X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Fifty Five
Author's Word: You're probably out there wondering why I'm posting so soon. The short answer is, because I felt like it. At the rate this story is being written (forget posting finished stuff altogether), it's like my mental stock room is overflowing. Ah well. There are worse addictions. Enjoy!
Once she had her guest list situated around the circular table, Becky moved over to her special Hank designed storage chest. From it she took out her lengthy purple beaded necklace and oversized yellow-rimmed bonnet. After she had the selected accessories on, she joined the inanimate guests.
Emma came in a minute later, smiling at the sight. "Teatime. Somewhere your uncle's ears are burning." She put her hand on one hip. "But you'll have to dress in a flash to make it to dance class on time and as a fellow female, we both know that's a near impossibility."
"I'm not going today," Becky informed, focused on pouring the imaginary brew.
"Why, darling?" Emma walked over, crouching at the short table.
"I don't feel like it today, Auntie Em."
The blonde woman felt Becky's left temple for signs of pressure. "You're not coming down with one of your spells, are you?"
The head of long curls shook. "No. I'm just not in the mood for dancing."
Deciding to drop the issue for now, Emma picked up one of the seated stuffed animals. "I've always admired this bear, so beautiful and white."
"That's Sweetie Imp. She's my favorite. Erik gave her to me for Christmas," Becky told her.
"How lucky you are to be around men of such grand taste." Emma put Sweetie Imp back in place then pointed out Barbie and Ken across the table. "I really wish they would've had these when I was your age."
Becky said, "They're you and Uncle Charles today." She whispered, "They're going to kiss later."
"Ah, another lucky girl." With Charles away in the city, Emma herself had received a kiss in at least three hours.
IIIIIII
When the window came up for the seventh time, the noise alone made Alex want to swerve into the nearest brick wall. Due to the precious cargo beside him, he resisted the urge.
"Joey, leave the window alone," Alex commanded, trying hard to hold onto his dwindling patience. When he saw the bitty fingers creeping towards the switch again, Alex barked, "Do you want me to smack your hands? Both of them?"
The child immediately settled down against the teen's non-driving arm. "I'm sorry, Al."
Grateful for the compliance, Alex used the arm to drape over the little boy. "Just be good, okay? I'm not in much of a mood today."
When they arrived back at the mansion, Alex started to go towards the living room with his study guides. Then he saw the gathering of Hank and Raven in addition to Sean and Maya. He started for the stairs before the inevitable nausea built up in his stomach.
"Hey, cuddle bug," Raven greeted when the little boy dashed inside.
"What's the problem with Alex?" Hank asked.
"He's in a mood," Joey reported. "Or not in one. Something." He looked to the one nestled against Hank. "Raven, know what I have?"
Raven pinched one of his cheeks. "A basket of kisses?"
Joey took out a thick sheet of paper from behind his back and gave it over for her viewing. Raven beheld a painted face shot of her natural form in well depicted detail. At the top corner of the page held a glittering gold star.
"You made this in art class?" Raven inquired in awe.
"It's an incredible likeness," Hank noted.
Sean gave off a low whistle while Maya peered over his shoulder and said, "That is so cool."
"What made you decide to use Raven as a model?" Hank asked.
"Raven has all the primary colors." Joey pointed out the skin, hair, and eyes on the picture. "My teacher asked why I made my aunt blue and I said I like blue."
Sean said, "Hey, good enough."
Raven lifted Joey into a tight hug. "Thank you, baby. This means a lot to me."
"You're welcome," Joey returned. "You can keep it. They're just fun to paint. See ya." He scampered out.
"He is the sweetest thing on earth," Maya commented. "He always makes me want a little brother."
"They're not always cute and precious," Sean cautioned.
"Of course they are, Seanie." Hank reached over to mess his hair, making the girls laugh.
The redhead jerked away and flung a throw pillow Hank's way.
IIIIIII
"Kids," Emma stepped into the recreation room, "I need a hand with dinner. I can't seem to decide on a decent takeout menu."
"Pizza," Scott and Joey chorused while the former put away board games and the latter wiped down the table he used for art projects.
Emma's gaze went to the longer resided student positioned by the window. "Rebecca, why aren't you helping the boy clean up in here?"
"Don't feel like it," the little girl responded vaguely.
"You seem to have a bad case of that today," Emma noticed, more curious than anything.
"It's okay, Emma," Scott chimed in. "I can do her part. It's not much, really."
"I better get dinner on." Emma gave one more look before going to place the order.
Scott went to Joey's craft table and took a long red ribbon off it. He tipped up behind Becky and placed the material around her shoulders. So in tune with her own mind, the young telepath did not sense him and jumped a bit.
Relaxing when she saw both the ribbon and Scott, Becky gave him a small smile. He flicked one of her curls playfully then went back to straightening up.
IIIIIII
Raven reclined against Hank's chest, upright in his lap. "I'm bored."
"That's never good," Hank stated.
"You know," Maya piped up, twisting strands of hair around her fingers, "it's too bad Alex is in and out of moods and won't play with us."
"He's just no fun." Raven then exchanged an impish smirk with the other girl.
They stood up together.
"Raven," Hank petitioned suspiciously.
His fiancé gave him a special smile before proceeding out with Maya.
Sean only shrugged as he and Hank followed.
Alex did not bother looking up from his notes when he heard the library door open.
Maya and Raven poked their heads inside totem pole style. "Hi, Alex."
He returned their sing-song tone with, "Go away."
"But we wanted to ask you to play spin-the-bottle with us," Maya said as they approached his table.
"Okay you," Alex pointed a pencil at Maya, "Sean germs and you," he pointed to Raven now, "Big Foot germs mixed with weird sister vibes."
"Just what every girl loves to hear," the shape-shifter said dryly.
"Ladies," Hank came into the room with Sean, "leave him alone, especially while he's studying."
"Dude, when did you join Team Nerd?" Sean sat down on top of the table.
"Around the same time you joined Team Turd," Alex countered. "Beat it."
Maya proposed, "Let's all beat it. Let's go somewhere."
"Forget it," Alex turned down. "I've got too much to review. Besides, we'll never get out on a school night."
"I'm already out," Maya pointed out rather proudly.
"Hank and I are about four seconds away from being married," Raven loved mentioning. "We'll do what we want."
"Within reason, dear," Hank tacked on.
Sean said, "And curfew rules are under the Fraternal Twins, not our fantastic new school mom."
Sighing, Alex gave in. "Fine, whatever."
Jumping up at that, Sean took Maya with him downstairs.
They found Emma in the kitchen, reviewing a pizzeria menu.
She looked up at the teen couple. "Grilled onion counts as a vegetable requirement for the average pizza, doesn't it?"
"Plus the sauce," Maya said.
"Listen, Emma," Sean started, "we wanted to go into town for a while. Us and Hank, Raven, Alex. Is that okay?"
"Hm." The woman stood from the table, crossing her arms. "And when you say town, you mean Westchester? Not Manhattan or any of the other surrounding cities?"
"No," Sean answered strongly while Maya formed a poked out lip guilty countenance. "We'll be home by ten thirty then right to bed."
"And Hank's going?" Both kids nodded. "Well then, don't drink, smoke nothing, and if an attractive stranger offers you a ride, don't. Just don't."
"Right, got it," Maya replied.
A half an hour after the quintet of mostly enthusiastic young people left, the two large pizzas arrived.
"Emma, can we eat in the living room?" Scott requested. "We don't get to see much TV with the older kids home."
"Please?" Joey beseeched.
Emma directed, "Use plates and clean up anything we all know would give Charles a dizzy spell."
"We will," Scott promised then turned to Becky. "I'll get the plates and things. Why don't you pick the show?"
Joey tugged on her. "Come on, Becky."
"Okay." She went along reluctantly.
IIIIIII
After the small green tennis ball rolled across the black top, it collided with the pyramid of tin cans that had been stacked together. The pyramid completely toppled over. Maya's arms shot up in the air while a currently blonde Raven whooped in glee.
They chanted, "Girls rule, boys blow! Girls rule, boys blow!"
"What if we try not waking the entire neighborhood in a big uproar?" Hank suggested pointedly.
Raven ran towards him. "Kiss me, you magnificent fool!"
Hank hoisted her, giving her a long smooch.
Sean rested with the back of his head on Alex's left thigh, lazily playing with a wooden yo-yo. "I almost forgot what this was like."
Alex leafed through one of his notebooks. "What?"
"Just doing a lot of random nothing. Now lightning struck and I have a girlfriend, Hank's getting married, and you've become so serious."
"I'm not that serious," the blonde denied. "But yeah, doing this? It's cool."
"Sean?" Maya called over. "Wanna play hopscotch?"
"Ooh." The summoned one rushed over.
Leaving Raven to scamper off as well, Hank went to kneel beside Alex. "I'm very proud of you." Alex's eyes darted up. "And not only for the effort you've put into your studies. For who you've become. This is exactly the guy I knew was inside all along."
Trying to hide the effects the words had on him, Alex said, "Thanks, Bozo."
"You're welcome." Hank slapped his shoulder with affection. "Lanky."
"Hank!" Both males looked over to see Raven and Maya each dragging Sean by holding onto a foot. "Help! They're trying to take my lunch money."
Hank drooped tiredly while Alex's head arched back in laughter.
IIIIIII
Emma strolled through the second floor in fanciful curiosity. She'd lived in the house for well over a month but still did not have every square inch down to the letter. She went down to the main level, pausing just outside the living room.
Peering in, she saw Scott and Joey engrossed in front of the television with Becky leaning over one side of the couch to gaze out the window. With the irreplaceable little ones only a few feet away from her combined with the enormous house, Emma began to feel the weight of this still new responsibility.
The woman entered quietly to keep from disturbing their program and sat on the couch arm nearest Joey. Soon enough, she heard light moaning then observed eye rubbing from the youngest child.
She provided a comforting hand to the back of his head. "Sleepy, treasure?"
Joey nodded and reached for her.
Emma obliged and carefully collected him into her arms.
"Will you read to me?" Joey placed his head on her shoulder.
"Anything you like," Emma whispered and meant it. "Scott, you and Rebecca should head up soon."
"Yes, Emma," Scott replied straightaway. When they left, he scooted over closer towards Becky. "If something is bothering you, Rebecca, you can tell me. I promise not to say anything to anybody else." He observed her quietly. "Is it Erik?"
She looked over her shoulder at him, puzzlement in her green eyes. "How'd you know that?"
He explained with, "I know how it feels to keep waiting for someone to come back."
Becky glanced at him sympathetically then slouched in her seat. "Am I bad for thinking it's unfair? Frank's mom is home and now his dad is, too. Why does he need Erik so much?"
"And now Charles," Scott added then suggested, "Maybe it's because Frank's actual dad doesn't know what our school's all about. What we're really about." He looked at her directly. "Did you ever say anything to your father?"
"No," Becky answered plainly then stood. "I'm going to bed. Good night."
"Good night, Rebecca." Scott watched another minute of television before starting up himself.
IIIIIII
Raven held her credit card out to Maya. "Why don't you guys grab some food?"
"Sure." Maya joined hands with Sean as they walked across the street to the diner.
Hank had taken to bouncing the tennis ball against the can stack as some sort of mini physics experiment.
Raven went over to Alex and carefully squatted down. "Hey geek, what's up?"
Alex took a folded brochure out of a stack. "College."
"Are you feverish?" Raven asked him, only half-kidding.
"No, just been thinking. If I get this GED—"
"When you get it," she promptly corrected.
"Whatever. Something has to come next, right?"
"Whoa, look at all these." Raven shuffled through the pamphlets. "NYU, Syracuse, Manhattan College… Juilliard?" She stared at him. "So you sing in your spare time?"
"That's for Joey," he explained. "I figure he's really gonna make it with this art thing someday. Or Becky with dancing. I see Scott and Frank doing more Princeton or something." He handed her the brochure in his hand. "Westchester University is only a few miles from the mansion. I actually thought you could maybe enroll in a couple courses, too."
Her eyes shot up from the reading material, certainly not expecting such a suggestion. "Me?"
"Yeah," the male mutant nodded. "Why not? I know you're getting married and all, but Hank already graduated freaking Harvard. He's a scientist and a teacher. Dude's got it made."
"I know, but I was always homeschooled," she told him. "College never really seemed optional. It was Charles' whole life until— now."
"Well, he has his PhD. And now he has Emma to help with the kids during the day," Alex reasoned. "From where I'm sitting, there's nothing holding you back here."
Raven considered that, knowing it to be true. "Can we keep this between us?"
"Hey, no problem there," he guaranteed. "I haven't even told Erik."
Shouts, squeals, and hurried footsteps signaled Sean and Maya's return a few minutes later.
"What is going on here?" Hank asked as the couple cowered behind him.
"We tried to dine and dash," Maya said, hugging Sean from behind.
An enraged waiter ran up next. "If I don't get my money, I'm calling the cops on these two."
"Sir, please," Hank tried to calm. "Excuse them. They don't get out very much— for obvious reasons." He took a ten dollar bill from his wallet. "That should more than cover our bill."
Appeased now, the man turned around and headed back across to the restaurant.
Hank spun around with crossed arms, setting the teens with an expression not remotely warm and inviting.
"We were just kidding," Sean tried. "We were going to pay."
"We're sorry." Maya flashed bright eyes.
Hank continued to glower at them.
"Think fast." Sean tossed the large white bag at him then took Maya's hand and ran around the basketball court.
Hank let off a growl and chased after them like a cat to mice.
"Quick, butts together." Maya pressed her back with Sean's and linked arms with him. "He can't get us now."
Alex and Raven sat back, snacking on M&Ms and watching the spectacle.
Sean lifted Maya up from behind and tried to run for both of them. He did not make it beyond four steps before tumbling over.
Hank lowered down, giving Sean six firms swats across his now upturned bottom. Maya shrieked in pure feminine fashion when she received three similar on the side of her leg.
"And no dessert cup for you two." Hank then began passing the food around.
Maya sighed contentedly. "God, I love mutants."
IIIIIII
As she gripped the railing to go upstairs, Emma stayed in place at the mentally audible sounds of spirited minds coming her way. In walked a parade of Alex, Sean, and Hank complete with Raven attached to his back.
"She's not intoxicated," Hank quickly assured.
"Just high on life," Sean said.
"You're home early," Emma observed. "But I take it you had fun?"
Alex mentioned casually, "Maya and Sean got spanked," then jogged upstairs.
"Hank's mean," Sean pouted.
"Go to bed," the scientist ordered.
"Yes, big brother." The redhead hurried up.
"Good night, Emma." Hank started up with Raven.
"Rock the night, gorgeous." Raven shot Emma a thumbs up.
All in one piece, Emma thought, I'll take it.
When she made it to the second floor herself, she tipped inside Joey's room and saw him still happily tucked in. She moved onto Scott and found him in much the same position. Before she even made it in front of Becky's door, she sensed something abnormal. Emma entered the room, finding it empty.
Rebecca? Emma trailed her mind, hurrying out to the backyard. Rebecca!
She discovered the missing child on a bench, gazing upward at the clear night sky. "What on earth?" Emma approached her. "Rebecca Jane!"
"Anya."
"Excuse me?"
"I'm Rebecca Anya." Becky's eyes stayed on the moon. "That's what Erik says he would've named me if I was his kid."
"Ah, understood," the woman nodded then lowered to sit beside her. "Darling, I think it's time we talked."
Becky asked, "What about, Auntie Em?"
"You tell me," Emma responded. "You've been behaving strangely today, especially since the men left. And in my world, you, my sweet jewel-eyed creature, are far better at making wise decisions than your average child; occasionally your average adult. I know there's something going on here."
Becky faced forward. "Everything feels the way it used to be."
"What do you mean?" Emma wondered.
"Daddy had to leave all the time. When he was home, we ate together and did things sometimes, if he wasn't too tired. But it was mostly me and my nannies. Then he was gone, even though Hank wouldn't let me see it. I knew he was gone." Becky turned towards the older female slowly. "But that's all over and I have Erik. That's why when Frank called us orphans it didn't bother me because I didn't think it was true. Because Erik's Daddy now. But he's always busy now and Hank's going to have his own family soon. I feel like I don't belong to anybody again."
"That's absurd," Emma shot down, putting a protective arm around the saddened girl. "You're no stray animal from a pound. Our tie will never sever. Don't you remember?"
"I love being a telepath with you and Uncle Charles," Becky told her. "But Scott and Joey belong to you guys. I'm supposed to belong to Erik. Do you know what I mean?"
"Yes," Emma replied truthfully. "I must say, there are times I really envy you, darling. The way Erik loves you with the entirety of his heart. It's something I once wanted with my own father, but it never came to pass." She looked at Becky closely. "I never considered your life to be one of tragedy, but of fortune. And now I get to take part in it, which is best of all for me. I know I'm not Erik, but I do enjoy taking care of you."
Becky said, "I'm glad my Uncle Charles love you."
"Me, too," Emma smiled. "Come on. You'll catch cold out here." She took the girl's small hand and led them both inside.
IIIIIII
Charles hummed as he strolled into the living room. His eyes found reward in the form of the beautiful blonde dozed off in a chair. Charles quietly approached, lifting the thin woman into his arms.
Emma stirred, greeted by the Professor's welcomed face. "Charles?"
"We'd have been home sooner, but that wretched city traffic. We were out of communicator reach or I'd have contacted you. And telepathy was certainly out of range."
She wound both arms around his neck. "How was your little ball game? Did Frank enjoy himself?"
"Yes, it was wonderful. Erik's putting him to bed now," Charles responded. "Poor lad is all zonked out."
"I'm so glad you're home."
Charles chuckled as he carried her out. "Don't tell me the little ones were so awful."
"No." Emma rested against his chest. "I just love having you to share them with."
He kissed her lips, taking her up the stairs. I've got you, love.
Yes you do. Endlessly.
IIIIIII
Twisting the knob, Erik stepped into Becky's room. Instead of the sleeping miss he expected to see, he met with a deserted bed. Grimacing he checked the surrounding bathrooms before practically storming downstairs.
Something out of the corner made him stop off outside the parlor. He walked in, seeing a certain white bear in his chess chair.
Becky popped up from the right hand side of said chair. "Hi, Erik."
Frowning yet completely relieved, Erik walked towards her. "Young lady, I am going to spank you. What are you doing out of bed at this hour?" He picked her up and sat in the chair with her, mindful of the precious bear.
"I missed you." Her expression pained. "I always miss you now."
Erik kissed her cheek. "I've missed my little girl, too. I'm sorry I've been away so much. You understand about Frank's brother, don't you?"
Becky nodded. "I really wish he could be okay. But I can't even sleep if you're not home at night."
The metal wielder stroked her curls. "The same way I can't sleep unless I know for certain you are happy and well. The next time I have to be away, I want you to wait with your Auntie Em until I can return to you. Can you do that, Sweet Imp?" She nodded hard. "Good. I can't have my little girl missing sleep. I do hate spanking her."
She reached up to kiss his cheek. "I'm sorry."
Erik groaned inwardly, knowing this to never be easy when it came to his itty bitty mutant. "I understand why, but losing sleep is too dangerous with your ability." Not only that but Erik felt the child needed more from him in that moment than a mere tuck in. "Do you understand me, Anya?"
Becky touched foreheads with him. "Yes, Erik."
Not wanting to prolong this paternal chore, Erik placed the small girl over his legs as comfortably as he could. Raising his hand, he began to swat mildly at the pink pajama covered bottom. He increased the force of his hand, wanting it done as soon as possible.
Becky developed tears that had been brewing much of the day before it turned into full on crying.
Finishing the punishment with a swat to each thigh, Erik hesitated not for a second in picking her up. He cradled her and ordered gentle hushes into her ear. A Yiddish lullaby sounded next.
Though she did not understand the murmured words, Becky calmed at his voice. She sniffed into his shirt quietly.
Erik grabbed Sweetie Imp up and handed the bear over. With the two of them safely in his possession, he got up and began the trek upstairs. He made it into his own room and stretched out on the bed, getting Becky and the bear situated on his chest. Wrapping the blanket over them all, Erik tapped her bottom through the soft material. Before had been disciplinary. Now, his touch only provided comfort and reassurance.
Within minutes, Becky's sobs turned into light sleeping exhales. Erik remained awake just a bit longer. After so much stress and anxiety of late, his little girl in his arms now allowed him his own peace of mind.