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.

262. Chapter 262 Solo Act

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Sixty-Two

Author's Word: How's it going, fam? Thanks a ton for the great reviews from last chapter. It seems we have another birthday fam member. Congratulations on making 18, FrankieRae! Thank you all for your support, motivation, and of course, helping keep me distracted. Please enjoy and review!

Not finding the chapter on twin theories of any grand fascination yet not chained in tedium by it either, Leon still slammed the book shut. Arching his head back and rubbing his eyelids, he wheeled back in his desk chair. Though the thought occurred to him, he found no inner momentum enough to make the swivel into his own personal tilt-a-whirl. He did perform a one-eighty spin to face the other side of his room. As soon as he opened his eyes again, he had to blink as well as clear them some more with his hands. Looking again, he realized his irises to be terribly mistaken at the lack of figure he initially believed he saw.

Rising, Leon walked to his window. Cloudiness blocked most of the stars, but even seeing a few offered so much more than the Los Angeles sky. He stayed in place a few minutes there. Different subjects crossed his mind yet they all ended up leading him to the same central thought. Turning away from the glass, he attempted against to muscle through the homework hurdle.

IIIIIII

Despite the thin frame flung at it, the windshield still exploded in multiple pieces at the rapid contact. The firearm pointed at her next provided sufficient motivation to disappear from the car. The bullet released only succeeded in sending a hole through the driver's seat. Reforming behind him, Melissa kicked him between the shoulder blades. He flew into the hood of the car while his gun followed a whole other path. Seeing the shadow of the other man over her, Melissa seized hold of the steel pipe before he could ram her skull with it. Gripping the pipe, she used both feet to kick him in the stomach. As soon as he sank to his knees, Melissa used the pipe to hit him in the back until he laid there groaning.

No time for breath catching, Melissa raced to the opposite end of the exclusive and currently deserted parking garage. She knelt to where the three Hispanic girls, oldest no more than fifteen, sat bound and gagged together.

"It's okay." Melissa went to immediate work, loosening their grips. "I'm going to get you out of here and we're going to get you back to your parents."

As soon as the youngest girl had her gag off, she gestured with her head urgently. "You're hurt!"

Taking notice of the blood trickling out from her upper arm, Melissa dismissed, "Just a scrape."

After returning the abductees to their apartment house in Brooklyn, Melissa took off while all the parents proved too distracted by elation. Due to the late hour and lack of traffic, she reached to the manor in less time. She fluttered up to her quarters without making a sound and peeled off all her clothes as well as various bits of glass. Making it to her shower, she stilled as the warm water flowed freely. It did not take long for the dirt and blood to morph the base of her tub into a pool of murky crimson.

IIIIIII

Finished brushing teeth as well as hair, the girl clothed in off-white blouse and flowy emerald skirt with headband of a matching green shade left the bathroom. Before she could fully step inside her room, she found herself whisked up into arms she knew so well.

"Sean," came the giggled reaction.

"Just getting in a little threshold practice." Going in, he used his hip to shut the door. "How was that? Should I dig out my old Superman cape and sort of bound in?"

Maya touched her temple. "Maybe when my head stops moving faster than a speeding bullet."

With a frown, Sean lowered onto the foot of the bed with her in his lap. "Another headache?"

"No, no, not for a while actually." Maya eased against his shoulder. "The dizziness comes and goes, but Hank says that will pass soon. I'm just glad I can go back to school with," she raised her head to dress his lips with hers, "my intendent. I just wish we could ride in together, but Erik wants to talk with me this morning."

"You don't think he knows about us, do you?"

Maya scoffed. "If he or the Professor did, the lecture mob would have knocked down our doors already. Especially considering we've been engaged for… hmm, about thirty hours now?"

"And savoring the seconds." Laying her on the bed on her back, Sean crawled over her to share an extended kiss. He brushed at her cheek with his hair, getting close to her ear. "Any day now, I'll have enough to get you the biggest diamond ring there is."

"Don't even think about spending that kind of money on just me," Maya protested.

"Just you?" Sean echoed. "First, I don't like the way that sounds. Two, it wouldn't be for "just" you. It's a shout-out to the world that we're off limits."

"As nice as that sounds, feel free to take your time. Before we announce it, I really want this punishment to be up and to go back to the finer things in life- like good health."

"Fine by me." Sean kissed her again. "Our news, all ours, wrapped up tight. I can dig it."

"So can I," she concurred happily. "Besides, it'll give us enough time to get things ironed out. Remember that I absolutely have to tell Raven first or I'm best friend blacklisted forever."

"And Hank, too," Sean nodded. "I know. You can count on me not breathing a word to my parents any time soon. They'll fly in the pope just to tell me I'm stupid."

Maya laughed. "I better meet Erik."

"Not so fast." Sean gathered her to carry again. "Practice makes perfect after all."

IIIIIII

"No matter what your initial thoughts or reactions are," Hank emphasized, "she is still your friend and classmate."

"Hank," Jam responded calmly with the thinnest sliver of amusement, "I got it the first hundred times. Can I see my friend now, please?"

Hank stood to leave the room. "I'll be back."

With Alex positioned by the living room doorway, Leon spoke covertly with Jam. "They're giving you the watered down version, but I went through this already. She's going to be shocking and maybe even a little repulsive to you at first. You will have to brace yourself."

Nodding, Jam faced ahead.

Hank re-entered the room with his wife in tow and quickly got out of the way for Jam to fully view her. The blonde female wore a short scarlet dress with long sleeves, black waist belt, and equally dark boots and tights. Jam merely remained on the couch alongside Leon. He said not a word but his eyes remained coolly expectant.

At her hesitation, he finally said, "Rae, you don't have to show me anything if you don't want to. We can just go to school."

"Wait…" Sighing inward, she allowed her golden strands to melt into bright red while her peaches and cream complexion became blue and scaly.

First amazed by the transformation alone, Jam's eyes bulged at the final result.

Hank and Alex shared a mutual apprehensive expression.

"Oh my God… girl," a relieved Jam got to his feet, "I thought you were about to come in here with two heads speaking gibberish."

A smile took over Raven's face at the offered embrace she accepted. "Seriously? Wait, you know this is the real deal, right? The girl who won the Beauty Queen crown is just a disguise."

"Blah, blah, blah, bull," Jam dismissed, taking her hand to spin her for the full image. "I'll drop by the Art Department and make you a whole new crown." He gave a peck to her cheek then looked around at the others. "Okay, Drama Club, can we go to school now?"

Hank and Alex developed the same grin Raven wore and Leon appeared staggered then pleased.

After collecting their coats and bags, Alex brought his arm around Raven. "Good going, twin."

Still beaming, Raven resumed her blonde guise for the ride.

IIIIIII

Upon pulling into, parking in front of, and taking a two-seater table by the corner window inside the kosher café, Maya slipped into quiet wonder. They waved at a couple of senior citizens they recognized from the Temple.

At the look on the girl's face, Erik inquired, "Is your stomach upset?"

"Oh no," Maya shook her head. "It's just, well, breakfast out. I thought I was being punished."

The man in light gray suit came back with, "The way I hear it, time alone with me is punishment tenfold for a lot of you children."

"That isn't true." She then tacked on honestly, "Not anymore, anyway."

"Yes. You know, Maya, I don't believe a person ever really changes," Erik put forth. "They merely improve or go the lesser route."

Maya presumed, "You think I've been acting lesser."

"I believe you acted recklessly and irresponsibly," Erik said matter-of-factly. "Not lesser at all. What I brought you here to address is my role in your powers spiraling out of control the way they did."

Maya regarded him in confusion. "Your role?"

"I was the one who provoked you during training, stirring the anger within you. In doing so, the negative memories snuck in and nearly consumed you. Not only that," he went on, "but I've influenced you elsewhere as well. These escapades; the desire for the hunt."

"Hunting?" Maya repeated. "You think that's what I was doing?"

"It's what I once did," Erik stated. "It's a path I don't want you taking part in and losing yourself along the way."

"Erik, if I was going to hunt anywhere it'd be school," Maya told him. "It's so tempting to use my powers on the obnoxious kids I can't stand, but I don't. There's no point. I'm more powerful than they are. They don't need a demonstration. What I did with Melissa and Brenda had nothing to do with bloodlust. If it did, I could have easily shot that one guy. All I wanted was to provide medicine, food, get people out of bad situations. And it wasn't just my memories. I know how bad the world can be, but seeing children scared to death of their own parents, knowing some women have to use their bodies just to buy their kids' insulin… I can't tell you how outraged that made me."

Erik patted her shoulder gingerly. "I understand that sentiment as well. A country with as much to go around as this one, leaving its own in squalor."

Maya nodded then brought up, "You really throw me sometimes. If I'm not strong enough, it's a problem. If I'm too strong, you think I'm losing myself."

Erik squeezed her shoulder. "Small confession for you. You'll find that your average Jewish elder is not satisfied without reason to complain about our youngsters." She laughed softly and he smiled at her. "And I am proud of you, Maya. Not of the deceit, but for retaining and using what we've taught you. You truly are one of the X-men."

The girl swelled with contentment. "Thank you, Erik. You don't know what that means to me, especially from you."

"We'd best order." Erik picked up his menu and she did likewise. "And keep your eyes off that pastry list. You're still being punished."

Maya put on a face of dejection, though all she craved that morning was a fresh croissant with butter. Not that he needed to know that.

IIIIIII

At the six foot, chocolate-skinned teenager that started by her desk for free period, Kayla petitioned, "Keith." The young man stopped to go stand at her chair. "I was up reading your poem last night. Without a doubt, it's the best in class. So full of energy and sincerity. You write well above your grade level."

Despite his stature, Keith's voice proved minute. "Th-thank you, Mrs. Howlett."

"I'd love for you and a few of the others to read your poems at the beginning of class tomorrow."

He fiddled with the cuff on one sleeve. "Do I have to?"

"I really would like for everyone to hear it. I'll tell you what." Kayla then asked, "Would it be alright if I read it for you?"

Keith nodded. "Okay, Mrs. Howlett. Thank you."

"I'll see you after break," Kayla said to the departing boy.

As soon as Keith walked out, another teenage male his height but slimmer walked back into the class. "Mrs. Howlett, my cousin's writing is good, but he can't stand speaking. He barely likes to talk. Ever since we were little kids, Keith's had trouble slurring his words. Everybody used to make a big joke out of him."

"Oh Clarence, that's horrible," Kayla frowned.

"Tell me about it. Got me in a lot of fights, but you know, family sticks together. At least we do."

"That's correct," Kayla agreed. "But if either of you faces any trouble like that here, let me know immediately. You won't need to get your hands dirty on my watch."

"You're too cool, Mrs. Howlett," Clarence grinned, taking his leave again.

IIIIIII

"Maya."

Promptly cramming the bridal magazine as far south into her locker as it would go, she flashed a smile at the one who approached. "Bren."

"You're a Supergirl for sore eyes." They exchanged a quick hug. "Frank says you're on house arrest."

"Two weeks," Maya confirmed. "And Alex is my new warden."

Brenda smiled mischievously. "I wouldn't mind being handcuffed by him…"

Maya had to grip her locker door to keep from falling over. "Bren, ugh, gross! I just started keeping solid foods down again." She shut and secured her locker.

Brenda laughed then wondered, "How exactly does grounding work in your world? I mean, your boyfriend and best friends live in the same house with you and you see the rest of us at school."

Walking with her, Maya pointed out, "I also had all my privileges snatched away in addition to the rebuilding of trust issue."

"Speaking of," Brenda switched topics slightly, "I heard Melissa come in really late last night. I saw her laundry- blood. Not the monthly kind. I mean all over her top."

"What? What did she get into last night?"

"No clue. I am out of her loop."

Maya sighed heavily. "This is all my fault."

Brenda asked, "Have you guys talked since it happened?"

"We never got a chance to and when I was allowed to use the phone, this did not seem like a calling conversation," Maya reasoned. "I'd really hoped to talk to her before Leon did."

Brenda ceased walking. "Okay, tell me they did not break up, thus destroying a good chunk of what I hold dear in this messed up world."

"I have no idea," Maya said honestly. "I haven't really had a chance to talk to Leon, either. Bren, if they broke up, I will never forgive myself."

"Hey, easy," Brenda soothed. "Maybe they just need breathing room."

Maya replied distantly, "Maybe."

The girls parted for their separate rooms with that.

II

On his usual route for a particular locker, Collin stopped in his treks at the conversing going on between the female pair a distance away.

"Thanks again for letting me borrow these." Carmen handed her back the ruby studs. "They went perfectly with my dress."

"Did you take pictures?" Samantha wanted to know.

"Don't worry. I'm showing everybody at lunch."

"Great! Did you parents have a nice anniversary party?"

"It was so gorgeous. I can't wait to show you how they decorated the hall. Oh hey," removing a few pieces of paper from the purple folder she held, Carmen explained, "my parents got me these supplemental books for science. I made copies for everyone. Extra kick for the test on Friday."

"Oh thank you!" Samantha grinned.

"See you in a few." Carmen waved at the boy that walked up on them. "See you, Collin."

"Bye," the redhead waved after her then turned to the bright-eyed blonde. "Hey, Twilight Zone, what was that?"

"What do you mean?" smiled Samantha.

Collin did not get a chance to elaborate as a herd of students thundered by. He and Samantha clung to each other's hands as they hurried to see what had generated the buzz. They moved around a corner with the rest of teenage swarm to discover the cause of the emotion; two boys tumbling and exchanging punches in the middle of the hall.

Practically pouncing his way through the numerous youths, Hank seized each by the back of his shirt and forcefully pried them. "E-nough!" The growls sent them as well as the gathered into silence. "The rest of you, this is not a spectators' sport! Get to class immediately!" The group divided instantly, retreating to their rooms. "Heath Taylor," Hank recognized the taller one in his clutch, "a junior getting into petty fights with a freshman? What do you have to say for yourself?"

"He was in my face, Doc McCoy!" Heath insisted.

"Was not!" retorted the ninth grader. "He's been giving me grief all semester."

"We're going to sort this out in Principal Newman's office," Hank determined, his gaze growing darker. "And Heath, if I find any complaints stating you've been harassing him or any other student, you'll be visiting my office next. For a paddling."

Heath faded several shades whiter. "But Doc! I-I'm a junior!"

"Then act like one." Letting them go, he prodded them ahead towards the main office. "Move!"

The near floor-shaking tone made them almost break into a run to the designated location.

IIIIIII

After the majority of the mixed food and juice made it into her son's plump stomach, Emma clean his face and changed his outfit. She set him up in his toy swing, giving her the chance to tidy up around the nursery while he played.

Leon poked his head in, forming a small smile at the woman's presence. "You're home."
"Certainly a rare treat these days." Emma folded and put away some of Brian's clothes in a drawer. "Your father and uncle are attending a political hearing in the city. I really grow tired of our opposition from time to time."

Glancing down briefly, Leon threw out, "Do you think it does any good? Debating?"

"I think it does great good to stay informed and make it evident that our side will not be intimidated so easily." Turning towards him, Emma asked, "How was class?" At his shrug, she quipped, "So riveting?"

Leon squatted by Brian's swing and ran a hand over his steadily growing yellow hair. "Aunt Emma," he brought his head up in the woman's direction, "how do you handle violations of trust? When you're, um, attached."

Only smiling inwardly at his word choice, Emma's exterior remained serious. "Before I answer that, is the possibility of detaching on the table whatsoever?"

"Inconceivable," Leon replied. "Entirely."

"Hm, that makes things easier." She paced from the changing table to the crib thoughtfully. "When it's definite commitment we're referring to, there are certain things you have to remember that many all too quickly forget. For one, a relationship is not a morality conquest. Some juvenile game of "I'm right, you're wrong". You must remember that you, too, have done things you regret and use that perspective to see their point of view. Also, whatever rage and frustration you feel, does not change your obligation to the one you're with. They must know the love is still there, even if its amongst a great deal of displeasure. Keep in mind that there is a time to be angry for yourself, but you cannot hold onto it. The rest of the time that anger should be focused on correction and setting things straight between you."

Bowing his head to fully take in her words, Leon arose to his full height. "How do you get over being angry for yourself?"

Emma told him, "You stop to look deeper. Ask and discover the real reasons behind the deception."

Silent for another moment, Leon said, "Thanks, Em. I better get ready to go get the kids."

"Leon?" she spoke as he turned. "If it comes down to it, I'm still quite willing to cut off all her pretty hair."

Smirking back at her, Leon continued out.

IIIIIII

When she finished swapping out school clothes for X-Men athletic apparel of track pants and a t-shirt, Maya met Alex in the kitchen. He moved about the eatery, collecting fresh fruit and other edible items while detailing their game plan.

However, when he reached the blender, Alex looked to the island to see his sole participant galaxies away. "Maya." His sharpness made her dart eyes his way. "Have you heard a word I said or were you off to see the wizard?"

"Sorry, sorry, just," she pushed some hair behind her ear, "lot going on with school and everything."

Alex began loading the blender. "How much did you eat today?"

Maya went into recollection. "Um, light breakfast with Erik, tea this morning, most of lunch."

"Did you write it all down?"

At the realization, she groaned in and out. "No, I forgot about the journal."

Finger frozen at the pause button, Alex looked to her with zero nonsense present. "Forgot? Maya, I went over this with you. You have to log away your food so we can monitor your progress."

"I know and I will—"

"Maya, we can't fool around with this type of thing with someone your size." Alex came around the island to gaze directly into her face. "You lost enough calories over the weekend. I think the biggest thing I saw you keep down was Kayla's cake on Sunday. Are you trying to develop anemia? Or anorexia? Brenda's hair was falling out from that. Remember that?"

Eyes developing a blaze, she retorted, "I am not anorexic!" At the way the fruit and blender lightly shook, Maya grew immediately bashful. "Sorry…"

Countenance even, Alex directed, "Let me see your hand." As soon as she extended one of the appendages, he delivered five smacks to the back of it.

"Ow!" Surprised herself at the sting it caused, Maya retracted right when he let go of her. She felt herself revert from high school senior to skittish kindergartener.

Speaking evenly, Alex said, "I only meant that you could become medically anorexic like they made Brenda in that place. And that right there," he indicated the formerly tremoring objects on the counter, "cannot happen. I tell this to everyone with really destructive powers. We have to keep it together or we could hurt someone. Look, Maya, I'm doing this to help you put this whole thing behind you finally. But if you want to have outbursts like the younger kids, that's how I'm going to treat you." At her sinking countenance, he lowered to his elbows to follow her shamed eyes. "Maya, I'm not trying to be the obnoxious guy who gets under your skin. I'm your instructor trying to do right by you. Do you get that?"

Maya gave off a nod. "I'm sorry, Alex, I am. I just wish this was all over already."

"I know it's rough, but we'll get there. Now, while I put together this smoothie to give us both a jolt," he walked back to the blender, "go grab your food journal."

With another nod, Maya slid off the stool and headed away from the kitchen. Once upstairs, it did not take her long to find the spiral notebook in question. She also spotted a dark garment sticking out from under her bed and realized it to be the jacket of her action gear outfit. Getting it up, Maya stored it away in her closet and moved with whatever speed allowed to her to return to her awaiting instructor.

IIIIIII

Fifteen exiting students later and still no sign of the one he sought, Leon decided to venture inside the community college. He could not deny the underwhelming feel of it compared to WU's campus life. The place came off as a significantly bigger high school than anything. Granted, Leon also suspected that their professors did not carry a fifth of the arrogance found among private university educators.

Making it to the right room, he stepped half inside to see the instructor, an older man in tweed with mustache as thick and white as his hair, clearing the chalkboard. "Excuse me, did Melissa Vitus leave already? Long wavy brown hair, brown eyes, supremely skinny."

"The young lady who sits in the back," the man recalled. "Not the most social but quite the dutiful note taker. I'm afraid she didn't come in today."

With that information, Leon bobbed his head, "Thank you," and made a direct path for the outdoors. His feet did not slow down until he mounted his motorcycle.

IIIIIII

With Joey finishing up his homework, Brian claiming current ownership of his Uncle Erik's undivided attention, and no one screaming or on fire, the telepathic couple retreated to their suite. At their small round table covered in cream colored cloth, they shared a bottle of after-dinner moscato. The wine proved all the sweeter with the inclusion of their cheesecake squares.

"It would appear that the threat of mandatory sterilization in New York state is behind us." Charles took another savory bite and long drink. "Unfortunately, we still have the remainder of the east coast to convince."

Emma stroked the handle of her glass. "Along with the small incidentals of west, north, and south."

Reclining in his chair, Charles requested, "One region at a time."

At the knock and activation of her senses, Emma responded, "Leon, sweetheart?"

Entering through one of the French doors, the young man beat around not one bush. "I need your help to find Melissa."

Brenda peeked out from behind him. "I've got a clue."

IIIIIII

All dressed to the nines in leisure suits and office attire, the two dozen or more men made the building's lower level a sea of crisp collars. Though with the cigars many of them gnawed on, the image came off more as fog surrounding a trash pileup in the Hudson. From three stories up, the form blanketed by shadows eyed them with a catlike vigilance. Turning, she made the slow descent down the iron stairs. The conversation and guffawing among the men completely ceased as the youthful brunette in dark attire neared.

"Hey, who's the doll?"

"Who's the new talent?"

One sneered with eyes filled with intention. "You lost, little girl? Looking for your mommy?"

"Hm, I wonder if she's still in intensive care." Melissa stopped at the halfway point of the low portion of the stairs. "From when I beat and cut her." Her words sent peculiar gazes and murmurs amongst those gathered. "That's the thing with me. Drugs, money laundering? I don't give a shit. Mess around with kids?" From behind her back, Melissa showed and fired her energy weapon, sending the man in front of her hurling into two behind him. "Not so good at cheek turning there."

Reminiscent of a rabid pack, they all lunged at her at once. Disappearing and reappearing continuously, Melissa got several fires and kicks in. Two attempted to grab her arms, but she moved again. Pushing back the lethargy building, Melissa let adrenaline sustain her. Fighting with three all at once, she missed it as another of their associates broke a chair on her. At the intense contact, Melissa fell flat to the floor. She used her power again, but only made it to the base of the stairs.

One tried to encroach on her, but the one materializing before them in silver and black uniform came between then. He took their stun as an opportunity to deliver twin punches.

"Vapor," Melissa recognized.

He spared one glance back at her and continued to fight.

With a male now in their midst, those who carried them attempted to pull out their guns. The second they held the firearms, the weapons jumped straight from their hands.

Hovering above them, Magneto proposed, "What say we make this a fair fight?" He then took the liberty of emptying and crumpling the guns.

Jumping straight through a window as though the panes were made of paper, Wolverine pounced in. "Make a move, hotshots." He extended his bones claws. "This'll save me a night in the gym."

"Mutants," one of fine dressed men determined. "Take 'em down. They'll fetch a good price."

"Now you're really stupid." Wolverine delivered kicks and stabbed another's arm while speaking. "If ya think ya can make so much as ten cents off me."

A man released a sincere scream at the arrow fired into his shin and he grabbed his leg.

Stepping forward in her blue and green X-Men attire, Kayla reloaded her crossbow. "I'm afraid my chaotic entrances are not nearly as memorable as my husband's."

Melissa rushed to her feet. "Mrs. Howlett? What are you doing here?"

Kayla sent her a certain look. "Isn't that the question of the evening?"

No further talking could take place as the exchange of blows and arrows waged on. Magneto used a lengthy chain to lash three of them before tying them up with it. Four of the assailants dropped to their knees, clutching their heads. From the rear of the building, Emma appeared beneath the light fixtures with fingers to her temple.

When the thugs proved sufficiently weakened, Professor X arrived. He brought them into a state of moaning as he began wiping the metaphorical slates.

"They won't remember us or anything regarding mutants," the male telepath told his comrades. "However, they're going to be especially talkative about their activities once police get here. Which shall be shortly."

With that, Magneto directed, "Make haste."

The mutated group promptly proceeded out to the vehicles.

"What exactly are you doing here?" Melissa wanted to know.

"Went to pick you up from school," replied Vapor. "Which is difficult when you're not actually present."

"Pick me up?" She eyed him incredulously. "Last I checked, you were "processing"."

Pausing, Vapor countered, "Last I checked, you're still my girl."

Melissa's lips parted, but words did not sound.

Wolverine whistled their way. "Hey, you two want to rehearse Gone with the Wind later?"

The young ones continued their pace.

When they made it within reach of each other, Kayla applied a healing hand over Melissa. The younger female felt her visible and hidden marks fade away soothingly.

Melissa returned to the X-Mansion with them. From where they waited in the living room, Maya and Brenda hurried towards the foyer. With no words ready or warranted, they both latched onto her in an embrace. Melissa said nothing, steadily easing into the contact.

IIIIIII

Body rejuvenated by the warm shower and adorned in night clothes, Leon headed back to his room after running the towel over his damp hair. He remained quiet at first, watching the female mutant stationed at and staring out of his window.

"So I know you're still trying to adjust to this whole school thing," Leon finally spoke, "but what thought process occurred to make you believe you vs. over twenty huge guys would equal a low calculated risk?"

She shrugged one shoulder. "I liked the odds."

"That makes one of us."

"Well, apparently," Melissa tapped irritated fingernails against the glass, "disappointing you is my strong suit."

"Disappointment's not all bad. To let somebody down, they had to have held you pretty high in the first place." Leon moved to gaze out alongside her and she flashed eyes at him. "Then again, some psycho chick told me that. What do I know?"

"So, what now? I'm just beneath your boots now?"

"Melissa," he faced her, "are you going to play wounded? You were the one keeping things from me. Do you think I would ever involve Collin or Brenda in something I knew you'd be against?"

"Look, I get that," Melissa said. "And I regret leaving you in the dark, but I'm not going to deny the great team we made. And while you're out to coddle Maya like she's helpless, you ever stop to look at yourself? As if you've never been reckless. At least she wasn't just out for jollies."

"Like infiltrating a trafficking ring on my own?"

"Like going a thousand miles an hour on your bike with no helmet," Melissa threw back. "Night surfing, phony prescriptions, hopping a plane without a word then having the nerve to jump all over Maya for helping me score medical supplies in Buffalo. Talk about making hypocrisy an art form."

Leon stated, "My life is not priority with me."

Melissa retorted, "Like I give a shit about mine?"

"We have to." His increased tone brought temporary silence into the room. "Alex said I have to be careful. Not just for me or the X-Men, but for you, too. And he's right. If we're as serious as we think we are, we have to give up this solo mentality and remember that we have a responsibility to each other."

"You're right," she agreed, eyes genuine. "Lee, I want things back on track with us."

"So do I." Leon seemed to unite their brown eyes. "And you're definitely not wrong about the things I've done. The difference is, I get away with nothing. My father, brother, and uncle hold me accountable; the X-Men hold each other accountable. I know it's a different setup with you Acolytes."

"We are a free range folk."

"Exactly. Melissa, as unbelievably formidable as you are, power can be dangerous. You need a stability source. You need to be called out and corrected. I want you to have that force in your life."

Melissa regarded him expectantly. "Where do you suppose I begin to browse for that?"

Leon gestured towards his bed. "Lie down." Getting out of her boots, she stretched out on the mattress on her back. Leon climbed on next, using his palms to prop himself directly above her. His hair cloaked both sides of her face. "Do you trust me?"

"Yes."

"Now, ask me anything."

Melissa reacted to that with, "Did you think about me while you were away?"

"I felt you next to me in bed," he told her. "Did you think about me?"

"I have the worn-out albums to prove it." She then asked, "Do you want to punish me?"

Leon nodded. "So I don't lose you. It will hurt. It has to."

"What do I have to do?"

Rising a little, Leon sat on the side of his bed now. Before he could give direction, she maneuvered herself across his lap. Leon had to battle against the strangeness. He had never had a female in the position, let alone his steady. He took a few seconds to channel the resolve owned in abundance by his male family members.

"You can't escape with your powers," he cautioned. "You don't get to get up at all until I say this is over. Can you handle that?"

Without a trace of dryness, Melissa piped up, "Yes."

Sink or swim mentality in place, Leon immediately started swatting the seat of her pants. As he did so, he found it odd how touching her backside stirred nothing provocative within him. He only focused on the disciplinary task at hand, knowing anything less might cause her to vanish before him permanently.

Melissa's current view of the floor proved so foreign to her that she could not recall the last time she knew such an angle. Not that she desired to reminisce. With her boyfriend's time in the gym and martial artist status, she knew she should not have been surprised by the force delivered by his hand. The pain started off nagging then stinging, followed straightaway by blazing. Melissa gasped, not about to cry out and alert the numerous members of the household. Despite the growing intensity, she did notice the way he only slapped continuously. He did not linger for so much as a fraction of a section to needlessly fondle her.

Unaware at first, tears began to leave her eyes. The pain accounted for a minimal amount of it. It only gave her the opportunity to cry over what she herself had not realized she kept pushed back. Remorse echoed from her throat.

Leon stopped, not wanting to mortify her by having her wails reach any other ears or minds. At the way she shook, he decided to leave a hand on her back instead of moving her. He found himself gently raking fingers through her soft, beautiful hair. Something about the way it bounced and made framed artwork of her face always filled him with contentment he hardly understood. Lifting her into his arms, Leon dipped his chin to connect their foreheads.

"Do you want ice?"

Unsure if she had heard him correctly, she whispered, "What?"

He clarified, "Do you want me to fix you an ice bag?"

"No," Melissa turned down without delay. "I-I just want to feel." Leon instantly received the multiple meaning there. "I better go…"

Now Leon protested, "No. Please. Stay with me tonight. I've had too many without you. You can leave in the morning and I'll explain it to my family if I have to, but I need you here tonight."

"Me, too," she sniffed. "Do you have clothes?"

"All the time. Do you want me to change you?"

"Yes."

Leon laid her on her side. Going to the right drawer, he removed the clean set of gray sweat clothes. He got her undressed and fully clothed again by the light of his windows. Settling next to her, he covered them both but sat up slightly on his pillow to watch her.

He did not miss the very brief contortion on her face. "Is it that bad? Are you sure you don't want the ice?"

"No, some other feeling. Really bizarre."

"What?"

As if speaking the word for the first time, Melissa replied, "Safe."

Leon smirked. "It gets easier once your body stops twitching violently."

IIIIIII

Wrapped inside the gold comforter together in a lump at the foot of Maya's bed, the pair would pass for a butter dripping mashed potato mound from many stories high.

Sean lowered his notebook to give her both his arms. "Why do I get the feeling ceremony colors aren't what's eating you?"

"Hank and Raven just had to claim blue… ugh!" Maya rolled her head back in frustration. "Sean, what am I saying? What am I doing?"

"Overthinking." Sean kissed her shoulder blade before applying a massage to the spot. "It's the MVP way."

"Sean, look at all the trouble I caused. Melissa warned me, but I didn't want to hear it. I almost broke her up with Leon for good. I don't deserve this," Maya insisted. "I don't deserve to think about colors or dresses. I don't deserve the happy bride-to-be treatment."

"Yes, you do," Sean countered plainly.

"I can't even do physical therapy without having a tantrum over a stupid food journal. One that I couldn't bother keeping track of. Alex told me it was important. God forbid I listen."

Sean rested his chin on her shoulder now. "Do you even know how to listen to Alex?"

"Sean…" Unable to go on, Maya whimpered against him.

Hoping his smile did not show in his voice, Sean brushed fingers through her hair. "Maya, I know you feel bad, but Lee and Melissa will work it out. I don't think it's possible to break up that much weirdness so easily. Now, quit being down on yourself before I choose tangerine and eggshell for the colors."

Maya's face displayed repulsion until something else crossed her mind. "Wow, it just occurred to me. Pretty soon I won't be the MVP anymore."

"You think you want to keep your name?"

"No chance!" she rejected. "After spending over two years doodling "Mrs. Cassidy" on my papers?"

With a short laugh, Sean kissed her and put forth, "Either way, you'll still be the MVP. Only now, you'll be Most Valuable Cassidy."

Maya smiled, getting comfortable on him and Sean resumed jotting down thoughts.

IIIIIII

At the look he received from the metal wielder, the Professor in robe and pajamas appeared sheepish for a moment.

"…What?"

Erik glanced at the clock. "It took you almost an hour for a "quick shower"."

Charles asserted indignantly, "That factory was absolutely filthy."

"Mmhm." Erik adjusted a few of the pieces on the chessboard. "I hope you remembered to thank your wife for her generosity."

Running a hand down his face as if to clear the redness, Charles said, "On that token," he took his chair, "I assume you're aware that Leon has company this evening."

"I figured she wouldn't want to be alone tonight." Erik raised his head. "I don't think we have reason to fret, Lab Rat. Beyond knowing our rules, Leon… he and Melissa are not like other people their age."

"I certainly know that," the Professor assured. "My primary concern is how to approach this issue in the future. I'm not exactly the greatest example of where a pre-marital tryst leads."

"It goes beyond disease and pregnancy, Charles," reasoned Erik. "When I discuss this with the older children, I try to remind them that they have to have respect for themselves on a physical, mental, and spiritual level. And care for the one they're with in the same fashion."

Charles noted, "You do have an easier time with that conversation."

"Most parents are ready to assume the worst when their children come to them with such matters. Trick's upbringing is a harsh example of that." Charles nodded in grim agreement as the older Headmaster went on. "It is a serious subject that I believe in being open and honest with them about."

The Professor formed something of a dry smile. "If only I'd had you many years back. You would have helped prevent some of my poorer judgement."

"I would have liked to have been with you. And Raven. But Charles," Erik leaned forward a bit, looking at him more directly, "whatever disparaging remark anyone has to say about Brian, know that he has been a blessing to us all. I wouldn't change a thing about that Lab Mouse."

Charles' countenance became more sincerely pleased. "Thank you, brother. Neither would I. I only wish I would have been more celebratory when I learned the news."

"Charles, during that whole thing, I never judged you," Erik told him. "I never felt a glint of anger or disappoint in you. In fact, you made me quite proud with the way you handled it. A man stepping up to his responsibilities."

"Erik, I…" Charles cleared his throat a little. "You've no idea what that means to me, brother."

Erik reached over to pat his thigh twice. "Your move. No cheating."

Staring at the board, Charles informed, "Erik, your mind is of no temptation; more of a prison yard than a playground."

Erik's retort came in the form of collecting multiple pawns from the cheeky telepath.