X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Fifty: All The King's Horses and All The King's X-Men
Author's Word: Being able to post this chapter is an immense pleasure for me. Last year, when I had the wonderful chance to write this I did not know if it would make it to five chapters and now we're at number fifty. And you know what? It's not even over yet. Thank you all so much for being my audience and diving into this world known as Rise or Fall with me. Please enjoy and thank you all again!
Fresh green grass and dirt blended together in small tuffs as the hooves moved rapidly on top the glorious field. The initial fear Joey had felt before mounting the brown creature had long since been replaced by a jubilant glow. Alex walked alongside, enjoying seeing the child so overjoyed while holding onto the reins.
Charles caught up on his own chestnut colored steed. "Are you enjoying yourself so far, little one?"
"This is great!" Joey answered. "Thank you, Daddy."
"You're most welcome, son," Charles said, smiling with pride.
"Joey, tighten your grip," Alex advised, taking the reins from him.
"Al," Joey protested lightly. "Let me do it."
Alex feigned offense at that. "Well, excuse me, Eel. A guy turns nine years old and suddenly he wants to think he's grown up."
Emma laughed, walking close to Charles' horse. "He is so natural. The animals are completely at ease with him."
"A true horseman," Charles commended.
Joey beamed further. "Emma, will you get on with me?"
"Oh, treasure, I would but white and horse hair are not the ideal combination."
Charles observed her ivory dress pants. "I told you to wear your blue jeans."
"They look frumpy," Emma insisted.
"Please, Emma?" Joey formed a deeply saddened expression.
Unsure of what force compelled her to give in, Emma released a dramatic breath. "Alright, if I must." She pointed at the horse. "No funny business out of you."
Alex helped Emma step into the stirrup and flip her leg over the saddle to sit behind Joey.
"Be sure to move along slowly for Emma," Charles said. "She isn't one for nature."
Emma gave him a wry look as Joey started them off on a trot.
Sean sped up on his horse. "God, I forgot how much I love this!" He yelped giddily before taking off again.
Charles smiled and went after him.
Further in the middle of the group contained Becky and Scott on top a white mare.
"Thanks again for riding with me, Rebecca," Scott said. "I was real nervous, with you already knowing about horses and all."
"Don't worry, Scott." Becky held onto him from behind. "I haven't taken lessons since I was nine."
"Just let me know if I go too fast. So," he glanced at her out of the corner of his eye under his shades, "does Charles do things like this for all the birthdays?"
Becky nodded against his shoulder. "For my birthday, I got the Snow White ball gown and everybody was a dwarf. Except Raven because she played the queen. The only thing I didn't have was the prince."
"Boy, that's too bad," Scott spoke with a laced sympathetic tone.
"Personally, I found the prince to be all too unnecessary." Erik, who had been monitoring their mutant group from the rear, chimed in. He approached them on a silver haired steed. "The dwarfs took good enough care of her. They did not need the assistance of a bothersome young monarch."
"Erik played Grumpy," Becky whispered to Scott.
Both kids laughed.
Erik gave them a faux disapproving look. "Come on, Scott. We need to catch up. Let's see how well those long legs of yours hold out." Erik started off.
"Yes, sir." Scott followed along at a steady pace, mindful of his back passenger.
Erik's horse soon caught up with Charles'. "I take it you're quite the expert."
"Just rusty," Charles replied. "I rode every summer before Mother decided to sell the ranch."
"Care for a just competition?"
"Why brother, are you suggesting a race?" Charles grinned.
Erik's eyes glittered. "We'll see if the Lab Rat can best the hare."
Emma shook her head at them. "Men," was all she had to say.
Sean looked over. "Come on, Charles. You can do it."
"Go, Daddy," Joey encouraged.
"You've got it in the bag, Erik," Alex said with a thumb up.
"Erik, Erik, Erik," Becky chanted.
Scott smiled her way while mentally supporting Charles.
Charles said to Erik, "To the Picnic Grounds?"
"You are on," the older man confirmed.
Destination decided, the telepath and the metal wielder took off on their separate creatures. The others ran or galloped from behind to watch the proceedings.
Almost immediately, Erik took the lead. The great head start failed to deter Charles. Soon the horses ran alongside, neck and neck. The brothers shared a passing smirk with one another.
"Face it, Xavier," Erik taunted. "You have no true competitive edge."
Charles came back with, "I strongly suggest you readjust your concentration away from visions of presumed glory." His horse picked up speed.
Snapping the reins, Erik pushed to dart ahead of them.
With the Picnic Grounds in view, Charles had his horse perform a large leap over a tree stump. They then moved on without even a moment's delay until they stopped short of the fence post leading into the grounds.
"Charles!" Sean got down from his horse, rushing over. "That jump was unbelievable!"
"My dad's the best," Joey commented.
Emma smoothed out his wind tossed hair. "He certainly is."
Frank ran over, followed by Raven who asked, "What's all the excitement over here?"
"Uncle Charles won the race against Erik," Becky explained.
Erik climbed off his horse and went to Charles. "Well played, little brother."
Charles smiled and shook his hand genially. "Thank you, brother."
Erik then glanced over. "Hank McCoy, what do you think you're doing with that grill?" He made his way over to commandeer the barbeque.
"I know what I'm doing, Erik." Hank used a polite tone that easily translated into 'back off my equipment or die' in any other language.
"Hey, horse loser, get away from my betrothed!" Raven ran their way.
"Frank," Charles turned to the pre-teen, "are you sure you don't want a turn riding?"
"Some dumb horse?" Frank scoffed. "Yeah, that'll happen."
"Frank, this is pure fun," Sean urged. "You're missing out."
"I'm with the kid," Alex said. "I don't ride anything I can't tear apart and put back together."
After the horses had their cool down, Sean helped Charles tie them to the fence.
Emma walked up to Charles. "A kiss for the victor."
The Professor moved his head so that she got his cheek. "Thank you, Miss Frost." He cleared his throat then went to chat with Hank and Erik.
Sean gave Emma a sympathetic look. The woman only smiled at him before going over to Raven.
"Green and blue," Emma commented of the long picnic table's cover cloths. "The colors of Eel."
Raven put down another festive blue cup. "It must blow your mind to see anything beyond white."
"It's a classic," Emma stated plainly. "Speaking of color, I see you like to go blonde for the public. I must say I'm flattered."
"Except my blonde doesn't look sprayed on." Raven moved away to set the other end of the table.
At batting zero with yet another Xavier, Emma threw her hands up.
Sean, Alex, and the younger students gathered up in one area.
"Hey, there's enough of us here to play some serious freeze tag," Frank suggested.
"I'm no good at that game," Joey said.
"Then what are you up for, birthday guy?" Alex squeezed his shoulder.
Joey thought for a moment. "How about a three legs race?" Frank, will you play with me? You move the fastest."
Frank said approvingly, "Now you're talkin'. I'm in." He looked to Scott. "Think you can survive without the other half of the Eye Scream Team?"
Scott made a show of kicking up dirt. "Gee whiz. Now I have to find someone else to race with…"
"We can race together," Becky suggested excitedly. "It'll be fun."
"Oh? Well, sure," Scott smiled.
Alex rolled his head in amusement. "Guess I'm stuck with Seanie." He used his hand to mess the taller teen's red hair.
Sean tried to jerk away. "Ew, blondie germs."
A minute later, Raven felt the need to ask why they'd all decided to tie themselves together with shoe laces.
"Three-legged race," Frank told her.
"I wanna play." She turned around. "Hank, come be in this with me."
Hank surrendered his spatula to Erik. "Excuse me while I tie the knot before I tie the knot. But I'm going to want this back."
"We will see," Erik smirked.
Charles shook his head and took another carefree sip of lemonade while monitoring the children.
"This is so cool," Raven said as Hank laced them together. "We have to have a three-legged race at our wedding."
"Raven, so long as we're both there on time," Hank stood up straight, "we can bob for apples as far as I'm concerned."
The shape-shifter clapped gleefully.
"Alright," Frank said once the four groups lined up, "last one there smells like Alex on a good day."
"And the first one gets to watch me hang Frankenstein up by his toes," Alex tacked on.
"Let's go!" Joey signaled, small fist held high.
The very wobbled groups took off.
"Sean, dude, why are you hopping?
"I'm not hopping. I'm bounding."
"Who are you, Superman?"
"You know, we'd have won by now if you'd gone barefoot."
"You do realize that would involve me dragging your body, right?"
"So? I'll be your cavewoman."
"Come on, Joey. Just a little bit more." They reached the oak tree. "Yes!"
Joey collapsed to his bottom. "We did it!"
"Nice going, buddy," Alex commented to him as he and Sean hop-bounded over next.
More focused on hanging on to Becky, Scott stepped the wrong way. They both fell forward and Scott lost his glasses.
"Oh no." He cursed his luck, blindly feeling around for the frames.
Alex and the adults ran over in no time. Untying the shoelace knot, Alex gathered his brother up into his lap.
Becky spotted the glasses and picked them up before someone could step on them. She carefully slipped them back onto Scott's face.
Scott blinked them smiled upon seeing her through the lenses. "Thanks, Rebecca."
"You're welcome," she returned cheerfully.
Alex wrapped an arm around Scott and patted his barely there stomach. "Got to be more careful, bro."
"I believe we've had enough exertion," Charles stated. "I'd say it's time to eat."
Erik picked Becky up to carry while Scott walked with Alex.
Charles took hold of Joey. "Are you having a fun birthday so far?"
"I sure am," the boy replied.
Charles could sense the waves of positive energy vibrating off the child he claimed as his own. It felt so refreshed from the terrified chills he experienced from him almost a year ago.
At the table, Erik, Becky, Scott, Alex, Hank and Raven lined up on one side while Emma, Sean, and Frank took up the other side. When they got to the table, Joey maneuvered to make sure he got to sit comfortably between Emma and Charles.
Alex brought up, "What is with this Eye Scream Team deal you two have going on?"
"Because me and Scott are the only ones with cool eyeball powers," Frank explained simply.
"How can you have separate clubs when we're one team?" Sean said.
"Charles, Emma, and Becky are the Telepath Team," Frank mentioned.
"Triad," Becky corrected. "The Telepathic Triad. That's a group of three."
Emma and Charles shared a brief smile.
Frank said matter-of-factly, "I know it's a group of three. And if everybody's gonna be one team we need a cool name. Like the Yankees."
"Not all of us are yanks originally, boychick," Erik reminded him.
"So what? Get with it or get out," Frank dismissed.
"Franklin, the true spirit of a Patriot," Charles said. "Never lose that about yourself. Men two and three times your age know nothing of loyalty."
Frank grinned at that. "We still need a name, though."
Joey asked, "Is a horseman someone who's really good with horses?"
"You've said it, Kangaroo," Erik answered him.
"And Batman's good with bats?" Joey questioned next.
Scott nodded, placing his cup down. "Right. He can control them sometimes, too."
"Then what do we call someone who's good with mutants?" the curious child went on.
"His parents named him Charles," Hank brought up, igniting laughter at the table.
After the lunch of burgers and hotdogs finished, Joey made his way over to the horses. He stealthily took a baby carrot from his pocket and fed it to the horse he had ridden earlier. After the brown creature gobbled it up, Joey quickly gave him another.
"I suppose that's one way to get rid of your vegetables."
Joey jumped at the voice and looked up. "Hi, Emma."
She winked at him. "My lips are sealed."
Joey gave her a big smile. "I wanted to throw them out, but Uncle Erik would've fussed me out good for wastin' food."
"Oh, he couldn't be mean enough to scold you on your birthday." Emma rubbed the brown horse's nose. "Is this one your favorite?"
The new nine-year-old nodded. "He was fun to ride on. Especially with you."
Greatly flattered, Emma said, "And I know I enjoyed myself with you." She squatted, gripping him at the waist. "I see just why Charles loves you so much. Because I do, too."
Joey felt everything in him swell. "I love you, too."
Having not heard those words in immeasurable time, they seemed so foreign to the woman. She quickly blinked back the emotional response before taking Joey's hand to rejoin the others.
IIIIIII
Walking through the second floor to get back downstairs, Scott heard rushed footsteps from behind. Then a smaller hand slipped into his.
"Scott, I need you for a minute," Becky explained quickly.
"Oh, of course," Scott obliged before getting yanked forward by the girl.
Becky brought them to her room and pointed out the poster board and art supplies on the floor.
"We have to work on Joey's birthday card before cake time."
"Gee." Scott got down on the carpeting with her. "Most handmade birthday cards I see are done with little sheets of construction paper."
"Uh uh!" Becky shook her head, folding a blue ribbon into a bow. "That's not the way Joey and I do things. We're little but we think big. And this has to look good. Joey's the best artist ever."
"Right, right." Scott looked around at the assortment of paints and glitter. "What do you want me to do?"
She gave him a marker. "Write a birthday message to him and sign your name. Then we're going to do our handprints in the primary colors— they're Joey's favorites."
Scott nodded and thought up something to write. "So Joey seems pretty popular around here. Everybody is really wild about him. Except Frank. What's that about?"
Becky attached the bow to the top of the board using glue. "Frank's okay most of the time. He likes playing with me a lot, even though most boys think girls have cooties. He likes being with the older boys way more than he likes being around Joey. I'm surprised he likes to play with you so much."
"Well, we are the Eye Scream Team," Scott smiled. He recapped his marker. "Are we ready to do the handprints now?"
"Yes," Becky answered. "I want red because it's closest to pink. You should be blue. Frank can have yellow."
"Okay," the other young mutant agreed. He looked over the three jars of finger paint and picked up the one he thought to be blue.
Becky gave off a small giggle. "That's red, Scott." Her face fell right after his. "Oh, Scott, I'm sorry. I forgot you can't tell sometimes. I wasn't trying to make fun."
"It's okay," he rapidly reassured. "You're great." His eyes widened under his shades and he felt highly thankful she could not see his full expression.
A grateful smile spread across her face. "Thanks." She picked up the blue paint, trading with him for the red.
They each used a brush to coat their hands thoroughly.
"Ready?" Becky glanced at him.
"Just show me where," Scott replied.
The girl moved her hand over to the center of the white board and hovered it just above there. Scott followed her lead. They then pressed their hands down simultaneously, leaving behind colorful copies of their palms side by side.
"This is really cool," Scott said to her. "Thanks for always including me, Rebecca."
"I like doing things with you." She hopped up to her feet. "Let's go find Frank so he can hurry up and add his hand."
Scott moved to open the door for her, careful to use his clean hand only on the knob.
IIIIIII
High-pitched squeals could be heard throughout the living room as Alex rolled over with a thrilled Joey in his clutch.
"I'm so glad you're nine now." Alex pinned him lightly against the floor. "Now I can really beat you up."
Joey giggled and scrambled out to leap onto a crouched Hank's back. The scientist moved about lion style and growled good-naturedly. Joey latched onto his neck, hanging on securely.
Sean came over next and grabbed the little boy up to dangle by his feet.
"Seanie!" Joey attempted to reach for him but gravity gave him a disadvantage.
"What's wrong, squirmy wormy?" Sean smirked, taking him in for an upside down hug.
Frank rushed in with Scott. "Zap him, Joey," the former goaded.
"No, Joe," Alex piped up firmly. "We don't do that to each other."
"I know," Joey said, using a spare hand to poke Sean in the belly button.
"You know that as well," Hank said pointedly to Frank.
"Ah, Hank." Frank went over, climbing on his back. "I was just jokin'."
Hank reached around to swat his thigh mildly then began to move about vigorously with him.
Scott smiled widely. "Can I play, too?"
Alex scoffed. "Like you have to ask. Get over here, scrawny."
When Scott came close enough, Alex yanked him down and began tickling. His brother gave off a laugh that practically filled the entire house.
Sensing his joy, the two adult telepaths came in to see.
Emma smiled but said, "Be careful of his glasses."
"No problem, Em." Alex kept Scott's arms down so that the giddy boy didn't accidentally knock his frames off his face.
Charles sat down to observe the frolic of his boys. Normally, he did not approve of such undignified behavior, but he did not have it in him to ruin the merriment.
Emma took a seat on the arm of the loveseat. She did not miss the Professor's less than subtle attempt to scoot away a few inches. Emma wanted to glare at him, but kept her attention on the boys.
Sean stood Joey up. "Go save Scott."
The short blonde darted over to the Summers pair. "No more tickles, Al."
"Oh yeah?" Alex leaned in, nuzzling his nose. "Whatcha gonna do about it, huh?"
Joey then wrapped his arms around Alex's head, making him talk muffled. Scott used the distraction to try and tackle the teen. When Alex proved stronger, Joey fell forward on him.
Alex fell back on the floor dramatically, allowing both boys to land safely on top of him. He feigned defeat then gave each of them a squeeze. Smiling, Joey reached over Alex's chest and hugged Scott, who while initially surprised, patted the younger mutant's back fondly.
Charles looked on at them approvingly. Out of the corners of his eyes, his gaze also went to the woman in white nearest him.
"Whoa!" Hank felt a jerk from his belt buckle that shoved him down to his stomach, providing good cushioning for Frank.
Erik stepped in and Sean tattled, "Char-les! Erik's using powers and he knows we're not 'sposed to."
"Go to your room, Erik," Charles instructed.
The man shrugged. "I know where I'm not wanted."
Before he could turn to leave, Joey ran to him and hugged his leg. "No!"
This made Erik smile. "Looks like my birthday Kangaroo has spoken." He lifted the boy up into his arms.
"But you have to say sorry to Hank and play fair now," Joey added.
"Oh yes, sir," Erik complied diligently. Adorable blonde bundle in his hold, the metal wielder walked to Hank. "You have my deepest apologies." He placed Joey down.
"Accepted." As soon as the youngest in the house was off Erik's person, Hank grabbed the man's ankle and brought him down.
Frank laughed at the look on Erik's face then pounced over to him.
Joey smiled then attempted to climb up Sean. "Come play with us, Daddy."
"Scottie, uck!" Alex batted at his brother, who attempted to poke him in the ear. "Cut that out— yeah, Charles."
The Professor declined with, "No, no. I couldn't. You all have your fun."
"Don't be a bench warmer, brother." Erik sat up with Frank in his lap.
"Go on, Sugar," Emma encouraged.
Unsure of how to get involved here, Charles took a pillow and flung it out to the middle of the floor. The others looked at it expectantly, as if waiting for some kind of bomb to go off.
Erik looked at him flatly. "Really, Charles?"
"Well, I was raised with a little girl," Charles reminded. "I believe you can cut me some slack."
The aforementioned little girl rolled in a cart with colorful gift boxes on it. Becky skipped in as well, giant card waving in front of her.
Joey detached himself from Sean and went straight to her. "Is that for me?"
"Course it's for you." Becky gave it over. "Happy Birthday."
"Ooh, this is the best one ever." Joey bounced in his socks.
"Read what we wrote," Becky pointed.
Joey read them from top corners to bottom.
Super Happy Birthday, Joey. I love you and want you to have the best day in the whole universe! Hearts, stars Becky
Happy Birthday, twerp. Have fun and share your good gifts with me- Frank
I'm glad I'm here to share your day. I always wanted a little brother so thanks a lot. Happy Birthday, Joe- Scott
"Thanks, you guys," Joey said to the three.
"I put the most work into it," Frank threw out.
Becky gazed over sardonically at Scott and she could swear she caught an eye roll under his shades.
"If you're happy over your card, wait until you see your presents," Raven said.
"Do you want presents or cake first, little one?" Charles asked.
Joey went over and climbed up onto Charles' legs. "Presents, please."
Erik stood over by the loveseat and Raven sat next to Charles, directly between him and Emma. Becky sat on the other side of Charles while Alex, Hank, and the boys lined up on the floor facing the loveseat.
Being closest to the cart, Hank distributed the presents. With the horseback riding along with the toys the boy had already accumulated that year, most recently with Emma's purchases, Charles had gotten the older mutants to agree to one gift a piece.
Sean got him a ten pack of sticker sheets with dragons, wands, goblins, and other mythological themes. "I know it's not Merlin but it's pretty close, right?"
Joey glowed regardless. "Thanks, Seanie."
Hank did not miss the initial disappointment when Joey unwrapped a book. "It's a history of famous artists. It gives you interesting facts about them and you also get to paint the pages with water colors."
"Cool!" Joey reacted. "Thanks, Hank."
He chuckled. 'Did you really think I would get you a boring schoolbook for your birthday?"
"Yes," Frank answered. "He'd say so but he's too nice."
"Glad we don't have that pesky problem with you, Frank-O," Sean said.
Raven showed him the album she'd put together for him. "These are us from Christmas. And look, there's New Year's Eve. Us at the beach and Disney Land."
Joey quieted, placing a hand over the picture of them gathered by Snow White. "Nobody's ever given me anything like this before." He could barely recall ever seeing a photo of himself. "Thank you, Raven." He reached over, hugging his auntie tightly.
She smiled, stroking his hair. "You're welcome, cuddle bug."
Erik's gift came in the smallest package and Joey studied it with intrigue. "I've carried that compass for as long as I can remember. It's supposed to keep you from getting lost. It's made of mostly metal. Keep it on you and I'll make sure you don't get lost."
Joey promptly slipped it into his pocket. "Got it, Uncle Erik."
Next, he received a gift that had been wrapped together with newspaper comics and duct tape. He opened it, finding a very familiar leather jacket inside. He picked the garment up carefully, gazing at Alex.
The teenager shrugged. "You're always swiping it from me, anyway. Besides, I barely get a chance to wear the new one Charles got me for Christmas."
Joey immediately put the jacket on. It fit several sizes over him but he cared not.
Hank gave Joey the last package. "Guess from who."
Knowing already, Joey quickly shredded the paper. From it, he unearthed a large black case with JOEY spelled out across the top in cursive letters. He unsnapped the case cautiously and gasped when he saw the abundance of colorful materials within.
"Pastels, paints, crayons, water colors, chalk," Charles listed. "Brushes— and nothing but the best for my magnificent young artist."
Twisting around, Joey hugged his father tightly. "Thank you, Daddy! I love it!"
"And I love you," Charles said, planting a kiss near his ear.
Raven grinned. "Well, I guess it's time to cut the cake. And don't worry, Emma. I'm sure you'll remember for next year." She added lowly, "If you're still around."
Emma sent her a catlike grin of her own. "Actually, I spent all week searching for the right present but inspiration did not hit until today. Joey," she faced the boy, "I talked to the owner of the stables and bought you that beautiful brown horse we rode on today."
"Our horse?" Joey climbed over Charles and Raven to get to her. "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Emma held him in her lap in a wrapped embrace. "You're welcome. I love you very much, treasure."
"I love you, too." Joey nestled into her shoulder.
A look exchanged between Charles and Erik.
May I see you in the library? Charles requested after the cake had been passed around.
Wordlessly, Emma followed the male telepath to the mentally spoken place.
"Emma, what possessed you to buy such an extravagant gift for a nine-year-old? Charles demanded.
The woman stared back at him plainly. "Have you taken a stroll around this fortress you call a home? Harvard's students don't have an endowment this big."
Charles responded with, "I know that. That is why I instructed everyone to buy him just one gift."
"Horses aren't doves, Charles," she countered. "They don't come in pairs. You said it yourself he's a natural horseman. Yes, he's a fabulous artist but how is he ever going to branch out and find real confidence if we don't nurture all of his abilities?"
Bending over one table, Charles sighed deeply. "I understand the point you are making, but—"
"You don't even think I was wrong," she cut in. "I sense it, Charles. We're only having this discussion because, yet again, your brother thinks I'm overindulging the children."
"Do not make my brother the enemy."
"Who has been treated like the enemy since I came here?" Emma roared back, getting the man's full attention. "I feel at a loss, Charles. If it isn't Erik nitpicking, it's most certainly Raven."
"Emma…" Charles trailed with uncertainty.
She folded her arms, smiling weakly. "I don't think Joey comprehends what he did for me today. I haven't had anyone express love towards me in a long time. At least not with sincerity behind it." She looked directly at him. "I never thought I'd find a comparison between you and Shaw."
When she turned to go, Charles brought his head up. "You remind him of his mother." Emma looked back, eyes squinted. "Joey. The resemblance you have to his natural mother is uncanny. You were in his mind as well. You saw her. He'd made so much progress in moving past the abandonment. Now these recent events—" Charles exhaled. "I don't know if he could handle it if you and I…"
"You mean if I," Emma emphasized, "walk out on him next."
"Am I so wrong to be concerned?" Charles wanted to know.
"No," she shook her head. "You're a father first. I wouldn't want it any other way."
Charles stepped closer to her. "Let's no fight on his birthday."
She nodded. "Sooner or later, Sugar. You're going to have to figure out what you really want here. Hot to cold won't suffice for much longer." She then headed out.
Charles touched fingers to his temples, feeling a slight ache building.
IIIIIII
Raven furiously wiped at the dining table while Hank gathered the plastic cups and plates leftover from the festivities.
"The nerve of that woman," Raven fumed. "She thinks she can buy her way into anyone's heart around here."
"She does go overboard at times, but I think a horse would be good for Joey," Hank reasoned. "He loves animals and having one to focus on could be what he needs right now."
"Yeah, but did you see that cocky attitude she had about it?" Raven sneered. "Seriously. I do not know what Charles was thinking bringing in that cheap, fake—"
Hank threw his items into the nearby trashcan then snarled, "Enough!" Raven stood frozen. "I am sick of this completely selfish attitude you've had since Emma arrived here. I wouldn't accept this behavior from Becca, let alone my betrothed." He came upon her, finger pointed in warning. "Either you get over this hang-up or you can answer to me."
After she snapped out of her shocked trance, Raven smiled cutely at him. "Yes, honey."
"Good." He gave her a long kiss then got back to work.
Raven bent back over, absently cleaning the table now.
IIIIIII
Alex came into Joey's room and found the child in bed, peering through his new photo album. He had on his Dalmatian spotted pajamas, complete with leather jacket.
The teenager smirked, coming over. "You'll sweat like a pig if you sleep in that thing."
"Who cares? It's from you," Joey said simply, turning another page.
Alex sat by him, viewing the photo of the two of them in the snow on Christmas. "I can't tell you how much fun I've had with you, kid."
"Al?" Joey titled his head back to peer up at him. "Will you still be my big brother now that I'm nine?"
"Am I gonna breathe later?" Alex asked in turn. "Joe, just because you've gotten a half inch taller doesn't mean anything. It's my job to take care of you. We're bros and that's the way it'll be even when we're old like Erik." Joey laughed and Alex gave him a strong squeeze. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Eel."
Joey leaned against his arm. "I don't know what I did before you."
Alex kissed the top of his head. "I don't want you worrying about that anymore." He laid the small child down. "I'll see you in the morning, baby bro."
"Night, Al."
Giving him a little poke in the stomach, Alex got up and left.
Joey reached towards his end table, retrieving the compass. He settled back, holding the circle of metal to his chest.
"Hey, little bro," Alex greeted, noticing Scott under the covers. "Going to sleep already? You have a good hour left."
Scott relaxed as much as he could before removing his glasses. "I feel really worn out from everything we did today."
"Oh, you'll get used to it." Alex joined him in the bed. "Erik and Charles like to keep us in the best around here."
"And Emma, too."
"And Emma, too," Alex agreed. "You know, these hokey family days are ten times better with you here now."
Scott gave off a smile. "It was really fun fooling around today. It almost… for a second it felt like the way we used to be."
"That's great, Scottie, it really is," Alex told him. "But even if you never remember everything, it's okay. All I care about is that we're together again."
Moving over closer, Scott asked, "Could you stay in here tonight?"
Alex placed his arms around him protectively. "Close your eyes."
Scott complied, drifting away quickly.
IIIIIII
Passing by Joey's door, Charles saw him at his desk. "You've barely had them for two hours and you're already into your new art supplies?"
"Mmhmm. Almost done." Joey placed his used brush in the cup of water then screwed the lid back on his paint jar.
Charles picked him up. "Do you want to wear your jacket to bed?"
"Please, Daddy?"
"Just for tonight," Charles decided, carrying him to bed. "Did you have a nice birthday?"
"The best in the world," Joey replied with sorrowful eyes.
Charles looked concerned. "Then what's wrong?"
"My birthday's over at midnight," he said. "And I don't want it to end."
Now Charles understood. "I know just how you feel, little one. But we are going to have so many more celebrations. Just you wait and see." He sat on the side of the bed with him.
"Daddy, aren't you gonna spank me?" the child asked suddenly.
Charles almost laughed. "What on earth for?"
"For my birthday," Joey explained. "I was talking to Seanie and Frank before. They say it's for good luck."
"Yes, that is the old tradition," Charles recalled. "One I remember sharing with my own father. Do you want one?"
Joey nodded. "You have to do it 'cause you're my dad."
"That I am," Charles smiled. "Alright then." He very gently lay his youngest charge across his knee. "One," he patted his bottom mildly, "two…"
Joey hugged his father's leg. It didn't hurt, but he did begin to feel sleepy.
"Nine," Charles concluded, "and one to grow healthy and strong on." He made that swat the hardest and picked him up into a hug. "You really are my big boy now, aren't you?"
Shaking his head tiredly, Joey latched onto him. "Uh uh. I'm your little one." He kissed Charles' cheek.
Delighted by the response, Charles stood. "Let's go sleep in Daddy's room."
Heading out, Charles stopped to notice the painting Joey had left on the desk. He used one hand to pick it up for a closer view. In bold yellow and blue, he read: X-MEN