X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Twenty Three

Author's Word: Thanks for the reviews, guys and thanks to all the new people who put this story on faves. I'm loving the turnout on this fic. Everybody enjoy this chapter as well as the rest of the week!

It had proven to be quite the tough job. The biggest slipup occurred when Erik had entered around midnight to check in. He had not knocked, as ideally thinking, all good teenagers should have been asleep for school that upcoming morning. Sean had managed to cover himself on that one by being in bed with a book and explaining he wanted to get research in for a pending project. The worst part about that for the supersonic scream enabled boy was, due to his reputation of extreme geek-dom, Erik had bought it hook, line, and sinker and had granted the young studious individual an extra half hour of reading time.

Now, Sean sat up against his wooden headboard, reviewing the genius yet somewhat creepy Edgar Allen Poe. When two AM came along, Sean made his move and got up from his bed. He opened the door to his room and peeked out. Finding nothing but a dark hallway, he carefully crept out.

Sean's bedroom stood in the middle of what he joked as the Fraternal Twin Bookends. On one end of the hall was the master suite and Charles' domain. Raven and Frank had their individual quarters down there with Joey's room being the closest to the Professor's. Then Erik reigned over the opposite end of the hall. His room was not right at the end like Charles', but his presence could be felt regardless. Alex, being a loner and much more so when they'd all first arrived at the mansion, had the room at the far end. Becky's room was across the hall and one down from Erik's and Hank had his right next to his sister-by-choice, but he hardly ever used it with the lab being just around the corridor. Then there was Sean, right in the middle.

The Fraternal Twins consisted of Charles and Erik; two wardens ready to strike fear in the hearts of any young person who dare tried to sneak out of bed. Truthfully, Sean did not really view them so harshly, especially Charles, but with his newfound interest the last thing he needed was interruption courtesy of headmasters.

The biggest perk to being in the middle of the second floor was the staircase being just a couple feet away. Sean, with as much stealth as he had within, made his way downstairs. He went into the den. He could have easily picked the kitchen, but that particular room posed too many opportunities for late night snacks and his housemates walking in on him.

Settling quite comfortably on one of the couches, Sean picked up the mouthpiece to the telephone and dialed the number he'd had no trouble memorizing.

"Hello?" came the pleasing airy response from the other end.

"Maya, it's me."

"Hey, Sean!"

"Shhhh!" the furtive boy hushed right away. "Keep your voice down. I swear these walls are made of ears."

"I'm sorry for all of this sneaky stuff," she said sadly. "It just gets really weird being here alone at night."

Sean stretched his long legs out over the other side of the couch. "I take it that means your mom still isn't home."

"Nope," Maya reported despondently. "She called a little while ago. She's putting in an extra hour at the hospital. You think I'd be used to it by now."

"Yeah, I know," Sean said sympathetically. "Listen, I should be free around five tomorrow. Well, today I mean. Want to get together?"

"That sounds great." Sean could hear the smile in her voice at the answer.

IIIIIII

As soon as the bulbs shut off, leaving them in absolute blackness, the illumination from Frank's eyes shined brilliantly. He dashed forward with Alex close to his side. They kept quiet, trying to breathe as lightly as possible to help their stealth.

"Duck!" Alex commanded all of a sudden.

Frank did as instructed while Alex let loose a plasma blast at the figure behind him that wielded an enormous blade. The image disappeared and the blast hit the rocky wall of the cavern.

Before Frank even had a chance to stand, he yelled, "Shut your eyes!" then shot blinding rays towards the ninja that attempted to creep up on his comrade.

Alex used both arms to shield himself from Frank's particular brand of defensive maneuvering. Once the light shined away from him, he uncovered himself and the pair resumed movement.

They faced no further danger for several minutes until they rapidly found themselves surrounded by an entire swarm of black clad enforcers, all with different weaponry. Frank thought quickly and performed a fast spin, successfully blinding every crony present.

When another noise sounded, Alex turned around, arms ready to fire, until he found himself gazing upon a pretty creature with a long spiral horn.

"Uh, maybe we're supposed to ask it directions?" Frank tried.

Alex stared at the younger boy sardonically. Sometimes he wondered what was really in the kid's vitamins.

All at once, the illusion around them faded and they found themselves back in the bunker and minus one unicorn.

"Really, Becky?" Alex said as the girl approached with Erik at her side. "A unicorn?"

"I like unicorns," Becky stated as simply as that.

"While the visual aide could have been better selected," Erik said, "it served its purpose. In the field, your nerves and adrenaline are all over the place. You have to remember to be ruthless with your opponent while vigilant of the innocents nearby."

Alex nodded. "Yes, sir."

Erik told them, "You all performed well this trial. Havok, your control has grown immensely." He turned to Frank. "You've always been able to think on your feet and you proved it when it mattered here." He placed his attention on Becky last. "And you, madam- that was at least a minute longer than your usual ability to hold an illusion."

Frank grinned at the praise. "Did you see how I took on all twelve of those guys?"

"Yeah, but what was up with that twirl?" Alex let off a snicker. "You trying to take up ballet or what?"

Frank shot back lightheartedly, "Your aim still sucks."

"Nice job, brat," Alex said sincerely.

"You, too," Frank returned.

"We'll resume this again tomorrow. Right now I need to go oversee things with Banshee." Erik used his hands to give each of the young men a simultaneous tap to the tops of their heads. "You two take a quick run around the grounds then hit the showers."

Both boys complied and headed for the double doors of the bunker.

Becky giggled when Erik swept her up briskly. "Could I go with you to watch Sean's flight?"

Erik shook his head. "This session went on longer than I anticipated. You need to go in and rest for about an hour."

"But I'm not even tired."

"Your beautiful eyes say different." He brought them up the stairs and back out into the sunshine as he spoke. "Our bodies are not always honest with us about our needs, especially unique creatures such as ourselves. I don't want you to suffer through another of those headaches."

Becky sighed softly, not wanting to deal with that again herself. "Okay."

Erik felt the usual serenity whenever the small telepath nestled into him. "For tomorrow, what do you say we trade out the unicorn and surprise the boys with a fire breathing dragon?"

The two shared a wicked conspiring chuckle.

IIIIIII

Checking his watch for the fifth time in ten minutes, Sean let off a low growl of impatience. The one day he really needed Erik to arrive on time to a training session and the metal wielder let him down big time. Sean knew that if he or one of the other younger members of the house practiced such behavior, they would undoubtedly be strung up by their toes.

Well, Sean reconsidered, not Becky or Joey. Probably not Raven, either. She looked like a biter.

At the excessive vibrating taking place under his feet, Sean glanced over to his right. "Could you not do that? I'm trying to focus."

Joey stopped bouncing. "But you're not even doing anything yet."

"It's called mental preparation," Sean said. "Like before you take a test."

Joey shrugged, figuring that to be another teen thing he just did not understand.

He saw a familiar figure below and leaned over the edge to shout, "Havok!" He shared a wave with the other blonde as Alex and Frank ran through the area.

Charles scowled disapprovingly. "Joey, get back from there."

Before the child could move, he felt his zippers and belt buckle react and an invisible force pull him a safe foot or two back.

"You need to be more careful, Kangaroo," Erik admonished lightly as he mounted the platform at last.

Hank stood to Sean's left and regarded Joey fondly, somewhat admiring the childish energy.

"Okay, great, my fallback guy is here," Sean said. "Let's get this show on the road."

"Right," Charles concurred. "Whenever you're—" They all watched as Sean flung himself off the platform. "—ready."

The eager redhead released a powerful scream, which sent him soaring with the greatest of ease.

Joey watched the display with a combination of utter fascination and a twinge of envy. He could only imagine how great it would feel to be able to really fly.

"Well, it's certainly nice to see his confidence so improved," Charles commented.

"If that's what you want to call it." Erik found something off about Sean's movements, mainly the rushed feel to them.

Sean jerked his head in a way that he could steal a subtle glimpse at his watch, which reported a quarter until four. He went over his plans in his mind. If he could wrap this up fast enough, he would be able to run inside, take a brief five minute wash-up, then cruise into town in time to meet Maya all without breaking any speed limits.

The airborne teen screamed again, but this time it was one of sincere panic as he seemed to drop for a moment. In less than a second, he felt his body still and he knew Erik had caught him by the numerous pieces of metal attached to his workout outfit. As he slowly made contact with the grass below, he braced himself for the lecture he knew would soon be fired his way.

When the other males made it down from the platform, Charles immediately jogged over. "Sean, are you all right?"

"I'm fine," Sean assured him.

Hank went to inspect the wings attached to Sean's wrists. "I'm sure it was just a mild air resistance issue. It's easily remedied."

"It was an issue of his body being in the air and his head being in the clouds," Erik stated, getting everyone's attention.

"That's not true," Sean defended himself then grunted when Erik magnetically yanked his wrist up by his watch. "Hey!"

"Erik?" Charles tone prompted for an explanation.

Erik put forth to Sean, "Are we interrupting something you'd rather be doing?"

Sean glared, taking his arm back. "Okay, so I made plans and I set aside enough time for them. You're the one who decided to drag his feet and throw me off."

"Sean, mind your tongue," Charles reprimanded. "Now, you could have easily explained that you wanted to go out."

"I know," Sean admitted. "I was going to talk to you. I just want to spend some time in town with Maya. That's all. I'll be home way before curfew." He saw the Professor considering the request. "Please, Charles?"

Charles finally gave him a small smile. "If you're going to spend time with a young woman, I strongly suggest you change."

Sean's face broke into a grin. "Thank you, Charles." He turned and ran for the house.

Charles looked to Joey next. "Do you have a date as well?"

Joey thought about it then shook his head. "Not tonight."

"Very good then," Charles said. "Then get out of your nice clothes and put on something comfortable so we can start your session."

This excited Joey greatly as he dashed off to do as instructed.

Erik turned to Charles. "Thank you so much for your backup. I do love how we stay on the same page so frequently."

"Oh, honestly, Erik," Charles dismissed. "It's obvious he's smitten by this girl. What's the harm in letting him enjoy it a bit?"

"He seems to use every free moment he has to get next to her," Erik argued. "That's one thing until it becomes a distraction. I've told him time and again, that he can never break concentration when he's in the air."

"That is true," Charles had to agree.

"It's not as if he makes a habit to practice reckless behavior," Hank chimed in. "He's normally as careful as possible when using his abilities."

Erik sighed, giving in a bit. "Very well."

IIIIIII

After picking Maya up, they grabbed burgers at the diner where they first met then headed over to the drive-in. With a jumbo tub of popcorn between them, they watched as some slimy monster terrorized unsuspecting citizens in a small town.

"It's so great you can borrow this car whenever you want," Maya told him after a minute.

"Oh, I thought I told you," Sean said. "It's not a loaner. It's mine."

Her eyes widened. "This BMW is yours? As in all yours?"

Sean nodded. "I got it for my sixteenth birthday."

"Wow. Your parents must be the coolest people on earth."

Sean popped a few buttery kernels into his mouth. "Actually, my professor gave it to me. But my parents did send me cash, so hello, more gas money."

"Your professor gave you this car?" The dark haired girl's voice filled with complete astonishment. "When I turned sixteen, my mom got me cake and a pair of earrings. My teachers didn't even make me a card. What kind of professor do you have?"

Sean shrugged. "The loaded kind I guess. He went back to England for a weekend and got me the complete works of Edgar Allen Poe."

Maya tried to wrap her head around all of this. "Okay, Sean, this guy does not sound like any kind of professor to me."

Sean frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

"He sounds like a dad." She smiled at him. "Like a really great dad."

Sean started to respond to that, but got cut off by a woman on screen screaming bloody murder as the mysterious creature inched menacingly upon her.

IIIIIII

Hank looked over in time to see the lanky teenager walk by the open doors of the lab.

"Sean," he called over, "just the man I wanted to see. Do you have a minute?"

"Sure." Sean walked in. "So long as you don't have any plans to nuke me up until I develop mutated wings."

"Perish the thought. So," Hank got out the measuring tape, "how was your evening with Maya?"

Sean stood still while Hank brought the yellow tape up from his feet to his head. "Well, somehow I haven't yet managed to scare her off with my bony shoulders or carrot hair."

"Stop it," Hank said right away. "There is nothing wrong with you. To be quite frank, I think she's lucky to have you."

Sean smiled. "You really think so?"

"I know it," Hank assured. "I was thinking the four of us should double soon. Raven and I with you and Maya."

"Really?" The pleasure in Sean's features increased. "You'd want to come hang out with us?"

"Absolutely. Arms out, please."

Sean spread his arms horizontally. "What are you doing, anyway?"

"Working on a little project," Hank replied vaguely. "You've been so preoccupied of late I haven't had a chance to catch up with you. Not that I'm objecting mind you. I think a little positive distraction could do us all a world of good."

"Nice to know one instructor around here actually understands," Sean said.

After a few more minutes, Hank had the information he needed and gave the younger male his leave to go.

Sean went back to his bedroom and finished up his homework. When Erik came through later, he slipped underneath the covers and remained perfectly still until his door shut again. After another half hour, Sean popped up and made tracks downstairs for the den.

"Remember to keep quiet," he cautioned when he got on the phone.

"Got it," Maya whispered. "Are you sure they're all asleep?"

"Hank might be working late in the lab," Sean said, "but he won't squeal. So, when is she getting home tonight?"

"Probably not until six."

"Ugh," Sean grimaced. "That bites. Wish I could come over and stay with you."

"You and me both," the saddened girl on the other end concurred.

As Sean toyed with the idea of possibly creeping out of the mansion to do exactly that, the phone base suddenly sprung to life and floated right off the end table. Slowly and dreadfully, he turned his head towards the doorway. There Erik stood with an even expression on his face.

Sean, still in possession of the mouthpiece, said to Maya, "I'm gonna have to call you back."

IIIIIII

Never before had Sean found the carpeting in the parlor to be so fascinating as he refused to raise his head up to face the dissatisfied looks he knew his headmasters presently wore. Erik had his arms crossed over by the fireplace. Charles sat behind his desk with his chin propped up on laced fingers, eyes able to burrow into the guilty teen.

"Mr. Cassidy, would you care to tell me the rules pertaining to the telephone?" Charles requested in a tone that Sean just knew was not really by request.

"No phone calls after ten on school nights," Sean recited, "and after eleven on weekends."

Charles nodded. "And just what time is it now?"

"One thirty," Sean reported after getting a glance at the clock on the desk.

"Is this the first time you've done this?" Erik piped up.

"No, sir," Sean replied honestly. "I've… I've done it a few times."

"If you understand the rules as we've spelled them out to you, why did you break them?" Charles asked.

"I just wanted some privacy," Sean said, finally looking up. "It gets old always having people underfoot when I want to have a conversation. Can't I just have a phone in my room?"

Erik did not hold back his chuckle at that. "You dare make an extravagant request after all of this?"

"Quite," Charles agreed. "Sean, had you come and talk to me about these issues, we could have avoided all of this. Now, I'm afraid you've left me without much choice. For the next week, no phone privileges."

"What?" Sean immediately protested. "Charles, no, please."

Hating this himself, Charles remained firm. 'I'm sorry, Sean, but these rules are in place for a specific purpose."

Feeling absolutely livid, Sean exclaimed, "This is not fair!" He yelled in such a way that his pitch caused the glass block containing Charles' miniature globe to shatter. "…Oops." The boy looked sheepish.

Erik started to step forward, but Charles held a hand out to halt him. The Professor got up and walked around his desk. He took Sean tightly by the forearm and gave his pajama clad bottom five sharp smacks, making him hiss at each one.

"When you behave like a rotten little child, that's exactly how you will be treated," Charles informed him. "Fits of rage will not be tolerated in this house for a moment. Now, go to your room. It's late."

Head bowed shamefully, Sean left the parlor.

Charles gave the hand he had used to strike a small rub.

Erik came over and looked over the slightly reddened appendage. "It gets easier."

Charles looked at him. "Oh, really? When?"

After a moment of thought, Erik replied, "When we're dead," then walked out to return to his own room.

Moving a hand to the tension shooting at his temple, Charles got the feeling he did not have long to wait there.

IIIIIII

Frank came into the kitchen the following afternoon, filled with the glow that only a Saturday could bring. He went to the refrigerator then noticed a very downhearted Sean, who had his face planted against the table. Forming an idea that would surely bring himself great amusement, Frank took hold of the whipped cream and tipped over towards the table with it.

Suddenly, Sean glimpsed an eye out. "Do it and I'll take that can and beat you with it."

"Yeesh, touchy." Frank placed the can of whipped cream on the counter. "Just trying to cheer you up a little." Sean gave him a look. "Okay, so I was trying to cheer me up a little." He took the chocolate ice cream tub out of the freezer. "So, since you can't make eyes at your girl, want to come out back and train with me and Havok?"

"No, thanks," Sean declined, sitting up.

"You know," Frank said, putting his sundae together, "you're not much fun lately."

Sean started to defend himself then sighed. "You're right. Sorry. It's just… don't you ever miss life pre-mutation?"

"I guess," Frank shrugged, spraying the whipped cream on heavy. "But when I went back to New York, things didn't feel the same." Remembering something, Frank smiled Sean's way. "Hey, I told you what me and Becky figured out, right?"

"Nope."

Frank sat down at the table near him with his ice cream. "Okay, so now we get how it works around here. You're either an Erik kid or a Charles kid, except Raven because she's their sister. See, me, Alex, and Becky are all Erik's kids, which is kinda gross because that means Alex is like my brother or something. And you, Hank, and definitely Joey are Charles' kids because you're all geeks."

Sean narrowed his gaze at him. "Okay first, you're a geek, too. You're just deep undercover about it. Second, there are times when I'd rather take the foster kid option over this dictatorship."

"You better not let Erik hear you using that word," Frank advised.

As he watched the kid stuff his face with chocolate and cream, Sean considered his theory. Alex he could see as Erik's kid because they both had the 'troubled' streak going for them. Frank made sense as his, too, because of the diabolical thinker thing. He did not even have to question Becky belonging to Erik; same with Joey to Charles. Charles and Hank certainly had a co-genius air going. It seemed just about everyone found Sean to be Charles', except Sean himself. Though whether he wanted to admit it or not, the pieces had begun to fit together.

That night, Sean did not dare set so much as a baby toe outside his door. Since getting busted the previous night, it would not surprise him if Erik currently paced the hall up and down with a rifle ready if anyone cared to emerge. The moonlight from the windows shined down on the pensive boy as he carried on an inner debate with himself.

At last ready with a decision, Sean got up and changed from pajamas to jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt. After putting on shoes and finding a jacket, he went over to the nearest window and raised it high. He swung one leg out into the open air.

No turning back now, he thought boldly, time to do this like a man.

The moment he swung his other leg out, he promptly fell from the window with a cry of, "Ooh!" The thick shrubbery below cushioned his impact.

IIIIIII

Yawning, Maya moved as quickly as she could down the stairs to make it to the excessed ringing coming from her front door.

"I'm coming," she said in frustration, putting her hand on the knob then working the locks. "Mom, seriously, how could you forget your keys a—" She had to do a double take at finding Sean on the other side of the door. She shrieked and shut it in his face.

Confused, Sean said, "Uh, Maya, it's me. Sean."

"I know it's you," she stated matter-of-factly. "That's the problem. It's you and it's me standing here in my gawky sunflower bathrobe with curlers in my hair. Did your house burn down or something?"

"No, actually I snuck out," Sean told her. "I'll be dead soon either way it goes."

Slowly, the door opened again, showing the perplexed girl on the other side. "What?"

When she finally let him in, they moved things to her dining room. Maya made up two mugs of decaf coffee for both of them while he gave her the full story. She listened, sipped, and removed the rollers from her hair.

"Okay, you knew our whole late night phone calling was pushing it, right?"

Entranced by her bouncy brown lochs, Sean snapped out of it and said, "Yeah, I knew it."

She put forth next, "Then why are you acting like you're so shocked you got in trouble?"

Sean gaped at her. "Aren't you supposed to be on my side? You're acting like the anti-kid right now."

"I am not the anti-kid," Maya insisted. "I'm the kid who was pulled out of her sleep because the guy she's seeing turned out to be completely crazy. And by the way, I told you that you didn't have to call like that every night."

"I know," Sean said with a sigh. "It just freaked me out. You being alone here like that."

Maya smiled warmly. "If I ever really do run into trouble, you'll be the first one I call… after the police."

Returning the smile, Sean reached out and touched hands with her. They stared admiringly at each other for several seconds. Sean started to lean forward, but she pulled back to speak.

"Listen, Sean, there's not a day that goes by that I don't miss my dad," she started. "Then coming home to this empty house every day. You come from a big family and you have an army of people around you at school who treat you like royalty. Trust me. You don't want to take that for granted."

Sean took her words in, along with a swig of coffee.

A car pulling up alerted them both. They got up and went across to the living room.

Maya sat on her knees on the couch, peeking out of the window. "There's a little guy headed this way. Wow, nice hair." She got a good look at his car and her eyes went huge. "Is that a Rolls-Royce?"

Sean groaned. "Charles. Answer the door and tell him I'm not here."

"Gotcha." Maya hopped up, wondering just when her life had become so complicated yet interesting. She opened the front door just as the bell went off. "Hello."

"Good evening, dear," the friendly English accent greeted her. "I'm Professor Charles Xavier."

She stared at him disbelievingly. "You're the professor? Why aren't you old?"

"My students keep me young," he quipped. "Now, please, I'm looking for Sean and I have reasonable suspicions that he's here."

"Yes, he's over there." She indicated the redhead in the living room with a jab of her thumb.

Sean's mouth dropped open. "Maya!" Though he knew it did little good to have her lie for him. The Professor had undoubtedly used his mind powers to locate Sean to begin with.

"Sean," she returned sugary sweetly, coming in ahead of Charles, "your dad's here." He shot her a sneer, which she promptly ignored. "Do you want some coffee, Professor?"

"No, thank you," Charles replied. "I'm very sorry if we've disturbed your family."

"It's fine," Maya said. "I'm here by myself."

Charles' eyebrows shot up and he turned furiously on Sean. "What?"

Sean held his hands out defensively. "Whoa, whoa, it's not like that. We weren't doing anything. I swear."

Maya chose to simmer down the situation. "Professor, my father died in a car accident two years ago. My mom's a nurse and she's been taking on extra shifts at the hospital ever since so we can keep making payments on this house. Sean was just keeping me company with all those calls."

Charles turned to Sean for confirmation and he nodded.

"Right." Charles cleared his throat, looking at the girl again. "Are you sure you're fine here alone, darling?"

She assured, "We have locks on all the windows and doors. I've lived here since forever so the neighbors keep watch."

Charles nodded. "Good. I'll be sure and have Sean call you tomorrow evening."

"You will?" both teens reacted in shock.

Ignoring their astonishment, Charles instructed, "Say good night, Sean."

Grinning like a fool, Sean said, "Night, Maya."

She beamed at him. "Good night, Sean."

Taking the tall boy by the arm to pull him away from the gaze he had locked with the girl, Charles tugged him outside.

"Are you mad?" Sean asked once they were alone again.

"No," Charles answered dryly, "to the contrary, it fills my heart with great joy to find one of my children unexpectedly missing in the middle of the night."

"Right, dumb question."

"Sean, why did you not simply explain your reasons for such late calling? We could have worked something out."

"I know I should have." Sean kicked at an invisible pebble. "I just didn't want Maya's mom to come off as unfit or something for leaving her alone."

Charles told him, "I could never look down on a parent who works to benefit her child. I can't count the number of times Raven and I were left to our own accord growing up, but extreme wealth kept our parents from falling into the category of unfit."

Sean, unable to comprehend such an experience, did not know what to say.

"Let's go home," Charles said gently.

The two went to their individual cars and drove off. Once they returned to the mansion, Charles brought them up to the library and shut the door.

The room, normally used for classes, sent a chill down Sean's spine. One important piece of information he knew about the Xavier library was how soundproof it had been designed. A person, even a Banshee, could scream a thousand decibels without being heard.

Before Sean even got a moment to voice his regrets, he found himself pinned against the nearest table as his behind fell under vigorous attack.

"Don't you ever so much as set a single solitary foot outside this house in the middle of the night again," Charles scolded, swatting him hard. "You had us worried sick. Do you understand that, young man?"

"Ouch!" Sean yelped at every blow, kicking his legs. "Yes, sir! I'm sor— owwww!" He felt like a six-year-old in that moment and Charles clearly sought to reprimand him like one.

"Do not move," Charles ordered him.

Sean did not dare budge. His blurred teary eyes followed the telepath's movements over to the desk, where Charles withdrew the thick wooden ruler. The teen sucked in air as Charles grabbed him again and brought him over to the couch.

"Take your trousers down."

Sobbing where he stood, Sean obeyed and undid his jeans before bringing them to his ankles.

Charles took him across his knees then took the boxers down as well. He raised the ruler high and brought it down with a sound whack. Sean would have flown to the ceiling if not for Charles tight arm around his waist. His behind already felt thoroughly barbequed with the swats Charles had given him just a couple minutes ago. Now, he felt as if he had a deep fried hide.

Sean found himself pounding his fist against the floor, as if he could transfer his own pain onto the carpet. He then felt a glimmer of hope when the ruler stopped raining down. That hope immediately dashed when Charles' hand came down instead, blistering his thighs. Sean went limp, unable to stroke the floor, let alone beat it.

At long last, Charles called it done. He carefully readjusted Sean's underwear then brought the teen up into a careful sitting position in his lap. The copper head hung, crying miserably with tears spilling into his lap.

Breathe, Charles coached mentally, I know how bad it hurts and it's meant to, but you must breathe, son.

When the even inhaling and exhaling occurred, Charles gave him a squeeze. "There we go. Nice and easy now. Good lad."

Sean collapsed into against Charles' sweater. "I'm so sorry…"

"Don't concern yourself with that now," Charles soothed, running a hand along his back. "Just breathe." Listening to the intakes of air, the man smiled. "Maya seems like a very nice girl."

"Did you like her?" Sean sniffed.

"Indeed I did," Charles told him.

Sean asked carefully, "Do I really get to call her tomorrow?"

"Absolutely," Charles replied. "Assuming you can find the energy. Erik has a full day of training planned for you."

Sean wanted to cry all over again. "He does? But it's Sunday."

Charles gave off a hearty chuckle. "I doubt highly if God will find fault with this."

The teenager groaned. Even the Lord was in cahoots with the adults.

Sean kicked off his shoes and jeans entirely, terrified of what the denim would do to his raw rear. Charles helped him into his room.

"Charles?" Sean petitioned after adjusting himself on the bed on his stomach.

The man came to his side. "Yes?"

"Do you think you could stay a while?" Sean entreated somewhat shyly.

"Of course." Charles pulled over a chair and sat close by the bed.

The Professor watched as the child who had caused his near cardiac arrest, now contentedly drifted off before his eyes. It never amazed him how a covert recruitment mission had completely turned his world upside down. Charles wondered what he and Raven ever did for fun before the others came into their lives. He then smiled, reviewing a few childhood memories.