X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Five

Author's Word: Why am I posting again so quickly? How am I able to do this? Either I liked the last round of responses or I'm sticking by my ever faithful, I'll do what I want! Whatever floats your boat. Also, I have a link in my profile to the page where you can go to see what everyone from Rise or Fall really looks like. But if anyone makes fun of my art skills, expect to be featured later in a cameo as an annoying character. Oh yes, I will go there. In the meantime, please enjoy and review!

Freshly polished white shoes squeaking their way across the marble floor, the middle-aged nurse stepped inside one of the offices. There the handsome dark haired man in the gray suit sat waiting as patiently as ever on the couch, an outdated magazine consuming the bulk of his attention.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Lehnsherr," she spoke, getting his deep blue eyes up, "but the doctor will be another ten minutes."

"Oh that's fine," he quickly reassured, flashing her a smile. "I have nothing but time."

"Thank you." She smiled back and stepped back out into the hall.

Finishing up the article he had been reading, Erik blindly used one hand to magnetically lock the door. He dropped the magazine back onto the coffee table with the rest of the expired reading material and walked purposely toward the five large filing cabinets. Using his power on the beige R-S-T labeled one, he got the bottom draw unlatched and opened.

Putting his fingers to work, he eventually landed on the precise name he had keen on. Standing and shutting the draw again with another flick of his hand, Erik placed the file inside his caramel brown briefcase. Then, popping a stick of gum into his mouth, he gripped the handle, unlocked the door, and strolled out of the office.

He took a moment to stop off at the nurse's desk. "I'm afraid I must be going after all, but," he removed a wrapped chocolate from his jacket pocket and placed it in front of her on the desk, "you have a nice day."

The nurse smiled widely as the man departed from her.

IIIIIII

Rope secured around the tree limb, Frank climbed up onto the nine feet high branch.

"All set?" he called down.

Jasmine added a few more additional leaves to the massive pile they had accumulated then sent him a thumbs up. "All good."

Extending a hand to her, she took it and joined him up on the branch. At the sudden elevation, she locked herself onto his side.

Frank smiled and wrapped a spare arm around her waist. "Don't worry. I've gotcha."

Jasmine clung tighter. "I know."

With all the strength he had available, Frank held onto her while using his one free hand to launch them forward with the rope. He yelled out and she shrieked as they landed in the pile, immediately sinking to the cushioned middle of it.

When she opened her hazel eyes again, Jasmine saw that she'd been given additional padding by landing on top of Frank.

"Told you I had you," he reminded, both arms around her middle now.

"That was so cool!" Jasmine gazed down adoringly at him, thick mane of hair cascading down. "It's crazy. I never realized before how much I missed you all that time I was away."

"I missed you, too," the boy returned, honey brown eyes focused on her.

Smirking, she caused a mutated air to kick up, making several leaves swirl around them. They returned to their feet, Frank's hands still secured to her waist. Jasmine raised one hand slightly, making a swarm of leaves rain down on top of him.

"Hey!" he reacted. Jasmine laughed. "Ooh, I'm tellin' your dad."

"Oh you better not!" She gave him a dainty shove.

Frank made a show of tumbling back onto the ground and seized the opportunity to yank her down by her ankle. Jasmine squealed and retaliated by throwing handfuls of leaves his way like grenades. Frank copied the act until she jumped up and ran around the yard. He grinned and promptly chased after her.

IIIIIII

Seeing his son coming up the hall with a bowl of saltines and a bottle of ginger ale, Charles instantly knew something had to be amiss. The younger Xavier male would never snack on anything not coated in cheese, chocolate, or heavy salt.

"And where may I ask are you going with that?"

"It's for Mummy," Joey answered as he continued onto his destination.

Charles walked after him into the suite, seeing Emma laid up in bed with a cool towel on her head. "Oh love, nausea again?" He stretched out beside her on the bed.

"It's been fairly light today," she said, taking off the towel. Joey placed the food items on her nightstand. "Thank you, Treasure."

"I'll be right back." Joey took the towel into the bathroom.

"Now see here, young man," Charles spoke to Emma's stomach, "stop giving your mother so much trouble or the doctor won't be the only one coming after your bum when you arrive."

Joey came back out, placing the freshly dampened towel on Emma's head before settling in between both his parents. "Daddy, you won't really spank the baby, will you?"

"Just as I would his big brother for being naughty." Charles gave Joey's stomach a fond pat. "Though I think he'll be small enough that I'll only need to use one finger."

Joey lay back quietly for a moment. "Mum, Dad," he looked back and forth between them, "are you sure I'm getting a brother?"

"We're certain, darling," Emma told him, brushing back a few strands of his blonde hair. "You really wanted a sister, didn't you?"

"Like Becky," Joey responded. "I'm just not sure if he'll like me."

"Like you? Joey, he's going to simply adore you," Charles guaranteed. "As both a younger and elder brother, I can vouch for that."

Joey asked him, "Which one do you like being better? Older or younger?"

"Hm, excellent question." Charles thought for several seconds. "Though it depends on any given day most times, I really do enjoy being able to be there for Aunt Raven whenever she needs me. While Uncle Erik in turn is right here for me."

Joey nodded then looked to the other adult. "What about you, Mum?"

"Older," Emma answered without delay.

IIIIIII

Gladly taking a breather from his lengthy arithmetic homework and wondering just when Hank had become a sadist by assigning it, Sean's attention went to the one laid out the bed. Frank's eyes seemed to glow without mutation and his legs dangled upward, a faraway expression on his face.

"Yeah Frank-O, I know this is gonna sound nuts," Sean started, "but you look… enchanted." At the younger teen's sudden smile, the redhead left his desk to join him on the bed. "Okay, cough it up. Who'd you pull the big prank on?"

"Nobody." Frank glanced at him. "You know Jazzy?"

"Cute blonde kid, walks through walls, gets me to schlep her around town by batting her eyelashes just once? Yeah, heard of her."

Frank explained, "See, I knew she was pretty when we were little kids, but ever since she and Trick came back…" He flopped down flat on the mattress. "Whoa."

"Aww." Sean lowered down, putting an arm around him. "My bro is crushed supreme.

"We were out playing a little while ago and I swear for a minute I wanted to," Frank stopped to consider it himself, "I wanted to kiss her, man."

"Hold it." Sean pinched him on the behind. "Don't even think about it. You guys aren't nearly old enough for the heavy stuff."

"I wouldn't." Frank sat up on his knees. "I'd never just up and kiss a girl just like that with no invitation. Plus I'd want it to be, ya know, real special like for her. Not while we got a bunch of leaves in our hair. How'd you and Maya start smacking lips?"

Sean gazed away thoughtfully, propping his head up in his hand. "Christmas Eve. We'd just finished watching TV and she walked me outside. We stood there on the porch, holding hands and talking. It was time for me to go and I thought I'd be flying out of town the next morning and I just couldn't go without her knowing for sure that I only had eyes for her. So I made a move, she stayed still, and we kissed for the first time. It didn't last long, but for the rest of my life I'll never forget it. Even though we've been together a year now, every day feels brand new and at night, she's my first prayer. I just cannot believe I have this phenomenal girl."

Frank blinked rapidly, waiting for him to finish before speaking. "That's it. It's over." He yanked at his hair in frustration. "No way can I ever come close to that."

Sean informed him, "Then you'll never be with Jas or anyone. If you don't want to work at it then there's no point of even starting things up."

Frank let off something between a deep whimper and a groan, laying his head down tiredly in Sean's lap.

IIIIIII

The moment the front entryway opened, Becky left her doll filled stroller just outside the living room and hurried to greet the one who had just returned. Erik managed to get his coat hung up before the small rushing figure in the orange checkered dress with white ankle socks and turtleneck underneath leapt at him.

"My papa's home!" she declared.

He caught her in a strong hug, kissing her cheek. "My little girl." He brought her back slightly to look into her glowing face. "Were you good while I was out?"

She asked in turn, "If I'm bad will you stay home all the time?"

"Yes, but something tells me you won't enjoy our time together." As soon as he stood her, she began going at his pockets. "Eh, eh." He took both her hands in his and knelt to her. "No candies this close to supper."

"What about gum?" Becky bargained.

Erik offered her one stick but held it out of her reach for a moment. "What do you say?"

"Thank you, Papa," she replied with a peck on his cheek.

Quite pleased, he gave it over to her. "Go wash up for supper."

"Yes, Papa." Becky unwrapped it and stuck the gum in her mouth as she skipped off down the hall.

To his contentment, Erik next located Charles in the parlor.

The telepath looked up with a happy acknowledgement of, "Erik." He then took in the older man's somewhat tense excitement. "What is it?"

"I went to the asylum."

"Alana," Charles realized. "What happened? Did you find out anything new?"

"I got inside the doctor's office." Erik put his briefcase down on a small table and removed the file from it. He handed it over to Charles. "This Dr. Gage gave Alana a clean bill of mental health after only two weeks of treatment."

Charles read through the paperwork for a moment, forming a frown. "But she was in there for months."

"Her case was transferred over to another specialist, who started her on a prescription for mazoloft." Erik then explained, "It's an antidepressant only recommended in the most severe of cases. It's been known to cause emotional numbness, heavy anxiety attacks, migraine headaches- the list goes on."

Charles listened then read a bit more. "According to Dr. Gage's notes, Phillip Tolbert insisted upon the second opinion." He looked at Erik again. "Why on earth would he go against the original doctor and keep Alana away from their three children? Especially while he himself is overseas."

Erik said, "I'm thinking he decided for himself that she was sick. As a means of not having to deal with her grief over losing the baby. Alana has always said he can handle the world's problems so long as he doesn't have to come home to them."

The Professor quieted then got to his feet, a solemn expression on his face. "Erik, what do you hope to do with this information?"

The metal wielder replied, "I'm not sure yet."

A knock came to the doorway and they both looked to see a smiling Jasmine there. "I'm sorry for interrupting, but Raven has dinner on the table."

"Of course. We'll be right there, dear," Charles promised.

Jasmine nodded and stepped back out into the hall, taking a moment to lean backwards against the nearest wall. Her gaze turned heavenly.

IIIIIII

When the tapping came to his door, Frank moaned and felt around until he managed to click on his nearby lamp.

"Yeah, what?" he responded, rubbing at his eyes.

"It's me."

"Jas," he recognized, sitting up. "Come on in."

The pajama and robe clad girl stepped inside the bedroom through the wall. "I know it's late, but we've gotta talk."

Frank flipped his legs over the side of the bed and went right to her. "What's the matter?"

She paused a moment then told him, "It's about your parents."
They talked for a minute longer then proceeded downstairs as quietly as possible. Not seeing a light on underneath the door, they slipped inside Erik's den.

Jasmine stood vigilant by the door while Frank went towards the desk. He went straight for the bottom drawer and after some digging, uncovered some documents with the name of his mother's former institution stamped on them. Turning his blinding eye light on low, he began speed reading.

"You're right," he stated. "It's all here. He said Mom was fine." He quickly put the forms back exactly where he'd gotten them. "Why didn't my dad believe it? How could he let her stay there? We needed her. I wouldn't have been stuck with my lousy aunt and uncle. I could've explained my mutation and everything."

"Frank, keep your voice down," Jasmine urged. "I don't understand all of this, either, but I really think Erik is trying to help Alana. Why else would he do all this?" She walked up to him. "If you really want them together, here's your shot."

The boy sat down in the chair, absorbing everything.

IIIIIII

Not one to sleep lightly, Erik quickly sensed the additional weight in his bed and did not have to turn on a light to recognize who now laid beside him.

"Something wrong, boychick?" He pulled him in close.

"I can't sleep," Frank whispered. "I feel really strange."

Erik ran a hand along his forehead. "When did this start?"

"Not like that," Frank said, snuggling in close to him. "It's more like a bad feeling. Can we please check up on Mom tomorrow? Please?"

"Of course." Erik kissed his head and covered him better. "We can leave right after my last class, but you'll have to do the rest of your schoolwork in the car."

"Yes, sir," Frank agreed.

"Now let's go back to sleep." Erik enclosed him in both arms. "I'm right here."

"I know," the child smiled against him.

IIIIIII

Eyes on the framed photograph, Alex asked, "It's just three of you kids?"

Jam glanced over before returning to his reading at the desk. "Yep. My mama was so happy to have a girl finally. My parents go from little basic names like Jamal and Devin to Eliza Desiree. All day long they take turns driving me crazy." He face planted against the inside of his book. "I miss 'em!"

Alex laughed. "Yeah, I know you mean."

Leon piped up from the floor, "Anybody got the new terms from Econ?"

"Hang on." Alex picked up another notebook and began flipping through it until he landed on an all too colorful page. "Oh no, no— Joey! I can't believe he actually drew in this." He started gathering his things into his book bag. "Just wait until I get home."

"He's only a child, Alex," Leon reasoned. "Typically, such openly wayward behavior is nothing more than a cry for help."

"After the attention I plan on giving him, he'll be crying alright." Alex got up and headed for the door. "He knows better." He marched right out the door, shutting it behind him.

Jam glanced down at Leon. "Something tells me all you psych majors are only children."

IIIIIII

While the grownup talk took up most of the conversation, Frank dashed ahead of the adults to return to the apartment. He flipped his football up and down in the air as he made it into the living room.

"Do not run around indoors," Erik reprimanded him.

Alana waved a dismissive hand. "He's fine, Erik."

"Yeah," Frank turned towards the man with a cheeky grin, "we're on Mom's turf now. I can act as special as I want."

"Is that so?" Erik formed an all too toothy smile.

Frank attempted to retreat but Erik made a purposeful path for him, nudging him onto the couch. He got down over the boy, tickling him and giving his shoulder playful nips.

"Ah, shark attack!" Frank tried in vain to combat him but ended up crying out jubilantly instead.

Alana took in the unmatched sound of her child's laughter along with the scene before her. Erik could not have behaved more gently as he attempted to rough him up.

"Hm?" the metal wielder reacted to Frank's arms going around him. "Surrendering so quickly?"

Frank got in close to his ear. "I'm glad you're here with us."

"So am I," Erik returned, giving him a squeeze.

"Honey," Alana petitioned, getting the attention of both males, "if you two could take five I need a hand with dinner."

"Sure, Mom." Frank hopped up and followed her into the kitchen.

"Do you feel like chili tonight?"

"Yep." Frank started unloading ingredients from one overhead cabinet.

Alana got out the necessary pot. "Have you spoken to your brother lately?"

When his mind went straight to the other X-Boys, he responded with, "Which one?"

"Linny," his mother clarified. "He's on some trek through southern Europe, but their doctors says he's doing alright. As far as Jeff," she got out a knife to chop the tomatoes, "your father doesn't think they'll be able to "pop in" before New Year's."

Frank turned towards her, eyes set with seriousness. "Let him send Jeff over if he wants, but he can stay right where he is."

Alana stopped to face him as well and wanted to know, "Why?"

"Because Dad's a liar," Frank stated strongly. "Mom, he lied to you, me- all of us."

Having sensed something, Erik walked in. "Is everything in here?"

Alana focused on Frank. "What did he lie about, honey?"

"Your doctor said you were okay after two weeks, but he wanted to keep you there and had this other guy make you out to be crazy."

"How do you know about that?" Erik demanded.

Alana glanced his way. "How do you know about this?"

Frank confessed first. "I heard you talking and went through some of your stuff. I'm sorry, Erik, but I had to check it out. Now tell her. Tell Mom everything."

Trying to get a grip, Alana requested, "Frank, go to your room, please."

Frank looked back at her. "Mom, just forget about Dad. You should be with Erik. He's right here. He's always here for us."

"Frank," the adults said together.

"He loves you," the teenager further insisted. "And he loves me for me. No matter how much we bump heads, I never have to question that."

"Franklin," Erik cut in sharply. "Do as your mother says and go to your room. Now."

Frank gazed at him before leaving out huffily.

Running both sets of fingers through her red hair, Alana wanted to know, "What is going on?"

Erik walked up on her and said, "It's true. Everything he just told you. And there's more to it."

"How did you even…?"

"I got the first clue that day I came over while you were sick. I accidentally knocked over a box while you were asleep and a folder fell out open. It must have been from Phillip's office. I wasn't looking for anything, but I found something, anyway."

Her face severely contorted. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I didn't know what I was getting into. You were sick, we were both in a strange place, and I wanted to sound like something more than a bitter rival for your affections," Erik detailed.

"My husband has been keeping things from me," Alana emphasized. "How is that any different from what you've done? Erik, if you are going to be controlling and secretive then we really have nothing—"

Erik seized her by both of her arms, looking at her closely. "Everything your son just told you is true."

She quieted then pressed, "All of it?"

He leaned in closer, barely an inch of space between their faces now. "All of it. Trust me. I would not have bothered otherwise."

Alana touched the side of his face. "We should check on Frank." He nodded and followed her out of the kitchen, through the apartment towards the bedrooms. "Sweetie," she pushed open the ajar door, finding it empty. "Erik!"

The man stepped in, his eyes landing right on the high opened window.

IIIIIII

With some artistic precision, Joey managed to cut through the magazine image until he had the small photo of the puppy. He started to apply paste to the rear of it then heard the footsteps and looked back at who had just entered the play room.

"Al!" The young face lost its glow at the older one's clearly displeased countenance. "Did I miss a training session?"

Closing the door to the room, Alex lowered into a chair at the crafts table then plopped his opened notebook down. "What is this?"

"A wolf howling at the sun 'cause he slept through the moon."

"I know what it's supposed to be," Alex said to him matter-of-factly. "What is it doing in my notebook? Charles gets after you all the time about doodling in school books and you thought it'd be just fine to draw on my school supplies?"

"I didn't color anywhere you had words already," Joey tried.

"That's not the point. I don't use up your art supplies so you're not supposed to mess with my school supplies, either. You know way better than this, Joey."

"I'm sorry, Alex," the child said sincerely. "I ran out of pad paper late last night and I thought you wouldn't mind."

"You are digging yourself deeper here." Alex folded his arms. "What were you doing out of bed late last night?"

"I couldn't sleep and I didn't want to bother Mum or Dad 'cause Mum's not feeling good from the baby and Daddy's trying to help her and do everything else."

Alex looked a little more understanding at that. "Well, why didn't you come to my room?"

Joey answered him with, "You're always busy now, too. I just wanted to draw until I got sleepy."

Feeling a rush of guilt come over him, Alex transferred the child to a sitting position on his lap. "Why'd you have so much trouble sleeping last night?"

"I'm worried about the baby. He's a boy you know. I don't think I can do anything for him. I have fun with you, but he won't have any fun with me."

"What're you talking about, huh?" Alex gave him a gentle noogie. "You can teach this kid about art, horses and how to take care of other animals. But Joe, all that stuff is just extras. The big deal is that you're always going to be there for him. Trust me. That's what'll mean most to him. Which reminds me," he wound strong arms around him in a squeeze, "I'm sorry I haven't been around as much as I should. If you're ever feeling bad about anything, you can come pounding on my door at five AM and I won't mind. You know that, don't you?"

"Yep." Joey started to smile up but saddened. "Are you gonna punish me for messing with your notebook?"

"Oh yeah." Alex stood with the younger blonde in one arm. "Come on. You get to spend play time quizzing me on my vocabulary homework."

Joey wrapped arms around his neck. "Should I make those frowny faces like Uncle Hank when you miss 'em?"

"Why not?" Alex kissed his cheek as he carried him out. "They're just cutie faces on you, anyway."

IIIIIII

Not having seen a trace of the boy at the playground, Erik and Alana continued together throughout the neighborhood. The streetlights overhead took turns clicking on with the quickly darkening fall sky.

"We should check if your neighbors have seen him," Erik put forth.

Alana shook her head. "They're out of town."

When they made their way back towards the building, they spotted the younger figure in question heading right towards them.

"Frank!" Alana rushed up to hug him check him over in the face. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, Mom. Sorry if I worried you," he said. "I just went walking around the block."

"Around the block or across the country," Erik walked up, gripping him by his shoulders and setting him with a stern gaze, "you do not go anywhere without our knowledge. You know that, child."

A soft, "Yes, sir," was all Frank had to offer.

Erik sighed, bringing him into a hug. "We need you to be safe, boychick."

Alana pressed a comforting hand to her son's back. "Let's make it a pizza night."

While they awaited the food's arrival, they talked a little more and Alana went into the kitchen to clean up. Erik soon came in after her, not at all to her surprise.

"I know you're still upset with me."
Alana turned around and walked over, placing her hands on his upper abdomen. "You take on so much responsibility, constantly handling anguish that's not your own when you always have the option to walk away."

He said, "Don't try to make me sound good. I'm far from it."

"Please don't do that. If you're without good, I'm without sanity."

"I think I had multiple reasons for not running to you with this," Erik admitted. "While I felt you should certainly know, I was aware that this would change all of your feelings for your husband as well as Frank's for his… his father. I didn't want either of you anymore damaged. I suppose you could also say I didn't want to "win" this way."

"You've already won, Erik," she told him.

"Have I?" He stepped back, letting her hands fall from him. "I have nerve enough to try to get back involved with my faith, mostly at my daughter's request mind you, yet I still carry ill intentions every time we meet."

Alana reminded him, "Erik, I'm the one who's married."

His blue eyes darkened significantly. "And I'm the one who needs space."

"Erik," she reached out to tug on his turtleneck, "don't do this. After everything, don't walk away from me now."

"I could never," he promised. "But you need to reevaluate and I need to think, long and hard."

Alana raised herself up, applying a kiss to his upper cheek.

IIIIIII

"So is she leaving him?" Raven asked.

Erik sat in his chess chair, hands clasped near his mouth. "I don't know."

Seated right across from him, Charles put forth, "Do you want her to?"

His brother replied, "Yes. But if she does it for me alone then an awful stench will carry after us forever. That's why I need to distance myself. At least for now."

"Oh Erik." Charles reached forward, resting a hand on his knee. "I wanted you to be practical, but I also wanted to see you happy."

Erik said grimly, "I'm afraid it's one or the other."

Charles looked at him with absolute compassion. "How is Frank handling all of this?"

Erik could not formulate words at first. "I felt a sliver forming between us on the ride home. As if he could be snatched from me."

Raven jumped up from the arm of Charles' chair. "No one and nothing is taking Frankie away, period." She got on her knees by Erik's legs, taking his hand. "We'll deal with this together."

Erik gave her hand a pat then looked to Charles, who's nod gave off the same sentiment.

IIIIIII

Under the quarter moon the sky provided them with that night, the two sat on the front steps that led into the mansion. Frank practically burrowed his head inside Sean's jacket and the older teen held him as closely as he could.

"I just don't understand," the younger one spoke. "We're mutated and there's nothing we can do about that, but why does everything else in life have to be so freaking hard?"

"I don't know, buddy," Sean replied honestly, pressing a light kiss near his temple. "Like how is it that perfect strangers from all over the world can manage to understand us more than the people who brought us into the world to begin with?"

"Or why did Hank take so long to ask Raven out?" Frank recalled. "Emma can help us with the bad guy but she didn't stay here with Charles right away even though he wanted her to? Now, Erik and Mom— ugh! You and Maya are kids but it took you like two seconds."

"It helps being geeks," the redhead said humorously. "We lack patience."

"Or maybe you just have the right idea."

Coming through the door intangibly in her fall jacket, jeans, and boots Jasmine observed the males for a moment.

"Hey," she finally spoke.

They both glanced back and Frank returned, "Hey."

Sean stood up and said, "Don't be out here too long, guys." He shared a brief hug with Jasmine before going back inside the house.

Jasmine walked up to Frank, remaining quiet until she heard his voice again.

"Why do I bother with anything?" he started. "Sure, Becky gets to have Erik in every way. Alex is so much like him he might as well be his shadow. I thought if he could be with my mom then everybody could be happy and I might actually be the reason for it; totally different from my bio family. But it's me so, big surprise, not gonna happen."

Jasmine responded with, "I love 'Lana, too, but men like Erik don't need women to be good dads. Regardless of if he and your mom gets their crap together, you at least always have both of them. Divorced kids can't say that much."

Frank glanced up at her before standing. "You're really all over the place, Jas. I thought you didn't care for Erik too much."

"Oh he's still more touched than a Betsy bug," she quickly assured. "But at least he's a real man. And he loves you more than if he popped you out. Phil can go march himself off a mountain and it won't matter. You have Erik and I still believe Alana does, too." Frank stared at her in absolute quiet, which instantly bothered her. "What?"

"Will you go steady with me?"

"What?" she repeated now incredulously.

"Will you? Go Steady? With me?" he broke apart. "As in, I want to be with you and I don't want to go out with nobody else but you."

"You better stop talking to me like I'm slow, boy."

Frank waved his arms in exasperation. "Then say something!"

She smiled widely. "Uh-kay!"

His features melted into sheer elation. "Seriously?"

Jasmine responded by making a grand leap into his arms. Frank hoisted her as high as he could then proceeded to twirl them in place.

IIIIIII

Two wineglasses in one hand, Raven stepped out onto she and her husband's shared balcony.

"How's Alex?"

Hank looked up at her favorably from where he sat in a patio chair. "Annoying. How's Erik?"

"Moody."

"So the status quo should be thriving again soon," he deduced. She handed him a glass. "Trying to take advantage of me?"

Raven's jaw dropped. "I have to try?" She smiled, lowering into his lap space. "No, I just thought we could stand a little celebrating complete with sparkling grape juice."

"Oh?" He placed one arm around her waist. "Any occasion in particular?"

"I was thinking my realization that we don't need to whine so much." She looked at him importantly. "Hank, between watching Alex girl bounce, Erik's setbacks with the one person he wants to be with…"

"And Victor," Hank added.

"And Victor's everything," Raven went on, "you and I could stand to be a little more grateful for all that we have. As we await everything else we're sure to have."

Hank lifted his glass. "I'll drink to that."

They finished their juice then nestled closer, watching the overhead sky together.

IIIIIII

Conducting rounds, Erik made an intentional path for Frank's room as soon as he could.

"You were terribly quiet in the car," the Poland native observed.

Frank sat up in bed. "Thought that was you."

Erik sat beside him. "I want to know what you're feeling and I want the truth."

After a few seconds of silence, Frank whispered, "I'm scared."

This surprised Erik. "Of what?"

"Of losing you…"
Erik practically yanked him over onto his lap to hug and rock. "You will never lose me, boychick. Whatever difficulties come our way, nothing has power enough to divide us."

Frank propped up to place arms around his neck. "You're the best dad any guy could ever ask for. I love you."

"I love you, too," Erik returned strongly. "Don't you remember what I told you before? What takes care of the hardness I have inside?"

"Holding me close." Frank touched cheeks with him. "I remember. It takes care of mine, too." He pulled back a little. "You still need to get me for going through your desk and opening my big mouth."

Erik realized, "You feel blame for today." Frank nodded. "I will not raise my hand to you for that."

"But I was so bad," the child insisted.

Erik gave off a shake of his head. "You boychicks are becoming much too big for your britches. It's for Papa to decide punishments, not you. You went looking out of concern for your mother, the same as I did. I can't punish you for loving her."

Frank kept clutching him. "I feel like I can't sleep."

"That is where I can help you."

Laying back, Erik kept the boy on top of him and started delivering light pats to his pajama clad bottom.

Frank's eyes soon closed, his small fists still gripping pieces of the front of Erik's shirt securely.