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.

118. Chapter 118 Naked Truth

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Eighteen

Author's Word: Oh Faaaaaaam! It's terrible, horrible, awful! I had a nightmare of a day, starting the moment I woke up. But on the bright side, I'm writing to you from the comforts of my brand new ultra cushy bed with equally new and recently washed linens. Also, I got over the day by writing, writing, writing. So my bad day will hopefully be your good day. Please enjoy and review!

Despite all difficulty, Cody managed not to roar out in laughter when Sean pinned him to his back against the rug and pretended the boy's short legs were levers to push and pull back and forth. Though the redhead always played with him far more gently than his uncle and certainly his father ever did, Cody enjoyed every minute of it.

"You're done for now," Sean mock taunted, hovering over the smaller body.

"That's what you think!" Finding an in, Cody jammed two fingers from each hand into Sean's armpits.

"Low blow!" Sean started to rise but kept his eyes on the younger mutant. "Now you're gonna get it…"

Knowing exactly what the teenager had in mind, Cody tried to move but Sean grabbed him up too quickly. Placing him over his shoulder, Sean began spinning wildly in place with the pajama clad child.

"Oh be careful with him, sweetheart," Emma cautioned.

Her voice made Sean slow down some but did nothing to cease Cody's thrilled squeals.

Kayla only looked on in amusement at the boyish antics. Considering how vigorously Logan often roughed up their son, she found this display hyperactive at worst.

On a sofa, the Indian woman glided her thick brush through Maya's waterfall of brown locks. Next to her, Emma attempted to do the same with Cordelia's darker and far more knotted hair while little Kiki remained content to snuggle against the blonde's expecting stomach.

Seated at the coffee table, Raven had several makeup assignments spread out all across the stretch of wood, though none of it was half of what she still had to get done. Next to her, Trav held a picture book and ran a finger along each enlarged word found at the bottom of the pages.

"C-A-T… cat," he sounded out. "D-O-G… dog." He frowned at the next page. "F-fra…"

"Is it frog?" Maya tossed out.

"Yeah," Trav realized then looked up from the book to spell it himself. "F-R-O-G, frog." Seeing the next one, he really had a time. "B-beer?"

Cordelia joked, "Someone's been in Wolverine's personal library."

Wondering exactly what children's book her son had come across, Raven glanced at the page and smiled. "That's bear, Travvy Poo."

"Oh!" At Hank joining them in the living room, the five-year-old hopped up to show him his find. "Look, Daddy, look. It's you." He showed him the picture of the grizzly.

Hank offered the little boy a feeble smile. "I see. And what sound does he make?"

In a unison act, father and son unleashed a low, "Grrrrrrr."

"Gaaarr," Kiki attempted to chime up.

Hank looked to his daughter fondly then walked over to Raven. "I'm going to be a little late to bed. I'm more behind on work than I thought."

"That's fine, babe," Raven waved off, leafing through one text furiously for a particular source. "I'll lay down with the kids. I have to get up early, anyway."

"I can get breakfast going," Kayla offered.

"No, it's okay," Raven assured. "You have classes to teach. I can handle it."

"And I also require much less sleep," Kayla reminded.

Seeing his wife ready to argue again, Hank intervened with, "Dear- let her help. Our kids need you at one hundred percent."

"Alright," the shape-shifter gave in then made sure to add on a, "Thank you," Kayla's way.

"Daaaddy," Kiki wiggled her bitty arms after the man when he started out.

"Not right now, Baby Bear," Hank said, "Daddy will come tuck you in, okay?" He continued out.

Lower lip quivering proceeded a loud tearful outcry from the toddler.

"Oh my love," Emma put down the brush to lift the saddened child up to her shoulder, "it's alright. Calm down, sweet Kyra."

Raven sighed when her daughter only kept on. "Kiki…"

Before she could get up, Sean took a dramatic tumble to the floor, surprising everyone present and making Cody's eyes jump. The redhead then made a show of wailing profusely.

Forgetting her own troubles entirely, Kiki gestured for him and Emma let her down.

She wobbled over to get on her knees and hug Sean's head and rub his hair. "No cry, Seanie."

Sitting up with a sad face, Sean brought her over to cradle. "Then Kiki no cry. Kiki cry makes Seanie cry."

Kiki smooched his cheek twice. "I sowwy."

Immensely grateful to the young Irishman, Raven resumed her work.

Cody promptly proceeded out.

Kayla took his hand as he walked by her. "Where are you going?"

"To go see Uncle Vic, Mama," he told her.

Nodding, Kayla let him go. Wanting to do so much more for the disheartening she felt from him, she preoccupied herself with straightening Maya's hair.

IIIIIII

"I just spoke with Steve," Erik announced, entering the parlor.

Charles watched him with interest as he sat across from him. "Anything?"

"He was brief," Erik said, "there's a large amount facing him with his return to his own organization. We're hoping to talk in detail sometime this weekend."

Lacing his fingers together, Charles appeared thoughtful. "The amount of news coverage beyond the Kennedys has been severely minute. There hasn't been a mention of the plant's destruction nor anything regarding Hank's disappeared childhood comrades." He looked to Erik. "He believes their parents sold them out. Out of desperation to make their mutations disappear by any means."

"Not too unlike the Holts," Erik mentioned and Charles could see the fiery anger in his brother's eyes at the actions of Kiki and Trav's former parents. "Threats from the outside world- that's believable; unavoidable. But the people who brought you into this same world, who's obligation it should be to protect you at all costs…"

Charles' gaze went from deeply pondering professor to youthful trepidation. "There are others. Like Joey and Scott. Some we'll never happen upon."

A sole nod from Erik indicated he understood and had been considering the same thing.

"Hello Westchester!" the outcry made them both look towards the doorway as a well-dressed Trick proceeded inside and fell out on the nearest loveseat. "And forget you New York City- til the morrow, anyway."

"You are grounded, young man," Charles informed him.

Trick raised his head and removed his brown shades. "What did I do that you found out about?"

Charles then said with an impish smile, "You have far too much fun without me."

"Never, mate," Trick denied, sitting up. He then took full notice of their expressions. "Aye, what now? Have the wee ones been up to some mischief?"

"Always," said Erik, "but that is not the problem of the day."

"With all that's happened," Charles looked to Trick, "could you ever imagine your mum and dad selling you to gain a profit off your mutation?"

"Yes," Trick responded without delay. "Eliminate the shame and have enough capital to put any and all of their business endeavors on the map? They'd have attached the chains themselves," he rethought that, "or however you contain one such as myself."

Charles quieted then said, "I can't help wondering if it was more than mere rejection that kept me from approaching my parents."

Though it did not happen often, or possibly at all, in that particular moment Erik considered himself to be the fortunate one in the room. Despite the horrors surrounding it all, the fact remained that only brute force would have ever forced him out of his own parents' arms.

Looking back from the Professor to the singer, Erik wondered how the two of them proved day in and day out to be constant pillars of jovial light while he remained the ever impending shadow.

IIIIIII

Stepping up to the area of the attic that contained his uncle's private space, Cody happened upon the younger Howlett-Creed brother crouched over by a small end table.

Putting on a smirk, Cody rushed forward and clamped onto his father's back. "Whatcha doin'?"

"Geez!" Logan growled, so lost in his own doings he had not taken the time to pay attention to his own senses. "What're you doin' lurkin' around, Codicat?"

"Ugh!" the boy fell back onto his bottom. "Don't call me Codicat."

Logan raised an eyebrow at him. "It's your name."

His son proved unmoved. "Not my fault." He then noticed what the man held. "You lookin' at Uncle Vic's special pictures?" At the look he received, his cheeky countenance expanded. "Becky told me about 'em.."

Shoving the prints back into the drawer of the end table, Logan lightly admonished, "You nosy little brats."

Cody tilted his head at him knowingly. "And what were you doin' with 'em, Daddy?"

"Always askin' questions." Logan got to his feet. "Crack a book once in a while."

Moving on from that, Cody threw out, "Wouldn't it be great if they got married? Uncle Vic and Joey's aunt?'

"Married?" Logan echoed incredulously.

"Yeah, me and Cody were talkin' about it. They'll get married and me and Joey'll be cousins and then we have more cousins and—"

"Cody," Logan cut in sharply, getting his boy's full attention. "Have you cracked up finally? What're you doin' goin' on about a load of mess about cousins in front of your uncle? What's the matter with you?"

Cody's eyes darkened, clear pools of shame building. "I didn't say anything to him, Daddy…"

Logan jabbed a finger down at him. "And I better not find out ya did. Christ boy, what is wrong with you? You been actin' straight soft ever since we got back and I'm tired of it. Let me tell you somethin', boy, your life ain't bad; not even close. So cut your whinin' about what you don't have, got it?"

"Yes, sir," Cody whispered.

Nodding, Logan made another gesture with his head. "Go brush your teeth or somethin'."

"Yes, sir," the boy repeated absently, turning to go.

Letting off a sigh, Logan ran a hand through his dark hair, though he knew well that his son was not the true cause of the sudden frustration.

IIIIIII

Careful not to step on one of the many marbles scattered between the two, partly out of concern for his own bare foot, Alex came through the foyer to get to the stairs.

"Watch it, shrimptoids," he said on his way.

Becky glanced up after him. "Alex, is your friend Leon going to come over again?"

Unable to help himself, Alex turned a particular look on the girl. "Why're you so interested in Lee, hm? Hey," he stuck an accusing finger on her, "I bet you have a crush on him."

"No, I don't," she quickly denied.

"Yes, you do," Frank joined in with a grin.

"Becky's got a crush," Alex taunted in a sing-song tone. "Awwww!"

"Cut it out!" She jumped to her feet. "I'm gonna tell Papa."

"And we'll tell you have a boyfriend," Alex countered then tickled under her chin. "Just teasin', babes. Don't make me wake up naked."

Frank laughed at that memory then said, "I don't see what you like about that big sissy, anyway."

"Hey," Alex gave him a frown, "watch it. My friend is not a sissy."

"Yeah, he is. I could tell," Frank kept on. "With that frilly long hair of his, looking like a girl."

"Anybody I know?" the three looked up as Victor descended the stairs, flowing honey wheat locks cascading down his back as usual.

Becky felt the need to inform, "Frank says boys with long hair are sissies, Knight Victor."

Victor looked down at the suddenly sheepish boy. "Oh yeah?"

Frank immediately shook his head under the man's gaze. "No, sir."

"That's not what I remember you saying." Alex smirked and winked at the irate city native before jogging upstairs.

IIIIIII

Coming into their room together, the McCoys let off simultaneous soft laughter at the sight of their children already passed out in the middle of the bed.

"Oh they've had a long day," Hank kidded.

"We do have them up pretty early." Raven went up to start tucking the already in pajamas pair in.

Hank helped, being particularly cautious not to awaken his daughter. "I have a full day ahead again. Classes, planning these last tests, endless grading, not to mention the fact that Trav needs his vitamin shots tomorrow."

"I don't care what anyone says," Raven said, giving each child's forehead a kiss. "Finishing school from home is not the cereal in jammies dream it's made out to be. I don't have to take any tests, but they've given me enough homework and papers for about an eternity."

"I wish you would let Emma and Kayla help you more," Hank reasoned.

"Emma is pregnant and needs to take it easy," Raven brought up. "Besides, I already knew being a mom and a student is not supposed to be easy." She watched their children sleep on. "Just worth it."

Hank came over to her side of the bed to bring her in close to his front. "I've been one to burn the candle at both ends. It's never healthy- as Charles reminded me while holding my yardstick over me."

Raven had to laugh at the image of her tiny brother playing overseer to her big burly husband. "I know. I won't go too far, I promise."

"Better not," Hank said with that forceful tone of voice she loved as he kissed her. "Okay, back to work." He dashed out.

Starting to go over to her loaded desk, Raven instead took a moment to collapse across the edge of the bed with a weary utterance of, "Don't wanna…"

IIIIIII

Joey let off a murmur in reaction to the nudging he felt. "Fifteen minutes, Cordy…" He burrowed his head under a pillow.

"Hey," Alex tickled his foot, "you calling me a chick?"

Giggling, Joey sprang up in bed. "Alex! You're not in school."

"Not right now," Alex lifted him straight up to hold, "I don't have to go in until later. My first professor wants us to have a study day or whatever. So," he looked at the smaller blonde with suspicion, "Cordy lets you sleep in a whole fifteen minutes, huh?"

Joey cuddled against his neck. "Just sometimes…"

"Lazy baby brother." Alex left a kiss on his temple. "Go use it and get your clothes on." He stood him up. "Did your dad check your homework?"

Joey shook his head as he left out to go to the bathroom. "Daddy's been busy lately."

Alex had not failed to notice that himself and wondered not for the first time since his promotion if the Headmasters still refused to keep him entirely in the loop. Wanting to know what it would take to remove and burn those kid gloves, the blonde took a seat at the short desk and start reviewing the folder containing the assignments.

Joey returned quickly and went straight for his dresser.

Without looking back, Alex directed, "Long-johns, Eel."

"They're on," Joey said automatically.

Putting the folder down, Alex turned in the chair and rubbed his right hand with the left meaningfully. "Sure about that?"

Hands going back to shield his bottom from his older brother's "testing" method, Joey quickly stated, "Better double check."

After the child fully finishing dressing into layered pants and a green sweater, Alex snagged hold of him to tickle and bounce on his lap.

Joey laughed intensely, reclining against him. "I've missed you, Al. It's like you're always at school now. Feels like I only get to be with you to train."

"I know," Alex admitted, giving him a stomach pat. "I've missed you, too, baby. Things have been really wild lately, but I promise we'll get to have fun while I'm on break. Lucky for me that we're always together, anyway."

"What do you mean?" Joey wondered.

"I got you right here," Alex raised one of the boy's hands to press against his chest, "all day long, keeping me safe and sound."

Joey took a moment to lean his ear in to absorb the steadfast thumping.

IIIIIII

Knuckles rapping against his doorway made Charles look up to see the one who had initiated the sound.

"Logan," he acknowledged good-naturedly, "come in, please." The man entered, dropping into a seat in front of the study's desk. "Is everything alright across the grounds?"

"Children laughing," Logan reported grimly. "Ain't natural."

Charles chuckled lightly. "We do have quite the spirited bunch on our hands, don't we?"

"I'll say." Logan rubbed hands against the wooden arms of his chair. "Gotta give me a sec here, Chuck. Not used to talkin' to principals. Any time I have is either because I'm in or trouble or the kid's in trouble."

"How fares your experience talking to friends?" Charles put forth.

"Worse," Logan stated bluntly. "Beyond beer chugs and poker games. Only one guy I really talk to on anything serious."

Charles regarded the rugged man with inviting blue eyes that also carried knowledge to them. "And I take it this is about something you're not comfortable discussing with your brother."

"I've got no right bringing this kind of thing up with him." When Charles remained quiet, Logan took it as his cue to go on. "What you said the other day about- about my daughter. I did everything I could to take their minds off it, new house and all. But Cody ain't been right since it happened. Neither has Fox."

"What about you?" Charles asked delicately.

"She was my daughter," Logan stated, managing to keep any rudeness in his tone to a bare minimum. "I was messed up, wanted to raise some hell. But the truth is, it's nothin' I ain't seen before. All these years, all these memories…" He touched his temples in brief fatigue. "Kayla's been around a long time, too, but she's got barely more experience than Cody in seeing the bad right at home. She and her folks went around helping the sick and needy but they always got to go back to peace and quiet at the end of the night. Jaycee- it was a harsh blow. She bounced back, but I know that baby is still her first thought every morning. Now with Cody…"

"Yes?" Charles encouraged.

"I know what's eatin' him, okay?" Logan confessed. "We leave for a little while, come back, and from straight out the blue there's these two new little kids runnin' around. Hank, Raven, Trav, Kiki- every time he looks at 'em he sees our family. The way we used to be."

Charles nodded along. "I suspected as much."

"What am I supposed to do?" Logan wanted to know. "I can't bring her back, Chuck. If I had that kinda power in me, trust me, I'd have used it ages ago."

Recalling something, Charles brought it up carefully. "You said you had no right bringing these things to Victor's attention. What did you mean by that?"

Logan shook his head at that. "That's his story, Chuck, not mine. Point is, whatever I've been through, he's had it worse since the start. And he's still here for me and mine and now yours, too. And," he rubbed his forehead in anguish, "I don't like bitin' my kid's head off, but I want him to grow up to be more than some half-ass who falls apart at every sign of trouble."

"Do you equate emotion with weakness?"

"No, but there are a load of folks out there who do and they'll use it against him. You should know that."

"Indeed I do," the Professor agreed. "I also know that when a person is forced to shield emotions for too long, catastrophe inevitably results. Trick's assault reminded us all of that. I know such things are not simple for you, but perhaps it would do you well to hear out your family's feelings."

"Maybe," Logan considered softly then started to stand. "Thanks, Chuck. And hey," he pointed a serious finger, "anybody asks what we were talkin' about in here…"

"Women and sports," Charles supplied naturally.

"You're catchin' on."

IIIIIII

Kissing the bottoms of each of her daughter's feet, Raven worked to get Kiki changed into a clean outfit after she'd managed to spill a large quantity of breakfast on herself.

"Mommy," Trav came in and flopped on the bed beside his sister, "where's Daddy?"

"He had to run to the store," Raven slipped Kiki's second sock on, "but you can head on down to the lab to wait on him. Be sure you don't touch anything."

"I won't." Trav got down and started eagerly for the lab until he remembered exactly why his father wanted him in there that particular day.

IIIIIII

Strands of deep black nearly blinding his vision, the various vocalizations seemed to pierce straight through the walls of his sleep space, growing louder. Though he had an upper floor room that made picking up conversation most difficult, he walked to his windows to shut the blinds and spread the curtains together. Peaceful silence reigned at last until a sudden knock made him look back in near alarm.

Getting the pitch back in his voice, he made his way over to unlock and open his door. "Alex, hi."

"Hey," the blonde returned. "You okay?"

"Yeah." Leon stepped back to allow him full entry. "Though I'll completely admit to using this morning's study time to reacquaint myself with my snooze button."

Alex closed the door then noticed the windows. "Okay, you're either a vampire or severely hung over."

"No to the second," Leon sat down on his bed, "and I suppose your glowing paste complexion makes you an expert on the first."

Alex turned to him with a non-amused expression. "Funny. Want to tell me where you've been? I've barely seen you since my dad fished you out on Wednesday. After everything you told us, I decided to give you some space but now I say the hell with that. Are your cousins still on you?"

"No." Leon shook his head. "I think they're gone actually."

"Then what's going on, man?" Alex squatted to his level. "Talk to me."

A faint breath escaping his lips, Leon started, "Have you ever had that naked dream?" He turned his head to look at him. "Where you're standing in front of your entire class?"

"Yeah," Alex nodded, following along.

"Well, that's exactly how I feel. I'm naked. And no matter how many layers I put on," he stood and went over to lean against the wall near his desk, "I can't cover it up this time. I can't pretend."

"Lee," Alex got up and went to place a hand on his shoulder, "Me, Jam, Raven- no one's going to say anything."

"So you're all going to play along to the rest of our friends instead?" Leon turned around. "Humor the liar, the nutcase?"

"Stop it," Alex ordered. "Don't talk about yourself that way. So you made some stuff up. Like everybody walking across campus is totally real about themselves."

"This isn't like a guy faking being rich or a girl dying her hair," Leon argued. "I lied about practically everything. Now it begins."

"Dude, what begins?" an exasperated Alex wanted to know.

"The looks, the fake smiles, people watching me every time I walk the halls, waiting to see when I'm going to crack. That's why you're here, isn't it? You thought I was going to do something stupid?"

"I caught you surfing in ten degree weather," Alex practically shouted then calmed. "So what now? You're just going to spend the next three and a half years avoiding all of us? Keeping your face covered? Will there be an iron mask involved?"

"Not much need for it," Leon claimed, walking off a few paces from him. "I'm considering transferring."

Alex let off a faint disbelieving scoff. "Seriously? Lee, it's December. It's too late to even think about transferring for spring semester."

"Not for junior college."

"Junior college?" Alex repeated, losing all humor in his voice. "I know you're not standing there and telling me you're about to give up your scholarship and everything you've worked for all because you're a little embarrassed."

Leon put forth, "Alex, you're experiencing classic Messiah Complex. The unyielding need to save others from— ahh!" The uncouth reaction resulted from a ferocious yank of his hair.

"Cut the psychobabble bull shit, Leon," Alex snapped, not letting up his grip. "First, the only reason I am here is because my best friend is stuck-on-stupid. Second, you really are crazy if you think I will just let you throw it all away. You want to talk embarrassment?" He yanked Leon over, forcing him to sit in his desk chair. "Think how you're gonna feel when everybody finds out you got your ass kicked up and down this campus. And if you think I won't do it then I guess you don't know me. Because I don't care what anybody here thinks. You used to feel the same way or was that a lie, too?" Leon only gaped at him for several seconds. "What?"

Leon spoke with, "You remind me of him. Jared- not who he is now, but who he was."

Alex calmed. "I don't want to hurt you, Lee, but I won't let you hurt yourself, either. I mean it. I'll see about you after class."

"'Kay," was all the younger freshman said in reply as his friend departed from the room.

IIIIIII

After putting away his necessary purchases, Hank returned to his lab. To his surprise, he found it empty, having expected to find a certain precocious little boy poking about. He prepared the needles then took the short flight of stairs up to their bedroom.

"Hey, baby," the ever studious Raven greeted from the desk.

Hank glanced around. "Have you seen Trav?"

She looked up. "I thought he was down there waiting for you."

"No, which is odd unless…" Hank sighed deeply, ready to kick himself. "Remember when I told you about my little experience with Cody a few months back."

"Trav's scared of needles," Raven surmised, smacking her own forehead. "Of course, dumb Mommy."

"You are not dumb," Hank chided. "Dr. Daddy on the other hand…"

"Don't worry," Raven got up, "we'll find him. He's around here somewhere."

Hank could only wonder, as they had more than one somewhere in the massive mansion from which to locate him.

IIIIIII

"Tell me he wasn't serious," Jam urged.

"I hope not, but it's too hard to tell with him lately," Alex answered with uncertainty.

Jam with his leather "businessman" messenger bag and Alex with one strap of his backpack draped over one shoulder, the two walked side by side away from the cafeteria.

"Surrendering a full ride scholarship?" Jam stated incredulously. "All because he thinks everything's different now? I straight laughed in his face that day you beat his behind and we were good the next minute."

"This isn't the same, Jam. He didn't want us to know what he went through," Alex reasoned. "I can relate."

"It's that instigating cousin of his that caused all this, worthless son of a bitch." The unexpected language clearly grabbing Alex's attention, Jam only went on. "No, I'm serious. I'm still pissed off about that. He didn't even know you but he had nerve enough to stand up there and call you some stuff like that? I cannot stand ignorant people like that. That's why all this hateful mess still exists because guys like that walk around like the whole world is against them. He put his little cousin's entire life on broadcast then he wants to know why Leon doesn't stay in contact with him. Maybe because you're a raging bastard, dumb fuck."

"Jamal," Alex reacted but had to stifle his immense desire to guffaw all over the place. "Geez, man."

Jam just shrugged and muttered resolutely, "Messing with mine…"

IIIIIII

Twenty minutes into their search, the McCoys regrouped and both came up empty handed as to the location of their son. Hank sent his wife back to her studies while he continued things. He thought hard about just how to find Trav. He did not want to bother Emma and knew Becky would not be comfortable pinpointing Trav if she knew he feared something. Besides Charles being in a class at the moment, Hank honestly did not want to go to the Professor and admit that he could not keep track of a five-year-old boy on his own.

Seeing only one solution in sight, though he did not care for it in the slightest, Hank ushered forth the primal instincts and sensory necessary to properly track the child. Feeling the creature he so often tried to keep behind iron bars slowly free itself, he started on a direct path.

With an apple to munch on, Trav remained happily under the sleeping cot inside the shelter space he had discovered in the basement. An abrupt low growl made him jump and nearly hit his head while the appearance of the extra-large feet at the front of the cot made him back up.

"Out, now," came the serious command.

Trav scrambled out to reveal himself. "Hi, Daddy."

"Son," Hank returned evenly. He took a moment to put the inner creature back under lock and key before he spoke again. "Your mother and I have been looking everywhere for you. You know better than to wander away so far from us. Even if you are in the house, you could still be hurt."

"I'm sorry," he apologized meekly. "I wasn't doing anything bad, honest."

"Except hiding from your shots," Hank brought up. "I understand you're afraid of them, Trav, but I give them to you because they're important to your health." He held his hand out. "Come along now."

Trav went to him and Hank lifted and carried him all the way back up to the lab.

When his father put his down long enough to get the silver tray containing the dreaded needles, Trav got down from the table and backed away.

"Trav," Hank fixed him with an impatient look, "would you like two spankings today instead of the one you've already earned for yourself?"

Hearing that, Trav whimpered. "I'm sorry, Daddy. I don't mean to disobey you, but…"

Softening, Hank placed the tray down and lowered to his son's level. "Come here, cub." Trav went into his arms right away and Hank kissed his head. "I know it's scary, but I'm not giving you shots to make you feel pain. I'm only doing them so you will be healthy. I don't want anything to happen to my boy."

Trav nodded against his shoulder, remaining attached to him. "'Kay, Daddy. I'll be good now."

Picking him up again, Hank laid Trav stomach down across the cloth he had prepared for him on the exam table. When he felt his pants getting tugged down, Trav squirmed despite himself and whimpered.

Hank gave his bottom a light paternal pat. "I know you don't like this and neither do I, but you're still too small for them to go in your arm. Hold still," he presented him with a hand, "and onto me."

Trav grabbed hold of his father's hand and shut his eyes, though he could not see the procedure from his angle, anyway.

Dabbing the intended area with a little alcohol, Hank administered the two injections with as much speed as he could. He clean the area off a bit then redressed his son and lifted him up to hold tightly.

"There we are," he squeezed him and rubbed his hair, "all over now." The child's heavy breathing alarmed him. "Are you alright?"

Clutching him, Trav pleaded softly, "Don't let go of me, Daddy."

"I won't," Hank promised.

Deciding to move things away from the lab as quickly as possible, Hank took Trav upstairs. With the desk clear, he assumed Raven moved her studies elsewhere. Something told Hank his wife knew what he had in mind for their son after he was found.

Laying down with the small one at his side, Hank remained that way with him in comfortable silence.

After half an hour, he ventured, "Alright now?"

"Mmhmm," Trav responded.

Kissing his nose, Hank asked next, "Why did you hide from Daddy?"

"I didn't want you to gimme my shots."

"Do you think I would ever really hurt you… like the scientists from before?"

Trav shook his head to immediately dismiss that notion. "No. I just hate shots."

Sitting up with his elbow to support him, Hank looked at him. "Even when you're afraid, I need you to trust me. You can never run off from me. All that will do is cause an aching heart for your mother and me and a sore bottom for you."

"But it's already sore," Trav tried.

Hank informed him with the slightest hint of a smile, "Daddy can tell when you're not being honest, too." Trav responded to that by kissing his cheek and Hank nuzzled him a little. "Now I know you know what a spanking is already- have you ever had one before?"

Trav shook his head again. "Nuh uh. The men would just take my play time away if I wouldn't do what they say."

Relieved at this information, Hank then asked, "Then how do you know about spanking?"

"TV."

"Ah," that did not surprise Hank in the slightest. "Well, now Daddy's going to give you the real thing." He sat up fully, stretching his long legs over the side of the bed. "Lay down here." He patted his lap.

Trav crawled over, reaching for his stuffed ape.

Hank did not allow him the toy but his free hand to hold instead, which the tot latched onto.

Never having spanked anyone so teeny, Hank measured his strength as best he could and delivered the first swat. When his son only murmured faintly, Hank decided to keep that amount of force. He made sure to stay away from his sit spots, having applied the injections to that area.

Trav hugged his father's hand tighter and tighter which each one he received. He started to cry, partly from his previous worries regarding the shots.

Giving him ten in total, Hank awaited no invitation as he lifted him up.

"Shhhh, son," he cooed to the crying one, "it's all over. No more spanking."

"I'm sorry, Daddy!" he bellowed, clinging to him with one arm and using the other hand to reach back.

Making use of his bigger hand, Hank gave the small behind a gentle rub. "I know you are and I'm not mad at you. You're still only a little cub." He stretched back against the pillows, son on his chest. "You're going to make mistakes sometimes."

Wiping his face clean against the man's shirt, Trav said, "I'm glad my daddy's a beast then."

Having expected the intended B word to come out "bear" Hank looked stunned but only briefly. "So am I." He moved up from his behind to rub the boy's back. "I love you, cub."

"I love you, too, Daddy." Then taking a piece of the shirt material between his teeth, he began to tug on it.

Frowning in surprise, Hank asked him, "What are you doing?"

Trav let go to answer, "It makes me feel better. I don't know why."

"I see. So Daddy's a chew toy now, hm?"

"Yep," the little boy answered with a smile.

Hank sent a growl into Trav' ear, which also seemed to calm him as he settled down to rest.

IIIIIII

Depositing his book bag right at the door as he came in, Alex continued on for the parlor. Just as he'd known, the Headmasters sat in there right across from each other. Not bothering to care about their seemingly millionth chess tournament, he walked in and dropped down to sit right near Erik's legs.

"Oh Alex," Charles glanced up, clearly having been too highly involved in his next move to sense the blonde's presence, "you're home."

"How was school, boychick?" Erik asked him.

"Hate it," the teenager grumbled.

Charles surmised, "I take it that sentiment has very little to do with actual academics."

"It's all this stuff going on with Leon," Alex told them, "and now he's thinking about transferring out to a junior college."

"What?' Charles reacted as if someone had just whipped a pistol out on an elderly woman. "What on earth is he thinking?"

"I can't even tell anymore." Alex turned to face the side a little. "And there's something else he said."

Erik placed a soothing hand on the young man's head. "What was it?"

"He said I remind him of his cousin," Alex explained. "The way he used to treat him I mean." He looked at each of them. "I think part of the reason this hypertension deal came down on me is because," his gaze settled on Charles, "after your accident, all these crazy thoughts came into my head. Like if you and Emma were honestly gone, I'd have to take care of Joey. Scott, too, but his needs aren't the same. And that whole thing scared the crap out of me and not because I don't want to take care of Joe. It's because of how I acted last year around Christmas. I was completely pissy towards him all because I didn't pass my practice test; not even the actual GED."

"You were upset and under pressure," Charles reminded him. "It was understandable"

"Yeah, but if I acted like that over a stupid test, what would I do if we lost one of you guys?" Alex rationalized. "What if I turned into Leon's cousin? What if I'm worse than he is? What if I mess Joey up? God, what if I hurt him?"

"Boychick," Erik dipped to enfold strong arms around the distressed vessel, "calm. Calm down. I know how worried you are because I've wondered the same things about myself. "

"In many ways, you've behaved practically as second father to Joey since the beginning," Charles came closer and got down to one knee to Alex, "Were the worst to take place, I have no fear whatsoever that he or any of the children here will be well cared for."

"Your anger is fleeting," Erik said, "but your love and devotion show no end."

Alex nodded then put forth, "Just for the record, you guys better be here in the morning. And every morning."

Charles laughed. "So long as you feel that way the next time you land yourself in a bit of trouble."

"My torment over you won't cease for many moons," Erik patted his back twice, "Go wash up for supper."

"Yes, sir," Alex happily obliged his tormenter, hopping up.

Charles shook his head after him. "It's a shame for one so young to carry such an aged burden."

"I could say the same about you," Erik remarked. "You're not exactly in line for social security, Lab Rat."

"That reminds me," Charles looked wistful, "I really need to talk to Hank about writing you a new prescription. These new dentures simply don't hold together like the old."

At the eerie grin flashed by those very teeth next, Charles had to move with whole new reflexes to keep Erik's lunge from connecting.

"I think someone needs a lesson on respecting his elder brother." Erik rushed after him.

Charles took off from the room at top speed. "Logan is upstairs!" On route to the foyer, he spotted reinforcement. "Trick, help." Charles hurried to get behind his friend. "Erik's gone mad."

"Hm?" Trick glanced back in time to see the rampaging male charged right for them. "Whatever it is," he phased Erik's body right through himself then jumped for the stairs, "I didn't do it."

Charles chirped indignantly, backing up against the door. "Thanks ever so much, best mate."

"Don't mention it, best mate." Trick saluted him as he retreated up the stairs.

"Erik, Erik, please, be reasonable…"

"Don't worry, Lab Rat," Erik assured with a smirk. "It will be slow and painful…"

Letting off an indignant whisper, elation consumed Charles at the ring. "Erik, please," he held up a hand of civility and cleared his throat, "we have company."

Erik withdrew his hands. "If this is some illusionary trickery of yours…" He moved Charles away to answer the door then grew serious at who stood on the other side.

IIIIIII

Shirt changed and hands clean, Alex entered the second floor recreation room and internally brightened at the numerous house residents sprawled around. In one corner, Sean allowed Kiki and Trav to crawl all around him while Becky, Scott, and Joey played a version of "Go Fish" with Scott's superhero themed cards.

Scott peeked up. "Oh hey, bro."

"Al," Joey grinned.

Trav went up to him importantly. "Uncle Alex, guess what Daddy did."

Though he still had to get used to being addressed in such a way, Alex still responded, "He… made you learn the alphabet backwards?"

"No," Trav appeared momentarily intrigued by the concept though, "he gave me shots and spanked me all on my butt."

"So what I'm hearing is," Alex lowered to the child's level, "you were bad today. Hm?"

"Umm… Seanie!" Trav hurried back over to the redhead. "Did I tell you what Daddy did?"

Alex only smiled when Sean brought the boy in for some major babying.

"Alex?"

He stilled for a moment before getting up and turning to see the amazing body that went along with the voice. "Kerstin?"

"Yeah, we just got back last night," she wore long sleeved green dress with white boots, golden hair all down her shoulders and back, "Do you have a minute?"

"Sure." Alex started to lead her out.

"Alex has a crush," Becky bellowed, making the boys laugh.

Kiki looked around in confusion then joined in with a little snicker.

"What was that about?" Kerstin asked in amusement once they got out into the hall.

"Nothing, just," Alex said the rest in the direction of the playroom, "little sisters are the biggest pain in the universe!" He turned back to Kerstin with a smile he hoped came off as dashing. "Hi, by the way."

IIIIIII

"Can I offer you anything, Steve?" Charles indicated his mini bar.

"Oh no thank you, Charles," the blonde man turned down. "I have too much going on tonight to even glance at a drink."

Erik waited for Charles to join him on the parlor sofa opposite Steve's before getting down to things. "I take it you have new information for us."

"While it's obvious Oswald was not a mutant," Steve began, "there are still countless theories floating about regarding Kennedy's assassination. With public fear and outrage still high, there's been talks about mutant rehabilitation programs."

"Rehabilitation programs?" Charles echoed. "Mutation is not an illness or addiction."

Looking at his old ally closely, Erik wanted to know, "What is that really code for?"

Not liking this, Steve responded, "Recruitment, medical care…"

"Experimentation," Erik concluded.

Steve urged, "Nothing has been said about experimentation. Do not put words in my mouth on this issue, Erik. The past has been on my mind, too, keeping me awake most nights. It will never come down to that. Not here, not this country, not so long as I'm still living."

"Cap?" the men looked over in time to see Frank walk in. "Hi." He came over to greet the visitor with a quick hug. "It's so good to see you. Did you make it to the president's funeral?"

"Frank," Steve smiled at the child's presence, "aren't you a sight for utterly exhausted eyes? Yes, I did actually."

"I want to hear about it. Can you stay for dinner?"

"We would love to have you and Kerstin both," Charles offered.

Erik said, "And we do have a certain amount of 'catching up' to do."

Knowing that to be true and sincerely not wanting to refuse the kindness of a home-cooked meal, Steve agreed.

IIIIIII

Opening the entrance to the Mag Cave, Alex led the way inside.

Kerstin followed with an air of caution. "Are you sure it's okay that we're in here?"

"Relax, Erik trusts me." Alex dropped down in the man's chair and took a brief spin before facing the girl again. "Do you?"

"Hm," she smirked, "I wonder," but came over closer to take a seat on top of the desk. "I know it's weird- me just showing up like this in front of your family, but…"

"But?" Alex prompted, returning the smirk.

"Fine." She flapped her arms in surrender. "I couldn't wait to see you."

"She admits it," Alex declared grandly. "But okay, seriously. I'm really glad you're back, too. Things have been insane around here."

"Alex," she focused in on him, "I know this should go without saying, but I want it to be clear. I may not understand everything there is to know about mutants, but if you're any indication there's a lot of greatness involved with them. Regardless of what anyone else has to say about you, I will not turn away from you because of it."

Absorbing that a moment, Alex got to his feet. Reaching forward, he brushed a kiss over her lips.

He then spoke with, "We both know I'm not exactly a commitment guy. I've had a lot of dishonesty thrown my way lately, but now that you're home it's pretty clear." Taking her hand, he helped her stand and hugged her close. "I can have something real."

Closing her eyes, Kerstin clutched into the embrace. "So can I…"