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.

281. Chapter 281 Love Seana, Vote Bangel

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Eighty-One

Author's Word: Hi, fam! I hope your Thanksgiving was great and that you didn't break the bank on Black Friday or today's Cyber Monday. One highlight of mine, one of my cats jumping up on the buffet table to help himself to the spiral ham. Love him! Please enjoy and review!

Strap of his bookbag slung over one shoulder, Leon stepped inside the Mag Cave. He found Erik dressed for the day in a dark blue suit and organizing the contents of his brown briefcase. He seemed to take it everywhere except into the shower.

"Dad," Leon petitioned, receiving the man's eyes, "do you have a sec? If not, I can wait until tonight."

"No, it's my schedule that will have to wait," Erik countered matter-of-factly. "What do you need, boychick?"

Leon stated, "I'm doing the doodle."

Confusion followed by suspicion came over Erik's features. "That had better not be the new hip campus lingo for what I think it means, young man."

"Oh no," Leon quickly reassured. "My goods are still sufficiently damaged there." He went to sit on the sofa. "I'm talking about my books. I've been drawing all over them without even realizing it. To the point that it's like "M" is all that's left of the alphabet."

Erik reasoned, "You're a young man with your girlfriend on the brain. Nothing unusual about that."

"But it's more than that," Leon tried to articulate. "It's like it was when we were living on Planet Denial. I can barely get through class without my thoughts wandering to her. The sound of her voice, her scent, the warmth of her body- Dad," Leon bowed his head in frustration, sending fingers through his hair, "this is- these feelings… I'm losing even more of my mind."

Erik sat on the arm of the sofa and stroked his ebony strands. "As frightening and unfamiliar as these feelings are, they are perfectly normal. This is new territory for you I know, but nothing to be alarmed about. And "M" women are a rare commodity in my experience."

"Dad?" Leon looked up again. "When you started going to the Temple, how did you handle it? After seeing so much bad, being around people who only get to know good?"

Going silent for a few seconds, Erik kept finger combing his hair as he fully considered it. "Before I joined the Temple, I was terrified. Not so much of the people, but of facing God. Your Uncle Charles reminded me that if He wants me, there is no hiding. It took time, but I became comfortable in Temple." He moved his hand to Leon's shoulder now. "Take your time and do not feel the need to rush into some notion of normalcy to appease the idealistic."

Leon reached up to touch his wrist. "Thanks, Dad. Though I must say, it's hard to picture you terrified of anything."

Erik replied, "Only because you didn't see me during the mission to retrieve you from that facility." Leon leaned against his thigh and Erik patted his shoulder. "Now, my instructor-to-be, we have a problem on our hands. Cordelia is dealing with an issue that is right up your alley."

Leon gazed up with attentive eyes.

II

Upon presenting the now confused girl with the miniature gray knapsacks made up of thin material, Hank nearly laughed at her confused countenance.

He explained, "These are for your debut tomorrow. When you and Ben conclude, pull here," Hank indicated the dangling cord, "but not until the very end. Believe me, it will be worth the wait."

"Ah, cool, cool. Thanks, Hank." Angel slipped on the smaller pack, doing a turn in the orange and black tiger pattern dress she wore. "How do I look?"

With a smile that only seemed to expand, Hank responded, "Fit to be queen," and walked from his desk area to hug her. "I am so proud of you."

At the lowered tone he used, Angel's own voice became softer. "Thank you."

Hank noted the clock with a small sigh. "I need to get out of here as of five minutes ago." Hank tickled her chin and retrieved his bag to head out of the lab.

Angel remained standing thoughtfully before leaving to obtain breakfast.

IIIIIII

On his way through the garage, the young instructor heard the distinct clinking of metal that had nothing to do with the keeper of the Mag Cave. Making it through the blocked area, the sight of Todd in his upright seat waving his little plastic hammer caught Alex's attention and smile first. He then noticed the security man all but burrowed under the hood of the Chrysler.

"Nice to know all this noise doesn't bug him," Alex noted.

Standing fully again, a dirt and oil adorned Logan glanced at his son. "Good thing. Tryin' to prep him before those sensitive ears kick in. House full of this many people'll drive him nuts otherwise."

Crossing his arms, Alex leaned on one wall. "Seems like we have to start training them in the womb."

"You ain't lyin'," Logan concurred, kneeling to his toolbox. "How's your bachelor pad comin? Just need to paint now, right?"

"I guess."

Though he did not see it, Logan picked up on a distinct shrug in the younger male's voice. "You guess?" Logan looked back at him. "Just a couple weeks ago, it was all you could talk about. School gettin' to you?"

"Always, but that's not it." Alex released a sigh, staring up at nothing in particular. "I guess what Erik said is getting to me. Not to mention what Hank said a while back. All these changes around here."

Getting up, Logan regarded him knowingly. "Growin' up?"

Alex nodded pensively. "Wasn't that long ago that me and Sean used to do everything together, bargaining for a later curfew. Don't get me started with Scott growing like a weed, knowing good and well he was supposed to stay four forever."

Logan snorted. "Yeah, tell that to my oldest." He looked at Todd and aimed a finger. "Don't you or your sister get any ideas, either, Pup."

Alex laughed at the face full of innocence the baby sent back. "And Joe… when that kid first got here, I had to bathe him, dress him, remind him to put his coat on and zip it for him, lose sleep when he was sick. As crazy as it sounds, a lot of times he's felt more like my son than my brother."

"Pfft," Logan scoffed. "Been noticed that one. Never seen any kid brother fall into line faster than Sparky. I got to say, you remind me a lot of Vic when we were younger."

Not expecting to hear such a sentiment from the man, Alex eyed him in somewhat disbelief. "I do?"

"Yep," the Veteran bobbed his head. "After my father died," he reached down to swap out wrenches, "things… they weren't the same at home." Alex continued to listen, not needing any elaboration in that regard. "Vic found us that same year and he was- he was like this light after sailing through hours of fog. He worked our land and helped Ma around the house durin' the day, come get me from school, pal around with me for a while, and try to read to me before hurryin' off to work. He was like our ma. Didn't waste time complainin'. At your age, livin' up to a man's duty, you just don't see that every day."

Alex attempted to mask his contentment over the words. "I need to live up to it better with Joey. He's growing and so are his powers. I can't drag my feet around. I need to get him ready to become an instructor someday."
Logan simply stated, "You'll get him there."

Alex raised one arm in a stretch. "Right now, I need to get me through this anatomy before one of the kids starts screeching. See you later, hush puppy." He waved fingers at Todd as he departed for the upstairs.

Bringing his toolbox over, Logan squatted near Todd's seat. "See this one?" He showed him the silver object. "This is your ratchet wrench. Just like yours." He fished the toy out of Todd's mini kit and handed it to him. "Yeah, know what it's for?" Looking between them, Todd brought the hammer and wrench together like drumsticks. Head going down in a faint snigger, Logan tapped his tiny nose. "Look, boy, you are goin' to learn every single one of these tools." Standing, Logan continued to speak while walking back to the car. "Because when you turn sixteen, I'm not tryin' to hear "Dad, come fix my car" every weekend. And that's another thing you better get ready for. As soon as you're tall enough to see over the dash, I'm teachin' you to drive. Showed your brother in this old Chevy we had. I tell you, Cat backed that thing out better than your ma." Logan reached in, fiddling with the engine. "I wanted to show your sister Jaycee, too, but she was too small. Figured by the time she was four or five…"

Rising once more, Logan pressed palms against either side of the engine quietly. He stayed in place until he heard the cooing and turned to see Todd drop his toys and extend beseeching arms. Not caring about the amount of grunge he would have to wash off him shortly, Logan returned to him. Unstrapping Todd from the seat, he laid back on the floor with the bitty boy nuzzling his chest.

IIIIIII

At the entirely welcomed bell, the blonde figure fled the classroom and did not cease movement until she reached her locker. After unloading all things overly heavy and uninteresting- mainly textbooks- she checked her appearance in the magnetic mirror attached to the inside of her door. She had on a hot pink calf-length skirt covered in tiny powder blue polka dots and a crop-sleeved blouse of the same shade. A bow of the same pattern as her skirt kept a portion of her hair tied back. Shutting and securing her door, Samantha maneuvered through the hall to reach the designated and secluded stairwell.

A grin developed on her bright face as she reminded, "I can smell you, you know."

Reappearing in a sitting position on a step that faced her, Collin asked, "Are you saying I stink?" He moved to stand. "I swear, that always makes me feel like I reek."

"You do." Closing off the gap that separated them, Samantha inhaled near his neck. "Like daffodils and honey…"

Collin had to grip the banister as she drew near. "It's that fabric softener the housekeeper uses and, um, the oatmeal from breakfast. Doesn't smell half as good as you."
"Thanks." Samantha focused brown eyes into his. "Ready?"

Collin's arms found their way around her waist. "Walk or ride?"

"If we ride, I have to go all the way back to my locker for pants," the girl vexed, pulling on his shirt. "That's five whole minutes without you…"

The redhead then determined, "You know, I'm lacking in gym; better get my leg strength up." With a small smirk, he took her hand. "Let's go, babe."

Samantha skipped at his side.

When they made it to fresh air under the cloudless sky, the blonde took off in a sudden sprint.

"Hey!" Collin zoomed right after her. "Halt!"

Samantha stopped long enough to latch onto a lamp post. She twirled around it once before leaping right for him. Collin caught her with a wobble in his heels, but eased them onto a bench with her in his lap.

"Okay, progress," he said. "We're not on the ground for a change."

Samantha stroked his jaw line. "That's progress?"

"Mostly because we're all out of soft, comfy snow to land in. Concrete just isn't the same, trust me."

"My seat's comfier than yours." Samantha adjusted on his legs.

A mischievous spark came to Collin's eyes. "Your seat feels pretty nice to me."

"Collin," she giggled.

"Samantha…" Touching a hand to her back, he brought her into a kiss soon returned.

After sitting together a minute longer, they decided to seek out nourishment. They stopped at the diner not far from school, waving at a few classmates as they passed through. Taking food and sodas to go, they continued their stride.

"Walking down the street with hotdogs and cola," Collin stated. "I'm back in the old neighborhood. You know, minus the wall-to-wall gang tags and razor wire fence around the school."

Samantha laughed. "Westchester is beautiful, but I like the city. Especially the basketball court; everyone just having fun."

"Your boyfriend going on drug runs…" Collin ceased movement at her eyes going blank. "Sam?"

Blinking, she seemed to find life on Earth again. "I didn't hear anything after boyfriend."

Collin gave her a short kiss. "You guys are still in the gym after school, right?"

"Last rehearsal," Samantha confirmed. "Can you stay?"

"You've got yourself a cheerleader," he guaranteed, making her smile. "It'll give me a chance to study and between sneaking in glances at you, I should get three or four math problems done per hour. Just remind me to call my house before we leave."

"Why?"

"Because Estevan, Jim, and Marco had to head out this morning and aren't getting in until tomorrow night. Fabian says if we want the supreme privilege of doing anything after school, he wants me and Bren checking in." At her astonishment, Collin only went on with, "And Jim and Estevan have given out just about the same spiel."

"Wow, I…" Samantha considered something. "Maybe they're still worried from when you had to stay in our infirmary. My mother is kind of like them. I can tell when she worries, but she doesn't say it exactly."

"Maybe," Collin shrugged unsurely. "Estevan did give it to me good for that. And yeah, things have been different with Fabian. When we got together, he didn't give me grief or ask when you had your last eye exam. He was actually happy for me. Enough to want us to double date with him and Cordelia. But I'm telling you, ever since he came back from spring break he's beyond different. He's looking out for Max, helping Brenda with all this stuff for tomorrow, and we've been talking. And not in that "prince to lowly peasant" voice. He told me a lot of crazy has been going on in his head since his brother and that he… Sam, Fabian said he cares. About me."

Listening in full, she asked, "Do you believe him?"

"… Maybe. I think that's what's eating at me here. It's so weird, you know?"

Samantha looked at him genuinely. "Yeah, I do. Collin, you know I care about you, right? And Max. No matter what."

"Yeah," he smiled, "I do." Taking a sip through his straw, he placed his arm around her while still gripping his food. "Let's go sit somewhere before we're back in our cells."

Nibbling on her hotdog, Samantha pressed closer to his side.

IIIIIII

Lounged on her side at the edge of her bed, Cordelia leafed through her growing assortment of brochures and catalogues. Also, for the hundredth or more time, she reread her acceptance letters.

"I vote Team Red myself."

Raising her head, Cordelia saw the male in her slightly ajar doorway. "You back the southern states?"

"Actually, with American politics I just bide my time until both sides inevitably destroy each other." Leon walked in closer, picking up one of her leaflets. "I meant Boston University. They have bright red as their main color scheme, like WU and Harvard. Though, I do find something rather poetic about the University of Massachusetts's use of black, white, and blood crimson. Even more so with Syracuse's use of orange. But then, Sean is the one who wants to differentiate from the X-Men so badly, isn't he?"

Cordelia commented, "You and Joey really need to talk more. I once listened to him go on for more than an hour about the origins of purple."

"I'll see if I can use Cody to get an appointment on his busy schedule." Leon knelt near her bed and indicated the brochure. "But if anyone needs to talk to Joey, it's you. You have to grab one of these schools soon."

"I know," Cordelia sighed, running a tired hand through her hair.

Eying her, Leon said, "You know that no one's going to think less of you for going to school in Boston, right? And it's not like your dad and brother aren't in on the whole mutant deal, even trying to help us out there. That's the part I can't wrap my head around, but you really take the cake."

A now confused Cordelia sat up more. "What do you mean?"

"I've been exposed to kids with your upbringing on both coasts, Cordy." Leon went on with, "Same mold, same formula. Sleeping around, the fanciest cars that they demolish within a week, drunken stupidity, entirely blind to the world outside their little hedonistic realm, no care, no concern, no concept of consequences. Though, I've seen variations here and there, especially from girls. Going out to find themselves a little colored friend that they treat more like a rare species zoo attraction than an actual person. They sneak around with dark-skinned guys out of experimentation and desire to piss off their families."

Cordelia concurred, "I've seen that too many times, too. All of it."

"But you… wow, did you ever throw off my powers of categorizing," Leon admitted. "The way you want things better in your family, how much you love being with the kids, helping around the house, actually knowing what you're doing in the kitchen… except there's been a bit of a decline there I noticed." At her look, he explained, "I heard about the fire in Boston. How much it upset you."

"Leon," Cordelia pulled over one of her stuffed animals to hold onto, "what are you doing in here? I think you have your brunette girls confused. Maya isn't home yet."

"Hm, that was pointed," Leon noted. "Look, I admit it. I relate to Maya way more. And I know there's been a ton of attention on her with this wedding, now Angel with Prom. Squeaky wheels get the grease, Cordy. That's just the way it is with more than one kid around."

Cordelia said, "Coming up in the same house as Chris and Emma already taught me that one."

"I bet. But I do want to help you with this. If it's effecting your sleep, it must have hit you really hard. Probably even harder than what those idiots did to your car."

The girl stated, "Them I just wanted to hit really hard."

Leon smirked his favor at her words. "It's no secret that fire still scares me. Yeah, it's gotten better, but it hasn't gone away. It probably never will."

"Oh Leon, this is- this is nowhere near what happened to you as a kid. I'd be ashamed to compare the two."

"You may not have seen it, but you felt it," Leon emphasized. "I don't know what it is about you, Cordy, but you're actually able to feel and give a crap about people who grew up with way less than you did. Going through the nightmares might make you feel scared and weak, but it sets you apart. That kind of empathy is a unique intelligence that you have."

Cordelia's eyes enlarged a little. "Do you mean that?"

Leon informed, "If I felt any other way, believe me when I say you would hear it. I don't think I'll ever be over what happened in that parking lot. No more than Alex will ever be in favor of flying. But there are ways to persevere through the fear."

"How?"

Leon replied, "In my experience, care about someone who's loss would be the scariest thing of all."

IIIIIII

"Attention students, we are dismissing ten minutes before the hour for a special presentation. Please, report to the football field immediately."

With a knowing smile on his face as the principal concluded the announcement, Hank promptly declared, "Class dismissed."

In the bustling halls, Frank, Collin, and Mondo stayed together. Arriving at the rear of the school, the faculty and students filled the bleachers. In the center of the lush green field, the females stood in a formation of Angel at center with Maya and Brenda directly behind her and Samantha and Carmen to the front. Not far from them, Sean held his guitar, Ben stood at a keyboard, and a firm-faced Tony had his tall drum. The boys wore different tribal print outfits, including Ben's small knapsack. The girls had on form fitting tank tops and cropped pants in colors of peach for Samantha, sky blue for Maya, jade for Carmen, violet for Brenda, and zig-zag zebra stripes for Angel.

From absolute quiet to an explosion of sound resulted when Sean started up a solo on his guitar. Ben's fingers on the scales and Tony's pounding of his drum soon followed. The girls took a unison jump with arms and legs apart. While Angel, Maya, and Brenda performed side to side steps, Carmen and Samantha dashed forward a few feet and dove into flips that grew into somersaults. Almost instantaneously, the spectators broke into awed claps in tune to the beat, head bobbing, and much excited chatter.

A seething Rita said to Mack, "No way did Principal Newman approve this ridiculous spectacle."

Overhearing, Frank started to retort, but Mr. Nelson, Angel's AP history teacher, countered with, "Actually, the principal considered it to be a lovely proposal akin to the beautification project. As well as your Grecian display earlier this week, Miss Wilson."

With a taut smile, Rita continued watching with her head on a clearly livid Mack's shoulder.
Keeping fingers on his guitar strings, Sean inched close to the microphone setup for him.

This Year's Prom, Westchester High
Pick the Girl Who's Every Kind of Fly
Let Angel Salvador Take the Lead
Gorgeous and Sweet, Guaranteed to Succeed
Fun, Hip, and the Coolest on the Scene
Make Her Your Choice for Prom Queen

Ben Braunstein's Right by her Side
Down-to-earth and Amazing Certified
There for You in Your Hour of Need
He's a Real Friend in Words and Deeds
Go with your Gut and Pick Braunstein
The Once and Future King

Angel and Ben, They Make Life Better
Bringing the Sun in any Kind of Weather
He May be Lean and She's Light as a Feather
But Don't Underestimate, They're Strongest Together
Vote as I Sing for the Number One Team
Skip the Rest and All their Jive
Vote Angel Salvador and Ben Braunstein
Prom Queen and King, Class of '65!

The uproar the crowd went into at the song's conclusion turned in a hush once again as Ben jumped over his keyboard and Angel sprinted forward. Yanking on the cords, Ben dropped to one knee with arms spread and Angel stopped behind him with hands to the sky. From the packs on their backs burst forth pairs of glittering silver wings. Multiple on-lookers leapt to their feet in applause.

Cordelia shouted down to them with glee while Fabian held one of their fliers high. Mondo pumped his fists and Collin and Frank slapped palms. It took everything Hank had not to run out on the field with the glory of having made the final touchdown, but his claps knew no end. He caught a look from Angel. At her mouthed "thank you" he simply nodded back at her.

IIIIIII

Face to face with Kayla on the wide Howlett bed, Maya nearly tumbled with zealous enthusiasm.

"It was unbelievable!" the girl raved. "Mostly the part where I didn't fall over or accidentally kick someone in the face."

"Oh my goodness," Kayla beamed, "I would have loved to have seen that."

In a chair, Logan commented, "Wings has that crown in the bag."

From his lap, Cody boasted, "Bet those other two are cryin' in their pillows right now."

Maya turned to him and said, "I really, really hope so." She looked to each of the adults. "I know I'm horrible with all this, but I've known these people for more than four years and I really don't care."

Logan raised an eyebrow. "You think I do? Pretty sure I was only ever voted Earl of Ugly as a kid."

Cody rolled his head back. "You still win, Dad." He giggled at Logan's knuckles tickling his stomach.

"I've been dying to tell Raven, but she and Hank took off somewhere." Maya glanced around. "I can't believe how quiet it's been around here."

Kayla suggested, "Friday night fever. Plus the weather's finally warmer."

"Maya," dressed in his collared shirt and slacks, Sean poked his head into the suite, "Ben called. He needs to talk to us before Temple."

Maya immediately frowned. "Is he okay? You don't think Mack and Rita's little goon squad did anything to him, do you?"

"It didn't sound that bad, but we better get over there," Sean said.

"See you guys later." Maya stood from the bed, wearing a lime green dress with A-Line skirt for evening services.

"Call us if you need us," Kayla said after the departing pair.

As soon as they left, she and Logan swapped a wink.

IIIIIII

Pulling up in front of the Braunstein residence, the couple in the BMW discovered total blackness beyond the windows.

Concern promptly pooled in Maya as she took off her seatbelt. "I thought you said he was home."

"Maybe he's in his room." Sean got out of the car and gripped her hand to proceed through the gate and up to the front door. "Ben?" Ringing the doorbell twice, Sean knocked hard. "Ben, you in there? It's us."

"Sean?" came the distance response.

"Yeah, man, it's us."

"Come in. Hurry."

At the door opening to the unlit entryway, Sean held tight to Maya as he stepped forward first. As soon as they were both inside, the door slammed shut after them, causing a jump on both their parts. Then illumination ignited all around them and they found themselves far from alone. Members of their household and student body practically stood on top of each other between the front of the house, going towards the family room. Along with Ben they spotted Angel, Hank, Raven, Alex, Leon, Jam, Cordelia, Frank, Samantha, Collin, Fabian, Melissa, and many others from school and Temple. Decorations practically exploded throughout the house, including homemade creations with Sean and Maya's names spelled out in an assortment of styles.

The echoing, "Surprise," could hardly be heard in the ears of the stunned pair.

"Ben," Sean managed to speak, "did you…"

Ben shook his head right away. "I just provided the location."

Fabian informed, "You can thank your Madam of Ceremonies," prompting the girl in purple and black dress to step forward.

"Brenda." Meeting her, Maya took her hands. "You did all this?"

"With a lot of help," the younger female admitted. "You guys have a bigger fan club than even you know."

"I don't believe this." Maya worked to blink away tears. "A wedding shower…"

"More like a wedding bash actually," Brenda corrected. "See, I know ever since you guys announced the big news, adults have been…"

"Pricks?" Collin supplied.

"Party poopers," came from Samantha.

"Assholes!"

That outburst caused various amused responses and Sean's eyes grew over his friend. "Geez, Russ. You're right, but wow."
The other boy only grinned.

"Let's say all of the above," Brenda continued. "But tonight, we're here to say one thing in return. Screw 'em!" She gazed over. "No offense, Doc McCoy."

Arm around Raven, the teacher said, "I accept the crossfire."

Squealing, Maya hugged Brenda then had to brace herself from further embraces. Sean went through, receiving hugs, high-fives, and much hair ruffling when he reached his male housemates and Raven.

IIIIIII

Walking beside his brother, Charles had to wonder, "Who's home have I ventured into? Quiet only dwells in this house when mischief plotting is afoot."

Popping up in front of the Headmasters, Cody claimed, "Hey, we're not that bad."

"Oh, least of all you." Charles picked him up and Cody wound legs around his middle.

Erik reached over to pat the boy's back. "Your father took your mother out?"

Cody nodded, resting on Charles. "They're gonna eat someplace with candles, but Mama promised she'd be back to tell us three stories tonight."

"My, that is a treat," said Charles, knowing it absolutely true for the lad.

In the dining room, Kiki and Trav helped Scott and Becky carry in taco ingredients.

Placing Cody in his chair, Charles kissed Emma on route to his.

"This looks like a sloppy mess waiting to happen," commented Erik. "Did Frank brown the beef?"

"Mmhmm," Becky nodded.

"Ah, then it's worth the clean-up." Erik dropped into his seat.

"No throwing food, little brother." Joey adjusted Brian in his booster seat at the table.

Brian looked to him with shining blue eyes. "Hmmm?"

"You know exactly what your older brother just said." Charles tried to hide his smile.

Emma wanted to know, "Have the twins eaten?"

"Kay took care of that before they got out of here." Victor walked in. "Just looked in and they're snoozin' already. Lo' fed Midnight, too."

Charles remarked, "Top sirloin I'd wager."

Once they were passing the food around, Becky petitioned serenely, "Papa?"

Not missing that tone, Erik responded, "What do you need and/or want, my sweet?"

"May we please have dessert in front of the TV?" the girl requested.

"There's a swell movie marathon on tonight," Scott further explained. "But it goes kinda late…"

"Ah. So, you want to eat in front of that box as well as stay up past your bedtimes," Erik deduced. "Is there anything else?"

"Ooh, ooh!" Cody waved both arms.

Charles asked him, "Are you this eager in the classroom?"

"On the monkey bars maybe," Victor quipped.

Emma only smiled. "What is it, Cody?"

Cody answered, but with eyes aimed at Erik. "Can we throw the knives tonight? When you get back from the Temple?"

This surprised the metal wielder a little. "You haven't shown much interest in that training since spring break."

"We want to wait on swords until Tommy's back," Joey told his uncle. "You know, for the wedding."

"I see," Erik nodded understandingly then considered it. "We can have some knife training if the two of you put extra vegetables in your tacos and finish them. Drink all of your milk as well."

"Okay!" Cody agreed and Joey went, "Yeah!"

"As for you two…" Erik looked from Scott and Becky to the other Headmaster. "What say you, Charles?"

Before the male telepath could, Becky left her chair to sit in his lap and kiss his cheek.

Keeping an arm around her, Charles sighed. "Honestly, Rebecca, why do you think that simply because I'd willingly take a dagger to the heart for you that I am here to grant your every wish?"

She wrapped arms around his neck and touched cheeks with him. "Please, Prince Charles?"

"You are my dagger to the heart." Charles kissed her curls and let her up. "Alright, but no later than one."

"Yes!" Scott cheered. "Thanks."

"Hey." A disgruntled Trav folded his arms. "I wanna stay up, too."

"Me, too," seconded Kiki.

Victor fielded that one with, "How 'bout you two keep me company in Eye Spy until your folks get in? I stopped by the bakery earlier…"

The small children bounced in their seats giddily.

Under the table, Emma's hand found her husband's knee. Sugar, with everyone downstairs, it'll be like we have the entire house to ourselves after Brian's in bed…

Getting to his feet, Charles took Brian's sipping cup. "Let Daddy warm this for you, son." The Professor made haste for the kitchen.

IIIIIII

In an armchair in the family room, Maya sat in Sean's lap with most of the others around them as gifts filled and overtook the coffee table. Several lined up to add notes through a slit in a pink cardboard box covered in red stickers labeled Wedding Wishes.

From one box, Maya removed the lid to find twin gobblers. "Oh, these are so pretty." She picked up one and handed the other to Sean.

The redhead noticed the white material carefully tucked inside the glasses. "Is this Irish lace?"

Melissa piped up, "Heard it's traditional or something for you, guys. Sorry if it's hokey."

Sean looked directly at her. "Thank you."

"Thanks, Miss," said Maya.

Collin showed a green gift bag to Maya. "This one's supposed to be where you're from."

Curious as to what he meant, Maya pulled a polished two-handle silver bowl from the bag. "Oh wow, Sean, I think it's a loving cup."

Brenda stood near their chair. "We had trouble with some of the Scottish wedding traditions."

"Don't even worry about it," Maya assured. "Believe me, the closest my family comes to acknowledging our heritage is my stuffed Jock from Lady and the Tramp."

Sean laughed. "Pretty sure we're defying all customs by a Scottish babe marrying an Irish guy, anyway."

Cordelia frowned with confusion. "I thought Ireland had a feud with the Brits."

Collin offered up, "Yeah, Irish, we pretty much feud with anybody who asks us the time."

Frank joked, "And who hasn't had a feud with the Brits?" At the look from Sean, he insisted, "Half-Brit, half."

Hank started to go into a long-winded explanation about the history of European animosities, but chose to leave academia at the welcome mat for now.

Kneeling at the coffee table, Merina folded and kissed her note. "Prayer wish for Sean and Maya- the most gorgeous, healthiest children ever." She slipped it into the slot.

"Prayer wish," Russ wrote a quick note, "Sean doesn't wind up with a big, stupid married belly."

Laughter resulted all around and Sean shook his fist with faux ire.

As they moved through the gifts, Brenda reappeared with something else. "Oh, hey, there's more. This," she raised an oversized metallic pig donning a lavender feather boa, "is Corky."

"Corky?" Maya echoed.

"Porky Pig's cousin," Brenda explained naturally before moving on. "As they came in, all of the guests made a deposit to the Bank of Corky to help you guys out in Syracuse. Just whatever everybody had to spare. May I present to you, your grand total of," Brenda handed them the pig, "Six-hundred-thirty-two dollars and seventy-five cents." Her smile lessened a little at their suddenly absent eyes. "Uh, guys, still with us?"

Sean tried to piece together, "Six h-hun…"

Maya shook her head in astonishment. "Guys, we appreciate this beyond belief, but we couldn't possibly—"

"Take the damn money!" They all peered over at Alex propped up against a wall between Jam and Leon.

At that, all Sean and Maya could say was, "Thank you!"

After the presents, the party went on around the first floor.

"This is insane." Jam gazed around them. "When I was these kids' age, I was killing myself to keep my last report card A's straight down the line for that valedictorian spot. I can't imagine planning a wedding right next to graduation."

"I've never seen Sean so serious," Alex marveled. "Kid made it into a top school and got a job in like two seconds."

Jam asked, "Got your Best Man speech down yet?"

"What?" Alex laughed that off. "Yeah, right, Jam. Do you know how many guys are in the running for that? Hank, Ben, Frank- besides, it doesn't matter. Sean knows I'm not into this wedding stuff."

Taking another swig of fruit punch, Leon said, "I somehow get the feeling I don't need to prepare any words there, either." He noticed someone on route through the hall, "Be right back," and slipped off.

Stopping to peer outside of a window near the stairs, Melissa spotted the incoming presence by his reflection in the glass. "How you holding up?"

"Mild nausea, but no violent vomiting yet," Leon reported. "You?"

She shook her head thoughtfully. "It's crazy how much is flooding back. Parties like this used to fill my already packed social calendar."

Leon stayed still behind her. "Miss it?"

"Oh yeah. The exclusion of others," she turned around, "the sea of shallow, playing baby-sitter for everyone who wanted to look cool by snorting or falling out drunk off their asses."

Leon put together, "It was never really you."

"It never was," Melissa knew. "Fit in while standing out the whole time. That's part of the reason I've been dreading this whole thing."

"What do you mean?"

Sighing softly, Melissa said, "I didn't want you to catch a glimpse of a girl you would've hated in high school."

Hearing that, Leon came back with, "Irony's come to play." At her inquiring eyes, he explained, "I thought dipping into this again would make you crave the simplicity of normal. A world without darkness, mental issues, dating guys not considered the nation's enemy."

"Lee," Melissa responded, "as much as you know this already, you're completely crazy. You're not the only one here constantly wondering who you are and what you're really about. After everything- raids, containment, school- I know exactly one thing."

"What?"

"That I'm your girl."

At that, Leon put forth, "Think we've been polite long enough?"

"Hm, twenty minutes more," Melissa determined. "Then infiltration complete for one night."

Leon replied, "Affirmative."

II

From their spot on the loveseat, Cordelia picked up on Fabian's extreme quiet and raised her head from his chest. "Everything okay?"

"Everything's weird," Fabian told her. "For a long time now. Look at them, Cordelia. Athletes, brains, bused, townies, Biblical, humans, us… Angel and Ben, Maya and Sean- they've brought us together."

Cordelia toyed with a button on his shirt. "That was great of you, by the way."

"What was?" Fabian wondered.

"You dropped two hundred dollars into the Bank of Corky."

Facing forward, Fabian shrugged. "Mere pittance." He looked into her now distracted eyes. "Cordelia?"

"Fabian," she said, "I want to go to Boston U."

He leaned in, pressing lips to her forehead.

A few minutes later, Brenda rallied everyone to gather near the coffee table again. "Okay, guys, I know this is corny and adult, but come on, we have to have a few toasts. Anyone want to start?" She reacted to her housemate's hand flying up. "Oh, Fabi, go ahead."

As everyone picked up their cups or bottles of soda and water, Fabian moved to stand with Cordelia. "I'll keep this to the point." He hoisted his cup into the air. "Love Seana and Vote Bangel."

The large group broke into whoops and clinking of drinks. Amidst the excitement and grins from Maya and Angel, Cordelia reached up to meet Fabian in a kiss.