X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Ninety

Author's Word: Hi, Fam! I hope everyone had a great MLK Day yesterday. Mine was great. As we keep the dream alive, fam, please enjoy and review!

Taking a colossal bite out of the Hershey, the one reclining upside down on the stairs nudged, "So, how 'bout it?"

"A random beach party." Alex munched on his own chocolate. "Don't you think this is a little short notice?"

"And had I more notice, I would have given you a little," Jam stated matter-of-factly. "But I just found out about it."

"Hey, guys," Scott walked into the barn, "time to wash up." He stopped short at the sight of their individual candies. His fists went to his hips. "And here I thought we weren't supposed to fill up before dinner."

Alex revealed the spare Snickers he had with him. "Then I'm sure you won't be interested in this one, right?..."

Ogling the bar, Scott made a zipped-lips motion as he accepted it and took his leave again.

"Little brothers," was all Jam had to say before returning to their original subject. "Now, are you two in or out?"

Thinking, Alex glanced over to where Leon lay amongst the hay. "What do you want to do, Lee?"

A sardonic response of, "Rock and roll," followed by a fist raise acted as the long haired one's response.

"Great." Alex stood from the crate he used as a chair. "Now you get to help me explain it to Dad."

"This sounds like a job for," Leon got to his feet, "the oldest."

As he passed by, Alex yanked him down into a headlock and Jam chortled from the back.

Once the hygiene sufficient young men made their way into the kitchen, Erik acknowledged them with, "Stumble upon a rabbit hole on your way, did you?"
"Sorry about holding you up, Mr. Lehnsherr," Jam apologized.

"Think nothing of it, Jamal," Erik dismissed. "Becky?"

After the girl recited grace, they began in on the meal before them.

"I love eating over here," Jam commented, adding a portion of cheddar potato kugel.

Scott stated, "A lot of Erik's recipes are really good."

"Wait until we get to dessert," Frank piped up. "Chocolate babka."

Becky smiled at that. "You should try Papa's apple cake, Jam." She then suggested, "Why don't you come over tomorrow, too? We can make one."

"Uh yeah… tomorrow." From under the table, Jam jabbed his foot in Alex's direction.

Absorbing the ginger kick to his ankle, the blonde raised, "Dad?" Erik set eyes on him. "Some of the kids from school are throwing a beach party tomorrow. You think it'd be okay if we dropped by?"

Erik put down his fork, his expression giving away nothing. "Which kids from school?"

"Jam knows them." Alex pointed out his friend.

"They live in my area," Jam assisted. "Probably the last real get-together before we get back to hitting the books."

After a lengthy period of thought, Erik came back with, "Home by midnight and I trust you remember the rules about alcohol?"

"Not a drop," Alex guaranteed.

"Leon?" Erik addressed the quiet one. "Is that understood?"

Brown eyes becoming illuminated again, Leon replied, "Yes, sir."

When the meal ended, Alex ushered Becky out of the room to take over her turn helping in the kitchen.

"Thanks again, Dad." He worked a sponge over one pan. "This is really cool of you." He peered the metal wielder's way. "Really, really cool."

Erik glanced away from scrubbing around the stove burners. "You want to borrow the car?"

"So much," Alex confirmed.

Opening his arms, Erik accused, "You are a very spoiled boy."

Alex laughed, leaning forward into the man's hold.

IIIIIII

Petite frame somehow barreling into the room, her vision made a pathway for the one laid up in the bed. The muscle beyond her chest galloped with speed.

"Mom…"

"Maya." Arching her head up against the pillows, Lauren wanted to know, "What are you doing here?"

A tall blonde male in a white coat filled that one as he walked in next. "I called her."

The woman gave off an eye roll. "Thanks for the confidentiality, Brody."

"You may not be happy with me right now, but doctor-patient confidentiality goes out the window after a fifteen year relationship," he informed her with no trace of apology in his tone.

Maya knelt to her mother's bedside. "He told me you were on oxygen."

"I just lost my head for a sec," Lauren waved off.

Brody countered, "You lost consciousness for a sec. You've only been alert for the last twenty minutes. I can't believe you had the nerve to come in today with these flare ups in your bronchitis."

"What?" Maya gaped at her. "Mom, are you crazy?"

Lauren said, "You need to calm down before you lose consciousness."

Maya looked to the doctor now. "Is she okay now?"

Brody started, "We've run some tests—"

"Extensive tests," Lauren interjected. "Unnecessary tests."

"And," Brody continued pointedly, "we should know the extent of it soon. For now. I want to keep an eye on her at least until this evening."

At Maya making a beeline for her purse, Lauren questioned, "What do you think you're doing?"

Going into the handbag wordlessly, Maya seized hold of the package of camels. She sent Lauren a sizzling glower and stalked into the adjoined bathroom, marching straight for the toilet.

IIIIIII

Curious as to the whereabouts of one member of their youthful posse, Becky offered her swing to Scott. The twelve-year-old ventured into the barn and instantly caught the spark that seemed entirely contained within the older one's hand.

Still, a discomfort developed in her stomach. "Leon?"

Veering around in a swift motion, Leon greeted her with, "Hey, Pretty Eyes," then showed her the silver cigarette lighter. "You caught me."
Becky walked closer to him. "What are you doing with that?"

"Trying to create my own rain." He squatted, holding the teeny tool out to her. "Want to give it a try?"

Becky immediately shook her head. "Papa says I'm not supposed to play with things like that. You probably shouldn't, either… I don't want you to have another bad dream like before."

"You know? You're right." Leon pocketed the lighter. "Come on."

The girl took his hand as they departed the wooden structure together.

Backing away to take a rest from the football game going on between himself, Alex, and Frank, Jam lowered onto the steps.

Coming through the door a minute later, Erik presented him with a water bottle.

"Thanks, Mr. Lehnsherr." Jam popped off the lid right away for a long swig.

Erik bobbed his head and eased down beside him. "Your mother called."

Bottle tip lingering at lips, Jam eventually faced him. "I bet she did. Do you want me to go home?"

"No," Erik answered without question. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," the young man replied plainly. "I just needed to breathe a little bit. At least for a night."

"I understand. If you do wish to talk," Erik placed a hand to his shoulder, "don't hesitate to seek me out."

"Thank you," Jam said appreciatively.

Leaving him to his own thoughts, Erik shot up to intercept a pass thrown by Frank.

IIIIIII

"It couldn't have been that bad if she regained consciousness so quickly," Raven reasoned, maneuvering through the main floor hall to collect her children's stray toys.

Maya came back with, "I know, but Brody wouldn't have bothered me if he didn't suspect something was really wrong."

"Listen," Raven stopped in place to concentrate on the receiver attached to her ear, "do you need me? I can hijack a plane within the hour."

A short smile found its way to Maya's face. "No, it's fine. I'll call if I need you guys."

"You better." Raven's warning tone turned a bit sweeter next. "I love you, gorge."

"Love you, too, gorge." Maya hung up the pay phone as Sean returned with their candy bars from the vending machine. "Thanks."

"The doctor tell you anything yet?" Sean asked.

Maya sighed, "No. You know, let's just get out of here. Brody will call if anything comes up."

Sean nodded then suggested, "This is probably that one good kick she needs to lay off the cigarettes already."

Maya latched onto his arm, not saying anything as she took a sizable bite from the chocolate-caramel bar he'd bought her.

IIIIIII

While the three clothed in various summer attire paraded through, Frank wanted to know, "Why can't I go with you guys?"

As if it should have been obvious, Alex replied, "Because then we would have to bring you."

"And there's the sulk," Leon predicted and the boy's face truly became disgruntled.

"You don't have to tell me," Jam said with an amused snort. "My kid brother invented that mistreated middle child routine."

Arriving in the living room, Erik presumed, "Ready to go?"
"Sure are." Alex held out one expectant hand.

Before delivering the keys, Erik prompted, "And you will do what if you know you're running late?"

"Call." Alex also added, "My word."

"That will do nicely." Erik dropped the keys into his palm.

"Bye, shrimptoids," Alex waved to the youngsters as his collegian group took their giddy leave.

Erik noticed Frank's expression. "Unhappy, boychick?"

"He's just mad he can't party with the others." Scott gave Frank a friendly jab to the side. "So we're not good enough for you anymore?"

"Yeah," Becky seconded.

"No, that's not it." Frank folded his arms. "But why do they get to have fun all the time?"

"Yes, why should they?" Erik supported. "Which is why I was thinking that the four of us could order out for pizza."

Some small glow returning to him, Frank put forth, "With green peppers and onions!"

Becky raised her hand. "And extra cheese."

"And Canadian bacon!" Scott then realized what he had suggested and grew sheepish. "I mean, ummm…"

Erik sent him a reassuring gaze. "Two it is."

IIIIIII

"Turn up here," Jam pointed.

Alex moved over to the right. "Okay, which exit am I looking for again?"

Rolling his eyes, Jam said, "You sure you don't want me to drive, Granddaddy?"

"I know what I'm doing," Alex countered. "I just think we need to go around. I must have missed the exit to Hartford."

"Of course you did," Jam guaranteed. "We're not going to Hartford."

Alex spared a brief glance his way. "You said this party was in your area."

"Actually," Jam recollected, "what I said was it was being thrown by kids in my area. I didn't say it was taking place within my area."

From the back, Leon piped up, "Power of technicality. Holds up in any court room."

Alex shot him a look using the rearview mirror. "You want to try that one with Dad?" He next focused on Jam. "Okay double-talk, where is this thing?"

Jam answered, "In the city… Jersey City."

"Jersey City?" Alex brought the car to a near whiplash inducing halt. "Are you crazy? That's two and a half hours away."

"It's barely two hours from here," Jam rationalized. "Besides, why do you think I had us leave at five? We can get down and have enough time to slide in by midnight. And if we do happen to run late, we just got to give your dad a ring."

Calmly, Alex requested, "Jam, please get out of the car."

Jam gaped at him. "I know you're not putting me out."

"No," Alex assured. "I just need more room to kick your ass."

Leon observed, "Huh. It's not my ass this time."

"Come on, Lex," Jam put on a toothy smile, "you're hardly around to do anything, anyway and you know you don't want to miss out on a big-time summer fest like this."

Leon leaned forward between their seats. "We can reasonably leave at nine thirty and be home on time."

Drumming his fingers against the steering wheel, Alex delivered an internal punch to his better judgment and started up the car again.

IIIIIII

Assortment of deli meats, cheeses, and breads almost completely vanished, the group seated around the outdoor table remained mute. Seated with the other children opposite to the adults, Cody proved the most noisy as he finished off a rather thick hoagie. Sean and Maya's heads remained bowed as if in mutual prayer, though Sean snacked on chips. At Kayla's touch to his thigh, Logan in turn sent his brother a readable glance.

"Banshee," Victor's voice rang out, immediately gathering the teenage boy's attention, "let's move." He started to stand.

Sean appeared confused. "What?"

"Trainin' time," Victor clarified. "Time to get changed. You, too, Mite. You can keep score."

When the man and boy only headed off, Sean looked at Maya briefly and followed.

At the girl's continued quiet spell, Logan took the time to neatly fold a napkin. "Okay, we've played polite long enough. Now talk."

Maya got up to begin clearing the table. "I hope the crew isn't coming first thing in the morning again."

"Maya," Kayla spoke next, tone even but eyes no-nonsense, "sit down, please." She slowly lowered back to her seat. "Where did you and Sean race off to today?"

Maya waved a hand. "Just a problem at the hospital."

"What?" said Logan. "They need an emergency candy striper?"

Maya shrugged. "You should understand about the call of duty."

Logan sent her a disapproving stare. "Don't get fresh."

"I'm not!... I'm not trying to." She let off a lengthy exhale. "My mother decided to lose consciousness, okay?"

Kayla's face darkened significantly. "She can't still be lighting up."

Maya crossed her arms. "Only in-between drug store runs. Look, she's okay now. I hung around to make sure. It's just… not the kind of call you want to get, you know?"

"Oh we know," Logan concurred.

"Are you sure everything's alright now?" Kayla asked.

Maya nodded. "I want to lay down for a while."

"Go," Kayla encouraged. "We'll clean up here." The second Maya moved a sizable distance across the lawn, Kayla whacked both hands down on the table. "What is wrong with this woman?"

Logan came back with, "I could name a few things."

"How could anyone be so reckless with their own health when they have a child to think about? How is she possibly…?"

Logan brought an arm around his wife. "Hey, stop." He pressed lips to the side of her head. "Don't get upset. And don't worry." He ran a massaging hand down her stomach. "We'll fix this. We're pretty good about that."

Kayla somewhat relaxed against him, leaving a hand on his chest.

IIIIIII

No longer in need of direction due to the unmistakable blaring music, Alex had to cram into the tightest parking space available. When the trio arrived to the full goings-on, they discovered an entire swarm, or possibly fleet, of their peers grooving to the Beach Boy records. Also fortunately, several of those peers consisted of girls in two-piece wear.

One in particular ran at the newcomers in utter glee. "Hi, guys!"

Jam caught and swung around with her. "Hey, Reese."

"Teresa." Alex gave her a hug as well.

"Hi, sexy Lexie," she smiled. "Where is your sister?"

"Visiting the mom-in-law with Hank," Alex explained, gazing around. "This place is nuts."

"Tell me about it," Teresa concurred. "I had to tell my folks I was staying over with my cousin." She gave a tug to Jam's t-shirt. "You using these guys for a cover story?"

"Baby, I don't need a cover story," Jam informed her. "We're in college. We can do what we want."

Alex looked him up and down. "Can you get back to your home planet and return my friend Jam?"

"As soon as you take the old man out of my friend Alex," Jam retorted in jest.

"Hey Summers!" The blonde looked towards a pair of male classmates with boards tucked under their arms. "Let's see this claim to fame you have. Meet you in the water."

"You're on!" Alex gladly accepted, practically leaping over all in his way in order to rent a surfboard.

Teresa pulled on Jam's arm. "Buy me a dance?"

"Only if you pay me one back."

With only his own devices before him, Leon honed in on something that caught his interests.

Approaching a WU circle, he indicated one bottle. "Bourbon?"

One girl corrected, "Tequila."

Leon stated, "Even better," and quickly downed the glass she poured for him.

IIIIIII

Thoroughly sweat coated, Sean made it to the lower level phone in time to answer with a strained, "Hello?"

"Sean?" Even from Boston, Charles' raised eyebrow could be heard. "Why are you out of breath? Are you alright?"

"I'm great." Sean collected his air before going on. "I just got back from a run."

"This late in the day?"

"We had a big dinner."

"I see. Brian's a bit clingy you see so I wanted to check in early," Charles explained. "How is the construction moving along?"

"They put up a very big wall that hopefully they won't feel the need to knock down and rebuild tomorrow," Sean said.

"Magnificent progress then. Alright, I have a baby with a sudden yearn for Daddy." Charles' voice carried a delighted humor that sent an ease over Sean. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Okay, bye." Hanging up, Sean met up with Victor halfway in the hall.

"A run?" The blonde man peered down at him. "You call an hour session in the gym a run?"

"I'm trying not to worry Charles with anything," Sean reminded. "He doesn't need to know I'm taking on harder sessions and "overexerting" myself."

"If you say so." Victor stepped out of the way.

Sean continued on in glorious search for a shower.

IIIIIII

After the fourth go-in, his competitors called it a good night and Alex returned to shore with a victorious aura that seemed to radiate from all sides. He returned his surf board to the stand.

Coming up behind him, Teresa remarked, "Only you could set water on fire."

"You were doing your thing, Lex," Jam agreed.

"Thanks, guys." Smile in place, Alex glanced around. "Where's Lee?"

"I don't know," Jam realized. "Haven't seen him for a while."

An unusual taste on his lips, Leon indicated the glass as he asked, "And what do you call this?"

The current drink mixer told him, "A dark fizz."

"Not going to question the fizz…" Leon's attention went to the girl seated in a folding chair next to his, particularly her over exposed bikini top. "So, how exactly does that stay on in water?"

She grinned brightly as she said, "It's for display only."

Leon nodded once. "Good choice." Veering around at where a few of the guys lit up what appeared to be a campfire, he asked, "Afraid we'll catch cold?"

"It's time for Fearless Flight," one particular excited brunette in red trunks stated. "Anyone who dares dash through the flames. Just don't drop your spine halfway through."

Observing the numerous, and blatantly intoxicated, individuals lining up to take the flight, Leon stared at the flame until the sight of the blaze hurt his eyes. Making his way over, he bypassed the line and performed a jump that missed the flickering tips by hardly an inch. After a very brief silence, those watching cheered with great gusto at the performance.

Practically deaf to the praise, Leon had no time to steady himself as he found himself spun around and facing a very irate X-Man.

"Have you completely lost your mind?" Alex demanded incredulously.

Leon replied, "The possibility is very strong."

"Oh boy," Jam whistled, coming up behind them. "Little Leon's been hittin' the hooch."

Dragging him as far away from the crowd as he could, Alex continued to seethe. "I don't believe you. Are you that cracked that you can't be left by yourself?" He slapped Leon's arm when the younger male attempted to coddle against his shoulder. "Save it. Because now I have to figure out how to sneak your stupid butt by Dad."

Jam took Leon's spare arm as he said, "This is going to be interesting."

Together, they managed to get Leon into the parking lot and secure him to the backseat. Though the actual driving proved a little harder with his kicking the front every so often and ramming the head rest.

"Leon!" Alex used one hand to reach back and apply a swat to his exposed thigh. "Knock it off!"

"Lex!" Jam shouted.

Alex faced front again, just in time to avoid a car coming the other direction. "Oh geez…" He gripped the steering wheel hard. "I cannot believe I let you talk me into this."
Jam stared at him disbelievingly. "I know you're not blaming me. Look, Leon might be something of a head case, but he's old enough to not need babysitting. You're the one always out to play Dad, Mr. Surf Champ."

"So you want me to go out to keep an eye on things while you do whatever you want?" Alex scoffed. "Yeah, some friend."

"I could say the same about you!" Jam shot back. "You're so busy being there for Lee, you're never even around."

Mouth opening but no sound coming out, Alex remained that way until he picked up on the siren followed by flashing lights in the mirror. "No, no, no… God no…"

All previous anger became replaced with dire dread as Jam sunk into his seat. "We are going to die tonight."

Stopping just behind the sedan, a stout officer stepped out of the patrol wagon.

Alex rolled down his window and cleared his throat as he silently prayed for Sean's angelic aura to come through his voice. "Officer, I'm really sorry about that back there. I know I shouldn't have looked away."

Not responding to that point, the police man asked plainly, "You boys been drinking tonight?"

"No, officer," Jam piped up.

Glancing the passenger's way, the officer stated, "I don't believe I was talking to you." Alex and Jam looked to each other, but his gaze settled on the one currently behind the wheel. "Who's car is this?"

"My father's," Alex answered. "He let me borrow it."

"Then you won't mind if we can and ask him." Stepping back, the man in uniform indicated for them to get out.

Resisting an intense groan, Alex removed himself from the car followed by Jam.

"Leon, come on." Opening the back door, Alex attempted to pry him out.

The officer observed them. "Something wrong with your friend?"

"No," Alex glanced over his shoulder, "I've got him. Don't worry."

"Move aside." Giving a push to Alex before he had a chance to, the officer peered in at the disoriented one. "Have you had any alcohol tonight, son?"

Cocking his head to one side, Leon peered at him for a long stint before aiming a solid punch to the middle of his face.

As if able to feel the impact themselves, Alex and Jam jumped back in a unison fashion.

IIIIIII

Situated comfortably in the arm chair with his present novel of choice, Erik reacted to the ringing telephone. He also noticed the hour. Calling about running late as early as nine o'clock?

Lifting the receiver, Erik entered a, "Hello," into it.

"Dad? It's me… Alex."

"Boychick." Standing at the tone in his voice, Erik wanted to know, "What's wrong?"

"We need you to come get us. We're at the station," Alex paused again, "in Jersey City."

"Jersey City?" Erik had only a second to recollect the rest. "As in, police station?"

"… Yeah."
"Give me the address," Erik directed. "I'm on my way."

Frank walked in to see the man frantically jotting something down on the newspaper. "Dad?"

Erik turned and walked up to take the boy's shoulders. "Frank, listen to me. I have to leave for a few hours. I need you to stay with the others. Keep the windows and doors locked. If anything, anything happens, you're not to hesitate to use your powers."

Nodding hard, Frank dared to ask, "What's going on?"

"I don't have time to explain." Erik returned to the phone, using his own powers to forcefully work the rotary.

IIIIIII

The hard plastic seat not providing anything any means of luxury seating, Jam still received more comfort from it than from the many disdainful stares of the ones in uniform walking by him. Though he hated to entertain such harsh thoughts, he suspected more than one of only looking at him to silently size up his neck for the proper noose.

Unable to sit himself, Alex paced back and forth until he found his way over to the desk yet again.

The officer currently standing guard released a sigh. "We've already been over this. Now, take a seat."

"I don't want to take a seat," Alex spat. "I want to see my brother."

He received a narrow look at his wording. "The resemblance is uncanny."

Trying to maintain his composure, Alex got out, "We're. Adopted. And the only reason you have him back there is for punching your buddy. He was drunk. He didn't know."

"That's why he had no business drinking underage," the officer countered. "Now, will you let me get my work done?"

Keeping his powers at bay, somehow, Alex headed back towards Jam. "I don't believe this."

"You're wasting your time," Jam said. "They're never going to listen to us."

Sighing heavily, Alex finally took a seat beside him. "Jam, I… I'm sorry I haven't been there for you."

"No," Jam looked at him, "I'm sorry for coming at you like that. I'm the one who's been a locked box. You're one of the few people who is there when somebody needs you."

"I hate when you and Lee bottle things up." Though Alex knew he himself was no consistently open book. "What's going on, man?"

When Jam opened his mouth, a far deeper voice sounded over it.

"Jamal."

Jam got to his feet. "Dad."

At the presence of the men, Alex hurried up as well to parrot, "Dad."

"Are you alright?" Erik took him by the face to inspect. "Where's Leon?"

Alex pointed accusingly at the desk. "They've got him in a cell."

"Excuse me." Eli approached the one on duty. "What charge do you have our boys on here?"

The officer flicked through his files. "Just a second."

Stony expression in place, Eli stepped up to the desk with both hands planted against the top. "Officer," he read the name badge, "Tate, I have four lawyers at my disposal plus an alderman that owes me a few. Don't make me call these men out of their beds just to get some answers out of you."

Finally facing him directly, Tate aimed two fingers at Alex and Jam. "Nothing on these two except for the owner of the car to verify that they had permission to borrow it."

"I'm the owner." Erik let go of Alex to walk up. "And they had my permission. Now, what reason in the world do you have to lock away my other son as if he's some violent vagrant?"

"He might as well be," Tate said. "We've got him on a charge of underage drinking and assault of an officer."

"He was drunk," Alex urged. "And the guy got in Lee's face."

Erik gave him a look that sent the blonde into silence then returned displeased countenance to the officer. "I will pay whatever fine or bail is necessary, but Leon has never been in trouble before. I won't let you make a criminal out of him."

Clearly wanting the gathering out of his station, Tate responded, "Bail is set at a hundred dollars. And we better not catch any of these guys in here again."

Eli assured, "Believe me, you won't."

After retrieving the necessary bill from his pocket, Erik slapped it on the desk and filled out the necessary paperwork. As he flipped through it, he silently yearned for Charles' telepathic capabilities. He also had to work to keep his own powers subdued.

Officer Tate left and came back a few seconds later with Leon in tow. "He's all yours."

"Lee," Alex brightened.

"Dad?" Leon reached a weary hand out.

Erik pulled him in close. "It's time to go, boychick."

Once Erik had his car keys returned, the group proceeded towards the doors.

The very second they stepped out of immediate view of the station, Eli delivered a forceful whack to the side of his son's head. Alex had to flinch on his behalf.

"Ah!" Jam touched the spot. "Dad, let me explain."

"Explain what?" Eli wanted to know. "How you manage to go from the top of your class to damn fool in five minutes? What the hell possessed you, boy?"

"I didn't do anything," Jam insisted.

"Besides land yourself in a stupid, unnecessary situation," Eli went on. "You're lucky those cops didn't find a reason to lock you up because you know they would've jumped at the chance to throw your black ass into a cell. Your mother and I try to give you every advantage, but you cannot go around thinking you're as untouchable as your friends."

"I know that!" Jam finally shout at him. "I know that, Dad. You don't have to keep reminding me."

Completely worn, Eli instructed, "Go to the car. Your mother won't put head to pillow until I get you home."

Jam said nothing and walked in the designated direction.

Erik gave Alex the keys to his car. "Take your brother."

Without a word, Alex moved along with Leon propped against him.

Going in step with Eli, Erik remarked, "Hell of a night."

Eli snorted. "You're not lying."

"I understand your reasoning with Jamal completely," Erik said. "But from what I can tell, you needn't worry. He's an exceptional young man."

"I know," Eli nodded. "I just want him to stay that way. I swear, we want them to be able to take care of themselves. All we really want is to protect them until the day after forever."

Now it was Erik's turn to say, "I know," as they continued on for the station's parking lot.

IIIIIII

With the now completely exhausted long-haired youth stretched out in bed, Erik managed to get him changed from his shorts and into pajamas. He let him keep his t-shirt on. Kneeling, Erik moved small portions of hair away from the sleeping face.

Somewhat lingering in the bathroom, Alex walked out in his own night attire. "Dad… I can't begin to say how sorry I am."

"Alexander," standing, Erik kept his gaze away to gather what remained of his patience before turning his dark expression on him, "I had to leave Frank here to watch Becky and Scott while I drove two hours both ways to get you out of a police station in Jersey City. I am not equipped to speak with or deal with you right now. To bed, now."

"Yes, sir," Alex got out in a whisper as he got under his blanket.

As he headed out, Erik paused at the door. "I love you. And I couldn't be more thankful that you're alright."

Alex could only nod back meagerly.

Erik switched off the light and continued out to check on the others, closing the door on his way.

Feeling a heat develop on his face, Alex laid stomach down to burrow into his pillow. He had no strength left to keep his building tears away.

IIIIIII

Very little in the ways of sleep visited Erik that night. By six AM, he got up, all but shredded his clothes, and took a lengthy shower. He dressed in athletic wear and went to the kitchen to prepare some much needed coffee and work the toaster.

Arriving only a step inside the kitchen, Frank, still in pajamas, petitioned, "Daddy?" Erik immediately turned to the young voice increasing in depth every day. "Are Alex and Leon okay?"

"Yes, boychick." Erik walked up to hug him and rub his hair. "We're all okay. You did very well here." He kissed his head and bent a little to level their eyes. "I'm proud of you."

The most earnest smile developed on the young face. "Thanks, Dad."

"Now, back to bed." With a few affectionate pats to his bottom, Erik ushered him along. "You couldn't have gotten nearly enough sleep last night." Though Erik himself could say the same, that mattered not.

"Okay." Releasing a yawn, Frank journeyed back to his room.

Staring up at the ceiling, only the moan escaping from the bed nearby him made Alex break the twenty minute gaze. "If it isn't Sleeping Booze-y."

"Uh, fizz…" Attempting to sit up, Leon moaned again and touched his forehead. "What happened?"

"Before or after you socked the cop?"

"Wait," Leon faced him, "so I didn't hallucinate that?"

"No," Alex said, "not even close."

From under his hair, Leon hid a smile. One that quickly vanished when Erik entered their room. Alex sat fully upright.

Making a direct path for the youngest, Erik stated, "I suspect you'll be needing these about now." He presented him with the aspirins, water, and dry toast. "Eat quickly. You and I will be having a very detailed conversation before long." He repositioned himself, his shadow casting over Alex. "As for you, to the woodshed."

Looking away before his the growing pale on his face could be seen, Alex only took the time to slip into his sneakers before rushing out of the room.

Watching him go, Leon slowly looked up. "Dad?"

"Eat and take your medicine," Erik commanded, walking out next.

While he worked to obey the order, Leon had to fight against the contortions in his stomach over what the one who had made a brother out of him would be facing.

With the woodshed not more than eight by eight square feet, it offered Alex not much in the ways to pace away his troubles. He instead took to bobbing back and forth on the bench made onto one wall.

Soon enough, his ears picked up on the footsteps and the slim wooden door opened. It let in light enough to show Erik with belt in one hand.

Completely unsure of what to do, Alex remained in place to await direction.

"I don't know where to begin with you." Erik's tone carried a very deeply rich bile. "I give you permission to go out and enjoy yourself, as I believe you deserve, and you use the opportunity to venture off into Jersey. Then you become so lost in your own doings that Leon becomes a second thought to you. If you believe your instructor duties remain inside the mansion, you're foolishly mistaken."

"… Take them."

Erik raised an eyebrow. "What did you say?"

"Take my duties," Alex reiterated louder. "I don't deserve to be an instructor. Not after this. I don't deserve anything except that." He pointed out the belt.

Yanking him up by the front of his shirt, Erik informed, "You are in no position to be making demands, either. Charles and I are the ones who decide if you're to be stripped of instructor duties, not you yourself. And further more… you are not the first of us to make such a monumental mistake. Charles and I have had our fair share, before and after the X-Men." He loosened his grip on him. "After you're punished, we'll be able to move beyond this."

Alex nodded feebly and hoped he would not cry already. "'Kay, Dad."

"Now," Erik moved along, "take down your pants and lay over the bench."

Alex turned to do so, but paused to ask, "Can I take Leon's?"

"Excuse me?"

"It was my fault. I should've been looking out for him. In fact, I should've said no to Jersey City period. I should take Leon's punishment, too."

Erik regarded him for a moment then touched one hand to his shoulder. "As much as you love your brother, you are not to act as his whipping boy. Leon had control over his choices just as much as you did. Now, do as I tell you."

With a simple nod, Alex lowered his pajama bottoms before stretching out across the cool bench.

Having not had to do this to the young man for some time, Erik tightened his grip on the belt as he raised it and brought it down as fiercely as he could without damaging the rear before him. Eyes bulging as he and the implement became reacquainted, Alex gasped and had to fight to hang onto the bench already.

The whacks that followed offered nothing in the ways of mercy as each seemed to add a harsher fire than the one before it. While he hoped his wails did not carry over to the house, Alex had no time to concern himself with that. The shouts and gushing tears acted as his only means of getting through the highly deserved punishment. A part of him crumbling with every strike, Erik came to a stop long enough to bend down. He administered an additional ten swats by his own hand, leaving his boy even more of a sobbing wreck.

Dropping the belt, Erik worked Alex's pants back up before lifting him. He took his place on the bench and brought his head to rest in his lap. Erik kept fingers between his hair and shaking back, letting the tears absorb into his pants. The words of comfort he had to offer came in the form of a gentle Yiddish lullaby.

After ten minutes, his crying slowed and Alex managed to reach up to throw one arm around him. "I'm so sorry, Dad."

"I know you are, boychick. Calm down now." Erik placed a kiss on his temple. "You and Leon are grounded to your rooms for the rest of the day. I believe you could use the time to recollect as well as recover."

Alex nuzzled into his neck. "Okay."

Another few minutes passed and Erik asked, "Can you walk?"

"Yeah." Though he did not want to, Alex managed to stand from him.

Erik got up as well, keeping one hand on the youth's arm. "I love you, boychick. Never doubt that."

"I love you, too," Alex said back.

"Go lay down. And send Leon to me."

"Yes, sir." Alex walked out in compliance, hands going directly to his behind as soon as he left the shed.

It did not take long for Leon to enter in his place, complete with a mess of strands.

At the seemingly cloaked face, Erik stood just over him. "Let me see you."

Finger combing his hair, Leon moved it to behind his ears. "…. Hi."

Staring directly into his eyes, Erik began with, "Do you remember my rules about drinking when you go out? Specifically, your avoidance of alcohol entirely?"

With somewhat shaky shoulders, he answered, "Yes, sir."

"Then why would you break them?" Erik wanted to know. "Charles isn't here to simply wipe the slate clean from the law's eyes. Even if he were, you allowing yourself to get intoxicated to such an insane level is only going to end up in you hurting yourself or someone else."

"… I know."

"Is that what you wanted?" Erik asked next. "To hurt yourself?"

"No, sir," Leon replied genuinely. "I don't practice self-harm. It's self-medicating that I do. It helps me get away for a moment."

"If you have that feeling, why didn't you come to me?"

Leon told him, "I wanted it to go away."
"Well, the fact of the matter is, it didn't," Erik stated strongly. "And now you have to face the consequences of poor decisions and disobedience." He sat in the middle of the bench. "Pants to your ankles and come here."

Bowing his head, Leon inched the soft sleep pants down until they reached that specified portion of his leg. He then situated himself across Erik's lap and waited with hands folded.

Erik kept a forceful arm around his middle then reached down to take hold of the belt again. "I want you to count how many you're given. Lose count and you earn more."

Remembering this tactic, Leon uttered, "Yes, sir."

Belt folded again, Erik went to work on the bare bottom. Leon's reaction proved different from Alex's as the belt produced a shout unheard of by the normally quite soft spoken young man. Erik knew Leon had no familiarity with such an implement.

He stopped after another nine. "How many was that?"

Breath ragged, Leon got out, "Ten."

"Yes." Erik then picked things up with his hand producing its own force.

Leon attempted to count but also had to fight against his own powers wanting to redirect him from the pain. His conscious helped him in that area a bit.

Once he finished, Erik tapped the small of Leon's back to alert him. "How many?"

"Thirty," Leon tried to think, "thirty three."

"Thirty five." Erik started up again. "I told you to keep count."

Leon cried out through the eight additional strikes he received then dissolved into a teary mess altogether.

Erik readjusted his pants and underwear but allowed him to continue laying down for a minute. He then picked the teenager up to hold and rock with a little in his arms.

"Breathe," Erik directed. "Breathe, boychick."

Leon coughed against his shoulder, feeling Erik's fingers knead through his hair. "… Are you going to cut it?"

Frowning in surprise at this, Erik asked, "Do you want me to cut it?"

"Dad?"

"What is it?" Erik did not rush him.

"I played with fire- I've been playing with lighters," he continued. "There was a campfire at the party. To jump through. And I did."

Erik only continued holding him with a hand going up and down his back. "Why would you do that? Isn't fire your phobia?"

"Mmhmm," Leon nodded meekly. "I thought if I could see it again, be near it, feel it all over me again. Then it'd be okay."

"Leon," Erik spoke after a few seconds, pulling back to face the teen. "You were in that car with your father. Weren't you?"

Leon attempted to inhale as the images attacked his mind again. "He was starting the car, touching my hair. He said he needed to get it cut. Then the fire. For a split second, I felt it. It was everywhere. Then I shifted. I shifted out. I didn't even know I could do that."

As is bringing a protective barrier around him, Erik wrapped tighter arms over him. "I'm glad you could."

"But I can shift with others… why couldn't I take him with me?"

"You were just a boy," Erik emphasized. "You're still just a boy. Left to face a world that hated you for reasons you couldn't control or understand. I'm only thankful to have you here with me." He collected a portion of his dark hair. "I love you, Leon."

Closing his eyes, he settled under Erik's chin, managing to return the faintest, "I love you."

IIIIIII

Tired of fidgeting and readjusting her position in practice of the most ladylike poise imaginable, the girl moved on to counting the various diplomas behind the desk. A fourth time couldn't hurt after all.

At last the door opened and she felt about ready to rocket joyfully out of her seat but only greeted with an at ease, "Hi, Brody."

"Maya," he hurried to sit behind his desk, "sorry to keep you waiting like that."

"It's okay," she assured then quickly moved on. "You have the test results?"

"Yes," he patted the folder he had with him, "and normally these would be shown to the patient first. However, your father was one of the hardest working employees we had here. What happened to him and the effects it's had on Lauren cannot be overlooked."

Maya eyed him carefully. "Brody?"

"Maya," the doctor started, "one of your mother's lungs is horribly infected."

Trying to remain in place, Maya said, "Please tell me you're not talking about…"

"No," Brody shot down right away. "This isn't cancer, but it is quite serious. Your mother needs extensive treatment. Now, I have a colleague who works at a facility that specializes in this sort of thing. The real problem is Lauren herself. Without you, I honestly believe she's slowly digging herself an early grave."

"That's fine. I'll go with her. I'll help her through this, whatever it takes."

Brody's expression grew grimmer. "My colleague is in Buffalo."

Maya's face fell significantly. "Buffalo? But that's…"

"Eight hours away," Brody confirmed. "I believe the distance and time away from work will force your mother to better care for herself. She's accumulated more than enough vacation time." He observed the lack of reaction on the girl's part. "Maya?"

Eyes reanimating, Maya said, "Thanks… thank you." Slowly getting to her feet, she started out. "I'll see you later."

"Take care, Maya," Brody called after her.

The minute he saw her leave the office, Sean bounded to his feet. "Well? How is she?" He stared into her far gone face. "Honey?"

Maya touched his bicep absently. "Can we please go home? Please, Sean?"

Giving her his arm, he used the other to hang onto her left hand as he guided the way towards the exit.