X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Eighty Nine
Author's Word: Thank you guys so, so much for those reviews and PMs. They meant a lot since this has been a very trying time the last week or so. My oldest cat is doing much better and he's happier, so being his fully committed platonic life mate, I'm better and happier. Please enjoy and review!
A greatly in-tune whistle floated into Sean's ear as he entered the kitchen. He observed Trick removing the half gallon of mint chip ice cream from the freezer.
The man gazed back at him with an impish glint in his hazel eyes. "Promise to keep quiet and I'll cut you in for a share of the spoils."
"Deal," Sean agreed happily. He took a seat at the island while Trick gathered bowls and spoons. "It still floors me that I'm sharing a roof with the Emerald Isle's finest talent."
"Vice the versa, boyo." Trick carried everything over to the island's countertop. "As much as I've seen of our homeland, it took a return to the states for me to meet an honest to goodness Banshee."
Sean smiled. "When did you figure out you were… ghostly?"
"When I was just a smidge older than yourself." Trick began scooping out the ice cream. "It triggered when a few blokes tried to rush me. My own fault of course— having nerve enough to marry one of their women."
"So, she's what," Sean ate a spoonful of the chilled green substance, "their property?"
Trick sat down to start on his own bowl. "Only here in the Land of Plenty. Lincoln be darned."
"I played with different kids growing up," Sean recalled. "But as we got older, it was as if that type of thing wasn't okay anymore. I don't know if their parents started on that or mine did. My mom and dad are good people. They just like to play it knee-to-elbow pad safe."
"Bore you to pieces, don't they?" Trick concluded.
Sean nodded admittedly. "I guess I just don't want to be doomed to be stale forever."
"I hear you," Trick said sincerely. "They don't print enough money for me to ever succumb to the notion of a traditionally Irish family."
"Are you Catholic?"
Trick dismissed that immediately. "I beg you. Do not speak of that cult in my presence." He then quickly pacified, "Forgive me. I mean you no harm or insult. But during one of the lowest points in my life, I went on a walk and wound up inside an empty Protestant church. A deacon working late approached me, asked me my troubles. I figured I had nothing to lose so I laid it all out to him; mix-matched colors, baby coming, unwed. He told me I had the Lord's favor. That He chose me to carry out some kind of grand purpose."
"That's really cool," Sean reacted.
"Truly," Trick nodded. "Though we've had our share of troubles from the Lutherans and the Baptists, I know well that had I spoken to a priest that same night, he'd have cast the first of many stones."
Sean told him, "I've seen a lot of that." He glanced up. "Sometimes I go to the Westchester Praise House with Maya. Want to check it out with us one Sunday?"
Trick answered, "You're on, Bansh."
IIIIIII
Music selection of one Dean Martin blaring from the radio, Charles stepped into the wide open doorway. On the walls were a variety of posters, including Rome during the day, Christmastime in Paris as well as New York City, and many others. Two dozen or so stuffed animals lined up across the pillows and top of the headboard. The bed itself contained an enthused individual in bright purple cheetah print top and blue jean shorts.
"I see you've unpacked rather quickly," Charles spoke out over the sound.
The initially startled girl jumped down to the floor. "Hi, sorry." She went to switch off the radio. "I was waiting on Frank to get back from helping," she searched for the name briefly, "Hank in the lab."
"No doubt those two have become lost in some sort of project." Charles noticed what sat beside the radio on the desk. "You're a seamstress?"
Jasmine glanced towards her sewing machine. "I mostly do alterations. Especially on the awful clothes my grandparents buy me, like we're still trapped in the Depression."
Charles laughed at that. "It's nice to see you settling in. Should you need me I'll be available. We're all very happy to have you and your father here with us."
"Thank you," she smiled at him.
The man took his leave, making his next stop off outside Becky's door. Princess?
Come in, Prince Charles.
When he did, she held a yoyo out for his viewing. "It's for Cody. It even lights up."
"I'm sure he will love it." Charles joined her at her tea party table. "You always do such a fine job of welcoming our newcomers. I'm sure Jasmine would benefit from a little of that. It cannot be easy for her; transitioning over to our family."
Becky raised her head and disputed, "But she's not in our family, Uncle Charles. She's in her own. The blood kind."
Charles did not miss the sour way she spoke those last three words. "What about Cody? His entire biological family is accompanying him."
"That's different," she claimed. "Cody really, really wants to be with us."
He questioned, "And you're absolutely certain Jasmine doesn't feel much of the same?"
Becky placed her other hand over the body of the yoyo, slipping into ponder.
IIIIIII
"Emma?"
The woman immediately ceased mascara application and stepped out of her bathroom. Scott stood in the middle of the room, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"What is it, sweetheart?" Emma went to inspect him. "You're not getting a headache, are you?"
"My eyes are sizzling like crazy," he told her. "For the last half hour."
"Keep them closed." Emma removed his shades. "These glasses are probably starting to take a toll. Here, my love." She guided him over to lay in her bed. "I'll get you a cool compress and pry Hank away from whatever has a hold over his present attention."
Scott got comfortable against the satin pillows. "Thanks, Em."
Emma kissed his forehead. Rest.
She returned to her bathroom to get the compress ready.
IIIIIII
Out of the corner of her eye, Jasmine noticed the other girl and turned from her jewelry box.
"Becky, hey," she acknowledged pleasantly. "Come on in."
"This is for you." Back walked in, handing it over.
Jasmine gasped with joy over the small lightly tanned doll with cinnamon brown hair. "She's beautiful. What do you call her?"
"Her name's Josephine."
"I never see dolls that look like me." Jasmine sat backwards on her vanity bench to admire her further. "They're always pale or too dark. Thank you, Becky."
Becky sat near her. "I'm glad you like her."
Jasmine studied her face. "What are you mixed with?"
The question caught Becky off-guard. "Nothing."
"Oh. I thought maybe your mother was Greek or something."
"I don't have a mother," Becky told her. "My daddy adopted me."
Now Jasmine proved surprised. "He did? He could? Without being married?" Becky nodded. "I didn't even know that was possible."
Becky! Joey's mind called out to her. Becky, they're here!
Elation covered her face. "They're here." She jumped up and ran out.
Confused, Jasmine hurried to follow her, leaving Josephine to recline on the bench.
IIIIIII
"Took ya long enough, Daddy." Cody hopped off the back of the motorcycle, taking of his helmet.
Logan removed his own head protection. "Don't be a backseat whiner." He then beheld the mans— castle before them. "Holy… are you seein' this, Fox?"
Kayla climbed out of their truck, eyes never leaving the spectacular home. "Cody, baby, don't break anything."
Over on his own bike, Victor instead took in their approaching welcoming committee. One tiny blonde outran them all.
"Joey!" Cody recognized.
"Cody!" They collapsed to the ground upon impact, going into a fit of laughter.
"Knight Victor!"
A chuckle in his throat, Victor hoisted Becky straight up over his head. "Nice to see ya, too, Tink." When he lowered her close enough, she gave him a tight hug.
Taken aback at first, Victor managed to settle into the gesture. He glanced over at Hank, who stood a short distance from them. The two exchanged a nod.
"Don't mind us," Logan called over, indicating himself and Kayla. "We're just transport."
Laughing, Emma walked up. "Hello, Logan. Kayla, hi." The women shared a hug. "I take it you had no trouble finding the place."
Kayla said, "It stands out just a little."
Charles gestured grandly towards the house, "Shall we?"
As they walked, Logan paused to examine the estate again. All that money should be illegal.
IIIIIII
Around the second floor corridor opposite away from the lab, Charles, Emma, and Joey led the Howletts. Jasmine went along with them as well.
Opening one door, Emma said, "We picked this room out for Cody."
Grabbing hold on of his friend, Joey said, "Let's check it out."
They dashed inside.
Logan turned to Kayla. "Did he just ditch us?"
"Yes, he did," she confirmed.
"We didn't have much time to prepare your suite, so I hope you find this comfortable." Emma opened another thick wooden door a ways down from Cody's room.
When the couple walked in, Logan froze in place while both Kayla's hands went straight to her mouth. The enormous space offered a king sized bed and a sitting area that led out to a patio.
"I just have to see…" Kayla pulled back a pair of double doors, revealing the near infinite closet space. "If we buy clothes every day for the next year and a half we might just fill this thing up."
Logan peeked in. "Or sublet it. Geez."
Kayla turned to the other couple. "And by that, he of course, means thank you."
"Thanks is unnecessary," Charles assured. "You're going to be a much needed asset to our home."
Emma said, "I need to go see about Scott. See you in a bit."
Jasmine lingered as the telepaths left.
Kayla smiled at her. "What's your name, honey?"
"Jasmine Hughes, ma'am," she introduced herself. "Or just Jazzy."
"Well, I'm just Kayla." She leaned against her husband's arm. "And this adorable lug is just Logan."
Jasmine asked curiously, "How long have you been married?"
Logan touched his hand over Kayla's. "She's been stuck with me nearly twelve years now."
"Going on a hundred," Kayla added contentedly.
Jasmine beamed at them.
"So you're their fresh meat, huh?" Logan looked her up and down. "What's your specialty?"
The girl stepped out of the room, clean through the wall.
Kayla gaped while Logan reacted with, "Feel sorry for any man that does her wrong."
IIIIIII
Erik spoke as the four of them climbed the attic stairs. "Hank mentioned you had a loft. In addition to your room, Charles and I had this area closed off for you." They walked through one door that carried a couple sofas, two windows with good lighting, and different built-in storage units. Erik pointed out the tall wide cabinet. "We thought that would do well for your gun collection."
With Becky hanging onto his hand, Victor nodded approvingly. "Sweet digs. 'Preciate it."
Erik said, "Join us in the parlor on the main floor when you get time." He started out. "Come, Anya."
"See you later," Becky smiled at Victor before going after her father.
With only the two of them remaining, Victor spoke first, "So, thought I'd be a no-show?"
"Not for a moment," Hank answered honestly.
Victor took up a seat on the nearest couch. "How you been doin', kid?"
"Not too badly." Hank sat across from him in a chair. "No savage impulses of which to speak. Things between Raven and I are better than ever."
"I can smell that much," Victor informed with a smirk.
"Thank you for that ever keen observation." Hank hid a smile despite himself.
IIIIIII
Catching the scent before he even heard the footsteps, Logan turned around in time to catch the speeding Maya.
"Wolverine!" she exclaimed, arms going right around his neck.
"Kayla." Sean came in and hugged her.
"Sweetest welcome we've gotten all day," Kayla said cheerfully.
Giving Maya a little twirl, Logan placed her down. "Banshee and Smiley." He poked her playfully in the stomach. "Heard a rumor ya got X-ed up. Truth?"
"Truth," Maya confirmed, completely radiant over the fact.
Kayla noticed a particular painting on the right hand threshold wall and removed it for a closer look. "Where did this come from?" It depicted a small brunette girl with bright blue eyes and white wings that practically engulfed her entire body.
"Joey painted that one," Sean informed.
Logan went over to see it.
Maya explained softly, "He didn't want her to get left behind."
"That little blonde powerhouse did this?" Logan could not get over the detail.
Sean nodded. "He's pretty good, huh?"
"Rembrandt-to-be," Logan commented.
"Kayla," Maya noticed the woman's face and approached, "are you okay?"
"Fine." Kayla carefully placed the canvas back into place and put an arm around Maya. "It's just good to be here at last."
Logan left his visual on the painting, locking blue eyes with the celestial figure.
IIIIIII
All ingredients situated along the countertops and oven preheated, Raven started to go to work when someone walked into the kitchen.
"Need some help?"
Raven turned around at the other woman's voice. "Hey, Kayla." They shared a quick hug. "I heard you guys made it in. Maya and I were out shopping earlier for new room décor for her. The one she has here is twice the size of the one at her mom's house."
Kayla stated, "The one we have here is twice the size of our last house. Do you need some help in here?"
"You mean there actually exists another chick who isn't A, anti-cooking or B, dangerous when handed a ladle?" Raven feigned surprise. "Oh bless you."
Kayla laughed. "No way am I letting you cook for this army solo."
"I normally have Frank in here," Raven mentioned, sliding the meat into the oven, "but I think he figured out that your husband's around."
"His fan club lives on," Kayla remarked humorously. "Want me to start on the mashed potatoes?"
"Yeah, but just to warn you," Raven cautioned, "Joey is a supremely picky eater."
"Yet another fine quality he and Cody share." Kayla began slicing the already peeled spuds. "He drives his father insane. 'It's too hot', 'you didn't use the "special" cheese', 'that's not how Mama does it'."
Raven laughed then said, "I'm so glad they met. Another side of Joey comes out, the same way it does when he's around Becky. It's like he's able to be free, unashamed of himself."
Kayla plopped a few of the potatoes into the pot Raven had ready. "I take it he doesn't socialize much with boys here."
"Frank doesn't have a lot of patience for other boys," Raven told her. "And there's this unspoken tension between Joey and Scott at times. It's weird how they both can feel intimidated around each other."
"Raven," Kayla spoke carefully, "has Joey ever tried to hurt himself? Intentionally?"
Raven frowned in surprise. "How did you know about that?"
"I didn't at first. But one night after dinner, Cody brought up the subject of self-harm. It was completely random. Then Charles told us about his birth mother. I've also noticed how timid and unsure Joey can be. The same warning signs I normally would only see in a thirteen-year-old or up at my last school."
Raven quieted for a brief moment. "I came in here and I saw him. At first I thought he was playing then I saw he was using a knife to cut up his own hand. I screamed and part of me has been screaming ever since." She shook her head distantly. "My little tiny baby nephew in here mutilating himself." She then put forth, "If I ever, ever meet his bio mother, I honestly think I'd kill her."
Kayla noted, "You sound like a mother yourself."
"I wish," the shape-shifter muttered silently as she moved on to dice carrots.
IIIIIII
"I am so starving." The freshly showered Cordelia took a seat at the dining table across from Maya. "Alex and I have been in the gym for two hours. And after all that I'm still not allowed to gorge myself because of training."
"I could gorge and still be a complete shrimp," Maya said.
Cordelia glanced dryly towards her. "Poor you."
Taken aback, Maya chose not to comment.
Before long, the others joined them at the table.
Once they were all situated, Charles stood up. "I'd like to take this opportunity to make a toast. To our upcoming school year and to our new fuller X-Men team." He raised his glass. "We are most privileged to have all of you around this table."
"I second that sentiment," Erik concurred.
The numerous glasses went up, resulting in several clinks before they started in on the food.
"I haven't had a gathering as specular as this since Christmas 1959," Trick mentioned.
Jasmine recalled, "At Grandma and Granddad's." She and Becky had both switched over to dresses before dinner.
"Why can't we eat in front of the TV?" Cody proposed.
Frank mock gasped. "Depart from the supper table? We can't do that."
Becky added with an equally dramatic air, "Or surely we will die."
"Children," Charles chided while Erik offered a warning glance.
"I am so used to this," Cordelia said. "Charles reminds me of my father. Dinner starts not one second after he says and there's no inching away from the table without his permission. So long as he's home I could care less, but it drives my brother Chris insane."
"He wasn't alone," Emma recollected.
"Me and Dad always have dinner together," Jasmine said. "Even if it's late or at the club sometimes."
"You need to put her to work, Raven," Trick put forth. "She's a certified whiz in the kitchen, keeps me fat. I'll have no trouble marrying her off in twenty or thirty years."
"Why so soon?" Erik's tone carried only the faintest grain of humor.
"Wow, we just sit around and eat at our house," Cody said. "Unless it's Sunday."
"We talked about that already, honey," Kayla reminded him. "Things aren't going to be the same as they were at home. We're in a new environment."
Logan added, "Better get used to it, bub."
Cody resisted rolling his eyes. "I know, I know."
"Daddy lets us eat in front of the TV on Saturday sometimes," Joey offered positively.
"My parents are real formal, too," Sean brought up.
Maya said in turn, "I think my mom's definition of formal is the use of forks over fingers."
"How'd she react to ya joining in the great mutant cause, anyway?" Logan asked.
"First," Maya responded, "she has no idea what a mutant is. Second, when I talked to her about transferring, the word inevitable came up. I'm hardly ever home, anyway. Same as her."
"So you get to bunk-with-boyfriend."
Emma caught part of her sister's mutter. Do you have something you want to share, Cor?
Cordelia gazed up. Not a thing, Em.
Alex looked to Scott. "How you feeling, buddy?"
"It's a little better now," Scott reported. "I think I got some sun overexposure today."
Charles explained to the newcomers, "Scott and Frank's optical abilities are influenced heavily by rays from the sun."
"That what made 'em mutate?" Victor asked.
Hank said, "That's still to be determined."
After dinner commenced, most of the young ones headed out back.
"Where's the other new girl?" Jasmine glanced around. "Maya."
Cordelia sat in the lawn chair next to her outdoor sofa. "Don't worry about her, Jazzy. I think she's a little caught up in grown-up land."
"I'm surprised you're not inside with them," Jasmine said.
"No chance." Cordelia put her arms around Joey when he came to sit with her. "Adults are too square and they reek of gin."
Frank joined Jasmine on the lawn couch while Becky and Scott sat on the one across from them. Cody settled down in the grass.
"So let me make sure I have this straight," Jasmine began ticking off fingers, "Beast, Mystique, Havok, Banshee," she indicated Cordelia and Joey with her elbow, "Glimmer, Eel… Frank is Lighthouse. Scott is Cyclops. Um, Becky, who are you again?"
"Just Becky," Frank said. He glanced over at the girl in question. "Would it kill you to pick a codename this year?"
"No way," the curly haired girl turned down. "Most of them are too stupid sounding, like magneto."
"What about you, Cody?" Joey raised. "You need to pick one."
"How'd you pick yours?" Cody asked him.
"It's what Alex calls me."
"'Kay." Cody sat up, thinking a moment. "Then I'll be Silver Cat."
"Silver?" Frank scoffed. "What're you, old and decrepit?"
"What're you?" Cody countered. "Young and deficient?"
"Knock it off, guys," Jasmine intervened.
"Okay, okay," Frank gave in. "You and your dad still need new names, though."
"Ghost Girl?" Scott tossed out.
"Nah, too creepy," Frank waved off.
Jasmine decided, "I like the name Spirit."
"That's pretty," Frank smiled.
Cody made a silent gagging motion.
"So anyway, what are your powers?" Jasmine asked him pointedly.
"My whole family heals quick." Cody got up. "And we can do stuff like…" He ran forward, walked up the side of a tree, and executed a backflip.
"Good one, Cody," Joey hailed and the others whooped.
"Ah, show-off," Frank said half-grudgingly.
Jasmine turned to Cordelia next. "And they call you Glimmer because?"
"Because," Cordelia stood Joey before rising herself; she shifted into her solid gold form, "of this."
"That is foxy," Jasmine marveled.
"Come on then. Show us whatcha got, Spirit," Cordelia encouraged.
"I can't believe I'm doing this." Jasmine got up. "I cannot believe I'm doing this." She extended her hands and focused, sending out a rush of scattering leaves in a mini twister around the group. "I can't believe I did that!"
"Absolutely smashing," Cordelia commented.
"I pass through walls, too," she told them, "but only my daddy can do the flying part."
"Trust me," Frank smirked. "You're fly all by yourself."
"Cool!" Cody jumped up to catch a few of the fallen leaves. "Joey, show 'em yours."
"No telling, right?" After the others made the X's over their hearts, Joey used a small dosage to flicker the outdoor lights on and off a few times.
Cody told them, "You should see him when he super charges."
"Speaking of light," Jasmine directed all attention to Frank.
"Say no more," the other city native grinned. Frank got to his feet and walked a good distance away from them. "Remember not to try to look right at my eyes."
"We know, we know," Scott said.
"Make it happen, Frankie," Jasmine supported.
Heat building behind his eyes, Frank let go of the magnificent radiance.
While they all gazed on, Becky blinked twice. For a moment, she thought she caught Frank's entire body aglow. She then figured it to be just a trick of his unique light.
IIIIIII
"So what did your parents have to say?" Kayla sat on the arm of the loveseat Logan had chosen.
Charles and Emma sat next to him while Erik and Trick took up the opposite sofa. Victor stood over by the mantle.
Trick sipped his drink then replied, "First they had the standard reaction. Shame, disowning, the whole nine yards. Then they figured out that Jas could be their only grandchild for quite some time and decided to sing another tune after she was born. Though they still don't think much of me. Funny thing is, I feel like my ex-wife went with me to spite her family." He laughed lightly. "Now, the joke's on her. They like me better."
"I think I'm getting a touch of that with Charles and my father," Emma quipped.
"I had nothing to do with this," Charles said to his own defense.
"How'd your parents take your big news?" Trick asked of the Howletts.
"Arms wide open until they finally passed on," Kayla answered. "Of course, it helps that Logan saved our lives and everything."
"I ain't do squat," her husband waved off. "As for my folks, long gone way before they got to throw in their two cents."
Trick nodded. "I take it you haven't faced the difficulties so alive here in the US?"
"We've gotten the occasional comment over the years," Kayla admitted.
"None ever care to repeat any of 'em, though," Logan said meaningfully.
"I'll never understand racial prejudice," Charles shook his head.
"As far as any of us know, Adam and Eve could have been colored coded blue and pink," Trick put forth. "I only wish I could have brought home an English girl just once. Then they'd have really flown through the roof."
"Here here," Charles concurred, tapping glasses with him.
Erik said, "Try bringing home a shiksa. Father Abraham himself will pop out of hiding to ensure you properly feel the pain."
Trick gave off a chuckle then took notice of the departing one. "What say you, Creed?"
Victor glanced back. "Black, white, tangerine- whatever. So long as her parts mesh up with mine."
Charles watched him head out. Is everything alright, Victor?
Coming to a sudden halt in the hall, Victor returned Whoa, watch it, Prof. You'll get me thinkin' I'm schizo. But yeah, I'm good. Just gonna see what the ankle-biters are into.
Very well then. Thank you.
Their mental conversation ended, Victor proceeded on towards the outside.
IIIIIII
Thrilled exclamation and laughter filled the backyard. The adolescent group utterly frolicked under the multicolored raindrops Becky produced. She'd also conjured up big bouncing kangaroos that the other boys, particularly Eel, delighted in chasing around. Glimmer danced rhythmically under the raindrops with the other girls close by.
Guided by the collection of scents, Victor stepped out and beheld the display.
He folded his arms, one corner of his mouth going up. Check you out, fairy girl.
Glimmer proclaimed, "Rebecca Lehnsherr is illegally fabulous- dash it all to a codename."
"Definitely," Cyclops immediately seconded.
Becky grinned, curls swaying wildly.
Silver Cat somersaulted after a rapid moving kangaroo, landing on his stomach.
Spirit giggled at the sight. "It's so cool your family's here. And you're an only child, too."
Silver Cat sat up and looked at her. "I have a sister. She just… she had to go away. She was too sick."
Spirit's expression weakened significantly. "Oh I didn't know."
The smaller child smiled at ease. "Lotta people don't."
"I have a sister." Spirit then corrected, "Well, she's not my real sister. She's not my dad's so she's just a half."
It proved the young Cat's turn to react with, "Oh."
Hearing that their audience would soon increase, Victor called out to Becky with, Hey Tink, cut the special effects. Company's on the way.
The little girl gasped and shouted mentally, Everybody, freeze! My uncle's coming.
They all ceased activity as well as movement entirely.
Cordelia shifted back into her regular skin.
Only Cody blinked in bewilderment.
"Here they are." Emma led the plethora of elder mutants outside.
"Having fun, little ones?" Charles asked in his usual good-natured manner.
Cody jumped to his feet. "It was fantastic." At a silent but pointed side glance from Joey, he approached his parents and went on with, "We played battle tag."
"Did ya win?" Logan lifted the boy to sit on his shoulders.
"Ya know it," Cody responded.
Kayla ran a hand down his back. "Let's get some more unpacking done, huh?"
"'Kay, Mama." Cody attempted to make a mess of his father's hair as the three of them went in.
Emma looked to Scott. "How are you feeling now, dear?"
"Pretty good," he answered sincerely, their frolicking having bettered his mood.
"Be that as it may, let's have Hank take another look." Charles held a hand out and the boy came to them.
"I think I'll call it an early night, too." Cordelia went to link arms with her sister. "Let's play inside a while, Joey."
"Okay." The short blonde took up Emma's other side, leaning against her.
Trick clasped hands with Jasmine when she walked up to him and lowered to be at better eye level with her. "It's nice to see you having a fine time with your new mates, Precious. Mine aren't half bad, either."
Jasmine practically bubbled over with delight. "Daddy, guess what. My X-Man-Girl name is Spirit. Me and the kids picked Specter for you. Do you like it?"
"It has a certain ring to it," Trick slipped an arm around her as they started in, "though I'd hoped for something a bit more classic."
"Like what?" she wondered.
"Superman."
"Daddy, really? You know good and well that's taken."
He pointed out, "Not if we hyphenate it."
"Are you feeling alright?" Erik picked up Becky. "You look a little winded."
Becky's head went to his shoulder. "Too much running I guess."
Frank suggested, "Let's go shoot some marbles in the Mag Cave."
Erik kept a hand on Frank's shoulder and carried Becky in.
When they came close to the back doors, Victor shot Becky a wink and she smiled back gratefully.
IIIIIII
Bringing up the large honey polished wood chest, Kayla asked, "Vic, you mind if we keep Jay's things up here?"
He glanced over from transferring the weaponry into the cabinet. "Yeah. Course not, Kay."
"Daddy?" Cody helped him sort through the guns.
"Yeah, Cat?" Logan thought on what to do with a particular rifle.
"Is Uncle Vic your real brother or just a half?"
All three of them placed stunned attention on him.
Kayla started, "Cody, where…?"
"The hell did that come from?" Logan supplied incredulously.
The boy explained, "Jazzy says her sister's not her real sister 'cause she ain't come from Trick. You and Uncle Vic don't have the same daddy, either, but I ain't never heard ya call him a half."
"'Cause we don't use that kinda language in this family," Logan informed. "I don't know what tune Jazzy's croonin', but as far as me and your unc are concerned, halves are a crock o' bull. He's all of me and I'm all of him."
Victor came over and squatted by his nephew. "And for the record, Mighty Mite, I like it better that your dad didn't come outta my old man."
Cody nodded, but still appeared a bit confused still. "Then why's Jazzy say her sister's not real?"
Kayla said, "People can have very similar circumstances, but completely different experiences that lead to them. It's those different experiences that create different outlooks as well. We can't be certain why Jazzy feels the way she does." She shrugged one shoulder and went to put the chest up against one back corner. "Personally, I'd take a whole, half, or quarter of a sibling if it meant actually having one."
Cody stood and headed out. "I'm gonna go find Joey."
"See ya, slacker," Logan called after him.
IIIIIII
Hank clicked off his small handheld light and replaced Scott's glasses. "You can release him, Charles."
The male telepath let go of his bind over the young mutant's powers.
Emma asked, "How is he?"
"Everything appears mostly normal," Hank reported. "I believe it's mere summer sun exposure. Frank's mutation began growing last year as well."
"My birthday's coming up," Scott realized then looked at Hank urgently. "Am I going to go blind?"
"No," Hank quickly reassured. "There is no indication of that here."
Scott folded his arms. "How do I know you're telling the truth? You're not completely known for it."
Charles gave the side of Scott's leg a semi-firm tap. "Now Scott, that's uncalled for." He faced Hank himself. "Is there any remote chance of it?"
"Unfortunately, anything is possible." Hank leaned down to get in closer to Scott's face. "However, be the chance large or minute, I'm going to be monitoring you very closely to ensure nothing bad happens." He flicked Scott's nose. "So I strongly suggest you behave at all times."
Scott half-smiled. "Thanks, Hank."
"Come, sweetheart." Emma helped Scott down from the exam table and took his hand. "Let's get you a glass of milk and a warm bath."
"Okay." Scott walked alongside her out of the lab.
Charles looked to Hank again. "You're sure this isn't more serious?"
"What happened to Frank was completely unpredictable," Hank reminded, "and with how little control Scott has over his mutation, total blindness should have set in long before now. All of the children will be receiving inoculations and physicals before classes resume. We'll run as many tests as we have to."
Charles said, "I trust you to stay on top of it," before heading out. He bumped into someone out in the hall. "Oh Trick."
"Sorry for that. Seems I keep losing myself in this mighty home of yours." The ash blonde looked around them. "I once took Jas on a tour of ancient stone castles and not one holds a candle to this here dwelling."
Charles smiled and stated, "I appreciate it much more now that it's properly filled."
"You must know all of the good stomping grounds about. Where's a good place to get in a little…?" He promptly began lifting his legs and slapping at the ankles followed by something involving the jerking of his posterior.
Charles raised a highly amused eyebrow. "You should really have Hank look into these seizure spells."
"No, man," Trick whacked his shoulder playfully, "I'm talking about getting it in. What's say we partake in a good barhop?"
"Barhop?" Charles echoed him disbelievingly. "Why we… I haven't for quite some…" Reality dawned over him. "We can't."
"Why not? I've heard legend tell it's a free country."
"We have children."
"We also have a horde of teenagers to watch over them," Trick pointed out. "Come on. The whole lot of us legal types should go for it one night."
Charles could not help considering it. "Well, I don't see any real reason why not. And proper familiarizing exercises are important to maintaining a healthy work environment."
Trick grinned a thumped a fist in cheer. "Aye, you're a fine sport, Charlie." He started towards his quarters.
"You're not terrible yourself," Charles spoke after him, "Patty."
Trick smirked before turning clear and stepping right through his door.
IIIIIII
Handing Bounty to him, Sean prompted, "Ready?"
"Ready," Cody answered, rubbing the soft rabbit.
Alex turned to Joey. "Ready?"
"Ready," he replied giddily.
Playing the part of "official flag girl" Cordelia raised the handkerchief, "On your marks," Alex lined up behind Joey's box while Sean did the same with Cody's, "Get set," she rapidly lowered the handkerchief, "Go!"
The teens began dragging the boys side by side across the recreation room floor.
"Go, Al!" Joey cheered.
"Faster, Banshee," Cody urged.
"So demanding," Sean quipped with a smile then moved to speed up.
They reached the finish line, also known as the crafts table, but Cody's box promptly toppled over. The boy let go of Bounty, who hopped to safety, then somersaulted and landed at the door.
Joey grinned, "Wow!"
Alex nodded, clearly impressed.
"That was great, little guy." Sean came over to him. "Are you okay?"
Cody popped up and bounced eagerly in his socks. "Go again, go again!"