbehavior." He gave the boy a zero nonsense face. "I said a week and I meant it. You will not be going to the street fair."
Even though he had not expected his attempts to necessarily work, Frank became surprised by the emotion he felt at Erik's blunt words; hurt. He nodded absently then returned to his room, closing the door. Frank sat on his knees, slumped over against the edge of his bed, not sure of what to do.
The pre-teen remained that way for several minutes before an idea struck him. He got up and went downstairs to the study and rejoiced inwardly upon finding who he had been seeking.
"Charles," he began, coming in, "it is not fair."
Looking up, Charles said, "Might we narrow that down just a bit, Frank?"
"You know," Frank stretched the last word. "It's not fair that I'm grounded for one lousy prank. I've been looking forward to the street fair for two weeks. I hardly ever get out of this place and the one time I get the chance and Erik locks me up."
"Franklin, in the future when you wish to state your case, try to do so without sounding like a dejected five-year-old," Charles stated calmly. "And from what I understand, it was not "one lousy prank" that led to Erik's decision but a series of pranks. Correct?"
"Yes, sir," Frank sighed, knowing it was true.
"Be that as it may," Charles went on, "I will give this some consideration and have a talk with Erik. All right?"
Frank grinned, "Thank you, Charles," he said gratefully.
IIIIIII
Alex rolled his eyes back as far as they would go. "Come on, Sean, seriously? Raven… pregnant?"
"It surprised me, too," Sean said, leaning back in his chair. "I didn't think she was that kind of girl."
"I didn't think Big Foot was that kind of guy," Alex returned. "It's one thing to do the deed but with the doors wide open where Joey or one of the kids could just walk in?"
"Do you think he's imagining things?"
Alex shook his head. "Joey wouldn't lie. Frank maybe, but not Joe. He either heard something or saw something. As if the kid wasn't scarred enough already…"
"If Raven is really expecting, Charles will probably send her away," Sean put forth. "Isn't that what dignified people do with girls in these situations?"
"Okay, if Charles never sent her away for being all blue and scaly, there's no way he'll do it now. She's a shape-shifter. She can probably just… hide it."
"She won't have to go away at all if Hank does the honorable thing."
"What honorable thing?" Both boys buttoned up as the scientist in question joined them in the den. "What are you talking about, Sean?"
Sean darted his eyes over to Alex, who gave him a 'don't ask me' shrug.
"Well, um, we were just wondering," Sean said, looking up at Hank. "Back in school, you never tried taking someone else's homework, did you?"
"No," Hank answered.
"Because you'd never take something without asking," Alex worded carefully. "Right?"
Not sure at all where this was going, Hank replied with a suspicious, "Right…"
Sean said next, "And if you did make a big mistake with someone's homework, you'd make an honest assignment out of it, wouldn't you?"
Alex shot Sean a disbelieving look, to which the younger boy mouthed 'what!'.
Glancing back and forth between the wary duo, Hank asked, "Did one of you cheat on your homework? If so, you can tell me. I understand about temptation."
"But acting on temptation is a whole other story," Sean stated strongly. "Especially when trying to avoid hell."
Hank went quiet at that. "I'm going to go find Becca." He turned and made a hasty getaway, hoping that whatever toxin had been placed into their earlier cold showers did not affect him next.
IIIIIII
Charles found Erik in the parlor. "Up for a game of chess?"
"Always." Erik smiled knowingly at his friend. "I only hope you're a far better persuader than Frank."
Finding their favorite game among the stacks, Charles brought it over to the small table between their two chairs. "I'm officially going to have to deny having any clue as to what you're talking about."
"He's been warned twice already about pranks, Charles. We've made the rules here crystal clear. He must face the consequences of failing to heed those rules."
"And I completely understand." Charles arranged the board and chess pieces. "But don't you find it a bit harsh to leave him out of a group activity?"
"Naturally," Erik said with a dry air about him. "One of the children comes to you in tears and I get to play the part of the ogre."
Charles let off a slight sigh, unable to deny the truth in the assertion. "Erik, I believe as strongly as you do about the importance of maintaining discipline but we can never neglect feelings in the process."
"There will come a time when the world we live in will do more than make them heartsick," Erik emphasized. He reached out, moving a pawn over on the board. "I don't think missing out on a silly little carnival will do much harm."
"Erik, Frank is going through an incredibly awkward stage. The behavior he's demonstrating now is identical to how he acted back in the city." Charles moved a bishop over. "Don't you remember what it's like to be a spirited little boy? I find it hard to believe you came out a cold wank."
Despite himself, Erik chuckled at that. "Oh, I remember well." He studied the chessboard for a moment as he dove into thought. "All right, Charles. I will let him go but now I'm going to have to spank him. I can't let him off entirely."
"Then we're in complete agreement. Also?" Charles flicked off one of Erik's pieces with his own. "Checkmate."
"You little cheat," Erik accused good-naturedly then stood. "Remind me to penalize you later. Right now, I have another to attend to." He started out, passing Joey on his way.
"Ah, my little one," Charles acknowledged happily then noticed the boy's glowing countenance. "What mischief are you up to, hmm?"
Snickering, Joey came closer and joined hands with him. "Nothing." He lowered his voice. "I have a secret."
"What is it?" Charles whispered back.
Joey leaned into his ear. "Raven's gonna have a baby."
Feeling a giant balloon pop and explode from ear to ear, Charles pulled the boy back and looked at him closely. "Joey, precious… what do you— what makes you think Raven is going to have a baby?"
"I walked in on her and Hank in the lab," Joey explained. "She was real close on him and they were kissing."
"And?" Charles prompted.
"And that means Raven's gonna have a baby now," Joey said as if it should have been as plain as day. "When you kiss a girl on the mouth that makes a baby."
"Who on earth told you that?"
"Alex."
Of course, Charles thought.
Despite that, the rush of relief quickly spread throughout him at the knowledge that his sister would remain childless that much longer.
IIIIIII
Catching the baseball as it came down for an even hundredth time, Frank stared miserably up at the ceiling. He took some time to examine the ball, particularly the squiggly signature. It was two years old and had been signed by Yankees pitcher Ralph Terry. Dad had taken all three of them to see that game; Frank as well as his two brothers. Back when Frank did not find himself arguing back and forth with them so much.
Somehow, no matter where he went, trouble followed him. Either that or Frank just packed it up and took it along for the ride. Whatever the case, he had taken the better part of that early evening to decide that people around the mansion held the same opinion of him Uncle Jed did; nothing nice.
A sudden knock at the door jarred him of his thoughts. "Who is it?" he responded wretchedly.
"It's Erik."
Frank propped up in bed, hopeful that Charles had talked to him. "Come in."
Not needing any further notice, Erik entered and used his powers to close the door behind him again. "It has occurred to me that I have been entirely too lenient with you."
The boy's face fell and he cast his eyes down. "Erik, please. I… I'm sorry."
"As well you should be." Erik folded his arms across his chest. "The grounding is rescinded, effective immediately."
Shooting his head back up in such a rapid motion that it should have brought him whiplash, Frank uttered, "Huh?" then brightened. "You mean I can go to the street fair?"
"No, I'm making you go," Erik replied matter-of-factly. "You children don't get nearly enough exercise around this compound as it is."
Getting a funny feeling, Frank asked, "Okay, what's the catch?"
"I knew you were bright," Erik remarked before turning completely serious. "If I allow you to go to the fair, I'm going to spank you. With the ruler."
For the briefest moment when Erik announced the new punishment, Frank thought he could maybe, at least possibly, handle it. Then the subject of rulers came in. Frank absolutely hated rulers. They reminded him of his old school and how frequently the nuns there made use of them on kids' knuckles. At first, he wanted to take the grounding back but did not want to miss out on that fair for anything.
Erik waited patiently, not seeing any reason to rush the boy.
"I'll take the spanking," Frank finally got out, unable to believe those words had honestly just exited his mouth.
With a nod, Erik gestured towards the desk. "Hand me the ruler."
Frank obeyed, though not at all in haste. He took it out from where he had left it working on math equations and handed it over to the older male.
Accepting the piece of wood from the apprehensive one, Erik took up a seat on the edge of the bed. He gestured for Frank to lay out over his lap.
Feeling a surge of gratitude at his pants being allowed to stay up, Frank complied but braced himself for the worst. He grunted out of surprise at the first smack, which felt nothing at all like wood flying at his bottom but an open hand. He made an attempt to keep quiet for as long as possible but Frank soon learned that Erik did not spend time in the gym simply playing around with the metal equipment down there.
After ten solid smacks, Erik paused long enough to pick up the ruler next and brought it down to begin peppering the young one's thighs. As soon as the ruler landed, Erik knew Frank would not need much more for the lesson to hammer home. He produced an equal ten whacks then placed the implement to the side and allowed the child to stand again.
Upon being released, Frank reached back and rubbed his behind fiercely, crying with the same force.
Erik reached out and pulled the youth close to his side, hugging him with one arm and using the other to rub his quivering back.
"I'm proud of you, by the way," Erik spoke after a minute.
Sniffling, Frank turned into Erik's neck slightly. "Of me? For what?"
"It takes a very strong boy— young man to endure physical pain in order to do something he really wants." He rubbed the child's back in reassurance now. "It's a sign of leadership I greatly admire in you."
Through the tears, Frank smiled. "Thanks."
Erik used his hand to brush away the stray tears that remained and noted how the eyes of honey-brown seemed to glow after weeping. "So, have we seen the last of these pranks? At least the ones hazardous in nature?"
"Yes, sir," Frank replied.
"Good. And Frank, do you understand that I hold no ill feelings towards you? I discipline you because I must, not out of any sick enjoyment at seeing you miserable."
"I know it." And if he hadn't before, he certainly knew it now.
IIIIIII
While Hank retrieved the fixings for a hot fudge sundae, Becky sat at the table, re-reading The Secret Garden.
"Mind if I join in?"
Hank glanced over at Raven. "Bowl number three coming up."
Becky smiled at the other female presence in the house as Raven sat next to her.
"So, any idea what's going on with Tom and Jerry out in the den?" Raven asked Hank.
"I don't know," Hank said, "but they're acting considerably stranger than normal, which doesn't bode well."
"They're only doing that because they think Raven's pregnant."
Both Hank and Raven froze in shock at hearing this. Raven could not believe the two idiots actually believed something so crazy and Hank had to do a double take at Becky's use of that particular "p" word.
"Are they insane?" Raven threw out incredulously. "Why would they think I'm pregnant?"
"Because there's been a new discovery that women who kiss instantly become planted with a child," Charles told them, entering the kitchen. He went to the counter to take a cookie from the jar. "At least that's what Alex has been telling Joseph."
Raven and Hank realized it at the same time and shared a look. That's the reason he had left in such a hurry earlier in the lab.
"Charles," Raven said, standing and going over to him, "you know that I'm not— that we—"
"Are not expecting," Hank chimed in then reiterated, "It's impossible."
Charles held out a hand, putting them both at ease. "Trust me. Raven, if I suspected any of this to be true you'd already be assigned to a proper Swiss convent. And Hank would be sore for the entirety of the nine months."
A few minutes later, Erik came into the kitchen with Joey at his heels. At the promise of ice cream, the little boy had temporarily given up the usual trepidations he felt around the metal wielder. Joey spotted Raven and went to her, hugging her around the waist and giving her stomach a kiss.
"Joey," Raven said with a laugh. "Hon, there's no one in there."
"Yes, little one, we've been over this," Charles reminded him. "Raven is not going to have a baby. Kissing alone does not make a baby."
"Then what does?" Joey asked curiously.
Removing the rocky road from the freezer, Erik said, "Take it away, Professor Charles Xavier."
Not feeling such anxiety before, including when he'd had to openly recite his thesis before his own professors at Oxford, Charles cleared his throat and tried to search for the words. For a moment, he sincerely considered wiping Joey's mind of these uncomfortable thoughts altogether.
Hank came to his rescue with, "You know, Joey. We're actually going to cover this in class." Give or take a few years but the little boy did not need to know that.
Charles shot Hank an expression of utmost thanks.
"Okay," Joey conceded then looked curious again. "But are you and Raven ever going to have a baby?"
"We're too young for that, Joey," Raven told him.
"Much too young," Charles reinforced.
"And we'd have to be married," Hank added. "Something else we're too young for right now."
"Ohh." Joey seemed to piece it together in his mind. "You're gonna get married then have a baby, right?"
Raven gave Hank a shy smile while he in turn glanced away bashfully, unable to hide the grin that threatened to split his face in half.
"Trust me, Joey," Raven said, putting an arm around him. "We don't need a baby around here. That's what we have you for."
"I second that," Charles said.
Erik piped up, "Joey, come get your ice cream. I still need to bring Frank his. Rebecca, finish up and get ready for bed."
The children instantly complied with the instructions given.
Hank watched as Raven chatted with Becky while the girls loaded up the dishwasher. Though it was quite true about how young he and Raven were and also the fact that they had not been together very long, Hank felt he had his own answer to Joey's last question. He only hoped Raven felt the same way.