X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Fifty Two

Author's Word: Excuse me for just a moment, fam, as I attempt to recover from the bliss spell that has left me on the floor over that unbelievably wonderful feedback! It was fantastic hearing from all of you! Seriously, keep it up and I'll do the same. Please enjoy and review!

The clear sky, lush green grass, and various trees and flowers blurred together in a colorful albeit distorted scenery masterpiece as the silver and black machine cruised through. The younger blonde kept arms wound around the older one's waist in a vice grip, still in a place of disbelief over the experience. In actuality it proved significantly slower than Alex's usual preferred speed, but he did not dare with the irreplaceable passenger in his care.

When he felt them slow down, Joey made sure to keep his arms in place around the teenager until they slowed entirely. "Is it over already?"

"Nope." Alex removed his helmet and left it on a handlebar before getting up. "I just wanted some down time with my baby brother." He helped him take off his helmet. "My ten-year-old baby brother." Joey smiled up at him and Alex dipped down, indicating his back. "Hop on."

Joey slipped off the bike and latched onto him. "Your motorcycle is the coolest thing ever, Al!"

"Oh yeah?" Alex glanced over his shoulder to view him. "Even more fun to ride than Xander?"

Joey rethought his previous claim. "Well, almost the coolest thing ever. But this birthday might be even better than last year's."

"That's good because if you were having a lousy day I'd have to punch a few people." Alex laid out stomach down in the grass near a small pond and Joey rolled off to stretch out beside him.

Though Joey's height had not increased very much in the last year, he had filled out a lot healthier while maintaining a thin frame. His face carried good color and his blue eyes showed a live energy not present that first day. Alex still remembered that particularly day; the tiny, frightened eight-year-old so under nourished that the bones practically showed through. He'd somehow looked even smaller all bundled up from his much needed bath like a bitty baby.

"Hi."

Alex reacted to his voice and saw Joey currently conversing with a small field mouse. "Joe, no." He pulled his hand away. "You have to be careful. He might have rabies."

"Aw," Joey did not make an attempt to touch the brown creature again, though, "but he's so cute."

"You're something else, kid." Alex sat up on his knees and brought Joey in to rest against his front. "Wolves, rabbits, mice- our house would turn into wild kingdom if it was up to you." He rethought that. "Though let's face it, we're already there."

Joey laughed and shifted to be more comfortable in his brother's grasp. Alex ran a soothing hand down the leather clad back. The jacket he had given the little boy the previous year had become a second skin.

After another minute, Alex gave his stomach a pair of tiny thumps. "Time to head home, Birthday Eel." He could not help smiling at Joey's moaning and clinging tighter to his arm. "Come on. Don't you want to make a wish on your cake?"

Gazing blue eyes into blue eyes, Joey said, "I wish we could stay like this."

"I know, pal." Alex hugged him. "I know." Keeping arms around him, the young instructor stood with him.

While carrying him was not as simplistic as before, Alex did not mind the additional weight as he brought them back over to the motorcycle. Making triple sure to secure his brother's helmet before he even touched his own, Alex made the short journey back home to rejoin the party.

IIIIIII

"Seven," Charles landed another mild strike to the bright blue wizard themed pajama bottoms, "eight…"

While he received his traditional spanking, Joey squirmed his feet playfully and gripped his father's ankle. It reminded him somewhat of the cool-down swats that always came his way whenever his powers got the best of him and a little like the bedtime taps his uncle gave him to ease him into sleep. Despite his time with his family, it often left Joey amazed at how much their touches made him feel so good. Even when he found himself in trouble, going over their knees provided much more comfort than being hollered at or having people practically trip as they backed as far away from him as possible.

Charles completed one last and especially strong smack. "That should keep you healthy and well for a full year." He gathered his son up.

Joey wrapped arms around his neck. "What about to grow on?'

"I'll hear no such talk." Charles kissed his nose. "Do I need to put you in your brother's crib to keep my little one?"

"Daddy," Joey giggled, "I'll always be your little one. I don't want to be anything else."

The look Charles gave him next carried untold fondness. "I am so proud of you. You've grown into even more of a kind, generous, caring gentleman."

Joey stated, "That's because of you."

Blinking back building moisture in his pupils, the Professor dipped his face to leave a kiss on top of the blonde haired head.

IIIIIII

With the help of the stealth skills taught to him very early, the biracial boy climbed down from bed and tipped out of the room on sock covered feet. Knowing his mother had already gone to bed and that his father had duty in Eye Spy, he quietly and easily maneuvered away from their corridor. He found Joey leaving his own room as he came around. Not saying a word once they spotted each other, the pair hurried downstairs.

Clicking on one end table lamp to give them some illumination, the boys settled under a blanket. Each enjoyed a piece of cake with fruit juice instead of the usually required-by-adults milk.

"It's so cool that you're finally in the double digits club," Cody said.

"I know," Joey took a long drink to swallow his mouthful, "but the best part was getting to ride on Alex's motorcycle. I've been waiting to do that forever."

Cody's features saddened a bit. "You're lucky."

"What do you mean?" Joey responded disbelievingly. "Your dad and uncle let you ride their bikes all the time."

"No, I mean 'cause Alex is always here," Cody clarified. "I ain't talked to Sean in days."

Sympathizing with his friend, Joey said, "Sometimes I wish I didn't have to share Al so much."

"I know." Cody did indeed. "I'm just glad I go to school here now. Meetin' you was the best day ever." Joey grinned at that. "So what do you think your grandpa's sendin' you for your birthday?"

"I don't know," the blonde boy replied. "I just hope it gets here soon."

IIIIIII

All but leaping out of her skin at the noise from behind her, Raven insisted, "I'm studying!" then turned around. "Oh, thought you were the husband." She carried her slice of cake to the table. "He says if I'm going to lose sleep, I better be nose deep in books."

"He's been out of school far too long to appreciate snacking as an absolute necessity to the learning process," Leon stated.

"I know, right?" The blue woman picked up her hardback of poems. "Though part of me is playing Auntie Advocate. Joey's up with Cody having extended birthday time so I'm keeping an ear open."

Stilling, Leon took a moment to full view a photograph he had passed so many times in pursuit of food. "Is this your mother?"

Raven looked his way then stood and went to look as well. "Yeah, that's one of her good days as Charles calls them. Most elegant woman I ever saw. I just wish she," she wrapped arms around herself, "that she could have been happier."

"I understand that sentiment. Pretty well, actually." Leon faced her. "About how I acted before-"

"Hey," Raven cut in, "we already talked about that. Let's forget it. If you still find graveling in order, help me make sense of the history assignment."

Bobbing his head, Leon returned to the table with her.

IIIIIII

"Joey," Emma entered the wide open bedroom to find her son busy at his desk, "Treasure, your father's waiting on you."

"Just a second, Mum." He struggled to get his case closed.

"You are going to break it clean in half at this rate." Emma came over, getting the overstuffed art container open. "Do you really need all of these for a single class?"

"I want to use the new acrylics you and Dad got me for my birthday. And I might get to use the pastels from Aunt Raven, too."

Emma fished through the case. "You must have at least two dozen brushes in here."

"I have to have different sizes and the sponge ones are really important," Joey explained.

"Yes, but you certainly don't need two sets," Emma reasoned. "Why don't you keep your old ones at home?"

Joey shook his head hard. "I can't do that. Grandpa gave me those."

Knowing she could not begin to argue with the child on that, Emma next suggested, "What about these?" She held up the coloring books.

"Those are from Uncle Hank. Cody doesn't have karate today so I need something to do on my break time."

"You need two animal coloring books for your break time?"

"One is horses and one is zoo animals." Joey sighed. "But okay, just horses today."

"Well, that's progress." Emma placed the zoo animals to the side then helped him snap the case shut. "This will need replacing soon enough."

Joey looked panicked. "But Dad gave—"

"It to you for your birthday last year. Yes, I remember." Emma smiled. "Speaking of, he's still waiting on you."

Grabbing his supply case up, Joey took a moment to hug her, "Bye, Mummy," and peck her large stomach before hurrying down. "Here I am, Dad!"

"At last." Charles held the leather jacket out to him.

Once finally in the car, they reached the community center shortly.

"Bye, Daddy," Joey latched onto him when they got outside his classroom, "I love you."

Charles squeezed him. "I love you, too. Have a wonderful time, son."

Taking his usual place at the third of four double rows in the room, Joey laid out his case with the usual eagerness bubbling within him. He opened it and started shuffling through the supplies. He glanced up to see if their teacher had left the day's agenda on the blackboard when something else up front captured his attention entirely.

There the smock adorned Miss Kendall spoke with a blonde woman in a knee-length green dress. Beside the two ladies stood a small girl with reddish-gold hair so vibrant it sincerely radiated orange. She wore burgundy pants and a white sweater. When she turned just lightly, Joey got a good look at the fair skin and freckled face. He also saw a pair of Dalmatian puppies on the front of her sweater.

"Alright," Miss Kendall spoke, "let's see if we can find," she then zeroed in on the table that normally only seated one of her students, "right this way, dear." Both women led the girl over. "Joey, this is Lacinda Carmichael. She just signed up for our class. Would you mind if she sits here with you?"

"No," Joey answered immediately, "That's fine with me, Miss Kendall."

The art teacher turned to the blonde woman. "Joey's one of our top artists. He'll be able to help her along very well."

Clearly relieved by this information, Lacinda's mother dipped down to get in near to her. "Alright, I have to be going. I'll be here for you as soon as class gets out, but you be sure to call me if you need anything. Do not forget."

"I won't," came the whisper as they hugged. "I love you, Mom."

"I love you, too." Mrs. Carmichael kissed her cheek twice before managing to take her leave.

While Miss Kendall returned to the front of the room, Lacinda lowered into her seat. Joey watched her place down a pink zip-up supply case.

He then said, "You have the prettiest hair I've ever seen."

An absolutely stunned countenance formed over the girl and an awed pair of light gray eyes fell on the boy. "Thank you." She noticed the contents of his case. "Wow, you have a lot of things."

"I got half of them for my birthday," Joey told her. "I just turned ten."

"Lucky," she responded. "I'm almost ten but not yet. Do you go to Westchester Elementary? I just started there today."

"No, I go to school at home," Joey explained. "The Xavier Institute. My dad and uncle run it."

"Really?" This clearly intrigued her. "I did school at home for a while. Back in Manhattan. But my mom and dad thought it'd be better for me living in Westchester now. It is nice having our own house."

"That's good," Joey smiled. "And you're going to love art class, Lacinda."

She made a slight face. "Joey, do you think you could call me Laci? I like it loads better than Lacinda."

"Okay," Joey happily complied, "Laci."

IIIIIII

When dinner ended that evening, Frank followed behind Maya into the library.

"Have you spoken to Sean in the last few days?" he asked.

Looking at him, she sighed as she sat at the nearest table. "No. It's probably exactly what Kayla's been telling me, though. His family most likely has all of his time planned out or he's busy with homework."

"Sean and I talked more when he went home after Christmas that one time." Frank folded his arms pensively. "I know he hasn't been there in a while, but this is so weird to me."

Maya replied honestly, "I hate it, too. But I guess the best thing we can do is not crowd him."

Letting off an unsatisfied breath, Frank said, "Guess I'll try writing him," and headed out.

Maya opened her biology notebook, only to promptly close it again as thoughts unrelated to academia took over.

IIIIIII

The soothing British accent in his ears, Joey kept his enthralled gaze upward while stroking Bounty. He faced his left side.

"Daddy," he got the man's attention, "could you skip to the end?"

"The end?" Charles flipped several pages. "You mean to Robin and Maid Marian's wedding?"

"Yeah," a dreamy smile spread across Joey's face, "I like that part."

Charles raised an eyebrow. "I see." He picked up with the requested section then shut the book once finished. "Since story time is over so early tonight, perhaps you would care to tell me what's caused this desire to skip straight to happily ever after?"

Smile only intensifying, Joey moved to look at his father fully. "We have a new girl in art class. Laci Carmichael."

Promptly putting the book to the side, Charles leaned in secretively. "Go on."

"She just moved here and she's so nice," Joey continued. "She sits right next to me and you should see her drawings. Perfect shadows everywhere. But she really likes crafting. With beads and seashells and all kinds of things."

Charles followed along then inquired, "Is she… pretty?"

"Super pretty," Joey answered without delay. "Her skin is like milk and she has teeny freckles all over her face. Her eyes are so shiny and silver. But her hair," Joey sat up as he emphasized, "Her hair is so beautiful. It's like an orange waterfall."

"My," Charles reacted, "she certainly sounds lovely."

Joey nodded and laid back. "Like Mummy with Aunt Raven's hair."

"Now that is high compliment." Charles tucked the blankets in around him. "I can't wait to have a good look at her myself."

Joey rubbed the space between Bounty's ears. "And I can't wait to get back to art class."

An amused air exhaled from the Professor. "I'm sure. Come along, Bounty." He scooped up the rabbit, returning him to his crate. "Time to sleep." He bent back over to kiss Joey's forehead. "Good night, my little one."

"Good night, Daddy." Joey closed his eyes.

Charles turned off the table lamp and left, making his way back to the master suite where his wife awaited him.

Emma did not miss his all too satisfied countenance. "Like a cat outside of an aquarium. Do share, Sugar."

"It would seem," Charles got under the covers with her, "that our little boy has made a new friend in art class." A twinkle reflected in his blue eyes. "A young lady."

Arms folding over her chest, Emma came back with, "Excuse me?"

"Laci Carmichael. Joey could not stop going on about her. He's absolutely smitten, love."

"And it seems you're prepared to pass cigars all around."

Charles had a difficult time masking his amusement. "Are you honestly angry about this?"

"No," Emma insisted. "He's a terribly sensitive boy and I simply don't want his feelings crushed by some little hydra."

"Emma, for Heaven's sake," Charles reasoned, "she's only a little girl. I promise she will in no way whisk your son away from you." He inched in closer to kiss along her face and neck. "Now stop sulking."

Emma made a half-hearted attempt to escape his clutches. However and as always, his lips reigned champion against her stubbornness.

IIIIIII

Jacket on and supply case loaded, Joey walked in an anxious circle in the foyer. He eventually groaned and charged up the stairs to the second level.

"Cody," he called out, "what is taking so long?"

Running through in his white karate uniform, Cody said, "Blame Dad. He's the one draggin' his feet."

An exasperated hand went to Joey's forehead. "My dad could've had us there and back already."

"Hold your horses, sparky." Logan departed his room. "Car keys ran and hid on me."

"Wolvy, we're going to be late." Joey turned to hasten for the stairs again. "Let's go, let's go!"

For once, Cody had to pick up speed to catch up with him.

With an eye roll, Logan went after the boys. "Mini boss…"

The moment the truck arrived in front of the community center, Joey forced his door open and leapt out.

"Joey," Cody called after him. "Wait for me! Dad, look," he picked the object off the abandoned seat, "He forgot his case."

Both Logan's eyebrows went up at that. "This kid's got the fire goin' but nobody's home."

Turning away from the display shelves, contentment grew on Laci's face at the presence of the other child. "Joey."

"Hi, Laci." Joey stopped moving once he reached her side. "I thought I was going to be late. My friend's dad was taking years."

She returned her gaze to the pieces on show. "Is this all you?"

Joey looked to the second shelf that contained some of his work. "Oh, yeah. Miss Kendall selected them."

Laci pointed out pose of the blue skinned, copper haired woman. "I love this one."

"Me, too," Joey smiled. "I scored really high for it. It's my Aunt Raven- the way I see her."

"She's beautiful." A glow came to her gray eyes as an idea struck. "Wouldn't it be great if we really could be blue? Or green or purple?"

Joey started to answer positively until the petition of, "Hey, sparky, forget somethin'?" captured both of their attentions.

"My supplies." Joey gratefully accepted the case from him. "I can't believe I forgot them! Thanks, Logan."

Cody had come inside as well and took notice of Laci. "Are you the new girl?"

When Laci shrunk away shyly, Joey reassured, "It's okay, Laci. This is my best friend, Cody Howlett. This is his dad."

"Hello." Hugging her pink case to her chest, the girl kept her gaze to the side.

Cody frowned deeply.

Logan put a hand to his shoulder. "Better get you to karate. Nice meetin' you, Laci. See you later on, Joey." He guided the way out of the art room and did not speak again until they returned to the hall. "So she's what's got your buddy all abuzz. Should've known."

"I can't believe he'd be sweet on her," Cody grumbled. "She's such a snob. And man, is she weird lookin'."

"Hey," Logan chided. "I don't want to hear you talkin' like that."

Cody protested, "But Dad, she is. That goofy hair and pasty skin…"

"Codicat," the full first name got the boy's attention as Logan stopped their pacing, "I'm serious, knock it off. I've gotten into it with plenty of guys who want to make comments on the looks of our family. Your ma and I didn't raise you to treat anybody like that."

Cody sighed. "Sorry, Dad."

Logan ran a hand through his hair then pointed over to the gym used to host karate. "Get to class. We'll grab a soda later- if you're good."

Cody grinned and rushed inside through the double doors.

IIIIIII

"And this is my horse Xander." Joey slid over the depiction of the brown steed.

She grinned. "You have your own horse?"

"My mom got him for me." Joey then offered, "Maybe you could come ride him sometimes."

"Thanks, but," she shook her head bashfully, "I'm too scared to go near a horse."

"Well," Joey looked positive, "maybe if you rode with someone."

Her nervous features eased. "That'd be nice."

Joey noticed one of her pictures; an angel with wavy yellow hair. "Is this your mom?"

"No, that is Emerald," Laci explained. "I used to talk to her a lot. Before I came here. I know it sounds silly…"

"No, no," Joey promptly waved off. "Before I was adopted, I used to talk to lizards and frogs. I still love talking to animals. They never make fun of you, you know?"

"Yeah," Laci nodded, "I do."

Joey rubbed the back of his neck a little uncertainly. "Um, my aunt and uncle sent me some birthday money. Did you want to go across the street to get some candy before class starts again? My treat."

"Thanks, but is it okay if we go?"

"Sure, we just have to be back on time."

While Laci got into her button up sweater, she observed Joey putting his leather back on. "I love your jacket."

"Oh thanks." Joey patted the sleeves proudly. "My big brother Alex gave it to me. After he caught me trying it on all the time."

"My mom has a pearl necklace that used to be my grandmother's." Laci walked alongside him. "I love sitting at the vanity and trying it on for show. Mom says it'll be mine someday."

Joey made a point of reaching the door first and holding it open. Laci smiled at him as she left out first.

When they made it outside, Joey extended his hand. "I'm not supposed to cross without holding onto someone."

Laci joined with him. "Me, either." Once inside the store, it did not take long for them to gather a bagful each. "Thank you, Joey."

"Don't worry about it, Laci." Joey popped a green sour ball into his mouth. "My Aunt Cordy gets out of gymnastics later than I do art and she picks candy up for me a lot."

"Not just for this," Laci held up the bag of sweets, "I mean for being so nice. A lot of kids say bad things about me. That's I'm creepy and that my eyes make me look like a ghost or something."

"That's not true," Joey immediately denounced. "And kids say stuff about me. Grownups, too. That I smell bad, I'm too small, stupid, I can't run fast enough…"

"Who cares about running and goofy things like that? You're one of the best artists in class," Laci pointed out. "Miss Kendall said so herself."

"So are you," Joey returned. "Even if I have to say it myself."

Laci shared a smile with him then gestured with her head towards the community center. "We better get back."

Taking hands again, the two made the trek back to class.

IIIIIII

At the five gathered around the coffee table, Erik nodded his head in approval until notice of the one missing dawned on him.

"Where is Joey?"

Frank glanced up from his history book. "On the phone in the kitchen."

Scott did not look away as he tacked on, "Still."

"Hm." Erik stepped out of the room.

"This girl must be something else," Frank commented.

"Yuck," Trav reacted. "Joey has cooties now."

"He does not," Becky denied. "Cut it out, Trav. I think it's nice Joey likes her."

Scott peeked out under his shades at her.

Cody closed and collected his books. "I'm gonna study upstairs."

"I love Sword in the Stone!" Joey reclined in a chair, feet propped on the table. "Me and Cody have seen it like ten times."

"I love the owl. He's so cute." Laci quieted on her end a moment. "Joey, can I tell you something?"

"Yeah, definitely. Is anything wrong?" Joey asked with concern.

"Well, I don't really like talking about it, but the reason I was doing school at home is because I was sick all the time. I had to have surgery on my heart."

Joey touched his own chest in empathy. "You did?"

"Yeah, it was awful. I still get weak sometimes, but it's a lot better," Laci told him. "Even though I still have to take medicine, I can go to school and best of all, take art class."

"Good, I'm glad," said a relieved Joey.

"Kangaroo," Erik walked in, applying a slap to his ankles that promptly got his feet off the table, "have you finished your homework yet?"

"Um," Joey shined guilty blue eyes up, "not yet, Uncle Erik."

"Then it's time to say good night to your friend." Erik held out a waiting hand.

Joey sighed into the receiver. "I have to do my homework, Laci."

"I have to finish mine, too," Laci sympathized. "See you on Friday."

"See you then." Joey gave the receiver to the elder mutant to hang up. "Sorry, Uncle Erik."

Erik lifted him from his seat. "Even the most brilliant artist needs to review arithmetic and writing. Go on." He delivered a light prodding swat to his bottom and Joey hurried along. Erik came into the parlor and took his seat across from Charles. "I don't like this."

Engaged in a particularly interesting article from that morning's paper, Charles responded, "Wouldn't it be simpler to compile a list of things you actually like? It'd certainly be shorter."

Erik gave him a nudge to the foot with his own. "Don't you think Joey is too young to be talking to girls on the telephone?"

"Oh for God's sake, first Emma, now you?" Charles folded the article and laid it out on the table between them. "It's an innocent little crush. Potentially a sign that his regression hasn't effected every area."

"An innocent little crush?" Erik repeated disbelievingly. "With your boys? Have you met Hank and Sean?"

Charles folded his arms. "You're leaving out Scott."

"That's an entirely different matter," Erik dismissed.

"Because you approve of it entirely?" Charles surmised knowingly.

"Yes. Returning to Sean for a moment, I spoke to Frank earlier." Erik's eyes dimmed with seriousness. "Sean has been next to impossible to reach."

"And his homework assignments have been sporadic in the mail," Charles said. "I've been trying not to be too forceful or commanding. Not give him any reason…"

Erik supplied, "To not want to return here?" Charles nodded quietly. "You and I have very different approaches there."

Charles asked, "And your suggestion?"

"Dragging him back to New York State by his little Banshee wings."

IIIIIII

On route down to the Mag Cave, Leon stopped at the small one huffing his way towards the Howlett neck of the mansion. He kept a distance behind as Cody went into his room. The boy spilled his books onto the floor and left him there as he marched to his bed and flopped down over the mattress.

Poking his head inside, Leon bent to stack the learning aides up. "Rebellion against your mother's academic successes and expectations weighing in at last?"

Cody glanced back at him. "What're you on about?"

"Sorry," all items neatly gathered, Leon placed them on the desk. "I suppose I mean- dude, what's wrong?" He sat near him on the bed.

"It's this Laci dame that Joey's hung up on," Cody griped. "He didn't even come to hang out with me during break time at the center today."

"Ah." Leon arched back with his hands holding him up, long silky hair dangling. "While I lack the firsthand experience when it comes to this type of infatuation, it sounds to me as if this may be a first for Joey. Maybe he never thought a girl could like him this way. In the non-sisterly sense I mean."

"Yeah, yeah," Cody rolled his eyes, "it still stinks. It ain't fair. Sean's gone and it feels like I'm losin' Joey, too."

Growing silent, Leon searched the far back of his own psyche. He wanted to offer the child something, anything, and attempted to find something from a time long past to help. It always felt so fuzzy, so foreign whenever he tried to make the journey back.

The teenager finally spoke with, "If it helps, there's no one I ever want to return to. You may have to worry about my frequent outings with females- though you'll probably be pretty busy considering your firstborn will be in grad school by that time."

For the first time in many hours, Cody snickered in earnest. "I know you used to drive my dad crazy, but lots of folks drive Dad crazy." He sat up to face the older male, folding his legs. "I like havin' you around, Leon." He received the reaction of a dainty stomach pat. "What was that for?"

"You'd have to ask Alex," Leon looked thoughtful, "but it seems to be some sort of significant gesture capable of unleashing widespread endorphins."

Cody narrowed his eyes. "You're talkin' like a weirdo again, bub."

Leon chose to remedy that by seizing hold of him in a headlock. Cody laughed but immediately struggled against him.

IIIIIII

With a lingering yawn, Alex rapped two half-hearted knocks against the wood before letting himself into the bedroom.

"Joe, time to get—" He took in the empty but unmade bed. "Joe?"

Scanning the second floor for the recently turned ten-year-old, Alex made it near to his own quarters before he finally happened upon him. In the bathroom the teenage boys normally shared, Joey stood before the sink in a damp oversized Westchester University t-shirt.

When he saw the main reason for the wet shirt, Alex came over to retrieve the now half-gone bottle. "Joe, what are you doing with my after-shave lotion? And my hair gel? And," his eyes widen at the messy can of cream, "were you trying to shave?" He grabbed the small head between his hands and searched the face for any scratches or nicks. "Tell me you didn't fool around with my razor."

"Al," Joey wiggled his face a little, "I didn't, honest. I just squirted the cream on before the lotion."

Thoroughly relieved, Alex said, "Good. I didn't want to have to spank you on your little Eel tail. Though I still might." He started recapping his various products. "You know better than to play in my stuff."

Little lip extended and eyes glossy, Joey claimed, "But I just wanted to look like you."

"Uh, hello." Taking hold of him, Alex positioned them in front of the mirror with their cheeks touching. "Who do you think you're looking at, huh? Because personally I see a little cutie and his brother," Alex ran a dissatisfied hand through his aggravating bedhead, "who desperately needs a shower."

Joey giggled and looked up. "But Laci likes the jacket you gave me. Besides, all the girls like you."

"Yeah, and I haven't had the greatest luck there." Alex hoisted him up to sit on the edge of the vanity and used his own towel to clean off the young one's face. "And none of those girls matter here because Laci has eyes for you. Which is good news for her. Don't ever think you have to go changing yourself to get in good with anybody. Because let me tell you, I'd rather copy you any day of the week."

Joey smiled, "Thanks, Al," the grew worried. "Are you mad I messed with your stuff?"

Alex considered it then kissed his cheek. "Not if you're done getting ready for school by the time I'm done cleaning this mess. And you can wear the shirt to art class if you want, but not to school."

"Okay." Joey hopped down and dashed out, calling, "Thanks a lot, Al!" over his shoulder.

Alex could not help shooting a smile after the scamp before he got to work on the cluttered sink.

IIIIIII

Leaving the Rolls-Royce parked, Charles made his way into the community center. The normal serene air he carried when picking up his son promptly depleted at the shouting he heard in addition to the emotions practically attacking his mind. Approaching the art room, he witnessed Miss Kendall attempting to speak rationally with a positively irate woman.

"What do you mean you don't know where my daughter is?" the blonde practically exploded. "How incompetent are you that you lose track of children this way? Anything could have happened."

"Mrs. Carmichael, please," Miss Kendall near pleaded. "I tried to call you, but I figured you'd already left to pick her up."

"Miss Kendall." Charles walked up.

"Professor Xavier," Miss Kendall acknowledged. "I was going to call you, too. Joey and Laci did not return after break today."

Charles stilled completely. "What?" Every alarm rang throughout his head at the possibilities.

Mrs. Carmichael practically pulled her hair straight out of the root. "I have to call my husband. We have to call the police."

"Wait." An elated Charles looked towards the entrance at the minds he sensed next. "I don't think that will be necessary."

The moment she caught sight of her daughter, Mrs. Carmichael barreled over to sweep her up. "Laci!"

The girl hugged her back tightly. "I'm sorry, Mom."

"Dad," Joey spotted his father, "it was an accident. We were talking in the park and we lost track of the time."

"Lacinda, let's get your things." Mrs. Carmichael made a path into the room with her. "We're going home."

Kneeling down, Charles held his arms open and Joey went right into him. Get your art supplies and we'll go around to pick up Cody. We'll discuss this at home.

Nodding against his father's shoulder, Cody quietly went into the room to comply with the order.

IIIIIII

Though he tried desperately to keep the tears away, Joey ended up crying profusely into his pillow. The horrible end of the day weighed in heavier and heavier and he eventually sobbed.

Entering a minute later, Charles had to fight to control his own heartbreak at the sight of his little boy so miserable.

"Joey?" The Professor sat on the bed, touching and patting his back. "Can you sit up and talk to Daddy?"

Joey obliged, trying in vain to wipe his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Daddy! It's- it's all my fault!"

Charles brought him over to hold on his lap, trying to get his shaking under control. "Hush now, my Charles." He pressed his lips against the boy's forehead. "You'll become sick to your stomach at this rate. Now, I need you to calm down." Calm down for me, son.

At the comforting voice in his psyche, Joey managed to contain himself a bit and steady his breathing.

Charles allowed a few minutes to go by before he spoke again. "You know you shouldn't have gone down the street to the park by yourselves that way. Do I ever allow you to do that?"

Joey shook his head. "I just wanted to play with Laci, but we got so wrapped up in it."

"And I understand," Charles cupped his cheek to lock their eyes, "but it is much too dangerous for you to go off by yourself. You may be ten years old now and you have made so much progress, but it still isn't safe for you." Especially now, Charles knew. "You really frightened me as well as Miss Kendall and Mrs. Carmichael."

Joey dipped his head. "She'll never let me play with Laci again."

Charles took his chin to lift his eyes again. "Your mother is going to speak with her to smooth things over. As for right now, you have a spanking coming, young man." He patted the blue jean covered thigh. "And these are coming down."

Joey nodded then asked, "Are you gonna use your ruler, Daddy?"

"No, but if this happens again I most certainly will," Charles guaranteed.

Getting Joey to his feet, the telepath undid his jeans then laid him across his lap now. Charles had to bring up the lengthy WU t-shirt the young mutant had worn to art class before tugging his underwear down along with the pants. Behind bared, he began raining sharp swats.

Though too exhausted from before to start up crying again, his weariness did not keep Joey from moaning or hissing in pain. He wrapped both arms around his father's ankle when he felt the man reposition. New tears escaped as the spanking moved to his under curve.

After giving the thighs a fair amount of attention as well, Charles decided it done. He took off Joey's jeans and worked his briefs back up. Leaving him in the long t-shirt, Charles lifted his son up to cry against his shoulder.

It's alright, my little one. Daddy isn't angry with you and your punishment is over. He kissed his temple. I love you, son.

I love you, too, Daddy, Joey sent back, I'm sorry…

Charles retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe the salty moisture away from the otherwise adorable face. "No more apologies, baby. It is behind us now."

Joey remained still for his father to clean him. "Can I still go to art class?"

"Yes, although I did speak with Miss Kendall." Charles cradled him. "You and Laci will not be allowed to leave the room for break for a week."

"Okay," Joey nodded. "I won't do it again. I promise."

"Good." Charles nuzzled noses with him. "Because I never, ever want anything to happen to my little one."

Joey smiled up at him. "Will you read my mind?"

Gladly filling the request, Charles honed in on him for a moment then said, "Yes, you may still have dessert tonight," then tickled his stomach to fill the room with giggles to replace the sadness there a moment ago.

IIIIIII

Looking up from his solo game of jacks, Cody grinned at his visitor.

"Joey," he jumped to his feet, "I thought your dad creamed ya when you didn't show for dinner."

"No," Joey laughed, still in the university t-shirt but with a pair of pajama bottoms as well, "I just couldn't sit so well. And I was too excited about the gift from Grandpa."

"You mean it finally came?"

Joey nodded. "While we were gone. Look." From behind his back, he pulled out the four framed lithographs.

"Oh, cool!" Cody took them for closer observation and shuffled through the different scenes from The Sword in the Stone.

"I want you to have two of them," Joey said. "Any two you want."

"What?" Cody gaped at him. "But your grandpa gave 'em to you."

"Well, you're my best friend so it's okay," Joey stated reasonably.

"I'm still your best friend?"

"Of course you are," Joey answered immediately. "You're the best-best friend any guy could ask for. I don't know what I'd have done if we hadn't met. I mean, I know you'd do just fine without me…"

Cody used a lithograph to tap the top of the blonde head. "Are you kiddin'? You're the reason I wanted to come to this school. I ain't been this happy since… a long time."

Knowing exactly what he meant, Joey only nodded happily.

"Hey," they looked back at Alex reaching half his body inside the room from the doorway, "you two shrimptoids, want to catch the late-night movie with me and Lee?"

The ten-year-old pair grinned and followed him downstairs. On the couch, Joey did not waste time filling up Alex's lap space. Leon finished clicking on the TV and retook his seat. Feeling a smaller body lean against his arm, he nearly jumped. Glancing down, he maneuvered the same arm around Cody.

Joey asked, "Am I old enough for the real scary stuff yet?"

Alex covered them with the fleece throw. "We'll see."