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.

169. Chapter 169 In Good Company

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Sixty Nine

Author's Word: This was supposed to be up days ago, but work, bodily functions, and weather conditions changing banded together to ensure that did not happen. But at last, here it is, fam. Please enjoy and review!

Dedication: For my old snark buddy MH and my fellow radio head DLF.

Confetti and pompoms tossed into the air, the bleachers roared with thrilled shrieks. Surrounded by a swarm of his teammates along with their equally enthusiastic coaches, Scott turned around only to have to brace himself. Becky threw arms around him and he spun her, able to lift her straight up. The two eventually found their way over to their rather eager spectators.

"Way to go, Summers." Alex gave Scott a noogie over his cap and brought him in towards his front.

Smile plastered to his face, Scott leaned his head against him. "Thanks, bro." He next found himself swept up into Charles' arms.

The Professor patted his back in a congratulatory gesture. "Oh, my boy!"

Though both her arms currently contained Brian, Emma chimed up, "Don't I get some small part of him?"

"And might I say," picking up his little girl, Erik commended, "that was some spectacular cheering, ladybug."

Becky rested hands on his shoulders and giggled, "Thanks, Papa."

The celebration soon moved on to the ice cream parlor. With the establishment filled to the brim, the coaches helped deliver various treats to the team.

"Belly up, guys," Victor encouraged, bringing banana splits to two at the counter.

"Thanks, Coach," said Justin.

Brody poked him lightly with his elbow. "Just wait until the real thrill night."

Despite the crowd and having moved down the counter, Victor looked back at the previous two. "What?"

Brody clarified, "Kid stuff, Coach."

"Our team is straight dynamite," Gary went on. "Now we're really fired up for the Father's Day Game."

Scott pumped a fist. "Yeah!"

Frank said, "That's Saturday's big match-up, right?"

"Yep," Gary answered. "So everybody has Sunday to spend with their old man. But it's huge. The Little League comes in right out of the city. And nobody's trying to wash out in front of their dads."

"Oh I'm sure you need only play your best," Charles encouraged.

Gary looked to Scott as he whispered, "He's serious, isn't he?"

Scott nodded in confirmation.

"Ugh!" Sean smacked the side of the pinball machine and turned to Leon. "Two out of three?"

"Fine by me," the older teen shrugged, "even though it'd be three out of five at this point."

Sean then honed in on Maya out of the corner of his eye and stepped over to her. "Sorry, I got distracted."

"No, no," she reassured. "Go ahead and keep playing."

"Nah, it's a little noisy in here." He gestured with his head towards the door. "Want to go on a walk?" She bobbed her head and went to tuck herself under his arm. "Leon, can you let the others know we'll be right back?"

"Sure." Leon watched the couple leave the shop together.

IIIIIII

Depositing his pre-teen load onto the boy's bed, Alex got down on the mattress beside him.

"Keep eating this good," he tapped the very full stomach, "and you won't be Slim Summers for very long."

Scott placed his arms behind his head comfortably. "Like that's a bad thing."

"Catch you in the morning, Big Leagues." Alex gave his stomach a tickle as he stood, making him laugh.

Victor walked in past the younger blonde. "Hey, Shades."

"Coach," the child returned. "Some day, huh? I can't wait for the next game!"

"Right there with you, buddy." Victor sat on the side of the bed near him. "Question. You heard anything at practice lately about something called Thrill Night?"

Scott looked to recall. "Think I heard it mentioned, but to be honest I wasn't paying much attention. There's been more talk about the Father's Day game than anything."

"Yeah I know. Well," Victor got up, squeezing the boy's big toe, "you get some sleep. We'll need you at your best."

"Only three comic books tonight," Scott determined. "Got it."

"That's my guy." The tall security man took his leave of the room.

IIIIIII

Attention on buttoning his red checkered shirt, the sound of Cody going from rolling around on the large bed to now rocking back and forth on his knees filled his ears. Logan could only wonder if some egghead had devised a strong enough glue formula to keep his boy in place.

"Daaaaaad…" Executing a somersault, Cody landed just short of tumbling off the edge of the bed.

Logan remarked, "Gonna scramble your brains one of these days."

Cody dangled arms off the mattress. "What do you want for Father's Day this year?"

Eyes focused on the cuffs of his sleeves, Logan asked in turn, "You plan on wakin' up that mornin'?"

"Yep."

"There you go." Going over, Logan hoisted him up with one arm.

Cody held on with one hand and used the other to paw at the man's collar. Logan playfully nipped at his fingers a few times.

When they arrived down at the breakfast table, they noticed half the house gathered and Logan placed Cody in his regular chair.

He next looked to Sean. "Is Smiley feelin' okay? I didn't see her when I was out earlier."

"I drove her to her mom's." Sean picked up his spoon to glide along his other cutlery as he spoke. "For the week."

Logan raised an eyebrow. "Where'd this come from?"

Kayla further explained, "Apparently she wanted a volunteer position at the hospital. And since they live so much closer to it…"

"She'll be home this weekend, right?" Cody asked.

Sean responded, "She's really busy right now, pal. Maybe the three of us can catch a movie or something next week."

While the others filed in, Leon remained stationed outside the entryway.

IIIIIII

The Beatles providing a private performance courtesy of the record player, legs and bare feet stretched out over the foot of the twin bed. Upper body and long brown hair sprawled out over the carpeted floor. At the abrupt doorbell, she flipped her legs over and turned off the stereo.

"Just a minute!" she called on her way down, slipping on sandals at the door. When she answered it, she took a moment to gauge the visitor. "You rang the bell? Really?"

"Well, you ladies could have been indecent after all."

Maya started towards the stairs. "Mom's at work."

He remained in place. "So would that be an invitation or…?"

Pausing, she slowly turned back around with a tight smile. "Come in, Leon."

"If you insist." He stepped inside, shutting the door after himself. "So, what's up?"

She jogged up. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"

He followed after her. "Beg pardon?" They reached her room and he peered around at the blooming spring wallpaper, complete with posters featuring Peter Cottontail and scenes from Dr. Seuss. "Horton Hears A Who, huh? I much preferred his work in One Fish, Two Fish."

"It hasn't changed much since I was twelve." Maya sat cross-legged in the center of her bed. "What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing here?" Leon took hold of her desk chair and straddled it. "Aren't you supposed to be serving little Jell-O cups?"

Maya informed him, "I'm not going within striking distance of that hospital this week."

"So you told an untruth."

"I told an easy truth. The kids at school were going to put on something big for the Professor and Erik last year and Sean wanted me to come, but that stuff just isn't my thing."

"Kids and their great dads." Leon then remarked, "Disgusting."

Maya stated, "Only when they know about you."

"Isn't that the real truth?"

After a brief quiet spell, Maya brought up, "Okay, your turn. Why are you here?"

He tapped at the wood of his seat with his knuckles. "What does misery love most?"

Maya smiled knowingly at him.

IIIIIII

Skipping hand in hand across the yard, Becky waved, "See you later, guys," while Kiki chirped, "Bye-bye!"

"Later, ladies." Gary glanced back to see Scott continuously waving back with a fixated expression on his face. "Hey, you gonna throw me a good one or stare at your chick all day?"

"What?" Scott shook back to life as he faced him. "Who, Rebecca?"

Gary gave off an eye roll. "No, the three-year-old. Course I mean Becky. What's with you two, anyway?"

"She's one of my best friends. You know that."

Gary put one hand on his hip while leaning down with the support of his bat. "And that's all?"

"Yeah." Scott outlined the inside of his glove. "Well… you know…"

The older boy's attention shifted towards the left at the approaching man. "Hey, Coach Vic."

"Hey." Victor stopped short of him. "Gary, you've been with the Jaguars a while now, right?"

"Four years," Gary confirmed proudly.

Victor bobbed his head. "You ever hear of such a thing as Thrill Night."

"Oh." Gary appeared dismissive. "That. It's been going happening for the last few seasons, always the Sunday before the big Father's Day game. Some big challenge or dare thing."

Victor followed along with the boy's explanation. "I'm not out to make a fink out of you, but as captain you know you need to speak up if these guys are into something serious."

"I mostly hear bits and pieces," Gary said. "Supposedly, Brody Phelps cooked up a camp-out. Justin Cooke- the little fourth grader who made the team earlier this season- has been palling around with him a lot and he's most likely in on it."

Scott looked confused. "Camp-out? What's so bad about that?"

Gary stated, "I've heard they're looking to have it in the cemetery."

Scott gaped now. "That's insane!"

"I don't think they'll actually go through with it, but who knows with brain-dead Brody?"

Victor looked away from the boys with ponder building up on his face.

II

Large finger eclipsing the one belonging to the bitty girl tucked underneath his arm, Hank underlined the short sentence on the white page.

"The cat…"

Kiki picked it up with up with, "rrr-ran."

"Right," Hank praised then moved on to the next word, "up the…"

"Tea," she pronounced.

"Tree," her father corrected gently.

"Twee," Kiki attempted to repeat, small fist going to rub against one eye.

Hank closed the book and observed the toddler and slightly older female stretched out beside her. "Looks as if we already tuckered Becca out." He dipped a bit to kiss the top of her head. "Ready for some rest?"

She nodded and laid down.

Hank smiled and situated Kiki's unicorn themed fleece throw over his two girl bears. He left the cover at their waists only, using it for comfort more than warmth. He laid the thin picture book on the end table before rising to proceed down the stairs.

Raven entered the lab with their son attached to her hip. "Hey, look who got lucky in the Cracker Jack box."

Trav raised the silver whistle to show his father. "See, Daddy."

Before he could blow on it for emphasis, Hank laid a hand over the boy's. "Not right now, Cub. Your sister and Becca are asleep upstairs. Why don't you go show it to Uncle Erik?"

"Ooh, that's a good idea, Daddy," Trav reacted. "He loves metal stuff."

"Remember his ears are probably going at his age," Raven lowered the boy to stand, "so you may have to blow it extra loud for him."

"Okay, Mommy." Trav hurried out of the room on eager feet.

Hank reeled Raven in towards him with one arm and accused, "Don't be bad."

"Why?" she mock sulked.

"Because I'm too distracted to enjoy it."

Her eyebrows lifted at that. "What's wrong?"

"I can't help being concerned about Kiki's speech development," Hank told her. "She's come a long way since we brought them home, but she's nearly four and still having trouble expressing coherently."

"You know what happened to her in that place," Raven reminded, yellow eyes darkening at the recollection. "They treated her like a specimen. At least with Trav they put some half-effort into educating him."

"Most likely because they saw greater possibility in a controlled male." Hank sighed lightly. "It feels like I'm always going to have to worry about Kiki. How she seems the most effected by everything. I want her to be a happy, well-adjusted little girl."

"Of course you do," Raven offered him a little hug, "she's your daughter. And I know how much you have going around here, so I'll work with her over the summer."

"Without you," Hank lifted her a bit, "I am lost."

She left a breathy kiss near his ear. "I know the feeling."

IIIIIII

Studying the framed photograph of the couple with chubby child tucked between them, Leon threw out humorously, "You actually had weight on you at some point in life?"

"Only until I was like four," Maya replied, legs dangling off the other side of the arm chair that contained her. "Mom always says she wishes she could have lost her baby fat so early. But I did get stuck with her height."

"Yeah, my father was fairly tall, too. At least he seemed that way to me." Leon resituated the photograph back on the small table between their two chairs. "So that's what's keeping you away from the hospital?"

Maya made a sour face at the mere thought. "His co-workers constantly asking me how I'm doing or how I'm holding up. Same as last year and every single day. This time of year is probably the worst for everyone to be so deeply concerned."

"At least Father's Day takes place when school is out," Leon pointed out. "It's also less emphasized in general. Mother's Day on the other hand- ah, the joys of being the only kid in most of my classes not to have a reason to paint something pink."

"That pity train must have been full-blown, non-stop."

"You'd think so, wouldn't you?" Leon wore an ironic smirk. "I remember once in the park. This bigger kid said my mom was in hell "where she belonged"."

Maya developed an immediate expression of shock and fury. "What? He said that to your face?"

"Only because his parents most assuredly said it to his face."

Disgust developing in here, Maya folded her arms and spoke softly. "Do you know anything about what your mother was really like?"

Leon examined his fingers. "I've heard things."

She was careful with her next question. "Do you ever miss her?"

Facing her now, Leon replied evenly, "How can you miss someone who was a corpse before she ever even saw you?"

The door opening and closing startled Maya briefly. "Mom?"

"I have exactly thirty minutes." The white dressed Lauren Patterson made her way into the living room. "There's been a break out in every rubber room across the state of New York. And where does every looney wind up? In Bugs Bunny's rabbit hole?" She answered her own question with a sharp, "No! My station. God forbid anyone can remember how to perform their job with competency. But it's my own fault for drawing the short straw as designated sane employee. Why isn't idiocy a federal crime?"

Maya tossed out, "Too busy locking away the civil rights marchers?"

"Bastards." With a heavy sigh, Lauren deposited her purse on the coffee table. "I need to smoke."

Maya shook her head. "No."

"I need food," the on edge woman chose next.

"There's veggie soup on the stove." Maya watched her head for the kitchen. "Mom?"

Lauren paused to look back. "What is it, honey?"

Maya indicated their company. "This is Leon from school."

"Hello, Leon-from-school." She continued her path for the kitchen.

"Hello, Mrs. Patterson," he spoke after the hastily departing female then turned to Maya. "I know my hair is often misleading towards my gender, but she does know that I'm a guy sitting here with her teenage daughter? By ourselves only moments ago?"

Maya informed with amusement, "She could have walked in on us in my bedroom and gone without an eyelash bat."

Leon's mouth opened but words did not come out at first. "… How do you possibly gain that kind of trust?"

The girl responded dryly, "Seventeen years as an absolute square."

IIIIIII

Armload of work at the forefront of his attention, Charles proved unable to pick up on any other minds as he practically crashed into a member of his household.

"Oh Kayla, I'm so sorry." His loss of paperwork did not register as he devoted his attention to checking the woman over. He bent to speak to her midsection. "I'm sorry, pet."

Kayla gave him an easy smile. "We're fine, Charles."

"One would think I would be far more careful with an expectant woman about," Charles gathered his things off the floor, "I should be more than used to it by now."

Kayla picked up a book for him and walked with him into his office. "I've never had near the complications Emma had to go through."
"It's still difficult to wrap my head around at times." Charles deposited the work load onto his desk. "No sooner does Brian arrive than we learn of your glorious news. If it ever happens to Raven- dear God, I won't be prepared. You should have seen her with a nasty spell of chicken pox, helpless little thing. I swear she was blue and red all over, practically purple from scratching," Charles caught himself, "and I very much need you not to tell her that I disclosed a single detail about this."

With an airy laugh, Kayla assured. "My lips are sealed. I have enough on my mind to distract me." She placed his book down. "Though clearly not as much as you have. Looking into the fall curriculum?"

Charles nodded, sitting in his chair. "Sooner is better than later. So much changes around here in an instant. I can't believe how hectic this semester was alone."

With a squeeze to his shoulder, Kayla joked, "You didn't have any fun?" She sobered. "Though you're right. It really is one thing after another with the X-Men. Now with Maya…"

Charles glanced up with sympathetic eyes. "I'm concerned about her, too. Sean told me she seemed to "disappear" about this time last year. I have a guess as to why and I can certainly understand."

"I wish I could help her," Kayla said despondently. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about him but I still had an incredible lifetime with my father."

"We all process things differently. During these times, I myself like to focus on the positive. And we do have our fair share of that as well."

Kayla turned an admiring expression on the younger educator.

IIIIIII

Leading the way out front to his largest birthday present, Leon invited, "Hop on."

Maya accepted the helmet from him then promptly noticed something. "Where's your spare?"

"Back order?" Leon offered up indifferently. "And a lady's safety is just a tad more important."

"Leon, come on," she tried to reason. "You know you shouldn't ride without a helmet. Both our fathers were killed by cars."

An unmoved Leon peered brown eyes into the girl's. "Actually, both our fathers were killed by other people."

Maya said quietly, "Inanimate objects are easier to blame. They don't get away so easily."

Leon stood securely over her small frame. "As long as nothing happens to you. And I'll be fine. You know what kind of," due to their outdoor surroundings, he remained cautious of his tone, "mutant I am."

Before she at last slipped on the helmet, Maya requested, "Don't get caught."

"You really do have a lot to learn about me." Once they were both comfortably seated, he started them away from her house.

They coursed through the town with Leon making random turns. While her long hair batted beneath the helmet, his blew behind him compliments of the strong winds produced.

He zeroed in on one building. "Isn't that your old school?"

"Yeah!" she replied loud enough to be heard over his motor then felt him slow to a stop. "What are you doing?"

He eased into a parking spot out front. "Care to offer me the grand tour?"

"How?" Standing, Maya removed the helmet and left it on one handlebar. "It's Sunday. It's not even open for summer school." He headed for the double doors leading into the building. "Leon, didn't you hear me?" She then gasped as his bright shift floated underneath the door and he opened it from the other side. "Leon!" She glanced around then quickly stepped inside. "What is the matter with you? You know you can't use your powers in public."

"Yes," he responded wryly. "Quietly rematerializing away from an empty street is right up there with attempting to fly through the night sky on a supersonic screech."

She set him with a glare. "That is not funny."

Dipping to better meet her eyes, he said, "I'm sorry. Now about that tour…"

"This way I guess." Maya gestured for him to follow through the halls she knew so well regardless of the lack of lighting. "This is the main office."

Leon stopped, trying one of the doors. "Curses, foiled again. Or…" He shifted to the other side.

Maya waited for him to undo that door as well before she stated, "You're incorrigible."

"I can also spell and define that word." He stepped aside for her to enter.

Maya switched on the light. "I don't know what's so grand to see."

"Let's try somewhere I'm sure you haven't visited too often."

She hastened after him. "The principal's office! Are you crazy?"

"More like curious. And it's not like you can get detention at a school you no longer attend. Maybe this will even earn you some cool street creds."

This suggestion did not impress her for a moment. "Yes, breaking into school in the summer will knock that nerd label right off."

"Labels are icky." Making use of his power yet again, Leon provided them access to the office containing massive desk. "Now for the mother load." He strolled towards the filing cabinet.

Maya took a seat in the oversized leather desk chair and switched on the lamp. "Good luck shifting into there."

"No need." Reaching into one pocket, Leon fished out his swiss army knife. It took him under thirty seconds to work open the lock on the first drawer. "Eureka."

Taking a short spin in the chair, Maya asked, "What are you looking for?"

"Taking a look at the great experts trusted to advise you about your problems." Leon shuffled through the files he pulled out. "Let's see. Master's from MIT, PhD from Columbia- okay, now I see their biggest life struggles. Unable to gain employment beyond a public school."

"Ah, but don't forget. We're in the great Westchester."

"Right. Public school with real funding, very nice." Leon took a big sniff of the files. "I can just smell the history and tradition that comes with having a degree already bought and paid for before you take your first steps."

"Don't be so judging, Leon," Maya admonished glibly. "I'm sure they had to pay for a few term papers, too."

Leon looked thoughtful. "Might be a nice business endeavor for me to look into."

"Seriously," Maya stood, going towards him, "not every teacher here is a pompous pinhead completely clueless about life."

"You'd know better than I would." Leon put the folders back in their drawer and shut the cabinet. "Shall we press on?"

The auditorium made for their next destination. After Maya got the main lights on, she sat in the center front row while Leon took to the stage.

"And now a question for our audience," he spoke into the microphone, "Miss Maya Patterson, do you ever wish you could be a mutant?"

"All the time," she answered him.

"Do you think you and Sean will be together forever?"

A thoughtful smile came to her face and she stroked the ring she wore. "Definitely." She got to her feet. "How about a question from the audience?"

He came back with, "Fire away."

"What really goes on in your head?"

Leon asked in turn, "Are you sure you want to venture into worlds unknown by man?" She eyed him expectantly and seriousness found its way into his voice. "Why did he make us stay here?"

Maya wondered, "Who?"

"My dad." Walking forward, Leon took a seat on the edge of the stage with legs dangling. "A lot of other families went back to Japan after release. He hardly wanted to us to be Japanese. He was stuck on the idea of us being Americans."

Using the side stairs, Maya mounted the wooden platform to join him. "Because it isn't an idea. You are Americans. If the Scottish bombed a US harbor tomorrow, no one would come after me to put me in a camp. They did that to you for looking so much like the enemy. But you shouldn't have to pay or flee your country for them. Same with being a mutant. No one has the right to contain you when you didn't harm anyone. That's what makes me so upset about what happened to Sean."

Leon looked up at her. "Do you remember hearing about that kid in Mississippi? Back in '55?"

Maya nodded, lowering to sit on her knees near him. "We're kids. We're supposed to be protected."

"What we are is expendable to adult agenda." Leon laid down on the stage.

Maya followed him movements, their loose lengthy strands of black and brown streaming together.

IIIIIII

As the sun steadily lowered, shadows grew and stretched out across the vacant imposing land. At one darkened silhouette that seemed to dart away before he could catch a good look at it, the blue-eyed boy clutched his knees.

"What was that?" he demanded of a sudden noise.

"Probably just an alley cat." Brody glanced at him between sorting through baseball cards. "We've hardly been out here twenty minutes. Don't chicken out on me now."

"I'm not…" Justin jumped again. "Now I know I heard something."

"You're cra—" Brody stilled as the inhuman noise sounded again. "Uh…"

"I told you!"

"Shhh!" Brody silenced sharply. "Pipe down, would you?" Gripping the flashlight, he shined its light on the darkened areas a few yards over. "Relax. I'll check it out." He stood from their makeshift campgrounds, venturing into the woods. After waving the flashlight around in a few places, he grinned with reassurance. "What'd I tell you? Nothin'." He turned around only to bellow out when a massive figure jumped down at him. "Ahhhhh!"

"Coach Victor?" Justin recognized, getting up.

Done cowering, Brody gazed up and felt relief wash over him. "Oh it's just you." He looked around. "Where'd you come from?"

"Better question?" Victor waited for Justin to come towards them. "What do you two knuckleheads think you're doin' here?"

"You know, Coach," Brody fielded, "just messin' around."

Victor took the flashlight from him to shine over at the sleeping bags and other meager equipment they had setup. "Makin' an all-nighter of it, huh?"

Brody groaned. "So Summers ratted us out."

"Scott had nothing to do with this and nothing to do with the here and now." Victor settled his stern gaze on the older of the dark haired lads. "And I'm willin' to wager this was your bright idea."

Brody shrugged. "So what? I do stuff like this every year. Coach Dan doesn't raise a stink."

"That's because you know to do it out of earshot of him," Victor said pointedly. "My hearin' is a whole different story. And what do you mean "so what"? You think it's okay to sneak off for a little slumber party in a cemetery? And to drag Justin along for the ride? Anything could've happened to you out here."

Justin tried to offer up, "It was for Thrill Night, Coach."

"And that's one tradition that's officially over," Victor informed. "Next thrill you two are gonna get is me hashin' this thing out with your parents."

Brody crossed his arms. "My mom's not off until ten." He gestured towards Justin. "She thinks I'm sleeping over at his aunt's house."

Victor returned to his earlier thoughts and made a decision. "I'll settle that as soon as the three of us are done here. Come on." He lifted Justin and led both boys over to a stone wide enough for him to make a seat out of. Bringing them both before him, the man eyed the mischievous pair. "You know this was a bad plan, right?"

Justin admitted, "Yes, sir."

"… Yes, sir," Brody sighed. "It's just what I do. You know, to represent the team."

"The team is better off with you in one peace," Victor said matter-of-factly. "And to get that through your head, I'll be goin' through the other end."

"Aw Coach!" Brody immediately protested. "You can't be serious. I'm thirteen."

"And you think bringin' a ten-year-old into a stunt like this makes you some kind of man, huh?"

Brody only moaned, having no argument.

"I'm really sorry, Coach Vic," said Justin softly.

Victor placed a gentle hand over his shoulder. "Stand over there, okay?" He indicated the tree a short ways away. "You and me'll have words in a minute."

Justin nodded and walked over to the designated stretch of wood, facing away.

Victor placed full attention on the older boy. "You want to tell me at what point lyin' to your mother and stayin' out all night in a cemetery sounded like a good idea?"

"Sometimes these things just come to me?"

"Uh huh. After this, we'll see if you learn somethin' about running with 'em."

Taking the young teenager by the wrist, Victor placed him over his lap.

Brody squirmed at the snap to his pants coming undone. "Coach, come on! It wasn't that bad!"

Victor gave a mighty swat over the still dressed behind. "Try me and I'll make you the sorest guy on the bench for a week."

Brody bit his lip but ceased fighting.

After getting his pants and underwear down, Victor started smacking hard at the bare behind. With the time of day and thick of trees surrounding them, he knew they would not be interrupted. He also reminded himself that he did not have a self-healing child and certainly not a full grown man over his knee. Despite that, he smelled and heard Brody's tears before the sixth swat connected. Victor applied a full thirteen to his behind alone then seven all around his thighs.

He fixed his clothes for him but did not allow the youth up right away. "If I hear about you tryin' to pull something like this again, don't think for a second I won't turn you right back over. Do you hear me, boy?"

"Yes, sir!" he wailed out.

Victor nodded and stood him up between his knees. "Sorry I had to do that, kid, but you boys mean a lot to me." He gave him a playful jab in the stomach. "Besides a whole lot of headaches."

"I'm sorry, Coach," he got out in a whisper.

Victor brought him into a hug and patted his back. "Send Justin over here for me. Keep your nose against that tree."

Brody faced the man. "This was all my fault. Don't be mad at him."

"Hey," Victor held his chin, "trust me, okay?"

Nodding, Brody went over. He spoke to Justin then took his place before the tree.

Victor did not miss the look on the young boy's face, knowing that he had most certain heard Brody's punishment in full.

When he got close enough, Victor took him to rest in his lap for a moment. "I understand how much you want to fit in with the bigger guys on the team. But riskin' your neck is not the way to go about it."

"I know," Justin said. "I just wanted Brody to let me hang out with him."

"But you didn't really want to come out here, right?"

Justin shook his head. "No."

"Sometimes your first mind is the best one to go with," Victor told him. "At least when it tells you to keep out of trouble. Now I know this wasn't your idea, but is lying and sneaking around good, either?" Another shake of the head. "That's what I thought." He patted the boy's thigh gently. "You ready?"

"… Mmhmm."

Not wanting to prolong it for the child, Victor brought him face down across his lap. With Justin wearing a softer pair of pants, he managed to get them and his underwear down with one sweep. He dished out twelve hefty smacks to him in total. The lesser number than Brody's spanking did nothing to prevent Justin's crying.

After getting his clothes up, Victor raised him into his arms to hold. It surprised him when the boy latched on the way he did but allowed him to hang onto him.

"Brody," he called out to, making him look over. "Let's pack it up and get some dinner in you two before we head in."

Brody started to comply with the directions but turned around. "Coach… can we still play in the game on Saturday?"

"Why do you think I came out here?" Victor responded. "Not about to lose two good players."

Brody smiled at him, "Thanks, Coach," and went to collect their things.

Standing with Justin still in his grasp, Victor walked after him.

IIIIIII

When the freezing sensation developed, Maya withdrew the milkshake from her lips with a moan.

Removing his own straw, Leon cautioned, "You shouldn't drink if you don't know your own limit."

She closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You should know, college man." Calming down from the attack against her brain, Maya peered up at him as they continued down her block. "Why did you come over? You're not exactly miserable anymore. You're an Erik Kid now."

"And you're completely adored by the Howletts," Leon reminded. "Yet here we are."

Maya quieted, facing forward. "I feel like I'm deluding myself. It's great being with them, training with them, but who am I kidding? Kayla's going to have a wonderful daughter all her own very soon. If not this time then another time. One who isn't mom divided."

"What about Wolverine?"

"He's the greatest," she said straightforwardly. "And I know he completely cares about me. Sometimes I really wish…"

"Wishes are a powerful thing according to a certain Pretty Eyed girl I know," Leon mentioned. "But to answer your previous question, I came over because I know that feeling. Take a look." Maya gazed over to where he pointed across the street at a weary woman laughing while a man attempted to catch up to their sprinting little boy. "That kid has no idea how lucky he is."

Maya put forth, "I hope he never has to realize it the hard way."

Leon turned to her again. "You feel lost in a crowd of mindless drones with nothing to offer but worn-out condolences and pity. But you're not alone, Maya. Not as long as I'm here."

Eyes carrying a distinct sparkle, Maya reached up to embrace him around the neck. Leon hugged the slim girl back.

When they made it back to her house, she picked up his helmet. "Please."

"If you insist." Leon deposited his empty foam cup into the sidewalk trash can. He got down on the bike. "I'll see you at home. Whenever you make it back there."

Maya smiled, "See you then."

Attaching helmet to head, Leon floored away. He arrived back in the mansion's garage in unison of another motorcycle.

Leaving his helmet on the seat, Victor acknowledged, "Hey."

"Hey, Vic." Finger combing through his now freed hair, Leon headed up with him. "Can I borrow your detangler?"

IIIIIII

As the four pajama clad boys filed into the kitchen, Victor kept his attention on the head before him as he indicated, "Grub's over there, guys."

Joey tilted his head at Victor working the comb through Leon's hair like a feline grooming ritual.

"Thanks, Vic." Frank went to collect the box of bakery fresh cookies.

"Make sure you share that with the others," Victor said as usual.

"Are Justin and Brody okay?" Scott asked.

"Yep," Victor applied some additional straightening system to the nineteen-year-old's dark strands, "safe and sound."

Cody piped up, "Did you give it to 'em?"

Victor regarded his nephew out of the corner of his eye. "Never you mind, Mite."

Cody informed all interested parties, "He gave it to 'em."

"Good," said Scott with a small smirk.

"Good night, fellas," Victor said pointedly.

Cookies in grasp, the young males trotted out. Victor moved on to another section of Leon's hair while the teenager propped drowsy head on top of folded arms.