X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter One Hundred Two
Author's Word: Hey, fam. The reason for this particular Saturday posting, once again, goes to poor health. It's nothing serious. Just that special, special time… anyway, thanks for all the great feedback that keeps me posting no matter what. Please enjoy and review!
Autumn leaves gusting through the blue-black star illuminated night, the pair soared across the near endless and absolutely lush property. Long brown hair blue through the hair, batting against the shoulder of the green and yellow clad one that carried them. They passed and slightly startled a roosting owl and zoomed through insects that would soon go the way of the done summer season.
The Banshee's cry had turned into complete soothing music to the one he shared the experience with; a noise signaling safety and near mystical comfort. At last, he brought them to a stop right on top the center roof of their grand school building.
Sean stood back, watching her take in their new height with a whimsy and wonder that went from her spellbound brown eyes right down to her famed glowing smile. Taking up seating side by side with their legs freely dangling over the edge, they playfully attempted to snatch up the so close yet still far away stars above.
Supported by his palms, Sean arched back to take in the one right near him.
"What're you thinkin' about?" he asked after a moment.
Facing him, she smiled again and answered, "The dorky girl who used to spend fall nights up to her elbows in extra credit projects."
"Ah, think I know her," Sean feigned recollection, "complete knock-out, used her feminine wiles to force me into falling in love with her."
Maya accused in a raspy tone, "The hussy." A light chuckle echoed off him and she reached forward to touch his chest. "Happy birthday?"
His hand went to her right cheek. "Not yet." Sean inched over and joined their lips.
A tingle springing from her toes, Maya went back until she laid flat on the roof.
Sean got down over her then suddenly realized their positioning and pulled back with a sheepish, "Sorry."
"No," she immediately reassured. "I like you here."
The redhead smiled and kissed her again, holding her close to act as cover from the night chill.
IIIIIII
Golden rays of sunrise ushering in a new day, Logan sat cross-legged before his small box garden which housed what remained of his Japanese azaleas. From behind him, he honed in on the one coming his way and remained tranquil.
He waited for her to put the tea tray down before taking one of her hands to squeeze. "Thank ya, darlin'."
Maya returned, "See you in a bit," and then headed back inside.
When she got back to the kitchen, she saw that the coffee had stopped brewing so she moved on to getting the small portions of eggs and toast ready. As she finished filling two plates, Sean walked in and a wide smile instantly overtook her face.
"Maya," the tall redhead looked at everything, "this is way too much. I mean, it's great but you didn't have to go through the trouble."
"It was no trouble," she assured, walking to him. "Good morning."
"Good morning." Sean took her in his arms and they shared a long kiss. "I'm gonna make you breakfast tomorrow." She gave him a knowing glance. "I'm gonna buy you breakfast tomorrow."
Maya laughed and put their plates on the table while Sean poured their coffee into mugs.
He retrieved the milk and sugar bowl before sitting beside her. "How do you think you'll do on your science paper today? This new unit has my brain wracked."
"I made sure to get it done before your birthday," she piled some egg onto a slice of toast, "It's going to be kind of all over the place, so I'll have to deal with a firm B plus but it's okay. We're not even at midterms."
"Is it wrong that I'm already counting down to Christmas break?" Sean's arm went around her shoulders. "You, me, homework free."
Maya leaned into his touch. "What about going home?"
"I am home," he said to her softly.
She reached out to comb through his hair with her fingers. "We're home."
Kayla walked in, initially surprised by the early birds. "Good morning, you two."
With eyes still on each other, they returned the greeting in unison. "Morning, Kayla."
"Pardon me entirely," she encouraged, going to one of the two large refrigerators necessary for their particular. "Just getting things going for the troops."
Sean looked over. "Guess Raven's still really down."
Maya gave off a slow shake of her head. "It is so unfair."
"Nature tends to be, sweetheart." Kayla then thought to herself, Especially towards women.
IIIIIII
"We are living in a time unlike any other, people," Professor Hanson spoke to the gathering of students, "A time where the first amendment rights are being exercised greater than ever. A time where social change is being called into question. You can't so much as pick up a newspaper or turn on the television or radio without hearing about some sort of demonstration taking place. In consequence of that, however, we're also facing such things as vicious assaults, riots, even bombings. So my question to you is," he paused a moment, "should the protesting end? Is the idea of complete and total integration too big for most to accept? Should the US government do everything possible to keep racial division in place?"
"Sure, let's go with that," one male student said dryly. "What's next? Next time your kids fight, instead of teaching them to get along just feed into it and keep them separated?"
"You can't force people to get along," another argued. "I don't see why these guys act like segregation is such a big evil. Separate but equal, what's the problem?"
As the debating went on, Alex's attention stayed on Raven, as if waiting for her to speak. However, she merely continued using her pen to draw random squiggles in her notebook, a distant look on her face.
"The government is designed to protect us, right?" one of them said. "Well, we need safety from certain groups. That's where the necessary separation comes in."
"Then when will we be protected from the bumper crop of white males who, statistically speaking, went out and committed the vast majority of rapes and murders last year?" All eyes went straight to Leon. "As they do every year. Just eight years ago white men kidnapped and brutally murdered a fourteen-year-old boy in Mississippi. To this day, they're still walking the streets. They are the wrongdoers yet, as usual, this country places full blame on the victims."
One student said, "That's not what we're trying to say."
"Then what are you trying to say?" Leon wanted to know of him. "That only people with coloring are dangerous and need to be herded up like rabid animals? By that logic, why don't we target every single person on earth with dark hair? Redheads have already been prosecuted for years, though no statistical data has ever been presented to show them as a threat to everyone."
Professor Hanson said, "You raise interesting points, Mr. Osaka, however—"
"There are all kinds of people I don't like in this world," Leon went on without a pause, "let's start with college students who sleep through class because they're here on someone else's dime. And how backwards is it that the wealthy here are revered and near worshipped while those on scholarships are treated like poor street vermin who should be grateful to so much as walk these halls? Are you kidding me? It's our test scores, our grade point averages that keep this small town university on the map. If anything, the rest of you need to throw rose petals at our feet as we walk your way."
"Mr. Osaka, I believe you have said more than your fair share," Professor Hanson told him, trying to keep a lid on the clearly on edge student body growing in his classroom.
"I expect you to say so, Professor Hanson," Leon continued, "from what I've gathered, the only reason you so much as received an interview for your current position is because you had a friend already on staff. Pays to kiss the right posteriors, doesn't it?"
Gasps and murmurs filled the room with that.
"And I believe this calls for an early dismissal," the professor said, clearly trying to keep his calm. "Mr. Osaka, I'd like a word with you."
Leon simply stood with the others. "I've said all I intend. If you want to speak with me, you can wait until Friday in class. If not, we're done here." He walked out with that.
Exchanging an astonished look with Raven, Alex rushed to go after his friend. "Lee? Lee." He grabbed him by the forearm. "Hey, slow down a minute."
Leon turned to look at him. "I didn't mean any offense to you back there, Alex. I swear it."
"Hey, who cares about me?" Alex dismissed. "Lee, you said more in there than I've heard you whisper in any class we have together all semester. What was that about?"
"Nothing." Leon moved out of his touch. "I really need to go." He hurried off.
Alex wanted to go after him but decided to give him some distance. At least for now.
IIIIIII
Sean and Maya Forever.
Maya and Sean Ever After.
Banshee and Smiley Forever More.
Smiley and Banshee Now and Forever.
After much mental deliberation, Maya came up with another to add inside the enormous heart drawn on the inner portion of her history book.
Seana 'til The End.
"Maya?"
The girl quickly shut the book at her name. "Yes?"
"Your thoughts on the reading?" Kayla prompted.
"Um," Maya went into through then realized, "I didn't finish it."
"What did you think of the portion you did read?"
Maya then admitted with a weak smile, "I didn't finish it."
Kayla shook her head then moved on to, "Frank, please."
The young teenager stated, "Bows and arrows against guns and cannons? Seriously, if people don't want to be conquered, they shouldn't be weak in the first place."
"Frank as always," Kayla responded, "you make an educator's job ever thrilling. Cordelia?"
While the discussion went on, Sean reached under the table to take Maya's hand.
IIIIIII
Jam reacted, "He actually said that? To the man's face, in front of the whole class?"
Alex replied, "I was waiting for them to chase him out with torches and Hanson would have been leading on horseback."
"Our sweet little Leon. Didn't know he had it in him."
"Jam, it was too weird. Too unlike him." He then stopped their walk, at the sight of Raven alone at one of the outdoor tables. "Speaking of which…"
"I'm going to let you handle your business." Jam walked off.
Alex continued on to Raven, sitting across from her. "Hey, twin."
"Hey," she returned in a whispered tone, picking at her garden salad.
"You know, if you want to take some time off school, I'll bring your work home," he offered.
"Time off for what, Alex?" She looked up. "Feeling sorry for myself? I was the one who jumped the gun with this whole thing. Now, how are you feeling? You should probably eat."
"Don't make this about me," Alex urged. "I do that all the time with the kids at home whenever I don't want to talk."
Raven started to stand. "Well, I don't want to talk anymore."
"Rae, I'm sorry," he got out and she lowered back down, eyeing him. "I've been trying to figure out a better way to say it, but that's all I can come up with. I really do understand what you're feeling. If I thought for sure I was going to get a kid and then didn't, I wouldn't handle it this well. And I hate it- I hate that you have to go through this. Not just because it rots, but because I know you'd be the best mom in the world."
"How do you know that?" Raven beseeched.
He shrugged and said, "Twin intuition." He then had to brace himself as she ran around and hug tackled him.
"Alex?" She continued holding on to him.
"Yeah?"
"If you almost die again, I'll slug you."
Alex smiled and chuckled, wrapping arms around her tightly. "There's my sis."
IIIIIII
Off to himself in a separate portion of the backyard garden, Professor X smiled when a hand in hand Emma and Becky approached, both in uniform.
"Princess," he acknowledged then took Emma's free hand. "How are you feeling, darling?"
"Better since this morning," she told him.
"Uncle Charles, why does the baby make Auntie Em so sick?" Becky wondered.
"He or she doesn't mean to, love," the man explained. "It's just an adjustment when one body is suddenly caring for two."
"It won't last for much longer and besides, it's all worth it," Emma assured.
Becky nodded.
"Let's begin." Professor X joined hands with Becky to complete the Triad circle.
II
Ducking the sharp silver stars strewn her way, Glimmer performed an aerial somersault to get away from the daggers that came at her next. She leapt onto a tree branch and started back down again then felt her gold encased body stop just above the swimming pool.
The metal wielder brought her to stand before him. "Even during the most stressful circumstances, you must remain aware of your surroundings, my dear."
"Thanks, Magneto," she nodded. "I mean for the training adoption as well. I lost my fem fighting squad with Mystique so down and Emma so… with child and the like."
"I haven't seen you express much excitement there," Magneto noted.
"It's not that I'm not all for it," Glimmer insisted. "It's just very difficult when I'd sooner jump up and down over the fact that she, therefore I, finally have Joey legally."
"Yes, I understand. Still, your father must be quite pleased to have a biological grandchild on the way at last."
"Sure I suppose, but don't mistake him. Joey coming into our lives has made him quite happy, though he won't say such things out loud."
"You seem to be the only of your siblings to carry a high opinion of him," he further observed. "You remind me much of my Becky when we first met. She took quite the liking to me. To this day, I don't understand why."
"I certainly do," Glimmer said positively.
Magneto countered grimly. "I don't think you always would have thought so."
"You don't know that," the girl frowned a little, "Erik, I could never have anything but the greatest respect and love for a man who protects and takes care of his family. Regardless of how others may feel."
Absorbing that, Magneto responded, "Thank you," and gave a peck to her golden forehead.
II
Back colliding hard against yet another tree, Beast allowed himself to drop to the ground.
"That's four." Sabretooth walked towards him. "You tryin' to waste my time out here or what?"
Standing, Beast dusted himself off a little before starting off through the woods. "I surrender."
"You what?" Sabretooth stalked after him. "Get back here, Beast. Now."
Beast turned back with a sigh. "I have experiments awaiting me. I'll be happy to resume this later."
"You're anything but happy." Sabretooth crossed his arms. "Ya could've come talk to me as soon as Raven told you."
"And said what, Victor?" the younger male emphasized. "Please feel sorry for me because I have yet to impregnate my wife, only after just recently deciding to actively do so? No, I don't have the right to lament. Not to you."
"So what?" Sabretooth gave a flap of his arms. "I finally give ya the whole story and now that's all you see? Thought we were better than that, kid."
He glanced down for a moment before facing up again. "I was finally ready to be a father. So much that I defied all scientific reasoning and started loving a child that did not even exist yet."
"It ain't happened yet," Sabretooth's hand went to his shoulder, "but ya still got kids to take care of. Right here."
"Yet they're not really mine, are they?"
The tall blonde shrugged one shoulder. "Says who? Way I heard it from somebody you might know, birth don't make nobody yours."
The young man could not fight the faintest smile at the recollection.
II
"Seventeen and a day," Specter observed, flying alongside the young man. "How's it feel, boyo?"
Banshee waited for an updraft to carry him long enough to stop screaming. "Here I thought nothing could top last year. Thanks again for the guitar."
Specter gave off a nod. "Use it well and we'll call it even."
Giving off another supersonic cry, Banshee looked down in time to see the girl in the blue and yellow uniform and gave off a wave.
Elated by the familiar cry, Maya waved back and waited for them to fly all the way by before continuing on.
Loaded revolver ready, Wolverine glanced over his shoulders when his keen ears picked up on very distinct humming. Maya glided into the range on practically winged feet, performing a twirl on her tiptoes.
Putting the weapon down on the small table, he cautiously stepped over to her, waving a hand in front of her face. "Smiley?"
She leapt like a ballerina into his arms. "Yes?"
"Whoa, look at you." Wolverine adjusted her. "First the potpourri, now you bring all this gushin' into the range." He stood her up. "Mind comin' down to earth? I wanted to talk to ya."
"'Kay." Maya fell back dreamily onto the bench against the wall.
Shaking his head, Wolverine got down to join her. "Kayla said you've been spacin' out in class. Thought she might've been exaggeratin' 'til I saw this."
"I know," she admitted, turning to him. "I just can't help it sometimes. Have you ever just been on top of the world in every way? Getting out of bed isn't a chore but something you look forward to every single day? Night isn't dark and lonely but warm and comforting? Someone able to take your breath away and breathe it right back in you in the same motion?"
Wolverine listened intently to it all then spoke again. "Yeah, think I know what ya mean." He placed an arm around her and kissed her temple. "Stay right on top of the world, baby. You deserve it."
Maya rested against his chest, sighing contentedly.
II
From his bedroom window, Alex gazed down upon the X-Men's activities. He stayed that way, eyes darkened, until he finally turned away. Gathering his study aides, he made his way downstairs to Erik's den. He first took a seat on the couch then looked towards the large desk and went to sit at it instead, his books spread out in front of him.
Changed back into casual clothes, Erik walked in a half an hour later and watched the dutiful youth for a moment.
He then asked, "Have you been to see Hank yet?"
Alex's eyes shot right up. "No, sir. I think he's still out back with Sabretooth. I'll go as soon as they're done."
Erik came over towards him, giving both his shoulders gentle squeezes. "How are things at school?"
"Good," Alex felt some tension dissolve at his elder's touch, "except this morning was crazy. You remember Leon?"
"The one you met on welcoming day," Erik recollected, "yes."
"Well, normally his participation in class only goes as far as to ask for the bathroom pass. But today? We got into a discussion on the government and group division and he went wild. He even flat out told our professor he didn't earn his position," Alex detailed. "I would have been impressed if the whole thing hadn't left me feeling like he needed a serious exorcism."
Erik dipped down to get close to his face. "Typically one so quiet only speaks when he has reason. Beyond the words he used, what do you think he was really trying to say?"
Alex looked down at his books, having been battling that question for most of the day.
IIIIIII
Dark hair still damp from his bath, the crouching little mutant charged into the suite. Though he'd long since sensed him, Logan remained still for his son's attempted pounce. Cody connected with him from the right and Logan tumbled to one side, batting at him lightly.
Cody nipped at the upper corner of the man's ear, getting a growl out of his father. He tried to scamper away, only to get pinned down against the other side of the mattress.
Logan nosed at his neck. "Smells good. Might just have to kiss ya."
"Yuck!" He then giggled when Logan blew a raspberry on his cheek instead. Kayla came out of the bathroom in her red night dress and went to the vanity to brush her hair. "Mama, Mama."
"Yes, light of my life?" she responded.
"Hank said I did good in math today."
"I think I did hear something about that." Kayla transferred over to the bed with them. "Mama's most pleased." She gave his bare foot a squeeze. "How's Spanish going with Erik?"
"Okay," Cody shrugged. "We're studyin' how to say kin folks names. I was callin' Uncle Vic tio earlier."
"Yeah?" Logan situated the boy so that he propped up on his stomach. "How do ya say aunt?"
"That's easy. Tia."
Logan next tried, "Mother."
"Madre," Cody answered.
"Father?"
"Burro."
Kayla started snickering at that.
Logan yanked their son down for a noogie. "Little smart aleck. Keep it up and I'll drop ya off at a Mexican prison."
Cody squirmed and laughed.
"Honey, why don't you go on and get ready for bed?" Kayla put forth. "I'll come tell you your story."
"Kay, Ma." Cody climbed down then requested, "Daddy, will you tell one of yours, too?"
"No chance," Logan responded right away. "It's a school night. Ain't about to get you riled up. Go on and lay down."
Cody turned and jogged out.
"Back to the subject of academics," Kayla faced her husband, "did you speak to Maya?"
"Nothin' to worry about," he looked back at her, "Seanie's just got her on the moon."
"I'd say that's mutual. This morning alone- they looked like far more than two kids going steady. I don't see why Maya feels like she needs to get so serious so soon."
"Hey, Sean is good to her," Logan defended. "A complete ace. He's smart and has his act together. He'll make a fine husband."
"Logan, he just turned seventeen," Kayla reminded. "Marriage should be nowhere near the table for either of them."
"Fox look, ya don't know what it's like to be a teenage girl hung up."
Her eyebrow went up. "And you do? Is there something you neglected to tell me before the vow swap?"
He gave her a look back. "You never went out, not seriously. When you're a kid, seein' somebody like that, the world looks totally different. But Maya and Sean ain't just some crush. You wanna know what the girl's problem is? She's happy. Honestly happy. And somethin' tells me that baby hasn't felt this way in a long time."
Kayla sighed softly then moved to lay down and snuggle against him. "I guess it's all perspective. I had both my parents for most of my life and we stayed busy." Her hand went over the left side of his thin beard. "But I do know what it's like to fly to the moon. Every. Single. Night."
Logan nuzzled into her touch and kissed from her hand down to her elbow.
IIIIIII
Upon making it to the classroom destination, Raven and Alex unlatched arms outside the door.
"I'll see you later," she started in but glanced back, "Don't forget to take your prescription."
"I won't," he promised. "See ya."
After she went in, Alex walked across the hall to the water fountain. He removed the bottle for his jacket and extracted one of the large white pills from it. Tossing the tablet into his mouth, he bent over for a large drink.
"Hey, Alex."
Standing up again, he saw that the Alpha leader now stood next to him. "Oh hey, Luke."
"Ethan told me about Leon Osaka's little outburst yesterday," he mentioned.
"Yeah," Alex glanced about, "I was hoping to talk to him about it before our Econ class, but I haven't seen him around."
Quieting for a moment, Luke slowly spoke again. "Alex, listen to me. You have a lot going for you. You really need to watch the company you keep."
Alex looked back at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Leon Osaka… he's not all there, okay? His roommate even transferred dorms due to his frequent crying spells. He's been in and out of multiple psychiatric facilities ever since his father's death."
"Whoa, you have that a little wrong. His father's alive," Alex informed. "It's his mother who died."
Luke gaped at him then let off a dry chuckle. "So he's still lying about it. Alex, his father's been dead over ten years."
Having to step back from the astonished blow, Alex thought then glared at the older student. "How do even know this?"
"I have an internship in the guidance office. I make it a point to read through the files of every new arrival."
"And you just thought it would be A-Okay to blast his private business to me?" Alex snapped. "Look, I don't know who you've got him confused with, but Leon is not a liar and the only person whacked around here is you." He gripped the strap to his book bag and started to leave.
Luke tossed out meaningfully, "It doesn't surprise me that you sympathize with him… considering your history."
Alex promptly turned back around and went to stand right before him. "If you knew anything about my history, you'd know to back the hell off." He stalked off with that.
IIIIIII
"Miss Patterson," Hank petitioned as soon as he dismissed the class, getting a clearly surprised look out of the girl, "I'd like to see you for a moment, please."
Maya approached his desk. "Hank, what's wrong?"
Sean came up to stand next to her. "And what's with the use of formals?"
"Mr. Cassidy, I need a word with you as well," Hank informed. "Wait in the hall, please."
Sharing a quick look with his girlfriend, Sean followed the others out.
Maya turned back to Hank and reiterated, "What is wrong?"
"This is what's wrong," Hank held up the paper with the C minus grade at the top, "and believe me when I say this mark is all too generous on my part. This paper is not remotely well researched or properly sourced. I've looked over first drafts from your previous school that were of higher quality."
"I may have rushed through it," Maya admitted. "But Hank, come on. It's one assignment."
"You've been far too inattentive lately. You're capable of better, Maya." He handed her back the paper. "And I won't accept less from you. I want this re-written and on my desk Saturday morning. We'll discuss it then."
Great. "Sure, Hank."
"Thank you," he smiled at her. "Send Sean in on your way out, please."
"Okay, and I'm really sorry." She then added under her breath as she left, "That I can't be perfect."
IIIIIII
On his way through the second floor, Charles crossed path with Alex who carried a full basket of mostly white articles.
"I didn't know you were on laundry duty," the Professor remarked.
"Volunteered," he informed. "Figured I'd do some things for Em."
Charles nodded approvingly. "How are you otherwise?"
Alex hummed in thought. "Can't touch food I like, can't drive us to school or take the kids anywhere, can't work out without supervision, can't go within ten feet of a training session- kinda sorta hoping Erik's reconsiders that whipping."
"Alex," Charles looked him in the eye, expression serious, "this is not a punishment."
"I know." Alex went by him towards the stairs. Just what I deserve.
I heard that, young man Charles sent after him then went on to Scott's room, where the boy sat at his desk. "I trust your homework is out of the way."
Scott looked away from his comic book. "Oh, yes sir. I studied for the quiz, too."
"That's a good lad. Get your bath in soon."
"I will," the boy promised.
Charles left his doorway then paused outside the playroom. He walked in, stooping to where Joey sat with his head down at his crafts table. Gently prying the piece of paper from under one small hand, Charles smiled at the sketch of a woman with a bundle in her arms.
Lifting the sleeping one up carefully, Charles carried him out. He passed Maya's room on the way and took a moment to look in, only to find it void of its usual inhabitant.
IIIIIII
The grandfather clock gave off a chime, ringing in ten o'clock and providing the first sound in the living room for several minutes. Emma and Kayla sat together on a sofa and Charles stood up against the entertainment set, one hand leaning against it and the other in his pocket.
"They're back," he informed once he sensed the returning presences.
Logan turned away from the window. "Just give 'em a minute to explain first."
At the front door opening, excited chattering signaled the pair before they made a simultaneous stop outside the living room.
A smiling Sean asked, "What?"
"Sean, where have you been?" Charles wanted to know.
"We just went for a flight," the redhead told him. "Emma said it was okay."
"A quick flight around the yard does not require two hours," the blonde woman said matter-of-factly, getting up.
"We stopped off in the park," Maya piped up. "There was a small band out there having a concert."
"No one gave you permission to leave the grounds," Charles said strongly.
"Charles, I'm seventeen now," Sean felt the need to remind. "And I have real control over my powers finally. We're not even a minute passed curfew."
Kayla stood up. "Don't you both have paper rewrites due for Hank?"
Logan's eyebrow went up at that. "Science?" He looked towards the young people. "That's not like you, Smile."
Maya said through clenching teeth, "It was one assignment. One."
"I've heard from more than one staff member that your performance has been off in class the past few days," Charles brought up. "I simply thought you were still adjusting to the new school, but now it's clear something needs to be addressed."
Emma turned to her. "Maya sweetheart, if you're having trouble—"
Maya started for the stairs. "I'm going to bed."
"Maya." Charles went after her, taking a gentle hold of her wrist. "We are not done discussing this. Now, I want to know what's brought on this behavior."
Long hair whipping back as she spun around, Maya retorted, "My behavior? My behavior?"
"Maya," Kayla attempted to soothe.
"No, Kay," the girl quickly shot down, eyes remaining on the Professor. "You don't like the way I've been lately? I don't even know who you are lately. You want to talk to me and Sean about our actions. Meanwhile I'm not the one who's pregnant, am I? Better yet, I'm not the one who would lay down with any guy who doesn't have honor enough to marry me."
The foyer fell tensely quiet and only Sean could get out a word. "…Maya."
Suddenly feeling quivery all over, Maya ran around Charles and made a direct path towards the lower level.
Sean watched her go then went straight to a stunned Emma to hug her. "I am so sorry. She didn't mean it. I know she didn't."
Emma rubbed his back a little. "It's alright, honey."
Taking a moment to steady himself against the banister, Charles said quietly, "Sean, please go get ready for bed. I'll be up soon."
"Yes, sir." The tall teenager managed to pry himself from Emma and jogged upstairs.
Emma went to Charles. "Don't be angry with him."
"I'm not," Charles assured, taking her hands for a moment. "Are you alright?" She nodded and he gave her a quick kiss to the lips before starting up.
Emma held onto his hand until they could no longer reach then headed for the kitchen.
A lost for words Kayla looked back at her unusually quiet husband. "Logan?"
"Make sure Em's okay," the man directed, rolling up his shirt sleeves as he walked by her with purposeful steps.
II
"Here you go." Raven put the mug of tea down in front of Emma.
"Thank you." She took it to sip.
Kayla stepped into the kitchen with a big smile on her face. "You know, I was just thinking- we really need to get a baby shower going here."
"Oh good idea," Raven agreed. "We'll put pink and blue balloons everywhere."
"Stick clothes pins on people for some odd reason," Kayla went on, "force the men to participate in games they don't understand. What do you think?"
Emma remained quiet then stood straight up. "Kayla, I thought you were better than this. And Raven? I never thought I'd see the day where I'd get more brutal honesty out of a teenage girl than you."
"What are you talking about?" Raven asked her.
"I'm talking about what the two of you have been thinking since the cruise." Emma walked around to the kitchen island, facing them both. "Why does the slut get a baby? That about sums it up, right?" Neither woman spoke. "Well, you'll be happy to know you're right. You think I feel deserving of this child in my womb? Of Joey? The others? Raven, you and Hank did everything right and more than deserve a child of your own. And Kayla, if I had power enough, I would return Jaycee to your arms right this moment."
Kayla walked over to put an arm around her. "I believe that with everything I have."
"Em, I'm sorry." Raven went to hug her. "I've been so busy wallowing that I haven't been there for you. You, the constant gorge in my corner."
Kayla said, "And instead of being your best friend and offering you guidance from my own experiences, I put up a cold hard jealous shell. If there's been any undeserving behavior of late, it hasn't been from you or Charles. But I promise you, I am here for you now."
"Good luck getting rid of either of us," Raven challenged playfully, leaning on her shoulder.
Emma patted each of their hands. "Thank you. So much."
"And I must admit," Kayla smirked a little, "it's going to be fun watching you morph into the fat one."
Raven looked aghast. "Kayla!"
Emma, however, considered that. "Hm, maybe now Charles will have an actual ass to grab."
"Ew, ew, ew," Raven reacted while Kayla laughed.
II
Dressed in his green pajamas, Sean leaned against his window, watching a few birds take off.
It did not take Charles long to make it up.
Before the man could say anything, Sean practically raced over to him. "Charles, I swear to you that I am sorry. But please, please don't hate Maya."
Charles responded, "I could never hate one of my children. If you'll recall, I've heard much worse from Alex alone."
Sean let off the slightest chuckle at that. "Yeah."
Turning serious, Charles guided them over towards the bed where he took a seat. "Sean, what is the rule regarding your personal mutation?"
"Never leave the grounds without permission," he recited dutifully. "I know. I keep thinking with each birthday that I'm finally this big boy then I go and act like that goofy kid from last year."
Charles linked hands with him. "That's my goofy kid, I will have you know. And you are a mature, responsible "big boy". I don't put rules in place to degrade you, but to see to it that you make it to every single birthday. What if you'd exhausted yourself to the point that you had an accident while in flight with Maya?"
Having not considered that, Sean said, "We wanted a break from everything so bad, but I really should have thought better. It won't happen again, Charles. Promise."
Nodding, Charles used his current hold on the boy's hand to bring him across his lap. "Why am I punishing you, Sean?"
"For breaking the rules, especially about taking risks," Sean responded promptly.
"Well said." Charles then gave him the first swat.
Sean let off a small his and his eyes bulged when several more blows followed the first. Though it pained his backend terribly, he still took comfort in Charles using his own hand, as the redhead had entertained numerous unpleasant thoughts about rulers during his short waiting time.
Charles kept his aim mainly on the boy's thighs. When he reached fifteen there along with ten on his bottom, he stopped to hold the now crying youth up on his lap.
Dipping as low as he could, Sean cried into the man's shoulder.
"There there, Seanie." Charles gave an affectionate tug to the back of his hair. "It's alright now, dear boy."
"Is— Is Mommy Emma okay?" he wanted to know.
"You know she can't stay upset with you children for more than a moment's time," Charles reminded. "Don't worry." He carefully eased him to lay on his stomach in the bed and rubbed his back for him. "Now, for the weekend no flights outside of training. Alright?"
Sean nodded, wiping at his eyes. "Kay." He looked up. "What about Maya?"
Charles pulled the blanket over him. "You needn't worry. Believe me when I say she'll be fine."
"Kay," the boy repeated, exhaustedly settling against his pillow.
II
Making his way down to the range, Logan honed in on the one huddled up in one corner with her knees hugged against her chest.
Going over, he lowered to one knee in front of her. "Hey."
"Hey," she returned quietly.
Logan moved to a position with his back up against the adjacent wall. "Mind tellin' me what all that was about back there?"
She left off a breath against her knees. "A lot of things I guess."
"Narrow it down for me."
Maya started with, "This hasn't been my greatest week. My best friend is crushed about not having a baby. My guy best friend aka her husband not only saw me do less than my best but raked me over burning hot coals for it. Even Kayla's on me now. But I can take it from her and Hank. When it was the Professor and Emma…" She looked over at him. "I try so hard not to make waves here. To do what I'm told, exactly as I'm told. Keeping everything I feel to myself."
"Until you finally blew," Logan concluded.
The girl gave off a nod. "First, it's Erik being into Mrs. Tolbert. But that's him. When I found out the Professor was having a baby by Emma… I felt as stunned and frozen as the day you pulled me out of that water. This man that I've looked up to and respected for so long and it's like I don't even know him anymore."
"For what, Maya?" Logan said reasonably. "For making a kid and taking responsibility for it? If that's as bad as it gets for you, I'd hate for ya to take a peek into my past."
"A past is different than a present, Wolverine," she emphasized. "But whatever." Maya got up and walked off a few paces. "Just call me a goody good like everybody else. New school, same labels."
"So you don't like labels." Logan stood and came up behind her. "Then why are you slappin' 'em on Emma and Charles?" Maya turned around to face him. "You say you don't know 'em anymore so here's a little reminder. They're the people who made room for us in their home. The people who treated us like their own startin' day one. I remember what ya told me back in Canada, Maya. What really got my wheels turnin'. You said if you had the chance to be an X-Man, you wouldn't miss it for anything in this world. Remember that?"
"Yes," she whispered.
"You still feel that way?"
Maya replied sincerely, "Of course."
"You're part of somethin' big here, kid," he emphasized. "More importantly, you're part of a family. When somethin' happens to somebody in the family, you do everything you can to help 'em out. Ya don't lead the stone throwers right to 'em. And a baby? Nothin' in the world can knock that."
"You're right," she fully realized. "I have to find them. I have to apologize- talk to them."
"Sure," he took possession of her left wrist, "soon as I'm done talkin' to you." She regarded him with a near studious expression. "We already covered Charles and Em, but let's take another look at the rest. Not payin' attention in class, half-asked assignments, blowin' grown folk off- that ain't you by a longshot, kid."
"I know and Kayla doesn't have to worry. No one has to worry," Maya vowed. "I'm devoting my entire weekend to studying."
"You bet you are," Logan wholeheartedly concurred then pointed a finger at her. "Because let me tell you somethin', kid. If ya don't start bucklin' down and takin' school seriously, you ain't gonna amount to squat." He then had to shake off the multitude of flashbacks from his own youth at that statement. "Now, I got a question for you." She eyed him attentively. "When was the last time you had a spankin'?"
Feeling as if she'd just been jolted with gun recoil, she still managed to answer, "August. We, me and Sean, we went out for a little while and we fell asleep in the snow. Victor found us the next morning and woke us up."
"Oh yeah. The bambis," Logan recalled his brother's story. "Who took care of it? Your Professor?"
Maya shook her head. "His leg was still injured. Sean got Erik and I got Hank 'cause he's the leader of, um, of our cool group. But I got it from the Professor before over— an entirely unrelated and completely irrelevant matter."
Deciding to leave that one alone, for now, Logan moved on with, "Uh huh. So ya know the song and dance then, good." Her wrist still in his hold, he led them towards the bench.
"Wolverine?" Round brown eyes regarded him closely.
Logan nearly let off a growl at the near piercing effect of the chocolate orbs to his center chest area. Whoever said this particular child came without special powers had to be out of his mind.
"Was hopin' it wouldn't come down to this, but let me tell ya," Logan took a seat, "ya earned it big, Maya."
Her ears so unused to hearing her given name on his tongue so many times in a row, she felt an inner ache. "I'm sorry."
"Yeah, me too." He gently brought her over his lap, keeping her upper and lower body stretched out over the bench for comfort. "This is gonna hurt me a heck of a lot more than it will you."
A hitched breath escaped the back of her throat.
Moving her long hair entirely to one side of her face, Logan used it as a stall for him to think. This was no boy he had over his knees, which presented two problems. One, he had to be extremely careful of the force he used yet two, he couldn't— or at least wouldn't— take her pants down to monitor effects.
With his own little girl, Logan remembered only having to give her a couple firm pats to distract her from getting into something unsafe for any unsuspecting toddler. While the fact remained that Maya was much older, she was still just a little girl and a petite one at that.
Raising his hand, Logan measured his strength as best he could before bringing it down across the seat of her jeans. She reacted with a small jump but did not cry out so that gave him the direction he needed. With the same force as the first, he continued to bring the swats down.
By the fifth strike, Maya felt her long building tears spill right over and she choked out a sob.
Having smelled the salty water already, Logan let off a faint grunt and moved to wrap things up as quickly as possible. He decided to give her enough to match her age and stopped at sixteen. His hand left her behind to go to her quavering back.
"Alright baby, that's it." He removed his hands entirely. "I'm done."
Maya hurried to her feet, hair masking her face. "I'm sorry."
"Hey, hey." He grabbed her hand before she could retreat. "Where do you think you're goin'?" She turned back to him in confusion. "I said I was done. I ain't say you could go anywhere. Now, what's goin' on in that head of yours?" At her lack of response, he lowered her down into a cradling position in his arms. "Hate me?"
"No," she shook her head hard, "of course not."
"But you hate yourself," he surmised knowingly. "You think by me doin' what I just did, that makes you a bad kid." She nodded admittedly. "Let me explain somethin' to you. I don't waste my time on bad kids. I've seen plenty of 'em and you don't qualify. I spanked you because I want to keep you a good girl. And another reason," his blue eyes shined down at her, "somethin' I ain't said to too many folks... I love you."
New tears appeared and her arms went right around his neck. "I love you, too."
Logan held her tightly. "Hey," he pulled back a bit, using one of his shirt sleeves to wipe the moisture from her face, "where is it?"
"Where's what?" she wondered.
His fingers lunged out suddenly, tickling her stomach. She let off a wild giggle and grinned from ear to ear.
"There it is." He hugged her again. "My Smiley."
Maya buried her face against one of his burley arms, wanting to hang on to him as long as she could.
IIIIIII
Awakening to the new day, Emma rolled over and met with pleasant surprise at who lay beside her.
Good morning, he greeted.
Good morning, she returned, nestling against him close. Not that I'm complaining, but what are you doing here?
I couldn't resist watching the two of you sleep. His hand went to her stomach.
Emma smiled, basking in the sight of him.
A knock came to the door and they both sensed it.
"Come in," Emma invited.
Tray in hand, Maya stepped inside. "Hi. I was up so I thought I'd get this ready for you." She walked in closer. "My mom's told me all about women who are expecting. The crackers and dry toast are really good for morning sickness. But I threw in the sugar cookies."
"Thank you, dear." Emma accepted the tray onto her lap. "I really appreciate this."
"A very kind gesture, Maya," Charles commended.
"It doesn't come close to making up for how I acted." She sat on the bed to better face them. "You say you appreciate this, but I appreciate you both ten times more. You've been there so many times when I needed you and I couldn't even look past…"
"Maya," Emma placed a gentle grip on her wrist, "you may have been upset, but you weren't entirely wrong. I applaud the level of self-control you have in your relationship with Sean. The two of you are so wise and mature beyond your years. While I am happy to be having this baby, don't believe I'm trying to endorse the way conception happened."
"That's right, love," Charles concurred. "And furthermore, I want you to stop behaving like some sort of house guest. If you feel a certain way, I'd like you to be able to sit down and talk it over with us."
"I will from now on," she promised. "And I will never talk to either of you like that again."
"Oh darling," Emma leaned over to kiss her at the temple, "of course you will."
"Inevitably," Charles added.
Maya smiled back and forth between them.
IIIIIII
"Alex! Wait up."
The blonde glanced back to see Leon hurrying toward him and immediately stopped. "There you are."
He stopped to catch his breath before he spoke. "I'm sorry I disappeared after Econ yesterday."
"Are you okay?" Alex asked. "You've been worrying me."
Leon looked at him seriously. "Jam told me about your run-in with Luke Berg. It means a lot that you were so willing to stand up for me. Thank you."
"Don't thank me for that," Alex said strongly. "You're my friend. There's no way in the world I'll ever let some chump like Berg spread crap around about you."
Leon smiled. "Come on. Let's go to class and absorb the angry silence sure to take place between me, Professor Hanson, and the collective student body."
Alex nodded and started to walk with him then brought up, "So that's all it was?" Leon appeared confused. "Berg was talking crap, right? Your dad- he's okay, right?"
The dark haired one's face split into a grin. "What? Of course he is."
"I knew it," Alex's shoulders slumped in relief, "Berg's just an idiot."
They continued on to Politics and Government together.
IIIIIII
"Spankings hurt," Sean stated, eyes on the blue sky above.
"Getting chewed out by your best friends doesn't feel much better," said Maya, who lay cuddled into his side.
"Homework stinks."
"Curfew is the pits."
Sean sat up in the grass of their front lawn. "Good God I love being home."
Maya grinned and popped up. "Tell me about it."
Returning her contented visage, Sean moved forward and connected their lips. Maya's hands went straight to his hair, fingers streaming through the thick red strands.