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.

182. Chapter 182 McCoys of the Midwest

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Eighty Two

Author's Word: Hi, fam! For those of you guaranteed to get confused, this chapter overlaps with the previous one. Also, this chapter is dedicated to my grandmother who passed away last week. Fam, let me tell you that this is not a simple case of mandatory mourning for a deceased relative. This woman was the first and only real grandparent I have ever had in its sincerest form. She showed me a level of kindness, love, and generosity I thought only existed in the realm of fiction. Through her death as I discover more and more about her, I've realized that she and I, while having no biological linkage, have an enormous amount in common. I'm also grateful that she mustered up the last bit of good health she had so that she could leave my sisters and I with a positive image of her for our final day together. I'm doing pretty well, but I need a favor from all of you- please enjoy and review!

Sunset bestowing the block with reddish orange hues, the numerous windows of the cream colored Victorian structure seemed to twinkle. Seated on the porch swing with one hand nursing a porcelain teacup, the head of auburn, pulled back into an out-of-the-way do, waited with unyielding eyes and fortitude. She wore a lavender pants suit with crop-sleeved jacket and white flats and top.

At long last the cherry red Lincoln cruised until it reached the last house on the street, making a motion to pull into the two car garage. The driver encouraged his family to get on out while he finished parking inside the already open space. The blonde young woman removed herself from the passenger's side and hurried to the back to free her children from their confines. With boy and girl secured, she made a mad path for their metaphoric lighthouse keeper.

"Oh Raven," Edna scuttled down the five steps that separated them, "my dear."

The younger female seemed to glow. "Mom!"

"Grandma!" When Trav proved the most eager of their little group, Raven gave him over to Edna's waiting hold. "Grandma, we're here."

"Travis," Edna caressed cheeks with the boy in a cherishing motion, her eyes emitting a unique shine, "thank Heaven you're here now."

"I know," Trav smiled, latching onto her without inhibition, "Daddy drove forever and ever."

Raven shook her head, knowing her son was entirely unaware of what his particular presence meant to Edna. "Oh hey," she hefted Kiki on one hip, "you want to say hello to Grandma, baby?"

While remaining attached to her mother, the toddler offered a short wave. "Hel'yo, Gwandma."

Chest swelling at the simple greeting, Edna inched forward and kissed her cheek. "Hello, Kyra. You sweet lamb. Oh," realization returned to the woman, "let's get you all out of this evening air."

Raven moved along to follow her lead into the home's interior. "If I had to spend so much as five minutes longer in that car- Mom, you are the biggest sight for sore eyes."

"Then you clearly don't have my present view, dear. Come, sit down. I want to have a good look at all of you." Edna sat Trav on the living room sofa and waited for Raven to join him with Kiki in her lap. "Beautiful," Edna determined. "Much too beautiful- all of you."

Trav made a slight face. "Even me, Grandma?"

"Certainly not," she replied. "You're perfectly handsome. You have that in common with your father."

As Raven laughed, Kiki tugged on her. "Where Daddy, Mama?"

"Right over here, baby bear." The four of them faced the doorway, where a thoroughly loaded down Hank stood. "Or what's left of me that is."

"Ooh, hang on, hon." Placing Kiki on a couch cushion, Raven hurried up to help him with two of the suitcases.

"Never mind those bags, you two," Edna insisted, going over. "We'll worry about them later. Right now, supper is warm in the oven."

Dropping the overnight bags right there, Hank put forth, "Who am I to argue with my mother?"

Edna smiled, reaching up to cup his face between her hands. "Henry." She kissed both his cheeks and Hank dipped to hug her.

"How are you, Mother?"

"My best in sometime," she said, mostly for his hearing then turned to her right. "Raven, if you're not too tired could I have a hand in the kitchen?"

"Sure, Mom." Raven walked with her towards the eatery, chattering about the sights they'd seen in the last ten plus hours.

Hank went over to kneel before his children. "Alright, cubbies, do you remember what we talked about?"

"We know, Daddy," Trav said, gingerly kicking his feet. "No powers at Grandma's so the bad people won't see."

"That's right," Hank bobbed his head in approval, "We want to enjoy our time here with Grandma without having to worry about silly things. Understand?"

Trav offered a prompt salute. "Yes sir, Daddy."

"Very good. Come on." Hank scooped up both of them. "We need to wash our hands before we eat."

Peering over her father's shoulder, Kiki continuously studied the new surroundings.

IIIIIII

"The dining room, Mom?" Hank reacted with a short smile. "I wish you would've told me the queen and president would be joining us."

"Neither will receive a red carpet from me," Edna stated matter-of-factly. "However, having my children here is a special occasion in my book."

"Filet mignon, potatoes au gratin, caramelized pears, French bread, pasta and garden salads?" Raven recounted of the various dishes. "Mom, this is a banquet hall."

Edna quipped, "I'm certain you're familiar with Henry's appetite by now."

"He is a football player for life," Raven said.

Hank rolled his eyes comically. "Oh, you two." After a brief hesitation, he lowered to the chair at the head of the table.

Edna gazed over with support. "Doesn't he look absolutely fitting there?"

Raven nodded her husband's way. "Just perfect."

Hank put on a small smile, but said nothing as he leaned over to begin cutting Kiki's meat.

"These look really good, Grandma," Trav said of the pears.

"Thank you, sweetheart," Edna poured milk for him while Raven prepared Kiki's sipping cup. "Be sure to save a bit of room. There's a chocolate layer cake for dessert."

"Ooh," Hank and Trav reacted simultaneously.

Though Trav enjoyed more than a reasonable portion of everything offered on the table, he still attacked the chocolate slice with equal vigor. Kiki, however, proved a listless mess with her own dessert and brown smudges covered her cheeks.

Raven went around to pick up and snuggle her daughter. "I think someone's ready to lay down."

"Mom, can you help Raven with the children?" Hank requested. "I'll get the dishes loaded."

"Of course, Henry." Edna stood and walked over to snag hold of the hand Trav held out for her.

IIIIIII

When the Eye Scream Team made a move to leap over one sofa, Erik transferred attention away from his book.

"Scott, Franklin," he reproached, "you're young mutants, not trained chimps. Stop that jumping about and remember you're indoors."

"Yes, sir." Scott stopped to sit on the couch.

Frank bowed his head with modesty. "Sorry."

"Come play cards," Alex invited from where he and Leon knelt on opposite sides of the coffee table.

This appeased the younger two males, who dropped down to join in on the game.

Becky flinched at the ringing that seemed to overtake the tranquil space.

Erik gave a calming pat to her ankle as he lifted the nearby receiver. "Hello? Oh, Hank." The children looked over with interest. "I was hoping we'd here from you." Erik listened for a few seconds. "Alright, good. Yes, things are fine here, too. Hold on, she's right here." He presented the girl next to him with the mouth piece. "Your brother for you."

With a smile, Becky raised the receiver to her ear. "Big Bear? I'm okay. Where are Kiki and Trav? Tell them I miss them already. And Raven, too." She responded to a question from him. "I like it. We have a barn out back, more than twice the size of Xander's. And a woodshed, too. But none of us want to go in there."

Chuckling deeply, Hank advised, "See to it that you don't. You remember my mother's phone number, right?"

"Yes, I wrote it in my journal."

"Good. I want you to call if you need me," Hank reminded her.

"Hank," Raven spoke through his communicator, "a certain mini gorge wants to see you."

Returning to the phone, Hank said, "I have to go. I'll phone tomorrow."

"Okay," Becky replied. "I love you, Big Bear."

"I love you, Becca Bear," he returned.

They said good night before Hank hung up the kitchen receiver. Leaving out, he took the backstairs two at a time, moving on them at the same natural flow present from years prior.

The moment he made it inside his old bedroom, his reflexes had to go to work catching his daughter.

Hank lifted the pink nightgown clad girl up to sniff the delicate soap lingering on her skin. "Baby Bear…" He then fully absorbed the area around him and braced himself for the bombardment of memories.

Only one thing appeared out of place, particularly where Raven sat.

She patted the mattress. "Look, Mom got us a queen size. I'm glad. The four of us would have been stacked in a single."

"Considering how much these two like to sleep on top of us," Hank gave Kiki a little tickle, "I hardly would have noticed." He carried her over to where Trav peered out the window through the telescope. "Be sure to say hello to the man on the moon for me."

"This is better than Frank's, Daddy," the little boy marveled.

"It should be," Hank said, "considering how I spent over a month begging my dad for it for one birthday."

Raven observed the bulletin boarded filled with black and white pictures of Albert Einstein, Galileo, Sir Isaac Newton, and a wealth of other brilliance. "Okay, the amount you have in common with my brother is getting a little creepy."

"I take that as a compliment." Hank rethought that a moment. "Unless you're referring to Erik then it is creepy."

Trav turned around to poke his father in the kneecap. "I'm telling Uncle Erik on you."

"You go right ahead." Hank playfully nudged his son with his foot. "Apple of his eye." He looked towards the bed. "I spoke with Erik and Becca. They made it fine."

Raven let off a moan, falling out against the pillows. "I need to call Charles again."

"We can take care of that in the morning. For now, I know two small bears that need their sleep."

Trav's moan turned into a groan. "But we just got here. Can't we stay up? Mommy, please?"

Raven sat up to look at him. "You want to risk sleeping through Grandma's breakfast?"

Trav gasped and rushed to get into bed. "Time to sleep, Kikiko."

With a small smirk, Hank laid Kiki down beside her brother in the center of the wide bed.

IIIIIII

Lighted by the twin floor lamps located in diagonal corners, the three lounged about the living room in robes over pajamas. Seated side by side on the salmon colored, wood-carved antique sofa, Edna and Raven cracked walnuts from the bowl on the coffee table. Edna's recently brushed hair cascaded as long and loose as Raven's. To their close left, Hank filled the striped easy chair. With the tip of his glass lingering at his nostrils, he absorbed the aroma of the cinnamon sprinkled in by his mother into the warm drink.

"We've been counting our lucky stars that it wasn't totally demolished," Raven lifted her glass for a brief sip, "but this rebuild is going to take some time. It's an old house. I still remember the first time I saw it." She traced the rim of the glass thoughtfully. "When I was a little girl, I thought that house was indestructible."

Edna regarded her with vast sympathy. "It's horrid to think what happened," she touched a comforting hand to one of Raven's, "but what's most important is that you're all alright. I could hardly take my eyes off the road all day. All I could think about was your safe passage."

"Mother, you mustn't send yourself into hysterics," Hank reassured. "It's true that our lives are a little more eventful than most married couples starting out, but it's nothing so detrimental."

"Daddy?"

Hank looked over at the minute figure who rubbed a tired fist against one eye. "Kiki," he put his milk down to hasten and collect her in his grasp, "shhh, it's alright. Daddy's right here." He kissed the plumpest part of her cheek as he carried her out. "Let's go back to bed."

Edna watched the two of them depart with a pleasantly augmented sensation coursing through her chest at the image until forlornness took over. "Still the eternal stoic."

Raven explained apologetically, "He's the oldest of us under my brothers and sister-in-law. He keeps everything inside just to stay together during hard times. Especially for Kiki. Trav's pretty good about bouncing back, but with Kiki," Raven thought how to put it, "it's as if she feels what he feels."

"I'm very happy the two of you have a family together," Edna told her. "Even though he never spoke about it much, I know Hank's always wanted a brother and sister. Unfortunately, more children simply weren't in the cards for us."

"Don't worry about that. Trust me," Raven smiled, "there's no shortage on siblings for either one of us anymore."

IIIIIII

When he reached the hundredth point, Victor slowly eased away from the leg press, whipping dampened hair back with vigor. He pressed two fingers against each of his thighs, sensing the steadily growing tautness and, more importantly, declining pain. Lifting his water bottle, he took a long swig while his eyes stayed on his brother. Logan currently made strenuous use of the pull-up bar in such a way that his breathing and heartbeats seemingly swirled together.

"So I know why I'm pushin' it," Victor flung a towel at him, "what's your story?"

Catching the article in one hand, Logan let himself drop. "I'm gettin' rusty; soft."

Ready to dismiss that, Victor still inquired, "The hell are you on about, runt?"

"I laid down on the job back at Ignacio's." Logan spotted his neck area with the towel. "He never should have had the chance to get the edge on me like that."

"What edge?" Victor scoffed. "The fucker was into the hoodoo-voodoo. He had the forces of freaky on his side."

"That freak-fuck almost killed Leon." Logan's blue eyes flamed crimson and he clenched a fist. "He's a rookie. Should've kept a closer eye on him."

"You've seen Vapor hold his own out there, Lo'," Victor reasoned. "You know- we know- the unpredictable just pops out at ya."

Logan gripped the ends of the towel forcibly. "Whatever the case, as long as we're signed up for this X-Man deal, we can't afford slip-ups." He shifted his now absent gaze to one corner.

I will deliver him back to you… so that he may die in your arms.

"Runt?"

The clamp on his shoulder returned him to the present and he inched away from the touch. "Gonna go check on the kids." Logan moved past his brother and out of the weight room.

II

Thick clouds creating a silver-gray effect overhead, not a single star could be detected. Chin propped up on one blue jean covered knee, the other half of the teen's lanky form dangled lazily off the bench. He experienced a light pressure against his back that allowed for some small relaxation to activate within him.

"Have you heard the story of the steadfast soldier?"

"Wolverine or Vic?"

A smile forming, Kayla answered, "Neither, actually. No, this was a very young solider. He burned with the desire to be a grand war hero. So at the beginning of a major battle, you can imagine his disappoint when the general assigned him to guard the castle, miles away from the action."

Sean made a thumbs-down. "Boo."

"His sentiments exactly." Kayla lowered and Sean hurried to offer her some bench room. "Many disguised tricksters tried to convince him to abandon his post. Though the temptation was great, he remained in his assigned place. Because of his resolution to his duty, he kept all matter of wickedness from invading the castle walls. When the battle ended, he was honored by the king as a magnificent hero as if he'd taken part in the fighting himself."

Sean faced her. "This young soldier didn't happen to have bright red hair and pasty skin, did he?"

"In addition to his ripped muscles and handsome features, yes he did." She ran fingers through his hair as he exhaled a laugh. "You're thinking about the others."

The redhead sobered. "We haven't even been apart for twenty-four hours and already I…" Dipping his face, his hair swept over his eyes. "This always happens to me. I thought I missed Virginia, but almost as soon as I got there I knew it wasn't the same as before. It's crazy how this whole thing spiraled."

Kayla patted his knee. "Honey, it's alright if you want to join them. You don't have to worry about Maya."

"She's not the reason I stayed. Not completely." Sean raised his head again. "One of the original X-Men needs to be here to see this through. To make sure the others have something to come home to." He looked to the expecting woman. "And I need to be here for Cody. No matter how much they bump heads, Frank has Leon and Alex with him. Cody's stuck with me in the big brother department."

Kayla assured, "And also his first choice in that department. Come on." She gestured with her head towards what remained of their dwelling. "Let's get inside."

Sean nodded and stood to help her rise before they continued on for the indoors.

IIIIIII

Brown eyes greeting the sunlight filled room, the first thing to fill the young ears consisted of his father's rather audible sleep noises. Between him and the arm his mother had around him, Trav had some difficulties with movement. He eventually managed to squirm free and off the bed. Scampering out of the room, he searched the second floor until he discovered a bathroom. He used the toilet and washed his hands, but had to turn around abruptly when he remembered about flushing.

At the banister, he started to climb down in his own unique way then recalled his parents' words about not using his powers. Hanging onto the railing, he made his way down the slightly curved steps. Picking up on some delightful humming, he headed in the direction of the kitchen.

"Grandma?" He observed with great intrigue the woman practically dancing around from counter to counter.

She spun to face him, wearing a pink apron covered in teeny watermelons. "Oh Travis, sweetheart. Good morning."

"Good morning, Grandma," he returned, walking into the eatery in full. "You can call me Trav."

Smiling at how much those words reminded her of another little boy not terribly fond of hearing his full name, Edna said, "If you like. But my, isn't it a little early for you?"

"At home, I wake up with Mommy on her days to fix breakfast. She lets me stir and mix stuff."

Edna proved thoroughly impressed by this. "Well, your mother is certainly lucky to have such a wonderful helper."

"I can help you, too. I washed my hands." He flashed her the clean appendages.

"Thank you, Trav." Guiding him over to one counter, she retrieved the step stool for him.

"What are we making?" Trav asked, staring into the mixing bowl.

"I thought I'd fix your father's favorite waffles," She appeared alarmed for a moment. "Do you and Kiki like them with banana?"

"We loves bananas," Trav told her. "And I'll try 'em, anyway. Your food tastes real good."

"You are the living sweetest." Edna tickled his nose. "Well, could you sprinkle these in for me?" She handed him the small bowl loaded with sliced bananas. "I'm going to check on the oatmeal."

Trav used his spare hand to salute her then went about filling the larger bowl with the chunks.

Back in her blonde guise, Raven walked in and put her hands on her hips with a smirk. "How did I know you'd end up in here?"

The boy looked over his shoulder. "Good morning, Mommy."

"Good morning, dear." Edna lowered the heat under her pot.

"Good morning." Raven came over closer to kiss the top of her son's head then turned her mother-in-law's direction. "Do you need me, Mom?"

"That's alright, Raven. Trav is doing a fine job."

"Grandma's little helper." Raven tugged gingerly on Trav's earlobes. "Okay, I'm going to catch a shower and get Kiki dressed." She turned to go back upstairs.

Trav picked up the mixing spoon to work in the bananas. "Grandma?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Do you have any chocolate syrup?"

A certain expression crossed Edna's face at the question. "It's funny you should mention that. I normally don't keep such things around the house, but after I heard you were coming I stocked up on a few items." Reaching into one upper cabinet, she removed the brown bottle for his viewing.

Untold jubilation overflowed from the child's eyes and made a path all the way to the tips of his toes.

IIIIIII

"It very well could have been the last message you ever sent me and you went with "mmmm, choco-skake, yummy"?" Charles eased back against the armchair as he spoke. "Your last gesture to me would have been you cruelly rubbing my nose in your delicious splendor. Would you have been content with that?"

Struggling with juggling her mascara wand as well as the receiver, Raven replied, "Very content, actually. And you, Mister Professor man, no talk of farewells and final words. Not after what we just went through. Bad Charles."

"I'll give my mouth a good rinsing later. So, I take it all is well with Hank's mother?"

"She is radiance meets magnificence. How's your in-law front? Any Frost warfare?"

"Thus far it's been quite peaceful," Charles reported. "Dare I say, even pleasant."

"We'll keep the fingers and toesies crossed there. Okay, I have to go exhaust my checkbook. I love you, big brother." Raven sent several smooches into the mouth piece before hanging up.

Standing, she did a short spin in the hall. She wore a blue knee-length skirt with white collared blouse.

Appearing behind her in the mirror, Hank wound arms around her middle and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Why must you leave me?"

Raven moaned happily at the kisses to her neck. "Because my first love is shoes." She turned around to regard him coyly. "But you'll always be my cute side man."

Hank snapped teeth at her playfully then pressed their lips together in a quick kiss.

Dressed in a maroon and black trimmed suit with dark hosiery and heels, Edna walked upon the couple with Kiki in tow. The toddler wore a gray skirt, light pink shirt, and white tights with polished mary-janes.

"Raven," Edna took her hand to give her daughter-in-law a little twirl, "you look just ravishing in blue."

"Yes, she does." Hank winked at his wife then strolled over to pick up Kiki. "You have fun with Mommy and Grandma, Baby Bear. Daddy will see you a little later, okay?"

"'Kay, Daddy." Kiki pecked his nose and hugged his head.

"Come along, precious." Edna accepted Kiki from Hank. "The boutiques are calling."

Smiling, Raven linked arms with her as they headed for the front door.

Going to the living room window, Hank waited for them to enter the garage and drive off. He then went in search of his son.

As he moved through the first floor of the house, the recollection shot at him like arrows. From photographs to sculptures, next to nothing had changed about the place. Spotting one particular door open, Hank strolled towards it and looked inside.

Trav went from playing with the various knickknacks lined up on the desk to walking around the large wooden piece. With some maneuvering, he pulled himself up into the tall leather chair.

Hank laughed inwardly at how the boy seemed to shrink against the oversized seat. "I used that for a throne. Or a flying saucer, depending on my mood."

Trav started to look at him then noticed the family in one picture and picked up the frame. "Is this you, Daddy?"

Hank came in for a closer look and grinned. "Yes, I was about four or five." He pointed out the other photographs on the desk. "That's from my," he thought for a long moment, "fourth science fair I believe. That's my high school graduation and that's my college graduation."

Trav looked at each but the frame he held caught most of his interest. "You were really little, Daddy." He regarded the man curiously. "How'd you get so big?"

"I have no idea." Hank squatted beside him. "Your grandmother claims I couldn't so much as nap without sprouting another ten inches."

Trav giggled then gazed around. "This is Grandpa's office, isn't it?"

Hank followed the boy's eyes. "Yes. Hasn't changed a bit." Not a single bit as far as the scientist could tell.

"I wish he was here." Trav turned to Hank again. "So I could say thank you for you and Mommy."

Bringing him into his arms, Hank took over sitting in the chair with Trav now in his lap. "I wish I could thank him for you and your sister." Hank placed his cheek against his son's soft hair. "But his last wish in the world was for you two to be happy and safe. And he got it."

Trav relaxed into his father's front. "I think Becca's right about wishes coming true. Do you think she's right, Daddy?"

Brushing back a portion of the child's hair, Hank kissed the spot. "Yes." Though he also knew, most times one had to assist those wishes into realty.

IIIIIII

A tall gold plated fountain with three tiers of rushing gushes situated at the center of the shopping plaza caught Kiki's attention. Edna shared a smile with Raven and carried the bitty girl over for closer observation. When they neared enough, Kiki reached a hand in and reacted with a giddy shriek when the cool water made contact.

"That's wet, Gwandma," she informed.

"Yes, it is," Edna concurred, giving her a fond squeeze. She eased Kiki into a standing position but kept a firm grip on both her small hands to steady her. "Here we are, my little goldfish."

"Goldfishy," Kiki echoed in a sing-song as Edna helped her walk the circular space.

Keeping up with their movements, Raven pushed a section of her hair behind her right ear. "Mom, can I talk to you about something?"

Turning to her, Edna answered with an automatic, "Of course, sweetheart." Taking a seat on the edge of the fountain furthest from the water, she brought Kiki to sit on her lap. "Is everything alright?"

"It isn't anything serious." Raven sat near to them. "Except I've had the same problem since I started college. I can't seem to narrow down exactly what I want to major in."

Edna listened then said, "I can certainly understand your frustration, though this is a problem I never faced myself. Ever since I was a slip of a girl I knew what I wanted to pursue."

Raven immediately wanted to know, "What?" Edna raised her ring finger. "Oh. Right. That I've got covered." She held up her own diamond studded band.

"As difficult as they can be to obtain, the real work is the years to come." That stated, Edna returned to the girl's question. "But where you're concerned, dear, what really tickles your interests?"

"Poetry, but that's pretty personal for me. Then there's this baby," she rubbed at Kiki's chin, "and the boy model I have at home. Plus the other kids at the school. I love doing things for them."

"That sounds promising," Edna remarked. "You would make a fine schoolteacher."

"Oh, I don't think so," Raven turned down straightaway. "Charles is the Professor. I'm not trying to play copycat to my brothers."

"You don't have to be a professor," Edna pointed out. "You could try nursery school, running your own daycare, there are many possibilities."

Raven quieted, considering the suggestions. "You really think so?"

"Raven, from the moment I met I knew you were a very bright girl," Edna told her. "Bold, ambitious. And it's clear children love you."

Kiki leaned against her mother's arm, snuggling in.

The smile Raven already wore only widened greatly.

IIIIIII

Maneuvering across the floor on his hands and feet, the adult mutant used his heightened smell as a form of detection. With no particularly strong scent in the rear sitting room, he now followed his nose to the bathroom.

"Now where is my little cub?" Hank stood to his full height again, looking between the sink and toilet. "Don't tell me he's run away and left me." He picked up on the faint little giggle. "Hmmm. Perhaps he's in here," snatching at the shower curtain, he drew it back sharply, only to discover an empty tub. "Trav?" Hank then had no time to prepare as weight dropped down on his head.

"Gotcha, Daddy!" Trav nipped down on the man's ear.

Hank growled softly, lifting him up. "And what did I say about powers, hm, young cub?"

Trav feigned cluelessness. "I don't remember."

"Oh, here's a little reminder for you." Hank tucked the boy under his arm facing front and began to noogie him.

"Dad!" Trav attempted to fight him as well as strong fits of laughter off. "I'm gonna get you, Daddy!" He then reacted to the sound of the front door. "Grandma!"

Shaking his head merrily, Hank put him down and followed him out to greet their returning ladies. "Back already? Raven must have lost her wallet."

"Not even close," his wife said matter-of-factly, depositing her three plastic bags while holding onto Kiki with one arm. "Someone missed her daddy."

"Aww," Hank took their daughter and instantly felt her sluggishness when she nestled into him. "Let's go rest together, okay?" She nodded into his shirt and he started for the stairs.

"Trav, look what I found for you." Taking a green and brown box out of one of her packages, Edna dipped to show it to the boy.

Trav grinned as he accepted it. "A teddy bear puzzle! Thanks, Grandma." He leaned in to hug her.

Edna held him close, standing with him. "Now, tell me. What did you and your father find to do?"

Raven recollected her things and followed them, listening to Trav's extensive details of the last few hours.

IIIIIII

Able to locate the familial scents, Hank walked out to the backyard and to his mother who reclined in an outdoor chair.

"Henry," Edna smiled up at him, "is Kiki still sleeping?"

Hank nodded then saw what currently held his wife and son's attentions. "I can't believe you kept that thing."

"Of course we did," Edna said. "With how attached you were to it, it became a fixture out here."

Trav peeked out through one circular window on the wooden structure. "This is cool, Daddy. It's like a treehouse but no tree."

"This is my old club house," Hank told him, strolling over. "Though for you," he bent, touching noses with the boy, "it's more of a cub house."

"And I'm just loving this little piece of decorative genius." Arms folded and a set expression on her face, Raven used one pointer finger to beckon the doctor to her.

Wondering what she meant, Hank went around to where she stood behind the small house.

He experienced something of a cardiac reaction at the initials of HM and AM written in marker, enclosed within a heart. "Uh, I," Hank rubbed the back of his neck, "that was from a, um…"

"HM and AM, how cute." She flashed a tight smile at him. "Big radio fan, were you?"

"When we were kids the three of us played out here a lot and…" Hank sighed deeply. "It was a lifetime ago, Raven."

At the heaviness she could see developing behind his eyes, Raven quietly assured, "I know," and laid her head on his chest. "I want it gone."

Hank wound arms around her. "Consider it done."

IIIIIII

The gentle sleep sounds providing the only pleasant melody for the thoughts that weighed in by the tons under the darkness, he finally slid out of the bed. Shrugging into his robe as silently as he could, Hank stepped into his slippers on his way out of the room. Journeying downstairs, he reached the intended location shortly.

Despite his vision difficulties, he managed to walk through the space easily. Running a hand along the wood of the desk, he dropped himself into the chair. He looked ahead, focused on nothing in particular. Occasional nudging of the wheels beneath the seat acted as his only movements.

The delicate clicking of the light made him face the doorway, where his mother stood fully illuminated. "Henry?"

"Mom." He sat up as tall as he could in the chair. "I thought you were sleeping."

"I was just straightening up a bit. It's not as easy as it once was to settle down in that big bed." Silence swept over the room and she walked until she stood before the wooden work space. "For a moment, I could have sworn it was him I saw sitting behind this old desk."

Hank gazed up at her. "I can't imagine how difficult this has been for you."

Edna absently touched the miniature Grecian statue on the desk. "What about you? You've been challenged with more adversity in the last couple of years than I could ever imagine. And you're still so young…"

"Yes, but then I've never been the picture of normalcy, have I? Not many boys walk the halls of the ivy league before their voices have changed." Hank returned to his feet. "It's nothing I can't handle. Good night, Mother."

As soon as he tried to stroll by her, Edna caught hold of his wrist. "Henry, do not do this. As a little boy, if your father wasn't home you always retreated to your bedroom, the library, the club house…"

The lab, Hank inserted to himself.

Edna went on to ask, "Why must you keep so much inside? Why can't you talk to me?"

Hank bowed his head deeply. "I'm sorry, Mother. I'm sorry I'm the child who befell you. An oddball quoting Hemmingway and Shakespeare instead of comic books. I'm sorry that a recluse with a foot deformity is all that remains for you."

"Henry Phillip McCoy," Edna rushed around to stand in front of him. "How dare you speak of yourself that way?" She tapped his chin to raise his head. "You can't honestly believe that's how I really feel."

"You said it yourself that we barely ever talked," Hank reminded her grimly. "You were always there, but I constantly ignored you. I should have worked harder to strengthen our relationship."

"That was never your responsibility," Edna countered. "I'm your mother. It's my duty to support you. A duty that fills me with absolute joy. You talk as if your birth, your existence is a curse upon me. Hank," she reached up to take his cheek into her hand, "don't you know how much I love you? How proud I am of you?"

"How can that be? Look what happened to Dad," Hank emphasized. "Don't you blame me for that?"

"I blame that wretched plant," Edna stated, growing ire in her voice. "For what it did to you and the other children, your father, for what it tried to do to Kyra and Travis. My precious boy," her eyes shined with utmost sincerity, "if I could only reverse the hurt and damage they inflicted upon you…"

"Mom…" Shoulders quivering, Hank stooped to hug her.

Though his stature gave her some difficulty, Edna coiled arms around him with all the force she could muster. They stayed in place that way until Edna guided him out of the office and towards the kitchen to prepare some heated milk.