X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter One Hundred Thirty Eight
Author's Word: So I made a brand new dress to go out last night and what happens? My sister (the middle one) bails out due to her health, which I totally translated as "doesn't want to come out in snow", so I decided to used my annoyed energy to focus on writing and getting this chapter up before I thought I would. Negatives to positives, fam. You don't need mutation for that sort of power.
Also, I noticed many of you commenting on the lack of super action in the current chapters. The first thing I have to say about that is, once again, this story is far from over and good things come to those who wait. Secondly, I am not a Young Justice writer. I'm not going to show you a multitude of characters, give you one episode of background, followed by nonstop super power displays and random villains while all the while the audience (non-comic book reading audience) is asking, "And why do I care about these people exactly?" That's just not the way I write. So, again, patience please, my wonderful fam.
About the baby, Emma mentioned starting her second trimester during Thanksgiving. If it is now between January and February in the story, how far along does that make her?
Please enjoy and review!
Before the blue eyes revealed themselves to the morning light, his other senses went to work. He inhaled the coconut scrub scent still present on his wife's skin along with the sensitive fruit blasting formula used to cleanse their children. Not bothering with his glasses yet, Hank recognized Kiki on top of him and instinctively kept a hand against her back to steady her.
When she stirred, his hand massaged along her back. He carefully maneuvered her over down beside her brother on the mattress but kept her cradled still. Recognizing the protective embrace, the tiny girl eased back into slumber. Hank left a kiss at her temple then rubbed his eyes and slipped his frames on at last. Corners of his mouth up turning, he took in the other two that shared his bed. A completely blissful Raven remained mostly still with Trav burrowed into her clutch like a suckling little cub.
Somehow managing to detach himself from them, Hank flipped large feet over the side of the mattress and made a path to the bathroom. By the time he made it to the tub, he'd completely stripped out of his night wear and began filling the porcelain piece with water.
"Mm, nice view for first thing in the morning."
Hank looked back to see that Raven had sauntered on in.
He stood and turned, allowing her to take in the front perspective. "I believe mine is better." He savored the blue woman who mostly lingered in her blonde guise those days.
Closing the door, Raven accused, "You're bad."
Hank remained in place while she walked up and touched her hands to his chest. "Am I? Whatever did I do?"
"Trying to steal a soak without me." Her yellow eyes flashed flirting displeasure. "Bad, bad, bad."
"I only wanted to get it all ready for you." Hank brought her into his arms. "But if I must be punished…"
Raven's face split into a grin. "Happy Birthday, Mr. McCoy." She bobbed her head slightly. "And Big Beastie."
"We both thank you." Hank started undoing her short sheer red robe that so nicely brought out the fire in her hair.
Both entirely free of clothing, they settled into the Jacuzzi tub together. Raven arched back against Hank's front. While he adorned her skin in invigorating coconut wash, she used the green foam on him that positively exploded with the testosterone level of a jock.
"I want to stay home," Raven put forth.
"No." Hank kissed her neck. "Go to school."
Intense moaning preceded her, "Why?"
Hank started washing her hair. "Because my name isn't Washington or Lincoln."
Holding her breath, Raven dipped down into the water and disappeared under the suds. Hank did not have time to go in after her as he felt a significant nip in his right big toe. Letting off silent pleasure filled coos, Hank's eyes enlarged and he released a deep growl.
A thoroughly dripping Raven arose from the water. "Mm, you taste even better."
"You haven't even fully feasted yet." Hank pulled her to him, inserting his tongue into her mouth for a mighty lock.
When they pried apart, a breathless Raven could only utter, "Yum..."
After they finished, they dried each other off and returned to their room. A messy but empty bed greeted them.
Hank spoke the question. "Where are the kids?"
Raven threw on one of Hank's sweatshirts and a thicker robe while he grabbed his abandoned pajama bottoms. They headed down and Hank immediately detected noise coming from the kitchen.
The couple stood wide eyed at the sight before them. The normally spotless Xavier kitchen had been redecorated with overflowing milk, cereal bits, and stray pieces of bread. Trav paused his vain scrubbing efforts and sported a deer in the headlights expression at the sight of them. Kiki munched on stray pieces of fruit loops.
"What happened?" Raven's voice carried more amused astonishment than reprimand.
"We were just trying to make breakfast for Daddy," Trav explained. "We were gonna make him the biggest bowl of cereal ever."
"Then where did the bread come from?" Raven wondered.
"We had to make it plain 'cause we can't use the toaster." Trav toyed with his fingers. "We didn't mean to make a mess…"
Stern face in place, Hank stepped up. "Trav, Kiki, come here." He grinned and bent with wide arms. "I need two big hugs right now."
Both youngsters relieved and elated, they rushed at him with a chorus of, "Happy birthday, Daddy!"
Growling playfully, Hank fell back and laid that way while they crawled all over him.
Raven smiled at them. "Let's clean up then I'll make a special breakfast for us."
Trav said, "But we wanted to do something for Daddy."
"You already have." Hank sat up and supported them on his lap. "You've given me an amazing little boy," he cupped Kiki's cheek, "and you've given me a beautiful little girl. I couldn't ask for anything more."
Kiki kissed his cheek and Trav gave their father his strongest possible bear hug.
Once things were tidied again, Raven allowed the children to help her fix chocolate chip oatmeal, golden brown toast, and sunny side up eggs. The four shared the kitchen table while they ate and Kiki hummed from her place on Hank's lap.
"I'll get that." Raven dabbed at her mouth with a napkin before getting up to respond to the ringing telephone. "Good morning and Happy Hank Day." Raven's features brightened. "Hi, Mom. Hold on just a second."
Promptly rising, Hank accepted the receiver. "Hello, Mother? Thank you. Yes, yes, I'm doing wonderfully. Is everything alright on your end?" He listened a moment. "Wonderful. Oh yes, they're right here." He lowered the phone to address his children. "Your grandmother wants to say hi."
While Kiki chirped, "Hi, Gwandma," and gave off a wave she assumed the woman would be able to see, Trav got up from his chair to hold the receiver.
"Hi, Grandma, this is Trav," the five-year-old spoke. "I'm doing great. School is so much fun. I'm learning to read and write- in Spanish and in English! And I know all the colors and how to mix 'em and the whole alphabet and Uncle Charles and Miss Foxy always give me new books and ooh, me and Kiki tried to make breakfast. We didn't use the stove or anything but we made a mess by mistake, but it's okay 'cause we helped Mommy clean it up and we made good food and—"
"Trav," Raven laughed, "slow it down. Give Grandma a minute."
"Yes, Mommy." Trav put his attention back on the phone. "'Kay bye, Grandma. Here's Daddy."
Chuckling enough to shake his shoulders, Hank brought the receiver to his ear again. "Behold your grandson. Wait until you meet him in person. I used to sound like that?" Hank appeared baffled by this information. "Really? Hm. Alright, Mother. Thank you for calling. I love you, too. Take care now."
They hung up and Hank glossed a hand over the receiver before rejoining the table, where his daughter waited eagerly to be held by him again.
IIIIIII
Once he delivered Kiki over to Emma's trusted care, Hank made his return to his lab to begin his first class. As he got closer to his work space, a frown developed on his face. Though he detected a number of familiar scents, none of the usual youthful chatter could be heard. He hastened his steps and rushed into the lab, only to have his entire student body jump out at him.
"Happy birthday!" the enthused group belted out together.
Hank took in the multitude of balloons and lengthy colorful banner that decorated his desk. "Oh you guys…"
"Do you like it, Daddy?" Trav pointed out everything. "Joey let me help with the banner. I colored the gorilla heads."
Becky focused on her brother's expression. "You do like it, don't you?"
"Of course I do," Hank said automatically. "I hate that you went to the trouble but I appreciate it. All of you."
Cody smiled charmingly. "Enough to let us out of class?"
"Nice try," Hank gave him a knowing look then settled his gaze on the teenagers in the room, "Speaking of, aren't you four going to be late?"
Sean said dismissively, "So we borrowed a few freebee minutes. You know we had to do something for our biggest big brother."
"And best friend," Maya walked to the scientist, "and best bio teacher on the planet."
Cordelia tacked on, "And one of the biggest dazzling hunks alive."
"Aw," Sean smiled giddily at Hank's resulting expression, "I think we made him blush." He clapped the fellow Irishman on the shoulder.
"Alright, that'll be enough. Off to class," Hank tapped Sean on his thigh, "now, go on." He shooed the redhead away, shared a hug with Maya, and bent for Cordelia to peck his cheek. "And Frank, I'll be seeing you later."
The city native responded, "Can't wait," and continued after the older teens.
While the other younger students took their seats, Scott walked with Hank to his desk. After the man sat down, the shaded boy handed him a square shaped envelope. The two shared a look before Scott moved to take his usual table with Becky and Trav.
Hank asked for everyone's homework and while they gathered it, he neatly got the envelope open and removed the thick homemade card from within. He studied the medieval designs on the front before opening it to read the contents.
Like the Knights of the Round Table, we are Charles Kids Forever.
For our big brave brother Beast's birthday,
Bad butt Banshee, Super Cyclops, and the Ec-Static Eel
IIIIIII
"Test models in place, extremely low wind resistance," Hank shifted his head to face the one who lay nearby to him. "Ready to launch?"
Facing forward, Frank replied, "Let's do it."
Hank decreed, "Engage launch!" before they zoomed ahead.
Stomach down and clutching the built-in hand grips made onto the wide slabs of wood, the two sliced through the snowy mound. The white powder waved throughout the air behind them as they moved. Before they could reach complete terra firma, both were tossed from their individual crafts. Hank performed an aerial flip and landed with time to safely catch Frank.
Hank checked the young teen for the slightest injury. "Are you alright?"
"Uhhh…" Frank stuck his tongue out and arched his head back. "… that was great!"
"I must agree," Hank stood him, "however, we will have to make several adjustments to the prototypes before we can ever hope to equip the jet with emergency landing pods. We don't need them defeating their own purpose after all."
"True, but at least we made it further without bashing anywhere near a tree," Frank pointed out. "We're getting closer."
"Science is a process." Hank shook snow off his coat. "We'll return to the drawing board tomorrow. As for right now, I have a very important lunch date ahead of me."
"Okay, see ya later, birthday Beast." Frank scampered off to join the others for recess.
By the time Hank made it to the back door of the house, the little girl in red coat headed for him. She draped the handle of the loaded picnic basket across one shoulder.
"Ready?" Becky looked up.
"Ready?" Hank echoed incredulously. He took the basket to carry himself. "I've been looking forward to this all day."
Becky smiled and gripped hold of the spare hand he held out for her. She skipped at his side as they headed into the thick of trees behind their home. Once they located a clear enough spot, they spread out the red checkered blanket and started in on the sandwiches and cookies.
Hank cleared out his throat when she tried to eat a chocolate chip and held out the circular vegetable platter he'd been sure to add to the basket earlier.
Taking the plain as day hint, Becky selected a few pieces of broccoli to dip into the ranch. "Do you remember the surprise picnics I made for you at your old lab?"
Picking a carrot stick for himself, Hank recalled, "With those peanut butter and banana wedge sandwiches you used to make? Yes, I do. I'm pretty sure those always acted as the bright spot in my day. Even that one particular time I caught you using my chair as some sort of boat and you nearly cracked your head against some of my equipment."
"Hey, it's not my fault you kept it messier there than you do here," Becky defended. "And I was bored."
"So was I." Hank looked at her closely. "Whenever you weren't around."
Becky scooted over near to his side. "Do you know what else this makes me think of?" Hank placed an arm over her. "Knight Victor saving us from those dogs that were sick."
"Yes," Hank certainly remembered that experience well, "though I was more concerned with your safety that day." He lowered to connect chilled cheeks with her. "The greatest little sister imaginable is very difficult to replace."
"Big Bear," Becky nuzzled him, "can I have a cookie now?"
"Of course," Hank gave off a smirk, "as soon as you finish your broccoli, Little Bear."
IIIIIII
Educator duties done for the day, Hank returned to his wing for a few supplies for X-Men related projects. The moment he got up there, however, all mechanical and scientific desire fluttered away. In the middle of the neatly made bed lay his better, bluer half, cloaked solely in his Harvard t-shirt.
"One class today," she clarified, hand caressing one of their pillows. "Don't tell me you forgot." Hank said nothing as he practically tore off his lab coat with his shirt following right after. "Save some work for me." Raven crawled over to the edge of the bed to take off his belt and lower his pants.
After he got into bed with her, she removed his boxers then took off his socks one by one to savor the unveiling of each foot. Hank laid back against the pillows and Raven climbed up to straddle his waist. Bringing the t-shirt up and over her head, she showed her complete form to him.
"I'm all yours," she whispered to him. "What do you want with me?"
"Everything. And more." Hank took her arm and pulled her down for a strong kiss.
Raven lingered on top of him for a moment before slithering down to plant kisses over the rest of his body as well. She made it to his feet and started nibbling.
Fingers buried into either side of the mattress as he tried to contain the pleasure she quickly brew inside of him, Hank panted.
"Raven," he beseeched.
When she made her way back into his arms, Hank kissed her while rolling until he landed on top now. As soon as he entered her, he felt her fingernails in his upper back and he fought it not for a second. Hank's lips went to her neck and she moved her fingers into his dark hair.
Heavy exhaustion some time later proved the only thing powerful enough to divide them. They settled in bed, resting in each other's hold.
"I'll never be able to thank you enough," Hank sent into her ear.
"Give me another five minutes and you'll really be at a loss for words," Raven guaranteed.
"I don't merely mean the untold ecstasy." Hank ran his hand down her scaly stomach. "I mean for putting up with so much in our relationship. For marrying me. For being the mother our children so desperately needed."
"Hey," Raven turned to look at him fully, "you had to put up with a few things when we were dating, too, remember?"
"But you were worth it."
"And what do you think you are?"
He replied honestly, "Lucky."
Laying a hand over his right cheek, Raven kissed him again and laid her forehead against his shoulder while he held her closer.
IIIIIII
Entering the house through the front way, Leon paused when he saw the nicely dressed man of the evening headed down the stairs.
"Hank," he petitioned.
The scientist walked right to him. "Hey, where have you been? Alex mentioned you had an errand."
"In New York," Leon confirmed.
Hank raised an eyebrow. "Why did you have to go all the way into the city?"
Leon held up the bag from the sports paraphernalia shop and withdrew a football from it. "I saw it in the store window a couple months back. It's a Sam Huff."
Hank accepted the ball with delicate hands. "Sam Huff… from the Giants themselves?"
Leon nodded. "I know how big they are on the east coast. I thought you might appreciate it."
"Certainly I do." Hank faced him. "But you never should have gone out of your way like that."
The younger male shrugged lightly. "I wanted to."
"Thank you." Hank brought him into a small hug and patted his back.
Adjusting into the embrace, Leon felt uneasiness in the pit of his chest that he could not recognize but still he did not let go.
"Come on," Hank smiled and started leading the way to the dining room, "Ignoring all I had to say, Raven's been slaving in the kitchen. Let's not dare be late for dinner."
Overwhelming hunger hit them both the moment they made it into the room. On the festively decorated table were courses consisting of steak, stuffed potatoes with layers of cream and sauce, an all-vegetable salad plus a chicken one, and garlic hinted rolls.
Hank did not have time to comment on the grand feast because the moment he made it to his spot on the table Raven seized hold of his lips in a kiss.
"Whoooo," Alex and several of the other younger males teased playfully while the girls cooed, "Awwww!"
Slipping a meaningful arm over Kayla, Logan mentioned, "Let's talk about my birthday plans for a minute…"
"Oh no." Kayla lightly batted at him. "This is all about Hank."
When Kiki held up the paper mache crown for him to wear, Hank bent for her to
slip it on him and took his seat with her in his lap. Raven and Trav sat right next to them.
"Attention, everyone," Erik spoke out, "before we begin, we must first take the time to both acknowledge and utterly embarrass the birthday boy."
Laughter filled the table and Hank pretended to duck behind Kiki.
"I believe that's my cue." Charles got to his feet. "My family, my friends, my fellow X-Men, we are here to celebrate the twenty-second birthday of Henry McCoy. The eldest of our original X-Men and sons, this very special young man has never missed an opportunity to display his loyalty, dedication, and utmost commitment to all of us here. Now a proud husband and father, his hard work has only increased greatly. That is why on this day, our attention resides solely on him." Charles raised his glass in salutation. "To Hank."
"To Daddy," came from the McCoy children.
Raven danced a finger down Hank's cheek. "To my love."
Hank smiled at her then stood for a moment with Kiki in his grasp. "Thank you all. This is truly above and beyond what I could have asked for… though, it's completely unn—"
"Bozo," Alex cut in, "give it a rest already."
"Shut up, Alex," Becky said offhandedly.
"Rebecca, please," Emma lightly admonished. "That really isn't ladylike."
"That's right," Raven agreed then turned presently hazel eyes on him, "so cram it, Alex."
Erik sent to Charles, Some things never change.
God willing, the Professor returned fondly.
"Daddy?" Trav spoke after they all settled down to eat. "Are you old now?"
"I'm afraid so, Cub." Hank ruffled his hair. "I'm all of twenty-two."
"Wow," the little boy marveled.
"That's way too…" Cordelia tried to think how to describe. "Close to thirty. And more than half away from forty."
Erik could not resist an eye roll. "If twenty-two is old then by the time you're all my age—"
Frank chimed in cutely, "How old is that again, Erik?"
"Sorry," Erik brought up his drinking glass, "my hearing must be going."
"Ooh, let's guess," Sean suggested. "Forty?"
"Thirty-five?" Maya tried.
"Thirty-eight?" Scott threw out.
Charles raised impishly, "Eighty."
Erik narrowed his eyes the other Headmaster's way. "Only against your sixteen, Lab Rat."
"Hey, eighties is only old if you act it," Logan informed.
Victor chuckled under his breath and kept eating.
IIIIIII
With a glance into the playroom, Hank announced to his small ones, "Bedtime."
"Aww!" came the resulting protests.
"But Daddy, we're not tired yet," Trav insisted.
"Now Trav, you don't want to be too sleepy for school in the morning do you?" Hank reasoned.
"No," the boy said right away and got up. "Come on, Kikiko."
"Besides," Hank lifted them each up into an arm when they got close enough, "I need you to keep Mommy company while Daddy's out."
Kiki's eyes flashed with alarm. "Daddy, no go."
"Don't worry, Baby Bear." Hank kissed her hair as he carried them out. "I won't be gone long at all." He laid them down in the middle of the bed. "But when I get home, I want to see both my babies asleep."
"Or else," Trav grinned knowingly.
"That's right," Hank smiled back, folding the blanket over them.
Raven returned from studying in their sitting room to see him getting into a letterman's jacket. "Ooh, McCool McCoy."
Hank turned around to model for her. "I haven't worn this in ages. Mother kept altering it here and there for me."
Raven touched one of the sleeves. "Just when I thought you couldn't infiltrate my dreams more."
Hank regarded her in pure adoration. "We'll be in no later than eleven."
"Just remember to have fun," Raven brought up.
Henry, Charles rang out mentally, I need to see you in my office. This moment, please.
"What's wrong?" Raven reacted to his sudden change in countenance.
"Apparently I'm guilty of forgetting something else." Hank could only guess as to what as he headed down to the older man's work space. The telepath waited in the center of the sofa, firm expression in place. "Charles, I'm sorry." He walked towards him. "I meant to turn in my training notes."
"You already did."
Hank looked further confused. "Then what have I done?"
"Don't act as if you don't already know." Charles gripped his wrist and surprised both of them by forcefully yanking the tall young man across his knees. "You were born."
Hank hissed as he felt the swat collide with the seat of his blue jeans. "Ah, of course…"
"Tradition, Henry," Charles continued with the mild spanking, "embrace it."
Hank lightly kicked one of his feet. "This is one tradition I believe I've outgrown, Charles— ow!" That strike created a greater sting.
"Being impertinent are we, young man?" Charles landed one on his thigh. "I think being the oldest is getting to your head. Hm, since I didn't do this for you last year I should probably make this forty three instead of twenty-two."
"No!" Hank protested. "No sir, that won't be necessary. I only meant to make a casual observation."
"Oh I see." Charles bit back a laugh and gave him the correct twenty-two followed by a much firmer one that made the scientist jump. "That was to be wise on. You've grown quite enough I would say."
"Physically," Hank stood when he was allowed and both hands went right to his bottom, "perhaps."
Charles had to smile at the sight and got up to give him a strong hug. "Happy birthday, Hank. I'm so proud of you."
Hank moved his hands to return the embrace. "Thank you, Charles. For everything."
"Thank you, Henry," the older man said back, "for being here with me."
Feeling moisture building in his eyes, Hank dipped his head to rest against the gentle telepath.
IIIIIII
"Would you mind driving?"
Victor wordlessly accepted the keys. When they got into the Lincoln, the squirming from the passenger's side did not escape his notice.
"Need a potty break before we go, egghead?" he asked.
"No." Hank tried to make himself comfortable. "… birthday tradition."
"Oh," Victor realized with a small smirk. He started them out of the garage. "Who caught ya?"
"Charles. I know it sounds childish."
"You kiddin'? I still get Lo' when he's least expectin' it. But we do the "make up for what you did last year" deal. Now that's a hot seat."
Hank let off a small wince at the thought alone. "Ironically, it does have a comforting aspect to it. I never received a birthday spanking growing up- except for the razzing from my teammates. It's nice to be made to feel like that precocious boy I once was."
Victor nodded. "I get what you're sayin'."
Hank glanced at him, knowing he did.
When they made it to the bar in town, Hank held down a table. Victor returned with not only their frosty mugs of ginger ale but also a stack of oozing quesadillas he placed at the center of the table.
Despite his earlier feast, Hank practically drooled. "Thanks."
Victor shrugged dismissively and sat across from him. "So, how'd you celebrate becomin' legal last year?"
"It was an ordinary birthday in my eyes," Hank replied. "We were still vacationing in California at that time. We went out for dinner and bowling."
"Sounds nice," Victor commented. "Here's the dreaded question. Twenty-two feel any different from twenty-one?"
"Actually, this is one time when that is a definite yes for me," Hank answered. "Everything about me, in and out, is so different. I constantly question the life I used to know and feel drawn closer to this greatness I've been given and am a part of. I can't believe all that has changed so quickly…"
"Yep, that's life for ya. And ya know what else?" Hank eyed Victor who continued, "You ain't seen nothin' yet."
Hank then wondered, "Good thing or bad?"
Victor simply lifted his drink. "Here's to you, kid."
Hank picked up his and they clinked their mugs together.
As they started in on the quesadillas, Hank considered the older mutated man. Something felt very different every time they came around each other and he tried to comprehend what. Not exactly the fullness Raven and his children provided him, not quite the fun filled fancy of Becca and the others, and certainly not the expectations he occasionally received from the Headmasters, though he regarded them both with supreme gratitude. Hank then understood.
No pressure. That was the difference. Victor, a strong courageous war hero, master of the inner beast, and survivor through life itself, gave him nothing but room to breathe. As they sat in the tavern, enjoying the cool taste of their ginger ales, Hank believed he offered him much of the same. Right then and there he also decided he could not be more grateful for that trip to Canada that had brought the elder beast into his life.
The blonde's voice jarred him from his thoughts a moment. "Alright, what's goin' on in that big head of yours?"
"Sports, cars," Hank took another bite, "obscene amounts of well-cooked beef."
Victor commended, "That's my guy."