X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Eighty Three

Author's Word: Thank you so much for your concern, fam. As has been the case for three years now, you're all high on the list of what I'm really thankful for. Something else I enjoy is the ability to feel gratitude at all. No matter what I'm dealing with, this time of year makes me stop and feel great about what I have before me. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and I'll see you all soon (after I have a bit of a deep food cleanse)! Please enjoy and review!

The white ball zig-zagging back and forth between their two pairs of hands, the blonde and shades adorned brunette sped from under the trees and all throughout the wide set backyard. When the ball made its way into his possession again, Alex raised it high over his head. Not standing for that, Scott charged at him with full gusto. His X-Men training coming in handy yet again, Alex managed to catch him with one arm while still keeping the ball elevated.

For a moment, Alex had to absorb just how much more Scott had grown since the previous summer. He'd easily shot up another half inch in the last month alone. A flash of recollection playing throughout his mind, Alex saw the teeny body coming at him. He'd been able to lift him with ease, running around the house with the small boy up as tall as Alex's arms could extend him. The motion had never left Scott afraid. To the contrary, he always seemed so delighted whenever his older brother made him soar. That was Scott; high-flying forever.

"Ha," Scott snagged the ball and squirmed out of Alex's grasp, "got it!"

Alex chased after him with an amicable taunt of, "Not for long!"

Metal poles adhering to his will, Erik forced the parts of the developing structure into a firm lock. He spared a contented gaze as the Summers zipped by.

From the picnic table, Becky and Leon watched them as well while finishing up their fudge bars.

Bursting through, Frank went skidding through a puddle of murky water with fists raised triumphantly.

Erik shook his head at what became of the boy's t-shirt and blue jeans. "We haven't even been here a week and already you've gone through more clothes than a household of a dozen children or more." He looked Scott's way. "And you're not fairing any better."

That made Scott stop to wonder, "What are we going to do about laundry? We don't have a washer or dryer here."

"No need," stated Erik. "We'll simply hand wash and hang them on the line to dry."

"What?" Frank's eyes enlarged with disbelief. "Let me guess. We have to beat 'em with rocks, too, right?"

"Yes," Erik bobbed his head, "after we've sheared the sheep to make fall sweaters of course."

Frank flopped down to his stomach on the ground, propping his head up with his fist. "Wouldn't it be easier to run around naked?"

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, could've done without that image, Frankenstein."

"Oh Papa," leaving her now ice cream free stick on the table, Becky approached her father imploringly, "can't we please have a washer and dryer? I'll even do the clothes myself." I don't want the boys to see my unmentionables hanging around.

Understanding her point, Erik decided, "I'll look into a small washer, but everyone is to hang their clothes in their own rooms to dry."

Becky looked relieved and Frank well-pleased.

Getting up, Frank walked over to what Erik currently worked on. "Is it ready yet?"

"Almost. I'll finish up tomorrow." Erik observed the darkening sky. "Let's head in."

As they proceeded for the house, Leon walked in step with Alex. "Just a few hours left. Feeling the grown-up metamorphosis taking place?"

Alex laid a hand over his stomach. "Either that or barf."

IIIIIII

Having a final gander at the colorful parchment, Sean rolled it back up. He started to return it to its holding place until the rapid force snatched it right out of his hands.

"What's this?" Sitting up on a mattress, Cody unfolded the lengthy paper. "The Beach Boys?" He looked up with a wrinkled nose. "Ain't they the guys on TV with the goofy lookin' hair?"

"No, they're the far out band from TV. And this," Sean snatched it from him, "is the poster from the concert me, Alex, Hank, and Raven went to in LA. It took me forever to find it so put your little mitts on it again," Sean tapped him on the head with one end of the poster, "and I'll use your butt as a drum set."

Maya walked into the panic room to witness Cody's tongue sticking out of his mouth. "What'd I miss?" She stood beside the bed and Cody leaned on her stomach.

"A grabby-pants interfering with my perfect gift for Alex." Sean carefully slid the poster into the cardboard and capped the cylinder. "Hank is easy, but everything with Alex has to be cool approved."

"Oh, I know." Maya then asked, "You leaving early tomorrow?"

"I don't want to deal with traffic," Sean responded, facing her. "You sure you don't want to come?"

"No, you have fun." Maya squatted to wrap arms around Cody. "I'll be here with the grabby-pants."

Cody grinned and flashed his tongue at Sean again then promptly forced it back into his mouth when the redhead swiped at it.

IIIIIII

Breathes becoming steadily heavier, the glistening head of yellow extended yet again to perform the ninetieth push-up. Blue eyes stared forward at the unused fireplace. He neared ninety-five until the penetrating bell like noise caught him off-guard. Rushing to his feet, Alex strolled to the end table to lift the receiver.

"Hello?" he answered softly.

"Happy birthday, Al!"

A combination of relief and incredulity hit him at once. "Joe, what're you trying to do to me, huh? It's one in morning." Considering something else, Alex's tone grew even more authoritative. "What are you doing out of bed?"

"I snuck downstairs," Joey whispered. "I just wanted to be first to say happy birthday."

As if they sat in the same room together, Alex picked up on something. "Have you been crying?"

A brief pause preceded the short answer of, "No."

"Oh no. Don't fib to your big brother," Alex admonished lightheartedly. "We haven't been apart that long that you forgot all the rules."

"I'm sorry," Joey sniffed. "I just miss you so much. I wish we could be together today."

"Hey, I told you," Alex reaffirmed. "It's just another lousy birthday. Forget about it. Now, how's everything in Boston? You having a good time?"

"Uh huh. I really like my room. Did I tell you I have a TV all to myself?"

Alex laughed. "Frank'll turn green to the bone if he hears about that. You taking care of Brian?"

"Uh huh," the little boy repeated. "He sleeps with Dickon." A throat clearing caused Joey to glance towards the living room entryway. "… Hi, Daddy."

"Charles," the elder carrying that name walked over to him, "it's after one. Come along now. Back to bed."

"But Daddy," Joey moaned, "I want to talk to Alex."

"Hey," the older blonde in question piped up, "you heard your dad. Back to bed. That's an order. And hey, I love you, baby brother."

Joey smiled a little. "I love you, big brother. Happy birthday." He then handed Charles the receiver.

The Professor applied a ginger propelling swat to the small pajama clad bottom. "Go on. I'll be there in a minute." He then raised the phone to address the mouth piece. "Alex?"

"Hey, Unc."

"Happy birthday. I know you don't care to hear it, but I care to say it. Enjoy today for all its worth. I'm so proud of you."

Alex closed his eyes to fight the building heat. "Thanks, Charles. I- you- well, you know."

"How very articulate you've become," Charles quipped. "Good night, my young Havok."

"Good night," the officially twenty-year-old returned.

After they hung up, Charles returned upstairs to tuck his young escapee back in.

IIIIIII

Leaving the stovetop to Frank's care for the time being, Erik arrived outside the door of the bedroom at the end of the hall. Leon stepped out and without saying a word, tilted his head in the direction of the private bathroom then continued on for the kitchen. Dressed in dark blue jeans and a WU t-shirt, Alex departed from the hygiene space to see the man seated on the side of his bed.

Wearing a set but unreadable countenance, one crooked finger summoned the youth. "Come here, young man." When Alex followed the directions, Erik next instructed, "Lay down," while indicating his lap.

"Yes, sir." Alex eased himself across, pressing his hands to the floor.

When the first swat connected, the plasma flinger journeyed back to the first time he had experienced the impeccably powerful hand. Anger over Darwin had consumed him in such a way that it brought him out to the woods that night. Erik had followed him, attempted to talk to him, only for Alex to make a remark about how hanging himself did not sound like a bad idea. The foolish words launched a series of strikes Alex had not experienced in some time.

The part that threw him most of all was that the blows had completely avoided his face. Erik, the terror-inflicting elder mutant whose fists carried equal force to his powers, could have easily made a punching bag out of him for the impertinence. Though too stunned to fully consider it, Alex knew that the disciplinary act made him into something that night. It made him Erik's young. Not a delinquent to be left rotting in the prison system but a fledgling of the mutant race to be guided and protected.

After administering the additional smacks for growth and safety, Erik left a hand on the quiet young man's back. "Boychick?"

Blinking hard to clear his head and return to present matters, Alex formed a smirk. "Is that all? No way could I have been that good this year. You getting soft, old man?"

"You'll get your answer to that the next time you wind up in this position legitimately." Erik picked him up and situated him on his lap. "Happy birthday, boychick." He gave him a tight hug with a kiss at the temple.

Alex laid his head on the metal wielder's shoulder for a moment. "Thank you, Dad."

"Come," Erik patted his back to get him to stand, "it's time to eat."

As soon as they made it to the kitchen, Becky hurried over. "Happy birthday!"

Alex knelt to receive the peck she offered his cheek. "Thanks, babes."

Scott went in to hug him. "Happy birthday, big brother."

Alex hoisted him up for a few seconds. "Thanks, twerp."

"Yeah, yeah. Happy birthday." Frank smirked. "Can we eat now?"

Alex said, "Quit trying to soften me up, Frankenstein." He whiffed the air. "Cheddar Latkes?"

"And blintzes," Becky smiled.

All six heads whipped forward at the audible knock.

Grinning, Frank moved past everyone to get to the front door.

After undoing Erik's numerous locks, he threw it open with vigor. "Seanie!"

The redhead had him raised upward in under a second. "Frank-O!" He put him down to lower to the other two children who giddily approached him. "Hi, Curls." Sean shared a squeeze with Becky then put a hand on Scott's shoulder. "Thought you could use a little Charles Kid reinforcement."

Scott said with a bright smile, "They're not ready to throw me in the brig yet."

Sean only had time to exchange an acknowledging nod with Leon before he found himself seized and noogied to the floor. Squirming around, he swapped soft punches with Alex who pretended to pound on the younger X-Man's stomach.

Crossing his arms, Erik propped against one wall, watching the display. For all the changes thrown at them, he found satisfaction in the fact that some things still remained the same.

IIIIIII

The fifth check to the metallic parts completed, Erik looked towards the romping young ones.

"Frank," the thirteen-year-old glanced away from where he rode on Sean's back at the man's voice, "I believe we're ready for a test drive."

"Alright!" He raced over.

"Hey," Scott ran with Becky, "wait for us!"

Frank climbed through the tire while they took over the regular swings beside them.

Taking their cue, Sean lined up behind Frank while Alex and Leon did the same for Scott and Becky.

"Whoohoo!" Frank exclaimed, arms raised high as Sean propelled him.

"Next stop," Alex pushed Scott forward, "Saturn."

The grin seemed unable to leave his brother's face. "Alright!"

"Hold on tight, Pretty Eyes," Leon advised the giggling girl.

Appearing with some matter of stealth from behind a tree, another face arrived. "Looks like I'm late for the party."

Leon and Alex reacted with a unison, "Jam," and hastened to greet their friend.

After a three-way high-five, Jam presented Alex with a wrapped box. "Happy birthday, Lex."

Alex accepted and used his other arm to throw around him. "Thanks, man."

Looking up, Jam waved. "How are you, Mr. Lehnsherr?"

"Well," Erik replied. "And believe me, Jamal, you're right on time. How are your parents?"

"They let me borrow the car," the young man responded. "So they're alright I guess."

"Hi, Jam," Sean said while the children waved.

"Hey, Sean. So," Jam looked to Alex, "big 2-0, huh? How you holdin' up, old timer?"

Leon joked, "He looked a little stiff this morning."

"Oh yeah?" Alex made his hands into fists. "How about some tackle football? That'll show you how stiff I am."

"You're on," Jam gladly accepted.

"Wow," Sean rested his chin against the tire swing's chain, "twenty."

"I can't believe it," Scott marveled. "That's far out grown."

Erik worked hard to resist an eye roll as his lips coiled into a smirk.

IIIIIII

Somersault resulting in face first contact with the hay mound, the teenager propped up with a head full of the ultra-thin shreds.

Frank laughed, "Nice hair," as he tumbled in to join him.

"Oh, look who's talking now." Sean reached over to help him get the pieces out of his hair. "If they wind up in your underwear, you're on your own."

Head-butting his shoulder, Frank scooted in closer. "It's so cool you're here, Sean. I've really… I've really missed you. Especially after that whole thing we did with Charles."

Sean stopped to stroke his cheek. "You know you can always call me, Frank-O."

"I know," Frank said softly. "It's just- the phone's not the same, you know?"

Sean nodded his understanding. "Have you been feeling okay? Since it happened I mean."

"Mmhmm," Frank hummed. "Kind of better, actually. But weird, too."

"How can you tell?" Sean laid out in the hay. "You're made of a weird."

Frank climbed onto him. "And you're the factory that distributes it."

"Don't I know it?" Sean held him near by wrapping arms around him. "I feel better after that, too. Life, dealing with regular people, that's always been hard for me. But tossing out trash like the Shadow? I could do that all day."

"Me, too," Frank concurred. "Especially if you're there."

Sean sat up with him in his lap. "How 'bout I sleep over tonight? We'll stay up late with a load of comics then hide when we hear Uncle Erik coming."

Frank smiled brightly. "Yeah!"

II

"I miss you like a scalp disease."

"I miss you like a rash." Alex then added, "Between my crack."

"Gross," Raven reacted. "You're on crack."

"You are cracked," Alex came back with. "… Love ya, twin."

She returned, "Kind of, sorta like you, twin." Raven then reacted to the bouncy six-year-old at her heels. "Now I think someone else wants to wish you a happy birthday."

"Uncle Alex!" Trav bellowed the instant the phone came into his possession. "Haaaappy birthday!"

Raven looked on in amusement as she headed upstairs to check on Kiki.

Though he felt he would require ear surgery soon, Alex could not stop smiling. "Thaaank you, Bugsy. You having fun over there? How's Grandma?"

"Grandma's the best. She makes us waffles and pancakes and ice cream with the churn-y thing. And she made us," Trav tried to think of the name, "caramel pears. They tasted better than caramel apples. I've been playing with all of Daddy's toys. His telescope's a billion times better than Frank's and he's got his own club house in the backyard. Ooh, and they took us to the pony ranch and we—"

Hank strolled into the kitchen. "Son?"

Trav glanced up to inform importantly, "I'm talking to my Uncle Alex! Don't be rude, Daddy."

Hank wriggled his glasses. "Oh, are you, sir?"

"Trav," Alex tried to keep from laughing, "don't talk to your dad like that."

Trav grew immediately contrite. "Sorry, Daddy."

"That's a good cub." Hank held his hand out. "May I speak to Uncle Alex?"

Trav considered it then decided, "Okay." He returned to the mouth piece. "Bye, Uncle Alex. Daddy wants to talk to you. I love you!"

"I love you, too, pal." Alex then waited to hear Hank on the other end. "Hey, Bozo."

"How brave you are from our significant distance." Hank relaxed in a chair at the table. "Now to be the hundredth person to ask you this question. How does it feel to be twenty?"

Alex sighed with a false air of nostalgia. "Feels like just yesterday I was a carefree teen."

"Carefree?"

"Well, as carefree as X-Instructors get, anyway."

"I hope you enjoy this year for all its worth," Hank said then specifically tacked on, "Don't do anything foolish."

Alex feigned ignorance. "And by foolish you mean?..."

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

"There goes every ounce of fun I ever planned on."

"Good," Hank's voice carried a smirk. "Happy birthday, lanky."

"Hey, former lanky," Alex felt the need to correct. "And thanks."

They hung up and Alex watched Leon and Jam parade into the living room from the back of the house.

"Nice little place," Jam commented, dropping down to sit next to Alex on the couch. "It's good to have you in my neck of the woods. Even if it's way, way out beyond the smallest trace of civilization."

Alex explained, "Dad really wanted to get away from it all."

Leon laid himself face up over their two laps and reclined his head against the sofa arm nearest Jam. "I have to say, he has the right idea." He then remained still while the older two administered mock punches to his chest and legs.

"Alright," Alex spoke to Jam, "you have to know some low key cool spots around here. Something besides the local barn raising."

A glint of mischief appeared in Jam's brown eyes. "I'm sure we can find something."

Becky skipped in, making a path for Alex. "Papa and Frank have something for you outside."

While Alex linked hands with her, Jam patted at Leon to make him rise. "Be careful. It might be a human spanking machine."

"Believe me," Leon stood with him, "Dad needs no assistance there."

They arrived at the designated spot on the property, where a tall white cake covered in strawberries had been setup on the picnic table.

Frank remarked playfully, "Angel's food for demon boy."

"Aw, but it's not even your birthday," Alex quipped back.

"Don't forget the special hat." Sean slipped the red and gold sparkly crown onto the blonde head then ordered with faux menace, "Respect the special hat."

Alex held up defensive hands. "I don't want any trouble."

"Y'all are fun," Jam snickered.

"Scott." Erik handed him the lighter.

Grinning eagerly, the shades adorned boy lit the pair of candles in the shape of the number twenty.

"Make your wish good," Becky advised. "Birthdays with zeros at the end are really special."

Alex ran a hand down her curls. "Yes, Miss Expert." Bending to get in near to the cake, he took several dramatic seconds then finally extinguished the ginger flames.

Becky clapped and the boys whooped. Alex reacted to the hand Erik touched to his back then looked over to accept Scott latching onto him. Alex picked him up to hold against his front for a long moment.

IIIIIII

All sofa and chair cushions successfully removed, Sean glanced back to take in the one currently piled high with various linens.

"Thanks, Uncle Erik." Sean came to help him with assortment.

Erik looked around the disheveled living space. "And who are you building this fort for again? You and Frank or the two of you along with my little town back in Poland?"

Sean informed, "After they pick up some of our relatives in Ireland, even if Frank denies them."

"Ah." Erik placed a strong but caressing hand to the edge of the red hair. "How are things at home?"

Sean looked through the blankets. "Okay."

"That's what you give me on the phone." Erik patted his cheek to get his full attention. "How is it really?"

"Loud," Sean answered first. "Not really the construction crew. More like Logan yelling at the construction crew."

Erik smirked. "I imagine."

"And," Sean sighed a little, "it's pretty strange not having you guys around. But I'm going to see this through until everybody's home again."

Erik took him by both shoulders. "Charles and I are very proud of you."

"For what? Sitting around while the Howlett-Creed brothers do all the real work?"

"For seeing to our home," Erik said matter-of-factly. "And standing by it while we take these journeys."

"I'll stick it out however long it takes." Sean lean in to share a hug with him. "Anything to have us together again."

"Just remember," Erik rubbed his back and spoke directly into his ear, "it takes far more than state lines to separate the X-Men."

The two then reacted to a sudden plushy assault. As a sniggering Frank sent out more of the pillows he'd retrieved, Erik and Sean worked together to chase after him.

II

Three fists dividing from their mutual bump, Jam lifted his wrapped cake portion. "I'm out of here, SSC brothers."

Alex reminded, "Remember to call when you get home."

Smirking, Jam shook his head. "You just wake up playing Daddy, don't you?"

Leon leaned over the kitchen counter. "Well, he is twenty now."

"That's right." Alex folded his arms menacingly. "So you teensies better behave yourselves."

Jam aimed two fingers at the youngest in the room. "I'm watching you, Lee."

"Probably a good idea." After they finished walking him to the back door, Leon turned to face Alex.

The blonde attempted to read his expression but came up short. "What?"

"Don't you think it's time?..." Leon presented slowly. "We should put him in the know, Lex."

Alex gaped at this. "About mutants? Leon, no. Bad idea."

"Why?" Leon sincerely wanted to know. "Maya knows, Frank's mother knows, Emma's entirely family knows. Jam's our best friend."

"And I prefer for him to stay that way," Alex stated pointedly. "Look, Lee, I want him to know, too. I really do. But I talked to Dad. We have to be extremely careful about who we trust."

Leon bobbed his head. "Whatever you say. You're the oldest."

"And it's not always a picnic. Now, come on." Alex turned around. "Let's finish cleaning up."

Leon followed him back into the kitchen.

IIIIIII

The small moan alerted Alex away from his own frozen treat.

He reached out to massage Scott near his temple. "Brain on ice, huh? You shouldn't eat so fast."

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Scott reasoned, "Who eats a fudge sundae slow?"

"True." Alex moved him over to relax in his lap. "So I want you to level with me about something."

Finding this strange, Scott wondered, "What?"

"Why did you really come here with us?"

Feeling something chip within him, Scott gazed up at him. "I thought… Don't you want me here?"

"Hey," Alex pressed their noses together, "you better believe I do. I'm just surprised you didn't want to go with Charles and Em."

Scott quieted and looked away a little. "Sometimes I feel so… I don't know, out of place."

Alex left a hand at his back. "What do you mean?"

"I didn't really feel right going to Emma's dad's place. I'm not like Joey and Brian. I'm not an Xavier. You're the only other Summers I have, but I know you see Erik as your father now. You call him dad a lot."

Alex listened to him calmly. "Does that bother you?"

"A little," Scott admitted. "But then that makes me feel like a jerk. Erik treats you really well; just like a son. He's good to me, too, but so is Victor. Things have been great between us since he became my assistant coach. But Charles- he means so much to me. I don't know what's wrong with me."

Alex hugged him tightly. "So you're a Charles Kid who gets traded around a little. Nothing wrong with that. Hey, it's not your fault we're all wild about you. You're a great twerp." He reached down and popped his bottom playfully. "Even kind of cute sometimes."

Scott folded arms around his neck. "Oh gee, thanks."

"But you know who you really belong with?"

"Who?"

"Me," Alex stated, nuzzling cheeks with him. "And unless you want to end up in trouble, you better not forget it."

Scott smiled, "Thanks, big brother," then went to collect their bowls. "I'll take these to the kitchen."

Alex helped him stand. "And brush your teeth, too."

Scott let off mock grumbles as he left the room normally shared with Frank.

Getting up to sit on the lower bunk, Alex detected something inside the case of the pillow he'd brought in with him. He inched one hand in and withdrew a small tin box. Opening it, he found an assortment of random trinkets; a tiny wooden cross, a yin-yang emblem, a folded cloth with unusual markings on it, and some other items. At the bottom of the box he saw a water colored piece of paper with ink on it that possibly came from a quill pen. He lifted the sheet to read by the lamp's light.

I became so sick inside I could have dissolved away permanently. Not that anyone would have noticed. Then I spotted you on campus. Far away and so above it all yet more firmly on earth than the rest. There's so much to you that I don't believe you even know about yourself. Your powers go beyond red beams of extremely cool destruction. Your real power is your ability to care and never stop. Whether that means just listening to others or punishing them by your own hand. I see why Dad keeps you under his wing. You have the greatest potential to follow in his footsteps.

Take these symbols of brotherhood so that you can keep in mind what you mean to me. I never had a brother before you. I only hope to follow your example to be a good one to the others.

Happy Birthday, Lex.

Lee

For over a minute, movement proved next to impossible on the twenty-year-old's part.

Scott returned to the room with a wider smile than usual. "All clean and fresh?" He flashed his teeth. "See?"

"Huh?" Alex looked over. "Oh hey, good job." He went to work gathering the little ornaments and the paper back into the box.

"What's all that stuff?" Scott pointed.

"Just another birthday present." Alex situated the box on the night table and held his arms open to the younger Summers. "Get over here."

The boy jumped at him and Alex brought him down to rest on top of him. Reaching one hand out, Alex turned off the lamp. As he felt Scott settle against him, he left a kiss on top of the brown strands.