X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Forty-Six

Author's Word: Getting the latest chapter done, good. Running out of excuses not to do your homework, bad. Alright, ratio-variables, here I come… please enjoy and review!

Under fresh linens and clothed in green pajamas that incidentally complimented the head of copper, the adolescent body appeared thinner with skin far more ivory than his already light features. With his eyes shut, his expression seemed at ease and peaceful, even with the tubes inside his nostrils and needle in one arm. While the two males who accompanied her- the elder unreadable and the youth clearly taken by the sight- hung back, Melissa immediately strolled forward. Even in her concerned state, she made sure to grab hold of the hand that did not provide the IV fluids. She carried no desire to add to any discomfort the boy currently experienced.

Allowing them a moment to take it in, Hank raised his voice to offer further clarity about the situation. "He had some coughing and breathing trouble an hour ago. It wasn't anything serious, but to be on the safe side, I wanted to provide him with sufficient oxygen. His pulse is normal, but he's unable to consume anything without activating the gag reflex. Water was a strain, but his hydration levels are stable," he indicated the IV, "now that he's no longer trying to yank this out. I want to monitor him closely for a couple nights at least. Until I can determine the full damage done to his system. For now, his invisibility remains inactive."

Stepping away from where Cordelia linked arms with him, Fabian ventured forward impetuously. "I will use my powers to restore his; heal him from this."

"No, Fabian!" Hank snatched the teenager's shoulder in such a way that it startled all present. "If his powers are to return, they must come gradually. His system cannot be overstimulated right now."

Estevan's hands kneading at his upper arms relaxed his son as well. "He is right, mijito. There are circumstances that not even our abilities can guide us through so immediately. Though difficult, we must watch and wait."

Shoulders sagging, Fabian sighed through his nose. "Si, Father."

Melissa caressed Collin's face as she asked, "How long has this been going on?"

Hank replied, "In all honesty, I cannot be certain. However, I will say he's been playing around with these substances for six months or more. His body likely developed an immunity to it until it all became too much."

"How did I not know?" Melissa voiced the question faintly to herself.

"Erik," Cordelia reacted to the Headmaster entering the infirmary. "You're home."

The man responded, "It would seem not a moment too soon."

Hank asked, "Are Charles and Emma alright?" He knew the psychiatric facility could not be considered the most inviting for telepathic minds.

"Fine, but worn," Erik answered. "I persuaded them to go on to bed. Raven and the Howletts thoroughly filled me in on the details." He focused in on the one in the bed. "How is he?"

While Hank went over Collin's state with him, Estevan patted Fabian's back. "Go on home, mijo."

"What?" Fabian's jaw honestly dropped. "Papi, I want to wait with you."

"There is no reason for you to lose sleep as well," Estevan insisted. "Go home and see about the children."

"I'll do that." Melissa stood from her squatting position. "Better make sure Jimmy and Marco don't have them tied to chairs or anything."

Erik nodded towards Fabian but spoke to the elder Cortez. "We have the room if he really wants to stay over. He can leave for school with the others in the morning."

Estevan bobbed his head. "Thank you."

"Cordelia, please show Fabian one of the spare rooms," Erik requested.

Fabian locked hands with her as she escorted them out and up. When Cordelia left him in a small bedroom near the older boys' shared bathroom, he hardly bothered to take in the space. Thoughts varying between racing and bleeding together, he mindlessly began peeling off clothing to throw into the nearby chair.

Focused on her armload, the unsuspecting girl released an automatic gasp at the sight she returned to.

The male who now only stood in satin boxers instinctively snatched up the pants dropped at his ankles. "S-sorry."

"No, I—" Cordelia closed her eyes with a bashful humor about her. "Learn to knock, Cordy- Etiquette 101. I'll have my mother turning in her grave."

Accepting the dryer renewed bed thing she held, Fabian threw out offhandedly, "While mine screams eternally from her pit."

Though initially taken aback by the comment, Cordelia only regarded him with blue eyes filled with compassion.

She helped him strip and prepare his bed as they talked. "Crazy how the tide can turn in mere hours."

"Yes." The simple response carried a certain venom.

Attempting to perk things, Cordelia brought up, "Like thinking you're going to have a blissful shopping day only to be terrorized by a band of wicked fiends, hospitalizing one, and snagging the particularly dashing one as your main squeeze."

"That recollection seems off awfully colored in your favor." Fabian stretched out on top of the covers on his side, brown eyes fixated on her. "I believe I snagged you. Hm," growing thoughtful, he stroked his chin, "I suppose it's a win-win ending on your part."

"You liar." Getting on her knees on the mattress, Cordelia poked his exposed chest with both sets of fingernails. "Who said we're ending?"

"I believe it was that overzealous rabbit who just ran by with that pocket watch."

"I'll have Bounty trounce him."

With a small settling breath leaving him, Fabian move to lie on his back now. "What was going on in what little mind provided to Cloak? Drugs? I wouldn't go anywhere near morphine if my father did not insist upon it for my… more unfortunate nights."

Cordelia danced two fingers down his bicep. "You would be surprised how habit-forming pill popping is." He seized her hand when she reached his wrist and a gladdened silence blanketed them. "What are you thinking?"

Using his elbow to support himself, Fabian wordlessly brought his hand to her cheek and kissed her. Returning the act, Cordelia's dark hair toppled across his neck.

Releasing his lips suddenly, Cordelia gave him a scintillating smile. "See you at breakfast." Standing, she let off a chirp and reached both hands back in response to the rear pop she received. She whipped her head back with narrow, pseudo-reproachful eyes. "Getting fresh in my own home, Fabian Cortez?"

Retracting his hand, the corners of his mouth turned upward. "Sorry, little snag."

"Little snake," Cordelia sent back, but grinned the moment she made it out into the hall.

IIIIIII

Situated at his desk, the young man lowered pen from paper and sat straight up with shoulders stiff at the unique entrance taking place behind him.

"I knew you'd be back."

"Knew." Melissa tossed her coat on top of his dresser and took a seat on the edge of the bed. "Or hoped?"

"Hope," Leon spoke the word as if to taste it. Getting up, he walked her way and knelt before her. "Since when do we take part in such blasphemous activities?"

Eyes staring upward for a second, Melissa declared, "I'm an idiot," and fell back against the comforter.

Leon returned to his feet. "In what way?"

She arched her head up slightly. "Not even going to try to dissuade me from that little opinion?"

"That depends on whether or not I agree with the assessment." Folding hands behind his back, Leon took up what he considered a deeply pensive pacing. "I'll need an answer."

"I'm an idiot," Melissa began the elaboration, "because I've seen these signs for how long? From former backstabbing, coke snorting best friend to the people I help out of shitty situations—"

"Shit-suations if you will," Leon casually interjected.

"How did I miss Collin?" Melissa wanted to know in sheer exasperation.

"Better question," Leon put forth. "How did I miss Frank? Sean can't sneak out to go catch crickets in a jar without me busting him."

"I just don't get it. Look, I know the hell Coll and Max's parents put them through, but I thought things were," she considered her words, "if not good, at least better- especially with them together and all. I've seen the effects of drugs and… I will never get the appeal."

Listening to her in depth, Leon came back with, "You're made to be productive- be it defending small children or beating their neglectful mothers to the point of internal bleeding."

Melissa asserted, "You must write the most interesting sappy poems about me."

"Then there are those of us," Leon continued, "who go the self-medicating route. For me, that involved on and off binge drinking in addition to writing out phony prescriptions, almost destroying Hank's name beyond repair, and nearly killing over during a training session." At both her eyebrows ascending, he waved it off with a reassurance of, "Don't worry. Erik spanked me bare over his knee and made it particularly agonizing by making me keep a very exact count of how many he gave me." He folded his arms in thought. "Odd experience to cry during waking hours."

Staying completely in place and wordless, Melissa only blinked at first. "You… got spanked?"

"Get spanked," Leon corrected. "Standard and highly memorable penalty for X-Men youngsters."

"Huh. So, for the whole no helmet thing…"

Leon nodded in confirmation. "It's debatable whether I cried more over that or due to suspended motorcycle privileges."

"And you're totally cool with this?" was her next question.

Lowering to sit by her, Leon stated, "You never really know what you need until it's given to you. I think the hardest, not to mention weirdest, part is actually caring when they're disappointed."

"When you think about it, disappointment's not all bad." Melissa shrugged one shoulder. "After all, to let somebody down they had to have had you propped up pretty high to begin with." While Leon looked to think that over, they both stared ahead at the wall until Melissa spoke again. "My panties are yellow."

Leon slowly turned his head towards her. "You sure you didn't engage in some special sniffing on the way over here?"

"Just trying to balance out your whole getting spanked weirdness."

"Ah." Leon next guessed, "Lemon-yellow? Banana?"

"Kind of…" she twirled one hand. "Goldenrod-ish…."

"Honey? Mustard?"

Melissa looked at him with mild annoyance. "What are you, hungry? That's really the best you got, magnum cum lousy?"

"Sorry, but Westchester U doesn't offer Panty Repertoire as an elective," Leon informed. "That's really more Ivy League territory… I want cake."

At his entire form bursting into a shift, Melissa could not help her building smile of both grand amusement and fondness.

IIIIIII

To the piping mug presented to him, Estevan accepted it with a fatigued, "Gracias."

"De nada." While the older man drank the coffee, Erik watched over the youth before them. "A strong boy."

Estevan came back with, "He's had to be."

Listening to the heart rate monitor beep twice, Erik put forth, "Up for a stroll? Or better yet, a flight."

"I don't have my glider with me."

Erik's eyes glinted at that. "I've made an art of improvisation."

Accepting the somewhat vague offer, Estevan left with him. They stopped off on the main level for outerwear before continuing on for outside. Creating a sphere with his mutation, Erik had them hovering high above the estate in seconds. They received better view of the developing winter blue sky and sun slowly rising.

Estevan mostly took in what helped them defy gravity at the moment. "You've mastered metals as well as electricity?"

"It is through training with my little nephew that I am able to use electricity- to a certain degree." Erik gazed down at the cluster of trees. "I spent so many years making a weapon of my mutation; never bothering to realize the full potential of it until I met my family."

"You have bested me there," Estevan told him. "I spent most of my life hiding mine, loathing it. To cause the earth to tremble- I considered myself nothing short of a product from hell."

"Too many of us have been forced into that mindset."

Estevan faced him straightforwardly. "What are we really doing up here, Lehnsherr?"

"How do you correct them?" Erik asked equally bluntly. "Do you exercise corporal punishment on your young Acolytes?"

"When necessary. As I do with my own children."

"They are all your own children," Erik emphasized. "Estevan, I've been where you are. In fact, I believe I was the harsher taskmaster. When we first arrived here, Hank and Sean could hardly stand to be in the same room with me. And it was entirely my fault. I saw them as soldiers and initially trained them as such. I had to learn very quickly that they are not military tools, but our species' young. We must not discard them as the world is so willing to. We have to cherish them. Teach them their own worth."

Absorbing every word, Estevan surmised, "Do you think this incident is going to make me discard Collin?"

"That boy needs correction, but not as a member of your regime who has displeased you. He needs the care and discipline of a boy trying to navigate through this life. Though it kills me that this went beyond my notice, Frank and I will be going through the exact same in a matter of hours."

With pondering overtaking Estevan, Erik slowly eased them onto ground level once more.

IIIIIII

"Rip his wee-wee into little pieces?" Angel echoed with the largest of grins, cradling her sister. "You honestly said that?"

Samantha gazed up at her. "It just popped into my head."

Sitting on the twin bed across from them, Emma said, "Nothing wrong with painting a strong visual."

Looking into the ajar bedroom, the Professor observed the laughter shared between the three. "And what is so funny, ladies?"

"Nothing," they chorused.

Charles dared not to probe that issue as he approached. "There she is." He ran a hand down Samantha's cheek and cupped her chin a moment. "Thank God you're alright, darling. Raven told me your forthright thinking kept you children alive."

Angel gave her a squeeze. "It sure did."

Samantha told them, "I don't think I could breathe the entire time. But I was the only one left with powers."

Emma reached out to pat her arm. "Reacting when you must against all fear, that is real courage, sweetheart."

"She's right, love," Charles seconded. "However, we would still prefer you stay home today. I understand you've healed nicely, but I want you nearby," he joined hands with her, "for a while longer."

Samantha smiled back at him. "Okay, Uncle Charles."

With another hug, Angel lowered her against the pillows. "I have to get going. I love you, Gorge," she then sent into her ear, "wee-wee."

Samantha laughed and returned, "I love you, too."

Charles looked to his wife, who's expression made it obvious she would be keeping mum.

Purrs radiating from his chest, Midnight crawled in closer to tuck himself under Samantha's arm.

IIIIIII

With a moan of frustration, the recently awakened teenager found great difficulty in rising. It made him lose any confidence after just mastering the art of sitting up without dizziness.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Collin glanced up into the face of the displeased scientist. "How do you do that?"

"Years of experience that you will not gain," Hank walked over to steady him, "if you do not learn to follow directions."

Wondering if the man meant because Collin would hurt himself or Hank would do the job for him, he chose to answer the previous question. "Just trying to get to the bathroom. Not the Mexican border."

"Here." Hank saw him retract at the offered hands and gave him a square look. "Either I help you over now or change your bedpans later. What's it going to be, Collin?"

"Gross," Collin reacted, leaning on him.

"Agreed." Helping the boy to his feet, Hank rolled the IV with him and guided the way to the bathroom a few feet away. He did not miss the blush at Collin struggling with limp hands. "Here." Hank tugged his pants and underwear down enough before turning his back. "Don't be embarrassed. I've pushed myself into exhaustion multiple times; male instinct I suppose."

Collin finished quickly and wiped himself. "Pretty quiet around here." He inched over to the sink to clean his hands.

"Your team was just here," Hank informed. "Melissa went to check on things at your house and Fabian stayed over- they all just left for school. Estevan was here all night, but wanted to look in on Anne and Max."

"Great… he's probably ticked."

"Looked more like concerned to me, but what do I know?" Hank brought him back to the bed. "They left some clothes here for you." While he started to get him out of the sweat rich pajamas, Hank noticed the overly concentrating countenance on the young face. "Stop that right now, Collin. Your powers will return in due time. You cannot handle that exertion right now."

Making a fist, Collin grumbled, "If they come back at all."

Hank's scoff surprised him. "You think playing pharmacist with yourself is enough to vanquish your mutation? When I was younger than you, I constantly experimented on myself to get rid of mine. Kid- it's not that easy."

Collin thought about that while Hank dressed him in clean jeans and a dark green sweatshirt.

Hank noticed the Lantern symbol on the front. "Another superhero buff?"

Collin shrugged. "They're okay. I like Two-Face from Batman. Scott brought over a ton of action figures when we went to that Halloween thing."

"Superman was quite the favorite when I was a kid."

"I never had any," Collin said. "Max has a bunch, not to mention that train he's nuts about. Don't get me started on that dog. Doesn't matter about me. So long as Estevan takes care of him."

"Well, for the moment, you're being taken care of." Hank looked into his face. "Do you think you can handle some breakfast?"

Collin nodded lightly. "Cornflakes or something I guess."

"Cold cereal?" Hank frowned. "Alright, but you're having something healthier for lunch. No more than one scoop of sugar and try to eat an apple and a piece of toast as well."

"The torture," reacted Collin sardonically.

"If you're not in this bed when I get back," Hank positioned him comfortably, "I'm going to show you torture. Here," he showed him the short stack of books, "Sean thought you might enjoy these."

While Hank went to retrieve the food, Collin scanned the various horror titles with interest.

IIIIIII

As soon as the X-Van pulled up in front of the designated building, Alex instructed, "Alright, backpacks, books, homework- grab and go, shrimptoids."

Joey had to help Trav down, with the younger boy's full attention on his spelling list. A carefree Cody hopped down after them.

"You'll be here right after school, won't you?" Becky's green eyes implored.

"Right here," Alex guaranteed, knowing she would want to see Frank as soon as possible. "Don't worry about it. Just have a good day, babes." He did stop his entirely silent brother before he could leave next. "Scott?"

Without needing further prodding, the brunette boy said, "I just don't want to believe it… Frank."

"I know." Alex reached back to lock their hands a moment. "Listen to me, squirt. If you're ever feeling down about anything, I don't care what it is, you know to come to me, right?"

"Yeah," Scott nodded the affirmation. "I'd never do anything like this, Alex. I swear."

"I know you wouldn't. You better get inside."

Scott slid out of the car.

Alex watched them gain safe entry into the school before starting up the vehicle again.

IIIIIII

At the stirring that at last took place in the bed, the wizard of metal pushed his reading material to the side. Leaning in from his chair, he stroked at the damp strands of brown.

Waking up fully, Frank's head jerked with a small startle. "E-Erik."

"Shhh, relax. Sean went to school, but we arranged for him to get out of his last period to get back to you sooner. How are you feeling?" When the boy sank underneath his blankets, Erik transferred over onto the bed to uncover his face. "Frank, Franklin, look at me."

"I can't…"

"Those eyes you have are capable of far too much. I know you can look at me."

The orbs of honey-brown finally poked out, revealing the face so fragile. "I'm sorry, Dad…"

Erik pressed lips against his temple and enveloped him protectively. "I almost lost you, little boychick."

"I- I didn't mean… I was gonna leave 'em alone after they were used up and… we were just going to play basketball… then I found Coll with those guys and they wanted to…"

Ice building in his veins, Erik held him tighter. "I know. I understand that last night grew out of your control, but the rest? Why would you poison yourself that way, boychick?"

Sniffing, Frank tried to explain himself. "For a while, I thought I had everything. Linny survived the leukemia, my powers were getting stronger, Trick and Jazz were here, me and Jazz were finally together, Mom was here- you guys… then it seemed like it all just went away."

His own chest heavy, Erik rubbed his back. "I know what you're feeling, believe me. To fight pain, I've done a number of foolish things in my time. But you, Frank, harming yourself that way, I must punish you for it."

He buried his face in Erik's shirt. "K-kay."

"Charles had to leave for his appointment at the college. But for a matter this grave, if he chooses to punish you as well, including physically, he has my full support." Patting Frank's head, he made him look up. "And you will be obedient to whatever he decides."

"Yes, sir," Frank whispered.

Erik indicated the boy's bottom. "Does it still hurt from last night?"

"Not anymore." He bit his lip. "Is Raven still mad at me?"

"If mad translates into frantic and concerned," Erik replied. "Though on my sister, I can see how that can be interpreted as angry. Cordelia made breakfast to give the older women a break. She put aside some of that chocolate chip oatmeal you love so much. Do you want me to warm you a bowl?"

Frank shook his head. "… Not hungry."

"Alright, but you will try a little later," Erik said. "I'm going to get you something to drink. You use the bathroom."

"Kay."

With the boy attached to him, Erik carried him right to the bathroom before going down to the kitchen. Frank used the toilet and scrubbed his hands and face. He also brushed the awful taste from his mouth and returned to his room before Erik did.

The elder came in shortly, orange juice in possession. "Here we are." He propped himself against the headboard. "Come here." Going into his hold, Frank did not object to Erik gripping the glass for him while he drank. "There we are." He moved the empty glass to the side. "Do you know why Raven spanked you?"

Frank replied, "I went behind her back into the city. Like I was using her."

Erik nodded against his hair. "And Logan?"

"I wasn't straight with him. Just lied to his face."

Leaning in, Erik rested his chin on the child's shoulder. "Why is Papa going to spank you?"

"For risking myself?" Frank deduced. "Right?"

"In more ways than one," Erik confirmed. "I don't let you have dessert without finishing your vegetables. Drugs, Franklin?"

"I wanted to tell you, Dad, I swear," Frank urged. "But you were telling me how proud you were and… I just felt sick inside."

Flipping him around, Erik held him up a bit to make them eye to eye. "I am proud of you. This matter does not change that. You are still my boy and I love you. That is why I have to punish you for this."

Shooting arms out, Frank hugged him around the neck. "I'm so sorry, Dad."

Not wanting to release him any time soon, Erik still instructed, "Lay over my lap, boychick."

Heart sinking into stomach, Frank stretched across his legs.

Capturing both the boy's wrists, Erik pinned them to his back with one hand. He got the pajama pants and underwear worked down before delivering the first sound smack. Frank whimpered, but since he was already partly restrained, he did not dare to kick. He only began to cry a lot sooner, unable to escape his own head or the fire in his behind.

Erik's hand did not slow as he placed a firm fifteen on the bare backside before him. He swiftly moved on to deliver the same amount all around his sitting areas. After he finally finished, Erik had to shake out his own hand. Despite the continued throbbing, he still used it to redress Frank as well as massage circles all over his heaving back. Hardly giving him time to get situated, Erik hoisted him up in a cradling position.

Kissing his head, Erik claimed, "You're going to give Papa an aneurism one of these days."

"S-sorry…"

With how he struggled for words, Erik shushed him. "Hush now, little boychick. I have you. Everything will be alright now. Though Charles and I agree that it will do you well to take on some additional training with us as well as Wolverine and Havok."

Frank nodded. "Mmhmm." He had no time to wonder how much of him would be left after Wolverine and Magneto alone.

Laying back, Erik supported the boy on top of him. "A bit more rest then food. Raven's been asking about you and if she finds out you're starving yourself, she will spoon-feed you herself."

Still sniffling, Frank managed a smile. "Got it."

Covering them both, Erik paid no mind to his own lack of sleep. He focused on speaking words of comfort in Yiddish to the chastised young one who mattered so much more.

Frank spoke again after a couple minutes. "Dad? If those guys last night… if they really had touched me… what would you think of me?"

A rage built in the man's eyes that had nothing to do with the boy. "The only thing I would be thinking about is hunting them down and ripping out their throats one by one- if I were feeling so generous. People like that are not fit to be called animals. They are weak and depraved, made even more so by their desire to hurt children." He brought arms closer around him. "Those kind of low-lives could never make me think less of you, boychick. And if anyone, ever, does try to touch you that way, I want you to come to me immediately."

Frank immediately promised, "Yes, sir."

IIIIIII

Various dates, locations, and names involved in the aspects of history determined as important by the lowbrow educators that surrounded him, Fabian eventually slammed his book shut.

"Dammit!"

At the uncouth utterance, Cordelia proved grateful that only a few other students sat anywhere near their corner of the library. "Fabian."

"I'm sorry. It's only that… Collin Murphy- the oozing, puss-filled disease that he is, but by God, had something happened to him last night… I would," Fabian spoke slowly, not trusting his own words, "have actually cared."

"Breakthrough," Cordelia commented glibly. "Listen, I know you detest Jimmy invading your territory, but what about Collin bothers you so?"

In an unusual move, Fabian slouched in his seat with arms crossed. "I've never had the most replenishing of patience for little boys…"

Cordelia eyed him with shining eyes. "We can talk about him you know."

"Collin?"

She shook her head. "Alonzo."

At the annoyed stares around them, Fabian proposed, "Let's find a more encouraging environment. Preferably with a better class of people."

"I know." Cordelia gathered her books. "If I actually wanted to study during Study Hall, I'd link up with Sean and Maya."

Holding the door open for her, Fabian sent one disgruntled glasses sporting boy a snide "mmhm" look before departing.

IIIIIII

"Collin?"

So enthralled in a particularly foreboding scene, the redhead failed to notice the pretty presence in the infirmary. "Sam." He immediately lowered the book.

The radiant female in pale pink dress sat on the side of the bed facing him. "Hank said I could come by."

"Great, but I'm surprised you want to be anywhere near me."

She lost her cheerful expression as confusion took over. "What do you mean?"

"Those guys were going to pass us around, Sam," Collin emphasized. "They couldn't wait to get their hands on you."

"Oh." Samantha smiled again and said simply, "That wouldn't have been your fault. They wanted to hurt all of us. But it's okay." She gave a squeeze to his wrist. "We're alright now."

Collin felt a sheen in his eyes just looking at her. "Sam, I don't even know how… you and Frank are one in a million friends. The greatest I'll ever have. Coming after me, you offering yourself like that then distracting them, Frank taking off his coat to keep me warm… thank you sounds way too cheap."

"Collin, you're my friend, too," she reminded him. "And you've really helped me when you didn't need to."

Smiling at the irony in things, Collin asserted, "After last night, even if you get caught up about school, who cares? You're totally off the hook now, hero."

The girl wore a self-satisfied countenance at that.

"Am I interrupting?"

The youths turned to see the well-dressed man that had just walked in.

"Excuse me." Samantha stood to go.

Estevan followed her path. "Pretty girl."

Collin shrugged. "Never noticed."

"Not to mention bold and extraordinary."

The young redhead reacted to that, knowing such words from Estevan carried quite a bit of weight. "Yeah. How's Max?"

"Asking about you relentlessly." Coming near, Estevan sat on the bed while still looking closely at him. "I explained that you're spending some time with your friend Frank. When you do return home, he knows you're under the weather."

Collin nodded his approval. "Okay, good."

"And the least of your worries presently." The briefest flash of lightning could be witnessed in Estevan's eyes. "You know the extent of what you've done and what it almost cost you. And you are going to be disciplined for this in a way you will remember for the rest of your life. However, I know you won't be up for that for some time. That is why I am giving you an opportunity."

Heartbeat accelerating, Collin picked up on that particular word. "Opportunity?"

"When you are home and sufficiently healed," Estevan elaborated, "I want you to come to me and tell me you're ready for punishment. I won't mention it again until you admit it. You wish to be trusted again? This is your chance. Do we have an understanding, young man?"

Collin took it all in and nodded several times. "Yes, sir."

IIIIIII

On his way to conquering the current game of Go Fish, Frank frowned at the way Sean suddenly touched his head. "You okay?"

The older boy reported, "Charles is home. He wants to see you."

Frank seemed to decrease in size. "Now?"

Sean nodded grimly. "In his office." He offered him a reassuring pat to the back as he moved to rise lifelessly.

Feeling like a stranger in the place known to him as home for so long, Frank silently prayed no one saw him on his way through the hall. Thankfully, he somehow made it downstairs without bumping into anyone else. Finding the door to the study wide open, Frank took a breath before entering.

Naturally, he found the Professor stationed behind his desk… with the yardstick not far from his right hand. "… Charles?"

"There you are." Charles then requested, "Shut the door, please." He watched Frank do so rather rigidly. "Why is it that Erik can hardly keep you children out of his den, but you act as if life as you know it is coming to an end when I summon you in here?"

"Force of habit I guess." Frank brushed a hand down his arm. "This is the first place I caught it."

"Yes, that's right." Standing, Charles went to sit on the sofa now and beckoned the teen forward. "You still remember when I gave you your first spanking for that unfortunate choice of words you used?"

Frank nodded, coming towards him. "What I remember most is that you didn't beat me with some ten-foot paddle. I didn't even cry."

"Well, you were only a little boy." Taking his wrists, Charles brought him to stand between his legs. "Remember what I said to you afterwards?"

"That if I say it again, you'll let Erik rinse my mouth out with vinegar."

"No- well, yes," Charles recalled with a smile. "I said that you really are a good boy. I've always thought that of you. Not to mention bright, resourceful, capable- you've only struggled with that mischievous streak."

"Tell me about it," Frank sighed.

"Erik told you that I would be talking to you as well, yes?"

"Yes," Frank answered quietly.

"You children are faced with so many dangers from the world that we adults are left in shock when an everyday temptation like substance abuse plagues you. Especially coming from you. Because I refuse to believe that you," Charles moved Frank to sit on his thigh and he kept arms around his middle, "my independent, outspoken Child of Light merely fell under peer pressure. I know Collin offered, but what really made you accept?"

"I swear it started off like a scientific thing," Frank attempted to reason. "I wanted to make sure he wasn't hurting himself with it. Except it felt too good. Every time I felt just a little bit down, I kept going to it. I tried to tell myself I'd be done once I used it up. Since I was just feeling a little groggy and stuff, I didn't think the side effects were so bad. Until my powers…"

Following his every word, Charles' expression remained warm. "That's a road I've been down myself." Frank faced him with astonishment and the man went on. "The only reason I never dabbled in drugs is because I knew what pain killers alone did to my powers. I still retained control over them with one thing, however; alcohol. High school, university- drinking games were among my favorite pastimes. I even struggled with it to a certain degree when Erik and I opened the school. Erik remains on top of me and Raven has made it a mission to ensure that I don't take a drink for every emotional low. Our mother did so until it caused her all too early death."

Frank's eyes glossed with sympathy. "Charles, I'm so sorry. If that happened to my mom, I don't know what I'd do."

"It broke Raven's heart," Charles recalled. "Something I admire about her, is that now that she's an adult, she's done well in college where substances are concerned. And Erik? Nothing can make that man give into drunkenness." He squeezed Frank's nose with his fingers. "Your dad does not relinquish control, certainly not to the bottom of a bottle."

"Sounds like him," Frank smiled. "Wow, Charles, I can't believe you of all people would really have a hard time with this stuff."

"The outwardly intellectual are able to disguise what we have going on inside," Charles stated. "Right?"

"Mmhmm," Frank nodded.

"With no need for my powers, I know how down on yourself you're feeling. While I do want you to learn from all of this, I don't want to see you dwelling, young man," Charles tone grew slightly firmer. "You've admitted your wrongdoings, owned up, apologized, and have been thoroughly punished for it. You've no reason in the world to feel self-loathing for being a young man who struggles from time to time."

Frank closed his eyes to keep the growing moisture away as he hugged the man. "Thanks, Charles."

The older male promptly returned the gesture. "My good lad. Now," he ran a hand down his back, "while I do believe your poor bum has been through quite enough, I would like you to use your spare time this week to research the dangers of substance abuse. Present your findings to me on Friday."

Frank pulled back in puzzlement. "Spare time? But I have a lot of training scheduled."

"Oh, don't worry about that. You'll be able to get everything done," Charles assured. "You are grounded after all."

The brown eyes became enlarged. "I am?"

"You are," the telepath nodded. "However, only to the grounds. Meaning, you don't have to stay in your room. But I expect all of your work done."

"Yes, sir," Frank responded. "It will be."

"Excellent. Also, if you're up for it, Raven would appreciate a hand with dinner."

Smiling in earnest, Frank hopped up and made a path for the kitchen.

IIIIIII

Arriving in the parlor doorway, the blue young woman announced, "Crisis averted. I convinced Hank to get some sleep for a few hours."

"I was hoping he wouldn't require certain other means of persuasion," stated Charles, who did not miss the splash of water Erik added to his drink. "Thank you, brother."

Erik bobbed his head, starting a martini for Raven. "I'm available for Eye Spy tonight," he said to the sole security man in the room. "Alex is going to pick up the shift later if you want to get some rest with your family."

"Appreciate it." Logan accepted the chilled bottle of beer from his wife and gave her the glass of wine he had poured for her in her absence.

Kayla settled in his lap and put forth what they all thought. "Quite a day- not to mention weekend."

Seated on the arm of Charles' chair, Emma said, "And even more on the horizon."

Charles took her hand. "It will all be…" He stopped speaking at the quickly approaching and enthusiastic returning minds.

Redhead beauty in tow, Victor ceased their excited chatter to acknowledge the gathering in the parlor. "My people. We miss anything?"

At the expressions as well as silence presented to them, Adrienne surmised, "Clearly."