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.

264. Chapter 264 Whatever Tomorrow May Bring

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Sixty-Four

Author's Word: Hi, fam! Thanks for the last round of feedback. FemaleAlphaWolf, welcome back and glad your play went over well. Hope, always joyed to hear from you. To all, please enjoy and review!

A great deal of overthinking in regards to wardrobe had plagued Sean for most of the week. In any other setting for such an occasion, he knew to put on something that bordered on Sunday best. However, he felt going overboard on formalwear would make him stick out too much as an overly naïve square. With a combination of Ben's assistance and Trick's advice via telephone, the redhead had settled on tan pants, a cherry red sweater, his suede jacket, and his shades with the circular lenses. He hoped he had not gone too far in wearing his dark brown strap shoes. Expensive as well as imported, Emma had gifted him with the leather pair on his last birthday.

The outfit made some type of positive impression, considering the number of women who performed giddy double takes as they passed by him. While enjoying the confidence boost, only one girl remained at the front of Sean's mind as he continued to wait in the ultra-comfortable upholstered chair. Eventually, or possibly too soon, the man in question emerged from behind his office door. His appearance consisting of ivory pants with flared legs, orchid shirt with popped collar, and gold chain around his neck put the young X-Man at ease.

Smiling widely, the older male extended a hand. "Hey now, Seanie. Thanks for coming by."

Getting to his feet, Sean accepted the handshake that turned into a one-armed hug. "Thanks a lot for waiting on me to get out of school, Cliff."

"Not even a problem. Come on in." Cliff gestured for Sean to enter the office ahead of him. "Get comfy because we've got lots to discuss."

IIIIIII

Quietly arriving in the doorway of the room belonging to the young teen, he approved of the forest green dress shirt, ironed black slacks, and polished patent-leather shoes. However, Estevan had to both protest and hide his amusement at the way Collin very nearly strangled himself with his neck tie.

"Give me that before someone gets hurt." Strolling over, Estevan went to prompt work getting the accessory in place properly.

Standing straight for him, Collin quipped, "Almost handcuffed myself with it at one point."

"You'll learn the art of these elegant leashes someday." Finished with the tie, Estevan pat his shoulders to smooth out some of the material. "I have to say, this green is quite impeccable with your hair."

Collin formed a small smile. "Thanks. So long as Sam likes it. This is a lot bigger than our typical movie night."

"I'll say," concurred Estevan. "It was nice of Fabian to secure tickets for the two of you as well. This is quite the event."

"I can't get over how jazzed he's been since I started going out with Sam. Now it's like he wants to take it upon himself to educate me in Fox Wooing."

Estevan stated, "Fabian is happy for you. He simply has his unique way of showing such things."

Uncertainty built up over the boy. "Are you? Happy about me and Sam I mean."

Estevan fully considered it before responding. "Even before this courtship, she showed how much she cared for you. I only want you to remember that you are in no way less than she is. Treat her well, but always keep in mind that she must live up to you as well."

Collin bobbed his head to that. "Thanks."

"Also, I really don't know where the X-Men would be were I not around to provide their steadies."

Collin dipped his head in laughter.

In his own black suit with indigo shirt and his hair in a slick ponytail, the shades sporting Fabian appeared outside the door. "The coach awaits, as do the vixens."

While Collin got into his jacket, Estevan advised, "Be watchful of your wallets and purses. Many lowbrows are sure to try to blend in amongst that crowd."

"Si, Papi." Fabian waited on Collin and they headed for the stairs and evening ahead together.

IIIIIII

Once Angel removed the last roller, the blonde's thick curls flowed like a waterfall. Light makeup done and nails dry, Samantha stood to remove her protective robe. Under it, she wore a pale pink off-the-shoulder dress with long sleeves and skirt that reached right below her knees. It had white trim around the shoulders, waist, and base of the skirt that went nicely with her ballet flats.

Seated on the side of Angel's bed watching them, Becky remarked, "You look even better than Princess Aurora."

"Thanks," Samantha smiled at her from the vanity mirror.

From where she helped Cordelia with her necklace, Emma commented, "And we have Cinderella over here."

Black hair styled up, Cordelia stared at her reflection in the wall mirror. "Closer to one of the stephags."

"You stop that," Emma immediately chided. "You look wonderful."

Cordelia had on a shimmering sleeveless goldenrod hi-lo dress with glittery bodice and short black heels. On her right wrist, she wore her favorite gold band from Fabian. The left carried a black bracelet circled all around with tiny gold jewels formerly belonging to her mother. At the way Emma traced fingers over the bracelet while helping her get ready, Cordelia knew she recognized it as well.

Angel said, "It is so cool how Fabian's getting you guys into a special glamour showing. Tickets for The Sound of Music have been sold out like mad."

"The musical was phenomenal. Charles and I want to take in the film as soon as this little thing known as time actually permits." Emma hugged Cordelia from behind. "I really hope you enjoy yourself tonight. You feel far away with so much going on to end the semester."

Cordelia played with her gold bang. "Just trying to survive."

"You girls remember to have some fun despite all the chaos," Emma advised her and Angel. "University will be here before any of us realizes."

"Can't! Wait!" Angel fell back on her bed dreamily.

Instant relief came over Cordelia at the knocking that took place next.

"Who is it?" Samantha responded.

"My loves," replied the enchanted English accent, "your escorts are waiting. Shall I have Victor and Erik continue keeping them company?"

Samantha gasped and practically leapt for the door.

Catching her by the shoulders, Emma reminded, "Never give a suitor the pleasure of your perspiration. Walk, ladies, walk."

The words giving her another reminder of their mother, Cordelia guided the way out after they picked up their purses. While Becky, Emma, and Angel stayed to get a good look at the limousine from the windows, Charles led them down.

In the midst of offering a vague answer to another of Victor's questions, Collin completely trailed at their descending the stairs. Fabian reacted with a bit more subtlety by propping his shades on top of his head for a better view.

"Sam, you…" Nowhere to go except to state the obvious, Collin finished with, "You're gorgeous."

Victor asserted, "When the kid's right, he's right."

Samantha glowed under their praise.

Erik commented, "I must say, Cordy, the sun's radiance holds not a candle next to you."

Fabian took the tips of her fingers and bowed with his other arm behind his back. "I am honored."

"Thank you, gentlemen," Cordelia smiled genuinely.

After the boys helped the girls with their shawls, Charles reminded, "Home by midnight at the very latest and call when you arrive and start for home."

Erik emphasized, "No alcohol."

Victor simply advised, "Don't be stupid."

"Got it," Collin responded, arm linked with Samantha's.

The men walked just outside the front door, watching the young ones make their way towards the white stretch vehicle. At the meow from behind, Erik picked up Midnight and held him to see the girls secured for himself.

IIIIIII

Helmet in place and handlebars gripped, the young instructor looked to his current charge. "Ready?" At her nod, he started off in a slow-for-him pace.

Feet together and arms at her side, Maya honed in so that she only focused on the two-wheeled vehicle. She went from decreasing to stopping its movement altogether without flinging the driver from it.

Rising, Alex unlatched and removed his helmet. "Alright, nice and smooth. You feeling good?"

"Yeah," Maya happily reported. "No dizziness."

"Still, let's go light tomorrow." Alex walked her way. "So, did you seriously stop a cop car while cuffed?"

Maya nodded. "Erik showed me how- sort of. He wanted me to stop being so dependent on moving my hands."

Alex stated, "The Headmasters teach, but God help 'em when we actually learn." Maya laughed softly at that. "You must be pretty excited. After Sunday, I'll finally be out of your hair."

Maya's countenance became serious. "It isn't like that, Alex. I mean, yeah, I did dread working with you at first, but this really has been great. I feel like you made me stronger faster."

"Nope," Alex denied. "My power is the destructive variety. You're stronger because of you. I'm just the guy supplying the hot poker."

Maya then wanted to know, "Why did you pick physical therapy as your major? Was it only helping the Professor walk again?"

"He definitely inspired me," Alex replied. "It's basically like this. Hank's all about patching up the body. When that's done, I know personally that it's the inside that needs a complete re-haul. Even if it's someone who will never see, hear, walk again, they still have to get up one way or another."

As if gifted with new eyes in that instance, Maya said, "I know exactly what you mean."

At the appearance of the BMW in the garage, Alex went to re-park his motorcycle. "Catch you later!"

When Sean exited the car, Maya had no time to ask as he swept her right up into his arms.

IIIIIII

Somehow making it through the throng of people and out of the movie house, the group of four individually raved about the experience.

Cordelia insisted, "I'm going to be singing all week."

"That cast was sensational," Fabian commended.

"I just loved it," Samantha beamed.

"That was actually…" Collin had to take the time to see if he believed the words himself. "… Good."

With two hours to spare until curfew, they took the limo to a late-night ice cream parlor for gelato.

At their shared table, Samantha touched her no longer stampeding chest. "I was so scared for them."

Seated across from them with Fabian, Cordelia said, "I've read the book and it still had my nerves wrecked."

"When their dad ripped apart that flag," Collin pounded on the table for emphasis, "I knew it was about to go down. Lose their guns and I'll bet you anything he'd have taken 'em all out single-handedly."

Samantha hummed remorsefully. "I felt so bad for Liesl."

"Not even going to lie," said Collin admittedly. "I was ready to cry for her and Rolfe, too. So mad those guys got in his head."

"They were such a sweet couple, too," Samantha said somberly.

"I know," Cordelia concurred somewhat angrily. "It's insane the way adults try to corrupt kids into playing their games; fighting their petty wars." She glanced at Fabian. "What did you think?"

Raising his head from where it almost burrowed into his bowl, Fabian blinked. "I liked Do-Re-Mi."

Cordelia smiled, relaxing against his shirt front. "Thanks so much for this. It's exactly what I needed."

"Yes," Fabian gave her his arm, "me, too."

IIIIIII

Changed for the night in her brown and white calico kitten themed pajamas, Samantha entered the Professor's study. Behind the desk, Charles and Emma awaited her while Victor, as usual, stood off to the side.

"Angie said you wanted to see me." She hoped her thoughts stayed in check. "Is something wrong? We got in a half hour early."

Victor informed, "Not a thing wrong, baby."

Charles explained, "Adrienne called while you girls were out. She wanted to speak with you herself, but she has an early flight in the morning. To here, actually."

"She's coming to visit?" Samantha smiled.

Emma said with a growing delighted expression, "That and to sign the adoption papers our attorney at last finalized."

Jaw dropping, Samantha placed one hand over her open mouth. "You mean…?"

"In a matter of hours, you'll be a Frost." Emma then added, "Whether or not that's a cause for celebration on your end is debatable, but you've no idea what it means on ours."

Shrieking, Samantha ran around to hug each of them individually. So taken by the girl's enthusiasm, none of the adults bothered to remind her about indoor voices.

IIIIIII

Both dressed for the day and seated knee to knee on the music studio's piano bench, the couple locked hands and eyes.

Sean stated fervently, "I never expected you to make an overnight decision here."

"I never expected to have a decision made overnight," Maya said in turn, a shine about her eyes. "But I know, Sean."

"And you're sure?"

She nodded. "When the four of us can catch a minute alone tonight, we'll tell them. Then everyone."

A grin overtaking his face, Sean brought her into a joyful embrace.

IIIIIII

The mildly rhythmic knock came with a petition of, "Sam?"

Presently agonizing, the girl invited, "Come in," a little absently.

The boy, also still in his robe, entered. "Hey, I heard all about…" He noticed the heavily vexed expression she wore. "Hey, what's wrong? Figured you'd be on top of the world today."

Indicating the wide assortment of garments sprawled out on her bed, Samantha claimed, "I have no idea what to wear. I want to look perfect- everything has to be perfect today."

"Okay, Sam, first," taking her shoulders, Frank got her to face him, "you always look perfect. Second, quit stressing yourself out about this. Remember, with this adoption gig, it's the parent who's lucky, not the kid. Third, I can't tell you how glad I am that this is happening."

She dissolved into a smile at the last statement. "You are? Really?"

"Of course," Frank guaranteed. "Now that I've had time to really mull it over, I think everything worked out the way it was supposed to. You and Coll are good together. I really do care about you Sam and I'm here for you. As your cousin, brother, whatever; we're family."

"Ohh," Samantha's eyes glossed and she threw arms around him, "thank you, Frank." He then startled her by pulling away suddenly and covering her eyes. "What are you doing?"

"You'll see." He started leading them towards the door.

She squirmed in his clutch mostly playfully. "But I'm still in my pajamas."

"Hey, it's Saturday. So are the rest of us." Frank spoke not another word until they reached the designated spot downstairs. "Alright, here we go…"

When he dropped his hand from her face, Samantha gasped with joy at the breakfast spread on the dining room table. Frank's custom heart-shaped strawberry pancakes acted as the main attraction. Her regular chair had been decorated in every color of streamer and construction paper imaginable. They all had to form a line to hug her with Angel, Becky, and Joey in the front followed closely behind Trav and Kiki. As Frank had mentioned, they all bounced around in their pajamas.

"While the dull grownups are sleeping off old age upstairs, we get our own little celebration," Raven put forth.

Large hands going to her shoulders, Hank escorted her to her beyond festive chair. "This way, m'lady."

"Oh my God, thank you…" Marveling at everything, Samantha did detect one missing youth. "Where's Cordy?"

Joey responded to that with, "She's still too sleepy from last night."

"Oh." Samantha then brought up, "Frank, aren't these your mother's pancakes?"

Frank began serving them up. "For special occasions."

Overcome with glee, Samantha reacted to the nuzzling at her ankle and scooped Midnight straight up to cradle.

IIIIIII

Plush football in his possession, Max sped through the kitchen on route for the back door. Jack yapped energetically at his heels.

With a sharp whistle, Collin caused both to halt and look to where he used the telephone at the table. "Forgetting something?"

Max indicated the ball. "Nope. We're good." At the sweater his brother held up, he put two and two together. "Ohhhhh, right."

Tossing it to him, Collin instructed, "Stay in the yard and no invisi-tricks."

Max nodded, pulled the blue sweater down over his head, and continued the rapid pace to the outdoors with his dog.

Returning to the receiver, Collin said, "Yeah, I'm back. So, your foster mom's making it official, huh?"

"Yes, everything's been amazing and everybody's so excited for me," Samantha detailed. She had to hold up two fingers at Becky, Joey, and Cody indicating for her to join them downstairs in front of the TV. "But it'll be even better with you here. Please, for a little while?"

Collin rubbed the back of his neck. "You sure you want me there today? The last time your mom saw me, I was in a hospital bed and not from a sugar rush."

"Collin, Frank did the same thing," Samantha reminded. "That's all over now. You're my boyfriend and I'm not hiding you from anyone."

After a few seconds of further deliberation, Collin determined, "Alright, I'm there. Just give me a couple hours. I promised to play with Max."

"Thanks!" Samantha squealed. "See you soon." They hung up and she left the lounge to meet the others in the living room.

Getting his own jacket zipped up, Collin ran out of the back door. Wearing a big smile, Max raised his arms for his brother to scoop him up. Collin tumbled into the grass, keeping Max secure on top of him. Jack trotted over to lick at both their freckled faces.

IIIIIII

At the forty-five-minute mark, the Acolyte leader called the rapid stride to an end. They both slowed steadily to ease off the elliptical devices. Hardly concerned with catching his own breath, Estevan focused on the one to his right and oldest in his DNA line.

"Are you coming down with something, mijito? I bested you by eight miles."

Taking a quick swig from his water bottle, Fabian stated, "Old age fears you, Papi."

Estevan chuckled heartily. "Do not try to tell me it has found you already. Come, what's really troubling you? Didn't you all enjoy yourselves last night?"

"Si," Fabian answered. "Mucho. I must have sleep in my eyes still."

Estevan patted his back. "Come. Perhaps a swim will refresh you."

Fabian quietly toweled off as he followed his father out of the gym.

IIIIIII

Shortly past noon, multiple mansion dwellers found their way into the living room. In a white turtleneck and red jumper dress, Becky reclined against Erik in a chair. Her father sported casual weekend attire in the form of a plum polo and khakis. Stationed by a window, Emma wore a white spring dress with small sunhat. Charles, having gone for a polo like his brother but in mauve, sat on the arm of the loveseat watching his little boys. On top of the three-inch mat that safeguarded them against the diseased-ridden, unbecoming floor as well their father's scolding tongue, Joey helped Brian with his wobbly walk. With twin glasses of iced tea, Angel and Cordelia, in dresses of lavender-blue stripes and mustard yellow, relaxed on the loveseat. Kneeling at the coffee table, Scott got Frank and Collin involved in an action figure game.

Cody had been in earlier playing with Joey, but his parents wanting to pack up the twins for the park and burgers had torn him straight out of the room. Joey knew his friend wanted to spend time with his mother most of all. With Kiki napping, Raven and Hank helped Trav with his homework, partly to help focus Hank away from his beast. Alex conducted physical therapy with Maya in the gym. Sean's piano playing could be heard, but only slightly due to the music room's design to keep extreme sound from invading the entire house.

"Going in they make you think it's a total gooey, girly, kid flick," Collin recalled to the Eye Scream Team. "But the end totally turns it around it's unbelievable. I swear, it was almost like they were trying to apologize to all the guys that got dragged out to see it."

Frank said, "I saw the play once on a field trip. It's pretty cool. I like how good she was to those kids."

Strong arm in place around Becky's middle, Erik disdainfully wondered what exactly over-the-top musical numbers had to contribute to such a story. "The book is far superior."

"We have it in our library," Charles mentioned. "Collin, feel free to borrow it if you're interested."

The ginger haired boy responded, "Thanks, Professor," while helping members of the Justice League build a laser beam out of knickknacks.

Yet again, Samantha returned to the living room, now in a white dress covered in peony flowers and a fuchsia cardigan. "Okay, what about this one?"

Gazing up, Collin remarked, "Asking the wrong guy. Pretty sure you'd look great in aluminum foil held together by tar." He also appreciated being able to fool around with action figures without her snobbishly clicking her tongue at him.

Finding swoon-worthy delight in that, Samantha still peered around at the others for additional opinions.

"You're prettier than a blossom, darling," Charles assured.

"I've always thought you beautiful," Erik stated.

Samantha's ears picked up the stretched accent on the 'always', but ignored it and went to sit between Angel and Cordelia.

Coming in next, Victor folded his arms. "Still no call. Where is this woman?"

Within a moment's time, Emma announced, "And the red dawn is upon us."

Joey held Brian to him while Samantha shot up, followed by the older girls, Victor, Charles, and Emma.

"Brace yourself," Frank cautioned to Collin.

Scott further quipped, "It's about to get Frosty."

Sunlight illuminating her already bright features, Samantha nearly lost her shoes in her haste. "Mother, Mother!"

Removing herself from the burgundy vehicle, the woman in crimson business attire opened her arms. "There she is," Adrienne managed to remain standing despite the zealous teenager latching onto her so forcefully, "my girl. Oh," she stepped back to fully take her in, "you look wonderful."

"So do you," Samantha returned.

"Big Sis," addressed Cordelia.

"Hello, co-eds." Adrienne used an arm each to embrace them. "I wanted to celebrate your university news, but I've been everywhere at once on this marketing campaign."

"I think I want to major in marketing," Angel brought up. "WU offers so many programs and Jam- Alex and Leon's friend- he says they love eating women alive in the Business Department, but he thinks with my experience and people skills—"

"Sweetheart, I will educate you myself in the art of competing in a man's world," Adrienne promised. "However, we have some other business to get out of the way."

"I hardly believe you," said Victor while the Xaviers went to greet Adrienne. "You had me waiting around on a call from the airport, all so you can show up in some snazzy rental?"

"Snazzy, gorgeous rental," Angel commented of the Cadillac.

"Rental?" Adrienne made a face, bringing her sunglasses to rest on the brim of her hat. "Hardly. I simply didn't trust the dealership to have it here on time. And I'm glad you approve, darling," Adrienne held the key out to Angel, "because it's all yours."

With gasps from the other two girls, Angel herself proved too stunned to do anything but blink at first. "… Mine? You… you bought me a caddy?"

Leaving the key in her palm, Adrienne said, "I wanted to get graduation shopping out of the way."

Finally releasing a scream to nearly match Sean's, Angel leapt up and down while hugging her. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, Dri! Oh my God! Wait until I tell Ben." She got in behind the steering wheel, practically panting. "Cor, come check this out."

"Wait just a moment." Adrienne stopped her youngest sister. "Don't think I've forgotten about you. Since you already have a car, I thought you might like," she reached into her purse for an envelope, "these. Remember?"

Peeling back the flap, Cordelia beheld the tickets inside.

"Cleopatra?" Samantha read over her shoulder.

"With Liz Taylor?" inquired Victor.

"The stage play," Emma clarified nostalgically. "Our mother's favorite. She took all three of us to see it together, but you should have seen the way she glowed when Cordy won the role in fifth grade."

"She radiated," Adrienne emphasized, touching Cordelia's shoulder. "There's going to be a grand showing at the theatre house there in Boston. I thought you might like to go with Fabian."

Closing the envelope securely, Cordelia brought arms around the redhead. "Thank you, Big Sis."

Charles gestured grandly towards the house. "Shall we continue this inside?"

Once they did, Angel raced to call Ben about her car. With the others situated in the living room, Charles prepared drinks for the interested adults while Emma and Erik brought out sodas for Victor and the mutant fledglings.

Glass of scotch in hand, Adrienne regarded the male redhead seated across from her. "Collin Murphy, yes?"

Lowering his cola bottle, the boy responded, "Yes, ma'am."

"When I was last here, you were in the midst of… detoxing. How is that going?"

"Clean and minty fresh," Collin reported. "I threw out all the rest of that stuff. Haven't looked back once."

"Strong will," the woman noted. "Wish others I knew found recovery so simplistic. I see you and my daughter have grown closer."

"Well, actually," taking Samantha's hand from where she sat on the arm of his chair, Collin said, "outside of my brother, your daughter's what makes it easy. What makes me want to be better."

Samantha smiled and stated, "He does the same for me."

"He does drive fairly safely on his scooter," Emma mentioned.

"And they've yet to miss curfew," added Charles.

"Yeah, Coll's great," Frank piped up. "Don't think I've seen Sam happier. Until today that is."

Collin flashed a small smile his friend's way.

"It seems we have a great deal to talk about. But first," Adrienne placed her drink on the coffee table and got to her feet, "I have certain documents to sign."

Samantha jumped to her feet with glee.

With that, Charles guided them towards his study.

IIIIIII

Early that evening, laughter echoed throughout the McCoy wing. Situated opposite each other in the common room, the two couples shared plates of spicy and mild wings, brownie bites, and chilled sodas.

"Roughly thirty-six hours until Maya Patterson is a free woman," announced Raven. "How you feeling?"

"Same way I've felt since Sean came home," the younger female replied. "Incredible."

"I think that's mutual," said Hank. "The Cool Group doesn't get to come together as often as we used to. I revel in these breaks from the painfully serious."

Sharing a look with Maya, Sean put forth mischievously, "Even happy serious?"

"What's going on, you two?" Raven asked, developing coy curiosity.

Bubbling over with joy, Maya exclaimed, "Say hello to the future MVC!" At their expressions of his-and-her confusion, she elaborated, "We're getting married!"

Face and possibly entire body ready to drop on the spot, Hank gaped. "What?"

"Oh my God!" Raven shrieked. "Ring, ring, let me see- cough it up already!"

Maya explained, "We don't have one yet, but we—"

"Sure we do," interjected Sean, retrieving the small red box from his pants pocket, "right here."

The clear diamond contained between two smaller blue stones on the gold band sparkled against Maya's brown irises. "Sean…"

With her dazed, he took the opportunity to glide the ring up her finger and kiss her flabbergasted lips.

"Oh Sean…" Raven pressed a hand to her chest to calm the thumping. "Hank, can you believe this?"

"By getting married," Hank finally spoke again, "you mean a long-term engagement of about two years, right?"

Sean and Maya formed a similar frown at that.

Sean replied, "More like within the next two months. Hank, you're…" the redhead almost laughed in bitter disbelief. "You're mad about this?"

"I'm not mad," Hank emphasized. "I just think that with everything that's happened in addition to the euphoria of senior year, you're rushing things without enough thought put in. I mean, I know Maya's had some experience taking care of her house and her mother, but Sean, you can hardly heat soup for yourself. Remember those child antics Puerto Rico not even two weeks ago? You don't get to pull any of that as a husband, a father."

"Whoa." Sean waved his hands wildly to grasp the words flying at him like flaming arrows. "Okay, I fully admit to having my brat moments, but how can you come at me this way? As if Raven was so mature before you guys got married. Even afterwards, what good was she after Charles' accident?"

"Hey!" reacted the taken aback shapeshifter.

"Guys, stop," Maya attempted to intervene.

"And what about you, Number One Son?" Sean only went on. "Snapping on kids at school, going nuts in the woods last week? How soon is it going to be before you crossover from moody beast to woman-beater? Or maybe you'll start by throwing your kids around."

At her husband's sudden rising, Raven moved right along with him. "Hank!" She yanked on his taut arm. "No, no, no, no, this is not happening."

"Stop it!" Maya followed Sean up as well. "Just stop it! What is this?"

"What, Hank, huh?" Sean challenged, arms stretched horizontally. "You want to rip me apart? I'll show you how much of a man I am."

"If you think hurling accusations and puffing out your chest in aggression are signs of manhood," Hank eyed him grimly, "you have more growing up to do than I thought."

"Forget this." Sean threw his arms up, stalking out. "I'm going on a drive, Maya."

Unable to believe anything around her, Maya stood in wounded shock. "I thought you'd be happy for us…"

"… I'll be in the lab." Hank departed next.

Going over to bring Maya into a tight hug, Raven rubbed her heaving back. "Hey, hey, it's okay. You haven't known these guys as long as I have. This is just your standard big brother/little brother face-off. This is great news; the best. Now come on, MVC," Raven patted her back now, "toughen up."

Maya's few tears made way for a small watery smile, though her mind could not release the tense anguish entirely.

IIIIIII

At the beseeching, almost demanding mewing from the feline, Joey diligently followed Midnight through the second floor. He asked what they were doing, as if expecting a direct verbal response from the cat. Midnight did peer back at him in a particular way, as if to let him know all would be revealed soon. Joey stopped along with Midnight outside of one door. Tone of meow increasing, the cat went to his hind legs and scratched at the wooden entrance in similar style to knocking.

Detecting the distressing sounds on the other side, Joey rapped the door with his knuckles. "Cordy?"

Sitting up from where she lay with her stuffed unicorn, Cordelia sniffed and pushed hair out of her face. "Joey?"

The second the blonde boy cracked the door, Midnight forced his way in and did not stop until he made it to the bed. He jumped up, offering his warm furry form for the girl's solace.

"Cordy…" Joey immediately climbed up on the mattress as well to clamp onto her. "What's the matter, Aunt Cordy?"

The sniffling teenager only wrapped arms around him.

With their turn to cook approaching, Angel arrived in the doorway next.

Her pleased expression completely faded at her friend's tears. "Cordy, what's wrong? What happened?"

As Angel walked in fully, Samantha looked into the room in concerned bewilderment.

Attempting to clear her face with her hands, Cordelia tried to dismiss her present state with, "It's nothing… cramps."

Angel proved unmoved in addition to unconvinced. "No, it isn't. Cor, come on," she touched a hand to her knee, "tell me what happened."

"Darling," coming upon Samantha with the Xavier couple in tow, Adrienne put forth, "we were wondering if you girls might like to have dinner o—"

"Cordy." The instant he noticed, Charles entered without delay.

"Honey?" Emma came in after her husband.

"Cordelia, what has come over you?" wondered Adrienne glibly. "Tell me you're not going to pieces over some quarrel with Fabian."

"This has nothing to do with Fabian!" Cordelia shouted, startling the gathered. "He hasn't done anything. Just…" Letting go of Joey, she snatched the envelope off her night table and charged at her older sister. "Here, take them!" Cordelia shoved it at Adrienne's front.

The redhead stood entirely appalled. "That's some gratitude, you sniveling ingrate. Do you know the trouble I went through in order to acquire these tickets for you?"

"I don't deserve them!" Glancing around at everyone quickly, Cordelia wanted nothing more than to crawl under her bed. "I didn't get into WU, okay?"

Astonished silence filled the room the second she unloaded the information.

Angel very nearly went catatonic at the news. "They didn't let you in?"

"That's why you've been so distant," Emma deduced. "You've kept this to yourself all this time."

"Love," Charles went to her, "I wish you would have come to us."

"I couldn't!" Cordelia insisted. "You were elated over the others getting accepted. I couldn't just tell you or Em that your sister's a total reject."

Before Charles or Emma could jump on that, Adrienne wanted to know, "Why didn't they admit you? Certainly they must have given a reason if you went all the way down there to meet with the dean."

"Why do you think?" Cordelia snapped. "I'm a stupid good-for-nothing."

"No, you're not!" Joey countered, hurrying to her.

"Here, here," Charles seconded his son. "I don't care how upset you are, you are not to put yourself down that way."

Cordelia retorted, "How else do you explain being the only one of my friends nowhere near good enough to get into college?"

Samantha's silent spell ended when she ventured forth with, "I cheated on my honors placement exam." Every one of them whipped their heads her direction.

Not one received the opportunity to comment on that as Joey announced, "I told Laci we're mutants."

The resounding, "What?" from his parents made him flinch

Pinching the bridge of his nose, the Professor held his palm in the air to mandate quiet. At the ache that threatened to build at his temples, he ordered it into submission as well.

IIIIIII

Draped across the side of his bed with one foot dangling off, the apprehensive blue eyes stared down into Bounty's hutch. The rabbit occasionally shined what Joey interpreted as sympathetic eyes back at him in-between munching on his food. Since he left his door open a smidge, it did not surprise Joey when he heard it move further. However, he did prove a little taken by the tall adult he saw upon raising his head.

Clearly not missing the child's thrown expression, Erik explained, "Your parents have quite enough on their plates dealing with the girls' school matters. So," he magnetically shut the door, "you and I are going to have a conversation."

Nerves reacting, Joey sat up on his knees. "I know you're all mad at me."

"You know very well that we are not mad at you," said Erik matter-of-factly, using the desk chair to sit in and face the youth. "Disappointed or unhappy with your decisions sometimes perhaps."

Though he found it difficult, Joey placed eyes on him as well. "Which one are you?"

Instead of answering that, Erik presented a question of his own. "When did you tell her?"

"When she came home," Joey replied. "Right before Christmas break was over."

"So, she's known all this time," Erik realized. "Even when she came to stay with us for that weekend. And she hasn't repeated anything about us to anyone else?"

"No, Uncle Erik." Clear offense filled Joey's voice. "Laci would never do that. She even covered up Cody's hand before anybody could see his claws that day they acted weird on the playground."

"Did she?" Erik's countenance grew intrigued, possibly even pleased as well. "What did she say when you first revealed it?"

Joey could not help smiling at his recollection. "She thought I was an angel. An angel…" He repeated the word in star-struck captivation. "No regular person who's seen my power go off has ever thought that about me."

"I know." Erik became solemn and angry due to his knowledge of his nephew's past. "And it thrills me to know she accepts you, all of us it would seem, so. But Kangaroo," when Erik extended an arm, Joey moved to walk to him, "you know you can't go running about revealing us to your friends whenever you wish."

"I don't," Joey insisted. "I only told Laci. You and Dad let Sean tell Maya about us and I've known Laci longer than he knew Maya back then."

"While that is true," Erik admitted, "Sean had our permission and was much older than you are."

Joey urged, "Just because we're kids doesn't make us dumb. I wasn't planning on telling her, but then we got to talking. She doesn't even see Manhattan as home anymore. She told me she sees Westchester as home. Because I'm here." He formed an astonished smile, taking in his own words. "Because of me, Uncle Erik. I wanted to tell her everything after that. Everything in the whole world."

At the way the child's blue eyes glittered, Erik knew his mutation could not be credited for it. "Joey, believe me when I say this. With all I have inside, I truly hope you do share everything with her. Everything in the world." He raised his nephew's hands to peck. "For all-time."

Joey completely beamed. "Thanks, Uncle Erik."

Bringing him into a hug, Erik brought up next, "As for your punishment, I believe you would benefit from a day in your room tomorrow with three hundred lines to write."

"What do I have to write?"

"I will not disclose privileged information without permission."

"Ugh," Joey cringed, "the long word kind."

"Yes," Erik nodded with a small smirk. "If you get it done neatly and promptly, I'll consider allowing you time to work on your art projects."

Joey showed him his fingers. "What if my hands get too sore and stiff from writing?"

"Excellent point," Erik concurred, bending him over suddenly. "Best your backside sore instead."

The blonde shook his head briskly and wriggled. "That's okay, Uncle Erik. I need extra penmanship practice, anyway."

Erik chuckled lowly and applied one swat before sitting Joey on his thigh. "We'll have Laci over this week. I'm sure she's curious about the rest of our powers."

"Ohhh, that'd be great, Uncle Erik!"

With another firm tap to the boy's bottom as he stood him, Erik left to see where else he could be of service.

Releasing a breath, Joey rubbed his blaze free behind with relief.

II

"The teacher had to run out of the room for something. That math was so hard. I knew a lot of the rest, but not enough to be part of honors."

With Adrienne and Victor standing at either side of his desk and Emma at his side, Charles sat behind the wooden furniture item while they all listened to the girl's explanation.

"How have you managed to stay afloat in your classes?" Emma asked her.

Samantha said, "My teachers have been working with me. My friends have helped, too. Even though my highest A's are still in gym."

"I'll bet."

Samantha hid a smile at the way Victor asserted that.

Hands folded, Charles surmised, "So, you've been content to accept praise for achievements you did not rightfully earn."

Though even she knew it sounded weak, Samantha replied, "I've never heard any before. People don't see me as smart. It was nice."

Adrienne interjected, "If you lacked intelligence, you never would have pulled the wool over the eyes of everyone in this room. Still, no one can deny the moral responsibility involved here. Not to mention the blight this could have brought to your academic record."

"I'm sorry," Samantha addressed them all again. "I really thought I wanted to be with Frank. I would have done anything to be in classes with him. That was such a mistake. But I haven't cheated on anything else, I swear."

"I believe you." Charles turned to his sister-in-law. "Do you have any objections before I proceed?"

Adrienne responded, "Your roof, your rules."

With a bob of his head, Charles returned eyes to his niece. "I realize how new you are to all of this the same way you must comprehend how seriously I take matters related to your education. That being said..." Charles shared a quick look and thought with Emma. "We will help you to get through what little remains of this semester. We're going to have you placed in the regular academic program for next year. Also, since you not only came forward on your own but in support of Cordelia, we're going to grant you some leniency. Every week between now and summer vacation, I am going to assign you additional homework. You won't be allowed out with your friends or Collin during the week. You will bring me your graded work on Friday and if you've managed to maintain a B minus on average, you're free to enjoy your weekends. If you find yourself having trouble, come to one of us, any one of us, no matter how busy we may seem. Am I clear, Samantha Fe- Frost?"

Having to mask her pleasure at hearing the new name for any reason, Samantha nodded dutifully. "Oh yes, Uncle Charles. Thank you so much."

"You're fortunate you were the one to bring this to our attention," Charles informed. "Had I found out any other way, the very concept of mercy would have been ejected from my vocabulary. Do not test me there, young lady."

"I won't," the girl assured.

"One more thing there, boss," Victor inserted. "I think a thousand-word essay on why it's wrong to lie to your family ought to make this pretty memorable for next time."

"Excellent idea, Victor," Charles backed. "I should have thought of it myself."

Samantha nearly sunk in place. "Daddy Cat…" He sent stony brown eyes back at her and she intertwined her fingers respectfully. "Okay."

Emma said, "And we do remember the effort you put into studying for the exam. Next time, try to have more faith in your own capability."

"Yes, Aunt Emma. I will."

"Before we see if Cordy's calmed a bit, there's one more piece of business." Rising, Charles spread his arms. An at ease Samantha stepped around to accept the hug and he kissed her forehead. "This is still a special day."

Samantha smiled up at him then went to Adrienne. "Mama?'

"We'll talk after we've helped Cordy collect herself." Adrienne squeezed her hands and pinched tenderly at her chin.

As the three proceeded by him, Victor brushed a hand along Adrienne's arm.

Samantha came towards him, but he spoke before she could. "Want to go over to the bakery with me? We'll be back before they miss us."

"Sure." With his arm going around her, Samantha started for the garage with him.

II

"They did not," Angel wore a stormy glower packed with thunderous lightning, "make light of your mother's death."

Seated on Cordelia's bed together, the two girls faced each other while Alex occupied a chair close by.

A no longer sobbing but still thoroughly dismayed Cordelia replied, "It didn't meet his tragedy criteria is how I understood it."

Angel demanded, "Who in God's name does he think he is?"

Returning with Charles and Adrienne, Emma asked, "Who, sweetheart?"

Alex glanced their way. "She's talking about Dean Stavros. Apparently, he wasn't altogether moved when Cordy wrote about your mom."

Angel pounded on the bedspread. "That is downright dirty."

"That isn't the only reason, Ang," Cordelia tried to get across. "He doesn't like that I took time off from gymnastics, none of the lessons I used to take matter because I don't have any new extracurricular activities, and he basically said I'm completely pathetic next to you all. Because someone born into my privilege is supposed to be better than a mere 3.0."

Erik came to stand in the doorway, remaining in observation.

"That's out of line," asserted Charles. "Did you mention the dance pageants you took part in this year or your difficulties in school due to the anti-depressants?"

Cordelia toyed with the plush horn on her stuffed unicorn. "None of it matters, Charles."

"Yes, it does matter," Angel countered adamantly, getting up from the bed. "All he's doing is generalizing you. You've participated in so many things. Gymnastics, horseback riding- your mama just about signed you up for a thousand different kinds of dance. You help with Scott's baseball team; baking, selling, cleaning up after. You were the only one to help your father get back on his feet after he fell off that horse. You gave your blood to your sister. And half these privileged kids can't so much as wipe their own behinds, but you cook, you clean, you sew. What more do these stuck-up pricks want?"

Cordelia could hardly react to the flaming ire. "Ang…"

Adrienne gripped Angel's shaking shoulders and coached, "Catch your breath, catch your breath…"

Charles reached for her. "Love, don't let this situation make you sick."

Angel snatched away from their touches. "No! Look, I can't "put on the British" like y'all when I see bull like this. Cordy is my best friend. The truest friend I've ever had, even though Lord knows I can hardly spell loyalty."

Forgetting her qualms and putting down her unicorn, Cordelia hopped up to lock her into an embrace. Angel held tight to her in turn.

"Listen, people," Alex moved from his chair, "I'm not trying to play devil's advocate here, but Dean Stavros isn't a monster. And Angel's right, he is generalizing Cordy. But that's because for years, people made him out to be lesser. He's gotten his students internships, scholarships, job placement, and he's definitely improved diversity. He's so into helping the kids society wants to toss out that I guess he has blinders on sometimes. I honestly don't believe he wanted to hurt Cordy."

"Neither do I." Erik's voice and full incoming presence made them all glance over. "To be quite frank, Cordelia, you're only hurting yourself right now."

The girl in question regarded him peculiarly. "What?"

Erik continued with, "Do you know how many teenagers are engaging in personal festivals of self-loathing because they couldn't secure their dream universities? Life takes turns, Cordy. It always has and it always will. Look around this very room. Do you think that three years ago, any one of us could have imagined we would be standing here together? It wasn't that long ago that you and your siblings could hardly stand being on the same continent with each other. Three years ago we were all lesser. Especially me."

Emma cleared her throat. "Actually—"

"Especially me." Glaring authoritatively at his sister-in-law shortly, Erik turned to Cordelia again. "You are far too young with even more going for you to let this setback mean the end as you know it. One school didn't work out? Find one better suited to you. Take a step back, reevaluate, explore other possibilities. Whatever tomorrow may bring, this moping stops right now."

"What he said," Adrienne concurred. "Chris is better suited for miserably pathetic."

Nudging the redhead none-too-gently with her shoulder, Emma grasped Cordelia's hands. "The people in this room are only a small sample of the support surrounding you. Whatever is next for you, I know you will be what you have always been. Pure golden."

Angel noted, "Your sisters are a special kind of bi-polar."

"Definitely, but they're right, baby girl." Alex gave Cordelia a rear hug. "Don't give in. I always say that. Do not make me etch it into your skull."

Relaxing against him, Cordelia lost her small smile. "Charles? Are you disappointed?"

"Yes, but only because I've allowed myself to be so blind." Charles tugged on her wrist to bring her into his arms next. "I got so carried away with celebration and academic reminiscence that I failed to notice what you were going through. I'm sorry if I made you feel you had to keep this wretchedness to yourself, love. I'm right here now."
Brimming with relief at his words, Cordelia kissed his cheek.

Erik retrieved a credit card from his wallet and passed it to Alex. "Why don't you go pick up some food for us before the babes begin to howl? I'm sure Angel is eager to try out her new transport."

Angel squealed. "Time to test drive my baby!"

Pocketing the card, Alex said, "You're not going anywhere in that thing until I get a look under the hood."

Adrienne crossed his arms. "Are you trying to imply that I selected the first jalopy off the showroom floor?"

Alex brought up apologetic hands, slipping out behind Cordelia and Angel. "All I'm saying is that most finishing schools don't offer a course on auto shop."

Hands going to her hips, Adrienne glared after him. "Charming little barbarian, isn't he?"

"Speaking of," Emma prodded her out of the room, "come help me with Brian's feeding."

"Delightful." Adrienne tossed at a section of her hair. "Perhaps he can bash me with the spoon."

With a light laugh, Charles leaned tiredly against his brother. Erik did not mind it as they started to walk. He kept an arm coiled around the younger man, supporting the bulk of their combined weight.

IIIIIII

Cluster of overhead clouds shrouding the property in something of an austere blackness, Hank relied on his ears and nose to locate the no longer mobile redhead. On a stone bench in the backyard, Sean had a fleece throw around his shoulders. Fingers glided rhythmically across the strings on his guitar.

Listening to him for a bit, Hank made his presence known with, "Alex brought you a special from that Greek place you like."

"Not hungry," Sean responded, continuing to play.

Hank contained an aggravated sigh. "Seanie, we need to talk about this."

With a shrug, Sean agreed, "Okay, sure. Let's have a talk," and laid his guitar on the empty side of the bench. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't you and Raven sitting right here that night you told me and Maya you were engaged?"

"The exact place," Hank confirmed.

"And when you told us," Sean went on, "do you remember what I had to say about it or should I reenact it for you with finger puppets?"

Hank instantly recollected, "You said you would be there for us. That Raven and I could count on you."

Sean wore a tight, cross smile now. "And you didn't so much as muster congratulations for me. Not even the smallest word of reassurance. No, you were too preoccupied with belittling me in front of my fiancé."

"Sean, I am not going to fill you with false hope as you enter shark-infested waters just to have the honor of being your buddy."

"See, this," Sean gestured in frustration with his hands, "is exactly what I mean. You tell me you're getting married. But in your world, I have to ask your permission to get married."

"Sean, I am thrilled you and Maya are so deeply devoted to each other and I am completely behind your engagement," Hank stated. "But I stand by what I said. You haven't even graduated high school yet and you believe you have the emotional maturity necessary to make a marriage work right now? It is not a simplistic process going from one and yourself to two and the same. You have to practice a level of selflessness the average teenager can't begin to comprehend. Every problem, every fear, every single decision has to go through another person."

"We've already made decisions together," Sean said matter-of-factly, rising from the bench. "I'm not going to WU. I got a job offer yesterday. Maya and I are leaving." Seizing his guitar by its neck, Sean marched past a now mute Hank and into the house.