Chapter Two Hundred Eighty-Eight

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Let's have some fun
You only live but once
And when you're dead you're done

So let the good times roll
I said let the good times roll
I don't care if you're young or old
You oughtta get together and let the good times roll-a

Don't sit there mumbling
Talkin' trash
If you want to have a ball,
You got to go out and spend some cash
And let the good times roll now
I'm talkin' 'bout the good times

Well it makes no difference whether you're young or old,
All you got to do is get together and let the good times roll

I got a dollar and a quarter and I'm just ringing the clock,
But don't let no female, play me cheap,
I got fifty cents more than I'm gonna keep

The masculine voicework waved through the entirety of the Bostonian night spot, but flowed in the specific directions of the joined square tables. One contained Chris, dressed in gray pants, forest green cashmere sweater, and coffee brown suede jacket. To his right sat Felicia in a cherry red cocktail dress with black hosiery and blazer. Fabian reclined in the next chair, wearing white bell-bottoms with jacket, and an electric blue popped collar shirt unbuttoned from the top enough to display his gold medallion. The other table consisted of Nate, who had on dark pants and a white shirt with an unzipped crimson and ivory Harvard jacket. Rissy in a chestnut right-below-knee skirt, calf-high caramel boots, a striped brown and beige V-neck with tank top underneath, and her normally wavy hair straight and swept to the left side of her face. Between Nate and Fabian, Cordelia sat center in a yellow and black checkered dress with short circle skirt, neckline that showed her heirloom pendant, black tights with heels, and her hair down with festive crown adorning the top.

So let the good times roll now,
I tell y'all I'm gonna let the good times roll now,
Well it don't make no difference if you're young or old,
All you got to do is get together and let the good times roll

Hey no matter whether, rainy weather,
If you want to have a ball, you got to get yourself together,
Oh, get yourself under control and let the good times roll

When the rendition concluded, plentiful palms came together in loud adoration. Clad in full black short of his steel-gray shirt, Byron dipped in a slight bow.

Applauding with the rest, Cordelia turned to Rissy. "Your brother's voice is magnetic!"

"Who's up for an encore?" Byron put forth.

With an eye roll, Rissy said, "Until he starts hogging the mic." Rising from her chair, she brought her hands around her mouth to imitate a megaphone. "Get off the stage before Ray Charles sues!"

Snapping his fingers, Byron requested, "Bouncers, have this little girl removed. I think it's past her bedtime."

Sharing a quick look with Chris, Cordelia laughed with Nate.

When Byron relinquished the microphone to retake his seat at Chris' left, the low Sunday evening crowd gave Nate the chance to seize it immediately.

Oh yeah I tell you something
I think you'll understand
When I say that something
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand

Oh please say to me
You'll let me be your man
And please say to me
You'll let me hold your hand
Now, let me hold your hand
I want to hold your hand

Felicia, Cordelia, and Rissy made a show of swooning. Fabian watched in quiet but clear humor.

"Watch that little boy," Byron remarked softly to Chris. "We're looking at a future lady-killer."

Chris replied glibly, "As soon as he retires those Looney Tunes pajamas."

After Cordelia and Rissy sang a Doris Day melody together, the males with them took over the stage. It did take some prodding and pulling to get Chris up, however. Cordelia's blue eyes swelled immensely over the song they chose.

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dearest Cordelia

Happy birthday to you

Taking the microphone for himself, Fabian's brown irises made a direct path for her.

Feliz, feliz en tu día,
Amor qué Dios te bendiga,
Qué reine la paz en tu día,
Y qué cumplas muchos más.

At the hand extended to her, Cordelia somewhat hypnotically moved from her chair and around the table. They linked as he only continued.

Feliz, feliz en tu día,
Amor qué Dios te bendiga,
Qué reine la paz en tu día,
Y qué cumplas muchos más…

"Happy birthday, Cor!" Rissy rang out.

"Many, many more, beautiful," added Felicia.

"Happy birthday, sis," came from Nate and Chris.

Byron wished, "Happy birthday, angel girl."

"Feliz cumpleanos," Fabian brought her hand to his lips to kiss, "mi amor."

Cordelia stood wordless at the new applause that erupted. When Fabian left the microphone on the floor to hop down, the two combined in a hug and kiss. Both Cordelia's knees popping and bending, Fabian hoisted her up.

IIIIIII

Squeals and shrieks burst through the front lawn of the Frost estate. Their feet and hosiery drenched, Rissy and Cordelia ran about the fountains with Nate along. Relaxing on a bench beside Cordelia, Chris watched the way the girls carried their shoes with them in one hand.

"I'll never understand why you women waste time with something as bothersome as high-heels."

"Be grateful you'll never know our torment," Felicia said coyly, her own feet free with her shoes below the bench.

Walking through a cobbled path between flower bushes, Byron gently nudged the youth by his side. "So, what's up with you, amigo?"

Fabian replied a distant, "Nada."

"You kids are making Boston official. That's fantastic."

"Si, fantastico…"

At last, Byron asked pointedly, "Do I need to dunk your head in the water?"

"Jealous that my hair came out better than yours?" Fabian shook out his brown strands.

"Yes, but that's irrelevant." Byron approached the rest carefully. "This weekend's ending on a good note… how was the last one?"

"We weren't in town," Fabian told him. "Any town. Father took us away to one of our secluded spots in Europe. Anne and Max loved having our "own" waterfall practically in the backyard."

Byron whistled his impression. "Your father is the living example of making the best of things."

Fabian slowly put forth, "What about Dex? How does he handle it?"

As if clueless, Byron hummed, "Hm?"

"The idolization that was last Sunday," Fabian cleared up. "I suppose he's made an outsider."

With a shake of his head, Byron clarified strongly, "No. In fact, he got the highest grade on their class composition assignment. I didn't help him with a word of it. He wrote about all that his aunt does for him, the fun they have together, even when she's tired and busy with schoolwork of her own. He mentioned the stories his grandmother shares with him, her recipes, the crafting they do together. Pardon the parental bragging, but I was rather impressed myself."

A clearly surprised Fabian next asked, "Does he never face harassment?"

"People are always going to talk, Fabian,' Byron stated pointblank. "We discussed such things long before he started school. Dex knows that our personal culture is unique and separate from that of the rest of western society." Byron snickered then. "You should have been here when he got into it with this one kid a semester ago. This boy in his class wanted to play tough guy on the playground and dropped a B-bomb on him. Dex told him he only has parents because the kid's father wanted to keep the mother's "big tits for a trophy"."

Fabian instantly broke into laughter himself. "How did he even know that?"

Byron shrugged casually. "Dex isn't ignorant. Likely overheard a few remarks about the boy's father. Stock broker over fifty with a 28-year-old's watermelons in his bed? Say what you will, but that girl snapped herself an iron trap."

"Steel," Fabian concurred. "A female mutant who once stood among our ranks did not fare so well."

"What happened?"

"Because they were close in age, she convinced herself she could rule as a queen by my father's side. She contributed well enough, but Father remained disinterested. Finally, she decided to surprise him in his room- dressed in his sheets."

"Subtle," Byron inserted flatly.

"I guess she didn't have time to order that herd of elephants," Fabian quipped. "When Father saw her, he told her to stay while he fetched a bottle of wine."

"Left her high and dry?" Byron guessed.

"She wishes. Father returned to the room shortly. With the rest of us. He opened the door wide, showed her to us- she couldn't throw the rest of the linens over herself fast enough, and said, "This, boys, is a what a whore looks like" among other things. He gave her time enough to pack before sending her on her way. Livid to say the least."

"Well, she did have every reason to be. After all she went through- sneaking into his private quarters, climbing into his bed stark naked, all in a power ploy- how dare he humiliate a lady of her refined dignity?"

Fabian snorted. "Father's warned me to keep my guard up around women."

"A young man with your privilege and powers has to. Though, if you ask me," Byron looked to where Cordelia bounced around on a fountain edge between Rissy and Nate, "you managed to strike gold."

Remembering at that, Fabian called over, "Cordelia, we need to start back."

"No…" Nate latched onto her.

"Already?" Rissy moaned.

"I know," Cordelia sulked, hugging Nate. "But we promised to be back in time to sleep for school. Ugh, summer, please."

Coming over, Byron helped his sister down and reminded, "It's a school night for you, too, miss. Besides, I want to get back before Dex is asleep."

Rissy sighed but nodded.

As the girls got back into their shoes, Chris squeezed Nate's shoulders from behind. "Better not keep you up too late before Father accuses me of making shredded newspaper of your future."

Nate smirked, "And he says young people are dramatic."

Cordelia looked around at all of them. "Thanks for everything, everyone. This birthday's been a blast."

Cordelia leaned on Chris' arm. "We owed you one for existing."

Fabian faced Byron again. "You'll check on Zelia tomorrow?"

"Done deal," the older male assured. "You worry about staying safe on the road. Phone when you get home."

Fabian asked haughtily, "Our loss would be that much of a detriment to your world?"

Byron stated, "I've grown accustomed to your Boy Wonder backup."

IIIIIII

At first confused and uncertain as to what had woken him, the pain slicing him like a heated blade through his skull caused the man to upright in bed. If that sudden movement jarred Emma, his ear-piercing outcry caused freezing goosebumps through her system. She nearly knocked over her table lamp in her shaken attempt to switch it on.

"Charles." She gripped both his shoulders. "What's happening to you? Charles?"

"It hurts…" The man's voice strained. "God, it hurts…" He left the bed, making a stumbling path for their French doors.

"Charles, stop!" Emma urged, going to catch up with him. She avoided freezing him or anything else that would harm his mind in his present state. She grabbed his arm. "Be still."

Practically shoving open one door, Becky stood there with eyes shimmering. "Uncle Charles…" She hurried to clamp onto his middle and keep him up.

Scott tried to look in. "What's going on?"

"Daddy?" Joey squirmed by him.

"Dad," uttered a taken aback Sean while Maya beseeched, "Professor?"

"Get back to your rooms," Hank bellowed, having received Emma's urgent mental message. "Right now, go. Easy, Charles." He helped guided his brother-in-law back into bed.

Tying her robe, Raven ushered through. "Guys, come on, go. All these minds aren't helping anything. Move, I meant it."

Though the others cleared away, Joey lingered. "Aunt Raven…"

The blue woman lowered to him, stroking his cheek gently. "It's going to be okay, Cuddle Bug. Go stay with Alex tonight, okay?"

Joey nodded and walked away with another glance back at his father.

"Becca," Raven walked to where the girl clutched Charles' wrist, "you need to try to sleep, too."

Becky replied in a disturbed tone, "I don't think I can."

"Here, Becca." Hank helped her sit on the mattress. "Hold close to him, alright?"

Becky squeezed Charles' wrist with both hands while Emma laid on his other side and fingered his sweaty hair.

"I'm sorry," Charles breathed when it backed down some. "I'm sorry, everyone. It's just… the pain came so out of nowhere…" The intense sobbing heard next drew him completely away from himself and he sat up. "Brian?"

Erik stepped forward with the wailing baby. "I'll take him down to my den with me."

Tears increasing, Brian reached forward with both hands. "Daaaaddy!"

"He's terrified." Charles' voice nearly cracked. "Bring him here, Erik."

"Charles, you're hurting," Hank urged.

The male telepath only demanded, "Bring me my son!"

With no further delay, Erik carried him over. Emma accepted Brian and carefully handed him to her husband. With both bitty hands, Brian held onto his father's pajama top while the man kissed his head twice.

"Daddy's fine, love," Charles whispered to him. "I'm sorry. Don't be afraid."

Emma used a tissue to clean Brian's face.

When he calmed enough to lay between his parents, Hank examined Charles as best he could without his instruments. He knew the signs of telepathic distress by light or night.

He asked, "You've been extra fatigued of late, haven't you?"

"Yes," Charles admitted with some difficulty. "So much going on. I thought my body was adjusting to the changes."

Emma said, "Your mind has yet to do the same and it's been forced to bear more than ever."

"Charles, I'm willing to wager your powers are increasing," Hank asserted. "Otherwise, you'd be comatose as we speak. But these growing pains are very severe." He met blue eyes with him. "You must stay off your feet and give yourself time to adjust and recover. At least for a few days."

At the panicked expression that appeared on his brother's face, Erik piped up, "We will fill in for you for as long as you need. You're to focus on getting better and that's final."

With a little more gentleness, Raven reminded, "You have to do this for Emma and Becca, too. They feel what you do."

Looking from wife to his young niece, Charles promised, "I will get well. Don't you worry."

Hank placed a massaging hand on top of Charles' hair. "You'll need medication to be able to sleep soundly. I have what you need. It may numb your powers, but it will help you through the night."

Charles said, "I understand. Thank you, Henry."

Becky laid on his chest and she felt her uncle's arm wind around her.

IIIIIII

While Anne, Max, and a yapping Jack cheerfully scuttled down the stairs, the fourth member of their group stilled at the base. The refreshing effect of his shower wearing off, Collin put down his bag and sat on the bottom step. He rubbed his worn eyes extensively. Inhaling through the nostrils blissfully, the boy raised his head at the rejuvenation seemingly poured down on him.

"Hey, thanks," he said to its deliverer.

Retracting his hand, Fabian eyed him evenly. "What time did you get in last night?"

"Like eleven. Had a load of homework to catch up on."

"Pathetic."

Getting to his feet, Collin scowled at him. "Look, not everybody is out to join your nerd club. School's just a load of crap."

"Not arguing that, but I meant those half-assed lying skills." Fabian further informed, "I made it in at eleven last night. You were nowhere to be seen. Marco offered to stay up; said he you didn't creep back in until after one."

"… So?" Collin shrugged. "I was just riding around." At Fabian's continued stare, he insisted, "I was not picking up a hit! I'm clean, okay? I don't want that stuff anymore."

"Fortunately for you, I believe that much. You've been warned by Papi and Jimmy before me about what time you're supposed to be in this house."

Collin glared downward. "Like they're ever around to know what the hell I'm doing, anyway. Just cheap talk."

"So, it's action you want?" Fabian deduced. "You're coming straight home after school. Every day this week."

Collin's head shot right up. "What?"

"You know you heard me. We'll see how you conduct yourself by the time Father returns this weekend."

"Forget it," Collin refused. "You can stick this high and mighty routine straight up your royal—"

Fabian clamped down on his shoulder forcefully. "Do you want a spanking before school?" At the shocked, angry look, he prompted, "Do you, Collin?"

With no sign of jest or cockiness present in the older teen's expression, Collin felt the wind deflate from his sails. "… No."

Fabian released him. "Go eat."

Grabbing the top handle, Collin wordlessly dragged his backpack towards the kitchen.

IIIIIII

"You've got to get him to make another Sword in the Stone," Cody insisted. "It'd be really cool to see Arthur and the knights older. Or maybe Arthur can have his own son and they go on all these crazy adventures, slicin' guys and stuff."

Joey laughed and brought up, "You know I have to win before I even get the chance to see Walt, right?"

"Pfft," Cody scoffed. "You'll win. You're the best artist in our school or any. Laci's in the bag, too. And no way could people who work with Walt Disney be as retarded as those museum pansies. Right, Becky?"

"Hm?" Seated at the head of her bed, Becky flipped through the Jones-Broderick Academy pamphlet. "Oh, for sure. Joey, this summer program will be great for you and Laci."

Communicators activating, Alex's voice summoned, "All X-Kids to the Havok Hovel. Pronto."

"Come on, guys." Becky stood to lead them out.

The young ones reached Alex's work space in various clusters. Samantha, Scott, Becky, Joey, Cody, and Trav lined up on one area of the wraparound sofa while the older ones took to the other side. Leon stood alongside Alex.

"Hovel?" Maya mentioned. "That's really the best you could come up with?"

Alex informed, "You'll want to take that up with the Eye Screamers."

"What, we thought it sounded cool," Scott defended.

"Yeah," seconded Frank. "What were we supposed to call it? Hotel Havok? What is he, a tycoon?"

Maya rolled her eyes, but left it alone.

"What's happening, Alex?" Angel asked, wanting to get to the matter at hand.

Alex began, "Charles seriously needs to rest for a few days. Since Brian refuses to leave him, Emma has to take care of both of them. Hank's already spread out from here to China. Victor has work and the team. Logan's helping Kayla at the Underground Academy, meaning I have to look out for Kiki and the twins."

"All of the instructors are stretched thin right now and we higher learns are bogged down with school," Leon picked up. "We need all hands on deck. Scott, Frank," he addressed the Eye Scream Team, "do you think you can head a few training sessions?"

"Absolutely," Scott responded.

"We're on it," Frank vowed.

"I'll take the kids to their after-school stuff," Sean offered.

"I'll help with the babies as soon as we get home," promised Angel.

"We can put wedding stuff on hold," said Maya. "Help in the kitchen, extra chores."

"Fixing the lunches," Cordelia interjected.

"You guys are my rock stars," stated Alex. "Alright, go ahead and get breakfast and your bags together."

Frank swept Trav up into his hold as they all filed out of the Hovel.

"Pretty Eyes," Leon petitioned Becky. When she turned and walked to them, he bent to her. "What's wrong?"

She told him, "I really don't want to be away from Uncle Charles."

"I know, Babes," Alex sympathized. "We'll make sure he's okay. And Hank will hogtie him in the infirmary if he has to."

"True," Becky brightened a little.

Leon brought her into a soothing hug before sending her off to join the others in the dining room.

IIIIIII

On route to their lockers, Angel lamented, "I'm really sorry about all this, Cordy."

Turning head away from her notebook, Cordelia regarded her with confusion. "What?"

"I keep feeling like all this Prom stuff took away from your birthday."

"Oh." Cordelia grinned. "Turning eighteen was beyond phenomenal. Brunch with the X-Men then me and Fabian on the road to Boston. You haven't heard Happy Birthday until it's in Spanish."

Arms coiling her from behind, Fabian brushed lips against her neck. "You rang, bonita?"

Eyes closing as her smile increased, Cordelia raised fingers to glide through his magnificent hair.

II

Seated on the steps, the female mutant pair watched the fuming male pace back and forth. Eventually, new action took place when he delivered a vicious kick to one wall.

Brenda pumped a fist. "Take that, world."

"Who does he think he is?" Collin looked to them with fury in his brown eyes. "Prince Puss-N-Boots comes and goes as he pleases and tries to play sheriff with me?"

"Fabian was out celebrating Cordelia's birthday in another state and got home before you," Brenda pointed out.

Collin shot her a glare. "Whose side are you on, anyway?"

"I'm on yours." Samantha stood to her feet. "And you know, I've been invited out a lot since my mom spoke here. Like," she looked between them, "bowling tonight. Want to come?"

"What about grounded guy?" Brenda pointed to Collin.

"With all the exams, the library has extended hours," Samantha brought up. "Since my uncle is too sick to check my work, I have to get help somewhere, right?" She faced Collin again. "And you're my ride."

He formed a wide smirk. "And you are most definitely my girl."

"And this is most definitely a bad idea," Brenda stated. "But I'll try to work damage control."

However, the ratio of damage to control left her without an answer, but a very good guess.

IIIIIII

After acquiring additional cleaning aides, Emma returned to her suite to spray down and wipe along their dressers. Propped up in bed right by Brian, Charles attempted to down the rest of the food on the tray before him.

"Hank phoned," Emma informed. "Several of his students need him after school, but he's going to try to make it home as soon as he can." She turned to see him mostly finished with his soup, but barely half the sandwich. "Love, I thought you were famished."

"I am." Charles took another long drink of the chilled ginger ale. "It feels as if I'm too drained to chew for long."

"You'll get your strength back up," Emma assured. "Your body and mind are likely still adjusting to the medication as well."

Scooping up a portion of his own lunch, Brian presented it to Charles. "Here, Da."

No amount of fatigue could prevent the man's immense smile. "Is that for me?"

Brian tugged on his sleeve. "Eat, Daddy."

"Yes, of course." Taking the bitty spoon, Charles placed the apple sauce on his tongue. "Thank you so much, my little stalwart."

Joining them, Emma played in their son's fair hair. "Seems someone has finally learned your name."

"You've known it all along, haven't you?" Moving the tray to his night table, Charles laid on his side, blue eyes locked with his baby's. "When you were still in your mummy, I could hear you. You cried out for me when you were hardly the size of my finger. Do you remember that, son?"

At Charles touching his face, Brian gripped his thumb to suckle.

Emma said, "I believe he does." She then threw out, "Do you think he'll be like us? Another telepath."

"If he isn't, I believe that qualifies him as a genetic abnormality," Charles said in jest. "Though the X gene is difficult to predict, it's an all too real a possibility. My Lord, can you imagine the mischief he would get into? I'll long for my early days of training Becky."

Emma smiled, "We'll have a bit of an advantage with this one. So will he. He won't be made to feel alone, afraid, as if he's going insane."

"Oh never." Charles reached in closer to their son. "You'll never be alone, little lad. Not ever."

Brian tickled Charles' hand a little by outlining the palm.

IIIIIII

Scurrying in from the growing high winds of the outdoors, Raven took off her purse to get out of her jacket. She hung it in the foyer closet and ran a hand through her mutated golden hair. She met with Scott at the stairs, out of his school clothes and in practice articles, flinging his ball from one hand to the other.

"Hey, Raven, Trav's teacher wants you to call her," the boy reported. "She's staying late after school today. She said he hasn't done anything wrong, but I still didn't say a word to Trav. He'd have had a panic attack the whole ride home."

"Thank you," Raven replied with utmost gratitude.

Scott gazed around. "Where's Erik?"

"Errands." She seized his ball out of the air. "Not in the house, Sky-High Summers."

"Sorry." He accepted it back with a bashful smile.

"Scott, do you want a red carpet or what?" Sean rang out. "Let's go!"

Though he hastened, Scott still sent back, "Why don't you keep it down before you make crumbs out of the windows?"

Raven shook her head at their antics and made her way up to her wing. Settling at her desk, she leafed through her address book until she came across Carly's office number.

"Hello?"

"Carly, hi. It's Raven. I just got in."

"Raven," Carly acknowledged brightly. "It's good to hear from you. How is that new internship treating you?"

"Good for your basic endless trial in patience," Raven described. "You said this was about Trav? Is he having trouble with any of the kids?"

"Other than isolating himself from them during recess," Carly replied. "He's been staying inside for days now to review."

"Victor told us about that," Raven recalled. "He's been doing the same here, so eager over those placement tests. Hank and I have had to stay on top of him to eat with the family because he'll honestly forget if he's left alone in his room."

"I certainly believe that. Trav has the highest participation points of any of the other children, puts in three times the effort, takes on extra credit opportunities even when he already has an A in the subject," Carly detailed. "I'm honestly bothered to be troubling you with this when I have students whose dogs eat their homework on a nightly basis."

Raven laughed a little. "Here, we have a kitty culprit."

Carly went on with, "My real concern is mainly with Trav's social development. He isn't introverted and has quite a few friends, not to mention the kids from your house to play with during recess. But the way Trav is acting lately, practically obsessive, I can't help fearing… I know your husband is a very accomplished man and teacher. I'm sure he's one of Trav's main influences."

Raven quickly pieced it together. "You're worried Hank's been putting harsh pressure on him at home."

"Raven, I mean you no—"

"No, no, I understand," Raven assured. "Believe me, I know how it looks and I really appreciate you being so attentive. Trav really wants to be like his father, but it was actually Hank who demanded he sit with the family for meals. He also put in a cutoff time for Trav's studies so he isn't up late."

"Oh, that is wonderful," Carly said with relief. "I decided not to assign homework to the highest achievers this week. I told them they can use the time to study or work on extra credit. To be honest, I would love for Trav to step back and have some fun. He is only seven years old."

"Try telling him that," Raven joked. "Again, I really do appreciate this, Carly. I'll be discussing this with Hank tonight."

"Good. Thank you for getting in touch so quickly."

They said their goodbyes and after Raven hung up, she remained sitting quietly while trying to knit together a solution.

IIIIIII

When Miss Kendall entered the room with a tall assortment in her possession, Joey rushed from his seat to help her carry it to her desk. Laci picked up odds and ends that fell on the floor and brought them forward.

"Thank you both," the woman exhaled tiredly, trying to get it all neat on the desktop. "There's so much to do to prepare for this contest, I feel as if I'm entering it myself." She looked at the pair somewhat secretively. "I'm glad you're here early again. I have high hopes for the two of you and I believe you're the most serious about this opportunity."

"We want to get into that summer class more than anything," Laci said.

Joey's eyes sparked at the possibilities. "Just the idea of meeting Walt Disney…"

"If you want this to such a degree, much has to go into your portfolios," Miss Kendall emphasized, handing them each new information sheets. "Canvases, sketches, picture booklets with detailed colors, collages, even your top marks on creative school assignments could put you over the top."

"Wow," both children marveled.

"Look at these." Miss Kendall gave them thick pamphlets. "More information about Jones-Broderick staff members. There are even representatives from some of the finest art colleges in New York."

"Julliard?" Joey read.

Miss Kendall nodded with a bright smile. "Those of you entering will have the entirety of today and future classes to devote to your portfolios."

When they returned to their table, Laci could not help the excitement dazzling in and out of herself. "This is so cool, Joey. We have to make it."

Joey's blue eyes lingered on the pamphlet. "My brother wants me to go to Julliard…"

IIIIIII

After listening to the shapeshifter's explanation of the current situation, Frank sat up from reclining on his bed.

"He seemed okay this weekend. Scott's been making sure he eats his lunch before he runs off to finish plotting how to take over the grammar school."

Raven smiled a little as she paced "And I'm really grateful for that and I know I'm probably the most fortunate mom on the planet, but I don't want Trav losing himself. Like his worth only amounts to grades and test scores." She stopped a moment to look at him. "Did you ever go through this at his age?"

"No," Frank scoffed. "My grades were good, sure, but I always ticked off my teachers reading comic books or playing with baseball cards in class. I heard the junk they said, I did my homework when I felt like it, and I breezed through tests. I don't know why. Hank lives and breathes genius."

"I know, but I don't want Trav going too far trying to imitate him." She aimed both pointer fingers at Frank importantly. "But you can help him. He loves training with you, Frank. Do you think you could involve him more, get him to play outside? He needs the distraction and it'll be good for him to grow his powers more."

"I'll do anything you want me to do, Rae," Frank vowed. "Besides, I kind of like having the little guy around."

Raven charged at him with a big hug. "Lost without my Love Bug… lost."

Frank smiled enormously before going to seek out the X-Boy in question.

"Little guy?" he petitioned, poking his head into his room.

"Frankie." Trav left his desk and carried his book over. "I don't have any homework. Will you do my words with me?"

"You lousing on me, kid?" Frank put his hands on his hips. "You heard what Lee said. The Eye Scream Team is all over training right now and I need you."

Laying his book to the side, Trav wanted to know, "What do you want me to do, Frankie?"

"Let's hit Uncle Alex's gym until Scott gets back from practice. I want to work on your climbing and it'll loosen us up for training. I can still count on you there, right?"

"Right!"

"Thought so." Frank tossed his hair. "Look at you. Not even out of your school clothes." He picked the younger boy up. "Let's get you changed before your mom has both our hides."

An enthused Trav wound arms around Frank's neck.

IIIIIII

Able to access and hurry through the main level without detection, the blonde girl scaled the stairs with what she hoped amounted to equal stealth. When Midnight met her in the hall, she indicated for him to be quiet and not draw attention to her. The two slipped inside her room quickly.

The smile Samantha wore faded at who stood there with arms crossed and expression the same. "Angie."

"Really?" Angel gave off a slow shake of her head. "Charles isn't feeling good and you can't start pulling this sneaky BS fast enough?"

"What are you talking about? I was just studying."

"At the bowling alley," Angel tacked on, getting startled eyes out of the younger girl. "Deb is in my last period and she told me you and Collin were going out with her kid sister."

Fidgeting in place a little, Samantha said, "I didn't miss dinner, did I?"

"No, but that's not the point," Angel rebuked. "Sam, we're supposed to be helping out around here. I'm not trying to have to cover your hardheaded butt. You know better than this."

"… I'm sorry."

Angel went to sit at the vanity. "Hurry and clean up. We need to get to the table soon."

Face lowering, Samantha walked to the closet to pick out a dress. Midnight kept up with and nuzzled her ankles.

IIIIIII

A spoonful of the calming elixir he purchased earlier coupled with the warm chamomile tea in his hold, the metal wielder started for the master suite. Finding one door partly open, he glanced in and nearly melted into the teacup at the sight. Charles nestled sleepily into the pillows while Brian combed tiny fingers through his hair. At the presence of his uncle, the small child raised a finger to his lips.

Understanding the need for quiet, Erik nodded and placed the tea on Charles' night table. His tall shadow blanketing his younger brother, Erik gently moved a few strands away from his pale, youthful face.

"My little Lab Brat," Erik spoke faintly, "why must you do so much? Too much…" Charles released an outtake of air that resembled a whimper. Smiling, Erik kissed his temple. "Rest, brother." He laid Brian beside him and smooched the baby's forehead. "I love you both."

Blinking tiredly, Brian played with his father's hand until he found his thumb to squeeze. Deciding to remain until Emma returned, Erik used his power to hover a chair over. He sat, maintaining his steadfast visual over the Xavier pair.

IIIIIII

Though it took some doing to get his window raised from the exterior, the invisible boy pried it wide enough to slither in. Tossing his bag to one corner, he kicked out of his shoes and clicked the light on. Dropping onto his bed, Collin reached for his phone to check in on Samantha. He jumped at his wide-open closet abruptly shutting, showing the teenage Spaniard's whereabouts when the door moved.

"If you have this big a death wish, you only needed to voice it."

"Get out of my room, Fabian," Collin ordered.

"Your powers of suggestion floor me. Though they're not nearly as laughable as what's become of your stealth." Fabian walked towards the bed. "Brenda attempting to convince us your honor student playmates roped you into a study group. Returning to your window routine. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were testing me."

"Fuck you, Fabian," Collin sneered. "I'm not scared of you, so cut the power trip."

"You think that's what this is?" Fabian eyed him in disbelief. "I told you in great length that I'm not trying to hold anything over you. I've told Brenda to be sure I know where she is going as well, to say nothing for how on guard I am about Anne and Max. Why do you think I'm targeting you?"

"I've been a target for you," Collin claimed. "You said so yourself. Now, out of nowhere, I'm just supposed to buy that you give a shit now?"

"I gave a shit before," Fabian threw back before calming again. "I was just too big a prideful, angry fool to show it. I don't want to make the mistakes I did before, Coll. I don't want you repeating old habits, either."

Collin's resolve depleted, but his glare remained. "You just want to show your father you're keeping the underlings in line."

"Determined to lie to yourself, aren't you?" Fabian said knowingly. "My father doesn't expect me to act as disciplinarian. This is my choosing. It's time to show you how serious I am. If you fight me, I'll send you Jim's way next. Then Papi's when he returns. Be something resembling mature about this and it stays between us. How hard do you want to make this on yourself?"

"… I'm not scared." Collin got to his feet. "Go ahead and wail on me. See if I care."

Not responding, Fabian sat on the side of the bed. He pulled the younger teen down across his lap and reached to unsnap his pants.

Collin instantly wriggled. "Hey!"

"I spanked Max bare and you're much older," Fabian explained simply, continuing.

With no refute to that, Collin stayed in heated place while his pants lowered. He fought a blush at his briefs following them. The redhead also noted the way Fabian bared him himself instead of instructing him to do so the way Estevan did.

"Kick, bite, or try to get away and I'll keep adding ten," Fabian warned.

Collin winced inwardly. That part the father and son had in common.

Though a bigger, longer body than that of Max or Anne's, Fabian began with no uncertainty. His had started with no slow buildup or mercy as each swat proved so fiery his own hand swirled before him. He heard Collin's shocked and pained utterance. Fabian used his free arm to keep him down, not planning on lightening up at all soon. If nothing else, Collin would remember this the next time he attempted to play test master.

Collin winced and hissed, the agony building beyond anything he could have imagined from the older teen. Though Fabian fussed over his appearance and date nights, Collin knew well how many hours he clocked inside the gym. Something the freshman found odder is the lack of venomous belittling he expected to come with the smacks. Fabian had even warned him what behavior would result in extra swats. Collin toyed with the idea that Fabian really had no desire to perform the current act, especially with how much it reminded him of Estevan after the drug fiasco. Nothing compared to the horrific, humiliating degradation reaped on the boy by his parents. All those thoughts piled together caused spilling moisture from Collin's eyes.

To hear him cry, in front of anyone for any reason, caused Fabian's hand to slow. With Collin lost to his emotions, the final swats Fabian gave him came off more like ginger taps to soothe a small rambunctious child. Not believing his words could do any good, Fabian pulled his underwear back up, but took the pants all the way off.

When he found his face buried against his pillows, Collin figured Fabian had left him in the room. Then he felt the thin material of the sheet from the closet come down, comfortably covering his afflicted lower half. Collin gasped when he experienced the mutated aura for the second time that day. His punished bottom still hurt, but the constriction in his chest, heavy breathing, and developing ache in his head calmed.

Fabian lowered his hand to the small of his back. "I'll keep Max distracted a couple hours."

"… Thanks."

"If you act surly in the morning, I'm going to spank you before school. You don't have to like me, but you won't act the way you did earlier."

"I won't," Collin whispered.

"Are you hungry?" Fabian asked next.

"Thirsty," he determined.

"I'll be back. Stay still." Fabian moved to his feet and headed for the door.

Collin twisted his head a little. "Fabian?... I'm sorry."

"I'm sorrier, Collin." With that, Fabian continued into the hall.