Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

First Class: Charles and Erik have accepted their roles as guardians and headmasters over the young mutants but there is still work to be done for the greater than typical family. This is a familial and discipline, including spanking, centered fiction.

15. Chapter 15 Weekend of Their Content

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Fifteen

Author's Word: Hi, everybody! Thank you for the feedback I received last time around. My apologies for how long this chapter has taken. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year and don't do anything crazy!

"Mutation took us from single celled organisms to being the dominant form of reproductive life on this planet. Infinite forms of variation with each generation, all through mutation." Charles brought his note cards down from his eyes and gazed out at his audience. "Be honest. How was that? Too tedious?"

Joey hummed in thought. "No, I liked it. Except, what's an aberration?"

"Not of the normal," Charles clarified to the child then smiled, "So you were listening."

"I like it when you talk."

"And that's why you are my little lamb." Charles leaned forward to nuzzle noses with him. He then returned to adding ties to his suitcase. "I only hope my professors and fellow alumni from Oxford enjoy it as much as you."

Joey watched him and asked, "Are you nervous?"

"Very," Charles admitted.

This did not make sense to the boy at all. "Why? You're so smart. You know about everything."

"Not everything quite yet," Charles denied modestly. "But I hope to get to the halfway point one of these days." He picked Joey up off the bed to hold. "I don't know what I'm going to do without you for two whole days, pet." Joey glanced down, silencing and Charles frowned. "What is it?"

"… Are you gonna come back?" the small one finally asked.

Charles got his eyes back up before answering with, "Through snow, rain, fire, and ice— whatever the element, I will always come back to you. That's a promise, my little one." He gave him a firm hug to reiterate the point. "Care to walk me down?"

Joey nodded as Charles stood him up. After the Professor snapped his suitcase shut and took hold of it, the two headed out of the master suite and down the stairs hand in hand.

Erik stood by the front entrance when they made it down.

"You're all set then?"

"Quite," Charles replied to the older man. Erik unfolded his arms, revealing a hat and a pair of earmuffs. "Oh, well, a few odds and ends must have slipped my mind."

"Put them on," Erik instructed. "You know how chilled it gets over there."

"Yes, yes, I know." Charles put on the warmth accessories, not caring for being fussed over but not about to argue the fact with the metal wizard. "And you're fine with seeing to things here?"

"Once again, yes."

Charles looked up in time to catch something in his friend's eyes. "Erik, is everything all right?"

"Of course. Now, you're to stop worrying. Hank and Raven are waiting in the car. Go on," Erik ushered.

"Right." Charles walked out of the already open door

Joey took his hand again and did not let go until Charles started down the front steps. With a sadsmile, Charles waved to him before going out to the car.

I'll be back, Joey, Charles said mentally as the vehicle drove off, I promise you.

Stepping out, Erik got the boy's attention with, "Come along back inside before you catch a chill."
After a few lingering seconds, the child listened and walked back inside the house that felt so much emptier to him now.

IIIIIII

Hank retrieved his coffee then sat on a bench in the terminal. As the hot liquid met disagreeably with his tongue, he decided that taking it black had not been his best option.

"Burn yourself?" The scientist glanced up at a petite blonde with a bright smile standing over him.

"I should have added some cream," Hank replied weakly, holding up the cup.

Smiling wider, the girl sat near him. "I'm Shelly. Where are you headed?"

"Hank," he returned. "And nowhere this time around. I'm just waiting on my girlfriend. She wanted a minute to say goodbye to her brother before he flies off to England."

"Oh, England?" Shelly exclaimed. "I have always wanted to go there."

Hank smiled at that. "So have I. I find the art and history absolutely fascinating."

Once she bid Charles a temporary farewell and stopped off in the ladies' room, Raven had no trouble spotting Hank among the crowd. He sat on a light blue bench… very close to a bottle blonde Raven had never seen before.

At hearing a throat clearing, Hank stopped his conversation long enough to look up. "Is Charles off?"

"Yes, he is," Raven replied deprecatingly, her eyes locked on the other female. "Who's your friend?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Raven, this is Shelly," Hank introduced. "Shelly, this is Raven."

"You must be the girlfriend," Shelly acknowledged.

Raven smiled dryly at the overly friendly creature. "Guilty as charged. Hank, we need to head back."

"Of course," Hank said, getting a good look at the time. He stood. "It was nice meeting you, Shelly."

"You, too," the girl said, standing as well. "Hope to catch you in London someday." She turned and walked off with that.

When Hank looked back to Raven, he met with a stony glare. "What?"

"Let's go," was all she said before heading out, her eyes returning to yellow as she did.

IIIIIII

With the absence of the ever-eager-to-educate Charles, the library seemed quieter than ever. Sean and Frank, who sat closest to one another at the table, kicked at each other playfully. Becky watched the door, awaiting the arrival of Erik.

"So if he's not here in ten minutes do we get to leave?"

"I'm pretty sure that's just for college, Frank-O," Sean told him.

"American college or stuck-up British college like where Charles is going?" Frank put forth.

"Hey, you're British, too, you know," Sean reminded him.

"Half," Frank corrected.

Becky smiled when Erik finally walked in. The boys quieted down.

Erik rested his briefcase on the desk before gazing out at the small class. "As I'm sure all of you know, you're being assigned new books today. For you, Sean," he got the redhead's attention as he pulled the paperback out of his briefcase, "we have The Catcher in the Rye."

"You'll probably want to assign that to them," Sean suggested, indicating his two classmates. "I've already read Catcher cover to cover. It's more of a pre-teen book."

"Really?" Erik responded stiffly.. "So you're already well-versed in it?" Sean nodded. "Then you should have no trouble writing an essay on it this weekend. That includes summary, character descriptions, themes, and motivations. Eight pages should suffice."

Sean's eyes went wide. "Eight pages?"

"Typed," Erik added. "Due Monday morning."

"That'll take my entire weekend."

"That's true," the metal wielder admitted. "Fortunately, you have countless weekends to look forward to in your young life."

Becky glanced sympathetically over at Sean. Frank decided to take his grandparents' advice for the rest of the class; do not speak unless spoken to.

IIIIIII

Raven sat in front of her vanity mirror, brushing her mutated golden hair when a knock came to her door.

"Come in."

Hank entered. "Hey."

"Hey," Raven returned, looking at his reflection in the glass.

Coming in closer, Hank went over and took a seat against the edge of the vanity. "You've been quiet ever since we got home. I wanted to make sure you were all right."

Smiling at his concern, she assured, "It's silly. Actually, it's nothing."

"That's good," Hank said with relief. "So, I was thinking we could slip away tomorrow and attend the cinema."

"What's playing?"

"Does it matter?" Hank eyed her provocatively. "Knowing us, we won't be watching the picture."

Raven grinned, feeling a lot better about the day.

IIIIIII

Attempting to get some work done before dinner, Erik groaned in frustration as he made another mistake, due to the distracting noise going on outside the parlor. He finally slammed his pen down and stood, moving purposefully towards the den.

He started to order, "Turn that television d—" then promptly tripped.

"Erik, are you all right?" Becky asked while Frank looked on and Joey simply laid out lethargically on the couch.

"Fine," Erik grunted. He identified his assailant in the form of a pair of tennis shoes. "Alex…" He got up and started upstairs.

Alex looked up when Erik stormed into his bedroom. "Easy, man. Don't look too happy to see me."

"Are these yours?" Erik held up the shoes.

"Yeah, thanks." Alex took the pair and started to slip his feet into them. "I've been looking for these."

Fixing him with a stern gaze, Erik said, "How many times have we told you not to leave those shoes lying around for someone to fall over and break their neck?"

"Okay, don't you think the breaking of the neck is a bit overdone?" Alex said reasonably. "I mean, how many necks are really broken on a day to day basis?" He picked his dark leather jacket up from off the bedpost.

"Going somewhere?"
"Just to hit up the record store."

Erik raised an eyebrow at him. "And who said you could go out?"

"Well… no one," Alex realized. "But it's Friday night. That's usually when the chains come off around here."

"Unless you ask permission to go somewhere, it's as good as Monday," Erik informed him.

"Hey, it's not like I was gonna dig an escape tunnel from underneath the basement. I was gonna ask you."

"But you're already fully prepared to go," Erik said. "That means you made an assumption that I would say yes. It's never good to assume, Alex. You'll inevitably make an ass out of yourself."

"Uh, don't you mean make an ass out of "u" and me?"

"I know what I said," the older man stated matter-of-factly. "Whatever the case may be, you're not going out tonight."

Alex stared at him in disbelief. "Ah, Erik, come on. Are you really going to be that big a—"

Erik cut in with, "It would do you well to watch your tongue. If you'll recall, it's gotten you into enough trouble around here."

The teenager went silent at the grim reminder. "Fine," he mumbled, taking off his jacket. "Consider me a prisoner. Again."

You don't even know the meaning of the word, Erik thought as he left.

IIIIIII

At seven o'clock, Raven, with the help of Frank, had dinner on the table. Hank came in and shared a special smile with Raven. Becky skipped in next with a less than enthusiastic Joey not far behind. Alex came in without a joke or dry comment on his laps to share. As usual, Erik sat down last.

"Where is Sean?" Erik questioned the table.

Frank spoke up diffidently, "He's going to eat leftovers. He's busy with the essay you gave him."

"Fine," Erik responded plainly before the platters began to get passed around.

Raven watched Joey, who slowly ate at his mashed potatoes but avoided the chicken and peas altogether. "Hon, what's wrong? The chicken's not too tough is it? And I thought you liked peas."

Joey shook his head absently, mostly staring at the meal in front of him. "Not today."

Not at all offended, Raven said, "Well, it's okay. You don't have to eat anything you don't like."

Erik dropped his fork onto his plate in such a manner that it caught the attention of everyone seated. "I am sick and tired of this constant picky eating with you, Joey. There are children right now who do not know from where their next meal is coming and you pass up perfectly good food?"

"Erik, stop." Raven stared at him disbelievingly. Frank had told her about the metal wielder's mood that day and now she really understood. "You know how sensitive his taste buds are."

"Come off it, Raven," Erik dismissed. He used his fork to point at Joey's plate. "Eat your dinner, Joseph. Now."

Unable to make eye contact with the man, Joey tried, "But Charles…"

"Charles is not here," Erik reminded callously.

Joey's face fell hard enough to crash into the floor. He jumped up and ran from the dining room in a flash.

"Joey!" Raven called, following.

Alex gave Erik a livid glare before going after the little boy as well.

Wanting an escape button himself, Frank asked, "Hank, can you help me with my homework?"

"Yes," Hank answered immediately.

The two made fast work of clearing the table.

Becky remained, never taking her eyes off the one next to her. "Erik?" She touched his forearm tenderly.

Tempering slightly under the loving touch, Erik said quietly, "I have things to attend to. Finish your dinner, Rebecca."

The little girl nodded obediently but knew something had to be seriously wrong.

As she watched him go, Becky made a decision and did something she had not done since the first day she laid eyes on the man. She entered his mind and after a moment, discovered the problem with Erik and felt her heart break a little at what she unearthed.

IIIIIII

Even after the house became silent that night, Becky stayed awake until a quarter to one before climbing out of bed. She put on her slippers then ran up the hall. She stopped outside of Joey's bedroom and immediately sensed his restlessness. The curly haired one entered slowly.

Joey rolled over and looked at her, making out her face with the hallway light. "Becky, is that you?"

"Uh huh," the girl confirmed, going to sit near him on the bed. "Can you sleep?" He shook his head. "Me, either. I need help. Will you come with me?"

He sat up. "Where are we going?"

"To the kitchen."

"The kitchen?" Joey repeated loudly and Becky hushed him into lowering his voice. "What are we going to the kitchen for?"

"It's a surprise for Erik." Becky reached out for him. "Come on."

Joey clung back. "No. I don't want to do anything nice for Erik. He's mean."

"No, he's not, Joey," Becky denied. "He wasn't trying to be so mean to you. It just came out that way. But I know he's sorry. He's really sad about something, Joey. But if we do something nice for him, he'll start being nice to everyone again. Understand?"

Considering this, Joey nodded. "Okay, Becky."

She smiled and linked hands with him.

Feeling a poking at his cheek, Frank awoke to the only two people younger than him in the entire house. "Becky," he yawned, "what are you guys doing creeping around my room?"

"We need your help," Becky explained.

"Oh, no. Forget it," Frank said right away. "I'm not setting foot off this bed. Erik might let you go, Becky, but he'll tear up our butts for sure."

Joey looked worried at that until Becky said, "I need help for Erik. But I need you to come to the kitchen. Please, Frank? We won't get in trouble."

Frank appeared suspicious but could not resist the thrill of the mysterious proposal. He led the way out into the hall. When the trio made it to the stairs, Frank emitted a pair of bright lights from his eyes. He turned off the effect when they got down safely to the kitchen and opted to turn on the overhead light instead.

"Okay, Becky, what's up?" he asked.

Becky went under the sink and retrieved a mixing bowl. "I know what's wrong with Erik. He's sad because tomorrow— well, today technically I guess— is his parents' wedding anniversary."

Both boys appeared surprised.

"Really?" Joey said.

"That's why he's biting everybody's heads off?" Frank reacted.

"His parents died in the war, Frank," Becky emphasized. She headed over to the table with the bowl. "I know he doesn't say much about himself but sometimes he feels really alone."

Joey glanced down, playing with his fingers. He understood that emotion.

Frank softened as well then thought about something, "Wait a minute. How do you know all this?"

"I'm a good guesser?" Becky tried but received nothing but a suspicious stare from Frank. "Okay, okay, I read his mind."

Joey gasped. "Oooh, Becky."

"You're not supposed to be doing that and with Erik of all people?" Frank let off a whistle. "Oh, boy. When he finds out you've been messin' around in his head-"

"I know. I know, Frank. But I had to figure out what was wrong," Becky insisted. "Now, we have to do something special to honor his parents' anniversary. So, we're going to bake a cake."

"You know how to bake a whole cake?" Joey asked.

"I know how to read," Becky replied. She took hold of Raven's nearby cookbook. "It can't be that difficult."

Frank rolled his eyes. "Amateur. And since when can you two use a stove alone?"

Becky sent a smile his way. "Well, we can't."

At the beseeching stares from the other two children, Frank released a long breath. Okay, fine. Becky, grab some vanilla extract, two eggs, and the baking soda. Joey, get the cocoa powder and the chocolate frosting. I'll handle everything else."

With assignments given, the small group went to work gathering then mixing together ingredients. They managed to keep the mess contained for the most part but the table suffered a few causalities. Once Frank had the mix poured into two round baking pans, he placed them into the pre-warmed oven. They clean up the table and the sugar, flour, and other random stains from off their faces and hands.

"Now what do we do?" Joey asked them.

"We wait," Frank told him then gestured out of the kitchen. "Come on. Let's go watch some TV."

They went into the den and quickly put the set on the lowest volume possible while still being able to actually hear it. Within five minutes, Joey's eyes shut. Becky drifted off next against Frank's shoulder. Frank stayed awake with no problem until the boring love scene of the movie came on.

IIIIIII

At Raven's shriek, Frank instantly jerked awake, startling Becky, who very nearly fell off the couch.

"What's happening?" Joey asked groggily.

Frank noticed the time on the grandfather clock. They had put the cake in at ten minutes after one. It was now pushing three AM. He made rapid tracks for the kitchen with Becky and Joey in fast pursuit. They smelled and saw smoke before they even made it there.

Raven, Hank, and Alex had beaten them there. Raven waved at the smoking stove with oven mitts, Alex battled it with the use of a broom, and Hank searched everywhere for the fire extinguishers but could not make out much in the now gray kitchen.

Frank and Becky exchanged a look and knew they shared the same thought. Death would soon find them and not because of the fire.

"Get back!" Alex ordered the children when he noticed them.

Then a fire extinguisher floated in on its own accord and the group of adolescents watched as it went to work on the blaze.

When the stove was thoroughly covered in white foam, Erik stepped in with a lethal scowl on his face. "What? Happened?"

The teens did not speak, as none of them were exactly sure themselves.

Removing the pans from the oven and unleashing even more smoke by the act, Raven asked, "Who was baking cake at this time of night?"

"Don't look at me," Alex said.

"I was in the lab," Hank stated, to no one's surprise.

All gazes fell on the three small children, who seemed to further decrease in size.

"We just fell asleep for one minute," Becky spoke.

"You fell asleep?" Erik echoed incredulously. "You put something in the oven then you fell asleep? What in God's name were you three doing fooling around with the stove?"

"Frank's allowed," Becky pointed out.

"That's right. I am," Frank vouched for himself.

All nearby metallic objects shook as Erik's anger only grew. "You could have been killed! You could have burned down this entire house being so negligent. Do you understand that?"

"Please, Erik," Becky pleaded. "We weren't trying to do anything wrong, I swear."

"Go to bed right now," Erik commanded, pointing upstairs. "I'll be dealing with you imps tomorrow, bright and early."

Joey ran to Alex, who scooped him right up and carried him out.

"Frank, come on," Raven said, trying to bring some calm to the situation. "Back to bed."

Frank had no trouble listening and hurried out, wondering if it were possible to run all the way back to New York.

Becky tried again. "Erik…"

"Rebecca…" It took every ounce of strength the metal wizard possessed to keep himself in check, especially with the little girl. "Go. To. Bed."

Hank picked her up and left out.

"I'm very surprised with you, Becca. What on earth were you thinking?" Hank laid her down in her unmade bed. "You could have been hurt."

Becky felt a burning behind her eyes at being scolded by him. "I know… I was just trying to help and I made things worse. I don't know what to do."

Hank cupped her cheek with his large hand. "Give Erik time to cool down. I can't promise a complete and utter miracle but I believe things will work themselves out. Now, you really need to go to sleep. And stay asleep. I'd hate to have to glue you to the bed to keep you out of trouble."

He got a small smile out of her at that. "Night, Big Bear."

"Night, Becca Bear," he returned, giving her nose a squeeze.

Despite how tired she felt, once Hank left Becky could not find sleep right away. She kept agonizing about the awful turn the night had taken but more than anything, her thoughts stayed with Erik.

IIIIIII

Between pacing the room and trying to comfort the distraught child in his arms, Alex received major flashbacks to his, thankfully, long over days of foster care.

"Joe, come on. It'll be okay." Alex ran a hand up and down his back, wishing he had some sort of instant-sooth ability as part of his mutation. Then he heard sniffling. "Oh, no. Please don't cry, Joey. Please. This is me, Alex, begging you here."

The tears came, anyway, in heavy supply. "Erik's gonna spank me, Alex. I don't want a spanking! I want Charles!" That particular outcry caused a reaction from every bulb in the room.

Alex grew immediately worried. "Joey, you have to calm down. Your powers are going off, buddy." The flickering continued. "Look, I won't let Erik spank you, okay? I'll hide you somewhere. Just please, please calm down."

When the crying decreased a bit, Alex started to feel relief before he heard a different kind of hitching in Joey's throat. Moving quickly, Alex dropped down to the wastebasket and held the younger boy over it. Within seconds, Joey produced an enormous upchuck. No matter how upsetting the situation, Alex knew that the night's events had not triggered this reaction. He had become suspicious when Joey picked at his dinner but had dismissed it as him simply missing Charles.

"Great, just great," Alex muttered. He rested Joey carefully on the bed. "I'll be right back, okay?" Joey reached both arms out for him. "I promise I'll be right back but you have to stay here. That's an order, okay?"

Joey finally nodded and leaned back against the nearest pillow.

Gathering the completely soiled trash bag from the basket, Alex carried it downstairs and out back to the rest of the trash. He then went to the kitchen, where the smoke had begun to die out. Scanning the refrigerator, he thanked his lucky stars at the sight of ginger ale. He poured a tall glass and carried it back up to Joey.

The small one sipped at the bubbling drink until it was half gone.

"How do you feel now, Joe?" Alex asked him, gripping one of his hands.

"Really funny," Joey answered, running a hand along his irritated stomach. "Will you stay with me?"

Alex nodded, not about to leave the kid. He situated himself into a comfortable position and pulled Joey in close to him, not caring if he got thrown up on or not.

IIIIIII

When Erik's eyes opened again at a little close to ten AM, it took him all of two seconds to remember what day it was. He felt his blood boil at the recollection and tried to push it back. The fiasco from several hours previous stayed with him as well. He could not fathom why the children would behave so recklessly.

Charles got to have a fun filled weekend of rubbing elbows with scholars who leaned on his every word while Erik received the privilege of dealing with seven youths at once and fire extinguishing. If Charles smelled remotely of alcohol when he got back, Erik silently vowed to see to it that the little man paid dearly.

He glanced out of the corner of his eye at the sound of his doorknob turning and in walked the one known for tipping inside.

"Erik." Becky, still in her yellow with purple trimmed pajamas, stood there.

Watching the little maid there with her mess of curls and heavy green eyes, Erik felt his insides melt. He simply could not retain true anger with that face staring at him.

He held his hand out to her. "Come here, Rebecca."

"Oh, Erik," she said regretfully as she walked over to his bedside, "I'm so sorry about last night. It was all my idea. I talked the boys into it."

"Rebecca, why were you up baking in the middle of the night in the first place?" Erik asked her.

"For you," she replied, surprising him. "We wanted to make you a special cake."

"For me? Why?"

"To honor your parents' wedding anniversary."

Erik popped up in bed upon hearing this. "How did you know about that?"

Becky bit her lip. "I… I read your mind yesterday."

"You did what?" he erupted. "Rebecca, I specifically told you to stay out of my head. That is a conversation long past but I know good and well you have not forgotten it."

"I haven't and that was the first time I did it since we met, really," Becky told him honestly. "But I knew something was wrong and I just had to find out what. I thought if we did something nice for you, it'd help you feel better. But then we fell asleep. We didn't mean to but we did. It's just…" Her voice cracked. "I love you so much and I want you to be happy."

The rage he felt after learning of the mental intrusion dwindled almost instantaneously at the utterly genuine declaration from the delicate vessel.

Erik hugged her to him and pulled her up into his lap to send her tears into his shoulder. His pajamas were in need of washing, anyway.

"You know," he spoke after nearly a full minute, stroking her curls, "after my family, I became convinced that happiness was a fortune unattainable by me. As if I'd had it and lost it solely with them. I still remember my father's strong shoulders; the way he carried me around on them. And my mother…" He paused. "I never thought I'd come close to loving another woman so deeply… until recently."

Becky slowly raised her head to look at him. "Does that mean me?"

"Do you see another in this room?" Erik responded. "Of course. Even if you aren't quite a woman yet." He gave her ribs a tickle, making her squeal. "But it's all right. I prefer you this way."

"Even when I do something wrong?" she asked him.

"Oh, you are an imp," he said. "My sweet imp. Also smart, warm, and caring." He rubbed her cheek with his thumb. "And just look at this face. Truly a work of art."

She grinned then remembered what they had been talking about. "Erik, it really was my fault. I should be punished, not Joey or Frank."

"They made the choice to follow you into it," Erik stated, "however, do you really want to take full responsibility for this matter?"

"Yes, Erik," she nodded. "Are you going to spank me?"

"Let's see. I have you down for reading my mind against my permission," he ticked off fingers as he talked, "staying up past bedtime, cooking in the kitchen without supervision, and then causing a near fire." He had a finger to spare. "Have I missed anything?"

Becky shook her head. "No, that's all."

Erik wiggled his four fingers. "Still quite the list of infractions. I'd say that more than warrants a spanking."

She rubbed her arms nervously. "Okay."

"Then again," Erik receded, "I did have a hand to play in this myself. If I hadn't been going about behaving like a bull seeing red, you wouldn't have felt the need to root around in my head. And it is true you have nothing but good intentions. That being the case, I believe we can let the punishment go." He then tacked on meaningfully, "This time."

The child beamed and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Erik!"

"Thank you," Erik whispered, resting his head in her hair.

IIIIIII

Alex cradled the ailing younger boy, careful not to jostle the only half-awake fragile vessel. He himself had barely slept much throughout the night what with having to carry Joey over to the bathroom at odd hours every time the child's insides attacked him.

"Come on, take a little bite," Alex encouraged, holding the dried toast to Joey's lips. He grinned when a nibble was taken. "That's my guy." He pulled the blanket over closer.

Erik stepped into the doorway as silently as he did most movements, dressed and ready to take Alex out for a training session but stopped at the picture before him.

"It's okay. I'm right here. Close your eyes," Alex watched as Joey relaxed in his hold and fell back to sleep.

"So this is where you've been," Erik spoke at last, grabbing the teenager's attention. He came in fully. "What seems to be the problem?"

"Joe's stomach's been acting up since last night," Alex explained, his gaze fixed on the boy in question. "I'm worried about him, Erik. He keeps throwing up and he's hardly had anything to eat outside of toast and ginger ale."

Erik frowned and came over closer. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"So you can yell at him some more?" Alex snapped suddenly then sighed. "Sorry. I didn't get much sleep."

"I see that." Erik took fast note of the dark circles under the blonde's eyes. "We need to get him to the lab."

Alex shook his head in protest. "He's scared of Hank poking him and I don't want to upset him. His powers were going off wild last night."

Erik nodded then reached a hand out to pat Alex's thigh. "Well, you needn't worry. I believe I know how to handle this." Without another word said, he stood and left a puzzled Alex behind. He knocked on Frank's door once then entered.

Frank looked over from his desk and developed a nervous countenance at the appearance of the man. "Um, hi, Erik. Just finishing up my homework. Then I thought I'd cut the grass. All of it. Then wash the windows. All of them."

"Relax, boychick," Erik said good-naturedly. "I'm not here about last night's chaos. Get up. I need you downstairs."

Noticing Erik's attire, Frank guessed, "For training?"

"No, medicating."

Entirely confused, Frank stood and followed the metal wielder without further question.

Down in the kitchen, the pair worked together to gather ingredients. After a trip out to the garden for some herbs, then into the spice cabinet, and a few things from the refrigerator, they had everything they needed. Now that the stove had finally been cleaned off, they quickly had the concoction boiling.

"So, is this food or medicine?" Frank asked, looking curiously at the pot.

"Both," Erik answered. "It's a recipe I knew a long time ago back in Poland."

"Oh, you mean while the Civil War was going on here?"

Erik arched an eyebrow. "How old do you think I am?"

Frank refrained from answering that and instead flashed an angelic smile.

Once the mixture finished cooking, Erik allowed a few minutes for cooling before transferring it over into a bowl. He and Frank then carried it upstairs to Joey's room, where Alex still sat holding him.

"Hey, Joey," Frank greeted the awakened individual.

Regarding Erik cautiously, Joey let off a faint, "Hi."

"We have something here for you, Joey." Erik brought the bowl over, holding it out for the little one's inspection.

"What is it?" Joey wanted to know, staring at the rather creamy broth.

"Try a little and see," Erik said. He watched the boy recoil against Alex. "You won't get into any trouble if you don't and I won't be angry with you. You have my word. But I believe this will make you feel much better."

Joey looked to Alex. At the positive nod, the youngest mutant put his lips and sipped at the substance. Not minding the taste, he took down a large amount before he had enough.

Erik put the bowl on the night table. "Would you like a story? I know it won't be the same as when Charles tells you one but I'd like to share it with you, anyway."

"Okay," Joey replied.

Erik held his arms out. "May I see you? Just for a moment?"

Joey thought about it, still very uncertain around the man, but slowly crawled over.

Gathering the sick boy up carefully, Erik sat on the bed with Joey in his lap. "I thought you'd be interested in hearing about a famous Joseph from many years ago."

"Is he from a book?" Joey asked.

"Yes," Erik responded. "A very special book. This Joseph also had a power. The ability to interpret dreams."

This intrigued Joey and he listened closely.

Alex stretched out, taking the tale in as well.

Frank climbed on the bed and leaned comfortably against Erik.

IIIIIII

When Hank and Raven arrived to the theatre that evening, they managed to snag a balcony seat. Despite the intimate seclusion, they enjoyed the picture in front of them for a full twenty minutes before Raven rested a hand on Hank's thigh. Even in the extremely limited lighting, she saw the spark that came to his eyes at her touch. He placed his arm around her then kissed her.

Raven moaned in pleasure, grabbing onto the sides of his face.

Hank opened his eyes for only a moment but it was long enough to see a pair of yellow eyes and he realized Raven had shifted back into her natural form.

"What?" Raven reacted when he abruptly pulled back. "What is it?"

"Raven, your skin," Hank whispered sharply.

Holding up a hand, she saw what he meant but waved it off. "Okay. Must have really gotten into it."

"Change back before someone sees," Hank urged.

At the tone in his voice, Raven folded her arms across her chest. "From all the way up here in a dark theatre?"

"You know we have to be wary in public."

"Well, a balcony seems pretty private to me." Raven transformed to her usual golden haired appearance, complete with raging hazel eyes. "But I forgot. You only go for fake blondes."

This caught Hank off-guard. "Raven, what are you talking about?"

"I'm going home." She reached out for his hand and snatched the car keys away.

"Raven, come on." Hank stood after her. "Don't leave like this. Talk to me."

"It's my brother's car and I said I want to go," Raven reiterated with ice in her voice. "Move it or walk home. Your choice."

Sighing deeply, Hank left the theatre with Raven marching angrily ahead of him.

On the road, she drove as fast as she could while somehow not breaking the speed limit. Hank tried several times to talk to him but he met with stony silence. Raven parked the car in the garage of the Lincoln and did not wait for Hank to get out before she charged to the upper level.

Starting for the stairs, Erik stopped when he saw Raven heading in. "Back so—"

"Raven, please!" Hank called after him.

"No!" Raven spun around and glared at him. "I have nothing to say to you, Hank McCoy. Nothing. And I actually thought you were different from every other scumbag out there but, oops, looks like the joke's on me." That stated, she whirled around and stormed upstairs, ignoring Erik altogether.

Hank groaned in utter frustration and pulled at his hair before going into the living room.

Erik, wondering what in the world had transformed the doves into a pair of vultures, decided to go after Raven.

"Go away!" the girl yelled to the knocker at her door.

"Sorry." Erik stepped inside. "Did you say come in?"

Raven sat on her bed, hugging a fat panda bear plush. "What? You get bored of terrorizing poor little eight-year-old boys?" At the flash of guilt that appeared on his face, she shook her head. "Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean that."

Erik came over and sat in a chair, facing her. "Raven, what's wrong?"

"What's wrong?" she repeated incredulously, her voice breaking. "What's wrong is that I thought I'd finally met someone who I wouldn't have to be on guard around every minute of every day. Someone who was just like me who understood what it felt like to be different. But Hank can't stand to look at me. Not the real me and the thing is that I can't even blame him because I don't even like to look at that girl. And the one person who I want to talk to about this is an ocean away and I wish he was here and I hate that because I should be too old to need my big brother so much but here I am." She held up her bear. "Sitting here, holding Mr. Puddles."

"Mr. Puddles?"

"He fell in the rain when I first got him. I was ten, okay? Leave me alone."

Erik held up a pair of defensive hands, not even touching that. "Raven, listen to me." She looked at him. "I know I'm not Charles. This weekend made that quite evident. However, I cannot allow myself to sit here and let you rip apart inside. Now, you and Hank have been going together for quite some time now, right?" Raven nodded. "And has he ever, even for a moment, tried to force himself on you?"

"What?" Raven shook her head hard. "No, no, never. Not even close."

"Then I find it very hard to believe he only adores the physical side of you," Erik responded. "Raven, this more "normal" appearance of yours may have entranced him but it is evident to me that his true desire is with the gift inside, not the pretty wrapping."

"Then why did he practically jump back when he saw me this way?" She shifted to her natural form.

"Because despite his list of outstanding academic achievements, Hank is, unfortunately, a teenage boy. And teenage boys tend to lend themselves to stupidity around young women," Erik explained carefully. "The boy I saw downstairs just now is filled with untold remorse. This was something you both were going to have to address eventually. Now is as good a time as any to clear the air."

Raven considered his words. "You know, this doesn't happen too often, but you may be right."

"Oh, I know I am. Apparently, I lived through the Civil War." He gently brought her chin up with his hand. "But I'm afraid you were wrong about two things tonight. One, there is nothing wrong with the way you really look. Two, you have more than one big brother here. Whether you like it or not I'm afraid."

"Not," she joked before surprising him with a little hug. "Thanks, Erik." She looked at him. "I know I haven't been very nice to you and—"

Erik held out a hand to silence her. "Let's put that horrible business behind us. Now, go bestow a little forgiveness upon Hank. Or put him out of his misery. Whichever you prefer."

Raven jumped up with a grin.

IIIIIII

As his forehead connected with the coffee table for an even tenth time, Hank thought for just a glimmer of a second that he felt better. Recalling his evening again, he threw that idea right out the window then began banging his head again even harder.

Stupid, stupid, stupid he chanted internally.

"Careful." He looked up to see Raven standing a few feet behind him. "You damage that amazing brain and the world may cave in on itself."

"Raven." Hank scrambled to his feet and went to her. "I am… sorry is just not appropriate enough."

"True," Raven agreed wholeheartedly, "but I didn't help things by storming off like that. That's not the way relationships are supposed to work."

"Is there any way we can start this night over?" Hank wanted to know.

"Hank." Raven's voice went softer. "Look at me."

"I am looking."

"No, I mean look at me!" she exclaimed, gesturing wildly with her arms. "I have the power to look like anyone in the entire world but at the end of the day, this blue girl with the creepy yellow eyes is the truth. And it's something I've had to deal with my entire life."

"Raven, I know how you feel," Hank said. "I've struggled with my mutation my whole life, too."

"It's big feet, Hank. It's an easy cover-up," Raven pointed out. "Every inch of me is a reminder that I'm different. And after seeing you at the airport with Shelly yesterday then today at the theatre…" She glanced down for a moment before going on. "Tell me the truth, Hank. Are you going to throw me away the minute a prettier offer comes along?"

The young scientist turned his back and looked away. Raven felt herself ready to burst at the seams with an onslaught of tears until he suddenly spun right back around and grabbed hold of her. Their eyes focused for a second, he kissed her harder than he ever had before.

When they at last withdrew, he continued holding her against him as he spoke. "From the moment we arrived here, I spent the better part of it trying to ask you out. I was convinced someone so fun, exciting, and spirited could never spend an enjoyable evening with a dork who buries himself under lab experiments." This information seemed to hold her attention. "Raven, these last months have been incredible. I refuse to let go of you so easily."

Raven felt her eyes gloss over. She touched her lips then his. "You kissed me. Looking like this."

Hank nodded. "I thought it was about time. I only hope you'll allow me to do it again."

"Forget it." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "My turn." She arched her head up and trapped his lips with hers.

IIIIIII

Sean came downstairs early the following morning and stared at the front entrance as the lock moved and the door opened. In walked Charles, humming merrily. The redhead felt his chest swell with elation at the sight of the Professor.

"Charles!" The traveler barely had time to brace himself before he felt himself bombarded by the tall lanky teenager. "You're back, you're back!"

"Yes, quite," Charles confirmed, patting his back. "And it's good to see you, too, Sean." He started to pull back after a minute but Sean would not release him.

"Don't let go yet," the boy pleaded.

"Right, of course. Holding on." Charles rubbed his hair. "Seanie, have you been suffering from that leprechaun dream again?"

"No, and don't say that or it'll get stuck in my head," Sean hissed. "I had to wake up early to finish typing this eight page paper Erik says I have to turn in by tomorrow."

Charles frowned. "Eight pages? What on earth for?"

"I told him I read The Catcher in the Rye from cover to cover and I guess he decided I was being insolent somehow," Sean explained.

"Hm. Well, I don't know about that but I do believe I have something here that will make you feel better." Charles reached down and unlocked his suitcase. He took out a thick novel. "The complete works of Edgar Allen Poe."

Sean's eyes went huge as he took hold of the book as if it were his firstborn child. "Charles, I love you. I do. I really do. When I write my life story, it will go God, Charles, Mom, and Dad. Well, you have to go after God. You understand."

"Oh, yes," Charles assured. "Damnation vigilance and the lot. And don't worry. I'll speak to Erik about this essay situation."

"Thanks," Sean said. "I've been so preoccupied with it I missed all the excitement late Friday night. Frank, Becky, and Joey almost set the kitchen on fire. Raven said something about cake."

Charles felt blown away at this information. What exactly had he missed?

With the now satisfied teen off to begin reading his gift, Charles picked his suitcase up again and went upstairs. He peeked inside Joey's room, seeing his little one still asleep. He came in and pulled a chair over, delighting in being able to watch him sleep for the first time in two days.

A little later, Joey stirred. When he opened his eyes, he gasped, convinced he was still dreaming when he made out the image of the one at his bedside.

"Charles, you're home!" Joey nearly fell out of bed as he excitedly went to him.

Naturally, Charles caught him and embraced the small body tightly. "Oh, my little one. I missed you so much."

"I missed you, too, Charles," the boy returned. "A whole lot. Especially when I was throwing up."

Charles pulled back to look at him. "What's this? Throwing up? You? Why?"

"It started hurting right here," Joey indicated his stomach, "on Friday. Alex and Erik took care of me, though."

"Did they? That's wonderful." Charles squeezed one of the boy's tiny hands. "A little birdy told me about your kitchen catastrophe."

Joey made a nervous sound at the back of his throat. "Uh huh…we fell asleep and the cake got all burnt. It was an accident. Are you mad?"

"No, I'm more curious than anything. Did Erik punish you?" Charles asked.

"Nuh uh," Joey replied with a shake of his head. "He made me special soup for my stomach."

Charles nodded favorably at this. "Did your powers go off at all?"

"Just one time after the kitchen thing," Joey told him. "I was worried 'cause I thought Erik was gonna spank us."

Listening intently to the child, Charles asked next, "Were you afraid he'd hurt you?"

"Well, sort of," Joey said. "Not really, though. I just don't want him to spank me ever 'cause he's mean when he's mad."

"Oh, my dear Joey." Charles lifted him up a tad bit so that they had better eye contact. "Erik is not mean. He just has a rather strong approach. No matter how angry he seems, you've nothing to worry about when I leave you in his care. Do you believe I would leave you with a bad person?"

"No way!" the adolescent mutant responded right away.

"That's right." Charles smiled as Joey played with the round blue buttons of the coat he had yet to remove. He held him tighter, as though the boy would vanish before his very eyes if he loosened his grip. "Now, I believe I owe you two bedtime stories and that makes three with tonight. Fortunately, I picked up three lovely new books I know you'll love."

"Ooh, ooh," Joey reacted. Charles slouched in his seat a bit and the younger mutant frowned. "What's the matter?"

"I'm afraid I'm dreadfully jetlagged." At the confused look that accompanied the word, the Professor clarified, "It's a unique type of sleepy one gets from flying back and forth between countries."

"Oh." Joey understood perfectly now. He pried himself from Charles' lap long enough to go over to his desk and pick up the stray book left there. "You sleep. I'll read to you."

The smile Charles already wore increased greatly. "You're going to read to me?" Joey nodded. "I'd like that very much." He took off his coat and left it on the chair.

Kicking off his shoes, Charles spread his weary body across the bed in between Scottie the dog and Dickon, the brown teddy bear Becky had given to Joey when he first joined the household. Joey got into bed next to him and opened his copy of The Adventures of Pinocchio. Charles followed the boy's recitation, proud at how far he had come along with reading.

IIIIIII

The news of Charles safe return home met with nothing short of positively giddy feedback from all parties involved. It only grew in jollity when present pass-along came about.

When Charles gave each of the youngsters personal trinkets along with pounds of various sweet British chocolates and candies, Erik remarked, "They will be spoiled rotten." Charles handed him a wrapped package of caramel clusters. "Then again, you're only young once."

Early that afternoon, Raven kept a vice grip on Charles' arm as they walked through the first floor of their home together.

"Miss me, darling?"

Raven admired the charm bracelet he'd given her earlier and snuggled into his shoulder. "None whatsoever."

Before they hit the kitchen they received a strong whiff of something that smelled overwhelmingly… delicious? They entered the eatery and found Erik at the stove.

"Are you cooking?" Raven stepped up to him in disbelief.

Erik turned to look at her. "Yes, I am. I'll be handling dinner this evening as well. You do more than your fair share around here, Raven."

Raven smiled gratefully at him.

"Erik, this looks wonderful," Charles said, staring hungrily at the toasted sandwiches, freshly tossed salad, and minestrone soup. He glanced around. "Where are the children?"

"Hank has everyone in the dining room," Erik told them. "I was hoping you two might like to join me in the garden."

"Sure," Raven replied and Charles agreed as well.

The men carried the plates of food out while Raven took possession of the tea service. The three sat around the patio table together, enjoying the surprisingly pleasant fall day.

"How did your thesis fare this time around?" Erik asked Charles.

The younger man added two spoons of sugar to his tea. "Rather well. In fact, my previous trepidations seem rather silly in retrospect."

Raven knew that look on his face. "You don't sound too happy about it."

"Oh, it was a lovely weekend," Charles assured. "Except of course for when night fell and I swore I kept hearing Joey crying out for me. Not to mention Hank going on and on in my ear about every new advancement he's made in regards to everyone's powers, Alex and Sean's usual commotion, coupled with urging Frank to use the stairs instead of the banister to get down, and my ever gentle nudging for Becky to increase her mental exercises."

The other two nodded their understanding.

"Everything's so different now," Raven said, finding the assertion to be an understatement on her part.

Erik examined the fork in his hand before he spoke again. "My parents would have been married some thirty odd years ago yesterday." Sets of blue and hazel eyes fell on him. "And I acknowledged it not in a celebration of their lives but by falling into rage over their deaths. It took the children's kitchen ordeal for me to open my eyes. I may not have the family I once knew but you two have welcomed me into yours with arms wide open and together, we have something here the regulars of this planet will never know." He held his porcelain cup up salutatory.

In full concurrence with his words, Charles and Raven imitated the gesture and clinked glasses with the metallic wizard. They returned to their lunch and went on in pleasant conversation. After he finished his soup, Charles reclined in his seat, comforted by the refreshing breeze and the voices of his brother and sister.