Chapter Three Hundred Three
Author's Word: Heiress, why isn't this as long and as on time like last year's anniversary?... Why did a series of very stupid domestic issues pop up one after the other, including my bedroom lights flickering on and off at will last night? Seriously, a few times the TV turned on, turned on the blu-ray player I barely use anymore, and played First Class. Not even joking with you, fam.
Welcome aboard to new fam member, Marie B! Do please help yourself to refreshments and revel in the whacky.
Also, chill my people! There is more to come, but being anniversary week and all, I didn't want to leave you guys hanging for long. Like I said, more to come, just like always. You guys better know the routine by now. You keep reading, I keep writing. Six years strong and a lifetime still to go. Happy Anniversary, fam and thank you for six years of love and support, especially through very trying times in my own life that you've seen me through. Thank you again, fam! Now, as we head into our seventh year, please enjoy and review!
By the sixth hour of the morning, the sky offered a silk inspired canvas of orange, yellow, and purple with promises of blue. Through the eyes of he who donned the one-of-a-kind ruby quartz glasses, a thin tint of red dominated the picturesque overhead. As though he received a welcomed tap to the shoulder, the boy veered around. Situated near the entrance of the balcony, the girl attired in head to toe cheer gear matched the gold and blue of his own Jaguars apparel.
Despite the pleasure that came to his face, Scott still questioned, "What're you doing up, lady?"
Hands folded behind her back, Becky replied, "Same as you; admiring the view."
Keeping his face ever rigidly straight to fight off blushing, Scott waited for her to approach and reeled her in to his side. "This really is nothing next to how early we used to get up. Sneaking around the cameras like cat burglars all just to practice for tryouts."
"Practicing at night with me of all people helping you," Becky recollected incredulously. "I'm so glad you're a natural at this game."
Letting off a short chortle, Scott faced her solemnly. "Rebecca, I already know how I get with ordinary games. And I definitely wasn't the greatest sport after last year's tie. I want you to know that win or lose, the best part of being on this team is having you out there with me. Not every guy can say they have their own personal cheer section."
Becky's eyes displayed playful cluelessness. "There are other guys on the team?"
Scott's lips curved positively.
IIIIIII
By a quarter past nine, many of the mansion's youths made their way downstairs for the cereal soiree. Cody, Joey, and Tommy lined the couch with pupils nearly fused to the television. A special airing of Johnny Quest flashed on the screen. Having wanted his brother to feed him his breakfast that morning, Joey went back and forth between shoveling in his own Frosted Flakes and spooning Brian's applesauce for him. With Trav in his lap, Frank's features showed amusement when the boy indulged himself in a third bowl of Cocoa Puffs. Frank knew Hank did not care for his children coming within an inch of sugary cereals during the week.
When the current episode ended, the girls moved to gather the numerous cereal boxes and empty milk pitchers. Kiki used a napkin to pick up the stray kernels and crumbs off the floor.
"Joey," Cordelia spoke after her suddenly departing nephew.
"Where are you going?" Samantha asked the three plus baby.
"To check the paint on my new wheels," Tommy informed, his giddiness ready to bubble over. "I can't wait to try 'em out."
Recollections of years past so vivid in his head, Frank's face reflected quiet delectation.
"Uh uh," Angel contested. "Before y'all go anywhere, you better stick it in reverse and come clean up." She used a pitcher to point out their empty bowls left on the coffee table. "Your chamber maids are off-duty on weekends."
Cody and Tommy rolled their eyes with dramatic sighs, but started back nonetheless. Joey adjusted Brian on his hip before going to retrieve their containers.
Frank situated Trav to ride on his shoulders into the kitchen.
"Door," Tommy said of the sudden ring.
"Thanks, baby, we thought we were getting evacuated for a minute," quipped Angel.
Smile developing, Joey gave Brian to Cordelia and rushed to the front to answer. On the other side, he received the sight of not one but two redheads on the doorstep. However, he honed in on the younger one.
"Laci." He pulled her into a hug.
"Joey." The girl relaxed on his shoulder.
Blinking at the adoration between them, Adrienne indicated after a few seconds, "Auntie's here also."
Joey raised his head. "Oh, hi, Aunt Dri."
"Mama!" Samantha all but barreled at her mother, who managed to catch her.
Cody popped up, nuzzling against the woman's leg. "Hi, Auntie Adrienne."
"Much better," the woman approved.
II
After depositing their bowls and spoons into the dishwasher, Frank brought them upstairs to Trav's room. With the jeans and Jaguar shirt already laid out on the bed, Frank helped the younger boy out of his pajamas.
"Little Guy," Frank frowned at the small one's despondent expression, "what's wrong? Is your tummy bugging you?" Trav shook his head. "Then, what's wrong, buddy?"
Voice disgruntled, Trav wanted to know, "How come Tommy gets your Stingray?"
Understanding, Frank ruffled his hair. "Because you're my little guy, remember? Even if we lowered the seat all the way down, it'd still take you a good two or three years to be able to ride it."
"I can wait," Trav claimed. "I'll be a great big beast by then."
"Oh, I bet," Frank laughed. "You'll be huge. Probably even too big to ride Steel…"
"Nuh uh," Trav immediately refuted. "Daddy can just make him really tall horseshoes like Mommy's high heels."
"You get all the good ideas. Now, come on," Frank ushered. "We got to get ready to watch Scott kick butt. Better put your game face on."
Trav threw his head back with his best imitation of a jaguar's growl.
II
Supplies situated, Victor stood upright and remained that way as the impending fragrance filled his nostrils and light breathing his ears.
To the heeled feet making their way up the loft steps, he spoke with his back turned. "Thought you were bogged down this weekend."
"I found an escape hatch." Adrienne looked him up and down, gripping her purse. "Seems to be a win-win day for you."
Victor turned at that. "How do you figure?"
"Either your boys claim victory," she ambled his way, "or in the alternative, you enjoy a lovely consolation prize."
With a slow nod of understanding, Victor responded, "Potato skins at the pub, right?"
"…. You're a wart." His lips on hers prevented further insult. Ten seconds in, Adrienne batted at him with a flip of her hair. "Stop that. I need to change and touch up my makeup."
Watching her depart, Victor stated, "Never wear gaudy athletic apparel on a plane."
Adrienne paused to commend, "You're learning," and continued downstairs.
IIIIIII
Proceeding through the second floor together, Joey put forth wistfully, "I wish you could stay the whole weekend."
"So do I," concurred Laci, her ponytail restrained by glittery ribbons that matched the revered yellow and blue of the day. "But before my surgery, my dad promised that only Doomsday could keep us apart on Father's Day, my birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Even then, he said we'd find a way to squeeze in father/daughter brunch."
Joey smiled. "When we had our first Father's Day, my dad and uncle didn't even know what day it was."
Laci's face illuminated in good-humor. "Seriously?"
"Yeah, it was too easy to surprise them." Joey next mentioned, "And I didn't really think about it at the time, but we had the same thing in common. They didn't have a reason to think about Father's Day before then, same as me. I'm not sure if they had Father's Day when Uncle Erik was my age in Poland. I wish I could ask him, but…"
Laci touched his arm. "I know. I wish I could tell my dad…"
"Anything?" Joey supplied.
She nodded. "It sounds stupid, but I feel like things were better between us while I was sick."
Joey wordlessly took her hand as they reached their destination.
Inside the lab, Raven held Kiki while the little girl topped Hank's head with his Jaguars cap. He kissed her cheek and applied tickling fingers to her stomach, receiving delight in her airy giggle.
"Hey, cool crew," Raven greeted the entering pair. "Can't wait to see your latest visuals for the game." She promptly caught their brief exchange of guilty eyes. "Last-minute finishing touches?"
"Just a few," Joey claimed.
"I have something for you." Laci glanced between the adults. "Both of you." Walking Raven's way, she pulled a small, gold cube-shaped giftbox from her messenger bag. "It wasn't ready in time for your anniversary."
Taken aback already, Raven swooned, "Thank you, Gorge." She eyed her daughter. "Want to open for Mommy?"
When Raven handed her the box, Kiki carefully pried up the top flap. Her brown eyes glinted over the contents. Taking it by its black base, she removed a snow globe that depicted two cerulean doves amongst glitter decals.
While his ladies gaped, Hank leaned in to look at it closer and said, "This is fantastic work, Laci. Did you make this?"
"That's why it took so long," the young redhead confirmed, reaching into her bag again. "This one's for you. Since I won't be here tomorrow." Laci held a package wrapped in indigo paper and tied with a scarlet ribbon. "Happy Father's Day, Uncle Hank."
"Daddy's Day," Kiki asserted in such a matter-of-fact way that it brought a round of laughter to the room.
After undoing the delicate ribbon and leaving it on his desk, Hank peeled off the paper. A photograph of himself, Raven, Laci, and Joey by the lake in Van Cortlandt Park looked back at him. Its wooden casing depicted hand-painted leaves, animals, and a rich sun above the picture.
"I made the frame." Laci tugged on her bag's strap somewhat bashfully. "I really wanted to say thank you. I'm pretty sure you're half the reason my parents let me come over here so much. But you're more than that. You're the only doctor I've met who sees me; not just some weak little science project."
Giving the frame over for Kiki and Raven's viewing, Hank maneuvered around to reach the freckle face. Careful of the camera dangling around her neck, he gathered her ultra-petite form in his stout arms. Laci squeaked then giggled as he hoisted her off her feet.
IIIIIII
Though the sky initially appeared to threaten rain, streaks of blue cut through the ominous clouds. As almost always the case, the X-Men and their affiliates made it to Hope Park in time to stake their claim on the bleachers. To be fair, they held as many of the smaller children as they could to free up space. Erik could hardly brace himself for Trav darting for him. Unknown to the metal wielder, Trav peered over his bicep from Brian to Tommy with sheer haughtiness. He avoided sticking out his tongue due to his mother seemingly possessing an inner sensor whenever he did.
When the Acolytes made their glorious debut, an unabashed Cordelia helped herself to Fabian's lap. While she and Samantha assisted with nourishment distribution, Angel tried not to sulk over the lack of Ben, who had Temple duties that day. With both Adrienne and Victor present, Collin only exchanged an adorable wave with Samantha. It surprised Alex when Melissa joined their row and even sat near Leon, though the boychicks mainly conversed with each other.
At the arriving Little League vehicles, Alex put on a taut smile. "If they win, I'm stoning their bus."
Leon reasoned, "I'm fairly certain such a thing is allowable on the Sabbath."
"No," Charles piped up from above them, "but "spare the rod, spoil the child" certainly is." He faced Erik. "Do you hear your sons?"
Erik's resulting shark grin shocked him not.
When the opposing cheerleaders started down from their bus, Adrienne raised her sunglasses. "How kind of Good Will to donate those uniforms."
Emma quipped, "Nothing but the best for the Future Homewreckers of America."
Erik tapped Charles' leg. "Do you hear your wife?"
A none-too-gentle nudge to the wizard of metal's shoulder served as the Professor's rebuttal.
With a ferocious bellow of Dan's whistle, Scott and the boys ceased warmups to gather around him and Victor. Before parting lips, Dan indicated for the cheerleaders to approach as well.
When he pointed to the sisters, Angel touched the front of her shirt. "Us, too?"
"What do you think this is, aerobics?" Dan gestured with his fingers again. "Both of you, move it."
Samantha walked with Angel to the huddle. Victor tucked each of them under his arms.
All sufficiently crouched and out of earshot of their competition, Dan spoke, "Well, kids, at long last- or maybe all too soon- here we are again for the Father's Day Game. This has been our best season yet and don't think for a second that I don't know the pressure you're under because of it. But when you head onto that field, I don't want you thinking about the winning streak or your dads or even the Little League. Because nothing that happens today can change the fact that you have been five-star teammates to one another. I'd love to take full credit, but you kids know I don't blow smoke. A major thanks goes to this guy right here," Dan clapped Gary on the shoulder, "be it bustin' your chops or pattin' you on the back, you've had a real leader here. And that goes for you, too, Sarah." Dan looked to the head cheerleader. "The two of you have gone above and beyond as captains. I can't tell you how much we'll miss you next season."
"That goes double for us, Coach," Sarah returned.
Tense from head to toe, Gary bowed his chin. "Thanks, Coach."
"Thank you, ladies," Dan addressed Angel and Samantha. "Most teams just have water boys. We have short-order cooks." The pair smiled in satisfaction. "And we all know I've got to give the real credit where it's due. Vic," he turned to the taller man, "in the short time you've been with us, you've been this team's greatest asset. Not only giving of your own dime and time, but getting your family," they briefly gazed towards Logan, who let Todd operate the plastic hand-clapper, "so involved. My players," Dan looked around at all the young faces, "our girls, all of us, Jaguars." He asked Victor, "Anything to add, Coach?"
With that, the blonde elder declared, "Let's roar and score, Jaguars!"
Their numerous hands joining, they chorused, "Jaguars!"
As their appendages separated once more, Gary noticed Anne lingering amongst the cheerleaders. She raised her wrist that contained the yellow band with "GG" printed in marker. With a coy gaze, Anne joined the other girls while Gary savored mild relief from the intensity in his shoulders.
Samantha clamped onto Scott from behind, but he nudged her off with, "Beat it, sister germs."
The leonine girl briefly showed her tongue as she skipped back to the snack horde.
The cheerleaders decked out in red, white, and blue took minimal time to get into formation.
Think you're the elite
Think you got us beat
We're on your turf
But the League owns the Earth
So better bring your A-Game
Oh gosh, oh wow
'Cause you're playin' with the big kids now!
Dry countenance reflecting that of her squad, Sarah herded them, "Girls," for an immediate and highly enthused counter.
We've heard enough
Think you're rough
Think you're tough
We may be small
We may be light
But Jaguars will win this fight
Little League, fouls and fumbles
You're nothin' but mice in the Jaguars' jungle
Go home now or prepare to crumble!
Even amongst the various degrees of roars from the crowd, Leon's eyebrow popped at Melissa's outcry of, "Own it," followed by throwing both arms in the air. Composure setting in, she glanced back at him disgruntledly. "Uh, your sister's that way, buddy." She pointed to the cheerleader cluster some distance over.
Leon stayed impishly wordless as he faced forward again.
Without aid of telepathy, shared thoughts and looks exchanged between Kayla and Emma.
Joey, having lost interest for an extended time without Becky's cheers, reanimated when Scott's turn to bat came up. He signaled to Laci, Kiki, and the boys to get ready. They united on ground level with the numerous paper goods. Cody brought Kiki on his shoulders while she waved her latest "Sky High Summers" sign. Tommy's yellow one read "Team SS" and Trav's black construction paper had "Bat Man to the Rescue" with a depiction of a wooden as well as winged bat in glowing paint. Joey and Laci rolled out their horizontal scroll, each holding one end of the two yards of "Give it All You Got, Scott!"
If Scott did not fizz over in delight over the bold displays, Becky's distinct shout, "Go, Scott, go, go," with pompoms swaying did the trick.
Gripping the bat in the correct position, Scott eyes stayed locked on the pitcher while his own irises remained masked. Scott hissed at the, in his mind, lack of strength he put to the first swing. Situating himself once more, bat and ball met hard before he dropped the former to the ground. Launching himself forward, a short mound of dirt made him wobble and jerk. Gasps sounded when the ruby quartz flicked off his face.
Ready to rise, Logan's outstretched hand prevented Charles from fully doing so. When the Veteran shook his head as well, Charles stayed in place next to an equally watchful Erik.
The second he regained control over his footing, Scott sped off once more, leaving his frames in the dust. In the crowd, while most of the older X-Men looked on with different combinations of anticipation and worry, Hank's grin increased significantly.
"Scottie!" squealed a giddy Kiki.
Keeping a grip on her, Cody commented, "Dang, check them legs…"
Alex pumped both fists eagerly, trying not to lose his breath.
Third base touched and departed, home plate seemed to take form before his sealed eyes. Scott dove into it. His movement caused a near whirlwind of dirt.
"Safe!"
Jaguars and their spectators created an enthused uproar at it all. Though he had to keep his eyes closed, Scott found himself uplifted by the noise as well as a hand that gripped his.
Gary pulled him up, "Knew you had something, Summers," and bopped his shoulder amicably.
Scott felt a far more familiar hand on his right arm and turned in the direction of the fruit enriched scent. Frames recovered and wiped clean, Becky put them back in place. Scott opened his eyes to the reddened vision of curls until he winced.
"Easy." Gary guided him to where the coaches started their way.
When Scott lowered onto the bench, Angel crouched with the first-aid kit. She poured water on and applied antiseptic to the extensive scraping on his left leg that cut straight through his pants. She used cooling cream on the bruises.
"You've done good, Summers." Dan slapped his back good-naturedly, heavy eyes somewhat apologetic. "Time to take a load off."
Knowing that meant for the duration of the game, Scott nodded in compliance. Victor kneading his shoulders offered him much appreciated soothing.
After the cheerleaders started up a new routine, Scott quickly picked up on Becky's chants aimed his direction.
By the completion of the nerve-inducing ninth inning, the Little League walked away with a score of fifteen. Boisterous reactions of untold elation almost drowned out the Home Team's final seventeen.
Dan lingered in a dumbfounded state, only jarred by his players circling him in joy. The smaller ones attempted to climb Victor. He laid down with laughter vibrating from his chest, letting them paw at him.
Several bystanders suffered bumping- or shoving in some more unfortunate cases- as Alex dashed down and across the field.
Detaching from Angel and Samantha's arms, Scott turned with sufficient time to catch the girl who leapt for him next. Ignoring the stress it brought his lower leg, he hoisted Becky as high as his might allowed. She kept arms around his neck with grin growing by the second.
After his parents and multiple teammates went at him, Gary spotted Anne in the crowd. Both with big smiles in place, they flew at one another. Despite all those who surrounded them, Anne detected the minds currently searching for her. To Gary's deflation, she retracted but offered a reassuring gaze as she hastened from his sight.
"Hey, Summers!"
Making it through a few people, Scott found the blonde and returned, "Summers!"
Taking his brother into a strong embrace, Alex sent into his ear, "You just made Dad's Father's Day."
Heat arriving in his throat and behind his eyelids, Scott held onto him even tighter.
IIIIIII
As if beholding the Hope Diamond, the majority of the X-Men gathered around to take in the medal currently pinned to the front of the Eye Screamer's uniform.
"Coach Dan is keeping the trophy in the case at the center, but we all get these," Scott ran a finger along the gold, "We're getting presented with another award for the undefeated season."
"Wonderful. You lads have every reason to be proud of yourselves." Charles appeared quizzical. "Now, where to put this where everyone can see it…?"
Erik veered on him with eyebrow raised. "You think you have claim over it so quickly? You already have his ROTC honors."
"And I plan on keeping every single one," stated an unmoved Charles. "What's your point?"
"Uh, neither one of you are getting it." Donned in Scott's team jacket, Becky stepped forward from the bunch. "You didn't even want him to try out, remember?"
Charles opened his mouth, but no sound came out immediately. "Well, we… we only expressed a few concerns."
"Hm," Hank came to stand between the Headmasters, "that isn't how I remember it. In fact, I recall downright protest. Wouldn't you say so, Logan?"
"No from the word go," the older male confirmed.
Alex folded his arms. "Guess that rules me out, too." Undoing his medal, Scott extended it to him. "Wait, really?"
"You need it more." Placing it in Alex's palm, Scott quipped, "The Hovel looks pretty cruddy."
Alex squeezed the medal and bobbed his head appreciatively.
As the outdoor festivities continued, the couple with heads of flowing dark hair found a shaded spot.
"You're doing alright?"
Melissa replied, "Slowly recuperating from the excess cheer and merriment."
Leon faced her directly. "Tomorrow?"
Melissa gave off a long shrug. "It is what it is. Estevan is… he could be a lot shittier towards us." Her concern shifted next. "What about you?"
Leon came back with, "I'm a little more experienced in surviving this time of year. And if you want to talk about someone who could be a lot," Leon's eyes darted briefly, "crappier, it's Erik. If my little sister can go out of her way for Father's Day, I think I can swing it."
Melissa formed a smirk. "Crappier?"
"I'm surrounded by telepaths and old people with mutated hearing," Leon reminded her. "Vinegar is my least favorite mouthwash."
With an amused shake of her head, Melissa determined, "Better cut out of here for celebratory glory at my place. And I want to check in on the house." She watched Tommy approach and lean into Leon's side. "Look after him for me?"
Tommy nodded and Leon brought an arm around him as she took her leave.
Though he enjoyed gel that took away much of the residual sting, Scott griped, "Do you always have to poke around? It's not like I pulled or broke anything."
With the boy's ankle in his lap, Hank peered at him over his glasses. "Do you really want me to pop you for fidgeting today?" Scott quickly settled, but Kiki, who stood by his chair sent a mock growl her father's way. The young physician tried to hide his delight over the adorable face. "That goes for you, too, young lady." Looking at Scott again, he mentioned, "I really could have packed it in after that run. Nothing could top it."
"Thanks, Hank… mostly for having faith in me all this time." Scott became mildly self-conscious. "I know how snippy I can get when you try to tell me things. But you help me out, anyway."
Cupping the child's chin, Hank reminded, "I survived Alex and Frank, along with a couple Leon and Sean moments, remember? Besides, I know what it's like to feel like a prisoner of these." He touched his glasses in indication.
Strolling over, Frank prompted, "You ready?"
Looking up, Scott replied, "Yeah, I'm good to go." He placed his gaze on Hank. "All cool, Doc?"
"At least sufficient," Hank decided, releasing his leg.
Kiki and Hank then watched as Frank first climbed on a chair, followed by making the patio table a platform. He helped Scott up next.
"Attention, X-Men, attention." Frank waved his arms about. "Announcement from the Eye Scream Team!"
As all eyes floated their direction, Charles looked to Erik as if for a clue. He found no answers on the older man's face, but no cause for alarm, either.
"Twerp alert!" Alex rang out.
"Go ahead, yuck it up, paste face," Frank countered with a wriggle to his eyebrows. "Like I won't have plenty of A-material on you to bring to WU."
"Wait," her countenance steadily brightening, Raven stepped closer, "what? Love Bug…"
"I picked where I'm taking my summer program… thing," Frank further clarified.
Scott assisted by rocketing arms upward. "WUhoo!"
"WUhoooooo!" Frank joined in.
"WUhooboo," Alex shot down over the growing excitement. "Heard this one before. When do you pack for Syracuse?"
"Never," Scott answered, throwing an arm around Frank. "Nothing but the upfront when you're dealing with the Eye Screamers."
"Anybody else feel a punch to the face?" Sean piped up. "Guess it's better than my gut."
Sheepish guilt flashed across Scott's features.
"Frankie!" Raven rushed to him.
With a big smile, Frank dipped to share a hug with her. Becky went to him next, along with an array of other kudos.
Rising again, Frank informed, "Whoa, thanks people, thank you, but that's not all." He turned to the one beside him.
Before he began, Scott's eyes wandered to Becky, who offered an encouraging nod.
Voice regained, he told the gathered, "I'm not returning for fall ball." Gasps and similar stunned impressions resulted, but the group remained quiet for the most part to let him continue. "As of today, I've decided to go out on top and retire from the game of baseball."
Becky broke apart the taken aback silence by bringing her hands together. The rest took the cue to applaud.
Victor made his way over to lift Scott off the table and bring him even higher above his head.