X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter One Hundred Twenty One
Author's Word: Hi, Fam! I'm currently playing that game of wondering how long I can skillfully hide until the phone rings requesting my presence right on my days off. I got to spend some time with my own family last night, which was much needed. Also, I got a new blu-ray player, meaning more opportunity to watch X-Men, which as always, means more inspiration. Please enjoy and review!
Small round face illuminated by the multi-colored Christmas lights that decorated her door frame, windows, and bedpost, the active young mind could not remain in place. With a rub at her eyes, Becky became fully animated. Detaching herself from her many and extremely soft linens, she covered her teddy bear themed pajamas with her pink robe. Grateful that the holiday lights continued out into the usually dim second floor hall, she made a path down to the lowest level the grand home had to offer.
Once inside the infirmary, she quietly brought over a folding chair to situate herself at Alex's bedside. Grasping his left hand, she cradled it against her cheek and stayed that way with him for several minutes.
After a bit longer, she shifted in her seat to face the one in the neighboring bed. Reaching fingers out, Becky stroked at Leon's dark silky hair. Able to fully study his face without him noticing, she found his features so calm and peaceful; much like Scott whenever the boy ceased looking like a pensive adult.
A combination of shock and elation filled her at the faint groan from behind and Becky veered around to the one attempting to rise.
"Alex…" Her tired, choked voice rang cheer despite.
Touching his clearly aching head, Alex brought his legs over the side of the cot. "Who's there?"
"Alex, it's me Becky," she stepped up to him, "It's Babes."
As if trying to check the truth of her words, Alex stuck a hand out to touch her curls. "Babes… Where… where's Lee?"
"He's okay, too." Becky gestured towards the other bed. "See, he's right here." She panicked as he tried to get to his feet. "Alex, no. You're really hurt. You have to stay here."
Unstopped by the calamity in her tone, he continued on in a shaky yet determined pace out of the medical wing.
II
Large curved sword extended, Erik swiped at the air around him with ferocious slashes that would have brought an instantaneous end to any matter of man in his immediate presence.
"Papa, Papa!"
At his child's voice, he right always sheathed the weapon and squatted with arms open. "What is it, Sweet Imp? Did you have a nightmare?"
Running right to him, Becky informed in urgency, "Alex is awake. He got out of bed by himself."
"What?" Jumping straight up again, the metal wielder sped from the gym. "Alex!" He ran upstairs, scanning the area around him frantically. "Alex!" Noticing the twin doors to his den open, he headed right inside it. There he found the one he sought hunched over the desk. "Alex?"
Maneuvering around to face him, the pale faced Alex stated, "I had her in here."
Erik stepped towards him, carefully. "What are you talking about?"
"I brought Kerstin in her- into your den…" His blue eyes filled to the brim with moisture. "I'm sorry, Dad. I'm so sorry."
Erik seized hold of him to take into his arms, remaining cautious not to put additional pressure on his injuries. "Shhh, boychick."
"I saw what they did." Alex looked up into the older man's face, anxious terror all over his own. "They showed us. I saw what they did to those kids. They hurt you…" His voice dropped along with his body, making him lean limply against Erik. "They hurt you…"
Fighting back his desire to unleash tears himself, Erik picked the teenager up and carried him to the couch.
He cradled him in his lap and delicately rocked him. "Boychick," he held him as tightly as he dared, "oh my boychick, no, no. Don't you worry. I'm here." He kissed him at the hairline twice. "Papa's here."
They stayed that way, Erik not daring to move until the young body in his grasp sufficiently calmed.
IIIIIII
Passing through on his return from the bathroom, Frank came to a complete stop outside Scott's door when he heard loud tossing and turning. Hurrying into the room, it startled him to see the other half of the Eye Scream Team twitching and flapping about so violently he had already knocked over his lamp and most of the other items on the night table.
"Scott!" Frank ran and jumped onto the bed with him and attempted to shake him out of the vicious state. "Scott, wake up!"
"Alex!" the young boy shouted, kicking his legs wildly when Frank pinned him at the arms. "Alex!"
Cordelia and Joey, who did not sleep far away, came in next.
"Scott, love, please," Cordelia urged, trying to hold down his legs.
Joey clung to the doorway and looked up as his parents came through.
Scott, Charles practically had to bellow into the afflicted mind then used all of his power to keep the boy's particular mutation at bay, it's alright, son. Please, be calm.
Emma gently moved Frank aside to sit on the side of the bed and gather Scott right into her arms. "Sweetheart, it's fine now." He slowed his intense movements. "We're fine. It was just a nightmare, my darling."
Scott buried his face into the front of her robe and began to sob.
Cordelia went over to lift up a still taken aback Joey while Charles made his way over to the bed.
Frank, heart racing a bit, stepped back a few paces. Glancing out into the hall, he momentarily locked eyes with Sean until the redhead hastened back to his own quarters.
IIIIIII
Coursing through the night sky like a shooting star, Specter dropped down into the house from a specified portion of the roof. He did not return to his tangible form until he touched feet down on the floor of his music studio. Removing the ghoulish mask to display the face of Patrick Hughes again, he went to his desk where he had two short, fat candles setup at the front.
Once he had the wicks lit, he blew and tossed out the match he used. Getting down low until his nose made contact with the wooden planks below, he waited sometime to clear his head of all unnecessary thoughts.
"Almighty," he finally spoke, "I beseech You with all I have to offer, which we both know is very little. Please, do not let these young ones become lost to us. Offer them and all those who hold them dear healing in and out."
Arms going to the air but head remaining bowed, the peace filled cry continued long into the night.
IIIIIII
An enormous intake of air followed brown eyes shooting open. Blinking multiple times, it did not take Leon long to realize he had woken up in some sort of hospital. Everything inside him screaming escape at the recognition, he started to forcefully remove the needle that attached him to the heart rate monitor.
"Eh, eh," a much larger hand coming down over his own immediately halted that plan, "don't fiddle with that."
Leon looked up, meeting with the face of his friend's husband. "Hank McCoy?"
"So glad you're up, even a bit frisky it would seem, but I'm going to need for you to stay put for the time being." Using his miniature flashlight, Hank peered into the brown eyes. "How are you feeling?"
Remaining still for him, Leon replied, "Confused, disturbed, and itchy in certain places. What happened? Where's Alex?"
"To my surprise, he came to ahead of you, though his injuries are going to require much deeper treatment." Hank clicked off his light. "Though I am happy to see you're alright, Leon, I also can't fight the need to scold you. It really is unhealthy to overexert mutant abilities, especially without sufficient practice."
"Mutant abilities?" Leon's brow creased in confusion.
"Yes, such as," making quick work of removing his shoes and socks, Hank unveiled his enlarged feet, "these."
Staring at the unusual appendages for several seconds, Leon glanced back up. "Your feet have pinkies."
"That they do." Hank opted to walk about barefoot for now. "Your particular mutation seems to involve the complete breakdown and transference of molecules. Something in line with teleportation. Let's call it shifting."
Leon blinked at him. "I've had this dream before. Is it time for my coronation into king of the Jupitarians?"
"You're not dreaming, Leon," Hank informed seriously.
The younger male turned silent for several seconds. "So Lex really was holding out on me. I knew he wasn't like other people… but I never thought…"
"It boggles the mind." Hank knew the words to be an understatement. "Professor Xavier will be by to discuss this with you in full. I know it's a great deal to take in, but for now, I want you to concentrate on resting."
Lying back against the incredibly comfortable pillows, Leon honestly found himself minus a great deal of disbelief.
IIIIIII
Letting off a groan as he struggled to sit up, Alex's hands quickly went to his head. After the headache silenced a bit, he attempted to press the first foot onto the floor.
A showered and dressed Erik chose that moment to step out of his en suite. "What exactly do you think you're doing?"
"Gotta pee," Alex ground out.
"Come here then." Erik picked him straight up and carried him into the bathroom.
"Erik," the teenager protested right away.
"Hush," Erik commanded. "You can hardly stand, let alone walk." He situated him in front of the toilet. Keeping one arm wound around the thin waist, he brought his pajama pants and boxers down with his free hand. "Go on."
"Erik," Alex moaned but started conducting his business nonetheless.
"It's nothing I haven't already seen, boychick."
Trying to decide if Erik viewing his behind while he recuperated was better or worse than the man seeing it while Alex twitched and cried insanely during punishment, he wiped himself off.
Erik did not bother pulling his clothes back up and instead lowered the toilet bowl lid. "You need a hot bath." He turned around to begin filling up the tub.
Understanding what he meant to do, Alex shook his head hard. "Ohhh no. No, no, no. Erik, there's no way you're giving me a bath."
"I'm afraid you have no choice in the matter." Water going, Erik set about undressing the young one in full. At his squeamish expression, Erik gently took his head with his hands. "It's only the two of us in here, boychick." He pressed a kiss against his forehead. "Only Papa."
"'Kay," Alex sighed in compliance.
With the teen completely in his birthday suit, Erik picked him up and carefully lowered him into the tub. He could feel Alex go further at ease in the warm water. Erik rolled up his sleeves and started to wash him but his hands froze for a moment. In addition to the burn marks, he also saw the large bluish black bruises all along his back and upper arms. The comparatively minor ones on Alex's legs had no doubt come from the deep fall he and Leon had taken but the others… they had beaten him.
Erik felt his blood boil and he had to work not to excite every last piece of metal in the room. They had snatched his son, taken him away, tortured him, and beaten him without mercy. Gripping his hands, Erik began unraveling the white bandages from around his wrist. A churn coursed through his stomach at the circles of cuts and dried blood.
Razor wire, Erik recognized. Exactly like what had been used to bind certain prisoners in the camps. So lost in his own rage did he become that Erik did not notice Alex stroking his arm until the boy spoke.
"I didn't scream." Erik gazed down, seeing him running a finger along the number tattoo. "They wanted to hear it, but I wouldn't give it to them." Harmless blue eyes shined up at him. "I knew you wouldn't want me to." He caught the tear that escaped the man's eye. "Erik?"
Blinking fiercely, the metal wielder dipped down to hold him as best he could. He planted kisses on top of the blonde head and rocked him a little while his own body shook heavy with remorse.
"Let's finish your bath, boychick," Erik finally spoke, "then we'll see Hank. Alright?"
Alex nodded against him. "'Kay, Dad."
Erik resumed the washing and slowly found some form of glee in it. He had missed so many stages in Alex's life that the whole thing gave him a glimpse as to what it would have been like to see to his care as a small boy.
"Were you this well-behaved in the tub when you were younger?"
"Only for Mom," Alex recalled. "Scott was always bad." His lips quirked fondly. "He flooded the bathroom every time." He then conceded, "Okay, I may have helped a few times."
"Our rowdy Summers boys." Erik ran a hand through his hair then removed the rubber stopper from the tub. "Careful now." He helped him up and into a towel.
Once he had him dried a bit, Erik carried him out to lay out on the bed with the towel to cover him. He returned quickly with some clothes from Alex's room and started to change him.
The teenager stayed obediently still for him.
Erik got the soft sweatpants on him then put him into one of his favorite sleeveless hoods. "There's my handsome little boy." He lifted him to hold on his lap.
Alex promptly snuggled up against him. "Erik, would you do me a favor?"
"Anything," Erik granted.
"Don't let the kids see me like this, okay? At least," Alex bit his lip lightly, "not right now."
Understanding, Erik agreed.
When they got to the lab, where Hank had laid out a myriad of cushioning bedding for the exam table, the doctor began running several tests. He mainly focused on his blood pressure.
"Still a tad too high," Hank determined. "I want you to remain in bed a couple days. You're going to be sore and stiff when you first awaken, so don't try to rush up without assistance." He wiggled his glasses at the blonde. "I mean it, Alex."
"I know. I'll stay down," Alex promised.
"Yes, you will," Erik said meaningfully.
"Good." Hank moved on. "Now, Kayla got you out of the danger zone, but your body is going to need at least a full week for real recovery. That means no strenuous activity. So no weight-lifting until I give the word." Hank then emphasized, "Not when Erik gives the word, not when Charles gives the word," he used the clipboard to point towards himself, "when I give the word. Is that clear?"
Satisfied, Hank took a moment to caress gentle fingers through his hair. "I only want you to be well on your feet as quickly as possible. I don't want Trav and Kiki discovering something's become of their beloved Uncle Alex."
"I'm sorry," Alex said softly.
Erik quickly went to him, taking his other hand. "It wasn't your fault, boychick. You had no control over this."
"If I hadn't gone out with Kerstin…"
Erik shook his head. "No. She did not ask to be born into this. If you ever want to continue seeing her—"
"No," Alex cut in sharply. "Every time I so much as think about her," he looked up at Erik, "I see those numbers on your arm."
Erik's eyes flooded and he squeezed his hand snugly.
IIIIIII
Loaded tray in front of her, the slender figure clothed in long blue skirt and green sweater made her way inside the infirmary.
"Good morning," she greeted cheerfully. "You probably don't remember me."
"Maya Patterson," Leon looked away from one of the many books Hank had offered him to pass time, "daughter of the devoted nurse, main squeeze of Sean Cassidy."
"I think you just figured out the tag line for my autobiography." She carefully situated the tray up on his lap. "I hope you're hungry."
He placed the book to the side and picked up the fork and knife. "I am now."
Maya noted, "You look so much better."
"I take that with great compliment, considering the fact that I plummeted a good twenty feet after being hounded by a life sucking "mutant." Leon swallowed down another bit of waffle. "Mutant. Mu-tant. Odd term, isn't it? I suppose zombies or vampires wouldn't be very accurate, hm?"
Maya gave off a laugh at that.
"We also refer to ourselves as genetically enhanced." Both teenagers looked over to see that the Professor had just strode in. "Ah, Leon." He walked over to his bed. "And how are we doing today?"
"Professor Xavier," Leon acknowledged. "Just fine, though someday I hope we can meet under circumstances where I don't wind up bed-ridden."
"That makes two of us," the man concurred.
Maya smiled touched Charles' blazer covered wrist fondly as she started out.
"Thanks again, Maya," Leon said after her.
She glanced back, "Sure," and continued out.
"You'll have to forgive us, Leon," Charles said. "Normally, Erik and I like to take time to do these things together, but the bulk of his concern is with Alex at the moment."
"How is he?"
Knowing the student meant his friend, Charles assured, "Just fine. He still won't be completely on his feet for quite some time, but Alex is nothing if not a conqueror of adversity."
"I know," Leon agreed.
"I wanted to explain to you a bit about just what a mutant is. Mutation is caused by the presence of the X gene and remains dormant until certain circumstances force it to reveal itself. I discovered my own fairly early on."
"What is yours?" Leon asked curiously.
"The night we found you surfing on the beach?" Leon nodded, following along. Charles went on with, "I was the one who located you. By performing a telepathic scan of Alex's memories. I should have known then that you were special because such a thing would prove next to impossible unless I'm honing in on another like myself."
Leon repeated one particular word. "Telepathic?"
"Yes, Leon," Charles confirmed and could already see the shadows of doubt forming on the young man's face, "I can read your thoughts."
Panic covering his normal indifferent features, Leon made a move to rise out of the bed. "I have to go."
"No," Charles gently prodded him back down, "there is no need for that. I understand how frightening it must sound—"
"No, you'll see!" Leon suddenly exclaimed. He grasped his own head. "You'll see… I don't… I don't want..."
Putting a gentle hand to the boy's arm, Charles soothed, "It's alright, Leon. I'm not an unfeeling automaton who searches the core of every single mind I meet. Unless I feel you are endangering yourself, I respect your privacy. I knew nothing of your story until you told it to us that night. Not a single detail." Leon slowly looked at him again. "This is my home for gifted youngsters." Kind blue eyes shined. "For you, Leon."
Focused on another word this time, Leon repeated softly to himself. "Home."
IIIIIII
Mostly eyeing his pair of waffles, Joey swallowed small bites every so often but the majority of his attention belonged to his own psyche that morning. The normally supremely filled dining table offered particularly slim pickings X-Men wise. On his side of the table sat his mother, Kayla, Cody, and Scott with Becky, Jasmine, Frank, Trav, and Raven who held Kiki on the other side. With all in their usual positions, they had many barren spots.
"Jasmine, have you seen your father?" Emma asked.
"He's still sleeping," the young girl replied. "Probably up late at the piano again. Where's Cordy?"
"She went on a jog to the drug store; something about a project," Emma recalled the sight of her sister literally eating and running.
Raven reacted to the fidgety Kiki in her lap. "What's wrong, baby gorge?"
Swaying her little arms in the direction of the other side of the table, she beseeched one vacant seat in particular, "Seanie."
Kayla looked to Jasmine. "Honey, could you find out what's keeping him?"
"Yes, ma'am." Jasmine placed down her lap napkin as she stood to leave out.
"Mommy," Trav spoke, making the currently blonde shape-shifter look at him, "is Uncle Alex still going to play with us? He said he can play more 'cause your school's out."
"Yeah, of course," Raven guaranteed with a wide smile. "He can't wait to play with you. He's just sick right now."
Becky found forcing her oatmeal down even more difficult as her stomach seemed to harden.
At the sight of her husband coming through, Kayla reacted, "There you are."
"No time to chat, baby," the man began loading up two plates with whatever available breakfast items, "me and Vic are pullin' double duty in Eye Spy then I need to ride into the city."
"Why?" Kayla asked.
"'Because this lemonade stand has about a dozen different boutiques specializin' solely in hats but no tattoo parlors."
"You're getting another tattoo?" Frank grinned. "Cool."
Cody implored eagerly, "Hey Dad, can I go with you?"
Managing to balance both plates with one arm for a moment, Logan messed his son's hair vigorously. "Help your ma around the house for a while and we'll see." He then noticed Scott, who seemed to be glaring at his breakfast straight through his glasses. "Hey Slim, that food's made for eatin', not gawkin'."
Without looking at him, Scott retorted dryly, "And the English language is meant for speaking, not abusing."
Eyes of astonishment from the other kids fell on him while the adults went from initial stun to disapproval.
"Scott," Emma chided mildly.
"Ya know what," Logan put on a tight smile, "don't even worry about it. I know what he's feelin'."
"Bull," Scott declared, rising to his feet suddenly. "How many lifetimes have you had with Victor? Alex and I can't even hang onto one without something trying to rip us apart." Even heavier anger laced his tone and his shoulders shook. "You will never know what that feels like." He stalked out of the dining room.
Logan raised a hand when Emma started to stand. "I got this."
At a particularly dark look from Becky, the man hastened his pace after the fuming pre-teen.
II
Rapping dainty fingers against the door, Jasmine slowly poked her head inside the bedroom. A fully dressed Sean laid out across the bed, holding a pillow and facing away.
"Sean, breakfast is ready." At his reaction, she came in closer, stopping just short of the bed. "Raven made waffles."
"I'm not hungry," he said plainly, the limited light from the blinds bleeding out across his stony face.
"We could go wake up my dad," Jasmine got onto the bed, giving him a small embrace from behind, "He'll take us out to eat if you want." She tugged at him playfully. "Come on. It's feeling way too man less downstairs."
"Trust me," Sean gently nudged away from her touch, "I can't help you there."
"Sean," Jasmine rolled off the bed and maneuvered around it, long winter-white skirt swaying with her brisk movements, to get near to his face, "Alex is okay. And you know how he is. Nothing can keep him down."
Unlike me. "Look, Jas, please… just leave me alone, okay?" Sean burrowed his face into the pillow.
Hands wanting badly to reach for him again, Jasmine gave in and started for the door.
She stopped, remaining in place for several seconds before she said, "Sometimes I think my parents would be happier if I was never born."
Lifting his head, Sean looked up in time for her to glance back. They lingered that way, the older Irish child trying to speak but utterly muted and the younger standing in silent stiffness until Jasmine summoned her mutation to take her leave of him.
II
Before he came into the living room, Logan picked up on the high-octane laughing resonating from the television. Scott sat on the couch, looking at the flashing box but clearly paying it no real attention.
Glimpsing at the black and white program as he went to ease himself down onto the arm of the sofa, Logan threw out, "How are you even supposed to tell her hair color?" He looked to the boy. "Got a thing for redheads?"
"Everything's red to me," Scott reminded him, fist propping up his head. "And no. They act too weird."
"Somethin' to be said about them brunettes, though, right?" Logan gave him a companionable elbow prod. Scott finally faced his with an expression that clearly read he was no guppy so easily reeled in. "…Yeah. Look, here's the thing about me, slim. I've seen things your worst nightmares couldn't even dream up. Folks have called me a hero for it, but the truth is, it's bull like you said. If I didn't have Vic, I'd be a worthless wreck for somebody to mop up and flush." He put a hand to Scott's shoulder and eyed him sincerely. "Wish I had just an ounce of your strength, kid."
Scott's features softened but he said nothing.
Giving the thin shoulder a lighthearted slap, Logan got up, passing Joey on his way out.
The short blonde took a seat beside Scott. "You should finish eating."
"I don't want to eat, Joey." Scott looked to the TV again.
"But what if you get sick?"
Scott scoffed at that. "You really think I care if I get sick right now?"
"Alex does," Joey put forth matter-of-factly. "If we make ourselves sick, our hands are really in for it."
Scott gave off a low wince to that and had to crack into a smile at the truth in the statement. "Our hands if we're lucky. Alright," he got up, "we better move."
Joey stood next and Scott pressed a hand to his back as they made their return to the dining room together.
IIIIIII
Left to his reading and personal musing in the infirmary for more than an hour, Leon at last decided to make a move. He saw his shoes, which someone had cleaned, by the bed and slipped into them. Leaving the medical room, it did not take him long to happen upon the stairs that brought him to the main level.
Hearing someone approaching, he instinctively activated his power and shifted to the top of the next stairway. As he now proceeded through the second floor, he wondered why escape had been his first reaction. Was he a prisoner? He gazed about at the plethora of Christmas décor around him. A prisoner of a palace? Nothing about the day resembled anything even close to standard POW treatment. Though, from the bits he had gathered, these people could be considered many things but standard.
Rounding one corridor, he peeked inside one room that offered a window then stepped inside.
Maya looked away from writing something over near a microscope. "Hi, Leon." She smiled in delight. "Wow, it's great to see you so up and about."
"Lab assistant," he gathered, walking toward her. "Can't say I'm surprised."
"I guess I do have candy striper written all over me," she confessed.
"So," Leon looked at her, as if trying to hone in on an abnormalities, "long pinky toes, living magnets," he paused for a moment, taking in the sheer wonder behind the next one, "telepathy. Tell me, Maya. What's your far out mutation?"
She replied, "The unique ability to instantly bore fellow classmates with a single babble."
"Huh. So you're essentially one of the most vital components to this institution."
Her brows knitted in wonder. "What do you mean?"
"You're the living proof that we "mutants"," Leon moved around, leaning against the desk, "can have outside allies who do not face us in trepidation. You're the unbiased insider, able to offer reason to those born without this somewhat impulsive genetic condition. Sort of the link with potential enough to tie us all together not as separate species but as what the human race really is. Individual wonders working as one."
Unable to respond to that with anything but an extended gape, Maya mentioned, "I also shoot. Guns," she shook her head out, "on the range. There's a range and targets with little, um, cardboard body parts."
Leon asked her, "Semi-automatic or revolver?"
"Oh revolver usually. Semi's tend to be…"
"Triggered by a sneeze?" Leon filled in. "I learned a lot about guns when I was a kid."
"Have you ever been on a range?"
"Haven't had the chance yet."
"I'll show you ours," Maya offered. "Our security keeps the guns locked away outside of training for obvious reasons, but you could come see what it's like."
"Though I hate to tear myself away from the Disney Land level of excitement associated with staring at off-white walls of medical wings," Leon nodded, "sounds like a plan."
Maya laughed and began to walk with him. "I have a taser, too."
"Ah, the simple conceal," Leon said. "Can I see it?"
"Of course," the girl granted.
IIIIIII
Another pillow sufficiently fluffed, she placed it down to rejoin the others on the mattress then moved on to the next thing. Enormous green and blue balloons reading "Get Well Soon" and "Hang In There" in festive word print floated near to the ceiling, tied securely to the bed posts. Above the headboard hung a lengthy white horizontal banner with "Alexander is Greatness, Havok is Heroic" written across it. She had also taken the liberty of spreading back all of the curtains and pulling up the blinds.
Emma passed by the room a minute later, taking a moment to look in on the display. "Oh darling," she appeared simply marveled, "did you do all this?"
"The peonies represent healing and the hydrangeas are perseverance," Cordelia carefully fluffed out the flowers inside the vase on the dresser, "I replaced the linens with satin sheets and foam pillows to help his back. And I saw these," she went over to the night table and picked up the reading materials, "wellness magazines, fitness articles, a guide to speedy recovery. And," she hugged the books to her chest with one hand to point out the banner, "I thought it'd be cool for all of us kids to sign that for him."
A greatly impressed Emma nodded in approval. "This is wonderful of you." She walked towards her sister. "Alex is going to appreciate this so much."
"I learned a lot after Daddy's riding accident." Cordelia added offhandedly as she went to get the small box of herbal tea out of one of her shopping bags, "Would have loved to be able to do something like this Charles…"
Feeling something resembling a dart penetrate her chest, Emma immediately followed the girl's movement. "Cordy, I told you I'm sorry for not telling you. It all happened so suddenly and you were already dealing with—"
"What did you think I was going to do exactly?" Cordelia whipped her head around to face her, a sharp expression on her face. "Decide I hate the world and find a nazi boyfriend to obliterate it?" At the older Frost female's instant deflation, the teenager quickly felt herself terrible. "I'm sorry, Em, but…" She eased down to sit on the edge of the bed. "What do you think it did to me to walk in on Charles- my sweet, wonderful, caring Charles- having to support himself with a cane?"
Emma sat beside her, giving her knee a light pat. "I know and believe me, honey, I wish I could take all of that back. Those thoughts still keep me up some nights."
"I would have really liked to have been able to be there for Joey. I love him so much," the girl emphasized, "and I love Charles. And you and…" Her blue eyes dimmed and soon glossed over. "I want Alex to stop hurting."
Emma gave her a strong sideways hug and pulled her in near to her chest. "So do I." She kissed the top of the dark haired head. "I know there's been so much heartache and not just of late. But I swear I will do everything I can to make things better for us. To rectify the mistakes I've made. And Baby Sis?" She rubbed her arm. "I love you, too."
Cautious of the baby, Cordelia wound arms around Emma's middle.
IIIIIII
Sock covered feet giving him the silence necessary for him to tip over to his uncle's suite, Joey opened the door as quietly as he could. He glanced inside briefly, seeing Alex asleep on his stomach across Erik's bed with closed eyes facing the boy's direction.
Entering fully, Joey left the door open just a crack and started towards the massive bed. Climbing up, he moved near to the slumbering individual. Examining him closely, Joey brushed a thumb across one cut on his face. Taking notice of one bare arm, he delicately laid a hand over the dark bruise on the shoulder. He went for Alex's hair next, gliding short fingers through the mildly sweat damp locks of yellow.
Eyelids cracking open, Alex made out the youngster despite the initially blurred vision. "Sneaky, sneaky." He seized the small hand, pecking the back twice. "You shouldn't be in here."
"Are you mad at me?" Joey asked harmlessly.
"No way." Alex propped himself up a little better on the pillows. "But you shouldn't have to see me, not looking like this."
Joey traced the exterior of Alex's jaw with his finger. "But we look the same. When I see you, I see me, too."
"Hardly," Alex denied, a bit of a smile present on his features. "You're way too cute." He pressed a hand to the child's back to bring him in close to his chest. "How's Scott doing?"
"He was mad, but I think he's okay now."
Alex nodded once. "You guys are being good, right?"
"Just for you," Joey answered.
"Joe-Joe," Alex cupped his cheek, "you've already done more for me than you even know." He tickled his nose. "Say 'I love you, big brother'."
Joey smiled at him. "I love you, big brother. Now you say 'I love you, baby brother'."
"I love you, baby brother." Alex's other arm went around him. "Feel like keeping me company for a while?"
Joey nodded, closing his eyes and settling in on his chest.
Alex watched the younger one for a while until he could ease back into sleep. With the child there with him, the gruesome images that had haunted most of his dreams fizzled out significantly.
IIIIIII
Placing a tentative hand over the honey polished wood, Logan got the top open. Pawing through the contents within, his fingers lingered on the various articles of pink clothing and small toys. At the very bottom, he found the intended books and removed them. Opening the first one, an automatic smile came to his face at the different photographs it contained. He became so engrossed in them that the light feminine footsteps missed his attention until he heard his wife's voice.
"Guess I need to learn to track like the rest of this family," Kayla came over, taking a kneeling spot next to him, "Feels like I've hardly seen you today."
"Baby," Logan shut the book he held, "I was just," he swiped at the side of his nose with his thumb, "yeah, my tattoo got burnt clean off with Havok's blast," he indicated his left shoulder, "I was just tryin' to find a pic for the guy to go off of."
Kayla gazed at him with darkened brown eyes of both sympathy and vexation. "You don't have to justify missing your daughter. You certainly don't have to hide it from me."
"I ain't—" Logan let off a short sigh. "I'm not tryin' to hide, Fox. I just don't want to get you upset. You don't need that."
"What about what you need?" she countered fiercely.
He immediately dismissed that with, "My needs don't matter."
"They matter to me," Kayla stated fervently. "We've always done everything together in this marriage, every problem or discussion. I don't know how I did this, but I let my guilt and grief get so heavy that I overlooked you and your feelings."
"Don't you say that. I'm your man," Logan emphasized, "I'm supposed to be there for you, givin' you everything you need."
"And what am I supposed to give to you in turn?" she wanted to know.
He responded, "Baby, all I need you to do is not wise up and figure out you can do a whole lot better than me. I need you, Fox," he reached out for a few strands of her dark hair, "every single day by my side."
Kayla took the hand that touched her to kiss him on his ring finger.
Footsteps of a far more energetic nature bounded up and into the loft next. "Dad, Dad," Cody raced up, colliding right at the man, "can I go to the city with you now?"
"Hm, I don't know," Logan coiled an arm around the small waist, "you make yourself useful?"
"He helped me clean up the kitchen," Kayla told him.
"And I took out the trash and picked up in the rec room," Cody further reported.
"Chump change." Logan continued to give him a skeptical glance. "When's the last time you spun straw into gold?"
Cody gave him a head-butt. "Daaaad."
Logan smirked and nipped him lightly at the ear. "Yeah, yeah. I guess ya can tag along."
"Yes!" Cody smiled even wider upon noticing the albums. "Jaycee." He picked up one to look through.
Logan shared a look with Kayla, clearing his throat. "I need a good pic of your sissy to replace my tattoo." He brought Cody in to hold. "Which one you want me to use?"
Cody pointed out a shot of her looking up wide eyed at her mobile from inside the crib. "I like this one."
"Me, too," Kayla seconded.
Logan pressed his lips against Cody's temple then proposed, "I think these pictures are just about sick of collectin' dust. What do ya say we put 'em out again?"
Cody grinned. "Really?" He looked to his mother. "Is it okay?"
"Absolutely," Kayla responded wholeheartedly.
Logan reached inside the trunk again, taking out some of the framed photos. "Start off in me and ma's room. We'll be down in a sec."
"Okay." Cody bumped shoulders with him and kissed Kayla's cheek before hurrying off downstairs.
Kayla maneuvered over to recline against her husband's front. Logan draped an arm over her shoulders and started flipping through another album with her.
IIIIIII
Legs dangling in the air from where she lay on her bed, watching Leon switch her taser on and off, Maya said, "I really want to study medicine. Not a full on doctor because that's too much competition and they love eating girls alive. But I wouldn't mind training to be a nurse."
Leon turned off the device again, looking at her. "Was your father part of that field, too?"
"He was the primary engineer at the hospital," she explained. "That's how they first met. My mom used to tell me stories about how they always managed to slink off for three hour lunch dates or how he'd come up with any half-baked excuse to carry out a work order near her station."
"He sounds thoroughly smitten," Leon remarked.
"They both were." Maya's good humor faded slightly and she played with her hands. "I think that's part of the reason Mom spends so much time at the hospital. It's her great escape. She was such a mess after the accident. I had to bring her meals to bed for days."
"Don't you just love the ever mature and wise reactions of adults?" Leon put forth sardonically. "Like hi, potentially forever traumatized child over here but don't worry about me. Continue wallowing in self-pity."
Maya joined in with, "What's that river in the kitchen? Oh just my tears. Never fear, I'll mop that right up."
"Oh and the best part," Leon took a moment to pause dramatically, "the therapists."
"Guidance counselors."
"Special "talking" doctors. Have you ever heard that distinct cash register noise when you're in there with them? It's like you can see the ecstasy as they calculate how whopping a mortgage they can take out thanks to your misery."
"Oh you mean," Maya smirked, "cha-ching, cha-ching."
"Cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching," Leon sing-songed. "Cha-ching, cha-ching."
They exchanged a short laugh.
Maya rolled over on her mattress giddily. "How on earth are you majoring in psychology?"
"Because I know how the game is played," he told her. "I have been on and off different medications ranging from the treatment of moderate depression to manic. Any time I decided I was better, I talked about how beautiful and puppy dog filled I found the world and just like that, I'm the picture of sanity. I remember this one time," he smiled at the recollection, "I got out of a week of school after telling one of them I often wonder how good it would feel if all of my fingers were burnt off."
Maya's mouth practically hit the mattress. "No you didn't."
"Yes, I did," the older student confirmed unapologetically. "You know what line always gets me? 'I understand your pain'." Leon stroked his chin in mock thought. "Really, ivy leaguer with the wall of diplomas gained through tuition money you yourself did not have to foot? Tell me all about the tragic pain of being caught in traffic in your platinum silver Porsche, forcing you to be an entire hour late returning home to your outlandish condominium."
"Please do tell," Maya used a snobbish tone, "the grand horror of growing up in a perfect two-parent suburban household with an absolute myriad of fat happy siblings running about." She rolled her eyes. "Have to love the cluelessly privileged."
"Nice to know how you really feel, babe."
Losing all traces of amusement, Maya realized who now stood in her doorway. "Sean…"
"Sean," Leon looked to him with a sideways visage, "where have you been hiding yourself?"
"Been a little busy," the redhead's attention stayed on Maya, "lost in my own cluelessness apparently." He turned and stormed off.
Maya shot right after him into the hall. "Sean, Sean," she grabbed hold of him by the wrist, "could you stop walking away and talk to me?"
He spun around, facing her with a cloudy countenance. "Seems to me you're more comfortable talking to him," he pointed out Leon, who stepped out of Maya's room, "but why shouldn't you be? I'm just the happy suburban idiot you couldn't possibly relate to."
"I wasn't talking about you!" Maya reached out to hold his head in her hands. "Sean, I love you. You're everything to me."
Sean snatched back from her touch. "I don't see why. I'm nothing. I shouldn't even be here."
"Don't say that!"
"It's true!" Sean shot back.
Their volume caused a reaction from a few nearby residents of the mansion. A stirred Trick departed from his room, Charles came from another direction along with Erik, and the McCoys approached from the other end holding their children.
"Sean, Maya," Charles addressed, "what is going on out here?"
Sean claimed, "Alex almost died because of me."
Erik interceded on that, getting in-between the teenagers to look at Sean directly. "Alex was almost killed because of a deranged bastard."
"I know," Sean shouted at a decibel that startled them all, "and that's my fault. If I hadn't been doing my usual of being an annoying little brat, he and Kerstin never would have walked out and they wouldn't had a chance to take them."
"They planned the whole thing, Sean," Charles took the boy's arm to turn him towards him, "No one could have known about any of this and you're talking to one with telepathic powers. You must not blame yourself."
"I should've told someone, Charles!" he further erupted. "I should have come home right away or God, picked up the phone. I should've known he wouldn't just take off and leave me like that. Alex would never leave."
Trick came up next, seizing him by the shoulders. "Don't do this to yourself, Seanie boyo. We can't predict the actions of every lunatic in this world." He tried to hold on despite the teenager's struggling. "Stop this, Sean."
"Let go of me, Trick!" Sean yanked back forcefully from the man's grip. "It doesn't matter what any of you say. This is my fault because I didn't do anything. I never do anything. If Hank had been there, he would have known what to do. Raven would have known what to do."
Raven stood Kiki up to go over. "Seanie, please. It's going to be okay." She tried to hug him.
Sean pushed her away. "No, it's not okay! If I'd done something, anything, Alex wouldn't have been hurt. Leon wouldn't have been hurt going after him. Alex didn't deserve this. It should have happened to me."
"Don't say that."
"Alex," Leon recognized.
Everyone looked, finding that the blonde had indeed just walked up. The trembling body stood with some support of Joey, who clung to his side.
"Uncle Alex," Trav smiled.
"What are you doing out of bed?" Hank piped up in displeasure.
"Alex," Erik started.
"No, Dad," Alex cut shortly, eyes fixed the one up the hall from him. "This isn't your fault, Sean. And I'm not saying that to put a smile on your face. I'm saying it because this whole thing is on me. I went with the wrong person and it almost wrecked the one thing that matters to me in this world; my family. It's been in my head like crazy," he gently pried from Joey to walk towards Sean, "I would have lost it if they'd grabbed you, too."
"Alex!" Sean took hold of him as he tumbled forward. "You- you got to lay down. You're in pain."
"I don't care," he dismissed harshly. "I'm not about to lounge around and listen to you rag on yourself." He touched a hand to the back of the copper head. "I'm okay. I'm great even. So long as you're all here."
Sean's face completely crumbled and the two had to work to hang onto each other as they both lowered to the floor. Erik came around to crouch over them while Charles dipped behind Sean to wrap arms around the tall teenager's upper body.
Kiki stepped forward, rubbing Sean's hair soothingly.
The boy saw the teeny girl and pulled her right into his arms to clutch strongly.
IIIIIII
"This explains way too much." Alex propped his chin up on folded hands. "How you always pop up around campus out of thin air. Why you seem so drained and out of it half the time."
"Although that's been the result of a candy crash from time to time," Leon quipped lightly, directly facing him from where he sat on the coffee table. "I knew something was different about you, Alex. Your life seemed so revolved around this house. But I never imagined… this is incredible."
"Told you I could keep a secret," Alex said meaningfully. "Look, I appreciate what you tried to do last night, but you had no business tailing those guys like that."
"I had to." Leon let off a faint sigh then made an attempt at explanation. "The reason I came over to talk to you that day on campus is because you carried this intense vibe. Like you didn't need anyone, but you would always be there at the same time. I mean, look at you. You could have easily become one with the most influential people at school, but instead your closest friends are the ones a lot of them choose to look down upon."
"That's because they're full of their own crap," stated Alex. "If anybody has anything to say about you guys they can take it up with me."
Leon pointed two fingers at him. "That's what I'm talking about. You have a way of making people feel sincerely wanted and safe. I didn't know what was going on exactly, but I knew I had to do everything in my power to help you. Because you'd do the same for me."
"In a second," Alex confirmed. "But it's okay when it's me putting my life in danger."
"Oh of course."
"Here's another thing," Alex gave him a little nudge with his foot, "Do you have some kind of problem with Sean?"
"Sean Cassidy the person?" Leon shook his head. "No, not at all. But college isn't like other grade levels where devoted parents are so heavily involved. Everyone has their families, but if you're from afar no one will ever see them. That's why I figured it'd be no trouble to make up a story. Then we sort of made this select group, kind of our own family. So when you brought Sean to visit that day, I couldn't help thinking how unfair it was. He and your other brothers get to see you ninety percent of the time. I guess I didn't understand why he needed to come in and invade… our space. Sorry if that sounds pathetic."
"No," Alex responded. "I get it. Trust me. But you need to know that acting out like that isn't tolerated around here."
"He's right," Erik's voice sounded as the Headmasters made their way into the living room.
"I suppose that's your gentle way of saying your offer has been withdrawn," Leon assumed.
"Quite the contrary," Charles took a seat on the couch next to Alex while Erik stood near Leon. "We're going to drive to the dormitory first thing in the morning and gather your things."
"I," Leon tried to formulate a response. "I don't know what… thank you."
"Don't be too grateful yet," Erik warned. "This is the second time you've proven your need for guidance. Regardless of how intelligent you are, you have no more business living on your own than a twelve-year-old does. You need training to better control your mutation, in addition to structure and discipline."
"All of which we can offer you right here," Charles said, reaching out to pat Leon on the hand. His jovial face then turned a bit firmer. "However, there are rules and order with which you must follow. The basics are keeping your curfew, which will be strictly enforced, not going out without our knowledge and permission, minding your elders and instructors, performing household chores assigned to you, and keeping up with your studies."
"With Alex on campus with you, I'm sure he can see to that," said Erik.
"Yes, he can," Alex concurred, looking at his friend.
Leon nodded along with them. "You mentioned discipline before."
"Yes," Charles decided to continue on with that. "We do not hesitate to administer consequences, especially in the event you misuse your mutant abilities. Penalties range from loss of privileges such as television or phone, groundings, and spankings."
Erik did not miss how the last word fail to inspire surprise in Leon, who shared a specific look with Alex.
"Do you believe you can handle that?" the metal wielder asked.
"Yes, sir," Leon replied.
Alex formed a grin. "Welcome to the X-Men, buddy."
IIIIIII
Kiki humming pleasantly beside him, Sean kept his face buried against the older stronger McCoy's shoulder while he held her.
"You come close, but you're not Superman." Hank took Sean's chin to make him face him. "That's exactly what you told me after Raven's attack. To this day I can't help but blame myself. However, Trick is right. We can't predict anyone else's actions."
Sean nodded into the large hand. "I know. Thanks, Hank."
A contrite faced Maya dared entry into the room. "Hi…"
"Hi," Sean returned.
"Bath time for you, Baby Bear." Hank gathered his bright eyed daughter and headed out.
Maya got on her knees on the mattress, looking at him. "I'm so sorry. We just got to talking and I didn't know what I was saying. I must have sounded so horrible to you."
"No, I completely overreacted." He inched forward, giving her a hug. "I know you don't really feel that way about me. It's just how I feel about myself sometimes. Like I never have to earn or suffer for anything like everybody else."
"You've been my only real happiness since we met," she told him. "I don't need some tragic soul. I only need you."
"I love you, Maya," Sean whispered into her ear, holding her close.
The girl moved her head back. Sean took the indication and shut off the gap between their lips.
IIIIIII
Alex looked away from the article on wellness when Cordelia came into his room with a mug.
"Thanks, baby girl." He accepted it and took a long drink of the warm tea. "But you seriously need to quit spoiling me. You've done enough."
She held one of his hands with both of hers. "It's all part of my selfish plan to have you training with me again as soon as possible."
"Count on it." He aimed a meaningful finger her way. "You just don't use this as some excuse to lazy up. I'll be back in five seconds flat."
Cordelia grinned. "I know." She reached forward to kiss his cheek as she got up to go.
Scott and Joey, who held Bounty, walked in shortly after her, both boys dressed in pajamas.
Alex smiled and raised his arms for each of them to settle underneath one. "You guys brush your teeth?"
"Nah," Scott smirked, "we just gargled with soda."
Alex messed his hair. "Smart aleck. Hey, bunny man," he patted Bounty then noticed Joey drifting. "Looks like baby brother's all tired out." He brushed some strands of blonde out of the closing eyes. "Go to sleep, Joe-Joe." Scott leaned further against him and Alex tightened his arms around him. "How you doing, squirt?"
"Better now," Scott replied.
Alex regarded him with regretful eyes. "I'm so sorry for scaring you like that. I know I seem to do that more often that I'd like."
"That doesn't matter," Scott told him. "'Cause you always keep your promise. You said we'll be together forever. And you're still here."
"More importantly," Alex touched cheeks with him, "you're still here."
Erik strode through then with a declaration of, "Time for all little boys and ailing boys to sleep."
"Yes, sir," the Summers boy complied.
Erik tucked the younger males in securely with their older brother. He got Scott's glasses off of him then dragged the desk chair out, placing himself right in it.
Alex carefully rolled over to face him. "Erik, are you seriously going to sit there all night?"
"Someone has to ensure that mischievous boychicks do not try to charge out of bed." Erik extended a hand to tap his cheek. "Close your eyes."
After the teenager did so, the metal wielder used his power to click off the lights. He gathered Bounty over into his lap, caressing the soft fur while he watched the three peaceful boys.
IIIIIII
Dressed in a pair of borrowed pajamas, Leon tried to absorb the interior space around him, unable to believe it proved larger than even a double dorm room. Stretching out over the well-made bed, his body had to adjust to the sensation of non-cotton linens.
He reacted to a light tapping at his doorway and raised his head. "Oh," he smiled, sitting up fully, "it's Pretty Eyes."
Becky giggled, "Hi, Leon," and walked toward him. "I- I saw this and thought of you." She handed him the colorful block. "I never take them apart. They're too hard to fix."
"A rubik's cube." Leon placed it right on his night stand, the lamp above it illuminating the piece. "Thank you very much. I love putting together puzzles. They make me feel productive while avoiding homework."
She gazed at him adoringly. "I really hope you like it here."
"I'm sure I will," Leon laid down again, "if the rest of the X-Men are anything like you."
Certain he could see her giddiness about to burst over, Becky chirped a brief, "Good night," and hurried out of the guest quarters turned bedroom.
Leon got up to go for the door, closing it. He pressed his back against the wood, running weary fingers through his long hair. Returning to the bed, he switched off the lamp and slid under the blankets. He covered his face completely, moving around on the mattress several times until his body decided itself exhausted enough. Slipping into sleep, he could not control the tears that managed to seep through his closed eyes.
IIIIIII
Worship complete, Trick blew out the candles. Turning around, he flinched in surprise at one half of their security situated just outside his studio.
"Victor," he acknowledged then wanted to know, "what're you doing there?"
"I didn't want to interrupt what you were doin'." The tall man stepped inside and went over to him. "I just want to know where you been creepin' off to. And save the denial. I caught you comin' back on camera last night."
Unmoved, Trick responded, "Kerstin Harris. I've been going to see how she's doing after what that son of—" he remembered he had just finished praying. "After what that bloke almost did to her. I didn't bother telling anyone because I didn't feel a whole lot like justifying myself."
Victor said, "I think folks around here deserve more credit than that."
"All the same, Alex is the victim in this scenario with a full support system. Kerstin has to fight every single day to get away from the nazi name that stains her. Now, Vic," Trick sighed tiredly, "no little girl deserves to be near raped and tortured solely on account of her parents' actions."
"No, she doesn't," the older man immediately concurred. "Just next time, let a guy know." His eyes flashed with seriousness. "I don't need to find out somethin' else happened to you out here."
Trick nodded. "I'll catch you in the morning."
"Get some rest, kid." Victor patted his shoulder twice.
While Trick went upstairs to change out of the remainder of his uniform, Victor headed directly back for another long night and morning in Eye Spy.