X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Thirteen

Author's Word: Hi, fam! This is in response to the requests for flashbacks. None are in a particular order and if anything is confusing, I suggest you look back on previous chapters. Now, since I listen to you do me a couple favors by enjoying and reviewing!

Dear Mom, Dad, and Tommy,

School seems to be going alright. We were just handed a big stack of rules, but I don't think it'll be too rough to follow. The other guys are pretty great. Hank reads a lot of the same books that I do. Raven showed us how to make fudge. Becky's really sweet and maybe even more quiet than I am. We can be in a room together all day and never bug each other. Then there's Alex, who I'm convinced was born from a cloud of cool.

The particular volume of the approaching vehicle's engine caused the young writer to look up. Parked outside of the mansion's large front gates, the blonde sat behind the wheel of the dark blue Cadillac.

"Move it, dork!" Alex summoned. "We're busting out of here!"

"Coming!" Sean peered down at his letter once more.

Born from a cloud of cool then raised by shark-wolf hybrids.

X

When they departed the small grocery store, Alex led the way back out front to the car.

Giddy over his purchases, Sean got back in the passenger's side. "I can't believe Charles actually let you borrow the Cadillac."

"Probably helps that I'm riding around with you." Alex next pulled up outside the park.

"What are we doing here?" Sean wondered.

"I need a brewski." Alex fished the beer bottle out of his jeans pocket.

Sean's eyes widened to the point they appeared they would float away. "Where'd you get that?"

Alex started for the park. "Swiped it while you were drooling over comic books."

Sean darted after him. "You mean you stole it?"

"Way too easily. It's like they wanted it." Finding seating under an assortment of trees, Alex popped the lid off and took a lingering sip. He then held it out for the redhead. "Just don't spit back."

Sean shook his head and hands. "No thanks." He got down into the grass across from him. "You've got some nerve, man. Charles and Erik are going to go ballistic."

"Covered." Alex next showed him the package of breath mints he carried in his shirt pocket. "But I know what you're getting at. You're still worried about that law they laid on us last week."

Sean tried to focus on his new comic book. "I am not."

"Sure." Alex rolled his eyes in jest, taking another drink from the bottle. "You're scared Erik's gonna belt you one."

"Am not!"

"Whatever. It's not like you have anything to worry about," Alex reasoned. "Charles is wild about you, Professor's pet."

Frowning at the less than affectionate nickname, Sean tried to change the subject. "You read any of these?"

Alex took one look at the Superman title and his expression grew completely straight. "There's no such thing as superheroes, Sean. Or were they all on a coffee break when those guys came in and killed Darwin and Becky's dad?"

Gripping his comic tighter, Sean looked on as Alex brought the bottle to his lips again. For a moment, he felt some small sympathy for the older teen.

XXXXX

With an attempt to combat the powerful hands constricting his throat, the young man jumped upright in bed. He sent his pillows hurling across the room, knocking a stand down. Able to breathe again but with some small gagging still involved, he attempted to calm himself.

"Victor?" The lighted lantern made out the face and figure of his mother in his bedroom doorway. "My God…" She approached the boy with blonde strands attached to his wet face. "Are you alright?"

Almost unable to recognize her initially, he addressed, "Ma?... I ain't… I didn't mean to wake you."

"Don't you worry about that." Elizabeth placed the lantern on his night table and touched both his cheeks. "Look at you. You're soaked in sweat." Considering the autumn conditions outside, she found this all the more alarming.

"It was just a dream."

"A nightmare." Elizabeth studied his dark brown eyes. "What did he do to you, son?"

Victor clutched her wrist. "It don't matter, Ma. It's over now." So is he.

She kissed his forehead and got the blanket better situated around him. "You stay put now. I'm going to get you a glass of water." First, she went to work collecting his pillows for him.

Victor laid down when she got them placed under his head just right. "Thank you, Mama."

"Hush now, my love." Elizabeth smoothed a few strands of hair out of his face before leaving for the kitchen.

X

Pile at least four feet high, Victor used the sharp fingers on the rake to usher over some more of the colorful leaves. He stood stiffly in place, the area under his eyes dark and listless. At a body connecting with and causing his leaf mound to practically explode, he became entirely awake.

The teenager let off a grunt that resembled a growl. "Runt."

"What's the point of leaves," the young boy tossed a handful his brother's way, "if you don't pounce 'em?"

"You pounce, you pile." Victor dropped the rake down on him and turned to go.

Logan caught the wooden stick end of it. "Hey!" He glared after him. "You're no fun!"

"Ain't ever claim to be," Victor sent back.

Eyes narrowing, Logan climbed out of the pile remains and scampered after him. Teeth bared, he clamped onto his ankle and nipped at it through his pants. The unexpected attack caused Victor to lose his balance and stagger down to his knees. He glowered at the rascal attached to his leg, who only peered back at him with an adorable rebellious scowl.

"Alright, that's it." Victor shook him off. "You've had it, runt!"

"Whoa!" Logan took off across the yard.

The boy gasped at Victor leaping straight over him and, on all fours, blocking his path. Every direction Logan attempted to go, Victor cut him off with a short growl. Not seeing any simple way out- or seeing any fun in simple, anyway- Logan decided to snarl and lunge at him. Tumbling, Victor instinctively threw arms around the boy's middle to keep him in place. Landing on his back, he took in the smirking one above him. Giving him a sinister smile of his own, Victor moved swiftly to get the child pinned at the wrists beneath him.

"See anything funny now?" he teased him.

"Yeah," Logan squirmed, "your dumb ol' face!" He flinched at the mild bite Victor gave to his shoulder. "Hey, what was that for?"

"I've told you about leavin' yourself open." Victor climbed off to sit beside him. "You're too small for moves like that." He noticed him clutching one of his hands near the knuckles. "What?"

"Nothin'." Logan promptly dropped the appendage. "Just nudged it the wrong way."

"Let me see." Despite his brother's complaints, Victor took the hand for inspection. "Looks a little swelled. Better get some ice. Maybe Ma'll squeeze some lemonade for us, too."

"Okay," Logan grinned.

"Don't get too glad." Victor stood and started for the ice house. "You're still rakin' the leaves."

Staring at the back of his hand, Logan silently cursed the bones within before shooting off after his brother.

XXXXX

Joey, Becky moved through the grass of the lush side yard, I know where you're hiding.

Peering around a large stone, she spotted the skinny blonde boy. "I see you!"

Joey jumped and turned to face her. "Whoa! How do ya do that?"

"I'm not sure," Becky admitted. "I just can. I like doing it with you best of all."

Joey's entire frame seemed to glow. "You do?"

"Of course," Becky responded. "You don't think I'm weird or anything for being in your head."

"Nope. I like it." Joey sat on top of the stone. "Want to see some more?"

"Okay," Becky smiled. She walked close to join hands with him and shut her eyes. "Let's take a look…"

Journeying through the tunnels of the younger child's mind at a more rapid rate than the fastest train imaginable, a series of images leapt out at Becky's.

Cold. Pain. Hunger. Yelling and objects shattering beyond the door. The heat from the water. The dark…

Becky's eyes opened abruptly at the sharp gasp Joey let off. "What?" She held his hands tighter. "Are you okay? Joey?"

Joey jumped down from the rock, hugging and burying his face against her front.

At the familiar shadow over them, Becky turned slightly and regarded the adult face pleasantly. "Hi, Erik."

"It's nearly time to eat," Erik informed her. "Come inside to wash up." He glanced beyond her shoulder, "Both of you," then went to return to the house.

"Joey," Becky looked back to him, "it's okay. Erik won't hurt you."

He clung to her. "He's so scary…."

"I know, but he isn't bad. I promise." She held onto him, easing them both back inside to clean their hands.

In the first floor half-bath, Becky dried off on a clean towel. She looked back to see Joey's hands lathered up with soap. Before he could get them under the water, she made quick work of decreasing the temperature on the hot side.

XXXXX

"Talk about a sight for sore eyes."

At the female voice, Hank detached his own blue orbs from the paperwork before him. Having to grip the table in order to not fall out of the chair, he tried to absorb the sight that came in the form of the blonde before him. In a black turtleneck dress with shiny silver-gray skirt, not even the cute bunny slippers on her feet could take away from the stunning girl's image.

"Hm, what?" Hank finally reacted to her earlier words.

Raven clarified, "You're actually out of the lab. And without the jaws of life."

Hank showed her the hero sandwich he'd made. "This is where the bulk of the food supply resides so…"

Raven came over to gaze over his shoulder. "How's the first week as teacher extraordinaire going?"

"I believe you have me confused with Charles there," Hank said. "However, I happen to be enjoying it. Frank is unbelievably advanced for a twelve-year-old, though he could focus a little better on grammar. Then there's Joey…"

Raven looked concerned. "What's wrong?"

"I feel like there's a wedge there keeping me from getting through to him."

"Charles told you how many days of school he missed last year," Raven pointed out. "This is all new to him. It's enough he can't even be in the same classroom as the others without feeling self-conscious. Can't say I don't know how that feels."

Her sweet scent filling his nostrils, Hank turned his head to better view her. "Raven?"

She immediately looked to him as well, separating their noses by a mere inch. "What is it?"

Hank had to work to keep his mouth from drying out in that instant. "Do you think maybe—"

A pair of hard footsteps entered the kitchen. "What are you kids doing up at this hour?"

Both their heads jerking towards the doorway, they scowled at the male blonde present there.

"Alex, you creep," Raven accused.

Bursting over with chuckles, he quickly fled the eatery.

Wielding the salt shaker, Raven sped after him.

XXXXX

Once he succeeded in getting most of the caked food particles off the last plate, Sean began loading up the dishwasher. He experienced an untold gratitude at the Xavier mansion having such a machine on hand.

Charles entered, going to stand beside him and help without invitation. "You were late to the table this evening." He rinsed at a few forks. "Again I noticed."

Worry promptly seized the youth. "I'm sorry. Sometimes when we talk, time doesn't get away. It grabs a cape and flies."

"Is it the same girl from the pep rally?"

"Yes, sir," Sean nodded. "Thanks for letting us talk. When the grounding's off, I'd love to ask her out… if that's okay."

"My, this is sounding serious," Charles noted.

Sean hoped his cheeks didn't burn as he said, "Not yet, but maybe I have a teeny tiny chance of not messing this up. If I can avoid being a nerdy klutz in front of her."

"Well, when your punishment is up," Charles placed the utensils into the dishwasher, "I see no reason for the two of you not to go out. Though I'll hear no more of you referring to yourself so negatively."

Sean grinned. "Thanks, Charles. Thanks a lot."

"I'll finish up here," the man offered. "You have homework." Sean nodded and started out. "Oh, Seanie?" The redhead gazed back. "What's the young lady's name again?"

"Maya," he answered happily, "Maya Patterson."

XXXXX

Tray in hand, Logan returned to his quarters quite satisfied to find his other half still propped up against the pillows instead of nearly buried beneath them. Getting in the bed to face her, he kept the tray between them. Collecting a nice spoonful of oatmeal he brought it to her lips. After some initial hesitation, she opened to allow the food entry.

"That's it," Logan coached, ready with the fifth bite, "there we go, baby." Getting the glass of orange juice, he lifted it next.

Kayla took a lengthy sipped from the straw before repositioning her eyes towards the window.

Logan used the napkin to clean around her mouth. "I'll be back, baby." He gathered the tray and left again.

When a new presence entered the room, the woman knew it right away not to be her husband.

"Mama?" Approaching the bed, Cody climbed up to join her on the mattress. "I'm here, Mama."

Looking away to face him, Kayla held open and brought him into her arms. She kissed the head of the small warm body and laid down to snuggle him close to her. Her long hair acted as a blanket over the little boy.

XXXXX

Walking across the yard, Alex honed in one where the new Eye Scream Team raced back and forth. Though somewhat familiar, the sound of Scott's laughter and the sight of his beaming face proved some getting used to on the blonde's part. Something he looked forward to becoming reacquainted with.

"Hey, Cyclops," he called out, getting his attention, "check-up time."

Shoulders drooping, Scott still went in with his brother. "I thought Hank already said I couldn't see anymore."

"He said you can't control your power completely," Alex promptly corrected. "You can see just fine."

"Yeah," Scott grumbled mildly, "in mostly red."

Alex threw an arm around him to ruffle his hair. "You stop ragging on yourself, I mean it. I don't care if you can only see in purple or even not at all. You're still my little brother."

Scott peered up sheepishly. "But what about?..."

As if reading his mind, Alex shook his head. "Forget the memory thing, Scottie. You'll get it all back someday. I know it."

Scott managed a smile as they continued for the lab. Glad Hank placed some soft linens down on the otherwise cold exam table, Scott experienced his powers leaving him as Charles used his own to make them dormant. Able to stare up at the ceiling, Scott nearly pouted at Hank coming through with the flashlight to check his eyes. Feeling a soft slender hand take one of his, the boy knew it to be Emma. He squeezed her hand, utterly grateful in every way towards the woman. Not too far away, Scott detected Erik Lehnsherr. He still had so much to learn about the man, but from what he had seen so far, the child had no complaints.

XXXXX

Breathless from the seemingly never-ending rehearsal, the eight-year-old all but shredded out of her leotard and tights as soon as she arrived in the dressing room. Getting back into her white ruffled skirt and yellow sparkle top, she took hold of her dance bag and headed out to the front of the dance academy to await her driver. However, before she reached the doors she met with a far more radiant creature than her usual chauffer.

"Mommy." Cordelia hastened her pace to greet her. "I thought you were busy."

"The luncheon got out early." Squatting a tiny bit, Hazel took her daughter's hands and pecked both her cheeks. "I wanted to see how you were coming along."

"Did you like it?" the girl asked anxiously.

"You were the finest out there," Hazel claimed. "Certainly more fit to play the lead than that Deborah Perkins. Never the less, you're going to blow them away Saturday night."

Cordelia smiled in great pleasure. "Do you think Daddy will be able to come?"

"I'll see to that. Oh look at you," removing moist cloths from her purse, Hazel clean at Cordelia's face, "glowing all over the place. Now," taking her hand, Hazel guided them towards the exit, only taking time to throw away the used cloths, "I believe we have enough time before dinner for a small bowl of sorbet at Dandy's. I believe you've earned it."

Glowing for reasons not remotely related to perspiration, Cordelia held tightly to her mother as they departed through the clear doors together.

XXXXX

Thick and slightly bent wooden board in place alongside the Rolls-Royce, the visionary of a youth stepped back to observe his work. The five-car flip would no doubt prove simplistic enough. Moving as far back as he could on his bicycle, Frank charged forward in an extreme rapid motion. He rode up the board and made it just about the hood of the Rolls-Royce when he found himself suddenly trapped in the air. Completely startled, he grabbed hold of the bike's frame to keep from falling. Then an entirely new fear birth within him at the impending footsteps.

"What in the world," Erik stepped up into the garage's light, "do you think you're doing?"

Frank offered him a weak smile. "Five-car flip?"

Summoning the bike and its owner forward, Erik made them both land right before him. "Did you bury your senses at sea, perhaps? You could have broken your neck trying such a stunt. Though a good thump to your head may have been beneficial."

"Aw, Erik, it wasn't that bad. It's not like I've never-" Frank managed to catch himself. "I mean, you know, I figure there's a first time for everything, right? How else do you get in the record books?"

"Oh you're about to have a full chapter to yourself," Erik said matter-of-factly, expression growing all the more grim. "For the world's sorest backside." He took him by the shoulder and forced him up off the bike. "Go to your room and wait for me there."

Not about to argue, Frank did not so much as remove his helmet until he made it to the designated space. He quietly cursed his luck, having hope the adults were too preoccupied with the not remotely fun matters they saw to throughout the day. He sat on the bed, picking up the stray Superman action figure he had left out there.

Erik arrived in the room all too soon. "Do you understand how badly you could have hurt yourself back there? What got into you?"

"I don't know," Frank answered honestly. "It sounded like a real good idea when it came to me."

"How could a boy so intelligent act out such ridiculous notions?" Erik came over, taking the action figure from him. "Do you believe he would approve of you taking part in such dangerous activities?"

Frank looked at the Superman and shook his head. "Nah. He's always telling us not to try out his stunts, but it's not like I leapt out of a building or anything. I was just trying to have some fun."

"Your idle hands are a dangerous thing," Erik noted. "Now it seems my hands need to correct that."

Frank gazed up pitifully. "I'm sorry, Erik."

"And you're going to be a far sorrier little boy in just a moment." Erik sat on the edge of the mattress. "Go get your ruler for me."

Moaning internally, Frank went to his desk and came back with the wooden instrument. "Here, Erik."

The metal wielder did not miss the timid way the twelve-year-old handed it over, but still instructed, "Take your jeans down."

Cursing his luck all the more, Frank undid and brought his pants to his knees. Erik pulled him across his knees and fully bared him by tugging down his blue briefs. Raising the ruler, he started things off quite sharply.

"Ow!" Frank could not help hollering, tears penetrating his eyes by the sixth blow.

Erik dished out twelve total with the ruler. His putting it down only offered a second's relief as he now began to spank with his own hand.

Moisture streaming down his face, Frank wondered how only his hand could somehow outdo the ruler.

Erik did not stop until the bottom over his lap, including sitting area, grew into a bright red. "You're to stay in your room for the rest of the day." He worked the boy's clothes up as he spoke. "No bicycle for a week. And if I catch you doing anything this ridiculous again, I'll be borrowing Charles' yardstick." Erik stood him so that they could face each other. "Is that understood, young man?"

A still crying Frank managed to get out, "Y-yes, sir…"

Not wanting to force anything else on him, Erik started to let him stand there until the boy made a move. However, with his present state to consider, he instead eased Frank into a careful hug. He ran his hand up and down his back.

Frank wound arms around the man's neck. "I'm sorry, Erik…"

Erik placed him in a tighter grip. "It's alright now, boychick."

Still trying to get used to that word and remembering the meaning Raven told him, a teeny smile came to Frank's face. He appreciated how he reserved it just for him. Well, maybe Alex sometimes as well.

XXXXX

Gripping the second tree branch, Hank performed a double flip to land on a sturdier limb not far from where the older mutant currently perched.

"I see you're a night owl here, too," Victor observed without glancing back.

"The air carries more excitement than usual lately. So," Hank moved on, "first day among the X-Men. I see we managed not to frighten you off quite yet."

"This place is a nice setup," Victor commented. "You all do right by your own. So long as the Mighty Mite's good here, I'm in for the long haul."

"Having you here, all of you, will be a sure privilege for the students," Hank stated. "With your years of experience, there's countless things you can teach them. All of us, actually."

Finally shifting around on his branch, Victor looked at him now. "I take it that's the reason you're up and about at this hour."

A coy smirk came over Hank's features. "I'm game for a session if you are. I do need help honing my other senses for when my eyesight is limited."

"Then let's get to work." That said, Victor dropped from the tree to ground level.

Hank promptly imitated his motion.

XXXXX

Not missing the pool of light bleeding out of the ajar door, Charles sensed the present mind somehow distant. He poked inside the room, finding the ash blonde hunched over in a chair with the shattered shot glass next to it. Going over, the telepath helped him up and into his bed, grateful the other man had already changed into pajamas for the night. He noticed the unusual pendant around his neck and touched it briefly as he got the covers around him.

Trick did not make another noteworthy movement until the morning sun hit his eyes just right. He released a moan and ran a hand through his weary head of messed hair. Getting a slightly blurred image of the one currently residing in his chair, he blinked a few times to fully take in the figure.

"Charlie?"

The Professor's eyes fluttered open with that and he immediately smiled. "You're awake." He went to sit on the side of Trick's bed, facing him. "How are you feeling?"

"I've felt worse," Trick determined. "Last few days alone." He noticed the next to empty bottle on his night stand, though the broken glass had been clean up. "Oh no. Tell me some vagabonds broke in and forced the brandy on me?"

Charles laughed faintly. "No such luck, my friend."

"I'm sorry, Charlie." Trick grew completely solemn. "I never meant for you to see me that way. It's only with the my return to the club approaching…"

Charles reached out to grip his shoulder and offer kind eyes. "I understand. Your nerves got the better of you. But Trick, listen. My mother far too often drank away her problems until the alcohol became the real threat. I never want to see that happen to you."

"Oh never," Trick reassured. "I could not take it that far, Charlie. Not with Jasmine."

"Good." Charles then pointed out the medallion. "I've been meaning to ask. Where did you get that?"

"A few days ago. From Winston Frost." Trick wound a hand around it. "Cordelia tells me the Latin means untouchable."

Charles regarded him happily. "You go on and shower and change. I'll treat you to breakfast in the city then what's say I accompany you to rehearsal?"

Trick gave him a grateful smile. "I owe you far too great a debt, best mate."

"You repay it every day," Charles returned, getting to his feet, "best mate."

XXXXX

Glued to the kitchen window, the little boy pressed hands, nose, and cheeks to the glass to observe the activities taking place outside. He watched Banshee fly with Specter across the sky and his Uncle Havok instructing a ground level class. Trav wanted to go out and join them, but his new father had made it quite clear he was not to be underfoot during the special sessions unless given permission.

Detaching from the window, he next made his way into the living room. He started to go for the television until something silver and shinier caught his attention. He tilted his head, staring in wonder at the radio. Going upstairs to the lab, he dug around in search of his father's toolbox.

Once he finished taking notes on Sean, Hank decided to pop in and check on his children. It still felt odd to fully absorb the fact that he not only now had two to call his own, but two preschool aged of all things. He concentrated and managed to locate his son by smell. However, the smile he wore immediately faded when he saw the amount of scrap metal surrounding the boy.

Raising an eyebrow, Hank approached from behind to take hold of what remained of the radio. "Having fun?"

"Daddy." Trav rolled his head back to follow the adult's movements. "I was trying to see how it worked."

"I can see that. Fortunately, nothing appearing to be damaged." Hank squatted and began reassembling the radio. "Trav, you know better than to get into my tools without permission, don't you? You certainly should know better than to take apart something that doesn't belong to you."

"But, but…" Trav's wide brown eyes glossed over. "I just wanted to see it. And I didn't hurt the radio."

"Which is good because Uncle Charles would be very unhappy."

"But Uncle Charles is never unhappy with me."

"Still, he would have felt unhappy to see his radio in pieces," Hank explained. "How would you feel if one of the other children decided to take one of your toys and break it apart?"

Trav thought then answered, "Real bad. But Daddy…"

"None of that, Trav," Hank shook his head. "You go up to our room and wait for me there."

Whimpering, the boy stood and started out then up. As soon as he made it to the McCoy quarters, he laid out in the middle of the bed. Pulling his ape man toy over, he began crying into the plush.

After a check to ensure the radio still worked, Hank made his own journey upstairs.

He went to sit by his boy and rub his back. "Do you understand why Daddy has to spank you?"

Trav managed to face up. "'Cause I took apart Uncle Charles' radio."

"Yes, and what else? Are you allowed to fool around with my tools?"

The five-year-old shook his head. "No, Daddy."

"No is correct. Next time you want to see how something works, you come get me and we'll do something like that together."

"'Kay," Trav responded, "but I'm not 'sposed to get in the way when the big kids are training."

"Which is why you should have waited." Hank regarded him from under his glasses. "Right?"

"Right," the boy sulked.

Not wanting to prolong it, Hank tugged Trav over his knees. Eternally cautious of his strength, he started apply partly hard swats to the small bottom.

Trav full on burst into tears, more from the situation than the pain he experienced.

Knowing how young his son still was, Hank stopped things at ten smacks and had him back up in his arms instantly. "Shhhh. It's okay now."

Trav cried into his shoulder. "I sowwy…"

"I know, I know." Hank laid back with his boy resting on top of him. "You're still only a little cub. You have a lot to learn. That's why Mommy and I are here to teach you now."

"I'm glad." Trav nuzzled chins with him. "I love you, Daddy Beast."

A big smile came to Hank's face and he kissed his cheek. "I love you, too, little cub. Now, let's try to have a quick nap, alright?"

Trav nodded and immediately settled down on top of him.

Fingers still massaging the child's back, Hank decided that more than anything Trav would need his own little toolkit soon. Before he ended up dismantling the entire house. Just the thought brought up fond memories from the scientist's own childhood.

XXXXX

Going for another long pass, Leon brought up, "I'm pretty sure playing with this particular birthday gift is a complete and total violation of the rule that goes collectables are never to be enjoyed. Only stared at from a careful distance."

"Sam Huff can lodge his complaints with me." Hank caught the football, indicating its dressing. "Plastic wrap does serve a purpose after all. So," he threw the ball out from under one leg, "does all continue to be well at school?"

"I'm square with my friends and back to belittling professors wherever possible." Leon ran a short distance to seize the ball. "All in all," he flung it with great might, "business as usual."

Ball in his possession again, Hank said, "Let's ensure your game is fully intact. Go long!"

Leon took off across the snow in a serious run. "I'm ready for you!"

Putting as much for into his arm as he could, Hank sent the ball across the lawn. He did watched as Leon summoned it from the sky and into his hands. The younger mutant peered over at him as the picture of precocious innocence. Hank's attempt at sending him a stern glower immediately melted into a smile and hearty chuckle.

XXXXX

The redhead's attempts at citing F. Scott Fitzgerald properly proved difficult at best with the curious brown orbs peeping up at him every so often. Sean puckered his lips and bent to smooch around her face.

Giggling, Kiki urged, "Pway with me, Seanie."

"I can't right now, baby," Sean pouted on both their behalves. "I have an important paper due in Uncle Charles' class. We'll play later, okay?"

Plopping to the floor in a sulk, the small girl moaned, "Pway nowww."

Glancing over from his own reading, Alex walked across the library. "Hey, little babes, come on," he gathered her in his arms and carried her over to his own table, "no bugging Seanie while he's working."

"Seanie pway with me and work later," she reasoned. "'Kay?"

"Seanie works now and plays later," Alex countered. "'Kay?"

Her lips still protruded as she replied, "Yes, Unca Lex."

Alex distracted her by helping her with some of the smaller words in his book. He left her in the chair when the bathroom need called to him.

Kiki flipped through a few pages, growing bored at not understanding anything but three or four words. She glanced back at the one working at the typewriter and slipped out of the chair.

"Seanie?"

"Yeah, Kiwi fruit?" Sean addressed her without looking away.

"We pway now?"

Sean shook his head. "Not yet, Kiwi."

Clamping a hand down on his jeans, she pulled at the material. "Seeeeanie…" Her eyes dampened, threatening additional moisture.

"Aw, baby, no." Sean stopped to gaze down at her. "No crying, please? You know that'll make Seanie cry, too." Plopping onto her bottom, the three-year-old's tears started full force. Sean detected the returning footsteps. "Uh oh, here's comes Uncle Lexie. You're gonna be in trouble if you don't stop."

"Whoa, hey." Re-entering, Alex went to stoop near his niece. "What happened?"

Sean reported sadly, "She's not happy with me. I just need another hour to work on this stuff."

Nodding, Alex picked the little girl up and patted her back. "Kiki, you got to quit crying so Sean can work, okay?" This only resulted in a higher volume on her part and Alex stood with her. "Okay, time-out it is." He started carrying her out.

Though guilt slapped him across the face, Sean looked on in relief at Alex handling the situation.

Making it to his own room, Alex took his desk chair and rolled it over to one corner before placing Kiki in it. "There," he situated it facing the wall, "you stay there until Uncle Alex says it's time to get up."

Kiki reached up for him. "Noooo…"

Alex crossed his arms. "You want me to get your mommy from downstairs?"

The toddler quieted down and faced forward.

Alex sat in bed with a magazine until four minutes went by. "Okay, Kiki. Come here, please." He watched her hop off the chair but remain in place, rocking back and forth on her feet. "You mad at me?"

She wiped at her eyes. "I want my daddy."

"He'll be home soon. Please come here." He held his arms open for her.

Kiki at last made her way over to his embrace. "I sowwy, Unca Lexie."

"It's okay." Giving her a big hug, Alex laid down with her. "I know it's no fun when one of us tells you to wait, but you can't throw fits about it. Next time you might get a spanking. I don't want that. Do you?"

She shook her head hard. "No!"

"That's my good girl." Alex kissed her forehead. "Come on." He rubbed her arms, holding her close. "Let's rest a little bit. Afterwards, Seanie'll be ready to play with you."

Kiki touched her eyes tiredly. "'Kay." She reached out, stroking his yellow hair. "Pwetty."

"Thank you," he couldn't help smiling then closed his own eyes.

Kiki followed suit, snuggling in against his t-shirt.

XXXXX

At the stray kernel that fell to the floor, Midnight immediately made a game of batting it between his front paws. On the couch, Samantha sat in Victor's lap, reddish brown eyes locked on the TV while shoveling handfuls of the popcorn he held into her mouth.

Returning with a fresh tray of beverages from the townhouse kitchen, Adrienne placed them on the coffee table as she retook her seat beside Angel. "I'll never understand why you like this film so much."

"We love it," Angel claimed. "It's so sweet."

"It'd ludicrous," Adrienne remarked. "It's enough to divorce but to take your twin children and divide them down the middle, going on with your life and forgetting your other child exists altogether. What kind of depraved nonsense is that?"

Victor said, "Figured you would've liked it on account of Boston."

Adrienne rolled her eyes. "That only adds insult to injury."

"I like Sharon," Samantha piped up, going for one of the fruit punches on the coffee table. "Susan's mean."

"Yeah, Susan is mean," Angel concurred, reaching up for the popcorn. "Go ahead and leave her on a doorstep."

At the bump to her ankles, Adrienne dipped her hand to stroke at Midnight's sleek fur.

XXXXX

Making his way into the parlor, it surprised the metal wielder not for a moment to find the Professor with gaze locked on one window.

"I knew you would be up."

Charles glanced back at him. "New semester starting before we know it. As soon as we adjusted to the changes brought in by the last one, a whole new slew arrive."

Erik went to sit in his chess chair. "The greatest of which is our professor bidding farewell to bachelorhood."

Charles smiled fondly, taking his own seat. "That is the best part."

Losing his pleasant expression, Erik got to the heart of the matter. "You miss Trick, don't you?"

Charles nodded admittedly. "We just… we really understand each other. He was so supportive, especially of the baby coming."

"I know," Erik nodded. "I cannot help feeling that it was I who pushed him away."

"I don't believe any one of us did really," Charles said. "He and Jasmine can only be content to stay put for so long. Especially in a country far from welcoming towards them."

"I know I'll never be Trick, but," Erik looked at him closely, "I hope you know that I will always be here for you. No matter what, brother."

Charles smiled at him. "It is that fact that keeps me sane most often." He gestured towards the board on the table between him. "A quick game to combat insomnia?"

"Or two," Erik used his magnetism to give life to the different chess pieces, "factoring in tie breakers of course."