X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter One Hundred Thirty Five
Author's Word: Sorry for the delay in updating, fam. Do not ask me how this happened but I have acquired yet another young cat. I know. They're like my own little mutants. I hope everyone had a good MLK Day yesterday. Mine involved resting and writing. Please enjoy and review!
After the extensive practicing and cool down exercises came to an end, Cordelia returned to the locker room to change back into necessary winter articles. She filed outside with a few of the other girls, where they lingered around Cordelia's car and chatted.
Their conversation slowed at the near concrete vibrating roar of an incoming engine. The sleek, steel gray trimmed bike made its way into the parking lot, stopping just short of the gathered females. The rider removed his helmet, revealing the head of sandy brown underneath.
"How's it going, ladies?" he acknowledged casually.
"Hi, Morrie," they chorused while Cordelia gazed on in amusement.
"Yeah, Cordy," Doris spoke, "we'll see you later."
"Have fun," Karen added with a wink as the other girls promptly excused themselves.
Making eye contact, Cordelia walked towards Morrie. "Fab ride."
"Thanks. Little sweet sixteen gift from the old man, most likely to keep me from wrecking the car." Cordelia laughed and he leaned forward on the handlebars. "So, hop on."
Though her eyes glinted momentarily, Cordelia turned down the offer with, "I can't."
"Sure you can. Look," he produced the spare helmet in honey yellow, "like it was meant to be."
Cordelia took the helmet for viewing. "This is unfairly tempting."
"Come on, just for a few minutes. Let's get outta here." Morrie reached a hand out to stroke along her ponytail. "You and me."
"I'd love to," Cordelia admitted then handed him back the helmet, "but I can't. My little nephew has fallen victim to house arrest and I want to bring home some ice cream to cheer him up."
"Ah. What'd he do wrong?"
Cordelia put a hand on her hip. "You're not supposed to ask that. It gives adults validity."
"Yeah, I'm with you there. So," Morrie started to replace his own helmet, "maybe tomorrow. Come on," he added at the girl's hesitance, "I'll be right here when you get out tomorrow. If you hate it then I buy you ice cream."
"With sprinkles," she negotiated.
"Anyway you like it, babe." He revved up, "Catch you later!" and floored out of the parking lot again.
Cordelia watched him jet away. She touched her hair as he left her sight then returned to her car.
IIIIIII
"And here we have Emma Xavier, licensed New York driver," she raised her social security card next, "Emma Xavier in a lovely style of cursive."
"Hm, that might just be my favorite yet." Charles kissed her cheek then sat up in bed. "Except…"
Emma propped up against their headboard. "Charles?"
Retrieving a form from his night table, Charles handed it to her. "This is where I looked most forward to adding your name."
Emma unfolded the paper and stilled for a moment upon realizing what it contained. "The deed to the house." She faced him in astonishment. "Charles, your family's home…"
"Our family," he promptly corrected, placing an arm around her. "Emma, I could search a lifetime and I'll never find a woman with the same goals and outlooks for the future that I have. If the worst befalls me or Erik, I know you along with Raven and Hank will keep this institution going for our mutants."
"Yes," Emma concurred in a tone of absolute, "but I want you to bite your tongue on that worst detail, Sugar. You mustn't even talk about leaving us."
"I believe I'll bite it later. For now," Charles leaned in towards her mouth, "I have other uses for my tongue."
Emma let off a muffled chirp of pleasure as he kissed her and her arms found their way around his neck.
"Mum?" Joey's voice rang out. "Dad?"
Lowering to rest on Charles' chest, Emma called back, "We're in here, Treasure."
Joey entered the master suite and sat on the edge of the bed. "My homework's all done."
"Good," Charles nodded approvingly. "Now you'd best change and head out back. Your Uncle Erik will be ready to train with you in a moment."
"Okay." The boy slid off the bed and left out again.
Emma shifted to a more comfortable position against her husband. "For one learning to fly he doesn't seem remotely enthusiastic."
"I believe he's concerned about training alone with Erik," Charles said knowingly.
"Why don't you join them?"
"No," Charles immediately declined. "I don't want to undermine Erik's authority. I'll check on his progress later in the week. Besides, I asked Erik to do this for a reason. He'll do what's best by Joey."
Emma nodded and felt Charles' arm coil around her shoulders.
IIIIIII
One steel tipped maroon boot marching ahead of the other, Magneto's gaze carried up at the rapidly approaching youngster coming at him across the yard.
"I'm here, Uncle Magneto," the boy announced himself when he came close enough.
Flapping his lengthy cape across one shoulder, Magneto asked plainly, "What kept you?"
"I was busy on my homework. Uncle Hank gave out four work sheets," Eel explained. "And I had to train with Havok earlier."
"Hm." Magneto did not seem overly impressed by the response. "Tomorrow I want you to get your homework finished as soon as school gets out. That will give you enough time to get in all of your necessary training before dinner."
Though Eel felt that did not leave time at all for anything at all fun, he only said, "Yes, sir."
"And speaking of Hank, look what he has devised for you." Magneto summed up a circular disc out of a clear patch of grass. "He molded it specifically for your feet. This will give you a simpler time hanging on."
Eel smiled in earnest. "Alright." When Magneto put the disc to ground level again, he carefully situated his boots into the foot holes. "Okay, what do we do now?"
"First, you must get a feel for it." At Eel shifting around in the disc, Magneto shook his head. "No, not for that. Feel the air around us."
Eel paused for several seconds. "It just feels cold to me."
"The earth carries small traces of metal all around us," Magneto explained. "To most, it's nothing more than ordinary invisible wind. But I am able to sense it. It is what protected me from the explosion back in Montana."
An impressed Eel gazed up. "Really?"
"Yes," Magneto answered, "and I want it to protect you as well. If any small part of you can manipulate metal then use it for all its worth."
Eel nodded. "Got it."
"Now, I want you to try to fly upward." Magneto indicated a portion of a nearby tree. "No higher than that branch there."
"Alright." Making sure he had himself properly clamped in, Eel activated his electricity and slowly began to lift away.
When he looked down to see the disc firmly in place, a wide grin came to the boy's face and he moved on with far more eagerness. He managed to maneuver in a circular motion around the tree and started further up, only to find himself abruptly yanked back.
"What was that?" Magneto demanded of him once he had him down again.
"What?" Eel looked genuinely confused. "What'd I do wrong? I didn't slip or anything."
"I told you to go no higher than the branch," Magneto crossed his arms, "didn't I?"
Eel suddenly remembered. "Well, yes, but it really felt like I could do it."
"Until another incident like the other day causes you to fall," Magneto said firmly, clearly catching the boy's attention now.
Eel bowed his head. "I'm sorry."
Magneto bent over and applied a hefty swat to his bottom, resulting in a flinch from the young mutant. "If you ignore what I tell you, the pain from it will be much harsher than that."
"Yes, sir," Eel responded softly, only giving his behind the briefest rub.
Satisfied with the compliance, Magneto returned to business. "Let us try again. However, this time," he pointed out a shorter branch, "that will be your target height."
Eel recharged and started up once more, only now without any zest to go along with it.
IIIIIII
Wrench plopped back into toolbox, Logan yanked carefully at one handlebar.
"How's she looking?" asked Frank.
"Might be ready to hit the road again in another day or two," Logan determined then faced the boy. "Why don't ya try her on for size?" He patted the seat.
"Ah, really? Cool." Frank very willingly climbed onto the motorcycle and got a feel for the handlebars. "Think she'll ride the same?"
"After the work we've put in, I'm bettin' she'll handle even better," the man answered.
Frank smiled then slowly brought up, "So I've been thinkin'…"
"Uh oh," Logan reacted sardonically, kneeling over to examine the back wheel.
"No really, Wolves." Frank continued with, "Since I'm officially going to be free in four hours, twenty eight minutes, and…" He double checked his watch. "Nineteen seconds, I thought maybe, if it's okay, I could get my sled back that you made me." He tilted his head, continuing to regard the elder. "Is it okay?"
Logan imitated his gesture and said, "You ain't hypnotizin' over here, glowworm. I'm immune to big brown peepers. Been around 'em for too long."
A disbelieving Frank repeated, "Immune?"
"Well," Logan spoke admittedly, "they ain't as contagious. But I guess since I don't completely hate ya," he left off a put upon sigh, "I'll see what I can do."
Frank sat up in glee. "Yes! Thanks, Wolves."
"Now get a move on," Logan instructed next. "We need to hose off before soup's on."
Rising from the progressing bike, Frank clamped onto his back. Adjusting him somewhat, the veteran carried him out of the garage with ease.
IIIIIII
Before Kayla and Maya could fully unload all cooked courses onto the dinner table, Charles had his plate piled near ceiling level. Most of the seated others watched on in either fascination or fear that he would take a bite out of their hands should they dare attempt to serve themselves.
A roll stilled at his lips, the Professor finally realized his audience. "My apologies. I've really no idea what's come over me of late. It seems as if I cannot get full these days."
Logan chuckled knowingly. "Yeah, that's what happens when you stick a bun in a lady's oven, Chuck."
"I thought only the woman got cravings," Raven remarked.
"I'm sure our telepathy has a bit to do with it," said Emma, who had a plate of far lower quantity than her husband's presently.
"When I was expecting Cody," Kayla recollected, "I experienced two straight weeks of wanting nothing but smoked ham coated in grilled onions."
"Mmm," Cody and Logan hummed together, creating laughter at the table.
"So Frank-O," Sean looked to the younger boy of Irish descent, "Independence Day tomorrow. What do you want to do?"
Frank shrugged. "Haven't really thought about it."
Alex promptly accused, "Liar."
"Okay, okay," Frank caved with a big smile. "I am dying to get out of here. Anywhere. Third world country, Antarctica, the moon- it seriously doesn't matter."
"Maybe we can go for burgers after school," Scott suggested.
"That sounds great," Sean seconded. "I'll drive."
"We'll make it a bro night," Alex raised. "Lee," he turned to his friend, "you in?"
"Wouldn't dare miss it," the newest X-Man replied. "What about you, Hank?"
"Guys," Hank waivered, "I'd love to but—"
"Then why don't you?" Raven interjected. "Come on, baby. Somebody's got to keep these guys in line."
Hank smiled at her. "Alright then. It's a go."
At Joey picking at his dinner, Erik reminded, "Regardless, you have additional training ahead of you."
Joey listlessly carved out an X in his mashed potatoes. "Yes, Uncle Erik."
Cody piped up, "I don't want to go, either. It's gonna be dumb. Besides, Frank out of the house is a day off for the rest of us."
"Keep fat mouthin' and you won't be goin' anywhere anytime soon," Logan warned.
Cody resisted the eye roll he felt coming on and kept eating.
"I want to go," Trav raised. "Daddy, can I go, too?"
Hank said, "I think you would have more fun if you stayed home with the others."
Glaring at the less than favorable response, Trav banged one small hand down on the wooden table. "I want to go, too!"
"Whoa, Travis," a taken aback Raven reproached.
Hank looked down at his son under his glasses. "Perhaps we should talk in the next room…"
"Nooo…" Trav shook his head hard. "I'll stop, Daddy."
"See that you do," Hank instructed meaningfully.
"It's okay, Trav. You can play with us tomorrow," Becky offered.
"Whatever the case may be," Charles spoke out, "Hank, Alex, see to it that you're not out for long."
"Don't worry," Hank assured. "We know it's a school night."
"For some people, anyway," Alex smirked.
While he and Leon exchanged a high five, the younger boys retaliated with playful raspberries.
IIIIIII
Youngest child fresh from the tub, Raven dried Kiki off and helped her into her green Tinkerbelle robe before ushering both children towards the sink.
"Alright, tooth time." She applied the correct amount of paste to each of their small brushes. "Trav, help your sister."
"'Kay, Mommy," Trav agreed then started scrubbing his own teeth vigorously.
Raven left the bathroom and stepped out to where Hank sat up in bed with a mountain of papers surrounding him.
"Grading?" She joined him in bed.
"On top of lesson plans and some technical specs for several X-Man related projects I'm working on." Hank removed his glasses and ran a hand down his face. "I'll probably be late to bed tonight."
"That's fine," Raven said. "Just make sure you pop up for tuck-ins or I cannot be held responsible for the actions of your daughter."
Hank looked at her seriously. "Are you sure about tomorrow? I can stay in if you'd like."
"No," Raven turned down right away. "You work all the time. Go out and have a little fun. You know you need it. Besides, with school starting up in just a few days I'd like to get in as much Kiki and Trav time as I can."
"Mommy, Daddy!" Trav bellowed. "Kiki's using her wings in the bathroom and she knows she's not 'sposed to!"
"Rest assured, dear wife," Hank got up, taking a brief upper body stretch after he did so, "they won't be the only ones missing you."
Raven shook her head in amusement as she watched him go check on the fuss.
"Kiki," Hank gripped her at her waist, "put those away, please." She retracted her wings and Hank covered her in her robe again. "You have to remember to call Daddy when you need to rinse." As he helped her reach the running water, he made yet another mental note to put in a small stool for his two little ones. "There we are." Hank kissed Kiki's cheek and nuzzled it. "Go to Mommy." He placed her down.
Kiki stepped into her frog face slippers as she headed out for the bedroom.
Hank knelt to Trav with a firm countenance. "Haven't we talked about tattling?"
"But she's not 'sposed to fly in the bathroom," Trav pointed out. "You and Mommy said."
"Yes, but we didn't need you to bring that up to us in that tone of voice," Hank explained evenly. "You shouldn't be so quick to try to get your sister into trouble, especially since I'm still not pleased with that back talk at dinner."
Trav poked his lips as far forward as they could go. "Sorry, Daddy."
"If you're naughty at all tomorrow, especially for Mommy while Daddy's out, you're going to get a spanking." Hank used one finger to tap at the youngster's lips. "And all the sorries in the world won't get you out of it. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, Daddy," the boy whimpered then wound short arms around his father's neck. "I love you."
"I love you, too, son," Hank kissed his damp hair, "very much." He then lifted him and carried him out of the bathroom.
While gently massaging lotion over Kiki, Raven sang "Ba-ba Black sheep". The toddler made her best attempts to sing along to the rhyme.
"Do you want to smell like Yogi tonight?" Hank held out the children's lotion for his son's viewing, receiving a quiet nod.
After laying Trav back on the edge of the bed, Hank poured a portion and rubbed it between his hands then against the boy's skin.
Trav giggled when Hank got around his neck. "That tickles."
"Oh does it?" Hank spread a little behind the child's ears.
"Daddy," he squealed.
"Cub." Hank connected foreheads with him and growled softly.
Though his came off entirely infantile, Trav returned the noise with bared teeth.
IIIIIII
Plastic arms and legs bound together by rubber bands, Barbie beseeched in a shrilled voice, "Somebody please help me! The ugly clown won't let me go."
The pale faced action figure popped up from the side of the couch to correct, "That's Clown Prince of Crime to you, madam."
Barbie retorted, "If you're the prince, I hate to see what the ogre looks like."
"Haha!" Joker guffawed. "You mock me now but we'll see who has the last laugh."
"That would be us." Scott launched his Batman figure, who in turn shined the bat signal flashlight in the Joker's face.
"Ah!" the clown writhed. "Bat brains, you again!"
"And he's not alone!" Powered by Frank, Superman soared forward. "Unhand that beautiful woman, you low-life lunatic!" He pressed a button on the action figure's back, making his eyes light up red.
"No!" Scott dropped Joker to the floor. "Defeated by the caped creeps again!" He then picked Batman up again. "Here, young lady. Let me help you." He undid Barbie's rubber bands.
"Thank you so much!" Barbie jumped up and down with glee as Becky made Ken rush over. "Oh Barbie, I was so worried about you." The couple exchanged several "muah, muah" kisses and Ken looked to the heroes. "How can I ever thank you?"
"No problem, noble citizen," said Batman.
Superman added, "Just trying to do our part in a world so corrupted."
All attempts to concentrate on his work proved most futile with the spirited play taking place before his own eyes.
"And now that you've done your part to better society," Erik spoke, getting the children's eyes on him now, "I believe it's time for all heroes, as well as fair maidens, to get a good night's sleep." The three participants began gathering their toys and Becky ran over to hug him. Erik kissed her cheek. "I'll be up soon." Scott and Becky left out together but Erik called after Frank. "Boychick, come here."
Clear alarm present in his eyes, Frank walked over. "Yes, sir?"
Erik put a hand on his shoulder, putting him at a mild ease. "Is there a problem between you and Cody?"
"Sort of I guess."
"Have you been making fun of him?" Erik looked at him closer. "Or Joey?"
"No sir, I swear," Frank answered. "But I know I shouldn't have been doing that in the first place. That's got to be why he's still sore at me."
Erik dipped his head in comprehension then said, "Well, as the older boy I expect you to be mature and try to keep things civil."
"Don't worry. I will," Frank promised.
"Good. Off you go then." The moment the child turned away, Erik noticed the stray action figure left on his desk and picked it up. "Hold on." Frank looked back. "You're forgetting your man of stone."
"Erik," Frank laughed, "it's steel. Man of Steel. You know," he took the figure back, "like you."
Leaning forward in his seat as the boy scampered out, Erik propped his chin up with his folded hands and quietly contemplated. After another moment, he got up to head for the second floor.
Once done with his initial set of rounds, he returned to his own room. Removing his regular clothes, he quickly dressed in the red and purple. Now geared as Magneto, he went down and left the house through the back way.
Going out to stand far off into the clearing, the mutated man stayed still to near the point of self-invoked catatonia. Able to feel the microscopic bits of magnetic energy around them, he desired oneness with them. Within seconds, his feet began to inch away until he gained several feet above the ground.
From a nearby tree, another observed him but remained silent until he lowered again. He leapt down, landing directly before him.
"Victor," Magneto acknowledged squarely.
Wintry wind causing his blonde hair to bat about, Victor stated, "You been holdin' back."
"You could say that I've found sudden inspiration," Magneto flapped his cape, "from a vessel so small."
Victor smirked slightly. "What kills me is the little shockwave figured out the flyin' angle before you."
"My nephew has a far more creative spirit." Magneto gazed up towards the clouded over moon. "For years, I saw my powers as a means to achieve vengeance. I thought only my strongest anger could fuel them. I never stopped for a moment to consider my own potential until I met Charles. In his own way, he forced me to better myself."
"Little bros can be good for that sort of thing," Victor sympathized.
Magneto nodded once. "He's always encouraged me to find that key point between rage and serenity."
Victor folded his arms. "And what might that be?"
"I think we both know." Magneto faced him. "Protection. Fighting not out of blood lust but for what matters most to us."
Victor followed his gaze towards the house and silently concurred.
IIIIIII
An excited yelp proceeded Frank thundering into the garage.
"Someone's ready to go I see," Hank noted.
"You have no idea," Frank said strongly.
"Frank-O, come on." Sean unlocked his car. "You're riding shotgun."
Practically ready to burst through every ceiling on the premises, Frank whooped and dashed over to join him up front.
Sean glanced out from the passenger's side. "Hey, let's go. Leon, move."
Disappearing in a burst, Leon reformed in the backseat beside Hank. "Sorry to slow you down."
"What do you say, Scott?" Alex tossed him a spare helmet. "Let's form the cool crew."
Scott grinned and secured the helmet to his head before getting in behind on his brother's motorcycle.
His own helmet on, Alex turned to Sean. "Ready?"
"Race you." The redhead then quickly tacked on, "In a steady, speed limit abiding, non-dragging way."
IIIIIII
Rapid shower wash off that left her smelling of mangos and coconut complete, Cordelia toweled off and removed the plastic cap that protected her hair from wetness. She clothed herself dark blue jeans with ankle length boots and a dandelion yellow sweater. She zipped her brown leather jacket partway up and slipped her gym bag across one shoulder before leaving the locker room.
Making her way out to the center's parking lot, her face nearly fell at discovering it nearly disserted. She started to glance around when a sudden hand clamped down covering her eyes.
"Guess who." The breathy tone warmed her ear.
Cordelia spun around to look at him. "You didn't happen to see the dashing Elvis Presley around these parts did you?"
"Dashing?" Morrie scoffed. "Sure, popped collar and enough sludge in his hair to repair a chuck hole. Anyway, 'fraid you're out of luck."
Cordelia shrugged casually. "Then I guess you'll have to do."
"Now you're talking." Morrie took hold of her and led the way to the side of the building. "Wait until you see how this baby handles."
Momentary launched into a daze at their joined hands, Cordelia glanced up at the motorcycle. "And you realize I've never done this before, right?"
"There's a first time for everything." Morrie held out the helmet he'd shown her the previous day. "Let's blow out of here."
Cordelia accepted the headgear, running a hand along the visor. "Not for very long. My sister and brother-in-law can track me to the ends of the earth in under a minute. Like really, really."
"Don't worry about it." Morrie settled onto his bike and put on his slick black helmet. "Just going for a spin." He felt her get in behind him. "Better hang on tight."
Cordelia wound arms around his midsection. "Well, what are you waiting for?"
"You're here," Morrie started to rev up, "so nothin' at all."
The moment he floored off down the street, Cordelia released something between a holler and a screech and clung to him as tightly as possible.
"Pretty cool, huh?" Morrie blew through a gathering of pigeons that instantaneously took the air at the presence of raging machine.
"This is insane!" Cordelia yelled back.
"Ready to call it quits already?"
She burrowed the side of her face into his right shoulder. "Don't you dare."
Letting off an elated holler of his own, Morrie abruptly rounded one corner and continued on without missing a beat.
IIIIIII
Clad in the blue and yellow uniform specially made by his scientific father, the small body used all fours to crawl up the tree halfway.
Dipping his head back, Trav stuck his tongue out. "Can't get me now, Catty."
"That's Silver Cat, not Catty," the older boy corrected. "And we'll see about that." Jumping up, he seized a tree limb. "A warrior always takes down his man."
"I'm better than a warrior," Trav stated with a great deal solidity in his tone. "I'm a Beast."
Silver Cat laughed at that. "You're not a Beast. You're a bitty bug." He then yelled when a massive bumblebee flew his way. The creature disappeared before it could connect its stinger. "Real funny, Becky."
The flapping caped child ran to the tree. "No name calling, Cody."
"Yeah," Eel seconded, coming up next to the girl.
"Okay, okay." Silver Cat let go of the tree and landed square on his feet. "What do you guys want to play now?"
"I believe play time is over." The familiar adult voice caused all children to promptly look over. "Have we forgotten something, Eel?"
The boy in question gasped. "Oops, I'm sorry! I was coming, but we got caught up and I…"
"You cannot allow yourself to be so easily distracted," Magneto admonished. "That seems to be a recurring problem with you of late."
"Papa," Becky approached him, "don't be angry at Joey. I should have kept better track of the time. I'm sorry."
"Daughter," Magneto glanced down at her, "please take the boys inside. It's getting cold."
"But the cold hardly bothers me," Silver Cat insisted. "Can't we stick around to watch Eel fly?"
"No," Magneto answered timely. "There have been enough distractions. Inside now, please."
"Aw, man!" Trav huffed. "But I don't wanna go in…"
Raising one eyebrow, Magneto took hold of the small one and held him up right to lock their eyes. "What was that, young man?"
Trav replied with total submission, "I said it's time to go inside."
"Ah, then I simply misheard you." Magneto stood him, running a few fingers through his hair. "Very good."
"Come on, Trav," Becky took his hand then reached for Silver Cat, "You, too."
Silver Cat sighed but joined the three-way link up. He glanced back at his friend as they headed in.
Eel faced his uncle again. "I really am sorry."
Magneto got to one knee to look at him closely. "You can make up the lost time tomorrow, but I don't want this happening again. Am I understood?"
"Yes, sir," the boy nodded.
"Good." The man stood back up. "This way, please."
Eel followed until they reached his silver disc. "Get on?" Magneto tipped his head forward and the electrified mutant clamped onto the top of the disc. "What next?"
"Go on and raise yourself."
"How high?"
Magneto responded, "I will let you know."
Not wanting to delay things any further, Eel unleashed a charged that gave him prompt elevation. He continued up another few feet then paused to look down. With no sign of Magneto, a small panic landed in his chest. The reaction only intensified his current charge.
"Kangaroo." Spinning in place, Eel found the elder mutant right behind with nothing to hold the man up except for the air all around them. "It's alright. I'm here."
"Uncle Magneto…" Eel could only stare at first. "You can fly, too?"
"It would seem that I, too, have a great deal to learn about my mutation," Magneto stated. "I'd like us to make our discoveries," he linked gloved hands with the boy, "together."
A smile grew across Eel's face and he nodded eagerly.
IIIIIII
Lowering the oversized mug from his lips, Hank looked out of the window next to his chair. His gaze followed a couple with a stroller ahead of them then went to a pair of schoolboys leaping through the slush on the sidewalk.
Alex immediately picked up on his expression. "Miss 'em already, huh Dad?"
Hank faced across from him. "I suppose it is painfully obvious." He raised his coffee for another sip. "But with the way life started out for them, I never want to miss another minute."
Alex told him, "You'll be around for all the stuff that counts."
Hank nodded once then put forth, "Well, what about you two? Ready to return to WU come Monday morning?"
Leon looked away from creating a ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard blend on his plate. "To be honest, I've been having a lot of personal struggles with that."
This alerted Alex. "What's wrong?"
Leon then said, "I can't decide which professor to torment first."
Sean laughed. "Nice."
Hank chuckled as well but cautioned, "Tread lightly there. These are the same people who will remember everything down to the most covert eye roll when you need a work reference. It's especially true at a smaller university."
Leon said lightly, "And here I could have faded amongst the crowds of U of P."
All humor faded from Hank's features. "U of P… you were accepted into the University of Pennsylvania?"
"I ultimately had no interest in the Ivy League," Leon shrugged. "I thought about taking UCLA's offer but—"
Sean's eyes enlarged. "UCLA?"
"Good psychology program," Leon explained, "but I didn't want to remain in state."
Sean started to say something else until he noticed Hank furiously scanning the area around them. "What're you looking for?"
"A blunt object," Hank narrowed eyes at Leon, "I fear my bare hands will likely kill you."
"Uh oh." Sean inched his chair away. "The Beast is coming out."
Alex playfully cautioned Leon, "You might want to duck."
Leon began to remind, "WU is ranked extremely high among east coast priv—"
"I don't care right now," Hank stated matter-of-factly then whacked his hand down on the center of the table, making all three jump. "You turned down UCLA and the University of Pennsylvania."
"What's going on?" Finished with their pinball tournament, Frank dashed back over with Scott.
Sean informed, "Leon's staring down the barrel of a BBS."
"Is there anything I can do to appease this situation?" the long haired male wondered.
Hank drummed his fingers along the edge of the table while he mentally deliberated. "Pass every semester with a 4.0 average, graduate, and achieve every single one of your goals."
"3.5," Leon bargained.
"Point seven," Hank said with finality.
"I accept your terms." Leon held out a hand.
Hank shook and squeezed the hand. "I know you can do it."
Leon's countenance reflected brief satisfaction.
"Oookay," Sean slouched in his seat, "just became real nervous about senior year."
Hank turned to him now. "Something we should really discuss." He looked between the Eye Scream Team as well. "It wouldn't hurt for you two to start planning early."
"I'll start on that just as soon as I have my fill of cherry sours. Can we run down to the candy store?" Scott bobbed his head in the specified direction.
"I'm coming with." Sean started to rise.
"On top of double cheeseburgers and ice cream sundaes?" Hank mentioned disapprovingly.
"Hey," Frank grinned cutely, "we're still growing."
"Hm, I'll go along." Hank got up and took hold of his coat. "Last thing you need to do is purchase your way to tooth decay."
As the four of them headed for the door, Scott brought up, "I'm not the one who spends all his allowance on candy."
"Oh funny, Scott." Frank playfully bumped shoulders with him. "Race you."
Hank and Sean hurried to catch up with the now sprinting pair.
When they were alone, Alex reassured, "Dr. Psycho Dad means well you know."
"He sees potential and demands that it be made the most of," Leon determined. "Nothing wrong with that." He then took notice of something outside the window. "Though that is a little more debatable."
"What?" Alex glanced out to see what he meant and immediately jumped to his feet. "You've got to be kidding me." He snatched his jacket before making a direct path out of the diner.
Following right behind him, Leon suddenly felt much better, if not privileged, about falling under Hank's educator radar.
Removing her helmet, Cordelia twirled about in place. "That was sensational! I could do it forever."
"Hey, it's still early." Morrie reeled her in towards him. "We could go for a pizza or something. Wait until you see how I round curves on a full stomach."
Cordelia straddled left knee a little, facing him. "Morrie, I really can't..."
Morrie caressed the side of her face, practically tunneling into her blue eyes. "You're crazy gorgeous. You know that.?"
Unable to speak, Cordelia also did not get the chance as she heard her name bellowed.
She let off something between a sigh and a groan. "Oh boy."
Morrie turned immediately cross. "Who are these guys?"
"I have a better question." Alex walked up, addressing Cordelia. "Who is this guy and what are you doing?" Before she could answer at all, he pointed accusingly at the motorcycle. "I know you haven't been riding around with this chump."
Morrie stood straight up. "Chump?"
"Yeah, Skippy," Alex looked at him sharply, "really not talking to you. And since I don't want your mom calling our house in hysterics, I'm going to refrain from knocking you on your ass. But get in my face and it's a done deal."
"He really isn't one for bluffing," Leon advised.
"Morrie," Cordelia hissed, keeping him at bay with an arm while she spoke to the seething blonde. "Alex, we just went around for a minute. That's it."
"That's it?" Alex repeated incredulously. "You mean to tell me Charles and Emma are all good with this?" Her lips tightened guiltily. "That's what I thought."
"Okay, seriously. Who are these guys?" Morrie repeated in anguish.
"I'm her instructor," Alex stated.
Leon said, "I'm their Asian sponsor child. At last, I have the gift of hope."
All three paused to gape at him before returning to the situation at hand.
"Alex, I'm begging you," Cordelia pleaded. "Do not say anything. Nothing happened. It was a quick ride." She gripped his arm, face continuing to melt. "Please, please, please."
Glaring a moment, Alex finally said, "He better beat it. Hank'll be back any second."
Cordelia turned to Morrie with highly apologetic eyes. "I'm really sorry but I am very much not trying to get killed."
"Forget about it," Morrie dismissed, though clearly still on edge a bit. "I'll just see you later."
Taking Cordelia's wrist, Alex pulled her over. "Later, Mary."
Morrie shot him a glower before mounting his bike again and taking off.
As soon as he pulled off, Alex tugged at Cordelia to make her look up. "What were you thinking taking off with some guy we don't even know? On a motorcycle? How far out of your mind are you?"
Cordelia countered with equal anger, "I cannot believe what a jerk you were. Did you really have to go off like that?"
Alex jabbed a finger near her face. "Do not talk to me like that. Do. Not. If Hank had seen you with him, you'd have caught a lot more than just words. And considering you're the one sneaking around, you better drop the attitude."
Cordelia released a breath. "I'm sorry. Look, he goes to Maya's old school. I met him at the party we went to. I just didn't want to, you know, advertise about it."
Alex calmed a little. "I can relate. But you better not pull something like this again or you're in deep with me, Erik, Charles, and Em. Got it?"
She nodded. "I still need to go back for my car."
"We'll take you back," Alex determined. "I'll tell them you went for a run." Cordelia's attention at last fell on Leon. "You won't tell either, right?" Leon performed a crossed heart followed by dagger motion across his chest. "Thanks. Let's go."
As the three of them started across the street, Leon remembered something. "So, what does BBS stand for?"
IIIIIII
Pink adorned bear raised as high as the short arms could lift, the little girl spun the soft creature in place. Over at the desk, Trav and Raven sat together going over the former's English to Spanish lesson. Kiki rapidly grew alert at her father poking his head up through the floor space and sending her a wink.
"Daddy!" Gripping the bear by one paw, Kiki bounced up and off the bed.
Hank gathered the tiny collision into his arms then had to make room for his son as well. "Ah I missed you."
A faux sullen Raven twisted around in the chair. "How about me?"
"You have to ask? That worries me." Hank kissed her then sat down with each child taking over one of his thighs. "So, did we have a good day today?"
Raven told him, "Your son helped me fold the laundry."
"Did he?" Hank brought up one of his knees to lift the boy a little, making him laugh. "Well, that's great because I have a little surprise." He revealed the brown paper bag and unfolded it. "Frank and Scott got these especially for you." He took out the colorful bands and slipped one over each child's slender wrist.
Trav held his close to his face for inspection. "What are they?"
Raven raised his hand to look. "Those are candy watches. Lucky."
As Kiki took a ferocious bite out of hers, Hank remarked, "Certainly caught on quickly to that. Just do Daddy a favor and try not to eat the string as well. And say thank you to Scott and Frank."
"Let's see if we can take care of that before bedtime." Raven stood from the chair and picked up a still munching Kiki.
Trav started to go after them but held back to speak to his father. "I was good like you told me to be, Daddy."
Hank looked at him closely as he said, "You are always my good little cub. Even if you forget to act like it at times." He then sent out a playful growl.
Trav imitated the sound as best he could then smiled and left to go after his mother and sister.
IIIIIII
The creaking of one of the library doors instantly jolted Maya away from her textbooks until the one who entered proved to be the exact opposite of her expectations.
As though he had developed a dormant telepathic ability of his own, Alex assured offhandedly, "Don't worry. Sean will be here in like two minutes to drool all over you. Now," he pressed hands against her table top and stared at her accusatorily, "who's Morrie?"
Maya's left eyebrow shot up. "What? Wait, as in Morrie Bench?"
"So he does have a rep," Alex determined. "What do you know?"
"Other than the common knowledge of senior, ruler of the swim team, and goof of all things academia? Our crowds may have gone to the same school but we lived on other planets."
Alex appeared pleased. "All I need to know. Thanks." He proceeded out right by Sean.
The confused redhead watched him go before looking to his girlfriend. "You're not in trouble are you?"
"Me, no," she responded. "But I get the feeling Cordelia might by headed that way."
Intrigue replaced bewilderment on Sean's face. "I'm all ears."
IIIIIII
Hardwood coated in soap, the rubber gloved hands scrubbed vigorously.
"Thanks for helping, Cordy," Joey practically electrified his brush, "Daddy hates when Bounty does this."
"Don't worry about it. Beauty used to plop poo bombs all over the house when she was a puppy," the kneeling teenager recollected. "So how was flying today? You bypass the Empire State yet?"
"Well, Uncle Erik let me go a little higher," Joey's tone shifted to a less hopeful note, "but I'm still not sure I'm doing it the way he wants me to."
Cordelia advised, "Do not let the big man voice get to you. Erik just wants us to be the best mutants ever. Granted, we already are but an extra dose of perfect never hurts."
Joey smiled up at her then reacted to the phone ringing.
He hopped up to answer it and peeled off one glove before doing so. "Hello, Xavier Institute. Oh hang on." He covered the mouth piece of and lowered his voice. "It's Morrie."
With an initially surprised expression, Cordelia got to her slipper covered feet and accepted the receiver. "Morrie?" The corners of her mouth turned upward. "Hi." She lowered to sit on the nearest sofa. "Here I had this image of you burning my number in effigy."
"Ha," Morrie scoffed. "Fat chance of that, babe. If Blondie the attack dog thinks he can scare me off, he's got another thing coming."
Cordelia found this less encouraging. "So am I the meat in the macho stand off?"
"No, it's like that, really. I'm just tired of, you know, all this five minute stuff. I want to take you on a real date."
"A date?" Cordelia echoed. "Real?"
"Yep," Morrie confirmed. "Like tomorrow around seven. You'll be home from gymnastics before that, right?"
"Well, yeah."
"So that's a yes then?" he wanted to know.
Cordelia spat the first word to enter her mind. "Definitely."
"Great! I'll pick you up at your place. Can't wait, babe. Bye."
"Bye," Cordelia nearly sing-sang.
When her sudden starry-eyed condition prevented her from hanging up the phone, Joey did it for her then joined her on the couch.
"What happened?" he asked.
"Joey, you won't believe it. I have a…" Pools of doom puddled up in her eyes. "…date."
IIIIIII
Emma flipped another page in the maternity magazine then honed in on her sister's presence. Raising her head slightly solidified for the sight of the teenager in green and yellow zig zag pajamas currently situated in the doorway.
"Is anything broken or bleeding?"
"No, of course not." Cordelia hopped in and down onto the bed, looking at her. "Everything's great. Perfect and star studded beyond imagination actually."
Emma promptly laid the magazine on her night table. "And I'm simply bursting as to why."
"Well, remember Morrie? I mentioned him to you."
"Calorie filled eyes of chocolate?" Emma came back with. "Yes, I do."
Cordelia finally burst, "He asked me out. For tomorrow."
Biting back her initial urge to squeal with her, Emma instead responded with a noncommittal, "Oh really?"
"Yes, and I know it's kind of a last minute deal but he says he wants us to go on a real date and I truly, completely want to go on this date. Please, sis? He's picking me up here."
"Hm, that's a good sign. But you must know I need Charles' take on this as well."
An unsurprised Cordelia said, "Already figured."
"Don't you worry, though," Emma assured, patting her hands. "Just give me time to work my wifely magic. Speaking of…"
Charles, arms loaded with a variety of toppings while munching on a banana he simply could not put down, strolled into the master suite.
"Oh," he noticed the Frost ladies, "am I interrupting?"
"No, never." Cordelia headed out, stopping to give him a peck on the cheek. "I love you. So much!" She ducked out with that.
"Hm." Spreading his vast contents across the mattress, Charles settled down in the bed. "I still have yet to crack the emotional nature of the teenage girl. Try this." He dipped a sour cream and onion chip into a pint of butter pecan ice cream. "It's an aphrodisiac."
Emma only stared for a moment. "Maybe later." Charles shrugged and popped the creation into his own mouth. "Darling, we have to talk."
Hand buried in a bag of M&Ms, Charles looked up. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing. Absolutely," Emma picked up a stray pickle and held it to his lips, "nothing." He took a bite out of the dill. "You see, Cordelia's been in contact with one of the boys in town and he's asked her to join him for an evening out tomorrow. Doesn't that sound lovely?"
Eyes enlarging, Charles swallowed hard. "That sounds like a date! For Cordy- why she's only a little girl."
"She's a teenage girl," Emma corrected. "You just said so yourself."
"That in no way means I want her running about with strange boys."
"How else is she supposed to get to know anyone?" Emma reasoned. "If you'd behaved this way with Raven, she wouldn't be Mrs. McCoy now."
"Oh that's different," Charles promptly dismissed. "Hank is a dream come true. For both of us, believe me. But Cordelia, after the time she's had… are you sure it's wise that we allow this now?"
"I think we should trust her," Emma said adamantly. "She's feeling better about herself, doing better, ready to move forward. I think we should not only allow that but encourage it."
Charles poked at his can of whipped cream. "Do you really think this is a good idea?"
His wife nodded. "But trust me, if the worst happens, we'll take turns obliterating him."
Charles sighed heavily. "Then she may go. After we meet him."
"Of course," Emma concurred. "I would not be nearly as in favor of this if he had not volunteered to pick her up here."
"Hmph. At least he isn't off to the worst start imaginable." Charles raised the remainder of his banana to finish off.
While he continued his mental vexation over these new events, Emma helped herself to the chocolate chips he'd brought in.
IIIIIII
Starting on his next dozen leg lifts, Leon's attention could not escape the one delivering merciless punches to the defenseless dangling bag.
"Please explain," Leon got up to hold the bag in place, "how you seem more livid now than when we first came down here."
"A cocky jock on a bike." Alex paused to bend at his knees in a breather. "If you can call that thing a bike. A '55 Dragonfly? Yeah, real one of a kind. Probably because they sold so few they stopped making them in '57." Alex batted his fists together.
Leon commented, "Dumb kid on a big wheel."
"Exactly. And he's too old for her."
"By one whole year."
"Hey," Alex looked at him sharply, "in Cordelia Years he might as well be forty."
Leon studied his friend's expression for a second. "So, tell me. Does this Bench guy bother you because you honestly think he's bad news or because you don't want Cordy's fan level adoration to transfer over to him?"
Alex stilled, a thoughtful hand going to his chin. "You raise a pretty good point. You know something else, Lee?"
"What?"
"Explaining a BBS isn't the way to go." Alex fixed him with darkened eyes. "Demonstrations work a whole lot better."
"Valid reasoning yes." Leon then continued with, "But then again, I believe I'm much more valuable standing here with my mouth shut while you continue your anti-Bench spew."
"Knew you were a big brain." Done resting, Alex returned to pummeling the bag before him.
IIIIIII
Poking his head into the quarters belonging to the one known as Head Baby, he instead found a certain nose twitching rabbit on top of the covers.
Going over, Erik knelt beside the creature. "And just where might our Joey be?"
The chair scooted out and Joey stuck halfway out under his desk. "Here I am, Uncle Erik."
Glancing over his shoulder, Erik crept the boy's way. "Is Bounty having trouble sleeping?" Joey shook his head and Erik then noticed the stuffed bear in his possession. "Is Dickon?" Another shake. "And Joey?"
Joey wondered, "What do you do when you can't sleep?"
"I read," Erik answered him, "or sword fight with myself. But mostly, I check on all of you. Again and again. That usually puts me at ease."
"It's more fun when Daddy reads to me," Joey said. "And I can't even touch a sword or I'll get spanked."
"That you will." Erik laid out beside him. "You constantly surprise me, Kangaroo. I thought you'd be happy. Your flight training went much better today."
"I guess," Joey shrugged. "But it seems like I keep making mistakes."
"You're still at the early stages," Erik reminded him. "That's what the training is for. To help you perfect it."
The boy's face dipped, causing a few blonde strands to tumble in front of his eyes. "I keep letting you down."
"Strange," Erik tapped the tiny chin to get him to raise it, "because it's been my goal not to let you down. I'm not strict with you out there because I enjoy it but because if you are harmed in any way, it goes back to me for not training you properly. And whether you believe it or not, I enjoy our time out there together."
Joey got up to go over closer to him. "You do?"
"Every moment." Erik resituated one knee for the boy to sit on it. "I think pursuing this the way you have shows a great deal of courage. You never needed to be pushed. You willingly leapt out of that window to spread your own wings." He raised a reprimanding finger. "Of course if you ever do it again your backside will be in need of a cast."
Joey could not help laughing a little. "Yes, Uncle Erik. I can't ever do that again. I don't know what hurts more. Al of your hands or the ruler." He wrapped arms around the man and nestled against his neck. "I love you."
Erik left a kiss at his temple. "Let's see if you can rest easier now, Kangaroo." He carried him back to his bed. "I'll leave Bounty here with you."
After he was laid down, Joey requested, "Will you stay with me, too, Uncle Erik?"
The metal wielder wordlessly got into position with the young boy propped up on top of him. "I think I'll sleep better this way as well." He brought the blanket over them.
Joey closed his eyes and drifted off contentedly as his uncle massaged at his back.
IIIIIII
The plethora of cosmetics arranged all across her vanity, Cordelia stared with head tilted into the tall mirror. Touching her dark hair, she twisted the lochs into a variation of possible styles but gained further aggravation with each possibility.
"What?" she responded crossly to the tapping at her door.
"I am unarmed," Emma's voice sounded, "but I make no promises about your unborn nephew."
Sighing, Cordelia allowed her hair to tumble against her shoulders. "Come in."
Emma did so, shutting the door afterwards. "Is everything alright in here?" She regarded the younger Frost child, only adorned in a bathrobe.
"I guess. Sorry. I just haven't been looking forward to talking to anyone ready to make this a whole thing into a huge deal."
Emma took a seat on the bed, facing her. "This really is the first time you've gone out, isn't it?"
"The last three years…" Cordelia gazed down at her lap. "I've been too distracted. Whatever energy I have has gone into gymnastics. Other than staring at them from a careful distance, I don't know much about boys."
"They're certainly not a complicated species. That much I can assure." Emma got up and took the brush by its handle. "Let's see what we can do." She started to smooth through the shoulder-length strands, still damp from the shower.
Cordelia looked into the mirror at her. "How do you do this?"
"Trial and error during my own school days." Emma lowered the brush to move on to the foundation powder. "It's a never-ending battle against frizz and even cheek bones."
"No, I mean you and Charles." Cordelia tried to stay still so as not to ruin the makeup. "The way you're so completely and utterly in love that the biggest moron on earth can see it yet you're not openly disgusting about it like everyone else. You guys planned an overnight wedding. If Maya and Sean ever get to that level, I expect a trapeze artist will be involved."
"I suppose Charles and I are rather private." Emma gathered some peach blush onto a small brush and worked it along Cordelia's cheeks. "Our telepathy, both living lives of keeping things to ourselves, certainly plays into it. Neither of us feel right parading around. Then there's Sean and Maya, young and smitten. Hank and Raven, practically made for each other. And I hope Charles and I have the fire of the Howletts after being married more than ten years."
"Well, I think you and Charles are completely made for each other," Cordelia stated matter-of-factly.
"And you deserve the respect and decency he always gives to me," Emma said in turn. "Something I hope Morrie knows."
Cordelia smiled and whispered, "Thanks."
"You are beautiful." Emma indicated for her to look in the mirror then lowered a little to connect their cheeks. "Do me one favor, though."
"Sure. What?"
"Let me be the one to share this good news with Daddy," Emma smirked.
IIIIIII
Pulled up in front of the massive house, Morrie released a long-lasting whistle. Though he had gone past the greatest estate in all of Westchester before, stopping to behold it left him insanely overwhelmed. He took a moment to examine his hair in the rearview mirror then collected his packages and left the car.
Attempting to search for a bell of some sort, Morrie looked on as the enormous iron gates split apart. Entry aloud, he made it halfway across the front yard but gasped as a darkened figure leapt out to block him.
The long haired figure stood to his full height. "Goin' somewhere?"
"I-I Cordelia… we…" Morrie unconsciously stepped back. "We have a date tonight."
"Not without security clearance ya don't." Another smaller man approached from his cloaking spot by a tree. "What's your name, pretty boy?"
Taken aback, he still managed to answer, "Morrie- Bench."
"Got some ID?" Victor accepted the driver's license handed to him. "Hm. That your car?"
Morrie glanced back at the deep blue Chrysler. "My father's."
Gentlemen, Emma's voice rang out through the mutant males, is there a problem out there?
No ma'am, Logan sent back, just showing Cordy's friend the way in.
"Go on." Victor handed him back his driver's license and stepped out of the way. "Hey, Bench." The boy looked back. "Drive safe now."
Clearing his throat of his own nerves, Morrie continued on to the front door.
"Copy his plates," Victor directed his brother.
"Already on it." Pad and paper in hand, Logan went off to accomplish the task.
Morrie managed to feel at ease when a far more pleasant blonde answered the door. "How are you?"
"Just fine, thank you. Come on in," Emma invited, moving aside for him. "I hope you found us alright."
"Oh I could never miss this place," Morrie said, equally marveled by the foyer. He then shook out his head and held out his hand. "Sorry, I'm Morrie."
"That's quite alright." Emma shook with him. "I'm Cordelia's sister, Emma Xavier."
"Hello, there," Charles' voice preceded his and Erik's presences from the back.
"Morrie, this is my husband," Emma linked up with him, "Charles."
"Professor Xavier." Morrie shook with him now. "It's good to see you. Congratulations on the wedding and- and the baby, of course. Cordy's real excited about it."
"Thank you, we all are." Charles indicated the other man. "This is my brother and fellow headmaster, Erik Lehnsherr."
"Hello, young man," Erik addressed him.
"Hello, sir. I have," Morrie had to move quickly before he dropped the bouquet he had with him, "flowers. Um, for Cordelia. These are," he gave Emma a box, "for you."
"That was certainly nice of you. Thank you," Emma reacted appreciatively.
"Hm," Charles studied the box cover excitedly, "Godivas."
At Erik's stare that seemed to burrow clean through him, Morrie remained still. As though the slightest movement would cause one of his limbs to become permanently detached from his body.
"Cordy," Erik called up the stairs, "your friend is waiting for you."
"On my way!" Descending the stairs, the girl arrived in a white sleeveless dress with festive lemons all over it. She also wore yellow tights, boots, and a hair band. "Hi, Morrie."
"Cordy," Morrie grinned. "You look," he cleared his throat and produced the buttercups for her viewing, "I figured you'd like these."
"Oh thank you." Cordelia accepted them to sniff.
"Well," Charles pressed on, "let's all have a seat shall we?"
The Professor ushered everyone into the living room where he sat on the couch with Emma and Erik took the right arm. The two young ones faced across from them on the other sofa.
"So Morrie," Charles began, "your father is an attorney, yes?"
"Yes, sir," Morrie replied. "He's junior partner at a firm in New York. Shultz and Farley. My mom's a typist over there. My brother's studying law right now, too."
"Very interesting," Charles nodded.
"I don't suppose you have legal aspirations," Emma said kindly.
"Definitely not," Morrie confirmed.
Erik inquired, "What exactly are your aspirations?"
"Erik," Cordelia attempted to intervene. "That's a little personal."
"No, it's okay," Morrie assured. "If I don't secure a swim scholarship so I can pay my own way then I'm hoping the navy will have me."
"I see," was all Erik said to that.
"So," Charles picked up next, "what's on the agenda for the evening?"
Morrie replied, "I thought we'd grab some food and play a few games at the pool hall near my school."
"That sounds great." Cordelia looked to the adults. "So, can we get going?"
"See to it that you're home by eleven," Charles reminded.
"And that's inside this house," Erik tacked on.
Cordelia went over to hand her sister the bouquet. "Give these some water, please."
"I'll set them out in your room," said Emma. "Have a great time." She walked them to the door while Charles and Erik moved to watch them from the windows.
When they made it to the safety of the car, Cordelia released a breath. "I swear to you, they all have the best intentions."
"Hey, no worries," he assured. "I've been through the interrogation thing before- though without half as many dad types involved."
"We're heavy on dad types around here," Cordelia smiled. "Thanks for not bringing out the motorcycle."
"You kidding?" Morrie started up the car. "And engage full on parental heart attack fuel? No chance of that."
Up top, the carefully guarded cameras of Eye Spy witnessed the vehicle back up before heading off into town.
After they arrived at the Pool Hall, they shared a loaded plate of quesadillas. When they finished eating, Morrie secured them a table.
"So, can I tell you something?" he ventured.
Cordelia readied the tip of her pool stick then bent over. "Anything you like."
"I normally would never even look at one of the gymnast girls."
This surprised her. "Why?"
"Because they're all usually so scrawny you can break 'em with a hug," he wrapped an arm around her waist crouched over to help her grip the stick, "I need a full size babe."
Cordelia glanced to the side to smile at him as he helped her secure a corner shot.
IIIIIII
Main house entirely dark save for the kitchen, the girl started that way. At the eatery's island, she discovered her sister with a plate of cheddar crackers and her brother-in-law with a slice of oozing chocolate cake.
"Waiting up for me?"
"As if you're surprised." Emma held an arm out for her to come stand between them. "How did it go?"
Cordelia shrugged. "It was fine. We talked a lot, played a few games. Not much to write home about. Anyway, I'm going to change." She stole a fingerful of Charles' cake as she departed. "Night, loves."
"Good night," they called after her.
"Well," Charles picked his fork back up, "I suppose that's the last she'll be going out for some time."
"Wrong," Emma countered then clarified, "she had a wonderful time. It radiated all over her. She just has no desire to flaunt it."
"Are you absolutely sure?" At his wife's nod, Charles sighed and shook another layer of sprinkles onto his night time treat.
As soon as she made it to her room, Cordelia sat at her vanity and started to relieve her feet from the boots.
With a brief knock, Alex stuck his head into the space. "Hey."
Cordelia looked up at him. "Took you long enough to pounce."
"Wanted to give you a breather." He stepped in fully. "So…"
Cordelia rolled her head slightly. "So…?"
"…Do I need to rip this guy's head off?"
"Sorry to disappoint you," Cordelia flung her shoes near her closet door, "but it went fine."
Sighing, he squatted before her. "Listen to me, okay?" She remained still, waiting for him to go on. "I know I seemed like a jerk yesterday- maybe that's what I was going for- but I couldn't help it. I saw you with that kid and that bike and… Cor, I don't want you going after guys like me."
"This isn't about you, Alex," she told him. "And what exactly is wrong with you?"
"I stink at relationships and I'm not as good with girls as I should be. I was worse before I came here. As corny as it sounds, I want the best for you."
Cordelia softened. "I know that. But you don't have to worry."
"Easier said than done, kid." He got to his feet again. "Just be careful. Promise me."
"I promise." She stood as well, giving him a hug. "And thanks again for not telling."
"Yeah well," Alex gave her a light swat, "don't get used to that. See you in the morning." He headed out.
Cordelia watched him go then fell out against her bed, rolling over to admire the buttercups in a clear vase on her table.
IIIIIII
Air still and quiet around him, Magneto honed into it all until he felt himself rise high above the grounds. As he floated further and further away, a thin magnetic orb seemed to encase him almost protectively.
From his window, Joey observed the act for several seconds then turned and hurried out of his room purposefully.
"Joey," Hank acknowledged, turning away from his mass of work in the lab, "a little late for you, isn't it? Is anything wrong?"
Joey asked him, "Can you help me with something? It's for Uncle Magneto."
Hank listened with a great deal of intrigue.
IIIIIII
Back in comfortable pajamas, Cordelia switched on the television before getting under the fleece throw on the couch. She decided on a late film when the phone going off startled her.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Was hoping you'd pick up. I know it's late."
"Morrie?" Cordelia smiled. "No, it's fine. We just have to keep it down."
"No problem. I just wanted to make sure you got in safe."
"You mean the whole forty five seconds it takes to get from your car to my house?"
"Hey, for all I know your sanity free security could have been on a coffee break," he quipped.
"Oh never," she said sincerely. "What about you? All safe and sound?"
"And thinking about you. I had a great time tonight."
Cordelia's voice softened. "So did I. More than I can believe."
"I can't wait to do it again."
This caught the girl's attention highly. "Are you trying to ask me out again?"
He came back with, "Only if you're saying yes again."
Wearing a lengthy grin, Cordelia lounged on the couch as the phone stayed pressed against her ear for the next hour.