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.

209. Chapter 209 Opportunity

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Nine

Author's Word: Hi, fam! So this chapter overlaps with and takes place during the last one. Re-read if you become confused. Otherwise, please enjoy and review!

Upon spotting the eighth poster- this particular one done in pink with gold sparkles by the spirit club- Fabian reacted, "Ah, the anti-Christmas Eve."

Walking with him through the halls, a humored Cordelia pondered, "What do you mean?"

"On Christmas Eve, no child can get to sleep due to anticipation of toys and thrills. The night before report cards, no child can get to sleep due to dreading of shouts and inevitable pain on many ends."

Cordelia said, "In my house, that's typically the southern end. Are you and your dad coming tomorrow?"

"He might peep in on Collin, but for me the whole thing is unnecessary," Fabian claimed. "He'll certainly be at my sister's school earlier in the day. Mostly to send the female dominated PTA into hysterics."

"Way too cool," Cordelia commented favorably. "I guess your grades must be pretty good."

"At this point, my GPA is simply being padded," Fabian said glibly. "I have six advanced placements under my belt already. If I really wanted I could have graduated over the summer."

Taken by this, Cordelia wanted to know, "Why in the world didn't you?"

At the bell all around them, Fabian said, "Well, best lace up the old tennis shoes for yet another lackluster physical session." He waved at her as he backed away. "Until we meet again." He turned to go in the direction of the gym.

Cordelia watched him disappear amongst the other students before heading for her next class.

II

Shaking his carton of chocolate milk in a partial attempt to see if he could somehow dissolve the contents by his own hand, Tony braced himself for the incoming disgruntled individual headed their way. Frank somewhat drooped into the chair across from him and plopped his lunch bag onto the table.

Seated beside him, Carmen inquired, "What's wrong?"

"Ohhh, don't tell me." Mondo arrived, putting his tray down before taking the chair next to Tony. "You made a C in Health."

Frank released a dismissive breath to that. "Like Hank would ever let that happen. What he would let happen is a big road trip to tour colleges all weekend long without me."

Carmen's eyebrows jumped a bit. "You're looking into colleges already?"

"No," Frank responded as if it should have been so plain, "I just don't like that I'm being left in the highchair while the bigger guys get to goof off all weekend."

"Rough break, man." Mondo then brought up, "But look on the bright side. Tomorrow is Straight A Day."

Frank shrugged. "That's every day for us."

"Well, here's a real bright side," Tony put forth. "If you were gone, you wouldn't be able to do me a little favor."

Frank looked at him directly. "What do you need?"

"I hate to come at you with this," Tony began, "but my sisters are dying to meet Angel. You think she'd be up lunch at my place on Saturday? My parents invited you guys."

"She'd probably go for it, but why not ask her yourself?" Frank pointed out. "You go to school with her, too."

"I don't want to mess around like a dumb fan to her," Tony reasoned. "Besides, I can't imagine getting within ten feet of her without falling over."

Mondo remarked, "She is fine."

Carmen rolled her eyes with a smile.

"So, will you ask her, Frank? One middle bro to another."

Frank thought then affirmed, "One middle bro to another." Using his milk straw, he pointed out the other two at the table. "But please be aware that I am under no obligation to do anything for you nasty spoiled youngests."

Carmen made a show of the statement cutting her in the heart and Mondo wore a somewhat boastful expression.

"Do you have oldest kids on your list, too?" Tray in hand, Collin came up on their table.

"Definitely, but not as high up there," Frank answered him then invited, "Sit down, man."

Placing his tray down, Collin pulled over a chair and sat in it backwards. "This cafeteria food actually doesn't taste like paper. Nothing like where I used to live."

Carmen stated, "Only gourmet slop for the Westchestarians."

Tony asked, "Is Italian treating you any better?"

Collin poked at his pudding cup with the spoon. "Definitely no worse."

"Don't worry. It's only term grades," said Frank. "Maybe we can get in some study time next week."

"Yeah, sure," Collin replied noncommittally.

II

Keeping the ladder good and steady for the much daintier creature applying papier-mâché stars along the doorframe, Ben studied her movements in silence.

"You're like a pixie."

Angel stared down at that. "What?"

Ben explained, "Or maybe a hummingbird. Going around from flower to flower, making everything around here so pretty."

Angel appeared pleased then claimed, "More like a greedy bird." She started down the ladder. "I'm getting extra credit in Home Ec for this."

"Can't fool me." Capturing her at the waist, Ben helped bring her back to proper ground level. "I've seen you all week. You're completely into Parents' Night."

"You've only seen me because you've been at it, too," Angel reminded. "And you're not even earning credit."

"Guilty," Ben accepted. "Sean tells me things have been going well for you."

"Well," an uncertain but growing smile built on the girl's face, "yeah. It's been nice having Sam and Adrienne visit. They're coming down here with Victor tomorrow. For me. And… I don't know." Angel crossed her arms, peering down a bit in ponder. "Being able to do all this school stuff, this family stuff… I can't tell you what it means."

"Hey, I am the last one you have to explain that to, Angel." Ben's words made her look up again. "I still remember when my family couldn't even be called that. Things with Dad were so messed up. Then he got it together, got remarried. Sometimes I still can't believe this is us."

Angel gripped the side portion of the ladder, leaning into it a little. "I know exactly what you mean."

Ben edged back against one of the ladder's rungs. "You know what I enjoy most?"

"What?" Angel wondered.

"Not even the big stuff like birthdays and holidays. It's really the little things." Ben searched for a way to explain it. "Being able to yell "Mom" at the top of my lungs. Calling Josh my brother; Megan and Rach my sisters."

"Asking permission to go out," Angel tacked on. "Not being allowed to set a pinky toe outside the door in trampy outfits."

"Exactly. Although, the closest you get to trampy around my house are those Bermuda shorts Dad always wants to wear to Temple when it's warm out." Angel laughed and he looked up in equal good humor. "Kids here are so clueless."

Angel gazed about at their classmates also taking part in the decorations. "They really are. Half the girls I talked to plan to split whenever they see their parents tomorrow."

"Oh but Angel, they'd have to face the shame of actually being seen with them." Ben looked thoughtful. "I wonder if Mom and Dad are up for wearing our matching sweaters."

Angel broke out into an all-out snicker.

IIIIIII

Positively taken by the enormous selection of Sunday dresses along with the other adorable autumn attire, Kayla proved utterly entranced.

"Hello, pink. Finally, we meet again." She pawed at a pair of frilly socks. "Yes, I've missed you, too."
Arms crossed and gaping, Adrienne stated, "Your friend needs help."

Emma gave her sister a cross sideways look. "She's excited and she has every right to be."

From Mira's secure place in the infant pack strapped to her front, Kayla showed her a raspberry dress. "Look sweetheart, cupcakes."

Raven smiled at them from the department store chair, holding Kiki in her lap.

The toddler tugged on her mother's long golden strands. "Ice cream now, Mama?"

Raven kissed her little hand. "In a few minutes, Baby Gorge."

Adrienne turned to them. "I've wanted to know something for quite a while. Why in the world would a perfectly natural redhead change into yet another basic dishwater blonde for the public's eye?"

Emma sent her an off-hand glance. "Your kindness reflects your old age, Big Sis."

Raven answered the older Frost's question with, "My adoptive mom had really pretty blonde hair. She would let me brush it sometimes."

"I see," Adrienne understood and quite well. She moved over to where Samantha studied a display of glass figurines. "We should get that one," Adrienne pointed out the crystal cat, "for your room."

The young girl smiled over her shoulder at her.

IIIIIII

Almost as soon as he made it home, Charles met with a plethora of bills. He maneuvered up the stairs, through the second floor hall, and into the master suite while leafing through them. They came along with another set of speaking engagements, including more than one out of state.

Easing onto the bed, Charles had to jump up immediately at the pillow that came to life. "Gah!" Eyes shining curiously, Midnight stared up at him. "You." Charles sent him a narrowed glance. "Out, out of here." He used the mail to point towards the hall. "Go on, shoo." Midnight released a yawn and settled down more comfortably against the soft linens. Charles squatted to get in close to him. "Wouldn't you love to go to Erik's room and claw at a few of those lovely leather jackets he cherishes so?"

At the continued lack of favorable responses, Charles quietly wished his telepathy could work on animals. Even if did possess such an ability, he got the feeling that the cat's will would still out power his own.

Giving it a rest, the Professor headed for the nursery. At Brian with his back supported against a pillow and playing with his plush toys, a smile took over the man's entire face.

"My love, look at you." Charles lifted him up and into his arms to snuggle and kiss his cheek. "Sitting up all on your own. Wait until I tell your mummy."

"Hey Chuck, glad you're home." His own tiny son in tow, Logan entered the room. "Erik's in town and the boys are gettin' ready to hit the road tomorrow. I want to leave Pup with you while I grab the kids."

"Of course." Charles then asked, "Are Emma and the ladies still shopping?"

"You know it," the Veteran confirmed.

"Oh Logan, look at Brian," Charles raised him a little higher, "Sitting up with no help from anyone. He's becoming a big boy before my eyes."

"Yeah, don't get too glad there." Logan went to lay a carefully bundled Todd down in crib. "Once they start pullin' themselves up, the next step's walkin'. From then it's runnin'. Then good luck catchin' him."

Charles' smile only grew as he rubbed Brian's back. "I get the feeling this one is going to have energy close to Cody's." He looked in on Todd. "What about this little one?"

Logan played with his son's fist for a moment, staring at him. "Anything he wants in the world." He bent to kiss the tiny hand then started out of the nursery. "I'll try not to swap the squirts out for smokes."

"Much appreciated," Charles called after him.

IIIIIII

Remaining at the second floor window until the unexpected visitors at last departed, Cordelia rushed down the stairs and zipped into the parlor. The three adults stood together, all with varying expressions of ponder.

"So?" The girl pushed some hair behind her ear. "What- How was- how did it go?"

Charles responded first with, "I'm afraid Estevan Cortez is a man still fueled by an unquenchable desire for the harshest retribution."

Emma said, "I only hope he isn't able to locate Ignacio."

Cordelia frowned. "Well, why? He shouldn't have gotten off. We all know that. Look at everything he did. Things the police don't even know about."

"We're aware of that, Cordelia," Charles informed her. "However, if Estevan kills Ignacio, he'll only make the situation where mutants are concerned that much harder. He'll make a hero of the man in the public's eye."

"Maybe he won't go that far," the girl reasoned. "I know he's done questionable things, a lot of them, but look at what else. He dropped money off here because he felt responsible for the mansion, even though the whole thing was because of Ignacio and the Shadow King. And he came over here just to talk. That's it. That says something, doesn't it?"

Erik eyed her pointedly. "You seem highly invested in our opinion of Estevan Cortez."

Cordelia played with her fingertips. "Well, yes. He lives here now and they're in school with us. Anne and Max are friends with Becky and Trav. I see Frank and Collin talk sometimes."

Emma approached her sister with an even expression. "What about you and Fabian?"

Cordelia pressed her feet against the floor to keep from squirming in place. "He is in most of my classes. It's pretty unavoidable that we see each other and have to talk to each other."

Emma nodded carefully. "You two are friends."

Cordelia wore a tight smile. "I didn't know the X-Men were about spreading contempt."

"We're certainly not." Charles came her way as well. "We only wish for you to be careful, love."

Erik reminded, "You've been down this road before. The last time did not end favorably."

Remaining completely still for a few seconds, Cordelia walked beyond all three of them to the fireplace. "I've always done my best to keep from judging any of you. Em coming home for the first time in forever, Angel," she turned, zeroing in on Erik, "you. But I feel like that everything I've had to deal with is always getting thrown back in my face. Like no one can trust my opinion on anything."

Erik used his hand to keep the Xaviers where they were and he walked up to the girls, features softening. "You are right and I do understand what you're feeling. However, I'm afraid my hypocrisy does show from time to time in my pursuit to keep you and the others safe. That is not a mindset I plan to change, either. Not if it means putting any of you in harm's way."

Cordelia looked up at him. "I know you'll do anything for us. But Fabian… you don't know what happened to him."

Charles piped up, "I'm afraid we do and it's sickened me since the moment I learned of it."

Cordelia faced him now. "Then you have to know that I can't turn my back on him. Not again. Not without a real reason."

Emma stated, "That's fair enough. But you will have to exercise the wisdom to be able to recognize such reason."

Erik added on meaningfully, "Or we will exercise it for you."

Glancing up, Cordelia nodded and reached her arms up. Erik crouched to accept the hug then sent her off with a ginger pat to her back. After she went, the adults resumed their individual thought processes.

IIIIIII

Making their way into their new space, the oldest of the Eye Scream Team caught sight of the two currently overtaking the pool table.

Sean saw them and asked, "You guys want to play teams?"

"Surprised you have time to play games." Frank folded his arms. "Shouldn't you be busy getting ready for your big academic experience, which we all know is only an excuse for Erik and Charles to give you free reign to try out every burger spot between here and Connecticut?"

Leon commented, "The spirit of bitterness remains alive in the very young."

"And the spirit of unfunny lives in ugly guys with girl hair," Frank sent back with a haughty grin.

"Almost sad to leave you behind Frank-O." Sean came up to give him a little noogie. "Almost."

As they left, Leon threw the eight ball over his shoulder.

Scott caught it. "Don't sweat it, Frank." He went over to get a pool stick off the wall. "They're not taking me, either."

"Yeah, but," Frank began organizing the balls into the triangle, "you're in grammar school."

Scott raised an eyebrow and put a hand on his hip. "Oh, so is playing alien landing in the treehouse what all the big time high school kids are into?"

"Maybe," Frank said mysteriously. "And don't spread that around."

Moving on, Scott pointed out, "At least we have the whole lounge to ourselves."

"Yeah," Frank took a pool stick and propped his dejected chin up with it, "except for the girls." A beaming light came to his eyes that had nothing to do with his mutation and his lips upturned. "Wait a minute…"

Scott shook his head at the near drooling lips. "Oh brother."

IIIIIII

Swinging wife in a short circle about their room, Hank grasped her middle while she kept arms around his neck.

"Going to miss me I gather?" He wriggled his eyebrows in that special way.

Raven whimpered and pressed noses with him. "I hate goodbyes."

"You do know I'll be seeing you at WU later today?"

"I hate pre-goodbye dress rehearsals." Raven placed her head on his shoulder. "I want a cutesy airport moment."

Hank laughed, finally putting her down. "Wouldn't that be a little out of the way for a road trip?"

She narrowed yellow eyes at him. "Cutesy. Airport. Moment." Raven then withdrew when his teeth came after the finger she pointed at him.

"Daddy," Trav rolled across his parents' wide bed, "I want to go, too."

"Son, I promise," Hank came over to sit between him and Kiki, "one day you and I are going to make a special trip out to Harvard."

Kiki hugged his arm. "I go to Ha'vad."

"Oh Baby Bear," Hank brought her into his lap, "I'm afraid there are no girls at Harvard."

"Yeah," Trav smirked. "No cooties."

At the two sticking their tongues out at each other, Hank gave each of them a strong squeeze. "Now now, my little bears. You're going to be good while Daddy's away, right?"

Kiki clung to his shirt. "I'll be good, Daddy."

Trav said matter-of-factly, "I'm always good for Mommy."

"Good." Hank ruffled his hair. "Because I'll be counting on you to look after things while I'm gone."

At the wily look that appeared on her son's face, Raven said, "Don't let it go too far to your head."

Trav faced her cutely. "I won't…"

IIIIIII

It did not take long for the Xavier kitchen to completely transform into a creation station with the various pans, dishes, and near endless ingredients flying about. Dumping nearly an entire bag of chocolate chips into one bowl, Samantha used the tall wooden spoon to stir her thick mix. Removing the brownies out of the oven, Frank accidentally bumped her and the two shared a brief smile. Angel and Cordelia decorated the finished caramel-chocolate squares together. Raven helped Kiki sprinkle sugar on another set of cookies.

"My," Charles entered with Emma behind him. "We are certainly in for a treat this Parents' Night."

Cordelia said, "We have to get the parents hopped up on as much sugar as possible to draw attention away from the dismal grades."

"Let me help you with something," Emma offered.

"No!" the kitchen inhabitants exclaimed together.

"Don't feel too terribly, little sis." Adrienne came in, observing the work. "I'm hardly fit to add the sprinkle cheese to a garden salad."

Angel wondered, "Cor, how are you the only Frost girl that can cook or sew?"

"I learned a lot more when I came to live here," Cordelia told her. "And while Em and Dri are well-versed in mutant combat, I wanted to start off my survival skills with cuisine."

"And what do we have here?" Charles reached a hand around Raven.

"Your limit is one, Mister," the shape-shifter said firmly. "Leave him alone in here and he's worse than Joey. I'm just glad the big guys are on the road."

"These are good to go, Rae." Frank showed her the brownies.

"Okay, you have to stop being this perfect," Raven sat Kiki in a chair to put arms around him, "because with Hank in Harvard Land there's very little to keep me from running away with you."

Frank smiled widely at her.

Samantha promptly glanced back. "Frank, can you help me with my cookies?"

When Frank tore out of her grasp, Raven put her hands on her hips. "I'm so sidelined."

"What is that incredible smell, Princess?" Charles grabbed an oven mitt to help her remove her dessert from the oven.

Becky said, "It's Papa's apple cake."

Frank looked over at them. "He made it for us in the country and showed me a lot of other great stuff, too."

Charles nodded pleasantly. "I'll have to steal a slice of my own tonight."

"Though we'd best finish getting ready to head over to the grammar school." At his wife's extended hand, Charles went to join with her and leave the eatery.

IIIIIII

Dressed in a deep blue suit that matched Kayla's dress, Logan peered under his hat at the various childish drawings and projects that made up most of the hallway décor. They waited for a few couples to depart before Kayla guided them into the designated classroom.

"Mrs. Andrews?" she addressed. "I'm Kayla Howlett. I believe you've met my husband Logan once or twice."

"Yes, I…" Standing from her desk, the woman held out her hand until she fully took in the linked arm pair. "Oh, that's right. You- you're Cody's parents."

"We're busted, lover." Logan removed his hat. "Everything alright, ma'am?"

"Certainly." Mrs. Andrews put on a smile. "Please, sit down." The couple took the chairs before her and she sat back at her desk.

"I'm sorry I haven't been able to get away until now," Kayla apologized. "We just had twins and it's all I can do to step out the front door for the morning paper some days."

"Oh, that's quite alright. Let's see, Codicat." Finding the right report card, Mrs. Andrews handed it over for their viewing. "He does quite well on tests and quizzes. I also noticed that he retains information from books and lectures far better than most."

Logan explained, "We do a lot of oral storytelling at home. He can recite anything we've told him off the top of his head like he was there himself."

"It's something both sides of our families have always practiced," Kayla added.

Mrs. Andrews appeared impressed by this. "I see. More parents should be so intimately involved in their children's education. However, I still can't help but notice that Cody tends to be far less enthusiastic with homework assignments. A bit lazy even."

"I'll buy that," Logan said. "I don't think he cares too much for busy work."

Kayla assured, "I'll be certain to speak with him about that."

II

Bringing the warm cup to his lips, Erik proved ready to spit the moment it touched his tongue.

"Did you come for the terribly unforgivable coffee?" Estevan walked up to him, glancing back at the number of parents that seemed to speak within a clique. "Or the witty conversation? Perhaps we should form our own union."

"Yes, the trials of the single father," Erik concurred. "My brother was also one for a time."

"Until he married. I caught the announcement in the paper." Estevan took another casual sip of the poor coffee. "Tell him congratulations from me on his… typical existence."

Erik watched him walk off and Aaron approached to say, "Estevan Cortez. Sometimes I think he's staring straight through me."

Erik responded, "It wouldn't surprise me."

"He had his daughter transferred to my class but still." Aaron looked uncertain. "It's more of what I've already faced."

Erik eyed him curiously. "What do you mean?"

Aaron faced him in turn. "There are those not entirely comfortable with a man teaching at the elementary level. I don't know if you've heard, but we're cold, heartless, and void of nurturing."

Erik could not help a small smile at that. "Believe me, whatever grievances Estevan Cortez carries, that is miles from being one of them."

II

After viewing Joey's numerous projects in the art room, the Xaviers ventured forth to the corridor used for ROTC.

"Lt. Ford?" Charles peered into the correct office, getting the chiseled man in suit to gaze up. "I'm Charles Xavier, Scott Summers' guardian. This is my wife, Emma."

"How do you do?" Emma shook with him.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," he replied. "In fact, I was hoping you would stop by today."

Charles asked with concern, "Is everything alright with Scott?"

"Couldn't be better," Lt. Ford responded. "I tell you, break that kid's legs and if he's not walking again by tomorrow you'd better believe he'll drag along before he ever gives up."

Emma smiled. "Your class means a great deal to him."

"Yes," Charles spoke. "His pilot ambitions are greater than ever."

"You know, I had my doubts about a boy with his eye condition going after something that difficult," Lt. Ford admitted. "But after watching him in class this term, I'm fairly convinced that he won't stop coming back until he has that pilot's license in his hand. From what I've been told, he's doing pretty well in his other subjects as well. You've got a heck of a boy on your hands."

Emma wound her arms around Charles' left one as she said, "We've suspected that for some time now."

IIIIIII

On route back to her own station, Angel stopped off at one table loaded with various Westchester High merchandise. The selection included wall flags, stationary, t-shirts, and pom-pom wavers.

Giving her a wide grin, Noah asked, "Care to support our football team? It not only supports current players but aides in sending promising young athletes to summer camp."

Angel crossed her arms with a smirk. "Save the speech for the grownups."

Watching her walk off, Noah said after her, "Surprised yours let you out the house. Looking that pretty."

Angel peered back for a moment but found no words as she returned to her sweets loaded table.

Cordelia commented, "Jock boy still drooling for you I see."

"Please, girl. Don't pay him any attention." Angel then reacted favorably to the couple that came their way next. "Hey, having a good time?"

"Not quite the gala of my high school days but a noble effort has been made nonetheless," Adrienne remarked.

Victor clarified, "She means you kids did a great job." He glanced around. "Where's Sam?"

Cordelia told him, "Frank's showing her around."

At the people lining up behind them, Adrienne said, "We'll let you ladies get back to work."

The adult pair turned the corner and almost immediately met with a middle-aged man in glasses. "Excuse me, I saw you speaking with Angela Salvador. I'm Harold Nelson. I have her for AP History."

"Ah, Adrienne Frost." The red haired woman offered him an elegant hand to gingerly shake. "Angela's my latest and possibly greatest modeling find. This is Victor Creed, her security."

"Hello." After a handshake, Victor wanted to know, "How's Angel doing? We heard she made it to the top on the last test."

"Yes, she did," Mr. Nelson confirmed. "She's an excellent student of history. I've also spoke with her English teacher, who believes she should look into AP Literature for next semester."

Adrienne exchanged a look with Victor before she said, "She'll be thrilled to hear that."

"Not only that," the man went on, "but it would be my pleasure to write her a personal recommendation letter for the universities of her choosing."

The two mutants now swapped a similar smile.

II

Once they finished seeing his locker, Frank took Samantha on a tour through his other favorite sites of the school. They came upon one open hallway, where he saw a particular gathering of students and other faculty members.

"Hey, it's my friends," he grinned, bringing them over closer to hear.

On his turn to speak, Mondo continued with, "It is our hope that the busing program brings in a new era. That color won't matter any longer as we're able to study together as one student body, bringing Westchester High's ideas for racial unity to the rest of the country."

A round of applause reacted from the visitors and Frank and Samantha joined in on the clapping.

Glancing to one side from her line up, Carmen spotted him as well as the one at his right. "Tony?" She tapped on the shoulder of the boy standing right before her. "Who is that? With Frank?"

"Huh?" Tony peered over out of the corner of his eye. "Oh, that must be Sam. She's coming with them to my house tomorrow."

Carmen's lower mouth dropped. "What?"

"Oh, it's okay," Tony reassured. "My parents said it's alright."

"We'll meet them later. They look pretty busy." Frank took Sam's hand and went in search of the other X-Men.

IIIIIII

Observing the sleeping children that currently took over the center of their bed, Raven delighted yet again in their company.

She glanced away to return to the phone. "Yeah babe, everything's great at Trav's school. But one thing was kind of weird."

"What?" Hank wondered.

"Miss Davis said something about how Trav seems maybe a little overly focused. Kind of like school is some sort of addiction for him."

"I believe I know what she means. I went through the same thing. Trust me, if that's our greatest concern we have it far too simple as parents."

"Here's hoping that Trav doesn't try to tattoo up in a few years," Raven said wistfully. "And that Kiki doesn't fall for a biker."

Hank stated strongly, "She does and she'll never be able to sit comfortably on that bike."

Raven laughed softly into the phone. "I'll let you get back to your boys. And remember, no fighting with Yalies. Unless they start it, in which case feel free to break their little pocket protectors."

A smile could be heard in Hank's voice. "I love you, Westchester University coed."

"I love you," she returned, "Harvard hotness."

They hung up and Raven clicked off the light before settling in bed with her small ones.

II

At the New York City native entering his den, Erik immediately glanced up from what he presently worked on. "I wasn't inside the high school for even five minutes before I was told to speak to your guidance counselor."

Frank's brown eyes swelled. "Uh oh." He touched both hands to his behind and started to back away.

Erik shook his head and summoned him for with a crooked finger. "It seems," he accepted the boy into his lap, "that he believes you'll be ready for any college of your choosing in a very short amount of time." The metal wielder pinched the boy's chin. "Though you could stand to be a little more disciplined."

"I've got plenty of discipline," Frank claimed. "When I'm here. I don't have enough for normal school."

Erik hid a smile as he said, "Perhaps I should give you more here so you have plenty for both."

"Nah." Frank tucked his head under Erik's. "Don't strain yourself. I won't have any energy for training."

Erik put a tender hand to Frank's back. "This is quite the rarity."

"What is?"

Erik held him closer. "Having my little boychick all to myself."

A rapid grin grew on the young teenager's face.

IIIIIII

"Thank you, Mr. Aremu," Angel said to the tall, stout man refilling her iced tea glass.

"No trouble at all." Barine went to rejoin his wife on the loveseat.

"I cannot believe I am sitting here with Angela Salvadore," Bianca raved.

Angel said in turn, "I can't believe I'm sitting here with a freshman from Columbia."

"Barnard College, officially," Bianca clarified. "A couple of my classes are held at Columbia, but not one of the ivy leagues accepts women."

"But isn't Barnard just as hard to get into?" Angel mentioned. "You must be something really special."

"Me?" Bianca reacted incredulously. "You are changing everything. Do you know how many times my class has broken into heated debates over Hearts and Stripes?"

Angel sat in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

As if getting an inspiration, Bianca suggested, "You should apply to Barnard. They would jump at the chance to have a sensation like you actually walking our halls."

"If not there, there are six other sister colleges," Marcella said. "Then there are performance arts schools like Julliard. You're already a model. Acting could easily be in your future. Barine," she tugged on his sleeve, "doesn't she remind you of Eartha Kitt?"

Barine responded, "The spitting image."

Angel started to say something until little Lucia barreled in from playing out front with the younger teens to pull on her. "Angel, Angel, can we go see my room now?"

"Sure." Angel put her glass down to follow her upstairs.

As soon as they reached the youthful bedroom, Angel's attention bypassed the tall dollhouse and other toy assortment to the display above the bed. Countless cut-outs of herself along with every other featured model hung up but none dominated the wall like Angel's pictures. Articles from the magazine also stood out. Above the unique collage was the construction paper sign of, Hearts and Stripes Forever with random colors for every letter.

Angel laid a hand over her chest. "Lucia…"

"Mama got me all the stripe clothes so far." Sitting on her bed, the little girl eyed the wall dreamily. "Hardly anyone important looks like us." Lucia turned to her with a big smile. "I want to be just like when I get older."

Angel offered her a faint smile but the bulk of her attention could not face away from the wall.

IIIIIII

Supporting Joey on his lap, Charles moved his knight forward on the chess board. "Your art teacher could not stop singing your praises yesterday."

"Miss Adams?" Joey frowned at the name. "I can't believe it. She's way fussier than Miss Kendall."

"Well, she did mention that you and Laci have a bit of a," Charles tapped the side of the boy's leg, "talking tendency."

Joey shifted his eyes. "Maybe. Just a little bit."

Across from them, Erik held Becky and determined his own chess move. "I wonder what Hank is going to have to say about that C you made in science. That's a drop from when you were attending school here full time."

"We shouldn't tell him," Becky reasoned. "It'll ruin his whole weekend."

Charles gazed over at her. "Studying all day tomorrow, Princess." He addressed Joey with, "That goes for you also."

Joey only shrugged. "Studying beats a spanking any day."

Becky nodded her agreement.

IIIIIII

"Their house was so nice and cozy," Samantha recollected fondly. "Mrs. Aremu and her daughters are really pretty. Just like Angel."

Angel darted eyes over at her.

With the girl in his hold on the couch, Victor gave her a squeeze. "And you."

Samantha leaned back against him comfortably.

"It seems we have a great deal to discuss." Adrienne walked across the loft to get under Angel's blanket with her. "School, modeling- the world is at your doorstep."

Angel rubbed her arms uncomfortably. "I don't know why."

"Why?" Victor echoed. "You're gorgeous, you're doin' well in school, you're talented."

"At what?" Angel's eyes turned sharp. "Using my body for profit? That's nothing new." She stood and paced across the room with arms crossed.

Victor exchanged a look with Adrienne, who stood after her. "Angel, what is this nonsense? You know all of that is in the past."

"No, it's not," Angel insisted. "I'm nothing but a dirty whore out of the gutter who's daddy couldn't be bothered with her." She veered around. "People shouldn't be calling me some sensation. Little girls have no business putting me up on their walls like I'm some kind of hero."

Samantha flashed concerned eyes her way.

Adrienne grasped her shoulders. "Angel, dear."

She shook her head. "I'm not like you, Dri."

"That must is true." Adrienne tucked away stray strands of the girl's hard. "You're not a cold she-beast who drives everyone away. Unlike you, I had every advantage and still couldn't be satisfied."

Victor gently moved Samantha to sit on the couch as he stood. "And let me tell you. Your old man could be in your face every single day and still it'd mean nothin' when he'd rather use you to work on his aim. As for bein' a hero, you don't get to pick that. Accordin' to Frank and my nephew, that's what I am. I didn't go to war out of some sacred duty. I went for kicks."

Adrienne said, "I may work with models of various sizes, but you've shown the real courage. Hearts and Stripes Forever has inspired so many, for better or worse."

"And you need to watch your mouth," Victor added firmly. "I don't want to hear you call yourself anything like that again."

"'Kay," Angel nodded at them both.

Standing, Samantha went to take her hand. "You're my hero, too, Angie."

Angel pulled her into an immediate grateful embrace.

IIIIIII

At the sensation of the youthful minds coming at his psyche, Charles leapt from his desk to greet them. He took time to summon Erik as he did so, finding the metal wielder already leaving his den.

"Hey, I'm starved," Alex's voice sounded first.

"Ditto that," came from Leon.

"Where's Raven?" asked Hank.

"Daddy." Sean spilled over into Charles' arms.

The Professor chuckled. "Raven's in the kitchen, where dinner is being prepared."

"Yes! Oh," Alex went to hug Erik, "Dad, it's you."

"You noticed? I am so flattered." Erik opened up the embrace for the other boychick to enter. "Welcome home."

"How was Yale?" Charles asked Hank.

"Dreadful as ever." The young scientist hugged him, "More on that later," then went to seek out his wife and children. "Honey, I'm home!"

Leon peeked up at Erik adorably. "Do you have chocolates in the Mag Cave?"

"I stocked up," Erik told him.

"I'll be right there." Alex picked up his overnight bag again. "I'm going to look in on Scott and Joe and listen to Frankenstein whine."

"We'll see you shortly then." Erik placed an arm around Leon as they headed into the den.

Charles squeezed Sean's wrists. "Did you have a good time?"

The boy nodded somewhat absently. "Mmhmm."

"Seanie," Charles cupped the side of his face, "is everything alright?"

"Yes. Guess I just- I just," Sean moved forward to hug him again, "I missed you."

Charles smiled and held him securely. "Why don't we have our desserts in my study together? You can tell me all about your trip."

"Okay, great."

"Go on and get cleaned up before dinner."

Gripping his bag, Sean started up the stairs. The moment he reached his room, he took the liberty of collapsing against his mattress. He quickly found sanctum amongst his pillows.