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.

252. Chapter 252 Truth's Morning Light

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Fifty-Two

Author's Word: Hi, fam! I'm glad you all had a reaction to the last chapter since that one was a major case of "possessed now, type slave!" for me. I. Love. Summer! Please enjoy and review!

Grateful for the rare blessing of a short day, Raven, with Frank's assistance, gladly took over Friday dinner duty. The shapeshifter concentrated on the large pot of macaroni and cheese, oven roast chicken, and Kiki helped her separate rolls on a baking sheet. Thanks to a remembered recipe from Erik, Frank supplied the vegetable dish in the form of shepherd's pie. He heated some asparagus as well, making sure to add a layer of cheddar to ensure it more appetizing to the younger children. That evening's sweet concerned him most.

"Becky," he addressed the girl who came in for a juice box, "does this look right to you?"

The green eyes dipped to peer in on the honey cake. "Ooh, just like the one I made with Papa." Frank grinned with relief and Becky went to collect the flour-faced tyke. "Come on, Kiki. Time to wash and get into our dinner dresses."

Hopping down from her chair, Kiki rubbed at the smudges on her cheeks as the older girl led them from the eatery.

As the dining table became loaded with platters, likewise did the X-Men trickle in one by one.

"Surely my senses deceive," Erik marveled. "Is that shepherd's pie?"

"Yep," Frank confirmed, now in a clean shirt and free of sweat, "and honey cake for dessert."

"Honey cake!" erupted Trav giddily.

"Mama!" Cody fled his seat at his returning parents.

Kayla dipped to catch his embrace and kiss his head. "Oh, it's good to see you, too, CoCo. Ugh," she threw her head back jubilantly, "it's good to be home."

"How was your day? Any punks give you trouble?" Cody kept hold of her hand, walking to her chair with her.

"No more than usual." Kayla gladly sat down. "The children are really starting to open up. Several of them are very inquisitive."

"Would you like a hand with grading this weekend?" Charles offered. "I know you must have quite the pile to sort through."

Kayla responded with, "You are a lifeline, Professor."

"I'd help as well, but Erik and I have new equipment to pick up tomorrow," said Hank. "I've waited sometime for them to come in and delivery is such a hassle."

Scott's interest peaked. "Does this mean updates to the flight simulator?"

"Perhaps," Hank winked at him, "among other projects I've dreamed up."

Victor shook his head in usual impression of the young scientist. "If the CIA had a clue what they lost in you…"

Trading dishes around the table, Logan interjected, "So, what's the final verdict on those clowns who stirred up all that mess?"

"Probation and fines for each of them," Angel responded. "To have the lockers stripped and repainted."

"Plus the repair bill for my car," Cordelia mentioned immodestly. "And they not only have to pay the Mendels over the windows, but they have to perform chores for them around the shop."

"That's nothing," Sean scoffed. "They were assigned five hundred hours of community service each. If they don't get it done by May, they don't get to walk at graduation."

"Today was the best," beamed Maya. "They gave a public apology in the auditorium."

"They could barely talk into the microphone," Samantha recalled with an eye roll. "I knew we didn't have to be scared of them."

"Oh hey, Principal Newman gave the okay to Tony's idea," Frank brought up. "We're going to design and put up banners celebrating our diversity."

Joey's eyes glinted. "Oh cool!"

"That's a marvelous solution to mend things," Emma commended. "I must say, all of you persevered through this quite admirably."

Charles added, "Especially the way you defended yourselves and others without stooping to needless violence."

"Yeah," Alex nodded, "'cause you already know I'd have punched half a dozen guys on Monday alone."

"Me, too," Raven admitted shamelessly.

Cutting his chicken, Leon piped up somewhat quietly, "Just glad this didn't escalate to… other things."

The room shared a wordless but clear agreement on that.

IIIIIII

Vision only capable through the flashlights built into the headgear that matched the rest of their ebony attire, the pair zipped through the numerous hallways and floors. Though they moved in haste, precision still went into their every step. With Marco's devices only able to diffuse a portion of the building's power, they still had numerous hidden backup alarms to worry about. Using another Marco provided tool, Jimmy applied the bent mechanical knobs to magnetically stick to the overhead light fixtures. He used a series of flips to avoid connecting with the floor, well aware that alarms tended to be at ground level. Right below him, Melissa shifted from one end of a hall to another. When she made it to outside doors, she billowed in beneath their cracks to get them unlocked for Jimmy.

Out and upward, Marco hovered in the small jet, eyes peeled. "South still clear. Stay on your guard. I am not kidding around here."

"Not a problem," Melissa returned through their communication system.

"How's north, Fabi?" Marco increased the volume. "Fabian?" Bringing the flying machine over a distance, his jaw all but parachuted into his lap at the vacant roof. "Fabian!"

Unaware of the goings on, Melissa and Jimmy at last reached their final and most sought after door.

At the monumental circle of titanium that made up the ten-foot vault, Jimmy asserted, "This tech better be made of gold or Estevan's fuckin' around too much."

"There's a reason he didn't waste time putting a bid in," Melissa reminded in a sharp whisper. "Every crime organization in this state wants a piece of this."

"Watch my back." Jimmy removed his gloves while Melissa readied her blaster. "We're gonna be here a while." Pressing palms against the metallic door, he summoned his powers to their highest setting to dissolve it bit by bit. Two minutes in, an odd commotion from the other side made him pause. "Miss, get back!" He leapt and shoved them both out of the way before the enormous wedge of metal could crush them.

They had no time to take in the unbelievable sight as teenager attached to glider flew out of the vault with iron enforced case in his possession. "Should have tried the back door. Much more efficient."

"Fabian," Jimmy hissed, "you left your position? Have you lost your damn mind? You're supposed to be keeping watch!"

He shrugged. "I tend to channel surf during tedium."

"Look, let's just get out of here," directed Melissa.

As they hurried to make their exit, Jimmy aimed a finger upward. "Just wait until we're on that jet."

Fabian replied dryly, "My lack of shaking is the first sign of catatonic fear."

Like shadows from the dark, two armed guards infringed on them from the opposite end. "Ohh, you just fucked your own lives to hell."

"Miss!" The instant Jimmy dropped from the ceiling, he experienced the piercing fire in his shoulder. "Ah!"

Choking on a gag, the scream she felt stayed trapped in Melissa's throat.

"No!" Fabian jumped down to see about him.

Neither guard received the chance to do further damage as they experienced their own immense pain from behind.

They collapsed, revealing Marco behind them with energy blaster. "Move," stepping over, he snatched the case from Fabian, "there's more coming!"

Heart galloping, vision blurred, and ears ringing, Fabian pulled Jimmy onto his hover device with him. Speeding through with all focus on escape, Marco used his weapon to create a whole in the wall. He grew in size to dive and land with ease, Melissa dissolved down, and Fabian flew free with a firm grip on the steadily sinking Jimmy.

IIIIIII

Glad to find Max still sleeping with Jack stationed at his feet, Collin himself remained out of the way. Holding his knees to his chest, he stayed in the chair, concentrating on nothing in particular.

He nearly fell forward from his seat when a confounded Melissa left Marco's work station. "Miss," he went straight to her, trying to study his far-away countenance, "is he okay?"

"Yeah…" With a slow nod, she reaffirmed, "he's finally asleep. Marco got him stitched up, gave him something for the pain."

Though he sighed with relief, Collin inwardly kicked himself. "I should've been there."

"Hey." A now reanimated Melissa took him by the shoulders, staring right into his eyes. "No, you are nowhere near the scene of fault here, Coll. You're still not a hundred percent and as horrible as this whole thing was, they'd have had to scrape me up if anything had happened to you." She brought him into her arms a moment. "You want to see him?"

With a nod, Collin started to go inside but looked at her again. "Miss," flipping hair out of her face, she turned, "glad you're okay, too. There's only so many heart attacks a guy can handle over you disappearing."

Melissa offered him the closest resembling a pleasant expression she could conjure in that instance.

II

Gaze set on the rug beneath his feet, the brilliant colors seemed to leap to life and twirl all about him in bewilderment and mockery. Looking to his now spotless hand, he could still see the blood, never leaving him no matter how much it dripped. He touched his ears, the resonating boom echoing repeatedly. At the click at his door, every muscle tensed and the one inside his chest felt ready to wither and fade away.

Slowly moving his head towards his bedroom entryway, he took in the one standing in place there. Quiet, countenance even, but with heat rising enough to almost see the steam, the man appeared taller. Either that or Fabian himself had decreased to miniscule proportions.

Unsure of what to do, he shakily stood from the side of his bed. "Father." He bowed his head. "Please… will he be alright?"

"He will," Estevan answered, his tone a combination of fire and ice. "Had that bullet reached an artery, your teammate would be a rancid bag of bone and blood in the morgue. Can you begin to comprehend that?"

An arrow of recollection hitting him everywhere at once, Fabian answered honestly, "Si, Papi. I can."

Gingerly kicking the door shut with his foot, Estevan folded arms behind his back with eyes never leaving his son. "You disobeyed me, Fabian."

Alarmed by this, he began to protest, "Father, I would never—"

"I assigned James to field command. By insolently disregarding his orders the way you did," Estevan advanced on him step by step, "you disobeyed me in the process. Didn't you?"

Fabian bobbed his head as that truth set in. "Si, Papi."

"Now, I understand that there are circumstances that are going to cause you to have to make split-second decisions and stray from the plan. This," Estevan's eyes darkened all the more, "was not one of those times. This was nothing more than reckless, foolhardy arrogance on your part. That could have ended fatally, for you as well as every one of your teammates. What do you possibly have to say for yourself, Fabian Cortez?"

Quivers in his legs creeping up the rest of his body, Fabian thought carefully of his words. "I- I am so sorry, Papi. You are right. I acted like am immature fool."

"You most certainly did," Estevan agreed without hesitation. "Now, the question becomes, where do I begin with your consequences? It would seem Papi's eldest is growing into a spoiled, wayward, disobedient whelp." Estevan began to pace around him in a circular motion. "Perhaps I should take away your car, your checking account, your music, your television, everything that requires so much as a battery to entertain you. Maybe I will confine you to your room for the duration of Jimmy's healing process, meaning evenings out with Cordelia Frost will be a thing of the past. Yes, that would be fair." Estevan stopped suddenly, arms crossing. "Wouldn't that be fair, mijo?"

Inhaling deeply, Fabian nodded vigorously. "Si, Papi. More than fair."

"So," some approval found its way onto Estevan's otherwise hard features, "you do understand the gravity of the situation. For that, Papi will be generous. Now, lower your pants and shorts," reaching inside his smoking jacket, he removed the slither of leather, "and lay on your bed."

Fabian experienced yet another breathless moment for that night at the sight of the long past but still familiar as well as thick strap. "… Papi."

"Now, now, Fabian," Estevan chided him. "It has not been so long that you've forgotten. You know what happens if Papi has to get you. And you're much too old for pleading. Are you really going to be disobedient again?"

"No, Papi." Quick to pull down his pajama bottoms along with his underwear, Fabian stretched on his mattress with nose against a pillow. "I am sorry for delaying."

"Chico bueno." Estevan came up on the foot of the bed. "If you reach your hands back or try to squirm away, I'll add ten. Then it goes to fifteen. But we have no need to worry about that. Correcto?"

"Muy correcto, Papi," Fabian nodded hard, "I will behave."

With a pleased head bob of his own, Estevan hoisted the large belt into the air and, ignoring every puncture to his own chest, cracked it over his son's bare rear soundly. Fabian gasped in sincere shock at the force. The tears he had fought all night won out and he hated himself for giving into the sobbing after only a single strike.

Going on at a continuous pace, Estevan still watched his swing to ensure he left no welts on his boy. "However much this is hurting you, remember that Jimmy's pain is worse and will last much longer."

Trying not to wail entirely, Fabian sent his cries into his pillows. He wanted to beg his father for mercy, but he dared not. Though agonizing, he knew he well that he deserved every wretched blow.

After the entirety of Fabian's behind reached a deep red hue, Estevan pocketed his strap again and walked around to the side of the bed. "It is done, mijo." He knelt down. "Are you happy Papi corrected you?"

Fabian raised his tear coated face. "S-si, Pa- Papi. Muchos gracias."

"De nada, mijo." Getting up again, Estevan adjusted the boy's clothes back into place.

Though it irritated him some, Fabian appreciated the modesty and raised one imploring hand for his father.

Taking the appendage, Estevan only squeezed it. "I need to look in on Jimmy and the children. Right to sleep for you, Fabian, and if you defy me or anyone else I appoint, your ability to sit will not be the only privilege lost to you. I am your father and you will heed my every word, rule, and order as law. Si?"

"Si," Fabian returned in a near desperate tone. "Si, Papi. Always."

Estevan took leave of him, only taking the time to switch off the light as he did.

The second his room fell dark, Fabian unleashed whole new tears into his covers.

IIIIIII

Unsure of when or how she had dozed off, the fingers caressing her cheek brought Melissa to an awakened state. Eyelashes fluttering to clear, she took in the brown eyes peering back at her with his weary, distant smile in place.

"Hey, girl," his voice proved equally far away, "I thought to hear you moan like that we'd at least be having some fun to go with it."

"Shut up." The words came with joyful gentleness as she carefully prodded him to fully lay back. "Don't try to move. You're still weak."

"Please, girl," Jimmy used his good hand to touch his bandages. "This ain't nothin'… ain't…"

As he trailed and inched closer, Melissa felt a momentarily paralysis. Before his lips could graze so much as the corner of her mouth, she snatched her head back.

"What?" Jimmy frowned at her sudden rising.

"Look, you… you need to rest." She better positioned the blankets over him and ran a hand across his brow. "Sleep, okay?"

Medicine clearly overtaking him again, Jimmy's eyelids instantly drooped.

Backing out of the room, Melissa picked up the pace once out in the hall. Going down the stairs in rapid yet robotic fashion, she only stopped to snag her coat before the frigid air of the outdoors greeted her. The cold alerting her a little more, Melissa broke into a run. Nearing the end of the block, her body vanished into the chilled winds of the night.

II

A short murmur leaving his lips, the long haired male stirred for reasons unknown. Finding it difficult to see due to the darkness as well as sudden attentiveness heaped upon him, he knew no fear at the silhouette lingering at the rear of his bed.

Hand only taking the time to twist on his night lamp, Leon wanted to know, "What's wrong?"

Shoulders pulsating, Melissa replied in a hush, "They shot Jimmy."

A sweep of shock breezed over him. "They- they killed him?"

She shook her head from side to side. "No, he's okay. But they… they tried to kill you."

Detaching from his blanket and comforter, Leon got up to go to her. "Who, Melissa? What are you talking about?"

"He shot you." Melissa spoke through clenched teeth, eyes glassy. "Like he was swatting a fly. If I would have so much as blinked the wrong way, he would have finished you right there. I couldn't think- I couldn't react then. But even when we were rushing to save Jim, all I could think about was you on the ground."

Taking it all in, Leon touched palms to her shoulders. "All of that is long over. We survived- you and me- remember?"

"All I can do is remember," Melissa urged. "I could have used my powers, vanished on the spot. But I would have followed you into an inferno if that's where they took you. Even for my screwy head it makes no sense. I barely knew you."

Leon took the time to smooth brown strands away from her face. "You barely knew Maya and you didn't want to leave her by herself in that apartment, whether you want to admit that or not. You were willing to surrender your own body to save Brenda from rape. You didn't know Caitlyn or Tricie, but you were ignited for war when they died. You're the one with the pulsing heart, Melissa. Mine hardly beats enough to keep me alive."

Melissa folded arms around his neck and spoke close to his ear. "What do you think would happen to mine if yours ever stopped?"

Hanging onto her, Leon let go to help her out of her coat. "You have to stop with these cold night walks." While she sat on the bed, he fished inside his dresser for sweat pants and a shirt.

Presented with the clothing, Melissa could not have missed the enormous silver X printed on the black t-shirt's front. "Nice to know I'm dating a trend-setter."

Leon reacted to her gripping her head and drooping to one side abruptly. "Are you okay?"

"You know that special tingle you get when you overexert your powers?" She smirked feebly. "I tuned it out about five hours ago. I think it's mad at me."

"Here." Reaching for the top she had on, he awaited her nod of approval before easing her out of it. Sliding her jeans down next, Leon got her into the softer articles swiftly.

Though she held no trepidation towards him, Melissa still could not help her surprise when his hand did not "accidentally" make more contact than needed. "Stay right here with me."

Laying down, Leon propped up his head to view her. "Is there another option I'm not aware of?"

After her eyes closed, he turned off his lap. Back pressed to the headboard, he watched her exhausted form slumber on.

IIIIIII

Restless energy compliments of his own racing thoughts combined with scorching rear prevented the teenager from engaging sleep.

At the creak of the door, he quickly raised his head. "Papi?" A much younger holder of his DNA stepped inside instead. "Hermanita… what are you doing up?"

Going around, Anne eased under the covers and faced him. "Como te sientes?"

"What does it matter how I'm feeling?" Fabian rationalized. "Jimmy is the one who almost died tonight."

"Everybody's taking care of him. I want to take care of you."

Fabian brushed at her hair with his fingers. "You're not supposed to take care of me, amor."

"You don't have to feel ashamed," Anne countered. "Papi still spanks me, too. You know Collin got it bad for making himself sick with those drugs."

"He shouldn't have to spank me anymore, Anne," Fabian claimed. "I should know to make better decisions than I did tonight."

"Everyone makes bad decisions, hermano. Papi still loves you," she reminded.

He then wanted to know, "What do you think of me after all this?"

Anne replied, "Same as I thought before this. You're the best big brother in the world."

Insides experiencing something other than guilt for the first time in hours, Fabian wiped her chin with his thumb. "You are my oxygen to breathe, hermanita." He draped his arm around her.

Smile on her face, Anne nestled in.

IIIIIII

Remaining in stunned place, Leon moved his head enough to peer down at the blood protruding from his body. With a single intake of air, he dropped to the ground.

"Leon!" She charged and dizzily fell out over him.

Gun in hand, Owen emerged from the rear of the van. "Now," he kept one finger on the trigger, "are you ready to come quietly?" He aimed the barrel at Leon's temple. "Or do I put him down permanently?"

From the pit of her stomach and out through her lips did the scream resonate. Yanked away from his own mind pictures, Leon felt his heart skip several beats at the frantically wailing, sweat-drenched one positioned next to him.

"Melissa," he attempted to get a grip on her, "Melissa, calm down!"

"Leon?" No chance to respond came as the door shot open.

The thoroughly taken aback Professor absorbed the image of the stunned, entirely still young male and female who panted for air. From behind him, numerous pairs of youthful eyes attempted to catch a glimpse inside the room.

Eyes darting over to the clock on Leon's night table that read a quarter after eleven, Melissa surmised, "I'm guessing we're too late for breakfast."

IIIIIII

"Whoa… just whoa," Frank tried to grasp. "He actually snuck a girl in."

"And her?" Scott sat in awe. "Definitely didn't see this coming."

"First Cordy's into Fabian Cortez and now Leon digs Melissa Vitus." Frank considered that. "At least she's a hot number."

Cordelia rolled her eyes. "Aren't you hilarious? Speaking of, I'm surprised Fabian hasn't mentioned this little coupling."

Angel put forth, "He's probably in the dark the way we were. Not everybody wants to showoff what they have."

Samantha only smiled. "I'm glad Leon likes her."

Arriving on the steps with Sean, Maya beheld their gathered housemates with annoyance. "Don't any of you have anything better to do than eavesdrop?"

Cordelia glanced up with a smirk. "You don't sound so daunted by this. Bet you were in the know."

"That's not your business, either," Maya responded matter-of-factly, hands on her hips.

Fully dressed in her coat and regular clothes, Melissa started down the stairs. "Don't you easily entertained X-Mites have any manners?"

As they all divided to allow her passage, Maya went after her. "Melissa."

The older brunette only replied, "Take good notes for me, kid. These highlights ought to be interesting."

A displeased Alex honed in on the cluster of X-Kids situated on the steps. "Alright, show's officially over. And seriously, you guys? You know Scott, Frank, and Sam are too young for this stuff."

Frank whipped his head back. "Oh please. I could probably teach you a few things."

"I'm going to teach you something unforgettable in a minute," the blonde warned, any hint of his usual laidback instructor persona absent. "Now all of you, clear out of here before I find something for you to do. I bet Charles would appreciate having the toilets polished."

Scott hopped to his feet urgently. "Let's go, X-Men."

While they all journeyed upward, Alex addressed the one still lingering, though with a more delicate tone. "Maya, that includes you."

With a sigh, she followed the rest.

Sean paused a moment. "Alex, I don't get it. Leon and Melissa? I thought he… thought he couldn't…"

Raising, a hand, Alex spoke calmly but firmly. "Seanie, it's not even funny how not up for this discussion this is."

Point well taken, the redhead continued on his way.

II

Seated with head bowed yet still somehow able to feel the expressions on the adult faces, Leon only gazed up at the next to enter the parlor.

"Well, I'm out of here." Looking the way of the English Headmaster, Melissa performed a deep curtsy. "Please forgive the trespasses of this lowly whore, your excellency." Rising again, she faced the one in the chair. "Thanks as always for your services, Leon. I left the cash on your dresser."

"It better be in small bills this time," Leon called after her.

Between his wife's ginger head shake and the Professor's evident displeasure, Logan had to sharply inhale to keep from guffawing straight to the floor. Glancing over by the doorway, he could tell Victor felt much the same way.

Charles spoke with, "So, this is amusing to you, Leon Osaka?"

"What's amusing is that you're ready to boil over because of this yet you allow a teenage couple to live under your roof." Leon shrugged glibly. "But then again, they have the purity rings of power."

"Sean and Maya are in separate quarters and are well aware of the rules in place here," Charles informed. "Clearly, that's something in need of review with you."

"Relax, Uncle Charles." Leon reclined in his seat. "I know the dangers of premarital sex. Young interracial couple, things get carried away and next thing they know there's a baby on the way, rebuked and belittled by their families plus the world around them until they end up divorced, their child the victim of a broken hom- wait a second." Leon looked to rethink that. "That's Trick's life. I must by rusty on my X-Men history. How's the one about that one guy go again? You know, the one with the breathtaking wife and perfect blue-eyed infant."

Victor piped up, "Let's can the wisecracks, pal. You're only diggin' yourself in deeper."

"Leon," Charles fought for his patience, "whatever is in my past is not justification for your behavior. The younger students are impressionable and because you are so close in age, they look to you as an example. I know and fully understand what you and Melissa went through under containment and I am not against your relationship. However, my primary concern is you and the idea of the damage you could do getting into something you are not mentally prepared to handle."

Leon let off a short, bitter laugh. "So… sex is for sane people? Sane sex- has a nice ring to it."

Kayla stepped forward, going to touch Charles' arm. "Alright, let's all calm down here." She next spoke to the seated one. "Leon, please, not one of us is out to attack you. If seeing Melissa makes you happy—"

"Haaaaap… py?" Leon cut in as if exposed to a foreign tongue. "What is haaaap… py? Oh right, it's that positive hormonal elevation experienced by your species known as the fortunate. She's a hot piece of tail, Kayla. That's it. I just wish I'd have known before. Our stay at the facility could have been well worth remembering."

No longer even remotely humored, Logan sent a scowl the youth's way. "Kid, you better watch that flappin' mouth of yours before you find the taste slapped clean out of it."

"Surprised you're not slapping my back." Leon got out of his seat. "Not to mention passing around cigars. I know you're thrilled by all of this, Wolverine." He peered at Victor quickly. "Both of you can sing hallelujah over the fact that I'm "normal" now. I know what you've been thinking this entire time. That I'm "funny", "off", a "sissy". Oh and my all-time favorite, "not a real man". You might as well say it. Nothing I haven't heard over and over for half my life."

Charles' own chest swelled despondently. "Leon…"

"Boy," Logan advanced on him, "for somebody with your brains, you're sure as hell selectively slow when you want to be. If I thought any of that about you, you'd best believe I would've said it to your face long before this fiasco."

Victor approached from behind, tugging on Leon's hair. "Kid, picture being in the army with a long, gold ponytail. Don't tell me about being called a sissy."

Logan added, "And you can save the stud routine. You, me, him," he tilted his head Victor's way, "we all know what happened upstairs. More importantly, what didn't."

Crossing his arms, Leon faced away. "I want Dad."

"You know your father's picking up shipments with Hank," Charles reminded him. "And Emma's at the market with Raven. Leon, if you would only—"

"I want my dad!" Leon restated in an abnormally louder tone.

Charles pointed up to direct, "Go to your room. We'll discuss this after you've calmed down."

At the one order he could appreciate, Leon shifted straight out of the parlor.

IIIIIII

Even from the rear of the manor, the anxious youth heard the front entrance open and close. With the addition of the heavy footsteps he knew so well, Fabian tried to remain attentiveness to the task before him. He only hoped that the nerves that caused him to feel naked lacked visibility to all others. Soon, he felt the elder's presence in the kitchen.

Lifting his head, Fabian offered only the slightest smile. "Buenas tardes, Papi."

Estevan in turn acknowledged him with, "You are awake, mijo. Did you shower?"

The boy nodded. "Si. Straightaway, Father."

Estevan detected the smell of what currently warmed at the oven. "You have the appetite for roast beef?"

"Oh no, it isn't for me," Fabian explained. "I'm making something for Jimmy. Missy isn't home and Marco is swamped. I thought the extra protein would be beneficial for his recovery."

"Ah, bueno." Estevan then instructed, "Please turn off the heat and come with me." Without a word, Fabian complied and followed his father into the man's office. Closing the door, Estevan placed a light hold on the boy's arms. "Did you see yourself in the mirror? Any damage?"

"No, Father," Fabian rapidly reassured. "It's only a bit red. There's some tenderness depending on how I sit, but you caused me no harm. Even if you had, it would have been deserving for my catastrophic disobedience."

"No, mijito." Estevan cupped both sides of his face. "You are my boy and treasure of my very existence. I do not want to see so much as a papercut inflicted upon you. However, I cannot standby when you allow bitter emotions to cloud your judgement. You strayed from your post out of jealousy of Jimmy's leadership, si?"

"Si," came the whispered reply. "I am so sorry for such selfish thinking, Father."

"But don't you see, mijo? Jimmy's loyalty and dedication to us must be tested. He lacks what you've had your entire life; my absolute trust."

Fabian's eyes instantly glossed. "Mucho gracias, Papi."

Kissing his forehead softly, Estevan coiled strong arms around him. "You must also remember the other advantage you have over Jimmy, Fabi. He's lacked a father's guidance much of his life. Though he is older than you are, he requires discipline. It is a duty I have to you all, really. While you must become strong in your own right, I, as all adult mutants should be, am under obligation to the youngest of our breed."

Fabian left his head on the man's chest. "You carry too many burdens, Papi. We can never thank you enough."

"This," Estevan dragged a soothing hand down his back, "is payment tenfold."

IIIIIII

Arms crossed and tucked underneath his head while he gazed up, the brown eyes seemed to burrow through the ceiling.

With a swift knock, Maya cracked the door a smidge. "Lee?"

Staying in stiff place, he stated, "Your instructor-in-training is on time-out." He did sit up when she started across the room.

"I heard you yelling." Maya sat cross-legged on the bed. "It was… unsettling."

Leon shook his head out. "Kind of nauseating, too. Guess that's to happen after a near lifetime of a voice locked in the Eeyore setting." He then informed, "We weren't living in sin by the way."

Maya countered humorously, "By the way, I caught that vibe. Whatever the case, I'm glad you're seeing Melissa."

"Why's that?" Leon tilted his head to one angle, making his hair topple. "Entertaining visions of double dates at the malt shop? Perhaps walking around an amusement park and sharing a big blue cotton candy on a stick while you gals giggle obnoxiously at our pathetic attempts to win rigged stuffed animals for you?"

All pleasant air lost to her at that, Maya folded her arms irritably. "Don't even start that."

"Start what?"

"Last year, you told me I wasn't alone in the misery anymore," she felt the need to remind him. "And I believed you. You can't just brush me off with that pompous intellectual indifference you use on everyone else. It's condescending and unfair to me when I honestly try to take what you have to say seriously, Leon."

Scooting over closer to her, Leon tenderly bumped knees with her. "Sorry. Really I am. It's all leftover hostility from downstairs. I don't know what I was thinking. Like we could stay crouched in the shadows forever."

"So, no one knew until today?"

"Besides Hank and Erik. Pretty sure Becky, Sam, and Anne Cortez figured it out from being at the mall with us, though I think Sam could care less. I just… I don't know how I'm going to deal with this from Alex."

Maya frowned. "Why, because of his stupid little couple comments? That's his own envy talking. Forget about him."

"I can't do that, Maya," Leon said matter-of-factly. "I know his ego gets to you, but there is way more to him than that. He's not just the first to care about me since my father. He's the first to call me out, expect and demand better of me. He puts a ton of faith in me in training and on the field. If he thought I was being an irresponsible goof over some chick and I lost all that, it would be my fault." He developed worry at her abruptly heavy eyes. "Maya?"

"Jared did this to you," she stated in an angry accusatory tone. "Made you afraid that any and everyone will stop loving you if you're not careful. You remember how I was when Sean went to visit his family. As if he would realize how happy he is with life and how unnecessary I really am. I didn't know how to express that. I only know how to be the happy, helpful, productive teenager."

Letting that probably absorb, Leon became thoughtful. "Thought teenhood was supposed to be fanciful and carefree."

"That's total false advertising." She laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Sean's taking me to my mom's. But are you vaguely okay?"

"Eh," he shrugged.

"Eh," Maya mimicked, taking time to peck his cheek before taking her leave of his superhero adorned quarters.

IIIIIII

Closely observing the process of Marco swapping out the stained bandages for fresh ones and readjusting the sling, the grade school tot stared in a quizzical trance.

"How'd you get a hole in your arm, anyway?"

Marco let Jimmy field that one, who explained off-the-cuff, "I was running around with scissors in my hand. I stabbed myself and had to take twenty shots for it. You plan on running with scissors any time soon?"

The boy's red hair bounced to his shaking his head. "No way."

"Good," Jimmy smirked. His gaze redirected to the female who joined them in the workstation. "There you are. For a minute there, I thought you couldn't bear seeing me in all this suffering."

"It's no fun unless I inflict it on you," Melissa replied flippantly, going to stand by his med table.

"Miss, please," Jimmy gestured with his head towards Max, "no trash talk in front of the baby."

"Not in front of me, either." Marco hoisted Max up and propped the slim body on one of his massive shoulders. "Vamonos, hombrecito."

Winding an arm around the larger mutant's neck, Max threw up an enthused fist. "Rapido!"

Melissa watched their departure in amusement, but turned furious eyes on the remaining male. "The hell did you think you were doing last night?"

Initially incredulous to the cutting question, Jimmy came back with, "I don't remember much, but I'm pretty sure I was trying to earn my hero's smooch. Forget you, too."

Melissa came closer, though her expression did not change. "Don't clown around with me right now. I'm talking about taking that hit. I could've made it go through me."

"No way in the world could you have moved in time for that trigger-happy fucker."

She stood unyieldingly. "Nothing I haven't survived before."

"Same here," Jimmy shot back. "Please, you honestly think this is the first clip I've taken? On this one heist, bullet missed my spine by a piss. And you can lord around all you want to with this independent, head heifer-in-charge attitude all you want to. I've done a lot of dumb shit in my life, but there ain't no way in the world I'm about to let a woman or some retarded little teenager get popped while I play pussy. No way in hell, Missy."

Glare on her face intensifying, she responded to that with, "Thank you."

Quiet at first, as if he had not heard her correctly, Jimmy said, "You ain't all that welcome." A rare case of solemn taking over him, he used his functioning right arm to reach for a portion of her hair. "Listen, I know I mess around and joke all the time. But to be up front, I do want to get next to you. Beyond mutant BS. Do you think maybe after this arm heals up a little bit, we could go have a drink together?"

At Melissa's turn to be speechless, she became bashful but did not bat his hand away from her strands. "That'd be great, Jim, honestly. The way you've come up, the dedication you've shown this team- I'm really glad you're with us. But I have to be up front, too. You and me cannot happen."

Hiding the dejection that briefly appeared on his face, Jimmy withdrew his hand. "Guess the colors don't coordinate, huh?"

Melissa immediately shook her head to that. "Jimmy no- God no. That could never be the reason. Even if we both came in plaid, it wouldn't work. That's the way it is. The way I am. And as much as I appreciate what you did last night, I won't repay you by leading you on."

Jimmy released a deep exhale from his nostrils. "Clear and to the point. I'll tell you something, Miss. These chicken head girls out here got nothing on you."

"Missy," both cast gazes as Anne half-stepped inside the space, "Cody's mom wants to see you. She's in the living room."

Not remotely expecting such company, Melissa patted Jimmy's knee and walked out by the younger girl. Descending the stairs, she located the visiting woman on the couch in the designated common room.

Kayla smiled warmly at her. "Sorry to ambush you this way."

Melissa walked her direction. "And I'm sorry about the train wreck this morning. We weren't really fooling around. It's a reflex of mine to jump to the defensive when people look at me with… scandal eyes."

"I can't say I blame you," said Kayla sincerely. "But I'm not here about Leon. I'm here about what brought you to our doorstop in the first place. Charles felt the severity of your anxiety."

With a wry smile, Melissa sat on the edge of the coffee table to face her. "I don't know a lot about mind-mutants, but I can tell you that he hasn't felt the tip of the iceberg there."

"And it's effecting your sleep. That on top of your already poor eating habits. Why do I also get the feeling you exhaust your powers as well?"

Melissa looked from side to side. "Do you have this place bugged or is there a guy in a trench coat lurking in our bushes with binoculars?"

"Melissa," Kayla leaned forward, giving her a tight smile, "it has been a very long week for me and I believe you did enough joking this morning. Don't you agree?"

Unsure what the combination of the woman's visage and words did to her, Melissa replied, "Just what I was going to say." She paused thoughtfully. "Listen, I really have no idea what's up with me. You healed me and things started going haywire in my head. And I can't decide if it's better or worse than it was before. At least then, I had the fury to concentrate on."

Kayla heard her out and spoke again. "I can't begin to gauge everything you're feeling. But from what I've gathered, you seem in conflict with who you are versus who you think you're supposed to be."

"What does that mean?"

"You're a strong-willed, passionate young woman," Kayla elaborated. "Yet you're under the false belief that you're supposed to be this private vessel of despair and rage."

Unable to refute or even respond to that at first, Melissa took several seconds of contemplation. "Leon keeps talking about this bigtime heart I have. I need to borrow whatever invisible x-ray you guys are using because I seriously don't see it."

"What I don't want to see," stated Kayla, "is you throwing the life you have left away by burning yourself out."

"Why does that even matter to you?" Melissa asked in a near desperately bewildered tone.

Kayla wore an even countenance. "Because that matters to me. I have to deal with that and so do you."

"Hey, you're the one with the rough end of the deal." Melissa then uttered a moan despite herself.

Kayla reacted to her dipping her head by touching fingers to her hairline. "Sweetheart, look at you. You need to rest."

"Only to keep my head from snapping off my neck. I'll, um, see you later." Going to her feet she stopped at remembering something. "This school stuff…"

"Will wait another day." Kayla stood as well. "But don't think it's off the table. I will talk to you soon."

Nodding once, Melissa headed out to return to the upstairs and the bed that seemed to call her by name.

IIIIIII

Though she played with her giggly nephew on her lap, the blue shapeshifter could still detect the pensive waves radiating from her nourishment preparing sibling.

"Lee's still getting to you, huh?" Raven deduced.

Releasing a sigh, Charles carried over Brian's baby formula mixture. "I honestly don't know what to do with him at times, Baby Blue." He began spooning out the food for his son's ready mouth. "I try to give him space and every time I think we've found solid ground, days like this arise. After the emotionally damaged mutants at the facility, one would think I'd be prepped for anything."

"Lee only snaps like this when too much builds up," Raven reasoned. "And being in a relationship makes all of us lose it, but for him it's worse; harder."

"There's more to it than that, Raven," Charles knew. "The way he lashed out. It was as if he wasn't speaking to us at all. Like we only stood for those who have plagued his past."

Raven put forth positively, "At least that way you know it's not you he has the real problem with."

"Yes, I know." Charles stroked his chin in thought. "If only—" Brian's angered cooing and teeny fist pounding on his leg instantly jarred the telepath. "Well, excuse me, young man." Charles inched in towards the baby's nose. "I have no need for your insolence in addition to all of this. Now, here." He raised the spoon to his lips. "For your delight, sire."

Contentment came over the fair haired child as he nibbled on the orange mush.

"Charles," entering the kitchen, Emma announced, "Leon isn't in his room. Did he say he was going out?"

"No." Frustration pooled within the Professor's eyes and he handed the rest of Brian's food over to Raven. "Nor did he ask."

Understanding in place, Emma offered, "I'll find him."

"No." The way he emphasized the word made all three look at Charles. "I've officially had enough of this. If Leon wants to test me so, he's about to discover just how harsh a grader I am." He walked past his wife with purpose in his every step.

"You see that look?" Raven poked Brian's pudgy stomach to get his attention. "Take it from a seasoned pro, kid. You never want it aimed at you."

Brian stared up at her while dunking fingers into his food.

IIIIIII

Silky lochs of ebony hair completely animated by the chilly late afternoon air, the strands hindered his vision at times. With a clear view or without, his visage stayed on the frozen moisture a few yards away.

Leaving his Rolls-Royce in the beach parking lot, the dignified Professor made his way across the snow blanketed sand. Pleased to find that which he sought out so determinedly, Charles stayed a distance away in keen observation of the youth. Moving his feet again, he came up behind him.

"Erik attempting to raise a submarine," the man's voice made Leon glance out of the corner of his eye, but he did not react otherwise, "Havok competing in a surfing competition while injured, Frank foaming at the mouth for the chance to hang glide. It would seem Becky is the only one of you lot with the desire to avoid death by aquatic recreation. Though I do take it as a small favor that I don't have to drag you out of the water today."

Still not looking at him, Leon brought up impudently, "You didn't drag me out of it the last time. Dad did."

An unoffended Charles stuck gloved hands inside his coat pockets. "I know what you are feeling, Leon. Even more, I know how much it frightens you."

Leon kept staring forward. "You have always had the mind game advantage."

Charles chuckled in earnest at that. "Good lad, I don't require so much as a tickle from my powers to comprehend what is happening with you."

"Fine." Veering around from where he propped up on the short rocky formation, Leon looked at him challengingly. "Educate me, Professor."

"After a less than ideal childhood, you next went from impressive unattached scholar to having an entire family surround you," Charles began, pacing some as he spoke. "Before you could even fully adjust to that, you found yourself in a crisis situation alongside a woman you once considered your enemy. Although you only worked together for a very brief time, she left you in a mesmerized state. No matter how much you tried to distract yourself, she made it into your thoughts at every waking moment. Naturally, you couldn't tell anyone- heavens no. Even when you acknowledged your feelings for her, you had to keep her hidden away. Stashed in secrecy until the truth at last saw light." The instant he stopped speaking, he took in the stunned brown eyes unable to blink. "Is that about accurate?"

"I…" Standing from the rock formation, Leon had to seek out his words. "I knew you and Emma did not have the greatest start, but I… I had no idea…"

"Exactly like how you never knew we lost our fathers in similar ways." Charles strolled up to him. "Leon, why is it that whenever we take a step forward, you rebuild the wall between us? Have I mistreated you in some way? Given you a reason not to trust me?"

"… No," Leon quietly admitted, eyes casting downward. "I know you- that you love me and you believe in me for some reason… but…"

Seeing how he strained, Charles took him by the hand. He led them back to the parking lot and into the backseat of the Rolls-Royce. Though it took some maneuvering, the telepath settled the younger mutant against his coat front and pressed hands to his back to lock him in place.

"You're in pain, aren't you?" Charles continuously experienced the tremors traveling through Leon's body. "Not merely from the past, but here and now. After all these years, you truly know happiness. But it's such a stranger to you, it's effecting your body and mind. Your instincts are telling you to push away. That's why you wanted your father so badly today. Erik pulls you back every time."

Leon whispered, "Yeah. Whether I like it or not."

"I must apologize to you, Leon."

Now the young man peered up with fledgling eyes. "You? Why?"

"I've treated you like a houseguest for too long," Charles told him. "I haven't been a proper uncle for you, giving you the security you need. Well, lesson learned on my part." A rigid sternness appeared on the normally jovial telepath's face. "We are going home. I'll allow you to drive your motorcycle back, but as soon as you walk through the door, you're to go straight to my office. I'm going to punish you for leaving the house this way and for that disrespectful display from this morning." The man reiterated, "Straight to my office- clear?"

Almost automatically, Leon nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Very good. And I will be directly behind you, so you best not consider going so much as a mile over the speed limit." Charles let him go to get out of the car, but applied a hefty swat to the seat of his jeans.

Eyes enlarging at the smack, Leon walked to his motorcycle in a bit of a daze.

IIIIIII

Feet together and hands all but glued to his sides, the teenager normally content to reside inside his own head found such an escape difficult. While the position did bring discomfort to his legs, his nose to the corner left him in near disbelief. He remembered his joke to Maya earlier about being on time-out and the memory of those words filled his taste buds with bitter irony.

Fifth arithmetic assignment thoroughly reviewed, Charles took his time neatly adding it to the others and straightening the short stack for Kayla. He glanced at his watch, seeing that fifteen minutes had passed. Moving his swivel chair in the direction of his pupil and nephew, it pleased him to neither observe nor sense disdain from him. Only compunction and the desire to stand perfectly straight echoed from the young mutant.

"I think that's just about enough corner time," the Headmaster determined, fingers laced together. "Turn and face me, please." The second he did so, Charles zeroed in on another little problem. "Leon, as awe-inspiringly beautiful as your hair is, I don't want it covering your face that way while I am speaking to you." Though Charles could tell how exposed he felt carrying out the order, Leon still tucked the strands behind his ears. "Much better. Now, did you think about what we discussed?"

"Yes, sir," Leon answered.

Charles detected his sincerity. "When I send you to your room, are you going to stay there until I tell you your punishment is over?"

"Yes, sir," the teenager repeated.

Charles next asked, "Are you going to have another fit when I or another instructor tries to talk to you calmly?"

Leon gave off a shaky nod. "No… no, sir."

The new distress coming off of him bothered Charles and his voice resumed its gentle, kind state. "Leon, what's the matter?"

"My father," Leon folded his arms together closely, "he used to… scold me this way. Not the way Dad does- with you know, a bite to it."

Charles comprehended easily. "A bit calmer, yes? Perhaps more patient?"

"Yes, exactly," Leon confirmed. "I always started crying before he finished saying it all. I don't know what was wrong with me. He wasn't mean to me. He wasn't…"

Rising, Charles closed the short gap between them and gripped the grief-stricken, puzzled youth's wrists. "Leon, you're so insightful and able to read others- to a fault at times. Have you ever considered that perhaps you weren't really crying for yourself but for your father? Shedding the tears he so often held back?"

Leon stilled, strongly considering the possibility. "I'm not sure, but maybe… maybe I was."

"Leon, I want you to answer something for me with total honesty, alright?" Charles waited on his nod before going on. "Did you snap this morning because Erik was out of the house and you believed you could get away with it? Or did you want to make me angry, livid even?"

"Make you angry?" Leon echoed the question.

Charles squeezed his wrists tenderly. "You've told me before that I remind you of your father. Did you want to upset me enough to berate you so you wouldn't have to think of him?"

"And…" Leon's voice developed a strain.

In something of a whisper, Charles encouraged, "Take your time, dear boy."

"Erik and Alex remind me of Jared before everything, but he's still alive. The only one to survive the war. You're like my father and I loved him more than anyone."

Charles did not need him to go any further. "You think if you allow yourself to love me, I'm going to leave you as well."

Eyes glossed and ready to spill over, Leon wished desperately for the mask of his hair. "… Yeah."

"Would it be alright if I held you in my lap?" After another little nod from him, Charles guided them across to the sofa. Sitting first, he situated Leon on his legs. "Whether you believe this or not, I know exactly what you're feeling. I loved my father most in the world as well. My entire world went to pieces at his death. But years later when I discovered Raven in my kitchen that night, do you know what I realized?" Leon watched him expectantly. "My dad is very much alive. I gave the love he imparted on me to Raven. And later all the rest of my new family. While it is an unfortunate truth that our physical bodies will eventually wither away, that love will thrive for always. You're going to be an instructor very soon and you will pass it along to all of the little ones left in your care."

Genuine surprise came over Leon. "You still want me as an instructor?"

"Of course," Charles replied automatically, giving him a smile. "Leon, we all have our disagreeable moments and make mistakes we later regret. I certainly do. Do you honestly believe that's enough to take away from all the good you've displayed, even before you joined us? Leon, only days ago did you practically call together an army over the smallest possibility of a bomb threat. That is the kind of initiative and unique frame of mind you possess. My boy, I wish you knew your own value."

Leon said in turn, "I wish I could handle life the way you do."

"Give it time." Charles pressed a kiss to his temple before giving him a pointed firm look. "Unfortunately, what I must handle at the moment is you. Stand up, please."

As soon as he did, Leon had no time to ask questions as Charles started to undo his pants for him. The way the lad opened and immediately closed his mouth again did not escape the Professor. He knew Erik typically made the boys bare their own bottoms, likely as an additional disciplinary measure. For Charles' part, however, he usually tried to make it clear to his fledglings, big and small alike, that they were children during punishment. To him that meant that Daddy/Uncle/Headmaster/Stern Professor took care of everything.

Once over the man's lap, Leon wriggled as best he could to be even mildly comfortable due to the man being of a smaller frame than Erik. When the young student felt the first snack over his now coverless behind, he all but leapt with shock. He never imagined the softhearted English could ever wield such a lethal hand. Already on the brink from their conversation, Leon dissolved into tears without delay.

Charles detected an impending interruption of the mutated kind, which made him swat harder. "Now, Leon, we both know perfectly well that you know better than to shift during a spanking. Do you want Uncle Charles to get his yardstick?"

"No!" Excessive headshaking followed the hastened response. "I- I'm sorry." Leon felt a flush of embarrassment at nearly giving into the temptation of his powers.

"Good lad." Calling it done at the thirtieth mark, Charles saw to his modesty straightaway. "There, all done. Do you think you'll use better judgement in the future?"

"Y-yes, sir. I promise you."

"And I believe you. May I hug you?" Charles smiled at the whimper and nod. He promptly picked him up to settle into a cradle. "There now. Ugh, wretched tears." He plucked out his handkerchief to clean the moisture rich cheeks. "You know, it utterly astounds me how much you remind me of Erik."

Leon peered up with watery eyes. "That's good, right?"

"That is wonderful," Charles told him. "And though I know it's entirely selfish wishful thinking on my part, there are times when I see just a bit of me," he gently poked him in the nose, "peeking out."

Leon reached to feel the thumping in the man's chest. "I wish I had this part of you. Mine's comatose."

"No," Charles denied with a smile. "It's very much active. Only healing still to be stronger than ever for you."

"I hope so. So I can be stronger than ever for you and Em and Dad."

Charles rubbed soothing circles around his stomach. "Ready to lie down for a while?"

Leon nodded but wrapped one arm around his neck briefly. "Thanks for the pull, Uncle Charles."

"You're welcome. I love you, Leon." Charles then tacked on, "You don't have to say a word. I need you to hear it and believe it, not return it."

With an expression overflowing in gratitude, Leon finally detached from his lap. Once out of the study, he winced and massaged his back end. As soon as he made it to the second level, he shifted until he reached his quarters. Dropping into bed, his hazy head clearly got the better of him when he jumped at the abrupt chill to his afflicted area.

"Down, dude." Alex patted his back to keep him from rising and knocking off the ice bag. "So, caught the jolly old English special, huh?"

"Like you wouldn't believe," Leon came back with. "Isn't Charles supposed to be… absurdly kind?"

"Yep." Alex sat on the mattress to place Leon's head in his lap. "Until you decide you're mad at the world one night when Dad's not around and try to tell Uncle Charles just where he can shove his concern."

Leon raised his head with wide eyes. "I take it you don't mean Frank this time around."

"Nope. Just picture all of Charles' nice, ultra-brain energy channeled into his hand." Alex put forth, "I see how he licks everybody at tennis."

Amused initially, Leon quickly fell forlorn. "So, I guess you took in the floor show this morning."

"The other kids didn't hear you getting chewed out," Alex assured. "I made them go find a life. Maya was worried about you, though."

"I know. We talked already." Leon felt nerves glide right down his spine. "Um, about Melissa…"

Alex shook his head to that. "Hey, you do not have to go into that with me. I figured you had it under wraps for a reason."

Leon guessed, "But you think I'm going to join Hank and Sean in chick mania. That I'm going to let some girl let me get all—"

The blonde gently slapped a hand over his mouth. "Okay, how about I talk for me? Sound good?" At Leon's nod, he removed his hand. "I know I give the Charles Kids grief about this stuff, but half the time I'm just messing with them. I'm glad Hank and Raven are married. And as sickening as they've been known to me, Maya and Sean are really good for each other. Lee, we were best friends before we were brothers, remember? I know what kind of guy you are and that I can count on you. And after the way Melissa stuck by you and Maya, she's got my vote."

Relief filled Leon in abundance. "I'm still sorry, Lex. I hate keeping things from you. I should know by now what kind of guy you are, too."

"One thing does worry me, though," Alex admitted. "With what you told us about being delayed and all, if you really like Melissa, great. But I don't want you involved with her because you feel like you have to play catch-up. I don't like seeing you hurt, man, in or out."

"It's not catch-up," Leon said with certainty. "This was way tougher to deal with in high school than college. After we got out of containment, I was really confused. No matter what I did, I couldn't stop thinking about Melissa. I'd be screeching on my motorcycle and still hear her voice. It was hard on her end, too. Now, we're… yeah."

Not needing any clarification on that, Alex responded, "Good. Alright, you cool off. I'm going to grab us some dinner."

"Okay." Leon scooted away to allow him up.

Before he took a step, Alex stooped to share eye level with him. "Pretty soon we'll both be instructors. But that doesn't mean you can't come to me when you need me or just want to talk. I'm still your big brother. You know that, right?"

Leon looked right at him as he said, "You know I wouldn't have it any other way, right?"

With the mutual affirmation in place, Alex thumped him on the stomach and proceeded out to whip up overloaded hotdogs for them both.

IIIIIII

After searching the bulk of the manor, the teenager dressed in night clothes located the not-actually-missing individual in the fitness room. Though the space contained enough equipment to bankrupt any tycoon who sought out a gym membership from it, he saw Jimmy in one of the more spacious spots. Sling in place on one arm, he used the other to elevate himself up and down on a pulley in continuous motion.

Going unnoticed by the older male, Fabian asserted, "Using your spare time to master masochism?"

Only sparing him a short glance, Jimmy grunted as he spoke. "Boy, please. If a bullet doesn't take you out on contact, the only thing that slows you down is the pain. And pain can lick my ass." He let go and landed on the mats below. Spotting the red water bottle, Fabian passed it to him. "Thanks, kid." Jimmy practically inhaled the cold drink. He poured a little over his heavily heated head as well then asked, "Up for a bike race?"

Fabian nodded and removed his shirt before going over to a pair of recumbents with him. "So," he climbed up on the seat and began punching numbers on the controls, "will you tell me the truth about something?"

Jimmy input his own code and started pedaling. "No, I don't plan on killing you in your sleep. Your daddy is not burying me under a volcano."

Entirely humor void, Fabian asked, "Why are you here? Is it just a paycheck for you?"

"Was at first," Jimmy replied, remaining otherwise vague.

"Do you believe we can really obtain this goal?" Fabian questioned next. "Why else do we have these powers? Aren't we meant to dominate, become the rightful rulers of this world?"

Gripping only one handlebar, Jimmy asked, "You ever catch any of Malcolm X's speeches?"

"On TV sometimes."

"A few words out of that man is all it takes to get folks revved up. They start hollering his slogans, talking about "any means necessary" and "take down whitey"," Jimmy described, eyes forward. "I know good and well where they're coming from. I've taken a lot from whites, too. But I also know too many negroes out here full of flaming hot bullshit." Fabian regarded him with surprised intrigue. "Estevan's seen messed up mutants, but- and I don't mean your dad any disrespect- he still wants to act like he can make some kind of magic paradise for "our kind". Please. No matter who's on top, it's going to get fucked up like always. The world is what it is, Fabian. And it's never going to get better."

His legs losing momentum, Fabian attempted to take all of that in. "Then I don't understand. Why do you bother with any of this?"

Jimmy answered that with, "I was born on the bottom. At least as a mutant, I have a chance to die on top."

Slipping into silence after that, Fabian absent-mindedly pedaled while soon finding himself a prisoner of his own pondering.