X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Two Hundred Eighty
Author's Word: Hello to the fam! I know this is shorter than you want and shorter than I expected to write, but your girl has been through the ringer and merciless combat known as holiday grocery shopping. So many old ladies, so little patience… I want to say Happy Thanksgiving in advance to you fam members, with you all being extremely high on my gratitude list this and for the last five years. Please enjoy, review, and give back to others in any small way at every chance you get!
Aware of both the wall clock as well as his wristwatch, the young educator wrapped things up for his sophomores with, "Remember, if anyone wants to pursue extra credit projects, see me before or after school in my office. I know we're nearing the end-of-the-year crunch, so if you run into any snags with your other classes and homework, I am at your disposal." The bell sounded with its typical shrieking metal. "Stampede in an orderly fashion, please." As his students filed out, he stopped off the one in short-sleeve purple turtleneck, long skirt in an orchid cheetah print, silk headscarf that bound her ponytail, and oversized gold hoop earrings with matching bracelets. "Brenda, I have that guest list you wanted."
"Oh, perfect." She accepted the folded slip of paper from him. "Thanks a million. I'm drafting invitations in study hall."
"Let me know if you need any more help."
"I will. Thanks again." Brenda secured the list inside her messenger bag and hurried to get to her locker before the next bell. On her way, she caught up with a freshman male pair and got between, giving them each an arm. "You guys are good for Friday, right?"
Collin only glanced at Frank, who sighed, "Yeah, I'll be there. Maturity and yada, yada."
"Same here," concurred Collin. "But no promises on that maturity bit."
Brenda's pleased squeal was sharply interrupted by abrupt trumpeting. The three along with the rest of the student body in the hall looked on as two seniors from band marched through, blasting their horns. The sight that followed them caused multiple dropped jaws. Situated in solid oak chairs painted gold, Mack and Rita waved from their high position, being carried about by their muscle-bound friends. They all wore Grecian inspired garments. Hank stepped out of his classroom to catch the proceedings, eyebrows shooting straight to the ceiling. From the other end of the hall, Angel, Ben, and Samantha walked together and ceased movement at the display. Mack leaned back with both arms folded behind his head while Rita blew kisses their direction.
Ben shook his head. "Where's Brutus when you need him?"
The girls' faces stayed even until the flaunters disappeared from sight and they formed matching scowls.
IIIIIII
Returning to the two-seater table with their warm refills, Jam observed his friend so engrossed in his notebook. Managing to peer through the long black strands that almost completely blocked the paper, Jam could only wonder what foreign language class only recognized the letter M in a variety of bubble doodles. Putting Leon's coffee mug near to him, the slightly older male experienced some alarm at how he did not attack the substance like a rabid hound to raw meat.
"Lee?" Jam whistled and flipped the right section of the lengthy hair to join the left, receiving a fuller view of him.
With a short tired moan, Leon rubbed a tension spot out of the back of his neck. "Hmm?" He noticed his mug, "Thanks," and grabbed it to gulp down the contents.
"Were you up watching Night of the Living Dead with Sean again?" Jam quipped. "You've been playing zombie since class." He tapped fingers on the notebook. "Mmmmm? Okay, you're either hungry or…" Jam smirked. "You're hungry."
"And that's ten crudeness points for you." Leon shut the notebook.
"I'm just playing with you, little boy." Jam squeezed his shoulder. "Is she on your mind, though?"
Sighing through his nostrils, Leon closed his eyes for a moment. "She brought me coffee the other day. After she left and I finished drinking it, I just laid there like I was in a drunken stupor. I…" Leon could hardly believe his next words. "I sniffed the side of my bed she lays on and stayed that way so long I almost missed breakfast."
"Wait, wait." Jam raised a hand to halt him. "Your bed? Have you two been…?"
Leon shook his head hard. "In terms of scoring bases, I'm pretty sure we're in the negatives."
"No, you just act negative," Jam said matter-of-factly. "It sounds to me like you and Miss Mmmm are getting serious."
"Pretty sure we're already there," Leon determined. "Serious and insanity are essentially our roots. Hiding out in a gas station that we had to break into then tossed into a facility that we barely escaped."
"Huh and my parents met in a jazz lounge where my mom used to sing." Returning to the present, Jam said, "Look, I've had to focus on school for so long that I've only dated a few girls. But to me, you and Melissa have something of an advantage. You've already been through extreme chaos. Now, you get to enjoy the fun part of a relationship. And whatever happens from here on out, you're prepared."
Leon appeared thoughtful at that perspective. "That's… a very good point."
"Glad you know how to listen," Jam smiled. "Speaking of which, finals are coming at us. You need to cut out this daydreaming in class and get down to business."
Leon narrowed eyes at him. "Do you pick up the Dad mantle when Alex isn't around?"
"Yep." Jam gave him a faux disapproving look back. "Except Lex is nicer."
"Glad we cleared that up." Leon turned to a fresh page in his notes and flipped his book to the necessary chapter.
IIIIIII
On skipping feet in black ballet flats, the brunette girl rolled the cart through the extensive and highly festive supply store.
"Alright, so some people are making stuff, but I want the balloons ready and stashed away. You know, those really big ones with the silver backs that stay floating for like twenty years."
"I'm familiar," replied a sardonic Fabian from behind the feminine form of eagerness.
With an enthused gasp, Brenda guided them to a section filled to the brim with matrimonial paraphernalia. "Look at all this." She picked up a large indigo bell made of crepe paper. "This stuff is a dream. Oh." A thought hit her. "You know, they might have things leftover from St. Patrick's Day. We should throw some of their customs in and maybe for Maya's Scottish side, too."
"Not a bad idea," Fabian had to admit.
"In Lebanon, weddings are Olympic in how huge they are," Brenda described. "It's almost non-stop partying with how the couple constantly slides back and forth between the groom's house and the bride's house for lunches, dances, the ceremony. And the parties usually last until dawn. My mom told me that after all that, they have a leisurely meal at the groom's house instead off jetting off for the honeymoon so soon."
"Really?" Fabian appeared intrigued, studying a figurine wearing a soft, dainty wedding dress. "Depending on where you live, you can easily expect an entire village to show up to a Spanish wedding."
Brenda regarded him in fascination. "Seriously?"
Fabian nodded. "The festivities don't start until the evening and usually don't end until three or four in the morning. That's for afterwards, though. The ceremony itself is actually very quiet with the couple only standing with their parents. No Best Man or Honor Maidens to be had."
"That must be nerve-wracking. No friends around to back you up."
"The wedding is a mere formality to get to the real fiesta, complete with fireworks."
Brenda considered it. "That does sound really cool." She gasped again. "Tablecloths!"
At how she darted off, Fabian leaned on the cart, wondering how such a petite vessel could house so much hyperactivity.
IIIIIII
The newly printed leaflets laid in three individual stacks on the coffee table. Sprawled around the sitting area of the teen space, the females present peered through them. One had a drawing of the pair, both with enormous wings and the heading "Heaven's Highest Court." The second showed Ben with raised sword and Angel firing an arrow from a bow with the overhead "Might and Majesty". The last one consisted of one half of each of their faces joined into one head with "United We Rule: Angel Salvadore and Ben Braunstein".
Grinning over that one in particular, Maya commended, "These fliers turned out amazing, Angel."
"I love this one," Raven said of the picture with the weaponry. "Fight for that crown, baby."
Seated next to Cordelia, Angel smiled a little. "Joey deserves most of the credit. He did the sketches." She sunk against the loveseat, holding onto a throw pillow. "Ugh, I just can't get over Rita and Mack today. All they were missing was a band of elephants and a lightshow."
"And a few hundred braincells," Maya tacked on dryly, getting light laughter out of the others.
"They didn't look anywhere near Grecian," Cordelia scoffed. "I'm pretty sure they just wrapped toilet paper around themselves and called it a day."
Reaching over, Raven patted Angel's knee. "Do not let them stress you. That's exactly what they want. Rita Wilson doesn't stand a chance next to you."
"Angel," the girls looked over as Frank entered the lounge and approached, "I just got off the phone with Tony. He has an idea for a publicity stunt that'll knock those other two out of the water."
Angel showed immediate interest, hopeful brown eyes encouraging him to go on.
IIIIIII
Once out of the shower and smelling of cherry blossoms, the young woman in coral robe went to her stereo. After swapping the current album for Frank Sinatra, she raised the volume a few notches. The sound waved through her quarters while she moisturized and prepared for the evening ahead.
You're getting to be a habit with me
Let me stay in your arms,
I'm addicted to your charms
You're getting to be a habit with me
With long-sleeve, round-neck crimson skater dress and stockings on, she stepped into gray low-heel shoes. Getting back into her robe, she stood in front of her wall mirror and debated between a standard issued face or a painted one. She met the negotiations in the middle and made life just the least bit easier on herself by applying only mascara and ruby lipstick.
I used to think your love
Was something
That I could take or leave alone
But now I just can't do without
My supply, I need you for my own
Taking the time to stare at her reflection when she finished, she tried to determine whether her mascara accentuated her eyes or guaranteed her the role of the next Lily Munster. Melissa then had to wonder since when she allowed such incidental details to take up such a large amount of her thinking process. Deciding her eyes acceptable, she styled her brown waves into a low ponytail. Lastly, she pulled on a pair of jeans over her dress to wear for her stint as biker chick.
No I can't break away
I must have you every day
As regularly as coffee or tea
You've got me in your clutches
And I can't break free
You're getting to be a habit
With me-can't break it
You're getting to be a habit with me
Leaving her room, Melissa moved through the hall and descended the stairs. She had to engage in a short tango with Jack who trotted from the kitchen when she attempted to go into it. She went to the second pantry, which contained the chest freezer and fished for water bottles.
"Hey," she acknowledged the one who entered next when she returned to the main part of the eatery.
Jimmy took her in and informed glibly, "Saw your apparent man pull up."
"Sorry, messenger boy, all out of cookies." Melissa eased the plastic bottles into her bag. "By the way, we're window people."
"So," swiping an apple from the fruit bowl, Jimmy hopped up to sit on a counter, "guess you do like a little color. So long as it leans towards yellow with long flowy hair."
Darting eyes over to him, Melissa went into unapologetic laughter. "Wow, I haven't seen an ego this wounded from rejection since middle school. Got to say, real pathetic coming from you, Jim. But I don't have time to BS with you." She then informed, "My man's waiting," and walked out with that.
Jimmy watched her, sinking his teeth deeply into his apple as he dissolved the rest inside his palm.
IIIIIII
At a rapid yet wobbly pace, the teeny body in zoo animal pajamas darted from the bathroom in a direct path. Making his own way through the second floor, Erik stopped in place at the beaming boy racing for him.
"Brian," Cordelia chased after him, "you little escape artist!" She noticed the Headmaster. "I should have known he detected you."
With a chuckle, Erik scooped the one-year-old up. "Not being difficult for your aunt, are you, Lab Mouse?"
"Annie," Brian chirped when placed back in Cordelia's arms.
At Erik's puzzle face, Cordelia translated, "Auntie in his New Old English."
"Ah, Uncle Erik has much studying to do." Giving Brian his pinky to squeeze, Erik eyed the girl seriously. "Emma told me what happened in Boston. Are you alright?"
"Alive I guess." Cordelia held Brian closer, touching cheeks with him.
"I know how additionally troubling it must have been that it took place in the area your father grew up in. Close to home is an understatement."
"It's more than that," Cordelia stated, blue eyes clouding. "For months after Kennedy was killed, he consumed every news headline. You couldn't go anywhere without seeing people crying, quivering, as if witnessing the Crucifixion. That was nothing but political warfare. More than a dozen people burned to death in an act of cruel, venomous hatred and they get a casual mention in the paper between ads for mattress markdowns. But I'm the unfeeling traitor for not mourning America's king-elect, right?"
A wistful Erik replied, "I wish I could reassure you, sweet girl. All I know is if you were remotely capable of not feeling, unspoken horrors wouldn't disturb your sleep." He placed his hand on her shoulder. "I often think about Todd and Miracle, being able to grow up in a secure home with love and acceptance... until they venture beyond these walls. Charles and I constantly find ourselves teetering that line between wanting to give you children the world yet never wanting it to touch you at the same time."
"I know you do," Cordelia sympathized softly.
Erik gave a kiss to the top of her head. "If you have any sleep troubles tonight, feel free to come lay on the couch in my den."
"Thank you, Erik." Cordelia played with one of Brian's chubby hands. "Let's get you and Ducky into the tub." She started back for the bathroom with him. "Then you get your Joey time."
"Joe!" Brian named excitedly.
With a small smile of his own, Erik headed downstairs. Going towards his den, he mused over the time and equipment necessary to rig up impenetrable, iron based play clothes for the little ones.
IIIIIII
Under the sliver of moonlight beneath the branches of the massive chestnut oak, a group of dormice scampered through the blades of grass. Back against the trunk, Leon twiddled with his swiss army knife. He raised his head to the one who stepped back into her shoes, now only in vivid dress with jeans folded inside her bag.
"What do you think?" Melissa inched a little to the right for a side profile. "Improvement or downgrade?"
Leon stated, "A girlfriend without pants. I am the envy of every comic geek going to bed with their "collectable" Wonder Woman frame art. And also, you look good."
"And also, thanks." She lowered to sit in the grass with him. "So, geared up for this thing Bren's throwing on Friday?"
"Like Christmas with a root canal and prostate exam in one day."
Easily able to translate him, Melissa said, "Tell me about it. Never thought I'd be part of anything like this again."
"Merely Phase One of infiltration, right?" Leon brought up.
"Right," Melissa reaffirmed. "All for Maya. Once we have her aboard the Happy Train to their world, we can get back to ours."
"The Crappy Train," named Leon.
"Limited two-person capacity." Melissa lowered some more to lay on her side in the grass. "Can I see?"
Eyes going from the tips of her toes all along her form until he caught sight of her face again, Leon realized what she meant and handed her the knife. "An extension of my anatomy along with my necklace and bike."
Melissa unfolded the tiny but sharp scissors. "Handy for a date. Couldn't find pepper spray?"
"I've had it since I was a kid. Big boy gift from my dad," Leon recollected, getting her eyes up. "After reminding me about two hundred times not to bring it into school. Guess he wanted me to be a scout or something."
"Are you sure he didn't want you to be strong?" Melissa received his inquisitive eyes now. "From what you've said, your dad was a good guy, but he wasn't stupid. Maybe he wanted you to be safe without scaring you."
"Cops pulling us over for going five miles under the speed limit provided the scary part." Laying down himself, Leon better faced her. "It took a long time for me to go anywhere near a car without my insides twisting. I still feel that burning heat around me some nights."
"That's not fire," Melissa stated. "That's me sleeping next to you." She gave him back his knife and their fingertips lingered a moment. "We better call it a night soon."
"We will," Leon said. "Just give your dress a few more minutes to breathe."
Melissa exhaled with amusement and laid her head on his chest. Leon kept an arm around her and resumed fiddling with his knife.
IIIIIII
From guitar to piano, back to the desk, the continuously humming redhead did not bother sitting as he added another line to his paper pad. Dropping his pencil suddenly, he slapped along the desk's wooden surface with various degrees of pacing. In his night clothes, Charles came to stand just outside the music studio. Wondering if perhaps half of himself still remained in bed, the Professor watched the frenzied teen's brawl with the desk.
"Sean, what in the—" Attempting to step inside, Charles had to grip the doorway to keep from tripping over the line. "What in the world?"
"Oh, sorry." Sean tugged on the phone's cord to better place it out of the way. "I had to bring it in here to keep from waking everybody."
"It's a quarter to one," Charles pointed out incredulously. "Who on Earth are you on the telephone with at…" Coming close enough to see Sean's writings, the telepath shook his head firmly. "Oh, no, no, that manager had better not have you working on music of all things at this hour. You are still in school with finals underway. You are not supposed to begin until—"
"Whoa, Charles, relax," Sean eased. "This isn't a work thing. It's an Angel thing. Well, a Ben-Angel thing I mean."
Charles looked at him with much fatigue. "I'm afraid I haven't the slightest notion what you mean."
"Ack, turning into an old dog before our very eyes, Charlie."
"Trick?" Charles knelt to where Sean left the receiver on the edge of the desk. "Is that you, best mate?"
"Living and breathing, best mate," Trick confirmed. "It is I who authorized this little late-night session. We haven't much time left."
Charles tone came with dread now. "What do you mean? What's happening?"
"The Senior Prom," the Irishman emphasized. "We must see to it Angie reigns victorious over that bug-eyed tart."
"Oh yes," Charles sighed a little. "The bloodbath rages on."
"Trick, how was that last chord?" Sean asked him.
"A bit slow at the middle. You have to remember the average teenager has a wicked awful attention span. I should know; I used to be one. But listen, take five. I need to bend Charlie's ear for a spell."
"Roger that." Sean picked up his pad and sat at the piano with it.
Taking the receiver, Charles leaned against the edge of the desk. "The ear is here."
"I know it's a school night, but spare the lad the extra time to work on this," Trick requested. "I think he needs the distraction, what with missing Tommy. Not to mention it's mere weeks until he's a grad and groom."
"Yes." Charles briefly glanced at the diligent teen. "Yes, I know."
"His boyhood's slipping steadily by. Let him focus on Prom and such fancies for now."
"You're right, absolutely," Charles agreed.
"And Charlie?" Trick went on. "Take it from a bloke who's been there before. He's still your boy, in need of your support now more than ever. Even if you don't agree with all of his decisions, do not deny him that."
"I won't," the Professor promised. "Thanks, best mate."
"Any and every time, best mate."
Charles put the receiver back into position on the desk and walked to Sean. "One more hour." He brushed at the red hair with his fingers. "Alright? I don't want that voice or the rest of you collapsing in exhaustion by midday."
Sean tapped fingers along his scales. "Yes, Daddy. Wish I could finish school in Alex's daycare. They get naps."
Charles chuckled merrily and kissed the top of his head.
IIIIIII
Each with a stack of fliers in their possession, the young couple handed them out as well as slipped them into lockers and taped them to walls.
Fabian looked at one of his closely. "Your little nephew drew all of these?"
"The one and only Joey," Cordelia confirmed, attaching two to a bulletin board outside the music room. "That matters to me, anyway. I still wish I could help the other girls on Friday, but I can't rush back into anything yet. My aches are better, but knowing me, I'll jumpstart them again. At least Frank's friend Carmen is filling in."
Fabian wondered, "How exactly did the gold gymnast, not to mention most experienced dancer, explain lack of participation?"
"Unwanted monthly visitor, which as my abysmal luck would have it, happens to be true." Cordelia looked to him for a reaction. "Shouldn't you be backing away from me in repulsion?"
Fabian simply came back with, "Were I remotely capable of that, would I be in this school?"
"… Touché."
IIIIIII
"Five, six, seven, eight!"
The teenage cluster consisting of Angel, Maya, Samantha, Carmen, and Brenda with Sean and Ben a few feet away, watched Tony's demonstration. From one of the gym's double door entrances, Hank along with History Department head Ted Nelson and girls' physical education instructor, Amelia Armistead observed as well.
"He's quite the talent for such a quiet boy," Ted noted.
Amelia stated, "This is why more young men should be encouraged to take up dance."
After the display that included various flips, rolls, and foot movements, Tony stood straight. "Okay, you try now."
The girls exchanged looks then started up. Arms crossed, Tony noted Samantha and Carmen taking to it, Angel moved too slow at parts, Brenda too fast, and Maya appeared overly thoughtful and sluggish.
"Wait, wait." Tony made the "time-out" signal with his hands. "Let's back up a minute, ladies."
"Tony, baby," Angel approached him, "Ben and I appreciate everything you're doing, but your daddy's people are Nigerian. Whatever tribe I'm from, I'm pretty sure my great-great-somebodies are roaming the desert lost somewhere."
"Maybe they'll bump into mine," Ben interjected, making Sean chortle.
Angel added, "And also, it's not fair that my all-white sister has more rhythm than I do."
"I don't know, chica," said Carmen, looking at the blonde. "This girl got to be off-white with all her moves in gym."
Samantha grinned brightly.
"Okay, I see and don't worry," assured Tony. "We'll get this together. But I think we need a line-up change. Angel stays in the middle, Maya and Brenda bring up the rear, and Carmen, you and Sam step closer to the front. I think the dynamic will be better balanced."
Hand on hip, Brenda said, "Just say it, Tony. You want us to the rear because we don't have any rear."
Carmen and Samantha had to grab hands to keep from falling over in laughter with the others snickering as well.
"Eh," Maya shrugged, "no curve appeal. Story of my life."
Sean arched his neck for a better view of the aforementioned rear. "No complaints here."
Now aglow for reasons beyond perspiration, Maya sent her fiancé a wink.
IIIIIII
All participants situated around the table in the library, Alex started off the meeting. "Alright, team, the reason I called you together is because with what's ahead, I need the X-Men's finest. We all know the situations, right? Rehearsals, Prom fever, general madness- that all adds up to no one available to get dinner on the table. We have to keep this family out of starvation or worse yet," Alex's eyes filled with perilous seriousness, "my cooking. So, does anyone have any suggestions?"
Inside their upright seats on the tabletop, Todd played with his toes and Mira yawned. Brian pounded a clown shaped rattle against the wood.
Raising her hand, Kiki offered up, "Make pizza."
"Make Your Own Pizza Night, perfect." Alex wrote it down in his notebook. "How about for tomorrow?"
Kiki hummed thoughtfully then came up with, "Burgers."
"Great, with salad and French fries to keep your dad happy." Alex jotted it next. "For Friday, what do you guys say to big messy tacos with Frank having the honor of prepping the meat?"
"Yay!" Kiki cheered and Brian waved his rattle excitedly.
"Good job, team. Now," Alex lifted the thick textbook, "who wants to help Uncle Lex with his anatomy homework?" At the blank stares, the blonde mumbled, "I miss Trav," and picked up a different book. "Fine, who's up for Pinocchio?"
Kiki clapped, Brian shook his rattle vigorously, Todd watched his feet wriggle about, and Mira suckled on her tiny fist.
IIIIIII
All limbs belonging to his younger brother safely attached to his taller form, Collin proceeded through the second floor in a playful tilting motion. When he arched back suddenly, Max's hair flopped and he entered a giggling state. Stopping outside one door, the boys glanced in to see Brenda all but buried in a growing mound of festive paper creations.
"Hey, Bren," Collin spoke, "you plan to stop before you run out of breathing space in there, right?"
"We'll see how it goes." Brenda cut out another glitter heart.
Collin and Max looked to each other with a mutual strong and continued down. Dropping to his own feet when they reached the kitchen, Max promptly sought to retreat at the presence of the other male already in there.
"Where are you going?" Collin asked of the child no longer in possession of good-humor.
"Um, I'm gonna take Jack outside."
"I thought you were hungry," Collin reminded.
"Maybe later. Jack!" Max summoned his dog, rushing away.
Collin looked over to see Fabian shaking his head and walked to where the older teen ate a pint of French vanilla ice cream. "Okay, why does Max keep acting weird around you? He hardly spoke in the car home and for him that's a Code Blue. You better not have said or done anything to my brother."
"Such as suffering cardiac arrest on Monday when he tried out one of his little tricks with his powers?" Fabian raised the spoon to his lips again. "Right in the path of my throwing stars."
Collin experienced a reaction from his own chest. "What?"
"He's fine, obviously," Fabian stated. "But, as huffy as this is going to make you, I pulled down his pants and spanked him." He shot the freshman a no-nonsense glare. "And if you so much as raise your fist to swing at me, I will do the exact same to you. So, do us both a courtesy and keep your prepubescent blustering in line because that isn't something I'd like to repeat any time soon." When the younger boy stayed wordless for too many seconds for his liking, Fabian prompted, "What?"
Collin blinked. "… Did you switch bodies with Alex Summers?"
Fabian immediately scoffed. "Oh yes, I am one with the Grand Duke of Idiocy who turned down a chance with Cordelia." Resuming the subject, he said, "I didn't cause him any harm. I know how impatient I tend to be, but I've had to handle Anne before, so I- I could never hurt Max that way. I did use my powers to relieve him a little."
"Oh, cool." Unsure what to say, Collin touched a hand to the counter. "So, let me guess. This is all my fault, right? For not watching him."
"No," Fabian said with a headshake. "Look, I know I've thrown that in your face before, but…" Putting his pint and spoon down, Fabian turned to stare absently at the Barcelona inspired backsplash. "It's because I don't want you living with the regrets I have. You… you were right that day. I didn't care enough about my brother…" he bowed his head remorsefully. "And he paid for it."
Now, Collin shook his head. "Man, come on. You know that wasn't your fault. My parents are beyond screwed up, but Missy's may actually top them. Bren is the only happy home weirdo we have around here." The redhead then wondered, "Is this why you're always giving me grief?"
"I give myself grief," Fabian responded flatly. "You've just been an easy target to take it out on. I didn't want to care about you; any of you. But I guess I should have learned by now that there are some things I don't get a say in."
At the amount of weight that seemed to fill the room, Collin remembered something and poked his shoulder. "And I'm not a little kid. If you even think about spanking me, I…" Fabian faced him then and Collin saw not a trace of the usual condescending air but stone resolution. "Oh… you wouldn't. You're only three years older than me."
Expression not changing, Fabian said, "Next time Father is away and you try to sneak out after midnight? Jimmy will have to wait in line. If I think for a second you're doing drugs again or otherwise poisoning yourself, you'll wish you ODed. In general, you don't get to be a dumbass in any way, shape, or form anymore. If your head feels like it's going to cave in, if you hate your parents that much, we'll track them down like we did Melissa's. Enough people out here want us eliminated, Coll. You will not aide their quest." He walked by him then, discarding the remaining ice cream in the trash bin.
With mouth left wide open, Collin found himself entirely mute. However, another train of thought took over at what kind of moron would turn down any girl with the last name Frost.
At the front of the manor, Fabian continued out to the porch. Both boy and dog proved too distracted with their merriment in the grass to notice him until he spoke.
"Max, come up here." When the child inched closer to the gate, Fabian resisted an eye roll. "Stop acting like that. I'm not out to get you and you know it." He knelt, making summoning hand gestures. "Come up here, Maxwell." The small redhead finally did with Jack right at his heels. "Why are you afraid of me now? You weren't afraid to stand in front of my stars."
Max's vision went to his shoes. "Thought you'd maybe think it was cool. I didn't know you'd get mad."
"You thought I wouldn't get mad after you almost made me cut you?"
"Why do you even care?" Max raised his head again, tone bolder. "You never cared about anything I did before."
Fabian could not respond at first. "… That isn't true."
"Liar," Max accused.
Staying quiet for longer, Fabian finally said, "I'm not sorry I spanked you. I'm not sorry for how badly I made it hurt. I'm not even sorry I made you cry. But I am sorry for everything I did or didn't do to make you think I don't care about you. I should have been looking after you better this entire time, especially when Papi is away. Anne does that much. I just left you as Coll's responsibility. None of that was your fault, though."
"I know," Max replied instantly. "You're just a big dumb prissy jerk."
"And you're very cute." Fabian also gave him a look. "But do not push it."
Max smiled adorably. "So, are you gonna be nice to me now?"
"When you're a good boy, yes." Taking him by his middle, Fabian pulled him in. "When you're as bad as you were on Monday, no chance. You must learn to control yourself. I don't regret making you cry, but I don't like seeing it."
Max wound arms around Fabian's neck, dipping his chin somewhat shyly. "Thanks for, um, making me feel better."
"That's what my powers are for." Fabian squeezed his waist gingerly. "Are you still afraid?" Max shook his head. "Are you still hungry?" He nodded now.
Fabian picked him up to take him inside, leaving the door open long enough for Jack to scamper in as well.