X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Seventy Two

Author's Word: Hi, fam. Here's something funny for you. As much as I write, I seldom talk unless I'm addressed first, yet I was woken up out of sleep with very unusual jaw pain. Go figure that one. Only thing that would have made less sense would be a hangover. Anyway, as I recuperate by pain meds and the love of good felines, please enjoy and review! And another thing, Happy Birthday, D!

Warm evening air caressing her skin through the thin yellow robe, the sandal adorned feet arrived at the lake. The steadily lowering sun created an orange-gold atmosphere, painting the water. The ripples built until the head plunged out for a thirsty intake of air. At the sight of him, she undid the robe and allowed it to slip off her frame freely. Now in bumblebee striped suit, she flipped over and into the lake.

Contentedly absorbing the splash produced by the highly charged dive, he met her halfway in the water. "Glad you could make it."

"I needed to wash my hair, anyway." Her arms met around his neck as they came closer together. "So is this beautiful rendezvous your way of goading me into helping you move your stuff? When is the great UofR opening day?"

Hands going from her waist up to touch her elbows, Morrie stared at her with a higher sheen than the water had to offer. "Rochester is out of the picture."

"What?" Cordelia's brow creased intensely. "What do you mean? You showed me your acceptance letter."

"I still couldn't land a swim scholarship anywhere," Morrie reminded her. "My parents have been hounding me about law school. I finally got sick of it, decided it's time I do my own thing."

Cordelia surmised with a measure of excitement, "You're getting your own place? Now I know you need my help moving."

"Cor," he ensured their set gazes, "I signed on with the navy. Had my physical a few days ago. Enlistment ceremony's on Saturday."

"A few days," she echoed with bemused incredulity. "You've known about this and you're just now…" She swam out of his reach towards land. "I don't believe this."

Morrie quickened his pace to follow after her. "Cordelia, listen to me."

The girl paused from getting back into her robe to jab a finger his direction. "You listen. I've known all along this was a possibility. To be honest, far too much of my thinking as well as sleep have been consumed by that possibility. But I was going to support you. Then you announce you're going to school and I dared to feel some kind of relief. Now you sign up, complete with poking and prodding, and you want what from we exactly? Hm? A hero's parade maybe?"

"This isn't easy for me." He grabbed her upper arms anxiously. "I have been going back and forth with my family since before I even graduated. I didn't want to put this all on you because I know you've been dealing with a lot with your family. Some days I wondered if you were trying to step back from us."

Cordelia attempted with difficulty to ignore the uncomfortable churn in her stomach. "I'm sorry. But God," she touched a hand to her forehead, "I can't believe this is happening. I thought this summer was going to be made of brilliance, not the end of everything."

"This is not an end," Morrie emphasized adamantly. "Cordelia, this is a beginning. In the navy I'm going to get all kinds of access to education and opportunities. I'll be doing something legit with my life and best of all, I'll be at sea. You know it's what I love."

Heavy blue eyes looked to him. "And I guess we just fell victim to the grand scheme, huh?"

"No." He shook his head, bringing her towards him with his hands pressed to her back. "Cordelia, I want us to keep going strong."

She reached up towards his damp hair. "You do?"

"Of course I do. Having you here at home- it'd mean the world to me. I will call you and write you every chance I get. And I'll get to come home on leave. Hey, before we know it, you could be helping move into my own place."

An attempt at a smile fell flat on her face and she inched away. "Morrie, you are talking about a major commitment. I am still in high school."

"Only for another year," he reasoned. "Cor," Morrie placed palms on her shoulders, "we can do this if we really want it. And I know I do."

"Morrie," Cordelia reached back to lace a few of his fingers with hers, "I really have to think about this."

Though she couldn't see, he nodded. "I understand. And hey," turning her back to face him, "I'll wait."

Dipping his chin, he brought their lips together. Cordelia returned the kiss then inched closer towards his chest and tucked her head under his.

IIIIIII

The door opening and closing yet again only received her attention due to the voice that accompanied it.

"What do you recommend for a former but ever weary traveler?"

Vanessa's motion made her long black braid flip over one shoulder. "Pecan pie is well-known for its healing principles."

"And a cup of black coffee," Erik also requested. He took up a stool at the counter. "You seem to put in a great many hours."

"A woman lives for her little pleasures." Vanessa poured the dark brew into an orange mug for him. "Electricity, heat, and other such spoils." Erik emitted a low breathy chuckle. She quickly retrieved his slice of pie and placed the small plate in front of him. "Eat up. From the looks of it, you are not fed nearly well enough at home."

Erik regarded her half-dryly. "You wouldn't happen to have some minute fraction of Jewish blood, would you?" He picked up the fork. "You're one to talk. Though admittedly my packaging isn't nearly as nice as yours."

Vanessa countered, "And mine isn't a sculpted masterpiece."

"A blind waitress. Beware." Erik stuck a sizable chunk of the pie into his mouth and murmured positively. "Delicious."

Vanessa watched him approvingly. "I'm glad you like it."

"The pie is good also," he added shrewdly. "Tell me, Miss…"

"Loree," she supplied the last syllable a musical echo on her tongue."

"Miss Loree," Erik continued, "What might a man have to undergo to spend an evening with you?"

"Not much at all." She peered brown eyes into blue. "If that man is you."

IIIIIII

At the very familiar mind returning to his household, the telepath waited until he at last appeared in his open office doorway.

"Hm," Charles placed his pen down, full attention on elder brother, "and where exactly did you disappear to after supper?" He then frowned at Erik entering on seemingly winged feet. "Dear God." He hurried up to shut the door.

Erik looked back at him as he took a seat on the sofa. "What?"

Enormous grin growing on his face, Charles seized the nearest chair and dragged it over to straddle. "Erik Lehnsherr, you are positively enamored."

Entirely masculine countenance and posture taking over his face, Erik claimed, "I'm nothing of the sort, Lab Rat."

"Come now, admit it." Charles patted the man's knee twice firmly. "And I'll wager it has to do with a new… special going on down at the diner."

Erik crossed his arms, glancing to the side a bit. "Perhaps."

"Perhaps?" Charles repeated him with a bitter reaction to the word. "Erik, that mindset will not get you anywhere. Did you ask her for a little excursion on the town?"

"We…" Erik sighed, facing him again. "Didn't quite make it that far. I haven't discussed any of this with certain persons of interest."

"Ah, I see."

"How did you handle things when Emma was your best kept secret?"

"Unfortunately," Charles responded, "you lack the benefit of telepathic interludes."

Standing, Erik exhaled sharply. "What am I saying, anyway? We've too much on our plates right now. I must be out of my mind. This woman doesn't even know I'm a mutant, among other tidbits about my life. I couldn't possibly trust her with as much as the notion with these watchful eyes surrounding us. No, I was naïve to even—"

"Brother," getting to his own feet quickly, Charles gave his arm an affectionate squeeze, "you're doing your usual of leaping to the worst case scenario. You're so ready to jump to the end that you haven't even started yet. Simply take some time to enjoy this for what it could be. Explain it to the children. I'm sure they'll understand."

"That's very easy for you to say, Lab Rat," Erik looked at him, "Becky and Joey had china patterns picked out before your first date with Emma."

Charles then brought up, "And do you recall our sister's reaction?"

"Oh yes. Alright, I'll talk to them," Erik headed out, "and afterwards you and I can tour through my closet and pick out the perfect outfit for the big night."

"Well, that sounds—" Charles deflated when the older Headmaster's dry tone set in. "Very droll, brother."

Erik sent him a mostly pleasant smirk as he dipped out. Pressing onward and upward, it seemed as if he reached the second level too soon. Youthful exuberance tugging him in one direction, he peered inside his daughter's room. She and Frank knelt with a genuine marble army between them.

"Alright," Frank reacted to the positive turn for his onion skin. "Beat that."

Her attention instead went to her doorway. "Oh Papa's back."

Strolling in, Erik observed their game. "Winning streak, boychick?"

"Yeah, a hot streak," Frank answered proudly. "I'm on fire tonight."

"Mind coming to a brief cool down?" Erik requested, expression sobering. "We need to talk."

Frank's eyes darted back and forth. "Uh oh."

Erik concealed his amusement. "You're not in any trouble. Though I'm not sure the same can be said for me."

Serious green eyes flashed from Becky. "What is it, Papa?"

Frank wondered, "What's happening, Dad?"

Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, Erik brought Becky up to hold in his lap while reeling Frank in to stand close facing him. "When Raven, Charles, and I went out to hear Raven's poetry a few weeks back, a guitarist also performed that night. Her name is Vanessa Loree and she's a waitress at the diner I frequent in town. She and I have been speaking here and there and I'm considering asking her to dinner."

While Frank's former fire frosted over rapidly, the first word out of Becky's mouth was, "What?" She then managed to follow it with, "You mean you… like her?"

"I," Erik searched for a proper way to phrase it, "fancy her you could say."

Becky still proved taken aback. "The way Uncle Charles fancied Auntie Em? Or Hank with Raven?"

Erik did not get a chance to find a response for that, as the male child in the room squatted to begin packing his marbles away. "Frank?"

"Hey," standing with loaded box tucked under one arm, he stated, "this has nothing to do with me," and took his none-too-slow leave of the room.

Erik sighed heavily then watched Becky rise and walk sluggishly towards her desk. "Anya," he stood after her, gently taking her shoulders to reposition her before he lowered to her level, "are you upset? Angry with me?"

"No, but…" She shook her head as if trying to rid herself of the confusion. "I don't understand. I thought everything was great; perfect. You're not happy anymore, Papa?"

"Sweet Imp," he carefully clutched both sides of the round face, "I only know happiness at all now because you showed it to me. That is not something I need Vanessa or any woman to provide me."

Becky then wondered, "Why do you like her?"

Wanting to provide her with a real answer, Erik fully considered the reasons. "She's charming, intelligent, insightful, as well as talented and hard-working."

"Is she pretty?"

Erik smiled a little. "For the most part, yes. Next to you, I have to dig out a whole other scale. However," he moved on, "we can discuss this much better in the morning. After some much needed rest."

The girl nodded, "Yes, Papa," and enclosed the small gap between them to hug him.

II

Though initially aggravated at his door opening without invitation, all irritation faded upon taking in the thirteen-year-old's face.

"Frank-O?" Sean pushed his notebook away and stood from his desk to get closer to him. "What's wrong, buddy?"

Blinking back heavy moisture in his eyes, Frank pleaded, "Can I stay with you?"

Without a word, Sean pulled him into a strong embrace. He kissed his head while working calming fingers through the brown strands on top.

IIIIIII

Guided upward on tangerine and lemon striped boots, Cordelia made her way into the testosterone rich away space. The loft's owner presently resided in an aged chair with legs propped up on a short table.

At her arrival, he promptly closed the hardback and left it on a nearby stack with the others. "How's it goin', baby?"

The uncertain girl stepped forward, toying with her fingers. "I really need to talk to someone. Preferably one who is romantically involved but not obscenely obsessed."

Victor bobbed his head. "Then you've come to the right place." He gestured for her to take a seat.

Cordelia chose the center of his couch and played with the hem of her vibrant floral skirt. "How do you and my sister handle the long-distance situation?"

Answering her frankly, he said, "We handle it. We knew what the business was from the get-go. She's got her thing there, I've got my setup here. And when we do get to see each other, it's that much better for both of us."

Her eyes sparked with optimism. "So then it is doable."

"In our case." Folding hands together, Victor leaned forward a bit. "What's this all about, anyway, Glim Glam? Water boy lookin' at college out of state?"

"Probably more like out of the country," Cordelia informed. "He's enlisted with the navy. And he wants us to stay together."

"Oh, geez." Victor let off a low whistle. "You're talkin' a whole new ballgame there, baby. A military relationship? That's a level of commitment I never could've put a woman through. Don't get me wrong, though. Some folks handle real well."

Cordelia deduced, "But not teenagers I'm guessing."

"Actually, that's not necessarily the case." With her attention fully in his clutch, the man went on. "Commitment at eighteen can sometimes be stronger than eighty or more. It depends on how hard you're willin' to work and how much you really want it."

Cordelia thought quietly to herself before speaking again. "I'm not sure I'm that level of devoted, but I don't want to break up just like that, either. It doesn't seem right. Certainly not fair."

"I know it doesn't," Victor backed up. "This won't be easy on you either way, but you need to figure out which decision you can live with. And for my two cents, I'd hate to see a girl with all you got goin' let herself get saddled on account of guilt." He stood as she did.

Walking forward, Cordelia reached up to kiss his cheek. "Seems my sisters really do have fab taste in gents. Thank you, Victor."
The tall security man dipped his chin cordially with a small smile, watching her proceed down his staircase.

IIIIIII

Head nearly meeting the mat as he arched back at the knees to avoid the sharp swipe, the blonde hopped back up with own weapon raised.

"Seriously," he jumped away from the next potential threat, "I get it."

"Are you sure of that?" Erik went to attack his ankles next.

Leaping up and over in a somersault, Alex made it back to his feet. "You haven't been on a real date since that one chick was ready to devour you alive back in LA."

"Yes, I remember." Of course, Erik mostly took their 'faux' father-son night out from that evening more than anything; circumstances unimportant. "You're certain this doesn't bother you?"

"Not talking to a shrimptoid here, Dad," Alex reminded. "I know you wouldn't go after just anybody. Besides, I understand you're catching the crave."

Their swords clanged together and Erik repeated, "The crave?"

"Yeah, you know. You're probably out to get to know someone… in the Biblical sense. I've been there." At the raised eyebrow, Alex brought up one hand to wave innocence. "No, I don't know personally or anything like that. Because I don't- have not!"

"Hm." Erik used his power to take control of both their swords and bring them to him. "Alexander, please go to your room and sort through baseball cards."

"On it." As he started out of the gym, Alex looked back once more. "But for the record, it really is okay."

Erik bobbed his head gratefully after him, though the session had not eased his tension completely. The wizard of metal commanded twin stabbing motions from the swords into the mat.

IIIIIII

The purposeful orange sphere traveled high over before sinking through the hoop. Catching the rubber projectile, the redhead bounced it twice before tossing it to the brunette. Frank caught it with ease and sized up the hoop only for his face and arms to wither. He sighed and listlessly threw it back.

Sean seized hold of it, tucking it under one arm. "This isn't helping, is it?"

Frank stared at the hoop, "It used to," then walked over to sit on the nearest bench on the estate.

Dribbling, Sean followed behind him. Joining the younger teenager, he left the ball between his legs. Warm brown eyes so cooled and distant, Frank slouched low enough to be able to wrap arms around his thighs.

"Frankie," Sean ranged between patting his back and massaging it, "talk to me."

Several seconds went by until Frank's voice sounded. "I know I was completely kidding myself. My mom and Erik? Biggest joke of my life. Still, though, I couldn't help hanging onto it. That it would give me some legitimacy, you know? As an Erik Kid."

Sean emphasized, "You are an Erik Kid. Genuine right down to the grumpiness."

"But look at Erik, Alex, Leon, and Becky. They all lost their parents in horrible ways," Frank pointed out. "But mine are still here. Except Mom's a world away and Dad's…"

Sean supplied knowingly, "A world away even when he's right in front of you?"

Frank nodded. "But Erik…" He clenched his fists. "I just feel like I was made to be one of his. I can't really explain it."

"Remember what Ben said at Temple?" Frank faced Sean. "A father isn't just the guy you're born to. He's the guy willing to rise to the challenge." Sean stood, walking off a few paces in ponder. "Don't get me wrong. I still love my parents, but when I met Charles it was something totally different. When I was in that facility, he's the one I cried out for. Even with no voice. And you know what?"

Frank got to his feet as well. "What?"

Sean turned around to him, smile hinting at elation on his face. "That's great. And we have nothing to feel guilty about over it. Frank, look at everything we've been through with the Fraternal Twins. You can't honestly believe it was just some matching gene that brought us all together." He came back over, clamping hands down on Frank's shoulder. "You really think what we have here with them becomes null and void just because Uncle Erik's into a cute waitress? You're nuts."

Though some small fracture of his humor returned, Frank could not shake the seriousness entirely as he clutched at Sean's wrists. "You really believe that?" He then let off a, "Whoa, hey," as he suddenly found his sneaker covered feet off the ground.

"You're not that tall yet, Frank-O." Sean winked, holding him close. "Yep. Considering all the screaming I have to do, I don't have much breath to waste. So I want you to quit feeling down, not to mention crazy, and talk to Erik like a big boy. Got it?"

Frank leaned on him in a hug but took the liberty of yanking at his ginger locks. "Fine, bossy butt. As soon as we're done."

"Done with what?" Sean placed him back down.

Dashing over, Frank snatched up the basketball. "I might even spot you five points- maybe."

Sean grinned fiendishly and darted after the wily city native.

They became involved in the game for the next ten minutes until the voice rang out, "Ball."

Both boys still at the man's arrival and Sean acknowledged first with, "Hi, Uncle Erik," and sent him the requested item.

Erik caught it with ease, bouncing it in place on his palm while his focus lingered on the brown-eyed youth present. "I saw you didn't sleep in your bed last night. How are you feeling?"

Pushing his hands into his jeans pockets, Frank made steps towards the Headmaster. "Crummy, dummy, and… funny. But not the good kind."

Erik caressed at his hair. "I believe we need to have another conversation. Have you seen Becky?"

Sean piped up, "She was with Scott last time I saw her."

IIIIIII

The pink and white bicycle pedaling ahead of the blue and yellow model, both sets of wheels came to a stop outside the intended destination.

"Think she's on duty?" Scott put forth.

"I'm going to find out." Getting down from her transportation, Becky made use of the kickstand to keep it in place.

"Easy," Scott cautioned, coming up behind her.

Peeking inside the near filled establishment, Becky narrowed eyes and mind at the wait staff. She immediately ruled out one teenage girl and another short and squat woman who appeared to be twice Erik's senior. When the energetic short-haired blonde did not help her with her goal either, she groaned. The murmur intensified as she went to touch one temple, the crowd overtaking her psyche.

"Rebecca?" Scott gently pulled her back.

She closed her eyes. "Too many people…"

"My goodness- are you alright, dear?" Both children glanced up at a dark haired woman over them. She removed her guitar case to get in closer.

Becky inched away from the concerned touch. "Are you Vanessa?"

"Yes, I am. And you… you're Rebecca," she identified. "I saw you walking with Erik that night."

"Oh, yes. This is my friend, Scott."

"Hello, ma'am," the boy spoke and tried to keep from gaping. He had not expected this mystery woman to have cocoa skin.

"Hello," Vanessa returned then faced Becky again. "Come inside and I'll get you some water. You both look like you could use a bite to eat as well- my treat."

Scott shared a glance with Becky then said, "Thank you."

The children took time to lock up their bikes at the nearby stand before entering the diner with the waitress.

IIIIIII

Arms coiled in a way that still allowed them to link hands, the two stepped together along the shore. The cool waves batted at their bare feet.

"And people think New York is the big time," Morrie spoke, gaze locked on the water. "In the navy I'll travel to Japan, Hawaii, parts of Europe that haven't even been discovered yet. I could see the whole world in four years while everyone else is agonizing over college."

"You make it sound like a walk in the park," Cordelia emphasized. "I know the navy isn't in the same danger as the army but there are still major risks involved here."

Morrie stopped to turn to her. "And they're all risks I'm willing to take, Cor. Think of the career opportunities I'll have when I get back."

She brought up, "And what if the navy becomes your career? What then?"

Morrie's expression softened. "You don't think I'm coming home… babe, of course I am." He reached to stroke a section of her hair. "I've got plenty of incentive after all."

Blue eyes never leaving him, she raised one hand to lay over his.

IIIIIII

As the number of people at last thinned out, Becky received a clear view of something across the way on the wall.

Rubbing his hands with a napkin, Scott followed her up from the table. "What is it?"

Becky stared up at the bulletin board. "That's mine. Scott, this is the essay I wrote."

Scott got in closer. "Hey, you're right."

"I hope you do not mind it." Vanessa came around the counter in her striped apron. "I found it in the newspaper and wanted it for our featured stories. Such a genuine heart is… it's so rare to find."

Becky smiled then reacted to the incoming mind and looked to the opening door. "Papa."

The man came near to them as he said, "I had a feeling I would find the two of you here."

"Emma said we could go on a bike ride," Scott told him.

"I'm sorry if I've kept them too long," Vanessa apologized.

Erik looked at her then back to the children. "I see they didn't exactly go hungry." He used his thumb to clean away a ketchup stain on Scott's cheek. "Let's be off, you two."

Scott glanced towards the woman again. "Thanks again."

"… Thanks." Becky went after Scott.

Moving out of their way, the adults regarded each other.

Vanessa said, "She seemed to be looking for me. May I ask why?"

"Yes, but I'll have to request to answer later." He tipped his hat her way and turned to go.

"I'll be waiting," Vanessa spoke after him.

Once outside, Erik made a show of attaching the children's bikes to the top of his car with rope. He unlocked the vehicle for them. They sat in the back together. After positioning himself behind the wheel and twisting his key, Erik held down the bikes magnetically.

They arrived back at the mansion shortly and made it up to the main level.

Erik brought Scott slightly to the side. "Thank you for watching out for her."

"My pleasure," Scott responded pleasantly then headed upstairs.

Taking the still quiet Becky by the hand, Erik guided them towards his work space. He forced the doors apart with the aide of his powers. There they found the three young men. Alex took up space in the desk chair while Leon and Frank sprawled out on opposite sides of the couch. Erik ushered Becky ahead and she went to sit with Alex.

"Where'd you and Scott wind up?" he asked her, making her bounce in his lap a little.

Becky held onto him. "To go see Vanessa."

"A little mind picking?" Leon surmised.

"No," Becky answered then added, "it was too hard to concentrate."

Erik moved closer to his desk. "Is this situation really troubling you this much?"

Becky opened her mouth but still struggled for words at first. "I can't help wondering… what if things really change? What if you want to marry Vanessa and have bio kids?"

Lines appeared across Erik's brow. "Short of making the family bigger, nothing would change between us."

"That's right, babes," Alex supported. "You see Joey or the others getting tossed after Brian was born?"

"I don't mean that," Becky said, "not exactly. I mean what if everyone makes such a big deal about how they really look and act like Papa?"

"I already have my fair share of that," Erik informed. "Alex has my eyes and this one," he went over to place a hand on top of Frank's head, "has my hair." Frank laughed at having the strands ruffled and Alex carried a pleased and somewhat smug expression. "Leon and I are very like-minded. And you," Erik went around the desk to squat at Becky, "have repaired the rip I thought was permanent with my heritage. Among other things you've mended."

"Hey," Alex raised importantly, "you forgot. We're the cool ones around here."

Frank said, "Pretty sure that happened after I got here."

"No way," Alex denied. "It came through the door with me."

Becky laughed at the two.

"And also," Erik pushed on, "you're rushing the subject. I am not looking to get married at all soon. One would hope I could start with dinner. Whatever happens from there, all of you have to know that this family, our people, the X-Men will always come first."

Alex nodded to that. "Every time."

"Frank," Hank's voice pitched, making the acknowledged one look to his wrist communicator, "where are you? It's time to check the project."

"Oh be right there." Frank flipped his legs over to get off the couch without bumping Leon. "I need to get upstairs before Hank knocks me from lab hand to lab foot." He remained still at Erik approaching him.

The man took him by the chin. "I know this came as a surprise, but the next time we are having a discussion leaving in a huff is not an option. Is that clear, little boychick?"

Despite the admonition, the corners of Frank's mouth came up. "Loud and clear, Dad."

Becky stood from Alex and walked to Erik. "Vanessa's okay, but not half as pretty as Auntie Em." She scuttled after Frank.

"I'll pass that devoted sentiment on to your aunt," Erik said after her. His full attention then fell on Leon. "I notice you've been unusually silent about this."

"New guy," Leon shrugged. "Whatever goes."

Erik set him with a sharp look that made him sit up. "Stop that. Now, what are you really thinking?"

"Well," Leon began, "between the amount of wedded bliss in addition to infatuated teenagers we have about these dwellings, your time was inevitable. Especially if certain urges are coming into play."

Erik crossed his arms and sent his stern gaze Alex's direction.

The young instructor jumped in the chair and developed guiltless blue eyes. "Hey, I didn't say a word."

"What else is there?" They both faced Leon who continued, "No, really. I want to know. I'm on the outside as well as dead end of this, but many I've run into make it seem as if the meshing of flesh is the fruit of life itself. How miniature muscle explosions can have such an obsessive effect eludes me."

Erik regarded him as if in a new light. "Leon, has anyone ever talked to you about relations between men and women?"

Leon replied, "I've read a few ill-gotten biology texts here and there."

Going to the couch, Erik took over the vacant space next to the long haired lad. "No time like the present." He watched Alex maneuver over to one arm of the sofa.

The blonde reasoned, "I need to translate the old guy speak for him."

IIIIIII

Except for one or two stray vehicles, the peak proved quiet and serenely isolating. Half-moon overhead becoming clouded over, he kept fingers in her hair while her arm lingered over his chest.

Lips gliding over the top of her head, Morrie determined, "I better get you home." Cordelia eyed him for hardly a second before grasping his face in a strong kiss. She retracted just as abruptly, leaving him vexed. "What's wrong?"

Her blue orbs carried much weight. "… I'm sorry." Cordelia hopped up from the car's hood and walked off a few paces.

Following her movements, Morrie came up just behind her. "This doesn't work for you, does it?"

"I wish it did," she confessed, turning back. "I really do. But Morrie, I wouldn't be being true to either one of us if I told you I can wait. There's a lot involved with my life, things you don't even know about, and I don't know what's going to happen."

Morrie gave off a slow nod. "I figured it the whole time. Guess I was crazy enough to hope for the best. Come on," he touched her upper arm and indicated the car with his head, "I'll take you home."

A chill suddenly overtaking the evening air, they returned to the vehicle in thick silence.

IIIIIII

Returning the coffee pot to its proper positioning for the morning rush, the brunette veered around sharply at the click of the door.

She took in the man entering. "I could have sworn I locked that."

"Did you?" An unmistakable but secretive coyness adorned Erik's face. "Well, I'm sure it's been a long day for you."

"At least an unusual one- though nothing terribly wrong with that." Vanessa walked up so that only the counter separated them. "I would love to offer you some coffee, but we're all cleaned up for the night."

"Actually, there's something else I'd like from you," he said matter-of-factly. "Your company at dinner."

"Really?" She absent-mindedly picked up a pen to doodle over her nearby order pad.

"If you happen to be free sometime this weekend." Erik watched her continue to write. "Vanessa?"
Ripping off the top sheet from the pad, she handed it to him. "You've only to name the when and where."

Erik looked down at the paper. A humored glint appeared in his eyes at the telephone number.

After he made it back to the mansion, he hung up his hat then honed in on the light coming from the living room. He made a path for the common space, finding the teenager in yellow athletic wear stretched out on the loveseat. Her expression showed not the slightest interest in the flashing television set.

Erik walked in closer. "Cordelia?"

Without looking up, the girl tossed out, "Do X-Males ever actually sleep?"

"We go in shifts," Erik quipped. He ordered the TV off with his magnetism then took a seat on the opposite arm of the loveseat to face her. "What's the matter, my dear?"

Cordelia played with the strings of her hooded top. "I kept telling myself I wouldn't be every miserably starry-eyed girl on the planet over this, but it's harder than I ever thought."

Erik's concern intensified. "What?"

"Morrie's going to the navy," she told him. "He wanted to stay together, but I didn't. I know this must sound completely trivial to you."

"Why?" Erik then clarified, "Didn't you want to stay together I mean."

Getting up from the couch, Cordelia walked the floor in a short circle as she spoke. "I'm seventeen. My head is in a complete spin about everything. What could I possibly know about relationships, let alone using so much of my energy to make one work from afar? I can't begin to focus on that. There's far too much happening with the X-Men, with me. I've had to question my relationship with Morrie too often of late for me to give him that kind of false hope when he's taking on something this colossal."

Waiting until she had finished entirely, Erik came to stand over her. "Are you aware of the wise, level-headed, practical young lady you've become?"

Cordelia glanced up at him somewhat incredulously. "You know you're speaking to me, right? Not the one with the initials MVP?"

"As old as I may seem to you children, senility has yet to sink its claws into me." Erik lifted one of her hands to hold between both of his. "You did the right thing. And I know it's not going to feel that way to you for some time yet, but you have to trust that this, too, will pass. Besides that, with your potential and greatness, it's going to take a particularly special man to keep up with you."

Her tone could only muster a whisper. "Thank you, Erik." She dipped her head in ponder. "But I still care about Morrie."

Erik formed a wry smile. "For someone still learning about relationships, you're leagues ahead of where I was at your age." He cupped her chin. "Would you like some ice cream?"

Cordelia's lips protruded. "Please."

IIIIIII

Amongst the many exited from the previously crowded assembly hall, the brother paired shared a hearty handshake.

"Congratulations, kiddo."

"Thanks, Si'. I can't believe it." Morrie's cheer seemed hardly present. "I'm all in now. I just wish…"

"Hey," Simon patted one dark blue sleeve covered arm, "don't worry about Mom and Dad. Leave them to me. You're doing right by you and this country. That's what counts."

"He's right." Both males gazed over as the girl in yellow and white lace dress appeared out of the numerous people. "Hi, Simon."

"Cordelia," he returned then clapped his brother's shoulder. "See you in a few minutes." He stepped off from them.

Wondering why his eyes had chosen to play tricks on him in that of all days, Morrie wanted to know, "What are you doing here?"

Cordelia responded, "Because I forgot to say something before. More like two things, actually. How proud I am of you and how I'm going to miss you. Insanely, Morrie."

He immediately brought her into a hug and her arms folded at his neck. "I won't forget what we had, Cor. I swear."

Feeling the burning sensation under her eyelids, Cordelia did not allow a broken voice to betray her as she hung onto him.