X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Forty Five
Author's Word: Hi, my people. I forgot to mention before but the last chapter was dedicated to achillies-eel. I hope you all enjoy this and please review!
At an unexpected additional weight, Hank sat straight up in bed. He found a red tray in his lap with a tall glass of orange juice, mug of coffee, short stack of pancakes, and plate of bacon with sunny-side-up eggs on top of it.
He looked to his right with a grin, finding Raven seated there. "And what's all this?" He gave her a kiss near her lips but not directly on them, not wanting her to experience his morning breath.
"Just thought I'd give you a preview of things to come." She collected pieces of pancake on a fork and held it to his lips.
"Mmm," Hank reacted to the food connecting with his tongue. "I don't even have to feed myself anymore? How soon can I marry you again?"
"Soon as you get the nerve up to talk to your professor," Raven said, snuggling into his side. "Which will be today, right?"
"Hopefully. It's hard to catch the man alone in this house." Hank draped an arm over her shoulders. "I will ask his approval, Raven. Then we'll start planning the perfect ceremony for you."
She smiled up at him cutely. "I'll be a princess?"
"You already are." Hank took the fork from her, feeding her now.
IIIIIII
Charles clapped his hands together once, observing his class. "Right then. Who in the older class can point out a major theme found throughout The Grapes of Wrath?" Two hands shot up. "Yes, Maya?"
"Human adaptation," the girl responded. "Humans have to be able to adjust to changing environmental conditions. Like the way the landowners have to adapt to new rules in order to continue running their farms."
Charles smiled. "Throughout the history of human existence, adaptation is an absolute must in regards to survival. Very good, Maya."
"Okay," Alex spoke up, flipping through his notebook. "I think I've been nice about this long enough, but she doesn't even go to this school."
"Yeah," Frank added. "She's learning for free." Of course, the main thing that bothered him was Maya's presence sending him to the "little kids" table.
"Yes, Maya, I have been meaning to ask," Charles looked at her, "what are you doing here?"
"My school acknowledges Washington's birthday," the petite brunette explained. "And also, I pretty much had nothing better to do."
"Why don't we get Washington's birthday off?" Frank wanted to know.
"You had an extended holiday vacation," Charles reminded him. "I believe we've had quite enough days off for now, Frank."
The boy rolled his eyes. "Leave it to the English to disregard the country's first president."
"Ah yes, President Washington," Charles recollected. "Great-grandson of John Washington, who was born and lived in Essex, England until his migration to Virginia, a British owned colony at the time. George Washington was also a member of the Church of England."
"Well…" Frank tried to think of a rebuttal. "He may have started on your side but he traded out to the winning team."
"What'd we do, jump from literature to politics to sports?" Alex said. "Did random just come to live at this school?"
Charles returned to their earlier discussion. "What theme were you going to mention, Sean?"
He answered, "I noticed Steinbeck emphasizing the love of the earth. But it goes beyond just caring for the planet to signify the love and endurance people have to have for each other."
Maya eyed him with adoration. "I totally missed that. I read it last month with science nerd eyes. You are so poetic, just able to see things other people can't."
"Hey, you were right on the adaptation front, too," Sean pointed out. "Your analytical skills are beyond insightful."
Alex raised his hand. "Can I move? To the other end of the mansion?"
"Alright, Alex," Charles said, "tell me. What did you gain from the book?"
"Well, while we're going into all of this love and adaptation jive, all I got was moody from start to finish," the blonde replied. "Even the jokes were completely lackluster. I mean, seriously. What was Steinbeck's hang-up? And by the way, I didn't buy into that adaptation thing. Some of us don't need to blend in to survive."
Maya put forth, "You don't need to try to blend in, anyway. You already have acceptance. Everyone favors straight blonde hair."
Joey touched his own yellow locks curiously.
"You bring up an interesting point, Maya," Charles told her, "but it isn't true for all people."
"Then why did they try to hurt Raven when she stopped looking blonde?" Becky suddenly chimed up.
Charles had no immediate response for that and the rest of the class silenced.
IIIIIII
Hank paused outside of the unusually shut office door. Normally, the Professor kept it open in case anyone needed anything. Hank only hoped he would not be interrupting someone's chastisement. He gave the door a tentative rap with his knuckles.
His sensitive ears picked up the faint, "Come in, please."
Entering, Hank saw Charles seated at his desk with eyes locked on the telephone. "Are you trying to become telekinetic as well or are you expecting a call?"
"Not today it seems." Charles dug two fingers into each of his temples. "Did you need something, Hank?"
Putting off his original reasons for coming in, Hank went and touched Charles' forehead. "Are you getting a headache? I have more of the tonic I used on Becca."
The Professor gave off a head shake. "Just a bit of tension. Don't concern yourself, Henry."
"It's understandable." Hank put comforting hands to the older man's shoulders. "I will never be over what happened to Raven. You have my word, Charles; I will always be there for her. I love your sister. That isn't changing."
"And I'm glad." Charles patted his hand fondly. "Just remember how important it is to take things slowly at your age."
"Slow." The word tasted bitter in Hank's mouth. "Yes, of course." Clearly, Charles had not been reading is mind.
"Come." Charles got up. "It's time for training."
Hank reluctantly followed after him.
IIIIIII
Maya grew uneasy as she attempted to climb the metallic ladder. A hand extended itself to her from up top and she wasted no time latching onto it.
Magneto delicately pulled her up. "Careful, my dear. I know high places aren't for everyone."
"High places are fine," she told him, adjusting herself. "It's gym class ladders that get to me." She then spotted Sean near the edge of the platform and went right to him."
The redhead performed a slow spin so she could take in the entirety of his uniform. "What do you think?" He waved his arms slightly. "Completely dorky, right?"
"Absolutely not," Maya disagreed. "I love green on you. It compliments your hair."
Banshee smiled gratefully at her. "Thanks."
Folding his arms, Erik leaned against a railing and observed the clear adulation shared between the two.
Maya gazed about at all three mutants present. She could not help feeling like the sore thumb in her almond brown coat.
She looked back to see Charles coming onto the platform, followed by Hank. "Professor."
"Maya," the man returned brightly. "I hope you're enjoying your day with us thus far."
She said, "Oh definitely. I can't wait for the main event." She touched one of Sean's striped wings.
"Yes," Charles said, "and I am sorry we're late."
Eel piped up, "That's usually Uncle Magneto's job."
Beast bit back a chuckle while Magneto made a playful swiping motion the little boy's way.
"Alright, let's begin," Professor X stated. He then moved Maya with him over to a more observational spot. "Much nicer view here." He looked to the other teenager. "The floor is yours, Banshee."
The tall, lean young man stepped to the diving edge. He snuck a peek at Maya out of the corner of his eye. She waited with a giddy expectant look on her face. He had to make this count. Jumping at last, Banshee let off a pulsing scream that carried him across the sky.
As she watched him, awe and increased respect built up inside of Maya. She could not believe that she stood there, observing her insanely powerful yet totally down-to-earth boyfriend own the sky.
Charles saw her glowing face and remarked, "He really is something, isn't he?"
"Yeah," Maya concurred, never taking her eyes of Banshee. "Everything."
IIIIIII
Since George Washington's birth caused cancellation of her dance class, Becky had turned to journal writing. She sat on the edge of her bed, jotting down thoughts with the colorful pony themed writing set Sean had given her for her birthday.
Sensing something, she looked up and grinned. "Big Bear!"
Hank came in fully. He bent, putting his arms around her then performed a roll across her bed. Becky giggled, propped up on top of him now.
Rubbing her curls, Hank asked, "Can I talk to you, Becca Bear?"
"Sure." She held on as he sat up with her.
He explained, "When people make big decisions, it's important that they talk to their families. Since you and I are family, I wanted to talk to you."
"Okay," Becky said, following along so far.
"I asked Raven to marry me." Becky's jaw dropped at his announcement. "And she said yes."
Becky gave him as tight a hug as she could. "Yes, yes, yes! I want to be in the wedding and I want to wear ribbons in my hair and—"
"Slow down," Hank chuckled. "Before you start planning the festivities, I still need to talk to Charles."
Becky tilted her head curiously. "How come?"
"Before a woman gets married, the man has to have the permission of the older man in her life. Usually it's the father but for Raven it's her brother."
"Oh." Now she understood. "So, my future husband has to talk to you or Erik?"
"Your future husband," Hank said matter-of-factly, "has to go through me, Erik, Charles, possibly Alex and Sean, Frank and Joey might want to be in on this as well. Then of course there's the FBI and National Guard clearance."
She blinked at the lengthy list. "Then I can marry him?"
"No," Hank smirked, giving her a tickle. He eased off from his anxiety at the giggle it produced. "But listen to me, you cannot tell anyone about this. Understand?"
She drew an invisible X over her heart. "I promise. And I'm so glad you're marrying Raven!"
"So am I, baby. So am I." Hank only hoped Charles' enthusiasm would equal out to that of the little girl's.
IIIIIII
Placing the last mug of hot chocolate onto the tray, Maya gasped as the silver serving dish floated right out of her hands. She calmed, seeing Erik. She still had to get used to that particular ability.
"They have you acting as their housemaid already?" the metal wielder commented, walking up. The tray continued to hover between them.
"I volunteered," Maya told him. "We're all out back. Raven was going to, but she's had enough to deal with this week."
"That she has," Erik agreed solemnly. "Those cowards reacted with hate and fear— but you didn't." She eyed him in confusion. "What kept you from turning away from Sean? From all of us?"
Maya answered, "Why would I turn away from my fantastic boyfriend just because his genes are way ahead of mine? I've studied biology for over six years. I know what's possible. Besides, my dad used to tell me God doesn't make mistakes."
Erik nodded in full approval. A child will lead them indeed.
Sean walked in to check on her. "Everything okay in here?" He went to Maya.
"Yes," Erik responded. "We were only discussing the book report Maya has due for me Monday morning."
"Huh?" She turned to Erik. "But I'll be back at my own school."
"Don't worry," the man said. "Sean will pick it up for you."
Sean echoed his girlfriend with, "Huh? But I'll have to wake up at like six."
Erik remained unmoved. "So years from now when she's giving birth to your son and it's four in the morning, what do you plan to tell her? '"Sorry, dear. I'd rather sleep in than share in this blessed event with you"?"
"I want a girl," Sean put forth.
Maya smiled, "With red hair."
"And brown eyes," Sean added.
Erik chose to carry the hot chocolate tray out. In that moment, he would have chosen a draft notice over the teenage puppy love fest in the kitchen.
IIIIIII
Raven sat in Hank's lap with a fleece throw covering them both. They remained on the bench while the others played in the snowy backyard.
"Why didn't you tell him before he left?" Raven brought up.
"I needed to wait for the right time," Hank reasoned, stroking her hair. "Then he was gone."
Raven groaned in frustration. "Hank, I am going stir crazy. I want to tell the world I'm going to be your wife already."
"I know. But be a little more patient and soon we'll be…" He trailed at Sean and Maya approaching.
"Why are you guys so hidden?" Sean asked. "You're acting all old."
Maya looked concerned. "Are you feeling okay, Raven?"
At the pleading eyes Raven gave him, Hank quickly said, "No, no, no. We agreed."
Raven poked her lips out. "You got to tell Becca. Come on, pleeease?"
Hank sighed but gave in. "Fine."
Grinning, Raven turned back to the very confused younger couple. "He proposed!" She ungloved her right hand and held it up.
Maya leapt away from Sean to closely examine Raven's ring. A circle of glittering diamonds was attached to the solid gold band.
"It's gorgeous!" Maya exclaimed, bouncing on her toes.
"I know!" Raven's features lit up with pure excitement. "He picked it out himself. The circle represents infinity. Well, he explained it in more science-y terms but that's all I got out of it."
"Aww!" Maya swooned.
Stepping past the girlish displays of joy, Sean approached Hank. "Dude, are you serious?"
"More than I've ever been," Hank answered resolutely. He hugged Raven to his side. "We're ready to spend the next phase and every phase to follow together."
Maya beamed. "This is so cool. You guys are going to have an unbelievable wedding."
"You'll be there, right?" Raven asked her.
"Without any kind of doubt," the younger female guaranteed.
Sean still had to wrap his head around the news but could find no objections. "Congrats, guys. Are we the only ones you've told?"
"And Becca," Raven said.
"So," Maya brought up, "when are you going to tell the Professor?"
Raven turned to Hank for that one.
"Tonight," he finally decided. "No matter what."
"We'll be there for you," Sean told him, slipping his arm around Maya's shoulders. "You can count on us."
Hank nodded pensively, reclining back with Raven.
IIIIIII
With a turn of his key, Charles entered the top level apartment. He walked across the white marble floor of the living room. As he moved, he continuously failed to sense anything.
"Emma," he called then tried the approach they knew so much better. Emma?
The Professor made his way into the bedroom. He discovered it neat and orderly but with pulled out and empty dresser drawers. Charles went into the open closet, seeing it barren as well.
Closing his eyes to better concentrate, he conducted a mental sweep across the surrounding city blocks. Unsurprisingly, he found nothing. At least not what he wanted.
IIIIIII
When he heard the familiar footsteps headed his way, Erik placed his novel down on the coffee table.
"Well, well," he said with mock firmness as Charles entered the parlor. "And just where have you been, young man?" He lost his smile at Charles' utterly forlorn countenance. "What is it?"
"May we talk?" the telepath requested softly.
Erik went to him without delay. "Of course."
Before Charles had a chance to say anything, Hank walked in holding hands with Raven.
"We heard you come home," Hank said. "We need to talk, Charles."
Erik started, "Hank, now is not—"
"No," Charles interjected. "Please, Hank. Sit and we'll talk."
"Actually," Raven said, "you'll probably want to sit down."
Erik grimaced, pointing out with his thumb. "Should I…?"
"No," Hank responded right away. "You should be here, too."
The headmasters shared a brief concerned glance then moved and sat on one of the green couches together. Raven and Hank stood across from then in front of the other couch.
Taking a moment to squeeze Raven's hand, Hank began things. "I've spent most of my life keeping secrets. The biggest one being my mutation. However, it is no secret when it comes to how I feel about Raven. She's given me hope, endless love, reason, and acceptance I thought I'd never know. I want to give her the world. I only hope my own love will do for now."
While the men waited expectantly, Raven gave him encouraging eyes.
Hank finally concluded with, "Gentlemen, I want your permission to marry your sister."
Erik did not speak as he turned to gauge Charles' reaction.
The Professor exhaled through the nose with set blue eyes. "Doves will fly at your wedding and bells will ring across the nation." He stood up. "I shall spare no expense in making sure you two have everything you could ever dream possible."
Raven's mouth split into a grin and Hank let loose the breath he had been holding in since the night he proposed.
The blue woman hurried to hug Charles. "God I love you!"
"I love you oceans, baby." Charles kissed her forehead and held her tightly. His eyes went to Hank. "Vow to me that you will protect her."
"Beyond anything." Hank went over, embracing them both with his long arms. "Thank you so much, Charles."
Charles squeezed his wrist. "I love you, Henry."
"I love you, too," the scientist returned.
The ecstatic group turned to the silent one in the room.
Erik stared blankly before rising. "I'll need a kosher meal at the reception."
Raven responded with, "You'll eat what we give you."
"And congratulations." He held a hand out to shake.
Hank took it but only to yank him over into the collective hug.
IIIIIII
Waking up suddenly but unsure as to why, Charles rolled over to view his clock. It reported a quarter to five. He flipped his legs over the side of the bed. Slipping his feet into his house shoes, he got up and left his room.
Downstairs, Charles found his way into the kitchen. He took possession of the cookie jar and lowered down into a chair with it. Removing the lid, Charles stilled his hand. His hunger had vanished without notice.
Erik came through a minute later. "Lab Rat?" he blinked.
Charles looked his attire over. "Going on a run?"
"I was just going to grab some water." Erik placed his hands on Charles' shoulders. "What in the world has you up this hour of the morning?
"I don't know," Charles replied distantly.
Erik formed a concerned frown. "I'll make you some tea." He carried the kettle from the stove to the sink to fill with water.
After the water came to a boil, Erik poured a portion into a small cup with a chamomile bag already in it. He placed the porcelain dish on the table then went to get the sugar bowl.
Charles finally looked over his shoulder. "I haven't been honest with you."
When Erik turned to him, he showed no hostility. His face echoed worry if anything.
He sat close to Charles and placed a secure arm around him. "Talk to me, brother."
Charles buried his forehead into Erik's shoulder. "Emma came back."
"Frost?"
Charles nodded against him. "Late after Valentine's Day, she appeared on our doorstep. We spent the night upstairs talking. I've also spent the last week or so helping her overcome her mental anguish. But I went to see her last night and she'd gone."
Erik hummed thoughtfully. "So you had her here in this house for an entire night without my knowledge. I also take it she's the reason for your disappearances of late."
A faint "mmhmm" sounded from the younger man. "She's been so tortured with guilt. I wanted badly to help her through it."
"So you've been helping a mutant in distress. Not exactly unusual around here. But…" Erik moved just enough to face him. "If that's all it was, why was I not made known about this?"
Charles shifted with ill ease. "I know you have a negative history with her, Erik. She invaded your mind, carried an allegiance with Shaw."
"Yes," Erik said. "All of which became null and void after what she did for Rebecca." He eyed Charles knowingly. "Could it be there was something more intimate between the two of you?"
Charles got up, walking away a few steps. "You are creating fairytales."
Erik shrugged a shoulder. "Any woman who simply gives away access to her apartment…"
The Professor spun around, fire in his eyes. "Don't you speak of her that way! You don't know the first thing about her." His outburst set in with Erik's stunned expression. "I'm sorry…"
Erik got to his own feet and walked to him. "As am I." He kindly brushed stray hairs away from Charles' forehead. "Why did you never turn to me, Lab Rat? Why did you choose secrecy?"
Charles glanced down. "I only wish I knew."
"Let's go to the parlor." Erik took his arm gently and guided the way. Once they entered their brotherly sanctum, they sat side by side. "While I am satisfied you finally told me, you understand that I cannot let the deception pass altogether."
"Yes," Charles responded quietly.
Not wanting to do this but aware of his obligations, Erik tugged the young professor across his knees. He put a comforting hand to Charles' upper back then proceeded to pepper his pajama clad behind with powerful swats.
Sucking in a breath for composure purposes, Charles tried to focus his thoughts to keep calm. All he could reflect on, though, was his recent failure. He knew he had lost much more than simply a member of his species. The negative thoughts built higher and stirred with the sting from his punishment. He placed his palm over his eyes as he gave into tears.
Erik gave Charles a final swat, which came off as more of a consoling pat. He lifted him up then surprised him by sitting him up on his leg. Erik wrapped his little brother in a strong embrace, wanting both the internal and external pains to end for him.
"I have you, little Lab Rat," the metal wielder whispered. "You are not alone. Charles," he tugged on the brown hair affectionately, "you're not alone."
Charles gave off the slightest smile at the memory of that night at sea. "Thank you, brother." He held onto the older man's arm like an infant would his teddy bear. "I'm so sorry."
"You hush now," Erik ordered. He plucked two tissues from the nearby box and began wiping Charles' face. "No thanks and no more apologies."
Though he would normally resist the toddler treatment, Charles could not help giving into the comfort. "I should let you go on your run."
"Another day will rise for that," the Poland native dismissed. He leaned back, clearly with no plans of letting go of his little brother just yet. "So, tell me. What really transpired between you and one Miss Frost?"
"Erik," Charles sighed deeply, "it's so difficult to describe to you. She's a richer soul than she ever lets on to those around her. Class, grace, refinement. Every time I climbed inside her—" Erik's eyebrow went up and Charles knew he had to clarify. "Telepathically speaking!"
"Mmhmm," Erik teased.
"Oh, you stop that," Charles said with a smile. "I only wish you could understand."
Erik paused a moment. "Do you remember my telling you I was in love?" Charles gave him a nod. "Well, there was more to it than that. How about we finish this over tea?"
Charles agreed and the two mutant men made tracks back to the kitchen.