Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

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

160. Chapter 160 Their Valuable Player

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Sixty

Author's Word: How dare life events prevent me from posting sooner? On a serious note, I'd like to dedicate this chapter to fam member Pickwick12. Keep fighting that fight as the greatest I can offer is continued writing. Please enjoy and review!

With the sun still high and bright above, a complacent breeze waved through the late afternoon. Three of the X-Kids proceeded down the street with the youngest gripping the hands of the other two who walked on either side of her. Out of his school clothes, Scott wore dark blue jeans and a white t-shirt with a depiction of a husky on top of an etched out mountain. Becky had on a long sleeveless pink and white floral dress with ivory sweater. Kiki dressed in a similar lime green coloring.

Becky paused their pacing a moment outside one store window. She indicated to Kiki how the shop keeper had decorated in a Winnie the Pooh play land style. The toddler gazed upon it in near hypnotic intrigue.

"Hey, head's up!"

Getting in front of the girls in a rapid stepping, Scott caught the small sphere that almost collided with them.

A brunette teenager a few inches above Scott's height jogged up to them. "Sorry about that." He then squinted beyond Scott's shoulder. "Oh, hey Becky."

"Hi, Gary." Becky then explained to Scott, "His sister and I used to be in dance class together."

"Ah," Scott nodded. "Here you go." He tossed him the baseball.

Gary seized it between both hands. "That was a pretty swell catch by the way." He moved back a few yards from them. "Try it again." Shrugging a shoulder, Scott grabbed it when it came his way again then threw it back. "Whoa," Gary studied the ball, "and an even better pitch." He walked back to them. "You in Little League or anything?"

"Oh no," Scott answered. "But I'd love to go out for it someday."

Gary's featured lightened immensely. "I'm glad you said that. I'm captain of the Jaguars, down at the community center. We've lost three guys since the season started. One's folks made him quit on account of his grades and two moved. We're holding try-outs on Friday to fill spots. You interested, um?..."

"Scott," he filled in, "Scott Summers. You really want me to try out?"

Bobbing his head, Gary said, "Four o'clock out back behind the center." He glanced beyond Scott. "If you're still into dancing, the cheerleaders are itching for new recruits, too. Trust me, they could use you."

Becky's eyes twinkled at that. "Really? It sounds like fun, but only if Scott makes the team."

"I don't think either one of you has anything to worry about," Gary stated. "I'll catch you later." He aimed two fingers at them as he headed away the other direction. "As in Friday at four."

They waved after him and Kiki made use of both arms to do so.

"Scott, this is great." Becky touched his shoulder. "I remember you telling me you wanted to play baseball one day."

"Yeah…" A somewhat entranced Scott turned to look at her. "And you'll really go out for cheerleading?"

"Of course," she grinned. "This is going to be so much fun."

"Hey, Scott."

The boy in question brought his communicator to his lips. "Yeah, Frank?"

"You guys better hustle back here," the city native advised. "We've got to get home to train and you know Laci needs to get going."

"Right," Scott responded. "Be right there." He lifted Kiki up to carry and guided their return to the ice cream parlor where the other five awaited with their various bicycles.

Laci said, "I'm sorry I have to rush back. My mom and dad don't like me out for too long."

"It's okay, Laci," Joey reassured. "We need to leave now, too."

"Yeah, trust me," Frank clipped on his helmet, "if anyone knows about folks pitchin' a fit it's us."

"And my ma'll go ballistic if I don't get this butter pecan to her." Cody placed the well packaged dessert inside his backpack.

"Here we go." Scott situated Kiki inside the wooden wagon Logan had rigged up to attach to the rear of their bicycles. He clipped the made-on seatbelt around her waist.

"Race you guys!" Trav attempted to pedal away at top speed on his red and yellow The Flash tricycle.

"We'll see about that." Cody went right after him.

"Easy on the road rage, guys," said Frank.

Joey and Laci moved alongside each other while Becky did the same with Scott. Kiki made steering wheel motions in her makeshift vehicle.

IIIIIII

Removing his Cyclops uniform the moment he made it back to his room, Scott changed back into regular clothes only to rush out again. Adjusting his shades so that they stayed in place with his hurried pace, he found the still dressed Magneto and Professor in X-Men attire in the former's den.

"Oh Scott," the English headmaster acknowledged, "done training already?"

"Yes, sir," Scott replied. "And I only have a little homework left to finish. I made sure to get a dent in it before we went for sodas."

"Good." The Professor's telepathic senses went off. "Did you need something?"

Magneto stroked his chin. "Or want something perhaps?"

"Well, yes. You see," Scott collected his words as best he could, "I met the captain of the community center's baseball team. He told me about try-outs coming up and he thinks I have what it takes to make the cut. So can I go for it? Please?" He looked on as the Headmasters exchanged a rather lengthy look.

Professor X spoke first. "We're going to have to think about this, Scott. With all that's happened of late, we have to be especially caution."

Scott regarded them in confusion. "But I don't understand. Joey takes art, Cordelia's in gymnastics, Cody's doing karate- why can't I do something, too?"

The Professor explained, "Joey's powers are of no concern when he's in art class. In fact, being there soothes him if anything. And Cordelia has a greater level of control. The same could be said for Cody."

"As much as I hate to bring this up," Magneto started, "you have been known to stumble and lose your glasses more than once. All it takes is the smallest flare to alert any disguised government agent of your mutation."

"But I always shut my eyes," Scott reminded them.

"One accident could risk a great deal," Magneto emphasized. "You've had them before."

Scott's shoulders slumped. "But…"

"Now we're not saying no just yet," Professor X placated. "I'll call an instructors meeting after dinner and we'll discuss it in full."

Exhaling through his nose, Scott said, "Alright," and headed out.

The men shared another look as the youth left.

IIIIIII

"Would you relax?" Frank placed down another playing card on the short table.

"That's easy for you to say," Scott sulked, only half involved in their game. "Your eyes have an off button."

"Alex is an instructor now, remember?" Frank raised. "You know he'll go out on a limb for you, just like he did for Cordy. Not to mention Hank, Mr. Mega Athlete himself."

"That's right, Scott," Becky smiled at him over her cards, "don't worry. They'll convince Papa and Uncle Charles. So will Auntie Em."

"Why waste time talkin' about it?" Cody popped his head up through the opening of the treehouse. "They're about to start the meetin' now. We can hear for ourselves."

Scott looked between Frank and Becky before starting down the ladder after Cody. Joey awaited them. Once they all reached the bottom, they made purposeful treks for the mansion and up to the library.

Warm body of the newborn securely against his chest, Hank patted the small back gently. "You know what you're going to do for me tonight? Specifically, not do? You're not going to make odd gurgling noises in the middle of the night, alarm your mother, and drag me out of bed only for you to deliver a sizable belch. Alright, little Hank?"

Brian seized a little fistful of the man's shirt.

"Pretty sure that's tyke talk for "don't count on it"," Logan smirked from his chair.

"If it makes you feel better, I suffered from lack of sleep last night as well," said Charles, reaching over to tug on his son's padded foot. "Someone got me right in the eye."

Kayla looked over. "He kicked you?"

Charles breathed in all dignity as he answered, "He squirted me."

Alex, Erik, and Victor broke into laughter while Hank and the women attempted to refrain.

Logan threw his head back in a guffaw. "Yeah, get used to that with a baby boy. Cody hosed me down every chance he got. At least they got good aim."

"Lovely," Charles folded his hands to prop up his chin, "perhaps when your little one is born we can line them side by side and have a distance contest."

Victor said, "I think we're leanin' towards pink around here."

Emma shrugged casually. "If you really can't stand the wait, Charles and I can still try to…"

Kayla shook her head. "Don't you dare."

"Yeah, you keep that tele-phooey out of this," said Logan. "We're old-fashioned mutants."

Erik cleared his throat. "I believe we should move this along to Scott."

"Yes," Charles concurred then faced the ones gathered. "Erik and I have concerns about this but we want to hear some of your thoughts on the baseball issue."

"Oh yeah, that." Logan waved a hand. "Let the kid batter up."

Victor said, "Yeah, I think Shades can keep it together pretty well out there."

Erik informed, "His 'shades' are exactly where our concerns lie. If he loses them suddenly, his powers could react before he can."

Kayla faced her husband and brother-in-law. "Scott doesn't have the advantage of concealment that Cody has. To any on-lookers he's simply a resilient, athletic little boy. Scott would be seen as an abnormality at best."

"Now honestly," at Brian reaching for his mother, Hank gave him over to Emma, "if I could manage to keep my feet contained during my many years of football, I don't believe Scott will have very much difficulty."

Emma adjusted her baby in her arms. "You seem to be forgetting how Scott and I first met. He obliterated a store wall and those sick people wanted to rip him apart. That was well before the threat of containment. I refuse to have something similar happen again."
"Yes, I agree." Charles then turned to Alex. "What do you think about this?"

Arms folded, the formerly quiet blonde raised his head. "It sounds like a bad idea. After what happened to Sean…" he shook his head, "No, not a chance. I think it's better for Scott to hold off on this kind of thing."

"Then that settles it," said Erik. "No try-outs."

Five children with enlarged pupils lingered out in the hall.

"Oh man," reacted Cody.

"I- I can't believe this." Frank stood in sincere shock. "Alex?"

Becky turned to the one with clenched jaw and joints. "Scott…"

He marched off from them and did not stop until he reached his bedroom.

Joey and the boys looked after him in sympathy while Becky glanced away, her expression almost equally dejected.

IIIIIII

After a fourth knock that resulted in zero answer, the door came open partly and Alex looked inside.

"Hey, squirt. Just wanted to check on you."

The pajama adorned boy kept his attention on the paper in front of him as he continued to write.

Alex sat on the edge of his bed. "I know how sore you must be feeling right now and I don't blame you. But Scottie, you have to—"

"Get out."

The blonde raised an eyebrow. "Scott, come on. I know you're ticked, but—"

Scott threw his pen down and practically flew up from his desk chair as he finally veered around. "You don't know anything! You're unbelievable, you know that? So you'll stick your neck out so Cordelia can take gymnastics but you can't shoot me down fast enough?"

"Scott," Alex retained his calm as he stood, walking over to leave only a few inches between them, "that was a completely different situation. Cordy's powers never just flare up. I'd be worried about you every day on that field. You didn't see where they took Sean. There was a little boy in there completely covered in marks from all the tests they ran on him. One girl was too terrified to speak. I don't want you to wind up like that."

"Sean got taken because he left out late at night and tried to fly." Scott jabbed at himself. "I know we're not supposed to do that and I wouldn't try. You know I wouldn't, either." A recognizable glare could be made out clear through his ruby quartz. "I know what your real problem is."

"Oh okay, smart guy." Alex flapped his arms indignantly. "What's my real problem?"

"You're not scared about something happening to me. You're scared that I could be an even better baseball player than you ever were."

Having expected a multitude of responses except for that, Alex could only come back with, "What?"

Scott crossed his arms. "Alex is such an amazing player; he made MVP. Alex got an outstanding score on his GED and got into college all by himself. Alex is a great surfer, a great motorcyclist, a great instructor, a great friend, a "great" brother. Alex can have any girl he wants, even ones he doesn't want. Alex this, Alex that." Scott scoffed. "You cannot stand the idea that for once I might get noticed. That little Scottie might be more than just the shy klutz."

"Okay," Alex ran frustrated fingers through his hair, "you are so far off here, we're not even on neighboring planets."

Scott only went on with, "I swear, one of these days I'm going to show you. I'll show everybody. Just you wait." Going over, he held his door open further. "Get out."

Alex stared at him a moment. "Fine, think what you want." He left out of the room.

Scott slammed the door after him, kicking it as soon as it shut.

Walking until he reached the top of the stairs, Alex leaned against the banister. As his insides seemed to contort, he used the wood to remain upright.

IIIIIII

Gaze locked yet focused on nothing under the minimal light from her windows, the girl detached herself from bed. Getting her robe and slippers on, she made a path for the downstairs. Unsurprisingly to her, she found the kitchen light on. Stepping inside, she next saw the boy seated at the table, stroking the smooth texture of the cookie jar.

"Scott?"

"Rebecca." He looked her way, putting on a weak smile. "Thought I was hungry." She took the chair next to his. "I still can't get over this. Geez, Alex…"

"I know. Everything would have been okay if they'd listened to Big Bear or Knight Victor." Becky supported her cheek with her fist. "Or even Logan."

"Tell me about it." Scott pushed the cookie jar back. "So much for the Jaguars. And to think I really had a chance to finally play baseball."

She informed, "You still have a chance." Scott peered at her questioningly. "No way am I letting this get messed up for you."

His expression became a mix of excitement and intrigue. "You have an idea?"

Green eyes glinted back at him.

IIIIIII

Conversation during breakfast consisted of a few barbs exchanged between Logan and Cody and Maya speaking to Kayla's stomach every so often. At the other end of the table, Charles attempted to bring up new topics. Cordelia responded to him occasionally but seemed very into her own thoughts. Frank, Joey, and even Kiki kept more attention on Scott, who created forceful clanking noises every time he stabbed at his breakfast. Hank, Raven, Sean, and Leon looked to an equally heated Alex, knowing who Scott most likely felt like really wounding. Becky remained aglow, humming while she ate and listening intently to Trav talk about their last science class.

"Alex, Raven, Leon," Erik's voice made them all snap to alertness his way, "you'd best be off to school."

"Yes, sir." Alex dropped his napkin onto the plate as he got up.

Leon nodded and stood next.

"Bye, Mommy." Trav reached around to give her as strong a squeeze as he could.

Raven kissed Hank and offered pecks to their children. "Poe's work seem so warm and inviting at this moment." She and the male WU students left the dining room.

"Well," Victor spoke, "I'm goin' to work."

"Me, too." Logan looked to the other X-Men. "Y'all ain't no fun this mornin'."

"Hey Maya, let's go on a quick walk before class," Sean suggested.

"Okay," she accepted gladly.

Scott piped up, "Try to keep your feet on the ground out there. You've caused enough trouble."

"Scott," Charles and Emma reproached together.

Sean remained quiet and Maya took his arm to guide them out.

As most of the room cleared out, Charles said pointedly, "Scott, I know how disappointed you are but I will not stand for you being flippant with everyone."
Before another adult could speak, Becky announced brightly, "I want to be a cheerleader."

Emma, who worked to clear the table, promptly plopped the dishes back down and one hand went to her chest. "No, no, no, no- I couldn't have possibly heard that correctly. Sweetheart, please repeat that."

Becky did so. "I want to be a cheerleader. Try-outs are on Friday and I really—"

"No!" Emma bent at her chair, clutching both sides of the girl's round face. "No my darling, you are too intelligent, too lovely, too refined to get involved with those horrible pretentious back-stabbing vultures."

"Emma," Charles reasoned, "you're talking about little girls."

The blonde set him with a dark gaze. "They start in the womb."

"But I really want to do it," Becky went on. "I said I wanted to try new things after I stopped dancing. Please?" She looked to the side. "Please, Papa?"

Erik glanced briefly at Scott as he said, "Rebecca, now really isn't the time to—"

"I'm fine with it," Scott stated. "In fact, I'd like to escort her myself on Friday. None of you support me but I support Rebecca."

Emma went right to him at that. "Scott, that is not remotely true and you know it. You know well how cautious we must—"

"Please, Em," Scott interjected politely. "I don't want to talk about it anymore."

Becky pulled at her father's shirt sleeve. "Papa, cheerleading. Please?"

Erik sighed deeply, staring down at his plate before bringing his face up again. "Alright, you may do it." Leaving Becky to clap and grin, he looked to Scott next. "And I would appreciate your escorting her."

"However," said Charles, "if this foul mood keeps up for much longer, you will not be going anywhere for some time. Is that understood, Mr. Summers?"

"Yes, sir." Scott inched out his chair to rise. "We better get our books, Rebecca."

Becky nodded and got up. "And don't worry, Auntie. I promise not to become a pretentious vulture." She skipped beside Scott as they took their leave.

Emma let off a moan. "Why… why?"

IIIIIII

Stepping into the nursery, Alex stayed in place while taking in the ten-year-old gripping the bars on the crib that separated him from the newborn within. Tipping up in a stealth motion, he clamped arms around the pajama dressed boy from behind.

Joey snickered and squirmed playfully.

"Oh I make you laugh when I sneak up, huh?" Going to the rocking chair, Alex sat in it with the younger blonde on his lap. "When we met face to face you screamed your lungs out louder than he does at night." He used his shoulder to gesture towards Brian.

Joey relaxed against him. "That's 'cause I was dopey."

"Hey, I'm Dopey," Alex claimed. "You're Happy, remember? At least according to Becky."

Noticing something in the other set of blue eyes, Joey inquired, "What's the matter?"

Alex rested his chin on top of Joey's head. "Got a lot on my mind, that's all."

Joey listened to the beating from the teen's chest for a few seconds. "Al, if I say something, will you get mad?"

"Might not be too thrilled but I won't get mad." Alex rubbed his back reassuringly. "Promise."

"Why can't Scott just do what he wants? His powers don't even go off like mine."

"That's true, buddy, but when they do it's nothing like with you," Alex tried to explain. "We can't give him a little spanking to make it better. People will see it. People who might not be too friendly. And after what they did to Sean," he held the boy tighter, "I don't want anything to happen to you guys, ever. Not even for a split second."

Getting on his knees, Joey joined nose tips with him. "I love you, Al."

Alex formed a smile. "Music to my ears, Eel." He reached lips up to kiss his forehead. "Love you, too, baby."

IIIIIII

"I can't believe I'm doing this." Scott took a tall leap, capturing the hurling ball inside his glove.

"I don't like it, either, but I don't want you to miss this," Becky said, going to pick up the bat. She wore a Yankees cap while Scott had on one of the Giants.

"Not just this secret stuff." Scott walked until a decent ten feet separated them and he prepared to pitch. "I'm actually getting the chance to do something I really want. Something I could be good at." He sent out the ball.

Becky spun in a circle with the bat, completely missing the ball. "Well, that's strike one."

Scott chuckled. "May not be the best moves for baseball but that'll definitely put you in the running for cheerleading."

Becky giggled and tossed the ball back. "Try again."

"We've been at this an hour." Scott looked up through the trees at the barely risen sun. "You sure you're okay?"

Becky assured, "I'm fine. Let's keep going."

They did, continuing to play for another thirty minutes until Scott found better security in his runs, batting, and especially pitch.

"Tomorrow's going to be here too soon," he said as they started packing everything up into Becky's old dance bag. "I hope I'm ready."

"We'll practice early tomorrow, too," Becky raised. "And after dinner, too. We just need to keep far away from the cameras."

"Thanks." Scott's expression grew deeper in ponder, though. "Sometimes, usually when I'm asleep, I get these flashes of sitting in my mom's lap, watching her and Dad and everyone go wild at the games. Everybody's always rooted for Alex Summers."

"Hm," Becky shrugged. "I don't know about that. I've always rooted for Scott Summers myself."

Scott stood from the bag, eying her quietly. "You know, it makes me real happy to be doing this with you. It means a lot to have somebody like you believe in me so much."

Becky regarded him curiously. "Like me?"

"Well, you know," Scott struggled for the words, "you're just so- plain amazing, Rebecca."

No sound came from her partly open mouth at first. "Some amazing. I know I'm not the greatest baseball buddy in the world."

Scott countered, "Says who?" He watched as she clamped her hands together suddenly. "You cold? Here," he took her thin appendages and slipped them into his jacket pockets, "is that better?"

Becky looked into his face. "Yes, thanks."

Leaving his own hands at her forearms a moment, Scott blinked twice. "We better get back before Victor patrols through here."

Jumping to attention at that, she waited for Scott to grab her dance bag and they scurried off. Both remembered to snatch off their caps before nearing the house.

IIIIIII

Warm-ups complete, Gary looked up in time to catch who headed his way. "Hey, Scott," they exchanged a hand slap, "you made it. Ahead of time, too."

Scott said, "I wasn't about to miss a minute of this."

When the rest of the boys gathered, an older man of average height got their attention with a powerful whistle blow. "Alright, listen up. For those of you who don't know, I'm Coach Dan Sealy. I sponsored the Jaguars here at the center before most of you were born. Now, today's try-outs are to fill positions in—" He zeroed in on one child. "What's your name?" Scott pointed at himself. "Yeah, you."

"Scott Summers, sir," he answered.

Dan raised an eyebrow at him. "Can you see out of those things?"

"Yes, sir," Scott responded again. "Especially in daylight. I just have a small eye condition."

"Eye condition, huh?" The coach scratched his chin. "I don't know. Might be a liability…"

Gary piped up, "Don't judge a guy by his specs, Coach. See him in action. He won't let you down."

Thinking it over, Dan conceded with, "Alright. Let's see what you got, Summers."

Scott did not know whether to smile or pay attention to the growing knot in his stomach.

Lined up amongst a swarm of blondes it seemed, Becky clicked the toes of her sneakers with each other as she watched one of the girls finish her audition. In a bubblegum pink t-shirt, she outlined the diamond pattern on her soft capri shorts.

"Thank you, Brenda," Coach Cynthia, a woman with shoulder-length light brown hair said after the routine ended. Reading through her clipboard, she called forth, "Rebecca- I apologize, sweetie. How do you say your last name?"

"Lehn-sherr," Becky sounded out.

Then the realization hit that her time had come. Taking the blue and gold pompoms Brenda handed over to her, Becky took to the wood floor.

Facing the on-lookers before her, she stayed completely still until she jumped with arms upraised. "J-A-G! U-A-R! The Jaguars are the best by far!" She twirled briskly, long pigtails almost swirling together like blades on a blender. "Go, go Jaguars! Rawr!" She finished with a one-knee drop, pompoms held high.

While pleasure crossed her features, Cynthia only said, "Thank you, Rebecca," before sending out the next girl. Once all performances came to an end, she addressed the entire group. "You all displayed fine form out there. Now, we don't do this with nearly the same formalities at the school. And with the great routines I saw, it is my pleasure to welcome the four of you space on the squad." She had to cover her ears at the shrieking that followed.

Practically bursting at the seams, Becky ran at her housemate when he came into the center from the back. "Scott, I made the squad!"

He gave her a weak smile. "That's great, Rebecca. I knew you could do it."

She immediately frowned. "What happened? They didn't let you on the team? They better have because there is no way I'm doing this without—"

"Easy, easy," he raised a hand, becoming a bit more amused by her reaction, "Coach Dan is posting the list tomorrow. I just hate having to wait another night."

"Hey," Becky spoke pointedly, "we made it this far."

"Yeah," Scott's smile grew, "we sure did."

IIIIIII

An eternity seemed to pass between removing his uniform and putting his other clothes on. He finished by swapping out his visor for his shades. Scott attempted to concentrate on his weekend homework but the inner workings of his own mind got the better of him. Going to the bathroom he normally used, he splashed cool water on his face.

"Scottie?"

He sighed into the sink. "What do you want?"

"Look at me." Alex took his arm and bent to his level, checking over his face. "I knew you looked wiped at training. What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Scott pushed out of his touch and went back over to his room.

Alex promptly followed. "Come on downstairs. Rae's got dinner on the table."

Scott sat on the end of his bed and picked up the comic book he'd left on the mattress. "I'm not hungry."

"Geez," Alex took a seat beside him, "I didn't know this baseball thing meant this much to you." He stroked his forehead. "I don't want you to be sick."

Scott arched his head back from his reach. "You don't know a whole lot, do you? Like when to get out of my face."

"Okay, you know what? Enough's enough." Alex gripped him by the arm again, bringing him down and over his lap.

"Hey!" Scott protested, kicking beginning immediately. "Let me go!"

Alex swatted his bottom twice. "I'm done with you brushing me off." He gave him a sharp one on his thigh. "Stay still, Scott Summers or I'm going to take your pants down." Scott stopped moving but crossed his arms in a huff. Alex brought down two more smacks and lifted up his brother right after. "Sorry I had to do that, Scottie, but you're worrying me. Now talk to me."

"Lemme alone." Scott kept his gaze away from him. "You don't understand, anyway."

"Of course I understand. You think I don't have my own favorite sports? Baseball included."

"Yeah, and that's why I was hoping to do this with you." Alex remained quiet as Scott went on. "I thought we could play together and you'd help me be ready for the team. Something we'd have that's just for us." Scott stood up from him. "But oh well, that's out now."

"Scott, I am sorry." Alex got up, putting a hand to the boy's back. "I didn't know that's how you felt about it."

"Just leave me alone." Scott flopped down onto his bed.

Alex stooped down by him. "Will you eat a little dinner if I bring it up? If you do get sick Hank'll come poking at you."

"Fine," Scott exhaled into his pillow.

Only looking at him for another moment, Alex returned to his feet.

The second he heard his door shut, Scott's hands went back to rub his bottom.

IIIIIII

Bikes coming to a stop outside the black gate, the two stayed in place at the plethora of boys hovering at the bulletin board.

Smiling, Becky glanced up at the taller child. "Well, go on."

Looking to her as well, Scott reached out and shared a brief hand squeeze with her before venturing forward. Before he could fully make it to the list, he felt a hand come down to mess his hair.

"Hey, Summers," Gary patted his shoulder, "nice job. Of course, I know good when I see it."

Careful to keep his glasses steady, the eyes behind them widened. "You mean…?" Trying not to completely shove through the others, he indeed discovered his name as second on the list. "Yes!... Yes!" He spun around. "Rebecca!"

Running to him, she nearly stumbled in her haste. "You did it. You did it, didn't you?"

Scott threw arms around her. "We did it."

Becky hugged him at the neck. "Oh I knew it!"

The sharp whistle made them all look over. "Jaguars old and new, hustle up." The boys went to circle around Coach Dan. "Congratulations to all of our new guys. For those of you who didn't make the running, I invite you to give it another try next season." From his clipboard, he began distributing forms printed on goldenrod. "I'm going to need these back before the first game, up-to-date physicals on everyone."

Scott felt everything in him drain out the moment the form reached his hand. "Physical…?"

"And hey Summers," Dan addressed, "I need an additional okay for you saying it's alright for you to play with those specs on."

"Right," Scott nodded feebly. "No problem, Coach." He returned to Becky. "We have a problem."

IIIIIII

With her newborn sufficiently bundled from any brisk winds the outdoors had to offer, Emma stepped out to the backyard. Honing in on the forlorn girl, she walked her way.

"Don't you have something to tell me, young lady?"

Becky looked up urgently. "What do you mean, Auntie?"

"You and Scott went to find out the results from cheerleading today, right?" Emma sat by her, propping up Brian with her right arm, "How did it go?"

Becky played with one of the baby's fists. "You won't be happy."

"Oh darling." Emma dipped to connect shoulders with her. "I know how disapproving I was of all of this. My own cheerleading memories were nothing of the joy and excitement the activity should be. But you are in a league all your own and I know you'll be beautiful out there."

Becky hugged her arm. "Thank you, Auntie."

Emma kissed her head then turned to Brian. "Let's see about Joey and the others, hm?" She carried him over to where the rest of the children played.

Becky sensed it when the spot next to her became filled by someone else. "Hi."

"Hi," Scott returned, gaze locked forward on nothing in particular.

"Any ideas."

"Fat chance. You?"

She said, "We can't forge it. I don't want to do that to Hank."

"Yeah, and Leon seriously caught it when he pulled that goofy stunt." Scott used a fist to prop up his jaw. "I can't believe I came this close and now," he watched as Kiki toddled over, leaving both her small hands on his thigh, "it's like it was all for nothing."

"Don't say that," Becky urged. "We'll figure out something."

"… And I know what." Scott's countenance turned into one of resolve. "I have to come clean to Charles and Erik."

Becky seconded, "I'm coming with you."

"No, Rebecca," he protested. "I've already pulled you into this far enough. I don't want you to hang with me, too."

"I'm sticking by you, Scott," she said resolutely. "No matter what. Besides, this won't be much fun without the family at the games with us."

"You said that right," Scott concurred. "Okay, let's go. Come on, Kiki," he picked her up as they stood, "we could use all the support we can get."

Unsurprisingly, they found the Headmaster pair in the parlor.

"Well, well," Erik acknowledged first pleasantly. "Who do we have here?"

Scott put Kiki down so that she could go to him.

"Scottie and Becca sad," the three-year-old reported as Erik placed her on his knee.

"I knew something was wrong when you returned home today." Charles looked to Becky. "It's about the cheerleading squad, isn't it?"

"Yes." Becky then added, "Sort of."

Scott inched forward nearer to the men. "I went to baseball try-outs yesterday."

Erik narrowed his eyes. "You did what?"

"And I made the team," the boy continued.

"Did you?" Charles reacted though his expression proved unreadable.

Scott concluded with, "But now I need a physical and for Hank to fill out the form saying I'm good to play," he indicated his glasses, "with these."

Erik recounted, "So you disobeyed us, crept around behind our backs, and now you're confessing all simply because you've hit a wall?" He eyed his daughter. "And you helped him with this?"

"That's not the only reason we're here, Papa." Becky stepped up beside Scott. "Scott wants to play ball and I want to cheerlead but we want the rest of you out there with us. Please understand."

"I'm sorry I did it this way," Scott said. "But being on this team was important to me. I've wanted to play baseball for a long time now. With this mutant thing going on, I knew you wouldn't be able to see things my way."

"Scott," Charles spoke, "Rebecca, go to your rooms, please. We'll be up shortly."

"Don't be mad at Rebecca," Scott insisted. "She only did this for me. I take responsibility."

Becky looked at him. "Scott."

"Upstairs, both of you. Take Kiki with you." Erik placed her down.

While Kiki joined hands with Becky, Scott wanted to know, "Can I stay on the team?"

"Scott." Ever patient, Charles simply gestured upward.

Carrying heavy shoulders, the children left the room.

IIIIIII

When the inevitable knock came, Scott ceased transferring the ball back and forth to his gloved hand.

"Come in," he invited.

The Professor did, closing the door behind himself. "You certainly surprised me today. Not that you made the team of course but I've never known you to defy me with such vigor. Why, Scott?" He laid a hand on top of the boy's head. "Was this all about making the team or something more?"

Scott stood and walked off a few paces. "Most guys would be over the moon to hear their boys made the baseball team. I guess it'd be a bigger deal if it was chess club, huh?"

"Scott, that is not true." Charles took a seat and pulled him in to sit on his lap with the boy's back against his chest. "I'm very proud of your skill and effort. However, that does not change the fact that you disobeyed me, young man. What if something had happened with your eyes out there? No one outside of Becky would have been there to help you. What if you'd been taken away from me?"

"I know I didn't think this all the way through but I wanted to prove I'm not some klutz." Scott moved to look at him. "It was just so important. At least it seemed that way. Now I'm not altogether sure. Especially since I know you'll never forgive me, definitely not trust me again."

Charles smacked at his bottom soundly. "Don't you even suggest such a thing. Of course I forgive you. And this isn't about trust." He took him by the chin. "You must be obedient to me, especially when dealing with matters of mutation. If you defy me, I'm going to spank your bare bum every time. And I will forgive you and keep on loving you every time as well."

Scott leaned against him. "Thank you, Charles. I really felt lousy disobeying you. That was the worst part."

Charles hugged him. "You disobeyed the others and Alex as well. He loves you very much and it would crush him to lose you again. I know that isn't always simple for you to see, with both of you having the strong wills that you do."

"No kidding," Scott agreed in more ways than one.

With a kiss to the boy's cheek, Charles then instructed, "Bring me your ruler, Scott."

Getting up, the twelve-year-old went to his desk. To his chagrin, he found the requested implement right on top. He gripped it and returned it to the Professor. Charles put the wooden stick to the side and reached out for Scott's blue jeans. Trying not to fidget, Scott felt his face heat up.

Once he had the pants lowered, Charles placed the thin boy across his knees. He pushed his underwear down next before picking up the ruler. Scott sucked a sharp breath when he experienced the first whack.

Charles administered five blows before he spoke again. "Why am I punishing you, Scott?"

It took everything for him not to squirm. "I disobeyed you and put myself in harm's way. And Rebecca, too!"

Another whack met his thighs. "And what am I going to do if you behave in such a way again?"

"Spank me!"

"How am I going to spank you, Scott? With your trousers up or down?"

"Down!" Scott ground out.

After twelve with the ruler, Charles literally flung it to the side. He finished with an equal amount by his own hand, mostly aimed at his sitting areas. Between the tears and the thoroughly reddened behind, he decided it done. He worked Scott's briefs up and removed his pants completely, not wanting to irritate him further. Charles picked his young Cyclops up into a strong hug.

Scott found solace against the man's shoulder. He could not cry as openly like most people and had to wipe the building moisture out from under his glasses every so often.

Feeling the distress himself, Charles resituated him into a cradling position. "Close your eyes." Scott listened and Charles removed the shades. He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and started cleaning his face. "There's my handsome lad."

Scott managed a weak smile. "I'm sorry, Charles."

"I know." Charles wiped off the frames before placing them on the boy's face again. "And you're already forgiven. And you'd best remember that I love you."

"I love you, too," Scott returned. "I never want you to think I'm not grateful for what you do for me, but I… I wanted to prove myself."

"I'm familiar with that feeling," Charles said honestly. "And I suppose you want to know whether I'm going to allow you to remain on this team or not."

"I know I don't deserve it…"

Charles kissed his chin. "Erik and I are going to discuss it and you, young man, are going to rest." He pulled back the blankets then laid him on his stomach and covered him. "Not a peep until I call for you, alright?" He rubbed his back.

"Yes, sir." Scott drifted off under the welcomed touch, not about to disobey again.

II

When he arrived outside his little girl's bedroom, he discovered her door partly open. Knowing he was expected, he still tapped knuckles lightly on the wooden frame before coming inside.

Green eyes peered over from where she clutched her bear on the bed. "Hi, Papa."

"Hi, my Anya." He walked over, sitting near enough to her on the bed but across to face her. "So, your sudden yearn to be a cheerleader was nothing more than a ploy for Scott to attend his own try-outs."

"Yes, Papa," she nodded. "It was my idea."

"I know how much you two care about each other and I'll never object to that." Erik then asked, "But why would you help him, even encourage him to disregard us that way?"

"I wasn't trying to do that, Papa." Becky placed Sweetie Imp down to connect hands with him. "Honest. But I know how Scott feels. You didn't want me to dance at first. I couldn't imagine if my powers kept me from doing things. I'd hate them. I think that's how Scott feels sometimes."

"That's not what we want." Erik reached out to cup her cheek. "I want all of you to take pride in your powers, not see them as hindrances. However, there are those who do not see them for the gifts they are. People who could do terrible things to all of you. That's what Charles and I want to avoid at all costs. If I have to question it every time I allow you out of this house then I won't let you to set so much as a foot outside the door."

Becky's eyes grew at that. "Oh Papa, please. Don't do that. We weren't trying to be bad." She lowered her head. "I'm so sorry."

Erik raised her hand to kiss the palm. "I won't barricade you- not yet. However, you're going to get a good spanking for how you behaved and acted recklessly. Because whatever way your heart may lead you astray, it is never alright to disobey me. Do you understand me, Anya?"

"Yes, Papa," she nodded hard.

Erik gripped her at the waist and brought her over his legs so that her upper and lower body remained comfortably on the mattress without dangling. In one swift motion, he got her soft pants and underwear down to just below her bottom. Becky herself covered her face from the blush she felt coming on. Then her father's hand came down and her attention went elsewhere.

Knowing that being in a bared position added to the lesson, Erik did not make things go longer than necessary. He applied ten to her rear and aimed lower for the rest, despite her inevitable tears making him want to cease completely.

When he finished, he hastened to fix her clothes for her. He brought her up into his tight hold the second after. Becky tossed one arm around his neck and cried into his shirt. With his baby in his clutch, Erik carried her over the bathroom. He used chilled water to calm the nearly overheated round face. That eased some of her tears as well.

"I'm sorry, Papa," she sniffed.

Erik kissed her by her ear and on the cheek. "It's alright now, ladybug." He played with a few of her curls. "You'll know to mind us next time, yes?" She nodded. "That's my good little girl." He brought her back to her room to lay down. "Naptime for you. Papa will stay with you for a bit then Uncle Charles and I need to speak."

"'Kay." She held onto his hand. "I love you, Papa."

"And I love you." He handed her Sweetie Imp to cuddle with. "More than you know, child."

IIIIIII

With a small murmur, the eyelids peeled back hardly a crack before the ruby tinted lenses covered the pupils. Scott started to rise in bed until he felt a slight addition to his weight. Pulling back his blankets, he discovered the melting ice bag positioned between his bottom and thighs. Removing it, he also took note of the small relief from his earlier burning soreness.

Getting up, he found a fresh pair of comfortable pants to slip into. He experienced a grumble to his stomach but remembered Charles' words about staying put until being called. Scott kept away from his toys and comic books as well.

The wait proved only minutes long as his name soon echoed throughout the room. Scott?

Yes sir?

I'm glad you're awake. Please come to the parlor. Erik and I are waiting on you.

Be right there, the boy sent back.

The youth left his room in time to catch a certain girl also departing from her own. "Rebecca," he went to her, "are you alright?"

She nodded then asked curiously, "Did you wake up on ice?"

"Yeah," he replied with slight humor.

They joined hands and proceeded down together. Upon arriving in the parlor, Becky only let go of them to gingerly sit on her father. Scott stood across from them in front of Charles on the other loveseat, remaining in place until he received instruction.

Charles brought him into a quick hug before easing him onto his legs. "Did you have a good sleep?"

"Yes, sir," Scott answered.

Charles looked to the little girl. "Princess?"

"Yes, Uncle Charles," she answered, clutching Erik's lower arm in comfort.

"Very good," Charles nodded. "Now, we've been talking."

Erik went on with, "We want to hear any good reason why we should allow you to continue these extra-cirriculars after the way you went about them."

Becky peered over at Scott, who responded, "You shouldn't. I'm sorry, Charles and Erik. I have no excuse for going this far, even if I did think it was unfair. I've been trying to pull my weight more and prove myself around here, but I know I only loused it up. And…" He dipped his chin. "That's not what a leader does."

"No," Erik reached over to raise the young chin and look through the shades into his eyes, "that's what a learning little boy," he squeezed his daughter, "and girl do."

"Yes," Charles supported. "We can't possibly ask it of you when we ourselves are not perfect."

Becky rolled her head back to peer up at Erik. "You're not?"

He chuckled heartily and kissed her forehead. "Dreadfully far from it."

"But I get it," Scott said. "I'll go down to the center as soon as school gets out on Monday and quit the team."

"Being impetuous again I see." Erik shook his head. "What are we going to do with this boy, Charles?"

"For starters," the Professor came back with, "it looks like we're going to have to eat that beautiful celebratory cake all to ourselves."

Scott froze up while Becky grinned widely, looking back and forth between the men. "You mean…?"

"We'd like to see you two involved with one game before your careers are so short-lived," said Erik.

Feeling even more victorious than when he'd made the team, Scott's arms shot up as high as they could go. "Yes!"

"Thank you, Papa." Becky glanced across the way. "Thank you, Uncle Charles."

"You're welcome." Charles stood Scott up. "Go on and get ready for supper. Scott, you go up to the loft first. Victor wants to speak with you."

Wondering why, Scott simply replied, "Alright and thanks again, guys, really. You have no idea what this means."

"So help me," Erik aimed a finger his way, "if you are not careful on that field…"

"I will be, Erik. I promise," Scott vowed. He leaned over to hug him.

Erik allowed Becky up to wind both arms around him and send into his ear, "Leave your opposition in tears."

The pre-teen laughed. "Yes, sir."

While Becky went to change into a dress, Scott made his way up to the loft. He smiled at Kiki sitting with Victor in one old chair, looking through a wide colorful storybook.

She got down to hurry towards him. "Scottie!"

"Kiki," he returned, sweeping her up then gave their elder his full attention. "You wanted to see me?"

"Nice to see you still in one piece." Victor laid the book to the side. "How you feelin'? Figured you'd be high in the sky about now."

"Yeah, they're actually letting me stay on the team," Scott bounced Kiki in his grasp to make her laugh, "I can't believe it."

"Not what I meant." Victor got to his feet and started walking, stopping just short of the children. "See Shades, there's an old sayin' that goes behind every successful man, there's a great woman. And I'd say after this, you got an incredible one at your side."

Scott quieted, taking that in then reacted in amusement to Kiki grinning and raising her hand. "I don't think he meant you but I do love having you around."

"By the way, I went down to have a chat with Dan Sealy earlier."

The boy arched an eyebrow. "Coach?"

"Yep, and apparently he's been lookin' for help for a while now." Almost out of thin air, Victor revealed the baseball in his hand. "Say hello to your new assistant coach." He flicked the ball towards him.

A thoroughly taken aback Scott managed to catch it with one hand.

IIIIIII

Discovering his brother's door open for the first time in days, the blonde came close but remained in the doorway.

In blue pajamas, Scott paused from straightening things at his dresser. "Alex."

"Is it safe to come in or did you rig some kind of fancy bat-trap to take me out?"

Scott's lips quivered a little as he rushed at him, arms clamping around the older one's middle. "I'm sorry, Alex." He squeezed and reiterated, "I'm really sorry."

"Hey, hey." Alex grabbed him up and carried him over to the bed to settle in his lap. "Easy, buddy." He placed a hand on his back. "Calm down before you get upset."

Scott moved his face to look at him. "You shouldn't have given me any ice. You should spank me again after how I treated you."

Alex cupped both sides of his face. "Who's the big brother here? I'll give you ice if I feel like it. And if you think spanking you will make me feel any kind of better, your brain's starting to shrink."

"But aren't you mad at me for snapping at you? And going to try out for the team, anyway?"

Alex left hands at the boy's waist. "You know that big surf trophy Erik's got on display downstairs?" Scott nodded. "I won it after sneaking out of the house on a bad ankle."

Scott gaped a moment. "You hurt your ankle and you still won? Alex, that's so—"

"Stupid," Alex interjected. "That's what it was. And Erik gave me a spanking out of this world for it. Talk about snapping; I was annoyed with everybody when he first told me I couldn't compete."

"Whoa." Scott smiled a little. "Maybe we have more in common than I thought."

"Yeah, except for that you being really smart thing," Alex stated. "You never should have compared yourself to me, Scottie. Yeah, I made MVP on my old baseball team. And I also got in a ton of trouble with coaches when my teamwork was less than stellar. That's probably why I stick to solo sports now. Let's not forget my bright idea to get myself locked away because of my power."

Scott reminded, "But that's because you thought you had nothing else going for you."

"And now I do. That's why I want to hang onto you guys more than anything," Alex emphasized. "Scott, it was a one in a million chance that we both survived, let alone got to see each other again. You know I love being the fun big brother but I still have to be one of the adults looking out for you. Even if it makes us bump heads."

Scott leaned his forehead against the older Summers. "I like bumping them this way better."

"Same here. By the way," Alex gave him a little noogie, "congratulations, twerp."

Scott laughed and squirmed. "Yeah, except Hank's really going to poke me tomorrow with this physical."

"Aw, poor Scottie." Alex laid back, keeping his brother over him. "What do you say I have a giant root beer float waiting for you as soon as the torture's over?"

Scott nestled under his chin. "I say you're the best."