X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Thirty Seven

Author's Word: …. Fam? *Reaches forth desperate hand* Fam, is that you? Speak to me, please. I feel as if a lifelong prisoner. What kept me trapped and buried beneath the earth?... This stupid, worthless, good-for-nothing, aggravating, overly complicated, stink-fu, near endless midterm paper! As of yesterday, it is in and I am free! I could work ten triple shifts in succession and not have it be as bad as that paper was! Oh Fam, I am sorry and I have missed you! Okay, enough from my misery pit. You've waited long enough (with wonderful patience, thank you!). Now, please enjoy and review!

Pushing up with greater force than the resistance attempted by the two hundred and fifty pounds that challenged him, the metal wielder multitasked by keeping gaze mostly on the young mutants gathers. All wore the new athletic clothes gifted to them from under the Christmas tree; dark pants striped up the side of both legs. Water resistant t-shirts with black X's across the fronts completed the outfits. Alex's outfit consisted of blue and black, Leon steel gray and black, Sean forest green and black, white and black for Frank, and Scott in a more royal blue compared to his brother's navy.

Alex strode in a slow circle, remaining in his position of observation with palms to his hips. Leon's warm-ups came in the form of multiple spin-kicks, Sean attempted to exceed his normal push-up rate, a whole other force seemed to take over Scott as he acted as a one-man jumping jack, and Frank simply stretched his legs on the floor. Though Alex found it strange that the New York City native did not share the zest the others showed, he simply credited most of it to be from playing around outside earlier.

"Alright, X-Men." At Alex's clap, Scott immediately moved to attention. Leon promptly ceased as well while Sean and Frank returned to their feet. "Since we've got these fancy new threads, let's break 'em in right. But we're changing it up a little. Scott, you and Lee two on two against Frank and Sean."

"They're taking on the Irish Invasion," Sean winked at Frank, who shared a small smirk with him.

Scott looked to Leon and the older teen nodded wordlessly.

Sitting up, Erik watched keenly while toweling off his neck.

Once the selected pairs gathered on opposite ends of the mats, they awaited Alex's next words.

The blonde male came through with, "Go for it."

The instructors watched the four go off in zig-zagged patterns as Frank aimed for Leon and Sean and Scott headed for each other. Sean seized him by the upper arms and Scott looked to struggle initially but caught the redhead off-guard by using both bare feet to push against Sean's middle.

Sean wobbled but kept his balance. "Okay, I admit it. Didn't see that one coming."

Scott shot him a haughty grin. "Can't crash me as fast as you do the flight simulator."

"Oh you're gonna crash and burn," Sean counter-taunted, darting after him.

A calm Leon clamped onto the fist Frank threw at him. "I count at least four ways I can snap off your wrist."

"Good thing I have two."

When Frank tried the second punch, Leon used his own hands to contain both the appendages and placed constriction on them. Using full body weight, Frank toppled against him, but as soon as they hit the mats, Leon had him in possession. Squirming his legs, Frank did everything to avoid his nose making contact with the mat in a pin and felt the warming behind his brown irises. Before he knew anything else, the light left his eyes and found its way into Leon's.

Taken aback, Leon pulled away with a slight groan.

"Lee!" Alex dropped down to check on the afflicted one.

It took strength to hang back, but Erik did rise.

"Hey!" Scott forgot Sean, exclaiming Frank's way. "You can't do that!"

Blinking a few times, Leon felt Alex's hand on his back. "It's okay. I'm fine."

With an expression far from concerned, Alex stalked for Frank. "You know better than that. No powers during hand-to-hand."

"I didn't mean it," Frank insisted. "Lee, I'm sorry. It just… went off."

Unconvinced, Alex used two fingers to direct Frank to follow him.

When Sean appeared ready to offer a defense on the younger teenager's behalf, the shake of the head from Erik made him close his mouth. Erik started to help Leon find his footing, but let Scott step forward first to offer him a hand.

Once out in the hall, Alex regarded Frank eye to eye. "Okay, talk to me. What was that about?"

"I swear I wasn't trying to. It just like…" Frank massaged at his temples slightly then went harder.

Alex frowned and touched his head. "Are you feeling alright? I thought you looked tired at dinner, too."

"Christmas break." Frank shook his head slightly. "Messin' around I guess."

"Well, you're getting sleep tonight," Alex informed him. "Starting right now."

Frank nodded then brought up, "Um, you have to give it to me now, don't ya?"

Alex responded to that with, "Tell me the truth. Is tired all it was in there?"

Frank rubbed one arm, eyes going to the floor. "… Not completely." He offered no further explanation.

A resolute Alex bobbed his head and walked towards the bench outside the infirmary. "Come here."

Frank managed to both move his body and adjust it over the waiting lap. He shut his eyes and clinched a fist at the three hard slaps felt very clearly through the soft pants.

"Alright," Alex loosened his grip, "that covers it. This time."

Standing, Frank whispered, "… Sorry."

"Now I think someone needs to sleep." Both male mutants looked up as their shared father made his presence known. "Go on up. I'll be right there."

"Kay, Dad," Frank replied.

Alex reached up to ruffle the already messed hair on the departing boy.

Erik went to place a hand on the blonde's shoulder. "Alright?"

Alex nodded, touching the man's wrist in turn. "Better get a compress for Lee's eyes."

"Good." Erik added, "Then try to rest your own. I'll be doing security tonight."

"That's either our best bet," Alex stood, "or extremely scary."

Erik reacted with an expression that could only be described as sinister amusement.

II

Small girl nestled amongst the numerous pillows at the center of his king-sized bed, Charles left a kiss on her forehead.

"Stay put here, little Princess," he stroked her cheek, "I'll be right back."

Embracing her many stuffed animals, a contented Kiki replied, "Kay, Uncle Charles."

Making sure she had enough blankets around her, Charles left the master suite. "Trav?" Sensing the intended one, he made a path towards the recreation room. "Travis, I told you play time is over for—" He stood outside the door at the abnormally clear floor in the colorful room. "Did you- did you put away all of your toys?"
Walking over with a smile, Trav answered, "Uh huh. And Kikiko's and I even put Joey's art stuff on the table he's supposed to use."

"Well, very good." Bringing the pajama clad boy up and into his arms, Charles squeezed him. "Wait until I tell your mummy."
Trav placed his head on Charles' shoulder, tiny fingers reaching up to touch the man's hair. "I've been a good boy, haven't I, Uncle Charles?"

The Professor started off for his quarters again. "You most certainly have."

Trav grew quiet for a few seconds until he piped up, "Uncle Charles, can I have something I really, really want? Please?"

Charles had to chuckle at that. "Dear boy, Christmas was only two days ago. What could you possibly want so soon?"

Biting his lip at first, Trav stared brown eyes into the adult's blue. "Max got a puppy for Christmas…"

Countenance changing right away, Charles stopped in place with a firm, "No. Travis, we've already talked about this. Our family does not need a puppy."

"Aww, but Uncle Charles, you let us keep Midnight."

"Midnight is Samantha's special cat," Charles reminded him. "I couldn't possibly take him away from her." Though temptation had visited that train of thought more than once.

"But you said I was a good boy," Trav argued. "And I've been a way better boy than Max. He got four notes sent home. I didn't get any and I was in school first."

"It has nothing to do with how you've behaved," Charles tried to explained. "Max received a puppy for Christmas, just as I'm certain you received many things that he did not. You should be happy with what you have."

"I'll be the happiest boy in the whole world…" Trav grinned widely. "If you get me a puppy."

With the firmest possible grip on what remained of his patience, Charles stood him up then got to one knee to establish eye contact with the boy. "Travis, we are not now nor are we ever getting a puppy. If you keep trying to fuss and argue over it, you're going to be punished." Charles gripped him by his small chin. "Do you understand me?" The telepath raised an eyebrow at the folded arms and protruded lips that followed. "Travis Xavier..."

"Yes, Uncle Charles," the child forced out. "… I understand."

"That's my good lad." Charles ran affectionate fingers through his hair. "Now, would you like to stay in my room with your sister tonight? You can each pick a story for me to read you."

"I want to stay in my room." Trav further claimed, "And I don't want any stories."

Charles prevented his features from displaying initial emotion. "Alright. If that is really what you want."

Trav dropped his arms and made a beeline for his room in a manner that came off as extremely silent stumping.

II

Out of his exercise clothes and into regular wintry pajamas, Frank returned from brushing his teeth. Despite his attempt to settle down with a comic, his eyes kept floating for the direction of the closet. Eventually unable to stop staring, Frank arose from his chair and started for the coveted door.

However, a knock sounded at the other one. "Boychick?"

Quickly scuttling into bed, Frank replied, "Yeah, Dad. Come in." When Erik did so, the boy inquired, "Are you mad about what I did at training? I really didn't mean it. I've just been… I don't know."

"I'm not angry with you. I believe Alex punished your slip well enough." Erik sat near him on the bed, facing him. "You know to be cautious at all times with your powers, don't you?"

"Yeah, I do," Frank answered him. "And I will be."

"Have you been feeling alright?" Erik touched his head with concern. "You've hardly shown any energy since Christmas."

"I guess…" Frank tried to think rapidly. "Maybe everything's just sinking in at once. Dealing with girls, this high school thing…"

"Still thinking about your mother," Erik said knowingly then reached in to hug and hold him. "I'm sorry for how difficult things have been. However, you've shown me how strong you can be."

Frank had to close his eyes to keep the threatening moisture away. "… Dad, will you stay a few minutes? Please?"

Erik rubbed his back. "Lay down, boychick." When Frank did so, the metal wielder lowered beside with one strong arm safely over the boy's front.

IIIIIII

Twiddling his fingers in the dark while stretched out in bed, Leon patted at the damp towel folded over his face.

"Am I interrupting spa night? If you're doing pedicures next, I might stick around."

"Could it be?" Reaching out for the small lamp on his end table, Leon clicked it on. "Cheesehead, is that you?"

Melissa remarked, "Pretty and hilarious. Dream man."

"And you're a sight for sore eyes. Literally." Removing the towel, Leon blinked to adjust his eyes. "I was blind a few minutes ago. Hazards of training with a living light switch."

"Here I thought you X-Men were a friendly folk."

Leon moved to properly stand right before her. "See what happens when you generalize?"

"People surprise you?" Melissa revealed the hardback she carried with her.

Taking it, Leon immediately honed in on the title. "The Divided Self. Laing?"

"I remember you describing Freud as- what was it?" Melissa appeared thoughtful. "The most covert sexual sadist in all of human history?"

"Most overrated covert sexual sadist in all of human history," Leon clarified.

"You know, if you want to do college right, you eventually have to submit to being a blind follower. Anyway, merry kinda-Christmas."

"While this," Leon tapped the book, "is the equivalent of any other girlfriend obtaining season tickets to the Giants- which would also be extremely cool, by the way- you didn't have to get me anything."

"I say I did," Melissa countered simply. "You've given me a lot. And I mean beyond Krissy's keychain and the WU shirt." She raised a coy eyebrow. "I know you didn't think you were getting that back."

IIIIIII

Stuffed ape man hugged to his front, the tiny feet tipped across the floor in as hastened a pace as possible to escape the surrounding darkness. Making it to the intended door, Trav slipped inside and approached the one who lay sleeping.

"Uncle Alex?"

Moaning slightly, Alex opened his eyes and reacted to the child immediately. "Trav? What's the matter, buddy? You have a bad dream?"

"No, but can I stay with you? Uncle Erik's not in his room."

"He's doing Eye Spy. Here." Alex used one arm to scoop him up onto the mattress. "Go to sleep, Bugsy. Uncle Alex is right here."

With plush toy also safely in his possession, Trav settled comfortably against Alex's chest.

IIIIIII

Shiny eyes fixated on the flying red disk cutting through the air, the energetic collection of fur raced between the two children. He would have blurred right into the snow if not for the various brown spots that also made up the terrier's coloring.

"Here, Jack!" Grabbing the disk, Max dropped into the snow. "Come here, boy!" The puppy jumped at him, quickly turning the boy's face into a salt-lick.

"You're a good boy, Jack." Coming over, Anne squatted to rub gloved hands down his back. "Aren't you, aren't you?"

With a pleased chuckle on his lips, a trench coat adorned Estevan joined them in the backyard. "I see you're enjoying you unexpected present. Is he your favorite?"

"Oh yes, Tio," Max answered. "My most favorite-favorite."

Anne added, "He's the best dog in the whole world, Papi."

"He's kind of cool." Collin exited from the back door next. "For a pipsqueak."

"Less mess that way," Estevan stated.

Max requested, "Play fetch with us, Coll."

"When I get back, squirt," Collin promised. "Right now, my new wheels are calling me."

Estevan followed him inside the attached garage large enough to pass for a house on its own. "Handles smoothly, does it?"

"Ohhh yeah." Collin settled down onto the seat of the crimson and white machine. "Listen, thanks again."

"So long as you are good to me, I will be good to you," Estevan told him. "Perhaps now you will see that I am not simply awaiting the opportunity to cast you and your brother out into the cold." The remark caught Collin off-guard and he proved unable to speak. Estevan merely said, "Have fun," and turned to leave the garage.

Collin watched him go then attached his helmet.

IIIIIII

Right arm dangling off the bed, Frank invited with a dry, "Come in," to the one who knocked at his door.

Entering, the redhead jumped forward, semi-tackling the smaller Irish youth. "Morning, buddy." Sean nuzzled a nose against his neck. "It's good morning, buddy!"

"Sean," Frank laughed, rolling over onto his back.

Sean drummed knuckles against his stomach lightly. "Feeling any better?"

"I guess," Frank replied without certainty. "Figured I'd stay down today."

Lying down beside him, Sean next asked, "Alex wallop you?"

"Yeah," Frank nodded, "but you know, it's nothing like when Erik gives it to us at training."

"Oh I know," Sean stated. "So, it looks like we have some big decisions to make."

"Like what?"

"Scrabble with pop tarts or Monopoly with cereal."

Frank reminded, "You always win Scrabble."

Sean smirked, "Scrabble it is."

"Fine, but I pick pop tarts."

Sean shook with him. "Deal."

II

With a recently diapered Brian at last calm against his shoulder, Charles descended the stairs in time to see the two boys rush inside. However, the younger one zipped forward, leaving traces of slush across the marble with every step.

"Travis," Charles groaned, "you know to wipe your feet when you come inside."

His own shoes left by the door, Joey went to help him. "Take your boots off, Trav."

Stepping back, Trav shook his head. "I don't want to."

"Travis," Charles spoke calmly, coming towards them, "stop being silly and get out of those boots. Then go to the kitchen for some paper towels to clean the mess you made."

"I don't want to," Trav repeated. "I'm not gonna clean up anything anymore from now on. And I don't want to clear the table or tidy the kitchen, either."

"Joey," Charles gave the baby over to him, "take your brother upstairs, please."

"Okay." Joey kissed Brian's head as they started upstairs. "Want to paint, Bri?" At his squeal, Joey said, "Okay, but keep it on the paper this time."

Charles smiled after them then returned full attention to the child before him. "Alright, Trav, please tell me what's bothering you."

"I don't want to be a good boy anymore," he informed. "Not if I can't have a puppy."

Nodding his understanding, Charles knelt to his level. "Is that what you want me to tell your mummy and daddy? That you chose not to be a good boy?" Trav only lowered his head. "I'm sorry that you feel this way, but naughty little ones who track all over the floor in this family go straight to their rooms." Charles pointed that way. "Furthermore, ones who will not clean after themselves or clear the table, don't get to play with any of their toys or have dessert."

Chin still dipped, Trav move to climb the stairs.

Charles shook his head and released a sigh.

IIIIIII

Only her sensitive ears proved enough to pry her reddish brown eyes away from the confusing numbers on the page. She looked on as the unidentifiable vehicle neared her. It stopped just short of her and its driver removed his helmet, showing the copper strands underneath.

"Collin," Samantha recognized with a smile. "Is that a motorcycle?"

"How's it going, Sam? Motor scooter, actually," he answered her. "Little Christmas gift from the chief. Pretty cool, huh?"

"Oh yes," she agreed.

"I have an extra helmet." He eyed her invitingly. "Want to go for a spin?"

Despite the temptation that glinted in her irises, Samantha shook her head. "I better not."

"Right." Collin noted, "Why's it so quiet around here?"

Samantha explained, "Victor, Cordy, and Emma went on Angel's tour. Maya went out of town with the Howletts and Raven and Hank are doing some work around his grandmother's house."

"Whoa, ghost town. Is Frank around?"

"He's been inside all day. I think he's not feeling well."

Collin then pointed out the book she carried with horror. "What are they torturing you guys with?"

Samantha laughed at his theatrics. "It's Frank's school. That's why I'm still here. I have my placement test in just a few days. I really want to get into honors."

Collin scoffed. "Why do you want to get into the nerd horde, anyway? Frank and Tony are the only ones who don't walk around like they've got sticks super-glued up their butts."

"I want to be smart," Samantha said matter-of-factly. "Like the other girls."

Collin then deduced, "Like Carmen?" Samantha nodded with a little sigh. "You know, you shouldn't have to compete with her. Not for Frank or anybody."

"I'm not competing," Samantha insisted. "Frank likes me. I just want us to be together all the time."

"Uh huh. Well, tell him I stopped by." He settled back on his bike. "I have to go take care of a few things. See you."

"Bye." Samantha watched him floor away from sight.

II

Peering into the partly open room, Charles observed the spirited two on the bed. "Oh, I wondered what became of the remainder of Mrs. McCoy's pies."

Sean glanced over with a guilty fork to his lips. "I swear we left your private stash alone."

With a small laugh, Charles looked at Frank. "Any better?"

"I think so," the boy answered.

"Good," Charles nodded. "Let me know if you need me. With both Hank and Kayla away, I'm to fill in should one of you become ill."

"That means we get the good chicken soup with the cheese crackers," Sean grinned then noticed what Charles carried. "What's that for?"

Charles indicated the box. "To halt a rebellion in its tracks." He continued down the hall with that.

Frank remarked, "Always the British."

"I heard that!" the telepath sent back, causing Frank to duck behind Sean.

At the approaching footsteps, Trav hastened away from his toy soldiers and climbed back onto his bed.

Entering, Charles gave him a knowing look, but said nothing except, "Alright, Travis. Are you ready to behave yourself and come downstairs?"

Trav shook his head hard. "Not unless I get a puppy."

"I see." Without another word, Charles began walking through, filling the box with every colorful piece of plastic and plush in sight.

"Noooo," Trav protested.

"You may have these back after you've learned a little respect." Coming to the bed, Charles held out a hand. "You may keep one of your stuffed animals to sleep with, but the rest come with me." He felt himself soften a bit at the tears that departed the boy's eyes next. "I don't want to be hard on you, Trav, but lamb," he touched his cheek, "you know to behave much better than this."

Trav picked up and squeezed his ape man. "I w-want my Uncle Erik."

Not letting the hurt show on his face, Charles said, "I'll inform him of that when he gets in."

While his uncle collected the remainder of his toys, Trav lay down and cried into his ape.

IIIIIII

"Sam?"

The blonde sat up in her bed. "Hey, Becky."

"Want to give each other makeovers?" The head of curls came in to sit near her. "Maybe use some of Auntie Em's stuff? She won't mind."

Samantha offered a weak smile. "Maybe later."

Becky frowned down at the arithmetic problems. "Still studying?"

Samantha nodded. "Charles and Erik have been helping me with Kayla away. But this math feels impossible."

"No, it's not. I'll help you," Becky offered. "Do drills or whatever."

"Really?"

Becky stated reassuringly, "I know how important this test is to you. Besides, we are cousins, right?"

Samantha's entire form appeared to beam at that.

IIIIIII

Upon picking up nothing but stone silence outside the door, Erik commanded the knob to nudge open. Stepping into the room, he discovered the sparse space more suitable for a whimsical prisoner over a playful little boy.

Erik called for the child in question with, "Valiant? Where are you?"

After a brief moment, the tiny voice responded, "In here, Uncle Erik."

Following the tone, Erik opened the closet door and gazed up at the one situated on the overhead shelf. "And what are you doing up there?"

Stuffed ape clutched against him, Trav asked, "Did Uncle Charles tell you?"

"All he told me was that you wanted me." Erik opened his arms and Trav tilted forward right into them. Boy secure against his shoulder, Erik patted his back. "Is there anything you would like to tell me?"

Trav held onto a portion of the man's sweater sleeve. "Uncle Charles took all my toys," he showed him the ape, "'cept Basher."

"What?" Erik put on a display of surprise as he walked towards the bed to take a seat with the small mutant in his lap. "You mean your Uncle Charles came in here and pilfered all the rest of your toys? That is completely unacceptable. And for no reason, I imagine…"

Trav lowered his eyes. "There's a reason… I didn't wipe my feet or take my boots off at the door, I didn't clean up the floor and I said I wouldn't clean anything else or be a good boy at all anymore."

Erik cupped and raised the tot's chin. "That sounds like more than one simple reason to me. What came over you to behave that way?"

"Lily has Scout and Max got a puppy for Christmas," Trav explained importantly. "But Uncle Charles says I can't have a dog at all. It's not fair 'cause I acted way better than Max. I didn't get any notes sent home."

Erik nodded as he followed the summarization. "So you believe that you are rightfully entitled to a dog of your own?"

"Right." Trav then re-thought that. "What does entitled mean?"

"Deserving."

"Oh." Understanding now, Trav answered, "Yeah!"

"And if you don't get a dog then you have no reason to be a good boy?"

"Right."

Dipping his head, Erik rested his chin on Trav's shoulder. "Tell me something, Valiant. When your mommy asks you to do something, do you listen to her because she's your mother and you should be respectful towards her or do you do it simply to be rewarded?"

Trav had no trouble responding to that. "To be respectful towards my mommy."

"I thought so," Erik nodded. "Don't you see, Trav? Being good is something you should try to do, not because you think you will always get something out of it, but because it is right. Believe it or not, that is something I've had to learn myself."

Trav peered up at him in fascination. "Really, Uncle Erik?"

"Over and over," Erik confirmed. "So, do you believe it was right how you acted towards Uncle Charles?"

Trav's lips puckered sadly. "No. I'm sorry. When Max told me about his dog, I got real jealous."

"I understand that," said Erik. "We can all grow jealous from time to time. However, I will remind you that Uncle Charles is not alone on this decision. Your mother, father, and I all told you no about the dog, didn't we?"

"I remember," Trav admitted. "I thought since Mommy and Daddy aren't here, I could get Uncle Charles to say yes 'cause what he." His face sunk a little. "Bet he'll never say yes to me again for as long as I live."

"I would not bet one thin dime on that," Erik refuted. "Charles adores you far too much to always say no to you."

"Even though I made him so mad today?"

"If he were truly angry, he could have done a lot more than taking your toys away." Erik folded his arms, stern expression developing. "Had I been home to see your behavior, Travis McCoy, I would have taken them and left you with a sore backside."

Trav reached to nuzzle his head near the metal wielder's neck. "I missed you today, Uncle Erik."

"Mmhm, buttering me up, are you?" Giving him one swat on the bottom, Erik next used both arms to coil around him securely.

II

After applying a hefty amount of the clear substance from the yellow can, Charles made skillful work of ridding the solid oak coffee table of the few traces of dust it had managed to accumulate in a day.
Hastened feet arriving in the living room doorway, Scott asked, "Charles, do I have time to sled before dinner?"

Without looking away from his own cleaning, the man asked in turn, "Did you pick up in the lounge?"

Scott bobbed his head with a, "Yes, sir."

"Then you should have a good hour," Charles determined. "Don't take any longer than that because you will need time to wash up. And remember to leave your sled—"

"By the door to dry," Scott finished the reminder. "Trust me. I don't care if aliens beam down and hold me hostage, I'm not letting anything happen to this sled."

"Should any extraterrestrial so much as consider it, they will know first-hand what it feels like to be probed," Charles threw out.

Going to retrieve his winter gear, Scott could not help his smirk. Just the thought of the English gentleman reducing highly advanced alien lifeforms to whimpering babies in a corner…

Finished dusting, Charles started to go after the next furniture item when his brother walked in with their nephew latched onto him. Despite what had taken place between them earlier, Charles found it too bizarre to see Trav with face shyly buried against Erik's shirt front.

"Alright, Valiant," the wizard of metal addressed, "what do you have to say to your uncle?" Standing him, Erik prodded the six-year-old into veering around.

Approaching with as much bravery as he had available, Trav raised his head to take in the telepath. "I'm really sorry, Uncle Charles. I love you."

Insides instantly melting, Charles dropped his cleaning supplies into the nearest chair before stooping to hug the tiny vessel. "Oh Trav, I love you, too, lamb."

Trav promised, "I'll be a good boy for you again." He promptly added, "But not to get stuff. Just 'cause I have to respect my Uncle Charles."

Smiling at that, Charles cupped his cheeks to kiss his forehead. "Thank you, baby. But even if you were the naughtiest of urchins, I would still love you. No matter what."

Features brightening, Trav asked carefully, "Are you gonna tell Mommy and Daddy?"

Charles thought that over. "I will tell you what." He took Trav by his bitty hands. "I won't mention this little incident to your parents and you may earn your toys back if you help me around the house for a bit tomorrow. Does that sound fair?"

"Okay," Trav grinned.

Erik cleared his throat before piping up, "But anymore complaints about this dog business and I will take your toys away for a full week. We are much more fortunate than many people, Valiant, and we must always be grateful for what we have."

Charles nodded his agreement. "Uncle Erik is correct, Trav. And do you know what I'm most grateful to have?" At Trav raising a hand to glide fingers through his brown strands, Charles laughed wholeheartedly. "Besides my hair, silly boy. You," Charles hugged him again, "all of you."

"Ohhhh." Trav nestled into his hold. "I knew that."

IIIIIII

Chicken chopped into the finest of morsels, the blonde presented the treat to the eagerly awaiting feline. Remaining in a squatted position, Samantha tenderly stroked the fur between Midnight's shoulder blades. Both shot their heads up in a rapid motion at the commotion no other nearby ears could pick up on. Going to the window initially, Samantha left the kitchen and made a path for the back door.

Getting it unlocked and open, she asked of the one currently shivering on the mat, "What are you doing here? It's almost ten."

"Believe me, I've been out way later. Wanted to get this to you." From the backpack he carried, he presented her with a tan folder.

Accepting it with a confused frown, Samantha naturally inquired, "What is this?"

"Your ticket to honors," Collin informed with a secretive smile. "I paid school a little visit. These are copies of the placement tests with answer keys."

Samantha's eyes enlarged with bewildered astonishment. "What? You took these?"

"Yeah, but don't worry. They have dozens of copies of this stuff and I put everything back like I found it." Collin tapped the folder. "You got reading, vocabulary, science, and your best friend math. Just make sure you get a handful of them wrong or school may get wise."

"But…" Samantha looked from the folder to his face. "Isn't this cheating?"

"Yeah, cheating the system," Collin said matter-of-factly. "Those egghead big shots are always forcing some kind of test on us. That's why I hate school; they all think they're better than people like us. But with this? Carmen won't know what hit her."

Hardly able to respond at first, Samantha only mustered up, "Collin…"

"Hey," the sincerity echoed in Collin's tone, "you saved my butt big time with that cop. I owed this to you. Besides," he shrugged a shoulder, "you're my friend."

Despite herself, Samantha replied, "Thank you, Collin."

"Remember, miss a few on the actual tests. Tell Frank I'll check him tomorrow." Slipping his backpack on, Collin dashed across the yard to return to his motor scooter.

"Samantha?" Quickly turning, she saw Erik coming from the front of the house. "What's wrong?" He started towards the door. "Is there something out there?"

"Oh no." Samantha immediately shut it. "I thought Midnight got out, but he's fine."

"Ah," Erik nodded then noticed the folder in her possession. "What's this? More studying? I think you've done more in the last few days than most of the others have in their academic life."

Hugging it to her front, Samantha put on a smile. "I really want to be ready."

"That's a smart girl if I ever heard one." Erik pecked the top of her head. "I'll be down in Eye Spy if you need me. Don't stay up too late."

"I won't." Maneuvering around her, Samantha had to resist the urge to mad dash for the stairs and instead moved at a steady pace.

Licking at the crumbs around his mouth, Midnight zipped out of the kitchen to catch up to her heels.