X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Two Hundred Five
Author's Word: Hi, fam! First thing, I want to congratulate FemaleAlphaWolf on the birth of her niece. God Bless Tabitha Grace. It's so nice that when I don't hear from one of you for a while that you're actually dealing with good news. That's so rare but totally wonderful to hear.
As far as Aveoni's songs go, "Do You Believe in Magic" reminds me of Maya or possibly Becky. The song "Welcome" that Phil Collins did for Brother Bear makes me think of Leon first joining the X-Men. "Ordinary Girl" makes me think of Angel. "Forever Young" makes me think of Logan's relationship with his kids, specifically the line "I'm right behind you, win or lose".
So, enough for now, but more to come. Please enjoy and review!
"Okay, take note," Sean decreed. "Saturday afternoon, I own the TV. There's three back to back vampire pictures coming on, one of which I have never seen. Any can feel free to enjoy the untold horror with me, but any and all noise will get you ejected from the living room or pink belly-fied. Possibly a combination of the two."
Frank piped up, "I want to watch."
"Me, too," said Scott.
Alex made a show of gaping at him closely. "You mean you're not going out with your team for once?"
"No game this week," Victor explained. "Dan and a couple of the guys are goin' out of town and another couple have been out of school with bugs."
"Stayin' home sick," Cody spoke dreamily. "Sometimes it really stinks to heal so quick."
Kayla reached over to grip his chin. "Not to your ever concerned mother."
Cody nuzzled against her touch.
"It'd be stinkier to have to stay home for some dumb cold," stated Trav.
Cody rolled his eyes and Joey looked to Trav as if witnessing an escaped mental patient.
"See if you feel that way after your first midterm," Leon said.
"Oh, haven't you heard?" Alex faced him. "Trav's graduating ahead of us."
Trav appeared to glow at that. "And on the football team."
"That's my cub." Hank smiled and ruffled his hair.
"Mommy!" Kiki reacted with glee at what the blue woman carried in.
Absolutely positive reactions resulted from the sight of the triple layer chocolate cake.
Raven placed it at the center of the table. "I thought we'd go decadent tonight."
Angel nearly whimpered. "Raven, gorge, you are love."
"Yes, she is." Entering, Charles went to kiss his sister's cheek.
"Uh uh." Raven stepped out of reach, hands going to her hips at the returning Xaviers. "Crawling in here after not so much as a call telling me you're going to be late for dinner. Oh you two better have an explanation." She took note of Charles' unfocused gaze. "What?"
"Hm?" The Professor exited his trance. "Sorry, I just received a very detailed flash of our parents."
Raven regarded him without amusement. "Your baby has been crying out for you."
Emma looked aghast. "He has?"
"He cried out for about five minutes," Erik clarified, "then I filled his stomach to capacity and he fell asleep with a somewhat fiendish expression on his face."
Raven narrowed eyes at her oldest brother. "You're not helpful."
"We are sorry, Raven," Emma apologized. "We were delayed with the house." She turned slightly to face the others. "I'm afraid we have some unexpected news."
Charles took over from there with, "The mansion is cleared for us to return. As early as tomorrow actually."
A stunned silence took over the dining room until Becky's initially rigid for tore away from the table.
Erik rushed to his feet to go after his daughter.
With the rest not speaking, Raven began to wordlessly divide up slices of cake.
IIIIIII
Once all forms of electricity and telephone access became dissipated courtesy of Marco, the five allowed themselves quite forcefully into the brick estate. After a lengthy run-through on all their parts, they exited in a near unison fashion. Marco burst out from a rear wall, Melissa rematerialized onto the lawn, while Collin and Fabian followed Estevan through a door he broke apart with his powers.
"Anything?" the Acolyte leader demanded.
Marco shook his head while Melissa reported, "Completely cleaned out. We should have known he wouldn't stick around here."
"We will find him, Father," Fabian declared.
Making a fist that shook with fury, Estevan directed, "Let's get back," and started them off through the wooded surroundings.
The caped man stopped to gaze back once more. Summoning up a great deal of energy from his entire form, he transformed the luxury home into a mountain of debris.
IIIIIII
Seated beside Charles on the sofa, Raven reacted first to Erik's arrival in the second floor living room. "Is Becca okay?"
Erik replied plainly, "She isn't happy."
Rocking with Todd in one chair, Kayla flashed sympathetic eyes. "That's more than understandable. The place she felt the safest was horribly violated."
Emma said solemnly, "Rebuilding a few walls won't change how it makes her feel."
Hank crossed his arms with a deeply knitted brow.
"Well," Mira against his shoulder, Logan patted her back, "now what?"
Charles let off a sigh. "That's a good question."
Victor looked away from the window to say, "It's your call, boss."
After a few seconds of personal quiet, Charles laid his hand over one of Raven's as he addressed her. "Dear, perhaps we should consider selling."
Raven immediately stood at that, yellow eyes remaining locked on him. "What?"
"Charles may be right," Erik supported. "We have to look at this rationally."
"How is it rational to throw away our home?" Raven wanted to know.
Charles got up. "We won't be throwing it away. We've put in an enormous amount of equity. We can sell, buy new, and start over."
"Charles," Raven's voice turned near pleading, "we can't just sell Mom and Dad's house. We've faced pain and terrible things there before, but we always healed again. I know we can do that this time, too."
Hank came up to put a supportive arm around her. "She's right. That house represents so much to the X-Men. We can help Becca see that again."
At the idea that formed within her next, Raven stated, "And I think I know how to start."
IIIIIII
When she received the mental summons, Becky journeyed up to the third floor living room where most of the other youths had already gathered. Angel and Scott waved her over and she went to sit between them on one sofa.
With their children rushing in ahead of them, the McCoys came in last.
"Good," Raven smiled. "You guys are all here."
Frank asked, "What's going on, Rae?"
"So I had an idea," the shape-shifter began. "I thought it would be really great if we kids took a half day tomorrow and headed over to the house. We could bring our stuff over, paint and get everything organized the way we want, order food. Strictly us kids- well, not the babies since Emma and Kayla are perma-attached to them."
Cordelia reacted with, "That sounds like a smash."
"Yeah, sounds good to me," Alex seconded.
"Whoa, half day?" A grin took over Cody's face.
Joey pumped a victorious fist. "Yes!"
Hank stepped forward to kneel before the green eyed girl present. "Becca? Is that okay?"
She hugged herself a little. "I guess."
Raven noticed one teen's less than pleased expression. "What's wrong, Seanie?"
Sean brought up, "All the X-Kids aren't exactly here."
Raven responded to that with an easy, "Not even a problem."
IIIIIII
Getting a hot pink top folded, Angel's attention went to the girl on the other bed as she slipped the shirt into the open suitcase.
"You're sure you don't hate me?"
Sprawling stomach down on her mattress with legs waving back and forth, Cordelia responded, "Even if I hated you to the point of repulsion that would do absolutely nothing to silence the mega love."
"Is that how you talk to Espanol, too?" Angel teased.
Cordelia attempted to wave that off with, "Oh please," though the certain smile did not leave her face.
Angel laughed a little as she resumed her packing. "It's just that we have a lot of kids around here. Not to mention at school. And when I'm in San Fran I have people swarming me then my Sammie-lovey needs me. I guess I just kind of need…"
"A sanctuary?" Cordelia supplied.
"You got it," Angel nodded. "My own quiet space."
"Well, it's completely cool with me if you want your own room," Cordelia hopped up to go towards her, "but I insist you take the space nearest mine."
"Of course," Angel agreed.
"And I believe I can talk beloved brother-in-law into giving us our own bathroom. Just have to throw in the word "cycle" here and there."
Angel wrapped both arms around her in a grateful hug. "Lord only knows what I did before you."
"Ditto," the Bostonian returned.
IIIIIII
The near plaster trembling commotion drew the brunette girl away from her study aides and towards the front of the apartment. She unlocked and opened the door to the familiar but highly unanticipated blonde on the other side.
"Hi, gorge," Raven spoke first, stepping inside past the slimmer girl. "Great news."
Attempting to follow her motion, Maya started to ask, "Raven, wh—"
"We're going home." Raven considered her phrasing. "Well, we're at least moving back home. The big, fully restored one that won't leave us feeling like sardines in a can get more elbow room. Come, pack a bag."
When she started for the bedrooms, Maya zipped after her. "Raven, wait. I wish I could, but I can't move home right now."
"You don't have to." Raven found and tossed Maya's overnight bag from the closet and onto the bed. "You're just coming with me and the other kids to get things situated. Put our own amazing footprint back into it." She returned to the closet to begin tossing in random blouses. "In order to let all creepy-demon-worshipping-assjacks-with-the-law-in-their-pockets know that nothing can force us out of our home. Not to mention all the tacky-two-face-baby-selling-sluts out to screw around with my brother and mess up my Becca." Raven angrily dunked one shirt into the bag.
Maya flinched a little. "Okay, I completely get what you're saying and fully admit that my wardrobe is not the coolest, but can we please leave it unscathed?"
"Sorry. Now, come on," Raven urged. "Before my dutiful husband has to put a certain impatient cabby in a chokehold."
"Two minutes," Maya guaranteed, heading over to the dresser.
Beginning with the bottom drawer, she retrieved her taser from it.
IIIIIII
Somehow maneuvering through the halls with her carry-on bag and equally stuffed school bag, Cordelia released a shrilled squeal at finding herself hoisted up off the tile floor.
Bringing her high enough to meet his eyes, Fabian declared, "Now you've only need for me to properly whisk you away."
She smiled back at him, winding arms around his neck. "I'll have to take you up on that."
On the displeased look from a passing teacher, Fabian flashed her a curt smile before putting the girl down.
Cordelia did not miss the tints of brown under his eyes. "Nightmares again?"
Fabian shook his head, sending one hand through his hair. "We didn't return from an outing into Maine until late. Naturally his house proved a bust. Completely actually since my father demolished it."
Cordelia said, "And I take it you won't be dropping off a bag of money for the trouble."
"It matters very little. Wherever Ignacio is, we'll soon find him. He's only fortunate my father and I don't want Anne anywhere near that demented mind of his."
"Fabian…"
He eyed her sharply. "Do not start. I'm not up for any X-Men civility philosophy."
"I wasn't going to say anything like that." She touched his upper arm. "Just be careful. Please. I don't want you coming apart."
"Not a simple feat." Fabian took the carry-on bag from her. "I'll get this to your car."
Cordelia smiled and walked with him.
II
"Sorry I won't hear your sermon tonight," Sean apologized. "But our phone should be active so throw the cliff note version my way tomorrow."
"Consider it done," Ben guaranteed as they proceeded through the hall. "Though I have to say that constantly hanging around you is forcing me to rethink my topic."
"What is it?"
"How the darkest option is the most preferable amongst the majority of the human race."
Sean chuckled shortly. "How'd you come up with that?"
Ben responded with, "Have you met a sizable portion of our fellow students?"
"Ah," the redhead understood.
II
Reaching the lockers, Mondo asked, "So did you get a pass from the algebra test?"
Frank shook his head as he began to collect his things. "I took it early this morning to get it out of the way. I have too much going on this weekend to come back to that on Monday."
"Breezy, wasn't it?" Mondo presumed.
Frank thought about it and said, "Took me about half an hour."
"Okay, so a little harder than that last one," Mondo determined.
Tony brought up, "So since your other school is up and running again, are you checking out of here?"
Frank looked at him as he came back with, "No way. The building's good again, but there's way too much going on with other stuff. I'll be here. At least for this year."
"All good." Mondo then realized, "We better get to lunch."
"Carmen?" Frank addressed. "You got a second?"
"I'll catch up with you guys," she said to the other boys then put focus on the remaining one.
"I know most of the weekend's out, but I was hoping we could do something on Sunday. I just have to remind Sean or maybe Hank why they love me. They're the grossly in love types so they'll go along with it."
"I'll have to get back to you, but listen Frank," Carmen bit her lip a little, "I really want to keep things casual between us. I'm still adjusting to the new school, all this homework, and I'm really not looking for a steady guy right now." She then quickly added, "Not that I don't really like you. Because I do. It's just… everything, you know?"
Frank nodded to that. "Yeah, sure. I get it. I'm probably in the same boat. I just like hanging out with you. It doesn't have to be serious."
Forming a relieved smile, she said, "Call me later," then headed off for the cafeteria.
Frank watched her depart before getting his locker closed again.
IIIIIII
In the midst of a reading recitation, the freckle faced child became disrupted by rapping at the classroom doorway. At who stood there, Joey and Cody appeared as if two at last freed from the chains of Egypt.
"Sorry to interrupt," Alex spoke to Mrs. Andrews, "but I'm here to arrest these two," he pointed out the X-Boys, "Unlawful cookie theft."
Dryly amused, Mrs. Andrews said, "Cody, Joey, do chapters five and six for the weekend. Including the term list and review questions."
"Yes, Mrs. Andrews," they chorused, practically shoving their learning aides into their bags.
"Bye," Joey whispered to Laci, who waved back at him.
"Lucky," Fred said after them.
"We know," Cody grinned.
As soon as they got into the hall, Joey flew at Alex.
The taller blonde grabbed him in a hug. "Easy, Eel. You're free," he patted his back consolingly, "The three R's can't hurt you anymore."
Cody looked around. "Where's Lee?"
"He's grabbing the seventh graders and Trav." Alex ushered them ahead of him. "Come on." He then shook his head at them stampeding for the nearest exit.
II
Holding onto the hand of the forlorn girl at his side, the long haired college sophomore attempted to absorb every word of the far more spirited little boy bouncing in front of them. Scott tried to keep his attention on Becky while ignoring the first grader's prattling.
"And Miss Davis let me take the new book home and she gave me coloring sheets for science and math sheets," Trav shuffled through his assortment, "and look, look. I get to paint in all the states on the east coast. That's where we live. It's New York- the state, not the city. And New Jersey and New Hamster."
Leon blinked at that one. "I'm no expert but I believe you mean New Hampshire."
"Are you sure?" Trav looked to his list. "Hey, you got it right, Leon."
"So I get first dibs on gold stars." Leon then led them out to the awaiting X-Van.
Alex tugged on both sides of Becky's curls. "Hey, babes."
"Hey," she attempted a smile then climbed into the large car beside Scott.
Leon helped Trav into his car seat then went to get up front with Alex. "Are you aware that if your nephew pursues a teaching career he will singlehandedly end illiteracy on a global scale?"
Alex twisted the key in the ignition as he responded, "Guess he'll work on that during his off-season from the Giants."
IIIIIII
When they made it inside the garage, Sean came close to colliding with the other vehicles present as he parked and hopped straight out of the BMW. Stepping away from where she spoke with the McCoys, Maya charged forward to enter his arms. Sean wasted no time in kissing her next. Frank let off a whistle, Angel smiled, and Cordelia rolled her eyes humorously at the eager display.
At the huffy expression appearing on Kiki's face, Raven gave the little girl a ginger jostle. "Hey, what did Mommy say? Seanie won't forget about you. Promise."
"All X-Kids present," Angel declared at the arrival of the X-Van.
Upon getting out, Cody ran for Maya. "Smiley!"
"Cody Wody!" She lowered a little to share a strong hug with him.
He then wanted to know, "Are you here all weekend?"
"All weekend," she confirmed, squeezing his hands.
"Alright, finally," Raven smiled giddily, "we're all together. And I'm sure the first order of business we're all eager to get to is…"
With the statement left hanging, they all charged for the upstairs.
While the others thundered towards the second floor bedrooms, Sean commented, "It almost feels like the first day we moved in here." He looked to the other four. "Remember?"
"God, that was what?" Alex folded his arms in recollected. "Ten, twenty years ago?"
Holding onto one of Kiki's hands, Raven performed a short twirl. "We're really home."
Hank squatted to the silent one. "Becca? Do you want to see your room?"
"I'll come up in a minute," she said. "I really want to see Papa's den."
Alex encouraged, "You guys go ahead."
Standing, Hank took Kiki from Raven as they went up together with Sean behind them.
Alex shared a look with Becky. "Better make sure the Mag Cave is intact. Or Dad's gonna mangle those construction nuts."
Becky took his hand and they headed that way.
Getting the metallic doors apart, Alex allowed her to enter ahead of him. He stepped in next, gazing around at the crimson walls with swords and other décor still in perfect position.
Nodding his approval he stated, "Old cave still the same."
Becky went over to the sofa, climbing up onto it. "It sure is."
Going towards the desk, Alex dropped into the chair and spun off vigorously in it.
II
"Oh, my God." Reclining on her side on the now perfectly made bed, Maya entered sheer bliss. "My bed, my room," she moved to her back, gazing up at the one watching her, "my guy."
Lowering onto the mattress, Sean hovered just above her. "You're really here." He offered a gentle kiss to her lips. "And you're mine."
Maya reached up to take two handfuls of his hair as they resumed kissing.
"Charles, what are you doing here?"
The two startled teens promptly separated, only to find a smirking Leon in the doorway.
He said, "You know, you might try shutting the door for this type of thing."
Glowering, Maya flung a pillow his direction.
"Hey, guys," Raven's voice called out over their communicators, "Em left a surprise for us big kids. Come meet us near the library."
The three of them followed the directions, meeting up with Hank, Raven, Angel, Cordelia, Frank, and Scott. Alex arrived last with Cody, Joey, and Trav in tow.
"And what are you guys doing here?" Frank asked.
"She said big kids," Scott reminded.
"We are big," Cody claimed. "Trav's the little squirt."
"Nuh uh!" the six-year-old denied.
"You guys can have a look," Raven granted, hand going to one particular doorknob, "but according to Emma, this is strictly teen and up."
"Ooh, rave club," Cordelia joked.
Angel waved a dismissive hand. "They're not all that, believe me."
Getting the door open, Raven led the way.
The inside consisted of a pair of couches and other furniture pieces, filled bookshelves, a television, a short refrigerator with watercooler beside it, games, and a pool table that nearly took over one half of the room.
"Oh, wow!" Frank veered around. "This is ours?"
Hank explained, "Emma thought since the younger children usually take over the rec room, that this would be nice for us."
"Emma is a living fem-genie," Alex stated before flipping over and into an oversized armchair.
"Who wants to play?" Leon made a path for the pool table.
"I'm in," Cordelia accepted.
"Let's play doubles," Angel suggested.
"This is cool," said Joey, mesmerized by the TV.
"Hey, keep your messy paws off." Scott went to stand in front of the screen.
Cody glared at him. "You can't tell us what to do."
Joey looked over for assistance. "Alex."
Sitting up, the young instructor said, "Sorry, guys. But this is officially the teen space. I'll talk to Charles and Erik about putting one of the new TV's in the rec room."
"Okay," Joey sighed.
Cody folded his arms with a disgruntled expression.
"Code Man," Sean admonished lightly. "No frowning up. Not while Maya's here."
When Maya came over to take hands with him, Cody agreed, "Okay," then looked up at her, "I'll wait until you leave."
She smiled then suggested, "Let's go have a look at the Range."
Growing excited again, Cody followed her out.
II
At last making her way upstairs, Becky found herself outside the closed door. Leaving her hand on the knob for several seconds, she slowly turned it and went inside through the ajar opening she made. She started to smile at the cleanness brought upon by the restoration until her eyes fell on the dresser. On top of it laid the body and shattered parts of the doll.
"You still have it. I remember picking this out for you. Back in France."
"Eliza? She was my very favorite for so long…"
"Rebecca was never yours, Erik. Her father is dead. I am what remains."
"You bastard."
"Now you have me confused with your daughter."
"I don't have a mother!"
Hands going to both sides of her head, Becky waited for the short-lived throbbing to clear then backed up and fled from the room.
IIIIIII
Stepping into the new lounge area, Hank said to those within, "I hate to interrupt, but we really need to unload the cars and get started on painting. Has anyone seen Becca?"
Alex turned away from the pool game. "She's down in Dad's den."
"I already checked there. Her room is open, but she isn't there." Hank went back out into the hall, trying her communicator again. "Becca?"
Going after him, the others called her name out as well.
Glancing inside the girl's bedroom, Leon immediately zeroed in on something. Gripping the nearby waste basket, he walked to the dresser and deposited every spec of the doll remains inside of it.
II
Becca?
Surprised at hearing his of all voices call upon her telepathy, Becky immediately returned, I'm out front, Big Bear!
Getting outside in record speed, Hank walked to where she sat on one of the benches. "Why didn't you answer your communicator?"
Becky held up her wrist. "I must have had it off." She pressed the necessary button. "I'm sorry."
He sat beside her. "You shouldn't have come out here without saying something."
"I'm really sorry, Big Bear," she reiterated.
All reprimand gone from him, Hank gave her his arm and pulled her in close. "What's wrong, Little Bear?"
Becky's green eyes glossed over as she leaned into his side. "I remember when we first came here and Uncle Charles gave the room special for me. Then she came into it. I can still hear their voices, Hank."
Pressing lips against the top of her head, Hank rubbed her arm as he slipped into thought. "For the longest time, I could see my father getting shot. Still hear the sound. I still do sometimes. I never thought I could go within ten miles of Illinois. But I did. And it was good for me. Because despite whatever bad happened, that was still home for me for so long. And I must say, the good memories outnumber the bad." He gazed towards the grand property. "This house offered so much healing for us after the attack at the facility." He faced her again. "No one has the power to take that away."
Becky reached up to hug him around the neck. "I'm so glad we're still together."
"Me, too." He squeezed her tightly. "But I need a favor, Becca. Kiki still isn't used to sleeping on her own yet. Raven and I have rooms set up for them. Trav will be alright, but would you mind staying with Kiki for a few nights?"
Becky nodded at that. "Sure."
IIIIIII
Various stacks of wallpaper piled before them, Alex began to sort. "Okay, let's see. You've got your flying baseballs."
"For the back wall," Scott indicated, accepting that assortment from him.
"Your fighter planes," Alex named next.
"They go by the bed."
"And," Alex held up the near life sized poster, "one seriously creepy Batman."
"Oh, give him here." Scott brought him over to the desk. "He goes behind here. For when I'm doing my homework."
Alex followed him over. "You want scowl-face watching you do your homework?"
"Yeah." Scott then explained, "It's the extra push to get my work done on time. My grades can't slip for a minute."
Alex then suggested, "Why not just hang up a picture of that face Charles' makes whenever one of us brings home a lousy mark?"
Scott made a face of his own at that. "I just need a reminder. Not nightmares."
II
After getting the walls coated in a rich medium pink color, the trio of X-Girls went to work putting back the framed scenes from Snow White, Minnie Mouse, A Little Princess, The Secret Garden, and various other pieces. On one bulletin board, they applied cut-outs of the Seven Dwarfs, the witch, and Snow White with photos of everyone playing the individual characters from Becky's eleventh birthday party.
Done helping Kiki put up Joey's picture next to Happy, Raven faced over to where Becky worked on her bed. "How's it coming?"
Among the numerous dolls and stuffed animals, Becky laid Sweetie Imp and Lana towards the front. "There. This looks a lot better."
"It sure does," Raven concurred. She put Kiki down to go raise the windows. "Let's go get started on Kiki's room while this paint smell dies down."
When the three made it to the third floor over by the McCoy wing, Raven brought them into the room nearest the master. The Jack and Jill bath separated the space from Trav's quarters.
Kiki's face immediately lit up. "Ooh, look Mommy."
Raven and Becky took in the swirling colors of sky blue, lavender, and violet that adorned the walls. One wall contained an entire scene of Tinkerbell flying over Never Land.
Raven commented, "Your daddy does good work."
Going to her pink framed bed, Kiki promptly started jumping, making Becky laugh.
"Hey, you break it," Raven walked over to her with a smile, "and we'll just have to get you a stronger one."
Kiki grinned and took her mother's hands to better hop.
Trav stuck his head in. "Becca, Mommy, Kikiko, come see my room."
Becky started that way with the other two behind her.
They maneuvered through the bathroom and over into the adjoining room. The mostly blue space contained a very detailed and colorful depiction of the solar system. A framed picture of the Winnie the Pooh characters next to Peter Rabbit hung above the bed. Short shelves of books took over the lower half of one wall.
"This is amazing," Raven said, gazing about.
Standing in the middle of the room, Hank knelt down to pick up Kiki. "Do you like yours?"
She nodded and burrowed against him in a hug. "Thank you, Daddy."
Hank kissed her head. "You're welcome, Baby Bear. Now, if you all will excuse me" He stood his daughter up. "I have to make a delivery."
Raven looked at him knowingly as he left.
Trav took Becky's hand to offer her the full tour of his new room.
II
With some maneuvering, the small-framed girl managed to get all five sparkling silver plush letters spelling out her name stapled above her headboard.
"That's really pretty."
Glancing back to find the other girl just outside the door, Angel said, "Thanks. Come on in." Maya entered fully. "I'm glad Hank and Raven could get you back here. I know you have everything going on, but it actually feels like we're all together in this."
Maya slipped hands into the pockets of her lounge pants. "Still floors me that anyone notices when I'm gone."
Angel gaped at her. "Are you kidding me? I know Sean has a secret shrine to you somewhere. Then there's Raven, Hank, Kayla, Logan, Cody…"
"I figured he didn't need me anymore," Maya stated simply. "He does have you now. Someone he can actually relate to in every way. Not that it's a bad thing, but you've brought so much into this house, Angel. It makes me wonder where I fit."
Climbing down from her bed, Angel only continued eyeing her incredulously. "I can't believe what I'm hearing. Ever since I came back here, I feel like I have to fight every minute to prove I'm not who I used to be. That I'm still being watched on some level. You can go all the way to Buffalo by yourself and adults around here are only concerned about your safety. All I have is the name, Maya. You're the actual angel girl around here."
"Angel , that's not true," Maya attempted to claim. "Besides, that sort of reputation is a lot of pressure to live up to."
Angel shrugged lightly. "Beats my reputation any day."
Before Maya could say more, Hank came in. "Ladies, I'm sorry to barge in, but," he faced Maya, "could you give us just a minute?"
"Sure," Maya nodded, leaving out.
Angel looked up at the tall man. "Hank?"
"Since Alex is all too eager to start up our regular training regimen tomorrow, I wanted to make sure you had this." Hank pulled a white box out from behind his back.
Taking it from him, Angel sat the package on the foot of her bed and removed the lid. Inside a black and ivory outfit gazed back at her. She lifted it out of the box, seeing it to be a one-piece halter suit with a white X patch sewn onto the upper right side.
Hank explained, "With the many adjustments I've had to make, it's took me quite a while to finish. I really hope you approve."
Gingerly lowering the outfit back inside the box, Angel rushed over to him. Hank just managed to catch the lightweight girl. He brought her off her feet in an embrace.
IIIIIII
A little after seven that evening, food arrived in the form of eight individual large pizzas. The boxes took over the living room coffee table in addition to certain parts of the floor.
"This is the best," Cody reached out for another slice of supreme, "No dining table, no knives and forks. We don't even have to put on clean shirts."
"Don't get used to this," Hank cautioned.
"Can we stay up late?" Joey asked.
"The adults will be here soon," Alex reminded. "Besides, you guys might want to get some sleep. Training, first thing tomorrow."
Sean brought up, "Make sure it's over before—"
"Yes, I know, your vampire fest," Alex filled in.
"What is it about pizza that makes you continuously consume beyond the point of fullness?" Leon bit into another piece of pepperoni.
Cordelia put forth, "Because if you're going to give into obesity and die of overeating due entirely to one food, pizza is the only one that's worth it."
Raven asked, "So if you guys are so full, is that a no to the three gallons of ice cream in the freezer?"
"Oh no," Becky immediately protested. "We'll save room."
"Or make room," Scott said stronger.
Hank said, "I'm resisting all urges to pipe in as a physician here…"
Frank rolled his eyes playfully. "Hank, it takes more than one night for a heart attack and diabetes."
Cody raised, "I don't think I can get any of that stuff."
Hank looked at him. "You want to grow up big and strong, don't you?"
Cody slouched a little. "You got me there."
"How come pizza's bad for you?" Trav wondered. "In school, they say bread and veggies and cheese are good for you. That's pizza, right?"
Leon's attention went to Hank. "You want to field that one?"
Hank responded with humming over a mouthful of meat lovers.
"Any time veggies are sprinkled with deliciousness they become bad for you," Raven chose to answer. "You know, like French fries."
"I'm so in the gym tomorrow," Angel moaned.
"I'm so going to be nauseous later." Maya then brightened. "So, ice cream?"
"Come help me." Raven moved to stand.
Crawling over, Kiki seized a sausage loaded slice from Hank's paper plate. He only shook his head in amusement and tugged on one of her pigtails.
IIIIIII
Sprawled out over his linens, Joey reacted to light from the hall entering his room followed by the presence of his father and brother.
"Daddy," he acknowledged, propping head up on his pillows.
"Your mother will be up in a moment." Carrying Brian in, Charles laid the baby down to scoot in closer to Joey. "How much did you eat?" He laid a hand over the clearly full stomach.
Joey thought about it. "How much is five plus a lot?"
"Eyes bigger than your tummy I see." Charles leaned in to nuzzle noses with him. "Did you have fun?" Joey nodded. "Did you get any of your homework done?"
Joey responded, "Then how could I have had fun?"
Sitting near him, Charles said, "Sunday will be…"
"Study day," Joey finished, grasping hands with Brian. "I know. Will you read to us?"
"Of course. And since we are home again… Once and Future King?"
Joey smiled. "Just a few pages."
Knowing a few most likely translated into twelve, Charles got up to retrieve the specified book.
II
Glancing back in time to witness the eight-ball rolling successfully into the hole, Sean accused, "You cheater."
"Sore loser," Cordelia threw back.
"Oh how good it is to be home." The blonde woman in white attire walked in. "How do you like your new lounge?"
"It's perfect, Big Sis," Cordelia told her.
"Yeah, thanks a lot, Mom," Sean said.
"We have some unloading to do." Emma looked back at them before leaving again. "Play nicely, you two."
As soon as she leaved, Sean declared, "Re-match."
"I have all night," Cordelia said wryly.
II
At the dutiful polishing taking place, Victor remarked, "You're liable to wipe the black clean off them shoes one day."
Scott looked up with a pleasant expression. "Hey, Coach. I thought I heard you guys pull in." He turned back to his dress shoes. "I have another presentation on Monday."
"Try to grab a few minutes tomorrow and we'll throw the ball around."
"Okay, cool."
"Good. Now I need to make sure these cameras are still intact." Victor went back out into the hall and detected the next teenager coming his way.
"Hey, Daddy Cat."
Victor bent to exchange a hug with her. "Hey, baby. You kids have fun?"
"Yeah, today was great," Angel peered up at him, "except I really missed having you around most of the day."
"I know what you mean." He then clued into something else in her shiny brown eyes. "I'll have the vanity for your bathroom installed by morning."
She let off a squeal and bounced in place. "Thank you!"
II
With the sandy brown crib finally setup, Logan lowered Mira into it. Todd remained only inches away from her in the red oak crib. Logan activated both their mobiles into animation.
"It's about time we had somethin' to fill this room with," he said, looking around at his and Kayla's massive space that somehow seemed larger now.
Kayla stood from working on miniature pillows with Maya to get another see. "You and your father did so well on Mira's furniture."
"Thanks, Ma." Cody then added, "The color's better for girls, anyway."
Logan walked over to Maya, stroking her chin. "You want me to wait until Sunday to take you back, right?"
The girl answered merely, "Whatever works," and added another patch of blue to her pillow.
II
Lighted by the dancing flames within the fireplace, the illumination brightened the four figures within the den. At his desk, Erik held Becky in his lap while they read through a passage in the Torah together. Over on the couch, Alex had his math book open while Sociology took Leon's attention.
Frank entered last and indicated the loaded box he had with him to Becky. "Want to play? I'll spot you a few."
Becky looked to Erik who kissed her cheek and encouraged, "Go on and play with your brother."
Smiling, Becky lowered to the floor. Frank got down as well, dumping out the various colorful marbles between them.
Letting off a nonchalant whistle, Alex waved one foot out to bump Frank in the bottom.
The young teen veered around to punch him lightly in the toe.
Leon chuckled under his breath, flipping a page.
Glancing up, Erik cleared his throat quite audibly, immediately making the males settle and return to their own activities.
Becky took the opportunity to collect the finest amongst Frank's marbles.
IIIIIII
Coming into the kitchen, Raven greeted the one crouched in one area with a, "Hey," as she went to get a cola for herself.
Looking at her, the Professor held up the three empty ice cream pails. "Honestly, Raven?"
"We worked really hard today, okay?" she defended. "And we held off on donuts."
"This is what happens when I leave you in charge, Baby Blue." Charles gently tugged her towards him. "You're exciting, fun, and indulgent. I will not stand for such behavior."
"Then sit down," Raven advised with a cute sneer.
Laughing softly, Charles sobered to say, "I really am proud of you. Getting the other youngsters together this way. Your determination to hold on to our home." He put the pails down to touch her cheek fondly. "Mother and Father would be pleased."
Raven hugged him around the neck strongly. "Thanks, Charles. You don't know what the means to me. And I saved you some ice cream in the back of the freezer."
Charles pecked near her temple, "My dear, sweet girl," then made a direct path for the ice box.