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.

203. Chapter 203 Banshee's Battle

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Three

Author's Word: Hi, fam. If there was ever a time I needed emotional and spiritual support it is now. I ask not only for financial and health relief for the ones I love, but also for strength above all. Strength for me not to give up and fall away, regardless of whatever happens. I'll tell you what else keeps me continuously stable. Rise or Fall, this fam(dom), all of you. Every single one, even if it doesn't seem like it. Believe me, you keep me going. Thank you, fam. Now, please enjoy and review!

All colorful items lined up, Erik seized them by their metallic hooks and hung them in various spots throughout the third floor living room. At Brian's bright eyed reaction to the display, the metal wielder floated one of the paper lanterns for him and Kiki to get a closer look at. The two small children pawed at it from their mothers' laps.

Alex caught sight of them as well and took a roll of blue stream to dangle above them.

Raven remarked, "They're not cats you know," then had to laugh at Kiki attempting to catch the paper exactly like a kitten.

"Brian," Emma pried the ribbon on the lantern away from his mouth, "that is not for eating." She handed him his teething ring, which interested him far less.

Charles let off a breathy chuckle. "Can never stay full that one."

"He's picked up someone's late-night snacking habit no doubt," commented Erik wryly.

"Pardon?" Charles raised an eyebrow. "I can't remember the last time I had an after midnight nibble. With the crying infant chorus, a full night's rest has become a luxury."

Emma eyed her husband sympathetically, knowing their particular powers and ability to sense the uneasy sleep patterns of others had a hand in his lost rest as well.

Charles then noted of the young man assisting him with the banner, "You're awfully quiet today."

Attempting to adjust his end, Leon glanced back at him. "That's new?"

"To this degree, yes." Charles then honed full attention on him. "Are you tired? You haven't been using your powers around campus have you?"

"Fat chance of that," Raven piped up, gesturing with her shoulder towards Alex. "Not with the mutant monitor around."

Alex came back with, "Hey, if I can't blow up the biology lab, you can't change into a dean and give everybody a pizza day."

Raven started to stick her tongue out at him, but mindful of her daughter, gave him a slight sneer instead.

"I'm not tired," Leon said. "I just find it funny to be putting up decorations for a guest of honor who I am very certain doesn't want me present. Has a Stalin-esque humor to it."

"Leon, you mustn't feel that way," Emma shifted Brian around to lay against her chest, "I know you and Sean have had your problems, but believe me. You're bosom friends compared to many a squabble shared between my older sister and me."

"You got to admit, Em," Alex raised, "Sean has been a full-on brat boy lately."

Raven wondered, "What's going on with him? Ever since we came back together he's into this macho routine."

Erik looked towards his brother. "They're right, Charles."

"Yes, I've noticed it." Charles addressed Leon again. "However, I thought the two of you had worked out your animosity."

Leon gave off a clueless shrug. "I thought so, too."

Raven said, "He'll probably be in a better mood with Maya here."

Erik sent to Charles' mind, I believe your little boy is going to benefit from that birthday spanking. Depending on how he behaves.

Charles replied, why do you think I save mine for the end of the day?

II

Going from looking over Logan's shoulder at the bitty girl, Maya faced the equally small sleeping boy in her grasp. The fresh baby scent filled and sent pleasantness throughout her.

"They're so much better than the pictures." Maya brought Todd near her cheek to feel the soft skin.

"Especially when they're asleep," said Logan half-humorously. At the murmur from Mira, he leaned in to gently shush her. "Easy, doll face." He left a gentle kiss on her forehead. "You know Daddy was only funnin' ya."

Maya glanced at them then fully noticed their multicolor pajamas. "Did you make these, Kay?"

Looking over from straightening up around the room, Kayla saw what she meant. "No, Adrienne sent those over, actually. Hearts and Stripes Forever: Baby Edition."

"Oh, what Angel's doing," Maya recollected.

Kayla smiled. "Cody's really enjoying it, too. Ever since Jasmine left, I know he's missed having someone he can relate to about these things. With Becky still standoffish, Angel's been a big help."

Standing, Maya walked over to give Todd to her. "That reminds me. I want to get over to the high school before they get out."

Logan looked up. "Want a ride, Smiley?"

"That's okay," she shook her head, starting for the door. "I'll just ask Rae or Leon."

Logan watched her go then had to react to the sudden dampness in his lap courtesy of his daughter.

IIIIIII

The near roar-level yawn caused a sudden cease in conversation amongst the quad proceeding through the hall.

"And I thought I was ready to pass out in algebra." Merina squeezed his lower arm. "Are you doing okay?"

Russ nodded with a heavy head. "Just forgot to put the cat and dog out last night."

"Again?" Ben reacted. "They're getting out of hand with this. You want to stay over with me?"

Russ turned him down with, "No, I'm good. Things were pretty okay earlier at breakfast."

Sean threw an arm around him. "Just don't sleep through my party or I'm disowning you."

Russ gave a rough toss to the red hair. "No chance! It's the one thing I've been looking forward to."

"Me, too," Merina concurred. "See you guys tonight."

The four divided up as Frank caught up with Sean. "Hey."

"Hey," the older boy returned, "how was your Italian quiz?"

"Meh, whatever," Frank responded indifferently. "I finished early so I got some of my homework done."

Sean shook his head in amazement. "Science will never be ready to study your brain, Frank-O." He then zeroed in on something across the way and headed over.

Frank followed his gaze and pace.

Slamming his hand against his locker to divide the pair currently speaking, Sean stared down the male. "Is there something I can help you with? You know, outside of destruction of public property?"

Fabian looked back at him and released a hearty laugh. "I believe someone has eyes for you, Cordelia."

The girl let off a scoff that very nearly filled the hall. "If we were the last surviving members of nuclear warfare, I'd sooner join a colony of cockroaches."

Sean turned around to glare at her. "Feeling homesick, huh?"

"Says the worm," Cordelia shot back.

"Hey, hey." Angel neared the group. "What's going on, people?"

Fabian said, "You would have to ask Shane here."

The redhead veered back around. "It's Sean. Just because you're in our school, for God only knows what idiotic reason, doesn't mean you can hang around us."

"Yes, well," Fabian tugged on his leather messenger bag, "I'm going to leave before Holden Caulfield here suffers some sort of juvenile cardiac arrest from puffing out his chest that way." He started to turn then looked forward again. "Oh, and I hear it's your birthday. Many happy returns and just think. Maybe next year you'll be big enough for a man's car." He walked off with that.

Cordelia grabbed the seething one by the arm to make him look at her. "Who do you think you are?"

Sean countered, "What do you think you're doing hanging around that guy?"

"Since when do I need your permission to speak with anyone?"

"You do when I catch you talking to creeps like that."

At the absolute rage that overcame her friend at that, Angel went to get in between them with arms outstretched. "Okay, enough. Cor, babe, calm down." She then faced the taller one. "Sean, we know you're legal and we're all happy for you, but take it down a couple notches. Please."

After a heated frown-off, Cordelia made charged tracks for the outside and Sean went next.

Frank walked with Angel and said, "I think this is one of their better days."

Angel giggled and joined arms with him as they followed the others outside and to the parking lot.

When the crowd of other students dissipated, Sean made out the figure in long white skirt and lime blouse perched on the hood of his BMW.

"Took you long enough." She hopped down. "Thought this place had sucked you into the elitist underworld for a second there."

"Maya!" Grin overtaking his features, Sean ran forward and hoisted her right out of her flat shoes.

IIIIIII

The Rolling Stones making their presence known quite loudly through the stereo system, the entire living room practically exploded with crazed movement. Hank and Raven danced together, her long golden hair batting against her royal blue dress. Alex and Cordelia performed an improvised swing. Merina had accepted a dancing invitation from Frank, as had Angel from Ben and Becky from Scott. Sean lined near the food table with Russ, Leon, and some of the smaller children all stuffing themselves.

At the tug to slacks, Sean smiled down at Kiki and picked her up. He found some space and glided along in a twirl with her while holding onto one of her hands.

"I knew another woman would try to sink her claws into you," Sean turned around at Maya's voice, "but I had to finish getting ready."

Sean's eyes enlarged immensely at the girl in the sleeveless emerald green A-line dress with her long chocolate hair partly pulled back to show off the bitty white earrings.

Giving Kiki over to Hank, Sean reached out for her hands. "Maya, you… is this new?"

Maya smiled widely, giving off a little swish of her hips. "I caught a little time to shop and I couldn't show up to your eighteenth birthday in just anything. Do you like it?"

"You kidding? You look out of this world." He drew her in closer to him, noticing the earrings completely now. "You even wore your grandma's pearlies."

"They were the first things I threw in my bag." Maya laid her head on his chest as they took to the floor together.

IIIIIII

Among the numerous presents, Sean had stepped away to get to one in particular. Opening the brown packaging, he began with the card. In addition to the birthday cards from his family, and the usual cash packed within them, he withdrew two near-identical books from it. Picking up the one that had his name in deep black marker, he opened it to the first page.

Two thousand years ago, someone was sent to give us a gift we did not deserve. Eighteen years ago today, we received another in a grandson who is a strong, kind, thoughtful, and courageous (even if you don't see it quite yet). You are more than what we deserve and far more than what we could have hoped for.

Happy Birthday,

Love and blessings,

Gran and Grandpa

Hand going over his mouth, he reread the words twice more. He felt the burning just behind his eyes that became startled away at the knock to his doorway.

"Charles." He carefully laid the books on the end table next to his bed. "I was just looking at what Tommy and everybody sent."

"Ah, I see." The Professor walked in closer, shutting the door as he did. "Did you get a chance to speak with your brother?"

"Early this morning. I'll talk to my folks later."

Charles nodded his approval. "Did you enjoy your party?"

"You have no idea," Sean said strongly. "Thanks so much for letting my friends come over. But you guys didn't have to hide so much."

"With the smaller entertaining space, we didn't want to crowd any of you out." Charles then assured, "We adults had our own festivities in the kitchen."

Sean asked, "With boozies?"

"Perhaps a smidge," Charles smirked a little. "A little something to help me forget how old I'm getting."

"You're not old," Sean stated. "You're just Daddy."

A mix of amusement and partial firmness came to the man's face next. "Which reminds me," he sat beside the boy and patted his lap, "come here, young man."

About ready to kick himself for having almost forgotten, Sean crawled over his legs without delay. He then released a muted, "Ow," when the first one came down sharper than expected.

"Hey," he kicked one leg, "no fair! No pain!"

Charles made the next one harder. "And no kicking." He lightened up a bit as he continued. "Now that you're eighteen, I have to make extra certain that you're a good boy going into your next year."

"Maybe a later curfew would better inspire me…"

"Hm," Charles applied the next swat, "no, I think this is far more effective." He soon reached eighteen, followed by nineteen. "Try not to grow too much more." He picked Sean up to hold on his lap. "These ceilings only reach so high."

Sean lowered to rest on his shoulder. "I'll crouch."

Enjoying having the teen in his grasp in such a way that it reminded him of the fifteen-year-old who he once held, Charles squeezed him almost ferociously. "Happy birthday, son."

A smile came to his face. "Thanks, Daddy."

IIIIIII

"Do you have any seven's?"

"Go fish." As Maya went to retrieve another card from the stack between them, Cody looked at her and said, "I'm glad you're home. Ma and Dad have been busy with Todd and Mira. Leon's here, but he has more homework than I do."

Maya wondered, "What about Sean?"

Cody's shoulder's sagged at that. "He's always with his friends."

Eyes regarding him sadly, she then asked, "How are things with Todd? Any better?"

Cody considered it then answered, "I guess so. He's okay."

"Hey," coming into the boys' bedroom in a near blur, Angel raced over to Cody, "look what Adrienne sent over."

Cody took the assortment from her and flipped through the various females in striped clothing. "Ooh, you're like a movie star."

"Let me see." Maya took a few of the photos from him. "Wow, Angel. These are really incredible."

"Thanks," she smiled. "After all those do-overs we sat through, these better had been worth it."

Cody asked, "Are they gonna put these in the magazines?"

Angel told him, "If Dri has her way, Hearts and Stripes models will be seen right in Times Square." Her own excitement showed at the sheer glee that erupted on his face. "Come on. Let's go show your mom and Becky."

Jumping up, Cody said, "Come on, Smiley."

"I'll be right there," Maya called after them.

Waiting a minute or two, she stood from Cody's bed and walked downstairs until she reached the backyard. Lowering to sit on the top step, she stared down at the Dalmatian pattern that made up her lounge pants.

A pool of indoor light appeared over her briefly before disappearing again at the footsteps that walked out.

"It can get pretty crowded in there."

She gazed up. "Did you steal Wolverine's tracking ability?"

"Actually, I spotted you while attempting to steal cake." Leon sat facing her with his back supported by the porch railing. "I was wondering when you'd wear-out from the happy girlfriend routine at the party. What's going on?"

Looking at her feet for a long moment, Maya eventually said, "I haven't felt like this much of a stranger since the first time I met everyone. Before I even knew about mutants at all."

Leon said, "You know Sean's been a dog with a bone about you being here."

"It's not him," she replied. "It's the Howletts. Angel's not only an actual mutant, but she's "striped". Someone Cody can completely relate to. Unlike me, the totally normal twerpy WASP."

"I'm not striped, either," Leon pointed out. "From what I've been told, anyway."

"Yeah, but you're a guy and you two have that kung-fu woo together."

Leon gave her a humored flat look. "Karate, chicky."

"Whatever." Maya stared ahead. "And it's not just him. Kayla and Wolverine finally have their little girl. Not to mention a new little boy for Wolverine's testosterone army."

"Those darn bios," Leon clicked his tongue, "ruin everything."

"You've officially been spending too much time with your new little sister," Maya accused glibly.

"If half the things she said were a class, I'd retake it every semester." Leon moved over closer to her, his voice quieting. "Your mom's not really recovering. Is she?"

Lips parted but no words available, the girl only looked at him.

The door shot open with an eager petition of, "Maya. Maya, there you are."

She got to her feet quickly. "Sean?"

"Look what Grandpa and Gran sent us." Sean handed her one of the books he had with her then noticed Leon. "You mind?"

Rising, Leon stated, "It's your birthday," then went inside.

Turning back to Maya, Sean explained, "They're these specific guides for people in serious faith led relationships. They have different passages dealing with how to get through hard times and log areas so we can share our thoughts."

She reacted with, "Sean, this is amazing. We have to thank them."

"We'll call them in the morning. They're always up at like dawn." Placing her arms around his neck, Maya reached up to give him a kiss. He touched one hand to her hip as they parted. "That's my favorite "Happy Birthday" of the day."

"I want to get up early tomorrow, anyway," she said. "I want to make a special breakfast, just the two of us. Before Wolverine takes me back tomorrow."

Sean frowned at that and moaned against the top of her head. "Can't you stay a couple days longer?"

"You know I want to, but I really can't be away from Mom for long. Not if I want her progress to keep up."

Sean nodded. "I can't wait for both of you to be home for good." He dipped to give her a strong hug and Maya buried her face in his shirt.

IIIIIII

As he received the paper complete with gleaming A in the upper right corner, Mondo pumped a fist. "Alright." He looked around at the other three. "How'd y'all do?"

"A," responded Carmen and Frank responded in equally flat tones.

Tony said, "Now you know if I don't ace everything in here, my mom's sending me back to the old country for insulting our ancestors."

Mondo laughed as the bell sounded. "Hey, let's get in some football before the bus gets here."

Glancing back at who their teacher held an extended conversation with, Frank said, "I'll meet you guys outside." He filed out with the rest of them, but remained outside the class until the copper haired one walked out. "Bum grade, huh?"

Collin stopped to regard him with narrowed eyes. "What's it to you"

"Look, I'm not trying to hassle you, man," Frank said. "But you just got to this class so it's going to be hard to catch up. I can help you after school or before; lunch, whatever. And Mrs. Lombardi is really cool. I bet she'll let you—"

Collin cut him off by stepping into his personal space. "I'm only in this stupid school because Estevan stays handing Fabian over everything he wants. I'm just here to get by. So you can save your pally-wally shit."

Frank did not blink as he held up his red notebook. "So you don't want to borrow my notes?"

Glaring, Collin started to turn away but paused. He reached one hand back. Frank quietly transferred the notebook over to him and watched him head off wordlessly.

IIIIIII

Turning another page in his new book, Sean thought his own flashlight had become possessed when a spot of light danced across his eyes. Going to the window, he looked out. Upon sight of the figure below, he did not hesitate to get into his robe and sneakers. Mindful of the sleeping younger two, he made his way out of the room without tripping over anything then sped for the downstairs.

"Whoa, hey." In the front yard, Sean stopped just short of him. "You okay?"

"Folks going at it again," Russ told him, backpack slung over one shoulder. "Can I stay with you? You know how "involved" Ben's parents'll get."

Sean nodded, "But keep it quiet," and began leading the way back inside.

They returned to the top floor apartment. Sean waited outside the door while Russ changed into pajamas then brought them into his room.

"Thanks." Russ settled beside him on one pillow. "I have two tests tomorrow I'm not trying to sleep through."

"Don't worry about it," Sean whispered back. "We'll handle it in the morning."

Russ nodded in the dark then rolled over with small relieved sigh as he slipped into easy slumber.

IIIIIII

Looking away from his morning coffee at the loud clonking approaching, Victor chuckled in his chest while Erik gave off a shake of his head at the small one in oversized shoes.

"I'm ready to march," the little boy announced.

"Hate to break it to you, kid," Victor said, "but them shoes don't come close to regulation. That'll cost you some demerits."

"Travis!" In full ROTC uniform but feet only covered by socks, Scott ran down the hall to him. "Gimme my shoes, you little thief."

"I'm ready to fly, too," Trav informed him, stepping out of the polished shoes.

Scott got into the necessary footwear as he said, "The height adjustment on the captain's chair doesn't go nearly high enough for you."

Trav poked disgruntled lips out at him.

"Travis," Erik addressed, promptly getting his attention, "you know better than to play in Scott's things, especially what he uses for school."

"Yes, Uncle Erik," Trav responded obediently.

Scott took him by the hand to bring them out of the top floor apartment. "Come on, pain. We need to go eat."

The next pair of boys to come the way of the tall men consisted of one of their own and another they recognized but couldn't completely vouch for.

"Good morning," said Russ respectfully.

"Oh hey, guys," Sean acknowledged. "Russ forgot his key last night and didn't want to wake up his parents."

Russ added, "Dad doesn't get much sleep because of work."

"So since he already had his books with him, we thought it'd be best for him to sleep here," Sean concluded.

"I see," reacted Erik. "Well, you must be hungry. Breakfast will be in the main floor dining room."

Sean started to go with Russ but at the pressure Victor put on his shoulder, he remained in place. "Uh, be right there."

Russ nodded then continued out.

Sean turned back to the men. "I'm sorry I didn't ask, but I didn't want to wake the whole house up over it."

"It's no trouble," Erik told him. "Unless there is more going on here than what you two are telling us."

Victor asked straightforward, "Did he get locked out or put out?"

"No, it wasn't like that," Sean quickly assured. "His parents just argue sometimes, that's all. He didn't want to lose any sleep because of tests today so he came here."

Victor then wanted to know, "His old man doesn't cut loose on Russ or his mother, does he?"

"No!" Sean replied strongly. "It's not that bad. Besides, that isn't your business."

"Watch yourself, Sean," Erik cautioned. "If Russell is having problems enough that it has him arriving on our doorstep late at night then it is our business."

"I know, but I swear it's not that serious," Sean reiterated. "If it was, I'd probably say something, but it's not. And Russ is fine otherwise."

Erik shared a look with Victor then said, "Alright. Go on to breakfast."

As Sean very gladly headed down, Victor turned to Erik. "Russ seems like an okay kid."

Erik said, "He is. He's very involved at Temple."

"Do his folks attend services with him?"

"I haven't so much as met them."

IIIIIII

Entering the garage, the lanky boy resting against the side of the BMW distracted Leon's attention from his motorcycle.

"Which period are you trapped in?"

Russ looked up from his history book. "Civil War. Just got to dig the name."

"Thanks for giving my hair that windblown effect." Leon then clarified, "The way you tore from the table created something of a small-scale typhoon."

Russ admitted, "I really wasn't trying to stick around long. You can tell when adults are organizing an interrogation in their heads. That's why I didn't go to Ben's. His parents are all over that stuff."

Leon put forth, "It's hard raising adults, isn't it? Especially with their tendency towards tantrums."

Russ shut his book. "Tell me about it. I thought money would be better after my dad's promotion. Now they argue about it non-stop."

Leon shook his head. "And they're sincerely left to wonder about the spoiled nature in a lot of kids."

"They plant the seed," Russ said simply.

The garage then began to fill with the other outbound members of the X-Men.

With Frank in tow, Sean stopped just an inch from his car. "You want something?"

Leon looked at him to respond, "Not a thing," before going to his motorcycle.

With narrowed and agitated eyes, Sean followed his steps.

He then asked Russ, "Was he bothering you? He's a psychology major and he likes to act like he can get inside everybody's bed. Like it's a sport or something."

"No," Russ reassured. "He's cool, really."

Sean said nothing else as he went to unlock his car.

IIIIIII

Becky!

Right away slowing at the internal voice, the curly haired girl waited for the head of sandy brown to catch up with her.

She greeted with a pleasant, "Hi, Anne. How's everything going?"

"Pretty good, but I'm still trying to remember where everything is." She positively glowed. "I can't believe I'm in a real school again."

"I know how you feel," Becky said honestly.

"I wonder what our composition topic will be."

"Hopefully this one won't get me in trouble."

Anne frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Mrs. Dobbs had us write our own fairy tales, but she didn't like mine," Becky explained. "She wanted me to see the psychologist and everything."

Anne sincerely scoffed. "Are you serious? Why?"

With her Creative Writing folder in her possession, Becky removed the aforementioned document from it. "See for yourself."

A now thoroughly curious Anne took the papers for viewing.

IIIIIII

While his friends spoke around him, Sean focused on filling in parts of the log while pausing every so often to look at certain passages again. His attention ventured over every so often to where Angel and Cordelia shared a table with Fabian Cortez and a few others.

Digging through his chocolate pudding, Russ said, "I'm glad the Temple's back up in order. I don't feel right in most churches and I can't handle hanging around home on the weekends."

Seated across from him and Sean, Merina encouraged, "Give them some time to work it out. I remember last year when my family was still having problems—"

A hand clamping down drew all of their focus away.

Sean jumped at the snatching of his book. "Hey, give me that!"

Merina growled at the sight of the two. "Clay, Jerry, knock it off."

"Get off it, Merina," Jerry retorted. "You've been full of it ever since you started hanging with this church cult."

Sean went after Clay to retrieve his book. "Give it here, I'm serious!"

Clay shoved Sean back and held it higher. "Got to do better than that, carrots."

Ben got to his feet as well. "This isn't funny. Put it down."

Clay shrugged, "Sure," and headed over to the trash.

"Stop it!" Sean went after him heatedly.

Clay let off a taken aback gasp at having the book plucked right out of his fingers.

"Hang on, let me check." Fabian flipped through it briefly. "No, I'm afraid this lacks sufficient enough pictures to hold your attention. So sorry." He tossed the book Sean's way, who immediately caught it.

"Big mistake, wise guy."

Fabian waited patiently for Clay to swing at him. He seized the fist in his own hand, grabbed hold of his shirt front, and threw him forceful into Jerry. Both collided with the floor, producing an eruption of laughter in the surrounding students.

Russ got up to go over to Sean. "Are you okay?"

Angel approached as well, touching his arm. "Seanie?"

The redhead nodded at them, looking to Fabian. "Thanks. Really."

Fabian turned to him as well. "Never wait so long to take action. They're beneath you. Remind them of it every chance you get." He then walked off to where Cordelia and the rest of the table awaited him.

IIIIIII

Making his way towards the third floor kitchen, Leon stopped in the doorway at the deeply involved telephone conversation.

"Come on, Merina. Tell me about these guys," Sean urged, leaning against the refrigerator. "Where can I find them?"

She eventually said, "You can almost always catch them at the café or down the way on the basketball court. Sean, just… please stay out of trouble. You're too good a guy for all this."

"Thanks and don't worry. I'll see you tomorrow." Hanging up, Sean looked back with a startle at who he discovered behind him. "What do you want?"

Leon informed, "It's time for training," and walked away.

Down in the backyard, the Summers boys performed unison rapid jumping jacks together.

"We're getting ready for the assembly on Monday morning," Scott told him, "we have to work on our stances; carrying and presenting the flags on stage. It's a pretty good part of our grade."

"You know you have it in the bag already," Alex said with an easy confidence. He then came to a stop at Hank leading Leon, Sean, and Frank out. "There you guys are. Come on, let's get with it. We can't fall out of shape here. Hank?"

The older instructed directed, "Frank, Scott, leg lifts."

"Lee, Sean, push-ups. Twenty to start." Alex clapped his hands together once. "Let's go, X-Men."

While the younger boys went off to be monitored by Hank, Leon and Sean got into the grass together. Alex gave them the signal to begin.

Taking note of their individual progression, Alex nodded encouragingly at them. "Okay, five more."

Watching Leon about to complete ahead of him, Sean decided against the slower motion and went beyond twenty at a more rapid pace. Leon caught on and joined him in on the race.

At first Alex enjoyed Sean trying to go beyond then promptly picked up on their little game. "Oh no. On your feet, both of you." They somewhat grudgingly stood. "What was that?"

"What's the problem?" Sean wanted to know.

Alex gave him a look. "Are you kidding? What do you think this is? What happened to working as a team? You know, that thing we're all about? That thing you've known about before any of the guys out here. And you," he faced Leon now, "you know not to play around out here. We're too old for that. Dad would've given it to you for that little macho stunt."

Leon folded his arms contritely. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry," mumbled Sean.

Alex ordered, "Five laps around the block. Go."

As soon as the disgruntled pair made it inside the kitchen, Sean bumped Leon with his shoulder roughly.

"Okay, the last straw has been had." Leon seized him by the arm. "What is your problem?"

"I'm looking at it," Sean spat, snatching away from him. "Alex, Cody, Maya, my friends. You really want to take over everybody in my life, don't you?"

"I'm sorry and you have ownership over Alex since when? And someone has to be there for Cody when you're thinking about everything but him. As for your buddy earlier, I just get what he's dealing with. That's all. And how many times do I have to get across that I am not interested in Maya? Period."

Sean sneered at him. "Good. Because I'm pretty sure she prefers sane."

Leon threw back, "Like you know the first thing about her lately."

At that, Sean rushed at him with both hands. Leon pushed right back at him and in seconds, the two wound up in a match on the floor.

Before they knew it, two powerful hands forced them apart. With Hank keeping a firm grip on Sean, Leon found himself nudged against Alex.

Taking two separate chairs, the instructors deposited the younger males over their laps and started administering heavy swats. Leon stayed stiff but clearly uncomfortable while Sean fidgeted a little. The redhead quickly calmed when Hank's blows grew firmer.

After ten strikes a piece, they stood the boys but kept strong holds on them.

"Go to our room," Alex said of Leon. "Dad can finish dealing with this when they get home." He let go of him for him to walk out ahead.

"And considering how tired Charles is already going to be from today's affairs, you'd best adjust your current attitude." Hank stuck a finger near Sean's face. "I don't know what's come over you, but it stops now. You go to your room as well and if there is any more trouble, you're going to find yourself bare and over my knee. Understand?"

He tried, "But Hank-"

"Understand?" the man reiterated.

"Yes, sir," came the soft reply.

Hank removed his hand. "Now go."

Head down, Sean left the kitchen.

After a minute of quiet to settle the irritation they both felt, Alex spoke with, "I was waiting on you to strangle him."

"Don't be ridiculous." Hank reached over to pat his shoulder. "I only reserve such privilege for you."

Alex snorted then walked with the taller male to return to where the Eye Scream Team awaited them.

IIIIIII

At the commotion sounding beyond his window, Leon moved from studying on his bed to peering out the window. When he saw it came from the garage, he thought it to be the Headmasters having returned home then saw the one pushing the vehicle from behind. Most definitely to get the sound of the engine away from the house.

Unbelievable. Leon then rethought that. Nope, not really.

IIIIIII

Ball sinking through the hoop yet again, Clay grabbed hold of it and threw it over his shoulder. Jerry caught it and went for a shot of his own. The orange sphere bounced off the rim and veered off.

It landed in the possession of another who had just walked up. "Looks like it's my ball."

Jerry only laughed at the sight of him. "Didn't know they even let you out the house by yourself."

"Where are your buddies, tough guy?" Clay taunted.

"Taking the night off," Sean replied.

"Here to pray for our souls?" Jerry advanced on him. "Might want to worry about your own."

Sean sent the ball out, giving him a direct hit in the stomach that stopped him in place. "Follow your own advice."

At his friend going down so swiftly, Clay glowered, "Hey," and charged at the redhead.

Sean ducked his punched and used the opportunity to punch him in the stomach. Clay groaned but yanked Sean by two fistfuls of hair and flung him off to the side. The Irish boy managed to recover before Clay could come at him again. He then reacted with a grunt when he felt himself seized by the ankle. Despite his present pain, Jerry managed to yank him down to the concrete.

Before Clay had the chance to hover over him, he had to stop at a constriction to the back of his neck.

Leaning in close to his ear, Leon explained, "I squeeze just a bit harder and you pass out. It's usually just for a few minutes, but there have been a few fatal incidents involved with this move here and there. And my karate is a bit on the rusty side." He then put forth, "You feel like playing the odds or do you want to take your friend and clear out of here?"

As soon as he was released, Clay ran over to lift Jerry and rush away from the playground.

Leon watched them retreat before walking up to the other X-Man and extending a hand.

Sean remained still at first. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Well, thanks to you all I have to gain here is a soon to be demolished butt." Leon kept his hand out. "I'd prefer it not be completely in vain."

Taking another second, Sean linked up with him and allowed himself to be pulled up. "How'd you know I was out here?"

"Caught your failed attempt at a Batman sneak. I didn't know what you were doing, but since I do know what it's like to go off with your head not on straight, I thought I'd better follow."

"Why…" Sean shook his head, trying to understand. "You didn't have to. I don't know why you would after… after how I've been."

"Sean, you can have the worst mood imaginable and it still won't compare to a couple of stunts I've pulled. And for whatever reason, Alex and Hank haven't thrown me away." Leon walked up closer upon him. "So I take it this kind of thing is standard brotherly protocol- though not nearly as much fun as pelting shaving cream balls at rival baseball teams."

Sean let off a deep sincere laugh. "Lee," his face completely crumbled, "I'm sorry." He leaned in, hugging him as tightly as he could. "I'm so sorry. I just…"

Leon brought arms around him. "It's okay." He watched the stray basketball roll away. "I think I have a good idea what you mean."

IIIIIII

Heads bowed in such a low way that the act could pass for either prayer, deep thought, or a combination of the two, their eyes still caught sight of the pacing men's feet.

"So after you were reprimanded for misbehaving during training, you were punished for fighting of all things, then left the house without a word after being specifically sent to wait for us in your rooms." Charles stopped moving to eye them incredulously. "Does that about sum it up, young men?"

"Yes, sir," they responded together.

Looking up, Leon said, "It was my fault. I let things escalate at training and with the fight."

"No, you didn't," Sean countered right away. "Lee, you know this whole thing was my fault. I started it all by being an all-time jerk." He faced the Headmasters. "He was only coming after me tonight."

Erik wanted to know, "Where did you go?"

"To," Sean took a breath, "to fight these two guys from school that have been hassling me and my friends from Temple."

Charles grew immediately concerned at that. "Is that what's been troubling you? Why didn't you tell us?"

"I wanted to do this on my own," Sean emphasized. "I wanted Victor to train me. Ever since the Shadow King, I've felt stronger. I wanted to train to be stronger. So I could handle anything and finally stop being weak."

"You're not weak," stated Leon.

Sean looked at him. "You're just saying that. You know I am."

"While I was bleeding on the floor in Ignacio's house, you stopped his main source of power," Leon brought up. "And with what? Your words. As much I use my head, you're actually able to think. Draw power from something even greater than mutation."

Erik said, "Your brother is right, Seanikus."

"Indeed he is," Charles concurred. "But Sean, lashing out at everyone, going out and trying to find trouble. That is not the intelligent young man we all know. We are all here to help you with whatever you're dealing with. However, you must let us. That is something none of you can neglect to do."

"I know, Charles," Sean responded. "I'm really sorry. For everything."

"I'm glad to hear that, son," the Professor's countenance turned noticeably firmer, "however, we still have to punish you both."

Erik then asked, "Did either of you use your powers tonight?"

"No," the two answered.

"Good." Erik then directed, "Now, bend over opposite ends of the couch."

The teenagers required no further instruction as the men began undoing their belts.

However, Charles added, "That's trousers down, please."

While Sean undid his jeans, Leon tugged down his sweat pants. They lowered over the different arms of the sofa.

Erik got into position behind Leon and Charles did the same with Sean. Working in unison, they began the whippings.

Sean let go a sharp breath at being reunited with the implement. He almost felt like gagging. Not simply due to the pain of the strikes but also feeling at such a distance from Charles. He couldn't believe he had landed them in such a situation that demanded the strong punishment.

While his hair sufficiently hid his face, Leon's growing heavy breathing could not be masked. His attention fell away from it at the contact on his wrist. Peering through his dark strands, he saw that Sean had managed to reach and grab hold of him. When they weren't scolded for the move, Leon gripped Sean's hand. He could almost sense the tremors within the younger boy and an urge to offer him the minimal comfort took over. Even through the pain, feeling such a way gave Leon his own ease.

Done with the belts, Erik and Charles next administered hand spankings. Erik gave Leon five, but Charles applied double the amount to Sean, fully aware of his part in the situation.

Sean sobbed full force while Leon sent his tears into a throw pillow.

Taking him by the shoulders, Erik stood the older young man, helped his pants up, and brought him into a hug.

Charles took hold of Sean by his middle, redressed him, and pulled him down to sit in his lap in the nearby chair. The saddened face went right against the telepath's neck to cry even harder.

It's alright now, Seanie. I'm here. Charles sent him mental shushes. Daddy isn't angry with you.

I'm sorry I caused all this, Dad…

Charles kissed both his temples. I'm only glad we're able to move past it now. However, I still think you could benefit from spending this weekend in your room. Outside of tomorrow night's services of course.

Yes, sir. Sean gave off a nod. "Th-thank you."

Charles let him stand after running fingers through his hair. "Go on and rest in your rooms. We'll bring supper to you."

Erik gave another pat to Leon's back before releasing him. "Go ahead, boychick."

At the instruction, Leon waited long enough for Sean to walk his way. He touched a hand to the younger teen's back as they took their leave.

Erik walked over to Charles. "Are you alright?"

The Professor nodded. "Though this never gets easier, I must admit that it's nice to see the lengths the children will go to for each other."

Erik lifted Charles' reddened hand to rub. "Even when they've lost each other's favor." He squeezed the smaller appendage. "Why don't you get some rest as well, Lab Rat? I'll ready the trays for the boys."

"You're just as tired as I am," Charles reminded.

"Giving spankings takes so much more out of you."

"They do not." Withdrawing his hand, he still stood. "But alright. Just for a while."

To ensure that he did, the metal wielder left his arm around him while they next walked out of the living room.

IIIIIII

Letting off a murmur at the abruptly cool contact, Sean glanced over his shoulder. "I don't deserve that."

Positioning the ice pack, Alex concurred, "You sure don't," and reached over to toss his hair. He pointed out the almost empty tray. "Be right back for that."

Sean resumed nibbling on the cobbler Raven had provided him with.

Alex returned to his own room, where he brought the other see-through ice pack to another blistering behind. The relief instantly appeared on Leon's face.

"Thanks. Alex," he sat up a little, "I'm really sorry about today. You and Hank were right. We're supposed to be a team."

"Remember that." The blonde sat near him on the mattress, leaving a hand in the dark hair. "But I wanted you to know I'm proud of you. For looking after Sean the way you did. Despite everything."

Though he felt the greatest appreciation from the words, Leon said, "It's not like I don't know where he's coming from."

"Same here. Did you finish studying for the Sociology test?"

At the recollection, Leon released a sigh. "… Oh yeah."

Alex walked to the desk to retrieve their books. "Don't worry. I need a little more prep myself. Here." He handed him his collection of notes. "Let's start with the terms."

Behind chilling and head less heavy, Leon found himself easily enjoying the review session.