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.

173. Chapter 173 New Friends

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Seventy Three

Author's Word: Hi, Fam. So I know I'm incredibly late with this realization, but I noticed it's back-to-school for a lot of you. How is that going? In case the answer is lousy (and even if it isn't), please enjoy and review!

Back in his regular summer attire of blue jeans with one of his father's green camouflage shirts tucked in, Cody glanced across the way at the mousy brunette.

"How do you like class now? I see you're gettin' better."

"Yeah," Mike placed his gym bag across his shoulder, "I only fall over once or twice now. It's okay I guess."

Cody then asked, "Did ya take karate where you used to live?"

Mike shook his head. "And I don't wanna take it now. But my dad had Ma sign me up. He says I got to toughen up."

"He's right," Cody concurred. "My dad says puny guys like us got to know how to protect ourselves. And that we're a force to be reckoned with 'cause nobody ever sees us comin'."

Mike laughed soundly at that.

II

"So you're named after your old man, too?" The large feet swayed back and forth on the bench. "My real name's Frederick Dukes, but I go by Fred and everybody calls Dad Rick. But how do ya get Joey outta Charles?"

The blonde explained, "It's my middle name. It used to be my first name, but my dad wanted me to have his name after I was adopted."

"Really?" Fred's countenance reflected mild bewilderment. "Don't your folks ever treat ya funny? Ever locked ya in a basement or made ya go without food?"

Joey came back with, "Does being sent to my room count? And they'd never make me go without food. My Uncle Erik won't even let me leave the table until my plate's clean."

Fred's eyebrow popped. "Your uncle?"

"Yep," Cody's voice sounded as he and Mike returned to the gym normally used for karate, "his family's kinda backwards mix-matched. His uncle's strict like the dad, his ma's fun like an uncle, and his dad's nice like the mom."

Mike regarded Joey with inquisitive eyes. "He is?"

"My dad is nice to everybody," Joey admitted. "Except when we're in big trouble."

"Our dad's real cool," Fred put forth. "He's just gets tired. He drives big rigs so he's away from home a lot."

"He's a trucker?" Cody reacted with positive impression.

"Yep," Fred confirmed. "He got a better job with a company here on the east coast so he had us move here to make things easier. It's been alright."

Mike added, "'Cept y'all are the only kids we really know. A lot of the ones here are so…"

"Snooty?" Cody filled in. "I know how you feel. I was new last year. My family lived up in Canada before I started goin' to Joey's dad's school."

"Livin' in school. What's that like?" Fred wondered.

Cody described it with the first word to enter his mind. "Crazy."

Mike then asked, "Can you guys come over to our house?"

Fred felt the need to sweeten the offer with, "Ma's bakin' cookies."

Cody placed his glance on Joey who said, "We have to ask our folks. But, um, maybe tomorrow?"

Fred raised a thumb. "Cool."

Stepping into the gym, a smile came to Alex's face at the conversing boys. "Good. I was wondering what had you guys snailing."

"Alex!" Shooting up from the bench like a beam of light, Joey dashed for him.

Alex greeted him with a half-hug, half-noogie. "Hey, Joe. You guys have an alright day?"

"Sure did. Al," Joey indicated the unknown boys to him, "this is Fred Dukes and his brother Mike. And this is my brother," Joey tugged on the teen rather proudly, "Alex."

"Hi, Alex," Fred waved.

"Hello," Mike barely mumbled, a little taken by the older one's presence.

"How's it going, guys?" Alex then directed, "Come on, Cody. We need to get home for you-know-what."

Knowing the instructor had training on the brain, Cody called, "See ya," to their friends as he hurried to join up with the blonde pair.

IIIIIII

Lint brush done on the dark slacks, Charles moved to help the taller mutant into his freshly dry-cleaned jacket. He then maneuvered around quickly to adjust the crimson tie.

"There we are." Charles patted his shoulders. "You handsome tiger. Now for the correct scents." He picked up the nearby bottle of cologne and gently spritzed it on the lapels. "Remember this is only to accent, not to act as a substitute for soap and water." Tall bottle down, he took hold of the smaller one. "Open."

Erik allowed the breath spray to access his mouth. "You reek of being raised with a girl."

"And yet," Charles double-checked to ensure the smoothness of the older man's hair, "I know what women desire all without probing."

"Touché," Erik rescinded. "A definite advantage you have over me." He studied his reflection in the mirror. "This has all been… far too long."

Charles squeezed his arm with reassurance. "Miss Loree is fortunate to have the pleasure of your company. But remember, a true gentleman mustn't be too forward."

"Yeah," the blue head poked into the suite, "so keep those busy hands to yourself, Mister."

"Raven honestly," Charles chided, "the man could have been indecent."

"You're right." Skipping over, Raven retrieved Erik's fedora to place on his head. "There we go. All better."

Readjusting the hat, Erik inquired, "Did you come in here solely to mock me?"

"Not solely," Raven answered coyly. "You look great by the way."

Erik quieted at first then accepted with, "Thank you, big girl."

"Yes." Charles snapped his fingers when recollection hit. "I forgot my camera."

"Charles," Erik called after him, stopping his sudden rapid trek out of the room. "While I admit this is a historical event, there is no need to capture it on film."

"Just look at him, Charles." Raven walked over to link arms with the telepath, her tone of voice emotionally rich. "Our big brother is growing up."

"And he's still the eldest." Erik took a moment to tower over the cheeky pair. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have children who wish to paw at my clean clothes before I dare set foot out the door."

After he walked out, seriousness developed over Raven. "I really want this to work out for him. He deserves it."

"Yes, he does," Charles agreed then held her hand tightly. "Don't worry, Baby Blue. Our brother can do nothing if not handle himself."

"Oh?" Raven spoke as they headed out together. "Does that mean you won't flick the lights on and off to tell him to come inside?"

"No," Charles answered, pinching at her cheek, "but that's mostly because I'd rather not end my own night with a thrashing."

They separated for their own ends of the house.

"I caught a glimpse of Erik," Emma said when the male telepath came into their room. "Divinity at work." She rubbed at her husband's stomach when he laid down beside her. "Or at least one of its simple messengers."

Charles could not resist a laugh at her touch. "Oh my love, if this works out it will certainly take some getting used to on all of our parts."

"Mummy," the enthused tone rang out as the boy proceeded inside, "Daddy. Brian spit up but I clean him up and changed his clothes."

"Thank you, Treasure." Emma lifted him to place him between them.

"Did Alex and Uncle Erik tell you?" Joey lounged against his father. "I was really good in training today."

"They may have mentioned it," Charles responded vaguely then sat up a bit. "Little one, is there something you need? Want, perhaps?"

"Well…" Joey folded his legs and started rocking back and forth while clutching his ankles. "You know the new boys from Texas? Fred and Mike Dukes?"

"Yes, you and Sean mentioned them to us," Emma recalled. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, Mummy," Joey reassured. "But they asked me and Cody over, but I told 'em I had to ask you and Dad first. So… may I go tomorrow? Pleeease?"

Charles pursed his lips. "I'm not sure, son. The two of you going over to a strange house. What if your nerves get the better of you and you have a reaction? We cannot afford the slightest mishap anymore."

"I won't be scared, Daddy, honest," Joey vowed. "I really like Fred and Mike. And they don't have any other friends here. I promise to be good. Honest, honest."

Emma hummed in thought then spoke. "They don't have their classes at the center tomorrow so I'll drive them over myself and talk with Mrs. Dukes." She added telepathically, make sure all is well.

Charles dipped his head towards her then turned back to their son. "Alright, little one. You may go so long as Cody's parents agree."

Joey simply dismissed that with, "Oh they always do." He then bit his lip. "I mean thank you, Mummy and Daddy."

Charles leaned over to tickle his side, making the thin boy release a giggling outcry. "Go get your brother for his feeding, please."

Joey smiled and scampered down to go back to the nursery.

IIIIIII

Filing out amongst the other symphony attendees, the two walked side by side towards the parking lot. Erik studied the woman in sleeveless black cocktail dress with sheer red shawl around her arms and wavy hair fluttering with her every movement.

"So," Erik spoke first, "what did you think?"

Vanessa answered with, "Verbose yet poignant. Nothing I've ever seen before."

Erik promptly concluded, "Because it wasn't your style at all. I'm sorry. I'd hoped you would enjoy it. I wanted this evening to be… well, enchanted for you."

Vanessa offered him an easy smile. "Erik, everything has been wonderful. The flowers, dinner, even the concert. I know it must have been difficult for you to obtain those tickets. I'm sorry you had to waste them on someone far below your breeding."

"Stop that," Erik ordered lightly, touching her shoulder, "and my breeding comes from a hard-working family in Poland."

"Somehow I can tell that, too." Vanessa eyed him pleasantly. "If you're up for more music, I do have an idea."

Erik went with her towards the car and she retrieved the black case from the back after he unlocked it. "Are you ever able to separate yourself from that instrument?"

She replied, "As a single woman, it doubles as a weapon."

They next arrived at the nearby park, where she stood playing on an empty band stand while Erik watched intently from a bench. The French tongue filled his ears in tune to the guitar strings.

"So," she echoed his previous question, stepping down, "what did you think?"

"Beautiful." He accepted her hands into his and guided her over to sit next to him. "You're a tremendous talent."

"Thank you. And this way," she pressed a hand against his check, "we get the veil of night."

"What do you mean?"

"Do not pretend you did not notice the stares we received tonight," Vanessa mentioned. "With your position in this community, it won't do you well to be seen with—"

"What?" he cut in. "Another immigrant? Vanessa, I am a Jew and member of a Messianic Temple that many refuse to understand. Trust me, this community has no use for me, either." He used one finger to stroke at a portion of her hair. "How can you put yourself down so?"

She seemed to think before she answered with, "I suppose you could say it's my natural reaction. That sailor I've spoken about? He was a successful man who I thought would be my everything. Until he at last grew tired and left me with nothing."

"A fool," Erik stated plainly.

Vanessa said back, "You are truly amazing."

Erik's eyes carried something unknown. "If you only knew."

After they arrived outside of her house, Erik regarded the Victorian structure in wonder. "You have a lovely home."

"And the sympathy of an elderly couple," Vanessa stated while he went around to open her door. "They wanted to downsize but did not have the hearts to sell. My rent is quite possibly the best deal I've received since arriving on these shores," she joined hands with him, "until recently of course."

Erik gave off a flirting smile and walked her up the few steps to the front door. "Thank you for tonight."

"No, thank you," she countered. "This has been the greatest time I've had in a long while."

"May I call you tomorrow?"

"I look forward to it."

Erik moved in, leaving a kiss on her cheek. "Good night, Vanessa." He started down the stairs.

Vanessa tugged her shawl tighter around herself. "Good night, Erik."

IIIIIII

The moment she felt the mind make its return, the young girl tossed her book to the side and clicked off the lamp. She lowered underneath the covers with only her long curls sticking out.

Making his way into the room, Erik walked over and lowered to sit on the side of the bed. He started to adjust the blanket so that it did not hide his child's face, when the round head popped out like a fledging turtle.

"Papa?" Becky made a show of squinting. "Is that you?"

"Anya," he turned her lamp back on, not missing the warmth already radiating off of it, "I didn't mean to wake you."

"Oh," she smiled, "that's okay."

"My, my," Erik ran a hand through her curls, "look at this hair. Absolutely perfect for one who has been asleep for hours."

"Well…" Becky wiggled her feet. "I had a little trouble. Uncle Charles' singing isn't the same as yours- at all."

Erik could not help chuckling a little. "I'm sorry, Sweet Imp." He kissed her temple. "I'll be sure to be in before you need to sleep. Or go out after."

"Oh," Becky responded. "So you're going out with Vanessa again?"

"I'd like to." Erik watched her face closely. "Does that trouble you?"

Becky thought for a length of time then shook her head. "No. It's okay, Papa. Really. It's just… kind of weird."

"I know," Erik concurred. "It is for me as well. Remember, though. I want you to talk to me if any part of this starts to make you uncomfortable."

Becky hopped up to her knees to hug him. "I love you so much, Papa."

Erik squeeze her tightly. "I love you, too, ladybug. Now," he laid her back down, "to bed with you."

Becky pulled Sweetie Imp in close to her then slowly eased into sleep at the Hebrew lyrics he sent into her ears.

After her eyes closed, Erik sang a bit more then shut off the light. He left to conduct his regular rounds then went back downstairs. Unsurprisingly, he discovered Charles' office aglow and the door open.

Looking inside, Erik found him not at his desk but seated on the sofa with a book. "Do you need tucking in as well?"

"Hm?" Total innocence filled the Professor's face. "No. Seanie has me turned on to one Sir Charles Birkin." He indicated the collection of short stories. "Frightful to say the least."

"Hm, I find him a bit too talky." Erik strolled over, joining him on the couch with a pat to the younger man's knee. "So you were in no way waiting up on me?"

"Certainly not. However, now that you are home," Charles practically flung the book away from his person, "dish."

"Sophisticated subtlety. One of the many things I adore about you, brother." Erik turned slightly to better face him. "It was not the disaster I originally imagined. In fact, I believe she quite enjoyed herself."

"Smashing," Charles reacted but studied his brother's countenance closer, "and you did as well, yes?"

"Yes," Erik replied but not with any commendable enthusiasm. "This is still all new to me, Charles. The last woman I felt so attracted to- it's difficult to shake that this is not forbidden."

"I understand," Charles sympathized. "I constantly battled with myself against my feelings for Emma versus practicality and my loyalty here. If it is meant, it will work itself out."

Erik nodded quietly at him.

Eager pitter-pattering feet marked the arrival of Raven in the study. The bathrobe covered maiden took no time squeezing in between the two of them.

"So," she coiled arms with the males, "what are we talking about?"

IIIIIII

At the extremely fancy car that pulled up, the head of blonde pigtails glanced up from playing by the azalea bushes. She watched two boys scamper out of the vehicle along with a stunning woman in sharp, pure white suit. The high-heeled feet moved at a sauntering pace behind the enthusiastic children.

"Hey, guys," Fred looked over from where he and Mike threw a stick for the black sandy colored mutt. "You made it!"

"Hey," Cody called back while Joey went straight towards the animal with an exclamation of, "You have a dog?"

"Yep," Mike scratched behind his ears, "this is Scout."

"Hi, Scout." Joey made a pass at him and to his delight the creature licked his hand. "I'm Joey."

"And I'm Lily." The little girl approached.

"She's our kid sister," Fred introduced.

Emma cleared her throat a little. "Joey."

"Oh, sorry." Joey left the dog long enough to go back to his mother. "This is my mom."

The Duke children greeted with a chorus of, "Hello, Joey's mom."

"Hello," Emma smiled at them then spoke to Lily. "Is your mother inside?"

"Yes, ma'am." Lily hastened towards the house. "Mama, Mama!"

The others followed her into the red and white two-story. The short foyer led almost directly into the living room. From an adjoining room, presumably the dining area, a woman with wide blonde curls covered mostly by a scarf stepped out. She wore cropped jeans and an oversized flannel shirt over a plain white tee and carried cleaning fluid in one hand and a used towel in the other.

"What's all the commotion out here?"

"Mikey and Fred's friends are here," Lily informed her importantly.

"From the center, Ma," Fred further explained.

"Oh that's right," Mrs. Dukes looked to recollect.

"Thank you for having the boys over." Emma extended a friendly hand. "I'm Emma Xavier, Joey's mother."

Finding a nearby table to situate her cleaning products on, the other woman shook with her. "Joanne Dukes. I claim this bunch." She pointed out her own children. "I don't have much prepared right now but can I get you a cup of coffee?"

"I'd love it," Emma accepted.

"Freddie," Joanne addressed her oldest, "why don't you take your friends upstairs to see Darlin'?"

"Okay." Fred waved his arm towards the staircase. "This way, gang."

While the young ones started up, the women proceeded towards the kitchen.

"You'll have to excuse the place." Joanne retrieved two mugs from one cabinet above the coffee maker. "I'm still unpacking and getting this house in some kind of order."

"It's alright," Emma assured, taking a seat at the circular tan and white table. "Joey tells me your family only recently arrived here from Texas."

"Lubbock." Joanne carried the filled mugs over. "A far cry from Westchester. Sugar?"

"Please." Emma left her mug on the table. "I find Westchester actually has much in common with Boston."

"I thought that might be your home town." Joanna pulled over the sugar bowl. "Got a bit of an accent yourself."

"You should hear my husband," Emma smiled, bringing her coffee up to sip after adding two lumps to it. "Right out of England."

Joanna sat across from her. "You don't say."

As the other blonde drank her coffee, Emma failed to miss the thought of, probably kin to the queen herself that unknowingly shot her way.

II

The blissfully unaware teeny creature wrapped in pink continued sleeping peacefully while the other five children circled her crib.

"This is Darleen," Fred whispered to them. "She's brand new. We've only had her five months. Everybody calls her Darlin' Dukes."

Joey kept his voice low as he said, "Like my brother Brian. Except we've had him half as long." It also amazed him that the nursery hardly made up half of Brian's.

Cody peered into the crib with bright eyes. "Can't wait 'til I have one of these at home."

"His ma's havin' a baby," Mike said to Lily.

Her blue eyes lit up and she let off an, "Ooh," before quieting for her sister's sake.

Treasure, Emma sent into Joey's mind, I'll be back for you two at five.

Okay, he returned, thanks Mummy.

Downstairs, Joanne walked with Emma towards the front. "You have a good day now."

"You as well," Emma replied, leaving out of the house.

Joanne watched her get behind the wheel of the gleaming white Mercedes. She gave off a shake of her head as the vehicle departed.

She turned around at the sound of the chattering children making their way back down. "I'll get a snack going. You boys go ahead and make yourselves at home."

Cody and Joey thanked her then followed the Dukes out to the backyard. With a whistle from Fred, Scout came bounding out to them and they started up a flying Frisbee game with him.

Joey grinned when he caught the Frisbee and the panting animal stood to rest front paws on him. "You're so lucky to have a dog."

"We're just lucky he's here." Fred came over, absently patting Scout. "Had to leave my horse behind on my uncle's farm."

"Aw, that's crummy," Joey reacted. "I'd be a mess without my horse."

Fred raised an eyebrow at him. "Your folks let you keep a horse but no dog?"

Joey went at Scout's belly affectionately. "They say a dog is too messy and too much work."

Cody said, "We have a rabbit, though. We found him back in Canada."

"Canada?" Lily tilted her head to get a different angle on him. "Is that why you look like that?"

Cody ran a hand through his hair. "I guess so. But I don't look nothin' like the French kids I used to know."

"Who's ready for a fill-up?" Joanne came out of the back door with a loaded tray.

"I got it, Ma." Fred jogged over to take it from her.

Joanne promptly reacted to the cry that sounded from the upstairs next. "You kids have fun." She quickly headed back in to seek out her youngest and smallest.

Fred carried the tray over to the red picnic table. "Dig in, you guys."

The others came over to sit and Cody and especially Joey marveled at the tall pitcher of lemonade beside the assorted bags of potato chips and popcorn.

IIIIIII

Fingers combing through the platinum blonde hair of the one snuggled against her side, Angel inquired, "So he's all shipped out, huh?"

"And off to boot camp," Cordelia confirmed, propped up against sister and brother-in-law's headboard.

"You doing alright?"

"Trying to," Cordelia coiled the phone cord around one finger, "It's just hard to believe how fast it was over."

"You did the right thing breaking it off," Angel told her. "Besides, boys come and go, babe. There's too many other pebbles on the beach. Just make sure you keep your sandals on."

Cordelia laughed. "I'll remember that. Anyway, I'm going to put on a pretty face for dinner."

"Call me if you need me." They finished saying goodbye and Angel placed full focus on playing dolls with Samantha.

II

Frank glanced back at the one who entered the kitchen then returned his attention to the stove. "I'm just keeping an eye out while Rae gets Kiki changed. Guess you're going out soon."

"Not tonight," Erik said. "Tomorrow, though. I wanted to have tonight with the family."

"Oh." Frank stirred at one pot.

Seating himself facing away from the table, Erik held his arms out. "Come here, boychick." Frank turned off the heat before going to with him. Erik folded arms around him. "I do miss your mother and often think of the time we were able to spend together. However, following the heart is not as wise as storybooks make it out to be. Often we have to ignore it and do what is best, what we must," he cupped Frank's chin, "and what is divine."

Frank nodded into his hand. "Yes, sir. I know. But I'll always be yours no matter what or who. Right, Dad?"

Erik ensured their eye contact as he replied, "Right, boychick. And I expect you to remember that." At Frank's second nod, the man put forth, "After supper, what do you say you and I get a little swords training in?"
"Yes!" The boy threw both fists in the air.

Raven soon returned and with the help of the males present, got dinner on the table for the famished members of their household. Though some appetites proved healthier than others.

"Joey," Charles noticed him pushing his food around more than anything, "is anything wrong?"

"Is it too hot?" Raven asked him, equally worried.

"No, Aunt Raven," Joey assured her. "I guess I'm not that hungry."

Now Hank reacted and stood. "Let's go to the lab so I can have a look at you."

"No!" Joey recoiled. "I'm just full from earlier. Mrs. Dukes gave us chips then she baked cupcakes."

Emma asked, "How many did you have?"

"Just two."

"I had three," Cody piped up proudly.

"You don't seem to be having trouble," Erik noted of the boy's already half-finished plate.

Logan thumped Cody's head lightly. "Powers like ours take a lot of fuel. Besides, this kid goes to bed and wakes up with food in his mouth."

Charles returned to his own son. "Haven't we discussed snacking too much between meals?"

Joey lowered his eyes. "I'm sorry, Dad."

Charles sent a soothing hand down his back. "I think you'll do well with an early bedtime. Go on up."

Cody indicated himself. "What about me? I ate more than he did."

"You, too then," Kayla dismissed him.

Cody pushed his plate away and hopped up.

Joey started up then faced his father again. "Can we still go to the park tomorrow? Please?"

"Yes," Charles granted. "Alex is driving you."

"Ooh, ooh," Trav waved his arms wildly, "I want to go, I want to go! Take me, too!"

Raven placed a calming hand over her son's head then put forth, "Would you guys mind?"

Cody shrugged. "Their sister is his age, anyway."

Scott smirked. "A break from the pain."

Trav scowled his way.

"Becky, want to come, too?" Joey asked her.

"Sure," the girl replied.

After he finished with his own dinner, Alex brought his plate into the kitchen. He poured a tall glass of ginger ale and took it upstairs.

With the intended bedroom door ajar, he glanced in. "Hey, Eel."

Already changed into his pajamas, the lethargic Joey sat up. "Hey, Al."

"Here we go." Alex came close and handed him the glass. "This'll help knock that rock out of your stomach." He sat down on the mattress facing him.

Joey took a long drink of the carbonated beverage. "Thanks." He placed it on his end table. "I didn't mean to eat so much."

Alex rubbed his stomach for him. "I know how it goes when you get around buddies. Sometimes you forget the rules at home, right?" Joey nodded. "Happens to the best of us. So these Dukes kids are pretty cool, huh?"

"Really cool," the younger blonde responded. "They sort of remind me of where I used to live. Without all the bad stuff."

"That's great. And personally, I think they're pretty lucky they met you." He reached over to kiss his forehead. "See you in the morning, baby brother."

"'Kay, big brother." Joey lowered against his pillows and Alex moved the thin summer blanket closer over him.

IIIIIII

Arched over, Raven applied a coat of emerald green polish to Maya's second toe while seeing to it that not a drop landed on the white bedding. Cordelia sat near them cross-legged on the bed. She and Kiki played with a small assortment of Emma's old jewelry that utterly fascinated the three-year-old. At the vanity, Emma held Becky close to her front while coursing the special brush through the curly hair.

Becky studied their reflections in the mirror. Auntie Em?

Yes, darling?

If my papa ever marries Vanessa, you'll still listen when I need to talk, right? And take me shopping and tell my coaches to back off and we'll still have our sunrise breakfasts and—?

Rebecca, Emma ceased the mental tirade, of course, sweetheart. Erik is not rushing anything and if he does get married, do you really think that would change what we have?

Sometimes… sometimes I can't help feeling like everything's going to be different from now on. Vanessa's okay, but she isn't you.

Oh my love, Emma lowered the brush to wrap arms around the child, no one will ever come between us. I promise you.

Though she felt Becky's mind and body relax against her, Emma found herself locking the girl into an even tighter hold.

IIIIIII

While the six younger children filed eagerly out of the X-Van, Alex's hand went to Becky's shoulder.

"I'll be back for you guys in an hour. I'll only be a few blocks down at the record store if you need me. Remember, babes," he waited for her to look back at him, "no powers out here. I mean it."

She bobbed her head. "Don't worry. See you soon."

Alex waved after her as he drove off.

Becky hurried into Hope Park after the others. "So what do you guys want to play?"

Fred determined, "There's enough of us here for a real good game of hide and seek."

"I want to seek," Cody said immediately. "I'm the best there is at it."

"We'll see about that," Fred smirked. "Remember to count to ten."

"I'll do even better. I'll count all the way to a hundred and still find you guys," Cody challenged.

"This I got to see." Fred turned to the others. "Let's pair up."

"Trav's with me." Lily latched onto the only one her size and the boy shrugged.

"Joey, will you come with me?" Mike requested.

"Okay," the blonde boy accepted.

"Come on, Becky," Fred waved the remaining girl over, "he'll never find us."

Becky agreed and before they divided up, she instructed, "Trav, don't go off too far."

"I know, I know." He ran off with Lily while Cody turned his back and began the count.

Becky and Fred found a hiding spot amongst a circle of thick bushes beside the gate. Joey and Mike wormed underneath a bench that contained a group of teenagers. Trav and Lily ran until the former spotted the tallest tree.

"This way," with only the use of his own hands and feet, Trav began up it, "not even Cody'll find us up here."

"Wow," Lily gripped the branches, attempting to follow him, "how are you doing that?"

"Loads of practice. Can you make it?"

"I'm right behind you," the girl reassured.

Trav neared the highest spot he could reach and sat himself on a thick branch. "The big kids'll never find us now."

A not as confident Lily situated herself on a branch slightly below his and held on securely.

"One hundred!" Cody spun around. "Ready or not, here I come!"

With his nose to guide him, he first zeroed in on the ones nearest the gate. Becky spotted him and wanted to cloak them from his sight but then remembered what Alex said about their powers. Though she did not find it particularly fair the way Cody always got full use of his, she still did not summon an illusion.

"Ha, found you!"

"Whoa." Fred moved out of the bushes ahead of Becky. "You weren't kiddin' about seekin'."

"Told you." Cody grinned. "Come on. I know where the others are, too." It proved more difficult to him with the mix of smells but he soon located the two boys under the bench. "Found ya, Joey!"

They crawled out.

"You're the best, Cody," Mike commented.

"Yep," Cody placed arms behind his head, "I know."

"Okay, okay. Stop bragging," Becky admonished. "Where are Trav and Lily?"

"Uh," Cody scanned the area. "Good question…" Those two had given him the hardest time of all.

"Trav!" Becky called out as they hastened around the park together. "Lily!"

"Lily!" Fred bellowed. "'Kay, you win. Olly-olly oxen free!"

"Did you hear that?" Trav glanced down. "We won. Let's go." He then watched Lily hang on all the tighter. "Lily?"

The paling girl shook her head hard. "I'm scared."

"No, it's easy." He crawled down to her level. "I'll help you."

"No, no, no, no!" She snatched away from his touch. "We're gonna fall!"

Cody came to stand under their tree. "There you are!"

Becky and the boys ran over and she gasped. "Trav, what are you doing all the way up there? You know you're not supposed to climb that high."

"Oh boy, Lil'," Fred reacted. "If Ma sees you up there…"

"She's too scared," Trav called down.

"I'll getcha, Lily." Mike went to grip a branch.

"Me, too." Cody started to join him.

"No, don't," Becky grabbed onto each of their shoulders. "Alex is nearby. I'll go get him." She ran a distance away from them then mentally bellowed, Alex!

Despite the sudden voice in his mind jarring him, Alex moved with untold speed out of the record store as soon as he learned the full situation. Once in the car, he floored it back to the park. He saw Becky and sprinted ahead of her towards the tree she pointed out.

"Alex," Joey acknowledged then pointed as well. "They're up there."

Scaling the thick wood as fast as he could, Alex reached up for Lily. "Hey, sweetie. It's okay. I got you. Come on."

With a great deal of whimpering, Lily went into his hold. Alex held her close to one side then ordered Trav onto his back. Though their combined weight gave him some difficulty, the teen made full use of his strength training as he brought them all back to ground level.

Mike clung to Lily the moment Alex placed her down and Fred hugged her from behind.

"Okay," Alex moved Trav around to his front to hold, "what happened?"

Becky explained, "We were playing hide and seek."

Fred picked it up with, "And the two twerps," he pointed at the sky, "went all the way up there to hide."

Alex sighed heavily. "Right… well, that's enough excitement for one day. I better get you guys home. Let's go."

While the others went ahead to the car, Trav flashed a smile Alex's way only to receive the sternest expression he'd ever seen on his uncle's face.

"What did you think you were doing climbing up a tree like that?" Alex scolded sharply. "Your dad's told you a dozen times about going too high."

"B-but I could've gotten down alright," Trav attempted. "Lily was the one who got scared."

"Because she's not a m—" Alex caught himself. "She's not like us. Of course she got scared. Neither one of you should have been up there."

Trav rested against his shirt front. "I'm sorry, Uncle Alex."

"Sorry won't cut it, Trav. When we get home, you're in big trouble."

Trav now buried his face against the shirt, whimpering louder than Lily had previously.

IIIIIII

As he proceeded through the second floor, it amazed Charles to discover a very heated Alex headed his way from the opposite end.

The young instructor wanted to know, "Where's Hank?"

"They left a few minutes ago," Charles told him. "To meet up with a couple of Raven's mates from school."

Moaning, Alex stomped one foot. "You've got to be kidding me."

"Alex," Charles squeezed him at the bicep, "calm down. What seems to be the trouble?"

Alex explained, "Trav decided to win at hide and seek by climbing the tallest tree in the park and he got Lily Dukes to do it, too. Becky had to call me back to get them down."

"What?" Charles frowned deeply. "Are they alright?"

"Yeah, they're both fine," Alex answered. "Trav's up in their room." He then looked the Headmaster up and down. "Since Hank and Raven are out, do you think you can deal with this?"

"Of course I can," Charles then tacked on, "but I won't. As difficult as this is, Alex, it is your responsibility to discipline Travis for this."

"Charles, come on," Alex near pleaded. "I've never had to full-on spank the kid before and he's even smaller than Joe."

"And I trust you to use your best judgment on how much he can handle. This is something both Erik and I had to learn ourselves for handling each of you."

Staring down at the floor, Alex exhaled. "Okay. Boy," he raised his head again, "this part of adulthood is one big kick in the face."

Concurring entirely, Charles watched the weighed down young man proceed towards the lab. Though he greatly wanted to take the burden away from him, he knew this was something the novice instructor needed to learn firsthand. To distract himself, the Professor headed into the nursery to check on Brian and Kiki.

Situated at the center of the wide bed, Trav rocked back and forth with uneasy anticipation. With a hard grip on his stuffed ape man, the six-year-old sent silent tears into its soft fur.

Reaching the deluxe McCoy suite, Alex stood in place at the sight of the weeping little boy. He knew how young Trav was and that he did not understand the many complexities surrounding their family, especially when it came to mutation. Unlike Alex himself, he knew Trav saw it as something fun only he could do instead of an annoying hindrance that refused to leave him alone. However, powers or not, he reminded himself that Trav had put himself in danger and that acted as exactly what Alex needed to press on.

"Hey, Bugsy." Sitting down on the bed to face him, Alex patted his sock covered foot. "We need to talk."

Trav inched over closer to him. "I'm really sorry, Uncle Alex. Please don't be mad at me."

Alex brought him into his lap and hugged him strongly. "I'm not mad, Bugsy. But what you did was very dangerous, for you and Lily. If one of you had been hurt, a lot of people would have been sad, especially your parents. Uncle Alex has to punish you, pal."

"… Are you gonna spank me?"

"Yes," Alex answered him honestly then gazed down to look into the swelled brown eyes, "do you know why?"

"'Cause I was really bad and did something dangerous."

"I know you weren't really trying to be bad, but you have to remember. Our powers are for at home only, period. And even here, we have to be careful. I can't go around blasting everything in sight, can I?"

Trav laughed a little at that. "No, that'd be really, really bad."

"Right," Alex nodded. "Even though you're the best climber there is, there's a reason your dad tells you not to go too high. None of us want to see you hurt yourself. We love you too much, Bugsy."

Letting off a few more droplets from his eyes, Trav whispered, "Okay."

"Okay." With enormous difficulty, Alex stretched out his legs and draped the small body over them.

Trav squirmed a little. "Daddy lets me hold his hand."

Alex promptly extended his spare. "Here you go."

Trav let go of his stuffed animal to clutch the appendage with both his own.

Raising a somewhat trembling hand, Alex popped the little behind, making Trav shake one foot. Taking in a breath, he applied the next few at a steady pace. Then he heard new cries sound from the little boy. Wanting it over quickly, Alex brought the count up to an even twelve mostly directed at his lower bottom. He then scooped his nephew up to hold and rock against his shoulder.

At the sobs sent into his ear, Alex kissed his hair twice. "Shhh, Bugsy. It's okay. Uncle Alex is all done. You don't have to cry."

While he rubbed the boy's quivering back, he used his shoulder to clear his own face of moisture. He then laid back, leaving Trav on top of his chest.

"I-I'm sowwy!" the child quivered.

Alex gently hushed him again. "I know, baby. You don't have to be sorry anymore. See? I'm done. All done."

Trav calmed down a little then asked, "Is my daddy gonna spank me, too?"

"No, no," Alex assured. "I'll explain the whole thing to him. Don't you worry about anything. Hey, listen," he sat up with him, "I'm going to lay you down in my room. I need to get something to make you feel better then how about you eat and camp over with me?"

Trav managed a small smile. "'Kay, Uncle Alex."

Hugging him in an impenetrable grasp, Alex stood and carried him back down to the second level. After getting Trav comfortable in his own bed, he continued on downstairs. Once in the kitchen, he took the frozen cube tray out of the chest freezer. He next retrieved a small plastic bag and started filling it with the cold blocks.

IIIIIII

Giving a brisk shake to the snow globe, the brown eyes watched the white pellets come down on the replica of New York contained beyond the plastic.

"Isn't she beautiful?" Vanessa remarked, eyeing Lady Liberty.

"She sure is," Erik kept an arm around her as they continued down the city strip. "Though I take it you mean the statue."

"After a lifetime in Europe, there is nothing more freeing than beholding her," Vanessa stated.

"While many of the customs of this land are still boggling for me, I agree with you on a small level," said Erik. "I found my children here, so it isn't all terrible."

"You and Rebecca are fortunate to be so close." Vanessa lowered the globe. "When I was small, my father brought my mother and I to Paris with grand promises about beginning a new life in the city. We weren't there a year before he found another woman."

Erik looked at the now silent female beside him before he spoke again. "Many are given children, but not all are worthy of them. Some of us work every day to ensure that we are." He then asked, "What made you come here?"

"Opportunity." She lightly shrugged. "And the never-ending search for that special someone."

"In my case," Erik said, "I seem to find much without ever realizing I was searching."

Vanessa leaned against him as they continued on under the array of street lights.

IIIIIII

Entering their room, Charles shut the double doors and started undressing for the night.

"I spoke with Joanne Dukes," he worked his belt through the loops and undid his pants. "Little Lily is doing fine. I suppose we're going to have to get used to these misadventures as the children get older." After he had his pajamas on, he slipped under the covers beside Emma. "It's wonderful that they have others their age to play with this way." He stroked at the absent one's hair. "Don't you think so, darling?"

"Hm?" Emma turned to her husband. "Oh yes, of course. Though we still need to keep our eyes sharp."

"Spoken exactly like Erik," Charles smiled then reached over to turn off the lamp. He lowered and brought Emma in towards him for a kiss. "Good night, love."

Emma adored his lips back, laying a hand on one side of his face. "I was thinking, we'll have to double soon. The two of us with Erik and Vanessa."

Charles nodded in the dark. "That sounds splendid. I'll speak to Erik about it, but I believe he's still a ways away from the introduction to family phase."

Settling against his chest, Emma's eyes remained open for several minutes longer.