X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Sixty-Nine

Author's Word: Hey, fam! So, with the anniversary a little over a month away I'm left to let it sink in that Rise or Fall is nearly half a decade old. What's wackier is that we are so not done yet. Are we half done? I very much don't think so. Just… wow. Now, as I contemplate pizza toppings, please enjoy and review!

As if hypnotically allured by the pounding of hammers to nails, the teeny sock covered feet galloped through the main level. Tilting from side to side on chubby yet not-so-stable legs, he reached the construction zone. Gawking, he ventured closer.

Palm acting as stop sign, Victor halted the bitty boy's movements. "You can just hold it right there, baby boss."

Working with some plaster, Hank remarked, "Looks like the Little Hank's been wandering again."

"Brian, you're not supposed to be anywhere near here." Returning his tools to the red box, Alex gathered the much smaller blonde into his arms. "I should let your Uncle Hank sic his beast on you."

Hank released a lighthearted snarl, which only made the baby giggle and point.

"Bri!" Joey raced in. "I only looked away for a second to help Mira."

Victor shrugged his shoulder in Brian's direction. "A second's about all this kid needs to unleash nuclear assault."

Joey peered up at his own older brother with contrition. "He wanted to try running… sorry."

Alex's face instantly melted. "Don't worry, Joe. We all know how tough it is to keep tabs on this guy. Come on." He used one hand to touch Joey's head in a guiding motion. "Let's get him back to baby aerobics."

In the living room on top of Charles-mandated mats, Cody propped Mira against his front while attempting to rotate Todd's feet one at a time.

When the blonde bunch entered, Alex smiled at the sight. "See the twins are over the crawling routine, too."

Accepting the one-year-old into his grasp, Joey mildly bragged, "They want to walk like Bri."

"Yeah," Cody piped up. "Except it's rough teachin' two at once. I'm out of hands over here."

"Let me help, buddy." Going over, Alex bent and picked up Mira. "Let's get you some real wriggle room this way, sweetie." He carried her to the coffee table and helped her hang onto the edge while she attempted to stand.

If the girl appeared to so much as wobble, Alex's hands proved faster to keep her from taking a tumble. He also glanced to where Joey darted around in a circle with Brian and Cody let Todd try standing by clutching his slightly larger hands. Far from their expressions during homework, Alex noted how deeply focused both older boys appeared to be in assisting the infantile movements.

Moving swiftly, Alex caught Mira again and held her in his lap. "I'm glad you're a lot tougher than you look, toots. If anything happened to you, your old man would toothpick my face with those claws." He kissed her soft head.

Mira arched her head back, regarding him with bright greenish-gray eyes.

IIIIIII

Under the pale yellow florescent lights, the mutated pair exited the theatre in jovial conversation.

"I swear I saw you ready to jump clean out of your skin at one point," Sean ribbed. "I was waiting on you to shriek."

The telepath feigned offense as he came back with, "Excuse me, but I will remind you that we were surrounded by numerous frazzled minds affecting me. Besides, the cinematography was phenomenal. It practically leapt off the screen."

"Seriously, that got to you?" Sean cocked an eyebrow. "After going up against Shadow Freak?"

"The Shadow was a twit," Charles stated simply as they walked towards the Rolls-Royce. "Hardly comparable to the works of Alfred Hitchcock."

Sean grinned impishly. "Well, next time you're ready to pee-pee yourself, you can always hold my hand real tight."

Charles reached up to yank on a few of the tall youth's red strands. "Keep it up and I'll conjure an image of you in a sailor suit- short pants and all."

"No, no, no," Sean shook his head. "I just meant 'cause I hate seeing you scared. It makes my heart hurt."

Charles gave off an easy smile. "This was fun. I can hardly remember the last time we took in a picture just the two of us, let alone a double feature."

Sean returned the pleasant expression, but with a tad more poignancy about his eyes. "I've really missed this. I've missed a lot of stuff about us."

"So have I." The Professor cradled both sides of the boy's face. "Ready for ice cream?"

When Sean nodded into his touch, Charles went about unlocking the car for them.

IIIIIII

A wealth of informational reading coating the table they shared in the library, the gathering of X-Women attempted to make sense of the selections.

"I already knew how coveted U of Mass is," Emma flipped through a packet, "but I still can't get over the number of awards its earned. The business and nursing programs alone are highly ranked."

"Oh for a world where I fancied spreadsheets and bedpans," Cordelia said with dramatic wistfulness.

Seated by Emma and across from the younger females, Raven asked, "Do you have any ideas about majors?"

Cordelia thought for a moment then replied, "It's hard to narrow down. Physical therapist and counselor at least makes sense for you and Alex."

"It also took me over a year to settle on Elementary Education," Raven reminded. "For a lot of kids starting college, it can take even longer. Some switch programs as late as senior year."

"But if you're really undecided, community college here can get your general education requirements out of the way." Angel leaned to the side to show Cordelia the pamphlet. "The one here is considered to be among the cream of the crop for the state."

"Not to mention that it's hardly fifteen minutes from here," Cordelia raised knowingly. "When did you become so see-through, Gorge?"

"Like I care," Angel dismissed automatically. "You're my best friend and I'll be selfish if I want to."

Cordelia wound arms around her closely. "Which is why your permanent residency dwells within my heart."

"What's this? A breath of fresh air." Emma tapped a section of her packet with a finely groomed fingernail. "U of Mass is taking several steps to broaden student body diversity. In this last year alone, they've welcomed applicants from Hong Kong, Kenya, Athens…"

"Ooh, let me see." Remembering that particular campus still remained beyond state lines, Angel promptly retracted her interested hand. "I mean… so!"

With a humored shake of her head, Cordelia flipped through another page on Boston University.

IIIIIII

Watching a group of children depart from the establishment, Charles informed, "The claw machine just freed up."

Three-fourths done with his banana split, Sean glanced across to him. "And?"

Charles smiled secretively. "I do believe I remembered to leave the house with a few coins at my disposal…"

The unmoved redhead only eyed him. "And?"

Charles' delighted features faded a little. "Seanie, you normally love the claw machine."

"Yeah," Sean swirled his spoon around, "like three years ago."

"More like three months ago." Charles then brought up, "Or was that another adorable ginger beseeching his Uncle Erik to 'help' him win a Batman plush?"

Sean insisted, "I had to grab it before Scott saw him- for collectable purposes."

"Oh yes, of course," Charles chuckled lightly. "My Seanie, must you be in such a terrible hurry to discard every aspect of childhood?"

Sean released a sigh and leaned back in his seat. "Either I'm growing up too fast or retarded slow. You want to pick a team already?"

The Professor's expression lost all traces of its prior merriment. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"You're the big mind reader. Figure it out."

"That will be enough of the curt attitude, young man," Charles reprimanded. "Now, either you talk to me calmly or we can move this discussion to the men's room."

Sean dipped in his chair. "… I'm sorry."

Features instantly softening, Charles got to his feet and reached for him. "Let's go to the car, hm?"

Sean nodded and accepted the man's arm around him as they left the ice cream parlor.

Once comfortably situated together in the back of the Rolls-Royce, Charles revealed, "I've felt something very off with you these last few days, but I've chosen not to pry for details. I'd much rather hear it from you." Charles stroked at the red hair. "Please talk to me, Seanie."

Staring downward, Sean eventually responded, "I knew my parents were going to kick up a fuss, but now Tommy…"

"Your brother doesn't want to come to the wedding?"

"He's coming to appease our grandparents, but he specifically said he doesn't want any part in it. He's joined Kiki in blaming Maya." He formed a watery smile. "Haven't even solidified a date and my groomsmen are already dropping like flies…"

Charles immediately took him into a hug. "I'm sorry this has been so difficult for you. And Maya."

"I've been in love with her for almost three years." Sean placed his head on the telepath's shoulder. "Why do people keep coming up against us?"

"Oh Seanie, no one's against you." Charles sent his hand up and down the teen's back to soothe him. "Your brothers are hurting at the thought of losing you. That's why they're so angry. Alex, Logan, and Raven advocated quite firmly on your behalf. Uncle Erik and the rest of us are simply concerned." Charles pulled back only enough to look into the younger set of blue eyes. "For my own part, I must admit I am anxious. Not about your marriage, but your moving. I don't want to see you hurt, physically or otherwise. I love you so much, dear boy, and I only want you to obtain all the happiness in the world. Because you and Maya both deserve it."

Sean lowered to better settle in the Professor's arms. "I love you, too. I just… I don't know what to do."

"I do, at least for this evening." Charles rubbed his shoulder. "Want to visit that big book store you love in the city? They're open until nine."

"Really?" Sean lifted his head to view the man. "But we'll be home late. What about school?"

"I can always write you a note for your first two periods. So, what do you say? Are we book binging?"

A genuine smile crossed Sean's face. "Ohhh, big time."

IIIIIII

By the setting sun's radiance, gold and tangerine bathed the entire Xavier estate. On the rear steps of the house, Erik held Becky in his lap while observing his other rambunctious charges. In the special uniform designed by her father, Kiki flapped about with wings spread and the rest of her small form protected against chills. Angel flew in tune with the younger winged mutant. Samantha dashed all about, performing everything from somersaults to full body flips. Leon, Scott, and Frank threw the football around with Trav. Leon used his powers to capture the ball a few times. Arms strengthening around Becky, who wrote in her spirit journal, Erik's satisfaction intensified every time he witnessed the grin consuming Frank's face.

The city native brought Trav on top of his shoulders. While the move succeeded in the small boy snagging the football, Trav lost his balance. Doing the same as a result, Frank toppled into the grass, but ensured that the tinier youth landed on top of him.

Trav used two fingers to press him for possible injury. "Did you hurt yourself?"

"Did I hurt myself?" an amused Frank nearly scoffed. "Did you hurt yourself, little guy?"

"Nope," Trav said with a shake of his head.

"Then I'm all good."

Flopping down beside them, Scott smiled over the long-absent elation radiating from his fellow Eye Screamer. "Come here, you little pain." He seized Trav by his middle.

Laughing wildly, the little boy managed to keep a grip on the football as Scott held him up and Frank attempted lightheartedly to snatch it away.

Noticing a formation not too far away, Becky pointed enthusiastically. "Scott, look! Your friends are here."

"Hm?" Shaded eyes floating in the direction she indicated, Scott experienced glee at the cluster of flashing insects. "It's the fireflies!" He rushed up, positioning Trav on his hip as he moved to properly greet them.

At the older boy's slow pacing, Trav wondered, "Can't we run?"

"No, no," Scott shot down. "We'll scare them."

Leaving Erik's lap, Becky approached as well. "They're prettier than ever."

Scott looked to see a few hovering near her. "Yeah…" He blinked and said, "I just can't believe they're back already."

Coming their way as well, Erik explained, "We have had quite a few generously warm days this month. These are likely early bloomers." Leon and the girls followed after the mutant elder like intrigued ducklings. "Also, I doubt even the most meticulous of insects can resist Wolverine's flowers."

Latching onto his word choice, Trav inquired, "What is met-ic-u-less, Uncle Erik?"

"Meticulous," Erik sounded out for him, "means serious and thorough in one's duties and responsibilities. Essentially, you and your father."

Trav grinned with great pride at that.

"And Uncle Erik during training," Angel quipped.

Erik stated, "That's a high compliment in my book." He placed a hand on Scott's shoulder. "When I was in Argentina, I saw countless fireflies. Hundreds easily on particularly humid nights."

"Wow, really?" Scott marveled.

"Oh yes," Erik replied. "They were like flares of divinity; my own personal lightshow it seemed."

Scott told him, "That's what they're like for me, too. Especially when it's really dark out."

"I can imagine. Of course, these days we have a vastly superior light source." Erik's spare arm slipped around Frank, who smiled up at him.

Samantha asked him, "When were you in Argentina, Uncle Erik?"

"Shortly before I met Charles and Raven," the man recalled. "I was there on business."

At the slight tone shift used by his father, Leon regarded him out of the corners of his eyes with enjoyment.

IIIIIII

Tugging around one of the shop's complimentary carts like a preschooler with a little red wagon, Charles decided a second scholarly dictionary necessary. He added it to his assortment, which already included a case of fresh encyclopedias among many others. The Professor mentally justified the horde with the personal admonition that he needed to keep the family library up-to-date for the educational fulfillment of his youngsters. He even acquired two new medical texts for Hank by professionals he knew the young scientist greatly admired. Though he knew in terms of extravagance, Hank already received quite a great deal in lab equipment alone. Still, with all that he did for the mansion dwellers, Charles chose not to resist the urge to spoil him where possible.

When he returned to where he left Sean in the mystery/thriller section to see that the stack of books had doubled in the last ten minutes. Fondness bubbling within him, Charles pictured Sean as a small lad, whimpering for adrenaline pumping literature while all the other fellows whined and whimpered over remote control cars and the like.

"Hmm," Charles took one book from the load titled The Colour of Murder, "this looks interesting…"

Bringing his head up quickly, Sean took the book back possessively. "Uh, I get to read it first."

"You have far more than any summer reading list," Charles reasoned. "You could let me skim it a bit."

Sean shook his head stubbornly. "No, I want to look through them then you, promise. I won't loan 'em to anyone else."

Charles gestured towards the stack. "You're going to have the time to read all of these while prepping for finals, preparing to start a new job, and planning your wedding?"

Sean's expression changed significantly. "Yeah, that's right… better make good use of spring break I guess."

Charles knelt to him. "Seanie, are you alright?"

"Mmhmm," the boy nodded. "Just a lot changing so fast, you know?"

"Yes, I do," Charles replied sincerely. "These last three years have brought about more challenges and changes than I've faced in my entire life. That's probably why they've been my best years as well."

Sean gave off a slither of a smile. "Glad to hear that at least."

Charles touched his knee. "It's alright to be nervous, Seanie. And to have doubts. It doesn't mean that you don't love Maya. It simply means you're a young man facing a great deal at once."

Sean toyed with the spine of the book. "Do you think I'm making a mistake?"

"I'm hoping not," Charles answered him as honestly as he could. "I want everything to work out well for you and Maya. However, I can't deny feeling the burdens you're carrying." Charles clutched the teenager's wrists. "You must promise to live up to our agreement, Seanie. Call home every week to keep us in the loop. You must promise me that."

Sean nodded hard. "I promise you."

Charles returned the nod then took in their surroundings. "I don't think we've shopped for books with this much vigor since we attended that horror convention."

"That was incredible," Sean recollected happily. "I can't believe we got that close to so many amazing authors. People I've read for years. I'll never forget that, Charles."

The elder mutant reached in to peck Sean's forehead. "I'll never forget how great it was to have you to myself for that time. It truly meant a lot to me."

The manager, a woman in thin-rimmed glasses, walked towards them. "Excuse me, but I must remind you that the store will be closing in- however long you need." She turned and walked away without another word.

Sean looked over to see the Professor with two fingers at his temple and stifled a snicker. "Dad…"

The telepath winked and ruffled his thick red hair.

IIIIIII

After dinner, Victor supplied the X-Kids with the pastries he acquired from the bakery earlier before he, Hank, and Alex resumed the latter's work space project. With the Howletts still enjoying their privileged night out, Emma got the twins along with Brian ready for bed. Raven retreated to her suite for much needed studying and Cordelia did the same with higher learning research. Erik led the flock consisting of Leon, Angel, Samantha, Frank, Scott, Becky, Cody, Joey, Trav, and Kiki into the living room. He allowed them to have their dessert and milk in there under the condition of cleaning up every single crumb before Charles made it back.

Samantha and Angel knelt at the coffee table and the former supplied Midnight a half can worth of tuna to keep his attention off their treats. Leon took an arm chair with Cody in his lap. Scott and Joey shared the loveseat. On the couch, Frank and Becky sat on either side of Erik. Despite Kiki and Trav holding down his legs, the metal wielder ate his dessert with ease.

"Drink your milk. You only had one cup at dinner," Leon reminded into Cody's ear.

The eleven-year-old replied, "You people are gonna have enough of tryin' to keep me healthy," but compliantly sipped from his glass.

Mild alarm appeared in Frank's eyes when he saw Kiki's finger outlining on Erik's arm. "Honey, no, let Uncle Erik eat."

Feeling the tiny appendage make contact with the tattoo, Erik gave Frank a look of reassurance then guided Kiki's hand across the numbers. "What do you they feel like, bubala?"

"Umm," Kiki scrunched up her nose in thought, "nothing really."

"Exactly. That's because unlike you," Erik lifted her hand to kiss, "they have no power."

Kiki smiled brightly.

"Erik?" Angel ventured a little apprehensively. "Why is it you don't just, um, go ahead and have that removed?"

The unbothered Headmaster responded, "Removing it would only leave a scar, something I have in abundance already. Also, it serves as a reminder."

Cody raised a puzzled eyebrow. "Why do you want to remember it?"

Erik gazed over at him. "To ensure such a thing never happens again."

Cody nodded with total understanding now and Leon shared a look with Erik.

"Does it still hurt?" Samantha then clarified, "Being reminded I mean."

"Yes, it does," Erik answered truthfully. "Yet it makes me stronger as well. That it no longer has control over me."

Scott put forth, "That's sort of how I feel about flying. I know it's not the same thing."

"Don't say that, Scott," Erik said with a shake of his head. "Accidental or not, what you went through was also horrendous. To be honest, I wish I had a fifth of the strength you display when I was your age."

"Thanks, Erik," Scott smiled a little. "But I'm not strong 'cause of a reminder. I can hardly remember anything." Becky glanced his way. "I got stronger by coming here."

"Me, too," Angel concurred.

"Me, three!" piped up Trav.

Erik's chest vibrated with amusement. "Take my word for it, Valiant. You were already strong."

The little boy beamed.

When the pastries became a thing of the past, Erik instructed, "Plates and glasses to the dishwasher, please. Trav, you and Kiki go on up to the bathroom. I'll see to your baths so your mother can keep studying. Remember not to mess with the water until I get there."

"Yes, Uncle Erik." Trav linked hands with his sister to escort her out of the room.

Angel came over. "I can take care of them, Erik."

Erik said matter-of-factly, "You can help your sister review her homework before bed. That would be most appreciated, Miss Salvadore."

"Yes, sir," she agreed.

Erik gave cheek kisses to her and Samantha as they departed. He sent fingers through Scott and Frank's hair and looked on in amusement at Leon 'flying' Cody out of the room with both the short boy's arms spread airplane style.

Becky joined hands with her father. "Will you sing tonight?"

Erik squeezed her hands in his. "Until one of us is old and gray. Or just gray in my case."

Becky giggled and followed after the others.

Erik hoisted Joey up to hold for a moment. "Walking, running- turning your baby brother into a well-oiled machine I hear."

Joey wrapped arms around his uncle's neck. "I saw him eying my bike earlier. He's gonna wear me out one of these days."

Erik chuckled. "Something he very much has in common with your father."

"I'm telling Daddy you said that," Joey teased.

"You be my guest, Kangaroo." Erik put him down with a tap to his bottom, making him scuttle out faster.

After making sure the youths did not leave the kitchen a disaster zone, Erik ran a warm bubble bath for Kiki and Trav. He along with a highly grateful Raven allowed them twenty minutes in the playroom after getting them into their pajamas. Before he began regular rounds, he decided to look in on Cordelia.

Finding her door partly open and her at the desk, he peered in. "How go the pro-con lists?"

Briefly startled due to being preoccupied by her own thoughts, Cordelia said, "I thought you were Joey."

"No, but I'll gladly trade my height for his handsome." Coming in, Erik glanced over her shoulder. "Hm, Boston. Too much of a violence pit these days." He placed an arm around here. "Fortunately, Charles can tutor you for college credit right here at home."

Cordelia leaned on him somewhat tiredly. "You're going to be angry if I go, aren't you?"

"No, closer to frustrated. You and our future Cassidys are going to have me stretched thin conducting rounds between cities."

Cordelia narrowed her eyes in playful suspicion. "How serious are you about that?"

Erik gave her a shark smirk. "Wouldn't you like to know?" He then laid a ginger hand on her shoulder. "Remember how I told you that life takes turns?" She nodded. "No matter which direction you take, know that you'll never be a fleeting image in my rearview mirror."
The girl brought her arms around him in a hug. "And no matter what, I will always be obliged to you."

Erik kissed her temple. "Lights out in one hour, precious metal."

She responded with, "Command received, Magnetism Master."

With a tweak to her nose, he took his leave of her and set about checking on his remaining fledglings.

IIIIIII

Two mugs ready, the Professor started back for the studio. As if hypnotized by the melody emitting from the piano, he stilled in place until the young one's fingers detached from the keys.

Bringing his head up, Sean frowned in concern. "Are you okay?"

Returning to reality, Charles answered, "Yes." Rejoining him on the bench, he handed him his cocoa. "It only just occurred to me how deafly silent this room will be all too soon."

Taking a slow sip of his drink, Sean asked softly, "You really miss Trick, don't you?"

Charles replied, "Not a day goes by that I don't. While I know I could not have started any of this without Erik, Trick and I connected so instantly. Fully comprehending one another."

Sean wondered, "Are you best friends because you're both the "nice guys"?"

Charles smiled fondly. "I'd say that's an accurate summation. With most male friendships, they amount to little more than Testosterone-Fueled Pissing Contests."

Sean released a drawn out gasp. "Your language, Professor."

Charles patted his knee with a small laugh. "My apologies. But yes, Trick was always of great emotional support to me. He still is. One out-of-the-blue telephone call and he's right beside me as if he's still right down the hall."

"I know what you mean, really," Sean sympathized. "That's how it is with me and Ben. He really gets me on a spiritual level. It's mostly tough stuff with Alex or brain power with Hank. Then me and Lee fight sometimes, get spanked until we wail louder than all the babies combined, then wonder what the heck we were evening duking it out about."

Charles thumped his back in good humor. "The intricacies that go into brotherhood. It's a mystery to us all."

As they finished their hot chocolate, Sean became abruptly solemn. "Charles, I've talked to Hank about this, but I really want to know from you. You started training Alex to be an instructor at my age." The redhead faced him. "Why not me?"

Tapping fingers along his mug, Charles entered deep pondering before giving him any kind of answer. "Let me ask you something first. What do you think it means to be an instructor for the X-Men?"

Sean came back with, "It means we train the younger kids to improve upon their powers. We protect them, keep order, discipline them."

"Yes, and what exactly does all of that detail?"

The boy found himself not so quick with a response now. "Well, um, we need to…"

"Sean," Charles spoke again, looking him in the eyes, "being an instructor means being aware of each and every student, making individual allowances for them while maintaining house standards and procedures, and spending particular time on those with whom you share power commonality. Such as when the brothers Howlett-Creed train Cody or Samantha. It means figuring out what works for them and reconfiguring what doesn't. It means maintaining a constant balance between educator, protector, sibling, parent, mentor and quite often, all at the same time. Discipline works under the clear understanding that you are the adult and that they are not only the child, but a member of our species' young that needs us for its very survival. Yet remembering with full humility that we are still only human. It's about migraines, sleepless nights, ignored self-preservation and sickness, the constant nagging fear in the back of your mind that despite every effort, you will fail or lose one of your little ones then doing everything in and beyond your power to make sure that never happens. Sean, I truly believe you can be a good husband to Maya. But can you honestly tell me you are ready to be an instructor? Because if you can and with my right hand to God, we will start your training first thing in the morning."

Lips desiring movement, Sean pursed them and bowed his head. "No, sir. I'm nowhere near ready for all of that. Not even half."

Charles clasped both of his shoulders. "And there is nothing wrong with that, Sean. You are still a valued member of the X-Men and I will never discount your contributions to us. I knew when we opened this school that some of you would return to the world someday. I only wish… there's so much more I want to teach you, my boy."

"… There's so much left I want to learn from you." Sean raised his head again. "I want Maya so bad and music, but… I don't want to lose this, Charles. I don't want to lose you or Uncle Erik, Frank, Kiki…"

Charles practically snatched him into a hug. "Shhhhh, calm down, son. I can't tell you how, but it will be alright. And you better know," Charles inched back, gripping his chin firmly, "you will never lose me if I have any say in it, Sean Cassidy. Never. Understand?"

Sean nodded wholeheartedly. "Yes, sir."
"Come." Charles left their mugs on the bench for now. "Let's get you to bed."

With Sean already in pajamas, he slipped right under the covers as soon as they made it up to his quarters.

Charles rubbed his hairline and back. "Would you like me to read a little from one of your new books?" Shaking his head, Sean pointed to his copy of King James. "Yes, of course. Which book?"

Sean thought then picked, "Daniel, please."

Taking hold of the thick, ancient text, Charles settled in at Sean's side and turned to the selected section to start them off in Babylon.

IIIIIII

Adorned in robe over his night clothes, Erik entered the lighted dining room to discover the younger Headmaster seated at the head of the table. Though his blue eyes stared ahead, they appeared to focus on nothing at all.

Walking over, Erik sat near him in his usual chair. "A touch early for breakfast, don't you think?"

Charles slowly left his seemingly blank state. "Do you remember our first night back here? After our time at the beach house?"

"More or less, yes," Erik nodded. "Mainly that wretched snowstorm that hit in our absence."

"You, me, Raven, Hank, Sean, Alex, Becky, Frank, and Joey for so long. I still remember what I said at the dinner table," the Professor recalled. "Regardless of any changes or obstacles we may face in the future, there's one thing I want to always remain the same."

"The nine of us. Together." Erik eyed him sentimentally. "I remember well, Lab Rat." Knowingly, he asserted, "You feel you've broken that promise."

"As much as I've tried to hide it, the very idea of losing Sean terrifies me." A sheen built in Charles' eyes. "Did I do wrong by him, Erik? Did I leave him unprepared? Did I fail him?"

"Of course you didn't," Erik responded fervidly. "Sean was your boy practically from the point of recruitment. You supported him, built him up, encouraged him at every turn. You failed no one, Charles. And being out of this house does not mean that we are no longer together. We were together on those separate getaways over the summer. We were together when we were renting that apartment house and you actually considered selling this place. Your family's beautiful, magnificent, prized house. And why?"

Realization knitted together within Charles. "Because the roof no longer mattered, only the lives under it."

"Exactly," Erik nodded. "As blessed as we are to be able to live here, our home is each other, brother. Things cannot always remain exactly the same, but through all else, our importance and devotion to each other does. You taught all of us that, including me through my abundant pigheadedness. Don't you ever think yourself a failure."

A smile crossed Charles' features for the first time in house and he moved forward to relax against Erik's front. "You are my beacon of hope, brother."

Erik kissed the top of his head and dragged a gentle hand down his back. "Only returning the favor, brother."