X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter One Hundred Thirty Six
Author's Word: Fam, I really am sorry. January has not been my month at all. I had to combat illness last week and this week when everything is good something else snuck up on my health. However, forget all that for now. I want to give a shout out to Sincerely Priscilla who's birthday was yesterday. She really helped inspire me to go beyond the sickness. So happy birthday again to Priscilla and everyone please enjoy and review this chapter while I enjoy kitty cuddles and ginger ale.
Crisp ivory coffered ceiling at ten feet or greater above while the crimson and gray Oriental rug supported the head of the one dangling sideways across the bed. The formerly bare dresser top now offered a roosting place for his new Hi-Fi stereo. Every college student's dream come true in the form of a portable typewriter resided on his desk right beside the custom writing tools. Aside from the rest of his more costly trinkets, the lengthy and wide superhero poster hung above his headboard.
Christmas with the X-Men had been an experience only heard about through essays read aloud by his classmates. A big house loaded with people, a tree and decor that very nearly put Rockefeller Center to shame, visiting family members, hypnotic smells in the kitchen, children running about, shared stories, snowball fights and sled rides. The presents themselves came off more traditional than necessary for the merriment.
Performing a back flip that brought his entire body to the floor, Leon hopped to his feet and his eyes went right to his poster. More so, it made him think of the one who had given it to him. Charles Xavier, despite his initial preconceptions of the Professor, sparked familiarity for him of another man. The diligent caring and concerned teacher dressed in collared shirts, hair neat and lush as if he kept a personal barber at his beck and call, greeting all with a smile, and treating strangers like their existence made his own all the more worthwhile.
The most courageous man in the room is not the first to strike a blow but the first to offer a handshake, his father used to say.
Going to the desk, Leon removed the white bottle from the second drawer then moved to the mirror. Beyond the physical provided solely by DNA strands, he saw no signs of courage or kindness. No, such traits did not become one who's core consisted of impenetrable stone.
With a twist, he got the cap off and dropped two of the pale caplets into his palm. He popped them into his mouth then went to the nearest bathroom for water from the sink.
As soon as he finished swallowing, he heard something and peeked out into the hallway at an exercise ready mutant elder.
"Erik," Leon stepped out and the man promptly turned around at his voice, "can I go on a run with you?"
Erik regarded him a moment then directed, "At the back door in five minutes," and jogged down the stairs.
Leon did not have time to fully comprehend how the wizard of metal could transform a request into an order. It did not bother him at all but Leon certainly found it fascinating. Also knowing he meant it, the young man managed to get into sweats quickly, despite the numerous layers underneath his shirt. New York winters had yet to form any type of fondness with him. Before he left out, he returned the pill bottle to its designated spot inside the desk.
Erik, no impatience present on his countenance, looked up the stairs as the younger male descended. "Two minutes under. Satisfactory."
Leon dipped his head acquiescently. "What did you have in mind for this morning?"
"Can you handle two miles into the woods?" Erik asked him.
"Yes, sir," Leon answered.
"Then let's be off."
Leon followed him out and started to shut the door after them but Erik's mutation beat him to it. Even after their training and general time spent together, Leon still experienced some level of astonishment at how the elders mastered their powers with as much simplicity as a wink. He himself still felt a strain at summoning objects into his possession.
"This way," Erik indicated with a slight tilt of his head.
Starting up the jog, Leon watched his breathing and kept focus on staying in step with the man. At the same time, though, he kept at least a four inch distance behind him so as not to appear impertinent. Erik used only his head to direct their path and Leon stayed with him dutifully.
Every so often, Erik peered out of the corner of his eye to take in the young man's status. He had no desire to exhaust him as a means of starting off the day. Other than the suppressed coughs brought on by the frigid air, Erik saw no need to worry. They made it even beyond their two mile point and the Poland native declared a brief cool down.
Leon bent at the knees to ease his panting. Squatting lower, he studied a short snow mound and began to gather bits of it with his fingers.
Erik watched and cautioned glibly, "Just don't try to eat it."
"It's highly unusual," Leon tossed some of the white moisture upward, "so cold yet a layer of it can act as insulation."
Erik got down to join his current height. "Half frozen water is a fascination for you yet you hail from a state that stays coated in smog when not under warning for earthquakes and mud slides."
"Maybe California is being punished for something." Leon brought his eyes up.
Erik met his look. "Maybe." His attention then went to the teenager's hands. "You shouldn't play in it without gloves." He massaged the numbing appendages. "Let's head back."
Leon stood right with him as they now ran in reverse.
Once back at the mansion, Erik brought them to his den. He readied the logs inside the fireplace and summoned his metallic lighter into one hand. Before he lit the pieces of wood, he glanced over at Leon and the all too stilled expression.
Rising a moment, Erik took his rest and led him to the couch to sit. "I don't want you close to the embers." He tugged down the fleece throw and left it in Leon's lap. "Stay here while I get it warm, boychick."
Leon nodded and watched him light the fire. "Why do you call me that?"
Erik looked back with an even countenance. "Does it offend you?"
"No, sir," Leon replied honestly, "but it's what you call Alex and the annoying one."
Snorting, Erik returned to his feet. "You never find Alex annoying I take it?"
Leon considered it. "If I do, my best friend blinders prevent me from acknowledging it."
"Then do me a favor and loan those blinders out to Charles during our next chess tournament. But to answer your question," Erik came close enough to run fingers through the top of the dark hair, "you are here as mine. As you will continue to be." He tucked a few strands of the long locks behind one ear to better view the young face. "Regardless of what this day or the next brings, you are to remember that. Just as I am to live up to it, no matter how undeserving I am."
With his own brown orbs reacting to that, Leon saw something in the Headmaster's dark blue eyes. No remote physical likeness in common yet… could they be the same?
IIIIIII
Socks peeled off, the boy wiggled his teeny toes as he scooted towards the headboard. Getting on top of the wooden surface, he stuck to and began scaling the wall behind it.
Metaphorical eyes in the back of his head sending him an alert, Hank glanced back to see his son reaching for the overhead hanging bar.
"Trav!" Hank left Kiki on her changing table to detach the five-year-old. "What have I told you about my exercise bar?" He draped him over one arm and swatted his thigh. "You know it's too high for you."
"Ow!" Trav jumped and looked over in contrition. "I just wanted to hang on a minute, Daddy."
"It only takes a second for you to get hurt," Hank sternly informed. "Now, keep still," he placed him back on the bed and handed him his ape toy, "and play with Norty."
"Yes, Daddy," Trav responded obediently and began to make the stuffed creature trample along the mattress.
Hank regarded him in approval and rubbed his hair before returning to Kiki. The little girl with twin dangling braids tied together with bubblegum pink ribbons that matched her jumper dress looked up with a bright smile that made her father automatically offer her one back in turn. He leaned in to tickle noses with her only for her to confiscate his glasses.
"When will you stop," he easily plucked the frames from her clutch, "trying to blind me?"
"Daddy?" Curious brown eyes followed the question. "What's that?"
"Go like this." Hank used his hands to cover his eyes then lowered them to watch her imitate the gesture. "What do you see?"
"Nothin'."
"Well that, my dear, is what blind is." Hank gripped her at the waist and raised her high over his head.
Dressed in a long tan skirt and green skirt, Raven re-entered from their sitting room, mumbling to herself. "Of course one of the books I need today winds up in the playpen. Because the safe confine of my bag is too outrageous."
"Mommy." Trav reached beseeching hands for her.
Raven promptly picked him up to clutch close to her. "Aw, Pooh. Are you still sad because Mommy has to go back to school?"
"Yes," the little boy then sent into her ear, "and Daddy spanked me."
"He did?" Raven inspected the clean face with no trace of red eye. "Then where'd all the tears go?"
"You won't find any," Hank looked over with pointed eyes on their son, "because Daddy only gave Trav one little smack. Would you like to tell your mother why as well?"
"Ooh," Raven playfully tugged on Trav's upper ear, "busted."
A sheepish Trav buried his face in her neck.
"Daddy?" Kiki's voice took Hank's attention. "I wanna stay with you."
"For a little while after breakfast and later today yes, but Daddy has to work, Baby Bear," Hank reminded her gently. "Auntie Emmie, Kitty, and everyone will help keep you company."
"I wanna go to school," she said.
"You can't go to school," Trav interjected. "You're just a baby."
"No!" Kiki protested. "I wanna go to school with Daddy."
"Oh you do?" Hank repositioned her in his arms as he considered it. "Well, alright. You may come to my classes with me today, but you have to behave and stay quiet. No acting up if you get bored. Do you understand me, Kiki?"
"Yes, Daddy!" she grinned, immediately throwing both arms around his neck.
Hank kissed her cheek. "So I get one of my girls all day at least." He sent a coy smile to Raven, he gave him a mock pout.
IIIIIII
The decrepit hand seized hold of him, draining him of his life energy until he collapsed.
Alex sent out synchronized punches to the dangling bag. After two dozen strikes, he stepped back for a breath.
An overwhelming desire to pierce his own eyes filled him at the sight of the mutilated corpses. However, the smell of the dead flesh proved ten times worse than even beholding it.
Standing before the bag again, Alex's gloved hands unleashed new vigor.
When he felt his face smash against the floor, he had no time to react. The club came down and connected all along his back over and over again. It went on for so long, he nearly turned numb. The taste of blood filled his mouth.
The punches increased and Alex surrendered his full will to the exercise.
Sharp hissing resulted from the razor wire winding around his wrists.
"This is what they did to us."
"Water or gas?"
"Every single day! Men, women, children!"
Finishing with a roundhouse kick that left the bag swinging back and forth like a pendulum, Alex dropped to one knee on the mat beneath him. He steadied himself, breathing heavily.
"Hey, Alex," Scott's voice sounded as the boy dashed into the gym. A frown replaced his initial jolly expression when he came around to his brother's side. "Are you okay?" He took one arm to try to help him up.
"Watch running around in here, twerp." Alex allowed his assistance as he returned to his feet. "Yeah, I'm alright. Went a little nuts, that's all. Feels like I have a lot to make up for since Hank loosened the choke collar on me."
Scott proved skeptical. "Are you sure?"
Alex attempted to look into his eyes beyond the ruby quartz. "I'm fine, Scottie. Don't worry about it. I won't go too far, promise."
Scott nodded. "Kayla's almost done with breakfast."
"I better grab a quick shower then."
"From the smell of it, you'll probably have better luck at a car wash," Scott remarked in jest.
"Oh whatever," Alex tossed his hair as he headed out, "drool machine."
Finding familiarity in the term, Scott stayed put a moment before continuing after the older Summers.
IIIIIII
At the sound of impending accompaniment in the garage, Leon's shoulders remained relaxed at the presence of the new Mrs. Xavier.
"Emma," he acknowledged.
"You seemed cheerful at breakfast," she noted positively. "Are you looking forward to this a little more?"
"It's senseless to waste a scholarship over laughable high school level circumstances," Leon stated reasonably. "Also, it seems I have a sudden knack for fate guided friendships. The X-Men have secrets. It's who they are."
Emma promptly corrected, "We are."
"We are," Leon amended with an easy smile about him.
Alex entered next with the Headmasters not far behind him.
"Straight home today," Erik reminded.
"We know," Alex replied in compliance as he made near hypnotic tracks for his motorcycle. "Oh gorgeous," he spread his arms apart to embrace as much of the machine as he could, "I'm so ready to ride in with you."
"Do you believe his sporting goods obsession is somewhat healthier than chasing young women about?" Charles said to Erik.
His brother responded evenly, "You tell me, oh married man."
Emma then abruptly but gladly reeled in by Charles' hand and she laughed against his shoulder.
The McCoys arrived shortly. Raven supported Kiki on her hip and held onto one of Trav's hands while the little boy carried her book bag for her across one shoulder. Hank brought up the rear for them.
Alex commented, "You putting the kiddo to work, twin?"
"You know I can't turn down a cute guy who offers to carry my books." Raven stroked her son's hair.
Hank stepped over to adjust the scarf around Leon's neck.
Despite the lack of invitation to do so, Leon felt no offense. He considered Hank something of a doctor on auto-pilot. The charcoal colored topcoat he currently wore had been an insistent Christmas present after the man deemed Leon's former choice of winter outerwear futile to combat pneumonia.
"There we are." Hank next put his attention on Alex. "As for you…"
"Prescriptions already packed." The blonde indicated his book bag. "Trust me, I'm terrified to leave the house without it." A fear that had nothing to do with his blood pressure.
"Alright," Hank now faced his children, "it's time for Mommy to go to school now."
Kiki hugged at her mother as tightly as she could. "Bye-bye, Mommy."
Raven spun as she squeezed her. "Bye, Baby Gorge. You take your nap and drink all your milk, okay?"
Kiki nodded against her neck and Raven handed her off to Hank.
Trav held Raven's bag out to her. "Have a good day at school, Mommy."
"Thanks, hon. You, too" She knelt down to hug him and kiss his cheek before taking the pack to put on herself.
Hank shared a kiss with her and promised, "We'll be fine."
Raven touched his cheek. "I promise to bring home all smiley faces."
"You better," he whispered into her ear.
The moment she started to walk again, Trav sped to catch up. "Mommy!" She turned around just before he latched onto her legs. "I love you."
Trying to contain herself, Raven picked him up and held him closely. "I love you, too, Travvy Pooh. I'll be home soon." She rubbed his back and repeated, "I'll be home soon."
"Speaking of school," Erik gently pried the five-year-old from her to take into his own arms, "we need to get on with classes ourselves. We're going over our Spanish alphabet, aren't we?"
Trav nodded and rested his head on the man's shoulder.
Raven quietly handed her keys to Leon. "Can you drive?"
He enclosed them in his hand with a sincere, "My pleasure."
IIIIIII
Glancing from the French doors, Scott's vision landed on Joey who currently used his science book to prop up his chin.
Rebecca.
The mentally petitioned girl turned away from her journaling and followed Scott's gaze over to the sullen boy at the table right beside theirs. Becky lowered and extended her hand to grasp onto Joey's listlessly dangling one. The small blonde looked at her lock then shared a soft smile with the girl.
Coming from their private wing, Hank carried Kiki down the short flight of stairs with him.
Becky's face lit up at the sight of her. "Hi, Baby Bear."
"Becca," the toddler chirped happily.
"Alright, let's put you right here with me." Hank situated the little girl along with her small floral print backpack in a chair at the side of his desk high enough to see over the top of it. "My junior TA." Hank tickled under her chin and she squealed.
Trav's eyes narrowed at Kiki being allowed such a position then watched Scott get up after retrieving something from his pencil box.
"Here, Kiki. You can use my race car eraser." Scott gave her the little red object.
"Thank you, Scottie," Kiki said, studying it with great interest.
"You're welcome." Scott returned to his seat.
Trav looked at him. "You never share your stuff with me."
Scott countered to the younger boy, "I do, too, and you know it."
"Okay, first thing's first," Hank began. "Please pass forward the worksheets I assigned you on Friday."
Always wanting a reason to move about in class, Cody took the liberty of collecting everyone's papers.
He handed them over to Hank and remarked, "Why do you always got to give out homework on the weekends?"
Hank accepted the sheets and responded off the cuff, "To ensure what I teach you doesn't fall straight out of your head from that constant jumping around you do." Cody let off an unamused grunt and sat back beside Joey. "Now I have a question for you. Do you remember where we left off last week?"
Cody sighed but recited, "Classification."
"Exactly. Herbivores," Hank turned around to write the words along the chalkboard as he spoke, "carnivores," he glanced back at his class with an excited gleam in his blue eyes, "and what classification do we fall into?"
"Omnivores," everyone replied except for Cody who jokingly said, "Carnivores."
Hank gave him an even look and the boy defended, "What? That's how my ma says I eat half the time."
Hank rescinded slightly with, "While I can't say I disagree with her there, do you know what some of the effects would be if we actually did live like carnivores?"
At Scott's raised hand, Hank indicated for him to speak. "A severe loss of energy and bone deficiency. You can become overweight from a lack of fiber, too."
Becky quipped, "I always thought no vegetables would leave more room for chocolate."
Hank looked at her and said, "I think this is a good time to go over another effect; diabetes."
As he returned to the board, he paused a moment to peer at the surprisingly quiet Kiki. To his amazement, she had not touched the coloring sheets or any other fanciful distraction in her backpack. Instead, she seemed to be trying to follow her father's every word. Hank smiled at her then picked up his chalk again.
Trav peeled his eyelids back and bared his teeth Kiki's direction. The three-year-old only laughed.
Wondering what he could have said to stir her, Hank caught a glimpse before Trav could change his expression.
"Trav," the tall scientist turned around, "should I check your eyes later today?"
Trav shook his head at that. "No, they're okay."
"Then I can't imagine why you're making funny faces while we're in class," Hank said pointedly. "Don't do it again, alright?"
With a nod that lasted several seconds, Trav sunk down deep into his seat.
IIIIIII
Eyes focused on the road ahead as they ventured nearer and nearer to campus grounds, Leon managed a brief glance to the passenger side.
"Are you doing okay over there?"
The melancholy head of gold turned away from the window. "Yeah. I'm sorry. I know that whole thing back there must have looked so pathetically female to you but it was harder leaving them than I thought."
"Raven," Leon stated, "pathetic is not in your realm of capability."
Smiling in gratitude, she saw the familiar school colors coming into view. "Go Griffins?"
"Go Griffins," he repeated deprecatingly, pulling into the student parking lot.
Alex jogged over from where he left his motorcycle parked. "Looks like we made good time."
Raven glanced out across the cluster of students. "Looks like. I wonder where everyone is."
As they started out of the lot and towards the center of campus, Leon did not miss the numerous eyes that seemed drawn to him. He went to toss his head to send his hair further out over his face then the realization hit. He had ridden in with Raven McCoy; behind the driver's seat of her car no less. So they did not look upon him as a nude foreign species but with something between awe and envy.
Not missing the rushing footsteps coming at him from behind, Alex veered around with his leg raised high.
"Whoa, hey!" Jam raised his leather messenger bag to block the assault. "Lex, I do not owe you money."
Growing red from the neck up, Alex immediately said, "Jam, geez man. I'm sorry. I didn't know it was you."
"Well, I hope not." Jam gave him a couple playful jabs on his chest. "Look at you all jumpy. What happened? Got caught sneaking in late last night?"
Alex smirked and returned the light punches. "Like I'd get caught."
"Like you always do," Raven piped up.
"Oh sorry, who was that?" Alex looked at her. "Was that the chick who "lost track of time" sucking face with Hank?"
"That was too long ago," Raven claimed. "Who even remembers?"
Jam chuckled and went to wrap arms around her. "It's good to see you, beautiful." He then gazed over her shoulder at the silent one. "Hey, Lee."
"Hey," Leon returned.
"So, what?" Jam let go of Raven and went around to him. "You want to try to drop kick me, too?"
"I figured you had rightful dibs on dishing out the bodily harm."
"True, true," Jam concurred. "But screw it. It's too good to see you."
They slapped their right hands together in a shake and exchanged a pound hug.
Alex glided over, slapping them both on the back. "So SSC of WU Spring Semester. Let's do it."
"World History awaits." Raven turned to lead the way to the designated building housing the class. The moment they arrived, she quickly honed in on too particular faces. "Teresa, Ames?"
The other girls stopped chattering at the sight of her and they hurried over to squeal and share a three-way hug.
"First day of class," they soon began to chant.
"You know these babes?" Alex indicated the females with a jab of his thumb.
Jam hummed then said, "I think they're part of that new special needs program."
IIIIIII
After lunch ended, Hank swept Kiki up into his arms and returned to their quarters with her. He clean off her crumb loaded face in the bathroom then went over to the play room. He got out a few of her soft toys and settled on the rug with her.
"Are you having a good day?" he asked her.
Kiki tugged on the ears of her purple bunny. "I wanna go to school, too, Daddy."
"I know, baby." Nevertheless, the statement instantly filled him with delight. "You're such a smart girl and you're learning so much already. Do you want to do our numbers?"
"Daddy's feet," she requested.
Hank chuckled. "You are turning into your mother." He removed his shoes and socks and exposed the finger-like toes for her viewing. "Alright, ready?"
"One, two," Kiki tapped along each toe as counted off, "three, four, five…"
"Six," Hank assisted.
"Seven," she went on after, "eight, nine, ten." She raised her arms in victory after she finished.
"Yes, that's my girl!" Hank gathered and lifted her as high as he could. He laid back on the floor looking up at her. Then he felt the need to reiterate part of that. "My girl…"
With a gentle toss, he caught her again but with his feet now. She tickled him with her enthusiastic giggling.
Though Hank still did not see his oversized lower appendages as anything completely worth celebrating, he did find something special whenever Raven or their children touched them. It almost made him see a different side of the beast within him; a contented playful side yet still ready to trounce any predator that dared come within reach of his brood.
Kiki began rubbing at her eyes and Hank lowered her into his arms again.
Standing with her, he decided, "Looks like it's time for a little rest." He carried her back to their room and the changing table. "Let's get you comfortable and while you sleep Daddy's going to get some work done." He nearly jumped at the unexpected and quite forceful kicking that resulted.
"No, no, no, no!" Kiki flung off her own shoes with the display. "No nap!"
"Kiki, stop this right now," Hank said firmly. "And yes nap. Remember what Mommy told you before she left?"
Her lips puffed forward. "I wanna stay with you, Daddy."
"Daddy's going to come back for you very soon but you must take your nap." He pulled down her tights and underwear to get a sustaining diaper on her. Before he could apply it, though, he received a hard jab to his nose courtesy of one tiny foot. "Kiki!"
Breathing through his nose, he relaxed and calmly lifted her legs with one hand while he used the other to mildly smack the middle of her bottom.
"Oww!" she moaned.
"Do you want Daddy to spank you?"
Her dark haired head shook hard. "Noooo…"
Hank took her hand to kiss. "Then behave for me, please."
Continued unsatisfied, Kiki remained still while he finished getting her into pajamas. "I sowwy, Daddy."
Hank picked her up and hugged her. "It's alright now, Baby Bear. Daddy isn't angry." He laid her on the center of the bed and gave over her favorite bear while he tucked her in. "You'll feel much better after you wake up." He kissed her forehead. "I love you."
"I love you, Daddy," she whispered back, eyes closing.
Hank smiled and headed downstairs.
After going back and forth between looking up at the ceiling and playing with her bear, Kiki carefully climbed down from the large bed.
II
Descending the stairs, the thumping sound grew louder in Sean's ears until he discovered its source. Like a well-oiled machine Scott continuously bounced his baseball against the back wall, catching it in his mitt every time it shot back to him.
Sean interceded at one point, snagging the ball out of the air. "Just to warn you, this indoor activity is well-known as one of the leading causes of sore butt-itis."
One corner of Scott's mouth turned up and he pounded his mitt with his free hand. "Only in 99.9 percent of chances."
"Think you're pretty lucky?" Sean carefully tossed the ball his way.
Scott landed it in his mitt. "Yeah sure."
Sean leaned against the banister. "Where's Frank?"
"Out back with the others. He can't stay out of this house enough now that he's done being grounded."
The redhead then asked, "Scott, is everything okay?"
The pre-teen shook his head. "I don't think you'll understand."
"Might not," Sean admitted, walking closer to him. "But could you give me a shot, anyway? Charles Kid to Charles Kid?"
Scott dipped his head a moment, holding his baseball tightly. "Joey's been worried about Alex all day. I can tell. Because I have, too. I knew this was coming and I thought I was ready for it, but the truth is… I really hoped he wouldn't go back to school. He went before and those guys grabbed him," he felt about ready to crush the ball now, "and hurt him. He didn't even do anything to them. They just hated that girl. I wasn't even there but it's like I can still see what they did to him."
Sean listened to him in full before responding. "Sometimes I can, too. What I hate even more is that I feel like I could have done something if I was there. Other times I feel like I could have been and they would've wiped the floor with me before I could raise a pinky. Then there's the fact that I still feel like if I hadn't been pestering him, they wouldn't have left and maybe he and Kerstin wouldn't have been taken as easily."
"None of that was your fault, Sean. Even Alex said so," Scott reminded.
"It's still hard sometimes. Look, I've had relatives pass away and all, but the truth is I can't imagine a life like you or most of the others have had. But with all the crazy things the X-Men have been through, what I really can't imagine is losing one of you. I couldn't handle it." Sean took the baseball from him and stroked along it's red curve. "But Alex, like I've always said, he knows how to conquer. That's what he did, even with all the damage those guys did. He still came back from it. Just like he's coming back today."
Scott stayed quiet then glanced up. "You want to play catch before recess is over?"
"Sure." Sean went to toss the ball to him as he jogged towards the door but it slipped out of his grip and collided with a picture on the side wall.
Charles appeared in the foyer in what felt like an instantaneous motion. He wordlessly surveyed the scene then looked towards the guilty pair. The boys bowed their heads in shame. Resisting a chuckle, Charles used an outstretched finger to indicate for them to go outside. They promptly seized the chance for a clean escape right out the door.
II
Brown eyes captivated by the extremely tall pieces of furniture and decorations, Kiki moved about rapidly throughout the second floor. So focused on her more fascinating than ever surroundings, she awkwardly stepped in a way that made her fall forward. The desire to sprout her wings filled her and she tugged at the material of her lavender footed pajamas but found no way to slip out of it as easily as she could a shirt. Annoyed entirely, she decided to scoot along on her bottom for a bit.
A pair of dark boots stepped out in front of her, blocking her path.
Kneeling, the long haired blonde made the best eye contact he could with her. "And where're you off to, Miss Liz?" Giggling somewhat fiendishly, Kiki turned and made haste in a crawl. "Oh no ya don't." He imitated her movements. "All fours is where I got ya beat, doll."
When he clamped teeth down on the back of her clothes at the neck and growled playfully, she squealed out, "Kitty!"
Victor let go of her to nuzzle with his head instead and brought her up to sit on his lap. "So what you up to, Lizzie?"
Kiki told him, "I want my daddy."
"You want your daddy? Okay." Victor got up, keeping the small delicate body hugged against him. Hank's scent easily registered, he found the young scientist in the back of the basement, pawing through some stray scrap metal. "Hey Beast, you lose somethin' or is she up for grabs?"
"Kiki." Hank immediately stopped what he was doing to collect her. "What are you doing up?"
Victor said, "You know how these kids are. Get spooked if you leave 'em alone too long."
Hank nodded his understanding. "Thanks." He headed back upstairs with her. "Alright, honey. Don't worry. Daddy will stay with you while you sleep." The moment he tried to lay her down, wilder fighting than earlier ensued. "Kiki, no, stop it."
"No nap!" she hollered, wriggling as much as she could.
"Young lady," a partial growl accented Hank's tone, "enough. Stop this right now and take your nap or you will get a spanking."
Kiki shook her head, swinging pigtails back and forth.
Deciding right then that this had gone on long enough, Hank sat down on the side of the bed. He moved the defiant toddler to lay over his legs with her upper body and legs safely on the mattress. With a hand that trembled for a few seconds, he gave her the first swat, having to remind himself that she would not shatter on contact.
However, instantaneous wailing did occur on contact. Knowing that between pajamas and a diaper she could not possibly be in such dire pain. The information did little to comfort the burning in Hank's own chest, though as he continued.
"When Daddy tells you to do something, you do it," he scolded. "Because if you're naughty instead, this is what happens."
"Owww!" the tiny girl howled. "Daddy, no! I sowwy!"
Hank could not go on and finished at seven pops. He had her cradled in his arms in a flash and rocked her while kissing her head repeatedly. He used the handkerchief from his shirt pocket to clean away the stream of tears from the adorable little face.
"Don't cry, my beautiful little girl," Hank whispered to her. "It's all over now."
Sniffling, Kiki tugged at his shirt and said again, "I sowwy, Daddy."
"Oh I know, Baby Bear." Hank rubbed cheeks with her. "Daddy knows. Don't worry. Don't you worry about anything. Are you ready to go to sleep? Daddy needs a nap, too."
Kiki nodded, already settling against him.
Stretching back, Hank left her to rest on top of him while he situated the blankets over them. Kiki reached down for her bear and handed it over to her father. He smiled, hugged the toy, and rubbed her back while quietly speaking a poem into her ear.
IIIIIII
"Statistics is square," Jam declared as they proceeded out of the small classroom inside Ellington Hall. "I hate spending the bulk of my time on overly complex math that I'm never even going to run into in business."
"Requirements are the worst part of being here," Leon concurred. "With the load I already have, I'm thinking of dropping Stats until the fall."
Jam stopped walking, expression deepening suddenly. "You sure you don't want out just because I'm in it?"
"Jam, I don't believe in the influenza vaccine, either. We're both walking contaminants."
"Cut the clowning," Jam promptly dismissed. "You've barely spoken to me directly all day. I called a couple times. Spoke to Alex, but you were conveniently never around."
Leon finally divulged, "I figured you were being courteous."
"Courteous?" Jam echoed in disbelief. "Man, I've been worried about you. Your crazy relatives, then you disappear, then you're rooming with Alex and Raven. It's like I don't even register with you anymore."
"I thought you wouldn't want to," Leon told him sincerely. "A lot has happened. Besides, first year friendships are not known to last longer than—"
Jam cut into that with, "Okay, we just got out of Statistics so save that. I really am blown away that you thought everything would change just because I know your life's not perfect. No, you weren't honest, but it's your business. If you weren't comfortable putting it out there, I understand that. I don't disclose every detail about my family and I'm sure Alex doesn't, either. Personally, I'm ready to put all this on the back burner."
"So am I," Leon seconded.
"And what happened to you out in LA? I get it. I haven't been through anything near as bad, but I know how you feel. The way people are out here. I'm here for you, Lee."
Leon bobbed his head. "Thanks, Jam. Now, I really need to catch up with the twins because we rode in together and I'm fairly certain Raven will leave me to get back to her children."
"Definitely," Jam chuckled. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you."
They slapped hands and departed ways.
Leon left out through a side door and made a path for the parking lot. A particularly heavy people surge caused him to bump arms with someone.
"Well, check it out," the older student spoke upon recognizing him. "Here I thought you dropped out."
"What can I say?" Leon replied dryly. "It's so hard to walk away from an institution that essentially pays you to take part in their academics. Perhaps you'll know what that feels like someday."
"Leon," a smiling Raven stepped up, "hey. We were looking for you."
Alex sized the other guy up. "You want something, Berg? We're kind of in a hurry."
Ignoring him entirely, Luke addressed Raven, "Your Highness, you really need to be careful about accepting strays into your home."
"Oh don't worry," Raven assured. "We have absolutely no intention of ever inviting you over." She took Leon's hand and turned to go.
Alex shared another glance with the now perturbed Luke before following after them.
IIIIIII
Walking into the lab, the first sight to meet Erik's eyes consisted of the two small ones playing together from the safe confines of the playpen. He pondered for a moment about a similar structure that could contain all of the house's young ones. Erik also honed in on how Hank could hardly look away from them for long enough to concentrate on productivity at his desk.
"It's amazing how resilient children are, isn't it?" the older man put forth. "Give them a moment and they'll happily return to float away on cloud nine."
Hank remained quieted then went around to him. "Does punishing your little girl ever get easier?"
Erik considered it. "Eventually the butcher knife sensation dulls to a more pen-through-the-heart action… until she shows you those eyes."
Hank's shoulders slumped until recollection hit him. "I have something for you." He returned to his desk, where he pulled something out from the lowest drawer. "Your nephew wanted something to keep you safe when you fly off as high as you do. The design is inspired by ancient Greece, except Joey was insistent we lose the "goofy brush thingy" on top."
Accepting it, Erik studied the deep red, purple trimmed helmet. "The boy has always thought I could use a hat." He returned his attention to Hank. "Thank you both."
"Mommy!" Before the adults could even turn to the doorway, Trav made a mad dash for her. "You're home, you're home, you're home!"
Raven squealed quite openly as she twirled around with him, depositing her book bag on the floor as she did so. "Hi, sweetie! Oh," she squeezed him strongly, "I missed you so much."
"Raven." Hank smiled, going over to give her a kiss.
Trav observed the lip to lip exchange between his parents with great interest.
"The doves are flying and that's my cue." Erik slipped out of the room.
Raven let go of Hank, beaming. "Where's Kiki?"
"Here, Mama," the little girl, piped up.
"Hi, Baby." Raven started her way then frowned when Kiki pressed back against a corner of the playpen. "What's wrong?" She stood Trav up and went to kneel over, gazing at her daughter. "Are you mad at me?" Kiki shook her head. "Then what's the matter, baby?"
"I think she's worried you'll be upset with her about something that happened earlier," Hank explained. "But it's nothing that we can't discuss later."
Raven nodded at him then opened her arms wide towards their three-year-old. "Can I please see my girl?"
Standing finally, Kiki toddled over and clamped on tightly the moment Raven lifted her up.
IIIIIII
A short screech signaled Banshee's return to ground level. Silver Cat leapt down to stand beside him from a low tree. Vapor rematerialized and the Eye Scream Team ran up in unison.
"Eel?" Silver Cat called into his communicator. "Where'd you go?"
Lighthouse shined his illumination up towards the darkening sky. His optical radiance bounced against the overhead silver disc that soared in.
"Here I am!" Eel called down.
"Okay, show off," Havok said jokingly as he approached, "come on down. You're not a pro yet."
Eel smiled and lessened his charge to lower safely to the grass.
"Did we shave time?" Cyclops wanted to know.
"A minute and a half," Havok answered.
"We can make it to two," Cyclops guaranteed. "Maybe just another half hour."
Banshee practically fell over. "Can the thoroughly pooped get a say in this?"
"Relax, Bansh. That's enough for today." Havok looked around. "You guys did good. Now hurry up and wash off. Let the others know we're having movie night in the living room."
"On a school night?" Lighthouse said disbelievingly.
"Relax, I cleared a few hours with the higher ups already," Havok explained. "Now, move."
As they started in, Lighthouse marveled, "I still can't believe Joey can fly."
"I can." Silver Cat dashed by him but paused long enough to add lowly, "Another thing he does better than you."
Lighthouse stilled but did not say a word as he kept walking.
"Hey, Cyc," the boy turned back at Havok's voice, "I only have one class tomorrow so be prepared for some extra drills."
The visor adorned mutant smiled and jogged on.
IIIIIII
As instructed, Leon clean up quickly and went back to his room. After he had sleep pants and a t-shirt on, he carefully hung up his uniform outside his closet door. His eyes stayed on it for nearly a full minute; the outfit that made him Vapor and an X-Man.
Light tapping came to his door. "Leon?"
"Emma, come in," the teenager invited.
The woman walked in and over to him. "I wanted to hear about your day."
"We went over it at dinner," Leon reminded. "Our professor for World History looks like the ink on his degree is still dripping wet, Statistics is a constant reminder that all human life is stamped with a number, and Cognitive Psychology aids me in reaching these conclusions."
"Sweetheart," Emma spoke seriously, "it's just me now. I'm talking about outside of class. Being around the other students, those people. Were you able to handle it?"
"It was all fine," Leon said. "Better than expected actually. Only the most fortunate get to act as chauffer to Raven Xavier McCoy after all."
"It's so strange." Emma hovered a hand just above his head. "Something has felt so… different about you."
Leon admitted, "Something is," he smiled, "everything. Being here, even though it hasn't been very long, has made a difference in me, Emma. My sleep is even getting back on track. Thanks for everything but I don't think these sessions are necessary anymore."
She turned skeptical at that. "Are you sure? Like you said, it hasn't been very long."
"I'm sure," he promised then stepped around her. "Movie night awaits."
Emma turned to watch him go, continued puzzlement lingering with her.
IIIIIII
With the way the nose guard down tipped downward, Erik could not help noticing how much the opening of the helmet seemed to form the letter M.
"May I see it, Papa?" Becky entered the den.
"Certainly." He handed her the helmet. "It will probably do you greater justice."
Becky slipped it on over her own head, cramming her curls into it. "How do I look?"
"No," Erik immediately decided, taking it off of her. "It hides too much of your pretty face. I'll leave it to cover mine."
"Oh Papa," Becky giggled. She answered the phone when it went off. "Hello, Erik Lehnsher's office." She grimaced.
Erik frowned in surprise at her reaction. "Who is it?"
Becky put her hand over the mouth piece. "Steve Rogers."
Erik held out his hand. "Give it here." She complied. "Go on and watch television with the others."
Becky nodded and skipped out of the room.
Putting his helmet on the desk, Erik raised the receiver to his ear. "It's me."
IIIIIII
Hank bounced Kiki on one knee while Raven held Trav, the four of them on the loveseat. On the couch, Alex's lap had been taken over by Scott and Joey. Next to them, Sean had his arm around Maya with Cody tucked in between the couple and nibbling on gummy worms. Leon sat nearby in an arm chair.
Enormous bowl of popcorn in her possession, Cordelia came into the living room and joined Frank on pillows on the floor.
"I am dying to see Blue Hawaii again," she said.
"You mean you're dying to see Elvis again," Maya lightly teased.
"You will find no shame here," the Bostonian smirked.
"You just want to pretend you're that girl he pulls out of the water." Sean reached over to snag a handful of popcorn.
Cordelia stuck her tongue out at him.
"Don't worry, Cordy," Hank piped up. "If you ever make an attempt on your life, I'll be happy to take you over my knee right after."
"Thanks, no," Cordelia turned down while the others laughed. "She was positively soaked!"
"That had to have hurt." Maya cringed at just the thought.
"I think Old Yeller's coming on tonight," Frank mentioned.
"No!" Alex reacted immediately.
Trav looked curiously. "What's Old Yeller?"
"Something that will never play in this house," Raven said quite seriously, "ever, ever again."
While the film debate went on, Becky walked in with several treats in her possession. Looking around, she decided to squeeze in next to Leon. A little surprised at first, he made room for her then gratefully accepted the baggy of chocolate covered marshmallows she handed him.