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.

221. Chapter 221 Cloak and Cover

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Twenty One

Author's Word: Well, fam, here's to the last weekend of freedom before Monday rears its grotesque head. To help with that, I have a little request for all of you. Since this is my first time back in school in a few years, I could use a dose of pep. Could all of you write a few words of encouragement for me to hang on my wall in my room? I'm going to ask my family to do the same, but I want a special one for the Rise or Fall fam. Anything you can think of, either send it in with your review or PM me if you prefer. I'd really appreciate it and need it supremely. Funny enough, my first class of the day is Composition. Now, enough about my torment already. Please enjoy and review!

With the delicate one's eyes locked in on the miniature spot of chocolate, the metal wielder continued waving it back and forth in a slow motion before him.

"You want it? Eh, eh, eh." Erik retracted his arm as well as the chocolate when the baby reached for it. "None of that, Lab Mouse. If you really want it, come to Uncle Erik." The man rapped knuckles across the carpeted space beneath them. "Here, little Lab Mouse."

From his position on the sofa, Charles remarked, "You forgot to put the newspaper down." Lowering himself, the telepath squatted near them. "Isn't he a bit young for your particular brand of training?"

"He's perfectly capable of crawling," Erik stated. "I'll wager he outdoes Alex's weight limits in the gym when no one is looking." Brian got to his belly and flopped over onto his back. However, Erik proved unimpressed. "Samantha's cat can do that much."

Bitty hands becoming balled fists, Brian erupted into tears.

"Oh lamb," Charles gathered him to cradle, "hush now." At Erik handing over the bit of candy, the Professor objected with, "Erik, you should know better than that. Giving him treats when he cries is only going to encourage tantrums in the future."

Erik touched a kiss to the top of Brian's fair haired head. "He made an honest effort. But now, you're going to quiet for Daddy and Uncle Erik, yes?"

The baby responded by nibbling on the chocolate and slowing his tears.

Charles shook his head and held his son closer. "If only he could be so kind towards the Lab Rat."

Erik played with one of Brian's fists. "I think both Mouse and Rat should try to get some rest."

"Your uncle is both old and wise, son." Carrying Brian against his shoulder, Charles started out of the den. He stepped back at Maya entering. "Are you having trouble sleeping also, dear?"

The girl in mint green robe answered with a fatigued, "A little." She looked towards Erik. "I saw a text on Hebrew poems or something like that in here the other day. Do you think I could take a look at it?"

"I believe I know the one." Erik walked over to the designated shelf.

Before he headed out again, Charles brought up, "Maya, make certain your mother is aware that her mortgage payments and utilities will be seen to until she's been working full time again for at least a month."

"Prepare for a protest of Selma proportions," Maya cautioned then reached to hug him. "Thanks for everything, Professor."

Charles wound his free arm around her and kissed her temple. "See you in the morning, love." He took the partially asleep Brian away from the room with that.

"Thanks," Maya said when Erik handed her the requested book. "Do you mind if I stick around a while? I really like the lighting for night reading."

"Stay as long as you wish." Erik settled behind his desk, looking over the tedious work remaining there for him. "If you nod off, I can easily carry you up."

Maya regarded him in gratitude and stretched out along the couch.

Erik then asked, "You're still bothered by what Hank told you, aren't you?"

Maya nodded admittedly. "After everything that's happened… I can't imagine…" Focusing a moment, she made the book rise up a foot into the air. "Losing this unbelievable feeling inside of me. It's just… not fair."

Erik reminded, "Nothing is definite about your powers fading yet. We'll have to be prepared for whatever may or may not happen."

"As we do with all things."

Erik nodded to that. "You are a true X-Woman."

Content expression in place, Maya seized hold of the book again and opened it to the introductory page.

IIIIIII

Rinsing the soap free from his hands, Mondo used the excess water to run through and smooth out his hair.

Exiting one stall, Collin paused and gave off a sound snicker. "Never before has anyone reminded me so much of Fabian." He walked up to the row of sinks to clean his hands. After a few seconds, he took note of the silence and peered up to find the other young male staring at him in complete silence. "Uhh, why're you looking at me like that?"

"Guess you've been cracking those books hardcore," Mondo noted. "You look like you've been up half the night."

Collin gazed into the mirror at his less than desirable reflection. "Oh yeah, yeah. Not trying to hear it from the old fart. Whenever he gets back."

"Cool, cool," was all Mondo said as he left the boys' bathroom.

IIIIIII

Armload of texts in her possession, the Boston native stepped up to the one with back turned and face practically wedged inside locker.

"Seems I'll have to hire a valet to lug my books around," Cordelia put forth casually. "Perhaps something in a tall, buff, Swedish accent model."

With a short gasp of air, Cordelia found herself up against the next-door locker. She had no time to react to the swift motion as his lips captured hers.

After pulling back, Fabian said, "See if the Swedes have a flat rate for that."

"I don't even think my inheritance could swing that." The mesmerized girl eyed him quite happily. "What was that about by the way?"

He dipped to get nearer to her eyes. "I need reasoning and explanation now?"

Cordelia's gaze weakened a little. "Have you heard from your dad?"

"Last night," Fabian reported unfavorably. "I can't believe how difficult a time they're having tracking him."

"For what it's worth," Cordelia offered up, "I really hope Ignacio gets what's coming to him. Anything your father has in mind will be the least of what he deserves."

Fabian started to speak until the bell sounded. "Come on." He took her books out of her arms.

She reminded him, "You're going to be late."

"I still plan to show up." Fabian slipped an arm around her waist as they walked. "That's more than generous on my part."

IIIIIII

"Hey, guys," Frank greeted. Placing his tray down, he added with a big smile at the one across the table, "and beauty queens, too."

Eyes narrowed at him, Carmen retorted, "How many you up to this week?"

Rolling his eyes, Mondo said in annoyance, "Are we still on this?"

Carmen gestured across the way. "Talk to your friend."

"We're all friends, Carm," Tony reminded.

Mondo aimed individual fingers at them. "But you two need to work this out before you get your membership cards revoked."

Approaching the table, an interested Collin asked, "What'd I miss?" He held up a hand. "Hold that for a second. Milk run."

Watching him leave the table, Mondo turned sharp eyes on Frank. "Yeah, you need to stay away from that kid."

Thoroughly frustrated, Frank ground out, "This again? Mondo, give it a rest."

"So his grades aren't as high as ours," Tony piped up, attention on Mondo. "You act like he's diseased or something."

Mondo remarked, "Oh he's way too medicated for that one."

Frank wanted to know, "What are you talking about?"

Using his spoon to mix his pudding cup, Mondo put forth nonchalantly, "Your friend's a crackhead."

"What?" the other three presented chorused.

"Craaack. Heeeead," Mondo sounded out. "As in substances. The illegal kind. You should have seen him this morning in the bathroom. Snickering like a hyena; eyes flaming red."

"You've got to be playing," Carmen said.

Mondo shook his head. "No joke."

"Unbelievable," Frank reacted. "You really hate him that much? He's never even done anything to you."

"He's not worth the energy to hate," Mondo stated simply. "Look, I don't care if you believe me, but Frank, you've seen this boy in class. He's not as slow as he claims to be with all that spacing out he does."

"Ugh, finally," re-claiming his seat, Collin shook out his carton of milk, "that line was too long. I'm starving." He eyed the silent four with puzzled uncertainty. "What?"

Tony broke the quiet first with, "Are you ready for the quiz on Friday?"

Collin shrugged, more focused on his eating utensils. "Mostly I guess."

Not missing the heavy residual pink about the corners of his eyes, Frank promptly placed attention on the ravioli before him.

IIIIIII

The extensive hammering did not silence until the front door opened and closed.

At the approaching teenager, Logan held up a cautious hand. "Easy, Smiley. With the shape these steps are in, I won't be done any time soon." He accepted the offered glass from her, "Thanks, baby," and took a lingering sip of the iced tea. "This commotion ain't buggin' your ma is it?"

Maya shook her head. "After being in that hospital, I'm pretty sure everything passes for harp music in her ears."

"Good," Logan nodded. "After Emma gets in to look after the babies, Fox'll be by. She's bringin' over that chicken casserole your mother said she liked."

"Oh great." Maya stooped down but maintained a careful distance. "Are they in really bad shape?"

"The pits," Logan reported. "But they're on their way to new. After this, I'm tacklin' those gutters."

Maya clasped her hands in a grateful gesture. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Giving her a look that clearly said he found those words unnecessary, Logan instructed, "Get inside. It's too cold out here."

With a bog of her head, Maya returned to the warmth beyond the door.

She returned to her mother's room in time to catch a particular scene on the television. "What I wouldn't give for her dress."

"What I wouldn't give for her figure to wiggle into it," Lauren countered. Maya laughed lightly and laid down beside her with head propped up to better view the movie. Lauren studied her side profile. "I can't get over how much you look like her."

"Oh Mom," Looking to her in something resembling aghast humor, Maya responded, "cut it out. I don't look a thing like Audrey Hepburn."

Lauren claimed, "You're just blind to it."

"Mom, if I'm Audrey, you are completely Ava Gardner."

"I see senility hit you before me." Lauren considered it further. "Though I'll gladly keep Frank Sinatra company."

Maya giggled and linked their arms to better relax against her shoulder.

IIIIIII

Upon conclusion of the training session, Havok dismissed the gathering of young X-Males but his eyes stayed on the one in red, white, and blue.

"'House," Havok used one gloved hand to wave him over, "come here a sec."

Promptly turning around, Lighthouse tugged back the hood that masked his eyes and viewed the instructor in full. "I hesitated twice back there, didn't I?"

"Try four times," Havok corrected, looking at the boy as if searching for some foreign germ that had penetrated him. "That's not like you to go into a daze when we're out here. What's going on?"

"Sorry," the fourteen-year-old said sincerely. "Guess I left my head at school."

"We both know grades don't know how to give you trouble." Havok then guessed, "You after a new chick or something?"

"Don't get me started on chicks," Lighthouse requested in exasperation. "They're bugging me enough, but that's not it." He went silent for a few seconds and the blonde stood patiently for him to speak again. "Hey Havok, has anybody ever said something about one of your friends? Something really bad that you didn't know was true or not?"

Without having to remotely consider the notion, Havok nodded. "Oh yeah. Now let me guess. You're worried about him, but you're not sure how to approach him with it."

Lighthouse nodded now. "Any ideas?"

"First thing," Havok began, "don't come at them all accusatory. Tell them you heard about something and you want to know if whoever's saying it is full of crap or not."

Lighthouse thought that over. "That sounds good."

"But hey," Havok went on, "if this is really serious stuff, I want you to be careful. You might be a big brain, but I don't want you to find yourself in over your head."

"Thanks, Havok. And I'll make up training tomorrow, promise."

"You better. Crazy things are happening. I can't have one of my best guys out of it when I really need him."

Lighthouse's initial smile turned into a cheeky smirk. "Yeah, you would be lost without me."

Havok pointed towards the house. "Clean up for dinner, Frankenstein."
Certain grin still in place, Lighthouse jogged in the direction of the mansion.

IIIIIII

Numerous Italian nouns written out in halfway neat rows before him, the teenager dropped his pencil and shook out his aching hand. Tapping fingers on the desk while eying the paper with no measure of excitement, he reacted to the growing ruckus taking place next door.

Getting up, Collin crossed over to the other room through the bathroom that joined the two. He could not help a small smile at the conductor's cap his younger brother wore while powering his electric train. With the amount of space their individual quarters had to offer, the toy had an entire section near the window seat to operate in a circular motion, complete with tunnels.

"Max, keep it down in here. I've got a stack of homework in here." Collin came up to him, hands contained in the back pockets of his blue jeans.

Becoming all the more gleeful at the sight of him, Max hopped to his feet and offered his controller. "You want to try?"

"Wish I could," Collin turned down begrudgingly, "but you know the old wad. I have to keep my grades up. You get yours out of the way?"

Max started up his train again. "Uh huh. With Trav."

Collin commented, "We need to have that kid copied and cloned for my grade." Though part of Collin suspected that the little X-Man could quite possibly handle high school work already. "Anyway, try to be quiet."

"Kay," Max responded, entranced by his miniature locomotive.

On his way out of the room, Collin noticed the white envelope poking out of the pocket of Max's fleece jacket that hung on the back of his desk chair. "Hey, what's this?"

Max looked up and attempted to rush over. "Nothin'! Hey," he found himself restrained by Collin pressing a hand to his forehead to keep him in place, "give it! That's mine!"

"I'll say it is. This is from your teacher." Collin tore open the envelope and read through the short letter inside. "You were sent to the corner twice today?" He groaned immensely. "Geez, Max, what did I tell you about school?"

"It's not my fault," the little boy insisted. "I didn't mean for the paper ball to hit Katie in the head. And all the guys were having a splash fight in the bathroom; not just me."

"I don't care what the other guys are doing," Collin said matter-of-factly. "I care about what you do. I've told you before that we can't make trouble, especially while Estevan's away. If we cause him too much grief, we'll get split up again."

Max's eyes shined at that. "But Tio won't…"

"Oh stop kidding yourself, Max," Collin dismissed. "Estevan might think you're cute- for now- but don't think for a second he won't dump us if we act up. If we're pried apart, we might never find each other again. And there are people out there who will grab you for being a mutant and do a bunch of tests on you. With shots. Is that what you want?"

Max shook his head hard. "No!"

"Then be good. I mean it," Collin emphasized. "One more note and you'll want to stand in the corner every day. 'Cause you won't sit for a year. You got that?"

With a protruding lip, Max whispered, "I got it." He then reacted in panic to Collin snatching his controller out of his hands. "Hey, that's mine!"

"Not tonight it's not," Collin informed, holding up the device for emphasis. At the wiggling lip that resulted, the teen groaned internally. "And you better not start crying." Collin got down to one knee to him. "Look, this ain't some kind of picnic for me either. But this is what happens when you're bad. Now if you're good, we'll do something fun this weekend. Is it a deal?"

Letting off one faint sniff, Max agreed, "Deal…"

"Collin!"

Looking towards the door, the petitioned boy said back, "In here, Anne."

The girl poked her head in. "Frank Tolbert's on the phone for you."

"Thanks." Standing, Collin left the room and went downstairs to pick up the extension in the closed off den. "Hey, if I owe you money you better get in line."

"Oh real funny," Frank replied. "Look, we need to talk."

"Yeah, we do. I'm glad you called." Collin reclined in the chair he sat in. "This Italian has a foot up my butt. Since tomorrow's the half, think you can come over? Missy and Jim aren't around much during the day and I'll bet anything Fabian takes off with gold girl right after the last bell. I seriously don't know what she sees in him."

"That makes two of us," Frank concurred. "And yeah, sounds great."

"Cool. I got to try to tackle this stuff again. See you tomorrow."

"See you," Frank returned, hanging up his end.

IIIIIII

At the conclusion of the lullaby, the starry-eyed contented girl request, "Sing one more, Papa, please."

"You managed to wriggle two out of me," Leaning over, Erik kissed her cheek, "Now, it is very much time for bed."

With a little sigh, Becky said, "Okay. Good night, Papa. I love you."

"I love you." Still, despite himself, Erik laid down and whispered a gentle song in her ear until she completely slipped away into dreams. He held her a minute longer then detached himself to see about the rest of the floor. He entered Frank's room next, finding him sufficiently tucked in. "Off to bed already? What's become of that grand talk of high schoolers not requiring sleep before midnight?"

Frank shrugged. "I must be getting old."

"Don't even speak of such things." Erik sat on the bed, looking at him fondly. "If you're old, I'm mere dust in the wind."

"So Dad," Frank sat up a little, "tomorrow's a half day at school."

"I believe there's been a word or two of excitement about that around here, yes," Erik recalled. "What of it?"

"Can I ride my bike to school and hang out with one of my friends afterwards? I'll be home before dinner."

Naturally, Erik inquired, "Which friend?"

"Ya know- Collin. That's okay, right? He needs homework help."

"Yes, you are assisting him there." Erik then answered him with, "So long as you're home by seven and behave yourself."

"You got it," Frank grinned. "Thanks, Dad."

Giving him a hug, Erik touched a delicate hand to the thin back. "To sleep now, boychick."

Relaxing in his hold, Frank quickly settled in.

IIIIIII

In her robe with long brown hair cascading down her back, Melissa made her way into the lighted kitchen.

Eyes on the one seated at the table, she deduced, "You've hardly slept the last couple of nights."

Not bothering to peer over, Fabian countered glibly, "As if you're one to talk." He then sighed, pushing away his half-finished glass of milk. "I'm sorry."

Unbothered, Melissa approached to smooth out stray strands of his hair. "Do you want to try some morphine?"

"No," Fabian shook his head, "I… I better not. It isn't that bad yet."

Pulling out a chair, Melissa sat facing him. "You know your father can hold his own."

Fabian whacked a fist against the table top. "Ignacio is like a specter continuously slipping through our fingers. We're left to sit idly while he rounds us up for destruction."

"You mean imitation," Melissa corrected. "He may be telling the government one thing, but we know what he's really after. He's so desperate to be one of us, he doesn't care how many mutants are disposed in the process. He's nothing more than an ignorant schoolboy after his next door neighbor's bicycle."

Fabian urged, "A demented schoolboy with every resource delivered to his feet."

"Fabian," Melissa laid a hand over his shaking wrist, "no one stays on top forever. Once your father and Marco have him, it will be the warning to the hundreds out there exactly like him. Don't taunt the whale then act surprised when he devours you whole." She stood, taking his glass of milk. "Better try warming this."

While she did so, Fabian laced his fingers together in ponder.

IIIIIII

"This house is really cool," Frank remarked as they maneuvered through the manor. "I'm waiting to find Charles Dickens stored in the attic."

"Have you seen where you live?" Collin brought them up the stairs. "But we do have an indoor pool. Want to check it out later?"

"It's a plan." Arriving in the older boy's room, Frank stood near the bed while Collin emptied the contents of his backpack onto the mattress. "So, you guys are on your own around here?"

"Jim and Missy are around at night. Especially Jim. He's been trying to make up ever since Estevan basically told him he's out the door if he doesn't get with it." Collin shook his head, lowering onto his bed. "That's Estevan." He picked up his Italian book. "The quiz is all vocabulary, right?"

"Yeah." Getting onto the edge of the bed, Frank looked through the contents of his own school bag with attention elsewhere. "Hey, Collin?"

Flipping through notes, he responded, "Huh?"

"… Let's start with town locations. They're always the hardest."

Collin agreed and the two spent an hour on spelling out places and translations with the aid of index cards.

"Let's take a break," Collin finally proposed. "Want to borrow some trunks for the pool?"

Frank nodded. "Sure, thanks."

After they changed and acquired two bottles of cola from the kitchen, they found their way into the closed off pool room. They initially relaxed in the soothing water with their drinks before a lap race broke out between them.

Glancing to the side, Frank stilled in place. "Whoa! Collin?"

Appearing at the opposite end of the enormous pool, Collin burst his head out of the water. "Thought you were the guy with super sight."

"That's the best you got, ghost boy? Ha!" Frank swam his way and started splashing with vigor. "Got to do better than that, Cloak."

"Whoa, Lightweight!" Collin unleashed water back.

"That's Lighthouse."

Collin smirked, "I know." He then reacted to the echoing of the ringing telephone in the next room. "Estevan- maybe he's got something on Ignacio."

Frank hurried out of the water after him. "Wait up."

Arriving in the hall, Collin snatched up the receiver, "Hello?" He frowned. "What, Victor?" He slapped the top of his head. "You've got to be kidding me, ugh!"

"Victor?" Frank asked from behind. "What's going on? Does he want me? Did something happen to one of the kids?"

"Yeah, I know. I'll be there." Slamming the receiver, Collin reflected livid eyes. "Any idea how long a sentence you get for wasting your own brother?"

"See," Frank crossed his arms, "this is the kind of useful info we never get in class."

IIIIIII

Feet kicking back and forth with sweaty palms pressed against his lap, the guilt rich eyes stared down at the tile that made up the Security Office.

"Vic," Frank acknowledged as he entered just behind the angry older teen.

Victor bobbed his head Frank's way.

"Are you serious?" Collin demanded of his brother. "You clogged up all the toilets on the first floor?"

"Boys and girls," Victor confirmed.

Collin rolled his head back flabbergasted. "Tell me he's not being suspended for this."

"Don't worry about that," Victor said. "We're sendin' him home early and he'll be in for recess for a week."

Max folded his arms in a little huff.

Collin turned to Victor. "Listen, Estevan's still out of town and… please don't tell him about this. Fabian, either. When he comes for Anne just say Max got sick. Seriously, I'll do anything."

Victor reached forward to pat the stressed boy's should. "Easy, kiddo. We're good here. And hey," he tapped Max's head to get his eyes up, "If I or another guard catch you pullin' another stunt like this, you got a date with a ruler. You hear me, little man?"

Frank advised, "Better say 'yes, sir' on that one, pal."

"Yes, sir," Max parroted.

"Max," Collin hauled him up, "move it, now. And I don't want to hear a word out of you."

Victor said to Frank, "See you at home."

Frank replied, "You're far out, Vic," and went after the brothers.

The long journey back to the Cortez manor remained in complete silence. Frank did not say a word, either, not ready to be the one to kick off the year's biggest fireworks show since July 4th.

"Get in this house," Collin unlocked the door, "now."

As soon as the wood pried open, Max shot inside.

Frank started, "Listen, Coll—"

"Not the time, Tolbert." Collin entered and dashed up the stairs. Going to stand outside Max's door, he found the knob would not turn. "Move the chair, Max. Right now."

"No!"

Collin pounded on the door with near enough force to shake the plaster. "I am not playing around with you!" Frank slowly arrived at the top of the stairs. "If you don't open this door right now, I'm getting the extension cord like Dad used to."

Frank's eyes enlarged and he heard Max cry, "Noooo! Don't, Coll. I'm sorry…"

"Sorry's not good enough," Collin informed. "Last chance. Open up or I'm getting one of those thick cords Marco uses for his work." The second he heard the chair move away, he got the door open, only to find the space within seemingly empty. "Okay, now you really want to be a wise guy. Go visible, now."

"Collin," Frank gripped his shoulder from behind, "take it easy. You're liable to mangle the kid."

Collin veered around sharply. "Good I don't care what I have to do. This is the best deal we've ever had and if this is what it takes then oh well. I'm not letting us get split up again."

"You won't," Frank insisted. "Forget Estevan and Fabian and whatever BS they're talking. I'll do whatever to keep you guys together. I've done it before for these sisters I know. I just don't want you to make a mistake and hurt your kid bro bad."

Fist shaking, Collin dipped his head. "I don't want to hurt him, but he needs to be taught a lesson."

Frank whispered, "Let me try," then stepped forward further into the room. "Max, I know you're in here somewhere. Collin's right. You can't stay invisible forever and I can find you in a second with my powers. You know you were bad today. Look, no extension cords, but you need to come face up like a big boy now. If you don't and I have to find you, it'll be worse. Come on, buddy. Come out already."

After nearly a full minute, the contrite child rematerialized and emerged from the bathroom. "I'm sorry, Coll." Tears rolled down his cheeks, reddening his eyes. "Don't get the cord. I'll be good. Please don't get the cord…"

Frank's hand went to his stomach at the sudden churn he experienced.

Softening slightly, Collin came over and knelt to bring Max in near to him. "I won't get the cord, but you're still getting spanked because I just told you to be good in school. Remember what I said yesterday?"

The boy sniffed. "I didn't get a note…"

Collin hid a smirk. "Nice try, smart guy."

Backing out of the room, Frank hurried downstairs to leave them alone.

Max had to resist the urge to yank away as Collin led him by the hand over to the bed.

Taking a seat, Collin hoped he gave off a firm face instead of projecting the inward sickness he experienced inside. Bringing Max over his lap with a firm yank, he started slapping the seat of his pants with the full force of his hands.

Max exploded with tears and wailed. Trying to ignore the horrible sound, Collin remained thankful to have the rest of the Acolytes out of the house. He especially did not want Melissa to have to walk in on them with his brother in such a state. Collin's hand flew so quickly that he lost count. When he figured out that he'd reached twenty strikes or more, he at last stopped.

Gripping the small boy at the waist, Collin lifted the crying vessel to talk to him. "I don't like this anymore than you do, Max, but you have to learn to listen. If you're bad in school again, you'll get worse than that. With your pants and shorts down. You hear me?"

"Yesss!" Max screeched with a near delirious nodding of his head.

Collin brought him into a small hug. "Yeah, you better hear me."

When he heard the footsteps, Frank stood from the chair in the first floor hall. "Everything okay?"

"Sure," Collin responded, absently placing hands into his pockets. "Don't let all that crying fool you. He's always flips out like that. Probably remembering the way our old man used to wail on us. I never go that crazy on him."

"Oh I know," Frank reassured. "I have a kid brother, too. Don't get me started on the other little guys I live with."

Collin looked at him. "You ever had to do it?"

Frank snorted with laughter. "Not ever. With Cody and Joey, I usually want to punch 'em. Trav can be a brat supreme when he wants to be. He sure drives Scott up a wall. We don't dare mess with him, though. Raven would annihilate me."

Collin listened and responded, "Lucky."

Frank offered out, "If it helps, I got older brothers to give it to me. You should see Sean when I swipe his stuff without asking."

Collin gave off a distracted shrug. "They don't seem so bad. Like I thought they were I mean. They're really cool in a fight."

"So long as you're on their side." Rubbing the back of his neck, Frank put forth, "I know you're dealing with a lot right now, but I really need to talk to you about something." Collin faced him in full. "A couple of kids at school saw you yesterday and… okay, I know this is stupid, but- they said you looked like you were high on something."

Instead of the anger Frank anticipated, Collin's face broke into a short laugh. "High? Have you seen the school we go to? They confiscate cough drops."

Frank eased into a smile. "I knew you wouldn't be into anything retarded like that."

"Come on." Collin headed upstairs again. "Let's take another crack at this homework before the reinforcements get back."

Frank followed the older boy into his room.

A few minutes after they settled with the books again, the bathroom door creaked open and Max ventured out.

Seeing him drawing near, Collin told him, "You have to be quiet if you're gonna be in here."

Max nodded and started to climb up onto the bed.

"There we go," Frank helped him up into a comfortable position on his knees, "easy, buddy."

Max gave him a small fond look then scooted over closer to Collin to read over his brother's shoulder. Frank peered up at them from his notes every so often. Flipping to a blank page, Frank picked up a stray pen.

A curious Max wondered over to him. "Dear… who's Jeff?"

Winding an arm around his middle, Collin reeled him back in. "He's the guy in charge of the Department of Mind Your Own Beeswax."

Frank laughed lightly and continued to write.

IIIIIII

Fishing around for a clean towel, he hardly had time to retract his hand before his locker door very nearly slammed shut on his fingers.

Facing the other boy, Mondo gazed about the formerly empty locker room. "Where did you- what the hell is your problem?"

Collin considered the question. "Lots of shit to be honest. Lately, though, it's bus boys who want to smile in my face then spread rumors behind my back. Don't waste your time with a cover story. I know it was you."

An unfazed Mondo replied, "You know it was me because you know I saw you the other day. But hey, at least now you have an excuse. All this time, I thought you were a dumb waste of space all on your own."

Collin inched in closer to him. "You really have no idea who the hell you're dealing with, do you? I'm the last one you want to talk about. Because then I might have to talk about you. So, go ahead and say whatever you want. We both know who's got more to lose." He turned to go with that.

With a knitted brow, Mondo said nothing as the the head of auburn left. Facing his locker, the heated teenager had to keep from yanking the door clean off.