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.

233. Chapter 233 Blood Stains

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Thirty Three

Author's Word: I know I'm supposed to say Happy New Year, but instead I have to start off the first chapter of Rise or Fall 2016 with a selfish request. Fam, for all of you, don't die. Seriously, don't do it. Refrain from death. So, the verdict is finally in and I made straight A's this semester… for some reason. Now, while I recline on school break, please enjoy and review!

A wave of melted slush splashed across the deserted road as the motorcycle cut through and disrupted the wintry atmosphere. The long black hair soared behind him like a silken garment against the wind. The clouds above kept the sun out of his brown irises while his mind's eye proved to be the one most at work.

Recollections of the arms tight at his waist, latched on for security seemed to take place all over again. He could practically feel the forehead burrowed into the back of his coat. The laughter from behind replayed continuously, inspiring him to floor it all the faster. An additional sense of pleasure fell over him upon remembering how the sirens blared and the lights flashed.

"Call me crazy- wouldn't be the first time- but I'm pretty sure they're after us."

"Too bad. I can't be late for dinner. Hang on tight now."

She did comply…

IIIIIII

Gloved hands jammed into the pockets of her gray trench coat, she took the stairs leading out of the subway tunnel two steps at a time. Less than a second upon reaching topside, two black males from across the street kept eyes on her while they engaged in not-remotely-inconspicuous chatter. One even possessed nerve enough to point at her.

Removing hands from pockets, Melissa cocked an eyebrow and made a clear aggressive gesture by spreading her arms. They lost all humor and glared at her, but she remained unmoved. Her expression dared either one to take so much as a single step forward. Clearly deciding her not worth their time after all, Melissa did not miss one of them uttering, "Stuck-up white bitch," as they departed toward the opposite end of the block. Her only reaction came in the form of a catty smirk.

Continuing on her way, Melissa kept a steady focus past the trash mounds, vacant buildings with boards in place of windows, and police siren in one direction. She decided yet again that leaving her car at home had definitely been a wise decision on her part. After another few blocks, she reached her destination in the form of a copper two-flat. Making use of one of the many keys she kept on a designated ring, she let herself in.

A short, thin Chinese woman with soft features arrived almost instantly to greet her. "Thank you for coming so soon. I knew you would want to see this personally."

Following her towards the back, Melissa wanted to know, "It's Gina, right?"

"Yes," the other lady nodded. "She came to the clinic for help. Fortunately, I got to her first."

"Definitely," Melissa concurred with the statement.

Knocking on one door to make their presence known, the nurse petitioned, "Gina, dear? I have someone who can be of help." Gently pushing the door open further, the space inside consisted of a small medical station. As soon as they came in, the girl laid out on the exam table sat up in startled attention. "It's alright. This is Melissa."

"You can call me Missy." Stepping forward, Melissa inquired, "You're Gina?"

As she nodded, Melissa sized her up a little. Brown hair highlighted with honey blonde and hazel eyes that reflected timid fright. Judging by the leather jacket, pale blue cashmere sweater, pin stripe pants, and snow boots, she knew right away that the child did not originate from that neighborhood.

Melissa next asked, "Where are you from? How old are you?"

Gina show to answer the second part first with, "Fourteen," and whispered, "Manhattan," to the initial question.

Sparing a brief glance to the girl's lower abdomen, Melissa touched a gentle hand to her knee. "How far along are you?"

"Ten weeks." She nervously brushed some hair behind her ear. "That's what they told me at the first hospital they took me to."

Nodding, Melissa put forth, "Gina, your parents—"

Eyes growing quickly sharp, she insisted, "I am not going home."

"Of course you're not," Melissa immediately agreed. "I want to know what happened after they found out. Please tell me."

"My God…" Gina's voice strained. "I thought my mom was going to die on the spot. My dad- God, he was so mad. I thought he was going to hit me."

Melissa wanted to know, "Did he? Did they hurt you?"

"No," Gina answered. "But I heard them talking to this guy at the hospital. He told them about this doctor downstate who…" Shaking her head of the thought, she went on with, "They were going to drive me to him. First thing in the morning."

"Gina, you are not going anywhere," Melissa stated matter-of-factly. "You'll be safe here." She glanced back at the Asian woman. "Jie and the other women here have this place to help you." She moved her hand to Gina's stomach. "Both of you. Nothing is going to happen to you or your baby."

Dipping her head, Gina said meekly, "Thank you."

Cupping her chin to gently bring her eyes up, Melissa asked, "What are you wishing for? Boy or girl?"

Managing a small but genuine smile, Gina replied, "A girl. With green eyes. But I'd be happy with a son, too. I'll love either one."

"I bet you will," Melissa said with assurance. "I'll be right back, okay?"

"Okay."

Leaving out with the nurse, Melissa asked, "Who's going to be here tonight?"

"Clarice," Jie responded. "I have late shift at the clinic. We're so jam packed with cold and flu season. Fortunately, that means Gina won't be missed for a minute."

Melissa's eyes grew harshly serious. "If you hear anything about her parents being in the area, contact me right away. I don't want these people anywhere near her."

Jie bobbed her head with a vow of, "You have my word. So does she."

Melissa turned her head to peer in at Gina again.

IIIIIII

The thunderous footsteps of energy packed teens caused a prompt cease in the conversation taking place between Charles and Trick. The young ones paraded into the living room with the older three led by Sean.

"Hey, Trick." The redhead slapped hands with him.

"Hi, Trick," Angel beamed. "You have to hear about our history project."

Sean picked up from there with, "We're working on it with our friend, Ben. We're doing it on the pros and cons of Manifest Destiny, but in a more modern context."

Angel added, "Ben thought it would be great if we bring in the smaller countries struggling for resources that no one ever—"

"Do either one of you depend on oxygen?" Cordelia piped up, going to the other gentleman in the room. "Hello, Charles. How was your day?"

The Professor took her offered hand. "Am I here as well? I was rather enjoying the audience participation."

"Sorry," Angel realized.

"Sorry, Dad," said Sean cutely.

Trick could only laugh while Charles said, "Understandable." Truthfully, it made him happy to see them so enthused about schoolwork of all things. He then spotted the two attempting to make a run for it. "Hello, young men. Why the hurry?"

Keeping his groan internal, Frank entered the room ahead of his guest. "Sorry, Charles. I'm helping Collin with algebra."

Trick cringed. "One of my many high school foils."

Charles reasoned, "Certainly you have time to speak and introduce your friend."

Making the appropriate arm gestures, Frank said, "Coll, this is Trick. Trick, Collin."

Not gathering the young man as one for hand shaking, Trick simply recollected, "Ah, yes, the other team of mighty mutants. I've already met your leader." More or less.

"Right, I remember hearing about you," Collin recalled then smirked Frank's way. "Which girlfriend's dad is he again?"

Sean, Cordelia, and Maya shared a snicker at that.

Rolling his eyes, Frank said, "Well, we gotta go. See you later."
"Hold on a minute." Trick got to his feet. "What do you lot say we track down Maya for an outdoor session?" He offered to Collin, "We'd love for you to join us. Present us with the best of the Acolytes."

Though he knew such words to be completely and utterly false, Collin could not help regarding the man pleasantly.

However, Frank responded with, "Later, Trick, okay? We really need to get through this homework."

"Yeah," Collin spoke. "And I have to get home to my brother before he breaks a vase or his toes or something."

Though disappointed, Trick still said kindly, "Off you go, dual geniuses."

Finally able to make haste out of the common space and up the stairs, Frank summoned Samantha via communicator.

Settling on Frank's bed, Collin commented, "He is pretty cool."

"What?" Frank then remembered, "Right, Trick. Yeah, always has been."

With a brief, dainty knock the head of gold peeked into the room next. "Hey." Frank gestured for her to come over and she did so after shutting the door. She sat near him on the edge of the bed. "So… is everything okay?"

"It is as long as we stick together," Frank urged. "We just have to keep our heads to the ground for a while and stay out of the park, period."

Collin scoffed at the situation. "Lousy pig-cunt. This would blow over in five minutes if we were in the city."

"Tell me about it," Frank concurred strongly. "One time me, Scott, Joey, and Cody got into it with these little creeps who had the nerve to call Cody a featherhead."

Collin's eyes widened. "I hope you wasted 'em."

"Big time," Frank confirmed. "But by the time we got home, the neighbors had called to rat us out to Charles. They said it looked like we were in a gang or something. Can you believe that?"

Collin rolled his eyes near far back enough to reach his cerebellum. "Ugh, Westchester. Wonder how much time six-year-olds serve for unauthorized BB gun possession."

Returning to the issue at hand, Frank said, "If somebody were going to bring up Sunday, we'd have heard about it by now. So let's just make sure—"

"Shhhh!" Sam gestured with her head towards the hall.

"Glowworm?" Heavy drumming against the door could be heard next.

Frank glanced back and forth between his friends. "Yeah, Wolves?"

"I wanted to tell you—" Coming in, Logan raised an eyebrow at the lounging three. "See you three are really hittin' the books up here."

"Break time," Samantha smiled his way.

"No time, peaches," Logan informed, directing his attention towards the room's owner. "Get that homework out of the way and head out back for training. We still have your buddy's sled to work on."

Frank nodded hard. "Gotcha."

Gesturing with two fingers, Logan said, "Come here a minute, Frank."

Avoiding eye contact with the others, Frank's head screamed. Had they been talking that loudly? Even without specifics, Logan could still easily grill him. Still, he stood and followed the adult out into the hall.

Lowering his voice, the Veteran spoke. "When Sam's in your room, that door stays open. I know you want your privacy, but you big kids have a whole lounge to yourselves now. Use it."

Relief overtaking him, Frank responded with, "Right, sure," then thought about it. "Wait, the door? Wolverine, you know we weren't doing anything to her, right? That's gross."

"I know," Logan assured then reiterated, "Believe me, I'd know. Just do what I told ya. Got me?"

"Yes, sir," Frank replied immediately.

Logan tapped him lightly on the head. "You get that work done."

Letting off a quiet sigh, Frank returned to his room, keeping the door cracked several inches.

IIIIIII

Wind chill calming down from feeling similar to freshly sharpened blades, quiet settled in across the outdoors. Situated on a portion of the right side banister, Melissa learned against the post closest to the steps. The groundskeeper- an older Cuban man who tended to his work completely wordlessly most days- had been there that morning. The shoveled snow and snow coated walkway indicated it. While Melissa appreciated Estevan's way of hiring people with English skills so poor that employment proved quite difficult for them, she could not help wondering about the satisfaction he took in having normal people cleaning up after his Acolytes.

Normal, she mused dryly, what does that mean, anyway? What does anything mean?

The front door creaking open and entryway light bathing over her made Melissa snap back from her thoughts. Prepared to tell Jimmy which part of his anatomy to play with, the words died on her tongue upon seeing the one who lingered there in green and white striped casual clothes.

"Can I warm you some dinner?" The younger female presented the question as if it were an honor bestowed upon Anne herself.

Melissa's lips turned slightly upward. "Thanks." She moved to stand.

Anne waited for her to come inside and started towards the kitchen. As soon as they arrived there, she walked to the stove and flipped on the burner to the pot already present on the stove. Taking hold of one of the white ceramic plates, Anne transferred two still soft rolls from the basket on the stove onto it.

"Thank you," Melissa mouthed, taking a seat at the breakfast nook. Anne placed the plate in front of her and Melissa watched as she removed the orange juice from the refrigerator. "Anne, really? After daylight hours?"

"You're outside a lot." Anne poured her a tall glass. "It'll keep you from getting sick."

"Ah," Melissa understood, gratefully accepting the drink.

Anne placed the glass bottle back on its designated cool shelf and took a sitting spot next to her. She watched her pry apart small pieces from one roll to place in her mouth.

"You should eat more than that," Anne advised.

"Oh- Oh, I will."

The child appeared far from appeased. "You're too skinny."

Melissa reacted with, "Congratulations. You're officially the one millionth person to tell me that."

Remaining seriously, Anne urged, "What about your powers? Don't yours take a lot of energy? What if something happens to you out there?"

Unable to deny her logic and hating it, Melissa still gave in. "You're right. Sorry… just…" She placed a more sizable portion of bread into her mouth. "I have a lot on my mind."

Getting up, Anne retrieved a spoon and bowl and started ladling out soup from the pot. "I keep feeling something wrong with you. I don't mean to." She returned to the table and slid the bowl over to her. "It just happens."

"I know. Believe me." Melissa took a spoonful of the chicken and rice soup. "It's my fault my head's always on."

"Missy, what's wrong?" Anne finally inquired. "You can tell me. I won't tell anyone else. Honest."

Exhaling through her nostrils, Melissa could not believe her present low point. She spoke nonetheless. "I met a girl at one of the hideaway homes."

"That's where you were all day?" Anne watched her nod. "The one in Buffalo?"

"No, not that far. This one is in the Bronx. She's barely older than you." Melissa stared at her reflection in the broth. "And she has a baby coming."

Anne's eyes swelled briefly. "She does?"

"Yeah. And she ran away from home because her parents were going to…" An exasperated Melissa sent aggravated fingers through her hair. "God…"

Anne required no elaboration with that. "So she's all by herself?"

"All by herself," Melissa confirmed. "And she shouldn't be. I've seen so many ridiculous situations from so many kids and I keep asking the same question. What is the matter with people? Absolute strangers can be better towards you than your own family? How is that even possible?"

Staring forward at nothing in particular, Anne responded after several seconds. "Collin's parents used to make them do things. They would leave them alone for days." Melissa faced her. "Max told me how their father used to beat them with extension cords, kick them, throw things at them, especially at Collin. Their mother would burn Max with her cigarettes or lock him in the closet all day when he couldn't stop crying. When we met Marco, he was close to death. His family had left him when his strength got too destructive. He was too weak from lack of food to even steal anything. Jimmy couldn't count on anyone, either."

"That's why he dropped out of school," Melissa knew.

"It was so good to have you both here while Papi was away," Anne told her. "Fabi tries to be grownup all the time, but he can barely sleep when the nightmares come back."

Melissa said strongly, "I wish I could take those thoughts away. For both of you. And Marco, Coll, Max, and Jim. Your dad, too."

"Of everybody, I'm most glad you came to be with us," Anne revealed. "Papi's always telling me never to be cruel and vicious the way women can be. I was so scared I'd be… I'd be like her. But I met you and I know we can be good. If we want to be."

Unable to find her own voice at first, Melissa inwardly echoed, good?

Scooting over closer, Anne extended her arms and rested on her shoulder. "I love you, Miss."

Returning the embrace in a clutch, Melissa's vocals returned to her. "I love you, too."

IIIIIII

Necessary machinery operational, the young medical professional turned away from his gizmo assortment at his current patient bringing in his forever son.

Arms wound around the blonde's neck and waist, Trav declared, "I found him, Daddy. I found him."

"Very good. Wait until Wolfy and Kitty hear about this." Hank approached to ruffle his hair. "We'll make a tracker out of you yet. As for right now, I'd like you to find your mother who has your favorite pajamas fresh from the dryer."

Trav snuggled into Alex's neck. "I have to stay with Uncle Alex."

"I'll be fine, Bugsy," Alex promised him. "Go find Mommy and I'll say good night when I'm done. Okay?"

"Kay." Before Alex put him down, Trav applied a kiss to his cheek and another to the center of his chest.

Alex smiled after the departing little boy and Hank remarked happily, "He really is something, isn't he?"

"Yeah." Alex looked to him with a stony countenance in place. "How much you want for him? Come on. Kayla's not budging on either one of the twins."

Rolling his head back in amusement, Hank instructed, "On the table, lanky."

"The gym is practically my bedroom and you still call me that?" Alex hopped onto the exam table and extended his right arm, made bare by his WU t-shirt.

"Perk of being the eldest," Hank claimed, getting his bicep wound. "I'm the only one who gets to torment you into retirement age." He raised the palm. "Alright, relax."

"Continue breathing. I know the drill."

Receiving the reading, Hank muttered, "Hm."

"Hank," Alex turned glassy blue eyes on him, "you know I can't stand your little "hm, huh's". What do you see?"

"One thirty over eighty."

"Well, that's not exactly the end of the world," Alex reasoned. "That's only pre. I'll watch it a little more."

"You have been minimizing salt, haven't you?" Hank probed. "Not substituting colas in place of water?"

"I just had a few extra cokes last week. Finals, you know how that goes."

"Yes, I do," Hank sympathized, disconnecting him from the machine. "Which is why I'm glad we have the holidays to look forward to."

"Right." Alex then asserted, "And since I skipped the school Christmas party, there's a strong chance I won't end up on the torture list for psychopaths this year."

"Alex," Hank immediately reproached, "I don't want to hear you joke like that again. What happened last year was anything but laughable."

Losing all jest, Alex came back with, "You think I don't know that? That's why I've been so into training ever since school got out. Most of the others are doing good, but Frank's head has been in outer space and every time I look up, Lee's out on his bike."

Hank brought up, "Last year affected him as well. Maybe riding is his way of dealing with it. He's gone through monumental change in a year's time."

"I know," Alex sighed. "Okay, so I'll conduct sessions from a supervisory standpoint for the next few days and keep my own regiment to light weights and jogging. What do you say you read me every other day to track my progress?"

Initially taken aback, Hank responded with, "Ready to snatch the physical therapist degree right from their hands I see."

"And laugh maniacally while giving the middle finger on stage." Alex jumped up from the table. "Alright, I have a pint-sized nephew to catch up with."

"Let him know I'll be in soon," Hank called after him.

Gripping the pen left tucked behind his ear, he jotted down his current findings to add to Alex's medical file.

IIIIIII

Jerked awake due to external forces for a change, Leon shot up in bed. He reacted at first to what he thought was hail assaulting his window. Then through the bare minimum lighting, he made out the figure thin enough to be stationed beyond the glass. Head in a swirl, he broke away from his covers to dash over. Eyes meeting from opposite ends of the window, Leon's gesturing offered the necessary cue.

Waiting for the body to rematerialize before him, Leon mentioned, "You could have done that in the first place. How did the crazed stalker image win out?"

"Stalking is familiar." She attempted to brush off her jacket, made damp by the outdoors. "I'm good at it."

"I've heard things." Leon then presented the most obvious question. "What are you doing here?"

"Couldn't sleep." Melissa walked back to the window to gaze out on the lawn below. "Kept seeing things. Things that don't go away when you ask nicely. It was like I was trapped by my own room. I spend a lot of time helping people find somewhere safe. For once I asked, where do I feel safe?"

Stepping up behind her, Leon reached one hand forward and at her lack of flinch, touched against her cheek. "You're freezing."

Shrugging out of the thin jacket she had remembered to grab before taking her rapid leave from the manor, Melissa stayed still while Leon pulled it off of her the rest of the way.

Draping the damp outerwear over his desk chair, he said, "I have some clothes." Maneuvering over to one of his lower dresser drawers, he fished out athletic pants and a sweatshirt. Carrying them in something of a bundle, he presented them to her. "Here."

Melissa accepted the offering. "Thanks."

"I'll wait outside."

Before he could take a step, she said in a partially higher pitch, "You don't have to go… don't go."

With a nod, Leon showed his back to her, keeping attention on the door.

Even in the dark, Melissa managed to remove her jeans and top in favor of the softer clothes. "Okay. All decent… depending on your definition of that."

Turning around to face her once more, Leon said, "If you want to try to sleep, you can have the bed." He remained silently grateful he had not left tears on the pillowcases. "I'll stay up. In case the telepaths sense your distress."

"Scandalous." Pushing hair out of her face, Melissa walked to the bed. She cared not at all about its unmade state as she situated herself amongst the linens. Nose pressing against one pillow, she asked with an air of humor about her, "What is that smell?"

From his arm chair, Leon glanced up. "Funky?"

"Like… tangy."

Leon realized, "From my cologne set. Emma says they're "becoming to a young gentleman"."

Melissa spoke again. "It's nice."

After that, quiet cloaked the room. Reworking the position of his legs every so often, Leon managed to keep his eyes open yet could not stop his mind's wandering.

"Maya's already shown she can survive. She'll be herself again."

"She has to be better than I am, Melissa."

"No! She has to be better than me. There is nothing wrong with you, Leon. I don't care what anyone says to the contrary. Not even you."

The abrupt hacking pierced through his thoughts and he took no time to fully comprehend before practically pouncing over to the bed. Gripping Melissa by her upper arms, he helped the near choking female into a more upright position.

"Missy," he petitioned in a sharp whisper. "Melissa," he tried to steady her, "it's okay."

Eyes as well as overall perception completely foggy, she gripped the front of his undershirt. "The door…"

"The door?" Leon parroted in confusion.

"They can come in… the door, Leon, the door!"

"Melissa!" Keeping his tone as low as he could still, he touched his forehead to hers. "It's okay. No one's coming in here. No one, I swear."

Easing somewhat, she dipped down, finding herself reclining against his front. "I can't stop seeing him. All of them. Holding me down, ripping at me, blood all over my legs- I keep trying to get up, scream, anything."

"It's okay." Instinct pushing past his uncertainty, he coiled both arms around her. "No one's getting in here, Melissa." He gently caressed her hair. "Go back to sleep."

"I can't," she insisted. "Not yet. Say something else. Please."

Leon went with the first to cross his mind. "Tell me her name."

"Who?"

"Your daughter," he clarified and he could feel her grow slightly stiff. "I want to know her name."

Melissa shook her head. "She never got to have one."

"Yes, she did," Leon countered. "She was real. She mattered. You know she has a name. Don't let them take that away from her, too."

"Kristin." Melissa then voiced it a little louder. "Kristin Grace. Krissy."

"Krissy," Leon repeated. "Okay. You say something."

Melissa came up with, "What do you think your mother was like? I mean, really like?"

Leon did not have to ponder that for very long. "I've heard things. From what I've gathered, probably something along the lines of Kayla and Maya. Did the right thing forever and eventually landed the ideal guy. Until life screwed her. You know, for fun."
"Kayla. She might have messed with my head most of all."

"How?" Leon wondered.

"I know how bad works and why it works," Melissa explained. "Good? I don't know where it is, who it is, why it does what it does. I don't get how a woman who has everything would go that far out of her way for me. And I don't think it had anything to do with the Mutants United concept I keep hearing."

Leon put forth, "She just saw a girl in need."

Melissa nodded into his shirt. "After she saved me, I knew I had to do something. Besides fall from the highest window or swallow a tall bottle of pills."

"Take a nap in the tub."

Melissa gathered, "You've thought about it."

"Of course," Leon said naturally. "But staying alive is the greatest revenge possible against the ones who want my blood all over the ground."

"Mm, revenge," Melissa hummed lustfully then laughed ironically. "I don't know what she could possibly be thinking."

Now it proved Leon's turn to wonder, "Who?"

"Anne. She actually called me good tonight. I don't know where she's getting that."

"She's right about you. I think some of the best people are the ones who don't follow the rules set by good people. You, Erik, Emma… even Estevan."

Melissa lingered in personal thought for a moment. "That's only the second weirdest thing she said tonight."

"What could possibly be the first?" Leon half-joked.

"I love you," Melissa answered, making him glance down. "To me."

Leon claimed, "Aren't girl telepaths the greatest?" He felt her separate from him. "What's wrong?"

She moved to stretch out flat on her back. "Come on top of me."

"… Why?"

"Please."

Uncertainty clutching him, from fingertips to toes, Leon positioned himself just above her. "How's this?"

Mutual brown eyes locked, Melissa only asked, "Are you going to hurt me?"

Leon shook his head, making his hair tickle her face. "No."

"Do you want to?"

"No."

She next wondered, "What do you want?"

He told her, "To beat everyone who has hurt you. Who will ever hurt you. Not to death. But until death feels like the merciful option."

"Leon?" He kept his gaze fixed as she spoke. "I think I can sleep now."

"Kay. Good." Leon crawled off to lie beside her instead, propped up a little by his shoulder.

Tucking up the blanket to her chest, Melissa requested again, "Just don't leave."

He replied, "You, either."

After a single nod, her eyelids covered her pupils.

Only the softest intakes of air made up the noise in Leon's quarters. He remained awake by studying her form; adorned in his clothes, nestled under his linens.

IIIIIII

When his sister came to join the gathering of males at the breakfast nook, Fabian took in the pleated black skirt with tights and festive crimson sweater she had on.

"Muy bonita, hermanita."

"Gracias." Anne selected to sit on the cream colored bench with Collin and Max. "Becky and I are wearing Christmas clothes this week. All our friends are. We're not in any of the recitals, but we get out of class early on Friday to watch."

"Us, too," chimed up a giddy Max.

"Y'all have fun," Jimmy advised. "When I was in seventh grade, I must have made that bad list too many times because Santa forgot my mailing address."

With a short chuckle, Marco said, "Mexico wasn't on his route, either."

Collin smirked up at the two of them, laughing softly. He then watched his brother shoot off like lightning.

"Tio!"

Estevan caught and swung Max up to hold on one hip. "If I had but a cup of your energy, chico, the cappuccino machine would become obsolete." He immediately noticed one missing youth. "Has anyone heard for Melissa?"

Jimmy appeared clueless. "Does she still live around here?"

"She came home last night," Anne informed the males. "She just didn't want to be bothered." She hurried to her feet. "I'll go get her."

"Gracias, mija." Estevan sat, leaving Max on one knee.

Collin observed this out of the corner of his eye but remained quiet.

Light brown hair styled in deep waves flapping behind her, Anne arrived outside the proper second floor door. "Miss?" Detecting the mind so distant, she knocked. "Missy, are you okay?" The door opening so suddenly startled her briefly.

Melissa stood on the other side with a smile. "Morning, pretty lady. You look so cute."

Anne smiled, "Breakfast is ready. Everybody wants to see you."

"Right. Just give me a minute to change."

Before could close the door again, Anne reached out to touch the top hardly hidden by Melissa's robe. "I like this shirt."

Melissa peered down at the Westchester University sweatshirt, gave off a small smile, and stepped back to shut the door again.

Pleasant expression stuck in place, Anne skipped rhythmically down the hall to Rockin Around the Christmas Tree playing in her head.

IIIIIII

Not anticipating that morning starting off with such a burst of activity, Leon's insides kicked at every part of himself. He had only been more willing upon learning that the whole thing would be good for Alex's BP. The cup of coffee he had managed to wolf down proved either ineffective or, far worse, decaffeinated as the other bodies practically soared past his.

To no surprise, Erik acted as a one-man bullet at the front with the Summers brothers gaining rapidly. Scott stayed alongside Alex, clearly keeping the bulk of his attention on him. Sean came up just behind them and showed no signs of slowing down at all soon. Leon could only gape at Frank trailing behind the redhead, wondering if the world had flipped on its axis overnight. Of course, Leon could hardly bother with mental focus on any of them. The colors of the grounds bled together before him and his face soon collided with the dirt below.

Frank stopped first. "Dad!"

Screeching to a halt as well, Sean called, "Uncle Erik," as he raced to Leon's side. "Are you okay? What happened?"

Leon did not respond as the others hastened to hurry over as well. He could only silently curse himself for the abundance of 'help' this sudden buffoonery would do for Alex's health.

"Did you hurt yourself?" Erik wanted to know.

"Let me see your legs." Alex promptly examined for any signs of damage.

"I'm fine," Leon insisted. "I lost my balance. Decaf is not my friend."

Scott approached with a water bottle. "Here, drink this."

"Thanks," the older teen accepted.

Erik stared into his face, honing in on the reddened eyes. "You're probably coming down with something. Let's get you to Hank's."

"No," Leon protested, lowering the bottle from his lips. "I didn't get much sleep. That's all. I'm sorry."

"I'll take him inside," Alex offered.

Erik nodded and touched a hand to Leon's hair. "Get some rest- some real rest this time."

"Yes, sir," Leon whispered, gripping Alex's arm to be helped up.

Hanging onto him going back to the mansion and all the way upstairs, Alex revealed, "I know what's going on here you know."

Leon felt a reaction at his heartbeat. "What?"

"Dude, I know we're on break and everything, but you have got to stop staying up and reading those comics." Alex helped in lay in bed once they reached his room. "You can't keep losing sleep like this. It's enough you were late for training yesterday—"

"I'm really sorry," Leon said imploringly. "I just get distracted on my bike. You know how that feels."

"Yeah, I do," Alex admitted. "But we can't afford to be off the game. Too much has happened and is still happening." He pulled his shoes off for him. "I need you guys at your best."

"I know. I'll get back up there, I swear."

Alex said undoubtedly, "I know you will. Dad'll probably be up to check on you in a while." He turned and his vision landed on a garment on the floor. "Whoa, hey." Picking it up, he saw it to be some kind of red blouse. "Trendy, but definitely not your style."

"Really?" Leon put on a smile. "It goes with everything. I found it mixed in with my laundry the other day. Must belong to one of the girls. Or the Annoying One threw it in as a joke."

"Does sound like a Frank thing. I swear, dude." Alex tossed the shirt at him. "If it were anyone but you, the suspicion police would be swarming the place." He left the room with that.

"Right." Leon held up the shirt to better view under the light. Glad my goods are damaged…

IIIIIII

Large bowl in hand, Samantha carried it to the island for the woman's inspection. "All done."

Kayla took one look at the perfectly peeled spuds within. "Excellent." She took the bowl. "Thank you, Sam."

"I'll cut the parts for the salad." Selecting a knife from the block, Samantha went to the refrigerator to retrieve the proper vegetables.

Angel walked into the kitchen ahead of Sean and asked, "Kay, is it alright if we head over to Ben's to work on our project? His mom's fixing dinner."

Kayla replied, "Just call if you kids run past curfew."

"Great, thanks." Sean turned to lead them out until the ash blonde entered. "Oh hey, Trick."

Raising a pink and purple notebook, Trick put forth, "Would the owner of this happen to be present? All I have to go by is roughly a hundred scribbles of," he flipped to one page, "Frank and Sam Forever."

"Oh, that's mine." Samantha dashed over to receive it. "Where did you find it?"

"In the music room," he said. "Right in the middle of the piano keys."

Samantha shrugged, hugging the notebook to her chest. "Maybe Frank borrowed it and left it in there by mistake…"

Trick only reacted with a casual, "Maybe."

Sean and Angel shared an eye roll. Before they left, Angel took the liberty of lightly tugging down on a portion of Samantha's hair.

She merely fixed her strands with a, "Hmph," and resumed dinner prep.

IIIIIII

Moving purposefully through the numerous vehicles contained within the garage, Leon considered the current situation.

"Fourteen? Did he force her?"

"No," Melissa answered him. "He was almost twenty, but she called him her "boyfriend". At least until he found out someone would soon call him Dad." She stopped when the male with her did. "What?"

"Sorry, just," Leon blinked, "thinking about mowing down a number of my classmates if one of them ever even tried to look at Becky or Sam that way."

"I know, but it's insanely typical," Melissa said grimly. "Father is all about work, mother is all about her social life, lonely only child who meets a guy with a wicked smile. You can use your imagination from there."

"I'll pass." Leon then asked, "I still don't get why you want me to talk to her. You're the one who can relate to her."

"Because you're the only shrink I trust."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "Shrink?"

"Fine. You're the only one studying psychobabble I can trust," Melissa amended.

He laid a hand over his chest. "I've waited my whole life to hear those words."

The amused expression Melissa wore faded when they reached his motorcycle, complete with sole helmet. "Seriously? Still?"

Leon held the headgear out to her. "You can't fault me for being as forgetful as I am cordial."

Melissa accepted it grudgingly. "You're either a really stupid smart guy or a genius idiot."

"Flip a coin." Leon settled on his bike and waited for her to get behind him.

Once he felt her arms at his middle, he gladly rode off and out of the garage. It took a little over an hour to reach the Bronx as well as their point of destination. Leon did not miss how it seemed to be contained in what he dubbed the "abandon all hope or best offer" district. They left the bike cloaked behind two dumpsters before Melissa let them into the building.

Two young black girls and one white ceased all chatter upon seeing them until Melissa raised her hands and said, "It's okay. He's with me. Who's in charge right now?"

The older black girl stepped forward. "Jie and Brianna went to get food."

Melissa nodded. "Where's Gina?"

After receiving direction, Melissa brought them to the second floor. They found the door for the twelve to fourteen-year-old girls partly open.

Melissa went in first to the bunk filled space. "Ladies, can I see Gina alone for a minute?"

As the other young girls proceeded out, they all took the time to size up Leon. The smallest lingered in place, staring at him with a pair of dazzled bright eyes. One of the older ones had to take her hand to finally lead her away. Leon could not help a small smile until he remembered the very likely reasons that brought them all together.

"Leon," Melissa summoned and he did not enter until then. He saw her situated before a girl on a cot in yellow pajamas. "This is Gina. Gina, this is my friend, Leon. He just wants to talk to you. Don't worry. He's one of the few not here to add your name to a file."

Gina looked from Leon to Melissa. "Will you stay?"

"Of course," Melissa promised.

Unsure where to begin or even if he should, Leon pulled over a chair to be closer to the girl's present elevation. "How are you feeling, Gina? I mean, really feeling. About everything."

She looked to think about it. "Scared mostly. But it's better now. The people here are nice. Private teachers come in so we can do home school."

"That's great," Leon reacted. "Anything else?"

Gina drew a circle on the bedspread with her finger. "… Disgusting."

Leon frowned a little. "Why disgusting?"

"Because I'm like my mother said. A whore." Gina finally faced him fully. "That is what I am, isn't it?"

Melissa watched for Leon's response.

"Gina," he began, "do you know what a whore really is?"

She answered, "What you are when you have sex and you're not married to him."

"That's what a lot of people think," he admitted. "But what a whore really is? They use their bodies and other people to feel pretty or important or just good about themselves. They think opening their legs makes them valuable somehow. And let me tell you, Gina. Whores are not only female. You want to know what you really are?"

"What?"

"You're someone who landed in a hard situation, the way anybody in the world can. Even full grown people. But full grown people can't even handle it the way you have. You wanted to protect your baby. Having that as your priority makes you nothing but a good mother. I bet you're going to be a great one before it's over."

Gina's eyes welled up a little. "I'm scared… I can't give him a good life."

"Yes, you can," Leon emphasized. "It's not going to be easy, believe me, but it is going to be alright. You're going to receive help so that you can continue your education. From there, you and the baby will either stay here or get assisted housing. But you guys won't be doing that alone."

She put forth the next thing that troubled her. "Do you think my parents will ever be happy? That they'll ever love him?"

"I wish I could tell you that everything is going to be okay with them, but I can't," Leon said honestly. "There's a chance they will come around, but the likelihood is that they won't. Usually when things like this happen, people show their true colors. But that doesn't mean that something is wrong with you or the baby."

Gina's voice grew into a somewhat confused whisper. "I thought parents were always supposed to be there for you. We're their flesh and blood."

"I hate to be the one to tell you this." Leon reached forward to lay a hand over her lower arm. "But blood? It's more likely to stain you than anything. When I was a kid, people I thought would be there forever left me in some way or another. But it's okay." He moved upward to touch her shoulder. "Because better people came along."

Gina glanced at Melissa then Leon again. "Can you stay to eat with us?"

Melissa looked to Leon, who responded, "We can stay as long as you need."

IIIIIII

The metallic clinking brought the weights together for the tenth time. The leg press continued in a steady rotation as directed by the one currently operating it.

The blonde eyes became deadly set at the one who nearly walked past the gym. "Lee."

Poking his head in, he asked, "Is Em mad I missed dinner?"

Letting the weights drop, resulting in a flinch on the younger male, Alex demanded in an even tone, "Where have you been?"

"On a ride."

"Oh you have to do better than that." Rising off the machine, Alex approached him. "For disappearing and shrugging off training, leaving me to cover for your ass, you're going to have to do a lot better than "on a ride"."

"Alex," Leon struggled for words at first, completely taken aback, "I'm really sorry. I just—"

"And I'm really sick of hearing that from you lately," the blonde cut in. "So here's the way it's going to be. For the next week, you're moving up to three sessions a day. Keep up the disappointment routine and you can forget having fun this break. Clear?" At the lack of response, he prompt with a snap of, "Leon."

Shaking his head out, he mustered, "Clear."

"What is going on with you, kid?" Alex did not wait on an answer he only walked by him.

Leon put a hand to the doorway, finding himself in need of steadying all of a sudden.

IIIIIII

Shifting out of her quarters and down to the backyard, Melissa ran several feet until she reached behind a thick of trees.

To the one that awaited her, she acknowledged with, "Tag. Don't ask me to tell you who's it. I've lost count." At his somewhat lost seriousness, her expression followed likewise. "Leon, what's going on? Did something happen?... Did someone do something to you?"

Staring off into the bushes, he eventually told her, "… Alex yelled at me."

Unable to prevent her initial reaction of, "Huh?" Melissa moved to study his face for marks. "What happened? Did he hit you?"

"No, it's not like that. He was mad because I was late getting home and how unreliable I've been."

Her lips formed a circle. "Oh…"

Leon rolled his eyes and marched off a few paces. "Thanks for the care."

"Hey!" Melissa went after him. "What do you want from me? Half the time, I think you call yourselves the X-Men because you're all popping ecstasy. Can't you just work it out?"

"You don't understand." He stopped abruptly. "He was livid. He said I'm disappointing him… and he's right."

Melissa came to stand at his side. "Leon, you are not a disappointment. I don't care what he says."

"I do! Alex was the first person in years to really care about me. But all I've been doing is lousing it up because I can't get it out of my head."

Melissa tried to look at him. "Get what out?"

"You." Leon now faced her. "No matter where I am or what I'm doing, my thoughts keep coming back to you. Protecting Maya and Tricie together, fighting alongside, even being in that facility. That- it- you've made me feel things I didn't know I could. Because of what's wrong with me."

Voice in a hush, Melissa insisted, "There is nothing wrong with you. Stop saying that! You have more honor than any guy I've ever met. Do you know what you did for me last night?"

"Do you know what you did for me?" Leon countered. "I've laid in bed with my family before but last night? Feeling your heart pulsing, watching you sleep… that's like nothing I've ever experienced."

Melissa tried in vain to push back the building burn in her eyes. "… Me, either. I've felt it, too. Being tested on, used as experiments- I couldn't have survived that again with anyone but you. Feeling that way again scared the hell out of me. But no matter what I do, I can't stay away from you."

Leon moved to better close off the gap between them. "I'm scared, too. But I want to feel like I did last night again. And again. With you."

"Leon," Melissa raised hands to cup his face, "you know I can't… I'm sorry, but you know I can't even kiss. I don't think I'll ever be able to—"

"Melissa," Leon bobbed his head to focus in on her, "you can't miss what you haven't even done. That is never going to matter to me."

Melissa pressed her face to the front of his coat and he rested his chin in her hair.

After another minute, he brought up, "I have to go."

"I know." She walked with him to where he had left his motorcycle on the street. "Put that helmet on. If I'm stuck giving a damn about you, you're stuck on this planet."

"I suggest you heed the lady's words."

Both young people whipped their heads over to the metal wielder who all too artfully strolled up on them.

"Dad," was all Leon could say.

Taking one step forward, Melissa informed the mutant elder, "He rides without it constantly."

The moment the words left her mouth, Leon felt certain that his eyes bulged while his lower lip hit the ground in pure Looney Tunes fashion.

One eyebrow raised on Erik. "Is that so?"

Melissa nodded. "Keep him alive?"

"I will." Though Erik made no guarantee on comfort. "We can pick that up in the morning. Leon, get in the car."

Leon shared one look with the quite unapologetic Melissa as he walked to the sedan.

The ride back to the mansion remained completely silent. Erik drove while Leon attempted to not fidget, but he had no control over his increasing heartrate. After they pulled into the garage, Erik ordered him up to the den. Leon removed his coat and winter accessories in the entryway before going to stretch out on the sofa in the Mag Cave. Erik came in shortly after, lighting a fire.

"Did Charles and Em locate me?" Leon asked.

"I saw you leave." Erik stood from the fireplace. "I wanted to see what's distracted you to such a degree of late."

Leon sat up on his elbow in urgency. "Dad, please, please, don't tell anyone. Alex and the others can't know."

Almost startled to see the boy so worked up, Erik went to kneel near him. "Calm down, boychick." He touched his cheek. "We'll keep it quiet if that's really what you want, but why is it so important?"

"Because…" Leon did not even know how to put it. "I don't want Alex thinking that I'm like Sean. Easily distracted by some chick. And the other guys- they'll say things. About how I'm "finally normal" or something. You… you don't know what that feels like."

Erik kissed his forehead. "I know better than you realize. I'm fairly sure I saw Raven ignite through the ceiling when Vanessa showed me interest."

Leon's eyes darkened with guilt. "I'm sorry, Dad."

"It isn't your fault," Erik assured then grew firm. "But tonight is. You were late getting home and then you have the nerve to sneak out of here that way?"

"I know. I just didn't…" Leon hung his head. "I don't know what's going on with me."

"I do." Erik used his hand to raise his chin. "This is yet another aspect of development; for better or worse."

"And I'm only behind Frank by, what, ten years?"

"Don't compare yourself to any of your brothers," Erik commanded. "These things are difficult to understand and are different for everyone."

"That only applies if you're a girl. Tell me the truth, Dad." Leon made full eye contact with him. "Haven't you always thought something was wrong with me because of it?"

"If you want the truth, between Frank and Alex's hormones, you've been a breath of fresh air for me," Erik told him. "Leon, becoming a man is not making a conquest out of a woman. It's about living up to your responsibilities the very best you can. And you've done that- until recently."

Leon sighed. "I know. I'm sorry, Dad."

Erik then wanted to know, "Is it true you've been riding without your helmet?"

"Not all the time," Leon answered. "Just… several times."

"Hm, then by that logic I should whip you several times." Erik watched the coloring fade from his son's skin. "But I won't- this time. I'll pick up your motorcycle in the morning. You won't be riding it for a full month."

Ready to implode at that, Leon only responded, "Yes, sir."

"Now," Erik went to stand, "I want you to pull your pants and underwear down." He started to undo and remove his belt. "I want a full count at the end."

Leon internally groaned at that last part, but got up to follow the orders. After baring his lower half, he laid across the couch with his nose in a cushion.

Not planning on whipping him at first, Erik knew he could not let him get away with being reckless on the motorcycle that he himself had purchased for the boy. He would curse himself forever if Leon ever ended up harmed on it. Once he had the belt folded into a proper implement, he made immediate and sharp use of it.

Hardly able to react, Leon tried to keep all attention on counting the strikes. That of course meant he would have no mental retreat away from the pain. A pain that he knew he had brought upon himself.

Stopping after one particular blow, Erik prompted, "How many was that?"

"Thirty!" Leon ground out quickly. "Thirty, sir."

"That's right." He started to put his belt back on. "You can get up now."

Leon slowly moved to his feet, wincing as he worked his clothes back up. When he felt Erik pull him forward, he hesitated not in burying his face in the man's shirt.

"If I find out you are without your helmet again, I am taking the motorcycle permanently," Erik told him. "Do you understand me?"

Leon nodded against him. "… Yes, sir. I'm sorry."

"Good. And boychick," Erik rubbed his back, "if you need to talk about these things that confuse you, I don't want you running off this way. You can always talk to me. I'm sorry if I don't make that clearer to you when it comes to these types of things."

"No, Dad. It's not your fault. I knew better."

"We can talk more tomorrow. Right now you really need to sleep." Erik kissed his head. "I love you, boychick. Go on up."

"I love you, too," Leon returned quietly, making his way out of the space.

When he returned to his own room, he merely kicked off his shoes and took off his jeans before collapsing into bed. It took less than a minute for him to fall fast asleep.

Unsure of how much time had passed, he reacted later to an abrupt but much desired coolness on his boxer shorts.

Moving his head a little, he recognized, "Lex?"

"Hey, go back to sleep," Alex whispered, adjusting the ice bag.

"Lex, I'm… I'm really sorry, man."

"I'm sorry for going off on you." Sitting beside him on the mattress, Alex massaged at his back. "I haven't slept too well, either. Been thinking about last year and everything else. I don't want anything to happen to you guys. Just the thought's been making me crazy. You know you'll always be one of my aces, right?"

"Thanks, brother," Leon whispered.

Alex tossed at his hair a little. "Go to sleep, kid." Standing, he left the room, softly shutting the door as he did.

Once alone, Leon reached in under his pillow. His fingers landed on the material of the red shirt tucked away there.