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.

126. Chapter 126 Red Rendezvous

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Twenty Six

Author's Word: So originally I was going to do this thing where I post 126 on the 26th because that's, you know, funny and all. Then I decided to go ahead and crack it out for today. Keydezy, ElleRene, yes you're both winners. What's the tender part? You get to pick a peek into the past. By that I mean flashbacks from the very early days of the Rise or Fall X-Men. Or you could not go so far back and ask for something that happened a few months ago, a year ago, etc. The rest of you can request also and depending on what they are (and how repetitive), they might be honored.

What's this all about? You got it right! This Halloween marks the second anniversary for Rise or Fall and the longest thing I've ever written. And we're not even done yet! As always, thank you, fam for being my audience. Now be sure and get those requests in now and the next chapter because after that is the anniversary special. Now, please enjoy and review!

Once all six rejoined at their circular table inside the pub, they raised their individual drinks while Trick stood and rang out the toast.

"In honor of Charles Xavier," he began, "for landing a new baby as well as a perfect ten for a wife," a wicked grin crossed his face as he concluded with, "Who says the Brits don't have good wang?"

"Patrick Hughes," Charles chided him, having to hide his amusement as the others laughed openly.

"At ease, Chuck," Logan gave him a fond pat on the back, "You're off daddy duty."

"Yes, brother," Erik encouraged. "Enjoy yourself. It's not as if you don't deserve it."

"Gentlemen, while I do appreciate all of this really, it certainly wasn't necessary," Charles insisted.

"A rare night out with just the X-blokes," Trick stated casually. "Forget necessary. I call that dire. Besides," he reached around to squeeze Charles' shoulder, "didn't think I'd allow you to enter into matrimony without a proper bachelor party, did you?"

"Crossin' over into new territory, boss," Victor put forth, positioned across from him with folded arms. "How's it feel?"

"Father and husband." Charles let off a short breath. "There are times when I wonder how I ever found studying for a simple thesis so mind-numbing."

"Speaking of mind-numb," Trick looked over at Hank and snapped his fingers soundly, "Paging, Dr. McCoy. Are you still with us?"

Coming out from his daze, Hank said, "Sorry. I was just thinking about Kiki and Trav. I hope Raven won't have too much difficulty getting them to bed. Perhaps I should telephone."

"Ha," Logan guffawed. "I tell ya, I can smell a first-time dad from a mile off."

Trick said, "I'll have you know I was never such a worrywart- so long as she remained in my line of sight every moment for the first three years of her life."

Erik's eyes dimmed significantly. "Telephoning may not be a terrible idea. Hank?"

The scientist stood to walk with the metal wielder over to the payphones.

"Something I said?" Trick wondered.

Charles explained, "Rebecca was abducted from us around this time last year. Now with Alex… it seems Erik can hardly catch a moment where he doesn't have to keep a steadfast vigilance."

"Were that my girl, I'd still be a miserable mess on the floor." Trick looked Erik's way. "Endless strength in that one."

Glancing briefly towards his brother, Logan smacked palms down on the wooden table. "Hey, let's see if we can snag a dart board. Play some three on three. Magneto's on my team."

Victor said knowingly, "Ya only want him because he cheats."

"It ain't cheatin'," Logan claimed. "It's skill- so long as he's on my side."

IIIIIII

"Emma, I don't want to alarm you," Kayla stepped out of the enormous walk-in with absolute dread written on her features, "but there is no way all of your shoes can fit in here with Charles' things."

"Oh what does it matter?" Emma responded, mildly despondent. "I can hardly fit most of them myself with this swelling." She ran a finger down her ankle.

"Hey, you're already expecting," Cordelia chimed in from where she cuddled against her on Charles' large bed. "You could easily go barefoot to complete the image."

"Hm." Emma slipped into pondering. "Perhaps I could prohibit picture taking at the ceremony."

"You will not." Raven came over, laying on the older woman's other side. "You are going to be nothing but glowing and gorge."

"What do you have in mind for the wedding, anyway?" Maya asked, seated in an armchair with a bridal magazine. "Can't you see it now? All white, sky blue, lush green. That beautiful handmade gown with pearls all around the neck," she clutched the magazine close to her chest, "song birds flying out as they part the curtain for your entrance…" She realized the four pairs of eyes on her and reddened slightly. "Just tossing out ideas."

An abrupt crash caused all of them to turn to the short dresser where a guilt faced Kiki stood before a now broken cologne bottle.

"Oopsies," the toddler chirped, hands going behind her back.

"Kiki," Raven got up to go towards her daughter. "No touching, no touching. Does Uncle Charles come upstairs and break your things?"

Kiki shook her head, making her loose pigtails bat about. "Nooo."

"Nooo," Raven mimed, taking her by her small hands. "I should tell him. So he can take away all of your cookie, cake, and ice cream privileges."

"No," the tiny girl repeated more urgently. "I sowwy, Mommy. I make it better."

"Don't mess with the glass." Raven snatched her up before she could reach the shattered pieces. "Here." She gave Kiki over to Emma. "Hold onto grabby-gorge while I clean this up."

"Don't be upset, Raven," said Kayla. "This is the age they'll yank on anything within reach."

"Oh sweet Kyra." Emma nestled her between herself and Cordelia. "Whatever are we to do with you?"

"Lucky for you," Cordelia took one of the bitty hands to smooch, "I think Charles will be a little too happy from big man time to be mad."

The small child gazed up with a bright, somewhat impish grin.

IIIIIII

Departing from the theatre, the two moved along under the dark sky brought on all the more quickly by the wintry season. The snow crunching beneath their feet illuminated by the radiance provided by the street lamps.

"Did you have fun?" Holly asked him after a moment.

"What, seeing a flick that has nothing to do with wizards or talking owls?" he came back with. "Oh you have no idea." She laughed softly. "What about you?"

"I always have fun with you," she stated.

"You sure about that?" Alex stopped walking to face her. "Because to be honest, you feel about a million miles away lately."

"I know," Holly stated. "But it's not because of you. It's more me than anything."

Alex looked at her skeptically. "That line of talk never ends well."

"You are such a unique breed of guy." She pressed her hands against his midsection. "You could have taken me at any time but you didn't."

"I wanted to," he assured.

"But you respected me," she emphasized. "Do you understand how rare that is in my life? But the problem is that I need to learn to feel that way about myself. Then there's you who allowed himself into the waters of commitment only to come out with more trust issues than you ever had before."

Alex surmised knowingly, "We both need to step back."

"Before we end up walking into very nasty territory."

"Come on." Alex touched her shoulder. "I know you want to get some time in with Jas before your flight."

Holly nodded and continued on with him to where they'd left the motorcycle parked.

IIIIIII

Tune finished, it was not until Sean placed his guitar down did he notice the preteen observing him.

"Hey," he acknowledged.

Jasmine started his way. "I hope you don't mind. I really like listening to you play when it's all carefree and natural."

"You kidding?" Sean wound an arm around her waist. "You're one of my all-time favorite audience members."

She smiled softly at him. "Do you think you'll ever play professionally?"

"I never thought I'd play period until I met your dad," Sean stated. "Trick's showed me a lot about myself."

"This school's done that for me," Jasmine said in turn. "I used to think my family was so abnormal. Then I meet someone like Becky who doesn't have a mom and couldn't care less. How you can be adopted and be so happy. Or the real crazy one- mixed and zany like the Howletts but so perfect you don't care what anyone says."

Sean chuckled a bit. "Yeah, that's a pretty good description." He took note of something in her features. "Jas? Is everything okay?"

A deep sigh sounded as Trick walked into the studio. "Aye, what a night. I'll surely be tasting it come morning. Quite looking forward to that actually."

Jasmine dashed over to hug him. "Daddy."

"Precious," Trick reached one hand out to link up with Sean, "boyo. My cherished Irish babes. Except, a certain urchin seems to be missing. What's one Mr. Tolbert up to?"

"Any man's guess," said Sean humorously.

IIIIIII

Barely a foot did he have in the den before a head of curls attached to a slim body bolt out at him.

"Papa's home!" Becky's arms went right around his neck.

Erik chuckled delightedly and held her near. "And glad to be so." He noticed the marbles sprawled out on the floor. "Another faceoff I see."

"And I'm still winning," said Becky.

"And I'm still letting you," Frank claimed.

"Well, let's straighten up," Erik instructed, "then it's time to get ready for bed."

"I still don't get why we have to go to normal sleep during vacation," Frank griped as the they began to clean up their game.

"So that you don't miss a minute of it," Erik explained simply. He faced Becky. "I love you." He lowered to get in closer towards Frank as well. "And I love you."

"We know, Papa," Becky said undoubtedly. "We love you, too."

"A reminder will do you know harm." Erik placed her back on her feet.

Becky got her box of colorful orbs loaded first and received a peck on the cheek as she walked by the metal wielder.

Frank passed next but turned to look back for a moment. "Oh and Erik, Mom called while you were out." Erik turned to him. "She says she wants you to come by in the early afternoon." He used his eyebrows to give off a certain look. "Pretty sure she meant alone."

Erik sent a light swat at his bottom. "Up to bed with you."

Still smirking, Frank strolled out.

Going around to sit behind his desk, Erik leaned back in his chair with growing contentment developing on his face.

IIIIIII

After the group of five trudged back up the slope, they lined up again. Scott piloted the specialty crafted airplane sled. Frank with Jasmine squeezed in behind him, used one that closer resembled a battleship. A wide saucer shaped one seated Joey and Cody with Trav safely tucked in between them.

Scott looked to the others. "Ready?"

Frank held a hand high. "Born that way."

"Me, too!" Trav seconded with as much intimidation as he could muster.

"Then let's shred." Scott faced forward again.

With the indication spoken, three sleds started down. Scott practically sliced through the snow on his. Frank's maneuvered around any and all bumps, igniting a shriek from Jasmine on each. With the help of the wheel made onto the center base of theirs, the saucer trio managed to pick up speed until they reached the bottom.

"Alright!" Cody leapt up victoriously. "We did it!"

"That was great!" Joey grinned, shaking off some residual snow.

"We won, we won!" Trav chanted repeatedly.

"Okay, Trav, we get it," Scott said with a smile on his face. "You won. It's not nice to brag."

"Yeah, unless I'm doing it," Frank raised. "Then it's fun."

"How about we go for three out of five?" Scott proposed.

"Not me." Jasmine took Frank's arm to lean against his shoulder. "I need a break."

Frank smiled at her added weight against his person. "Yeah, same here."

"Told you guys my dad builds the coolest stuff," Cody said.

"Pinfeathers and gullyfluff!" Joey exclaimed suddenly.

Cody caught on and added, "Jumping hogtoads!"

"Oh no!" Frank slapped a hand over his eyes. "Not this again."

"Guys, please don't start," Scott practically pleaded.

Joey smirked and recited, "When he stays out all night, he's always grumpy the next morning."

Cody finished, "He must stay out every night."

"Okay seriously." Frank waved his arms about vigorously. "Enough with The Sword and the Stone quotes. You two are driving everybody nuts with that stupid movie."

Cody thought up another. "Oh Merlin, you're back from…"

"Bermuda," said Joey.

"One big modern mess," came from Trav.

"Great," Scott groaned. "Now they've got him doing it."

"That's it," Frank took Jasmine's hand and started away, "let's get out of here before it rubs off on us."

Jasmine laughed but went along with him. "You know you'd be bored without them."

"Only because they make good crash dummies," Frank said. "Besides," he stopped his pace to look at her, "what do I need the dork duo for with you around?" Jasmine formed a slow smile. "So, how you doing, anyway?" Frank started to walk again. "With Holly leaving in a couple hours and all."

"It's not so bad. I know she likes to get a jump on school. And I'll see her for my birthday. I still wish she could stay longer, though."

"Trust me, I get it," Frank assured. "That's why I still hold onto hope for Erik and my mom. No more New York to Westchester. We could be together all the time."

Jasmine rested on his shoulder again as they maneuvered under the snow blanketed branches above.

IIIIIII

Snuggled together closely in the shared chair under the fleece throw, Emma kept her right hand extended for Becky to get a thorough feel of her wedding ring. The beautiful white-gold piece carried three tiny diamonds on either side with a far more massive rock in the very center.

"It's so pretty and it reminds me exactly of you," the little girl stated. "I bet Uncle Charles had the perfect picture of you in his mind when he picked it out."

Emma took a moment to examine the symbol of her engagement and future vows. "I certainly could not have chosen one remotely better. That goes for beaus as well."

Becky smiled at her. "I can't wait for the wedding. Will you wear flowers in your hair?"

Emma glanced down at her. "Do you think that would look nice?"

"I think it would fantastic. Pretty little white flowers all around."

"Then I'll wear flowers in my hair," Emma decided right then, using both arms to go around the young girl. "I need a favor of you, Rebecca."

"What is it, Auntie?" Becky wondered, offering up her undivided attention.

Emma told her, "I'd like you to be the Maid of Honor for my bridal party."

"Me?" Becky very nearly squeaked. "B-but I'm not even as old as Maya."

"The Maid of Honor is not a matter of age, my love," Emma explained. "You see, she is selected as the one to best put the bride at ease. Also as the one who's always stood by the bride, even during the blackest of times, showing nothing but constant love and dependability. Of course I want my sisters, Kayla, and Raven to make up my bridal party but I can't think of anyone more fitting as Maid of Honor for me than you." She reached out to stroke delicately at her curls. "Will you do it for me?"

"Oh yes, Auntie Em. I'd love that more than anything." Becky leaned forward on her in a hug. "Thank you."

"No, thank you," Emma countered, kissing the top of her head. "My wonderful girl."

When Charles strolled into Emma's suite, Becky shot up and ran for him. "Uncle Charles, guess what!"

One hand already full, Charles managed to sweep her up with only one arm. "You're prettier today than you were yesterday? Honestly, child. Any man with eyes can see that much."

"No," the giddy girl replied. "I'm going to be the Maid of Honor for your wedding."

"My little princess with such a grownup responsibility?" Charles gave her a little twirl. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Just remember, this means you must save a dance for me."

Becky crossed an X over her heart. "I promise."

"Incidentally darling," Charles placed Becky down as he spoke to Emma now, "you will never believe what just arrived by special delivery." He handed her the newspaper he had with him.

Emma immediately recognized it as a copy of the Boston Globe.

Her eyes then promptly enlarged at the full page ad in the Society section. "Winston Frost is proud to announce the recent engagement of his middle daughter and third born child, Emma Frost, to Professor Charles Xavier, son of the late Brian and Sharon Xavier. Charles beseeched Emma's hand in marriage in a stunning display before family and friends early Christmas morning."

"Ooh, let me see." Becky skipped over to take a look at the article for herself.

"He's been back in Boston for all of two days." Emma gazed up at Charles' incredulously. "How could he have possibly…"

"It seems your father and I have something in common." Charles approached, bringing her to her feet by the hand. "He also could not wait to make our love known to the world."

An instant smile came to the woman's face as she found her previous concerns slip away with his words.

IIIIIII

At the knock to her unit, Adrienne formulated a fairly good guess as to who had arrived on her doorstep.

"It's open," she said plainly, eyes still fixated on the television.

"Hey," Victor greeted upon entry, closing the door after himself. "What's goin' on with your phone?"

"It's off the hook," Adrienne informed, shaking out the martini she had in one hand. "All morning long I've received nonstop calls from clients and colleagues giving me endless congratulations for my sister's impending nuptials. Reading that newspaper entry to me over and over." She recited, "Winston Frost could not be happier for his daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law." Her face then rang with revulsion. "Never mind that the stock value of my agency is up twenty-five percent and we're projecting far ahead from last quota. Where's the headline value in that?"

Bending over, Victor clicked off the TV before joining her on the couch. "Don't do this."

She sat up stiffly, put her glass down. "Do what?"

"Sit around here mopin' like your sister's gain is a great big loss for you."

"What can I say? The so-still-no-husband-in-sight tone becomes very stale very fast."

Victor enforced, "When it's right, it'll happen."

"It did." Standing she walked towards the nearest counter in the kitchen. "At least almost. Mitchell. He was handsome, well-off, sweet and actually got along rather well with my family. Before our wedding, we both had physicals taken to better understand our likelihood for children. That's when I found out I was infertile. Two years we were together. In two seconds, he walked."

Victor remained quiet for several seconds before rising to his feet. "I was married once. A long time ago." Adrienne glanced back at him. "Had a wife, three beautiful little girls, a home. Pretty much had it all; maybe more. Until this guy I didn't want to hire decided it'd be slick to get back at me by killin' my oldest." The woman's hands went to her mouth in horror. "After he took advantage her. I got his scent, tracked him down, and mauled the bastard alive. In the process, a big bunch of bystanders got a good look at my mutation. At that time… the town decided I was a demon. That my whole family was. They killed them before I could get there."

Adrienne had to grip the edge of the counter to steady herself. "How can… how are you possibly able to…?"

"My brother's been with me through everything." Victor walked up on her, helping her stay in place. "Emma, Cordy, Chris- what's his face may have left you but those three are gonna be with ya for a long time. And they're what's really important."

Tipping her head back and lifting to reach the taller individual, Adrienne laid hands on his shoulders and enclosed their lips in a kiss.

Victor's arms went around her waist and stayed that way until they finally pulled back.

"What was that for?" he breathed.

"It's all I have to offer," she answered.

"Not that I'm knockin' it but I think you can do a little better." He gave her a small smirk. "What's say you and me hit up the town?"

"I would." Adrienne stepped back from him a bit. "But I promised Cordy we would meet up."

"Okay, yeah. That's great. Do your thing," Victor encouraged. He touched a hand to her cheek. "What's say I come back around five? Got to make it an early thing. I've got a staff meetin' tonight."

"Careful," she warned in jest. "You're beginning to sound like me."

IIIIIII

Finally able to pry apart from one another, Holly could not help clinging to Jasmine a moment longer.

"I love you so much," Jasmine whispered.

"I love you, too," Holly returned strongly. "Middle of the night, middle of a class, it doesn't matter. You telephone if you need me."

"I will." Jasmine hugged her once more before Holly could at last turn to Trick.

"You call the instant you land," he directed.

She embraced him around his neck. "You call the instant you know anything. Whatever happens, I am here in some way, shape, or form."

"Aunt Hol," Jasmine pointed towards the fast approaching vehicle, "look."

Upon recognizing the roaring machine, Holly hastened to its rider. "Alex?"

Taking off his helmet, he revealed the hair of gold underneath. "I was hoping I hadn't missed you."

"What on earth are you doing here?"

He shrugged casually. "I guess you can say I'm becoming more of an airport." She stared at him with glowing eyes. "You were right, Holly. We both have a lot of things to work out. And after everything that's already happened, I wasn't about to let you go without letting you know how much I care about you. You're not just a hot pair of lips. You never were. I only hope I can finally grow up enough to show you the guy I can really be."

Smiling, she gripped his forearms tenderly. "I have a fairly good idea, stud." She reached up, pecking him at the corner of his mouth.

IIIIIII

The moment the light from inside the apartment shined, the Poland native felt a pair of eager arms wind around him.

"Erik." Alana looked up at him in immense cheer. "I am so glad you could stop by."

"That makes two of us," he stepped inside the Tolbert living room with her, "but did you really doubt that I would honor your request? I knew it had to be important."

"Erik…" The red haired woman practically spun about in place. "I can't believe how fast it's all happened but I've actually learned to listen to quality advice. From you, Trick, people honestly desiring to see me happy."

"You know that's what I want for you," Erik urged.

"That's why I wanted to see you today." Taking his hand, she guided them over to sit on her sofa. "Erik, I'm leaving." Waiting for a few more words to accompany that sentence, Erik looked on expectedly. "I decided to join Lincoln on his mission trip."

IIIIIII

Coming to a stop outside the grand hotel, Cordelia blew her horn for the eldest Frost female to come near.

"Oh dear." Adrienne approached then climbed inside the passenger's seat of the near glittering gold vehicle. "Do I dare cross over into the fanciful world of the teenage driver?"

"Live a little," Cordelia goaded spiritedly.

"You be certain to keep both hands on the wheel."

"Oh loosen up." The girl then shifted the car back into drive and soared off at a somewhat allowable speed limit.

When they arrived in front of the café, Adrienne wasted no time detaching herself from the vehicle.

She quipped, "I didn't know an entire lifetime could flash before you in under five minutes."

"You can always walk back, high heel lady," Cordelia smirked, coming around to her after she parked. "But then again, you can also summon a certain Sabretooth to get you out of a tight spot, right?"

Adrienne aimed a finger at her. "You are not allowed to speak that way until at least half your stuffed animal collection gets packed away."

"Never ever." Cordelia skipped ahead inside.

"Speaking of," Adrienne said as they stepped up to the line, "have any young X-Men caught your eye? More specifically, that little Asian one?"

Cordelia gaped at her. "Leon?"

"Yes, Chris mentioned something about the two of you romping about in the snow."

"We were most certainly not romping," Cordelia denied. "Leave it to Chris to start up a scandal. I mean sure he's cute and everything but I just don't see Leon that way."

"Your focus should be on gymnastics, anyway." When they reached the front of the line, Adrienne ordered a plain muffin with coffee "How is that fairing?"

Cordelia requested coffee along with a bagel. "I can't wait for major competition. I also can't wait to be fully ready for it."

Adrienne swiped her credit card with the sales lady and they headed for a two-seater close to a window that had yet to take down its Christmas décor. "It's nothing you haven't done before."

"But it's been so long," Cordelia reminded. "You know, with the pills then… the very minute eating."

"Don't," Adrienne let off a wave of her hand, "beat yourself up too terribly over that whole fiasco. Excessive fasting- it catches up to the best of us. Also, you were trying to do a little more than squeeze into next season's swimsuit collection. You saw the gold in clear sight and you wanted it at all costs. There are far worst ambitions, believe me."

A smile spread out of Cordelia's face. "Do you think you'll be able to come to my first match?"

"You already know I'm not one for making promises I'm unable to keep but I will try my best," Adrienne compromised. "Just try not to get too carried away, hm?" She took a light sip of her coffee after adding the vanilla flavoring. "I would very much like to see your second competition if nothing else."

Nodding, Cordelia started loading her own cup with milk and a near excess of Equal.

IIIIIII

Coat zipped up, Alana made her way out to the back of the two-flat where the pensive male leaned against the gate. So taut and unmoved, not even the piercing wind could penetrate him.

Standing beside him, Alana asked him, "Are you hungry? I have food in the house. Or we could pop on over to the hotdog vendor a couple blocks down. All kosher all the time."

Gaze still fixed ahead, he responded, "Sanitary meat offers very little at this juncture."

"Erik, please," she implored him. "Remember how we talked about the things we wanted before our lives took such sharp turns? They need qualified nurses and what is the point of possessing skills never used? As a mutant you must understand that."

"I do," Erik concurred. "And you're right." He faced her. "I have seen my fair share of the world and certainly not for the honorable reasons you're intending. You deserve more for yourself, Alana. I've always thought so. But Frank…" He let off a hard sigh. "This will devastate him."

"This has been such a hard move to make," Alana shared. "I love Frank so much but he is doing so well and he's perfectly healthy. Linny is much better but I can't wait around for a phone call about him. Jeff's with Phil. Frank has you- all of you. I need to be there for Linny right now."

"Then by all means, go and be with him," Erik encouraged with new vigor in his tone. He placed gloved hands on her shoulders. "And you need not worry about Frank, not ever."

She smiled widely. "You've been more help to me with this than you know. No matter how far away, I won't forget that. I won't forget you."

Erik moved to take both her hands in his. "If you end up leading a life you look forward to each day, that will make all that we've shared worthwhile for me."

As he brought her into an embrace, Alana laid her cheek against his coat front.

IIIIIII

"I see those brand new art supplies aren't going to last long enough to collect dust," Emma noted, entering the recreation room.

Joey, who's craft table had transferred into an ocean of various colors, jumped up in urgency. "Mum, no!" He hastened to block her view of his poster board. "I don't want you to see it until the wedding."

"Oh excuse me." Apologetic hands raised, she stepped back several paces. "I didn't mean to interfere with your vision, Treasure. I only wanted to ask you something." Joey walked up to her and she squatted to his level. "I would really appreciate your help with the wedding decorations."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Anything you think is best," she answered simply. "You have such a unique eye, well beyond your years, you're exactly what your father and I need for this."

"Anything?" Joey's mouth formed an astonished circle. "But what if I mess it up? What if nobody likes it?"

"You couldn't possibly," Emma insisted. "I've grown so tired of the stale effort adults put in for these types of occasions. But you have a way of bringing out beauty somehow hidden. Besides, who better to understand mine and Charles' taste but our own son?"

Joey appeared somewhat lightheaded with enthusiasm. "I can't believe it. I- I'm going to get started right now. Wait until you see it, Mum. I'll make everything perfect for you and Dad."

Emma gave his nose a little twitch. "Thank you, son." Allowing him to return to work, she got up and left back out.

Glancing left and right, Joey could not decide where to begin first as he dashed about the room to collect any usable supplies.

IIIIIII

Used to the whirlwind that often came in the form of her ten-year-old son, Kayla proved unfazed when he sped into the suite.

"Hello, dear jewel of existence," she acknowledged without turning away from organizing her meeting notes.

Cody let off a long yowl as he flopped front down over her vanity bench. "Heya, Ma."

Passing through with an assortment of lumber over his shoulder, Logan paused long enough to give the boy's bottom a swift whack with one short plank.

Yelping, Cody popped up onto his knees.

Ignoring the small glare shot at him, Logan ran his free hand through his son's hair. "I need to saw off this bush before you start sproutin' tomatoes."

Cody jerked out of his grasp, pretending to nip at his fingers. "Why can't I look like Uncle Vic?"

Logan replied, "'Cause you ain't got enough Anglo in ya." Cody tipped his head in clear confusion. "Never mind."

Kayla exhaled an amused breath.

Holding onto his knees, Cody began to bob back and forth. "Where is Uncle Vic, anyway?"

"In the city visiting Adrienne Frost," Kayla answered him.

At the look that appeared on the child next, Logan rolled his eyes and said, "Wash that gleam off your face."

Cody gazed up with a guiltless expression. "What?"

"Cut the crap, Cat." Lowering the wood, Logan used it to lean against cane style as he regarded him. "I know what's goin' through that head of yours. You're all for this thing because you got wild ideas about you and Joey turnin' into cousins. Right?"

Cody folded his hands behind his back and narrowed his eyes. "And Joey says his folks can read minds."

"Forget about all this match-makin' garbage," Logan instructed. "Joey's your best friend. Ain't that enough?"

"Sure," Cody replied flat, getting up to leave out.

"If you're all done bursting our son's bubble," Kayla spoke, "I'd kindly like my needlepoint back."

"Ah, come on, Fox," Logan said dismissively. "Can ya really see my brother with a dame like that?"

"Logan, I want to know something." Kayla sat up to better look at him. "Are you hoping for the best possible outcome or the worst?"

"I could go either way," Logan responded with a shrug. "Got experience with both." He lifted the wood back up. "I need to finish up."

Watching him go, Kayla resumed her writing.

IIIIIII

The moment she found herself standing before what could not even be good enough to be considered a condemned structure, Adrienne developed the overwhelming urge to retreat.

Extending a manicured finger Victor's way, she claimed, "I am not going in there without a tetanus shot."

"Hey," he snagged her by the wrist before she could take off, "it's part of the deal, remember? Time to see my end of things."

"Somehow my original assumption of some sort of woodland environment seems so much better." Despite the immense hesitation, she followed him inside where she discovered stacks upon stacks of different reading material. "A book store?"

"Used," he clarified.

"But why here? This city carries a multitude of book stores."

"Not a whole lot with this type of feel." He began leading her through the rows. "Whenever I take hold of one of these, it's like I'm back."

"Back where?" she wondered.

"Back in a time I used to know. You can sense the value in the long gone." Selecting one novel, he tossed it her way. "What do ya think?"

Allowing her mutation to take over, a swarm of images that included emotions and scents came at her. They formed something of time machine throughout her mind until she ended upon the frustrated English author delirious with frustration and a pen and paper for which he could find no use.

"My," Adrienne sighed as it all ended at once.

Victor wanted to know, "What goes on in your head when you do that?"

"I see it all," she told him. "The end to the beginning. The grating journey in between."

Victor nodded. "Not much of a story when it ain't but two minutes old."

"I never realized how much of a literary giant you are."

"Leavin' the grief for a whole other world," he stated. "Haven't ya ever wanted that?"

"Yes," Adrienne admitted. "Though my great escape often involves a heavy round of margaritas."

Victor said, "This way cuts out the headache. So, still think you're gonna catch somethin' in this place?"

Glancing about a moment, she replied, "Nothing incurable."

Victor turned to emphasize his arm. "Better stick close just in case."

Adrienne took hold of him. "Just in case."

Clamped securely, they continued on through the stacks.

IIIIIII

Fire roaring just a few feet away, Charles breathed softly into the golden hair of the one currently residing in his lap. With face buried, only Emma's blue eyes peeked out from against the man's bicep.

After another silent moment, Charles asked her, "Are you still upset about your father?"

"No, I'm fine," she said. "It really was a sweet gesture. Sometimes outlandish is the only way he knows to show his support. I can relate."

Charles dipped his head to get in nearer to the beautiful face. "Then what is troubling you?"

"We've waited so long for this, Sugar." Emma brought her gaze up to peer into his eyes. "I don't want what is supposed to solidify our commitment to each other to turn into a three ring circus all for the amusement of our social circles."

"Neither do I." Charles gently gripped her chin. "But don't you worry. I won't let anything interfere with making this the wedding of your dreams."

"What about your dreams?" she brought up importantly.

"I'm looking at them." Charles lifted her slightly to connect their lips.

They stayed in that position for several seconds before a knock forced them to divide.

"Yes?" Charles responded, unable to entirely mask the irritation in his tone.

"Need ya out here!" Logan's voice sounded. "Both of ya. Pronto."

Concerned now, Emma stood from him and they both hurried out into the hall.

Opening the designated door near to Joey's, Logan gestured for them to enter ahead of him. "What do ya think?"

Stepping inside first, Emma let off a gasp at what they discovered within the space. Charles came up next and sheer delight covered his features in an instant.

Up against a back wall not far from the large window stood a solid chestnut brown crib with all bedding, including the completed quilt, setup inside. Adjacent to that was the changing table that came with a cabinet and two drawers underneath. They saw a rocking chair with a teddy bear seated on top of a cushion in one corner.

When they remained speechless, Logan decided to speak. "Sorry it wasn't ready in time for Christmas. Had a few tall orders to take care of. Guess now you can consider it a weddin' gift."

"Logan," Charles turned around to look at him, "you did all of this? By your own hand?"

He gave off a glib wave of that hand. "Yeah, well, you seen the way these guys design furniture now? Built to last just until you make the final payment."

"Oh Logan." Emma came at him to give him grateful hug. "How can we thank you? This is wonderful."

Logan returned the embrace and said, "If you want to swap out the colors, I can—"

"No." Emma pulled back, shaking her head. "I wouldn't change a thing. Our baby will be safe and sound, knowing all of this was made with him in mind."

Placing an arm around Emma, Charles said, "Thank you, my friend."

"Figure I get in good with the kid now." Logan bent at the knees to get in closer to Emma's stomach. "Before all the rest start spoilin' him."

Emma smiled then went around to look at the new items like a fanciful child in a toy store.

Charles stood back, happy to simply watch her merriment.

IIIIIII

Leaving out of the kitchen, Frank nearly leapt from his own skin at the bright face zooming out before him.

"Whoa, Jas," he reacted, touching at his rapidly beating heart. "What's up?"

"Want to go hang out in the woods?" she propositioned.

His eyebrow went up. "After dark?"

"Relax, the grown people are about to have a meeting. There's no one Eye Spying these cameras."

Frank smirked. "Let's go."

After loading on the necessary winter garments, the two city natives crept out to the backyard. Once they made it outside the door, they took off at top speed for the thick of trees.

The moment they got in far enough, Frank ran forward and performed an aerial somersault. Jasmine made a similar motion in the form of a hands free cartwheel. At the snowball that collided with the front of her coat, the girl faked a huff before gladly returning the attack.

A full on battle developed between them until they both became too blinded by moisture pallets to properly aim. Fully winded, they collapsed opposite of each other with the back of Jasmine's head finding a resting spot on his shoulder.

Calming his breathing, Frank raised one hand and arched it back.

At the gloved fingertips above her, Jasmine lifted her own appendage to link up with him.

"We've got to sneak out here on New Year's Eve," he suggested.

Sitting up suddenly, Jasmine glanced down at him. "Frank?"

Rising himself, he took note of her expression despite the darkness. "Jas?"

With great uncertainty, she admitted, "You need to know something. About your mom and everything."

II

"Logan must have started building our baby furniture the same day we found out about Cody," Kayla recollected.

"Yeah, except Chuck here's got it made." Logan looked to the man. "You know for fact yours is a boy."

"We are at a great advantage," Charles said, placing his hand over a glowing Emma's own.

"Hey, what'd you guys want before you knew it was a boy?" Alex asked.

"I'll admit I initially looked forward to a baby girl." Charles smiled. "So tiny, pink, and positively radiant."

"Personally," Emma's hand glided down her stomach, "I think we could do more with as many good men around here as possible."

"That's a swap," said an astounded Kayla.

"I feel a bit of a divide," Hank chimed in. "While I do love having Trav eagerly under my wing, I can't seem to silence this urge I have to seal Kiki up in a tower clear through puberty."

"Hey, you're good, brain man," Logan assured him. "You're all good."

"Hm," Erik used his magnetism to toy with the push pins in front of him, "a tower…"

Victor glanced around. "Specter get lost or somethin'?"

A few seconds later, the Irishman in question walked through the door by tangible means.

"Ah, Trick," Charles acknowledged good-naturedly. "There you are. I believe you had some new business you wanted to go over."

With a nod, Trick stood at the head of the table.

Taking a moment to look at each of the other instructions individually, he informed, "I'm leaving the X-Men."

Erik dropped the metals he had under his control while most of the others did the same with their jaws.

IIIIIII

"What?" Fury completely covering his features, Frank began to storm away. "No, you got it wrong."

"No, I don't. Frank!" Jasmine chased after him until she eventually had to use her power to jump ahead straight through his body.

"Cut that out!" he barked.

"Look, I'm sorry," she emphasized. "But it's true. Alana wants to be a nurse for Linny's mission. She told Dad and he told me."

"Oh but she didn't tell me?" Frank kicked murderously at the snow around him. "I don't believe this! How can she leave? She's supposed to be here with me, with Erik, we—"

"Frank," Jasmine cut into the tirade. "I'm not done… me and Dad are going, too."

Turning sincerely mute for a time, Frank shook his head out hard. "No, no, no, no. Jasmine, just stop. I cannot hear this."

"But I need you to."

"Just leave me alone!" he hollered, creating an echo throughout the empty atmosphere.

"Frank," Jasmine grabbed onto the sides of his face forcefully, "come with us."

The boy stilled. "…What?"

"Come with us," she restated. "Just think about it. Think about what we did for Sonia and Mariah. We can go all over the world and help kids like that. Different kinds of kids; just like us." An eager grin built on her face. "We can be together and you can be with your mom."

"Jasmine…" Frank tried to find the words, any words. "I cannot just leave. Are you kidding me?"

"You know you don't need some fancy school. You hardly need any school. I've been through this kind of move before. I can help you." At his continued hesitation, she lowered one hand to his shoulder. "You know you want to."

Unable to respond, Frank expelled heavy breaths made visible by the harsh chill around them.