X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Eighty Six

Author's Word: Merry Christmas Eve-Eve, fam! I hope you all are blessed and receive immense joy at this unmatched once a year time. On my agenda, I'm going out for Christmas Eve dinner with my parents and two sisters. Just us, all together! Then there's the greatness Christmas Day will bring. Now, as I get started on my mountains of presents that have yet to be wrapped, please enjoy and review!

With another dash of cayenne pepper, Erik's gaze redirected from pot to table. "Sweet Imp, come here." Her father's petition promptly brought Becky's attention away from her dough mixing. She arrived at his feet and he handed her the wooden spoon after blowing on the end of it. "Taste this."

Becky slipped the spoon halfway into her mouth, biting into the small portion of beef while the broth seemed to warm her entire head. "Papa," she made a show of wagging smoke away from her lips, "why is your stew always so spicy?"

Erik wiped a smudge of flour off her forehead as he replied, "It sticks with you much better."

Becky went around to the other pot that contained a yellow side dish. "What's this?"

"Rice with turmeric, ground ginger, mint leaves, and coconut oil."

"Boy, you'd never get Joey near it for a million dollars," Becky commented humorously, returning to her red bowl.

Erik developed a tender smile at the thought. "Yes, he certainly is a picky one. Like none I've ever seen."

"He'd gobble up half these cookies, though." Becky began adding the circles of dough to the sheet she had out.

Switching off the stove burners magnetically, Erik walked over to the table and gathered a few of her curls. "You miss him?" She gave off a nod. "And our home in Westchester?" Forlornness filled her green eyes and Erik bent to kiss her head. "I'll get the cookies in the oven. Why don't you wash your pretty face for supper, hm?"

Becky smiled and left the kitchen.

Once he had the cookies baking, Erik walked out to the den, where he found his oldest on the telephone. "Alex, could you let your brothers know it's time to wash up?"

"Yes, sir." Alex returned to the receiver. "Okay, Joe, I'll talk to you later. Be good. Love you." He hung up then made a path to yell out the back door, "Hey, get in here and throw some soap on if you want to eat!"

Erik came up behind him to pat his shoulder. "My eloquent little speaker."

"I do what I can." Alex then moved out of the way for the younger three males to come inside.

On his way out of his room after scrubbing his hands and changing shirts, Leon spotted Becky weaving through in her red and orange summer dress. "Good evening, Pretty Eyes."

"Good evening, pretty hair," she returned then giggled as he swept her up.

Leon danced into the kitchen with her then situated her in her usual chair.

"Dad, these pipes are the pits," Frank grumbled, sitting down. "Hot water goes too fast."

"I'll boil a pot for your baths tonight," Erik promised.

"Um, we have one more little problem." A guilt faced Scott arrived in the eatery last, holding up one demolished shoe for Erik's viewing.

The man raised an eyebrow as he surveyed the damage. "Your good tennis shoes? How did you manage that?"

"I've been wanting to keep up with my baseball and I slid into home… a few dozen times."

"Well, spilled milk," Erik determined. "We'll just get you a new pair in the morning."

Frank brightened. "Does that mean a trip into town?"

"Yes, it does," Erik confirmed. "I should probably get the rest of you new shoes before the worst happens."

"Can we make it fast, Dad?" Alex requested. "We're meeting up with Jam tomorrow."

"I remember," Erik nodded. "Don't worry. We'll be done in time."

As soon as the meal ended, Frank and Scott carried the plates to the sink.

"We need a dishwasher," Frank stated.

"We have many," Erik said matter-of-factly. "And you happen to be one of them." Frank made a face and the others laughed. Erik quieted them down with, "Come. We'll do them together then have dessert."

That last suggestion made the dish cleaning move along all the faster.

Once done, they brought the wealth of cranberry raisin cookies Becky had baked along with tall glasses of milk out to the living room. Leon shared an arm chair with Becky comfortably against him. Alex and Scott took one sofa while Frank rested his head in Erik's lap across from them.

Fingers massaging along Frank's hairline, Erik smiled faintly. "You children have no idea how simplistic you have it. My father would be fit to be tied if I tore through clothes and shoes half as easily."

Frank moved his head to better face him. "Did he get ticked at you easy?"

"No, actually he was a very patient man," Erik recalled. "But I could be trying at times."

Scott propped up against Alex. "You?"

Erik stated, "I'll remind you all that I was also young once."

Alex brought up, "But you'll never actually tell us how long ago that was…"

"Insignificant details," Erik waved off.

Leon tilted his head, spilling hair to one side. "What do you remember most about him? Your dad."

Erik entered thought. "How tall he was. Every time I stared up at him. He constantly had to squat to me when I was very small."

"Even smaller than I am?" Becky marveled.

Erik looked over at her as he said, "Even smaller than Trav. I was almost too afraid to get on a horse until he showed me. Then I became all too fond of riding."

"Hello, Joey," commented Alex with a smile.

IIIIIII

Wriggler of a toddler fresh from the tub, Raven applied kisses to the squeaky clean appendages as she dressed her daughter in an overnight diaper and lime green nightgown.

Hank stepped into the room, looking around. "Where's Trav?"

Picking the now clothed Kiki up, Raven brought her to rest against her shoulder. "He was just here. Maybe Mom's seen him."

Nodding, Hank left out again. Before he reached the master bedroom, he picked up on the sound of his son's voice. Peeking into the room, he found Trav and Edna nestled against the headboard with the wide storybook between them.

Edna noticed his presence first. "Oh Henry."

Trav glanced up next. "Daddy, do you mind? I'm reading to Grandma."

Hank raised an apologetic hand. "Sorry to interrupt. Carry on." He shared a brief humored gaze with his mother before making tracks back to his own room.

IIIIIII

Pinching the toe area to ensure it offered sufficient enough space, the gray haired salesman peered up into the dark shades. "How's that feel, son?"

"Um," Scott stared down at the black barrel loafers his feet currently filled, "just swell I guess. Thanks."

From where he observed from a standing position near to the boy, Erik formed a knowing smile. "Don't worry. These are only for you to wear out and to school. We're going to look at tennis shoes next for you to play in."

The relief that appeared on Scott's face next spoke volumes.

Frank tugged on the base of Erik's shirt. "Can we go to the big general store now?"

"As soon as we're done here. Now, go with Scott to see if you can find anything you like." Erik then tacked on specifically, "Within reason."

"Yes, sir." Standing from the bench, Frank led the way over to the more casual shoes for boys.

Approaching with Leon, Becky asked, "How are these, Papa?" She extended one leg for him to get a proper view of her selected saddle shoes.

Erik nodded his approval. "Excellent choice, ladybug. Now, why don't you pick out some sandals?"

"I'll help." Leon took her hand to return to the girls section.

Erik next found Alex highly engrossed in a pair of boots.

When he noticed him, Alex looked over with an eager smile. "Wouldn't these look cool with my motorcycle?"

"I'd even wager far out," Erik concurred, stepping over closer. "However, you're entering your sophomore year of college so you should focus on something a tad more formal."

"Dad," Alex nearly moaned, "please tell me you don't want me to do the suit and tie thing every day."

"Would I condemn you to such a cruel fate?" Erik then gave him a look. "Don't answer that." Alex turned his head with a little smirk. "I only think you should try to present yourself as the mature, absurdly handsome twenty-year-old you are."

"You're probably right," Alex admitted, "again."

"Dad, Dad!" Rushing up, Frank displayed the box of black and white converses. Scott carried a similar blue pair. "Can we get these? Please, please?"

Erik determined after brief thought, "They're suitable enough I suppose."

Frank grinned. "So can we go to the store now?"

Erik replied, "Stay put there. We'll be by to get you in about twenty minutes."

The boys cheered then loaded their boxes into Erik's arms.

"Hey, wait up, you two." Alex placed his boots on Erik's stack and went after the Eye Scream Team.

"Much appreciated," Erik called after them sardonically.

"Kids, huh?"

Erik glanced down an aisle where a weary middle-aged man sat on a fitting bench. "Yes, they do have their moments."

He scoffed. "No kiddin'. Especially with all them you have. I thought I had it rough with my two girls running around here ready to set my checkbook ablaze. Guess your wife owes you one, too, huh?"

"Actually, I'm not married," Erik responded. "However, I believe you do have it harder- if you consider spending time with your children some sort of burden."

Walking away with that, the metal wielder went to check on Leon and Becky's progress.

IIIIIII

Boots all too ready to be broken in, Alex got his feet as well as upper torso situated on the beloved machine.

He glanced over to catch the rider to his right with a very bare head. "Forgetting something?"

Staring back at him blankly, it dawned and Leon reached around for his helmet. "Huh, the lack of hustle and bustle in the country must be getting to me."

"I know. I thought how calm it is here would be a drag, but I have to admit, it's a nice change." Alex then watched Scott make his way into the barn. "Hey, squirt. Looking good."

Sporting his Converses, Scott wiggled one foot. "Thanks. Yours are neat, too."

Alex ruffled his hair when he came close enough. "You and Frank into anything today?"

"Not really," Scott shrugged.

"Well, have fun with whatever. We'll see you tonight at dinner." Alex lowered the visor on his helmet and floored out of the barn with Leon closely behind.

Scott followed to watch their driving then kept on to around the house. The sound of the clinking chain caught his attention before the welcomed sight. Wearing a green shorts romper and her new white sandals, the girl seemed to soar away on the swing. Her long curly pigtails flew right along with her. The higher she went, the more the sun made the dark hair shimmer under its rays.

When she ceased motion to face him, Scott wondered if she had sensed him and found himself suddenly short on words. "Um, you looked like you were going to swing clear over the top."

Becky shook her head in amusement. "I could never reach that, but Hank sure could."

"I bet." Propelling his feet forward, Scott gripped one bar on the swing set. "So Rebecca, I was… I was wondering if you felt up for going on a picnic. With me?"

Hopping off the swing, Becky walked up to him. "Just us?"

"Yes." Scott quickly added, "I mean, I'd ask Frank to come along but you know him. He's not into looking at flowers and things."

"You're right. It'll be more fun if we go by ourselves." She then brought up, "But we have to ask Papa."

Eagerness oozing practically from his ears, Scott encouraged, "Let's go," and headed for the house with her.

Working the rotary yet again, Erik released an annoyed sigh at the continued busy signal and put the receiver down.

"Papa?" Erik turned at the two children entering the den and Becky took in the displeased countenance he wore. "What's wrong?"

"I've managed to phone everyone else except your uncle." Erik tapped fingers along the end table. "Probably on that golf course again…"

Stepping forward, Scott spoke with, "Erik," and gained the man's full attention. "We don't have any chores this afternoon. Would it be alright we go on a picnic? Rebecca and I?"

Erik looked from boy to girl as he granted, "Of course." He raised a caution finger. "Be certain you don't wander away from the property."

"Yes, sir," Scott accepted. "Thanks."

"Thanks, Papa." Becky then told Scott, "I'll make the sandwiches."

Erik watched her skip out. "I'm very glad you chose to come with us." Scott glanced up at the man again. "I'm certain you're one of the reasons she has that smile on her face again."

Scott could not help forming one of his own next.

IIIIIII

While the white horse initially carried the lead, the brown sprinted forward with a zealous gallop. They both tugged the individual reins to bring the animals to a slow gentle stop.

"You are a true jockey," Cordelia commended, climbing down. "Though in Valliant's defense, he's older and stuck with the heavier rider."

Lowering from Xander, Joey responded with a soft, "Yeah."

Cordelia squinted with displeasure. "What's the matter?"

Joey shook his head. "Nothin'." Taking Xander's reins, the boy moved over to take hands with his aunt.

Cordelia squeezed his smaller appendage as they walked the horses across the lush lawn and back to the safety of the stables. They arrived at the house in time to catch up with the returning Xaviers.

Charles smiled widely at the teenager in red and white equestrian attire and little boy in brown and white. "Aren't you two simply adorable?"

Cordelia performed a spin. "Surprise from Daddy this morning. My old outfit was worn enough."

Emma asked, "Did you thank your grandfather?"

Joey said, "We didn't get a chance to, Mum. He left them in our rooms before he went to work. We'll say it when he gets home."

Emma nodded and said, "I better go see about the baby."

"I'll come with." Cordelia joined arms with her on route for the stairs.

Charles resisted a chuckle at his son fiddling with the helmet straps. "Here," he knelt down, "let me help. I know these clothes take some getting used to."

Joey's lips pursed. "Do I have to wear them, Daddy? Cowboys wear cool hats."

"I'm afraid those particular hats, while quite groovy, offer little in protection." Charles removed the helmet for him. "And your grandfather only wants to keep you safe. And we certainly can't fault him for wanting to protect a cargo we all value." He nuzzled noses with him.

Joey laughed lightly. "Okay, Daddy."

Charles kissed his cheek. "Go on, into your play clothes." He watched the boy's rapid pace for the upstairs at the direction given.

"Professor Xavier, pardon me."

Inwardly cringing at the address, Charles stood with kind smile in place. "Yes, Hazel?"

The young housekeeper informed, "Your brother called earlier, requesting that you call him back."

Charles bobbed his head with a brief, "Thank you," before taking to the stairs. He went into the room he shared with Emma to use the private line.

Picking up on the second ring, Erik answered with, "Charles?"

Eyes widening for a few seconds, Charles near pleaded, "Dear God, man, tell me you have not developed telepathy."

"Wouldn't you like to know?" A clear smirk evident in his tone, Erik next wanted to know, "Where have you been? Did you need a little nap after toting around with daddy-in-law across the green?"

"My, didn't someone put on his smarty trousers this morning?" Charles remarked. "Winston is at the office. Emma and I were enjoying a lunch date. We just got back."

"Where is Joey?"

Charles found something strange in the demanding way he presented the question, but still answered. "In his room changing clothes. Did you want to speak with him?"

"I want to speak with you," Erik said matter-of-factly. "Alex tells me you let Chris Frost take him to work. At a technology firm."

"Erik, Chris only wanted to show Joey his place of work. Get to know him a bit."

"Are there no zoos in Boston?" Erik replied without a trace of sympathy. "Charles, you shouldn't have let him go. He could have gotten too close, touched something. What then?"

Charles urged, "We emphasized with Chris the importance of keeping him safe at all costs."

Not caring that Charles could not actually see it, Erik rolled his eyes. "And what was the mere mortal to do in the event ten armed men leapt out to contain Joey? Did you believe he could handle them as well as the severe electrical reaction that would have resulted the moment Joey became afraid?"

With his brother's words creating unwanted images within his mind, Charles sighed heavily. "Erik, please. Let's not argue about this. Nothing happened. Joey is safe and sound. We all are."

"After all that is happened, you still haven't grown up from this sickeningly pleasant view of the world. Here's hoping you do before the worst befalls us." Erik hung up with that.

A surprised Charles started to called back then simply lowered his receiver as well.

Sitting firmly against his chair, Erik laced his fingers together thoughtfully.

"Dad?" Frank entered the den, going around to him.

"Boychick." Erik lightened his tone and expression at the young teen's presence. "What are you up to?"

"Nothing and a whole lot of it." Frank sat on the coffee table, facing him. "I've been ditched."

"That makes two of us." Erik patted him on the knee. "Well, only one thing to do about it."

"Better not run away from home," Frank advised, reaching back to rub his bottom. "That doesn't turn out so well."

Erik chuckled. "Not exactly what I had in mind. Come with me."

Frank stood promptly to go after the departing elder mutant.

IIIIIII

Cranberry colored cloth spread out on the vibrant green grass, the two ate from the plate of turkey sandwiches. A pitcher of lemonade, bowl of potato chips, as well as the leftover cookies from the previous night made up the rest of the mini feast. Becky laid on her stomach with legs waving in the air while nibbling on her sandwich half. Scott sat watching her upright, hoping his mouth did not carry a wealth of crumbs from the chips he shoveled in.

Swallowing a bit, Becky asked, "Do you miss baseball?"

"Definitely," Scott replied. "I can't wait for fall ball. It's so good having something that's really about me and what I'm good at. You know, outside the X-Men stuff."

"I know how you feel."

"Oh come on, Rebecca," the boy said with amused disbelief. "You're good at all kinds of things. You can dance and write and plan things real well. You're always doing what you can for everybody else. You're so brave."

Becky squinted at that last statement. "What makes you say I'm brave?"

"You believe in things with all your heart," Scott emphasized. "You're not afraid to disagree with the grownups, but not the sort of loud way Frank does. You're all like… classy."

She sat up with a smile. "Do you really think so?" At his nod, she deflated slightly and her face dipped a bit. "I didn't think you'd see me as anything good anymore."

Scott frowned deeply. "What? Why?"

"Because of her. She's dirty." Becky rubbed at the growing goosebumps on her arms. "I keep feeling like it's in me, too and it won't wash out."

Crawling around, Scott placed an arm around her. "You're the same to me as you ever were. Better yet, actually. Because you're you; nothing like Vanessa."

Looking back at him, Becky offered a kiss to his jaw.

IIIIIII

Strain impacting him, he attempted to push it back as he held tightly to the grip in an attempt to raise the blade attached to it. Erik observed him from a mere few feet away, arms crossed, and expression entirely even.

When Frank at last brought the sword all the way up in a victorious pose, Erik next directed, "See how long you can hold it."

With a nod, Frank stayed in place. Not ten seconds went by before he had to lower it.

"Aw, man," he groaned.

"You need more practice," Erik said simply.

"How does Alex make this look so easy?"

"Your brother lifts weights like a mad man." Going to stand behind him, Erik wrapped arms around the boy to help him lift the sword once more. "You can do this. Once you're used to the weight of the weapon, it's all agility and fine-tuning your own technique."

Frank attempted to take in the full worth of the words, but it did not help him from bringing the sword down again the moment Erik let go of him. "Sorry, Dad."

"No, no, you're fine." Erik rubbed his shoulders to ease him. "This is nothing compared to my father's attempts to teach me when I was old enough to work an ax."

Frank rolled his head back to view the man. "I thought you mastered all metal."

"Not always," Erik reminded. "And with my own hands, it proved far more difficult. I broke off more than one blade inside the wood we were supposed to be cutting."

"Oh boy. Did your dad get sore at you?"

"While I'm sure I annoyed him, he never became very short with me. He would always tell me to simply try again."

Frank pressed his back against Erik's front. "My dad hated it when I couldn't do something right after he finished explaining. He hated going over it again so he always ended up getting Linny to do it."

Squatting, Erik hugged him from behind. "In the military, it's drilled into them that there is no room for error. I believe he brought a great deal of that home with him, even without realizing it. It never had anything to do with you."

Frank leaned back to cuddle cheeks with him. "Is that true when you're sore at me, too?"

"I'm never sore at you, though I might make you sore," Erik applied a tap to his behind and stood fully again, "Now, time to try again."

Using both hands on the grip, Frank breathed slowly as he brought the sword up and over his head.

IIIIIII

Walking in step with the boy at her side, Becky observed the flat pastures of their surroundings. "It's so beautiful here."

"Sure is." Scott looked at her. "Do you think it's nicer than Westchester?"

"A little," Becky admitted. "It's all quiet and tucked away from everything. No snooty people." Noticing something, she dashed off. "Scott, look."

"Whoa!" Scott ran after her into the spotted daisy field.

Speeding through, Becky gathered as many handfuls of the yellow flowers as she could, seemingly swimming among them.

Scott managed to capture a few as well. When he caught up with her, he broke the buds he carried with a fist. He then used the petals to sprinkle over Becky's head. The girl twirled beneath the fluttering bits.

After he finished, Scott presented her with the rest of the flowers. "For her highness."

"Thank you," Becky accepted grandly, "brave Prince Scott."

Scott smiled then pointed out one mound. "Now to ascend for the hill."

Latching onto each other's hands, the children sprinted for the top.

"Gah!" Scott reacted to his foot making a monumental squish. "Oh man…" He glanced down to see that his right shoe had made contact with a mud puddle several inches deep. "Now I've done it. Erik is gonna give it to me good." He attempted to shake off the muck. "He just got me these and now look."

"Don't worry," Becky soothed. "We can wash them. The stream isn't very far."

"We better use the pond instead. Erik doesn't want us going off," Scott reminded.

"I know, but the pond is too close to the house and Papa might see."

"You're right." Removing his sneakers to prevent further damage, Scott walked with her in his socks.

They arrived at the clear pool of water and Becky took the shoes from him. "Here, I'll do it."

"You shouldn't have to clean them for me," Scott reasoned.

"It's my fault." Becky squatted to splash some water over the mud. "I wanted to play in the field. I know you have trouble seeing and those flowers and grass were too tall to tell anything."

"I hardly call that your fault, but I'm doing the other one since it was my idea to run up the hill." Scott got down and worked on the less messed left shoe.

"Careful, Scott," Becky said of a droplet that connected with her. "We better not get too wet."

Scott glanced up. "That wasn't me." His attention then reached greater heights at the formerly puffy white clouds that now carried a swirl of gray with them.

At the drops that followed, Becky released a shriek. "My hair!"

Gathering his shoes, Scott grabbed her hand. "Hurry!" He ran them over to a curved rock formation that provided some small shelter. "We can wait it out. Maybe it won't last that long."

Becky stroked her pigtails. "I just know my hair is going to frizz up after this. Oh, these curls…"

Scott moved in closer to her. "I like the curls in your hair." She faced him curiously. "I mean, it seems like everybody has straight hair. Yours is real unique. Like your eyes. Other people have brown or blue, but yours are green. It's been a long time since I've really seen them, but I remember they weren't like olive or lime. More like emeralds."

Squeezing at her strands, Becky looked towards her lap. "I like having you here, Scott. It's not the same feeling as when I'm with Hank and the other boys. It's… different."

Unsure what to say, Scott asked, "In a good way?"

Becky gave off a nod. "Yes."

Becky!

Papa! Becky attempted to guide him mentally. We're over here!

"Are you okay?" Scott said of her sudden change in expression.

Becky explained, "Papa's looking for us."

Then from a distance, two dark umbrellas appeared.

"There you guys are," Frank's voice sounded.

"Scott, Becky." Erik knelt down to lift his daughter with one arm. "Let's get you inside."

Quickly slipping his shoes back on, Scott hurried over to get under Frank's umbrella with him. His friend left an arm around him before they continued on out of the growing storm.

IIIIIII

Once the freshly dried and changed pair returned to the living room, Erik provided them with fleece throws and warm milk with sprinkles of cocoa.

"I saw the clouds develop and went to call you in," Erik recounted. "When I saw the picnic basket left, but neither of you I was worried."

"It's all my fault, Erik," Scott insisted. "You told us not to wander off, but I didn't pay attention."

"That's not true," Becky claimed, putting her mug down. "I wanted to walk around."

"But we were only by the stream because I got my shoes all messed up." Scott faced Erik again. "I didn't want you to think I didn't appreciate them or didn't know how to take care of anything. I'm really sorry."

Erik darted eyes between the children. "So, what should we do? Should I ground you both from playing outside for the remainder of our time here?" Scott and Becky shared a brief look before both shook their heads hard. "Then I'd say this calls for a spanking. Doesn't it?"

"Yes, sir," Scott sighed.

"Yes, Papa," whispered Becky.

Taking Becky's hand, Erik ushered her up. "Wait in your room for me."

Becky paused to stare at Scott again before obeying.

"Alright, Scott," Erik transferred over to sit on the sofa with him, "what did you think I was going to do if you came home with soiled shoes? Did you think I would yell? Possibly use them to bash you over the head?"

Scott hid a small smile. "No. I just didn't want you to think I was irresponsible."

Erik placed both arms around him. "That word could never penetrate my mind in regards to you. Yes, there are times when I will think you could have made wiser choices, but I know for a fact that you always try your hardest to do what is best. I also know you're still a little boy." He gripped his chin. "Do you know that?"

Scott nodded into his touch. "Just need a reminder sometimes."

"And I have one for you right now." Erik indicated his lap. "Lay down."

The boy listened without hesitation, removing his blanket as he did so. Erik pressed a hand to his back then applied ten strong swats to the center of his rear.

He picked him up to hold against his chest. "And that was for the straying, not the shoes. If you wander away from me again, you'll find yourself in real trouble. Do you understand me?"

"Oh yes sir," Scott assured. "I'm sorry."

Erik ran a hand up and down his back. "Alex, Frank, and Becky all have their reasons for wanting you here, but I have my own as well. You're an absolute treasure to my life, Scott, and I love you very much."

Scott collapsed against his shirt front. "I love you, too, Erik. Thank you."

Erik squeezed him. "And between us, I know Becky's in capable hands whenever she's with you." Scott gazed up with a smile and Erik playfully tugged on his ear. "Why don't you lay down for a bit? I'll get you for supper."

"Okay." Scott stood up to go to his room.

After a minute, Erik got to his feet and came to stand outside his daughter's door. Not surprised, he found it partly open and walked inside. As soon as she entered, she laid her bear down and sat up in bed quietly.

Erik came to sit on the edge of her mattress. "Come here to me, Sweet Imp."

When she crawled close enough, Erik gently situated her over his lap with her upper body securely on the bed. He gave her ten quick swats and returned her to his arms in a near instantaneous motion.

"No more wandering off from me." Erik gave a kiss to her head to accompany the light scold. "Alright, young lady?"

Becky nodded into his neck. "Yes, Papa. I'll behave." She peered up at him. "Do you know something?"

He moved some hair away from her face. "Many things, but with you I can only guess."

"Even though it hurts, it's not bad when you spank me," she tried to explain. "Because I'm your little girl and daddies have to spank their little girls sometimes."

"And hate every moment of it. Now, let me tell you something," Erik held her closer, "Even if I never had to punish you again, you would always be my little girl. Forever. I love you, ladybug."

Becky reached up to kiss his nose. "I love you, too, Papa."

Stretching out, Erik left her on top of him while he administered a soothing rub to her back.

Becky stroked at his shirt. "Papa?"

"Yes, my Anya?"

Her round face brightened as she said, "I really like it here."

Fingers in her hair, Erik returned, "So do I."

IIIIIII

The laughter they carried into the house became abruptly cut short the moment the returning duo made it into the kitchen. A certain shark scowl greeted them.

"You guys are in for it," Frank said from the table.

Coming up short, Alex wondered, "What?"

"Allow me to paint you a picture for a moment." Going over to the extension, Erik picked up the phone receiver. "Hi, Dad, going to be late for dinner."

"Oh," Alex realized while Leon bowed his head in a show of shame. "We're sorry, Dad. The movie ran long."

Erik crossed his arms. "So you lost all sense of consideration?"

Leon piped up, "Would you be madder if we said we already ate?"

Alex used his elbow to give him a small jab to the ribs.

"I see. So, you didn't call and you left us waiting on you for half an hour after you already stuffed yourselves with untold amounts of junk?" At the adorable way Leon peeked out through his hair, Erik ordered, "Stop that. To the woodshed, both of you."

Leon stood straight and Alex wanted to know, "Are you serious?"

"Yes, that's where I left some of the tools," Erik said. "You two are going to spend all day tomorrow helping me around the house. And when you're done getting the supplies out, straight to your room and to bed."

As the sentenced two turned to comply, Erik swatted at each of their behinds.

"Now you, young man," he turned to Frank, "what do you say to seconds on dessert?"

"Yeah," the fourteen-year-old grinned.

Retrieving the remains of that evening's pie, Erik readied two slices for them. As he returned the rest to the refrigerator, his attention fell on the phone again. Promptly gazing away, he carried the pecan slices over and joined Frank at the table.