X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Seventy
Author's Word: Awesome last round of reviews, my people! Straight out awesome! That's the kind of cheer I needed this week. Keep it up and I'll be sure and keep the chapters up. You guys enjoy this!
Roosted on a large flat rock next to the lake, Charles observed Erik's tosses. With the possibility of registration looming over them, the threat it would pose to the students, and exactly how on guard they had to be, relaxation had become a lost art. Their doubtful and pensive countenances had been enough for Emma to all but boot them out of the house for some much needed fresh air.
"Doesn't that ever become boring to you?" Charles watched as Erik made coins skip across the water under his control.
The metal wielder replied, "The concentration behind it takes me away from the status quo."
"Ah." Charles reclined back slightly, touching a knee. "I remember how Raven and I loved coming out here when… tension in our house became overwhelming." He sighed.
Erik summoned his coins back into his grasp then went to stand at Charles' side. "What is it, Lab Rat?"
"Trust has become such an issue, among many of late." Charles gazed up to the blue sky overhead. "Last year, I had feelings for Moira while Emma was the enemy. Yet…" Erik gave him a nudge to the shoulder to prompt him. "With my powers, I'm able to see parts of others they themselves don't know exist. Such as with Alex. From the moment our minds touched, I felt something about Emma that unconsciously drew me to her. Further back, I wonder if I always knew Moira wouldn't take my side if it truly came down to it."
"You cannot predict the future, Charles," Erik reminded him. "You can't even properly predict another's actions down to the letter."
Charles glanced at him. "You seem to do fairly well there."
"Only because pessimism is a form of realism," the older man stated. "Ready to head back?"
Nodding, Charles got up and they started off together.
The second they got close to the house, Charles froze in place.
"Charles?" Erik's brow creased in confusion.
"It's a magnificent day out here, isn't it?"
"Yes. What's that to do with anything?"
"School is out for the summer." Charles frowned deeply. "We should've heard the children yelling and playing from yards back."
"You're right," Erik realized.
Charles took a brief reading, eyes widening. "Where are they?" He ran forward. "I can't sense them!"
"What?" Erik shot after him, his blood pumped and mind rattling off different forms of torture; each more creative than the one before it.
The moment they reached the front door, it opened, revealing the newlyweds on the other side.
"Geez, guys, we missed you too, but you don't see us running," Raven smirked.
"Raven!" Charles picked her up and swung her about before bringing her in close.
Erik sandwiched her in from behind. "You gave us a heart attack, big girl."
"Big girl?" Raven twisted around to face him. "What happened to little girl?"
"You're a married woman now," Erik pointed out.
"Yes, she is," Hank seconded wholeheartedly.
"Oh, look. Henry's here, too." Charles smiled and went over to hug him next.
"The Puerto People tried to keep him, but I smuggled him back." Raven gave her husband a wink.
"Charles." Hank patted the shorter man's back then shook with Erik.
"What are you doing back already?" Erik asked. "I thought I sent you doves away for another two days."
"We had to return," Hank said. "We couldn't possibly miss an occasion such as this."
Charles and Erik exchanged a look at that.
"What occasion?" Charles wondered.
Raven gaped at them. "You guys seriously don't know what day it is? How did you get to be headmasters exactly?"
"Raven, do you care to fill us in on this babble of which you speak?" Erik requested.
She gestured widely towards the house. "This way."
The young couple brought them inside and straight through the main level.
Once they got out back, the entire remainder of their 'missing' children burst out with a chorus of, "Happy Father's Day!"
Erik stood taken aback while a delighted shock covered Charles' face.
"Look at them," Frank pointed. "We totally got 'em."
"Father's Day. But I- I don't understand." Charles attempted to get a grip on things. "Where were all of you a moment ago?"
"You can cite me for the hide and seek, sugar." Emma stepped forward.
"Telepathic trickery." Erik shook his head. "Of course."
"Emma." Charles took her hands. "Do you realize you helped take ten years off our lives?"
"I was under strict orders," Emma smiled.
"Check it out, guys," Alex said, waving his arms around at the décor. "We have high tea going on for Charles," he indicated one patio table, "and barbeque action for Erik," he pointed out the table not far from the pool.
Sean further explained, "So it's class meets cool, even though Charles fills either category."
"Children, this is most thoughtful," Charles said, completely touched.
Erik added, "And completely unnecessary. Mother's Day is a fine enough occasion. This is needless."
Raven pointed a stern finger his way. "Erik Lehnsherr, you are going to have fun today or I'm going to beat you with a chair leg."
"I must say, Raven," he responded evenly, "married life has certainly softened you."
Becky and Joey stepped up from the crowd, each with a plastic gold and purple crown in their possession.
Charles cast a smile down at them. "What's all this then?"
"You and Papa are the kings of our family," Becky explained.
Joey bounced up and down. "Could you come down here? I can't even see the tops of your heads."
Going along with it, the men knelt to their level.
"This is for King Charles." Becky put on the Professor's crown for him. "And my prince." She kissed his cheek and Charles pulled her to him with one arm.
"And King Erik." Joey crowned the metal wielder. "And my most favoritest uncle."
Erik picked him up as he stood and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Kangaroo."
"Thank you all," said Charles.
"Okay," Frank moved along. "Let's eat so we can hurry up and eat some more."
They ended up joining the tables together so that they could enjoy high tea with sandwiches and the different grilled meats together.
"So, just what have you all been up to in our absence?" Hank asked.
"I made sure these guys stayed clear of the lab," Frank reported.
Joey said, "I learned how to jump with Xander."
"Already?" Raven responded. "You and that horse are a total match made."
Erik focused on his steak, contentedly listening to them recap.
XXXXX
Axe raised high in the air, the pre-teenager brought it down, dividing the wooden log in a clean half. Tired of the task already, Erik wiped at his brow with the back of his hand and looked on disgruntled at the seemingly worthless tree scraps. Why could they not burn something simpler, such as coal?
Readying his axe again, Erik paused a moment. He looked around his surrounding area then brought the axe up, this time levitating it by its sharp metallic blade. Bending it back, Erik managed to bring it down with enough force to slice through two stacked logs at once. He grinned happily. If this strange skill of his could actually hold out for once, he would have the job completed in no time.
"Erik!" A boy with light brown hair rode up on the Lehnsherr property on the back of a black stallion.
Startled at first, Erik looked up at him. "Oh, it's only you Aron."
"Nice to see you, too. What are you doing?"
"What does it look like?"
"A waste of a perfectly good Friday," Aron replied frankly.
"You've never been more right," Erik had to concur.
"How about a break?" his friend suggested. "Grab Gideon."
"I can't," Erik declined grudgingly. "I still have work to finish before sunset and I'm already behind."
"The Sabbath is hours away yet. Come on, Erik," Aron goaded. "Just for a bit. The animals need exercise, too, don't they?"
Erik considered the all too tempting offer. "Alright. For the animals of course."
"Of course," Aron concurred with an impish smile.
Going into the stable, Erik saddled up the horse he most often rode, the cream colored gelding.
"Come, Gideon," Erik instructed then added, "Don't make that face at me," when the horse seemed to give him a disapproving gaze. Once he had the creature mounted, he trotted him back out to Aron. "Alright. Let's go."
Aron steered his horse around and the boys took off at a rapid pace.
They eventually ended up at the pond, lazily laying in the grass while the horses drank from the water.
Sometime later, an urgent whine from Gideon made Erik pop up. "What is it?" He then felt a very familiar shadow cast over him and he slowly twisted around. "…Hello, Papa."
Aron quickly got up as well. "Good afternoon, Pan Lehnsherr."
"So this is where I find you." Jakob stared down at his son sternly, mounted on top of the white mare. "I see you found time for riding, but not so much as a moment to clean the stable. And what about the wood?"
"I chopped half of it already," Erik urged.
"A half is not a whole, Erik," Jakob said matter-of-factly. "On your feet. We need to hurry along home."
"Yes, sir." Erik did not even bother to say goodbye to Aron as he ran back to his horse. Once they were a good distance from the pond, he looked over at his father. "I'm sorry, Papa. It was only supposed to be for a moment."
"The Sabbath is approaching, boychick," Jakob emphasized. "You know this is the one day we cannot even think to neglect chores."
"I know," Erik sighed. "Are you mad?"
"I'm not pleased," the man answered. "And as soon as we get home, you're going to learn the consequences of neglecting responsibility."
Erik groaned inwardly, knowing exactly what he meant by that.
X
"Ah!" the boy grunted then had to try not to kick, his father's well-worked hand raining a fiery wrath over his behind. "A-ah! Papa!"
"You must learn to be more responsible, Erik Lehnsherr," Jakob continuously chastised.
More tears spilled down Erik's cheeks. "Govno!"
When Jakob suddenly stood him up, he started to feel relieved. That relief immediately turned to harsh woe when his father began to undo his suspenders.
"Papa, no, please!" Erik pleaded.
"First you neglect your chores." Jakob pulled him back across his knees and forced down his pants and underwear. "Now, you dare use that sort of language in this house."
Erik paled. "I'm sorry, Papa. I didn't know that you…"
Jakob swatted him. "I know countless languages, Erik. Russian is only one of them." With that, he began spanking full force again.
The young boy's wails turned into those of an infants.
Stilling his hand, Jakob resituated Erik's clothes then carried him into the kitchen.
He poured a clear substance from a bottle and into a spoon then held it out to the child. "Swallow this."
Knowing the liquid to be vinegar, Erik frowned but took it down. He made a face as the deeply sour taste hit his tongue.
"Are we going to use disrespectful words again, Erik?"
He shook his head hard. "No, Papa." Erik sniffed. "I-I'm sorry."
Eyes softening, Jakob bent and pulled the well punished boy into a strong hug. "I'm sorry I had to do that, Erik, but do you understand how important it is that we finish our work before we make time to play?"
"Yes, sir." Erik hugged him back tightly. "I'll go do the rest of my chores right now."
"That's a good boy." Jakob moved back to look at him. "And just to make sure it's done in time, I'll give you a hand."
Erik reached back to rub his bottom. "Please, Papa. No more hands."
A hearty chuckle left the man's lips at that.
XXXXX
After everyone had their fill of the food, Emma and the kids started clearing the table while the crowned headmasters were offered lawn chairs.
"This is the first Father's Day I've celebrated since…" Scott thought about that, carrying plates inside to the dishwasher.
"You made Dad that ashtray out of clay," Alex recalled, coming in behind him. "I got him a tie with birds on it. I told him it'd help him fly better."
Scott turned around. "Dad didn't even smoke, did he?"
"Nope, but I'm pretty sure he dropped his spare change into it." Alex deposited the cups into the dishwasher before bringing his brother in for a hug. "Now go play." He gave him a slap on the bottom. "I'll finish up for you twerps."
Scott smiled at him before jogging back outside.
Charles looked on blissfully when the four smaller children started up a game with the sprinklers.
XXXXX
With as much stealth as he had to offer, Brian crept into the bedroom and softly closed the door after himself. He walked up on the peacefully sleeping tot and lowered down to his ear.
"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you."
Blue eyes opened and the teeny boy sat up excitedly. "Daddy!"
"Happy birthday Charles Francis Xavier," Brian continued the song, giving the button nose a tickle. "Happy birthday to you."
Charles practically fell over into his arms. "Daddy's here!"
Brian held him to his chest. "It wasn't easy, I'll have you know. But I simply told the queen mother, the man on the moon, and Santa Claus that my baby boy turns four years old today and I could not and would not miss it for the world."
Completely giddy, Charles kissed his cheek. "I didn't want a birthday at all if you weren't here."
"No birthday?" Brian pretended to look aghast. "Then who else is going to open that big pile of presents I brought home?"
Gasping eagerly, Charles tugged on him. "Let's go, let's go."
"Yes, young master." Brian lifted him up, placing him on his shoulders.
The father and son pair journeyed downstairs, where Sharon waited on them in the living room. Several different sized and colorful boxes had been stacked up on the coffee table. Charles sat on the couch beside his mother and began ripping apart the paper. Within minutes, he'd added an entire plethora of brand new toys to his collection.
"I'd say four is going to be a very good year," Brian remarked. "Wouldn't you agree, dear?"
"Most assuredly," Sharon smiled. "Especially with you home for a while." She stroked Charles' hair. "Do you want to play or are you ready for breakfast?"
"Hm," Charles thought it over, "play! Will you play, too, Daddy?"
"Oh, absolutely," Brian replied, going around to him. "But first, I think we have one small matter to get out of the way." He sat on the arm of the couch and pulled Charles facedown over his knee.
The four-year-old squirmed, already knowing it was not serious. "Dad!" he giggled.
"Son," the man returned with a smirk. He drummed fingers along his bottom. "This is just to make sure you stay good up until you turn five. I don't need your halo damaged." Brian administered four feather light taps over the seat of the blue pajamas then a mild fifth one. "That should do it." He brought his son up and nuzzled noses with him. "Happy I came home early?"
"Yes," Charles smiled, laying his head on his father's shoulder comfortably.
XXXXX
"Happy we came home early?"
Charles looked up to see Raven standing over him. "Yes." He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "You have no idea how much."
Once they had the patio area sufficiently clean, the males divided up into teams of Erik, Alex, Frank, and Scott and Charles, Hank, Sean, and Joey for a football game. Emma, Raven, and Becky sat in chairs to the side, acting as the cheering section.
"Give it all you got, Hank," Alex encouraged. "We can take it."
The scientist obliged by shooting the ball across the lawn.
XXXXX
Falling with a pained groan to his back, Erik glared up at the two older boys over him.
"I'll get you for this, Rufin," Erik vowed.
The blonde scoffed. "You can't even get up." He kicked him in the leg.
"You're a weak pathetic joke, Lehnsherr," Marke taunted.
Erik shot a glare his way. "You only act big when your brother's around. Wait until I catch either of you alone."
Rufin laughed. "What are you going to do? Punch our fists with your ugly face?"
"Rufin, Marke!" All three boys looked over as Jakob quickly approached. "Away from here or I'll tan your backsides into leather."
"Yes sir, Pan Lehnsherr." Rufin nearly fell over himself as the two of them took off.
X
An enraged Edie applied wrapped ice to her son's bruised knees. "Those Gorski boys are nothing but trouble. Always have been."
"We needn't worry about that," Jakob assured. "I'll be off to have a discussion with their father in a short bit."
Edie placed Erik's hand over the ice pack. "Hold that there, heart." She rubbed his cheek. "I need to get started on supper. We're having your favorite tonight."
"Thank you, Mama," he responded softly.
She kissed his cheek before heading off to the kitchen.
Jakob moved to sit beside his sullen son on the couch. "You needn't be so crestfallen. Two against one. Those boys are common bullies."
"It could have just been one, Papa and I wouldn't have won," Erik admitted angrily. "I'm too scrawny to wrestle a lamb. Marke is right. I am weak."
"Erik Lehnsherr, I'll hear nothing of that." Jakob squeezed his thigh. "You are not weak and I won't let a couple wicked urchins tell you otherwise. You're still a growing boy. You'll advance to their level and better yet. But you have to give yourself time."
Erik dipped his head. "It feels like I'll always be small."
Jakob placed his arm around his shoulders. "What you lack in stature, you make up for in heart. And brain- at least most of the time."
Erik managed a teeny smile and looked at him. "Will I ever be as tall as you, Papa?"
"Probably taller," Jakob replied. "And possibly a smidge more handsome…"
"Mama says I already am," Erik informed importantly.
"Then I don't dare to argue." Jakob patted his thigh now. "Go wash off for supper."
"Yes, Papa." The boy got to his feet to do as told.
Jakob stared after him fondly before going to check on his wife in the kitchen.
XXXXX
Alex's voice called out, "Erik, heads up!"
The distracted man moved in time to catch the incoming football.
"Toss it, Erik!" Frank directed.
Erik brought his arm back then launched the ball.
Joey attempted to go after it, but with his eyes locked on the football, he failed to notice a gathering of small rocks. He toppled over them, landing hard on his hand.
"Hey, time-out!" Alex signaled.
"Joey." Charles ran over and knelt next to the nine-year-old. "Are you alright, son?"
The boy sat up, his eyes glossed. He held his right hand, showing the scrape across the back of it.
"Oh, I see." Charles gathered him up and carried him towards the house. "Let's Daddy clean that up for you, alright?"
"'Kay." Joey leaned on him securely.
XXXXX
In response to the raps on his office door, Brian said, "Come in, little one."
Charles poked his head in before entering fully. "How'd you know it was me?"
"Daddies can read minds," Brian told him with a gleam in his eyes. "May I help you?"
The small blue eyed boy came up to the front of his desk. "Will you play with me?"
"Of course." Brian then added, "In a few more minutes. Just let me finish up here and I'll be all yours."
Charles let off a sigh. "O-kay, Daddy." He turned and left back out.
The few minutes quickly turned into one too many for the four-year-old as the offerings in his playroom soon bored him. He went back downstairs to see if possibly his father could play now when he noticed the thick heavy door of the wine cellar.
Managing to get it open, he walked in. Before he could make his way down the few steps, the door slammed shut behind him. Charles gasped in fear and tried to work the knob, but his efforts proved in vain.
"Help!" he cried out at the top of his lungs. "Daddy! Daaaaaddy!"
Moving throughout the first floor of his house in search of his only child, Brian's ears picked up on the muffled shouts.
He followed the sound to the cellar door and rapidly flung it open. "Charles!" His exclaim came more from surprise than anger.
"Daddy…" A now crying Charles reached his arms out.
Brian picked him up right away and pace around with him, rubbing his back to calm him. "Shhhh, Charlie. It's alright. Daddy's here and you're fine now."
Charles' cries soon slowed. "That was scary."
"Yes, I imagine so." Brian carried him back towards the office and sat behind the desk with his son in his lap. "But what on earth were you doing in there to begin with, son? You know you aren't allowed."
"I just wanted to go 'sploring," Charles told him, twiddling his fingers.
Brian had to hide a smile. "The wine cellar is one area you know never to explore, young man."
"I was bored, Daddy."
Brian raised an eyebrow. "So that makes it alright? What if I hadn't heard you? You could have suffocated down there."
"I'm sorry," Charles whimpered.
"So am I." Brian gripped his hand. "Because now I have to spank you."
New tears formed when he said that. "Y-yes, Daddy."
Unable to resist giving him a kiss on the head first, Brian draped the small body over his arm. He gave him five fast smacks all to the same spot on his bottom and had him back in his arms even faster.
Charles cried against his father's shirt collar.
Brian produced a handkerchief from his pocket and began wiping the salty water away. "Now, little one, there's no need for so many pesky tears. Do you want to make Daddy cry?"
Surprised, Charles instantly stopped and looked up. "You don't cry, Daddy."
"I do if I see my baby in pain." Brian took his hand again and touched the small palm to the center of his large chest. "This, beating there, it belongs to you. When you weep, it weeps with you."
Charles pecked the spot. "Is it really mine?"
Brian nodded. "As is everything I own. Now, are you still in the mood to play?"
"Yes," Charles brightened.
Standing, Brian bounced the boy once and caught him again, producing a giggle he much preferred to the previous crying.
XXXXX
Smoothing out the Band-Aid, Charles finished up by kissing the wounded hand. "How's that feel, little one?"
"It's better now," Joey smiled. "Thanks, Daddy. Can I still play?"
"Yes, but try to be more careful," Charles cautioned. "Daddy can only take so many booboos."
"Tell me about it. They hurt." Joey hopped down from the counter.
After the game wrapped up, Becky came into the house a little later. Hearing something, she went in the direction of the living room. She formed a smile, finding Erik at the piano.
The little girl quietly went over and sat right next to him on the bench.
Erik stopped long enough to take her by the hands and bring then over to the ivory keys. He helped her short thin fingers dance out a short melody.
XXXXX
The arrival of her husband through the front door made Edie cease playing. The smile she wore for him immediately vanished at his expression.
"What is it, Jakob?"
Shoulders slouched, posture bent, he ran a hand along the smooth surface of the piano. "They let me go."
"What?" Edie's voice came out hushed and disbelieving. "You've worked for them for twenty years."
"We both knew it was coming, Edie." He leaned over the hood of the piano, looking at her. "The pressure came down and they crumbled."
Edie banged a fist against the keyboard, creating a sour note that barely matched her fury. "They cannot treat you this way! You are a respected veteran. You're more decorated than—"
"It's a whole new war, Edie," Jakob cut in sharply. "People can't pay their debts, it's our fault. Germany suffers the slightest misfortune, it's our fault all the way over here in Poland. The sky is falling and it's our fault!" He got up, delivering a swift punch to the nearest wall, knocking a photo frame down.
Silence fell over them until Edie raised, "How are we supposed to feed our son?"
Jakob shook his head, staring at the wall. "They don't care." He glared fiercely, thinking of the responsible for the injustice. "He doesn't care." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that they were not alone. "Erik?"
The boy stood and rushed back up the stairs. He got into bed, getting under his blanket. He pulled his knees to his chest and rocked slightly.
"Erik." Jakob came into the room and sat on the bed, facing him, the moonlight from the window washing over them.
"What are we going to do?" he whispered, his gaze forward.
"Hard times happen to everyone," Jakob said, tone hopeful. "We'll do what we've done for generations. Work harder and make it through, whatever the circumstances."
Erik looked at him, his eyes watering over. "Why do they hate us, Papa?"
Jakob embraced the distraught child, kissing him at the back of his hairline. "People hate out of foolishness and misunderstanding. Laziness, irresponsibility, they'll blame any matter of man or beast to escape accepting their own faults."
Erik's breathing hitched. "What's going to happen to us?"
"Nothing is going to happen to you," his father stated fiercely, increasing his hold on him. "Whatever the upcoming days bring, Erik, we cannot lose faith. The Lord's ways are not our ways. We must trust His will for our lives, boychick."
"I will, Papa," Erik promised him.
Lowering him so that his son's head rested in his lap, Jakob rubbed the quivering back up and down until he felt the boy drift off to sleep.
XXXXX
"Papa?" Becky stared up at him, wondering why they'd stopped playing.
"Hm?" Erik returned to reality and looked back at her. He tucked a few curls behind her ear. "He'd have loved you."
She tilted her head in confusion. "Who?"
Frank stepped into the room. "Erik, Becky, come on. Time for the good stuff."
Knowing what he meant, Becky took Erik's hand as they headed out together.
Everyone else had gathered in the dining room.
"Erik, good," Sean acknowledged. "Sit down."
Erik lowered into the chair next to Charles.
Raven removed the lid from the enormous white box on top of the table, revealing a big cake underneath. On its face it read in blue icing: To Our Devoted Fathers.
"Oh children, this is wonderful," Charles said.
"But before we dig in," Raven said quickly, "we all have something to say." She linked hands with Hank.
"You've both given me so much," Hank began. "Not only my first teaching position but whole new reasons to wake up in the morning. And the best part of all, my beautiful wife, who I will cherish for as long as I'm allowed."
Smiling, Raven spoke next. "Charles, you know you're more than a brother to me. You are my best friend in every way. You could have done like everyone else and feared me. Instead, you loved me. Guess the joke's on you now, huh?" Laughter ignited from everyone. "But seriously, thank you for my name and our family and our home and everything else I'm forgetting right now." She turned to the other man. "Erik, I know we had the shakiest start possible, but now I can't imagine my life without you. You've gone the distance for me more than once and I never make it clear how glad I am that you're our brother now. Alex?"
The blonde teenager stepped forward. "Geez, where do I start?" He scratched the back of his head with one finger. "You guys took a pathetic inmate and forced me to make something out of myself. You trained me, kicked my butt when I needed it, and you bettered me. And," he glanced towards Scott, "you've given me back someone who I thought was lost forever," Scott sent a smile out at him. Alex looked back to the men. "Charles, you're a class act with kindness nobody can match. I'd lost a lot of faith in people until I met you. Your belief in me, even when I was at my worst, helped me believe in myself. Erik- what can I even say? You've become a father to me in every way. You're the man I want to grow up to be. I'm going to live up to your expectations. Count on it." He moved back. "Get up there, Seanie."
Sean approached the table. "So… I'm spoiled. The first thing I did this morning was call my dad. Then I get to turn around and spend the day devoted to my school dad and school uncle. And my first ever big brother Hank came back and there's Alex, who's pretty much always here. I'm at no loss for male guidance. Here, we're more than men. We're X-Men. And that means a whole lot more than just four letters." He turned to his left. "Make it happen, Frank."
The city native took his turn, looking out towards the expected two. "Somebody used to tell me I don't do enough. Somebody used to tell me that I don't take things seriously enough. I tried, but no matter what, I just wasn't enough. Then somebody else saw me on a basketball court and made me out to be something special. Then another somebody started telling me there's nothing wrong with me and I was fine, even great, as I am. Together, they made me feel good enough." He immediately glanced down. "Uh, go ahead, Scott."
Clearly trying to hide his nerves, the shades adorned one cleared his throat. "A long time ago, I had a family. Then I lost them. Worse than that, I couldn't even remember them. There were some days I thought I imagined having them to begin with. But then I came here and I got a new family. Now, I remember staying up late and watching TV with Frank. I remember making him that huge card with Rebecca. I remember being in class with Hank and learning about things I like. I remember going to the museum and Easter and Passover and training. But finally, I get to remember my brother Alex. Thank you, Charles and Erik for taking care of us now." He stepped right back. "Rebecca?"
Becky went to where Scott had previously been standing, a wide smile on her face. "When I met Uncle Charles, I met a real live prince. He made all the monsters who used to come at night go away. Better than that, he made Auntie Em come back and they helped make my magic bigger. People used to say bad things about my papa, Erik. I never listened to them. Because I know how good he is. He's brave and strong and handsome and smart and I just love him. I'm so happy I get to be Rebecca Anya Lehnsherr, Erik Lehnsherr's daughter." She turned around. "Ready, Joey?"
Joey put his hands behind his back and managed to look up. " I never had a dad before. But now I have the best one in the whole world. I used to feel kind of funny around Uncle Erik, but not anymore 'cause I know he loves me. They don't lock their doors when I'm scared or call me bad names. They never let me feel hungry or scared or alone like I used to every day. I'm the luckiest kid ever. 'Kay, done." He tipped back many steps.
Hank lifted a large object, wrapped up in a white cloth. "It is now our pleasure to present the two of you with this." He removed the covering, revealing the gold plaque beneath it and began reading the inscription. "To Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr, with Love, Respect, and Admiration from Your X-Men."
Presentation completed, the children and Emma looked out at the fatherly audience, waiting on a reaction. Then they all sucked in a breath, not from the tears secreting from Charles' eyes, but from Erik blinking excessively and turning his head away from their view.
Rising to his feet, Charles declared, "I have more earthly wealth than I shall ever be able to spend. But nothing is of more value to me than all of you before me right now."
Grins plastered on their faces, they watched Erik stand up next.
"Brats. Every single one of you."
IIIIIII
Holding hands, Hank and Raven followed Emma down the second floor hall.
"Okay, what's the big secret?" Raven wanted to know.
Hank asked, "Just why have we been banned from this level all day?"
Raven said, "Our membership dues couldn't have expired that fast."
Emma did not speak as she opened the double doors leading into the lab.
The couple walked in ahead of her, not seeing anything out of the ordinary until they honed in on a flight of stairs near one corner.
Wiggling his glasses, Hank claimed, "That certainly wasn't always there."
"Come, come, come." Emma brought them across the cluttered workspace, up the stairs, and to a solid oak door. She turned the knob and opened it for their access. "Welcome home."
Entering first, Raven shrieked and had to cover her mouth. Hank came in behind her, initially alarmed by his wife's response, until he took in the sight for himself. A king-sided canopy bed with navy blue velvet curtains sat in the middle of the previously unexplored room, black end tables on either side of it. The room also came with an armoire, dresser, vanity, sitting area with two plush arm chairs and a small table in-between.
Raven pointed, unable to talk at first. "Is that a terrace?"
Emma smiled. "Go take a look."
They walked out onto the grand sized balcony, decorated with its own outdoor furniture already.
"This is magnificent," Hank stated.
Raven shook her head, disbelief taking over her.
"Ready to see your bathroom?" Emma asked them.
"Bathroom?" they echoed in unison.
The blonde woman guided them over to another door and got it open. Inside, they beheld a five piece washroom. It contained a double vanity sink with individual mirrors, a toilet away from the rest of the space, and an enormous white tub and shower combination.
Raven started, "Emma—"
"Eh." The older female held up a finger. "We're not done."
Bringing the tour out of the bathroom, she next led the already heavily awestruck pair into another room with bay windows, a sofa with matching chairs, a table, and two walls offered built-in bookshelves. A television on a short stand stood in front of the couch.
"Emma, how can we—"
"Hold on, Hank. We have one final thing to see." Opening yet another door, they entered a painted room that also came with bay windows yet no furniture.
"What is this for?" Raven asked.
Emma shrugged nonchalantly. "Your own private space while Hank's busy in the lab. Somewhere for Hank to store all of his spare gadgets. Or you could always leave it empty… for the future."
Raven caught on quickly. "Yes, the future."
"The distant future," Hank tacked on meaningfully.
"So, all in all, what do you think?" Emma asked. "And don't you just love hearing that phrase from a telepath?"
Raven squealed and gave her a big hug. "Thank you, gorge!"
"Yes, Emma, thank you so much," Hank seconded. "This is infinitely better than any starter home and far more than we deserve."
"You two found each other then were wise enough to tie the knot," Emma said. "An incredible match such as yourselves calls for a sensational wedding present. I've come to loathe contractors after this little experience, but you're both worth it. Now," she started out, "I'll let you get acquainted."
Raven and Hank flopped down onto the couch, trying to absorb the surprise most unexpected.
"We owe her a kidney and a spleen," Raven stated. "My God, Hank. Look at this."
Eyes locked in a daze toward the ceiling, his arm went around her. "I can't wait to unpack." He removed his glasses and looked at her hungrily. "Later."
Raven gazed back equally insatiable.
Rejoining hands, they rushed out to move the acquainting session back to their new master suite.
XXXXX
Returning to her chair in the dining room, Sharon sighed in annoyance.
"I don't know what could be keeping your father, Charles."
The little boy sat watching the swinging door until the awaited one at last came through it. "Hi, Daddy!"
"Hello, little one." Brian walked up and leaned in to kiss Sharon's cheek. "And lovely one."
She flipped some curled blonde hair to cover her face and block his lips. "What kept you?" she asked, completely stone-faced.
"My apologies, dear, but I had to make a little stop on my way." Brian pulled his hand out from behind his back, showing her the bouquet of assorted colorful flowers.
In an instant, her anger dissipated. "Brian…" Sharon accepted them, rubbing one yellow petal between her finger and thumb. "They're beautiful, dear."
"You are beautiful," he corrected. His strong arms going around her from the side, he peered over at their smiling son. "Your mother is a queen, isn't she, Charles?"
The small child nodded without hesitation. "She sure is, Daddy."
"Someday you'll have a woman just like her." Brian went to sit down and could not help adding, "Hopefully yours won't avoid the kitchen like the plague."
Sharon slapped his forearm lightly and the male Xaviers broke into laughter.
XXXXX
Emma came in, sensing Charles already in the eatery and her eyes confirmed him at the table.
"Well, Hank and Raven seemed to have liked their present. I'm glad they were so thrilled." She retrieved an apple from the fruit bowl and used a knife out of the rack to begin slicing off the peel. "I really wasn't sure about that tile for the bath. But then I suppose Hank could always—" She stopped, noticing his distant expression. "Charles?" She put the knife and apple on the counter and came over closer. "Did you hear a word I just said?"
Seizing her by the wrist, Charles tugged her down into his lap. Before she could breathe a word, he gave her a long and mighty kiss that very nearly sucked all of her air straight out.
He pulled back after a few more seconds, exhaling deeply. "Now," he rubbed their noses together, "what were you saying?"
Emma felt ready to pour into a diamond studded heap on the floor. She let off a fainting murmur, collapsing against him happily.
IIIIIII
Organizing complete, Erik stepped back from the parlor wall. "Would you say that's about even?"
Charles looked at the pair of plaques hanging side by side. The one on the left hand side carried the message from the children while the one next to it read: To Brian Xavier and Jakob Lehnsherr, the Men Who Molded Us.
"Marvelous," Charles finally deduced. "Simply marvelous."
Erik nodded. "Ready for a game?"
"Most certainly."
They walked to their chess chairs and sat, the board already setup.
At Charles abrupt snicker, Erik glanced over at him. "What's so funny?"
Charles explained, "I have an image in my mind of them playing chess together right now and exchanging stories about us."
"Heaven help." Erik shook his head, a smirk coming to his lips.