X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Fifty Seven

Author's Word: People, you all completely and totally outdid yourselves with that last feedback. I can't even describe how motivating that was and it's been a very rough week so I needed it. Now, please enjoy and review!

"Though the circumstances appeared dire, the famed ax thrower kept his promise. From the radiant light of sunrise, he returned to the garden maiden." The two pairs of shining brown eyes remained locked on the storyteller as she continued. "They wed and journeyed together on the grand ship, discovering new adventures they could never have before dreamed about."

Clapping resulted the moment the tale ended and Kayla smiled at her small audience participants. The five-year-old Wallace twins, both with caramel brown skin and curly chestnut hair, sat cross-legged before her on the area rug.

"That was good, Mrs. Howlett," Keith commended.

Kelsey raised her hand to ask, "Did they have kids?"

"Oh," Kayla emphasized. "Like the stars above." She looked up as her husband came through from the back with the oldest Wallace sibling in tow.

"It's in pretty good shape," Logan spoke, wiping his hands with a rag. "Just watch the sharp turns and overloadin' in the back."

"Got you." Dante glanced towards the two tykes across the lobby. "What're you two doin' up here? What'd you burn down?"

Kelsey laughed and Keith informed their brother, "Mrs. Howlett was telling us about the ax man."

"Oh yeah?" Logan then quipped, "He wouldn't happen to be an X-Man, too, would he?"

"Huh?" Both small ones reacted in confusion.

With a sly grin, Logan waved off, "Never mind."

Kayla shook her head in humor his way then turned to Dante. "Your mother is picking up some overtime in the kitchen. The regular housekeeper had to leave early."

"Again?" Dante gaped. "I keep telling her she might as well run this place." He gestured for the twins to come his way. "Let's head on downstairs."

"Good night, Mrs. Howlett," Kelsey said as they got up.

"Good night," Keith added, growing lethargy evident in his tone.

"Good night, sweethearts," Kayla returned, going over with them to take Logan's arm.

Brother and sister accounted for, Dante said, "Thanks again for helping me fix up my bike, Wolverine. Now I'm all set for that courier gig."

Kelsey stared up at the man. "Why do they call you Wolfy-reen?"

Logan lowered to one knee and replied, "Because when I was born I wasn't near as cute as you." He tickled her cheek, receiving a giggle. He stood back up, waving at the departing children along with his wife. "You get in touch with the airline again?"

Kayla faced him with a dry expression. "They managed to bump us up from Tuesday evening to Monday afternoon. Apparently, there's a lot of overbooking between people traveling from here to New York and vice versa."

"Figures. It's crazy what's goin' on. All that garbage with Sean… but I can't believe she had that baby."

"I know," Kayla more than concurred. "Going away for five minutes is all it takes with this group." She folded her arms in aggravation. "I just wish I could have been there. With my powers, I could've helped Emma through that entire thing."

"She's alright, Fox." Logan wound arms around her to bring her in close to him. "Everything's alright. Especially now that Vic nailed the son of a bitch that started all this."

"That's what's kept me out of hysterics." Kayla then brought up, "Though this means no dance contest Monday night."

"Sat through that lousy physical for nothin'," Logan grumbled then raised, "You notice how as soon as we leave town for a while a new ankle biter pops up?"

To that Kayla responded, "Unfair."

IIIIIII

Departing from the second floor, the metal wielder made it to the kitchen only to discover another robe adorned man already there. With a heavy, highly undignified yawn, the Professor hovered over the coffee maker.

Erik entered, tapping displeased fingers along the nearest countertop. "What do you think you're doing up? It's hardly a quarter to five."

Charles regarded him out of the corner of his eye. "I believe I can ask you the same question."

"I'm not the one who slipped into a near vegetative state earlier." Erik shook his head. "I swear, every year with you…"

Charles resisted an eye roll as he carried his now full mug over to the island. "What can I say, brother? I plan horrific occasions so brilliantly." He brought the warm substance to his lips for a long sip, fighting against the unsatisfactory taste that so differed from tea. "Emma detected the faintest gurgle from Brian and I had to wake up before she flung herself out of bed."

A smirk crossed Erik's lips while he poured his own coffee. "And just think, it's only the first night. The excessive wailing hasn't even begun." He then had to blink when Charles' sudden lightning fast reflexes seized a nearby wooden spoon and whacked him viciously in the thigh. "Well… I had that coming, didn't I?"

Charles dropped the kitchen instrument onto the island. "Not that I was sleeping all too well in the first place. I simply couldn't stop watching him. This tiny, innocent babe who only yesterday resided within the safe confines of his mother. It was all I could do to pray he made it through the night."

Erik came to stand beside him. "And he did. You heard Hank. Brian doesn't have to face half the risks of very early premature children. The timing was unexpected but still worked out better in our favor than that of most families."

"Yes." Charles placed down his mostly empty mug. "And Emma wants all necessary equipment moved up to our room. She doesn't want him to have a prolonged stay in the infirmary and quite frankly, neither do I."

Erik nodded. "Let me worry about that. You have quite enough on your plate."

Charles dipped his head in gratitude.

With the sweet melody floating into his ears, the tiny body seemed to nestle in comfortably. Emma continued to hum the lullaby, quieting exhaling in and out through the nose whenever a sore surge of her own coursed throughout her. Her bulk attention remained with the one resting against her chest.

Returning to the medical wing, an immediate smile formed on Charles' face. He came around, sitting up beside them.

Using a few gentle fingers, Charles stroked the back of Brian's smooth head. "I expect prompt hair growth before long, little lad."

Emma released a soft amused breath. "This is supposed to help him. Being near to us this way."

"Yes." Charles then put forth, "Hank was quite pleased he reached a bit over four pounds. My genetic pudge actually proving useful for a change."

"You stop." Emma kissed him them applied a tender peck to the head of their baby. "You're only capable of giving him the most good."

"And you're only capable of giving him the very best." Charles frowned at her slight wince. "Love, you should lay down."

Emma shook her head. "Later." She sent an adoring hand down Brian's back. "He needs me now."

Knowing arguing with her there would be utterly futile, Charles gave his arms to go around them.

IIIIIII

Long dark strands belonging to the one in his clutch tickling at his nose, Logan inhaled pleasantly in his sleep and held her tighter. Sometime later during the night, his ears became animated as they honed in on the shuffling sound followed by a tiny snap that would have been deaf to anyone else.

Remaining quiet a few seconds until the distinct rummaging began, Logan lunged out of bed. A startled gasp filled the room and Kayla jumped straight up in bed.

"Logan?" She blindly clicked on the end table lamp, eyes enlarging at her husband having a grappling match with a black adorned figure.

"You don't know how wrong you went tonight, bub." Logan raised his fists, producing his bone claws.

At the sight, the encroacher dove and rolled across the bed, just making it out of the room without falling over.

Darting right after him, Logan chased him throughout the hall until they reached the rear stairwell. Before he could make it down the first step, Logan had him tackled face down.

Claws aimed at his neck, the Canadian ordered plainly, "Don't. Move."

IIIIIII

In seconds of the police arriving, the hotel lobby seemed to fill to capacity with every inhabitant, all in various night clothes. The Howletts finished giving their statement to one officer while another two took care of escorting the now unmasked brunette man out to the awaiting squad car.

"Mrs. Howlett." Kayla glanced back to the sound of the middle-aged woman who carried Kelsey on one hip. Dante stepped before his mother with Derek in his arms. "What in the world happened?"

"A burglar, Mrs. Wallace." Kayla then added specifically for the children gathered, "But it's over. The police have him in custody."

A man with frazzled gray hair, who had clearly thrown on the nearest pair of slacks and a jacket before rushing out the door, barreled into the hotel next.

"I'm Lloyd Crawford, hotel manager." He hurried up to the nearest policeman. "I hardly had a moment to register it all over the telephone. What happened? Was anyone hurt?"

"Everyone's fine and there doesn't appear to be any real damage, either," the officer reported. "There was a burglary attempt. We have one in custody, but it seems he had a partner who managed to get out. We're going to keep a patrol car vigilant in case he tries to come back."

"How did they even get in?" Lloyd wanted to know. "We have a security system in place."

"They didn't have to force their way inside, that's for sure. From what we can tell, they managed to penetrate all three rear doors. Our guess is an experienced lock-pick. It's my suggestion you get some deadbolts installed."

Lloyd sighed, partly from tiredness and the rest relief. "Yes, right away."

"You also have this man," the cop pointed out Logan, "to thank for getting the upper hand on the assailant that tried to break into his room."

Logan had to steady himself when the hotel manager sped over to shake his hand vigorously. "Thank you, thank you so much. Consider your room paid for and your meals at our compliments."

Logan started to say something but the numerous guests approaching Lloyd for questions regarding their safety took over.

"Mama, we don't need the police," Keith piped up. "We got Wolverine."

Mrs. Wallace laughed but agreed, "That's the truth. Come on now. Let's go back to bed."

"I'll be right there, Ma." Dante put Keith down for the little boy to follow after them.

Mrs. Wallace nodded. "Don't be too long now." She led her younger two back towards the service elevator.

Noticing the boy's expression, Kayla touched a hand to Dante's shoulder. "Are you alright, honey?"

"Mmhmm," he replied, folding his arms. "My brother's right, though. We're lucky Wolverine was here."

Logan turned to pull Kayla in towards him. "Knew Vegas would beat out Atlantic City."

IIIIIII

Peering inside the master suite, Becky announced, "Uncle Charles, we washed and sanitized our hands."

Joey added, "I used ten pumps of soap."

"Very good." Arms completely full, Charles gestured with his shoulder for them to enter. "Your big brother and cousin are here."

Joey ran in, sitting near them on the bed. "Hi, Brian. Lunch was boring without you."

Becky crawled along the bed on her knees, leaning against Charles from behind. She observed the bottle Brian currently suckled from. "I thought he was supposed to drink Auntie Em's milk."

"That's true, but I'm afraid your aunt's milk is a bit too thin for him. I sent Alex and Sean to pick up some formula early this morning." Charles massaged at Brian's jaw to remind him to swallow. "So naturally they returned with every option available in the store."

"I wish I could give him milk." Becky indicated her small upper body. "But I don't have what Auntie Em has."

"Maybe Aunt Raven can give him milk," Joey suggested. "She has real big ones."

Charles had to restrain his laughter. "It only comes from mummies who've given birth to babies. Very recently."

Becky said rather proudly, "That means all of my babies will have to drink formula, too."

Joey asked, "Can I give him his bottle, Daddy?"

"I suppose so." Charles gently gave the bundled boy over to the ten-year-old's grasp. "Let's see if he'll give you a simpler time. Remember, watch his head."

Joey took the bottle and carefully slipped it into Brian's lips. "Is this right?"

"Yes." Charles could sense the newborn's easiness. "You've got it, son. Just be certain to keep the bottle raised. Sucking in empty air will do him no good."

"He is so cute," Becky cooed. "And his name is perfect. Brian Henry Xavier."

"Someone got me to really enjoy this naming business." Charles tapped Joey's chin fondly.

The little blonde gave his father a smile before refocusing on feeding his happily suckling brother.

IIIIIII

One arm wrapped securely around her sister's waist while the other kept a grip on her wrist, Cordelia led them gingerly throughout the main level of the mansion.

At Emma breathing in and out slowly, Cordelia coached, "Easy. Just take it slow. Consider me your personal cushion if you get dizzy."

"Greatly appreciated, Baby Sis." Emma absorbed the light that washed across them as they passed a bay window. "No clouds for a change."

Cordelia agreed with that sentiment with, "At last."

An ironic smile developed on Emma's face. "Though yesterday I felt certain I would never experience the sun again." She looked at Cordelia. "I know I have you to thank for otherwise."

"You have Hank to thank for that," Cordelia promptly corrected. "Matching blood or not, every drop would have been worthless had he not known what to do with it. Glad he found some use for me since my plans to rip off Puma's arm and pound him into oblivion with it were thwarted by the great Victor."

Emma tucked a few strands of hair behind the girl's ear. "I love you. So much. Please remember that. Whatever the weather."

Cordelia whimpered and leaned her head over to connect their temples. "Love you loads, sis."

Leon walked up to them from the other end. "Hey, heard you were on the move."

"She's pushing for an earlier recovery," Cordelia told him.

"How soon?" Leon asked.

Emma answered, "Four or five o'clock this afternoon should suffice."

"Ah. Well, what do you say we go real high risk and visit the garden?" he raised.

"Alright." Emma remained still while Leon linked up with her right arm. "Though I'm still tempering from that brisk stride around the dining room table."

IIIIIII

Dice rolling around inside his hand as the crowd grew, the man in navy leisure suit with gray collared shirt raised a single finger.

"For this next one, I need Lady Luck back on my side." Logan turned his head and took notice of a passing brunette head. "And here she is now. Hey," he whistled pointedly, "foxy thing."

Wearing a midnight blue cocktail dress with heels to match, Kayla stopped short. "I beg your pardon, sir."

Logan enticed, "How would you like to hang off the arm of a sure thing?"

"I'd love to." She approached, unkind gaze set on him. "Let me know when one comes along."

Cracking a smile over the crowd's ribbing, Logan said, "Come on," he extended his right palm, revealing the dice, "blow a little luck my way."

Kayla stated, "I think you have more than enough hot air of your own."

Bobbing his head, Logan conceded with, "Be that way." He got back in position, flinging the dice forward.

"Six," rang out from the game's overseer. "He rolls again."

Raising her decorative fan, Kayla flapped it gingerly in front of her face. "So much for a sure thing."

"How about me raise the stakes?." Logan accepted the returned dice, keeping his attention on her. "I win this next round, I take home the cash- and you."

Several responses sounded from the on-lookers around them.

Kayla herself answered with a dainty puff from her lips over the dice.

Closing them inside his hand only briefly, Logan threw again. The white cubes took a few tumbles before coming to a stop. Both displayed four.

"Eight. The gentleman's a winner."

Gripping Kayla's wrist, Logan informed, "You're all mine."

"Lucky me." Kayla threw arms around his neck and gave him a strong kiss.

Many, including the announcer, jumped back when Logan brought her down flat over the table without separating their lips even slightly.

IIIIIII

"An odd culture this is." Reclined against her husband, Kayla regarded the starless sky overhead. "Sorrows so apparent drowned out by decadence."

"Hard booze, cheap thrills, fast women," Logan summarized simply. "Enough to make most cats forget. At least for a while."

Kayla had gotten comfortable in a pair of tan cropped pants and a green short-sleeved V-neck shirt. Logan now wore jeans and his brown leather jacket over a faded camouflage t-shirt. They took up a bench on the far right corner of the rear garden, each with a plate containing half of a chocolate cheesecake.

"Is it really so simple to forget everything?" Kayla put forth.

"Nope." Logan consumed another large forkful of the sweet. "That's how they stay in business." She lowered her plate and resituated herself to face him and press against his chest. "What're you lookin' at, woman?"

Kayla slowly stood up from him and sprinted off between the two trees alongside the building. Logan let off a deep growl, left his plate on the bench, and darted after her. She attempted to get around him, but he enclosed upon her against the wall. They shared an extended stare until he leaned as far forward as he could, capturing her lips. Kayla grabbed hold of both sides of his jacket , rising onto her toes.

When he jerked his head back, she tugged at him forcefully. "Who said I was finished with you?"

Logan hushed her and held her near. Kayla followed his lead of peering out around the corner. They watched the familiar figure slipping out of the hotel as discreetly as possible before taking off in a jog.

Kayla spoke the question in both their minds. "Where is Dante off to this time of night?"

"Choir practice," Logan offered up.

"Four H Club meeting?" Kayla threw out in turn. "In either case..."

Logan shrugged one shoulder. "Yeah, we got time to kill."

IIIIIII

After securing his bicycle to a rack, he hurried towards the right side of the gas station. When he reached the fence, he jumped up to grab hold of it and climbed the rest of the way over. As soon as he made it down again, he walked down the path to get around to the building. Raising a fist, he rapped knuckles against the solid door.

In an instant, a voice wanted to know, "Who is it?"

"Destruct." The door slid open for him. He stepped inside and followed the one who had given him access to an adjacent room. He greeted the one in steel gray suit behind the desk with, "Hi, Mr. Nichols."

"Look, we've gone over this already." Getting up, the tall, dark haired male came around to him. "It's Knox, even for part-time like you."

Dante formed a smile. "You're not mad about last night?"

Knox scoffed. "It's not your fault Ferg got sloppy. You got us in and Ganes made it back with a decent enough score. Plus you proved once and for all that I can count on you. You're on your way up the ladder around here, Destruct. Don't doubt that."

With a nod, Dante asked, "You got a job for me?"

"All the time." Returning to the desk, Knox retrieved a brown paper wrapped package. "Take this to this address," he showed it to him on a separate white strip of paper. "He owes me two grand. Make sure you count it because I've had trouble out of this guy before. When you get back, you've got four coming your way."

"Four hundred?" Dante realized. "Alright!" He took the package along with the address.

"And hey," Knox said after him, "you watch your back riding around out there. I can't find better than you."

Dante smiled back at him before leaving out again. Package tucked under his arm, he walked with ease until he made it back to the fence and nearly fell back at the shock.

"So this is what you meant by courier gig."

"Hey!" Dante reacted to having the package abruptly snatched away from him. "Give it here!"

Applying a hand to the boy's forehead to keep the thin swinging arms at bay, Logan examined what he held. "Now either your ma sent you out for a late night powder sugar run or…" He brought the package up to his nose. "Ooh yeah, that's powder alright." Taking his hand back, Logan used the back of it to cuff Dante at the ear. The teenager hissed sharply and fingers went straight to the struck spot. "Feel free to tell your mama I did that. She and I already have a list to talk about as is. For starters, how you were the one who got them in to rob the hotel last night."

"You need to get the hell out of my way." Dante attempted to move by him.

Logan simply seized him by the arm. "So this is what you're into? This street hood garbage? You think you're hard ball or somethin'?"

Dante jabbed a finger at him. "Lay off me, Wolverine. I ain't out here trying to make chump change on some weak ass paper route. This is my chance to bring in real bread."

"Wrong, bub, wrong," Logan refuted. "This is your chance to wind up in a body bag or behind bars. You think these guys take you seriously? You're just some trained monkey they took on and you're fallin' right for it. Because let me tell you, however hard the system comes down on them, it's comin' down a hell of a lot harder on you."

"That's why I'm sick and tired," Dante shot back. "I already lost of my father and I'll be damned if I watch my mother work herself into an early grave cleaning up after these white fuckers. They ain't like you, Wolverine. Acting like we're supposed to bow down to them just because they stay in suites while my family lives in that elite dungeon in the basement. No, I'm saving up this money, I'm going to college or trade school or wherever I have to, and I'm getting my family out of this."

"What do you think is gonna happen to your family when you get caught up? And I do mean when," Logan reiterated. "They lose you, your mother loses her job thanks to your part in all this, and they're left on these streets. Kelsey and Keith are gonna end up a hundred miles apart if the state gets their hands on them. Then what, smart guy?"

Glaring at him for a long moment, Dante's gaze soon dropped to his shoes.

"Gas station's closed, mister." Both looked over to see Knox with eight other men behind him. "Try us in about six hours."

Logan looked upon them in annoyance. "Tryin' to have a private conversation if you don't mind, bub."

Knox requested calmly, "Give my employee back his order. He's already behind on his delivery and I'd like him home before daylight."

Logan held the package up high. "What's the magic word?" He watched as Knox removed a handgun from inside his jacket. "What is this, sign language?"

Dante, however, proved near breathless at the sight of the weapon. "Knox, what are you doing?"

"Get over here, Destruct," the man commanded.

"But you can't, please," the boy pleaded. "He was about to give it back to me."

Another of the men stepped forward to yank Dante out of the way. "He said get over here."

Dante attempted to struggle. "Wolverine!"

"Keep back, Dante," Logan ordered.

Eyes set forward, Knox pressed the trigger. The bullet connected with his chest, sending Logan back against the fence. Knox sent three more shots around his upper body until he collapsed to the ground.

Dante's insides churned and he struggled to take in air.

A loud cry sounded from behind next and one of the men went to his knees. As they all moved to look, another shouted when an arrow made contact with his leg. Veering swiftly, Kayla used the crossbow to pistol whip another before she delivered a kick to his nearest comrade.

Knox raised his gun but stopped right in his tracks at the abrupt pain. Dropping his weapon, he slowly looked down at his bleeding torso.

Logan pulled back his claws and shoved him into one of his followers, sending them both down. "Stay the fuck away from my wife."

"Yes, the Indian woman with bow and arrow." Weapon reloaded, Kayla hovered the arrow tip over the head of one cowering up against a wall. "A shame I didn't have time to get out my feather headdress for the occasion."

Picking up the gun, Logan positioned the barrel by Knox's temple. "You know that kid?" He gestured with his head towards Dante and Knox nodded hard. "You better forget you ever laid eyes on him."

IIIIIII

Bowed head rising the moment he detected footsteps, Dante watched as the man let himself into the room.

"Where's Mrs. Howlett?" the boy asked worriedly.

"In the lobby," Logan answered shortly. "Cops got 'em loaded up."

Dante rushed up from the bed to approach him. "Are you…" He touched his arms. "Are you okay?"

"I've survived worse. " Logan thought about that. "This last month or so alone."

Dante concluded, "You must've had on serious bulletproof armor. But what I can't figure… how'd you stab Knox like that?" Logan glanced back at him evenly and the young one let it drop. "I'm sorry, Wolverine. I am so sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

"Yeah?" Logan crossed his arms. "Well, "sorry" ain't worth chump change here, kid."

"Why didn't you just tell the cops about me?"

"For what?" Logan came back with. "All lock-up is gonna do is let you back out a thousand times worse than when you came in. As fuckin' stupid as you are for this whole thing, you're only fifteen years old. You need to live your life before you demolish it altogether, "Destruct"."

Dante formed a bashful smile. "Thanks, Wolverine. And hey," he made fists and jabbed at the man playfully, "you and Mrs. Howlett were somethin' else out there. When she came at them with that bow I was about ready to…" He trailed at the dark countenance that looked back at him.

"If you think we're done here, you're more out of your mind than I thought. So I've got two options for you." Logan ticked off a finger. "One, I break your mother's heart by lettin' her know what her firstborn's been up to."

"No!" Dante chimed up immediately. "Wolverine, please. I am begging you. Do not tell her, please."

"Or two," he continued, encroaching on the boy purposefully, "you answer to me."

Uncertain brown eyes regarded the mutant. "What… what're you gonna do to me?"

"If you were my own son, my belt'd be tannin' you into leather right now." Logan took a seat on the edge of the bed. "Pants at your ankles and bend over." When the child seemed catatonic at first, the no-nonsense older male leaned forward. "You want to test me, kid?"

Dante shook his head hard to that and with quivering hands went to undo his jeans. From the brief questioning expression that crossed the boy's face, Logan figured he had not encountered such a punishment in some time. Not that it surprised the veteran very much. When he and Kayla first met the Wallaces after arriving at the hotel, Dante seemed the picture of obedient eldest. Logan also knew what his motivations had been and could not fault him completely, though he would see to it that Dante thought twice before making such a near irreversible mistake again.

Pants all the way down, Dante shielded his face against his shoulder as he lowered over Logan's lap. He could not believe what he would soon be receiving from the man he had shared conversations with and who had helped him with his bike. Yet considering that any other man staying at the hotel would have had him arrested in ten seconds flat, he felt immense gratitude bubbling up within him.

Logan pulled his underwear down, resulting in prompt squirming. "Be. Still." The movements stopped completely.

Bringing his hand up, Logan brought it down with heavy force. Though he knew Dante possessed no healing factor, he knew well that a teenage boy could take a great deal of punishment. Not to mention how much they benefited from a firm hand.

Dante released choked gasps at the smacks that seemed to intensify with each new one. He wanted to jerk and try to run away but did not dare it. After all, Wolverine could still call the police or possibly worse, his mother. Then when his mind tried to escape the pain, he only returned to the images of that gun in Knox's hand and Wolverine nearly dying- because of him. Allowing himself no further dignity, Dante simply gave in to the desire to cry.

The tears were encouraging but not quite enough to slow Logan yet. He lifted a knee to better aim for Dante's sitting region. From there, the strikes moved on to the thighs. By the time he finished, the behind practically glowed with redness. He left a hand on Dante's back for a minute then worked his clothes back up. After he did so, he placed the teenager back on his own feet.

With the tears raining down from the cheeks and the entire thin frame quivering, Logan did not see a disrespectful, troublesome juvenile. He only saw a little boy, not unlike his own.

Getting up, Logan patted his shoulder and gave him a squeeze at the back of the neck. "You did good, pal. Took that like a man. Now stay put."

Not about to be defiant, Dante stayed perfectly in place until he saw the thick wad of bills presented to him. "W… What's this?"

"Take it." Logan placed it inside his hand. "Put that towards trade school. Or college. Wherever you end up."

"I can't take this," Dante insisted.

"The hell you can," Logan countered. "And you are."

Sniffing, Dante held the bills against his chest. "… Thank you."

"You want to thank me? Try makin' somethin' of yourself. The right way." Logan then accepted the hug the youth gave him in turn. "Alright, alright." He rubbed his hand along his back. "Get on in there and wash your face." He nudged him towards the bathroom. "Hurry up before your ma finds you gone."

Dante headed that way but stopped for a moment in the bathroom doorway. "Your son… I hope he knows how lucky he is."

Logan walked over. "I'll be callin' to check in with you every so often. And sometimes I just like to spring up out of nowhere."

Dante found some humor as he said, "I noticed."

"So you better be a regular ace around here," Logan pointed a finger at him, "got me?"

With a nod, the teen answered, "Yes, sir."

"Clean your face already," the man dismissed him. "I'm sick of lookin' at it."

Dante headed for the sink while Logan started out of the room to go down into the lobby.

IIIIIII

Suspended high up by the web ropes, the arachnid mutant moved along between the trees while keeping his gaze pointed downward. Vipera climbed up onto one branch not far from Orb Weaver.

She looked up at the returning Eagle Eye. "Anything?"

"Nothing," he reported, coming in to land next to her.

"We're here!"

Responding to Spiral's voice, Vipera crawled down quickly while Eagle Eye flew. Spiral came forth, the multi-armed woman in possession of the severely battered feline mutant.

"Puma?" Vipera ran to his side. "What did they do to you?"

Eagle Eye glowered. "Beast…"

"There is no way Hank did this alone," Vipera determined. "These X-Men, that thing he married."

Eagle Eye started for the sky. "Oh they have had it."

"No!" Puma looked between all of them. "We've wasted enough time. Beast is no longer worthy of us. We have more important matters ahead of us."

The others nodded and Spiral proposed, "Let's get back to the van."

Puma moved away from her. "I can walk." She nodded and ran to return to the low-lit alley with the others where they'd left their vehicle. Puma glanced back for a moment, "Another day, Sabretooth," then took off through the thick of trees.

IIIIIII

Carryon bag sufficiently packed to capacity, the hastened woman moved on to clearing everything off the dresser. She picked up the bowl containing her jewelry and placed it on the bed to fish through it.

"Logan!" She scrambled to the bottom of the bowl. "Have you seen my gold hoops?"

He called back, "Them big honkin' donuts you wear on your ears?"

"That you got me for our ninth anniversary?" Kayla spoke out towards the bathroom. "Yes."

Logan stepped out, hoops held up to his ears. "Do these bring out my eyes?"

"Give me those," she snatched them away then responded to his question with, "yes, actually," before returning to her bags. "Now hurry. The taxi will be here any minute."

"I'm goin', I'm goin'." He turned to get back to his own packing.

Kayla plopped stray pairs of shoes inside her oversized suitcase. Going to her purse, she performed yet another check.

She released an irritated groan at the ringing telephone. "I'll bet you this is the front desk now. The taxi's already here."

Logan yelled, "He can cozy up to that meter for a few minutes."

Kayla raised the receiver to her ear. "Hello? Yes, this is Mrs. Howlett. Yes. Actually, my husband and I have to leave early so we won't be—" Her eyes glazed over and every muscle on her grew limp as she listened to the caller. "What? Please repeat that…" Dropping the receiver from her suddenly numb hand, Kayla nearly lost feeling in her feet as well as she somehow made it into the bathroom.

Standing inside the tub, Logan darted eyes over at her. "I don't even want to hear it. This room's on the house; these little soaps are ours." He then took in the expression on her face he himself could not even read. "Fox?" He jumped out of the tub to go to her. "What is it? Talk to me."

Managing to find words, Kayla began, "That was the physician from the dance contest on the phone. Apparently, even if we were staying we don't qualify."

"That's probably my fault," Logan figured. "I knew I should've left that third beer alone."

"No, honey. It wouldn't be safe for me to enter." Kayla developed a grin as she went on. "Not with a baby on the way."

Now needing assistance with his own stability, Logan's hands went to her waist. "You mean to tell me you're havin' my baby?"

"Again," Kayla confirmed, moisture pooling higher in her eyes.

Arching his head back, Logan sincerely howled towards the ceiling. "Yes!" Lifting his wife up, he spun in place with her. "Yeeeees!"

Kayla kept arms around his neck, absolute euphoria surrounding her. "I'm not just fat…"

"You are beautiful." Lowering down to the floor, Logan held her on his lap as he kissed every possible area on her face and neck. "The most beautiful woman in this life. Kayla," his blue eyes seemed to capture her brown, "I love you. With my whole heart I do, Fox."

"I love you, too." Kayla caressed his cheek and shared another kiss with him. "Happy Anniversary, Logan. Twelve years."

"Twelve years," he parroted, cherishing her scent as he brought her in as close as he dared. "Going on a hundred."