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.

124. Chapter 124 We're Happy Tonight

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Twenty Four

Author's Word: Well, after getting through yet another difficulty patch it looks like this weekend is going to carry some unfortunate residual effects. Can I just throw out that none of this is actually my fault? Anyway, enough of that. I completely enjoyed the last round of reviews. You guys were very detailed, opinionated, and I enjoyed everyone's individual reactions. A couple of you actually managed to catch me by surprise. I hope to see more of that this round, fam. Trust me, I can use it. Please enjoy and review!

The flurry of snowballs soared through the air from opposite ends of the resistance fronts put in place by the different sides. When the others seemed to slow and to stop, Frank took the opportunity to pelt out more.

He then reacted with a grand outcry when the cold moisture hit him from above. "Hey!" Frank waved his fist towards Cody, who stood up in a tree branch. "You lousy sneak thief."

"Ha!" Cody shot back then shouted over, "Got him, Joey!"

The snickering blonde raised his head.

"Hmph!" Frank folded his arms. "Two against one." He looked to where the other half of the Eye Scream Team lingered. "Hey Scott, how about a little help?"

"Not right now, Frank." Scott continued sitting off to the side and helping Becky and Kiki build a small snowman.

Frank let off a completely frustrated groan. He'd had Trav helping him earlier- if the kid's involvement could possibly be called help- until the chance to toot around the lab with Hank had presented itself. Between Scott so distracted, Sean busy preparing for the evening's event, and Jasmine and Cordy inside doing… something girl related or whatever, Frank found himself absolutely short on allies.

Unlike Cody and Joey.

Frank looked on as they happily regrouped. Those two always had each other.

"Telegram," a courier in a brown uniform approached the trio of brunette children. "Telegram for Victor Creed."

"He's our security man." Becky stood up. "We'll give it to him."

The deliverer handed over the sealed parchment and tipped his hat. "Have a very merry Christmas, children." He started off again.

"A telegram?" Scott got up next, holding onto Kiki's mitten covered hand.

Becky shrugged, turning the document over. Too bad pieces of mail did not come with minds- not that she would peek if they did.

II

Positioned on the edge of a balcony on the side of the mansion, Victor waited for the jogging metal wielder to come through before leaping down before him.

Erik's surprise by the sudden presence only showed through with his raised eyebrows.

Standing straight, Victor asked, "Got a sec?"

"Certainly, though I take it all is well throughout the grounds," the Poland native surmised.

"Always two steps ahead, Magneto," Victor stated then got down to it. "Me and Lo' met up with Steve a few days back for a drink."

"I don't believe it," Erik began before his tone revealed humor. "You engaged in alcoholism?" Victor gave him a flat look in turn and Erik sincerely chuckled. "What did you expect of me, man? Some sort of vengeful anger? The three of you worked together long before any of you were aware of my existence. I never expected you to simply forget that, even after what happened."

When Erik started to walk by him, Victor asserted, "Seems you've been doin' a little forgettin' of your own, though." Erik turned back with a clearly displeased expression. "Look boss, I know you're sore at him, but you need to remember how you two met the first time around."

"I've made no attempt to sway you against him," Erik stated. "You could do the same with his favor."

"Erik," Victor paused briefly to gather his words, "I don't think you know how rough the fightin' side of war is. You see up close and personal just how fucked up the world is. One night, you're jokin' around with one of your pals, the next day he's a pile of parts next to ya. You're constantly left askin' yourself why you bother. Then to have somebody like you walk back into Steve's life, it all comes back to you. It's not the agents fallin' into line around him, the powers, or the big fancy shield that makes that guy feel like a hero. You survivors- Erik, you're our life's work."

Countenance softening, Erik slipped into thought as a comfortable silence spread out between the two of them.

"Telly-gram!" Kiki chanted. She waved the paper as Becky carried her over with Scott alongside. "Telly-gram for Kitty."

"It just arrived," Scott explained.

"Thanks, kids." Victor took it from the toddler, obviously having not expected to receive such a thing.

At the lingering curious eyes of the young people, mainly a certain green pair, Erik cleared his throat soundly and quickly received their attentions.

"Let's go on inside," Erik took Kiki from Becky to hold, "see about a little snack."

"Cookies," the bitty one requested.

"We will see, little girl," Erik carried her against his shoulder as the four of them moved towards the house. "Perhaps with some milk."

Left to himself now, Victor opened the note and started to read.

IIIIIII

"The house will be as close to empty as it's going to get," Jasmine reclined against the big black chair as she spoke into the receiver, "so I'll finally get him to myself."

Savannah came back with, "You have the coolest life. I cannot believe your dad lets you have a boyfriend."

"It's not like we weren't best friends already," Jasmine reminded. "But you're not real boyfriend-girlfriend until you kiss."

"Kiss?" Savannah practically exploded.

"Shhh!" Jasmine sent into the phone sharply. "Savannah, some people around here can hear a little too well."

"Are you actually going to try to…?"

Jasmine formed a wide impish smile. "Yep."

Savannah requested, "Tell me everything. At least ten minutes after it happens."

"Don't worry, I will," Jasmine assured. "Call you later." They hung up and she sat back.

Charles re-entered his study to find the girl most content. "I take it the latest gossip was most juicy."

"Oh yeah." Jasmine stood, heading out by him. "Thanks again, Charles."

"Not a problem, dear." The Professor knew his fair share about young girls and their desire for privacy.

IIIIIII

Pair of silver emblems shuffling between his fingers, Leon looked over at the gentle feminine knock and smiled at the one who pushed in through the partly open door.

"Hi," he greeted favorably.

"They're beautiful," Emma indicated the dog-tags. "Where did you get them?"

Leon enclosed them tighter in his hand. "Someone I used to know."

XXXXX

The alluring scent of fresh cut grass struck the boy's nose as he entered in through his white gate. Jared, in work pants and an undershirt, finished putting the lawnmower away in the garage and came out in time to spot the downcast five-year-old.

"Leon," he petitioned him.

Brown eyes shot up. "Cousin. I didn't see you."

"Difficult with your nose so near to the ground." Jared walked over, kneeling to one knee in front of him. "What is it?" When Leon seemed to want to face the ground again, his cousin used his right hand to grip his chin. "Stop that. Who has put you down this way?"

"…Suzie's big sister."

"What did she have to say about you?"

"I don't want to say," Leon whispered.

Jared started to piece together his own conclusion. "Because she spoke ill of you… or someone else?"

"Someone else," Leon said just as quietly.

"Your father?" When he received the headshake, Jared knew. "Me then?" Leon nodded. "What was it?"

Leon repeated stronger, "I don't want to say, Cousin."

"But I want to know," Jared countered then said with more gentleness, "It's alright, Leon."

The boy at last got out, "She said you're a murderer. That that's what soldiers are. I wanted to say it wasn't true, but I… I'm sorry, Cousin."

"You didn't do anything wrong," Jared assured him but his eyes still narrowed, "Though if I ever meet this girl… people like that are spoiled and completely ungrateful for what they have. Freedom has a price. And it's our family who has paid in full." Maneuvering his wooden left hand to remove the tags from around his neck, Jared let them dangle in the air a moment. "We stay here because this country does not belong to them. It belongs to us." He gave a peck to his military insignia then adorned the child's neck with it. "Don't you forget that, little cousin."

Leon grasped the tags with great delicacy, rarely ever seen the man take them off. "Thank you, Cousin. I promise I will take care of them."

"No," Jared caressed his cheek using his hand of flesh, "they'll take care of you."

XXXXX

Emma remained completely quiet until the young man silenced for several seconds.

"I used to know someone, too," she finally said and Leon looked at her. "When my older sister and I were small, we used to sneak up to this closed off area in our attic. We declared it girls only."

"I don't want to be disrespectful, Miss Frost," Leon started, "but I could study forever and never fully comprehend how people who have everything seem to sabotage themselves."

Emma told him with a small smile, "I think you know far more than I do in that regard, sweetheart." She put a hand over his lower arm. "I have to start getting ready. Will you be alright tonight?"

"Yes," Leon answered her. "I could go to Amy's party, but I'm not out to offer explanation of why I'm not in California. People enjoy staring a little too much."

"That they do." Emma also saw more and more as to just how he and Raven seemed to work as friends.

IIIIIII

Picking up on the all too distinct sniffling, accompanied by reddened eyes, and skin far paler than normal, Kayla stopped Trick off in the hall.

"Honey, look at yourself," she said, touching the back of her hand to his forehead. "Are you sure you can't reschedule this?"

"How many times must I tell you, love?" Trick urged. "This is the way of show business. Besides, I'm not about to tell wee ones who have to spend Christmas in hospital beds that I won't be performing on their behalf due to the common cold overpowering me."

Kayla stated, "Your nobility is admirable, no matter how often you worry me."

"Thank you." Trick then shooed at her. "Now, leave me be, woman. The show must go on." He continued walking, leaning slightly against the wall for support. "I'm alright!"

Kayla shook her head then kept on to her own quarters.

Logan sat on the edge of their bed, adding cuff links to his white shirt while Cody took the liberty of shining his shoes.

"Hello, my men," she greeted them as she grabbed hold of her chosen dress to change from inside the walk-in.

"Thanks, Cat-Cat," Logan said after receiving back his polished paten-leathers.

"Uncle Vic's still stayin' home, right?" the boy wanted to know.

"He's been doing that a lot lately," Kayla noted, coming out in the deep blue gown that matched her husband's suit.

"You look pretty, Mama," Cody told her.

"Thank you, baby." The woman positioned herself at the vanity and chose a necklace. "Logan?"

"I'll do it." Cody came over to help her put it on.

"Grown man," Logan remarked humorously then returned to his wife's statement. "You know why, don't you?"

"He can't expect to follow every single member of this house everywhere at once." Kayla held Cody in her lap after he finished with her necklace. "He couldn't have protected Alex."

"Logic don't live here, baby. Since day one, my brother's taken every job he's ever had seriously," Logan got up and walked towards them, "That's what a man does." He poked their son in the nose, making him smile.

IIIIIII

Last Mary-Jane successfully clipped onto teeny foot, Raven took time to admire her daughter's appearance. The little girl wore a cotton candy pink dress with white lace trim and stockings. Raven matched her in coloring with an off-the-shoulder sweater and long ivory skirt and hosiery.

Over in the bathroom, Hank had also managed to dress himself and Trav in similar blue and white sweater-vests and dark slacks. When the little boy made a move to grab at the tall bottle of cologne, Hank took it away from his clutch.

"Not too much," the scientist cautioned, dabbing a splash of the fragrance into his large hands. "The smell can either be desirable or horribly overdone. Trust me," Hank patted a bit onto Trav's neck as well as his own, "I learned that the hard way when I was little."

Trav smiled up at him. "Did your daddy wear cologne, too?"

Hank picked him up off the counter. "Yes, he did. I actually got him bottles of it for Father's Day and Christmas."

"And he showed you how to put it on?"

"Yes," Hank said again, walking out to sit on the bed with him. "Just as I do with you now." He looked towards the vanity. "Our ladies about ready?"

"Just a second," Raven responded, eyes glued to the mirror right along with their daughter's. "Now, how should we wear our hair?"

"Down, Mama," Kiki requested, batting at her dark locks.

"Okay, movie star." Raven began smoothing out her strands with the brush. "But let's keep it back just a little so Mommy doesn't have to stop your fun to fix it every five minutes."

"Speaking of fun," Hank said pointedly, his gaze burrowing into Trav's eyes. "Do you remember the rules we went over?"

Trav started to recite, "No climbing the walls, no running, no throwing…"

"No talking about where you used to live," Hank reminded strongly, "and mind your manners at all times."

"And that basically means," Raven added a heart shaped barrette to the back of Kiki's hair, "if you think your Uncle Charles would scold you about it, it's probably not a good idea."

"Yes, Mommy." Trav looked up. "Yes, Daddy."

Hank nodded approvingly. "That's a good cub."

A pigtailed Becky came through in blue jeans and a Seven Dwarves t-shirt and flopped out across the bed. "Are you guys coming back later, too?"

"No, we'll be home early," Raven told her. "It's just a small Christmas get-together. What about you, Becca?" The shape-shifter turned around and carried Kiki over. "You guys up to anything tonight?"

"She's probably looking forward to spending a little time with Leon," Hank smirked.

"Meh," Becky shrugged.

Raven raised a surprised eyebrow. "What happened? I thought you really liked him."

"Not like that," Becky explained. "Not anymore. He's still super cute and smart, but now I just want to play with him and comb his hair for him."

"Typical Becca five-second-fling," Hank remarked in jest. "She even used to have a little crush on me."

"Did not!" the girl in question immediately denied, whipping her head over to face him.

"Oh yes you did," Hank countered. "Remember the day we met and I asked you your name? 'B-B-Becca' ring any bells?"

The others laughed and Becky attempted to hide a smile. "Nuh uh."

"Yes-uh." Hank reached one hand out and slapped her on the bottom mildly.

Becky hopped to her knees with a short shriek.

IIIIIII

"Erik," the bemoaning Frank followed the well-dressed man down the stairs and towards the front door, "I don't get it. When can I be left in charge?"

"When you're older," Erik replied, getting into his trench coat.

With wide exasperated eyes, he emphasized, "I'm thir-teen."

"And still on training wheels as far as I'm concerned." Erik added a fedora to his head. "Listen Frank, it's not that we believe you lack the capability. We simply don't want to burden you with more than necessary while you're so young."

Frank stated sharply, "Well, I'm not following orders from Melon Osaka. No way."
"Name calling are we?" Erik started to unbutton his coat. "Perhaps we need to make a trip to my den before I go out tonight."

Stepping back a pace, Frank waved his hands. "No, no, no. That's okay, Erik."

"I'm not sure about that," Erik fixed him with a familiar glance, "Not if you're standing there telling me what you will and will not do."

"No, Erik," Frank honestly whined, moving against the wall now, mostly to shield his bottom. "I quit, okay? I'm sorry."

Erik went to stand in front of him. "If this attitude does not stop, young man, I will take you across my knee and spank you. I know Leon's presence here is yet another big change for you, but you will not lash out. Because that is where I expect better of my big thirteen-year-old boychick. Understand?"

"Yes, sir," a shamefaced Frank whispered.

Erik brought him into a hug and kissed the top of his head. "Victor will be downstairs keeping an eye on things. Cordy will be in the house. With Leon still so new to things, I trust you'll help her if she needs you?"

"Definitely," Frank said with a smile then remembered something. "You know my mom always shows up to Trick's charity events when they're in town…"

Erik told him in turn, "I look forward to seeing her."

At that moment, Trick received their attention by descending the stairs wearing a pileup of black and white Middle Eastern robes, right down to the headdress.

"Have you seen my staff?" he asked.

While Erik remained utterly speechless, Frank pointed towards the back of the house. "You left it in the kitchen next to the fridge."

"Ah." The Irishman headed in that direction.

At Erik's look, Frank reacted with a clueless, "What?"

IIIIIII

A wolf whistle left Alex's lips when the figure in gray and baby blue danced towards him from the opposite end of the hall.

She lowered the blue hijab, revealing the face of the redhead. "Well? Am I appropriate?"

"I'll say. I don't know if I feel overdressed," Alex glanced down at his suit and tie attire then back up at her, "or under."

Holly smiled at him. "This is Patty Cake's mandatory tradition. He says the modesty puts less emphasis on us and more on the real reason for the season."

"Your bro gets cooler every day." Alex stuck hands into his slack pockets. "Which makes me wonder why you hang around me."

Holly put a hand on her hip. "I am not holding up this show to get out that list."

"Be honest with me," Alex's countenanced turned vastly serious, "Do you think I was an ass for the way I handled things with her?"

"Alex," Holly looked away towards one of many grand art pieces that hung throughout the house, "my parents were never nazis. But that does not mean I want to live as a reflection of who they are and I certainly don't want to be judged based solely off them. But you," she faced him again, "you're a different son with a different father. You would do anything for Erik, as he would you. You have no idea how much I admire that. Maybe even envy it a little."

Alex shook his head lightly in despair. "I just can't stop seeing that footage from the camps. What they did to those people… the things they did to Erik."

"I know," Holly nodded. "All of those images, along with the hurt, confusion, and lies will forever scar Kerstin. I'm not telling you to love her," she raised a hand to caress the side of his face, "but please, don't hate her."

Alex reached out to finger comb a few strands of her hair then hugged and held her in place for several moments.

IIIIIII

"Maximum gorge," Cordelia commented, coming into the kitchen.

Maya, currently in a long-sleeve emerald green dress with short heels on her feet, turned from the island with a wide smile. "Thanks. I really wanted to look nice for when Sean performs with the Hughes."

Cordelia got the cookie jar down. "He's devoted himself to practice for this nonstop, hasn't he?"

"Being asked to help is such a big honor for him," Maya said. "I like that we get to do these kinds of things now." She toyed with her birthday necklace with excitement. "It feels so adult."

The other teenager blinked at her then remembered, "Oh right," she took a bite of an oatmeal raisin sweet, "that's a good thing in your world."

Charles stepped in to announce, "Maya, we're starting out now, dear."

She promptly headed for the garage.

"Forever dashing," Cordelia commented, making her way over to the Professor. "Em must be so pleased."

Charles took her hands to give her a little spin. "What did I ever do to deserve such a delight to my home?"

"Being born wonderful grants you many things."

He smiled and kissed both her cheeks. "I have to be off. Should you need anything, Victor is in Eye Spy. I love you."

"Love you!" Cordelia waved after his departing form.

IIIIIII

As the adults took their leave, Jasmine zeroed in on her intended in the living room.

"Hey sour power," she said of his present countenance, "what's the matter?"

"Nothing," he sighed. "Just wish adults around here would learn to see me as older."

"I know what you're feeling," Jasmine sympathized then grinned. "But hey, they're gone and the little kids are upstairs. We have the TV all to ourselves." Her expression turned coy and she fluttered her long eyelashes. "Just the two of us."

Frank's face melted into slow contentment as well. "Okay."

IIIIIII

Passing by the bedroom that resembled something out of a faraway and delightful kingdom, Leon stopped off inside the wide open doorway. At the desk, Becky sat engrossed in some sort of text.

"Pretty Eyes." The address made her look up as he approached her. "What are you reading?"

"Hi, Leon," she greeted brightly then indicated the book. "It's the study guide from MT. Westchester. The Temple Sean, Papa, and I went to look at."

"May I see?"

Becky held the book out to him. "There are a lot of people in there I've never even heard of in my Torah. But I've seen some of them on Adventure Bible Tales. Me, Joey, and Cody watch it together on weekends." She viewed as Leon seemed to speed right through the words on the pages. "The Temple is really nice, especially the rabbi and his family."

Lowering the book enough to look at her, Leon said, "I may just have to check it out with you sometime."

She leaned her chin against the back of her chair and smiled softly. "Two of his kids are from his wife's other marriage. I have another friend who's mom and dad adopted her all the way from China."

"Lucky," was the first word of Leon's mouth then he threw out, "You know, you're way ahead of a lot of people in this country."

Becky titled her head curiously. "What do you mean?"

Leon kneeled beside her chair. "In Japanese culture, adoption is extremely common."

The girl proved most intrigued by this information. "It is?"

"Oh yeah," Leon went on casually. "Young men even older than me and Alex are adopted frequently by single men like Erik who have no marriage prospects. Then there are couples who never have a son or can't have children at all for some reason who adopt to have someone to leave their estate with. In some families, a boy will be taken in and raised as a son but with the purpose of marrying the daughter when they come of age. That way she is guaranteed to be taken care of very well later in life by a man she knows she can depend on."

Becky positively beamed. "That is so cool."

A rap at the door made them both move their gaze towards where Scott had just walked in.

"Anyone else feel like playing?" He held up the box containing the game of Clue.

IIIIIII

Brown eyes twinkling, Maya listened with an enchanted visage as Sean, dressed in clothing similar to the Hughes but with green and yellow coloring, played his rendition of Silent Night. He used the guitar as a light accompaniment. The packed adult audience followed along to him as well.

"Thank you," he spoke into the microphone when the song ended but the applause made it difficult for the two words to be heard.

"Beautiful," an elderly woman remarked. "Absolutely beautiful."

A man said, "It's good to see a kid like that making an impact out here for a change."

"We're very proud." Emma's countenance reflected nothing less.

Trick gave Sean a supportive pat on the back then left him to regroup with Holly while he took to the mic. "You've all offered us such grand kudos this evening, but I believe it is all of you who should be honored. The profits from your ticket purchases will go to help many underprivileged children this holiday season. I also want to remind everyone of the hospital's toy drive taking place on Christmas Eve. Any and all donations are most appreciated." He pointed out an eager young woman who waved his way urgently. "Yes, ma'am? Do you have a question?"

The brunette made her way towards the stage and Trick helped her step up. "Patrick Hughes, I can't tell you how delighted I am to meet you. I'm Maureen Lockport."

Trick shook hands with her then said, "It's a pleasure, m'lady."

"But an even bigger one for me," she insisted. "You see, four years ago my husband was laid off and we lost our health insurance. It was also that winter that my daughter developed severe pneumonia," her eyes began to gloss over, "But because of your benefit that year, my Heather was able to receive the care she needed with no cost to us. Thank you so much, Mr. Hughes." She hugged him.

Another uproar of applause sounded while Trick stood unable to speak for several seconds.

"Mrs. Lockport," he said after the reaction calmed a bit, "I… I honestly don't know what to say."

"Would you like to meet her?" the woman offered.

"Yes," Trick responded. "Most certainly. Where is she?"

"Honey?" Maureen waved her husband over.

A light haired man with a trimmed beard carried a small girl over. He stood her up at Trick's legs.

Logan's arm went around Kayla's shoulders and she rested against his front.

Sean grinned and Holly touched the quickly bubbling over center of her chest.

"Well hello, Heather," Trick lowered to her level. "It's wonderful to meet you, lassie."

"It's wonderful to meet you, too," the caramel haired child returned somewhat shyly.

"How old are you?" Trick asked her.

"Seven and a half," she answered him.

"Seven and a half," Trick echoed. "I'll tell you what. I want to dedicate this next song to you. What's your favorite Christmas carol?"

"Twelve Days of Christmas," Heather replied.

"Twelve Days of Christmas it is." Lifting the girl with one arm, Trick started in on the song with Sean, Holly, and several people around them joining in.

Watching one departing figure, Erik dipped away to follow out into the side garden of the building. He remained silent while she stared into the non-functioning fountain.

"Alana." He started towards her.

The head of copper turned around with a weak smile. "Erik."

He started removing his suit jacket. "You'll catch your death."

"I've been through worse." Nonetheless, she remained still as he cloaked her.

Though he already knew the answer, the metal wielder still asked, "Are you alright?"
She looked at him. "The last time Trick performed for the holidays, I had three perfectly healthy sons at home with me. Hearing about these ill children… most of the time I spent with Lincoln, I kept seeing him helpless in that hospital bed without me able to do a thing."

Erik gripped her shoulders gently. "You stayed by him. You were there in whatever capacity he needed you. The rest was placed out of both of your hands."

Alana tucked away a stray piece of hair from her bun. "It's nice that Alex came here tonight- how are you handling that? I'd be a wreck."

"I was," Erik assured. "An angry one. I still can't believe I set foot inside a temple recently."

With widened eyes, Alana reacted, "Oh… really?"

Erik nodded. "Messianic Jews, though I didn't know it at the time."

She looked further interested. "I didn't think you were…"

"I'm still looking into it, but contrary to my previous thought process, I did not burst into flames upon entry."

The lightest flutter of laughter escaped the back of her throat. "I really am a thousand miles out of your loop these days. Do you even remember a time when we actually caught up?"

"I do," he said. "And I miss it."

Alana stared wordlessly at him for a second before raising, "We should go back inside."

With a bob of his head, Erik turned to lead them back in the direction of the engaging music.

IIIIIII

Poking her head into the small toy room, Raven observed her two along with Jason Jr. still at work on their individual coloring sheets at the little table.

"Everything okay in here?"

Trav looked over at her, "Yes, Mommy," then noticed his sister's picture, "No, Kiki, reindeer are brown. Not blue."

With a small smirk, Raven returned to the living room and her spot on the couch between the other two.

"Are they good?" Amy asked tiredly.

"Other than mismatched reindeer," Raven replied, "they're great."

Passing through with a trash bag in hand, Jason made waste of all leftover paper plates and encouraged, "You ladies stay put. We've got this."

Hank helped by gathering other random clutter.

"And you're doing a nice job, too," Teresa remarked humorously.

The males moved on to the kitchen.

"Okay," Jason placed his bag down, "slack off time." He walked towards the refrigerator. "Miller or Bud?"

"What do you have in Root?" Hank put forth meaningfully as he sat at the table.

"… You don't drink." Jason groaned internally. "And I knew that. I just… forgot that."

"Don't worry," Hank said. "It happens all the time."

Jason spotted the remaining eggnog and poured them each a glass. "Your new kids seem happy." He came over with the drinks and sat across from him. "Things must be working out."

"They really are," Hank nodded, taking a sip of the white substance. "Hard to believe that just a few months ago, the idea of being a father terrified me to no end."

"Oh you get over that quick," Jason said. "Then you just want to throttle 'em every other day."

"There's a bit of that thrown in," Hank admitted.

"You know, Ames and I are looking into foster care for after she graduates. What kind of hoops did they make you and Raven go through?"

"Our adoption was conducted privately. My father…" Hank rubbed his glass with his thumb. "Before he passed away, he knew this couple. They were in an awful situation so…"

Jason nodded his understanding. "You can definitely say his last gift to you was the best of all."

"Yes," the realization built up throughout Hank's entire system, "Yes, I can."

Out in the living room, Teresa reacted to a loud knock.

"Ugh, that's my brother." She moved to stand.

"Roberto?" Raven guessed while Amy tossed out, "Luca?"

Teresa opened the door. "Marcos." In walked a young man with rich chocolate brown hair and eyes. "The little one."

"I'm older than you," he reminded.

She indicated the other two. "Say hello to my friends."

An immediate grin came to his face. "Hello."

Teresa informed flatly, "They're both married."

Expression changing immediately, Marcos said, "Ciao," and left out for the car. "Hurry up, Reese!"

"Shut up!" Teresa shouted after him. She started out but turned to wave back. "Merry Christmas! Love you, girls." She blew a quick kiss and continued on, closing the door after herself.

"Aw, that's so sweet," Raven quipped. "Alex has an Italian version."

Amy shook her head with a laugh.

IIIIIII

After the third round of Clue, yet again in Scott's favor, ended, the gathered group of young X-Men proceeded downstairs for necessary nourishment. Cordelia warmed the soup Kayla had thrown together for them before she'd gone out for the night. While it properly heated, they also unloaded their favorite snack options and proceeded out to the dining room table.

"Shouldn't somebody grab Frank and Jas?" Scott brought up.

"Pretty sure they're eating in front of the TV." Cordelia had already gone over the verbal memo with Jasmine about not wanting to be bothered during boyfriend time.

Joey then realized in urgency, "We forgot the leftover cake."

"And ice cream," added Becky. She looked to Cody. "We should bring some for Knight Victor, too."

"Yeah, and I'll see what else he's got layin' around down there," Cody said.

"Alright, team," Scott stated importantly, fist raised upward. "Let's break."

The four divided up to complete the most necessary tasks.

"So is this standard adult free protocol?" Leon asked Cordelia.

The girl replied, "Yes, isn't it wonderful? Though the possibility of belly aches presents a problem. But I can solve that by cutie pie-ing to Charles before the wrath of the Stern Professor is unleashed upon mankind."

Leon lowered into a chair and inquired curiously, "What exactly about him leaves you so awestruck?"

"Besides the obvious of how he provided my little nephew in addition to the new one Emma is currently growing?" Sitting by him, Cordelia found no difficulty with further explanation. "My own brother moved back home and he saw nothing more than a piece of furniture. I hardly know Charles a day, but he saw me. Not as a wobbling urchin or even his girlfriend's kid sister." The corners of her mouth perked thoughtfully. "Just as Cordy. That was enough."

Listening intently, Leon told her, "You are aware they're the ones missing out in all of this, right?" She looked at him. "This doesn't happen to me very often, but I had you pegged wrong. Here it is the holidays and you're thinking about your family and what they mean to you over adding the latest pair of designer boots to your wardrobe. You're actually grateful to your father and the people taking care of you."

Cordelia smiled and said, "They make it easy most times." Her eyes dimmed a bit with seriousness. "I was on anti-depressants after Em left. Became addicted until not too long ago."

"When she came back," Leon deduced.

"Yeah. I'm glad you're talking to her. She can bring you back, too, Leon." She promptly reiterated, "She will."

Leon rapped fingers along the table top, eyes displayed his mental distance. "It would be nice to see that guy again."

IIIIIII

As the black and white images from the screen danced across them, Jasmine focused in on the adorable suit the leading lady wore and the way her wavy hair bounced with great delicacy and untold majesty. The sharp dressed man she spoke to seemed as if a tower over her yet his eyes did not leave her exquisite face for a moment.

When Frank's arms enclosed around her tighter, Jasmine had to use all inner restraint to keep from rocketing straight up to the ceiling. Then out of the corner of her eye, she remained still and watched him lean in close enough to leave a light smooch on her head.

She turned her head to take him in. "You can do that for real you know. I wouldn't mind it."

At this news, Frank twisted about uneasily on the couch. "That's a really bad idea."

Her face immediately fell. "What? Why?"

"Oh no, no," he quickly reassured. "It's not 'cause I don't want to. It's just that- that um, Erik told me we shouldn't be doing anything more than holding hands and stuff."

Jasmine reminded matter-of-factly, "Erik isn't here."

Frank ran a sweaty palm down his pants leg. "What if I screw it up?"

"Practice makes perfect," she smiled.

Relaxing at her countenance, Frank shut his eyes and arched his head forward.

Absolutely giddy, Jasmine closed her own eyes and awaited his lips in anticipation.

"Ooooh!" The childish squeal made them both gaze forward at the two small children that now stood in the living room doorway.

"Hey, get out of here," Frank ordered.

The overhead lights clicked on, revealing the older McCoy couple.

"Hey, guys," Raven greeted them cheerfully. "What's going on?"

Trav pointed into the room. "They were having kissy face, Mommy."

"Kissy face?" Hank reacted in clear displeasure.

Jasmine shook her head hard. "No! We didn't even get to—"

"And you won't," Hank informed, marching right for the couch.

Hauling Frank up to his feet, he gave him three brief but sharp swats.

"Yeow!" Frank reached back for the seat of his pants.

"Kissing at your age," Hank raised Jasmine to swat next, "What were you thinking?"

The now utterly dumbfounded girl could only formulate, "Hank!" as her hands also went to her now more pained south end.

"No!" Hank waved a finger at them. "You both know better than this." His gaze went specifically to Frank. "I especially know you do. This is completely inappropriate. When your parents hear about this- you're only fortunate Victor didn't happen upon you."

"Rae?" Frank looked to desperately.

"Sorry, can't post bail on this one. You guys better go to your rooms," Raven said calmly, gesturing for the upstairs. "Let's go, come on."

As they started out, Frank made sure to step out of swatting range of Hank.

Jasmine gazed back at the scientist. "Hank?" He looked at her and she played with her fingers. "You're not going to actually tell Victor, right?" His low grunt made her continue right along.

IIIIIII

Bent over at the water cooler to retrieve a much needed drink, Sean reacted to a jab to his side with a little jump.

"Hey." He then noticed Alex eying his present attire up and down. "Okay, let's hear it."

The blonde said, "Wiseman meets rock star. Dude, I've never been prouder."
Sean smiled then wanted to know, "And you don't think I look like a moron?"

"Hm, to be honest," Alex reached a hand out to pinch his cheek, "you've got your adorable on."

"Knock it off." Sean lightly batted him away but remained amused despite. "I'm glad you're here. And it's good seeing you with Holly again. I know you don't go deep into the relationship thing, but it's nice seeing you happy. You deserve it."

Alex pulled the taller individual down into a hug. "Now get your butt back on that stage."

As the singers ended their interlude, Trick stood out to address the audience again. "Alas ladies and gentlemen, it's come to this. The final song. But before we get to that, I'm going to step back a moment and let my sister have a moment with you all."

Holly stepped forward and gripped the microphone. "So many wild things have taken place this year, so much change. In spite of it all, I continue to be able to return home to my niece and my brother. Patrick Hughes- I can't tell you how privileged I am to be this man's sister or to have the opportunity to sing with him again. We share a bond of blood, music, and chaos on both our ends. But through the hardest times, there's another force that's kept us together all these years. So keeping with the spirit of the season, we're going to close out tonight with this."

The crowd silenced while Holly started in with Trick and Sean soon joining her in on O Come All Ye Faithful.

IIIIIII

"I still don't believe them." Hank finished getting Kiki into her purple footie pajamas.

"It's not a surprise they were thinking about it," Raven raised, laid out across the bed with Trav tucked into her arms.

"Well, of course they're going to think about it." Hank settled down near to them with Kiki. "But doing is another matter altogether."

"Daddy?" Trav petitioned. "Is it bad when you and Mommy have kissy face?"

"Certainly not," Hank responded. "Mommy and I are married. And before that, we were much older than Jasmine and Frank are now."

"That's why I don't like those dopey princess movies." Trav made a face. "Too much kissin'."

Kiki created imitating smooching noises with her mouth.

Hank lightly pinched down on her lips. "Time for bed."

IIIIIII

Seated backwards in the desk chair, a freshly changed Sean reminded, "I told you that you were too young for this heavy stuff."

Frank stopped pacing. "I know, I know!" He groaned immensely. "It's just that it was dark and we were sitting there by ourselves and… boy does she always smell good."

Sean cautioned, "All that sniffin' about landed you in boiling hot spankin' water. Hank nail you good?"

"Yeah," Frank sulked. "But it'll probably be nothing next to Erik."

"Better cute it up, bro."

Like an abrupt jolt of lightning, the dreaded knock at last sounded.

Frank swallowed hard.

Sean gave him one last consoling look before leaving out right by the metal wielder, who now wore only his dress shirt and pants.

"As I recall," Erik used his power to shut the door, "you and I had a bit of a discussion on exactly what it means to go steady."

Frank clasped his hands behind his back. "Yes, sir. But see, I didn't exactly plan on it."

"These things usually aren't," Erik said meaningfully. "However, I like to believe I can trust you and Jasmine alone together. If you can't even be left alone at home, certain privileges have to go. Such as no more movies, visits to the soda shop…"

"Aw Erik, no," the boy protested. "Don't do that. We'll behave from now on, honest."

Erik walked up, enclosing his arms around him. "I know you're dealing with a number of strange emotions inside."

"You can say that again," Frank concurred bitterly.

"But since your feelings are as young as you are," the man went on, "it is important not to give into every urge that crosses your mind until you are better equipped to sort through them." He sat on the bed, bringing Frank over onto his lap. "In the meantime, I am here to help you with any confusion you may feel. You never have to be embarrassed to approach me, Frank."

"I'm not." Frank rested his cheek against Erik's. "Sometimes I just don't get it myself so I don't know how to talk about it really. Do you ever feel this way… about anyone?"
"Yes, I do," Erik answered honestly. "You're not alone in this one, boychick."

Frank looked down to the floor. "Guess I'm getting that spanking now, huh?"

"Hmmm. Actually, I believe Hank taught you a good enough lesson." He then sharply added, "This time."

Frank grinned and hugged him. "So… tell me about your night."

"In the morning," Erik patted his bottom, "perhaps. For now, to bed with you, little boychick."

Having changed into pajamas already, Frank moved to get under the covers. "I'm in."

"Trying to kiss already," Erik shook his head as he tucked the covers in around him, "What am I to do with you?"

Frank shrugged with an angelic countenance that subtracted further years from his age.

IIIIIII

Out of the confines of formal wear and back into the comforts of jeans and a flannel shirt, Logan made his way down to Eye Spy.

Victor, diligently in front of the monitors, acknowledged his presence with, "How was it?"

"Not too shabby," Logan told him, getting down into his own chair. "The Irish did their thing up there. Good to know those kids can keep getting' the help they need, ya know?"

Victor dipped his head once. "You ready to take over?" He stood, stretching his arms out. "I'm goin' on a ride."

Logan gave him a slanted wave and his brother took the cue to leave.

IIIIIII

Jasmine looked up in dread from clutching her stuffed giraffe when someone stepped into her room.

She calmed upon recognition. "I thought you were Daddy."

"The Great Patrick Hughes needs some serious rest before we end up hosting a hospital benefit for him." Holly sat on the edge of the bed, facing her niece. "So I heard about your kissing interruptus."

"Can you believe that?" Jasmine said in exasperation. "We were so close. Now Hank probably has Frank scarred from puckering."

Holly put forth, "Good thing they walked in when they did."

Jasmine's mouth practically hit the bed linens. "What?"

"Kissing, Jasmine?"

"Seriously? Aunt Hol," Jasmine got up, going towards her vanity, clear irritation in her every mannerism, "come on! You kiss Alex all the time." She spun around, accusatory finger out. "Cordy totally spied you out in the gym one night. She said you were smackin' lips like he was shipping out come morning."

Unmoved by her words, Holly simply stood after her. "You're forgetting a few key points with that. One, I have been dating for quite a while now. Two, I'm an of age college student maintaining a three point five grading average. Three, I am your aunt."

Moving with speed Jasmine could hardly register, Holly seized her wrist and applied four brisk smacks to her bottom.

"Ooh!" Jasmine chirped, hands immediately going to the area of her body targeted for the second time that night.

Holly stated, "That would be points four, five, and six. Now, if you don't want to talk to me like the classy young lady you are, we can review seven through thirty. And no, I really don't care what your mutant capabilities are."

Standing at less than a foot tall in that moment, the girl whispered, "Yes, ma'am."

"Now," Holly gently brought them both down to sit side by side on the vanity's bench, "what brought on this sudden zest for romance? Does it have anything to do with me and Alex?"

"Sort of," she responded. "You and Alex, Hank and Raven- all of you guys make kissing look so incredible. Then on all the TV pictures it's like magic with this amazing dreamboat. I just wanted to have that with Frank now that he's my boyfriend."

Holly nodded understandingly. "All those things and more are quite possible," she nudged her and smirked secretively, "especially with the right dreamboat. However love, the problem here is that you're completely buying into the fantasy of it all. When you allow the cinema and people around you to influence your thinking, it could cause you to make a very big mistake."

"Kissing is a mistake?"

"Kissing at the tender age of twelve is a mistake," Holly clarified. "When you try such a thing so young, it practically gives you the notion to try certain other things far too soon as well. And unfortunately baby," she stroked the caramel blonde locks, "we get the short end of the stick in the department. I never want you to lose respect for yourself. Do you see my meaning?"

Jasmine nodded. "Yes. I'll slow down." She smiled. "I promise."

Holly placed an arm around her and squeezed. "Frankie Tolbert is a wonderful catch, flower. Believe me, he's one that's worth awaiting the right moment."

Jasmine rested against her aunt. "I think so, too."

With the precious young girl in her hold, Holly continued playing in her hair and soon started singing to her softly.

IIIIIII

Each with an individual drink of their own mixing, the Headmasters settled down in their chess chairs.

"Feels like we can hardly take our eyes off them for a moment," Charles said.

"I keep reminding Hank to begin work on that industrial sized playpen," Erik only half-joked.

"You know, brother," Charles sipped his drink, "perhaps this is one of many signs that we should loosen the reigns more and allow our children to jump feet first into the waters of uncertainty."

Erik chortled at that. "Very droll, Lab Rat."

"Had you there a moment," the younger man ribbed, putting his empty glass down. "I'm going to check in on Trick." He got up.

Becky hurried in by him at top speed, her robe flying behind her like a cape.

"And why are you still up, Sweet Imp?" Erik asked her.

The girl wanted to know, "Is it true Frank and Jasmine were kissing? With lips and all?"

"Not quite that far." Placing his drink to the side, Erik leaned in to face her closer. "And why exactly is this of interest to you?"

"I can't believe she almost did that!" Becky exclaimed. "Yuck! I mean when it's Uncle Charles and Auntie Em it's okay, but they're supposed to. Like wearing fancy clothes, eating things that are hard to pronounce, and talking all grand."

Erik chuckled. "You have more astute reasoning than most scholars." He lifted her up at the waist to hover just above his face. "But just so that you and I are clear, I don't want you participating in any "kissing yuckies" of your own until you are at least sixteen years old. And you'll still need my approval."

"Oh Papa," Becky beamed, "It's nice in the storybooks, but I don't care about that stuff. I just care about being your little girl."

Erik brought her down to peck one glowing cheek then got up with her. "I think my little girl needs some warm milk and another tuck-in."

Becky got comfortable in his grasp. "Sounds great."

IIIIIII

Another Kleenex successfully trashed, Trick reclined. He removed two aspirins from the bottle and swallowed them down with the water.

"Come in," the now nasal accented man responded to the tapping at his door.

Steadying the tray he had with him on one arm, Charles entered. "Thought you might care for a piping bowl of Kayla's minestrone soup."

"You are both a knight and a prince, mate," Trick said to him.

"Pish posh." The Professor steadied the tray on his lap. "Careful now. It's still hot." He sat on the bed. "I have to tell you again how wonderful your performance was this evening. You've done immense good tonight, Trick. You should be proud."

Putting his spoon down, Trick stated, "Odd how an ounce of shame feels heavier than a pound of good intention."

Charles' lips quirked in confusion. "What are you talking about, man? What shame?"

"I haven't been honest with you, Charles. Not with any of you." When his friend only gave him an encouraging expression, Trick went on. "I've been going off to Children of Liberty headquarters and checking in on Kerstin Harris. Ever since the attack. I only wanted for her not to feel like common street filth. Her background is not her doing, Charles. We both know it's wrong to condemn her for it."

"I agree," Charles said. "Since we are being honest, I never wanted to condemn her, but my first concern went to Alex. Not to mention Erik."

Trick bit his lip. "There's more."

"Yes?"

"I arranged to meet with Tobias Evander at his asylum a couple nights back."

This gave Charles a far more startled reaction. "Alone? Patrick, that was not at all wise. You're the man who rescued Kerstin. Evander has a depraved desire for vengeance and he's a skilled escape artist on top of it. How could you reveal your face to him?"

"I don't know," Trick said sincerely. "I don't know what possessed me to go down there. But this whole thing has invaded my sleep every night, Charles. I suppose I wanted to sit down, talk to him, try to see… but there's nothing there. I could tell it in his eyes. His spirit is completely destroyed. To be raised a believer and then… nothing remains but animated flesh."

Reaching forward, Charles squeezed Trick at the wrist. "I believe the reason you and I gravitate towards each other is because we both see wickedness as a coat that can merely be removed to unveil the true goodness underneath. To meet someone who's sole reason for being is to inflict agony and suffering- it's too unbelievable for us to fathom."

Trick asked seriously, "Do I deserve to be punished, Charlie?"

"Patrick, if you are expecting to be flogged for some sort of disloyalty infraction, it is not going to happen," Charles answered strongly. "Regardless of what any others have told you, you are a good man with a kind, courageous heart. That's all I see when I look at you."

"Thank you, mate," the blonde spoke faintly.

Charles patted the spot on the blanket where Trick's thigh would be. "Rest well, my friend." He got up and left out.

Trick finished with his soup and transferred the tray over to the floor for the time being. As he stretched out again, he found sleep with far greater ease than he had in many nights.

IIIIIII

Black carry-on bag accounted for, the dark clad figure maneuvered through the crowd of other last minute holiday fliers. Pausing suddenly, she squinted her eyes and attempted to hone in with them. Despite the poor lighting available at the runway that evening, she made out the tall body with loose wild hair of honey wheat. Discovering movement again, the astonished woman kept on until she stood directly in front of him.

Adrienne searched his face, as if she could retrieve an explanation with her own eyes or possibly through his.

Victor spoke first. "Thought you could use a ride."