X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Twenty Nine

Author's Word: I cannot say how much I loved those reviews from the last chapter, guys. Thank you all for the feedback and suggestions. What amazes me is that I got this chapter up after a full weekend of working out. Toning up, dudes! Enjoy!

As soon as everyone finished breakfast, plans for the rest of the day began to formulate. Charles, Erik, Sean, and Alex took a taxi into Los Angeles to look into cars while Hank and Raven stayed behind with the younger kids.

When the quad of males arrived at the rental agency, the teenager and adult pairs immediately divided to different areas of the showroom.

"Now this is attractive," Charles commented, running his hand along the hood of a white Cadillac.

"Yes," Erik concurred dryly, "especially since we have completely sterile children quite well-known for never dirtying themselves or anything else."

Understanding his point perfectly, Charles moved over to the black model. "Then again, this one does have a far more rugged air, doesn't it?"

"Oh, cool!" Sean abruptly exclaimed.

Charles and Erik looked over to see the redhead gaping excitedly over an emerald green four-door jeep.

Alex kicked a tire lightly. "This is definitely what's happening."

"What are the two of you— oh, for goodness sake." Charles came over with Erik behind him. "Don't tell me you honestly like this pathetic excuse for a vehicle."

"Charles!" Sean stared at his headmaster in insulted shock before stretching his arms around the car in affection. "You'll hurt Suzie's feelings."

"Suzie?" Erik echoed with an arched eyebrow.

"She's definitely hot," Alex said.

Sean turned a pair of pleading eyes on Charles, who reacted with a stern, "No, no, no. I refuse to be seen behind the wheel of this ridiculous contraption."

"Well, we need to rent more than one car," Alex pointed out. "You guys don't want us having to borrow yours every time we hop up, right? And what if all go somewhere together? We'll be a sardine can."

Erik said to Charles, "You and I will each need our own car. We could let the nippers use the jeep."

Charles sighed but gave in. "All right."

Sean jumped up with a wide grin. "Yes! Thank you, guys!"

"Be sure to keep the drag racing to a minimum," Erik said meaningfully.

The boys shared a guilty look at the reminder.

"Please," Alex waved off. "That is so 1962."

IIIIIII

Hank placed the heaviest of Joey's three suitcases on top of the queen sized mattress. The large bed had originally been in the girls' bedroom, but Raven and Becky had traded it to Alex and Joey for the twin beds that had been in the boy's room. Alex had held no quibbles over sharing a bed with the youngest of the mutant clan whatsoever.

Opening the case, Hank asked in amazement, "When did you have time to pack all of these toys?" Joey only shrugged, poking at his football. Hank did not care for the unhappy countenance on the tiny face. "We don't have to unpack right now." He laid a hand over the football, smiling. "What do you say we go out and toss this around for a while?"

Joey shook his head. "No thanks."

Hank sat down by him. "Why not?"

"Because I can't ever keep up with you," the blonde replied honestly. "You always let me win. Frank leaves me in the dust all the time, too. I get sick of being so slow."
"Joey?" Hank put an arm around him. "Did you have many friends before you came here?"

"No…" Joey's blue eyes flickered sadly. "They said I would hurt the other kids."

Feeling his own heart sink at hearing that, Hank squeezed his shoulder. "You're still not used to running around and playing so openly. Frank has had years of experience there, living in the city. You'll catch up soon enough."
"I don't want to wait. I made Uncle Erik and Alex slow down a hundred thousand times this morning." Joey glanced up beseechingly. "Hank, could you teach me how to run faster?"

"Is this really important to you?" Hank asked him. The child nodded. "Then we're on."

Joey beamed and gave him a hug. "Thanks, Hank."

"You're welcome," the young scientist returned. He prodded the electrified child into a standing position. "Let's get started."

Feeling highly alerted now, Joey rushed out of his room. Hank had to push the door out of the way before the hastened little one collided nose first into it.

IIIIIII

Standing outside of the Paul's General Store, it amazed Alex how much he failed to stick out like a sore thumb among the numerous young people walking up and down the blocks. Yellow hair seemed to dominate every bit of Los Angeles he had gotten to see so far. Glancing across the street at the gas station, Alex noticed a gathering of boys with different colored surfboards.

"You carve?"

Alex turned to his right and appeared quite pleased at the presence of the girl who had just walked up next to him. "What?"

"Surf," she clarified. "Do you surf?"

"Never tried."

She looked surprised. "Seriously? Most guys around here are pretty obsessed with it."

"I'm not from around here," Alex informed her.

"That makes two of us." She held a bracelet adorned hand out to him. "I'm Lin."

"Alex." He gave the dainty appendage a careful shake. "So, if you're not from around here then where are you from?"
"San Diego," Lin replied. "I'm here visiting my aunt for the rest of school break while my parents are yachting. What about you?"

"I'm on school break, too," Alex said. "From New York."

Lin's eyes brightened at his. "Oh, I love New York. I spent an entire summer camped out at Bloomingdales."

"Lindsay," a strident voice called out impatiently.

The girl winced slightly. "Over here, Aunt Claire."

An ivory suit adorned woman approached the teens, angrily gripping a shoulder bag. "I still cannot believe the nerve of that meter maid. Using my Mercedes to achieve his speeding ticket quota? When I'm through with him, he'll be lucky to find a job in a landfill." Her eyes finally fell on Alex. "Who are you?"

"This is Alex, Aunt Claire," Lin introduced. "He's visiting here from New York."

"I see." Claire pushed her sunglasses up on top of her head to get a better look at the boy. "And just where, or better yet, who are your parents?"

Before Alex had a chance to say anything to that, Erik came out of the store with a paper bag in one arm. "You ready to go?"

"I'm a little busy here," Alex stated, trying to indicate Lin with his eyes.

"Huh." Erik removed his shades. He narrowed his gaze on the females before them. "So it would seem."

"My." Claire's lips turned up into a smile at the presence of the newcomer. "I take it you're Alex's father."

The boy in question started to say something, but Erik slipped an arm around him and said, "Guilty as charged." He looked into the face of the confused teen. "Alex, your manners. Aren't you going to introduce me?"

Catching on, Alex put on a grin and turned back to the women. "I'm really sorry. This is my dad, Erik. Dad, this is Lin and her aunt—"

"Claire." She took it upon herself to take Erik's hand to shake. "Claire Davies."

"Erik Lensherr."

Focusing on Lin, Alex asked, "You're not free tonight, are you?"

"Actually, we both are," Claire answered for them both, immediately ignoring the annoyed look her niece gave her. "And I would just love for the two of you to join us for dinner at our club out in Beverly Hills." She lightly touched Lin's shoulders. "You understand, Mr. Lensherr, that I cannot allow Lindsay to go out with just any young man. Especially one she's only just met. My sister would never forgive me."

"Oh, of course," Erik said with a somewhat sincere air.

Alex looked to him again. "So, Dad, is it okay?"

Erik patted his shoulder tenderly. "Absolutely."

"Wonderful." Claire removed a small notebook of paper with a pen from her purse. She scribbled down an address. "I hope a seven o'clock dinner is fine for everyone."

Erik took the piece of paper from her. "It's a date."

While the adults went back and forth, the two present youngsters kept eyes strongly on each other.

IIIIIII

At seeing the front door open, Becky stepped out cautiously. She relaxed when she saw Sean inside the other half of the two-car garage, shining up the green Jeep with a rag and nearby bucket of water. He sang along to a Beach Boys tune as he giddily clean the car.

Sean noticed her watching him with an amused curiosity. "Hey, Curls." He made a wide gesture towards the Jeep. "Isn't this the coolest thing you've ever seen on wheels?"

Coming over, Becky gave the left hand door a feel. "It's a pretty color."

"I know. And hey," he dropped the rag back into the bucket to use both hands to lift her into the driver's seat, "it matches your eyes."

"Yeah," Becky said, absently playing with the steering wheel.

Leaning over the car door to peer at the forlorn girl, Sean reminded her, "She's gone you know." Becky glanced at him briskly. "Angel. After the hit Frank and I put on her, she won't be snatching anybody up again. Her or Azazel. And that Shaw guy? Erik took care of him for good."

Becky smiled appreciatively at him. "Just like he said he would."

Both kids faced the path as Alex drove up in Erik's rental Pontiac. They stopped in the driveway, as it was the last parking spot available on the property.

Erik got out of the passenger's side and appeared humored at seeing Becky in the Jeep. "Learning to drive already?" She smiled at him.

"She's probably safer behind the wheel than Sean," Alex joked, getting an angered poke out of the redhead for it.

Erik found himself suddenly trapped in an affectionate grip by Sean, who said, "Thanks again for convincing Charles to let us rent it."

Managing to pat the happy teen's arm, Erik said, "It's far better than having you children extend your hands for our keys every other minute."

"Can we use the Pontiac for tonight?" Alex requested.

"What's tonight?" Sean asked.

"I have a date," Alex informed importantly. "And so does he." He pointed at Erik with his thumb. "She's a total rich chick so Erik's coming along to keep her starchy aunt distracted."

Becky quietly listened to the conversation between the boys, losing the perk she had felt only minutes before.

IIIIIII

Hitting the top button on the stopwatch, Hank waited for Joey to catch a breath before he delivered the reading. "Fifty-five seconds."

"Again?" the dissatisfied boy reacted.

"It's down from where we began," Hank reminded him.

This did nothing to please Joey. "Not by much."

"The field of athletics is a process, Joey. It involves a great deal of discipline and endurance." Hank held out the bottle of water to him. "This is not going to happen for you overnight."

Joey drank then glanced down at his feet. "Maybe I should take my shoes off like you."

Hank shot that idea down right away. "Don't you dare. The sand is scorching this time of day. Now, come on. Up the beach and back." Joey nodded and readied himself. Hank clicked the button. "Go!"

As Joey took off as fast as he could, Raven came over and took Hank's long arm with both of her own. "Looks like he has no trouble setting the beast free."

"That's no beast," Hank said, regarding the child proudly. "That's all determination."

Raven leaned comfortably against him. It brought her great pleasure to see him coaching. She also knew it provided Hank with a lot of fond memories from his own sporting glory days.

IIIIIII

When Alex rushed into his bedroom so suddenly, Charles put his teacup down and walked out from his balcony. He did not speak at first, just looked on as the young man went towards the closet and started removing articles of clothing by the armful.

"Alex, pardon my intrusion, but might I inquire as to what you are doing exactly?" the Professor ventured.

"Got a date tonight," Alex replied, looking over the clothes he had spread out across the bed. "She's a high society type so I need to wear something that says stuck-up elitist. That's why I came to you."

Astounded as ever by the boy's sense of tact, Charles said, "I thought you and Erik stopped off to pick up supplies. How did you happen upon a date?"

"She just walked up to me. Erik's coming with." Alex held up a sweater-vest for examination. "He's going out with her aunt."

"Erik?" Charles could not mask the surprise in his voice. If he had known there would be wall-to-wall ladies involved, Charles would have gone on the supply run himself.

Picking up another shirt, Alex said to Charles, "You know, I think you need to lose a little weight. Or lift some at the very least."

Charles took the shirt back and gave him a smack on the hand before leaving out.

"Ouch!" Alex shook his afflicted hand out then called after the Professor, "If I wanted this kind of treatment, I'd have gone shopping in Hank's closet!"

Finding Erik in the kitchen in the middle of sandwich preparation, Charles said, "You have a date this evening? When were you going to share this information?"

Erik put a slice of tomato on top of the turkey. "I thought I'd wait until I returned home. That way we could make popcorn and gossip the night away."

Charles gave him a look. "It's important that we discuss major events in each other's lives, Erik. What we do greatly affects the children."

"Charles, you speak as if you failed to receive an invitation to the wedding," Erik rationalized. "It's a simple dinner. Nothing more."

"This is just a little jarring coming from you," Charles admitted. "Displaying interests beyond combat— it simply boggles me."

"Well, things have changed, haven't they?" Erik pointed out. "Shaw has been reduced to nothing short of a bad memory and I've realized this life has a few pleasurable bits here and there. It may not be as prevalent for me as it is for you, but the comfort of a woman is more than a little tempting."

Charles nodded. "Oh, I know what you mean." Since the happenings of Montana, he did more and more. "I barely remember what it feels like to awaken with a beauty wrapped up in your arms."

"It happens for me most nights."

"When?" Charles wanted to know.

Erik plopped the top slice of bread over his completed sandwich. "Whenever Becky has a nightmare." A low chuckle came from Charles. "Which reminds me… keep an eye on her for me."

Knowing any separation between the man and the girl proved difficult as of late, Charles assured, "You needn't worry, Erik. She's safe with us again and that is how she shall remain. You only try to enjoy yourself tonight."

Enjoyment. Taking a large bite out of his sandwich, Erik tried to remember the definition of that particular word.

IIIIIII

Somewhere between the slowly setting sky and Raven's call that dinner would be ready in the next five minutes, Hank did not understand how time had flown so quickly. He and Joey had been outside taking on a number of activities, including stretches and football. Now, the little energy ball had returned to running the beach back and forth.

"Forty-seven seconds," Hank announced when he came back again. "You've made excellent improvement, Joey. Now, it's time to wash up for dinner."

"I don't want to go in yet," Joey said then promptly took off for another lap.

Hank winced on the child's behalf when he tumbled over. "That's a sign of exhaustion if I've ever seen one." He walked over, helping him up. "We'll pick it up early tomorrow. I'll even plan a nice regiment for you. For now, we really need to head in."

"But I'm still not fast enough," Joey insisted, kicking at the sand under his feet.

"It's not overnight," Hank reiterated. "Come on. I'll let you ride my shoulders."

"I can walk myself!"

The snap caught Hank off-guard. "I wasn't trying to imply you couldn't."

Joey turned away angrily. "I want to stay out here."

"I'm not fond of this attitude, Joey," Hank informed him. "Especially after devoting the large part of my day to helping you. Should I go inside and find Charles?"

Coming down from his fussing, Joey quickly said, "No, Hank. I'm sorry for being disrespectful."

Knowing the boy had to be heated as well as tired, Hank smiled. "It's all right." He stood, taking Joey by the hand. "A cool shower and dinner will make us both feel better."

As they started for the house, Joey felt only being a superior runner could possibly make him feel better. For a moment, he even wished for his feet to grow to the size of Hank's.

IIIIIII

As the Pontiac pulled up, Alex and Erik wondered briefly if they had been offered a dinner invitation from the queen herself. The country club consisted of an enormous ivory building, intertwined by magnificent gardens and fountains in the shape of different mythological Greek figures. After handing over the keys to the valet on duty, Erik led the way inside.

"Oh, gentleman." They glanced over to see Claire waving at them from a doorway. "This way, please."

Alex looked at Erik as they went. Had she sniffed Erik out or what?

"You're so prompt," Claire commented, guiding the way into the elegant dining room. "I like that."

"We aim to please," Erik responded flatly.

"Alex," Lin acknowledged when they approached the round table that had been set for four.

"Hi," Alex smiled then became unsure of whether he should move or bow or what.

"Now, Alex sweetheart, you sit right there on Lindsay's left. Erik, you're by me here," Claire instructed.

Erik came over to Claire's indicated seat and pulled it out for her. This all but caused the woman to flutter as she sat down as grandly as possible.

"This is a nice place you have here," Alex said, sitting next to Lin.

"Thanks. It's not really mine, though," the girl told him. "My mom and dad each have a club back home."

"Are you two affiliated with any clubs in New York?" Claire tossed out.

"Yes," Erik answered, receiving a funny look from Alex. "We're actually part of a very elite group. Club Homosuperior."

Claire appeared thoughtful. "Homosuperior? I've never heard of such a thing."
"Oh, it's an exquisite club. It caters to the advancement of those with superior skills and intellect," Erik explained. He turned to Alex. "Your sister's having her coming out party there."

"Oh, I had mine in the fall," Lin said. "It was insanely boring."

"They always are. As if half the girls at Lindsay's ball could ever dream of catching a husband." Claire waved that idea off and took a sip from her water glass.

The waiter came around next. Alex chose to play it safe and order a steak with a baked potato and Erik followed suit.

Once the waiter had all of their orders in, Claire asked, "So Alex, tell me. Where are you going to school?"

Alex thought fast then told her, "The Xavier Institute," then tacked on, "for Gifted Kids."

"He means gifted youngsters," Erik clarified.

"Riiight," Alex agreed. "Thanks, Dad."

"Really?" Claire looked fascinated. "Lindsay, didn't your cousin spend a semester there?"

"I don't remember," Lin replied. "Maybe."

"What are you studying there, Alex?" Claire questioned next.

Alex came up with, "History."

"Ah." Claire placed her attention entirely on Erik. "His mother must be very proud."

Not missing how she pronounced "mother", Erik said, "I'm afraid she passed on some time ago. It's been difficult raising three children alone, but," he reached over, patting Alex on the back of the hand, "we make it work."

"You're one of a kind, Dad," Alex smiled.

"You poor thing," Claire sympathized in way that made her sound like a female praying mantis.

When the food arrived, the focus remained strictly on dinner related conversation.

As if waiting for the last bite to be devoured, Claire said, "Lindsay, why don't you take Alex out back and show him the tennis court?"

"Great." Lin got up hastily, pulling Alex along with her. "Let's go."

"Oh, kids I swear," Claire commented the moment the youths left from sight. "My sister gets to travel the world with her husband at the drop of a hat and leave their precious only child on me. But let's forget all that." She eyed Erik closely. "I've really enjoyed this evening."

"I can't say I disagree." Though Erik knew he felt that way for entirely different reasons.

"Alex seems like a respectable young man. I've no doubt he can see Lindsay home securely." She pressed a fingernail to Erik's shirt sleeve, running it along his buttons. "You and I could head back to my condo and have a few drinks. Not to mention, a little fun of our own."

Erik inclined over towards her ear. "That sounds very promising. Except," he spoke even softer, "we've known each other less than twelve hours. Which only makes me wonder how many others you've 'had drinks' with of late. I'm not sure about you, but I prefer a clean glass myself." Unable to fathom the slightest response to that, Claire's mouth simply hung open. Erik picked the menu back up and scrolled through it. "What do you recommend for dessert?"

IIIIIII

Knocking twice quickly, Charles then entered the room belonging to the ladies of the house. Becky laid out in bed under the covers, her eyes locked on the direction of the wall beside Raven's bed. Charles frowned a little then moved to approach the small girl.

"Becky?" Charles sat near to her on the bed. "You disappeared after supper." He touched her forehead with the back of his hand. "Are you feeling sick, love?"

The curly haired one shook her head. "No."

"Sean took Raven and Frank out for a drive in the Jeep. Raven told me they asked you along, but you turned them down."

"I didn't feel like going," Becky explained simply. "Is Erik home yet?"

Charles did not have to search her mind to put his finger on the problem now. "I'm afraid not. Becky, if anything is troubling you, Hank and I are right here with you."

"Hank's been busy with Joey all day," Becky said despondently. "It feels like he's always busy. Just like you. Now Erik's gone, too."

"Rebecca, Erik is most certainly not gone," Charles informed her. He touched her arm gently. "You're bothered by the fact that he's out with a lady. Yes?" Becky stayed quiet then nodded. Charles lay down beside her, pulling her in towards his front. "Oh Princess," Charles kissed the back of her head, "no woman on earth could ever take Erik's attention from you. I feel how much it pains him to be away from you, even for a moment. You're with him constantly."

Tearing up, Becky told him, "Everything is so weird and different now…"

Charles held her securely. Becky rolled over to cry against him. Charles allowed the tears to come as he carefully slipped into her mind to offer any sort of mental consolation that he could. She calmed after a few minutes, but continued to remain close to him.

"Charles?" she petitioned after a moment.

"Yes, my love?" the man responded.

"Do you ever want to go out with a lady?"

The Professor noted how the question carried more sincere intrigue than worry. "Perhaps a certain kind of lady. Someday. Would it bother you?"

"No," Becky replied then added, "Not a certain kind of lady."

"For the time being, however, you and Raven are the only ladies I'll need in my life." Charles shifted to pick the child up into a comfortable resting position on his chest. "After all, how many men in my position are fortunate enough to have two princesses?"

I love you, Charles.

The older telepath returned, My precious girl, I absolutely adore you.

IIIIIII

Throwing his head back in laughter, Alex said, "Claire looked like she was going to blow one. Do you really think she bought that our people came over on the Mayflower?"

"I think everything went in one ear and out the other after you left us alone," Erik replied, stopping at a traffic light.

"Did you hit on her or what?" Alex asked.

"Flip it." Erik drove forward at the green signal. "She very eloquently invited me over to spend the evening so to speak."

Alex's eyes widened as his face broke into a grin. "No. Way. Why didn't you go for it?"

"I could have quite easily," Erik admitted. "Then somehow forget her name come morning. But I believe women deserve a certain level of respect, even when they don't have much for themselves. Which reminds me, how did things fair between you and Lindsay?"

"She gave me her number." Alex stared forward. "But I don't think I'm gonna see her again."

Surprised, Erik asked, "No interest?"

"What's not to be interested in?" Alex said with a shrug. "She's beautiful, smart, rich, and not nearly as full of it as her aunt. But all that stuff we said tonight, even though it was joking around, was a huge hoax. It just felt nice to pretend, you know? To be normal."

"To be called Dad," Erik commented lowly.

Alex looked at him. "What'd you say?"

"Oh, nothing," Erik denied, turning a corner. "So you believe it's a vain effort to go after this girl?"

"Definitely. It's crappy, too, because I see Sean and how excited he is over his chick. Sooner or later, he's going to have to fess up about what he really is. She won't be able to handle it and just like that, it's over."

"Perhaps," Erik said. "Most likely in fact. Only the future will tell for sure."

"You're so wise," Alex smirked, "Dad."

Erik turned to him with what resembled a smile before continuing on for home.

IIIIIII

Despite a large amount of grunting, Joey managed to get the coffee table up and onto the couch. With the living room space now so much more open, he put his plan into action and began running laps around the entirety of the room. Feeling his feet give out from under him unexpectedly, Joey fell hard against the floor.

Hank, having been passing through on his way back to his quarters, heard the telltale sound of fallen child and dashed for the living area.

"Joey." He rushed to him, gathering him up carefully. "Let me see." He examined the boy's right elbow and noticed a faint bruise. "That'll be fine. Good thing." Hank saw the coffee table's present location. "Joey… what were you doing in here?"

Joey rubbed his elbow. "It hurrrrts."

"Joey," Hank spoke firmly, which proved a rare feat where the scientist was concerned, "answer me, please."

"Okay," Joey sighed. "I was running again."

"I figured," Hank nodded. He patted Joey's sock covered feet. "Socks and hardwood floors do not mix. Besides that point, you had no business running again today, especially indoors."

"I wanted to keep practicing. This is really important."

"I know it is. That is why I took so much time to help you, but you seem to not want to heed me," Hank said. "You're too young to put in all of this workout time. You could get hurt a lot worse than a mere bump on the elbow." Hank allowed him to stand on his own feet. "I can't believe you would be so disobedient, Joey."

Trying not to cry at the older mutant's scold, Joey said, "I'm sorry, Hank. It's just really hard. I'm short and puny. And I have to be slow, too. I feel like I can't do anything."

"You're eight years old," Hank reminded him. "You're going to get bigger and certainly faster. Especially with your determination. But you have to learn how to be levelheaded as well. I wouldn't even want to see Alex or Sean overexerting themselves this way." Hank pushed his glasses back up by the bridge. "I'm very displeased with your behavior, Joey."

Hating hearing that, Joey asked apprehensively, "Are you gonna tell Daddy and Uncle Erik?"

"No," Hank replied, "as this is between you and I. So for the next two days, we won't go running. After that, I'll see if your listening skills have improved any."

The child let off a small sigh but said, "Okay, Hank."

"Also," Hank went on pointedly, "if you attempt this again, especially over the next two days, I'm going to Charles and Erik. After I spank you myself." He caught the flinch in Joey's eyes and knew he had gotten his point across.

"I won't even walk fast," Joey promised. "I guess this is the discipline part of athletics, huh?"

"Oh yes. And trust me," Hank picked him up as he talked, "it's no fun for the coach, either."

As the little boy's arms wound around his neck, Hank felt himself go weak. Perhaps just one day without running would suffice— no, the scientist decided just as fast. Now, Hank knew he had to discipline himself against the cuteness as he carried Joey out and upstairs.

IIIIIII

Peeping in on Frank and Sean, Erik found both boys sound asleep in the bunk beds. Journeying up the stairs, the metal wielder next entered the female suite. It did not surprise him at all to find Raven's bed vacant, as he had heard giggling and quiet conversation courtesy of her and Hank coming from the kitchen. It did, however, surprise him to find Becky at the window seat, dozed off.

Coming in fully, Erik went to her. He started to take her into his arms, but paused when he noticed the familiar white bear on the floor under the girl's dangling feet. Taking hold of the stuffed animal, Erik next grabbed Becky up and took up her seat, offering her a new one in his lap.

Stimulated now, Becky sensed his presence before even opening her eyes. "Erik!"

Her smile gave his heart renewed beating. "I believe you dropped someone." He handed over the bear, which she took eagerly. "What's her name?"

Becky rubbed her eyes with her left fist while using her right hand to hang onto her bear tightly this time. "Huh?"

"Her name," Erik repeated plainly. "She's your own. You must name her."

She smiled again, squeezing the toy. "She's Sweetie Imp."

Tugging over the nearby throw, Erik placed it around all three of them. "Trouble sleeping?"

"It's too hard when you're not here," Becky whispered then regretted it. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be a baby."

"Shhh, Anya," Erik hushed her, getting her green eyes up at the name. "You are strong when you have to be. You proved that with Shaw. But here, especially with me, it is unnecessary. Sleep now. I'm here." He took a hand to peck. "I'm here."

As her eyes closed again, Erik fully realized that for a few hours he had been allowed to return to normalcy. Between his telepathic little girl, plasma shooting teenage charge, and cluster of other powerful mutants, Erik also realized that he had not felt at peace until he walked through the door again. This was normal; this was home, regardless of the coast.