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.

199. Chapter 199 Under Control

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Ninety Nine

Author's Word: Hi, fam. Sorry for how long this took to get up. I have a prayer request and it's actually not for me this time (though, they're forever appreciated). I know of a family that is being evicted and I would love for things to turn out favorably for them with that. One more thing. Please enjoy and review!

The chattering seventh graders filed into their open classroom and many paused to gawk at something of interest. Scott ceased his own conversation with Becky to take a look, only to realize that the display came from his own desk. Balloons had been taped to the metal legs, including the ones on his chair, and a stack of various candies and cards had been left on top in a mostly neat stack.

A swelled chest followed by a growing grin resulted from Scott. "I don't believe this."

Larry approached to inform him, "The whole team worked on it."

"Yeah, we came to school early and everything," Brody clapped his shoulder, "so you better appreciate it."

In an equally 'tough tone' Scott informed, "I think it's just about the greatest thing ever. What do you say to that?"

Brody gave him a mock sneer.

Coming in balancing his coffee thermos and bag while mumbling to himself, Aaron gazed up and caught the sight. He immediately put two and two together. "It's your birthday, Scott? Well, so much for that history test. I couldn't possibly inflict that on you now."

An enthusiastic cheer exploded from the class. Becky shared a smile with Scott as their teacher next led the room in the Happy Birthday song.

IIIIIII

"Todd Hope and Miracle Faith. I'll never be over it," Maya marveled, dangling legs over the side of an arm chair with phone receiver pressed to her ear, "At long last, my MVP is put to shame."

"Yes, and Mr. Hope is the most vocal while Miss Faith has the rabid appetite." Attempting to hang onto her own phone line, Kayla moved through the room to collect the soiled baby clothes in need of washing. "I actually sent Logan out for newborn formula. It's completely against my better wishes, but my milk isn't being produced fast enough. But I'm only using the supplement when absolutely necessary."

"I know. I'm just glad Brian was okay on the formula since Em couldn't even begin to feed him on her own."

"After all that she went through, I feel as if I've been given the halo treatment," Kayla confided. "The twins couldn't be healthier if they arrived on their exact due date. That reminds me, any changes with your mother?"

"Not much," Maya replied flatly. "I feel like she's trapped there most of the day. I make sure we eat together, but there's so little I'm able to do except keep her going."

"That's far from little, sweetheart," Kayla reminded. "By the way, how's the homework coming?"

"You know, I think I smell my muffins burning." Maya hopped up from the chair. "Be sure to wish Scott a happy birthday for me."

"I certainly will." Kayla then added pointedly, "And I will talk to you tonight."

"Yes, Kay," Maya responded dutifully before ending their call.

IIIIIII

"Hey, Scott!" Making the acknowledged boy stop before entering the cafeteria, the team captain presented him with a rolled poster. "Happy birthday, pal."

"Thanks, Gary. Whoa," Scott read the slip of paper at the base of the poster, "Babe Ruth? Are you serious?"

Gary bobbed his head. "Autographed, even though I'm sure it's just a copy. It's from his original signature. I like to get 'em for the new guys' birthdays."

"This is too cool of you. The whole team's been great today."

"You helped make last season great," Gary said matter-of-factly. "But you can make Saturday start off even better. Can you help me tutor some of the younger guys? Grades cannot slip, period."

"You got it," Scott guaranteed.

"You're far out, Scott." The boys shared a high five then waltzed into the cafeteria.

IIIIIII

At the combination of chocolate and orange zest, Frank appeared nearly hypnotized for a moment.

"Florentine?" Tony sent the container of cookies around the table.

When it came his way, Frank eagerly took one. "Where do you get these gourmet lunches, man?"

Mondo informed, "He's got an Italian mom. They get a-one cuisine over there."

"No, they get love over there," Carmen countered. "I got a Puerto Rican mom and I get the bologna-brown-bag treatment."

Frank snickered lightly.

"I need milk," Mondo remembered, standing.

"I need cola." Tony got up as well then justified, "Caffeine trumps strong bones."

"Bring me some ketchup," Carmen called after them.

"Yes, royal fineness," Mondo sent back.

Fiddling with his apple for a second, Frank took a small tentative bite before looking to the girl at his side. "So, Carmen…"

She flashed brown eyes at him, regarding him expectantly. "So, Frank…"

"My best friend Scott, he has his first baseball game of the season this Saturday. Do you want to… do you want to come? We could grab some food or whatever afterwards. I'll pick you up." Frank quickly rethought that. "I can get my guy Sean to take me to pick you up."

Carmen popped an eyebrow. "All the way in Queens?"

Frank stated, "He loves me. Usually."

"So is this like a…" She smiled unsurely. "Date?"

Initially stiff, Frank came back with, "So long as that's not gross to you."

After a bit of further thought, Carmen finally replied, "Okay."

"Okay?" Frank tried not to show the extreme enthusiasm that response coated him in. "Cool."

IIIIIII

With Victor holding the front door open for the youths, Becky walked in ahead of Frank and the Summers brothers. All went on about the first practice of the season until they reached the oddly dark dining room of the first unit. Almost immediately, the lights as well as the rest of the X-Men sprang forth.

Hearing his birthday song again that day, Scott's attention mainly stayed on the large superhero cake Raven brought out. When the singing concluded, he decided his wish and released a breath to extinguish the candles. They moved on to the living room to eat their slices, where Scott next meant with a large assortment of gifts.

Victor saved his box for last. "From me and Dan."

Undoing the ribbon, Scott pulled off the box lid and mouth widened at the contents inside. He lifted the blue jacket with yellow leather sleeves out for all to see. Gold letters spelled out Jaguars on the back with his first name stitched to the front right chest.

"Coach," the boy could hardly speak, "this is…"

Victor ruffled his hair. "The other guys got theirs at home today, too."

Unable to say anymore, Scott stood from his chair and reached for the man. Victor hoisted him up into a strong hug.

Alex shook his head. "Still can't believe you're actually thirteen."

Frank piped up, "Now we can call ourselves the Eye Scream Teens."

"Yes, you'll be as miserable as we are now," Cordelia said glibly.

Cody touched Joey's shoulder as he said, "Be glad when we're teenagers. We can do what we want."

Trav looked to his parents with intrigue. "Is that true?"

Hank honestly snorted. "Son, I can't even do whatever I want."

Angel threw out, "Doing what you want is overrated."

Erik brought an arm around her. "How wise you've become, my dear."

Raven looked to Charles with a smile. "Do you remember that restaurant we went to when I turned thirteen?"

"What? Thirteen, you? I know nothing of this." Charles leaned over to kiss her head. "You're only ten, my girl."

Raven showcased her maturity by sticking her tongue out at him and promptly grinning cutely afterwards.

IIIIIII

Entering the Headmaster's bedroom with an utterly contented air about him, Scott watched him lay Brian down.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Yes." Looking away from the crib, Charles hid a smile at the boy clad in pajamas as well as his new jacket. The Professor took a seat on the edge of his bed. "Did you have a nice birthday?"

"Are you kidding?" Scott came towards him. "Today has been fantastic."

Charles reached forward to stroke his cheek. "It amazes me how much you've grown; how much you've matured. Right before my eyes."

Scott formed a special smile. "So I guess I'm more of an X-Man than an X-Boy, huh?"

"Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves." Charles brought him to sit in his lap, growing suddenly serious. "I think you could benefit from a bit of a reminder as to how young you still are."

As he felt himself go over the man's legs now, Scott uttered, "Uh oh!"

"Quite. Now, let's see. One," Charles began counting as well as swatting, "two, three, four."

Despite the mostly mild swats, Scott couldn't help jumping a little bit. "Hey, last year's was easier!"

"Well, you are a teenager now. I have to make especially certain you remain good." Charles then resumed things with, "nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen and…" His hand came down with a great sharpness. "That should suffice for you to grow on." He picked him up to hold again. "Though I believe you need no assistance in getting taller."

Scott brushed a hand over his bottom. "After that, I'm liable to sprout through the roof."

Charles chuckled and kissed his forehead. "Happy birthday, Scott. I love you very much."

Scott leaned on him. "Thanks, Charles- for everything. I love you, too."

IIIIIII

Tiny warm body exhaling equally heated breathes against his shoulder, the man continued pacing on bare feet a short ways back and forth in the hall. Rounding the corner, Victor spotted the father-son pair outside the master bedroom and approached.

"Little buck givin' you lip again?"

"Every chance he gets." Logan stopped to face his brother, running a hand down Todd's short back. "We stepped out here to give the women folk some peace. Fox practically falls out the bed as is when one of 'em gets to hollerin'."

Victor studied his face. "When's the last time you caught some shut-eye yourself?"

"You should talk," Logan deflected. "You hardly got half a wink when you had them cameras in front of ya."

"I ain't havin' you drop holdin' my niece or nephew. Here," Victor held out his arms, "give."

Logan told his boy, "Your uncle's a geezer, son. Thinks he knows just about all," then transferred him over to the older male. "I should be good in an hour."

Victor helped the baby wave. "We'll see you then, Dad."

Laying a hand over Todd's forehead briefly, Logan returned to the bedroom.

Better situating the blue fleece throw over the bitty boy, Victor raised him higher near his purring chest.

IIIIIII

As soon as the boy before him came back out into the hall, Scott hopped to his feet for his own turn. Walking with upper body firmly in place, Scott arrived inside the office shortly. His legs remained together, as resolute as the expression on his face. Raising right hand to forehead, he offered a sharp salute to the man situated behind the wide desk.

"Reporting for evaluation, Lieutenant Ford sir."

Rising, the chiseled man of medium height directed, "At ease. Have a seat, Summers."

Taking the chair directly in front of the desk, Scott's glasses concealed his somewhat quizzical eyes as he studied the experienced airman before him. Deep brown skin, short black hair and thick but neatly trimmed mustache, and long arms containing untold muscles that seemed capable of bursting through the white collared shirt at any moment.

Sitting again, the lieutenant leafed through the file before him. "Scott, all I can say upfront is that your performance in class has been absolutely excellent. Your uniform, hygiene, oral communication- and in only a week's time, I've observed the clear leadership skills you possess."

Trying to keep his face as serious as possible, Scott responded with a grateful, "Thank you, sir."

Lieutenant Ford folded his hands together on the desk, peering at the boy closely. "I understand you're interested in becoming a pilot."

"Yes, sir," Scott confirmed strongly. "My other school gave me training experience and I live for every chance I so much as get to stand in a plane. That feeling is unbelievable."

"You're not lying," the man wholeheartedly concurred then grew somber. "You understand, though, that the real pilot training is very rigorous. And for someone with a vision problem, it becomes that much harder. Though not impossible to achieve, your chances of coming out with a license are very slim."

Scott's features faded significantly. "But sir, I've always wanted to fly. No matter how hard it's going to be."

"While I understand and respect that, as your teacher I don't want you setup for a big letdown later on. That's why it's my suggestion that you strongly consider putting your focus on navy or possibly army. I can easily see you working intelligence."

Unable to respond at first, Scott eventually got out, "Thank you, sir. I'll… I'll give it some consideration."

"Good," the lieutenant nodded. "I'll see you in a few minutes. Send Smith in."

Getting to his feet, Scott somehow remembered to salute again as he somewhat feebly headed for the door.

IIIIIII

A chorus of groans sounded at the Frisbee landing on a portion of the roof good ten or more feet off the ground.

"Great, now how are we going to get it?" one of the fifth grade boys grumbled.

Another proposed, "Who wants to play dodge ball?"

Cody rolled his eyes. "I'll get it, scaredy cats."

Fred asked him, "You plan on flying?"

"Don't need to." Cody pointed out the tree near the building.

Over on one end of the playground, Scott sat on a bench blankly watching the activities of the other children.

Running over, Trav tugged on him. "Scott, come play horse with us."

Scott attempted to move out of his touch. "Not right now, Trav."

Forming a huge frown, Trav pleaded, "Please, please, Scott. All the other big kids are mean. My whole class says so. Please, pleeeeeease…"

"Alright," Scott finally gave in with a sigh.

Leaping over onto the roof from the tree, Cody seized the Frisbee and threw it down to Joey.

One of the boys called up, "Now let's see you get down."

"Jump, jump," a few playfully taunted.

Intrigue crossed Cody's face. "How much you willin' to pay to see it?"

"No way."

"He's got to be bluffing."

"Cody," came from Joey worriedly.

"Throw in a buck and I'll do it," Cody said after making a brief check for security.

The male members of his class started throwing down dollar bills and one said, "This I got to see."

Freezing in place at the sight, Scott stopped walking with Trav to shout up, "Cody, don't you d—"

With his back turned to his spectators, Cody performed a backflip and landed securely on his feet. He veered around to observe the numerous dropped jaws around him that eventually transformed into applauding hands. After a bow, Cody moved to collect the dollars left out for his performance.

Moving with great purpose through the fifth graders to bring Trav over to Joey, Scott instructed, "Stay," before taking the liberty of dragging Cody away to around one corner of the playground for privacy. "Are you crazy or just stupid?"

Cody jerked out of his hold. "What's your problem?"

Scott stared at him incredulously. "Okay, definitely stupid then. You know we're not supposed to do things like that at school."

Cody rolled his eyes. "Like anybody's gonna think I'm a mutant from that."

"An eleven-year-old kid landing flawlessly after jumping off a building?" Scott seethed. "Yeah, I think a few people might find that a little suspicious, Cody. I can't believe you could be that reckless."

"Lay off me," Cody retorted. "I don't have to listen to you."

Scott informed, "It's Victor you're going to listen to."

"Hey," Cody called after the departing boy then ran to catch up with him, "you're not actually gonna squeal on me. Come on, Scott."

"No, save it, Cody," Scott dismissed, only stopping to look at him again quickly. "Because you could have blown it for all of us." He continued on in search of the elder X-Man.

Cody watched him go with arms crossed and deep scowl in place.

IIIIIII

Easing the diaper into place, Kayla took the time to nuzzle her son's stomach with her nose. Grateful that he did not give her half as many squirms as he did his father during a changing, she next got him into his dark green outfit. However, an interruption came in the form of a bright flash.

"Logan, be careful with that," Kayla cautioned, lifting Todd up into her safe grasp.

"Relax, Mama." Logan began adjusting the camera. "I just need a few good shots for my next set of tattoos."

"Ah," Kayla left a soothing hand on Todd's back, "of course."

"Now for my little super model." Logan began snapping photos of a disinterested Mira, who lay propped up against a pillow with one of her many new stuffed animals.

Darting into his parents' bedroom, Cody charged their way energetically. "Hi, Daddy. Hi, Mama. Hi, Mira." He stopped off right at Kayla's side to speak directly to the one in her arms. "Hi, Toddy."

Logan immediately stopped playing photographer to raise an eyebrow his oldest's way.

Kayla regarded him with highly pleased approval. "Someone must have had a good day in school."

"Wish that was the case, Kay." Victor walked in next, his countenance void of humor. "Don't you have somethin' you want to tell your folks, Mite?"

"No," the boy sulked.

"Cat," Logan prompted.

Biting his lip at first, Cody began with, "I was sort of horsin' around at recess. Our Frisbee fell on the short roof and I went up after it. Then I jumped down."

Victor piped up, "He means he put on a show for his friends by back-flippin' almost a story down."

Kayla and Logan reacted with a unison, "What?"

"It wasn't that big a deal," Cody insisted. "There weren't any grownups around. I even made five bucks." He removed the bills from his pants pockets with a small cheeky smile. "The other guys thought I wouldn't go through with it."

"Thank you." Kayla pulled the money right out of his hand. "Your brother and sister will really appreciate the diapers this is going to cover."

Cody's lower mouth dropped. "But Ma…"

"That chump change is the least of your worries," Logan said matter-of-factly, coming towards him. "You know better than to try to pull stunts like this, especially now."

The boy next tried, "But Daddy—"

"Save it," Logan barked, gesturing with his head. "Across the hall, now."

"Aw, man," Cody groaned, trudging out of the room.

Eyeing his brother and sister-in-law sympathetically, Victor said, "I need to get over to practice," and left out next.

Logan picked up Mira for Kayla to also hold. "Why don't you take the kids up to go see Brian?"

Kayla nodded her agreement and offered him a short kiss before leaving with their small ones.

In the spare first floor bedroom, Cody sat with knees to his chest and his back against the wall. He felt ready to leap straight from his skin when the familiar heavy steps arrived inside the space.

Not speaking at first, Logan dragged over the nearest chair and took a seat, facing his son. "Didn't we have a pretty straight-forward discussion with you kids about not using your powers in school?"

"But it wasn't in school," Cody rationalized. "It was out on the playground."

Logan shot him a no-nonsense look. "Don't feed me that crap, Cat. I ain't in the mood for this. Me and your ma have enough on our plates with your brother and sister and now we have to worry about you stirring up foolishness? What if somebody had seen you?"

"The only one who saw was Scott and I wouldn't be in trouble at all if he hadn't ratted me out," Cody fumed. "Thinkin' he's so great, struttin like a peacot 'cause Charles and Erik made him their little hall monitor."

"Don't even try pinnin' this on Scott," Logan promptly reproached. "He's there as a second pair of eyes to make sure nothin' happens to the rest of you. Because let me tell you somethin', boy, you don't know who's watchin' you out here. You want to wind up in the back of a track? You want to get snatched from me and your mother? Is that what you want?"

"No, Daddy," Cody answered earnestly. "I was just… I was just playin'…"

"You mean showin' off." Logan gestured at him. "Come here. Drop the pants."

Cody inched away as if to somehow back straight through the wall. "Daddy…"

Logan warned, "If I got to tell you again, my belt comes off."

Hurrying up at that, Cody undid his pants and worked them down. He kept his very heated gaze aimed at the floor as he found himself across his father's lap.

Bringing the boy's briefs down, Logan wasted no time and started things off with strong swats. Not to his surprise, Cody squirmed and jumped right away. Logan wound a tighter arm around him and smacked at his lower bottom. The child took the silent hit and calmed his movements a little. However, the same could not be said for his cries which seemed to grow with every strike.

By the time it ended, Cody hardly noticed as his sobbing went on. Logan fixed his clothes for him and brought him to stand before him. He used his own sleeve to help clean his son's tear drenched face.

Through shining brown eyes, Cody managed to lift his head to view his father a little. "I- I'm sorry, Daddy…"

Logan laid a hand over his cheek. "Go to your room and lay down. I'll see you in a while."

Nodding several times, Cody turned to leave, sniffling all the way out into the hall.

IIIIIII

Done inspecting the eyes with miniature flashlight, Hank directed, "Alright, Charles. Release him."

Before the telepath did so, Scott slipped his glasses back. "Do they look any different?"

"Still healthy and capable of producing amazing retinal blasts," Hank reported positively.

Scott did not appear remotely appeased by this. "Do you think my control's gotten any better? Now that I'm older I mean."

Hank's cheerful countenance faded a little. "I'm afraid not, Scott. The damage you suffered from the crash makes full control of your abilities next to impossible."

"But not completely impossible," Scott hung onto. "I've been reading some medical journals at school. Things that have worked for stroke victims. What if there's an operation that could help me?"

Charles fielded that one immediately. "Hold on, Scott. You're talking about highly invasive, extremely dangerous surgery that could cause far more harm than good."

"But I have to do something, Charles," Scott urged. "Lieutenant Ford says becoming a pilot is hard for guys with eye conditions."

"While that is true, that doesn't mean a great deal, Scott. After all, I've had these," Hank pointed out his own glasses, "most of my life and I still earned a pilot's license."

"But if your glasses fall off, you don't have two laser beams ready to set the whole sky on fire," Scott pointed out. "I want to be a pilot more than anything." He let off a purely exasperated groan, leaning back against the couch. "This stuff is driving me crazy."

"It's alright, Scott." Hank placed a calming hand on the boy's knee. "You really need to not let these things get to you. Alex is already at risk with his hypertension. I don't want to see you have to deal with the same. Perhaps… perhaps it is a good idea for you to consider a less vigorous independent study."

Shooting right to his feet, Scott spat, "No!"

"Now Scott," Charles took his wrist, "we're only suggesting—"

"No!" the boy reiterated. "I'm staying in ROTC. I won't change out of air force. And I will become a pilot, do or die, just like my father. No one's going to stop me. No one!" He charged out of the second floor living room with that.

Charles let off a sigh. "I have to talk to him."

Hank stood to offer a comforting pat to his shoulder. "Give him a little time. I know what it's like to feel constricted by mutation. We'll have to take these situations in stride. He is a teenager now."

"Yes," Charles concurred evenly. Unfortunately.

IIIIIII

Feet lightly kicking the air, Cody somewhat distantly wrote out his spelling words while right next to him Joey played with a lap full of Bounty.

"Come in," Joey said to the ginger rapping at their door.

Kayla stepped inside with heavily stocked tray. "Raven told me you two aren't up for joining the rest of us at the table."

When she brought the food in closer, Cody sat up with a beam. "You brought us dessert?"

"Of course. I believe you've been punished quite enough." Kayla lowered the tray to a firm pillow and reached out to stroke her son's hair. "You understand why your father and I were so worried?"

"Yes, Mama," he replied. "I won't goof around at school anymore."

"Good." Kayla danced affectionate fingers over Joey's hair as well before leaving the two young men to their dinner.

Putting Bounty to the side, Joey pulled over his slice of pie. "Dessert first?"

"You know it." As they ate, dissatisfaction remained on Cody's face.

"What's wrong?" Joey inquired.

"Scott. That lousy tattle tale. He's the reason I ended up in this mess at all."

Though he had a bit of a disagreement about that, Joey only said, "I wish he would've given you another chance instead of telling."

"Don't worry." Cody took another bite of pie. "He'll get his."

IIIIIII

Charting his and Charles' rather hectic meeting schedule for the upcoming week, Erik released a faint sigh. Looking over from the desk, he glanced around at the four youths sprawled around the space the metal wielder used for sleeping quarters. Becky sat in a chair, erasing every so often in frustration over her fractions. Leon and Alex shared the bed with a stack of textbooks between them at the center of the mattress. Positioned near the window, Frank seemed the most at ease while he read his literature book.

Peering at him, Alex nudged, "Okay, light bright, give. What're you all smiles for?"

"Nothing." Frank then looked up with the aforementioned smile in place. "Except Carmen Moreno agreed to go out with me. We're grabbing a bite after Scott's game."

"Whoa, third week in and you already got a lady lined up?" Alex gawked, unable to hide his pride.

"Yep," Frank nodded, "and Sean's already agreed to take me to pick her up for the game."

"Wonderful," piped up Erik. "The whole family will have the pleasure of meeting her."

"This ought to be good," Alex smirked.

"Ah, cut it out," Frank waved off.

Erik turned to Alex. "Any young ladies of interest at school for you?"

"Sure, my trigonometry professor. I'm hoping I can butter her into giving me a B," Alex said. "I'm totally willing to look past the fact that she's fifty and has that cane. Our sociology professor's actually pretty cute."

"You mean Professor Myers, formerly Professor Conn, before her magical wedding ceremony this summer?" Leon spoke. "Country girl from Wisconsin and youngest farmer's daughter just brimming with idealistic notions about life?"

Alex raised an eyebrow his way. "How do you even know that?"

Leon replied, "I like to be privileged to information regarding my present and future educators."

Alex deduced, "You snuck into their files."

"Quite easily," replied Leon.

"Let me get this straight." Rising from the desk, Erik walked their way. "You pried into confidential records for the sole purpose of having a psychological advantage over your own professors?"

Leon gazed up at him. "Yes, sir."

"My God," Erik let off a disbelieving breath, "you truly are my son."

IIIIIII

Seemingly a prisoner of his own daze, Scott hardly heard the lunch bell or registered his classmates taking leave of the room.

Becky's hand went right to his shoulder, getting his attention. "Aren't you coming?"

"Oh yeah." Taking hold of his red lunchbox, Scott moved to stand. "Right behind you."

Becky nodded and started up a conversation with Megan as they walked out together.

"Scott," Aaron's voice made the boy approach the largest desk in the room, "I hardly heard a word out of you for the last hour. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, sir fine," Scott responded. "I just have a lot on my mind."

Aaron crossed his arms, focusing in on him. "Anything you care to talk about?"

Scott thought for a moment about that. "Has anyone ever told you that you just can't do something?"

"Yes," Aaron answered promptly. "Quite a few in regards to my teaching profession actually."

Scott reacted, "That's nuts."

"I'm glad you think so," Aaron said with a small smile. "It took longer for me to convince myself of that. However, it's equally nuts in my opinion for you to believe there is something out there you can't do. Drown out the negativity, Scott and stay locked on your goal."

Scott considered that and gave off a nod. "Thanks, Mr. A. I better get to lunch."

"Alright. See you later then." Remembering something Aaron added, "Oh, and I'm very excited about the Jaguars. I can't wait for Saturday."

The boy glanced back at him with a wide smile. "You're really coming?"

Aaron replied, "I wouldn't miss seeing you, Larry, or Brody out there."

In greater spirits now, Scott strolled out into the hall.

When he reached the main building, he stepped off inside the boys' bathroom. Standing before one mirror, he stared at the reddened version of himself.

Okay, easy, easy. You can do this. Very slowly, he slid his shades off his face. Eyes, shut he opened them tentatively. Just concentrate.

Scott could only grin at the sight of himself in full color. "Alright!"

Blinking several times, he aimed to stay focused. He left the bathroom feeling lighter than air.

On route to the cafeteria, he round one corner when a particular dose of sunlight splashed down on him from a window. Feeling the heat building, Scott tried to mentally contain himself. He fell back as his power took over, unleashing the red beams. They tore through the window, leaving it reduced to microscopic pieces of glass.

However, the clear booming noise caused the greatest churn in Scott's stomach. He managed to shut his eyes and get his glasses back on in order to peer out the destroyed window. All color left his face at the amount of trash scattered about the side of the school from the now mangled trash can.

Picking up hurried footsteps heading right for him, Scott took off for the opposite end of the hall. He reached one pair of doors and raced right through them, rushing up the first flight of stairs he saw. Taking a moment to catch his breath against one wall, he attempted to ease his wretched chest. After he found some small form of calm, he headed downstairs again in what he hoped passed for nonchalant posture.

When he came close to the cafeteria, he located some of his housemates and friends gathered among the massive swarm of students.

He maneuvered through to get close to Becky. "What's going on?"

"We don't know," Becky told him. "Security's not letting anybody through."

Gary came over to them. "I saw it."

Scott looked to him urgently. "Saw what?"

"Our new dumpster dive outside," Gary said. "Looks like somebody unleashed a cherry bomb or something. Completely demolished that picture window."

Before anyone could say more, Victor and a few teachers came through to usher the children back inside the cafeteria.

IIIIIII

The sudden appearance of the clearly frazzled one took Frank's attention away from the assignments spread out in front of him.

Rising from the desk, concern covered his features. "Scott, are you okay?"

A slow shake of Scott's head resulted and he dropped his book bag. "No," he somewhat robotically shut the door, walking towards his bed, "I'm not okay. Nothing's okay."

Frank frowned, following his movements. "Don't you have practice?"

"I had Alex tell Vic that I have a headache. Frank…" Scott turned to face him. "I did something really bad. Horrible."

"Easy, Scott. Relax." Frank helped him to sit on the mattress then joined him on it. "Now give it to me straight."

Scott replayed the events in his mind, growing paler at the recollection. "I was trying to… trying to practice some control- over my powers. It worked and I could see like normal but then… then it went off and…"

Becoming far more worried, Frank pressed, "What, Scott? What happened?"

"I blasted a window and a full garbage can. The mess was everywhere."

"Oh, geez!" Frank put a hand on his leg and peered closely into the younger boy's glasses. "Was anybody hurt? Did anybody see you?"

"No, no," Scott shook his head hard, "I took off before security got there. They tried to get the whole bunch of us to fess up at lunch, but I kept quiet. Pretty sure they just think it's a rotten prank."

Frank released a relieved sigh. "That's good at least."

The pounding that sounded from the door caused both boys to jump.

"Who is it?" Frank responded.

"Let us in," the voice demanded from the other side.

"Get lost, Cody," Frank ordered. "We're not in the mood."

"Figures." Regardless, Cody opened the door and poked his head into the room. "I know I'd be messin' my pants if I blasted a whole garbage can to bits."

Glaring, Scott shot up and yanked him inside the room with Joey following. "You little creep. You were listening in on us."

The self-satisfied gleam never left Cody's face. "Just to make sure I was right. I heard you when you were talking to Becky. Your heart about pounded straight outta your chest."

"Look, he didn't mean for it to happen." Frank got up and headed over. "We've got to keep this quiet."

"No problem." Cody then immediately tacked on, "If you guys do our homework for us."

"What?" sounded in unison from the older boys.

"And pick up after us in the living room," Cody added. "And in the kitchen."

"Forget it," Frank shot down.

"Fine by me," Cody shrugged. "I'm sure my uncle will love to know that his star player was messin' around with powers in school. There's no way he'll let you play on Saturday. And just imagine what Charles'll have to say about his big leader now."

"You little rat," Scott snapped.

"Yeah," an equally irritated Frank seconded. "You're only doing this because Scott called you out yesterday."

"He's the rat," Cody countered. "Finkin' on me and landin' me in hot water with my folks. It's payback time."

With not an ounce of pleasure in his tone, Frank finally agreed, "We'll do it."

Scott glanced at him in disbelief. "Frank."

Frank faced him as well. "Do you want to miss out on the first game of the season? We have to." He then looked to the quiet blonde in the room. "I really don't believe you, Joey. This isn't like you."

The ten-year-old spoke with, "If my powers had gone off and made a boom like that, Scott would've told and I'd be in huge trouble with Dad."

"Come on, Joey. We've got to head over to the center." As they plopped down their school bags, Cody gave Frank and Scott a look. "And don't try any funny stuff. Make it look like we did it."

"Yeah, yeah," Frank dismissed. "I know how to play it."

With a faux air, Cody said to Scott, "Sorry about this but maybe you'll learn. After all, you almost blew it for all of us- sky high." They turned to go with that.

Scott let off a moan. "I'm really sorry about this."

Frank only touched a supportive hand to his friend's upper back.

IIIIIII

"It smelled awful," Becky recalled, nose wrinkled in disgust at the recollection, "and the little kids' teachers were so worried. I could feel it. I think they thought something really bad had happened."

"Yeah," Trav piped up, "like a cannon."

"It's under control now," Victor said. "The principal thinks it was a couple members of the science club or some of the detention kids bein' wise guys."

"Thank God it wasn't anything more serious," said Emma.

"And that no one was harmed from such a twisted joke," add Charles.

Angel remarked humorously, "The grammar school gets all the fun."

"I know," Cordelia reached over for another piece of bread, "The most exciting thing that happened today was Hilary Taylor letting her pasta boil over in Home Ec."

"Where're you goin'?" Logan asked of his wife suddenly rising.

Kayla claimed, "I think I hear Todd crying."

"Your ears mutate after their birth or somethin'?" Logan smirked. "Because if I don't hear 'em, I know you can't."

"Well, it's been a while since Mira was changed. I was done eating, anyway." Kayla started off for their quarters.

"To think, we almost had her company for a full ten minutes," Erik quipped.

"No greater joy or fret than a new baby about," stated Emma. "I can only imagine what she's feeling with two at once."

Joey pushed his now empty plate away. "Can me and Cody eat dessert in front of the TV?"

"Television?" Charles raised an eyebrow. "You had art class today. How far along are you in your homework?"

Joey reported, "It's all done."

"Yep," supported Cody. "Frank and Scott were real neat about helpin' us with it earlier."

Victor reacted to that with, "Scott helped you out? Geez, between his own school work and the guys on the team, no wonder his head was poundin' earlier."

Alex said, "Probably why he and Frank wanted to eat in their rooms. They're most likely catching up."

"I better look in on Scott." Standing, Hank left Kiki in Raven's lap before heading out of the dining room.

"So Daddy," Joey addressed his father, "is it okay?"

Charles peered Logan's direction, who said, "Fine by me."

"Go on, lads," the Professor granted.

"There are lemon meringue pies in the refrigerator," Raven informed the boys. "I better not walk in there to see half a pie missing."

Joey responded with, "Yes, Aunt Raven," before he and Cody made their excited trek towards the kitchen.

II

Hank's knuckles came down on the solid wood twice. "Scott?"

"Come in."

Entering, the scientist found him at the desk. "Still at it I see."

"Mr. A didn't give us much homework." Scott laid a hand over one page of the open book in front of him. "So I'm reviewing conduct code for ROTC."

"Your dedication is beyond admirable." Hank placed his large right hand over the boy's forehead. "How are you feeling now?"

"Oh, fine," Scott answered, massaging his left temple slightly. "I guess I just needed to rest my eyes."

Moving his hand to the youth's shoulder, Hank said, "I hope you know I didn't mean anything yesterday. I was only concerned about your health with all that you're taking on at the moment."

"I know," Scott admitted. "I'm sorry for snapping like that. After all, you wouldn't bother with me on the flight simulator if you thought I was no good."

Hank gave a gentle squeeze to the thin shoulder. "For the record, I know you're going to be a first-class pilot. Even more so, I'm certain your father is as proud of you as we are."

With the first genuine smile he'd worn in several hours, Scott leaned against the man's stomach. "Thanks, Hank."

Hank rubbed his hair affectionately. "Come to me right away if your head gives you anymore trouble."

After the older mutant left, Scott collapsed said head into his book wearily.

IIIIIII

Toying with the dirt on his sneaker, Brody put forth, "Anybody want to grab a soda after this?"

"Forget it," Gary shot down, pacing along with sharp eyes locked on the players currently residing on the bench, "After practice we're going inside to study. We all have quizzes and tests we need to be ready for."

A chorus of groans sounded at that.

With his fist propping up his droopy head, Terrence claimed, "You're no fun, Gary."

"I'll tell you what's no fun." Gary put hands on his hips. "Letting our grades drop and winding up permanently glued to this bench. You know how Coach Dan is about school stuff and Coach Vic's not fooling around, either. We've worked too hard for our season to be messed up now."

Brody sighed but still said, "Yes, oh great captain."

Approaching them, Coach Dan asked, "How's it going, fellas?"

"Terrific, except Gary won't stop lecturing us about keeping up with our school work."

"Oh really? Gallagher?" Dan slapped a hand down on Gary's shoulder. "Keep up the good work."

The boy smiled in satisfaction.

Dan gestured towards his current pitcher. "Take five, Summers. Addison, you're up."

Scott took the summoned blonde boy's spot on the bench and picked up his left water bottle for a swig.

As Dan walked off to speak with Victor, Brody raised, "Guess what I heard about that big blow out from yesterday."

Scott nearly choked on his water. "What?"

Brody went on with, "The reason the teachers aren't giving us a big interrogation about that whole thing is because the school's got these secret cameras planted. Some serious CIA stuff. Security's gonna go through every single one to find out who did it."

Gary rolled his eyes. "Real rich, Brody. If there were really CIA cams anywhere, guys wouldn't be able to get away with half the stuff they do."

"They don't whip 'em out for any old reason like running in the halls," Brody reasoned. "But for something like yesterday? Look out."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Gary waved off. "That's got nothing to do with us."

All at once, Scott felt a decrease in coloring as well as a rapid rise in his pulse.

From where she rehearsed with the cheerleading squad, Becky started to smile his way until the near-nauseated look he currently sported put her off.

IIIIIII

"Secret CIA cameras?" Frank regarded him with humored incredulity. "You actually bought that?"

"Don't make it sound so far-fetched," Scott urged. "Think about it. Sean was grabbed late at night when he was near his old school. We don't know what the government might be planting to get at mutants."

Frank had to admit he presented good reasoning. "Well, yeah but—" He quieted at another arriving in the third floor living room.

The young female telepath moved around the side of the couch where they sat on the polished hardwood together to properly view them. "Scott, are you alright? You looked really weird at practice earlier."

After sharing a quick look with Frank, Scott gazed up at the girl. "Rebecca, if I tell you something, do you swear to keep it between us?"

Becky nodded. "Of course."

"I…" Scott had to let go of a breath before continuing. "My powers went haywire yesterday. I'm the reason behind the window and the garbage disaster."

Her green eyes swelled in such a way that they nearly took over her entire face. "Really?" He nodded grimly. "But how? Did you fall and lose your glasses?"

Scott shook his head now. "I wish it was that simple."

"Oh Scott, Frank," Cody entered with Joey at his side, "there you guys are. We need a little more 'help' with our homework."

Frank said matter-of-factly, "You can forget it."

"Fine by me." Cody looked directly at Scott. "It's not my funeral."

With a hard look in place, Scott got to his feet. "What is with you, Cody? Look, I get that you're sore about me telling on you, but can't you just leave me alone? You have no idea how hard school is for me sometimes."

"Oh come on," Cody dismissed, "with your big time brain?"

"That's not what I mean," Scott emphasized. "When your powers act up, it's on purpose. I'm completely lost without my shades. And if my eyes go nuts, someone can get really hurt. You have all this control, not to mention amazing powers, and you treat it like it's nothing. So, you know what? If you want to tell that bad, go nuts." Scott walked off a short distance to gaze out the window.

With Cody unable to speak, Joey stepped forward. "We're sorry, Scott."

Becky wanted to know, "Sorry about what exactly?"

Frank explained, "These two goons found out what Scott did and got us to do their homework and pick up after them yesterday."

Surprised mixed with disbelief worming its way onto her round face, Becky reproved, "Joey Xavier."

"I'm sorry, Becky," the small blonde apologized to next. "I just wanted to help Cody get even from the other day."

Feet shuffling a little, Cody came up behind Scott. "I was never gonna tell."

Scott turned around to look at him. "You expect me to believe that?"

"It's the truth," Cody stated simply. "I wouldn't dime you guys out. You could pop a guy off right in front of me and I wouldn't squeal. I ain't a tattle tale."

Scott realized, "So… you did all this to mess with me?"

Cody offered up a little cute smile. "And get our homework done."

Attempting to hide his pride, Frank shook his head. "You're really something else, kid."

Scott slapped a hand across his own forehead. "I swear all you little guys are colossal pains. But I've got bigger problems now. One of my teammates heard that security has secret cameras around the school."

"Huh?" Cody frowned. "My uncle never said anything about that."

"It might be a hush-hush thing," Frank pointed out. "You know how adults are."

"Wait, wait," Tossing back some of her curls, Becky attempted to get a lid on things, "Even if that's true, they definitely haven't seen it yet because Knight Victor hasn't said anything."

"I can't leave this up to chance." Scott made a resolute fist. "I got to come forward."

"What?" Cody gaped at him. "Are you out of your mind? If you fess up, you're in for it big time. More like 'belt time' actually."

Frank said, "Oh come on. If they haven't blasted me with the belt yet, no way are they giving it to Scott."

"My uncle doesn't do belts, anyway." Cody then mentioned, "But my dad does. I get the feelin' Erik does; heck, he'll probably ground you on top of it. Then Charles, if he comes home tired from talkin' to those big whigs, he might throw a cane at ya. You can bet Alex is gonna chew you out. And forget Saturday. You'll be lucky if you get to play ball any time this year." At the long list, Cody then asserted, "Wow, are you over."

Scott touched his queasy stomach. "Gee, thanks."

Becky rushed to offer a consoling hand to Scott's wrist. "It probably won't be that bad."

"If I weren't in high school, I'd take the fall for you," Frank said. "They'd actually believe a mess like this coming from me."

Joey put forth, "Maybe we can get the tape out of the security room."

"Yeah," Cody seconded. "We'll get to school real early tomorrow. Joey can cut the power and Becky can make a distraction—"

"For what?" Scott cut in. "So we can all get in trouble for using our powers? No. I'm not bringing you guys down with me."

Frank told him, "If you stand up straight like a man they'll appreciate it more."

"Yep," Cody bobbed his head, "then as soon as you're done, drop to the floor for that six-way whippin' they're gonna give you."

Joey jabbed him with his elbow.

Scott stared ahead blankly. "I'm just going to have to tell them before the truth about us gets exposed."

"But Scott," Cody implored him, "they won't let you be leader no more."

With a heavy sigh through the nose, Scott determined, "Then I guess that's the way it has to be. After dinner, I'm telling them." His resolve in place, he walked out of the room.

Becky watched him with heavy eyes.

"Ugh," Frank groaned. "I hate this."

"So…" Cody glanced around at them. "Does this mean Becky's grammar school leader now?"

The girl in question gave him a cross look.

IIIIIII

Up in the dining room that functioned as the oldest security man's sleep space, Victor and Erik sat across from each other in palpable silence. The former studied his mutated claws while the latter used his magnetism to toy with a handful of loose change. Alex came in next with his sociology textbook taking up the bulk of his attention as he somewhat blindly lowered next to Erik on the bed. Lastly, Charles entered ahead of a communicating Hank and Logan.

"The twins are progressing at a very positive rate for having arrived slightly sooner than anticipated," the young doctor reported to the veteran. "I'll have to look into it further, but I believe Kayla's milk offers a vast array of nutrients capable of by no ordinary woman."

Mostly nodding along with him, Logan responded, "Fox'll be right over the moon to hear that." Of course, it also brought a great deal of easing to his own vexations.

Charles took the chair of which Victor currently roosted on the arm and asked, "Does anyone know why Scott wanted to see all of us?"

Turning a page, Alex said, "He didn't clue me into anything."

Logan dropped down beside the blonde. "Must be pretty big if Slim wants us herded up like this."

Remaining standing, Hank raised, "I hope his grades aren't suffering."

Victor scoffed at that. "With the way he and Gary Gallagher have been on it about these studies, I wouldn't bet ten cents on that."

The men quieted when the boy on their minds at last made his way into the living room, clad in his deep green camouflage pajamas. "I… I have to tell you all something."

Charles leaned forward in his seat. "This sounds serious. Do you want me to call for Emma and Kayla?"

"No," Scott immediately turned down. "I really don't want the ladies to see me like this."

Alex shut his book. "What's going on, Scott?"

Scott attempted to open his mouth twice but sound seemed lost to him.

Erik shoved his coins back into his pocket. "Scott?"

Frowning with grave concern, Charles reached out to pull him near.

"No." Scott stepped away from the touch. "I'm okay… sort of." Bringing his ruby quartz covered eyes to face them all, he managed to knit his words. "I did something incredibly wrong. You're going to be mad, really mad."

Logan coaxed, "Let's hear it, kid."

Charles urged, "Scott, please just tell us. Whatever it is."

"I was in the boys' room on Tuesday and I took my shades off. I was concentrating really hard and my eyes didn't go off one bit. I thought I could keep controlling it," Scott ran a nervous hand up and down his arm, "until the sun hit me. Before I even knew what was happening, my blasts went straight through the window and blew apart the trash can."

Upon the completion of the recollection, all six of the older males proved too thoroughly taken aback to speak at first.

Alex reacted with, "You've got to be kidding me."

"That was you, Scott?" Victor stood up. "Why didn't you come to me? You could've hurt someone."

"I know," Scott moved his hand to rub behind his head now. "I just… I was so scared I just tore out of the hall. But I swear, I didn't mean for it to happen."

"You removed your visor," getting to his feet, Erik began recounting, "which is dangerous in and of itself. You kept your eyes open and experimented with your powers, something you know you are forbidden to do without one of us present. Then instead of coming to us, you chose to hide it."

Chest heaving and shoulders shaking, Scott got out, "There's more… one of the guys on the team says the school has secret cameras planted. Vic, you have to grab that footage before anyone sees it."

"Secret cameras?" Victor raised an eyebrow to that. "Get out of here. The only cam we got in that joint is outside in the parking lot. Pretty sure we only got that one for the teachers' car insurance claims."

Some small relief came to Scott at hearing that. "You mean we won't be exposed?"

"Not this time," came from Erik, "but we too easily could have been. Among other horrors that could have resulted from this."

Rising, Charles kept darkened blue eyes on the boy. "Scott, if one of the other children or a member of maintenance had been anywhere near that area, the very worst could have happened."

Alex reproached him with, "You know how dangerous powers like ours are."

Scott uttered in a near hushed tone, "I didn't mean to do it."

Logan put forth meaningfully, "But you did mean to keep it tight-lipped, didn't ya?"

A resonating, "I'm sorry," sounded from on-edge youth. "I'm sorry about all of this; everything."

Breaking his silence, Hank wanted to know, "What were you thinking?"

"I just wanted control!" Scott cried out. "I just wanted to be able to use my power without these shades and not mess anything up. I wanted to be as good as you are, Alex."

Alex felt a direct ping at his chest. "Scottie…"

The boy only continued with, "Lieutenant Ford was telling me I couldn't be a pilot because of my eyes. And kids were making fun of me for being in air force. It's just like when I wanted to play baseball. You guys said I couldn't do it. But I love my team and the X-Men and ROTC and I have to be a pilot like my dad. Because I can barely remember him and it's all I have…"

Leaping straight from his seat, Alex snatched his brother into a solid embrace.

Hank came up behind to rub his back and coach, "Calm down, Scott. Please, I need you to calm down." Though he had no tears going, Hank could feel the mini tremors coursing throughout the thin body.

"You won't lose Dad." Alex kissed the top of his head. "You won't. I promise. No matter what, you won't lose him."

Coming over, Charles dipped just a little to reach his eyes. "Scott?" He cupped his cheek. "You know that regardless of anything you have done or possibly will do, we love you. Absolutely. Yes?"

Scott nodded against Alex. "Yes, sir."

"And hey, to be honest," Logan approached to clap his shoulder, "even us oldie mutants have lost it at school a time or two."

Scott looked around at them. "I can't tell you how sorry I am. I jumped all over Cody, but couldn't face up when it was me. That's not how a leader behaves."

"That's certainly true," Charles tapped his chin, "but it is how growing, learning little boys behave. Yes, even thirteen-year-olds."

Scott formed the tiniest smile.

"However," hands in pockets, Erik's stepped forward, "as much as we love and will always value you, we still have to punish you."

"I know," Scott whispered.

Charles shared looks with Erik, Logan, and Victor before directing, "Alex, Hank, stay with him while we take a moment to discuss this."

Alex nodded and sat down in the nearest chair, bringing Scott into his lap. Staying near them, Hank cast a comforting shadow over the Summers boys.

The Headmasters formed a four-way square with the brothers Howlett-Creed. With only their facial expressions to go by in addition to the notable silence, the younger boys easily deduced this was a conversation of the telepathic variety. After a few minutes of deliberation, Charles led them back over.

Scott raised his head attentively.

Erik spoke first with, "If you were any other student, you would have been suspended for this. Now since we obviously cannot draw attention to this matter, you're to write "I will not use my powers in school" as well as "I will not test my powers without an instructor present" three hundred times each. Due before lunch on Sunday."

Logan said, "I want you up and out of bed at five o'clock sharp in the mornin'. Since you're so interested in control, we're goin' to work on a few sunrise stress exercises."

Scott responded to them both with a prompt, "Yes, sir," then brought his gaze Victor's way. "Um, what about the game on Saturday?"

"On account of how hard you've worked, not to mention the fact that Gary would kill us both, you can still play." Victor raised a reprimanding finger. "But outside of games, you're grounded for the next two weekends. Ought to give you plenty of time to study up on your ROTC. Show Lieutenant Ford what's what."

Despite the punishment, Scott experienced elation. "Thanks, Coach."

"As for the rest," Charles folded his arms, "go to your room. I'll be up there shortly."

"Yes, sir." Detaching himself from his brother's grasp, Scott faced them all once more. "I really am sorry. Really, really, really—"

Alex swatted him across the seat of his pants. "Room, twerp."

As Scott moved to go by him, Hank also sent out a smack, albeit a far more ginger one.

IIIIIII

Despite his mind so far elsewhere, Scott still managed to begin work on his assigned lines. From their own beds, Frank and Sean also distracted themselves with homework.

Sean piped up, "I bet you're happy."

"Definitely," said Scott, looking up. "I thought for sure I'd have to miss the game."

"Not you. Frank-O," Sean indicated with his thumb, "Now his date won't be ruined."

Frank snickered and pretended to focus on his notebook.

The English man's stern countenance in their doorway promptly drained the humor from the room. "Franklin, Sean, go downstairs and study with the girls, please."

"Gladly," Frank mumbled, hastening to gather his materials.

On the way out, Sean took note of the yard stick Charles carried with him and he could not help flinching on Scott's behalf.

The thirteen-year-old rushed to his feet, standing at attention.

Closing the door after himself, Charles next instructed, "Bend over your desk," using the stick to point it out. Scott walked and leaned over the wooden furniture piece with hands planted against the top. Charles came up behind him. "You obviously know why you're being punished."

"For sure," Scott confirmed. "And I swear, Charles, I won't let this happen again."

"Certainly you will not, young man. As a learning leader," Charles began tugging down the boy's pants and underwear, "you're going to have to be a much better example. And if you make a mistake, you must come to me."

Bracing himself, Scott uttered, "Yes, sir."

"Very good then." No more words needed, Charles raised and brought the yard stick across the bare behind with a hard whack.

Gasping, Scott had to grit his teeth to keep from crying out. As the strikes rained down one after the other, he sucked in air. The heat and pain increased rapidly, causing his upper body to wilt across the desk. From under his shades, tears streamed down, dripping right onto the desk.

When the number of whacks reached fifteen, Charles propped up the yard stick against the wall. "Alright, Scott," he worked his clothes back up, "that's done."

Remaining on the desk for a full minute of sobbing, when Scott did stand he dreaded the disappointment he would soon face. However, as soon as he turned around he received no time to register Charles' features at all as the man brought him into a solid hug.

"I'm sorry I had to do that, son," Charles stroked his hair, "but there are certain mistakes you cannot afford to ever mistake. I never want you taken away from me or for you to have to live with tragic consequences."

"I know. I don't want that, either, especially not to be taken from you." Scott buried his face against the telepath's shirt. "I'm sorry, Charles. I'll do better. I promise you."

Charles kissed his forehead twice. "And I believe you. Oh Scott," he squeezed him, "I love you so much, dear boy."

Sniffling, Scott returned, "I love you, too."

"Now, since Logan's scheduled you for such an early day tomorrow," Charles guided him towards the boy's bed, "you should really be getting to sleep."

Scott protested lightly with, "But I want to work on my lines."

Charles removed the pen and paper and pulled back the covers. "There will be time for that later. Go on, get in."

Not daring to argue anymore, Scott laid down and settled as he was tucked in. "Good night, Charles."

Running tender fingers through his hair, Charles said, "Good night, young Cyclops." He then tacked on, "My little leader."

Smile in place, Scott soon fell asleep.

Twenty minutes after Charles left out, Alex tipped inside. With some careful maneuvering, he eased the cold pack onto the young teen's undoubtedly aching rear end.

Getting the covers back in place, Alex squatted to peck near his temple. Little twerp.