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.

235. Chapter 235 Angels on Earth

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Thirty Five

Author's Word: …. Ah, fam. Ah to the joys of higher learning. Do any of you realize that nothing- absolutely nothing- any of us ever thinks or feels matters? Because everything from favorite colors, style of clothes, likes and dislikes, has been conditioned by the patriarchal society. Don't you dare be female, in high favor of pink, and bold enough to buy your daughter/sister/niece a doll because you're nothing but a pawn to the patriarchal society! A pawn! Yeah, you been pawned, baby. Women can think for themselves- unless they're contributing to the patriarchal society then it's total conditioning brainwash. The fact that I've spent over four years writing a story with two males leads in the description is due to patriarchal society!

Why do degree holders do this to me, fam? Now, I have to do something snarky. I must engage in snark most foul/awesome. They set me up for this. Haven't any of them had a chance to read that secret file that is most certainly floating around about me? So, while I engage in thoughts that are very likely to get me into deep trouble with the Stern Professor, please enjoy and review!

Shuffling through the short stack of Christmas cards from his relatives, the redhead placed them around his desk and secured their envelopes in one drawer. Releasing a sigh, he slouched in his seat. After a minute of completely absent thought, Sean left his room and made his way to the downstairs. Arriving in the music room, he experienced a small chill at how eerily empty the place felt. Braving to enter, he positioned himself at the piano. Initially moving to play, his fingers stilled just above the black and white keys.

XXXXX

With farewells spoken to most of his well-wishers, the ash blonde requested one presence in particular to accompany him for the remainder of the trek. Stopping before the aircraft, Trick slowly veered to peer into the face of the youth. The bright blue eyes carried no trace of their usual joviality, though the overall countenance dared a mask of bravado.

"Here's a thought," the adult spoke first, "we fly out of here courtesy of our own abilities and make it to Galway before midnight. My banishment should be expired by now."

The first appearance of humor that day came through Sean's nose in the form of a snort. "Jazz would never forgive me if I held you hostage over Christmas. Don't forget to give her the song I wrote for her."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Trick assured. Quieting for a moment, he reached to leave a hand on his shoulder. "This is not goodbye, Seanie. Not until God has His say. Keeping each other in our prayers alone; nothing will ever truly divide us."

Sean dipped to lay against the man's front in a nestled embrace. "I'll always pray for you and Jazz. Linny, Auntie Alana, everyone on the mission."

"I guarantee the same, boyo." Trick held him securely, pressing lips to his hairline. "You only see to it that you keep up with that guitar or you'll be in certain need of a prayer."

Sean managed real laughter at that.

XXXXX

Wondering whether mind, ears, heart- possibly a combination of the three- chose to toy with him, Charles made it to the music studio's doorway for visual confirmation. A smile immediately crossed his face at the tune the teenager glided out on the large instrument. Charles approached the piano, remaining in silence.

Sean finished shortly and only then did he spot the Headmaster off to the left of him. "Hey. I didn't even hear you."

"Well, I heard you." Charles took up the space beside him on the bench. "A musician after Trick's own heart."

Sean shook his head to that. "I could never compete there."

Studying his features, Charles got to the root of things. "You miss him already, don't you?" A wordless nod acted as the boy's response. "Me, too."

Leaning over, Sean experienced warmth in Charles' hold. For several minutes, they simply remained that way, not needing to say more.

Eventually, Sean piped up, "I should go pick out a shirt. We're having dinner at Maya's mom's later."

"That's right," Charles recalled. "Want some help?"

"Mmhmm."

As they stood together, Charles patted the tall teenager's back while Sean continued arching against him.

IIIIIII

At the mild commotion coming from his daughter's room, Erik stepped into the ajar space to witness her attempt to stack a wide assortment of colorful packages inside a wagon.

With a small smile, he commented, "You either have a Heaven-sent investment banker on your hands or I give you far too much allowance money."

Becky considered and replied, "It's definitely not that last one."

Crossing his arms, Erik began, "I'll have you know that when I was a boy in Poland…" He then watched her flop against her bed in dramatic exasperation. Taking the opportunity, Erik came at her kitten sweater covered stomach with tickling fingers.

Twisting with glee, the little girl squealed, "Papa!"

Ending her torture, Erik flopped down next to her, leaving an arm around her. "You're going to that shelter with Leon again today, yes?"

"Uh huh." Becky rolled to better face him. "Most of this stuff is my old toys. The kids there really need them and I get new stuff in the morning." Her joy tapered off. "A lot of them don't even have a teddy bear to sleep with."

Erik enveloped one of her hands inside both of his and smooched the tiny appendage. "That's why angels like you are needed here on Earth."

The chant of, "Grandma, Grandma, Grandma," caught their attention next and the father and daughter pair walked out into the hall.

Each holding onto one of her hands, Kiki and Trav danced along with the woman of the hour while a highly humored Hank and Raven brought up the rear.

Stopping suddenly, Trav exclaimed, "Look, Uncle Erik, look! Grandma's here!"

"For Christmas!" Kiki felt the need to tack on.

"Then the real present has arrived." Erik went to share a small hug with her and pecked her cheek. "How are you?"

"Just wonderful, Erik, thank you," Edna replied, giving his jaw a fond pat. "I wanted to be here sooner, but I've been having to look in on my mother-in-law more and more."

Raven came over to give her a sideways hug. "But now we get to have her all to ourselves."

"But that reminds me. Mom," Hank's address made Edna look his way, "you have the recipe for Grandmother's butterscotch cookies… right?"

"Chiseled in my memory," she promised her son. Edna then noticed the head of curls present. "Rebecca, sweetheart, it's good to see you. Perhaps you can help us with a little baking before dinner."

"Hello, Mrs. McCoy." Becky gave off a little curtsy as she spoke. "I wish I could, but I have to help Leon tonight."

Erik touched the top of Becky's head and explained, "The two of them have been volunteering at a shelter in the city."

"Have they?" Grand impressed showed through on Edna's face. "I cannot tell you how refreshing that is to hear. Young people so often seem horribly distracted this day and age." She spoke to Becky again with, "Perhaps I should be helping you then. Do you need anything?"

"Just Hank," the twelve-year-old answered then faced tall scientist. "Can you take the toys down for me?" She pointed to the horde within her quarters. "Please?"

Hank merely brushed her chin with his hand before going to collect the load.

"I'd better give you a hand." Erik went in next.

"Yeah, me too." Chest puffed out, Trav walked inside and picked up the biggest package he could manage.

"Don't strain those muscles, Travvy Pooh," Raven smiled after her diligent son.

IIIIIII

"Big sis?" the feminine teenage voice echoed, entering the guest room. "Hello? Dri?" With an annoyed sigh, Cordelia gazed into the nearest mirror while holding a pearl to one ear and a glittering gold hoop to the other. "Where is the great fashion queen during a time of earring crisis?..." She next spotted the partly open closet door. "If you're not here, you can't say no to me borrowing one of your scarves."

Pocketing her earrings, Cordelia tipped over to the closet. As soon as she better opened the door, a hanging leather jacket fell down. Moving quickly to retrieve the garment likely worth a housing down payment, Cordelia noticed the white envelopes that had fallen out of the pocket. Initially thinking them to be holiday greetings, she pulled out one card. The girl then had to fight the vicious implosion that went off in her belly at the photograph of a mutilated zebra.

II

Adding a sparkling green butterfly clip to the back of Maya's hairdo, Kayla asked, "Is your mother cooking?"

Maya nodded, grinning into the vanity mirror. "She's finally in the mood. I'm still helping a little."

At the squeaking she heard next, Kayla looked over then wielded her hairbrush in the direction of the pair currently jumping on the bed. "Codicat, Samantha, stop that right now. Cody, you know this furniture is not your personal trampoline collection and Samantha, I know you know better than that."

Despite the scold, the two collapsed to their stomachs in laughter.

"Sorry, Mama," Cody said contritely.

Samantha suppressed further giggling. "Sorry."

Angel glanced up from helping the twins exercise their arms and legs on the play mat. "They're just excited and hyper as all get-out."

Releasing a long, weary whistle, Logan made his way into the suite. "Alright, either the Man Upstairs is playin' a sick joke on me- again- or I actually got this year's gifts all setup and stashed."

"Are you serious?" Kayla reacted. "Last year you were like an elf without a union."

Logan flexed one overworked arm. "Tell me about it, baby." He then leaned over to kiss Maya's temple. "Prettier than a picture, Smiley."

"Thanks." Maya squeezed at his wrist. "This Christmas is really special after all of this and Mom's recovery."

Logan said, "Let her know I'll be by to change her oil this weekend."

"You're the best," Maya responded.

"Only at what I do." Logan then turned in time to catch his son, who launched at him. "Whoa, oh no, cat's got me…" Dropping to his back on the floor, he kept the boy in the air. "Cat attack!"

Cody pretended to maul at his face.

Crawling out from underneath the bed, Midnight decided to take in the duo's theatrics.

"Hi." Knocking on the door jam to get their attention, Cordelia wanted to know, "Has anybody seen my sister?"

Kayla asked in turn, "Red or blonde?"

"Red," Cordelia clarified.

Samantha told her, "She's at the Christmas Eve Auction with Daddy Cat."

"Oh yeah." Cordelia tapped her own forehead as the recollection settled in. "Um, Ang, could I borrow you for the quickest sec?"

"Sure." Angel transferred Todd and Mira onto the bed before following her out of the room.

Still grappling with Cody, Logan shook his head. "Mm, girly talk. Bettin' they got boys on the brain."

Once they reached her quarters, Cordelia shut the door. "Have you seen these?" She showed her the envelopes. "I found them in Dri's room."

"Oh no…" As she tore through the first one, her suspicions became confirmed at a certain six-letter word spelled out in crimson across one letter. "I can't believe this is still going on."

Cordelia frowned deeply. "How long have they been sending this trash?"

"At least since Hearts and Stripes came out. I found some at the townhouse a few months back." Angel eased herself onto the edge of Cordelia's bed. "Adrienne said not to worry about it. She'd take care of it."

"But some of the things they're saying, oh my God, Ang." Eyes filled with sorrowful concern, Angel squatted near her feet. "Those sick drawings. Has anybody said or done anything to you? Threatened anything?"

"No, not really," Angel answered. "Nothing like this."

"Does Victor know?"

Angel shook her head. "Adrienne didn't want him to. She wants to handle it."

Shaking her head in turn, Cordelia groaned in frustration. "Why am I not surprised?"

II

Red and silver box in hand, the larger blonde child shook it with vigor while the smaller made a drum out of another package.

Emma came into the living room from the foyer, seeing her angelic-to-her pair beneath the tree. "You boys only have fourteen hours or so left. Then you may rip your every present apart."

"Alright!" Putting the box down, Joey used his free arms to bring the baby over into his lap. "Brian can't wait for his first Christmas. Right, buddy?" Brian's gurgling response made Emma smile. Joey noticed the mail assortment their mother carried. "Did Grandpa send anything yet?"

"Nothing yet, sweetheart." Coming over, Emma took the loveseat closest to the tree and deposited the load from the post office onto the table. "From where he is, anything he's mailed is going to arrive around New Year if we're lucky."

Slightly disheartened at that, Joey next asked, "Where are they again?"

"Your uncle is at a work conference up in Canada," Emma replied, though she suspected it to be nothing more than her brother's team's excuse for a skiing retreat, "and Grandfather is in Hong Kong."

"Hey, we're learning all about ancient Chinese art," Joey perked. "They paint on real silk a lot. Maybe Grandpa will bring some big, huge tapestries or something back with him."

"I wouldn't put it past your grandfather." Emma reached down to pick up Brian. To take them right out of the emperor's palace…

IIIIIII

Upon the arrival of the four familiar faces, the young people gathered within the tucked away building's most common area remained completely still as they took in the plethora of packages. A few of the smaller children attempted to inch forward, but remained as equally timid as everyone else. Becky and Anne immediately explained that they had no reason to be shy and that everything was for them. At the open invitation, the shredding began. The few parents hung back, watching their joyous young ones with glee.

Melissa approached with sparkling gift bags in her possession. "Merry Christmas."

One plump black woman claimed, "Oh you didn't have to do that. Heaven knows you all have done enough already."

Anne stepped up to assist Melissa. "It's okay. We wanted to."

With some reluctance but a number of smiles, the adults gratefully accepted the bags.

Leon looked about the space. "Isn't Gina here?"

One of the pre-teen girls told him, "She's still upstairs."

Taking to the staircase, Leon arrived on the second floor shortly. In the bedroom he had visited before, he found the girl in question lazily stretched out with her head at the foot of the bed. A pillow propped her neck and head.

Leon made his presence known with a simple, "Hey."

Moving slightly to sit up, Gina's features brightened. "Hey, Leon. Come on in."

Entering in full, Leon gathered, "Not up for a crowd?"

Gina told him, "My stomach's not feeling so great lately."

"Baby giving you problems already?" Leon pulled over a chair and sat to face her. "And after all this night stuff we brought for him…?"

Gina noticed his oversized plastic sacks. "Wow, I thought you were emptying the garbage."

"No, but I should probably do that more often at home." Opening the first bag, he retrieved a yellow and green infantile comforter set. "We went unisex. Hope that's okay."

Letting off a gasp, Gina took the clear package for a better see. "This is perfect, Leon."

"Becky picked it out. And these." He showed her the numerous articles of tiny clothing next followed by the diapers, small toys, and other supplies. "This ought to get you by the first couple months."

Going from squeezing one well-stuffed brown teddy bear, Gina threw her arms around him now. "Thank you, thank you! Thank you so much."

Relaxing into it, Leon hugged her back. "Your gifts are downstairs when you're up for it."

Lee! The mental petition preceded Becky's rapid pace into the room. "Lee, Billy Stanton is sick. His sister says his he's barely talking."

Leon responded with, "Where's their mother?"

"Jie got her an evening job at the hospital," Melissa walked in, "she probably won't get back until after midnight."

Bowing his head in thought, it did not take Leon long to reach a conclusion and he faced the females again. "I know who we can call."

IIIIIII

Frosty the Snowman
Was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose

And two eyes made out of coal

The song belting off those within the kitchen rang out in tune to Edna helping add chocolate chip eyes to the row of snowman shapes that went along with the rest of their festive cookies.

Frosty the Snowman
is a fairy tale, they say

Raven moved around the island with Trav attached to her hip, collecting more ingredients and helping him with the lyrics.

He was made of snow but the children know
How he came to life one day

At the merriment ringing from his family, Hank's heart only grew heavier as he returned to the kitchen.

Edna noticed his expression first. "Henry? Is everything alright?"

"Mother, I'm sorry, but I'll have to miss dinner. Something's up." Hank turned to Raven. "I'll try to be home before late."

Not missing the seriousness in his eyes, his wife wanted to know, "Do you want me to go with you?"

"No, I'm fine," Hank reassured, putting his attention on Trav. "Take care of the ladies until I get back. Okay, Cub?"

"Okay, Daddy," the boy replied dutifully.

Leaving Kiki to sit at the table, Edna followed her son out of the kitchen. "Try to hurry home, Henry. Please, I don't want you eating at some miserable hotdog stand."

"As soon as I can, Mother."

"Put on a sweater," Edna called after the departing young man. "Don't forget your scarf!"

"Yes, Mother!" Hank returned promptly.

IIIIIII

Creeping around as covertly as possible throughout the numerous snow mounds that acted as his shielding, the boy kept true to his position while gathering new icy assault weapons with his gloved hands.

"Incoming!"

Reacting quickly, Scott tilted up his glasses to obliterate and melt the projectile with a single blast. "Ha! Got to do better than that, blondie." He then rolled to one side to get out of the way.

"Big talk from a little twerp." With a grin, Alex leapt on top one of their snow hills. "Let's see what you got!"

"You got it." Scott flung two snowballs followed by a third that he delivered by tossing nonchalantly over his shoulder.

All but the last one missed Alex, but he raised a hand to blast it away. "That's what you call lethal firepower."

"Oh yeah? What do you call this?" Running forward, Scott went to tackle him, only to slip up on an unseen spot of ice. Naturally, he landed face down.

"Hm, what do I call that?" Alex wiped his chin in thought, kneeling to inspect the fallen on. "Does wipe-out or obliteration sound better to you?" Softening, he asked, "You okay, little bro?"

"I think so…" Popping up one hand, Scott lightly slapped snow across his face. "Big bro."

"Ohhhh, you are in for it." Alex jumped at him, starting up a wrestling match.

Buttoning up his trench coat, Erik made his way out of the house and into the backyard. He eyed the antics of the Summers brothers and smiled at how they could display comradery and vicious rivalry in a simultaneous feat.

"Whoa!" they both reacted to having snow dumped on them from above.

Seeing who had pelted them, Scott exclaimed, "Erik! No fair!"

The man simply said, "You must expect anything and everything in battle, young Cyclops."

Alex offered his brother a little noogie. "I'd be more worried if he wasn't sneak attacking us." He looked up at the Headmaster. "Is dinner ready?"

"Not just yet." Erik then wondered, "Why isn't Frank out here with you?" He knew how much the city native loved this particular brand of winter play.

"He came out a while ago." Scott pointed upward. "He's been up there the whole time."

Information gained, Erik made his way for the treehouse.

Knees hugged up to his chest, Frank leaned his head against one corner of the wooden structure.

"Boychick?" Erik poked his head in followed by full form.

Some form of pleasure came to Frank's features at the sight of him. "Dad."

"What are you doing up here by yourself?" Erik went to sit right next to him. "Normally, you find the den far less frigid."

Frank's shoulders sagged. "Just wanted some air."

"Are you missing Trick? I don't think you two got to spend much time together."

"Doesn't really matter. Pretty sure he likes Sean better than me now, anyway."

"I don't believe that." Slipping an arm around him, Erik got in close to the teen's ear. "Is it your mother?"

Frank nodded, shifting to lay his head on the man's chest. "I like Hank's mom and everything, but…" He sighed heavily. "I can't stand spending the holidays without mine. Sometimes I feel like she'll forget me one day."

Holding him tighter, Erik refuted, "That could never happen, boychick. I'm sure you're her first thought in the morning and her last at night. Do you know how I know?" He felt Frank shake his head. "Because that's exactly how I feel when you're out of my sight." Frank managed a small smile. "You know you've made me very proud of late. You're doing so well in school, helping with the younger children, being a friend for Collin and Samantha. You've grown so much."

"… Thanks, Dad." Frank tried not to grow sink in place at the arrow that penetrated his chest next.

IIIIIII

Eyelids slowly prying apart, the small body attempted to recoil at the face of the full grown man.

The girl on the right-hand of his bedside hurried to keep him in place. "It's okay, Billy. Calm down. This is Hank. He's a doctor."

Hank offered a friendly smile. "Hi, Billy." He adjusted the pillow under his head and the blankets around him. "Try not to move. You're going to be aching for a while longer. Sandy tells me you haven't been feeling very well today. Are you still feeling stuffed up?"

The brown haired child inhaled through his nostrils. "Just a little bit."

"Good. It shouldn't take long for the medicine to help. Are you hungry?" Hank asked next. "Maybe for some toast and a banana?"

Billy nodded. "'Kay."

Sandy stood. "I'll get it for him."

"Get some juice as well," Hank directed. "Whatever kind you have."

"Okay." The girl left the room, shutting the door.

"Oh, who do we have here?" Hank picked up plushy blue dragon that lay next to Billy. "Who is this guy?"

"He's my Christmas present." Billy took the toy to hug. "Missy, Becky, Anne, and Leon brought him."

"I see. What's his name?"

Billy thought about that. "You're Hank, right?" At the man's nod, the child asked, "Then he's Hank, too. Hankie."

"I'm honored," Hank said sincerely. "You're five, aren't you?"

"Five and four months," Billy corrected importantly.

"Ah. My son is just a little older than you are," Hank told him. "He likes bears, apes, and dragons a lot. You know what's special about dragons?"

"What?" Billy wanted to know.

"They protect the people they care about," Hank informed. "Especially blue ones."

II

Reaching the top step and the one seated on it, Leon bowed his head and presented the mug. "I bring onto you a grand offering."

Accepting the cup, Melissa took in the aroma of the coffee. "Fresh brewed. How much of my soul is this going to cost you?"

Lowering beside her, Leon said, "Not exactly the part of you I'm trying to win, but close."

Melissa looked at him then to the cross-star emblem he wore around his neck. "I really like this." She touched it with delicacy. Her hand stilled when he danced two fingers up to press against hers. She slipped her hand into his.

"Leon?" The two dropped appendages as Hank bounded up to them. The medical expert paused to blink at them only briefly. "Billy is doing much better." He faced Melissa. "I want to stick around for a couple hours. In case he shows any negative side effects to the medication."

"Thanks," Melissa said genuinely. "Believe me, his mother's been through enough." Looking back and forth between the males, she got to her feet. "I better get Anne back before her dad and brother go on a rampage. See ya." She jogged down past Hank.

"See ya," Leon said after her.

Taking up Melissa's spot on the step, Hank gazed ahead. "So this is the "shelter" that's put you in the volunteering spirit. Anne Cortez I understand, but how did Becca get involved in this?"

"She's sweet, warm, caring, and respectfully insightful." Leon next stated, "Basically, everything I'm not but that girls here need."

"I think you could stand to give yourself more credit than that." However, Hank moved onto, "So, Melissa Vitus- what's the story there?"

"She needed my help," Leon said plainly. "After what happened at the facility, we talk sometimes."

Hank eyed him closer. "And that's all that's happening here? Because if there's more, you can talk to m—"

"Could you not do this?" Leon faced him fully now. "No, I can't talk to you, Hank. Helping sick kids is one thing, but this? With me? No, you can't help me. No one can." He dipped his head.

Hank left a hand at the top of Leon's back. "When I was your age, research, technology, and advancement dominated pretty much every part of my mind. When I wasn't busy trying to cure myself. Then, Raven… she made me feel something so precious, so unique, so real… for the first time. I got to feel normal with her."

Leon slowly raised his eyes. "But you… you're… Hank, you're practically perfect."

"I strongly advise you to reconsider such a false position." Hank leapt to his feet. "I'm going to phone Raven to tell her everything's alright."

"Hank," Leon got up after him, "word can't get out about this place."

Raising one hand, Hank stated, "You needed me. End of story." He continued down with that.

Leaning over the banister, Leon considered the older mutant's previous words.

IIIIIII

"Who in their right mind shells out five hundred clams for a fish sculpture?"

"You realize that sculpture was an original straight out of Milan?"

Victor countered, "Do you realize Joey can rig up the same thing out of moldin' clay?"

At the conversation of the returning to, Cordelia met them in the foyer. "I need to talk to my sister."

Done hanging up their coats, Victor said, "I'm gone," and headed down to Eye Spy.

Standing in maroon, off-the-shoulder evening dress, Adrienne asked the teenager, "You can't say hello? What's this all about?"

"Come with me." Cordelia started up the stairs. Adrienne followed her suddenly mysterious sister into her own quarters and watched her deposit the envelopes across the queen-sized bed. "How long have you been getting these?"

Mouth forming a tight, aghast circle Adrienne came around the side of the bed for closer examination. "You came into my room without permission, searched through my private things, and had the audacity to read my mail." Adrienne threw down her purse and folded her arms. "The only one who had best have a thorough explanation right now is you, young lady."

"I just wanted to borrow a scarf. That's how I found them. And I'm glad I did," Cordelia said matter-of-factly.

Adrienne aimed a finger her direction. "Don't you take that tone of voice with me. I am not Emma and none of this is of concern to you."

"Excuse me? My sister and my best friend are being threatened, called horrible things and it's none of my business."

"Modeling is not all glamour. This is one industry that comes with many enemies."

"This is different," Cordelia insisted. "Like those people who blew up that church last year. Daddy wouldn't even let Angel and me go anywhere without a driver because of the things going on in Boston. Dri, my God, what if something happens to you?"

"Cordelia," despite the firm tone, Adrienne gently gripped her by the shaking wrists, "breathe, calm down. This is exactly what they want. They're waiting for us to turn into terrified, helpless women; defenseless and pathetic. Why do you think I keep this filth," she indicated the letters, "so that I can use my power to track down every single one. It takes a fool to play the intimidation game with me, but that is a lesson they will soon learn the hard way."

The teenager tried to absorb that and gave off a slow nod. "I don't want anything to happen to you, Big Sis…"

"Don't you fret now." Adrienne took her into her arms and stroked manicured fingers through her dark hair. "Leave this to Big Sis. You've no need to worry."

"… You should tell Victor."

"No, no, no, no." Pulling back, Adrienne tapped her lips. "Not a word. I mean it."

"Fine," Cordelia sighed.

"And don't think we're done discussing your little invasion." Adrienne picked up one envelope. "Go on now. That auction was terribly tiring."

Folding her arms, Cordelia took her leave of the room.

Sliding out the card, Adrienne glowered and balled it in her fist.

IIIIIII

Walking hand in hand, the tall scientist and small head of curls entered the kitchen through the inviting light.

Edna promptly stood from the table. "Oh, Henry, you're home."

"We caught no traffic heading back," Hank reported positively. "How were the children?"

"Angels as always. We saved you some dinner. And, Rebecca," Edna addressed the girl, "we made sure to put some cookies away for you." She showed them both plates.

Becky formed a sincere smile. "Thank you, Mrs. McCoy."

Edna approached to touch Hank's arms. "Everything alright then?"

"Better than ever." Hank dipped to give a kiss to her cheek. "Please let Kiki and Trav know I'll be up soon."

Edna ran one hand through Becky's curls as she departed.

"So," going to sit at the table, Hank brought Becky to sit on his knee, "my little sister's been leading a double life."

"Leon said we couldn't tell anyone about the safe house." Becky peered up at him woefully. "Are you mad?"

"Of course not. In fact, I'm proud of the good you've done for those people. It just seems that…" Hank wound arms around her. "You're growing up before my own eyes."

"I am?" Becky immediately lost her pleased expression. "I mean, sorry, Big Bear."

Nuzzling at her neck at that, Hank picked up on a certain aroma. "Grandmother's butterscotch cookies…"

When he reached for one, Becky brought up one of his admonitions. "Aren't you supposed to have dinner first?" Hank held a cookie to her lips and she bit down, eyes glossing over in total contentment. "Never mind."