X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Nineteen

Author's Word: Fam, there is no way I can apologize enough for how late this is. I'm really sorry, but I caught a bad spell of exhaustion and really needed to catch up on sleep. Now, please enjoy and review!

In the middle of swapping out house shoes for work boots, the Security Man immediately detected the scent outside the door.

"Get in here, Red," the man invited, attention on his laces.

As soon as he entered the suite, Sean found himself with an armload of little boy. "Hey, Code Man."

Cody laughed at getting flipped over the teen's shoulder and he began to growl in play.

Seeing his face out of the corner of her eye, Kayla stopped picking up baby aides from around the room. "Is everything alright, honey?"

Sean shook his head grimly as he placed Cody down. "I'm worried about Maya."

Logan looked up. "You ain't alone there, kid."

Tugging on Sean's wrist, Cody noted, "She's not actin' like Smiley at all."

"I know, but it's not her fault, buddy." Sean then went on with, "I want to do something, but I keep feeling at a loss. Her birthday is the day after tomorrow and all she seems to want to do is hide out in her room."

Kayla said, "Part of it is the fact that she's worried about the damage her powers may cause. Most of us can hardly remember life before our abilities. I can only imagine how daunting this whole thing is for her."

Logan added, "And I'm not sure what good we're doin' with this whole givin' her space bull."

"I hate that she feels like she needs to hide or something," Sean put forth. "That's why I was thinking maybe, just maybe, she needs less of a crowd right now."

Logan nodded at that. "Think we're on the same page there, Red."

II

Arms behind head, the upper body executed the tenth sit-up. With a silent hiss on the edge of his tongue, he attempted to ignore the residual throbbing in his lower back. The light knock at his door brought him away from the world he knew too well inside his own mind.

Scrambling from floor to mattress, Leon directed, "Come in." The wooden entrance cracked and the teeny blonde creature crawled in. "Alex training you to check up on me, hm?"

"Doubtful," Emma came in behind him, "he's had a mind all his own since about a week or so in my womb."

Leon watched Brian come over to poke at his exposed toes. "I believe it."

Expression growing serious, Emma came to stroke at the mess of dark hair. "I cannot help sensing your anxiety."

"Sorry. I guess I just feel at a standstill of sorts," Leon tried to explain. "Can't do school right now. Training is more than out of the question."

Emma sat down beside him. "I was not referring to the mere physical side effects." At his bowed head, she squeezed his wrist. "Sweetheart, you were very nearly violated on a sick level."

"I think you have that confused," Leon countered. "I wasn't the one laying flat on my back."

Emma's countenance did not waiver. "What is that supposed to imply? You both almost had something forced upon you that you in no way wanted."

Leon stared down at Brian. "It's different for me."

"Why? Because you're always supposed to want it; any time, any place?" Emma lifted Brian onto her lap. "That is the last mentality with which I want you boys to walk away. Do not fall for such ignorance. I've heard plenty of my own."

Leon wondered, "What do you mean?"

Emma told him, "Women with my reputation? We're always asking for it. We cannot be ruled by these mindsets, Leon."

Listening to Brian's gurgled talking, Leon took one of his bitty hands to wave.

Emma kissed the baby's head then the older boy's. "I have to get to sleep early. We have an appointment in Syracuse to talk to Brenda's parents."

Leon gazed up as the woman stood. "I hope they let her return."

"So do I," Emma concurred, heading for the door.

Rising to his feet suddenly, Leon called after her with, "Emma? Thanks- thank you for being here; tolerating me."

Emma aimed one chastising finger at him. "You keep the exercises few and in between."

As she took her leave, the smallest somewhat blushing smile came to Leon's face.

IIIIIII

After her extremely brief wash-up in the shower, Maya wound her wet hair in a towel and got back into her robe to depart the bathroom. Before she could return to her own quarters, the phone sounded.

She took hold of the receiver with a less than enthusiastic, "Hello."

"Good morning. This is the office of Dr. Garrett Stevens, calling to speak with Maya Patterson. Concerning Lauren Patterson."

Before the woman could go any further, Maya hung up the phone with a clang.

"You okay?"

She nearly gasped at the ginger headed her way from one end of the hall. "Sean. Um, a little early for a wrong number. Uh, I," she closed her robe as tightly as she could, "I know I must look…"

Stopping right before her, Sean dipped low enough to press their lips together and created absolute silence until they at last pulled away. "You look like a real true miracle, honey. I can't tell you how hard things have been. I've been holding it down, hiding my feelings," he clutched her shoulders, "but I can't tell you how good it is to look into those brown eyes again."

Maya moved in to nestle against his front. "I missed you, too. You have no idea, Sean."

Arms going around her, Sean stated, "Let's go."

Blinking, Maya peered up at him. "What?"

"Let's bail out," he clarified. "I already talked to Logan and Kayla. You just need to pack an overnight bag and we're airborne."

The brown eyes now widened with untold surprise and intrigue.

IIIIIII

Rolling over to check his clock, Leon instead received the image of the man stationed in the chair close to him.

"Dad?"

The partly dozing male became fully alert and could not help his smile at the infantile way the teenager rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Good morning, boychick."

Leon stretched his arms. "I thought you were due in Syracuse."

"The Xaviers went alone." Erik then explained, "The Howleys are a very traditional Lebanese couple. We thought another married pair would do better justice to our cause in their eyes."

"Single men," Leon shook his head, "I don't know why they allow us to go on living."

"To serve as hope for the single maidens." Erik reached out to lay a hand over the sensitive spot. "How do you feel?"

Leon experienced something of an inner healing at the touch. "Less like I was violently pierced from behind. Of course, most of that is thanks to Kayla."

"But to have survived the aftermath of that whole ordeal until we arrived for you?" Erik looked at him closely. "That was all you, boychick."

Leon appeared pleased at the words. "Did Alex and Rae leave?"

"Alex went to collect more of your assignments. Raven is staying home to see to the children while the Xaviers and Howletts are away." Getting up, Erik said, "I'm going to draw you a bath and after a visit to Hank, we'll see about a nice warm breakfast."

"So spoiled I've become." Leon then remarked, "I should endanger myself more often."

The great opposite of humor came to Erik's face at that. "Is this whole thing a great joke to you, young man?"

Leon answered with a prompt, "No, sir. I'm sorry."

"I don't want to hear another flippant joke like that again. Do you understand?"

He nodded hard. "Yes, sir."

"Good." Erik left to go to the bathroom shared by the older boys.

Leon silently cursed himself and wondered if that nice warm breakfast would now consist of liver and spinach. Of course, it was nothing he did not deserve.

IIIIIII

The privilege of being allowed to ride in the co-pilot's chair alongside his father had managed to calm some of the enthusiasm shooting throughout Cody's system. However, it did very little to silence his giddy, "No school, no school" chants from erupting every so often.

"We've stayed at this cabin before," Kayla said to the seated young couple. "You're really going to enjoy it."

"Kay," Maya spoke, "this is really great of you, but I know you want to be at home with Mira. And Todd."

"Todd is much better now and they're both in good hands," the woman responded with ease. "Besides, it's only overnight."

"We are celebrating your birthday," Sean gave Maya's head a firm kiss, "Deal with it."

Maya studied her hands nervously. "What if I make something happen?"

Kayla fielded that with, "We'll be miles away from anyone else. Don't worry."

Studying the very colorful control panel, Cody asked, "Dad, can I press somethin'?"

Logan countered, "Can I chuck you out of this plane?"

Cody stuck out his tongue with a goofy sneer then launched into, "No school, no school, no school…!"

IIIIIII

Between the cool exam table beneath him and the pair of hands pressing into his back, the laid out one let off an uncomfortable utterance.

The sounds disturbed Hank immediately. "Am I hurting you?"

Leon shook his head hard. "Just remembering things I prefer not to."

Hank left a soothing hand on his shoulder. "I know the feeling of a gunshot, Leon. The blast, the pain, the way it invades your sleep."

An ironic smile crossed the Japanese male's features. "Believe it or not, that wasn't the worst part."

Hating it, Hank continued the conversation with, "Leon, I know we've discussed this before, but I need you to be absolutely honest with me. Did any penetration take place between you and Melissa?"

"None," Leon answered.

"… You and Brenda?"

Eyes widening significantly, Leon sat up on the table. "No- God no! If anything near that had come close to occurring, we wouldn't be talking right now because my name would be out there," he jabbed a finger towards the window, "written out with all the others. I'd be dead before I'd do something like that, Hank. Especially to a kid."

Hank cupped his face to establish their eye contact. "I am accusing you of nothing. I am asking this out of concern for your health and anything you may have been exposed to. And had anything occurred, I would look at you no differently."

Chin drooping in the man's hold, Leon whispered, "Are we almost done?"

"Almost," Hank nodded. "Will you lay on your side for me?"

Leon did so, staring absently at the wall across the lab.

IIIIIII

Seated across from one another on the twin loveseats within the living room, the two couples busied themselves with personalizing their individual coffee cups with cream and sugar.

The brown haired hostess remarked of the other woman's neckwear, "That's a beautiful pendant, Mrs. Xavier."

"Thank you." Emma cupped the circular piece with one hand. "A Mother's Day gift from Charles," the Professor smiled beside her, "and please, call me Emma."

Faris, stout and broad shouldered, spoke with, "We cannot tell you how grateful we are for what you've done for our daughter- our family. But we've already been through so much with Brenda."

"Your school sounds wonderful," Cyla interjected.

"But," Faris went on, "I'm not sure if we can merely hand her over to another institution."

"I understand your concerns greatly," Charles responded. "However, our concerns are Brenda ending up in a similar situation if she is not taught proper control over her mutation while she is still young."

"We'll be in a new apartment soon," Faris gestured about the current room. "She'll be in an entirely different school. Able to start fresh."

Emma regarded him with saddened eyes. "And if the unthinkable does take place? We've told you of the things those people were put through and that's only what we learned. No one knows the full extent."

Charles stated, "It's truly miraculous Brenda survived the ordeal."

Gripping hands with her husband, Cyla ordered, "We know… we know."

Faris formed a fist with one hand, his expression growing thoughtful. "Emma, Charles, please… we need time to think about this."

"Of course," Charles concurred. "Also if you'll allow, we would like very much for Brenda to continue regular doctor's appointments with my brother-in-law. It will be no charge to you. Nothing we're offering is."

Cyla said genuinely, "Thank you, Professor."

Watching Faris stand with the heavy scowl in place, Emma inquired, "Is everything alright?"

Walking towards the nearest window, Faris recalled, "Ever since I was a little boy I was told stories about this wondrous land of potential and opportunity. When I finally stepped on this soil, it was the greatest moment of my existence," he turned, "until my wedding day," Cyla smiled at him, "and the births of our children." Faris stuck his hands into the pockets of his slacks and shook his head. "Our children were never supposed to face persecution." He stared at the two mutants in saddened disbelief. "Not here."

Charles stood to go to him. "Believe me, Mr. Howley. I know exactly what you mean."

From outside the doorway, Brenda stepped back. Winding arms around herself, she slid down the wall until she sat fully on the carpeted floor.

IIIIIII

Gently combing fingers through the lengthy ebony strands attached to the head in his lap, Erik finally broke the silence within the Mag Cave.

"If Brenda had not said anything, were you ever going to tell me? About what they tried to force upon you?"

After a moment, Leon answered, "Eventually. The whole thing has my head twisted… but I guess that would just be more so in my case. And even though nothing happened, I still don't feel completely clean."

Lifting him into a cradling position, Erik gazed into the darkened eyes. "Do you remember the discussions we've had about sex? How important it is to respect your body as well as hers?" Leon nodded. "Had anything, between any of you, taken place in that room all four of you would be victims in a no-win situation. You and Melissa, Tyson and Brenda; all coerced into a dehumanizing situation."

Eyes narrowing with sorrow, Leon wanted to know, "What would you think of me if I'd done that to- with Melissa?"

Erik hugged him tightly. "I would think you are my son, who needs me now more than ever."

Leon sent his face into the older male's shirt sleeve. "Dad…"

Stroking his hair again, Erik kissed his head, "It's alright, boychick. You're alright," and held him near.

II

Teeny sniffling boy in her arms, the shape-shifter walked in a circle about the Howlett suite.

"So while Uncle Victor, Uncle Hank, and Uncle Alex are on school duty, Aunt Raven is here for your delight and guaranteed amusement." As Todd eased off, she collected a tissue to clean his nose. "Yeah, that's it. That's a good boy, Toddy." As soon as she lowered him into his crib, another eruption took place from behind. She spun around in exasperation. "Bri-an," she walked to the bed, bringing him up, "do you have to make everything a competition? No more Uncle Alex time for you." When the boy only continued crying, Raven carried him out. "Okay, someone is in desperate need of a nap."

The walk back to Brian's nursery managed to settle him. After placing him in the crib, Raven stayed with him until he completely drifted off. She lingered another minute then headed for her own corners.

Entering the small living room, the blue woman smiled at the sight. "Are you putting everything away?"

Kiki continued gathering her small toys. "Yes, Mama. See?"

"Aww," Going over, Raven dipped to smooch her cheek, "there's my big girl. Where would Mama be without you, huh?"

Kiki nuzzled noses with her. "Love you, Mama."

"I love you, too. Now let's hurry up." Raven gave her stomach a little poke. "Mommy's fixing brownies soon and we get first dibs."

The little girl's eyes developed a sparkle at that.

IIIIIII

Upon arrival in Canada, the small group of X-Men left the jet at the airbase and continued on in a rental vehicle. They made it to the small cabin shortly. Cody proved greatly excited at the two bedroom accommodations, as it meant he and Sean would have the couches in the living room to themselves.

While everyone settled, Maya tided up the private space that would be acting as her quarters overnight. Lost in her own thoughts, she nearly screamed at the freezing cold impact at her back.

"Race you outside!"

At the scampering youth, Maya darted after him. "Cody!" Still in her coat and scarf, she managed to duck before another snowball landed. "Nice try."

"Head's up, Smiley!" Logan declared.

The girl shrieked and shielded herself. "Wolverine, that is not fair!"

"We're back in my country, baby," Logan reminded humorously. "My rules."

Maya folded her arms humorously at that. "Like it's not your rules in my country."

"Smiley, let's get 'em!" Cody hopped up and down. "Use your powers."

"What?" Maya's eyes returned to the adult present.

Logan looked at her evenly. "Do your worst, Smile. We heal real fast."

As if beholding her own hands for the first time, Maya raised them and, unsure of what to do exactly, wriggled her fingers. The branches over Logan's head became animated and dropped a load of chilled whiteness on top of him.

Cody went to his knees in laughter. "Oh, man- good one, Smiley!"

Merely dusting himself off, Logan then shot forward. "That all you kids got?"

"Never!" With a growl on his lips, Cody ran to tackle his father.

With Cody aimed for his front, Maya went to leap onto the man's back.

Going straight down, Logan brought the children right along with them.

The two on either side of him, he took in the older one to study a moment. "Can't tell you how good it is to see that smile again." Growing silent, Maya stood and walked off a few paces. Frowning, Logan instructed, "Stay put, Cat," before going after her. "Maya- Smiley, talk to me." He gripped her shoulders from behind. "Is it Tricie?"

Hands going to her temples, Maya smiled in irony now. "I did everything all wrong, Wolverine. You… you have no idea."

Moving around to face her, Logan prompted, "Try me."

"Where do I start?" Maya asked partly to herself. "Wolverine, I knew about Tricie's powers. I tried to call, Leon told me you were busy with Todd, the others were in Boston, and I know that was no excuse. I should have told you everything, anyway. But she was scared and she trusted me and it felt the same as if I were to betray Sean or one of you. Then all this stuff happened, out in the woods, freezing, and now… now she's…"

Bringing her to him in a strong hug, Logan directed, "Breathe. Breathe, baby."

Maya choked back a sob. "She's supposed to be here. She was supposed to play with Cody and Joey and Becky and…"

"I know." Logan clutched her cold hands. "And I know a heck of a lot more about life decidin' to cancel out your plans. What happened to Tricie, to all of you, was disgusting and insane. But let me get this through your head," he pushed some of her hair back for a better view of her face, "nobody's to blame here except Ignacio."

"Then why can't… why can't I feel good? About anything?"

"That's called guilt, baby. Look, so you knew what Tricie could do. Did you have any clue Ignacio was her doc?"

Maya shook her head. "Not until that night and I didn't have time to contact everyone. Melissa and Leon were immediate help."

Logan listened then said, "The way I see it, you did the best you could in a hellish situation. But you have to know you did everything you could to help that little girl."

"Wolverine," she beseeched, "is this ever going to get better? Am I?"

"Is this ever goin' to feel less crummy? Not for a while." Logan brought her close and rubbed her back. "Will you get better? I don't doubt it for a minute. Just got to give it some time, Smiley."

Maya softly tugged on him, finding all necessary warmth against his coat.

Attention deterring from the window, Sean followed the clattering noises into the narrow kitchen. Spraying surface cleaner on the various wooden pieces, Kayla wiped away any traces of dust or cobwebs with vigor.

"Do you need any help?" Sean offered.

Head turning to face the teen while hands kept working, she said, "I think I can handle it. I know you want to get outside with the others. Go on. I'll be there as soon as I make sure Anansi and guests won't be joining us later."

Leaning against the short refrigerator, Sean told her, "Actually, I'd rather stick around with you for a minute. I get the feeling that Maya and Wolves are talking pretty heavy out there. I don't want to interfere with anything."

Kayla stopped cleaning and regarded him with sympathy, brushing away some loose strands of hair that had escaped her ponytail. "Are you feeling out of place with this whole thing?"

"I want to talk to her and be there for her, whatever she needs," Sean stated. "But sometimes when things like this happen, it's almost like I'm in the way. Still seen as the one too dumb and inexperienced in tragedy."

"That no matter what you've gone through personally, it cannot begin to match up to hardships faced by the others," Kayla picked up. "You want to be there for everyone, but in the back of their minds they still look at you and see naiveté ."

A somewhat taken aback Sean nodded. "Exactly. You've been through it, too?"

"My whole life," Kayla responded, "and trust me, even half of it is no short span. Even as an adult among the X-Men, I'm the only instructor who had two completely loving, devoted, approachable, encouraging parents who were not ripped away from me at a young age. I was viewed as a miracle, not a mutant. On this team, such things makes me an oddball."

"Yeah," Sean concurred, "it really does. But I love the X-Men and I'm in love with Maya."

Kayla came forward to grip his upper arms. "Then don't let worries about your own worth distract you from making sure she knows that. One of the hardest aspects of love is making it known even when it seems to fall on deaf ears and blind eyes."

Sean's countenance contorted into a sulk. "It's not fair."

"What, honey?" the woman wondered.

He formed a smile. "Not being in class with you right now."

"Yet you're still my student," Kayla reminded, going to resume straightening up the kitchen.

IIIIIII

The minute the telepathic couple returned to their dwelling, the abundance of youthful energy and merriment guided them towards the living room. Becky and Joey stood a few feet apart, encouraging Brian to crawl back and forth between them. Alex stretched out on the loveseat with Todd, holding the small baby over his head while uttering coos. As soon as he heard them, Brian paused long enough to alter his course and made an enthused path for them on all fours.

Charles remarked humorously, "Eager to see your mummy I don't doubt."

Sure enough, Brian sat up, extending arms the woman's way.

Smiling with a glow, Emma brought him up for a kiss and hug.

"Hi, Mum," Joey greeted. "Hi, Dad."

Becky asked, "Why isn't Brenda with you?"

Emma looked away from Brian to answer the girl. "I'm afraid her parents are going to need more time to process all of this."

"However," Charles tacked on, "they did agree to keeping up her medical appointments."

Alex glanced over. "Hope they come around. She's just a kid. She has to be trained."

"As we reminded them." Emma then asked while patting Brian's back, "Where are the others?"

"Homework, supposedly." Alex brought Todd to rest on his chest. "Angel's got Mira. We're helping Rae out."

Departing from his den, Erik approached the Xaviers. "How did things fare with the Howleys?"

Charles replied, "They agreed to keep up her exams with Hank, but the rest will take some time for them to come around."

"I suspected as much." Erik then put forth, "Have a minute?"

"For you," the Professor responded, "I may even consider throwing in an additional thirty seconds."

"Such generosity, brother." Erik took the time to peck one of Brian's balled fists before leading the way into the parlor.

Getting into his usual chair, Charles asked, "Was Leon more up and about today?'

"Yes, his recovery is moving along well," Erik reported, sitting as well. "He's actually what I wanted to discuss." Charles leaned forward attentively. "What happened to him was inexcusable. The scars he has to carry from it alone…" Ice developed in Erik's formerly composed blue eyes. "Were Owen Ignacio before me now, there would be no negotiation, peace, nor reprieve."

Charles nodded slowly. "For either of us."

Absorbing that, Erik went on with, "However, I find it too difficult to simply gloss over Leon's actions leading up to this. Had he been seen at the airport alone, he could have been injected and placed in containment."

"Among many other equally wretched outcomes, yes." Charles sighed lightly. "This is a most troubling position. Due to the state he was in, I did not punish Sean for his own antics the night he was seized."

"So much happened at once with that," Erik reasoned. "The Edge Pack, Puma's attack- it's all too generous a gift that we have Brian with us now."

"Yes, I know," Charles said.

"And while Sean has been with us for longer, Leon knows better and was far too reckless. And he knew the rules crystal clear."

To that, Charles concluded, "Then I believe we both know what has to be done."

IIIIIII

Their well-insulated boots creating mini craters in the soft white blanket below, the male and female pair trekked forward. The redhead wore an oversized black coat with green hat, scarf, and thick gloves. The brunette girl at his side had on a pale blue pea coat and light pink winter accessories for her neck, head, and hands.

Suddenly finding her palms all the warmer and her own thoughts abruptly further, she brought her vision upward towards the tall one who had locked their hands.

"Do you remember the last time we were in a Winter Wonderland like this?" Sean brought up.

Maya recalled, "You mean when we fell asleep, woke up scared to the bone by Victor, then left sore for the rest of the day?"

"Hm," a partly skeptical gaze crossed Sean's features, "a little bit further back. The flight?"

A small perk became indicative by Maya's rosy cheeks. "Of course I remember. That was one of the greatest experiences of my life."

"Sharing it with you, every single part of my mutation, has been the greatest of mine," Sean told her. He stopped to turn and fully face her. "So why do you keep hiding from me?"

Concern developed in her eyes. "What do you mean?" She pressed gloved hands to his front. "Sean, I've missed you so much."

"You haven't been honest with me, Maya," he claimed. "I don't think you have been in a while. Worse than that, you've been doing that thing where everyone prods me away on the basis that I'm too stupid to comprehend the bad things in life."

A guilt rich shine entered her eyes. "Sean…"

"My heart's been breaking for you over Tricie," Sean continued. "And not just because I feel sorry for you. It's because I remember that feeling. When I found out about Becky's abduction, I could have flat lined on the spot. Sebastian Shaw was so lethal, Alex's powers couldn't even graze him. He killed Darwin right in front of us. Horror stories I can handle, but that didn't stop messing up my head for weeks after it happened. Becky and I could spend hours alone together in the library and just never- never bug each other. Being around her was enough to make most days better. I just knew that I was going to get to Montana and find out that Shaw had… it's taken a lot for me to forgive Angel."

Lips parting with nothing but a choked sob emerging, moisture poured down the sides of Maya's faces. "Sean, I am so sorry. Honey- honey, I swear it wasn't you. I just couldn't go through that again. Those stares, their pity, being alone like that…"

Sean bent to get closer eye contact with her. "You're not alone, Maya."

"My mom's dead!"

Growing eerily paler, Sean demanded, "What? When?"

"I don't know," she responded wretchedly. "She was getting worse and she knew it was coming. The hospital's been calling, Sean, but I don't… I can't…"

Reeling her in to him, Sean held her with as great a grip as he could muster while trying to comprehend the situation himself. He then had to brace himself as the waves the girl gave off caused the surrounding snow to collapse from their branches.

"Sean!" she reacted in a panic.

"It's okay." Sean only kept holding her, giving the corner of her head a kiss. "We're in Canada. We're safe."

Accepting that, Maya kept crying against him for two minutes before discovering some fraction of her voice again. "She wants us to have the house."

Jaw dropping, Sean moved enough to look at her. "You mean for the two of us?"

Maya nodded feebly. "To have what she and Daddy couldn't."

Sean never lost gaze with her as he put forth, "Is that what you want?"

Maya replied, "I want you."

Hugging her again, Sean promised, "I won't tell anyone. We'll wait as long as we can. Don't you worry about a thing." His fingers slid through her long hair. "Not a thing."

IIIIIII

Recognizing the scent and sound behind him immediately, Victor's focus stayed on the monitors while the thin arms coiled around him from behind.

He tilted his head to offer a nuzzle to the child. "All good, Shades?"

"Mmhm," Scott nodded. "With Banshee away, I got to pilot all during training. But we should try to go out with the team soon."

"None of the guys givin' ya grief about missin' the last game?"

"Nope, even Gary was great about it," Scott said. "Though with him, I'm pretty sure it helps that we won, even if it was just by a run. Besides, after what happened, missing Saturday's the least of my worries."

Victor squeezed the boy's forearm. "I know what you mean, Shades."

"Scott Summers," the disgruntled and much smaller boy arrived in Eye Spy with fists on hips, "you promised to help me with my homework hours ago!"

"Inside voice there, buggy," Victor reminded evenly.

"And it was ten minutes ago." Scott rolled his eyes. "Can't a guy change out of his uniform around here?"

Trav walked up to pull on him. "Come onnnn."

Allowing himself to be dragged, Scott wondered dryly, "How do you find me?"

With a slight chuckle, Victor watched them leave out of the corner of his eye.

IIIIIII

When the unique metallic doors to the Mag Cave pried apart, Leon looked up to see who among the space's usual dwellers ventured within. It proved to be the den's owner.

Honing in on something in the man's face, Leon lowered his textbook and asked, "Is everything…?" He saw no reason to finish that question as the doors shut with a bit of a thud. "Right." He promptly sat up now.

"You and I," Erik came close enough to take the book away from him and place on the desk, "have an overdue conversation ahead of us."

Leon responded with a quiet but knowing, "Yes, sir."

"I need you to know something of great importance first," kneeling, Erik locked blue eyes on the youthful brown, "what you went through and what you nearly had forced upon you were not your fault. Do not mistake that for a moment. You were trying to defend yourself and protect the others, as you have been trained. I'm angry that you had to go through that, but I am not upset with you. Do you understand that?"

Leon nodded. "Yes, Dad."

Standing, Erik pressed on with, "Sean told me what happened during your college tour. From what I understand, you gave him a good spanking for that little misadventure. Something else you've clearly learned well."

Leon kept concentration on the older male. "You don't think I was wrong?"

"No, you acted as a proper elder brother," Erik commended. "Sean put himself in danger and you rightfully corrected him for it… only to turn around and practice the same behavior yourself."

"I wanted to get to Maya," Leon tried to explain. "I knew she wouldn't say anything with one of you around, but she's willing to talk to me. I didn't know what was wrong so I wanted to get to her right away."

Erik nodded to that. "And I understand. However, in your haste, you still acted recklessly. You lied to your brother and gave him unnecessary worry. And you could have easily contacted us in Boston. Had Logan fly you out to talk to Maya instead of using your powers at the airport of all places."

Leon said meekly, "It seemed like such brilliant espionage at the time."

"You knew so much better than that, Leon," Erik reprimanded. "Even before you came here, you knew what an unsafe place the world is. You and Alex both. I wish Frank did not have such an awareness. But it is the reason I will always expect you boys to do better in these situations."

Absorbing everything, Leon bobbed his head with regret evident in his pupils. "I'm really- as weak as it is- I'm so sorry about all of this. I was… I was afraid."

Erik frowned at that. "Of coming to us?"

"No, sir," Leon quickly answered. "Maya was going through so much and… I don't want her to be like me. You know, mind fu- funny."

Erik hid a smile at how the boy caught himself. "I understand the desire to preserve her innocence and protect her at all costs. However, you still went about it the wrong way. That is what we are going to correct right now."

With a small breath, Leon asked, "Do you want me to lie down?"

Erik immediately shook his head. "I'm not going to whip you. The only place you're going to lay," sitting beside him, the man patted his legs, "is right here."

Unable to help the relief at learning leather would not be meeting his hide, Leon stretched himself over the metal wielder's lap. He then experienced a brisk air at having his soft pants and underwear yanked to his ankles in a single motion.

"Dad," the teenager dared speak, "count?" He then clarified, "Do you want me to tell you the number after?"

"No," Erik determined. "I'll instruct you after this. Now keep still."

Going as stiff as he could, Leon could not help the pained utterance at the smack that connected with his bare behind. He had no time to fully take it in as several more rained down like a ferocious stinging storm. The bit of comfort at learning he would not need to count faded away with the realization that he could not possibly keep track of this particular number.

Erik, however, knew the answer but did not bother with a count. He instead judged by the coloring of the bottom before him. When the extreme redness set in, he at last decided it done- for the horizontal session at least.

As he felt his clothes come up again, Leon received no time to cry into the cushions. However, he did not get the consolation of Erik's lap but was instead made to sit upright.

Getting to his feet, Erik directed firmly, "Don't move."

Tears out of control, Leon bowed his head miserably.

Pacing a short distance in front of the boy, Erik put forth, "Imagine for a moment the hurt you're feeling right now and multiply it by the highest number that crosses your mind. Perhaps then you'll have some fraction of an idea of the worry we experienced at finding out you had taken off to the airport for God only knows where."

Letting off a sound he did not know himself capable of making, a whimper, Leon remained in place. His cries kept on.

At close to a minute, Erik sat down and tugged him over to lean against his front. "Alright, boychick." Smoothing his hair away from his face, he kissed his forehead. "That's it. Your punishment is over now." He rubbed the wretched back. "Papa has you."

Leon grabbed hold of fistfuls of Erik's shirt as his tears somehow seemed to slow. "Sorry, Dad- I'm s- sorry."

"Shhhhh. Quiet now. You don't have to say anything more. I love you, boychick." Done whispering into his ear, Erik now summoned up a lullaby.

"I love you," Leon managed to whisper, shutting his weary eyes.

IIIIIII

Needle closing off two points on the fabric, Kayla commented, "It seems ages since we've done this."

Thin frame lighted by the tiny fireplace with the living room, Maya concurred with, "Mmhmm," while going over her soft purse with green thread.

"I'll make you anything you want for breakfast in the morning," Kayla smiled. "Eighteen is quite the milestone, though too far back for me to dare remember."

Maya glanced her way with some manner of cheeriness. "Thanks, Kay. For everything, really."

"Sweetheart," Kayla paused to gently grip the girl's wrist a moment, "you know I am always here for you, right? Always. Logan and I both."

Facing her completely, Maya responded, "I know that now more than ever."

The sound of the front door coupled with Cody's anxious footsteps drifted their attention away.

Cody hopped from foot to foot, proud to carry one takeout box over his head. "We! Got! Food!"

Kayla extended an arm out for him. "My little provider."

Sean, who walked in next, looked straight at Maya. "Wolverine phoned the house while me and Cody were playing pinball."

Entering last, Logan informed, "The hospital's been trying to reach you, Smiley."

Struggling for words, Maya said, "I wanted… I was going to te—"

"They're lookin' to release your mom."

Maya had to hang onto Kayla to keep from falling off the couch. "What?"

Logan went on with, "She's comin' home, baby. Maybe as early as Sunday."

Cody extended a plastic platter of cheese fries the astonished girl's way. "Happy birthday, Smiley."