X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Sixty
Author's Word: Thank you guys for the reviews. This week was much better than last week. Please enjoy!
Straight down into the center of the earth's core all the way to the stars above sounded the bellow of, "Free period!''
Raven jumped up to a secure sitting position on the banister as the brigade of children trampled down the stairs. Frank sped down first, racing with Scott to the front door. Joey came down next, attempting to keep up with the older boys. Lastly came the skipping and happily humming Becky.
"Don't worry about the door guys," Raven called after them, walking toward it. "I live to serve." She noticed the mail in the box and picked it up, shuffling through it quickly.
Glancing down a moment, she spotted the oversized white envelope that proved too big for the mailbox. Figuring it to be another care package to Sean from his family, she dipped down to pick it up. Then she turned it around and saw her name spelled out on the lower bottom. She scanned the area around her, only seeing the kids busily playing tag several yards away. Sucking in a breath, Raven peeled back the envelope's flap. She removed the top of a plethora of letters and read it carefully.
"Alex…" She hurried back inside the house. "Alex!"
The blonde just finished putting on his last weight plate when the zealous blue woman rushed into the gym.
"Whoa, crazy chick. What's up?"
"I got in." Raven handed the letter over to him.
"Dear Miss Raven Xavier," Alex read aloud. "We're pleased to inform you that you have been accepted… babe, you did it!" Alex took her into a hug.
"I don't even believe it, though," Raven grinned. "I mean actual acceptance into college."
"Hey," Alex pulled back to face her, "you see anything for me?"
"I looked at all the mail and nothing. This is crazy because you got your info in way before I did. Not to mention the same address thing."
Alex leaned against a piece of equipment. "I'm starting to think no news is "you're not even worthy of a formal denial" news."
Raven stood beside him. "You're going to get in. You've worked too hard for this."
He gestured towards her letter. "You better go show that to Hank. And Rae, I'm happy for you."
"For us," Raven corrected resolutely. "X-Men forever." She patted his arm before leaving out.
IIIIIII
Becky poked her head inside Erik's den. "Papa, can me and the boys go on a bike ride?"
Erik looked up from his desk. "Is your homework done?"
"Most of it and I'll help Joey with the rest of his as soon as we get back. Please, Papa?"
"Half an hour," Erik granted. "And those assignments better be finished before any of you put head to pillow tonight."
"Thank you," Becky grinned, dashing off. She stopped in the hallway when the phone went off and lifted the receiver to her ear. "Hello? Hold on, please." Out of habit, she put her hand over the mouthpiece. Alexander Summers!
The teenager jogged down the stairs. "Yeesh, Becky. Stab me in the head why don't ya? Also, grow another two feet before you try to call my full name."
"Phone for you," she stated importantly.
"Thanks, shrimpette." Alex took the receiver while Becky headed outside. "Alex here."
"Mr. Summers?" came the airy feminine voice on the other end. "This is the Office of Admissions at Westchester University. Are you available to come in for an interview with Dean Stavros this Friday?"
Alex felt a giant creature lay eggs in the middle of his stomach. "S-sure. What time?"
"Does ten AM work?"
"Absolutely," Alex answered without thought.
"Great. His office is located inside the Forrester Building on the first floor. We'll see you soon."
"Yes, thank you." After they hung up, Alex's hand lingered on the phone. He stared at the back wall in disbelief.
IIIIIII
Emma glanced away from her novel when Raven tipped inside her suite like a thief in the night. The younger female mutant looked about covertly before shutting the door.
"If you're plotting to kill me I must say, you can do better."
Raven declared, "I want to go to college."
Emma returned, "I want to live in a mansion with an adorable sophisticated man, surrounded by gorgeous kids. Hmm…"
"No, seriously," Raven urged her. "I got into Westchester University."
"Raven," Emma stood from her chair, "that is completely fabulous."
She then added, "And my brothers know absolutely nothing about this."
The smile on Emma's face froze. "So I can either feel incredibly flattered that you confided this to me or very annoyed that you've put me in an unfortunate position."
Raven walked off a few paces towards the dresser. "I had to tell someone. Not Charles because the word 'no' might pop up and not Erik because that might…"
"Clue him into Alex," Emma filled in. At Raven's livid glance, she said, "You were broadcasting. And I strongly suggest you calm your mind because the king of all telepaths is right downstairs."
Raven took a couple soothing breaths. "What am I going to do if Charles tells me it's a bad idea?"
"Why would he even say that?"
The shape-shifter touched her pointer fingers together guiltily. "I had a few… youthful moments at Oxford."
Emma asked, "Did you participate in a vodka festival where different young men took turns eating appetizers off your stomach?"
"Uh no," Raven responded. "I pulled little pranks with my powers. Who does that?"
Emma's eye twitched slightly. "Whores and jezebels. Anyway, you are almost a married woman. If you can make that decision, you can make this one very easily."
"Or," Raven turned around, "you could seduce Charles and— okay, my mind is not going there."
"Mine is," Emma smirked.
"Tramp, tramp, tramp," Raven chanted, rushing out of the room.
I love these talks.
IIIIIII
Stretched out across his mattress, Alex rolled over at the strong hand patting his upturned bottom.
He moved to place his head in the man's lap. "Hey."
"You've been dazed out all day, especially at dinner." Erik massaged his arm. "What's the matter, boychick?"
"Nothing." Alex focused straight ahead. "Been training overtime these last few weeks. Feeling pretty exhausted."
"Have your GED test scores come in yet?" Erik remembered well how the last results had effected the boy so.
"No, sir," he answered honestly. "Nothing's been in the mail for me."
"I don't want you straining yourself in the gym because of these nerves," Erik said. "Tomorrow I want you to relax a bit. Spend a little time with Scott and Joey."
"Yes, sir." Alex sat up. "I'm going to head to bed early."
"Good," Erik approved. He ran a hand through the teen's hair. "I'll be in my den if you need me."
"The Mag Cave, got it." Alex settled down against his pillow. Erik stood and started out. "Erik?" The man stopped and looked back. "I… made it to a new weight class."
Eyeing him a moment, Erik simply nodded and took his leave.
Finished setting up the pieces on the board, Charles smiled when the metal wielder came into the parlor. "All ready?"
"I'm not in the mood for games tonight." Erik sat down with his legs draped over one side of his chess chair. "There's something going on around here. With Alex."
"And Raven." Charles reclined in his own chair. "She's been distracted and easily startled lately, most of all today. I spoke with Hank, but he says everything is fine."
"Which means he's in on it," Erik deduced, knowing the faithful young scientist would never dismiss any issue concerning his future bride. "What are they up to?" He looked to Charles. "Would you be willing to probe?"
Charles pursed his lips a moment. "Not yet. They're into something, but I don't think it's a danger to themselves or anyone else. If I suspect they're at that point then I will get answers my own way." He took note of his brother's continued tense apprehension. "Do you think it's that serious?"
"What's serious is that they're not talking to us. If they're not in any trouble, why hide?"
Charles, unsure of what to make of any of it, went over to mix them both a drink.
IIIIIII
Moving with as much stealth as her mutated reflexes had to offer, Raven clutched the bag and slipped into the room.
A freshly showered Alex stood in front of his mirror in an undershirt and sweatpants.
He turned around at her presence. "Is that it?"
"Yeah," Raven panted lightly. "I must have broken my neck getting to that men's store right as they opened. But look." She unzipped the long bag, revealing the navy blue suit within.
"Whoa," Alex reacted positively. "What did that cost?"
"Who cares? I'm credit card girl. Besides," Raven placed the suit across the edge of his bed, "we're family."
Alex turned diffidently quiet. "Thanks, babe."
"Hurry up and get dressed. I'll get the car ready." Raven left out.
Looking the suit over once more, Alex sighed deeply then got ready.
IIIIIII
When the Lincoln pulled into the visitors' parking lot, the mutant pair took in the large and lush campus.
Alex got out of the car first. "How do we find the Forrester Building?"
"Better question." Raven climbed out, pulling her skirt down. "Where do we get the bread crumbs to find our way back?"
"Hey, campus map," Alex pointed out on a nearby board. They went to study it. "Okay, we're here…"
"Nice to now," Raven quipped.
"And Forrester is… over here." Alex brought them a large brown building at the center of campus. "Well, this is it. Wish me luck."
"Alex, wait." Raven put her hand on his shoulder to stall him a moment. "If they say no to you, I am not going to this school."
"What?" Alex responded incredulously. "Rae, don't be stupid."
"No, Alex," she said strongly. "We started this together, you and me. If they can't see your potential then they're the stupid ones. We can do better than this."
He only looked at her and said, "You are the grooviest chick I know. And I'll be back."
As he climbed the few steps leading into the building, Raven crossed her fingers and sucked in a breath.
The grim painted interior of the building gave Alex an initial chill. He pushed it back, moving along the carpeted floor of the lengthy hallway.
He saw a dark haired receptionist behind a desk who immediately asked, "May I help you?"
Alex cleared his throat. "Yes. I'm here to interview with Dean Sta- Stev—"
"Stavros. Right over there." The woman pointed to an open door across the way.
"Thank you," Alex said and headed over. He went into the designated room and found a strawberry-blonde woman this time. "Hi- hello. I'm here for an interview."
"Mr. Summers?" she inquired. At his nod, she indicated the door a few feet away from her L-shaped desk. "Go right in."
Alex walked towards the door. The window with Gregory Stavros Dean of Admissions blurred as he entered. A middle-aged man with jet black hair arose from behind the large oak desk.
"Mr. Summers, thank you for coming in." He held his hand out.
Finding his voice, Alex said, "Thank you for calling me in," and shook with him.
"Please sit." They both did and Stavros flipped through a beige folder. "I've been reviewing your file. It seems a bit sparse, which is why I wanted to meet with you."
Alex sat up as straight as he could. "Alright."
"I understand you took the General Equivalency Exam. What made you leave high school to begin with?"
"I had personal issues to handle," Alex replied.
"Such as stealing a car then being put into solitary confinement?" At Alex's look of astonishment, Stavros gave off a faint chuckle. "I did a little investigating into your background. Between the prison time and being cast about between foster homes, I must say, Mr. Summers, you sound like a common hooligan."
Alex frowned. "Then why did you even ask me to come down here if you got me all figured out?"
"Because I couldn't help wondering what sort of hooligan applies to private university," the man said. "You see, I was born in this country, but my parents migrated from Greece. We were dirt poor to say the least. When I spoke of my desire to pursue my education as far as it could go, my family thought me a fool. Because on paper, I was nothing. But I dared to strive for better. And here I am, the Dean of Admissions. Deciding the fate of all who dare to apply, upper crust to lower."
Alex commented, "That's pretty incredible."
He countered, "Yet it has nothing on you. When I read your essay detailing the plane crash, I was stunned. Had I lost my family at a young age in such a horrific way, my life would have turned out quite differently. But you, to have scored in the top percent on your GED examination—"
"What?" Alex cut him off.
"Your test results were sent to us here," Stavros explained. "Of the two hundred plus individuals who took part in the exam, you finished with the fourth highest score."
Alex remained in place, incapable of movement in that instance. "Are you kidding?"
"I kid you not," the Dean assured. "That is why I would like to offer you a scholarship worth up to half your tuition, a grant for your outstanding essay, and any further assistance you may need with financial aid."
The teen's jaw dropped. "You mean…?"
A smile spread across Stavros' face. "I'll see you in the fall, Mr. Summers."
"Raven!" Alex exclaimed, jumping from his seat. He ran all the way to the doorway before turning back. "Thank you!"
Stavros cautioned, "Don't hurt yourself before classes even begin."
Alex continued to run until he returned to the sunshine and fresh air of the outside.
Before Raven could fully turn around, she found herself lifted straight up. "Whoa!" she laughed. "Hey buddy, I'm spoken for."
"I'm in," he declared, lowering her down.
She studied his expression closely. "You're in?"
"We're in," Alex reiterated.
"We're in!" Raven leapt up joyfully with arms out.
Two girls walking through paused at the blonde duo's victory dance before hurrying on their way.
IIIIIII
Hank stepped into the library and went to where Erik stood in front of the world map.
"My apologies for interrupting," the scientist began. "But Raven and Alex have returned and they've requested to see you and Charles privately in the parlor. I'll cover here."
Without a word, Erik left the room and did not stop moving until he made it to the designated room. He joined Charles on one of the sofas. The younger pair stood before them, one in attire far from his normal preference of jeans and leather.
"Do you want to start?" Raven asked Alex.
"You're older," he reminded her.
"It was your idea," she returned in a singsong.
At the sudden clattering of every metallic object in the room, the two stood perfectly straight.
"The truth," Erik ordered. "Now."
"We got into WU," they said in unison.
"Woo?" Charles repeated, eyebrow raised.
Raven clarified, "As in Westchester University. We both applied and we both got in."
"But I had to interview," Alex brought up, flapping out his lapels. "That's why I'm dressed like the CEO of Dork Industries."
"Now, now, hold on a minute," Charles attempted to grip. "Are you telling me that the two of you got accepted into Westchester University for this upcoming school year?" They gave off nervous nods. "Bloody smashing!" Charles hopped up, taking them both into a strong hug.
Raven smiled in complete relief. "You mean you're okay with it? I can go to college?"
"Of course." Charles pulled back to look at her face. "Did you think I would object?"
"Well, you homeschooled me then at Oxford…"
"I'd say you've grown a great deal since then," Charles stated then shrugged lightly. "However, should you misbehave in any way, you'll simply face the same consequences you did at Oxford." He patted her cheek. "And just think. You'll have Erik, Hank, and myself all to answer to now. Lovely, yes?"
Raven's yellow eyes darted about, clearly having never considered that before.
"He offered me a half scholarship, Charles," Alex brought up. "And a grant." He glanced towards Erik, trying to gauge his reaction to everything. "Isn't that something?"
"You won't be accepting it," Erik informed him, silencing everyone in the room. He stood up. "If you're going to college, every cent is coming out of my wallet."
Completely astounded, Alex could only say, "Erik…"
"Yes, it is a nice thought, but worry not, brother," Charles said. "I'm fully prepared to cover both their tuitions."
"Very generous as always, Charles, but I'll take care of them," Erik shot down. "It's no trouble."
Charles narrowed his eyes. "I insist."
Erik got closer into his personal space. "And I said no."
"What do you mean you said no? You cannot simply order me not to pay their tuition."
"Oh, I believe I can."
"Not if I have anything to say about it."
Raven touched Alex's wrist and whispered, "I think we're safe."
Leaving the headmasters to bicker, the youngers tipped out of the parlor.
IIIIIII
With a groan, Frank tugged at the tie around his neck.
"It's not fair, Scott," the city native grumbled.
"What's not?" Scott stood still while Charles worked a lint roller over his pants leg.
"Your brother grows a brain and we have to get dressed up."
Charles chided, "Franklin Tolbert. I'll hear none of that this evening." He stood from helping Scott. "Alex has earned this special night."
"I know, Charles," Frank said. "But if I don't mess with him I get these weird pains in my gut."
"I should give you a pain in your bum." Charles smiled at him despite. "Be a good lad and go make sure Joey hasn't gotten something red and sticky all over his clothes."
Frank rolled over the living room chair and scampered out.
Charles touched the side of Scott's face fondly. "Are you very happy for Alex?"
"I sure am," Scott replied. "He's always saying how bad he is in school. But I don't know how I could ever top this or anything else he does."
"Scott, if the man you are going to be is even a third of the boy you are now, that will be a feat with which few can compete."
Scott stated, "I'd rather be a man like you."
The Professor took his hand and held it tightly before giving the back of it a peck.
IIIIIII
Raven stepped into the lab and leaned against one of the double doors to observe Hank at work.
"Dear, I'm ready," she said with a drawled out elegance.
The scientist looked away from his report, smiling at the woman in the knee length black dress. "I see." He walked toward her, removing the lab coat that covered his suit.
She performed a quick spin for him, golden hair flowing down her back. "Well?"
Hank touched her back to bring her close to him. "Let me see my girl," he whispered into her ear. In an instant, she reverted back to blue. "Enough to make a man wild."
"Down, husband-to-be." Raven tapped his nose. "I'd like to get some wear out of this dress before it's ripped to shreds."
"You and Alex have certainly worked hard."
"Alex," Raven emphasized. "This is his moment. Before long, I'll have a wedding focused on me."
Hank gazed upon her in adoration. "I'm happy I decided to write him that recommendation."
"You did?" she reacted. "Hank, you know how Alex is…"
"Shh!" Instead of putting a finger up, Hank locked his lips with hers.
IIIIIII
"Come in," Alex said to the knock on his door, never turning away from the mirror.
Erik walked in, dressed for the night ahead. "Are we attempting to hang ourselves?"
"Let's just say I've had enough with monkey suits lately." Alex nearly growled as he and the tie continued their wrestling match.
"Come here." Erik turned him around and began adjusting the neckpiece for him. "Allow me some involvement in your life."
Alex brought his eyes up towards the older man. "Erik, are you mad I didn't come to you with this?"
"Should I not be?" he countered. "I spent nearly as many hours as you did prepping you for this exam and you didn't bother mentioning your plans for the future. No, I'm positively giddy."
"Erik, I am so sorry," Alex urged. "I swear I wanted to tell you. But I couldn't handle the idea of telling you then rolling craps on my test."
"Boychick." Erik put his hands on the teenager's shoulders. "I could never be disappointed in you for putting in an absolute effort."
Alex asked slowly, "Are you disappointed that I kept it from you?"
Erik considered the question. "More like unhappy with that little detail. Alex, I didn't get to be there on your first day of school. I didn't get to show you how to ride a bicycle."
"You were there for what mattered," Alex put forth. "You did more than teach me how to be a mutant. You taught me how to be a man. You think I would've had the guts to do any of this a year ago? Erik, I couldn't have done this without you."
Erik took him into a hug, tugging on the soft blonde hair. "You're my pride and life's blood. Do you know that?" Alex nodded into his shoulder. "We should be going."
Picking up his suit jacket, Alex said, "Leave it to Charles to throw together a commencement ceremony for one kid in two days."
Going to hold open the door, Erik said, "Never underestimate the power of a proud father."
"Yeah, I love Charles and everything but he's not exactly my father."
Erik gave him a pointed look. "Who said I meant Charles?" He walked out.
Alex formed a gradual grin, following him out.
IIIIIII
After the group of twelve arrived at the hotel in town, the concierge escorted them into the ballroom. It had been decorated with Havok colors of black and blue balloons all along every wall. Under the enormous chandelier was a V shaped table. Alex sat at the V's point with Erik and Charles on either side of him. Emma, Joey, Scott, Sean and Maya sat nearest to Charles while Becky, Frank, Hank, and Raven did the same with Erik.
"Who did the Professor get as a speaker?" Maya whispered to Sean, noticing the empty chair with the reserved sign.
"No clue," Sean said. "He hasn't breathed a word to anyone except maybe Erik."
"Excuse me a moment." Charles got up to go on the stage and behind the blue curtains.
Alex gazed about in pure amazement.
Seeing his face, Emma said, "You deserve all of it."
Erik rubbed the teenager's shoulder to relax away the tension he could easily feel on him.
Charles walked out to the podium. "Attention, students, faculty, and ultimately family. It is my pleasure to welcome our guest speaker, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."
Alex's eye bugged out. "Dr. Who?"
"Martin Luther King is here?" Maya said in complete disbelief.
"Isn't that the guy who's always on TV?" Frank asked.
Hank said, "I thought he was in Alabama still."
Their applause increased when the short brown skinned male came from backstage.
He shook hands with Charles. "Thank you, Professor."
"Thank you, sir." Charles returned to his seat, readying his camera.
All eyes firmly locked on him, the much awaited speaker took to the podium microphone. "We're here in honor of a very special young man. Some may call it crazy to conduct an entire commencement ceremony all for one. Well, this one is worthy of this sole attention. This one fought adversity, system after tired system, let down after let down, hardship on top of hardship. And now he's here among us ready to attend Westchester University. Why? Because he dared to dream. He dared to dream beyond poverty. He dreamed beyond the social limitations this society placed on him. He dreamed beyond good enough and soared right on into excellence. This is how powerful one man's, one soul's ability to dream is. Progress, greatness, accomplishment all begins with a single dream. Well, this man in particular has already proven this to us all. That is why at this time I would like to present this," he removed a framed certificate from on top of the podium, "to Mr. Alexander Summers for finishing in the high top ten for the General Equivalency Examination."
Brand new applause ringing in his ears, Alex froze for a few seconds. Finally, he removed himself from his chair and made his way to the stage.
Martin placed the certificate in his hands. "Congratulations, Mr. Summers."
"Thank you so much, sir." Alex extended his hand.
Charles snapped a series of photos as they shook.
Waiters came out a bit later to serve dinner to everyone.
"Tell me," Martin said to Alex, cutting through the steak on his plate, "how many times were you arrested?"
"Just the once," Alex answered.
"Once?" the man scoffed. "You call that a record? Son, if I didn't get arrested on Monday I wouldn't know the next day was Tuesday." The table laughed.
Becky studied him curiously. "Why do you get arrested?"
Erik chose to field that one. "Because sometimes those who create and reinforce the laws are the real criminals."
"Unfortunately," Charles added.
Frank tacked on, "And they're stupid."
Martin pointed a fork at him. "I like you."
Maya put forth, "I've always wanted to know, is it Dr. King or Rev. King?"
He looked to her. "Most I work with address me as Doctor. I suppose they feel it has more fuel to it than Reverend. All I can say, sweetheart, is if it wasn't for the Divine I wouldn't have the doctorate."
The girl smiled. "I catch you on the news all the time."
"I wish I could speak anywhere near your level," Sean said.
"Believe me, I used to mumble all day long. You should try looking into formal speaking classes in college," Martin suggested. "What do you plan on studying?"
Sean replied, "World Studies and American Literature."
He nodded then turned to Hank. "Charles mentioned you went to Harvard. Fine university, top of the line."
"I did a dual major of biology and education with minors in chemistry and literature. I completed my doctorate and earned my teaching certificate in my spare time during my days as a research scientist."
"Impressive resume. And what about you two?" Martin put his focus on Raven and Alex. "You'll be starting soon. Any ideas for majors?"
Raven managed to come up with, "Coloring."
"Shapes and sounds," Alex piped up. "Though sounds may be pushing it the first semester."
Martin laughed. "Undecided still I see."
"That's perfectly normal for starting off," said Charles.
Alex and Raven looked to each other. With the stress of applications and the waiting process, picking a career goal just had not come up.
The band began to play and couples slowly drifted away from the table.
"Martin Luther King Jr." Emma moved about on the floor at Charles' lead. "How did you ever pull this off, sugar?"
"I have a mailing correspondence with him," the Professor explained. "I've supported his cause for many years. That's the part I'll never understand about the states. A good portion of Europe abolished most of these hostilities years long past."
Emma burrowed into his blue eyes with her own. "Better question. How did I ever land you?"
Charles responded by dipping her deeply.
Maya nestled against Sean's chest. "Is it just me or does the Professor look like a little vanilla version of the Reverend?"
"I was just thinking that," Sean admitted.
"You know what I just realized?" Hank spoke.
Raven gazed up at him. "What?"
"The next time I do this," he said, "I'll be dancing with my wife."
Erik remained at the table, sitting across from the Reverend. "Is it true what I've heard?"
"What do you mean?"
"That no matter how much animosity and violence you face, you never retaliate in the same manner?"
"It's true," Martin confirmed.
"Why?" Erik inquired next, voice littered with curiosity.
Martin explained, "You fight fire with fire, it leads to further destruction. Fight it with water and sure enough, the fire dissipates." He got up. "Excuse me. I need to put in a call to my wife, let he know everything's alright."
Erik watched him go then looked out upon the dance floor while he drank his white wine.
Frank came over with a blue balloon, plopping down beside him. "The Reverend Doc is pretty cool."
"That he is," Erik concurred, slipping an arm around him.
After Martin hung up the payphone, he glanced down to see a tiny thumb rubbing at the back of his hand.
"That doesn't wash off. I know. I've tried."
Joey pulled his hand back. "Sorry."
Kneeling down, the man asked, "You don't get out much, do you son?" Joey shook his head. "So you haven't seen too many who resemble me? Especially not here in Westchester."
"I saw a lot more where I used to live," Joey told him. "But everybody was mean to them and called them names. But I don't know why. I like how you look. It reminds me of cocoa and brownies with caramel in them. And my teddy bear Dickon."
Martin grinned at the boy. "Charles did mention you're an artist. You may not believe it, Joey, but you are blessed. Your eyes are like none other. They don't see differences as being a problem. They see individual beauty. That's a gift I wish more people out here had."
Joey smiled back at him brightly.
Alex twirled Becky about playfully. "Thanks. It's nice to dance with a pro." He placed her down. "But I'm pretty wiped so could you do me a favor and go show Scott some moves?"
Becky hurried over to where the younger Summers leaned against one wall. "Will you dance with me, Scott?"
He straightened up. "You want me to?"
"Of course. Come on," she took his hands, "I bet you're better than Alex."
Scott happily followed her out to the floor.
Martin brought Joey over to Charles and Emma.
"I think it's nearing bedtime for this one." Emma lifted the shorter blonde up so he could rest his head on her shoulder.
"That goes for me, too," Martin said. "I have an early flight tomorrow. There's a lot ahead of me."
Charles said, "Thank you so much for coming on this abrupt notice."
"You're over here changing things on your end, Charles. You should be so proud of these children. I'm happy to help in any way I can." He nodded towards Emma. "Miss Frost."
"Reverend," she returned, rubbing Joey's back. "Thanks again."
"Let me say my goodbyes." He headed off.
Charles wound an arm around Emma's waist. "Extraordinary man."
The woman remarked, "Reminds me of another."
IIIIIII
At the sudden illumination in his bedroom, Alex groaned intensely and hid his face under a pillow. When the additional weight of a much larger body came down on his bed, he attempted to roll away.
"Get up," Erik instructed.
"What time is it?"
"A quarter to five."
Alex pulled the pillow away. "Are the kids okay?"
"They're asleep," Erik told him.
"Then I hate you." He put the pillow back in place.
"Get dressed and come with Papa." Erik got up.
"No," the boy moaned. "Papa's senile."
Erik put his fists to his hips. "Do I need to dress you?"
"Erik," Alex whined, sitting up. "I'm too drained to train this early."
"This isn't for training."
Alex blindly pulled a pair of jeans on right over his pajama bottoms. "Then what?"
"You'll find out," Erik replied simply.
Shrugging on his leather jacket that matched the one his mentor currently had on, Alex went to lean on him. They stayed that way until Erik guided them down to the garage.
"You might want to open your eyes about now."
Alex sighed, peeling his eyelids back. When his vision cleared, he had to do a double take at the silver and black motorcycle before him.
"I must have test driven two dozen of these on Saturday," Erik recalled. "Checking for speed, brake time, overall control. But I think this is the one for you."
"You- you got this for me?" Alex looked at him.
"You expected me not to get my boy a graduation gift? I thought about getting you a car, but thought this suited you much better. Plus you still have full access to my car. Do you like it?"
Alex jumped up hugging him. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Erik gave him a great squeeze. "You're welcome, boychick." He put him down and dropped the keys into his hand.
"Wait a minute," Alex realized. "Why didn't you just show it to me when we got home last night?"
A fiendish smirk crossed the man's lips. "See what happens when you keep things from Papa?"
Moved and aggravated at the same time, Alex picked up the helmet dangling off one handlebar and put it on. He settled on the seat of the motorcycle, taking in the feel of the machine, then powered it up. Erik looked on as he cruised out of the garage and towards the rising sun.