Chapter Two Hundred Ninety-Six

Author's Word: Hey, Fam, whose patience I most appreciate. I know a lot of you say no explanation is needed for these gaps, but I'm offering one anywho. I've gone through extreme exhaustion trying to do literally it all, including balancing the kitchen sink on my pinky. This has affected me mentally as well and as our telepaths can attest, that's no good. Now, I'm going through this really bizarre feeling. I think it's called… restfulness- it's freaky, man.

Whoa, whoa, whoa now, this just in. I just found out fam member Mik15 is graduating high school this Saturday! Congratulations, my love! Major congrats to all my graduates, Prom babies, and those fighting the never-ending battle that is education! I love and am proud of all of you! I hope you all get to enjoy this long weekend with sleep alone. Now, please enjoy and review!

Even though the entire day, as with that whole week and the one to come, belonged to the seniors, restlessness took over many of the other children. With the last few days weighing in, the X-Men elders decided against adding unnecessary grays and let the fledglings stay up for a while. Naturally, the privilege did not extend to the babies and Hank only allowed his two one extra hour. The moment Trav and Kiki looked to make a protest of it, a very specific stare from Raven brought an end to that.

Not willing to miss hearing about her sister's time at the dance, Samantha joined in watching the Eye Spy monitors. Victor held her in his lap and they both sipped Kayla's apple cider. Next to them, Adrienne stroked Midnight in her arms and each focused on the screens with serious fixed gazes. Alex let Joey, Cody, Becky, Anne, and Laci play in the sitting area of his Hovel. Except for the occasional burst from Cody, they did not make much noise. After working out with Leon, Frank and Scott went to bed, possessing no intertest in dance details.

Around eleven-thirty, Alex walked out of his office to see them all drooping, even though Cody tried to fight it. He could handle Joey with ease, but Alex requested reinforcements from the other young adults for the rest. Leon and Melissa arrived first. He hoisted Cody and quickly got him to stop fussing while Melissa linked hands with Anne. When the McCoys came in, Hank easily swept the feather light Laci and Becky up to carry at the same time. Raven massaged their backs through their long hair. They all filed out, but at the boy's request, Alex gladly took Joey into his office to lay on the sofa. The older blonde fixed the blanket over him and adjusted the throw pillow under his head.

Nothing short of amazement resulted from the Headmasters when their anticipated bunch that they granted a later curfew to came in a quarter after midnight. While the girls still sang the music of the night, all appeared thoroughly worn yet mesmerized from the event. At the crowned pair, Angel and Ben managed to stay upright for the multitude of hugs and congratulations bestowed upon them. Erik gave them a getaway opportunity by pointing out that they all had to be eager to change, considering the girls all carried their shoes in one hand.

While the teenagers went up to get comfortable- Fabian and Ben having stashed a change of clothes in the limo- the adults set about preparing the living room. As promised, they provided ice, plastic cups, and various drinks to mix and choose from. They also brought in bowls of chips and popcorn for them. Clearly glad to have their formals on hangers once again, though Adrienne strongly suspected Cordelia merely flung her dress in the nearest corner, the group of six made their way back down in cozier attire. Though the girls had yet to wash off their makeup and they wore their nicest satin pajamas and silk robes. The crowns remained in place on the King and Queen as well. When Samantha, Brenda, and Nate were allowed to join them, Angel let her sister wear her sash and carry her scepter.

Thanks to their Prom gifts, the older ones had no use for the plastic cups, but the younger teens took them. Sean quickly dropped ice and poured the entirety of a beer bottle into his mug. Rolling her eyes at him, Cordy had a glass of red wine with Maya and Angel. The more reserved Fabian fixed a combination of ice, fruit juice, soda water, and tequila for the three appreciative youngsters. He then poured vodka, tequila, and juice with lemon for himself. Ben had beer with Sean, mostly to clap their mugs together in imitation of rugged barmen.

At Maya getting into Sean's lap for a long kiss, Nate's eyes jumped and Brenda uttered, "Yowzah."

No shame present, Maya pressed noses with her fiancé and said, "Amazing isn't good enough to describe this night."

Sean's voice deep and assertive, he reminded, "Babe, we've got a ton of amazing nights ahead; earth-shattering…"

"Ugh," Cordelia reacted, tucked under Fabian's arm on the loveseat. "Can you two please get that room already? I think Mars has vacancies."

"Leave them alone, Cor," Angel dismissed.

Cordelia tipped her wine glass to her. "As you'd have it, your highness."

Samantha leaned on her sister. "I almost cried when I saw your crown."

Nate proclaimed, "Not a prettier queen to be had."

Angel held Samantha to her and said, "Thank you. All of you, so much."

Moving from the arm of the couch, Ben squatted and faced her. "Better idea. Thank you." He gave her a kiss and Angel's arms immediately flew around him.

Cordelia touched a hand to Fabian's chest. "Can't beat 'em?"

He took the hint and brought his lips to hers then noticed Brenda's emptying cup. "Do you want more?"

Brenda shook her head. "I'm good. I don't think too much of this is good for my stomach."

Trying to not let the heat show in his face at the reminder of what was done to her body in that place, Fabian suggested, "Maybe you should get some rest."

Brenda nodded and stood. "I'll be upstairs, Sammie."

"Okay," Samantha said, sharing hers and Angel's space with the Acolyte girl.

"I'd better turn in as well." Standing, Nate took the time to hug Cordelia and receive cheek smooches from the other older girls.

Fabian gave a little thump to his thigh as Nate walked by.

Samantha left not long after them as soon as Angel promised more recollections from their evening come morning.

"Alright, listen up." Sean refilled his mug with his second beer. "I want to make a toast." They all joined him in lifting their glasses. "Tonight was unbelievable and not just for winning the crowns, but all of us being here together. With graduation up next, we won't get these times as often as before." He raised his mug higher. "To adulthood."

While most of the others seconded him, Cordelia scoffed. "Speak for yourself, old man Cassidy. We're going to college, not a geriatrics community."

Ben mentioned glibly, "I'll still be getting an allowance." He propped his crown up better. "Though I suppose now I'm free to send my parents to the dungeon."

Angel said knowingly, "So they can turn right around and send you to your room."

Ben flashed the smile only she recognized.

II

At the young teenager flopping into bed, Chris regarded him in jest as he came to sit on the side of the mattress.

"Hangovers are usually a morning after effect." Chris situated the covers around him. "But then, you are more advanced than others. Myself included."

Nate smiled at him. "Fab made us kids these smashing fruity drinks. We only had the one, though."

"Good," Chris approved, slight somberness developing in his eyes. "But Nate, you know that sort of thing is only for permitted special occasions, right? I know how smart you are, but college is one giant temptation battlefield. Don't buy into it."

"Oh, I won't," Nate assured him. "You don't have to worry about me, Chris. I'd rather get gobsmacked off chocolate milk."

With a light chuckle, Chris patted his chest. "I worry. Not about you but what's around you. If you ever feel overly pressured, you can talk to me. Always."

Nate replied contentedly, "I know. I'm glad you're here, Chris."

"So am I." The older male ruffled his dark hair a little before standing to leave and switch off the light. Finding the nursery illuminated, he entered to see Charles pacing with Brian. "Looks like someone's cranky." Chris walked to them. "Frost DNA will do that to a guy."

Charles laughed softly and kissed his son's cheek. "Want to see your Uncle Chris? Hm, lamb?"

Accepting the baby, Chris held him against his shoulder. "Oh, this is nice. Usually when I'm here he has an Erik Only policy."

"It isn't only with you," Charles informed. "Believe me." Growing somewhat solemn, the telepath inquired, "Chris, how are things faring in Boston? More than what you're doing for us I mean."

"What do you mean?" Chris sincerely wondered. "If this is about work, the promotion's still an adjustment, but it's better with the best intern on two continents."

"I'm glad to hear that," Charles said, "but that fire that drove Cordelia to nightmares. It was right in Father's old neighborhood."

Chris bobbed his head pensively. "It didn't give me the sweetest of dreams, either."

"There's upheaval here in New York as well, but I cannot stop being troubled by all that's plaguing Boston."

"You're worried about Cordy," Chris deduced. "I know, Charles, so am I. There's a reason we prefer her and Nate driven most places. You don't have to lose sleep over her coming back. I have my priorities in order this time."

"I know you do." Charles touched a hand to Brian's back. "I'll still fret for all of you, as you should for me if Erik discovers I'm piling restless nights."

Chris put forth lightheartedly, "What else are brothers for?"

Charles let off an impish, "Hmm," and clapped him on the shoulder before taking his leave.

Spotting something from the world of Dr. Seuss on the bookshelf, Chris took it and inched the rocking chair over to sit. He began reading about the fish of many colors to the steadily drifting baby.

IIIIIII

Alarm disrupting the tranquil quietude of the night, the blaring carried the shock of an atomic bomb throughout the safe house. Popping straight out of bed with a soldier's haste, Shane sped for the hall. He experienced elation at the little girl in pink nightgown already there and clutching her Bugs Bunny plush to her chest.

"What's going on?" Mia moaned tiredly, rubbing her eye with her fist.

"It's alright, baby." Shane scooped her up with two kisses to her temple. He then lifted his head to bellow, "Everyone, up, up! We have to move!"

While Keith carried Keiko out of her room, Clarence rushed through with the insistence of, "We got to help Gina!"

That decree received fulfilment in Ray approaching with the expecting girl already in his arms.

With his wing accounted for, Shane rushed to kick open their emergency stairwell, grateful for their second-floor location. "Guys, move. Don't stop until you're out of the building."

As the teenagers filed by, Shane gave Mia to Clarence. Once they all passed through the door, the Resident Advisor followed closely after them. A barely awake Gina kept both arms wound tightly around Ray's neck, who minded the constriction not at all. Reaching a side exit, they finally made it outdoors with the majority of the other inhabitants. Padre Pal directed them all to step as far away from the building as they could. When no one else ran out for a full minute, Pal's wife, Camille, began the headcount.

Once they had the final numbers, Padre Pal whooped with maximum euphoria. "Alright, everybody, congratulations on a successful fire drill. Every man, woman, and nino accounted for, yeah!"

Those with anything resembling stamina managed to cheer with him.

"What is this, a half-time show?" Ray scoffed, currently seated in the grass with the other kids from his floor, still holding Gina. "What is Pal on? Yanking us out of bed for a lousy fire drill."

The only one standing among them, Shane glanced down. "There's nothing lousy about ensuring we're all prepared for the worst, Ray. Disasters can strike at any time. Jose and Camille know this well."

Ray questioned, "What are you talking about?"

"The Palermos lost everything they had to a fire." Gina moved her head to face him. "They were out that night, but their whole apartment house burned to the ground."

Despite his dropped jaw, Ray sat in silent astonishment.

IIIIIII

While the size of the Xavier Mansion failed to leave him daunted the way it did many visitors, the Frost elder did find the lack of dog at his heels odd. At long last, silence filled the entirety of the house. With the Prom attendees back under their roof, the adults took to their beds with minds at ease. Cordelia had come to him for a hug good night after she helped tidy the small after party in the living room.

Peering into one room, Winston saw the thin frame of the boy wrapped in the covers and squeezing a pillow like a teddy bear. Thankful not to have any hazards of the gadgetry kind in his path, Winston approached and listened to his breathing for a moment. He smoothed hair out of Nate's face and took his leave again. Eyes remaining shut, the corners of Nate's mouth upturned contentedly.

Before he reached the kitchen, Winston heard the distinct meow. Adrienne poured a portion of milk into the waiting feline's water dish. Though the formula normally acted as a supplement for kittens, Logan had managed to locate a special brand for adult cats. Midnight nuzzled the redheaded woman's wrist in gratitude then started lapping up the creamy substance. Adrienne returned to the island to finish setting up the tray of coffee and snacks.

"No shift change tonight?"

She peered up at her father's voice. "Between the twins and Kayla's workload, Victor likes to free Logan up to be with his family at night wherever possible. And he has no need for assistance when I'm in town." Adrienne kept building the hero sub. "If only he remembered to stock that compact refrigerator downstairs with more than baked goods and pickle jars."

"Why should he bother?" Winston sat across from her on a bar stool, placing his scepter on the island. "He seems to have a woman who more than sees to his needs."

"I can't be everywhere." Adrienne went to return the perishable goods to the refrigerator.

"But you certainly try," stated Winston. "I'll never be over how lovely your baby sister looked tonight. And I believe the entire house is feeling Angel's victory."

"Yes," Adrienne more than concurred, going back to the tray. "I simply… I couldn't be prouder of her."

Winston said matter-of-factly, "I couldn't be prouder of you," getting her eyes up. "You already take on so much, Dri. You did your best to fill in with Cordelia during your mother's dark days. Now, a mother yourself… I don't give you the recognition you deserve for all you are and have done."

One hand going to her hip, Adrienne mentioned, "You mean such as expecting me to cower under your desk from those who threaten me and trying to berate me when I do otherwise?"

Managing not to roll his head back in agonizing annoyance, Winston responded, "You never miss a beat to be profoundly difficult. However, I will admit that I may have been…"

"Wrong?" supplied Adrienne pointedly.

"A tad unreasonable," Winston corrected, giving her a look. "Daddy is never wrong, gem stone. Even when I am, it's nothing more than a mild complication on my road to true righteousness."

"Righteousness, Daddy?" Adrienne laughed dryly. "Us?"

"The Almighty hasn't given up on the family Frost quite yet, my sweet." Winston seized one of the tea cookies off her tray. "We amuse Him too greatly."

IIIIIII

In indigo pants, white tank top, and yellow cardigan, she topped the ensemble off with a jeweled butterfly clip to pull back the front of her flowing hair. After strapping into her sandals, Anne settled in the middle of her bed to dig through her messenger bag. She fished out the necessary purple pouch and unzipped it to the cosmetics within. She took out a tube of dusty pink lipstick and pocketed it. The abrupt noise of the ringing telephone made her rush to put the pouch away. Relaxing on realization, she reached for her touch-tone telephone positioned on the nightstand.
"Hola, digame."

"Hola. I love your speak, princesa."

"Do not call me that." Not caring he couldn't see it, Anne pointed warningly at the receiver. "My father calls me that."

"Sor-ry, sugar and spice." Gary next brought up, "So, you still coming for some downtime with the crew?"

"Hm, probably." Anne raised her compact mirror to check her hair. "I have to see."

"Then I guess I'll catch you later," Gary said with a shrug evident in his voice. "Ya know, if I'm not too busy with the guys and all. Anyway, I better split."

"Yeah, same here." Anne promptly tacked on, "To go wherever I feel like." She heard the exhale of amusement on his end as they hung up.

IIIIIII

Normally quite beautifully vocal despite his novice time honing musicality, the mutated Banshee emitted a groan of nails-on-chalkboard proportions. Catching what sounded like a seal mating call, Alex entered the room of the ailing one and smirked at the sight. Still in bright green pajamas, the body with head of messy red hair sprawled across the bed with one leg dangling off the side.

Closing the door after himself, Alex noted, "Someone got in touch with his Irish last night." He placed the cool cloth he brought in on Sean's forehead. "How many did you chug?"

"Just two beers…" Sean bit his lip. "And a few combinations I played around with afterwards…"

Alex shook his head. "The word for the day is moderation."
"You know you're my best man, right? You're supposed to make me feel better."

"I'm supposed to keep you healthy, safe, and sane until the wedding," Alex swiftly countered. "Which in no way excludes my right to kick you in the butt."

Sean rolled his eyes. "This from the beer bandit?"

"And not once did you see me drunk," Alex came back with. "Or even tipsy. Like a royal moron, I tried to get you to drink with me. You never did, so why is it such a big deal to you now?"

"It's really stupid," Sean sat up against his pillows, "but it feels really nice when my parents, Charles, Erik, whoever invite me to have a toast with them. Like I'm not just a kid but somebody they actually take seriously."

"I get that," Alex replied honestly. "I know you have a lot going on in your head and that you're still figuring out this adult stuff. So am I."

Sean claimed, "Like you don't have a score of excellent in that department."

"I might do decent with mutation and being an instructor, but being a husband? Heck, being in any kind of real relationship, making a life with a girl? That's your excellence, Seanie."

The red-haired boy looked at him for several seconds. "You really do believe in us- me and Maya- don't you?"

"Same way I knew that chick was eyeballing you in that diner that night." At Sean's smile, Alex started to thump his stomach, but decided to apply it to his leg instead. "Okay, seeing as how you're not puking, you couldn't have gone that far. Still, I want you to stay up here and rest. I'm going to grab you some aspirins and ginger ale. We'll see if you can hold down some toast. Maybe a little soup later."

Sean said softly, "Thanks, bestest man."

Alex aimed a meaningful finger at him. "Stay." He hopped up and headed for the door.

Touching the compress on his head, Sean formed a pout and let off a moan.

IIIIIII

At the security member with chubby-cheeked infant in his grasp, the Polish Headmaster veered off his path through the second floor to approach them. Propped against her father's shoulder with his impenetrable arm around her middle, Mira stared shining olive green eyes into Erik's deep blue. The small lass wore a Dalmatian spotted t-shirt under jean jumper with a floppy denim hat on her head. Giving her his pinky, it took both her teeny hands to coil and cover most of it.

Watching Erik coo at her while Mira looked as if trying to decipher the tall man's primitive language, Logan said, "Me and the Mrs struck a bargain. I get Faithie," he gave Mira a little jiggle, making her release a delighted chirp, "and she's in town with my two knuckleheads."

"Ah, I see." Erik kissed Mira's fists. "You be certain to remind your daddy what a fortunate man he is." He tried to pry from her grip. "May I have my finger back? I'd gladly let you have it, but it won't grow back the way your daddy's would."

With a pair of thoughtful blinks, Mira withdrew her hands and glanced between the males. She patted Logan's shoulder importantly, pointing out the metal wielder's face.

Erik touched each of his jaws. "Nick myself shaving or would she prefer I wear a mask altogether?"

"Hey, if my mug ain't scared her off yet, nobody's will. She's been into shapes and colors lately." Logan indicated their irises. "She sees we got matchin' peepers."

"Ridiculous," Erik promptly dismissed, tickling Mira's chin. "Mine are duds." He kept on for the stairs. "Your father's are dazzling."

Shaking his head with an affable expression, Logan brought Mira high over his head. "Let's get some suntan lotion on you and see about the weddin' flowers. Sound like a plan?" He took her enthused gurgle for a yes.

Keeping her in the air, Logan made an airplane of her on the way to the suite. Though he used caution in his every movement, Mira's giggles filled the hall the entire way.

II

As soon as the Headmaster in gray pants and crimson polo reached the main level, the brunette boy and girl came his way. Erik took in their coordinated clothes. Scott wore jeans and his Jaguars jacket over a white t-shirt. Becky had on a yellow top with black kitten printed on the front, her cheer sweater unbuttoned, and navy track pants.

"Ah, the winning team," Erik acknowledged, making them both smile. "Do you need a ride to the malt shop?"

Scott turned him down with, "Nah, our bikes are good to go."

"Alright, only remember not to venture outside of the neighborhood should you and your friends feel the itch to roam."

Becky said automatically, "We know, Papa. And home by eight."

Scott supplied, "With a call by seven. Got it."

"Very good," Erik approved. "Both in one piece, preferably still this adorable."

Becky raised her arms and Erik hoisted her at her slim waist to kiss her head.

"Just no calling me adorable in front of the guys tomorrow," requested Scott.

"Stick to lethal and cunning, yes, yes, I know." Erik knocked on the bill of Scott's baseball cap as the two headed by him.

The man moved on to his den, where a number of phone calls regarding his mutated patients awaited him.

II

In the living room, Charles and Chris knelt on the floor mat playing with Brian. Victor lounged on the loveseat with his long legs over an arm and his head comfortable in Adrienne's lap. She absently finger combed his golden hair while going through memos from her secretary. Samantha and Angel re-entered with a pitcher of lemonade and tray of cookies and brownie bites. Charles accepted Brian's sipping cup from Angel and handed it to Chris to help the boy drink. Brian flapped his arms in disgruntled protest, wanting a sweet.

"Brian…" Charles tapped his son's lips then his own.

When Brian took the cue to settle his fussing, Charles broke a cookie in half to give to him.

Positioned near the window, Hank commented without looking over, "He's going to lose his teeth before they even grow in…"
"Give your inner physician the weekend off, Hank," Chris said jovially, rubbing his nephew's stomach. "Let the kid enjoy the precious years before his metabolism abandons him."

"Was there ever such a lovely time?" Charles put forth fancifully, watching his little boy happily nibble.

"Thank you, my dear," Winston said of the glass Samantha handed him. "Your special friend is still joining us, yes?"

"Of course." Samantha moved to sit on the arm of her grandfather's chair. "I can't wait for you to meet him."

Winston replied, "Neither can I."

At the tone her father used, Emma sent him a look. "Daddy, be pleasant."

Adrienne piped up, "Or whatever the equivalent for this family."

Emma eyed their brother. "That goes for you also, Christian."

"I can be pleasant," he claimed.

"I'm here to see to that," stated Hank, glancing at the Frost males. "Collin's had his troubles- several beyond his control- but he really is a good kid."

Samantha cast a smile the scientist's way.

Initially startled at the abrupt door pounding, Angel wondered, "Is that the victim now?"

Hank turned back to the window pane. "I'm not sure."

Hands raised in a halting motion, Adrienne stood and said, "I'll get that. You men channel your decorum."

"Eternally bossy," Chris accused glibly.

"At ease, gents." Adrienne returned from answering the door with another excited visitor in tow. "It's only the Bible Boy."

"Oh," sounded from Winston and Chris, shoulders deflating.

Ben noted, "That may be the strongest reaction I've ever received from this family."

Angel started for him. "They can't help it, baby. They're used to loving you." She then released a sharp squeal and clutched his shoulders as he swept her right off her feet.

"I did it, baby!" Lowering her again, Ben held the letter out for her viewing. "Look- look at this."

One arm around Ben and her other hand gripping the parchment, Angel read, "Dear Benjamin Braunstein, congratulations on your academic achievements. It is our pleasure to award you- oh my God, Ben, look at all these grants. A scholarship?"

Ben nodded eagerly. "All renewable with cash for the semester leftover."

"Ben, this is incredible, but how?" Angel wanted to know. "Final grades aren't in yet."

"I told some of the teachers about Fordham and they contacted them directly with my latest test scores and assignments. Angel, my guidance counselor projects a 3.8 final grade average for me."

"Ben…" Words lost, Angel gave him both arms as well as her lips.

The rest of the room either remained taken aback or tried to hide their growing amusement at the shameless display.

Hank came over, hand extended. "Very proud of you, Ben. I never had any doubt."

Not letting go of Angel, the boy spared one hand to absently shake with him.

Eying the two, Adrienne asked, "Does anyone have a crowbar on hand? Possibly the jaws of life?"

Clearing his throat, Victor sat up. "Let's let in a little oxygen, your majesties."

At last parting from their kiss, Ben exhaled heavily. "My family's waiting in the car. Can you come celebrate with us?"

"Baby, I'd love to," Angel responded. "Except we kind of have a family thing going over here and…"

"No, no," Winston chimed in. "This is a momentous occasion. Don't let us stop you."

"Enjoy your youth," Chris encouraged.
Adrienne added, "When time permits, I'd like my photographer to get a few crowned photos of you two."

"Sounds great," said Ben.

"I'll be right out." Angel kissed him again. "Let me just freshen up my makeup."

Ben managed to release her as she headed for the stairs. Giving thanks to the other adults who congratulated him next, he had to watch making rough contact with a wall as he practically fluttered out of the mansion. The one who popped up next watched the mesmerized older boy depart.

Collin, in dark pants and blue sweater-vest over a white shirt, ventured in. "Um… hello?"

Samantha springing to her feet to embrace him dissipated a significant portion of his nerves.

IIIIIII

Walking alongside Melissa, Leon listened to the detailing of the woman gesturing the overhead.

"With the age of the building, the issue has kept Jose up at night," Camille informed. "Fire extinguishers in every wing are a huge improvement, but we would both feel better with some type of sprinkler system. Jose can help on the mechanical end."

Melissa said, "We'll talk to Wolverine and his brother. If we can get more of the men to pitch in, installation will be that much less of a hassle."

Camille then informed, "We've already put some away to aid cost. With the children to consider, I'm sure the other parents will be more than willing—"

"Oh, don't worry about that," Melissa said with a positive shake of the head. "We're already covered."
"That's wonderful," Camille smiled, "but let us know just in case. I'll go over it with Kayla on Monday. Right now, I'm trying to get my daughter over this fever she awoke to."

"Don't let us keep you," Melissa urged.

"I'll see you two before you leave." Camille started for the nearest staircase.

"So," Leon followed Melissa onto the back porch, "how exactly are we covering this installation?"

"With… ways," Melissa concluded feebly.

"Uh huh. We both know you're not asking Estevan or the Howletts. I'll talk to my uncle." Before she could protest, Leon reminded, "It is his building. It'll be a responsibility thing, not a dent in your pride. And by the way, Wolverine won't turn a blind eye to what you've been doing for long. Neither will I."

Melissa crossed her arms. "And who are you exactly?"

Leon replied, "Due to your own poor taste, your guy."

"Damn me," she uttered lowly.

Taking in the children playing in the yard, Leon's vision settled on the two nestled beneath a shade tree. "How do they manage to seem cozier every time I'm here?"

"Try keeping up with the 411," Melissa smirked. "Ray Gallagher and Gina Shephard, the Underground Academy's newest and cutest couple."

"Hm," Leon hummed. "Guess that takes us out of the running."

While he faced forward, Melissa eyed him up and down slyly.

IIIIIII

The moderate shop bustled with afternoon patronage, mostly in the form of youths adorned in blue and yellow. They filled the sofas and bean bag chairs, played games, and reloaded on an abundance of sugar and creamy delights. Working the claw machine, Scott at last got the selected creature deposited down the shoot.

Retrieving the green kitten, he handed it to Becky. "There you go- one dollar later."

"Thank you." Becky squeezed the plush. "You're still better at this than Sean. He always needs Papa to help him cheat."

"Not my style." Bringing his arm around her, Scott guided the way over to an empty spot on a sofa.

Becky peered over where Gary covered Anne from behind, helping her with pinball.

"Yes!" Anne threw her arms up at another win.

"Highest score of the day." Gary released a whoop. "You're turning into a real pro- with me on your side."

"Hey," Anne jabbed a finger towards his nose, "I could do this by myself any day of the week."

"Want me to let go?" Gary currently lingered closely, his hands directing hers.

"I said I could," she reiterated, "not that I wanted to. Pay attention."

"Read you loud and clear, sugar and spice." Gary coiled arms at her waist and spoke into her ear. "When can I talk to your dad?"

Anne rapidly responded, "Gary, I told you, not right now."

"But I want to take you on a real date. Outside of lunch and this group stuff."

"I know." Anne turned around, touching his shoulders. "Me, too."

Gary tilted his head towards the door. "Want to go on a walk?"

Anne nodded and made a path out with him. We'll be back.
Receiving the message, Becky watched them go. She then leaned on Scott's arm while he traded baseball cards with some of the other players.

IIIIIII

Activities in the Xavier Mansion moved to the backyard, where Hank prepped the grill before Erik could become a nuisance. Cordelia, finally over her Prom night lethargy, joined her sisters and Victor by the pool. Collin and Samantha sat at the patio table across from the Frost males.

"So, it's only you and your brother presently," Winston gathered.

"Always has been," Collin replied automatically, but immediately rethought that answer. "At least it was. But things are different. We're in an actual family now. A crazy one, but…"
"That's a club overflowing with membership," Chris said humorously.

"Father, care for a round of defeat?" Charles petitioned, tennis rackets in his possession.

"I just adore his wording." Winston stood and left his scepter in his chair. "You're on, my boy."

At the plethora of young ones parading out with different colored transparency sheets glued into one big square, Chris chuckled, "Do I even want to know?"

Nate still informed, "We're going to paint the sky."

While Joey, Laci, Trav, and Kiki held onto the twine attached to the center of the creation, Maya used her powers to raise the square high. Hitting the sun just so, the rays passed through the sheets and poured rich color down onto the children. Joey and Laci beamed while Trav and Kiki jumped giddily.

Stepping away from the grill, Hank walked over enthralled. "This is magnificent, guys."

"It's so beautiful." An entranced Samantha went to stand under it with Collin.

The redhead saw the gold beam pass over her face and his own visage lit up.

IIIIIII

After their gardening session turned into a variation of a sandbox with Mira dumping soil all over herself, Logan filled the tub for both of them. They splashed at each other, quickly bathing the floor along with themselves. Once he drained the tub, Logan made careful work of winding his daughter inside a towel while he wiped up the water. He laid Mira on the bed and quickly threw on sweatpants and one of his boxing t-shirts. Logan spread the sweetly scented lotion over her tiny limbs and put a fresh diaper on her. He fished out a pink and green striped outfit to dress her in.

At the way she pointed, Logan followed her gaze to the frame on Kayla's night table. For several quiet seconds, he only stared at the photo of the glowing toddler waving from inside the playpen.

"Talk about blue eyes." Logan picked up the frame. "Your sister had the prettiest in all the world." Mira traced Jaycee's face with her finger. "Faithie, I already know you're gonna have a lot of questions for me one day. You and Todd both. Where's Jaycee and why isn't she here with us? I'll never have a decent enough answer for you. But I do know somewhere, somehow your big sister's watching over you from up there. Just like your big brother's watching you and Toddy right here… Yeah, there's our Jaycee. There she is." Logan dragged his thumb across the picture. "Give her a kiss."

When her father brought the frame close enough, Mira pressed a peck to the glass.

IIIIIII

On their return to the malt shop, the hand in hand pair took up space on the bench out in front of it.

"Why do you like me, anyway?" Anne finally asked, catching him off-guard. "You don't talk to any of the other girls on the squad or at school."

"It's all I can do to keep my grades up, handle stuff at home, and focus on the team," Gary explained. "Besides, I usually make it a point not to mess with the cheerleaders. Last thing I want is to open a hornet's nest, so I just try to be big brother to everybody. But I don't know," he shrugged, "I'm graduating and I sort of noticed you around school. When you joined the squad, well… timing worked nice."

"But why me? You're going to high school. I'm only a seventh-grader."

"So, I'll add a baby basket to my bike for you." Gary laughed as she whacked his arm. "Just kiddin' ya. But that's why I like you. You're fun, you're this real unique kind of pretty, and what can I say, your voice is really out of this world."

"Well, good because I…" Anne played with a section of her hair. "I really like talking to you."

"Same here. That's why I wish you'd let me ask your dad about taking you out. I know he's strict, but I'm really good with adults."

"Not this one," Anne insisted. "My father and brother would go ballistic over this."
"Talk about understatements." The motor scooter came to a stop.

Anne turned to the mind she had been too distracted to sense. "Coll, what are you doing here?"

"Heading home from Sam's," he told her. "Wanted to make sure you got in before Fabi and Estevan. Hop on."

Anne said, "I have my bike."

"Either way, just hop," Collin reiterated.

Anne sighed. "I'll go say bye to Becky and Scott."

When she went inside, Collin left his gaze on the younger boy.

Gary assured, "We were just talking, man."

"I saw." Collin eyed him squarely.

IIIIIII

Entering the already open study, Leon found the man he sought on a step ladder. He bit back a smirk at the way the Professor diligently dusted Sean, Scott, and Joey's various awards in writing, ROTC, and art.

"So, just so we're clear," Leon spoke, "we win, you and Dad showcase?"

Charles peered over with a cheerful glint in his eyes. "Our babies, our boasting."

"We're all babies?"

"Yes, you are."

"Cool." Leon went to take a chair in front of the desk. "Aunt Emma said you wanted to see me."

"Yes," Charles confirmed, stepping down. "But you needn't sit there as if you're in trouble… What?" He followed Leon's eyes to where the yardstick lay horizontally across the desk. The telepath quickly moved the piece of wood to prop against the wall. "Right then. Come take a look at this." Leon went around to peer over his uncle's shoulder. "With all that I have on my plate of late, keeping up with the Xavier real estate is quite the difficult task. While the safe house is in Victor's name now, he and Logan pitch in more than enough in maintenance alone." Charles showed him the checkbooks. "I've set aside an expense account for you and the Howlett-Creeds to draw from for the sprinkler installation as well as any future supplies, repairs, and other needs the house requires."
Leon faced him importantly. "You're trusting me with something this big?"

"No, the something big was the day we made you an instructor," said Charles matter-of-factly. "This is a small matter of dollars and cents."

Leon crouched at the man's chair. "Thank you, Uncle Charles."

Charles smiled and started stroking his long hair. "In such a short time, you've made me very proud."

Soothed by the words as well as fingers in his strands, Leon soon found his head resting in his uncle's lap.

IIIIIII

French lavender and honey filled the cleansing space with its pleasurable fragrance. The warm, bubbled filled water stopped just above her chest. Her pinned up-do kept her ginger hair out of the moisture. Making his way back to his attached bathroom, Victor walked in with goods in tow. Placing them on the counter a moment, he got out of his ocean blue robe. He stood in black sweats, barefoot and shirtless with the golden fur on his chest and arms able to breathe.

At the bubbly he poured for them, Adrienne guessed, "Cider apple?"

"Sparkling grape. White." Victor handed her a goblet full.

"Ah." Accepting the glass, she noticed the plate he carried. "Must you play devil's advocate?"

"Hey, you've been hopping around for days between mama, sister, and fairy godmother." Victor seated himself on the right edge of the tub. "Indulge, baby." He held a chocolate strawberry to her lips.

"Mmm," Adrienne moaned, taking the whole thing in a single bite. "And duty will be calling us when?"

"About an hour."

"Good." Adrienne raised her glass.

Lifting his own, Victor clinked and drank with her. They kissed and he gave Adrienne the plate of strawberries to enjoy while he used the cat-shaped massager to knead her neck and shoulders.