X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Fifty Two
Author's Word: Why am I posting again so early? Trust me, it's not because I was overwhelmed by feedback. I was ready to say something to you guys about that severe lack of responses though I know well you're all reading. Then I remembered some of you are dealing with back-to-school (I'm not. At least not this year) so I decided to let it pass. No, the real reason I'm posting so soon is because this has been an emotionally bad day and writing/posting usually cheers me. So, enjoy and please review!
The next slide clicked over, displaying a mapped out design of the brain with different parts named and individually colored.
"The human mind is a fascination to say the last," Emma lectured, slide remote in hand. "It is intangible yet solid. Invisible yet constant. In mutants, it can be a source of immense power. Not only in telepaths, either. Our mental status dictates a great deal about our physical abilities."
Sean chimed up, "That all goes back to the question of where man's power really lies, body or mind?"
"That's an old but excellent question, Sean," Emma said. "As a telepath, I am admittedly bias towards the mind, but I'd rather you all come to your own conclusions. Think about it over the weekend. We will discuss it in full on Monday."
Come see me, Emma sent out as the class dismissed.
Becky hugged her folder, walking over. "Is everything okay?"
"I was going to ask you the same thing," the woman said. "You seemed so inattentive in class today. Please tell me I'm not boring you, darling."
Becky countered, "No, never. I just can't stop thinking about something that man said."
"What man, sweetheart?"
"Shaw," the little girl clarified, causing Emma's eyes to darken momentarily. "He said I should've thanked him."
"For abducting you?" Emma frowned.
"For killing my dad."
"He said that?" Emma nearly crushed the remote still in her hand.
"Yes. He said I should be happy because now I have Erik," Becky explained further. "And I do really love Erik." Her voice carried traces of guilty sorrow. "He feels like my real dad. Isn't that bad?"
Emma said, "Unfortunately my darling, circumstances are not always as ideal as they should be. When I was your age, I would have all too eagerly traded in my father for someone like Erik or Charles."
Becky looked surprised. "You would've?"
"Yes," Emma answered resolutely. "Just look at Joey's situation. Being born to certain individuals does not guarantee loyalty on their parts. It is especially hard on us as mutants." She formed a smile. "Fortunately because of men like Erik and Charles, we have each other now, right?"
"Right," Becky concurred cheerfully.
"And here we have the two most beautiful telepaths this institution has to offer."
"Uncle Charles," Becky acknowledged happily as the man fully entered the library.
He knelt to kiss her cheek. "Princess, could you please give us a moment? Emma and I have a serious matter to discuss."
"Okay." Becky made immediate steps to leave.
Once they were alone, Emma turned to Charles. "This sounds urgent."
"Indeed." Charles placed his hands inside his pants pockets. "I'd like you to accompany me for dinner tonight."
She folded her arms and walked up to better look at him. "Are you asking me out? On a non-hooky, physical plain date?"
Charles nodded. "I'd say it's about time."
She put on a skeptical air. "I don't know. Last minute on a Friday night. That leads me to believe your first choice girl fell through."
"Or that I only now acquired reservations for two at the Gold Tiger."
"In Manhattan?" Emma realized. "And without teenagers to rescue. Very impressive."
"Did my hard work pay off?" Charles wanted to know.
"About as well as my patience," she replied with a smile. "Yes, Professor. I would love to have dinner with you."
Out in the hall, Becky cheered internally right along with Charles.
She ran around the corridor towards the bedrooms. "Joey, Joey! Guess what!"
IIIIIII
Responding to the ringing, Erik had to look twice at who he discovered on the other side of the front door.
"Well," his lips curved upward, "at first I expected the milkman making a late delivery. Might I say, you are a far better sight."
"For the blind maybe," Alana replied. "How are you, Mr. Lehnsherr?"
"Erik," he quickly corrected, stepping aside. "We've already been over that."
"I remember." She stayed still while he took off her jacket to hang up. "Where is he?"
"Hm. After school on a Friday. One guess." He led the way out to the backyard.
Frank punted the football before giving it a good toss. "Go, Scott!"
Running along with Sean, Scott managed to jump up and grab the ball first.
"Oh yeah, touchdown," Frank declared.
"You kids are lucky we're going so easy on you," Alex said.
"Yeah, right," Frank scoffed. "We're just too cool for this world and you know it."
"Looking good, champ."
Frank froze for a moment before veering around. "Mom?" His face lit up. "Mom!" He raced at top speed and into her expecting arms.
Erik stood back slightly, delighted at their reunion.
"I missed you, sweetie." Alana held onto him dearly, giving the top of his head a kiss.
"Mom, this is amazing," Frank said. "But I don't get it. Dad said—"
"Dad," his mother gently cut in, "does not have a PhD. I said I was coming home and here I am."
"I'm so happy," Frank grinned. "Mom, look, look." He pulled her over towards the other boys. "This is Scott Summers. 'Member I told you."
"Alex's brother," Alana recalled. "Of course. I've heard nothing but the best about you."
"Yes, ma'am. It's nice to finally meet you," Scott said with the utmost politeness while the teens gathered over.
"Hi, Mrs. Tolbert," Alex greeted. "It's great to see you."
"Mrs. T," Sean grinned. "How have you been?"
Erik proposed, "Let us move this inside." As they did, he sent mental calls to the telepathic faculty members.
Charles and Emma collected the members of the household they had at their immediate presence. The grouped gathered together in the living room.
"Mrs. Tolbert," Charles spoke, "it is my pleasure to introduce our newest teacher, Emma Frost."
"Wonderful to meet you," Emma said as they shook hands. "Your son speaks so highly of you, Mrs. Tolbert."
"Alana, please," the other woman requested. "I'm glad to see the men have gotten some more help around here." She looked over at the young blonde girl in the room. "Raven, what's new with you?"
She raised her ring finger with a big grin. "I'm getting married."
Alana feigned a gasp. "My son actually proposed?"
Raven laughed. "No, my second choice." She linked arms with Hank. "Him."
"Luck shined upon me," the scientist said, eyeing his fiancé warmly.
They moved to the couches and Alana remained seated between Sean and Frank.
"Mom, you're staying for dinner, right?" Frank asked.
Sean added eagerly, "And to cook?"
"Sean Cassidy," Charles chided lightly. "She is a guest in this home, not our live-in chef."
"Yeah man, that's Raven," Alex quipped.
Raven gave him a punch to the wrist.
Alana smiled, keeping an arm around Frank. "I haven't had the chance to cook since Christmas actually. I'd love to."
Sean pumped his fist in triumph.
"I only wish I'd known you were coming," Charles said, indicating Emma. "We have plans for this evening."
"Just you two?" Sean reacted positively. "That's great!"
Awkward silence fell over Emma and Charles. Raven glanced away to cover her less than thrilled countenance. Alex carried his gaze towards Erik, who stood unmoved.
"Scott." Alana's abrupt petition startled the boy at first. "I almost forgot." She took a short stack of plastic covered comic books out of her purse. "These are for you."
Scott accepted the books and shuffled through them. "The last five issues of Batman? Oh thank you."
"Frank told me you love them," Alana said then turned to her own son. "Also, I stopped by the Rodells' Bakery." She took a large package of fudge out of her bag next, making Frank react like a puppy to a steak. "Two pounds. But you share that with Scott, Joey, and everybody."
"Sure, Mom!" Frank hopped up, hyper already. "Come on, Scott!"
Charles smiled after the departing boys while Erik commented, "They'll be happily bouncing off the walls within the hour."
Hank took Raven's hand, feeling some distance at the moment would do well. "Please excuse us." They started out.
"Come help me out with this GED action, Sean," Alex directed.
"Oh sure," Sean stood, following him out, "but when I used to spend Friday nights studying, it was dorky."
Alana turned to the remaining adults. "Alright, tell me. How is Frank doing in school these days?"
Erik asked, "Open or closed mouth?"
"Don't pay any attention to him," Emma countered.
"Yes," Charles said. "He has stronger opinions than men twenty years his senior, but he's a joy to have in the classroom."
"If you'll pardon me, I need to freshen up." Emma took her leave.
"It was lovely seeing you again," Charles said to Alana. He walked out with a whistle to his step.
Alana got up to face Erik. "So, those two are having a…?"
"Moment long anticipated," Erik filled in. "I suppose it was rather obvious."
"That blatant tension?" she smirked slightly. "None could miss chemistry strong enough to set this…" she waved one arm towards the ceiling, "palace on fire."
Erik smiled lowly. "How nice it is to have you amongst us again."
IIIIIII
Charles toweled off from his shower and stepped out of his private bath in his forest green robe.
He found an expectant Joey in the middle of the bed. "Oh, my little one. What is it?"
Joey stated importantly, "You're going out tonight."
Charles groaned internally, crouching by the bed. What must he had been thinking? "Oh lamb, do you not want Daddy to leave you tonight?"
"That's fine," the boy replied. "I just want to make sure you look nice." A very taken aback Charles remained in place while Joey hopped up and went to the armchair where he'd already laid out an outfit. "Wear these," he held up folded black slacks, "with this," he picked up the crisp ivory shirt, "and this one," a silk blue tie, "will make your eyes look all twinkly."
Charles accepted the clothing. "My, my. It truly pays to have an artist in the family."
Joey picked up the pair of gleaming toe loafers next. "I polished your shoes for you already."
"Goodness." Charles smiled widely. "Thank you, son." He spoke as he began to dress. "Now, with Frank's mummy visiting us, I want all of you to mind yourselves. That means no powers as well."
"Don't worry about it, Dad. We won't make trouble." Joey went over to smooth out his dinner jacket.
Charles placed his hand on top the blonde head with complete fondness.
IIIIIII
While Emma squeezed the pump on the perfume bottle, Becky removed the rollers from her hair for her.
"You are so pretty, Emma," the little girl remarked.
"If only I could awaken to it the way you do, darling." Emma regarded herself far less positively as she mentally criticized her makeup job in the vanity mirror.
"Becca's right," Raven's voice sounded suddenly from the doorway. "You look incredible."
An immediate smile formed on Emma's face. "Thank you." She looked in the mirror at Becky's reflection. "Rebecca, could you check for my silver studs? I must have left them in the bathroom."
"Be right back." Becky went off into the en suite bath.
Raven came in fully, sitting on the side of the bed. "Any idea where he's taking you?"
"He mentioned the Gold Tiger."
"Really?" Raven responded. "Talk about fancy. But that is great. I hope you guys have fun. Charles really needs it between work, kids… bratty sisters."
"Raven." Emma turned around on the bench to face her. "You know that isn't how he feels."
"Doesn't mean it's not true," Raven refuted. "Emma, I've been horrible towards you. He can fully support my marriage, but I was too into myself to share Charles with some other girl."
Emma took that in before she said, "As one champion brat girl to another, I can understand."
Becky rushed back in with her palm extended. "Found them. They were on the other side of the tub."
Shaking her head, Emma took them to attach to her lobes. "I must have left my sanity there, too." After she had the earrings in, she stood up. "Showtime, now or never."
Down in the foyer, Charles waited with Joey at his side. Both males grinned when Emma descended the stairs in an ankle length halter dress. A white shawl covered her shoulders.
"Pink?" Charles extended a hand.
"It's from my rarity collection." Emma took the offered appendage.
"Color suits you," the Professor stated softly.
Becky came down the stairs, exchanging big grins with Joey.
Erik stepped in from the next room, placing a hand on each child. "Miss Frost, you are a vision."
"Thank you," she returned.
"We should be in before midnight," Charles told Erik.
"Bye," Joey waved.
"We'll be okay," Becky said. "Have fun."
With that, Charles opened the door for Emma then left out himself.
Erik felt a gust of wind as the kids hurried off towards the living room windows to see which car Charles would be driving them away in.
IIIIIII
Frank finished stirring and turned off the burner. "The cheese is ready, Mommy."
"Oh good." Alana peeked in on the baked potatoes, still in the oven. "Get the peas boiling so I can get ready to stick this chicken in. Where's the lemon pepper?"
"We don't have it here," Frank said. "We only have garlic and other herb-y stuff I can't even pronounce."
Alana had to work not to roll her eyes out of her head. "Rich people. Baby, slice me up a regular lemon and pass the pepper. We have to improvise tonight."
"On it." Frank went to open the refrigerator.
Guided by his nose, Sean walked in. "Something smells good."
"Sean, come here, honey." Alana slipped a forkful of something into his mouth. "How is that?"
"Peach cobbler…" the teen smacked his lips before giving her a strong hug. "I love you, Auntie Alana."
She laughed then noticed the small brown radio pushed off to one corner on a counter. "Does that work?"
"Yeah, Raven listens to morning news on it sometimes," Frank told his mother.
"Well, let's turn it on," Alana encouraged. "For a house full of kids, this place is too quiet."
Sean switched it on then played around with the dial. He landed on a song from the Beatles and, with an adult present, started to change it.
"Turn that up," Alana smiled.
The teenage redhead happily obliged.
As if drawn by the music, Raven and Hank trickled in. Alex did as well, setting his study guides on the kitchen table.
Becky came in with Joey and Scott and asked, "Can we set the table, Mrs. Tolbert?"
"Thank you, honey, but setup the island. The queen called to cancel so we won't need the dining room."
Becky giggled and Scott gathered the plates to begin.
"Hey, Mom," Frank spoke. "This reminds me of that barbeque we had for Independence Day."
"That music in the park must've gone on all night," Alana recalled. "I know your dad had a good time."
"Yeah, I remember that square dance," Frank mentioned.
"You tried square dancing?" Sean asked in disbelief.
"Yep, it's easy. Rae, let me show you." Frank took her hands and within seconds, Raven managed to follow in tune to his movements.
Intrigued, Becky turned to Scott. "Will you try that with me?"
"Oh," Scott responded initially then said, "Okay," brightly.
The younger paired stepped away from the table and began to imitate the dance as best they could.
"That's it." Alana started to clap in rhythm. "You got it."
"Whoo!" Sean clapped along as well.
Scott noticed Joey's shy expression and moved in, grabbing one of his hands. Becky went with it, linking up with Raven. All five of them formed an energetic circle around the floor.
Alex could not help smiling in the direction of his little brothers.
Erik walked into the eatery in time to catch Sean swaying about in the middle of the circle. He also noticed the kitchen island prepared for supper. For a moment, he thought he had crossed over to one of Sean's paranormal films.
Hank saw him and said, "I believe we call this a hoedown."
"Noted." Erik also looked to Alana, who appeared absolutely aglow. However, the man could make out so much more behind her eyes. He went to stand behind her. "I can remember being a small boy," Alana looked up as he spoke, "listening to the piano after supper. No television, oh no."
Alana gave him a soft gaze. "Simpler times, I'll tell you."
"Indeed." He placed a hand on her shoulder.
Laughing, Frank saw Erik and sped for him. The metal wielder caught the excited youth with ease. Frank held on for a moment before transferring over to his mother. Alana brought him in close, wrapping both arms around him.
IIIIIII
When the violinist finished his set, Charles, Emma, and the rest of the diners offered him a round of subdued applause.
Charles placed his hands on the table, peering over the candles. "So he must have begged and begged for these candies and I was exhausted that morning and I let him have his way. Next thing I know I get to spend the next few hours nursing Sean's very sore stomach." He smiled at her laughter. "Have I mentioned how absolutely and utterly breath-taking you are this evening?"
"Third time's the charm," Emma smiled back coyly. She reached across to touch his hand. "This really was a great idea, Charles. It's exactly what I've needed. And wanted."
Charles seized her hand in his. "No more cowering, no more holding back. No more unnecessary secrecy." He heard the band starting again and got to his feet. "Come. Dance with me."
"Lead the way, Professor." Emma stood after him.
The male telepath brought them out to the marble floor of the large restaurant. He twirled her out like a pink flowing ribbon before bringing her in again. Emma pressed her back against his front while Charles moved in slow steps to the left then right. He raised her arm, allowing her to spin in a ballet motion.
Emma put her arms around his neck, locking their blue eyes together. "I love your legs."
"I love yours in that dress," he said back.
She leaned in towards his ear. "How would you like to see them out of it?"
Charles stopped moving, a special look coming to his face. "Waiter," he waved over, eyes never leaving the woman, "check, please."
IIIIIII
After dinner, which had no trace of leftovers, ended, Alana moved to begin clearing the table.
Raven stood quickly. "No, no. You made this entire meal. Let me do this."
"I'll help," Hank said.
Erik looked to the younger children. "I think it's time for baths."
Scott, naturally, got up without complaint. Becky and Joey complied as well.
"I'm gonna go study," Alex said to Erik, who nodded his approval.
Sean went to use the phone in the parlor to call Maya.
Alana played in Frank's hair. "Aren't you going to wash up?"
Frank glanced at her. "Could I talk to you, Mommy?"
She answered with, "Since when do you have to ask?"
"And I want Erik to come, too," he added.
Erik stood without question.
As Frank guided the three of them outside, Erik became even more clued into his intentions. He lingered a few feet away while Frank walked under the stars with his mother.
"Baby, what's the matter?" Alana asked knowingly.
Frank faced her. "Something happened to me while you were away. I've wanted to tell you more than anything."
"I'm right here now," she reminded. "And that's not changing. Tell me what's going on."
Erik sent Frank an encouraging glance, which brought the pre-teen comfort.
Alana looked confused when Frank turned his head to the side. The confusion traded out for speechless as the area around them filled with light reminiscent of the sun's rays.
When Alana saw it coming from Frank, he moved from her touch. "No! I'll blind you if you look into my eyes while I'm like this." He turned off his light and looked at her again. "It started last year in the spring."
"Frank, you should have told me about this the minute you knew," she said strongly.
"You had to focus on getting better."
"Stop that. You stop that right now. I've heard that enough. I'm not listening to it from my twelve-year-old. I need to focus on being your mother," Alana retorted. "I can't believe you kept all this—" She veered around to Erik. "You knew."
"Yes." He walked to them with a calm resolve. "That's why Charles and I started this mission and ultimately this institution. We gathered together this new species to instruct and protect." His eyes went to Frank. "We value them as if they poured for our own blood."
"You're one of them," Alana realized, her voice somewhat awestruck.
"Yes," he said again.
"Mommy?" Frank implored.
Alana held her arms out. Her son smiled and went into her embrace, feeling weightless in that instance.
"It's all alright, honey. I promise you." She rubbed his hair. "Frank?" He looked up expectedly. "I don't want you telling Daddy about this. Not a word. Do you understand?"
Surprised, Frank still said, "I won't."
She smiled and kissed his forehead nearest his eyes.
IIIIIII
The multitude of candles brought a serene illumination to the master suite. The effects radiated a glowing shadow over the massive bed's current occupants. Charles snuggled Emma close into his arms, both in their robes.
"You know," the blonde woman said, "one day, we need to bring sex into this bed. Preferably rough sex, but I am willing to negotiate."
Charles chuckled, kissing the back of her neck. "With the numerous little ones surrounding us, that will take some time yet."
"Who would have thought?" she spoke again. "Last year I was your enemy. Barely that. More like an obstacle you subdued."
"Now you harness every part that makes me a man," he responded, propping himself up over her. "You have subdued me."
"Let me do more." She raised slightly, bringing her lips up to his partially bared chest.
Charles remained still as she worked then pressed down on top of her. He kissed her forcefully. Emma melted, focusing on the delightful taste of him to keep from becoming a diamond puddle.
"Emma," he breathed in-between intakes of air.
She slid her hand down along his jawline as he returned to her neck. "I'll do anything for you." She took a handful of his brown hair, tugging on it. "Everything… make me your slave."
"Never." He withdrew, lingering over her again. "You are no man's wench or concubine. I should have said this from the start." He took a quick breath. "I love you."
Emma shook her head. "You can't mean that."
"I can deny it no longer." Charles stood straight up on the mattress. "I'm ready for the world to know it. I love you, Emma Frost. Regardless of what you've done or however you feel towards me."
"I love you, Charles," Emma told him, a gloss forming in her eyes. "I know I don't deserve you, but you're all I want in a man."
Charles got back down, bringing her to him. "Your mind in mine, hands intertwined."
"Endlessly," she added.
They kissed again, as if a form of contract signature.
IIIIIII
Erik followed the night air out onto a balcony. Alana crouched a bit, peering through the telescope.
"Buy you a drink?" He indicated his martini.
She turned around. "I'm afraid I'm too Irish and too medicated for that right now." She hugged herself for warmth. "I'm glad Frank put this out where everyone could use it." She patted the telescope. "I know he hates sharing at home."
Erik brought her in from the chill before asking, "What's really going on here? You just checked out of a mental institution and you arrive here without warning to play the part of Mother Goose. And out back? You looked surprised but not remotely astonished."
"I don't want to talk about it," Alana said.
"If you reject your son now—"
"I love my son!" she yelled at him. "I'd give my life for any one of them. Have you ever carried a baby for nine months only to never have one chance to hold her in your arms? Have you?"
"No," was all he could say.
"I dreamed of being a nurse for years. When it finally happened, I gladly gave it up to raise my Lincoln. Now, he's…" Her speech failed as her voice broke.
Erik stepped forward, trying to offer an air of comfort. "I know. Your husband told me last fall."
"To keep Frank here," she deduced. "Sounds just like him. Constant mission to carry out."
"I would have informed you under different circumstances."
"I believe that. When I came home to this, my heart stopped." She groaned intensely. "I could strangle Phil. This is how I find out? From our upstairs neighbors?"
Erik tried, "He did what he thought best."
"My teenage son is in a hospital being poked and prodded and his mother was unseen for months," Alana recounted. "You tell me how that was for the best."
Before Erik could speak, Frank left his bedroom. Sleeping trouble made evident by the rubbing to his eyes.
"Mommy." He walked to her. "Since it's Friday, can I go home with you?" He looked at Erik next. "I can, right? I'll still get my homework done."
Alana knelt to hug him tightly. "We need to talk, baby."
"…'Kay."
Erik got down, giving Frank an upraised knee to sit on. He wrapped an arm around the boy's thin waist.
Alana gripped her son's hands. "It's about Linny."