X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Thirty Seven

Author's Word: Early post for you, fam, which would have been all the earlier today had a certain co-worker of mine not come late to relieve me for at least the fifth time recently. Meh, live and let live there. Anyway, this is the last you all will hear from me while my family prepares for our upcoming Adoption Day weekend. Catch you all in a week or so. Please enjoy and review!

With sunset rapidly approaching, the orange-gold light reflected off the sleek exterior of the Rolls-Royce. Leaning as far against the passenger window as he could, Sean wished adamantly for summer as they rode near Spring Lake's region of the Jersey Shore. He wanted to see the grand ships normally docked there beside the currently deserted beach and frosty waters. Sean spotted one vessel in a clear portion; one so worn and broken down the poorest pirate would not see it fit to plunder.

He then saw something else that caused him to snigger. "Is that guy actually ice fishing?"

Charles stole a quick glance. "It would seem so and I'm willing to wager he's quite the master of it."

Sean faced forward again, wiggling his boot covered feet as best he could. "Can I take a turn driving again? I'll be careful."

Charles replied, "I don't think that's a very good idea. You've never driven out this way and I'm sure fatigue is catching up with you. Besides, we're very close to the hotel now."

"Okay." Sean attempted to adjust his legs, which tired easily on long car rides.

"We'll go for a nice long walk on the boardwalk after we check in," Charles placated. "How does that sound?"

"Great!" Sean could hardly wait now and did not have to, as the Hewitt Wellington came into view.

The black and white structure resembled a massive Victorian palace with a wraparound porch that overlooked the nearby lake. A modest dusting of snow covered the nicely landscaped grounds. A wide banner reading 'Welcome All Who Dare to Horror Fest'.

After Charles obtained parking, Sean all but fell out of the vehicle. He stretched his legs and every possible part of his body. Once better circulation returned to them both, they made their way to the front of the building but paused at the sign on the door.

"Only the bravest souls may enter," Charles read then turned to Sean with a meaningful gaze. "After you, sir."

The redhead grinned and led the way in, completely taken aback by the gothic décor all over the lobby. "Oh my…" He pumped a hand in glee. "This is too far out!"

"I'll say," Charles concurred absolutely. "I'm still amazed they did not hold this gathering over Halloween."

"Charles, the writers featured at Horror Fest are all about serious thriller fiction," Sean explained importantly. "They have no interest in the watered down candy day."

Charles nodded along like a diligent pupil. "I see. Well, we're certainly privileged to be among such true visionaries."

They checked in and received keys for Room 14. With such a small amount of luggage, they did not bother with a bellhop as they headed up. Once they made it to the third floor, which came with even more frightening sights, Charles unlocked the door to their designated space.

Sean entered and an immediate grin formed on his face. The neutral colored room came with two double beds, a small refrigerator, and a sitting area right next to the balcony.

"Is that a TV?" Sean then peeked inside the bathroom. "Look at the size of that tub- no, better yet." He veered around and leapt right over onto the bed on the left hand side of the room. "Look at the size of these beds! Big, comfy…" He caressed a hand along the linens. "Just made for Seanie, weren't you?"

Charles laughed deep in his chest. "Time for a nap I see."

Sean shot up on the mattress. "No way! I'm beyond ready to get out for a while." He got up and went to stand before the clear doors leading out to the balcony. "Look at this, Charles. You can see the ocean from here."

The Professor stepped up beside him. "It is simply stunning. Even at this time of year."

Sean moved slightly to face him. "Thanks again for bringing me here. I know how hard those passes were to get."

"Think nothing of it," Charles waved off. "And to be honest, I'm excited about this weekend myself. They seem to have gone all out. You know what I was thinking?"

"What?"

"We should join in on the fun and purchase costumes."

"That's a great idea," Sean supported then thought on. "I wonder what I should go as, though."

Charles touched two fingers to his own head. "Perhaps I could help your imagination a bit."

Sean started to smile then turned partly suspicious. "You're not going to make me look five are you?"

"Hmm," Charles hummed coyly. "We'll see how it goes. Now," he moved him to stand before the full-length mirror. "What would you like to be?"

"A banshee," he decided. "Not an X-Man one but a real scary one. Only lose the red hair and add on big muscles and facial hair."

"Trying to stretch the limits of my imagination as well, are you? Well, here goes." Charles focused for a moment.

In a blink, Sean's image in front of the mirror became one with an athletic built, dark shoulder length brown hair and a nicely trimmed beard, and he wore tattered white clothing.

"Oh cool!" He studied himself further. "I look like a taller version of you who goes to the gym."

Charles lightly slapped each of his thighs. "I can still make you look five you know."

Sean smiled cutely and moved away from the mirror. "Your turn."

Charles stepped over to view himself. "Who should I be?"

Sean rubbed his chin in thought then came up with, "Vampire, definitely."

"Hm, that does sound like fun." Charles created the illusion, turning himself into a dark caped creature of the night with smooth slicked back hair. "So?" He spun in a slow circle. "How do I look?"

Sean nodded approvingly. "You go stud."

Charles flapped the cape over one arm. "And I already have my own lovely blonde damsel to sink my teeth into."

"Gr-oss." Ears covered, Sean ran over to sit on his claimed bed. "I don't want to hear about you and Mommy Emma and- mouth things."

Charles made his disguise disappear and went over to kneel before him. "You're aware of how the baby came to be?"

Sean answered, "The angels sprinkled divine dust on Mommy while she slept?"

"That's my good lad." Charles kissed his head and hopped to his feet. "I was thinking that while we're looking at costumes we could do some more shopping."

"Scary shopping?" Sean said hopefully. "At the book store?"

"I was thinking maybe a few fun trinkets for your siblings and Maya."

Sean claimed, "All I heard in that sentence was Maya."

Charles gave him a faux reprimanding look. "And something for Mummy Emma, Erik, and the others. Speaking of which," he made his way over to the phone, "I'd best check in. You should use the bathroom before we leave."

"And you don't even have to read my mind…" Sean got up to follow instructions, closing the bathroom door after himself.

"Hello. What's your name? What do you want?"

"Trav," the man laughed at who picked up, "this is your Uncle Charles. Is that how you're supposed to answer the telephone?"

Erik's voice sounded over the receiver next with, "I'd say he's doing a fairly good job of keeping the riff-raff away. How was the drive, Lab Rat?"

"Lengthy but pleasant," Charles said. "We're all checked in and Sean is on the very top of the moon."

The teenager in question walked back over and leaned over Charles' shoulder to pipe up, "Hi, Uncle Erik," into the phone before going to plop on his bed.

Charles turned to look at the boy. "He wants to know if you're behaving yourself."

Sean rolled about on the mattress. "Tell him I'm outside his jurisdiction."

Erik rang out, "What was that?"

"I said love you!" Sean called out but remained cautious of his mutated pitch.

After a low chuckle, Erik said, "Hold on while I locate the lovely Mrs. Xavier."

Charles waited a minute then smiled at his wife's voice. "Hello to the lovely Mrs. Xavier."

Sean settled on his back until Charles finished talking with her. "I feel bad."

Charles turned to him. "What on earth for?"

"'Cause you just got married and I go and tear you away from her."

"Now you listen and listen well, young man," Charles came to stand by his bed, Stern Professor reaching the surface, "I wanted to come here with you just as much as you wanted to go. Emma fully encouraged it. So I don't want you thinking for a moment that this is any type of chore for me because it's nothing of the kind. Now, are you going to sit and sulk or are you ready to have a little fun?"

The redhead jumped up. "Sulk free Sean at your service."

Despite the barely thirty degree temperatures, the boardwalk proved quite alive with people moving about through the different attractions. With the Horror Fest going on in town, it did not take Sean and Charles long to find something resembling their dreamt up costumes. They next moved on to a souvenir shop.

"Charles, look! You'll never believe what I scored for Raven." Sean bounded over to him with a stuffed black bird in tow. "Right out of Poe's book."

"Brilliant," Charles reacted favorably. "She'll love it."

Sean found a wolf man action figure. "Cody will get a kick out of this."

"Oh yes," Charles agreed, admiring some plastic wildlife for the other boys. "Only remember to watch what you choose for the younger girls."

"I know." Sean knew they would not appreciate a Frankenstein with detachable parts or a spooky voice box possessed ogre like Frank and Scott would.

The redhead walked around until he discovered some girlish ghouls in cheerleader uniforms he knew Becky and Kiki would surely exclaim over.

"Almost done?" Charles asked, approaching him.

"Can we look at books next?" Sean requested. "I know I can find something for the adults over there. Except I don't really know what to get for Wolverine."

"You leave him to me." Charles knew Sean was not quite old enough to purchase what Logan would consider a nice present.

The book store Sean had researched prior to the trip proved enormous and navigation alone took them half an hour with all the different sections and sub-sections offered.

"Okay," Sean came around to Charles, "I'm going to throw the dice in and see if Victor has read this yet." He held up the copy of The Call of Cthulhu.

Charles said, "I'm fairly certain I haven't seen that one in the loft."

"You might have missed it," Sean raised. "Haven't you seen the way he keeps it up there? It's like half his books are playing hide and seek."

"Some habits die hard." At Sean's puzzlement, Charles clarified, "Victor grew up in a community where many not belonging to the wealthy class frowned upon reading. Saw it as a waste of time better spent on hard work. They also did not want their children swayed by radical ideas."

Sean nodded his understanding. "Sounds very early Catholic church."

"Yes," Charles concurred then noticed something. "What else do you have there?"

Sean revealed the other novel with a toothy smile. "Maybe this one for me?"

"Grim Legends of Ireland?" Charles looked at him in near dismay. "Oh Seanie…"

"They have Irish everything here. I had to grab a copy," Sean insisted. "Please, please, please."

A lingering hesitant groan resided in Charles' throat until he finally exhaled. "Alright. Just try to keep one foot on the ground when you're engaging in these tales, please. I don't need you scaring yourself into a tizzy."

Sean tossed grateful arms over him. "You're the best."

"Well, you make it easy for me." Charles patted him on the back. "Come now. Let's finish up so we can find somewhere to go for dinner."

Realizing his own stomach grumblings, Sean pressed on to complete his gift list.

IIIIIII

Periwinkle blue paint coated the entirety of the completely done nursery. The left to the entryway wall depicted cartoonish zoo animals consisting of a lion, zebra, panda, and a giraffe who's neck reached the ceiling. Zig-zagging airplanes of red, navy, and green soared across the front facing wall. A brown horse and collection of bunny rabbits made up the right hand wall. The wall containing the door had evenly split images of the moon and stars on one side and a bright smiling sun on the other.

In the corner between the horse and the moon, Emma held onto a teddy bear while Joey nestled against her in the rocking chair.

"Your brother is going to be so happy once he sees this," Emma laid a hand over her stomach, "Everything everyone's done for him. He'll be right at home."

Joey touched the spot as well to try to be near to the fragile life inside. "Do you think he likes horses?"

"I'm sure he will."

"And coloring?"

She smiled. "That one I can almost guarantee."

Joey played with one paw on the teddy bear. "I just want him to have fun with me."

Emma put an arm around him and dipped to connect their cheeks. "Before Cordy was born- even after- I worried she wouldn't like me. In fact, I thought no child would."

The small one in her grasp clearly found this absurd as a portion of his face wrinkled. "Why?"

"I didn't think I was any fun," Emma said simply. "I considered myself so plain and drab next to Adrienne. I told your grandfather how I felt. In his own way, I think he believed I was capable of being a mother."

Joey told her, "You should listen to him."

Emma squeezed him. "I knew you two were conspiring."

"You're not plain at all, Mum," he said next. "You're my very own angel."

Her fingers caressed his blonde strands. "And you already know you're mine."
"Can I stay with you and my brother tonight?"

"Of course. But you better snag Bounty as well. We can't have him left alone."

Joey immediately popped up to go seek out his rabbit.

Rocking a moment longer, Emma got up, leaving the bear in its place in the chair.

IIIIIII

"Did you meet Ray Bradbury?" Maya swapped her right foot with the left for Kayla to work on next.

"Nope, but I may have spotted Russell Kirk earlier."

"Who?"

"Russell Kirk," Sean repeated with greater emphasis. "You know, he came out with Old House of Fear a few years back?"

"Right, the guy who goes to Scotland," Maya recalled. "That was horror?"

"He's a political theorist, too, so there's some multi-genre action invoked," Sean explained offhandedly. "So what's happening over there?"

"Kayla's doing my toes and Wolverine is doing Cody's hair."

"Yeah, it's a regular beauty shop around here," Logan commented, snipping at his son's dark locks from where he stood over him at Kayla's vanity table. "I'm going to start usin' a buzz saw to keep these weeds at bay. Grows as fast as your ma's."

"Hey, Seanie!" Cody bellowed.

"Geez!" Logan reacted to the resulted ringing courtesy of his heightened hearing.

Emery board going over Maya's dainty toenails, "I'm pretty sure he along with the rest of Jersey heard you."

"Hey, Code Man!" Sean sent back. Charles walked by where he talked on the phone in the sitting area, indicating the wall clock. The redhead sighed. "Homework time. Gotta go. I love you."

"I love you, too," Maya returned with the smile evident in her tone. "Have fun."

Sean hung up with her and began dutifully unloading books from his bag. "Would pointing out the fact that it's Friday prove a futile effort?"

Dressed for bed, Charles settled down on his mattress with a copy of Hemmingway. "Taking care of your assignments now will free up our time here during the day."

Knowing that to be true, Sean began with his history chapter. "Trick always thought weekend homework was ludicrous."

Charles lowered his book at that. "You miss him?" Sean looked at him and bobbed his head. "So do I and quite often. Yet as far away as he is from us now, what he gave to us remains. He taught you so much and it's going to stay with you for a long time to come."

"It sure will," Sean agreed then continued working for the next hour.

After the boy put his things away and got into bed, Charles switched off the lamp and stretched out to sleep as well.

For the next fifteen minutes, Sean struggled to find sleep but the very idea seemed blocked. He could not stop thinking about what the rest of the weekend had in store for him. Reaching over the side of his bed, he felt around until he had his new book in his hold then tipped out from under the covers and into the bathroom.

Though he had dozed off first, Charles' senses returned him to an awakened state. Getting into his slippers, he walked over to the bathroom door and knocked.

"Are you alright in there?"

Perched on the edge of the tub reading, Sean heard him and tried to keep his thoughts at bay. "I'm fine. Just… I… I sort of… I went to sleep thinking about girls."

Charles' eyebrows reached a whole new height as he crossed his arms. "Honestly Sean, I could have done better than that at ten years old."

Sean wiggled one of his feet. "I figured you'd get uncomfortable and politely walk away."

"Sean, contrary to popular belief, I am not that much of an old fart yet." He drummed fingers along the door frame. "Come on out now. Your book as well."

With a small whimper, Sean exited the bathroom. "Sorry. I just can't sleep. I'm too excited."

Charles pointed out the book. "Reading that won't inspire a blissful night's rest. Come here." He took his hand and brought them to the man's own bed. They laid down and Charles put arms around him and rubbed his back. "I'll tell you a story."

"'Bout what?" Sean snuggled against him.

"About a prince." Charles then added with a suspenseful tone, "Who meets a ghost."

Highly interested now, the copper haired boy listened until he felt himself drift away.

IIIIIII

Maniacal laughter filled the room and Sean awoke with a frightened gasp. It startled Charles at first until he realized it to be the hotel's intercom system.

"They're nothing if not realistic," the Professor commended.

"Yeah, hurry." Sean threw the covers off. "They'll start without us."

After they showered and changed into ''real banshee'' and vampire attire, they made their way downstairs. The enthused crowd, many also dressed in costume, had already begun to gather.

Sean grinned from ear to ear. "Isn't this amazing?"

Charles strongly seconded, "Groovy to the highest caliber."

They divided to look around and Sean went over to where 'Dracula' was giving out wine to other youngsters. The Irish lad's enthusiasm instantly fizzled out when he realized the cup only contained fruit punch.

He then walked over to the bar where Charles had acquired an authentic drink. "Isn't it funny how cultures so similar can be really different at the same time? In most parts of Europe, having alcohol at the age of sixteen or so is really no big deal."

"Yes, I know." Unmoved whatsoever, Charles sipped from his glass. "Very fascinating."

"Can I please have just a little swig?" Sean broke down and pleaded. "Just a taste to say I did? Please, please." The request preceded enlarged blue eyes.

Charles poured him a minimal portion into his empty cup of punch. "Brag about this at home and I deny all."

"Thank you!" Sean took a long drink then released a whistle and blinked several times. "Okay, I think I just swallowed fizzy pee."

Charles chuckled heartily. "This is why the samples you receive are normally watered down. The alcohol taste is too strong to absorb the subtleties until you're a bit more experienced."

"I'll say." Sean started to go back to Dracula for more punch when the sight of something made him freeze in place. "Charles!"

"Yes?" the telepath left his hand hovering above the peanut dish.

"Not you." Sean gestured towards a plump older gentleman. "Charles Birkin. He wrote all those short stories."

The vampire guised male got to his feet. "Sir Charles Lloyd Birkin? I had no idea he was back in the states. We must say hello."

Sean looked uncertain. "How can we with all those people around him?"

"I think I have a way around them." Charles touched fingers to his head.

As the crowd abruptly disbursed, leaving a very puzzled Birkin, he and Sean seized the opportunity to stroll over.

"Sir Birkin, it's a pleasure to meet you. You were a guest speaker in one of my literature professor's classes back at Oxford." Charles extended his hand. "Charles Xavier."

"Charles Xavier," Birkin shook with him but frowned unsurely, "you'll have to forgive me. I don't remember you."

"You spoke the semester before I took it," Charles explained. "Believe me, I've been kicking myself ever since I learned of this." Birkin chuckled and Charles indicated the teenager with him. "I'd like you to meet one of my own young charges as well as a favored pupil, Sean Cassidy."

Birkin addressed the boy now. "Hello, young man."

Unable to find words as the man shook his hand, Sean finally got out, "Mr. Birkin!- I mean, Sir Birkin. Oh wow, I cannot believe I'm actually meeting you in person. I have read your Devils Spawn collection over and over. My favorite is The Last Night." He rethought that. "No, The Actor's Story. But Cockroach was good, too… no, no Last Night. I'll stick with Last Night."

Clearly amused and delighted at the same time, Birkin said, "It's truly a privilege to find someone from your generation with such keen interest in the twisted musings of an old man."

"Are you kidding? You're a genius," Sean put forth.

"And you are much too kind, Mr. Cassidy. Do you have an interest in writing yourself?"

"I love it," Sean answered without delay.

"Sean is a very talented writer with a sharp analytical mind for classic literature," Charles boasted.

Birkin nodded. "Then I certainly look forward to attending this festival with you as a colleague in a few years."

An enormous grin developed on Sean's face. "Do you have any advice? If you want to get published?"

The older man thought for a moment. "The best advice I can give you is to look, listen, and take mental note of everything around you. A writer's best tools are observance, creativity, and his own perseverance. No matter how frustrating it is, if it's what you want never allow yourself to become discouraged for too long."

Sean took all that in then responded, "Yes, sir. I'll definitely keep trying."

"Wonderful to have met you, Sean," Birkin dipped his head towards Charles, "Xavier," then stepped away to give attention to another growing number of people who wanted to speak with him as well.

Taking a moment to lean against Charles, the heavily taken aback Sean realized something. "Did I just schmooze?"

"And quite well," Charles confirmed.

"Oh my God…"

Charles had to hold onto him to keep him from falling over altogether. "Careful now, Seanie." He rubbed his shoulder encouragingly. "We still have lots to see yet, remember?"

"Charles Birkin… Charles Dickens." Sean considered something. "People named Charles are always writing." He looked to the man before him. "Where's your book?"

"It's still a work in progress," Charles smiled.

Sean then asked, "Do you think writing, being able to," he lowered his voice a little, "is a mutation?"

Charles replied, "One of the grooviest."

The event lasted most of the day and Charles decided to order dinner for them via room service once they returned to their quarters.

"Can I go on a walk?" Sean requested. "I finished all my tiny carrots."

"By yourself?" Charles thought it over. "Well, alright. But mind that you don't drift too far from communicator and certainly not telepathic range."

"I won't." Sean stood from his seat, stretching a little. "I just want to check out the spooky walking trail again."

After he got into his coat, he headed downstairs. The teen smiled, seeing that the trail came with a green glowing effect under the night sky. He reclined against a lamp post, taking in everything for a moment. Then he spotted some other youngsters gathering nearby. He followed them and saw that they had all come around to hear the recanting of an elder man seated on a short stool. Sean recognized his clothing as the same man who had been ice fishing the previous day.

"Ah yes, back in 1916 it was," Sean delighted in the stranger's Irish accent, "attacks by ravenous sharks all along the Jersey Shore. Four people devoured whole by the callous beasts. Legend has it that their souls still haunt these waters."

"That's just a story," one boy claimed.

"No, it's true," a girl with wavy hair informed. "There was a huge shark attack back in 1916 during a major heat wave."

"So if you're scared," the man spoke again, "now is your chance to run before the real fun begins." At the multiple inquiries he went on. "As part of Horror Fest, there is a hidden treasure buried somewhere along the pier. But to find it, you'll have to brave the ghosts of the shore who guard it." Excited chatter ensued among the group. "The first to find the treasure and bring it back here wins. But you only have a half hour. Be off with you."

The teenagers promptly dismissed to go in search of the hidden item.

Completely enthused, Sean joined in. If he could find the treasure he would be the most famous visitor to Horror Fest. Goal in place, he sped off further from the hotel and down the pier.

IIIIIII

"Hello, you've reached the Magic Castle."

Charles smiled at the airy voice that carried its own enchantment. "Good evening, Princess."

"Prince Charles!" Becky recognized happily.

"Yes, it is I checking in on the castle," he confirmed, reclining in his chair. "Are you keeping your aunt company?"

"Hi, Daddy," Joey spoke next. "Mummy's in the bathroom. We're playing Merlin and Maiden."

"And without me," Charles feigned sadness, "unfair entirely."

Joey laughed then said, "Here comes Mum. I love you, Daddy."

"I love you, Uncle Charles," Becky added.

"I love you," Charles returned to them both then heard a tone come over the phone that sent a tickle throughout his system.

"Hello, sugar," Emma greeted. "I hope your trip has been sufficiently frightening thus far."

"Very much, except for the fact that now I'm back to missing my small babes."

"Well, they're all mine until further notice," Emma teased.

"And I miss you." Charles pitch deepened. "I love you so much, darling."

"And I love you." She smooched into the mouth piece. "Good night, sugar."

"Good night, dear wife."

After they hung up, Charles got a good look at the clock. Though he had not expected for Sean to stay perfectly on the trail, he hoped he had not gotten himself lost, either.

"Sean?" Charles addressed his communicator. "Sean, can you hear me?"

At no response from the wrist device, he next placed both hands over his head. Sean? Seanie, are you there? Are you alright?

Frowning at the continued lack of answer, Charles got into his shoes and coat and left the room.

II

The pier seemed to go on for ages. Sean continued moving along the wooden surface that elevated him away from the water. He spotted the wrecked ship he and Charles had passed by and saw several of his fellow treasure hunters crawling inside the beaten down vessel.

Deciding to give it a go as well, Sean maneuvered inside and thanked his Creator when he got in without falling over his own long legs. He stood back for a moment, watching everyone scan under loose floor boards or inside barrels for the goods. Something about the situation reminded him of his mutant training and told him not to seek out such obvious spots.

On closer observation, Sean could see that despite its appearance the ship seemed to hold the combined teenage weight within. Maybe the whole thing was just one big prop. Then he noticed something about the lookout tower, specifically what the wreckage beside it. The wooden pileup seemed to form some sort of abstract ladder.

Swallowing, Sean started up the structure, careful not to get caught on anything. He carried no fear of the distance, considering how he often soared several stories above the ground. He reached the top and peeked inside the lookout tower, where a small brown and yellow chest awaited him. Taking hold of it, Sean kept it tucked under one arm while he hurried back down.

Though he plopped to his behind at the bottom, the redhead cared not as his feet took control and would not stop until he made it back. When he returned to the old storyteller, several others had gathered as well. Sean's winnings came in the form of a red and gold cup and an envelope containing a fifty dollar bill.

Charles had managed to pick up on him but lingered back in order to watch the boy take in the glory of the victory. From the minds of others around him, the telepath knew exactly what had taken place and wanted Sean to enjoy it in full.

Abrupt realization dawned on Sean and winnings in tow, he started to race back towards the hotel.

Charles casually strolled in sync with him. "Congratulations."

"Dad," Sean stopped moving to face him, "I am so sorry. I completely lost track of time. See, there was this contest and this treasure and—"

Charles cut him off by taking the trophy by one curved arm for close examination. "Horror Fest Champion Treasure Hunter 1964… marvelous but not nearly fitting enough. This would look much better with your name engraved," he looked to the teen, "wouldn't you say?"

Sean smiled. "You mean you're not mad at me?"

"Not at all," Charles said. "I know you meant no harm and I'm sure the contest sounded most exciting. However, I wish you would have contacted me before straying off. I was worried."

"You're right," Sean knew. "I'm sorry."

Charles gave him a one arm hug, careful of the trophy. "We can finish this inside. Come on."

They continued on for the hotel.

Once back in there room, Sean took a warm shower and dressed in his pajamas. He sat up in bed, toweling off his hair.

Ready for bed as well, Charles stopped brushing his hair to get in behind and smooth out Sean's damp red locks.

"I am very proud of you. You were very clever in locating that treasure chest."

"Thanks," Sean smiled slightly. "I'm sorry for worrying you. I should've known better."

"Yes, you should have," Charles agreed. "I know you're seventeen, but you don't know this area well enough to go so far on your own at night."

"Yes, sir," Sean responded. "I know I'm in trouble…"

Seeing the clear guilt building up, Charles placed the brush to the side. "Lay down for me, please."

Knowing in which direction he meant, Sean stretched out face down and hugged a pillow to his chest.

Charles pressed a gentle hand to the lanky youth's back before administering eight fast swats across his behind. "Next time you let me know where you're going first. Understand?"

"Yes, sir," Sean echoed himself and inched over to rest his head in the man's lap. "I'm real sorry. I feel like I messed up the weekend."

Charles leaned over to kiss his temple. "You did nothing of the sort. Disciplining you when you need it is something I must do. It in no way means everything else is ruined." He stroked the boy's hair. "I'm so happy we came here."

"Me, too," Sean seconded. "Feels like we never get to do anything together anymore."

"Sean," Charles' tone shifted to an even softer one, "is part of the reason you're missing Trick because you feel I haven't given you enough attention?"

"… Yes," Sean despondently admitted. "Don't get me wrong." He sat up to look directly at the man. "I know why. The new baby's coming, you just got married, we have more X-Men now, Joey always needs you."

"That is all very true," Charles touched his shoulder, "but I am so sorry if I ever made you feel that you fall short of everything else in my life." He cradled the teen's face. "I love you so much, Sean. And that has not changed at all since you walked through my front door.

A gloss developed in Sean's eyes. "I love you, too, Charles. A whole lot. That's why it's been so hard to…"

Charles urged delicately, "To what, son?"

"… I think I need to go back. See my parents and Tommy." Sean brought his eyes to meet Charles' again. "Just for a little while."

The Professor absorbed the information. "Is that really what you want to do?" Sean nodded. "Then I understand. And it's alright. Really it is. Because I know you'll come back to me, Seanie." Charles gave off a small smile. "My little Banshee will find his way back."

Sean fell forward against Charles, clinging to him and burying his face against his shirt front. Dipping his chin, Charles pecked him at the hairline and caressed a hand along his back.

IIIIIII

With a moan, one long arm extended while the one that had been slept on attempted to find feeling again from the numbness. Using his fingers to remove the crusty build-up at the corners of his eyes, Sean initially thought himself alone and grew frightened.

Charles?

I'm here. Charles stepped away from the deck and walked towards the boy, the light from the windows illuminating his cheerful form. "Good morning. Sleep alright?"

Sean mumbled, "Yeah," then got up and began his zombified trek to the bathroom. After he brushed his teeth and changed into blue jeans and his winter gear, he said, "Hang on. Let me just throw the rest of my stuff in the bag."

Charles touched his arm. "That can wait. After all, it's Sunday. Traffic won't be remotely horrendous. I thought we could have breakfast out and spend the afternoon doing some more sight-seeing. Take another peek inside that grand book store."

This delighted Sean at first then he wondered, "Are you sure? I know you're probably ready to get back to everyone."

"Oh they'll understand. What about you?" Charles turned around. "I suspect you're eager to see Maya."

"Yeah, but it's okay," Sean assured. "We're going to spend tonight talking about this weekend nonstop, anyway. But hey, let the big winner pay for breakfast."

"Hm, I suppose. Just for today." Charles smiled and held out an arm in invitation. "Let's see what other ghouls and goblins await us, shall we?"

Returning the contented expression, Sean went into the man's touch, putting an arm around him in turn.

They headed out of the suite, passing the mounted trophy of gleaming red and gold on their way.