X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Sixty Four
Author's Word: Oh Tom, I am so happy your nephew is alright and also unbelievably honored that your sister would like me to pick a name. The first one that came to mind is Daren. It's rare to hear these days and what I like about it is that it signifies that he dared to fight for his own life. You all will stay in my prayers. Please enjoy and review, everyone!
Knocking on the door, Raven called through it, "Erik, are you naked?"
The metal wielder, who only had his watch left to slip on, responded, "As the day I was born."
Raven opened the door and quickly covered her eyes at the fully dressed individual. "Uck! You… you're not wearing a hat!"
Moving swiftly from the bed, Erik hoisted her up off her fuzzy slipper clad feet. "What can I do for you, little girl?"
"Nothing." She rested her hands on his shoulders. "Just thought I'd let you know that Alana Tolbert has officially RSVP'd for tomorrow."
Erik placed her down. "Has she?"
"Yep. And I came to the sudden realization that a man over forty—"
"Forty?" he echoed with a raised eyebrow.
"Fifty," she amended dismissively. "However old you are. Anyway, what kind of sister would I be to let my own brother show up at my wedding all alone and more pathetic than usual?"
"A less meddlesome one?" Erik offered up.
"And that's exactly the kind I'm not," Raven grinned cutely.
"Very crafty, little girl."
"I thought so. Well, I'm off to finish shopping."
The moment she turned to go, Erik dealt a powerful swat to her bottom. She shrieked and ran the rest of the way out.
IIIIIII
The shimmering white Mercedes zoomed along the Westchester shopping district. Emma and Alana took up the front while Raven, Becky, and Maya lined up horizontally in back. The three girls enjoyed the musical style of the Beatles, hair flying courtesy of the rolled down windows.
"I love when Emma drives," Raven said. "We get to hear real music over stuff made from decomposing composers."
"Tell me about it," Maya concurred. "My mom is way too much of a jazz fanatic."
Alana said to Emma, "They're giving me flashes to my short-lived youth."
"Had mine lasted any longer, I never would have seen adulthood," returned the blonde.
"It's too bad Rev. King couldn't come back," Maya brought up.
"Charles says he has too much on his plate to get away right now," Raven recollected. "We did get Rev. Phelps."
"Who's he?" Becky asked.
Raven explained, "The minister who married our parents— a couple hundred years ago."
"Raven," Alana spoke, "blue and purple are a beautiful choice of wedding colors."
"Blue was obvious for me and Hank," Raven asserted. "Purple took forever to decide on. Charles says it's regal, but I say it's easier to hide when the kids spill."
"You are so ready to be married," Alana told her.
IIIIIII
Peeking over Joey's shoulder, Sean watched him add another swirl of ocean blue to the eight foot wide parchment.
"Can I sprinkle some glitter now?" Sean requested.
"No," the young artist declined without looking up.
"Macaroni wheels?"
Joey gave him a serious frown. "No macaroni!"
Sean folded his arms. "Oh come on, Joey. You already get to be Ring Bearer. The goofy signs are my part of the deal."
"Hank!" the nine-year-old beseeched. "Sean's trying to wreck your wedding banner."
The scientist glanced over from where he talked with the headmasters by the parlor's fireplace. "Joey, let Sean help. Sean, do as Joey says."
The child clapped while the teenager poked his lips out.
"Charles Kids," Frank remarked to himself, passing baseball cards with Scott across the coffee table.
"Hank, come on," Alex said, draped over the arms of Erik's chess chair. "This bachelor party is so square, it's rectangular."
"What's a bachelor?" Joey asked.
"Every gentleman in this room, Kangaroo," Erik answered.
The boy remained quizzical. "A boy mutant?"
"No, little one," Charles said with a small chuckle. "A bachelor is an unmarried man, mutant or otherwise."
"And Hank won't be one tomorrow?" Joey rationalized.
A poignant expression came to Hank's face upon hearing that out loud.
"Tomorrow he shall be one of two," Erik put forth.
"Then let's live it up," Alex encouraged.
"Alex, we have children among the Groomsmen," Charles reminded, looking on as Sean colored under Joey's close supervision.
"Do you know what I'd really like to do?" Hank stepped forward and kicked off his shoes. He took off his socks next, unleashing his massive feet. "Play outside. Who's with me?"
Frank jumped right up. "Alright!" He and Scott took off from the room.
Alex shrugged and got up. "Come on, Joe."
The youngest boy eyed Sean warningly. "I'm watching you."
Alex walked over and tucked Joey under one arm then kicked at Sean to propel him.
Hank glanced over his shoulder. "Gentlemen?"
Charles and Erik shared a look before following after the youngsters.
IIIIIII
The bridal consultant finished adjusting the circular headdress of violets and hydrangeas on top of Becky's curls.
"Gorge!" the woman declared once she was done.
"Gorge," Maya echoed with a laugh, sitting in a plush chair.
"Gorge," Becky giggled, playing with the thin streamers that flowed from the head piece.
Alana emerged from the changing room, adorned in an off-the-shoulder model of the lavender dresses. "This may be the first bridesmaid's gown I've worn that doesn't make me want to duck the photographer."
"That's so gorge," Becky remarked.
Alana shook her head. "These kids have a word for everything."
Emma smirked and walked over. "I'm glad we got this fitting in. We thought you'd never reply to the invitation, but we kept a dress to the side just in case."
"I was just so busy," Alana claimed. "Between not picking my sons up from school, not doing their laundry or helping with their homework, and the best part— the nightly romantic dinner for one."
"Perhaps that will all change soon," Emma put forth. "You know, if Phillip returns early."
"Followed closely by the Great Pig Flight," the redhead added wryly. "Now, let me change out of this before I decide to sleep in it." She stepped back into the dressing stall.
Emma went inside to the adjoining room. Raven stood in the middle, surrounded by walls made up of mirrors. She wore her halter wedding dress with fluffed out skirt. Beads of purple circled around the waist. A short thin veil rested up on her head.
Admiring a moment, Emma came up from behind. "What is it like to be able to wear white for this day with such sincerity?"
Raven gazed at their dual blonde reflections. "How do you know that?"
"One of the many things I don't need my abilities to detect." Emma rested her chin on the girl's shoulder. "Hank is very fortunate."
"Vice the versa," Raven corrected. "I still can't believe this is actually happening. I have to admit, though. Part of me is ecstatic that snob central is coming tomorrow. Hank may want all-natural Raven in our photos, but…"
"Raven, nothing about that face is unnatural. In a blink, your body can alter its own appearance. While the rest of us are tweezing, blow drying, and plucking in the most awkward of places to maintain that "natural" mirage."
A smile came to Raven's face. "At least I get some small trace of my mother this way… I really hate this veil."
Emma laughed softly and pulled back, squeezing her shoulder. "Let's go, gorge. We still have much to do."
"Gorge?" Raven repeated to herself then turned to go after her.
IIIIIII
Knees folded against his chest, Hank performed a somersault from up top the forty foot tree. He landed in the lake, resulting in an immense splash. The residual water made great contact with Sean and Scott, who stood closest by. They both hollered with laughter.
Erik stood against the tree trunk with Charles. "I haven't seen this side of Hank since California. And even then, he carried reservation."
The Professor said, "I believe his impending nuptials are the thanks. Being with Raven has released many inhibitions for him."
"He probably thought he'd never find such an equal of acceptance and compatibility." Erik understood that quite well.
Frank used his transparency light to gaze beyond some rocks then looked over at Scott. "That stick'll scare the frogs away."
Scott used the stray wood to poke at the ground. "Who's looking for frogs? I'm trying to find a snake."
"Cool," Frank said in intrigue.
"You won't find them out in the open like that," Sean informed. "They hide real well and their eyes never close."
Frank rolled his eyes. "Learned that in second grade, Sean, thanks."
Sean reached a hand out, prodding him into the water. "Welcome, buddy."
Scott laughed then knelt to dig through a short mound of twigs.
Alex currently sat on the ground and pulled his brother down to join him. "You shouldn't be messing with snakes. Around here they could be poisonous and I call first dibs on biting you."
"Alex!" the eleven-year-old squirmed with a smile when the older Summers clamped down on his ear playfully. "Cut it out! I'll catch something."
"Oh now you're in trouble." Alex proceeded to tickle relentlessly.
"Erik?" Charles turned towards the tree. "Give me a boost, would you?"
The metal wielder raised an eyebrow. "You are not serious."
"Yes, I haven't done this in ages," Charles said excitedly.
Erik shook his head, but made a bowl out of his hands. "Up you go then. Just try not to come barreling towards the ground while the babes are present."
"Your concern is most touching." Charles placed one foot in his hands and Erik hoisted him up to reach the first branch.
Joey rushed up. "Daddy's climbing a tree!" He looked to Erik. "Can he do that?"
Erik raised his hands in innocence. "He is the Professor."
"But it's not… fancy." Joey scrunched up his face in utter confusion.
Erik picked the little boy up to hold. "I know. The world will cave in at any moment."
Frank held onto Hank's back while the older mutant dogpaddled them in a circle. "You know, I'm glad you're marrying Rae."
Hank dipped in the water a bit. "You are?"
"Yeah," Frank replied. "Next to me, I think you're a half decent second best. But don't forget— she's still my girl."
"Duly noted." Hank put hands over Frank's wrists to secure the child as they swam. "I hear your mother has joined the wedding party."
"Yeah," the boy said again. "Figured she and Erik could sit by each other- just to make the old people even."
Hank paused a moment. "Frank, you know how there's always a risk of error in science?" He felt the nod of reply against the back of his head. "Life is much the same way. Tread carefully, understand?"
"Uh huh," Frank responded distantly, holding on tighter as Hank began to move again.
Alex fidgeted, his arm around Scott. "Dude, cut out the tickling."
"I'm not tickling you," Scott denied.
Opening his eyes, Alex saw the real reason behind the tingle on his stomach. "Ugh!" He jumped at the slithering black creature.
Scott sat up with a grin. "Snake!"
IIIIIII
With Maya's assistance, Emma brought in the trays filled with ice cream cartons, bowls, and various dressings and toppings.
Becky smiled. "We get ice cream before dinner, Auntie Em?"
"That's right," Emma confirmed, passing bowls around the living room inhabitants. "And with the wedding just mere hours away, the calories won't have time to attack our fantastic figures."
Alana stated, "I don't think these girls have much to worry about in that department."
Maya admitted somewhat grudgingly, "I've always been a shrimpy nerd."
Raven started loading scoops of chocolate into her bowl. "I think I'll ask Sean if he agrees with that."
"Oh why?" Maya flopped down beside her on the couch. "So he can tell me I'm pretty and cool and perfect? Blind, blind stud."
"The best kind of man," Emma remarked. A knock came to the doorway and she turned around to see the resident Professor there. "Was your mind burning?"
"Sorry to disturb you, ladies," he apologized. "We've finished washing up and I'm about to put on a bit of supper for the gents. Might I get you anything?"
"We have take-out on the way," Emma told him.
"Thanks, big brother," Raven said.
"Make sure Hank stays away," Maya requested. "It's almost sunset. He and Raven can't see each other."
The man chuckled. "As the Maid of Honor wishes."
Erik stepped up behind him. "Charles, I—" He took notice of the women. "Good evening to the best part of Creation."
They all waved while Becky greeted with a bright, "Hi, Papa."
"Hello, my sweet." He looked to the younger man. "Charles, need I remind you that we have several strapping young men in need of nourishment?"
"Yes, yes." Charles looked back into the living room. "See you come morn." He walked off with Erik.
"I think you're wrong on one point, Emma," Alana said to her lowly.
The female telepath glanced her way. "Hm?"
Alana took a sip from her coffee mug. "The best kind of man is a mutated one."
Becky hummed contentedly, applying gummy bears and M&M's to the top of her already colossal sundae.
IIIIIII
After the now pajama clad males finished with dinner, they stayed around the dining table going over preparations for the upcoming day.
"So Charles and Erik are going to carry bring the doves over," Hank explained to Scott. "And Raven and I thought it would be nice for you and Becca to release them."
Scott asked in urgency, "Why would you think that?"
Hank looked back at him, one eyebrow going up. "Because Frank is conducting the candle lighting and Joey is carrying the rings. Most wedding rituals are carried out by the youngest children in a family. By you and Becca being the same age, we found it appropriate."
"Ushers don't get to do any dazzle stuff," Sean moped.
"You're kidding, right?" Alex disagreed. "We have to shower, show up before everybody else, and walk chicks down the aisle while wearing tight penguin suits."
Hank said, "I thought you liked the tuxedos I chose."
"Sure." Alex reclined back in his chair, arms folded behind his head. "So long as I can sit back and look good in it."
"You do that well, Alexander," Charles remarked with a smile. "Hush, Franklin."
The city native clamped his mouth shut to refrain from commenting.
Erik came back through with a gray basin. He placed it on the table, revealing the scissors, combs, and various sized mirrors it contained.
"Time for the pre-nuptial haircuts," he declared.
Hank slapped a hand to the top of his head. "My hair. I knew I forgot something."
"Obligation of the Best Man." Erik went around to size up Hank's hairline. "Picking up whatever little details you miss."
"Can I help?" Alex asked. "I learned how to cut hair from this barber I knew as a kid. He even let me sweep the place for extra money."
Erik floated an extra pair of scissors out to him.
"No way," Frank said. "You'll probably chop my head off."
The teen rolled his eyes. "I could've been done that while you slept. Trust me. I've thought about it."
Scott turned to his brother. "Will you cut mine?"
"Sure, Scottie." Alex got up to stand behind him. "You're next, Joe."
"As are you," Erik said to Charles, evening out Hank's brown lochs.
"Don't touch my hair," the telepath ordered automatically.
"Come on, Charles," Sean urged, tugging on the man's arm. "It's for the wedding. You want to make Raven happy, right?"
"A tiny trim," Charles conceded. "And I'll wait for Alex."
Frank scoffed. "I'm going with Erik."
All eight of their heads faced towards the wall when the very loud Beach Boy tune reverberated.
IIIIIII
Living room stereo on high, Raven danced merrily on the sofa with her paper veil taped to her hair. Maya had taken to rocking about on the coffee table in her 101 Dalmatians pajamas.
Emma approached Alana with two glasses of white wine. "Sugar loaded soda for the girls. Healing ambrosia for us."
"I'm still medicated," Alana brought up.
"You seem saner to me than your average diploma thumping shrink. Take it from me. I'm far better at reading people." Emma kept the extra glass out until the other woman at last accepted it. "Besides, how else can you absorb the truth serum I planted for you and a certain metallically inclined individual to stop these silly games?"
"You're honest," Alana noted.
"Only because I need the redemption points," Emma stated plainly.
Maya flopped down on the couch, tugging on Raven's colorful lounge pants. "Raven?"
The shape-shifter dropped down next to her. "What's up?"
"Is there something happening between Mr. Lehnsherr and Mrs. Tolbert?" Maya asked covertly, despite the blaring music.
"Not much outside of lots and lots of sparks," Raven said.
Maya frowned deeply. "But what about Frank's dad? I can't believe Mr. Lehnsherr is that kind of man."
Now it was Raven's turn to frown. "What kind? The kind that's nice, respectful, considerate, and more caring towards a woman than her own husband?"
Maya's resolved weakened slightly. "Well, what if some other guy tried to steal you from Hank?"
"The only way any other guy could steal me from Hank is full-blown, club-to-the-head kidnapping," Raven stated matter-of-factly.
Becky spun around near the doorway, waving a long pink ribbon over her head. She spotted Scott passing by and ran out to him.
"Hey! I like your hair."
He ran a hand over the fresh cut. "Thanks. Alex did it for me."
Becky smiled. "It looks really great."
Scott rocked back and forth on his feet bashfully. "Not as great as yours." Becky's jaw dropped. "Well, I um, better get back to the guys. See ya." He turned to go.
Touching her long curly strands, Becky's face lit up from her eyes on.
IIIIIII
"There you are." Alex held an arm out for Scott to come sit with him.
Scott cuddled into his brother's side with an excuse of, "Bathroom break."
Sean screwed the lid back on the paint jar. "Well? What do you think, Joey?"
The short art critic scanned the banner for any and all errors then declared, "I love it, Seanie."
The older boy grinned and hugged him tightly.
"I'll get it," Frank said in response to the ringing phone. He picked up the receiver from off the parlor end table. "You reached the bachelor dudes. Oh, hold on, please." He held the mouth piece out to Hank. "It's for you, 'Henry'."
"Oh my." Hank stood and went over. "If this is another one of my former teammates congratulating me on the new ball and chain…" He took the receiver from Frank. "Hello?" His eyebrows jumped. "Mom?"
Charles put his teacup down and exchanged a glance with Erik.
"Yes, we received your gift two days ago," Hank told her. "Grandmother's China set. Raven really— we really appreciated it. Yes. Thank you, Mother." He quieted a moment. "I love you as well. Goodbye." He hung up and turned around to find all eyes set on him. "So, who wants to wrestle?"
Frank took the opportunity to pounce onto the tall man's back.
IIIIIII
The clear night sky brought with it a generous number of stars along with a brisk wind. Raven's golden hair beat lightly against her back as she leaned over the balcony, gazing upon her family's grand estate.
Emma stepped up, taking a second to study the forlorn younger female. "It'd be a shame to catch a cold right before the big day." She walked over and took the fleece throw from around her own shoulders to place on Raven. "Let's go inside, hm?"
Raven nodded, following her to the warmth of the interior.
They returned to the living room, where the great sugar high had finally crashed. Alana slept on one of the cots, Maya a loveseat, and Becky cuddled up on the other cot with her white bear. Emma lowered to the floor in front of the couch with Raven.
She pulled down the blanket to wrap around them both. "Since I can't find out the simple way, I'm prompted to ask what's going on in your head."
"Do you remember what we talked about earlier?"
"Among four thousand topics?"
Raven gave her a sideways half-amused look. "Wedding dress… white."
"Oh," Emma immediately comprehended.
"Yeah," Raven nodded vigorously. "How exactly do you go about that?"
"Someone clearly hasn't taken a peek inside her fiancé's biology books," Emma quipped.
"Em, seriously," Raven said in exasperation. "I need to know how to satisfy a man."
"And I really need to get around to scrubbing this 'whore' sticker off my forehead." Emma tucked a few strands of hair behind the girl's ear. "Raven, what I've done and what you are going to do with Hank are two vastly different scenarios. I've had sex, but you are going to create magic with your husband. Trust me that you don't need a manual for that."
"I so want to be a good wife," Raven declared in a hushed longing.
"Another thing you don't have to worry over. Get some rest, honey." Emma kissed her at the temple.
"'Kay." Raven gave her a quick hug then climbed up into the cot with Becky. She placed an arm over the little girl.
Emma took a seat on the couch and reached over to rub the back of Raven's head. She delicately guided the young bride into sleep.
IIIIIII
The headmasters along with Hank, Alex, and Sean hovered over the closed-eyed trio. Scott and Frank lay in the middle of the floor with Joey tucked comfortably between them.
"They're cute when they're motionless," Sean commented.
"Like certain teenagers I know," Erik said.
Charles smiled down at the younger boys. "About bedtime I'd say." He lifted Joey into his arms.
"Come on, squirt." Alex picked up Scott.
After Sean took Frank, they headed out with their small cargo.
"Where are you going?" Erik called after a departing Hank.
He turned back. "Just thought I'd go to my lab for a while."
"Think again." Erik took him by the upper arm. "You're not working yourself into madness this night. You're going to bed."
"Erik, come now." Hank attempted to pull away. "It's far too early for that."
The former hunter gave him a mild glare. "Young man, unless you want to remain on your stomach for the duration of the night, I suggest you come along."
"What kind of Best Man chastises the Groom so harshly before his wedding?" Hank appeared more humored than agitated.
"The very best," Erik replied.
"Alright," Hank gave in.
The scientist went up to his room and straight into bed. He began to read through his well worm copy of Othello.
Minutes later, Erik entered the room with a tall glass of milk in hand.
He took note of Hank's chosen reading material. "This is what you want on your mind for tomorrow?"
Hank removed his glasses. "It's who I aspire not to be." He accepted the glass from Erik and formed a slight face. "Warm milk. Not a childhood favorite."
"Trust me." Erik sat near him on the bed. "It's exactly what you need, more often than you care to believe."
In several hastened gulps, Hank chugged down the white substance. "Delightful."
"Yes, the scotch I put in should help tremendously."
Hank gaped at him. "What?"
"That was a joke, Hank," Erik informed sardonically. "I make one or two every few years or so."
"Right." The younger mutant put the glass down and lay back.
Erik took in his expression. "Are you anxious for tomorrow?"
"Wouldn't you be?" Hank countered.
Erik's eyes dimmed a bit. "By my own foolish choices, I never got to see the altar."
Realization dawned on Hank. "You mean you were…?"
"You're a wiser man that I was, Hank." Erik stood and walked towards the door. "Once you have that woman to hold, never let her go."
Hank nodded. "Good night, Erik."
"Mazal tov," his Best Man said before leaving out.
IIIIIII
As quietly as he could, Charles made his way into the living room. He bypassed all of the sleeping damsels to where Raven lay in slumber. He squatted, extending a hand to stroke the blue cheek.
You're not scared of me?
I always believed I couldn't be the only one in the world. The only person who was different. And here you are. Charles Xavier.
…Raven.
You're hungry and alone. Take whatever you want. We've got lots of food, you don't have to steal. In fact, you never have to steal again.
Charles shined glossed over blue eyes towards his little sister. But I was wrong, wasn't I? For you stole my heart, Baby Blue.