X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter One Hundred Ninety Three
Author's Word: Hi, fam! I know this is overdue but happy belated birthday to MissMarvelGirl. Loving you, sweetie! Also while we're talking celebrations, my family and I will be commemorating another year together with our adoption anniversary this Saturday. And with how busy I've been I have yet to buy so much as a bag of candy hearts for anyone so while I plot presents, you guys enjoy and review!
After ensuring that the rectangular solid wood table would billow with the scent of lemons for many days to come, the diligent girl moved on to scrubbing the countertops. As soon as the kitchen proved sufficient enough, Maya went into the small living area and started collecting stray leaflets and magazines that had accumulated. Settling down at last, she took a seat on the couch between two throw pillows and picked up her copy of the New York Times.
At the knock that shook her of the pin-drop quiet environment, she hopped up to answer the front door. "Hello?" When no response came, she unlocked and opened it, only to discover an empty hallway. Entirely puzzled, she stepped one foot out. "Hello?"
Shaking her head over the pathetic attempt at a joke, Maya started back inside. Before she could shut the door, a foot penetrated the gap of space and a full body forced its way inside.
"Honey, I'm home."
"Sean?" Face breaking into an all-out grin, Maya jumped to throw her arms around his neck while his went about her waist. "What are you trying to do, make me faint?"
"Yep, but don't worry." Sean lowered her, but kept his hands at her middle, a cunning expression overtaking his features. "I've got mouth-to-mouth mastered."
A chirp and short-lived giggle on her part preceded their lips connecting, followed by a resulting swoon sound. She clutched at his jacket simply to keep from melting away in his grasp.
Standing perfectly still in front of her husband in the doorway, Raven piped up, "Would a sock on the knob have been too much to ask?"
Managing to divide from Sean, Maya grinned further. "Raven, Hank!" She then lost a large portion of her perk as her hands went to the scarf in her hair and over her worn blue jeans. "Guys, this is not fair. You can't ambush me while I'm auditioning for the role of bag lady."
"But then less fun for us." Raven next grew serious as she began leading her to the back where she presumed the bedrooms to be located. "Come, come." She called back to the males, "Five minutes to primp, please!"
"So we'll see you next week then?" Hank sent back, knowing well how time usually worked where ladies were concerned. He noticed the countenance of longing already developing on Sean's face and snagged him over for a little noogie. "She'll be back momentarily, Casanova."
As the redhead mock squirmed, Hank zeroed in on the headline of the newspaper left on the coffee table. Owen Ignacio: Homicidal Healer?
Tossing her house-cleaning attire into the hamper, Maya walked into her small closet to leaf through better options. "I can't believe you guys came out here."
"Hank flew us," Raven said, lounging on the twin bed. "You know we had to check in. It's best friend protocol."
"Surprised you had the time. Seems like five seconds after I left, the X-Men found unity." Maya stuck her head out of the closet briefly. "Not that it gave me a complex or anything."
Raven told her, "Actually, I believe it was your leaving that motivated Charles and Erik to get it together. They didn't want us all scattered anymore. Even Angel's back."
"Is that okay with you by the way?"
Raven sincerely thought about it then determined, "Yes. She's proven she wants to be with the winning side again. Of course, things would be even better if I wasn't down a major gorge."
A guilt-faced Maya walked out of the closet in a powder blue dress with hem that touched right above her knees. "You hate me."
"You're dead to me." Rising off the bed, Raven brought her into a strong hug. "Where's your mom?"
"She's going to be trapped most of today with lab work."
"Then come on." Raven took her by the hand. "Let's grab the guys and hit the drive-in."
Maya leaned on her as they departed the room together. "I've missed my cool group."
IIIIIII
As Day One of the Owen Ignacio murder trials concludes, his colleagues in the medical community cry in outrage for his innocence.
"Owen Ignacio is a respected physician. This slander against his character is absurd and appalling."
"To target someone so active and generous within his community is laughable but unfortunately not unheard of."
"I don't believe this." Frank exhaled a scoff. "They're making an unsung hero out of this guy."
"Doesn't even surprise me." Scott shook his head. "Guess it's true how much money talks."
Straying out from his quarters into the living room, Trav squinted at the happenings on the television. "What are we watching?"
"The news," Frank told him without turning away.
"I don't want to watch the news," Trav moaned. "It's boring."
"Trav!" Frank reacted at the little body now blocking the set.
"Don't even think about it." Scott rushed to his feet and forcefully nudged him away from touching the dial.
The second Trav fell on his right arm, he sat dumbfounded for two seconds before unleashing an intense wail.
Frank slapped a hand to his own head. "Oh come on…"
Scott put his hands on his hips. "Knock it off, you big faker."
Entering through the French doors of the dining room, Victor attempted to assess the situation. "What's goin' on here, fellas?"
"Kiiitty," tears sliding, Trav aimed a condemning finger at the shades adorned boy above him, "Scott hit me!"
"No, I didn't!" Scott promptly denied.
Frank came to his assistance with, "He barely touched him."
Victor looked directly at his player. "But you did touch him?"
"Well… yeah," Scott grudgingly confessed. "But just to get him away from the TV. I wasn't trying to hurt him."
Shaking his head grimly, Victor summoned Scott to him with two fingers.
Releasing a groan, Scott followed him into the man's sleep dwelling.
Victor indicated an empty section of the room. "Nose in the corner."
Head bent, Scott grumbled, "Stupid pain."
Victor swatted his bottom hard as he walked by. "And keep it quiet on the way."
When he reached the designated corner, it took most of Scott's strength to keep his arms at his sides instead of folded. He also had to fight the temptation to fire a double beam straight at the wall.
II
The presence of the small girl in floppy hat and red feather boa around her neck caused a pause in the conversation between the two men.
"Why hello, my lady," Erik greeted. "How may we be of service to you?"
Kiki requested, "More cookies, pwease."
"They're having a tea party," Charles explained briefly to his fellow Headmaster before answering the child with, "I'm afraid we can't have anymore cookies before supper. Why don't you bake something for the girls with your special toy oven?"
Kiki looked to consider this. "Kay, Uncle Charles." She teetered out, passing the tall individual carrying her brother.
Spotting the mark on Trav's lower arm, Charles promptly asked, "What happened?"
"Scottie hit me," Trav sulked.
Now the Professor raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Accident; Shades misjudged his strength for a minute. Nothin' serious. Here ya go." Victor gave Trav over to Erik's hold. "Our boys need a little breathin' room."
Erik smoothed a hand along Trav's fading bruise as Victor turned to make his return to the third floor. "That's evident."
Trav tugged on two tiny fistfuls of the metal wielder's shirt. "It hurt, Uncle Erik."
"Yes, I know." Erik kissed the spot on his arm. "My poor little valiant. You must be more careful. If your mommy comes home to see you hurt, she'll box my ears."
"Why on earth would Scott hit you?" Charles questioned.
"'Cause I wanted to watch cartoons instead of boring news," Trav said. "But Frank's mad and won't let me watch still."
"Well, if you like, you may watch this one for an hour," Erik offered of the currently not-in-use set a few feet away.
Trav smiled up at him. "Thank you, Uncle Erik." He climbed down to go switch it on.
"One hour," Erik reiterated.
Giggling signaled the arrival of Cordelia, Becky, and Angel, who carried Kiki on her hip, in the room.
Wearing big plastic star-shaped sunglasses, Becky informed them, "We're having a fashion show in Rome."
"But no heels or pinchy clothing will be admitted," stated Cordelia.
"Then we're going to get started on dinner," said Angel, her smile locked on the bitty girl currently fascinated by her hair. "With Raven out, Kayla doesn't need to be over that stove."
"For now, the runway awaits." Turning, Becky led them back out.
Erik looked to Charles and said, "Blessed be a household containing little girls."
"Here, here," the Professor concurred. Picking up the incoming minds, he tacked on, "Though little boys are not without their charm."
Charging into the second floor unit, Cody and Joey galloped in with Alex and Leon not far behind.
"Uncle Alex!" The sight of him made Trav turn away from the slapstick antics on the TV.
"Hey, Bugsy." Alex dropped down beside him on the couch.
"Hi, Daddy." Joey got up and relaxed in his lap.
Charles kissed his head and smiled. "I take it someone had a delightful art class. Did you see Laci?"
Joey nodded with a bashful but happy expression.
Erik observed Cody practicing mock kicks with Leon's hands. "Seems all is well with our future karate master also."
Joey glanced between the two men. "Guess what." Before they had the chance, he told them, "Fred's birthday party is Saturday. He invited Laci and Becky, too. Can I go?"
Cody piped up, "My folks already said okay."
Naturally. Charles replied to Joey with, "Yes, so long as you behave yourself between now and then."
"Yes!" Joey turned to Erik next. "What about Becky?"
"If she wishes, she may go as well." Erik stroked his chin. "Though I must say, this is short notice for a party."
"At first he didn't really want to have one, but he found out his dad's coming into town," Cody explained. "We're actually gonna get to meet him."
Joey said, "Fred and Mike talk about him all the time."
Trav piped up, "I want to go. Me, too. Me, too!"
Charles told him, "Trav, you can't simply go without being invited. That isn't polite."
"I'll call the guys." Cody shrugged. "Their sister'll probably want him to come."
Trav lifted his hands in glee and Alex used the opportunity to gingerly poke him near the bellybutton.
IIIIIII
Once Raven at last let go of the girl, Hank stepped up to bring her into a hug.
He ran four fingers through her hair as he urged, "If you need anything, night or day, you know to call us. Always."
Maya laid her head against his front for a moment. "I will. Thanks, Hank."
Hank pulled back and cupped her cheeks with a small smile. "Be safe."
Taking Hank's hand, Raven eyed the other couple in the hallway. "We better go grab a cab."
Hank brought his arm all the way around her as they headed for the elevator.
Arching her head back to fully view the tall one before her, Maya seemed to take a picture of his eyes with her own. "I don't know where I'd be without you guys."
"Here's a harder image for you. Me without you." Sean took her by the shoulders in a strong but gentle grip. "I love you."
"I love you, too." Propping herself up on her toes, Maya locked them together in a kiss.
Returning the gesture without delay, Sean gave her both his arms. He shut his eyes, lowering to rest his cheek in her hair.
IIIIIII
When the majority of the X-Men made it into the first floor's dining room, five dishes had been laid out across the circular table. They consisted of chuck roast covered in chopped green pepper and onions, macaroni with three types of cheese, buttermilk biscuits, rice with mixed beans, and sliced sweet potatoes.
"Ladies, you've yet again outdone yourselves," Charles commended them.
"You can eat this, right?" Angel asked Erik with concern, indicated the bean dish. "There's no pork in it."
"If he won't, I'm all over 'em," came from Logan.
With a slightly amused shake of his head, Erik replied to the girl with, "I can and am eager to."
"I love sweet potatoes," Joey practically drooled.
"Me, too," Cody seconded.
Becky told them, "Angel made them with vanilla and cinnamon."
"Cordy took care of the roast," Angel said. "Becky did the macaroni and Kiki helped me with the biscuits."
Cordelia walked in then with a tray. "Scott and Frank aren't feeling like a crowd. I'll bring their plates up if it's okay."
Erik shared a look with Victor, who granted, "Go ahead."
As Cordelia left with the two dinners, Alex surmised, "Guess Scott is still a little ticked."
Becky frowned at this. "Why, what happened?"
Trav chimed up, "He hit me and got in trouble. Just 'cause I wanted to watch my show."
"That sounds like Frank," Joey recollected. "He pushed me over the TV, even though I had it first."
Cody formed a small glower. "Why do the jerks have to live on our floor?"
"Cody," Kayla reproached.
"You kids ain't been back together but five minutes and you're already goin' at it," Logan put forth.
Cody claimed, "Well, they're always pushin' us around."
"That will be enough," Erik ordered. "If you're having problems, you can either work it out or come to one of us. This bickering, however, will not be tolerated."
"Yes, sir," responded Joey while Cody bit his lip to keep from arguing.
Logan gave his son a notorious look. "You forget how to speak?"
Cody recited, "Yes, sir."
Kayla said to Angel, "We have our good days, too."
Angel's pleasant expression never faded. "Are you kidding? Where I come from, it's not a family fight until the police show up."
Leon sent a small smile her way.
With his wife's presence nearing them, Charles addressed her with a relieved, "There you are, darling."
"I'm sorry I'm late." She bent to exchange a greeting kiss with him. "It's such a nice day, we could hardly stand to come inside."
"Where's Brian?" Charles asked next.
"I gave him his bottle and laid him down. We stopped by the mansion to oversee the work and collect the mail. This came for you." Emma handed him a large envelope before taking her seat beside him. "It looks important."
Taking note of the official letterhead, Charles opened and withdrew the detailed papers within.
Erik watched his expression change as he read it. "What is it?"
"I've been invited to a conference at the Waldorf Astoria." Charles lowered the letters. "On the subject of mandated sterilization for the undesirable."
Kayla raised an eyebrow. "The undesirable?"
Leon said, "Which amounts to retards, the poor…"
"The mutated," Erik determined.
Charles nodded solemnly. "I believe that's why I've been selected."
Emma stated, "I'm going with you."
"So am I," said Erik resolutely.
Joey looked confused. "What's sterilization?"
Cody suggested, "Pretty sure that means real clean."
Alex attempted to deflect their attention with, "Eat your food, shrimptoids."
IIIIIII
Seated at the small desk, Frank worked on a letter detailing the Connecticut country life to his mother. Scott stretched out on his mattress, leafing through baseball cards. The three beds together looked as if to create the shape of a somewhat broken U. Though they hadn't been able to bring over many things from the mansion, the ample closet and one tall dresser did provide plentiful space for their clothes.
"You hoping they give Ignacio the chair?" Scott brought up.
Without looking away from his writing, Frank came back with, "Rich guys don't get the chair. Doesn't matter how long he lives, anyway. He already picked the team he wants to be on after he finally kicks it." He then raised, "Wouldn't mind seeing Vanessa fry."
Not that he said it but the fact that he made such a suggestion regarding a female captured Scott's attention. "Do you mean that?"
"Why not?" Frank shrugged. "She'd have killed Victor if not for his powers. And she kidnapped that girl. She's way worse than Shaw. Now Becky's all messed up and doesn't even want to go back home. I knew something wasn't right with that lady."
"I know," Scott agreed quietly then mentioned, "But are you sure it has nothing to do with Erik and… your mom?"
"Lay off me, Scott," Frank requested sharply.
The boy in tinted glasses immediately backed down, not about to stir any friction.
Pushing at the partly open door, Victor carried two napkin covered donuts in one hand. "Last sugar rush of the night, guys."
Frank accepted his with, "Thanks, Vic."
Scott took his with a softer, "Thanks."
As if taking an unspoken hint, Frank stuffed a sizable portion of his donut into his mouth and slipped out.
Victor sat at the end of Scott's bed, facing him. "Still sore at me, slugger?"
Nibbling at his donut, Scott shook his head. "No, Coach." He scooted closer to bring his arms around the man. "I'm sorry about what happened. I should've been more careful. Even if Trav is a pain."
Victor patted his back. "I know he works your nerves, but you need to remember he's a little guy. You're stronger and you know better."
"I know. I'll watch out better. I don't want you thinking less of me."
"Hey," Victor peered down into the dark shades, "you're talkin' to a guy who's lost his temper is some crazy ways. I could never think less of you, Shades. In fact, you're one guy I know for a fact I can count on."
Scott formed a wide grin. "Thanks, Coach."
IIIIIII
Itty bitty limbs wriggling about in all directions it seemed, the blonde woman seized the teeny feet to administer a wealth of kisses to them. The baby gazed back with a smile that always appeared as if reserved for her and bright blue eyes sparkled.
Returning to the room, Charles stilled a moment in the doorway. He eyed them for several seconds before approaching to join them on the wide bed.
Without facing away from their son, Emma said, "I still can't shake those dreams where he disappears right before me."
"I know." Charles brushed lips across her shoulder. "I sense it at night."
"How can anyone call him, any of them, undesirable?" she wanted to know.
"Mankind is well-known for being misguided," Charles reminded her. "But we have the power to effect positive change. This conference is merely a starting point."
Brian looked to study his father's highly serious countenance. He then dissolved into a jolly giggle and waved his arms.
IIIIIII
"So, what do you think is going to happen if this passes?" Cordelia squirted a forkful of cheese from the can onto her finger. "Hairy men are going to burst in here and try to rip away our parts?"
"The approach is usually more subtle in mental institutions," Leon told them, a small smirk in place. "Might not have been the worst option in my case."
"Lee, don't even joke like that," Alex admonished him. "Seriously."
"I know girls who had their tubes tide," Angel recalled. "Either that or they would've had their assistance cut off."
Cordelia made a face. "They went along with that?"
Angel bobbed her head at her. "Girl, you'd be amazed what people will do to keep getting that government check."
As if hovering on winged feet, Sean walked into the third floor kitchen. "Hey, guys."
Alex observed, "Somebody's got girlfriend buzz."
"How's Maya?" Leon asked.
"Incredible, but that's nothing new." Sean removed a cola from the refrigerator. "What's going on around here?"
Cordelia answered that with, "Sterilization."
Stilling a moment, Sean slowly looked back. "What?"
"Charles got invited to some political conference in the city," Alex explained. "These guys are talking about mandating it."
When the bottle dropped from the redhead's hand and smashed against the floor, the other youths flinched.
"Whoa," Cordelia reacted.
"Sean," Alex hurried to go over to him, "are you okay?" He pressed a hand against one of his shoulders.
Sean shook his head hard. "Yeah, sorry. Just… I'm going to bed." He stepped out of Alex's touch and left the eatery.
Making a path for his quarters, the teenager stopped to press his hand against the nearest wall.
"I don't believe he himself presents that great a threat, but to be sure, I'm going to recommend sterilization."
The shock on his face transforming into all-out overheated anger, Sean's hand changed into a fist. The punch he delivered to the wall knocked off a picture and left behind a thin crack.