X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Ninety Two

Author's Word: Despite the fact that I spent Sunday and Monday trapped inside a natural disaster film, all is well (until tomorrow). Though this past experience has been different and very… memorable. I want to wish a Happy Birthday to fam member Priscilla! Loving you is one of the easiest parts of my day. If anyone else has a birthday coming (you know winter babies are everywhere) please don't hesitate to let me know and/or remind me endlessly. Now, please enjoy and review!

As the sun concluded its duty to their small part of the world, the group of six lingered on the hill. The orange, red, and golden bands that had overtaken the former blue in the sky captivated them in that instance more than ever before. Scott laid with his head in Alex's lap. Frank stretched out near Leon, taking in what remained of the sun's rays. Erik held a lapful of Becky.

He pressed a light kiss to the back of her head before declaring, "Let's be off."

Their marching orders given, the young men got to their feet without delay. Frank and Scott scampered off together. Leon lazily leaned on Alex, not that the blonde minded the additional weight. Erik gripped Becky's hands for the first few seconds of their walk before hoisting his daughter up to carry.

IIIIIII

After what felt like fifty trips back and forth to the car, the young couple at last determined that they had, hopefully, everything.

"Raven, Henry!" Edna called across the yard, massive picnic basket in hand.

Raven hurried back over. "Thanks, Mom!"

Edna handed the goods to her along with a kiss to each of her cheeks. "Promise me you won't touch any of that waste at those fast food establishments."

"We promise." Raven gave her yet another hug.

"Wait, wait." The very lethargic Hank managed to carry both small children over. "We're not quite done yet."

Trav and Kiki rushed to Edna with a mutual decree of, "Bye, Grandma!"

"Take care, my angels." Edna squeezed them to her with an untold number of kisses on all of their parts. "I love you."

"I love you," the brother and sister returned.

Hating this but having to usher her tiny pair along, Raven brought them back to the Lincoln to get them strapped in again.

Remaining on the front porch with his mother, Hank eyed his family for a long moment before turning to her. "So, it looks like this is really it…." The emotion on his face finally won over as he bent. "Oh Mom…"

"Henry." Edna gave him the tightest embrace she could. "You really must be going. That drive is going to be long enough as it is. Be certain you call me as soon as you get there."

"I will," Hank guaranteed. "And I'll keep calling." He stood to his full height again. "Far more often."

Edna brushed her hand across his face and Hank finally started down the steps towards the car. Remaining in place, Edna hardly blinked until the vehicle disappeared down the road.

IIIIIII

Entering the spacious foyer along with the other dressed-to-impress females, Angel stopped to glance up at he who had provided their lovely evening. "Thanks so much for dinner, Mr. Frost."

Winston told her, "The pleasure was entirely mine, dear."

Charles advised, "You should all get some rest."

Holding Brian against her shoulder, Emma kissed her husband at the corner of his mouth. Will you follow your own instructions, Professor?

I'll be up soon, love.

With Chris in tow, Emma guided the children upstairs.

Charles followed Winston into the living room and decided against using his mutation to discover his thoughts. "Father?"

Turning to the younger man with a clearly pleased yet somehow solemn expression, Winston said, "I can't tell you how much good it's done me to have all of you here. Filling a house left so empty for too long."

"It's all I can do to thank you for giving us this much needed time away," Charles replied. "And also, for the efforts you've put into restoring your family. I'll see you in the morning." He turned to leave. "First thing."

"I need one favor from you, Charles."

The Professor instantly looked back. "What might that be?"

Winston requested, "Don't stop calling me Father."

II

With Emma busily readying the baby for the night, Chris sat with Joey on the boy's bed. He watched the way his nephew snuggled with Courage and his heart pained for them both.

"I know how much you're going to miss him." Chris squeezed his shoulder. "About a tenth as much as I will you."

Joey shifted around and sat up on his knees to hug him around the neck. "I'll miss you, too, Uncle Chris." Though he could not help wondering if it would be to the degree that he had a certain other uncle.

II

While the pair of teenage girls used their beds as their own personal dance platforms, Beauty stood on hind legs while shaking her front paws. The little beagle seemed to attempt to yap in tune to their singing to the lyrics.

Passing through, Winston knocked on the wide open doorway. "I see slumber is your number one priority."

Angel jumped down to lower the volume on the record player and Cordelia got to the floor with an, "Oh sorry."

"Please," Winston raised one hand, "far be it from me to interrupt your little party with Preston."

Somewhere between amused and personally insulted, Cordelia emphasized, "Presley. Pres-ley, Daddy."

"I beg of you a thousand pardons." Winston took her by her fingertips and brought her in for a kiss to the forehead. "Good night, sweetheart." He then sent one arm around the other girl's shoulders. "Good night, Angela."

"Good night, Mr. Frost," she returned with a smile.

After the man took his leave of them, the two settled down in their beds. Beauty chose to rest at Angel's feet that night.

"So," Cordelia started carefully, "are you sure about this?"

Angel appeared thoughtful then nodded. "Definitely."

Cordelia clicked off the lamp between their beds. Under the darkness and blankets, her legs kicked about giddily.

IIIIIII

That night offered not so much as an audible wind. The only sound to remotely resonate across the land consisted of the creaking chain as the swing half-heartedly inched back and forth. When a whole new light seemed to overpower the everywhere blackness, the girl became instantly alerted.

Frank?

Powering down his mutation before he could cause harm to her eyes, Frank took the swing beside her. "I wanted to make sure you're okay."

Becky quietly wanted to know, "Why does everything of ours get ruined? Our cave, now even our house."

Frank reached over to give her his arm. "You don't want to go back, do you?"

Becky stated, "I want us to be together. But not there."

"There you are." Scott approached them in his robe. "No bathroom break takes this long." He then honed in on the sole female's face. "What's wrong, Rebecca?"

Becky faced him. "Are you really ready to leave?"

"Yes," Scott considered it again, "but kind of no, too. I've been able to spend a lot of time with Alex. And Erik. I don't feel like I have to wait in line like when the other kids are around."

"Tell me about it," said Frank knowingly.

When the door to the house opened again, the two college students filed out.

Alex crossed his arms. "Pretty sure I'm supposed to spank you guys for being out here this late by yourselves. It's under the "How To Be Mean" section in the little instructors booklet they gave me."

"I'm fourteen," Frank felt the need to bring up.

Leon suggested, "You may want to consider putting that little fact to rest."

"Alex, come on," Scott reasoned. "Rebecca can't sleep."

Alex looked to the girl in question. "Kind of figured."

"Why did she have to come into our house?" Becky vexed.

"I know it feels like nothing will ever be the same again. Maybe even scary." Alex knelt down to her. "That's how I feel every time I so much as have to look at a plane." Scott glanced his way. "But babes, we've already been halfway through everything. This is just the latest thing we have to beat together. I'm going to take care of all you guys I promise."

Leon gripped one bar on the swing set. "And you know Dad will go beyond his power to protect us."
Scott reacted to Becky's suddenly contorted countenance. "Rebecca?"

"That was Papa," she informed them. "He says to come inside."

With Becky tucked into the middle of them, the young ones made their return to their present dwelling. They found Erik's door open and filed into his room.

"Come here to me," the man invited with arms extended.

Becky crawled out to lay on top of him. Frank and Leon rested at his sides. At the foot of the bed, Scott held onto Alex who kept both arms around him.

IIIIIII

The 'X Marks the Spot' banner hung majestically, fluttering to the gentle breeze the cloudless day offered. While Victor and Sean ensured that it lacked so much as a smidge of crookedness, Logan had been assigned to balloon duty. Cody helped his mother to fill the two picnic tables with a magnificent spread.

Ears picking up on the approaching vehicle, Cody pointed eagerly at the approaching car. "Look!"

"McCoys among us," Victor announced, recognizing the Lincoln.

When they came close enough, Raven practically burst from the vehicle. "Hello, my beautiful people!"

"That dame just got back from third-world if she's callin' me beautiful," Logan commented humorously.

Letting off a whoop, Sean rushed over to lift the currently blonde shape-shifter right off her feet. "Raven!"

"Seanie!" She practically smothered the redhead around the face.

Not about to leave his children detained for a moment longer, Hank freed them from their safety seats. Both also made a path for Sean, who immediately scooped up Kiki.

Trav became distracted by the others. "Hi, Cody. Hi, Miss Foxy. Hi, Wolfy. Kitty!"

Getting down on all fours, Victor sped over to nuzzle with the little boy.

Kayla's heart went out for her son, as she knew who he'd hoped the first arrivals would be. Fortunately, they did not have long to wait as the X-Van with attached horse trailer arrived shortly.

With Sean aimed at Charles, Raven went to greet Emma.

"Daddy!" Sean lowered for a full embrace.

"My boy…" The smile grew on the telepath's face. "For God's sake, let me look at you." He let go of him in order to make the teen turn around.

"See," Sean held his arms up, "I've been eating."

"And quite well." Charles could not get over the developing muscle on the youthful body.

"Cody!" The blonde barreled for the brunette.

"Joey!" They collided upon impact, both a mess of laughter.

"Boys, be careful," Emma cautioned, getting Brian out of his seat.

"They ain't bleedin'. They're okay," Logan dismissed.

"Hello, you," Raven took Brian from Emma to squeal over then realized, "Where's Cordy?"

Charles approached, putting an arm around his sister's middle. "She and Angel wanted to enjoy their visit for a few days more. Winston is going to fly them out to San Francisco and Westchester respectively."
While Joey listened to Cody talk, he couldn't help glancing around. "Where're Alex and Becky? And Uncle Erik?"

"We thought they'd be here first," Kayla said.

Charles offered out, "Where would that elder brother of ours be if he couldn't make an entrance?"

"I can't wait to see him," Raven said. "So I can kick him."

Sean laughed and said, "If we were training, he'd have been here at dawn."

Sensing something, Emma told Charles, "Seems the Triad will be whole in a matter of seconds."

Two motorcycles preceded the car.

Joey promptly sprang to life at that.

While Cody did not like his friend's attention distracted, he had to admit for himself that he wanted to see Leon.

Hank smiled already. "Becca."

Her former nerves seemed to evacuate as the familiar and eager faces greeted Becky before they even got out of the car.

Erik stopped, allowing the young ones to exit ahead of him.

"Rae!" Frank nearly flew at her.

"Coach!"

Victor braced himself to grab hold of Scott.

Almost tearing off his helmet, Alex scanned the stables grounds until he honed in on one in particular. Without a word, he started for him. Joey hurried to meet him halfway and found himself up off the ground briskly. He buried his face in Alex's shoulder as the older blonde held him in a locked grip.

Scott felt a heat brewing within him at the sight but Victor hoisting him up for a back ride drew his attention away.

Becky looked around at all of them then saw Hank.

He got down to one knee. "Is that my little sister?" When Becky rushed into his arms, he received his answer.

Leon took off his helmet and left his bike to near the X-Men horde.

"Hey!"

He glanced down to discover Cody at his feet and he laid a hand on top of his head. "Hey yourself."

Logan said to his wife, "Feel like the world's passin' us by?"

"Wolverine, Kayla!" Frank waved as he ran to the Howletts.

"Hey, glowworm," Logan sent back while Kayla only smiled upon seeing her unconventional student.

At last, Erik detached himself from his driver's seat.

Raven outmaneuvered Charles in getting in front of the metal wielder. "Let me get this straight. My family's been on the road since yesterday and managed to get here first. You're like an hour away and are just now snailing in." She folded her arms. "You better have a good explanation for this."

Erik looked her up and down before finally reacting by flipping her long mutated blonde strands over her face. "Watch how you speak to your elders, little girl."

Raven retaliated by tackling him to the ground.

Charles could only laugh at their display.

It took over ten minutes, but the large group eventually settled down long enough to eat. Of course, it proved to be more shoveling on the children's part. Alex joined them in the merriment, leaving the older instructors to get down to the business at hand.

"Whoa, am I looking at the same carrot head?" Alex paced around Sean to inspect him. "Been sneaking into the weight room while I'm gone, huh?"

Hiding a smile, Sean shrugged. "It was something to do. Besides, didn't want the equipment to die of loneliness without your butt to hold it down. But check out my Frank-O," Sean ruffled his hair, "turning into a skyscraper."

"I know," the younger teen grinned.

"A handsome skyscraper," Raven added with a wink.

Frank smiled at her then looked towards Cody. "Alright, let's see 'em."

Cody turned from Joey, raising an eyebrow at him. "See what?"

"We heard about your claws," said Scott.

Frank repeated, "Let's see 'em."

Cody quieted as he made a fist with one hand. "Later. When I'm in the mood. I'll even let you feel 'em up close and personal."

Scott countered, "We'll see about that."

Emma let Hank hold Brian for a bit while she contained a very merry Kiki in her own lap.

The telepathic woman put forth, "And Maya's all settled?"

Kayla looked at Logan as she said, "We stayed with them most of the day yesterday. The housing facility is very nice. They gave them a two bedroom."

Hank offered the baby a piece of banana to nibble on. "Speaking of, we need to discuss our own housing situation."
"Yes," Charles concurred. "Because obviously our own home is nowhere near prepared to house all of us again."

"Sure it is," said Logan. "Give or take six to eight weeks."

Victor added, "Half the components for this English architecture need to be shipped from overseas."

Charles felt guilty at that. "I should have planned better for this."

Erik, who sat beside him, stated, "Perhaps it's for the better." His attention lingered over to where Becky talked with Raven. "A fresh start for our upcoming year."

"Uncle Erik," Trav's voice sounded in a sing-song, hands behind his back. "I have something for you."

Erik formed a smile at the presence of the boy. "And what might that be, little valiant?"

Trav showed him the chocolate squares. "From my grandma."

Erik picked him up to sit on one thigh. "Did you save these just for me?"

Hank informed, "He wanted to save half his chocolates for you. We had to explain that they'd only spoil that way."

"It seems I'm the one who is spoiled." Erik nuzzled noses with Trav. "Thank you, nipper."

"You know what we must do now of course?" Everyone looked to Emma, including Kiki, who rolled her head back to peer up at her. "Real estate office, anyone?"

IIIIIII

"Ten bedrooms in total along with six bathrooms; two for each unit." The short, thin gray-haired but well-dressed realtor returned them to the first floor. "All furniture stays. You also have the option of leasing for three months to a full year."

Emma admired the eggshell colored walls and quirky light fixtures. "Absolutely charming."

"A true gem," stated Charles while Erik said, "Shelter from the elements."

Charles smiled, "Mr. Simmons, we're prepared to rent."

"Wonderful, Professor Xavier," the somewhat taken back realtor replied. "Shall we meet this weekend to sign the papers?"

Erik informed, "We'll need to move in immediately."

Emma said, "Today, actually."

"Today?" Mr. Simmons' blue eyes paled as they swelled.

Charles told him, "We'll add another thousand to the security deposit."

While the tiny realtor stood stunned, Emma took his arm. "Shall we discuss the third floor drapes?"

"Oh why," coming back to life, Mr. Simmons smiled brightly, "absolutely, Mrs. Xavier."

The two continued talking on into the nearby sitting room.

"We're fortunate, Erik," Charles said once they were alone. "This is a rabid real estate season. I believe we'll all be quite happy for our duration here. Don't you agree?" He felt pressure on his shoulder and turned to see the older man's unreadable face. "Erik?"

"I'm sorry, Lab Rat." Erik drew him into a strong hug and patted his back. "I'm so sorry for allowing a foolish argument to come between us."

Charles found comfort against him. "It's nothing I haven't done myself. I should have listened to you. You're right. I must be more cautious with the children."

"I must stop allowing my short temper to get the better of me." Erik rubbed the telepath's hair. "I've missed you, brother."

Charles returned with a near whispered tone, "And I you, brother."

An outcry of, "Whee!" preceded Raven's abounding arrival from one of the kitchens, alerting the Headmaster duo. "This place is great. No carpeting!" She pointed down at her feet, only covered by mint green socks.

IIIIIII

Upon their regrouping at the stables, the adults circled the picnic tables to review the design specifications of their new dwelling.

"There are three bedrooms on the main level, four on the second, and three large ones on the third floor along in addition to the den, dining room, and living area," Charles went over. "Since we're renting the entire building, we get access to both garages, making for a total of six parking spaces. With our number of cars, we might need to utilize street parking for the motorcycles."

Logan shot him a look. "You expect me to park my baby on the street like a five-cent hooker?"

Kayla turned to him sardonically. "It's a machine. I'm carrying your baby."

Victor and Alex snickered at that.

What started as a snarl on Logan's part turned into a kiss at his wife's temple.

Emma raised next, "We thought it would be best to give the different instructors specific floors to monitor. With Kayla expecting, it only makes sense for the Howletts to take the main level. Charles and I along with Hank and Raven can occupy the second."

Erik put forth next, "Leaving…"

"The bachelors up top," Victor realized, exchanging a fist bump with the metal wielder.

"Oh, I am there with you guys," said Alex. "No way am I bunking in any of the love nests."

Raven pretended to sulk. "But we were all going to fight over you."

"Yeah, sure twin." Alex then wanted to know, "How do we decide where the kids sleep?"

"We considered making arrangements by giving the girls their own floor," Emma responded. "I believe Cordy, Becky, and Kiki will be happiest on our floor."

The children having long overheard, Becky approached. "Kiki can stay with me."

"No fair," Trav insisted. "Then I get to stay with Joey."

"Well, me and Joey are sharin'," Cody stated.

"We can all stay together," said Joey. "But I want to be near Alex."

"And we want to be up top with the guys," Frank said, referring to himself and Scott.

"That goes for me, too," Sean piped up.

"I concur," came from Leon.

"So let me get this straight." Logan pointed out his son. "You'd rather be all the way upstairs with your buddies than on the first floor with me and your ma?" Cody nodded with a smirk. "So I have to share that unit, far away from everybody, just me and my wife?..." The man's eyes appeared to sparkle. "Damn, I love this job."

An equally satisfied Kayla leaned against him.

"Hold on." Raven raised a hand as she spoke. "Kiki and Trav are staying with Becca and Joey? And Trav won't even be on the same floor as us? We've never been apart."

"I agree," said Hank. "I don't think they're ready for such a separation."

"Sure we are," Trav countered with a shrug and Kiki nodded along with a wide smile. "But you and Mom can come visit us if you get scared."

Laughter filled the group while the McCoy couple's expressions grew noticeably sour.

Charles said to Emma, "We'll keep Brian in our room."

"No fair," Raven pouted. "They get baby closeness."

Running a sympathetic hand through his sister's hair, Charles went on with, "While it comes mostly furnished, there are a few other pieces we'll have to acquire. Then there's the grocery shopping of course."

"Wait, what about Xander and Bounty?" Joey raised.

Emma explained, "Bounty is coming with us, but Xander will have to remain here at the stables. He'll be well cared for until we can return to the mansion."

Finding the situation a little difficult but reasonable, Joey nodded in compliance.

Frank's eyes emitted a non-mutated glow. "Say, since we're getting stuff, anyway, and I did have to go three weeks without it… can we get a TV?"

"And one for our floor, too?" Becky mentioned.

"Well…" Charles smiled in his special way. "I believe that's doable."

Running around with Frank to hug him, Becky exclaimed, "Oh thank you, Uncle Charles!"

At the cheeky wink Frank sent him, Erik pinched his nose and brought up, "Just remember, he spoils you, but you still have to live with me."

IIIIIII

Between the supermarket and other errands around town, the mutant troop did not get a chance to so much as look upon their new residence until the early evening. The tall three-story sandy masonry structure came with a modest but rather lush front yard. The rear grounds, which also housed the twin garages proved larger. They left the X-Van, the Lincoln, and Emma's Mercedes in one. In the other they parked Erik's car, Sean's BMW, and Cordelia's car. The four motorcycles lined up together out front on the street.

Inside the residence, Logan and Kayla took the largest bedroom on their floor. Since the first level also came with the biggest kitchen and dining room, they'd decided to hold the big meals in there. The other floors' kitchens came equipped with separate refrigerators and appliances to tide the children over for snacking without having to trek all the way downstairs.

On the second floor, the Xaviers and McCoys picked out the smaller bedrooms while leaving the greater sized ones to the children. Becky and Kiki shared one with many windows and left the other room available for Cordelia.

Up on the third level, Victor and Erik completely surrendered the bedrooms up to be used by the boys. Sean opted to share with the Eye Scream Team, leaving Leon to room with Alex. Cody, Joey, Trav, and Bounty's crate occupied the third official room. Erik took over the den while Victor made his quarters out of the dining room, as neither man needed a great deal when it came to sleep space.

In the midst of the unpacking, Raven and Frank made their way down to the first floor kitchen.

"I've been so spoiled by the greatness that is my mother-in-law I'm hoping I haven't forgotten how to work in here," the shape-shifter said. "She packed us up a whole banquet just so we wouldn't stop off for burgers and hotdogs."

"Hank's mom sounds far out." Frank started getting out the stainless steel pots and pans they'd acquired in town. "But wait until you see. Erik's been showing me how to make all these Jewish dishes from when he was a kid."

Raven appeared surprised by this then pleased. "You'll have to let me in on a couple. And we better get started. Everybody's famished." She then caught him off-guard with a strong hug. "I can't tell you how much I've missed this."

"Yeah," Frank smiled, squeezing her wrists, "kitchen craziness. Just us two."

As soon as the multi-course meal arrived on the oval shaped table in the dining room, the members of the house had no time to sit as the doorbell sounded.

"Oh Lord," Logan spoke, "here we go. Move closer to town, got to deal with the welcome wagon."

Emma received a reading and smiled. "Actually, it is they who need welcoming." She got up and Charles followed her to the front.

They returned seconds later with two luggage loaded teenagers.

The others stood at the sight of them.

"Glim." Alex came over to offer her a hug.

Sean did the same with Angel. "What are you doing here?"

"Good question," Angel responded with uncertainty.

"We had my dad fly us out early," Cordelia explained.

"But I don't understand," said Charles.

"Yes," Emma turned to Angel, "don't you have to meet Adrienne in San Francisco?"

"I told Adrienne that I need a serious break. And she understood- mostly." Angel looked around the room but her gaze mostly stayed with the two Headmasters. "I want to have a normal year. With the X-Men."

Charles crossed his arms grimly. "I'm sorry, love. That's something we cannot offer you."

Erik picked it up with, "Yes… I'm afraid normalcy is a rarity here. However, if you can handle accounting for your every whereabouts—"

"Submitting to whatever bedtime and curfew we deem appropriate," Charles interjected.

"And facing the consequences when you fail to heed our rules," Erik continued, "then we're thrilled to offer you."

With a relieved smile, Angel said, "I'll take it."

Cheer instantly sounded from the young ones present.

"Come sit with us." Becky gestured for the latest arrivals to take seats near herself and Kiki.

Victor reached over to kiss Angel's head. "Welcome home, baby."

She grinned up at him.

Once all were at the table, Charles cleared his throat. "Speaking of rules…"

Erik silenced any groans with a single sharp look. "We are in fact closer to town now. That's going to make it all the more difficult to keep our secrets."

"That's something I've been wondering about," Alex spoke. "How are we supposed to train with neighbors everywhere?"

"We can install soundproofing as a start," Charles said. "And keep what we do strictly indoors. We can't allow ourselves to fall under suspicion for even a moment."

"We won't be able to do it as often, but we can still use the grounds in the rear of the mansion to do field training once or twice a week," Erik proposed.

"But," Becky's voice piped up, "we don't have to go back there forever. Not yet. Do we?"

Charles answered that with, "No, Princess. Not yet."

"Okay, more important question," came from Cordelia. "Did anyone remember to bring my car over?"

Alex looked at her. "Of course."

The dark haired girl made a cheering motion with her wrists.

After dinner concluded, Raven made her way up to living room on her floor where her brothers awaited her.

She glanced from one to the other. "You wanted to see me?"

"Have a seat," Erik directed.

"Okay," Raven eased down onto the nearby sofa, facing their chairs, "now it's getting scary."

"To the contrary," stated Erik, "we wanted to tell you how much you impressed us during the Ignacio ordeal."

"Your quick-thinking and maturity made us unbelievably proud," Charles told her. "Not only because of the way you stood strong when we were up against the shadow king but also for what a fine mother you've grown into."

Erik said, "You've shown the potential we knew all along was there."

"Guys," yellow eyes glistening, Raven touched her chest, "I… I don't know what to say."

Charles sent her a smile as he proposed, "How would you like to be on staff as a full-fledged instructor?"

Erik put forth, "Do you know what to say to that?"

Raven nodded slowly. "I do… no way." Now the Headmasters proved taken aback so she hastened with an explanation. "No, I'm really, really honored. I am. But you see, I already like my role around here. I like being someone that the kids can go to when they're unsure about a difficult situation. Someone they know isn't waiting to come down on them like a ton of bricks."

"Unlike us, the fearsome ogres," Erik concluded.

Raven smiled brightly. "Exactly!"

Charles chuckled heartily. "Well baby blue, I'm afraid I couldn't agree with you more."

"But since we are talking about this, I want you guys to know that I finally picked a major." Charles and Erik eyed her in interest. "Elementary education."

Charles appeared breathless and possibly ready to cry. "You want to become a teacher?"

"God no," Raven reacted. Erik patted Charles' thigh as the Professor deflated. "I want to be a counselor. Help young kids who are dealing with major issues; always being ignored by the adults in their lives."

To that, Erik said, "Charles, I believe this young lady might be miles ahead."

"Dear God," Charles propped up his head with his hands, "we have much to look forward to. Or possibly, much to fear."

IIIIIII

"Coach?" Scott ventured into the dining space the man had made a bedroom out of.

Victor looked away from stacking books on a shelf. "What can I do for you, Shades?"

"There's a documentary about Lefty Grove coming on. Want to watch before the other guys crowd the TV?"

"The fastball kid," Victor recollected. "You go warm the set. I'll pop the corn."

Scott grinned and made fast tracks for the living room.

II

Returning to his room, Frank stopped in place at the highly displeased redhead before him. "… What?"

"So I've spent the last couple weeks wondering what could've happened to my mint-condition copies of Green Hornet, which are impossible to find now, and I noticed my first issue sticking out of your suitcase." Sean held up the tell-tale comic. "With a jelly stain on the cover."

"No," Frank denied, "… that's a fudge stain. Big difference." At the square look the older boy gave him, Frank tried, "What's the big deal? I was gonna ask… after I borrowed them."

Lunging forward, Sean chased the attempted escapee. "Oh no you don't." He shut the door before Frank had a chance to dart out. "I've told you about swiping my stuff." He took him by both his arms.

"Hey, you can't give me a BBS." Frank wiggled in his hold, quickly finding himself face down as soon as Sean lowered to a nearby chair. "Seanie, come on! Didn't you miss me? I'm fourteen you know!"

"So I've heard." Sean swatted him five times over the seat of his jeans. "By the way," he brought him up into a hug, "of course I missed you, Frank-O."

Frank tried to glower at him but ended up settling against his shoulder. Then he considered how strange it was that Sean's hands seemed to have gotten stronger.

II

With bundle of six-year-old clothed in a towel and robe, Alex stood prepared to bring him out of the room.

Before they left, the instructor glanced back at the two remaining boys. "Joe, you guys get ready to get in the tub next."

"Okay, Al," Joey complied, stroking Bounty in his lap.

"Alright, Bugs," Alex spoke to Trav again, taking him towards the bathroom. "Pirates ahoy."

"Pirates!" Trav parroted eagerly.

Joey looked to Cody, who sat in front of him on one of their beds. "Could you show me?"

With a nod, Cody slowly extended the pointed bones from his knuckles. Joey took in a breath from the nose when he noticed the discomfort it brought to his friend.

"They still hurt sometimes," Cody admitted. "My dad's been helpin' me get better with 'em, though."

"They do look cool," Joey complimented. "And my powers acted a little funny, too, but nothing like yours. When my Uncle Chris took me to his job, I touched one of the machines- even though I knew I shouldn't have. I made it turn on and all the adults got happy about it. Guess I did something right by mistake. Uncle Chris figured I did it, but he didn't say anything to my mum and dad."

"He didn't?" Cody appeared amazed. "Wow, welcome to the club."

Holding up Bounty, Joey wondered, "What club?"

Cody clarified importantly, "You finally have a real uncle."

"Oh…" Joey put on a smile. "Yeah."

Across the way in the bathroom, Alex worked to get Trav clean in-between acting as first mate to his pirate captain.

"Alright Captain," Alex unplugged the tub, "time to dry off and lay down." He used a fluffy white towel to collect him from the quickly draining water.

"I'm glad I get to stay with Joey and Cody. They'll be like my brothers." Trav peered up a little forlornly. "I almost had a brother you know."

"Yeah, I heard about that." Alex kissed his nose. "I wish he'd have come to live with us, too, pal. But you don't need the same mom and dad to have a brother. Just take a look at us X-Boys." He started carrying the swaddled tot back over to the bedroom.

Trav snuggled against him. "I guess you're right, Uncle Alex."

Alex held the little body close to hasten his warming.

II

Kissing two fingers, Emma touched Brian's cheek as he continued to sleep in the small crib just a few feet away from hers and Charles' bed. Returning to her white vanity, Emma picked up the specialty hairbrush to glide through Becky's still damp curls.

"It was so beautiful there," the young girl recalled. "Flowers and trees everywhere. Hills all over. The pond and the stream. All the people running the shops were really nice. I wish that little house had been big enough to hold all of the X-Men."

"So do I," Emma concurred just from the sound of it.

"But I like this house, too. Because it has all of us. Even Angel's here. Now Maya just needs to come back."

"Yes. I have something for you." Standing she walked over to the wardrobe in the room and removed the artifact from her past. "Cordelia found this in our attic in Boston. Her name is Lana. I thought she'd be a welcomed replacement," she handed the doll to Becky, "for the one that got broken."

Becky cradled the doll, staring into her eyes. "Thank you, Auntie Em. She's perfect."

"Then that makes her just right for you." Emma resumed brushing her hair.

IIIIIII

Picking up motion yet again from the other side of the bed, Hank ordered dryly, "Go to sleep."

"The only reason you know I'm not sleeping is because you're not sleeping," Raven countered. "I keep waiting for the kids to rush in here."

Hank sighed. "So do I."

"How long has it been?"

He looked to the clock on his nightstand. "An hour and a half."

Raven groaned immensely. "A bed has never felt so huge to me before."

"I can't remember the last time we've had one to ourselves this way."

As if operating perfectly in sync, they moved to stare into one another's eyes, completely unbothered by the lack of light. Lessening the seemingly endless space between them until not even an inch divided them, their lips met. Within seconds, the heavy kiss resulted in other activities.

IIIIIII

Certain he had to have been dreaming, the metal wielder decided against that notion when the sound failed to cease. With an annoyed grunt, he climbed out of bed. Slipping into house shoes and robe, he departed from the den. Arriving in the third floor living area, he observed with incredulity the child seated completely aglow before the flashing box.

Joey jumped at the TV switching off on its own and looked up to see the one responsible for the feat.

"Charles Joseph Xavier, it's after one in the morning," Erik seethed. "We haven't owned this box or even been home for a full twenty-four hours and you're already breaking rules you know well. I'd like to know what you have to say for yourself."

Biting his lip, the boy tried, "I'm sorry, Uncle Erik. I… I just got used to having my own TV I guess."

"There's the problem, but it's no excuse." He held out his hand for him. "Come here."

Joey linked up with him, hanging on as the man guided them into the den.

Erik took a seat in the middle of his bed. "I hate to have to do this after only being together for a short time, but it seems you need a reminder about the rules. In and out of the mansion."

Joey remained quiet as he wound up over the Headmaster's knees. Erik applied eight brisk but firm smacks to his bottom then picked the lightly crying vessel up again.

Regardless of whether the child wanted it or not, Erik hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry I had to do that, Kangaroo." He kissed his head.

Joey wiped at his eyes and sniffed a bit. "Can… can I stay in here with you?"

Though surprised, Erik still granted, "Of course," and laid back, covering them both with his abandoned bedding.

Nestling in, Joey whispered, "I'm sorry, Uncle Erik. I love you."

"I know you are, Kangaroo." Erik used his thumb to clear away what remained of the moisture under the youth's eyes. "And it's alright. I love you, too."

It did not take long for the ten-year-old to fall asleep and with the boy in his clutch, the same proved true for Erik.