X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Forty Four

Author's Word: My apologies for how long this chapter has taken to get up but I have been busy the last week and a half devoting time to my personal health and fitness so I am very much in the gym. However, you would be surprised how much inspiration is born just from riding around on those machines. Please enjoy and review!

Five inch black heels clicked across the marble floors and kept on purposefully until they reached the wide desk.

"Have we heard back from the Rolland's company?"

The petite woman with short mousy brown hair replied, "They want to do two instead of noon."

Eyes most certainly rolling underneath the heavy dark sunglasses, Adrienne remarked, "Impeccable notice. Well, I'm pressed for time so, please," she started for the double doors that led into her office, "shoot to kill."

"Miss Frost," the secretary stood after her, "you might want to brace yourself before you go in there."

"Oh now what?" Adrienne shoved both doors apart to get inside then could not move another muscle at the sight within.

A massive vase containing a good three dozen bright orange poppies stood out on her desk. Lavender and white morning glories lined up across the edge of her bay window. A floor vase filled with irises had been setup in one corner, illuminated by the sun seeping in.

"What?" Adrienne's head snapped to one side as the man stepped out from his concealment spot on the other side of the nook. "Too much color?"

"Victor Creed," she acknowledged in a tone that carried a plethora of reactions.

Dressed in a cream colored day suit with brown collared shirt, he stepped forward; a single red tulip extended. "This a bad time?"

Accepting the flower from him, Adrienne cracked open one of her doors to call out, "Joan, kindly clear my afternoon."

"Consider it done," the other woman returned.

Shutting the door again, Adrienne looked from the tulip to the strapping male before her. A certain countenance developing on his face, Victor closed off the short space between them and touched both hands to her shoulders.

IIIIIII

Situated in her playpen with multiple soft toys at her disposal, Kiki's attention kept fluttering over to the three adults present in the room. Her aunt reclined on the exam table with her uncle clutching her hand. Then there was her father, who as always, did everything to make everyone better.

Lowering the buds to his stethoscope from his ears to his neck, Hank reported, "If his heartbeat gets any stronger, my ears will require more treatment than he ever will."

Both parents exhaling with relief, Emma leaned in to kiss Charles' wrist. "Thank God."

Charles stroked his wife's hair. "I had no doubt."

"Emma, a lot of this comes down to the fact that this is your first child to carry naturally," Hank explained. "After the second or third, these mild complications will seem like nothing short of a walk in the park."

"Second or third?" the expecting woman echoed.

"So by the fourth you'll be an old pro," Charles joked then added at the look she gave him, "Young, radiant pro I should say." He brushed a kiss over her lips.

"All I want right now," Emma rested a hand on her stomach, "is his safe arrival."

"The good news is that you're far enough away from the danger zone presented by the first trimester," Hank told her. "You should be fine to return to the classroom in another week. Beyond that I'd like for you to stay off your feet and stick to the vitamin rich diet plan I've advised."

"Anything for him," Emma stated resolutely.

Charles smiled. "Come on, dear." He carefully got her up and safely into his grasp. "Let's get you back for a lie down."

Emma found a resting spot on his shoulder as he carried her out of the lab.

Turning around, Hank zeroed in on the enthralled brown eyes so locked on him. "Speaking of which…" He walked over, lifted his daughter out of the pen. "It's about naptime."

Carrying the warm body up to their wing, Hank dressed the lethargic little girl in her purple footed pajamas. Settling her in the center of the bed, he wrapped an arm around her.

"Go on to sleep, Baby Bear," he directed in a most gentle hush. Then taking hold of the thin book of children's poems, Hank turned to one page. "This child of mine you stare at so, please sit closer so you will know, just who my child is and what I see
when those sweet eyes stare back at me…"

Snuggled against her father's side with his words floating into her ears, Kiki quickly tuckered off contently.

IIIIIII

"If a man is convicted of grand theft auto, he can receive up to twenty five years in prison. But a man who commits a violent act against a woman or child will typically only receive four of five." Frank paused a moment then formed a disgruntled countenance. "That is only one of the many ways our judicial system is so backwards. We do not believe in cruel and unusual punishment yet we will hand out the death penalty. As strong a country as we are, other nations still mock us due to our lax system." Turning around, Frank removed the sheet that covered the stand behind him. It displayed a bar graph underneath. "Violent crimes last year shot up by the hundreds." He glanced around at his classmates and the adults also present in the room. "Harsher penalties need to be given out to these people. Unless he's armed and hurts someone, a thief should not be put behind bars for half his life. But if he harms or violates another person then more should be done besides forcing the taxpayer to feed him three meals a day. Flog him in public, pour the hot oil down his back; give him whatever he gave his victims. Then give him a cell to rot in." Frank pointed out one hand that went up.

"What you seem to be proposing is an eye for an eye system," Steve surmised. "Would that not also be backwards? Returning to barbaric practices?"

"What's barbaric, Captain," Frank began, "is what these people do in the first place. That's the big problem here. Giving more concern to horrible people than you do their victims." Steve nodded thoughtfully at that and Frank spotted another hand in the air. "Maya?"

She asked, "What should we do about thieves if not imprison them?"

Frank answered, "We need to find out why they're stealing in the first place. If they're just burning off steam, throw a jumpsuit on them and make them pay off their debts with labor. If they're doing it because they're that down on their luck then help them find jobs."

Scott raised his hand. "What if they keep on stealing?"

"Then throw the book at them," Frank said plainly. "But give them a chance first because that might be all they're looking for. We may be the best country there is, but I really feel like we have a lot of work to do with our justice system. We can deter crime by putting harsher penalties in place to make everyone safe." He gazed about the room again. "After all, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are a waste of time if you don't put life first." Frank took a step back. "Thank you."

The moment he concluded, Erik's hands met in a hearty clap, which the others promptly joined in on.

"That completes our presentations. You'll receive your grade sheets at the start of class tomorrow. That's all for today," Erik dismissed.

"That was spectacular, Frank," Cordelia commended.

"Nice going, pal," said Scott.

"I think yours was the best," Becky told him.

"Thanks a lot, guys," Frank called after them.

A clearly satisfied Kayla approached him. "You never cease to amaze me."

Frank shared a hug with her. "Thanks, Kayla."

"Pretty good, glowworm," Logan nodded. "Pretty good. You just let me know if you need some deputies to enact a little of that cruel and unusual justice."

Frank laughed. "You got it, Wolves."

Cody held his stomach and whispered to Joey as they left together, "If I start to hurl, do me a favor and grab my hair."

As the classroom cleared, Steve walked over to the final speaker. "Well little Private, I must say that was not only an impressive presentation but also a high-risk move. When I was your age I cared more about getting out of school to shoot dice than ever to become involved in any sort of important issues."

"Dice, Cap?" Frank repeated both incredulously and in amusement.

"Hey, I grew up on the Lower East Side," Steve raised. "Goofing off was my favorite pastime."

"I know what you mean," Frank said. "I used to—" He then remembered the other man still in the room. "Um, sneak extra desserts in at lunch."

Erik regarded him with humor and mild suspicion. "Mmhmm."

Frank looked to him. "What did you think, Erik?"

Erik came over and put a hand on his shoulder. "I thought it was nothing less than what I've come to expect from you. I look forward to giving you your mark tomorrow."

"Alright!" Frank faced Steve again. "Thanks again for coming. Do you have to go yet?"

Steve made a show of thinking it over. "I believe I have some time left."

"Great. I'll be right back." Frank gathered his things and started out of the room.

Steve watched him go. "That's quite a boy you have on your hands, Erik. You must be proud."

"More and more every day," Erik replied.

Steve then asked, "Where are your other two?"

"Alex is still at school working on a history project with a friend. Leon and Raven are doing the same assignment together." Erik looked to the older man. "Your being here meant a lot to him."

Steve nodded. "I'm only glad I could come."

"Steve," Erik went around to sit on the edge of the large desk directly in front of the blonde, "Victor and I looked into the abduction of a little girl a few nights back. During that time, I thought back to the night you and I met. It gave me pause to think about how you're not one to run a background check before stepping in to protect another. Kristin's parents committed crimes against not only humanity but her as well. There are other children out there like her who have to live with sins they themselves did not carry out. I want you to know that my anger never had anything to do with her. But Alex and my other children… they are—"

Holding up one hand, Steve assured, "I understand." Lowering the hand, he now extended it.

Erik took hold of it with his own and shared a firm shake with him.

IIIIIII

Removing the chestnut brown hat he wore, Victor fanned himself with it.

"Can't believe it's pushin' eighty out here." He placed his hat back on. "New York's strugglin' to get into the forties."

Linked with his arm, Adrienne said grandly, "Welcome to San Diego. Paradise in-between earthquakes. Oh, here we are." They arrived outside of the small café. "My little work hideaway."

Victor held the door open for her to enter then followed after her to a two-seater near the back.

Pulling out her chair, he commented, "You look good you know. Fantastic, actually."

"Oh." Adrienne removed her black sunhat and placed it on the table. "Thank you. You're nicely groomed yourself." She watched him sit. "So, how was your weekend? Anything exciting happen?"

"Saturday and Sunday were pretty lax," the man recalled casually. "But Valentine's Day- now that was a hoot." He let off a whistle. "Spent it with one gorgeous dame."

Ice began developing in Adrienne's blue eyes. "Oh really?"

"A few of 'em actually." Victor then smirked. "Me and Erik broke up some traffickers. The kind that specialize in seventeen and under."

Adrienne's brow furrowed deeply. "Oh my God. That is revolting. Where did you even hear about this?"

"Caught an article in the paper about one of the girls and followed the trail from there."

"What is this world coming to?" Adrienne then took notice of their approaching waiter. "Ah, Gustav."

"Miss Frost," the balding man acknowledged then bobbed his head towards Victor, "and good afternoon to you as well, sir."

"Afternoon," Victor returned.

"Gustav, I'll have the pasta salad with vinaigrette and a club soda with light ice," Adrienne requested.

"Of course." Gustav looked to Victor again. "And you, sir?"

The long haired man took note of the day's special etched out on the miniature blackboard. "Mostaccioli, heavy on the sauce with ginger ale; load up the ice."

"Of course, sir. I'll have it ready for you at once." Gustav took his leave towards the kitchen with that.

"So," Victor leaned back in his seat, "how 'bout your weekend?"

"I spent Valentine's Day the same as ever," Adrienne stated flat out. "Back to back appointments with the most odious hags you ever want to meet. Do you know how difficult it is to do business with a disgruntled spinster on a day devoted to grand romance?"

"Oh come on now," Victor dismissed. "I'm sure you weren't that hard to put up with." When she wielded a bread stick his way, he reached forward to take a small bite out of it. "Just funnin' you, sweet thing."

"Hm." Adrienne relaxed in her seat again, placing the remainder of the bread stick on her empty plate. "A full hour before I wanted to lacerate you in some way."

Victor captured her fingertips. "Progress."

IIIIIII

"As much as I want to, I know I can't talk to Erik about this stuff," kneeling before the coffee table, Frank faced the Captain, "Wolves tells me some things and I've seen a couple camp films. Then I went and had nightmares from them like a royal wimp."

"Do not say such a thing about yourself," Steve promptly ordered. "That type of reaction says that you recognize horror and injustice when you see it. And let me tell you, seeing it in person; sights, smells, all of it- my own nightmares still invade my sleep."
Frank quieted a moment. "I try not to, but sometimes I think about the way we interned the Japanese. What they did to Leon's mother and how they killed his father. And you've seen all these stories happening on the news. Bombings, riots… why does it have to be this way, Steve?"

Steve arched over to touch his shoulder. "Wickedness has existed since the very beginning, Frank. However, because it does exist, we know that good does as well. That's why we're all here. To do every bit of good we possibly can during our time on this earth."

Frank told him, "That's what I want to do."

"You already are." Steve got to his feet. "I have to get going, but I promise we'll talk soon. Tell Erik and the others I said goodbye, will you?"

The boy nodded then smiled at having his hair ruffled. He looked on as Steve stopped to retrieve his coat before leaving out through the front way.

IIIIIII

Dark haired head tilted about in every physically possible angle, the lengthy chalkboard formula still seemed impossible to decipher. The squinting excessively approached proved futile as well.

"Seriously, what the hell is this chicken scratch?"

Bruce directed his dry vision towards the youth. "It's the first step in completing my combination anal tracker and scanner. I'm still looking for test subjects if you're interested."

"Anal?" At the look he received from the scientist, Zaro took multiple steps away from the board. "Nah, I'll pass."

"I would appreciate it greatly," coming into the laboratory, Steve delivered a sound thump to the top of the dark haired head, "if you pass on the foul language as well."

"Hey!" Zaro rubbed his head. "He said anal first."

Steve gave him a knowing glance. "I was referring to the h-e-double hockey sticks."

Zaro bit his lip. "You heard that?"

"Certainly I did." Letting that drop for now, Steve turned to Bruce. "Is Kerstin home yet? We have another load ahead of us I'm afraid."

"She just got in," Bruce replied.

Zaro tossed out, "You'd know that yourself if you weren't out licking behind the X-Cunts." He immediately found himself under the stormy gaze of both elders. "… Heard that, too, didn't you?"

"Bruce," Steve kept his eyes on the teenager as he spoke, "would you mind if—"

"Oh, please," Bruce walked over and opened the door to his spacious storage room, "be my guest."

Zaro sent a scowl his way as he followed the Captain into the space. "Look, Steve, I didn't mean it to come out that way. I just don't get what you want with those freaks after they've treated Kerstin like dirt."

Steve pointed a sharp finger at him. "I don't want to hear another word anywhere close to that come out of your mouth again. As for the rest, you need to remember that many people have been hurt in all of this. If you're waiting for me to declare some sort of childish battle cry against the X-Men then it seems you don't know me well at all."

Zaro shrugged. "Guess not, huh?"

"I don't have time for this attitude of yours, but be certain that we will reopen this tonight. Until then, I want you in your quarters."

Zaro folded his arms. "Fine."

Steve guided them out of the storage room. "Bruce, do we have any castor oil around?"

Bruce responded, "I have a bottle somewhere around here."

"Good. Add a sizable portion to Lazaro's tongue, would you?"

Zaro's jaw nearly touched the floor at that.

"Of course, Captain." Bruce regarded Zaro in amusement. "Anything you say."

Something resembling a growl echoed from the teenager's chest.

IIIIIII

"It's only fortunate it really wasn't premature labor," both arms wound near the massive bicep, the redhead moved alongside him, "It's far too soon for the baby's delivery."

"Yep, gave the whole bunch of us a good scare, though," Victor said. "I tell ya, your sister's one strong lady. Both of 'em. You know Cordy was a big help to her."

Adrienne nodded. "She's had her problems, but Cordelia's priorities have always been clearer than those of average teenagers."

Victor put forth, "Somethin' you two have in common."

Adrienne looked upon him pleasantly then noticed something. "Oh that's one of mine." One finely manicured finger pointed out a billboard featuring various women in different vibrant clothing. "My agency is partnered with that company."

"Nice, but it's kind of hard to see from here."

"Victor?" Adrienne raised an eyebrow as he began guiding her across the street. "What are you doing? You can't possibly see it from here."

He gazed upward. "Maybe not from this height."

Following his eyes, Adrienne realized what he meant. "You most certainly will not."

"Nope," Victor gripped her hand, "we most certainly will."

"Victor, you madman." She attempted to tug out of his grasp. "I'm in heels."

"I noticed." He gave her a ballerina twirl, causing the knee length skirt to billow. "These legs caught my attention the second I saw 'em."

"Hm, that's never the area most men find appealing."

"I ain't most men." With a certain grin, he drew her in near. "Come on, tutts. Live a little."

She wavered slightly. "If we're seen—"

"It'll be good publicity," he asserted.

Letting off a sigh, Adrienne's arms went around his neck. "Attempt to be careful."

Victor inserted his claws into the black structure. "Hold on tight."

She informed him, "I won't need convincing for that part."

With her breath tickling in his ear, Victor had to take a moment for his footing before he started up. He felt her burrow into him as close as she could and he quietly inhaled her scent; peach and lilac.

Once they reached the very top, Victor placed her down in front of the board then situated himself.

"My God." Adrienne absorbed the sight of San Diego without the confinement and it both excited her as well as sent a small wave of dizziness throughout her.

"Easy now." Victor propped her up, holding onto her right wrist and leaving his other hand on her left hip. "You okay?"

"Yes." Adrienne took another long look then separated from him to walk along the lengthy plank. "I'm magnificent," she spun around on her heel, "actually."

Victor responded, "I could've told ya that," then walked up on her. "You are some kind of beautiful, Miss Frost."

She started to smile but it promptly wilted as she asked, "Why?"

Confused, he came back with, "What?"

"Why did you fly across the country?"

He shrugged. "The gig comes with a company jet."

Unamused, Adrienne demanded, "Be serious."

"Thought I made it pretty obvious." He bent his head to get in better proximity to her eyes. "I flew across the country to see you."

"Why?"

"Is there an echo up here or somethin'?" He hoisted her suddenly and Adrienne released a gasp and clung to him. "Because I missed you, Adrienne. Seein' you, talkin', just bein' around you." At first she only stared at him then dipped her head. "Hey, it's okay. You don't have to say it back." He gently placed her down in front of him. "I'm not expectin' anything."

Her blue eyes faced up. "I'm glad you came."

The corners of Victor's mouth turned up then his ears honed in, making him glance down. "Looks like we're catchin' a crowd up here."

"Then they may as well have the full show." Adrienne put her hands against his chest and inched up to join their lips.

Victor closed his eyes and brought her in as close as he could.

IIIIIII

Keychain twirling through his fingers, Alex entered the student parking lot and made tracks for his motorcycle. Running a fond hand over the seat of the machine, he lifted his helmet off one handlebar.

"Ah!" he bellowed soundly as something blunt and sharp connected with the back of his head, making him go down against his bike for a moment.

Dropping the remains of the bottle, Zaro encroached on him. "I knew I'd catch you by yourself eventually, Summers." He then felt himself abruptly yanked back before meeting face first with a nearby tree.

"Lex!" Jam dropped to his side to see about him.

IIIIIII

When the pair returned from the nurse's office, Stavros stood to direct them over to the couch away from the one currently seated facing the large desk.

"Are you alright, Alex?"

"Yes, sir," the blonde replied, supporting a warm water bottle against the back of his head. "She said it wasn't anything serious."

Zaro glanced over his shoulder. "Look, he's okay. Can I go?"

"Be silent," Stavros commanded, returning to his desk. "Until this matter is sorted out, the only way you're leaving here is in the back of a squad car." He narrowed his eyes at the young man and placed one hand on his desk. "Not for the first time I'm sure."

Jam turned his head to hide a grin.

The continued wait did not take long as the adult parties soon arrived.

"Ah, Mr. Lehnsherr," Stavros stood then gauged the other man, "and you are?"

"Steve Roger." He extended a hand.

"Yes, yes, of course." Stavros shook with him. "Are you claiming responsibility for this," he regarded Zaro unfavorably, "vagabond?"

"I'm afraid so," Steve answered, setting the vagabond in question with a look that spoke volumes.

"Are you alright?" Erik knelt before Alex.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Alex told him. "Just a few scratches."

"While the nurse says it isn't anything to worry about," Stavros chimed up, "the case still remains that this young man," he indicated Zaro, "attacked him with a glass bottle. Things would have escalated if Jamal had not been on his way to return a book to Alex and managed to intervene. It was by Alex's request that you gentlemen be called in. However, the question still remains," he faced Alex, "do you want to press charges?"

Alex gave off a light shake of his head. "No. I just want to go home and forget this." He looked to Erik. "Dad?"

"Yes," the metal wielder concurred.

"If that's your final determination," Stavros accepted. "But let me make one thing clear." He turned to Zaro again. "If I ever find you anywhere near these grounds again or learn that you have assaulted another one of my students, I will personally see to it that you are arrested. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

Despite himself, Zaro managed to get out, "Yes, sir."

II

Blonde hair swept entirely to one side while she sipped from the water fountain, the girl reacted somewhat startled to the familiar petition.

"Kerstin."

Standing straight, she returned, "Alex."
He said, "Cap told me you were over here."

"I really need to drag him out to a confidentiality seminar. We were on an assignment then got called back because of- I can't tell you how sorry I am about Zaro."

"Considering my friend nearly broke his nose when he smashed him up against that tree, I'd say things are pretty square there." Alex walked upon her. "And I wanted to see you, Kerstin."

She arched her head back to fully take him in. "I thought you were more fond of the name forced on me at birth."

"I was mad as sin that night," Alex explained. "You caught me off guard and all this anger I had just came out. I know you never meant for any of that to happen to us."

"Yet I still am not without fault," the girl admitted. "I should have been honest from the beginning; given you a fair chance to walk away. I'm just tired of having to look over my shoulder all because of my parents."

Alex stated, "You don't deserve to live that way."

A shine came to her eyes. "And us?"

He shook his head. "I'm sorry, Kerstin. I really am. But friendship is about all I can offer."

"I can't say that's not improvement," she sighed, touching a hand to his arm. "I'll remember our time together."

Alex reached out to grasp her hair. "So will I."

II

"Look, just let me explain." Zaro groaned as the man's vice grip only tightened.

"I strongly suggest you work on a good one because I want to hear not so much as an intake of air out of you." Steve pushed a door to the outside open. "Now wait in the car."

Letting off something between a groan and a sigh, the teenager headed out.

"I'd say this makes us even for the NYU event." Steve looked back at Erik approaching. "Except for the fact that Alex did not sneak up with the intent to cause significant bodily harm."

"Erik… I have no words. Lazaro's been angry about the Alex and Kerstin situation but I never thought he would do anything like this."

Erik said, "I've dealt with anger filled boys of my own. I know personally that we cannot be with them at every moment. Now, while it was honorable of Alex not to want to bring the police into this, I trust you will handle it from here."

Steve assured, "Like you wouldn't imagine."

IIIIIII

After parking the sleek black Cadillac in Adrienne's garage space, the two started up the short flight of stairs to the brick townhouse.

"Are you sure you can't stay an additional day?" She gave a tug to his jacket lapels. "There's a private beach calling out to us even as we speak."

"And I hear it loud and clear." Victor placed arms around her waist. "But I got a job to get back to, baby."

"Ever the nobleman." Her blue eyes stared back at him seriously. "I'm afraid I haven't been completely honest with you. There is someone else in my life these days."

His eyebrow raised significantly. "Oh really?"

"I'm afraid so." She unlocked her front door and took him by the hand. "This way." As they stepped into the foyer, she called out, "Darling, I'm home."

Victor gazed up as movement sounded from the winding staircase. A creamy skinned girl with ponytail of jet black clad in a purple t-shirt and cropped blue jeans bounced down.

"Oh." Clearly not expecting the man, she put on a smile. "Hello."

"How ya doin', sweetie?' Victor returned pleasantly.

"Victor Creed, please meet my latest discovery," Adrienne gestured towards the girl grandly, "Angela Salvadore."

The teenager shook with him and said, "I like Angel."

"Me, too." Victor glanced back and forth between the females. "So, who's hungry?"

IIIIIII

"Hank," Alex squirmed from where he laid stomach down on the exam table, "I already said I'm fine. The nurse said it, too."

"Be still." Hank patted his bottom lightly. "I only wish to take a closer look." He scoffed. "Look at these bandages. She calls this dressing a wound? Hold on."

"Hank," Alex petitioned when he turned away, "make sure you don't say anything to the kids. I'm not about to have Joey catching nightmares about something happening to me at school."

"Don't worry about that," Hank said. "I feel the same way."

While Hank went in search of the necessary medical supplies, Leon strolled over from one corner. "I would have paid an impossible sum to watch Jam throw that guy. Not to mention catch the look on Erik's face when he made it to school."

"Throw Stavros in there, too," Alex added. "Dean was livid. He was so ready to call the cops."

"You can't say it wouldn't have been deserving if you had."

"Deserving but not nearly as fun."

Leon grew confused. "What do you mean?"

"You've seen the size of Cap, haven't you?" Alex smirked. "Something tells me that Zaro wishes we'd handed him over to the law."

Leon dissolved into chuckles at that thought.

IIIIIII

At the knock, Kerstin pressed down on the button that allowed her metallic door to slide open. When she caught the face on the other side, she made a move to shut it again.

"Aw Kerstin," Zaro pleaded, practically stumbling into the room. "Come on, not you, too." He stretched out on the girl's bed. "I can hardly walk. Steve almost broke that paddle over me." She responded by slapping at one of his sore thighs. "Ow! Kerst!"

"You deserve everything you got," she said, sitting down to ease his head into her lap. "I don't know what you were thinking attacking him like that."

"I wanted to get a message across that nobody can talk to you like that."

"A violent message?" Kerstin glowered at that. "So basically you wanted to represent the same hate filled mentality I've tried to escape most of my life."

Zaro urged, "It wasn't like that, babe."

"Look Zaro, I know where you come from fists and violence are the way, but that isn't what I stand for. It never has been. I believe in diplomacy. Acting the way you did, it only reinforced exactly what people think I am when they find out about me."

"She's right, Lazaro." Both young people looked up as their leader made his way into the quarters. "While you may have thought you had good intentions, what you did only brought shame to Kerstin as well as to me."

Zaro maneuvered to face him. "Look, I am sorry. I know I messed this up royally." He groaned and reached a hand back to rub his pained rear. "I won't forget it anytime soon, that's for sure."

"While that is good," Steve cupped his face, "I hate having to come down on you in such a way. Today was multiple step backs from the progress you've made, Zaro. This cannot go on."

Zaro surmised, "Is that your way of telling me my days are numbered?"

Steve tugged on the thick dark hair. "Contrary to your present beliefs, you are not the worst I've ever encountered. And I have no desire to give up on you. Though I believe a five AM course run before school should help burn off some of this excess negative energy of yours."

After a groan, Zaro still said, "Thanks, Steve."

"See you in a while." Steve patted the back of Zaro's head and smoothed away a portion of Kerstin's hair before getting up to leave out.

Kerstin watched him leave, her usual admiration for the strong but gentle man only growing.

IIIIIII

"Here we go." Victor carried the large skillet away from the stove to the kitchen table and started distributing its contents onto the waiting ladies' plates. "Eat up now. It'll stick to you."

"This is unreal." Angel glowed as the broccoli and grilled chicken strips filled her dish. "A man that can cook."

"As long as me and my brother lived on our own, we better know how to do somethin'. Here," Victor began scooping out the potatoes next, "this is what a girl your age needs to keep goin'."

"Would anyone care for some iced tea?" Adrienne offered.

"Ooh!" reacted Angel while Victor said, "Thanks."

Adrienne got up to go to the refrigerator and Victor sat down to fill his own plate now.

He looked up to find Angel's eyes on him. "Doll, you better start clearin' that plate sometime before July."

"Oh right." She made prompt use of her fork.

"So," Victor started in on his own meal, "where you from, Angel?"

Adrienne piped up, "I actually stumbled upon her on a layover in South Dakota. The moment I spied that face and exquisite bone structure, I knew she was made for modeling."

"I thought it had to be a joke at first," Angel said. "I always figured I was too short for anything but dancing."

"Please," Victor dismissed, "a pretty little girl like you? You ought to be seen coast to coast."

Angel smiled with a hint of a blush developing.

"Here we are." Adrienne brought over their tall glasses of iced tea then retook her seat. "You know, Victor, there's something interesting you should know about Angel." She moved her napkin onto her lap. "She's one of ours."

"Oh really?" Victor looked intrigued. "What can you do, baby?"

"Hold on." Standing up in the backless dress she'd changed into before dinner, a pair of wings grew out from her back and flapped something like a fairy's.

"See Angel's not just a name," Victor noted approvingly. "I know another little girl with that dazzle."

Angel played with her fingers. "I can do one other thing…"

"Acidic saliva," Adrienne clarified then requested, "Not at the table, dear."

"I know." Retracting her wings, Angel sat down again. "What about you, Victor?"

Raising one hand, his lengthy claws grew from it and his eyes glossed over to black. "I know it's freaky looking."

"I've seen freakier," Angel assured, reaching out to run the tip of her finger down one claw. "Believe me. I can do your nails if you want."

Victor chuckled. "Maybe next time."

After the meal ended, Victor took the liberty of loading up the dishwasher. The three then went around the corner for some sorbet before driving Victor back to the air base.

Adrienne gripped hands with him a moment. "Call me when you arrive."

"You got it." Victor shared a kiss with her then turned to where Angel stood. "You take care, doll." He brought her into a hug. "I'll see you soon."

Angel silently hoped that to be true as she linked arms with Adrienne. "Bye, Victor."

The man boarded the jet and the female pair stepped away a safe distance to watch his takeoff.

Once he was airborne, Angel looked to the redhead. "You didn't tell him about me."

"That will come to light in due time." Adrienne started over towards the car.

Angel walked alongside her. "But what if he mentions me to the Professor or Erik?"

"My dear, trust me. Victor Creed is not the kind of man who stays us recalling his days over tea. You pick up on these things in a relationship."

"So," Angel eyed her somewhat teasingly, "you are in a relationship with him?"

Adrienne gave her a look of her own. "How much homework do you have tonight?"