Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

First Class: Charles and Erik have accepted their roles as guardians and headmasters over the young mutants but there is still work to be done for the greater than typical family. This is a familial and discipline, including spanking, centered fiction.

100. Chapter 100 X-Men Ahoy

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred

Author's Word: Rise or Fall. That's the name of the story as well as the name of the game, fam. Despite all else taking place, I wanted this chapter posted and rise proved true for me on this turn. But I alone cannot claim this victory. The reason this story is still here is because of all of you out there. Every single one of you for favoring, PMing, reviewing me, befriending me- you all made this possible. We've gone from an initial chapter with an entirely uncertain future and have at last reached One Hundred. For those of you wondering, the answer is yes. This is indeed the end… to the first hundred chapters. This story is so not done by a longshot. When will it be done? If any of you ever find out, let me in the know. For now, thank you again and please enjoy and review!

Rising to his feet, Charles silently walked to the lit fireplace. He pressed a hand against the mantle and kept blue eyes on the flames.

Eyeing the younger and clearly on edge younger man, Erik stood and came up behind him. "I see elation is not to be had."

"Of course it is, Erik," Charles corrected, his gaze still away. "This is… joy to be certain. However, it's also an absolute whammy. I never once pictured- that is to say, a life with Emma, the woman I love yes, but a baby born from typical means. There's so much to consider."

Erik filled the blanks around that with, "Joey. You think he might—"

Charles turned around. "Terrified that he will. That's why this mustn't get out. Not yet. Please, brother."

Erik nodded then brought up, "What did Emma have to say?"

XXXXX

Folded hands squeezing tightly at upper arms, Emma reentered the mansion with an insistence of, "I was going to tell you. I've been suspicious the last two weeks and I only just found out for certain."

"This definitely explains a great deal." Charles followed after her. "How distant in the eyes you've been, quiet, the high-strung emotions to the point of crying. Then there's me."

Emma looked back. "What about you?"

"Like the tiniest voice beseeching me. So small and delicate," Charles came close, "I thought it all dreams, both day and night." He placed a hand over her midsection. "This life within you is a mind all its own with wants, needs, fears, even desires."

Emma's smaller hands went over his, her voice quivering. "I wanted to tell you immediately, but too much came to me at once. Charles, you had a child and an entire world here long before I came along. I wasn't about to scandalize you."

Charles seized her hands to clutch against his chest now. "Joey is our child. Ours together. And what scandal? Emma, you and I are intertwined endlessly."

The smallest trace of a smile came to her lovely features yet she knew, "You're still afraid."

Charles nodded. Yes.

So am I.

She went into his arms and Charles held her as near to him as closely but carefully as he could, minds and beating hearts in perfect tune.

XXXXX

At the ringing telephone, Joey put down his half-done water glass and went to the kitchen extension.

"Hello, Xavier School," he spoke into the mouthpiece.

"And would this be the young Master Xavier himself?"

Joey's face brightened entirely. "Hi, Grandpa!"

The man on the other end chuckled. "How are you, Little Charles?"

"I'm doing great," the child answered cheerfully. "How are you, Grandpa?"

Sincerely surprised to have the question actually asked of him in turn, Winston replied, "Much better at the moment. I spoke with your mother earlier, but I wanted to call back and double check things. Is everything alright there?"

"Yea- yes, sir. Cordy's eating really good."

One of Winston's eyebrows went up. "What does that mean?"

"When she was staying home from gymnastics 'cause she didn't want to eat anymore," Joey clarified. "We both had two slices of dessert tonight."

"Well, I… so long as you remembered to brush your teeth. Little Charles, is there anything else "new" with Cordy or your mother? Or you for that matter?"

Charles hummed in thought then came up, "No. Just that I miss you a lot."

Winston returned, "I miss you as well. All of you. You needn't worry, however. We'll see each other soon."

"Do you promise?"

"Yes, I do," Winston cemented. "Now, I think my grandson needs his rest."

"Okay. Good night, Grandpa." They exchanged goodbyes and Joey hung up the line.

Alex walked in, coming to a stop at the miniature blonde before him. "What're you doing out of bed, Eel?"

Joey pointed out the glass on the counter. "I got thirsty."

"Well, come on." Alex picked him with a kiss on his head. "Bedtime for baby brothers."

Joey nestled against him comfortably as the teenager carried him out.

IIIIIII

Tired of shifting around, Becky decided to remove herself from her linens entirely. She put on her robe and slippers then scurried out of her room. Before she could make it to one end, the little girl all but collided into her father.

"Anya." Even in the limited light, he made out her expression and knelt before her. "What's the matter? Did you need me?"

Becky went into his clutch. "I thought I heard something, Papa."

Erik explained it as, "Probably just the residual rumbles from our little downpour earlier." He stood with her in his arms. "Come. You'll sleep in Papa's room." He started to walk.

"Papa?" Becky looked up at him. "Can we pray?"

Glancing back at her, he responded, "Yes. I think that's a good idea."

IIIIIII

"I've set foot on nearly every continent," Jasmine stood, so caught up in observing a small ground level bird's nest that she had not heard the well-dressed man approaching, "but never before have I beheld such unique beauty. My best regards to your mother."

The girl smiled widely. "Thank you, sir." She gave him a quick curtsy. "My name is Jasmine Hughes. Who are you?"

"Jasmine!" Sabretooth leapt down then, ferocious black eyes and fangs displaying zero nonsense towards the stranger.

"Okay pal," He glanced back, finding a smaller man with lengthy bone claws extended from each hand situated just a few feet behind him, "I'll give ya two seconds to get away from her. Do it fast enough and I'll give ya bonus time to spit out what you're doin' on this property."

"Guys, stop," Jasmine tried to intervene. "He didn't even do anything to me."

The man's visage carried more intrigue than apprehension. "Mutants, I presume?"

While Sabretooth kept Jasmine behind him, Wolverine demanded, "What're we to you, bub?"

"You'll have to pardon my rudeness, as I plan to do yours. I am Winston Frost."

"Frost, huh?" Wolverine reacted. "Well, we ain't interested in no poetry around here."

A disbelieving Jasmine informed, "That's Robert Frost. He died the first part of this year."

Sabretooth calmed and added, "This guy is Emma and Cordy's dad."

Retracting his claws, Logan placed hands on hips and grumbled, "Lousy kinfolk, keep comin' by unannounced."

IIIIIII

Stirring in his sleep, Joey opened his eyes to find another pair of blue staring back at him.

"Good morning, Daddy," he smiled then yawned.

"Daddy," Charles repeated fondly. He sat up a bit, bringing Joey over into his hold, cautious not to give Bounty Bunny a hard nudge in the process. "That may be my fourth favorite word in the entire world."

Joey rubbed at his eyes then Bounty's neck. "What're the other three?"

Getting close to his ear, his father answered, "Charles Joseph Xavier." The boy giggled and Charles gave him a squeeze. "Did you sleep well?"

"Uh huh. Know what Mummy told me yesterday?"

"What, what?" Charles responded enthusiastically.

"When it rains, God's trying to tell you something."

"My, that is an old saying." He held the child up so that their noses touched. "Is He trying to tell you to eat all of your vegetables?" Joey shook his head. "Keep your room picked up?"

"Hm," Joey shook again, "I don't think that's it, either."

"Then perhaps the message is to lull around in your pajamas while Daddy serves you big bowls of ice cream?"

Joey wrapped arms around his neck. "I think that's it."

Abruptly, a whirlwind strongly resembling Cordelia rushed by.

"Cordy?" Charles placed Joey down to chase after the teenager. "Cordelia, for goodness sakes, what's happened?"

She glanced back long enough to say, "I saw- he's here! Daddy's here!" then rushed down the stairs.

"Grandpa!" Joey shot after her.

A confused Charles realized, "Winston?" then followed the young ones.

Sure enough in the entry, along with three other members of their household, stood Cordelia's certain sighting.

Scepter cane in hand, Winston spread his arms for the rapidly approaching girl and lifted her straight up upon contact. "Cordy!"

"You're here." She pressed a hand to his hair and the back of his suit jacket. "You're really here."

Jasmine smiled at them.

Winston held his daughter a moment longer before he noted the small boy bouncing at his heels. "And who do we have here?" He lowered Cordelia to hoist the younger child up next. "Could this near-man be Little Charles?"

Joey touched the side of his face as if to check for authenticity. "Wow, that was fast."

"Didn't I promise you?" Winston reminded.

"Children, be careful of his leg," Charles cautioned.

"Oh Charles, from what I've heard legend tell, I'm not the one with the most recent leg injury," he looked straight at him, "am I?"

Before Charles could respond to that, a voice from the stairs caught everyone's attention. "Father?" A completely taken aback Emma came down to stand beside Charles.

With Joey still in his hold, Winston stepped forward to offer her a close one-armed hug. "Hello, sweetheart."

All initial shock still at the forefront, Emma found herself placing her head against his front.

IIIIIII

"And this is my sister, Raven and her husband, Hank McCoy," Charles introduced the couple when they entered the already packed living room.

The blonde haired Raven smiled and said, "Hello."

Hank stuck out a hand to shake. "It's a pleasure, sir."

"The pleasure is mine," Winston insisted. "I've heard so many wonderful things, it's difficult to believe I'm standing before the X-Men."

"What brings you here?" Erik spoke from where he propped himself up against the doorway, eyes boring hard into the newcomer.

Winston looked back at him evenly. "Straight to the point, very good." He turned to where his daughters and Charles stood together. "The reason behind this burst of spontaneity is an invitation. I'd like you all to accompany me aboard a ship for a short cruise between here and just off the shores of Puerto Rico."

Delighted smiles and exhales sounded from Cordelia and Joey.

"Sailing?" Scott reacted jubilantly.

Frank thumped both fists triumphantly. "Yes!'

"Excuse me, excuse me," Emma's voice arose over the zealous youths. "Father, this is complete short notice and you know it. Alex and Raven alone have just started university—"

"But we don't have any major exams coming up this week," Raven felt the need to mention.

"Or papers," Alex added. "On top of that is the little fact that professors give us four excused absences per class and we haven't missed a single day."

"It takes a day and a half to get near Puerto Rico by boat," Emma reasoned next.

"Not on my latest purchase," Winston assured her. "We'll be back in New York Harbor by early evening Tuesday, my dear."

"See, Auntie Em?" Becky seconded. "We won't miss much school at all."

"Rebecca," Erik named pointedly.

The little girl turned around to look at him and beseeched, "Oh Papa, please?"

"Yeah. Daddy?" Jasmine attempted.

"Their weekend did get rained out," Trick threw out.

"Come on," Sean spoke now. "We never go anywhere."

"You never go—" Charles had to bend forward against the back of an armchair as he gaped at the boy. "I'm sorry but what group of children returned home from skiing in Canada less than two months ago?"

"Not to mention you already had your "fun in the sun" earlier this year," Erik tacked on.

Maya raised a hand to point out, "I was not a part of this."

"I didn't get Canada," said Cordelia.

Erik looked at her. "Didn't you take your own holiday in the form of vacating Boston?"
Cordelia placed hands on her hips. "Could you kindly stop living in the past?"

"Well, some of us and I have never gone anywhere with the X-Men," Jasmine said with a pair of poked out lips to follow.

"Yeah!' Cody supported. "We're X-Men, too." He looked over his shoulder. "Right, Ma? Dad?"

Logan shrugged. "Don't look at me. Guy had me packed at cruise."

"I delight in any opportunity at team building activities," said Kayla. "Which has nothing at all to do with the fact that I've fallen behind on grading this weekend."

"Well, that's it," Frank declared. "Majority vote says we're going."

"And your Headmasters have yet to give the final determination," Charles said pointedly.

"Oh boy." Frank flopped down into a chair with a muttering of, "Democracy- a term the Brits know nothing about."

"Papa," Becky walked to him, "please? We really, really want to go and we hardly get to leave the house at all. We'd really appreciate it."

Joey pawed at Charles. "Daddy, please can we go with Grandpa?"

The Headmasters exchanged a look.

Erik sighed in annoyance. "Additional homework when we return and you two," he pointed out Raven and Alex with two fingers, "are to devote an extra hour of study to your usual regiment."

"Yes, sir," Alex complied.

"No problem," Raven assured.

Charles sent to Emma, what do you think?

Unable to avoid eye contact with Joey, Emma put on a smile and said, "Anchors away."

Uproar sounded from the young ones and let off a joyous yelp followed by a throng of all ready to pack.

"Come with us, Grandpa," Joey said as he and Cody each took one of the man's hands, "you can see my room."

"Then mine," Cordelia said also heading out with them.

Winston paused long enough to say to Charles and Emma, "You won't regret this."

I'm suddenly remembering my braces years. Emma took a moment to pout against Charles' shoulder before leaving out as well.

Charles stopped Frank before he could fully depart. "By the way, Franklin, we Englishmen may not be experts in all things democracy, but here's one of our terms. Six of the best."

"Six of the best?" Frank repeated in perplexity.

The Professor took him by the chin. "Get flip again anytime in the upcoming days and you'll discover the meaning."

Suddenly finding the man extremely scary, Frank grinned as cutely as he could then slipped out.

IIIIIII

The silver and white luxury liner departed promptly at noon, sending the group of twenty across the water under the brightening skies.

With an arm around each of his present daughters, Winston with them on front of the upper deck. "What do you think of it, girls?"

"It's just glorious, Daddy," Cordelia replied.

"It is a lovely vessel," Emma admitted.

"Yes." He then quickly added, "Let's hope your sister agrees."

Cordelia looked up with a frown. "Adrienne?"

Emma removed her sunglasses. "Why?"

Winston said, "Because she'll be by for a spot after we dock tomorrow. She couldn't join the entire trip due to her schedule."

Emma formed a tight smile. "And you didn't mention this little detail because…?"

"Because," Winston looked back and forth between them, "you wouldn't have come along. You are siblings. Attempt to behave as such."

Emma crossed her arms. "Then where is Chris?"

"As far as I'm concerned," Winston gazed ahead, "grounded until he's forty."

Cordelia could not hide her snicker at that.

II

Armed with fat water pistols, Alex and Scott ran around the pool area, squirting at any and all possible targets.

"Boys, be careful," Charles cautioned them.

Kicking off his sandals, Trick performed a cannonball into the pool. "Whoo!"

Jasmine and Cordelia shot the volleyball back and forth, the former in white shorts and a purple sleeveless top while the latter wore orange capris and a lemon yellow t-shirt.

With her feet soaking in the water, the pink bathing suit adorned Becky hopped up at the sight of trouble. "Alex Summers, if you get my hair wet I'll turn your brain into a mashed potato."

"He's not that far from it already," Scott joked.

Alex held the pistol out. "Now you're both asking for it."

Scott immediately shielded the girl. "Don't worry, Becky. I'll never let him get you."

Making use of just one of his oversized feet, a floating Hank gave the male blonde a great splash.

"Dah!" Alex reacted, shaking himself out.

"Haha!" Raven teased, currently stretched out horizontally in the pool across Hank's stomach.

Spotting his wife, Logan let off a wolf whistle. "Good God, woman."

Kayla had come out to the pool area in a violet two-piece bathing suit, her long dark hair flowing straight down her back. "Down, boy."

"Too late. I'm already up." Logan informed her mischievously. "Now you come here."

Graciously complying, Kayla removed the purple town from around her waist and lowered into the water to kiss him.

"Whoa!" At a tug to the back of his trunks, Logan veered around and gave his snorkeling son a glare. "One sec, baby. Gotta annihilate our kid."

"I'll be over here." Kayla leaned back nonchalantly against a corner of the pool.

Cody giggled and swam as fast as he could to get away from his rapidly moving father.

"The front of the ship is called the bow," Winston pointed out the location, "and just below it is the hull you see. Later I'll take you and Cody for a tour so you can see the captain at work."

"Oh boy," Joey smiled. "We'd like to see that, Grandpa."

Peering at them from under his shades where he laid a few spots down, Erik glowered then went to join the adult telepaths at the table. Do you think it wise to allow Joey to develop such an attachment to him? Calling him "Grandpa" and the like?

My father would not harm Joey, Emma informed, if for no other reason, he knows of what I'm capable.

And by all technicalities, Charles added, he is the lad's grandfather, Erik. If Joey is comfortable, I see no reason to deprive him of such a relationship.

Erik sat back, still not entirely pleased. His attention then went to Becky chasing after Alex with Scott's squirt gun and he found his smile again.

"So Puerto Rico, huh?" Raven used a finger to circle around one of Hank's nipples. "A second honeymoon already?"

Hank arched his head up. "When exactly did the first end?" He locked arms around her.

From a speedboat right beside the ship, Frank and Sean sat side by side in double parasail. Down below, Maya stood next to Victor while he steered.

An intangible Trick glided over suddenly, spooking the boys for just a moment. "Not bad. Though I prefer more classic means of flight."

"I know what you mean," Sean concurred. He looked down and called, "Hey Maya, you've gotta try this!"

She waved that option right off. "Uh no, I don't think so."

"Yeah, come on up. I'm good," said Frank.

"Don't worry, girly," Victor reeled the boys in to unlatch Frank, "I won't let anything happen to ya." He indicated Sean. "You know he won't."

Maya smiled at that and went along.

After Victor did several checks to ensure the teens' safety, mainly that of the ultra slim young lady, he cast them upward.

Soon, the couple got up as high as they possibly could, gazing over the enormous ocean as seagulls soared by them. Maya shrieked when one bird got a tad too close, causing her to burrow her face into Sean's shoulder.

"Easy, easy." His arm immediately went around her. "I've got you."

She peered brown eyes up at him. "You sure do."

Sean watched the wind whip through her ponytail for a moment before bowing his head to share a kiss with her.

IIIIIII

Safe within his crate, Bounty sat up on hind legs, seemingly watching the circus performance taking place.

"One, two, three… go!" The boys jumped across each other's beds again, tumbling onto their stomachs now.

"I can't believe we're the only people on this entire boat," said Cody. "Your granddad must have loads of money."

"Yeah, I guess he does," Joey responded indifferently. "I remember when we went to his house. He took us on a boat then, too; just him, Mummy, Daddy, Cordy, and me. It was a smaller one shaped like a swan. He told us about the Boston Tea Party and he told it better than what we hear in school."

Cody played with his hands. "Wish I had a granddad."

Joey's excitement dimmed. "Neither one of 'em?"

"Nope," Cody shook his head. "They both died."

Before Joey could respond, Charles stepped into their room. "Dinnertime, gentlemen."

They gave Bounty some fresh food before they started down.

IIIIIII

"One second," Winston emphasized, seated at the head of the lengthy table in the elegant dining room. "Had I arrived so much as one second later, the horse would have kicked my son square in the head."

"That may have been an improvement," Cordelia half-kidded.

Hank said, "This reminds me of one of my earlier science experiments. Though to be fair, that's when my sight started to go bad and the directions smeared together for me. And Mother wasn't overly fond of that lamp, anyway."

"Slow kids," Logan commented. "No clue what self-preservation is."

Victor looked at him meaningfully. "You'd know, wouldn't ya, Mr. Sledding-Without-Snow."

Logan rolled his eyes. "Always gotta bring that up, don't ya?"

"What, mud sledding?" Trick said. "I used to do that all the time as a boy."

"No," Victor replied. "This runt tried rushin' down a jagged rock formation a good ten times his height."

"There ya go exaggeratin' the whole thing," Logan claimed. "Well hey, if you get to tell that one, I get to talk about that job with the Blackfoot tribe."

"Oh, this sounds good," said Frank. "Tell it, Wolv."

Victor put a dramatic weary hand to his face. "If I gotta hear this one more time…"

Ignoring his brother, Logan began. "It was 1951. Me and Vic were workin' with this special squad that provided aide to groups across Canada. Anyway, we ended up on this one job, bringing medicine and food to this community of Blackfoots. While I was there, I met the school teacher. Now, let me tell ya. If I'd had an educator that looked like her I'd have shown up every single day, front row center. I mean this chick had long jet black hair ya could lose a finger in, this perfect almost sculpted face, and a body outta this world. After talkin' to me for just a few minutes, she knew right then and there- couldn't stand me." Several laughs sounded. "Some time later, I said to Vic, "If we ever, ever get the chance to come back here, I'm gonna marry that girl"."

Kayla laid her hand over his, contented eyes set on him. "And he did."

Raven, Maya, Cordelia, Jasmine, and Becky all let out simultaneous deep sighs.

"See, I knew the girls were gonna get out of it," Logan smirked.

"Actually," Scott said admittedly, "I liked that one, too."

"Me, too," Sean seconded.

Cody put forth, "Mama tells it better."

Trick claimed, "Had me going there, too, mate."

A light retching noise echoed out of Alex. "People, please. I'd like to finish dinner before I lose it."

Erik commented, "Sentimental as ever, boychick."

Maya looked annoyed. "Almost forgot. The heart doesn't beat inside Alex Summers."

Winston said, "Allow him to delight in his bachelorhood. He has the rest of his life for these matters."

"You said that right," Alex concurred. "Nobody's tying me down." Chuckles spread throughout most of the men at the table. "What? It's true."

"You're never- he said he's never…" Logan had to take a few breaths to contain his amusement. "Kid, ya just sealed your own fate with that one."

Alex simply waved that off and continued eating.

IIIIIII

Situated at the pointed tip of that grand boat, Emma watched the fading sun, blonde hair flapping against the short sleeves of her white dress.

She sensed the better half of herself come up behind her. Just radiant.

Yes, Charles brought arms around her, and the sunset is quite nice as well.

Emma leaned back against him. But it's such a foreboding thing. What is the next day going to bring?

That really matters not. We've already proven that much, so long as we face it together.

She moved to face him. As if I know any other way.

IIIIIII

Sheyn vi di levone,
Likhtik vi di shtern,
Fun himl a matone,
Bistu mir tzugeshikt!
Mayn glik hob ikh gevunen,
Ven ikh hob dikh gefunen,
Sheyn vi toyznt zunen
Hot mayn hartz baglikt.

Becky laid with her head in his lap as the song concluded. "That was beautiful, Papa."

"Thank you, Erik," Jasmine beamed, "even if I don't know what you said. It sure did sound good."

Trick held her and said, "I'm pretty sure he mentioned something about you lassies being as beautiful as a thousand suns."

Erik looked over at him. "You understand Hebrew?"

"Vaguely," Trick said with a slight shake of his hand. "You'd be amazed the tongues you pick up in show business."

Erik nodded with interest then determined, "Time for bed." He stood to tug the covers over Becky. "Remember. Papa is right across the hall if you need anything."

"And I'm right next to him," Trick added. He kissed the top of Jasmine's head. "Sweet dreams, angels."

"Good night, Daddy and Erik." Jasmine laid down fully.

Becky settled down with Sweetie Imp. "Good night."

"Straight to sleep," Erik started out, "No monkey business."

Trick turned off the lights, winking at the girls as he left next.

He walked with Erik and remarked, "Certainly is kind of Winston Frost to welcome aboard the lot of us this way."

Erik countered, "Yes, so kind the way he ambushed us right in front of our children in order to make refusal impossible."

"These goes our warm and sunny Lehnsherr," Trick said dryly. "Ever willing to look towards the bright side."

"No, I think he's Father of the Year, especially the part where his youngest child ran away from him."

"That's odd," Trick noted. "The way I heart it, Cordy left her brother to be with her sister."

Erik said, "I long for the day you learn to see out of both eyes."

Trick walked ahead to stand before him. "Yes, master. This lowly grasshopper shall toil to mimic your absolute perfection." He made a show of bowing away while stepping backwards.

Erik's expression proved quite under amused.

IIIIIII

The chatter ceased when a knock came to the door.

"Come in," Cordelia granted.

Winston did so, seeing the girls one of the twin beds with a wide snack assortment between them. "My. No one mentioned anything about happy hour to me."

"We'll clean up the mess, Mr. Frost," Maya promised.

"Fret not, Maya." Winston sat down, his arm going around Cordelia. "So long as you enjoy yourselves."

Cordy smiled. "I'm just glad you're here."

Maya stood quickly, tugging her green down top down. "I'm going to check out some more parts of the ship before bed."

"In case you're interested," Winston spoke after the departing girl, "I'm fairly sure I spotted a certain redheaded Romeo on the top level."

A slight blush appeared on Maya's cheeks as she dipped out.

Cordelia sand down comfortably, a hand going to her stomach. "I'm stuffed."

Winston picked up a bag of pretzels. "Undoubtedly. I've been told you've been eating quite well… now that is."

She peeked one eye up at him.

IIIIIII

When Hank at last finished, Raven panted, supremely satisfied yellow eyes locked on the ceiling.

"Just give me a moment," Hank said, still hovered over her.

"Whoa, Beast," she breathed. "I'll need just a teensy bit longer. Especially after that."

"I must be honest," Hank moved to lay beside her, an impish air about him. "The ocean waves contributed greatly to my performance."

"Poor fishes don't know what hit 'em."

Hank smiled at her. "What do you say to dinner in the city when we return?"

Raven responded, "Can we detour through the gynecologist's office?" Hank looked at her intently. "Just to check?"

"Raven…" Hank searched for the words. "You mean we…?"

"Cycle is five days late so…" She smiled nervously. "Maybe."

A heartfelt cry of elation sounded in Hank as he pulled her in for a strong kiss.

IIIIIII

The night sky offered a quarter moon along with an array of stars, even brighter than those Westchester had to offer. Maya walked around the upper deck, hands in the pockets of her blue jean shorts.

She topped off, seeing someone sitting on the floor against one wall. "Cody."

He looked over. "Hiya, Smiley."

"What are you doing out here by yourself?"

"Nothin' much," he shrugged. "What're you doin'?"

"I was going to go look for Sean," she got down next to him, "but I found you."

Cody made an invisible outline on the wooden floor under them. "Maya, why do people have to die?"

She replied, "Science says because of all the illnesses we have infecting every generation. Some people say it's because we're overpopulated and death is necessary to control it. But science isn't always right and those people are just really, really- stupid."

After a quiet moment, Cody looked at her. "Do ya know how to play rock, paper, scissors?"

"Of course," Maya smiled.

They started thumping their fists.

IIIIIII

"Dude, how cool is this?" Sean whacked the ball over to the blonde. "We go from cloudy doom and gloom to luxury cruise." At the silence, he looked up to witness Alex having a little difficulty keeping up with the game. "Hey." Sean went around the ping-pong table to him. "You okay?"

Feeling the hand on his shoulder, Alex gave him a hard shove back. "Get off! I'm fine." When crestfallen blue eyes stared back at him, Alex felt inwardly sick. "God Seanie… I'm sorry, buddy." He quickly pulled him into a hug. "I didn't mean it."

Sean nodded against him. "What's going on with you?"

Alex took a seat on the game room sofa. "I'm just so stressed with all this stuff. I wanted to get away on this boat to unwind before my head caves in."

"I wanted it, too." Sean sat with him. "We haven't hung out much since Canada. I know I'm with Maya, but you started WU and made non-dork friends."

"Sean," Alex looked at him closely, "the entire WU student body couldn't hold a candle to the X-Men. My family comes first. We came first. Driving Erik nuts, getting our butts wailed on together."

"Oh yeah. The belts of wrath." Sean then began to snigger.

"Now what's funny?"

"I can't believe they let your delinquent butt be an instructor."

Alex gave the younger boy's head a thump. "I can't believe a chick is serious about you." He then sincerely relented. "Actually, yeah. I can."

Sean glanced down happily.

IIIIIII

Around one corner, the girls in purple and pink pajamas crossed paths with the boys who wore Superman and Batman themes.

Switching off his own personal lighting system before he could blind anyone, Frank asked, "What're you two doing?"

"Same as you," said Jasmine. "No school, no way we're going to bed."

"Cool. Come on. Let's raid the galley." Frank took her hand then looked to the others. "You guys comin' or what?"

"No thanks," Becky declined.

Scott said, "I better stick around here, too. I'll hit your communicator if we spot any grownups."

"Great," Frank raised a thumb.

"See ya," Jasmine waved as they left.

Scott walked alongside the telepathic girl. "Is anything wrong, Rebecca?"

"I don't know," she answered honestly.

"Well, don't worry. I'll help, whatever it is."

Becky regarded him fondly as they moved.

IIIIIII

"It's too hard to explain," Cordelia insisted.

"It cannot be that difficult," Winston countered. "Developing an urge for antidepressants after you need them is not uncommon, but this?" Winston paused a moment, patting the mattress to gather patience. "I swore to myself that my children would never know the gnaw of hunger. Why did you willingly starve yourself?"

"Daddy, you have no idea how hard life is," she put forth.

"Oh well then," Winston stood straight up with arms stretched out, "I suppose I never thought of that, considering the fact that I completely imagined living in poverty long before the '30's shined a spotlight on it."

Cordelia urged, "I don't mean money and closing the big deal. It's bad enough I have to deal with Adrienne being the pretty one and Emma the smart one. Now it's the X-Men. Of us girls, Raven's the amazing one, Jasmine is exotically beautiful, Maya's head tilts from excess knowledge, and Becky is the Princess. I only have gymnastics. I wanted to get back in shape so fast I lost my head."

Winston sat back down, facing her. "I've lost track of my own several times. Eyes so focused on the grand scheme. I suppose I hoped you would be comfortable confiding in me."

"I want to, Daddy," she told him. "But Chris distracts you every time we're home together. And talking to you isn't always easy. Not that way it is with Charles. He and Joey are the first people in this family to always be there for me when I need them."

"Those two have proven to be our unexpected miracles," Winston had to concur. He delicately touched the side of his face and she put both hands over his large one in turn. "I want you to hear and heed this. I'd rather have you charge through a meeting of mine on chariot than fall into self-destruction. You're far better than that, Cordelia. In addition to that, you're beyond these labels you believe your sisters and the other girls fall into."

She looked genuinely surprised. "I am?"

His eyes went heavenly a moment, "Help me," then returned to her. "Yes, you are. You can believe that or not, but whatever the case, you will behave as if you do. Is that clear enough, dear girl?"

Cordelia sat up on her knees to hug him tightly. "Well said, Father."

Winston's lips turned upward as he placed arms around her. "You know, this entire thing is—" He quieted at an odd noise that resembled a drainage issue. "What in the world?"

"I think that's Em." Cordelia hurried up and went to the Jack-and-Jill bathroom that divided their two rooms. She found the blonde in question hunched over a toilet, vomiting profusely. "Oh God, Emma."

Winston came in and propped his cane up against the nearest corner before kneeling beside the distressed one. "Cordelia, quickly. Get a cool compress."

Emma let out a breath and claimed, "I'm fine."

"Then humor an old man." Winston collected her in her arms and carried her back to her room. He carefully placed her down on the queen sized bed.

Cordelia returned with the moistened towel and folded it to drape over Emma's head. "Are you okay?" She sat close to her on the bed.

"A little motion sickness," Emma waved off. "Nothing to worry about, darling."

Winston stood at the edge of the bed and stated, "You have never had seasickness in your life. Not even as a little girl."

Emma reclined against her headboard. "Don't act as if you know everything about me."

"More than you think," Winston said to the contrary. He looked to his youngest daughter. "Cordelia, go to your room. I'll see to your sister."

"Daddy," the teenager tried.

Emma patted her wrist. "Go on, honey."

Cordelia gave her a hug before rising to her feet. She gave Winston's cheek a kiss as she left, closing the door behind her.

Winston sat on the bed and established full eye contact with the one laying there. "Are you with child?"

"Don't be absurd," she responded. "Dinner simply didn't agree with me."

"I've had four children," he reminded her sharply. "I know an expecting Frost woman well." Emma folded her arms and looked away. "Please at least tell me its Charles'."

Her blue eyes morphed into red with rage and she flung the small clock on her end table his way. "How dare you? Of course it is. I would never betray Charles."

Winston simply ducked the clock and continued with his questioning. "Is he going to marry you?"

"Is he going to marry me?" Emma repeated with a humored scoff. "Yes, even now, you're probably imagining the tabloids. Unwed Frost Daughter to Bear Xavier Love Child."

"This is not about me," the man suddenly erupted, surprising her for a moment. "This is about you. While my feelings towards your relationship with Charles have been favorable to say the least, I cannot believe his irresponsibility. Emma, his small son calls you Mother. And now you're carrying another for him. What deranged game of house are you playing?"

"Charles and I have more love and devotion for each other than you possessed during your entire marriage," Emma retorted. "He did not take advantage of me. We both wanted this and now we both want this baby. I did not keep this from you out of shame. I just didn't want to see Joey's heart shattered at you turning away from him in favor of a child from your precious genetic makeup."

Winston gave off an ironic chuckle at that. "My dear Emma. If you think I carry some sort of bias toward my DNA then it's clear we both have a great deal to learn about each other. Little Charles is one reason I am so adamant about this. The court system does not care how much maternal emotion you have towards him. At the end of the day, he belongs to Charles. You worry over me shattering his heart? How do you think he'll feel if something ever happened to his father and nothing short of a full on telepathic trance could prevent him from being snatched away from you?"

Emma's lips parted but this time she had no response.

From outside the entry door, the two children stood, both completely stunned.

"Rebecca?" Scott spoke.

Without a word, Becky turned away and ran straight back to her room.

IIIIIII

Making her way back to their quarters, Maya greeted Cordelia with, "Hi, Gorge."

The darker haired girl returned it with, "Hello, Gorge," and turned another page in her magazine. "How was your stroll?"

"Good. So, are things good with you and your dad?"

"Oh, just fine. Can't say the same about him and Emma. He's currently fit to be tied because sis and Charles didn't mention they're going to have a baby. He sent me out of the room, but two and two aren't that difficult for me to add up."

Maya, who seemed to go into a catatonic state at the word baby, simply stood with blank eyes and wide open mouth.

IIIIIII

"Are you sure you heard them right?" Frank pulled back his covers and got under. "Because last year Joey spread this huge rumor that Raven and Hank were gonna have a kid just because he saw them kiss."

"Believe me," Scott assured from his bed, arms folded behind his head. "We heard the important parts. I just can't believe it."

"Me, either," said Frank dryly. "Another Charles Kids who's going to get away with everything. Joy."

"I meant," Scott said pointedly, "that Charles and Emma would ever do something like this. They're not married."

"So they'll get married," Frank dismissed, getting against the soft pillows. "There's one really good thing about this. Joey'll finally know what it feels like to have some new little guy come along and mess up everything for you. If he was miserable when you come along…" Realizing his own words, Frank trailed and looked over to his now pensive roommate. "Oh Scott, man. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I'm ninety percent mouth. You know that."

"Hey," Scott put on a weak smile, "it doesn't matter. When you're right, you're right." He turned to click off the lamp. "Night."

Letting off a moaning sigh, Frank sunk down under all of his covers.

IIIIIII

Two loaded plates ready, the waiter deposited them at the Xavier siblings' table. The two wasted no time digging into the magnificent spread.

"Mm." Charles dabbed the corner of his napkin and took a sip of tea. "I'm quite glad Winston called off a formal breakfast this morning. We don't get much time between just the two of us, do we?"

"Definitely not these days." Raven smiled at him. "Do you remember when it was only ever us for every single meal?"

Charles nodded at the recollection. "You're happy the way things are now, aren't you? A filled household?"

"Hm, let's see." She pretended to think. "Amazing husband, great friends, cool kids. Yeah, life is definitely the pits."

Charles chuckled then turned solemn. "Actually Baby Blue, there's something I've been meaning to discuss with you, but everything happened so fast yesterday. I only hope you won't be angry."

"Don't worry about it," she said. "I understand how hectic things were. Just tell me now."

Breathing through his noses, Charles started. "Emma- that is to say the two of us…" His countenance cheered as he went on. "Love, we're going to have a baby." Raven seemed to absorb the unexpected information and for several seconds simply stayed in place looking at him with no further reaction. That worried the telepath more than anything. "Raven?"

She finally came back with, "So are we." It proved her brother's turn to be surprised. "Yeah, me and Hank have been trying for a little while and- I didn't say anything before, but yeah." Raven rubbed her stomach. "There's a little McCoy a here."

"Oh Raven," Charles immediately took her into his arms, "love, this is absolutely wonderful." He pulled back with an enormous smile on her face. "My little bitty sister to be a mummy."

"I know." She smiled back at him. "You and Em, too. Crazy how this worked out, isn't it?"

"Yes," he most certainly agreed. "Feel free to tell Hank but don't let word get around to quickly, alright? We still need to explain things to Joey."

"Oh of course," Raven nodded. "I know that's a huge deal. Don't worry."

Charles held up his teacup. "To our marvelous future."

Raven lifted her orange juice glass, lightly clinking with him.

IIIIIII

The shipped docked early that afternoon and the children practically dived off to hit the secluded sandy beach, some clearly more zealous than others that day.

"We should have the opportunity to see some marine life up close today," Winston mentioned.

Joey hopped up and down. "Oh boy. You hear that, Becky?"

She only nodded.

Winston gave the green eyed girl a secretive smile. "Perhaps you'll even get to meet a real life mermaid, my dear."

Becky gave him the smallest smile she could muster.

"That sounds like a jolly good time," said Charles. "Doesn't it, Princess?"

Becky stepped back a pace, holding on tightly to Erik's hand. "Can we go play, Papa?"

Erik nodded. "Stay where we can see you."

Emma watched Becky walk off with Joey and Cody.

An hour later, a black Porsche pulled up nearby.

Cordelia, who walked arm in arm with Emma across the sand, frowned deeply. "Guess who."

"No need when you're a telepath," Emma said dryly.

Winston walked up, "She's here," then went to greet the driver.

Charles joined the Frosts as they approached.

Adrienne, in a sharp navy and black ensemble complete with hat, walked up with arms out towards her father. "Daddy."

Winston gave her a hug. "Hard to believe we could drag you away for ten whole hours."

"Well, the family really doesn't get together often enough." She looked to the others. "Baby sis." She took Cordelia's hands and kissed both her cheeks. "You look wonderful. Still clean I hope?"

"Of course." Cordelia gave her a special look. "Haven't been drop-kicked into any pools lately I hope?"

Charles quickly greeted with, "It's very nice to see you again, Adrienne. I hope things are going well at your agency."

"Charles," Adrienne acknowledged. "Yes, I'd heard you two were still together." She sent Emma a smile. "Good job, little sis."

Emma returned plainly, "Big sis."

Down the beach, Alex, Logan, and Victor walked with dripping surfboards tucked under their arms.

Victor blinked. "Who's that?"

Alex looked. "Oh that must be Emma and Cordy's other sister."

"A redhead, brunette, and blonde all in the same family plus the boy?" Logan surmised. "Here I thought rich folk weren't allowed more than two kids."

IIIIIII

"So Erik offered me the chance and I felt I had to leap at it," Trick coated, taking up twin lawn chairs alongside Winston. "Not only does it give my daughter stability and a sense of belonging, I can fully learn about just what we are."

"Hm." The older man took a sip from his drinks. "Seems to me, you were a boy who found himself in a catastrophic situation, but you fully accepted your responsibilities and handled the matter with a level of honor and maturity beyond your years."

Trick requested, "Mind jotting that all down on a jumbo sized card and mailing it to my parents?"

"Patrick," Winston faced him, "have you ever considered that perhaps the three of you are on such poor terms due not to your own shortcomings but to theirs?" Bewilderment covered Trick's features at the suggestion and Winston decided to clarify things. "I'm hard on my son because he has this knack for making life far more difficult than it has to be. He thinks I desire to live my unfulfilled goals out through him. However, I have accomplished everything I ever vowed to do and more. There is nothing he can do for me that I haven't already done for myself. Then there are your parents; immigrants who had to scrape and scrounge for every little thing. Now while they're pushing pastries, your own natural talent has sent you straight to the top."

Trick turned deeply thoughtful. "I never once looked at things that way."

"They never supported your music career, correct?" Trick nodded and Winston went on. "I believe the real reason they hold that one folly from your teen years over your head at every waking moment is because that's honestly all they have on you. They want to prop themselves up by bringing you down."

After he absorbed all of that, Trick responded with, "Will you be my dad, too?"

Winston gave off a deep laugh. "My references in that department are not the finest."

"I'm in show business," Trick reminded. "It's never good to follow every word of bad press."

"Young man, I can honestly say," Winston lifted his scepter and lightly tapped the top of the ash blonde's head with it, as if to knight him, "I delight in the fact that my daughter has a seat in your classroom."

Trick smiled and the expression only increased when Jasmine ran over.

"Here, Daddy." She handed him a coke.

"Ah, thank you, Precious," he said, accepting the cold beverage.

Jasmine looked at the other man. "Thank you again for bringing us here, Mr. Frost." She bent down to give him a hug.

Though taken aback by the gesture at first, Winston still returned it. "The pleasure has been all mine." He turned to Trick. "You'll have to wade through a swarm of offers when it comes time for this little girl to marry."

At that, Trick let loose an exaggerated breath and took a long drink from the glass bottle.

Sitting at one of the stools in the juice bar, Adrienne ordered a Long Island iced tea then looked to wear Cordelia ordered sipped from a straw.

The redhead said, "Both you and that beverage better be virginal, young lady."

Cordelia gave her a sideways glance. "It's a smoothie, Dri. At worse, the combination of kiwi and lemon will give me a dizzy spell."

"The worst must always be feared in this family." Adrienne stirred her own drink when it came down in front of her. "If it starts with pills, who knows what other little habits of Christian you'll pick up? Not that Emma is an altogether better influence. God only knows how it'll look for you to follow some of her examples."

Cordelia gave off a thoughtful hum. "You're right as ever, big sis. Why would I want to be adored at my job and in love with the greatest guy in the world with a baby on the way?" Adrienne chose the wrong time to sip and immediately choked. "No, I'll just be a childless spinster like you." Taking her smoothie, the girl hopped up. "Thanks for the advice." She walked away. "Who wants to play Frisbee?"

The bartender asked, "Can I get you anything else, ma'am?"

Adrienne held up her glass. "Double of whatever you put in here."

With Cody dangling from the back of him, Sean stomped around the beach in a zombie motion.

Joey ran from Alex until the taller blonde scooped him up and started tickling his bare stomach.

Alex's smile faded as he looked around. "Where'd Scott go?"

Cody pointed towards a rock wall. "Over there."

Placing Joey down, Alex headed over and found his missing brother seated on a small boulder alongside the rock wall. "Hey, twerp. Why'd you take off without telling me?" He squatted down before him.

Scott shrugged. "Figured you'd have more fun without me there."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Is the sun getting to you?" He gave him a playful arm punch. "What made you think that?"

"I'm not stupid, Alex," Scott informed him. "I know I'm the reason Joey… why he was hurting himself. I thought things were getting better between us, but I still feel like things would have been better if Em had left me with that mob."

Alex glared. "Unless you want me to pound your butt into oblivion, I better not ever hear you say that again. That wasn't about you; Joey didn't even know you. His problems are because of that piece of shit that abandoned him. She made it so he's scared as hell of losing anybody."

Scott glanced down. "It still doesn't change the fact that he wishes I'd disappear."

"No, I don't." Both Summers looked up at Joey's voice and the little boy walked until he stood before the one sitting down. "I don't want you to disappear, Scottie."

Scott blinked under his shades. "You don't?"

"Not ever," Joey reiterated. "I never should've hurt myself. All I did was make everybody upset and worried. I'm really sorry if I ever did anything to make you feel bad."

"No, it's just me and my crazy head." Moving forward, Scott brought the younger boy into a hug. "Thanks, Joey."

Alex touched one hand a piece to each of their backs.

IIIIIII

Gaze set on her sandal covered feet, Becky did not look up from her journal writing when her door opened, having already sensed the approaching minds.

"Darling, dolphins are splashing right beside the ship even as we speak," Emma told her.

"Come," Charles bent to pick her up, "you can have a grand view right up on my shoulders."

Becky jerked away from his touch. "Leave me alone."

Charles frowned. "Rebecca."

Wondering what had become of their tiny telepath, Emma asked her, "Sweetheart, what's happened? Talk to us."

Becky finally faced them with a pair teary green eyes. "How could you do it?" She stood from the desk. "How could you ruin our family? We were so perfect. Everything was perfect."

Both realizing it, Charles spoke it. "This is about the baby, isn't it? Princess, please. Let's talk about it, alright?"

"No!" she shouted at him. "You have your own family now. You don't need me or Joey or any of us. Just go- go be like the Howletts and the Hughes. I don't care." She started to storm off.

Oh I most certainly think not. Emma slammed the bedroom door shut, causing Becky to flinch.

She put hands to her hips and set the younger female with a sharp look. "Rebecca, to me you are completely perfect and even in this moment, I dare any fool to try to convince me otherwise. But the yelling and the accusations stop now and the calm rational conversation begins. Is that understood, Miss Lehnsherr?"

"Yes, Auntie," came her whisper.

Charles nodded approvingly then said, "And on that token, I am still your uncle." He took Becky's shoulder to turn her around. "You've been in this family too long to think stalking off from me while I'm speaking to you is remotely acceptable behavior. Had your father seen this display, I'm certain he would have spanked you. I should spank you."

"No, Uncle Charles," she beseeched. "I'm so sorry. Please don't spank me."

At the adolescent plea, Charles received a brief image of the bitty little girl, frightened and confused, that had come to take refuge in his home, seizing his heart and mind in the process.

Collecting a few tissues from the box on the desk, Charles lifted Becky with one arm. "I believe we've had quite enough tears today." He gently wiped at her face then kissed her clean cheek. "Now," he sat in her vacant desk chair with her, "I want you to try to explain to us what you're feeling about all of this. You said we would be like the Howletts and the Hughes. What did you mean by that?"

Becky gave off a sniff. "You'll be happier with the baby because she'll come from you and Auntie Em. You'll see her as your real family and forget about the rest of us all over some dopey blood."

"I see," Charles nodded. "So you believe me a liar, yes?"

She looked at him. "Of course not, Uncle Charles."

"Well, it certainly sounds like it," he said. "All those times I ever held you, took care of you when you were sick, played tea party with you, baked cookies with you, trained you to better your mutation, and said I love you must be all one big lie if a few drops of "dopey blood" can so easily make me forget it all. Nothing in the entire world could make me forgot my Princess."

Becky brought up, "What if you get a new princess?"

"I already did," Charles said matter-of-factly. "Her name is Rebecca Anya Lehnsherr. Before you, Raven was my only princess. Did or I forget or stop loving my sister when a new little girl came to live with us?"

The child shook her head. "You could never forget Raven."

Charles playfully tugged on one of her curls. "Exactly."

Emma came over, taking a seat top of the desk and facing them. "Rebecca, you understand that Auntie wasn't always very nice, right?" Becky turned to her and nodded quietly. "My love for Charles is not the only reason I came back here. I also came back for you. Back in Montana when I fell weak and you refused to leave me then that night when you implored me to stay… you were the first person in a long time to make me feel worthy of anything."

Becky took both her hands. "Because you are. You love us so much and you found Scott for us. I don't care what you were like before."

Emma gave a squeeze to the smaller appendages. "And that, darling, is exactly how I want you to feel about the baby. Don't pay attention to where he came from or how he got here. Only concentrate on the fact that you get to make this child feel loved every single day of his life."

Becky used one hand to touch Emma's stomach now and recited, "Fun himl a matone, bistu mir tzugeshikt."

Charles ran fingers through her hair. "What did you say, Princess?"

"It was in the song Papa sang to us last night. It means," she thought a moment so as to translate properly, "Heaven sent you to me as a present."

"Yes," Charles raised her up to rock against his shoulder, "the newest of my many presents."

Emma smiled, but could not enjoy things completely, knowing they still had another specific someone to have a similar conversation with.

IIIIIII

Humming to herself, Adrienne removed her towel so that she remained in only her black two-piece suit and lowered into the warm water. Taking her book mark out, she returned to the chapter she had left off on.

Victor chose that moment to burst out of the water. "Hey."

Adrienne screamed and flailed about wildly.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy," he attempted to soothe. "Victor Creed. Remember, security?"

"What on earth were you doing down there?" she demanded.

He explained nonchalantly, "I like to test how long I can hold my breath without drowning. Didn't expect to see here this time o' day. Figured you'd be down with the rest of the family."

"My expectations exactly." Adrienne waved him off with a pinky finger. "Why don't you go see if the maintenance staff needs any assistance."

"Okay first place, I'm on vacation. Second place, I ain't one of your daddy's hired hands. And third place, even if I was, I don't work for you. But," he bent over the side of the hot tub, retrieving the book she had dropped in her startle, "maybe I can do somethin' about this funky little high saditty attitude of yours."

While she snatched her novel back, Adrienne calmed slightly. "I… apologize. I'm still just a tad miffed from learning that my sister will apparently be breeding soon."

"So Emma's got one in the oven." Victor sat down in the water, leaning back comfortably. "Thought so." Adrienne raised an eyebrow at him and he said, "I can sense a pregnant woman. Goes along with the heightened animal senses. New hormones flyin' around and all."

"Ah, interesting," the ginger stated favorably. "I have the power of psychometry. Simply put, it means—"

"Ya can tell how old junk is," Victor filled in. "Huh. Kinda lackin' in razzle dazzle there."

She narrowed blue eyes at him. "For your information, I am able to gain the full history, previous ownership, and value of said "junk"." She heatedly turned a page. "Not everyone is capable of little mind tricks."

"So is that your beef with your sister?" Victor asked casually. "She got a neater power than you?"

"No." Adrienne looked at him. "I simply believe a woman shouldn't be handed things all because she's willing to spread her legs. And now she's having a baby." She scoffed. "But of course she is."

"Hey, don't none of that matter with the here and now. A baby's a beautiful thing. Why don't ya just enjoy it with her." When he received folded arms as a response, Victor held his hands up. "Or sit there and stew in your own jealousy like it's gonna change the situation." He stood up. "Whatever floats your boat." He flipped a leg over, getting out of the tub.

Adrienne observed the movements of the unusual burly blonde as he dried himself with his towel. "Mr. Creed, you wouldn't be busy at the moment, would you?" He looked at her. "That is, well, there are cocktails available in the lounge."

"Come to think of it," he placed his bathrobe on over his trunks, "I feel like getting some time in with my little nephew. But maybe some other time." Victor started to walk off but briefly glanced back to tack on, "By the way," she looked up, "I don't drink." He continued on.

Adrienne let off a faint humph and placed attention back on her novel, suddenly finding concentration all the more difficult.

IIIIIII

Moving along down the shores, Joey stood between his two parents, holding hands with each of them. The setting sun bathed them all in a golden tint.

The little boy asked, "Do you think Grandpa will let us come back here?"

"I'm certain he will if you ask," Emma replied.

Joey looked up at her. "Mummy, remember what you said about God telling us something when it rains?" Emma nodded. "It reminded me of something. When my old mama drove away from me. I was really scared, but now I think I know why it rained that day. God was saying, "Everything's going to be okay. Your daddy's coming for you and he's going to take real good care of you. And it's not true what people say. You're not a demon at all"."

Emma shared a look with Charles, a smile growing on her face before she turned back to Joey. "I'm sure that's exactly what he said, Treasure."

"I remember that day right down to the last detail." Charles knelt down to his son's level. "That little tiny voice calling out to my mind. I simply couldn't rest until I had you in my arms."

Joey stepped forward, hugging him around the neck. "I love you so much, Daddy."

Charles squeezed him. "And I love you, Charles Joseph Xavier." He shared a brief thought with Emma before pressing on. "Joey, what would you say if I told you I've heard another small voice?" Joey pulled back to look at him, clearly confused. "Another voice calling out to me and needing me. Except this voice is speaking from your mother's tummy. And what if this voice doesn't need just me but your mother, Uncle Erik, the entire family. But especially you."

Joey responded, "I don't understand, Daddy."

"Treasure," Emma got his eyes up, "I'm going to have a baby."

Eyes widening, Joey pointed out her stomach. "You mean… in there?" She nodded and he looked at Charles again. "Really?"

"Yes, son," Charles confirmed. "But before anything else, we want you to know—"

"Yay!" Joey exploded, leaping higher than he ever had before. "Yay, yay, yay, yay, yay, yay!" The completely floored telepaths could only look on. "We're having a baby! A baby!" He stopped for a moment. "Do I get to hold her?"

"Yes," Emma answered immediately.

"Absolutely," Charles added.

Joey then resumed his enthused bouncing.

Emma sent to Charles, how is he taking it better than we did?

A wearily smiling Charles shook his head. This child never ceases to amaze me.

IIIIIII

Wild flower bouquet in hand, Scott walked into the partially open room.

Looking up from working at her desk, Emma formed a delighted smile. "What's all this?"

"They're for you." Scott placed the vase on the desk. "I paid for them myself."

"Oh thank you, sweetheart." Emma pulled him close to kiss his cheek. "But you certainly didn't have to spend money on such an extravagant gesture."

"Actually, I think I did," Scott said to the contrary. "I wanted to say I'm sorry and thank you at the same time."

Emma frowned a little. "Sorry about what?"

"When I first heard about the baby, all I could think about was how you and Charles aren't…" He dipped his head. "I don't even want to say it. I feel awful."

She took his wrists and squeezed them. "Forget it, Scott. It's alright."

The boy shook his head. "No, it's not." He brought his gaze up, eyeing her through his red shades. "You didn't know me or anything about me, but you still saved me from that mob up in Alaska. Now I know so much about you and I thought horrible things about you. I am so sorry, Em."

"Shhh." Emma hugged him as closely as she could, rubbing his back. "You don't have to tell me. Many of those thoughts went through my own head. Thank you so much for the flowers."

Scott laid on her shoulder and returned, "Thank you for everything."

IIIIIII

Raven stretched out across a twin bed, one arm tucked under her head as she stared into space. Hank hung upside down from the iron based ceiling fan. Alex lay across the edge of his bed, staring at the gray carpeting. Sean sat in the wooden chair with his feet propped up on the desk, wearing his circular lensed dark glasses and tooting on a harmonica he had acquired. Becky lay beside Raven, hugging her bear, long dark curls spilled over the side of the bed.

Sean broke their extended silence spell with, "Mommy Emma's havin' a baby."

Alex said next, "Raven's having a baby."

"Potentially," spoke the shape-shifter in a monotone.

"Alex is an instructor." Hank shook his head out. "No, Alex attends college."

The blonde stated, "Meaning I'm not stupid. What's up with that?"

"So training new mutants, having babies…" Sean trailed a moment. "Weren't we kids just five seconds ago?"

"I'm still a kid," Becky reminded.

"You're all kids." Erik walked in with Charles. "So this is to where you all disappeared after dinner."

Charles looked upon them in humor. "This is far too much youth in one room to carry such melancholy faces."

"Uncle Charles?" Becky sat up. "How do we know we love the babies if we don't even know them?"

"That, Princess, is a very good questions." Charles walked out to the middle of the room. "Oddly enough, we did not know much at all about any one of you before we began loving you."

Alex scoffed at that. "And what could you have possibly loved about me?"

"I'll field that one," Erik volunteered, going over. "I loved in you the courageous, fully capable young man," he gave Alex's bottom a slap, making him sit up, "peeking out through a little boy's eyes."

Charles said, "And for me it had to be the kind heart, so willing to give everything to those he loved until he himself had nothing left."

Alex hid his face against his shoulder.

"In Seanie," Charles clamped his hands down on the redhead's shoulders, "I saw a child very much in need of something of which he himself didn't even understand. I'd like to believe I provided that for you."

Erik said, "While I saw the strength you didn't know you had."

Sean smiled between them.

"Henry," Charles went over, patting the young scientist on the bicep. "I found someone with so many similarities to myself but with many parts of himself he had yet to unleash."

"Believe it or not, I felt the same," Erik told him. "We're both fierce protectors, Hank. The only difference is you're capable of a kindness fueled inner strength I know nothing about."

Hank looked visibly surprised by this.

"Raven," Charles sat beside her on the bed, "my sweet sister. A precious little girl to take in my arms and never let her go until the day I was fool enough to allow her to marry."

Raven instantly shot up to hug him.

"More of a sweet little bratty sister," Raven threw a pillow at Erik and he moved out of the way, "yet armed with immense spunk and potential." Erik wagged a finger, going over to crouch near Becky. "As for you, I believe I began to love you as soon as you started pawing through my pockets in search of gum. For the briefest moment, I wondered what it would be like to have you as my own little girl." Becky grinned and threw arms around his neck. "Though," Erik patted her small behind, "I could easily have spanked you for your little mental intrusion that same day."

She responded by kissing his cheek.

"My little Princess," Charles reached over to rub her back. "I loved you as soon as I realized I'd discovered another so like me; someone who could understand me on a special level. I'll be at your disposal forever."

Becky flashed him a big smile. "That's why I love you, too, Uncle Charles. 'Cause we're the same. You're such a big part of me, just like Papa."

"I love my cute little British boy," said Raven fondly, "and annoying Polish pet shark."

Erik snapped his teeth her way.

"Charles," Hank flipped over to stand upright, "I've been indebted to you since the beginning. And Erik… we took a while but we got there."

"Finally," the older man agreed.

"Dudes, you guys transformed my entire social life," Sean put forth. "I'm gonna love you forever."

Alex cleared his throat before speaking. "Charles," the telepath looked to him, "what you said about me giving until I have nothing left. That's not me. It's you. That's why I love you." Charles seemed to glow at that. "Then there's Erik," Alex got up and walked to where the man held Becky, patiently waiting, "with you I love… I love my dad."

Becky grinned and Erik gave the blonde teen a forceful yank down to join the embrace.

Knocking on the doorway, Winston poked his head in and asked, "Am I interrupting?"

Sean told him, "We're declaring our love for each other."

Winston gaped then stated, "The customs of this family are so foreign to my universe." He then asked, "Would it be terrible of me to borrow Charles a moment?" He looked at him. "We need a talk."

"Yes," the Professor agreed, "I believe we do," and followed him out.

The two went to Winston's bedroom and the older man closed the door to keep out potential intrusion.

"Charles," he began, "the first thing I want to say is that it is impossible for me to hide how much delight I take in your relationship with Emma. You and little Charles… you've both come to mean a great deal to me. Do you believe that?"

Charles nodded. "Yes sir, I do."

Winston went on. "However, soon there will be a new grandchild in the picture. Before this baby makes its debut, you need to set things right. I am not telling you to venture forth and marry my daughter tomorrow, no matter how much I would enjoy you as my son-in-law. I just feel compelled to remind you that for all rights and purposes, this baby will belong to both you and Emma. Does your first son not deserve the same privilege?"

Not speaking, Charles only stood in thought. Finally, he knew it was time.

IIIIIII

Fingers rubbing at the white gold pendant around her neck, Emma rested comfortably in the lawn chair.

When did we get married? She looked up at Charles strolling towards her, hands behind his back. When exactly did it happen for you?

Emma touched her necklace again. "Mother's Day. When you put this on me."

"For me it was the night you returned to me." He stopped before her chair and took her hand to help her up. "And we shared my bed. Though we did not get physical, that equated to consummation for me."

Emma's arms went around her neck. "And to think, the first time we met was out at sea… a whole other world."

Charles eyed her closely. "You understand why we have yet to have a ceremony?"

"Of course I do," she assured.

"That being said," Charles held up the file folder he had with him, "there's something still needs to be made legal."

"What's in that?" Emma wondered.

"These are the adoption papers that will give us mutual custody of Joey." Her eyes flashed at him. "I had them drawn right along with my own. I didn't give them to you then because I knew you still wanted to find your footing. But that time has passed, Emma. I want you to be our son's mother in every meaning of the word."

Choking back a sob, she got out in a whisper, "Give me a pen."

Charles removed the writing instrument from his shirt pocket and handed it along with the paperwork over.

IIIIIII

When his brother entered his room, Erik promptly put down his book and held a hand out towards the spare chair directly across from him.

"How did it go?" the metal wielder asked.

"Everything's official," Charles responded. He then let out an immense breath. "Erik, this upcoming spring we are going to have actual infants on our hands. Constant cleaning, crying, demands to be fed at the drop of a hat."

Erik pursed his lips. "I fail to see how that differs from any of our current children."

Charles gave off a nod at that. "Quite true."

"Lab Rat," Erik bent forward to look at him closer, "you've confided so much in me, things that have frightened you to the core."

"You're my elder brother," Charles mentioned. "I couldn't do this without you."

"I know. That's why it pains me that I haven't been entirely honest with you in turn."

"What do you mean?"

Erik explained, "Those documents you saw me with the other night, they have nothing to do with my classes. I actually pilfered them from Alana's apartment."

With so many questions, Charles went with the one that stuck out the most. "What was so important about them?"

"Let's just say," Erik gave him a particular glance, "there was more about her little psychiatric stay than I believe even she knows."