Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

First Class: Charles and Erik have accepted their roles as guardians and headmasters over the young mutants but there is still work to be done for the greater than typical family. This is a familial and discipline, including spanking, centered fiction.

198. Chapter 198 Miracles Happen

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Ninety Eight

Author's Word: My apologies that this took a bit longer than usual to post, fam. I'm dealing with a huge tragedy on my end. The best way I can describe it is, ever felt like you dodged a bullet only for another assailant to drive a knife through your back? That basically sums up this month. Please send any spare prayers my way. Also, please enjoy and review!

With sunlight trickling in from the blinds of the corner window, the unmovable smile on the woman's face appeared to glow. Gingerly pushing out back and forth in the rocking chair, her gaze remained set on the bundle in her grasp. Wrapped in soft pink, the teeny sleeping infant clutched her mother's thumb while her pleasant new and powdered scent filled her nostrils.

Poking his head inside, Cody came in fully dressed for the day and his movements almost appeared to slow as the joy he experienced at the sight of his sibling consumed him.

Honing in on her oldest, Kayla informed the baby, "Here's your big brother."

Cody laid a hand over her front. "Hi, Mira." He faced their mother. "Can I hold her, Mama?"

"Of course. Here we are," Kayla ever carefully guided the small one over to Cody's waiting arms, "remember to mind her head."

"I remember." Cody made sure to support her head to the best of his abilities and received the smallest glimpse of her eyes for his effort, which nearly made his chest burst. "Where's Daddy?"

"Daddy's cleaning up," Kayla said. "Todd had a little accident on him."

"Accident?" Departing from the adjoined bathroom with the one cloaked in blue secured to his bare chest, Logan insisted, "Oh, he planned it."

"He did not," Kayla denied.

Logan looked to his bitty boy. "Yeah, that's your mother for you. You'll like her. She's always ready to defend you little mutts." He offered a gentle peck to the tender forehead.

Cody's shoulders stiffened. "Daddy, can you drive me to school?"

"Not today, Cat." Logan walked over to the bed, propping against the headboard with Todd. "Your ma still needs my help around here."

"I want to help, too," Cody put forth next. "Let me stay home."

"No," Kayla flicked at his nose, "you go to school. Dad and I will manage somehow until you get home."

"Okay," Cody sighed, "Bye, Mira." With a kiss to the cheek, he gave her back to Kayla. "Bye, Mama." He started out of the room. "Bye, Daddy."

"Hey," Logan's voice made him slow down, "ain't you forgettin' somebody?"

"Bye, Toad," Cody said dismissively as he continued out of the room.

Mira in tow, Kayla went to join the males on the bed. "We knew this wasn't going to be easy. He's still adjusting."

"I noticed." Dropping it for now, Logan focused in on his wife. "Why don't you lay down a while? I can handle One and Two."

Kayla moved to cuddle closer to them, holding Mira while getting a better view of Todd. "In a little while."

Logan kissed her head and supported Todd against his chest while sparing one arm to go around Kayla.

II

Returning to his quarters with briefcase in tow, Charles looked to where his two small sons laid out in his bed. "Joey, Alex and the others are waiting on you."

"But Dad, I should really stay home." Joey rubbed his brother's stomach. "Brian needs me. He feels left out 'cause of the twins."

Emma piped up from her vanity, "Is that the reason he's been crying in sync with them ever since they came home? Here I thought he had a secret plan to drive me mad."

"Joey, you don't need to stay home." Charles came over to collect Brian.

Erik stepped in. "Charles, city traffic is going to be atrocious…"

"Yes, I know. I'm coming." Charles laid Brian down in his crib then hurried over to briefly kiss Emma as well as give Joey's bottom a little pop. "If you're not in that car in ten seconds..."

Clutching his behind dramatically, Joey scuttled down and dashed past Erik.

IIIIIII

"Who can tell me the definition of extravagant?" Mrs. Andrews pointed towards the second row. "Fred?"

Getting to his feet, the boy said, "I get the feeling it means the same as fun. I think so on account of how much my mom uses it when we want something fancy. But I'm pretty sure it just means expensive."

After the minimal laughter died down, Mrs. Andrews asked, "Now, can you use it in a sentence?"

Fred thought for a moment. "My mom won't let me get the mountain bike because it's too extravagant. According to her, anyway."

"Thank you, Fred," the teacher smiled. "What about excessive?" Her attention fell on the one making extensive use of his colored pencils. "Cody? Codicat?"

"What?" The aggravated boy then quickly amended, "I mean, yes?"

"So you are with us?" Mrs. Andrews came around to see what preoccupied so much of his attention. At the whimsical doodle spelling out of Miracle Faith Howlett, she softened a little. "Cody, I know you're very excited about your new sister, but please try not to get so distracted."

"Yes, ma'am," he nodded.

"Now, do you know the definition of excessive?"

Cody answered, "That's when you have too much of something." Like kids.

IIIIIII

Not surprised at the arrival in his small office, Hank put forth, "I take it that was you Raven saved the leftover chicken for."

"She loves me more," Frank shrugged.

"I've long accepted this." Hank watched him plop his brown paper bag down before pulling a chair up to the front of the desk. "And not that I haven't come to greatly look forward to our lunch dates, but I thought you would have broken the ice a little better with your classmates."

Frank's hand lingered on his carton of milk. "I'm not like you, Hank. I have nothing in common with these kids. In my old neighborhood, if you said you had to hurry home it's to avoid a street fight. They have to hurry home for violin practice."

Hank could not help chuckling a bit at that. "Even Carmen Moreno?" At the look the teen shot him, Hank gave him an even one back. "You have been gawking at her since the first day of school."

"She seems cool." Frank tried to hide his blush. "But she sits with those other freshmen guys from the bus program."

"They're from the city as well," Hank recalled. "Why don't you try talking to them?"

Frank lowered the plastic fork for his chicken. "I'm not… I'm not too good at making pals. Not without being the prank guy. Even Scott and Sean talked to me first."

Hank listened and nodded his understanding. "I know you've been through a lot of changes since the last time you mingled with regular children. It must be difficult trying to find a place for yourself. I would just hate for someone with so much to offer remain a wallflower."

Frank nodded now, thinking the older mutant's words over.

IIIIIII

With the bulk of her attention on the last two problems of the math quiz, Becky's eyes could not help following their teacher's movements. He walked up and down the aisles of desks, but he did not appear to be spying for cheaters or other monkey business. It's as if he attempted to send off silent encouragement to everyone he passed. When he neared her again, Becky went back to work on her problems. She felt his hand brush over her back briefly and she smiled to herself.

Once he finally returned to the front of the class, Aaron declared, "Time. Pencils down. Please pass your papers forward." As the sheets came his way, he collected them into a neat stack. "With that rather uncomfortable mental exercise out of the way, I'd like to spend a moment discussing the elective and independent study classes you've all selected. Who wants to start?" A hand went up on a girl in the front row. "Yes, Suzy?"

"I'm taking Home Economics," the girl announced proudly. "My mother says it's very practical."

"Yeah, if you're a girl," one of the boys scoffed.

"Then Mark, tell us," Aaron picked next, "what have you chosen?"

"ROTC," he then further emphasized smugly, "Army focus."

"That's quite the discipline," Aaron commented. "Scott, you're taking RO as well, aren't you?"

"Yes, sir," Scott piped up. "Air Force." Several chuckles from the back ignited at that and Scott glared over at the other boys. "What's so funny about that?"

"You have to be able to see to fly. You'll crash the plane."

Aaron promptly jumped on that with, "William, if I hear another uncalled for remark like that you'll be spending recess at your desk."

The blonde boy's shoulders drooped. "Sorry, Mr. A."

"Scott," Aaron addressed, making him face forward again, "don't let the narrow opinion of others keep you from pursuing whatever drives you."

Scott regarded the man with an appreciative smile.

IIIIIII

On his way back to his room, Logan paused outside of it at the sight of the small lass positioned outside of it. She peered up at him with bright brown eyes.

"You want a peek, huh? You clean?" He swept her up into his hold to sniff. "Yeah, you're good." At her giggle, Logan pressed a finger to his lips, "Shh," then hers.

"Shhh," Kiki echoed softly.

Hugging her to himself, Logan opened the door for both their entry. He walked over to where Kayla lay stretched out with the swaddled newborns at her side. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Logan allowed Kiki to crawl near for better observation. She laid straight down, as if trying to act as a second wall of protection for the twins.

After a couple minutes of watching them all sleep, Logan went to work getting the bedroom tidied while making as little noise as possible. At the bit of commotion behind him, he glanced back to see Kiki coming behind him, picking up whatever small bits she could carry. He sent her a warm look filled with gratitude.

When they finished, he gathered the trash bag in one hand and picked Kiki up with the other.

"Cookie time," he sent into her ear as he walked out with her.

Kiki waited until they got into the hall to giggle giddily.

IIIIIII

When their Italian class as well as final period of the day came to a close, Frank made prompt work of trying to catch up with the head of wavy brown without appearing completely obvious.

"Hey, Carmen," he greeted once she reached her locker. "You know we have Italian together."

Getting her door open, she looked at him somewhat dryly. "We're Honors. We have like everything together. You're Frank Something?"

"Tolbert," he filled in but did not get a chance to say more as two boys sped through.

"Car," the taller one on the skateboard stopped first, "is this guy bothering you?"

"Mr. Thompson," all youths reacted to the sound of their history teacher's voice as the man stood nearby with hands on his hips, "does this school look like a skate park to you?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Prescott," he immediately apologized.

The boy with him chimed up, "We were on our way out."

"Yet you weren't out when he chose to ride it." Mr. Prescott held out a hand. "Give that to me. Depending on your behavior, you may have the opportunity to earn it back."

"Not if this is the first time you've talked about this." All attention went to Frank, who went on with, "According to the school handbook, student property will only be confiscated for repeat offenses. Only a verbal warning is issued the first time around, unless of course you're talking about a knife or some other form of weapon."

Carmen turned a surprised grin on him.

To his disdain, Mr. Prescott withdrew his hand. "If I see you on that board inside again, it comes with me permanently." With a final glance Frank's way, he took off for the other end of the hall.

Letting off a sigh of relief, the boy in question turned to Frank. "Thanks, man."

Frank said, "These teachers will run all over us if we let them. I'm Frank, by the way. You're… Mondell?"

"Mondo," he corrected. "Mondell is for legal purposes. This is Tony."

"Hey," the youth with wild mop of curly hair waved.

"We better grab the bus," Carmen brought up.

"Right, right," Mondo remembered, looking at Frank once more. "We'll see you tomorrow, man."

"See you," he called after the departing three.

Peering back at Frank again, Carmen sent him another small smile before continuing on with her friends.

As soon as they were out of sight, Frank shot a triumphant fist into the air.

IIIIIII

Almost as soon as he arrived on the second floor, Charles nearly became the victim of a brutal attack by none other than a lengthy cord.

"Sorry!" Cordelia switched off the vacuum cleaner.

Stepping out from sanitizing the bathroom, Angel explained, "Kayla wants this house immaculate before she brings her babies anywhere near us filthy heathens."

"Oh, I see." Charles then commended, "Well done, girls. We all have to do our part with the little ones about." While they went back to work, he resumed his path to his room. "Hello, love."

"Hi." Standing from her chair, Emma handed Brian over to Charles. "He's all yours. I need an iced tea. With a splash of gin."

"Uh oh." Charles looked into the baby's face. "Did someone make trouble for Mummy?"

"Oh, what trouble?" Emma appeared to dismiss. "Besides having a crying symphony with the Howlett Twins."

Charles tapped Brian's nose in a show of faux reprimand then kissed the same spot.

Scott charged in. "Em, did you remember to pick up my shoe polish?"

"Somehow," Emma then gestured upward, "It's on your bed."

"Alright, thanks!"

At the boy's hasty leave, Charles looked to his wife. "Shoe polish?"

She explained, "ROTC. Tomorrow is the first day they have to be in uniform. The shoes must glisten."

"Ah," Charles understood in full.

Their next visitor came in the form of an almost blurry redhead. "Hey, I'm out of here."

Maneuvering Brian to one arm, Charles managed to seize him by the arm before he could zip off. "And where exactly are you going?"

Sean looked back. "Meeting Russ and Merina over at Ben's. We're doing our homework together."

"I see," Charles bobbed his head. "And were you going to ask me or merely inform me of the plans you'd already decided upon?"

Sean pointed out Emma. "I asked Mom."

"He did," the blonde confirmed.

"Sorry, but," Sean gave off a little shrug, "you're not really home much these days."

Charles let go of him. "In by curfew." As the boy hurriedly took his leave, the Professor patted Brian's back. "He's right, you know. It's as if I'm missing everything here."

Emma came over to lean on him. "We all understand why."

Charles touched their heads together, silently hoping that proved true for all members of their household.

IIIIIII

Removing his hands from his eyes, Cody grinned at the way the smaller one's lips upturned. "Mama, I made her smile."

Though she felt certain it had to be gas, Kayla still said, "Who else could?" as she gazed over, rocking Todd against her shoulder.

"Daddy, Uncle Vic," Cody addressed the returning men, "Miracle smiled at me."

"Yeah? She never does at me." Logan sat on the bed, lifting her up. "Don't tell me you already figured out your daddy's ugly."

Victor leaned over his shoulder. "She's a genuine doll, Runt." He then walked over to peer at Todd. "You two do good work."

At her smallest son raising his hand a little, Kayla said, "Yes, that is your uncle. Get used to him."

Cody frowned briefly before turning to his father. "Where'd you guys go, Daddy?"

"To pick up some more lumber." Logan looked at him. "Thought you and me could put together another crib for your sister."

Cody's features sunk a little. "But we already made her one."

"I figure we'll give that to Todd," Logan explained. "Put together a pretty little somethin' for this girl." He indicated the baby in his hold.

"But we made all that stuff for her," Cody insisted. "Just for her. I ain't put none of that together for him." He pointed accusatory at Todd. "He's not even supposed to be here."

Logan aimed a warning finger at him. "You better watch your mouth."

"Logan," Kayla attempted to intervene.

Cody folded his arms. "I wish he'd go away so Jaycee can come back."

"Go on up to your room," Logan ordered right away. "Because I'm about five seconds away from tannin' you."

"Come on, Mite." Victor went over to hoist him up and carry him out.

Still angry, Cody relaxed a bit against the man's long hair. "You ain't ever gonna call him Mite, are ya?"

"How can I? I might have two nephews," Victor kissed his head, "but I've only ever had one Mite." He caressed the boy's back. "And I know how you feel about Todd."

"You do?"

Victor nodded. "Though I'm not too proud to admit it, when I first found out about your dad I wasn't too happy. I hadn't seen my mother in years, no way was I tryin' to share her with some little squirt I never even met. Now I can't imagine my life without him- don't go tellin' him, though. His head's big enough." Cody laughed softly. "But I'll tell ya Mite, little brothers, they grow on ya real quick."

Growing quiet, the child remained unconvinced of that.

IIIIIII

In a world between geography and world literature, Raven gazed away as her weary husband entered.

"Hey," she stood to accept him into an embrace, "you're all zapped."

"Thoroughly," Hank sighed. "Full day of classes, two fights in the gym- all upperclassmen somehow, and I just performed a brief check-up on the twins."

"Awww," Raven started administered kisses to his neck and face, "let me see what I can do to ease a little of your tension, Dr. McCoy."

Starting to give into her, Hank's eyes enlarged over one of her notebooks. "Raven," he reached around, snatching up the papers, "this equation is completely off. Did you even read the directions?"

"Hank, hon, I—"

"This has to be redone immediately." He then moved onto, "And just look at these notes. How can you read this?"

Lips protruding, Raven felt all hopes of a romantic distraction fizzle out completely.

II

At the highly energetic boy speeding into the main level kitchen, Victor held up a hand to slow his pace. "Easy, Shades. Keep it down. Lo and Kay are tryin' to put the kids to sleep."

"Oh sorry." Scott raised the baseball he had with him. "Can we throw for a little while?"

The first question out of Victor's mouth was, "You get your homework done?"

"You bet."

The man raised a mildly skeptical eyebrow. "All of it?"

"Yep. I even went over my pants and shined my shoes for RO tomorrow," Scott stated confidently.

"That's my guy." Victor led the way towards the back door. "Let's go."

A grinning Scott followed after him.

II

Bringing the silver and red engine to a stop near the miniature fire station, Joey darted eyes over at Cody. The older boy somewhat distractedly worked a jet plane in a slow circle.

"Cody," the blonde spoke, "how come- why don't you like Todd?"

Cody answered plainly, "He doesn't belong here."

"But why? This way, you get a brother and a sister."

"I don't need a brother," Cody stated. "And I sure as heck don't want one."

Joey still tried to understand, "Why? I thought I didn't want a brother, but I love Brian more than anything."

Cody looked at him. "My family's different from yours, Joey. Mama needs Mira and Dad needs me. Nobody needs that little Toad."

Joey wanted to say more but Erik came into the living room with an unfavorable shake of his head.

"Look at this," the man glanced around the common space, "you boys have toys everywhere. Straighten up in here. You can finish playing in your room until bed."

Joey stood straight up. "Yes, Uncle Erik."

The metal wielder watched Cody continue with the jet plane and magnetically snatched it from his grasp. "I know perfectly well that you heard what I said, Cody. Your ears are far too advanced to feign hearing loss."

Cody picked up another stray toy. "I ain't got to listen to you. You ain't my dad."

Joey's eyes bulged in his friend's direction.

Erik's countenance remained even. "Is that so, young man?"

As soon as Erik reached out for him, Cody shot up and sped out.

Joey went to take Erik's wrist. "Uncle Erik…"

"Joey, go to Alex," the man directed calmly before going after the departing urchin.

Face falling, Joey made a path for the older boys' room.

With Trav nestled in his lap, Alex moved on to the next problem. "Six plus six is?"

"Twelve," Trav recited.

"Good job. Now, seven plus se—" Alex paused at the way a crestfallen Joey entered. "What's the matter, Joe?"

Leon looked up from his own book.

Joey climbed up to sit near Alex. "Cody's in huge trouble. Uncle Erik's gonna get him for sure."

"Hey," Alex put a comforting arm around him, "if that's true, then he has it coming. You know Erik won't really hurt him. It's okay, buddy."

Opening the slammed bedroom door, Erik went straight to Cody's bed and lowered to the floor. There he spotted the brown eyes peering back at him from underneath.

"If I have to reach in for you this is going to be a lot worse and far longer," Erik warned. "Now come here."

Cody only backed away further. "No!"

"Dad." Erik glanced up to see Leon in the doorway. "Can I talk to him? Please? Just for a minute."

Erik consented with a nod and returned to his feet. "Bring him to the living room when you're done."

"Yes, sir," Leon said after him before going to kneel by the bed. "Cody." With only the name spoken, he stretched one hand in.

Cody somewhat hesitantly linked up with him and crawled out.

Leon took a seat on the side of the bed. "Didn't I tell you about disrespecting Alex?" Cody nodded. "Then you should know far better than to even think about acting that way with Erik." He unleashed a fiery swat to the boy's bottom with that.

"Ow!" the taken aback Cody reacted. "Lee!"

Though not remotely used to being on this side of things, Leon found something of a rhythm as he gave him two more. "Are you going to stop?"

"Yeah," the boy fidgeted. "I quit, okay?"

Leon locked eyes with him. "I know what you're really upset about. I also know you think Erik lacks worthiness simply because he isn't Victor. Well, he isn't and he doesn't have to be. Erik is exactly who we need him to be and I won't let you act that way towards him. Do you understand?"

Cody dipped his head. "Yeah, Lee…"

"Good. Come on." Picking him up, Leon brought him out to the living room and stood him again. "Go see Erik."

Slowly approaching the man's chair, Cody kept his face down. "I'm sorry…"

Taking him by the chin, Erik raised his face. "What was that?"

The boy reiterated, "I'm sorry, Erik. Really. I- I won't do it again."

"You certainly will not," Erik reaffirmed. "Now, you're to get this room picked up then you're to go straight to bed without question. If I find you are dragging your feet or otherwise not following direction, I will spank your bare backside. Is that perfectly clear, young man?"

Cody started to nod but instead answered, "Yes, sir," and went to prompt but quiet work collecting his toys.

Standing, Erik walked over and slipped an arm around Leon as they left out together.

IIIIIII

At what could easily pass for an explosion of tears erupting within the room, both telepaths eyes shot open and a dual groan echoed from them.

I'll see to him. Getting out of bed, Charles staggered over to the crib. "Brian, Brian love," he lifted the wailing baby from the crib, "this is not a contest." He patted his bottom. "And you're all dry."

Returning him to the bed, Charles laid him down between himself and Emma. Happily sandwiched by his parents, he eventually settled down into sleep.

Emma sent out, I'm certain he'll outgrow this.

Charles added, Hopefully before the twins…

IIIIIII

Making his way into the little boys' bedroom, Logan discovered his own still under the covers and in his pajamas.

He sat close to him. "Your uncle says your claws are givin' you trouble."

Cody nodded and held out his hands. "They really hurt, Daddy."

Logan applied a little pressure to the knuckles. "They don't feel heavy. How long has this been goin' on?"

"Last few minutes I guess."

Logan start massaging the small appendages. "I spoke to Erik this morning."

Cody bit his lip. "I said I was sorry…"

"Cat," Logan cupped his cheek, "that ain't like you. You tell me what's goin' on."

The boy formed a smile. "I'll help you put together Mira's crib. Or whatever you want me to do."

Logan eyed him closely. "And you're okay givin' the other one to Todd?"

"Whatever," Cody shrugged. "Even if Todd Hope is a dumb name. Maybe even dumber than Codicat. Glad I picked Mira's."

"Oh yeah?" Logan lowered down to give him a little nip at the neck, making his son laugh. "Think she'll appreciate it, too. Now get ready for school." Logan tapped the part of the blanket that outlined Cody's thigh. "I'll drive you." He stood to head out.

With a sincere smile in place, Cody hopped up to dress.

II

Gleaming black shoes marked the arrival of the boy in the dark blue uniform. Everyone at the breakfast table ceased all eating and conversation to get a good look at him. Everything from the S. Summers name plate to the buttons shined. Not a wrinkle nor out of place thread could be found on the immaculate outfit.

Emma reacted first with, "Oh sweetheart, you're absolutely darling."

"Emma," Scott tried to keep from reddening, "military men aren't supposed to be darling."

Alex reached over to pinch his cheek. "How about precious?"

"Cut it out." Scott then looked at his brother seriously. "It looks like Dad's. It does, doesn't it?"

Alex gave him an easy smile. "Yeah, sure does."

Becky came over to touch one sleeve. "I think it's terrific."

"Certainly," Charles seconded then took note of the particularly silent Headmaster. "Erik?"

Scott grew concerned. "Don't you like it?"

Erik cleared his throat. "Of course." Rising, he went over to loosen Scott's tie a bit. "Mustn't choke yourself, young soldier."

"Airman, Erik," Frank immediately corrected. "The army has soldiers. You can't get that stuff mixed up."

"Yes," Erik finished adjusting Scott's tie and patted his shoulder, "of course."

"I'm quite surprised you didn't sign up for ROTC, Frank," Charles brought up.

"I thought about it," Frank said, "but I can't handle having guys holler in my face all the time."

"Yep." Alex smirked. "Pushing him around is my job."

IIIIIII

As they slowly but surely neared Manhattan, it took nearly twenty minutes for the immense quiet to dawn on Charles. He had been reviewing so many things in his mind that his passenger had somehow fallen away from his attention. He managed a quick peek at Erik out of the corner of his eye, seeing the older man with attention on the window.

"Are you alright this morning, brother?"

"Hm?" Erik slowly looked to him. "Yes, fine. It's only… seeing Scott in the uniform."

Charles reasoned, "You know he can't really be persuaded into the military. His eye condition disqualifies him."

"I know. That isn't my concern." Erik stared ahead. "I still remember those young men back in Poland. Clad in those pristine uniforms, all forms of propaganda memorized and floating off their tongues at any given instance, very souls boiled over with hate. Hate trained and indoctrinated upon them."

Charles listened to him completely before responding. "It isn't the same for Scott. This is simply something he needs as a connection to his father. Our boys are not so easily taken. Our time spent with Franklin alone is proof enough of that."

A satisfied smile came to Erik's face at that then he put forth, "And what has you so preoccupied, Lab Rat?"

Charles thought for a moment how to phrase it. "Have you ever felt like life is passing you by while you're trying to take on the world?"

Erik answered, "For years now. You have the big picture in plain sight, but all the little details that matter are falling to the wayside."

"I only hope the children don't grow to resent our being out of the house so much."

"What we do is entirely for them," Erik reiterated. "They'll understand it all someday."

Hoping his brother to be right, Charles moved to merge into the necessary lane.

IIIIIII

With a gentle rap to the doorway, Emma carefully stepped inside with Brian in her arms.

"Up for a little company?"

Kayla turned away from locking the twins on her own mattress with a pillow fortress. "Sure, come on in." She got a good view of Emma's face. "Looks like we're not the only ones sleep deprived."

Emma smooched Brian's cheek. "Someone is determined to keep up with his new friends."

Kayla appeared sympathetic. "Yet another thing I feel like I have to apologize for."

Emma frowned a little. "What do you mean?"

Kayla sat down, running a hand over each of her babies. "I feel like I created this animosity between Todd and Cody. I was so distraught after Jaycee that Cody probably thought only another little girl could make me happy. Meaning he only serves the purpose of making his father happy."

"And with Todd here," adjusting Brian, Emma joined her on the mattress, "he's feeling out of place."

"Cody has been the main thing keeping me going for years now," Kayla emphasized. "But I can never deny what he and Logan have. Logan's told me how wonderful a provider his father was, but that the two of them were never uniquely close. He wanted things to be different with his own son."

Emma nodded then said, "Speaking as someone who comes from many siblings, I already know that Cody, Todd, and Miracle have an advantage that the four of us Frost children didn't. Parents who take the time to be grateful for every breath they take and who are willing to love them on an individual basis." Kayla smiled and Emma reacted to Brian's sudden wiggling. "Yes, you may go mingle." She let him move to lay out close to the twins.

IIIIIII

As soon the quad of teenagers got far enough away from their American History classroom, Mondo glanced back then commented, "Man, Mr. Prescott looked like he was picking which window to throw you from."

Tony added, "You know you get into it with these teachers like nobody else."

Frank shrugged. "They need to get their dates straight. Well, see you guys."

Carmen stopped him with, "Wait. Aren't you going to lunch?"

"Yeah." Mondo made a face. "Why don't we ever see you around the cafeteria?"

Frank told them, "I don't exactly fit in with kids here. There's a billion yard difference between Westchester and Queens."

Tony's mouth formed a circle at that. "You're out of Queens? We're from right around there."

"You serious?" Frank smiled.

"Yeah and hey, sorry for looking at you ugly that day," Mondo apologized. "It just seems like half the kids here stare at us because they don't want us here and the other half want to stick us in a jar for study."

"I get it," Frank said. "It doesn't take much to impress kids here except to hold up a piece of aluminum foil."

The other three laughed soundly at that.

"Come on, guys," Carmen said. "Let's go eat and talk about our environmental sci project. That'll really get them gawking."

"Let me just grab my lunch." Frank headed for his locker.

Mondo called after him, "We'll save you a seat," before leading the way towards the cafeteria.

IIIIIII

"You want some of this?"

Cody stopped staring out at the rambunctious playground to accept the sandwich half offered to him. "Thanks, Mike. Gee, you sure always have a lot of extra."

Mike took a bite of his own sandwich. "My dad says it'll help me put on some muscle. He thinks I'm way too scrawny. Not like Freddy."

Cody shrugged at that. "You look okay to me."

"Thanks," he continued eating, "but I don't want to be a lightweight forever. Dad doesn't want these karate lessons going down the drain."

"Ugh!" Cody abruptly reacted to milk raining down in his hair.

Another dark haired boy walked by him only to say, "Watch it, fifth grader."

With a glare set in place, Cody peeled back the lid to his pudding cup and aimed with complete accuracy at the departing boy's head.

Mike jumped with eyes swelled at the immense splatter that resulted.

IIIIIII

When the familiar motorcycle arrived on school grounds, Victor stood straight. He waited for his brother to park his vehicle and remove the helmet.

They acknowledged each other with a short, "Hey," before going into the building together.

"One of the other guards caught 'em on the playground," Victor explained. "A sixth grader, Doug Jones, started it by spillin' milk on Cody. Didn't help when the Mite launched a full-on food war afterwards."

"Not one thing, it's another," Logan mumbled.

Victor escorted him to the main office, where Cody sat kicking his feet on the bench.

"May I help you?" the young woman behind the desk greeted.

"Logan Howlett." He walked up to her and aimed a thumb at his son. "I claim this guy."

"Ah, just a moment." She stood. "I'll get Vice-Principal Rollands for you."

"Much obliged." While she stepped off, Logan turned to face his boy. He gave him a tap of the head.

Cody only gazed up at him silently.

"Mr. Howlett?" A tall brown haired gentleman in a tweed suit walked upon them. "I'm Craig Rollands, Vice-Principal."

Logan shook hands with him. "Yeah, I hear this whole thing is about a food fight."

"Yes, though security did get the situation under control. Doug Jones has been sent home already and has been issued an additional day's detention for starting all of this. However, I cannot ignore Codicat's role in escalating it."

"It's Cody," the boy piped up only to zip it the moment Logan shot him a look.

"Wait outside," his father directed.

Cody slid off the bench and walked out into the hall.

"Yes, well," Rollands cleared his throat, "I'm being rather lenient because I know your family has been through quite a few changes of late. It can't be easy to welcome a new sibling. Mrs. Andrews tells me Cody's been distracted in class yet he seems absolutely excited about his new sister." He smiled then. "Congratulations on the birth of your little girl by the way."

"Thanks…" Logan eyed him. "And my little boy?"

Rollands frowned in confusion. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

"My wife had twins," Logan explained. "Girl and boy."

"Oh." The comprehension hit Rollands all at once. "Now I see perfectly, Mr. Howlett. Well, we look forward to seeing Cody back here tomorrow."

Logan nodded respectfully and shook with him again before going to find his son in the hall. The eleven-year-old sat on another bench, stroking his book bag.

"You ready?" Cody gave off a nod. "Then let's go." Logan waited for him then guided them out front, keeping a hand on the boy's shoulder.

After equipping the boy with his small sized helmet, Logan had him put on his book bag. His own helmet in place, he started them off on the motorcycle. Taking a slightly different route from home, he next pulled into a park, mostly empty with the majority of children still being in school.

"What're we doin' here, Dad?" Cody wondered, taking off his helmet.

"Just come on." Logan brought them over to the small green and yellow merry-go-round. "Hop on."

Taking a seat between two bars, Cody held on while his father offered him a vigorous spin. He laughed wildly as he rotated in the circular motion.

When he picked up on the sound of the ice cream cart, Logan purchased two crispy chocolate bars for them.

"Thanks, Daddy," Cody smiled when they settled down to eat them on the jungle gym bridge. Before he bit into it, something else crossed his mind. "Daddy, when we get home, are you gonna whip me?"

Logan sunk teeth into his own ice cream before countering him with, "Think that's what you deserve?"

Cody considered it then shook his head. "Nope. That crummy sixth grader started it."

Logan nodded to that then brought up, "What I tell you about fightin'?"

Cody peered down a little. "It wasn't fist-fightin'. Just food fightin'. My claws ain't pop out once."

Logan reached forward to pat his knee. "How about you tellin' me what's really got you sore?"

Cody nibbled on his bar some more. "… You wouldn't understand."

"How do you figure?"

"'Cause you're a little brother. Not a big brother. You don't know what it's like to be saddled."

Logan started to make a comment about fatherhood but thought better of it. "This is all about Todd, huh?"

"Well… I'm supposed to be your baby boy." Cody flashed brown eyes at him. "Not him. Just me."

"Cat," Logan moved to lay down near him, "you've been my baby boy since day one. I was a wreck the first few weeks we had ya. You know, I've been in a lot of battles. But nothin' has ever scared me more than you."

Cody faced him curiously. "How can I scare you?"

"You were so small I was scared to hold you. Then I was too scared to put you down. And I swear, before you learned to walk you figured out how to latch onto my leg. Never had to worry about you strayin' in a store. You wouldn't leave my side for a second."

Cody licked the remains of his ice cream off the stick and climbed on top of his father. "Who'd want to ditch the best dad in the world? Well, except when you whip me and chew me out."

"Yeah," Logan reached up to stroke his hair, "seein' as how you never have any of it comin'…"

"Well, maybe sometimes," Cody admitted with a little smile.

"Cat, you and me go back too far for you to ever worry about bein' my baby boy. You'll be my baby boy when you have a few of your own. But," Logan's eyes turned more serious, "you still got to get used to sharin' me with your baby brother, too. At least until he's big enough to plot against me with you."

"Okay," Cody agreed grudgingly, "but he better remember I'm Baby Boy One."

"You're gonna be cryin' like a baby if you get into anymore hijinks in school." Logan poked him near his belly button.

Cody laughed and reached in to bite at his ear, squealing when Logan locked him into a tighter hold.

IIIIIII

When the Headmasters made their way into the second unit's living room, the studious sight of Cordelia, Angel, Alex, Joey, Becky, Scott, and Trav scattered doing various assignments greeted them.

"Eight plus eight is sixteen," Trav answered. "And sixteen and sixteen is… thirty-two."

"Whoa hey, you're ahead of me," Alex ruffled his hair, "slow down there, buddy."

"Well, isn't this a sight most welcome?" Charles smiled. "Everyone getting their homework out of the way."

"Not much left to do," Cordelia shrugged. "We clean everything in sight yesterday."

Erik kissed Becky's cheek and peered over her shoulder. "What are you working on?"

"My story for Creative Writing," she told him.

"Speaking of independent studies," Charles turned to Scott, who now wore his comfortable lounge clothes, "how was ROTC today?"

"Great!" Scott glanced up. "I got top points for my uniform neatness. I'm just glad Cody wasn't anywhere near me when he got into that food fight. If they'd gotten anything on my clothes, I'd have pounded both of them."

Erik raised an eyebrow. "Food fight?"

"Cody got into one with a bigger kid, but he didn't start it. They got picked up from school early and everything," Joey recollected.

"Leave this house for five minutes, miss a lifetime's worth of events." With a small shake of his head, Charles started out. "I'm going to see about Emma and Brian."

"Wait for me." Catching up with his father, Joey put forth, "Dad, can I get into a food fight so I can come home early tomorrow?"

Charles paused to touch a hand to his shoulder. "Joey, my dear boy, if I ever have to come down to school for reasons other than your health, I will not be waiting for home to punish you. Understand?"

Blue eyes widening, the boy immediately replied, "Yes, sir."

IIIIIII

With a whistle on his lips, Sean slipped his keys into his jacket pocket before pulling the brown suede garment off to drop on his pillow. As if detecting something, he glanced over to find the older male lingering in his doorway.

"Can I help you?" Sean asked dryly.

Leon's countenance never changed. "Where have you been?"

Sean stood to his full height. "Who do you think you are asking me that?"

Leon strolled towards him. "If you ever bothered to pull your face out of your butt, maybe you would have noticed that things haven't been right with Cody since they came home from Canada."

"Get out of my face, Leon," Sean said curtly. "Quit acting like you know the first thing about me or Cody. Because while you were hiding out in the countryside, I was here waking up in the middle of the night because his claws kept driving him insane. I was also here when they first moved in helping him adjust. Back when you were still Alex's creepy WU friend."

He countered, "Says Alex's dweeby little Xavier friend."

Sean used his palm to give a shove to his chest. "Get out of my room."

Leon captured him by the wrist and placed pressure on it. "By the way, I'm not Alex. You want to play tough guy with me, fine. I don't wear kid gloves." With a small push, he let go of the younger X-Man.

Sean looked on in irritation as Leon burst into a shift to exit the room.

IIIIIII

Closing the door to the younger boys' quarters, Charles immediately detected the other mind as he turned around.

"Logan?"

"Hey, Chuck." The Veteran gestured away with his head. "Got a sec?"

After a nod, Charles went with him downstairs to the second floor kitchen. "Is everything alright with the children?"

"Every minute I'm awake to stare at 'em nonstop." They sat together at the table and Logan peered across at him importantly. "I've been meaning to bring this up since we got back, but there's been so much going on around here…"

"Logan, it's fine," Charles said gently. "Now please, what's on your mind?"

"This… this X gene of ours. Are there ways to detect it at the twins' age?"

Charles thought about that. "It's very difficult to determine unless they have an obvious physical mutation such as Raven's."

Logan next put forth, "What about a way to sort of awaken the gene? Jumpstart it from dormancy."

"Kiki and Trav are certainly living proof that such things are possible, though I'm not certain I can morally advise it." Charles peered at him again. "This is mostly about Miracle, isn't it?"

Logan nodded. "On the outside, I was rootin' for a little girl because I thought it'd be best for Fox and Cody. But the whole time I was terrified of havin' another daughter. If she's not built with what we've got, something could happen. Fox can't- we can't lose another one, Chuck."

"I understand. With my full heart, I do," Charles emphasized. "However, you mustn't let these worries trouble you from enjoying the two blessings you and Kayla have received. Two you certainly deserve. Whatever may happen, you have the entire X-Men behind you, Logan. Count on that."

Logan bobbed his head. "Appreciate you, Chuck." With a knock to the top of the table, he got to his feet.

The Professor remained reclined in his seat, entering into thought. Then a loud outcry sounded from his bedroom, rushing him up.

Coming, Brian. Coming, my little angel…