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.

298. Chapter 298 World of Possibilites

Chapter Two Hundred Ninety-Eight

Author's Word: Alright, fam, not a lot of time and since this took a while to get up, let me make this quick. We are steadily approaching the 300th chapter of Rise or Fall as well as the longest thing I have ever written. Fam members near and far, whether you started reading back in 2011 or five seconds after I updated today, thank you for your support and do please enjoy and review onward to 300. Same X-Time, same X-Channel!

Despite the zeal in the air and the number of attendees at the high school commencement, the Xavier Mansion's numbers decreased significantly by early Sunday morning. Needing to handle pressing matters with her late husband's relatives, Edna received a ride to the airport from Winston, on route back to Boston. Ready to resume his internship, Nate rode with Chris. Wanting to get away herself for a bit, Cordelia went with Adrienne, Samantha, and Midnight to Angel's next modeling assignment.

Though the Cassidys had to depart as well, Sean used his grandparents, Maya, and the strong reminder that they just graduated with honors to hold onto Tommy a while longer. Neither boy missed the way their parents momentarily wore countenances resembling two people with winning raffle tickets to the Bahamas. Though with June temperatures in mind, Sean bet his mother much preferred a ski retreat to any tropical setting.
Feeling especially light at seven on Sunday, Charles showered and dressed quickly. With the excitement and change brought about by the previous day, he wanted to do an additional mental sweep of the remaining members of his household. Naturally, he detected the absence of his beloved but worried not, aware of her location from the moment she left their bed first. In a casual ensemble of navy shorts, short-sleeved softer blue shirt, and brown sandals, the resident male telepath started his second-floor walkthrough.

To no surprise, he found most of the young ones still asleep. To his actual surprise, Charles experienced some level of contentment from all of them, including Leon. He formed a pleasant expression, sensing Kayla caring for her precocious Todd and bright-eyed Miracle. The brothers Howlett-Creed kept company in the form of each other down in Eye Spy. Charles slipped into Joey's room, amused at finding his boy sprawled on top of his covers. Going to him, Charles made him comfortable against the pillows. He checked his forehead as well, ensuring that the heat had not gotten to his still small frame. Charles heard a murmur from Joey, who even while in slumber found a special rejuvenation in his father's touch. At the absence of Bounty, the Professor grew concerned until he discovered the rabbit's whereabouts and relaxed.

In the hall again, Charles smiled brightly at the two who stepped out of the nursery. Emma let go of their one-year-old's hand, letting him take off. Going to one knee, Charles seized Brian in an impenetrable clutch.

II

The opening blue eyes met with a pair of shiny brown. Raising one hand, Sean stroked the rabbit then situated him comfortably between himself and the much shorter human body in the bed. Tommy awoke a couple minutes later, finding Sean's arm wound over him.

"Glad your big butt didn't squish Bounty," Tommy whispered.

Sean came back with, "Glad your bad butt hasn't been yanking on his tail. You better not try that with the horses."

"Hey, I was a little kid back then," Tommy defended. "I'm not dumb enough to do that stuff anymore."

"That's a relief." Sean inched in a bit closer without bothering Bounty.

Tommy feigned struggling under the long arm. "You gonna let me up any time soon?" Sean shook his head. "How come?"

"'Cause you'll disappear and I'll be Tommy-less and cry."

"Ya big wuss."
"Ya little punk."

"Lucky for you," Tommy moved to his side, settling in again, "I don't feel like getting up yet. We still going to that Bizarro thing?"

"Bazaar," Sean corrected. "You're Bizarro." At his brother's look, the redhead quickly added, "I know it's genetic, okay?"

II

After her extended feeding, a satisfied Mira easily resumed slumber. Kayla situated her inside the protective pillow circle on the bed. She picked up Todd, who let off the disgruntled murmurs her husband described as growling. With the gentle breeze of the day, Kayla carried him out onto the balcony. Between the tranquil outdoor conditions and his mother rocking him against her shoulder, Todd soon quieted. His features illuminated near enough to rival the overhead sun at who joined them next.

"Mama."

At her eldest's voice, Kayla turned from admiring the grounds. Amusement came to her countenance at her pre-teen boy in cropped sleep pants and Logan's gray t-shirt, which came past his knees. Despite getting up only moments ago, his hair suffered very minor bedhead due to it developing her manageable silkiness. It still stayed closer to Logan's more brown-tinted black as opposed to her deep ebony.

"Good morning, CoCo." Kayla bent to kiss his head and at Todd's beseeching arms, she handed the baby to his older brother. She sat in a cushioned patio chair to keep them both in her lap. "Why don't we have breakfast right here? We haven't had waffle s'mores in a while."

"Yeah," Cody hungrily agreed.

Kayla then felt something at the back of the thin t-shirt. Rolling up his left sleeve, her eyes received crystal clear confirmation.

II

For what felt like the first in too long, Logan stayed on duty when Victor's shift started. With Adrienne and the girls requiring so much extra sleep the night before for their crack of dawn flight, Logan opted to linger in Eye Spy under the claim that he simply felt like it. Victor let him suit himself and they brought each other up to speed on the Jaguar boys and Underground Academy tykes.

"Logan," Kayla entered the security room with their brown-eyed boy in tow, "I think you both better take a look at this."

Before either man could inquire, Cody yanked his shirt up. "Check me out!"

Victor and Logan did so, taking in the thin but distinct fur formation on the eleven-year-old's chest, back, shoulders, and circling his bellybutton. Victor touched the strands so reminiscent of his own except dark and soft like a newborn's hair.

Kayla noted in marvel, "I know he's left bits and pieces in the bathtub, but it's like this new growth cropped up overnight."

"It did," Logan informed.

Victor further elaborated, "Once that testosterone goes into overdrive, it's a five o'clock shadow effect like you wouldn't believe. I'll head into town for some removal cream before we need to take a weedwhacker to it."

A heavy frown altered Cody's enthused expression. "Remove it? What're you talkin' about, Uncle Vic? You don't hack off your fur."

"I tried to when I was a teenager," Victor told him. "Waste of time takin' a straight razor to this bush on me. It's easier for your dad to get away with. His looks like regular hair."

"But I like our fur," Cody insisted. "I want to keep it."

Logan intervened with, "See if you say that when July gets here with those ninety-degree days. You'll be sweatin' like a hog."

"Who cares?" Cody dismissed. "Still beats gettin' shots for my lousy bone claws." He gazed up at the female elder present. "Please, Mama? I have to keep my regular hair long for my birthday, anyway."

Finding herself positioned on a metaphorical fence, Kayla looked from the men back to her son. "You'll have to keep a t-shirt on at all times when you're in the locker room at school and the community center."

"And at the beach and public pools, too," Victor tacked on. "Once it's down your arms, it's long sleeves year-round, period."

"Sure, no problem," Cody happily complied. He ran a hand down his chest. "Wait until the guys get a load of me."

"Don't even think about waking them up," warned Kayla, tapping his nose. "Go play with your brother while I get the waffles started."

"Yes, Mama." Before he left, Cody stepped over to nuzzle under Victor's chin. "I can't wait. I'm gonna be one bad cat like you, Uncle Vic."

Victor quietly purred at his nephew then watched him bounce out of the room in matching style to the catlike resident of the Hundred Acre Wood.

IIIIIII

Compliments of a meticulous decoration committee, the Temple parking lot easily passed for festival grounds. Maya and Becky walked on either side of Erik, each attached to one of his arms. Enjoying the best view from his roosting spot on Sean's shoulders, the bazaar reminded Tommy of a school bake sale combined with July 4th jamboree. Over two dozen booths and attractions had been setup with a wealth of different merchandise available.

Rolling his head back to get a look at his brother, Sean put forth, "Pretty far out, huh?"

"For sure," Tommy concurred, gazing in every direction. "They made all this stuff themselves?"

"For the most part," the shades adorned Erik answered. "The women weave baskets, sew traditional garments, bedding, jewelry. Some are even skilled in tapestries."
Becky said, "My friends Meg and Rachel usually sell cakes, but their family went camping for Ben's graduation."

"Seventy percent of the profits go to the grads, actually," Maya mentioned. "To buy books, school supplies, dorm décor. They save some for kids starting jobs and apprenticeships, too."

"Ah, cool." Tommy then wanted to know, "So, how much do you and Sean get?"

"Zilch," Sean answered without delay. "We don't need to take so much as ten cents. The same can't be said for other members of the congregation."

Erik proposed, "Then we'd do well to support the cause."

The wizard of metal started that particular mission by first purchasing individual baskets for all of them to carry goods in. They next visited a pastry booth run by two middle-aged sisters. Erik bought macaroons and slices of chocolate torte for everyone before leading the way to another sweets seller. They each walked away with candy baggies.

Erik reached up to pat the hungrily crunching Tommy's back and cautioned, "Slow down before you choke. No one's going to take your treats from you."

"Good way to lose a hand with this guy," Sean joked, touching the top of Becky's curly head. "Not to mention this one."

The younger children sent him faux annoyed scowls, which made them resemble chipmunks due to their stuffed cheeks.

"Enjoy," Erik encouraged. "Just as you'll be enjoying the extra servings of vegetables this evening…" He eyed them all under his shades. "Right?"

"Right," the four confirmed in a flat chorus.

When the youths inevitably wanted to see different stands, Maya went to a clothing display and Sean to where a cartoonist depicted people as various fantasy characters. Erik reminded Becky to stay in the parking lot. He let the children explore, but visited tables in their general vicinity. Tommy followed Becky to a booth of wooden toys, where three men put on a marionette show.

"Tommy?" Becky went after him, surprised to see the boy making a path for a jewelry stand.

The young woman running it commented, "That's a nice piece you're wearing, sweetie."

"Thanks," Tommy gripped the large gleaming cross that dangled from his neck, "it's my favorite." He noticed something among an assortment of keychains. "Isn't this the one Leon wears?"

"Yes," Becky smiled over the silver cross-star emblem. "I got it for his first birthday with us."

The saleswoman explained, "It's one of the symbols representing the unification of the Old Testament with the New."

Eyeing it with further intrigue, Tommy next asked her, "How much is it?"

"The keychains are seventy-five cents each."

Before Tommy could fish through his pants pockets, Becky handed over a dollar bill.

Blinking at how fast the girl moved, Tommy remembered to say, "Thanks, Beck."

"Sure." When the lady held out her change in the form of a quarter, Becky shook her head. "That's okay. I don't need it." She turned to Tommy eagerly. "Let's see what else we can find."

Tommy pocketed his keychain as they resumed walking.

IIIIIII

Momentarily freed from the confines of lab coats and educator attire, Hank toured the delightfully uncrowded zoo in jeans and one of his Harvard shirts. Her arms linked to his, Raven wore jeans in lighter blue, a turquoise top with V-neck, and silk scarf printed with the American flag. Directly ahead of them, both their children had on shorts. Kiki's in the form of a yellow jumper with white Daffy Duck t-shirt. Trav sported Bugs Bunny on his gray tee.

"As refreshing as it is to be able to talk to most of them without ten orderlies on standby, I don't know how long I can ignore the realities of their situations." Raven laid weary blonde head against his bicep. "As if being branded as mental patients for the rest of their lives isn't bad enough, it may actually be the least of their worries. The things these…" Aware of their surroundings, Raven safeguarded her words. "Patients have had done to them are unforgivable. On top of being so volatile."

"Their lives will never be wrapped in neat little bows, Raven," Hank stated straightforwardly. "Improvement is always possible, but you need to toss fancies of complete turnarounds right out the window. I go through this with my students. I want the very best for every one of them, but there are those I will honestly never be able to reach. You can't dwell on that fact or it'll consume you."

Raven responded, "Stop being right." Her husband released a chuckle and she sighed. "I just can't help feeling for them. I could easily have wound up where they are now if not for Charles."

Hank eyed their boy and girl. "We all could have."

"Monkey!" Kiki pointed.

When he saw the silverback in question, Trav rolled his eyes. "That's not a monkey, Kikiko. That's a gorilla. Look, he doesn't have a tail and they're way bigger and stronger. Like Daddy."

From that, the little girl determined, "Daddy's a gorilla… Travvy's the monkey."

Trav stuck his tongue out at her and Kiki retaliated with the blowing noise effect of a raspberry.

Raven folded her arms with a notorious look. "Get those tongues back in your mouths before they end up in Mommy's purse."

The tykes reeled them in without delay.

It surprised the parents not when they eventually wound up in the gift shop. While Hank showed Kiki a kindergarten book on aquatic life, Raven moved through the aisles with Trav supported on her hip.

"Mommy?"

"See fifty things you like already?"

"Nuh huh," Trav shook his head. "I was wondering if I could take my tests for school. My tummy isn't sick anymore. Honest, Mommy."

"Oh, I know, Pooh." Raven touched the tips of their noses together. "Daddy and I are so happy seeing you well again. We're not trying to keep you from taking the tests. Daddy and I just need talk about it some more to figure out when it'll be best for you. You trust us, don't you?"

"Of course, Mommy," the boy replied without thought.

"Good. Just give us a little more time." She held him closer to her side. "Now, since Scott thinks of you when he goes somewhere, why don't we pick out something for you to give him?"

Trav smiled, "Okay, Mommy."

Raven delighted in him dropping the prior issue to meticulously scan the stacks for a proper Scott present.

IIIIIII

Between assisting his father in the yard and hand-to-hand training, Cody required a thorough shower before he dared show himself in the dining room. As he changed into an appropriate dinner shirt, he stilled buttoning it when he came in proximity of the mirror. He dragged a hand across his chest fur and eyed his reflection for several seconds.

"CoCo?"

Upon exiting his own headspace, Cody took care of the rest of his buttons. "In here, Mama!"

Kayla entered the bedroom with hands behind her back. "While I'm more aware than anyone that it isn't officially your birthday yet…" Grin growing, she showed him what she carried with her. "I really couldn't resist."

"Mama…" Cody stroked the weapon. "Granddad's bow- seriously?"

Kayla nodded. "He received it for his twelfth birthday… God help him, he was a pitiful shot for too long."

Cody laughed lightly, still taking the bow in. "Thank you, Mama."

"I've only been keeping it warm for you." Kayla cupped his cheek. "I know it doesn't feel so to you, but you really are growing up quickly." He nuzzled her palm. "Go show your buddies, don't even think about loading it in the house, and hurry along to dinner."
"Roger, Ma." Once alone with the crossbow, Cody spun in a gleeful circle with it.

II

When Frank brought the whicker serving bowl of piping biscuits into the dining room, he stood in place to observe his sister's zombie-esque movements. One hand all but glued to the paperback in her possession, Becky used one inattentive hand to arrange the table.

Resisting a snicker, Frank put forth, "So what, we're snacking on geraniums tonight? Don't tell me you're into this rabbit food craze like half the girls in my class."

Tearing eyes from the current page, Becky let off a disbelieving exhale at the way she left flowers on almost every plate. She made haste of gathering them to place in the water filled vase at the center of the table. With summer in mind, she had selected a goldenrod cloth, the transparent blue plates, and white for the geraniums and napkins.

Kayla, Emma, and Raven arrived, all three in Sunday skirt suits. Kiki and Trav held onto their mother. As soon as Raven sat, Trav filled her lap space. Awaiting their father, Kiki kept Hank's chair occupied. Trying to get her twins as used to highchairs as Brian, Kayla made sure to dress Mira in deep red and Todd in navy for unavoidable splattering. Maya walked in ahead of Leon and the Summers brothers.

"Gorge," reacted Raven and Kiki at the sight of her.

"Honey, let me see that dress." Kayla took Maya's hands, looking the tunic style up and down. Dominantly beige with long but sheer sleeves, multiple colors that made up a scene of flowers fluttering across a village, and trimmed with lace at the calf-length hem. "This is just stunning."

Maya smiled, "It's hand-stitched."

"The bazaar?" Emma inquired.

"Yes. The lady designed the clothes." Maya indicated the front of the dress. "Her daughter painted each one differently. It ran me twelve dollars, but most of it goes to the other grads. Everyone's been so generous towards me and Sean already."

"To our pleasure," Kayla reaffirmed. She drew the girl into a hug. "Though I must admit, I'm more eager to see you in the dress I designed…"

Maya lingered tranquilly in the woman's hold for a few additional moments.

"Make way, ladies and gentle-tots," Logan decreed, using oven mitts to carry in a white dish. "Au gratin taters comin' through."

"Veggie stew right behind ya, runt." Victor came through next. "Went easy on the oregano for you lightweights."

Hank walked in, sporting the decorative chef's hat from the kitchen. "Shabbat salad, anyone?"

Becky eyed her brother in astonishment. "You fixed one of Papa's recipes?"

"Yes, Becca, I managed to follow salad directions," Hank said glibly, placing his creation on the table. "I was also in charge of pre-heating as well as oven rotation."

Arms crossed, Alex remarked, "More than they'd ever let me do."

"If you're in so much as sniffing distance during meal prep, it's a health code violation," Frank quipped.

Alex started to retort until he noticed Leon's expression. "You okay there, man?"

"Hm, yeah," Leon bobbed his head. "I always need a minute to process when I hear about things you're not good at."

"Smiley," Logan warned right as the girl's lips parted.

Maya sat up straighter with virtuous countenance in place.

The eldest Headmaster made his debut with a selection of sweet breads. "And here's the Professor with the pièce de résistance."

Charles appeared, displaying the main course for all to see. "Lamb chops with mint pesto."

Raven's arms shot into the air gloriously. "Yes!" At Trav's as well as the multiple other eyes that landed on her, the shapeshifter defended, "Hey, I could survive on an IV of his mint pesto, okay?"

"You X-Males have outdone yourselves," Kayla praised.

Raven reached over to slip fingers into Frank's hair, "As if that's anything new for you," getting a soft smile from him.

Hank then wanted to know, "What about me?"

Without looking at him, Raven requested, "Don't suffocate me, hon. You're okay, too."

Hank received his own elation at Kiki waving imploring arms at him. The scientist picked her up to sit and settled her on his legs.

While he and the others removed their mitts and aprons, Charles detected four unaccounted for parties. "Where in the world are those lads?"

"Blame me, Charles," Kayla volunteered. "I just had to give Cody my father's crossbow before dinner. Fear not," she quickly added. "It's unloaded."

Treasure, Emma summoned.

On our way, Mum!

The trio of boys hurried in with a power walk, though both Cody and Tommy looked ready to sprint.

"Hey, Wolverine." Tommy approached the Veteran.

In his seat close to his wife and babies, Logan came back with, "What can I do ya for, Black Irish?"

"Is it true your grandpa actually met Harriet Tubman?" Tommy wanted to know. "Or is Code Man yankin' my chain?"
Logan nearly rolled his eyes. "That windbag? How'd you three get on Lucifer?"

"We were talking about our grandfathers," Joey explained.

"Is it true?" Tommy pressed in a near whine.

"Yes, it's true," Logan confirmed, mimicking the child's tone. "He helped slaves crossover to Canada. Yes, he worked with Harriet Tubman a few times and Frederick Douglas once or twice. Know what they called themselves back then?" Tommy shook his head. "People. Same as everybody in this room."

"Holy… too cool." Tommy went around the table to his chair.
Maya brought up, "Hasn't Grandpa Flynn met Irish Parliament before? And the English royals?"

Tommy looked at her. "Eh, who gives a flip about a bunch of tea-sippin' squares? Bet they only get off the throne to scratch their big, fat royal—"

"Thomas Cassidy." Charles' reproachful voice cut through like twin daggers on air.

At Frank, Scott, and Cody's sniggers, Erik's visage promptly silenced all three.

The metal wielder then set his gaze on their visitor. "Haven't we discussed your tongue getting the better of you? Would you like a glass of vinegar with your food?"

"No, sir." Tommy shook his head hard, remembering that taste experience from spring break and not caring for another sample.

At the final entry into the dining room, Charles commented, "And our missing Cassidy graces us with his presence at last."

"Seanie?" Emma inquired of the copper haired teenager's entranced eyes.

Sean declared in a dazed tone, "My life has found completion."

Kayla piped up pointedly, "You mean because of your bride sitting right here."

"Hm? Oh, yeah, she's cool, too," Sean waved off, only bringing bright humor to Maya's face. "I just got off the phone and the greatest thing happened." At their myriad of expectant eyes, he announced, "One of our guitarists is stuck in court on a DUI."

Maya patted her chest, nearly gagging. "What?"
"It's okay, honey," Sean immediately reassured. "He only banged himself up and his Mustang went to Heaven's Highway."

A perspicacious Erik asserted, "The Lord is good."

"Oh yeah," Sean agreed, "because you are looking at the opening act for the Monte Cristo this Tuesday night."

Amidst the favorable responses, Maya rushed to her feet to go to him. "Congratulations!" Her features beamed up at him. "I mean to them. It's their gain that you even penciled them in."

The equally glowing redhead adorned her lips with his.

"Monte Cristo," Logan echoed thoughtfully. "Ain't that one of them uppity city delicatessens that try to charge two bucks for an extra teaspoon of mustard?"

Shaking his head with amusement, Sean informed, "It's this really kicking dining spot on the Upper East Side."

"Wait. One. Moment." Realization formed on Hank's face. "This has been all over the entertainment section of the paper. Are we referring to the Monte Cristo… featuring the Beach Boys?"

"All week long," Sean replied slyly.

Raven found herself unable to perform upper body movements beyond her lips. "Oh. My. God- you're opening for the Beach Boys? Our Beach Boys?"

"Meaning instant access?" Alex put forth, mirroring his twin's fervor. "VIP treatment?"

Sean answered them both with, "Yes, yes, yes, and you betcha."

Raven and Hank managed to carefully stand their children before jumping up to join Alex in an impromptu dance of conquest. Those seated looked on at Raven rocking her curvaceous form side to side, Alex belting out the lyrics to Surfin' USA, and Hank doing the watusi.

"The X-Men and the Beach Boys together again!" Raven whooped.

"Bigger and better than LA," declared Hank.

"You said it," a near bursting Alex concurred. "I cannot believe it. Just like old times."

"Right," Sean nodded. "Just me… and Frank."

As if someone abruptly brought a record to a screeching halt, the no longer lively three repeated, "Frank?"

"Frank who?" wondered the boy in question.

"Frank you," Sean clarified with a playful eyeroll. "Remember? You were too young to come to the last concert with us. Now that those days are over, we can squash these three bananas," jaws dropped on Raven, Hank, and Alex, "and have some real fun."

"In real New York," Frank's eyes glowed without his mutation, "yes!"

Erik raised a commanding palm. "Hold on."

"Uh oh," whispered Cody, turning to his tiny siblings, "he heard the word "fun"."
Kayla gave him a soft nudge.

Before either Headmaster could speak, Sean placated, "Relax, Daddios. The joint's only open until ten. We'll be in midnight at the latest. It's only around an hour driving."
"You two will hardly be able to stand come morning." Emma looked up from cleaning Brian's floor discarded spoon. "Frank can sleep in through homeroom. As if he'll be missing a thing…"

Frank sent the woman the most grateful smile he could form.

Despite her own and still very much apparent disappointment, Raven melted at his delight. Alex and Hank exchanged approving glances as well.

Sean peered down at his petite intended. "You're cool with Guys Night, right, babe?"

Maya asked in turn, "Are you cool with the twelve dollars I spent on this dress?"

"Sure. Let me get the full view, though." Holding onto her hand, Sean stepped back to catch every angle. "Best mental image there is to ward off stage fright."

Alex murmured to Hank, "Remind me to slip laxatives into his glass during the wedding toast."

The resident physician responded, "I'll write the prescription myself."

When dinner came to a close, Frank followed Sean into the music studio to hear his guitar practice. Maya headed up to the Howlett suite with Kayla to help bathe the twins. Alex returned to his Hovel to work on his impending class presentation. With Scott reviewing Trav's arithmetic and Becky capturing Kiki, Hank got back to his latest project. He resumed the husbandly duty of distracting Raven from her internship vexation, behind the closed doors of their bed chamber. After changing back into play clothes, the other children took advantage of the daylight still available outdoors.

In the backyard, Emma joined Becky in getting Kiki better acquainted with rope jumping. They kept the pink and purple rope low and turned it gingerly to keep it from getting Kiki in the eye. Both Emma and Becky had unfortunate experiences with such an occurrence. Seated on a stone bench, Charles cheerfully watched his wife quickly transform into a schoolgirl again. Not far from their father's feet, Joey and Brian sat on a picnic blanket playing with some small toys of Brian's. Though the baby's bedtime approached, Charles let his boys enjoy themselves. He peered over to where Tommy shared an outdoor chair with Erik while the metal wielder explained the origin of a small ax from the metal wielder's den décor. Back at the table, the telepath had detected a trace of forlornness from the lad after Erik admonished him about his tongue. Now, Tommy merrily lingered closely, following the older Headmaster's every word.

"Daddy." Brian made his way to the bench, clutching the little robot like precious cargo.

"Hello, Captain Circuit." Taking the toy in one hand, Charles wound an arm around Brian's middle to scoop and sit him on his knee. "It was so nice of Nate to leave him here with you."

A discontented Joey came over next. "Feels like everybody lives far away."

Charles' eyes shined with sympathy. "You miss your Uncle Nate already, don't you?"

Joey nodded. "Aunt Cordy said he was great, but I never expected him to be anywhere near that much fun." Joey peered out of the corner of his eye at the man and boy a little ways away from them. "Same with Tommy. I figured any blood brother of Sean's wouldn't want to hang around me too long."

Charles looked into his face closely. "I know it isn't the same as what you and Alex share- not even close if we're being honest- but Seanie does love you very much."

"I know, Dad, but when Tommy left after spring break, I got stomach sick at bedtime," Joey attempted to articulate. "Like I did last night over Uncle Nate. Dad… why I haven't I felt funny about Sean? I don't wish he was gone, but I'm not sad, either. I hate that because I know it hurts you that he's going away."

Charles quickly adjusted to fit both sons in his lap. "My Charles," he eyed Joey tenderly, "there is nothing wrong with what you're feeling or even not feeling. It isn't anger or bitterness. What you're feeling about Sean is called indifference. Simply put, you're fine with whichever path he takes. You don't have to carry sorrow over his leaving, but if he or Maya ever need us, you'll do all you can, yes?"

"For sure," Joey affirmed.

Giving him a squeeze, Charles stated, "That's all that matters."

"Thanks, Daddy." Joey picked Captain Circuit up off the bench to give to the beseeching hands of Brian.

When Kiki grew lethargic, Becky took her inside. Emma experienced the warmth of Brian instantly latching onto and relaxing against her as she started for the house with him. Kneeling between the two younger boys on the blanket, Cody let them run hands through his fur.

"You feel just like Midnight," Joey marveled.

"Wow," uttered Tommy, "you're practically a grown man now."

Exiting his toolshed, Logan wanted to know, "Want to tell us how you figure that, Black Irish?"

"Look at him," Tommy gestured grandly. "Sean hasn't even been shaving that long and Cody has a whole forest all over him."

"My dear lads," Charles went to one knee to the three, "as astonishingly groovy as mutation is, the X gene can morph no boy into a man so easily. Though I must say," he stroked the fur at Cody's shoulder, "you certainly look like my little kitten now."

Cody smiled but requested, "Just don't let the bad dudes hear you say that. Not good for my rep."

"Put your shirt on, Mighty Mite." Victor plummeted from his overhead tree branch. "You got enough starry-eyed girls after you."

Cody rolled his eyes in jest, but slipped his tee on over his head.

Tommy sat with a pair of his own starry eyes at Victor's stylish landing then remembered, "Wolves, when're you going to tell us some more about your grandpa?"

Winding one of his thinner hoses, Logan shrugged. "Ain't much to say about old man Howlett."

Erik surmised, "I take it you aren't the reigning president of your grandfather's fan club."

"Nope, that's just his name," Cody informed. "Old Man Howlett. Everybody called him that. Even his own kids sometimes."

"That's what he was," Logan further clarified. "Lost his first wife before they could have children. By the time he married my grandmother and had my father, he was pushin' fifty."

Tommy's pupils widened. "And I thought my dad was ancient."

"Fifty was crazy stupid old back then," said Cody. "It's different for us on account of our powers."

Tommy put forth curiously, "So, Old Man Howlett wasn't a mutant?"

"No," Logan answered briskly. "Not a drop of X in him or any relatives from his side."

"Everything we can do," Victor extended his claws in demonstration, "comes from our ma's family."

"Everything that counts," Logan added wistfully.

Erik then interjected, "I believe it's about time for three little boys to prepare for bed. Especially the two with classes come morning."

In a mutual groaning feat, the trio collapsed to their backs on the blanket.

An amused Charles noted, "They're synchronized now, chaps. Isn't it precious?"

Logan stepped lightly on his son's foot. "Quit actin' like we're sendin' you to the gallows. Butt up, Cat."

"Why do we have to go, anyway?" Cody grumbled. "Lousy schoolhouse will still be there. We only get Tommy for a little while."

"Yeah," the dark-haired visitor seconded.

"Sam got to take off from school," Joey pointed out.

"And we made sure she packed more textbooks than makeup pallets," Charles countered simply. "With Tommy in mind, we've already arranged to have you two excused from classes early yet you're not acting like the most grateful of lads."

Joey sat up with a contrite expression. "Sorry, Daddy."

Tommy positioned himself upright along with Cody, both softly apologizing.

"Much better," the Professor approved. "And all of you remember, I want every "I" dotted and "T" crossed on your homework before supper. I'll be checking the second we're home from Connecticut. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir," the three youths vowed, Tommy already made aware of the man's position on academics from years of Sean's letters.

Popping to his feet, Cody challenged, "Race you guys!"

The other two darted after him. With a small smirk, Joey spotted and electrically drew a garbage can lid over. When it came in close enough, he hopped onto it.

Though he could not help being a little impressed, Cody still claimed, "No fair flying, Joey!"

Tommy yelled in turn, "No fair being awesome, Cody!"

While he only watched them with fond humor, Charles heard Erik quietly coach, "Excellent strategy, Kangaroo. Keep low now, don't overexert…"

As the other three headed in after the children, Victor did a full visual spiral of their surroundings before bringing up the rear.

IIIIIII

Ice acquired from the kitchen, the blonde returned to his floor and wing with the wide bowl accounted for. When he made it back to the designated room, Gina lifted her head, her sweat coated brow made visible by her reading lamp. Seating himself on the side of her bed, Ray removed the towel from the frigid water. He rung it out and used it to wipe off her face and neck. He ran it through the water once more, folded it, and laid it across the girl's forehead.

"How's that?"

"Heaven," she replied sincerely. "Than- uh…"

Ray's own brow wrinkled in alarm. "What's wrong? Are you cramping?"

Gina shook her head, a smile forming. "Guess who's awake." She clutched his wrist to bring to her belly.

A pleasant rush passed through Ray's palm at the thumping. "Forget soccer. This kid's looking at champion track star. Olympian."

"Good," Gina approved. "One of the few sports I can follow. I'm going to be the most annoyingly clueless mom ever if he's into football or something."

"Don't worry," Ray dismissed. "I'm cool coaching both of you."

Her expression became remorseful. "I'm sorry, Ray. Keeping you up with these night sweats."

"I'm not the one complaining," Ray reminded her. "Or "glowing" while we're on this. You've got a way tougher gig here."

"You overslept three times last week because of me."

"Big deal. Shane has to look after the little kids and work in the morning, Besides, when I do wake up… it's nice having a reason to."

Gina slid fingers up and down his lower arm. "Can you stay here? Please?"

Ray maneuvered along the mattress to sit up beside her. "You had me at "stay"." He reached across her to twist off the lamp and readjust her towel.

IIIIIII

"What's that you have there?"

Under the thin blanket and reclining against the man, Tommy twirled the keychain's ring around his finger. "I found it at the bazaar. Beck bought it for me. I didn't even ask her to."

"Not a rare occurrence with her," Erik knew, pressing two fingers to the shiny symbol. "Want to hear more of your book?"

Tommy nodded and Erik picked up the copy of The Cricket in Times Square. Listening intently, Tommy found assigned reading more enjoyable out of the mouth of the Poland native than the incessant nasal voice of his actual teacher.

Coming through the hall, Sean pounded on Frank's chest gingerly. "Geez, Sugar Ray. And we thought Erik was made of steel. Weren't you gangly ten minutes ago?"

"Oh, look who's talkin'." Frank made a mock swing at his belly. "You used to be a bowl of jelly like Charles."

"That was our winter storage," the older teen defended.

"Speaking of, I got to get changed and meet Lee downstairs," Frank remembered. "Hoping to get in fifteen minutes of weights before I got to snooze for school."

Sean asked, "You want a ride in the morning? Been a while since I've seen the old alma mater."

"Yeah, two whole days." Frank rolled his eyes in amusement. "Well, since I'm the last remaining X-Man on campus until Sam gets back, you kinda owe it to me."

"We'll never graduate again, promise." Sean messed his hair as the city boy nudged him on route to his room. He then noticed Erik's arrival in Sean's own doorway. "Tommy all good?"

Erik peered over at the drifting child. "Yes, he is." Taking his leave, he thumped Sean on the shoulder. "Good night, big brother."

Sean smiled after him then entered his room to get into night clothes.

Tommy held a pillow closer. "How come you're going to bed so early?"

"How come your lips are moving?" Sleep pants in place, Sean flung his shirt into the hamper. "Take your butt to sleep."

"Your face looks like a butt…," the little boy mumbled tiredly.

Shaking his head, Sean crawled under the blanket beside him. He brought Tommy in near to his chest. He awaited the younger Cassidy's slumber sounds before closing his own eyes.

IIIIIII

At his approaching allies, Jam released wolf whistles over the blonde. Alex wore a crimson shirt with sleek black pants, tie, and glistening shoes.

"Hey, Sexy Lexie," Jam greeted then acknowledged less enthusiastically, "Hi, Pretty Lee."

Leon made a show of tossing hair over his shoulder.

Reviewing his speech notes, Alex said, "My uncle wanted me to differentiate myself for my presentation." He indicated the outfit. "Dad helped me pick the threads."

"We're all still reeling from that shocker," Leon stated flatly.

As the three of them began to walk across the vibrantly green campus, Jam put forth, "I know you have this speech on the brain- that you're going to knock out of the park, just so you know- but there is some pivotal information we need to discuss."

Alex kept eyes on his papers. "Like…?"

"Hello!" Jam looked at him indignantly. "Your birthday is around the corner and down the street. Are we road tripping to Vegas or what?"

Alex now turned to him. "Jam, seriously?"

"Now, I know what you're worried about, but it's okay," Jam assured. "I'm sure we can find a night care center for Leon. Maybe a freelance nanny. Slip somebody's mom five dollars."

"You can leave me in the room by myself," Leon insisted. "With the minibar keys…" At the razor eyes they sent him in simultaneous fashion, he clutched the strap to his school bag tightly. "That was funnier in my head, I swear."

"And by the way, I'm the only one who'll actually be twenty-one," Alex reminded. "How do you expect to get into a casino, Jam?"

He answered naturally, "Fake IDs."

"Fake IDs?" Alex echoed incredulously. "What, where, how?"

"Like I know?" Jam shrugged. "My mom still tries to hold my hand when we go into the city. You're the ex-con. Don't you have a hotline or something?"

"I'll contact my criminal underworld later. Right now," Alex jogged ahead, "wish me luck… that I don't puke!"

They waved after him and Jam shouted, "Run, your sexiness!" He slipped an arm around Leon. "Come on, daydream machine."
Leon's brown irises developed an innocent glint.

IIIIIII

After mentally going through his cover story for the recent locker prank, Frank arrived in the guidance office.

He peered into the cubicle belonging to his own counselor. "Mr. Hawthorn?"

The graying, mahogany-skinned man looked away from his filing cabinet. "Mr. Tolbert, glad to see you. Sit down."

Frank placed his backpack on the floor beside the chair he chose. "Everything okay?"

"Where you're concerned, that's the understatement of the year." Hawthorn sat behind his desk, facing the boy. "You remember your recent honors exit exam, I take it?"

Frank recalled then nodded. "Yeah, that was a couple weeks ago. They had all of us on lockdown while we took it. Felt like we were in quarantine for two days."

Hawthorn chuckled deeply. "Whatever you're carrying, I hope you contaminate every student in this building with it. Do you realize you scored the highest for the freshmen as well as sophomore Honors Program?"

"… Oh. Is that all?"

"Is that all?" Hawthorn echoed, clearly floored. "Frank, when I met with your guardian on Parents' Night, I told him you would be ready for university in just a couple years. Now, all you need to do is enroll in the summer Advanced Placement Program." He slid the flyer and other reading materials over for Frank's viewing. "It's five weeks of highly grueling speeches, projects, papers, and extensive testing, but once successfully completed, you'll qualify for summer graduation."

This caught Frank's attention more. "Wait a second. So, if I sign up for this thing, I'll graduate? From high school?"

"A diploma in hand before your driver's license," Hawthorn smiled. "Of course, you're welcomed to take the program here, but if you take it at a qualifying university, you'll receive priority consideration should you choose to apply there. Maybe even in time for Spring '66." Going into his desk, he retrieved additional leaflets. "Now, Princeton and Yale are closest by car. Harvard is a bit of a distance, obviously, but I'm sure they'll be happy to house you for the duration of the program. There's also the University of Pennsylvania…"

As he continued, the man's voice dissolved into unfiltered noise in Frank's ears and the words before him smeared together.

IIIIIII

Upon noticing his one lingering pupil on return to his classroom, Aaron put forth, "This is a heartbreaking sight. One of my good kids inside during recess."

"I'm a kid on report at home." Becky glanced up from her textbook. "Trying to prep for the science test before my brother disowns me."

"Don't you wish?" Aaron joked. "He wouldn't give you nearly such a hard time if there was any chance of that."

"I know," Becky admitted.

"I'll be in early all week if you want additional help. I'll come up with some extra credit, too."

Becky's countenance grew livelier. "Thanks, Mr. A."

"No problem. By the way, I read your book report on my latest venture through my brain." Opening his briefcase, Aaron lifted the paper in question. "I was actually shocked to find you in a very small minority."

"What do you mean?" Becky wondered.

Aaron explained, "You like Trevor in this book. Meanwhile, I've already received quite a few protests from girls about your age outraged over the loss of their beloved bad boy."

Becky gaped for several seconds. "What? Trevor was a total creep in the first two books."

"But he wears leather, rides a Harley, and breaks all the rules," Aaron detailed with dramatic flair. "Yet deep down, he's a sweet puppy boy from a rough upbringing who needs only to be loved- preferably by a twelve-year-old or forty-year-old housewife fantasizing about being an eighteen-year-old girl."

Becky giggled. "Please tell me you're not changing Trevor back. I just stopped hating him."

"When a quartet of farm animals fly," Aaron scoffed. "Becky, as you've come to learn, the written word is often met with very… mixed reception."

"No kidding," she nodded her agreement.

"I'll tell you what my favorite English teacher told me. Follow the muse and you can't lose. Follow the masses and fall straight on your collective… um, grasses."

Becky bit back a laugh. "Uh huh."

Going into a carefree whistle, Aaron settled at his desk to begin grading.

IIIIIII

Granting Alex and Leon the rarity known as free time, Sean pulled up in front of the elementary school with Tommy riding shotgun. Not a second past twelve-fifteen, Cody and Joey tore out to meet them. Victor stood just inside the entrance, waving at Sean and watching the eager youngsters dash for the BMW. Once the X-Boys loaded into his backseat, Sean proceeded for their next stop, the ice cream parlor.

Tommy requested his favorite of a banana split with extra chocolate. Joey got a three-scoop sundae and Cody a triple thick strawberry milkshake. Sean ordered a brownie sundae for himself. When their now energetic group returned to the mansion, they found Maya home from helping with Temple deliveries.

An hour or so later, Alex deemed the house unusually quiet, even with Kiki coloring and the babies napping in the playpen of his sitting area. Going to seek out the others, he found the kids and engaged graduates in the living room.

"I know the "I" and "E" thing is confusing," Maya spoke, crouched at the coffee table with Tommy. "Try cutting the words in half. Like "lei" and "sei" up here," she showed him on the paper, "and "sure" and "zure" down here. We can try putting your whole list in a hang-man game later."

"Cool," Tommy reacted.

Seated between Cody and Joey on the loveseat, Sean wrote on the miniature chalkboard. "See, fractions and percentages just look way different. You have to stop and think about it. Like one-fourth is twenty-five percent."

Joey squinted with confusion. "How do you figure it out?"

"This stuff is in front of our faces all the time," Sean explained. "What's half of a hundred?"

"Fifty," Joey replied.

"One-fourth is only half of a half," Sean told him.

"And half of fifty is twenty-five," Cody elaborated. "So, add four twenty-fives up and you get a whole hundred."

Sean prompted, "Making the fraction…"

"One-fourth," Joey pieced together. "And the percentage twenty-five."

"Ten gold stars," Sean declared, ruffling the blonde's hair. "It gets harder, so let me know if I start derailing here."

Observing for another moment, Alex moved to get back to his own duties.

IIIIIII

With delays from all presently out-of-town X-Men, Victor fixed macaroni and cheese with barbeque chicken baking in the oven. Frank made cornbread squares and added the proper seasonings to make the mixed vegetables tolerable on the youthful tongues.

At the returning quad from Connecticut, Alex rushed to his feet to announce with relief, "I made a B on my presentation."

Raven bypassed them to toss arms around his neck. "Twin joy!"

Alex beamed and hugged her back. "Did you pass your internship?"

"No idea," Raven replied in a continued chipper tone then narrowed her eyes heatedly. "Darryl was too "wrapped up" today to meet with me."

"Want me to slug him?" Alex offered.

Raven decided, "Ask me tomorrow."

Alex then received a kiss on the cheek from Emma along with hearty pats on the back and congratulations from the Headmasters.

By the time the food came to the table, every present member sat in their regular chairs. As Frank lowered to his own seat, he suddenly experienced the extreme heat of a blinding spotlight with every adult face seemingly glued to him.

"What'd I do?" the boy asked suspiciously.

"Don't you have something to tell us?" Charles prompted as cheerfully as Christmas morning.

Frank guessed, "I'll be up a weight class soon?"

"Seems you're skipping ahead in every area," Emma smiled.

"Ohhhh," Frank understood. "School thing. How did you…?" He zeroed in one particular instructor. "Of course."

Hank said positively, "I thought it would be the highlight of their otherwise long day. It certainly made my year."

"And he was right." Kayla got up to embrace Frank. "We're so proud of you. Though I can't say I'm terribly surprised."

Raven hurried to squeeze him as well. "My Lovebug."

Charles proposed, "This calls for a toast."

Frank quickly protested, "Charles—"

Letting loose a sharp whistle, Logan raised two fingers. "Let's take it easy, Chuck. Kid probably hasn't had a chance for all this to sink in yet."

Becky tried to gauge all the giddy adult emotions coming her way at once. "What's everybody talking about?"

Scott sent his gaze towards his best friend. "Frank?'

Sighing, the brown-eyed teen explained, "I did decent on my honors exit exam and my guidance counselor says I can sign up for this thing to graduate early."

Stun overcame every child seated, except Kiki who only smiled over how happy everyone seemed.

"Wait." Scott attempted to get a grasp on things. "First, you got to skip over eighth grade and now… the whole rest of high school?"

Unsure how else to respond, Frank gave off a shrug.

Hank suggested, "You know what we should do this weekend? Road trip to Harvard."

Before Frank could formulate words, Erik demanded, "What in the world for?"

Hank looked at the older man. "If he completes the program there, Frank is as good as enrolled."

"He is fourteen years old," Erik emphasized. "He is not going off to live three hours and a state away."

"He's going to be fifteen before the month is over," Hank strongly reminded. "I was ready for grad school at that age. Besides, Cordelia's already enrolled at Boston University. I'm sure Winston will be happy to have Frank stay—"

"Stop!" Bringing immediate silence to the room, a dismayed Becky practically lunged from her chair. "Stop it, Hank! Shut up!"

On his feet and full height in an instant, no trace of amicability hinted anywhere on the seething scientist's face. "What did you just say to me?"

"Hank, no," Raven yanked on his arm, "no, no, sit down."

Hank absorbed Erik's no-nonsense warning look and did not try to snatch away from his wife's touch, but still focused on his sister. "Don't you ever- ever," he aimed his free pointer finger her way, "say anything, not a single word like that to me again."

Though she stayed standing, Becky withered under the reprimand. "I'm sorry, Big Bear." Her voice carried contrition then woe. "But what are you saying? Why are you trying to send Frank away?"

Horror filled Trav's face. "You're not really going away, are you, Frankie?"

"Of course not." Frank made haste to go pick him up. "No, no, no, little guy. I'm not leaving you." He walked over close enough to touch Becky's cheek. "I promise."
Becky placed a tender grasp on his wrist.

Emma cleared her throat and stood. "Everyone, please, please, settle down. This is a fine achievement and honor for Frank and I won't have it spoiled with petty arguments and conclusion jumping."

Sharing a look with Maya, Sean mumbled, "God knows how good news can be a bullet wound around here…"

"You're right, love," Charles agreed with his wife. "We lost our heads for a moment."

Exhaling through his nostrils, Erik nodded. "Yes." He extended a hand to meet Hank's in a resolving shake.

"And another thing," piped up Victor, "while you mugs were draggin' your feet gettin' into this house, we were slavin' over a hot stove. Put your gripin' on hold and eat this food."

All became comfortable in their chairs again and began passing the warm platters back and forth.

IIIIIII

Honey brown eyes aimed at the ceiling, Frank sprawled on the sofa in the Hovel. Sean's legs supported his head while Leon's lap elevated the boy's ankles. With Joey, Cody, and Tommy content to goof off in his office, Alex joined the older three in his sitting area. He reached low enough to apply thumps to Frank's stomach. Led by Raven, Hank, Scott, and Becky entered next. Ordering a more content expression onto his face, Frank sat up to accept Becky's arms and return her hold.

"Are you okay?" she asked fretfully.

"Who me?" Frank dismissed. "You know me, sis. I'm good."

"Not leaving the table without dessert you're not." Raven handed him the strawberry jellyroll contained in a napkin. "Vic stopped by the bakery after work."

"Thanks, Rae," Frank said before the sweet smell started him nibbling.

"I'm sorry, Frank." Hank sat on the arm of the couch nearest to Leon. "I know it was your news to tell, but I… I got so excited. I don't have words for how proud I am of you. So much weighed you down this year, but you excelled despite every error and obstacle." He smiled when Frank came to lean forward on him. Becky joined them and Hank gave solid his solid arms to both.

"I should've been more excited for you," Scott admitted. "This is amazing, Frank- you're amazing. I just miss us going to school together."

Frank turned around to face him. "Me, too, man. I never saw today coming."

"I know this is voicing the unpopular opinion-as if I care," they all looked to Raven, "but Frankie, you don't have to do any of this. If you want, you can forget the program and just finish high school like normal."

"I don't know if I can do that, Rae," Frank said honestly. "Staying feels like such a waste of time. I'm already bored most of the day in class as it is."

"Try taking your time," Alex suggested. "Dude, you just had all this dumped on you clear out of nowhere. You don't have to figure out anything tonight. Give your brain some paid sick leave."

"More importantly," Sean smirked, "figure out what you're wearing to the concert tomorrow."

Though Frank appeared appeased, Raven glared and informed the redhead, "We're still not over this."

Sean countered chipperly, "And I still don't care."

Leon asked Frank, "Want to punch things?"

"Yes," the younger boychick replied. "Yes, I do." Biting into his roll, he headed out to get into athletic apparel.

Hank, Alex, Leon, Sean, and Scott all exchanged knowing glances between themselves and got up to do the same.

As the males departed, Raven shook her head. "Why do we love those lug nuts again?"

Becky could only conclude, "Because we have no idea how not to."

IIIIIII

In charcoal sleep pants and maroon smoking jacket, the metal wielder took another lengthy sip of brandy and placed the goblet to the side. Lighted by his floor lamp, he leafed through the various reports before him.

A knock preceded the petition of, "Brother?"

"It's open, Lab Rat," Erik invited. Dressed for bed himself, the telepath did so. "Rounds complete on your end?"

"Actually, they led me here." Charles sat on the side of the mattress to easily face the older Headmaster. "How…" Erik raised expectant eyes. "How is Simeon?"

Erik glanced down briefly to review. "He had a bad spell due to three days of thunderstorms in their area, but stable otherwise." Closing the file, Erik left it on his end table. "Do you think I was too brash at dinner?"

"No more than Hank," Charles said honestly. "He shouldn't have let the enthusiasm get the better of him to the point of practically shoving Frank out the door. Of course your natural instinct was to yank him back in. I wanted to celebrate him, not send him off on his jolly way. Frank, however brilliant, is still very much a boy."

"It's a different scenario with Sean and Maya. And Cordy will be living with her father."

"And Frank still needs his father," Charles asserted. "Your guidance and structure have done so much for him already, but your job is nowhere near finished."

"Neither is yours," Erik sent back. "However, we saw what Alana's departure did to him. What if Frank is ready to use this as his ticket to waltz out the door after Sean?"

Charles countenance remained even. "Then our dear middle boy will shortly find himself bound and mounted right next to Raven's portrait."

IIIIIII

Between the nagging wall clock and periodic gurgle of the corner watercooler, the shapeshifter developed whole new willpower to keep from eviscerating either beyond repair. Fifteen long minutes of toying with the hem of her long black skirt, questioning why she deemed it a good idea to leave the house in absurdly warm yet fiendishly stylish boots, and smoothing out the material in her lilac blouse, still she waited. Taking her hair down, she finger-combed her blonde strands into a neater ponytail. At the twenty-five minute mark, the doorknob twisted and Raven's inner chorus sang hallelujah.

"My apologies, Mrs. McCoy." Darryl closed the door and walked by her to get to his desk. "Hope you weren't stuck in here for too long."

"Just enough time to repaint." Raven flashed a taut smile. "How do you like the electric pink?"

"Pretty and funny." Darryl rifled through his second drawer. "Didn't your parents roll double sevens…"

Leonine expression in place, Raven watched him pull out one plastic file. "Is that mine? I dig the purple. It's pretty thin, though. Is that a good sign or a bad sign around here?"

Darryl opened it with an extended, "Hmmmm…"

When nearly a minute went by with no elaboration, Raven requested, "Can we just drop the song and dance routine? Or are you still looking for a gracious way of telling me my excess of estrogen leaves me unfit for this line of work?"

"If we're going with honesty," Darryl eyed her now, "you and Mrs. Xavier are clear… exceptions to that rule."

"But it's still a rule to you," Raven surmised.

"Baby steps, Mrs. McCoy. Lest we forget Joan of Arc had to burn at the stake to earn her place in the history books."

Raven had to keep her eyes from glowing yellow. "I can take the heat a little better."

"Apparently. Because for whatever reason, you keep coming back here. These young girls you see regularly, hopeless meat sacks to most of my staff, have a noteworthy rapport with you. You haven't worked miracles or anything like that now, but there has been definite… improvement by your presence here. As a result," Darryl folded his hands together on the desk, "I'm obligated to mark you with a pass."

Though elation swam through her, Raven kept her features unreadable and still deduced, "So, essentially, I defied your very narrow pre-conceptions as well as exceeded your expectations… and you hate it, don't you?"

Remaining in complete stony place for a few seconds, Darryl finally responded with, "Don't you have an elsewhere to be?"

"All the time." She got to her feet with a courteous tip of her chin. "Dr. Henson."

"Mrs. McCoy." Darryl shook hands with her. When she started for the door, he put forth, "Raven?" Touching the doorknob, she peered over her shoulder. "For the life of me, I can't piece together your family's angle. I know firsthand what it means to be on society's disposal list. These kids in here fall beneath the maggots. What do the mutants mean to you?"

Raven stayed silent until she came back with, "The very core of psychology urges perception beyond the sense of sight and listening over simply hearing. Maybe if you stopped looking for ways to prove yourself right about my family, you'd figure out we're not all that different from you or these kids."

Darryl watched her take her leave. Pulling out another drawer, he gripped the tall tablet bottle within and made a path to his cooler for water.

IIIIIII

At the assortment of crinkled papers shoved to the far back of the shelf, the teenager scanned through them for importance. Finding half to be nothing more than two-month-old notes, he added them to his steadily fattening trash bag. Spotting another book, he dropped it into the cardboard box by his left leg.

Making their way through the hall, the trio of other honor students stilled in place. They observed him hard at work for a moment before approaching.

"You're breaking up with us or what?" Carmen quipped.

Tony asked the question they all wondered. "Mondo, what is this?"

"What does it look like? Liquidation, clearance, everything must go." Mondo turned, aghast to see them with textbooks. "Y'all waiting for the maid to come around or what? Why aren't you clearing out your lockers? We're out of here."

"Speak for yourself," said Carmen briskly. "My exam was short fifteen points to qualify for the program, remember?"

"Blah, blah, blah," Mondo dismissed, using his hand to imitate a mouth. "Carmen, I told you over and over that you needed to block out everything not relevant to the exam. I saw the bags under your eyes and don't try to tell me you were pulling all-nighters. You let your sisters guilt you into watching their kids so they can go out and shake something."

"Mondo, don't come at them like that," Carmen disputed. "It's not always about going out. Sometimes they have work issues and since I don't have a job—"

"Bull!" Mondo bellowed in such a way all their eyes jumped. "You have a job. I have a job." He gestured at the other two boys. "They have a job. Our job is concentrating on school and bettering ourselves. It is a full-time gig that we don't see a red cent for, but we're still busting our humps every day. Do not let your sisters get it in your head that you're like every other kid out here, carefree and not doing a daggon thing. They're the ones who wanted to be teenage mamas, not you. You are smarter and classier than any of these chicken head girls in this school. So, you are going to see Mr. Hawthorn and talk about what you need to do for a second shot at that test."

Though equipped with an abundance of reactions, a speech Carmen could only reply, "… Okay."

"Yeah, um, cart-before-horse guy," Frank interjected, "while you're trying to vacate, did you forget school's not out until next week?"

"That's a bold-faced lie," Mondo shot down. "I made arrangements first thing this morning to take my finals and turn in my last assignments on Friday. Doc McCoy's leaving his office open for me to study in there all week."

All of them taken aback, Tony suggested, "Mondo, this is a lot at once. You need to slow down a little bit."

"Slowing down is for the slow, Tony," Mondo said matter-of-factly. "People nowhere near fit to so much as breathe near our plateau. That's why I can't wait to move on to Harvard."

Frank reacted with, "You're signing up for the program at Harvard?"

"Already packed for Cambridge," Mondo confirmed. "Mr. Hawthorn is seeing to the paperwork. I know there's no way Tony's leaving home, but I figured you and me could share a campus apartment, Frank." Mondo smiled assuredly. "They're probably eager to bunk the Top Two together."

"Mondo, baby," Carmen spoke with annunciation, "even if you knock the program out of the park and get admitted, nobody is giving your dinky freshman self a campus apartment."

"We'll see about that." Mondo's eyebrows wriggled. He kicked his locker closed and picked up the box. "Anyway, I have work to do and so do the rest of you. I want a status update no later than lunchtime Thursday. Carm, talk to Mr. Hawthorn before the end of the day. Tony, narrow down your campus. Frank, could you dump this mess for me?" Mondo tapped the trash bag with his foot. "My hands are full. Thanks, roomy." He strolled on in the direction of the gym.

While the remaining two males could only gape, Carmen stated dubiously, "Boy's trying to conquer the whole universe and still has time to run our lives."

Tony admitted, "It is nice to know he won't forget us at the top."

IIIIIII

Not trying to encounter another traffic hiccup, the X-Men wrapped up their sessions at the asylum ninety minutes early. Raven and Emma conducting group sit-downs aided that greatly. After they made a brief stop at the kosher delicatessen, they arrived home for Raven's declaration of Super Sub Night. With her most nail-biting grade secured, she desired no more than hero sandwiches, coleslaw, tuna salad, and a wealth of fruit juices. The shapeshifter poured those pitchers herself and diluted them with enough water to keep her physician husband happy without canceling out the flavor for the kids altogether.

The tropical theme suiting everyone's fancy, the meal became an outdoor event. They used one long table to lay out the sandwich components, side dishes, and beverages. Logan tugged out a cooler's worth of various adult drinks. The girls came out in summer dresses, the women long floral skirts and sleeveless tops, and the males shorts and shirts.

"Buenos tardes, my people." Exiting through the back, Sean walked out in a short-sleeved collared shirt in wild dominantly green jungle print. However, nothing captured his onlookers more than the burnt orange bell bottoms. "Pretty hot, huh? Trick thought it sounded great."

"Lookin' good, red!" Logan belted from where he reclined poolside.

"Ah, our Seanie," coming to him, Charles cupped the tall teen's shoulder, "truly one-of-a-kind."

"You look amazing, baby." Going to him, Maya noticed what he wore around his neck. "Isn't that Tommy's?"

Sean touched the silver cross. "He wanted me to wear it to pop on stage tonight. But if I so much as ding it, he gets to pop me."

"Fair deal," Maya determined, giving him a quick kiss.

Retrieving a beer from Logan's assortment, Erik started for them. "Sean, remember…"

"Home by midnight," Sean filled in. "One piece. High on nothing but life."

Erik tapped him with the tip of his bottle. "And kill on that stage tonight."

Sean raised his sunglasses. "Is that literal or figurative?"

The man only gave him a shark grin.

Sean called out to Tommy, who only took the time to wave briefly, currently preoccupied in a water pistol showdown with Cody, Joey, and Trav. Smiling at their play, Sean went back into the house to collect his guitar and Frank.

With Kiki in her bathing suit, her wings had freedom to flutter. Hank let her fly up to an inch or so above his head, staying as near to his bitty fledgling as he could. Raven walked arm in arm with Maya, her attention on Trav and the older boys. She did not particularly care for her son's use of firearms, plastic or not, but could not deny him the fun when Cody offered to share his extra squirt pistol. Knowing too well what it meant to be the small fry, Joey stuck close to Trav. Both sipping on fruit punches, Scott held Becky's free hand as he guided them towards the formation of fireflies.

IIIIIII

Made up of burgundy and butterscotch, the Monte Cristo took up the center of a city block. Though only two stories, the main level boasted twenty-foot ceilings with exquisite light fixtures. As soon as the BMW pulled in, the attendant took Sean's keys to park the car in its reserved spot. The young hostess with bright, kind face escorted the two inside. As they followed her, Sean and Frank passed several framed photographs of previous vocalists and bands. Frank deduced the place to be a combination club and fine restaurant. Considering they closed at eleven on weekends according to the sign, he also figured it to be of the family-friendly variety.

The brown-haired manager, in his mid-thirties or so, greeted them in the massive dining space. "Sean? Sean Cassidy?"

"Yes." Guitar case strapped to his back, Sean accepted the offered handshake. "Thank you for having me, Mr. Webber."

"Call me Ross and seriously, thank you for filling in on short notice. Your people speak well of you for an up-and-comer." Ross noticed the other youth with him. "Here I heard you were a soloist."

Sean smiled and brought an arm around the younger X-Man. "No, this is my brother and main man, Frank."

"How you doing, pal?" Ross acknowledged.

"Pretty good right now." Frank tried taking in everything at once. "Your place is phenomenal."

"Thanks a lot." Ross then offered, "Why don't you head on back with us to meet the Boys?"

At Sean's encouraging nod, Frank promptly agreed.

Following Ross, Frank whispered incredulously, "We're meeting the Beach Boys!"

"Remember to inhale," Sean said in a hush. "And exhale if possible."

Frank thought about something else. "You have people?"

"Apparently," Sean replied with the same surprise.

IIIIIII

Daughter cleansed from outdoor play and clothed in pale pink nightgown, Raven bundled her lower half in a fleece throw and cradled her. Positioned in the rocking chair, she edged back and forth with her tiny girl, moving at the same rate as a gentle breeze. Kiki focused in on her mother's blue skin, using two fingers to lethargically dance across the scales on her lower neck. When her eyelids at last hid Kiki's shiny brown orbs, Raven brought her to the bed. She eased her among her stuffed animals and with the pleasant temperature in mind, let her sleep above the covers with the fleece if she needed it.

Looking in on his ladies, Hank spoke covertly. "My baby bear on flight already?"

Raven stayed eying Kiki as she replied, "You might be able to catch her before she reaches the second star to the right."

Coming near, Hank bowed his large frame to kiss Kiki at the center of her forehead. "No matter how high you go, Daddy will always be here to catch you." Raven held onto his arm as they walked from the room together. "I told Trav he could stay with Joey and the boys twenty minutes more."

"That's fine. I'm glad they're having fun." When they made it to their own quarters, Raven gladly fell back onto the bed. Detecting a significant lack of plush in one spot, she turned to the assortment on her husband's side of the bed. "Holy Harvard…"

"Oh, I was sorting through some of my memorabilia for Mondo," Hank said apologetically, coming to gather paper plethora. "He's ready to get there as of yesterday. I'm compiling my best professors, alumni contacts, info about Cambridge and the general area- anything that can ease the transition."

"You might want to brace all of them for full-time Mondo instead," Raven suggested half-jokingly. "Frank said he emptied his locker already."

"As high an honor as it is, that Advanced Placement Program will take no prisoners and show no mercy. Mondo is putting everything he has into preparing for it. High school is already a closed chapter as far as he's concerned."

Raven rolled to lay on her side, yellow eyes never leaving him. "You wish the same was true for Frank, don't you?"

"Raven," Hank sighed, depositing everything on top of his dresser, "contrary to how I come across, I am not merely Harvard's walking billboard. None of this is about my ego or glory. Harvard is not only the greatest institution of learning in this country, but their endowment provides for their students they moment they walk through the door. These boys make contacts and receive opportunities that will set them up for life. I know I went too far at the table last night. But right from the start- ever since he was twelve… those hours we spent in the lab together…"

Expression fading into remorse, Raven crawled over the mattress to reach him. "Baby…" Hank sat on the bed and she coiled arms around his stout frame as best she could. "It's okay." She kissed near his ear. "I know you want what's best for Frank. Just like you wanted for me and Alex. And whether he likes it or not, Sean."

Hank reached up to fondle her wrist. "It's so hard a juggling act, Raven. I want to say and do what's right by all of them yet it feels like I'm always going to be the trigger point for Trav's anxiety."

"Honey, that wasn't your fault," Raven near hissed. "And if it is, I'm right there with you. I should have paid more attention, especially after what Carly said on Parents' Night. All you trigger is Trav's desire for excellence- also a pesky Xavier trait; totally unavoidable."

Hank smiled a little. "I really did marry up. Now, I have a question for you."

"I did not bribe Darryl… because I didn't think of it."

Hank locked his blue irises to her yellow. "We both know Frank lives and breathes the city. I can wager how the others will react -especially Erik- but if he does want to go away, could you handle it?"

When she tried to face another direction, Hank grasped and cupped her chin. Letting off a faint breath and remaining wordless, Raven shook her head.

IIIIIII

Astonishment continued its reign and only intensified. Not from the magnificent nightspot, custom parking, or even the introduction to that evening's main act. The part that left Frank and, from what he could tell, Sean floored proved to be how near-instantly they all eased into conversation as soon as every possible hand received a shake. Ross let them get acquainted while he went to begin welcoming attendees. The lounging area beyond the stage door resembled a studio apartment with living section, a kitchenette with stove and refrigerator, a three-piece bathroom, and dressing room off to the side behind another door. The Boys consisted of Wilson brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. All wore white outfits with blue bomber jackets, though Dennis and Al did not have the outerwear on presently as they played cards at a folding table.

It took under five minutes for Sean and Carl to eyeball each other's instruments like twin streams in the middle of the desert. Carl at the center of the sofa and Sean on the edge of an armchair, they powered their strings with fervor while the others looked and listened on. A grin covered Frank's face as he bobbed his head Sean's direction. Managing to steal a few glimpses of the other males, Frank saw Mike, Dennis, and Al entirely into it while Brian kept a more even countenance yet followed closely.

When they at last allowed their fingers a rest, Carl and Sean slapped hands to the positive shouts of their onlookers.

"You've got chops, east coast," Carl commended.

Sean responded, "From the lead guitarist of the Beach Boys himself? I officially have to retire because my career just peaked."

Carl laughed. "That's about the only area they let me lead in."

"Baby missed his nap," Mike informed the room.

Seizing a wadded-up napkin, Carl tossed it his way. "Shove it, Mike."

"Children," Brian intervened.

Mike eyed him flatly. "I'm older than you."

Brian smiled tightly. "Which makes you look better how?"

Shuffling cards, Dennis chimed up, "The ancient one has spoken."

Brian looked over his shoulder at him, feigning confusion. "Do I know you? Right- you're that thing Mom and Dad found on our doorstep."

Frank tried to keep from hitting the floor in a guffaw. "Okay, I am having crazy deja vu right now." He looked Dennis' way. "Middle man, right?"

"Yep." Dennis glanced at him in turn. "You caught the curse, too, huh?"

"Only most of my life," Frank affirmed.

"Then we got to stick together." Standing, Dennis started for the refrigerator. "And Al, quit sitting there all innocent like you're normal."

Al snickered into his cards.

"Hey, Sean, what's your poison?" Dennis held up two different draft brands for his viewing.

"Uh," Sean gazed around the group, "you guys know I'm underage, right?"

Carl turned to him with an impish expression. "Join the club."

Brian assured, "What goes on back here stays back here. Tossing back one or two won't do any harm."

"Yeah, until I get home," Sean scoffed. "I'm driving and if my fiancée finds out I even looked at the stuff before getting behind the wheel, our wedding will be my funeral."

Mike let off a deep whistle. "Hang on to that girl. Especially in this business."

Dennis then offered, "You want a swig, Frank?"
"Enjoy for both of us," Sean encouraged.

Eyebrows leaping at his words, Frank still declined.

Dennis shrugged and swapped the brews for colas.

Soon enough, show time neared. Through the thick curtains, Frank noted the people seated at the circular tables. On a brief count, he estimated about one hundred and thirty guests. Though that number had nothing on what he imagined weekends or regular Beach Boy concerts to be like, but it appeared packed enough for Frank. Guitar loaded and fingers ready, Sean stood directly behind him. Ross finished introductions, arguably all too quickly, and gestured grandly with his right arm.

Sean waited for Frank to air-draw the sign of the Cross over his front. With a kiss to the silver emblem he wore, the redhead made his debut. Frank hung back, seeing how the overhead lights created a greater burst of color across Sean than his vibrant attire already did. For the first song, Frank remained in captivation at Sean giving life to the strings and the celestial crooning from his lips. When the five-minute break occurred, Frank hastened to achieve the full experience.

Ross spotted and directed him close to the front of the stage, where the reserved table awaited him. A waiter passed through and filled Frank's empty glass with ice water as he asked for the youth's preferred flavored beverage. At the description of the virgin margarita, Frank selected it.

When left alone, he peered to his right at the row of tall windows. They all faced the building next door, presumably to keep people from trying to steal sneak peeks of the entertainment. Frank studied his reflection in the glass. While he had unfortunately outgrown the Beach Boys shirt Sean acquired for him years back, his second-choice ensemble pleased him enough. He had on black pants, a tan collared shirt, and the brown leather jacket Erik allowed him to borrow. He wore something from Charles as well, the small camera dangling around his neck the Professor insisted on him taking. Glad he went along with it, Frank wound up snapping nearly a dozen pictures from backstage alone.

Doing a double-take at something he noticed beyond his reflection, the young X-Man honed in on the pair of brilliant blue orbs aimed his way. As soon as he turned his head, the face they belonged to promptly stared forward again. Three tables down from him, she sat with two other girls. The older one wore a satin cream-colored dress, a pearl necklace, and white gloves with her hair in a spiral up-do. Frank guessed the younger one to be around Joey's age. She had on a sunflower yellow dress with green sash at the waist that tied into a bow in the back, teal tights, and her hair partly tied back by a yellow ribbon. Frank tried to avoid a crook in his neck as he leaned over in his chair for a better view of the one between them. Wearing a sleeveless sapphire number, Frank noted the tiara on top of her cascading crinkled hair- rich and dark like the other two. So absorbed, he did not return to reality until a minute into Sean's next song.

"Tonight's specialty…" At another waiter's voice, glee found Frank when presented with the plate of beef wellington, fresh asparagus, and brown rice.

Frank joined in on the resulting applause that only swelled when the curtains behind Sean parted. In their white and blue attire with instruments setup, the Boys revealed themselves to the awaiting diners. Before Sean could bow out, Brian approached with microphone in hand.

"Thank you. Thank you, everybody, for coming out tonight. And a special thanks to this man," he flung his spare arm across the tall teenager's shoulders, "fresh meat and future sensation, Sean Cassidy." Applause roared again and while Sean waved, Brian clapped his shoulder. "Also, if you catch him sneaking out the back, tackle him because this guy's not going anywhere until he backs us up on guitar later this evening. You got that, folks?"

Overwhelmed by the commotion of the crowd and Sean's joyous features, Frank hoped he could keep his mutated light at bay. When Sean whispered something to Brian, he immediately wished for advanced hearing instead.

Brian addressed the audience again. "Do we have a birthday girl out there? Don't be shy." Frank watched the one in sapphire rise from her table. "Ohh, a pretty birthday girl at that. What's your name, sweetie?"

"Jessie Jarvas," she answered with a flip of her hair.

"Jessie Jarvas," Brian echoed. "Beautiful. Now, Sean tells me his brother has a birthday this month, too. Frank Tolbert, put that fork down and stand up." Taking a quick drink of water, Frank jumped to his feet. "Now, look what we have here." Brian glanced between the teenagers. "I'm a June baby myself, but since I'm working straight through my birthday, I need a little favor. Frank, I need you to ask Miss Jessie to dance. Miss Jessie, I need you to say yes."

Momentarily stiffened, a brief sight and nod from Sean somehow sent Frank's legs into motion. He did not slow down until he came in proper proximity. Jessie faced him, silent but expectant.

Somehow finding words, Frank presented his right hand. "May I have this birthday wish?"

Jessie laid her palm on top of his. "Took you long enough to get over here."

Smiling through the chucklers, Frank escorted her to the empty dance floor.

Off to the side of the stage, Sean squeezed the neck of his guitar with anticipation.

Once in formation, the Beach Boys began their first song.

Now here we are together
This would've been worth waiting forever
I always thought it'd feel this way

And please forgive my shaking
Can't you tell my heart is breaking?
Can't make myself say what I planned to say

Still linked with Jessie's hand, Frank placed the other at the side of her waist. Jessie's went to his shoulder. As they inched in, she withdrew slightly. Alarmed that he had done something unintentionally, Frank saw her mortified but good-natured countenance. She mouthed "sorry" to him and he nodded amicably.

"Just hang onto me," he guided, leaving his hands right above her hips.

Jessie's raised arms to go around his neck. "Anything you say."

Baby
Please let me wonder
If I've been the one you love
Please let me wonder
If I'm who you're dreaming of
Please let me wonder, love

I built all my goals around you
That some day my love would surround you
You'll never know what we've been through

Moving in a rhythmic circle, Frank put forth, "What are you doing so far from the island?" At her puzzlement, he told her, "You look just like Wonder Woman."

Jessie regarded him in mock suspicion. "Is that supposed to be a line?"

"Try fact," Frank said. "I swear you look like her, especially with those blue eyes- that are perfect by the way."

"Thank you." Jessie swayed with him. "But I must confess, they're actually my mother's."

"Ah. Confession? This jacket is my dad's."

"It looks better on you."

Frank almost snorted. "You haven't seen my dad."

No jest present, Jessie simply stated, "I've seen you."

For so long I thought about it
And now I just can't live without it
This beautiful image I have of you

Baby
Please let me wonder
If I've been the one you love
Please let me wonder
If I'm who you're dreaming of
Please let me wonder, love

IIIIIII

Ross and his staff saw to the safe passage of their non-driving patrons, hailing cabs and staying attentive for the ones waiting on rides. The performers stayed inside the building for the duration as the move also acted as crowd control for the singers to get to their limousine without being jumped and/or trampled.

On a stroll through a side corridor, Carl put forth, "So, are you going with a music major?"

"Maybe as a minor," Sean replied. "In a perfect world, I could major in creative writing and make a real living, but there's just no money there. At least I'm starting off part-time so I don't have to rush into any decisions yet."

Carl commented, "Sounds like you're playing it smart."

"I sure hope so," Sean responded sincerely.

"I better get back before I hold up the limo. As much as Brian stays on me, our manager is the real hard ass."

"You guys are huge. Why don't you just cut him loose?"

Carl informed, "He's also our dad."

"Ah," Sean grasped instantly. "Guess that would make the holidays pretty awkward."

"Yeah." Carl then reminded, "Remember to call after your phone's all hooked up. We do a lot of benefits and we like having extra vocals on deck. Especially the kind that actually show up. We're demanding that way."

Sean smiled and assured, "Without a doubt. Thanks for tonight, Carl. On that stage together was unbelievable."

"Ditto." Carl bumped fists with him then headed off to regroup with his bandmates.

Going in search of the other half of his own party, Sean located him straightaway at the building's rear. At the propped exit door, he crouched to the side to peek out into the garden. Seemingly unaware- or more likely, not caring- that the musical portion of the evening had concluded some time ago, the pair continued the dance that evidently did not end with the show.

Bothersome high heels in one hand, Jessie glided down the wooden bench. From ground level, Frank stayed in step with her. When she reached the end of the bench, he took her hand as she jumped down. They inched back as far away as they could without dividing their joined palms. With a ginger tug, Frank reeled her in towards him. Jessie twirled until they came chest to chest and eye to eye. Frank slipped an arm around her waist and hoisted her off the grass. When she coiled her arm at his neck, they entered a slow spin that sped up until Frank brought them to a sudden stop. Both breathing heavily, he lowered her with great delicacy.

Jessie spoke first with, "What are you doing out of the palace?"

Frank raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"

With a sly smile, Jessie said, "You look just like the prince from Cinderella."

Frank shared a coquettish look with her. "Thanks, but confession? I tend to not act like him."

"So, you're not quiet, boring, and pointless?"

"Definite no. At least on the first two." Frank next asked, "Were you really waiting for me to ask you to dance?"

"I guess my flirtatious face needs some work," Jessie replied glibly. "Next time I'll try eyelash fluttering while waving a hand fan."

With a quirk of his eyebrows, Frank deduced, "Meaning there's going to be a next time…"

Jessie said in turn, "Meaning you're actually going to ask without me having to light a smoke signal."

"Yeah, except I might have to hotwire a helicopter to get to you." Frank considered that. "Which really wouldn't be tough for me to pull off honestly. I'm from Jackson Heights, but I go to school in Generica America. North Salem."

"Westchester," Jessie sympathized.

"Where jeans are considered indecent exposure and uncut grass is an automatic trip to the lion's den."

"At least you can cancel the helicopter." At his inquiring countenance, Jessie sunnily told him, "I live in Mount Kisco."

"Mount Kisco?" Frank repeated in near disbelief. "You're not even a half hour away from me. I totally figured you lived around here somewhere."

Pleased expression matching his, Jessie explained, "My real birthday was on Sunday. This is strictly Sister Night. We were joking on the way over here that we'd each take home a Wilson brother."

"Ohh, so that was your big sister giving me that shoot-to-kill stare when we were on the floor," Frank realized.

"Eagle Eye Ashley," Jessie confirmed. "Don't take it personally. She was born scouting for riffraff and charlatans just waiting to take advantage of unsuspecting young women."

"That's funny. I have one of those at home, too," Frank mentioned. "Except mine is more of a Raven Eye."

Still in place while keeping out of sight, Sean veered around at a tug to his pants leg. "Hi there, sweetie."

"Pardon me, Mr. Cassidy, but may I have your autograph?" The little girl held up her glittery purple name book with attached pen.
Insides swelling happily, the redhead granted, "Of course. Just do me a favor and call me Sean." He took the book and opened it to an empty page. "And what might your name be?"

"Zoey Jarvas." She then remembered to clarify, "With a "Y" at the end of Zoey."

"Gotcha," Sean nodded while writing. "I know how you feel. People try to spell my first name as S-H-A-W-N all the time. Here you go, doll." He handed back her book. "And thanks. I'm really honored you liked the show."

"Thank you!" Zoey hugged the book to her chest as she stepped out to the garden. "Jess?"

Glancing her way briefly, Jessie indicated her to the boy present. "This is my little sister, Zoey."

"Hi, Zoey," Frank greeted jovially. "I saw you during the show, looking so pretty."

"Thank you." Zoey performed a quick curtsy before addressing her sister. "Ashley says to hurry along. Mason just pulled up."

Jessie faced Frank somewhat apologetically. "My brother-in-law's here. Can we talk tomorrow?"

Frank counter asked, "Can I have your number?"

"Here, Jess." Zoey offered her autograph book. "Make sure you don't mark anywhere near Sean's page."

"I won't." Zoey made quick work of jotting down the digits. She removed the sheet, careful not to harm her sister's book in the slightest. "Next time?"

"Done deal." Frank promptly pocketed the paper. "Happy birthday, Jessie."

Leaning forward, she pressed her lips to his jaw. "Happy birthday, Frank." She slipped her shoes back on before taking leave with Zoey.

In a low but giddy voice, Zoey proclaimed, "He is so cute."

Also speaking faintly, Jessie concurred that sentiment with, "Oh my God, oh my God…"

A mesmerized Frank somehow managed to meet Sean in the parking lot.

Guitar stashed away in the trunk, Sean wheedled, "Well?"

Frank could only utter, "Jessie Jarvas…"

Biting back a smirk, Sean snapped fingers in front of the brown eyes so distant. "Hey, beef cake, tell me you snagged her number." Frank patted his pants pocket. "Good. Otherwise, I would have been duty bound to slug you." He then had to steady himself as the younger boy rushed to fling arms around him.

Frank nestled his cheek into Sean's shirt material. "Thank you so, so much for bringing me here."

Sean kissed the top of his head. "Thanks so, so much for coming with me. I was crazy nervous about this gig. But when it came down to it, you were the only audience that mattered."

Smiling initially, Frank sighed deeply. "I just hate how fast tonight went by. All this school stuff…"

"I know, Frank-O." Sean held him a moment longer before starting for the car. "I also know tonight's not over yet."

"What are you talking about?" Frank slid into the passenger seat. "If we aren't in by midnight, you're gonna be a grounded groom."

"One of the tires has a slow leak. I didn't even notice until the valet pointed it out and now the rim's all bent out of shape. Now, we're stuck here waiting on a tow."

Frank groaned wearily. "You've got to be kidding me."

"I am," Sean stated with an impish spark in his eye. "But that is the spiel I called home with a couple minutes ago."

A combination of incredulity and exhilaration took over Frank's features. "No way in the world… are you serious?" Sean nodded and the city native grinned. "Yes! Where're we headed now?"

"I have an idea," Sean replied cryptically, tapping the steering wheel nonchalantly. "Just not sure you have the nerve for this one, though."

"What? Sean, come on, I'm still Frank here, as in your fellow Shadow Slayer. Try me."

Sean shrugged, "Anything you say," inserting his key into the ignition.

II

Shoes gleaming, blazer lint rolled, shirt collar stiff, slacks ironed, and tie void of loose threads, Scott stood in various positions before his tallest mirror. Deciding the uniform sufficiently spiffy, he went to the desk next to gather his books. Immediately zeroing in on the empty portion of wall space above the desk, Scott dropped to the floor. He stayed on his palms and the tips of his toes to keep from dirtying his clothes as he dug out the fallen item from under the desk.

Grateful to see the glass not so much as scratched, he paused to take in the photograph from his twelfth birthday. Standing right next to the caped crusader, it floored Scott to see himself so much shorter. Batman looked the part of a steadfast body guard with one arm around the boy and his cape covering him a little as well. Scott very carefully returned the frame to its hook on the wall. The one Sean brought him back from the bazaar, a sketch of Scott's head attached to an extremely buff Batman body, hung right alongside it.

An urgent knock hammered through the tranquil silence. "Scott, it's me."

The young Cyclops raised an eyebrow. "Frank?" His friend let himself in, quickly closing the door after himself. "What are you doing up so early? After last night, I figured they'd have to scoop you out of bed with a shovel."

"I could barely keep my eyes closed," Frank raved ecstatically. "Oh my God, Scott, you should have heard Sean on that stage. The Beach Boys- they are so cool- even asked him to close out the show with them. And I swear he sounded just as good as they did. No, even better because Sean hasn't been in the business that long and he doesn't have bandmates to pick up his slack."

"Whoa, man, slow down." Scott raised his hands in a halting motion. "My eyes are duds and now my hearing is going. We're talking about Sean, right? Pale ginger and most recent addition to your hit list?"

"That's the thing," Frank emphasized. "Last night was just the way things used to be. Even better because he was telling me the truth the whole time."

"About what?"

"When I was twelve, the older guys were forever leaving me out of places they went for being too young. But now that I'm in high school, I know Sean meant it when he said he'd rather hang with me than anybody. He really was just trying to look out for me back then."

Scott bobbed his head in understanding. "I'll buy that much at least. So long as you're good with it, that's all I need. And man, I really wanted to stay up to wait on you, but no chance with Charles and Erik in the parlor doing the same thing. You actually met the Beach Boys? All of them?"

"Yep." Frank hopped up to sit on the edge of the desk. "Dennis Wilson knows the middle child sorrow."

"The true unknown soldiers," Scott quipped with a roll of his eyes.

"But Brian Wilson," Frank went on with ever growing excitement, "he is so aces! He and Sean set it up for me to dance with this five-star fox, Jessie Jarvas- think Cordy's bright jewel eyes attached to Kayla's body."

Scott reacted with an extended whistle. "You get her number?"

"You bet," Frank affirmed. "Man oh man, Scott, I still can't get over everything. That amazing food, Sean's music, our matching tattoos, the—"

Eyes bugging out near enough to shatter his ruby quartz, Scott sputtered as he demanded, "Wait, wait, wait… wait. My ears are officially shot. I thought I heard you say matching…"

"Check it out." Frank pushed up the right sleeve on the t-shirt he had gone to bed in, revealing a white patch on his shoulder. "Hang on, it's still sore." He carefully peeled back the strip, providing full view of the dark symbol etched into the skin. An "X" with the letter "M" vertically attached to its base. "We thought it up together. Sure hurt like a…" He watched the other half of the Eye Scream Team return to gathering his things. "Scott?"

"You might as well sign up for Harvard." Lifting his books, Scott faced him. "Because when Erik sees that thing, he's going to whip you crimson." Making a path for the door, he spared one hand to sock the still exposed shoulder.

"Christ!" Frank howled, clutching the area with pain now intensified. He glowered after the departing X-Boy, resisting a whimper. "Hate you!"