X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Fifty Eight

Author's Word: So, rant time. I was rudely awoken from my sleep this morning then could not fall back to sleep right away so I've been fumbling through my day with a heavy head. Instead of putting said head to pillow when I got home a few hours ago, I just had to post this chapter. Just had to. Know what I need? That's right. Feedback. Please enjoy!

Ears alerted, Hank glanced over in time to see Charles, Erik, Alex, and Sean walk into his lab.

"Look at this," Hank began without delay. He walked over to the mannequin holding his yellow and blue training suit. "Do you see anything different?"

Sean guessed, "You do self-dry-cleaning now?"

"No. X." Hank pointed out the stitched on black and white patch located at the waist and shoulders of the outfit. "With the gene that causes our unique mutations still unknown as of yet, I thought the official dub of X-Men would be quite appropriate. Though I have to admit, the notion first appeared in a few drawing of Joey's. I'm sure he had our Professor X in mind."

"Cool, cool," Sean commented.

Alex tilted his head, peering at the insignia. "Yeah, but what about Magneto?"

"Magneto," Erik chimed up, "will be displaying an X for the entire world to see. As should you."

"Yes, sir." Alex turned to Charles next. "I'm sorry."

Charles merely smiled and waved his hand dismissively.

"The X's offer more than a simple fashion statement," Hank continued. "The ones built into our belt buckles also act as another communicator link-up. It's shock proof, waterproof—"

"It slices, it dices." Sean smiled adorably. "Sorry, I tried to resist.

"And nearly shatter proof," Hank spoke again. "I've also looked into different techniques to improve training sessions tenfold."

"Charles said, "Hank, this is marvelous."

Erik put forth, "Anything that leads to improvement. You never know when something like Shaw or worse could materialize again."

"We can always nuke the next one, too," Sean suggested casually.

"Drop your arrogance," Erik said sharply, making Sean's shoulders slump. "We're fortunate to have survived that one encounter. There's no predicting the next."

Alex, knowing that to be truer than anyone else present in terms of fortunate survival, cast his eyes downward.

"I think we should join the others for breakfast," Charles proposed. He glanced back as the others filed out. "Aren't you coming?"

"In a moment," Hank said, returning to his desk. "I just want to review one more thing."

"Hank," Charles gazed closely, "you haven't been overdoing it again, have you?"

The young man shook his head. "No. It's only that inspiration seems to pour in from every direction."

"See to it that it pours you down to the breakfast table shortly. Also, Henry? Top marks."

Hank gave him a smile then began to paw through his chaotic yet highly organized note system.

IIIIIII

Noise and chatter filled the dining room with Dress-Your-Own-Waffle Day underway. The numerous young people scrambled for the dozen or more toppings spread out over the table. Despite it all, Charles' eyes fell on Scott. The boy sat perfectly still, peeling off pieces from his single plain waffle.

"Scott," Charles addressed, reaching over to pat his hand. "Are you alright this morning?"

"I'm fine." Scott shook his head out. "Just not so hungry."

"Ah Hank, perfect," Charles said to the approaching scientist. "Come and have a look at Scott, will you?"

"I said I'm fine," the one in question lightly protested.

"Let me just make sure of that." Hank first felt his forehead and confirmed, "No fever." He squatted, using his keen ears to listen to the child's stomach. Odd gurgling caused Hank to frown a bit. "How's your stomach feeling today?"

Scott rubbed it. "Kind of heavy and sour."

"I think you're coming down with a bug." Hank stood back up. "No school for you today. I want you right back in bed."

"I'll take him." Alex got up from his chair and carefully hoisted his brother up into his arms. "Come on, skinny boy." He patted Scott's back in comfort.

"I'll send some soup up," Raven called after them.

Joey put his fork down and poked his lips out.

Emma asked, "What's the matter with you, Treasure?"

"I only get sick on weekends," the small blonde complained.

"Eat your waffles." Charles rubbed his hair. "And no sulking."

Joey complied, returning to his nearly finished and completely sticky plate.

IIIIIII

Alex exited the garage and proceeded upward with his bag. He stopped in his tracks at the sight of a male and female pair he absolutely knew did not belong to the household also coming up the path. The man stood at about Erik's height and had a gray trench coat with matching fedora on over a navy blue suit. The woman, a squat light brown haired woman, wore a chocolate colored pencil skirt, white collared blouse, and a blazer that matched the skirt.

"Excuse me, young man," the gentleman called out. "We're new to the area. We're trying to find the Xavier Institute."

"This is it," Alex pointed out. "Are you here to see the Professor or Mr. Lehnsherr?"

The woman spoke next. "Actually, we're here for our son, Henry McCoy."

Alex's mouth formed a tight line and he only stared at them at first.

IIIIIII

Hank stopped writing on the board but continued to face it as he asked, "Becca the Bear, why are you eating in the lab?"

"Who said I was eating in the lab?" she returned from where she sat in the back beside Joey.

He spun around. "I can smell the chocolate from here."

"Becca the Bear?" Frank echoed then chuckled. "That's what you call her when she's in trouble?"

"He's her brother. He's her teacher," Sean stated. "That's very Laura Ingalls Wilder."

"Who's Laura Ingalls Wilder?" Becky asked.

"Back on subject, please," Hank moved on. "Frank, what is the cause, generally speaking, of earthquakes?"

Frank responded with, "A sudden movement of underground rock along a ruptured surface."

"Excellent. Now, Joey," Hank looked to the nine-year-old, "this one is for you. What are the key ingredients necessary to produce rain?"

Joey turned immediately squeamish. "Ummmmm…."

"Oh Hank!"

Everyone's eyes went to the open doorway while Hank froze in place at the voice. There stood Alex along with two strangers.

"I'm so happy to see you!" the woman grinned, hurrying over.

"Mom?" Hank lowered to give her a hug when she got near enough. He looked past her. "Dad?"

"Hard at work as ever." The man came over, clapping Hank on the shoulder. "Why am I not surprised?"

Alex stepped up, clearing his throat. "So Hank, your folks are here."

"How—when—" Hank attempted to get a handle on things. "What are you doing here?"

His mother smiled. "Did you really think a simple postcard regarding your engagement would do to satisfy us? We haven't even met Raven."

"Imagine, our boy headed for the aisle." Mr. McCoy beamed. "We just had to come out."

"I'm glad you did, really." Despite his words, Hank quickly felt a dose of Joey's previous nerves come over.

IIIIIII

Scott dug through the drawers of his desk, quietly cursing his luck when he came up empty. He next went to his toy bin, groaning in strain as he bent over.

Alex walked in and admonished, "Scott Summers, why are you out of bed?"

"I was looking for my hot glue," Scott gave him a look under his shades, "Alexander Summers. I wanted to work on my model plane."

"Nope. No geek-toid projects allowed. You need to rest." Alex approached and lifted him up.

Scott pulled back feebly. "But I already rested."

"Hey." Alex held him tighter. "I know you're feeling lousy, but you need to calm down." He laid him down on the bed then sat near him. "Let me see your hand." Scott held out his right and Alex gave the back of it two fast smacks.

"Ouch," Scott uttered under his breath.

"Sorry." Alex rubbed the hand for him. "I don't like smacking my little bros when they're sick, but I want you to get well soon. You want to work on your model, don't you?"

"Yeah," Scott sighed. "I ought to throw up on you."

Alex put a blanket over him. "Oh yeah? Ooh, look at Cyclops, the big bad barf monster." He lowered, nuzzling Scott's neck with his nose. He smiled when he got an honest giggle out of the boy. "That's my Scottie Man." Alex rubbed his stomach gently.

Scott relaxed under the touch. "Alex? I am sorry for giving you a hard time, really. It's still so weird being able to see you and be with you and have people make you go to bed when you're sick."

"Don't worry about it anymore and you better get used to it." Alex lowered himself next to him on the bed. "Your big brother's back." He studied the younger boy, thinking about something. "I helped take care of you when you were little and got sick?"

Scott moved closer toward him. "You did? Where was Mom?"

"Oh, she was there. Any time she needed a break, I'd help. I could get you to eat and laugh. And if you think this little stomach ache is bad, that diarrhea you had when you were three was something awful." Alex made a face. "I had to help give you a bath. Man, did you stink."

Scott laughed. "You probably did something mean to me to deserve it."

Alex scoffed. "I didn't know how to be mean to you. You were actually pretty cute. What happened?"

"Look who's talking." Scott head-butted Alex's arm playfully. He then took his brother's hand for comfort and settled in to drift away.

IIIIIII

Opening another door, Charles announced, "And this is our library. The majority of classroom activities are held in here."

"Norton, this is bigger than the entire book store near us," Hank's mother marveled.

"This entire house could devour an army whole," Norton remarked. "It puts our four-bedroom to shame, Edna." He looked to where Raven stood with her arm linked to Hank's. "I still can't get over it. Our son a teacher. And better yet, engaged to the most beautiful young lady imaginable."

Raven hid a blush. "Thank you."

Emma asked, "How long did you say you were in town for?"

"Only a couple days," Edna answered. "It's very hard to pry Norton away from work."

"You work at a factory, right?" Raven inquired.

"A nuclear plant back in Illinois," Norton told her.

"Oh?" Charles responded. "How long have you been with them?"

"Going on twenty-five years now."

Charles only nodded. "I see."

"I must say, Professor, this institution of yours was a fine idea," Norton commended. "The children here couple be the first steps in bettering the entire human condition."

Erik, who leaned against one wall, piped up, "We take grade pride in our children."

Norton looked to his watch. "I'm afraid we've talked the day away. I think we'd best get back to the inn."

"We're staying at a cozy bed and breakfast," Edna told the group. "Hank, we'd like to take you and Raven out to dinner this evening."

Raven glanced up at Hank, who nodded. "We'll drive you back."

The two couples started off.

Emma turned to the remaining two men. "Hank's parents seem very sweet."

"Very," Erik concurred offhandedly.

"Quite." Charles headed off as well. "Excuse me, but I have some work to finish."

Emma and Erik looked to each other and the former quipped, "What did I do before the X-Men?"

Norton paused at the front door with Hank for a moment. "Son, I must say, you've made quite a life for yourself here. Your mother and I are pleased to say the least."

Hank smiled at him. "Thank you, Dad. That means a lot to me."

Norton offered him a one-armed hug. "Come. Let's rejoin the ladies before they exchange a touch too much about our wicked habits."

Chuckling, Hank followed after.

IIIIIII

With another spoonful ready, Erik held the utensil out to the child's lips and instructed, "Open." Scott unlocked his mouth, taking it in. "That's a good boy. It's nice to care for one not so fussy." He put the mostly finished bowl on the side table. "I'll have to do something special for you when you're well again." He touched the ailing stomach. "How does it feel now?"

"Better," Scott said. "Thanks, Erik."

Erik picked up a comic book from the nearby stack. "Batman or Superman?"

"Batman," the boy picked.

"As you would have it, Boy Wonder." Erik turned the first page and began to read. Before he reached the end, he heard audible sleep noises from the young mutant. "And then the Boy Wonder tuckered out to rescue Gotham City another day." Erik tucked the blanket in around Scott then quietly left him to sleep. Going downstairs, the man stopped off in Charles' study. "I gave Scott a good helping of my old stomach remedy. He's sleeping now."

"Good." Charles leafed through a pile of homework. "I gave him a dose of medicine with a bit of bread an hour ago. I'll see about him in a little while."

Erik arched against the doorway. "So what did you find out?"

Charles' eyes came up. "What?"

"From the reading you took on Norton McCoy," Erik clarified knowingly. "Instead of playing coy, you could pretend we did not just meet yesterday."

Twirling his pin through his fingers, Charles stated, "He puts on an air of basking in the wonders of mutation. Meanwhile his own guilt cripples him. He's also the reason Hank's been forced to view himself as a monstrosity."

Erik clicked his tongue, approaching the desk. "Careful, brother. One might accuse you of being… possessive."

Charles' eyes met the taller man's. "I'm merely concerned for Hank's welfare."

"Yes, I could tell that from the expression on your face the moment Hank introduced them." The metal wielder gave him a pointed stare.

"Erik…" Charles sighed deeply. "Do stop being an overwhelming pain in the arse."

Erik used two fingers from each hand to lean forward against the desk. "It's gnawing at you, isn't it? Every day, you get to interact with and help shape this amazing young man. Then another appears, solely to diminish your role."

"This is not a chess game, brother."

"Isn't it?" Erik challenged.

Charles moved around in his chair, facing the large window behind him. He gazed out upon the grass and sunshine, sinking into ponder.

IIIIIII

In order to kindly interrupt the conversation taking place, Norton tapped the grip of his glass with a fork. Hank and the women turned right to him.

"A toast," Norton put forth, "to Hank and Raven." The rest of the table brought their wineglasses up along with his. "May your married life be as long and fulfilled," he touched hands with Edna, "as ours."

They clinked glasses and Raven said, "Thank you, Mr. McCoy."

"Oh, you're one step away from the family, child," Norton reminded her. "Norton has a much better ring to it."

"Only according to his mother," Edna jested, igniting some laughter from the table. "Raven, this restaurant is just beautiful."

"Hank and I came here on our first date," Raven recalled.

"We can't tell you how envious we are of the two of you," Edna said. "Everything in your relationship is still so fresh and exciting."

Norton turned to her. "Bored of me, dear?"

"Only for the last eight years," she joked, making the young couple smile. "You two will learn. Once your children leave you, life becomes very mundane. Especially when he goes away at the ripe old age of thirteen."

"Edna, I'm sure children are the furthest things from their mind," Norton waved off. "Enjoy your youth while you still have it. Besides, Henry was pure luck of the draw. Not many young teenagers can win athletic and academic scholarships to Harvard University."

Edna added, "They practically threw money at his feet like rose petals."

"Mother, please," Hank said bashfully.

Raven smiled. "Hank's been nothing but luck for me. If he hadn't helped me with the last part of my college app, I'd be dead meat."

"You applied to school?" Norton inquired.

"Yes," Raven nodded. "I'm still waiting to hear back and it's driving me crazy."

"Seems a little pointless," Norton remarked. "You'll be newly married. Plus with your status as well as Hank's work and credentials, you should be well set. You should take time after the wedding to focus on being a good wife."

"She does that enough already," Hank informed. "Raven deserves some time to pursue her own interests and I fully support her."

Norton shrugged and returned to his pasta dish. "She's your wife. It's your decision."

"Raven," Edna petitioned. "Could you show me where the ladies room is?"

"Sure." Raven leaned over and kissed Hank's cheek. "Be right back."

Norton watched them go then whispered to his son, "Hank, does Raven understand the fullness of your condition?"

"Yes, Dad," Hank replied wryly. "Raven is aware of my oversized feet and, for reasons unknown to me, adores them."

The older man's face wrinkled in astonishment. "You have truly struck gold, son. Raven is part of a well-off family, she's intelligent, not to mention very lovely."

"Raven is gorgeous," Hank stated. "For more reasons than she allows most to see."

"Of course." Norton took another drink of wine.

Standing before the wall length mirror over the sink, Raven touched up the bun she'd fixed her blonde hair in earlier. Though it had taken much inner deliberation, she had finally chosen to go with the knee length burgundy dress with heels. She performed a short twirl, smiling at her reflection.

After a moment, she heard a flush and Edna appeared at her side.

"Don't take everything with my husband to heart," the woman spoke, washing her hands at the sink. "He has his opinions, but I think it's wonderful you want to go to college." Edna gathered two paper towels from the dispenser to dry with. "I came from a lower class family back in Dundee. It was a blessing to even get my high school diploma."

"It's strange," Raven said. "I feel as if I know least of all about you. Did something happen between you and Hank?"

"Yes." Finished, Edna threw the paper towels out. "Nothing. That baby could read, write, and count into the hundreds before he even made four. By age ten," she snapped her fingers in emphasis, "that was it. He wanted bedtime stories from Shakespeare, Robert Frost, Hemmingway, then to have discussion afterward. Either that or he huddled in his room working on some invention or experiment that I could only hope wouldn't cause yet another explosion. Oh, and the sports— the sports! If he wasn't watching them, I was driving him to practice. The cheerleaders had more extensive knowledge of the games than I did."

Raven laughed behind her hand. "Sorry, but that's just so, so Hank."

Edna gave off a light sigh. "We had nothing, but he and his father always had something. I remained Mom. Just Mom."

Raven stepped over to touch her wrists. "Edna, there's a lot to Hank. He's like no other guy on earth. He's fun and sweet and caring. In many ways, he reminds me of my brother Charles. He has to get a lot of this from you."

"You are a true gem, Raven. Thank you. Come on." Edna turned to exit. "We'd best hurry before Norton orders another bottle of wine."

"Don't worry," Raven assured. "Hank will just water it down."

Once their group finished, Norton paid the bill and they headed out to the parking lot. Hank drove his parents back to the bed and breakfast. While Edna and Raven had coffee in the small café, Norton and Hank took a stroll around the back garden.

"Spring came so early here," Norton observed, stopping before a lineup of colorful tulips. "We're barely out of the fifty degree range in Dundee."

Hank bent forward over the short gate and responded, "One of the many things I don't miss about the Midwest."

"You've become a man overnight," the older male commented. "But then again, when were you really a child? I can count the number of times I spanked you in your life on less than a hand. Always over some scientific fiasco; you melted off part of my desk, caused an heirloom or two to shatter, never anything…"

"Normal," Hank supplied.

"Exactly. If I had it to do again, I'd have never punished you."

This surprised Hank. "You're my father. That was your job. I hold nothing against you for it."

"No," Norton shook his head. "You didn't need me to discipline you. I should have just accepted that I'd been given the perfect child. Minus the obvious." Hank gazed up wordlessly at the night sky. "Henry," Hank glanced over his shoulder at his father, "now that we're alone, I'm interested to know how well the cure has progressed."

The younger McCoy raised an eyebrow. "Dad, don't you think the answer is blatant? You've seen what I do, where I work."

Norton chuckled tightly. "Son, don't toy with me. Don't tell me you think yourself anywhere in league with these people. To compare extraordinary human capability, the advancement of mankind, to a deformity is completely ridiculous."

Hank stood up straighter. "Is that why you flew out here? To examine my feet?" Well, I'm sorry to inform you, Father, but I'm no longer interested in a cure."

His father's expression contorted into a mix of shock and displeasure. "You're not serious. Henry, you've sworn to heal yourself ever since you were a young boy. Now, since last year—"

"What do you know about last year?" Hank cut in. "Where were you? I tell you I was under a horrific attack at my place of work, which resulted in the death of a friend, and you pick my engagement, which I told you about last month, to pay a visit?"

Norton sighed, gathering patience. "Your mother and I knew you were safe. We didn't want to get involved until you had proper time to settle."

Hank eyed him closely. "Mom mentioned you made vice-president at the plant. You've vied for that position for years. How could you not tell me?"

"It was never a secret," Norton insisted.

"Except for last year," Hank countered. "The CIA learned about mutants. You didn't fly out because you couldn't risk anyone linking us together. Linking you and the plant's radiation to me."

"The plant would have gone under fire. There are enough extremists out there protesting nuclear power. I was not about to give them ammo."

Hank accused, "You've put me under endless pressure to discover a cure. All to cover up for your workplace."

"You wanted it, too," Norton shot back at him. "You lived inside those shoes. You couldn't even shower in the school locker room for fear that someone would find out."

"That life is behind me now," Hank refuted.

"Oh?" Norton folded his arms. "Because you have Raven now? I have a harsh reality for you, son. A person can only love another so much. Your mutation started off so small, but year by year it grew. This is not evolution; it's devolution. Do you think a beauty such as Raven won't find better than a victim of radiation?"

Hank got closer upon him. "You don't know the first thing about her."

"But I know you. And I know what it's like to be your father. There's a reason your mother and I never had more kids after you. Would you really put your own child through the shame and self-hatred you felt as a boy? Let him be ostracized? You think you were the only mutated child the plant produced? My colleague's daughter was born with a tumor wedged in her brain. She spent the short moments she had on earth in pure agony. Is that what you want for your children?"

A growl left Hank's lips that sent his father into immediate silence. "Enough! The guilt trips end here. All my life you've wanted me to clean up the mess you created. No more!'

"This is not you," Norton stated in disbelief. "Don't you see it? You are changing."

"At last," Hank replied joyously. "I'm no longer the stammering child, obsessed into near madness over a single defect." Hank composed himself, adjusting a cufflink. "Raven and I are getting married. We will live our lives, facing all adversity together. And I have much pity for you, Father, but no apologies."

Norton stared at him for several quiet seconds then cleared his throat, darting his eyes away. "I can't promise we can return for the wedding."

"I can't promise I'll be holding neither my breath nor your seat. I'm going to say good night to Mom." Hank walked away, sticking his hands inside the pockets of his slacks as he re-entered the building.

IIIIIII

Hearing the large footsteps coupled with the weary mind, Becky departed her room for the one right next door.

"Little Bear," Hank acknowledged.

Becky poked her head in. "How'd you know?"

Hank removed his necktie. "You're not the only one with special senses." He hung the red striped tie up neatly on the rack on top his dresser. "Is there a reason you're not hibernating?"

"I wanted to see you." The little girl came in fully, dressed in white pajamas and her soft pink robe. She clutched her bear with one arm. "I had to make sure you were okay."

He glanced down at her. "Were you worried?" He took her hand, guiding them to sit on his bed. "Why?"

Becky folded her legs on the mattress, facing him better. "I felt kind of funny when your mom and dad were here. They came into our house just like that. I thought, maybe, they were going to take you away."

The scientist scowled slightly. "How could you ever think that?" He touched the side of her head at the hairline. "We really need to limit your chocolate intake."

"No, I mean it," Becky urged. "They were here and then I felt like just your student and not your sister."

Hank now used his hand to lift her chin a little. "You and I needed something our natural parents simply could not give us. I didn't need genetics or mutation or any aspect of science to realize you are my sister." He yanked on her ankle suddenly, making her slide down onto her back. "I kidnapped you fair and square."

She squealing, blowing stray curls away from her eyes. "Hank the Bear!" She poked his stomach with her bare toes.

Giving her side a short tickle, he cautioned, "No feet unless you want me to get mine out." He then took notice of the white bear sandwiched between them. "Why did you stop carrying Eliza around?"

"She lives on the dresser now," Becky explained. "I like Sweetie Imp better."

"Hm." Hank looked at her. "I suppose I thought Eliza would always be your favorite."

Becky smiled. "Bears are better."

"Yes, bears are better." Hank picked her up to hug. "Now get to bed. You know you have school." He stood her up. "And no eating in the lab tomorrow or else."

Hurrying to the door, she blew him a kiss and left out.

Hank smiled after her.

After he removed his slacks and button-up shirt, Hank remained in his t-shirt and pulled on a pair of pajama pants. He then preceded a few doors down to Scott's bedroom.

When he made it there, he discovered Alex passed out in the bed. In one corner, Charles sat in a chair holding a sleeping Scott against his chest. A comforter covered them both.

"Hank," Charles smiled brightly. "You're home."

"Finally," the young man tacked on. "Just finished talking to my sister." He walked over, squatting by the occupied chair. "Time to check on my brother- one of a hundred that is."

"You'll be happy to know he's been a lamb as well as a good patient." Charles rubbed Scott's back. "I'll let him rejoin classes around midday tomorrow."

Hank nodded. "I'll keep a close eye on him."

Charles got up with the boy. "So tell me," he laid Scott down then watched as Alex instinctively brought him in close, "how was your evening?"

Taking a full seat on the floor, Hank replied, "We had a nice dinner. I believe my mother and Raven really enjoyed each other's company." Charles sat down in the chair again and began running fingers through Hank's hair. "Charles, when Raven went through her quest for physical normalcy, was that brought along by you?"

"No, only encouraged," Charles answered. "She so desperately wanted it and I wanted her to be happy. While true it would have been simpler for her to look like other girls, I always saw her as my Baby Blue." The Professor looked down. "Don't tell her I said that or she'll have my head."

Hank managed a short laugh then sat quietly, feeling the gentle touch through his brown strands. "Charles, why do you discipline me? I understand the children or your own sister, but I work for you."

"You cannot fool me, Henry," Charles told him. "Underneath that mountain of maturity and genius is a boy in need of guidance."

"Did you gather that from my mind?"

Charles gave off a smirk. "No, it was seeing you dancing upside down back at the facility." Hank moaned and drooped slightly. "It's difficult to explain. I suppose you may say I know where I am needed. More importantly, those who need me."

Hank said next, "My father caused my mutation, due to exposure to radiation at the nuclear plant. He wanted me to find a cure for years. He won't accept my abandoning it."

"Henry, I'm sorry." Charles squeezed his shoulder. "Are you alright?"

Taking the older man's hand to squeeze in turn, he told him, "I will be."

Planting a kiss to the top of his head, Charles watched the Summers boys sleep while continuously stroking Hank's hair.

IIIIIII

After changing into her powder blue nightie, Raven took one final look at her civilian reflection before reverting back to her regular form. Soon enough, another reflection stepped up from behind, joining hers in the mirror.

Hank wound arms around her waist. "I can't wait to end every night this way."

Smiling, Raven touched his arms. "Are you okay now? You were really quiet on the way home."

"I had a talk with my father." Hank moved to sit on the bench of her vanity. "It caused me to reexamine things with us."

This troubled her instantly. "It did?"

Hank nodded. "We are going to face many obstacles, some harder than others. But I suppose that's the case when two such as us are doomed to be together." He stood, taking her into his hold again. "I want us to move up the wedding."

"You do?" Raven reacted happily. "To when?"

"May."

Raven's eyebrows shot up. "May? As in next month?"

"I wanted next week, but I thought you may need a little more notice," Hank smiled coyly.

"Oh, my God." Raven stepped back frantically. "I have a million things to do. We have to get flowers and music and food of some kind. I don't have a dress. You don't have a dress."

"Men customarily don't wear wedding dresses in American culture," Hank reminded.

"Hank, this isn't funny. We have to get started on this," Raven emphasized. "Baby, we're getting married next month."

"Yes." Hank hugged her again, putting a closer grip on. "Yes, we are." He bowed his head, giving her a strong kiss.

Raven placed her arms around his neck, deciding to put all necessary preparations on hold.