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.

293. Chapter 293 Brothers of Britain

Chapter Two Hundred Ninety-Three

Author's Word:
Terribly sorry for being away
Saving explanation for another day

Please read and enjoy without delay!

After beholding the three finalized dresses as displayed by the trio of seniors, the gathered audience proved thoroughly awe-struck. Charles and Emma shared the loveseat with Kiki nestled between them. Samantha propped up on the arm of Erik's chair and Becky resided in his lap, both girls marveled by the individualized pieces of formalwear. Victor leaned in the living room doorway with arms folded.

"Wait until Kayla sees," Maya beamed. "It's better than I ever imagined."

Angel stated joyfully, "Pink is love."

Though not as aglow as the other two, Cordelia turned to the redhead present. "They're perfect, Big Sis."

"Did you really expect anything less?" With a knowing quirk about her lips, Adrienne went to examine Angel's dress again. "Admittedly, though, the design team really did outdo themselves this time. They grasped the importance of this particular occasion." She tapped Angel's chin.

The young model said, "I cannot wait until the ballots are in."
Maya swayed dreamily, holding her dress to her front. "I can't believe this is the last time Sean and I will dance together before we're married."

Becky sighed, "I sure wish we could go."

"Me, too," Samantha seconded. "More than anything."

"Yeah," grinned Kiki, wiggling her sock covered feet.

Erik kissed Becky's head and stroked Samantha's hair. "You'll have your days. No need to rush it."

"The wedding being one of them," Emma reminded, delighting the two younger girls.

"Royal court, dancing the night away," Charles patted Cordelia's knee when she came to sit on the edge of the arm close to his spot on the loveseat, "what are you most looking forward to, love?"

Cordelia needed not long to reply. "Seeing my little brother."

"Yes," Adrienne recalled. "Father's new charge and Chris' errand boy."

Cordelia set her with a scowl. "In-tern."

"Whom we can't wait to meet," Emma intervened.

Angel held up her gown again. "What do you think, Daddy Cat?"

"I'll wait until you have 'em on," Victor replied. "So long as they cover up what they need to, they're gorgeous."

"My thoughts exactly," Erik agreed.

Jogging down the stairs, Sean announced, "The guys are here."

The chorus of shrieks from the twelfth-graders caused those around them to gape or jump.

"The boys!" Maya practically ducked for cover.

"Don't you dare come in here yet! You'll see our dresses." Angel scrambled to secure hers inside its black dry-cleaners bag.

A puzzled Erik said, "Pardon me if I'm missing something, but won't they be seeing them at the end of the week?"

"Yes, but not until we're in them," Cordelia emphasized.

Emma further explained, "It ruins the effect, Erik."

The metal wielder said, "I thought that only applied to wedding dresses."

"Oh for Christ's sake, Erik," Adrienne scoffed. "For a formal dance, it's about preserving the presentation, not superstition."

"What must I have been thinking?" Erik responded with an amused shake of his head.

A few seconds later, Sean's voice sounded again. "May we enter now?"

Though they had all garments under lock and zipper, Maya still replied, "No. We look a sight."

All three currently wore lounge pants and t-shirts from tackling chores when they first came home. Maya had her long hair in pigtails, a scarf covered the top of Angel's head, and a clip kept Cordelia's up and out of her face.

"Seriously, Maya?" Sean came back with. "I proposed while you were an all-out zombie. We were in the bathroom for crying out loud."

Ben remarked, "You guys are gonna have some wild stories for your grandchildren."

Angel grinned. "Come on in, guys."

When they did, Ben walked right to her. "You're definitely a sight." He clasped hands with Angel, burrowing into her eyes with his. "Not that that's anything new."

Angel regarded him adoringly.

Fabian wrapped arms around Cordelia and declared, "You are of divine design," and dipped her, making her laugh.

Maya held Sean's palm against her cheek and they caressed each other's ring fingers.

"Hello, gentlemen," Adrienne greeted pointedly.

Still eying his fiancé, Sean remembered, "There are other people in here, aren't there?"

"'Fraid so," Maya said glibly.

Fabian acknowledged the group with, "Buenos tardes."

Returning to reality himself, Ben looked around the room. "Hi, everyone." He glanced Adrienne's way. "It's nice to see you again, Miss Frost."

"Likewise, boys," the woman returned. She gestured towards the three black bags draped over the couch. "Find your names."

Each of them did. Though they only unzipped them partly, each young man developed a satisfied countenance over the suits within.

"We didn't peek at yours, either," Cordelia promised.

"These are amazing, Miss Frost," Ben raved. "Thanks a lot for this."

Adrienne stated, "Nothing but the best for a future king."

"Though now that you are all here," Charles put forth, getting the attention of all present, "I believe now is a good time to go over Prom Night conduct."

Sean threw his head back dramatically. "Should've known they were baiting us."

"First thing's first." Erik stood Becky and directed, "You and Sam take Kiki upstairs, Sweet Imp."

While Becky went to collect the youngest girl, Samantha wondered, "What? What are you going to talk about?"

"Upstairs, Miss Frost," Adrienne reiterated.

Taking one of Kiki's hands so that the small girl walked between her and Becky, Samantha whispered, "Like Angel won't tell me later."

Victor tossed at her blonde hair as the three departed.

Angel, Maya, and Cordelia lined up on the couch after the boys moved their things. Fabian and Sean leaned forward on the couch, standing directly behind their girlfriends.

Ben took the arm beside Angel's spot. "I love these few and far between moments of adults believing me capable of bad to the bone-itude."

"The use of "bone-itude" doesn't sell your dark and troubled image very well," Fabian remarked dryly.

The Headmasters and Emma approached with Victor and Adrienne nearby.

Charles began with, "I know how much you've all been looking forward to this night and believe me when I say that we are as excited as you are and truly want you to enjoy yourselves."

"To a certain extent," Erik added with cutting emphasis on each word.

"You going senile there, Uncle Erik? We already had the funny feelings talk when I was, like, sixteen, remember?" Sean brought up.

"I do indeed," Erik replied matter-of-factly. "And now that you're, like, eighteen, it's time to show the old man how much you remember."

"You do realize we're carpooling with the purity pair?" Fabian used two fingers to point out Sean and Maya. "Little to no fun will be had by all."

Maya glared back at him. "Sorry we won't have time to squeeze in damage to public property."

"Children," the Professor chided, "let's please stay focused. We are trusting you to go, conduct yourselves like upstanding young ladies and gentlemen, and return home unscathed."

"Charles, I know where you're coming from," said Angel, "but they're not even using a hotel for Prom. It's a banquet hall."

"While we're grateful for such small favors," Emma spoke next, "Prom Night is unlike any other school dance. It carries its own unique mysticism and thrill, very easily impairing judgement. No hotel room required to awaken with regret."

"Sean and I have been together for close to three years," Maya emphasized. "There's no way in the world we're sinking and giving into temptation for one night."

"That's right," Sean agreed strongly. "That's a promise we are not breaking, especially not this close to our wedding."

"I'd never try to goad Angel into anything," Ben urged. "I swear."

"Even in some backwards crazy world where he would, I don't want to think about any of that, period." Angel said firmly.

"We know that, baby," Victor piped up, stepping up. "We're not tryin' to accuse you kids of anything. We're just want to make a few things clear so we're all on the same page."

"What you ladies must especially keep in mind," Adrienne addressed the young females, "No matter how times may change, social standards never will. If weakness is given into, the boys will be hailed as champions."

"While you're degraded as cheap," Emma concluded. "And that's putting it kindly."

"Fabian and I don't need special promise jewelry to keep from degrading ourselves," Cordelia informed. "We have been left alone without losing control."

Fabian examined his recently trimmed fingernails. "Somehow, the lowbrow ritual of Prom Night promiscuity never made it onto my list of life goals."

Erik told them, "We're trusting in your words."

"Another point I want to make clear," Charles pressed on. "You are all underage, meaning no drinking or other reckless activity."

"If you like, you can come back here to have drinks after the dance," Emma offered. "But nothing while you're in public. We would rather not have the night of your lives turned upside down."

"We're definitely not drinking out there," Maya said adamantly. "We are not getting kicked out of Prom for moronic reasons."

"I'm still over the taste of alcohol from all those toasts y'all made over our college acceptances," Angel quipped.

"But we can have a round when we get home, right?" Sean sought to clarify.

Cordelia rolled her eyes. "Could you be a bigger geek?"

Sean shot back, "Could you be a bigger c—"

"Sean..." The sharp use of the name sliced through like a machete off Charles' tongue. Finish that sentence you're projecting and you'll be tasting vinegar right up until Prom Night.

The red-haired teenager formed a contrite smile.

IIIIIII

Content to observe from a cuddly distance on the area rug in the hallway, the dog duo kept twin gazes on the adolescent human male. Magnifying goggles strapped to his head, the young English native managed to lock in the last tiny screw. Winding the half wooden, partly electronic gadget, he released his hold on it. Nate looked on in glee at the way the tiny propeller stayed in air. When it stopped and plummeted in the same second, he managed to catch it but not without a pair of disappointed protruded lips to show for it.

At the way the dogs reacted with Courage raising his head and Beauty jumping to her feet, Nate picked up on the footsteps as well. "Host Father." The boy hastened to greet the man.

The smile he wore immediately faded when Winston had to take sudden hold of a wall-mounted light fixture to keep from going down. Nate grew impressed at the way he also pounded the bottom of his scepter against the floor to aid his balance. The stylish feat left the boy awaiting magical stardust to emit from the jeweled end of the unique cane.

"Combat rush hour traffic, come home to an obstacle course…" Kneeling, Winston discovered and picked up the enemy assault weapon. "Jonathan, call this a shot in the dark, but," he showed him the oversized metal bolt, "this wouldn't be one of yours, would it?"

"Yes, sir- sorry, sorry." Nate hurried to collect it. "I must have dropped it. Slippery little bugger."

"Jonathan, while I admire your innovation interest- however borderline neurotic it can be at times- we've discussed this." Winston gingerly tapped the top of his head with the scepter. "Keep your toys in your room, lest broken necks and hip replacements result."

"Yes, sir," Nate nodded. "I am very sorry."

Winston then informed, "We'll need to eat quickly. It's going to be an early night for me. My secretary had to schedule a double breakfast meeting for me because life enjoys its practical jokes. Are you packed?"

"Yes," Nate smiled eagerly. "I can't wait to see Cor, but to meet Charles Xavier at last…"

"If I know my son-in-law, that sentiment will be mutual." Nate formed an even more delighted expression and Winston brushed hair away from his face with his fingers. "Get ready for dinner." Nate headed back into his quarters. "Is your room clean?"

The boy stuck out his head to display guilty blue eyes. "As in pure or tidy?"

Winston only knowingly replied, "Both as soon as you're finished eating."

"Right after," Nate guaranteed.

Proceeding for his own room, Winston took the time to stroke the dogs. He ordered the far more hyperactive Beauty to stay and she backed up from trailing his heels.

IIIIIII

On the couch with legs tucked underneath herself, Angel scanned through the highlighted portions of her literature book. Cordelia savored her third bowl of mint chocolate chip since dinner. She used her toes to flip through the pages of notes sprawled on the coffee table. Glancing to the quite petite one in the chair, Cordelia caught a peek of Maya's heavily detailed budget plotting. The sight and thought of having to keep track of so much sent a quiver through the Bostonian.

Done with her own evening assignments, Samantha entered the lounge. "Anyone want to head down to Havok's gym?"

Cordelia indicated her nearly finished ice cream. "That'll be a necessity after this."

"Raincheck," Maya turned down, surprising no one.

Angel replied, "Gimme twenty minutes, babe. I will be so glad when the last of this homework is in."

"Why are we bothering, anyway?" Cordelia asserted. "We're basically in college. After four years of torture, what more do they want?"

"We'll be out of college before orientation if we let our grades slack," Maya reminded her. "Admissions always checks final transcripts."

"Daggon stalkers," Angel commented. "Besides, Ben and I have a pact to curb-stomp senioritis."
Removing her shades as she made her debut, the blue woman greeted the room with, "Hello, people who love me."

Maya smiled up at her. "Hey, Original Gorge."

Dazzled by the older female's present attire of short charcoal skirt, dark hosiery, burgundy top, and brown leather blazer with matching go-go boots, Angel whistled and inquired, "Where did the hubby take you?"

"I took him- which reminds me, I better get him out of the trunk soon," Raven smirked, propping her shades on her head. "We attended the star-studded WU affair, Prose and Plays. I recited and my friend Teresa did a monologue from My Fair Lady. But according to Em, I missed the intriguing drama around here. Specifically, the "do's and better not's" of Prom Night as presented by my brothers."

Samantha's eyes glinted. "They were talking about you with the boys, weren't they?"

"It wasn't even that serious," Angel waved off. "Don't act a fool. Don't mess around."

"Just a refresher course type of thing," said Maya. "When I was younger, my parents brought home a lot of literature and we went through all the weirdness that would start with my period, the risk of contracting diseases and their different side effects, what Adrienne said about how people always leave the shame on the girl's door, and they kept me in journals to write down questions for later."

The others sent enlarged pupils her way and Cordelia vocalized it with, "They covered all of that when you were, what, twelve?"

"Closer to eight I think," Maya recollected. "I think I was looking at some leaflets and went, "Dad, Dad! It says here herpes can make your pee hurt really bad," and he told me that's nothing compared to the discomfort it brings certain other regions. Then we kind of just went from there." At their expressions, she reminded, "They both worked at the hospital, constantly surrounded by medical information… I liked biology even as a kid… did I wreck your image of me being forced into the pantry surrounded by religious artifacts and a rosary tied around my neck for asking where babies come from?"

Cordelia blinked twice. "My mom only ever used to repeat "whores don't get husbands". Dri covered the little monthly monster."

"Charles was a Godsend for that." Now on the receiving end of the astonished gazes, Raven laughed, "I know, insanity. But he was always understanding with that kind of thing plus being a bigtime science head and chocolate supplier. With our mom's problems… I hit the jackpot with brothers."

Cordelia looked to her with clear agreement to that sentiment.

"Call me crazy all you want to, but I can't help but appreciate them talking to us about it," Angel shared. "At least they approach us like we have actual intelligence, nothing like grown people where I come from. Nice of them to pretend I have any virtue left to care about, too."

Samantha formed a deep frown.

Raven approached the couch with near urgency in her steps. "Don't ever talk like that. I'm serious. Nothing that happened in the past can touch who you are here and now. I know it's not easy to forget, believe me I do, but you can't get it in your head that you're some lesser being unworthy of respect."

Angel played with her pencil and responded with a slight positive upturn about her lips, "You sound like Ben."

"Good." Raven then tacked on, "Mainly that I have no need to send his face through a plate-glass window for mistreating you."

"I've just been thinking about this all through the Prom campaign," Angel told them fretfully. "All these cracks about the skanky girls in school and I'm—"

"You are nothing like Rita Wilson and her brainless brigade," Maya interjected vehemently. "You're not even from the same solar system."

Angel countered, "Yeah, because I've done more than they even know how to do."

"No," Maya continuously refuted, "because there's a world of difference between survival and sluttiness. It's part of the reason I was out there with Melissa and Brenda. Do you have any idea how expensive medicine is without insurance? A stick of gum is a luxury when you don't even have a place to live. There are mothers forced into that life to take care of their kids. The ones lucky enough to have a decent parent. Then it's the kids themselves who have to live that way for money. You want to compare them to Rita's type, messing around for kicks, to feel "pretty", anything to be popular or supposedly loved by a guy? What a joke. And I don't care how self-righteous that makes me sound because I know what it means to be depressed and down on yourself. Somehow spreading my legs never sounded very therapeutic."

Raven responded with a mildly humorous, "Wish I had your brain, kid."

Angel turned to her again with shock in her brown eyes. "I thought you and Hank waited until you were married."

"We did," Raven replied. "But that was definitely more his code of honor than mine. While we were on vacation at the beach house, I thought I'd get him into it. That it would solidify things between us… make me "pretty enough" to touch." Maya and Samantha flashed sympathetic eyes at her. "Hank didn't want to fool around, even when we had perfect opportunity. He wanted us to mean more than that. Really glad I listened to him."

"At least you and Hank were already in love," Cordelia pointed out. "I never understood Em or Chris going through so many random people. Dri thought they were completely trashy. I mean, they're different now. Chris even talked to me over spring break. He said the costs to your reputation and self-respect are never worth it." She shook her head in disbelief. "Not in a million years did I ever think we'd be able to have these kinds of conversations; any conversations."

Angel raised, "I never thought I'd be this comfortable around men again, let alone being around ones who want to drop facts of life on me."

"Hank says we can talk to him," Samantha mentioned. "He has a lot of books, too."

Raven smiled in beloved thought of her husband. "He's tough on homework, but he is here for you guys. Right now, though, I'm going to pop in on my kids and I want to see your Prom dresses before anyone sets one toe in the gym."

"Understood, Gorge-ness," replied Cordelia.

The shapeshifter pointed meaningfully at each of them as she walked out of the lounge backwards.

"Do you really think that way?" Angel asked Maya, gaining her attention. "That I'm set apart from those other girls because what I did was a "have to" deal?"

"Yes," Maya answered without hesitation. "But even if you did used to be like them, or even worse, it doesn't matter one bit once you choose to be someone better. Your past really has nothing to do with now."

Angel joked, "You and Ben are writing the same book."

"We're not the ones who said it. We just repeat it," Maya informed.

Samantha asked, "Then who said it?"

Maya looked up again. "God."

IIIIIII

Currently engrossed in medical updates regarding his many youths- particularly the lack of new scares involving Alex's hypertension- Erik did not face away when the telephone sounded. Opening Trav's file, the Headmaster summoned the receiver up and magnetically pressed it to his ear.

"Lehnsherr."

"Agent Black Tom."

The voice brought a prompt smile to the man's face and he used his hand to grip the receiver now. "Black Tom?"

"Sounds retarded outside my head, too, doesn't it?" The boy groaned slightly. "Poop."

Erik snorted. "Though I do appreciate the effort to watch your tongue." He had heard the child slip more than one disagreeable word during his stay, when he mistakenly believed himself a distance from adult ears. "Are the demons of mathematics at play?"

"Nope and thanks a lot. I got a B on the test," Tommy reported.

"Congratulations," Erik commended. "But I don't deserve the thanks. You put in the work."

"Want me to bring it when I come back? It'll probably be my highest one ever so you might want to hang onto it for money."

"As if I need anymore," Erik chuckled lightly. "But I would like to see it, yes."

"Okay. And I'm calling about history stuff," Tommy clarified. "I was talking to my grandpa about what Cody told me."

"Told you about what?"

"About how they did Leon's family for being Japanese. All my history book said was President Roosevelt signed some order then it just went on about the war. My grandparents didn't know any of them because it was mostly the west coast, but they said that a lot of Japanese lost their houses and couldn't get jobs."

"Yes," Erik confirmed in a disconcerted tone. "Among many other losses they suffered."

"But I don't get it," Tommy went on in confusion. "It's FDR. He was president longest of anybody; the greatest. He kept it all together during the war. He said there's nothing to fear but fear itself. How could he do something like that?"

"Tommy…" Erik quieted a moment. "I wish I had straight answers for you. I myself have struggled with similar questions since I was a boy. Roosevelt was a political leader and as such, he had decisions to make every day. Sometimes he made extremely poor choices that came with very negative consequences, especially with his order against the Japanese."

"Oh, please," Tommy dismissed sharply. "I make a few "poor choices" in school and grownups act like it's the end of the world or something. If I messed up so bad that somebody lost their house, I'd get 'em another one. Or give 'em my house to say sorry."

Erik listened to him with amusement and a swelling chest. "Or likely build them a new one stone by stone. I truly believe you would."

"Can you help me with the other thing?" Tommy asked next. "I can't find anything about the little girl's mom."

"What little girl?" Erik wondered.

"The one Maya was taking care of. Cody said they killed her mom."

Tricie… Erik held the phone tighter, nearly cracking it.

"Erik?"

"Yes…" Erik returned to the present. "I'm still here, Tommy. You won't find any information on that. I don't want you asking anyone about it, either. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir. Um," Tommy's voice grew uncertain, "you guys are going to be okay, right? No one's coming back for Sean or any of you?"

"We keep our secrets for a reason, Tommy," Erik answered carefully. "You are not to worry, not at all. That's why Charles and I formed the X-Men. In trying to take Sean away, they did themselves far more harm than good once we found out. Do you trust me, Tommy?"

"You know it."

"Then trust that I will keep us safe. And remember what I told you about keeping quiet. If you want to talk about this, call me."

"Got it," Tommy replied dutifully.

IIIIIII

"Shoes… shoes…"

Picking up the polished lace-ups, Mia brought them to her brother's attention. "Shane."

"Thank you, baby." Sitting on the side of his bed to get into them, Shane bellowed, "Keiko!" The girl arrived quickly in his doorway. "Can you help Mia with her hair?"

"Sure." Keiko gestured for the younger female to follow her.

"And Keiko, if you're going to play soccer at recess, please remember to tuck your dress into your shorts," Shane reminded. "Rips happen, but let's not invite them."

"I know, I know," Keiko said, taking Mia's hand to go over to her own quarters.

"Seriously, how stupid do I look?"

Looking up from tying his laces, Shane smiled favorably and got to his feet. Ray stood in black pants and a blue sweater-vest with white collared shirt, in addition to a few blemishes Shane noticed.

Going over, the Resident Advisor said, "Just a few bumps in the road." He helped Ray adjust and button the cuffs of his sleeves and properly stick his shirts in his pants. "Tucking is so problematic around here." He noticed and straightened the boy's tie. "Very nice touch. Most of the guys only wear these on Sundays."

"I've never worn threads this nice except for Easter when I was a kid." Ray still eyed the garments with astonishment. "Never anything close to this, though."

"Mrs. Howlett will appreciate your efforts to honor her efforts," Shane stated and patted his shoulder. "There you go. Clean as a whistle, fresh as a fox."

Ray smiled. "You're going to work already?"

"I have a big inventory shipment to meet."

"I'll get out of your way. Thanks again, man." Ray returned to the hall, immediately meeting with three of his floormates.

"Somebody's sharp as a tack," Clarence remarked.

Gina said brightly, "You look amazing in blue."

Touching his sweater, Ray returned, "You look better," of her green and white maternity dress.

Gina bashfully tucked hair behind her ear.

"Look at you, got a tie on," Clarence smirked. "Just like my cousin." Keith currently wore a dark suit, gray vest, and maroon tie. "This cat thinks he's a professor."

Keith said nothing, but a slightly coy smile could be seen as he held his open book higher.

After they finished breakfast downstairs, Kayla pulled the newest arrival to the side to talk in the classroom.

"I finished reviewing your tests last night."

Ray felt a layer of sweat developing. "That sad, huh?"

"Quite the contrary," she informed. "You have a strong grasp of geometry and I enjoyed your short essay. You're really interested in ancient architecture, aren't you?"

"Oh, definitely," the boy replied. "I was wild for blocks and putting things together as a kid. But I love the look of old places. This house, Notre Dame Cathedral, the pyramids…"

Kayla listened with grand impression. "Would you like to be an architect yourself one day?"

"Kind of thought about it… a little." Ray scraped at the floor with his shoe a bit shyly. "I think it'd be cool to build a house from the ground up. Knowing without a doubt that it's my own."

"I know exactly." Kayla then told him, "Before we left Canada, my husband and his brother built our houses."

Ray's eyes widened immensely. "By themselves?"

"Their own four hands," she responded. "Ray, I think you have a chance to really catch up by the end of June. You have several spelling and grammar issues, but that's mainly from being out of an academic environment for so long. I would love to help you catch up if you're willing."

"Really? Even foreign language stuff with Padre Pal?" At her nod, the boy said, "Thanks, Mrs. Howlett. You… you're just outta sight."

"Hm, we'll see how long you hold that sentiment when your weekend exploits are limited to the library."

"Who knows?" Ray shrugged. "Maybe I'll find someone to suffer with."

As the other students proceeded inside, Clarence helped Gina roll to her regular table.

IIIIIII

Though his dozing off had prevented his viewing of any potentially captivating New York State attractions, Nate awoke in time to take in the very picturesque Westchester. He also felt sure that Myles had diligently staked out every detail of the trip to only drive the safest route imaginable. Besides, Nate already knew that if they did pass something of controversial fascination, he would be forced to avert his eyes, anyway. Something he proved glad he did not have to do as the magnificent Xavier Estate came into view. Its greatest sight came in the form of the girl in yellow top and white pants stationed out front. Myles made haste of unlocking the doors, certain that either of the two would claw right through them should he act otherwise.

"Cor!"

"Nate!"

Their speeding to wrap arms around each other resulted in a crash and fit of giggles on both their parts. The change in elevation slowed their excitement not at all.

"Hello, Myles," Cordelia greeted when he exited the vehicle.

"Miss Cordy," the man returned pleasantly, retrieving the luggage out of the trunk.

"You make my heart soar," Nate declared.

"You get me out of school early," Cordelia returned with equal joy.

Nate noticed the dimness about her radiant blue eyes. "You wouldn't kid a guy, would you?"

"No, of course I'm glad to see you." She hugged him closer. "Just a lot on my mind. You geniuses are used to such things."

Departing the house with Alex, Logan remarked of the ground level children, "You break your legs down there or what?" He went to take the bags from Myles.

Detecting the displeasure of the man at their apparent disregard for an elder, Nate quickly said, "I'm sorry," and hurried up with Cordelia.

"Don't worry about it," the approaching blonde said with hand extended. "Alex Summers, by the way."

He shook with him happily. "Nate Ohnn."

"We've got your stuff. Cor can show you your room." Alex slapped his shoulder amicably and walked to Logan.

Cordelia linked arms with Nate. "Come on."

As they entered, Nate wondered, "What foe did I just make in the hairy man?"

Cordelia ushered him towards the stairs before she answered, "One with advanced hearing. He's rough around the edges when you first meet him… unless you have a photographic smile, Bambi eyes, and are named Maya."

Nate determined, "Hm, beats Jonathan."

IIIIIII

At Anne's abrupt halt on their route to the lunch room, Becky wondered, what's wrong?

Eyes forward and focused, Anne sent back, there he is.

Becky then noticed the baseball captain by the water fountain, talking and laughing with a few Jaguars. Anne, relax, he's still Gary… Have you read his mind yet?

The Spanish girl shook her head briskly. No way.

Just to see if he really does like you.

That's way too scary. He could be thinking anything. Anne experienced intensity at the sudden eye contact made and first step taken. He's coming. What if he walks right by us?

He better not. That's not the least bit gentleman. Becky then verbally greeted, "Hi, Gary."

"Hey, Becky." Gary stopped, eyes settling on the one beside her. "How's it going, Anne?"

She placed a tighter lock on her lunchbox. "Good."

"You busy right now?" he asked next. "If not, I was hoping you could have lunch with me. It's really nice out today."

Surprised, Anne brought up, "But you always sit with the team."

"Meh, I'm graduating. Time to shake things up. So, how 'bout it?" He glanced at the curly haired girl. "You wouldn't mind, would you, Becky?"

"Not at all," she assured, looking at Anne. "You guys go ahead."

"Okay," Anne at last agreed.

"Cool. See ya, Becky," Gary waved.

Becky watched them head off for the closest exit. The arm slipping around her shoulders pried her eyes away.

"There you are." Scott adjusted his shades. "Was that Gary with Anne or do I need updated lenses?"

"That was them," Becky confirmed.

"Gary minus the team. Prepare for the space invasion."

Becky smiled as Scott guided them into the cafeteria.

IIIIIII

At the other vehicle arriving in unison to the Rolls-Royce, the quad walked with the couple up and out of the garage.

"Late lunch, you two?" Emma remarked of her sister's chic black pants suit.

"I met with a few east coast clients in Manhattan. Such dedicated pick-up service." She stroked Victor's shirt with the back of her hand. "So, how is your mutant asylum?"

"The children at the facility are fine," Charles replied pointedly. "Even at reduced hours, it's wonderful to be working with them again."

"To what end?" Adrienne put forth. "Unthinkable pasts on top of accelerated abilities they cannot begin to understand? You think you can merely undo all of that?"

Raven stated importantly, "We've already helped some of them."

"The receptive," Adrienne dismissed glibly. "Even if you can begin to straighten out the heads of the worst cases, do you think those with powers so volatile, the most horrendous deformities, will ever be ready to re-enter this world? Accepted into it?"

With darkened eyes, Erik noted, "It would seem you share many of the world's opinion. That they're better off as ashes."

In the foyer now, Adrienne shot back, "You mean like the chemical makeup of your cerebral cortex?"

"Do you two need to be separated?" Victor cut in. "By a continent?"

"As for these kids," Adrienne resumed, "yes, they could have better. Cosmetically. Dormancy for an X gene too dangerous." She eyed the telepaths. "You have the capability. Don't deny it."

"For a time," Charles said, "but as a lifelong solution? It's too drastic and dangerous to attempt."

"Nor should they," Erik insisted. "That's always your solution, isn't it? Covering up not only flaws in appearance but anywhere of inconvenience to you it seems."

Adrienne stepped closer to the tall Poland native. "You're free to think me lower than Lucifer. But it wasn't that long ago that my daughter would have been a prime candidate for this asylum. I've given her a greater chance at life than your little patients will ever experience."

Further discussion became impeded by rushing mechanical noises followed by metallic insects whipping through the air. With a growl about his lips, Cody bounced around to pounce at them. Joey came behind, able to stop some with a single zap from his finger. Kiki flew through, catching one between her hands and studying its butterfly design in fascination.

"Am I doing it right?" Trav fiddled with the controller.

"Yes, you've got it," praised Nate, patting his back. "You're a whiz, Trav."

While the other adults stood taken aback, Hank came down the stairs next. "These so-called trinkets are incredible."

Nate said, "Thanks. If only I could get them to stay in air for more than ninety seconds." His eyes jumped when the metal creatures turned suddenly. "What in the world?..."

When they began to fly again, Joey knew immediately the one behind it and finally noticed the returners. "Hi, Uncle Erik."

Hank looked over somewhat sheepishly. "Sorry, a little sidetracked. I didn't even hear you come in."

"You're not awaiting me by counting the seconds? That concerns me, baby." Raven neared to receive a highly reassuring kiss from him.

Nate took the new faces in, legs growing stiff at one in particular. "You're…"

Descending the stairs in an appropriate skirt and blouse for dinner, Cordelia brought an arm around him. "This is my little host brother, Nate… Em and Dri's also. I guess. Nate, this is the only one of relevance, Charles Xavier."

Forming a cordial smile, the Professor stepped forward to offer his hand. "Hello, Nate. After all Cordy's told us, it's a pleasure to have you here at last."

Somewhat able to form syllables again, Nate shook with a very limp hand and responded, "... Your highness."

At the laughter the utterance produced, Nate closed his eyes to fully experience the vision he entertained of jabbing himself with a hot poker. He felt Cordelia hold him closer to her side.

Charles himself applied a special squeeze to Nate's hand, prompting him to open his eyes again. "You're too kind, Nate, but I'd much prefer you call me Charles." He gave the boy a playful secretive gaze. "At least while we're in the States."

Nate instantly brightened again.

IIIIIII

For the evening meal, Maya took her turn in the kitchen with the assistance of Samantha and Frank. Becky worked on the table and place settings. Frank found it odd to be without Raven, on her way home from the facility, and Trav, preoccupied by their visitor's doodads. To Maya's pleasure, they got the casseroles and bread on the table as Logan and Kayla came home. The moment Sean spotted her, he allowed Maya to carry nothing. His chivalrous intervention gave her the chance to remove the apron covering her dress and splash cool water on her face.

"Hey, Nate, this is my mama," Cody introduced.

The English boy hopped to his feet right away to take the lady's hand. "How do you do, ma'am?"

"All the better now that I'm home. Those who don't call me Mama know me as Kayla." She touched Logan's shoulder. "You already met my husband?"

Nate nodded. "Hello again, sir."

"Whoa, ease up there, Ringo. It's Wolverine," the man corrected.

A slightly more comfortable Nate reacted with, "Smashing," and retook his seat.

"So, Nate, how did you go from Chris' intern to dwelling among the Frost few?" Adrienne asked.

Emma guessed, "Poor luck like the rest of us?"

"No, far from it," Nate said with a big smile. "I had trouble adjusting when I first came here. New school, new country, new galaxy it seemed. Chris- mentor and saint, arranged for me to stay with them. Mr. Frost has been such a great host dad and—" He reacted to Adrienne's sudden coughing. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, fine." Adrienne drank from her water glass. "It's only… Chris and saint in the same sentence. Next, Midnight will be walking through on his hind legs. Likely with a juggling act."

Cordelia and Emma sent her flat unamused expressions.

"While I can see clearly you have a great deal of ingenuity," Charles spoke to Nate, "what made you want to pursue university so soon?"

Hank raised an eyebrow. "Who wouldn't?"

Nate laughed and said, "He's right, Charles, but for me, I would have given my right foot just to see London, but living and studying there? The stuff of dreams."

A still blonde Raven inquired, "What part of England are you from?"

"We lived in town originally, but now we're on my grandfather's farm outside Louth."

"Oh," Charles cringed sympathetically. "My heart weeps for you, you poor thing."

"What's in Louth?" Becky wondered.

"Well, the town is quite lovely," Nate told her. "The main attraction twenty miles outside of it? Grass… plenty for all."

Raven said, "It must have been a huge culture shock when you made it to London."

"Nothing compared to coming here," Nate said fancifully. "I still can't get over this." He faced the male telepath. "The Oxford Legend in the flesh. The professors rave about you. They use your papers as examples of exemplary college writing."

"Wow," Sean marveled. "So, it's not just me who does that."

Charles smiled at the redhead and said to Nate, "That praise is only due to the fact that I'm fresh on their minds. I'd hardly call myself a legend of any sort."

Cordelia stated, "That's fine. We'll just say it for you."

"Speaking of academics," Erik put forth, "how was school today?"

"Rita and Mack are on this new thing where they try to change the subject whenever tomorrow's garden party comes up," Angel mentioned.

"Oh, fat chance," Samantha scoffed. "It's all the girls I know can talk about."

At Nate's confusion, Cordelia explained, "Rita and Mack, Prom opposition to Angel and her squeeze, Ben. Their crew loathes us. We despise theirs. It's a beautiful system."

"Ah," Nate comprehended. "Do go on."

"I have news on that front, ladies," Adrienne caught the attention of the girls at the table, "I secured a fleet of luxury bus lines for tomorrow. Comfort, elegance, appetizers; your schoolmates will be mesmerized long before the festivities begin."

"Oh Dri," Angel spoke blissfully, "I don't know what'd I do without the reigning Prom Queen of Boston."

Adrienne reasoned, "Experience is reduced to meaningless nostalgia without the next generation to pass it onto."

Becky brought up, "And just wait until they see your dresses."

"Designer and definition of original," boasted Raven.

"Whatever color she's wearing, Rita Wilson will be pea green by the end of the night," said Maya haughtily.

Victor shook his head in exasperation. "This week can't be over soon enough. This contest's made you girls downright vicious."

After exchanging impish gazes, Raven, Maya, Angel, Cordelia, Samantha, Becky, and Kiki raised their glasses with pinkies wiggling and chins high.

IIIIIII

Sweat cascading down his brow caused the teen to have to blink excessively to keep his vision clear. Deflecting another blow from his current opponent, Frank made sure to block his face with his lower arms while remaining in the fighting stance. When Leon got in a kick, Frank only moved as far back as the momentum pushed him. He then dipped, clutching his abdomen. At Leon's charge, the younger boychick seized his opportunity and executed a tackle.

"Smart move." Still stretched on the floor of the gym with him, Leon patted Frank's back fondly. "Playing possum to mask the shark."

"Dad's DNA rubs off on us," Frank claimed, getting up with hand aimed down. "No denying it."

"That or my theory on soul cloning." Leon accepted the help up. "You were pretty quiet at dinner."

"So were you."

"My modus operandi. On you, quiet is a distracting abnormality."

Frank shrugged. "Enough chatter going on I guess."

Leon next approached, "So, this Nate kid is nice."

"Yeah, he is," agreed Frank.

"What do you think?" Leon asked next. "Did he come down on an enchanted meteor or simply sprout out of a cabbage patch of perfection?"

Frank laughed with a snort. "Okay, so he got on my nerves a little. Mostly Trav fawning over him. And geez, was he buttering up to Charles."

"Oh, I know," Leon scoffed glibly. "Going on like Uncle Charles is Captain America or, dare I say, Wolverine."
Eying him with mild ire, Frank stated, "You're right and a dick."

Leon rapped on him rhythmically at the shoulders. "Crude little boychick."

Frank released a sigh. "I'm never going to grow up from this stuff. I just have to find something I don't like in every new guy. I do like collecting things. Especially enemies."

Leon stroked Frank's damp hair. "I know exactly how that feels. Only it's worse because I'm older. When Alex brought Sean on that campus visit, I wasn't exactly gracious. The second I saw him, I wanted him gone."

"Why Sean, though?"

Leon reasoned, "He had Alex at home. WU was my territory. I finally had my own friend group, even better someone like Lex constantly looking out for me for the first time in years. I decided Sean didn't need Alex, especially because he had Hank."

Frank asserted, "You make more sense than I do."

"Highly debatable. Only now, I see what we're losing now that he's moving out." At the despondence that formed in Frank's eyes, Leon gestured towards a bench. "You want to?..." Frank nodded and walked over with him. Leon sat first, bringing him to hold in his lap. "I talked to Sean. He has his reasons for leaving, mainly trying to make a better life for Maya, but you're not on the list."

"I know. I just wish… I wish Sean would've been the one to change what he wanted. All for me. I know how full-of-it that sounds."

"Maybe to most people," Leon replied solemnly. "You want to clean up and head for the Cave?"

"Mmhmm."

Rising, they stopped to collect their towels and water bottles on their way out of the exercise space.

II

Daddy?

Charles received the petition as he left the master suite, coming upon his two tiny blondes. "Do my little ones need me?" He knelt to their level. When Joey let go of his hand, Brian walked forward with the offering. "Oh, lamb." Charles looked over the chocolate square. "Did Uncle Erik give you that?"

Joey told him, "He wants you to have it."

Brian presented the candy again. "Eat, Daddy."

"Thank you, son, but Daddy had plenty at dinner." Charles kissed his hand. "You eat it, alright?"

Though the chubby little face appeared hesitant, the baby eventually conceded, "Kay," and began nibbling on the square.

"Joey, go on into my room," Charles instructed. "Your mummy will be drawing his bath soon."

"Okay. Come on, Bri." Joey lifted and situated his brother on his hip. He started by their father then turned around. "Dad?" Charles faced him. "Is Nate our uncle, too?"

Charles considered and responded, "Yes, I suppose he is."

Joey's countenance showed contentment and he carried Brian into the master bedroom.

On the topic of that day's arrival, Charles made his way to the designated guest quarters. "All settled—" Standing in the doorway, the man's pupils enlarged over how the formerly pristine room appeared as if an extension of Hank's laboratory. "I suppose this answers that question."

Worming his way out from under the bed, Nate held a wrench in one hand and acknowledged the Professor with, "Charles, look, look." He scampered over to retrieve and show him the box of various odds and ends. "Hank gave me the okay to rummage through whatever he didn't need. Ah, one man's trash."

"That was quite nice of him." Charles stooped, picking up some metal bits. "Nate, I know you only just got here, but it is imperative you keep this floor clear. We have walking and crawling babies underfoot all too eager to stick things in their mouths."

"Oh, right," Nate realized. "I'm sorry." He picked up another box to begin gathering. "Mr. Frost is constantly getting after me about this. I always get so preoccupied until it looks like a tornado territory."

"You are not alone." Charles helped him as he spoke. "Those of us with scientific inclinations have a tendency to get distracted in our housekeeping. The only reason I can keep tidy is due to my mother's extensive brainwashing."

"My mum, too," Nate smiled. "You should see her when she goes into town. You'd never know she was a farmer's daughter."

"She certainly brought up a capable young man."

"Thank you." Nate focused on straightening by his night table to keep from reddening over the mere words that made him so giddy. "With all the praise Cordy sings of you, it only made me want to meet you more. Your X-Men, all the mutants- they're so lucky to have you as a representative."

Getting an idea, Charles sat on the bed, facing the teen. "Nate?" He immediately looked up. "Erik and I have a speaking engagement at Manhattan Community College in the morning. Would you like to come have a listen?"

Nate managed to keep from springing to the ceiling as he responded, "Absolutely! I'd love it."

"Good. It will be nice having you along." Charles took his gadget haul to put away on the desk. "Not to mention giving you more insight on the mutant question and what it means for your new sisters."

"My two favorite Brits of all-time under the same roof." Clad in brown golden retriever puppy pajamas, Cordelia walked in. "At last, my diabolical scheme is complete."

"So long as it doesn't involve you two staying up terribly late." Charles brought her to him to kiss her forehead. "Good night, my girl." He then shared a small hug with the younger teenager. "Sleep well and if you need anything, seek me out. I'll be up a while yet."

"Thanks, Charles," the boy replied cheerfully. "Good night."

Cordelia sulked at the man. "Why do you get to stay up later than we do?"

Charles instantly responded, "The same reason you get to watch Saturday cartoons in your bathrobes. Besides, we'll all be having breakfast together in the morning and I want to see your adorable faces wide-awake." He took his leave of them with that.

After collapsing on the mattress together with put-upon weary sighs, the brunette blue-eyed pair wound arms and stared at the ceiling.

Cordelia broke their contented quiet first with, "So, how do you weigh in on our Charles?"

"Second best part of this trip. After this." Nate snuggled against her shoulder, making her giggle faintly. "Cor, are you sure you're okay?... Is it the fire?"

"The nightmares finally slowed down from that- mostly. At least I can cook again without shaking. It's just…"

Nate moved to his side to properly face her. "Hmm?"

"It seems I've spent most of my life in fancy dresses that other girls would die to try on once. I didn't think I'd get into Prom so much, especially after everything in Boston." Cordelia sat up against the pillows. "But it's finally hitting me."

"How big the dance is?"

Cordelia shook her head slowly. "That after all the lessons in dance, poise, attire… my mom won't get to see any of it. She helped Emma get ready for Prom. She made an event of it with Adrienne… she won't even get to see my dress."

At the rolls of moisture starting down her cheeks, Nate threw arms around her. He glanced about and, to his satisfaction, zeroed in on the box of Kleenex left on his night table. He freed one hand to swipe a few of the tissues and clean her face as the silent tears continued.

"It's alright, Cor." He brushed at her loose hair with his fingers. "I know it doesn't seem it, believe me."

Cordelia attempted to wipe her eyes. "God… I'm sorry, Nate."

"Don't you fret," Nate insisted. "You can talk to me. Or cry, scream. I'll still be here. Like your mum." He gathered more tissues. "You may not believe me, but I think she saw your dress. She definitely helped you pick it. The color, the design. I'm sure it came from your memories of her. Even if you didn't know it at the time."

Rising from where her he cradled her upper form, Cordelia met eyes with him. "Nate, thank you. I'm so glad to have you here."

"I'm just glad to have you, Cordy."

She leaned on him again and Nate kept her in a secure grasp.

IIIIIII

Adorned in the red "Hot Papa" apron the girls fashioned for him in Home Economics, the wizard of metal acted as kitchen chief. He let his powers hasten the food prep while simultaneously increasing the sound of Tony Bennett on the radio. With her used to being up early with her parents, Kiki arranged the tea and coffee services, but knew to let her uncle add the hot brews to the silver pots. As if magnetized herself, Becky slipped in and latched onto her father's middle. She released a squeal when he hoisted her for a dance around the island.

Supporting her in his arms, Erik peered into shining green eyes. "Sleep sweet?"

"Mmhmm," Becky hummed.

"Good. Would you set the table for Papa?"

The girl nodded and gathered the necessary dishes to do so.

Coming up behind Kiki, Erik blew into her neck. Her squeal and big grin sent euphoria through the man.

He picked her up to hold with one arm and raised his communicator to his lips. "Come along, imps. Up, up. Or am I to assume no one is in the mood for latkes and cheese blintzes?" He heard a thunder of footsteps that made him smirk.

Cody proceeded to the dining room with his hand attached to Kayla's, talking about their days ahead. Logan came up behind them after changing from his morning meditation and checking on the twins.

"Frankie, Frankie." Climbing into the older boy's lap, Trav showed him the controller. The little screen allowed them to view what the hovering electronic beetle overhead saw. "Isn't it cool? It's like Kitty's security cameras, except it goes all sorts of places."

"Yeah, buddy, that's real—" Frank then reacted quickly to keep the beetle from making an unexpected nosedive, "Careful, little guy." He helped him better operate the controller.

"Trav, watch it." In his crisply ironed ROTC uniform, Scott sat down. "You know that thing isn't yours."

"I know it's not mine, Scott," Trav replied matter-of-factly. "Nate said I could use it 'cause he's nicer than you."

Scott remarked, "See how nice he is when you start wrecking his stuff, too."

"Scott," Victor came through, taking the time for coffee before work, "let him be."

"Yes, sir," the young teen complied.

"It isn't your fault, Trav." Nate seized the beetle when it lowered enough. "I go through these things a lot. They burn out on elevation rather quickly. Very far from Bond arsenal."

Raven said, "Still, that's really neat for you to have thrown together in your spare time."

"Thanks, Raven." Nate returned to the table. "Even though it only amounts to wires and mirrors really."

"Oh yeah. Reminds me of something I rigged together in fourth or fifth grade," Frank mentioned.

Glancing Frank's way, Leon caught Alex's expression and could tell the eldest boychick shared his present thought.

Nate turned away from his contraption and a captivated glow spread throughout his features. Cordelia saw what intrigued him so in the form of the various breakfast trays hovering in seemingly by their own accord.

Nate got to his feet. "I can hardly believe my eyes."

Erik removed and indicated his apron. "Little Valentine's gift from my big girls."

"No, your telekinesis," Nate clarified. "I've read about psychologists who have spent years in mental rigor to unlock it."

"Yeah, that'll work," came an amused utterance from Leon.

Nate went on, "But it's simply breathing the air for you."

"And flying through air," Becky felt the need to add.

"I'm glad you think so highly of it." Erik then told him, "However, it's actually called magnetokinesis. I control metal, magnetism, and some electricity."

Sean piped up, "Maya has telekinesis." He touched his fiancé's wrist. "Show him, babe."

"Um…" Putting her latke loaded fork down, Maya settled gaze on the flowers at the center of the table. She caused the vase that contained them to float towards the ceiling. "Sorry, that's all I have right now." She resituated the vase. "I've only been awake for half an hour."

"Are you kidding?" Nate countered favorably. "That's incredible."

Alex said, "We'd love to give you the mutated grand tour, but a lot of our powers aren't indoor friendly."

"No, I understand." Nate rethought that. "Except one thing. Adrienne, you can trace the origin of objects, right?"

The red-haired woman nodded. "Psychometry."

Nate next wondered, "Why don't you have an alternate form as well? I mean a hardened one like Cordy and Emma's."

"Oh, she's hardened," Emma assured. "Wait until you get to know her."

"She's some kind of tracker, though," stated Victor. "Put any PI worth his pipe out of business."

Adrienne regarded him coyly as she raised her coffee cup.

"Daddy," Kiki reacted to the entering gentleman.

"Sorry, everyone," the young scientist apologized. "I was trying to finish something before I rush out." He promptly took note of their visitor's appearance. "Oh, very nice." Hank approached him to feel the material. "These must be the new ones."

Realizing what he meant, Nate looked down at the crimson and ivory Harvard sweater he wore unbuttoned over his white dress shirt. "Oh, yes. My mum ordered it for Christmas after I got my acceptance." He glanced up again. "You don't think it's in poor taste to wear it around another campus, do you?"

"Wear it around Buckingham Palace," Hank decreed shamelessly. "Once you're in, it's both your right and duty to display it."

"Oookay." Angel looked between Alex, Leon, and Raven. "Please tell me y'all will not be that kind of dedicated when we're at WU together."

"Not even close," Raven promised.

Leon stated, "My dedication will be preoccupied with those I mock."

"Don't worry about me," said Alex. "I started losing respect for the place after they accepted me."

IIIIIII

As they made a path for their individual lockers through the throng of other students, Samantha chimed up, "Collin?"

Both their books tucked under his right arm, Collin held her hand with his left. "What's up?"

"My grandpa and Uncle Chris are officially coming to see Cordy go on Prom and Mom says they'd really like…"

"To size me up and tear me to shreds?" Collin surmised simply.

Samantha offered hopeful eyes. "They were nice to Fabian. Mostly."

Collin thought for a moment. "You want me to?"

"Yes," she nodded eagerly.

The copper haired boy then decided, "Two-for-one interrogation it is."

"Ohhh, thank you, Collin." Samantha sprang on her toes to hug him around the neck.

Collin whimpered a little at their contact. "Gonna miss you today."

"Me, too, but it's for Angel." Hands together again, they resumed walking. "At least there's an hour before the buses leave."

Escorting her into her classroom, Collin took advantage of the currently teacher free space and kissed her lips. "Stack those votes."

"We will." Samantha then remembered, "Oh, tomorrow you'll get to meet my host uncle. Cordy's arranging to have him go through classes with her like Angel did with me."

"Right. See you after this." They kissed once more and Collin moved to make it to his own room. Not until he nearly reached it did part of her words set in.

… Host uncle?

IIIIIII

After winding it to its extent, Nate put the toy down and kept himself cloaked on the less visible end of the changing table. Engrossed in play with Dickon and a few of his other stuffed animals, Brian raised his head to the small black and silver robot making a path for him. The way the baby's eyes lit with intrigue as well as amazement made him resemble Charles a great deal from Nate's viewpoint. Raising the device he held, the teenager spoke into the miniature microphone.

"Hello, Brian," sprouted from the robot in an English yet electronic accent. "My name is Captain Circuit. Will you be my friend?"

Eyes as wide as they could go, Brian squealed and clapped merrily.

Coming into the nursery doorway, Emma stopped to observe.

Relieved he had not frightened the bitty boy, Nate made Captain Circuit talk again. "I was preparing for my intergalactic mission when I accidentally crashed on your planet. Would you happen to know a good auto parts retailer? Ordering from catalogues is such a chore."

Emma smiled at the way her son seemingly tried to follow the toy's life story. "Perhaps you can take him shopping after a little lie-down."

At her voice, Nate stood to see the woman in white A-line dress with matching pill hat. "Oh, Em."

"Ready to go?" she asked him.

"Mama." Lifting Captain Circuit, Brian waved him importantly. "Mama, look."

Knowing he wanted his mother to hear the robot, Nate stepped back to have him greet, "Hello, Mrs. Xavier, my you look lovely. I hope you don't mind my passing through."

With a delighted countenance, Emma replied, "No, not at all. Welcome to Earth, Captain." Turning to the puppeteer, she wanted to know, "He doesn't have any removable parts, does he?"

"Oh, no, no. He's solid," Nate affirmed. "I patched him up and modified him from a toy I saw sticking out of the neighbor's trash a few weeks ago. Hardly worn at all and still the kid tossed it."

Emma told him, "That's unfortunately common among Boston's privileged youth." She stooped to pick up Brian. "Alright, my love, you can help the captain after a little rest."

With his crib coming into close proximity, Brian vigorously protested, eyes filling with tears. "Nooooo…"

"Yes, angel, I know," Emma attempted to sooth, placing him inside. "It's only for a little while and Uncle Alex will play with you as soon as you wake up." She bent to retrieve Dickon and tried to exchange the soft bear for the much harder robot.

Brian placed a tighter grip on Captain Circuit. "Noooo, Mama…"

Hating seeing the baby so upset, Nate stepped over to help. "It's alright, Brian. Look, here." Quizzical expression replacing his hurt one, Brian watched the older boy position the robot on the stand closest to the crib. "There we are. He'll be right here and ready for an adventure later."

Appeased at having the toy in proximity as well as visual range, Brian settled down. Emma gave Nate an appreciative glance and sent soothing fingers along her son's back until he relaxed completely.

Once they left the nursery, Nate said remorsefully, "I'm sorry, Em. I didn't mean to rile him like that."

"Oh, sweetheart, that wasn't your fault." Emma placed an arm around him. "He's never the happiest at naptime for one reason or another. Your captain really made his day. All of the children seem to find you a joy."

"I'm enjoying them more," Nate said earnestly. "Being an only child has never been my ideal. Besides, it's easier with them. Little kids only want to play and have a good time. Adults want you to mind and keep high marks. Even the older students aren't too bad. I'm sure most of them see me as five years old, but there are worse things. But kids my own age? That's the stumbling block."

"Peer connection," Emma understood. "Or more like disconnection. The adolescent social hierarchy was always Adrienne's natural birthright."

Surprised, Nate inquired, "Why? Cordy says you're the smart one, but you must have been one of the prettiest girls in school."

"Oh yes," Emma recalled none-too-fondly. "Hours of wrestling with clothing choices, not even wanting to see my skeleton figure in the mirror, and smattering on cosmetics every morning shot me right up to halfway decent."

Nate challenged, "I'll wager a year's allowance that Charles would've placed you at the top of the ladder."

Emma gave him a sideways squeeze as they entered the garage together.

The Headmasters stood conversing by the Rolls-Royce. Charles wore a royal blue suit that illuminated his eyes, highlighted all the more by his kind face. Erik leaned against the car in a brown suit, sporting matching fedora and sunglasses. Nate took note of each man and found it near radical that the Professor did not have a hat on nor had he the day before. With the amount of time Charles must have spent grooming his lush hair Nate could see why, but still considered it a tad peculiar to see an adult male without a hat. Even Chris usually left the house with one on. Also, Charles had his jacket open, but Erik buttoned his. Their one commonality came in the form of their matching gray ties. Nate found privilege in neither of them requiring him to wear a tie. While a gracious host, he believed Winston would have him in one over his pajamas if not for a slight choking during slumber risk.

As soon as they got within range of each other, Charles took Emma's hands to exchange a quick kiss. He next went around the car with her to open the passenger door for her. Erik used his magnetism to do the same for the backdoors with Nate ever delightfully impressed by the feat. With everyone inside and securely buckled, Charles drove them out of the garage.

Under the plentiful daylight, Nate asked, "Are you speaking, too, Em?"

"In an academic setting I normally would," the woman replied, "but I think you and I would do well from an observational viewpoint."

"Smashing," Nate approved. "So, Charles, with all of your knowledge and expertise, no one suspects that you're a mutant yourself?"

Charles told him, "They suspect I'm a wealthy whelp with either a bleeding heart or desire to rebel against my pampered upbringing with a controversial cause. It's actually quite surprising that I'm invited to so many of these engagements."

"Charles, you're a living legend," Nate emphasized. "They should count their lucky stars you even pencil them in."

Emma concurred with, "Out of the mouths of babes."

The Professor smiled softly in the rearview mirror. "I can only hope you retain that belief after a class session with me."

"Tell me, Nate," Erik removed and pocketed his sunglasses, "what was your reaction when you learned of us?"

"Besides shameless jealousy?" the boy smirked. "Seeing what Cordy can do was astounding, but it really made sense the more I considered it. I think mutation has been around for quite some time, but people stayed hidden or were simply unaware of themselves. Think about savants or the way some people can play the piano flawlessly by ear alone. Only now, radiation has made mutants more apparent. And cooler."

Erik listened then determined, "A smart boy you are."

Gleeful now, Nate spent the next fifteen minutes listening to the adults discuss the day's agenda.

When the skyscrapers came into view, their words mixed hazily in Nate's ears as they passed sights he only ever before saw in books. He rolled down his window, letting the city air whip through his hair and the various sounds filled his hearing. His smile expanded at the number of as well as variety of people. He had to work not to mistakenly snap his own neck when he tried to take in every angle of the Empire State Building.

From a reasonable distance, he next saw, "Lady Liberty, my God…"

"Yes." Erik stared out of his own window. "I remember when I first—"

"Jonathan!"

The alarm from both telepaths made Erik jerk his head. An unbuckled Nate currently stuck almost halfway outside the window.

"Gah!" the teen reacted to the sharp swat across the seat of his pants followed by a swift yank back inside.

"Don't you dare do that again," Erik rebuked, magnetically forcing the child's seatbelt on. "Least of all in New York traffic unless you simply want your head lopped off."

"I'm sorry," Nate apologized without delay. "I wasn't thinking. I just can't believe I'm in New York City…"

"And we don't want your first trip to be your last," said Charles. "Jonathan, we know you're excited, but you must be more careful than that. Do it again and you'll be punished, understand?"

"Yes, sir." Nate glanced at the man next to him. "I really am sorry."

Erik ruffled his hair gently. "It's only our selfish desire to keep you in one piece."

Despite the boy's small smile at that, Emma did not care for the especially remorseful waves she sensed from him.

She peered back at him. "We'll take in a few sights before we head home."

Nate perked somewhat. "Thanks, Em."

At that moment, his lower end felt the need to remind him of the smack he received. Though it had only startled him at first, Nate experienced a small residual sting. While the other children had filled him in on the way the Headmasters operated, Nate could not believe the might packed in Erik's hand alone. However, the child knew well that the man bore no ill-will towards him and Winston's reprimand would have been far more detailed to say the least. He then considered the genuine concern he heard in Charles' tone. He could only wonder how the Oxford Legend would react to something of greater significance. Joining in on a mission after being told to stay put while in possession of untested armor and weaponry, for instance.

When they pulled up in front of Manhattan Community College, Nate initially believed it to be a navigation error. Though it consisted of a sharp building made up of nice brick and gleaming windows, it came off so foreign compared to Harvard. Instead of a lush, regal campus nonstop pavement and a few skinny trees surrounded MCC.

After they obtained parking and exited the car, Nate stared at the building further. "Put it in yesterday, did they?"

An amused Charles wound arms around him from behind. "Close. They've hardly been open three years."

Touching Charles' upper arms in turn, Nate realized, "So, the first students haven't even graduated yet. You and Erik will be real pioneers to them."

Erik said, "If they stay awake throughout."

Emma joined arms with her host brother. "Mind molding awaits."

Nate shared a secretive glance with her.

While the exterior lacked the classic curb appeal of Oxford and Harvard, the inside proved captivating enough for modernism. When they reached the auditorium, the grand size felt more like Nate's schools. However, he appreciated different kinds of young people present. Their casual business attire appeared a far cry from how lowbrow he often heard community college kids described. Nate and Emma obtained middle section seats while the brothers spoke to the administration behind the event.

The students and other attendees soon settled. The Liberal Arts Department Head introduced the guests as Charles Xavier, Professor of Genetics and Erik Lehnsherr, Masters in Global Studies and Physics. Nate nodded with fanciful intrigue over Erik's subjects, though he personally found Master of Magnetism more fitting. Things got underway as soon as the students finished signing in.

Charles started it off, going directly to the white board after cordially greeting the room. As he wrote the key terms on the board, his voice carried across the large room. From his angle, Nate understood why the men chose their suit colors. Charles appeared vibrant and eye-catching while the currently silent Erik stood with the defining resolution of a mighty redwood. His set expression and eyes carried a blazing lade's sharpness.

At the hand that raised a few minutes later, Charles called upon the stout brown-skinned youth.

"So, you're saying that instead of run-of-the-mill genetic flukes easily remedied, you're telling us that mutation can basically create its own super race."

"Firstly," Charles began, "mutation is the result of various genetic and environmental factors, unpredictable and incapable of reigning on its own accord. However, yes, mutation can create or awaken extraordinary abilities."

"Professor," addressed Erik, "if you don't mind, I'd like to address that as well."

"By all means, Mr. Lehnsherr," Charles invited, stepping back for his brother to take center stage.

Erik faced the young man in question. "Run-of-the-mill genetic flukes. What did you mean by that?"

The young man elaborated with, "There's a whole world of difference between cutting a sixth toe off a baby and being able to tear through walls with your bare hands. That's what I call a threat."

"I see," Erik nodded. "And you're what, 6'2?"

"Three," he corrected.

"And you bench…?"

"About two hundred fifty."

"Impressive." Erik then pointed to an oriental girl close to the front. "Forgive me if this is too brash, but I'm guessing you're right around a size six?" She smiled and nodded. "What do you say? Would you be able to defend yourself against him?" He pointed to the previous student.

"Easily," the girl replied, "with a revolver glued to my hand." She elicited some laughter.

Erik's lips quirked as well. "So then, if you're unarmed, is someone of his stature a threat to you?"

"Definitely."

"Would you like to see him incarcerated?" Erik asked next, grim countenance in place. "Executed, even?"

She shook her head vigorously. "Of course not."

"But he's a threat to you," Erik reminded simply. "He hasn't done a thing to you, but wouldn't it be better to do away with him and all those of greater strength and size than your own? Before they had the chance to harm you?"

"No," she reiterated. "That's absurd."

The young man from previously chimed in, "That's completely different from what I'm saying. I'm talking about people who can cause real danger."

Charles pointed to a copper haired boy who raised his pencil. "Yes?"

The newly called upon male stated, "I can get anyone a good deal on a revolver. My grandparents have owned their gun store since before I was born. They have enough weapons plus their private collection to make hostages of a hundred city blocks. They can cause real danger except for one thing- they don't wanna."

"Precisely," Charles concurred. "What we're trying to get across, why we are here today, is to open a dialogue and try to comprehend that which we don't understand. Mutation is—excuse me!"

The ferocious sonic boom that so abruptly consumed the man's voice caused a flinch from Nate. Following Charles' gaze, he saw those responsible for the unexpected tone shift. A cluster of five students involved in chatter before the entire auditorium fell silent.

Charles stepped further out to the edge of the stage, staring directly at the teenagers. "Is there a reason you're talking while I'm talking?"

While most of the five remained quiet, a brunette girl uttered, "Um…"

"Um?" Charles echoed with raised eyebrow. "Did I interrupt your meditation? You were carrying on like church mice only moments ago and now you're unable to articulate basic syllables? I find that very alarming."

A blonde boy glared down at his notebook. "Jesus, prick…"

Charles' icy eyes landed on him. "What was that, young man?"

He shot his head up. "Nothing."

"Well, "nothing" just caused you to lose thirty extra credit points," Charles informed him. "All of you in attendance today are receiving quite a helping hand towards your final grades. While we may not be your regular instructors, you will conduct yourselves exactly as you do in the classroom. Meaning, you will pay attention and speak solely when called upon. If your find that too daunting a task, well, you know where the exit doors are."

Breathing his fury in and out through his nostrils, the boy forced out, "Sorry."

With a bob of his head, Charles resumed the lecture and discussion.

Nate had to bow his head and press his feet hard against the floor to keep his urge to laugh contained. At the fond way Emma tapped his knee, he did not have to look at her to believe she felt much the same.

IIIIIII

Situated in front of her full-length mirror in blue spring dress and green cardigan, the petite girl posed in various positions. Playing with her long brown strands, Maya tried combinations of up and down. The older X-Woman passed through in time to peer in and see the hair had somehow swallowed her head.

"There you are, Cousin It." Raven crossed her arms, leaning in the doorway. "Where are those records you borrowed from me?"

Whipping her hair back to reveal her face, Maya smiled widely at the sight of her. "Hey, is your test over already?"

"Yes, I'm officially a free woman." Raven then regretfully tacked on, "After one more final, a colossal paper, and hopefully quite the glowing intern evaluation. Beyond that, I'm as free as the winged creatures who bear my name. Now, what about you? Last chance to play hooky before you graduate and torch the place?"

"Sorta, kinda," Maya replied somewhat impishly. "All the girls who signed up for Adrienne's big garden soiree got to leave after second period. Thought I'd just snag the free time since modeling isn't exactly my raison d'etre."

"Uh huh," Raven responded skeptically, entering fully. "And I'm sure the mirror is just for you to keep your afternoon croquet plans with Alice."

Maya released a put-upon groan. "Alright, so I know I'm supposed to be focused on Prom, last homework, and helping ensure the Professor doesn't spontaneously combust, but the wedding keeps stowing away on my train of though. Today specifically, it's wedding hair. I've changed my mind fifty times already."

"Is that all?" Raven let off a scoff. "Amateur. But on the bridal train of thought, I have an idea." Maya eyed her expectantly. "Since we're both freed up for a few hours, why don't we do a little furniture browsing? And by that I naturally mean furniture buying for your unbelievable yet deplorably naked new place."

"Raven, you want to buy us furniture?"

"No, just you. We'll throw in a hay pile for Sean to sleep on."

"Raven, come on. I can't let you do that," Maya insisted.

"Who's asking?" the shapeshifter came back with. "Besides, I'm not talking tons of stuff. But you guys have to have a bed. And naturally, the dresser and other pieces have to match or the Renters Authority Goon Squad will cite you. Then if we happen to see a couch…"

Maya attempted again with, "Raven, we do have money in the bank. You don't have to do this."

"I want to do this," Raven emphasized. "I'm the matron of honor. Wolverine is not the only one who takes wedding duties as sacred."

"Raven…" Eyes shining, Maya closed the minimal gap between them to hug her. "I can't thank you enough and I don't mean for couches and beds. You've really stuck by me and Sean."

Raven held her tightly. "Just returning the favor, Gorge."

IIIIIII

Latest assortment of passengers loaded, the crimson and black ferry departed. Though some complained about the scents, Nate found the combination of light winds and water invigorating. Blue eyes rounder than saucers, he tried to take in everything around him. He felt as if he could jet off in flight, even with his rocket boots all the way back in Boston. In all honesty, the euphoria made him believe he could soar straight through the entirety of Massachusetts. His ecstatic countenance somehow increased at the magnificent landmark they neared. With Lady Liberty's enormous yet maternal towering effect, it took no guidebook to understand the inspirational value to so many.

Nate felt a pair of strong hands on his shoulders and glanced up at the tall man.

Erik said, "She must be happy to see you. She certainly didn't smile that way when I came over."

Nate's eyes sparkled with interest. "What was it like for you?"

Erik told him, "I shared neither the excitement nor the fear that the other passengers did. I was in a much darker place then."

Listening intently, Nate tipped his head back a bit to indicate the overhead. "Glad the sun's out this time."

Erik gave a ginger pat to the boy's back and Charles put forth, "Then you know we are not in England anymore. What are we up to now, five days a year without rain?"

"Seven," responded Nate. "We don't get actual sun on the last two. Instead, the clouds just linger in mockery of us."

Charles released a faux saddened sigh. "Now, I'm homesick." When Emma's arm slinked around his middle, he promptly re-determined, "And I'm over that."

After the twenty-five minute ride ended, the quad ventured off on Staten Island. At the way Charles kept an arm across Nate's shoulders, pointing out various sights, Erik and Emma wore twin smiles. Both appeared the picture of giddy schoolchildren on their first day in America.

Emma put forth, "We have to plan a day trip to bring the rest of the kids here."

"Yes." Lifting his shades, Erik gazed about with a glint of fancy present in his irises. "It is funny, though. Charles and I rode the ferry together. Right before, we'd been in Central Park discussing the children. He wanted to show them everything, but I wanted to give them incentive not to trek beyond our backyard. I talk so much about how they deserve the world, but I've too often made prisoners of them."

"With good intention and reason," Emma briskly reminded. "And while in captivity, you trained them. Prepared them in so many ways."

Erik faced his sister-in-law to correct, "We trained them. You've been a true mother for them long before you married Charles. Their words, not mine."

Emma gave a fond tug to his sleeve in response.

They stopped at a bar and grill called Lee's Tavern for customized sandwiches. Not especially craving a drink, Emma offered to drive so the men could order what they liked. Though she knew it took far more than a couple alcoholic beverages to make Charles tipsy and that Erik refused even the notion of drunkenness, Emma wanted a proper example for Nate. She joined him in selecting soda. Erik smirked at the way his brother eyed his requested beer the way the children did cough medicine. The Professor of refined taste palette went with white wine.

"Happy Meals?" Charles chuckled as they settled at a round table.

"Yes, they're cruelly addictive," Nate detailed. "They come with these really neat prizes. My last one was a tin whistle, but I had to stop using it because it left the dogs utterly gobsmacked."

Emma looked at him with true astonishment. "Father allows you fast food on a regular basis?"

Darting his eyes, Nate let off a puckish shush. "Chris takes me sometimes. Funny since his favorite food group is coffee. They just came out in Boston, so you must have Happy Meals here."

Erik lowered his beer and said, "Of course we do. I enjoyed them as a little boy back in Poland."

Nate cocked his head in puzzlement. "But there were no McDonald's then, definitely not in Europe."

Erik clarified, "Food on the table three times a day. The happiest meals of all."

The boy noted spiritedly, "You sound like my host dad. Cordy and I were just laughing the other day about…"

Emma grew concerned as his good-humor appeared to drain so swiftly. "What's the matter?"

Nate fiddled with his straw. "I know this is probably a violation of sibling confidence, but I can't help worrying about Cordy. With the Prom coming… it's hit her that your mum won't be there, Em."

Erik and Charles exchanged gazes.

Almost instantaneously, Emma realized, "Cordelia's will be the only one she's missed."

Erik folded his arms, sighing through his nostrils.

Charles spoke guiltily, "I never even considered… she hasn't said a word."

"She shouldn't have had to," Emma insisted. "I'm her sister. I should have known or had any kind of inkling. She looked so disinterested yesterday, but I didn't think it more than annoyance over the adulation of yet another important gown. After all the progress we've made, I still manage to fail her."

"That is not true," Charles refuted rapidly.

"He's right, Emma," Nate reaffirmed. "You don't know how happy Cor is to be re-connecting with all of you." He looked from her to the men. "She's told me so much about all of you, I felt like I knew you already. She loves you all; the X-Men. But I understand how she feels because I lost my dad a few years back. It's hard to want to tell them or share something then remember you can't."

"That it is," Erik softly concurred and Charles nodded as well.

"I appreciate you bringing this to our attention, Nate," Emma said earnestly. "And whatever Cordy's told you about us," she reached to place her hand over his arm, "pales in comparison to the words she has for you."

The teen's face and posture improved. "Like Chris' for you."

Peering between the two pleasantly, Charles asserted, "Let's finish up and head back to retrieve the car. Start for home."

They began eating again with the trio of adults mildly distracted by their own ponderings.

IIIIIII

Lots of enthusiastic verbal pitching and multiple polite smiles came about before the quite zealous sales associate finally left the pair to their own doing. He waved at them as he returned downstairs to help a trainee. Standing on the floor dedicated entirely to bedroom furniture, Maya could not believe the variety of the inventory available. Though she knew furniture would have to be acquired before long, she never realized what all went into selecting.

"Ooh." Stepping out of her heels, Raven climbed onto two thick mattresses. "I don't believe it." She bounced on her knees a bit. "I think the interior of this bed is made entirely of pillows. Clouds, possibly."

Maya twirled in place to glance at everything. "Where to begin?"

"Look, love, have." Raven laid back blissfully. "Must plot to convince Hank we need to redecorate…"

Going to a more juvenile one beside her, Maya revealed, "As weird as this sounds coming from an only child, my dream bed used to be bunks."

"Oh yeah," Raven stretched out her arms, "because it's cool to have the top to hang out and pretend you're flying. But you still have the bottom if you're too pooped or, more likely, lazy to climb the ladder."

"Exactly," Maya replied ecstatically. "See, you're actually well-versed in the Encyclopedia of MVP."

"I'm a subscriber," the disguised blonde stated. "Already mailed in my form for the upcoming MVC edition."

Maya lowered to lounge comfortably on the bottom bunk. "Raven?"

"Hmm?"

"How do you sexually satisfy your husband?"

Thinking she had dozed off for a moment, Raven burst up on the mattress and faced the doe-eyed girl. "Wh-hu… eh?"
"Okay, I know this is weird and gross beyond reason," Maya fully admitted, turning to her as well. "But with this talk about proper Prom behavior, it's been on my mind more than ever. This is not something I'm trying to bring up to my mom and I would go to Kayla, but ugh! I am not about to visualize Wolverine as…"

"Maya." Raven raised an urgent hand. "I'm pretty sure Kayla is the only one who wants to visualize Wolverine as… whatever."

Maya grew thoughtful again. "You were a virgin until marriage, too. And I know you'll actually be honest with me. I'm sorry for just throwing this at you."

"No, no, Gorge." Raven moved to sit on the side of the bed. "Don't you dare be sorry. I'm the one shirking matron of honor duties here. I should have brought this up to you already."

"You have a husband, two kids, classes, and traumatized children to counsel."

"Excuses, excuses," Raven dismissed. "Talk to me, honey."

Maya exhaled somberly. "I'm not sure how I'm supposed to… make him happy."

Raven quickly surmised, "The wedding night has you hyperventilating, right?"

"Mmhmm," she nodded.

"Join the club," Raven smiled at her. "Maya, this is nothing to be ashamed about. Even if he hasn't said anything, Sean is scared, too."

"Was Hank?"

"Of course, but Sean has the little advantage of not having a building beast he has to keep in check. Just make sure to cover your ears if the banshee comes out right in the middle."

"Rae," Maya giggled.

"Okay, but seriously," Raven leaned forward closer, "how far have you two gone? Has he ever seen without your clothes on?"

Maya shook her head. "We've kissed and sort of… felt each other through our clothes. This is crazy, considering he proposed when I looked vile, but being in front of him with nothing but the air between us." Maya pulled on a section of her hair and gestured at her chest and legs. "What is he going to think of me?"

"The same thing he has for almost three years," Raven said matter-of-factly. "That he has this supremely beautiful girl who makes his knees go weak and his heart stronger. Only now, every part of you belongs to each other."

"… What if the full package disappoints him?"

Raven held back a snort. "Gorge, sweetie, Hank's full package is blue and scaly, remember?"

"Raven, you could be plaid and it wouldn't matter," Maya came back with. "Have you noticed the rest of your body? Your height, your hips, breasts that require their own zip code. I'm surprised Marilyn Monroe doesn't send you hate mail."

Unable to speak at first, Raven eventually replied, "That… was a whole lot I never expected to hear in life."

Maya formed a small pout. "The only curves I have are around my ears, which are also goofy looking."

"Cut that out." Raven slapped her knee lightly. "First, your hair is so luscious that Leon's whimpers in envy. Second, since you're clearly too drugged up to notice, during this semester you've checked out from pretty to full-on hot and sexy. Enough to drive Logan and Hank into amusing insanity."

Maya peered down at herself before looking up again. "Am I really that different?"

"Okay, up, up." Taking her by the hand, Raven prodded her over to stand before the mirror attached to one wall. "The only thing more stunning than that girl right there is who she is inside. Keep in mind you're the one who called me honest. Which is why I won't lie about this part." She turned Maya to establish eye contact again. "That first night together will be scary and awkward. But don't think you have to strip and get it on just like that. There's too much fun to be had beforehand."

Maya wondered, "What do you mean?"

Raven's eyebrows wriggled a little. "Sex might be the main course, but the appetizers are not to be skipped."

"That's the whole foreplay thing, right?"

Raven nodded. "Don't make it sound so negligible. You just have to find a style that works for you. Hank and I can get a little… ambitious. But if you and Sean want to ease in, get the mood going with your favorite song, dim lights- don't use candles because you might fall asleep with them on. You could have a glass of wine, hold each other, kiss, fondle. And if the naked part still gets to you, take it one step at a time. Have Sean take off his shirt first, walking around in just your underwear to start, or if you're not ready to go full-on, you could go to bed naked. Under the covers you can feel, explore, really take your time getting to know each other on this level."

Absorbing every word from the older female, Maya responded, "Raven, wow, that's… I never thought about that. Steps leading up to it. I always just assumed that night automatically meant penetration, like it or not."

"Absolutely not," Raven shook her head. "Maya, this next phase of your life is really special and something only you and your husband will have with each other. Do not let it become a chore or some homework assignment you're terrified of failing."

"Thank you," Maya said with relief. "I mean it, Rae. I know things have been really off between us this year, but I'm always going to need you in my life."

"No, you won't," Raven countered lightheartedly. "Even if you can't see it, you've grown from that shy, unnoticed wallflower you never really were in the first place. Everything you've lost, survived, gained, and you've only become better; still unbreakable. You won't need me forever, but I will be here, anyway." Maya said nothing as she reached for her. Raven gripped hands with her in turn. "Come on. Let's pick out some stuff before Chatty McDesperate gets back for another sales pitch."

Maya smiled and suggested, "Maybe we can lose him among the king sizes."

The two pressed on to explore the rest of the near infinite bedroom set possibilities.