X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Fifty Nine

Author's Word: Believe it or not, I never thought I would get posted. This past week has been completely nuts for me. I worked two double shifts over the course of three days in addition to my regular schedule. Talk about knowing what you're capable of. Also, the site is being weird so sorry if the formatting is off. Please enjoy and review!

When she reached the newly put in metallic French doors at the end of the first floor, she parked the buggy containing Sweetie Imp and two smaller bears outside. She twisted the curved knob of one door, allowing herself entry into the space.

Seated on the leather sofa, Erik turned away from his reading material. "Sweet Imp." He smiled softly at her, his chiseled face illuminated by the fireplace. "Did you need me?"

Becky gazed about. "Is this all yours now?"

"Officially." He stood, walking her way. "What do you think? Does it suit me?"

The den had crimson painted walls with gray trim. The walls themselves contained various artworks, mostly national monuments and some framed quotes in languages Becky did not understand. A large steel desk was situated in the middle of the carpet flooring. On top of the desk sat a stapler, a small container of paperclips, and a Newton's cradle.

"I like it." Becky's attention went to the bulletin board beside the bay window. She moved over for closer examination. "What are all the little flags for?"

"One for every location I've already visited." Erik went to stand next to her. "It all began in Poland." He hovered a finger over the red and white flag. "So far I've seen Germany, France, parts of England, Russia, Ireland, Sweden, Spain, Argentina. It's only the states I've seen so little of. New York of course, California, but I think I'll always prefer D.C. for a special reason." He squeezed her shoulder.

Becky smiled. "You've been to way more places than I have."

"It was pre-designed that way." He picked her up and sat back down on the couch with her. "So that I could teach you before you visit them yourself one day."

Noticing the book Erik had been reading, Becky picked it up. "What's this, Papa?" She squinted her eyes at the strange writing on the cover.

"This," Erik opened it for her viewing, "is the Torah. Something I've recently begun to reread. Most know it as the first five books of the Bible."

Becky ran a hand along the lines of the pages. "Where are the words? It's all scribbles."

"Those scribbles are the words, Ladybug. It's called Hebrew." He flipped to the middle of the thick book. "Here is the English translation. I was actually reading up on your namesake." He pointed the passage out.

"Hers is spelled wrong, Papa," Becky accused.

Erik chuckled lowly. "The same name can have different spellings depending on the culture. I can't tell you how many times my name has been spelled with a C at the end. But despite her own human flaws, the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob served a vital role in the formulation of Israel."

Becky arched her head back to see him better. "Will you teach me to read it in Hebrew?"

"Of course," Erik said, inwardly swelled by the request. "And in the process," he kissed her round cheek, "I'll be able to relearn."

Becky leaned back comfortably against him then went on to read about one of Rebekah's sons wanting some stew. He instantly reminded her of Sean.

IIIIIII

As his father's distinguished and soothing accent floated over the air, Joey lay against Emma's stomach half-awake. With her arms around him, the little boy experienced tranquility along with the safety Charles' presence always provided.

Joey peered up. "Daddy, I think Em's getting sleepy."

"Hm?" Emma shook her head, running fingers through her hair.

Charles smiled, putting the storybook on the end table. "I'd say you both are."

Emma took Charles' hand, getting up off the bed. "Your father's voice could charm a python."

"I always stay awake in Dad's class." Joey scrambled under the covers. "I love it when he talks."

"You bring me more satisfaction than my doctorate ever will," Charles told him, tucking the blanket around his son. "Did you want to come with me and the other boys to the city tomorrow? There's a big new comic book store opening."

Joey responded, "What's so special about Superman and those guys? My dad reads minds and makes people do stuff just by thinking it."

"Difficult logic to argue,' Emma smirked.

"Quite," Charles laughed. He used his hands to brush back some of Joey's hair from his blue eyes. "Good night, my little one."

Emma bent and kissed the boy's forehead. "Sleep well, Treasure."

"Night, Daddy." Joey brought his teddy bear Dickon closer to hold. "Night, Emma."

Charles turned off the reading lamp. He kept Emma's hand in his as they headed for the door.

IIIIIII

Raven tossed another magazine into the "Unlikely Pile".

Hank asked her, "What was wrong with that one?"

"Those flowers belong on a casket somewhere." Raven let off a groan, picking up another book from the assortment scattered between them on the living room couch. "Why are there so many flowers to choose from and why are half of them so hard to pronounce?"

"Beauty is filled with complexity." Hank eyed her closely. "You should know that."

"All I know is this stuff is piling up."

"Are you sure you don't want to hire a wedding planner?"

"For my wedding?" Raven responded incredulously. "Oh no, no, no. I don't care if my head does explode in the process."

"That's where I have to say no. Now, I have long weekend of grading ahead of me so I'm going to bed. When I wake up," Hank kissed her lips, "I want that head in appropriate position."

Raven waved him off, staring at a picture of tangerine colored flowers. "Tell my feet I'll kiss them later."

Hank stood and performed a quick aerial somersault with the aide of said feet.

Raven made a show of fanning herself with the magazine.

IIIIIII

Charles finished checking for his wallet and car keys as the two highly eager boys bounded down the stairs.

"Hey, Charles," Frank spoke, "can we wear our X-Men uniforms today?"

"Your uniforms?" Charles repeated.

Scott explained, "They have Superman's colors in them."

"You are most certainly not wearing your training uniforms into the city," Charles shot down. "Besides, you wouldn't want Seanie or Alex to feel left out would you?"

"No," Scott said while Frank shrugged, "I can live with that."

Charles pointed upward. "Go on. And put on your sweaters also."

As they went, Frank mumbled to Scott, "Professors take all the fun out of being superheroes."

Alex passed them on his way down. "This is going to be a long day."

Charles looked at him with a smile. "I take it you are not one for comic books."

"They hype power up too much," Alex put forth. "Putting on a pair of tights doesn't get you a fan club and hot chicks in my experience."

The Professor nodded in understanding. "That's very true, yes. But they're only stories. Don't let the little ones' fun trouble you."

Sean, Scott, and Frank came back down fully dressed for the day.

"Okay, I'm Superman," Frank called, zooming towards the door.

"I'm Batman." Scott leapt down next.

"I'm the Flash," Sean decided.

"Except during training," Frank snickered, receiving a thump on the head from the redhead for the remark.

Charles could not contain his amusement at their adorability. "We should be off." He opened the front door.

Scott glanced back. "Who are you going to be, Alex?"

"Cool Guy," the blonde responded dryly. "Let's go already."

Charles laughed, leaving out after the boys.

IIIIIII

Oven mitts on, Emma carefully removed the lasagna and held it up for Raven's viewing.

"I take it golden brown generally means good."

"That looks great actually," Raven told her. "Far out, chick. You may not be the extreme kitchen nightmare after all."

"Much appreciated." Emma placed the dish on top of the stove. "Where did you learn to cook? I grew up in a house similar to this and we remained foreign to water boiling."

Raven said, "After Charles and I had the place to ourselves for good, we didn't hire anymore maids. We had cooking pretty much mastered by Oxford." She turned off the burner holding the pot of mixed vegetables. "When we moved back here with Hank and everybody, it's something I did to contribute."

"Ah," Emma nodded. "I must say I admire your willingness to learn the practical things so many of us overlook."

"It's nice to do the training for once," Raven smiled. "Not to mention have a distraction from wedding woes. Hm, I wonder how Hank feels about eloping."

"I strongly advise against that notion," Emma cautioned. "Charles has made it quite clear that he will be walking you down that aisle."

Raven figured his mind would track them down faster than Hank's feet could run them to Las Vegas.

Once they had dinner ready, they carried it out to where Erik, Hank, Becky, and Joey had already gathered at the dining table.

"Charles phoned," Erik told the ladies. "Mrs. Tolbert is having them over for dinner."

"Auntie Em, Papa's teaching me Hebrew," Becky mentioned.

Emma responded, "You'll be a true woman of the world before it's over, darling."

Hank said, "I had to read a Hebrew text for a literature class at Harvard. Very difficult language."

"You still made an A," Raven stated undoubtedly.

"I may have done a little extra credit," Hank dismissed modestly.

"You're a beast of endless wonder." Erik then said without looking over, "Joey, food goes in our mouths, not our pockets."

Joey's eyes darted and he put the handful of carrots and asparagus back on his plate.

When the adults started up another conversation, he attempted to sneak the unwanted items into his napkin.

Becky noticed and had to keep all attention on her plate to keep her giggles at bay.

Erik glanced over again. At the sight of Joey's seemingly devoured vegetables yet only half finished main course, his radar went off. His eyes zeroed in on the lumpy napkin.

"Joey, hold up your napkin for me."

"Um, what for, Uncle Erik?"

The man simply answered, "Because I told you to."

With a nervous hand, Joey lifted his napkin and revealed the horde.

"I just told you food goes into our mouths," Erik reminded sternly. "There are people out in the world right now that would do anything for those vegetables."

"I know," Joey sighed. "But I really hate 'em, Uncle Erik."

"You've been in this family long enough to know you have to finish your plate. So as punishment for being wasteful and disobedient, you can go to your room after dinner. And no dessert."

Emma chimed in, "Erik, I think that's being a bit harsh. You know how children are when it comes to vegetables."

Erik turned to her. "If Rebecca can finish hers without complaint, so can he."

"Rebecca is older and has a different flavor pallet," Emma reasoned.

It took great restraint for Erik not to roll his eyes. "You are sounding worse than Charles with this leniency. Perhaps you'd prefer me to allow him to run about with scissors as a form of expressionism, hm?"

Emma glowered at him. "Don't you talk to me as if I'm some sort of ignorant enabler."

"What then do you call it when you allow the child to do as he pleases?" Erik countered. "He needs to learn."

All at once, something built up inside Joey. He experienced a set of simultaneous flashes and had trouble breathing for a second.

"Leave my mom alone!" He seized Erik's wrist, sending out an electric charge. "Leave her alone!"

Erik hissed through gritted teeth, snatching his hand away.

"Oh my God," Raven uttered in disbelief while Hank right away went to examine Erik's wrist.

Becky's face crumbled. "Papa!" She jumped up, going to him. "Papa, are you okay?"

Everyone and everything blurred around him. Clutching his stomach, Joey hurried out of the room.

"Joseph!" Emma quickly followed after him.

Watching the boy go, Erik used his free hand to rub Becky's back reassuringly.

Emma moved with the trail of flashing overhead lights to help guide her to the distraught child. She found Joey by the steps, laying on the floor helplessly and hugging his knees. Emma calmly lowered beside him and put a hand to his upper back.

He looked up with glossed eyes. "Mummy?"

"It's alright, Treasure." She collected him into her arms. Your mother's right here now.

IIIIIII

Feeling a gentle hand brush across his hair, Joey stirred out of his somewhat trance like state.

"Your father's home," Emma told him. "I just sent him a mental message to join us."

Joey nodded and sat up on his bed.

Charles walked in and made a beeline for him. "Joseph." He stood over the bed. "What's the matter?" He touched his forehead. "Aren't you feeling well?"

Gathering both words and courage, Joey told him, "I hurt Uncle Erik." His eyes widened and his voice hitched when he heard himself speak it out loud. "I shocked him."

"What?" Charles squatted to Joey's level. "Joseph, why would you do such a thing?"

"We were arguing," Emma piped up. "Erik and I. Over Joey eating his vegetables. Next thing I know, he grabs Erik's wrist and shocks it. He ran off after that and I found him by the stairs."

Charles looked at Joey again. "What would possess you to harm your uncle?"

Joey bit his lip. "I don't know, Daddy."

"Joey, you screamed at him to leave me alone as you did it," Emma reminded.

Something began to pull together in Charles' mind. "Why did you tell Uncle Erik to leave Emma alone? Was he hurting her?"

"No," Joey answered. "But…"

"What, little one?" Charles urged kindly.

"They were fighting," Joey continued. "And he was saying bad stuff about me to her. He was gonna tell her to leave me by myself."

Concern filled Emma's countenance. "Joey, that was not Erik."

"That was Kyle, baby," Charles emphasized. "He's the one who did that to you. Erik loves you too much to ever intentionally hurt you."

"But I hurt him," Joey whispered regretfully.

Taking hold of Joey's wrist, Charles held the small hands up to him. "You have to be in control of these, son. We can never use our powers to attack someone, especially our own family. I know it is difficult, but today cannot happen again. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, sir," Joey nodded quickly.

Charles looked up at Emma. "Will you give us a moment, please?"

"Daddy," Joey petitioned. "I want Mummy to stay."

Emma said, "You heard your father, Joey. I'll be right back." She shared a brief gaze with Charles before leaving out.

Charles sat on Joey's bed, draping a pillow across his legs. "If you start to feel yourself losing control, I want you to tell me. And I expect you to be honest about it."

"Yes, sir," the child whispered.

Tugging Joey facedown over the pillow, Charles made sure his son was comfortably positioned. It had been quite some time since he'd had to invoke this form of therapy on the young mutant, but he still remembered both the physical and mental components behind it.

Bringing his hand up, Charles delivered a firm swat to the tiny behind. He waited five seconds exactly then dealt another.

Joey lay with one hand on the mattress with the other clutching the pillow below him. As his slow paced spanking continued, he could only think. His behind became rapidly sore and his thoughts throughout eventually produced a steady flow of tears.

When the emotional reaction grew from crying to bawling, Charles knew the session was done. He picked his son up and allowed the saddened vessel to weep against his shoulder.

"Do you want Mummy now?" Charles asked, kissing his head.

"Uh huh," he sniffed.

"Alright, but son, I expect you to obey Uncle Erik. He disciplines you for your own good, just as I do."

"Yes, Daddy," the child replied. "I'm sorry I did all that."

"I know you are." Charles put two fingers to his temple. Mummy, your son would like to see you.

At her cue, Emma returned to the bedroom.

Joey smiled. "Mummy…" He held his arms out.

Emma knelt down and clutched him with all new instinct.

IIIIIII

The small metallic balls attached to the Newton's cradle clicked back and forth against each other under Erik's power. He sat on the sofa, gaze locked on the antique swords that hung crisscrossed from one wall.

A knock came to one of the French doors. "It's me, brother."

Not moving, Erik ordered the door open.

Charles entered, closing the door after himself. "I wanted to see how you were."

"I already went through this with Hank," Erik informed dismissively. "A mild wrist burn is the equivalent of a mosquito's bite for me."

The younger man stepped over closer. "I did not mean the physical."

Getting up, Erik walked the short distance to the lit fireplace. "I've nursed that babe when he was sick. I've rocked him when he couldn't sleep at night. I never went too far, not with him. It took time, but he eventually stopped seeing me as a monster. But the moment Emma arrived, visions of having a mother and father took over; a "real" family. He wanted normalcy and I became expendable at best."

"Erik." Charles moved to stand by him. "You cannot believe such nonsense. Joey lashed out tonight because your argument with Emma brought up memories of his natural mother and her boyfriend right before they abandoned him. Those same memories caused his mind to shout "never again"."

"Never again," Erik echoed quietly, his eyes on the fire. He felt realization spread throughout.

Charles said, "You and Emma were merely a reenactment of a traumatic event. Had I been here arguing with her, I believe Joey would have attacked me as well."

Erik looked at him, anger replaced with worry. "He could try to harm himself again."

"I scanned his mind for that already," Charles reassured. "All I saw was the guilt he felt about hurting you."

The metal wielder nodded once. "I'm still going to check his room periodically for sharp metals."

"Agreed. We cannot take chances." Charles gave him a hug. "I'm sorry, Erik."

He returned the sudden embrace. "For what, Lab Rat?"

"If I ever forced you to feel less than absolutely valuable. I am in love with Emma— God help me I am— but you are my brother. Without your help and support, I'd be lost."

Erik hugged him securely now. "That is one scenario you will never have to face, Charles Xavier. Not ever."

Charles pulled back a bit, looking around. "I love the way you designed your den, but what took you so long? I offered you an office last year."

"Truthfully, I never pictured myself as a man who spends time behind a desk." Guilt flashed in Erik's eyes. "Also when this first started, I didn't think I'd be here long enough to need one. But that's all changed."

"Oh, you bloody well better believe that," Charles tacked on. "You aren't leaving me to headmaster this brood."

"Of course not. Every organization needs a tormentor."

IIIIIII

Done with his two hour gym regiment, Alex toweled off and took a long drink from his water bottle.

He started out then stopped short. "Geez-it, Scott! Keep skulking around and I'm getting a bell for your neck."

The eleven-year-old kept his hands behind his back somewhat bashfully. "Sorry. Feels like I can only guarantee catch you at training."

Alex softened. "I'm not like you, kid. Scholastic achievement isn't me. I don't even know my GED scores yet." He sat on one of the work benches. "Training, being prepared, taking care of you guys. It's what I do."

Scott walked over to him. "At least you're a leader."

"You probably will be one day, too."

"No chance," Scott denied without delay. "Thanks for coming with us to the comic store. I know you don't really like that kind of thing."

Alex said, "As long as you had fun."

"I get why you don't read the comics. You don't need them," Scott put forth. "Frank doesn't, either. He just likes the action and stuff. I got into them when I was little. Batman especially. These super guys who go out of their way to protect people. I didn't think any adult was like that."

"They made you feel safe," Alex concluded.

"Yeah, how'd you know?" Scott wondered.

"That's how Erik makes me feel." Alex pulled his brother down into his lap. "I'm sorry, Scottie. You're so quiet sometimes. It's hard for me to get what you're feeling."

"It's okay," the young brunette said. "I think you're weird, too."

"Come on, twerp." Alex got back up, still able to hold onto the younger boy. "It's almost time for you to go to bed and I need a shower."

"Yeah, you really do," Scott smirked.

"Keep it up and you can smell my pits." Alex messed his hair and carried him out.

IIIIIII

Leaning over the wooden fence post, the adult pair watched the little child bring the horse into a steadier gallop.

"Buying him this beast may have been the best idea you ever had," remarked Erik. "He takes to him like Arthur to the sword."

"He's such a little charmer," Emma smiled. "So much so that I think Charles had an affair he isn't admitting to."

Erik chuckled. "He'd blush at the mere suggestion. Besides, his and Joey's bond could never be limited to simple drops of blood."

Emma tucked a few strands of flying blonde hair behind her ear. "I know how much the X-Men mean to you. This is a team you and Charles started together. I've tried to respect that. But then these… instincts brewed in me. I see the kids and I just want them to keep those smiles on their faces."

The man kept his eyes on Joey as he said, "I'm glad he's with you."

"You are?' Emma responded in partial disbelief.

"It would have happened eventually. It's almost predetermined for men like Charles. But all things considered, including potential others he could have chosen, you two bring fulfillment to each other. That's been evident to me from the start."

"What about you?" Emma posed. "Who fulfills Erik Lehnsherr while accepting Magneto?"

He shook his head. "It isn't meant for me."

Emma brought up, "Not even Alana?" Erik's posture stiffened a bit. "We've talked, Erik. She isn't happy. Hasn't been since before Frank even left for school."

"And that's justification?" Erik countered. "I cannot teach my daughter Hebrew at night then plot adultery come day's light."

"You've sinned worse," Emma said then rethought that. "I'm sorry."

"And I will again, but only out of necessity," Erik stated. "Not meager desire." He shot his head towards where Joey paused mounted on top of his horse.

"What?" Emma looked over as well.

"He has something in his hand. Metal." Erik leapt right over the fence. "Give it to me, now!"

Joey did not have time to react as Erik magnetically ripped the object right out of his hand.

Seizing it, Erik discovered it to be the compass he'd given Joey for his birthday.

"I wanted you to be able to find me if me and Xander got last," the boy explained, face down. "You can take it back if you don't want me to have it anymore."

Calming from his previous thoughts, Erik shook his head. "No, Kangaroo, no." He placed the compass back into the small palm, folding Joey's fingers over it. "I only wanted to make sure you were safe. Why would I ever want to take your present away?"

"Because I hurt you," Joey urged. "I'm so sorry, Uncle Erik."

"Quiet, child," Erik ordered gently. He lifted him up off the brown horse and into his arms to hug. "You've no idea what it means to truly hurt someone. I've heard enough apologies from you for one day." He kissed the top of the child's head. "No more."

Joey burrowed into the man's neck. "I just love you so much."

Erik had to blink at the sincerity that intertwined with those words. "I love you more." He gave Joey's bottom a pat. "I think Xander needs to rest. Let's put him away and collect your mother for a bite to eat."

Nodding, Joey gripped the compass in his hand tightly.

IIIIIII

At the returning minds, Charles hastened to the foyer in as gentlemanly a manner as possible. Erik, currently holding the very drowsy child, used his foot to keep the front door open for Emma.

"Hello, darling." The blonde woman went to Charles, kissing him in greeting.

"Hello, darling," he returned fondly. He then walked over, rubbing Joey's back. "Is someone a bit tuckered out?"

Joey nodded with a murmur of, "Yes."

"Were you very good today?" Charles reached for him.

Erik pulled the little boy back. "Eh, eh. What have you done with Rebecca in my absence?"

"I left her happy and well fed."

"Is she still the prettiest creature alive?"

"Yes, always and forever," Charles confirmed.

"Good. Alright then," Erik gave Joey over, "back to Daddy."

Charles hugged his son to him. "Time to get you in bed." He then got a good whiff of the horse smell. "But first a nice long bath."

Emma followed them out. "What are you going to do if he gets taller than you?" She played in Joey's hair.

Charles placed his free arm around her as they mounted the stairs. "You'll find out, won't you?"

Smirking, Erik walked towards his den.

"Hank," he acknowledged upon entry.

The younger mutant sat in a chair with his clipboard in his lap. "I hope you don't mind my waiting. I wanted to show you my report of Alex's instruction earlier today. I think you will be pleased."

"That's great to hear." Erik took a seat at his desk, facing the glasses wearer. "But you could have easily left it on my desk- now that I have one."

"I had a bit of an ulterior motive," Hank confessed.

"Really?" Erik leaned forward in intrigue.

Hank nodded. "My lovely fiancé revealed some information to me. Apparently, my mother has always felt subpar in my life, unable to connect with me. Not like my father. It seems I've allowed history to repeat."

"How so?" Erik inquired.

"Charles and I discuss everything about every topic imaginable. I look to him for guidance, instruction, and the occasional discipline. I don't believe I've made an equal effort in our relationship."

"Hank, you don't have to—"

"No, please," the scientist cut in. "All I can say is that I'm sorry. You've supported my relationship with Raven, despite the difficulty we faced in the beginning. But I spent different points last year warning Becca to be wary of you. I didn't trust your reliability and didn't want her damaged any further."

"Wise thinking," Erik commented honestly. "Not that I expect less from you."

"But after the ordeal with Sebastian Shaw, I not only found you reliable, but I discovered that I would never want you out of my life." Erik's eyes seemed to react, but the rest of his face remained even. "Raven and I are not having a completely traditional ceremony. That much we know. Charles is giving her away and heading her bridal party. Erik, I'd be honored if you would lead my groomsmen as my best man."

Erik slowly arose from his desk. "You're wrong on one point. This honor, " he extended his hand, "is mine."

Hank smiled, joining appendages with him in a shake of mutual agreement.