X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter One Hundred Sixty Six
Author's Word: How's it going, Fam? I'm winding down from two days of wonderful home-cooked food (never take such a thing for granted, I'm serious). I wanted to get this up a couple days ago, but duty of the job related called and I needed some rest. I hope everyone enjoyed the three-day weekend. Now, please enjoy and review this!
White snow leopard plush toy secure under one arm, the girl cloaked by blanket and fur slumbered silently. Gingerly combing fingers through the neatly brushed hair, Victor took her in for another moment before turning to leave. Going down the stairs, he picked up the conversation between the two older Frost daughters.
After a sip of coffee Emma inquired, "Are the dreams as terrible?"
"No." Adrienne lowered her own porcelain cup. "I believe you and Charles helped her a great deal there, but they haven't gone away completely."
Emma admitted, "I can't help wondering if we should continue her therapy at the Institute."
"For God's sakes, Emma, you just had a baby," Adrienne reminded. "Not to mention the piles of other children you have roaming about. Samantha requires too much personal care."
"She's right," Victor's voice landed their attention on him, "besides, after how Puma did her, she's in no mood to be in another crowd."
Emma said, "I certainly don't blame her."
Adrienne added, "And since I have to take time away from work, anyway, I'm in a better position to see to her."
Emma regarded her sister with concern. "Are you sure you can handle it all after that fight? I could stay a few days if you like."
"No need," Adrienne waved off. "Angel's helping at every possible opportunity. Samantha goes to her with no trouble."
Emma nodded and stood from the sofa. "We need to be heading back before it gets too late."
"I'll see you soon. Take care, Little Sis." Adrienne squeezed hands with her.
While the female blonde went towards the front door, Victor came upon Adrienne, helping her rise. "Night or day. You pick up that phone."
She gave him a light peck on the lips. "Be careful out there."
"Back 'atcha," he returned pointedly.
IIIIIII
"And this one I acquired in eastern Ireland." Infant secured with one arm, Erik used the other to fully indicate the sword positioned in its vertical stand. "The blacksmith assured me the dragon would be instantly defeated by the blade or instantly blinded by the silver gleam reflecting off the sun." Erik noticed Brian flapping a hand towards the mantle. "Oh, does that interest you?" He brought the baby over to the dark wooden time piece. "Would you believe I discovered this amongst a horde of Spanish treasure? After single-handedly taking down a dozen or more pirates?" At the blue eyes that fixated in on him, Erik formed a small guilty smile. "Or your Aunt Raven gave it to me for a Christmas present. I'm an old man, Lab Mouse. You'll have to forgive my memory trouble."
"Your uncle is right, son," Charles strolled into the den, "he is an old man."
Erik stared at him dryly. "And your dear daddy believes himself a funny one."
"How is my nipper?" Full attention on the babe dressed in a green spring outfit, Charles reached out for him.
"Now you wish to confiscate my Lab Mouse?" Erik grudgingly handed over the tiny Xavier. "We're going to start drawing lots for him."
Charles' only response consisted of incoherent but highly enthusiastic baby talk. Erik could not help the fondness forming on his face as the father and son departed.
"Alright, first thing Saturday. I want to hear all about it. Be good, baby man. Love you." After he hung up, Sean took notice of the Professor in the doorway. "Oh sorry."
"No, no. You've nothing to be sorry about." Resting Brian up against his shoulder, Charles entered his office in full. "Was that Tommy?"
Sean nodded. "I just wanted to talk to him in private."
"Well, you're always welcome to my phone for that," Charles offered.
"Thanks." Countenance brightening, Sean stood up to get a better look at Brian. "Hey, teeny-beeny-weeny."
Charles transferred Brian over to the taller boy's arms. The telepath chuckled in earnest when Sean laid him down on a clean portion of the desk to blow against his stomach.
"Charles!"
"Dad!"
Hearing the two before he could even sense them, Charles called out, "In here, lads, and no running in the house."
Coming to a skid once they reached the office, a panting Joey claimed, "We weren't running, Daddy."
"Yeah," Scott supported. "Joey was just helping me with my pacing. It's important on the field you know."
"I see." Charles then asked, "Do you need something?"
"I had twelve consecutive good pitches," Scott announced. "Coach Dan even looked floored. Want me to show you?"
Joey asked next, "Can I go to the soda shop with Laci and her mom after our art class on Friday? Please, please, pleeeease?"
"Can I stay out until one AM with my girlfriend this weekend?" came from an equally eager Sean. "Please, oh, pleeease?"
"That sounds wonderful," Charles answered Scott first then moved on to Joey with, "That's fine as long as you make sure your homework assignments for Friday are completed on time." As for Sean, he said, "If you and Maya are so much as awake at one AM there had best be a mountain top of studying taking place."
Sean snapped his fingers in mock defeat and lifted Brian up to cradle. "It was worth a shot."
Movements so swift he seemed to materialize right there, Hank poked his upper torso into the room. "Scott, I'm glad you're home. I have something I think you might," he took in the others, "come to think of it, you might all enjoy this."
"Is it something for school, Uncle Hank?"
The scientist replied knowingly, "No, Joey, it isn't boring. Now come along."
The now highly interested four walked right behind him while Brian entertained himself by pulling on one of the strings to Sean's sweatshirt.
Once down in the property's lowest level, Hank brought them to one deserted corridor.
Scott cocked his head a little at the door there. "You clean out the storage closet?"
An enigmatic Hank said, "That's one way of putting it." He opened the wide door to allow them entry.
Going in ahead, Scott nearly caused a domino effect on the part of the others at how shortly he stopped. They all beheld the magnificent gray machine with pointed nose and wings.
"What is it?" Scott wanted to know.
Smiling, Hank unlatched the door and led the way into the makeshift plane. Inside, they all gazed about in astonishment at how close in appearance it came to their own jet, except for the television screens that took the place of the windows.
"It's a flight simulator." I've been working on this project for a few months now," Hank spoke. "I wanted to have it done sooner, but with everything going on it took longer than expected. It's still needs further calibrations, but I wanted you to see it."
Scott held onto only the first part of the explanation. "A flight simulator? You built us a flight simulator?"
Hank looked to the boy with a sparkle about his blue eyes. "You'll be leagues ahead by the time you're ready for your pilot's license."
"Uh… I…"
Charles moved quickly before the child could faint with joy. "Easy, lad." He helped Scott stand and patted his back before turning to the oldest of the young ones. "Henry, I know you've been hard at work, but I never imagined anything this smashing."
Joey ran his hand along one of the padded seats. "This is so cool."
"I'll say," Sean concurred wholeheartedly. "Hank, you've got to let me take a test flight."
Scott sprang to life with full consciousness. "No way! I'm the one who wants to be a pilot. Besides, you guys can fly on your own."
"And I could probably show you a few things," Sean countered. "Don't forget my granddad flew during the first world war."
"That's just army," Scott scoffed. "My father was a pilot. As in Air Force."
Charles clamped a hand onto each one's shoulder. "That will be quite enough, young men."
"Guys, I intended this as a radical training experience. Don't fight over it like a cheap toy," Hank admonished.
Sean sighed, smoothing a hand along Brian's belly. "Sorry, Scott."
"Me, too," the younger boy returned.
Hank moved on with, "Now since Scott does have professional flying aspirations, I wanted this first initial test to go to him."
Scott pumped his fist high. "All-Right!"
"I dibbs co-pilot," Sean claimed.
"And I dibbs this little fellow." Charles took the baby from him. "Come along, Brian. We'll wait outside while the big lads offer us a nice demonstration."
"Can I stay, Daddy?" Joey requested.
Charles looked to Hank who assured, "It's fine for him." The scientist said to Joey, "Make sure you buckle up."
The ten-year-old nodded and settled into a seat while Sean and a very much ready Scott got into piloting positions.
Getting outside the machine, Charles stepped back far against the wall with the baby. We're in for a treat, son.
Mustering all the patience he could as Hank explained the procedure and further instructions in great length, Scott quickly had a grip on things. Hank took the seat next to Joey and offered Scott the OK sign. Smiling at the signal, Scott started them off. All buckled in, Joey leaned over against Hank, who placed an arm around him.
The moment Scott began the mock motion, the monitors before him switched on with images of a blue sky with a few clouds about.
"Whoa," Sean grinned.
As if prepared to blast straight through the mansion roof, Scott seemed to soar through the makeshift clouds.
From outside, Charles observed the nose tilting up. "My word…"
It was a few minutes in before Hank declared, "Alright, Scott, bring us in for a landing."
Though he never wanted to "come down", the fledging X-Man obeyed. The simulator came to a careful stop.
When the access door opened, Charles rejoined them. "How was it?"
"Great!" Joey smiled.
"Unbelievable!" claimed Sean.
"The absolute best thing ever!" Scott threw his hands up. "Oh I cannot wait to go again."
"I'm afraid that will have to wait." Hank got up from his seat. "Like I said, there are a few more things I need to work out, but it shouldn't be more than a day or two."
Scott practically collapsed. Forty-eight hours sounded to the tune of eternity for him.
"Can I use it, too, Uncle Hank?" Joey asked.
Hank turned, releasing him from his safety restraint to pick him up. "I think you're still a bit too young for the complexity of this system. For now, I'd like you to stick to your own flight training with Erik."
Joey's shoulders drooped a little. "Okay…"
"Speaking of training," said Charles, "let's see about a snack before we begin."
"How did I do?" Scott asked Hank as the group proceeded out together.
"We have a few reflex and other issues to work through," Hank told him. "But that'll come with time. Overall, it was quite well for a trial run."
"That was some kind of amazing," Sean commented.
Charles raised Brian to peck his round cheek. "What's amazing is having all of my boys in my office at once. Why is it you shy away when Alex and the others practically live out of Erik's den?"
Sean stated, "Because Daddy's office usually means it's spankin' time."
Scott glanced over his shoulder at him with a smirk. "Bet you can vouch for that, huh?"
"Hmph. Who needs you, Scott?" Sean marched over to catch up with Joey who walked with Hank. "Come on, Joey. We need to discuss this Laci business, anyway. Now you're only ten years old, mister- what's your secret?"
IIIIIII
Small sneaker covered feet racing across the lawn as fast they could, the equally tiny hands just managed to seize hold of the flying pig-skin.
"Way to go, Bugsy," Alex praised from across the grass. "Now come on, show me that arm, muscle man."
Taking several steps back, Trav launched the ball with all his strength.
He laughed at the older male taking a topple as he caught it. "No touchdowns for you, Uncle Alex."
"Oh yeah?" Returning to his feet quickly, Alex darted for him. "I'll show you a touchdown, kid!"
With a chirp in his throat, the little boy took off. "Can't get me, Uncle Alex." He latched onto a tree to scale up.
"Not so high, little man." Catching up, Alex tugged on the seat of his pants to slow him. "Don't make me give you a wedgie." He then lost vision at having one hand clamp over his eyes and another go around his stomach.
"Pick on my kid and you'll feel a real wedgie," Raven threatened, though Alex could hardly tell about her serious levels in that statement.
"Ah, Twin!" Shoving her off of him lightly, Alex gently removed Trav from the tree. "You're lucky you have a crazy fantastic mom."
"I know." Trav leaned over to kiss her.
Raven accepted the cheek smooch then suggested, "How about you wash up and help Becky set the table?"
"Okay, Mommy."
Alex put him down and ruffled his brown hair briefly before the six-year-old made a path for their home. "We did it you know." Raven moved to face him. "We conquered our first year of college."
Raven let off an exaggerated sigh and made a show of collapsing onto her back in the grass. "Phase One complete."
Alex lowered onto his stomach beside her. "I was so waiting to flunk out the first week."
"Stop it." Raven nudged him with her elbow. "Scholarship winners don't flunk out unless icky substances are involved."
"A partial scholarship," Alex reminded. "I'm not on Jam and Lee's levels."
"No," Raven rolled over to her side, "you're on your own level. You started this whole thing yourself. Heck, you're the reason I'm in WU. Of course, I'm sure having the name Xavier pretty much pushed that along…"
"Don't start that," Alex shot down. "Even if you did get in with your family's name, so what? You stayed in on your own. Even after becoming a mom out of nowhere. Rae, I have no idea how you do it."
"Then we're even because I don't know how you battled health crises with all this." Raven then put forth, "So fess up. You a little antsy about final grades?"
"A little bit," he admitted. "Most of this semester's classes went towards my major."
Raven's head dipped a bit. "At least you have a major. You actually know what you want."
"Hey, some people take two years to finally make up their minds," Alex pointed out. "And you know a lot of people switch around. What helped me was figuring out how much I want to help people come back from setbacks; never letting pain take over."
Raven said, "I hope I can figure that for myself soon."
"You will. You're the brainy one in this twin set." Alex pushed himself up. "Come on." He took her hand to help her rise. "I'm going to clean off for dinner." Going to pick up the football, he glanced back at her. "You coming?"
The blue woman looked back. "In a minute."
While he headed for the house, she walked over to the tire swing. Slipping her legs through the circular opening, she gripped the chain and swayed quietly.
IIIIIII
On a return to the smallest bedroom within the townhouse, the teenager observed the one still crouched in a corner beneath the window.
"Sammy?" Angel addressed the younger girl. "Want to talk to Victor?" She held up the lengthy extension she'd brought in with her.
Using all fours to approach, the fledging creature with fur coat stood to take the receiver. "Big Daddy Cat?"
"Yeah, baby. What's happenin', can't sleep?" Victor heard a faint mew on her end. "Well, I need you to do me a favor and lay down so that Angie can get some rest, too. I'll talk to you later this mornin' and be by to see you in a few days."
Angel waited for them to continue speaking and accepted the receiver. She laid it down on the desk long enough to help Samantha back into bed. She handed over her new doll before carefully heading out and taking the phone along with her.
"Thanks, Victor," she said into the mouth piece. "She's been antsy and I really didn't want to have to bother Dri."
"Don't ever hesitate to call me," Victor told her. "I'm awake most hours, anyway. Now you go ahead and get some sleep, baby."
"Night, Daddy Cat." A smirk hinted in Angel's voice.
As soon as they hung up, Victor detected footsteps in addition to a scent. "Scott?"
The boy in question poked his head into the security room. "Oh hi, Coach."
Victor crossed his arms. "You better have some kind of explanation for bein' up this time of night."
Scott walked in fully, regarding the older male somewhat beseechingly. "I wanted you to know that me and the guys- the team- we're really glad you're our assistant coach. Practice isn't the same without you."
Bringing the pre-teen over to sit on one of his legs, Victor stroked his cheek with the back of his hands. "Sorry I've been so all over the place, Shades. I haven't had to stretch myself out this thin in a long time. You know I'm still here for you and the guys, right?" He nodded. "Good. Now, back to bed." Victor stood him with some prodding taps to his bottom. "Move."
Biting his lip all the way out, Scott returned upstairs and to his room. He found sleep difficult for the remainder of night. When he awoke again, he blindly located his glasses on their usual place on his night stand. Figuring Erik or one of the adults had come along through the night to remove them from his face, he slipped the shades on. He got a good look at his clock and read a quarter to seven.
Unable to combat temptation, the boy dashed to the bathroom to brush his teeth and use the toilet. Then as discreetly as he could, he crept down to the lower level. Daring the slightest peek into the security room, he let off a relieved sigh at the empty space and surmised that Victor had gone to get some rest of his own. Of course, sometimes Scott wondered if the man being around so much at night gave him greater resiliency than Batman.
Continuing onward, Scott came upon his chosen target. He climbed into the new device and began a higher level of simulation for himself. Through whatever will power he had left, he managed to keep it to five minutes, lest certain scientific grownups appear. Flipping off the knobs and switches that operated the machine, Scott made haste of hurrying out of it and back to the upstairs.
IIIIIII
After returning Brian's delicately warmed bottle to Emma for the infant's feeding, Charles made a path for his office. He completely paused outside the bathroom normally used by the younger boys and peered inside at the jolly commotion. His blue eyes swelled at the various colors that now made up not only the tub and shower but the two small lads vigorously flicking brushes back and forth.
"Charles, Codicat," stern expression in place, the Professor's presence made them both freeze in place, "what do you think you're doing?"
"Hi, Charles," a yellow cheek sporting Cody waved.
"It's okay, Daddy," Joey tried to reassure. "It's water-based paint. Cody was helping me clean a bunch of my brushes and… at least we're in the bathroom."
"Into the forest, return with rabbit," Charles said half to himself. "Honestly, Joey, is this how you treat your art supplies?"
Joey bowed his head and stroked at the soft part of his brush. "We'll clean it all up, Daddy."
"I fear what that might entail, son." Charles released an easy sigh. "I will clean it up. You two are going to have a bath then a time-out nap. Come along now and careful where you step."
Getting out of the tub, the impish pair left out by the Professor, who followed right after them. Charles brought them to his own quarters, which offered a bathtub large enough to accommodate such a messy pair comfortably. He saw to it that they washed out the paint, particularly in their hair, then went to retrieve a change of clothes for them.
"Here we are," Charles said, returning with soft pants and shirts for them both.
"We're really sorry, Charles," came from a sincere Cody.
Charles cupped his cheek with a small smile. "At least no real harm was done. Now, nap time for you both."
As they both followed the man out to big bed, Cody inquired, "So what's a time-out nap, anyway?"
Joey explained, "No play time before training, no talking," he sulked a little before adding, "no story."
"That is correct." Charles pulled the comforter over them. "Now, while I see to scrubbing the bathroom, you two are to be sleeping. I'll be checking in exactly five minutes and if I hear any chattering, I'll separate you." He tacked on with a raised eyebrow, "As well as paint your bums pink."
"No, Charles, we don't need pink," Cody assured. "That's for girls."
Charles waved one finger, "Right to sleep," then went on to tackle the task in the bathroom.
Cody whispered to Joey, "You feelin' any better about before?"
"A little," Joey said back in an equally soft tone. "I just wish I could get to do all the stuff Sean and Scott get to try out."
"Ah, forget them," Cody waved off. "You don't need a dumb machine to fly. You can do it yourself."
"Even though my Uncle Erik doesn't let me go high… I guess you're right." Joey started to relax then noticed Cody gazing up at the ceiling. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," he glanced his friend's way, "Your dad really is nice."
"Yep, but let's be quiet before our bums end up nice and pink." Joey shut his eyes and Cody followed suit.
IIIIIII
Passing the warm rolls over to Leon, Cordelia threw out, "So how are things with kitty girl?"
"Her name is Samantha," Emma reminded her sister.
Sean commented, "Yeah, grounded girl."
"Seanikus," Erik chided him sharply.
The redhead presented him with the widest contrite smile possible.
"She'll be alright," Victor answered Cordelia's question. "Just got a heck of a lot to work through."
Alex put forth, "After what this Puma guy did—"
"Alex," Raven spoke pointedly, running a hand through Kiki's hair, "let's talk about something else."
The blonde shook his head at getting carried away with himself. "Sorry."
"So," Raven began on a brighter note, "we went down to WU to get early copies of our grades from our professors."
"And?" Charles pressed.
Raven eagerly revealed her paper and laid it out on a clean portion of the table while Leon somewhat lazily removed his from his pocket.
Alex poked at his chicken with his fork. "You know, grades are only half the battle. College is really about learning, finding yourself…"
"Ooh, blondo here bit the big one," Logan determined.
"Alex." Only the young man's name spoken, Erik waited for him to hand the sheet over to him. The metal wielder clicked his tongue. "Two B minuses and two A's? Whatever are we to do with you?"
"Let me have a look at that." Charles accepted the slip from his brother and promptly beamed. "Oh wonderful!" He stood, going right over to embrace Alex. "I very much did not want to have to give you six of the best."
Alex surmised, "I take it you don't mean six of the best baked goods."
Charles pinched his cheek. "Not even close."
Kayla smiled. "What about the others?"
"Let's have a look." Picking up the next one, Emma beamed at the findings. "Oh Leon, straight A's."
Frank glanced up. "Those are hard?"
Cody and Joey shared an eye roll.
"Two are minuses," Leon said dismissively.
"Look at my mommy's," Trav insisted. "Look-it, look-it, look-it!"
"I'll do the honors, son." Hank took hold of Raven's. "A plus, A minus, A, and B."
"Raven, you're phenomenal," Maya reacted.
"I knew it 'cause my mommy is the smartest lady in the whole world," Trav declared. "That's why my daddy loves her, 'cause he's the smartest man."
"My one smart move was asking her to marry me," Hank stated.
Raven smiled, laying a hand over his wrist. "I'm glad this was able to cheer you up. You've hardly said a word since I came home."
"I'm sorry," Hank sighed. "I'm only confounded by my own negligence."
"What do you mean?" Charles asked him in puzzlement.
"I was so distracted last night I left one of the controls to the flight simulator on," Hank explained. "I discovered it after lunch today. So much of its power was drained, I'll be up most of the night working on it."
"It was a simple error," Charles comforted. "There's no sense in coming down on yourself over it."
Victor's attention went across to one suddenly stiff player of his.
Once dinner ended for the evening, Erik changed and met Alex and Leon down in the gym.
"After such a fine report, I'm surprised to see you so tense," Erik noted, hanging onto the opposite side of the punching bag.
Alex slowed his blows. "That C on my biology final dropped me down into B territory. I can't believe I messed up on a class for my major."
"That's enough of that," Erik shot down immediately. "Your nerves may have gotten the better of you, but you did very well." He glanced back and forth between them. "I'm incredibly proud of both of you."
Leon ceased leg pressed for a moment. "I can't get over how odd that sounds. I didn't even hear it when I won my scholarship."
Erik approached him, laying a hand on top of his head. "My apologies in advance if I don't speak it as often as I should. Only know that it's always there and not merely for your academic achievements. Though if word happens to get around at Temple…"
Alex laughed lightly and Leon faced upward with a quite satisfied countenance.
IIIIIII
When the words before him seemed to blur together, Scott lowered his pencil. He took of his glasses to rub at his eyes.
"You weren't a hundred percent at practice today, either." He quickly put his shades back in to take in Victor in his doorway. "Lack of sleep'll do that to ya." Victor walked in closer towards the boy. "You sure talkin' to me wasn't the only reason you were up and about last night?"
Scott squeezed the backrest on his chair. "What do you mean, Coach?"
"I mean you were pretty revved up about Hank's new gizmo yesterday." Squatting, Victor's brown eyes peered closer into the young face. "And you looked about ready to bail out at dinner when he mentioned it was on the fritz. You sure you don't know anything about that?"
"… Maybe a little."
Suspicions confirmed, Victor put forth, "Don't you think you ought to own up?"
"I know I should, but," Scott dipped his head, "Hank won't trust me with anything again if he finds out I messed around with his machine like some dumb kid."
"Hey, don't put yourself down like that." Victor placed a hand on his shoulder. "You just got excited. And Hank's a reasonable guy. You just have to explain it to him. I'll even go with you."
Scott looked up. "No offense, Coach, but I'm like twelve."
Victor smirked at that. "Then let me get out of your way, big guy." He stood to go.
Scott then told him, "I meant what I said, though. It is great having you around, on and off the field."
Victor responded, "You know, you're not the worst part of my day, either."
Scott watched him leave then lowered in his seat at what had to come next.
IIIIIII
After being presented with a colorful papier-mâché crown by Trav and a wand of the same material by Kiki, Raven stood aglow in the middle of the lab.
"Mommy, Mommy, Mommy," the small children chanted while clapping.
"Oh you guys," Raven practically squealed, "you're too good to me."
"Not all children are fortunate enough to have a genius for a mother." Hank came up to wrap arms around her. "Though, I really could have helped you boost up that B in Chemistry…"
Raven whacked his shoulder with her wand then watched someone enter through one of the French doors of the lab. "Hey, Scott. Join the party."
The child in ruby quartz stepped in timidly. "Um Hank, can I talk to you?"
Figuring this to be serious, Hank answered, "Sure." He gestured for Scott to come over then led him upstairs to the McCoy sitting room sofa. "Now, what's this all about?" He saw the boy attempting the speak twice, both times coming up mute. "Scott, what is it? You can tell me."
Letting off a sigh, Scott finally faced him. "I'm the one who left part of the flying machine's power on. I tried it out again… twice. Late last night and early this morning."
Not speaking at first, Hank folded his arms as he said, "Uh huh. Well, that certainly accounts for your lack of attentiveness in class today."
"Hank, I am really sorry," Scott emphasized. "But ever since you showed it to me, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it and—" He stopped suddenly. "There's no excuse. I had no business messing around with it."
"That's right, you didn't," Hank agreed evenly. "Though I can't say that technology hasn't caused me to engage in my fair share of over enthusiasm. However," the man's countenance grew very firm, "I still have to punish you. Not for the power problem but for using training equipment without authorization after I told you it would be sometime before the machine was fully operational. That was very dangerous, Scott."
"Yes, sir," Scott replied quietly. "I know. And I'm sorry."
Hank thought for a moment then determined, "Well, how should we handle this? Should I give you a good spanking or not allow you to use the simulator for a week after it's ready?"
Scott knew if he could not go a night, he could definitely not go a week without the machine and after it was in full use of all times. He also wanted the situation over as quickly as possible, though he knew that would be difficult as well.
He finally spoke with, "Please don't make me go a week without it, Hank. Becoming a pilot is really important to me. I don't want this to get in the way, not even for a minute."
Nodding at that, Hank gripped him at the waist, "Come here, young man," and stood him up. He tugged on the youth's pajama bottoms. "I'm afraid these are going to have to come down."
Though he hated that part, Scott did not even attempt an argument. "Yes, sir."
Bringing him over his lap, Hank pulled the dark blue sleep pants down. He had to resist a chuckle at the Batman briefs the boy wore. Sobering entirely, Hank raised and brought his hand down soundly. He heard Scott hiss and judged his ever growing strength carefully. Not having to spank often, especially outside his own children, he found a steady rhythm to use on the pre-teen.
Scott pounded his fists and sent tears into the couch cushions. He really wanted to kick his already aching behind for allowing himself to get into such a silly situation all because he couldn't practice a little patience.
Hank ended the punishment with a few strikes to Scott's thighs. Wanting to offer him modesty, he resituated his clothes then applied gentle strokes to the heaving back over his lap.
"May I hug you?" At Scott's hard nod, Hank scooped him right up into a tight embrace. He held him against his shoulder and kept rubbing his back. When he felt the cries slow down a little, he instructed gently, "Keep your eyes closed." Scott did and Hank removed his shades, using a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe them clean. "I know well how annoying these things can be where crying is concerned. Just give me a moment."
Scott sniffed and swiped at his nose. "I'm really sorry, Hank."
"I know." Hank placed the now clean glasses onto his face and Scott opened his eyes again. "And it's alright now. You're such a considerate, responsible boy, Scott. This doesn't change my view of you."
"Really?"
"Trust me." Hank leaned in to touch foreheads with him. "We all make mistakes. Even Charles Kids occasionally." Scott laughed and hugged him around the neck. Hank patted his back. "You should get to bed early, but do you think you can give me a hand with the machine tomorrow?"
With a smile, Scott replied with a definite, "Sure!"
IIIIIII
"Alright, welcome to Air Banshee," the eager redhead gripped the wheel before him, "Your stewardess will be right around to bring you your complimentary juice, cookies, and comic books."
"Sounds great," reacted Cyclops.
Beast turned attention to the smallest one in the simulator. "Eel, do you think you can accompany Air Banshee as co-pilot if I give you directions?"
Glancing around as though another Eel had boarded the mock craft, the boy pointed to himself. "Me?"
"Certainly you." Beast stood from the co-pilot's chair. "I'd like to see what you can do."
Hopping up with a smile, Eel raced over to climb into the now empty seat. Banshee gave him a raised thumb from beside him. Beast spent a stretch of time going over instructions, but soon enough the small group of X-Men found themselves on another would-be journey across the skies.