X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Eighty Four

Author's Word: Hi, fam. Thanksgiving weekend was wonderful and I hope all of you had great times and terrific food throughout. Thanks again to everyone who has been so concerned about me. That really means a lot. This chapter overlaps with the previous one. Now, please enjoy and review!

At the tickle to his nose, the already lightly slumbering form became animated. His first sight of the morning came in the form of the Merlin puppet made up of cloth and blue satin, including a beard that brushed against the child's face. Taking hold of the puppet, Joey used his other hand to enter the opening beneath the wizard's robe. His fingers going inside the proper slot's made the toy's arms wave about.

Joey provided the puppet's voice as well. "Hello, grand wizard. Are you ready to begin a new adventure?"

Using his regular voice again, Joey answered the question listlessly. "Not really."

The moment the boy flipped the covers off, Courage, formerly asleep at the foot of the bed, shot up as well. After getting his furry cheeks rubbed, he followed Joey over to the crib to peer in on the significantly smaller human.

Two fingers wedged in his mouth, Brian raised his elbow somewhat, as if to acknowledge his brother.

Widening the space of the already ajar door, Emma walked in with a smile for all three. "Good morning, gentlemen."

"Good morning, Mum." Joey lifted his arms to hold onto the woman while she smooched his cheek.

Emma stood straight and looked inside the crib as she reached in to collect her cherished bundle. "And thank you for a tear free night." She kissed the baby's nose, bringing him to the changing table. "You've been such a good boy, haven't you?"

Going to stand at her side, Joey cautioned, "Make sure he doesn't squirt."

"Oh, I'd say he's dry," Emma began removing the drenched diaper, "at least for now." She deposited it into the waste can and quickly retrieved a fresh one. "Daddy told me you were on the phone last night. I'm sure you started Alex's birthday off brightly for him."

Joey gripped one end of the changing table. "Hope so."

"We'll call him again today." Emma pulled out one drawer and selected a red and white sleeveless onesie for Brian. "I've already requested a special dessert for tonight in his honor."

Joey sent a small smile up at her then squatted to embrace Courage when the dog arrived at his side.

II

With a short chirp on her lips, Cordelia took a graceful leap as they returned to their original point.

"Whoo!" The girl in green shorts and yellow t-shirt pumped a joyous fist. "That's twenty seconds off."

Upper body bowed, Chris breathed heavily then reacted to Beauty yapping at his heels. "Well, it's a lot simpler to best a lap when you weigh all of eight ounces. I swear she's mocking me."

Cordelia laughed, picking up the dog to cuddle. "Champions come in small packages."

"She has made for a good running mate," Chris glided a finger down the beagle's chin, "Especially now that Courage is so up in age."

"I see she's helped your progress. You're much faster than when you came to Westchester for my competition."

Chris exhaled heavily. "And still infinitely slower than my days on the track." He patted a fist against his lower abdomen. "Not to mention wider."

Cordelia's eyes reflected sympathy. "Is that… is that why you don't finish your plates?"

He looked at her fully. "You've noticed, hm?"

"That was me last year," she said. "I just can't believe it's happening to you. I always thought it was just me and Adrienne. You and Emma have always been able to eat whatever you want."

"Things change, baby sis." Chris lowered into a sitting position in the grass, one knee raised with the other stretched out. "From excessive drinking to stuffing myself. At this rate, Father and that cane could best me in a race."

Cordelia let Beauty down and sat near to her brother. "I didn't think men really thought about this sort of thing."

"You'd be amazed." Chris shifted his gaze to face her. "But that's enough about me. What about you? How have you been since Prince Charming set sail?"

Cordelia played with one of her shoelaces. "It was hard at first, but not as bad as I expected it to be. And we still write sometimes."

"I'm glad you ended things before you became too serious," Chris told her. "That was a very mature move on your part. One I wish I would've gone with more than once."

Cordelia hugged his arm as they stood together. "Come on. We'd best hydrate."

With Beauty darting ahead of them, they started for the house.

Upon spotting something as he passed the living room, Chris paused. "Cordy… I'll be right there."

"Okay." She and Beauty continued on for the kitchen.

Remaining situated within the doorway for a few seconds studying the sullen pajama clad figure on the couch, Chris moved onward into the wide common space.

"I still can't get over it."

Becoming alerted by the adult's voice, Joey lifted his head. "Over what?"

Chris placed a hand on top of the youth's soft but bed-mangled hair. "How much you look like my sister." At the smile he received, the man remarked, "That's more like it," and sat on the coffee table to face the boy. "What's the matter, Joey?" At the initial silence, Chris coaxed, "You can tell me."

Joey drew in his knees to hug to his chest. "It's my brother's birthday today."

"Brian made a year already?"

"No," Joey managed to chortle, "my big brother, Alex. He says his birthday's no big thing, but it is to me. He's twenty. That's like two of me."

"Ah," Chris bobbed his head, "twenty. I remember well." And wish I could forget most of it. "Well, listen," he leaned in towards the child, "I know I'm hardly a decent substitute, but how would you like to spend today with me? Down at the firm."

Joey eyes sprang to life. "You want me to go to work with you?" He pointed to himself. "Me?"

Chris responded somewhat coyly, "If your parents will let me steal you away."

"Oh boy!" Joey jumped up from the couch eagerly.

"Now you should probably get changed." Chris gestured out of the room with his head. "If your grandfather sees you in your pajamas at the breakfast table, you'll add another dozen grays to his collection."

Joey hurried out to get dressed.

IIIIIII

"Daddy?" A dainty knock to one of the French doors followed the petition.

"In here, sweet pea," Winston responded. "I'll only be a moment."

Entering the master bedroom, the teenager looked side to side at the space now unfamiliar. In addition to the king sized bed swapped out for a standard double, the floors came with new darker carpeting. Taking to lounging on the firm pillows of the well-made bed, she observed the missing chests of drawers and vanity table. Antique furniture and art pieces stood in their places. Rolling to one side, she took notice of a double frame with one side containing a picture of a newborn Brian and the other of Joey with Xander. Behind it she spotted some newer additions, particularly from their most recent Christmas.

Leaving out of his closet in khakis and a tucked in maroon polo, Winston took in his youngest fondly. "Don't you look adorable?"

Wearing a pleated white skirt and sleeveless yellow checkered top, Cordelia stood with a cute smile then mentioned, "You've done a lot more redecorating."

"Yes, well," Winston looked around briefly, "some freshening up was in order."

"Are the old pieces… do you still have them?"

"Up in the attic," Winston confirmed. "Though I thought you girls had already gathered what you wanted."

"We did. I guess I just…" Her smile reappeared. "You know, it is a vast improvement this way."

Taking her hand, Winston raised it to kiss then linked their arms. "Let's be off. The others are waiting."

Cordelia walked in step with him out of the room and towards the stairs.

In the foyer, Emma adjusted the thin blanket to cover Brian and spared a glance at her husband. "Are you still worried?"

"I can't help it, love." Charles turned away from peering out the nearby window. "It's wonderful that Chris wants to spend this time with him, but Joey in an unfamiliar environment. In a technology firm of all things. If his nerves get the best of him…"

Emma stepped over to stand before him, putting placid hands against his chest. "I made it clear to my brother that he must take the sniper's bullet if he wants to spend even a minute with his nephews. And Joey's come far from his former power surges."

Charles sighed but said, "Yes, you're right. And I know how much he needs this to get his mind off Alex."

"Are we all set?" Winston's tone rang out their arrival.

"I believe so, Father," Charles responded.

"I've got it, sis." Cordelia took the diaper bag sling over one shoulder.

Emma nod gratefully towards her then focused her attention on wheeling Brian out through the front doors Winston and Charles held open for them.

IIIIIII

After arching his head far back enough to fully take in the ten-story structure, Joey became alerted enough to proceed through the clear entrance. Behind a tall curved desk sat a young woman with sandy brown hair. Further behind her, enormous golden cursive letters spelled out Thibault Technologies.

"Good morning, Chris," she acknowledged pleasantly then looked to the side of him at the shorter individual, "Hello, sweetie."

"Good morning, Linda." Chris touched a shoulder to the one remaining near to his pants leg. "This is my nephew, Joey."

Joey looked up. "Hello, ma'am." He then proved dazzled by how her smile broadened.

"It's nice to have you visiting us," Linda said. "I hope you enjoy it."

"We'll see you a little later." Chris moved forward but stopped to glance back at the lingering child.

Joey could not help staring at Linda's very light brown irises. "Your eyes are so pretty."

She laid a hand over her chest at the flattery. "Thank you."

"Come, charmer." Smiling, Chris took Joey by the hand to bring him along.

Their elevator trip ended shortly as they reached the second floor.

Joey looked around at the white walls. "Where are we, Uncle Chris?"

"We're in a special place known well by all entry levels." Chris' voice carried an air of mystery as he said, "It's called the bottom of the rung. But here's something vital."

Joey followed him into a room with a swinging door and discovered it to be some sort of spacious kitchen that included vending machines.

"Speaking of vital." Chris made a direct path for the coffee maker and put down his briefcase to seize hold of one of the stacked foam cups.

Joey walked over to the counter as well and watched curiously as the man raised the hot beverage right to his lips. "Aren't you going to put in cream and sugar? Aunt Raven uses a whole lot."

Chris finished his lengthy sip and gazed down at the boy. "Taking it black makes it stronger." Though his tongue gave him no thanks for it.

"Can I have some?"

"As if you need it." Still, Chris handed him the cup. "Careful, it's still hot."

Joey took a slow drink and his eyes enlarged. "Ooh!"

Taking the remaining brew back, Chris said, "The real kick begins when it makes you run to the bathroom every hour." He lifted his briefcase again. "Let's go see my little corner of the world."

More interested now, Joey worked to keep in stride with his uncle. They walked a short distance until Chris brought them into another large room with three spaced off cubicles setup. It also came with a couch, a couple of chairs, and one window. Two brunette men were in there already. One with short black hair, mustache, and goatee sat at a desk while the other with slightly longer brown hair leaned against the desk conversing with him.

"Working hard?" Chris spoke, getting their attention. "Or doing our usual?"

Both men looked at each other then back to Chris with a unison, "The usual."

"Look at this little man." The one propped up on the desk stood straight, walking over. "I thought you didn't have any kids, Frost."

"And as far as I know, that's still true," Chris said. "He's my sister's. This is Joey. Joey," he placed a hand against the boy's back, "This is Carl," he then pointed to the one behind the desk, "And Tyson. They're my team."

Though his eyes did not look directly at either of the unknown males, Joey still acknowledged them with, "Hello."

"He's so polite," Carl observed then turned to Chris. "Now I know he's not yours."

Tyson got up from his desk and came over. "What are you into, Joey? Basketball, Little League, or are you among us tech geeks?"

"Um…" Joey searched for words, squeezing the straps of his backpack. "I- I like to draw and paint and uh…"

Rubbing Joey's head affectionately, Chris mouthed, "He's shy," and they reacted with understanding head gestures. "Joey, you remember where the break room is, right?" The child nodded. Going into his wallet, Chris retrieved a bill and handed it to him. "Why don't you go unload the vending machines?"

Joey grinned, accepting the dollar. "The whole thing?" He then realized, "I can go by myself?"

"Of course," Chris said naturally.

Carl added, "We cleared all the monsters out of the machines last week. But if you happen to run into a big green one, tell him he owes me five bucks."

Joey smiled brightly as he left the open office.

Tyson looked at Chris. "He's a sweet kid, but why is he afraid of his own shadow?"
"You wouldn't believe how sheltered he is." Chris went to his desk, laying his briefcase on top. "Okay, so what are we looking at? Any closer?"

Tyson gathered the mapped out specifications to bring to his viewing.

Joey returned a minute later with a plethora of small snack items. Seeing his uncle speaking with the others, he walked over to the couch with his load. He then took off his backpack to begin removing items from it.

Sparing a glance over his shoulder, Carl stepped over towards him. "What's this? Is that Merlin?" Joey nodded then showed his next puppet. "And King Arthur? Can I have this one?"

After a very brief consideration, Joey shook his head.

"Burkes, would you like to join the grownups any time soon?" Tyson threw out.

"Later for you." Carl flipped through the rainforest coloring book Joey offered him.

IIIIIII

Upon arrival inside the marble floors of the entry center, Winston extended his arms grandly.

"Welcome to Stag Hills."

The adult deer head mounted on one wall caught Charles' attention. "… Lovely." Must they target little Bambi's every family member?

Emma laughed softly as she leaned in to look in on Brian.

As if struck by a sudden jolt, Cordelia gave the baby bag over to her. "I have to go!"

"What's wrong?" Emma wondered.

"I still haven't called Alex!" The girl dashed away in search of the nearest phone.

"Come," Winston clapped a hand on Charles' shoulder, "I'll show you the course."

At the sudden yank to her hand in addition to her husband's blue eyes filling with urgency, Emma took the hint. She redirected Brian's buggy to go after the men.

Finally reaching a telephone, Cordelia decided that the Stags could more than afford a long distance charge. She settled in the armchair then raised the receiver before working the rotary.

The only one to pick up on the ringing taking place within the dwelling, Erik left the young ones to their merriment while he went inside.

He reached the living room and answered the incessant device with a gentlemanly, "Good morning."

"Hi, Erik," Cordelia returned happily. "It's Cordy. It's so nice to hear a friendly voice."

"It's so nice to hear I have a friendly voice," Erik said, "for the first time ever in life. What's the trouble, dear? Do you need me?"

"Not unless you're up for freeing me from the Snob Hill Country Club."

Erik stated simply, "You have only to give me the coordinates." He heard her laugh and smiled. "Now, I take it you called to speak with one of the handsome ones."

Cordelia responded, "The blonde if it's not too much trouble."

"Never too much for you. Hold on." Erik laid the receiver down then made his return to the outside. "Alex, Cordy for you."

As the male of honor headed straight in, Jam noted, "That phone's been ringing off the hook for him."

Leon stated plainly, "Ah, the birth of greatness."

Sitting down in the living room, Alex raised the listening piece to his ear. "Glim?"

"Happy birthday, dream!" she acknowledged with untold enthusiasm.

"Thanks, kid," Alex chuckled, "but you didn't have to go out of your way just for that."

"Trust me, it's no bother. We're at the club."

"Club?" Alex's face contorted sourly. "As in country club? Oh baby, say it ain't so."

"Would that I could." Cordelia then raised, "But are you having a good day?"

"Pretty good," Alex determined. "Sean and Jam are over here. It still feels weird to be so short on X-Men."

"I know," the girl wholeheartedly concurred.

Scott's voice rung out with, "Alex!"

"Looks like I'm missed- for some reason. I'll talk to you later, Cor. Thanks for calling."

"You know I had to. Talk to you later."

They finished and Alex rushed to stand before Scott decided to hurry in and drag him out.

IIIIIII

With a fresh cup of water at his disposal, the small youth wasted no time in using the clear moisture to cleanse his brushes. He then resumed things with his paints and paper. The Merlin and Arthur puppets remained propped up on the couch, as if acting as interested audience members to his work.

Making his way back into the office, a sigh escaped Chris' lips. "Sorry that took so long, Joey. Our team lead would just—" He stopped short of stepping on a crayon, among the other numerous supplies strewn on the floor. "You know you could have used my desk if you wanted."

Joey raised alarmed, apologetic eyes up at him. "I'm sorry, Uncle Chris." He moved to gather his tools. "I didn't make a mess, see? I used newspaper and—"

"Whoa, whoa." Frowning slightly, Chris squatted to join him on the floor. He left a calming hand on the boy's back. "Joey, it's alright. I'm not mad at you. I only meant that it's fine with me if you use the desk."

"Oh… Daddy doesn't like for me to be on the floor."

"Then this will have to be our little secret, won't it?" Chris shared a smile with him then noticed something else. "Alright, half the day is done." He began undoing the little tie tucked under Joey's sweater vest. "Time for this to go."

The little boy looked greatly relieved. "Thanks, Uncle Chris. Why do we have to wear ties, anyway?"

"Because the men who came before us want us to suffer as well," Chris answered without prior thought. "Now, can I see what you've been working on or is it top-secret?" Joey shook his head and lifted the white paper for his viewing. It depicted a golden retriever playing with a puppy. "You certainly love dogs."

Joey bobbed his head slowly. "Mmhmm."

Not missing the developing forlornness, Chris gently took the picture to lay down then picked up the child to hold on the couch. "I'm sorry this hasn't been more fun for you."

Joey immediately refuted that with, "No, Uncle Chris. I like your job, really. I just… I keep thinking about Alex."

Chris saw his eyes shining and stroked his cheek comfortingly. "He really does mean a lot to you, doesn't he?"

"Yes," Joey whispered.

"Why? Tell me," Chris encouraged. "I want to know."

"Well," Joey started, "Becky, Cody, Trav, Kiki, and Brian are my favorites to play with and they like me a lot, but Cordy and Alex are the nicest to me of the older ones. Alex does things with me and shows me how to do new stuff just because he wants to. And he drives me around and picks me up without complaining. He helps me with my homework and takes me for ice cream and wakes me up in the morning." Joey smiled widely as he went on. "And I love when he's my instructor for X-Men training."

Not using the mental power necessary to yet again consider the fact that his little sister acted as an educator to extremely power infused adolescents, Chris asked, "What about the others? Are they- are any of those other boys mean to you?"

"Sometimes, but they're not that bad I guess. Even Frank can be nice once in a while. But the others don't really like doing anything with me because I'm not as smart as them."

"Don't let anyone tell you that," Chris promptly advised. "Believe me, I've heard it myself."

"Oh no," Joey shook his head to go along with the disagreement. "You went to Harvard. You have to be smart because my Uncle Hank went there."

"And I'm sure it was years of hard work that got him accepted. Look over here." Standing Joey up, Chris guided the way over to his desk. "Do you see this?" He ran a hand over the object in question.

"Sure," Joey replied, "it's your briefcase. My Uncle Erik has a brown one he takes everywhere."

"My father bought it for me before I started here. Before I finished my last tests, actually," Chris explained. "It was just left waiting in my room one day."

"Grandpa's gifts are nice," Joey smiled.

"Yes and quite important. Take those fine wooden brushes he gave you." Chris glanced down at the child. "That's his way of saying he has faith in what you can do."

Joey became curious. "Uncle Chris? Why aren't you and your dad as close as me and my dad?"

"Because," Chris dropped into his chair, bringing Joey to stand before him, "you're exactly the kind of son your father wanted."

Joey laid both hands over the man's lower arm. "Well, you're the kind of uncle I want."

A lingering smile developed on Chris' face. "Want to join the others for a little lunch?"

At Joey's nod, they left to catch an elevator ride. They stepped off at the fourth floor that came with the visible sign for the cafeteria.

The eating space proved something of a mad house of the numerous employees. Collecting two of the red trays, Chris handed one of them to Joey. Disappointment initially filled the boy when Chris made a path for the salad bar. However, as soon as they finished, he took them over to the hot entrees. Joey's eyes steadily enlarged at the loaded burger, order of fries, glass of cola, in addition to the slice of apple pie he received at the dessert stand.

"Joey, over here," Carl waved at them from one circular table, "Chris, I guess you can come, too."

The two blondes went to join him and Tyson on the backless seats.

Joey dug into his food while the adults talked.

After a few minutes, Tyson put forth, "Chris, did you take him to see the dragon yet?"

Joey swallowed hard before he spoke. "Dragon?"

Chris told him, "That's what we call the big computer downstairs. Want to see it when we get through?"

"Yeah," Joey grinned.

They finished shortly and the four males journeyed to the building's basement. Joey walked a short distance in front of the men through the dimly lit hall. When they reached the very end, the ten-year-old gawked. Though he had seen such machinery in Hank's lab before, this computer reached up to the ceiling and covered every wall within the massive room. He observed buttons, gears, switches, and tons of other gizmos for as far as the eye could see. Various people moved around, operating certain mechanisms.

Carl said with an air of suspense, "And we've entered the dragon's lair."

Joey had to perform something of a spin to take in everything. "What do you do with all of this?"

"We're working to use these big machines to make the world a much simpler place," Tyson said optimistically.

Chris bent closer to Joey's height. "Ever have trouble with math problems?"

"All the time," Joey replied.

Chris then put forth, "Imagine having a machine that could solve those problems for you."

"Really?" Joey brightened. "Computers can do that?"

"Among other things," Chris nodded, standing fully again. "Watch and learn."

The men divided off to fine tune different parts of the enormous device, stopping to speak with other professionals every so often. Though he could not understand everything they said, they all sounded so knowledgeable to him. His attention went over to where half a dozen people stood before one panel, all with despondent faces.

When they cleared away, Joey approached and looked the silver machine up and down. Oddly, it didn't have any glowing green lights of red, blue, or green like the other components. Reaching around to its right side, Joey ran a hand down the smooth surface. He let loose a sharp gasp as a few jolts escaped his fingertips. He nearly fell back when the tall device sprang to life.

Within seconds, adults gathered around him.

"Come look at this."

"Absolutely phenomenal!"

"This thing hasn't been online in weeks," Carl said. "Now it's all fired up."

"Unbelievable." Tyson glanced back at Chris and wondered, "How?"

At the guilty and somewhat panicked expression the child in the room wore, Chris shrugged. "Blame it on gremlins." He picked Joey up to hold to his front and added covertly, "Or tiny little sprites."

Relief and delight developed on Joey's face now.

IIIIIII

The recently fed and burped Brian finding comfort against her shoulder, Emma patted at his back in-between pressing gentle kisses to the top of his head. From their small table, Emma received a view of the multiple swimmers in the near Olympic sized pool.

"Emma Frost?"

Her attention diverting up a bit, Emma saw the other blonde with pixie haircut. "Chloe Sawyer?"

"It's been forever since I've seen you at Stag," she marveled with a wide smile. "My condolences about your mother."

"Thank you." Emma left a supporting hand beneath Brian's bottom. "But it's Emma Xavier now actually."

"That's right," Chloe looked to recollect. "I saw the story in the paper your father took out. I know he must have been elated to have one of his girls married off. I only hope your batting average is better than your brother's." Before Emma could say anything, Chloe leaned in to get a closer look at Brian. "And I don't believe it. Emma with a baby. Charles must be quite the catch."

"That he is."

"And so wise to marry you so quickly. Before this sweet little baby could become the talk of the neighborhood."

"Yes," Emma smiled tightly at her. "As wise as you were to follow Cullum last month. It's a shame how he's really been spending his weekends these last two years…"

Chloe's face seemed to break apart piece by piece. "How did you…? No one…"

Emma regarded her from under her sunglasses. "I have my own sources."

As Chloe hastened to take her leave, Cordelia stepped up with a satisfied gleam that equaled her sister's. "Was it my imagination or did all of the air in her head spontaneously combust?"

"I thought I felt a draft." Emma watched the pigtailed teen take a seat. "Where have you been?"

"Roaming." Cordelia reached over to take one of Brian's small fists. "Where are the other blokes?"

Emma responded, "Daddy's still showing off his new son-in-law."

II

"Wonderful to have met you," Charles beamed, "we must do this again."

"See you first thing in the morning," Winston called after his colleagues.

The four men in plaid shorts and sweaters walked off to another end of the course with their youthful caddies carrying their equipment.

As they turned to return to the golf cart, Charles commented, "Very nice chaps. That Johnson fellow has quite the control over that nine iron."

Winston faced him. "Bored you to tears, didn't they?"

Charles bit his lip. "Was I that obvious?"

"You did spend every spare moment talking to the caddies."

"William was picked as valedictorian of his senior class. He's trying so hard to save up extra capital before he begins university."

Winston smiled shortly then admitted, "This isn't my idea of an afternoon well-spent, either. Golf," he made a disgruntled face, "the epitome of tedium."

Charles climbed into the passenger's side of the golf cart. "I take it you play it for the connections."

"Ever since my own days at university," Winston started them across the lush lawns, "I must thank you for so kindly taking part in this with me. Let's find the ladies then what do you say to some tennis at home?"

"Sounds marvelous, Father." Charles then suggested, "You could share this with Chris as well."

A scoff coughed from the older man's lips. "Christian couldn't be paid to set foot on this course again. He completely detested it as a boy. Though I must admit, this isn't the sport for a natural-born runner."

"True," Charles concurred. "It would only be nice for the two of you to find some common."

"Yes." Winston curved one bend as they came closer to the main house. Wouldn't it?

Charles surmised, "So that is what you want."

At the look his father-in-law shot him, the telepath only offered beatific blue eyes.

IIIIIII

Attention on the road before him, the driver could not help glancing out of the corner of his eye at his window watching passenger.

"Why so glum, chum?"

Joey turned his head to look at him. "I didn't mean to mess with the dragon, Uncle Chris. Sometimes my powers… they do stuff when I don't want them to. They always get me in trouble."

Chris reassured, "Believe me, you didn't hurt anything. In fact, you helped us. I just want you to be careful, sprite. With you mutants- I don't want the wrong person to see you, alright?"

"Yes, Uncle Chris," the boy nodded. "That's what Mum, Dad, and Uncle Erik always say."

"And they're right." Chris made a sudden move to pull into one parking lot.

Joey looked around. "What are we doing here?"

"Just a quick stop-off." Turning off the Cadillac, Chris withdrew his keys and went around to Joey's side to take his hand.

As they neared the shop, Joey realized it to be an art store.

His eyes shined upon their entry. "Whoa!"

The pair moved throughout the various aisles, soon filling a basket with new supplies.

"Take a look at this." Chris picked up a box that caught his interest. "Some sort of clay kit. You mold something, let it dry, then paint it." He looked down at the child. "Would you like this, sprite?"

"Oh yes," Joey then prompted added, "please."

Chris let him carry the box while he took the basket of other things. They checked out and headed back to the car.

Joey bounced rhythmically on his toes. "Thank you so much, Uncle Chris!"

"I'm your uncle." Chris helped him with his seatbelt then moved around to get behind the wheel. "These things are my purpose in life."

When they at last returned to the Frost property, they made a path for the backyard. Cordelia and Emma lounged together on the patio chairs while a match took place between Charles and Winston on the tennis court.

"Hi, everybody!" Joey greeted, going over to his mother and aunt. Emma kissed his cheek while Cordelia hugged him. He held up his clay kit for their viewing. "Look what Uncle Chris got me."

Cordelia took it to look over. "Wish Uncle Chris would get me fun things."

Chris promised, "Tomorrow I'll pick up a couple of bibs for you and Brian."

Cordelia stuck her tongue out at him.

Emma's fingers went into Joey's hair soothingly. "Did you have a nice time with Uncle Chris?"

"Yes, we had fun with his team and everything."

Charles laid down his racket to squat before and hug his son. "You must have been such a good lad for him."

"The best," Chris confirmed.

"I never had any doubt," Winston piped up.

"Now," Charles said, "since I haven't seen my boy all day," he sat down with the child in his lap, "I'm going to have to sit out for a spell. Chris, can you take over the game with Father?"

"I have a few minutes to entertain the old man I suppose," Chris replied. "Just let me change."

As his son headed inside, Winston commented, "I trust you didn't take that tie off until the end of the day."

Chris only glanced back with a small smirk before going into the house.

"So little Charles," Winston strolled over, "did you learn anything exciting about the field of technology?"

Joey began recounting. "Carl likes Linda, but she won't give him the time of day because he goes through women like a runny nose to Kleenex. Dave got promoted again, but only because his nose is so brown."

Cordelia burst into laughter and Emma couldn't resist herself.

"Oh my," Charles shook his head lightly, "you didn't happen to pick up on anything educational, did you?"

"Ooh, Daddy," Joey remembered, "did you know computers can do your math homework for you?"

Cordelia mused, "If only they could make them small enough to fit in your pocket. School would be a breeze."

IIIIIII

Dressed in white lounge wear, Emma entered the living room where her brother occupied the coffee table. The wooden surface practically overflowed with white sheets due to his less than organized filing system.

"Another one of those nights?" She started towards him.

"Early to bed?" Chris scoffed. "I've never heard of such a thing." He grew concerned at the strong embrace she presented him with. "Emmie, are you alright? Wait, am I alright?"

"Yes, finally." Emma pulled back to face him. "I just love you, everything you've become and accomplished, and how much you care about my boys."

Chris placed an arm around her to kiss her head. "I really understand why Joey is so attached to Alex. Having that one sibling steadfast in your corner even when you're at your worst- it can make all the difference."

"We just have to remember that Cordy needs our focus there now."

"I know," Chris said with a bob of his head.

Emma patted his knee as she stood. "I'll see you in the morning." Going upstairs, untold amusement echoed from her at Charles reading in bed with her white unicorn plush tucked under his arm. "Cheating on me with Miss Meadows?"

Charles looked from the toy to her. "I take it this room hasn't changed a day since you were thirteen."

"Sixteen." Emma joined him under the covers.

Charles put down his book to hold her. What's troubling you?

Thinking about what my brother said when we first got here, she sent back. The value in my mutation made me see my former students more like future foot soldiers. I never realized their true value until it was too late.

Charles' lips lingered at her temple. You're worried about our young X-Men.

Yes, Emma's hand rested against his chest, they've already suffered through so much. To think what Rebecca has to deal with for the rest of her life… maybe Chris is right. Perhaps we need to stay well below radar for a while. For their sake.

Charles fully enveloped her in his lock, thinking his wife's words over.

IIIIIII

Leaving the bathroom, Joey started to return to his room but noticed the light at the end of the hall. Courage, who had been standing by dutifully, walked right behind him down the stairs.

"Uncle Chris?"

At the sudden arrivals in the living room, the man looked away. "Joey, what are you doing up?"

Joey came towards the couch. "I wanted to see what you were doing."

Chris accepted him into his lap. "If you're not sleepy, this work I have to catch up on will send you that way shortly." He ran a tired hand through his hair.

Joey put forth, "Maybe you need a break… with the TV."

Chris considered this. "We do have time to catch the second half of the late show." He leaned in to touch their foreheads together. "Our secret?" Joey nodded with a smile and Chris pointed out the dog in the room. "Though I make no promises for him."

Courage released a short bark at that.