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.

249. Chapter 249 Big Shot

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Forty-Nine

Author's Word: Hi, fam! Have a happy July 4th tomorrow, but be extremely careful. The world, specifically our little chunk of it, has gotten a lot more dangerous. If you go out, try to stay in a group, somewhere not overly crowded, and watch your wallets and backs. If you can't get a designated driver together, be sure to use a ride service. Also, please enjoy and review!

Unable to fully cloak himself due to the leafless trees of winter, the small, thin mutant maneuvered swiftly through the ones with enough limbs to act as his shielding. Reaching the end of one, the black and silver clad X-Boy used it as a diving board to launch himself over to the next vertical wood. Grateful for the frosty conditions that sent most of the distracting animals in hibernation, his ears and nose worked to keep track of his adult pursuers. Spying out a particularly lofty tree, he sprang to reach it. However, he miscalculated the distance and missed its branch by hardly an inch. Instinct summoned out his claws, which he used to stab into the tree. He could not so much as catch his breath before the bony extensions snapped off with no greater complexity than toothpicks under a giant's foot.

"Ah!" the boy hollered with arms and legs flailing.

Before youthful body could harshly crash into snowy ground, he found himself uplifted securely.

"Easy, baby. I gotcha." Angel returned them to terra firma. She took his left hand to inspect the bone breakage. "You okay?"

"Thanks, Angie. Ah, don't worry about it," Silver Cat waved off. "They crack all the time."

The fledgling mutants promptly placed full attention on the large adult who dropped from parts unknown to join them. "Too often, Mite. You about cracked your coconut on that one."

"I just missed one step, Uncle Sabretooth," the child claimed. "No big deal. Let me run through it again. I'll nail it this time."

Instead, Sabretooth determined, "That's game for you. Go on and find your dad in the gym."

"Okay." Emitting small growls, Silver Cat went to all fours and scampered towards the mansion like a jaguar.

Angel smiled at the adorable feline antics.

IIIIIII

Inside the well-lit library of the Xavier home, the two joined tables provided seating for the nine faculty mutants present. The Professor, female telepath, metal wielder, and oldest security man took one table. Across from them consisted of the two university students, resident physician, and Howlett couple. Individual minds not necessarily in tune with their own bodies of late, each kept a cup of coffee or tea nearby.

Kayla currently carried possession of the floor as well as their attention. "Melissa's taking me for a proper walkthrough tomorrow. I'm not particularly fond of the area it's in, but it's clear that outside of it being available, the location is ideal to blend in and be overlooked."

"Forced into anonymity. A grand reminder that we mutants are not alone in such a lifestyle," Emma stated.

"My thoughts exactly," Kayla concurred. "We may have to stay alert when it comes to our powers, but families in these situations are often left with no option but to surrender the majority of their freedoms. I'm sure many would prefer our gifts."

"We will do everything we can to aide you in this, Kayla," Charles vowed. "But I must say, numerous young ones of various horrendous backgrounds, not to mention ages- are you certain this endeavor is not overly daunting?"

Kayla almost dissolved into laughter at the very notion. "Charles, you are forgetting that this is what I once lived for. I've had teenage students so deprived of education they could not write their own names. As challenging as this will be, I can't deny how much I'm looking forward to revisiting my roots."

Charles looked upon her with untold admiration. "I must admit, I am a bit envious. I remember the stories from one of my professors who spent four years as part of a program to end illiteracy across South America."

"That sounds so enriching." Kayla carried an enthused gleam about her eyes. "And Charles, I would love your input on planning the curriculum. I have a week to prepare and so much to organize in my head alone."

"Really?" Charles' face lit up like a tot's on Christmas morning. "Because just the other day, I thought—"

Logan chimed in, facing Emma's direction, "We're married to a coupl'a nerds."

Emma only ran cherished fingers through her husband's hair. "Oh, look at them, so aglow."

"I like being married to a nerd," Raven asserted. "They make great pillow talkers."

Hank dipped to head-butt her shoulder affectionately.

Alex remarked to his twin, "So, are you actually in the instructor zone now?"

Raven crossed her arms and insisted, "I am here by duress. As Charles' anchor, I have to keep him from floating away and going to live in the clouds. We call it the Dumbo Disease."

Charles said wryly, "Our family's darkest secret."

"As entertainingly delightful as all of this is," Erik's voice raised, "we need to focus on the pressing matters at hand. Political engagements, multiple school commitments, the psychiatric facility, in addition to training and parenting our own brood, the day to day upkeep of this house, and any and all mutant related occurrences that tend to rise more often than not- how are we going to make this schedule work?"

"Easy," Victor shrugged. "Add about ten or twenty extra hours to the day." He peered across at Hank. "How's that comin' along, egghead?"

The young scientist replied, "I'm afraid the manipulation of time and space is amongst my B projects. We should see some results by fall."

"Look, we'll make this work," Alex said plainly. "I only have three classes this semester and just one on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. I can still get the kids to school, keep things together around here during the day with the baby bunch, and Lee's going to help with pick-ups. He's already contributing with training. We have Sean for an extra chauffer to their center classes, too."

"Maya, Angel, and Cordelia have already offered to take turns with breakfast and dinner," Kayla mentioned. "And Frank is always willing to lend a hand of course."

"I'll still be able to pack the children's lunches and we can tailor our time at the facility and other commitments," Emma reasoned. "Take care of the majority of errands on the weekend."

Erik put forth, "We may have to keep to general exercises during the week, but devote the more extensive training sessions to Saturday and Sunday."

Charles sent a raised eyebrow his brother's way. "You want to explain to our children that training will now cut into their beloved weekends?"

An unmoved Erik responded, "I will explain to our children that life and responsibility take precedence over leisure. Those unable to grasp that concept will be made to answer for it."

"That's right," Alex supported. "They're just going to have to deal with it. There's no "I" in X-Men."

The elder instructors regarded him favorably at his words.

Hank cleared his throat audibly. "I know we have much more to discuss with all of this, but I believe I have a solution to Cody's problem."

"Got in that new shipment of bolts to tighten his head?" Logan quipped.

"His claws," Hank clarified. "It's disconcerting how often they break apart during training."

A more serious Logan told him, "Believe it or not, that's pretty normal. Mine used to be the same way. They need time to fully harden."

"Yes, I know, but the possibility of him needing them only to have them fail has been of concern to me," Hank continued. "I've managed to devise a unique calcium supplement that will hasten the strengthening of his claws at an accelerated rate."

"Hank, that's wonderful," Kayla reacted.

Logan commented, "Medical science sure is leaps and bounds from my day."

Hank's optimistic countenance grew somber. "The one drawback is the way in which I have to administer it."

Knowing full well where the younger beastly mutant was going, Victor piped up, "Eh boy. We ain't talkin' pills here, are we?"

Hank shook his head. "It's one injection- three times a week. If his body takes to it properly, I'll be able to reduce it in two months."

Both Logan and Kayla could only gape at him, as if the young man had grown a third eye in the center of his forehead.

"Three shots a week for months?" Kayla summarized. "Please tell me you have not forgotten your last experience trying to get him into the same room with a needle."

"I have not and I knew this would be difficult when I first started looking into it," Hank said with resolution to his voice. "However, I am obligated to do what is best for everyone here in terms of health and wellness."

Alex avowed, "He does have a knack for that, believe me."

Kayla faced her husband. "You went through these experiences at Cody's age. What do you think?"

Logan drummed fingers along the table as he thought. "He can hardly stand to use his claws as it is. As dull as they are, they give him more pain than their worth. The sooner they sharpen, the faster and easier he can count on 'em." He placed blue eyes on Hank again. "Start him off tomorrow?"

"That would be best," Hank confirmed.

At Kayla's supportive nod, Logan determined, "We'll tell him or, more likely, hogtie him."

With that issue determined, they returned to ironing out the details of the previous matter for the next forty minutes.

IIIIIII

Ascending the staircase with the petite girl at his side, the disbelieving veteran hoisted one eyebrow. "They're still tossin' around that rumor that you got a bun in the oven?" He patted her pancake of a stomach. "Where's he growin' out of, your head?"

"No, no, no, that was last semester's baby," Maya explained. "You know, Seana. This little guy," she touched her abdomen, "is Carter Cassidy."

"Ah, gotcha," Logan nodded. "Here's hopin' they don't take after their daddy or you won't get a real night's sleep for the next four years."

Maya smiled up at him. "What's really trippy are the girls spreading these things around school. These are the same people who, under job experience, will write "blow and hand"."

"Okay, I need to live in a world where you girls only know puppies and ponies." Logan dipped to kiss the top of her head as she went off towards her room.

Making it to his oldest child's doorway, he looked on a moment while Kayla finished the bedtime story.

Snuggled against his mother's front, Cody asked, "You gonna tell that one to the kids in the city?"

"Hm, maybe." Kayla joined their cheeks together and squeezed him. "But of course, my extra special ones will be reserved for you."

Cody's smile widened when his father came to lay with them, sandwiching the boy in. He rolled over and tried to nip at the man's shoulder.

Keeping their son between them, Logan pressed a hand to the child's stomach in a way that indicated play time would have to wait. "We need to have a chat, Cat."

Neither sensing nor seeing any anger present within his parents, Cody grew instantly fretful that some under circumstance had taken place. "Are Mira and Toddy okay?"

"Oh CoCo, they're fine," Kayla promptly reassured. "Everyone's alright."

Taking one of Cody's hands, Logan started off with, "Hank's found a way to make your claws stronger a whole lot sooner. That'll be a load off the pain, too."

Cody's features brightened. "Really? What do I have to do?"

Logan beat around not one bush as he answered, "Take a few shots. Three a week on different days, startin' tomorrow."

When he found no trace of jest in his father's face, Cody as well as his heart sank. "What? Shots?"

"Baby," Kayla clutched his other side, "it's only a tiny prick and you know how gentle Hank is with all of you kids. He's been working on this all to help you."

"I don't need his help!" Cody retorted. "My claws are fine."

"Oh yeah?" Logan challenged. "Let's see 'em." At his son running a nervous hand over his knuckles, he took Cody's chin to bring his eyes up. "I know how bad they hurt you, baby boy. Mine did the same thing. I'd have been over the moon for a treatment like this at your age. And we can't have these scratchers crappin' out when you really need 'em. A little pain now means a lot less in the long run."

Kayla added, "Honey, you know we wouldn't allow anything we didn't think best for you, right?"

Softly, Cody replied, "I know, Mama." He looked to his male parent. "Will you be there when he gives 'em to me, Daddy?"

"Right there, every time," Logan promised. "Tell you what. I'll come pick you up tomorrow; on my bike."

Cody sighed heavily. "…Okay."

Kayla wrapped arms around him and kissed his temple.

Seeing the way the boy glowered at his hands, Logan knew and fully understood the level of disdain his son felt towards the nagging bones.

IIIIIII

Towel draped across his neck from his last weight session of the night, Leon released his flowing hair from its ponytail. Making it to the parlor, he watched the Headmasters arise from their chairs.

"Alex said you wanted to see me." As to why, the young man held very few guesses.

"Actually, we want to ask you something," Erik clarified.

Still unsure, Leon waited patiently while they went on.

Charles put forth, "How do you feel about training to become an instructor?"

Convinced his ears had chosen to take the rest of the night off, Leon pointed to himself. "Hm?"

"Yes, you, dear boy," Charles smiled. "In the short time you've been with us, you have proven your dedication to the X-Men on multiple occasions. You keep a sharp eye on the younger children, protecting, advising, and even disciplining them when necessary. You've also come close to losing your own life for them. For someone who grew up in your particular circumstances to come out of it with such a natural aptitude to care for others speaks indescribable volumes."

"You don't know your own worth," Erik stated straightforwardly, "but you come highly recommended. From the brothers Howlett-Creed, Hank, Emma, and of course Alex. You've been an enormous help where his health is concerned. Standing by him with honor and support in training as well as the field takes a great deal of pressure off of him."

Finally able to formulate words, Leon brought up, "You do remember I'm still the nut known for breaking into confidential information and getting into dangerous situations, including randomly immersing myself in freezing cold water?"

"Well," Charles wore a smirk now, "you are your father's boy."

Erik chuckled within his chest and did not miss Leon's small smile.

Leon then wanted to know, "So what does this all mean exactly?"

Charles explained, "Naturally, you'll have much more responsibility, but also more privilege. You will create your own lesson plans for training strategies, figure out grading criteria, and of course, enforce and determine appropriate penalization for violation of house rules and those you apply during session. We take accountability with the utmost seriousness."

"Yes, I know," Leon nodded.

Erik asked him, "Do you think you can handle it in addition to your schoolwork?"

Leon came back with, "Even if I can't, I will." He bobbed his head respectfully. "Thank you."

"Marvelous," responded Charles. "We knew we could count on you."

"We'll discuss this further in the morning," said Erik. "For now, you should get some rest for your new semester."

"Good night." Leaving the room, Leon could not believe how transformed he felt from when he first walked into the parlor.

IIIIIII

Somehow the idea of forcing a concoction of blended vegetables and fruits on her nephew did not sound remotely appealing in Cordelia's view. She situated Brian in his highchair and fed him apple sauce and mushed bananas. Samantha helped Angel and Maya carry out the different breakfast courses for those with fully functional teeth. Frank brought in the jugs of milk and orange juice. With her wanting to participate so much, he let Kiki take a small platter of toast. Scott positioned the little girl in her regular chair and started cutting up the food on her plate for her.

Trav twisted in his seat, scanning the room. "Hey, where'd all the grown-ups go, anyway?"

Frank answered that with, "To the moon and just about everywhere else, little guy. We kids get to be pioneers. Except we don't have to pan for gold because we already have Cordy."

The Bostonian girl sent him a pretty smile and wink before Brian's mandating coos demanded more sustenance.

Coming in with Leon, both properly attired for the first day of spring semester, Alex clapped his hands to command attention. "Eat up, shrimptoids. We have to get moving today." He seized a plate and began grabbing items easiest to swallow in a hurry, glancing at Leon. "You shadowing with Sabretooth later?"

Leon nodded, sitting with some highly necessary coffee. "To hone the ways of the X."

Cordelia looked over her shoulder at him. "So if we start being absurdly nice to you now, can we put in special favors for when you're actually promoted?"

"Keep me in supply of this," Leon indicated his caffeinated brew, "and your wish is officially my command."

Noticing her silent boyfriend, Maya touched his knee and leaned in closer to his ear. "You okay?"

Sean gave off a nod and smile. "Just thinking about my next article submission for the school paper." He bit down hard on a piece of bacon, eyes vacant.

The other abnormally quiet male in her life concerned Maya most. "Try to eat some more, Cody Wody. You don't want your energy evaporated by recess, do you?"

"Who cares?" the boy responded, but still nibbled on his waffles.

Becky shined sympathetic green eyes at him. "It'll be okay, Cody. Big Bear is the best shot giver in the universe. You hardly feel anything."

Trav made a face. "Nothing like those bad scientists from before. They made my arms hurt a lot."

His own food suddenly becoming very dry in his mouth, Alex reached out to give his nephew a tickle. Trav laughed and squirmed.

Joey smiled and turned to his friend. "You're lucky. Laci has to get shots and bloodwork done all the time. And all those gross medicines on top of that."

"You should have seen all they put on my brother for his leukemia," Frank brought up, stomach agitated at the mere recollection. "Try having a needle, big fat ones, wedged in your arm every second. Don't get me started on what chemotherapy does to you. Three shots?" He released a dismissive breath. "That's nothin'."

With a glower, Cody rolled his eyes. "Oh big surprise, the druggy doesn't mind needles. Go shoot up and die, Frank."

A vicious slapping sensation swept across the entire dining room.

"Codicat," a horrified Maya reproached.

No one else received the chance to get a word in as the appearance of the English Headmaster forced them all into a humble hush. "Master Howlett," Charles' followed the petition with a crook of his finger, "my office. This instant, please."

Former bravado jerked out of him with utmost force, the summoned youth left the table. Charles set him with an unreadable expression as the boy walked by.

Going to Frank, the Professor put a kind hand to his back. "Are you alright?"

Coming down from a twinge of déjà vu, Frank offered up a smile. "Yeah, I'm okay, Charles. If I don't wake up bumping heads with that kid, the whole planet might implode."

Charles patted his back and gave him an expression of warm approval. Taking his leave, he made a path towards the kitchen. The man sighed over his plan to wish his young ones a jolly good day going up in smoke before his eyes.

II

Head dipped as low as it could go without detaching entirely, the brown orbs remained on the pattern in the carpet without really looking at anything in particular. Moving his tongue around inside his mouth, he experienced the bitterness from what he said. More than anything, the look on the Professor's face stayed etched in his brain. Cody shut his eyes, trying to keep the impending wateriness away. When the door to his right opened and closed again, he could practically feel his nerves bulging. Raising his head, he gave off what he hoped could be seen as apologetic eyes.

"I don't normally do this. However, this is one situation that calls for it." Charles handed him the plastic cup he had with him. "Put that in your mouth and keep it there until I tell you otherwise."

Even before he saw the contents, Cody made out the unmistakable scent of vinegar. Forcing it onto his tongue, his taste buds confirmed it.

With the child in a chair in front of it, Charles moved to stand behind his desk. "While I understand how unhappy you are about your new medical treatment, there is absolutely no excuse for what you said at the table. Had Frank provoked you, I would be more lenient, but from what I heard he only sought to give you some perspective. What you said, on the other hand, was nothing short of hateful. I do not tolerate hateful words in this house for a moment. I know you children are going to bicker, but slurs, swearing, advising one another to "shoot up and die"?- expect your mouths rinsed and your bottoms warmed." Walking to him, Charles took the cup out of his little hand and brought it to his sealed lips. "Do you understand what I am saying to you, Codicat?"

Gladly spitting the vinegar back into the cup, Cody frowned at the after taste, but still answered, "Yes, sir."

Leaving the cup on his desk, Charles next asked, "Why did you say that to Frank? Do you really want him to hurt himself?"

Cody shook his head briskly. "No, sir. I didn't mean it. I just got real mad- about the shots and all."

"And that is a problem," Charles told him, leaning against the edge of his desk while still facing him. "You know well that physical pain eventually goes away. However, the same is not always true for the words we use. Often, what we say to the ones we love stays with them for far longer."

Cody comprehended that as his slow tear tracks intensified and he had a few hateful words for himself because of it. "Y-yes, sir. I'm sorry."

Charles cupped the side of his face, catching some of the salty moisture in his palm. "And I'm sorry I have to punish you. I'm afraid this particular offense," he retrieved the yardstick from his desk, "calls for six-of-the-best."

Though with the boy's healing factor in mind, he knew twelve or greater of the best would leave more of an impression. However, regardless of his powers, Charles could not bring himself to go so far with one so small. The Professor also knew that thoughts of his appointments in the lab would be invading the youth's mind and did not want to add to upsetting or distracting him in school.

Attention locked on the giant ruler, Cody slowly made it to his feet. His hands went to the snap on his pants.

As if ushering him away from a hot stove, Charles chided, "No, no, Codicat. This way, please."

Taking his hand, the man led the way to the sofa. Sitting, Charles undid the child's trousers himself. He did not miss Cody's surprised countenance as he found himself over the mutant elder's knee. While Charles would normally have a misbehaving pupil bend over the desk for the yardstick or belt, he felt the need to secure the little boys across his lap.

"Why are you getting a spanking, Codicat?"

"'Cause I—" Cody improved his tone. "Because I used hateful words. And I won't do it again, promise."

"I believe you'll try your very best." Charles pulled down his underwear to bare him then gripped the yardstick.

No longer wondering why it was called "six-of-the-best", Cody nearly howled from the merciless first strike. His strong hearing also absorbed the crack that all but exploded throughout the study. During his time as an X-Kid, the Professor had punished him, swats not excluded, but that all felt like ginger slaps on the wrist compared to the yardstick. He instantly gave into full on crying.

Knowing the tears did not come from the chastisement alone, Charles immediately stopped after the sixth one. He fixed Cody's clothes for him, including tucking in his shirt much neater than the boy had been wearing it previously.

Standing him, Charles looked into his face. "You will mind your tongue in the future, yes?"

"Yes, sir," came the young voice so soft.

Cody had to recover from being pulled into an embrace next. He wanted Charles to hug him, but the child had grown used to his own father leaving that task up to his mother or Victor. Logan normally waited to see about him at bedtime. Enjoying it, Cody sank his face against Charles' suit jacket.

The telepath only pulled back to snag his handkerchief. "Here we are." He began cleaning the young mutant's face with it. "That's much better. Now, we both need to finish getting ready. Did you have enough breakfast?"

"Not really," Cody admitted. "Not too hungry…"

Understanding entirely, Charles said, "Then I want you to eat all of your lunch today. And you're to be a good lad in school and for Hank later today."

Cody nodded, sniffling. "I will."

"Off you go, little kitten." Charles kissed his forehead. "I love you very much."

Finding a genuine smile still left in him, Cody returned, "Love you, too," before heading out of the study.

Taking the yardstick, Charles left it in its usual place on the desk while inwardly detesting it for being a necessity in his household.

IIIIIII

Flipping through his copy of the fat novel, Jam reiterated yet again, "Three freakin' chapters by Friday?"

"Translation," clarified Leon as their trio proceeded through campus grounds, "Eighty-four freakin' pages by Friday."

"What is with these professors?" Alex wanted to know. "Like I don't have enough on my plate already." At the giddy outcry, he hardly had time to catch the rapid paced female who flung herself into him. "I'm sorry, do I know you?" He cocked an eyebrow, letting go of her. "You look suspiciously like that deadbeat twin who ditched us this morning."

"Sorry, sorry, but I had to get moving," Raven explained. "You know how wild the first day back is. I wanted to speak to my department head first."

Leon claimed, "We could have been ravaged by bullies on our way over here."

"And I would've trounced them tomorrow," Raven responded with a flip of her hair. She moved over to link arms with Jam. "But guess who got internship approval."

"Ah, congratulations," Jam commended.

"Glad something's going right today," remarked Alex. "But I need to fly out of here. Got to give Em some backup."

"Hey, wait," Jam spoke after him. "Want to hang out in the lounge tonight? I'll reserve the TV."

"Ugh, can't," Alex turned down then dashed off for the student parking lot. "We'll grab breakfast in the morning!"

"Always out to save the day." Watching the blonde's haste, Jam looked to the remaining two. "Where do you two stash your capes?"

Sharing a gaze, Raven and Leon regarded him wryly.

IIIIIII

Under the slowly parting clouds of overhead, the female mutants stepped in tune with each other through the bustling city blocks. The elder in a blue peacoat and the young one in her gray trench, they drank from their foam cups while taking in the many people. For her part, Melissa had to admit that the area seemed brighter during daylight. Unfortunately, the excessive graffiti, overflowing garbage cans, broken windows, and dilapidated properties took away the bulk of what little positivity reflected.

Facing the younger female, Kayla stated, "Melissa, I'm noticing a problem here."

"Listen, I know it would take four or five grand for this neighborhood to even meet slum standards—"

"Not what I mean- well, yes, actually, but I was referring to you." Kayla stopping in place stilled Melissa as well. "Why is it every time I see you lately, all you know is coffee? Are you eating alright?"

"Hey, I had breakfast with the kids just this morning," Melissa told her. "You can tell by how the wind isn't sweeping me up gum wrapper style right now."

Kayla next mentioned, "Sleeping?"

Melissa considered that one. "My brain checks out about eight or nine times a day. I usually wind up in my unhappy place, but at least it's a reality break."
"Honey, look at all that you do. You must take better care of yourself," Kayla emphasized. "To think nothing of the rest required for your particular abilities."

"I'm fine, okay?" Quickly softening her tone, Melissa asserted, "Things are better. I'm better than what I was."

Kayla responded positively, "Another thing I've noticed." She remembered something else. "You know, you've clearly put a lot of thought into the Underground Academy. What about you?"

Melissa blinked with confusion. "What about me?"

"You never got to finish high school, but you can still try to earn your GED. Maybe even take a few college courses."

At the entirely unexpected suggestion, Melissa had to choke back laughter. "You want me to go back to school? Should I dig out my old Cinderella lunchbox while I'm at it?"

Kayla proved unmoved by her flippant attitude. "Plenty of kids your age go back and achieve quite a great deal. I know you're young, therefore it's hard for you to look too far ahead. But someday you're going to need a real education. You can't solve every problem with fists and espionage."

"Listen, I completely admit to invoking your inner teaching ninja, so I will look into it- possibly- if that will really make you happy."

Kayla informed, "I'm going to pick up some literature for you."

"I strongly believe you're going to," Melissa counter stated.

They resumed walking and arrived back to the front of the safe house in time to see Logan departing from it with clipboard in hand.

"Did you get a good look around?" Kayla asked her husband.

The man bobbed his head. "Yep. In and out; up and down."

"So, what are we working with here?" Melissa wanted to know. "Give it to me straight."

Logan faced her directly. "You're workin' with crap."

Melissa requested, "A little more clarity, please."

"You're workin' with a load of crap," Logan amended. "While I normally specialize in crap rehauls, you need a better site to house these kids, girlie. This place ain't near big enough for what you need."

"Guys, I keep telling you we're lucky to even have this dump," Melissa reminded them. "Where else are we supposed to take them all?"

Logan tapped his clipboard with the pencil. "Tell you what, you ladies stay focused on the people and gettin' this school deal situated. I'll worry about the where."

Melissa wondered, "What're you going to do?"

"Didn't I tell you? Somethin'." Melissa's bemused expression of annoyance bothered him not as Logan turned to go back inside. "Now, if you'll excuse me, a busted drain's callin' me."

Melissa declared, "Incredible yet infuriating."

Kayla brought her coffee to her lips. "Just the way I like 'em."

IIIIIII

All X-Tots positioned on their backs along with favorite stuffed animal of each, their dutiful overseer set about encasing a pillow fort around them. Once he deemed the structure solid enough to outlast the great wall of China, he stayed on the edge of the bed watching the four individual treasures. When they made it ten minutes into their nap with no fussing, Alex moved over to his desk to make sense of his current reading assignment.

Very faint childish murmuring seconds later instantly alerted him and he hurried to see about the stirring baby. "Shhh, Toddy." He massaged a gentle hand across the boy's back. "You'll wake up your sister. Shhhh, man," Alex scooped him up to hold and rock then noticed his niece's eyelids ready to pry apart. "Hey, hey," bending, he kissed her cheek, "Back to sleep, baby girl. It's okay."

Wriggling a bit, Kiki settled down with her pink clothed bear.

Using one of his many hoods to blanket Todd, Alex returned to his desk chair with him. "I know you miss your folks, but they'll be home soon," he talked in a gentle tone, "You're pretty insanely lucky, kid- having the two of them right here with you." He gave Todd his pinky to squeeze. "My dad was a great guy- bad jokes and all-, but I still wish we could have been as close as me and Erik are now. My mom was a whole other story. No clue why, but I was a knight in shining armor to her. Even when I lost, she always saw a winner. I figure she had to have had some secret mutation because every time I look in the mirror, I'm still trying to find what she saw." Alex formed a smile as Todd continued gripping his finger while drifting off once more.

Having ceased movement in the hall until the blonde finished speaking, Leon poked his head into the room. "Whoa," he peered at Kiki, Brian, and Mira secure on the bed, "Alex Summers Institute of Infancy in session."

"Giving Emma a breather. And somehow all four of them together are easier to figure out," Alex used one hand to raise his book, "than this whale."

"If it helps, my second professor of the day apparently has a penchant for giving out random quizzes. Even on the day of exams."

"Ugh," Alex winced on his behalf.

"Let me know if you need any backup with the preschool people," Leon started out, "I'm going to grab something to eat before I pick up the kids."

"Okay and by the way," Leon looked back at Alex, "can't wait to have you on the instructor team. You've earned it."

"Thanks, Lex," Leon stroked one side of the doorway, "though I think that still remains to be seen." He headed off for the stairs.

IIIIIII

With the oldest in his DNA line taking up his lap space, Logan noted the way the unusually wordless boy kneaded at his shirt. Logan objected not remotely to the infantile feline act and shared a small head nuzzle with his son. When Cody shifted his head in time to see Hank loading the fluid into the syringe, the young heartbeat became a marching band in the Veteran's ears. Logan used his lips to clamp down on the top of his left ear. The little nip seemed to provide Cody with some measure of complacency.

"Here we are." Placing all necessary instruments on the medical table, Hank did not miss the darkened brown eyes and lips contorted into a scowl on the child. "Hm, either I'm extra sensitive or someone here doesn't particularly like me today."

Cody remained focused on his father's front. "Charles says no hateful words in his house."

Coming to squat before him, Hank inquired, "Do you hate me, Cody?"

"… No," the boy decided. "But I'm still ticked off. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't get any lousy shots and you got me in trouble with Charles."

Before Logan could refute that one, Hank raised a hand to pause him. "I did that?" he spoke to Cody again. "That's funny because when you were in classes with me, I could hardly get you to pay attention. Now you're telling me that I single-handedly forced your display at breakfast? I had no idea I possessed such a strong secondary mutation."

Cody sent him a glare. "If you hadn't made me so mad, I wouldn't have gone nuts like that."

"Ah, I see," Hank bobbed his head. "I'm very sorry you feel that way, Cody. And do you know what else?" The eleven-year-old only stared back at him. "I don't care." Tossing his hair, Hank returned to his feet. "Liking me or hating me even will not stop me from doing right by you. I'm not here to be your friend. I'm here as an adult helping to take care of you. What I happen to dislike as well as hate is causing you pain, but it's even worse to see you hurting and leave you that way. I know your healing factor often leads you to believe that you're invincible, but that is far from the case, Cody. If I have to cause you a little pain today to prevent a lot of heartache tomorrow, then so be it."

Able to sense his boy's resulting pout even without looking, Logan rested a chin in his hair. "You know he's right. Don't ya, Cat?" He felt the small nod.

"Alright." Hank selected Cody's right arm to find a proper vein.

"Hey," with a pat to the cheek, Logan received Cody's full attention, "I was thinkin', after you survive this week, we'll go to a movie. Just you and me."

Cody's eyes shined with some merriment. "You promise?"

"We'll eat loaded burgers right there in the theatre. So long as you don't give Hank any grief," Logan tacked on.

"Okay, Daddy," the child sighed.

"And all done." Hank finished smoothing out the bandage.

Eyes enlarging, Cody looked at his 'wounded' arm. "How do you always do that?"

"I have a few of my own stealth tactics you know." Hank retrieved the clear plastic jar filled with various candies and held it out for his viewing. "Just one. It'll be dinner time before long."

Cody selected a green lollipop. "Thanks."

"You're welcome." Hank then reminded, "Next dosage is Wednesday. I want to get it done before your karate practice. I don't want you so distracted that you accidentally pulverize someone."

Cody snickered at that thought.

IIIIIII

Supported by a number of pillows, the horizontal male kept concentration on pen and paper. The currently vertical female in track pants and WU shirt paced about on the mattress.

"The school scene again. Me. Can you believe she said that?" Melissa stood in place a moment. "And college? Is she serious?"

Moving on to a blank page, Leon responded, "Serious is often Kayla's factory default setting."

"Look, I get it. I went to her for a favor, but I never asked her to be my teacher, too." Melissa folded her arms superciliously. "Like I really have to listen to a word she says."

"Then why is that crap load subleasing my desk?" Leon used his pen to indicate the assortment of educational resource packets.

"Like you were using it." With a hop, she came down to see what he wrote. "And why do you have homework on the first day?"

"Field work actually." Leon showed her the pages. "Improvements to be made during training."

"Crazy- as is everything we do," Melissa acknowledged. "You're about to soar off as this grand mutant mentor and I'm on ground level struggling with just the idea of being a student."

"Why are you so on edge about this?" Leon asked straightforwardly. "You're intelligent and resourceful. And you have way less material leftover than Alex did so you'll get your GED a lot sooner. What's the real problem here?"

Melissa sighed heavily, sending fingers through her long hair. "I'm a loon who crashed in deserted buildings and stole food when I even bothered to eat. The only satisfaction I got involved punching until my fists bled. Then she…"

Leon looked into her face. "Kayla?"

Melissa nodded. "Even before she healed me, she talked to me. Better yet, she listened to me. She took care of me. She was freaking pregnant and came after me. It's just- there's something about her. I don't want to roll my eyes and tell her to back the hell off."

"Adults you can respect. Who knew they weren't extinct?"

Returning to their previous topic, Melissa put forth, "School- how did you handle going into that world knowing you were absolutely nothing like the rest of them?"

"Deception, infiltration, and mocking them at every available moment," Leon summarized. "But I wanted to play make-believe normal. You have way too much going for you to care about any of that. You don't have to be the triangle trying to fit inside a square hole. And you don't have to live in their world to take whatever you want from it."

Melissa fingered through a section of his hair. "How is it you can never see what you have to offer? You're not like anybody else, as if you even know how to be. You're going to do great by your little X-Kids, even though the doubts have your head playing hopscotch." At a certain look in his eye, she formed a small smirk. "What? You think you're the only one who can be creepy observant?"

Leon redirected his vision over to her bare feet. "Your toes are like baby snakes… real crusty baby snakes."

She took the liberty of jabbing his ankle with her sharpest nail.

IIIIIII

Documents before him bleeding into one another, the worn telepath rubbed circles around his temples. His closed eyes enjoyed the lack of light and the tension at his skull slowly ceased.

He detected something and received confirmation at the pajama clad boy by his door. "Cody," Charles wore a pleasant expression, "is everything alright, dear boy?" He studied the mildly sullen face. "Did you have a nightmare?"

Shaking his head, Cody entered the study fully and stopped at the man's feet. "I wanted to tell you that I'm really sorry about what I said. I told Frank sorry, too."

"Did you?" Bringing him to sit in his lap, Charles held him near. "Well done. How was your shot? Was it really so terrible?"

"Nah, not really," Cody had to admit. "But I still don't like 'em. I hate havin' to think about 'em, too."

Charles nodded with understanding. "All too often, the mind can paint pictures that are a lot harsher than reality. Especially in an imaginative lad such as yourself. I know that contributed to how upset you were at breakfast."

Cody leaned on him. "I'm just glad you're not sore at me."

"Of course not." Charles adjusted him so they could better see eye to eye. "May I tell you something?" Cody nodded with interest. "It's very difficult for me to punish any of you, but especially my little ones. However, I will not have you growing up letting your anger get the best of you. You're too good and kind a lad for that."

The boy's brown eyes glistened. "Really? You think so?"

"I know it," Charles said matter-of-factly. "From the first moment I met you and you showed such a level of concern for Joey's well-being, I knew right away why my son considered you his best friend. You're strong and courageous while being loving and loyal. Every time your father looks at you, I see the overwhelming pride in his eyes. And I feel exactly the same."

Cody moved to hug the older male around the neck and nuzzle there. "Thanks, Charles. Y'know, I feel a lot of pride, too. And not just for my dad and uncle. I'm so glad you're my professor."

With a wide smile developing, Charles kissed the edge of the boy's hairline. "Would you mind keeping me company for a bit?" He glided a soothing hand down his back. "I'll carry you up after you fall asleep."

Nodding, Cody nestled into Charles' cradling clutch.