X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Twenty Two
Author's Word: I really have to come out and thank you guys for your last feedback. It was really great. I hope you have as much to say about this chapter. Have a great start of the week, my people!
Taking into careful consideration which marble to choose, the shiny colorful orbs seemed to blend together for Becky. Before she could make a final choice, the area around her darkened.
"Frank, I can't see."
Coming down from a daydream, Frank uttered, "Oh," then shined a spotlight from his eyes over the spheres of glass. "Sorry. I was just thinking about tomorrow."
Becky used her thumb to shoot her cat's eye out. "I bet you're really excited to see New York again." She noticed his fidgeting. "Aren't you?"
"Definitely," he replied. "I still can't believe my dad got leave out of the blue. I haven't seen him since…" His optical light dimmed. "Since…"
"I know." Becky also knew well that he did not want to rehash the events of April.
Frank opted to send out his onionskin. "The one I really can't wait to see is my mom. I have so much to tell her."
"She's going to be so happy to see you," Becky stated undoubtedly.
"Don't I know it?" Frank beamed. "All of us together. It'll be just like it was before."
His female accomplice nodded. "It will be. I'm sure."
The enthusiastic city native took notice of the lack of natural light coming in from the cave mouth. "Come on. We better head back before we catch it."
Becky agreed and they went to work collecting their marbles and returning them safely to their individual backpacks. As usual, Frank led the way out. They mounted their waiting bicycles and pedaled off from their hideaway.
IIIIIII
When a rare period of peaceful silence trickled into the Xavier Mansion after dinner, Erik decided to take full advantage of it. He sat in his room at the large oak desk, completing some overdue work. Usually, his instructor duties in the field took precedence over those of the classroom. For that evening, he'd had to say no to his brand new hardback about Roman torture implements in order to be a good example to the stench of youth around him and finish his lesson plan for Monday. Besides that fact, he also wanted it done in order to give that particular weekend his undivided attention.
Hearing soft laughter and small footsteps, Erik glanced his head over towards his seldom wide open doorway and saw the urchin pair strolling by.
"Becky, Frank," he summoned, halting their movements immediately at just the sound of his voice. "Come in here."
The beckoned children walked in. Frank leaned against the desk, facing Erik while Becky took over the man's lap space.
"Where have you two been?" Erik asked them.
"We were just shooting some marbles," Frank told him, taking satisfaction in the fact that he could give an honest answer without divulging their whereabouts.
Erik felt a slight chill emit from the little girl in his hold. "I don't want any of you playing outside after dark, especially this time of year. Understood?"
"Yes, Erik," they replied in unison.
"Good. Now," his expression softened, "who's for a hot chocolate before bed?"
"Sounds great," Frank said while Becky, who had a deep unyielding love for that particular beverage, clapped in glee.
When the three of them made it down to the kitchen, they happened upon Alex who sat at the table with texts and notebooks spread out before him.
Becky looked over his shoulder. "What are you working on?"
Frank sat down. "He's probably trying to learn how to read already." He winced inwardly when Erik gave the top of his head a none-too-gentle tap.
Alex smirked then answered Becky's question. "Trying to make sense of this stuff for my GED."
"I thought you were still months away from that," Erik mentioned, retrieving a bottle of milk from the refrigerator.
"I am, but they're offering a pre-test before the holidays," Alex explained. "I figure that way I'll know where I stand."
"Don't worry about it," Frank said. "Just because you're blonde doesn't mean you won't do well."
Alex looked at him with the usual annoyance. "So, this whole New York thing? You plan on staying a while, right? Like one, two, maybe twenty years?"
"You wish," Frank sneered.
"Cool. You can read minds, too now." Alex saw Erik with the cocoa mix. "Mind if I snag one of those?"
Erik stepped to the side away from the counter, revealing he already had four mugs out.
Once they all finished the chocolaty beverage, Erik declared, "Time for bed, imps." He turned his gaze on Frank. "You especially. You have a rather big day ahead after all."
Frank fingered the rim of his mug. "Yeah, I know."
"I'm checking out in a little while,' Alex said. "I want to go over these problems again."
Becky held her arms out and Erik lifted her up out of her chair.
He walked over and patted Alex's shoulder twice. "Rest soon, boychick."
Frank's ears burned for a moment, but he said nothing.
"Hey, Frankenstein," Alex called after him as the small group started out. Frank looked back. "After this weekend, you better bring your butt back here."
Frank scoffed. "Like I'm gonna stay there and let you be happy? Fat chance, Alex."
IIIIIII
When Raven's fingers tried to sneak their way over to the radio dial, Erik, eyes firmly on the road, stated warningly, "Don't even think about it."
The bored presently-blonde girl groaned. "Erik, come on. It's been a straight hour of this stuff. All I want is ten minutes of listening to a group from this decade."
"Raven, when you're in the driver's seat, you can blast whatever nonsense you prefer."
She brightened. "Great, let's switch."
Erik dismissed that notion entirely. "A female driver in this city? Dream on, my dear."
Raven slouched in her seat. Hints of a pout formed over her round face.
One thing she did not care for was excessively long car rides. Granted, a little over an hour could not be called excessive, but with Erik behind the wheel the excruciation factor remained present. The idea of driving into the city had sounded exciting at first. Of course, the absolute girlish side of Raven had taken over, which in turn produced fantasies of herself and an incredible large-footed scientist riding off into the sunset in search of adventure. Instead, she got stuck with a metal head who possessed no taste whatsoever where music was concerned.
Glancing into the rearview mirror perked her up a bit. She got a good view of the dark haired male in the back. He was the whole reason she had agreed to go after all.
"You doing okay back there, love bug?" Raven asked. He had been fairly quiet the last ten minutes or so. Granted, so had Erik, but how was that so different from the norm?
Frank looked away from the window. "Yeah, I'm good. It's just…" He gazed about the busy traffic and infinitely high buildings in amazement. "I can't believe I'm home."
Raven's nose wrinkled a bit. "Home?"
Realizing what he had just implied, Frank gave a weak smile. "Well, um, you know what I mean."
Erik had caught the word as well, but his fixed expression offered no signs of a reaction.
With familiarity washing over him, Frank sprung to full life. "Erik, we're here! We're here! Just turn right."
Following the giddy direction, Erik turned the corner until he reached the end of the block. He parked in front of a red brick two-flat.
"So, this is it?" Raven remarked, getting out of the car with Frank.
"Yeah, wait until you meet my mom and dad." He ran and opened the tall black gate, gesturing for the other two to move it. "Come on. They're just inside."
Erik hung back for a moment, keeping a watchful eye on the younger pair as he brought up the rear.
"I know that's not little Frankie Tolbert." The mentioned boy brought his head up, waving at the stout black man with graying beard hanging half out of the middle second floor window. "How you doing, boy?"
"I'm great, Mr. Johnson!" Frank yelled up. "How's Mrs. Johnson?"
"She's doing fine," the man answered. "She's at the market now, but you better not slip out of here without letting her see you."
"I wouldn't dare!"
Mr. Johnson said, "It's great having you back. Things have been boring around here without you." He offered a friendly wave to Raven and Erik.
Raven waved back while Erik gave off a respectful nod. Mr. Johnson then slipped back into his own apartment.
The front door of the building swung open suddenly, revealing a tall broad-shouldered man with a short brown haircut on the other side.
Frank hitched a breath and stared in disbelief at the sight of him. "Dad…"
"I knew I heard you out here." The man held his arms out wide. "Come here, boy."
Crying out in elation, Frank dropped his overnight bag and leapt forcefully into his open embrace.
Raven smiled at the reunion. She looked over her shoulder to see Erik's response. He leaned slightly against the porch rail, arms folded and gaze fixed. His eyes never left the display before him.
"I can't believe you're home," Frank uttered into the strong shoulder.
"I can't believe you're home," the man returned then took notice of the other two. "Let's continue this inside. I know your brothers are dying to see you." When Frank made a move to hurry inside, his father used an arm to block his path. "Frank, I know you haven't lost your good sense. You know you don't set foot in this house before a lady."
"Oh!" Frank winced at having forgotten that little bit of manners. "Go ahead, Rae."
Raven stepped forward, going inside. "Thank you."
When his father allowed, Frank dashed in next.
Seeing Erik not moving, the other man said with invitation, "Shall we?"
"It'd be my pleasure," Erik responded politely.
He nodded and went in.
Erik took note of the gate they had left open. Jerking his hand, he called upon his magnetism to slam it shut before finally joining the rest inside.
The moment Frank entered his living room, he fell straight to his back as tiny arms and legs attacked him.
"Frank! I missed you so much!"
"Jeff," he acknowledged happily. He hugged the small child tightly as they sat up together. "Hey, bro! I missed you, too." He had not realized how much until that very second. He then noticed another dark haired figure in the room. "Hi, Linny…"
"Frank," the older boy said back just as evenly.
Getting to his feet, Frank made careful tracks over to him. "It's been a while, man."
"Sure has," Linny agreed dryly.
Frank reached out and the two hugged somewhat uneasily.
Their father held a hand out to the observant Raven. "Phil Tolbert."
"Raven," she returned, shaking his hand. She used her free thumb to indicate the quiet one behind her. "This is my brother, Erik Lehnsherr. We're from the school."
"Yes, of course." Phil held his hand out to Erik next. "Mr. Lehnsherr."
After a second that seemed to go on forever, Erik shook the hand offered. "Mr. Tolbert."
"Phil. Please."
"Erik."
"Guys, these are my brothers," Frank introduced. "That's the little one, Jeff. And this is—"
"The big brother." The teenager stepped up, making a beeline for Raven. "Lincoln."
At the rage that appeared in Frank's eyes next, Raven only hoped he would not attempt to blind his brother. "It's very nice to meet you, Lincoln. But that's no surprise." She then walked over and linked arms with Frank. "You are Frankie's brother."
Frank smiled widely at her and it was Linny's turn to glare.
"Well," Phil spoke, "I certainly appreciate you two bringing my boy up here. I hate that you had to go out your way. I could have easily come for him."
"Oh, it was our pleasure," Raven assured.
"Truthfully," he said, "I wanted to get a good look at this school. Must be top notch for my sister-in-law to sign off on this whole thing without so much as a word of consent from me."
Erik stated resolutely, "It's a fine institution."
Phil looked at him. "I'm sure it is. Subjectively speaking."
Frank then brought up, "Hey, where's Mom? Didn't you guys pick her up already?"
"We didn't pick her up, Frank," Phil told him.
"Well, what are we waiting around for?" Frank let go of Raven and started for the front door again. "Let's go get her."
Phil placed a halting hand on the eager boy's shoulder. "Frank, your mother isn't joining us this weekend."
"What?" Frank veered around in disbelief. "Why, Dad?"
"It's not important right now." Phil eyed the two people not belonging to his household. "We'll talk about it later."
"What's there to talk about?" Frank wanted to know. "I want to go see Mom."
Linny chimed in with, "You heard what Dad said."
"Who asked you?" Frank shot at him.
"Hey," Phil reproached, "you better watch how you talk to your brother."
Burning with an argument, Frank simmered down. "Yes, sir. Sorry, Linny."
"Yeah," was all the teenager said to that.
Phil turned to their company. "Since you went through the trouble of bringing him here, the least I can do is offer the two of you dinner with us. Unless you have to hurry back to the school of course."
"We're free as the birds," Erik stated and Raven tacked on, "And starving."
IIIIIII
After leading the way down the hall of the apartment, Frank brought them into a white and navy blue room.
He dropped his overnight bag off on the bed closest to the window. "So, this is my room," he told Raven.
Erik lingered in the doorway.
"He means our room," Jeff corrected, coming in.
"Our room," Frank amended. He looked at Jeff. "My room at school is twice this size and I have it all to myself."
Jeff's eyes grew with intrigue. "Really? All to yourself?"
"You bet." Frank flopped down on his bed. "My professor let me decorate it exactly how I wanted."
Jeff turned to Raven. "Are you Frank's teacher?" He squinted his eyes at her. "You look too young to be a teacher."
Raven smiled. "I'm not exactly a teacher." She put a hand on Frank's back. "But I do try to watch out for him."
"Jeff!" Phil bellowed. "Let me get a hand setting the table."
"Coming, Dad!" Frank called back, hopping right up.
He left out, going into the kitchen. Before he could reach for the cabinet containing their usual dinner dishes, he felt his father's hand lock down on his forearm.
"Why did I hear you bragging to your brother in there?" Phil demanded.
Taken aback, Frank tried to defend himself with, "I wasn't bragging. I was just—"
"Don't think just because you go to some magnificent institution that you can come in here showing off," his father went on sternly. "In this house, you're no better or worse than anybody else. You remember that."
Abandoning his defense, Frank only sighed. "I will. Sorry."
"Furthermore, when I tell you we will talk about something later, I don't expect an interrogation. Don't think just because these people are here that I won't speak my mind to you."
Taking in another breath, Frank sprouted out dutifully, "Yes, sir."
"Is there a problem?" They both glanced over to see Erik standing a few feet away.
Phil shook his head. "No problem at all. Frank's just giving me some help in here."
Frank gathered the plates and cutlery and walked briskly out of the kitchen.
Erik took hold of the nearby glasses and followed him into the dining room just off the living area.
"Care to tell me what that was all about?" Erik put forth.
Frank began arranging the plates. "My dad sometimes forgets to turn off the drill sergeant thing when he comes home. It's not a big deal."
"Hm." Erik still vividly saw the image of Frank's crestfallen expression when he'd slipped into the kitchen. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. My family argues all the time, Erik. I'm just glad to see them."
Erik nodded stiffly. "Right."
After the stew and side dishes hit the table, mostly everyone gathered to eat.
Raven glanced around. "Where'd Linny go?"
"He's a little under the weather," Phil explained. "He went to lay down."
Good, Frank thought. He knew the real reason for his brother's no-show. He just did not want to see him. Well, if he could fake pleasantries so could Frank.
"Let's bow our heads," Phil instructed suddenly.
Frank and Jeff quickly folded their hands and lowered their heads.
Raven followed suit and at her kick, Erik did as well.
"Lord," Phil began, "we thank you for this food. We thank you for our health. We thank you for this family and everyone gathered here at this table. In Your son's name and glory, we are grateful. Amen."
"Amen," the remainder of the table joined in.
"So," Raven said once everyone's plates were loaded, "Frank tells us you're a sergeant."
Phil nodded as he swallowed. "Staff sergeant. Three years this month. But no one's interested in my life story. Tell me more about your school."
Raven lowered her drinking glass. "Our other brother, Charles, founded it. It's a relatively recent project catering to children with unique gifts."
"Extraordinary capabilities," Erik supplied.
"I see." Phil laced his fingers together as he listened to them. "How did you happen to hear about my son?"
Before Raven could fill that one, Erik spoke first. "We have ways of seeking out our own."
"Your own?" Phil echoed with the resonance of a chuckle in his voice. "Sorry but you almost sound like us during recruitment week at the high schools. What exactly do you mean by your own?"
Frank and Raven eyed Erik cautiously.
Erik put on a wry smile. "Why, the equally gifted of course. Frank here is an excellent example of achievement. You should be very proud."
"I'm proud of all of my sons," Phil stated. He poked a green bean with his fork. "I must say when I heard about all of this, I was pretty shocked. Tuition, room- his own room at that, board, and all at no cost for my wife and I."
"Oh, students like Frank are worth it," Raven tossed out.
Erik said, "We put great stake into our children."
Raved watched the sergeant's hands tense to the point where she expected him to bend his fork right in half.
"Pass the bread, please," Jeff requested.
Frank slid the basket over to him. He mostly kept his gaze on his plate for the remainder of the meal, but could not help stealing a glance every now and again at the two men seated at the table. It looked like a competition between fire and ice.
"We should be heading back," Raven said as soon as dinner ended. She stood. "Thank you so much for having us."
"The pleasure was all mine, ma'am," Phil told her, rising up. "And nice meeting you both."
"Frank," Erik addressed, "be a good boy and see us out."
"Okay, Erik." Frank guided them through the apartment and out the front entry.
Once they made it to the porch, Erik turned to face him. "Enjoy your time here. But if anything should happen, anything, I expect a phone call."
"Got it," Frank nodded. "And don't worry. I'm fine."
"We'll see you in a couple days," Raven said.
"Thanks so much for coming here with me."
She gave him a hug. "Anything for my guy."
Frank pulled back after a long moment. "Bye, Rae." He looked to the adult present. "Bye, Erik."
Erik rubbed his hair then patted his back. "You be safe, boychick."
Frank smiled at them before going back inside.
Raven slipped her arm through Erik's as they began to walk back towards the car. "So, they seemed nice."
"Yes," he responded plainly.
"The dad's just a little intense."
"Maybe."
She finally put forth, "We're not leaving, are we?"
Erik unlocked the car with his powers and opened her door for her. "No."
IIIIIII
As Frank climbed into bed, the bed that had been his for so many years, he felt a surreal air swirl around him and the earth shaking below. When he first got to the Xavier Mansion, he had experienced many of the same emotions. Of course, the bulk of those consisted of awe since his arrival at the special school had happened all so fast. This time around, he felt like an American visitor in China or some other exotic land.
Giggling alerted him as his father came into the bedroom holding and tickling Jeff.
Frank relaxed into a smile watching them.
Phil settled Jeff in his own bed. "Time to wind down, private."
The little boy laid back on his pillow. "Night, Daddy. I love you."
"I love you," Phil returned, stroking his hair gently. He pulled the covers closer around the child before moving on to the other bed. "Hey, pal. Sorry I fussed at you so much today. I've just been exhausted ever since I got back."
"Don't worry about it," Frank said.
Phil touched the side of his face affectionately. "You glad to be home?"
"Yeah." Frank thought about something for a moment. "Dad? Can we go visit Mom this weekend?"
Phil let off a breath before he answered, "We'll see. Lights out, okay?"
Frank said nothing as Phil walked over and clicked down the light switch. If only his father knew that the lack of florescent bulbs could never cause Frank's real light to shut down.
IIIIIII
"So you believe something is amiss?"
"I'm willing to wager fairly high on it." Erik, wrapped in the room's unnaturally cushioning complimentary robe, reclined against the headboard as he talked into the phone.
"Erik, the man is a sergeant in the marines," Charles reasoned, "He's going to be a trifle rough around the edges. I'm actually surprised you cannot relate here."
"Charles, I have not survived this long without knowing when to rely on my instincts," Erik informed him with a blaze to his tone.
Letting off a small sigh, Charles said, "I only hope it truly is instinct you're relying upon, as opposed to possession."
Despite the fact that Charles could not see it, Erik frowned. "Excuse me?"
Not wanting their conversation to escalate into something unpleasant, Charles let it drop. "Never mind. Just do try to tread lightly here, Erik. You have a tendency to come off a bit strong."
Erik made a game with his mutation of forcing his smaller coins on the night stand to attack the large ones. "I plan to be as gentle as the hum of a whispering wind."
"Oh, undoubtedly." Charles could see the snake like expression on the man's face as vividly as if they currently sat in the same room together. "Hold on a moment. The Princess just walked in."
Erik tried to hide the delight in his voice at hearing the adolescent female voice that sounded on the other end next. "Rebecca Jane, what are you doing up? Are you giving Charles a hard time?"
Raven came in from the bathroom that adjoined their two rooms. She started to say something until she saw him still on the phone.
"Yes, I'm aware that I'm not home." Erik stopped speaking to listen for a few seconds. "I miss you, too. No, you may not stay up until I return. I don't care if it is the weekend."
Raven's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Erik could be bossy beyond all measure, but belittling Charles into going to sleep was a low blow. Though she had to wonder when exactly Charles had become so needy.
"What?" Erik's mouth turned up in amusement. "Alex and Sean in the kitchen? Well, at least you got pizza out of it. Oh, believe me I want to hear more and I will call you in the morning for full details. For now, go to bed." He paused to listen again. "All right, Sweet Imp. I love you, too. Good night." He hung up then found Raven staring at him with a silly grin. "May I help you?"
She shrugged, going to take a seat on the edge of the bed. "It's still hard to believe Hank's little buddy from the lab turned out to be a mutant. It's crazy the way things change." She looked at him. "You're so good with her."
Erik popped a mint from the tiny bowl near him into his mouth. "That's debatable, but I appreciate the observation."
Raven's countenance turned slightly grimmer. "It's easier with Becca, isn't it? Outside of Hank, she doesn't have anything to cling to and Hank's still one of us. Frank has this whole other life he doesn't want to let go of." When she received nothing but silence from his end, she went on. "I saw the way things were with you and Sergeant Tolbert. Like two alpha males fighting over a piece of meat."
"It's a wasted battle," Erik said. "He had the boy for twelve years and I doubt if he knows his favorite color, let alone how unique he really is."
The girl in the room quieted, pulling a stray piece of blonde hair behind her ear. "What if Frank really does think this is home? What if he doesn't want to come back with us?"
Erik shook his head. "I've already considered that, but there's no chance of it."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because Phil Tolbert has placed a blockade around Frank's entire reason for wanting to come here," Erik pointed out. "His mother. Whatever's really going on there, she is Frank's real tie to the rest of them. His father cannot remain on leave forever and you know how poorly he gets along with his brothers. There's nothing keeping him here, Raven. Believe that." Raven nodded slowly. "Go on to bed."
She gaped at him in disbelief. "Okay, you know I'm a slightly bigger girl than Becca, right?" He eyed her austerely. "Fine." She stood. "But I have a TV and candy loaded minibar in there, so—" She stuck her tongue out at him before turning to leave the same way she had come in.
Something she had noticed during Erik's surmise of the situation with Frank's family was how unsympathetic the metal wielder had sounded as he talked. In fact, he seemed downright smug about the whole thing.
IIIIIII
Practically imitating the walk of the living dead, Frank entered the kitchen that morning with a long yawn. As soon as he made it into the eatery, he rubbed the fuzziness out of his eyes then had to do an immediate double take of his surroundings.
Jeff sat at the table with an enormous bowl of cereal and noticed the confusion on the older boy's features. "What's wrong?"
Frank shook his head hard. "Nothing." Though he knew his real problem. He had been expecting to find Raven needing a hand with breakfast. "Where's Dad?"
"He had to go do errands," Jeff reported.
"Oh." Frank put on a smile, going to take hold of the cereals with the highest amount of sugar. "Guess that means we can eat whatever we want."
"Yeah," Jeff said excitedly. "You want to go over to the playground?"
"Sure," Frank replied, pouring his own bowl of sweet flakes before pouring the milk. "Let's grab the football and take turns throwing it at Linny's head."
Jeff made a face. "I don't want to wait on Linny to get up. All he does is sleep anymore. He's so boring."
"He's boring when he's awake," Frank commented. "Forget about him. We'll go by ourselves."
That decided, the two ate three bowls of cereal a piece then ran back to their bedroom to dress. Once attired, they grabbed a few things and left the apartment, heading down the street.
When they arrived at the playground, Frank felt as if he were dreaming again. He had not been there to play for the majority of the year after going to live with his aunt and uncle then going to the mutant school. It actually threw him for a moment to see other children without a supersonic scream, electrical surges, or any special ability outside of super fast tagging power. He noticed a small curly headed girl that made him think of Becky for a moment.
Pretty soon, Frank got so wrapped up playing with his little brother that he forgot his worries. Jeff had gotten about an inch and a half taller since Frank had last seen him and could keep up with him a little better across the playground equipment. After taking over the swings for nearly an hour then racing back and forth across the greenery, they finally settled on the jungle gym bridge with a card game.
"Where did you learn to play poker?" Jeff asked.
Frank told him, "My friend Alex. He can give haircuts, too."
"What kind of uniforms do you guys wear?"
"None. We don't do uniforms."
Jeff looked at him incredulously. "No uniforms? Do you have nuns?" Frank shook his head. "Wow, cool! You're so lucky, Frank."
"Yeah," Frank agreed. "It's a way better school. But I like being back here, too."
They played a while longer, both taking with them a wealth in bubblegum, stickers, and candy bars for poker winnings.
When they made it back in front of the two-flat, Frank noticed that the mailman had run early and took the sole letter sticking out. He noticed it was addressed to both his mother and father from St. Ignatius Medical Facility.
While Jeff ran to get in front of the TV, Frank carried the letter into the small room his father used for an office. He placed it on the desk and started to leave until he noticed half a dozen or more opened letters sprawled out over the top of the desk, all with the St. Ignatius logo over the upper right hand corners of the papers.
As he picked up one to read, he felt a forceful hand clamp down on his shoulder.
"What do you think you're doing?" Linny demanded, veering him around.
Frank met his tone with, "What is with all this mail from the hospital?"
Linny snatched the letter from him. "Mind your own business. You know not to go through Dad's stuff."
Frank gave him a fierce look. "If it's about Mom, it is my business. Now tell me what's going on."
"If Dad wanted you to know, he'd tell you. Get your butt out of here before I tell him you were in here."
Rolling his eyes, Frank said, "You are so pathetic, you know that? You're always licking behind after somebody. If it's not Dad, it's Uncle Jed. You're nothing but a follower."
Linny retorted, "You're nothing but a screw-up."
Jeff came in at the commotion and tried to stand between them. "Stop fighting."
"Stay out of this," his older brothers barked before glaring at each other again.
"Oh, I'm a screw-up?" Frank said. "You can't even add two and two together. All you'll ever be good for is stocking shelves."
"Don't you throw your little snooty education in my face." Linny got close into his personal space. "You think you're so big since you go to that school?"
"Hell yeah," Frank answered without a moment's hesitation. "You think I'm the same guy who left here months back? If you knew what I could do, it would blow your mind straight through the roof. But I guess it wouldn't be too hard since your brain's the size of a pecan, anyway."
Throwing his hands out abruptly, Linny shoved him back hard. Feeling his own anger building, Frank lunged, pushing him right back. It surprised both Frank and Jeff when Linny honestly flew back several feet.
Silence lingered in the room until Frank marched out.
"Frank, come back!" Jeff called, going after him.
"Let him go," Linny said. "That's all he knows to do is take off."
Jeff followed Frank out to the front porch. "Frankie, no, don't go."
"Go back inside, Jeff," Frank ordered, turning around.
"Please don't go," his younger brother pleaded. "I don't want you to leave again."
Frank sighed, holding on tightly to one of the bars of the gate. "I'll be back, Jeffy, okay? Now, please. Just go back inside."
After a minute, Jeff did as requested and went back into the building.
Not sure where he was going or what he planned to do, Frank did not care as he began to walk with the intent of putting as much distance between himself and Linny as possible.
Frank walked for well over a mile before happening upon a stray can. He promptly began to kick at it, crushing it a bit as his temper went up and down. A man with a clear hygiene deficiency walked up close to him.
The vagrant extended his hand. "Spare some change, young blood?"
"I got nothing," Frank told him without even looking. "Leave me alone."
"Just a few cents, my man." He grabbed Frank by the arm. "I know you got it, kid."
"Hey, man!" Frank exploded. "Don't touch me!" His eyes glowed and the radiance shot into the other male's eyes.
"Ah!" the beggar yelled out, putting both hands over his now sightless eyes.
Realizing what he had done, Frank took off in a run. Before he even reached the end of the block, another hand extended, taking him by the arm again.
Fighting vainly in the grip, Frank shouted, "Let me go!" then saw the face of the one who currently possessed him. "Erik? What are you doing here?"
"I never left," Erik informed him. He loosened his grip on the boy, but did not drop it.
Frank looked around. "Where's Raven?"
"In Macy's bonding with her credit card. I thought it best for me to keep an eye on you."
"You've been watching me?"
"Since you and your brother left for the park," Erik said without shame. "And it's a good thing I did it seems. Didn't I tell you to call me if you ran into a problem?"
"I don't have a problem," Frank stated.
Erik gave him a sharp look. "So storming out of your house is normal behavior for you?"
Frank glanced down. "I was gonna call, okay?"
"Really? Because I have been following you and I believe you passed at least five payphones during your little stroll."
"I don't have any dimes on me?" Frank tried next.
"I suppose that would present a problem," Erik said dryly. "If not for the option of calling collect."
"Like you were even at the mansion, anyway. Ow!" Frank cried out when the man's disapproving hand connected with his behind.
"I strongly suggest you put an iron lock on that mouth of yours," Erik cautioned darkly. He jerked the boy forward. "Come on."
Frank did not question where they were going as they headed for Erik's car, as he did not want to face another swat, especially while in public. After half an hour, they pulled up in front of The Benjamin Hotel. Considering his middle name, Frank found the place very ironic. Erik brought him up to the fourth floor and into the joined suite he and Raven occupied.
"Sit," Erik ordered, pointing to the king sized bed.
The pre-teen started to let off a cheeky bark, but decided against it as he sat down on the mattress.
"Why did you leave out the way you did?"
Frank shrugged, looking away. "Who cares?"
Erik patted his cheek to bring his eyes back. "That's not what I asked. Now, answer me."
"I don't have to," Frank spat suddenly. "We're not at school and I don't have to listen to this."
"Oh, oh. I see." Erik chuckled dryly. "You think because we're in your neck of the woods that you're free to do as you please? That you're nothing more than a job to me?" He hauled the child up. "I'm afraid you're sadly mistaken, little boy."
Frank panicked when Erik started undoing his jeans. "Erik, no, don't! I'll talk."
"You certainly will." Erik took over Franks seat on the bed then pulled him across his lap. "After we're done here." He yanked his jeans down and wasted no time administering firm smacks across his briefs.
"Ow! Ow! Ow!" Frank shouted at each one then whined, "Erik!"
The rigid instructor proved relentless as he dished out the punishment.
"You are not a mere pupil of mine," Erik reproached, continuing to spank. "You may not have come from me, but you are of me. We are cut from the same cloth, Franklin. No matter how far you go, in some form or another, I will always be right there with you."
The crying that came from Frank next consisted of a mix between Erik's powerful hand and his heartfelt words.
When the child's cries reached a new level, Erik knew his point had been made. He finished things with six smacks across his bare thighs before gently bringing his pants back up. He stood the sobbing Frank up to make things easier on his sore rear then pulled him into a tight hug.
"Your struggles are my struggles," Erik said into his ear. "Your worries, your fears, your pain— they're all mine. And so are you."
Frank cried right into Erik's shoulder. "I'm… I'm… sorry!"
Erik surprised him then by standing and picking him straight up. "I know, boychick. I know."
Finding the absolute comfort he needed in that term, Frank practically burrowed into the tall man's neck.
They remained that way for several minutes before Raven hurried in through the bathroom way. "Erik, you will not believe the sale I caught on—" She lost her smile when she took in the full scene. "What happened? Frankie?"
Erik put the boy down so he could run into Raven's arms.
Raven held onto him then tried to study his face. "Are you okay?"
"Rae," the twelve-year-old breathed. "I need you. Please don't go. Please."
"Hey, hey." She held him closer. "You're not getting rid of me. I stole you out of this city once and I'll do it again."
Erik came over, embracing Frank from behind and offering him a full cocoon of protection.
IIIIIII
At the knock to the front door, Jeff jumped up from the couch and announced, "I'll get it."
"Ask who it is first," Phil reminded him.
"Who is it?" Jeff asked.
"It's me, Jeffy."
The little boy grinned. "Frankie!" He unlocked and opened the door. He saw his brother with the two people from the previous day. "Hello."
"Hi," Raven smiled at the child.
"Frank." Phil turned off the TV as his son came in complete with visitors. "Jeff told me you went on a walk. Is everything okay?" Frank gave off a solemn shake of the head. "Jeff, buddy? Could you go to your room for a minute?"
Jeff nodded and went that way without question.
As soon as the small one left, Erik demanded bluntly, "What are you hiding?"
Phil got to his feet. "Excuse me?"
"Drop the astonishment act," Erik ordered pointblank.
Raven said strongly, "In case you didn't notice, Frank is incredibly close to his mother. If something is wrong, he has the right to know."
Getting outraged, Phil said, "Now, listen. The two of you have no right to come into my home and—"
"Dad," Frank cut in. "I saw the letters from the hospital. I want to know if Mom is okay. Just tell me. Please."
Phil sighed, approaching him. "Son, that had nothing to do with your mother. She's made so much progress. I just didn't want to rush bringing her home. That's all."
"Then what was up with those letters?" Frank wanted to know.
"That was about me," Phil told him. "It was recommended that I take a few psyche evaluations while I'm on leave."
"Oh." Frank felt completely relieved at this information. "But Mom's okay?"
"Mom is just fine." Phil patted his shoulder. "I'm going to get some air." He stepped by the three of them and headed outside.
Frank turned to Raven and said, "I'll be back in a minute."
Raven nodded as he went towards the back of the apartment. She looked over at Erik, who did not seem at all convinced of anything.
"Linny?" Frank knocked on his door again. "Can I come in?"
"What do you want?" came the gruff response.
Frank walked in, seeing him lying across his bed. "You plan on setting me on fire while I'm asleep or something? Why didn't you tell Dad what happened?"
"Because he just got home and I'm not about to ruin his time by reminding him what a pain in the neck brat you are."
"Of course." Frank sighed. "Why do I even bother?" He started to leave.
"You never bother," Linny shot back, grabbing Frank's attention again. "You hardly call home. When you write it's to Mom, Dad, and maybe Jeff if you find the time to pencil him in. Why don't you just admit it, Frank? You wish me dead."
Frank stared at him in shock and aggravation. "What is wrong with you, Linny? God! You're my friggin' brother. Why would I want you dead? You're the one who wishes I was never born to begin with."
"That's not true," Linny denied.
"Please," Frank scoffed.
"I'm serious," the older boy insisted. "Everything has been different between us this year. It's like you can't even talk to me."
"I don't think I can," Frank told him honestly. "So much has happened. And not just Mom. With me, too. I can't even explain it. Linny, we're… we're just not cut from the same cloth."
"What do you know?" Linny smiled wryly. "We finally agree on something."
IIIIIII
Phil did not turn his head when he heard the door open and another pair of feet walked out.
He held a bottle from his nearby cooler out. "Thirsty?"
"Appreciated." Erik took the offered beer. With Phil looking away, he made use of his magnetism to remove the cap.
"So," Phil said next, still staring ahead, "you said your name was Lehnsherr?"
Erik took a long swig. "I did."
"You're not from here, are you? The states I mean."
"Not originally," Erik answered simply.
Phil nodded. "The accent gave you away. Germany?"
"Poland."
"Ah." The sergeant appeared lost in thought for a second. "I still remember my first major assignment. We were taught from day one to brace ourselves for the worst, but nothing prepared me for that day. I was just a green kid. When we stormed that first prison camp… I wanted to slice my own eyes out. There were people there, human beings, reduced to lesser life forms."
Erik magnetically crushed the cap to his beer bottle. "I know."
Phil went on with his recollection. "I remember holding this little girl in my arms, couldn't have been more than ten or eleven. I tried feeding her. With the food they gave us, her stomach exploded and she died instantly. To this day— I can't believe this sick world my kids are forced to live in. Not just over there, but right here. Me and my upstairs neighbor can't even piss in the same place because our colors don't match up."
You haven't seen anything yet, Erik thought, but said, "There will come a time when mankind sees the error of its ways. One way or another."
"I know my son's happy at your school." Phil looked at him. "Happier than he's been in a long time. Make sure he stays that way."
"That much you can count on," Erik said unwaveringly.
For the next few minutes, the two men fell into a quiet peaceful air. They engaged in conversation here and there, but lingered close to their own individual thoughts.
IIIIIII
When the three missing pieces of his household returned that Sunday morning, Charles stood on the front steps to greet them. He welcomed Frank back with a warm hug, Erik a handshake, and Raven a scolding glower at the numerous shopping bags she had with her.
"I bought you souvenirs," his sister told him sweetly.
After Erik got a chance to see Becky and the boys, he and Charles went into the parlor to discuss how the weekend had gone down in full.
"So, Frank has nothing to worry about as far his mother is concerned?" Charles concluded positively. "That's quite a relief."
"No, according to what Tolbert told me it's actually the oldest brother." Charles eyed Erik closely. "He's been diagnosed with leukemia."
"What?" Charles reacted. "And Frank doesn't know?"
"No," Erik replied. "Neither does Raven. I don't want her to be burdened with having to keep this from him."
"You plan on keeping this from him?" Charles asked incredulously. "Erik, he must know."
"There is nothing he can do," Erik argued. "If he makes the decision to go back to New York, it should be of his own accord, not out of some guilt-ridden obligation He's twelve years old. Why should he have to put his life on hold for something he cannot change?."
Charles sighed heavily. "When he gets into the worst stages, we have to tell Frank. We can't allow this to sneak up on him without warning."
"I agree," Erik nodded.
The telepath brought his hands together and up to his mouth pensively. Whether or not they were doing the right thing, they certainly were doing the best for the present.
IIIIIII
Becky and Frank sat at the short table in the former's bedroom, devouring the only good that had come from Alex and Sean's gourmet endeavor; chocolate chip cookies. They had two glasses of milk to accompany the tasty treat.
Frank watched Becky pretend to feed a cookie to her Eliza doll before speaking. "Hey, Becky?"
"Hm?"
"You know how you see Hank as your brother?"
"Mmhmm," she hummed again.
"Do you see Erik as your dad the same way?" Frank questioned.
Becky bit into the cookie in her hand then nodded. "Yeah, even though I haven't known him as long as I've known Hank. I really do."
Frank put another forth. "Do you ever feel bad about it? Since you already had a dad?"
"I used to," she replied casually. "Not really anymore."
"Well, would you feel even worse about it if your dad was still alive?" At her displeased expression, he bit his lip. "Sorry."
"Frank, what's wrong with you?" Becky asked him, mostly curiously.
"It's just that…" He tried to find a way to explain it. "Erik calls me boychick and that's supposed to be like son for Jewish people. But he calls Alex boychick, too. I've never heard him call any of the other guys that I don't think. And I know how he feels about you so that makes you like a girlchick or something."
Becky gave him a sardonic look. "And that makes you a redundant chick."
"Ha," Frank laughed dryly. "You're so funny. But seriously, Becky, I think you're the luckiest kid I know."
Now, she really seemed curious. "How?"
"Because you never really had to try with Erik," Frank pointed out. "No matter what, he loves you exclusively."
Becky shook her head hard. "Noooo." Frank tilted his head at her, wondering how she could possibly disagree. "He loves us exclusively."