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.

265. Chapter 265 Moments That Matter Most

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Sixty-Five

Author's Word: Greetings, fam. Alright, there's feedback and then there are the wonder clouds of amazing reviews as delivered by all of you last chapter. Thanks so much! So… you know that God's Not Dead series? Yes, you do, quit lying. Well, the X-Men film series has done to mutants what those movies do to Christians. Possibly even worse. Yes, I went there! While you piece together what I mean, do please enjoy and review!

It simultaneously thrilled and mystified Maya at the breathtaking aromas that soon filled her childhood home. The table in the small dining room contained platters of lamb chops, seasoned au gratin potatoes, warm French rolls, and tossed salad. A chocolate cream cake awaited them on the wooden stand for later. Maya received another surprise in discovering their beverage for the evening to be white wine. Her mother very seldom touched the stuff due to seeing the effects of such substances up close and personal as a girl. Lauren filling her glass only halfway reminded Maya of Hank's disciplined control.

"I've never been fond of speeches, but if there was ever time for a toast…" Sean and Maya followed Lauren's lead and raised their glasses. "For a long time now, I think part of me has been waiting with bated breath to hear this news. Now that it's finally been said, all I can say is thank God. Again and again. I won't lie to you- you're going to have your struggles and many a setback. You're both so bright, constantly looking at the big picture. Never get so lost in it that you stop caring about the day to day details. Because let me tell you, those moments are going to mean the most in the end." She tipped her glass with that and they clinked.

Maya said, "That was great, Mom. Thank you."

"Thanks so much for everything, Mrs.-" Sean paused briefly. "Mom."

Becoming wordless, Lauren laid a tender hand over his wrist. "You're the one that proved me right. Almost from the first time you walked through that door, I knew you were right on the money."

Looking back and forth between them, a glow built and billowed within Maya.

After dinner, Sean offered to clear and clean so that the ladies could have their cake and milk together in the living room.

"Mom, I can't tell you how happy it makes me to have you behind us like this." Maya then asked somberly, "But are you sure you're okay with everything? I know it's kind of far, but we—"

"Honey." Lauren put down her cup and guided her fingers through a section of her daughter's long hair. "All of my recent tests have shown marked improvement. I'm going easier on my hours and it took some doing, but the cigarettes are gone for good. I don't want you worrying about me. You have nursing and your husband to fuss over now."

As if tasting a decadent delight for the first time, Maya echoed softly, "My husband…"

IIIIIII

Lips making a path from bellybutton to his mouth, the blue female right away detected something off about the one presently supporting her weight.

"What's wrong?"

Hank easily picked up the hushed question. "Be honest with me, love." His vision trouble did not prevent him from peering into her yellow eyes. "Do you think Sean's right?"

Raven gingerly tugged at his chest hairs. "I support their marriage, Hank. I won't back down on that. Definitely not happy about them leaving, but I won't lose our best friends over it."

"No, the other thing he said. Do you ever worry, even in the slightest, that I might harm you or our children one day?"

"Hank, if you had that desire, you would have done it already. You don't want to hurt us. Neither does your beast."

"What if I deteriorated to the point of some of the patients you've seen?" Hank vexed. "What about as Trav gets older? What if this sick creature in me sees him as a threat? I could—"

"Stop." Raven sent the order directly into his ear before raising her head again, staring down at him. "If a moment of weakness like that happens, I won't be bawling my eyes out in the corner and telling the neighbors I ran into a door. I can and will stop you if I have to."

He implored, "Do you promise me?"

"Yes," she reaffirmed. "And I promise I will help you. You don't have to be scared of losing it, baby. Any way I have to, I will bring you back to us."

"Thank you…" Hank cupped both sides of her scaled face to kiss her. "Thank you."

Raven pressed their forms together, giving her body to him for any relief it provided.

IIIIIII

Hair and slim figure twirling in the crop-sleeved swing dress of peach and lime coloring, Maya's impromptu dance steps continued into the Howlett suite.

Recovering Mira with her quilt, Logan approached the beaming girl seemingly made up of celestial energy. "About ready to fly now that the chains are finally off, eh Smiley?"

"A prisoner of the most beautiful palace ever crafted." Maya tilted her head from side to side with glee. "It's just nice to feel everything getting back on track again."

Logan stroked her cheek. "Never derailed in my eyes, darlin'."

She regarded the man in appreciative adoration. "I know. Where's Kay?"

"Waiting in the car, meaning I better get movin'. Did you need us?"

"Yes." Maya bashfully pushed hair behind her ear, despite her headband. "I need a favor. It's pretty… completely huge, actually."

Not waivered, Logan prompted, "Name it."

"I need… I want you to give me away at my wedding." Maya followed that by raising her right hand. Alarm came over her at his posture becoming rigid. "Wolverine?"

"Yes," he finally reacted, face splitting into an enthused grin. "God yes, anything. Anything you need. Uh, flowers, church, steeple- I'll build the steeple. Wait a minute… you're marryin' Sean, right?"

Maya replied immediately, "I better be." She had to cling to him as he hoisted her up suddenly.

Chuckling heartily, Logan lowered her into a hug. "I can't believe this. Smiley, baby, I don't even have the words. I'm so happy for you and Red."

Maya pulled back enough to flash her smile for him. "Let's go tell Kay."

Returning to Earth then, Logan said, "You know what," he gently placed her down, "it's Monday and her head's all over the place with these kids, homework and all that. I'll fill her in and you gals can jump up and down all you want tonight."

Maya eyed him knowingly. "You think she'll be a little…?"

"Concerned," Logan supplied. "You know what you mean to Fox. With news like this, she's goin' to have a thousand questions. I just want her to have time to digest." He put an arm around her and tugged on her wrist with his spare hand, steering her into the hall. "You just finish gettin' ready for school."

"Wolverine, there's more."

He considered the possibilities. "Well, we both know you ain't with child unless there's another Messiah we don't know about. What else is there?" He let off a snicker. "You kids movin' out on us?" At the severe lack of humor on her face, two and two added up. "Ah…"

"Sean was offered a job and since our other acceptance letters came in..." Maya toyed with her fingers. "Are you upset?"

"No, no, I mean young people do this, but… listen, we can iron this whole thing out later. I need to get to Fox before she tears me a new one. And I mean it." He bent to kiss her forehead. "Don't worry, Smiley."

She brightened again. "Okay, thanks."

"Make sure you have enough breakfast. Don't need you passin' out before the big day."

Maya gave him another smile as she walked off.

Steadying himself against a wall, Logan attempted to absorb the anvil and piano so recently dropped on him.

IIIIIII

Time spent as an Acolyte came with quite a few learning experiences. That particular morning, Collin discovered he could balance a squirming worm of a brother attached to him like a baby primate and walk with an equally eager puppy yelping in a circle around him without colliding with the floor in comically violent fashion. That in addition to his brother obscuring half his vision with bitty fingers prevented him not a step from hopping down the stairs. Reaching the bottom, he picked up on the chatter coming from the entryway.

"Adrienne Frost. What have I done to start the day with such an honor?"

"The honor is mutual, Senor Cortez."

Initially thrown by the familiarity, Collin remembered Cordelia mentioning how her sister kept an assortment of mutant contacts. With Estevan also connected to such a grapevine on top of their upper class status made it crystal clear.

Wondering if the woman had stopped by with a restraining order for him, Collin moved quickly towards the front of the manor. Max held on tighter while making some sort of jet plane, farm animal sound effect with his mouth. The older Murphy boy stopped shortly, zeroing in on the head of pure golden locks wrapped up in the white coat.

"Collin, Max," the girl acknowledged.

Collin grinned. "Hey."

Max jumped down, blocking his brother's path by grabbing onto the X-Girl first. "Hi, Sammie." She squeezed him and he rolled his head back to take in the impeccably dressed blue-eyed adult lady. "You're pretty."

Lips upturning immediately, Adrienne responded, "Well, thank you. It's nice to know there are such straightforward gentlemen left in the world."

Estevan touched Max's shoulder. "A ray of hope for an otherwise pitiful generation."

"Collin, my mom has to fly back early this afternoon," Samantha told him. "She wants to take us out to breakfast first."

Adrienne added, "And bring your brother."

"Oh boy!" cheered Max.

"Cool, thank you," accepted Collin.

"Comb your hair and shine those shoes first," instructed Estevan. "For both of you."

Collin resisted a sigh, "Yes, sir," and took Max's hand for a second round of grooming.

IIIIIII

"Let's go, Jaguars! Let's go!"

Multiple students had to scatter as the parade of boys dressed in various shades of blue and yellow marched through the first floor like an athletic militia.

"The other guys prepare to rumble; this right here is our jungle!"

While their display met with enthused reactions from several of the onlookers, Victor masked his amusement as he stepped forward to halt the procession.

"Alright, alright, jungle cubs, that's enough," the security man settled them. "As glad as I am to see you amped up for our first practice, remember we're in school. And leave the cheerin' to our ladies. They're better at it."

"You heard the man, guys." Gary turned, facing his teammates. "Save your energy for gearing up to tear apart those bozos this weekend."

With one last hooray on the team's part, they dispersed for their different classrooms. Scott shared a fist bump with Gary and Victor on his way.

Gary watched them a moment. "Yep, no doubt about it. Gonna be the best season ever…"

Noticing his significantly decreased enthusiasm, Victor clapped his shoulder. "These guys are guaranteed to give it their all. You've been a great captain, Gary. They want to do you justice."

"Thanks, Coach." Gary continued for his room. "Catch you on the field!"

Victor waved after him and moved to catch up on the screwball ex-girlfriend, car repair bill from hell, and other stories from the weekend sure to be recounted around the watercooler.

IIIIIII

Upon entry into the music studio, Frank spotted the significantly shorter X-Boy using the desk for a seat. "What are you doing in here?"

Glancing over from fiddling with the strings on his guitar, Cody replied sardonically, "Gettin' ready to open for Stevie Wonder."

"Oookay, kid." Rolling his eyes, Frank requested, "Get booed later. Sean wants to talk to me in here."

Cody countered, "Well, I'm waitin' for Smiley. She said to meet her here after my shot."

"Both of them?" Frank raised an eyebrow, unable to guess what disaster at the United Nations required their combined efforts of all X-Men.

The couple did not leave them to speculate as they arrived together seconds later.

"Hey, guys." Maya went around to sit with Cody. "Was your shot okay?"

"Yeah and you know what? Hank's thinkin' about lowerin' the dosage soon."

She brought an arm across his shoulders. "Aw that's great, Cody Wody."

"Sean, make this quick," said Frank. "I promised Scott I'd be there to watch their first practice."

"We'll be quick, Frank-O,' the redhead assured, prodding him along for them to share the piano bench. "So, good news first." Sean signaled Maya with his eyes.

The girl picked it up with, "Sean and I are getting married."

Cody's eyes popped and he nearly dropped his guitar. "Whoa! No foolin'?"

"No way," confirmed Maya. "But listen, you can't tell anyone. We want to let everybody else know later."

"You can count on me, Smiley," Cody assured. "This is fantastic!"

At the lack of response from the one next to him, Sean nudged the city native's shoulder. "Frank-O?"

"What's the bad news?"

Sean let off a sigh. "Frank, it's not like—"

"What's the bad news, Sean?" the younger teen reiterated, brown eyes grim. "Come on, bringing the two of us in here for a heart to heart without the others? If you guys were just getting married, you'd be bragging all up and down this place. What's really going on?"

His own spirits declining now, Cody petitioned in puzzlement, "Smiley?"

Frank supplied the answer with, "They're leaving, Cody."

"Don't be stupid," Cody instantly dismissed. "No, they're not." He looked between the oldest two present. "Right? Tell him."

"Cody," Maya took his hands in hers, burrowing her eyes into his. "Listen to me, okay? It's true we won't be living here anymore, but we really won't be that far. We're only going to Syracuse."

"Huh?" Cody proved utterly dumbfounded. "You- Syr- what's that? Where's that?"

"Four hours and almost three hundred miles from here," informed Frank.

"Buddy, come on." Sean laid a gentle hand on his back. "Maya and I just need our own space, but we'll visit each other. We'll have guy nights together and—"

"We'll write, we'll call," Frank recited. "Skip the speech, Sean." He pushed up from the bench. "I've heard it about a hundred times over."

"Frank," Sean stood after him, "you know it's not like that. Don't be mad."

The fourteen-year-old looked back with tight smile in place. "Who's mad? I'm happy for you. You finally got your one-way ticket back to normal." He bobbed his head curtly in Maya's direction. "Congratulations." He walked out then, his footsteps more audible than usual in the now stone silent space.

Chin dipping, Cody slid off the desk.

Maya tried to reach for him. "Cody Wody…"

The boy calmly shrugged her off. "You can have this back." He removed and laid his guitar on the floor before leaving next.

Sean had to ignore his own heavy chest to rush to Maya's side. "Hey, hey, it's okay. We knew this was going to be hard. We love those two and they love us. We'll work this out." He drew her into his arms. "I promise, honey."

Maya sunk her face into his shirt sleeve.

IIIIIII

While his wife conducted meetings with a few of her students, Logan preoccupied himself with taking care of minor repairs around the building. Some of the boys followed him like a row of ducklings, asking him questions or merely observing in intrigue. Logan did not mind their company, especially with the knowledge that more than one of them lacked any sort of adult male in their lives.

"Sorry about that," Kayla said when they finally loaded into the Cadillac.

"Don't worry about it, baby." Logan started up the vehicle. "Phoned Blue Woman. She's goin' to wait a half hour to get dinner goin'."

Releasing a jubilant sigh, Kayla leaned on him comfortably. "There is no way I could devote this much time to my students without all of your support." She kissed and tenderly nipped his earlobe. "Especially yours."

Making a turn, he let off a pleasured growl. "On the subject of support…"

Kayla danced fingers up his chest. "Yes?"

"Smiley and Red are gettin' hitched."

"Never miss a moment for hilarity, do you?" When he did not quip again, Kayla lifted her head. "Logan… you are kidding? You better be kidding."

He sent a toothy smile into the rearview mirror. "Guess who's givin' the bride away?"

IIIIIII

With Frank of use as Scott's number one fan, Raven received voluntary kitchen help from her own two tots. Granted, they could mainly only stir, fetch, and pass her things, but they followed direction well. Trav also paid attention to the pot boiling over or pan heating too much. Kiki used a wash cloth to wipe up any spills made.

Even out of the corner of her eye, Raven spotted her nephew encroaching on the refrigerator. "Uh uh, you know better. It's too close to dinner."

Joey raised innocent hands. "Just milk, promise."

"Good." Raven handed him a glass as he retrieved the bottle. She then considered something. "Joey, at your exhibition, Laci knew that was the real me in the painting?"

Nodding until he finished his sip, Joey said, "She was really sad about it, too. She thought for sure you'd come in first."

"Mommy is first," stated Trav. "That contest was rigged."

Raven glanced over at him. "Did you get that from Uncle Alex?"

Trav shook his head. "Frankie."

The shapeshifter smiled, having expected it to be spoken by someone in the Erik Line.

Soon the meal along with the hungry household made it to the table. The missing inhabitants included Angel, off studying with Ben and Cordelia, currently in Fabian's orbit. With her hill of homework, Samantha opted to eat with Midnight in their room.

Maya almost jumped at the returning Howletts and neared the adult female member, attempting to gauge her face. "… Kay? Did Wolverine…?"

From his regular chair, Sean darted eyes towards them.

"We talked," Logan confirmed.

Kayla offered the girl a smile with open arms. Heart soaring several stories, Maya practically fell into her hold.

Sean almost relaxed, but found it difficult under Cody's firm scowl. He dared a look over at Frank appeared entirely at ease, talking with Alex about Scott's magnificent pitching. When Sean's eyes accidentally landed on Hank, he promptly shifted his head. Hank did not look away, though his eyes carried much grief.

Victor, Scott, and Becky came in last, having had to change out of their sweaty warm-up clothes. Becky bustled in after the males did. She wore a wrinkle free dress, had curls styled into a partly pulled back do, and hands and face washed to the degree of eliminating any evidence of perspiration demons having been afoot.

The minute Charles inquired about everyone's day, Becky jumped on it with, "Anne made the squad!"

"Hey, cool," reacted Raven.

Emma said, "That's wonderful. I'm positive she'll benefit from new outlets."

"Now darling," spoke Charles with an air of skepticism, "she didn't happen to invite herself onto the team, did she?"

Becky managed to keep her eyes from rolling. "We don't do that stuff all the time, Uncle Charles." She quickly tacked on, "Or ever."

Erik flicked one of her curls and asked, "Has your coach reconsidered my suggestion?"

Becky turned to him and replied, "Papa, you can't jump around if your skirt is all the way to the floor."

Amidst his many X-Men, Charles honed in on one small one who only stared at his plate. "Cody, why aren't you eating?"

"I tried to keep it to your favorite vegetables," Raven said kindly. "Don't you love corn on the cob?"

Kayla put her arm around her son and stroked his hair with her fingers, regarding him with the gentlest of knowing eyes. "He had to go to the lab today. It may be upset stomach. Don't worry."

"Code Man—"

"We stopped by the candy store on our way home," Frank cut into Sean. "I got huge Hershey bars for you small fries. I'll run up and get yours if you eat some of the green stuff."

Cody whispered, "Thanks, maybe later."

Joey went from staring at Frank as if an alien presence most welcomed had possessed his body to eying Cody with greater disbelief.

Trav asked eagerly, "Can we have ours after dinner?"

Frank responded with a smile, "Anything you want, little guy."

Joey's jaw almost dropped at Hank's lack of chocolate protesting. "Um, Dad?"

Charles looked to the small blonde. "Yes, son?"

"Could you please read their minds?" Joey requested squeamishly. "Everybody's scaring me."

Laughter erupted from a few of them at the unintentional joke.

"Worry not," said Erik. "I'll put on some broth for Cody after this."

Robotically, Cody responded, "Thank you. May I be excused? I want to check on Mira and Toddy."

Logan ruffled his head. "Go ahead, Cat."

The boy pushed out from his seat and took his leave.

Charles' concern only intensified. "Did something happen at school today?"

"Not that I'm aware of." Victor then turned to his player. "Shades?"

"I don't know," Scott replied honestly. "He was playing fine at recess."

"He'll be fine," Logan assisted. "You know how much he hates needle days."

At the despondence on Maya's face, Sean asserted, "We have some news."

Maya touched his thigh. "Sean…"

"No," he returned in a hushed tone, "we agreed. This is our moment." Getting to his feet before the now mostly bewildered group, he took Maya's hand. With a breath, she arose as well, latched onto his side. "I asked Maya to marry me." Every utensil clinked. "And she said yes."

When Maya raised her ring finger, an intangible bomb blew across the elegant dining room.

Becky jumped up and ran to snatch Maya's hand. "Let me see!" She gasped over the gold band. "It's gorgeous! Oh!" Becky hugged the pair at once. "Congratulations!"

Sean smiled down gratefully at her. "Thanks, Curls."

"Hooray!" cheered Trav.

Joey realized, "I get to make a new wedding banner! Can I invite Laci? We'll make you the best sign ever."

Erik rattling every ounce of metal in the room ended the growing jubilation.

Sinking in her seat, Raven uttered, "Let the games begin…"

"Married?" Erik seethed. "When did you decide this?"

Sean answered without delay, "Two weeks ago. We wanted to wait for Maya's recovery to tell everyone."

"Child," Erik lifted a hand as if trying to grip his patience, "you are still soaking wet behind the ears and have the nerve to be considering marriage?"

"Now, now, Erik," Charles intervened. "Be reasonable. With their senior year coming to a close, I anticipated this. Raven and Hank did practically the same thing. Think of it. A lovely summer ceremony with plenty of time to prepare for their first semester at WU."

Before Erik could say anything else, Sean informed, "I'm not going to WU. Actually, I'm going to SU; Syracuse University."

The no longer quiet Alex popped both eyebrows. "Wait, what? As in Syracuse University in… Syracuse?"

Kayla attempted to help with, "One of the highest ranked universities on the east coast."

"Yes, it is." Trying to understand, Emma said, "So, you've decided to live on-campus there? Do they offer married housing?"

"They sure do," Sean grinned, pride showing through over his research. "That's why we have to get married soon to qualify."

Maya told them, "I'm going to Le Moyne College. They have a terrific nursing program."

"You see." Logan got to his feet with his glass. "They've got it all figured out. I'd say it's about time for a toast."

"I say like hell," Erik shot down, standing next. "Are you honestly trying to tell us you plan to get married all of five seconds after getting out of high school, move upstate despite having never lived on your own a day in your lives, start university, and on what exactly? You'll find that those monthly allowance checks from your parents won't put more than a loaf of bread on the table. Not to mention the fact that you've undoubtedly dug yourself into a hole already buying that senseless trinket on her finger."

"As a matter-of-fact," Sean spoke directly to the metal wielder, "I already found a job. In fact, they called me. I'm going to be playing my music for different night spots."

Now Charles grew grim. "Hold on. A job? In night clubs? Sean, there is no way in the world you can balance such a lifestyle recently married on top of starting college."

Sean said simply, "I'll just go to school part-time for a while."

The entire room seemed to still as Charles moved to his feet. "Part… time? Are you standing there right now and telling me you're going to make your education, your future last priority in order to play your guitar for a pathetic penance in some seedy night club?"

Crossing his arms, Hank remarked, "This just keeps getting better and better."

Glaring at him, Sean spat, "Shove it, Hank. I've heard about enough from you."

"Sean, that was uncalled for," Emma reprimanded.

"And further proving our point," added Erik. "Look at the two of you. You're children playing a delusional game of house. We just had to punish both of you for idiotic decisions and now you've managed to top yourselves."

"Erik is right," Charles agreed wholeheartedly. "You haven't even begun to think this through. Sean, come with me. We'll finish discussing this in my study."

The redhead remained firmly in place. "No."

Every young person looked from him to the now far from friendly Professor.

Charles gave him an unreadable look. "What did you say to me, young man?"

"I said no," Sean reiterated. "I don't care what you say or do, Charles. In fact, to hell with any of you against us. Maya and I are getting married and we are out of here. Case closed."

The hurricane of fury in the room received a crash of thunder at Kiki slamming and shattering her plate onto the floor. She then tore from the table and room at such a pace that her wings became obsolete.

"Baby!" Raven hastened after her daughter with Hank right behind.

"Kikiko!" Trav scuttled after them.

The sickness developing in Sean's stomach almost turned into full-on nausea at the unanticipated punch that connected with the area.

Becky jumped in incredulity while neither Alex nor Leon could move.

"Scott Summers!" Charles and Emma scolded in unison.

Ignoring their reproach, Scott stated through clenched teeth, "If you made her cry, I'll move you out myself right through the wall." He marched out unapologetically.

Holding his front and coming back from the shock of the blow, Sean only cared about Maya's pooling eyes. "Sweetheart…"

Head as well as entire body shaking, she barely held her composure as she ran by him as well as the Howletts' equally concerned arms.

Without a word, Joey collected Brian from his highchair and departed. However, the baby with wide eyes and waving arms appeared to want to witness the rest of the display. Kayla and Emma went to see about Sean, who recoiled from them.

Facing his co-workers, Logan demanded, "What the hell?"

"Becky, you go to your room, too," Erik directed.

Still gripping Sean's hand, Becky looked into his face far more wounded than his stomach. She shook her head, holding tighter to him.

"Rebecca—"

"Enough!" Alex commanded, getting up. "All of you, I'm serious. Babes," he addressed Becky, "can you take care of Seanie?" When she nodded, Alex requested, "Sean, go with her, please." He rubbed at his back. "Please, man."

"Kay…" Holding onto the young girl like a crutch, Sean walked with her.

"Frank, can you clear the table when you're done?" Alex asked next.

"Sure," the boy replied with a shrug, having nearly finished his plate through the ordeal. He glanced at Erik. "I'll clean up Kiki's mess and put the soup on for Cody."

"The rest of you," Alex said to the remaining adults, "get to the library. I'm going to see if Kiki is calm enough for Hank and Raven to join us." At the Headmasters attempt to speak, the blonde asked pointedly, "Did you hear a question in that statement? Now go before I start acting as retarded as the rest of you!"

Victor moved first. "You heard the man, people."

As the adults of different rage levels filed out, Alex peered down at the other WU student. "You want a handwritten invitation or what?"

Leon promptly shifted to quicken his departure.

After retrieving the broom and dustpan, Frank whistled the tune from Steamboat Willy while he swept up the discarded food and broken fragments of ceramic.

IIIIIII

As directed upon her return home, Melissa headed straight for Brenda's room. Entering through the ajar door, she stopped at the sight of the coiled up creature with head in Brenda's lap on the bed.

"So this is the stray cat Collin said wandered into our yard." At the tears she saw coating the typically cheerfully stoic teenager, gravity took over and she went to sit on the side of the mattress. "Maya, what happened?"

With a joyful smile in place, Brenda announced, "They're getting married. Look at her ring. It's blinding."

Melissa let off a whistle of approval over the piece of jewelry. "Huh. Lee was betting he'd pop the question on prom night. I guessed graduation day, slipping it right into the speech if he gets valedictorian."

Maya raised her head to that. "You guys were honestly discussing and placing bets on our engagement?"

Melissa sincerely chuckled. "Oh please, the puppy-dog pair? You guys are like every cheesy Valentine's Day card merged together and sprinkled with some of those gross candy hearts everyone throws out."

"… Thanks for the sentiment."

"Any time. So," Melissa leaned back on her wrists, "what's the crisis, Skipper? Mom hates him?"

"Not even close." Sitting up, Maya wiped at her eyes with her thumbs. She had managed to change into jeans and a wool sweater before hurrying out of the mansion. "But almost everybody else is against us. Hank, Cody, Frank, Erik, the Professor."

"Why?" a lost Brenda wondered. "Look, I know you're still teenagers and yada, yada, but haven't you been with Sean since forever?"

Maya formed the tiniest recollecting smile. "Since sophomore year. But Sean got a chance at a real singing job, performing at clubs and restaurants maybe, and we told them we wanted to go to school in Syracuse. The Professor thinks it's going to interfere with Sean's classes because he's talking about only going part-time. Then Erik and Hank think we're too young to handle getting married and taking all of this on and…" Maya hugged her knees to her chest, her voice cracking again. "What if they're all right?"

"Maya, no," Brenda protested, rubbing her arm. "That's crazy. Of course you can handle it. Your head is on tighter than any kid's in school, possibly in all of western society. And Sean would move the world for you. Besides, you're both scary smart. College and work should be a breeze for you guys. You can probably learn a full circus routine on the side."

"It's not that simple, Brenda," Maya sighed. "What if I made a mistake saying yes? What if we are rushing? What if this is nothing but some kind of hormonal complication from what we went through a couple weeks ago?"

Melissa interjected, "What if you're looking for reasons to back out because- mercy God- the grownups yelled at you?"

"Yeah," said Brenda. "Take it from us regular kids who aren't so brainy and comprised of responsible energy- grownups yell a lot. They also have a weird obsession with saying no."

"Maya," Melissa spoke again, touching her knee cap and looking into her face, "while you can handle guns aimed at your face, I know you'd rather be shot on the spot than lose the approval of the X-Men. But I'm telling you, when it all comes down to it, adult approval is such bull shit. The second you steer off their course, you're a bad seed. You can't be out to lick their boots constantly. Look, do you want to marry Sean? Spend forever, ever with the guy?"

Maya replied, "All the way past infinity."

"Then stop with the people-pleasing for once in your life and do what you want," Melissa emphasized. She became markedly somber. "Maya, you and Sean have a chance at the ideal cookie-cutter, fat grandchildren, growing into gray hair perfection package. Do you get that? There's a hell of a lot of people that will never get so much as a breath of that. If you let anyone force you into a corner and let him go, you're going to regret it on a global scale."

Listening in full, Maya pressed her face against her knees in silent ponder until her head lifted again. "You want to know what else I'd regret? Not having you two as bridesmaids in our wedding."

Both flinched at Brenda's ear-busting shriek and the youngest girl developed sheepish eyes. "Sorry, it's just… wedding, love, music, dresses, eeeee!" She flopped off her bed at that.

When she seemed to not experience any pain from that particular thud, Maya looked at Melissa again. "What about you? Or is a wedding beneath your coolness standards?"

"Definitely." Melissa also added, "But you're not. I'll be there. Just make sure you are."

Maya patted her leg. "Thanks, Melissa."

The oldest female could not say anything as Brenda sprang up to pounce them with affection.

IIIIIII

Returning to the library from seeing about her children, Kayla informed the gathered, "Melissa called. Maya's over there."

From the chair he occupied as the only seated one, Leon put forth, "The hypnotic effect found in a vessel of violence and contempt for mankind is surprisingly strong."

Logan sent him a raised eyebrow. "Boy, you must have some kind of pillow talk."

Making his way into the research space with the McCoy couple in tow, Alex made sure the French doors closed after them.

Going to stand in the middle of the room, the young instructor peered around at each of them. "I seriously cannot believe what happened downstairs. Jumping all over them before they could even get the words out. What were you thinking?"

"Yeah, really," Raven seconded, arms folded. "Look, I knew there would be some disagreement here, but did it have to come to all that? My daughter just stopping screaming and crying, Maya's heart is in about a thousand bitty pieces, and I can't imagine how belittled Sean must feel."

From her wording, Erik surmised, "You knew about this. Why didn't you come to us?"

Raven looked at her brother with annoyed disbelief. "The same reason Sean and Maya didn't go running to you when Hank and I told them about our engagement. That was not our business to disclose, Erik. What were you going to do, anyway? Barricade them in their rooms?"

Alex remarked, "Wouldn't surprise me at this point."

Erik encroached on him. "And when exactly did you decide it acceptable to speak out of turn to us this way? You've stepped well beyond your bounds of late. Do you need a reminder of your place, Alexander?"

Calmly keeping eye contact with the mutant elder, Alex responded, "Erik, you're my father and the man I want to be. I'd rather have another cardiac attack than fall short in your eyes. But don't you try to tell me anything about my fucking place." Multiple eyes, particularly Leon's, stayed locked on the squaring duo. "You know what my place is? Here in this house every morning trying to get a decent twenty-minute run in so I can shove some food down my throat and get these kids to school on time. Then I have to get to my own classes, hurry back here to help Wolves with the babies, pray God they sleep long enough for me to get some kind of studying in, drive the kids to their clubs, and conduct my training sessions. As a few extra goodies, I have to make sure I'm there for every single one of Scott's games, Joey's art contests, and every little award presented to these kids. Oh and let's not forget, must monitor BP at all times. That's my place. Any questions?"

Leon lifted a finger. "Could you please not die?"

While Raven came up from behind to massage his shoulders, Alex replied, "Like I have a choice with Eel Power." He stayed still as Erik raised a hand, braced for anything.

Erik used the appendage to cup his cheek. "I will never comprehend how you desire to be the man I am. Boychick, it's I who needs to embody you."

Alex stated, "Guess you don't know yourself too well, Dad." He looked beyond him to the other Headmaster. "And I'm way more surprised at you, Charles. I'll admit he was bratty a few times, but how could you not hear him out?"

Charles sighed heavily. "I was much too harsh with him, I know. It's only the way he began sounding like some fanciful child ready to throw away his potential, his bright future for short-lived fame. I went through university as a single man and that was demanding enough. Sean is talking about bringing a wife into the equation."

Hank broke his silence with, "Are we really expected to stand in support as they plunge into unknown and potentially dangerous territory? I have supported Sean and Maya's relationship since day one. But I cannot stand by while they make poorly planned decisions they could regret for the rest of their lives."

"You think you can save 'em by comin' down on 'em like a ton of bricks?" Victor piped up next, immediately receiving Hank's attention. "It won't do a thing but alienate 'em because I got news for ya. Teenagers as love-struck as those two ain't out to hear reason. Do I think they're green kids who need to slow down a little bit? Yes. Does the state? No. They can head on down to City Hall and be married first thing in the mornin' if they want. As tough as it is, you can't keep a leash on your loved ones forever. You got to let 'em grow up, make their own mistakes. Just make sure you're there the second they need you."

Logan darted eyes his way.

Taking her husband's hand then her twin's, Raven addressed her brothers. "Look at us. Hank and I are not the curfew dodgers anymore. Alex isn't some punk with a chip on his shoulder."

"And Sean's not the little kid hiding in here behind these books," Alex picked up. "Whatever mistakes he's made, we've been in plenty of situations we couldn't have come out of without him."

Emma took Charles' arm. "Married only a year and you and I have certainly been through the ringer. We've faced difficult circumstances and been on the receiving end of other people's judgement time and time again. Charles, we are telepaths, not seers. Who are we to predict inevitable doom for Maya and Sean?"

Though he did not reply, the Professor brought her hand to his lips for a kiss she read perfectly.

Logan stood straight from where he leaned on the edge of a table. "All these powers and I still can't turn back time. I can't bring back my baby girl or give Maya back her father. But so help me, I'm not lettin' a damn thing come between her and Sean. Now, I'm goin' to pick up Maya. Then, hell or highway, I'm walkin' her down that aisle." He turned to make a path for the doors.

"Logan," Kayla petitioned, "wait for me."

The Veteran paused long enough to link arms with his wife.

Sharing a brief look with Erik, Charles requested, "Could you all give us a moment, please?"

"Of course," granted Emma.

Once out in the hall, Alex pulled Hank and Raven over into a corner with him. "The Howletts have Maya taken care of, but Sean needs us."

Raven eyed her better half. "All of us."

A continued pensive Hank looked between the pair quietly.

"So," Alex leaned against the wall, hands going into his pants pocket, "what're we gonna do, big brother?"

II

While the copper haired teenager laid against his pillows, Becky acquired an ice bag for the redness on his stomach. From what she could gather from his reaction to her gentle pressing, no damage had been done, short of taking the wind out of him so suddenly. Becky did not need her powers to detect the far more apparent inner hurt he experienced.

"Why aren't you mad?"

"Hm?"

"When I went home to see my family, you were mad at first," Sean recalled. "I'm talking about moving out completely now. How are you not mad?"

"I love our family more than anything in the world." Becky adjusted his pillows for him. "I always feel like I have to fight people because the bios don't understand. No one understands. Never having a mother. Having a father you weren't born to. I'm always scared someone's going to try to break us up or worse, one of you leaving because you love your bio side more. When you didn't know when you were coming back from Virginia, I figured you weren't coming back at all. That scared Maya, too. I could tell. She's never wanted to break up our family. She's only ever wanted to be a part of it. I love her and I love you. Even if we're not in the same house anymore, we'll come back to each other."

Sean brought fingers up to coil around her curls. "I'll fly back to you if I have to."

Becky smiled, "You've done it before."

They both looked up with a startle at the spirited pounding on the door.

Sean answered, "You can take me, but leave the girl be."

Pushing the door open, Alex gestured towards the bed. "Get a load of this laziness. Dude, you're not married yet. You have years to sit around and develop the beer gut."

Some small glint of humor returning to him, Sean watched the three enter. Raven sat on the opposite side of him from Becky, stroking his hair. Hank knelt near the bed and Alex sat backwards in the desk chair.

Rolling to his side for a better view of Hank, Sean half-joked, "You gonna slug me, too?"

Hank stated, "If I ever tried to strike you anywhere but the designated southern region, I'd be forced to take a machete to parts of my own body."

"No self-harm threats, please," Raven mandated.

Knowing the memories his remark likely stirred, Hank gave her an apologetic glance.

"Guess I know why you guys are here." Sean gazed at them individually. "You want to talk me out of leaving like we tried to do with Frank that time."

"No," Raven answered flatly, surprising the male redhead. "When Frankie tried to go, it was for the wrong reasons."

"But so we're clear," spoke Hank, "tell us exactly why you're doing this. The marriage reasoning is obvious, but why Syracuse? I didn't even know you applied there."

"I applied to a bunch of random schools to be on the safe side," Sean explained. "I made sure we didn't stray too far away so Maya could see about her mother without an airplane. But when I got the call about that job last week, which includes weekend gigs anywhere between Syracuse and Jersey, I took it as a sign. But you were right, Hank. I fall short when it comes to life experience. And I know I've improved from where I was when we all came to live here, but I have to face facts. I'm never going to become my own man as long as I'm stuck in yours and Alex's shadows."

"Hey, you've contributed a lot to this team," Alex said firmly.

"Yeah, I know," Sean said. "But you, Hank, Raven, Leon- you guys belong here. I'm good for the team, but you're necessities. The X-Men will always be a part of me and Maya, but we have to move on. See what's next for us."

Hank stayed in his own thoughts until he reached one long arm forward. "Consider me behind you all the way."

Sean sat up to latch hands with him and they exchanged a mutual squeeze.

Smiling with Becky over the pair, Raven felt a rush of panic at the way the blonde grabbed his head. "Alex?"

"This is insane, stupid, crazy…" Alex looked up again, incredulity over every inch of his features. "I'm the college prep and Sean's the illegally cool rock star?... Who are we?"

"Haven't you heard?" Raven smirked. "We're the First Five."

Alex exhaled in humor through his nostrils, giving off a shake of his head. "Bunch of scared, clueless kids. From cool covert mission to revenge quest to… everything I ever wanted."

Becky put forth, "More than I ever wished for."

Raven looked at her. "I still remember when you finally left your room. You came downstairs and played cards with us."

"Boys vs. Girls," Becky remembered.

"Yeah. You know I can't really explain it," Raven's yellow eyes brightened, "but after that, I just got the feeling that things would get better. That we'd be okay. Eventually."

"Playing cards around that table then, here in this room now- these moments together are going to become less and less. Let's never miss a chance to cherish every single one," Hank emphasized.

When the silence dwindled in, Raven and Becky laid on either side of Sean and he gave them his arms. Hank tilted, leaning against the bed frame.

After a minute, Alex moved to stand. "Would love to stay frozen in time with you guys, but I have to go teach a certain all-star squirt what happens when you go around socking people."

"Alex," Sean looked towards him, "don't be too hard on him."

"Don't worry," Alex said in turn, taking his leave of them.

Becky resituated Sean's ice bag and nestled against his shirt.

Arriving quicker than he preferred outside the door he sought, Alex rapped on the wood twice. "Scott, you in there?"

"Yeah," his brother responded. "Come on in."

Alex did, finding the young teen situated at his desk with text and notebooks open. "Kiki must be feeling better."

"She fell asleep in Hank and Raven's bed," Scott reported, eyes on his papers. "Trav's with her."

"That's good." Alex nudged the door closed. "Want to know who's not feeling so hot? Sean."

"Better question," Scott suggested. "Do I care?"

Slapping a hand down in the center of the notebook, Alex got the shaded eyes up. "Do not play funny man with me right now, Scott Summers. You're in enough trouble."

"Oh come on," Scott scoffed, rising. "Don't tell me you're ticked about that. That's what he gets, saying all that stuff in front of Kiki. Typical Sean. Every time he's ready to waltz out the door, he goes and gets her all upset."

Alex softened at that. "Scott, I know what you're feeling and believe me, I'd fall over into glass shards to keep Kiki from tearing up. If you'd just bitten Sean's head off, we wouldn't have a problem. But you can't go throwing your fists around just because someone makes you mad."

"Please, Sean's a giant over me." Scott then felt the need to tack on, "For now."

"That's not the point, Scott," Alex urged. "Unless you're defending yourself or somebody else, you punch the bag, not other people. You've had big dogs of the Air Force get in your face, trying to rattle you. I know you know better than this."

Some of Scott's resolved lessened. "I'm not sorry for wanting to do it… but I guess I overreacted."

Alex clamped a hand down on his shoulder. "Well, you better learn to reel yourself in because next time you lose it like that I'm spanking square on your bare butt and grounding you from leading drills for a week."

Flinching more at the second part than the first, Scott assured, "I won't lose it like that again."

"Good. When I let you head a group, I have to be sure I can trust you not to let your temper loose on the other guys."

"It won't. Alex, you can trust me."

Alex squeezed his shoulder. "I do and since Charles and Erik are going to be in conference mode for quite a while, this is on me." Taking his brother's chair for himself, Alex pointed to his lap. "Get over."

Having not remotely expecting his day to take such a number of twists and turns, Scott determined this to be the worst yet. Still, he complied, pressing his hands against the floor. He inhaled sharply at the first swat.

Never letting up for a second so as to get through it faster, Alex dealt fifteen smacks to the rear of his lounge pants. Though he had not left him bawling, he could still hear the sniffling combined with whimper he let slip. Alex's heart sunk and he picked the thin boy up to hold tightly. When Scott coiled arms around him, it dawned on the older Summers how much bigger he felt from the scrawny eleven-year-old saved and returned to him by the telepaths. Of course, that had nothing on the difference between Scott right then and the giggly four-year-old snatched away from him for no reason at all. Alex shook his head hard, not giving those old wounds the dignity of glossy eyes.

"I'm sorry, big brother."

At those words, the bedroom seemed to fade away and in its place, another far more familiar space materialized.

"I sowwy, big brother…"

"Can the cute stuff, Scott." Finally done cleaning up from the grape juice tidal wave, the eleven-year-old wanted to kick something over his purple stained homework. "Now I have to write this stupid book report all over again. I told you not to mess around at my desk."

The brown eyes glistened with regret. "I'll help, Lexie."

"You've helped enough," Alex said curtly, glaring down at him. "My school's going to make me pay for this stupid, boring book you ruined. I should tell Mommy on you."

Scott bowed his head. "'Kay."

"You're just lucky I don't want to bug her. But you can forget about me playing with you now. Tomorrow, either." Alex stared at the wall behind his desk to get some kind of grip on his anger. "Just go, Scott."

The child did without question, even closing the door after himself.

Using whatever salvageable pages he could from his report, Alex got comfortable on his bed to grudgingly begin the re-writing process.

"Lexie?"

"Scott, I told you to—" Alex glanced up, seeing the dollar bill extended to him. Scott had insisted on saving it since his birthday, turning down countless candy store temptations.

"Here." Scott came closer, holding it out. "For your book."

"Scott… just forget it. I don't want your old dollar."

"But…"

"I said you keep it," Alex reiterated. "That's an order. Here's another one. Go grab the ball. I can finish this later."

A grin spread over the tiny face and he hurried to seek out the baseball.

"Alex, you mad?"

"What?" Alex blinked. "No, no way. Spacing out. You okay?"

"Yeah," replied Scott. "Just really sorry."

"Good. Remember this, but don't worry about it anymore." With another squeeze, Alex brought him over to rest on his stomach in bed. "I'll be right back."

Knowing his brother, Scott claimed, "I don't need any ice."

Alex returned with eyebrow raised, "Who's asking you?"

Scott smiled a little, settling into his pillow.

IIIIIII

Warm brew easing her insides, Maya finished off the mug of tea. At her side, Cody worked on doing the same with his soup.

Facing the girl from his position on the side of the bed, Logan said, "You can't let these family blowouts get to you like this. Special occasions are another time for kin to get out the crazy. You're goin' to have a boatload of challenges goin' into marriage. You can't lose your head every time."

"I know." Maya handed him back her mug. "My mom was telling me the same thing."

"You're lucky you've got her behind you. Kayla's old man basically told me I was the luckiest ugliest son-of-a-gun there ever was. Minutes before our wedding, by the way."

The youths looked at each other and snickered.

After getting the twins settled, Kayla came back in. "I have a little request for this impending affair."

As the woman sat at the foot of the bed, Maya guessed, "Date it for five years from now?"

Kayla gave her a mildly dour expression. "Actually, I would really love to make your wedding dress."

Serious now, Maya could only initially stare. "Kay, I'd love that. But how can you possibly? You have too much going on."

Kayla said, "Summer break will be here before long and if you two are holding off until graduation, believe me, it's doable."

Immense gratitude overcame the girl. "Thank you so much, Kay."

"While we're talkin' requirements," Logan touched her shoulder, "I don't particularly go for the idea of Sean takin' overnight sets, leavin' you by yourself in that dorm room."

"It's not like I'm not used to that life," Maya said glibly.

Kayla asserted, "And that's a good thing?"

"Here's what I'm thinkin'," Logan went on. "Since you're goin' to be too tied down to your studies for the commute, how 'bout we drive in and stay with you when Red's away?"

Cody's eyes instantly sparked.

Maya's brown orbs did likewise. "You would do that?"

"Absolutely," responded Kayla. "Maya, adulthood doesn't mean never accepting help. I'd gladly still have my parents here to watch the kids come up."

Reaching over for his wife's hand, Logan said, "Besides, am I actin' father-of-the-bride or what? Makin' your life easier comes with the job description."

Maya stated, "You always keep me from drowning."

Nudging her to lay down, Logan sent soothing fingers through her hair. "Get some rest. You still have school in the mornin', little bride."

Maya gave him a soft smile and he pecked her head.

Kayla collected Cody's empty bowl and left the room with Logan.

Maya grasped the boy's hand. "Together forever, Cody Wody."

Cody nuzzled her cheek. "Love you, Smiley."

"I love you, too."

Getting up with a stretch, Cody headed for his own quarters. As soon as he walked inside his room, he spotted the guitar propped up against his desk.

IIIIIII

After he got the dining room floor swept as well as vacuumed, Frank cleared the table, stored away the leftovers, loaded the dishwasher, and tidied the kitchen while waiting for Erik's soup recipe to warm. Xavier eatery immaculate and soup delivered, he went through to look in on the sleeping Kiki and Trav, Mira and Trav in their cribs, and Joey and Brian in the nursery. He stopped by Samantha's room to fill her in on things and listen to a few paragraphs of her essay.

Back in his own bedroom, Frank reviewed his homework. Looking towards his closet, he went inside and removed the large box containing his collection of worldwide items and other memorabilia. He closed the nazi coin inside his hand and slipped on Logan's dog tags. Frank leafed through his untold stacks of letters from his many, many travelers. Their postage had incidentally provided him with stamps from Japan, Ireland, Russia, England, South America- North America clearly too much of a drag for the worldly- among others.

The teen then noticed, for the first time in months, the remains of the fat green candle Leon had brought to him around that time last year. A lighted wick for a safe return and all that. Going to the window, Frank picked up the knickknack.

"This place is ten kinds of weird."

"Yep," Sean agreed. "Home sweet home."

Frank nodded then stayed quiet before speaking. "I wasn't totally honest back there. I know my favorite time with you." Sean looked at him. "It was the day after I got here and I was scared and felt so out of place. Then we went up to your room and talked for hours like we'd known each other forever. Then I knew I really belonged here."

Sean appeared surprised by this new information. "Really?"

The younger boy nodded again. "I know I bug you sometimes but I'm really glad I met you. And I know I'm not Tommy but you're more like my brother than either of the two I have back home."

Not quite sure how to respond to the unexpected sentiment, Sean put an arm around Frank and pulled him in closely.

The twelve-year-old felt a fear come over him that he had never experienced before as he began to fall from the new elevation. Then he felt himself somehow pause in midair as an arm wound around his waist. He moved his head up slightly, discovering a familiar but unexpected face hanging onto him.

"Sean!" Frank grinned widely.

"Looks like I got here just in time," Sean said with his left arm extended to keep them up. "Hang on tight."

Frank took possession of the white t-shirt Sean tossed his way. It had Beach Boys spelled out across the top in bold colorful letters.

"Too cool," Frank grinned. "You got this for me? Even after how I acted?"

"Hey," Sean came back over and rejoined him on the bed, "even when you're an annoying little pain, you're still my Frank-O. Besides, Alex and the others are great enough, but they're still not you."

Frank felt completely touched at that. "Thanks, Seanie."

"I was thinking tomorrow we could hang out all day," Sean proposed. "Just us."

Just… Us…

Holding the candle in his fist, Frank flung the wedge of wax across the room. It collided with and crumbled against his door. Determining the resulting green bits mustn't clutter his floor, Frank went in search of the miniature brush and dustpan set. He hummed You Can Fly from Peter Pan while he looked.