Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

First Class: Charles and Erik have accepted their roles as guardians and headmasters over the young mutants but there is still work to be done for the greater than typical family. This is a familial and discipline, including spanking, centered fiction.

139. Chapter 139 See You Soon?

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Thirty Nine

Author's Word: Funny thing, fam. The reason this wasn't posted earlier is because I had to take a breather for a few hours. You see, I took a couple caffeine pills, normally used for work, to give myself the energy needed to put the final touches to this chapter. Because of that I spent a good portion of the day on and off feeling bodily weakness combined with the jitters. Odd combination to say the least. So, now I'm going to post and get some more rest. Please enjoy and review!

Orange blanket draped across their shoulders, the eye pairs of deep blue and brown remained deadlocked on the glowing black and white images before them. When the musical score grew louder, Sean felt Frank lean over closer and he wordlessly placed an arm around the younger teen while keeping focus on the screen.

"Look out, lady," Frank cautioned in a whisper.

"Here he comes," Sean knew.

A growl sounded over the television followed by a hand clamping down on each of their shoulders. Sean jumped and Frank tumbled straight off the couch.

The lights clicked on, revealing Kayla's sardonic expression. "Was that terribly necessary?"

After Logan finished guffawing he answered, "No, but it was fun. These knuckleheads were so wrapped up in this flick they ain't even hear us come in."

"Oh real funny, Wolves," Frank said, getting back to his feet.

"You're as mean as Erik," Sean accused lightheartedly, also rising. "You're lucky I know not to scream or I'd have blown your super powered ear drum to smithereens."

"Ooh," Logan gave the boy a few playful jabs, "Red's got the tough side out."

Frank bounced over to the man. "Hey Wolves, did you ever see any real vampires while you were in Europe?"

"Sure did." Logan pulled Kayla over to him. "That's where I learned how to do this." He nipped at her neck.

"Logan," his wife near squealed, half-heartedly slapping his arm.

Sean and Frank let off a laugh.

"We'll let you boys get back to your movie." Kayla shifted her neck to better look at her husband. "Let's see what Cody's up to."

Logan nodded and kept his arm around her as they left the living room.

The distinct commotion of boyish antics led them up into the recreation room. Inside, Joey wore his Merlin costume and held a wand while Cody did the same with a plastic sword. They darted about the room, vanquishing villainous stuffed animals.

At one point, Joey slipped up on his lengthy wizard robe and fell against the carpet. The domino effect made Cody stumbled down right beside him. Glancing up from the new angle, the dark haired boy took notice of his parents.

"Ma, Dad." He hopped up to approach them. "Thought I felt you."

Kayla knelt down to give him a little hug. "You're the one having all the fun. Did you even miss us?"

"Just you, Mama," Cody replied cutely.

Logan used his knuckles to mess his hair. "Were you good?"

Cody scoffed. "No."

Logan commended, "That's my boy."

IIIIIII

Eyes on the ceiling, the silent patient finally spoke with, "So, how's it look, Doc? Am I gonna make it?"

"I have to see," the youthful medical practitioner replied, making use of a scarf for a blood pressure reader, "and stop fidgeting, Uncle Alex."

Suppressing a chuckle at how much the five-year-old sounded like his father, Alex said, "Sorry," and went as still as he possibly could while continuing breathing.

Trav unwrapped the scarf from around his uncle's bicep. "Okay, everything appears normal." He raised his blue plastic stethoscope up from his neck and inserted the buds into his ears. "Now, I have to check your heart." He used the circular end of the toy to run over Alex's chest. "Uh oh."

Alex flashed eyes over at him. "What?"

Trav looked at him. "I don't hear anything." He poked at the center of his chest. "Where is it? Why's it hiding?"

"I think it's just scared of getting hurt." Alex then smiled and lifted the little boy up to get on top of him. "Is this better?"

Trav pressed his ear against Alex's shirt front and absorbed the distinct thumping. "There it is." He faced him. "Guess what."

"What, what?" Alex responded excitedly.

"No more hippy-tension," Trav announced, holding up victorious arms.

"Yeah!" Alex gripped the boy at his middle and raised him high. "I'm cured! Thanks, Doc." He looked on fondly at Trav's giggling.

Hank came up the stairs, smiling at the sight. "Pardon my interruption, Dr. McCoy, but you have an appointment with the Sandman next."

"No," Trav instantly moaned lowly. "Not yet, Daddy."

"Hey," Alex sat up with him, "uh uh. Don't say no to your dad. He's the boss, right?"

Trav raised a hand to his head. "Yes sir, Uncle Alex." He turned to salute his father as well. "Yes sir, Daddy."

"That's my good little cub." Hank came over to pick up the pajama clad tot. "Say good night to your uncle."

Trav looked to the blonde. "Night night, Uncle Alex."

Alex stood from the bed and kissed his cheek. "Night, Bugsy. I'll play with you after school tomorrow."

After Alex headed back down, Hank helped Trav out of his stethoscope and little white lab coat. "I see you're enjoying your doctor kit. Did you make Uncle Alex all better?"

"Uh huh." Trav tilted his head curiously as he was laid down. "But Daddy, why's doctor stuff always gotta hurt?"

Hank sat facing him and answered, "Sometimes it takes a small amount of pain to achieve a large amount of healing."

"Oh." Trav tugged his teddy bear and ape man over. "Daddy, I want to be like you so I can make everybody feel better."

"You already do that. Every single day." Hank bent forward to kiss his forehead. "I love you, Cub."

"I love you, Daddy Beast," the boy returned.

IIIIIII

Reviewing his completed work, Charles released a light tired sigh at the mound of papers he still had to get to.

Sean's upper body poked into the office. "Hi, Daddy. You busy?"

"To breathe, yes. For you," Charles smiled, "never."

Walking in fully, Sean knelt beside the man's chair. "Listen, I have a lot going on with this whole thing. Maya, the others… is there any chance you can talk to Uncle Erik for me?"

Charles tipped his head to peer closer at him. "Aren't you the same young man who not terribly long ago claimed he did not need me fighting his battles?"

Sean poked his lips forward. "You're not 'sposed to listen to me. I'm just a kid."

"Well, you listen to me, little lad," Charles put a comforting hand to the back of the copper head. "I am not going to allow you to hide behind my leg on this situation. You have to stand up straight and explain yourself in your own words to Erik. He loves you the same as I do and he deserves to hear about this from you."

"But after that whole thing with Frank…" Sean sighed hard. "What if he hates me for it?"

Charles frowned deeply. "Sean Cassidy, Erik could never hate you. He might be bothered or even upset at first, but hate will not so much as cross his mind. You have to know and believe that, son."

"Yes, sir," Sean sighed again. "Okay, I'll do it… soon. Right now," he got up, "I have a whole lot of other people I'm worried about."

Charles watched him leave out and attempted to get back to the documents before him. Unable to concentrate as his own troubled thoughts flooded his mind, he got up to begin rounds.

IIIIIII

On route through the hall, Raven met Emma in the middle. The older female mutant held a highly content and tuckered out toddler in her arms.

"She's already asleep?" Raven accepted the little girl into her own hold.

"For the last half hour." Emma used her hand to brush some hair away from the closed eyes. "It's just so difficult to part with that little face."

"Tell me about it," Raven concurred. "Morning class is still heartbreaking. Speaking of, we need to get to sleep. See you in the morning, Em."

"Good night, dears," Emma gingerly waved after the departing McCoy ladies.

As soon as she returned to their room, Charles put his book away. "What kept you? I was getting lonesome."

Emma joined him in bed. "My apologies, Sugar." She took his head between her hands and kissed him. "I wanted to look in on the children." She quickly picked up a contradictory wave radiating from his pleasant features. "Is something the matter?"

Charles took one of her hands to hold. "It's Seanie. I hate terribly how he's left to feel like an absolute traitor all because he wants to visit his family for a short time. He's practically terrified of even mentioning this to Erik."

"A lot has changed since the last time he left here," Emma mentioned. "This family has become everything for all of us. And somewhere, probably at this very moment, our own government is making decisions about us. The uneasiness makes sense." She set blue eyes with him. "Even yours." At the surprise that crossed his face, she said, "No telepathy needed to know when my sugar is closer to sour."

Charles glanced down at their bed covers. "It's so hard to have to share him this way. I know how selfish that makes me."

"Not even close," Emma denounced. "Remember, he may be theirs for a time, but he is always ours."

Charles nodded. "You're right, my darling."

"I'll tell you what else. Sean is not the boy causing me the most vexation throughout this compound."

"Who else?" Charles wondered.

She told him, "Leon. I'm trying not to have to mentally pry but I cannot shake the feeling that something isn't right."

"He's still adjusting to being part of something," Charles reminded. "Let's allow him to sort it out for now until we're certain we need to step in."

Emma nodded her agreement.

IIIIIII

The sun reaching her eyes, Maya moaned faintly. As soon as her eyelids peeled back, she took in the slightly blurred image of the quiet one facing her.

"Sean," she acknowledged, sitting up to rub at her eyes for a clearer picture of him.

"Hey, sorry," he said, scooting closer. "I know I should have waited and knocked and all but I just wanted you to be the first person I saw this morning."

"You wanted to see me?" She attempted to finger comb at her hair. "Looking like this?"

Sean's face and tone did not shift in seriousness. "You mean perfect?" Smiling, Maya's arms went around his neck and he held her against him tightly. "Let's have breakfast. Just the two of us. We can go on a walk while everybody else eats."

Maya pulled back, complete satisfaction on her face. "Okay." She arched her head back when he moved to lean in. "No, no, no, no. No morning breath kisses."

"Aw, babe, please," Sean made attempts to plant his lips anywhere he could find, "I don't care. Just one?"

"Nope!" She rushed up out of her bed. "Not until I can hose down," she indicated her sleep attire, "all of this."

"Okay, I give." Sean, already dressed for the day, got up. "I'll be in the kitchen. Please, please don't be long."

"Promise," Maya smiled after him.

The second he left her sight, she proceeded to the bathroom. After brushing her teeth and taking a brief shower with her best scented bath products, she returned to her room with a towel around her head. From her closet, she selected a long blue floral skirt and jade top with mid-length sleeves. She ran the brush through her damp hair to smooth it out as best she could before bustling downstairs.

Attractive aroma hit her as soon as she walked into the kitchen. "Sean," she gestured towards the set table for two, "you cooked and everything? I could've helped you."

"I wanted to." He strolled over to her. "Besides, it's just toast, scrambled eggs, and bacon. AKA the only things I can make without burning off my own eyebrows. So," he formed a special smile, "kissy time?"

"Kissy time," Maya happily confirmed and joined lips with him for an extended one.

When they finally stepped back, Sean brought her over to the table. He pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit before taking his own place right next to her.

It did not take them long to finish eating. After Sean loaded up the dishwasher, the couple got into their coats and left out through the front. Their gloved hands joined as they walked across the grounds.

"Even in the middle of winter, this place is still Wonderland," Maya stated fancifully.

Sean asked her, "Am I your Mad Hatter?"

Maya grinned at him and said, "You're my Cheshire Cat."

Sean looked upon her and ordered accusingly, "You better cut that out."

She raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Being the prettiest girl on this planet."

"Oh yeah?" Maya placed a hand on her hip. "And what are you going to do about it?"

Dipping, Sean wrapped his arms around her middle and swept her up. "Love you forever." He gave her a kiss then pretended to tilt. "Oh no. We're losing pressure. Going down…"

Maya burst with laughter as they went to the ground.

Landing securely on top of him, she stroked his cheek. "I love you, too, Sean."

Fingers going into her hair, Sean remained gazing upon her. He finally got up and delicately pulled her up as well. Hands locked again, Maya snuggled into his side as they resumed their stroll.

IIIIIII

As his congregation disbursed for refreshments, the Rabbi approached the far more pensive brunette male who remained seated with blue eyes seemingly miles away.

"Erik."

"Chad," Erik shared a companionable handshake with him, "excellent delivery as always."

"Thank you. I typically go by the those sleeping to awake ratio. It's getting better." Chad then turned a little more serious. "How are things with you?"

Erik stayed thoughtful then answered, "Contemplating… forgiveness I suppose you could call it."

"I hope you mean to an outsider," Chad sat beside him, "because if you're referring to self I'm still working through that aspect myself."

"No, not this time." Erik faced him. "How do you return trust to one who by all means never intended you harm in the first place?"

Chad attempted to make sense of that. "So this was not something personally done to you but their action still had an effect on you?"

Erik nodded. "A near irreversible one."

"Well, the first question I always ask is, do you care about this person?"

Erik replied, "He cares about me."

"Do you desire vengeance against him?"

"No," Erik said immediately. "Believe me, that is one desire I know well."

"You and me both," the Rabbi sympathized. "Honestly Erik, if this is taking up so much of your thought process, this guy, despite whatever he's done, must matter to you on some level. I do advise forgiveness, more for your sake than the offender's, but as for forgetting- always proceed with caution."

Finding mutuality in that statement, Erik responded, "You speak with absolute wisdom."

Chad shrugged. "I have my moments. There's probably a blue moon out tonight."

Familiar giggling signaled the return of their daughters.

Erik smiled as Becky went around to link hands with him.

"Papa, did you know Becky's twelfth birthday is coming soon?" Megan informed.

"Really?" Chad responded with interest, turning to the Lehnsherrs. "Have you given any thought about her Bat Mitzvah?"

A silent Becky only looked to her father, who said, "We haven't exactly discussed that. It may be too much pressure for her to take on right now."

Chad nodded understandingly. "She's in this one's club then." He brought Rachel over into his lap. "She flat out told us she doesn't want one."

Rachel piped up, "You have to study for a whole year and no one really treats you like a grown-up just 'cause you're twelve."

Megan said, "But you get a whole big party and a pretty dress."

Rachel replied indifferently, "I get that for my birthday, anyway."

Chad laughed. "My women are highly opinionated."

Erik pulled Becky in for a squeeze. "Nothing wrong with that."

II

Assisting with the post youth service clean-up, Sean's attention occasionally floated over to where Maya talked with Sylvia Braunstein. A sudden dust rag connected with the unsuspecting redhead's face and he let off an exaggerated cough.

Ben walked up on him, also eyeing where Maya and his mother conversed. "I suppose this really is the last time you have to listen to me for a while."

"Man, I'm coming back," Sean promptly reassured.

The other teen raised a shushing hand. "You're not telling me anything I don't already know. What about her?" He used his shoulder to indicate Maya. "Does she believe it?"

Sean answered despondently, "She doesn't know."

"And your uncle?" Ben received a reply in the form of a head shake. "Just remember. This is your journey. Take all the time you need. Anyone who's meant to be in your life will be here when you get back."

Sean smiled and they gripped hands before going into a hug.

IIIIIII

Entering the diner, the blonde man had to perform a bit of fancy footwork to carefully maneuver around the energetic waitress in a poodle skirt on roller-skates.

"My lady." He tipped his fedora at her, receiving a giggle for the chivalrous effort.

"Steve."

The petitioned one looked in the direction of the voice and walked to sit across from the one at the far rear table. "I see we've ventured over to the teen scene."

Erik made note of the youngsters as well but only said, "Apparently."

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to do this until tonight. This has been a hectic work week of sorts." At the younger male's continued lack of interest, he added genuinely, "Thank you for meeting me."

"I can't help wondering what it is you are after." Erik fingered the handle of his white coffee mug. "If you have any new information regarding my kind, you could have easily gone through the brothers Howlett-Creed. Nothing you haven't done before."

Ignoring the loaded statement, Steve said matter-of-factly, "This has nothing to do with "your kind". This is about how we left things. I know you blame Kers—"

"I blame the child for nothing," Erik cut in pointedly. "She has no control over her past and certainly did not ask to be pursued by a lunatic. It was your obligation to make it known about Evander, not hers. You knew his capabilities and let Alex go into a relationship with his favorite target blindly."

"Evandar has been nowhere near my radar for years. He had never presented another threat to Kerstin until recently. Had I learned of his escape sooner, I could have found a way to prevent all of this." Steven tacked on, "And I tried to dissuade her from seeing Alex. Not because I thought anything like this would happen but because…" He judged his words carefully. "If he found out about her parents, his mind would have gone right to you. With his loyalties to you, she would have been the enemy in his eyes. I suppose that's certainly the case now."

Erik said, "Alex was still recovering. He was harsh, but he did not expect for her to simply come over the way she did."

Confusion covered Steve's features. "What are you talking about?"

"She approached him in front of our house." Erik then determined with ease, "She didn't tell you."

"No." Even as he spoke it, Steve has trouble with the knowledge the word carried. "When was this?"

"The last night of Hanukah," Erik replied. "It made Alex livid. I knew he didn't want to see her any longer, but I did not know he would react to her with such fury." He scoffed sardonically. "Not even on his own behalf." At the silence that followed, he stood, reaching into his pocket. "Happy new year, Steve." Erik left a pair of dollar bills on the table before taking his leave of the diner.

Lingering in place a moment, Steve shot up from the table and followed the darker haired male's path. "Erik!" The Poland native stilled and looked back with an even countenance. "You can huff and puff." Steve walked upon him. "But you can only blow me off for so long. You can't force me to stop my concern for you. That much is my decision to make."

Erik formed a sardonic smile. "Taking a Christ cue, are we?"

A stone faced Steve responded, "I'm not even fit to pick up behind Him."

Erik's expression faded. "Why, Steve? Why do you bother seeking me out? Do you need me as some sort of comparison to Tobias Evander? A little reminder that not all former camp victims grow up to become deranged monsters? Considering the fact that I still wonder about myself in the regard, I suggest you search elsewhere for your hope."

"You are not a victim, Erik," Steve stated. "I don't believe you even have the capacity. Same thing goes for those children of yours. Their strength at such young ages…" A faint smile crossed his lips. "That's hope for me, Erik. And whether you believe me or not, I fully and completely comprehend how important they are to you. I know that's why I no longer have your trust; what little I had of it to start."

After another momentary silent spell, Erik stated, "I've rebuilt after the destruction before," he extended his hand, "I would like to do it again."

Steve gripped the appendage with his own. "At last, we agree."

"Good night, Steve." Erik turned to walk off again.

"Erik?" Steve called again. "Could you give me ring when you get in?"

Erik glanced back and replied noncommittally, "If I remember," then continued on.

Steve released a light amused breath then reformed a stony countenance at what awaited him upon his own return home.

IIIIIII

The moment he walked through the front door, Erik honed in on the pajama clad youth positioned on the stairs.

"Seanie," he acknowledged, walking to him. "What are you doing up?"

The redhead replied, "I wanted to wait for you to come home."

Erik knelt to get near to his eyes. "Are you alright?"

Sean shook his head. "I need to tell you something."

Taking his wrist gently, Erik helped them both rise. He led the way into his den. Sean sat on the sofa.

Erik squatted before him again. "Whatever's happened, tell me straight out."

Sean sighed internally. "I'm flying back to Virginia. I'm going to visit my family for a while."

Even under the limited light in the room, Erik's eyes clearly dimmed. "And what exactly brought this on so suddenly?"

"It's not exactly sudden," Sean tried to explain. "I've been away for so long and it's really been eating at me. And I really miss my brother Tommy. But more important things kept happening around here. Becky, California, Charles and Emma's accident, the new people coming in, Alex, and things are more serious than ever between me and Maya."

"Hm." Erik's expression was unreadable. "And I take it you've already discussed this in great length with Charles."

"It's not like that, Uncle Erik," Sean insisted. "I wanted to tell you, too, but I… I'll just admit it. I was scared." Erik stood and walked to the fireplace. "You're mad at me."

"No," Erik said strongly. "I'm not angry, Sean. I— too much has taken place. I cannot protect you in Virginia."

"You don't have to." Sean got up as well. "I'm going to be careful, I swear. If anything happens, I'll call. And I will call, anyway. All the time."

"And what exactly is Maya's take in all of this?" From the immediate quiet, Erik received his answer. "You claim your relationship to be serious yet she's even more in the dark than I am. You have a responsibility to her, Sean. To this entire family. You have to make your intentions known."

"Yes, sir," Sean knew. "And I will."

Erik gestured with his head upward. "Get back to bed. I'll see about you in a moment. After I make a call." The boy nodded and started out. "Sean…"

Expecting quite the earful, Sean looked back. Erik approached him with great intent and seized the tall teenager in a tight embrace. Sean closed his eyes and dipped to rest on his shoulder.

IIIIIII

"What's your topic for philosophy?" Kerstin looked up from her bed to better view the one at her desk.

Zaro scoffed. "I'll let you know after I get these ten pages of calculus under my belt."

The electronic door slid open and in walked their unusually displeased leader. "Do I have to start keeping a tracker on you?"

Zaro came back with, "Dang Steve, it was one drink. Finals are stressful."

"Not you," Steve planted him with a look, "though we're going to return to that in a moment." He placed attention on Kerstin. "I hear you decided to pay the X-Men a visit not too long ago. On an evening you claimed to be stepping out for air."

"It was for air," the girl claimed, "I just ended up choking by the end."

"Whoa hey," Zaro stepped in, shutting his math book. "What's this all about?"

Exasperated, Kerstin explained briefly, "I tried to work things out with Alex. I'm rubbish to him. End of story. Trying to move on here."

"He'd been through a lot," Steve reminded. "He even nearly lost his life. You can't take anything he said to you to heart."

"That's easier said than done when that's the only part that won't heal," Kerstin asserted.

Zaro formed a heated frown.

"The hardest part about the past is that it's the one area we can never change." Steve sat down on the edge of the bed and brought his arm around her. Kerstin scooted in closer to his side. "However, no amount of anger or pain can take away what you have contributed to this organization." He looked between them. "You've both proven the capabilities of being extraordinary beyond special powers. Whatever the outside world throws at you, remember that the Children of Liberty depend on you."

They nodded and Kerstin put an arm around him. "Where would we be without you?"

Steve gave her a squeeze. "Deliriously happy." He got up and bopped Zaro on the head. "And I certainly can't have that."
Zaro looked on as the Captain took his leave and he promptly faced Kerstin. "What exactly did Summers say to you?"

Sighing, Kerstin ran a tired hand through her yellow hair.

IIIIIII

Despite the crisp night air, the smile never left Maya's face as they soared across the sky. After a few more dips and turns on Sean's part, he landed them on the center of the mansion's roof.

"We are so going to be in trouble," Maya said lightly, brown hair fluttering across her face.

"It doesn't matter." Sean's countenance darkened. "I already am."

"What are you talking about?"

Sean took her hands and reeled her in even closer to him. "I love you, Maya."

"I love you, too. You know that." She attempted to study his face. "Sean?"

"I'm going back to visit my family."

"Oh, for a weekend?"

"…Longer," he answered. "Not sure how long yet. But I'm coming back. Before you even know it."

Taken aback, Maya asked next, "When? When are you leaving?"

Sean replied, "Charles arranged a flight for me on Sunday."

"Sunday?" she echoed incredulously. "And you're just now letting me in on this?"

He tried to explain, "I had a lot of back and forth going on in my head. And things were going so great between us; you fit in with the X-Men so well. I didn't want to ruin anything for you."
"And you thought a midnight discussion on a roof would be the better way to go?" Maya shot back.

Sean sighed, unable to refute that. "You're right. You couldn't be more right. I know I handled this wrong, but you're the only serious girl I've had. You're the only girl I want."
"And you're the only guy I want," she returned. "But I would have talked to you about this ahead of time. We've always talked about everything. You can tell me you're a mutant but you can't tell me you're going back to Virginia for whatever amount of time?"

"I won't go," Sean decided right then. "No way. Not if this is going to cause problems between us."

"Sean, I am not keeping you from doing anything you feel you have to. But this is just way too sudden."

"I'm sorry," he said wholeheartedly. "Like I said, I handled it wrong."

Dipping her head, she stayed silent for several seconds then brought brown eyes up again. "I do love you, Sean. No matter what."

"Maya," Sean breathed, lifting her up for a strong hug.

Maya gripped him in turn tightly. "You promise to call?"

"Oh I swear," he assured.

They stayed that way for a few minutes, ignoring the cold around them that only seemed to intensify.

IIIIIII

The first question came from Frank. "When will you be back?"

Charles chose to field that one. "We're still working out his return date."

Cody brought up, "What're you bringin' me back?"

Sean finally felt at ease. "You'll just have to wait and see, Code Man."

"Can we go, too?" Trav asked.

Hank said, "We already wrote to Virginia, son. They told us they're not quite ready for Trav McCoy."

Kayla's attention never left Maya. This certainly explained the girl's stone silence throughout dinner.

"We'll go with you to the airport," Raven raised. "Me and Hank, Alex, Frankie, Joey, Becca—"

"Becca has other things to do," Becky interjected, causing a hushed wave to sweep across the table.

Cordelia then wanted to know, "Can we have dessert now?"

IIIIIII

"Virginia is even colder than we are presently," Hank fished through the open suitcase. "These are all the sweaters you're bringing? Honestly, Sean."

"Hank," Sean plopped his other bag onto his mattress, "that's not all I'm packing you know."

Hank adjusted his glasses as he looked at him. "I simply don't want you to return here with a violent head cold as a souvenir."

"I know." Sean sat on the side of his bed. "I wanted to say something before, but I didn't want to ruin your birthday and everything."

"You wouldn't have," Hank assured. He lowered, putting a hand on the younger Irishman's shoulder. "Sean, you know you could have come to me when you finally made your decision. I've never discouraged that part of your life."

Knowing that to be perfectly true, Sean started to smile then thought about something. "Curls hates me."

"Becca does not hate you," Hank stated resolutely. "You caught her unaware. She only needs time."

"It's an Erik Kid thing." Alex stepped inside through the ajar door. "Wouldn't expect you goody Charles Kids to get it."

Sean looked to him and said, "I was wondering when you were going to show up for the anti-normal lecture."

Alex rolled his eyes. "Sean, please. You could go without the freak scream for a year and you still wouldn't be normal."

Sean responded with uncertainty, "Thanks?"

"And besides, I get a little more where you're coming from since I started college," Alex admitted. "At WU, I get a break from the mutation thing. You just do your dorky childhood stories that you've heard over and over, overload on your Mom's brownies, and get your dorky ass back here."

"Alex," Hank reproached.

"Dorky posterior," the blonde amended. A conniving grin grew on his face. "And since this is the last time we're going to be together for a while…"

When Hank shared Alex's expression, the redhead became very frightened. "Guys…"

They encroached upon him and he rolled back to get off the bed. Attempting to run by Alex proved futile as the shorter teen yanked him down into a headlock. While that went on, Hank took the liberty of tickling the soles of his bare feet.

IIIIIII

Patty Cake, Patty Cake
Baker's Man
Bake Me a Cake as Fast as You Can

Roll It and Slice It and Mark It with a B
And Put It in the Oven for You and Me!

"You and me!" Kiki repeated enthusiastically.

"That's it," Becky commended from where they faced each other on the rug. "Let's try again."

Raising their hands, they resumed the clapping game.

Erik entered the recreation room and watched for a moment. "Pardon my interruption, ladies." He looked to the older girl. "I want to speak with you."

"Okay," sighed Becky.

Erik smiled at Kiki as he gathered her into his arms. "Could you do me a big favor and fix some of your special cookies for me?" She nodded and he carried her across the room to the play stove. "Thank you, little bubbala." He kissed her head and returned to Becky. "We need to talk about this situation with Sean."

Becky stood and took a new seat at the table. "I knew you'd say that."

Erik lowered down beside her. "I think I understand why you reacted the way you did. However," he stroked her hair, "I'd like to hear it from you."

"I know why he doesn't have a return date," Becky stated. She then darted her eyes to where Kiki mixed "cookie dough" and spoke softer. "He's not coming back. He just doesn't want to say it."

"Did you read his mind and learn this?"

Becky shook her head. "No, but I know that's why. Sean doesn't want us anymore. He wants his stupid bios."

"You mustn't believe that," Erik discouraged. "Yes, Sean loves his biological family, but he would never abandon us."

"How can you be sure, Papa?"

He cupped her cheek. "How quick was he to leave them behind when he found out you needed him?"

Becky almost immediately recognized the truth in the recollection. She brought her hand to lay over her father's.

Fresh batch of plastic cookies on a tray, Kiki toddled back over to them.

IIIIIII

Done tying both sneakers, Frank hopped up from his bed to slip on his hooded jacket.

Turning around from his desk chair, he spotted Sean in his doorway. "Oh hey. You ready to go?"

"Not yet." Sean walked in, removing the case he had draped across his back. "I need you to hold onto this while I'm gone."

Frank ran a hand over the black container, clear astonishment written on his face. "Your guitar?"

"Maya's taking care of my car, but I need somebody to look after this and I think you're a little less likely to pop a string than Cody is."

Frank formed a small smile then leaned forward to hug him. "I'm gonna miss you."

Sean squeezed him with all he had. "Night or day, you call me if you need me, Frank-O."

"I will." Frank managed to pull back. "We should get going, though."

Sean nodded and stood up.

II

A hand in hand Sean and Maya descended the stairs with Frank directly behind them. At the front door, the others awaited them. Victor held the suitcase while Logan took the overnight bag.

"Guys, I can handle that stuff," Sean told the Security.

"We didn't ask you all that," Logan stated matter-of-factly. "Lanky behind'll probably pull somethin', anyway."

Victor said, "We'll take 'em down to the car."

Watching them leave out, Sean turned to Cordelia. "So when's the party starting?"

She replied, "Four or five seconds after you're gone… dog face."

"Butt crack," Sean returned then shared a one-armed hug with her.

Raven stepped over with a basket covered in clear wrapping. "Becca and I worked on this early this morning. It should get you through the flight."

Sean looked upon the care package with delight. "Thanks, Raven." He bent to hug Becky. "Thanks, Curls."

"I love you, Sean," she told him.

"I love you, too," he said, rising again.

Rushing up, Cody jumped up into the redhead's arms. "My gift better be good."

Sean pulled him in near. "You better be good."

Cody stuck his tongue out with a smirk.

"Did you remember all of your assignments?" Kayla asked.

"All five hundred of them?" Sean gently lowered Cody down again. "Yes, ma'am." He noticed Leon, who remained off to himself in total silence.

The long haired teen dipping his head proved his only acknowledgment.

Emma walked up, arms going around Sean's neck. "Be careful, dear."

"I will, Mommy," he whispered to her then dipped to kiss her stomach. "Bye, munchkin."

Charles smiled. "Well, we'd best be off."

Abrupt wailing startled the entire group.

"Kiki," Hank patted his distraught daughter's back in an attempt to calm her, "shhhh, it's alright."

"Honey, he's not leaving forever," Raven tried to intervene. "Remember?"

Their words proved futile as the toddler continued louder.

Letting go of Maya and his basket for a moment, Sean walked to where Hank held the tiny girl and accepted her from the scientist.

"Baby," he went to a nearby chair, sitting her in his lap, "come on, don't cry. You know it makes me cry, too. You don't want me to cry, do you?"

Letting up somewhat, Kiki shook her head. "No…"

"I'm going to miss you so much," Sean played with her hair, "but I'm coming back." He kissed her wet cheek and lifted her to rest on his shoulder. "I promise, I promise."

Trav came over to lean against Sean's leg and the teenager spared an arm for his back.

Scott approached. "I can take her, Sean."

Sean gave the three-year-old over to the younger boy and rubbed Scott's hair. Getting up, he rejoined hands with Maya and they along with the Headmasters, the McCoys, Alex, Frank, Becky and Joey headed down to get into the X-Van.

At the airport, Sean took time to individually hug Alex, Hank, Raven, and the kids.

He then walked off a few paces with Maya. "I'll call you as soon as I land."

She said, "I'm already by the phone."

Eyeing each other another moment, they locked together in a kiss. Sean's arms went around her middle and he dipped her a little. They slowly separated, noses lingering.

"I love you."

"I love you," Maya echoed him.

Erik carefully pried Sean away to take him towards the gate. Raven right away linked arms with Maya while Hank put his hands to the girl's shoulders from behind.

"Now," Erik spoke as he and Charles led him over, "I don't want you to think of this as some sort of opportunity to have a decadent holiday. You're to study as usual and complete every single one of your homework assignments. The same rules apply. If I find out you've engaged in any ridiculous tomfoolery—" The man silenced when Sean tossed arms around him.

"Miss you already, Uncle Erik," he said sincerely.

Erik hugged him back for a moment before gently prodding him towards Charles.

"Since Uncle Erik said just about it all, I suppose all that is left for me is," Charles embraced him, "see you soon, son."

"See you soon, Dad," Sean said back quietly.

IIIIIII

At the knock on his door, Frank let off a faint, "Come in." When Leon entered, he moved around in his chair. "What?"

"I thought with your mutation you might appreciate this." Leon held up the thick green candle. "My father used to do this out of memory for my mother. Personally, though, I think he ripped off the Chinese. They love their lanterns… but anyway, I thought we could use it to signal Sean's return to us."

Frank smiled. "Sounds good to me."

They set up and lit the candle in the center window.

Erik looked in on them. "Everything alright in here?"

Frank glanced back at him. "Yeah, though I'm getting pretty sick of everybody I know having to "go away for a while"."

"I understand, but they do occasionally come back. If you don't believe me," Erik stepped back, "check the living room."

Completely unsure as to what he meant, Frank hurried down into the designated space.

A grin developed at the sight of the one seated in a chair. "Cap!"

Standing, the equally elated Steve said, "It's good to see you, little Private." He then braced himself for an armload of thirteen-year-old.

Curious himself, Leon followed Erik down and he lingered just behind the man in the living room doorway. "So he is the one called Captain America?"

Erik nodded.

Leon took in the unfamiliar face. Of course he is…

IIIIIII

Looking to where Maya unloaded dishes from the washer, Kayla said, "Honey, you don't need to do that. I have things under control in here. Why don't you relax?"

"Not right now." Maya brought up the last glass and shut the machine. "I have some homework to finish." She started out of the kitchen, nearly colliding with Logan on her way.

"Whoa, easy there, Smiley." He touched her arms. "You doin' alright?"

The corners of her mouth weakly raised. "Yeah, I'm fine." She continued out.

Logan approached his wife and stated, "She ain't fine."

"Not even close," Kayla concurred, uncertainty covering her face.

IIIIIII

Luggage gathered, Sean moved through the airport crowd then stilled upon recognition of the red haired woman and brunette man that awaited him.

"Sean." The lady enveloped him in a hug as soon as he got close enough.

"Mom," he smiled.

Stepping up, the man put a hand on his shoulder. "Welcome home, son."

Sean's eyes settled on his face. "Hi, Dad."