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.

122. Chapter 122 Dashing Through the Snow

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Twenty Two

Author's Word: I'm really sorry it took so long to get this one up. Work exhaustion has really caught up with me and I was having a hard time. Hopefully things are better on track now. Please enjoy and review!

Shower fresh and safely back in the confines of his new room, Leon stood before the mirror attached to one wall near the door. Cloaked in his dark blue robe, he toyed with the soft belt until he at last could remove the garment. As if an audience of thousands surrounded him, he hastened to correct his nudity.

Boxers up, he felt just the mildest gratitude for the harsh east coast winters that offered him excuse enough to pile as many layers as possible on. Gray sweater on over his white collared shirt, he wondered about putting a jacket on over that. Yet the jacket would transform his chosen ensemble into far too formal, which would attract the attention of all. Especially adults. He did not understand their tendency to point out a young person's, usually unplanned, grand attire in the presence of their more low key peers.

Deciding against a jacket, Leon got into his shoes. Moving on to brushing out his still damp hair, he started to reach for the tie to bind the locks but retracted his hand suddenly. Shaking his head out briskly, he broadened his hair as much as he could, shielding the sides of his face. Hand going to the item he'd left on his bed, he completed the look by slipping the dog tags on around his neck and under his shirts.

All ready- or something like that, he started for the door then paused right at it. Swallowing hard, he reached one hand out for the knob, carrying a shake about him that suggested he was about to grab hold of a blazing hot coal.

At the unexpected knock, he opened the door then inwardly groaned for not asking who first. Then again, he no longer paid dorm fees. Did he have the right to pose such a question, least of all deny anyone entry?

He relaxed at the one on the other side. "Thought I'd get lost again?"

"Hey," Alex wore dark jeans and a long-sleeved red shirt in addition to a small smirk, "do you have any idea how many times that happened to me my first week? Come on," he clapped his friend's shoulder, "Rae's got dinner on the table."

Leon left his room and the two began the trek downstairs. As they moved, he found he liked seeing Alex able to maneuver without need of assistance. Though Leon did catch a silent wince from him here and there with the residual pain; not that he allowed it to show. That was one of many things about Alex Leon envied. He could keep his secrets and bury demons so skillfully.

After the unbelievable incident of three nights prior, formal meals at the Xavier mansion had ceased but that Friday Raven had announced a full spread for dinner. Leon spotted Becky and Jasmine Hughes setting things up and shared a friendly wave with the former. He also did not miss the additional place setting and chair that would include him.

"Sit over here by Scott, man." Alex indicated one chair on the left hand side of the table.

Leon did not care for the position but did not argue with his friend as he lowered into the chair. The spot proved too close to the head of the table and it did not take much for Leon to guess who held such a position. Not that it mattered of course. The telepathic Professor could get to him no matter how far away he sat from him.

Before long the rest of the household filed in. Not to Leon's surprise, Joey and Scott sat on either side of their shared brother Alex. Leon frequently had to remind himself just who the brother by blood was, considering Joey's incredible resemblance to Alex. With how much Leon had heard about Joey alone, it proved quite captivating to see them together this way. While Leon totally knew how happy Alex felt to have Scott at his side, something seemed different about his feelings towards Joey. As if the blondes had a mutual need for each other.

Seeing Emma Frost so close to the Professor was not surprising. What floored Leon again and again was the fact that a pair of unmarried aristocrats seemed so aglow about bringing a child into the world. He could not begin to comprehend their lack of marriage vows… or the way skinny women carried babies without their legs snapping clean in half.

Much like the Summers brothers, Cordelia Frost did not have much in common with her sister physically beyond the striking blue eyes. Puberty had clearly been kind to the voluptuous gymnast or table dancer as many fraternity guys still considered her. Such a contrast to the other high school aged girl, Maya Patterson; so small and thin Leon had thought she was closer to fifteen than seventeen. Still, Maya was a sweet kid and certainly the smartest of the mansion's teen set.

In the universe's attempt at humor, Sean Cassidy sat directly to Leon's left. Of course, he suspected that to be less the universe's involvement and more Alex's silent declaration of, "Suck it up and get along." While Leon could see the relationships Alex shared with Scott and Joey, he did not see why the carrot top required his attention. Judging by Sean's awkward physique alone, he did not know how to get to a weight room, much less live out of it the way Alex did. Leon thought it made more sense for Sean to be close to Raven's husband.

Leon looked towards his other schoolmate and friend, the stunning Mrs. McCoy. Raven was one of the few girls around campus who's finer qualities did not end with mere beauty. She could be opinionated and well-spoke but not as loud and wild about as Teresa could be at times. Then Raven could also turn around and be so sweet and caring while not as quiet as her friend Amy.

Naturally, Raven had acquired the perfect husband in Hank McCoy. While so scientifically brilliant, Leon waited patiently for the large man to whip off the studious glasses, unbutton to the S on his chest, and fly away to conquer foes the Man of Steel himself did not dare face.

The adoptive McCoy children proved no less fascinating in Leon's eyes. Though they had apparently been retrieved from some nuclear laboratory of sorts, little Kyra and Travis seemed to carry less trepidation than Joey. That evening in particular Trav acted as a little chatterbox about the "amazing" discoveries to be found in his children's books.

Leon shared the briefest glimpse with New York City native, Frank Tolbert. The second they met, Leon recognized the vibe he received from him. It rung very reminiscent of specific shop keepers abruptly switching their signs over to 'closed' whenever he came near.

Alex's father Erik Lehnsherr, who had arrived last to the table, had given Leon a simple acknowledging nod. Leon saw a great many things in common between the non-biological father and son. Like Alex, Erik did not seem one to force or draw attention to things. The man had an edge about him to be certain and Leon knew it probably struck fear in the hearts of many, but it inspired more respect than anything in Leon. He knew Erik had a devastating past with camps but there he sat among his beloved children. When he was not busy yanking other people's children from freezing cold water that is. He did not allow the former harshness to get in the way of his entire life; something Leon appreciated greatly.

Erik's direct opposite, the extroverted Patrick Hughes, started in on a hysterically outrageous story from his club. Trick, as he preferred to be called, always seemed to emit rays of jolly whenever he strolled into a room. Odd how he came off so fun and childlike with a nearly thirteen-year-old daughter. Jasmine herself often seemed as trying to be a grownup lady. Leon found a simple enough explanation for it. He also noticed the ivory based cosmetics she wore; no doubt to accentuate the gifts her father's side had bestowed on her.

Between Jasmine and Cody Howlett, Leon had to practically avert his eyes to keep from gawking. Not one but two interracial children? Leon could sooner believe a house party between a white rhino and a dodo bird. Other than being mixed, though, the two did not have many similarities. Jasmine came off as weighed down next to the incredibly carefree Cody Howlett. Considering the hand caressing currently taking place between the married Howletts, Leon knew then that Cody's experiences had nothing on the lovely Jasmine's.

Thinking there had to be some sort of theme in the house featuring siblings that did not actually look related, Leon considered the brothers Howlett-Creed. A tall good-looking single blonde next to a short, hairy brunette with an absolute knockout for a wife. Although, Kayla was an Indian… perhaps the marriage had been arranged?

Leon tried to clear his head of such a negative thought. After all, Private Howlett and his brother were soldiers, men who deserved parades but never actually came out and asked for them. For devoted services, most of them only ever seemed to walk away with scars and nightmares; those that were allowed the privilege of still being able to walk at all after the fighting ended.

When Pretty Eyes smiled his direction, Leon could not help returning her contented expression. Sure, she and Emma Frost were telepaths as well, but something just felt different with them. Something about them said they were not out to pry; hilariously unusual for females. No, their mission consisted of spreading hospitality. Emma especially carried a "no pressure" air about her.

Leon had to admit he felt uneasy about himself regarding his sentiments towards the Professor. For all the man's warmth and generosity, it still did not seem fair that he had such an advantage in the psyche game. Leon could practically hear "please tell me your pain so I can behave as if I have so much as a spec of enlightenment to offer" echoing off the cheerful man.

"Is it true what Alex says about college?"

Departing from the depths of his own head, Leon looked over at the one who had spoken his way. "Which part?"

Cordelia raised, "Do you really get to leave class if the professor is a no-show after a certain time?"

"Truth," Leon confirmed.

"Smashing," the girl reacted.

Catching her accent, Leon asked, "Are you from Boston?"

"Wait, that's a loaded question," Cordelia accused humorously, eyes narrowing. "You're asking if I'm a snob."

"No, trust me, I know the feeling," Leon told her. "Considering my friends find it difficult to believe that I can come out of Los Angeles and still eagerly devour meat."

Suddenly recalling something, Trav asked, "Did it hurt when Uncle Alex kicked you?"

Inquisitive expressions covering nearly everyone at the table, Leon came back at the child with, "What?"

"Jam said to kick you in the butt." Trav looked across the table expectedly. "Remember, Uncle Alex?"

A teeny smirk came to Alex's lips. "Yeah, I remember."

Raven shook her head in amusement. "That sounds like Jam."

Yeah, Leon silently agreed. That did sound like Jam. He missed him as well but had not managed to phone him yet. With it being the holidays, he probably had a wealth of familial obligations. It'd be amazing if the Connecticut branch of the SSC even remembered his name when upcoming semester classes resumed.

Trav then asked Leon, "What'd you do bad?"

Hank gave off a distinct clearing of his throat. "Son, I think that's enough questions."

"No, it's fine," Leon said then answered Trav directly. "I have good friends, but I wasn't being one myself."

Erik put forth, "Recent events would care to dispute that."

"That's for sure." Alex saw the easiness that spread from his friend's shoulders and added, "Though I'm still going to kick your butt. Just wait until we start training."

"Actually," Leon's features lightened positively, "I can't wait for that."

When the meal ended, Frank and Jasmine went to work clearing the table while everyone else started for separate areas of the house. Alex left with Hank for the former's latest health follow-up. A momentary panic came over Leon at the Professor making plain as day tracks for him.

Then Raven clamped onto Leon's arm and promptly whisked him out of the dining room. She led them through the lab, bypassing Hank and Alex, and up the room's stairs to the McCoy Wing.

"What do you think?" Raven spun about the space with a glowing pride.

"Not only am I living with Raven Xavier McCoy but I'm actually in her bedroom." Leon fell back on the enormous bed. "I think you just made me the envy of ninety percent of the male student body at school."

Raven tumbled down beside him. "And I suppose you're going to fill their heads with all kinds of phony scandalous tales about what takes place here."

"I would never do that."

"Fine." Raven supported her weight on one elbow. "I'll do it myself."
Leon let loose a short laugh, momentarily mesmerized by her smile that always seemed to carry its own illumination. "So… Mystique? How exactly does that work?"

"Basically? See it, think it," Without moving a single muscle, Raven replicated Leon's entire appearance along with his voice, "be it."

Leon reacted with popped eyebrows. "You're… wait, you are really a girl, right?"

She shifted back into her blonde guise. "You really have to ask?"

"And how long have you been doing this?"

"As long as I can remember honestly."

Leon regarded her secretively. "How many times have you used this? You know what I mean. Parent teacher conferences, pranks on the vicious girl in class…"

"Believe it or not, I never had the chance," Raven told him. "I was always homeschooled until now."

"Homeschooled?" Leon echoed in disbelief. "But you're so…"

"Normal?" she filled in.

"Nothing of the sort," he said to the contrary. "You're completely out there, Practically fearless."

She denied vaguely, "I wouldn't say that. It just helps that I followed my brother out to Oxford and got some idea of what a real school experience is like."

Leon touched on that next. "So the Professor and Alex's dad are your brothers… but you're also Alex's sister- near twin in fact?"

"It's complicated beyond reason," Raven admitted. "So here we go. Charles adopted me when I was really little. The CIA came looking for us a whole two seconds after he completed his doctorate, which is how we acquired Erik- and Emma, too technically but that's a whole other story- then Hank, Alex, Sean, Becca. Anyway, when you come here, unless you're already biologically claimed, you either become an Erik Kid or a Charles Kid."

Absorbing all of that, Leon pointed at her. "And you're…"

"The sister," she replied. "But since the five of us original kids all lived here together first we pretty much are brothers and sisters. The husband leans towards Charles. So do Sean, Cordy, Scott, and Joey who's officially legally adopted. Alex, Frank, and Becky flock with Erik."

Leon noted, "Memberships sound a tad uneven."

Raven explained, "Charles is the type not to be too forceful. Aside from Joey of course, his still have birth families and Hank might be getting above the whole thing. Erik Kids are more tight knit."

Absorbing all of that, Leon said, "I don't mean to be offensive but I can't help finding it strange that kids would lean more towards a telepath. That's like leaving their diaries wide open and highlighted."

"When I was a kid, I asked Charles never to read my mind and he's respected that ever since." Raven looked at him seriously. "If he wanted to make zombie puppets out of people don't you think he could aim a little higher than a bunch of kids already easily influenced by magazine headlines and TV?"

Knowing a very good point had been made, Leon wondered not for the first time how WU professors hoped to stand a chance against this girl. People could say whatever they wanted about Raven but he had one word to describe her; real.

IIIIIII

Applying face cream around her cheeks and neck, Emma said, "I think you're making far too much of this."

"This is not an exaggeration, love," Charles insisted from where he leaned against her vanity facing her. "Every time he looks upon me it's like a fawn against a fully armed hunter."

"Sugar," Emma touched a hand to his knee, "I know this is new territory for you, but not every child you meet is going to develop an instantaneous rapport with you. Need I remind you that your little sister considered me an insect to crush under her boot but Cordelia is under the belief that you're the patron saint of grownups?"

"…Right." Charles sighed deeply. "It's only that I want to help him so badly but he won't allow me to get close enough."

"Leon's damage runs so deep." Emma shined understanding eyes his way. "Give him time."

Charles lowered himself to join her on the bench and found rest against her shoulder while a hand running down her stomach allowed him to interact with their growing baby.

IIIIIII

Another one of the constructed paper menorahs mounted to a wall, Becky moved on to find spots for the others. Erik peered away from his work every so often to watch her work, charmed by her diligence.

Frank stepped into the den a moment later to report, "Kitchen's all clean. Can me and Jas stay up an hour to watch that picture tonight?"

Erik cautioned, "Be certain you don't sleep through breakfast tomorrow."

"Me miss latkes? No chance." Frank started to go but turned back, now with an uncertain air about him. "Erik?" The petition got the man's eyes up fully. "Are you— do we have to hate Cap forever?"

Closing the file he had out, Erik extended one arm. "Come here, little boychick." Frank walked over, taking up room on one thigh only to properly face the elder. "I want to make something clear to you." He gripped Frank's chin. "I do not hate Steve and I would not demand you to feel that way towards anyone. However, because of what happened, I cannot trust him."

"I know, Erik, and I get it," Frank said. "But he didn't want Kerstin to be hated on account of her parents. Isn't that why you and Charles don't want us going around telling people we're mutants?"

"Yes," Erik nodded, "you're absolutely correct. But when it comes to so much as the thought of harm coming to one of you, my sense of reasoning falls to the wayside."

Frank smiled slightly and touched cheeks with him for a moment before getting up to go.

Becky applied the last decorative menorah to the front of Erik's desk then came around to sit with him. Her contented hum floating up to his ears, Erik kissed the top of her head and returned to reviewing the students' troubled areas of that past semester.

IIIIIII

Spirited commotion guiding him, Leon stopped off outside the second floor recreation room to glimpse inside. In one corner, Cody attempted to come at Sean from every angle, apparently captivated by the musical device in the redhead's possession. Over on the middle of the floor, Scott, Joey, and Trav crawled about while Alex half played and half monitored.

"Fine, you can play a few strings," Sean at last gave in to the relentless boy near him. "But your hands better not be sticky."

Cody waved the spoken appendages. "I'm clean."

Satisfied, Sean settled him down to show him a few notes. "Hey, gently." He moved Cody's smaller hands over the strings. "There you go."

"Ow!" Scott sat up, rubbing his shoulder. "Travis!"

A look from Alex silenced the five-year-old's giggles. "Trav, that wasn't cool. You know the rules. Light shark bites only."

Trav lowered, adorable innocence all over his face. "I didn't know my teeth were that strong. They're little."

"Maybe you need to go on a 'little" time-out then." Alex indicated a corner.

"No, Uncle Alex," came the immediate whine of protest. "I'm sorry, Scottie." Trav gave the older boy a hug.

Scott softened and patted his back. "It's okay, Trav. Just follow the rules now, okay?"

"'Kay," he complied.

Alex started to say something else until he noticed his friend near the doorway. "Hey, Lee. Get in here. You're missing all the fun."

Leon walked in, lowering when he got close enough. Though he, Alex, and Jam had fallen into many a wrestling tournament at the dorms, usually at the mutual conclusion that studying is boring, he did not quite know what to do with the small people.

He also did not have long to think on it as Cody barreled through, pouncing him. "Ha gotcha, pretty boy!" In less than a blink, Leon slid out from under him and gently pinned one of the ten-year-old's arms back. "Whoa!" Cody sounded more impressed than bothered. "How'd ya do that?"

"A little practice." Leon allowed him up. "As in six or seven months' worth at least."

"My dad and uncle show me everything." Cody dipped on his hands and raised his bottom in a catlike stance. "Watch this." He moved to tackle Leon again and the match resumed in full.

Joey tried climbing up Alex's back but felt an instant wave of dread at the faint wince that resulted. "Al?" He got down, going around to see about him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. Are you—"

Alex quieted him by yanking him over to tickle. "I'm fine." He got in closer to his ear, reiterating softly, "I'm fine, Joe." He then looked over. "Hey Seanie, rock out later. Come play."

"In a sec," Sean responded offhandedly. "Trick wants me to go over this."

"Strange," remarked Leon.

Sean looked up with narrowed eyes. "Is that a crack at my music?"

"No," Leon rolled over onto his stomach, "I meant the way you all often refer to your elders by their first names. Even in families that usually only happens if it's your older brother or sister. Like I hardly ever referred to my cousin by name because of the age gap between us."

"Seriously?" Alex reacted.

Leon nodded. "It's sort of a legacy thing and I guess a way to teach kids early on how to be respectful when they're left with someone other than their parents."

"Yeah," said Cody. "I used to slip up and call my uncle just Vic sometimes. My dad always smacked me good for it."

"Hm," Sean looked thoughtful, "Maybe we should enforce that on certain little kids around here."

"Why?" Joey smiled his way. "We already respect Alex."

Sean stuck his tongue out at him briefly before retaking his guitar practice.

IIIIIII

Still hygiene rejuvenated from his earlier shower, Leon changed from dinner clothes into long-sleeved pajamas. Stretched out on top of his mattress with an old textbook in front of him. When he glanced up at one point, his eyes went straight to the desk; specifically that chair that came along with it.

Getting up, he dragged the chair out enough to allow himself to drape stomach down across the wooden seat. Long dark strands masking both his face and thoughts, Leon considered the short amount of time he had spent at the Xavier Institute. Much like dorm life, he lived there but quite unlike dorm life he had more rules to follow. Curfews, obedience, and the most obvious for such a school, strong policies against power misuse. All of the rules seemed to add up for the common goal of safety. Leon found it strange as well as amusing that the free institution invested more into their students' welfare than the place that collected an obscene amount of revenue to fill their heads with 'grand' knowledge.

More than the rules themselves, which any fourth-grader could easily adhere to, Leon constantly thought about the consequences. Somehow grounding and loss of privilege did not feel as glaring as being forced to pay a hefty monetary fine for defying university policy. Spanking on the other hand…

Laughing faintly, he still remembered the looks on the other guys' faces after Alex had abruptly taken a paddle to him. Sean's reaction was one thing but Leon did not understand Jam's. After all, their little group exchanged smacks all the time. Everyone in college seemed to. Jocks were practically notorious for it. Girls always gave off that high-octane giddy shriek for every little rap on the bottom they received. Leon even recalled his not-long-lasting roommate bent over a desk while a couple of his friends went at his rear with someone's ruler, all of them guffawing over it.

Of course, while Leon fell on the receiving ends of smacks from Jam and Alex, he really was not one for returning them. Not that it made him uncomfortable; in the far back of his mind he remembered his cousin picking him up as a small boy and giving him playful swats. Something Jared had acquired from his own brothers. Before the war.

Although, something Leon did notice was how smacks between Alex and Jam themselves always came off as more mutually companionable, the ones they gave Leon seemed harder. Alex especially struck him whenever Leon drifted into lala land; usually due to his shifting powers taking his energy, not that the blonde had been remotely aware of that. So that day in Jam's room when Alex had taken him over, Leon had not seen it for anything beyond rough housing.

Until the first whack, which actually felt painful, collided. Leon had also not cared for the paddle. It came off so… distancing. Then when he'd been let up and Alex suddenly apologized and hugged him, he realized the reason for everyone's gaping. Alex had not been playing with him but punishing him. He'd honestly yanked Leon across his knees and punished him for behaving badly. Exactly as he would the younger brothers he talked about with such fondness, who Leon knew well that Alex loved more than anything in the world.

However, Sean had been in there, too. Why hadn't Alex done anything but snap a little at his goofing around? Because Leon was older, perhaps? No, Alex had known Sean far longer. Certainly he would expect better behavior from him than some little school chum.

"What are you doing?"

Leon felt a burning at the tops of his ears. He had not heard the knob turn. Had he really left the door cracked?

Expression neutral, he shifted his head to look to the one who had just entered. "Redirecting blood flow."

"Fascinating," Hank responded simply, good humor written all over his face and a certain twinkle could be seen in the blue eyes. "I have something for you." Leon sat up and Hank approached, holding out what looked like some sort of heavy bracelet. "It's your communicator."

Leon looked from him to the device. "Oh." He held up his wrist.

"Here." Hank placed it on him then indicated the individual tiny knobs and buttons. "You can use different wavelengths to get in touch with us separately or send out an all call."

Not sure what to say to it, Leon went with, "Thank you, Hank."

Hank then told him, "I expect you to have that on at all times wherever possible. Especially when you venture beyond the mansion."

"I will," the younger male said, studying the piece of technology closely.

A satisfied Hank switched topics. "Alex tells me you play a little football. That was practically my whole life at one point."

"It's only recreation on my end. I've never gone out for a team."
"Perhaps we could get a game in tomorrow," Hank proposed. "If you're up for it of course."

Though not anticipating the offer, Leon found no refusal within him. "I'd like that."

Hank bobbed his head. "I better get back before my little girl sets out to find me." He turned to go and headed out. "Be good."

Flashing eyes after the tall individual, Leon watched him go, coiling a grip around his new wrist accessory.

IIIIIII

Sleep unable to clutch him long enough, Charles gave into his mutation overworking against his will and climbed out of bed. He put his robe on and departed from the master suite. The glowing Christmas lights throughout the second floor provided him very little in times of merry. He rubbed at his temples and blinked several times to get a hold on things.

Stopping outside the door that radiated the most mental vexation, Charles twisted the knob and carefully looked inside. Loud sobs rang throughout the room upon entry. Moving with the grace of one so experienced in thrashing night terrors, he touched one hand to Leon's back and another to his forehead.

It is alright, lad. The pain, the grief, these vicious creatures seeking to violate your slumber. That part of your life is over.

Sensing the calm slowly but steadily spread throughout the young man, Charles took a seat near him on the bed. The telepath ran a continuous hand down his back and stayed that way until he felt certain Leon continue his night peacefully.

I'll always be here, Leon, Charles used fingers to brush back some of the black hair away from his way, whenever you are ready.

After a few more seconds, Charles finally left out. Instead of returning to his own quarters, though, he found his way down to the lower level and into the gym.

Leaning against the doorway, the Professor asked, "How long are you going to continue these late nights?"

Spinning around from his solo hand-to-hand practice, Erik replied, "As soon as I like what I see when I close my eyes."

"I'm worried about Leon." Seeing he now had his brother's full attention, Charles went on. "I just found him weeping in his sleep. Again. I managed to get close enough to soothe him, but by day's light…"

"He isn't Joey, Charles." Erik came over to him. "When some go through what Leon has, the mind acts as the sole means of escape. To have someone come along who can jeopardize that…" He gave the younger headmaster's shoulders a tight squeeze. "A hesitant boy does not a bad professor make."

"Now who's the mind reader?" Charles lost his humor. "However, a certain brother out to make himself sick with sleep loss makes for a stern professor. I want you to get some real rest. I'll see about Alex come morning."

"Lab Rat…" Erik started, ready with an argument as ever despite his extreme fatigue.

"I mean it, Erik." Charles reached around and swatted him soundly at the thigh. "Upstairs this instant, please."

Eyebrows raising in reaction, Erik remarked, "Stern professor, indeed," but started out nonetheless.

After giving him another propelling strike, Charles followed him out and up. Not until he sensed Erik settle into much needed slumber did he go back to his own room to experience the same.

IIIIIII

The moment he felt himself pried away from the restful state, waves of disappointment flooded Leon. He had not experienced such a fine quality of sleep without heavy medication in far too long. He attempted to return to it until he felt the moisture.

Finding both pillows thoroughly drenched, he touched the sheet and realized he had drowned the head of that as well. Leon sighed through his nose.

Why?... Just why? All he wanted to know.

Leon made his way to the nearest bathroom, having managed to figure out the ones within closest proximity to his bedroom as well as the stairs fairly quickly. After practically scrubbing a layer of skin off in order to clean his face, Leon went back into his room.

As he changed clothes, he noticed the clock on his night table that read five after ten AM. Not worrying with that for the moment, he gathered the all too salty smelling sheets and pillowcases into his short clothes hamper. Securing his communicator, he headed out.

Done filling in the last notation for December, Maya turned a page in the sky blue daily planner to begin on the first week of January.

"So how many demerits for sleeping through breakfast?"

She smiled as he lowered next to her on one of the bottom steps. "You're not alone. Half the house is still asleep. Sean and I are heading over to my mom's. We're going to force her into tree décor and flush her cigarettes when she's not looking."

"Sounds like a plan," Leon approved then looked about their surroundings, "Christmas seems mighty popular around here."

"Kids here love their celebrations," Maya told him. "Birthdays, the girls and their tea parties- oh, Frank planned the nicest little USO show for Wolverine and Sabretooth."

"Little patriot, is he?"

"Like you wouldn't believe."

Leon faced forward with a muttering of, "That explains it."

Maya tilted her head. "What?"

"Speaking of patriotism," Leon looked at her again, "Who has your allegiance? The Erik Kids or the Charles Kids?"

"Oh boy," she could not shield her amusement at the question, "I can tell you that no matter my test scores, I don't meet Erik Kid qualifications. Don't get the wrong idea, though. He really does care about all of us."

Leon surmised, "So Charles Kid then."

"Smiley," both teenagers glanced over at the adult who had strolled up on them, "Junior Irish is waitin' on you in the garage."

"Oh." Slipping her planner into her purse as she stood, Maya said, "See you later, Leon," she hurried off, just stopping long enough to peck Logan's cheek, "Bye," and continued on her way.

Logan placed his gaze on Leon, who stared back at him evenly. "Match made those two."

"Infatuation is common throughout high school," Leon stated plainly then indicated his hamper. "Is the laundry room…?"

"Basement."

"Thank you." Leon got up with the clothes bin.

"Havin' some special dreams there, kiddo?" The remark made Leon pause before the man. "Don't be ashamed. Waitin' to have the big chat with my son when he starts squirtin'. Quite a few pretty ladies walkin' through here."

Leon only looked at him for a few seconds before speaking. "Mutation- it's such a phenomenal concept with so many variations. Yet I can't help but wonder if it's also a hindrance. I mean, let's face it. Sean is beyond fortunate to have found someone like Maya, a budding biologist. Not only is she accepting, she's utterly fascinated by him."

"Maya's one of a kind," Logan concurred.

"I bet it still plays on Sean's mind sometimes, though. I don't mean to be insulting of course but I'm certain that bright red hair against fair skin leaves him feeling very self-conscious at times. Possibly to the point that he may wonder if he could hang onto Maya were he not born with this amazing gene." Leon's tone lowered with empathy. "I can't imagine being in that position. Having a lovely, highly intelligent woman in my life but constantly struggling with the notion that I could lose her to someone superior. That I couldn't possibly compete if not for my mutation. Can you imagine feeling that way, Private Howlett?" Leon noticed the slight twitch near the older male's growing dark eyes. "Can you?"

Logan formed a taut smile. "Keep it up, smart guy," with a forceful slap to his shoulder, he leaned in towards Leon's ear. "St. Nick's not the only one who keeps a naughty list." He walked off with that.

Leon watched his pacing then, with a short whistle on his lips, trekked on for the laundry room.

IIIIIII

Coming into the room, Charles could not help the delighted smile that came to his face at the young man entangled in his blankets and hugging a pillow like a stuffed animal.

"Alex," Charles approached the bed and bent, stroking the blonde hair at the temple, "time to wake up, dear college man."

Stirring just a bit, Alex spoke out a faintly questioning, "Dad?..."

The Professor's smile only grew. "Uncle Charles today."

"Uncle Charles," Alex incoherently repeated, eyes opening slowly.

When he went to touch the young face again, Charles noticed it. "You're awfully warm. Are you feeling alright?"

Alex sat up, running both hands down the front of his face. "Okay I guess."

Charles felt his pajama top. "You've sweated straight through this shirt. Come," he gently helped him out of bed, "let's get you into a cool bath."

Alex rested against the man as they journeyed over into the second floor bathroom he used most. While Charles filled the tub, he got out of his partly damp pajamas.

When he got into the water, Alex's gaze went up and he flinched at the shower nozzle lingering above him.

Water or gas?

Sensing the unexpected distress, Charles looked away from collecting the pajamas from off the floor. "Alex?" He dropped the garments altogether as he sat at the edge of the tub, placing an arm around the youth.

"It's burning," Alex uttered, lightly kicking his legs.

No, Alex, it's the fever making you feel that way. You're home safe with your family. Charles got in closer to give him a reassuring squeeze. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you.

Proper state of mind returning to him, Alex shook his head and glanced up with glistened eyes. "I'm sorry…"

"None of that," Charles said right away. "You've no reason to apologize." He caressed his cheek gently. "Alright now?"

"Mmhmm," Alex responded in a hum, though no signs of significant cheer appeared on his features. "It just feels like… like I'll never be strong again."

"You are strong," Charles reinforced with no room for argument. "Were you not, you never would have made it out alive, let alone come this far in a short amount of time. When I was in the wheelchair, you told me again and again not to give in. It's time you heed your own advice, young man."

Alex nodded hard. "Yes, sir. It's just so hard."

"I know," and Charles did. "I'm going to have Hank come take a look at you, alright?" After another nod from him, Charles telepathically summoned their resident doctor.

By the time Alex returned to his room and put on regular clothes, Hank rushed in, med bag in hand. With Charles overlooking, he checked Alex over.

"I see no signs of other cold symptoms," Hank reported. "I believe the pain relievers I prescribed for you conflicted with your blood pressure medication. That would explain the fever."

"And why I dreamed I went to Oz last night," Alex managed to joke.

Hank gave him a fond pat at the stomach. "A cold compress and a little more rest will have you back to your old self." He half-smirked. "Whether or not that's a good thing is a whole other debate."

Alex shifted over on the mattress to lay on his side. "Tell Erik I'm going to need extra latkes for this."

Charles chuckled lightly and planted a kiss at the yellow hair. "Yes, you're to be spoiled endlessly. I command it."

"Thanks, Unc," Alex said as he closed his eyes.

Leaving out to allow him all the remaining sleep he needed, Charles gripped Hank by the forearm the moment they made it out into the hall.

"This was not your fault," Charles stated knowingly.

"Of course it is, Charles," Hank insisted. "Anything could have happened because of my inability to properly treat him. Something much harsher than a small spike in temperature."

"Blood pressure medication is too unpredictable. Simple cough medicine could have triggered a complication. You mustn't be so hard on yourself for something so relatively minor."

"I mustn't be negligent," Hank countered strongly. "What if it had been one of the younger children? The smallest mistake on my part could easily—"

"Henry," Charles cut in a tone that immediately silenced the tirade. "That is quite enough. You are doing the very best you can under the circumstances. We all are. If Alex is not out to hang you, you certainly have no right to tie together your own noose." He softened a bit. "Now I know you are stressed and under pressure but beating yourself up so harshly won't make matters any better."

"My father lay dying and I could do nothing," a mix of venom and despondency blended together in Hank's voice, "If the same happened with one of you…"

Charles took hold of the tall young man to bring him down into a tight hug. "Can you feel this? I'm right here, Henry. We're all here."

Hank hung on until he could stand straight again. "I need to get the cloth for Alex's head."

Charles nodded, giving him leave to go. Though the Professor knew the request to be futile, he wished very deeply that his courageous X-Men could go back to being the three rambunctious boys he'd brought home that first day.

IIIIIII

Two mugs in her possession, Raven handed one over to Emma as she lowered to rejoin her on the couch.

"You are truly a daughter of England," Emma proclaimed upon tasting the chamomile tea.

"Exactly why the queen keeps us on the VIP list," Raven said, sipping her own warm brew.

Emma reached over to play in the golden locks beside her. "I keep having to do a double take, I've gotten so used to that red hair."

The mutated hazels eyes flashed and Raven pieced together, "With everything that's happened I figured it'd be best to make Leon as comfortable as possible."

Emma gave her a meaningful glance. "You don't have to do that with me. You already know that."

"Yeah, I do know." Raven let off a long breath. "Too bad you're the only one- well, except for Alex. That's why I'm so glad we go to school together. No expectations, no lecturing, no see-that-you-don't-slip-up looks."

"Unlike here at home."

"I'm not trying to be a brat," Raven assured. "My family's everything, but even my kids wonder why Mommy is Goldilocks instead of the Blue Fairy. If Leon ever really saw… At school, I'm able to leave all of that behind. I go to class, complain about homework, rag on professors, watch the faces of big tall boys completely crumble every time I flash my wedding ring." She smirked at that.

The expecting one nodded with a gleam of her own. "Believe it or not, I know what you're feeling. It's bad enough Charles knows with who I used to align myself, but to go to Boston for my mother's funeral? Absorb the Frost dysfunction for all its worth? Behold the deformed skeleton of my teen years? I'd have gladly taken the bath of hot oil first."

"But that worked out for the best," Raven pointed out. "And you're total prime gorge now."

"After fortune at last favored me," Emma added. "But you," she tucked a few strands of blonde behind Raven's right ear, "my dear are the masterpieces Joey wishes could jump straight off his canvases. You are artwork made life. You just keep on breaking hearts around that campus."

Raven regarded her with awe. "How do you always know what to say?"

Emma told her, "I tend to carry on in the presence of someone I love."

A giggle made both blondes look to the doorway.

Tiny hand gripped three of his fingers, Victor led the way into the living room with an introduction of, "Say hello to Liz Taylor."

With a smile so wide, Kiki walked alongside him. She wore a red dress with a fluffy skirt, white tights and black Mary-Janes, a mini faux mink stole, and pink sunglasses with start shaped lenses.

The women all but bubbled over at the sight of her.

"A movie star here in our own living room," Emma marveled. "Why, I bet Trick is behind this."

"Can I have your autograph," Raven put her mug on the coffee table and opened her arms, "and a great big basket of kisses?"

Kiki let go of Victor to go to her mother and smooch all over her face. "I go to Hollywood with Kitty."

"Hollywood with Kitty?" Raven brought her in close to her chest and pretended to pout. "You're leaving Mommy here all alone?"

"Uh uh," Kiki responded, "We come home for dinner."

Emma laughed and said, "You see, Raven? What's a girl need with fame when she can have macaroni and cheese?"

"Mommy," Kiki lightly tapped at the tiny bird necklace dangling around Raven's neck, "can I fly today? Pwetty pwease?"

"We'll see after nap time, okay?" Raven gave her another squeeze and stood her up. "Go get Kitty."

Kiki ran at him and Victor swept her right up. He positioned her with great delicacy in his strong arms, nuzzling her cheeks and making her laugh when his long hair tickled her face.

Raven watched them with something of a sad smile, suddenly finding her previous issues rather minute.

IIIIIII

Before he could make contact with his doorknob, Leon felt an unexpected hand in his that began to tug at him.

Becky, in purple pants and a white sweater made up of different colored butterflies, beamed up at him. "Papa's making latkes. Let's go, let's go."

Knowing it would take an absolute fool to refuse her insistence, Leon said, "We're going," and allowed her to guide them downstairs.

A magnificent aroma hit his nose the moment they arrived in the kitchen.

Erik looked away from his work at the stove. "Good morning, though I suppose that's good noon at this point."

Frank, who stood beside him assisting, glanced back. "Hey," he said, eyes on their newest resident.

"Good noon," said Leon.

"Are they ready yet, Papa?" Becky asked eagerly.

"It won't be long now," Erik promised. "Wash your hands. Both of you."

Complying, Leon followed Becky over to the sink.

Alex came in then, seeing them. "I already hosed off," he told Erik, taking a seat at the island.

Stack of completed cakes piled on a serving platter, Erik came over to him. "How are you feeling?" He put the platter down to touch his forehead.

Alex nestled against the cool hand for a moment. "It's better. I'm just hungry now."

"Sounds back to normal to me," Frank commented humorously, bringing over another stack.

Becky and Leon sat on one side of the island while Frank and Alex took the other. Erik opted to sit at one head with his plate after he stashed away a reasonable portion of latkes for the rest of the family to enjoy later.

"Want to see something, Leon?" Becky asked, corners of her mouth already covered in crumbs.

"Something like what?" he responded.

"Whoa!" Alex arched back at the image of a small brown monkey taking a portion of his potato cake. "Oh real funny, babes."

Leon's face split into a grin. "Nice."

"Don't encourage her," Alex cautioned. "You'll regret it."

"When do I get to see yours?" Leon asked him.

"You already saw it," Alex smirked, "not my fault you were unconscious during rat blast."

"Hey, get a load of mine." Frank raised his head and shined a certain light, allowing the second floor to appear transparently through the ceiling.

Leon appeared captivated. "Real live X-Ray vision."

Frank turned it off and said, "I can do a whole lot more once I get started. I even have a move like what you've got. Except I was able to take Scott and Alex out of the pit with me." He shrugged with a show of modesty. "If you work at it, you'll probably be able to do that kind of thing, too."

"I hope so." Leon placed his attention on the one next to him. "May I show you something now?"

Becky nodded.

Expecting his friend to vanish, Alex along with the other young people jumped with a startle when Leon raised a hand and made a flower disappear from the vase on the table.

The white carnation reformed in Leon's clutch and he held it to Becky. "What do you think? Any good?"

The bright faced girl took the flower from him. "That is so cool."

Frank's brow creased and he jammed a big forkful of latke into his mouth.

"I didn't know you could do that," Alex said.

"Only small things," Leon explained. "And it takes greater focus than moving my own body."

Erik piped up with, "Something we will spend time working on. For now, it's my turn."

Alex said with a glint in his eyes, "No knife tricks, Erik."

The man gave him a look. "Not quite what I had in mind." He ordered the spatula from the stovetop then used his magnetism to whack it down on the middle of the island's countertop. "No more displays until you're finished eating."

"Yes, sir," sounded from the three young males while Becky replied with, "Yes, Papa."

After they all had second helpings, Becky and Frank loaded up the dishwasher and Alex started cleaning off the stove. Deciding to be of use as well, Leon wet a sponge to wipe off the island.

At the hand that pressed against his back, he froze in place for a moment but eased into it. He looked up at Erik.

"Sleep alright last night?"

"Yes, sir," Leon nodded. "It helps that the bed is much more comfortable than anything offered on campus."

"Hm, that's good," Erik said evenly. "You had Charles worried."

Leon looked genuinely surprised. "The Professor?"

"Yes," Erik replied. "He used his mutation to help put you back at ease."

"He," Leon turned astonished now, "… he can do that?"

"Some nights it's all he can do to help the rest of us get real sleep," Erik informed. "He feels our torments and makes it a personal mission to end them. You see, Leon, Charles Xavier is far more than a mere mind reader."

Unsure of what to say to that, Leon kept cleaning.

Becky came over and hugged Erik at the waste. "All done, Papa. May we go outside to show our powers some more?"

Erik lifted her to hold. "Let's get into our coats." He carried her out, slipping a free arm around Frank. "Come, you two," he called back to the older boys.

Done with the stove, Alex walked over to Leon. "Everything cool?"

"Yeah," the darker haired one answered sincerely.

"Yeah," Alex parroted good-naturedly. He thumped him on the stomach and gestured for them to head out.

Leon left his sponge on the counter and followed.

IIIIIII

Toddler secure in his lap, Victor pointed out the magazine cover. "That's Liz Taylor."

"Gorge!" Kiki reacted to the woman depicted.

"Tell me about it," he seconded.

At the face that popped up beside the chair, Kiki squealed," Joey!"

"Peeky," Joey dipped and shot right back up, "boo!"

"Hey," Cody protested, "I thought you were helping me."

"I am." Joey lowered back down to collect more pieces.

Victor glanced over the side of his chair, seeing they were constructing some sort of Lego ship.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught short fingers reaching for knobs on the control panel.

"Leave alone, Liz," he directed with mild firmness, seizing her hand before she could disrupt anything. "No touch."

Seeing it, Cody remarked, "If we fiddled with that junk you'd yell at us."

Victor shot him a skeptical gaze. "Really? I yell at you?"

"Yep." Cody rethought that and amended, "Well, sometimes."

"When?" Victor asked in a quizzical tone.

"You know… when you talk in that voice that sounds all…" Cody attempted a way to better describe. "Loud and cringe-y."

Victor looked at him flatly. "You mean when I scold you?"

"Yeah, that," Cody waved off.

"Hi, Wolvie," Joey acknowledged when the man entered Eye Spy.

"Hey, Sparky." Logan dropped down into the swivel chair beside Victor's.

"Dad." Cody hopped up and pounced into his lap, bumping foreheads with him.

Perking a bit in demeanor, Logan sent a light snarl into his son's. He then simply laid back while the boy head-butted him at the chest and shoulders.

"You sleepy?" Victor's hand rested at the now lethargic Kiki's back. "You want your mama?" She nodded tiredly. "Here, take her to your aunt, Joey."

Ever amazed that their actually existed a child so much smaller than himself, Joey accepted the toddler and hugged her near.

Cody scampered down from his father to leave with them.

"Come straight back here and get these toys up off the floor," Logan called after them.

"Yes, sir!" came the dual reply.

Victor observed one monitor. "Well, well. Look who's finally comin' around."

Logan spotted Leon outside with Erik and the others. "Yeah, let him be Magneto's headache for a while."

Knowing his brother far too well for his liking, Victor asked automatically, "What happened?"

"He's full of it." Logan got up, going to the small refrigerator for a beer. "Thinks he's slick as spit, though."

Victor countered matter-of-factly, "What he thinks is that he's got all the answers. Don't act like you don't remember all those green kids from combat. Pukin' up half their lunch the second reality set in."

"Oh yeah," Logan certainly recalled, returning to his seat with his preferred beverage. "Not to mention the number of screws this kid's got loose."

"Gonna have to keep an extra eye on him," Victor determined.

"And if he really needs it," Logan took a long swig from the bottle, "an extra foot."

IIIIIII

When the illusion of the skateboarding snowman at last faded away, Leon glanced down and faced Becky in gleeful intrigue.

"Do you have any idea just how special you are?" he asked her.

Smiling, she countered positively, "Do you know how special you are?"

"Gah!" Leon reacted suddenly when a snowball collided with the side of his face.

"Oops." Frank stood off from them, grinning smugly. "Forgot to yell 'heads up'."

Leon used his power to order some snow from a branch to rain down on top of him. "So did I."

Becky laughed.

Frank rolled his eyes, dusting off the white residue from his shoulders. "Oh, fun-ny."

"Like you didn't have that coming," said Alex.

Leon turned to him. "So about your power…"

Alex looked over at Erik, who consented with a nod.

Bending, Alex gathered together enough snow to make a sizeable ball. Rising again, he flung it as high up as he could.

"Get back," he ordered them all in his usual fashion.

Once they inched a careful distance from him, he used one hand to send a low level plasma blast towards the sky. It connected with the falling snowball, bursting it back into a watery state.

Leon let off a long whistle. "Feeling kind of sorry for the rats right about now." He approached, waving his hand around Alex's as if seeking out any residual energy. "How do you channel that?"

"Not easily. And dude, you can dissolve your entire body," Alex pointed out. "How are you impressed by a crummy little blast?"

"A crummy little blast that can level whole buildings if you so command it," Erik raised, going over to the young men. "Nothing to take so flippantly."

Becky heard a loud 'oh brother' project from Frank's mind.

Her attention then diverted over to the one headed their way. "Big Bear."

Hank flipped the football in his hand. "Still up for that game?"

"That's definite," Leon confirmed positively.

Erik put a hand on Alex's shoulder and pulled him back a bit.

Even without the man speaking Alex understood the instruction that he would have to sit this one out. Considering the amount of protective winter gear he currently wore to guard against any chance of developing any further cold symptoms, it did not surprise him nor make him want to argue.

When they sat on a stone bench to watch, Becky went over. Alex accepted the little girl into his lap space.

"Frank?" Hank invited.

"No thanks." Frank opted to go stand over by the bench near to Erik.

Leon said to Hank, "Mercy for the new guy?"

"We'll see," the scientist replied with a fiendish grin.

Running out across the yard, Hank delivered the first toss. When it came just close enough, Leon leapt straight into the air to catch it. Back on his feet again, he sent it back out. Hank jumped and seized it with ease. Coming down in a somersault, he threw again.

Erik's expression became enthralled when Leon performed something of an aerial spin to grab the ball.

"Nice job, man!" Alex supported and Becky waved her arms in a cheer.

Frank crossed his arms, a stony countenance developing on his face.

IIIIIII

As soon as he made it safely inside, Sean shoved the front entrance closed to keep out the harsh cold air. He hung up his coat and accessories before jogging upstairs. When he reached the second level, he spotted Leon departing from a room he certainly did not inhabit.

Sean stalked towards him. "What are you doing?"

Noticing the redhead for the first time, Leon responded, "Oh you're home."

"Yeah, and Maya's staying the night at her mother's," Sean informed.

"Become a little domestically violent, have you?" Leon jested.

"If you want to see me violent," Sean gave him a forceful push back, "keep skulking around my girlfriend."

"Whoa, whoa, hey." Having just gotten out of the lab, Alex rounded the corridor in time to see them. "Sean," he got in-between them, facing the one he addressed, "what do you think you're doing? Seriously, what is it with you two boneheads?"

"Ask him," Sean gestured angrily. "He's the one who was in Maya's room just now."

Alex turned to the brunette now. "What's this all about, Lee?"

Opening Maya's door in full, Leon indicated the book on top of the bed. "My biology text. I'm done with the class so it was either count the inevitable dust particles that will develop on it or see if she could get anything out of it."

Looking at Sean again, Alex said, "You ready to calm down now?"

"No," Sean snapped. "Geez, Alex, can't you see he's trying to hit on her?"

Leon remarked, "I strongly recommend Othello for your winter reading list because you're creating bigger illusions than Becky. You're rationalizing without full facts."

"Oh yeah?" Sean folded his arms. "Why don't you lay the facts on me then?"

"Alright," Leon stared at him straight-faced. "Let's start with how I'm so severely delayed that I have about as much chance of stealing your girlfriend away as a four-year-old boy would."

Both the other males gaped at him.

"Delayed?" Alex echoed incredulously.

"But you're…" Sean shook his head out. "You're in college."

"And you're talking about two completely different areas of the brain," Leon stated. "The alphabet, historical dates, excessively long terms- simple. Do I enjoy staring at girls? Yes. Do I entertain the occasional fantasy? Naturally, but that's all they are. In the real world, I can't offer them anything beyond dinner. You think mutation makes me feel like an outcast?" He looked back and forth between them. "Not even close." He walked off down the hall.

Head dipped, Sean headed for his own room.

Though he remained quiet, Alex decided something. Whatever lingering pain or negative effects he had to work through no longer mattered. He had to be at his strongest for the X-Men; for his family.