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.

141. Chap 141 Seana Through the Looking Glass

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Forty One

Author's Word: Hello again, dear fam. I really enjoyed the feedback from the last chapter so thanks as always. Now again, please enjoy and review!

With a mild groan, the lanky teenager rolled around in bed. At the light that connected to his eyes, he popped straight up. Letting off a sigh, he remembered where he was. At home- Westchester- his windows were not situated nearly as close to the bed as at home- Hampton. Waking up in a space he had not lived in for over a year still took some getting used to.

Fingers going through his hair, Sean shook out the bush of red and gazed about his childhood bedroom. It had not changed at all in his absence, or in the last five years for that matter. Having formerly considered it to be quite large, it seemed to close in on him just a bit compared to the one at the Xavier mansion.

The mansion… he faced the nearby cat themed clock. Maya would be up already. He pictured her at the stove in the kitchen; her back turned and that beautiful brown hair shimmering and bouncing to her every move. Sean still remembered how difficult it had been to let go of her at the airport. How difficult to hug the rest of the family before taking off from them. Then he recalled his arrival and a smile grew on his face.

XXXXX

Green and yellow truck flooring ahead, it collided with the completely unsuspecting red and black vehicle. Providing the necessary sound effects for such an event, the young dark haired boy waved his remote control eagerly.

"Smash and crash action," he announced dramatically, "coming at ya all. Week. Long!"

"Tommy," Lydia's voice rang out, "your parents just pulled in."

"Okay, Grandma," the child called back indifferently, eyes never leaving his controller.

"You might want to shake a leg, laddie," Flynn spoke next, "they've got somebody who wants to take a good look at you."

"Just a second!" Tommy released an annoyed exhale when his truck geared off path.

A pair of feet stepped forward into the den's archway. "You crummy bag of lazy bones." Tommy stilled in place at this voice. "I came all the way here to see you and this is the welcome I get?"

Veering around, the dark blue eyes confirmed it. "Sean…"

Countenance glowing brighter, Sean held his arms out. "So? You glad to see me or what?"

Words failing him, Tommy dropped his controller and launched forward at top speed. Jumping straight up, Sean caught him and he threw his arms around the teen's neck in a fierce lock.

"You're here… you're here!" Tommy gripped tighter, if at all possible. "You're really home!"

At the moisture building up, Sean shut his eyes and kept all focus on the small body in his hold. He kissed him above the ear then raised him to give one to his cheek as well.

"I missed you so much," Tommy uttered after another moment.

"I missed you, too." Sean whirled leisurely with him. "God I missed you, too…"

XXXXX

Eager bare feet barreling through, the nine-year-old leapt forward like a cheetah onto the bed. Tumbling back against his pillows, Sean made a show of being successfully pounced.

"Ugh! Down, down," he pretended to gasp for air, "you got me. Except wait… what's that?"

"What's what?" Tommy glanced around.

Grinning impishly, Sean sent two fingers under each of the younger one's armpits. "Gotcha!"

"Ah!" Tommy lay out over him to protect the sensitive spots. "Hey, no fair. That was a low blow."

"No," Sean shook his head importantly, "this is a low blow." Grabbing hold of his brother, he yanked up his shirt and unleashed a raspberry onto the exposed stomach.

Tommy nearly squealed and tried to cover his midsection. "Cut it out, jerk pie!"

"Too bad you don't taste as good as pie. Hm, maybe somewhere else." Sean studied one of the small hands. "Let's see. Should I bite off your fingers or your toes…?"

"Do it and I'll bite your neck and make you a vampire. Oh wait, look at you." Tommy studied the pale skin. "Somebody already beat me to it."

Sean tapped him on the forehead. "Real funny, baby man."

"Don't call me that." Tommy propped up on him. "What're you doin'?"

"Thinkin'."

The boy teased, "About Maya…"

"Yeah, what's it to you? And by the way," Sean sat up with him, "I was thinking about you, too. How good it is to see you. Real shame you went from cute to full on ugly, though."

Tommy formed a faux glare and pretended to choke him, complete with straining noises on Sean's part.

"Hey, hey, hey," head poking forward, Liam looked in on them while adjusting his tie, "what's all this racket so early in the morning? Oh right." He appeared as if to remember something. "My two boneheads are under the same roof again."

"Morning, Dad," they recited angelically.

"Good morning, heathens," the man joked. "Go on and get ready for school, sport. Breakfast in ten."

"'Kay, Dad." Tommy took the liberty and tossing Sean's already messed hair before getting up.

Liam gave him a thump on the head as he dashed by then faced his oldest. "You sleep alright?"

"Like I never left," Sean said positively.

"That's good," Liam smiled. "See you downstairs." He walked off, closing the door along with him.

Standing, Sean stretched and performed a brief spin about his room, as if taking it in for the first time. After changing into khakis and a blue sweater, he slipped into his sneakers and went across the hall to the bathroom. He washed his face and brushed teeth and hair before continuing down into the kitchen.

Looking away from one counter, Noreen acknowledged him with a bright smile. "There he is. Good morning, baby."

Sean pecked her cheek. "Good morning, beauty queen." He lowered into his regular chair at the table. "What's for breakfast?"

"Just a little something," she answered dismissively, presenting his loaded plate. "Ham and cheese omelet with diced tomatoes."

Sean regarded the food eagerly. "I knew you loved me more than Tommy."

"I heard that," the aforementioned child griped lightly, entering with their father.

"Great, you remembered to plug in your ears this morning," Sean responded.

"And here are the rest of my blue-eyed men." Noreen handed Liam his coffee mug and bent to kiss Tommy's head.

"Thanks, m'love." Liam sat down.

Noreen finished giving out plates before taking her own seat. "I believe it's my turn to say grace." The four of them promptly joined hands at that. "Dear Lord, we thank You for allowing us to awake this morning, for the food on our plates, and most of all for having both our sons home to enjoy it with. Amen."

"Amen," the males chorused.

Picking up his fork, Liam directed, "Eat up, sport. We're running behind."

Tommy sighed. "Do I have to go to school? Why can't I stay home with Sean?"

"Son, we've been over this," Liam reminded. "Besides, Sean has his own assignments to work on."

"How about I pick you up after practice?" Sean appeased. "We can go by Ramsey's and get waffle sundaes the size of our heads."

"Alright," Tommy reacted.

Sean looked to the other redhead present. "Can I borrow your car later, Mom?"

"That's fine," Noreen granted. "I should be done with errands by two. But dear, please, not too many sweets before dinner."

"Yeah," Liam indicated the boys with his fork, "like these two bottomless pits won't find room for more."

Sean formed an innocent countenance. "You gonna eat all your omelet, Dad?"

Noreen shook her head in amusement and Tommy laughed while Liam reached over to cuff Sean near the ear playfully.

IIIIIII

For the duration of his class, Charles' attention never ceased honing in on the pair of brown eyes right before him yet so far away at the same time. The only sign of life they ever showed consisted of glancing over at the nearby empty seat.

"Six pages, properly sourced." The Professor regarded the trio of teenagers. "Those essays are due on my desk on Friday at the start of the hour. I suggest you start," he noticed the clock, "now. You're excused."

Frank collected his things to go and Cordelia got up to approach Charles. "So when you say six pages… what paper size are we looking at?"

"Poster board," Charles joked mildly, "now go on." Cordelia smiled cutely and dashed out. "Maya," he saw the stiffened annoyed shoulders as the named one slowly turned back, "how is everything?"

She shrugged. "The same as yesterday and the day before."

"I understand," Charles said sincerely. "I can't tell you how difficult it is not having him in class. I can just imagine a few of his opinions on this current unit."

"With all due respect, Professor, you have other students," Maya stated. "There's only one love of my life."

Charles put forth, "Something else we have in common."

Maya only said, "I have to get to science," before taking her leave.

IIIIIII

Complete with reflective helmet, the Green Machine coursed through the streets of Hampton, Virginia. Sean found it strange to be riding the bicycle again. Of course, anything that did not come with the luxury of his BMW seemed weird to say the least. However, he quickly became reintroduced to being able to cruise about town without worry about little things like speed limits and licenses.

Stopping at a certain cream colored bungalow, he rode around to the back of it. Kickstand in place, Sean jogged up the stairs to acknowledge the one on the porch swing.

"Hey, Grandpa."

"There's my boyo," the elder greeted in turn. "How's every little thing?"

"Great," Sean removed his helmet, "but isn't it kind of cold for you?"

"Bah." Flynn waved off dismissively. "This is nothing compared to my last evacuation. You don't know freezing air until it's cutting at your face while you're strapped to a parachute."

"I bet," though Sean felt a bit of his own chill, as the story reminded him of Alex, "where's Grandma?"

"Right inside." Getting to his feet, Flynn entered through the kitchen way with the boy. "Lydia, our big grandson's here."

"Hi, Grandma," Sean greeted cheerfully.

"Oh my angel!" The squat woman bristled over to reach up and kiss both his cheeks. "Are you hungry?"

"Only if you're cooking," the boy answered.

"I have a blueberry pie just waiting on you." Lydia hurried over to the stove.

"Blueberry pie." Flynn settled into his chair. "For you whelps she goes the whole nine yards. I'll be lucky to get a lemon square out of her."

"Oh you hush now." Lydia presented Sean with a slice of pie and glass of milk. "It's not every day we get a visit from our little genius. You must be doing so well at school."

"Trying," Sean said before making immediate use of his fork.

"How's your little friend doing these days?" Flynn brought up.

Knowing immediately who he meant, Sean told him, "Becky's fine now. Thanks again for getting me to her."

Lydia combed gentle fingers through his hair. "And Maya?"

Sean admitted without hesitation, "I miss her. I mean I love being back here with everybody but then I think about over there… with everybody."

"You're going to grow up to influence all kinds of people, lad." Flynn linked hands with Lydia. "We'd best get used to sharing you now."

Lydia used her free hand to pat Sean's shoulder. "Go on and eat, dear. You're too thin for your age."

"You are the best grandma ever," Sean felt the need to declare as he resumed things with his pie.

After he biked back to his house, Sean sat at the antique writing desk to make a dent in his homework. For someone who was coming back, his teachers, mainly Charles and Kayla, had given him enough assignments for a good six month engagement. Sean also figured that they thought the academic distractions would keep him away from the obviously fast and loose influences all throughout Virginia. Such a contrary to clean pure New York.

At the front door bursting open followed by an exhale, Sean promptly got to his feet. "Let me help you, Mom."

"Oh thank you, dear." Noreen gave over the three oversized paper bags to him then returned to her trunk to retrieve the other two. She noticed the desk on her way in. "Getting that work done I see."

"My instructors want me to mail in some of these assignments," Sean said, loading the perishables into the refrigerator. "They don't kid around about that kind of thing."

"At least you're getting a quality education." Noreen placed things in the overhead cabinets. "In addition to help with the control issue."

Sean sensed something more in that statement but only responded with, "Yeah."

Once they finished putting the groceries away, Noreen asked, "Are you going to pick up your brother now?"

"I still have some time." Sean followed her back out to the living room. She got out her stitchery basket and Sean wrapped the yarn around his arms for her while she worked on a nearly done scarf. "You know, Maya's really great at sewing, too. She usually makes little pillows and things." He did not miss the uncomfortable frown his mother formed very briefly. "What?"

"I think you two are a little too serious," Noreen said. "And having her live there is entirely inappropriate."

"It's a school, Mom."

"It's a…" the woman judged her school. "School for children dealing with what you're dealing with."

"And Maya is our biggest supporter ever," Sean stated. "And there isn't anything inappropriate about us. If you ask me she keeps the faith better than half the girls at church here. Besides, you know I love her."

Noreen asked him, "And what exactly do you know about that kind of love?"

Sean answered, "I know I never felt it before her. I know that's hard for you and Dad to get because by the time you got married you were already, you know…"

"Fossilized?" Noreen supplied.

"Something like that. But whatever the case, could you try to trust me?"

"Of course we trust you, honey," Noreen told him. "And your father and I are also on your side, believe that or not."

"I believe it," Sean said with a smile as he got up. "I'm gonna grab Tom."

"Be careful out there," his mother called after him. "Drive safely."

"I will, Mom," Sean promised as he left out.

Easing behind the wheel of the station wagon, Sean considered the Ford a far cry from his BMW. However, the vehicle did bring multiple fond memories of being picked up from school functions and trips to the grocery store.

Pulling up in front of the Jesuit elementary school, he did not have long to wait for Tommy to file out. The students not involved with teams had already gone. Spotting the car, he less than enthusiastically joined Sean up front.

"Heya dude," Sean looked into his face, "what's the matter?"

"Nothin'…"

"Fibber," Sean accused.

"Lemme alone," the younger boy mumbled, crossing his arms.

"Uh oh, grumpy," Sean started up the car, "we need ice cream, stat."

With as much roadside caution as possible, the redhead drove them to Ramsey's Soda Shop. While Tommy held down a table by the window, Sean brought over their massive waffle sundaes.

"Triple chocolate," he slid Tommy's over before sitting, "just the way you like it."

"Thanks." Tommy listlessly began to eat it.

"Tom, you're killing me here. What's wrong?" Sean wanted to know. "Are you mad at me?"

"No," Tommy quickly answered. "It's a couple guys on the team, sayin' stuff."

"What kinda stuff?" Sean inquired.

"That I shouldn't leave the bench tomorrow because I'm so short I'll hold us back."

"That's ridiculous," Sean said strongly. "You made the first cut of the team. Besides, size isn't everything."

"Easy to say when you're tall as heck," Tommy pointed out.

"Yeah, like being tall has ever kept me from falling over my own two feet," Sean dismissed. "My friend Alex is shorter than me and he's the best athlete I know. My instructor Logan is an army vet and he was a champion fighter when I first met him. He completely nailed a guy twice his size at a match I saw."

Tommy's eyes lightened with intrigue. "He did?"

"Yeah. Trust me, you've got nothing to worry about," Sean assured. "You're going to do great tomorrow."

A small smile came to the younger one's face. "Thanks, Sean."

"Now, race you." Sean lifted his spoon. "First one to brain freeze loses."
"You're on," Tommy gladly accepted.

IIIIIII

Gold plated car arriving inside the parking lot, Cordelia gasped at an impact on her hood. At the sight of Morrie's head dangling from the passenger side, she lowered the window.

"Going my way?"

Grinning, she raised the window again and got out. "What are you doing here, besides igniting heart attacks in the unsuspecting?"

He rolled off the top of her car and hopped down before her. "Swim practice got out early and I had this wild urge to watch you work."

Delighted, Cordelia wrapped both arms around one of his as they headed inside the community center together.

IIIIIII

Crawling along the wall behind the couch, one small foot accidentally nudged too roughly at a picture. Glancing up from his homework spread out on the coffee table, Alex caught the frame in time.

"Hey careful, Bugsy." He extended a hand out for the tot. "You get down from there before you wind up breaking something valuable. Like yourself."

Trav latched onto Alex's arm and lowered, sitting behind him on the couch. "What's that, Uncle Alex?"

Alex took in the picture and said, "It's us. I think your Uncle Charles took this after they told us about the school. See, that's your mom and your dad," Alex pointed out everyone in the photo, "Becky, Seanie, and me."

Trav examined the image. "How come you look so mad?"

The blonde laughed lightly at that. "Because I used to be mad. A lot of the time. And it got me into trouble. A lot of the time."

"Why were you so mad, Uncle Alex?"

"Because I didn't have much to be happy about." Alex put the picture down and gripped Trav at the waist to hold him up just above his head. "But that's all changed now." He brought him down into his lap. "By the way, have you finished your homework yet?"

"Yes," Trav replied proudly.

"And that's why I have so much. I'm trying to catch up to be as smart as you." Alex studied a particular page in his text but noticed his nephew using a pen to scribble on his well-written notes. "Hey, no no."

Trav dropped the pen like a dangerous weapon. "I just wanted to help."

"That's not how you help. Give me your hand." When he received the tiny appendage, Alex only gave it a mild pop with three of his fingers. "That's what you get when you touch things you're not supposed to."

Trav formed a pout and nestled against his shirt. "Sorry, Uncle Alex."

Alex pecked his head twice. "That's okay. Just try to keep still until I'm done, okay?"

Trav sat upright, making his best attempt to read the oversized words in the book along with his uncle.

IIIIIII

"Maya?" Kayla peered inside through the minimally ajar door. "Sweetheart, dinner's on the table."

The sprawled out girl on the bed replied without looking up, "I'll eat later."

Kayla walked over, sitting beside her on the bed to stroke her hair. "Is it Sean?"

"He hasn't called in two days."

"He's most likely busy. Now that they have him back for a while he's probably at the center of a thousand different family activities."

"It's so strange," Maya said distantly. "We've been apart before but this time… being in this house- it feels so cold and empty without him."

Kayla spoke, "Perhaps what's really wrong is that you're trying to comprehend your place in the X-Men without him present. Maya, I think you should use this time to explore yourself on an individual basis."

"I did that for years," Maya reminded grudgingly. "Pretty much involved me sitting home alone every night."

"You are not alone anymore," Kayla stated matter-of-factly. "I wish you could see that. I know having a boyfriend at your age means everything—"

Maya raised up suddenly, facing her. "What was your biggest challenge at my age? Churning butter or turning down the army of guys who would have given anything to have you? Kayla, you may be the smartest woman I've ever met but one thing you'll never know anything about is what it's like to be plain and ordinary."

"Don't do that, Maya," Kayla ordered calmly. "One thing I cannot stand is for you to put yourself down based on the standards of a fickle society. How can you call yourself ordinary? Let me tell you, if you were truly ordinary you would be causing the same mayhem as any average teen from your former school. But no, instead you found goals and fulfillment in your own life. And I do not want you to lose that over anyone." Maya quieted, hugging her knees. "I'll bring you a tray up. Eat it when you have an appetite." Kayla stood and headed for the door.

"Kayla," Maya petitioned, causing an immediately stop on the woman's part. "Thank you."

"I love you," Kayla stated before continuing out.

IIIIIII

With a yawn, Sean entered the kitchen and had to contain his mutated chirp upon turning on the light to find someone else already at the table.

"Dad," he squinted.

"Guess we both had the same idea," Liam indicated the chocolate crunch cake on the table, "Your mother can pitch a fit to the both of us come morning."

"Sounds like a plan." Retrieving a plate, Sean sat down next to him to snag a piece for himself.

Liam studied his oldest a moment. "You know, son, we really haven't had a chance to discuss that little fallout of ours at Thanksgiving."

Sean felt his appetite weaken as he replied, "No we haven't. Dad, honest, I didn't mean to blow up like that. I just hate when you talk like that."

"Like what?" Liam wondered.

"All belittling," Sean tried to explain. "Like it's impossible for you to take anything I have to say seriously because I'm just a dumb kid."

"Well, you might be a kid but you're certainly not a dumb one," Liam refuted. "As for the rest of it, you're right. I get bombarded by work, helping your mother around here, your brother that sometimes my best defense is drowning out every opinion but my own. Tell me something, though." He looked close into the other pair of blue eyes. "Am I the reason you stayed away so long?"

Sean shook his head. "No, Dad. And it's not just Maya, either. These people I'm with, we're all a part of each other. I feel responsible for them. Like when Grandpa served during the war except, you know, happier."

"And I know you certainly didn't get a lot of that at your old school." Liam considered it all. "Just try to remember something, son. I'm not against you and I never could be."

"I'll keep that in mind." Sean smirked a little. "At least for five minutes."

"Mmhmm. So, Maya," Liam continued eating his cake, "how long have you been together now?"

They continued talking for another ten minutes until they both headed up. Sean relaxed in his bed but had hardly fallen asleep when he felt extra weight sad the side of his mattress.

"Tommy," he moved over to make room for his brother, "what's the matter?"

"I can't sleep. I keep thinking about the game." Tommy looked at him. "Can I stay here?"

Sean nodded and slipped an arm around him. Tommy brushed at the arm with his fingers until he managed to drift off.

IIIIIII

Breakfast nearly done, Kayla looked away from the stove in time to see Logan walk in with a wilted Cody in his clutch.

"Can you believe this lightweight?" Logan hefted Cody up in indication. "Says he wants to go on a sprint and now he's ready to crash after ten minutes."

"My poor little lamb." Kayla kissed Cody cheeked. "Let me get some cocoa in you."

"Hey, what about me?" Logan raised.

Kayla gazed upon him with indifference. "What about you?" He used his spare arm to reel her into a kiss.

"Okay," Logan pulled back and stood Cody up, "I'm good."

Kayla regarded him in satisfaction then prepared Cody's hot chocolate. She handed him the warm mug and he relaxed in her lap with it.

"Thanks, Mama." He relaxed against her as he sipped then looked around. "Where's Smiley?"

"Yeah," Logan seconded. "She's usually up by now… be right back." He left out and headed up the stairs.

Stopping at the girl's room, he found it empty but with the bed strangely unmade. He then allowed his nose to bring him in a different direction, into a formerly vacant space.

Entering, he petitioned the one sprawled out, "Smiley?"

Maya lifted her head slightly from Sean's mattress. "Hey…"

Logan got a good look at her reddened eyes amidst her oddly paled features. "Maya, what… how long have you been in here? What time did you go to sleep?"

"Three, maybe four. I don't know." She touched her head. "Everything feels like a blur."

"Look at ya," Logan moved some hair way from her face, "you're in no shape for school. C'mere." She wound arms around his neck as he carried her back out towards her own room. "You need some real rest."

Maya remained quiet as she burrowed in near to his neck.

IIIIIII

Coming into the den, Doreen stopped in place at the sight of Sean painting on a lengthy strip of paper stomach down on the floor.

"Sean Cassidy, what do you think you're doing?"

"Working on the banner for Tommy's game," the boy explained.

"On my hardwood floors?"

He reasoned, "I figured it was better than the hardwood tables."

Before she could respond to that, Flynn strolled in with a small box. "I found the glitter. This banner's about to glow clear through to New Mexico."

"Glitter all over my nice clean floor? Daddy, honestly," Noreen flapped her dish towel at him, "you're no better than the children."

Her father put a hand on his hip and stated matter-of-factly, "And that's why we have all the fun."

"Sean dear, could you come here a minute?" Lydia called. "I want you to see something."

"Coming." Sean hopped up and headed for the living room. "What is it, Grandma?"

Lydia sat on the couch, holding folded over quilt in her lap. "This is the first one I made for your grandpa when he was stationed overseas. Adding the patches to it helped keep me sane."

Sitting by her, Sean examined the cover. "This is really cool. It's hard to believe you guys had to live through all that."

"But it only made us stronger," Lydia pointed out. "That's the best kind of relationship, Sean. When a trial or separation brings a man and woman closer together in the end."

Sean understood now. "Like me and Maya now?"

Lydia nodded. "Whatever you're feeling now, just remember if it's truly meant to be, you'll be together again."

Sean smiled and gave her a hug. "Thanks, Gran."

"Daddy, be careful with that glue!"

"I'm not senile yet, Dorie. I know what I'm doing!"

The pair in the living room laughed and Sean determined, "I better help him out." He hurried to return to the den.

IIIIIII

Done setting out the plates and glasses, the petite blonde woman asked, "Would you like anything else?"

"No, this is great," Cordelia said in regards to the oatmeal raisin spread. "Thanks, Mrs. Bench."

"Study hard now." She took her leave of the kitchen with that.

Morrie faced Cordelia. "Sorry about the cookies and milk thing. She hasn't changed up the after school snack since I was in kindergarten."

Cordelia laughed. "No, it's fine. At least your mom actually takes the time to personally serve you. Speaking of, is your family planning any long vacations any time soon?"

"Before summer? Unlikely. Why?" Morrie looked at her with faux suspicion. "What have you heard? Are they ditching me?"

"No, just wondering because apparently missing a boy is enough to get you out of school for the day."

Morrie surmised, "Maya, right?"

Cordelia nodded. "Look, I get it. They're stuck on each other, but does she have to be so deliriously needy over him?"

"Sounds like she's morphing into her mom."

Cordelia tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Morrie got up from the table and made his way to a closet. "Mrs. Patterson was never the same after this. Outside of the hospital, it's like she disappeared completely." He walked back over with a faded strip of paper in his hand. "The whole thing was brutal. Look at this."

Cordelia accepted the paper to look over and a hand went over her mouth. "Oh my God…"

IIIIIII

"Which heinous culprit has stolen away your free time today?" Emma asked, coming up from behind.

Leon looked over his shoulder at her. "I'm working on my first major paper for my new psych class. The challenge is to be…" His tone lowered discreetly. "Argumentative."

"So it's the professor's challenge against your intellect I see."

Leon gave off a slight smile and stood. "Are you sure everything is alright between us? After that façade I kept up."

"Are you alright?" He gave her a nod. "Then I'm absolutely sure everything is alright between us. We all fall, Leon. Very few of us can recover as quickly as you can." She rubbed his arm. "I'll see you in a while."

Leon watched her go then as he turned back spotted a certain other female a distance away outside his window.

Eyes locked on the frozen pond, Maya sat on the brown patch of grass with legs raised to her chest.

A pair of feet approached and Leon squatted down beside her. "So I take it you're not in quarantine."

"I almost drowned in one of these," she spoke without looking over at him, "up in Canada. I was trying to skate but it wasn't solid enough. I fell straight through. It would have been over if not for Wolverine."

Leon listened then said in turn, "I'm the one who went night surfing in freezing water. Then Erik tore through and yanked me out. At least yours was accidental, therefore inspiring sympathy. So can I ask you something?"

Maya shrugged lightly. "Sure."

"You have everything in the world going for you. Why are you allowing yourself to stoop to the levels of every other vapid teenage girl on the planet?"

"Having a big brain is not the greatest comfort on earth," she responded. "You should know that."

Leon did not speak for a few seconds. "It makes you sick inside, doesn't it?" She faced him. "Constantly forced to coexist with kids with perfect parents. Having the adult who's supposed to be looking after you so invested in their own world, you become an afterthought at best. What makes it even harder is you're not one of the bad ones. You're actually one of the best ones. You've done nothing to deserve to be treated that way and still it's what you get."

Maya asked, "Are you analyzing me?"

"You know I'm not," Leon answered. "Maya, you're one of the greatest people I've met since I came here. I only wish I had something inside- a way of helping you out of this."

Maya offered a little smile. "You're not doing so badly right now."

II

Rushing through the first floor, Cody came to a sudden stop when he almost slipped up upon a stray notebook next to the stairs. He noticed a loose paper sticking from it and pulled it out, examining the headline.

He looked over as Maya re-entered speaking with Leon. "Smiley," Cody held it up, "is this about you?"

Horror instantly covering her face, Maya snatched the article from his hands. "Where did you get this?"
"It was right here." Cody pointed out the notebook.

Leon picked it up and flipped through a few pages then showed Maya the name of the owner.

Cordelia rushed up from her bed the moment her door shot open.

"Where did you get this?" an irate Maya demanded.

Groaning, Cordelia said, "Morrie's family kept it. I must have dropped it when I came home."

"What were you going to do with it? Huh?" Maya waved the article furiously. "Make a banner out of it for the kids at his school? Get a cheap laugh?"

"No!" Cordelia frowned deeply at the accusation. "Of course not."

With Leon and Cody looking in, Emma appeared in the doorway. "What is going on here?"

"Do you understand what that day did to my family?" Maya spat, focus still on Cordelia. "It destroyed us. In two seconds, it completely ripped apart everything we were. Then it became the biggest talk of the town in years. I somehow got passed all of that and you and that chimp you're dating decide to pull this?" Crumpling the article, Maya threw it down. "I knew you could be a world-class bitch, Cordelia, but this takes the cake even for you."

"Maya," Emma called after the girl, who only charged onward to her own room and slammed the door. A thoroughly stunned Cordelia remained in place. Emma walked in, picking up the balled article, absorbing the photograph of the accident. "Cordy…" She stared questioningly at her sister.

"Morrie showed it to me. It mentions her and her mom after the crash and…" Cordelia's voice broke. "I didn't mean to hurt her, Em. I swear."

Emma brought her arms around her and rubbed her hair, trying to get a grip on how things had gone from bad to worse so abruptly.

IIIIIII

Wrinkled article in her possession, Kayla wondered, "Why would Cordy even bring this in here?"

"Morrie's family still had a copy," Emma explained, seated on the edge of Charles' with one hand securely at her stomach. "They were only discussing it."

"Nothin' like havin' your tragedy flappin' about like a flag to the neighbors," Victor put forth.

Kayla folded her arms. "She's never spoken about any of this in great detail."

"She has with me." They all turned to Charles, who sat behind his desk. "When I was in the hospital. She thought I was unconscious so I never brought it up to her after I awoke."

"She never goes in deep like this," said Logan. "She usually keeps it all together."

"Until lately," Erik raised. "This has gotten out of hand to the point it's affected her classwork and sleep. Something has to be done."

"You should know what you're dealing with first." The gathered adults looked up as Leon ventured inside the study. "Sorry for interrupting."

"Lee," Alex sat up, "what are you talking about?"

Leon continued with, "This is not just some heartsick girl unable to go on without her boyfriend. Maya is slowly but steadily falling into depression. It amazes me she's gone this long without displaying signs of it. But once you land in it, it eats away at your humanity faster than any amount of anger can. It's quiet but emotionally destructive."

While they all absorbed the young man's words, Charles pressed his palms together in thought.

II

Hand in hand, Raven and Hank proceeded through the second floor together.

Raven stopped in front of the door and knocked. "Hey Gorge, Hank and I were thinking we could clear out of here for a couple hours." She twisted the knob and pushed the door forward. "Maya?"

The couple frowned at the empty room.

Hank raised his wrist near to his lips. "Maya, where are you? Maya, it's Hank, answer me." He folded his hand angrily. "You have to be kidding me."

Raven shook her head with her own disbelief before calling out to Charles' telepathic reach.

IIIIIII

Glass of coke raised high, Liam declared, "For the man of honor and player of the highest value, Tom Cassidy."
The other four present raised their drinks as well. "To Tommy."

"Thanks, guys," the young boy beamed at the praise. "I still can't get over it. We slaughtered them!"

"Now Tommy," Noreen chided lightly, "that isn't very good sportsmanship."

"It certainly is not," Flynn seconded then formed a grin. "Massacred 'em, that's what you did."

After their table shared a laugh at that, Liam said, "In any case, you played a great game, son."

"You were amazing, little brother," Sean placed an arm around him, "I knew you didn't have any reason to be nervous. I still remember when I took flight for the first time—"

"Sean," Liam broke in pointedly.

"Honey," Noreen darted her eyes about the pizza parlor, developing the slightest smile, "this is Tommy's night remember."

"Of course I remember." Sean's brow creased. "I was just saying-"

"Oh look," Lydia spotted the waitress bringing their massive pizza over, "our order's finally here."

Sean said nothing else as they began to eat and listened instead to his grandparents go on about a previous game of Tommy's.

IIIIIII

Cross-legged on the hood of the BMW with long brown strands blowing to the night breeze blocking her vision at times, she stared forward into the trees. The air grew colder and she tightened arms around herself to block out the cold but did not move otherwise.

A pair of headlights approaching a few minutes later caused her to look over. Before the truck could come to a complete stop, Kayla practically poured out to dash towards her.

"Maya," she flung arms around the girl, "honey, are you alright?"

Maya returned the embrace. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Good." Logan slammed the driver's side door as he walked over next. "Now, you mind tellin' us what the hell you're doin' all the way out here?"

Maya looked up at him. "I just got in and drove until gas ran too low."

"You what?" Logan gaped at her furiously. "Are you out of your mind? Do you realize what could've happened to you out here?"

"I've lived in this town my whole life," Maya reminded unbothered.

"And that means what exactly?" Logan retorted. "You think havin' a familiar face and a sweet thousand watt smile is goin' to keep some piece of shit from grabbin' you and doin' God only knows?"

"Logan," Kayla rested a hand on his lower arm, "at home. Please."

The man released a breath then led the way back to the truck. Tucked in between the two, Maya leaned against Kayla who kept an arm around her.

"Why did you leave?" the woman asked her after a minute.

"Everything's been weighing in so heavy lately. Then Cordelia bringing that into the house…" Maya sighed. "I had to get away from it. It's all I wanted."

Kayla nodded. "I wish you would've come to me first."

"Do you know how many times I've had to talk about that day?" Maya said with tired exasperation. "It was the biggest nightmare of my life. It feels like it'll never leave me alone."

"We have some vague idea of what that feels like," Logan piped up, eyes focused on the road.

Maya turned her head towards him. "Do you hate me?"

Logan brought them to a screeching stop at that, surprising both females. "Where do you get off askin' me a thing like that? If it wasn't for you I wouldn't even be on this one in a million team where my main job description seems to be chasin' empty headed teenagers around late at night." He eyed her closely. "I love you and you better get that clear in your head now before I wind up pullin' this car over again. And if I do, it won't be to talk to you. Do you hear me?"

She nodded with honest eyes before resting on Kayla again.

IIIIIII

Brush smoothing through her hair, Maya turned away from her mirror at her door creaking open just slightly.

"Hey," a guilt faced Cordelia stepped in, "are you okay?"

Maya answered, "I think so… thanks."

Rushing forward suddenly, Cordelia enveloped her in a strong hug. "I am so sorry, Maya. I swear I never meant to hurt you."

Maya squeezed back. "It's okay, Cordy."

"No, it isn't." Cordelia pulled back to look at her. "I really don't know what I was thinking. After getting out of Boston, I got to leave so much negative surrounding my mom behind. I don't know what possessed me drag any part of your past in here."

"That blow-up wasn't all about you," Maya told her. "But with Sean and everything…"

"He's going to fly back here with bells on," Cordelia assured. "With or without Banshee wings."

Managing a smile at that, Maya hugged her again.

Logan walked in, clearing his throat. "Mind givin' us a minute here, Glim?"

"Sure." Cordelia squeezed Maya's hands before leaving out, closing the door along with her.

Maya raised large brown eyes to regard the man.

He spoke with, "I got a job for you. When you say your prayers tonight, give the Man Upstairs the biggest thank you ya got for makin' you female. That's about the only thing keepin' me from takin' my belt to you."

Maya dipped her head. "I can't tell you how sorry I am that I let this whole thing get out of control."

Approaching her, Logan gathered her in his arms and carried her to the bed to sit up in his lap. "It's not just about you high-tailin' it. I'm sick of you swimmin' in this "I'm all alone, whole world's against me" pit all because Red's not standin' right here in front of ya. Bein' upsets one thing but when you take it this far, that's when the two of us have a problem."

She propped up against his shoulder. "I won't let this happen again. I promise."

Wondering what it was about the sheer force of the brown eyes in his life, Logan tried his best to shake off the girl's effects. "Come on." He carefully situated her across his lap, making sure to keep the rest of her body supported by the mattress. "Let's get this over with."

The position brought Maya momentary dizziness and she gripped her blanket in one hand and Logan's ankle with the other.

Thin teen properly situated, Logan coiled an arm around her waist and raised his hand. Still not entirely used to punishing a young girl, he gave her the first smack with enough firmness to catch her attention and continued on. Keeping her new age in mind, he gave ten to her behind and the final seven spread out on her thighs.

Once finished, he promptly lifted the tearful vessel back into his hold in a rocking position. She tugged on his shirt and Logan cared not when her tears soaked the front of the garment.

"That's it, baby. It's okay." He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'm here. It's over."

Though the punishment physically pained her, Maya still felt something of a safety net building up around her and she clung to him tighter.

"I'm sorry, Wolverine," she whispered. "I-I love you…"

"Shhhh, hey. What'd I just say?" Logan used the end of his sleeve to clean her tears away. "It's okay. 'Cept I need you to do one thing for me."

She pushed some hair behind her ear. "What is it?"

"It's been too long since I've seen that smile." He gave her a wink.

Happily obliging, Maya formed the best one she could for him. "You haven't called me Smiley in hours."

"That's because you were my girl in trouble," Logan informed, touching cheeks with her. "Now you're just my girl Smiley."

Maya remembered something that caused panic to flash over her face. "Sean's car…"

"Relax, relax," Logan immediately soothed. "Hank already went out to take care of it."

Maya sighed. "I really owe him."

"Hey, later for that." Logan transferred her over to lay comfortably on her stomach. He rubbed her back. "For now, you just get some sleep. You need it."

She hugged a pillow. "Okay."

As he brought the blanket over her, Logan noticed a book under the night stand and took hold of it. "Alice in Wonderland. Fox has a copy of this." He flipped through a few pages. "You dames." He looked at her. "Want to hear a little?"

Maya smiled wider. "Okay."

Returning to the first page, Logan began the narration for his eager audience member.

IIIIIII

Hand hovering over the phone, Tommy popping up turned Sean's attention away.

"Hurry up, Sean," he nudged at him, "the movie's starting."

Sean laughed and patted his head. "Okay okay, bossy." He brought them to the couch and flipped on the TV. "But you better not wet yourself if you get scared."

Tommy punched Sean's side lightly as the redhead sat down. "I won't."

Passing through an hour later, Liam and Doreen walked in to the sounds of the flashing box. They shared an amused glance at the sight of Tommy snuggled near to Sean, both fast asleep. While Liam switched off the television, Doreen spread the quilt over them that her mother had left there earlier.