X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Eighty
Author's Word: And again, how am I posting so soon? You guys just don't understand the power of feedback. The thing that can cut through and destroy the twin demons of that dreaded fiend known as writer's block and zero motivation. I love it, I love you guys, I love Rise or Fall, and I love my cats. Thank you!
Attention: I don't like putting up these things on specific chapters because I absolutely hate giving away spoilers, even if it's just a tiny hint in an author's note that something is going to happen. It's a thing I have. But the warning here is twofold. One, at any time there could be very troubling material or content featured heavily between married people so don't let it surprise you. Two, keep in mind the time period this story is set in. Nothing said (including terms deemed offensive in the modern world) or done is necessarily a reflection of your author's personal viewpoint. It is a reflection on the time period, story itself, and more than anything, individual characters.
All of that said, please review and enjoy!
The surprise Alex initially felt at discovering Sean's bunk empty immediately faded when the realization set in. The redhead had to have left for the airport already. Alex took the lack of roommate opportunity to take an extended hot shower. He dressed in his heavy winter apparel and headed out for the kitchen.
"Morning, boychick," Erik greeted from where he stood in front of the stove.
"Latkes." He went to lean forward against Erik's back. "So you like me this morning."
"You may also thank the little girl who felt the need to bounce on my stomach with the request early this morning." Erik pointed a spatula towards the cheery Becky.
Seeing only Scott and Frank seated at the island with her, Alex wondered, "Where's Joe?"
"He swallowed his breakfast whole to get out to Xander," Erik recollected.
"He's riding again?" Alex frowned. "Yeesh, that horse sees him more than I do."
Frank piped up, "Xander's probably easier on his eyes."
"And my hand is going to be hard on your backside," Erik warned. "Now use your mouth for chewing."
Alex brought his plate to the island, sitting beside Scott. "How about you, squirt? Want to go sledding?"
"Definitely," Scott agreed.
"Erik," Alex addressed, "let Charles know we'll work on those stretches when I get back."
"As you say, Captain," the metal wielder replied.
"I'll grab my sled." Scott put down his fork and hurried up.
IIIIIII
Stepping off the plane with her carryon case rolling behind her, Maya looked up to see Sean just a few feet away. He held a box of chocolate turtles in his hand. A wide smile coming to her face, Maya abandoned her bag and ran right for him.
Sean caught her and raised her straight up in a strong hug. Maya grabbed handfuls of his thick red hair, her cheek pressed against his.
"I missed you," she whispered.
"I barely slept last night." Sean placed her down with delicacy. "I can't believe you're finally here. These are for you." He gave her the box of candy.
"Thanks." She smiled. "I left my cousins to watch Mom."
Getting low to match her height, Sean gave her a kiss and they hugged again. Sean went to grab her carryon before they headed back to where Hank and Raven waited by the truck.
IIIIIII
At the young boy's huffing and puffing, Alex turned to him with a smirk. "Your body is like ninety percent leg. How are you tired?"
"I haven't gone uphill in snow since March," Scott reminded him.
"Keep this up and I'll have you coming along on six AM jogs."
"Great and when I pass out you get to carry me."
"You sound like Dad." Alex situated the sled when they reached the top. "He used to try to get out of taking us out by saying Summers melt snow."
Scott laughed. "I always figured I was like Mom."
"I'm like Mom," Alex countered. And Erik. "Trust me."
"I get to drive." Scott sat at the front of the sled.
"Aw, look at you with no booster seat." Alex got in behind, coiling arms around the smaller one's middle.
Scott rocked them forward and down they slid in a rapid motion. Scott fell back against Alex when they reached the bottom. They then went again; this time with Alex stretched out on his stomach and Scott laid out on top of him.
At the base of the mound, Scott flipped up in the air. He landed with a flop on his back in a snow pile.
"Maybe Becky could teach you something about grace." Alex laughed until his brother went several seconds without movement. "Scott?" Alex scooted his way. "Scottie?"
The boy popped up with a cry of, "Boo!"
Alex jumped then gave him a glare. "Think you're funny, huh?"
Scott's smile faded and he backed up. "It was just a joke, Alex."
"Yeah? Come here so we can laugh some more."
When Alex made purposeful moves toward him, Scott decided to combat him by rushing against him.
He hugged Alex and cuddled under his chin. "My golly do I love doing these things with you."
The blonde could not resist giving him a squeeze. "Bad squirt." He popped his behind a few times, fully aware the small boy could hardly feel it through his jeans and thermals. "Don't scare me like that."
Taking in his brother's worried tone, Scott said sincerely, "I'm sorry. Can we still play?"
"We're together now." Alex peered in through Scott's glasses. "We can do whatever we want. Except I'm still in charge." He stood and started to help Scott up by the hand. He made a face at the boy's resulting wince. "What?"
Scott got up on his own. "My butt hurts."
"Good," Alex smirked, walking back to the sled.
IIIIIII
Various coffee drinks in hand, the group of four returned to their stools at the circular upraised table in the café.
"I can't believe we're anywhere near an upscale ski resort," Maya marveled.
Raven mentioned, "Wait until you see the shopping."
"And we're in an actual foreign country," Maya continued. "Different customs, language…"
"Uh Maya, we're in Canada," Sean reminded her. "LA was more of a system shock."
"Seriously," Raven agreed. "We haven't even met anyone who speaks French." She smirked. "But Hank and Becca did meet a mutated pterodactyl."
"Hm?!" Maya put down her mug, turning to the scientist at the table.
Hank gave his wife a dry look. "Sabretooth, dear." He glanced at Maya next. "He fought off a pack of rabid dogs that came at us in the woods."
Maya lowered her voice. "Is he really a mutant?"
"Yes," Hank replied. "But we didn't get much further than that before he took off into the night."
"His powers are the same as Hank's," Sean said.
"Except full throttle." Hank sipped his coffee. And fully mastered.
IIIIIII
Reacting to the pained whimpering, Emma dropped the tray onto the small lace cloth covered table.
She knelt before Charles. "What is it, sugar?"
The sulky male telepath replied, "You haven't kissed me for nearly twenty minutes now."
"Oh you." Emma cupped both sides of his face and smooched his lips. "I had to prepare your tea."
"But you're so much better for my recovery." Charles attempted to pull her up.
Emma had to pry away. "You know your legs aren't strong enough for that yet." She smiled coyly. "But you can sit on my lap." When he tried to rise, she quickly grabbed his arms. "Don't you da— ooh!" She toppled back into the wooden chair.
Charles landed securely on her. "Well played, love."
Emma mock glowered at him. "Just for that?" She shifted into diamond form.
Ignoring the discomfort in his backend, Charles kissed along her hardened neck. "So pretty…"
The woman gave in and returned to flesh. "Why must you be inconceivably wonderful?"
"My girlfriend expects no less," he smiled at her.
"Daddy!" They looked over as Joey hurried into the bedroom. "Mummy—" He paused at the sight of them.
Emma explained, "Daddy's helping Mummy weight train."
"Ohh," Joey nodded. "I'm done eating. Can I go ride Xander?"
"Again? Son, you'll wear that poor animal out," Charles reasoned.
"Aww, Daddy. Please?" Joey folded his hands together in a plea. "You said I could play with him more in the summer."
Charles thought then granted, "One hour."
"Thanks, Daddy! And don't break Mummy." Joey turned and ran out.
Emma laughed and Charles burrowed into her neck.
IIIIIII
Out in front of the house, Frank flung snowballs Erik's way all the while trying to avoid the man's well aimed retaliations. Becky wheeled her doll and bear filled baby buggy around.
"Hey!" she yelled when a wad of snow collided with the hood of the carriage.
"Sorry, Becky," Frank called over to her then laughed when Erik hoisted him up.
Becky looked over as the front door opened. "Joey, do you want to help find the brave knight?"
"Tell him I'll see him later," Joey responded, making a direct path for the barn as he spoke.
Erik gazed after the little boy. There he goes again.
"Hey, mutants," Alex's voice sounded.
Scott ran ahead of him. "Are you playing house, Rebecca?"
"No, we're trying to get to the Enchanted Meadow to rescue Knight Victor," Becky explained. "They have him captured. That's why we can't find him anywhere."
"I'll help you," Scott offered.
"How about you help me cram your new sled away first?" Alex said meaningfully.
"Okay," Scott sighed, going inside with his brother.
"Alex," Charles addressed when the Summers pair neared the kitchen. "May I speak to you a moment?"
"What's up?" Alex walked to where Charles arranged cookies on a plate.
"Have you been spending very much time with Joey?"
"Not lately. He's been all about Xander the last couple days. Do you think he's feeling alright?"
Charles brushed his chin thoughtfully. "I'm only wondering from where this sudden need to escape into riding is rooted." His eyes then floated over to Scott, who seemed to struggle with the rope attached to the sled. "Scott, is anything wrong?"
"Huh?" The boy stood up straight. "No, sir. I'm just a little worn out. We had a lot of fun."
Alex noticed his action. "That's the fourth time I've seen you messing with that hand."
Charles directed, "Scott, come here, please." Scott went to the stand to the side of the wheelchair. "Let me see your hand." Ever obedient, Scott surrendered the appendage. Charles squeezed the right hand then pressed two fingers to the wrist, receiving a hiss from the young mutant at every area he touched. "How long has it been bothering you?"
"Just a couple hours."
"Why didn't you open your mouth?" Alex wanted to know.
"I don't want to be any trouble, Alex," Scott said.
"Oh nonsense, Scott. You could never be any trouble," Charles told him. "Now, there's a hospital a few miles down. We'll get it checked out there."
"Why can't Hank look at it?" Scott frowned.
"They're still out I'm afraid," Charles informed. "And I want to make sure no serious damage has taken place. We've lost enough time as it is."
"I'll let Erik know we're going." Alex left out.
Charles messaged Emma telepathically to bring the truck around.
During the ride, Scott remained quiet.
"Leave it alone," Alex reproached him when he kept fiddling with the sore wrist. "You'll make it worse."
"We're nearly there, sweetheart," Emma reported from the driver's seat.
Charles kept an eye on the child from the rearview mirror.
Once they pulled into the hospital parking lot, Alex retrieved Charles' wheelchair from the back and helped ease him into it.
Scott stayed perfectly in place until Emma came around to him.
"Here we are, darling." She opened his door.
The boy took time to unlatch his seatbelt before slowly easing out. As their group got closer to the entry doors, Scott felt his feet solidify until he ceased movement entirely.
Alex looked back. "Scott, what are you doing?"
Charles rolled around. "Son?"
"Mommy? Where's my mommy?"
"She's resting right now."
"I want my mommy and daddy."
"They're waiting on you. You'll be with them soon."
"I'm not going," Scott declared.
"Scott, cut it out." Alex walked to him. "Come here." He then stopped in complete shock when the eleven-year-old dropped to the cement ground. "You are kidding me…"
When Alex attempted to grab at him, Scott kicked and wriggled vigorously.
"Alex, stop before he harms his wrist," Emma cautioned.
Charles moved his chair forward. "Scott, I want you to calm down. We're not going to take you inside."
"Charles," Alex reacted disapprovingly.
"Alex," the man pressed on, "bring your brother this way, please."
Gathering Scott up, Alex followed Emma and Charles to a secluded side of the hospital.
"I'm sorry," Scott apologized faintly.
"No one is angry, dear," Emma assured him.
"She's right, Scott," Charles supported. "And I'm not going to punish you. I only wish to understand why you behaved that way. Are you afraid of the examination? Or the doctors?"
"I don't like them," Scott admitted. "They're all liars."
Alex rocked him a little. "What do you mean, buddy? They're there to help you."
Scott shook his head, nestling safely under Alex's chin, pretending they were back in the snow together. "They told me Mom, Dad, and you were okay. But I was really alone."
Alex patted his back. "They told me the same thing." Except he'd known all along it wasn't true. "It's just what they do. They'll say anything to keep a guy going."
Emma added, "And you aren't alone anymore, Scott. We will go straight into the exam room with you and stay there."
"It's up to you, Scott." Charles joined hands with Emma. "Even if we have to build igloos, we are not leaving here until we know for certain you are alright."
Scott slowly gazed up at his brother. "Will you keep holding me?"
The blonde increased his grip. "I promise." And I won't let go this time.
IIIIIII
At the knock on the bedroom door, Maya fled from the well-lit bathroom mirror to answer it.
"Knew it was you," she grinned.
Sean took her in up and down. "Do you always look like that at night?"
"Uh," she flipped one side of her long dark brown hair across the shoulder of her silky fuchsia robe, "yeah."
"Cool." Sean stepped inside and closed the door. "Becky's over with Erik, right?"
"Yeah, and I can't help but feel like I've invaded her space."
"No way. Becky likes you fine," Sean reassured. "She's just all about her dad sometimes."
A feeble smile came to Maya's face. "Right." She patted his arm. "Now what are you doing here? We're going to get in trouble."
"Then let's get outta here," Sean put forth.
Maya's humor got swapped out for astonishment. "You're not serious."
"Yeah I am." Sean even surprised himself. "Let's go somewhere."
Not sure what to say, Maya rolled her head incredulously. "Where?"
"Anywhere. Hurry and dress, but be quiet. I'll be out back." He tacked on, "Whatever you do, do not think loudly," before leaving out.
Unable to believe the turn of the night, Maya got into a pair of jeans and a green sweater. She put on her boots and snagged her coat from the rack up front then slipped outside via the rear door, utterly grateful for her teeny lightweight body in that moment. She discovered Sean clad in his Banshee uniform.
"Are you going to be warm in that?"
"Don't worry about that. Hank made these things ultra-insulated for winter training. Let's go." Sean took her hand.
Maya had to contain an excited giggle as she worked to keep up with him.
When they reached a far enough distance from the house, Sean stopped to recline back against a tree and catch his breath. Maya lightly slammed into him, her hands up against his chest. Panting heavily, her eyes came up. Sean gazed back at her, no words between them for a few seconds.
"I've wanted to show you something for months." He started up the tree.
"Sean, I've already seen you fly," she reminded him.
Standing on a sturdy branch, he reached out for her. "There's one angle you haven't seen."
Taken aback at the proposition, she accepted his hand.
Once they got to the very top of the tree, they remained still, the wind batting at their hair. With only the stars and the half-moon to light the area around them, Sean had to gather his courage. He looked to the girl at his side, not feeling at all rushed by her.
Finally, he coiled his right arm around her small waist tightly. Spreading his one usable wing, Sean leapt with a high-pitched scream. With an arm around his neck, Maya covered her ears with the use of her spare hand and Sean's shoulder. She completely lost her breath as they soared clear across the tops of more trees than she could ever count.
At a clearing, Sean brought their ride to a stop and landed them safely on top of a patch of clear grass. He carefully stood her, awaiting the reaction.
With no initial response, he gently prompted, "Well? What'd you think?"
"I don't think I've ever been so scared," the girl replied honestly. She then took a step closer to him, reaching up for his shoulders. "But I kept wishing my feet would never touch the ground. Thank you so much for sharing this with me."
Lowering himself, Sean enveloped her lips in a powerful kiss. Maya threw both arms around his neck and her legs did the same with his waist. Keeping his lock on her, Sean tumbled back peacefully, fragments of powdery snow rising up around them.
"I love you, Maya," he said when he could speak again.
"I know that. I love you, too," she returned without doubt.
Sean rolled her to lay beside him and he peered closely into her eyes. "I mean it. I'm really in love with you. I have been for a long time, but I didn't say it out loud at first because… this type of thing usually ends pretty bad for me."
"Me, too," Maya stated openly.
Bonding their gloved fingers, Sean urged, "I don't care what anybody ever says. What adults say, what my family says- either one of them, no one. I always want to be with you, Maya."
The girl snuggled up closer to him, only partly for additional warmth. "Please say you love me again."
"I love you," he replied promptly.
"Please kiss me again."
Sean did; an extended period on her lips and a peck at the top of her forehead as well. Taking her entirely into his arms, the young X-Man rested his cheek against her soft hair.
IIIIIII
Moaning contentedly, Maya shifted. When her eyes opened, she gazed not into the blue pupils of her boyfriend but the heavy brown of one stooped over her.
"These woods ain't for snoozin', girly," he informed.
Maya fell back, screaming uncontrollably.
A panicked Victor waved his hands. "Whoa, whoa. Quiet down."
Sean jumped up. At the sight of the stranger within a foot of Maya, he released his mutated caw.
Victor covered his ears, but when that did little to combat the awful sound, he stood to his full height. Glossing his eyes over to black, the man released a tremendous roar and extended his lengthy claws, startling both youths.
"What's the matter with you two rompin' Bambis?" He bared his fangs at them. "Sleepin' outside like a couple stranded hobos. Then you wanna scream in my face? Ever heard of a super sense of hearin'?"
"Look, we're sorry, okay?" Sean said.
Maya clung to Sean's arm, her eyes on the unknown man. "Are you the Sabretooth that helped our friends?"
Realization dawning, Victor slapped the top of his own head. "Just great. An invasion of mutant twerps. Did all of you fly in or did ya just carpool on the same turnip truck?"
Gazing at the sun shining around them, Sean rushed to his feet. "Oh my God, Maya. We have to get out of here."
"Oh God," she seconded, getting up as well.
They zipped off at near blur speed.
Shaking his head, Victor mumbled as he turned to go, "Land of Promise, America. Yeah right."
IIIIIII
Seated side by side on the den's loveseat with heads bowed, Sean and Maya only caught glimpses of Erik's footsteps as the man paced back and forth. A silent Hank and Raven stood off to one corner.
"You'll have to pardon me while I try to wrap my head around this." Erik stopped, staring at a painting on a side wall. "Two perfectly intelligent young people, so madly smitten by each other, receive the chance to vacation together at no expense of their own and how do they show off their tremendous gratitude? Sneaking off at two in the morning and not returning until four hours later."
"I told you we fell asleep," Sean brought up.
Erik chuckled dryly. "Spoken as if a form of justification. Is that what you were going to tell the woodland animal that decided to make a feast out of you? Or to any vagabond that could have robbed and killed you both while you were simply resting your eyes?"
"Mr. Lehnsherr, we know it was wrong and dangerous," Maya put forth.
"Oh? Do you expect a gold star for having half brain enough to figure that much out?"
Sean raised his head with a sharp glare. "You better not ever speak to her like that again."
Every pair of eyes in the room went to the redhead.
Focused entirely on the now squeamish Sean, an all too calm Erik instructed, "Hank, ladies, leave us."
Slipping her hand away from where it touched Sean's wrist in comfort, Maya went into Raven's arms for a hug before stepping out with the McCoys. Hank shut the heavy den door behind them.
"Seems someone is all too ready to try on his big boy britches." The metal wielder's hands went to his belt buckle. "Bare your backside."
Everything inside Sean screamed, but his mouth could barely formulate words. "E-Erik. Please… please don't do this."
Getting the belt off, Erik folded it in half. "That was an order, Sean Cassidy. Not a chance for rebuttal."
Hands shaking, Sean unzipped his outfit and pulled it down to his ankles.
"Why exactly are you in your uniform?" Erik asked curiously.
"I… I took Maya on a flight. I just wanted her to see. To feel it," Sean tried to explain.
"Regardless of the rules we set forth for you a long time ago." Erik gestured towards the loveseat with the belt. "Lay down."
Stretching out on his stomach, Sean clutched a throw pillow.
Walking the space that separated them, Erik stood over the couch a moment then raised and cracked the belt down across the center of Sean's behind. Starting to cry out, the Irish boy had to use both hands to cover his mouth. He remained that way, also jumping, for the next four strikes that arrived. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks.
Stopping only long enough to put his belt back on, Erik lifted Sean's long legs to give himself a seat. Allowing the legs to dangle off the other side of his lap, Erik began spanking him by hand sharply. Though the pain remained evident, he could feel the teenager relax just the slightest bit by facing his chastisement with sincere physical contact now.
At the twentieth mark, Erik decided enough had been had. For dignified purposes, he pulled Sean's underwear up and helped him back into his uniform. Sitting up on his knees on the man's lap, Sean cried into the black turtleneck covered shoulder. Erik rubbed the heaving back, waiting patiently for the boy to calm himself.
"Do you understand why I whipped you?" Erik questioned him.
Sean managed to pull back, face completely covered in sad moisture. "I-I talked back to you."
"No," Erik said, not missing the surprised countenance on the punished individual. "Because you endangered yourself and Maya. Two children who are most loved."
Sean sank down against Erik's neck. "I am so sorry."
Erik kissed the head of red. "How did she respond to the flight?"
Moving his head so that Erik could hear him, Sean answered, "She loved it."
Nodding, Erik rubbed his back again. "I want you to remember this, Seanie. Not only for what you did and the punishment you received as a result, but for the fact that this may have been one of the greatest tests your relationship will ever face. And you passed it."
A smile at last came to Sean's face and he hugged Erik's arm, thinking that over.
IIIIIII
Maya sat at the foot of Hank and Raven's bed, her hair swept entirely to one side, her eyes locked on the polished hardwood floors. When a knock finally arrived, she did not react to it with the same excitement she'd felt for Sean's little visit only hours ago.
She quickly leapt to her feet. "Come in- no wait." She sat back down, thinking standing would be too forward and rebellious. "Okay- no, no wait." She got back up. "Wait, hold on." Unsure of just what to do, Maya hurried over and opened the door herself then relaxed her nerves at who she saw on the other side. "Hey, Hank."
"Hey yourself." He walked in, closing the door. "I must say, you are a definite wreck."
"I thought you were the Professor. But then, why would you be the Professor? He's sick and supposed to be recuperating. No, that's ridiculous," she claimed. "He's not just sick, like it's the sniffles or something, he was in a car accident. He and Miss Frost could have been killed. But despite that, he brought all of you guys out here and even flew me in from cousin time- no, not the train because such things are too dangerous- but an actual nonstop plane. And what do I do?" Maya smiled ironically. "This. As if poor Mr. Lehnsherr isn't under enough pressure trying to take care of everything while the Professor tries his hardest to walk again. They should send me back. I'd send me back. Okay, that's it. I'm packing right now."
Hank gently took her by the arm before she could charge by him. "Maya," he pulled her to stand in front of him, "you are speaking to a long-term rambler, so believe it or not, I understood every single word you just said. I also know what it's like to be someone who so rarely lands in trouble that I've often entertained thoughts of a masochistic nature whenever the occasion has presented itself. But listen to me when I say this." He dipped down to establish full eye contact with her. "This, too, shall pass. You are still a good- no, make that wonderful person. You are not only Sean's girlfriend, but a true friend to us all. Living proof that we can be different without being hated."
Her eyes shined. "Hank, I don't know what to say."
"I say that you're staying," he stated matter-of-factly. "I have my own pull around here."
"Thank you." Maya's glow dissolved. "Mr. Lehnsherr's really angry, isn't he?"
"Actually, he's fine now," Hank informed then turned absolutely serious. "I spoke with him a moment ago and we agreed I should be the one to punish you for this."
Her eyes bugged out. "You mean you're here to… Oh God, oh God. For my back-to-school essay I get to write that my boyfriend's brotherly person and best gal pal's husband spanked me over the summer. And still this won't be the worst school break I've ever had."
Hank clasped her twitchy hands with his own. "This brotherly person husband also feels responsible for you. As the eldest of our little group, I make it a duty of mine to watch out for you and Sean. Such as when the two of you dream up the notion of running out of a restaurant without paying."
A nervous smile formed at the recollection. "Hank, I trust you, but however girlish dorky I come off is going to be amped up by this."
"This dork has a little sister of his very own. Come over here." He brought her back to the bed and sat on the edge, looking up at her. "I trust you know why we're here. If not, we're going to be here for much longer."
"No, I know," she guaranteed. "Sean and I shouldn't have gotten so caught up in the moment and we definitely shouldn't have fallen asleep out there."
"We all have times of youthful exuberance, especially when it involves the opposite sex. But you're a practical and sane girl, Maya." Hank's face harden. "Don't choose to turn that off over some emotional little whim."
Taken aback by his tone, she only nodded hard.
Hank put a light grasp on her wrist and lowered her across his knees.
The tip of Maya's hair touched the floor and she pressed her hands against the wood. During her many daydreams about what to expect when she made it to Canada with her boyfriend and friends, she had never once pictured this unbelievable turn.
Lifting his hand, Hank began peppering the seat of the thin girl's blue jeans. He had to use some of his mutated strength to force her to feel it beyond her trouser protection.
When she started to cry, Maya's hair stuck to her face. The pain focus prevented her from doing anything to pacify the irritation. She managed to rock her head, shifting all strands to one side of her face again. She went back and forth between wedging her hands down and folding them, doing anything within reason to get through the punishment.
"Maya," Hank stilled his hand, "if we do end up here again, especially for similar reasons, this experience will be far longer and far more unpleasant. Do you understand?" At her wild nod, he patted her bottom. "I want to hear it, young lady."
"Yes!" she cried out. "I understand you, Hank. I'm sorry!"
"And I'm done." He raised her into a cradling position, allowing her to openly bawl into his sweater. "Easy now." Hank pulled her back slightly. "You took that well, kiddo."
"Thank you," she sniffed. "Can we… are we still friends?"
"Were we not, I never would have bothered to do that," he told her in full honesty. "I've never been one for a huge social circle, so those who do endear themselves to me- well, they tend to end up feeling the palm of my hand in one way or another."
"Boss of the group," Maya surmised with a tiny smile. "Lucky you."
Unsure if he really agreed with himself being fortunate in that respect, he moved along. "Raven is going to have breakfast to the side for you and Sean. Right now, you both need some rest." He transferred her to her side on the bed. "I'm going to get you some water. I don't want dehydration catching up with you."
"'Kay," she whispered, nestling into the comforter. Remembering something, she propped herself up. "Oh Hank." He looked back at her. "The Sabretooth who saved you, Victor, he woke us up out there."
Intrigue and astonishment hit Hank simultaneously. "You saw him? How did he—" Hank stopped himself from interrogating her. "Get some rest." He got up and walked to where Raven busily fried eggs out in the kitchen.
"Is she okay?" the shape-shifter asked.
"Yes, it went well," Hank reported distantly, going to the refrigerator.
"Baby?" Raven studied his expression. "Are you sure everything went alright in there?"
Hank removed a bottled water and shut the door back. "Sabretooth was the one who found them this morning."
Raven blinked. "Who is he exactly? The park ranger?"
"I'm not sure." Hank looked at her. "But something won't stop gnawing at me. I have to find him again, Raven. Talk to him."
Nodding in understanding, she then asked, "What are you really looking for?"
The tall man leaned a hand against the refrigerator door, his face clouded in uncertainty.
IIIIIII
Shifting in his sleep, Sean winced when something overwhelmingly cold came down against his behind.
"Relax," Alex soothed, adjusting the bag. "It's just an icepack. Heard Erik whipped you." He patted Sean's shoulder. "Welcome to my world."
The redhead sunk back against his pillow, pouting slightly. "Thanks. It was just a few whacks with the belt."
"From Erik? Consider yourself lucky." Alex then picked up the tray he had with him and headed next door to the younger boys' bedroom. "Hey, squirt. Up and at 'em."
Rising from his nap, Scott slipped his glasses back on. "Hey." He let go of a yawn.
Putting the tray at the foot of the top punk, Alex gently took hold of Scott's right wrist. "How's it feel?"
"Kind of okay," the boy replied.
"I'll change the bandages in a little while. Right now," he picked up and opened the bottle of pills, "medicine time." He shook one tablet onto the cap and held it out to Scott's lips. The younger mutant used his tongue to snag the pill. "Now drink up." Alex gave him the glass of water. "Alright, good job."
Scott made a face as the tablet sank to his stomach. "Ugh, I hate how chalky these things are."
"Oh yeah? Let me see if I can help you out." He next revealed the warm walnut filled brownie wrapped inside a napkin.
A grinning Scott accepted it. "Thanks, Alex."
"Eat up then you can go outside with the other shrimptoids." Alex waved a warning finger at him. "Don't go acting crazy. If you get hurt, I'm sticking you in a playpen."
"Nyah." Scott wiggled his face at him sourly.
"Nyaaaaah," Alex returned, nuzzling noses with him. He turned to leave out.
"Alex?" Scott called after him, making the blonde glance back. "I love you."
The older Summers said in turn, "I love you, too, Scott. That never changed," then strolled out.
Charles looked up from where he sat on a mat on the floor when the teenager entered the living room. "Did you give Scott his medicine?"
"Sign, sealed, and delivered." Alex lowered beside him. "Ready?"
"Lead on," Charles invited.
"Just remember to start off slow." Alex carefully pulled out Charles' left leg, flexing it a little. "The most important thing is to not give into the resistance. That's the thing that constantly wants you to quit, to throw your hands up. Don't even listen."
Charles watched him a moment before speaking. "Alex?" He got the blue eyes up. "I have no plans to return to the hospital for physical therapy."
"What?" Alex responded disbelievingly. "Charles, no. You can overcome this. I'll help you. I swear."
"I know," Charles nodded. "And that is why, if it's alright with you, I want you to take over the therapies."
He gaped at the older male. "Me?"
Charles asked him, "Will you help me learn to walk again?"
With resolution laced throughout his tone, Alex replied, "Yes, sir."